#where can I buy chandelier parts from UK

[kingschandeliers]

"You made my first chandelier project very do-able Thank you"

Do you have a question to ask that is stopping you from restoring your chandelier?

[agilenano]

Agilenano - News: Inspiration Over The Door Storage

Discover ideas about Behind Door Storage. Minimalist Laundry Room with . Elfa over the door storage Closet Door Storage, Hall Closet, Closet Doors, Closet. Aug 29, 2018- Minimalist Shoe Shelf To #Organize Your Shoes #Shoe Shelf by Martina Carpelan #DIY. . Shoe organization idea for a narrow closet: aluminum stair tread, narrow ledge, and Similar Ideas. bungee cord shoe racks on the door.brilliant! Pantry Door Storage, Cord Storage, Ball Storage, Storage Room. 13 . 2017 . Previous Idea; Back to Gallery; Next Idea . We dont mean getting rid of all your thingsjust scaling back on feeling stressed. Check out how to get . A collage of photos from a minimalist style living room with warm, sandy tones . Put it all away in closed storage so its out of sight behind clean, calm doors. 17 . 2017 . Even a minimal amount of the everyday stuff for 6 people can add up! . the drawer storage in the small coat closet near our front door entry. . Here is the mudroom with the door open allowing in some natural . The idea that. 29 . 2018 . Small-Space Living: 6 Tips for Maximizing Storage in the Minimal Bath . Another bright idea: Hang collections of antique hooks at varying heights to . and one on the door; photograph by Jessica Comingore for Remodelista,. 7 . 2018 . Its the last touch point with home on the way out the door, and the first . a tiny IKEA cabinet installed up high offers a little bit of closed storage. 4 . 2015 . Minimalist Singapore House Redefines Open Spaces Concept . View in gallery Hanging rack for a striking open concept closet featured on Decor 8 View . you already have by removing the doors to make it an open concept. 16 . 2018 . Need pointers on mastering the ins and outs of minimalist design? . clean requires daily diligence, but we have a better idea: Become a minimalist. . mail), car keys, shoes around the front door, empty cups, sunglasses, and random objects that This is where you get sneaky and invest in stylish storage.

Place this aged gold over-the-door storage center for instant organizational chic. Add the final touch to your look in face framing mirror as your dash out of the. 11 . 2017 . From a beveled modern beauty to an unexpected storage hub, here are nine surprisingly chic door mirrors across a plethora of price points. Door Solutions Mirrored Over-the-Door Mega Cabinet is a vanity and stylish storage solution all in one design; Top inside of cabinet has 2 battery-operated. Buy products related to storage mirror products and see what customers say about storage mirror products on Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases. . The door wasnt quite square, but close enough only I noticed. . Jewelry Armoire Organizer with 2 Drawers Brown, Sturdy and Stylish UJJC94K. The Door Solutions Over-the-Door Mirror Jewelry Organizer beautifully combines two functions and saves space. On the outside its a mirror with elegant tiled. The Over-the-Door Jewelry Storage Mirror from Room Essentials gives you a . Simple yet stylish, this over-the-door mirror can be hung on most standard doors. 21 . 2017 . HauteLook Chic Jewelry Organization: Over-the-Door-Wall Jewelry . Red Barrel Studio Berger Over the Door Jewelry Armoire with Mirror. The full size mirror is convenient for you to try your clothes or jewelry on. It can be wall-mounted or over the door to help you save space. In addition, its chic and.

Buy KINGREE Over the Door Magazine Storage Pockets, Wall Door Closet Hanging . It looks great on my dorm room wall and holds all my various chargers. Buy Over The Door Organizer, 11 Pockets, Hanging Household Organizer . jewelry from your closet or snacks, packaged food from your pantry; Great for Best Sellers Rank, #2,631,953 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) Over the Door Organizer has 42 polyester storage pockets in beige with brown trim. . See-thru mesh pockets allow for quick access and breathable fabric. . Good Roommate Products Cruise Caddy The Original Travel Organizer Cruise. Find great deals on eBay for Over The Door Organizer in Closet and Wardrobe . Over The Door Shoe Organizer Rack Hanging Storage Holder Hanger Bag Closet. $8.49 It is made with see through vinyl pockets for easy and quick visibility. A smart space-saver, this over-the-door shoe organizer has enough pockets to hold up to 8 pairs of shoes . Looks nice, well made, saves space, inexpensive. Check nearby stores. Add to cart . 15-Pocket Over-the-Door Hanging Shoe Organizer Gray Room Essentials

. So many ways to find a great gift. Gift Ideas. The hanging shoe storage with 24 roommy clear see through mesh pockets . Shoe Rack Over Door Storage, Sunblue 24 Mesh Pockets Heavy Duty Hanging . My windowcil in my bathroom was full of products and now it looks nice and tidy. mDesign Office Storage Organiser Linen Over Door Storage Rack in Jute . Great storage solution by RimzTech (Herts) . Looks really nice, good quality. Simply hang it over virtually any door and enjoy instant storage space and easy access to your . 24-Pocket Overdoor Shoe Organizer & . See delivery details.

Explore Macs board Besta Makeover Ideas on Pinterest. . Glass doors and lighting make this IKEA BESTA cabinet a great place to organize and . Enchanting Besta Ikea Wall Mount For Your Barely Wall: Lovely Besta Ikea In Your Kids. Explore our range of wardrobe hanging storage, including hanging shoe storage, hanging clothes storage & more. Shop online or in-store today at IKEA. Check out the range of over doors hangers and hooks at IKEA. . tidy and easy to find at a very affordable price, our coat hangers are unsung heroes of storage. Keep your kitchenware in reach. When cabinet and drawer space is in short supply but your kitchenware and supplies arent wall storage can fill the gap. . garden, but what I actually mean is an 8 ft-by-8 ft concrete yard, attached to the back door. . For the girls who didnt like their curtains, we looked around goodvalue . IKEA is a maze of enchanting goodies and while you might be going in for . a storage system, a set of fairy lights, and a pack of vanilla-scented tea lights. It is not easy to find a desk that offers great storage, great looks, and great price all in one, unless you DIY to make it just the way you love! The Ikea Alex and. 12 . 2018 . The clever DIY is actually nothing more than a Veddinge kitchen cabinet door front jazzed up with molding (the lip keeps the shoes in place). 15 . 2018 . I now have TONS of storage in my table with both drawers and shelves, a hidden place for my trash can (its behind a little door on the side),. 3 . 2017 . 13 of the most iconic Ikea products of all time . of time over the last three decades since Ikea launched in the UK on 1st . From fire extinguishers and blankets to door stoppers, corner bumpers and window/drawer/cabinet catches, . MORE: The chandelier that transforms your room into an enchanted forest.

Items 1 34 of 34 Kmart has the best selection of DORMAN Storage & Organization in stock. . DORMAN OVER THE DOOR HOOK SATIN NICKEL $8.99. Kmart has a great selection of closet accessory storage & organizers. Find affordable closet accessory organizers from your favorite brands at Kmart. Visit Kmart today to find a great selection of storage solutions. Shop online for quick delivery with 28 days return or click to collect in store. 24 . 2018 . Rustic Holder Cubby And Storage Entryway Kmart Diy Seat . the most transformation with a stylish staircase in wood and steel at its heart. 27 . 2018 . Storage For Diy Entryway Ideas Front Racks Closetmaid Target . Color is brought in using dcor wall art and accessories while . closetmaid kmart shelves hanging entryway holder door target racks doors closet for cabinet plastic organizers shelving Licious 26 Inch Backless Swivel Counter Stools. 27 . 2018 . Shelves Plastic Shelving Closetmaid Entryway Door Holder Diy . the form of a classic residence that is all too common in this part of California. . argos shoe shelving holder organizer closet kmart plastic storage entryway door hanging doors canvas cabinet ideas Licious Rustic Wood And Metal Stools. Ugaaxo.com Page 93 Licious Ikea Over toilet Storage 99 Fair Flashlight Lantern . September 21st 2018 21:03:39 PM Bathroom Door Storage Beautiful S S. 6 Under Boxes Kmart Trucks Short Storage Flatbed Plane Bed Enchanting . Likable Delightful Inspiring Astonishing In Fascinating Cool. . Licious Wall Gas Fireplace Designs . Excellent Space Saving Closet Door Ideas. 7 . 2018 . Kmart Bookshelves Hgtv Rustic Diy Shelves Metal Design Shelving Ladder Bookcases Ideas . Astounding Tier Wheels On Amusing Winsome Delightful Storage Delectable Glamorous . bookcase target licious bookshelf shelving shelves rustic hgtv ladder design Marvelous Barn Door Style Patio Doors.

Shop for over door storage online at Target. Free shipping & returns and save 5% every day with your Target REDcard. Shop for bathroom over door storage online at Target. Free shipping & returns and save 5% every day with your Target REDcard. Shop for over door pocket organizer online at Target. Free shipping & returns and save 5% every day with your Target REDcard. Products 97 144 of 270 Household Essentials® 12-Pair Over-the-Door Shoe Rack. Add to Idea Board. Quickview. $41.99 Each. Household Essentials. Explore Ask a Clean Persons board Shoe Storage Solutions on Pinterest. . I am going to put this matching shelf, also form Target, next to the lofted bed, and I claimed this random nook behind the bedroom door for my accessories. . Turn your boring attic room into these beautiful, cozy, and genius attic room design. Explore DawnMaries board Storage TARGET Bins -Favs on Pinterest. See more ideas . Lynk Vela Over Door Shoe Shelves Shoe Rack Shelf White. 23 . 2017 . Nov 8, 2018- Shop the coolest stuff everyones finding at Target. . The Way Basics Cozy Modular Storage Bench is a functional Storage Bench with Slatted Doors White Threshold Bedroom Loft, Bedroom Decor, Home. Store and organize up to 9 baseball caps or visors over-the-door or on a wall Hat Rack Cap Organizer Hat Hanger with Metal Clip Multipurpose Door . and under-the-door hooks as well as a metal adjustment buckle to ensure a snug fit. She admits the doors to that little terrace outside her study were open throughout the . Aurelie sat on a wicker couch with loose, faded floral cushions and Nick joined her there . Its furnished, Sarah, so I may leave my stuff in storage when it finally gets here. . Im not comfortable with you moving into that place, Nick said.

See more ideas about Organization ideas, Organizers and Bathroom Organization. . Hang an over-door shoe rack in the bathroom to add extra storage space for your makeup, hair tools, . Pretty Scrap Storage: Hook and Hang Storage. Feb 20, 2018- Over the Door Storage is an easy way to maximize space. Learn how to use . in February 2017. See more ideas about Closet storage systems, Door storage and Door crafts. . Look at all those pretty flowers. Easy to see, easy. See more ideas about Organizers, Door storage and Closet Storage. . Shoe Rack Storage Organizer Holder Hook Folding Hanging on Door Closet Hot selling. diy storage hooks over door organizing, closet, diy, organizing, storage ideas diy custom drawer organizers using hot glue, diy, organizing, Bows always. 17 . 2017 . DIY: Above the door storage Thinking I will do this in Keeleis room for Hang Hot Tools on Command Hooks 25 DIY Beauty Hacks Every. A huge round up of the best storage ideas and solutions for small homes and . Hang Hot Tools on Command Hooks 25 DIY Beauty Hacks Every Girl Should. 6 . 2018 . DIY closet organizing systems are expensive. . Hooks on the inside of your closet door will offer space for your entire . I Heat Organizing. 4 . 2017 . Then, wrap it in a pretty, patterned paper and attach a label to the front. . Hang this shoe organizer over your door and stuff all miscellaneous. 26 . 2017 . I sure could have used this idea back in the days when my daughter was a baby! . Heres a storage system simply hangs over a closet door.

Buy Cabidor Classic Storage Cabinet: Office Products Amazon.com FREE . Whitmor Over The Door Rack-36 Fold Up Non Slip Bars Shoe Rack, 36. Neu Home Over the Door 6-Basket Hanging Storage Unit with Hooks 4.3 out of 5 stars 819 . rack in place. Features a classic white finish to match any space. Simple, immediate and affordable storage solution, deluxe C4018 that features a full length exterior mirror; Installs easily in minutes and is mounted via door. Honey Can Do 24-Pocket Over-the-Door Shoe Rack, White. Price. $9.99. Was $11.39. Save $1. Seville Classics UltraZinc Expandable Closet Organizer System. Price. $114.99. Product Title Neu Home Over -Door 4 Basket Unit. Average. DIRECT ONLINE HOUSEWARE 4-Tier Over Door Hanging Rack/Shelves for Pantry or Over Door White Shoe Rack Organiser 36 Pair Storage Unit 12 Tier. Cabidor Behind Door Storage Classic-White . Use Behind Door Storage to maximize organization in your bathroom or pantry without damaging doors or walls. The Cabidor Classic is an award winning storage cabinet that mounts off of the hinges of your door within . Best Overall: Seville Classics 3-Tier Mesh Utility Shoe Rack at Amazon. Customizable . Best Over-the-Door: Misslo Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer at Amazon. Mesh pockets . Best Shoe Cabinet: Zipcode 12-Pair Wood Cabinet at Wayfair. CONNEXITY. Richards Homewares Soho Over the Door 4 Hook Rack 12708 . LINKSHARE. Elegant Home Fashions 5-Hook Over-the-Door Storage Unit, Amber Acrylic Richards Homewares Classic Over the Door 3 Hook Rack 12304.

3 . 2018 . Jan 26, 2018- Pantry door and the tile on the floor. . Most cooks appreciate every scrap of storage space allotted to their kitchen, big or small. Mar 29, 2018- This Pin was discovered by Jennifer Simpson. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest. on orders over $25or get FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime . Kitchen and pantry storage organizer for tiled walls, doors, cabinets and more. Cabinet Door Organizer is perfect for storing and organizing dinner plates, cereal bowls and coffee mugs in kitchen cabinets or counter space in an unused. 28 . 2018 . To store cutting boards, mount a rack on a cabinet door. . The back of a door that opens into a utility room or closet makes a handy hanging. Here are several tips to improve the storage space in your kitchen pantry for canned goods, rolls of . on . 26 . 2018 . Jars of ingredients on wooden shelves of your pantry door is an opportunity for more precious storage space. Try tile for easy cleaning. Results 1 60 of 1319 Free Shipping on orders over $45 at Overstock.com Your Online . Windsor Home Over the Door Closet / Pantry Organizer with Six. Product Image. Honey Can Do 60 2-Door Closet Storage with Shoe Storage, Khaki/. Price ClosetMaid Over-The-Door Basket Organizer, White. Price. $36.46.

10 . 2014 . Check out these products and ideas for inspiration. TOP ROW: 1. Over the door purse hanging rack, Ebay, $15.99 for two. 2. Bathroom cabinet. Hang an over-door shoe rack in the bathroom to add extra storage space for your Bathroom Design Inspiration, Pictures, Remodels and Decor 30 Brilliant. Feel less stressed and also more efficient in an office that you like mosting likely to operate in. Get inspired with our ideal office organization ideas. We have. 24 . 2018 . Struggling to find space to store all your stuff? Use your doors! Check out these 12 brilliant over the door storage ideas for plenty of inspiration. 28 . 2018 . To store cutting boards, mount a rack on a cabinet door. Use a sheet of 1/4-in.-thick acrylic plastic; plywood would also work. You can cut acrylic. Buy ClosetMaid 1233 Adjustable 8-Tier Wall and Door Rack, 77-Inch Height X 18-Inch Wide: Storage Racks Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on. 8 . 2018 . These storage ideas and solutions are designed to organize and streamline the messiest . Get the tutorial at Inspired By Charm . When hung on the back of your cabinet door, the same organizer most people use to store. You can even dry your clothes on a dorm drying rack over your dorm door! Also, shoe pockets for college dorms and other dorm shelves can hang on the inside. Here, a small pegboard holds scissors and other storage containers, with hooks for a tote and slots for . An over-the-door hook offers a spot for hanging a complete outfit. . Here, pretty pushpins display earrings and wardrobe inspiration.

Watch The Door in the Floor starring Jeff Bridges in this Drama on DIRECTV. Its available to watch on TV, online, tablets, phone. Jon Foster in The Door in the Floor (2004) Mimi Rogers and Jeff Bridges in The Door in Explore popular comedy titles available to stream with Prime Video. The Door in the Floor Full Movie. The Door in the Floor Full Movie. Loading. Unsubscribe from The Door in . The Door In The Floor is tragic, funny, stinging and poignant all at once, and true to (extremely well played by Dakota Fannings younger sister, adorable Elle),. Delightful panda doorstop will look adorable propping open any door. . to hold my door open, and it has nothing on the bottom to help it to grip to the floor. Delightful panda doorstop will look adorable propping open any door; Also . Door Stopper/Doorstop Holder Hand Carved in a Animal Shape Floor Blocker . Custom Door MatAnimal Decor Farmhouse Warehouse Big Adorable Baby Goat Sheep Milk . Recommended for hard surface floors and low pile carpet. A Very Cute Idea to make your Garage Door entry adorable! Garage Before and after garage floor using Quickcrete garage floor epoxy kit. Rebeka Stream. This adorable Red River cabin has a fabulous location along the Red River and o. . The Red River is right out the back door and the open floor plan with vaulted ceilings making it a sunny, airy Deer also roamed freely along the stream.

Agilenano - News from Agilenano from shopsnetwork (4 sites) https://agilenano.com/blogs/news/inspiration-over-the-door-storage

[arplis]

Arplis - News: Amazing Glass Light Bulb Cover

Buy products related to ceiling light cover products and see what customers say . It’s small and unobtrusive, but its best feature is virtually unique among ceiling glass diffuser, intended for a ceiling fixture than for use with a lamp shade. (28). Results 1 – 24 of 500 – Wing Clip Post Top Fitter for Lamp Post Globes with 5 Inch to 5.25 Permo Lighting Fixture Replacement Oval Cone Clear Glass Shade. Buy products related to light bulb covers and see what customers say about light bulb . Top Selected Products and Reviews . RAB Lighting GL100 100 Series Vaporproof Threaded Glass Globe, 150W Power, Individually Boxed, Clear. 8182 products – Alibaba.com offers 8182 glass light bulb covers products. About 65% of these . Transparent best price stocked glass bulb cover. US $0.44-0.49 / . Replacement Etched Opal Glass Light Cover for Mercer 52 in. Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan. Model# G14925. (18). $1700. $1700. Free delivery with $45 order. A new pendant shade can freshen that fixture over the kitchen island. Used as an accent to brighten any room, glass lamp shades can provide a soft light, . Ruffled edge frosted glass light bulb cover replacement fixture shade 2” fitter. $9.96. Buy It Now. or Best Offer. 2 watching; ; 1 sold. Pattern in the glass is molded . Shop Wayfair for all the best Glass Light Shades. . Clip a shade onto any A-shape bulb and instantly add a decorative touch-no wiring or tools are required. 8314 products – Alibaba.com offers 8314 glass light bulb covers products. About 64% of these are led . Chandelier Frosted glass lighting glass light bulb cover. 8576 products – Chandelier Frosted glass lighting glass light bulb cover. US $1.55-1.95 / Piece. 200 Pieces (Min. Order). 3YRS. Yancheng Xinboyuan Glass Co., . 3866 products – About 26% of these are lamp covers & shades, 21% are building glass, and 13% are led bulb lights. A wide variety of frosted glass light cover . European Copper Ceiling lamp light full copper Toolery frosted glass cover Luxury Living Room E27 bulb. Mouse over to zoom in. European Copper Ceiling . European Copper Ceiling lamp light full copper Toolery frosted glass cover Luxury Living Room E27 bulb Home Lighting Fixture. Price: US $171.05 – 237.88 / . European Glass Diamond orridor Ceiling Light Clear Frosted Glass Bronze Top . Ceiling Light 12-inch, Frosted Glass Shade 1-Light Fixture (Frosted Glass). European Resin Relief Peacock Corridor Wall Lamp Striped Frosted Glass Lampshade . Wall Light fixtures Nordic Wall Sconce Lamps Macaron Edison Copper lamp . Modern Wall Lamp Bedroom Sconce with Cylinder Crystal Lamp Shade. Waneway White Feather Ceiling Pendant Light Shade, Non-Electrical Lampshade for . Set of 3 – Beautiful White Frosted Glass Replacement Light Shades. OUOVO European Waterproof Vintage Retro trapezoid-Shape Corridor Wall Lamps Frosted Glass Shade Creative Stair case Wall Lamps Balcony Villa Garden . Sure it’s super easy to change light fixtures, but sometimes you just can’t. If your space is really temporary, like a dorm room or a short term let, or even if you . Check out our glass light cover selection for the very best in unique or custom, . Vintage Light Glass Cover Your Choice Single Bulb Light Fixture Cover . 18 ก.พ. 2558 – Many homeowners like the luxury feel that a chandelier or pendant . Depending on the layout, this might be the fixture used in the middle of . Westinghouse offers a variety of indoor pendant, chandelier, interior ceiling and wall lighting fixtures so you can achieve the look you want in every room. The confidence to take on the next big project? Double-check. From the appropriate chandelier height to cleaning tips, we cover all the lighting basics (and then . Too often lighting a bathroom is low on the list of priorities relative to other GDS: I would avoid fabric shades on fixtures, particularly if you have a Jacuzzi tub. Globe Lighting – with trusted brands and great styles, we offer everything you need from home and business lighting, and outdoor lighting to home decor. . Find the perfect fixture and finishing touch for every room in your home. . Google Map. Take this one for example: Awash in a metallic finish, this fixture boasts a Its three lights are nearly exposed, highlighted by curved, clear glass shades. Once you love your layout, top the tank of a classic porcelain toilet with a row of . Visit our award winning showrooms in Kelowna or Winnipeg. We carry outdoor lighting, ceiling lights for kitchen and bathroom fixtures for vanity lighting and . Shop for lighting at Next.co.uk. Next day delivery . lighting Lighting Accessories Light Spare Shades. Items Per Page. 24 . Sugar Glass Spare Shade · £2.50. Results 1 – 48 of 615 – Buy Replacement Glass Light Shades and get the best deals at the . Lamp Desk Lamp Replacement Glass Shade Cover Fixture UK! Buy Replacement Glass online! Free delivery over £40 to most of UK ✓ Great Selection ✓ Excellent customer service ✓ Find everything for a beautiful home. Lamp Shade IMISI Linen Fabric White Lamp Shade Small 5″ Top Diameter x 9″ . Concept Fits Regular”Edison” bulbs Hardback lamp shade with Fabric Liner Newrays Green Glass Bankers Lamp Shade Replacement Cover,L8.85 W5.3. Accidents happen but don’t worry, we have a range of replacement glass available for our dining table pieces that include glass features. Swarovski Lighting, Ltd. includes two distinct premium consumer lighting brands; Swarovski, with its contemporary aesthetic, and . From Concept to Completion . Product Categories. Chandelier. Pendant. Close to Ceiling. Wall Sconce. Explore our carefully curated collection of Lighting, Rugs and Home Décor. Hundreds of exclusive designs to help you Distinguish Your Style. Home / Technical; Vehicle specific repair tips Vehicle headlamps focus the light beams generated by the light source onto the road. On this page, find out about the structure of headlamps, and what lighting technology concepts and . Conventional cover lenses are generally made of glass. . UNITED KINGDOM German. Ceiling lamp shade I made, inspired by our Orla Kiely duvet cover . New for 2012 Lotus Flower table lamp made from acrylic by UK designer Kirsty Shaw. . Using a beach ball and string – apply this concept to my cheap floor lamps, but . This is what one contented customer wrote of our Foxy lamp: “Excellent product in every respect. Build quality is terrific and the light is very stylish. Attention to . Small lampshade for wine glass. Dóra Szabó · Crafts See more. The Shabby: How to Cover a Lamp Shade with Fabric Nautical Nursery Series Lampshade. Upcycle glass light fixture shades into something beautiful with a few basic supplies in under an hour for less than $10.00! . Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur. Garden *The Brambleberry Cottage*: Flea Markets using a light cover for a dessert cloche antique ceiling fan globes used for centerpiece- Foxy Posh Events. Buy products related to light bulb covers and see what customers say about light bulb . This little lamp shade now makes the bare bulb fixture much prettier. . RAB Lighting GL100 100 Series Vaporproof Threaded Glass Globe, 150W Power, . Vintage Crystal Clear , Faceted Glass, Beaded Light Bulb Cover, for Small light Small Oxidized Beaded Light Bulb Cover, Antique Rustic Style Chandelier . Online shopping for Lamp Shades from a great selection at Lighting Store. . Small Modern Grey Polycotton Ceiling Pendant/Table Lamp Drum Light Shade. Foxy went to the long room where the grub was laid out. . He alsohad a glass ortwo of champagne—a beverage he found himself comparing quite favorably . 19 ก.พ. 2561 – Kitchen Remodeling Your Lighting Options Foxy Tips . Ceiling lights are light fixtures that are attached right to the ceiling. . would like to purchase a mini pendant light, a ceiling light, or a mini chandelier kitchen light . if you are looking for a light fixture with a particular design, it may be best to shop online. 6 ธ.ค. 2561 – buy dirt bike. Home · Home Design · Foxy Boys Dirt Bike; buy dirt bike . with deep discounts. Dirt Bike Parts Aftermarket & Replacement . We have all sorts of glass shades for all kinds of light fixtures Glass Lamp . 1-5/8 Center Hole Torchiere Dish Pan Glass Shade Ceiling Dish Pan Glass Shade . We specializes in lamp parts for lamp repair and the restoration of antique lamps and . lamp switch, lamp cord, lamp sockets, candle covers and line switches. Our full selection of replacement glass lampshades can be seen here. Glass shades are arranged by categories and size with hundreds of styles in stock, . Light GLASS and Lamp GLASS available at MyLampParts.com. . expanding interest in restoring antique lamps that has led us to offer a line of specialty glass. Vintage Crystal Clear , Faceted Glass, Beaded Light Bulb Cover, for Regular light Vintage Crystal Covered Candy Dish, Vintage 4 inch diameter bowl with . See more ideas about Glass light shades, Recycling and Repurposed light globes. . made from a vintage light cover Buy products related to ceiling light cover products and see what customers say about . Top Selected Products and Reviews Hard to tell from the photo but this is a slightly concave glass diffuser, intended for a ceiling fixture than for use with a lamp shade. The key thing is that it does not look cheap when it is hung up. Buy products related to light bulb covers and see what customers say about light bulb covers on Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible . Evelots Ceiling Clip-on Light Bulb Shade-Lamp-Dome-Antique-Diamond Cut-Acrylic · 4.4 out of 5 stars . Find answers in product info, Q&As, reviews. Please make Great solution for a light cover, but very cheap plastic and difficult to fit on bulb. Had to remove . These are acrylic, but glass would be too heavy. So much . Buy products related to ceiling light replacement cover products and see what customers say about . Kichler 340013, Satin Etched Cased Opal Glass Bowl, Satin Etched Cased Opal . Perfect for replacement, cheapest around. Like other reviews stated, updating these to today’s round recessed lights would be a more . 3 มี.ค. 2562 – 5-in H 4.17-in W Seeded Clear Glass Drum Vanity Light Shade. Enter your . Harbor Breeze 3-in H 10-in W Opal Globe Ceiling Fan Light Shade . Display product reviews for White Touch Lamp Control . Shipping & Delivery · Special Orders · Recalls & Product Safety · Protection Plans · Military Discount. Shop for Ceiling Fixtures in Lighting & Light Fixtures. . Choice Products Hanging 4-Light Crystal Beaded Glass Chandelier Pendant Ceiling Lamp Fixture for. Possini Euro Lilypad 30″ Wide Etched Glass Ceiling Light. 112 Reviews . 15 Reviews. $199.95 Sale . Elsa 16″ Wide White Fabric Drum Shade Ceiling Light. Shop Target for Ceiling Lights you will love at great low prices. Spend $35+ . Menlo Small Glass Globe Pendant Ceiling Light Nickel Lamp Only – Project 62. Replacement Etched Opal Glass Light Cover for Mercer 52 in. Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan. Model# G14925. (18). $1700. $1700. Free delivery with $45 order. The microwave glass light lens protects the light bulb inside the appliance. . I have a hot point over range microwave oven that needs a glass (crystal) light cover. screw. the killer is a day later it was broken again, think the lens can’t handle . Replacement IKEA Rear Oven Cooker Lamp Cover Glass Light Bulb Housing / Casing; Genuine IKEA replacement lamp cover. Fits models: 00094744 . Genuine OEM replacement part; Moffat is a leading supplier in convection oven for the catering industry; Use genuine OEM parts for safety reliability and . GE WB25T10002 Oven Bulb Lens · 4.1 out of 5 . First4Spares Oven Light Lamp Glass Cover & Safe Removal Tool for Bosch Neff & Siemens Cooker. Roll over . Read page 2 of the Seeking help for removing oven light bulb cover . I really think he needs to get the door off the oven to get a better grip on the cover. Shop Lighting and Electrical online at AceHardware.com and get Free Store Pickup at your neighborhood Ace. . light bulb are immediately dangerous to human health and the environment. . chlorine bleach, glass/window cleaners, roach killers, oven cleaners, drain . Eveready 15W Small Screw Cap E14/ SES Oven Light Bulb – Pack of 2. Special Price €3.99 Regular Price €4.99. Add to Basket. Add to Wish List Add to . The Lamp Company stocks 80,000 different light bulbs – so we are confident . dangling pieces of glass or crystal you will want some attractive light bulbs to . Decorative candles therefore come in many shapes and sizes, cap sizes and colours. . Specialist tubes for meat counters, carvery counters, as well as the fly killers. DIY Eames Inspired Bohemian Pendant Lamp {to cover old/ugly ceiling fixtures love this colorful dream catcher style lamp for the kids room– lámpara estilo… 5 Shabby Antique Vtg Czech Glass Beaded Flower Bulb Covers Lamp Shades For other inspiring timber frame homes visit PrecisionCraft Timber Frame Homes. Antique Lamp Czech Colorful Glass Cluster Grapes Fruits Basket Antique . Overnight pendant light- collection of unique copper-plated stained glass lamps made by . DIY Eames inspired -bohemian pendant lamp for ceiling fixtures. Shop Wayfair for all the best Glass Light Shades. . inspiration, while its clear hue allows it to blend easily with a variety of color palettes and aesthetics. . These clip-on shades are a quick and easy way to transform a light bulb into a fixture. . Adorn your hallway or bathroom walls with a stylish wall sconce light cover, . Replacement and optional glass shades for wall sconces, chandeliers, flush mounts, pendants and more. . Nature Inspired Lighting Glass Shades . 241 Results – Rejuvenation offers a wide variety of lamp shades and covers. Create a unique and classic look with painted shades, glass shades and metal lamp . Results 1 – 24 of 500 – Wing Clip Post Top Fitter for Lamp Post Globes with 5 Inch to 5.25 Inch Decorative Fluorescent Light Covers – Stained Glass 11 – Blue . Buy products related to light bulb covers and see what customers say about . RAB Lighting GL100 100 Series Vaporproof Threaded Glass Globe, 150W Power, Individually Boxed, Clear . Moodies Rainbow 6 Pack of Colorful, Heat-safe Silicone Light Bulb Cover for Decorating Happiness Guarantee · Amazon Inspire 6 ส.ค. 2555 – These pendant lamps are a great week-end project. . You could also paint them if you prefer a different color. . MoreINSPIRATION . ribbon on top of one of your initial pieces and repeat until you cover the whole lampshade. Vintage Style Globe Pendant Light – Industrial Ceiling Light Antique Retro Glass Round Fish Bowl Chandelier Edison Bulb Lamp Cafe Restaurant. Explore Suzy Farris’s board “Ceiling light covers” on Pinterest. See more . 8 Ways to Cover Ugly Light Fixtures “Cover_up”, “Ugly”, “dorm”, “temporary”, “DIY”]. Vintage 1940’s Deco CHAMPAGNE Satin Glass Ceiling 3 Light Fixture Antique Crystal Hanging Dome Chandelier w/Beaded Bulb Cover – Beautiful! Vintage Pink Glass Light Cover – FREE SHIPPING. . Vintage PINK Scalloped Edge Glass Ceiling Light Fixture Cover 1950s #vintage #pink For Sale. Shop Wayfair for the best light fixture glass covers. . Thorne 6-Light Glass Shade Foyer Pendant . Lapidge Art Glass Hanging Fixture 6-Light Bell Pendant Blending casual farmhouse style with modern elegance, this lovely luminary will . 6 ก.พ. 2562 – Clear Seeded Glass Chandelier Pendant Replacement Shades Light . Glass Shade Beautiful Pendant Light Glass Shades Chandelier The Best . Of Lamp Globes Ceiling Fan Light Covers Glass Globe Lampshade Wall . 6 ก.พ. 2562 – Glass Chandelier Shades With Lamp Online Teal Shade Light Small . Wall Covers Beautiful Pendant Light Glass Shades Chandelier The Best . Results 1 – 48 of 229 – Vtg antique Art Deco Pink Glass Light Fixture Ceiling Chandelier shade. $28.88 . The matching glass fixture is beautiful and from the 1940s. There are four new Art Deco Pink & Clear Glass Flush Mount Light Cover. Save 20 50% on Charming Ceiling Light Fixture at Bellacor.com! . Oil Rubbed Bronze 10-Inch One-Light Outdoor Ceiling Light with Clear Seedy Glass Shade Trans Globe Lighting Wagoneel Black 9-Inch Outdoor Flush Mount Ceiling Light. Bulb Invention History By Thomas Alva Edison- In Bangla Language. Seduce. You. For. Dinner . . . $9.95. Our divine dinners are $9.95 before 7:00 . of Rego Park, inventor of the light bulb that turns itself off at sundown on Friday. How efficient was the generation of light, and how did it depend on its fuel, age and . and manufacturers ensure consistency in the light bulbs they produced? . The seduction of numerical description compelled wouldbe sciences to adopt the . Electric Light and the Invention of Modern America Ernest Freeberg . urban life for at least two centuries, the new lamps created a change in kind. . While social critics cursed the new technology for encouraging a shallow but seductive. . coincidence of the one-hundredth anniversary of the electric light bulb with that of Albert Einstein’s birth prompts reflection on the ways inventors and scientists . This is a seductive dogma, because if it were socially and politically feasible to . Admittedly, the eureka myth is seductive. Thomas Edison, who usually stressed that invention was the easy bit, forgot his own 1%-inspiration-to-99%-perspiration rule in describing to a newspaper reporter how the incandescent lightbulb came to him as a gift from the gods. 13 ม.ค. 2556 – If I had not become a history teacher, I would be teaching about outer space . Originally, Tesla planned on using GE bulbs but Edison, still miffed, would not . “If evenings at the fair were seductive, the nights were ravishing. The incandescent light bulb, invented by Edison in 1878, the moment when the . During the night, like seductive light boxes, their effect is hypnotic: they offer, . A History of American Studio Craft Janet Koplos, Bruce Metcalf . A noted modeler, he made seductive female figures, portrait busts, and monumental . The lab where Thomas Edison invented the incandescent bulb was nearby, which . Explore OnTime Service’s board “Lighting and Light Bulbs” on Pinterest. . Outstanding lamps and beautiful design objects by Pulpo Ay Illuminate, Bulb Lights, . Forest Homes Products – Etna Hanging Lights – Nature Inspired Lamps #Light Nature decor, Lighting, Golden Spiral String Lights, Beautiful Natural Decor, . Explore NOVA Design Studios’s board “AMAZING LIGHT BULBS” on Pinterest. See more ideas about Lightbulbs, Pendant lighting and Pendant Lights. 19 ต.ค. 2551 – It will only light up whenever you insert coins inside, and the lamp itself . There’s a light bulb inside the supremely awesome metal UFO on top, . 2 ก.ค. 2558 – Do you want to replicate Downton Abbey-style lighting in your home? If so, try an amber-hued bulb to ape period lighting. The striking coil . Results 1 – 24 of 78 – Shop decorative light bulbs at Lumens.com. Guaranteed low prices on all specialty bulbs and unique light bulbs + free shipping on orders . Buy products related to beautiful lamps and see what customers say about . I have not had to change the light bulb even though an extra was provided. Eden Light is a progressive lighting company committed to bringing the best quality, most stylish and affordable light fittings to NZ. #LightBulbInventor #LightConverstionAblation #GlassLightFixtureCovers #LightBulbLanguages #LightBulbLecture

Arplis - News source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/amazing-glass-light-bulb-cover

[delilahssblog]

New York for the first time

NEW YORK

The Bubbling Cauldron of all Humanity

It had been a dream for me for a lot of years and in the end, came about because of a brush with death and a bucket list in 2017.

My trip to New York started early on a Wednesday morning in December 2018 when my son Paul and I locked up and drove to BHX to get the 6.15am flight to Brussels (just under an hour) and a forward to JFK Airport (six and a half hours). It was a bit turbulent but nothing serious and was uneventful. It was very busy at JFK and I felt a little apprehensive at the thought of facing the US customs. I think if I wasn't born with a guilty conscience, I very soon acquired one and the stories I'd heard about getting into the USA, especially since the last election, made me wary. I had nothing to fear because my affairs were in order, I didn't have any kind of a criminal record and my ESTA had been authorised immediately.

We came down the stairs to the sight of one of those eight deep concertina queues which was crammed full already. Paul, being a many times visitor, enjoyed the luxury of being able to clear customs through one of the many automated methods so he said he'd see me on the other side and I resignedly took my place and prepared for the wait. We moved slowly because there were only four officers to deal with us and the ever increasing stream of travellers who kept pouring down the stairs. We ground to a halt when the four officers decreased to just one and considering that we all had to be fingerprinted and have our retinas scanned, it was going to be a while before I got through. In the event, it was one hour and twenty minutes in part due to the poor lady cutoms officer who was front line and taking a lot of flak. She went through the barrier and threw a wobbly and in no time, another three officers were installed and it was my turn. Fingerprinted, scanned and welcomed to the USA, I finally met up with Paul who had been unable to reach me on my mobile because it had stopped working somewhere over the Atlantic.

My first treat was a yellow cab and I sat back to enjoy the journey to the hotel and listen to the cab driver who incidentally was European and similar to our own taxi drivers over here. It was a lovely ride and as we neared Manhattan, I could feel the excitement creeping over me and I tried to get my head around the fact that I was here. I was actually in New York making my way to the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel on 8th Avenue, Midtown Manhattan and in a few moments, would be going through the giant revolving doors and standing in the foyer of an Art Deco gem.

Stepping in the door of this iconic building was like taking a step back in time to the thirties/forties, expectations of pert little bellboys, luggage laden movie stars and luxury. I stood for a while, my gaze fixed on the chandelier and immediately, Nikola Tesla came to mind. Physicist, prolific inventor, mechanical and electrical engineer to whom the world owes so much for it’s AC electric supply, telephone services, remote control, early x ray experiments and so much more... spent the last ten years of his life in this hotel and died in his room No 3327 after what was diagnosed as a coronary thrombosis.

On getting to the reception desk, we were delighted to discover that while Paul had requested a peep at the Tesla room, we had been granted occupancy for our stay. Wow!  We knew then that this would be a great visit. Even more so when we were presented with complimentary breakfast vouchers as a welcome for my first ever visit to Manhattan. Up to our room on the 33rd floor via the ornate elevator which got us there in a flash. Once installed, we had a quick freshen up after an inspection of this historic room which was indeed very atmospheric and headed out on to Eighth Avenue for our first venture.

To step out of the relative quiet of the hotel foyer onto the throng of 8th and 34th was a shock to the senses. Hordes of people all milling about, snatches of conversation ( one of my favourite things ) and the tooting of vehicle horns. All this accompanied by the majestic sight of the Empire State Building before my very eyes in all it’s towering glamour. I was here at last, really here on the sidewalks of New York and the days stretched out before me like a rich carpet.

I had decided I didn’t want to go to the top of the Empire State because I’m not good with heights and so that was wavered in preference to a walk. I have no recollection of the route that we took because I was so busy ogling the sights. What a vibrant place to be on a Wednesday evening in December and my senses were on high tune for what I would see next. It turned into a New York evening light fest when we reached Broadway. I’m sure my mouth must have been hanging open because I’d never seen anything quite like that before. It got even better when we reached Times Square. It was everything I thought it would be and more. I saw the big ball that drops on New Year’s Eve, just a matter of weeks away and wondered what it would be like to be part of that crowd. Perhaps in my younger days but I was never told in those days that I could do anything I wanted, go anywhere I wanted and so it remained a dream until this moment, standing here and looking at that huge ball, phone in hand to take a pic.

On the way back, we chose 7th Avenue and I saw The Hard Rock Cafe across the road, reminiscent of the many times I’d heard it referenced in movies. We somehow skipped over to 5th and there, in all it’s magnificent glory was The New York Public Library. I’d seen it featured  in the movie Sex and the City 2 and it was the beautiful setting Carrie had chosen for her near wedding and how I wanted to walk up those stairs. Unfortunately t was getting late and would have to be another time so we stood on the steps and took some pics. A lovely library employee came down the steps on her way home and she asked if we’d like a together pic. Would we !?

The last touristy stop for the evening took me completely by surprise. We went round this corner and that corner and there in front of me was what had originally been the main event of my trip. Rockefeller Centre. We jostled our way through the crowds to the edge of the bridge and looked down at the massive Christmas tree, the wonderful gold leaf statue and the skaters below. It took my breath clean away. I watched in awe, knowing that I’d never get to skate down there and it didn’t matter one iota. I’d been privileged to actually be here and see it for myself and that was enough.

Back to the Tick Tock diner where the menu blew my socks off. The size of the portions was staggering for someone with a small appetite. Paul had a pastrami burger and a Long Island iced tea while I opted for a cheese omelette which was delicious. We made our way to the Nikola Tesla room exhausted but happy and already looking forward to tomorrow.

It was cold in the night and I’d half expected the Tesla spectre to visit, he didn’t show although the room was very atmospheric. I had severe muscle cramp in the night and not a drop of tonic water to hand so I silently paced the floor until it eventually cleared. A look out of the window at the New York skyline with a sunrise backdrop was inspiring and we geared up for the day to follow starting with complimentary breakfast in the Tick Tock. As far as I can remember, I had a stack of pancakes with maple syrup with a side of sausage and hash browns which were like nothing I’d ever tasted...in other words, scrumptious.

Around the corner from the hotel was Penn Station so we caught the subway to Ground Zero. Another first and I soaked in the atmosphere in the subway as we rattled through the tubes to our destination. Nothing of the Twin Towers was in that memorial building for me as I stood and remembered the huge loss of life. It deserved a photo and I took one before we moved on.

There was a wonderful old church just across the road from all the newness and we stood a while taking a few more pics. I think it was St Paul’s and I couldn’t read any of the inscriptions on the tombstones I saw through the railings because so much time had passed and eroded them into pits of invisible bygone sentiments. I would love to have been able to spend more time and decipher at least one name to whom I could say...I was here. Not to be. Perhaps next time.

We went on down to Wall Street on our way to the Staten Island Ferry and the Charging Bull was reminiscent of the one in my hometown of Birmingham UK. Very slightly bigger, of course but so similar. I loved it and have decided to show the front view rather than the well endowed rear view that Paul took. Perhaps later.

On walking down to the Whitehall Terminal, we stopped to look over the Hudson and I thought about Sully and the magnificent heroic feat he pulled off, saving all those lives. At what appeared to be the way in to the ferries down a wide, railed path, three official looking guys were spread across the entrance handing out leaflets. They all had similar bomber jackets on and really did look like the welcoming party for the Liberty and Ellis Island tours but we held fire at their request for $35 and walked further on. Underneath an arch stood a little, middle aged lady, wrapped as much as possible against the chill wind coming off the river. We approached and asked where that way in was and we got talking. When asked, she revealed her name was Mary Ann and this was where she lived. She was lovely, so helpful in telling us not to buy our tickets from the three touts because their price was loaded and pointed us towards the stairs up to the Staten Island Ferry which was free. I gave her a hug and said if it was possible, I’d have taken her home with me and found her a bed. She whispered ‘If only..’ I’m sure when Mary Ann was born that her family wished for better things for her...at least I hoped so. 

The ferry wasn’t as I’d ever seen it on the tv...smallish, black and white, people leaning on the rails on deck or over the stern watching the wake. It was a huge 310′ long 70′ wide 9000 horsepower orange monster with indoor seating only and no access to the deck. But it was a great ride to Staten Island and didn’t cost us a cent. We had excellent views of Ellis Island and Liberty Island and decided to take the tour as well when we disembarked .It was most enjoyable with New Jersey passing by on the right and Manhattan skyline to the rear and a bit of people watching to boot. They do say if you want to meet Americans, you shouldn’t go to NYC and to a great degree, it’s true because like us, most people we saw had cameras. It didn’t detract for me in any way. I love people full stop.

We walked past the three guys again with a bit of banter and found our way in to the Island Tours ticket station and what would have cost me $35 dollars, was a knockdown $14 with Paul’s at either $16 or $18 can’t remember. We boarded the this time familiar black and white vessels and sat up on the deck. How invigorating it was to be chugging our way to Liberty Island at which, we stayed on the boat because there would have been nothing else to see apart from what we were already looking at...the Lady in all her glory...and green glory at that. Weather-beaten old gal whose sightless eyes have seen a lifetime of immigration history pass before her into a new life. Ellis Island pressed all the right buttons for me. My grandfather and his family, including my mother, had landed here in 1907 and what a feeling it is to walk in the very place you’re people have walked, see the same sights their eyes have seen. It was HUGE for me. I had the same kind of feeling when I walked down the street my mother was born in in Glasgow. The aesthetics may be different but the ambience is the same and the memory lingers on. I also got something resembling the feeling when I stood on the stone steps in the portals of Sandhurt on my son’s passing out day and realised Winston Churchill had been there before me. Ellis Island’s reception  building has been well refurbished, the floor once just a dirt floor now with highly polished tiled. The wall tiles all replaced with new but somehow, the atmosphere was there and I’m sure if I’d been in there alone, I would have drummed up the hum of conversation in many different tongues, the exhaustion of the steering class mixed with excitement at the thought of a new life in a new country. It was a wonderful experience, the walls covered with statistics and huge pictures of families making me wonder what their story was. My grandfather’s story was not a successful one in the USA. For whatever reason, he didn’t ‘make it’ and the whole family returned. He did make it in his own way and was able to provide for his family in Glasgow until his untimely death at 56 in 1918 from the dreaded Spanish flu’.

Although it slips my mind, I think maybe we walked but however we got there, we landed in Little Italy at Bigelow’s the Chemist and what an amazing shop full of goodies. I would like to have taken one of everything. Bottles and potions, wonderful little animal bedroom slippers and make up bags, hair ornaments and gloves. An Aladdin’s cave of everything lovely. My skin improved just by walking through it. We got on the subway to Times Square and from there the train back to Penn Station and the hotel. Full Circle. After a quick freshen up, we got a taxi to the Museum of Modern Art but unfortunately, we were too late and it was closing. It was pouring with rain but it was of no consequence because my mind was preoccupied with the day and the incredible experience that was in front of me yet to be savoured. A night at Carnegie Hall. Wow.  We walked around looking for a pub but the ones we found were packed so we settle for a cafe where we could get a hot drink. I asked for tea and sat at the table wiping the rain off my face as it dripped down from my scalp. Paul came back from  the counter and the cups were enormous, the fillings fabulous.

It was a fairly short walk down the road to Carnegie Hall and we got there in good time. We were up in the gods and walked up the staircases without missing a beat ( courtesy of many years of stairs at home) and made ourselves comfortable in our front row seats to enjoy Handel’s Messiah. The work itself is quite repetitive and both Paul and I owned up later to having to fight to stay awake during the first bit. Well, we did have a very busy day. The lead up to the Halleluia Chorus was more than enough to keep us awake and the Chorus was phenomenal. Magic. Incredible. It brought the house down as they say and to such an extent that the encore was a designated sing along which was out of this world!!! I don’t have a single pic but perhaps Paul has one that I can put in later.  I’m sure we got a taxi back to the hotel. I’m also sure we must have eaten at some stage but my head was so full of wonderful things, I just don’t remember. It’s coming back now. We had dinner in the diner but what we ate escapes me. Bring on Friday. As with all the other rides and trips and walks, I had no idea what was in store because Paul arranged it all. How wonderful is that?? I had no idea what was on the cards for the following day but if my experience so far was anything to go by, it would be something good. I fell asleep with a vision of the little Ellis Island sparrow perched on the ferry rail. They certainly knew where to gather for food. New York sparrows. Street wise.

Our last full day and we were up with the lark. My cramp had faded away like magic after a couple of swigs of tonic water bought for me from the so convenient 711 store just down the road from the hotel. I also got a bottle of Tropicana Raspberry Lemonade which was s..o..ooo lush but cant be purchased in the UK. 

After a mind boggling brekkie in the Tick Tock, off we trooped with brollies purchased from a guy outside the hotel, fully equipped for the day ahead

We visited Bryant Park where Nikola Tesla went every day to feed the pigeons. There was a Christmas market there which we trooped around and a skating rink under 6 inches of water after a night and morning of rain.

.Pennsylvania station was a port of call and we bought day tickets. I had so much trouble with the swiping of said ticket because of my tremor, mostly undetectable to the human eye but in a machine so sensitive, a disaster. Paul had to do mine for me every time virtually and we did hop a few subway trains during the course of the day, even managing the obligatory wrong way ride. We noticed three stops in and it was simple to get off, cross over and get on the right one. The wrong way one brought an unexpected little treat however...The Subway Buskers. Two guitars and a double base...in a subway train. It was a joy and ‘ Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad prospero ano y felicidad’ went round pleasantly in my head for a while after we got off. Our destination  was up town to the Western side of Central Park and the Dakota Building outside of which, John Lennon was tragically shot dead. How the actions of someone with a brain dysfunction can have a ripple effect on the whole world. Some things will never be explained however we seek the reason. Directly across the road, we stood and looked at the Strawberry Fields memorial in the pouring rain. It seemed appropriate.

After a couple more subway hops and corner turns, there we were outside the Brill Building which in its day must  have been pretty fabulous. I was so busy trying to peer through  the door window that I missed the exchange between Paul and a couple of guys who’d stopped for some reason or other. I tuned in when one of the guys was saying...’ Hey man, don’t be scared of black people. We won’t do you any harm..’ and both Paul and I, laughing at the ridiculousness of his statement turned round and I saw two wonderful black faces. To the one nearest me, I said...’ No! How could we be. We LOVE you..’ and I grabbed him in a big hug, noticing his beautifully white, flashing teeth as I did so. Paul was similarly engaged with the other one although it was more of a handshake than a hug. They were promoting their music and asking our names, produced two cds and wrote ‘To the Big Man’ on Paul’s and ‘To Sexy Kim’ on mine. I’d have loved to chat longer because the love and warmth they gave out was soul food but they noticed a policeman and were gone in the bat of an  eyelid. 

On the outside, the building looked derelict but we found our way inside, caressing the door handles that so many famous musical talents had touched in their day on the way to one of the many studios to write or record their songs. Standing in the entrance, one could see the bygone opulence, a bit like resting one’s eyes on a fading movie star of latter years. One could see without doubt how wonderful she’d been in her heyday. There was a woman behind the huge reception desk who told us in a nice way that we weren’t allowed to go any further than the entrance hall but that was ok. In fact, it was ace. At some time or other, someone like Neil Diamond stood in this exact spot.

Being unfamiliar with the terrain, I’m not too sure what order our sightseeing took but at some point, we were once again outside The Public Library and this time, we went inside. It was breathtaking and I looked in awe at the fabulous sweeping right hand staircase that unnecessary wedding gown swept on its way up...and down again . The only pic I have is a shaky handed one of the Christmas tree. Sorry.

Onward and forward...to Grand Central Station and what a gobsmacking place that is. The ideal spot for some people watching and I could have stayed for a couple of hours easily, leaning over the upstairs balcony rail star spotting. didn’t see a single one although I did see someone who looked incredibly like Sarah Jessica Parker.  I don’t suppose even being in New York, in Grand Central Station it could possibly have been her. I didn’t realise at the time that I probably stood in the spot where Jason Gould played the violin to Nick Nolte in the movie The Prince of Tides.

On our way to...or from...the station, we met two of New York’s finest and asked politely if I could have a pic taken with them. You can see how small I am...or how gargantuan they are. A lovely moment.

I  find myself smiling while I’m writing this and revisiting the places once again...and it’s lovely. I knew it would be good but I had no idea it would be as great as it was from start to finish.

On the subway once again, this time to Chinatown and The Bowery, suspect to walk through at one time but not now. We had a long walk when we got off the train right the way down through Chinatown and across to Orchard Street and the Tenement Museum. We booked a tour and waited, browsing in the shop. When we got inside the preserved tenement, it blew me away. It was as it had been all those decades ago. They’d burrowed down patches of the wall to discover something like 37 layers of wallpaper and 42 coats of paint. The walls, in fact everything in the entrance hall was brown and so old, I was scared to touch the walls in case it collapsed. we were studying the two lives of two families who dwelt on the first floor with a 50 year gap between them. The first was in the 1870s and the second, the 1920s.  Life was hard for both families but the later one had more amenities.The husband deserted and left the wife with the children, three I think, but she started her own seamstress business and made a good living for all of them.  I found it fascinating. There was a small communal yard out the back where washing could be hung and shared toilets on the landings. Two small rooms with just a double window in some looking out onto Orchard Street, a wall built halfway across the room to give a little privacy to the bedroom. Some had put a curtained window in the middle wall to let in some light. It’s unimaginable that we have what we have now and still complain. The immigrants who went to America seem to have been filled with gumption, a purpose and a will to survive plus an intelligence to know what would get them through as was very evident in the life story the taxi driver told us on our way to JFK the following day

Back to The New Yorker for some food and a chat way into the night. One of those wonderful, revealing chats a mother can have with her son  and never ever forget.

The last morning and we’d have to leave for the airport at midday so we went to the Tick Tock and feasted ourselves on brekkie, came back to the room and decided to have a last walk around the hotel. It was this morning that I opened one of the drawers in the room and found a wonderful book about the life of Nikola Tesla so that was avidly leafed through. During our stay, I’d heard lots of voices and conversations outside our door but assumed it was other guests coming and going from their rooms but Paul looked through the spyhole one time and saw a man and his boy outside our door, reading the plaque so he opened up and invited them in for a look.They were absolutely delighted and they stayed for as chat. They were from Texas and Paul swapped cards, saying if they were ever in the UK to look him up. There were a few after that, the last ones being the morning we left and I was happy to see the interest that Nikola Tesla still evoked.

We got on the train and went on a little shopping trip but we had to watch the time and getting back, packing completed, papers in order, Paul went down to check out and arrange a taxi to the airport. It was a bit sad really, leaving all that behind. We’d seen and done so much, I’d never have believed it possible and yet so much more left to do. It’s an incentive to get back there and I’d go tomorrow. Every pound of the pavement was worth it and apart from a little hip trouble toward the very end of the trip,( helped by Extra Strength Tylanol), the only visible evidence was a bruised toenail or two.

As it turned out. our car was ready early and when we walked out with our luggage, a big shiny black saloon awaited us. As I slid over the soft leather of the back seat, I thought...’ This is the way to get to the airport..’ Our journey passed by in no time due to the driver telling us the story of his coming to America and it kept me fascinated. His family came from the Dominican Republic and his father, a greengrocer,  bought a shop and all the family worked in it. I think the location was in Brooklyn but I’ll have to check that. Our cabbie grew up, married and had a family and to keep themselves safe and free from harm, he had an ‘agreement’ with the drug dealers that he would turn a blind eye and they would see his shop never got robbed or interfered with in any way. He had made an extremely good living which included the takings from several slot machines he had in his shop before they were banned. So much so that he bought homes for his children and was back and forth to his homeland, which he was gearing up to retire to very shortly. He sounded like someone who’s seen it, probably done it and in stead of getting the tee shirt, reaped the very considerable benefits. His children all did well and had good jobs and children themselves and so he certainly will have left his thread in the tapestry of America. The shop was sold and he took up taxiing as a way to supplement his already substantial income. He was a worker though from day one and if you have that ethic, a little bit of luck and a little bit of backing, you can achieve whatever you set your heart on. I never knew this when I was growing up and the box we were put into had no windows and was small which taught me to set my bar low. I don‘t regret who I eventually became, just the person I started as who knew nothing, was taught nothing about life and made of it what she could.

We were virtually straight through at JFK.....going out is a lot easier than coming in. On the plane, I watched a couple of movies,,,The Wife was one of them and it was excellent.  We reached Frankfurt in no time where I was chosen for a check and was body searched by a woman you wouldn’t talk back to. I passed and we were on our way to the gate for BHX.  It was miles away and we walked for ages and ages and even took a train ride before we eventually got there. It was a comfortable, smallish aeroplane and the journey was over in no time. We collected our luggage at the carousel and got on the shuttle to the car park. I can’t remember the time but it was earlyish morning and as Paul dropped me home, I was thinking about collecting Robbie from Cramar, the boarders. I went straight to the shops and bought the necessary....it was Christmas in two days and I needed turkey. I got all I wanted and flew down to Cramar to get my gorgeous boy. He’d proved very challenging and had refused to eat until the night before. I looked into his accommodation and there was no sign of him. I said ‘Robbie...Mama’s back..’ and as long as I live, I’ll never forget the look on his little face as his head popped around from his hidden sleeping space. His eyes were like saucers and he raced to my side. 

All in all, it was probably one of the best trips of my life and I have Paul to thank for his wonderful overseeing, planning and keeping me safe. I can say that in all my time in New York, I never felt threatened in any way. It was wonderful and I will go back.

[allofbeercom]

How Trump walked into Putin’s web

The long read: The inside story of how a former British spy was hired to investigate Russias influence on Trump and uncovered explosive evidence that Moscow had been cultivating Trump for years

Moscow, summer 1991. Mikhail Gorbachev is in power. Official relations with the west have softened, but the KGB still assumes all western embassy workers are spooks. The KGB agents assigned to them are easy to spot. They have a method. Sometimes they pursue targets on foot, sometimes in cars. The officers charged with keeping tabs on western diplomats are never subtle.

One of their specialities is breaking into Moscow apartments. The owners are always away, of course. The KGB leave a series of clues – stolen shoes, women’s tights knotted together, cigarette butts stomped out and left demonstratively on the floor. Or a surprise turd in the toilet, waiting in grim ambush. The message, crudely put, is this: we are the masters here! We can do what the fuck we please!

Back then, the KGB kept watch on all foreigners, especially American and British ones. The UK mission in Moscow was under close observation. The British embassy was a magnificent mansion built in the 1890s by a rich sugar merchant, on the south bank of the Moskva river. It looked directly across to the Kremlin. The view was dreamy: a grand palace, golden church domes and medieval spires topped with revolutionary red stars.

One of those the KGB routinely surveilled was a 27-year-old diplomat, newly married to his wife, Laura, on his first foreign posting, and working as a second secretary in the chancery division. In this case, their suspicions were right.

The “diplomat” was a British intelligence officer. His workplace was a grand affair: chandeliers, mahogany-panelled reception rooms, gilt-framed portraits of the Queen and other royals hanging from the walls. His desk was in the embassy library, surrounded by ancient books. The young officer’s true employer was an invisible entity back in London – SIS, the Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6.

His name was Christopher Steele. Years later, he would be commissioned to undertake an astonishing secret investigation. It was an explosive assignment: to uncover the Kremlin’s innermost secrets with relation to Donald Trump. Steele’s findings, and the resulting dossier, would shake the American intelligence community and cause a political earthquake not seen since the dark days of Richard Nixon and Watergate.

Steele had arrived in Moscow via the usual establishment route for upwardly mobile British spies: the University of Cambridge. Cambridge had produced some of MI6’s most talented cold war officials. A few of them, it turned out – to great embarrassment – had secret second jobs with the KGB. The joke inside MI6 was that only those who had never visited the Soviet Union would wish to defect.

Steele had studied social and political sciences at Girton College. His views were centre-left; he and his elder sister were the first members of his family to go to university. (Steele’s paternal grandfather was a coal miner from Pontypridd in south Wales; his great-uncle died in a pit accident.) Steele wrote for the student newspaper, Varsity. He became president of the Cambridge Union, a debating society dominated by well-heeled and well-connected young men and women.

It’s unclear who recruited Steele. Traditionally, certain Cambridge tutors were rumoured to identify promising MI6 candidates. Whatever the route, Steele’s timing was good. After three years at MI6, he was sent to the Soviet Union in April 1990, soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the communist bloc across eastern Europe.

It was a tumultuous time. Seventy years after the Bolshevik revolution, the red empire was crumbling. The Baltic states had revolted against Soviet power; their own national authorities were governing in parallel with Moscow. In June 1991, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic elected a democratic president, Boris Yeltsin. Food shortages were not uncommon.

There was still much to enjoy. Like other expatriates, the Steeles visited the Izmailovsky craft market, next to an imperial park where Peter the Great’s father, Tsar Alexei, had established a model farm. Here you could buy lacquered boxes, patchwork quilts, furry hats and Soviet kitsch. Steele acquired samovars, carpets from central Asia, a papier-mache Stalin mask and a hand-painted Tolstoy doll set.

Much of the Soviet Union was off-limits to diplomats. Steele was the embassy’s “internal traveller”. He visited newly accessible cities. One of them was Samara, a wartime Soviet capital. There, he became the first foreigner to see Stalin’s underground bunker. Instead of Lenin, he found dusty portraits of Peter the Great and the imperial commander Mikhail Kutuzov – proof, seemingly, that Stalin was more nationalist than Marxist. Another city was Kazan, in Tatarstan. There a local correspondent, Anatoly Andronov, took a black-and-white photo of Steele chatting with newspaper editors. At weekends, Steele took part in soccer matches with a group of expats in a Russian league. In one game, he played against the legendary Soviet Union striker Oleh Blokhin, who scored from the halfway line.

Christopher Steele in early 1991, with newspaper editors in the Tatar city of Kazan. Photograph: Anatoly Andronov

The atmosphere was optimistic. It seemed to Steele that the country was shifting markedly in the right direction. Citizens once terrified of interacting with outsiders were ready to talk. The KGB, however, found nothing to celebrate in the USSR’s tilt towards freedom and reform. In August 1991, seven apparatchiks staged a coup while Gorbachev was vacationing in Crimea. Most of the British embassy was away. Steele was home at his second-floor apartment in Gruzinsky Pereulok. He left the apartment block and walked for 10 minutes into town. Crowds had gathered outside the White House, the seat of government; thus far the army hadn’t moved against them.

From 50 yards away, Steele watched as a snowy-haired man in a suit climbed on a tank and – reading from notes brushed by the wind – denounced the coup as cynical and illegal. This was a defiant Yeltsin. Steele listened as Yeltsin urged a general strike and, fist clenched, told his supporters to remain strong.

The coup failed, and a weakened Gorbachev survived. The putschists – the leading group in all the main Soviet state and party institutions – were arrested. In the west, and in the US in particular, many concluded that Washington had won the cold war, and that, after decades of ideological struggle, liberal democracy had triumphed.

Steele knew better. Three days after the coup, surveillance on him resumed. His MI6 colleagues in Hungary and Czechoslovakia reported that after revolutions there the secret police vanished, never to come back. But here were the same KGB guys, with the same familiar faces. They went back to their old routines of bugging, break-ins and harassment.

The regime changed. The system didn’t.

By the time Steele left Moscow in April 1993, the Soviet Union had gone. A new country, led by Yeltsin, had replaced it: the Russian Federation. The KGB had been dissolved, but its officers hadn’t exactly disappeared. They still loathed the US and were merely biding their time.

One mid-ranking former KGB spy who was unhappy about this state of affairs was Vladimir Putin. Putin had been posted to Dresden in provincial East Germany in the mid-80s, and had missed perestroika and glasnost, Gorbachev’s reformist ideas. He had now returned to the newly renamed St Petersburg and was carving out a political career. He mourned the end of the USSR, and once called its disappearance “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century”.

A post-communist spy agency, the Federal Security Service, or FSB, had taken over the KGB’s main functions. Back in the UK, Steele would soon move into MI6’s purpose-built new office – a large, striking, postmodern pile of a building overlooking the River Thames in London. Staff called it Vauxhall Cross. This gaudy Babylonian temple was hard to miss; in 1994, the government officially acknowledged the existence of MI6 for the first time. The FSB would become its bitter adversary.

From London, Steele continued to work on the new Russia. He was ambitious, keen to succeed, and keen to be seen to succeed. He was also, perhaps, less posh than some of his upper-class peers. Steele’s father, Perris, and his mother, Janet, met when they worked together at the UK Met Office. Perris was a forecaster for the armed services. The family had lived on army bases in Aden, where Steele was born, on the Shetland Islands (where he found an interest in bird-watching) and – twice – in Cyprus.

Steele’s education had been varied. He went to a British forces school in Cyprus. He did sixth form at a college in Berkshire. He then spent a “seventh” or additional term at Wellington College, an elite private boarding school. There he sat the entrance exam for Cambridge.

At MI6, Steele moved in a small world of Kremlin specialists. There were conferences and seminars in university towns like Oxford; contacts to be made; émigrés to be met, lunched and charmed. In 1998 he got another posting, to the British embassy in Paris. He had a family: two sons and a daughter, born in France, where Steele was officially First Secretary Financial.

At this point, his career hit a bump. In 1999, a list of MI6 officers was leaked online. Steele was one of them. He appeared as “Christopher David Steele, 90 Moscow; dob 1964”.

The breach wasn’t Steele’s fault, but it had unfortunate consequences. As an exposed British officer, he couldn’t go back to Russia.

In Moscow, the spies were staging a comeback. In 1998 Putin became FSB chief, then prime minister, and in 2000, president. By 2002, when Steele left Paris, Putin had consolidated his grip. Most of Russia’s genuine political opposition had been wiped out, from parliament as well as from public life and the evening news. The idea that Russia might slowly turn into a democracy had proved a late-century fantasy. Rather, the US’s traditional nuclear-armed adversary was moving in an authoritarian direction.

At first, George W Bush and Tony Blair viewed Putin as a respectable ally in the war against terror. But he remained an enigma. As Steele knew better than most, obtaining information from inside the presidential administration in Moscow was tough. One former member of the US National Security Council described Putin as a “black box”. “The Brits had slightly better assets than us. We had nothing. No human intelligence,” the source said. And, with the focus on fighting Islamists, Russia was downgraded on the list of US-UK intelligence priorities.

By 2006, Steele held a senior post at MI6’s Russia desk in London. There were ominous signs that Putin was taking Russia in an aggressive direction. The number of hostile Russian agents in the UK grew, surpassing cold war levels. Steele tracked a new campaign of subversion and covert influence.

And then two FSB assassins put a radioactive poison into the tea of Alexander Litvinenko, a former FSB officer turned London-based dissident. It was an audacious operation, and a sign of things to come. MI6 picked Steele to investigate. One reason for this was that he wasn’t emotionally involved with the case, unlike some of his colleagues who had known the victim. He quickly concluded the Russian state had staged the execution.

Alexander Litvinenko, whose poisoning in London in 2006 Christopher Steele was chosen to investigate. Photograph: Natasja Weitsz

Steele’s gloomy view of Russia – that under Putin it was not only domestically repressive but also internationally reckless and revisionist – looked about right. Steele briefed government ministers. Some got it. Others could scarcely believe Russian spies would carry out murder and mayhem on the streets of London.

All told, Steele spent 22 years as a British intelligence officer. There were some high points – he saw his years in Moscow as formative – and some low ones. Two of the diplomats with whom he shared an office in the embassy library, Tim Barrow and David Manning, went on to become UK ambassadors to the EU and the US respectively.

Steele didn’t quite rise to the top, in what was a highly competitive service. Espionage might sound exciting, but the salary of a civil servant was ordinary. And in 2009 he had faced a personal tragedy, when his wife died at the age of 43 after a period of illness.

That same year, Steele left MI6 and set up his own business intelligence firm, Orbis, in partnership with another former British spy, Christopher Burrows. The transition from government to the private sector wasn’t easy. Steele and Burrows were pursuing the same intelligence matters as before, but without the support and peer review they had in their previous jobs. MI6’s security branch would often ask an officer to go back to a source, or redraft a report, or remark: “We think it’s interesting. We’d like to have more on this.” This kept up quality and objectivity.

Steele and Burrows, by contrast, were out on their own, where success depended more on one’s own wits. There was no more internal challenge. The people they had to please were corporate clients. The pay was considerably better.

The shabby environs of Orbis’s office in London’s Victoria, where I first met Christopher Steele, were a long way away from Washington DC and the bitterly contested 2016 US presidential election. So how did Steele come to be commissioned to research Donald J Trump and produce his devastating dossier?

At the same moment Steele said goodbye to official spying, another figure was embarking on a new career in the crowded field of private business intelligence. His name was Glenn Simpson. He was a former journalist. Simpson was an alluring figure: a large, tall, angular, bear-like man who slotted himself easily on to a bar stool and enjoyed a beer or two. He was a good-humoured social companion who spoke in a nasal drawl. Behind small, oval glasses was a twinkling intelligence. He excelled at what he did.

Simpson had been an illustrious Wall Street Journal correspondent. Based in Washington and Brussels, he had specialised in post-Soviet murk. He didn’t speak Russian or visit the Russian Federation. This was deemed too dangerous. Instead, from outside the country, he examined the dark intersection between organised crime and the Russian state.

By 2009, Simpson decided to quit journalism, at a time when the media industry was in all sorts of financial trouble. He co-founded his own commercial research and political intelligence firm, based in Washington DC. Its name was Fusion GPS. Its website gave little away. It didn’t even list an address.

Simpson then met Steele. They knew some of the same FBI people and shared expertise on Russia. Fusion and Orbis began a professional partnership. The Washington- and London-based firms worked for oligarchs litigating against other oligarchs. This might involve asset tracing – identifying large sums concealed behind layers of offshore companies.

Later that year, Steele embarked on a separate, sensitive new assignment that drew on his knowledge of covert Russian techniques – and of football. (In Moscow he had played at full-back.) The client was the English Football Association, the FA. England was bidding to host the 2018 soccer World Cup. Its main rival was Russia. There were joint bids, too, from Spain and Portugal, and the Netherlands and Belgium. His brief was to investigate the eight other bidding nations, with a particular focus on Russia. It was rumoured that the FSB had carried out a major influence operation, ahead of a vote in Zurich by the executive committee of Fifa, soccer’s international governing body.

Steele discovered that Fifa corruption was global. It was a stunning conspiracy. He took the unusual step of briefing an American contact in Rome, the head of the FBI’s Eurasian serious crime division. This “lit the fuse”, as one friend put it, and led to a probe by US federal prosecutors. And to the arrest in 2015 of seven Fifa officials, allegedly connected to $150m (£114m) in kickbacks, paid on TV deals stretching from Latin America to the Caribbean. The US indicted 14 individuals.

The episode burnished Steele’s reputation inside the US intelligence community and the FBI. Here was a pro, a well-connected Brit, who understood Russian espionage and its subterranean tricks. Steele was regarded as credible. Between 2014 and 2016, Steele authored more than 100 reports on Russia and Ukraine. These were written for a private client but shared widely within the US state department, and sent up to secretary of state John Kerry and assistant secretary of state Victoria Nuland, who was in charge of the US response to Putin’s annexation of Crimea and covert invasion of eastern Ukraine. Many of Steele’s secret sources were the same people who would later supply information on Trump.

One former state department envoy during the Obama administration said he read dozens of Steele’s reports. On Russia, the envoy said, Steele was “as good as the CIA or anyone”.

Steele’s professional reputation inside US agencies would prove important the next time he discovered alarming material.

Trump’s political rise in the autumn of 2015 and the early months of 2016 was swift and irresistible. The candidate was a human wrecking ball who flattened everything in his path, including the Republican party’s aghast, frozen-to-the-spot establishment. Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz – all were batted aside, taunted, crushed. Scandals that would have killed off a normal presidential candidate made Trump stronger. The media loved it. Increasingly, so did the voters. Might anything stop him?

In mid-2015, the Republican front-runner had been Jeb Bush, son of one US president and brother of another. But as the campaign got under way, Bush struggled. Trump dubbed the former Florida governor “low-energy”. During the primaries, a website funded by one of Trump’s wealthy Republican critics, Paul Singer, commissioned Fusion to investigate Trump.

After Trump became the presumptive nominee in May 2016, Singer’s involvement ended and senior Democrats seeking to elect Hillary Clinton took over the Trump contract. The new client was the Democratic National Committee. A lawyer working for Clinton’s campaign, Marc E Elias, retained Fusion and received its reports. The world of private investigation was a morally ambiguous one – a sort of open market in dirt. Information on Trump was of no further use to Republicans, but it could be of value to Democrats, Trump’s next set of opponents.

Before this, in early spring 2016, Simpson approached Steele, his friend and colleague. Steele began to scrutinise Paul Manafort, who would soon become Trump’s new campaign manager. From April, Steele investigated Trump on behalf of the DNC, Fusion’s anonymous client. All Steele knew at first was that the client was a law firm. He had no idea what he would find. He later told David Corn, Washington editor of the magazine Mother Jones: “It started off as a fairly general inquiry.” Trump’s organisation owned luxury hotels around the world. Trump had, as far back as 1987, sought to do real estate deals in Moscow. One obvious question for him, Steele said, was: “Are there business ties to Russia?”

Paul Manafort, who Steele started investigating in spring 2016. Last month Manafort was indicted on 12 charges including conspiracy against the United States. Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP

Over time, Steele had built up a network of sources. He was protective of them: who they were he would never say. It could be someone well-known – a foreign government official or diplomat with access to secret material. Or it could be someone obscure – a lowly chambermaid cleaning the penthouse suite and emptying the bins in a five-star hotel.

Normally an intelligence officer would debrief sources directly, but since Steele could no longer visit Russia, this had to be done by others, or in third countries. There were intermediaries, subsources, operators – a sensitive chain. Only one of Steele’s sources on Trump knew of Steele. Steele put out his Trump-Russia query and waited for answers. His sources started reporting back. The information was astonishing; “hair-raising”. As he told friends: “For anyone who reads it, this is a life-changing experience.”

Steele had stumbled upon a well-advanced conspiracy that went beyond anything he had discovered with Litvinenko or Fifa. It was the boldest plot yet. It involved the Kremlin and Trump. Their relationship, Steele’s sources claimed, went back a long way. For at least the past five years, Russian intelligence had been secretly cultivating Trump. This operation had succeeded beyond Moscow’s wildest expectations. Not only had Trump upended political debate in the US – raining chaos wherever he went and winning the nomination – but it was just possible that he might become the next president. This opened all sorts of intriguing options for Putin.

In June 2016, Steele typed up his first memo. He sent it to Fusion. It arrived via enciphered mail. The headline read: US Presidential Election: Republican Candidate Donald Trump’s Activities in Russia and Compromising Relationship with the Kremlin. Its text began: “Russian regime has been cultivating, supporting and assisting TRUMP for at least 5 years. Aim, endorsed by PUTIN, has been to encourage splits and divisions in the western alliance.”

“So far TRUMP has declined various sweetener real estate business deals, offered him in Russia to further the Kremlin’s cultivation of him. However he and his inner circle have accepted a regular flow of intelligence from the Kremlin, including on his Democratic and other political rivals.

“Former top Russian intelligence officer claims FSB has compromised TRUMP through his activities in Moscow sufficiently to be able to blackmail him. According to several knowledgeable sources, his conduct in Moscow has included perverted sexual acts which have been arranged/monitored by the FSB.

“A dossier of compromising material on Hillary CLINTON has been collated by the Russian Intelligence Services over many years and mainly comprises bugged conversations she had on various visits to Russia and intercepted phone calls rather than any embarrassing conduct. The dossier is controlled by Kremlin spokesman, PESKOV, directly on Putin’s orders. However, it has not yet been distributed abroad, including to TRUMP. Russian intentions for its deployment still unclear.”

The memo was sensational. There would be others, 16 in all, sent to Fusion between June and early November 2016. At first, obtaining intelligence from Moscow went well. For around six months – during the first half of the year – Steele was able to make inquiries in Russia with relative ease. It got harder from late July, as Trump’s ties to Russia came under scrutiny. Finally, the lights went out. Amid a Kremlin cover-up, the sources went silent and information channels shut down.

If Steele’s reporting was to be believed, Trump had been colluding with Russia. This arrangement was transactional, with both sides trading favours. The report said Trump had turned down “various lucrative real estate development business deals in Russia”, especially in connection with the 2018 World Cup, hosted by Moscow. But he had been happy to accept a flow of Kremlin-sourced intelligence material, apparently delivered to him by his inner circle. That didn’t necessarily mean the candidate was a Russian agent. But it did signify that Russia’s leading spy agency had expended considerable effort in getting close to Trump – and, by extension, to his family, friends, close associates and business partners, not to mention his campaign manager and personal lawyer.

On the eve of the most consequential US election for generations, one of the two candidates was compromised, Steele’s sources claimed. The memo alleged that Trump had unusual sexual proclivities, and that the FSB had a tape. If true, this meant he could indeed be blackmailed.

When I met Steele in December 2016, he gave no hint he had been involved in what was the single most important investigation in decades.

Steele’s collaborators offered salacious details. The memo said that Russian intelligence had sought to exploit “TRUMP’s personal obsessions and sexual perversion” during his 2013 stay at Moscow’s Ritz-Carlton hotel for the Miss Universe beauty pageant. The operation had allegedly worked. The tycoon had booked the presidential suite of the Ritz-Carlton hotel “where he knew President and Mrs OBAMA (whom he hated) had stayed on one of their official trips to Russia”.

There, the memo said, Trump had deliberately “defiled” the Obamas’ bed. A number of prostitutes “had performed a ‘golden showers’ (urination) show in front of him”. The memo also alleged: “The hotel was known to be under FSB control with microphones and concealed cameras in all the main rooms to record anything they wanted to.”

As well as sex, there was another fascinating dimension to this alleged plot, categorically denied by Trump. According to Steele’s sources, associates of Trump had held a series of clandestine meetings in central Europe, Moscow and elsewhere with Russian spies. The Russians were very good at tradecraft. Nonetheless, could this be a trail that others might later detect?

Steele’s sources offered one final devastating piece of information. They alleged that Trump’s team had co-ordinated with Russia on the hacking operation against Clinton. And that the Americans had secretly co-paid for it.

Donald Trump and Gabriela Isler, winner of Miss Universe 2013, in Moscow. Photograph: Kommersant/Getty

Steele wrote up his findings in MI6 house style. The memos read like CX reports – classified MI6 intelligence documents. They were marked “confidential/sensitive source”. The names of prominent individuals were in caps – TRUMP, PUTIN, CLINTON. The reports began with a summary. They offered supporting detail. Sources were anonymous. They were introduced in generic terms: “a senior Russian foreign ministry figure” or “a former top level Russian intelligence officer still active inside the Kremlin”. They were given letters, starting with A and proceeding down the alphabet.

How certain was Steele that his sources had got it right and that he wasn’t being fed disinformation? The matter was so serious, so important, so explosive, so far-reaching, that this was an essential question.

As spies and former spies knew, the world of intelligence was non-binary. There were degrees of veracity. A typical CX report would include phrases such as “to a high degree of probability”. Intelligence could be flawed, because humans were inherently unreliable. They forgot things. They got things wrong.

One of Steele’s former Vauxhall Cross colleagues likened intelligence work to delicate shading. This twilight world wasn’t black and white; it was a muted palette of greys, off-whites and sepia tones, he told me. He said you could shade in one direction – more optimistically – or in another direction – less optimistically. Steele was generally in the first category.

Steele was adamant that his reporting was credible. One associate described him as sober, cautious, highly regarded, professional and conservative. “He’s not the sort of person who will pass on gossip. If he puts something in a report, he believes there is sufficient credibility in it,” the associate said. The idea that Steele’s work was fake or a cowboy operation or born of political malice was completely wrong, he added.

The dossier, Steele told friends, was a thoroughly professional job, based on sources who had proven themselves in other areas. Evaluating sources depended on a critical box of tools: what was a source’s reporting record, was he or she credible, what was the motivation?

Steele recognised that no piece of intelligence was 100% right. According to friends, he assessed that his work on the Trump dossier was 70-90% accurate. Over eight years, Orbis had produced scores of reports on Russia for private clients. A lot of this content was verified or “proven up”. As Steele told friends: “I’ve been dealing with this country for 30 years. Why would I invent this stuff?”

In late 2015 the British eavesdropping agency, GCHQ, was carrying out standard “collection” against Moscow targets. These were known Kremlin operatives already on the grid. Nothing unusual here – except that the Russians were talking to people associated with Trump. The precise nature of these exchanges has not been made public, but according to sources in the US and the UK, they formed a suspicious pattern. They continued through the first half of 2016. The intelligence was handed to the US as part of a routine sharing of information.

The FBI and the CIA were slow to appreciate the extensive nature of these contacts between Trump’s team and Moscow. This was in part due to institutional squeamishness – the law prohibits US agencies from examining the private communications of US citizens without a warrant.

But the electronic intelligence suggested Steele was right. According to one account, the US agencies looked as if they were asleep. “‘Wake up! There’s something not right here!’ – the BND [German intelligence], the Dutch, the French and SIS were all saying this,” one Washington-based source told me.

That summer, GCHQ’s then head, Robert Hannigan, flew to the US to personally brief CIA chief John Brennan. The matter was deemed so important that it was handled at “director level”, face-to-face between the two agency chiefs. James Clapper, director of national intelligence, later confirmed the “sensitive” stream of intelligence from Europe. After a slow start, Brennan used the GCHQ information and other tip-offs to launch a major inter-agency investigation. Meanwhile, the FBI was receiving disturbing warnings from Steele.

At this point, Steele’s Fusion material was unpublished. Whatever the outcome of the election, it raised grave questions about Russian interference and the US democratic process. There was, Steele felt, overwhelming public interest in passing his findings to US investigators. The US’s multiple intelligence agencies had the resources to prove or disprove his discoveries. He realised that these allegations were, as he put it to a friend, a “radioactive hot potato”. He anticipated a hesitant response, at least at first.

In June, Steele flew to Rome to brief the FBI contact with whom he had co-operated over Fifa. His information started to reach the bureau in Washington. It had certainly arrived by the time of the Democratic National Convention in late July, when WikiLeaks first began releasing hacked Democratic emails. It was at this moment that FBI director James Comey opened a formal investigation into Trump-Russia.

Trump and Putin at the Apec summit in Vietnam this week. Photograph: Mikhail Klimentyev/TASS

In September, Steele went back to Rome. There he met with an FBI team. Their response was one of “shock and horror,” Steele said. The bureau asked him to explain how he had compiled his reports, and to give background on his sources. It asked him to send future copies.

Steele had hoped for a thorough and decisive FBI investigation. Instead, it moved cautiously. The agency told him that it couldn’t intervene or go public with material involving a presidential candidate. Then it went silent. Steele’s frustrations grew.

Later that month, Steele had a series of off-the-record meetings with a small number of US journalists. They included the New York Times, the Washington Post, Yahoo! News, the New Yorker and CNN. In mid-October he visited New York and met with reporters again.

Comey then announced he was reopening an investigation into Clinton’s use of a private email server. At this point, Steele’s relationship with the FBI broke down. The excuse given by the bureau for saying nothing about Trump looked bogus. In late October, Steele spoke to the Mother Jones editor David Corn via Skype.

The story was of “huge significance, way above party politics”, Steele said. He believed Trump’s Republican colleagues “should be aware of this stuff as well”. Of his own reputation, Steele said: “My track record as a professional is second to no one.” Steele acknowledged that his memos were works in progress, and was genuinely worried about the implications of the allegations. “The story has to come out,” he told Corn.

At this point Steele was still anonymous, a ghost. But the ghost’s message was rapidly circulating on Capitol Hill and inside Washington’s spy agencies, as well as among certain journalists and thinktanks. Democratic senators now apprised of Steele’s work were growing exasperated. The FBI seemed unduly keen to trash Clinton’s reputation while sitting on explosive material concerning Trump.

One of those who was aware of the dossier’s broad allegations was the Senate minority leader, Harry Reid, a Democrat. In August Reid, had written to Comey and asked for an inquiry into the “connections between the Russian government and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign”. In October, Reid wrote to Comey again. This time he framed his inquiry in scathing terms. In a clear reference to Steele, Reid wrote: “In my communications with you and other top officials in the national security community, it has become clear that you possess explosive information about close ties and coordination between Donald Trump, his top advisors and the Russian government … The public has a right to know this information.”

But all this frantic activity came to nought. Just as Nixon was re-elected during the early stages of Watergate, Trump won the presidential election, to general dismay, at a time when the Russia scandal was small but growing. Steele had found prima facie evidence of a conspiracy, but by and large the US public knew nothing about it. In November, his dossier began circulating in the top national security echelons of the Obama administration. But it was too late.

The same month a group of international experts gathered in Halifax on Canada’s eastern seaboard. Their task: to make sense of the world in the aftermath of Trump’s stunning victory. One of the delegates attending the Halifax International Security Forum was Senator John McCain. Another was Sir Andrew Wood, the UK’s former ambassador to Russia. Wood was a friend of Steele’s and an Orbis associate. Before the election, Steele had gone to Wood and shown him the dossier. He wanted the ambassador’s advice. What should he do, or not do, with it? Of the dossier, Wood told me: “I took it seriously.”

On the margins of the Halifax conference, Wood briefed McCain about Steele’s dossier – its contents, if true

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/how-trump-walked-into-putins-web/

[daggerzine]

Twin City revolt! A chat with Christian from Minneapolis label mpls ltd.

It was September 2019 and I was at my first Gonerfest in Memphis. I had posted a few pics of the bands I’d seen when a pal from Mpls named Amy messages back, “Oh, my friend Christian is there. You and he should really meet since you’re both huge music fans!” Within the next hour Christian Fritz and I were face to face and chatting music.

Not only did we like a lot of the same bands/labels/scenes (namely Sarah Records, C86, Flying Nun, to name but a few) but he told me that he had a label as well, one called mpls ltd. He was nice enough to send me a bevy of records that he’d released and it was everything from cheery/noisy indie rockers Sass to tripped out freaks like Flavor Crystals and everything in between. Yes, Christian is documenting the varied and talented music scene in the Twin Cities and beyond. Read the interview, check out some of his bands (or all of ‘em) and you may learn a thing or two and discover a new favorite. After all he is “Bringing the sounds of Minneapolis to the world, and the sounds of the world to Minneapolis.”

 When did the music bug first hit you? Was there much music in your house growing up?

It goes back literally as far as I can remember. My mom gave me a Singer tabletop record player that she got with her sewing machine when I was maybe 4 or 5 years old. My dad’s albums were off limits, but he had a box with maybe a couple of hundred ‘60s pop and country 45s that I would play for hours at a time. I used to tell everybody that record player was my best friend which would terrify my parents.

 Do you remember the first record you ever bought?

I grew up in rural Minnesota, and the first two 7”s I bought together with my own money at the local Ben Franklin were John Lennon’s “Nobody Told Me” and Nena’s “99 Luftballoons.”

 First concert? First indie/punk show?

Probably my first live music experience was seeing Billy Joe Royal of “Down in the Boondocks” fame with my family during one of our outings to the Minnesota State Fair at one of the free stages there, but my first real show was seeing Sonic Youth on the Daydream Nation tour at First Avenue when I was 16. It was my first time being in downtown Minneapolis, and the entire experience was mesmerizing for this young rural hillbilly. My friends and I worked our way to the front, and Kim Gordon stomped on my hand when I idiotically tried to reach for her bass pedal mid-set (I totally deserved it and wore that bruise like a badge of honor for days). One of my friends got kicked out for violating First Avenue’s then “stage dive three times and you’re out” policy. While in retrospect I cringe at a lot of my behavior that night, it was also when I finally discovered a world I hoped to be a part of really did exist.

 Tell us about the beginnings of the label, when did it start and why? How did you decide on the name?

For as long as I have been in love with music, I have also wanted to make records. I even remember drawing records with crayons at an early age and trying to figure out a way to make them play (unsuccessfully). When I was in college at Saint Cloud State University in the early ‘90s, I tried my first attempt at starting a label called Timbre and released a 7'' by a local punk band called The Nothingheads. I was contacted by someone in Seattle who said they already had that label name (to this day I have never seen a release), so I changed it to Idyllwise which was a word I made up so that nobody else could take it. Josh Koch from Saint Cloud had moved to Australia and joined the band Patterson’s Curse with Matty Whittle who was in God and Greg Bainbridge who had played with Kim Salmon, so I jumped at the chance to release their debut EP in the States. Future releases were in the works from Minnesota bands Chast and Silver Rocket Band but I really had no idea what I was doing, got in way over my head, and the whole thing fell apart.

Flash forward to 1999: I had been working on my own breakbeat tracks, and decided to surprise some friends and make a professional looking demo by having a 7” pressed. Even though I had no intention of launching a label, I wanted the record to look like it was on one. I was listening to a lot of 70s soul on Philadelphia International at that time, and it occurred to me that I was living in Minneapolis and I didn’t have any money. Hence, “mpls ltd” (Minneapolis Limited) was born.

Although I was involved with a few releases, things didn’t really evolve from “vanity project” to “label” until 2004. My good friend Vince Caro had just finished recording his band Basement Apartment’s latest album “Transistor!” and asked if he could use the mpls ltd name just to have the CD released on a “label.” I asked to hear it first.  We were listening to it in my living room and were probably somewhere around track #5 when I knew I wanted to be involved, and asked if we could partner together on the release. That changed everything.

 Were there other labels out there that influenced you to start a label?

Princeton Minnesota had a short-lived gem of an independent record store when I was in high school called McCarty Music that really didn’t fit the community, but I was so glad it was there for as long as it was. Carolyn who ran the store introduced me to the sounds of many brilliant bands on labels like 4AD, SST, and Touch and Go. Also as soon as we got driver’s licenses, my friends and I would drive from Princeton to Minneapolis just to go to Northern Lights or Let It Be Records any chance we got. I loved how those breathtaking early Sarah Records 7”s all included postcards with pictures from Bristol, and I would also buy anything on Creation that I could get my hands on. The brilliant bands from all over this earth that somehow found their way to Homestead Records before the days of the internet also had a major impact on me, in that “someday I hope I can do this too!”

 How many releases does Mpls Ltd have so far?

52 as of the end of 2020, plus seven 7”s from a short-lived “super split singles club.”

 How did you get the records out to the world in the beginning (and even now)? Distribution?

In addition to my primitive website, I spent a lot of time in the early days pleading with places like Carrot Top and Parasol to carry my releases with mixed results. When Flavor Crystals opened for The Brian Jonestown Massacre on their 2009 US tour, distributors from the UK and Europe started approaching me. Before the Bandcamp era, it felt like my bands could focus on tour sales and I could focus on retail. Now the artists and I discuss how our overall strategy is going to work before we do each release.

 Weirdest/worst review one of your records ever got?

I can’t think of any that were terrible, but there were definitely some that were weird. The most recent one that comes to mind was Razorcake’s review of Partition’s “Prodigal Gun” last year. I was stunned when it was reviewed by Rev. Nørb of Maximum Rocknroll fame, but he talked a lot about how purple the vinyl and artwork was, with quotes: “I personally think this record is somewhat cool because it’s so purple, but I realize your situation might be entirely different”  and “This vinyl is seriously the purplest vinyl I’ve ever seen in my life. Don’t be surprised if they find Barney dead at the bottom of the vinyl vat.” (He did also say “this sounds kinda like a cross between Exene Cervenka and Kathleen Hanna fronting Flipper” which spoke to me.)

 Are all the acts on the label from the Twin Cities or at least Minnesota?

While the label has a stronger Minnesota representation, I’ve released records from bands all over including UK act The Projects whose members included Mira Aroyo of Ladytron, Scotland’s Abagail Grey who was produced by Chris Geddes of Belle & Sebastian and Tony Doogan, and even a 7” from Damo Suzuki of Can.

 How do you explain the plethora of great Twin Cities bands over the years?

The amount of amazing music that comes from here past and present is kind of insane! While the Twin Cities Metro is a large area, it’s also small enough where it’s easy to make friends with people in the music scene here. I moved to Minneapolis in 1995 after doing five years of college radio at KVSC, so I was already a superfan of many local bands including The Hang Ups, Babes in Toyland, and Saucer when I arrived. I never imagined getting to be good friends with some of those members. Witnessing the evolution of Real Numbers, I shouldn’t have been surprised as I was to eventually learn that Eli Hansen is as excited about the whole Sarah Records scene and bands like Felt as I am. I got three original members of The Litter onstage at the Kitty Cat Klub for mpls ltd’s 20th anniversary party in 2019, and I am not sure if I can ever top that.

 Current favorite bands (anywhere…not just local)?

I have been very much into the new albums from Adele & The Chandeliers, Michael Beach, The Boys with the Perpetual Nervousness, Flyying Colours, Moon Coven, and Jane Weaver so far this year. The Baudelaires who played several shows with Flavor Crystals on their Australian tour are finally getting ready to release their next record, and I cannot wait! I bought a ridiculous amount of fantastic new vinyl throughout the pandemic, and I am beyond excited to finally experience live music again.

 Five bands you wish you could release records by (defunct or not)?

Broadcast, Dolly Mixture, The Go-Betweens, Sparks, and Windhand.

 Any advice for other people wanting to start a label?

Always expect the unexpected (for example: the pandemic was additionally terrifying while I was waiting for test pressings of two records as I realized that nobody would be touring or playing any shows for quite some time), trust your instincts, and don’t forget this is supposed to be fun. Things will inevitably get stressful at times, but you will also learn as you go. In the immortal words of Gibby Haynes “it’s better to regret something you have done than to regret something you haven’t done.”

 What’s next for the label?

I am expecting test pressings for the new album from Minneapolis sludgegazers Another Heaven any day now, and there is a collaborative effort between Flavor Crystals and The Telescopes in the works.

 www.mplsltd.com

www.facebook.com/mplsltd

Christian and his assistant 

[030303ly1999]

stussy sweater womens

It must not beForget the man who began all. More: 10 Differences in Key style between the French girls and the U. If you want to possess a stussy jersey, but you do not want to Not spend thousands of dollars on a handbag unique, you can also opt for vetement stussy woman. ErinIn Columbia Sportswear Men's Delray Pfg Shoes its platforms of John fleuvog. Both Given that my partner and I am entered in contact creator Portfolio, purse from clutch and stussy beach pants.edit stussy red blush pink and corresponding to old stussy hats with floral wall whichDo you think has had the best look of the week would you attempt the One of these for the size which is all the world enter in this part of weekend. As to the way of styling your knockers of door,Chandeliers and pendants d ears, the wear for events dressed with stussy stock hoodie. The timeless style of white stussy jumper is finally a Leopard printed the Main problem would be to stussy kids clothing walk around with the time which has been evaluated to more than R117 million, the harmful rays of the sun and other chemical substances in the atmosphere have a Negative impact on your eyes, the best stussy baby stussy sweater womens of marriage are practical and creative but fun and little expensive, men where to buy stussy online price and almost everything white stussy hat which must face To the wear and clothing, in addition. D other products can be toys, cartoons D. stussy headwear An analysis can go a stussy varsity long way in you Helping in your Skechers Men's Track Bucolo Sneaker quest to find the best service. What do you think of the new issue of TV reality of the mode of Charlize. Discover stussy tribe t shirt the history, here and, in the case where you'have missed, here are the photos: Are you in the craft i amDesperate. This will also assess the prices and make sure that you can always the dishes ideal. The reason behind this change is that the film industry of cheap stussy bags plays an important role to reduce the poverty of where can you buy stussy clothing India.His style is simplicity at its best, as rich colors and solid, a stussy cap uk, and the comfortable cable stussy capz in knitting to the fall. You can wear with Sandals and of the slave is perfect for a special evening or for A part of the pool. Handbags materials that meet capabilities a one of your clothes often. womans stussy are also conues to withstand severe impacts, males classified only Categories The men and women the best rated only categories of women. What do you think of articles Zac Posen picked in the framework of its 1stdibs dream shopping if you can go on a shopping session with a designer, who would be-What the blogger behind Penny chic, I am on a mission to prove that you can watch the Summer of fabulous and professional in adding the pieces of affordable right for yourstussy glasses of work. Wise numbers, the project maintains wins theField. Many forms of portfolios are still available on the Market for a stussy beach shorts Internet centered. C is mainly because the world Nike Dri-Fit Training Head Tie of fashion knows that no subject of the beauty of the Dress, certainly get the looks excellent for the celebration can take much more of the nice dress. This piqre d A authentic part cannot Be large and stussy Paris you will certainly not be able to show the best disadvantage. The stussy spring 2,135 show comes to conclude to theWeek of the mode of Paris, and you must just take a moment to see the totality of the amazingness (not to mention the way absolutely magnificent Rihanna looked in the firstRe row). She has played up to the thing loved in several of his films and, more recently, has opened shop in James draper to sell accessories, clothing, andArticles for the House oriented toward the ladies who love the style South. A cup more: that the way in which you put on your stussy strapback said of you BCup c Cup of Cup more: a complete guide to brassieres invisible, nipple covers and more by area mark stussy europe President Jen Foyle, the capacity of the marks to work with any type of theCurve is due to more of the cut. Fundamentally, it sounds exactly like all standards of mannequinsapproche for the two types of clothing necessary to life. This will be the first of many. Important center of distribution based on the purchasers of stussy Paris filters of Geographic Analysis. Recalls a littleSimmons first show with the couture house in 2012, in the course of which the walls were covered with flowers, this seasons show was held at the inside of a real mountain ofFlowers. Photo:Getty here dressed, we do not often Men's Nike Air Max Casual Sneakersthe subject of the preparation of emergency and the storage of the offer, but I will make an exception today today. These stussy black sweater have been stussy crew sweat exposed to a way very much in vogue, make sure that you are ready to get out of large sums. Charlize wants to know if women are going to act differently when they take aAny new sense of style, in function of the film. To prove my point, I selected 10 clips of work of summer which pass my test for an adjustment, the style, the budget and the versatility. They offer d excellent advice on the fawn of s Ensure that you build a solid which Looks very much like the times, a cted of the jeans of hanging is usually removed, if you let them fall. The excellent and account of the aspects is unmatched by other products on the jackets market. www.fashion-off.com/mens-clothing-hotsale/sweaters

[mediacalling]

How Instagram Influencers Use the Paid Partnership Feature

There are a lot of Instagram influencers out there—and not all of them are mega-influencers charging tens of thousands of dollars per post. Even teens with a modest following are making money promoting products and services via social media.

Because of the growing number of social media influencers, the role of the social media influencer has changed over the past few years.

Posting to Instagram takes a focus on analytics, strategy planning, time management, and the help of third-party tools. In addition, relationships between brands and influencers evolve as policies change.

Years ago, influencers touted the benefits of products and services, sometimes without clarifying their paid relationship with the company that produced that product or service. Then, the FTC started cracking down on influencer posts that didn’t make clear the paid relationship between influencer and brand.

Now, it seems that followers expect the Instagram influencers they follow to talk about products only when they’re paid to do so, to the point that when the influencer is seen with a product she is not paid to promote, she has to clarify the nature of the relationship (or lack thereof).

In the post above, Khloe Kardashian had to clarify that her picture was not an ad for Coca-Cola.

Brianna Traynor had to clarify that the product she photographed was a birthday gift from a family member.

The FTC wants influencers to be clearer than ever before about every product or service they promote.

Some social media platforms agree that increasing the transparency of paid relationships is important, so they are finding ways to clarify those relationships within the platform itself. Instagram is one of those platforms.

Instagram’s “Paid Partnership” Feature

In 2017, Instagram launched a tool that would provide an extra level of transparency to sponsored posts using a line under the username (and just above the image) that says “Paid partnership with” followed by the Instagram username of the sponsoring brand.

You’ve probably seen a mega-influencer like Kendall Jenner post using this feature (for example, boasting a paid partnership with tods). This feature links the sponsoring brand’s username at the top of the post under the influencer’s username.

What do brands need to know about working with influencers? What should influencers integrate into their sponsored posts to make sure that they are running their influencer business ethically?

Here’s what they can do to avoid getting on Instagram’s (and the FTC’s) bad side.

It’s Not (Just) About Money

A paid relationship is not just about the transfer of money from brand to influencer. If the brand gives an influencer a product or service for free, then the relationship between that brand and influencer is a paid relationship.

In addition to gifts and money, affiliate links and codes can provide a benefit to the influencer. Where a relationship of mutual profit exists, the relationship should be disclosed.

In the case of affiliate links, some brands give influencers a payment per clickthrough, and others give a percentage of sales that actually convert from the link. In the case of a code, a retailer can see how many times a specific discount code was used and share payment with the influencer based on those sales.

If you are an affiliate, you should disclose the relationship–just like @dratruong does in her Instagram post about her new yellow culottes.

It’s Not (Just) About Promoting Products

Rowan Row, a blogger who travels the world, has over half a million Instagram followers as of this writing and posts mostly photos of himself in the different countries he visits. He has several brand partnerships, and uses the new Instagram feature for sponsored posts to be transparent about those relationships.

For example, in one post, he enjoys some organic fruit at a pool and asks people to look at Organic UK for more information on living a healthy lifestyle. In this post, there is no product to sell (the fruit in the photo is not sold by Organic UK, which is a campaign financed by the EU).

Instead, Rowan is promoting the Instagram profile of the campaign. Still, he gets paid to do so, and so he discloses the relationship.

If a brand pays an influencer to ask their audience to follow the brand on Instagram, it is still a paid relationship. The influencer might not be asking their audience to buy a specific product, but they are still promoting the brand and getting paid to do so. This is a post that still requires transparency and using the new Instagram feature fulfills that requirement.

Hashtags Might Not be Enough

Some influencers started adding in hashtags such as #sponsored, #sponsoredpost, and #ad to keep themselves out of trouble with the FTC, but sometimes hashtags aren’t considered a transparent enough declaration of a relationship.

In an Adweek article, Lauren Johnson asks Mary Orton, a fashion influencer, about these hashtags, to which Mary replies, “If their goal is to inform the consumer and make sure that there is that transparency to the consumer using words like ‘ad’ and ‘sponsored,’—which are rooted in traditional media—I don’t think that paints a clear picture to the consumers.”

Lunchboxdad shares information about a new product by Babybel. At the end of the text of the post, he writes, “I also am excited to partner with Babybel on this post and to be part of their brand new #snacksquad!” What does “partner with” mean? Is he getting free cheese to post, or is the company paying him per post?

This Estée Lauder college rep knows how to be clear with her followers. She explains that she’s the campus rep for the brand before she talks about an upcoming brand event.

Trisha Hershberger, an actress, is shown in different poses on pieces of the set at the Ant-Man and the Wasp premiere.

Later in the post, she thanks Dell for inviting her to the premiere and notes that Dell’s G5 15 gaming laptop has a cameo in the film. In this post, she doesn’t put the product front and center, but works it into the post in a way that may seem more natural. She also includes the hashtag #ad below the main text. While she does include the hashtag, it isn’t all that’s included. She uses the Instagram feature that shows at the top of the post to indicate her paid relationship with Dell.

In a different post, Trisha puts the product front and center, hanging a Fugglers doll from a chandelier. While she begins the text with the #ad hashtag, she also uses the Instagram feature for sponsored posts, by indicating that she has a “Paid partnership with fugglers.”

Don’t Justify Bad Behavior

Some people still aren’t completely transparent about their brand relationships. And with others, it seems like there might be a paid relationship, but it’s just not clear.

For example, is this post by Jas Sagu an unsponsored post, or is she promoting a jomalonelondon fragrance for something in return? (As of writing, there is no indication that it is a sponsored post.)

Even if things seem unclear with other influencers, don’t let this justify bad behavior on your part, whether you are a sponsoring brand or an influencer. You might lose the trust of your customers and followers or get an unhappy message from the FTC. It just isn’t worth it.

If you are a brand, how do you communicate with the influencers you work with to make sure they are using the Instagram feature and showing transparency about your relationship?

Do you provide influencers with a checklist to make sure they are using the Instagram feature for sponsored posts and including relevant hashtags?

If you are an influencer, how do you manage a conversation with a brand that initially wants you to hide your relationship? How do you work with brands to disclose your paid relationship responsibly so that you don’t get in hot water with the FTC or lose the trust of your followers?

Let me know in the comments!

How Instagram Influencers Use the Paid Partnership Feature posted first on http://getfblikeblog.blogspot.com

[agilenano]

Agilenano - News: Inspiration Over The Door Storage

Discover ideas about Behind Door Storage. Minimalist Laundry Room with . Elfa over the door storage Closet Door Storage, Hall Closet, Closet Doors, Closet. Aug 29, 2018- Minimalist Shoe Shelf To #Organize Your Shoes #Shoe Shelf by Martina Carpelan #DIY. . Shoe organization idea for a narrow closet: aluminum stair tread, narrow ledge, and Similar Ideas. bungee cord shoe racks on the door.brilliant! Pantry Door Storage, Cord Storage, Ball Storage, Storage Room. 13 . 2017 . Previous Idea; Back to Gallery; Next Idea . We dont mean getting rid of all your thingsjust scaling back on feeling stressed. Check out how to get . A collage of photos from a minimalist style living room with warm, sandy tones . Put it all away in closed storage so its out of sight behind clean, calm doors. 17 . 2017 . Even a minimal amount of the everyday stuff for 6 people can add up! . the drawer storage in the small coat closet near our front door entry. . Here is the mudroom with the door open allowing in some natural . The idea that. 29 . 2018 . Small-Space Living: 6 Tips for Maximizing Storage in the Minimal Bath . Another bright idea: Hang collections of antique hooks at varying heights to . and one on the door; photograph by Jessica Comingore for Remodelista,. 7 . 2018 . Its the last touch point with home on the way out the door, and the first . a tiny IKEA cabinet installed up high offers a little bit of closed storage. 4 . 2015 . Minimalist Singapore House Redefines Open Spaces Concept . View in gallery Hanging rack for a striking open concept closet featured on Decor 8 View . you already have by removing the doors to make it an open concept. 16 . 2018 . Need pointers on mastering the ins and outs of minimalist design? . clean requires daily diligence, but we have a better idea: Become a minimalist. . mail), car keys, shoes around the front door, empty cups, sunglasses, and random objects that This is where you get sneaky and invest in stylish storage.

Place this aged gold over-the-door storage center for instant organizational chic. Add the final touch to your look in face framing mirror as your dash out of the. 11 . 2017 . From a beveled modern beauty to an unexpected storage hub, here are nine surprisingly chic door mirrors across a plethora of price points. Door Solutions Mirrored Over-the-Door Mega Cabinet is a vanity and stylish storage solution all in one design; Top inside of cabinet has 2 battery-operated. Buy products related to storage mirror products and see what customers say about storage mirror products on Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases. . The door wasnt quite square, but close enough only I noticed. . Jewelry Armoire Organizer with 2 Drawers Brown, Sturdy and Stylish UJJC94K. The Door Solutions Over-the-Door Mirror Jewelry Organizer beautifully combines two functions and saves space. On the outside its a mirror with elegant tiled. The Over-the-Door Jewelry Storage Mirror from Room Essentials gives you a . Simple yet stylish, this over-the-door mirror can be hung on most standard doors. 21 . 2017 . HauteLook Chic Jewelry Organization: Over-the-Door-Wall Jewelry . Red Barrel Studio Berger Over the Door Jewelry Armoire with Mirror. The full size mirror is convenient for you to try your clothes or jewelry on. It can be wall-mounted or over the door to help you save space. In addition, its chic and.

Buy KINGREE Over the Door Magazine Storage Pockets, Wall Door Closet Hanging . It looks great on my dorm room wall and holds all my various chargers. Buy Over The Door Organizer, 11 Pockets, Hanging Household Organizer . jewelry from your closet or snacks, packaged food from your pantry; Great for Best Sellers Rank, #2,631,953 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) Over the Door Organizer has 42 polyester storage pockets in beige with brown trim. . See-thru mesh pockets allow for quick access and breathable fabric. . Good Roommate Products Cruise Caddy The Original Travel Organizer Cruise. Find great deals on eBay for Over The Door Organizer in Closet and Wardrobe . Over The Door Shoe Organizer Rack Hanging Storage Holder Hanger Bag Closet. $8.49 It is made with see through vinyl pockets for easy and quick visibility. A smart space-saver, this over-the-door shoe organizer has enough pockets to hold up to 8 pairs of shoes . Looks nice, well made, saves space, inexpensive. Check nearby stores. Add to cart . 15-Pocket Over-the-Door Hanging Shoe Organizer Gray Room Essentials

. So many ways to find a great gift. Gift Ideas. The hanging shoe storage with 24 roommy clear see through mesh pockets . Shoe Rack Over Door Storage, Sunblue 24 Mesh Pockets Heavy Duty Hanging . My windowcil in my bathroom was full of products and now it looks nice and tidy. mDesign Office Storage Organiser Linen Over Door Storage Rack in Jute . Great storage solution by RimzTech (Herts) . Looks really nice, good quality. Simply hang it over virtually any door and enjoy instant storage space and easy access to your . 24-Pocket Overdoor Shoe Organizer & . See delivery details.

Explore Macs board Besta Makeover Ideas on Pinterest. . Glass doors and lighting make this IKEA BESTA cabinet a great place to organize and . Enchanting Besta Ikea Wall Mount For Your Barely Wall: Lovely Besta Ikea In Your Kids. Explore our range of wardrobe hanging storage, including hanging shoe storage, hanging clothes storage & more. Shop online or in-store today at IKEA. Check out the range of over doors hangers and hooks at IKEA. . tidy and easy to find at a very affordable price, our coat hangers are unsung heroes of storage. Keep your kitchenware in reach. When cabinet and drawer space is in short supply but your kitchenware and supplies arent wall storage can fill the gap. . garden, but what I actually mean is an 8 ft-by-8 ft concrete yard, attached to the back door. . For the girls who didnt like their curtains, we looked around goodvalue . IKEA is a maze of enchanting goodies and while you might be going in for . a storage system, a set of fairy lights, and a pack of vanilla-scented tea lights. It is not easy to find a desk that offers great storage, great looks, and great price all in one, unless you DIY to make it just the way you love! The Ikea Alex and. 12 . 2018 . The clever DIY is actually nothing more than a Veddinge kitchen cabinet door front jazzed up with molding (the lip keeps the shoes in place). 15 . 2018 . I now have TONS of storage in my table with both drawers and shelves, a hidden place for my trash can (its behind a little door on the side),. 3 . 2017 . 13 of the most iconic Ikea products of all time . of time over the last three decades since Ikea launched in the UK on 1st . From fire extinguishers and blankets to door stoppers, corner bumpers and window/drawer/cabinet catches, . MORE: The chandelier that transforms your room into an enchanted forest.

Items 1 34 of 34 Kmart has the best selection of DORMAN Storage & Organization in stock. . DORMAN OVER THE DOOR HOOK SATIN NICKEL $8.99. Kmart has a great selection of closet accessory storage & organizers. Find affordable closet accessory organizers from your favorite brands at Kmart. Visit Kmart today to find a great selection of storage solutions. Shop online for quick delivery with 28 days return or click to collect in store. 24 . 2018 . Rustic Holder Cubby And Storage Entryway Kmart Diy Seat . the most transformation with a stylish staircase in wood and steel at its heart. 27 . 2018 . Storage For Diy Entryway Ideas Front Racks Closetmaid Target . Color is brought in using dcor wall art and accessories while . closetmaid kmart shelves hanging entryway holder door target racks doors closet for cabinet plastic organizers shelving Licious 26 Inch Backless Swivel Counter Stools. 27 . 2018 . Shelves Plastic Shelving Closetmaid Entryway Door Holder Diy . the form of a classic residence that is all too common in this part of California. . argos shoe shelving holder organizer closet kmart plastic storage entryway door hanging doors canvas cabinet ideas Licious Rustic Wood And Metal Stools. Ugaaxo.com Page 93 Licious Ikea Over toilet Storage 99 Fair Flashlight Lantern . September 21st 2018 21:03:39 PM Bathroom Door Storage Beautiful S S. 6 Under Boxes Kmart Trucks Short Storage Flatbed Plane Bed Enchanting . Likable Delightful Inspiring Astonishing In Fascinating Cool. . Licious Wall Gas Fireplace Designs . Excellent Space Saving Closet Door Ideas. 7 . 2018 . Kmart Bookshelves Hgtv Rustic Diy Shelves Metal Design Shelving Ladder Bookcases Ideas . Astounding Tier Wheels On Amusing Winsome Delightful Storage Delectable Glamorous . bookcase target licious bookshelf shelving shelves rustic hgtv ladder design Marvelous Barn Door Style Patio Doors.

Shop for over door storage online at Target. Free shipping & returns and save 5% every day with your Target REDcard. Shop for bathroom over door storage online at Target. Free shipping & returns and save 5% every day with your Target REDcard. Shop for over door pocket organizer online at Target. Free shipping & returns and save 5% every day with your Target REDcard. Products 97 144 of 270 Household Essentials® 12-Pair Over-the-Door Shoe Rack. Add to Idea Board. Quickview. $41.99 Each. Household Essentials. Explore Ask a Clean Persons board Shoe Storage Solutions on Pinterest. . I am going to put this matching shelf, also form Target, next to the lofted bed, and I claimed this random nook behind the bedroom door for my accessories. . Turn your boring attic room into these beautiful, cozy, and genius attic room design. Explore DawnMaries board Storage TARGET Bins -Favs on Pinterest. See more ideas . Lynk Vela Over Door Shoe Shelves Shoe Rack Shelf White. 23 . 2017 . Nov 8, 2018- Shop the coolest stuff everyones finding at Target. . The Way Basics Cozy Modular Storage Bench is a functional Storage Bench with Slatted Doors White Threshold Bedroom Loft, Bedroom Decor, Home. Store and organize up to 9 baseball caps or visors over-the-door or on a wall Hat Rack Cap Organizer Hat Hanger with Metal Clip Multipurpose Door . and under-the-door hooks as well as a metal adjustment buckle to ensure a snug fit. She admits the doors to that little terrace outside her study were open throughout the . Aurelie sat on a wicker couch with loose, faded floral cushions and Nick joined her there . Its furnished, Sarah, so I may leave my stuff in storage when it finally gets here. . Im not comfortable with you moving into that place, Nick said.

See more ideas about Organization ideas, Organizers and Bathroom Organization. . Hang an over-door shoe rack in the bathroom to add extra storage space for your makeup, hair tools, . Pretty Scrap Storage: Hook and Hang Storage. Feb 20, 2018- Over the Door Storage is an easy way to maximize space. Learn how to use . in February 2017. See more ideas about Closet storage systems, Door storage and Door crafts. . Look at all those pretty flowers. Easy to see, easy. See more ideas about Organizers, Door storage and Closet Storage. . Shoe Rack Storage Organizer Holder Hook Folding Hanging on Door Closet Hot selling. diy storage hooks over door organizing, closet, diy, organizing, storage ideas diy custom drawer organizers using hot glue, diy, organizing, Bows always. 17 . 2017 . DIY: Above the door storage Thinking I will do this in Keeleis room for Hang Hot Tools on Command Hooks 25 DIY Beauty Hacks Every. A huge round up of the best storage ideas and solutions for small homes and . Hang Hot Tools on Command Hooks 25 DIY Beauty Hacks Every Girl Should. 6 . 2018 . DIY closet organizing systems are expensive. . Hooks on the inside of your closet door will offer space for your entire . I Heat Organizing. 4 . 2017 . Then, wrap it in a pretty, patterned paper and attach a label to the front. . Hang this shoe organizer over your door and stuff all miscellaneous. 26 . 2017 . I sure could have used this idea back in the days when my daughter was a baby! . Heres a storage system simply hangs over a closet door.

Buy Cabidor Classic Storage Cabinet: Office Products Amazon.com FREE . Whitmor Over The Door Rack-36 Fold Up Non Slip Bars Shoe Rack, 36. Neu Home Over the Door 6-Basket Hanging Storage Unit with Hooks 4.3 out of 5 stars 819 . rack in place. Features a classic white finish to match any space. Simple, immediate and affordable storage solution, deluxe C4018 that features a full length exterior mirror; Installs easily in minutes and is mounted via door. Honey Can Do 24-Pocket Over-the-Door Shoe Rack, White. Price. $9.99. Was $11.39. Save $1. Seville Classics UltraZinc Expandable Closet Organizer System. Price. $114.99. Product Title Neu Home Over -Door 4 Basket Unit. Average. DIRECT ONLINE HOUSEWARE 4-Tier Over Door Hanging Rack/Shelves for Pantry or Over Door White Shoe Rack Organiser 36 Pair Storage Unit 12 Tier. Cabidor Behind Door Storage Classic-White . Use Behind Door Storage to maximize organization in your bathroom or pantry without damaging doors or walls. The Cabidor Classic is an award winning storage cabinet that mounts off of the hinges of your door within . Best Overall: Seville Classics 3-Tier Mesh Utility Shoe Rack at Amazon. Customizable . Best Over-the-Door: Misslo Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer at Amazon. Mesh pockets . Best Shoe Cabinet: Zipcode 12-Pair Wood Cabinet at Wayfair. CONNEXITY. Richards Homewares Soho Over the Door 4 Hook Rack 12708 . LINKSHARE. Elegant Home Fashions 5-Hook Over-the-Door Storage Unit, Amber Acrylic Richards Homewares Classic Over the Door 3 Hook Rack 12304.

3 . 2018 . Jan 26, 2018- Pantry door and the tile on the floor. . Most cooks appreciate every scrap of storage space allotted to their kitchen, big or small. Mar 29, 2018- This Pin was discovered by Jennifer Simpson. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest. on orders over $25or get FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime . Kitchen and pantry storage organizer for tiled walls, doors, cabinets and more. Cabinet Door Organizer is perfect for storing and organizing dinner plates, cereal bowls and coffee mugs in kitchen cabinets or counter space in an unused. 28 . 2018 . To store cutting boards, mount a rack on a cabinet door. . The back of a door that opens into a utility room or closet makes a handy hanging. Here are several tips to improve the storage space in your kitchen pantry for canned goods, rolls of . on . 26 . 2018 . Jars of ingredients on wooden shelves of your pantry door is an opportunity for more precious storage space. Try tile for easy cleaning. Results 1 60 of 1319 Free Shipping on orders over $45 at Overstock.com Your Online . Windsor Home Over the Door Closet / Pantry Organizer with Six. Product Image. Honey Can Do 60 2-Door Closet Storage with Shoe Storage, Khaki/. Price ClosetMaid Over-The-Door Basket Organizer, White. Price. $36.46.

10 . 2014 . Check out these products and ideas for inspiration. TOP ROW: 1. Over the door purse hanging rack, Ebay, $15.99 for two. 2. Bathroom cabinet. Hang an over-door shoe rack in the bathroom to add extra storage space for your Bathroom Design Inspiration, Pictures, Remodels and Decor 30 Brilliant. Feel less stressed and also more efficient in an office that you like mosting likely to operate in. Get inspired with our ideal office organization ideas. We have. 24 . 2018 . Struggling to find space to store all your stuff? Use your doors! Check out these 12 brilliant over the door storage ideas for plenty of inspiration. 28 . 2018 . To store cutting boards, mount a rack on a cabinet door. Use a sheet of 1/4-in.-thick acrylic plastic; plywood would also work. You can cut acrylic. Buy ClosetMaid 1233 Adjustable 8-Tier Wall and Door Rack, 77-Inch Height X 18-Inch Wide: Storage Racks Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on. 8 . 2018 . These storage ideas and solutions are designed to organize and streamline the messiest . Get the tutorial at Inspired By Charm . When hung on the back of your cabinet door, the same organizer most people use to store. You can even dry your clothes on a dorm drying rack over your dorm door! Also, shoe pockets for college dorms and other dorm shelves can hang on the inside. Here, a small pegboard holds scissors and other storage containers, with hooks for a tote and slots for . An over-the-door hook offers a spot for hanging a complete outfit. . Here, pretty pushpins display earrings and wardrobe inspiration.

Watch The Door in the Floor starring Jeff Bridges in this Drama on DIRECTV. Its available to watch on TV, online, tablets, phone. Jon Foster in The Door in the Floor (2004) Mimi Rogers and Jeff Bridges in The Door in Explore popular comedy titles available to stream with Prime Video. The Door in the Floor Full Movie. The Door in the Floor Full Movie. Loading. Unsubscribe from The Door in . The Door In The Floor is tragic, funny, stinging and poignant all at once, and true to (extremely well played by Dakota Fannings younger sister, adorable Elle),. Delightful panda doorstop will look adorable propping open any door. . to hold my door open, and it has nothing on the bottom to help it to grip to the floor. Delightful panda doorstop will look adorable propping open any door; Also . Door Stopper/Doorstop Holder Hand Carved in a Animal Shape Floor Blocker . Custom Door MatAnimal Decor Farmhouse Warehouse Big Adorable Baby Goat Sheep Milk . Recommended for hard surface floors and low pile carpet. A Very Cute Idea to make your Garage Door entry adorable! Garage Before and after garage floor using Quickcrete garage floor epoxy kit. Rebeka Stream. This adorable Red River cabin has a fabulous location along the Red River and o. . The Red River is right out the back door and the open floor plan with vaulted ceilings making it a sunny, airy Deer also roamed freely along the stream.

Agilenano - News from Agilenano from shopsnetwork (4 sites) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Agilenano-News/~3/5LokOmoj3r4/inspiration-over-the-door-storage

[arplis]

Arplis - News: Big Space Electric Outdoor Lights

Designer OUTDOOR LIGHTING from international manufacturers ✓ detailled info ✓ high-resolution images ✓ CADs ✓ catalogues ✓ find your nearest Shop through a wide selection of Outdoor lighting at Amazon.com. . Flameless LED Tea Light for Seasonal & Festival Celebration, Pack of 12, Electric Fake . 217 results‏ – Design House LED Double Round Wall Washer – Grey. Outdoor Lights · Design House LED Double Round Wall Washer – Grey. Select nearest store. 04‏/12‏/2018 – archaikomely 4 person tent nz . Pick Up Halo Ring Light · Fascinating Best Outdoor Electric Grill · Dream Camo Wedding Rings · Superb Large . all luminara tea lights video · appealing outside corner moulding for tile · australia australia butterball electric turkey fryer cord · archaikomely faux rock well . 05‏/12‏/2018 – Find great deals on eBay for 24V Ride On in Electric and Battery Powered . Children’s Electric Jeep Pickup – Black At Outdoor Toys – The UK’s . 04‏/12‏/2018 – A LED lamp or LED light bulb is an electric light for use in light fixtures that . an outdoor driver for street light, an indoor . . of bulbs available. 04‏/12‏/2018 – Aug 17, 2018 – The Best Outdoor Fire Pits. Landmann 26364 23-1/2-Inch Savannah Garden Light Fire Pit. Outland Firebowl 823 Outdoor . 28‏/11‏/2018 – Salon Sundry Portable Electric Hot Paraffin Wax Warmer Spa Bath. . Buy Electric Cigar Humidor & Cooler: Humidors – Amazon.com 100 Cigar Glass Top Humidor with Tray and Gold Frame External Digital . Archaikomely Arch Wall Decor . Modern Propane Infrared Heater · Beautiful Fan Light Covers . Fascinating Vintage Hanging Gas Lanterns for Front Door Decor. Here are outdoor lighting ideas for your yard to help you create the perfect nighttime . electric porch lights which look like gas lanterns Outdoor Gas Lighting, Quaint and Old Fashioned, Top Tips and where the . Items 200 – 400‏ – electric porch lights which look like gas lanterns Outdoor GreatRoom Company Portable Legacy French Colonial Propane . 09‏/12‏/2018 – Brilliant Lighting & Electrical Wholesaler is a One Stop Solution to meet . wall lamp hack. . mommo design: PLAY WITH STRING LIGHTS Kids Decor . Sensitive eyes of young children should be especially well protected against glare. . Gas Grill · Delicious School Locker Shelves · All Outside Light Timer . 08‏/12‏/2018 – 2 thg 4, 2018 – Check out our indoor and outdoor propane heater reviews here! . to get a propane gas heater or something else, take all the benefits of using propane into . Both are powered by both electricity and propane (rarely, natural gas). . Foxy Solar Fairy House · Cute Remote Control String Lights . 19‏/02‏/2018 – Kitchen remodeling; each year millions of homeowners do it. Are you looking to become one of those homeowners? Whether you are looking to . Light, 3ily carried; black fibre; satin brass trimmed. rite for catalog; Air Guns, . ex- haust, centrifugal water pump, Bosch magneto, non-denting gas tank, etc. . to Our 206,594 Readers If you are thinking of advertising let us send you free of cost . Cam Keen as a razor shaped and tempered for outdoor service — modeled to . قبل 6 ساعات – Expressions of interest I have 5 beautiful little babies that were born last week Will be selling for 800 each Pups will come vaccinated, . We have 4 tiny tricolour miniture foxy puppies 2 males, 2 females All 4 puppies . As part of our commitment to animal welfare, we encourage you to read the . Online shopping for Lighting from a great selection of Outdoor Wall Lights, Solar Lights, . Solar Lights Outdoor, HETP 46 LED Solar Motion Sensor Security Lights Waterproof Wireless Solar Powered What types of outdoor lighting are there? . whereas wattage refers to the amount of electric power a light consumes. Items 1 – 50 of 186‏ – Buy Electric Outdoor lighting at Argos.co.uk, visit Argos.co.uk to shop online for Home and garden. 27‏/06‏/2018 – In reality, you probably need to combine a few types of lighting to . For a reliable source of outdoor light, it’s best to go with a fixed electrical . Electric UK Plug In Silver Copper Micro Wire 100 LED String Fairy Lights Party . LED String Lights Condition: 100% brand new Type: LED String Fairy Light with . At Lighting Direct we stock a comprehensive range of outdoor lights from the practical to the decorative you will find what you are looking for. Outdoor lights are some of the best items you can buy for the outside of your home and the reasons for that are numerous. This type of lighting manages to . Our outdoor lights work come rain or shine. If you’re looking for festive favourites for your garden, then outdoor Christmas lights are the way to go. String lights . Our mains garden lights mean guaranteed light night after night. Our garden lights range includes everything from the more functional outdoor wall lights to . Add solar outside lights to your hanging baskets or as a tranquil glow to decking and patio areas – free from electrical wires and batteries, they require little . Add style and security to your home with new outdoor lighting and fixtures from The Home Depot. Shop our selection of decorative exterior lights, landscape . From outdoor flood lights and bathroom sconces to ceiling lights and crystal . can also bring the fresh feel of the garden indoors with the addition of grow lights. Shop our selection of String Lights in the Lighting Department at The Home Depot. . 12-Light Filament LED String Light. $3998 . Commercial Electric 18 ft. Products 1 – 48 of 51‏ – Shop our selection of Outdoor Lighting and Lighting Savings . Globe Electric 300 Watt Twin Lamp Motion Sensored Outdoor Security Light Fixture, White Fresh! Luminous Outdoor Wine Bucket With Wireless LED Light. Complement a homes interior or exterior areas with luxurious 3-Way Stream Collection indoor and outdoor lights. Make your property shine with modern design . Light Bulb Type. LED Light Bulbs . String Lights · Landscape Lights. Landscape Lights . Product Title19-Foot Long Electric Light String Set With 20 G40 B 03‏/03‏/2019 – Shop post lighting in the outdoor lighting section of Lowes.com. . Gama Sonic Baytown 18-in H Black Solar LED Post Light . who needs (or just wants) a new/fresh look for their home at a reasonable price ! . I also installed a post light sensor and post light electrical outlet which are not available options. They brighten patio, deck, terrace and pool areas with 20 LED lights that safely . The lighting shell has simulated water droplets like a fresh rain, and its and money-saving alternative to outdoor electric or gas-powered outdoor lighting. . Amazon Fresh, Amazon Warehouse, Appliances, Apps & Games, Arts, Crafts & . 1-24 of 682 results for Tools & Home Improvement : Lighting & Ceiling Fans Direct Wired Electric Feiss OL5401BK Cotswold Lane Outdoor Patio Lighting Wall Lantern, Hinkley 2574AR-LED Transitional One Light Wall Mount from . Items 1 – 50 of 186‏ – Buy Electric Outdoor lighting at Argos.co.uk, visit Argos.co.uk to shop online for Home and garden. Outdoor Lighting and exterior garden lighting. Get it today at Argos. Same day delivery £3.95, or fast store collection. Products 1 – 30 of 1371‏ – Get set for outdoor light at Argos. Same Day delivery 7 days a week £3.95, or fast store collection. Products 1 – 20 of 20‏ – Get set for wireless outdoor lighting at Argos. Same Day delivery 7 days a week £3.95, or fast store collection. Products 1 – 30 of 141‏ – Get set for led outdoor lighting at Argos. Same Day delivery 7 days a week £3.95, or fast store collection. 12‏/01‏/2019 – Fabulous bedroom designs bedroom lights argos bedroom lights argos . for a wide range of Lighting at the Argos Home and garden shop. Thursday, August 27 income producer; 2 bedrooms; 100 AMP electrical service . certain, the followed suit, but the instigator deserves less sympathetic treatment . Find the best SAD lamps that can make a real difference to Seasonal Affective . Electric showers · Electric toothbrushes · Electric shavers · Beard trimmers . These blue light receptors may regulate the sympathetic nervous system and thus . SAD lamps are on sale on the high street from retailers including Boots, Argos, . 14‏/12‏/2004 – Sarah Silverwood Buyer in the electricals area . -Outdoor action sport In the light of all the evidence, Argos submitted that the OFT has not proved an agreement Argos was sympathetic to Hasbro’s pricing and listings. 21‏/11‏/2003 – Hasbro, Argos and Littlewoods have entered into an overall reconsidered and evaluated in the light of the three new statements from . considered the extent to which electronic games fall within the same Outdoor action sport Argos was sympathetic to both initiatives and was actively involved in. Bevolo is the leader in creating beautiful, sustainable, handcrafted fixtures, when it comes to outdoor lighting. You?ll notice our sensational lights when browsing . Hand-crafting copper electric and gas lighting since 1945. Our French Quarter gas lanterns are seen all over New Orleans, and can now be shipped. Improve your home or commercial space with copper outdoor lighting fixtures. Offering both gas and electric options, Bevolo’s handmade fixtures last for . All Lighting. Governor® · Stainless Steel Lights . Industrial Lighting · Pool House Lanterns . Bevolo lights have appeared in over 90 movies. JOIN OUR LIST. Shop Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights’s high-end lighting, wall lighting and pendants at Dering Hall. . Gorgeous Gold & Brass Chandeliers. Shop Now; Orb shaped . Buy products related to modern outdoor lights and see what customers say about . Globe Electric Bowery 1-Light Outdoor Indoor Wall Sconce, Matte Black, . Buy products related to modern exterior light fixtures and see what customers . Globe Electric Bowery 1-Light Outdoor Indoor Wall Sconce, Matte Black, Clear . Buy products related to modern exterior lights and see what customers say about . Globe Electric Bowery 1-Light Outdoor Indoor Wall Sconce, Matte Black, . Buy products related to modern outdoor light products and see what customers . Globe Electric Bowery 1-Light Outdoor Indoor Wall Sconce, Matte Black, Clear . Outdoor Wall Light in D Shape with Aluminum Modern Wall Sconce Black Water Proof Wall Mount Light Suitable for Garden & Patio XiNBEi-Lighting XB-W1112- . Outdoor Wall Light in D Shape with Aluminum Modern Wall Sconce Black Water Proof Wall Mount Light Suitable for Garden & Patio XiNBEi-Lighting XB-W1112- . Buy products related to modern outdoor wall lights and see what customers say about . Globe Electric Bowery 1-Light Outdoor Indoor Wall Sconce, Matte Black, . Outdoor Wall Light in D Shape with Aluminum Modern Wall Sconce Black Water Proof Wall Mount Light Suitable for Garden & Patio XiNBEi-Lighting XB-W1112- . Buy products related to modern exterior light products and see what customers . Globe Electric Bowery 1-Light Outdoor Indoor Wall Sconce, Matte Black, Clear . Lights4fun, Inc. Wooden Battery Operated LED Indoor Flameless Candle Lantern . Black Electric 15.5″ Flickering LED Electric Lantern – Christmas Lanterns, . Products 1 – 40 of 56‏ – Shop for Winsome House Outdoor Lighting Solar Lights in Outdoor Lighting. Buy products such as Starry Night Solar Light Lantern, Solar . 25‏/06‏/2018 – Warm up a walkway or cozy garden area with the Winsome House WHSL282 Outdoor Offset Lantern Solar Garden Stake, which boasts a . Add a touch of charm to any décor with our stylish and functional lighting from Winsome Set of 2 Classical Hanging Solar Lanterns with Shepherd’s Hooks. You’ll love the Solar Lantern Garden Stake LED Pathway Light at Wayfair . Light up your home inside and out with Winsome House’s decorative products. About Winsome House. Light up your home inside and out with Winsome House’s decorative products. Whether battery operated, or solar powered their . Items 1 – 27 of 27‏ – Winsome House Set of 2 Decorative Leaves Design Hanging Solar Lights with Shepherd’s hook SEE PRODUCT DIMENSIONS. Shop our best selection of Winsome House Outdoor Hanging Lights to reflect your style and inspire your home. Find lighting you love at Hayneedle, where you . Winsome House 10-Light Red, Green and Blue Round LED Lantern with String Light . Recommended for indoor use or covered outdoor use, if using outdoors, do not leave outside due to moisture getting into the battery . Electrical Features. Items 800 – 1000‏ – Outdoor Black Solar LED Post Lamp – Easy to set up, no electrical wiring . Front Yard With Tall Post Light And Shrubs : Good Outdoor Post . Explore Anne Wall’s board “outdoor lamp posts” on Pinterest. . outdoor post lamp wood underground electrical line into the garden to power an outdoor light . Welcome to the Outdoor post lights Store, where you’ll find great prices on a wide range of different outdoor post lights for your home . Davinci Solar Post Lights – Outdoor Post Cap Light for Fence Deck or Patio – Solar Direct Wired Electric. Shop our selection of Post Lighting in the Lighting Department at The Home Depot. Results 1 – 48 of 1368‏ – Illuminate your outdoor spaces with post lamps and outdoor post lights. . outdoor post lights and lamp posts provide the perfect blend of . This traditional outdoor post lantern is the perfect piece to elevate your front . is the perfect energy-saving and money-saving alternative to outdoor electric or . Browse all outdoor post lights at Lamps Plus – 100’s of styles available! Free Shipping and Free Returns on lamp post light fixtures – Add style and security to . Results 1 – 24 of 193‏ – Why We Love Post Lights. There really is a great range of styles available when it comes to post lights for your outdoor landscape. 03‏/03‏/2019 – Shop post lighting in the outdoor lighting section of Lowes.com. Find quality . Kichler Barrington 17.75-in H Distressed Black And Wood Post Light. CA Residents: . Great Light at a Great Price ! . I also installed a post light sensor and post light electrical outlet which are not available options. Although I . Shop through a wide selection of Outdoor lighting at Amazon.com. . Flameless LED Tea Light for Seasonal & Festival Celebration, Pack of 12, Electric Fake . Results 1 – 48 of 13814‏ – Get the best deal for Plug In Electric Outdoor Lighting from the . Browse your favorite brands affordable prices free shipping on . Shop all outdoor lighting at Lowe’s. Find LED Flood Lights, Landscape Lighting and String Lights. We have all the outdoor light fixtures you need. . lights typically cheaper than electric lights, but they’re also relatively inexpensive to install. Shop Wayfair for the best outdoor electric table lamps. . Imagine: an affordable indoor/outdoor lighting solution that is stylish, operable in wet and damp . Free Pickup + Discount. FREE Pickup Outdoor Lighting . Landscape Lights · Lanterns . Product Title19-Foot Long Electric Light String Set With 20 G40 B Add style and security to your home with new outdoor lighting and fixtures from The Home Depot. Shop our selection of decorative exterior lights, landscape . At Lighting Direct we stock a comprehensive range of outdoor lights from the practical to the decorative you will find what you are looking for. Complete line of outdoor lighting at Lamps Plus – Entry, patio, porch lights and more. Stylish outdoor lighting fixtures – Free Shipping & Free Returns on all . Outdoor Lamps – Shop Outdoor Lamps at India’s Best Online Shopping Store. Check Price and Buy Online. ✓ Free Shipping ✓ Cash on Delivery ✓ Best Offers. Lighting & Electrical . Whether you’re looking to light up your garden with outdoor wall lights or increase your home’s security with security lights or Read more . 23‏/09‏/2018 – The solution is often an outdoor electric grill, which will not only cook . grill you choose for the outdoors will likely depending on your budget. The 8 Best Electric Grills of 2019. 01 of 08. Most Popular: Weber Q-1400 Electric Grill. 02 of 08. Best Indoor/Outdoor: George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill. 03 of 08. Best Outdoor: Char-Broil TRU Infrared Electric Patio Bistro 240. 04 of 08. Best Indoor: Zojirushi Indoor Electric Grill. 05 of 08. Best Tabletop: . Discover the best Outdoor Electric Grills in Best Sellers. Find the top 100 most popular items in Amazon STRING(nav-sa-patio-lawn-garden) Best Sellers. 04‏/01‏/2019 – The NutriChef Electric Grill Roaster Indoor and Outdoor Grilling Barbecue . over the cooking process at a price that suits almost any budget. When it comes to grilling, you have two choices: the traditional gas or charcoal grill, or an electric grill. Electric grills come in indoor and outdoor models, and . Electric grills can be used for indoor cooking and outdoor cooking as well. They are more compact than the gas grill and charcoal grill. The electric grills have the . best electric grills 2019 including best indoor electric grills & outdoor electric grills to . Char Broil 240 TRU InfraRed Electric Patio Bistro for outdoor grilling best electric grills to buy the best grills in your budget and enjoy the delicious grilled . 10‏/03‏/2019 – Best electric grills are usually for the individual that requires to jeopardize. If you cannot have an open fire or could not have the space to suit a . 1.2 Best Low Budget Outdoor Electric Grills. 1.2.1 George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill. 1.3 Best Mid Range Outdoor Electric Grills. 1.3.1 Weber . Also great. Outdoor; 200 in² · George Foreman GGR50B. Budget. Indoor / outdoor; 240 in² . Char-Broil 17602048 TRU Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill. The outdoor light level is approximately 10,000 lux on a clear day. In the building, in the area closest to windows, the light level may be reduced to approximately 1,000 lux. In the middle area its may be as low as 25 – 50 lux. Additional lighting equipment is often necessary to compensate the low levels. The outdoor light level is approximately 10000 lux on a clear day. In a building in the area closest to the windows the light level may be reduced to approximately 1000 lux. In the middle area it may be as low as 25 – 50 lux. Additional lighting is often necessary to compensate low levels. 27‏/06‏/2018 – Whether you’re looking to create a feature, enhance different areas with . It provides a good level of illumination that’s still gentle enough to . Outdoor lighting should be carefully designed with regard to placement, . Adhering to professionally recommended light levels provides adequate illumination. Contemporary outdoor fixtures look great in patios, entryways, outdoor stairwells and pathways, and other outdoor spaces that can benefit from extra illumination . Light Level or Illuminance, is the amount of light measured in a plane. The work . Measuring Units Light Level – Illuminance, Common Light Levels Outdoor. The potential for energy savings with exterior lighting is large both from a . a combination of good design elements that include appropriate lighting levels those looking for standards of care for illumination look to this organization for the . 03‏/12‏/2013 – Nighttime outdoor lighting has most often been designed for the vehicle . and their activities, and therefore the best lighting solution will also vary . masked, lowering the viewer’s adaptation level and making it possible to see details in Stanford University decided to look for two types of pedestrian . Find the highest rated products in our Outdoor Wall Lights store, and read the . up teh wall from ground level and they don’t dazzle at all and look really good. #ElectricLightOrchestraAmazon #OutdoorLampions #ElectricLightOrchestraYoutube #ElectricOutdoorGrills #OutdoorLampenLolaWeiß

Arplis - News source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/big-space-electric-outdoor-lights

[lacoeursacre]

I’ve been doing some posts on some little details I’m adding to our French period home, but I thought I’d do one on other  things to introduce some French period style to your home. Some of these projects are bigger, some small, but they’re pretty much all in the affordable range – particularly if you salvage some of these things from your local flea market, eBay, charity shops etc. So here they are…

Fingerplates And Doorknobs

        I’ve been doing loads of posts on these and, believe it or not, there are more to come. There are the brass doorknobs that where already in our home when we moved in, and are a staple of most period homes, which I’ve finished off with these uniquely French style fingerplates.

I’ve started to introduce vintage glass doorknobs, with Art Deco mirrored fingerplates. Also you can find these beautifully decorated porcelain ones, often labelled as Limogés porcelain.

Buying brass fingerplates new was very prohibitive – they worked out at about £20 for an Art Nouveau style one, or sometimes I could find two for the same amountof a style I didn’t like as much. The postal fee to France was excessive though. Buying vintage ones on the UK eBay site was eye wateringly expensive as well! However a quick look on French eBay revealed a whole different picture!

Also I’ve often found going to my local Brocante was far cheaper. I think this may be because a shop has physical space, so needs quicker turnover to pay their bills. Whereas thee are many people on eBay who sell these items just because they have them and as a result it creates a false pricing structure. So shop around and try different ways of buying them to make sure you keep costs down.

Armoire

Every French home needs a beautiful armoire – the  curved detailing and elegant shapes are gorgeous. Living in France they are relatively numerous; I’ve observed French fashions seem to go more towards the new unless it’s an antique piece.

When you buy a genuine French one it’s worth noting that they don’t tend to have a clothes rail, but shelves. Great if you want somewhere to store folded clothes, handbags etc. Not so great for dresses. It’s easily rectified by maintaining one shelf and inserting a curtain pole; though maybe not something you want to do with an expensive antique.

Alternatively you may pay more, but you can buy a purpose made Armoire in the UK, US etc. But, for me, just one of these beautiful pieces of furniture would be worth it.

Lightswitches

These are more a period house addition, not particularly French.

There are actually some Bakelite versions of dolly light switches in parts of the house that were evidently seen as unimportant; the garage, the attic, the old maid’s bedroom (really, there’s a little room in the attic that the maid of the doctor slept in years ago). I love them, but I really love brass versions.

I’ve actually found some of these using eBay and, like the fingerplates, they are a lot less expensive than new ones on the market and even less expensive than the reclaimed ones you can buy in the UK.

However as period style is more popular in the UK (and America I imagine) there are alternatives. I found these dolly switches pictured aboveon this site, they’re a reproduction of an original Art Nouveau design. I love it and even though I have some I’m seriously thinking about ordering just one for my dining room. Admittedly it’s a bit of a waste and it goes outside my attempts to make the house as Earth friendly as possible – but it’s just so gorgeous! It’s the delivery price again that’s giving me pause.

Marquise

I did say some of these suggestions were a little more expensive than others and, depending n where you live, this is definitely in that bracket.

I’ve actually just bought one from the French site leboncoin; a real bargain at 50€. It’s taking a little time to strip the old putty, paintwork and rust in order to replace the glass and ensure it’s protected from rusting further. However it’s still going to be a more expensive outlay as it will need to be put up professionally due to it’s weight.

It will be worth it though as I love these – they’re so typically French! I’d never seen glass porches before I started coming to France and I fell immediately in love with them. They let in light whilst providing protection from any inclement weather for you or your guests whilst you wait to get in the house. Perfect!

Shutter Holders

Since I made my front of the house decor plan I’ve changed my mind on some items. Shutters are really expensive – about 160€ per shutter, not a pair, a shutter. So 320€ per window. We have a lot of windows!

As the front of the house is shadier they’re not essential, so having bought a marquise I’ve made other plans (more on that later).

However lots of the ancient stone houses that still have them have these little shutter holders too. I adore them. You can get them on French eBay super easy and inexpensive – if you’re in another country though it’s going to come down to delivery again.

Baguette Bin

  A really inexpensive addition, baguette bins are awesome! They hold your baguettes and have a little draw on the bottom to get rid of the crumbs. Kind of like a toaster draw. Love them! Haven’t got me one yet, but when we start our kitchen it’s going to be on my list!

Chandelier

Did you know each design has a name? They do. Maybe that’s another post though. They’re lovely.

Catholic Statues

  One of the things I love to do is keep my out for these and collect them. Then when it’s a particular saints feast we can make a little tray display like this.

Whether you’re Catholic or not these worn, plaster devotionals are beautiful and evocative. Personally I love to have the ones that have belonged to others; it always seems to me a beautiful symbol of the eternal nature of the Church knowing that in my home is something that has probably belonged to someone who either is or are on their way to being a saint triumphant.

Decorated Plates And Soup Dishes

      Again, this is more a period touch that a particular French one. They are also inexpensive. I love hanging vintage plates on the walls, and having beautiful soup dishes displayed on shelves. I haven’t actually used any yet, the girls have been too little for them, but that may be happening in the future.

Baroque Gold Mirrors

These can be really expensive – but if you find one a little damaged on the gold plaster work you can get yourself a bargain. I have and I’ve been thinking about what to do to mend mine – if it works I promise to post my method (so subscribe to get that in your feed or inbox).

My mirror isn’t up in our new house yet, I’m patiently waiting for the right place to put it. But here’s a picture of it in the old house.

Just in case you missed it.. I've been doing some posts on some little details I'm adding to our French period home, but I thought I'd do one on other  things to introduce some French period style to your home.

[meeshes-on-tour-blog]

Envelope 4

We landed in Peru at about 9am. The flight from Rio was approx 5 hours. Getting off the plane the drop in temperature was very noticeable, about 10 degrees. There was a bit of a mix up regarding our flight time and no one was there to collect us as expected, but it was no issue, and we got an Uber to the hotel. Yes Uber is officially everywhere, and was in Rio too! We switched currency from Rials to Sols, however, the exchange rate was roughly the same, approx 4 Sols to the pound, whereas there were 4.5 Rials to the pound. The boutique hotel we stayed at was very pretty, with pink flowers on vines climbing its walls. It was a colonial Spanish style building that had been disused for 50 years before the current owner bought it. It was decorated in a very eclectic fashion, with lots of paintings, antiques, and interesting objects, such as some old-fashioned copper jelly moulds I saw hung on the walls. It had the feel of a grand old chintzy mansion, with lots of oak wood, velvet, chandeliers, silver, gold, and lots gilt picture frames. We were greeted by the very eccentric owner in suit and tie, who gave us a lot of information about Lima and the hotel in a strong American accent. He looked like an old-fashioned American movie star. He had a thick-set build, with slicked-back wavy dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and high, chiselled cheekbones. He also had the largest gold watch you have ever seen, and it was hard to take your eyes off it as he gesticulated broadly. It looked like it weighed a ton! He had a crew of men working for him who looked like the cast of The Godfather. Jules and I agreed he and his cronies had a distinct mafioso air, and wanted to know more about these mysterious mobsters.

After breakfast at a nearby cafe, I was keen to explore the historical area of the city first, so we got a cab to the famous Convento de San Francisco, or Saint Francis monastery, where over 40 San Franciscan monks still live today. We took a group tour of the monastery including descending into the crypts to see the skeletons and bones of those buried there. It was lovely and cool down there and the tunnels and rooms have survived every earthquake that has affected the area, and have never collapsed, despite parts of the monastery being destroyed. The mortar-like substance holding the bricks together apparently includes crushed eggshells, amongst other things, not something you usually consider as strong! There was the most amazing library which was just like something out of Harry Potter, with winding wooden ladders disappearing into the rafters, and large tomes gathering dust stacked to the ceiling. The books were all religious ones, no longer readable, due to the decay of time. There was absolutely no lingering allowed on the tour, and when I went to the loo, I was as good as lost trying to find the group again. The tour was our kind of tour we agreed, as the tour guide pretty much sprinted around the monastery and we struggled to keep up at times. We joked that Mr Bob Barnes and Mrs Graz Gallagher would have had something to say about the speed of the tour, as they like to be very thorough when they sightsee, and this was more of a McDonald’s Drive-Thru experience.

After buying a few postcards for parents and a small woolly llama for our own collection of objects at home, we did a bit of present buying for friends and family. Inside a little arcade just by the monastery we tried out our haggling skills, but the female vendors were just so nice it made it very hard to be at all hard-nosed, and we gave up and just paid what they asked without any bad feelings. We then moved on to an art gallery where I handed the girl in the cloakroom the underwire of one of my bra cups as we checked our bags in, which had embarrassingly dislodged itself. The funny side of the situation translated well despite neither of us speaking the language of the other, thanks to the universal symbol of The Brassiere. She found it very amusing, as did we! After the museum and looking at some ancient Peruvian artefacts dating back to as long ago as 200 A.D. (!!!), we went in search of the Cathedral of Lima and the Government Palace. Sadly all the roads around these buildings were closed off and armed guards were policing the area. We couldn't work out why. Sadly we therefore only managed to look at these buildings from afar, walking around the edges of the Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas. They were vast and impressive buildings though, even from a distance, and the Spanish influence was clear to see. We also enjoyed the colourful buildings, and the flowers and trees lining the boulevards leading to the main square. Local people relaxed on benches, and it was a great spot for people-watching. The lovely thing about Peru is although there are lots of people trying to sell you things, they are all so friendly and gentle, making it a really pleasant experience. You can browse without buying and stop for a chat hassle-free.

After a cultured morning we set off for lunch, salivating at the prospect, having read at length on the plane about Lima as an up and coming, and very worthy, gastronomic destination. It is the home of ceviche, which we were extremely excited about! Lima is reportedly more trendy now than Rio and Buenos Aires, and travellers are stopping by much more frequently, and for longer, than they once did. Lima has shaken it’s dangerous reputation of times gone by, and we certainly found it to be a very safe place, full of very kind, generous people, and we didn’t feel worried at any point as we explored the city, both day and night. We decided to go for lunch at La Mar cevicheria, owned by Gaston Acurio a Peruvian celebrity TV chef, after our historical sightseeing. It was rumoured to be one of the best lunch spots in Lima for ceviche, and fully lived up to its name. There were lots of wealthy Peruvian families there, as well as some tourists like us, and we had to queue for a table due to its popularity. We had our first Pisco sour here, a traditional Peruvian drink made from Pisco, egg white, lemon juice and angostura bitters, which is absolutely delicious. We massively over-ordered on the food, and were totally stuffed by the time we left, and had to ask for a doggy bag.

Doggy bag in hand we went back to our hotel for a cat nap and a shower, and then decided to head out for the evening in our local area of Barranco. We decided Barranco is the Shoreditch of London. It has lots of small, independent cafes and bars, and some more traditional, but quirky places. If you’ve been to South America you can picture the peeling colours of the buildings, bright blue, yellow, and red, with beautiful wooden doors and shutters, and ornate metal gates. So many of the buildings look disused and dilapidated, but this gives them a charm and beauty that it’s hard to describe. The streets of Lima feel relaxed and very safe, and we were not warned about walking around the city at night, like we were in Rio. We noticed that despite Peru being a much less affluent nation than the UK, its streets are kept incredibly clean, as are its public bathrooms, many of which are spotless! It made me ashamed to be British thinking of London’s comparatively filthy streets and disgusting public toilets.

We walked down to the main square where a group of local boys were breakdancing to music. Jules enjoyed seeing that such a b-boy scene exists, and we were both impressed by their moves, as was the gathered crowd around them. The palm trees and church buildings in the square were lit up by the street lamps, and there was definitely a Mediterranean feel to the place. After our enormous lunch we agreed we did not need any dinner, so enjoyed going to a couple of bars before hearing back to the hotel. The first was a traditional Bodega. It had extremely high ceilings and all the panelling was dark wood, with only a handful of small round tables to sit out. We squeezed into a corner and ordered a couple more Pisco sours. We decided we needed to explore some more and wandered on, eventually stopping at a cute, more modern bar, for our third and final Pisco sour of the day. We both decided that the adjective for being drunk on these tasty liquid treats, was Pisscoed.

Rising with slightly fuzzy heads, we decided a slower start to the day, and breakfast in bed, was in order. Breakfast was served on large round silver trays with silver tea pots. We then went to look around Mario Testino’s gallery MATE, which showcased many photos of models and celebrities he has photographed over his career. Testino is Peruvian, from Lima, and surely one of Peru’s most notable living people. The gallery includes an exhibition dedicated to Princess Diana’s infamous photo shoot with Testino, which was sadly, and unbeknownst to them both, to be her last. The gallery also displays some of his amazing photos of people from the Cusco region wearing their traditional, festive dress. These clothes are incredibly colourful, vibrant and ornate, covered in beads and embellishments, and made for some truly incredible photos. This was Jules’s favourite part of the exhibition, whereas I loved looking at all the crazy celebs! Testino’s signature style must be the “artificial moment”, where the image looks as if he has just stumbled into the most glamorous and outrageous party. The extraordinary vitality, scandal, sensuality, and humour of his photos, is always captivating. I liked Testino’s quote: “My favourite words are possibilities, opportunities, and curiosity. I think if you are curious, you create opportunities, and then if you open the doors, you create possibilities”.

After this very interesting gallery, we decided it must be time to eat more food. We therefore tracked down Canta Ranita, a tiny outdoor restaurant, with the feel of a pop up or street food market stall. It was totally rammed with young Peruvian hipsters, and was clearly a trendy place to be. We had to queue for a while, but watching the good-looking owner running around in the hot sun, now and again pausing to wipe his beading brow with a tanned forearm, eased the hunger pangs slightly. The menu was very select with only a handful of dishes, so we asked for the waiter’s recommendations, had no idea what he said or was pointing to, and just said “si”. Our faith in the place paid off and we enjoyed an incredible take on a traditional Peruvian dish called causa, which is a tower of avocado, shrimp, mashed potato, and mayonnaise-y deliciousness, and the most amazing ceviche we have had to date on our travels, and probably ever! This came with THE tastiest barbecued octopus, and a lime bisque so divine I drank it from the plate. It was one of the meals where you experience sadness immediately following the last bite, as you know it will be a long time before encountering something so good again. However, Jules and I decided this culinary triumph would not dissuade us from at least trying!

Feeling very gluttonous we decided we needed a bit of physical activity to energise, and help us deal with our end of meal bereavement. Also, we had dinner already booked for us by Blind Experiences at Astrid y Gaston, also owned by Mr Gaston Acurio, we therefore decided to walk along the coastline all the way to Parque del Amor. It was a lovely, long stroll, and by the end our feet were aching, so we took a taxi back to the hotel to refresh. We downed a couple of Pisco sours in the hotel bar, and then headed to the restaurant. It was a very swanky establishment, the kind where someone places your napkin on your lap like a sacred ritual, and someone pulls your chair out for you, and a different person pushes it back in! All very nice, but a bit wanky nonetheless. We both shared that we preferred the informality and buzz of Canta Ranita, as opposed to the more formal fine-dining thing, but such contrasting experiences are always interesting. The decor is beautiful and contemporary though, with a large open kitchen showing the talented chefs hard at work, and the service is exceptional. Actually all the service in Peru is exceptional and so friendly, another not proud to be British moment. The 15 course tasting menu sounded a little ambitious, and we had to confess to the waiters we were not that hungry. It was clearly time to try guinea pig though, although I was a bit reluctant, but it is a typical Peruvian cuisine, and had to be done. It did not disappoint, and was absolutely delicious, however, it did feel quite strange eating something you consider to be a pet. I thought of my childhood guinea pig Flory (RIP), and was grateful she didn’t end her days on a dinner plate. The waiter was excited to spot our fourth envelope and it’s red wax seal, ready and waiting on the table to be opened during our dinner at 8pm. We opened it up and discovered our journey was to take us to Cuzco, Peru, a UNESCO world heritage site, and origins of the Inca Empire. The waiter approved and confirmed we would have a really interesting time. We were really excited! The journey home was a blur after more Pissed-co sours and bubbly, and a video Jules posted on our Instagram against my will, in which I refer to my “alcohol problem” and going to “the water shop”.

We had a lazy morning the next day with more breakfast in bed, packing, and the eccentric owner saw us off in a taxi to Lima international airport. I though he looked a bit sad as he lingered on the pavement waving as we pulled away. Maybe he doesn’t like goodbyes Jules suggested. I agreed it seemed that way, but mused he is probably not in the right job if so. There is some seriously bad traffic in Lima, and lots of pollution, and as we crawled towards the airport at a snail’s pace, my increasing need to wee made the journey pretty stressful. When we finally arrived, it was a huge relief in every way possible. Our flight to Cuzco was delayed, and there seemed to be a hundred flights to the same destination. The airport was pandemonium as the gates kept being changed and everyone stampeded to the newly announced gate, only to be told that the old gate was now the new gate. It was pretty funny. Eventually we boarded and were up, up, and away to Cuzco!....

[trendingnewsb]

How Trump walked into Putins web

The long read: The inside story of how a former British spy was hired to investigate Russias influence on Trump and uncovered explosive evidence that Moscow had been cultivating Trump for years

Moscow, summer 1991. Mikhail Gorbachev is in power. Official relations with the west have softened, but the KGB still assumes all western embassy workers are spooks. The KGB agents assigned to them are easy to spot. They have a method. Sometimes they pursue targets on foot, sometimes in cars. The officers charged with keeping tabs on western diplomats are never subtle.

One of their specialities is breaking into Moscow apartments. The owners are always away, of course. The KGB leave a series of clues stolen shoes, womens tights knotted together, cigarette butts stomped out and left demonstratively on the floor. Or a surprise turd in the toilet, waiting in grim ambush. The message, crudely put, is this: we are the masters here! We can do what the fuck we please!

Back then, the KGB kept watch on all foreigners, especially American and British ones. The UK mission in Moscow was under close observation. The British embassy was a magnificent mansion built in the 1890s by a rich sugar merchant, on the south bank of the Moskva river. It looked directly across to the Kremlin. The view was dreamy: a grand palace, golden church domes and medieval spires topped with revolutionary red stars.

One of those the KGB routinely surveilled was a 27-year-old diplomat, newly married to his wife, Laura, on his first foreign posting, and working as a second secretary in the chancery division. In this case, their suspicions were right.

The diplomat was a British intelligence officer. His workplace was a grand affair: chandeliers, mahogany-panelled reception rooms, gilt-framed portraits of the Queen and other royals hanging from the walls. His desk was in the embassy library, surrounded by ancient books. The young officers true employer was an invisible entity back in London SIS, the Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6.

His name was Christopher Steele. Years later, he would be commissioned to undertake an astonishing secret investigation. It was an explosive assignment: to uncover the Kremlins innermost secrets with relation to Donald Trump. Steeles findings, and the resulting dossier, would shake the American intelligence community and cause a political earthquake not seen since the dark days of Richard Nixon and Watergate.

Steele had arrived in Moscow via the usual establishment route for upwardly mobile British spies: the University of Cambridge. Cambridge had produced some of MI6s most talented cold war officials. A few of them, it turned out to great embarrassment had secret second jobs with the KGB. The joke inside MI6 was that only those who had never visited the Soviet Union would wish to defect.

Steele had studied social and political sciences at Girton College. His views were centre-left; he and his elder sister were the first members of his family to go to university. (Steeles paternal grandfather was a coal miner from Pontypridd in south Wales; his great-uncle died in a pit accident.) Steele wrote for the student newspaper, Varsity. He became president of the Cambridge Union, a debating society dominated by well-heeled and well-connected young men and women.

Its unclear who recruited Steele. Traditionally, certain Cambridge tutors were rumoured to identify promising MI6 candidates. Whatever the route, Steeles timing was good. After three years at MI6, he was sent to the Soviet Union in April 1990, soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the communist bloc across eastern Europe.

It was a tumultuous time. Seventy years after the Bolshevik revolution, the red empire was crumbling. The Baltic states had revolted against Soviet power; their own national authorities were governing in parallel with Moscow. In June 1991, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic elected a democratic president, Boris Yeltsin. Food shortages were not uncommon.

There was still much to enjoy. Like other expatriates, the Steeles visited the Izmailovsky craft market, next to an imperial park where Peter the Greats father, Tsar Alexei, had established a model farm. Here you could buy lacquered boxes, patchwork quilts, furry hats and Soviet kitsch. Steele acquired samovars, carpets from central Asia, a papier-mache Stalin mask and a hand-painted Tolstoy doll set.

Much of the Soviet Union was off-limits to diplomats. Steele was the embassys internal traveller. He visited newly accessible cities. One of them was Samara, a wartime Soviet capital. There, he became the first foreigner to see Stalins underground bunker. Instead of Lenin, he found dusty portraits of Peter the Great and the imperial commander Mikhail Kutuzov proof, seemingly, that Stalin was more nationalist than Marxist. Another city was Kazan, in Tatarstan. There a local correspondent, Anatoly Andronov, took a black-and-white photo of Steele chatting with newspaper editors. At weekends, Steele took part in soccer matches with a group of expats in a Russian league. In one game, he played against the legendary Soviet Union striker Oleh Blokhin, who scored from the halfway line.

Christopher Steele in early 1991, with newspaper editors in the Tatar city of Kazan. Photograph: Anatoly Andronov

The atmosphere was optimistic. It seemed to Steele that the country was shifting markedly in the right direction. Citizens once terrified of interacting with outsiders were ready to talk. The KGB, however, found nothing to celebrate in the USSRs tilt towards freedom and reform. In August 1991, seven apparatchiks staged a coup while Gorbachev was vacationing in Crimea. Most of the British embassy was away. Steele was home at his second-floor apartment in Gruzinsky Pereulok. He left the apartment block and walked for 10 minutes into town. Crowds had gathered outside the White House, the seat of government; thus far the army hadnt moved against them.

From 50 yards away, Steele watched as a snowy-haired man in a suit climbed on a tank and reading from notes brushed by the wind denounced the coup as cynical and illegal. This was a defiant Yeltsin. Steele listened as Yeltsin urged a general strike and, fist clenched, told his supporters to remain strong.

The coup failed, and a weakened Gorbachev survived. The putschists the leading group in all the main Soviet state and party institutions were arrested. In the west, and in the US in particular, many concluded that Washington had won the cold war, and that, after decades of ideological struggle, liberal democracy had triumphed.

Steele knew better. Three days after the coup, surveillance on him resumed. His MI6 colleagues in Hungary and Czechoslovakia reported that after revolutions there the secret police vanished, never to come back. But here were the same KGB guys, with the same familiar faces. They went back to their old routines of bugging, break-ins and harassment.

The regime changed. The system didnt.

By the time Steele left Moscow in April 1993, the Soviet Union had gone. A new country, led by Yeltsin, had replaced it: the Russian Federation. The KGB had been dissolved, but its officers hadnt exactly disappeared. They still loathed the US and were merely biding their time.

One mid-ranking former KGB spy who was unhappy about this state of affairs was Vladimir Putin. Putin had been posted to Dresden in provincial East Germany in the mid-80s, and had missed perestroika and glasnost, Gorbachevs reformist ideas. He had now returned to the newly renamed St Petersburg and was carving out a political career. He mourned the end of the USSR, and once called its disappearance the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century.

A post-communist spy agency, the Federal Security Service, or FSB, had taken over the KGBs main functions. Back in the UK, Steele would soon move into MI6s purpose-built new office a large, striking, postmodern pile of a building overlooking the River Thames in London. Staff called it Vauxhall Cross. This gaudy Babylonian temple was hard to miss; in 1994, the government officially acknowledged the existence of MI6 for the first time. The FSB would become its bitter adversary.

From London, Steele continued to work on the new Russia. He was ambitious, keen to succeed, and keen to be seen to succeed. He was also, perhaps, less posh than some of his upper-class peers. Steeles father, Perris, and his mother, Janet, met when they worked together at the UK Met Office. Perris was a forecaster for the armed services. The family had lived on army bases in Aden, where Steele was born, on the Shetland Islands (where he found an interest in bird-watching) and twice in Cyprus.

Steeles education had been varied. He went to a British forces school in Cyprus. He did sixth form at a college in Berkshire. He then spent a seventh or additional term at Wellington College, an elite private boarding school. There he sat the entrance exam for Cambridge.

At MI6, Steele moved in a small world of Kremlin specialists. There were conferences and seminars in university towns like Oxford; contacts to be made; migrs to be met, lunched and charmed. In 1998 he got another posting, to the British embassy in Paris. He had a family: two sons and a daughter, born in France, where Steele was officially First Secretary Financial.

At this point, his career hit a bump. In 1999, a list of MI6 officers was leaked online. Steele was one of them. He appeared as Christopher David Steele, 90 Moscow; dob 1964.

The breach wasnt Steeles fault, but it had unfortunate consequences. As an exposed British officer, he couldnt go back to Russia.

In Moscow, the spies were staging a comeback. In 1998 Putin became FSB chief, then prime minister, and in 2000, president. By 2002, when Steele left Paris, Putin had consolidated his grip. Most of Russias genuine political opposition had been wiped out, from parliament as well as from public life and the evening news. The idea that Russia might slowly turn into a democracy had proved a late-century fantasy. Rather, the USs traditional nuclear-armed adversary was moving in an authoritarian direction.

At first, George W Bush and Tony Blair viewed Putin as a respectable ally in the war against terror. But he remained an enigma. As Steele knew better than most, obtaining information from inside the presidential administration in Moscow was tough. One former member of the US National Security Council described Putin as a black box. The Brits had slightly better assets than us. We had nothing. No human intelligence, the source said. And, with the focus on fighting Islamists, Russia was downgraded on the list of US-UK intelligence priorities.

By 2006, Steele held a senior post at MI6s Russia desk in London. There were ominous signs that Putin was taking Russia in an aggressive direction. The number of hostile Russian agents in the UK grew, surpassing cold war levels. Steele tracked a new campaign of subversion and covert influence.

And then two FSB assassins put a radioactive poison into the tea of Alexander Litvinenko, a former FSB officer turned London-based dissident. It was an audacious operation, and a sign of things to come. MI6 picked Steele to investigate. One reason for this was that he wasnt emotionally involved with the case, unlike some of his colleagues who had known the victim. He quickly concluded the Russian state had staged the execution.

Alexander Litvinenko, whose poisoning in London in 2006 Christopher Steele was chosen to investigate. Photograph: Natasja Weitsz

Steeles gloomy view of Russia that under Putin it was not only domestically repressive but also internationally reckless and revisionist looked about right. Steele briefed government ministers. Some got it. Others could scarcely believe Russian spies would carry out murder and mayhem on the streets of London.

All told, Steele spent 22 years as a British intelligence officer. There were some high points he saw his years in Moscow as formative and some low ones. Two of the diplomats with whom he shared an office in the embassy library, Tim Barrow and David Manning, went on to become UK ambassadors to the EU and the US respectively.

Steele didnt quite rise to the top, in what was a highly competitive service. Espionage might sound exciting, but the salary of a civil servant was ordinary. And in 2009 he had faced a personal tragedy, when his wife died at the age of 43 after a period of illness.

That same year, Steele left MI6 and set up his own business intelligence firm, Orbis, in partnership with another former British spy, Christopher Burrows. The transition from government to the private sector wasnt easy. Steele and Burrows were pursuing the same intelligence matters as before, but without the support and peer review they had in their previous jobs. MI6s security branch would often ask an officer to go back to a source, or redraft a report, or remark: We think its interesting. Wed like to have more on this. This kept up quality and objectivity.

Steele and Burrows, by contrast, were out on their own, where success depended more on ones own wits. There was no more internal challenge. The people they had to please were corporate clients. The pay was considerably better.

The shabby environs of Orbiss office in Londons Victoria, where I first met Christopher Steele, were a long way away from Washington DC and the bitterly contested 2016 US presidential election. So how did Steele come to be commissioned to research Donald J Trump and produce his devastating dossier?

At the same moment Steele said goodbye to official spying, another figure was embarking on a new career in the crowded field of private business intelligence. His name was Glenn Simpson. He was a former journalist. Simpson was an alluring figure: a large, tall, angular, bear-like man who slotted himself easily on to a bar stool and enjoyed a beer or two. He was a good-humoured social companion who spoke in a nasal drawl. Behind small, oval glasses was a twinkling intelligence. He excelled at what he did.

Simpson had been an illustrious Wall Street Journal correspondent. Based in Washington and Brussels, he had specialised in post-Soviet murk. He didnt speak Russian or visit the Russian Federation. This was deemed too dangerous. Instead, from outside the country, he examined the dark intersection between organised crime and the Russian state.

By 2009, Simpson decided to quit journalism, at a time when the media industry was in all sorts of financial trouble. He co-founded his own commercial research and political intelligence firm, based in Washington DC. Its name was Fusion GPS. Its website gave little away. It didnt even list an address.

Simpson then met Steele. They knew some of the same FBI people and shared expertise on Russia. Fusion and Orbis began a professional partnership. The Washington- and London-based firms worked for oligarchs litigating against other oligarchs. This might involve asset tracing identifying large sums concealed behind layers of offshore companies.

Later that year, Steele embarked on a separate, sensitive new assignment that drew on his knowledge of covert Russian techniques and of football. (In Moscow he had played at full-back.) The client was the English Football Association, the FA. England was bidding to host the 2018 soccer World Cup. Its main rival was Russia. There were joint bids, too, from Spain and Portugal, and the Netherlands and Belgium. His brief was to investigate the eight other bidding nations, with a particular focus on Russia. It was rumoured that the FSB had carried out a major influence operation, ahead of a vote in Zurich by the executive committee of Fifa, soccers international governing body.

Steele discovered that Fifa corruption was global. It was a stunning conspiracy. He took the unusual step of briefing an American contact in Rome, the head of the FBIs Eurasian serious crime division. This lit the fuse, as one friend put it, and led to a probe by US federal prosecutors. And to the arrest in 2015 of seven Fifa officials, allegedly connected to $150m (114m) in kickbacks, paid on TV deals stretching from Latin America to the Caribbean. The US indicted 14 individuals.

The episode burnished Steeles reputation inside the US intelligence community and the FBI. Here was a pro, a well-connected Brit, who understood Russian espionage and its subterranean tricks. Steele was regarded as credible. Between 2014 and 2016, Steele authored more than 100 reports on Russia and Ukraine. These were written for a private client but shared widely within the US state department, and sent up to secretary of state John Kerry and assistant secretary of state Victoria Nuland, who was in charge of the US response to Putins annexation of Crimea and covert invasion of eastern Ukraine. Many of Steeles secret sources were the same people who would later supply information on Trump.

One former state department envoy during the Obama administration said he read dozens of Steeles reports. On Russia, the envoy said, Steele was as good as the CIA or anyone.

Steeles professional reputation inside US agencies would prove important the next time he discovered alarming material.

Trumps political rise in the autumn of 2015 and the early months of 2016 was swift and irresistible. The candidate was a human wrecking ball who flattened everything in his path, including the Republican partys aghast, frozen-to-the-spot establishment. Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz all were batted aside, taunted, crushed. Scandals that would have killed off a normal presidential candidate made Trump stronger. The media loved it. Increasingly, so did the voters. Might anything stop him?

In mid-2015, the Republican front-runner had been Jeb Bush, son of one US president and brother of another. But as the campaign got under way, Bush struggled. Trump dubbed the former Florida governor low-energy. During the primaries, a website funded by one of Trumps wealthy Republican critics, Paul Singer, commissioned Fusion to investigate Trump.

After Trump became the presumptive nominee in May 2016, Singers involvement ended and senior Democrats seeking to elect Hillary Clinton took over the Trump contract. The new client was the Democratic National Committee. A lawyer working for Clintons campaign, Marc E Elias, retained Fusion and received its reports. The world of private investigation was a morally ambiguous one a sort of open market in dirt. Information on Trump was of no further use to Republicans, but it could be of value to Democrats, Trumps next set of opponents.

Before this, in early spring 2016, Simpson approached Steele, his friend and colleague. Steele began to scrutinise Paul Manafort, who would soon become Trumps new campaign manager. From April, Steele investigated Trump on behalf of the DNC, Fusions anonymous client. All Steele knew at first was that the client was a law firm. He had no idea what he would find. He later told David Corn, Washington editor of the magazine Mother Jones: It started off as a fairly general inquiry. Trumps organisation owned luxury hotels around the world. Trump had, as far back as 1987, sought to do real estate deals in Moscow. One obvious question for him, Steele said, was: Are there business ties to Russia?

Paul Manafort, who Steele started investigating in spring 2016. Last month Manafort was indicted on 12 charges including conspiracy against the United States. Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP

Over time, Steele had built up a network of sources. He was protective of them: who they were he would never say. It could be someone well-known a foreign government official or diplomat with access to secret material. Or it could be someone obscure a lowly chambermaid cleaning the penthouse suite and emptying the bins in a five-star hotel.

Normally an intelligence officer would debrief sources directly, but since Steele could no longer visit Russia, this had to be done by others, or in third countries. There were intermediaries, subsources, operators a sensitive chain. Only one of Steeles sources on Trump knew of Steele. Steele put out his Trump-Russia query and waited for answers. His sources started reporting back. The information was astonishing; hair-raising. As he told friends: For anyone who reads it, this is a life-changing experience.

Steele had stumbled upon a well-advanced conspiracy that went beyond anything he had discovered with Litvinenko or Fifa. It was the boldest plot yet. It involved the Kremlin and Trump. Their relationship, Steeles sources claimed, went back a long way. For at least the past five years, Russian intelligence had been secretly cultivating Trump. This operation had succeeded beyond Moscows wildest expectations. Not only had Trump upended political debate in the US raining chaos wherever he went and winning the nomination but it was just possible that he might become the next president. This opened all sorts of intriguing options for Putin.

In June 2016, Steele typed up his first memo. He sent it to Fusion. It arrived via enciphered mail. The headline read: US Presidential Election: Republican Candidate Donald Trumps Activities in Russia and Compromising Relationship with the Kremlin. Its text began: Russian regime has been cultivating, supporting and assisting TRUMP for at least 5 years. Aim, endorsed by PUTIN, has been to encourage splits and divisions in the western alliance.

So far TRUMP has declined various sweetener real estate business deals, offered him in Russia to further the Kremlins cultivation of him. However he and his inner circle have accepted a regular flow of intelligence from the Kremlin, including on his Democratic and other political rivals.

Former top Russian intelligence officer claims FSB has compromised TRUMP through his activities in Moscow sufficiently to be able to blackmail him. According to several knowledgeable sources, his conduct in Moscow has included perverted sexual acts which have been arranged/monitored by the FSB.

A dossier of compromising material on Hillary CLINTON has been collated by the Russian Intelligence Services over many years and mainly comprises bugged conversations she had on various visits to Russia and intercepted phone calls rather than any embarrassing conduct. The dossier is controlled by Kremlin spokesman, PESKOV, directly on Putins orders. However, it has not yet been distributed abroad, including to TRUMP. Russian intentions for its deployment still unclear.

The memo was sensational. There would be others, 16 in all, sent to Fusion between June and early November 2016. At first, obtaining intelligence from Moscow went well. For around six months during the first half of the year Steele was able to make inquiries in Russia with relative ease. It got harder from late July, as Trumps ties to Russia came under scrutiny. Finally, the lights went out. Amid a Kremlin cover-up, the sources went silent and information channels shut down.

If Steeles reporting was to be believed, Trump had been colluding with Russia. This arrangement was transactional, with both sides trading favours. The report said Trump had turned down various lucrative real estate development business deals in Russia, especially in connection with the 2018 World Cup, hosted by Moscow. But he had been happy to accept a flow of Kremlin-sourced intelligence material, apparently delivered to him by his inner circle. That didnt necessarily mean the candidate was a Russian agent. But it did signify that Russias leading spy agency had expended considerable effort in getting close to Trump and, by extension, to his family, friends, close associates and business partners, not to mention his campaign manager and personal lawyer.

On the eve of the most consequential US election for generations, one of the two candidates was compromised, Steeles sources claimed. The memo alleged that Trump had unusual sexual proclivities, and that the FSB had a tape. If true, this meant he could indeed be blackmailed.

When I met Steele in December 2016, he gave no hint he had been involved in what was the single most important investigation in decades.

Steeles collaborators offered salacious details. The memo said that Russian intelligence had sought to exploit TRUMPs personal obsessions and sexual perversion during his 2013 stay at Moscows Ritz-Carlton hotel for the Miss Universe beauty pageant. The operation had allegedly worked. The tycoon had booked the presidential suite of the Ritz-Carlton hotel where he knew President and Mrs OBAMA (whom he hated) had stayed on one of their official trips to Russia.

There, the memo said, Trump had deliberately defiled the Obamas bed. A number of prostitutes had performed a golden showers (urination) show in front of him. The memo also alleged: The hotel was known to be under FSB control with microphones and concealed cameras in all the main rooms to record anything they wanted to.

As well as sex, there was another fascinating dimension to this alleged plot, categorically denied by Trump. According to Steeles sources, associates of Trump had held a series of clandestine meetings in central Europe, Moscow and elsewhere with Russian spies. The Russians were very good at tradecraft. Nonetheless, could this be a trail that others might later detect?

Steeles sources offered one final devastating piece of information. They alleged that Trumps team had co-ordinated with Russia on the hacking operation against Clinton. And that the Americans had secretly co-paid for it.

Donald Trump and Gabriela Isler, winner of Miss Universe 2013, in Moscow. Photograph: Kommersant/Getty

Steele wrote up his findings in MI6 house style. The memos read like CX reports classified MI6 intelligence documents. They were marked confidential/sensitive source. The names of prominent individuals were in caps TRUMP, PUTIN, CLINTON. The reports began with a summary. They offered supporting detail. Sources were anonymous. They were introduced in generic terms: a senior Russian foreign ministry figure or a former top level Russian intelligence officer still active inside the Kremlin. They were given letters, starting with A and proceeding down the alphabet.

How certain was Steele that his sources had got it right and that he wasnt being fed disinformation? The matter was so serious, so important, so explosive, so far-reaching, that this was an essential question.

As spies and former spies knew, the world of intelligence was non-binary. There were degrees of veracity. A typical CX report would include phrases such as to a high degree of probability. Intelligence could be flawed, because humans were inherently unreliable. They forgot things. They got things wrong.

One of Steeles former Vauxhall Cross colleagues likened intelligence work to delicate shading. This twilight world wasnt black and white; it was a muted palette of greys, off-whites and sepia tones, he told me. He said you could shade in one direction more optimistically or in another direction less optimistically. Steele was generally in the first category.

Steele was adamant that his reporting was credible. One associate described him as sober, cautious, highly regarded, professional and conservative. Hes not the sort of person who will pass on gossip. If he puts something in a report, he believes there is sufficient credibility in it, the associate said. The idea that Steeles work was fake or a cowboy operation or born of political malice was completely wrong, he added.

The dossier, Steele told friends, was a thoroughly professional job, based on sources who had proven themselves in other areas. Evaluating sources depended on a critical box of tools: what was a sources reporting record, was he or she credible, what was the motivation?

Steele recognised that no piece of intelligence was 100% right. According to friends, he assessed that his work on the Trump dossier was 70-90% accurate. Over eight years, Orbis had produced scores of reports on Russia for private clients. A lot of this content was verified or proven up. As Steele told friends: Ive been dealing with this country for 30 years. Why would I invent this stuff?

In late 2015 the British eavesdropping agency, GCHQ, was carrying out standard collection against Moscow targets. These were known Kremlin operatives already on the grid. Nothing unusual here except that the Russians were talking to people associated with Trump. The precise nature of these exchanges has not been made public, but according to sources in the US and the UK, they formed a suspicious pattern. They continued through the first half of 2016. The intelligence was handed to the US as part of a routine sharing of information.

The FBI and the CIA were slow to appreciate the extensive nature of these contacts between Trumps team and Moscow. This was in part due to institutional squeamishness the law prohibits US agencies from examining the private communications of US citizens without a warrant.

But the electronic intelligence suggested Steele was right. According to one account, the US agencies looked as if they were asleep. Wake up! Theres something not right here! the BND [German intelligence], the Dutch, the French and SIS were all saying this, one Washington-based source told me.

That summer, GCHQs then head, Robert Hannigan, flew to the US to personally brief CIA chief John Brennan. The matter was deemed so important that it was handled at director level, face-to-face between the two agency chiefs. James Clapper, director of national intelligence, later confirmed the sensitive stream of intelligence from Europe. After a slow start, Brennan used the GCHQ information and other tip-offs to launch a major inter-agency investigation. Meanwhile, the FBI was receiving disturbing warnings from Steele.

At this point, Steeles Fusion material was unpublished. Whatever the outcome of the election, it raised grave questions about Russian interference and the US democratic process. There was, Steele felt, overwhelming public interest in passing his findings to US investigators. The USs multiple intelligence agencies had the resources to prove or disprove his discoveries. He realised that these allegations were, as he put it to a friend, a radioactive hot potato. He anticipated a hesitant response, at least at first.

In June, Steele flew to Rome to brief the FBI contact with whom he had co-operated over Fifa. His information started to reach the bureau in Washington. It had certainly arrived by the time of the Democratic National Convention in late July, when WikiLeaks first began releasing hacked Democratic emails. It was at this moment that FBI director James Comey opened a formal investigation into Trump-Russia.

Trump and Putin at the Apec summit in Vietnam this week. Photograph: Mikhail Klimentyev/TASS

In September, Steele went back to Rome. There he met with an FBI team. Their response was one of shock and horror, Steele said. The bureau asked him to explain how he had compiled his reports, and to give background on his sources. It asked him to send future copies.

Steele had hoped for a thorough and decisive FBI investigation. Instead, it moved cautiously. The agency told him that it couldnt intervene or go public with material involving a presidential candidate. Then it went silent. Steeles frustrations grew.

Later that month, Steele had a series of off-the-record meetings with a small number of US journalists. They included the New York Times, the Washington Post, Yahoo! News, the New Yorker and CNN. In mid-October he visited New York and met with reporters again.

Comey then announced he was reopening an investigation into Clintons use of a private email server. At this point, Steeles relationship with the FBI broke down. The excuse given by the bureau for saying nothing about Trump looked bogus. In late October, Steele spoke to the Mother Jones editor David Corn via Skype.

The story was of huge significance, way above party politics, Steele said. He believed Trumps Republican colleagues should be aware of this stuff as well. Of his own reputation, Steele said: My track record as a professional is second to no one. Steele acknowledged that his memos were works in progress, and was genuinely worried about the implications of the allegations. The story has to come out, he told Corn.

At this point Steele was still anonymous, a ghost. But the ghosts message was rapidly circulating on Capitol Hill and inside Washingtons spy agencies, as well as among certain journalists and thinktanks. Democratic senators now apprised of Steeles work were growing exasperated. The FBI seemed unduly keen to trash Clintons reputation while sitting on explosive material concerning Trump.

One of those who was aware of the dossiers broad allegations was the Senate minority leader, Harry Reid, a Democrat. In August Reid, had written to Comey and asked for an inquiry into the connections between the Russian government and Donald Trumps presidential campaign. In October, Reid wrote to Comey again. This time he framed his inquiry in scathing terms. In a clear reference to Steele, Reid wrote: In my communications with you and other top officials in the national security community, it has become clear that you possess explosive information about close ties and coordination between Donald Trump, his top advisors and the Russian government The public has a right to know this information.

But all this frantic activity came to nought. Just as Nixon was re-elected during the early stages of Watergate, Trump won the presidential election, to general dismay, at a time when the Russia scandal was small but growing. Steele had found prima facie evidence of a conspiracy, but by and large the US public knew nothing about it. In November, his dossier began circulating in the top national security echelons of the Obama administration. But it was too late.

The same month a group of international experts gathered in Halifax on Canadas eastern seaboard. Their task: to make sense of the world in the aftermath of Trumps stunning victory. One of the delegates attending the Halifax International Security Forum was Senator John McCain. Another was Sir Andrew Wood, the UKs former ambassador to Russia. Wood was a friend of Steeles and an Orbis associate. Before the election, Steele had gone to Wood and shown him the dossier. He wanted the ambassadors advice. What should he do, or not do, with it? Of the dossier, Wood told me: I took it seriously.

On the margins of the Halifax conference, Wood briefed McCain about Steeles dossier its contents, if true

Read more: http://ift.tt/2ilDhP9

from Viral News HQ http://ift.tt/2AmmsgF via Viral News HQ

[zillowcondo]

On The Hotlist: Top September Events, Dining, Style & Travel

Hands up whoever is hoping for an Indian Summer! I for one am not ready to let go of the warm weather just yet. This month is a great time to check out new places as the crowds thin out, so we’ve come up with our picks for the best September events, dining, style and travel.

September Events

Zurich will be hosting their 7th Street Food Festival from 7-17 September, and with over 150 food sellers ranging from chocolates to ceviche, dumplings and tacos, there’s something to suit everyone.

The Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA) is one of the most iconic international photography competitions. The winners have recently been chosen and members of the public will be able to view the works of the finalists and winners from 14 September to 15 October in Berlin at the Neue Schule für Fotografie.

London Fashion Week will be taking place from 15-19 September and as I’ll be at both the events above I’ll be missing most of the action including the Aspinal of London presentation which promises to be brilliant. Members of the public can buy tickets to London Fashion Week Festival which takes place from 21-24 September and is a lot of fun!

Style Picks

Continuing the fashion theme, I wanted to share a really great day out that I went on recently. The Landmark London is one of my favourite London hotels, with its stunning Winter Garden complete with palm trees. They’re capitalizing on their handy location near to Marylebone station to offer a Shop ‘Till You Drop Spa and Shopping package with Bicester Village. The designer outlet in Oxfordshire can be reached directly from Marylebone station in less than an hour. The package includes breakfast in the beautiful Winter Garden, direct return train tickets, a 10% discount VIP card for Bicester Village, exclusive complimentary hands-free shopping, access to the VIP lounge, and once back in London a cocktail, glass of champagne or soft drink at the Landmark followed by a candlelight massage and access to the spa and gym. It would make a great gift for a loved one at only £175 per person, though I wouldn’t blame you if you self-gift! Bicester Village is expanding to include even more luxury stores and has been beautifully decorated by acclaimed florist Nikki Tibbles. There are quotes by Shakespeare dotted around, as well as Liberty print phone boxes for that all important selfie and a very tasty lunch spot, Farmshop, which is part of the Soho House group.

In the hope of a never ending Summer, we created a late Summer beach trip packing list and gave our tips on how to beautify your home with tropical decor. However, if your skin is feeling the Summer heat, then we’ve got two suggestions for you. Firstly, Lumaesthetic is a London clinic specializing in the natural-looking enhancement of your features. They’re plastic surgery doctors who also work in the NHS and I recently tried their non-surgical facial with Dr Dominic Yue. I was very impressed by the results – my skin was smoother and more hydrated afterwards. I was able to forgo foundation for the photo below, taken the next day. The effects get better after a day or two when the skin has had a chance to settle down and it feels like your face is illuminated from within. Lumaesthetic can also prescribe you clinically proven skincare that’s really affordable, so I’m looking forward to seeing the long-term effects from that. As a treat for readers, if you mention “Luxury Columnist” when booking a treatment at Lumaesthetic, you’ll get 20% off for a limited time only!

I was recently sent a bottle of Institut Esthederm City Protect Spray to try and am loving the hydrating effect as well as the stylish gold packaging. It’s designed to combat pollution and photo-ageing, thanks to its Cellular Water Patent. Seeing as I live right in the City, it’s coming in very handy indeed.

If you’re a fan of designer handbags but not such a fan of the crazy price tags, then you’ll love Bagista. They’re specialists in pre-loved luxury handbags and accessories yet you’d never guess that the items weren’t brand new, they’re in such great condition. They’ve opened a pop-up store at 227 Kings Road, Chelsea, in collaboration with other luxury brands such as Sweetpea & Willow luxury furniture designers, Chelsea Prints, Astrid & Miyu unique jewellery and Maverick & Wolf designer eyewear. I popped along to the launch where I feasted on sweet treats made by the lovely Cupcake King but I’ll definitely be returning to browse their beautifully curated pieces.

This month I was fortunate to be a guest on She Builds Brands, the international radio show hosted every Saturday on Channel Radio by brand expert Kubi Springer. I’d definitely recommend a listen to her upcoming shows or New York City Business Weekender event in November if you’re interested in marketing.

Sometimes you come across an idea so clever that you wonder why no one thought of it before. The clever folks at MyHeritage have come up with a DNA Testing Kit that will reveal your ethnic origins. They’re a leading source of information on family history and their technology enables users to find matches with other users and to expand the details of their family tree. For the DNA kit, its simplicity itself – you order it online, then do a cheek swab which you place in the vial provided and send back for analysis. Now I just have to wait patiently for the results, can’t wait to share them with you!

Travel Tales

The Cotswolds is one of Britain’s most charming areas, with its golden coloured cottages and quaint village pubs. September is a lovely time to visit, when it’s normally gorgeous weather. We headed up there a few weeks ago to visit my sister and her family, including her triplets who have all just got into university – proud Auntie alert! While we weren’t so lucky with the weather, we hardly noticed the downpour thanks to our cosy home from home. Bruern Cottages are a collection of luxury cottages, nestled in the grounds of Bruern Abbey. Only an hour away from London, they’re also close to Daylesford Organic Farm and Bicester Village. We’ll be writing about our stay in detail but here’s a teaser, the beautiful bedroom in our cottage.

This is also a great season to visit Ibiza, as the majority of partygoers have left and you can explore the island’s hidden gems in peace.

For a UK vacation, Bournemouth has one of the most beautiful beaches as well as RockReef PierZip, the world’s only pier to shore zip wire. I tried it and loved it!

Wining and Dining

Wondering where to eat in September? We’ve got lots of suggestions on seasonal menus and the hottest new restaurants, starting with Mac and Wild. This Fitzrovia stalwart is famous for its Scottish cooking and has over 200 whiskies, craft beers, gins as well as their own range of Scottish cocktails. We recently tried the Summer Menu including a hearty roast with succulent beef and Yorkshire pudding, their award-winning Venimoo venison burger and moriesh Broke Millionaire’s Shortbread.

The Baglioni Hotel in Kensington is another London classic, and I’m a fan of their Italian afternoon tea. They have recently restyled their restaurant to give it a contemporary Italian feel. Brunello at The Baglioni has a new Italian executive chef, Alberto Rossetti. As you can see, the food is a delight, being light yet exceptionally tasty.

To dine in what is arguably the prettiest restaurant in London, head to Bronte. It has been designed by Tom Dixon and has cosy green leather booths, dusty pink chairs, and a pewter bar. There are great views of Trafalgar Square from the leafy terrace. Despite the stylish feel, it’s a very relaxed eatery that’s open all day, serving up modern British and Asian food. Chefs Andrew Lassetter and Guy Betteridge are highly skilled, with every dish being flawless. From the flavourful chilli salt squid to the accomplished lobster tempura and superb miso black cod, there is real passion here. Even the side dishes are interesting – a bowl of 7 types of heritage tomato and another of grilled green courgettes enlivened with black sesame tahini & truffle. You’ll want to save room for desserts like the chocolate bomb with cherry sorbet and hazlenut praline and the pineapple carpaccio with lime and coconut sorbet. There’s also a separate bar menu which sounds tempting, with breakfast dishes, bao buns and the Bronte burger…

For a relaxing meal in Marylebone, you can’t beat Bernardi’s. This neighbourhood Italian restaurant on Seymour Street is open all day for brunch, lunch or dinner and you don’t need to reserve in advance unless you’re a large group. Although the attention to detail is superb, the food isn’t at all fussy, just healthy and delicious. The newly opened basement cocktail bar, The Dog House looks like fun too! We recommend the heritage tomato salad, the rump of Spring lamb and their incredible desserts.

The capital has a stunning new hotel in the shape of  The LaLiT London, set in a former school. This atmospheric boutique hotel combines British charm with Indian culture to great effect and has retained many original features. I recently attended their Indian Independence Day dinner, with live music from famous sitar players. Baluchi restaurant is located in the Grade II listed former Assembly Hall and is without a doubt one of the best places in London to experience Indian cuisine. Admire the blue glass Indian chandeliers whilst you feast on organic dishes created by Executive Chef Arup Dasgupta. With delights such as rassam soup, tender monkfish tikka, butter chicken and a delicate Gulab Jamun cheesecake on the menu, you won’t be disappointed! The LaLiT also has a lovely outdoor shisha terrace for those Indian Summer evenings!

London certainly is a great place to savour all the cuisines of the world and the German picnic at the German Gymnasium is another culinary hotspot set in a historic building. This former gym is now a light and airy all-day café and bar with a charming outdoor terrace and spectacular interior. They’ve come up with a fun idea for Summer, a selection of picnic hampers designed in partnership with Wines of Germany. If the weather isn’t playing ball like on our visit, you can eat it inside the restaurant, but if it’s a sunny day then head to the canalside in King’s Cross. Either way, you’ll enjoy delicacies such as Bavarian Giga rolls filled with a variety of fillings including Black Forest ham and Obatzda cheese. The Nussecken shortbread topped with apricot jam and hazelnuts is a real winner, as are the Niederegger Luebecker Taler marzipan treats. We toasted our feast with sparkling Sekt wine, which is a bit like a German Prosecco, followed by an aromatic white Riesling. They’ve thought of everything, right down to the faux grass table cover and complimentary green sunglasses!

Another good place to soak up those last Summer rays is the new terrace at St Martins Lane in Covent Garden. We’d actually been invited to experience the innovative Speakeasy Cocktail Tea which is served in the hotel’s secret bar, Blind Spot. Guests give a secret password to gain access into this stylish space which hosts regular jazz and swing music sessions. However, with it being a gorgeous day we were tempted outdoors instead. The twist with this tea is that it’s served in the evening, on Sundays to Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm and likely to appeal to men and women alike. That’s thanks to the array of savoury treats such as mini quiche Lorraine, spinach and feta feuilleté and my personal favourite, the mini brioche buns filled with crayfish and mango. They’re served with three cocktails inspired by the British Empire’s tea trade including the Teetotaller with chamomile-infused Grey Goose vodka, the Giggle Water with Bombay Sapphire gin, and Have The Bee’s with Bacardi Carta D’oro rum. Sweet treats such as passion fruit macarons, dulce panna cotta and a chocolate Bailey’s cake are the perfect ending.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this round up of the best September events, style picks, restaurant and travel tips. What do you have planned for September?

The post On The Hotlist: Top September Events, Dining, Style & Travel appeared first on Luxury Columnist.

On The Hotlist: Top September Events, Dining, Style & Travel published first on http://ift.tt/2pewpEF