Syrian 'scams' have a Nigerian 'flavour'
Aid Worker retrieving a Syrian child from debris following a Syrian Air Force attack - Scammers are cashing in on the plight of innocents!
For many years now, we have become accustomed to being seduced by what have become known as Nigerian Scams. The writer first became so acquainted with these in about 1990 via the medium of a fax (remember faxes?) and more closely so when actually in Lagos, probably the most hostile city ever encountered by this columnist during an excess of 30 years travelling experience. Since then, as communications technology has advanced, such solicitations are transmitted via email, SMS, Skype and a whole variety of online media. In November 2013, this column produced an article entitled "Nigerian Scams from Iran?" which has been extensively read in many parts of the world subsequently. The latest such attempt has been made via Facebook but this time, perhaps topically it comes from someone claiming to be in a military establishment in Syria. This is what the 'poor widow' has to say after much preliminary platitudes:
"I am so happy being your friend after so much talks today I came to a conclusion to open up to you because I understand you are someone with a good heart and may not betray me. So i have to have the confidence in you and i want to tell you everything and all the secrets that i have here. My dear before my husband was killed he was a wealthy man because he served as a top military with his Rank up to (فريق أول Feriq awwal) before he died, on that day he was bleeding to death he revealed to me that he had hid some 1.3 million Dollars in a security box with Red Cross Diplomatic Agency in Michigan city Indiana State 46360 USA and wants me to start a new life with our kids with it outside Syria."
"The attack on that fateful day destroy everything we had and I lost my husband, family members and valuables. I have written to Red Cross Diplomat and they have confirmed box with them and they do not have idea on the content. Here, we do not have money to run the expenses on our travel, and our lives so much depend on the box of money. "
"I have so much confidence in you and I want to send the money (box) to you through a diplomat so that you will receive the box and i tell you the security code to open the box. You will collect your delivery expenses money and send us some money through the Red Cross agency to plan our travel arrangement to your place. On our arrival, we plan for establishment and settlement. I know you will not regret helping a poor widow in a war center gain freedom and peace with her two kids. In reciprocating for your kind human gesture on securing the box, we will release to you 30% of the total money. Please write me in confirmation." (SIC)
Needless to say one has not exactly rushed to the aid of our Syrian 'war-widow' whose given name and email address do not appear to have much connection with that troubled land! "Leslie Biggs" with the initial part of his/her email address being 'erickbiselela' does not give the impression of originating in Raqqa, Alleppo or Damascus but is more likely to arise from some flea-pit internet café in Lagos, where historically, so many of these vile scams have originated from, milking as they do upon the genuine concerns the real victims of situations that we have witnessed in Syria these past five years.
These types of scams, as they are known, are the work of criminal gangs and let us be in no doubt as to this reality as there have been a number of cases where people who have been so duped, they have been enticed to fly to Lagos or wherever, ostensibly to sign documentation and have found themselves taken hostage or worse; but irritating though it is to have ones intelligence impugned by such approaches, the writer believes it to be more than deplorable to indulge in the use of sacred religious text in an attempt to add weight to their solicitation, deeply insulting you would have to think, to those who might be offended in this way. Equally, to come up with a spin involving the loss of a loved one is as nauseous as the former tactic.
Just as the scam mail received by this column arrived via the internet, this article will be similarly transmitted around the world and throughout the various networks in an attempt to highlight this type of crime and to urge all due caution in internet transactions. Beware of scams, wherever they derive from!
Beşparmak Media Services
The World at War Act III, Part II.
Paris - the aftermath!
In the aftermath of the atrocious acts of war that were visited upon France on Friday 13th November, 2015 the wider world has been animated in a response of a mixed nature ever since. For example, the British government have rightly thrown their support towards the French and have furthermore expressed their determination to strike Daesh (An Arabic word for 'Bigotted One') at their apparent heart, in Syria but they are prevented from doing so by parliamentary opposition and the current Labour leader seems to oppose even possessing military capability, much less so actually deploying such forces effectively.
What though, is Daesh and do we understand them enough? The following text gives us a unique insight into this vile, Godless organisation from someone who knows from first hand experience:
I'm a French journalist and former Isis hostage. I receive emails from The Syria Campaign just like you, but this time they have asked to share an article I wrote in the Guardian recently. It has been shared over 20,000 times. I have given Chris Green my permission to reproduce my words in this article.
As a proud Frenchman I am as distressed as anyone about the events in Paris. But I am not shocked or incredulous. I know Islamic State. I spent 10 months as an Isis hostage, and I know for sure that our pain, our grief, our hopes, our lives do not touch them. Theirs is a world apart: Most people only know them from their propaganda material, but I have seen behind that. In my time as their captive, I met perhaps a dozen of them, including Mohammed Emwazi: Jihadi John was one of my jailers. He nicknamed me "Baldy".
Even now I sometimes chat with them on social media, and can tell you that much of what you think of them results from their brand of marketing and public relations. They present themselves to the public as superheroes, but away from the camera are a bit pathetic in many ways: street kids drunk on ideology and power. In France we have a saying – stupid and evil. I found them more stupid than evil. That is not to understate the murderous potential of stupidity.
All of those beheaded last year were my cellmates, and my jailers would play childish games with us – mental torture – saying one day that we would be released and then two weeks later observing blithely, "Tomorrow we will kill one of you." The first couple of times we believed them but after that we came to realise that for the most part they were bullshitters having fun with us. (SIC)
They would play mock executions. Once they used chloroform with me. Another time it was a beheading scene. A bunch of French-speaking jihadis were shouting, "We're going to cut your head off and put it on to your arse and upload it to YouTube." They had a sword from an antique shop. They were laughing and I played the game by screaming, but they just wanted fun. As soon as they left I turned to another of the French hostages and just laughed. It was so ridiculous.
It struck me forcefully how technologically connected they are; they follow the news obsessively, but everything they see goes through their own filter. They are totally indoctrinated, clinging to all manner of conspiracy theories, never acknowledging the contradictions.
Everything convinces them that they are on the right path and, specifically, that there is a kind of apocalyptic process under way that will lead to a confrontation between an army of Muslims from all over the world and others, the crusaders, the Romans. They see everything as moving us down that road. Consequently, everything is a blessing from Allah.
With their news and social media interest, they will be noting everything that follows their murderous assault on Paris, and my guess is that right now the chant among them will be "We are winning". They will be heartened by every sign of overreaction, of division, of fear, of racism, of xenophobia; they will be drawn to any examples of ugliness on social media.
Central to their world view is the belief that communities cannot live together with Muslims, and every day their antennae will be tuned towards finding supporting evidence. The pictures from Germany of people welcoming migrants will have been particularly troubling to them. Cohesion, tolerance – it is not what they want to see.
Why France? For many reasons perhaps, but I think they identified my country as a weak link in Europe – as a place where divisions could be sown easily. That's why, when I am asked how we should respond, I say that we must act responsibly.
And yet more bombs will be our response. I am no apologist for Isis. How could I be? But everything I know tells me this is a mistake. The bombardment will be huge, a symbol of righteous anger. Within 48 hours of the atrocity, fighter planes conducted their most spectacular munitions raid yet in Syria, dropping more than 20 bombs on Raqqa, an Isis stronghold. Revenge was perhaps inevitable, but what's needed is deliberation. My fear is that this reaction will make a bad situation worse.
While we are trying to destroy Isis, what of the 500,000 civilians still living and trapped in Raqqa? What of their safety? What of the very real prospect that by failing to think this through, we turn many of them into extremists? The priority must be to protect these people, not to take more bombs to Syria. We need no-fly zones – zones closed to Russians, the regime, the coalition. The Syrian people need security or they themselves will turn to groups such as Isis.
Canada withdrew from the air war after the election of Justin Trudeau. I desperately want France to do the same, and rationality tells me it could happen. But pragmatism tells me it won't. The fact is we are trapped: Isis has trapped us. They came to Paris with Kalashnikovs, claiming that they wanted to stop the bombing, but knowing all too well that the attack would force us to keep bombing or even to intensify these counterproductive attacks. That is what is happening.
Emwazi is gone now, killed in a coalition air strike, his death celebrated in parliament. I do not mourn him. But during his murder spree, he too followed this double bluff strategy. After murdering the American journalist James Foley, he pointed his knife at the camera and, turning to the next intended victim, said: "Obama, you must stop intervening in the Middle East or I will kill him." He knew very well what the hostage's fate would be. He knew very well what the American reaction would be – more bombing. It's what Isis wants, but should we be giving it to them?
The group is wicked, of that there is no doubt. But after all that happened to me, I still don't feel Isis is the priority. To my mind, Bashar al-Assad is the priority. The Syrian president is responsible for the rise of Isis in Syria, and so long as his regime is in place, Isis cannot be eradicated. Nor can we stop the attacks on our streets. When people say "Isis first, and then Assad", I say don't believe them. They just want to keep Assad in place.
At the moment there is no political road map and no plan to engage the Arab Sunni community. Isis will collapse, but politics will make that happen. In the meantime there is much we can achieve in the aftermath of this atrocity, and the key is strong hearts and resilience, for that is what they fear. I know them: bombing they expect. What they fear is unity.
~ Nicolas Henin, French Journalist & ISIS Hostage.
Highly compelling words indeed and however the instincts of some – including this columnist – are inclined towards the concentrated and merciless destruction of Daesh, Msr Henin's unique insight cannot be ignored. As for Syria and life in its capital Damascus, again we can read the views from one who is there. A former colleague of the writer re-established contact recently; we had worked together in Damascus in 1999. He tells in a succinct manner what day to day life is like there now:
"Here as you maybe heard Damascus in common safe city. From time by time the schools and hospitals and homes even peoples in street hit and killed with the mortar and katiusha by the armed groups at Damascus Country side . There shortage of water and electricity, but it's war , hard war Chris and life become very hard and expensive, but Damascus safe [for now] ." (SIC)
Our former colleague has followed up with his take on the recent incident between Turkish and Russian aircraft, but that perhaps is something that we can look at as things develop in that region.
With most of Europe and further a-field on the highest levels of alert, the world is at it's most dangerous state since the height of the Cold War. A United Nations effort to destroy Daesh and stabilise Syria has never been more urgently needed.
Peace is attacked in Ankara: After 10/10/15 what next for Turkey?
Ankara Terror Attacks 10/10/15
The smoke may have cleared in central Ankara following the 10/10/15 atrocity by persons and organisations as yet not revealed, but the pall of grief hangs atop the Turkish Capital as 97 families grieve their losses and many more will be fearful of the fate of those who cling to life in hospital as a result of the cowardly bombings that recently occurred. At the time of compiling this copy, the identities of the bombers even if known, are not yet in the public domain; speculation is rife but IS/Da'Esh seem to be the likely culprits. PKK have been implicated too, but such an operation would not seem to have their prints on it neither is the timing – ahead of the snap elections – helpful to their cause.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has suggested that Turkey has a list of would-be suicide bombers but that the authorities are disbarred from intervening and acting upon such intelligence until an action has been carried out! By definition, you would have to think that it is a bit late to act after a suicide bomber has 'hit the button' and furthermore, surely National Security interests would have primacy over the legal niceties of an individuals rights (or otherwise). You could be pretty sure that here in Britain, our Intel Services would be –and almost certainly are – taking a somewhat active interest in an individual or group that were linked to such deadly organisations and it beggars belief that M.I.T are not similarly inclined. Apparently though and according to Davutoğlu, if any legal action is taken against suicide bombing suspects before the criminal act, there may be another act committed in protest by other suspects, quid pro quo. So why not take out the other suspects too!?
The terrorist action on 10/10/15 was the largest single terrorist action to be meted out upon the people of Turkeyin the history of the Republic and people have reacted angrily as they emerge from the understandable shock that such a thing took place. Following a call from the Confederation of Public Sector Trades' Unions (KESK), the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK), the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), a march was to be held on Oct. 13, starting at Cerrahpaşa and Sirkeci, two different venues in Istanbul's Fatih district, before joining in Beyazıt Square, to protest the Ankara bombing and commemorate the 97 victims of the massacre.
The governor's office however said, at around 2 a.m. on Oct. 13 that the application filed for the demonstration had been rejected because "the places where the march was slated to be organized were places citizens use frequently," because the route for the demonstration "was not among the places listed in the law on meetings and demonstrations" and because of "the sensibility of the current period." Accordingly, police units were deployed to prevent people from reaching the planned demonstration routes.
In the meantime, protests were held against the massacre across the country in multiple cities, varying from İzmir and Uşak in Turkey's west to Malatya and Adana in the east and south and Giresun and Zonguldak in the north. Among the cities in the south of the country where protests were held, police also used teargas to attack a group of around 30 lawyers and another 150 people who came to support them in front of the courthouse in the Alanya district of Antalya.
Many interested outside observers – this column being one - have been predicting an escalation of terrorist actions within Turkey as the Syrian crisis accelerates especially since Moscow initiated unilateral actions in support of the Assad Regime. Russia claims great success in neutralising IS/Da'Esh targets but we are not being shown evidence of these strikes whilst there is plenty of reason to believe that these 'targets' are actually those that are in direct conflict with the Syrian government which for some 40 years, have been supported by successive Russian governments.
Turkey is more than 'touched and concerned' by this conflict; given that the shared border between Syria and Turkey is some 820 kilometres in length, it would be impossible to prevent some cross-over in the circumstances. Turkey's geographical and strategic location is critical though for it has become an increasingly important conduit for the passage of many people onwards to Western Europe and many of these will be exceedingly dangerous groups 'on a mission'.
Russia's motives, opportunistic they so clearly have to be seen to be, are certainly not those to be interpreted as Moscow attempting to destroy IS; on the contrary, this is Russia taking an even more embedded position in Syria and, given their long pre-existing deep water naval facility there, they are looking further. Thanks to South Cyprus, Russian naval vessels are now able to use sea bases there too and perhaps air-bases may follow. Furthermore, for many years Russian influence has been steadily growing throughout the island of Cyprus.
Divided Cyprus 'united' under Russia?
To conclude, the Cyprus Negotiations notwithstanding, what ever may be finally agreed it is quite possible these will count for nothing as a deep 'red carpet' is rolled out over Cyprus from the south northward. There have already been aerial incidents between Russian and Turkish aircraft recently and these may escalate; furthermore if Russian troops are based in Cyprus, the Turkic-Russo wars may launch again as they did in 1877/8.
There is more than enough justification for Turkey to maintain and uphold her military presence in Cyprus irrespective of any deal that might be brokered in some sort of bi-federal, bi-zonal arrangement for the latter may count for nought as the Russian Bear's grip tightens. The strategic shape of the Eastern Mediterranean region could change dramatically during the next 5 years and Turkey has a right to defend her borders. The "Arab Spring" is becoming very 'wintery' indeed!
The Russians are coming!
For Britain, the "EU Question" and immigration are linked: The surge to leave the EU is growing.
Great Britain to leave the EU in 2017? Why not now?
The recent announcement that Britain will take some 20,000 Syrian refugees during the term of the current parliament, whilst in itself hardly a 'swarm' in the grand scheme of things, it nevertheless shows that when pushed, our government have a tendency to buckle under the strain of EU diktat. Granted that Germany have absorbed a considerable number of these displaced peoples recently, but they have more room to accommodate them and, given the relatively low birth rate amongst indigenous German's the argument seems to be that these people can be utilized productively. 'Cheap labour' in other words, which is precisely that status 'enjoyed' by Turkish immigrants in Germany for decades.
Al Umayyad Mosque - Damascus
This column writer has a particular affection for Syria by virtue of a fairly brief but quite dramatic posting to Damascus some 16 years ago which involved conducting runway surveys on Syrian air facilities including Damascus International Airport. At the time and possibly since that occasion, this was the first instance where a Westerner had access to airside aviation facilities in Syria. A wholly unique experience that was not without drama! The historic sites were equally dramatic for different reasons.
Overall, one developed a feeling for the people many of whom had been and still were, a suppressed people under what has become the 'dynastic kleptocracy' of the Assad Regime. Assad senior was still in power in 1999: His death in June of 2000 brought his eldest son Bashir to the 'throne'. Despite promising beginnings, things are now as we see them and with the dubious assistance of Moscow, Syria burns and millions are fleeing from their ancestral homes perhaps never to return.
If we accept that these people have a vital need to re-settle, not all those surging towards the west are so well intentioned. There is a very real danger that Da'esh (IS/ISIL) will infiltrate those fleeing to the perceived nirvana of the western world, with their own 'murder cells' intent on wreaking havoc within the shores of Europe and Great Britain. To this end, it is wise that the government have decided to continue to take people who are already in established camps in Turkey rather than adopting some form of selection process at Calais where you simply could not know what you are going to end up with! It is furthermore the case, as we have seen in Eastern Europe of late, that whole armies of young men are attempting to swarm westward and it is highly unlikely that these are fleeing for their lives; indeed, some might have committed dreadful crimes themselves and are escaping their just punishment!
That such numbers are propelling themselves in our direction is hugely concerning, the human catastrophe notwithstanding. These people are not going to 'fit in' here; intuitively, they 'hate' the West largely because they have been taught to do so and many will wish to destroy us from within. The sight of minarets across the Thames at London and the imposition of Sharia Law are spectres that many will espouse as good enough reasons to deny entry. It is not an unreasonable fear to hold. Surely there are Muslim countries closer to where these refugees are running from that should accommodate them? What, for example is Saudi Arabia doing for these folk? Compared to Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey – precisely nothing and this needs to be addressed and soon, at UN level.
In the meantime, the campaign for Britain to leave the EU is growing a-pace and this movement is enthusiastically supported by this column. Ironically, the migrant question is unwittingly fanning the fire favourably towards the NO-Vote and despite what those clever pollsters may like to think, it is highly likely that those of us who are patriots and who despise our country being governed by an unelected foreign entity – the EU – will win the day in 2017. We will NOT, despite the Europhiles protestations otherwise, lose any trade or business opportunities at all but on the contrary, as we will have chosen the Open Seas (as endorsed by Winston Churchill) we will secure even more non-EU, international trade. "Trade at all Costs, but not at any price" has long been a mantra of this column and so it will continue.
To conclude, on April 25th 1968, a speech was made by a certain politician in Birmingham. It was to pass into the annals of history more for its press-induced infamy than the prophetic statement that it was. The words uttered were right for the times and they resonate now:
"Looking forward, I am filled with much foreboding. I am like the Roman viewing the River Tiber foaming with much blood"
The battle for Great Britain is over: 'War' with the EU has begun.
In the heady period since the Conservative party pulled off their unexpected but much-needed victory in the British General Election on May 9th 2015, the political scene has undergone significant changes at the cost of one or two key scalps; in other words certain well-known MP's lost their seats perhaps never to be seen again.
The natural party of fiscal competence and managerial ability, now unencumbered by their former coalition partners the weak, left-leaning Lib Dems, are now able to govern the country without the handbrake being randomly yanked upwards by way of intervention. More crucially, we can now progress towards that which has been denied the British Electorate by successive governments, a referendum on continued membership of the accursed European Union. This column will join others in aggressively supporting the OUT campaign.
The Labour party whose former leader (for want of a more accurate expression) Ed Milliband is now dining alone on his favoured bacon sandwiches, whilst the party machine busies itself in the task of finding a replacement. Veteran hard-Left Wing Jeremy Corbyn has thrown his red hat into the ring at the 11th hour just to add a further entertainment factor into this circus, for not one of the candidates are even remotely statesman-like nor competent. This is good news for the Tories who, if they perform well over the next five years, will renew the tenancy and retain the leys to Number 10 Downing Street for the foreseeable future.
The Liberal Democrats however are now extinct, something that this column predicted would be the case many times during the past year or so. UKIP despite having polled millions of votes were victims of our electoral system but hey ho, we needed a Tory government and thankfully we got one. We now need to further stabilise the economy and also to hopefully prepare for life unfettered from governance by an unelected foreign entity, the EU.
Across the straits of Dover beyond Calais, which itself is clogged by the worlds unwashed and unwanted -the economic migrants who view Great Britain as the land flowing with milk and honey and who will do anything to set foot here- the EU hierarchy are reeling at the prospect of the inevitable debt default that will be perpetrated by Greece. The EU, in particular France and Germany who were key at ushering Greece into the EEC in 1981, only have themselves to blame.
They knew that the then government in Athens had cooked what passes for their books to enter the EU, but the aforementioned nations were keen to supply military hardware to Greece who at that time and probably still now, harbour thoughts of competing militarily with Turkey. Witness that in 1974, Greek and Greek Cypriot Coalition militia were virtually destroyed by the Turkish Intervention forces in respect of Cyprus, the defeated Greeks were still smarting in the early '80's. Similar perfidy applied when Greece entered the Euro Zone and they have been basically proffering their many and various begging bowls ever since.
Ironically, the much-vaunted Grexit once it has happened will play into Britain's hands for Germany in particular does not want to lose the UK as EU members nor the net contribution that we make. If cards are played cannily, treaty change is a strong possibility. That said, Prime Minister Cameron is intuitively pro-EU and his EU counter-parts know this very well. This reality could be our 'Achilles heel' to make use deliberately, of a Greek analogy.
Back in Britain, with a guaranteed fixed term of government, the ruling party has much to do. They do not enjoy that much of a majority and the SNP hooligans who have invaded former Labour benches are more than just an invasion of rabble-rousing; they will use their 50+ votes cannily, of that there should be no doubt. Nevertheless, the Tories have already suggested ways to strengthen their position by preventing the Unions from financing the Labour Party. This column would go far further by way of a windfall tax on all union assets to the tune of say 40%, the proceeds of which once collected could be transferred to the NHS.
Surely the union grandees could hardly object given that they are constantly bleating on that the NHS is under threat under a Tory government, whilst conveniently forgetting the enthusiastic manner that PFI was introduced to run our hospitals under the Bliar/Brown era under Nu-Labour. In the perhaps unlikely event that these initiatives were to be introduced, both the unions and Labour would have their functionality nullified. Furthermore, if Mr Corbyn prevails in the Labour leadership campaign, we can expect a Tory government to remain in power for two or three terms, perhaps more.
In conclusion and as we have seen, the pollsters got it badly wrong in respect of predicting the outcome of the recent General Election. They are currently suggesting the OUT campaign will not poll well in the referendum. Well, we shall see, will we not! The signing of the Treaty of Lisbon and ceding the governance of our nation to an unelected foreign entity without a mandate was an act of High Treason. It is therefore our patriotic duty to vote OUT in 2017; to do otherwise is also treason.
Memories of VE Day (2015)
One Sunday morning recently, walking into the vestry of my local church, St Luke's, Headless Cross (Redditch) in Worcestershire, a close friend and fellow member of our choir invited the writer to view that which she had published in our monthly magazine. So moving were her words, this column now shares them with the wider circle this column touches internationally.
Mrs Dorothy Marriott has become a close friend during the past 4 years or so, within the context of our local church and we have shared many thoughts, memories and reflections based on our mutual love of our church, our faith and liturgical music. We have had a few laughs too…
In a review of the monumental events of the recent VE Day memorial events, which moved so many of us, given the input of the diminishing ranks of those who were contemporary to the times, Dot has these lines to share…
Whilst I was watching V.E. Day 70 years celebrations on the television I was at times moved to tears and when the programme ended, I felt the need to write down what it has all meant to me.
I was seventeen when I started working in a military hospital. After some initial training my boss decided to take me on his ward rounds to train me further in my chosen career. I shall never forget entering a ward of badly wounded service men who had been in tanks blown up by enemy fire. It was a very hot August that year and flies were crawling over their wired faces, as many had suffered fractured jaws and they were unable to flick the flies away.
Their arms were encased in bags of saline because of the burns caused by the blazing tanks. The smell of burnt flesh is also something that I shall never forget. In other wards there were wounded men so covered in bandages it was a problem to find some where to get a blood sample. Some wards men were there with horrific injuries and in other wards there were paralysed men with no hope of getting mobility back.
Nevertheless their only thought was to get healed and return to the front and re-join their comrades. Many would laugh and joke with you. War is not glorious, which I fear is a mistaken impression some people feel when watching the parades. I view November Remembrance Sunday with mixed feelings and when we are asked to 'Remember them'- I do. Peace and love, Dot.
Reading and re-reading these anecdotes of events so long ago, but nevertheless seared into Dot's lovely heart, one could be moved to tears. Apparently some people have been so moved and understandably so. Mrs Marriott (Dot) is surrounded by a close-knit family and furthermore is the current 'head honcho' of the local Mothers Union.
For obvious reasons, one cannot publish a lady's age, but she is a week or two older than this columnist! She works indefatigably in all she does in a myriad of activities that she pursues, not least singing Soprano in our Church choir. (Yours truly at 57 is the youngest of all of the regular members!... So humbling)
Knowledge is nothing if it is not shared: Dot has shared, in the most succinct and concise sense, strong emotions that mean a lot to her. Deeply moving emotions that must at times trouble her mind: Suffering and strife are not mutually exclusive to World War II of course, nor to earlier conflicts. For example, the only year in the 20th century when a British Soldier was not lost to attrition was 1968.
We continue to be hugely extended militarily now, thanks to arguably the paucity of political leadership that prevails, ad nausea. Our troops simply do not have the budget commitments that even the appeasement government of 1938 allowed the MOD. Scandalous!
God bless you Dot darling… and thank you….
The Gas-Dream is over – Greek Cyprus looking to Iran?
An Oil and Gas Industry professional source close to this columnist, who is based variously between Turkish Cyprus and Iran, recently encountered an official of the Office of the Minister coordinating Investments and Energy Affairs, in the Iranian Embassy in South Cyprus. He, the Greek Cypriot official, was queuing for a visa prequel – apparently - to flying to Tehran for a meeting with his Iranian counter-parts in the related industry field. Quite what was going on exactly is not yet available to be published, but the question perhaps is, are the GCs considering buying in Oil and Gas from Iran, or are they seeking investments in the Iranian Oilfields? Either way it could be seen as more than just a tacit admission that the great Cypriot Oil and Gas bonanza was just a pipe dream. Contacts in Iran will perhaps know of whatever bi-lateral initiatives might be underway and this will likely leak into this column in due time.
As has been observed in analogous articles in this column of late, it would be a truly justice-laden irony if in fact it was a joint Turkish/Turkish Cypriot initiative that was to discover the sub-marine liquid gold, rather than GC/France/Israel for as we know, Total are not continuing with their exploratory activities at the moment although this may have as much to do with the collapse of the international price of oil as anything else. There could of course be far more here than meets the eye, for in as much as Greek Cyprus may be courting Iranian investment so too might the South Cyprus regime be seeking to import Iranian products, oil gas or otherwise. Quite what Washington will make of this is another thing of course given that the sanction-drivers have been primarily Republican USA historically.
The detail of delivery, either of physical products or financial investments, would be devilish indeed. Sanctions mean that a highly convoluted method would have to be employed in bringing oil/gas to Cyprus unless Turkey is involved. The same could apply in respect of financial transfers either by way of gold or other minerals as currency transfers could not, in theory take place and it is pretty unlikely that Turkey is at all likely to 'play ball' unless there is something in it for them such as a settlement on Cyprus, for example. The latter is virtually unthinkable in the current climate and in any event, the South Cyprus regime is rightly not recognised by Ankara. The raising of anti-Iranian sanctions is a prospect, not a certainty.
As alluded to in a recent article which was entitled Greek Cyprus – the 'Prostitute' of the Eastern Mediterranean, the 'irritation' to the south of the Green Line appear now to be 'street walking' in Tehran, so desperate are they to shore up what passes for an economy in their province. The EU has stumped up piles of cash, but they do want it back at some stage and Nicosia, like their elder siblings in Athens do not like having to actually adhere to the terms of the deal. Moscow too has waded in but also with terms that could see neo-Soviet vessels and aircraft in South Cyprus, something that can only add to the instability of the region. If Greek Cyprus really is courting Tehran, this is seriously going to irritate Tel Aviv and the Israeli's are fairly active in Cyprus too. The issues of gas are indeed 'electric'!
That a rapprochement with Iran is a matter of common-sense and could promote the re-stabilisation of the region is a given to those of us who understand why. Ham-fisted and one-sided attempts by Greek Cyprus to engage with those who are still somewhat 'outside the temple' could damage the work that is being done in this respect. Desperate people are apt to opt for taking desperate measures. Queuing up for a visa for what is hardly going to be for touristy reasons seems to indicate quite how desperate the government of the state of South Cyprus has become. A deal on Cyprus could and should materially improve the lot of both sides of the Cyprus Diaspora. There is simply none as blind as those who absolutely refuse to see!
Greek Cyprus – the 'Prostitute' of the Eastern Mediterranean
Possible locations for Russian Air-Bases in south Cyprus
Greek Cyprus has announced the country is ready to host Russia at its aviation and naval bases, marking a split with its fellow EU members, whom are in a deep conflict with Moscow over the Russian military activities in Ukraine, which has led to a violent insurgency within the country. Nato member France, and Israel in particular, both demand access to the airbase in question which is known as Andreas Papandreou Airbase, which was constructed by the southern Cypriot government jointly with Greece.
Needless to say, this has drawn marked disquiet from Britain and other EU members but for differing reasons. That Greek Cyprus (and Greece) is aligning themselves ever more closely with Moscow has to be a cause of major concern. Their separate and conjoint raison d'être of course is Russian money; in effect, they are once again selling themselves to Russia.
Cyprus historically is an island of huge strategic importance and since time immemorial the island has been fought over, conquered, lost, traded and ultimately divided for that reason. Turkey's continued military presence is not just to provide security to Turkish Cypriots, while Britain's presence since 1878 is not wholly in fulfilling her role as a Guarantor Power of the arguably defunct Republic of Cyprus either. It is for strategic purposes primarily and this is also the reason that Russia and Israel want to gain a military foothold there. South Cyprus will let them too – in return for cash, of course.
As yet, we have not heard a reaction from Ankara as to Turkey's position on a Russian military presence so close to her coastline. Syria is only 100 miles away too and whilst Russia already have a deep-water port there, airbases on Cyprus will further aid Moscow's regional ambitions which are a part of Putin's expansionist policies.
Putting Britain's case, top British envoy, the British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Damian Roberick Todd who has already had spats with south Nicosia over the gas exploration 'crisis' in the region, has highlighted the position of the EU in relation to Russia and the actions of south Cyprus are out of line with voted EU decisions. As ever, south Cyprus 'olive-pick' the pieces of the EU that suit it and ignore those that it does not such as austerity measures that are in place because of the fiscal incompetence of the Greek Cypriots. The latter is reflected in Athens too where the newly elected government are not only tearing up the wholly vital austerity regime there, but also aligning closely with Moscow. There is surely a case for suspending the EU membership of both Greece and their cultural siblings, Greek-Cyprus.
South-Cyprus have flirted with Russia in search of soft loans in recent times, although in 2013 when Greek Cypriot Finance Minister Michael Sarris visited Moscow to sell his and his state's soul to the Russians, when air bases were then on offer, the Russians did not fall for his dubious charms. His dance did not entice nor lure the Muscovite lucre; what was on offer was not juicy enough. Now the south-Nicosia 'pole-dancers' are weaving their sordid art once again with similar financial ambitions. This time the Russians are 'crawling along the Greek-Cypriot kerbs' because circumstances are now much changed.
By way of its proxy on Cyprus, the socialist Akel Party, Russians have always been active in Cyprus diplomacy and local politics. There are some who will claim that the July 15 Greek induced 'Colonels Coup' against Archbishop Makarios, as well as the July 20, 1974 Turkish intervention that the coup triggered, were both a part of a concerted effort to prevent the island from drifting towards the Soviet camp. Furthermore, a Russian military presence in terms of aircraft will inevitably bring both supply and naval vessels too. There is also a Greek-Cyprus/Israeli defence agreement in place since 2010 so how will that be affected?
Whatever the outcome of south-Cyprus 'street-walking', the one certain thing is that Turkish Cypriot isolation will be no closer to ending for Moscow has traditionally backed the Greek-Cypriot cause. Cyprus is rammed with Russians now in both the north and the south of the island and no doubt influence much in commercial terms at least in general. One can only imagine that Turkey may bolster her forces in Northern Cyprus to enhance her own security. Dangerous times indeed on the 'island of tears'.
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Data analytics underused as anti-fraud tool
Data analytics has the potential to be a powerful tool for organisations to use to combat fraud and other financial crimes. But many organisations are failing to effectively use data analytics for this purpose.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of 466 senior executives at leading companies around the world say they need to do more to improve their anti-fraud and anti-bribery procedures, including the use of forensic data analytics, according to a recent EY survey.
And despite the proliferation of uses for Big Data in recent years, 21% of 2,100 professionals taking part in a recent Deloitte webcast survey said their organisations have no plans to use Big Data to manage the risk of financial crimes including bribery, corruption and money laundering.
"Today, regulators expect organisations to have holistic enterprise fraud and misuse management programmes spanning all business units and international borders," Tony DeSantis, a principal in the Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics LLP data analytics practice, said in a news release. "However, many organisations are unsure where to begin and how to effectively apply analytics."
A majority of senior executives recognise the potential of data analytics as a tool to fight fraud, according to the EY survey report. Almost three-fourths (72%) of respondents said emerging Big Data technologies can play a key role in fraud prevention and detection.
Nine in ten said forensic data analytics will enhance the risk-assessment process, and 82% said forensic data analytics will lead to earlier detection of misconduct. But just 2% said they are leveraging Big Data technologies, and 11% said they are using statistical analysis and data-mining tools to fight fraud.
"While companies may be doing some forms of [forensic data analytics], many could be missing important opportunities to improve their anti-fraud and anti-bribery efforts," David Remnitz, global forensic technology and discovery services leader with EY, said in a news release. "By combining multiple data sources and leveraging advanced [forensic data analytics] tools, companies are now able to gain new and important insights from their business data."
EY's report provides five tips for successful forensic data analytics integration:
Start with a high-priority, high-return project. The first project will require significant set-up costs, so it is important to begin with a project that will lead to tangible returns, according to EY.
Go beyond "rule-based", descriptive analytics. Companies need to advance beyond rule-based spreadsheets and database applications to use structured and unstructured data sources that consider the use of data visualisation, text-mining and statistical analysis tools, the report says.
Communicate. Sharing information across multiple departments about early success will build momentum, according to the report.
Keep it simple and intuitive. Organisations should avoid cramming too much information into one report and should invest in professionals with the skills to develop and sustain successful data analytics efforts, EY said.
Exercise patience. Although quick-hit projects may be completed in four to six weeks, full integration can take a year or more, the report says. And the programme will need to be refined as business activities and risks change.


THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS CHRIST
1 Ana accountb of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David,c the Son of Abraham:d
FROM ABRAHAM TO DAVID
2 Abraham fathered* Isaac,
Isaac fathered Jacob,
Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers,e
3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar,
Perez fathered Hezron,
Hezron fathered Aram,f
4 Aram fathered Amminadab,
Amminadab fathered Nahshon,
Nahshon fathered Salmon,
5 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab,
Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth,
Obed fathered Jesse,g
6 and Jesse fathered King David.
FROM DAVID TO THE BABYLONIAN EXILE
David fathered SolomonB by Uriah's wife,h
7 Solomon fathered Rehoboam,
Rehoboam fathered Abijah,
Abijah fathered Asa,C
8 AsaC fathered Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat fathered Joram,D
Joram fathered Uzziah,i
9 Uzziah fathered Jotham,
Jotham fathered Ahaz,
Ahaz fathered Hezekiah,
10 Hezekiah fathered Manasseh,
Manasseh fathered Amon,E
Amon fathered Josiah,j
11 and Josiah fathered Jeconiah and his brothers
at the time of the exile to Babylon.k
FROM THE EXILE TO THE MESSIAH
12 After the exile to Babylon
Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel,
Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel fathered Abiud,
Abiud fathered Eliakim,
Eliakim fathered Azor,l
14 Azor fathered Zadok,
Zadok fathered Achim,
Achim fathered Eliud,
15 Eliud fathered Eleazar,
Eleazar fathered Matthan,
Matthan fathered Jacob,
16 and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary,
who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah.m
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Messiah, fourteen generations.n
THE NATIVITY OF THE MESSIAH
18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engagedF to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit.o 19 So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man,p and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.q
20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.r 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus,s because he will save his people from their sins."t
22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,G
which is translated "God is with us."u
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord's angel had commanded him. He married herv 25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son.H And he named him Jesus.w
About Christian Standard Bible
The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a highly trustworthy, faithful translation that is proven to be the optimal blend of accuracy and readability. It's as literal to the original as possible without sacrificing clarity. The CSB is poised to become the translation that pastors rely on and Bible readers turn to again and again to read and to share with others.
The CSB is an original translation: more than 100 scholars from 17 denominations translated directly from the best available Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic source texts into English. Its source texts are the standard used by scholars and seminaries today.
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The CSB is clear: it is as literal a translation of the ancient source texts as possible, but, in the many places throughout Scripture where a word-for-word rendering might obscure the meaning for a modern audience, it uses a more dynamic translation. In all cases, the intent is to convey the original meaning of God's Word as faithfully and as clearly as possible.
Copyright 2017 Holman Bible Publishers.
CSB UltraThin Reference Bible Copyright © 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers.
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When the Christian Standard Bible is quoted, one of the following credit lines must appear on the copyright page or title page of the work:
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.


WeRunFar
Morgan Tilton
On April 23, 2020, 4:00 am
Categories: WeRunFar
WeRunFar Profile: James Varner
Close to a decade ago, Trail Runner Magazine featured race director and ultrarunner James Varner with the header, "It's Never Sane with James." Varner, now 42, has tempered some of his 'dirtbag' lifestyle choices over the years, he confirms in our interview: "I've chilled out a good bit. I still drink stream water and get myself into trouble in the mountains. But I've been eating a much more vegan diet, and I'm not wearing short shorts anywhere near as much," he says. However, Varner's ambition, adventurous spirit, creativity, humor, and near-endless drive withstand time.
For the uninitiated, Varner is the founder of Rainshadow Running, a longtime trail and ultrarunning event company in the United States. Varner's race routes are characterized by challenging features and exquisite landscapes across the Pacific Northwest. He also founded the first-ever Trail Running Film Festival in the U.S. And, he's an impressive athlete with a 20-year list of ultra-distance accomplishments.
James Varner. Photo: Matt Cecill
When Varner decided to drop out of college at age 21, he had no idea that ultrarunning existed. Not knowing what to study, he decided to put his energy elsewhere. He became a pizza-delivery dude who enjoyed drinking a lot of cheap beer. That said, Varner also wasn't the lazy type. He was the oldest of four siblings from a household that revolved around sports. His dad was always on a softball or soccer team and simultaneously coached one of the kids' sport teams, too. Varner played basketball, baseball, and soccer. In high school, he also joined cross country. But, they lived in Southern Maryland. Trail systems, mountains, and the quintessential 'outdoor lifestyle' Varner has today didn't exist in his world.
"As a kid, my soccer coach would have us run a one-mile singletrack trail after practice—and I totally loved it. That's my earliest memory of trail running, and that was the longest trail I knew growing up. We didn't have formal trails. Otherwise, I'd play in the woods and run on deer and cow trails. We were surrounded by water, and we had a canoe. So, I'd go to the beach or play on the rivers. We would also go car camping as a family in the Shenandoah Mountains. The Appalachian Trail runs through there, so we'd do short family hikes," says Varner.
James (far right) with his family last year. All photos courtesy of James Varner unless otherwise noted.
After closing his college books, Varner got a wild hair to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail (AT). He'd never backpacked. Though plenty of people were already doing this, he didn't know anyone personally who'd had. Social media didn't yet exist. "I don't even know where I got the idea. It was 1999. The internet wasn't what we have today. Other than reading books, there wasn't a ton of information to figure out the backpack or sleeping bag you should get. I figured it out all on the fly as a beginner in preparation for this big hike," says Varner.
So, he registered for the Annual Gathering of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association. "It was a weekend campout reunion for long-distance backpackers and wasn't too far from where I was living at the time. I went and was blown away," he says.
One of the seminar speakers he watched was none other than David Horton, who talked about his experience running the entire AT, when he became the original fastest-known-time (FKT)-holder.
"I didn't know anyone ran on trails for more than just a cross-country distance or that people ran more than a marathon distance. I loved David's stories and talked to him after. He was like, 'Oh yeah, there are 100-mile, 50-mile, and 30-mile races.' David is a godfather of the sport and was one of the big influencers of ultrarunning before the internet was a thing. I became one of many people who can thank him for getting me into the sport of trail and ultrarunning. If I'd never met David and never gone to this campout conference, I wouldn't be where I am today," says Varner. The conference was full of characters willing to share their experiences, a welcome vibe, and helpful classes on everything from 'gourmet backcountry cooking' to 'building your own backpack.' Varner left inspired and more prepared to pursue the AT.
"In hindsight, thru-hiking the AT was a 180-degree turn for my life. When I found the AT, I found ultrarunning. Then, I discovered microbrews and bluegrass music and met people who are still my best friends. I had amazing experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise. I love the direction my life has gone since spending six months in the mountains," he says.
James and David Horton in 2019, almost 21 years after Horton told James about ultramarathons. Photo: David Horton
Post-AT, he moved to Baltimore with a handful of high-school buddies. A year later, he registered for his first ultrarunning race: the 2001 Hat Run 50k in Susquehanna State Park, Maryland. However, safe and accessible trails were few and far between in the city, and he didn't own a car, so he didn't train very much. "I ran the 50k in soccer shorts and the poly-pro shirt I wore on the AT with a Gatorade bottle. This was before gels and trail running vests were a thing. Succeed! salt capsules were just coming out. I was one of the last finishers. I suffered a lot. I totally loved it," says Varner.
He signed up right away for his second race that took place five months later: the 2001 Catoctin 50k Trail Run. This go around, he lived and worked as a caterer at a summer camp adjacent to the race course's trails. He trained all summer and was in good shape. The race started with a 100-yard dash across a parking lot to a technical-trail descent. "I was above average at steep and technical downhill trails and I didn't want to get stuck behind people, so I went out fast. One other guy thought the same thing—but he missed the turn onto the singletrack. I built this huge lead. But, I didn't want to lead my second 50k ever. On the flat, I slowed way down and walked, but no one caught up. I sat down and stretched. I let one guy go by me and got up to go," recalls Varner.
Then things started to fall apart. He didn't know about electrolyte or hydration management. The conditions were hot and humid. He cramped up and slowed down, right as a storm rolled through, so he went hypothermic, he recalls. The next aid station gave him a trash bag to wear. "I finished nowhere near the top. I met a bunch of runners. I was already hooked from my first one but becoming a part of the community in the second one really got me," he excitedly says.
James (front row, far left) during his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 1999 at age 22.
A few months later, Varner moved out west to a small town on the Oregon coast. He wanted to learn how to farm and became an apprentice. He had a ton of fun pursuing trail running and races. He finished the 2002 Hagg Mud 50k and McDonald Forest 50k. He would've done a race a month, he says, but was limited by finances and not owning a car.
"Most of my running in the Pacific Northwest at that time was where the big trees and giant ferns grow, and it rains all the time. And right on the other side of the mountains is the rainshadow: On the east side it's dry. It's a positive, cheerful term," says Varner. And that's where the name Rainshadow Running came from.
The Capitol Peak Mega Fast Ass 34 miler, in January of 2003, was a life-changer. Varner was 25 years old and finished fourth overall. And through that race, he started giving back to the trail running community, which simultaneously spurred his role as an organizer. "The race director, John Pearch, asked everyone who'd registered to help with trail work, so I helped. He also needed help with setting up the website and marking the course. Next thing I knew, he and I were brainstorming an idea for a 50-mile and 50k race in that same area. We had a good partnership where we were good at different things. So, we started putting on these Capitol Peak races together," says Varner, who became the co-director of the race series in January of 2004.
Then, he crewed Pearch at the Western States 100—and again, his world shifted.
"It was my first time going to a 100 miler. I was blown away with Western States—all the hoopla, tradition, and history. And I loved the idea of a point-to-point through mountains, through the night, through crazy conditions. All the fun of a 50k was dragged out in time. Mistakes were costly and rewards were magnified. That changed my racing trajectory from getting better at short races to being like, I want to be a 100-mile runner. Every year after that—up until last year, 2019—my annual goal was to do one 100 miler and all the rest of my racing and training would be geared toward that," he says.
In September of 2004, Varner ran his first century distance, the Plain 100 Mile, and finished second place.
"Plain is famous for a super-low finisher rate. I was the seventh finisher ever. The race had been around about seven years at the time. The race course is not marked. There are no aid stations. You can have one drop bag at the epicenter of the figure-eight course, at mile 60. If you have crew, they can be there. You can't have pacers. They normally don't allow someone to do it as their first 100 miler. But the self-sufficiency appealed to me. I'd been doing two-day training runs where I'd run into the mountains with my sleeping bag in a pack, lay down and sleep, and run home the next day. I felt I was prepared for the challenges of the race," he says, so Varner reached out to the race directors. They invited Varner to join for a training run on the race course. If he showed up and finished the run, he could register.
Varner biked to meet them at the trailhead (he still didn't own a car) but miscalculated the distance. The ride took three hours. When he showed up, no one was there. He'd written down the route description, so he started running. Twenty-five miles later, he caught the group, kept going, and finished the 50-mile run a few hours ahead of everyone. "The race directors were like, 'You biked here, figured out the route on your own, and you beat us by multiple hours. You can do the race.' I was in a lot better shape back then. I was a farmer. I was doing heavy labor jobs and biking everywhere," he says.
James while volunteering at the 2005 Hardrock 100.
After the Plain 100, Varner visited his sister for Christmas. She'd moved onto Orcas Island, Washington. He spent a few days exploring the area including trail runs at Moran State Park, where his sister worked.
"When I stumbled on Orcas Island, it was so magical. I felt we had to organize a race there," says Varner. In 2006, his dream of the Orcas Island race series lifted off and became the first official event of Rainshadow Running.
Varner was finding his path but wasn't totally settled, yet. The next few years brought a number of adventures and moves, following at times the trails which inspired him. In 2007, this included a six-month stay in Silverton, Colorado. "I went out to run the Hardrock 100 [for the first time] and didn't come back until Thanksgiving," he says. It was an event that he'd return to run five more times over the next 11 years. After his inaugural Hardrock, he returned to Pacific Northwest and worked as a manager for a nonprofit doing stressful, labor-intensive work.
James with pacer and crew Kyle Skaggs at the 2007 Hardrock 100.
By 2009, he had established multiple races but was still working another job to make ends meet. He remembers, "A handful of the races I had were doing well. They were selling out and the sport was growing. I thought if I could make a little bit of money for 12 races a year, I could pay the bills and have an idyllic lifestyle. I could be doing something I love, sharing wonderful experiences with people, and I'd get to travel to these great places where the races are located. It was mentally an easy decision for me to make the transition," Varner says. At the same time, "I didn't have college loans. I didn't have a family or a mortgage. I was basically a dirt bag. I didn't need to make a lot of money," he says. So he quit his job and doubled down on his race efforts.
In 2011, he had close to a dozen races lined up and was a full-time race director. Rainshadow Running now hosts annual races with various distances at 10 locations. "I was totally not sure but I gave it a shot, and so far it's working out. It's still a little nerve-racking," Varner says. Fast forward to the present, where things remain nerve-racking, but now for a different reason. Before the COVID-19 global pandemic, Varner also had four employees. Unfortunately, he had to lay off his staff, which he hopes is temporary. He's on lockdown at his home in Twisp, Washington, with his girlfriend.
"Coronavirus has been hard on everybody—our industry is feeling it right now. There's been a major impact for Rainshadow Running. Our revenue has gone down very close to zero. We're at five percent of what we expected for revenue. The little money we had in the bank account has to get us through until people have confidence to sign up for races again. And, no one really knows how long this will go on for. The situation is evolving daily. What works for one race company doesn't always work for another," says Varner.
Today, Varner is also the race director for the Waldo 100k. And he's the course director for the Hardrock 100, as of 2019. "I'm just totally honored to help this race. It's my favorite race in whole world for multiple reasons. It's so beautiful there. It's such a challenging course. My favorite thing is the people. Hardrock does an amazing job at every aspect of the race. I'm really lucky to be a part of it," he says.
"In addition to race directing, Varner is the founder of the nonprofit Outdoor Arts & Recreation. Within the organization, he launched The Trail Running Film Festival, founded in 2013. The inaugural event was hosted alongside the Gorge Waterfalls Trail Races and sold out immediately. In March of 2014, they expanded the festival to include a 12-city tour in the Pacific Northwest followed by a 31-city nationwide tour that fall. Certain stops along the film-festival tour are huge, sold-out shows including in Boulder, Colorado and Portland, Oregon while others are smaller and more intimate.
This year, in light of COVID-19, he launched the first-ever "Virtual Edition" festival event to take place Friday, May 1. The evening will include a two-hour live stream of never-before-seen films and prize giveaways. The ticket price ($10) supports operational costs, but at checkout there is an option to add a donation to support the YWCA COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Community Resiliency Fund. At the time of this article's publishing, the festival has collected more than $10,000 in donations.
The Trail Running Film Festival.
"It's a really fun idea that me and a few friends from where I live came up with to combine outdoor recreation and the arts. The big idea is to empower people and provide more opportunities for folks through programs—they could experience the arts and outdoors in fun, creative ways. We're still in our infancy," he shares.
Over the years, the sport's growth has been positive overall, he says: "I love our sport. I love what it's done for me and how it helps get people in the outdoors. It's really good for our physical and mental health. And it's really good for the planet, because the more people that experience the outdoors, the more likely they are to be come stewards. And now, there is a greater variety of races to choose from and they are creative." There are tradeoffs to growth, too. "The impact that some races have on the environment, the overcrowding of local roads, and the mess left behind is the bad side of the growth. I'd rather see 10 races with 200 people than one race with 2,000 people. We always cap our races due to limited parking, limited indoor space, and fragile trails," he says.
Overall, with so many responsibilities on Varner's plate, it's hard to train for his own races and run goals, he realizes. He's DNFed a few races including Hardrock, which hits home for him. "I put on 25 pounds when I became a full-time race director, because I sit [at the computer] all the time. My own running is the thing that's suffered the most over the last 10 years. When I commit to putting on an event—a film festival or a race—and have a time crunch, I choose work before my own racing or training," he says.
James with pacers Kerry Dycus (left) and Colton Gerhart at the 2017 Hardrock 100.
In 2019, he scaled back a bit. He didn't do a film-festival national tour, and took on a partner to split the festival work 50/50. "It's hard to do it all. If I focus on one thing something else suffers. I end up working all night and not sleeping. Other times, I go on three-day running vacation and the work piles up. My goal moving forward is to figure out how to have all these things I want but to keep my sanity and to do a good job. One way I keep balance is by delegating. And with Rainshadow, my co-race director took over so much day-to-day stuff, so I was able to focus on the bigger picture," says Varner.
On the horizon, he's eager to focus on a few, huge missions he's had in mind since he first attended the Annual Gathering of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association in 1999. He dreams of FKT attempts on all or parts of the AT, Pacific Crest Trail, and elsewhere. Varner says he's motivated "to go out and attempt things that are too hard for me, or there are too many challenges to overcome." He may be more grounded now, but Varner is still reaching for the sky.
Call for Comments (from Meghan)
Have you run a Rainshadow Running event? Leave a comment to share your story?
How about racing, running, or adventuring with James Varner? Can you share an experience?
James (back row, third from right) and volunteers marking the Hardrock 100 course. Photo: Jim Milar
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Tags: James Varner
Morgan Tilton: is an adventure journalist who writes about the outdoors with a focus in travel, industry news, and human endurance. She is a recipient of multiple North American Travel Journalists Association awards including two double-award articles—"Wild & Broken: A First SUP Descent of Utah's Escalante River" and "A Wild Space"—that share her first descent on stand-up paddle board of Utah's wild Escalante River, a self-supported journey she shared with four friends. She works with close to 50 publications. Follow Morgan on her website and Instagram account.
Jeff Rome says:
I remember, at the 2017 HR 100, when James took his turn to speak at the "graduation," or the awards ceremony for finishers. He said he had yelled at another runner who caused some loose rocks to fall near him at Grants Swamp Pass, and apologized to the crowd because he hadn't followed the "Hardrock spirit" at that moment. To apologize in front of the whole crowd, without prompt, is very admirable. And I think he embodies the Hardrock spirit, whatever that may be, more than almost anyone. I've always appreciated the thought he puts into his races, and the adventures I've had scouting his courses and doing trail work in the groups he's led. I hope to run many more Rainshadow races once conditions permit!
I moved to Washington in 2010 with only a few ultras under my belt at the time. On a whim I registered for a Rainshadow race, and was blown away. Always worth it for that finish line hug :) Thanks James, hope to see you soon.
Thomas Bowling says:
At the 2018 HardRock 100, I was up on Grant Swamp Pass spectating and waiting to cheer on a friend. Many of the runners were scootching down the scree carefully on their butts. James came over to the drop off and ran down in full strides. It was the most insane and glorious thing to spectate! Like watching a surfer shred a giant wave. I'll never forget that!
Rainshadow races are extraordinary, James and his team do an incredible job. They find excellent courses and the vibe is always great. I'm excited for them to be able to be back.
I love rainshadow running races. Orcas 50km in 2014 was my first 50km and Sun Mountain was my first 50 miler the following year. And Oregon Coast ultra.. was one of the most beautiful race courses I have ever run. Can't wait to get back on the trails.
I came all the way from TN last year to run The Sun Mountain 50k just bc it was a Rainshadow event and was not disappointed. Spectacular race with wonderful people. James even recognized the shirt I was wearing from my local running store as I crossed the finish line. Orcas 100 keeps calling my name...
Yitka Winn says:
What a wonderful profile of a fantastic human! I have a thousand favorite James Varner memories, but I'll share a few favorites: Back when I was a professional shoebox slinger at the Seattle REI more than a decade ago, a coworker and friend tried to convince me to sign up for a trail race with him--James Varner's (Rainshadow Running) Orcas Island 25K. At the time, I'd just run my first road marathon, and the idea of attempting a semi-mountainous trail race terrified me. So I told my friend no. Months went by and eventually the race sold out--which was a lot less common in 2010, but the race already had a wonderful reputation by then! FOMO kicked in and so I contacted James to ask whether there was any way I might still be able to get in to his race after all. He said sure, if I would just come out to Orcas for a trail-work party the weekend before the race. I'd never done trail work in my life and I was also very nervous about how to drive onto a Washington State ferry for the first time, haha--but James helped put me in touch with some folks to carpool with (this is how I met Glenn Tachiyama for the first time!) and I had the grandest time of my life that weekend. It was my first time really ever interacting with ultrarunners, and I had little inkling of the trajectory that weekend--and James's generous willingness to give a nervous, procrastinating newb a chance to fall in love with this community--would have on the rest of my life. I am forever grateful to him for introducing me to the wild, wonderful world of trail running!
My other favorite James memories involve XC skiing and Swiss Bobbing in the Methow last winter, pacing him at Hardrock in 2015, scrambling up Hawk Peak in my old Colorado stomping grounds, and James generously crewing me and a bunch of other Hardrock lottery rejects in 2014 on our Soft(er)rock adventure that summer. I'll never forget the delicious donuts from Baked in Telluride that James greeted us with at Grouse Gulch, nor the champagne he poured into red Solo cups for us at our finish line in Maggie Gulch.
Thank you, James, for everything you have contributed to this amazing community! I'm so grateful you invited me to do trail work 10 years ago. :D
Tim Mathis says:
Great article, and James is great at what he does. At some point or another I've run just about all of his 50ks and they're all well run on beautiful courses. He also deserves a ton of credit for growing trail running as a sport in the Pacific Northwest - he put together the best races at a time when the sport was just growing up and it helped establish a really amazing community in WA. And I can vouch that he never lost the dirtbag spirit.
nevtrik says:
Orcas 50K and Gorge Waterfalls are my favorite races! Hope the Gorge is coming back next year. Also Rainshadow Running throws the best afterparties!
Kelsey McGill says:
Thank you so much James for all that you do!!! Your hard work, dedication, encouragement, and inclusiveness to beginners in the running world has gone great lengths to having such a profound community inside and outside of Rainshadow Running! I feel like when I come to the races, I'm welcomed with wide-open arms from so many, and that is directly linked to your positive role modeling. Thank you so much for all that you do and I can't wait to reunite back with Rainshadow once this all blows over!
In addition to operating Rainshadow Running, James captains a wild aid station at the Cascade Crest 100. He's a real ambassador of the sport.
Zack G. says:
Epically nice or nicely epic-- I can't decide which is the best way to describe James. We met at the 2004 Plain 100 and had some great adventures over the next few years. In 2005 he organized a memorial day "Olympic Epic" weekend as Hardrock training. The epicness started for me when I had to ride 3 hours in the bed of his truck from Olympia to the trailhead. The first-day loop turned into an out-an-back after we post-holed for miles along a snowy ridge. A group of us started off on another loop the next day and soon realized that the plan was again a bit too ambitious. Never to be deterred, James pressed on into the night as the rest of us turned around and made our way back to the trailhead campsite. We waited around all night, then the next morning, then into the afternoon, our concern growing as we passed 36 hours since he left camp. Just as we broke down and contacted the ranger to report his lateness in returning, he strolled into camp with the biggest smile on his face, having had an epic adventure while completing the loop. A few months later we camped for several days at Mineral Creek outside of Silverton, acclimatizing and learning the trails pre-Hardrock. James was near the top of the wait list and was hanging on to see if he'd get in. He ended up being the last one NOT to get in that year, but I'm so glad he's been able to go back many times since. Fortunately for me he was more than happy to jump in and pace for me that year and I'll never forget our slog through the night and pre-dawn rebirth at Hardrock 2005.
Jonathan French says:
One of the best race directors in the country. I've traveled from TX to run Orcas 50K, Gorge 100K, Oregon Coast 50K, and hope to run Secret Beach and Gorge again in the future. Low key events are my go to and even though people know about his destination events, he keeps them to a minimum and they always have that family, local feel. I miss Rainshadow and hope to get back soon. Thanks James for EVERYTHING you do.


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Strikers on the front foot in anti-academies battle in east London
by Sadie Robinson
Published Tue 17 Apr 2018
On the picket line at Avenue primary school in Newham (Pic: Socialist Worker)
There was an exuberant mood on the picket line at Avenue primary school in Newham on Tuesday.
NEU union members were beginning a three-day strike against a plan to turn their school into an academy. It was their 14th strike day.
Strikers chanted, "We want a ballot and we want it now," and, "Whose school? Our school!" Parents came to support strikers while passing drivers tooted their horns in solidarity.
Teaching assistant Azra told Socialist Worker, "We've always had community schools in Newham. Children do well in them.
"But I've heard from children hating their schools when they become academies. We don't want a strict regime."
Katerina is the equal opportunities officer for the NEU at the school. She said, "This is about privatising the education sector. It's all about financial gain for the trust. The school will not benefit."
NEU president Kiri Tunks spoke to strikers. "It's brilliant to be here," she said. "This campaign is really making waves, not just in London but outside as well.
"These schools are our schools—they do not belong to private companies."
Many strikers said that the school had already changed in the run-up to the academisation plan.
"They expect there to be written work in Maths books every day—and for it to be marked the same day," said Katerina. "You end up taking work home. My children keep telling me I'm not a teacher at home."
Workers will begin a new ballot for strikes this week as their existing ballot mandate expires. Meanwhile NEU members at nearby Cumberland school were set to strike for two days from Wednesday. They are demanding a parent ballot.
Workers at both schools plan three-day strikes starting on Tuesday in each of the following two weeks.
The fight against academies has already won real victories. The Labour council has voted to oppose academisation and said there should be ballots of parents and workers on any academy plans.
And the high court has granted a group of parents' permission for a judicial review on the consultation process to go ahead. This forced Avenue school to postpone the academisation process.
Azra said, "A lot has been going our way. Everything is possible."
Send messages of support to assistant.secretary@nta.gmail.com
Tue 17 Apr 2018, 12:08 BST
Parents and teachers slam governors' drive to make schools academies in east London
The Newham struggle against academisation is winning
Newham victories show we can beat academies and the cuts
Parents, children and striking teachers protest at academies show