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Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Times
What was the worst moment in Scottish history?
Scotland's stormy past, with its roll call of battles and assassinations, revolutions and revolts, can sometimes read like a masterclass in shooting ourselves in the foot. History, by definition, is a series of dramas stitched together by a running narrative in which those responsible for life-changing decisions, whether triumphant or disastrous, are held accountable: lauded, lambasted or simply airbrushed from the record. If asked to nominate the worst decision in Scottish history, most of us would have little problem coming up with a list, with several contenders jockeying for the dubious honour of first place. Some might say, of course, that even to ask this question is to indulge in a national stereotype, the bittersweet compulsion to pick at old scabs. Can you blame us? It feels as if for every brilliant innovation or intellectual breakthrough there has been an event, often avoidable, that has left the country reeling. Take the Battle of Flodden in 1513, which remains one of the frontrunners for the most reckless and needless decision ever made. When James IV marched into England and confronted Henry VIII's troops near the border, he had a larger army and a strong strategic advantage. Shortly before battle commenced, however, he switched position, rendering his cannons useless as they shot far beyond range. Even worse, when his men charged down the hillside they were trapped in mud, allowing the English to pick them off. Around 10,000 Scots died, including the king and many of the country's aristocracy. Since then, Flodden has become a byword for self-inflicted disaster, as when in 1961, one of the best Scottish football teams ever fielded lost 9-3 to England. The goalkeeper Frank Haffey was so vilified he emigrated to Australia. A rather worse calamity was the Darien Scheme of 1695. The idea of setting up a colony in Panama to trade with the Pacific and Atlantic was not, in theory, a bad one. But climate, geography and politics turned a potentially money-spinning venture into a nightmare, bringing the country close to bankruptcy. This debacle led almost directly to the Union of Parliaments, with whose consequences, good and ill, we're still grappling. 1707 remains a sour date for those who, despite the economic benefits the Union brought, say we threw away our independence for the enrichment of a handful of self-serving toffs. Dozens of dates vie for attention once, like fossil hunters, you start looking for footprints from the past. You could point to the Jacobites turning back at Derby in 1745 rather than marching on London, as planned. Who knows what might have happened had they taken the English capital. Yet I would argue that the entire Jacobite crusade was a mistake, given what followed: harsh reprisals and ill-feeling against the Highlands and Islands, an entrenching of anti-Catholic sentiment, and the start of an era of mass-emigration from the region, whose reverberations endure. The same, of course, could be said for the Clearances. Although the emptying of glens and straths to make way for sheep in counties such as Sutherland and Caithness was the work of more than one individual, the nation was brutalised by this barbaric process. Not only was it immeasurably cruel to those who were displaced but its environmentally baleful legacy lives on. There are countless other low points, among them the near collapse of the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2008 under Fred Goodwin's pugnaciously acquisitive regime. Overnight, the country's centuries-old pride for fiscal prudence evaporated. I'd also suggest that, for those keen to end the Union, holding the independence referendum in 2014 was, in retrospect, a mistake. Had it come a few years later, after the Brexit referendum — and when 56 of 59 Scottish MPs at Westminster were SNP — a majority might well have voted yes. For me, however, the most momentous date of all is 16 May, 1568. On that day, Mary, Queen of Scots stepped into a boat and sailed across the Solway Firth to England. Despite the protestations of her closest advisers, she was determined to seek help from Elizabeth I, confident that with her cousin's support she could regain the throne that had been forcibly taken from her. It was a stupendous miscalculation, one so ill-advised that before departing she was obliged to sign a statement, produced by her inner circle, saying she was acting against their advice. How Mary could have thought she would be safe in England is inexplicable, given the threat she posed. Within days she recognised she was a prisoner. Increasingly isolated and unwell, during the next 19 or so years she was drawn into conspiracies against her cousin. Nevertheless, it was a forged postscript to one of Mary's coded letters, by an agent acting for Elizabeth's spy master Sir Francis Walsingham, that led to her execution. Had Mary not fled to England, things might have gone very differently. Although at the time of her abdication she was reviled for allegedly colluding in her husband Darnley's murder, support for her had since grown. It was entirely possible that she could have raised an army, overthrown her enemies, and lived to reign for many more years. How different Scotland might then have looked. And how much more vulnerable England would have been, with a potential ally of European Catholic powers as a neighbour. Indeed, a Catholic invasion could have reshaped the entire British isles. You can also wonder what sort of man her son, the future James VI and I, would have been if raised by his mother rather than by fanatical Protestants. Might the shameful witchhunts he set in motion have been averted? But there's another lingering legacy of Mary's fatal error. Since her beheading at Fotheringhay Castle she has been cast as a tragic figure, either a heroine or a weak and foolish woman, depending on your view. In an era of profound misogyny, promoted by the likes of John Knox, her story became a cautionary tale about the fallibility of women and their inability to be leaders. An echo of that narrative remains to this day. One bad decision; so many consequences. Exile: The Captive Years of Mary, Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring is published on 3 July by Birlinn.
Washington Post
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Stanine Festival features big-name electronic musicians in small spaces
Guitarist-composer Tyondai Braxton used to play large clubs with the art-rock band Battles, and he took his 'Telekinesis,' an eclectic 2022 work for orchestra and chorus, to London's 900-seat Queen Elizabeth Hall. But he says he's pleased to be performing this weekend with longtime collaborator Ben Vida at D.C.'s Rhizome, a much smaller venue.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to get Shiny Gigantamax Machamp in Pokemon GO
Gigantamax Machamp in Pokemon GO (Image via Niantic) Shiny Gigantamax Machamp in Pokemon GO is the talk of the hour! Gigantamax Machamp makes its debut in Pokemon GO on May 25, 2025, as part of a limited-time Raid Day event. This powerful Fighting-type Dynamax attacker will be available for only three hours, from 2 PM to 5 PM local time. Since this critter is going to be the strongest Fighting-type Dynamax option for trainers, you might want to get a Shiny Gigantamax Machamp in Pokemon GO for the oomph factor. How to get Gigantamax Machamp in Pokemon GO To get Shiny Gigantamax Machamp in Pokemon GO, you first need to encounter the normal variant. There are two main ways to obtain Gigantamax Machamp: 6-star Max Battles The primary method to catch Gigantamax Machamp is by participating in 6-star Max Battles during the event window. Here's what you need to know: - Event Duration: May 25, 2025 (2 PM – 5 PM local time) - Raid Cost: 800 Max Particles - Group Size: Up to 40 trainers can join, but battles are split into groups of four Best counters to defeat Gigantamax Machamp: Gigantamax Machamp Research Complete! I've Never Hatched THIS Shiny Before! (Pokémon GO) Machamp is weak to Psychic-, Fairy-, and Flying-type attacks. The top recommended Dynamax attackers include: # Attacker Form Fast Move Max Attack Move 1 Metagross Dynamax Zen Headbutt (Psychic) Max Mindstorm (Psychic) 2 Moltres Dynamax Wing Attack (Flying) Max Airstream (Flying) 3 Unfezant Dynamax Air Slash (Flying) Max Airstream (Flying) 4 Charizard Dynamax Air Slash / Wing Attack (Flying) Max Airstream (Flying) 5 Gigantamax Gengar Gigantamax — Max Terror (Ghost) 6 Gigantamax Kingler Gigantamax — Max Foam Burst (Water) CP ranges for catching Gigantamax Machamp: - No weather boost: 1,667 – 1,746 CP (Level 20, IVs 10/10/10 – 15/15/15) - Weather boosted (Cloudy): 2,084 – 2,183 CP (Level 25, IVs 10/10/10 – 15/15/15) Trading If you miss the event, you can still obtain Gigantamax Machamp through trading. Keep these points in mind: - It counts as a Special Trade. - Any unlocked Max Moves remain, but leveled-up moves reset to Level 1. How to get Shiny Gigantamax Machamp in Pokemon GO? Yes, Shiny Gigantamax Machamp is available, but the odds are not boosted during the event. The standard shiny rate is approximately 1 in 512. Gigantamax Machamp stats and moves Here's a breakdown of its key attributes: - Attack: 234 - Defense: 159 - Stamina: 207 Fast Attacks: - Counter - Karate Chop - Bullet Punch Charged Attacks: - Cross Chop - Stone Edge - Submission - Rock Slide - Close Combat - Dynamic Punch - Heavy Slam - Payback Max Move (G-Max Chi Strike): - Type: Fighting - Upgrade Costs: - Level 1: 400 MP + 60 Candy - Level 2: 600 MP + 110 Candy - Level Max: 800 MP + 45 Candy XL Additional tips for trainers to get Shiny Gigantamax Machamp in Pokemon GO - Team up early: Since raids fill quickly, coordinate with friends or local groups. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tired of High Power Bills? Plug in This Device elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo - Optimize counters: Use high-DPS Flying or Psychic-types for faster clears. - Check weather: Cloudy weather boosts Machamp's spawns and CP. Also read: Pokemon GO Gigantamax Machamp Max Battle Guide -Best counters, strengths, weaknesses, 100% IVs, shinies, and more Gigantamax Machamp is a must-have for competitive and collection purposes, so mark your calendars for May 25 and prepare for an intense raid experience. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘We're going to miss him': Kevin Wells leaves a legacy of joy at Texas Roadhouse'
Editor's note: The video below is our full on-air story about Kevin Wells' legacy at Texas Roadhouse. From his daily routine to the celebration of his retirement, this piece shares Kevin's story through the voices of those who know and love him best. MIDLAND, Texas (KMIDKPEJ)- For eight years, the staff at Texas Roadhouse in Midland didn't need a clock to know when their day had started, they had Kevin Wells. Every afternoon, Kevin would walk in with a series of greetings that became part of the restaurant's rhythm. A quick hello to the host stand. A visit to the broiler line. A check-in with the dishwashers. Then, finally, he'd settle in at his station, where he's rolled thousands of sets of silverware over the years, always with purpose, and always with pride. Kevin, who lives with Down syndrome, is preparing to retire. And for those who've worked beside him, the thought of the restaurant without him feels like more than just the end of a shift. 'He is kind of a cheerleader and somebody who gives everybody a little spark when he comes in each day,' said Aaron Battles, the restaurant's managing partner. Kevin is deeply routine-oriented. His daily walk-through became a cherished part of the restaurant's energy, a moment of levity and connection in the middle of the hustle. And it wasn't just the staff who noticed. Regulars grew familiar with him, too, as he'd sometimes pass through the dining area with a quiet 'hi' and a smile. And then, there was the dancing. 'A lot of times people play music in the back, and depending on what the music is, Kevin will start dancing,' Battles said, grinning. 'There was one day…I think it was Cher's Do You Believe in Love After All?, and man, he really got into that one. It just makes everybody smile.' Kevin's job application came through a local support group years ago, but what he brought to the restaurant quickly became much more than a job well done. It became a masterclass in consistency, resilience, and joy. 'He's inspirational,' Battles said. 'Whatever is going on in his life, he still comes in and comes to work. He loves work. He teaches us a lot. I've always said, Kevin has done more for us than we ever did for him.' That sentiment is echoed across the team as they prepare to say goodbye. On Sunday, May 25, staff will line up at the door to welcome Kevin into the restaurant one last time, clapping, cheering, and high-fiving. They'll celebrate in 'the most Kevin way possible,' Battles said. But true to form, they won't hold him up too long. Kevin's not one to be late getting to work. It's that devotion, that sense of ownership and pride in the role, that made Kevin such a perfect fit for the Texas Roadhouse culture: 'Hard work, routines, and having fun along the way.' Battles hopes Kevin's story will encourage other employers to recognize the value in hiring individuals with disabilities, not as an act of charity, but as a smart investment in people who often bring unmatched loyalty and heart. 'Sometimes we have to adjust and adapt a little bit,' he said. 'But someone like Kevin is going to do so much more for us than we'll ever do for them.' As Kevin enters retirement, his coworkers will carry forward the culture he helped build. And for anyone who ever heard his hello or watched him dance to Cher in the back prep area, his legacy won't be forgotten. Because Kevin didn't just roll silverware. He rolled out joy, one hello, one routine, and one spark at a time. At the very start of his journey at Texas Roadhouse, Kevin Wells was celebrated with cheers, new t-shirts, hugs, and a first-name tag. In this exclusive video, watch the team mark Kevin's first year on the job, a moment that, even back then, showed just how much he meant to the people around him. Watch below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
North GA man charged with capital murder after man found shot crashes into home
A north Georgia man is facing a capital murder charge in Alabama after he was accused of shooting and killing a man last month. Christopher Brayden Jones, 23, of Calhoun is currently being held in the Gordon County Jail on an unrelated drug charge. He will be extradited to DeKalb County, Alabama to face charges in the death of Marcus Adam Battles, 39. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators say they were called to a home in Mentone, Alabama on April 10 after Battles crashed his car into a home. The 911 caller reported that Battles had also been shot. He was pronounced dead at the home. Sheriff Nick Welden said his office spent weeks trying to identify a suspect in Battles' death and ultimately identified Jones as the shooter. 'Maybe now the Battles family can have some ease to a terrible pain that started 21 days ago, that took a loved one and left an entire community with a huge question of WHY!' Welden wrote in a statement. TRENDING STORIES: Risk of severe storms moving in on Saturday afternoon. Here's what you need to know Forsyth County woman returned fake Apple Watches to Target for real money, police say 10-year-old girl dies when tree falls on Atlanta home Investigators have not released details on what led up to Battles' death. Gordon County jail records show Jones is being held on a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
