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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the The Pip Box?

The Pip Box is a monthly beauty subscription box which promotes and features only cruelty-free  (brands that do not test on animals) and vegan products.

Where do you ship too?

We ship worldwide! UK postage is free, E. postage is £1.50 and rest of world is just £3.50.

Our Limited Edition Kits and advent calendars have slightly different shipping costs.

When do you ship your boxes?

Our boxes are on sale until around the 20th of each month. They are then shipped on or around the 20th. Most subscribers receive their box by the 26th of the month, although boxes sent overseas to Europe have been known to take much longer (up to 3 weeks!).

I ordered my box last month but it hasn't arrived yet?

Our cut off dates for each box each month is usually around the 20th of the month, although our boxes often sell out early (we've sold out as early at the 4th of the month!). That means if you signed up for a Pip Box after either the cut of date, or sold out date (which ever came first) you will be first in the queue to receive next months box, but you will have missed the current months box. You will not be charged again until you have received your first Pip Box.

I think my box has gone missing in the post, what should I do?

Don't worry! Email our team on and we will look into your missing Pip Box for you straight away.

Do you provide tracking numbers?

Our UK orders are partially tracked - pop an email over and we can check your boxes shipping status.

When will I know my box is on its way?

You will receive a dispatch email to the email address you registered with to let you know your Pip Box is on its way!

What products will be included in each box?

The products included will be a selection of cruelty-free and vegan make-up, skincare, hair care and bath and body care. The brands will vary every month so you get to try out lots of different products! We will offer sneak peeks of featured products on our social media, but most months the products will be a surprise. Items may vary per box, featured items are subject to availability.

How much are the products worth? Are they all samples?

The RRP of each box varies per month, but on average is around £55+ per month, so you're always getting a great deal. Where possible we always try to feature full sized products, and we make sure we avoid very small samples (for the 5 beauty items). Extras samples are sometimes included.

Can I give a Pip Box subscription as a gift?

Yes, we offer digital gift vouchers, perfect for a last minute gift. These can be purchased in our shop and arrive via email. They allow your gift recipient to set up a subscription at a time that best suits them.

Why only cruelty-free products?

We are firmly against testing on animals for cosmetic purposes. It's the reason why we started The Pip Box in the first place! It's our mission to encourage our subscribers to use only cruelty-free products. Every year thousands of animals die unnecessarily undergoing cruel cosmetic tests and there are plenty of humane alternative test available.

How do you ensure a brand is cruelty-free?

Firstly we will only approach brands who advertise and promote themselves as cruelty-free. Once we've made contact we will check their company policy on animal testing, and lastly before they are featured all suppliers are requested to sign a Pip Box cruelty-free declaration form for added peace of mind.

What's your stance on parent owned companies?

We know lots of people differ in opinion when it comes to supporting a cruelty-free brand that is parent owned by a non cruelty-free brand. Here at The Pip Box we are happy to support parent owned brands providing the company in question acts independently from their parent owner. We believe by supporting cruelty-free brands we are showing their parent owners that there is a need, want and demand for cruelty-free and vegan products, hopefully encouraging them to switch all the brands they own over to cruelty-free production.

Are your boxes vegan friendly too?

Yes all products featured are always vegan friendly.

Are there any hidden fees?

None at all.

I'm visually impaired, could I receive the box leaflet and literature digitally?

Of course you can, simply pop us an email to let us know and we will make sure a digital version is emailed over to you on dispatch day.

I didn't get chance to pick my Pip Box up from the post office and now it's been returned to sender.

If you didn't get chance to pick you Pip Box up from the post office and it's been returned, once we have it back we will pop an email over to let you know. A re-delivery change will need to be paid before we can re-post it back out. This is one cost of £3 and can be purchased via our shop. We will keep returned parcels for 30 calendar days. Once that time has past the box will no longer be available for re-delivery and we can not offer a refund.

How do I cancel?

If you want to cancel, just send us an email and we'll sort it out for you straight away, or log into your customer account. Remember you can always skip a month too!

I'm a brand or blogger - can we collaborate?

Yes of course, just get in touch , we'd love to hear from you. Email:

Can't find an answer to your question?

Don't worry! Just pop it in an email and we'll back back to you as soon as we can!

Our working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Are you ready to subscribe to The Pip Box?

Sign up today and start your journey towards a cruelty-free make up bag!


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Do gsp’s like strong flow?

The forum for puffers that either live or start in brackish biotopes: GSPs, F8s, Ceylons & more.
Post Reply
Puffer Fry
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:11 pm
Location (country): london, uk

Do gsp’s like strong flow?

Post by duracell »

I’m just wondering if gsp’s like a strong flow? I’ve got two in a 280litre at 1.010sg running on two fluval 406 canister filters. I’ve got quite a lot of flow in the tank, with both outlets crossing over through the middle one pointing up and one down, bringing up most of the poo nicely up into the inlets. They seem to enjoy this, swimming through the currents and being quite playful with it and they love chasing the bloodworms as they get blown about. I just want to be 100% sure that this flow won’t stress or exhaust them in the long run? (Note - there are low flow areas to rest)

Puffer Fry
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:08 pm
Location (country): Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Do gsp’s like strong flow?

Post by kaputkittie »

Hey Mark, I think the stronger flow in some areas of the tank is probably fine for the GSP as long as they have a place to rest. I know mine loves to swim right up into pump output and surf the jetstream but then he can rest in the bottom of the tank. In the wild these puffers swim in estuaries, rivers, and out into the ocean so I see no reason that kind of flow would affect them much.
Post Reply

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View all posts

19th March 2015

God disciplines His sons.

Greg Simnor

Hi family,

Key thought this week:  "God disciplines His sons."

If you are a son[1] of God then you should expect to be disciplined by God out of the love He has for you. God’s discipline sanctifies us so that we are able to share in His holiness[2]. God has this incredible kingdom life that He has made available to us, and His discipline enables us to come into the fullness of this abundant life now.

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11

This passage is so powerful. All who have been trained by God's discipline have produced in them the fruit of righteousness. Righteousness is living a life of right standing before the Father, allowing the Father to build you His way so His life is produced in and through you. It is those who do the will of the Father who enter the kingdom of heaven[3].

Hebrews 12:8 says that without this discipline, of which all have become partakers, then we are illegitimate children and not sons. Let us all allow His discipline to shape us as His sons, not shying away from this discipline but embracing it full on. Then we can all come into the fullness of this spiritual life awakening within us, and receive all that He has for us as true sons of God.

Spend some time in Hebrews 12:4-13 this week, meditating on these words and engaging with His Spirit to reveal the message He has for you there.

Please feel free to respond with any thoughts that you have on this passage and the questions in the comments section below.

Have a favoured week,

[1] “sons” referring to our adopted relationship with God the Father, irrespective of our biological gender.

[2] Hebrews 12:10

[3] Matthew 7:21


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Lavender Rose Garnet Essential Oil Roller Ball Perfume

$15.00 USD

This listing is for one 10ml roller ball perfume bottle. I created this special blend with dried roses, raw garnets, organic jojoba oil and organic rose oil. Garnets are used to heal and balance the Sacel Chakra as well as inspire love and devotion. Rose petals and their medicine help to move and open the heart. They are also used to uplift ones mood and alleviate depression as well. It also has antispasmodic, aphrodisiac and sedative qualities, as well as being anti-inflammatory. Lavender is used for it’s stress relieving and anti anxiety properties. This oil blend is perfect for those who want to feel uplifted, relaxed and want to awaken the heart.

To Apply: Gently shake and simply apply to wrists, behind ears, nape of neck, or wherever you normally apply perfumes, and gently massage in.

10ml  glass bottle with roller ball

Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rose Oil, Organic Lavender  Essential Oil

Please use herbs responsibly. The magical occult properties are listed for historical use mainly and should not be taken as medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Keep out of reach of children.


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Sep 2013

Kite Flying prior to Irish Budget

A new report presented to Social Welfare Minister Joan Burton recommends the PRSI rate for self employed and proprietary directors should go up from current rate of 4% to 5.5% to fund extra social benefits for those who work for themselves.

The higher PRSI rate would be used to fund the paying of long-term illness and disability benefits for the self employed, which are not available to those who work for themselves at the moment.

However, the higher PRSI payment that the advisory group recommends for all the self-employed to pay for disability benefits, is set to be opposed by business group ISME The report also states that it would provide a safety net for those who want to start a business.

The cabinet has approved publication of the report, however it remains unclear if the recommendations will form part of next month's budget.

Posted byAnn TigheinPAYEPayroll


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What crisis? Fernandinho tailor-made for City's depleted defense
Matt McNulty - Manchester City / Manchester City FC / Getty

And just like that, Fernandinho is Manchester City's most important player once again.

City will face more intimidating opponents than Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League this campaign, but Fernandinho's first match of what will be an extended spell in defense was pleasingly discreet. The midfielder, who was the platform for Pep Guardiola's side during back-to-back Premier League title triumphs, selected his passes well and stepped forward to accost attackers when required to in Wednesday's 3-0 Group C win.

The Brazilian displayed the practicality that can betray Nicolas Otamendi at crucial junctures.

Fernandinho playing at center-back isn't Plan A. Guardiola was already down to three senior players in that position after Vincent Kompany returned to hometown club Anderlecht in the close season, but that number was worryingly slashed to one when Aymeric Laporte and John Stones suffered injuries either side of Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Norwich City.

Even before Stones' injury was confirmed after Tuesday's training session, the miscommunication and disarray in the backline during the surprising Carrow Road setback led to premature forecasts of an unsuccessful title defense for Guardiola's gaggle.

Marc Atkins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Otamendi was at fault for two of Norwich's goals - running miles out of position to confront (and miss) Marco Stiepermann before Todd Cantwell's goal and getting pickpocketed by Teemu Pukki for the Canaries' third - and was thus a scapegoat for the loss. Then, after Stones picked up his muscular complaint, Otamendi was suddenly the only natural center-half at Guardiola's disposal.

"Football is not how you handle good situations, but how you handle bad ones," Guardiola replied when quizzed on his depleted rearguard prior to the Shakhtar match. "We won seven titles and no one gave us anything, we did it ourselves.

"I am ready for the challenge. I like this situation."

Guardiola has dealt with similar predicaments at City before. He successfully converted midfield anchor Fabian Delph and playmaker Oleksandr Zinchenko into left-backs over the past two seasons, though those solutions were temporary - and still seems so in the case of the latter. Delph demanded high standards from his teammates that he didn't necessarily meet himself, and he was posted to Everton in the summer. Cult hero Zinchenko's creativity is often wasted at full-back and he can be vulnerable against powerful wingers; he will surely return to an advanced midfield role in the future, be it at Manchester City or elsewhere.

But with Fernandinho, things are a little different. While the defensive injury "crisis" has hastened his move deeper into the lineup, the route was already mapped out. When he was unveiled as manager in 2016, Guardiola identified Fernandinho as a player who could cover 10 different positions and, since fellow defensive midfielder Rodri was signed in time for the 2019-20 season, defense was viewed as a way to lengthen the 34-year-old's career and not lose his influence on the pitch.

Martin Rickett - PA Images / PA Images / Getty

"Guardiola really appreciates how (Fernandinho) observed everything (in) the way that City plays. He's a real leader in that sense," Natalie Gedra, an expert of the Brazilian game, told "The Totally Football Show" podcast last week. "He talks a lot with Guardiola. I know from previous talks with him that he really enjoys learning from him and observing everything."

She added: "He's been preparing since the end of last season - (that) was the first time we talked about him playing more in defense. So he's been preparing for that."

In many ways, playing against his former club Shakhtar was the ideal preparation for Fernandinho's stretch at the back. The Ukrainian champions are unsettled by playing "home matches" 300 kilometers away in Kharkiv due to conflict in their own backyard and didn't pose much of a threat going forward, anyway.

Fernandinho was able to dictate play from a more withdrawn role - twice arrowing flat and inviting deliveries to winger Riyad Mahrez - and, most promisingly, looked entirely comfortable throughout.

"He arrived back late (just before the season started) and he's 34 years old - that's why he hasn't played longer," Guardiola explained on Tuesday of Fernandinho's reduced minutes in the opening month of this season.

"He trained last week in the international break and it went well," he added. "With the experience he has (and his profile) as a teammate and his personality, of course he can play in that position."

What crisis? Fernandinho tailor-made for City's depleted defense
  Got something to say? Leave a comment below!
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Tuesday, August 4, 2020

#BookTour...Forbidden Love #Series...AfricanAmerican #Urban #Fiction #ContemporaryRomance #Giveaway

All I Ever Wanted
Forbidden Love Series Book 1
Genre: African American Urban Fiction, Contemporary Romance
McKenzie Taylor worked hard building his successful architecture business from the ground up. Now, after five years of marriage, he is ready to start a family.

Sharon, his wife, feels neglected and doesn't agree with him. She feels that a child would only complicate things. After all, if McKenzie doesn't have time for her, how will he be there for his child?

Feeling lonely and craving attention, Sharon confides in Byron Jefferson, one of McKenzie's clients. He seems perfect, giving her all the attention, she’s been longing for in her marriage. But is the grass really greener on the other side?

As McKenzie struggles to make things right between them, he notices changes in Sharon and hires a private investigator. To his dismay, he finds out that Sharon is not the woman he thought she was. Will he forgive her and salvage their marriage, or will he seek revenge?

Get ready for the thrill of your life. All I Ever Wanted is like being on a roller coaster, filled with twists and turns that will give you an adrenaline rush but leave you wanting more. So, sit back and enjoy the ride!

**On sale for only .99 cents July 13– 18!!**
Forbidden Love Series Book 2
This passion-Filled thriller will keep you entertained and wanting more, as the drama continues with an unwanted pregnancy, attempted murder, lies, deceit, and betrayal.

When Destini hires Chloe as her receptionist for FANTASY-an adult call center, they quickly develop a sisterly bond. But all of that changes when Destini meets Devin-Chloe's boyfriend.

From the moment Destini met Devin, she wanted him for herself. Determined to show him that she is the better choice, she makes her move. But will she win his heart?

When Devin finds himself in the middle of a triangle affair, He has to make a decision, whether to be with the one he loves or his baby’s momma. The wrong choice could be fatal.

Forbidden Love
Forbidden Love Series Book 3
During her twenty-one years, Autumn has experienced more setbacks than most people have in a lifetime, but when she meets Antwan, a reporter for LA Times, things are about to change. She finds herself captivated by his world and wants to be a part of it. When the truth about Antwan is revealed, her world is turned upside down and their lives will never be the same.

Chloe and Devin are living the perfect life, but when someone tries to recover a debt from Chloe’s past, it could cost her everything.

Belinda is a professional hairstylist who seems to have it all together, but when she pursues David, a friend of one of her clients, she finds herself addicted to more than just sex and is left to pick up the pieces as her life spirals out of control. Can she recover, before it’s too late?

The relationship between Ana and Ty has gone from love to abuse. Although it would be easy to leave him, she is forced to continue a working relationship with him, which may be dangerous to both of them.

This page turner will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat!!!

RHAYNE is the eldest child out of five. She was born and raised in Georgia, where she currently lives today with her husband and two sons. She writes women fiction and is the author of the Forbidden Love series, which comprises three novels entitled: All I Ever wanted, Fantasy, and Forbidden Love.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Jump to content

Sir Flash™

Sir Flash™

Member Since 01 Jul 2014
OFFLINE Last Active Nov 14 2014 04:23 AM

Possible Malware Attack To Site

21 August 2014 - 10:33 PM

So today I went on to one of my favorite sites (batoto.org) and noticed their was an announcement. The owner of the site, Grumpy, had wrote that their is an javascript injected virus that is attack sites using the IPB format (which this site uses). Currently it is undetectable, can not be found via scans and is invisible to Googlebot, as well as, not being in anyone's database.

I have been letting sites know that use IPB this. It likes to hide in ads, the skin codes and other places on the site. Sometimes it will disguise a page as a 404 error but that is just to steer you clear of it. It also shows up as 0 pages on the admin cp. So be careful, i'd also check to see if this site is safe.

- Darius J. Mitchell

My 2nd CAW "Ace The Dragon"!!!!

09 August 2014 - 09:45 AM

Hope you all enjoy it!!! Will have it on CC once a contest comes around....

WWE Entrances (By Sir Fla$h™)

07 August 2014 - 08:43 PM

This is a thread for all my custom entrances and yes I do give credit. I hope you like them all.....
1.) Hollywood Rock
2.) Scott Steiner
3.) Sami Zayn
4.) Bo Dallas (Still working on it, want feedback)
5.) Christian (At Last Entrance)

Rekt, Not Rekt, Tyranosarus Rekt....

11 July 2014 - 11:38 PM

This game is adopted from reddit & twitch.tv
The purpose of this game:
1.) You make a joke about the person above (yes you can fire shots too, but for fun <3). Then you will say "Get Rekt" or "Get Tyranosarus Rekt". You don't have to use those exact line, you can make your own variation but you have to use those in them.
2.) The next preson after says "rekt", "not rekt" or "tyranosarus rekt", depending on if the joke was funny or not to you.
3.) If you can't take a joke (no matter how cruel), this game is not for you.
4.) Enjoy guys!
I'm the first target so have a go at me XD!!!

Forbes Questions John Cena As WWE World Champion , How and Why Jericho Returned ? , RAW Viewership Results

02 July 2014 - 11:36 PM

Forbes has a new article looking at John Cena's WWE World Heavyweight Title win at Money in the Bank, asking if it's really what's "best for business." The article includes a couple of graphs that look at Cena, Randy Orton and CM Punk's title reigns and who has drawn the most money as champion.
The article, which notes that "this is obviously far from a scientific study," points out that in the last five years Cena has been champion while revenue rose only once, which was his title reign from Bragging Rights 2009 through TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs of that year (when he lost to Sheamus). It adds about the four title reigns that have seen drops, "What's more, the company's income tends to rebound shortly after those title runs come to an end."
The article adds that Randy Orton as champion tends to see revenues climb, while CM Punk's lengthy title reign was an up and down affair.
You can see the full article at the link.

Source: Forbes

During the latest edition of Talk is Jericho, Chris Jericho shared the details that led to his return to the WWE on Monday Night. Here is a bullet point version…
  • Jericho keeps in regular communication with the WWE.
  • He had been in communication about a possible spot at WM 30 late last year. He had wanted to work with Daniel Bryan or Bray Wyatt.
  • Obviously WM 30 did not work out, but he got a call roughly a month ago from one of the WWE writers, pitching a potential program with Bray Wyatt.
  • Three weeks had past and he did not hear back from the company. He then heard from the company on June 27th.
  • Triple H brokered the deal for the return, which Jericho said took about five minutes.
  • Jericho then flew into Boston on Monday morning, avoiding flying into Hartford where Raw was taking place. He drove to Hartford, arrived at the area about 5:30 and had to avoid fans seeing him arrive.
  • WWE's Head of Talent Relations Mark Carrano met with Jericho and escorted him to a crew bus, where he stayed for about four hours.
  • He spoke with agent Dean Malenko and gave input on how he would be used, and Vince McMahon signed off on it.
  • Jericho had a meeting with the Wyatts, The Miz and Michael Hayes before heading to the gorilla position, where he met with Vince, Triple H and Stephanie prior to making his entrance.
  • Jericho then added that he will be working an "almost" full time schedule, including live events and the Japan tour.

Source: Talk is Jericho, YouTube.com & eWrestlingNews.com

UPDATE: As previously reported, the viewership and 18 - 49 demographic ratings for this week's RAW saw a big leap, up 7% to 4.33 million viewers and a 1.47 demo rating. This week's RAW did a 2.94 (2.9) cable rating, up 4% from last week's 2.84.
That's the best number since the March 5th episode did a 3.02.
ORIGINAL: Monday night's episode of WWE RAW drew 4.33 million viewers and a 1.47 rating in the 18 - 49 demographic. Those numbers are up 7% from 4.03 million and a 1.37, respectively. It's the highest viewership and demo rating since the April 28th episode of RAW.
The show did hours of 4.16 million, 4.35 million and 4.490 million viewers, which is a good sign because Raw has traditionally had problems maintaining their audience throughout the three hours. It's rare that they build from hour to hour. The household rating will be available later.

Source: eWrestlingNews.com


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American Performing Arts International Sometimes, Just a Second

It’s a new millennium. Much has changed... in our world... and others. In a place thrown upside down, Alice discovers the familiar is, sometimes, more alarming than the extraordinary and the unknown has the caress of family. A Land of Wonder serves as backdrop for this journey, at once recognisable and alien, where a young girl must discover how little she knows of herself before she can embrace how much she understands the universe. This modern re-imagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale is a testament to the perseverance of story, power of music, and humanity's endurance.

This show was part of our 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Programme


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German Spice Cookies (Spekulatius)

German spice cookies recipe

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  • Total: 42 mins
  • Prep: 30 mins
  • Cook: 12 mins
  • Servings: 96 servings

Spekulatius cookies are traditional Christmas spice cookies in Germany, although in the Netherlands (where they are known as spekulaas) and the U.S., they are available all year long as "Dutch Windmill Cookies."

Spekulatius is related to the Latin word speculum, meaning "mirror." Since the cookies are formed in a bas-relief carved wooden mold, a mirror image of the mold becomes the cookie.

This easy recipe for German spice cookies has easy-to-find ingredients for the Stateside hausfrau. Make spekulatius cookies in traditional molds or roll the dough and cut with cookie cutters but, for best flavor, let the dough sit overnight before rolling, cutting and baking.

  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
  • 7 ounces butter (room-temperature)
  • 2 large eggs (room-temperature)
  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baker's ammonia (or 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, single acting or double acting)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Steps to Make It

Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, these cookies are broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and cooking.

Make the Dough

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for cookies
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  2. In a large bowl, cream granulated sugar and vanilla sugar with butter until well combined.

    Cream granulated sugar
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  3. Beat in eggs, one at a time.

    Beat in eggs
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  4. Sift or whisk together flour with baker's ammonia or baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.

    Sift flour
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  5. Stir into creamed mixture until it forms a stiff dough.

    Stir into mixture
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  6. Shape dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 or more hours (overnight is best).

    Shape dough into ball
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Shape the Cookies

  1. Oil and flour a spekulatius mold. Tap out all excess flour.

    Flour mold
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  2. Roll a golf ball-size piece of dough between your lightly floured hands into an egg shape. Press the dough into the mold, filling all crevices.

    Press dough in
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  3. Use a sharp knife or piece of kitchen twine to cut off excess dough, so the dough is flush with mold. Tap the mold on the counter to release the cookie, or use a sharp knife to start the release of cookie.

    Cut off excess
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  4. Carefully place the cookie on a cookie sheet and repeat with the rest of the dough.

    Cookies on tray
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  5. If this process becomes too onerous, or you do not own any cookie molds, roll the dough 1/8 inch thick (2 to 3 ml) and cut out cookies using your favorite cookie cutters.

  6. Bake in an oven heated to 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies brown slightly around the edges. These cookies can be decorated like conventional sugar cookies, but the old-fashioned mold imprints should not be overshadowed, nor should the delicate flavor of the dough be masked.

    Cookies on tray
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
  7. Serve and enjoy!

    German spice cookies
    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  • Store cooled cookies tightly covered. Because of the spices, they should keep for a long time.


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Serviced Apartments Harrogate

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FAQs - Things to Know before booking Serviced Apartments in Harrogate

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A1. There are over 0 serviced apartments in Harrogate with more being added every day. In total, has over 100,000 apartments across the globe that are waiting to be booked. Book now

Q2. What are the most popular luxury serviced apartments in Harrogate?

A2. The best 5 and 4 star serviced apartments in Harrogate are

Q3. What is the price range of serviced apartments available in Harrogate?

A3. Prices start from £49 per night and increase from there. Bear in mind that the type of apartment and number of guest will affect the overall price. Book now

Q4. What offers are currently available for booking serviced apartments in Harrogate on

A4. To see a selection of Harrogate offers, please visit our offers and coupon page.

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A5. Choose a part of Harrogate you want to visit and search for the perfect stay for you using our easy search tool. Begin your search here.

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A6. Some of the apartment buildings in Harrogate will offer bed and breakfast or gym membership, whereas others may provide them with an extra charge. The apartment listing will make that clear Other services include airport pick-up, meet and greet and so much more. Book your stay here for the full experience.

Q7. Can I have guests in a Harrogate serviced apartment?

A7. That depends on the policy of the apartment/building management. You may have to enquire first when making your booking in Harrogate .

Q8. Why is staying in a serviced apartment in Harrogate better than a hotel?

A8. Serviced apartments in Harrogate have all the features of home, are centrally located and have other astounding attributes that make them better than hotels, as covered here.

Schedule a call back in your preferred language with our reservations team.


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Goldman Sachs Restates Q2 Earnings After Setting Aside $2.96 Billion in 1MDB Legal Costs

Goldman Sachs said it will set aside nearly $3 billion in legal costs linked to scandal at a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund and restate its second quarter earnings.
Publish date:

Goldman Sachs Group  (GS) - Get Report restated its second quarter profits Friday after booking a near $3 billion charged linked to a corruption scandal at Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund.

Goldman said its second quarter profits now show net earnings of $197 million, down from the $2.25 billion first released on July 15. The change comes as Goldman said its legal provisions rose to $2.96 billion following a July 24 settlement with the Malaysian government, Goldman said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

Goldman agreed to pay $2.5 billion in penalties, and promise the return of a further $1.4 billion in proceeds from the assets of 1Malaysia Development Bhd, or 1MDB, the sovereign wealth fund at the heart of the scandal that were seized by governments around the world.

Goldman Sachs shares were marked 0.61% lower in early trading following the earnings restatement to indicate an opening bell price of $203.00 each, a move that would extend the stock's year-to-date decline to around 11.7%.

Goldman's alleged role in the so-called 1MDB scandal, for which it helped raise $6.5 billion, ha also led the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn to file criminal charges against two Goldman bankers seeking "significant fines, penalties and other sanctions", according to an SEC filing made by the firm on November 2, 2018.

The scandal, which was the subject of probes in six different countries, also involved a former DoJ employee, George Higginbotham, who plead guilty in 2018 to charges that he made false statements to U.S. banks about funds being transferred from abroad and helped use those funds to lobby against the DoJ's investigation into 1MDB.


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Guns & Ammo Threatens to Sue Guns Save Life for Diss of Taurus Curve Puff Piece

Guns & Ammo's Taurus Curve article (courtesy

John Boch at doesn’t care for the new Taurus Curve. “By all appearances, it seems to be a striker-fired double action semi-auto. It comes with an integral belt clip and can be stuffed right inside the waistband in the appendix, inside-the-waistband carry mode. That kids, is dangerous . . .Would you stuff a loaded Glock down the front of your pants, sans holster, for everyday carry?”

Boch is not enamored with the Curve’s lack of sights. “It’s got a (non-intuitively activated) laser and a flashlight, so you can waste precious time activating and the locating the laser on the bad-guy’s shirt (assuming it’s not bright sunlight and he’s wearing dark clothing) before pulling the trigger.” And, last but by no means least, Boch takes issue with Guns & Ammo‘s coverage . . .

Upon reading it, we couldn’t help but think back to that fictional CQB MK-V Tactical Destroyer review and wonder if a similar discussion took place between Guns & Ammo executives and the writers. “Hey man, Taurus has inked a huge ad contract with us for the next few months to promote this new pistol they’ve come out with called ‘The Curve’.  Can you take it out and write something up as a feature article to go with the cover photo we’re going to do for them?”

As we at Guns Save Life receive zero dollars in ad revenues from Taurus USA, we’re going to call a turd a turd.

Which is exactly what Boch’s article says in the title: TAURUS TURD: Guns & Ammo loves Taurus’ new Taurus Curve, a curved .380 pocket pistol. This did not sit well with G&A. Tough noogies, you say? We’ll sue, G&A’s Online Shooting Editor via Facebook.

Dustin Gibson
Nov 20th, 8:17am
To Whom it May Concern,

Regarding your website’s illegal use of our photography and slanderous statements about our publication (Guns & Ammo), you have until Nov. 21, 2014 at 8 a.m. CT to remove all content from your website that was stolen and/or improperly quoting our publication.

If the material is not removed by that time, we will seek legal action immediately.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Dusty Gibson
Online Shooting Editor
InterMedia Outdoors
2 News Plaza
Peoria, IL 61614
Office: (309)-679-5098
Mobile: (630)-618-0253

Boch says he ain’t backing down. He called Gibson. The two men forgot to discuss the fact that slander is spoken (libel is written). G&A refused to provide damning deets.

I called him to get some specifics of how I slandered them in calling their story on the new Taurus gun what it was: a puff piece.

Dusty’s reply: “I’m going to have to defer to my publisher on that.”

Just another nail in the coffin of the dead tree gun press, I reckon. Meanwhile, hats off to Boch for telling the truth about guns (as he sees it), and sticking to his guns.

  1. avatar ST says:

    For G&A to sue , that says a lot about their association with the manufacturer. Enough that an SEC investigation for kickbacks/bribery towards G&A would be appropriate; combined with the R51 flap, clearly some payola’s at work here.

    1. avatar Rusty Shackleford says:

      I absolutely agree with the need to investigate kickbacks at Guns and Ammo. The lawsuit is pure BS under the Copyright Act of 1976, Fair Use is given for Criticism, Comment, News Reporting, Teaching, Scholarship and Research. John’s article about said Guns and Ammo puff piece falls under 5 of the 6 criteria for fair usage. Although it would be a nice payday from a counter-suit for him.

    2. avatar Foop says:

      It also says a lot about how they don’t understand the concept of fair use…

  2. avatar GS650G says:

    So G and A wrote a puff piece and accepted Taurus advertising. Big deal. People can make up their own minds about what to buy and smart buyers will read the review and look at the results to compare to other guns.How may people actually will buy it because it’s a Cover Gun?

    1. avatar Chuck in IL says:

      A lot of people will. Why else pay for the coverage?

    2. avatar bontai Joe says:

      People buy “cover guns” for the same reason they by Kardashian sunglasses, Jordan shoes, and other celebrity endorsed crap. Because the average consumer is not all that bright. If someone or something like a magazine says “X” is great, then they go buy it without a thought of their own to actually do any further research.

  3. avatar Hannibal says:

    Threats of a lawsuit on FB? Serious business.

    That said… “That kids, is dangerous . . .Would you stuff a loaded Glock down the front of your pants, sans holster, for everyday carry?” I don’t see it as all that dangerous as long as it has a secure clip. I don’t see how the trigger would get pulled.

    I would prefer an IWB holster for a variety of reasons, but I don’t see a huge problem with it. And I get all the criticisms of GSL, but a I remarked in the last article, I’m happy to see someone trying something a little different in the largely stagnant handgun market. If it doesn’t work, fine, but let’s give the thing a chance.

    1. avatar Another Robert says:

      I used to follow a forum dedicated to the P-64 pistol, those guys got really excited about the “Clip-Draw”, a metal clip that could be attached directly to the gun and then could fit over your belt/waistband. Presumably it could be used either OWB or IWB. None of those guys seemed to think it was particularly dangerous, and several of them were very satisfied with it. I would think it would be better to carry it IWB myself, where the trigger would be covered by the waistband and the pressure between waistband and waist would make it more secure. I don’t see it as especially hazardous myself.

      1. avatar John M. says:

        Back in the olden days, you could get special grip panels for snubbies that had a clip that would let you tuck them right into your waistband. A few rubber bands up at the top of the grip would accomplish something similar on a budget. That seems safer to me than tucking a snubby in your coat pocket without a holster, which used to be very common.

        1. avatar John Lilburne says:

          Hip-Grips and Clip Grips are still available.

          But not for long.

          MDA is going after them because they want all non-LEO holsters to be retention-level XXIII.

        2. avatar SteveInCO says:

          Retention level XXIII?

          Let’s see, if I recall correctly retention level XII was “Pistol in a solid block of concrete, jackhammer required to draw” so I am not sure what an additional XI levels accomplishes.

        3. avatar ropingdown says:

          Smith & Wesson currently offers the “S&W M637 Wyatt Deep Cover 5RD 38SP 1.87″ Performance Center” model with clip draw grips. Double-action only….

        4. avatar Nick D says:

          Retention level XXIII: Firearm is condensed into dark matter, fired into a distant star. Creation of wormhole required to retrieve firearm, which must then be converted from ultra dense dark matter back to its original configuration.

      2. avatar MattL says:

        To be fair, the P-64 is known for an obscene DA trigger pull, so the chance of an ND would be less likely than with, say, a modern striker-fired semi-auto (MSFSA? Can we make than an acronym?). Although, given a sturdy enough belt that’s tightened down over the gun… I think that might give enough protection of the trigger. Me, though? I’ll stick with my RCS Vanguard 2, which at least covers the trigger guard (if nothing else).

  4. avatar drav says:

    The curve is a hammer fired, long heavy trigger pull, not comparable to a Glock whatsoever. Not sure why he calls it striker fired.
    Also, it comes with a kydex trigger pullstring holster if you dont want to use the clip.
    I actually kind of like it, might pick one up.

    1. avatar Taylor TX says:

      In regards to the holster, it seems to be very close to the Raven Concealment Vanguard without a belt loop , so it is not going to stay IWB without using the clip also. Some of the pictures of the Curve have it inside the holster while the clip is attached iirc.

      Heres a link to the pic im referencing:

      1. avatar drav says:

        I know with other holsters with the string they just used the pants for retention and the string to pull the holster off on draw, though the clip in conjunction with the holster completely eliminates the “issue” he brings up in the first place.
        His comparisons are moot.
        Non holster carry Glock = hammer fired DA only pistol with kydex trigger holster and clip…..hurrr

        With that said the G&A response is a bit overboard, but the GSL write-up is nonsense

    2. avatar Curtis in IL says:

      The idea is to use the holster and the clip. Holster protects the trigger and its lanyard goes around your belt so it breaks free when you draw.

      I’m not saying it’s a good idea, but it’s the idea.

      1. avatar drav says:

        Its not a BAD idea. I know those EXACT holsters were hugely popular not long ago for Glocks.
        Its a great minimal approach IMO. Triggers covered, no added bulk, pulls clear on draw.
        Only downside is reholstering isnt as easy as a traditional rig.

      2. avatar Jeremy S says:

        Yes, as I see it if you want to carry with one in the chamber you absolutely should use the trigger guard cover. You’re going to use the clip to clip the gun in your waistband or wherever else no matter what. No round in the pipe then no actual reason to cover the trigger guard and clip it in as-is. Carry chambered? Cover the damn trigger guard and clip it in with the guard on first. Run your belt through the lanyard so when you draw the pistol, the trigger guard cover stays behind.

    3. avatar Mark N. says:

      Probably because it is striker fired, but probably DAO, like all of the Kahrs and the Ruger LC9s.

      1. avatar drav says:

        Its hammer fired DAO.
        You can tell by looking at the back of the slide.
        Its also described as hammer fired DAO in its description.

      2. avatar Jeremy S says:

        Yes, it’s very clearly internal hammer-fired. You can see it from the rear.

        At this point I actually feel like it most likely is not a true double action mechanism, in that I’m guessing the slide does have to cycle some amount to reset the trigger. This is due to Taurus’ lack of branding this with their “second strike capability” marketing speak… they may have actually been the first company to use as a way of saying it’s a true double action… and also because the mechanics seem to come from Taurus’ TCP, which requires the slide to partially cycle in order to reset the trigger. Just because the trigger pull is long doesn’t mean it’s actually double action, and my guess is that even though they’re referring to it as DAO it isn’t a legit DA trigger. …but just a guess, and it has nothing to do with hammer- or striker-fired. You can make true DAO and true SAO triggers with either mechanism if you choose to.

        1. avatar Jeremy S says:

          Actually, it looks like the Guns & Ammo piece specifically says “no restrike capability.” The gun is still referred to as DAO. To me, though, no gun is double action unless pulling the trigger fully cocks and releases the firing mechanism over and over without any other action being required.

          …and the same goes for the Kahr and LC9s mentioned above. Neither of those is a true double action, as the slide must cycle in order to reset the mechanism.

    4. avatar Rick K. says:

      Yup, this thing interests me. I addition to NOT being striker fired, as one can easily see in the photos, I’m going to make the wild guess that the clip is meant to enhance pocket carry. Get it? Pocket pistol? I’m not sure why so many are incensed here. This is a whole lot of nothing. Nobody knew magazines make money from advertising? But it is nice to see a company like Taurus think outside the box to help us protect ourselves.

  5. avatar Nv says:

    What crap. I’ll bet that Dusty is gonna have a lot of voicemails to delete. Publishers need to stop this behavior–it’s horrible publicity for them and just plain evil.

    1. avatar John Lilburne says:

      Yeah, haven’t they ever heard of the “Streisand effect?”

  6. avatar david says:

    the problem is what this guy sang sister boss is saying he’s absolutely true guns and ammo and other publications just like it pick up these firearms to do a review number one they’re not even getting a product out of a gun store they’re getting shipped directly from the maker a fire on that has been gone through to make sure its perfect in every way. You don’t get a real review and a product I haven’t seen guns and ammo do an honest review on anything in the last 15 years. Everything’s wonderful and their eyes! That’s why I’m more inclined to believe Mr bashas review over anything that GNA with you!

    1. avatar Stinkeye says:

      …never mind, I see your explanation below…

  7. avatar david says:

    sorry for the mjss pronunciations in misspellings my voice text is absolutely horrible!

    1. avatar Marcus (Aurelius) Payne says:

      No worries. Were you the guy who posted a while ago and some folks jumped all over you for misspellings and and the like, only to have it revealed that you were using voice to text to overcome some disabilities?

      1. avatar Grindstone says:

        If people get worked up over typos then they really need to go jump in a lake.

        1. avatar Josh says:

          I remember that comment thread too, he’s not exaggerating. Some people just can’t miss an opportunity to put someone else down.

        2. avatar Taylor TX says:

          Grammar nazis gonna… grammar nazi?

        3. avatar Nick D says:

          Ve vill purify your sentence structure for ze good of ze master race!

  8. avatar pod says:

    If the Curve doesn’t catch on in the civilian market, Taurus could make excellent brand-exposure inroads in sci-fi movies with this.

    1. avatar ropingdown says:

      I lost all interest when, reading further, I realized the barrel wasn’t even a bit curved.

      1. avatar Ricard Adams says:

        Now that’s funny!

        Thinking about it, this would be a sweet pistol for shooting around a hostage to hit the cowardly thug!

        I’m just sayin…..

  9. avatar Scrubula says:

    I’m not sure, maybe GSL took it too far. It’s one thing to complain about a product, but entirely another to publish that a company is writing favorable reviews because of a sponsorship with a company. Saying that without proof isn’t right IMO.

    1. avatar peirsonb says:

      I agree, but it’s not really a stretch of logic…favorable review + big ass Taurus ad….

    2. avatar Stinkeye says:

      It also seems a bit premature to call the gun a “turd” based on a couple of photographs. Without having even handled one, let alone fired one, it seems like it would be difficult to pass such definitive judgment.

      1. avatar Wiregrass says:

        I don’t think Guns&Ammo would have been any happier if he had just said it “looks” like a turd.

        I don’t see how anyone who currently owns and wants to maintain proficiency with another handgun would want to shoot this gun enough to acquire proficiency with it. Especially with point shooting, which is about all this gun appears to be good for. I can see a lot of bad habits developing from that grip.

      2. avatar Steve says:

        Normally, I’d agree with you. However, the Curve is an exception, at least for me (whether a gun is “good” or not is a very subjective thing, and other people may have different criteria than I do).

        1. It has no sights. None.
        2. It has a built in light and laser. When it comes to carry guns, simpler is better, IMO. What happens if the laser’s battery dies? There’s no backup sights, so what do you do? Point shoot, and hope for the best, I guess…
        3. It has a built in belt clip. This encourages potentially unsafe carry habits (i.e. sticking it in a pocket with a bunch of other crap without a holster/trigger cover), especially for newer, less experienced gun owners that don’t know any better.
        4. It is a Taurus. I know they’ve come a long way over the years, but why pay that much for a Taurus when you can get a Smith and Wesson, Ruger, or Kahr (amongst other brands) for roughly the same amount of money?
        5. It is ugly as sin. Function over form, and all that, but still… absolutely hideous.

    3. avatar Marcus (Aurelius) Payne says:

      Isn’t that the popular understanding of G&A reviews anyway?

    4. avatar ropingdown says:

      Why am I not surprised to find two gun publications locked in a near-litigation spat over whether some item is a turd? Most of you realize just how many guns manufactured today are turds. Somebody’s got to advertise the turd. This is America.

      And anyway, turds carried IWB may be all the rage next spring, after some action movie protagonist kills Putin’s evil twin with a shot from a laser-aimed turd at fifty yards. Tell me you know it ain’t so.

      I’m very disappointed the Curve doesn’t include a cigarette lighter. I thought it was one when I saw the first photo.

  10. avatar John M. says:

    Way to take the high road, G&A.

    1. avatar John Lilburne says:

      I remember reading Guns & Wammo when I first got into shooting.

      As I recall, every article that compared multiple guns boiled down to…

      “They’re all such good guns, it wouldn’t be fair for us to pick a winner. We’ll leave it to you, fair reader, to pick.”

      Once I caught on to their methods, I ditched reading G&A and subscribed to Gun Tests instead.

      1. avatar John L. says:

        +1 on Gun Tests.

        However, they’ve been spamming me (snail- and e-mail) a lot the past few months with offers for books and whatnot … Not sure what started that nonsense.

  11. avatar Taylor TX says:

    I expect to see a TTAG curve review at some point cough cough 🙂

    While its outside the box and all, I actually want to see how it ends up working/not working. Not having sights even with the included laser is pretty dicey imho but not enough to completely write off the pistol.

    Ill wait to see if its the r51 part deux or not.

    1. avatar Nick Leghorn says:

      I have handled it, and while its not the most ergonomic thing in the world it ain’t bad. It does the job for pocket carry, and it looks slick. Then again, I still have yet to actually fire one. Stay tuned.

      1. avatar Jeremy S says:

        I’d like to get my hands on it ASAP. Considering I’ve been shooting Taurus’ TCP regularly for a couple of years and have one here plus have a Beretta Pico here and like 400 rounds of .380 from 6 different brands I’d say I’m ready to go on the Curve 😉

      2. avatar ropingdown says:

        You’re already behind the Curve?

        1. avatar Timmy! says:

          Ugh! Son, are you old enough, or have enough kids, to tell a pun THAT bad?

        2. avatar Marcus says:

          I think that’s a pretty good pun, to be completely honest haha. This is coming from a single, abstinent 25 year old, with a neck beard in mom’s basement.

          Ok I exaggerated a little bit. I shave my neck(whilst preserving the rest of my luxurious face fur), and I’m in the attic. 😉 OFWG-in-training

  12. avatar jug says:

    Who doesn’t love a good cat fight?
    Oh, sorry!
    These guys are both males, but then, who knows, in this day and age?

    Smaller than a true nine mm? I would simply opt for a real good .22!

  13. avatar Bob Jones says:

    I think you’ve got an error in the lead. You mention and link to “” however the article in question is on “” a different site.

  14. avatar Curtis in IL says:

    Hey RF, get the link right. It’s

    As for Mr. Boch, well he’s never been known for holding back on his opinions. He’s entitled to them, but I wish people would actually fire the guns they’re reviewing, before they opine.

    By the way, John – Copyright law. It’s a thing. Learn to respect intellectual property.

    1. avatar John Lilburne says:

      Fair use.

      It’s a provision of copyright law.

      1. avatar Curtis in IL says:

        Every keyboard commando on the interwebs has heard about fair use, but few have a working knowledge of its limitations.

        1. avatar Chip Bennett says:

          Every keyboard commando on the interwebs has heard about fair use, but few have a working knowledge of its limitations.

          And some people who have copyrighted works may be more than mere “keyboard commandos”, and may be well aware of those limitations.

    2. avatar Chip Bennett says:

      Fair use is an affirmative defense to a copyright infringement claim. And analysis and critique are perfectly valid grounds for a fair-use claim.

      This is nothing more than a “we can pay our lawyers more than you can afford, so we’re going to try to bully you” affair.

      Guns and Ammo can go pound sand with Jay Leno.

  15. avatar Mike says:

    Glad I got rid of G&A after the Dick Metcalf article. Haven’t read an issue since.

    1. avatar John L. says:

      I didn’t cancel immediately.

      Basically I wanted to see if they improved any in attitude or coverage between then and when my subscription would expire.

  16. avatar Former Water Walker says:

    For a review of the curve see Taurus forum from a few days ago. Guys shot hundreds of rounds and really liked it. Whatever-I have no interest in a little 380. I haven’t looked at a gun mag in at least 6 months.

    1. avatar Rick K. says:

      Excellent suggestion! I just looked at the G&A site and this is in no way a review. It’s one of those “announcement” things that are always just a regurgitation of the manufacturer’s marketing campaign. If most of these people had bothered to read what G&A wrote there wouldn’t be much controversy here. I’m off to follow your advice and read what people who have actually fired the gun think. I assume it’s their TCP in different clothing. And that looks like a nice little piece for the price.

  17. avatar RandallOfLegend says:

    Guys who criticize this pistol wouldn’t think twice about putting a J-frame snubby in their pocket sans holster…

    1. avatar Chip Bennett says:

      That may be true or not, but it really has nothing to do with what’s going on here.

      The guy at gunssafelife (or gunssavelives or wherever) may be completely wrong in his criticism of the gun, Guns and Ammo’s review of the gun, and Guns and Ammo’s motives for the review, but he has a first-amendment right to express that criticism.

      1. avatar Rick K. says:

        And it’s not even a review, it’s a product announcement! Not sure how all the people got wrapped around their axle.

    2. avatar Accur81 says:

      Well, my 340 PD .357 is almost always in an Aker leather holster. It’s gone holsterless a few times, but not in a very long time.

      As to the gun, put me in the skeptical / neutral camp. I’m not a .380 fan, but I might get a Glock 42 for the Mrs. For my own training purposes, I want a gun to actually look and work like a gun. Rail is fine. This thing might cause my lizard brain to think “Taser” under stress, so I’ll pass.

  18. avatar Leighton says:

    My bet is that the pistol actually is quite good. Their TCP is a fantastic pocket pistol with a great trigger. The curve is an innovative idea. We need more thinking like this among the gun makers. You may not like little 380’s but many of us can’t conceal something bigger and we’re happy to have one. I don’t need to use the tiny sights on my TCP to shoot accurately at defensive ranges, so the curve not having sights is not really a problem to me. So, Boch claiming that G&A wrote a puff piece might get proved false once more reviews start popping up.

  19. avatar cknarf says:

    I still kinda want one. I’d never carry it, my Bersa is a damn fine carry gun, but the Curve is just a neat looking piece.

  20. avatar Anthony says:

    So much for respecting GSL first amendment rights.

  21. avatar Ralph says:

    Dick Metcalf says that you can carry the Taurus Curve, but only subject to government restrictions.

  22. avatar duroSIG556R says:

    This pistol needs sights. How can Taurus not include sights?

    1. avatar Curtis in IL says:

      Sights get snagged on clothing. They’re not needed for close range self defense encounters, which is pretty much all a pocket .380 is good for.

  23. avatar RLC2 says:

    Thats the one useful point about that blast- no sights? “point and shoot” instinctive style.
    What happens when the battery fails? I guess they will be on the no light no laser model…

  24. avatar Toby in KS says:

    Slander? TOBY learns libel!

  25. avatar Steve s says:

    I’m a member of or Guns Save Life and know John Boch. John is usually accurate about his postings and tells it the way he sees it. I myself have read all the hoopla about the gun. I’m not impressed with Guns And Ammo or their write up.

  26. avatar C says:

    Mr. Boch strikes me as one of those guys who thinks every new gun should be the 1911.
    Anyway, i thought that gun rag reviews being bought and paid for was pretty much an open secret.

  27. avatar Bungameng says:

    What about markets where lasers are prohibited?

  28. avatar Justsomeguy says:

    Say what you will about the dueling articles, but one thing seems clear to me. One of the authors has actually handled the pistol and the other one hasn’t.

  29. avatar RockOnHellChild says:

    I had my very brief affair with Taurus and I won’t go back…

    Taurus make junk products and anyone I’ve every meet that swears by them doesn’t shoot them much.

  30. avatar KAP says:

    you have to consider that G&A has promoted more than a few left wing wack jobs, most are in the closet but occasionally they escape, I personally haven’t! read this rag in years, it seems some of the writers only want the bucks so the truth goes side ways in doesn’t matter in the long term as sales will be the truth and with it the Rags creditability!

  31. avatar Slab Rankle says:

    This is mainstream shooting sports journalism’s strategy they’ve come up with after the Remington R51 PR disaster. They can’t do without the advertising money and OEMs won’t pay them to publish negatives, so their only answer is to stay the course and threaten anyone who questions the integrity of their reviews.

    Print gun mags won’t last much longer. Soon enough It’ll be free e-zines paid for by corporate ad money.

  32. avatar 2hotel9 says:

    First, it has been several years since I looked at an issue of G&A. That said, I do not recall them ever doing an article on a weapon they were not running advertising for, other than antique/historical firearms. All the “review” type articles I can remember were of guns/companies they were running advertising for.

    As for this new Taurus, meh. I never liked .380 to begin with, so I will stick with my Beretta .22LR for pocket carry. Although, the whole integrated lights/laser concept has some merit. I don’t like the hang crap on a pistol toys I have used in the past. Just more crap to break or have fail at the wrong time.

    1. avatar SteveInCO says:

      Only now when the laser goes tango uniform, you have to disassemble the gun to get at it. I sure hope they designed the thing with that in mind.

      Never mind, they didn’t design it with safe carry in mind, so I’m sure they blew off the poor guy who has to repair it, even though judging from some of the comments I’ve read here, it’s likely he’ll get more time with the gun than the owner will.

      1. avatar 2hotel9 says:

        I have fired the Ruger LCP with integrated laser and I was not to wild about it, lightweight plastic and easily broken. This Taurus, from what I can find, is a bit more substantial material wise. As for replacing batteries, if it is not operator friendly it will be down the memory hole in a hurry!

  33. avatar Peter says:

    Question #1 – Has G&A ever reviewed a gun they didn’t like?
    Question #2 – How many times have they covered the 9MM vs .45 issue?
    I stopped reading G&A years ago.

  34. avatar DV says:

    9mm or gtfo

  35. avatar Tom R. says:

    Everyone has their own idea of what is safe and NOT safe, it will all come down to how many people end up shooting themselves in the leg or worse. It will be interesting to see the stat’s. in about two years, and then maybe someone will file a lawsuit or not.
    I would not buy one or carry one, I have a striker fired XD-40 and goes in a Serpa holster.

  36. avatar preston says:

    taurus turd, that is absolutely hilarious.

  37. avatar Madcap_Magician says:

    I am betting the letter was just an intimidation attempt with no teeth behind it in an attempt to get GSL to take down the unflattering content.

  38. avatar Gerald says:

    The new Colt Agent doesn’t have sights, either. I haven’t read G&A in years, but apparently, they have fired the weapon. Has GSL fired, or handled the pistol? Should we not at least try it before we diss it? As for Taurus, all mine exhibit fine quality, and yeah, I shoot them quite a bit. My Judge Public Defender has several thousand rounds through it.

  39. avatar Gerald says:

    Just read the “article” at GSL. No, apparently they have no hands on experience with the Curve,
    To call a turd a turd, then I would have to call GSL that same turd. At least were this pistol is concerned. Also, this “As we at Guns Save Life receive zero dollars in ad revenues from Taurus USA, we’re going to call a turd a turd” Translation, “If Taurus bought some ads from us, we would love the Curve.”

  40. avatar Nelson says:

    What a bunch of litigious pansies. fuck ’em.

    As if anyone is reading this at TTAG and the like are dumb enough to actually PAY to buy worthless pages and pages of what amounts to infomercials, anyway, when in the internetS age, you can easily get them in more convenient non-pulp versions, or simply glance them at B&N or else where.

    Plus, with the dwindling over all print market, the fact that they’d have to resort to ‘mommy mommy, his words made me feel bad, when Taurus is already facing documented cases of its govt-contract guns ‘going off by themselves,’ naturally resulting in bad company reputation, as is’ – to now have G&A by proxy threaten to sue, doesn’t exactly bode well for what remains of the pulp fiction/informercial biz, as well as Taurus’ own PR.

    Here’s a hint Taurus: how about you ‘innovate’ with actual innovations, and not gimmicks, that actually work? Instead of wasting time, money, and idiot PR on horrible (be it perceived or real) designs??

    But frankly, none of that matters, should the consumers, IN SPITE of all that, continue to purchase, and even make this plastic-‘curve’ a commercial success for Taurus, then you can have the last laugh, and tell your critics to STFU, which would do infinitely more for your own PR image, than be seen as the proverbial “Big Bully picking on the little guy” – by suing an indy online outfit??

    Reputation, particularly in a tight-knit industry like the commercial smallarms industry, is ALL you really have… like in any biz that lasts: your reputation must be earned and maintained, should you want to actually last.

    But no. Y’all had to be pansy emotive fucks, just like ‘sensitive’ hoplophobic kunts.

    Frankly, the same goes for MagPul, who otherwise already make innovative, and Apple-brand loyalty level beloved products, would do something as moronic & costly as wasting time & money suing other polymer mag & accessories manufacturers, when in the aggregate, MagPul itself has already ‘duplicated’ the GI mag design… in plastic, like when bakelite first appeared (which simply, essentially replaced by copying previous non-plastic design iterations for same to similar items).

    While not entirely related to this current slander/libel incident, it is indicative of industry prevailing sentiments on PR & IP in general: this is why, on the whole, “‘intellectual’ property” is ‘property,’ NOT a real real-property-property.

    Read what an actual, working IP-lawyer Stephan Kinsella has to say on the matter:

    While moving toward more private options, in the interim, other than TM-branding and copyright to establish original authorship, to continue to sue over what essentially remains a state-monopoly granted corporatist bullshit nonsense, must stop.

    Different industry and financial scale & market share, nevertheless, for example just look at the insane amount of time, efforts, resources, and money that Samsung and Apple have utterly pointlessly wasted on lawsuits, internationally, in multiple nations, when all those exact same Fed. Reserve Notes wasted on feckless do nothing, otherwise unnecessary armies of made-necessary-by-state-regulatory-capture lawyers and fees and penalties and court filing fees, could’ve instead been spent on actual R&D innovations and even marketing.

    The same goes for the infinitely smaller commercial smallarms and accessories market.

    Want to kill the market? Then, by all means, sue the frak out of each other out of existence.

  41. avatar Paul Wrightsman says:

    I don’ t know John Boch but he appears to have a merited favorable reputation within the “gun-knowledgable” world. However, as a long-time gun owner but a newbie in the concealed carry world I have a couple of things to say about all of the chatter I read about my newly discovered interest – personal protection with, if necessary, a hand gun.
    There seems to be a rasging competition among the “gun owning elite” as to who can come across in the most snobbish manner. Taurus makes good, reasonably reliable weapons. As does Hi-Point. But, to hear the Colt owners and the Sig owners and the Limber owners . . . well, one would think that anyone expressing anything positive about Taurus, Hi-Point, etc. were mentally unfit to rak judo lessons, let alone own a handgun.
    What utter nonsensical bigoted snobbery.
    Here is an absolute, unarguable (except by the army of self-appoonted experts) fact. ThevTaurus Curve is the absolutely perfect concealed carry . . . FOR ME!

    I am 78, well past my physical prime but there are literally tens of thousands of younger folks in our wonderful nation with a variety of physical limitations that are my peers, in a sense.

    I carry my curve loose in my right trouser pocket. Six rounds on the mag and none in the chamber. This means I can forgo the use of the trigger shield that comes with the piece. Just a little practice and I lose !little or no time in getting that initial round chambered and on its way. If that misses I have five more messengers to send the bad guys way, unless he gets me first.

    My curve never misfires on factory loads. Never!!

    If the Curve fails in the market place it will be due, in largeart to snobbish articles like the one by Mr. Boch or similar comments by pseudo-experts whose only excuse is their limitless, self-centered stupidity.

    The sad thing is that there may be many, many folks out there who could have their lives saved by ownership and usage of the Curve. But, they didn’t have one when they needed one because the “experts” implied they would be bordering on imbicility to buy one!

  42. avatar Chris Cipriani says:

    Many comments about the Curve. I bought one of the first ones without the .380 markings.
    1. Very unusual design, I like that.
    2. Because the belt clip is secured to the rear of the slide, the only way to remove the gun from your IWB or pocket using the clip is with the thumb of your right hand. Not easy to do. Are you pulling on the grip or the trigger?
    3. The trigger guard holster protects the trigger. Drawing the pistol with enough string to conceal the pistol and tied to your belt requires raising it so high it feels very un-natural.
    4. It weighs 13.5 oz., not 10.2 oz. Taurus confirmed this to me over the phone, but gave no explanation. Maybe the one without the laser weighs less.
    5. The trigger feels like a long stroke Kahr to me, only lighter. Remove the slide and there is the hammer.
    5. They want me to return it for engraving the barrel with .380 AUTO. Four to six week turnaround.

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News, News-buzz

RTPark Unveils Mandated Development Project

The Research and Technology Park (RTPark) is proud to announce its proposed construction of the Virgin Islands Tech Village in Estate Lower Love, in accordance with the legislative mandate of promoting sustainable economic development that created the RTPark back in 2002.

The Virgin Islands Tech Village will consist of 60 units of residential housing, 10,500 square feet of commercial space, a 120-room teaching hotel, a 300-person capacity conference center, and a solar microgrid.  It will also include significant agricultural investment, with 60 percent of the land dedicated to agricultural use, ranging from farming to innovative programs and agribusiness development.  The project, estimated to cost around $40 Million, will serve as another step in the economic revitalization of St. Croix.

RTPark Executive Director, Peter H. Chapman, hails this multi-faceted sustainable development project as the perfect opportunity to address the resulting economic diversity, housing, educational, and workforce development needs of St. Croix, which is still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in September 2017 and, more recently, the current economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are excited about initiating the Tech Village project because it not only allows us to fulfill the strategic priorities and mandate of the RTPark, especially during the economically trying times of this pandemic, but also supports the expansion of academic opportunities for the university community,” said Chapman. “The location and close proximity to the RTPark headquarters and the University is crucial to the collaborative and innovative spirit that we expect to create at the village.”

The RTPark’s affiliation with UVI–an HBCU/land grant institution–supports the Park’s innovative mission of furthering educational, agricultural, and technology-based initiatives that broaden the potential for community development throughout the Virgin Islands. Combining private equity capital managed by a Black-owned economic development finance advisory firm, Renaissance Equity Partners (REP), with favorable bank financing and federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding, will make this vision a reality.

Robert K. Jenkins Jr., Senior Managing Director of REP, welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the RTPark to facilitate the development of the project–the first of its kind in the territory.

“The St. Croix projects represent the type of transformative projects our Renaissance HBCU Opportunity Fund (the Fund) was organized to assist. We organized the Fund, together with the nonprofit HBCU Community Development Action Coalition, to help attract the private equity capital required to successfully develop catalytic real estate-oriented economic development projects on or near HBCU campuses. We are honored to have received organizational support from the Kresge and Rockefeller Foundations and to have recently been named to the Forbes OZ 20 List of Opportunity Zone Catalyst,” said Jenkins.

The added highlight of this venture is the project’s commitment to sustainable agriculture on several fronts to include actual farming, education, technology, agri-tourism and most importantly sustainable job creation working in conjunction with the UVI Cooperative Extension Service, the VI Energy Office, the Department of Agriculture, and the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition (VIGFC).

Sommer Sibilly-Brown, Executive Director of VIGFC, said it’s been a pleasure to work with the RTPark on this project because of the level of transparency, accountability, and willingness to incorporate all aspects of economic development.

“The Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition believes in food security, sovereignty, and sustainability,” said Sibilliy-Brown. “The RTPark Sustainable Tech Village project encompasses all three of those aspects, and we see space for exponential growth for the future of agriculture in the territory.”

The RTPark is aggressively expanding its footprint here in the territory. A project of this magnitude embraces an ascending trajectory when the global pandemic, that being COVID-19, has ravaged global economies, particularly the U.S. mainland. The RTPark looks forward to working with all the public agencies and private entities that will undoubtedly make this necessary development an unquestioned success.

“We thank Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and his administration for their support of our proactive approach to innovative economic development and look forward to our continued collaboration in moving this project across the finish line,” said RTPark Board Chairman Edward Thomas. “The RTPark’s contribution to this collaborative effort between private entities, government agencies, and the non-profit community has been a wonderful experience. We understand how partnerships like this will produce long term community benefits for years to come.”

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Kill Devil Belize Travellers 2005 11 Year Old

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A 2005 Caribbean rum from Hunter Laing's Kill Devil series, made at the Travellers Distillery in Belize and matured in a single cask. The palate offers notes of pine resin, honey, pecan and caramelised banana.

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The 101: A Wilkes-Barre Survival Guide

Bill Thomas, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Every issue, Arts & Entertainment Editor Bill Thomas and Assistant Editor Jake Cochran indulge their vanity and give a thoroughly biased crash-course in whatever madness happens to be dwelling in their warped minds. Their views do not reflect those of The Beacon, its staff or Wilkes University. Blah blah blah. This week, Bill Thomas is tackling…

New to Wilkes-Barre? Here’s some hidden gems and not-so-hidden hotspots that’ll help you retain your tenuous grip on sanity when finals week hits like a ton of bricks.

Best spot to get your smoke on:
The Crimson Lion (37 E. South St.)

Grab your journal, your shoulder bag and your ironic 80s pop-culture tee and curl up at The Crimson Lion to write some poetry, sip some coffee and smoke some Starbuzz Purple Savior. Yes, the nicknames are ridiculous, but the flavored tobacco packs a heady wallop. The experience of smoking it in a hookah is unique, plus it’ll make you look cooler than your cigarette-suckin’ pals. Even if you don’t smoke, The Crimson Lion is a chill hangout for the artsy-fartsy set, complete with paintings on the wall and occasional performances by local bands (see here for a perfect example).

Best spot to declare war on your liver:
Hardware Bar (14 S. Main St.)

A night at the Hardware Bar is the closest thing to guest-starring on an episode of “The Jersey Shore” you’re likely to experience in NEPA. It’s a good idea to put a condom on your soul beforehand, lest you catch some kind of existential STD. Nevertheless, when you’ve just finished typing up a 12-page report on the sociopolitical implications of, I don’t know, stuff, and you’re looking to completely cut loose and indulge your most excessive hedonistic impulses, there’s no place more suited than Hardware Bar. Enjoy the loud music, overpriced alcohol and sweaty make-out sessions with scantily-clad strangers tonight; Worry about the consequences tomorrow.

Best spot to question your sexuality:
Twist (1170 Highway 315)

Ostensibly a gay club, that doesn’t stop hetero folks in search of a party from gravitating toward Twist as enthusiastically as George Michaels exposes himself to undercover police officers in public restrooms. Whereas Hardware Bar is all about sleaze and sweat, Twist is, well, also about sleaze and sweat. But it’s less cramped and less aggressive, plus a lot more colorful, flamboyant and fun. Drag queens are awesome. What more do you need to know?

Best spot to indulge in all things retro:
Musical Energi  (59 N. Main St.)

Everything a hipster needs that can’t be found at Salvation Army is here. Movies, music, funky posters, freaky oddities and, let’s not forget, vinyl, vinyl and more vinyl! The place is loaded with vintage goodies and overseen by an assortment of colorful characters. Talk to Jay, the owner, and he’ll be happy to explain just how awesome vinyl records are and why mp3s are the tool of Satan. Talk to employee Rich and he’ll tell you more about cult/horror/b-movie obscurities than you ever wanted to know. Ask other-employee Mark about his band Mock Sun and you may just discover some of the best local music NEPA has to offer.

Best spot to ogle naked chicks:
Gentlemen’s Club 10 (205 Mundy St.)

Don’t pretend you don’t want to go, dude (or dudette, if that’s how you roll). You know you do. Make sure to hit Amateur Night every first Thursday for your best shot at seeing that cute redhead in your Principles of Fundamentals class doing something she’ll regret in the morning.

And now, a very special “NEPA glossary” of terms every area newcomer should know…

OK, you’re going to be hearing this one a lot, so best get it out the way first. It’s not that hard. NEPA is “Northeastern Pennsylvania,” and it’s the best part of Pennsylvania. Not really, but we’re supposed to say that to make ourselves feel better about not living in Philadelphia.

A little outdated, but it still comes up from time to time. NEPA has its own regional dialect that falls somewhere between mush-mouth and redneck. Steps have been taken to remove words like “heyna” (meaning, roughly, “isn’t it?”) from local vocabularies, but they still pop up from time to time (you may notice we don’t like to pronounce the letter “t”).

The Sterling Hotel
Presidents have hung their hats here. So have hobos. Love it or hate it, this pain-in-the-neck is the reason you have to take a five-minute detour to travel one lousy block down River Street.

Part historical landmark, part eyesore deathtrap, the fact that it still stands defies not only repeated announcements from the city that the thing will be razed soon (no, really this time), but also damn near every law of physics.

These things are everywhere. Reliable for quick, cheap, made-to-order food that pleases the palate of those haunted by late-night munchies (or a telling lack of disposable income), Sheetz may seem like “just” a gas station mini-mart, but it’s oh-so-much more. Try their Shmiscuits and Shwings; You’ll see where the obsession comes from.

The sworn enemy of all good, red-blooded, true-blue Sheetz customers. If your friends go to Wawa, they are not your friends.

Luzerne County Courthouse
And you thought the Galactic Senate from “Star Wars” was corrupt. Made infamous for its role in the “kids for cash” scandal and subsequent inclusion in Michael Moore’s incendiary documentary “Capitalism: A Love Story.”

Old Forge-style pizza
The people of Old Forge would have you believe that NEPA is the “Pizza Capital of the World.” It’s not. That would be Italy. Or New York City, at least. Still, we Pennsylvanians do so love our pizza. In fact, my research indicates that there are more pizza shops per capita in NEPA than there are palm trees in the entirety of Florida. Trust me, that’s 100 percent true.

Anyway, we’ve developed our own type of pizza, dubbed “Old Forge-style,” which essentially equates to a thinner Sicilian fried in peanut oil, with a specialty cheese-blend instead of mozzarella.

Other regional foods you might stumble across include pierogies (fried dumplings with potato, onion, cheese or other fillings), haluski (fried noodles with sweet cabbage) and pagach (basically a pizza with mashed potatoes and onion instead of cheese and tomato sauce).

Let’s not go there.


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Designed for a tight fit to keep blades in place and teeth from getting nicked or damaged, this durably-constructed dark chocolate bridle leather clipper guard is like none other on the market. Clipper is kept in place with a full length leather back and leather strips with hook and loop closures while a leather loop and snap on the back piece helps keep the cord wrapped and untangled.


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We will review your case and circumstances, and come back to you as quickly as possible during our current business hours (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-2pm).

Think Insurance, UK, Walsall
Birmingham Canals

Motor Trade Insurance in Birmingham

If you are looking for Motor Trade insurance in Birmingham we can help you out. Our location means we are ideally placed for traders in the Second City.

Taking out a Motor Trade insurance policy in Birmingham is as easy as taking out a Traders policy in any other part of England.

Birmingham Motor Trade Insurance

Are There Advantages to Getting Motor Trade Insurance in Birmingham

Just like getting insurance in any other major city there will be both advantages and disadvantages, and it can of course depend on the area of the city you are located in. If you’re looking to take out Motor Trade insurance in Birmingham and your postcode has a high history of crime, especially car or vehicle related crime such as car theft, then you might find that getting a Cheap Motor Trade insurance policy is harder than if you were located in other parts of the city. There may even be some areas that can’t be covered at all.

If you are located in the Second City and are looking to expand your trade business, or perhaps you are hoping to move your motor trade operation to a dedicated site, then the best course of action would be to look at areas of the city where there is a lower crime rate. However, a crime rate isn’t the only aspect of your location that could alter your Motor Trade insurance price.

When insurers calculate an insurance price for Car insurance or a car related policy such as Traders insurance, then they will use accident, crash and claims statistics for that area, which can have either a negative or positive effect on the price. The higher the claims rate and the cost of the claims in an area, the more this will likely impact the cost of your cover. So, when changing location, it’s definitely worth contacting your insurance broker to make sure your potential move doesn’t have a major impact on the price of your Motor Trade insurance policy, or even make it impossible to get affordable cover at all.

Choose Think Insurance If You Need Motor Trade Insurance in Birmingham

The Think Insurance offices are perfectly placed to serve our Motor Trade insurance customers that trade in Birmingham. We’re located just a short drive away from the M6, which means we can be accessed easily from Junction 7 through to Junction 10. For traders who need Motor Trade insurance in Birmingham and are located in the northern part of the city such as the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, we can be reached by taking the Sutton Road (B4151) in to Walsall. If you’re looking for London Motor Trade insurance instead, we can just as easily be reached by phone from the nation’s capital.

Our location allows us to offer a face-to-face service, and whilst we aren’t able to offer parking at our offices, there is adequate free street parking in the surrounding area. So, if after receiving a quote from one of our Motor Trade insurance experts you’d like to discuss the ins and outs of the policy in person, let us know and we will happily accommodate you at our Walsall office. Our customer service is great whether it’s face-to-face or over the phone!

Motor Trade Insurance in Birmingham UK

Looking For a Motor Trade Insurance Quote in Birmingham?

If you’re looking for Motor Trade insurance in Birmingham, then look no further. A member of our Motor Trade insurance team will be happy to help you find a policy that works for your motor trade business. It’s as simple as clicking the ‘Get a Quote’ button below, leaving a few details, and we’ll be in touch. Alternatively, if you would like to call us directly then you can by dialling 0800 221 8077 and then you will be put through to our Motor Trade insurance team.


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Why Liverpool must recognise the importance of a defensive midfielder this summer

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With just over a month to go before the summer transfer window opens, Jack Lusby says that signing a defensive midfielder should be one of Liverpool’s priorities.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, April 13, 2015: Liverpool's Lucas Leiva applauds the supporters after the Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

After a dismal 2014/15 in which Liverpool conceded nearly as many goals as they scored, manager Brendan Rodgers has much work to do in the upcoming transfer market.

This should include prioritising the signing of a defensive midfielder.

Astonishingly, reports have recently claimed that Rodgers would sanction the sale of Lucas Leiva this summer, as he “prefers Joe Allen in the midfield holding role.”

This is an alarming suggestion, given Lucas is the club’s only established defensive midfielder—selling him and not signing a replacement would be a huge mistake.

This summer, Liverpool must recognise the importance of a defensive midfielder.

The Growing Importance of the Defensive Midfielder

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 8, 2014: Liverpool's Emre Can in action against Chelsea's Nemanja Matic during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

For years, Premier League sides have looked to emulate the successful, possession-heavy attacking style of Barcelona—and Rodgers’ Liverpool are no different.

But what a lot of these sides overlooked was the importance of Sergio Busquets to the Catalan giants. The defensive-midfield behemoth is the catalyst to Barcelona’s success, with his intelligent play in a deep-lying role allowing his team-mates to flourish.

Busquets sits back, breaks up play and keeps things simple in possession. The fact that he had only seven shots on goal in 2014/15 says it all.

Slowly, Premier League sides have acknowledged this, and this season has truly shown the benefits.

Chelsea‘s addition of Nemanja Matic, re-signing him from Benfica in 2014, has made Jose Mourinho’s midfield near airtight. They lost only twice in 36 games (6%) with him on the field this season.

His absence in the Blues’ 2-1 December loss away to Newcastle United perfectly highlighted his quality.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 4, 2015: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia in action against Arsenal's Francis Coquelin during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by Chris Brunskill/Propaganda)

Elsewhere, Arsenal may stand as the perfect example of a Barcelona-lite club that is coming to terms with their system. The addition of Francis Coquelin—returning from a loan spell with Charlton Athletic in December—saw them improve significantly.

With Coquelin, Arsenal won 73 percent of their league games. Without him, just 38 percent.

Morgan Schneiderlin is another great example of a defensive midfielder that greatly impacts on his side’s success. When he played for Southampton this season, they won 54 percent of their games. Without him, 33 percent.

Leicester City‘s acquisition of Esteban Cambiasso on a free transfer last summer stands as one of the signings of the season, with the highly experienced Argentine dragging them to safety.

With Cambiasso at the base of their midfield, Leicester won 32 percent of their games, compared to just 14 percent without him.

It seems bemusing that Rodgers would be so welcome to Lucas’ summer departure, if true, as like these examples he had a profound impact on Liverpool’s fortunes in 2014/15.

The Lucas Leiva Evidence

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 16, 2014: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli celebrates scoring the first goal against PFC Ludogorets Razgrad with team-mates Fabio Borini, Lucas Leiva and Raheem Sterling during the UEFA Champions League Group B match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“He is the ultimate professional and he is going to be a brilliant player for me in my career here at Liverpool and I’m looking forward to seeing him fully fit,” Rodgers said of Lucas when he took over as Liverpool manager in 2012.

Rodgers had Lucas earmarked as a key player from the start, but as his system developed thanks to the swashbuckling attacking style of Luis Suarez and the deep-lying playmaking of Steven Gerrard, this changed.

“We never really played with a defensive midfielder last season, we played with a playmaker,” Rodgers detailed this season.

“When you change, not the style, but the system, it requires different things and when you need a defensive midfielder Lucas has come in and done that job well.”

So Lucas has been relegated to the rank of useful squad player.

But, as he has shown since his reintroduction to the side at the end of 2014, it shouldn’t be “when you need a defensive midfielder,” but “you always need a defensive midfielder.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, January 27, 2015: Liverpool's Lucas Leiva in action against Chelsea during the Football League Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg match at Stamford Bridge. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

In the Premier League this season, Liverpool won 11 of the 20 games Lucas played—or 55 percent.

Without Lucas, Liverpool won seven of 18 league games, amounting to just 39 percent.

No Liverpool player made more tackles on average per game than Lucas (3.9), and the Brazilian is also the most prolific tackler division-wide.

Premier League‘s Top 5 Tacklers, 2014/15

Lucas Leiva – 3.9 per game
Morgan Schneiderlin – 3.7
Pablo Zabaleta – 3.7
Nemanja Matic – 3.6
Claudio Yacob – 3.4

He is a limited defensive midfielder, with poor discipline and a rapidly diminishing pace owing to serious, prolonged injury problems, but Lucas’ impact as Liverpool’s sole holding option in midfield is clear.

Whether he should leave this summer or not is debatable, but as we enter the transfer window, Liverpool must take this cue and upgrade on Lucas with a new defensive midfielder.

Liverpool’s Top Priority?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 24, 2015: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers before the FA Cup 4th Round match against Bolton Wanderers at Anfield. (Pic by Lindsey Parnaby/Propaganda)

“Liverpool need goals,” Jamie Carragher highlighted last month, looking ahead to the summer transfer window. And he is right, Liverpool’s 52-goal haul in 2014/15 was a large factor in their failure.

But that this saw the Reds produce a miserable goal difference of four shows that this is not the only priority.

Southampton are the perfect example of this. Despite losing a considerable portion of their first-team squad last summer, including one of their top goalscorers in Rickie Lambert, they finished just two points short of Liverpool.

Why? Because of their solid defence, which conceded just 33 goals.

There’s a reason why the Saints sanctioned the sales of Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers, but held steadfast when it came to Schneiderlin—he would’ve have been much, much harder to replace.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 13, 2008: Liverpool's Javier Mascherano celebrates after Ryan Babel's goal made the score 2-1 to Liverpool during the Premiership match against Manchester United at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Sadly the Reds have never managed to replace late-2000s cardinal figure Javier Mascherano, who left to join Barcelona in 2010, and this failure is as important as that of not replacing Suarez last summer.

Next season will be Liverpool’s fifth without Mascherano, and that a suitable successor has not been found in that time is a tragedy. This summer, Liverpool must recognise the growing, fundamental importance of a defensive midfielder in modern football and sign a genuine article in this position.

Shoring up the back line with a defensive midfielder is as important for the Reds as bolstering the attacking line in terms of winning games.

(Statistics via Squawka and WhoScored.)

Who should Liverpool target as their next defensive midfielder this summer? Let us know in the comments below.

To mark the end of the 30-year wait for a league title, the ‘Liverpool Mishmash’ poster is available to order exclusively on This Is Anfield — the history of the Reds in one image!

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