Latest news with #Norman
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Lost Alan Turing papers set to fetch £150K at auction
The incredible archive was found gathering dust in an attic in Bermondsey, London, after its owner moved into a care home and her daughters began clearing out her loft. Among the documents which were nearly destroyed was a personal copy of the mathematical genius' PHD dissertation from 1938-39 and his first published paper from 1935. The papers, known as "offprints", had originally been gifted by Turing's mother, Ethel to her son's friend and fellow mathematician Norman Routledge. They were produced in very small numbers and distributed within academia, making them "incredibly scarce" survivors that rarely ever appear on the market. The documents were nearly destroyed. (Image: SWNS) The collection is now expected to sell for between £100,000-£150,000 when it goes under the hammer at Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, Staffs, on June 17. Turing was one of the famous codebreakers at Bletchley Park who played a vital role in cracking the Enigma code, which led to Allied victory in World War Two. Despite helping to shorten the war by an estimated four years, on March 31 1952, he was prosecuted for homosexual acts and died from cyanide poisoning on June 7, 1954, aged 41. Shortly before pleading guilty, Turing sent a poignant letter to Norman Routledge, the original owner of the papers being sold. The letter, known as 'Yours in distress', was read by Routledge when he appeared in "The Strange Life and Death of Dr Turing" on the BBC's Horizon in 1992. It has also since been read by Benedict Cumberbatch after it was presented by Routledge to King's College, Cambridge, where it now resides in The Turing Archive. The collection is expected to make £150k. (Image: SWNS) But he kept the collection of Turing's offprints, which were eventually rescued by his nieces and nephews. One of the nieces explained: 'Following his retirement from Eton College, Norman bought and lived in a house in Bermondsey. "When he died in 2013, two of his sisters had the unenviable task of sorting through and emptying the contents. "There were lots of personal papers which one sister carted away and stored in her loft. The papers lay dormant until she moved into a care home almost a decade later. "Her daughters came across the papers and considered shredding everything. "Fortunately, they checked with Norman's nieces and nephews because he'd always been a presence in our lives. The papers were saved by Turing's friend, Norman. (Image: SWNS) Adding: "One cousin felt the Turing and Forster papers might be of interest to collectors. "After taking them home for a closer look, she decided to attend a local valuation day hosted by Hansons Auctioneers, who consigned them for research with their specialist saleroom, Rare Book Auctions. "We were bowled over by the valuations and level of enthusiasm.' The collection includes his PhD dissertation from 1938-39, Systems of Logic Based on Ordinals, which is signed by Turing, having been his personal copy. This document alone has been valued by the auction house at £40,000 to £60,000 as has his 1936-37 paper entitled On Computable Numbers. The paper introduced the world to the idea of a 'universal computing machine', which, despite the model's simplicity, is capable of implementing any computer algorithm, and has been described as the first programming manual of the computer age. The papers have been checked by experts. (Image: SWNS) Jim Spencer, director of Rare Book Auctions, who is more famed for finding Harry Potter first editions, described the collection as "the most important archive I've ever handled.' He said the exchange of offprints had historically been a method of correspondence between scholars and is prized by collectors as representing the first separate edition of an important work. He added: 'Nothing could've prepared me for what I was about to find in that carrier bag. "These seemingly plain papers-perfectly preserved in the muted colours of their unadorned, academic wrappers - represent the foundations of computer science and modern digital computing. "Literature has always been my forte, not mathematics, so the past few months of intensively researching and cataloguing these papers has left me feeling that Alan Turing was superhuman. The collection includes letters. (Image: SWNS) "For me, it's like studying the language of another planet, something composed by an ultra-intelligent civilisation." The collection also includes The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis, which dates from 1952, and is Turing's lesser-known masterpiece of mathematical biology. It has since become a basic model in theoretical biology, describing what have come to be known as 'Turing patterns'. Mr Spencer said: 'As recently as 2023, a study confirmed Turing's mathematical model hypothesis as outlined in The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis. "In this way the papers are still alive. They're still relevant and groundbreaking. 'We even have Turing's first published paper from 1935 – Equivalence of Left and Right Almost Periodicity – which is simply a single sheet of paper. The collection is set to get interest from around the world. (Image: SWNS) "And the provenance couldn't be better. The archive was gifted to Turing's friend and fellow mathematician Norman Arthur Routledge (1928-2013) by Turing's mother Ethel - and we have her handwritten letter explaining this." In the letter, dated May 16, 1956, Ethel Turing says: 'I have to-day sent by registered post 13 of Alan's off-prints...I don't know what people in Cambridge thought of the manner of Alan's death. "I am convinced it was accidental as the experiment of coke under electrolysis – which smelt of cyanide had been going on for weeks – I feel sure he got some of this on his fingers & so on to the apple he customarily ate in bed...I have had some requests to write a biography of Alan...I have masses of material because from the time he was about 6 I spotted a winner – despite many detractors at school – and kept many papers about him.' Mr Spencer added: "This fascinating letter is a golden thread that neatly ties up and seals the authenticity of everything being offered. "The potential value compels us to offer the papers individually. The price is unknown and could run to any amount. Recommended Reading 'Anything with a direct connection to Turing is highly desirable and almost impossible to find. "These papers were owned by his close friend Norman, having been gifted to him by Turing's mother. That's what makes this collection so significant. 'Hardly anything like this appears on the open market, so predicting hammer prices is fortune-telling." Adding: "I suspect interest will be strong in Silicon Valley – where Turing's influence shines brightly – but it would be lovely to see material acquired by institutions who could share things with the public."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What do SC leaders think about Trump's ‘Big, Beautiful Bill'?
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – There was plenty of drama behind-the-scenes in Washington D.C. surrounding President Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' including a 'no' vote from one of South Carolina's Republican Representatives. President Trump said his 'Big, Beautiful Bill' includes G.O.P. priorities, such as tax cuts and extra border security. 'We're not doing any cutting of anything meaningful. The only thing we're cutting is waste, fraud, and abuse with Medicaid,' said Trump. As expected, democratic Representative Jim Clyburn voted against the bill. Representative Ralph Norman, along with a few other G.O.P. holdouts, initially voted against the bill, saying it didn't go far enough to cut Medicaid benefits for undocumented immigrants. 'You know, to be honest with you, I never thought I would have to fight for getting illegals off the government payroll,' Norman said. After conversations with Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump, Norman said they worked out a deal. 'It was a great bill, but we just didn't cut like I thought we should have, and I held out for the last minute,' Norman said. 'When we got pretty much what I thought we needed, we voted for it. ' Senator Lindsey Graham said people should be responsible with their own vote, but Republicans shouldn't vote 'no.' 'We need to get behind President Trump,' Graham said. 'This is our best chance in 40 years to control spending in Washington, and we need to be working with Trump, not against him.' Graham added that he expects the bill to change in the Senate. 'I intend to change the bill, but I'll do it working with President Trump,' Graham said. 'He has enough enemies in the in the nation and throughout the world. The Republican Party needs to help this man because he's doing things that other presidents couldn't do. ' Governor Henry McMaster also supports the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' The Bill was passed in the House, and is now in the hands of the Senate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Husband's hospice pledge after docs told wife she had only six weeks to live
Norman Rennie and his beloved wife Linda were together for 40 years - before Linda's devastating cancer diagnosis. A husband has spoken of his admiration for the work of the Ayrshire Hospice - after they helped his wife following a devastating cancer diagnosis. Norman Rennie and his beloved wife Linda were together for 40 years - before doctors told her she only had six weeks to live. But in the weeks leading up to Linda's passing, Norman was supported to the hilt by the staff at the Ayrshire Hospice. Now Norman is paying a little back and pledged to support the organisation's Spring Appeal by sharing Linda's story. Linda, who died in 2016, was cared for in her home by the Ayrshire Hospice. Norman, who worked in hospitality across Ayrshire for 60 years, including Seamill Hydro for 25 years, takes up the story. He recalled: 'During my time in Seamill, we hosted the Autumn Ball, and that's when I started to become more aware of what the Hospice is about.' In April 2016, Norman and Linda received the devastating news that she had a life-shortening illness – with doctors giving the couple six weeks left together. Norman said: 'How do you go home and make the best of six weeks when somebody's dying? We were together for 40 years– you live to make sure the other person has the best.' Following her diagnosis, Norman and Linda returned home, where Norman was prepared to look after Linda himself. Then the Ayrshire Hospice began helping Norman to care for Linda – and, crucially, to support Norman too. He said: 'When the Hospice came to the house, they said they were coming to see Linda – but they just as concerned about the person that would be left behind. 'Simple things, like the Complementary Therapists coming in to massage her feet. The cancer had spread everywhere, but your feet are the most sensitive area – and that really helped her. 'When they were finished with Linda, they would give me a massage too – so that I could give my best to Linda. And even after she died, they continued that for three weeks. They came and gave me massages at home. 'I remember one day – it was lovely outside and I'd just cut the grass – the therapist said 'I think we'll take the bed outside today.' I'll always remember that.' Since Linda's death, Norman has continued to tirelessly support the Ayrshire Hospice as an ambassador, volunteer and most recently taking part in the 'Full Monty' fundraising event, which raised more than £38,000. 'Why do we support the Ayrshire Hospice? Because the Hospice will support us,' Norman said. 'They were there for me and Linda – and now it's my turn to do what I can.' Lucy Glendinning, Senior Fundraiser (Individual Giving), added: 'Norman's story is another example of the care and support the Ayrshire Hospice provides to those who need us across Ayrshire and Arran - whether it be in our In-patient Unit or in the community, our person-centred care for patients and their loved ones in the environment of their choosing.' To read more about Norman's journey with the Hospice, and to support this year's Spring Appeal, go to or call the Ayrshire Hospice's Fundraising Team on 01292 288 488 to donate. Each and every penny is gratefully received by the team.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Imposing 230-year-old Wexford building steeped in history on the market for under €500,000
Delare House, South Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford, was built in 1790 for Charles Tottenham and known as Tottenham Family Town House, who in 1856 leased the property at favourable rates to the Sisters of Mercy when it was adapted for use as a convent and school. The Sisters, who were known for their academic teaching of young women, but more so for skilled lace making, occupied the property until 1971, before relocating to The Irishtown, and at that point, the building was bought by a local family who turned it into a hotel which held "quite memorable dances and discos', according to one local who frequented in various capacities including as a young school girl and a hotel guest. The hotel, Delare House, was in business for approximately a decade, and in the early 2000s, the building was again adapted for the purpose of office spaces, which was occupied by Kelly Colfer Son and Poyntz Solicitors. In a full-circle of events, Philip Carton of PN O'Gorman has been working with the owners of the protected structure in preparations for it to be listed on the property market. However, Philip's mother, Anne, happened to be a young student of the Mercy, and would have attended in the year that the move was made from Delare House to the Irishtown. Anne also fondly remembers her own late father, Tom Walsh, dealing with the sale of the building as an auctioneer for PN O'Gorman, and in her adult years, Anne too had dealings as an auctioneer with the landmark site and in 1985 she sold a section occupied by gardens, a graveyard and the old school to the local authority, who has since developed that area into a terrace of townhouses. As the property enters the market to be sold for it's next purpose, at an asking price of €455,000, Philip is excited to see what's in store for the 'hugely imposing and impressive premises', and he said the possibilities are endless, given its history over the past two centuries. 'Looking across the streetscape of new Ross, I think probably one of the other few comparables would have been the former Royal Hotel, where the Norman gardens, is today,' he said. He continued: 'There's various different reports on the building, because of its historic nature, and there's great lineage from when it was built by the Tottenhams, then leased to the Mercy Order. But what was really interesting was Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Mercy Order, also spent time in New Ross and she too could possibly have links there. 'An additional point of interest is that Christian Brothers, the Augustinians and the Mercy were three religious orders with quite a big footprint in the town, which is quite amazing back in those days. 'We can see how, even back when the lease started there was a very strong sense of community instilled in those who had dealings with the property, and I don't know whether it would have been called philanthropy, but it would have been altruistic back then for sure, to lease the property on such favourable terms,' Philip explained. 'We're delighted to be working with the owners on the sale of this property, and from the perspective of offering commercial properties in New Ross, it's something we've obviously been doing for more than a century as we celebrated our 100th anniversary last year, and this is a very, very special one for us as sellers because it allows us to continue to work with the owners, and meet the latest potential buyers and hear their desires for the property,' he added. Located in the heart of New Ross, at its intersection with Michael Street and Robert Street, Delare House is one of the few surviving examples of Georgian architecture in the town centre. Approached by a sweeping flight of eight granite steps, it is almost-symmetrical in shape centred on a Morrison Doorcase that has a simplified peacock tail fanlight. It extends to approximately 924 sq m (9,945sq. ft) offering generous proportions with wonderful high ceilings, floor to ceiling sash windows and beautiful period features. This property offers a multitude of possibilities for both residential and mixed-use spaces as planning permission was recently granted for change of use, from an office building to residential use, to comprise of nine apartments ranging from approximately 55 sq m to 120 sq m, and all associated works. To the rear of the property, there is secure and ample car parking facilities. 'The sale of this substantial property presents a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire and develop a piece of New Ross history,' Philip continued. 'Thankfully, there's been a very strong interest in the property since launching it last week, coming from various different fields, from people who are looking at it from a development perspective, and there's also interest from people looking at bringing it back to a historic townhouse. "It's a wide and vast level of interest and it'll be exciting to see what'll come of it,' Philip concluded.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Legendary Recon Marine could finally get the Medal of Honor
In April 1967, Marine 2nd Lt. James Capers Jr. ignored his numerous bullet and shrapnel wounds to lead his nine-man team from 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company against an enemy ambush in South Vietnam. The ambush had erupted with hidden explosives that threw Capers against a tree. Shrapnel from the blast punctured his body in more than a dozen places, including wounds to his abdomen and a broken leg, Capers told Coffee or Die Magazine in 2021. Still, Capers ordered a mortar strike on the team's position to keep the enemy at bay. Despite losing a significant amount of blood and being administered morphine, he led his team to a helicopter landing zone. When a helicopter landed, Capers refused to get on board unless the crew took the body of the team's military working dog. After the helicopter was initially unable to take off, Capers twice tried to get out of the aircraft to lighten the load. Both times, a crew chief had to pull him back inside. The helicopter eventually lifted off and ferried Capers and his team to a hospital. Capers later retired from the Marine Corps as a major, and in 2010, he was awarded the Silver Star for his 'bold leadership, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty,' his award citation reads. Now, a lawmaker is trying for a third time to pass legislation that would authorize the president to award Capers the Medal of Honor. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) introduced a bill on May 13 that would waive a requirement that service members receive the Medal of Honor within five years of their actions that merit the award. In 2020, President Donald Trump signed a similar bill that allowed Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe to receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery 15 years earlier in Iraq. 'Mr. James Capers Jr. isn't just a hero, he's a living legend in every sense of the word,' Norman said in a statement earlier this month. 'His courage in Vietnam, his humility throughout life, and his unwavering devotion to this country are second to none. It's an honor to reintroduce this bill, because a man like Maj. Capers deserves nothing less than the Medal of Honor.' Although Capers had been previously nominated for the nation's highest military award for valor, 'administrative shortcomings and delays' ultimately prevented him from receiving it, a May 14 news release from Norman's office says. During a March interview with Fox News, Capers was asked why he had not already been awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. 'That was 1967, and the world was a lot different in those days,' Capers replied. 'The Marine Corps had been integrated in 1948, as a matter of fact, so we still had officers who commanded us that didn't quite understand all the things that we needed as African Americans. We could fight. We could lead. We could get it all done. But the leaders didn't see us as equals.' Over the past four years, Norman has twice introduced legislation that would have authorized the president to award Capers the Medal of Honor, but Congress did not pass the bills. Capers repeatedly demonstrated his bravery and his commitment to the Marines who served under him. He always insisted on being the last person to board helicopters when it was time to leave the battlefield. In a different mission in January 1967, Capers ran from tree to tree to fire at the enemy, creating the impression that there were more troops on the ground, as the rest of his team was hoisted into a CH-46 helicopter. On another patrol, Capers killed three North Vietnamese soldiers when his M16 rifle jammed. When another two enemy soldiers launched a counterattack, he killed them both with his pistol. In February, a group of 47 lawmakers sent a letter to Trump requesting that he consider taking action needed for Capers to receive the Medal of Honor, describing Capers as 'one of America's greatest patriots.' They noted that Capers was the first Black Marine to lead a reconnaissance company and to receive a battlefield commission. 'We firmly believe that Maj. James Capers Jr., has met the stringent criteria for the Medal of Honor,' the letter says. 'His selfless actions, leadership, courage, and initiative uphold the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces. The exceptional valor displayed by Maj. Capers during his missions in the Republic of Vietnam from March 31 to April 3, 1967, serves as a shining example for all servicemen and women, and it is deserving of the highest recognition.' Now 87 years old, Capers lives alone. His son, Gary, who was born blind, died in 2003, and his wife Dottie died six years later. Capers told Task & Purpose that he originally served as a staff sergeant, but all the officers in his unit were killed, so he was commissioned to second lieutenant. After he was wounded, he spent a year recuperating at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland learning how to walk again. He said that he owes his survival to his family and all the men and women who served with him in war — and he is adamant that he does not consider himself to be a hero. 'I was just a Marine,' Capers said. 'I had a job to do and I did it as best I could. Obviously, we'd all like to be heroes, but those men in my unit, they were heroes. There's only two of us left alive today.' 18 Army Rangers suspended for allegedly firing blanks at Florida beach Hegseth announces accountability review of Afghanistan withdrawal Coast Guard rescue swimmers saved a worker stuck in hardening concrete after roof collapse This National Guard unit went completely analog to simulate a cyber attack Fewer reenlistment options for soldiers amid high Army retention
