Old Fashioned Power



Train rolling backwards down the slope

I gave Lottie a walk to the basin then we set off, unsure of what the weather would do. Paul had to reverse to the winding hole but it although it was within sight the bow swung towards the bank. I pushed off from the bank, nearly sliding into the canal and Paul swung the boat round. 

Consall Forge Station

As we headed out of Froghall a steam train came down the valley pulling a goods van and coaches. As Froghall is the end of its short line we expected to soon be overtaken. It was an age before we heard the whistle but it didn’t appear. Paul worked the first lock which stood beside the track camera slung round his neck. Twice we heard the whistle but the train didn’t appear.

Passing under the platform

After opening the lock we lingered...steam appeared round the corner. Paul leaned forward keen to get a close look at the tank engine’s big brother in steam. It rounded the bend and started up the incline towards us, then disappeared backwards round the corner. 

Steam train finally appears

Had it lost grip on the incline or had the driver reversed on purpose? We couldn’t tell. We carried on cruising waiting for the big steam train to overtake us but it didn’t reappear. As our boat chugged below Consall Forge where the boater can look through the supports of the cantilevered platform I thought it would be a wonderful place to be overtaken but the train didn’t come.

We moored for water at the lime kilns expecting it to rumble past but the only sound was the river running alongside.



Strangely shaped hill

Two locks later we were approaching Cheddleton station at the top end of the line when it crept quietly out of the tree line as if ashamed. Husband delighted at the close encounter we stopped for lunch opposite the station where a diesel was moving some rolling stock on the sidings. However I was struck by the strangely shaped hill behind the sidings which looked like a partly peeled orange. Surely this was man made?

Steam train departing

Just before we set off the large steam train puffed out a large cloud and bid us farewell with a jaunty toot-toot. It disappeared down the incline and we headed the opposite way towards Cheddleton, meeting the boaters that had helped us up the staircase lock back at Etruria.

From their wide smiles they were enjoying the Caldon canal.



 

Inside the mill

Cheddleton locks were swiftly climbed and we arrived at Cheddleton Flint mill which sits nestling the canal. This time the mill was open and the majestic water wheels were turning. This mill has a pair of water wheels working opposite each other. The mill also had other steam machines on display and the workers cottage was open. The rooms were tiny yet families were large. there was not flushing toilet no running water and light came from candles. It was a portal to an earlier way of life when many people relied on mills to provide work and various goods. I find the steady sound and sight of the water wheel calming.

inside the cottage

Continuing our journey in damp and cold conditions soon the Leek arm appeared clinging to the opposite hill. Naturally we could not see the canal but boats moored at intervals gave its course away.

steam engine

This part of the Caldon canal is unusual as the Leek arm crossed over us on a sturdy stone aqueduct. In order to join the Leek arm we had to climb three more locks to reach its junction. The weather was threatening rain and dark clouds were gathering but as so often happens on the canals we had to press on up the locks to reach mooring.

One of the locks had a leaky wall that squirted water through our open bathroom window. Thankfully it doesn’t take much to mop up the bathroom floor.

on the Leek arm

We completed the top lock and turned sharply onto the Leek arm. It’s hard to hurry a narrow boat but the race was on to moor before we got soaked. As the Leek arm runs above the locks we had just climbed I was impressed by how much height we had gained through them. Normally I am unaware of how far our boat has climbed but looking down at where we had been less than an hour before was amazing. We moored before the aqueduct and made it inside before the rain lashed down.

After the storm passed we were cocooned in silence in the rural beauty seven miles from the urban sprawl of Stoke on Trent. It felt days from civilization.

 

Steam and the Steep Steps

Tank engine reversing

I set off on foot walking Lottie past Cheddleton Flint mill and the nearby locks. Having admired the view I turned back and set the locks for our boat. Lottie enjoyed sniffing round every part of each lock investigating every space. 



scenic station

Locks swiftly descended we carried on to Cheddleton Steam Railway where there was a vacant mooring adjacent to the station. By the time we had moored steam was rising from a tank engine in the siding. Armed with dog and camera we strolled over to investigate. There were no scheduled trains for today but the station was open. We walked round and were in time to see the tank engine set off down the track. The open gateway led to the clean and pretty platform with ticket office and waiting room that could have been built for a film set. 

Kitchen car

From behind the barriers we could see much of the rolling stock. There were two steam trains and several large diesels. There were plush first class carriages containing seating with padded arm rests. Further along were Spartan but function second class carriages where the bench seating had thin arm rests and plain tables. There was a restaurant car and a kitchen car which struck us as unusual. The whole area was bright with painted woodwork and 

Guards van

flowers blooming in well weeded beds.

Steam engine passes our boat

We cruised parallel to the railway track for a few minutes then met our next lock. It was soon dealt with, but Lottie was slow returning to the boat as she had so many interesting corners to sniff. On clearing the lock we saw the tank engine returning so Paul stood on our handy gas locker to get a better view and photograph it. As the steam trains only run on Sundays we are unlikely to take a trip on one but at least we saw the tank engine in action.

Lime kilns

As the trees and bushes were just starting to burst into leaf we could see across to the hills and valleys unhindered by the hedge line. The next lock took us onto the river which twisted and turned between the steep sided hills. We moored at the lime kilns just before the river and canal parted company.

Lottie and the checkered art

Lunch over, Lottie was keen to explore so we let her lead the way. She inspected some local tiled art then started up some steps so we followed expecting them to lead to the top of the lime kilns. They did, but we turned a corner and another flight of steps appeared. After that another - we kept going up and up. The map mentions devils staircase and it felt as if we were on it. Up up up! Surely this path must go somewhere amazing for someone to build all these steps. We reached the top far above the trees. We found a beautiful meadow climbing still higher. We trekked to the top. The view was amazing looking down on so many trees. Somewhere far below was our little boat hidden by the trees on the sheer slope. The reason for building the steep staircase to connect the canal with a meadow far from any sight of housing  remains a mystery.

Up and up

After catching our breath we set off back to the boat. I counted over 200 steps but the descent was easy.

After a comfort break we left our mooring. Soon we passed a pub perched on the hill far from the road. It was packed with walkers even though some had only trekked from the car park on the far side of the river.

The top of the Lime kilns

We rounded a bend and the canal narrowed and squeezed along a stone wall. Above was the railway station of Consall Forge whose waiting room was built cantilevered over the canal so that we looked through the wooden foundations at the railway tracks. Station left behind we descended our last lock where the profile of Froghall tunnel was hanging over the exit. If you can pass below it you can pass through the tunnel. Our boat caught the corners of the profile so if we ventured into the tunnel, crouching as we steered, we might become wedged tight. Unsurprisingly Paul decided he wanted his boat intact!

Still going up

On that final part of the cruise to Froghall we met a narrow boat as the canal tapered to single boat width. Paul squeezed to the bank and the other boat slid by as we grated on the bottom. If we had met round the corner someone would have had to reverse – no easy feat in a narrow boat.

On reaching Froghall Paul passed the winding hole as the map showed it directly in front of the tunnel. He had to reverse to the moorings which he did expertly- it does help that there was no wind.

After a day exploring at every opportunity Lottie still wanted to drag us round Froghall as soon as we moored up. Obviously she has missed her narrow boat adventures over the winter. 



Out in the open but not at the top

We went to look at the basin beyond the tunnel. The restored basin was lovely but we were disappointed not to be able to follow the canal on foot towards Uttoxeter. Instead we found the end of the Churnett valley railway. After all the walking today the crew are rather tired.

Stone and Flint



Stone art at Stockton locks

At 6.30 Lottie demanded an early morning excursion. Paul was not amused but struggled out of bed and took her out. At 8.15 instead of letting him eat his breakfast she took him out on a second walk but he got his own back by taking her into the village on a lead to find the local shops. She was relieved to get back to the canal away from the traffic. After breakfast we took a short cruise to a mooring by the newly discovered shops and bought more supplies. Then we cruised on enjoying good weather and lovely views.



Beautiful but dangerous

There were two lift bridges but they only required a windlass to work them so I had no problem – and no audience. We moored for lunch after our first flight of locks which were decorated by substantial stone work. Sadly the local vandals had defaced the work, one with red paint, the other had china pots inlaid and these had been smashed . I understand them attacking the crumbling concrete bridges, and sometimes graffiti brightens those dire areas up but this seemed petty.

Our second set of locks lay where the Leek arm turns off to the right. Strangely it then crosses the canal on a massive stone aqueduct after the main branch has done the three locks.



Cheddleton Flint Mill from the canal



water wheel

When I pushed the gate open I must have been addled by the glorious scenery as I nearly fell down the flight of stone steps into the muddy canal below the lowest lock. I stumbled down three steps and managed to grab the stone wall as I missed the next. I escaped with a scraped finger but it could have been worse. I could have been knocked unconscious then fallen into the water unnoticed by my husband who had popped inside the boat.



We passed some Canada geese, but one had a longer neck almost like a swan and had slightly different markings.  Perhaps it was a crossbreed - a Canada sweese! The cruise was slow and idyllic. Our mooring for the night was by Cheddleton water Mill. It is a lovely mill well worth a visit.  Hopefully it will be working when we return at the weekend.

The mill, crane and cottages

Bottle Kilns and Lift Bridges

As Paul prepared to cast off a hire boat crew raced to beat him. Triumphantly they

Locking up in Stone 

sped to the lock first – then posed nonchalantly in their cool sunglasses hands on windlasses. Unfazed Paul decided to fill with water, guessing they might take a while. After the second lock we saw the triumphant crew taking their bags off their hire boat. Poor things they had endured two days terrible weather - we are so fortunate to have our own boat as this time we delayed our cruise to miss the torrential rain.

Our locking was speedy in spite of the deep locks, as we met boats as they were leaving locks so gates were left open for us. At the last lock the approaching Viking boat left the lock gates open for us as we had risen nearly to the top of the lock and they thought no one was following them. As I glided into the lock the gates closed. I threw the boat into reverse while He-Who-Must-Be -Obeyed bellowed : ‘boat coming open the gates!’ Thankfully the Black Prince crew obeyed his order.

Lottie had a good morning running free in the sunshine at the later locks. When we moored she lay on the towpath beside the boat before coming in to join us.

Beautiful bottle kilns

After lunch we cruised into Stoke on Trent under a maze of deep road and rail bridges. It was lovely to have no wind today. we passed superbly restored bottle kilns looking overwhelmed by the modern buildings surrounding them.  We negotiated the deep Stoke locks without problems even though the gates are heavy. Some gates have weights carved into their frames. I feel proud at opening gates of 1800 kilos and some 2020 kilos all by myself, although that is only possible because the gates swivel easily on their massive pivots. At Etruria junction Lottie explored onto the Caldon canal while we took the boat up the final lock beside the old bone and flint lock. Although it was 4.00 we stopped for a break before tackling the staircase lock. 

Thankfully I only had to lift one bridge

Staircase locks are fascinating to work as a boat goes straight from one lock into the next. I opened the lower gates then headed to the top lock to fill it leaving Paul to cruise into the lock. While I was still far above him a couple from another narrow boat closed the gates for me. They wanted to see how the staircase lock worked as they will be doing it tomorrow, so we had their help, which was welcome. It was sunny when we said farewell to them, a perfect evening cruise. 

After a single lock I had to operate a lift bridge. The bridge would lift with the turn of my key once the barriers were down. However putting them down was a manual job. I had trouble with the heavy barriers. Eventually I got them to drop down – but they rebounded and bounced high, eventually banging down into their cups. With my finger on the green button I lifted the bridge, Paul sailed beneath and I lowered it back down. Could I do the barriers? I pulled and one started to rise but changed its mind and crashed back down. By this time there were several cars queuing in each direction. 

On the Caldon the bottle kilns were more conical

“Could you help me get this up?” I asked a passing pedestrian. On the canals most people help but this was a road so he ignored me. I guess I would blank a dishevelled woman with wild hair if I was him. 

I found I could push the barrier up by starting in the middle and walking towards the pivot pushing up. It was like pushing a lamppost up from the horizontal. Having got the barrier quivering in the upright position I ran to the other barrier and started pushing up. As soon as it was clear of his roof an Audi shot beneath the wobbling pole. Mad fool – I could have dropped it on top of him! Seconds later the barrier was up and the other cars rolled across the bridge. Lift bridges – not the most uplifting experience though practice with the barriers probably does make perfect and develops the muscles.

We moored in a beautiful spot out in the country much to Lottie’s approval.

Peaceful

Long after dark blaring music over the throb of an engine came up the cut. A narrow boat came past without slowing . Paul had used chains round metal piling attached to the stone bank so although we banged the boat held firm. Further along the bank where a hire boat was moored people began shouting. Torches flashed and then eventually the familiar sound of mooring pins being  pounded into the ground reached our ears.  The mad night boater must have interrupted their evening’s entertainment by speeding past so that their mooring pins pulled out of the ground. It is just as well that they had not gone to bed or they would have woke to find they were adrift.

 

First Cruise of the Season



Journey's start

After a few wet days we chased through the rain belts to the boat. We arrived at the Marina as inky cloud blew away with an excited dog. Paul unloaded our supplies while I walked Lottie, to avoid her attacking the trolley. As Paul finished another deluge started but Lottie and I had a soggy walk back from the far side of the marina. We used the time to sort out and stow all the equipment that had overwintered at home.

Finally the rain ceased and we set out late afternoon. Immediately on reaching the canal I walked the loopy Lurched who was keen to check if anything had changed since the last visit. It had –the paths were slippery with thick mud.

How many ducklings?

While I slithered along she herded several ducks back into the water but did not follow them in. Thankfully she was on the boat when we passed our first ducklings.

Once back on board we meandered through to Rugely with Lottie leaning far over the water to see what lay ahead. Spring flowers where abundant and the fields were verdant.

colourful meadows

Lottie and I walked ahead to check the roofless Armitage tunnel was empty then waved our boat on. In the summer there can be convoys of six to eight boats that have to be stopped or there would be boats stuck nose to nose as the tunnel is only wide enough for one narrow boat.

Paul’s first mooring attempt was brilliant as he slotted the boat neatly into a space so that our fenders were touching the other boats fenders at the front and back. However on discovering a bigger space further along Paul moved us on.

Lottie loves her quilt

The night was peaceful apart from Lottie demanding her quilt was put back over her, even though the fire burnt slowly. How come she is lively in the morning when I am sluggish after getting up to resettle her?

At first it was sunny but the clouds soon pressed in and the wind gusted into our faces. Cold, cold, cold. Why did we miss that lovely hot spell ten days ago? Oh yes - I had two book signings and his lordship had a hot date with the dentist.

Great Hayward Lock

His lordship kept Lottie on the lead at Colwich lock as there were people around so Lottie attacked her lead. She tried to chew it then grasped it between her teeth and played tug-of-war.

When it was my turn to lock at Great Hayward I put her muzzle on. We had bought this to stop her eating vast amounts of rubbish and dog mess but it stops her interfering with the lead. She turned her puppy eyes on me but I didn’t fall for the innocent act. The muzzle stayed on even though she pawed at it. She understood because later on in the day we left the muzzle off and she didn’t attack her lead once. Strangely there was no queue for the lock. Usually there are five or more boats waiting here.

Swan escort

The fields were bursting with fluffy lambs. Five had wandered away from their mothers and were standing by the water. Lottie waited eyes fixed on them as we glided by. WOOF! She gave her fiercest bark as we drew level. The lambs fled back to their mothers for reassurance, apart from one who bounded up to the wrong sheep. It cantered round bleating in panic until its mother trotted over. I’m surprised the rest didn’t make the same mistake, after all the woolly creatures all look identical.

I'm coming to get you

After lunch we cruised on enjoying the bursts of sunshine which counteracted the burning wind. The Trent and Mersey canal had little traffic but a swan escorted us though his patch pecking the rear fender as if we were criminals. Paul increased speed to lose him but when the cob fell behind he flew to catch up and attacked our fender again. Perhaps he was trying to protect his mate although she was calmly feeding. That swan will be worn out in the summer if he escorts every boat.

True to cruising legend the wind died down as soon as we had moored for the night.

 

PHIL CARPENTER: ANSWERS TO 5 QUESTIONS, APRIL 2014.

Phil Carpenter is a Linedance Instructor and Choregrapher who has spent years trying to get published. His dances have been well received locally. A year after his original interview he gave me this mini update.

Phil's recent dances include

DRY YOUR EYES.
FEELIN’  ALRIGHT
GOODBYE, AUF WIEDERSEHEN
SAVE ME
ON BLUE BAYOU  

Q1.   Can you tell me what you are currently working on?

I Have just finished my latest dance: ON BLUE BAYOU and duly taught it at the club last evening, it seemed to be received really well.In addition to this, I have been editing my video for my other recent Dance: SAVE ME, which you kindly participated in.
This was a first and a new experience for me, as previously all my other dances had been videoed, and dealt with by other people. This one was by my own hand, it was very interesting, to learn some new skills, re: Video-editing and how you go about putting the video onto other Webb sites

The video has now been done and is up and running on You Tube.

Q2. Tell us about any recent encouragements

Encouragements come from different areas at different times. People at the club will comment on their likening to a particular dance, or somebody will tell me that on a visit to another club they were doing the dance at that venue. This is always encouraging and spurs me on.

Q3. Have you any dances published in the last year?

I was lucky enough to have my dance: ONCE published in: Up Country Magazine, in their, June 2013 Edition. This was really pleasing, as it has taken, some 12 years of trying, to finally get a dance published. Hope it doesn’t take another 12 years for the next one.

Q4. Have you had any interest in your dances from other countries?

From time to time, I get requests from people in different parts of the world, asking for scripts to various dances, or the music track that I use.The majority of requests, I must say do come from The U.S.A. The other strange thing that I have come across, is that when checking, if a particular video had been uploaded onto You Tube, I have found completely  by accident, videos done by other clubs, in all parts of the world, of them dancing to dances that I have choreographed. Being totally unaware of this, it was very flattering and as said before, encouraging.

Q5. Have you made any new friends through your choreography?

I wouldn’t say that I have made new friends because of my choreography; I have met and made friends with people, because of Linedancing. It’s a very friendly and social atmosphere to be involved with, and to be able to choreograph dances and teach them in this environment is a pleasure.

When I release a new dance, I do come into contact with a lot of new people, one way or another, from a variety of different places, but this is mainly through social media, rather than face to face.

To know, that people at the club will allow me to teach them my dances, and that they are prepared to come onto the dance floor and give them a try,and at times to be involved with the videoing of these dances, is a big bonus.

PHIL CARPENTER: his Previous interview on Intrepid pony

Phil Carpenter, Linedance Instructor and Choregrapher
answers Twenty Questions

 

Phil Carpenter is a Linedance Instructor and Choregrapher trying hard to get published. His dances have been well received locally including his two latest dances: GOT IT ALL and BORN TO BE BLUE.

 

Two of his dances: TOUCH'N GO and 2 TIMES were given accreditation on two music C.D.s, with the step sheets for the dances being printed within the music credit booklet accompanying the c.d.

How did you become a line dance instructor?

I found line dance structures interesting and started creating some dances of my own. I was encouraged (by Karen Jones) to teach them to a class to get them danced, so becoming a Linedance instructor came naturally from being a choreographer.

 

When did you start writing dances?

My advance into choreography was aided by Karen Jones. Caroline ( My Wife) and I attended her club LINEDANCE KRAZY and learnt the different steps in various dance routines. Karen choreographed ISLANDS IN THE STREAM which became a no 1 hit and was voted Line dance of the year. It is still a floor filler today. Caroline & I were with her when she first taught the dance to 25-30 people in Crawley and again we were with her in Blackpool when she picked up her Dance of the Year award at ‘The Crystal Boot Awards’ ceremony.

Karen helped me write dance scripts and showed me how to teach a Line dance class even though I had previously instructed Ballroom & Latin American. During this learning period, I am proud that Karen called me her apprentice. I hope I have served my apprenticeship.

What’s the difference between ballroom dancing and line dancing?
In the Ballroom & Latin world shaping and structure comes from dancing with partners. In Line dancing, individuals of all differing abilities dance in a line so the structures and shaping are completely different. The dance becomes a pattern which when done well, is pleasing on the eye.

What’s the best thing about being a dance instructor/choreographer? It is rewarding to see 50+ people enjoy a dance I’ve created and taught them, regardless of their individual level, especially when they dance with increased confidence on following weeks. It’s brilliant seeing a room full of strangers all doing my dance at a social or charity night. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching at Country Festivals; and have been invited to teach at various clubs around the U.K. The icing on the cake was teaching in Cyprus and various venues in the U.S.A. A great experience and great memories.

And what’s the worst? The lack of feedback from dancers is frustrating. Sometimes a class is unresponsive to the dance I am teaching, be it my work or another choreographers. After extensive preparation it’s hard when some dancers walk off the floor, while others finish the dance and say nothing, but sit out the next time it’s done. Knowing their likes and dislikes would help me create an enjoyable evening with less preparation, but I don’t expect feedback to increase any time soon, Heh Ho!

 What do line dance clubs offer?  Apart from dancing, clubs offer a relaxed atmosphere for people to make friends, particularly those living on their own such as the divorced and widowed. I have known people who have met dancing and gone on to become engaged.

Our club in particular, organizes Line dancing weekends away which are well supported and help strengthen friendships made through the club.

Tell us about you working experience.  First I served a 5 year Plumbing apprenticeship, then I obtained 4years experience as a qualified Plumbing & Heating engineer before I moved into the office world and became a Buyer.I had a short spell as a Branch Manager for a Heating retail outlet, but it was not for me and so I returned to the world of Buying until I was made redundant.

While out of work, I attended college and obtained a Cotac qualification for the Travel Industry. This led to me working for London & Country Buses in their travel office. After that I started as a sole trader in the world of Gardening. I am pleased to say that this has worked out and I am still trading.

Have you ever had an embarrassing moment? Apart from missing penalties and simple chances at goal whilst playing Football, I can’t really think of anything too embarrassing.

What dancers need most? They need to be gently coaxed along by reviewing the steps to a number of dances, until they have gained the confidence to get onto the dance floor and dance without assistance.

 Who is your dancing hero? I do not have a dancing hero, just a lot of respect for those who have mastered the art.

What do you think of other choreographers?
In footballing terms, there is the Premier Division, with a number of choreographers who are the driving force and earn their living from this world. Their scripts are published in Line dance magazines and most people dance their compositions. The professionals do what it says on the tin, they choreograph great dances and keep Line dancing alive and interesting.

The rest are in the lower divisions trying to gain promotion. They watch and learn from the top guys and hope for that elusive break, to become recognised. Who knows how long that will take? But upsets and surprises happen in the F.A. Cup, so I remain positive with fingers crossed.

What are you reading?
Caroline is the book reader in our house, she always has her nose in a novel. I tend to read Newspapers, Line Dance journals, or I am reading and learning dance scripts or writing them.

Which was your favourite book when you were a child?

When I was younger I used to enjoy reading the novels of Arthur Hailey.

 What did you want to be when you were twelve? When I was 12, I always wanted to become a Professional Footballer.

What is your proudest achievement?

There are 2 things that I am proudest of:

I played Football to a Senior Amateur level (Today I would be classified a Semi Professional)

I had dances accredited on 2 separate Line Dance Fever C.D compilations. The Dances were 2 TIMES & TOUCH’N GO; they were listed on the music track and the scripts were published within the accompanying music booklet.

What would you like to see happen in the future? In the future I would like to see an honest & fairer country for all. Politicians would to do their duty honestly, and look after the people in this country, not serve their own interests. They would prove they could do the job, so we would not see today’s incompetence. Pigs will probably fly, but one can but hope.

What are your fondest memories? Childhood holidays with family and friends at various coastal resorts around the UK.
Attending Football matches around the country, including Wembley Stadium, and watching my favourite team, Sheffield Wednesday.
Meeting Caroline for the first time and our wedding in Hawaii. During this holiday we had a number of memorable experiences including a visit to Pearl Harbour.

Tell us about your hobbies away from dancing. I enjoy photography, especially taking pictures of landscapes and my dog Buster. Caroline and I enjoy concerts. Recently we were fortunate to see Andre Rieu in concert, in his home town of Maastricht in the Netherlands; we will watch him there again this year. We have also seen Katherine Jenkins in concert a few times.

Where do you hope to be when you’re 70? It’s a long way into the future, but hopefully I will be living near the coast in good health, still dancing and with more money in the bank than at the present time.

 What was/ would be your dream holiday? I think we have already had our dream holiday. When Caroline & married, we selfishly took a month off work and spent 1 week in San Francisco, then 2 weeks Island hopping in Hawaii and finally a week in San Diego.

We actually got married on the Island of Hawaii in a sunset ceremony. The following morning we took our first ever helicopter ride over an erupting volcano, then to complete this superb holiday , we went swimming with Dolphins.

What superpower would you like to have? My super power would have to be the ability to look into the future. I’d find out which artists were bringing out new, great tracks, and choreograph dances ahead of everyone else. I could also pick out the winning lottery numbers.