CHINO, CALIF. — Mosaic Flavors has named Mark Becker as its chief executive officer. Becker succeeds Jim Miller, who has held the position since August 2022.
Becker joins the company from Kerr Concentrates, where he most recently was general manager. He previously was vice president of sales and marketing at AAK and joined the company in 2014 as its vice president of business development and marketing for the US and Canada.
Earlier, Becker was senior director of sales for the Eastern region for Ingredion Inc.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark Becker to Mosaic Flavors as our new CEO,” said Jeff Smith, principal at Shore Capital Partners. “Mark’s reputation for ingenuity and innovation precedes him, and we are confident that his leadership will propel Mosaic Flavors to greater heights, ensuring unparalleled service and satisfaction for our customers.”
Before becoming CEO of Mosaic Flavors, Miller was most recently operating partner at Tilia Holdings. Earlier, he was principal at J Miller Consulting. He also has held such positions as president, North America at Mérieux NutriSciences – North America and vice president global product management, texturants at Tate & Lyle.
Russian President and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin addresses the crowd during a rally and a concert celebrating the 10th anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea at Red Square in Moscow on March 18, 2024.
Natalia Kolesnikova | Afp | Getty Images
It was among the least surprising political events so far this year, but Vladimir Putin’s reelection to a fifth term in office comes at a time of geopolitical and economic uncertainty for Russia, prompting questions as to what we can expect from another six years of the Russian strongman’s leadership.
With Putin winning the vote by a huge margin, according to the Kremlin and its the Central Election Commission, the 2024 Russian election aimed to demonstrate that Russian society was “consolidated” around the president and that his domestic and foreign policies had the blessing of Russians both within the country and in its claimed “new” territories illegally annexed from Ukraine, as well as abroad.
Analysts share their views on what we can expect now that Putin has strengthened his grip on power, with the Ukraine war, domestic economic reforms and a possible government reshuffle key factors to watch.
War footing
Russia’s strategy in the war in Ukraine will be a major focus for the Kremlin in the immediate and near-term future, analysts say, with Russia appearing to have a military advantage on the battlefield in recent months. The U.S. presidential election later this year, meanwhile, puts the future of military aid for Ukraine into doubt.
Russia could look to push home its advantage over the next year, sending more manpower to the front, although that could have ramifications back home.
“In his post-election speech on Sunday night, Putin said that the main goals of his next six years include the special military operation and strengthening the country’s defence capabilities. The war is popular in Russia but mobilisations of the population are not and the wide election victory could embolden Putin to step up the military effort,” Liam Peach, senior emerging markets economist at Capital Economics, said in analysis Monday.
Ukrainian soldiers unload explosive charges in the direction of Bakhmut as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on March 13, 2024.
Jose Colon | Anadolu | Getty Images
Russian citizens drafted during the partial mobilization being dispatched to combat coordination areas after a military call-up for the Russia-Ukraine war in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 10, 2022.
Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Opinion polls show that a majority of Russians do not expect mobilization in the near term, Tursa noted, and “given that the previous round of mobilization proved highly unpopular and triggered considerable public anxiety, Putin will try to avoid this for as long as possible,” he added.
Adeline Van Houtte, senior Europe consultant at the Economist Intelligence Unit, said that the U.S. election, expected to be held in November, will be an event that Russia is watching closely.
“While we expect the war in Ukraine to probably slowly settle into a frozen conflict with an unstable dividing line and no prospect of a lasting peace, the potential re-election of Donald Trump in the U.S. in November could tip the balance in favour of Russia,” she said Monday.
Domestic reforms
Analysts are also looking at domestic reforms and economic policies that Putin might choose to enact after an election result that the Kremlin portrayed as a “unique” show of support for the president.
That Western countries condemned the vote as “neither free nor fair,” saying it had taken place against a backdrop of political repression and censorship, was dismissed as “absurd” by the Kremlin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov on Monday.
Having cleared more of a procedural hurdle than a real test of his policies and popularity in the election, Putin will have more freedom to advance contentious reforms at home, analysts note.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivering an annual address to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, at Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor, in Moscow on Feb. 29, 2024.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
“The focus now will be on whether this emboldens Putin to devote more resources to the war effort, whether policymakers push through unpopular non-war fiscal tightening to maintain macroeconomic stability and whether there are any changes in the political landscape, including the positions of power close to Putin,” Capital Economics’ Peach said.
New national programs focused on supporting families, such as with the subsidized mortgages scheme, as well as proposals to reduce poverty and improve the nation’s health and life expectancy. Putin also said he was thinking about ways to modernize Russia’s fiscal system to create a “fairer distribution of the tax burden towards those with higher personal and corporate incomes.”
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JANUARY 8: (RUSSIA OUT) A woman eats hot corn while walking along the Red Square near the Kremlin, as air temperatures dropped to -18 degrees Celcius, January,8 2024, in Moscow, Russia. Since the beginning of the year, abnormally cold weather has settled in Moscow region, causing problems with heating in apartments. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)
Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images
While the government will present specific proposals in the near future, Tursa noted that the speech suggested that “Russian citizens and companies are likely to see an overall increase in tax burden to help finance the war and address broader fiscal challenges.”
Capital Economics’ Peach said the initiatives Putin flagged were important, but agreed that from a near-term fiscal perspective, “the big thing to watch is whether the government pushes through unpopular non-war fiscal tightening to accommodate higher military spending.”
A reshuffle … and possible successor?
Analysts note that proposed social programs for the six years ahead mean that there is also the possibility of a post-election reshuffle of Russia’s government ministers, and that new officials could rise to prominence and be seen as possible future successor to Putin.
Putin is not inclined to make major personnel changes lightly; he’s kept a number of close ministers in post for many years, such as Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The last major change in leadership roles took place back in 2020, when the technocratic head of Russia’s tax service, Mikhail Mishustin, became prime minister, replacing Dmitry Medvedev.
“Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, any personnel changes were discouraged by the Kremlin … However, with the dynamics of the war now shifting in Russia’s favor, Putin might feel more confident with the reshuffle. This would not be surprising as Putin had presided over major personnel changes in the past aiming to improve the efficiency of the bureaucratic apparatus,” Tursa noted.
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting of members of his Security Council and the government and the heads of law enforcement agencies, at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia October 30, 2023. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.
Gavriil Grigorov | Sputnik | Reuters
Andrey Pertsev, a Russian journalist writing for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted in analysis last week that “creating a new political post to oversee major social spending plans will cause a shift in the balance of power within Russia’s bureaucracy.”
“The social spending commitments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his February state of the nation address indicate that at least one Russian official will get an influential new job. The lucky person will likely be either a deputy prime minister with expanded powers, or a special coordinator” that has direct and regular access to the president, he noted.
“Either way, they’ll get regular access to the president, the opportunity to disburse large sums, and the tools to shape their public image. That will automatically create an alternative center of power within the government,” he said.
Pertsev said the appointment is likely to prompt Russia’s elite to start “thinking about a possible successor to Putin.”
“The person who gets the job will inevitably be seen in a new light … For many years now, Putin has avoided a major reshuffle among Russia’s top officials in order to head off any speculation about power transitions or successors. Now, however, he has little choice but to empower a major new political player,” he said.
Today I want to bring you my Camden High Street guide. This famous shopping road in north London is a cool place to eat, drink, browse, and explore. Its colorful atmosphere and variety of alternative entertainment throughout the day and night make it a local London favorite. Read on for my top picks for things to do on Camden High Street. I’ve included a map, too.
Camden High Street
Camden High Street is one of the best-known areas in north London. It runs from Mornington Crescent in the south to Chalk Farm Road in the north, and it’s known for its abundance of colorful shops and off-beat atmosphere.
The street is surrounded by some of London’s best markets, and the side roads coming off it are bursting with character and life. They help make this part of London worth a special trip.
Camden Town was once known for its non-traditional vibe, but over the years the area has become more mainstream. You can still find some of the goth shops and quirky building facades that put this part of the city on the map, though.
How to Get to Camden High Street
It’s easy to get to Camden High Street by tube, bus, bike, scooter, or on foot from other parts of central and north west London. Camden Town station is right on the road and it’s served by both branches of the Northern Line and numerous local buses.
The Camden Road Overground station is nearby, too. It’s a good alternative to taking the London Underground to get here.
Once here, one of the most popular things to do on Camden High Street is shop. This road numbers among the best high streets in London, and there are lots of independent stores and market stalls to be found here.
The best stretch of the street is between the Camden Town tube station and Chalk Farm Road. This is where you’ll come across all the famous shops the road is known for.
From classic souvenir outlets to clothing boutiques, tattoo parlors, and piercing studios, you can find everything here. Whether you’re looking for leather goods, vintage finds, jewelry, or candy, there’s something for everyone.
Add to that the most photogenic facades in London, and you’re in for a treat. From larger-than-life shoes to street art, goth icons, and dragons, their bright colors and unique decor make Camden worth a special shopping trip.
Pubs
When it comes to nightlife, Camden High Street has some great options. There are famous pubs and bars here, and they’re worth a special trip to the area.
From The Elephant’s Head to The World’s End, the Bucks Head, and The Oxford Arms, there are lots of good ones to choose from.
The The World’s End is particularly famous for music. Everyone from The Cranberries to Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead has played in its Underworld club.
The Elephant’s Head is also known for its role in Camden’s live music scene. It hosts regular events and performers, and it’s a great place to get into the area’s soul.
Camden Markets
But what really draws people to Camden High Street is the markets. This part of London is known for them, after all, and there are a number of good ones along the road.
Whether you’re looking for vinyl, clothing, food, antiques, or souvenirs, there’s a market here for you.
The most famous is Camden Market. Right on Regent’s Canal, this is the largest market in London. From the Horse Tunnel Market to the Italian Alley, Egyptomania, Camden Lock Place, West Yard, and Stables Market, there’s a warren of stalls and spaces to explore.
This is also where you’ll find the famous Amy Winehouse statue and the picturesque umbrella alley.
Another market on Camden High Street is Buck Street Market. This one is comprised of repurposed shipping containers stacked on top of one another around a central courtyard.
It’s a fun place to pick up coffee, clothes, food, and other finds. There’s a great rooftop, too.
Not far from Buck Street Market is Hawley Wharf. This big canalside complex is full of market stalls selling everything from ice cream to records, home goods, and gifts.
There’s even a Curzon cinema in the railway arches and a subterranean theme park for kids. This is a fun place to pick up souvenirs or get something to take away and eat along the Regent’s Canal Towpath.
On the more traditional end of things, Inverness Street Market has stalls selling everything from street food to handicrafts and clothes. The road is lined with shops, too, so there’s plenty to browse and buy.
Camden High Street Hotels
Camden is one of the best places to live in north London, and if you want to make like a local and stay on Camden High Street, you have a number of options.
If you’re after something traditional, there’s everything from a Holiday Inn to other large chain hotels conveniently located on and around the street.
You can see a range of other accommodation and places to stay in Camden here. From hotels to B&Bs, apartments, and suites, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Entertainment Venues & Concert Halls
Camden High Street is also famous for live entertainment. In addition to the aforementioned pubs, the road is home to some well-known performance venues.
One of the best is KOKO. Located right at the bottom of Camden High Street, this iconic London concert hall is housed in a former theater by the Mornington Crescent tube station.
KOKO has been around in one form or another since 1900, and everyone from Charlie Chaplin to The Rolling Stones, Prince, The Clash, Kanye, and Madonna has performed here. I’ve been to gigs at KOKO and I can personally vouch for how good the venue is.
Other places on and around the road include The Blues Kitchen, Jazz Cafe on Parkway, Electric Ballroom, Hampstead Comedy Club, PowerHaus, Comedy Carnival Camden on Crowndale Road, and The Etcetera Theatre.
From live music to fringe acts, DJs, comedians, and club nights, they’re great places to get into the scene in Camden and great spots to go in London at night.
Camden High Street Restaurants
If you get hungry while you’re here, there are lots of restaurants on Camden High Street. This road has a range of casual places to eat, and you can find food from around the globe here.
Whether you’re looking for pancakes, burgers, ice cream, or baked goods, there are plenty of options here. From fast food outlets to sandwich shops, coffee places, bakeries, and sit-down restaurants, the road has something for everyone.
My favorite places to eat here are the markets. From the big range of food stalls in Camden Lock Market to the variety of places to eat in Buck Street Market and Hawley Wharf, you’re spoiled for choice.
Landmarks
Camden High Street also has a number of local landmarks that are fun to seek out. They’re great ways to turn your visit into a treasure hunt.
One is the Music Walk of Fame, which launched in 2019. Like the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, it features a trail of stone records that pay homage to music icons.
From Amy Winehouse to David Bowie, The Who, and Soul II Soul, you can spot them on the ground in front of the shops along Camden High Street.
Another is a blue plaque dedicated to 19th-century pugilist Tom Sayers. Installed at 257 Camden High Street in 2002, it’s a tribute to the famous boxer who died here in 1865.
A third is the statue of Richard Cobden at the southern end of Camden High Street. It’s dedicated to the politician who led a successful campaign for the repeal of the Corn Laws in the 1840s.
Then there are the street’s rainbow crossings. Like the colorful facades on many of the buildings, they add a vibrant tone to the road. They’re great for photos, too.
Local Area
There’s more to Camden than just the main thoroughfare. There are a lot of places around Camden High Street that are worth a visit when you’re in the area.
From the plethora of restaurants on Parkway to the pleasant scenery along the Regent’s Canal Towpath, there are plenty of good spots to explore in the neighborhood.
Add to that the stretch of Chalk Farm Road that extends north from Camden High Street, and there’s a lot more to get excited about while you’re here (including the Roundhouse, which is a great entertainment venue).
You can read my full Camden area guide to see more of my top picks for places to go in this part of the UK capital.
If you want to get your bearings, you can find my interactive Google map of Camden High Street here. You can use it to locate all the places I mentioned in the area and more.
Camden High Street
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Camden High Street guide, and that it’s gotten you excited to discover this part of north London. There’s a lot to do and see around here, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy exploring this street as much as I do.
Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.
There is a common problem that every DIYer or woodworker faces: drilling multiple holes to the same depth. While it seems simple, it can quickly become frustrating when you find yourself with uneven holes.
Using masking tape on the drill bit is a popular solution to act as a depth guide. People place the tape around the drill bit and use the end of the tape as a flag to indicate when they reach their desired depth. It sounds simple, but after drilling several holes, the tape can rip or slide up, causing the holes to become deeper and deeper.
Here’s the Simple Solution to your drill depth problems — a Sharpie!
How to Use the Sharpie Technique
Here’s how to make drilling holes even every time:
The Sharpie hack is straightforward yet effective for achieving consistent drilling depth.
First, take a Sharpie and mark a line on the drill bit at your desired depth. Ensure you make a clear and visible line while ensuring it is straight. To do so, align it with the tip of the drill.
Once you mark the drill bit, insert it into your drill. When you begin drilling, you can see the black line, indicating that you’ve reached your desired depth. This technique works for both twist bits and spade bits.
With this Sharpie hack, you can achieve precise and consistent drilling depth every time, making your DIY projects or woodworking so much easier and more efficient!
The Advantages of the Sharpie Hack
There are several advantages to using the Sharpie hack over masking tape as a depth guide. One of the most significant advantages is the permanence of the line. With the tape, the line is constantly changing, causing the depth to be inaccurate. The Sharpie line, however, will never move.
Another advantage of the Sharpie hack is how easy it is to use. Marking the drill bit takes only a few seconds and requires minimal effort. There is no need to struggle with cutting and placing strips of tape perfectly or worrying about the tape getting in the way during drilling.
Finally, the Sharpie hack allows for precision and accuracy during drilling. The black line is very easy to see, making it easy to know precisely when you’ve reached your desired depth. This precision saves time and prevents mistakes and mishaps.
These things make for a more efficient and successful project!
Tips and Tricks for Optimal Results
While the Sharpie hack is very simple, a few additional tips can help you get the best results possible.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
One tip is to use a clamp to secure the workpiece in place before beginning to drill. This is to prevent any movement or slipping during drilling. Movement from the workpiece can result in the inaccuracy of depth.
Another tip is to check the alignment of the drill bit before drilling. This is to ensure that it is straight and centered. This will prevent any drifting or wandering of the drill bit.
By following these additional tips, you can achieve optimal results with the Sharpie hack. These will ensure that your drilling depth turns out perfectly every time.
To Sum It Up
The Sharpie hack is a simple but effective technique for achieving consistent drilling depth in your projects. By marking a line on your drill bit, you can easily see when you’ve reached the desired depth while avoiding the inaccuracy and frustrations of masking tape.
Additionally, the permanence of the line allows for the exact depth every time. And following additional tips and tricks will result in perfectly drilled holes.
Try the Sharpie hack in your next project and see how much easier it can make your drilling experience!
