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Synopses & Reviews
When Nicole C. Kear was nineteen years old, she walked into an eye doctors office for what she thought was a routine appointment and was given a life-changing diagnosis. She was going blind, courtesy of a disease called retinitis pigmentosa and she had a decade or so before lights-out. To cope, she decides to hide her disease and live like there's no tomorrow. With her future looking much different than she had planned, she delivers on her vow to carpe diem —she tears through boyfriends, joins a circus school, and travels all over. But when she falls in love and gets pregnant just a few years shy of her visions expiration date, she abandons her reckless ways in order to become the best mother she can be. Her secret is harder to give up but, as her eyesight deteriorates, harder and harder to keep hidden.
As the aperture of her vision closes, she's forced into a painful reckoning. No matter how she rages, she will lose the battle against blindness. But if she comes clean, and comes to terms with the bad news she's been running from, she can still win her happy ending.
Now I See You is a story about refusing to cower at lifes curveballs. a story about how sometimes glory and freedom is found in the surrender and not in the fight. And its a story about acceptance - facing the truths that just wont go away and facing yourself, flaws and all.
"Her story is spunky and full of a zest for life that will open the eyes of readers to the little joys of the world. A tender memoir about love, life and going blind." —Kirkus Reviews
“Kear is earthy and daringly frank in this never-boring, unusually illuminating account of living with diminishing sight as she, ultimately, takes a refreshingly glass-half-full approach to life. ‘The wonderful thing about going blind is that along with the beautiful sights, you miss unattractive ones, too. You wont see your crows feet. Funny and poignant.”—Booklist
"Hilarious and profoundly heartwarming. Now I See You will change the way you see the world." —Kimberly McCreight, New York Times bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia
"It's too easy to praise a memoir about disability for its courage. Nicole Kear is much more than brave - she's sassy, stylish, defiant and funny." —Domenica Ruta, New York Times bestselling author of With or Without You
"The only thing truly dark about Nicole C. Kears memoir is her sense of humor. Whether shes saying goodbye to high heels, dimly-lit bars and one big secret, or hello to a loving family, you will cheer for her every precarious step of the way."—Jenny Bowman, Glamour
"You wouldn't think a story about going blind would be much fun to read. Now I See You is moving, beautifully crafted, and unexpectedly hilarious. I didn't want this book to end." —Alice Bradley, author of Let's Panic About Babies
"In this fine account, by turns poignant and funny, Kear describes how she banished that specter and dealt successfully with the growing darkness." —Yale Alumni Magazine
"Hilariously inspiring... Kear's book is a showstopper." -People"A frightening diagnosis is only start of the story... Now I See You is a funny, sassy, yet poignant story." -The New York Times "We're here to tell you that Kear's memoir is one of 2014's best books and one that will have you alternating between laughing and crying from page to page." -Parade"A young mother going blind is no laughing matter, except, incredibly so, it is in Nicole C. Kear's courageous, relatable and, yes, truly funny Now I See You." -Family Circle"A brave and compelling memoir... Honest, funny, sad and uplifting." -Marie Claire UK"Her story is spunky and full of a zest for life that will open the eyes of readers to the little joys of the world. A tender memoir about love, life and going blind." -Kirkus Reviews"Hilarious and profoundly heartwarming. Now I See You will change the way you see the world." -Kimberly McCreight, New York Times bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia
At nineteen years old, Nicole C. Kear's biggest concern is choosing a major--until she walks into a doctors office in midtown Manhattan and gets a life-changing diagnosis. She is going blind, courtesy of an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa, and has only a decade or so before Lights Out. Instead of making preparations as the doctor suggests, Kear decides to carpe diem and make the most of the vision she has left. She joins circus school, tears through boyfriends, travels the world, and through all these hi-jinks, she keeps her vision loss a secret.
When Kear becomes a mother, just a few years shy of her visions expiration date, she amends her carpe diem strategy, giving up recklessness in order to relish every moment with her kids. Her secret, though, is harder to surrender - and as her vision deteriorates, harder to keep hidden. As her world grows blurred, one thing becomes clear: no matter how hard she fights, she wont win the battle against blindness. But if she comes clean with her secret, and comes to terms with the loss, she can still win her happy ending.
Told with humor and irreverence, Now I See You is an uplifting story about refusing to cower at lifes curveballs, about the power of love to triumph over fear. But, at its core, its a story about acceptance: facing the truths that just won't go away, and facing yourself, broken parts and all.
About the Author
Nicole C. Kear is a parenting writer who contributes essays and articles to Parents, American Baby, Babble and Salon, among others. A native of New York, she received a BA from Yale, a MA from Columbia, and a red nose from the San Francisco School of Circus Arts. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, three children and a morbidly obese goldfish.


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Reduce the heat under the pan a little, give the skillet another turn of EVOO, about 1 tablespoon, and add in the onion and garlic. Cook onions until tender, 5-6 minutes, then add in the spinach. Toss the spinach with a pair of tongs until it has wilted down, 3-4 minutes, then season with the nutmeg, salt and pepper. Remove the greens from the heat and reserve.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the feta cheese, milk and oregano and give it a zap to puree smooth. Reserve.
Lay down a sheet of phyllo dough, dot it with melted butter and lay another sheet of phyllo on top rotated slightly clockwise. The corners should not line up. Each toga wrap should start out resembling a star pattern, layering multiple sheets slightly askew from the last. Brush the new layer with some melted butter and continue this process of layering rotated sheets of phyllo until you've put down four sheets. Repeat with the remaining phyllo until you have 4 separate togas.
When the meat is back to room temperature and you can handle it, place the beef medallions on a phyllo toga, topping each with a generous spoonful of cheese mixture and some spinach. Give the edges a brush of melted butter then gather them up and wrap the dough around the meat, pinching together at the center. Transfer the toga-wrapped beef pockets to a baking sheet, pop them into the oven and back until the dough is golden brown, 12-15 minutes.
While the pockets are baking, salt the boiling water and drop in the orzo. Cook to al dente.
Return the skillet you cooked the greens in to the stove over medium-high heat with 1 turn of the pan of EVOO, about 1 tablespoon. Toss the scallions into the pan and cook until tender, 2 minutes, then remove pan from heat.
Drain the pasta and toss it in the pan with the scallions. Add the parsley and pine nuts to the pan and give it a good mix.
To a mixing bowl, add the cucumber, tomatoes, green pepper, red onion, olives and pepperoncini. Toss with the lemon juice and 3 tablespoons EVOO. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve beef togas with a side of orzo topped with a scoop of cold, bright salad.

domain: food


Chennai: The Linguistic Minorities Forum of Tamilnadu has welcomed the Central government’s three-language idea.
A press release from the forum thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s nationalistic outlook beyond local politics.
“There are 13 minority languages in our State. Everybody agrees that no language should be forced on any student, except the main language of the State, to keep them in the mainstream of communications in day-to-day transactions. But why should there be any objection if a student voluntarily opts to study any other language? All educationists of the State feel that Tamilnadu language policy is politically motivated and not considering the career prospects of our students,” the release stated.


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Hi Nicky, tell me a little bit about yourself- where you’re from, where you grew up, and how you became and interested in art and photography?
Hello! I’m an artist and curator living on Teesside in the United Kingdom. I grew up in the suburbs of North East England. It’s a tough town at times but it has a certain charm and eccentric quality to it which I appreciate and the coast, hills and moors are only a stone’s throw away. I have always been compelled to create – I used to orchestrate photo shoots with my dolls and cat – put a bonnet on him and a tea cup near his paw. I called them set-up’s. I also used to design shoes and dresses and make rose petal perfume and design labels for the bottles. I was always up to something.
The world of fashion is full of amazing artists and photographers. Who are some of your favorites?
Annette Messager, Sophie Calle, Susan Hiller, Miranda July, Tim Walker, Madame Yevonde, Guy Bourdin, Mike Brodie (Polaroid Kidd), Ellen Von Unwerth & Nina Büsing Corvallo. Not all fashion based but some of my favourites.
And who are your favorite designers?
I have loved the work of John Galliano since the 1980’s and rarely use the word genius but might in this instance. It’s obviously not a fashionable time to be a fan of him in light of recent personal events, but for me – his design work is flawless. Lately, I am loving Haider Ackermann and the sculptural pieces at Jil Sander – as I get older, my tastes are shifting from the cute and dreamy aesthetic into a sharper, tougher look. I spent the whole of my 20’s in vintage dandelion yellow day dresses it seems – but I just can’t pull that look off anymore!
Your work reminds me of my childhood. In your work there is feeling of something very sweet, innocent and dark at the same time. Do you often look towards childhood memories when photographing or drawing?
Absolutely. Almost all of my work is inspired by my childhood. I spent a lot of time away from school as a child and quickly fell in love with the notion of living in my own world. It was a kind of twilight existence where I had enough freedom to experiment and create as I pleased. I spent hours watching 1950’s Technicolor movies, drawing my cat, designing letter headed notepaper for an imaginary perfume empire, making my own magazines or incense and spells and listening to Kate Bush and pretending I was a teenager. When I became an artist I knew right away that the feeling I was trying to evoke was that feeling. The feeling I had when I was trying to summon some kind of magic for myself, to keep me entertained or comforted or to pretend that my life was something other than a sick little girl at home with permanent tonsillitis. It is important for me that there is always a certain kind of darkness – it makes the light all the more beautiful. I make images but I feel more like a storyteller.
Tell me about the work you did for Lula magazine.
Leith asked me to contribute to a photo editorial in the first issue, it grew from there and I worked on 5 issues. I was an artist-in-residence I guess...that always how I approached it. My role was to interpret the muses from each issue and create imagery that reflected them, through photography or assemblage and illustrations usually. I liked to imagine what the muse’s personal space might look like and create an atmosphere through the use of objects or images...to tell a story about them or create a fictitious landscape for them.
When the first issue got delivered to my house, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be involved in such a thing of beauty. Lula has a very distinctive and clear voice which, in the ephemeral world of fashion, is a brave and treasured thing.
What do you love about living in England?
I love the countryside, English breakfast tea, the wild and windy moors, the down-to-earth people, the dramatic coastlines, the folktales, the eccentrics, the crumbling mansions, stately homes & ruined castles, the humour, the fashion and the fact that all my loved ones live there.
England is known for edgy fashion and eccentric, independent fashion designers. Who are some of your favorite Brits?
My current favourite is Holly Fowler. She’s a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins. She hand paints silk dresses – they’re phenomenal – they look like medieval bronze treasures and porcelain bells – so powerful.
What films do you study for inspiration?
The Red Shoes, Valerie & Her Week Of Wonders, Daisies, Tales Of Hoffman, Innocence, Rosemary’s Baby, vintage Hammer Horror, The Royal Tennenbaums, The Wizard of Oz, Be Glad For The Song Has no Ending, Grey Gardens, Paheli, Picnic At Hanging Rock, Carousel, Cul-De-Sac, Black Moon, Young At Heart, Suspiria...oh this could go on and on so I’d better stop!
If you could have tea with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
Leonora Carrington, Grace Coddington and all her cats, Doris Day, Sophie Calle & Vali Meyers. We would be the best coven ever. I would make English tea and serve lavender scones with wild blueberry jam and clotted cream.
Tell me a little bit about the work of yours that is going to be displayed at Audrey Grace.
Small, delicate photographic prints on my favourite German etching paper. Some of the imaginary stories I was just telling you about...
What could you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?
I really love Lisa Marie Andersson’s Liberty print dresses and also the gorgeous Wayward Daughter white custom collar with the little pin stripe.
Have you ever been to the south? (in America)
Not yet, though I’ve always wanted to visit. I’m a big fan of Angeliska Polacheck’s blog and her images and descriptions of New Orleans are completely bewitching. It’s definitely on the list.
What does the future look like for you? Any exciting collaborations/projects/exhibits?
Yes, this has been an incredibly busy year for me. I divide my time between working on my own personal practice and curating for myself and others. I also manage and curate a project that provides creatives with temporary pop up residencies in town centre spaces which is one of the loveliest jobs I’ve ever had. Earlier this year I produced my third international exhibition, called Love Letter, Love Letter. I was lucky enough to work with some of my favourite artists on the show: musician Suzy Mangion, film maker Maximilla Lukacs, photographer Dan Estabrook, fine artist Tabitha Kyoko Moses & Minutemen legend Mike Watt – it was a dream to curate a show like this and the book & DVD that accompanied the show will be for sale at Audrey Grace Boutique along with my prints.
Next month sees the release of an album that I worked on with UK collective Detective Instinct. It’s called A History of Headaches and it’s on the Third Uncle label. I have 2 songs on the album and I also contributed to the cover art so I’m really excited to finally see it! I’ve just started work curating a retrospective exhibition and gig for a post-punk outfit called Shrug – who have been together for 26 years...so that will be a whole lot of research!
Next year will see my book Haunt Me finally published – it’s a collection of photographs, drawings, collages and writing along the lines of my blog of the same name. I love being busy so it suits me fine – oh and today I found out that I was chosen as a Video Art Curator at the 2012 Santorini Biennale of Art so I’m a very happy bunny – I’ll get to do what I love and spend the whole summer in the Greek Islands which is kind of dreamy I imagine!
Thank you so much, Nicky!

domain: hobby


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The perfect vegan banana nut muffins have arrived! They’re so soft and delicious and incredibly easy to make! It’s the perfect way to use up overripe bananas.
These soft bakery-style banana muffins are studded with walnuts and laced with cinnamon for a nutty, warming, and absolutely delicious treat.
They are fluffy, tender, and moist–everything you want in a banana nut muffin. And these muffins are completely vegan, cause being vegan is where it’s at! And like, vegan recipes are the whole point of my site… 😜
I love the combination of sweet banana bread (but not too sweet!) and toasty walnuts. The texture of the nuts breaking up bites of soft cakey muffin is my idea of heaven.
These muffins are the perfect size for a snack or light breakfast, and delicious paired with a hot steamy mug of coffee or tea.
(Side note: if you like banana bread, you should definitely check out my popular vegan double chocolate banana muffins as well!)
Banana muffins are so easy to make, and even easier than their traditional counterparts!
How to make vegan banana nut muffins:
The cool thing about vegan banana bread is that bananas can actually work in tandem with baking powder and baking soda as an egg replacer. They provide moisture to the cake and help to form a tender crumb.
And guess what, non-vegan banana bread uses chemical leaveners like baking powder as well.
To make the muffins, first mash up the bananas and measure them out. If measuring by weight (which is how I recommend you bake–get yourself a kitchen scale!) you can weigh it out before mashing the bananas.
Then add the sugar, plant milk*, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract and whisk it together until smooth. Minus any small banana lumps of course.
*I like to use soy milk, but any non-dairy milk will work. Use plain or unsweetened non-dairy milk for best results.
In a second bowl whisk together the dry ingredients: all purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, & cinnamon. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix together with a wooden spoon until mostly combined but still very lumpy and some dry spots are ok.
Add the walnuts and fold those in. This will mix in any remaining dry spots.
Muffins can be baked with or without liners. To me using a liner is more of a bakery style look, but I’ll often skip them. If not using liners then spray the muffin tin with oil to grease it.
To bake the muffins: fill the muffin tray almost to the top! If you want that beautiful mounded muffin top you need to be generous with the batter for each muffin.
The best bananas for banana bread:
When choosing your bananas for banana bread you want them to be overly ripe. This means blackened skins and past the point where you’d want to eat them.
As bananas ripen their starches turn to sugar. The bananas sweeten and the flesh itself turns softer and eventually gets a bit mushy. A banana so ripe that it threatens to separate from the stem with the gentlest of touches. This is the ideal banana for banana bread.
So get your bananas, and let them ripen plenty before you make your banana bread!
How to bake banana bread with frozen bananas:
You can store ripe bananas in the fridge for a couple days before making your bread, or if you need more time peel the bananas and stick in a freezer bag and freeze them for longer storage.
If you have frozen ripe bananas and you’re ready to bake banana nut muffins then take the bananas you need for the recipe out of the freezer and leave at room temperature to defrost.
As the bananas defrost the water content of the fruit will separate from the fruit itself. It’s not that pleasant to look at, but when the fruit has come to room temperature you can mash it up and it will incorporate the liquid back into the mash.
Go ahead and use this mashed banana the same way you would a fresh banana!
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, you can use pecans if you want a different nut.
For nut-free you can either leave out the nuts or add some seeds instead. Pepitas or sunflower kernels could be nice but I haven’t personally tried that substitution.
Can i cut back on the oil and/or sugar?
Sometimes I want a less sweet banana bread, a bit more “homestyle” and less “bakery-style” if you will. I have baked these with 1/2 cup of sugar and they still come out well. If you reduce the sugar more than that you may find the texture of the muffins changes.
Same with oil, you can cut it in half to just 2 tbsp, but again, it will affect the texture of the muffins.
So I recommend making them per the recipe at least the first time you make them, and then if you want yours to be a bit less sweet or whatever you can try that change.
If you make these vegan banana nut muffins, leave a comment below and rate the recipe on the recipe card. And please share your photos with me on Instagram, tag @thecuriouschickpea and #thecuriouschickpea. I love seeing your recreations!
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- 1 cup mashed (240 g) ripe bananas (~2-3 bananas)
- 2/3 cup (145 g) granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup (157 g) plant milk
- 1/4 cup (52 g) neutral flavored vegetable oil (e.g. canola)
- 1 tsp (5 mL) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (235 g) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts, plus extra to top muffins
- Preheat the oven to 375 ºF and line a muffin pan with paper liners or spray with oil to grease. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the mashed banana, sugar, milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla together. Mix together until fairly smooth.
- In a small mixing bowl combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon and whisk until fluffy and combined.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until mostly mixed together and lumpy (some dry spots are ok). Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Divide the batter between the 12 muffins, filling the batter almost to the top. Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts to the top and lightly press them into the batter.
- Bake at 375 ºF for 18 - 22 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove the muffins from the tin and cool fully on a wire rack. The muffin liners will peel off more cleanly when the muffins have fully cooled.
Nutrition Information:Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 240Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 295mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 2gSugar: 15gProtein: 4g
Nutrition is calculated automatically so should be used as an estimate.


|Install Type||Under Cabinet|
|Measurement||35-3/4” x 24-13/16” x 7-7/8”|
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|Top Venting||6"Round or 3"1/4 x10" Rectangle|
|Rear Venting||3"1/4 x10" Rectangle|
|Lighting||8W LED Strip, Dual Level
|Max. Consumption Power||2A/225W|
|Parts Warranty||10 Years|
|Region/Country of Origin||Taiwan|
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PERNIK, Bulgaria (Reuters) – Masked revelers in colorful hand-made costumes thronged the streets of Pernik in Bulgaria on Sunday, warding off evil spirits and celebrating the beginning of spring with hopes for good health and a good harvest.
The pulsating Surva carnival – the oldest festival of masquerade games in the Balkan country, this year features a record 7,500 Kukeri (mummers) from nine countries.
Visitors from China and the United States were among thousands braving chilly January weather for the annual festivities in the traditional mining town, located 15 miles southwest of capital Sofia.
“The atmosphere is brilliant, these costumes are so beautiful and the masks are just amazing,” said Chinese student Wang Xao.
“I will definitely come back again next year because this festival is a magic, it fills me with energy and optimism.”
Every winter, the mummers, dressed as animals or wearing elaborate horned masks, perform a traditional dance in a spectacular parade, producing an astonishing noise from the huge copper bells worn around their waists.
Most of the masks, which can be up to three feet (nearly 1 meter) in height, are double-faced, reflecting the coexistence of good and evil.
“It’s generally thought that the custom is related to Thracian Dionysos and similar rituals can be found in different parts of the Balkan peninsula,” said one of the oldest mummer Ivan Boyadzhiev, who took part in the parade for 14th consecutive time.
Source: Read Full Article

domain: news


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The wait for Apple's AirTags, the long-rumored tracking device, to appear has been endless and it looks like the wait could finally be over next month when Apple unveils the new iPad Pro 2021 at a spring event.
When last fall’s spate of Apple product events brought us new Apple Watches, iPhones, and M1-powered laptops, but not AirTags, rumor mongers predicted the tracking devices would show up in March 2021. With that deadline now looming, prolific leaker Jon Prosser says that AirTags are still on track for a March launch.
Prosser’s tweet says that he hasn't "heard of any further delays at this time," suggesting that "AirTags are still on for March." The crossed-fingers emoji, though, suggests there's still a possibility of an AirTags no-show.
AirTags are still on for March.
Haven’t heard of any further delays this time. 🤞 — Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) February 12, 2021
Prosser's timeline fits with Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's January report that AirTags would be among Apple’s 2021 product releases.
Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the existence of AirTags, but it’s pretty obvious Apple plans to give Tile and other key finders a run for their money. From what we've heard, AirTags are meant to attach to objects you don't want to lose, such as your keys, purse, wallet, or other important items. You can track said items with your phone the same way you would track down said device.
We've seen quite a few bits of evidence here and there that AirTags are on their way, such as a hidden "Items" tab in the "Find My" app. It prompts you to "keep track of your everyday items," something obviously made possible with the help of AirTags.
Apple will reportedly hold a product launch event in March, when it’s expected to show off the new iPad Pro. Other products are expected to be part of that announcement, including the AirTags and possible the AirPods Pro 2. Of course, Apple still needs to confirm that there is going to be a product launch in March. But we'll likely hear more in the next few weeks about a specific date.


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I thought things couldn’t get any worse for Rick Perry after last week’s rambling Cornerstone speech in which he looked absolutely nuts, but last night during yet another Republican debate, the Texas governor completely blew it.
After a debate moderator asked him which three government agencies he would eliminate if he were elected president, Perry quickly named two agencies–commerce and education–but just couldn’t recall the third.
While I found it ironic Perry would eliminate the education department–which he clearly could use some more of–I felt a little embarrassed for the Governor. Watching him stumble to remember his answer and then giving up with a sheepish, “Oops,” felt like I was watching a train wreck.
As I tweeted last night, I’m starting to think Perry is really on something. All of his gaffs hint at a man who is either under the influence or just really, really stupid, and I hope folks wouldn’t elect a dummy to run one of the largest states in the union.
Wait. Scratch that.
I forgot about George W. Bush.
Did you watch the debate? What did you think?

domain: politics


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Serve up a feast in under half an hour with these delicious warm pancetta and chicken club sandwiches.
The ingredient of Pancetta & chicken club sandwich
- 2 (about 200g each) single chicken breast fillets
- 1 tablespoon sumac (MasterFoods brand)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 12 slices mild pancetta
- 125g (1/2 cup) good-quality whole-egg mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 12 slices wholemeal bread, toasted
- 1 ripe avocado, halved, stone removed, peeled, thinly sliced
- 8 small butter lettuce leaves
- 1 vine-ripened tomato, thinly sliced
- Hot chips, to serve
The instruction how to make Pancetta & chicken club sandwich
- Sprinkle chicken evenly with sumac, and season with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Cook half the pancetta in the same pan for 1 minute each side or until crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat with remaining pancetta.
- Combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice and garlic in a small bowl. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Thinly slice chicken across the grain. Spread half the mayonnaise mixture over 4 slices of bread. Top with pancetta and avocado. Top with 4 of the remaining slices of bread and the lettuce, tomato and chicken. Top with the remaining mayonnaise mixture and bread. Cut in half and serve with hot chips, if desired.
Nutritions of Pancetta & chicken club sandwichfatContent: 599.173 calories
saturatedFatContent: 30 grams fat
carbohydrateContent: 5 grams saturated fat
sugarContent: 39 grams carbohydrates
fibreContent: 9 grams sugar
cholesterolContent: 39 grams protein


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Packers Plus: oil and gas on the cutting edge
“We started our company with three core values: first being innovation, second being operational excellence, and third being customer intimacy,” says Dan Themig, President and CEO at Packers Plus.
When the company was formed in 2000, it was a small startup. Today it is one of the largest companies in its industry, with nearly a thousand employees and a strong reputation for creative and progressive tooling in the oil and gas industry.
RELATED CONTENT: The pursuit of growth with PPC Moulding Services
“If you ask most people about Packers Plus and what we’re known for, it’s bringing real game changing innovation to the industry,” says Themig. “One of the reasons that North America now has a plentiful supply of natural gas, as well as a plentiful supply of oil, is because of some of the innovations our company has brought forward.”
With further growth in the works and new territories to work with, Packers Plus has plans to keep bringing that innovation to the industry it supports.
Growing in Houston
“One thing we believe in is being close to our customer base,” says Marlon Leggott, Chief Production Officer at Packers Plus. This explains the company’s large presence in Alberta, close to Canada’s natural gas and oil fields, as well as the satellite operations in critical regions from Saskatchewan and Williston to Dubai. It also explains the new larger Packers Plus facility that is currently under construction in Houston, Texas.
RELATED CONTENT: 3 ways big data is changing the future of manufacturing
Featuring an engineering and manufacturing campus on site, Packers Plus is confident that the new facility will help the company provide its southern clients with significant… Click here to read more in Manufacturing Global!

domain: economics


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The CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Lydia Dsane-Selby, has revealed that she has tested positive for COVID-19.
Dr Dsane-Selby is currently in self-isolation.
“I live with my mother and luckily she tested negative together with the house staff, so, it’s just me in the house who is positive. So, I immediately self-quarantined and contacted doctors at Korle-Bu and others who have put me on a treatment regime”, she said on Tuesday, 16 June 2020.
“I have contacted all those I came into contact with over the last few days and they’ve been for testing, and as far as I’m aware, they’re negative,” she said.
She added: “We all need to just be very aware about face masks, handwashing, sanitisers and social distancing”.
“There is no meeting that is so important that we all have to bunch up in a room and meet. A lot of the stuff can be done via phone, via email, and we all just need to take those precautions”.
“Obviously, for me, living with my mother was my real concern. She is negative, so, I need to just stay away from her until I’m negative, too”, Dr Dsane-Selby told Accra-based Asaase Radion.
Over the weekend, President Nana Akufo-Addo confirmed that his health minister Kweku Agyemang-Manu has also contracted COVID-19.
“Let us also wish our hard-working minister of health, Hon. Kweku Agyemang-Manu, a speedy recovery from the virus which he contracted in the line of duty. And he is in a stable condition,” Mr Akufo-Addo said in his eleventh address to the nation on the COVID-19 situation in Ghana.
The President also noted that the late mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi, Mr K. K. Sam, too, died of the virus.
“…Permit me to pay a brief tribute to the memory of an old and valiant colleague in the struggle of the New Patriotic Party and in the work of the Akufo-Addo government, the mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, the Chief Executive of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. K.K Sam, Egya Sam, to me and many, whose efforts in enforcing social distancing protocols at the Sekondi and Takoradi markets were, recently, highly commended by me, and who sadly passed away on Friday, as a result of a COVID-related death. May his soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again”.
A few weeks ago, Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, Papa Owusu Ankomah, also tested positive for the virus but has recovered.
Meanwhile, four more COVID-19 patients have died, taking the death toll to 58, the Ghana Health Service has announced.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Ghana just rose to 12,193 following the confirmation of 229 new cases.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Kumah-Aboagye, said on Tuesday, 16 April 2020 that the new cases were confirmed in nine regions.
Additionally, the number of recoveries has inched up to 4,326.


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Projects & Practice
An agricultural cooperative invested in setting up organic apple orchards with anti-hail nets. They also acquired agricultural machinery to support the production of organic beef.
A unique example of a rural business which achieved economic profitability based on innovation and environmentally-friendly practices.
The knowledge generated in research and innovation projects is hard to access, thus it is vital to create networks for knowledge transfer between production and research.
Setting up the first transnational LEADER region in Europe, thus allowing the elaboration of a common strategy between LAGs, and include provisions for more sound financial management of and implementation of TNC projects.
An example on how the process of preparing a local development strategy was used for stakeholder consultation on key rural development issues.

domain: agronomy


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This is a very unusual image and clearly one that was used to identify police and military figures for future reference. A line of people stand in honour of a funeral or some form of remembrance. And while the photographer, perhaps unintentionally, captures their image it is later used to identify them. Who might have been privy to such information and why might it have been used?
Collection: Irish Political Figures Photographic Collection
NLI Ref: NPA PHOP1
You can also view this image, and many thousands of others, on the NLI’s catalogue at catalogue.nli.ie
Owner: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Source: Flickr Commons


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The Power of Blessings: Enhancing Happiness and Creating a Positive Mindset
- February 25, 2024
- Posted by: SEETHALAKSHMI SIVAKUMAR
- Category: Personal Growth
Happiness is a universal pursuit that transcends cultural, social, and economic boundaries. It is a state of well-being and contentment that we all strive to achieve in our lives. While happiness can be subjective and vary from person to person, there are certain factors that can contribute to its attainment. One such factor is the blessings we receive from others.
When we talk about blessings, we often think of them in a religious or spiritual context. However, blessings can also come in the form of kind words, acts of generosity, or even a simple smile from a stranger. These blessings have the power to uplift our spirits, increase our sense of well-being, and ultimately enhance our happiness.
WHAT IS A BLESSING?
Let’s define the word “to bless” upfront. Some of my readers already know that one of my most beloved resources for this is the Online Etymology Dictionary. They define “to bless” as:
bless: O.E. bletsian, bledsian, Northumbrian bloedsian “to consecrate, make holy,” from P.Gmc. *blothisojan “mark with blood,” from *blotham “blood” (see blood).Originally a blood sprinkling on pagan altars. This word was chosen in O.E. bibles to translate L. benedicere and Gk. eulogein, both of which have a ground sense of “to speak well of, to praise,” but were used in Scripture to translate Heb. brk “to bend (the knee), worship, praise, invoke blessings.”Meaning shifted in late O.E. toward “to confer happiness, well-being,” by resemblance to unrelated bliss. No cognates in other languages.
While I definitely don’t want you to sprinkle blood over other people (especially not every time they sneeze), giving praise and wishing lots of blessings for other people is a good way to start. But the old idea behind sprinkling someone with blood is to awaken someone and therefore, giving him energy. Blood is often a symbol for the life force or universal, godly energy that we were created from.
Receiving blessings from others creates a sense of connection and belonging. It reminds us that we are not alone in this world and that there are people who care about us. This feeling of being supported and loved can have a profound impact on our overall happiness. It gives us a sense of purpose and meaning, knowing that our existence is valued by others.
Blessings also have the power to shift our perspective and help us see things in a more positive light. When we are faced with challenges or setbacks, it can be easy to get caught up in negativity and despair. However, when we receive blessings from others, it reminds us that there is always hope and goodness in the world.
HOW TO USE THE POWER OF BLESSING IN YOUR LIFE?
It’s easy but that shouldn’t stop you from applying it, because it is one of the most enlightening and powerful experiences you might have for a long time.
Just send a “May you be blessed”, “God bless you”, or something similar to every person you meet or even see while you walk by them
You can increase the power by swiftly visualizing the person being showered by a fountain of joy, happiness, and luck- or send them some thoughts of joy, love, and harmony and cover them in white light.
You don’t have to create a full-blown 3D scenario in your head – it’s more important to get the feeling of joy, happiness, harmony, and love being sent to the other person. Spend only 5 to 10 seconds on it. That is enough.
WHOM SHOULD YOU SEND BLESSINGS TO?
Short answer – Everyone.
You should bless:
your loved ones
all people serving you throughout the day
the tramp down the corner
the annoying client
and especially all the people giving you a hard time
By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and the blessings we have received, we can change our perspective and see things in a more optimistic way. This shift in mindset allows us to approach challenges with resilience and find solutions instead of dwelling on the problems.
Creating a positive mindset is essential for cultivating happiness. It involves consciously choosing to focus on the good in our lives and practicing gratitude for the blessings we have received. It is about shifting our perspective from one of scarcity to one of abundance.
One person who has dedicated her life to helping others find happiness and cultivate a positive mindset is Radneswary Jegatheeswary Sooriyakumar of Sri Lanka. Radneswary is widely regarded as one of the best Happiness Coaches in the country.
Radneswary possesses a unique set of skills and qualities that make her an exceptional Happiness Coach. Her deep understanding of human psychology and emotions allows her to connect with her clients on a profound level. She is able to empathize with their struggles and provide them with the guidance and support they need to overcome obstacles and find happiness.
In addition to her empathy, Radneswary is also a skilled communicator. She has the ability to convey complex ideas in a simple and relatable manner, making it easy for her clients to understand and implement her teachings. Her positive energy and enthusiasm are contagious, inspiring those around her to embrace positivity and strive for happiness.
Furthermore, Radneswary is a lifelong learner and continuously seeks to expand her knowledge and expertise. She stays up-to-date with the latest research and trends in the field of positive psychology, allowing her to provide her clients with the most effective strategies for happiness and personal growth.
Radneswary’s genuine passion for helping others and her unwavering commitment to their well-being are what truly set her apart as a Happiness Coach. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her clients feel supported and empowered throughout their journey towards happiness.
In conclusion, the blessings we receive from others have the power to enhance our happiness and create a positive mindset. They remind us of our interconnectedness and the goodness that exists in the world. By cultivating a positive mindset and embracing the blessings in our lives, we can navigate challenges with resilience and find true happiness. Radneswary Jegatheeswary Sooriyakumar is an exceptional Happiness Coach who embodies these principles and empowers others to find their own path to happiness.

domain: literature


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About this product
The PGZ6412B is a four burner, sleek black gas hob with a stylish design and front control. The hob also a range of different burners to accommodate cooking needs, along with robust cast iron pan supports and automatic ignition.
The pan supports give the appliance a premium finish. They are robust and easy to clean.
No need to press an ignition button, just push down and turn in one movement to operate the burners.
No need to reach over the burners to turn a zone on or off, lowering the risk of accidents.
- 4 cooking zones including.
- Automatic ignition.
- Front-mounted controls.
- Dial control.
- Front mounted controls.
- Griddle plate.
- Cast iron pan supports.
- FSD compliant.
- Size W60, D52cm.
- To fit aperture size W56, D49cm.
- Manufacturer's 2 year parts and labour guarantee.
- EAN: 5906006209797.
The small print
*Prices correct as displayed but are subject to change.
This product comes with a minimum one year manufacturer’s guarantee, unless otherwise stated in the specification above.


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Step into the world of glitz, glamour, and excitement as we take you on a behind-the-scenes journey into the making of the latest Telugu movie! From script to screen, witness firsthand how your favorite actors bring their characters to life in this captivating tale. Get ready to experience the magic of filmmaking from every angle as we delve into the creative process and uncover what goes into producing an epic blockbuster hit. So buckle up, grab some popcorn, and join us for an exclusive peek at all that happens behind the camera!
Introduction to the Movie and its Cast
The latest Telugu movie is a remake of the classic film “The Godfather”. The cast for this movie includes some of the biggest names in the Telugu film industry. The director, Vamsi Paidipally, has brought together an amazing team to create this masterpiece.
The cast includes Mahesh Babu as the protagonist, Sathyaraj as his father, Kajal Aggarwal as his love interest, and Nayanthara as the female lead. The supporting cast includes Prakash Raj, Sarath Kumar, Jaya Prakash Reddy, Posani Krishna Murali, Brahmanandam, Ali Basha, and many others.
The Godfather is one of the most popular movies of all time and has been remade in many languages. The Telugu version is sure to be a hit with audiences.
Pre-production is the process of preparing all the necessary elements for a film or television production. This includes everything from writing the script and storyboard to casting the actors and hiring the crew.
It is important to have a clear vision for the project before starting pre-production. This will make it easier to assemble the team and resources needed to bring the project to life.
The first step in pre-production is to develop the idea for the film or TV show. This can be done by writing a treatment or script, or coming up with a concept for an original idea. Once the general idea is fleshed out, it’s time to start creating a more detailed storyboard or shot list.
Once the story is fully developed, it’s time to start casting actors and hiring crew members. This is often done through open auditions or by reaching out to talent agents. Once the cast and crew are in place, it’s time to start rehearsals and blocking out scenes.
The last step in pre-production is putting together all of the logistics for filming, such as securing locations, renting equipment, and arranging transportation. This is often done by working with a production company who can handle all of these details.
Filming Locations and Timelines
The new Telugu movie was filmed in various locations across India, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai. The film crew had to travel to each of these locations to get the perfect shots for the movie. The shooting schedule was very tight, and the team had to work long hours to get everything done on time.
Despite the challenges, the cast and crew were able to complete filming on schedule. The movie is now in post-production and is expected to be released in early 2020.
On Set Experiences
Being on set for the latest Telugu movie was an experience I will never forget. I was able to see firsthand how a major motion picture is made and all of the hard work that goes into it. From the actors to the crew, everyone was working tirelessly to make this movie a success. It was amazing to see how they all came together to create something truly special. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this process and witness the magic of filmmaking firsthand.
After the film is shot and edited, it goes into post-production. This is where the music, sound effects, and visual effects are added. The final step is color correction, which balances the colors in the film. After post-production is complete, the movie is ready to be released!
The Telugu film industry is one of the largest in India, and its movies are known for their high production values and lavish visual effects. The latest Telugu movie to hit screens is no different, and features some stunning visual effects that will leave you awestruck.
So, how did the filmmakers achieve such amazing visuals? Let’s take a look behind the scenes to find out.
First of all, the team made use of state-of-the-art technology to create the film’s incredible special effects. They used motion capture technology to create realistic movements for the characters, and CGI to bring them to life on screen.
The result is a truly immersive experience that will transport you into the world of the film. You’ll feel like you’re right there alongside the characters as they battle it out against overwhelming odds.
In addition to cutting-edge technology, the team also relied on tried-and-true methods to bring the film’s visuals to life. For instance, they used real fire in some scenes, which was then enhanced with CGI to make it look even more realistic.
All in all, it’s clear that a lot of hard work and dedication went into making this latest Telugu movie. The next time you watch it, be sure to pay close attention to the amazing visual effects – they’ll definitely take your breath away!
Music and Sound Design
The audio team for the latest Telugu movie had a tall order to fill. They needed to create a unique and immersive soundscape that would transport audiences to the film’s fantastical world. To do this, they used a combination of traditional and digital techniques.
First, they recorded live instruments and sounds in the studio. This included everything from drums and guitars to sitars and tablas. These recordings were then edited, processed, and mixed to create the final tracks.
In addition to these traditional methods, the team also employed cutting-edge sound design techniques. By using software plugins, they were able to create totally new sounds that added an extra layer of depth and immersion.
The result is a soundtrack that is both familiar and otherworldly. It perfectly compliments the film’s visuals, transporting audiences into its unique world.
Costumes and Makeup
As any fan of Indian cinema knows, the costumes and makeup are a big part of what makes the movies so visually stunning. The designers and artists who create these looks are true masters of their craft.
For the latest Telugu movie, the team worked tirelessly to ensure that each costume and piece of makeup was perfect. From the beautiful sarees worn by the leading ladies to the intricate henna designs on their hands, no detail was overlooked.
The costume designer worked closely with the director to ensure that each character’s wardrobe reflected their personality and role in the film. For example, the antagonist was dressed in dark, imposing colors to convey her power and authority.
Similarly, great care was taken with the makeup designs. For some characters, like the heroine, natural beauty was emphasized. For others, like the comic relief character, outrageous and colorful looks were created.
No matter what role they played in the film, every actor and actress looked amazing thanks to the hard work of the costume and makeup teams. It’s no wonder that Indian films are so beloved around the world!
Promotion of the Movie
The latest Telugu movie is being promoted in a big way. The cast and crew are busy with interviews and appearances on television shows. The movie’s trailer has been released and is being shown on television channels. The movie’s website has been updated with the latest information about the movie. Social media platforms are being used to create buzz about the movie. For more details on Telugu Movies New, visit this Website.
The behind-the-scenes look into the making of the latest Telugu movie was truly an eye-opening experience. We got to witness the incredible amount of hard work and dedication that goes into creating a film, from preproduction all the way through post production. It’s amazing how many people are involved in bringing a story to life on the big screen and it’s inspiring to see everyone working together towards a common goal. We can’t wait for audiences everywhere to experience this film when it comes out!

domain: entertainment


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The following hotel, B&B and apartments are located near to Elveden Estate in Thetford.
The hotel accommodation is listed in order of distance away from Elveden Estate for convenience.
With a traditional restaurant, cosy bedrooms and period features, The Bell is situated in the heart of Thetford. Just 2 miles from Thetford Forest, the inn offers free parking and a leafy garden..
White Horses B&B
Located in the market town of Thetford, White Horses B&B offers en suite accommodation, free WiFi and free parking nearby. The property is 2 miles from Thetford Forest Park, and 5 minutes drive off the A11 motorway..
Hazelnut Cottage is a holiday home set in Risby, 40 km from Cambridge. The unit is 42 km from Ipswich. Colchester is 49 km from Hazelnut Cottage, while Bury Saint Edmunds is 6 km from the property.
Walnut Cottage offers accommodation in Risby. It provides free private parking. Cambridge is 40 km from Walnut Cottage, while Ipswich is 42 km from the property.
Set 40 km from Cambridge and 41 km from Ipswich, PigletS Place offers accommodation in Risby. The unit is 47 km from Colchester. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Set in Brandon, this holiday home is situated 47 km from Cambridge. The unit is 46 km from Norwich. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
The Great Eastern Hotel
Featuring free WiFi, a restaurant and a childrens playground, The Great Eastern Hotel offers pet-friendly accommodation in Brandon, 44 km from Cambridge. Free private parking is available on site. There is a shared lounge at the property.
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Beightons offers accommodation in Bury Saint Edmunds, 5 km from Bury St Edmunds. Free private parking is available on site. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV.
The Bull Inn
Rich in original character and historic charm, this 500-year-old boutique-style coaching inn offering a cosy pub with real ales, wines and an open log fire is situated on the edge of the Thetford Forest..
Highwaymans Bed & Breakfast
Set in a delightfully remote rural location within close proximity of Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket, the family-run Highwaymans Bed and Breakfast offers clean, comfortable rooms for a home feeling..
Bell Cottage is located in Worlington, 31 km from Cambridge and 16 km from Bury Saint Edmunds. Free WiFi is featured and free private parking is available on site. The rooms have a flat-screen TV.
The Riverside House Hotel
Situated on the banks of the River Lark, The Riverside House Hotel offers free WiFi, free parking, and picturesque river views. This charming hotel has retained many of its enchanting period features and blends them with a contemporary charm..
Best Western Priory Hotel
The Best Western Priory Hotel is an ideal getaway from the frenetic pace of modern life, offering value for money without compromising on quality. The award-winning Garden Restaurant has a long-standing reputation for formal, yet relaxed, dining..
Situated in East Harling, this holiday home is set 39 km from Norwich. The property is 42 km from Ipswich and free private parking is offered. Bury Saint Edmunds is 19 km from Covert Cottage, while Newmarket is 35 km away.
Six Bells Inn
Situated in picturesque Bardwell, Six Bells Inn offers cooked breakfasts, a traditional restaurant and free parking. With cottage-style bedrooms and scenic views, Bury St Edmunds is just 20 minutes away..
Set in the village of Great Barton, Tollgate Lodge boasts free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi. On the outskirts of the beautiful market town of Bury St. Edmunds, the Bury St.
Featuring a garden, Chalk Barn is a holiday home located in Lakenheath in the Suffolk Region. It provides free private parking. Cambridge is 41 km from Chalk Barn, while Bury Saint Edmunds is 27 km away.
The Old Cannon Brewery
A Suffolk pub with its own on-site brewhouse, The Old Cannon Brewery offers accommodation and dining less than 10 minutes walk from Bury St Edmunds Abbey. The Old Cannon has a brasserie restaurant and provides free parking and Wi-Fi..
Located in East Harling in the Norfolk Region, this holiday home features a garden with a barbecue. The property is 38 km from Norwich and free private parking is provided..
Dog and Partridge
In central Bury St Edmunds, the Dog and Partridge is within 2 minutes walk of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the Theatre Royal and the Greene King Brewery Museum. This Suffolk inn has a restaurant and provides free parking and WiFi..
Beech Tree Cottage
Beech Tree Cottage offers pet-friendly accommodation in Bury Saint Edmunds, 700 metres from Bury St Edmunds and 3.7 km from Ickworth House. It provides free private parking.
The Walnuts Country House
The Walnuts is a 300-year old Grade II listed former gentlemans residence, situated in the small village of West Row 2 miles from Mildenhall. Guests can choose from 1 of the 3 self-catering cottages, each with a private hot tub..
The Crown Hotel
In the heart of Thetford Forest, The Crown Hotel offers 2 restaurants and 2 bars. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in public areas. Both restaurants and both bars serve à la carte & bar menus and locally sourced produce is used whenever possible.
The Olde Cottage
The Olde Cottage is a holiday home situated in Coney Weston, 42 km from Norwich. The unit is 36 km from Ipswich. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.
The Abbey Hotel
The Abbey Hotel is comprised of a Tudor house built around 1530 and a medieval merchants house built around 1350. Free on-site parking is available and Bury St Edmunds town centre is just over a mile away..
Jeff Dunham: Seriously!? Comedy Icon Announces UK Arena Tour for 2020
odome set to revolutionise event marketing
Edinburgh Cocktail Week
Calvin Harris new album 18 Months
Lee Mack Tickets
The Monuments Men Trailer
The Ladyboys of Bangkok 2020 TOUR: FLIGHT OF FANTASY
Football and darts: the best mashup ever?
Mr. Morski & The Originals - Live in the Lounge -
James Taylor Tickets
Need For Speed Trailer

domain: travel


The level of engagement this Tweet received was amazing, with over 30,000 retweets, 58,400 quotes and 102,200 likes, all because they decided to be rather bold and put beans on Weetabix (whether that was an acceptable thing to do or not is another issue).
However, the best part about this post wasn’t the resounding levels of engagement, but instead, who was engaging. Some incredibly well known brands, companies and organisations used this Tweet to get creative, cleverly putting their own twist on their responses and it left the whole of Twitter laughing.
From the NHS to Sainsburys and even Tinder, many mega brands used this as the great opportunity it was, to boost their own brand. This Tweet managed to provide a moment of relief and fun when many brands have spent the last few months only responding to serious matters. But when replying to this tweet, we got to see the fun and extremely entertaining sides to their business! The question is…did your business grasp the opportunity to make a quirky remark?
As we spent our Tuesday nights reading through all of the replies, laughing rather hysterically at the responses and finding ourselves mildly curious about what a gravy-filled doughnut would taste like, our thoughts went out to the social media managers of smaller businesses and accounts. Why you ask? Because we knew many would be waiting all day and long into the night to get approval on a post responding to this tweet.
One of the most important factors of running a successful social media profile is being reactive. Social media happens quickly, and this should be reflected in how you use it. This includes hopping on trends and getting involved with what’s happening, as it’s happening. It can be one of the best ways to utilise the attention and promote your business. Especially if you get clever with it!
But if you are being overly cautious and always playing it safe, are you missing out?
Many businesses want to be noticed and to stand out, but are often too scared to do anything different or bold. Never taking chances can leave your social media feeling stagnant leading to the real question, how safe is too safe? And is a responsive post really going to be so damaging if it isn’t approved first? Also, if Pfizer, a very serious (and probably very stressed) business are taking the risk and tweeting, why aren’t you?
If the Weetabix tweet has taught us anything, it’s to be bold and reactive as the payoffs of a quick response are very likely to outweigh the risk!
And before we go, one more question…would you put beans on your Weetabix?


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This comfy dress is so cute and comfy! Designed with a simple knit bodice and woven skirt, we include measurements for both a top length and a dress length! So many options - short sleeve or sleeveless, bodice ruffle or plain, and skirt with trim band, ruffle, or plain! Pair it with shorts or leggings for the perfect summer look!
Please note that PDF patterns differ from traditional sewing patterns, and not all PDF designers have the same style. We prefer to give measurements for simple rectangles instead of rectangular pattern pieces to save your time, paper, ink, and tape. You will only receive pattern pieces for curved portions of the garment, and you will follow the cutting chart for the remaining pieces.
If you would like to see an example of our style and try it for free, please download our free sample pattern HERE.


Providing vibrant, connected and safe neighbourhoods is a priority for Rotherham Council and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Rotherham East Ward Councillors were elected to listen to your views and work with you to make a difference in the local community.
We know many of our residents are passionate about making their community a better place to live and we are here to work in partnership and make these improvements a reality. Councillors used a range of information – listening to local residents and council staff, looking at statistics and other data – to develop these ward priorities:
Rotherham East Ward priorities
- Support initiatives helping Rotherham East recover from the impact of Covid-19.
- Work with internal and external partners to support and deliver initiatives involving local people.
- Respond to crime and anti-social behaviour across the ward.
- Work with local schools to support their aims and aspirations for their pupils and the wider school communities.
- Support initiatives which bring communities together and celebrate the diversity in Rotherham East.


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On November 14, 2023, Liberians exercised their Constitutional right to elect their next president and their will must be respected. In the spirit of democratic consolidation, the ECC calls on all candidates and Liberians to remain calm and await the official results to be announced by the
National Elections Commission. In the management of citizens’ expectations, the ECC also urges the NEC to proceed with the timely pronouncement of the election results.
These elections were nationally owned with resources largely provided by the Government, electoral security provided by the Joint Security Taskforce, and the entire electoral process managed by the National Elections Commission with minimum technical and logistical support from international development partners. Nonetheless, the elections were conducted without any significant electoral law reform particularly, with the New Elections Law of Liberia.
This preliminary statement covers the ECC’s observation of the electoral cycle including the runoff which took place on November 14, 2023, and is based on reports received from 1,185 out of 1200 stationary observers deployed to polling places proportionally nationwide to observe. ECC is cognizant that there remain crucial steps to complete, such as the tallying of votes and adjudication of electoral petitions. Therefore, the content of this statement is based on observations made thus far. The ECC will continue to update the public on the remaining components of the process when it considers it appropriate and will later publish a final comprehensive report, including a full analysis of the electoral cycle that will include recommendations for electoral reform.
The transition from the manual to the Biometric Voter Registration by the NEC was a strategic decision that improved the quality of the Final Registration Roll (FRR) which contributed to an improved election administration on October 10, 2023, as well as on November 14, 2023.
The organized and systematic trucking of voters by politicians undermined the principle of representative democracy. While the election law makes the practice an electoral offense, the NEC and the joint security did not do enough to stop the trucking of voters which is now seen as a normal practice within the country’s emerging democracy.
WOMEN’S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
The primaries of political parties were peacefully conducted across the country. Out of 1,026 candidates certificated by the NEC, only 159 were women, constituting 15%, who participated in the October 10 general elections. This runs contrary to the commitment made by political parties to ensure that at least their candidates list contained 30% women. Additionally, only nine women won legislative seats (8 representatives and 1 senator). In the absence of a law that would mandate political parties to increase the number of women candidates on their listings, women’s political representation will continue to decrease.
The Regulation on Nomination and Registration of Candidates is weak. Liberia has a representative democracy but the regulation puts a limit on who can challenge the candidacy of a person seeking to represent a county or district. According to the regulation only a candidate, political party, alliance, or coalition can challenge the eligibility of a candidate on the provisional list. It is the view of the ECC that citizens should have equal rights to challenge the eligibility of any candidate who seeks to be elected.
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND MEDIA OBSERVATION
Debates are a core element of the democratic process as it pushes the candidates to conduct issues-based campaigning while at the same time they create the opportunity for voters to make informed choices. Debates were organized and none of the two candidates who participated in the runoff attended the debates, thereby making it difficult for post-election accountability.
Except for a series of localized violence in certain parts of the country and the use of inflammatory language, provocative actions, and the destruction of billboards, overall, the campaign was peaceful. The loss of lives and the destruction of property as well as the injury of citizens have no place in our democracy. Although the campaign finance regulation was not enforced by the NEC, political parties and independent candidates had equal access to state facilities across the country.
The ECC further notes the endorsement of political actors by traditional leaders and religious groups, thereby compromising their role as peace brokers in mediating any potential conflict arising from the electoral process. Furthermore, the nomination of government officials on the campaign teams of the CDC was in gross violation of the Code of Conduct for public officials.
The ECC notes the professional conduct and high coverage of the police and joint security apparatus during both rounds of the election and commends the Liberian National Police and partners for protecting the process. However, there remain unsolved investigations of electoral violence and malpractices carried out during the general elections including the campaign. The outcomes of these investigations need to be made public and the perpetrators held accountable in order to uphold the rule of law and reduce the culture of impunity.
October 10 General Elections
On October 10, the voting process was largely peaceful and there was a remarkable turnout of 78%. Few isolated instances of tension were observed due to the improper management of voting queues, and the unsuitability of some voting precincts, which contributed significantly to the slow pace of the voting process.
On the presidential run-off election day, the ECC released its election day situational statement covering the opening and set-up of observed polling places. The data shows improved logistical arrangements and election management compared to the first round of voting. Observers noted that voting generally commenced on time, with sensitive voting materials present. Additionally, observers reported adequate coverage by the national security agencies. Party agents were seen in most of the locations observed.
The voting on November 14, 2023, was orderly and peaceful. Only a few isolated incidents of tension were recorded at certain precincts, according to reports from ECC observers stationed at polling places across all 73 electoral districts and counties. ECC commends Liberians for turning out peacefully to vote during the presidential run-off election.
At observed polling places, ECC observers witnessed NEC staff systematically following voting procedures including the request for voters to present voting cards before voting.
Observers reported improved queue management during the run-off election compared to the first round. In 99% of observed polling places, there was proper queue management and voters were shown to the place where they would vote.
In all observed polling places, voters were systematically asked to present their voter registration (VR) card before being allowed to vote and ECC observers noted that the finger of every voter was inked after voting.
ECC observers reported that the ballot papers were systematically stamped before being handed to the voter. The stamping of the ballot confirms its validity when marked properly.
In all observed polling places, the voting screen was placed in a way that guaranteed the secrecy of the vote.
In its midday statement, the ECC commended the NEC for ensuring the valuable participation of women as polling staff. Compared to the first round of voting, observers again noted that only 25% of polling places had a woman as presiding officer. There are still efforts to ensure more women are assigned leadership positions during polling processes.
Closing and Counting Process
In 75% of observed polling places, there were still voters in the queue at 6:00 pm, which on one hand demonstrates the persistent high interest of Liberians in exercising their right to vote in the 2023 electoral process. ECC observers reported that voters in the queues at these polling places were systematically permitted to vote and that 53% of observed polling places closed after 6:00 pm, primarily due to the slow intake of voters during the day.
NEC officials generally followed the procedures for closing and counting. ECC observers reported that there were party agents, domestic and international observer groups and media representatives present during the counting. At observed polling places, 97% were covered by party agents during the counting of ballots.
At 99% of observed polling places, both parties’ agents approved and signed the result form. In 88% of the observed polling places, neither CDC nor UP agents filed a complaint.
ECC observers also reported sufficient lighting during the counting of ballots at 97% of the polling places observed and the presiding officer posted a copy of the result on the wall in all of them.
Despite the peaceful turnout of Liberians during the Presidential run-off election, the process occurred in a relatively tense environment, primarily in Montserrado. During the voting, closing, and counting processes, ECC observers reported minor disruptions of polling places by supporters of both parties contesting the run-off process. Incidents of observed tension at polling places, for the most part, occurred during the counting. For example, at the Esther Yalartai Academy with code 30442, it was alleged by one of the observers that the ballot box was thrown over the fence. This prompted an angry crowd to storm the compound threatening to burn it down with all the other observers including the NEC staff in the building. The tension further extended, which attracted Zogos, disrupting the entire counting process and causing people to run for their lives. Nevertheless, the police intervened and the results were posted on the board.
At the St. Paul Lutheran School in Margibi with precinct code 24113, an ECC mobile observer reported that the NEC staff did not have a copy of the FRR. The NEC staff then decided to write voter names in a book prior to voting in the absence of the FRR. This resulted in tension and later a riot that lasted more than an hour. The local radio station reported that the situation continued even after the ECC mobile observer had left hours later.
Some political party agents and supporters at the Diana E. Davis School precinct in Montserrado District 17 (code 30446) alerted the poll workers of the NEC’s press release denouncing the act of party agents possessing the FRR and validating voters. The voting process was halted for approximately forty minutes due to this information. Subsequently, the police and foreign observers stepped in to defuse the tension.
In Nimba electoral district 04 at the Dullay public school with code 30052 in Polling place 03, the ECC observer reported that the Voter Identification Officer was allegedly seen voting multiple times. The UP agent called the security to report the matter. The security then tried to arrest the VIO but the presiding officer intervened and told the security to leave the man because he will resolve the issue. As a result, the UP party agent refused to sign the Record of the Count Form. In future voting processes, the NEC is encouraged to define clearly the roles of polling officials and that of the security and treat all voters the same.
Tally of Results
The ECC has deployed its 19 county coordinators and additional 146 district observers at the National Tallying Center and other Magisterial Offices of NEC to observe the tallying of results. ECC will continue to follow the process and provide relevant updates at its conclusion.
Review of Party Results
The registration of political parties and independent candidates is guaranteed by the 1986 Constitution of Liberia. At the same time, the operations and continued existence of political parties are guided by the NEL (Section 5A.1) related to a review of their results after an election. The NEC is under obligation to review the results of the parties and enforce all related provisions in the NEL.
Based on its observations and findings, the ECC makes the following preliminary recommendations:
To the National Election Commission:
- Considering that there are only two candidates, ECC urges the National Elections Commission (NEC) to increase the frequency (at least twice a day) of reporting of election results to dispel doubts and the spread of misinformation.
- Treat all electoral disputes equally and adjudicate them in a timely and transparent manner.
- To foster transparency and increase trust, the NEC should publish the election results by polling place in an analyzable format and in a timely manner to allow election stakeholders to conduct an in-depth analysis of the voting results.
To political parties, independent candidates, and their supporters:
- Political parties should respect the authority of the NEC to announce official election results and refrain from claiming early victory or interfering with the tally process.
- If any political party has grievances on the outcome of the electoral results, it should follow the laws and procedures outlined in the Constitution and provisions of the NEL related to the adjudication of electoral petitions.
To the Supreme Court:
- Adjudicate all electoral petitions in an expeditious manner.
To the Liberian National Police and other security agencies:
- Demonstrate neutrality and professionalism in dealing with any post-election rally or demonstration that has the potential to lead to violence.
- Provide an update to the public on the status of all electoral violence under police investigation.
To the media:
Refrain from disseminating misinformation and disinformation related to the outcomes of the election results.
To the voters:
Remain calm and peaceful and resist being mobilized by any political actor to get involved in any form of violence or intimidation.
The ECC has deployed 1738 trained observers —1500 short-term observers, 73 electoral district supervisors, and 19 county coordinators to observe the presidential run-off election. The ECC trained and deployed an additional 146 district observers to support supervision and the observation of the tally process at the NEC’s magisterial offices. Of the 1500 STOs, 1200 are deployed as stationary observers stationed at polling places throughout election day, and the remaining 300 short-term observers are mobile. The 146 district observers, county coordinators, and supervisors are also mobile observers, reporting on the general electoral environment.
The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) is Liberia’s largest domestic election observation network with diverse competencies, experiences, and expertise in democracy, elections, and governance established since 2010. ECC’s members include the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG); Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP); Center for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding (CECPAP); Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD); Naymote Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE-PADD); West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP), and the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL). The ECC election observation effort is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Irish-Aid. “The contents of this update are the responsibility of the ECC and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States Government, or the Government of Ireland.”
You can download a copy of the here” ECC PRELIMINARY STATEMENT_PRESIDENTIAL RUN-OFF

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Vodafone Ireland admits multi-million overcharge
Very sorry, won't do it again
Vodafone Ireland has overcharged over half a million WAP customers as a result of a billing inaccuracy.
Following a bout of overcharging incidents earlier in the year, Vodafone conducted an internal review of its charges over the past few months. The company said it discovered a billing discrepancy in its WAP services. Some 550,000 WAP customers were identified as having been overcharged by approximately €5 each over 19 months, amounting to a total overcharging of €2.65 million.
Vodafone has apologised for this latest round of overcharging and says that it has begun reimbursing all affected customers. Each customer will also receive compensation worth 10 per cent of the overcharged amount.
"We apologise to any customers impacted by this incident, and I want to reassure them that their accounts are being appropriately credited, and that we are applying an additional compensatory payment to recompense for any inconvenience," said Paul Donovan, CEO of Vodafone Ireland, in a statement.
Following the discovery of this latest billing inaccuracy, Vodafone called on PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to carry out an independent review of its internal procedures for tariff changes. The accounting firm suggested a number of changes within Vodafone's content management processes and recommended deploying additional resources to keep a closer eye on billing procedures.
Vodafone has accepted PwC's recommendations and has since made the suggested modifications.
This year has been peppered with overcharging incidents. In June Vodafone overcharged 22,000 Irish customers who roamed between 25 May and 15 June to the tune of €147,000. In July both Vodafone and O2 were accused by the European Commission of using their dominant positions in the UK to their advantage. It said that Vodafone had been involved in the practice of overcharging other operators for roaming services at wholesale level since 1997 through to September 2003, and that O2 was involved in the same practice since 1998 through to September 2003.
Ireland's communications regulator, ComReg, responded to these overcharging incidents by implementing a code of practice on 12 August which states that telecom companies must provide accessible and accurate pricing information. The regulator went on to reinforce its position on overcharging at the end of August by proposing that accurate billing should become a core requirement for operating in Ireland.
On Friday ComReg expressed dismay about the latest overcharging. "While acknowledging that Vodafone is taking the steps that ComReg requires in terms of advising customers, making speedy rebates and making an additional inconvenience credit, ComReg is disappointed that the processes in place at that time were neither robust nor accurate enough to prevent this sort of issue arising," said John Doherty, chairman of ComReg.


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US Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey Bleich, has celebrated the 17th annual UN World Book and Copyright Day by telling Australians to stop pirating Game of Thrones.
It's common knowledge that Australians love to torrent hit HBO drama Game of Thrones. Australia has been named and shamed by George R. R. Martin himself, despite the most pirated program of all 2012 getting a much better launch window in Australia.
For it's part, HBO doesn't see the harm in the high levels of piracy. In fact, some at HBO see the illegal downloads as a "compliment", a testament to how popular the show.
Ambassador Bleich doesn't think that flattery, or any other excuse, should justify the distribution of the show.
"Stealing is stealing," writes Bleich on Facebook. "Buying a book in a store costs more and takes longer than stealing it from your neighbor's house, but we all know it is the right thing to do and it allows authors to make a living and write more books."
"Artists' livelihoods depend on us rejecting [the urge to pirate content]; just as shopkeepers and small businesses depend on people not just stealing products from their shelves."
Happily, people aren't stealing physical copies of the show from stores in the same numbers, in fact, Game of Thrones is selling well on DVD and Blu-Ray. Box office analyst site The Numbers has the first season of GoT as the 14th highest selling DVD for 2012 overall, and the highest selling TV show box set. This equates to just under US$34 million in sales revenue.
The second season of the show has earned just over US$9 million in revenue in the first two months of sales.


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Liverpool say sorry for racism incident
Liverpool last night issued an apology to Oldham defender Tom Adeyemi, who claims he was racially abused by a Reds supporter during Friday night's FA Cup tie between the sides.
A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Adeyemi has been released on bail, police said yesterday.
The man, from Aintree, was arrested yesterday by Merseyside Police, who are investigating the incident, and the Premier League club have now moved to express their regret over the matter.
A statement from the club read: “Whatever the outcome of what is now a police investigation, all of us are deeply sorry for what happened and our players and our club pass on our sincere regrets to Tom Adeyemi for the upset and distress he suffered.
“Our supporters are renowned for their outstanding commitment, passion and fairness.”
Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers Association, said he had spoken to Adeyemi about the incident.
He said: “Tom has given a full witness statement and will continue to assist the police fully in their enquiries.”
The investigation takes place as Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is currently seeing out an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.


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This has got to be one of the most delicious and easy soups I have made all year. I totally stumbled into this cauliflower soup the other day, when I came home from the farm with a few too many heads of gorgeous purple cauliflower. My instinct is usually to roast, so I almost went to throw it in the oven as I usually do, but I decided to try something different and wow, am I glad that I did!
After a morning workout, this smoothie totally hits the spot.
CINNAMON COFFEE SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS:
- 6 oz unsweetened almond milk (I use Pacific Foods organic.)
- 2 oz home-made cold brew coffee concentrate (I use…


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Mar 30, 2023
Commentary on the new “48 Hours” documentary on the 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping of 26 students and their bus driver by three gunmen.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, Taylor interviews Kimberly DeHaven, supervisor of transportation for Englewood Schools in Colorado and president of the Colorado State Pupil Transportation Association. She talks driver recruitment, illegal passing, female representation, leadership at the state level and more.
We also hear from Justina Morosin, the new vice president and general manager of IC Bus, on current EV projects and her vision for the OEM’s future.
Read more at stnonline.com/tag/women.