20225 min readThe Delights of Riviera and the Rumblings of the SGLContinual developments out of Saudi Arabia and its favorite golfers threaten to drown out the Genesis Invitational We’re just 25 days away from daylight savings time There isn’t much pro golf to watch this weekend, but what we do have is one of the PGA Tour’s best events, the Genesis Invitational While the tournament lost some of its character when it ditched the Los Angeles Open branding and format a visit to Riviera Country Club is always welcome Even with the top 11 players in the Official World Golf Ranking in attendance, the golf course is still the star. Some of our favorite holes are Nos. 5, 7, 10, and 15, all memorable par 4s of varying distances. Riviera’s hole-to-hole variety, great greens, and firm conditioning allow it to remain a relevant test for today’s PGA Tour players. To succeed here, you need a diverse arsenal of approach shots, not to mention a stellar short game Year after year, Riviera shows that you don’t need thick rough and ultra-narrow fairways to create a championship-worthy challenge. Click here for a full course tour Bryson DeChambeau is the only top-12 player not at Riviera this weekend. On Monday, in a flurry of social media posts DeChambeau stated that hip and hand injuries are the reason for his absence and NOPE “There are many false reports going around by the media that are completely inaccurate,” he said “Any news regarding my health or playing schedule will come directly from me and my team.” Playing victim to “many false reports” won’t change a perception that he himself has cultivated The second edition of our Cheesesteak event will be held at Huntingdon Valley Country Club on Monday We also have tee times reserved for Cheesesteak participants at LuLu Country Club on Sunday Registration information will be available soon Citizen Rhodes – Dubbed the “Black Jack Nicklaus” by Charlie Sifford Ted Rhodes played pro golf in an era that did not always welcome him Contributor Shawn Allen tells the story of how Ted Rhodes persisted as a golfer and inspired future generations Paulie’s Picks: Genesis Invitational – It usually takes experience to win at Riviera See if Paulie thinks that trend will continue this week or if he thinks a young buck might capture the title The Fried Egg Podcast: PGA Tour Update with Joseph LaMagna – Joseph LaMagna returns to the podcast to give an update on which PGA Tour players have impressed and disappointed early in the 2022 PGA Tour season. Listen on iTunes and Spotify The Shotgun Start – Andy and Brendan discuss the Saudi cloud over the PGA Tour’s best event and Bryson’s ongoing adventures in public relations. Listen on iTunes and Spotify Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, Dustin Johnson, and defending champion Max Homa highlight the Genesis Invitational field After a month in the Caribbean and Central and South America, the Korn Ferry Tour is back on the mainland for the LECOM Suncoast Classic in Florida Will Bardwell has a thorough analysis of the history of sportswashing that you should check out The article contends that Saudi Arabia’s activities in golf should be viewed through that lens and picks apart the excuses of the pro golfers who are involved Add Kramer Hickok to the list of PGA Tour members saying curious things about the Super Golf League. On the Stripe Show Podcast Hickok claimed that 17 players have signed on with the SGL He also stated that one of the issues players have with the PGA Tour is that major championships don’t have big enough purses Important note: the PGA Tour doesn’t run the major championships The Stanford women’s golf team, undefeated prior to this week, was upset by San Jose State at the Lamkin San Diego Invitational on Tuesday Rose Zhang also recorded the first individual “loss” of her collegiate career Wake Forest’s Michael Brennan shot 66 in the Genesis Invitational Collegiate Shootout on Monday to earn a spot in the field at Riviera The first 2022 PGA Tour Canada Q-School is underway in Florida Tiger Woods is scheduled to speak at the Genesis Invitational on Wednesday afternoon I went to the course with him in the morning and ultimately played golf in college before helping out in the early days of Fried Egg While I’ve been involved in many different aspects of our organization over the years today you’ll largely find me at our events and helping our membership as our Community Manager my dream job will always be starting shortstop for the Chicago Cubs Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet 24ReplyCancelSUBMIT COMMENTSUBMIT COMMENTThank you! Your submission has been received!Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.Author NameJan 13, 2025DeleteLorem ipsum dolor sit amet FooterA deeper level of golfSign up to our newsletter for fresh takes Mondays Fried Egg Course RatingWe rate golf courses using a three-"Egg" scale a course must be very good; to receive three Most courses will not get any Eggs at all — and this is not meant as an insult Click here to learn more about our rating system and our criteria of Land This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker An agro-technical boarding school is the subject of this striking documentary which offers vignettes of growing pains and childlike wonder Eduardo Crespo’s sensitive documentary follows a cohort of boys at an Argentina agro-technical boarding school called Las Delicias (The Delights) the students’ day-to-day rituals in the countryside appear quite ordinary they go to classes or tend the crops on campus they play video games or hang out with their peers it is these quiet moments of adolescent togetherness that are the most revelatory Here is a film about the unseen intimacies between boys and how they learn to interact with the world at large Many of the pupils come to Las Delicias with an interest in agriculture while others are looking for rehabilitation after being expelled from other schools but doesn’t dwell extensively on any single individual lingering instead on vignettes of growing pains and childlike wonder a boy frets in the doctor’s office about a sore throat; the next we see another pupil sweetly looking after a fallen bird The recurring mention of a missing phone along with the teachers’ gentle pleas for the responsible party to step forward also lends the piece a dose of drama – with a very moving conclusion Crespo’s film barely digs into how Las Delicias operates as a school we occasionally see female students on school grounds yet it remains unclear if this institution is co-ed the depiction of boys’ inner lives remains a striking one a touching bookend that embodies the circular nature of youth itself The Delights is on True Story from 1 November Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders Complete digital access to quality analysis and expert insights complemented with our award-winning Weekend Print edition Terms & Conditions apply Discover all the plans currently available in your country See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times All but two of my novels have used two narrators so it feels like a good idea to try to explain why the main characters are twins and the doubling at the heart of the story is reflected in the choice to give both sisters a voice they’re closely linked and connected despite experiencing the world in very different ways Giving both Ruby and Ash their chance to tell their version of events felt completely necessary to this story one of the most important things about writing a novel which features more than one narrator is to ensure that the narrative voices are distinctive HANDLE WITH CARE is told from the perspective of Ruby who gives birth at school with no prior knowledge of her pregnancy She’s an only child from a single parent family and battles with feeling abandoned and alone and she has a big happy family and high hopes of proving herself as an athlete but another thing which sets them apart is that Ash narrates in prose This makes it easy for the reader to differentiate between the characters – simply by looking at the page you can see who’s telling the story The use of verse for Ruby really heightens her emotional turmoil and sense of bewilderment and despair – emotions that are never far from the surface given her situation; as ever the verse form works so well to convey powerful subjective experience is more pragmatic and has a far more solid sense of her place in the world albeit one that is shaken throughout the novel there are moments towards the end of the story where Ashley’s voice takes on elements of Ruby’s as her world is also turned upside down There’s a scene when the voices begin to overlap – and this is an especially interesting possibility of the narrative style as the girls try to connect in the darkest of moments Using multiple narrators allows both writer and reader to really appreciate how we don’t see the world through a single lens; to recognise that each person has a different experience and acknowledge how vital it is not to become narrow in view One of my favourite YA novels featuring this narrative approach is Sarah Crossan’s and Brian Conaghan’s beautiful verse novel and I think the technique works perfectly for emotive stories when it’s so important to make more of the spaces and gaps in knowledge between characters This heightening of our sense of opportunities missed and tragic misunderstanding is a key feature of HANDLE WITH CARE It also allows for cliff-hangers and unanswered questions; where to leave one narrator’s story and switch over to the other is an essential part of the structure and tension of the novel which I name check in the novel is FRANKENSTEIN which famously features multiple narrators each story buried within the narrative of the one before Reading different versions of the same events allows us to see characters from the outside as well as from within and to appreciate that everyone has a story to tell Louisa Reid is the author of the YA verse novels Gloves Off Wrecked,which was selected for both the Read for Empathy collection and National Poetry Day and Activist Louisa Reid has spent most of her life reading When Louisa’s not reading she’s writing stories her favourite part of the job is sharing her love of reading and writing with her pupils Louisa lives with her family in the north-west of England and is proud to call a place near Manchester home You can find Louisa on X & Instagram @LouisaReid Handle with Care is published on 10 October 2024 | Guppy Books | £8.99 | Paperback | guppybooks.co.uk Most of the sorting was happening on the parlor level. On a side table was a porcelain Miss Piggy, wearing a flowery Sunday hat. “He did Miss Piggy’s memoir at the same time he was doing Jacobo Timerman on torture,” Tucci said. Tucci wore a black shirt dress. Lizzie was in jeans and a black T-shirt. She pushed on a bookcase, which swung open. “This is our secret bathroom,” she said. On the walls, Gottlieb had hung photos of people with their dogs. Above a door was a rendering of the Royal Family, circa 1955—floating head shots, looking at one another, in the style of “The Brady Bunch.” It faced the toilet. “Just because they’re so awful,” Tucci said. They moved to the living room. Piled-up furniture was everywhere. Lizzie performed some minor bouldering to reach a box. “Letters from camp,” she said. “He somehow got the Times delivered.” Gottlieb made one camp friend, Eddie—E. L. Doctorow, it turned out. They read together in the cabin and avoided the lake. “I’m not leaving you—I’m spending the day at the beach.”Cartoon by Ali SolomonCopy link to cartoonCopy link to cartoonLink copied Julia Child—“I think I got ambitious and made a soufflé,” Tucci said “When Nora Ephron was breaking up with Carl Bern­stein and I had to stand there like a Sicilian vendetta queen.” the house had once belonged to the journalist Dorothy Thompson in the family’s Washington Heights apartment—Camus “Saul Steinberg sat me down in the corner and said to me there are people who are like crystal balls Niccolò once took her to meet Albert Einstein “I was so broken up about it that to cheer me up he played me a song on the violin.” She and Lizzie weren’t sure how they would sift through everything There was stuff everywhere: antique postcards (“I dreamed I was a lady editor in my Maidenform bra.”) “Sometimes I get overwhelmed,” Lizzie said He delighted in the fact that people had made strange Some of them were beautiful because he saw the beauty in them.” Tucci came down the stairs with more things looking for a mechanical pet designed for dementia patients; Gottlieb had once requested it for Christmas “We named it Leslie Silverpaws,” she explained A long-ago crime, suddenly remembered A limousine driver watches her passengers transform The day Muhammad Ali punched me What is it like to be keenly intelligent but deeply alienated from simple emotions? Temple Grandin knows The harsh realm of “gentle parenting.”  Retirement the Margaritaville way Fiction by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “Thank You for the Light.”  Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive the best stories from The New Yorker. spend "A Year in Provence," but I'm thinking a year in Nouvelle-Aquitaine I wouldn't recommend beginning the trip during a dry January or sober October though: it's the province where grapes used to produce Bordeaux and Saint Emilion wines as well as cognac are grown There are plenty of reasons beyond vineyard tastings that make a trip to the region worthwhile Starting in the city of Bordeaux itself, orientation should begin with a half-day bicycle tour with Bruno Beurrier. He's the go-to guide for the city's five-star hotels. (I stayed at the friendly, intimate Villas Foch, but he's also kept busy by guests at the larger InterContinental.) with distinctive grooming and wardrobe; he rides a bicycle once owned by his grandfather providing expert and entertaining commentary the place to go for the city's best caneles a distinctive local mini-rum cake with a chewy Although there are plenty of opportunities to have classic and nouvelle French food in Bordeaux a post-ride lunch (or dinner) at Morimoto's restaurant in the Mondrian hotel is recommended but guests should be sure to begin with pizza au thon; that's tuna pizza unlike any pizza At least a half-day should be spent at La Cite du Vin multistory building that suggests wine being swirled in a glass it doesn't focus specifically on the wines of Bordeaux; they're well-represented augmented reality and other cutting-edge technologies to interpret the history of wine in entertaining ways The ticket price also includes a glass of wine at its top floor You may have come across similar immersive exhibit halls that display art by projecting and animating classic images; I've now seen them in London the venue itself adds considerable interest: It's a decommissioned World War II-era submarine base and the holding tanks where the subs hid and were repaired now reflect the artwork illuminated on the walls "From Vermeer to Van Gogh," will be there through 2024 Sunset dinner cruises on the Garonne River are a great way to end an evening offering waterside perspectives of La Cite du Vin and other examples of Bordeaux's distinctive architecture and the village itself is picture-book charming if not a bit commercialized (there are 58 wine shops in a town of 1,800 residents) Perhaps its most unique feature is a vast underground It is one of 14 Unesco World Heritage sites in Nouvelle-Aquitaine The setting and interior design are beautiful and the art is unique: The property is owned by the heirs of the Bic pen fortune which has more white grapes under cultivation than any other appellation in France One can visit relatively small operations like Chateau Montifaud which is run by a sixth generation of owners; the Chateau Royal de Cognac in a 10th-century fortress overlooking the Charente River; or the very modern Remy Martin House whose entertaining tour showcases the brand's dazzling packaging (and prices) It's an homage to both fine cognac and the power of luxury marketing I stayed one night at the five-star La Nauve Hotel & Jardin a boutique Relais & Chateaux property with as might be expected at an R&C property an excellent restaurant but also 12 acres of lovely grounds with water features and gardens and a boat to bring guests a mile upriver to the town of Cognac a larger property within walking distance of Remy Martin House that has a Michelin-starred restaurant and all the features one would expect in a modern spa But despite the luxury touches and pampering during much of my time in Nouvelle-Aquitaine perhaps the most enduring memory was on my final day He makes canoes and rents them out as well as offers guided bicycle tours While he inspired me to one day ride the 185 miles of bike paths along the Charente River which runs mostly through Nouvelle-Aquitaine I was happy enough to spend a morning cycling with him through the vineyards of Cognac stopping at an abandoned abbey and an ancient megalithic tomb I had worked up an appetite and had a final lunch (and cognac) at Restaurant du Chateau across the street from the Courvoisier House in the town of Jarnac drink and landscape in many parts of the world seem to fit together but only in a few places do all three hit the high mark for presentation taste and beauty and offer unique attractions between meals It is calming and meditative – but more and more paddleboarders are needing to be rescued Here is how to enjoy the water while staying safe but the enjoyment lasted all of seven minutes She had won a competition for a free session at Maidens beach in Ayrshire and set off cautiously while her two teenage children and the instructor watched from the shore she was attempting to stand up on the board “The wind really picked up – and the rain.” She found herself quickly drifting out to sea she could feel herself being blown away faster “I thought: ‘This is getting really bad.’ I just had to keep myself centred on the board and stay upright “I think my prayers were answered and somebody was looking over me My kids need their mum.’ That kept me focused.” Also “I hadn’t seen the last Line of Duty and I really wanted to watch that so in my head I was like: ‘You’re not going before that.’” The instructor had alerted the Coastguard; Muirhead heard a helicopter approach then a lifeboat operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) appeared exhausted and emotional at the sight of help after 40 minutes out at sea I’m for ever in their debt for saving my life and for ever grateful.” (Later she raised more than £1,000 for the charity.) Safely back on land and unharmed except for blisters on her hands from paddling so hard Muirhead felt “amazing”: “Just knowing that you’re alive and that was not my day to go.” ‘I was like: “You’re not dying today My kids need their mum”’ … Pamela Muirhead on the day she was rescued by the RNLILast week the RNLI reported that the number of launches to paddleboarders had nearly tripled in five years “Forty per cent of our lifeboat call-outs to stand-up paddleboarders were because of offshore winds and currents,” says Sam Hughes the national water safety partner at the RNLI “People are getting caught out in conditions that maybe they weren’t expecting Offshore winds blow from the land out to sea and they can be hard to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for It can look beautifully calm and the ideal time to go paddleboarding it becomes incredibly difficult to return to shore.” it’s because there are more paddleboarders superyacht and small commercial marine industry found that 3 million people took part at least one or two times in 2022 Muirhead still likes the idea of the sport – the serene images of people gliding through still waters perhaps with a child or dog on board – but isn’t about to give it another go Many paddleboarders stress that this is exactly what the activity is like on a good day the car park by the River Medway in Tonbridge is buzzing with the drone of electric pumps as more than a dozen people pump up their stand-up paddleboards (Sups) I have joined them for their fortnightly cocktail evening Fifteen of us slip into the water for a paddle before stopping at a riverside bar for drinks It is not without drama – one woman falls in and a passing kayaker capsizes and has to be helped by our leader Julie – but it’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours Oak trees shade the river and we paddle behind a flight of dragonflies has seen lots of kingfishers and a water snake Michelle took up the sport 14 years ago to help with her mental health Her anxiety had become so bad that she could barely leave the house but paddleboarding with a group helped her get out likes it because it’s a couple of calming hours to herself: “It just helps my brain turn off that mental chatter.” I enjoy it for the same reason – being on the water is calming and meditative I love spotting riverside creatures and peering into narrowboats while concentrating on staying balanced and moving forwards means it’s hard to think about much else Emine Saner (second from left in a red lifejacket) joins the Epic Life paddleboarding group for a cocktail evening in KentPaddleboarding numbers began to soar during the pandemic the director of recreation and development at Paddle UK “Our membership rose from 32,000 to 90,000 in an 18-month period,” he says paddleboarding is easy to learn; you can be travelling through water within a few minutes Hiring a paddleboard costs from £25 an hour and most rental companies insist people have had previous Sup experience I’ve seen more kingfishers while stand-up paddleboarding than I ever have while in a kayak.” He takes his young son out whether you want to have time on your own or have fun with it.” You can race or surf; fish from the boards; some people even do yoga a divisional commander of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Falmouth dolphins and all manner of jellyfish while out on his paddleboard “To be able to go over the top of a reef and look at what’s underneath is incredible I love that you’re out in a marine environment just to be able to focus on the exercise in the moment “But you want them to be able to do it safely,” he says particularly when the water looks flat because it’s blowing offshore then get blown or assisted out to sea and find themselves struggling when they look to return.” A Sup is “essentially a large inflatable – it can be quite difficult to paddle back into heavy winds” So is a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch tucked into a buoyancy aid or in a pocket,” says Hughes “We find people put it in their dry bag at the front of the board they can’t call for help.” The advice is to go with other people and tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back currents and local dangers can be difficult to get to grips with so Pooley advises asking a local – a lifeguard or a water sports hire centre – for advice The weather in the UK can be unpredictable and extreme he says: “Heavy downpours can make rivers flood quite quickly The leashes that tether you to a Sup can be lifesaving – but there are different requirements a standard ankle leash should be fine (although there has been at least one tragic incident where a paddleboarder became tangled with a buoy and couldn’t release their leash) should wear a quick-release belt,” says Pooley we’ve had several fatalities because people haven’t been able to release their leash.” In whitewater although beginners are unlikely to be taking to the rapids Nobody intends to fall off their board – tell that to Ed Davey – but if you do, knowing how to survive is important and the RNLI’s “Float to Live” campaign is a good place to start Cold water triggers a gasping response and you can easily inhale a lethal amount of water – about a litre and a half – within seconds if you can’t keep your airways clear “We know that about 60% of those who die going into cold water die in the first minute or so either from an inability to hold their breath as waves break over their face a professor of human and applied physiology at the University of Portsmouth calling for help and trying to swim – panicking essentially – “is just about the worst thing to do at a time when your breathing is out of control It’s about knowing that you’re going to have a gasp response knowing that this response disappears after about a minute,” says Tipton Another potential problem of sudden cold-water immersion is an increase in heart rate and blood pressure; those with underlying health conditions are at risk of “some form of cardiac event” Ed Davey comes off his board at Lake Windermere in May during the general election campaign for the Liberal Democrats Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty ImagesIn cold water “There’s no situation in which you’re better off than on even if you can only lay across the board,” says Tipton haul yourself back on your board and find your mobile phone “You’ll see things such as grip strength reduce while speed of movement and manual dexterity are impaired.” In summer temperatures in British waters you may start to see that within 10 or 20 minutes hypothermia is unlikely to be fast – at 15C an average person has a 50% chance of surviving for up to six hours the lifeboat crew at Hope Cove in Devon were so busy that they stayed out at sea for several hours “It felt beautifully calm onshore,” says James Richards Once you get just a little way off the shoreline After they had escorted a couple of paddleboarders back to safety they went out to a popular Sup and kayak spot A lot of people were unaware of the situation they were in oblivious to the dangers.” The crew were on the scene for more than two hours shepherding about 20 Sups back to shore and encouraging others to turn around and head back the team rescued two teenage paddleboarders in difficulty alongside a man who had called 999 but he then put himself at a degree of risk So the number of rescues goes up from two to three,” says Richards He repeats the advice to check conditions before going out looked at the weather and went: ‘We’ll get called today.’” with the sky starting to darken after cocktails and conversation limbs nicely tired and minds as calm as the gentle river Jason Chau selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter This article is part of FT Globetrotter’s guide to Hong Kong While Hong Kong has seen momentous changes since the handover in 1997 the blend of British and Chinese cultures is ingrained in the city’s DNA The local identity is neither British nor Chinese Few things symbolise Hong Kong’s fusion of flavours more than the local diners known as cha chaan tengs These humble cafés serve a mix of western imports — French toast is popular — alongside Chinese dishes such as salted fish and chicken fried rice and a wide array of local inventions combining the two that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else such as the ubiquitous macaroni and ham soup They are also characterised by their efficient chaotic atmosphere — typical attributes of Hong Kong life where every minute is precious and counted The predecessor of the cha chaan teng is the bing sutt they were places to enjoy chilled refreshments their popularity largely attributed to the influx of western expats The cha chaan teng was a product of that growing demand offering an affordable alternative to the more opulent cuisine of the British colonial rulers the cha chaan teng is where blue-collar workers share tables with bankers and lawyers Its fare has become what a full English is in England or a hamburger in the US: comfort food for the masses I revisited a few of my favourite cha chaan tengs Some were iconic eateries and old haunts when I was growing up All are unique and delicious in their own ways the house signature for more than 70 years and easily one of the best in town  Not so good for: Those looking for a more neighbourly cha chaan teng experience but it is also often packed with tourists and getting a table may be a challenge Prices: HK$60-$120 ($7.70/£6–$15.40/£12) a meal an import from nearby Macau derived from Portuguese bifanas Website; Directions Lan Fong Yuen’s French toast Preparing ‘silk stocking’ milk tea It’s hard to talk about cha chaan tengs without mentioning what is arguably the most famous of them all: Lan Fong Yuen Situated on one of the steep hillside lanes in Central it opened in 1952 and is the oldest tea restaurant around today long queues are to be expected at almost any time of day The first thing you see is a rather dilapidated shack blocking the entrance where waiters are busy pouring cans of evaporated and condensed milk into cups of black tea What sets Hong Kong-style milk tea apart is its unique brewing method: black tea is repeatedly filtered through a stocking-like cloth bag up to eight times As the owner Lam Chun-chung says: “Making milk tea is a profession.” ‘Arguably the most famous cha chaan teng’: Lan Fong Yuen I visited on a swelteringly hot April day but could not resist ordering the French toast: a cha chaan teng classic deep fried and covered with a fat slab of melting butter Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside which Lan Fong Yuen claims to have invented milk and sugar is a perfect breakfast pick-me-up Good for: Those looking for an old-school cha chaan teng Eating outdoors at Bing Kee in the summer can be a sweltering experience  Website; Directions Bing Kee dates back to the 1950s I grew up in the Tai Hang district so naturally it holds a very dear place in my heart I walk along the neighbourhood’s narrow streets looking for a hearty meal that brings me a feeling of home While the area is experiencing a gentrification-led resurgence with new construction under way and the arrival of independent cafés and wine bars Bing Kee has withstood the test of time for some 70 years food is prepared in a tin shack and brought out to tables that fill the alleyways lined up against old and sometimes decaying buildings slurping down Bing Kee’s signature pork ramen and drinking lemon or milk tea (among the best in town) a distinctly Cantonese delicacy that was a pungent and savoury reminder of home I paired the noodles with a peanut butter and condensed-milk toast another cha chaan teng staple and a personal favourite Good for: A local feel (it’s almost exclusively frequented by Hongkongers) in an very convenient and central location Not so good for: A traditional dining experience FYI: Soul Kitchen offers a wider variety of dishes than its more traditional counterparts. Its creative offerings include scallion-oil-stirred instant noodles with chicken leg in Swiss sauce Website; Directions ‘A regular stop when I’m in Hong Kong’: Soul Kitchen Not far from Tai Hang is Causeway Bay the premier shopping district in Hong Kong Hidden between colossal malls and towering skyscrapers is Soul Kitchen a modern-style cha chaan teng that opened just a few years ago This is as local as it gets — well liked by Hongkongers in the know It has become a regular stop for me whenever I am in the city Soul Kitchen’s take on tea-restaurant staples such as scrambled eggs (seen here with a glass of red bean ice)  have made it particularly popular with Hongkongers Soul Kitchen has won acclaim for its dish of scrambled eggs with XO sauce rice It’s an ingenious combination of a Chinese way of preparing protein with a western topping To the rich and creamy scrambled egg the chefs add prawns an ample dose of sweet soy sauce and a scoop of XO sauce umami-flavoured chilli paste made from dried shrimps it’s a delight to behold and a sensation to savour light rock-sugar syrup and evaporated milk But Soul Kitchen is also an excellent place to observe a cross-section of Hong Kong society all that is relevant is the food before us that we grew up loving Waso’s pineapple bun is a typical snack for an office break Not so good for: Patient and friendly service and has multiple locations across Hong Kong island Website; Directions Waso Cafe is a good spot for afternoon tea  Waso’s pineapple bun with pork chop Waso Cafe is a popular stop for cha chaan teng enthusiasts in the bustling neighbourhood of Wan Chai where there is a high concentration of similar venues Locals descend here for its star offering: pineapple buns they are soft on the bottom but crunchy on top Diners love to slather them with cold butter which the bread’s warmth slowly melts away Adding a pork chop or ham is another option ‘Perhaps most typifies the Hong Kong I call home’: Waso Cafe But it’s not all about the buns Waso also does tasty rice and noodle dishes including pork barbecue with sunny-side-up rice Waso is a good representation of Hong Kong at its most unvarnished In a city constantly evolving and adapting it perhaps most typifies the Hong Kong that I call home Do you have a favourite cha chaan teng in Hong Kong? Tell us in the comments below. And follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter our insider guides to some of the world’s greatest cities offers expert advice on eating and drinking Broadway Off-Broadway Off-Off Broadway Cabaret Dance Opera Classical Music Nashville Minneapolis / St. Paul Connecticut Atlanta Chicago Los Angeles WEST END UK Regional Canada Australia / New Zealand Europe Asia Latin America Africa / Middle East TV/Movies Music Once Upon A Mattress is playing at the Hudson Theatre through November 30 Broadway star and SNL alum Ana Gasteyer recently stopped by Good Morning America to discuss the new production of Once Upon A Mattress The actress recalled joining the production because it would be a "guaranteed joyride...I just knew it was going to be fun and ridiculous There's nothing deep or complicated about it," she said with a laugh She went on to talk about her role as the "mean terrible" Queen Aggravain who "yells at everybody," highlighting how fun it is to play evil opposite Sutton Foster's Princess Winnifred She notes that this role is different from other stage roles she has played in the past, at least vocally. "I have one number in this. I've done other shows where I've sung the whole show. I was Elphaba in Wicked, for example, where your whole life is you live like a nun and constantly warming up. This is more like going and irritating people in their dressing rooms," she says of her playful friendship with her co-star Brooks Ashmanskas Once Upon A Mattress began previews on Broadway on Wednesday for the limited engagement through November 30 Madeline Ashton is the most beautiful actress (just ask her) ever to grace the stage and screen Helen Sharp is the long-suffering author (just ask her) who lives in her shadow They have always been the best of frenemies… until Madeline steals Helen’s fiancé away As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn a mysterious woman with a secret that’s to die for Madeline and Helen begin a new era of life (and death) with their youth and beauty restored…and a grudge to last eternity Performers included: Amanda LaMotte ('Times Are hard for Dreamers') Wendi Bergamini ('Days and days') and Taylor Marie Daniel ('Gimme Gimme')) The evening will also feature performance by up and comers Reese Burke ('Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat') and Mya Dorfman ('Come to Your Senses') watch as Ben breaks down Lorin Latarro's choreography for Broadway's Once Upon a Mattress with the help of dance captain Sarah Michele Lindsey and assistant dance captain Wendi Bergamini and exclusive discounts on tickets to your favorite shows © 2025 - Copyright Wisdom Digital Media, all rights reserved. Privacy Policy Marina Hyde finds that those provoking the race riots are far far away; the dead hang delight – how this quick surprisingly simple exercise can change your life; and ‘A bolt of lightning struck my plane’ – one woman’s incredible story of survival A new flavour from Lakrids is so good it must be shared Little did I know that I would find myself in Leeds and all its glory so frequently in the future My life revolved around London where we lived the occasional Bedford jaunt where one uncle lived and The wilds and wonders of the UK were little known to me and I had yet to discover how fabulous Leeds was This time, I brought a little bit of Copenhagen with me to Leeds. I visited the Lakrids factory two winters ago and this is not my first time writing about this Danish brand. But they’ve just launched a new flavour called Milk and Honey Milk and Honey is the newest addition to its Organic Slow Crafted Liquorice range When I toured the factory I was given a chunk of the slow-crafted stuff and I couldn’t let go of it but the sort of chew a woman with fillings can enjoy Anyway Milk and Honey look for all the world like Malteser balls, but this is honey-infused liquorice covered in milk chocolate. It is probably not like any liquorice you’ve ever tasted, but I’ve yet to give it to someone who did not like it (Lakrids are very popular in Chocolate Club even with liquorice deniers.) Think toffee/fudgy and you’ve got it Follow Annalisa on X @AnnalisaB This is the archive of The Observer up until 21/04/2025 The Observer is now owned and operated by Tortoise Media are a journey between tradition and modernity a must-have that reveals impeccable execution unctuous almond cream spiked with almond milk syrup punctuated by the crunch of crushed almonds and it's easy to see why their customers make it their preferred choice a real pleasure for lovers of refined simplicity Ginko offers a marbled almond and black sesame galette a novelty that reflects the creativity of the two chefs the sweetness of frangipane is sublimated by the roasted notes of black sesame bringing unexpected depth and a unique interplay of flavors 37 € for 5/6 people or 6.50 € per slice: a sound investment to discover a subtle balance between innovation and tradition Each galette conceals a hand-crafted bean designed by the talented Angela LY Handmade in her Parisian workshop in the 17th arrondissement personal touch to every tasting experience Since setting up shop on rue des Alouettes in 2022 Sayo and Othman have been making the heart of Buttes-Chaumont beat faster with their creations Ginko is a manifesto for reinventing traditions with respect and audacity Refer your establishment, click herePromote your event, click here The opening title track is a really extraordinary mix of 70s MOR with the kind of perverse phrasing in both singing and songwriting that has always made Deal’s sound stand out a mile The vibe continues on the wonderfully weird “Coast” which mixes Mariachi horns explicit nods to Pixies’ “Here Comes Your Man” uncanny use of language and Deal’s voice in wonderful form Then it starts fracturing: there are fantastically experiemental indie rock-outs much closer to the classic Pixies / Breeders feel – the spiky “Crystal Breath” the hypno-noise of “Big Ben Beat” (which feels like an epic even at under four minutes) the inspirationally cranky “Disobedience” and the dissociative miniature “Bats in the Afternoon Sky” stand out – which weave in and out of the more classic and benevolent-sounding songwriting The only issue here is that after an astonishing start and ends with a bit of a fizzle in “A Good Time Pushed” All the evidence suggests she’s someone happy to take her sweet time though and there’s enough here to believe she’ll get there sooner rather than later @joemuggs.bsky.social More information about text formats We urgently need financing to survive. Our fundraising drive has thus far raised £33,000 but we need to reach £100,000 or we will be forced to close. Please contribute here: https://gofund.me/c3f6033d And if you can forward this information to anyone who might assist Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com For unlimited access to every article in its entirety including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year To take a subscription now simply click here. And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription Get a weekly digest of our critical highlights in your inbox each Thursday Simply enter your email address in the box below View previous newsletters Posted in: Comics, Current News | Tagged: , Alan Moore talks about both the dangers and the delights of comics fandom When Bleeding Cool revealed the name of the second of Alan Moore's Long London novels we stated "Then there will be the inevitable Guardian article about Alan Moore and superheroes and plenty of the usual kinds of headlines that will spill out." And this weekend with an opinion piece by Alan Moore in the Guardian headed (out of the control of the author) "'Fandom has toxified the world': Watchmen author Alan Moore on superheroes I ventured my opinion that the adult multitudes queueing for superhero movies were potentially an indicator of emotional arrest which could have worrying political and social implications Donald Trump and fascist populism hadn't happened yet my evidently crazy diatribe was largely met with outrage from the fan community some of whom angrily demanded I be extradited to the US and made to stand trial for my crimes against superhumanity – which I felt didn't necessarily disprove my allegations." let me make my position clear: I believe that fandom is a wonderful and vital organ of contemporary culture without which that culture ultimately stagnates I'm sure that fandom is sometimes a grotesque blight that poisons the society surrounding it with its mean-spirited obsessions and ridiculous He also adds his earliest experiences with sixties comics fandom taking the trip from Northampton to London aged 14 I thus became a comics fan with my discovery of British fandom which was then still gummy-eyed and fresh out of the egg in the basement rooms of a Southampton Row hotel in 1969 The attenders barely totalled a three-digit number almost all of them some few years short of legal drinking age having no monetary interest in a handful of penniless teenagers and the only industry celebrity that I recall was the sublime and sweetly unassuming genius Frank Bellamy passing Dan Dare or Garth originals around appearing wonderstruck that anyone had heard of him The only thing uniting the assembly was its passion for an undervalued storytelling medium and the consensus verdict of the gathered 15-year-old cognoscenti was that costumed musclemen were the main obstacle preventing adult audiences from taking comics seriously." was best known for his groundbreaking work on the weekly Eagle comic He also drew Thunderbirds for the weekly comic TV Century 21 and the sci-fi action adventure newspaper strip Garth for the Daily Mirror from 1971 until his death in 1976 But he also described a scene which wasn't so different from the London scene I first discovered in the eighties at a similar age marvellous array of poetry or music fanzines that were the material fabric of that era's counterculture; flimsy pamphlets as important and innovative today as they were then it was around the time I discovered the UKCAC shows in Bloomsbury that Alan Moore swore off conventions after being pursued for an autograph under the toilet stall door  "I detected the beginnings of a tendency to fetishise a work's creator rather than simply appreciate the work itself as if artists and writers were themselves part of the costumed entertainment Never having sought a pop celebrity relationship with readers I withdrew by stages from the social side of comics I'd love to hear Alan talk more about his disconnect from himself and the pop culture caricature of him which I have found lacking in the few moments I've met the man by a nostalgia that its energetic predecessor was too young to suffer from And while the vulgar comic story was originally proffered solely to the working classes soaring retail prices had precluded any audience save the more affluent; had gentrified a previously bustling and lively cultural slum neighbourhood This boost in fandom's age and status possibly explains its current sense of privilege its tendency to carp and cavil rather than contribute or create but have gained the impression that this reflexive belligerence – most usually from middle-aged white male conservatives – is now a part of many fan communities My 14-year-old grandson tells me older Pokémon aficionados can display the same febrile disgruntlement Is this a case of those unwilling to outgrow childhood enthusiasms possibly because these anchor them to happier and less complex times who now feel they should be sole arbiters of their pursuit?" The Great When: A Long London Novel Hardcover – Bloomsbury USA. From the New York Times bestselling author and legendary storyteller Alan Moore the first book in an enthralling new fantasy series about murder and madness in post-WWII London. Dennis Knuckleyard is a hapless eighteen-year-old who works and lives in a second-hand bookstore should not exist. A London Walk by Rev Thomas Hampole is a fictitious book that appears in a real novel by another author Yet A London Walk is physically there in his hands Coffin Ada tells Dennis the book comes from the other London epochs blend and realities and unrealities blur while concepts such as Crime and Poetry are incarnated as wondrous and terrible beings if he does not return the book to this other London So begins Dennis' adventure in Long London Delving deep into the city's occult underbelly and tarrying with an eccentric cast of sorcerers Dennis finds himself at the center of an explosive series of events that may endanger both Londons and magnificently imagined, The Great When is an unforgettable introduction to the consciousness-altering world of Long London The Great When: A Long London Novel Hardcover –Bloomsbury UK A dark and beguiling tour through the streets of a magical London by the Sunday Times bestselling master of modern fantasy Dennis Knuckleyard is a hapless eighteen-year-old who works and lives in a second-hand bookstore Dennis discovers that one of them does not exist yet it is physically there in his hands nonetheless a dark and magical version of the city that is beyond time If Dennis does not take this book back to the other London So begins a journey delving deep into the city's occult underbelly and tarrying with an eccentric cast of sorcerers many of whom have their own nefarious intentions Soon Dennis finds himself at the center of an explosive series of events that may alter and endanger both Londons The Great When is Moore's most imaginative work yet and the first in the fantastic new Long London series Credit: Ron Batzdorff/NBCAudiences love a hard-hitting complex show with movie stars and big-name directors the prestigious miniseries has started to wane Part of that is due to a contraction in the industry and part of that is a resurgence of the procedural format They’re week-to-week with episodic plotlines and the drawcard that keeps you coming back for more is not the story so much as the characters Get the first look at the digital newspaper curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“There is something comforting about having a procedural on in the house because you’re familiar with the characters, and just hearing that in the house can sometimes just make you feel a little less lonely perhaps,” actor Josh Lawson told The Nightly. Lawson is one of the stars of St Denis Medical, an American hospital comedy that premiered in the US late last year and has already been rubber stamped for a second season. The series comes from Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin and features an ensemble cast that also includes sitcom legends David Allen Grier and Wendi McLendon-Covey, as well as Allison Tolman, Mekki Leeper and Kaliko Kauahi. St Denis Medical is streaming on 7plus. Credit: Danny Ventrella/NBCSpitzer was the creator of Superstore and St Denis Medical shares a lot of that DNA — a workplace comedy with lovable kooks, hijinks and light-hearted conflict. It follows in the mockumentary tradition of The Office US, Parks and Recreation and Abbott Elementary. Lawson had a recurring role on Superstore, while Kauahi and St Denis recurring star Nico Santos are also alumni, so it’s a world he understands well. He gets that his character, a cocky doctor named Bruce, has to walk the fine line between arrogance and unlikability. It’s important he can switch from pranking one of his colleagues by buying up their favourite chocolate bar and then launch straight into a life-saving operation. “The character is egotistical and arrogant, and it could very easily be an unlikeable character,” Lawson explained. “But he should never be deliberately mean to anyone. It should be because he’s clueless. There were some times when the lines would come out and I’ll say, ‘Look, we can’t make Bruce unlikeable, he should definitely be stupid at times, clueless, socially dumb and focused on himself, but he should always intend to be good’.” That’s the secret sauce in any procedural show, which used to be the lifeblood of American TV. Lawson with David Allen Grier on St Denis Medical. Credit: Ron Batzdorff/NBCWhen Lawson moved to Los Angeles for the first time in 2008, the holy grail was to land a broadcast network TV show. They tend to run for 20 to 24 episodes over a year and they often went for five, six or seven seasons. Not long after, streamers disrupted the market and everything changed. “But I’ve got to say, I love being on a network show because it gives you the chance to build a friendship and a work family. In this industry, that doesn’t happen all the time. Often you do a job and then you never see them again. “So, it’s great that I love everyone (at St Denis). The industry has had its ups and downs in the last few years with the strikes and stuff, so you really felt on this set how grateful everyone was to have a job.” Working alongside the likes of Grier is a particular delight. “I was a big fan of In Living Colour when I was a kid, so I’ve been watching his stuff since I started watching television. To act alongside people like him, Wendi and Allison, they’re such generous people. “You, pretty quickly, stop feeling like you’re acting with an icon because they just make you feel like you’re acting with a colleague.” The ensemble cast of St Denis Medical. Credit: NBCMcLendon-Covey is one of the best improvisers Lawson has ever worked with. He said they’ll always do a version of what’s in the script but the filmmakers will let them play around and see if they can’t find some jokes on the day. Lawson’s own improv background includes his stints on Thank God You’re Here but also time with American troupes The Groundlings and The Second City. Being able to stretch those muscles again is a great gift. “When you’re improvising with expert improvisers, it’s something pretty special. You never feel like you’re going to fall on your face because a good improviser will always catch you, no matter how crazy or dumb my idea is. Somebody great will turn that into something amazing,” he said. But more than comedy chops, what he’s taken from his co-stars is the importance of being a good colleague on set. “The industry has in the past 10 years had a big spotlight on it for bad behaviour,” he explained. “I’m seeing a lot less, if any, of that diva behaviour because we realise now we can be easily replaced. “Work is not guaranteed, so when you look at the top dogs on a set, I’m constantly seeing kindness, generosity and gratitude. The lesson from that is you can be extremely talented, you can be at the top of your game, and that doesn’t mean you don’t have to be nice to people.” That only adds to the warm-and-fuzzy familiarity of a procedural, if you know that the work family on screen is also a work family behind-the-scenes. Latest EditionEdition Edition 6 May 20256 May 2025Will the last person to leave the Liberals please turn out the lights it's always road trip season for many Minnesotans There is a 'world' famous halfway there stop right off I-35 you'll see the signs I promise has been filling up weary travelers since 1948 and it appears that the legend of Tobies only continues to grow but also a restaurant and tavern it also has a gas station adjacent to the store for those looking to grab and get back on the interstate to continue their trip up to the North Shore or back to the Cities from a fun weekend 'up North' On top of the delicious cinnamon rolls that are baked fresh daily inside the bakery Tobies is also known for an international delight according to Andrej's Potica's website, "is an original Slovak recipe handed down within the Gadzo family we have been wrapping moist walnut (or poppy seed) filling into thinly-rolled sweet bread and then baking until it’s soft and rich." ^^Sounds like a Kolacky to this former resident of the Kolacky Capital of the World^^ the next time you are heading North or South and head back out on the road to continue your adventure (pro-tip make sure you've got some napkins on hand so you don't get your car all sugary from the icing.) Get more details on Tobies, including their phone number here. Gallery Credit: Image Credit: Gregg Larsen Coldwell Banker Realty Now that you know more about Tobies, the next time you are heading North or South, and you see the signs along I-35, take 15 minutes to stretch your legs, grab a cinnamon roll, and head back out on the road to continue your adventure, you won't regret it.\nRead More Get more details on Tobies, including their phone number here. Black Friday is fast eclipsing Boxing Day as the key time for retail sales in Australia.  But is Black Friday a genuine opportunity to take advantage of discounts or are we the ones being taken advantage of? Paul Harrison, Chair of Consumer Behaviour, Department of Marketing, Deakin Business School Australians are tipped to spend more than $6 billion on Black Friday bargains, providing a boost to retailers grappling with a slow year of sales. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)  Published: 13 Dec 2024Fri 13 Dec 2024 at 6:00am Published: 13 Dec 2024Fri 13 Dec 2024 at 5:15am Published: 13 Dec 2024Fri 13 Dec 2024 at 5:40am Download the ABC listen app to text and call your favourite live radio Access to a range of accounts to suit your savings needs Provided by award-winning mortgage broker Tembo insight and guidance into helping your money work as hard – and stretch as far – as possible The UK's bestselling subscription magazine Find fairytale landscapes and the Prosecco the Italians keep for themselves with a trip to the home of the UK’s favourite fizz Prosecco has become something of a national religion in Britain and no doubt many glasses of it will have been raised to see in 2025 This sparkling Italian wine features on everything from birthday cards to clocks and coasters and appears to be the official drink of hen parties everywhere 130 million bottles were exported to the UK But the contrast between our perception of Prosecco and where it’s produced could not be starker The hills of the Italian Prosecco region – or to be more precise Le Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene – became a Unesco World Heritage site in 2019 covered with undulating bright green lines of vines on slopes so steep it’s a wonder anyone can get to the grapes to pick them To the north – and adding a sense of grandeur – the darker foreboding peaks of the Dolomites; to the south the plains surrounding Venice full of crumbling 16th-century Palladian mansions hilltop towns and churches with towers to rival the Campanile di San Marco is posh in a way that Prosecco the drink is not the wine snobs (and I include myself in that description) have been too harsh on Britain’s favourite bubbly Prosecco isn’t simply a cheap alternative to Champagne: it’s a different drink altogether. It’s made using the Charmat method so the alcohol is fermented in stainless steel tanks rather than the bottle which has not helped its reputation (and in truth some makers do pump it out with a short fermentation period) Luckily for me, that’s exactly what I have. First stop is in the vineyards of the Moretti Polegato family, the makers of La Gioiosa Prosecco Brand ambassador Jacopo Baghin is on hand to go over the basics of their sparkling wine production and explain why it’s so popular people preferred fuller-bodied wines,” he tells me You can drink it at any time of the day.” the wine has to be made from at least 85% Glera grapes and can be extra brut extra dry or dry according to the level of added sugar clearing up a particular area of confusion (Dry Proseccos can have 17–32g of sugar per litre Jacopo explains that the best quality bubbly, like La Gioiosa’s Prosecco DOCG Valdobbiadene Millesimato is made from grapes grown on the slopes around the towns of Valdobbiadene But the most sought-after of all is from the tiny and biodiverse Cartizze Hill perfectly positioned to get the most sunshine though its high value ensures it’s hard to find in the UK Prosecco Superiore DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) comes from one of these prestigious growing areas; Prosecco Superiore Rive is from the steepest slopes and has a specific vintage; Prosecco DOC refers to wines from the wider area; while DOC Treviso is made from grapes grown around the city Later in the week, I head to the Duca di Dolle to try fine-bubbled from Jacopo to the barman in Antica Osteria in Bassano del Grappa is that Prosecco must be served super cold sweet Prosecco in a cheap flute at a retirement do will not taste like a crisp chilled glass of DOCG brut sipped as the sun slips behind an Italian hill If you can tear yourself away from wine tasting there are watermills and villages to visit and tiramisu to eat The dessert was (allegedly) invented in Treviso where countless restaurants lay claim to the recipe Don’t leave without a visit to Bassano del Grappa (top photo) a Roman city with a covered wooden bridge that juts into the ice-blue waters of the Brenta River It’s testament to the architectural skills of Andrea Palladio that the Ponte Vecchio has been rebuilt to the same design each time it’s been destroyed A popular ritual is to take a glass from the bar of the Nardini Grappa distillery on the bridge and enjoy a few sips of the local firewater made from the leftover skins of the Prosecco grapes I defy anyone to leave without a new view of Prosecco and not for nothing has it been described as a fairytale landscape I’m no longer a wine snob – and can often be found in Waitrose searching for a bottle of bargain DOCG Saga’s 14 day Grand Tour of Italy starts in Bassano del Grappa with a free day to explore the Prosecco region if you wish Find out more  Discover premium wines from every corner of the globe with our wine club Join today and save £84 on your first case of wine Whether your perfect beach holiday is just sun one of these might be your ideal destination Jetting off to Italy’s ‘Eternal City’ We reveal the best places to visit in Rome from ancient temples to al fresco dining with a view.  A different destination every day - why a river cruise could be your perfect summer holiday and stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West Help the Central Park Conservancy keep the Park beautiful and vibrant by making a gift today As a kid growing up on New York City’s Upper West Side Not just for the possibility of a school day off—remember those?—but because a snowy day was a day filled with laughter the change of seasons means a literal change of scene Some cultures turn inward during winter, and that can be a regenerative time for reflection and rest. But as Bernd Brunner describes in Winterlust: Finding Beauty in the Fiercest Season there is still much to see and celebrate outside It’s a good time to remember that the ancient Romans chose the winter solstice to commemorate the goddess Angerona who stood by mortals in times of trial and hardship Author Bernd Brunner explores our connection to this beloved, regenerative season in his book a sweeping mediation on winter and what it means to us Florence Williams: In your book you describe the modern phenomenon of “Mediterranization,” in which we all expect to spend time in controlled indoor climates around 70 degrees Fahrenheit Winter has become a romantic abstraction at best but often we consider it to be uncomfortable and inconvenient What are we missing by disconnecting from real Bernd Brunner: Although I'm also a summer person, I would not like to live in a perpetual summer The feeling of time and of years passing would certainly change Albert Camus once wrote: “In the depth of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” I think that's a very nice motto of sorts What are some of the most magical elements of winter in your mind The moment when you can literally hear snowflakes falling, the touch of snowflakes on your skin, to exhale and see your breath when it's really cold. I used to do a lot of cross-country skiing, just this gliding over the firm snow. Children and adults alike benefit from time spent outside during the winter months When over six inches of snow falls in Central Park the Conservancy opens areas like Cedar Hill for sledding Snow seems to bring out certain smells that are already in the air like pine resin What many people perceive as "fresh" could be related to the higher degree of ionization of the air when it snows Other people connect snow with a certain color—[an example of] synesthesia or when a sensation stimulates another sensory reaction in a different part of the body even a cologne not only smells different depending on the person who uses it; it also carries different connotations and evokes different reactions Snow swallows sound just like the soft cork lining of a recording studio Acoustic waves get trapped in the air pockets and are then endlessly refracted by the branching patterns of the crystals until they all but trail off When you live in a city with traffic around you you'll notice immediately when lots of snow has fallen overnight how quiet the world is when you wake up helping to quiet this typically bustling city Well, where winters are short, it doesn't make much sense to differentiate further. The Sámi of Lapland think in terms of at least eight seasons because the different phases of winter determine their actions and are intertwined with their lives Breaking up the year like this makes more sense not only for the retreating sun but for the reindeer In Central Park and throughout New York City, you can watch squirrels, ducks, and other animals embracing the cold What are some of your favorite ways that animals adapt to extreme winter conditions it still amazes me how bears and some other mammals hibernate or are dormant during the winter Even though ice crystals form in up to two-thirds of its body and breathing stop completely when temperatures plunge it combines glucose and urea to create an antifreeze that saves it from freezing to death if it can find a thin layer of foliage to crawl under Its blood sugar skyrockets to 250 times the normal level but as soon as temperatures climb above freezing its heart and lungs begin to function once more—as if nothing had happened Is it okay or even healthy for humans to experience extremes of temperature When you spend 10 or 15 minutes in the heat and then go outside into the cold or even dive into a pool with ice-cold water otherwise this could pose severe risks to your health There are people who jog shirtless in winter or deny themselves a blanket at night to supposedly stimulate their bodies and metabolism Just as author Florence Williams recalls from her youth spent in Central Park the Park’s evergreens look magical after a snowfall How has the pandemic changed the way you're relating to nature in winter During this time, I have made swift power walks of 60 to 90 minutes in the parks a daily routine taking a walk with friends and family outside as opposed to spending time inside can also be an effective way to curb the risk of infection What are some simple ways we can find pleasure outside this winter You could think about the ways in which winter changes your immediate surroundings how this or that tree appears during the cold season and how it's still beautiful without leaves Consider how small differences in temperature and how the light—or lack of light—affects you I spent a long winter in upstate New York near Rensselaerville and was amazed by how different the ice on nearby Lake Myosotis looked every day Author Bernd Brunner says “the moment when you can literally hear snowflakes falling the touch of snowflakes on your skin” makes winter magical for him With fewer crowds and a tranquility not found in other seasons winter is an ideal time to photograph Central Park Brave the cold and visit the Park this season—no filter needed As our country continues to reckon with the historical and modern-day implications of systemic racism Finney asks her readers to consider how public spaces are affected Parks like Central Park provide a sense of community and benefit our physical and mental health but they aren’t experienced or accessed equally Florence Williams talks about the profound effect nature has on our mental health and sense of belonging we've compiled some of our favorite reads that captured how deeply we’ve needed the Park during this extraordinary year Get your free Spring Guide with hidden gems and must-do activities turkishvillagecuisine.com The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response 12 APR 2025BookmarkA look at one of the dishes on the Fresh Beats menu at Manchester's Hard Rock CafeTake a look at these treats you can feast on during a visit to Hard Rock Cafe the restaurant and bar’s new Fresh Beats menu is certainly worth travelling from Yorkshire to taste It is available throughout April with lots of delights to enjoy A Hard Rock Cafe spokesperson said: “The Fresh Beats menu combines the spirit of rock 'n' roll with fresh allowing guests to tuck into a range of delicious new dishes.” the refreshing special drinks include the Empress Hawaiian cocktail which combines Empress 1908 Indigo Gin There’s also the Chili Lime Pineapple which mixes pineapple The knowledgeable and welcoming team from Manchester’s Hard Rock Cafe kindly invited us to sample the new menu You can take a scroll below for a closer look at the highlights If you like what you see, you can book a visit here You can find the latest food and drink news in Yorkshire and nearby by visiting our What's On homepage There you can also find days out guides for things to do across the region The refreshing drinks we sip during our drink to Manchester's Hard Rock Cafe CommentsGochujang Wings (£11.95) - Topped with Korean gochujang sauce, toasted sesame seeds, green onion ranch dressing and celery CommentsStardust Wings (£11.95) - Topped with Love All Wing Dust, blue cheese crumbles, and celery CommentsA closer look at the wings you can enjoy at Hard Rock CommentsThe Empress Hawaiian cocktail cocktail comes in a striking glass CommentsMediterranean Chicken Pitta (£15.95) - Grilled chicken breast, feta cheese, shredded romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato red wine vinaigrette, olive aioli, and red onion, with a toasted naan and seasoned fries CommentsPatty Melt (£16.95) - Two smash burgers and Legendary sauce between two toasted white buns with a side of seasoned fries Find this summer's most delicious pop-ups in Sonoma County — from burgers and birria to riffs on classic Chinese cuisine Golden Steak Warriors fries with Old Bay seasoning Philly Cheesesteak from Golden Steak Warriors pop-up Slow roasted pork bo-ssam at The Casino's Half Hitch pop-up Kimchi and tofu stew with enoki mushrooms and a duck egg at The Casino's Half Hitch pop-up Food trucks may have rolled up into our hearts but tent hawkers and pop-up provisions are the next frontier in ultra-casual cuisine These creative cooks thumb their noses at tradition You’ll find them at breweries and wineries But don’t try to find them by phone or address; you’ve got to be on social media to catch them Sonoma County has finally (finally!) seen the golden light of Cheez Whiz and grilled steak on an Amoroso roll, Philly-style. This husband-and-wife team pop-up at spots like Maison Healdsburg and local wineries with their oooey, gooey noshes. instagram.com/golden_steak_warriors Though officially based in Tomales, chef Amelia Telc brings her skills to The Casino in Bodega and other Sonoma County pop-up spots frequently. Korean and Chinese cuisine strongly influence the menus of the SF Mission Chinese alum, though she’s well-versed in European standards as well. instagram.com/halfhitch_tomales An offshoot of fried chicken pop-up favorite Second Staff, this new iteration in their constantly morphing culinary adventures riffs on classic Chinese cuisine, including soup dumplings and gai-lan. Like all of their offerings, it’s usually a late-night thing, going past midnight. instagram.com/_secondstaff Deeply delicious (and messy) smash burgers, chili cheese dogs, and fries are their jam. They’re mostly a Healdsburg thing, with the BloodRoot tasting room and Molti Amici as their regular (but irregularly scheduled) haunts. instagram.com/hilo_burgers Frequently found around Healdsburg in cahoots with HILO Burgers, hip-tastic cocktail creations feel straight out of a Wes Anderson film. Otello Tiano, the former bar director at San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Lazy Bear, garnishes his Desert Disco rum/bourbon creation with a blood-orange peel in the shape of a lightning bolt. instagram.com/barsace_ A spin-off of California-Cajun favorite Bayou on the Bay with—you guessed it—burgers and birria. Chefs Bradley and Mandy sling some serious beef, using locally raised Scottish Highland cattle. Often found at breweries or outside Santa Rosa’s Session Climbing. instagram.com/bayousburgerbirria Recently I noticed a sign celebrating Nordstrom’s 45th year in Costa Mesa. This made me reflect on how much retail has changed since I was the manager of Rizzoli International Bookstore at South Coast Plaza in 1988. In some ways, it made me nostalgic. It also reminded me of how versatile South Coast Plaza is, how it moves forward, providing a satisfying experience even in this digital age. Rizzoli International Bookstore, with its emerald-green carpeting and bookshelves resembling glossy dark chocolate, is no longer in business in O.C., though its flagship still thrives on Broadway in Manhattan. In the early ’90s, Orange County might not have been on the national radar, but South Coast Plaza had clout. My store was a draw for celebrity guest authors, and I had a front-row seat to events such as Martha Stewart’s in-person celebration of a new edition of “Martha Stewart’s Quick Cook.” She drew such a throng that stanchions were set up outside for crowd control. Inside, I was by her side and busily opening her books to the front page for her to inscribe. My store also hosted an event for Julia Child around this time. When I learned that Julia would come to the store to sign the latest edition of “The Way to Cook,” I knew my New York publicity department would pull out all the stops. The plan was for me to take Julia out for dinner. A food writer from the Orange County Register wanted to be part of the dinner party, too. (Hot ticket. Not to be missed!) The place for a meal had to be close and fast, because a line of fans would snake along the front of the store. Across from the store and a few doors down was Pronto, the kind of place where you might stop for a quick bite then continue your quest for gifts or clothes. When Julia arrived at the store with her publisher’s representative, I was as smitten in her presence as any of the fans queueing up. The four of us—Julia, the publisher’s rep, the food writer, and I—traipsed from the store to the restaurant. As soon as we walked through the door, several of the diners audibly gasped and a chorus of whispers said, “It’s Julia Child!” She smiled, acknowledging the wave of recognition. We were seated and handed menus. Julia preferred to eat light. “I’ll have the minestrone,” she said in her characteristically high-pitched voice. After the meal, the manager dared to ask the celebrity diner if she had enjoyed the dish, to which Julia said, “It was delicious!” There would be no dessert, though, because we had to return to the store, passing the head of the long line as fans called out, “Julia!” That night she greatly impressed me with her gracious, personal touch, as well as her vitality—already well into her 80s and signing hundreds of copies. hosting famous authors contrasted with everyday retail rhythms: managing inventory, hiring and training staff, planning and reworking window displays. Holiday season meant a bustling store, lines at checkout, miles of green and gold wrapping paper for books that were ideal gifts. In a rather embarrassing incident, I found out South Coast Plaza has a structural superpower. I was on the phone with my supervisor in the New York office when an earthquake hit. I shrieked into the phone, “John, it’s the big one!” and hung up. He soon called back, chuckling; he knew, as I did not, that the mall is specially designed to absorb impact. We were gently rolling to what might have been a 2 on the Richter scale. Other surprising moments included the occasional stray songbird flying in. We waited until customers were gone, then turned off all the interior lights. We’d hear the bird chirp with joy then hightail it through the darkened space toward the light of the open door, like a moment of grace. The most significant event for me at South Coast Plaza happened when I was taking an early dinner break, sitting alone, catching a quick sandwich at a cafe near the carousel. The place was nearly empty. A stranger sitting on a stool nearby initiated a conversation. He happened to be carrying a new purchase, a book inside a Rizzoli bag. We chatted and exchanged business cards. We were married five years later. The bookstore is gone, but business appears to go with the flow. I’m glad to see how South Coast Plaza continues to thrive, appealing to customers’ desires. I recently learned that the concierge now provides customer assistance in more than 40 languages. Across Bear Street, in the Home Wing, storefronts brim with possibilities from home decor to dining to technology at the Apple store. One of my favorite aspects is the Bridge of Gardens. Walking across its graceful span is like a quick vacation through manicured greenery and seasonal blooms. The bird’s-eye view adds another sensory pleasure, another reason for shopping in real life. Many experiences can’t be replicated with virtual shopping: the satisfaction of hands-on browsing and incredible people-watching. And being able to try on the fashionable clothing options, of course. The next generation appears to be rediscovering vinyl records and even books with pages that turn. In this digital era, touch is old, touch is new. It’s personal. And showing up “in person,” like back when my store hosted celebrity authors, is still a powerful draw. Holiday season at South Coast Plaza stokes my retail nostalgia with a desire to be there early and often. I’ll stroll solo among fabulous decorations, then share the delight with a friend. I appreciate the effort taken for special window displays and search out perfect gifts, treating myself to the satisfaction of checking them off my list. I remain ever grateful for this magical destination. The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers When you purchase through links on our site Looking to escape the crowds in one of the most popular regions of Italy, Sophie Goodall holidays as the Romans do and explores Castelli Romani I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A fig tree, dropping with fruit, ruffles in the breeze. My guide, Federica, points and cries: “The typical Roman breakfast – focaccia, ham and fig. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty. But these figs are unlike anything you would get in England.” A vast turquoise lake stretches out below me, fringed by dark green Mediterranean pines. From my vantage point, high up in the hills, I can just make out tiny paddle boarders on the surface of the water. In the distance, the pale blue Mediterranean Sea twinkles As for the Roman breakfast – we are only a stone’s throw away from the Italian capital one of several medieval villages making up the Castelli Romani region which sits within the crater of the ancient volcano Vulcano Laziale It’s situated on the southern lip of Rome – only 22km from the city centre made accessible by a direct train service that speeds through the Lazio countryside in just under half an hour Read more on Italy travel: While the Eternal City is packed with iconic attractions and a bustling atmosphere the idea of extending my city break by a couple of days to take in calming vistas of winding hillside trails chestnut trees and quaint villages was simply too inviting With its high altitude and wide open spaces, this sunny region has its own refreshingly cool microclimate, making Castelli Romani a popular holiday destination for Romans – including several popes who once had a summer residence here in Castel Gandolfo While I’m content to meander down cobbled side streets soaking up the sunshine with a gelato in hand I soon realise there is much to discover behind the facade of these quiet villages with their deserted town squares sun-bleached buildings with wooden shutters and terracotta tiles – but it’s prettiest attraction by far is it’s vast lake at the bottom of the valley It’s a draw for holidaymakers wanting to relax by the shore but its banks serve a far greater purpose for the town The mineral-rich soil is perfect for growing tiny wild strawberries that have become synonymous with Nemi So beloved are these pint-sized fruits, residents throw a strawberry festival each year. On the first Sunday of June women don traditional costume to host parades Celebrations culminate with fireworks over the lake tells me that Castelli Romani residents have such a deep affinity with their hometowns – everyone believes theirs is the best – that each community has its own identity Neighbouring town Ariccia takes great pride in its porchetta a joint of slow-roasted pork sliced wafer-thin a rustic restaurant typical of the Castelli Romani region where I devour a platter of juicy and tender porchetta As I finish my plate, I realise how wrong I was to expect my diet in Italy to consist only of pizza and pasta Yet I was not wrong to expect plenty of wine This region’s volcanic soil isn’t just fertile for strawberries – it’s also great for growing grapes the Alban Hills protect vines from the cold while cool winds from the coast regulate hot temperatures making production high Grape pickers have a lot of ground to cover; the 72-hectare estate features 11 vineyards malvasia puntinata and cesanese are made under the Roma DOC and Lazio IGP designations and as part of my tour of the vineyard (from €35/£30pp) I’m lucky enough to sample wines made from these blends and a delicious accompaniment to bread dunked in Tenimenti Leone’s own-grown olive oil the winery was a fruit and veg farm ran by monks who stored their produce in ancient caves underground Castelli Romani is an area renowned for its ancient architecture is a shrine to the work of Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the perfect place to sit at an outdoor cafe and sip an espresso I watch villagers hop off their bicycles and stop to drink from the fountain before heading to the large church of Collegiata di S Tommaso da Villanova looming over the square it’s a marvel of white arches gilded in gold and colourful religious artworks But it’s not just these villages that bear Bernini’s work – he also turned his hand to some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks historical works of art is enough reason to book a trip to Rome but it’s true that the hot spots can become breathlessly jammed with throngs of tourists – especially during the peak summer season Visiting in spring and autumn is ideal – being sure to avoid religious holidays Shoulder season also ensures you won’t be a victim of the searing heat gripping hold of southern Europe in July and August But by following in the footsteps of Italy’s many wise popes Read more: Italy travel guide – everything you need to know before you go Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"iStock-1068642786.jpg","description":"A nice little town in the metropolitan city of Rome, on the hill overlooking the Lake Nemi, a volcanic crater lake.","caption":"Escape to a town overlooking Lake Nemi vineyards and volcanic lakes – the delights beyond Rome’s borders","description":"Looking to escape the crowds in one of the most popular regions of Italy Sophie Goodall holidays as the Romans do and explores Castelli Romani There is something about the crisp fall air that stimulates the desire to gather the last of nature’s gifts A childhood habit has become an adult one .. as I walk through the woods and marshes I lean down to gather -- feathers This scavenging makes me feel connected to the natural world As I gather these trophies I am subconsciously returning to earlier color-splashed memories while enjoying the tactile pleasures they bring Thanksgiving Day gives me the opportunity to share these curiosities with family and friends as part of the table decor There is something about Thanksgiving that makes us pull out all the stops — we want to immerse ourselves in gastronomic pleasure and the big meal hits all the zones of discovery — taste To this end we will fuss a bit more over the menu the table and the other indulgences that conjure the big feast but so is the mirth created in having everyone together Imagine everyone across our nation enjoying their turkey and feeling the thanks in their hearts pretty much in unison Thanksgiving is a delicious big deal steeped in tradition and memories in the making It’s also a throwback to olden times and the first feast of 1621 This too was no small event but lasted three days with 51 pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians turkey and assorted vegetables and wild fruit — only a slight contrast from our modern menu according to Edward Winslow’s letter found in “Mourt’s Relations: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth.” After harvesting and hunting (akin to our foraging at Market Basket Sid Wainer’s and other food suppliers) they gathered together and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit whom for three days we entertained and feasted which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor Twenty years later William Bradford would write about it in his “History of Plymouth Plantation,” describing the “great store of wild turkeys the holidays are filled with aromas and edibles galore (nothing compares to the smell of a turkey dinner) but there is also something to be said for the special touches that add festive seasonal appeal Like my attempt at a gourd and leaves inspired centerpiece with beeswax candles conjuring Colonial times which she made when she was 10 (she turns 26 on the day before the feast) will be reissued this year and new ones made for the new guests These include my future daughter-in-law and her parents who are visiting from Kathmandu and who will be bringing a native delicacy to the table Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech English teacher Sheryl Piazza is one who throws herself into the planning and decorating for holidays and I love to hear what schemes she has created It is always inspirational to see how she does it so I captured some photographs of her table in the making This year the central motif is the pumpkin and it’s added delightedly to the table she and some 25 relatives will sit down to this Thanksgiving Day “I am so blessed to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with my family and my in-laws “This is a time of year when we reflect and feel grateful for all we have and those we are able to spend the holiday season with Reflection and gratitude are what gives us strength and keeps us grounded.” Thanksgiving is a mix of many things — the all important trussed up bird and its complementary dishes; the tossing of the pigskin — whether hometown or NFL; the extravagances of the Macy’s Day parade; whatever happens to be your tradition .. and the single most important feature: celebrating the true bounty of life and giving thanks when your children's children think themselves alone in the field In all the earth there is no place dedicated to solitude At night when the streets of your cities and villages are silent and you think them deserted they will throng with the returning hosts that once filled them and still love this beautiful land...” — Chief Seattle The public is invited to kick off the holidays at Peckham’s Greenhouse Sunday The Holiday Open House will include an array of workshops including wreath-making ornament crafting and special sales on houseplants and holidays plants Children will enjoy face painting and cookies and treats Peckham’s Greenhouse Local Handmade Holiday Market will be running until Dec 24 showcasing local talent for gift-giving and decorating needs Artists are invited to come to the greenhouse open house to meet customers and promote awareness about their handicrafts To register early for any of these workshops e-mail PeckhamsGreenhouse@gmail.com Carrying the colours of owner-breeder Prince Faisal Sajir produced an impressive burst to get to the front in the 6f contest and had more than enough under Oisin Murphy to hold on from the late thrust of Grand Grey said the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot would be the desired destination for the four-year-old “We sort of had our thoughts on making him a stallion at some point over six or seven furlongs,” Voute said “Oisin said he wouldn’t be out of place in the six-furlong Group 1 at Royal Ascot as long as we can convince Andre to leave Deauville alone “If we’re going to make a baby stallion out of him There’s York [the 1895 Duke of York Stakes] to consider on the way there too but that will be for Andre to discuss with Prince Faisal.” who took the Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes in good style under David Probert The annual unraced test was won two years ago by the classy Passenger and High Stock looked a black-type prospect himself here getting up to deny front-running Spy Kingdom by a head The 11-2 winner had been mixing it with some promising types at Kingsclere "I've ridden him at home a couple of times and he's been showing promise but he was still a bit green out there although there is a strong crosswind," Probert said "He has a nice pedigree and could well get further on that." Balding and Probert later doubled up when Spanish Voice put up a remarkable front-running performance to land the 1m2f three-year-old novice The 7-2 chance was keen to get on with things from flagfall and was nearly ten lengths clear at halfway but still had enough to hold on when the challengers arrived at the death who was enjoying a second winner at the meeting said: "Spanish Voice likes to do things his way He's in the Dante but we'll have to chat to Andrew about plans." the well-backed 9-4 favourite came with a late thrust under Jason Watson to deny stablemate Bob Mali The son of Blue Point could well be on his way to the Dante meeting at York after registering his first win on turf here "We didn't have a Guineas horse to bring here to gallop this week but we like to have a runner here in Craven week and Double Rush was good," Hills said "He didn't look entirely in love with the track so we might look at somewhere like York where there is a nice three-year-old handicap." 'I've not been excited about a colt winning a trial for a long time' - Field Of Gold new 2,000 Guineas favourite after Craven rout  'There are no racing people left at France Galop' - former president hits out as French Classic prep races are combined  'The 2,000 Guineas was a pipe-dream - but he still excites me and there are plenty of nice races in his future'  Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more Published on 16 April 2025inReports Copyright © 2025 Spotlight Sports Group Limited or its licensors, all rights reserved two young men drive while “The Wellerman” plays There appears to be genuine pleasure on both of their faces “I found it both freeing and disturbing to spend time on a platform that didn’t ask me to pretend that I was on the Internet for a good reason.” began publicly performing the chanteys they once used to rhythmically haul fish out of the sea in and around Beaufort The Menhaden Chanteymen’s repertoire has elements of call-and-response gospel (and but has roots in eighteenth-century Anglican parish music) but less palatable; they spawn year-round in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic Though menhaden fishing has since been mechanized (and restricted or eradicated entirely for environmental reasons) the fish was once widely processed for use in fertilizers or as bait for catching blue crab and lobster Life is not easy for the menhaden: besides fishing trawlers The nineteenth-century ichthyologist George Brown Goode once described menhaden as inherently doomed close to the surface and at the mercy of any enemy their mission is unmistakably to be eaten.” Chanteyman: I left my baby standin’ in the back door cryin’, Honey, don’t go!Fishermen: Lawd, Lawd, don’t go! (Shouting and chatter)Chanteyman: I’d go home but ain’t got no money!Fishermen: (drawing words out) Lawd, Lawd, ain’t got no money! (Shouting and chatter)Chanteyman: To pay my way!Fishermen: Lawd. Lawd, to pa-ay my wa-ay! (Shouting and chatter). which for 70 years after its initial release was accessible only in censored form pimped out by her father since her early teens to the patrons of his small-town speakeasy follows the advice of an avuncular Nietz­sche aficionado and starts taking charge of her own (inevitable) exploitation After hopping a freight train to New York City with a friend into a job and up the ranks—shots pan up the building’s exterior to mark her rise—riding out and even capitalizing on the ensuing scandals with a husband who’s capable of admiring her savoir faire When Baby Face fell victim to the Hays Code in 1934 the most blatant cuts and alterations were not aimed at the sexual subject matter per se (without which there’d really be no plot at all): It was Nietzsche and the happy ending that got the chop—as the butchered version spelled out “there is a right way and a wrong way” to seek one’s fortune at first promises to be more like Hustlers than the movies that came before: a summer romp in which the women like themselves and one another and the audience roots for them to make off with as much cash as they can there’s little to hold these characters back—except The movie begins in the same place as its source “Y’all wanna hear a story about why me and this bitch fell out?” asks Zola “It’s kinda long but full of suspense….” Like the Twitter thread itself—which opened with four photos of Zola and the blonde in question posing together—the film has an upfront appeal based on the electricity between the two women even though we’ve already been warned that things are about to go drastically wrong lovestruck period in their friendship sets a mood for Zola that feels as if you’ve just come out of a swoon and are ready to jump back in again: The light is hazy and dreamy girl-group harmonies fill the air is waitressing at Hooters when Stefani (Riley Keough) a venturesome white customer with cornrows and an exuberant AAVE accent which are “like little apples.” They bond right away establishing that they’ve both danced in strip clubs and it’s clear they can appreciate in detail each other’s potential—erotic financial—which seems somewhat wasted on their adoring but drippy boyfriends Soon Zola is ignoring hers to lie like a teen on her bedroom floor agreeing to take an impromptu trip with her and her boyfriend and roommate to Florida and pick up a few thousand dollars stripping 25 MAR 2025BookmarkA look at the spring menu options visiting the Fourth Floor Brasserie team at Harvey Nichols LeedsThe Fourth Floor Brasserie at Harvey Nichols Leeds has some spring menu delights for diners to feast on The team have unveiled the culinary delights at the Leeds city centre venue which offers wonderful surrounding views with a Brugal Dominican 88 cocktail for £35 per person There’s also other options available to enjoy a spokesperson said: “As we set sights on the long-awaited arrival of spring the changing of seasons signals the start of new beginnings and transformations embrace bright and blossoming flavours with our new spring set menu "A collection of culinary creations encapsulating the essence of spring the delectable dishes will be accompanied by Brugal’s equally enticing Dominican 88 cocktail – a tropical fusion of sparkling wine You can find out more and book a visit here The team recently invited us to enjoy a wonderful dining experience at the Fourth Floor Brasserie at Harvey Nichols Leeds You can enjoy cocktails overlooking Leeds city centre at the Fourth Floor Brasserie at Harvey Nichols Leeds CommentsYou can enjoy a wonderful dining experience at the Fourth Floor Brasserie CommentsThe team from Harvey Nichols invited us to sample some of their dishes CommentsHarvey Nichols' Fourth Floor Brasserie serves an high quality roast dinner CommentsA look at what you enjoyed during a visit the Harvey Nichols CommentsDishes at the Fourth Floor Brasserie are very photogenic CommentsA look at the desserts we enjoyed at Harvey Nichols CommentsThe Fourth Floor Brasserie to a great spot to dine Comments"Crafted using its freshest ingredients, embrace bright and blossoming flavours with our new spring set menu" CommentsYou can enjoy Sunday lunch at the Fourth Floor Brasserie I’m ashamed to say I didn’t even know Transylvania was part of Romania before Irina Georgescu’s Carpathia landed on my doormat This article appears in the 05 May 2021 issue of the New Statesman, If not now, when? but the Chocolate movie is a delightful assortment of romance and music that’s guaranteed to satisfy your filmy cravings Chocolate movie follows the story of Vivaan a small-town boy with big dreams of becoming a famous chef Armed with his late mother’s treasured recipes and a passion for cooking he sets off to London to pursue his culinary ambitions a beautiful and ambitious dancer who shares his dream of making it big The film’s premise may sound familiar but it’s the charming execution that sets Chocolate movie apart Director Vivek Agnihotri skillfully blends the right ingredients – a talented cast and a heartwarming story – to create a cinematic treat that’s sweet One of the key ingredients in Chocolate movie’s success is its stellar cast share a crackling chemistry that’s reminiscent of classic Bollywood pairs like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol Their journey from friends to lovers is portrayed with a refreshing authenticity that makes you root for them every step of the way The supporting cast of Chocolate movie is equally impressive with veteran actors like Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan delivering memorable performances in cameo roles shines as a grumpy but lovable chef who takes Vivaan under his wing and teaches him the ropes of the culinary world No Bollywood film is complete without a catchy soundtrack and Chocolate movie doesn’t disappoint on this front Music director Pritam crafts a delightful album that perfectly captures the film’s sweet and uplifting spirit From the foot-tapping “Dil Mein Baji Guitar” to the soulful “Kyon Na Hum Tum,” each song is a treat for the ears and adds an extra layer of flavour to the film’s already rich narrative is undoubtedly “Chocolatey Chuney,” a playful and infectious number that will have you humming along long after the credits roll Picturised on Avinash Tiwary and Malavika Nair as they dance through the streets of London the song is a visual and auditory delight that perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of following your dreams and savouring life’s sweet moments In addition to its engaging story and memorable music Cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee beautifully captures the bustling streets of London and the mouthwatering dishes whipped up by Vivaan making you feel like you’re right there in the thick of the action set against the backdrop of a high-stakes cooking competition As Vivaan races against the clock to create the perfect chocolate dessert It’s a testament to the film’s ability to make you invested in its characters and their journeys If you’re looking for a feel-good film that will leave you with a smile on your face and a craving for something sweet, the Chocolate movie is the perfect pick. With its irresistible blend of romance, comedy, and music, it’s a cinematic dessert that’s hard to resist. With Airtel Xstream Internet you can download the Chocolate movie or stream it in high-quality 720p The film’s climax was shot at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London Lead actors Avinash Tiwary and Malavika Nair attended a two-week cooking crash course to prepare for their roles The movie features over 35 unique chocolate dishes all created by renowned pastry chef Pooja Dhingra Music director Pritam used actual kitchen sounds like whisking and chopping in the background score to enhance the film’s culinary theme Chocolate movie was shot entirely in London over a span of 45 days So why not gather your friends and family, stock up on some delicious snacks, and settle in for a movie night with Chocolate movie? And if you want to enhance your viewing experience even further, consider upgrading to Airtel Broadband which offers lightning-fast speeds and uninterrupted streaming so you can savour every delightful moment of this filmy treat without any buffering or lag Italy’s ‘unspoilt green heart’ is home to vineyards and some of the country’s best-preserved medieval towns You can easily drive across it from Tuscany to Le Marche in a few hours stopping off in some of the excellent restaurants and hotels you’ll pass along the way And there’s a real treat at the end – the Valnerina perhaps the most beautiful of all Umbria’s mountain valleys Perched on a huge outcrop of volcanic rock Orvieto is one of Italy’s most extraordinary towns It has an “almost mythical” quality: on misty mornings “it seems to float above the valley floor the jagged outline of the cathedral and the angular Torre del Moro rising above the rooftops” It’s worth touring the network of ancient tunnels beneath it where many locals took shelter during the fierce battles of 1944 when Orvieto “really comes alive” as local families emerge for the passeggiata and flock to Di Pasqualetti a hilltop town centred on Umbria’s finest medieval square which is “the epitome of faded grandeur” and now famed for its summer arts festival the road passes through a long tunnel and emerges in the Valnerina where the landscape feels positively Alpine you might stay at the Torre del Nera – an albergo diffuso spread across 60 houses in the “picture-perfect” village of Scheggino – and in the town of Norcia (which was tragically devastated by the earthquake of 2016) at the “luxurious” Palazzo Seneca where the restaurant has a well-deserved Michelin star From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox Sign up for the Travel newsletter for destination inspiration and the latest news and trends A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com By Sam Lubell The destruction of McKim, Mead & White’s Pennsylvania Station in 1963 was a crime not just against a beloved piece of architecture, but against the idea of the city itself. Described by author Lorraine B. Diehl as “one of those rare architectural masterpieces that are able to touch man’s soul,” the luminous heroically scaled Beaux-Arts building—inspired by Rome’s sprawling baths of Caracalla and the great train halls of Europe—didn’t just serve as a stirring gateway to the city and an anchor of bustling Midtown Yet somehow it was discarded in favor of the epically mundane Madison Square Garden complex after barely 50 years Walking into Moynihan Train Hall—the new extension to Penn Station located inside McKim’s Beaux-Arts James A in a neighborhood that more than any in Manhattan could be considered a failure The feeling is even more acute given that we find ourselves in a time when people are questioning the viability of the city Overseen by Empire State Development and designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill (a firm that in many ways is a sort of successor to the prolific McKim its frontages graced with towering Doric columns was once elegantly enlivened with coffered vaults goddesses ,and eagles (most now entombed under New Jersey’s Meadowlands) Moynihan similarly employs art to layer on coats of meaning It’s elegantly integrated into the building: There’s a graceful stripped down grey clock by architect Peter Pennoyer its fluted edges channeling all the East Coast’s Beaux Arts and Art Deco stations three-dimensional city skyline hangs improbably from the top of the south entryway genre-bending stained-glass murals by Kehinde Wiley—contemporary young people assuming the ethereal presence of classical gods— dominate the ceiling of the north The Rockwell Group’s tightly curved wood benches (accompanied by transfixing photocollages of the old station by Stan Douglas) translate the old station’s seating into modern form Moment Factory’s large-scale digital sign boards of the city deliver a sliding collage of the city from Lower East Side tenements to the Brooklyn Bridge with its airy arcade full of shops and eateries bring the hubbub of the city inside through an extensive food hall will connect to the SOM-planned Manhattan West Development I never got to set foot inside the original Penn Station But while I think Moynihan is an unmitigated triumph I can’t imagine that it reaches that building’s breathtaking artistry it is (often to its credit) exceptionally practical But it is perhaps a little too slick and straightforward; this firm is famously allergic to messiness and swagger still incorporating the front of the old post office (come on couldn’t you just move the thing?) there is no immediate “wow” entryway particularly in our new virus-obsessed reality The food hall’s skylight is a powerful touch but that less-expansive space appears to lack the gravitas of the main hall but so far this section feels more like a typical who will eventually occupy the offices above.)  But the compilation is a gazillion times better than the disgrace across the street and the neighborhood around both Moynihan and Penn is the true question mark in this urban narrative SOM is working to gut and renovate Penn Station’s barrel-vaulted Long Island Railroad concourse a dreary space that I used to traverse every day on my way to work at Two Penn Plaza (Experiencing the opposite of inspiration.) They’re off to an excellent start with a new entry on 33rd Street and 7th Avenue inverted glass canopy perfectly frames the Empire State Building (Talk about glorifying the city!) But outside of that concourse the rest of Penn Station is still in limbo No plans have offered to remedy its cramped and Governor Cuomo has recently signaled he might partially abandon it so many in the city are now hoping President “Amtrak Joe” Biden could turn its luck around So what comes next—if the political and financial stars align—is the neighborhood which favors insular commercial development (aka a giant mall) and corporate architecture (aka cold glassy towers) to a more integrated urban experience was unable to adapt when railroads were usurped by the car as the nation’s transportation king The state’s proposal to connect a spur of the High Line to Moynihan is a good start toward further energizing this area but only time (and a whole lot of money) will tell what follows So we’re left to wonder if and how all these efforts could add to the city A triumph of civic nobility over ruthless corporate expedience But it is just the first chapter of that story It’s up to all of us to follow—and when possible to help shape—where it leads Sam Lubell has written many books about architecture for Phaidon His latest book is the Atlas of Never Built Architecture (co-authored by Greg Goldin) Get smart and engaging news and commentary from architecture and design’s leading minds a Not-For-Profit website dedicated to reconnecting architecture and design to the public Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed I'm Christina Cala.(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)CALA: Let's talk about delight specifically delight in the every-day.Please introduce yourself Tell me your name and what it is that you do - or just how you would introduce yourself.ROSS GAY: Yeah that's accurate.GAY: (Laughter) I garden.CALA: That's Ross Gay gardener and the author of "The Book Of Delights" he explores the delights of handmade infinity scarves the joy of carrying a heavy bag between two people and I often gift copies of it to my friends because it can be so easy to miss the beauty around you Ross teaches at Indiana University and says he'll sometimes start class like this...GAY: Tell me something that was beautiful that you saw on the way to class And it can be really challenging for people to say that because it feels vulnerable to be like Once you sort of admitted that you thought something was beautiful which I think also is an admission that you have needs.CALA: This episode of LIFE KIT a conversation with Poet Ross Gay on the role of joy in daily life the difficulty of allowing yourself to be moved and why he thinks it's important to use the word love.So Ross what does joy look like to you?GAY: I'm writing about joy And I'm sort of constantly trying to sort of wonder about it and wonder about it with other people I've worked for years on this project called the Bloomington Community Orchard And it's been just cared for by so many people and it's been loved and adored and wondered about by so many people The sort of feeling of watching those trees go into the ground and all of that labor and all of that care and all of that struggle we were trying to imagine how to make this thing and we didn't know quite what this thing was But what we did know was that it would be something that we could make that might care for people we do not know and might care for people in the future who we could not imagine I can just remember it plain as day when I was leaving that day my eyes were welled up and I was just so filled up And I was so profoundly indebted to these people The feeling is such love for these people that we did this for talking about what kind of trees it's going to be and not agreeing on everything...CALA: (Laughter).GAY: That actually felt like - I've been thinking about it as joy but I'm also going to say I think maybe that was an experience of freedom.CALA: That's so lovely I really sat on what you were saying about wanting to be softer and And I think what it offered me is this roadmap or shout - not even a whisper - of you or someone (laughter) it's OK to love things and it's OK to feel joy a lot of freedom in finding something delightful and taking time with something and then also sharing that.GAY: You know you could say one of the projects of the book is to be moved I also have wanted to imagine the fantasy - the brutal fantasy of not being moveable It's tears and it's shock and it's flabbergastment (ph) say something that you love - that you realize you love in the last week or something (laughter) It's so amazing how quickly people - how quickly we turn the word love into like What did you learn that you love in the last week What did you learn that you were really moved by in the last week?CALA: Yeah like - this is kind of an aside - but I was doing a writing exercise with a friend of mine last night I love it when...GAY: Ah.CALA: And I found myself turning it sarcastic.(LAUGHTER)CALA: Oh the fact that you're noting that - I'm like that's so real (laughter).GAY: I'm telling you I love it when you just touch me on the forearm and say I love it when - I love it when - that's an awesome exercise I'm going to do that with my students.(LAUGHTER)CALA: Yeah.GAY: Yeah suggests the experience or the understanding of one's need puts us into this other thing which makes gratitude kind of a deep and hopefully a fundamental aspect.(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)CALA: All of this kind of makes me think that life is like - it's kind of always trying to make you hard to something we use words like toughen up preparing for a fight - and how being cool is not showing emotion and not being excited about things you're writing about your deep love of vegetarian burger patties...GAY: (Laughter).CALA: ...And the way you write about almost kissing lilies or irises and smacking a sneeze guard because you're just laughing so hard.(LAUGHTER)CALA: I think it also was kind of an example of not necessarily needing to conform to the way that you're being told that you need to be I guess I wonder if it also feels like a revolution towards that messaging of having to be hard to things.GAY: I think it is dominate the day or crush this - all of that language really important to do something else and to do the opposite you know - that there's something truer to softening up and to being moved and to being in need and asking the flower you know?CALA: I think that also makes me think of - we're using these words like softer one thing I see so much of also is generosity was very much prevalent in the essay "Umbrella In The Cafe."GAY: (Laughter).CALA: And I'm just going to read the sort of last bit of it...GAY: Yeah.CALA: ...Which I just love.(Reading) Do you ever think of yourself late to your meeting or peed in your pants some or sent the private email to the group or burned the soup or ordered your cortado with your fly down or snot on your face or opened your umbrella in the bakery as the cutest little thing?(LAUGHTER)CALA: And I was like You got to pull your zipper up...(LAUGHTER)GAY: ...Or whatever - you got - you know You got some snot on your face (laughter).CALA: How do you cultivate that kind of generosity for yourself?GAY: Yeah one of the things I think is actually like a true thing and it's about being beholden to other people - is that I have people in my life who love me who are like You're OK.CALA: Yeah.GAY: And even in the midst of my own feeling not OK the forest is also probably going to say you're OK It sounds so simple (laughter).GAY: It sounds so simple it feels like a pretty regular struggle to do that I'm kind of inclined to read the last paragraph of it if I could.CALA: Please It's called "Coco-baby," and it's - this is how it finishes oiling myself.(Reading) When you watch yourself in the mirror oiling yourself like this it is easy or easier to see yourself as a child and maybe even a child you really love to let the oiling be of the baby you - or at least I thought so today looking at myself That almost brought me to tears (laughter).GAY: Yeah we're talking about softness and fighting against being hard generosity is also so often equated with being childlike.GAY: That's right.CALA: And it's used sometimes as a way to put someone down or Like (laughter) I don't know.GAY: It is the biggest thing It is the biggest thing because that kind of effusiveness or that childlikeness what it is - it's like when you see a kid who (screaming)...(LAUGHTER)GAY: ...Starts screaming because they are like it's because they are connected to the goldfish They are connected to the person who has those It's because you're like I'm connected (laughter) it feels like we...GAY: That's right.CALA: ...Bring back that Grinch analogy often...GAY: Yeah (laughter).CALA: ...Of being like I let something in and...GAY: That's it.CALA: ...Somehow I feel more expansive like I can hold a little bit more of the world in me.GAY: That's totally it And even - I can't remember exactly how it happens in "The Grinch."(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)GAY: But like It can get bigger.(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)CALA: That's writer Ross Gay His book is called "The Book Of Delights." An excerpt of this was originally published in an episode of Code Switch There's one about how to get into poetry and another about how to start journaling subscribe to our newsletter at npr.org/lifekitnewsletter a completely random tip.CHRIS CASTILLO: Hi And my life hack is - I liked your article on winter outdoor activities during the pandemic - it's best to plan activities midday when the sun is probably the warmest Don't forget to wear a hat and double socks with any shoes sneakers that you wear.CALA: If you've got a good tip or email us a voice memo at lifekit@npr.org.This episode of LIFE KIT was produced by Meghan Keane Our production team also includes Audrey Nguyen Clare Marie Schneider and Janet Woojeong Lee Copyright © 2022 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information Become an NPR sponsor