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News around the World
-----------------------------------
A
COUPE THAT WON'T PUNISH AT THE PUMP
Motoring with www.bingozest.co.uk
Saturday June 14,2008
Rising fuel costs, falling house prices,
the credit crunch, taxes on car emissions – it’s probably not the ideal moment
to consider a frivolous sports coupé.
However, sometimes a new model comes
along that allows your head to justify the cravings of the heart. London
It’s certainly easy to fall for the latest Audi TT Coupé. The 1995 TT caught
the eye – a striking original that still looks special today. And the new TT
still carries that unmistakable aura of sophistication.
However, the two versions of the TT that we’ve been able to buy until now – the
brisk 2.0 Turbo and a growling V6 – are not what you would call economical.
Then again, it would be unreasonable to expect the fuel consumption of a
shopping car from a svelte coupé that’s good for 140mph.
Or would it? What if a coupé had an economical turbo-diesel motor under the
bonnet?
The thought of hearing a diesel rattle from a car that’s all about cool might
seem about as appealing as going for a big night out in your gardening gear.
However, the modern diesels have been to finishing school and no longer grumble
like
The idea of putting a diesel in a coupé is not a new one: Peugeot did it years
ago with its 406 Coupé, offers the same option in its big and not-terribly
popular 407, while sporty Alfa Romeo will sell you either a GT or a Brera that
runs on derv.
Audi, however, is offering a TT diesel with a combination of style, efficiency
and all-round capability that none of these models provides.
It is equipped with Audi’s latest 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine which develops
170bhp. It will get from 0 to 60mph in just 7.5 seconds and has a 141mph top
speed – definitely sports car numbers.
-----------------------------------
News with www.bingozest.co.uk
July 9, 2008
Burglary 'does not deserve jail'
Unpaid work or a curfew could
be a better way of punishing "less serious" thieves, sentencing
advisers recommend
Burglars
and other “less serious” thieves should normally be handed community punishments
rather than jail terms, sentencing advisers have recommended.
Unpaid work or a curfew could be a better way
of punishing such offences, according to a Sentencing Advisory Panel review of
principles, which could influence the way that criminals are dealt with.
The panel also stated that while the law does
not allow the court to take into account the feelings of victims or bereaved
relatives when they demand a harsh sentence, judges may listen to them if they
are calling for leniency.
A consultation paper published as part of a
wide-ranging review of sentencing said: “The panel has . . . concluded that a
presumption in favour of a community order is most likely to be appropriate in
relation to the less serious offences of theft and dishonesty, burglary and
motoring offences, where there may be clear advantages in requiring an offender
to serve a sentence in the community.”
The
risk of an offender committing further, non-serious offences should not
automatically lead to jail, the paper added.
It said that there was a school of thought
which suggested that employed offenders should not be able to avoid jail on the
ground that they would lose their jobs, because this would “work against those
who are already disadvantaged by being unemployed”.
The advisory panel is also asking the views
of the public, who have until October 28 to respond.
-----------------------------------
News with www.bingozest.co.uk
Prince William in
£40million cocaine bust in Caribbean
By Chris H 3/07/2008
Prince William has helped seize £40million of cocaine as
part of a Royal Navy helicopter team.
The 26-year-old had his first taste of front-line action
as his frigate, HMS Iron Duke, hunted down a speedboat off the West Indies
William stayed on the Lynx chopper hovering above the
target as a crack team boarded. It is not thought any shots were fired.
The boarding part discovered 45 sacks of the cocaine and
arrested five men. Commander Mark Newland, captain of HMS Iron Duke, said:
"I am immensely proud of their efforts."
William had only been on board HMS Iron Duke for four
days when they swooped to stop the South American gang.
He acted as look-out as the Lynx flew above the
high-speed boat following a 250mph chase.
A Marine sniper and Navy machine-gunner targeted the 50ft
craft as a crack team boarded.
They found 45 sacks of cocaine weighing a total 900kg and
held five men 300 miles north east of Barbados
Commander Mark Newland praised the maturity and
experience the prince showed during the operation, saying he had already become
"part of the team".
He said: "He contributes at every level. He is a
very professional officer, very astute.
"He acts as I would expect a young officer of his
experience and maturity to act in this type of operation."
William had earlier helped with surveillance as the ship
hunted for the smugglers and helped plan the raid. HMS Iron Duke was alerted to
the vessel, which seemed to be heading for Europe or West
Africa
Suspicions were raised because it is unusual to see such
a small vessel so far out at sea.
William - whose move to the Navy was revealed exclusively
by the Mirror - is spending five weeks on HMS Iron Duke as part of his
two-month secondment.
The operation was his first taste of frontline action and
follows brother Harry's stint in Afghanistan
Commander Newland added: "This is a fantastic start
to our North Atlantic
"To have had a direct impact on the flow of cocaine
into Europe
---------------------------------------
ICONIC DESIGNER SAINT
LAURENT DIES
Fashion designer
Yves Saint Laurent has died in Paris
Monday June 2,2008
Legendary
fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who rewrote the rules of fashion by
putting women into elegant trousersuits that came to define how modern females
dressed, has died at 71, his long-time friend and former partner said.
Pierre
Berge did not give details but said the couturier died at his Paris Saint Laurent Paris Left Bank Saint Laurent Saint Laurent Saint Laurent Paris Saint Laurent Saint
Laurent
A towering figure of 20th-century fashion,
In the fast-changing world of haute couture,
When the designer announced his retirement in 2002 at 65 and the closure of the
Paris-based haute couture house he had founded 40 years earlier, it was mourned
in the fashion world as the end of an era.
His ready-to-wear label, Rive Gauche, which was sold to Gucci in 1999, still
has boutiques around the world.
In October 2006,
Nowhere was
Forty years of fashion were paraded in a 300-piece retrospective that blurred
the boundaries of time, mixing his creations of yesterday and today in one
stunning tribute to the endurance of
He also designed costumes for theatre and film.
Latest
news with www.bingozest.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------
FEARS FOR 19 QUAKE BRITS
ABOVE: Rescuers try to save a student in the debris
14th
May 2008
AT least 19 British tourists were
fear-ed dead last night as around 28,000 victims of China
A
travel agency said the Brits were missing near the quake’s epicentre and were
“out of reach” of rescue workers.
Families
were waiting desperately for news of their loved ones in stricken Wenchuan
county.
The
official death toll from China
Travel
company Kuoni said that the 19 Britons had been on a coach trip when the
7.9-magnitude quake struck on Monday.
They
were on their way to Wolong in Sichuan
A
Kuoni spokesman said: “All lines of communication to the region are down and no
further information is known at this time.
“We
are working closely with the British Consulate in China
In
Deyang, 25 miles from the epicentre, Briton Joe Pitt-Rashid, an English
teacher, said 1,000 people had been killed by falling buildings, although he
and his pupils were unharmed.
He
added: “It’s havoc here. A building across the road from us collapsed.
“The
hospitals are packed and all the buildings have been evacuated.
“There
are notices on them telling people to stay away.
“But
the authorities don’t tell us how bad it really is – I think there’s some kind
of national pride going on.”
Chinese
authorities have been praised for the size and speed of the rescue operation.
But
torrential rain and wind – and an aftershock measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale
– have hampered their efforts.
Players
and staff at the Chengdu Blades, the Chinese football club owned by Sheffield
United, gave blood for victims.
News
with www.bingozest.co.uk
-----------------------------------------------------
Robbie Williams to present radio documentary
about aliens
By Mirror.co.uk 11/04/2008
Robbie Williams has made no secret lately of
his obsession with aliens - and now he’s to broadcast it to the nation.
The star is to present a radio
documentary about extra terrestrials that's he's made with
documentary maker Jon Ronson.
The pair recorded it earlier this year
near Robbie's home in Los Angeles Nevada
Just last month, the former Take That
star said he'd been spending all his spare time scanning the skies for
signs of life from other planets and was even wanted to buy his own
observatory.
He also said he was planning to quit his pop
career to become a full-time UFO chaser and reckons he’s been visited by little
green men three times.
Robbie says the first time he saw a UFO was
when he was a child, but the last two 'close encounters' had been more recent.
Of one, he said: “I was at the Beverly Hills
Hotel and I was lying on my sun lounger outside at night, looking up. Then,
about 300 foot above me, there was this square thing which just passed over my
head silently and then shot off."
‘Robbie Williams And Jon Ronson Journey To
The Other Side’ will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 6 May at 6.30pm.
news with www.bingozest.co.uk
----------------------------------------------------
DIANA
UNLAWFULLY KILLED, JURY RULES
Monday April 7,2008
Driver Henri Paul and paparazzi share the blame for the manslaughter of
Diana, Princess of Wales
The panel returned joint verdicts of unlawful killing through grossly
negligent driving - or gross negligence manslaughter - 10-and-a-half years
after the Paris crash in which Diana, Mr Fayed and Mr Paul died. Alma Paris
The jury also specified that Mr Paul's drink-driving and the fact that neither
Mr Fayed nor Diana were wearing seatbelts contributed to their deaths.
There was laughter in court as the coroner rose to leave before turning around
to tell the jury that they would be excused jury service for the rest of their
lives.
He thanked them for their "considerable devotion" to duty over the
past six months and said it was "almost astonishing" that they had
been present on every day without having any absences. The inquest has been
sitting for 93 days.
After sitting through evidence from 278 witnesses from across the world, the
jury of six women and five men took four days to reach the majority decisions.
The three were killed when Mr Paul crashed a hired Mercedes into a pillar in
the
The jury heard compelling evidence that he had been drinking that night and was
driving at twice the speed limit for the road when he crashed.
But they also concluded that the photographers and their drivers were
recklessly "racing" the Mercedes and drove so close to it that Mr
Paul had no freedom to move.
The combined manslaughter verdict represents an emphatic rejection of
conspiracy theories promoted by Mr Paul's employer Mohamed al Fayed.
More news with www.bingozest.co.uk
---------------------------------------------------
WE MUST CAP IMMIGRATION
LABOUR must cap immigration after its myths on the benefits
of an open door policy were torn to shreds by a powerful group of peers
yesterday.
In a devastating attack, a House of Lords inquiry said
there was no economic benefit from migration. Britain
The point-by-point onslaught also laid bare the arguments which ministers have
used for allowing record numbers to come here.
The report called on the Government to now impose a limit on numbers after
concluding that migrants themselves were the “biggest winners” of current
policy.
One peer, an economist, warned that
The report also dismissed claims that migrants are needed to fill jobs and
support the growing demand for pensions. It further warned that the in-flow
could be forcing up unemployment among young Britons and pushing down wages.
Campaigners who have long called for an annual limit on migration said the
report was a “watershed” and Labour’s defence for its stance has been
demolished.
In a crushing conclusion, inquiry chairman Lord Wakeham said: “The argument put
forward by the Government that large-scale net immigration brings significant
economic benefits is unconvincing. We have found no evidence to support their
position.”
The report, from the Lords cross-party Economic Affairs Committee, said net
immigration, which has added 1.5 million extra people in the past decade, has
been “unprecedented in our history”.
Migrants now account for 12 per cent – or one in eight – of the total
workforce.
The Government has continually defended its policy by arguing that mass
migration brings economic benefits which outweigh any social impact.
The
destruction of that defence not only leaves Labour’s policies in tatters, but
means the negative pressure they have had on communities is all the greater. Britain Europe UK Britain
More alarming, Lord Layard, a leading economist and committee member, warned:
“We will have permanent pressure of people to move in our direction.
“There is no doubt whatever that the pressure will remain for half a century or
more.” As a result, the peers said ministers should impose an “explicit target
range” for immigration and set the rules to keep within that limit.
It would effectively mean a cap on those wanting to come from outside the EU.
Net migration is running at 190,000 a year after a peak of 300,000 in 2006.
Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: “This report is a welcome
contribution to our huge immigration shake-up, and we are already acting on
practically every single recommendation.
“It proves we were right to set up the independent Migration Advisory Committee
to tell us which workers our new Australian-style points system should keep out
or let in.
“We’re glad to see the committee welcome the system as well as our ban on
low-skilled migration from outside
“What’s more, our plan for earned citizenship will mean that only those who can
speak English, pay taxes and obey Parliament’s law will be able to earn the
right to stay. This is something the committee recommended.
“Our points system will be enforced by a new Border Agency to give the
More news
with www.bingozest.co.uk
----------------------------------------------------
I’LL BE
YOUR BENCH WARMER
DAVID
BECKHAM has told England
The LA
Galaxy midfielder will become only the fifth England France Paris England Los Angeles England
Despite admitting he thought his
And he has no problem flying back and forth from
“I’m not sure about getting 125, who knows? For me, I want to take it beyond
that. I’m very honoured to be in the same category as Billy Wright, Sir Bobby
Charlton, Bobby Moore and Peter Shilton.
“They are players I have always looked up to in my career, but I want to take
it beyond that.
“If coming off the substitutes’ bench means me carrying on in the squad, of
course I will. I have been lucky for over 10 years to be in the starting XI
quite a few times and, of course, things change.
“There are a lot of young players coming through, good players, and you have to
accept sometimes that you are not going to start. But you will accept anything
if you are still part of the squad. Players have retired for
“I am a very passionate person about
playing for my country and I want that to continue as long as possible, whether
I am a squad player, a substitute or a player who comes on and scores with a
free-kick. England
“If I can play at the highest level, I want to be a part of that still.
“There are plenty of young players coming through but I feel I can offer
something. It’s always better to look towards the future but still not overlook
the past.”
Having won a Spanish league title with Capello at Real Madrid, Beckham is
confident the Italian will lead
“It’s got to happen now,” he said. “We haven’t performed in competitions and
it’s embarrassing to a certain extent after we have promised things and said
how good we are.
“But we do have some of the most talented players in the world and it’s about
fulfilling that potential. Now we have got a manager who knows how to get the
best out of players.
“He is, without doubt, the right man for the job. He has got his own ways, he
knows how to get teams playing. That’s what our country needs.
“We need to get the confidence back of the nation and start by playing some
good games. We have definitely got the right man for that.”
sport with www.bingozest.co.uk
---------------------------------------------------
SIMPLY THE BEST... BRA NONE!
The push-up bra was yesterday hailed as the
Greatest Fashion Invention Ever.
It beat boot-cut jeans
to claim the top title. Pull-in pants, which hide a wobbly stomach, came third,
followed by stilettos.
Other everyday
essentials to make the list included the little black dress – as worn perfectly
by Kylie Minogue – stockings, kitten heels and strapless bras.
Caroline Adams for
Debenhams, which polled 3,000 female customers on their fashion favourites,
said: “Push-up bras have become a wardrobe weapon for millions of women across
the world.
"The underwear item
not only makes women feel incredibly sexy but it creates the ultimate cleavage.
“I’m not surprised to
see it in the top spot, push-up bras have revolutionised women’s lingerie and
remain a best seller.
“It’s good to see
boot-cut jeans and stilettos in the top five fashion inventions – both are
classic wardrobe items.”
Despite being introduced at the start of the 20th Century, push-up bras were really made popular in the 1990s by Eva Herzigova’s Hello Boys Wonderbra adverts.
news with www.bingozest.co.uk
----------------------------------------------------
MCCANNS ACCEPT £550,000 DAMAGES
Kate and Gerry McCann's £550,000 libel award over false newspaper allegations that they were responsible for the death of their daughter Madeleine will be used to help fund the search to find her, the couple has announced.
They were not present at London Portugal
In a statement read out on their behalf after a hearing before Mr Justice Eady, the couple, whose four-year-old daughter went missing from the family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz,
They said: "As part of our settlement, Express Newspapers have also agreed to pay damages, by way of a donation of £550,000 to the fund that was established to help find Madeleine. We feel it is entirely appropriate that the search for Madeleine will now benefit directly out of the wrongs committed against us as her parents. We hope that the Portuguese authorities lift our arguido status in the very near future so that everyone can focus on finding our beautiful little girl, Madeleine."
The couple said: "Express Newspapers rightly acknowledge that we are innocent of all allegations that we may have been involved in Madeleine's abduction and we would like to reiterate that there is absolutely no evidence that Madeleine is dead or has been seriously harmed. We embarked on this course of action reluctantly, indeed with a heavy heart, as we did not wish the pursuit of it to become a distraction from our sole aim - finding Madeleine."
Earlier, the couple's solicitor-advocate, Adam Tudor, told the judge that from the late summer of last year until February this year, the Daily Express, the Sunday Express, the Daily Star and the Daily Star Sunday, which have a combined circulation of several million copies as well as a substantial online readership, published more than 100 articles which were seriously defamatory of the couple.
He said: "The general theme of the articles was to suggest that Mr and Mrs McCann were responsible for the death of Madeleine or that there were strong or reasonable grounds for so suspecting and that they had then disposed of her body; and that they had then conspired to cover up their actions, including by creating 'diversions' to divert the police's attention away from evidence which would expose their guilt.
"Many of these articles were published on the front pages of the newspapers and on their websites, accompanied by sensational headlines.
"In addition to the allegations referred to above, the Daily Star published further articles (under the headlines 'Maddie mum sold her' and 'Maddie sold by hard-up McCanns') which sought to allege that Mr and Mrs McCann had sold their daughter in order to ease their financial burdens. A further article alleged that Mr and Mrs McCann were involved in 'swinging' or wife-swapping orgies."
Mr Tudor said that, as Express Newspapers now acknowledged, all of these allegations "were, and remain, entirely untrue".
More news by www.bingozest.co.uk
---------------------------------------------------
March 17, 2008
Life in General
------------------------------------------
J Lo enchanted by national park on Italian Riviera
7 JULY 2008 Italy Portofino latina Mediterranean
Walking along the winding trails of the Cinque Terre national park with husband
Marc Anthony and design icon Domenico Dolce, Jennifer Lopez
is certainly taking in the best
Having recently taken up a fitness regime in the wake of the birth of her twins
in February, the mum-of-two will have found no shortage of physical activity on
offer while visiting the five coastal villages which fall within the environs
of the famous national park.
Connected by kilometres of trails which hug the dramatic, rocky coastline, the
cliff top communities - which are accessible by walks that vary from romantic
strolls to challenging hikes - offer spectacular views of the
Another means of visiting the charming fishing villages is by boat, which is
another option for the Love Don't Cost A Thing star who's also been
spending time aboard Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's luxury yacht.
*****
Celebrities with www.bingozest.co.uk
------------------------------------------
SWAYED BY THE
RHYTHMS OF CUBA
With www.bingozest.co.uk
STEPHEN KAHN and family combine a
break in the bustling city of Havana
I THOUGHT I was just paying to watch the show in Havana
Daring acrobats and pinkbe feathered showgirls dancing to the pulsating rhythms
of the orchestra combined to produce an amazing spectacle.
But then, to my suprise, it was my turn as the audience were entreated to
take to the floor and strut their stuff.
I don’t know my salsa from my rumba but the complimentary rum included in my
entry ticket ensured that by midnight all my inhibitions were gone.
My children, twentysomethings Daniel and Charlotte, joined in at conga time...
as far as I remember. While the details of the latter part of the evening
remain hazy, the rest of my Cuban, twin-centre holiday was one of my most
memorable.
Our first
base was the elegant Hotel Saratoga, on the edge of Havana Old Town Fraternity Park Americas Washington Old Town US Havana Cuba Cuba Havana Havana Bay Cuba Cuba
From the rooftop pool we could see
Watching workers hand-rolling cigars almost tempted me to break my 30-year
smoking ban. Cobbled streets led to the heart of the
Dodging old Chevrolets and Buicks, we discovered the Museum of the Revolution,
which gives the official view on Cuban history and its perpetual confrontation
with its near-neighbour the
But nearby, behind Havana Cathedral – with its striking baroque façade dating
fom 1748 – capitalism is flourishing in a crafts market. Once built, nothing
seems to get pulled down in
Nothing better summed up
From a dusty, potholed street, we climbed three floors of a crumbling tenement
and were ushered into a warren of dining rooms seemingly furnished at random
from local antique shops. We were snapper and baked apple with served an
exquisite meal of aubergine “caviar”, red ice cream, for £15 a head.
No visitor to
to have changed since the Thirties and the great man’s favourite seat is
cordoned off as though awaiting his return. The writer’s other favourite
watering hole was La Bodeguita del Medio, near the cathedral, where he was particularly
fond of the mojitos.
I took a cab out to the huge Hotel Naçional de Cuba, built in 1930 and host to
Winston Churchill, Al Capone and Frank Sinatra, to name but a few. Now a city
landmark and overlooking the entrance to
Prices are reasonable in
are so friendly that you don’t feel exploited by the dual currency. Tourists
pay in convertible pesos (don’t rely
on your plastic – it’s a cash society) while the locals have their own separate
currency. But there was never any attempt to exploit my ignorance of the
monetary system.
Two hours’ drive from Havana we discovered the perfect antidote to the city’s
hustle and bustle – the tourist enclave of Varadero, mile upon mile of white
sandy beaches, turquoise ocean and a string
of hotels on the Hicacos Peninsula.
I was a little worried by one guidebook’s description of our beachfront hotel,
Blau Varadero, as resembling an airport. If only all airports were as good. We
were impressed by the an enormous hot and cold buffet at breakfast, lunch and high-quality
food – supper, with unlimited drinks – and the huge number of activities.
Daniel and Charlotte were anxious to test their speedboat skills, to snorkel,
swim in a grotto and go horse riding.
When they headed off to swim with dolphins, I had a relaxing day sitting by the
pool and reading Hemingway’s To Have And Have Not, set in
I cannot vouch for the nightclubs La Rumba and Mambo, from which my
children returned full of praise. But I can recommend the Cueva del Pirata on
the Autopista Sur, a pirate-themed show in a cave that kicks off with a
hip-swinging salsa cabaret, before the stage is opened to all.
But I’d had my moment of dancing glory in the Tropicana and remained seated. It
was the first time I remembered my age during the whole holiday.
------------------------------------------
Travel with
www.bingozest.co.uk
MARBELLA
the
destination
Marbella
Spain Marbella Marbella Marbella Andalusia Spain Mediterranean Malaga Spain
Country:
Population: 116,000
Average January Temperature: 54 degrees F
Average July Temperature: 75 degrees F
Average Number of Days with Precipitation: 45 days
Quick Facts:
Major Industry: tourism
Electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz; standard two-pin plug
Time Zone: GMT + 1
Country Dialing Code: 34
Area Code: 52
Did You Know?
Archaeological digs made in the mountains around
Orientation:
Overview
Welcome to Marbella Costa del Sol
Time has transformed this small maritime village of humble homes
into a splendid tourist city that every year opens its doors to hundreds of
thousands of visitors attracted by the wonderful climate (the average
temperature is 19º Celsius), the warmth of the people, and the renowned parties
and nightlife. Marbella Center of International Tourist Interest
Historical District and Downtown
The streets wind through cobblestones, immaculate façades, and balconies decorated
with flower-boxes full of geraniums and carnations. There are priceless tiny,
typically-Andalusian squares and nooks and crannies, such as the Balcón de la
Virgen (Balcony of the Virgin Mary), set in the window of an old
white-washed house that today houses a restaurant.
The hub-bub of daily life—work, business, shopping, and the coming and goings
of people—begins in the Avenida Ricardo
Soriano and extends throughout the entire downtown area. But
calm reigns again once you reach the Paseo Marítimo
(promenade), where tranquility, the ocean breeze, hammocks, and tanned bodies
are the star of the show.
Puerto Banús
José Banús was the promoter of all of New Andalusia and of course of the Marina
that carries his name, which is one of the most important ports on the
Mediterranean coast. There are 915 tying-in points on the two piers, Ribera and
Benabolá. In the clear blue waters the most luxurious yachts in the world have
anchored and slept: the Nabila of the magnate Adnan Kashoggi, the Príncipe
Abdulazis, the Tritona, and the Shaf. The port has been declared a
Shopping, having a coffee on one of the terraces, walking along the piers, and,
of course, enjoying the nighttime atmosphere by dancing until dawn or drinking
a cocktail while gazing at the star-covered bay are just some of the activities
you have to choose from. And every year more visitors come, making it a
must-see in the summer months for celebrities and people from the tabloid
world, including photographers who snap their celebrity shots.
Food and drink;
Marbella
is not only a
great place to relax and have some fun but it's also a gourmet's paradise,
boasting a cosmopolitan array of restaurants. Marbella Spain Asturias Spain Thailand Costa del Sol Marbella Italy Marbella Marbella
Tour of the Tapas Bars
Once a year, the residents of
In La Cervecería they will offer you a
little kebab with your drink. And at La Querencia
the tapas are a meal in themselves. En Ca Curro is famous for smooth, sweet
Moscatel wine, served with prawns or fresh fried fish.
By now you'll need a break so take a seat in one of Marbella’s squares or parks
before hitting what is arguably the best tapas bar of them all, La Venecia de
los Olivos, which has three branches around town and serves
delicious savory ribs. Head upmarket for a while and order a glass of vino
fino (fine wine, or dry sherry) with a sophisticated canapé at Gorky.
Next is a regional treat: cider and snacks from
International
The Amanecer Country
Tex Mex serves hot enchiladas with cold Mexican beer. If you
can’t survive without hamburgers, then make sure you eat the best at Old Texas.
Delicate dishes from
Little
Italian cooking is well represented here. Two especially fine examples are the Villa Tiberio
and the La Fonte delle
Streghe. In the Toni Dalli,
you can expect to be entertained by a distinguished tenor. The Da Bruno
specializes in fresh pasta and the Palacio de la Toscana prepares the best
ravioli with spinach that you will ever taste. There are also lots of small
pizzerias in
Good Food
Carnivores are well catered for in
Five-star Restaurants
People who take their food seriously have probably already heard about the
imaginative dishes at La Hacienda and if you dine at La Meridiana
and Taberna del
Alabardero, you’ll fall in love with the chefs. The Santiago
prepares fresh shellfish with reverence and the Víctor
has special respect for lobster. All these five-star restaurants can be found
in Puerto Banús and San Pedro de Alcántera.
Nightlife
There are beautiful cities, cities where the cuisine is an art
in itself, others where the natives welcome you with open arms, hundreds that
rest on the Mediterranean shores—and there are cities that are blessed with all
of these characteristics and where, to top it all off, you can have a ball. Marbella Costa del Sol Estepona Natural Park Sun Coast Equestrian School
A Quiet Night Out
For enjoying the first drink of the evening and chatting with friends, the city
has a huge number of pubs and bars to offer, many of which are open till the
wee hours of the morning. In the old section of town you’ll find The Tavern,
an English-style pub where the beer is the star attraction; downtown you’ll
find Gauguin, if you like hot rhythms and
cool drinks, or Frank´s Corner if you prefer playing
pool and having a beer with some of the many Brits who hang out here. Do you
feel like catching a movie? In Gran Marbella Cinema there are seven
theatres to choose from.
Dance Until Dawn
The true nightlife scene is at Puerto Banús,
so drop everything, throw on your party clothes, and have fun. The streets
around the piers are full of terraces, bars, and pubs for every taste and
style. For lovers of Spanish pop rock, El Boss
is a great choice—its fun atmosphere makes it a perfect place for having the
first drinks of the evening.
Although you may not be one of the thousands of people who love Irish taverns, O´Gradys
might still be what you’re looking for. Have a dark or light Guinness; it’s
just a question of taste. Are you getting into the spirit of things? Good, then
now you’re ready to check out La Comedia;
order a mixed drink at the bar and take the first few dance steps of the night
to the rhythm of the latest hits. And, in the Plaza del Puerto—right down the
stairs—you’ll find the dance club Scream for those who want to party till
dawn: hip hop, techno, dance, trance and all the latest "avant-garde"
beats.
Different Nights
Have you ever played French Roulette? Don’t miss the opportunity to do it in
the wonderful Casino,
where fun is a sure bet, but just don’t spend too much, because the night is
still young and once the clock strikes twelve, the Flamenco show begins in the Tablao Ana María.
If Flamenco is not your thing and you’re more into other types of music—and
other types of fun—spend an unforgettable night in the best dance club on the
With Children
The little ones also need to have fun, and for this purpose you’ll find places
such as Funny Beach,
where they can practice water sports, jump and bounce on huge rubber beds and
in ball-filled pools, swing on swings, and slide down the slides.
Also, surprise them by talking them to the Puerto Banús Acuario
(Aquarium), where they can have their first underwater baptism, surrounded by
the harmless and friendly ray-fish.
Youll enjoy an unforgettable day in the
Visit the Museo del Bonsái (Bonsai Museum) with
them, where the smallest olive trees in the world are on display, or let them
try their hands at the art world in the Museo del
Grabado Español Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Spanish
Etchings), and later take them for a walk along the Paseo Marítimo
(waterfront promenade). Here you can treat them to an ice cream in the Milla
de Oro (Golden Mile).
-----------------------------------------
Antigua
Overview
Wind, sun and sea, beaches and partying: Antigua is the Caribbean
An island that once had 170 windmills, Antigua Antigua Antigua Antigua St. John's St. John's Antigua Montserrat Nevis English Harbour English Harbour English Harbour Parham Caribbean Western Antigua Five Islands Village Fig Tree Drive
At the same time, the island's distinctive coastline has created 365 beaches
resulting in an island trademark of "a beach for every day of the
year." This locale created numerous opportunities for bars, restaurants,
swimming holes and snorkeling sites around the island. The many coves and
harbours have made
It would be difficult to see Antigua in one day, and since it's not close to
many other islands,
Day One:
Downtown offers more quaint shopping at historic Redcliffe Quay.
Old stone and brick warehouses have been restored as upscale shops and
eateries, definitely not to be missed. Along the adjacent streets of
Day 2: Eastern Antigua
Probably the most interesting part of Antigua is the eastern side, where
This delightful old town has been developed into a great attraction with many
interpretive signs describing the history; two inns, Admiral's Inn
and the Copper and
Lumber Store; and the Dockyard Bakery (pastries, cake, patties
and drinks). Don't miss the Admiral's House
Museum where the history of the area is clearly described. If
you're lucky, you'll catch our beloved historian, Desmond Nicholson, hard at
work. The harbor is always filled with yachts and brimming with old salts
enjoying the local pubs and eateries. Near
While touring in the area, another essential stop is Betty's Hope,
the twin windmills, one of which actually works. These stunning mills, restored
and well-documented so visitors can understand how they worked, are more than
300 years old. This was, reportedly, the island's first sugar plantation. Also
in the eastern area is the wonderful early town of
Day 3:
Leaving St.
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BABY BLUE TITS SAVED FROM
DRILLER KILLER
Monday May
19,2008
FORGET the cuddly cartoon image – in real
life woodpeckers can be aggressive predators.
In this fascinating series of
photographs, a bird lover captured one great spotted woodpecker’s attempts to
drill its way into a nesting box in his back garden. West Midlands
The target was a brood of blue tit chicks waiting for their mother to fly back
to the box with food.
The woodpecker tapped away at the entrance hole until it was big enough for him
to squeeze his head in.
Just a little further and he would have been able to reach the chicks at the
bottom – possibly even eating them – before taking over the nest.
Dave Jones, who took these pictures, knew it was time for him to swoop.
“It really looked like it was going to get through,” said Dave, 58, of Great
Barr in the
He
bought a metal nest box plate for £2.50 from an RSPB shop in Sandwell. These
have 25-32mm entrance holes – perfect for blue tits or great tits, but much too
small for aggressive woodpeckers. They are impervious to beaks too.
He then trained his camera on the box, so we are able to see the woodpecker
peering inside in sheer frustration. In fact this “ferocious” bird was so
determined it started to drill a new hole.
“After I put a plate on the front, it started attacking the side,” explained
Dave.
“So I had to screw another metal sheet there as well.”
Woodpeckers regularly target the eggs or the young of all kinds of tits,
nuthatches, house martins, tree creepers and sparrows.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KIM STEPS UP
Wednesday May 14, 2008
AS every woman knows,
something’s got to give for a hard day’s night in high heels.
And for “Sex And The City”
star Kim Cattrall, it was time to kick off her teetering designer stilettos as
she dined at London London London
Says a chum: “Kim’s feet were obviously killing her and when she left the
restaurant she was barefoot, revealing her rather unattractive feet and
sheepishly trying to hide behind dining companion, co-star Mario Cantone.”
But when she later made an appearance at the official after-show party at
"I’ve been spending a lot of time with friends and family
here. I even have a Tube pass.” West End West End
Meanwhile, co-star Sarah Jessica Parker, has set her sights on appearing in the
Sarah, who plays heroine Carrie Bradshaw alongside Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and
Kristin Davis, has always harboured
ambitions to tread the boards in Blighty.
“I would be honoured but it hasn’t worked out
scheduling wise yet,” confessed the 43-year-old.
“But I’d love to. It’s the destination point for an actor.”
But will there be a Sex And The City sequel to put a stop to her
“We are not looking past today, we would be greedy to do so,” declared SJP.
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Dirty Dancing
Clutch bags are huge right now. But what the fashion mags don't mention is that you can't have one if you're single. You need a boyfriend. To carry your stuff.
I squeezed in my purse and lip balm last weekend but my keys are on a massive keyring that plays lines from Dirty Dancing - and obviously removing it is unthinkable at this terrible time (rooting for you, Patrick!)
So my bloke's pockets were filled, packhorse style, with the prison-warder-esque keys and huge Dirty Dancing In Your Pocket keyring, concealer (in case the lighting was bad and I needed tri-hourly top-ups), mirror, mascara, pen, hairbrush plus present and card.
As I skipped gaily down the road swinging my teeny bag I think he moaned a bit but I can't be sure. I couldn't really hear him from so far behind me. So, single women can't carry a clutch - unless you're unemployed and homeless with great skin (no keys, purse, make-up).
Gloomy Cam
Tory toff David Cameron would have one brogue in Downing Street
In the bleak world of this young Conservative aristo, all hospitals are ailing and every school failing.
The economy is kaput, finished, bankrupt, bust.
No one has a roof over their head while criminals run riot on every street.
Society is broken, politics is broken, everything's broken and clueless while Gordon Brown's Labour is irredeemably incompetent and beyond repair.
The posh boy who cringingly declared "let sunshine win the day" has turned into curmudgeon Private Frazer. "We're doomed.
Doomed. We're all doomed" is the Tory leader's latest chant.
Mr Misery Guts will repeat his line today when the Chancellor of the Exchequer unveils his first Budget.
Alistair Darling certainly won't be a barrel of laughs, with the credit crunch blowing in from the US Britain
Families are sensibly tightening their belts, the economy's slowing and food and fuel hikes are eating up hard-earned pounds.
Things aren't as good as they were and look like getting worse as the year unwinds - but nowhere near as bad as Cameron would have us believe.
There's no whiff of a recession despite the repetitive Tory toff and his chief lieutenant George Osborne sounding as if they'd like to talk us into one.
The fact that most people have cooler heads than excitable Cameron is why he has barely a toe-hold in No.10.
The toff threw the kitchen sink at the Premier and the government as they suffered an unparalleled run of bad luck. But the latest opinion poll gave Cameron only a wafer-thin three per cent lead nearly three years into this Parliament, a result that would translate into another Labour victory.
The most worried man in Westminster
Back in March 1995, almost three years into John Major's Tory regime, the opposition Labour Party wasn't three per cent in front. It was 37 per cent ahead.
Tony Blair didn't so much run away from Major as lap him, Labour's 59-22 per cent lead firmly planting both of Blair's feet in Downing Street
Hapless Cameron is feeling the pressure, the shallow toff's sound-bites failing to con a public increasingly looking for substance and finding nothing.
Cameron slashes public spending to satisfy right-wing demands for big tax cuts and he repeats the formula that has lost the Tories three elections.
And as he sticks to his line of attack, he fires duds, the electorate preferring the devil it knows to the devil it doubts.
So when the Toff of Doom shouts at Darling today in the House of Commons, remember he's drowning not waving.
The Tory who styled himself "heir to Blair" is destined to be another Neil Kinnock, walking into No.10 only as a visitor.
Class snobs taint hunt for Shannon
Mystery surrounds the fate of Shannon Matthews, the nine-year-old girl missing in Dewsbury for more than three weeks.
But one thing is clear. Her stepfather Craig Meehan is right to say that being working-class is a factor in this case.
Compare the treatment of Shannon with the hype surrounding the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Portugal
Huge sums of money flooded into the campaign to find Maddy. Spin doctors, including former TV newscaster Clarence Mitchell, were hired to manipulate the media.
The McCanns, young, smartly-dressed, articulate and professional, became overnight celebrities. They flew to America Rome Shannon
Not true, and, in any event, what she does with her body is her own affair not a subject for middle-class moralising.
The Matthews family has been trawled for bitchy remarks about Craig Meehan, which are then seized on as evidence that his family is "dysfunctional". Whereas the McCanns are being portrayed as plaster saints. Hundreds of thousands of pounds - possibly millions - flowed into the McCann fund. But Shannon
The Dewsbury Moorside Tenants and Residents Association set up an appeal to fund the campaign and sports clubs have donated signed shirts and balls. A mystery donor gave £10,000. But there is no comparison in the scale of giving.
Yet each of these young lives is of the same value. Madeleine is not worth more than Shannon
Whether we like it or not, this is a class issue. And there is an undeniable whiff of anti-working-class prejudice.
The big thing Shannon has going for her is the determination of West Yorkshire
God grant they find her safe and well. But this case brings to the surface some unpalatable facts that many would prefer not to face.
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MUSIC
Abba drummer is found dead
A FORMER session drummer for Swedish pop sensation Abba has been found dead in his Spanish home with cuts to his throat.
A spokeswoman said the death of 62-year-old OLA BRUNKERT appeared to be accidental.
It is believed the musician hit his head on a window and shattered the glass which cut him.
Abba star BJORN ULVAEUS - who was married to bandmate AGNETHA FALTSKOG - told Swedish paper Expressen: "I remember him as a good friend.
"He was a very creative musician who contributed a lot when we toured together and worked in the studio."
The musician - who was found by a neighbour late on Sunday - had managed to wrap a towel around his neck before leaving the house to call for help before collapsing in the garden.
BENNY ANDERSON, who was also in the Swedish pop act, said the news was "tragic".
Ola, who retired to
Ola and bass player RUTGER GUNNARSSON were the only musicians to appear on all the group's albums.
A post-mortem is taking place.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Music
THE FEELING frontman DAN GILLESPIE has urged closeted musicians to stop "living a lie" and publicly acknowledge their homosexuality.
The openly gay singer, who was raised by "two lesbian mothers", opened up about his sexuality in 2006 - and is now encouraging fellow stars to do the same.
He said: "The world would be a healthier place if people were more honest about their sexuality and the entertainment industry would be healthier if people were more honest full stop.
"The more of us who come out, the easier it is for others. My advice for anyone considering coming out would be to do it for themselves."
The Never Be Lonely singer added: "It's not fun living a lie."
--------------------------------------------------
news with bingozest.co.uk
HEATHER LOSES IT...AGAIN
HEATHER MILLS exploded in public again as she emerged from court after being awarded £24.3million in her bitter divorce battle with Sir Paul.
The former wife of the Beatles star stopped on the steps of the High Court to angrily announce she would fight on.
Pausing in front of the gathered media Miss Mills ranted that she would continue her legal battle as early as tomorrow by challenging the publication of the ruling.
She said: "I am appealing against the publication of the judgement because it has so many private details about me and my daughter."
But Miss Mills, who was dressed in a brown and blue trouser suit and bright red shirt, said she was “very very happy” with the financial settlement.
She said: "I am so, so happy.
“I’m so glad it’s over, it was an incredible result in the end to secure mine and my daughter’s future and that of all the charities that I obviously plan on helping and making a difference with - because you know it has been my life for 20 years."
Judge Mr Justice Bennett awarded her a lump sum of £16.5 million and assets of £7.8 million - despite Miss Mills seeking £125 million.
Sir Paul had offered his estranged wife £15.8million.
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Pāhoehoe Lava flows in the open lava channel (not in a Lava tube) with overflows at both sides. The image was taken at The Big Island of Hawaii. The lava flow is due to July 21, 2007 fissure eruption at Kīlauea volcano.The channel is crusting over with a v-shaped opening pointing upstream. The crusting-over process usually starts at the upstream end, the crust grows downstream for a considerable distance, then the crust founders and sinks opening the channel to crusting over again. The main channel and overflows show perched nature of this kind of lava channels. The picture was taken from a helicopter. The link to the map of the flow by USGS.
www.bingozest.co.uk
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Majorca
, first played with Abba on their first single People Need Love, and went on to tour with them in 1977, 1979 and 1980.
UK
New Zealand
England
Belfast
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Gala
Australia
UK
Food and Drink
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Beef in Beer
Serves 4-6
900g (2lb) Stewing Steak
300ml (½ pint) Stout or Best Bitter
225g (8oz) Button Mushrooms halved
4 medium Onions
15g (½ oz) Butter
2 tbsp Plain Flour
1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 tsp Soft Brown Sugar
½ tsp mustard
1 Bay Leaf
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C; 350°F: Gas 4.
Cut the steak into 5 cm (2 inch) cubes, slice the onions and halve the mushrooms if large.
Heat the butter and oil in a large casserole dish and cook the meat for 10 minutes, until browned and sealed.
Remove the steak, and add the onions and fry until transparent then add the mushrooms.
Add the flour and stir well allowing the flour absorb the fat.
Return the meat to the pan, add the beer, mustard, bay leaf and sugar and stir well.
Cover and cook in the oven for about 2½ hours or until tender.
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Deep-Dish Ham Quiche with Herb and Asparagus Salad
Difficulty: Intermediate
Prep Time: 1 hour
Inactive Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 2 hours
Yield: 10 to 12 servings
Pastry:
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup (11/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small chunks
1 large egg yolk
3 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed
Filling:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin-olive oil
2 large Vidalia onions, sliced
3/4 pound smoked ham, cubed
8 large eggs
1 quart heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salad:
2 bunches asparagus (about 1 pound each), stems trimmed
4 ounces Parmesan, shaved with a peeler
2 handfuls fresh flat-leaf parsley, hand-torn
1 handful fresh mint, hand-torn
1 handful fresh dill, hand-torn
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
To make the pastry: combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and mix with a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat the egg yolk and ice water in a small bowl to blend, add it to the pastry. Work it in to bind the dough until it holds together without being too wet or sticky. Squeeze a small amount together, if it is crumbly, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Form the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Sprinkle the counter and a rolling pin lightly with flour. Roll the dough out into a 14-inch circle about 1/4-inch thick. Carefully roll the dough up onto the pin (this may take a little practice) and lay it inside a 9-inch spring-form pan. Press the dough firmly into the bottom and sides so it fits tightly; trim the excess dough around the rim. Place the pan on a sturdy cookie sheet so it will be easier to move in and out of the oven, this quiche is pretty heavy.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
To make the filling: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, coat the pan with oil, and add the onions. Slowly cook the onions, stirring, until they caramelize and release their natural sugars. Add a couple of tablespoons of water to help the onions break down, if needed. Toss in the ham, cook, stirring, for about 10 minutes to get some color on it. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, pour in the cream; season with salt and pepper. Arrange the caramelized onions and ham over the bottom of the crust and carefully pour in the cream and egg mixture; the filling should be about 1-inch from the top of the pan. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for 15 minutes or until the quiche is set, puffy, and jiggles slightly. Remove to a wire rack and let cool for 30 minutes. In the meantime make the asparagus salad.
To make the asparagus salad: In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the asparagus for 4 minutes, or until they are just crisp-tender. Drain the asparagus, transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking, and drain well. Slice the asparagus into 1/2-inch pieces and put them in a mixing bowl. Add the Parmesan and herbs, drizzle the herb and asparagus salad with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
Loosen the quiche from the sides of the pan by running a thin metal spatula around the inside rim. Carefully un-mold the ring, and transfer the quiche (with the bottom base) to a serving plate. Cut it into wedges, drizzle with a little olive oil, and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with the asparagus salad on top.
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Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb
Difficulty: Intermediate
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 rack of lamb, serving 2
1 rack of lamb, trimmed (about 1 1/2 pounds)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
Fig Chutney, recipe follows, optional
Season rack of lamb well on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat a medium skillet over high heat and, when hot, add the oil. When the oil is almost smoking, add the rack of lamb and brown well on all sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a plate and set aside to cool slightly before proceeding.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Using the back of a spoon, spread the mustard evenly over all sides of the lamb. Spread the minced garlic over the lamb in the same manner.
In a small mixing bowl combine the breadcrumbs and grated cheese and toss to thoroughly combine. Using your hands or a spoon, spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly all over the lamb, pressing so that the crumbs adhere to the meat.
Place the rack of lamb on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes for medium-rare. Allow lamb to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before carving into chops to serve.
Serve with some of the Fig Chutney, if desired.
Fresh Fig Chutney:
2 1/2 cups red wine vinegar
1/2 pound light brown sugar
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
1/4 lemon, zested
1/2 cinnamon stick
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/4 pounds firm, slightly underripe fresh figs, rinsed, stems removed and halved
In a large saucepan combine the vinegar, sugar, onion, ginger, mustard seeds, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, salt, allspice, and cloves and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until mixture is thickened and reduced by 2/3, forming a thick syrup. Add the figs and cook gently until the figs are very soft and beginning to fall apart and most of the liquid they've given off has evaporated, about 30 minutes.
Transfer the chutney to a non-reactive container and allow to come to room temperature before serving. The chutney may be made up to 3 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. (Alternately, hot chutney may be ladled into hot sterilized canning jars and processed in a hot-water bath according to manufacturer's directions.)
Yield: about 2 1/2 pints
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Grilled Brie and Tomato on Crusty Bread
Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
6 (1/2-inch thick) slices crusty bread
1/2 pound brie, sliced thin
Heat the broiler. Put the cherry tomatoes onto a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper. Broil them until they burst; set them aside.
Butter the bread on both sides and top each with several slices of brie. Broil until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Top with the tomatoes. Serve immediately.
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The Ultimate Cheesecake
Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Intermediate
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Crust:
2 cups finely ground graham crackers (about 30 squares)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
1 pound cream cheese, 2 (8-ounce) blocks, softened
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 pint sour cream
1 lemon, zested
1 dash vanilla extract
Warm Lemon Blueberry Topping, recipe follows
For the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients with a fork until evenly moistened. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Pour the crumbs into the pan and, using the bottom of a measuring cup or the smooth bottom of a glass, press the crumbs down into the base and 1-inch up the sides. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
For the Filling:
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until smooth and free of any lumps. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and continue to beat slowly until combined. Gradually add sugar and beat until creamy, for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla. Periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl and the beaters. The batter should be well-mixed but not overbeaten. Pour the filling into the crust-lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Set the cheesecake pan on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the sides around it. Place the cake pan in a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until the water is about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan; the foil will keep the water from seeping into the cheesecake. Bake for 45 minutes. The cheesecake should still jiggle (it will firm up after chilling), so be careful not to overcook. Let cool in pan for 30 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for at least 4 hours. Loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the pan by running a thin metal spatula around the inside rim. Unmold and transfer to a cake plate. Using a spatula spread a layer of Warm Lemon Blueberry topping over the surface.
Slice the cheesecake with a thin, non-serrated knife that has been dipped in hot water. Wipe dry after each cut.
Warm Lemon Blueberries:
1 pint blueberries
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons sugar
In a small saucepan add all the ingredients and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes or so until the fruit begins to break down slightly. Leave to cool before spreading on cheesecake.
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10 Foods For Better Health
A hectic lifestyle makes it easy to skip a meal or just grab less-than-nutritious food on the run. But a busy day doesn’t have to stand in the way of great health. A multivitamin is great insurance for days when you do miss a meal or two, but real food should always be your primary source of nutrients. Keep these 10 foods on hand at all times, and you'll be able to whip up a delicious meal or snack that will keep your energy up and your immune system strong.
berries
All fruits are stellar sources of nutrients, but strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries stand out from the pack.
- They're high in vitamin and fiber content.
- They're an excellent source of antioxidants, compounds that protect our bodies from the stress of day to day living. The antioxidant anthocyanin has triple the stress-fighting power of vitamin C and is known to block cancer-causing damage as well as the effects of many age-related diseases.
- They give your memory a boost. The antioxidants in berries are believed to enhance brain function.
- Fresh berries are kind to the waistline; they are naturally high in water and low in calories. Dried berries also provide excellent nutrition, but since most of the water is missing, their calories are more concentrated and you’ll usually wind up eating more of them.
Stock up on fresh berries in the summer, when they’re plentiful and inexpensive. Freeze them in small plastic bags to get an antioxidant blast year round. Stir berries into yogurt, sprinkle them on cereal or blend them in smoothies.
citrus
We all know citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C; one orange has a whole day’s requirement. But that's not all citrus fruits have to offer.
- Citrus juice contains flavonoids, a phytonutrient that lowers the body's production of cholesterol, inhibits blood clot formation and boosts the bang of vitamin C.
- They’re also loaded with soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, and helps you to manage your weight.
- That explosion of scent that erupts when you grate a citrus peel is produced by limonene, an oil found in the peel that might inhibit a variety of cancers.
Oranges and grapefruits are in peak season during the winter. Their bright flavors are a perfect antidote to a cold, dreary day. Lemons and limes, available year-round, are especially welcome during summer’s heat.
vegetables
Stock your fridge with a rainbow of vegetables and you'll have a natural pharmacy in your kitchen.
- Orange and yellow-hued veggies like winter squash, carrots and sweet potatoes and leafy greens contain carotenoids, a pigment our body converts to vitamin A. Eating lots of these vegetables will help maintain healthy skin and hair, protect against prostate cancer, promote healthy vision and even provide protection from sunburn.
- Lycopene, the plant chemical responsible for the ruby red of tomatoes and watermelon, is believed to fight cancer and promote heart health.
- Green vegetables like broccoli and spinach are sky-high in potent anti-cancer compounds like sulforaphane and quercitin.
- Although garlic and onions may lack the vibrant colors of other vegetables, they contain diallyl sulfide and saponins, compounds that add distinctive flavors to our recipes and fight cancer and heart disease.
There’s no such thing as a bad vegetable. In addition to their phytonutrients, they are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, and are a crucial component of any healthy eating plan.
whole grain
Whole grains are often in the news these days, and for good reason.
- They’re delicious, inexpensive and packed with protein, B vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Grains contain many of the same antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.
- Research shows a diet high in whole grains may help prevent heart disease, some cancers, obesity and diabetes.
Look for grains in their least processed form, and try to eat them everyday. Some immediate benefits you might notice are stable blood sugar, less hunger between meals, and better weight management. Sure, cooking whole grains can sometimes take a little longer to prepare than their quick and instant counterparts, but the benefits and flavor of whole grain are worth the extra effort.
salmon
All fish are great sources of protein and low in saturated fat. But cold-water fish, like salmon, mackerel and herring, are premiere sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. These are fats our bodies can’t produce, so it’s essential we include them in our diet. Omega-3s offer many benefits.
- They reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
- They minimize the symptoms of arthritis and inflammatory diseases.
- They contribute to healthy skin and hair.
- They may help with depression.
Don’t love fish? You can get your omega-3s from flaxseed, walnuts, almonds and grass-fed beef, although the oils are of a lesser nutritional quality than the those found in seafood.
Salmon is an easy fish to obtain. Most grocery stores and many restaurants carry it. It's also easy to cook. The high fat level makes salmon perfect for grilling, roasting or sautéing without sticking or drying out. Although wild salmon can be pricey, it has an amazing flavor and higher levels of omega-3s than farm-raised fish. Look for fresh wild salmon in spring and summer, and farm-raised salmon year-round.
legumes
The inexpensive legume family, which includes beans, peas, peanuts and lentils, has priceless benefits.
- Legumes are rich in folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and antioxidants.
- Their high protein and complex carbohydrates provide steady energy that lasts for hours.
- They are especially high in soluble fiber, and a daily serving of cooked beans may lower blood cholesterol by as much as 18 percent, decreasing the risk of heart disease.
- Most legumes also contain protease inhibitors, compounds thought to suppress cancer cells and slow tumor growth.
- And then there are the prebiotics in beans, substances that aid in beneficial bacteria growth in the intestine.
- All legumes, and especially soy, are important in vegetarian diets for their high protein content.
But best of all, beans taste great. Dried beans have a superior taste and texture but they take longer to cook. Canned beans offer a quick alternative and most of the same health benefits. Rinse canned beans with water before cooking and you’ll remove as much as 40 percent of the sodium used in processing.
Nuts and Seeds
Although high in calories, nuts often enable people to maintain or lose weight. A small handful eaten between meals or added to salads, grains or vegetables gives a sense of satiety and results in less total food intake. Nuts have great nutritional benefits, as well.
- Almonds, pecans and pistachios are rich in protein.
- Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids.
- Toss sesame seeds in a meal for extra calcium and vitamin E.
- Sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are particularly good sources of phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, which promote heart health.
Since nuts are high in fats, they can easily become rancid. Store them in the freezer to extend their life. Nuts are also delicious, so it’s also a good idea to practice portion control. Measure out small portions and take care to not eat them mindlessly from a large container.
lean proteins
Protein is an important part of every diet and is found in many different foods. Lean protein, the best kind, can be found in fish, skinless chicken and turkey, pork tenderloin and certain cuts of beef, like the top round. Low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, ricotta and other cheeses supply both protein and calcium.
- Protein is crucial for tissue repair, building and preserving muscle, and making important enzymes and hormones.
- Lean meats and dairy contribute valuable minerals like calcium, iron, selenium and zinc. These are not only essential for building bones, and forming and maintaining nerve function, but also for fighting cancer, forming blood cells and keeping immune systems robust.
tea
Tea is the second most popular drink in the world (water is the top choice). Although most people think of tea as a soothing and delicious beverage, it possesses a remarkable wealth of antioxidants. All teas, whether black, green, oolong or white, are harvested from the leaves of a variety of plant known as the camellia sinensis. The primary distinction between the different teas is the amount of fermentation they undergo. Black teas are the most fermented, white teas the least. Herbal teas are not technically teas since they do not include camellia sinensis leaves.
- All true teas contain polyphenols, powerful antioxidants believed to protect against heart disease, certain cancers and stroke.
- The various levels of fermentation affect teas in different ways. Recent studies have shown drinking green tea might boost metabolism, oolong teas can lower blood sugar, and black teas can promote oral health.
- Tea contains half the caffeine of coffee.
Tea is not just for drinking: it has been used for centuries in marinades and as a flavoring agent in dishes.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple in any kitchen. It's the base of many salad dressings and is also used as an ingredient in sauces and marinades; as a dip for bread; and for sautéing, roasting, frying and baking. Extra-virgin olive oil can be used as a condiment when drizzled over a bowl of pasta or platter of roasted vegetables.
- Olive oil is an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that may lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol.
- It contains Vitamin E and antioxidants.
- It's an excellent replacement for unhealthy saturated fats like butter.
Extra-virgin olive oil has the highest concentration of Vitamin E and antioxidants. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil on uncooked dishes, where its assertive flavor will complement your finished dishes. Lighter olive oils like those labeled pure, refined or light contain lower concentrations of nutrients but withstand higher temperatures required for cooking.
Although olive oil has great health benefits, it also has a lot of calories. It’s 100 percent fat, and like all liquid oils, contains about 120 calories per tablespoon.
Be Healthy with www.Bingozest.co.uk
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