Richard Tauber Programme with Gwen Catley

Gwen Catley - coloratura soprano

Gwen Catley was once known in Britain as the "highest voice in the land". Standing only 4'11" tall, she had a high and accurate coloratura voice, with often a very lovely poise of delivery. She was a natural. She came from a family of serious musical amateurs, and as a child always sang around the house. At two and a half, she joined in a concert performance of Oh! For the Wings of a Dove.

She received no teaching until she began attending the Guildhall at the age of sixteen for twenty-minute lessons on a Saturday morning. She first worked on the Air du Rossignol by Saint-Saëns. Her professor took her to the Principal Sir Landon Ronald (who had been accompanist to Patti and Melba). Sir Landon said "she reminds me of Melba – bring her back in a year's time."

At that time a Gold Medal was awarded every year to the student who was thought would make an impression in the profession. Catley was to get the Medal, but her father argued with Ronald, saying he wouldn't have any daughter of his enter such a profession. So the Medal was withdrawn.

A year later she became engaged. On telling the good news to Landon Ronald, he asked, "to whom?" She replied, "a cellist". He said, "Oh, they never have any money – you'll have to sing. You'd better have the Gold Medal after all". Sir Landon Ronald then sponsored her debut at the Wigmore Hall, which had to open its gallery to accommodate the crowd. Her first half was a mixture of early Italian, French and German songs, and the second half consisted of operatic arias. She received work in musicals, the radio and Sadler's Wells Opera, where she was to be a Queen of the Night, Nanetta and Gilda. At the time of singing Gilda, she weighed a mere 6 stone 5 lbs.

During the war, she was on the stage in London a good deal, and appeared on such radio shows as the Richard Tauber Hour and Friday Night is Seaside Night. She was requested to appear on Children's Hour. Sir Walford Davies (then Master of the King's Musick) was one of its organisers and, dispensing with small talk, he greeted her with "I hear you haven't got a wobble!"

Her voice was not large, but in the right circumstances she could be heard to good effect in the theatre. She was a good judge of these circumstances. She reported turning down Queen of the Night at Covent Garden on the grounds that in their productions the Queen would in all likelihood be two-thirds of the way towards the back of the stage. She did however try to get into Glyndebourne. Her agents Ibbs & Tillett sent her there to audition. She got as far as the Chorus Master, who said, "If you come for some singing lessons with me, I might get you into the chorus."

She did not enjoy oratorio particularly, and said she simply did not like the Messiah aria "I know that my redeemer liveth". She chose her radio work with some care too. In the interval of a Proms performance of hers in 1947, Kenneth Horne came to her on bended knee. He asked her to perform in his radio show Much Binding in the Marsh. She took a singing part as the "vet's niece", but left after six shows, as the music and scripts arrived only on the day, and she did not feel it was for her voice.

Much of her radio, and then TV, work was conducted by one or other of the Robinson brothers. Eric Robinson conducted an opening programme on TV with Margot Fonteyn dancing, Campoli playing the violin, and Norman Wisdom and her singing.

Stanford Robinson, a pillar at the BBC for 47 years, conducted many of her recordings. He was known for being cruel to some singers. "What are you trying to do there?" he asked as she did a downward portamento of an octave. "I'm not trying to do anything," she replied, "this is what I am doing."

In her concerts around the country, people always asked for Bishop's Lo! Here the Gentle Lark. This of course required a flautist, whom the local organisers would have to find. Far too often, she said, all you would hear from the flautist was "spit & blow". Her repertoire did include some more modern opera, and she took part in the first British broadcast of Stravinsky's Rake's Progress.

She suddenly retired when she said her voice no longer sounded right to her. She went to Italy for twenty years. When back in England, she began to teach. She taught Judi Dench to sing in Cabaret, after "going down and down to find the right key".

Gwen Catley's comments on present-day singers in 1995 (when she was 85 years old) were: "Today I don't hear the words, neither their ends nor their beginnings".

These notes were written with the help of a radio interview in 1995 when Catley was 88.

June Fic Rec❤️

Summer is almost upon us! its 40c degrees here and we are over heating. so lets enjoy the nice air conditioning and the amazing fics that these amazing author wrote! 😘

Daybreak by TheObsidianQuill  - (Rating: Mature, Words: 70382, sterek)

"There . . ." Stiles swallowed and looked down at the bottle in his grasp as he slowly swirled the amber liquid inside. "There's really nothing left. For me. Everyone is . . . gone, and it feels like I haven't thought of tomorrow in years." His words rang in the air like a gunshot, he took another heavy drink. "I would trade every last breath I take to just have another shot—not even a guarantee, just a chance to make things right and bring back even one of them." -----

The pack was gone. He had nothing left. He had no one. With nothing to lose, Stiles puts everything on the line to go back in time to try to prevent the future from becoming his past. Broken, guarded, and haunted by his past, only one overgrown-pup of a wolf seems able to get past his defenses. Changing the future? Easy. Finding a place for himself in the Hale Pack? Impossible.

Not all treasure is silver and gold by princecharmingwinks  - (Rating: Mature, Words: 26597, sterek)

Captain Derek Hale is on a mission and he needs a fearless crew. His betrothed has been kidnapped, his family lives in exile and he harbours a dangerous secret. Enter Lady Erica Reyes, the perfect Quartermaster to join the crew. Erica has her own reasons for needing to escape her seaside town. An abusive father with a suggested 'arrangement' has forced her to create her own future.

A Derek and Erica friendship on the high seas, all in the name of love and family. Because not all treasure is silver and gold.

monday i can fall apart but by friday i'm in love by tryslora - (Rating: Mature, Words: 5609, sterek)

It's just past five in the morning and Stiles is barely awake, wearing only sleep pants that hang low below his pregnant belly, and he can't get the damned brand new jar of decaf coffee open. But he has a neighbor, and he's too tired to think that waking someone else up at this hour might not be the best (or politest) of ideas.

Human Things by ChloeWeird (ChloeBYoung), SylvieW - (Rating: T, Words: 10542, sterek)

Stiles keeps running into Derek, and can't leave well enough alone.

if i'm not made for you, then why does my heart tell me that i am? by EvanesDust - (Rating: T, Words: 13076, sterek)

When Derek’s kids write out their Christmas lists, they insist he writes one too. Not long after it's deposited in Santa's mailbox, he's reunited with the man of his dreams.

Stiles.

Derek can't help but fall for him again. It's really too bad Stiles is so obviously taken.

...or the one where Derek’s a grump who makes assumptions about his pregnant omega neighbor.

Disposition by Tulikettu - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 56104, sterek)

Stiles has an itch. A kinky, kinda dirty itch he needs to scratch. 

So why not go on the Internet and look for a complete stranger to scratch it? 

Derek needs a partner for his rut. 

What a coincidence.

I Didn't Know That I Was Starving (til I tasted you) by LadySlytherin - (Rating: Mature, Words: 4482, sterek)

Derek - who lives in New York with his older sister, Laura - is back in Beacon Hills, visiting his parents and younger sister for Christmas, when everything changes. Cora invites friends over while their parents are visiting other family, Derek drinks something he didn't know he shouldn't have, and things get a little out of control.

Misunderstandings abound, secrets are spilled, and in the end all it takes to find happiness is being brave enough to reach out with both hands and never let go.

The Rarest of Gems by Hedwig221b - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 26497, sterek)

"There, somewhere, a flower grows. Its curious petals reach in curiosity, but get burned in return. It craves a soothing touch, a lover’s kiss. It is the sweetest nectar, the brightest moonlight, the most alluring starry night. It is the rarest of gems. It is your mate, alpha Hale. But beware and haste, for the flower grows among the most vicious thorns, who can’t wait to tear it apart."

Strong Alpha, Strong Pups by Snare - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 7349, sterek)

Omegas are weak. Stiles is an Omega, but Stiles has magic. Stiles is strong.

Stiles is strong, so Alpha needs to be stronger. Strong Alpha, strong pups.

A Rocky Halloween by MichelleDWinchester - (Rating: Explicit, Words: 21830, sterek)

Stiles hasn't been back to Beacon Hills in a while, instead choosing to focus on his University work and internship. Now, however, Stiles is back in town for a bit of Halloween revelry with the Pack and if his risque outfit helps him discover whether or not Derek is even remotely interested in being more than 'just friends' or indeed simply Pack mates, then Stiles is all in!!

yohe's recap fri-sun. behind $wall so here u go:

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — It’s a pleasant, autumn afternoon in downtown Halifax. A bartender is shaking his head in the city’s bar district, telling tales of Nova Scotia’s favorite son while NFL games beam on background televisions.

The topic is predictably Sidney Crosby.

“He’s here all the time in the summer with Nate (MacKinnon),” the bartender said. “People never leave him alone. Sits here and signs autographs all night. He’s almost too nice for his own good, you know? But he’s just such a good guy. He just sits here and signs and signs, and just talks with everyone, and poses for pictures. People love it. You have to understand how proud of him we are.”

That much is quite clear.

Preseason games don’t typically receive much in the way of hoopla. Even Erik Karlsson’s exhibition season debut was met with thousands of empty seats at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday.

But this is different. Much, much different. The Pittsburgh Penguins are playing the Ottawa Senators on Monday in downtown Halifax at Scotiabank Centre and it’s a preseason game, only you wouldn’t know it by the buzz in this beautiful, seaside city.

As of Sunday, there were around 300 tickets available on StubHub. The majority of these are selling for more than $1,000. The average price for a ticket on StubHub is around $1,100, and the most famous Taylor in the building will be Crosby’s sister.

“It’s all pretty crazy,” said Ryan Graves, another Nova Scotia native.

Crosby and the Penguins arrived in Halifax late on Friday afternoon. They had a “team bonding” day on Saturday, which included a scavenger hunt and Crosby acting as a personal tour guide for his teammates, most of whom had never been to Halifax.

“I was definitely feeling the pressure,” Crosby said with a smile. “Wanted to make sure guys enjoyed it. It’s a great place. I’m really proud of my home and what it has to offer.”

Rest assured, the feeling from his hometown is mutual.

All across Canada, Crosby is understandably a national hero. He’s one of the greatest players of all time, an incomparable gentleman, scorer of the golden goal and captain of the greatest generation of Canadian hockey.

In Pittsburgh, Crosby is a civic icon. In a city that reveres its sports legends more than most, Crosby’s face will rest on the Mount Rushmore of Western Pennsylvania greats alongside the likes of Mario Lemieux and Roberto Clemente, singular artists whose character somehow exceeded their athletic exploits.

And yet, in Halifax, the affection Crosby receives is even more noteworthy if slightly understated, as is the custom of this province’s people. Like Crosby himself, the people here are polite and kind. Crosby always smiles when Nova Scotia is mentioned. Unfailingly.

When his name is mentioned around the proud people of Halifax, they smile in turn.

“Hard not to,” Graves said.

The Penguins practiced on Sunday morning only minutes from Crosby’s boyhood home at Cole Harbour Place. The small building was filled with hundreds of fans, who overflowed the venue for hours. Hundreds of others stood outside, patiently waiting for a glimpse of Crosby.

Graves grew up in Nova Scotia, albeit three hours away. He is the best-suited member of the Penguins to explain what Crosby’s appearance in the Maritimes means, and what his presence over the years has done for hockey in this region.

Some players from Nova Scotia reached the NHL before Crosby, but his arrival — and subsequent domination of the league — changed everything, according to his new teammate.

“You can just see from the reaction of the people,” Graves said. “You can tell what it means to this area, what he’s done. He’s the first one from out east that really had an impact on everybody. Sid was the first one to pave the way. The impact he’s had on Mac (MacKinnon), myself, (Ottawa’s Drake) Batherson … you know, you always think things are possible. But when you have someone that’s actually done that, it becomes more real. You understand the pathway that they took. It gives you someone to root for. Everyone loves him. Everyone. He’s an idol to a lot of people. Eight, 10-year-old kids love him. People my parents’ age love him. He’s had an impact on so many people. It’s really cool that the Penguins brought us here to do this.”

Some athletes like to cultivate the image of giving back to the community when, in reality, their contributions are far smaller than the accompanying hype. Crosby is quite the opposite. He’s well known to visit Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh on a regular basis, for instance, but is insistent that the media not chronicle these visits. It’s simply his way.

It was fitting, then, that Crosby’s day on Sunday was particularly full, even if he couldn’t hide from the media on this occasion.

After the Penguins practiced, Crosby returned to the ice. He participated in a hockey clinic for dozens of young Nova Scotian players, and he wasn’t alone. His good friend, Evgeni Malkin, joined him for the clinic. So did Graves. And so did the entire Penguins coaching staff, including Mike Sullivan.

“We all play because we love it,” Crosby said. “Obviously we have dreams of being in the NHL. Sometimes that works out, sometimes it doesn’t. Hopefully it gives them the belief that, just because you’re from a small town, you can make it.”

While Crosby, Malkin, Graves and the coaching staff were on the ice, the rest of the Penguins players were signing autographs and participating in Q&As with children and other members of the Nova Scotian community. Crosby also invited and spoke with families who lost their houses during the horrific wildfires that impacted so much of Canada earlier this year.

“This whole thing has been great,” Jeff Carter said. “Everybody knows what Sid means to the community here. And I think everyone understands how many things he does for people off the ice. It’s been a special weekend for him. He’s very proud of where he grew up. That’s obvious. I think it’s been special for him, yes, but it’s also been a really great experience for all of us.”

Graves said the hockey community in Nova Scotia is an underappreciated one and that he hopes events like this underscore how passionate this province is for hockey.

“It’s all just so cool to see,” he said. “People here love this sport. They’re crazy for it. You see when the world juniors are here, everything is sold out. The Czech and Slovakian game even sold out. People love it. It’s crazy. People love the players who are from around here, too. People around here are blue-collar, hard-nosed people. It makes it fun for them to root for a person like Sidney. When I was a kid, the Islanders came here once for a week of training camp. I thought it was the coolest thing ever.”

And with all due respect to the Islanders, they aren’t Crosby.

“I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have a practice with the Penguins in my hometown rink, the place I grew up in,” Marcus Pettersson said. “Man, would that be awesome. But with Sid, everything is different. And it’s all because of the kind of human being he is.”

The crowd buzzed throughout Penguins practice on Sunday, with the massive contingent of children chanting Crosby’s name throughout.

“So, you see how he’s worshipped here,” Pettersson said. “You see it right away. And honestly, it’s because of the things he does in the community even more than the hockey player that he is. People know he’s a great person, but they don’t even understand all of it, all of the things he does when people aren’t looking, the way he treats people. People are smart, though. They know. He wouldn’t be worshipped the way he is if he weren’t a great person. He sets that standard and that precedent every day. We’ve just been walking around town, and you start to see that people are proud to be from here because Sidney Crosby is from here. I think that tells you a lot.”

As the years have rolled on, Crosby’s bond with his head coach has notably grown stronger. It was only fitting that Sullivan played a big role in the big weekend.

“It’s a great tribute to the legacy Sid has built,” Sullivan said.

Crosby and the Penguins once played a preseason game in Halifax, back in September of 2006. Given that it’s been 17 years since the Penguins have been here, it’s a pretty fair bet that this could be the final time that Crosby skates before his hometown fans.

“It’s been nice,” he said. “I never thought I’d have an opportunity to do this. I had a lot of morning practices in this rink. I had dreams of playing in the NHL. I didn’t think I’d ever be here with our team, doing something like this. You just try to take it all in and enjoy it.”

Crosby is perhaps the most hyped prospect in hockey history. Even before he was drafted, scouts and others who knew him raved about his personality and his character. This, they insisted, was a boy who was different than the rest.

“He’s just the best,” Pettersson said.

Crosby’s last NHL-related event in his hometown was in 2016 when a parade with the Stanley Cup was held in his honor.

Troy Crosby shook his head when pondering the last time the hockey world descended upon Nova Scotia to witness his son.

“Halifax has changed a lot since then,” Crosby’s father noted.

The boy, who became a man, who became a hockey god, has never really changed at all.

His homeland is all the better for it.

“This is a weekend people are going to remember for a really long time,” Graves said. “To the people here, it’s everything.”

Unfinished Friday

A crawling what @tackytigerfic ??? (Seriously— a brilliant premise! And thanks for tagging me!). This is a wip I started and abandoned some time last year—re-reading this snip has reminded me to get back to it asap! I’d love to see what you’ve got lurking in your drafts, @avenueofesc, @makeitp1nk, @hogwartsfirebolt, @geesenoises, @phdmama, & @saintgarbanzo!

Imagine if Wolfstar raised Harry away from wizarding society in a sleepy little seaside town that a certain aggressively blonde, pureblood family happened to vacation at?

Harry uses his magic to silence his creaky door as he slips out into the hallway and pulls it shut behind himself. It’s a house rule that the door to the linen closet is always left slightly ajar, thanks to the time Harry shut himself in during a particularly ferocious tantrum and was too embarrassed to call for help for nearly an hour–it doesn’t matter that it happened when he was three and he’s nearly eighteen now–so he just has to stretch out a hand as he passes to summon his favorite beach towel and stuff it into his backpack before zipping it closed.

He steps carefully over the threshold to the kitchen to avoid the one loose tile and is nearly to the sliding glass doors and home free when–

“And where do you think you’re off too, this early?”

Harry jumps and nearly drops his backpack. He whirls around to find Remus seated at the kitchen table in his old, checkered robe, a steaming cup of tea clasped between his hands and his reading glasses perched on his nose. The newspaper is spread out on the table in front of him.

“Couldn’t sleep again?” Harry asks, his voice high and pinched. “Full moon’s only a couple nights away, I guess, but you should really get your rest!”

Remus raises an eyebrow and sets his mug down. His lips twist with the smile he’s trying to suppress. “Don’t try to deflect. The sun isn’t even up yet.”

Harry sighs, finally relenting to the fact that he has been well and truly caught. “I’m just going out for a bit before I have to get to work! You know how crowded the beach gets this time of year. I want to beat all the tourists!” He knows he sounds whiny, but the weather is supposed to be perfect this morning and he doesn’t want to miss the best waves.

Remus chuckles and pushes his reading glasses onto his forehead as he crosses his arms over his chest. “Were you even going to leave a note? Did you want us to wake up and think you’d been kidnapped in the night?”

Harry rolls his eyes, but a flush heats his cheeks. “Yeah, ‘course…” he says unconvincingly. “But it’s not like you wouldn’t know exactly where I am!”

“Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten the time Sirius had the beach patrol out searching for you at six in the morning.”

Harry laughs, “I could literally never forget that. Oh my god that was so embarrassing. Why is he like that??”

Remus makes a soft noise and considers Harry for a long moment. “He just worries about you. Because he loves you.”

Harry shifts on his feet, hearing Remus’s words for the gentle chastisement they are. “Yeah. I know.”

“And he’s always been a bit of a neurotic twat. Can’t help it.” Remus’s eyes sparkle with mirth. “Have I ever told you the story of the first time you got lost in the grocery store?”

Harry laughs again, more loudly. “The one where Sirius cried more than I did before and after you found me?”

“That’s the one,” Remus says, grinning, as he picks up his tea again and takes a sip. “Now go, before said neurotic twat wakes up and decides to keep you here for three hours casting sun protection charms, making sure you have a full breakfast and reading you the pamphlet on how to escape an undertow again.”

Harry grins so wide his cheeks hurt. “Thanks, Re.” He pulls open the sliding door and has one foot nearly out when he feels a hand on his shoulder.

“Here, at least take this,” Remus says as he hands him a banana. “You really should be sure to eat something. And don’t forget this.” Remus presses Harry’s wand into his hand–it’s an old, second-hand thing that he rarely uses, but he knows it makes both of his uncles feel better if he has it on him whenever he leaves the house.

“Thanks, Re,” Harry says again, more softly, as Remus pulls him into a hug.

“Be careful, Harry. Text when you’re on your way to work.”

Harry tightens his arms around Remus’s back. “‘Kay,” he mumbles.

FIJI ~ THE RETURN

(Yasawa islands & the Coral Coast)

🎶 “One the road again” since the dreaded global pandemic. I left Canada at the end of 2016, now it’s 2023 and may the travels continue. Currently living in Brisbane Australia with my partner in crime. Zach and I travelled 5 hours to Fiji, only to be met by the warm weather and musical greetings.

Nadi: Hustling to find a taxi we made it to smugglers accomodation. Just as I remembered 6 years ago, smugglers is somewhere to crash for a night and nothing much has changed. The following morning we hopped on a bus and headed through Nadi to Port Denarau where we met our boat, the south sea island cruiser. Aboard the vessel we road the roof top, 4.5 hours all the way up the Yasawa islands to the famous Blue Lagoon Resort.

Blue Lagoon: White sandy beaches fringed in coconut palms, cobalt blue and turquoise coloured ocean. Blue lagoon is home to an endless natural beauty and the loveliest of islanders. Located near the end of the Yasawa chain of islands. Fun Fact: Blue Lagoon is known and named after the 1980s film, “Blue lagoon” (starring Brooke Sheilds). We spent our time here free diving the “Sawai-Lo” caves on the neighbouring island. Snorkelling with turtles, sea life and a vast display of ancient colourful corals. After a scenic hike accompanied by the village dog we named, “Nipples” our evenings were plentiful. Kava rituals, an endless buffet, traditional song and dance that even we were sure to partake in. Blue lagoon was one to remember.

Manta Ray: Onto the next one! After the Lagoon we ventured down to Manta Ray Island, an island I had once visited 6 years prior. Friendly and laid-back, this island will forever leave its mark in my mind. Scenic views of neighbouring islands and known for its flocks of majestic manta rays that soar through the current like birds in the air. Often the locals will sound a conch-shell and as if it were a Black Friday sale, everyone then races like a group of warriors to the boats. Prepared to battle the current in hopes of seeing these majestic Mantas. We swam like hell in attempt to see them but ended up being the 2 of few who were unsuccessful. We enjoyed a lovely meal with an evening in our seaside villa just steps from the ocean, the waves lulling us to sleep. The following morning we watched the sunrise and enjoyed a beach stroll, playing with hermit crabs along the shoreline. We were met with slight disappointment as the island pump had broken, running us out of clean water. Unfortunate and uncommon but not the end of the world, we had to quickly re-arranged accomodation to another island further south.

Naqalia: Travelling from Manta Ray we headed down the Yasawa to a small island called, Naqalia. With the change in accomodation we managed to find a small home stay with a local family on the island. Unique and rustic, the family ran a lodge that was completely hand made and everyone played a part in accomodating us. With little cost Zach and I had a roof over our heads and met handful of fellow travellers, open to experiencing Fiji locals like few tourists ever get the privilege of having. The family cooked a meal that I strongly attest was the best food we had the entire trip. However Zach wasn’t feeling great so the following day he stayed back while I did something I’ve never done before. The teenage boys from the Fijian family of Naqalia had driven an older couple and myself kilometres from land to a large reef in the open ocean. After getting past some large waves we jumped in the centre of the reef where we snorkelled above large trumpet fish and schools of white tip reef sharks. The young boys who brought us even hand fed the sharks right in front of us which seemed dangerous yet thrilling.

Barefoot Kuata: After a short stay at Naqalia lodge we were brought over by a small boat to Barefoot Kuata. Over the shallow beach and endless colourful reef, tucked away in the towering palm trees is a hidden gem. Barefoot Kuata resort is a luxurious stay where Zach and I had an amazing boho-beach inspired accomodation with an outdoor shower and bathtub. After exploring the cave and sunset lookouts with endless views. We kicked back with great Buffett dinner and night snorkel. The following morning we both went diving for the first time in 3.5 years. Unlike any other dive this particular one was with 3 meter long bull sharks. Known for being an aggressive breed of shark species, we still did it. Watching 10+ of these fascinating animals swarm in a feeding frenzy as one of the locals fed them at a depth of 22 meters. Barefoot was a memorable stay and a place I’d love to visit again.

South Sea Island: Six years ago I had a very memorable, laid back stay on south sea island. Taking only minutes to walk the perimeter of this island, and accomodating no more than a handful of people. I had connected with a group of travellers I still occasionally keep in touch with. However it seemed this island had a subtle facelift and is now a popular destination for other travellers looking to spend the day from neighbouring islands. Still very enjoyable, we slept in a small cabin steps from the sea. Watching the sunset change, as it went from a small amber glow to filling the sky with touches of magenta and cotton candy pink. After saying goodbye to the Yasawa islands and the few fellow people we met along the way we carried on to the mainland.

The Road Trip: Embracing spontaneity, we met a local worker on south sea island who agreed to driving us 2.5 hours for $200. Even though it was very much out of his way, it was the best way to educate ourselves. Before starting the road trip into the night, we first stopped by his village where we had the privilege of meeting some of his family and local animals. Zach, the driver and I spent this time indulging and comparing cultures and ethnicities before picking up a fourth. We pulled into a village to pick up the drivers cousin and the 4 of us carried along driving. Like the beginning of a bad joke, an Australian, Canadian and two Fijian men drove across mainland Fiji comparing stories and sharing riddles.

Pacific Harbour: After the long and winding roads, we said goodbye to our fellow Fijians. Ending up at our final destination…The Pearl Resort. Located in Pacific Harbour, The Pearl is a beautifully landscaped resort with all the comforts of home. This did not end the adventurers in us! We managed to squeeze 2 more dives in with a local company. These exploration dives were stunning! An array of sea life, lion fish, sharks, trumpet fish, nudibranch and soft corals. My particular favourite part was the ship wreck at a depth of 23 meters with large over hanging fan corals cascading off the sides of this rusty, old vessel.

After our final experience scuba diving we headed back to The Pearl. This location is a great way to stop and rest before heading back to the hardships of reality. Here we lived the highlife, indulging in food, spa treatments and poolside cocktails. Amazingly, to my surprise I even bumped into one of my south sea “fellow travellers” from 6 years ago. However this time she came with family too, not the lonely traveller who I once met a long time ago. So happy for her! (Laura)

First time overseas since the global pandemic, first time travelling with Zach, second time in Fiji and it’s just as wondrous as I recall. Home to 333 islands, 120 of those islands inhabiting the loveliest of local people. With its main source of economy being tourism you can understand why Fiji is an oasis for those wanting an escape. A tropical paradise scattered amongst the Pacific Ocean, Fiji will always hold special unforgettable memories.

Bula and Vinaka Levu

“Life and Thank you very much”

Until next time,

Michael Medeiros

June, 10, 2023.

A Night At the Opera for the album ask 🎶✨

1. Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...):

"Killjoy, bad guy

Big talkin' small fry

You're just an old barrow boy

Have you found a new toy

To replace me?

Can you face me?"

2. Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon:

"I come from London town

I'm just an ordinary guy

Fridays, I go painting in the Louvre"

3. I’m in Love with My Car:

"When I'm holding your wheel

All I hear is your gear

When my hand's on your grease gun

Oh, it's like a disease, son"

4. You’re My Best Friend:

"Oh, you're the best friend that I ever had

Been with you such a long time

You're my sunshine

And I want you to know

That my feelings are true

I really love you

Oh, you're my best friend"

5. '39:

"For the Earth is old and grey

Little darlin', we'll away

But my love this cannot be

For so many years are gone

Though I'm older but a year

Your mother's eyes from your eyes cry to me"

6. Sweet Lady:

"You call me up and feed me all the lines

You call me sweet like I'm some kind of cheese

Waiting on the shelf

You eat me up, you hold me down

I'm just a fool to make you a home"

7. Seaside Rendezvous:

"I feel so romantic, can we do it again?

Can we do it again sometime?

Fantastic, c'est la vie mesdames et messieurs

And at the peak of the season

The Mediterranean

This time of year, it's so fashionable"

8. The Prophet’s Song:

"Oh-oh, children of the land

Love is still the answer, take my hand

The vision fades, a voice I hear

Listen to the madman"

9. Love of My Life:

"You will remember when this is blown over

And everything's all by the way

When I grow older

I will be there at your side

To remind you

How I still love you (I still love you)"

10. Good Company:

"I flourished in my humble trade

My reputation grew

The work devoured my waking hours

But when my time was through

Reward of all my efforts

My own limited company"

11. Bohemian Rhapsody:

"Too late, my time has come

Sends shivers down my spine, body's aching all the time

Goodbye, everybody, I've got to go

Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth

Mama, ooh

I don't wanna die

I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all"

Thanks for the ask, dear 💕

album ask

Sunday, May 5, 2024

An AI-controlled fighter jet took the Air Force leader for a historic ride (AP) With the midday sun blazing, an experimental orange and white F-16 fighter jet launched with a familiar roar that is a hallmark of U.S. airpower. But the aerial combat that followed was unlike any other: This F-16 was controlled by artificial intelligence, not a human pilot. And riding in the front seat was Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. AI marks one of the biggest advances in military aviation since the introduction of stealth in the early 1990s, and the Air Force has aggressively leaned in. Even though the technology is not fully developed, the service is planning for an AI-enabled fleet of more than 1,000 unmanned warplanes, the first of them operating by 2028. The AI-controlled F-16, called Vista, flew Kendall in lightning-fast maneuvers at more than 550 miles an hour. It went nearly nose to nose with a second human-piloted F-16 as both aircraft raced within 1,000 feet of each other, twisting and looping to try force their opponent into vulnerable positions. At the end of the hourlong flight, Kendall climbed out of the cockpit grinning. He said he’d seen enough during his flight that he’d trust this still-learning AI with the ability to decide whether or not to launch weapons in war.

Jewish students grapple with how to respond to pro-Palestinian campus protests (AP) Some Jewish students have taken part in strident pro-Palestinian protests dominating U.S. colleges in recent weeks. Like many Americans, Jewish students’ views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are wide-ranging and often nuanced. They have had fervent debates with each other over whether and how to respond as pro-Palestinian encampments spread from one university to the next. Some joined the encampments, celebrating Passover among the tents with fellow protesters. Many felt unnerved by what they considered to be anti-Israel rhetoric and said they feared rallying. Jewish Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 are closely divided on whether Israel’s post-Oct. 7 military campaign has been acceptable, according to a Pew Research Center poll conducted in February. But instances of hatred among the antiwar protests have rattled many Jewish students, regardless of how they feel about Israel’s government or its treatment of Palestinians.

Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms (AP) The Houston area was under threat of worsening flood conditions Saturday, a day after heavy storms slammed the region and authorities warned those in low-lying areas to evacuate ahead of an expected “catastrophic” surge of water. A flood watch remained in effect through Sunday afternoon as forecasters predicted additional rainfall Saturday night, bringing another 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 centimeters) of water to the soaked region and the likelihood of major flooding. Friday’s storms forced numerous high-water rescues, including some from the rooftops of flooded homes. Officials redoubled urgent instructions for residents in low-lying areas to evacuate, warning the worst was still to come.

Mexican officials say 3 bodies recovered in Baja California during search for 3 missing foreigners (AP) Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. The state prosecutors office did not say whether the bodies were those of the three foreigners, but said the bodies were discovered during the search for the missing men. The site where the bodies were discovered near the township of Santo Tomás was near the remote seaside area where the missing men’s tents and truck were found Thursday on a remote stretch of coast.

High-Profile Killings Put Chile on Alert (Foreign Policy) Chile is still reeling from the killings of three military police officers last Saturday. Their vehicle was found burned alongside a highway, with the officers inside, in the south-central Biobío region. There was no suspect on the scene. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá called the style of the crime “unprecedented,” and President Gabriel Boric declared three days of national mourning. The killings, which are currently under investigation, occurred in an area where Indigenous Mapuche groups have clashed with authorities in a long-running conflict over land. Criminal groups involved in illegal logging, drug trafficking, and other activities are also present in the area. Criminal enterprises are growing more sophisticated in their connections to international networks and appear unafraid to perpetrate brutal actions. In March, the body of a former Venezuelan military officer who had been living in Chile and was a known dissident was found in a suitcase; investigators have linked the event to the Venezuelan organized crime group Tren de Aragua.

Mujica’s Message (Foreign Policy) Former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica announced on Monday that he has esophageal cancer that will be difficult to treat due to a preexisting autoimmune disease. While tests are still underway to gain a clearer understanding of Mujica’s condition, he said at a press conference that he feels the “grim reaper” is at his door. He then launched into a series of reflections about what matters in life. His sporadic advice for young people was republished by news organizations across the region. “Fight for love. Don’t let yourself be seduced by hate,” Mujica said. “Life is beautiful, and it goes by fast. Triumphing in life is starting again when you fall. If there is an argument, turn it into hope.”

U.S. Approved More Weapons for Ukraine. Now It’s a Race Against Time. (NYT) The push is on to move weapons to a depleted Ukrainian army that is back on its heels and desperate for aid. Over the last week, a flurry of planes, trains and trucks have arrived at NATO depots in Europe carrying ammunition and smaller weapon systems to be shipped across Ukraine’s borders. But it may prove difficult for Mr. Biden and other NATO allies to maintain the urgency. Weapons pledged by the United States, Britain and Germany could take months to arrive in numbers substantial enough to bolster Ukraine’s defenses on the battlefield, officials said. That has raised questions about Ukraine’s ability to hold off the Russian attacks that have had Kyiv at a disadvantage for several months.

Myanmar’s new conscription plan (BBC) Myanmar’s military regime is eager to find new army recruits to fight rebel groups across the country. In the latest move to bulk up its forces, the government is no longer allowing conscription-age men to travel out of the country for work. Young people had previously spoken to the BBC of their desperation to get out of the country. Men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 are obliged to enlist. The crackdown on the work abroad possibility is being seen as another massive blow. A 32-year-old man who was preparing to leave the country for Japan said he was devastated. He told BBC Burmese: “There are no job opportunities within the country and now they’ve also forbidden us from leaving the country. Are we not allowed to do anything?” he said.

Russia and China and Taiwan (Bloomberg) US intelligence officials assess that Russia and China are working more closely together on military issues, including a potential invasion of Taiwan, prompting new planning across the government to counter a potential scenario in which the countries fight in coordination. “We see China and Russia, for the first time, exercising together in relation to Taiwan and recognizing that this is a place where China definitely wants Russia to be working with them, and we see no reason why they wouldn’t,” Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said Thursday in testimony to Congress.

Israel’s offensive is destroying Gaza’s ability to grow its own food (Washington Post) More than six months into Israel’s invasion of Gaza, the Strip’s ability to produce food and clean water has been severely hampered. Israeli airstrikes and bulldozers have razed farms and orchards. Crops abandoned by farmers seeking safety in southern Gaza have withered, and cattle have been left to die. Ashraf Omar Alakhras had a family farm in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza near the border with Israel. In late January, he said, Israeli bulldozers plowed it under, along with his greenhouses and solar energy projects, to clear space for a militarized buffer zone. The fate of Alakhras’s farm has become the story of agriculture in Gaza. A Post analysis of agricultural data, satellite imagery and interviews with experts and Palestinians in the Strip reveals how an already vulnerable agricultural system is on the brink of collapse. Agriculture accounted for nearly half of Gaza’s total land area before the war, according to UNOSAT, the United Nations’ satellite center; 45 percent of that agricultural land has now been damaged.

Northern Gaza is in ‘full-blown famine,’ World Food Program leader says (Washington Post) Northern Gaza is in a “full-blown famine” that is “moving its way south,” according to the executive director of the World Food Program, Cindy McCain. There has not yet been an official declaration of famine in the enclave, where hunger and disease are rampant after nearly seven months of fighting, but McCain said in an interview with NBC News set to air Sunday that her remarks are based on what her organization has seen and experienced on the ground. “It’s horror. It’s so hard to look at and it’s so hard to hear,” she said. “I’m so hoping that we can get a cease-fire and begin to feed these people—especially in the north—in a much faster fashion.”

Power blackouts hit Tanzania as Cyclone Hidaya intensifies towards the country’s coastline (AP) Tanzania’s power distributing company on Saturday announced a major blackout for most of the country due to the power grid’s failure ahead of approaching Cyclone Hidaya. The metrological department said the cyclone continues toward the coastline. Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been reported in the coastal areas of Mtwara and Lindi, with forecasts saying that Tanzania’s commercial hub, Dar es Salaam, may be affected. Over the past weeks, Tanzania—like much of East Africa—has been experiencing heavy rains and flooding which has seen heavy rains and flooding that killed 155 people and affected more than 200,000 others.

Greetings from the Garden State

One of my favorite fun facts in conversations is that I listen to a New Jersey news podcast, The Garden State. While that alone is not strange, adding the fact that I'm not even from New Jersey makes it a tad odd to people. Being from Upstate New York, hardly any of the news is relevant in my everyday life, but I look forward to the podcast each Friday. While learning about New Jersey is indeed interesting, the hosts Josh Sobo, Josh Chomik, and Jimmy Parks, weekend recaps, conversations, and humor make it an even more interesting and enjoyable part of my weekly routine. 

I started listening at the end of 2022; by that time, they were already talking about joining the 2023 Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights. I was intrigued but pushed it off, the typical ‘I’ll do it next year.’ When it came time at the end of 2023, once again they were registering, and I put it off till January 2024 for that same excuse. They spoke passionately in their episodes leading up to the 2024 plunge, so I bit the bullet and registered with my boyfriend Kyle. After my experience in New Jersey, I am so glad I did.

After listening to the podcast for a while, I knew some places I wanted to visit while there. We first started at the Summit Diner in Summit. Walking up to the diner, it had a very welcoming presence and seemed like a popular local place. For all the right reasons too, the staff was so kind, the food was incredible, and most importantly, they have The Other Fellow First Foundation, which helps and comforts New Jersey families in need.

Our next visit was the American Dream Mall, the largest mall I had ever seen. Practically any retail shopping or quick food you desire can be found here. I think the only thing I would have done differently is buy a point pass to try at least one ride while there. After a few hours of walking around the mall, we left to check into our inn for the night. We stayed at the Colts Neck Inn; it was charming in the suite we had. Everything was clean and very well thought out, like the bubble bath left for the jetted tub. 

To end our first day, we went to Asbury Park for dinner at Kim Marie’s Eat N Drink Away, an Irish pub right down the road from the boardwalk. The atmosphere and decor were just as terrific as the food, especially after a long day of travel. Our main reason for going to Asbury was to see the boardwalk and the Stony Pony. As a huge music fan, this historic venue was a must-see. The boardwalk was beautiful even in the February breeze, and the string lights from the bordering businesses had a warm glow in the surrounding atmosphere. On the walk over to The Stone Pony, you could still hear the waves crashing on the shore which was quite relaxing. That night in ‘Portugal. The Man’ was performing there, so the outside was busy with excitement. Even though we did not get tickets, it was wonderful to just see the outside. Before heading out, we went to a small bakery, Confections of a Rockstar, which made the most delightful chocolate tarte. From traveling on our first day we were quite surprised at how many highways are in New Jersey, at least where we were, and that it is illegal to pump your gas, having someone do it for us felt so odd at first. 

Onto the main reason for our trip: the Polar Plunge at Seaside Heights for the New Jersey Special Olympics. Driving into Seaside Heights early in the morning, you could already see the excitement from the first arrivals. The costumes, props, and overall excitement radiated throughout the streets. Checking in was a simple process of scanning a QR code at the dedicated check-in tent and receiving a ticket to get your incentives at the corresponding tent. Following that, we warmed up with Wawa’s Hot Chocolate, a sponsor of the event, at their station. 

After that, it was time to go to the Garden State podcast tent to meet our team, and, not to lie, I was super nervous to meet them. It is one thing to listen to a podcast each week, but another to meet the people behind the screen. Once I got there and met them, I had no reason to be nervous. The first to introduce themselves was Josh Sobo; he was extremely welcoming and kind, asking us questions about ourselves. Then I met Josh Chomik and Jimmy Parks, who were just as welcoming and asked us questions as well, such as where we were from. I'm sure it's not the answer they were expecting, but they thought it was cool how far we traveled. Instead of spinning the wheel on their table to answer a question about New Jersey more specifically, Josh and Jimmy had me name 10 New Jersey towns. I did well until 7 when I started thinking too much and got flustered because it was a surreal moment for me. Anything I knew about New Jersey vanished. But I am so grateful because Josh and Jimmy started giving me hints to guess places, and I did it—all 10! They were so patient and genuinely had fun with it, which made the experience even more rewarding.

Josh gave me a shirt from their brand for completing the challenge, along with some fun keychains and stickers for Kyle and I. He also informed me that they all pitched in so that anyone on their team could eat, which was incredibly thoughtful and kind for them to do. The burgers the Elizabeth Police Department had made were the best I have ever had. After we ate and walked around a little, photographing the boardwalk, it was time to meet up once more for the plunge. 

At this time, a girl named Becky introduced herself, who was also on the team. I enjoyed meeting her, getting to know her, and her reason for joining. A stranger is a friend you just haven't met yet; something I try to live by. We all hung out until it was time to plunge. The team walked together towards the beach, Josh, Josh, and Jimmy making sure the entire group was together, as the boardwalk and beach were incredibly crowded. By the time we hit the beach, the National Anthem had started, followed by the countdown. We all started stripping into our bathing suits and made a run for the ocean. It felt so surreal, running not only with the podcast but with over 8,000 people. Running toward the ocean with not a second thought was the first time in a long time I felt such free-seeking discomfort. 

Walking out onto the cold sand afterward was the worst part of it, as Josh Chomik had warned us. Your feet felt a kind of burning from the change in temperatures. After meeting up once more from where we ran, we made our final goodbyes. I had asked Becky if she would come back next year, to which she said yes. She repeated the question to me, and I also said yes. We did not exchange information, but I am excited about the fact that I will see her then, with a common goal. 

Overall, I loved New Jersey, the weekend trip, and especially the plunge, which was just what I needed. The sense that everyone is there for the same goal and community. Even though I was not from New Jersey, everyone was incredibly welcoming. The plunge was such a rewarding experience. The Garden State podcast hosts were incredible and made for such an enjoyable day. I am so grateful that they introduced me not only to an amazing state but also to an amazing event. Thank you, guys, for your hospitality and a wonderful podcast. I hope to join your Garden State Plungers team next year! Kyle and I are already planning our next New Jersey trip to enjoy the beach in the summer and some hikes.

I have attached some photos from the trip, as well as the link for The Garden State podcast!

Mandy Lain<3

2/28/2024

Sunday Salon / Sunday Post - A Week in the Life of Dollycas – Weekly Rewind – New Arrivals

The Sunday Salon is a Facebook group that has become an informal week in review gathering place for bloggers. It is also a place to share our thoughts about things of a bookish nature. You can also link up weekly on Readerbuzz. The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE! Last Sunday we traveled about an hour away to watch Remi play in another basketball tournament. The boys start out so well but by the second half, they fall back into the bad habits and always come up short. In their 3rd game last week they went up against a team with many of the same issues. The game was not high-scoring but it was a nail-biter and in the end, Remi's team prevailed. They finally chalked up a win. They were so excited you would have thought they won the NBA Championship. All the parents and grandparents were thrilled too. The weather continued to warm up all week with several days in the 30s but we had nowhere to go. It was nice to see the sunshine every day. It was a busy week of blogging and book tours. I am also thrilled that Chicago Wednesday and Law & Order Thursday are back on NBC! Friday night some special visitors arrived. Son #2 and his family will be here for the week as they are moving and their new place won't be ready for a few days. I love having them here and all the extra time we get to spend with the grands. Daisy is happy to have them here too. A true heeler she believes it is her job to herd them around the house. How was your week? Weekly Rewind - January 22 - 27, 2024 Monday - My Reading Itinerary Monday! – Week #4 – 2024 Tuesday - Deadly to the Core (A Cider House Mystery) by Joyce Tremel #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @JoyceTremel Wednesday - Cozy Wednesday featuring Death by Demo (A Home Renovation Mystery) by Callie Carpenter #Review / #Giveaway @crookedlanebooks Thursday - Doomed by Blooms: A Josie Posey Mystery by Anna St. John #Review Friday - #FlashbackFriday featuring A Twisted Skein (Seaside Knitters Society) by Sally Goldenbaum #Review / #Giveaway @KensingtonBooks @sallygoldenbaum Saturday - The Clover City Files Mystery Series by Barbara Howard #Spotlight #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @bhowardphipps @barbarahoward @BarbaraHowardAuthor Plus - Special Guest – Lydia Barron-Smythe from Murder at a Scottish Castle: A Scottish Cozy Mystery by Traci Hall #CharacterGuestPost – Great Escapes Book Tour @tracihallauthor @KensingtonBooks Reminder - Wisconsin Cozy Readers Find All the Info Here! Happy Reading!! Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Read the full article

The Week Ahead 7/30-8/5

A new month begins, and it happens to be the last month of summer. Before you start lamenting, start drinking, dancing, eating, reveling in the sunshine, and making the most of it...

$59 Ticket To A Pizza & Limoncello Making Class, NoMad

Immerse yourself in the flavors of the Amalfi Coast at Spritz New York. Join their boozy Pizza & Limoncello Making Class on select Fridays. For just $59, indulge in wood-fired pizzas and various types of Limoncellos. Learn to make Pizza & Limoncello with guided instruction and the freshest ingredients. Take home your creations and be enchanted by the seaside-like ambiance of this dazzling NoMad gem. A divine, delectable adventure that will ignite your wanderlust awaits!

Show Your Support to Teachers with the Help of BIC At This Pop-Up

BIC and Lisa Ann Walter are inviting teachers to a pop-up supply closet stocked with free school supplies. Lisa will be a “hall monitor” that guides teachers to a teachers-only supply closet loaded with BIC stationery. Other event attendees can write their teachers thank you notes, record personalized videos, and help fulfill teachers’ wish lists via the Kids in Need Foundation!

$49 Table For Two: A Night Of Cocktails & Burlesque At A Speakeasy

Over-the-top. Sensual. Lavish. Indulgent. Decadent. Jewel Thief's Burlesque Show is all of the above, and then some. Make your way underneath NoMad hotspot Spritz NoMad and get lost in the exclusive, sexy feels. Take a seat at your private table, and savor the drinks, the eats, and the jaw-dropping performers...

Watercolor Workshop & Happy Hour

Spend a fun evening learning how to capture the world in watercolors as you paint. Craft beer will be provided and each participant will receive up to 2 drinks. Don't miss out on this educational, artsy, and exciting evening!

$29 Wellness Summer Fridays: Booze, Beauty Treatments, Yoga

Beat the summer heat with Grayson Hotel's Midtown Meltdown series, a rejuvenating lobby experience in NYC. For just $29, enjoy a 2-hour open bar of beer and wellness drinks, beauty treatments, yoga sessions, and surprises. Pamper yourself with goodies like Oribe's texturizing spray and RiseWell toothpaste, and try microcurrent treatments from Heyday Skincare. Shop at the Frank & Oak pop-up and sip on refreshing libations. This is your ultimate summer sanctuary in the city!

Metallica: The Black Album in Black & White at Rizzoli Bookstore

Calling all Metallica fans! Ross Halfin joins Rizzoli Bookstore for the Metallica New York Takeover. He will be in conversation with Steffan Chirazi about Metallica: The Black Album in Black & White followed by a meet and greet.

(via Toms River Brewing, Toms River, New Jersey - Ocean County)

Toms River Brewing

(1540 NJ-37, Toms River, NJ 08755)

Website: https://www.tomsriverbrewing.com/

#tomsriverbrewing

#thenewjerseybreweryblaze

Founded: 2018

Fun Facts About Toms River, New Jersey

*European settlers first arrived in the area between 1614 and 1685. In 1685, the British-born Thomas Luker settled along the banks of what was then called Goose Creek. Luker began operating a small ferry service across the waterway, which eventually became known as Toms River.

Tasting Room Hours

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: CLOSED

Wednesday: CLOSED

Thursday: 3pm - 9pm

Friday: 12pm - 9pm

Saturday: 12pm - 9pm

Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

*******

If you are planning on visiting the famous Seaside Boardwalk of any of the fabulous surrounding beach areas like Ortley Beach, Lavalette, Mantoloking, Island Beach State Park, or others, then there is a brewery that you should visit…and we are sure you would love it…the Toms River Brewing Company…just west of the Garden State Parkway on Route 37.

The brewery has a nifty outdoor seating area which is comfortable and cozy. It has a nice beach feel to it. I had a great conversation with two happy guests, Joe and Jenn and their adorable dog, Bohdie, who told me how much they loved coming to the brewery to enjoy a pint of a cold beer after a day of work and just chillin’ in the outdoor area. Upon entering the building you will instantly feel the warmth of the positive vibe created by welcoming and neighborly fellow beer lovers and very friendly and helpful bartenders. Sarah Kennedy was our bartender, and she was more than happy to help us, suggest drinks, and give us a little background of the brewery. If you decide to visit the brewery, she is one person that you should meet! The tasting room / bar room has a woodsy / brick decor and has a comfortable and relaxed feel. There are several high top tables along with other areas to sit. There are plenty of games for everyone and it is pet / child / family friendly. There was also a record player that occasionally plays giving the environment an added sense of amenity.

I spoke with one of the brewmasters of the Toms River Brewing Company, Andrew, and he was more than happy to show me around the brewery room and explain to me how the drinks are made and the process that goes into making their excellent beer. What a great guy!! You need to meet him sometime! There is a wide spectrum of absolutely tasteful and savory beers which range from light to dark as well as seltzers and sours. Some of the beers are barrel aged which give them a unique and special taste that we are sure that you will savor and appreciate.There are sixteen drinks on tap and available for your enjoyment. Their tasty signature brews are the “Saint John’s” , Irish Red and a NEIPS, “Irish Eyes.” Another interesting and creative sour, called the “Shine On, You Prickly Diamond”, is a Kiwi / Prickly Pear concoction which is very good! The good news, like Andrew told me, there are always new kinds of drinks being tested and created. I promise you this…you will not only enjoy their great tasting creations but you will also love the surrounding atmosphere. There are many live events that Toms River Brewing company hosts such as live bands on weekends and Trivia Night on Thursdays! There are also food trucks available on occasion.

Feeling down and having a lousy day? Looking for a destination that will bring a smile to your face, a song in your heart, and a belly full of happiness and goodness? Then make your way to the Toms River Brewery…you will leave a satisfied customer and will be happy you went!

********

Come and Join “The New Jersey Brewery Blaze” Facebook group Page.

You can visit our website for more reviews of Breweries in New Jersey (and New York)! www.thenewjerseybreweryblaze.com

24 hours in Brighton, 19-20th May

I've been meaning to take a holiday for a while and have never quite got my shit together enough to make it happen, so as with all things my hand was eventually forced by a gig. Brighton is about three and a half hours away by train (going via London) so I would have had to book some time off work anyway. I ended up getting an earlyish train down, getting in at lunchtime, and leaving just after lunch on Saturday.

I dithered right up until a couple of days before on whether to stay for one night or two, but went for one on the basis of being very, very worn out and wanting to be able to enjoy it and then relax the next day. Immediately after booking I found three things on as part of the Brighton Fringe that I wanted to see, scheduled for after I left. C'est la vie.

In the end, I didn't bother with trying to see stuff which I'm quite glad about. Instead, I just had a wander about after checking in/out: along the sea front, the pier, Western Road, North Laines, started to read my book, whatever. Had I planned more and then, crucially, stuck to it, maybe I'd have managed the Lanes, the naturist beach, and more food. Regardless, I'm happy with how I did it.

Food: main things were Happy Maki on Friday and Neighbourhood on Saturday. Also, a vegan soft serve ice cream place near West Pier, Brighton's own memento mori out at sea. I'd have to go through my banking app to find others; shan't.

Happy Maki: vegan sushi. I opted for the mock duck sushi burrito to take away, which did not retain enough structural integrity on my walk to the gig venue. As the rice collapsed, so did my last shred of dignity as I shoveled it into my mouth on a street corner. Delicious though, as were the satay inari pockets. Just wish I'd decided to eat in, with access to more napkins.

Neighbourhood: vegan brunchy place; you probably know the sort. Lots of grains and avocados, but still a loaded fries on the menu. I actually went for the breakfast hash because I like avocado now and that novelty hasn't yet worn off.

Quick nose further around some of the vintage shops and I had to head to the station. I also found a queer community centre/cafe/fringe performer hub, which I think is permanent but fairly new. We love to see it.

One of the things that struck me about it is that yes, it's very gay all over, but Kemptown is still referred to as the LGBTQ quarter. I assume this means concentrations of gay at levels previously unknown to humanity. We love to see it.

It is still a seaside town though, with all the kitsch I associate with that. I found an absolutely terrifying postcard with Queen Liz 2 on it - the flash was not kind to her - and sent it to my friend Martin in New York. Lots of Queen, no Charles, lots of London memorabilia, Union Jacks next to pride flags - an odd mix! Side note, even as someone who loves rollercoasters, you could not get me on anything set on a pier. Even at low tide.

I'm already planning a trip back, possibly in July for Trans Pride, possibly for my birthday in October to coincide with starling murmuration season. And I might have spent half an hour looking at flats to rent on Rightmove.

12095Khz 0358 8 APR 2023 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from TALATA VOLONONDRY. SINPO = 55444. English, dead carrier s/on @0358z with Al'Seela modulation in the bg, then ID@0359z pips and Newsroom preview (not // to Al'Seela before it s/off). @0401z World News anchored by David Harper. China’s military said on Saturday it had begun three days of drills around Taiwan, less than 24 hours after the island’s president Tsai Ing-wen returned from a trip to the United States. Tsai met the US House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, while in Los Angeles in Wednesday, angering Beijing, which claims Taiwan as a Chinese province it intends to annex. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an immediate call-up on Friday of Border Police reserves officers, in a major step that likely reflects fears of a further escalation following two deadly terror attacks in a single day, and amid high tensions nationwide after a night of retaliatory airstrikes by Israel in the Gaza Strip and rare artillery fire into Lebanon. Netanyahu announced the call-up as he huddled with security officials following the car-ramming attack at Tel Aviv’s seaside Charles Clore park on Friday evening, in which an Italian tourist was killed and seven others were wounded when a 45-year-old Arab-Israeli from Kafr Qassem ran his vehicle at high speed into a group of people walking on the promenade. Earlier on Friday, two Israeli sisters, British nationals, were killed and their mother was critically hurt in a terror shooting attack in the West Bank. The Israel Defense Forces launched a manhunt for the gunmen and other suspects who fled the scene. A Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas has ordered a hold on the longstanding approval of a widely used abortion drug, mifepristone. But an hour later an Obama-picked judge in Washington state issued a competing ruling, ordering that access to the drug be preserved in 17 states. The pill has been allowed for over 20 years, and is used in most abortions. The duelling court orders make it likely that the issue will escalate to the US Supreme Court. The Pentagon is investigating what appear to be screenshots of classified US and NATO military information about Ukraine circulating on social media. Moscow has formally charged US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage, Russian news agencies reported Friday, accusations rejected both by the reporter and his employer. Honduras' government on Friday extended until late May emergency powers that suspend some constitutional rights, part of an anti-gang push implemented by leftist President Xiomara Castro in the Central American country's largest cities. Earlier this week, Castro's government deployed soldiers across the nation to fight violent criminal groups. This is the third extension - this time by another 45 days - of the so-called state of exception that is now set to expire on May 21, the government said in a statement. Vice President Kamala Harris made a last-minute trip Friday to Tennessee where she called for tougher firearm laws and criticized the Republican-controlled state House, which a day earlier expelled two Black Democratic lawmakers for their role in a protest calling for more gun control following a school shooting in Nashville. Harris received wild applause and several standing ovations as she told a crowd at Nashville’s historically Black Fisk University that the so-called Tennessee Three — ousted Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson and a third Democrat, Gloria Johnson, who avoided expulsion by a single vote — were being, in her words, silenced and stifled for standing up for the lives of schoolchildren. A bear attacked and killed a jogger on a woodland path in northwest Italy, the first case of its kind, a source close to the case has said. @0406z "The Newsroom" begins. Backyard fence antenna, Etón e1XM. 250kW, beamAz 315°, bearing 63°. Received at Plymouth, United States, 15359KM from transmitter at Talata Volonondry. Local time: 2258.

Cafe Mambo – Paia, Maui, HI

Happy Hour at Cafe Mambo – Paia, Maui, HI

Updated 10/25/2022 by the Maui Happy Hours team

Happy Hour at Cafe Mambo Paia from 3pm-6pm Daily

Happy Hour Appetizers - Chips and Salsa $6 - Onion Rings $8 - Fries $6 - Mambo Fries (Pork & Cheese) $10 - Cheese Quesadilla $8 Happy Hour Beers $4.50 - Corona - Peroni - Bikini Blonde - Big Swell - Seasonal Happy Hour Cocktails $7.50 - Margarita - Lilikoi Margarita - Mango Margarita - Bloody Mary - Mimosa - Maui Sunrise - Mambo Gin Happy Hour Wine $5.50 - Pinot Grigio - Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc - Tempranillo - Champagne —————————— Address: 30 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779 Phone: (808) 579-8021 Website About: Cafe Mambo Maui has been serving locals and tourists in the eclectic surfer town of Paia since 2003 and was once voted “Best Lunch” and “Best Burger” by readers of the Maui Times. It’s a funky, vibrant restaurant serving a creative menu of locally sourced burgers, fajitas & salads. Located in the seaside village of Paia, Maui, Cafe Mambo is the perfect stop when leaving for a day on the Road to Hana. Popular items at Cafe Mambo include their Crispy Duck Burger, Loco Moco, Mambo Burger, Seared Ahi Burger, Fish Tacos, and more. Cafe Mambo strives to use as many organic and local, Maui-grown ingredients as possible. Happy hour at Cafe Mambo is from 3pm-6pm daily and features discounted appetizers, beer, wine, and tropical cocktails.

According to these Cafe Mambo patrons

“Great happy hour drinks and starters. Friendly quick service at Cafe Mambo.”Susan G., October 2022 “I’ve only visited the beautiful island of Maui twice. Once with my wife then again with her family joining. Both times we ate here. I love the fun laidback atmosphere, especially by the window seating. The crispy duck burger was one of the tastiest things I ate on the Island!”Justin G., September 2022 “First family vacation to Maui we had been on the road , just enjoying the beautiful sights on the road to Hana. We stopped in for a late dinner. The people were not only friendly , they also delivered a awesomely good meal. The seared AHI Burger exceeded my expectations, the Hawaiian burger was excellent as well. We’ll definitely be coming back to Cafe Mambo whenever we come back to Maui.”Cecy C., September 2022 “Cute little restaurant with a wide selection of options. The food was presented well and tasted great. The drink selection is very strong as well. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a great meal in a casual atmosphere. Also, please note that it’s easier to get in to Cafe Mambo than the restaurants down the hill. Well worth the short walk!”Kyle C., September 2022 “We went there mid September on a Friday night around 7pm. They closed at 8pm. The had their famed crispy duck fajita and the fresh fish fajita. Both came with an assortment of guacamole, sour cream, tomato sauce, salad etc served on a different plate, along with the fajitas and the duck and fish each on different plates. We loved both! The duck was juicy and crispy; but too oily. The fresh fish unfortunately overcooked. This is a nice , original place to hang. Easy going, great after surfing when hanging out with yiur friend. The staff was super friendly even we were the last guests before closing.Chris I., September 2022 “This restaurant is such a cute little spot to get a casual bite to eat, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We chose Cafe Mambo for an early dinner after doing the Road to Hana and were not disappointed.We ordered Onion Rings (with the Curry Sauce), Tofu Nachos, Roast Duck Fajitas. My favorite dish was the Roast Duck Fajitas. Our server mentioned this is what they are known for and I can see why. I loved how they served the fajitas in the unique metal dish for all the ingredients. The Roast Duck had a very nice sweetness to it.Also, take advantage of Happy Hour. We will definitely be visiting this restaurant again (maybe even for breakfast or brunch).”Keith K., February 2021

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Saturday in Malta so we decided due to the hopefully reduced traffic to concentrate on a relaxed lunch after we did the full harbour cruise. Traffic still was an issue but on reaching Silema we joined our tour sitting back for two hours of the gentle rocking of the boat while hearing history explained by a local who was very passionate.

Prior to the tour start we did a small walk around the local shopping domain. Here we discovered a mini-mall that went down three levels below. This supermarket had everything from very fresh fruit to cosmetics including only public toilets.

The streets surrounding are narrow and after a festive Friday night pretty dirty with huge water tankers driving through the streets washing them. No sweepers just sheer water pressure. Unlike Australia the various bars are not required to clean tables and rubbish prior to closing.

After the cruise we caught our bus to the seaside fishing village of Marsaxlokk where we sat down for our seafood lunch with of course a cold beer. Great location with sea breezes flowing through the various bars and markets. The food was fresh and the beer cold. Lobster was the main ingredient with again great pasta.

Did the remainder of the trip driving through the countryside and along the coastal roads. Arrived home early going upstairs to the pool area where we had a few more cold ones before retreating to our room for an early night.

Sunday our last day we had also decided was to be about just lying around, resting and preparing for our 3:30am departure on Monday morning.

Woke up around 7am and did a walk around the local cove and ended up in a state of the art “high end” shopping centre. Great place to window shop hahaha.

Later in the day we went for another walk, taking the time to visit the local bowling alley where the guys we met on our flight where in the finals. Never seen so many strikes in my life. They were very good, but so too were the other competitors. Left prior to the grand final.

Back in our rooms we are now packing for our flight. Tonight one last restaurant to try the seafood soup they rave about and maybe even the rabbit stew. Very expensive meal starting at Euro 30 a dish so still unsure whether to dive off the deep end or not.

10/8/22

I'm very, very depressed.

I'm seeing my therapist today, and I'll talk it all through. I'm not going to do anything to myself. The depression is situational. It will end or fade when the situation changes.

I mean, none of that stops the SH/SI gremlins on my shoulders from whispering that it will never get better and this is just all there is.

People - strangers even - have been asking me if I'm all right. I think I must have Resting Sad Face now.

Normally, I have brunch with friends once a month on a Friday. It used to be weekly. Well, originally, it was me and my friend Anne from church. We'd read the book of Ruth for Bible study group and felt like we wanted to cultivate a relationship like Ruth and Naomi - two women who were not lovers but were deeply committed to each other and each other's wellbeing and happiness. So we started meeting up weekly - gosh, three or four years ago? It was well before Covid, anyway. Maybe early 2019.

Anyway, so we started meeting and it was lovely, and eventually we had some new people join our Bible study group, and we invited Laura (who's quite a lot older - like parent age for us) to join us, and it was really, really nice. For awhile, there were several people joining us, including Izzy, who is Anne's close friend and business partner. And then Covid happened, Laura moved to be closer to her daughter, people's maternity leave ended, all that sort of thing, and then it was just me and Anne... and Izzy.

Slowly brunch has become the Anne and Izzy's Business Brunch with Special Appearance by Lauren.

I've really tried to become friends with Izzy, too, but there's just this feeling of like, Izzy has a very full life with lots of friends and family and I'm 100% not needed or particularly wanted. Not needed as in I need someone like Lauren to save me!!! but needed as in Lauren's perspective is very valuable to me and I think I need someone like her in my life, but even if I don't need her, I am interested to know what she thinks. You know?

Izzy is the kind of person who doesn't think about anyone who is not physically in front of her, demanding her attention, and I can't deal with that. It feels childish and rude and inconsiderate.

And the thing is, I really have genuinely tried. I've invited Anne and Izzy and their respective partners for games nights, movie nights, the whole shebang, and Anne mostly says "yes, we'd love to, I can do dates XYZ", and Izzy says "Let me look at John's shift schedule!" and then has literally never, ever gotten back to me. This has happened at least six times in the last six months. I did the nudges and everything. I felt like I was properly begging them to Do Friend Things.

I tried to blow it off (not very successfully), but I'm not stupid. I follow them both on social media and Izzy posts loads of social stuff she does with Anne and their other friends. She clearly can plan stuff, she just doesn't want to with me.

Then last month, she said she was going to host a little birthday celebration for her toddler on a Sunday afternoon, and I and my husband were going to be invited. Great, that's lovely. Except she didn't send me any details at all. I had to ask two times, my messages went unread, and then Anne offered to follow up with Izzy for me while they were at work and I said sure, if she felt like that would be better.

Ultimately, I got no details about this until the literal day of the party and I was sat in Stafford Park with my husband and I saw the message and we started heading back their way, and in the car, I burst into tears and said I didn't want to go, I couldn't deal with it anymore. My husband said, OK then, we won't go. Let's go somewhere else instead, and we ended up driving to the seaside (for a grand total of one hour).

I just couldn't do it. I couldn't face being the fucking dork who'd set aside the whole fucking day just in case the 'popular' girl texted details of a party I was invited to. I'm 35 fucking years old, I'm long past being the dork chasing after cheerleaders to be my friends.

So I spent last night crying silently in bed, wondering if our brunch has run its course, and it made my stomach hurt so badly I thought I was going to be sick or wake up with a migraine.

I have also been accompanied by the thought of, Well, but what if this is just depression talking and I'm about to throw away something good because I feel like shit and I want to self-destruct so badly?

This has, without exaggeration, been the worst two months of my life. I feel like I'm drowning. All I want to do is sit outside in the twilight, smoking and staring into space. But time keeps passing and I keep not buying cigarettes.