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Showing posts from January, 2023

Rugby Union: Saracens win in dramatic fashion

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Saracens 20-19 Bristol Bears Francois Hougaard scored a late try as Saracens came from behind to beat Bristol. An AJ MacGinty penalty and Harry Thacker try put Bristol ahead in a cagey first half. James Williams and Alex Goode traded penalties before a Theo Dan try reduced the gap to four points. Gabriel Ibitoye's try 10 minutes from time put Bristol nine points clear, but Rotimi Segun retaliated. Hougaard then crossed at the death to snatch the win. Saracens proved why they have been so dominant this season though as Segun powered over to set up a dramatic finale. Highlights in the vide below. Footage from  Premiership Rugby - YouTube All the best reaction Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall told local radio in London: "This one is a bit different because we had significant change all the way through the team, a lot of international players not available or we were choosing not to be available to give some younger lads a chance." The Saracens was full of praise for

News: Do you support teacher strikes?

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 Another day, another story about industrial action. Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary, NEU recently went on BBC Newsnight and discussed what will happen if the Government does not take action on teacher pay and workload. Video from  National Education Union - YouTube It was recently announced that teacher members of the National Education Union in England and Wales and support staff in Wales voted overwhelmingly for strike action and the ballot has successfully surpassed the restrictive thresholds set by Government for strike action. When voting to back strike action, NEU members were asked the following question: "The question put was, "Are you prepared to take strike action in furtherance of this dispute?". A statement on the NEU website reads: "The union is declaring seven days of strike action in February and March, though any individual school will only be affected by four of them. The first will be on will be on Wednesday 1 February, affecting 23,40

Icons of sport: Harry Kane

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It's time to explore Harry Kane. Another icon of sport. With the player on the verge of breaking the goalscoring record for club and country, we thought we'd look at the career of Harry Kane. Unlike many players featured in the icons of sport series, he has not retired yet. Brief introduction Harry Edward Kane plays as a striker for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and captains the England national team. A prolific goalscorer with strong link play, he is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.  Early life and early career Born and raised in the London borough of Waltham Forest, Kane began his career at Tottenham Hotspur, where, after fast progression through the team's youth academy, he was promoted to the senior team in 2009, at age 16. He was loaned out to clubs across the English football pyramid, including Leyton Orient, Millwall, Leicester City, and Norwich City. Kane's involvement at Tottenham increased after Mauricio Pochettino became head coach i

TV: Six seasons and a movie

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 Community is a TV series that ran for 110 episodes over 6 seasons.  After its initial run, it developed a cult following over the internet. Let's explore some of the best episodes and funniest moments. Fistfull of Paintballs (Season 2) The first of the two-part Season 2 finale. It's a nod to the famed Spaghetti Western films, but with a paintball twist. The group is split: Jeff, Annie, and Abed meet up, and then they run into Troy, Shirley, and Britta, who are hunting the trio for Pierce. They go to Fort Hawthorne, Pierce's safe haven, and have dinner. After a run-in with "The Black Rider," their mysterious and dangerous opponent, they return to Pierce and vote him out of the group. A shocking twist reveals that rival City College planned  it all and wants to take over Greendale. One reviewer said us: "The episode had so many moments you want to watch over again and again. Annie really comes to life in this special episode." For a Few Paintballs Mor

Looking for food: Newcastle

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 Are you in Newcastle looking for food? This is the article to check out.  Peace & Loaf restaurant They serve creative, artfully crafted British cuisine in a sleek, bare-brick restaurant with a mezzanine floor. One reviewer said: "Went for the festive vegetarian tasting menu but asked ahead if they could make it vegan, peace and loaf did not disappoint. They just couldn't make one of the pudding courses vegan so gave us a cocktail instead. We were looked after by the staff really well throughout our visit." Topolino Italian Restaurant A lovely place that serves Italian staples like pizza & pasta. They also offers desserts & a menu for the children. One great Google review said: "This is great little restaurant. Very reasonable prices for both food and drink. The staff were also really friendly." So, found this gem of an Italian restaurant called Topolino on the Quayside of Newcastle. Simple Italian meal with no fanfare and super friendly staff. p

Rugby Union: Heineken Champions Cup last 16 fixtures announced

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Which team is on track to win the Heineken Champions Cup? The eight ties to be played in the first knockout round of the Heineken Champions Cup have now been confirmed. YOUR ROUND OF 16 MATCH UPS 📢 Best tie? 👀 #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/uUzz7f83LT — Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 22, 2023 The list of qualifiers consists of five English teams, three each from France, Ireland and South Africa, plus one representative apiece from Scotland and Wales. The last 16 ties, to be played from 31 March to 2 April, are as follows: Leinster v Ulster Exeter v Montpellier Sharks v Munster Saracens v Ospreys Leicester v Edinburgh Stormers v Harlequins Toulouse v Bulls La Rochelle v Gloucester The ties will be settled as one-off matches rather than the two-leg format that was in operation for last-16 games last season. Some of the best moments from the Pool games Toulouse 20-16 Munster  Toulouse continued their unbeaten run in the Heineken Champions Cup with a hard-fou

News: More Coronation details announced

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May 2023 will see the UK celebrate a key moment in time and history. It has been announced that a series of world-famous entertainers will perform at Windsor Castle as part of a weekend of celebrations to mark the King's coronation.  The concert will be broadcast on the BBC on 7 May. It will feature what has been described as "global music icons" alongside orchestras and a diverse "coronation choir". It will come the day after the coronation at Westminster Abbey. Charles was proclaimed King Charles III, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. At the time, he declared himself ready to take on the "heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty". This was televised for the first time in history. Footage from  Channel 4 News - YouTube Processions to and from the abbey will take place, ending with a balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace. There will also be a laser and drone light show, but in an end to another tradition, there are no plans for

TV: Who's that girl?

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 New Girl is one of our favourite series.  It's funny, emotional and the perfect watch for any mood you might be in. Let's explore some of the best episodes featuring Nick, Jess and the rest of their quirky friends. Maybe it's the way you smile 🎶 pic.twitter.com/HhW76lSy7s — New Girl (@New_GirlTV) September 30, 2022 Season 2, Episode 14: Pepperwood This episode has a very clever script with some great Jess and Nick moments. It has become a big fan favourite over the years and has grown in popularity with the increase in streaming of the whole series. Season 2, Episode 16: Table 34 This episode contains some great moments in the stories involving Jess and Nick alongside Cece and Schmidt. It's arguably the moment that ultimately everyone knew both couples would end up together even if there were some dodgy moments along the way. Behind the scenes with a dapper Max Greenfield pic.twitter.com/N51x41upMH — New Girl (@New_GirlTV) August 20, 2022 Season 2, Episode

Icon of sport: Sir Bobby Charlton

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Sir Bobby Charlton is another icon of sport. Brief career summary He played either as a midfielder or a forward. Considered one of the greatest players of all time, he was a member of the England team that won the 1966 FIFA World Cup, the year he also won the Ballon d'Or. He finished second in the Ballon d'Or in 1967 and 1968.  Club Career Bobby Charlton played almost all of his club football at Manchester United, where he became renowned for his attacking instincts, his passing abilities from midfield and his ferocious long-range shot, as well as his fitness and stamina.  He made his debut for the Manchester United first-team in 1956 and soon gained a regular place in the team, during which time he became a Football League First Division champion in 1957 then survived the Munich air disaster of February 1958 after being rescued by teammate Harry Gregg; Charlton is the last survivor of the crash from the club.  After helping United to win the FA Cup in 1963 and the Footbal

Art: Former footballer launches Art collection

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We love it when different elements of society met. This time, it's football and Art. Ex-Manchester United star Eric Cantona has launched an exhibition on sporting heroes and their impact on society. Just here at the beautiful @FootballMuseum for the launch of this stunning exhibition ‘From Moss Side to Marseille: The art of Michael Browne & Eric Cantona.’ It’s incredible! It’ll blow your mind. Will post more photos in the morning, but here is one with The King 👑 🙌🏽🇾🇪❤️🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/3Lzm89TZAi — Rowetta🎙 (@Rowetta) January 12, 2023 The football legend helped to curate the show, which also features artist Michael Browne's depictions of soccer icon Diego Maradona, boxer Muhammad Ali and Olympic athlete Jesse Owens. Browne said he wanted to highlight those "who have been fighting against injustices throughout the world". Cantona told the world's media at launch that he hoped the display would encourage interest among children. The 56-year-old sa

Looking for food: Vegan special edition

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 There has been a huge increase in people becoming vegan in recent years. This article will explore the thoughts of people from across the world and offer suggestions to some places to eat vegan places. Picture credit - The Clean Counter What are your thoughts? Josh from Greater Manchester said: ''I try to eat vegan food three or four times a week, it has become a lot easier in recent times thanks to the increase in options.'' Dane from Edinburgh said: ''I have been totally 100% vegan for the last five years. The hardest bit was giving up dairy products like cheese and milk, but the alternatives for these have become a lot better recently.'' Helen from London added: I try to eat vegan a couple of teams per week. It makes cooking a bit more interesting when you can't use animal products.'' Are you loking for food in London, click here for more information. Becky from France said: ''I think in France it is a lot easier to be a vegetar

Looking for food: Edinburgh

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Edinburgh has an incredible amount of food options.  What do you fancy? Let's explore some of those. The Haggis Box This is a straightforward cafe with a positive vibe offering meat & veggie Scottish haggis, neeps and tatties. This video from  Clan Broonford - YouTube  explores this lovely little lunch place. One recent tourist added on YouTube: "We visited Edinburgh a few weeks ago from the US, and we ate at The Haggis Box! It really was lovely, and we would absolutely go again." Another YouTuber is looking forward to his visit: "I’ll definitely be going to The Haggis Box in September. I’ll be staying in Edinburgh for a whole month! I’m compiling notes I make from all your videos. I appreciate all your work and a never-fail positive attitude!" Baba This place aims to bring a slice of the Mediterranean to Edinburgh’s city centre. It certainly achieves that in our opinion. Jess M gave this review on Google: "Absolutely amazing!! I didn’t expect to find

Football world: History of the Manchester Derby

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The interesting thing about the Manchester Derby is that it has had a constantly changing dynamic.  Let's explore some memorable matches between Manchester United and Manchester City. The first meeting between Manchester's biggest clubs occurred in November 1881. St. Mark's (West Gorton) – who would later become Manchester City – hosted Newton Heath LYR – who would later become Manchester United.  Manchester City 6 - 3 United, October 2022 The most recent match between the two sides. United had recovered in the Premier League after a poor start but they were never in this game. City raced into a 3-0 lead very quickly before eventually going 6-1 up. Two goals from Anthony Martial gave the match some respectability from a Manchester United perspective.  Man United 0-1 Man City, April 1974 Did Denis Law really relegate Manchester United? Technically no. United would have been relegated anyway after Birmingham beat Norwich City in their final game of the campaign, United f

TV: The adventures of Del and Rodney

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No income tax, no VAT · No money back, no guarantee  Only Fools and Horses is a British television sitcom created and written by John Sullivan. The last episode was broadcast in 2003.  World Super News (wsnews1.blogspot.com) Let's explore the best of them. To Hull and Back This legendary episode from 1985 sees Boycie and his business buddy convince Del Boy to visit The Netherlands to smuggle diamonds. It's also an episode where Uncle Albert gets on a boat and doesn't sink. My own opinion is that this is the best episode of the lot. There is a fantastic story behind the key comedic elements here." Heroes and Villains The Trotter brothers dress up as Batman and Robin to attend the fancy dress party of Harry Malcolm. However, people forgot to mention that Harry died the day before and the party is now a wake.  Sleepy Man on YouTube said: "The background theme tune to batman combined with the expression of utter bewilderment on Councillor Murray’s face makes for o

Manchester news: Legendary bar announces closure

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A popular city centre bar has announced its shock closure after 22 years in business.  This is the place for more news from across Greater Manchester>>> The Font, on New Wakefield Street, will close its doors for a final time on 7th January They stated on Facebook that the rising cost of living, and the knock-on impact from the pandemic have taken an 'insurmountable toll' on the business in recent years. Memories and reaction to the news The bar tweeted: "Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou to all our staff, customers and friends past & present, your support has meant the world. All bookings will be contacted in time. Plus if you have any remaining credit on your app, you can still spend it at The Font Chorlton which will remain open." Mr Furrball replied: "You were our goto work lunch venue in the mid-noughties and even after we left Manchester still always came in for an all-day breakfast whenever we were up!" Was one of the few remaining great p

Looking for food: Leeds

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This article will explore the best food options across Leeds. It's a city with a population of almost 800,000, so there are many places to choose from. Looking for food: United Kingdom (wsnews1.blogspot.com) Bill's Leeds Restaurant A contemporary European place that dishes up separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus. One Google review said: "I ordered the Goan seabass curry, and it was delicious. It went well with the Spanish Rose wine. The Espresso Martini was the perfect way to end the dinner. The staff were friendly and attentive, making you feel comfortable and not rushed. The decor adds charm to the place." IF... Up North This is a cafe specializing in breakfast & brunch fare containing cozy and rustic interior details. We spoke to Elise, a local student who adores the place. She said: "Wow!! What a cute little brunch find! I had the nicest mocha. And the Reuben Eggs Benedict with a side of smashed avocado was so good. I would highly

Football world: Who is winning the Europa League in 2023?

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It's time to explore another interesting football story The Europa League might be the continent's second-tier European competition but it still contains some huge clubs. More interesting articles from the football world can be found by clicking here>>> Manchester United and Barcelona face off again Barcelona dropped into the Europa League and knew they'd face one of the eight second-placed teams from the Europa League. They were paired with arguably the toughest opponent from that list. The two sides have faced off many times throughout the history of European competition. Most notably in the 2011 Champions League final. A match that saw Lionel Messi perform at his very best. Ajax face Union Berlin This has the potential to be another interesting match. Union Berlin are new to the European scene, but Ajax could be considered European royalty. They reached the Europa League final in 2017 when they lost 2-0 against Manchester United.  Bundesliga: How far can Union

News: Is working from home here to stay?

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The last few years has seen a huge increase in working from home.  Amongst all the discussions, do we think it's here to stay? Let's explore what people across the world are saying. Our own opinion Flexible working and working from home have been definite positive steps in recent years. It allows employees of all types from different organisations to work at a pace that is suited to them. If you think about it, most people spend around two hours per day on the commute to and from work. Just imagine what you could do with that time. That's around ten hours per week and 520 hours per year. The picture below is actually from 2007 who knew that working from home isn't actually a new idea. What are people saying? Is it here to stay? Sophie lives in Middleton, Greater Manchester. She said: "I like working from home but not every day. Flexible working is clearly the future though." Olivia from London added: "I don't like it. It's not for me. However, I

Football world: The best football chants

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We all love a good football chant and have spent time thinking about some of the best. Let's take you on a trip around the world of football fan culture. Hey Ho FC St Pauli St Pauli have become something of a cult club with fans from all over the world flocking to see a club that has spent most of its time in the second tier of German football. Their unique fan culture is one of many reasons why this is the case. The Manchester United calypso A firm favourite for fans of Manchester United. The chant speaks volumes about Man United's great history. A version of it was first sung in the 1950s. Football taught by Matt Busby. It is still sung by United fans now. There was a great rendition of the song in United's recent win over Wolves. Sunshine on Leith - Hibernian FC Sunshine on Leith is a ballad by The Proclaimers. First released in 1988, it is the title-track and second single from the album of the same name. It has also become an anthem for Scottish team Hibernian

Icons of sport: Andy Murray

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It's time to explore another sporting icon. This article will focus on Andy Murray. This is a man that has made history on numerous occasions.  Brief overview and career highlights  He is a British professional tennis player from Scotland. He was ranked world No. 1 for 41 weeks and finished as the year-end No. 1 in 2016. Murray has won three Grand Slam singles titles, two at Wimbledon (2013 and 2016) and one at the US Open (2012), and has reached eleven major finals. He was ranked in the top 10 for all but one month from July 2008 through October 2017 and was no lower than world No. 4 in eight of the nine year-end rankings during that span. The Scot has won 46 ATP singles titles. That success includes 14 Masters 1000 events. Early career At the start of his career, he was coached by his mother Judy alongside his older brother Jamie, Murray moved to Barcelona at age 15 to train at the Sánchez-Casal Academy. Andy began his professional career around the time Roger Federer and Raf

News: Politics in 2023

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 2022 was an extraordinary year for politics in the United Kingdom.  What could possibly happen in 2023? Many people will be hoping for just no drama. Will there be any more fireworks? There isn't a general election expected Political leaders across Westminster don't expect 2023 to be a general election year.There is an expectation that the Conservatives will run the clock down on this parliamentary term. January 2025 is the latest that an election could be held with many expecting it to happen in the summer of 2024.  Many across the UK would like a lack of drama in the political scene but they are also hoping for an opportunity to force a change in direction for the country. Tories v Labour: The current state of play Polling averages extrapolated in the 3 weeks to 23 December placed Labour on 46.5%, the Conservatives on 26.5%, and the Liberal Democrats on 9.4%. Source:  Latest Opinion Polls - The Result Of A General Election Today (politics.co.uk) Industrial disputes Throu

TV: Welcome back to the world of tomorrow

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Are you ready to head back to the year 3000? It has been confirmed that Hulu will be reviving Futurama for an eighth season that will contain 20 brand-new episodes. The reboot is stated to premiere sometime in 2023. The Sting This was certainly one of the most surreal episodes. The episode tells a compelling story, while still balancing the series unique sense of humour. One fan commented on an online review of the article: "After I watched this, I thought it was above average but didn't think much of it, then I realized on my second watch how great this is. I wish I acknowledged how emotional and great this episode is." The Day the Earth Stood Stupid This is where we start to learn that Nibbler is very clever and the mastermind that occasionally recruits members of the Planet Express crew to ensure the safety of the universe. Jurassic Bark This one leaves us all an emotional wreck. Many experts say that it is the saddest episode of the series. It provides a great but

TV: Best of The Simpsons

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 There has been over 700 episodes of The Simpsons and there is often some quite heated debate about the best episodes.  Let's have a look at some of the best episodes and other iconic moments. Homer At the Bat An episode with one of the greatest songs from any Simpsons episode and probably the best sporting themed episode. "Well, Mr. Burns had done it, The Power Plant had won it, With Roger Clemens clucking all the while, Mike Scioscia's tragic illness made us smile, While Wade Boggs lay unconscious on the bar-room tile..." You Only Move Twice One of many episodes where a significant change to the family dynamic is introduced before everything returns to normal. Homer moves the family after he’s offered a new job at a company, run by the not-so-secret super-villain Hank Scorpio. Many people on Twitter and other social media outlets have argued that this is the best ever episode. It's a pity we've not heard much of Hank Scorpio since. It was reported that h