Posts

Showing posts from August, 2018

Hugo film review: A Masterpiece of Imagination and Adventure

Image
Hugo is an immersive and visually stunning film that transports viewers to the enchanting world of Paris in the 1930s. The intricate details of the trains, station, and clocks, along with the contrast of the bluish winter and warm yellow lights, create a mesmerizing backdrop for the story. The warm human interactions and relationships between characters add a depth of emotion that makes the film truly special. The characters in Hugo are expertly crafted, each with their own unique personality and backstory. Through subtle repetition and clever use of character traits, viewers are able to get to know the characters on a deeper level with just a hint of familiarity. It's a testament to the skillful storytelling of director Martin Scorsese and the talented cast. The story itself is captivating, exploring themes such as the purpose of life, love, friendship, family, ambition, the whims of fate, career, magic, and dreams. There's so much to think about and reflect upon long after ...

Recommended film: Suffragette

Image
Suffragette, the 2015 British historical period drama film, is a powerful depiction of women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. Directed by Sarah Gavron and written by Abi Morgan, it is a must-see movie that inspires and educates about the struggles of previous generations. It stands alongside other inspiring political films like Milk, Pride, and The Post, which serve as reminders that many of the privileges we take for granted today, such as equality and freedom of the press, are the result of hard-fought battles won by our predecessors. Suffragette is a testament to the resilience and determination of women who paved the way for future generations to enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms. The film portrays the life of a typical English working-class woman during a time when fighting for women's rights was considered taboo and even criminal. It's hard to imagine the struggles and sacrifices these women endured to bring about change in society. Personally, I found the film ...

Recipe to try this week: Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Image
After successfully testing my slow cooker with the Taiwanese Beef Noodle recipe, I'm excited to explore other delicious possibilities. The convenience and ease of slow cooking have truly won me over and I can't wait to try out more mouth-watering recipes. This week, I've decided to whip up some Chicken Fajitas in my trusty slow cooker. Not only is this recipe healthy, but it also requires minimal effort - perfect for busy weekdays. With only 15 minutes of prep time, I can make a big enough portion to serve up to 4 people. Plus, the recipe comes from Cooking Classy, a trusted source for delectable dishes. Be sure to check out the images below for step-by-step instructions. Are you curious about all the hype about AI? Want to write reports and emails more effectively?  Try Jasper writing assistant today for free .

London Open House: Free entry to the best buildings in London

Image
Are you looking for an exciting way to experience London this September? Look no further than Open House, where you can visit some of the city's most iconic buildings and landmarks for free! With over 800 buildings, walks, talks, and tours available, there's truly something for everyone. Stay tuned for the full building listings closer to the event date, and be sure to check out their website by clicking the picture below. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore London in a unique and unforgettable way. Are you curious about all the hype about AI? Want to write reports and emails more effectively?  Try Jasper writing assistant today for free .

Asylum seeker reveals trauma of detention in the UK

Image
This came through to my inbox from British Red Cross the other day. This is David's story. David is from Kenya and he is gay. He is fleeing persecution and attacks in his own country. His family and friends have suffered brutal attacks. He is waiting for his refugee status to be granted in the UK.  “I left Kenya because I was fleeing not only persecution but unjust abuses. It’s still happening now. It’s even worse.”   Before he left Kenya, David worked for the Kenyan Election Board. “I was being forced to do illegal activities… to steal the election,” he said. David was attacked and stabbed when he was still in Kenya. Later, his former manager was murdered. David is now claiming asylum in the UK. If the Home Office decides that his case is strong enough, he will be allowed to live in Britain as a refugee. Like many people in his position, David has to report to the Home Office regularly. Reporting to the authorities probably seems reasonable and straightforward, and so it s...

QR codes for the homeless - Greater Change.

Image
Homelessness is a growing problem in some of our major cities. The problem of donating to the homeless was one of the things I have wondered about recently. Local authorities tend to take the view that people can access available services if they need them, so there are no reasons why someone should be rough-sleeping in the streets. They also urge people not to give cash to the homeless directly, as it will keep rough-sleepers in the streets rather than encouraging homeless people to find help from statutory or voluntary sector services. In reality, the system is far from perfect and it's not always that simple. Without opening a discussion on all the reasons why someone may still end up in the streets, I was wondering about the act of donating cash itself. How do you distinguish between people that genuinely need your help and the professional beggars? How do you stop your money being spent on cigarettes or drugs? These thoughts usually put me off giving any money at all, I would ...

Recipe to try this week: Taiwanese beef noodles

Image
Beef noodle dishes vary greatly across Asia, each with their unique flavor profile and ingredients. While I adore the fiery kick of Szechuan spicy beef noodles, my taste buds can only handle it occasionally. That's why I was delighted to discover the Taiwanese-style beef noodle dish. It's more warming than spicy, which suits my palate perfectly. Taiwanese cuisine is also renowned for being less salty and more health-conscious, adding to its appeal. With countless beef noodle recipes out there, don't hesitate to experiment and find your favorite. The recipe that caught my attention was one that had a 'family feel' to it. There's something truly special about enjoying a meal that's made with love and has deep cultural roots. I'm excited to announce that I've been experimenting with adapting Taiwanese beef noodles to cook in a slow cooker. Stay tuned for the results, which I'll be sharing later this week! Fingers crossed that it turns out perfectly...

Review of Absolute Balderdash board game

Image
The increasing popularity of board games is evident as it has become the main attraction at dinner parties. Despite the advancement in console and computer games, board games offer a unique social appeal and can engage more players. The trend is surprising as not long ago, people would play Wii or Xbox Kinect at such gatherings. However, board games have resurged in fashion due to their distinct charm. Board games have a unique social appeal and can entertain more guests simultaneously. Families and guests can spend hours enjoying a well-designed board game. Unlike console games, board games encourage social interaction and offer an opportunity to bond with others. The popularity of board games at gatherings shows that people value these benefits. Absolute Balderdash is an exceptional board game that we played last weekend. It is a highly interactive game where players create believable made-up answers to various categories. The game's website describes it as trying to 'con...

The world's largest elevator - for ships

Image
An elevator that can lift the weight of a ship! 😲

GiveWell - Effective Altruism

Image
If you are keen on philanthropy, I would recommend that you take a look at  givewell.org/ Have you ever wondered which charities are more effective in terms of how they use your donations? How do you compare a good cause against the other? Should you donate to fund a project closer to home or abroad? GiveWell is an organisation that does some of this research. They also give suggestions on what to look out for before you decide who to donate to. If you care deeply about this line of work and would like to read more about it, an excellent book is  Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference. If you know any other useful references regarding this topic, please share them below. I would be interested to hear any other recommendations.