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Spotlight On Coffee By Wendy Breckon

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Espresso, Cappuccino, Americano, Flat White, Skinny Latte, Mocha, or Frappuccino

Which one do you choose?  Have you ever wondered why you drink the one you do.

Mine is an Americano with cold milk and a jug of hot water.  I have been known to enjoy a cup of filter coffee too, (although wrestling with the individual ones can be very stressful). Occasionally, for a change, I lose myself in the froth of a cappuccino.

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In the 60s, my younger brother drank endless amounts of liquid Camp coffee … remember that iconic, nostalgic brand?  Apart from a few subtle changes, the bottle  looks the same today, as it did when it first appeared on our shelves in 1876.  I am convinced my mother mixed this with the milk in his bottle.  He is still totally hooked.

The first time the significance of coffee had an impact on my life was in the early 1970s.  As students, we wrote our essays fuelled by cheap instant coffee and cut price biscuits.  A group of us at a teachers’ training college in Hertfordshire had just heard the news.  It was what we had been waiting for … WOW.  Noel Edmonds was opening a new record shop nearby.  Not to be missed. One of those occasions. My friend Sally, the original lateral thinker, grabbed our very large tin of instant coffee from the common room.  She led us briskly down the street … we followed with more anticipation than the excitement of a first date.

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All four girls squeezed into the smallest of spaces to see Noel. In our flared jeans, tie-dyed t- shirts and hippy beads, we bopped to Elton John’s ‘Crocodile Rock’, one of the chart sounds of 1973.  The wonderful Noel Edmonds scribbled a good luck message on the side of the tin.

“Keep up the good work!  Hope you become great teachers love Noel x”

So off we went, Sally still in control, newly motivated and inspired.  And … of course a cup of cheap instant coffee suddenly became liquid heaven.

NEW YORK! NEW YORK!  Don’t you just love that vibrant city.  The energetic people; noisy yellow taxis; sparkling Times Square and the coffee…

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I joined the queue of busy office workers, circling round the side of a lively, New York deli at eight o’clock in the morning.

“Next.”

“Coffee please.”  Boy was I thirsty. “Just a cup of coffee”.

The waitress yelled in her New York drawl.  “Just a cup of coffee?”  Her desperate eyes gazed out for sympathy.  “What kind of coffee?”

There was a collective gasp, a bit of a shudder.  The line of workers collapsed like a pack of cards behind me.  Panic set in.  Sweat ran down my cheek bones.  I hurriedly chose a coffee from her recited list.  Off I slunk, suitably chastised, clutching my take-a-way frappuccino. Welcome to the ‘Big Apple’ Wendy.

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In pursuit of my favourite beverage, I slowly saunter down Broad Street in Lyme Regis, to the Bell Cliff cafe on the right.  The enchanting sea, sometimes still but often stormy, peeps out as you reach the bottom between the old buildings.

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On a warm day, it is relaxing to sit outside by the old canon and black railings, overlooking Lyme Bay and the magnificent Jurassic Coast.  Sometimes, I perch upon the cosy seat by the window inside.  Tucked away, it is easy to find inspiration.

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The owner of the cafe is the very friendly and delightful Paul Ranson, who took over fifteen years ago.  Originally, this building was two fishermen’s cottages and was constructed from beams reclaimed from ships built in the seventeenth century.

The delicious coffee which I am addicted to is called Narobi American Filter. Paul feels that the type of water in an area can affect the taste.  The soft water of Lyme Regis compliments the brand they use perfectly.  As a customer I could not agree more.

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Naomi, the manageress on the right, and Jayne the waitress are both very friendly and welcoming, especially when they are serving cake!  Jayne told me an irresistible fact that seven years ago she married Chris, the man who delivered the coffee.  A charming story.

As I enjoy my second cup, surrounded by yellow spring flowers in the window, the days of cheap instant coffee, flares, tie-dyed t- shirts and shaking hands with Noel Edmunds seem very far away.

 

 

Nelson Mandela Dies Aged 95: His Greatest Quotes

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Nelson Mandela, quote, quotes, death

Credit: Wikipedia Commons

Nelson Mandela was an eloquent, humble man who led South Africa from apartheid to democracy. An inspirational figure who fought for democracy, human rights and peace, here Frost pays tribute to him with his greatest quotes. Rest In Peace Mandela.

“One day I will be the first black president of South Africa.” In 1952

“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.”

“I can’t help it if the ladies take note of me; I am not going to protest.”

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

“Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts.”

“Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world.” On oppression in South Africa.

“I cannot and will not give any undertaking at a time when I, and you, the people, are not free. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.”

“Those who conduct themselves with morality, integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and cruelty.”

“In South Africa, to be poor and black was normal, to be poor and white was a tragedy.”

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. I felt fear myself more times than I can remember, but I hid it behind a mask of boldness. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”

“I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.”

“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

“I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.”

“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain tops of our desires.”
– 21 September 1953. Presidential address to ANC conference.

“I have never regarded any man as my superior, either in my life outside or inside prison.”

“If I had my time over I would do the same again. So would any man who dares call himself a man.”

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

“The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days.”

“Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.”

“Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.” In a letter to his wife, Winnie Mandela.

“It would be very egotistical of me to say how I would like to be remembered. I’d leave that entirely to South Africans. I would just like a simple stone on which is written ‘Mandela’.”

“Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”

“Between the anvil of united mass action and the hammer of the armed struggle we shall crush apartheid and white minority racist rule.”

“It always seems impossible until its done.”

“There will be life after Mandela. On my last day I want to know that those who remain behind will say: ‘The man who lies here has done his duty for his country and his people.'”

One Direction On Success, Dating, Romance & Life On The Road

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This weekend the hottest popstars on the planet take over The Sun’s Fabulous magazine with three collectable, supersized covers. In a world exclusive interview and photoshoot, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan open up about their success across the globe, their lovelives and plans for the future.

Harry, 19, confesses that he does worry about his womanising reputation: “I just don’t want to be seen as a d***head…but at the same time, I’m not an angel.”

One Direction, interview, picture One Direction ,interview, pictures, girlfriend One Direction interview, One Direction, girlfriend, interview, pictures

Zayn, 20, opens up about his relationship with Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards: “If you don’t get to see your girlfriend 24/7, when you do get to see her you really make the most of it. Absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder.”

Liam, 19, reveals that he is loving life as a singleton since splitting with girlfriend Danielle Peazer: “I’m out of my relationship now, I’m single and having fun with the lads.” He adds: “It’s hard to keep on top of a relationship…obviously it wasn’t happening for us.”

Louis, 21, admits the band won’t be settling their ongoing feud with The Wanted: “It’s a shame that The Wanted thing escalated, but there’s going to be no kissing and making up, that’s for sure. It’s gone too far.” He also confides that he and girlfriend Eleanor Calder are “really loved up.”

And Niall, 19, is quizzed on his recent links to Made in Chelsea’s Louise Thompson: “One meeting turned into a big story, which is ridiculous, so that’s the end of that. It does make me wary. You struggle with who to trust and who not to trust.”

There are three supersized covers to collect and five exclusive posters will be available to download at www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous. Readers will also have the chance to win the unwashed T-shirts the boys are wearing in the shoot and a framed cover print signed by 1D.

A free to watch behind the scenes teaser video is available to watch now at bit.ly/1cMQfxd  and the full exclusive video of the photo shoot will be found on www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous from Sunday.

Fabulous magazine is available free in The Sun every Sunday.

A decade on since FTSE 100 hit bottom at 3,287

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A decade on since FTSE 100 hit bottom at 3,287

 

–       FTSE 100 returns 93% over 10 years

–       Technology sector is best performing returning 369%

Adrian Lowcock, Senior Investment Manager at Hargreaves Lansdown, looks at how investors have fared over the last 10 years.

 

In the last 10 years the FTSE 100 has risen 3,074 points or 93% since the low of March 2003, although it remains a little way off the high point of 6,732 reached on 15th June 2007.  Whilst the market has risen over the last 10 years there have been some big winners and losers during that time.  The Banking sector has been the worst performer over the last 10 years and the only sector to post a negative capital return with the FTSE All-share/banks returning -20%. The Technology sector posted the best performance with the FTSE All-share/Technology returning 369%, recovering from the lows seen in the years following the Dotcom bubble.

 

 

Performance of FTSE Sectors from 12 March 2003 to 28th February 2013

 

All Share Sector

% Growth
FTSE All-Share/Banks CR

-20.25
FTSE All-Share/Financials CR

22.81
FTSE All-Share/Health Care CR

78.02
FTSE All-Share/Telecommunication CR

100.11
FTSE All-Share/Oil & Gas CR

110.22
FTSE All-Share/Consumer Services CR

112.91
FTSE All-Share/Utilities CR

179.25
FTSE All-Share/Basic Materials CR

280.44
FTSE All-Share/Consumer Goods CR

346.31
FTSE All-Share/Industrials CR

360.45
FTSE All-Share/Technology CR

369.08

 

Adrian Lowcock says;-

 

“The technology sectors strong performance over the last 10 years highlights the contrarian nature of the stock market.  However, it is difficult for any investor to go against the trend and take such risks. Instead investors should focus on their long term investment goals and invest whenever they can afford to do so.”

 

“It is time in the market not timing that counts. Even though the FTSE 100 remains below its all-time high (6,930 on 30th December), if you had been invested all that time, with dividends reinvested, you would have been up 44.73%. In addition picking the right funds can transform your portfolio and make the nominal value of an index meaningless.”

 

Recommendations

 

Schroder UK Alpha Plus – Richard Buxton takes a long term view and is able to spot some opportunities before others – a distinguishing feature of all great investors.  Having the conviction to back them is equally important and Richard holds only 30-40 companies in his fund which means each idea has a significant effect on performance. You will never see his portfolio padded out with mediocre holdings just to make up the numbers. This fund has the potential to deliver superb returns, in a variety of economic conditions.

 

JO Hambro UK Equity Income – The managers believe the UK economy is performing better than most commentators expect. The fund continues to have a bias towards more economically-sensitive companies and has performed well recently as a result.

 

Valentine’s Day For Dummies | Book Review

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Valentine’s Day is, by far, the most romantically anticipated day of the year, but there is no need to panic! For those in search of a potential partner, to those wanting to get their relationship back on track For Dummies has published a number of guides which will help make this Valentine’s Day a great success. Frost Magazine’s writers got their head in a book to review the guides. Check out what they thought below.

Flirting For Dummies

Elizabeth Clark

Our writer says:

“I have never been good at flirting. I just do not know how to do it and envy people who can. I read the book as soon as it arrives and I started putting it into practice when I could. I have been single for nearly a year and was dreading Valentine’s Day.

The first chapter is about the making of a successful flirt. It teaches you the fundamentals, spotting signals and avoiding pitfalls. I immediately start to realise what I am doing wrong.

Chapter three moves into overcoming a fear of rejection. Something that has become a problem. I had quite a bad break up and the thought of another man hurting me was hard to cope with.

After finishing the book I do become much better at flirting. I find it easier to start dating when I have the tools and knowledge to know how to flirt. I have started dating again and I am very positive about my flirting future. I also love the ten ways unwanted admirers can strike in the back. This is a fun, witty book.

£12.99

There is still time for the unlucky in love to brush up on their flirting skills and bag themselves a date this Valentine’s day. Flirting For Dummies provides readers with the know-how and confidence to getting it right when it comes to flirting effectively and without embarrassment.  Exploring key areas including listening and communication skills, body language and self-image, Flirting For Dummies has all the tools needed to boost self-confidence and engage with people in a natural and charming way.

 

 Body Language For Dummies

Elizabeth Kuhnke

Our writer says:

“I love body language. I think it is very underrated and I have read a few books on the subject. Sometimes it can be hard to read the opposite sex so I was hoping this book would help.

This book covers all aspects of body language. It has handy pictures and is very easy to read. As all of the Dummies guide are.  It tells you all about body language and how to use your own to get what you want. I noticed that sometime when I say things people take it the wrong way, now I put the tips in the book into practice and it has made a difference. I really liked this book. It is a great body language book. I even use it with my partner. Good book. ”

 

£15.99

Having an insight into body language can be a great asset when trying to interpret the signals of the opposite sex.  This title explains how the body reveals what people really mean guiding readers on how it can be used to make a positive impact and explaining why we give off certain signals.  Elizabeth Kuhnke explains how to read the most common expressions and use body language to transform both personal and professional relationships.

 

Confidence For Dummies

Kate Burton & Brinley N. Platts

Our writer says:

“I was not sure how someone could write an entire book on confidence until I opened the book. Generally I thought confidence was something that some people has in abundance that could not really be placed, but pardon my ignorance, I was completely wrong. This book has let me know that confidence is something that is manageable and attainable. Sometimes confidence is  just taking things one step at a time, knowing that it will all be okay in the end.

This book lets you recognise your strengths and believe in yourself. When I started reading it I could not put it down. I have been single for a while and have found it hard to put myself out there, but this book has let me know that I actually do have it within me to put myself out there.

I love the techniques and the exercises too. I feel that I know myself a lot better after reading this book. I know this sounds like I am being over enthusiastic, but I already feel it has improved my life.”

£12.99

Self-confidence is important in all areas of life particularly when it comes to dating and relationships.  Lack of confidence is common amongst those who are unlucky in love.    This guide identifies the wide range of strengths, skills, abilities and strategies readers can utilise, providing tips and techniques to build on these and gain extra confidence.

 

Dating For Dummies (3rd Edition)

Joy Browne

Our writer says:

“Dating is hard. Really hard. Sometimes I feel like I find it harder than everyone else. But I really want to start dating again and get better at it. Dating for Dummies suits me perfectly.

This book tackles even the most modern parts of dating, like social networking and online dating. It helps you figure out what you want in a partner and how to break up with people. It really does cover every aspect of dating and even covers age differences. It really is a brilliant book that covers everything and it is impossible not to find helpful information. I just finished the book, but I reckon it will improve my love life dramatically. I already feel more comfortable.

£15.99

Dating For Dummies guides readers on how to meet potential romantic partners for life, how to avoid common dating mistakes, overcome disappointments, deal with difference and how to date safely in the social media world.  Joy Browne gives readers the confidence boost they need to help meet, date and start a relationship as well as prepare for dates and have a great time. Whatever the dating dilemma Dating For Dummies has it covered.

 

 

Improving Your Relationship For Dummies

Paula Hall

Our writer says:

“I have been with my boyfriend for two years now. I love him, but sometimes I find the relationship hard. Or we get into a negative arguing cycle and never resolve the main problem. I felt at a loss about what to do so I was very eager to review this book. I have heard of Paula Hall and have read some of the articles she has written.

The book itself is broken down into handy sections and goes over everything from sex to boosting your relationship, knowing when to break up and how to break an arguing cycle. The latter of which I was very interested in.

I found this book to be a bit of a revelation. I just had not thought of a lot of the tips and advice. Some of it in hindsight seems obvious, but you just never think of it. The advice on communication is excellent and the idea of treating your relationship like a bank is very smart – basically you have to put effort and love into your relationship and not just take things out of it.

All in all I found the book helpful. I have even got my boyfriend involved and he even want to read it now I have finished. I recommend this book for anyone in a relationship, is has just really done what it says on the cover: improves your relationship.

 

£15.99

Valentine’s Day can be a time when couples take stock of their relationship and make effective changes for the future.    Paula Hall offers expert advice for those who want to work through tiresome niggles, address potential issues before taking the next step, cope with serious problems or simply strengthen a partnership. An essential guide for anyone wanting to improve their relationship, covering issues including cohabitation, overcoming anger and jealousy, trust, dealing with an affair, managing change and reigniting passion.

 

Emotional Healing For Dummies

David Beales and Helen Whitten

Our writer says:

“I think in life we do not pay enough attention to our emotions, and I know I have run into trouble because of it. We really do not take enough care of our emotional health. Everything in life affects us in some ways. I was already thinking that I had to pay more attention and care more about my emotional health.

The thing I liked most about this book is that it tells you about the connection between emotion and health, and emotion and food. It has ways to boost your immune system against stress and fatigue. It also has tips on enhancing emotional intelligence.

This book would be amazing for anyone who has been through anything traumatic. You really understand emotion healing, emotions. You learn how to deal with your emotions and be happier. I loved this book and I can really recommend it. This book reminded me of the saying that you have to love yourself before anyone else will. This book will help. ”

£15.99

For those who are suffering from a broken heart this Valentine’s Day Emotional Healing For Dummies can help ease the pain.  We’re a nation that bottles things up, dismissing anger, frustration, hatred and guilt as largely insignificant to our minds and bodies. But powerful emotions like these do affect us in a long-term way, not only mentally but also physically, and it’s important to know how to get them under control.   This easy to follow guide provides a toolkit of strategies to help heal emotional upset so that readers begin to feel like themselves once again after a difficult breakup.

 

For Dummies guides are available where all books and e-books are sold. Including Amazon UK, WH Smith and Selfridges.

 

 

SUBO Appears on XFactor Australia

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Susan Boyle is in Australia to perform on the XFactor, here is her diary:

Another wonderful day in Sydney and my first TV performance on Australian X Factor and boy it was great.

Not only did I get to meet the wonderful Ronan Keating (I’m a huge Boyzone fan), I also met Michael Bolton, wow, what a man!

Performing Autumn Leaves on the show was a great experience and would have been slightly surreal in the hot spring weather in Sydney but I brought the Scottish weather with me as there was an almighty thunderstorm just before i went on stage, with torrential rain and gale force winds. I felt right at home!

It was great to meet all the contestants and for Ronan to run on stage and give me a hug after I said he was one of the highlights of my trip. It was also lovely to meet Mel B, she looks wonderful and so happy. Who’d have thought she’d only just had a baby!

This trip so far has been fantastic and I’ve achieved and seen so many things that I never for a second thought I’d do in my lifetime. I don’t want it to end, as I keep saying, Bring It On!