Cityblog Live
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Best Places of the USA
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
The highest point on Maui is also one of its most visited, and for good
reason: Haleakalā Crater provides epic, sweeping views of the island from an
elevation of just over 10,000 feet. In fact, the sunrises from the park's
highest points are so popular, you have to make a reservation in advance (and
pay) to see it.
A trip to the Last Century!
1922: Howard Carter examines King Tut's mummy
In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered King Tut’s
tomb, a large ancient Egyptian vault containing a boy pharaoh who had
previously been shrouded in mystery. The tomb, which held the mummified remains
of Tutankhamun ("King Tut), unveiled new archaeological mysteries even as
it solved others. In this image from The New York Times Photo Archive, Carter
is pictured examining the remains after the excavation.
Friday, July 10, 2020
Amita Nene's Yummy Expressions- Veg Au Gratin
Amita Nene's Yummy Expressions
Veg Au Gratin
My love for continental food knows no bounds. Every multi cuisine buffet spread that I have engaged in will vouch for the magnetic chemistry between me and the Continental food counters. The herb grilled chicken, the fish and chips, the steak, the crispy chicken, wedges, baked vegetables in Marinara sauce, broccoli and cheese bake, the potato leek soup, the puddings, the Blueberry Pie, the shortcakes and tarts – all beckon me indomitably to relish their alluring flavours and richness.
My passion for this cuisine (I call it passion, but some of my close friends are sure that it is a fixation!) goes a long way, so much so that on a particular long haul international flight with these friends of mine, I was unable to hide my disappointment when I was offered an Asian meal that was apparently booked on my ticket. I did not mind repressing my hunger till the entire aircraft was served and there finally was a continental meal that was still available for me. Sounds crazy, isn’t it? But that’s me!!
A particular continental dish that I particularly cherish in my foodie mind space is the Vegetable Au Gratin. This preparation is the reason for my inimitable fondness of Continental cuisine.
Vegetable Au Gratin… the dish always creates an intriguing aura of sophistication around it due to its enigmatic name and its use of some classy ingredients so reminiscent of its European lineage.
A gratin is basically a topping of cheese and seasoned bread crumbs that is baked or broiled to a golden brown. It derives from the French word “Le Gratin” which implies “Upper crust”.
Veg Au Gratin works as a very versatile preparation; it can serve as a comforting one dish meal or it works equally well as the coveted main from a wider continental menu.
It typically comprises of layers of a wide variety of veggies intertwined with layers of a creamy white sauce that is finally topped with the Gratin.
Here’s my take on the Veg au Gratin….
To get going, you need…….
2 medium potatoes; boiled & mashed
7-8 spinach leaves
2 cups chopped, parboiled veggies (carrots/ baby corn/ French beans/ Mushrooms/ Cherry tomatoes/ Black Olives/ Bell peppers)
½ cup Bread crumbs
1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese
½ tsp Chilli flakes
1 tsp dried mixed herbs (Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme)
1 tsp ground black pepper
Salt to taste
For the white sauce…..
2 tbsp Unsalted butter (I use home churned white butter)
1 ½ cups milk
4 tbsp Refined wheat flour
1 tsp garlic paste
1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
To make the sauce, melt butter in a pan, sauté garlic paste, add flour and roast it on butter for 2-3 mins on low flame. Add milk little at a time stirring continuously so that there are no lumps. Add cheddar cheese once the mixture boils and keep stirring till it forms a smooth creamy pouring consistency. Adjust the milk you add to ensure correct consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste, mix and allow it to cool.
Meanwhile, add some salt and chilli flakes to the mashed potatoes and spread them evenly across the surface of a square flat baking dish. Cover it with a bed of spinach leaves and top it with the veggies mixed with some salt, pepper and mixed herbs. Pour the white sauce to cover the veggies layer evenly. Next, add a layer of bread crumbs and finally top the dish with mozzarella.
Bake for 15-20 minutes in an oven preheated at 175 degrees Celsius. Remove from oven once the crust is golden brown in colour.
Serve while hot with a slice of garlic bread.
For those who love a tangy twist to this dish, especially kids, add a dash of tomato ketchup on the top while serving.
If you like, you can substitute bread crumbs with a layer of flattened bread slices (soaked in water and then pressed to remove all water) drizzled with olive oil for the same crust effect.
Enjoy your meal and Yummy Expressions! See you soon with more….
Seoul Mayor found dead after being reported missing
The mayor of South Korea's capital, Seoul, was found dead early morning Friday local time, a rescue squad member told ABC News.
© Cheon Jin-hwan/Newsis via AP Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon speaks during a press conference at Seoul City Hall in Seoul, July 8, 2020.
© Cheon Jin-hwan/Newsis via AP Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon speaks during a press conference at Seoul City Hall in Seoul, July 8, 2020.
Mayor Park Won-soon was reported missing Thursday by his daughter, according to officials.
The rescue squad member, Shin Joon-Yong, said the team went into Waryong Park, in Seoul, with five rescue dogs. Shin said he spotted a bag and water bottle not far from a hiking track, and then his partner's sniffer dog found the mayor's body.
A trip to the last century!
1921: 'Camille'
Rudolph Valentino, often called Hollywood’s "original Latin
lover,” and Russian-born silent film actress Alla Nazimova were two of the
biggest stars of their time. Valentino starred in hits like "The Four
Horsemen of the Apocalypse” and "Blood and Sand” while Nazimova starred in
"Since You Went Away” and "Madame Peacock.” In this shot from Metro
Pictures Corporation, the two pose alongside Arthur Hoyt in the 1921 movie
"Camille.”
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Tourism in Tunisia reopens-with precautions
For tour operators and the hospitality sector in Tunisia, March through June is typically one of the busiest times of the year.
The country has been trying to revamp its tourism industry in recent years, encouraging international tourists to visit its scenic beaches, explore its ancient Phonecian and Roman ruins, and take camel rides in the Sahara Desert.
“2020 was set up to be our best year in terms of sales and numbers of tours, and even size of tours. We had big group tours coming,” said Joshua Mok, who works at Mosaic North Africa, a Canadian company that offers private tours in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
The country has been trying to revamp its tourism industry in recent years, encouraging international tourists to visit its scenic beaches, explore its ancient Phonecian and Roman ruins, and take camel rides in the Sahara Desert.
“2020 was set up to be our best year in terms of sales and numbers of tours, and even size of tours. We had big group tours coming,” said Joshua Mok, who works at Mosaic North Africa, a Canadian company that offers private tours in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
Then came the coronavirus. Tunisia reacted quickly, shutting international borders and enacting strict national lockdowns and curfews.
Best Places in the USA
Great Sand Dunes, Colorado
Set against the Rocky Mountains, the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado (the
tallest dunes in North America) look like they were transported straight from
the Sahara. It takes hours to climb to the top of the dunes from the parking
lot, but the feeling of standing alone, hundreds of feet in the air, is
unquestionably freeing.
A trip to the last century!
1920: Republican National Convention
In June 1920, United States GOP delegates and other party members
gathered in Chicago for the Republican National Convention. According to
historians, the convention was at an impasse without a candidate everyone could
agree on when leaders turned their attention to Ohio Sen. Warren G. Harding.
The Midwestern senator was seen as a compromise and managed to secure the
presidential nomination, picking up Calvin Coolidge as his running mate and
defeating Democrat James M. Cox in the election. Here, the mass of delegates
can be seen in the convention hall in this photo from the Library of Congress.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Johnson Tells Merkel U.K. is Ready to Go Without an EU Trade Deal
(Bloomberg) -- Boris Johnson warned Germany’s Angela Merkel that the U.K. is ready to do without a trade deal if the European Union wasn’t prepared to compromise.
The prime minister spoke to the chancellor Tuesday, as Brexit negotiators held informal talks over a private dinner. Negotiations are stuck over questions including fishing rights, the future influence of EU courts in U.K. laws, and how far Britain will be able to loosen its rules and still enjoy access to the single market.
“The prime minister underlined the U.K.’s commitment to working hard to find an early agreement out of the intensified talks process,” Johnson’s office said in a statement later. “He also noted that the U.K. equally would be ready to leave the transition period on Australia terms if an agreement could not in the end be reached.”
“Australia terms” is how the U.K. government refers to not having a trade deal. Johnson promised voters at last year’s election that he had an “oven-ready” Brexit deal. The transition period during which trade continues as though the U.K. was still an EU member runs out at the end of 2020. If agreement can’t be reached, both sides face a further economic shock on top of the damage already done by coronavirus.
1919: Vladimir Lenin speaking to crowd
1919: Vladimir Lenin speaking to the crowd
In 1918, the Soviet Union’s recently formed Sovnarkom government
established a branch of the armed forces dubbed the "Red Army." The
following year, Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin celebrated the
first anniversary of the army’s foundation in Red Square, Moscow. In this
famous image, brought over from Russia by Dr. W.A. Wovschin, he makes an
impassioned speech to Vsevobuch servicemen, calling on them to stay together
for the "glory and safety of Russia.”
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Japan flood kills at least 18 people after record-breaking rainfall
Rescue workers in Japan are beginning a desperate search for survivors after dozens were left dead or missing following widespread flash flooding triggered by record rainfall on the southern island of Kyushu.
Local authorities confirmed at least 18 people had died and 14 were missing in the prefectures of Kumamoto and Kagoshima, with images from the hardest-hit areas showing houses completely destroyed by the strength of the floodwaters.
Local authorities confirmed at least 18 people had died and 14 were missing in the prefectures of Kumamoto and Kagoshima, with images from the hardest-hit areas showing houses completely destroyed by the strength of the floodwaters.
Japan's Meteorological Agency issued a warning Saturday for unprecedented rainfall, calling for residents in Kyushu to take "maximum caution." At least 270,000 people were told to evacuate in four prefectures across the island.
Kuma Village in Kumamoto saw a record-breaking 83.5 mileometers of rainfall in one hour on Saturday morning, according to the meteorological agency, while Kanoya city in Kagoshima had 109.5 mm in an hour on Monday, its highest ever.
A heavy rain warning remains in place for parts of Kumamoto and Kagoshima on Monday, with more flooding expected.
Officials in Kumamoto prefecture said that another 16 people were currently in cardiopulmonary arrest and feared dead, after an elderly care home in Kuma Village was completely flooded when the nearby Kuma River burst its banks on Saturday.
Japan's Self Defense Forces and security authorities are continuing search and rescue operations in Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures. Efforts have been complicated by conditions on the ground, however, with flooding and landslides cutting off contact to hundreds of communities in the highly-mountainous region.
Speaking at a press conference Monday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that over 800 people had been rescued so far by emergency services.
According to Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency, thousands of households have been isolated and 20,000 firefighters are currently on the ground trying to reach them. Authorities were using 28 helicopters, four planes, and two search ships to survey the area Monday.
Officials told CNN that they are still gathering information on the number of fatalities and expect to update their figures over the coming days.
Best Bridges of the World
Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain
Taking over 30 years to build, Puente Nuevo is the newest of a trio of
bridges that stretch over the El Tajo gorge. Completed in 1793, it connects the
city's old and new towns. There’s also a history museum here dedicated to the
bridge whose building once served as a prison. Now read on to discover the
world's most beautiful cities too.
PJ of the Day
What does Santa bring naughty boys and girls
on Christmas Eve? A pack of batteries with a note saying "toy not
included".
Monday, July 6, 2020
Sunday, July 5, 2020
July Fourth Celebrations Are Subdued as U.S. Coronavirus Cases Surge
The U.S. recorded more than 50,000 new
coronavirus cases for a third consecutive day as infections surged on the eve
of the Fourth of July weekend.
The holiday has sparked worry for many public
officials. Leaders across the country have urged people to use caution in their
Independence Day celebrations, with many fireworks displays virtual or canceled
completely.
The nation added 52,104 cases Friday,
according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, bringing the total to
almost 2.8 million cases. Confirmed cases neared 11.1 million world-wide, with
more than 525,000 deaths.
Best Places in USA
Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming
Pretty much every square inch of Yellowstone
National Park is worth seeing in person, but if we had to pick just one
striking landmark within the park, it would be the Grand Prismatic Spring. As
its name suggests, the largest hot spring in the United States is essentially a
rainbow ring of vibrant colors, affording the best views from the top walkway
(drones are not allowed here, so don't even think about it).
Best Bridges of the World
Fishing Bridge, Yellowstone National Park,
Wyoming, USA
It's the incredible landscape of Yellowstone
National Park that makes this simple bridge so utterly beautiful. Its wooden
expanse slices across Yellowstone River, blending seamlessly with its forested
surrounds, and remained a popular fishing spot until 1973, when the activity
was prohibited to protect the population of cutthroat trout. The current
structure dates to 1937 and replaced an earlier bridge built in 1902.
Great Kishore
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