The joys of exploring Hadrian’s Wall by bike and a stay at the new Innside Newcastle hotel


Back in 1995, a Texan tourism report declared that Newcastle was the eighth-best party city – on the planet.

After a recent stay with a chum at the brand-new Innside Newcastle hotel on the historic Quayside, I can confirm that this mighty north-eastern citadel has lost none of its joie de vivre.

The evidence? For starters, during our dinner in the hotel’s swanky Gino D’Acampo Quayside restaurant, some of the guests treated the venue as a disco, twirling around to their heart’s content to party-tune remixes pumping through the speakers courtesy of a DJ in the bar area.

Innside Newcastle is a brand new hotel on Newcastle’s historic Quayside, with the restaurant offering by Gino D’Acampo

Ted's evening at Gino D'Acampo, pictured, was part disco, part dining experience

Ted’s evening at Gino D’Acampo, pictured, was part disco, part dining experience

Newcastle and Vancouver-based Faulknerbrowns is the architect firm behind the 161-room Innside Newcastle

Newcastle and Vancouver-based Faulknerbrowns is the architect firm behind the 161-room Innside Newcastle

We had to lean towards each other to hear what was being said, the noise levels boosted by spontaneous whoops of delight from spectating diners.

And it was only 8.15pm.

I’m curious as to how posh a restaurant must be for Newcastle denizens to refrain from dancing. I’d wager that any establishment below two-Michelin-star level and it would be a case of ‘hold the amuse bouche, crank up the rumbustious fuzz pedal, we’ve got shapes to throw’.

By contrast, we were petering out fast, having earlier been on an epic 77-mile (123km) Hadrian’s-wall-themed bike ride into Northumberland National Park, with local cycling enthusiast and history expert Carlton Reid as our tour guide.

Carlton showed us how the Unesco-listed Wall and associated archaeological Roman treasures could be seen amid Newcastle’s modern-day housings estates, roads – and even at a petrol station.

On the way out to the breathtaking vistas west of the city, we diverted off the A186 to look at the remains of Benwell Roman Temple, built around AD 178–80 to honour the British deity Antenociticus. 

Today it sits on Broomridge Avenue, among red-bricked bungalows and semis.

Next, we wheeled two roads over to Denhill Park, a residential area built around another remarkable Roman structure – Benwell Vallum Crossing (AD 130). The vallum was a defensive ditch that the Romans built to the south of the Wall. In Denhill Park lie the remains of a gateway and one of the stone causeways that led through it and over the vallum to Benwell fort, which bisected the Wall. 

Ted, Colin and Carlton at the stunning Denton Hall Turret, an impressive, ruined fortification alongside a 65m (213ft) length of the Wall, right next to the A69

Ted, Colin and Carlton at the stunning Denton Hall Turret, an impressive, ruined fortification alongside a 65m (213ft) length of the Wall, right next to the A69

Ted, Colin and Carlton cycled parallel to Hadrian's Wall and this small fort - Milecastle 39 - on the B6318

Ted, Colin and Carlton cycled parallel to Hadrian’s Wall and this small fort – Milecastle 39 – on the B6318

A small section of Hadrian's Wall at a Jet petrol station forecourt by the A186

A small section of Hadrian’s Wall at a Jet petrol station forecourt by the A186

Further west, Carlton alerted us to a small section of the actual Wall jutting out of a Jet petrol station forecourt by the A186 and we lingered at Denton Hall Turret, an impressive, ruined fortification alongside a 65m (213ft) length of the Wall, right next to the A69. 

It wasn’t long before we left the city limits behind.

The historical highlights of our pedal-powered perusal of the countryside included the Temple of Mithras, built in AD 200 and now a ruin off the B6318 (careful if you ride to this, I wheelspinned in some sheep droppings and, as I was clipped in, fell over sideways), and a hidden dell strewn with huge stones that Roman soldiers carved up and used to build the Wall a short distance away.

Markings made by the soldiers can still be seen.

After six hours or so of riding, we trundled along a riverside path, under the strapping King Edward VII railway bridge, right up to the outer edge of Gino D’Acampo’s al fresco seating.

We’d had a feast for the eyes as well as the mind, cycling under bruised skies along mesmerising rolling Roman roads through a landscape that took the breath away almost as much as some of the climbs. We rode past Sycamore Gap – you’ll know it from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – glided along deserted twisting lanes and cruised through idyllic villages.

Sycamore Gap – you'll know it from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The lone tree can be found near the Wall's Milecastle 39 fort

Sycamore Gap – you’ll know it from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The lone tree can be found near the Wall’s Milecastle 39 fort

Ted is pictured here making steady progress through the Northumberland National Park, with Sycamore Gap and Hadrian's Wall in the background

Ted is pictured here making steady progress through the Northumberland National Park, with Sycamore Gap and Hadrian’s Wall in the background

Now it was time for a feast for the stomach.

We’d snacked on energy bars, had a wrap and pasta at the excellent Vallum Farm tearoom, a few miles from the village of Corbridge, and had a refreshing pint of chocolate-flavoured raw milk at Bays Leap Organic Dairy Farm.

But my energy levels were sapped – Gino and his Italian fodder were calling.

Ted, pictured, writes: 'We'd had a feast for the eyes as well as the mind, cycling under bruised skies along mesmerising rolling Roman roads through a landscape that took the breath away almost as much as some of the climbs'

Ted, pictured, writes: ‘We’d had a feast for the eyes as well as the mind, cycling under bruised skies along mesmerising rolling Roman roads through a landscape that took the breath away almost as much as some of the climbs’

Colin, left, and Ted, right, arrive after their 77-mile adventure at Innside Newcastle

Colin, left, and Ted, right, arrive after their 77-mile adventure at Innside Newcastle

I had just enough left in the tank to shower and hold a pre-restaurant/disco pint of Moretti in the bar while ruminating on what sort of job the designers of the 161-room hotel – Newcastle and Vancouver-based Faulknerbrowns Architects – had done. 

A good one, it transpires.

Sensibly, they’ve made views of the River Tyne, which flows mere yards away, and some of its epic bridges the priority.

We had a stunning view (even from the shower) of the river from our superb Studio Twin, along with the 120ft-tall High Level Bridge (a road and railway bridge), the Tyne Bridge, the Swing Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

On the open-plan ground floor - home to the lobby/reception, bar and Quayside restaurant - there are floor-to-ceiling windows throughout

On the open-plan ground floor – home to the lobby/reception, bar and Quayside restaurant – there are floor-to-ceiling windows throughout

The windows, along with the double-level atrium design of the bar, give the downstairs space a wonderfully light and airy ambience

The windows, along with the double-level atrium design of the bar, give the downstairs space a wonderfully light and airy ambience

This picture shows part of the breakfast spread at Innside, which is laid out in the restaurant and bar area

This picture shows part of the breakfast spread at Innside, which is laid out in the restaurant and bar area

THE JOYS OF TAKING THE TRAIN TO NEWCASTLE

We took the 7am from London King’s Cross and it didn’t hang around, arriving in Newcastle three hours later.

On the way we took in some incredible sights from our seats – the impressive York station, the magnificent Durham Cathedral and the striking Angel of North, just before Newcastle.

The jaw-dropping King Edward VII Bridge in Newcastle

The jaw-dropping King Edward VII Bridge in Newcastle

The arrival into the station there is breathtaking, with amazing views of the city and the River Tyne as the train crosses the mighty King Edward VII Bridge.

We arrived 10 minutes early and sat on the bridge waiting for a free platform. With the vista on offer? Bliss. 

An LNER Azuma glides past Durham Cathedral

An LNER Azuma glides past Durham Cathedral 

And on the open-plan ground floor – home to the lobby/reception, bar and Quayside restaurant – there are floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, so the river is easy to spot, even from the lobby at the road end of the building.

These windows, along with the double-level atrium design of the bar, give the downstairs space a wonderfully light and airy ambience.

The décor, meanwhile, is smart and modern, with a splash of hipster – there’s a ‘cloud’ of filament lights hanging from the ceiling in the bar and long wooden communal tables.

Every member of staff we met was bright and helpful and the service purposeful. A little too purposeful in the restaurant, where we decided to dine Italian style, with a pasta dish before a main grill course. The staff brought these out together. Perhaps they noticed how hungry we looked.

Each of the menu items includes a little description by Gino, which I thought was a cute touch.

We worked our way through a serving of cicchetti bar snacks (£21) – ‘unique to Venezia and great for sharing’ – linguine with lobster (£27.25) – ‘people often ask me what I would choose for my last supper, this is it!’ – veal chop (£29.95) – ‘this is my idea of rustic’ – and pork belly (£17.50) – ‘a classic Piemontese recipe’.

For dessert we had chocolate fondant (£6.95) – ‘my son Rocco’s favourite dessert’. I could see why.

My chum Colin – the wine buyer for the Vagabond wine bar chain – declared that the wine list was ‘solid’ and opted for a bottle of extremely quaffable Pra Otto Soave to wash it all down with.

Too tired – and old, frankly – to go drinking in the city’s famous Bigg Market, we chose instead to walk around it before turning in.

It was the same old vortex of hedonism it always has been.

In the morning, we gazed along the Tyne from our room and watched as a jet-skier took the party to the water, pulling ‘doughnuts’ around one of the enormous columns of the High Level Bridge.

The final chapter of our weekend odyssey was a Metro trip to beautiful Tynemouth, where we met an old mutual friend for lunch at Riley’s Fish Shack on the seafront. 

It was sensational.

The ‘shack’, which houses the bar and kitchen, is right by the beach in a perfectly formed little bay.

We sat on pre-booked deckchairs (with a table and umbrella) as humorous waitresses delivered the freshest of Lindisfarne oysters (£3.65 each) and hugely satisfying portions of salted fish (£25) served with sourdough, caper butter, salad and potatoes (potentially the option for my last supper).

Ted's room was a twin version of the Studio room shown. It had amazing views of the river and Newcastle's bridges - even from the shower

Ted’s room was a twin version of the Studio room shown. It had amazing views of the river and Newcastle’s bridges – even from the shower

Ted took this picture from his room the morning after his cycling escapades through Hadrian's old stomping ground

Ted took this picture from his room the morning after his cycling escapades through Hadrian’s old stomping ground

Back in 1995, a Texan tourism report declared that Newcastle was the eighth-best party city - on the planet

Back in 1995, a Texan tourism report declared that Newcastle was the eighth-best party city – on the planet

A stunning aerial shot of Newcastle and Gateshead, with bridges including the 120ft-tall High Level Bridge (a road and railway bridge), the Tyne Bridge, the Swing Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge straddling the River Tyne

A stunning aerial shot of Newcastle and Gateshead, with bridges including the 120ft-tall High Level Bridge (a road and railway bridge), the Tyne Bridge, the Swing Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge straddling the River Tyne

Ted describes Riley's Fish Shack (pictured) at Tynemouth as 'sensational'

Ted describes Riley’s Fish Shack (pictured) at Tynemouth as ‘sensational’

Carlton said Riley’s was ‘world famous’. I’m not sure about that – but it should be.

We sat in a contented daze on the zippy LNER service back home to London.

Innside Newcastle had been smart, comfy and fun and a great base for exploring some of Britain’s finest landscapes, most fascinating historical sights – and for reeling in some of the best seafood in the land.

But next time, I’ll bring my dancing shoes, as well as my cycling ones. 

TRAVEL FACTS 

Ted and Colin were hosted by INNSiDE Newcastle, where rooms start from £99 B&B. 

Rating: The joys of exploring Hadrian's Wall by bike and a stay at the new Innside Newcastle hotel

LNER operates regular daily direct services between London King’s Cross and Newcastle, with journey times of around three hours. Booked direct at lner.co.uk, advance return fares start from £120.00 in first and £44.40 in standard, where passengers can now have food and drink brought to their seats. 

For more on Hadrian’s Wall visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.





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NFTs are everywhere. Here’s how to buy one from TikTok, NFL, more


NFT art could be a new way to spend and make money.


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The world of NFTs is changing by the minute but what are they? NFTs, or nonfungible tokens, can be tied to a video highlight, a meme or a tweet. Think of them as tokens tied to an expensive digital asset. It may (or may not) be able to make you a lot of money in the future (more below). NFTs are like cryptocurrency but there are some big differences. We know, it’s complicated.  

Here’s what we know. You can bid on an NFT for a pretty penny (most are expensive). But that doesn’t mean that you own the asset. These expensive tokens are so popular that Variety and the NFL are all kickstarting NFTs. And if you remember Neopets, the virtual pet space is creating NFT collectibles, too.  

In short, NFTs offer a blockchain-created certificate of authenticity for a digital asset or piece of art. If this doesn’t make much sense to you, it’s OK. We’ll break down what NFTs really are, how much they cost and how you can bid on a digital asset to have an NFT of your own. 

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What’s an NFT? 

This is the part that takes a bit of open-mindedness. An NFT is a unique digital token, with most using the Ethereum blockchain to digitally record transactions. It’s not a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum, because those are fungible — exchangeable for another Bitcoin or cash. NFTs are recorded in a digital ledger in the same way as cryptocurrency, so there’s a listing of who owns each one.

What makes an NFT unique is the digital asset tied to the token. This can be an image, video, tweet or piece of music that’s uploaded to a marketplace, which creates the NFT to be sold.

What kind of NFTs can I buy? 

NFTs can be tied to any digital asset. Anything you see online can be an NFT — music, social media posts, clip art and more. Here are some of the latest nifty NFTs we found. 

TikTok Moments

The latest big news in NFTs is TikTok’s new video collection called TikTok Moments. The videos will celebrate the impact that artists have on TikTok. Proceeds from the collection will go to NFT artists and creators. The first collection will start with Lil Nas X and be available starting Oct. 6 on the Etherum. 

Fortune

And Fortune gave its readers a chance to get in on the NFT craze. The company sold 256 copies of the limited edition cover from the graphic artist Pplpleasr for Fortune’s August/September magazine on OpenSea. The copies sold out within five minutes starting at 1 Etherum (estimated $3,000). But the NFTs were available for resale at three times the cost. 

Sorare digital trading cards 

But NFTs go beyond artists and music. Recently, Sorare released its “Super Rare” Lionel Messi digital trading card that’s currently bidding at €29,992.75, equivalating to over $35,000. Sorare also announced that it raised $680 million for its next-level sports fantasy game. The funding is currently led by SoftBank. 

Tiger Woods’ Autograph collectibles 

And in sports, Tiger Woods is currently selling thousands of digital collectibles on Autograph on the DraftKings marketplace. The collection starts at $250. Naomi Osaka, Derek Jeter and Tonk Hawk are also releasing digital collectibles on Autograph, which is co-founded by Tom Brady. 

As the hype for NFTs grows, expect more digital assets to come up for sale and bring in some big money. 

Where can I buy and sell NFTs? 

While you may not want to jump right in bidding six figures, there are multiple NFT marketplaces out there to check out, with Opensea being the biggest. Buyers can search for art, domain names and random collectibles to bid on without having to break the bank. And Woods’ digital collection is one of the many NFT collections available on DraftKings marketplace, including Tony Hawk, Simone Biles and other athletes. 

And Christie’s recently auctioned off NFTs of featured Art Blocks art from its Post-War to Present collection, some of today’s most popular NFTs. Christie’s auctioned off Curio Cards on the Ethereum blockchain for over $1.2 million. 

On the other hand, if you want to sell an NFT of your art, you can use NFTify, the Shopify NFT store, to sell NFTs without creating your own store. You’ll also need a MetaMask account to get going. And Burberry recently announced a partnership with Mythical Games to gamify buying, selling and collecting toys as NFTs through the Blankos Block Party game. CNET’s own Chris Parker also made a step-by-step guide on how to make and sell your own NFT, in the video below. 

If I have an NFT, do I own the asset?

Nope. 

That’s the real kicker to understanding the whole concept. The person who buys the NFT doesn’t own the actual asset. 

“NFTs challenge the idea of ownership: digital files can be reproduced infinitely and you do not (usually) buy the copyright or a license when purchasing an NFT,” said Jeffrey Thompson, associate professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

Kings of Leon

The band Kings of Leon sold its latest album via NFTs and made more than $2 million from the sales.


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For example, the creator of the Nyan Cat meme sold an NFT of it for $590,000. The person who bought the token owns the token, but doesn’t actually own the meme. That still belongs to the creator, who held onto intellectual and creative rights. 

What the owner of the token has is a record and a hash code showing ownership of the unique token associated with the particular digital asset. People might download Nyan Cat and use it on social media if they want, but they won’t own the token. This also means they can’t sell the token as the owner can. 

Why are NFTs so expensive? 

As with physical collectibles such as Beanie Babies, baseball cards and toys, there’s a market for NFTs. The buyers tend to be tech-savvy individuals who understand the idea of wanting to purchase digital goods and likely made a killing this past year with cryptocurrencies. Ethereum, for example, went from just over $100 last March to a current price of about $3,400. In some cases, buyers are just flexing their digital wallets to show off how much crypto they have, but for others, there’s a deeper interest. 

“Specifically for art-related NFTs, there is a huge surge in demand due to their novelty and creativity of early artists,” Jason Lau, chief operating officer of crypto exchange OKCoin, said in an email. “Whether it’s a physical work with an attached NFT (think of it as a digital autograph and proof of veracity), or an entirely digital work (where the NFT is the art), this new medium is opening new ways for collectors and artists to explore their relationship with the artwork itself.”

It’s also great for the artists, says Lau. By selling digital art directly to those interested, an artist can begin monetizing work without having to try to sell it in a gallery. 

What are the pitfalls of NFTs?

A drawback is the hundreds of dollars in fees required to create an NFT. If you’re making your own token on the Ethereum blockchain, you need to use some Ethereum, which as mentioned earlier is kind of pricey. Then after you make an NFT, there’s a “gas” fee that pays for the work that goes into handling the transaction and that’s also based on the price of Ethereum. Marketplaces simplify the process by handling everything for a fee when an NFT is sold. 

There’s also an environmental cost. Like Bitcoin, Ethereum requires computers to handle the computations, known as “mining,” and those computer tasks require a lot of energy. An analysis from Cambridge University found that mining for Bitcoin consumed more energy than the entire country of Argentina. Ethereum is second to Bitcoin in popularity, and its power consumption is on the rise and comparable to the amount of energy used by Libya.

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The UK’s best hotels and inns of 2021 as chosen by the Good Hotel Guide


Many of us have fallen in love again with British hospitality. With overseas travel almost impossible for so long, hotels in the UK have swung open their doors — and we like what we see. 

Here at the Good Hotel Guide, we pride ourselves on selecting those small, individually owned properties that offer a truly personal service — the kind of place where guests are automatically given tea and cakes on arrival, where they feel immediately at home and can enjoy good food and wine. We are particularly proud of our César award-winners this year, which include a Scandi-chic thatched hotel on the Isle of Wight and a guesthouse in Scotland that has only three rooms. Revealed exclusively in the Daily Mail, here are The Good Hotel Guide’s top ten deserving winners…

B&B OF THE YEAR

Jane recommends doing a guided tour of the walled garden at Newbegin House in Beverley, which wins B&B of the Year 

The Georgian townhouse's interiors are filled with artwork and antiques, and the three bedrooms are equipped with thoughtful extras

The Georgian townhouse’s interiors are filled with artwork and antiques, and the three bedrooms are equipped with thoughtful extras

Reserve one of the three bedrooms at Newbegin House in Beverley and you will be treated like old friends at Walter and Nuala Sweeney’s Georgian townhouse, with its interiors filled with artwork and antiques. The welcome starts with a large pot of tea in the sitting room. Thoughtful extras in the bedrooms include sherry, fresh milk and flowers.

A generous spread at breakfast ranges from poached eggs with prosciutto to pancakes and a full Yorkshire.

Don’t miss: A guided tour of the walled garden.

Details: B&B doubles from £90 (newbeginhousebbbeverley.co.uk).

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Locanda on the Weir (the third building from the right) is an uber-stylish restaurant with rooms at Porlock Weir

Locanda on the Weir (the third building from the right) is an uber-stylish restaurant with rooms at Porlock Weir

Co-owner Cindy Siu creates eclectic, appealing interiors with Italian and English antiques

Co-owner Cindy Siu creates eclectic, appealing interiors with Italian and English antiques 

Italian foodie flair goes hand in hand with West Country charm at Locanda on the Weir, an uber-stylish restaurant with rooms where Exmoor meets the sea, at Porlock Weir. 

Chef Pio Catemario di Quadri makes as much as possible from scratch in his set five-course menus, from focaccia to creamy ricotta cheese. Meanwhile, co-owner Cindy Siu creates eclectic, appealing interiors with Italian and English antiques, classic and contemporary art and plenty of fresh flowers.

Don’t miss: The Doone Valley circuit on Exmoor.

Details:   B&B doubles from £195 (locandaontheweir.co.uk).

ISLAND HOTEL

Jane says that the thatched cottage of Hillside in Ventnor, pictured, 'looks classically English from the outside'

Jane says that the thatched cottage of Hillside in Ventnor, pictured, ‘looks classically English from the outside’

Inside the Hillside, stripped-back, pale interiors are highlighted by colourful abstract art canvases

Inside the Hillside, stripped-back, pale interiors are highlighted by colourful abstract art canvases 

The thatched cottage of Hillside in Ventnor, on the Island of Wight, looks classically English from the outside, its terraced gardens tumbling down the slope.

Within, though, is a world of Scandi-chic created by owner Gert Bach. 

Stripped-back, pale interiors are highlighted by colourful abstract art canvases, and there are great views out to sea. 

Vegetables from the gardens supply the kitchen, which creates simple, superb dishes.

Don’t miss: Walks along the coast to Steephill Cove.

Details: B&B doubles from £133 (hillsideventnor.co.uk).

WELSH INN

The Bell at Skenfrith, located along the River Monnow in Monmouthshire, wins best Welsh Inn

The Bell at Skenfrith, located along the River Monnow in Monmouthshire, wins best Welsh Inn

According to Jane, The Bell at Skenfrith (pictured) has a 'fresh, contemporary feel despite the oak beams and antiques'

According to Jane, The Bell at Skenfrith (pictured) has a ‘fresh, contemporary feel despite the oak beams and antiques’

When the River Monnow flooded and flowed through the ground floor of The Bell at Skenfrith, its owners took the opportunity to give the former coaching inn a thorough refurb.

Now it’s looking all spruced up, with a fresh, contemporary feel despite the oak beams and antiques. Westies, whippets and wellies are all welcome in the Dog and Boot bar after a walk along the river in this lovely part of Monmouthshire.

Don’t miss: Order a picnic and head out for a day’s fishing on the Monnow.

Details: B&B doubles from £150 (thebellatskenfrith.co.uk).

COUNTRY HOUSE

Country House winner Askham Hall features a 17th-century pele tower and grade-II listed gardens

Country House winner Askham Hall features a 17th-century pele tower and grade-II listed gardens

Prices for B&B doubles at the 'comfortably cluttered ancestral pile' of Askham Hall in Penrith start from £180

Prices for B&B doubles at the ‘comfortably cluttered ancestral pile’ of Askham Hall in Penrith start from £180 

It all sounds grand at Askham Hall in Penrith, with its 17th-century pele tower, family heirlooms, French drawing room, and a Michelin-starred restaurant to boot. But Charles Lowther’s comfortably cluttered ancestral pile couldn’t be more relaxed; dogs and children are welcome.

Explore the grade-II listed gardens with their 230 ft herbaceous border and enjoy fresh produce in the cafe.

Don’t miss: Visit the family’s original home, Lowther Castle, with 130 acres of gardens.

Details: B&B doubles from £180 (askhamhall.co.uk).

SMALL HOTEL

The menus at Plantation House in Ermington (pictured) change every night, featuring local Devonshire produce and food from the kitchen garden

The menus at Plantation House in Ermington (pictured) change every night, featuring local Devonshire produce and food from the kitchen garden

B&B doubles at Plantation House start from £170 - you will find home-made cakes and biscuits in the comfortable bedrooms

B&B doubles at Plantation House start from £170 – you will find home-made cakes and biscuits in the comfortable bedrooms

The menus at Plantation House in Ermington change every night, featuring local Devonshire produce and food from the kitchen garden. Chef patron Richard Hendey cooks as much as possible on the small hotel’s premises, from bread to truffles.

You will find home-made cakes and biscuits in the comfortable bedrooms, and breakfast can include everything from smoked haddock to bubble and squeak.

Don’t miss: Book an in-room massage; £65 for 80 minutes.

Details: B&B doubles from £170 (plantationhousehotel.co.uk). 

SCOTTISH WINNER

According to Jane, the best room in Perth’s Woodcroft House, pictured, is a suite with an iron slipper bath and seats in the turret

According to Jane, the best room in Perth’s Woodcroft House, pictured, is a suite with an iron slipper bath and seats in the turret

The Arts and Crafts-style Victorian guest house - which has three guest rooms - was crowned the Scottish Winner

The Arts and Crafts-style Victorian guest house – which has three guest rooms – was crowned the Scottish Winner 

Although there are only three rooms in Perth’s Woodcroft House, you can order delicious meals in advance from extensive menus, including venison from the owners’ deer park, and a ‘free from’ and plant-based menu. You can take your own wine, too, with no corkage fee.

The best room in this Arts and Crafts-style Victorian guest house is a suite with an iron slipper bath and seats in the turret.

Don’t miss: Scotland’s oldest working distillery, Glenturret, in nearby Crieff.

Details: B&B doubles from £190 (woodcroft-house.com).

INN OF THE YEAR

Helen Browning’s Royal Oak (pictured above) in Bishopstone, near Swindon, prides itself on being fun, Jane reveals

Helen Browning’s Royal Oak (pictured above) in Bishopstone, near Swindon, prides itself on being fun, Jane reveals

The rooms in the quirky pub-with-rooms are named after fields. Prices for B&B doubles start from £95

The rooms in the quirky pub-with-rooms are named after fields. Prices for B&B doubles start from £95 

A quirky pub-with-rooms on an organic farm, Helen Browning’s Royal Oak in Bishopstone, near Swindon, prides itself on being fun. The rooms are named after fields and everything, from the milk to the meat, is supplied from the 1,500 acres of farmland. Activities include foraging and wildflower painting.

Don’t miss: The in-meadow bath in the wild campsite, where you sleep on straw in pig arks.

Details: B&B doubles from £95 (helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk).

ECCENTRIC HOTEL 

Rayanne House in Holywood, Northern Ireland, has been crowned the winner of the Eccentric category

Rayanne House in Holywood, Northern Ireland, has been crowned the winner of the Eccentric category

The meal served on the Titanic the night she sank is replicated on certain nights at Rayanne House

The meal served on the Titanic the night she sank is replicated on certain nights at Rayanne House

The entire nine-course meal served on the Titanic the night she sank is replicated by chef patron Conor McClelland on certain nights at Rayanne House in Holywood, Northern Ireland, served in the beautiful period dining room with views of Belfast Lough from where the doomed ship sailed in 1912.

Don’t miss: Golfers should book the Rory McIlroy bedroom; they get discounted green fees at nearby Holywood Golf Club.

Details: B&B doubles from £150 (rayannehouse.com).

FAMILY-FRIENDLY 

Four generations of the Fletcher-Brewer family have worked to make Porth Tocyn (pictured) a relaxed place to stay, Jane reveals

Four generations of the Fletcher-Brewer family have worked to make Porth Tocyn (pictured) a relaxed place to stay, Jane reveals

Parents who visited as children now return to the family-friendly Porth Tocyn, Wales, with their own families

 Parents who visited as children now return to the family-friendly Porth Tocyn, Wales, with their own families

Four generations of the Fletcher-Brewer family have worked to make Porth Tocyn, near Abersoch in Wales, a relaxed place to stay, and parents who visited as children now return with their own families. There is no charge for children sharing their parents’ room; and the hotel has everything from a games room to baby-listening devices. High tea is served to children so adults can dine child-free in the dining room.

Don’t miss: The Wales Coast Path runs by the hotel.

Details: B&B doubles from £130 (porthtocynhotel.co.uk).



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2022 Rivian R1T, BMW iX EV, new Jeep Grand Cherokee and more: Roadshow’s week in review


Goodbye September, and howdy Oct. With any luck , the slide temperatures are dealing with you perfectly, Roadshow audience. We closed out September in a large way with a ton of good vehicles and masses of news. That incorporates a to start with generate of the new Rivian R1T electric pickup. Read through all about it down below, and check out a special dialogue from the Roadshow News Recap ideal up earlier mentioned even though you have some time this weekend.

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Testimonials Editor Antuan Goodwin acquired a 1st crack at the 2022 Rivian R1T. Was it truly worth the hold out? Examine on.

Study our 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Version very first drive assessment.

Sure, it can be a unusual-hunting thing, but Managing Editor Steve Ewing observed the 2022 BMW iX a wonderful electric powered SUV — in particular on the within.

Go through our 2022 BMW iX initially drive overview.

We examine in with our long-phrase 2021 Volvo XC60 T8 to see how it is holding up this significantly into our 12 months with it.

Go through our 2021 Volvo XC60 T8 prolonged-expression evaluation update.

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Earth is DIMMING due to climate change, study warns


Emissions

Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the biggest contributors to world-wide warming. After the gasoline is unveiled into the atmosphere it stays there, creating it tricky for warmth to escape – and warming up the planet in the procedure. 

It is largely released from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gasoline, as well as cement production. 

The normal regular concentration of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere, as of April 2019, is 413 areas per million (ppm). Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the focus was just 280 ppm. 

CO2 concentration has fluctuated about the final 800,000 decades in between 180 to 280ppm, but has been vastly accelerated by pollution prompted by people. 

Nitrogen dioxide 

The gas nitrogen dioxide (NO2) arrives from burning fossil fuels, car or truck exhaust emissions and the use of nitrogen-based mostly fertilisers utilised in agriculture.

While there is considerably significantly less NO2 in the ambiance than CO2, it is amongst 200 and 300 periods much more powerful at trapping warmth.

Sulfur dioxide 

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) also mainly arrives from fossil gas burning, but can also be launched from car or truck exhausts.

SO2 can respond with drinking water, oxygen and other chemicals in the ambiance to result in acid rain. 

Carbon monoxide 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an indirect greenhouse gasoline as it reacts with hydroxyl radicals, eradicating them. Hydroxyl radicals decrease the life span of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. 

Particulates

What is particulate matter?

Particulate make any difference refers to tiny areas of solids or liquid components in the air. 

Some are obvious, these kinds of as dust, whilst other individuals are not able to be witnessed by the naked eye. 

Supplies this kind of as metals, microplastics, soil and chemicals can be in particulate issue.

Particulate matter (or PM) is explained in micrometres. The two major types pointed out in experiences and scientific tests are PM10 (a lot less than 10 micrometres) and PM2.5 (fewer than 2.5 micrometres).

Air air pollution will come from burning fossil fuels, cars and trucks, cement creating and agriculture 

Experts measure the amount of particulates in the air by cubic metre.

Particulate make any difference is despatched into the air by a selection of processes together with burning fossil fuels, driving autos and metal producing.

Why are particulates hazardous?

Particulates are hazardous simply because people fewer than 10 micrometres in diameter can get deep into your lungs, or even pass into your bloodstream. Particulates are identified in larger concentrations in urban locations, specially together key streets. 

Overall health effect

What sort of wellness complications can pollution lead to?

According to the Environment Wellbeing Corporation, a 3rd of fatalities from stroke, lung cancer and heart ailment can be linked to air air pollution. 

Some of the consequences of air air pollution on the physique are not recognized, but pollution could maximize swelling which narrows the arteries main to heart assaults or strokes. 

As effectively as this, practically one particular in 10 lung cancer circumstances in the Uk are brought on by air pollution. 

Particulates locate their way into the lungs and get lodged there, creating inflammation and destruction. As nicely as this, some substances in particulates that make their way into the body can lead to most cancers. 

Fatalities from pollution 

All-around 7 million people die prematurely since of air pollution each individual yr. Air pollution can result in a quantity of challenges which includes asthma attacks, strokes, many cancers and cardiovascular troubles. 

Earth is DIMMING due to climate change, study warns

 

Asthma triggers

Air pollution can bring about troubles for bronchial asthma sufferers for a number of explanations. Pollutants in targeted visitors fumes can irritate the airways, and particulates can get into your lungs and throat and make these places inflamed. 

Issues in pregnancy 

Women of all ages uncovered to air pollution ahead of obtaining pregnant are just about 20 for every cent far more possible to have babies with delivery problems, exploration recommended in January 2018.

Residing within 3.1 miles (5km) of a extremely-polluted area one month ahead of conceiving can make gals extra probable to give start to infants with defects this kind of as cleft palates or lips, a analyze by University of Cincinnati observed.

For every single .01mg/m3 enhance in great air particles, beginning flaws increase by 19 per cent, the investigate provides. 

Prior analysis implies this will cause beginning defects as a outcome of girls suffering inflammation and ‘internal stress’. 

What is currently being accomplished to tackle air air pollution? 

Paris settlement on climate improve

The Paris Arrangement, which was to start with signed in 2015, is an intercontinental agreement to control and restrict local weather modify. 

It hopes to keep the improve in the world normal temperature to under 2°C (3.6ºF) ‘and to go after initiatives to limit the temperature raise to 1.5°C (2.7°F)’.

Carbon neutral by 2050 

The Uk govt has introduced designs to make the region carbon neutral by 2050. 

They approach to do this by planting extra trees and by setting up ‘carbon capture’ technology at the supply of the pollution.

Some critics are nervous that this very first possibility will be made use of by the governing administration to export its carbon offsetting to other nations around the world.

Global carbon credits enable nations continue emitting carbon even though paying out for trees to be planted elsewhere, balancing out their emissions.

No new petrol or diesel vehicles by 2040

In 2017, the British isles government announced the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles would be banned by 2040.  

Even so,  MPs on the weather adjust committee have urged the govt to bring the ban forward to 2030, as by then they will have an equal variety and value.

The Paris Agreement, which was first signed in 2015, is an international agreement to control and limit climate change. Pictured: air pollution over Paris in 2019.

The Paris Agreement, which was very first signed in 2015, is an global arrangement to command and limit weather modify. Pictured: air air pollution more than Paris in 2019.

Norway’s electric powered vehicle subsidies

The fast electrification of Norway’s automotive fleet is attributed largely to generous state subsidies. Electric automobiles are almost totally exempt from the significant taxes imposed on petrol and diesel vehicles, which helps make them competitively priced.

A VW Golf with a typical combustion engine fees approximately 334,000 kroner (34,500 euros, $38,600), although its electric cousin the e-Golfing expenditures 326,000 kroner many thanks to a decreased tax quotient. 

Criticisms of inaction on climate adjust

The Committee on Local climate Improve (CCC) has explained there is a ‘shocking’ deficiency of Governing administration preparation for the risks to the region from weather modify. 

The committee assessed 33 places wherever the threats of local weather modify experienced to be tackled – from flood resilience of properties to impacts on farmland and provide chains – and located no genuine development in any of them.

The United kingdom is not well prepared for 2°C of warming, the stage at which nations around the world have pledged to suppress temperature rises, enable by itself a 4°C increase, which is achievable if greenhouse gases are not minimize globally, the committee said.

It included that cities will need more eco-friendly areas to end the city ‘heat island’ outcome, and to reduce floods by soaking up large rainfall. 



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How horror movies can help mental health, according to science



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Years ago, when I was a mega-fan of The Walking Dead, I only had one rule: never watch right before bed. I’ve had trouble sleeping since I was a kid, and my nightmares are bad enough to outdo even the most gruesome TWD scenes. (In fact, I’ve been told that I should write them down and turn them into movies.) I assumed watching before bed would only exacerbate the problem.

But this July, I discovered a new zombie show that I couldn’t help but binge all night: Netflix’s Black Summer. Breaking my own old rule, I watched it right before going to sleep, and unintentionally discovered something strange: I slept better. The show made my heart race and filled my mind with scary, violent images — and yet, such images were conspicuously absent from my dreams. 

Hopeful, I continued watching zombie shows and movies every night, marking my biggest foray into the genre yet. I watched Kingdom (so, so good), Army of the Dead (meh), I Am Legend, Alive and many more. And I didn’t have a single nightmare.

As a lifelong anxiety sufferer, I hold many calming tools close to my heart: CBD, weighted blankets and Zoloft alike. I just never expected to add zombies to the list. As it turns out, there is a scientific basis for this phenomenon, and I’m not the only one to experience it. Horror movies, from zombies to beyond, can help alleviate anxiety for many people. With anxiety rates through the roof because of COVID-19, a surprising number of people have turned to horror to cope — and it’s working. 

Horror and anxiety: An unlikely duo

“You might expect that everyone with anxiety would avoid horror — after all, why would someone who feels anxious want to watch something that is created specifically to induce fear or anxiety?” says Coltan Scrivner, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago who studies horror and morbid curiosity. “However, my research finds that, on average, people with anxiety are more likely to be horror fans.”

To be sure, horror movies don’t feel very relaxing. The brain doesn’t always clearly distinguish between fantasy and reality, so when I watch a zombie movie, parts of my brain react as though it’s me being chased down by the shambling undead, as an August 2020 study in NeuroImage showed. That means that horror movies can trigger your nervous system’s fear response, also known as the “fight or flight” response, in some of the same ways that a real-life scary event can. 

The fear response is the system that our ancestors’ bodies evolved to survive threats, like a bear attack. Your body is flooded with stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, and your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing all start to increase, allowing you to act quickly. When the threat is gone, the fear response is followed by the “rest and digest” response, which prompts your body to calm down and return to its baseline state.

But in people with anxiety or trauma, the fight-or-flight response has a bit of a glitch. Our brains react to normal, everyday occurrences as if they were a major threat to our lives. And because there is no real threat, just a general, vague sense of doom, we rarely get any sense of resolution or relief.

For some viewers who have anxiety or trauma, horror movies only make matters worse. But for others, horror can help provide relief from pent-up tension. They’re a way to practice feeling scared in a safe environment, refocus your brain away from real-life anxieties and enjoy the release that comes after the movie’s over.

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Making friends with fear

When my nightmares are especially bad, I start to get nervous around bedtime because I never know what will happen to me in my sleep. Zombie movies, on the other hand, are a nightmare that I have the power to press pause on. That may be part of what makes them so enticing.

“Horror movies have a long history of providing a kind of reassurance,” says Margaret J. King, director of the Center for Cultural Studies and Analysis. “Viewers can immerse themselves in a harrowing narrative yet at the same time be perfectly safe, able to control the stimulus by turning it off or shifting attention to the surrounding space.”

Horror movies also teach you that, despite what it feels like sometimes, fear can’t kill you, as Lana Holmes, a clinical psychologist in Decatur, explains on the podcast Therapy for Black Girls. “When you expose yourself to something you’re afraid of, even a horror movie, over time, you realize — oh, I can survive this,” Holmes says.

Not only that, but there’s a joyful “comedown” effect after you’ve finished watching something scary, according to Scrivner. That feels great to someone like me, whose brain often seems to forget about that “rest and digest” bit after panicking. 

An escape from real life

In real life, the triggers for anxiety often feel inescapable, and it’s easy to get caught up in an endless cycle of worry. Often for people with anxiety disorders, there may not always be a single clear trigger, making it impossible to “fix.”

But in horror, there’s a clearly defined threat with a definite end. The fairly predictable plots provide a reassuring roadmap, yet they’re absorbing enough to keep your attention glued to the screen (and away from your own thoughts).

“If someone is feeling anxious, they may find that horror helps them stop ruminating about other things in their life,” Scrivner says. “Horror forces the viewer to focus — the monster on the screen pulls us in and focuses our attention.”

And, importantly, what happens with the zombies on the screen has absolutely no consequences on your life. In most cases, Scrivner says, people are drawn to horror content that has nothing to do with their current real-life fears. “Horror that hits too close to home might be too repulsive or triggering,” he explains.

Headfirst into your worst fears

Sometimes, rather than a way to escape real-life worries, horror can be a way to dive headfirst into them — almost like a form of exposure therapy. 

“Horror fans score very high in a trait called morbid curiosity, which can be defined as an interest in learning about threatening situations,” Scrivner says. “Interestingly, anxiety and morbid curiosity seem to stem from similar psychological roots — a central aspect to both anxiety and morbid curiosity is an increased interest in gathering information about threats, even if it may be unpleasant to gather that information,” he explains. “This may be part of the reason why many people with anxiety are horror fans.”

The same can be true on a larger scale. “Horror as a genre often speaks to the real world horrors of the time in which it is created,” says Scrivner. For example, he says, torture films like Saw and Hostel “became popular around the time the torture of Guantanamo Bay prisoners became public,” though it’s not clear if there’s a direct link. 

This may also have something to do with the popularity of horror content with race themes among Black viewers, like Get Out and Lovecraft Country. 

And it almost certainly has something to do with the sudden explosion in pandemic horror movies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Cavan Images/Getty Images

‘Quar-horror’ and the COVID-19 horror boom 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, horror’s ability to soothe anxiety and stress was put to the ultimate test. In a December 2020 survey from the US Census Bureau, more than 42% of respondents reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, as compared to 11% the previous year. At the same time, 2020 was a “boom year” for horror even as other genres failed to perform as expected.

It seems that many people have been drawn to horror films as a way to cope — at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in the US, the pandemic thriller Contagion became one of the most-watched movies on iTunes. Data from the digital movie app Movies Anywhere showed significant spikes of interest in “escapist movies such as horror and thrillers,” general manager Karin Gilford told Insider. In May 2020, horror sales on the app were up 194% from the previous May. 

Did all that horror really help people cope? Yes, apparently. Scrivner was the lead author of a January 2021 study that found that horror fans were more psychologically resilient during the pandemic, with movies like Contagion serving as a sort of practice simulation for the real thing. 

The pandemic has even left its own mark on the horror genre, giving birth to a new subgenre called “quar-horror.” As one quar-horror director, Nathan Crooker, told NPR, “horror can be a way to process our worst fears.” 

In order for horror to be truly helpful for anxiety or stress, the content has to hit that sweet spot: scary enough to keep your attention and stimulate your fear response, but not so scary that you feel overwhelmed or retraumatized. That will vary based on your own individual threshold and background, and there are so many different monsters to choose from. Some of my own favorite horror movies and TV shows for anxiety are:

  • Black Summer: A Netflix zombie series that consists of brief vignettes, so you get that “comedown” effect several times throughout each episode.
  • Train to Busan: A South Korean zombie movie that remains one of the most compelling zombie movies I’ve seen yet. 
  • The Haunting of Bly Manor: I’m usually too spooked by ghost themes, but this one had just the right atmosphere and narrative to hook me in.
  • A Quiet Place: This movie is, well, quiet, which makes the constant high tension and suspense much more bearable for me (I often mute the gruesome stuff in horror anyway).

How horror movies can help mental health, according to science


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Even if you don’t have anxiety, the COVID-19 pandemic is the sort of situation that can cause you to feel constantly on edge in a similar way. The threat of the coronavirus is very real, but largely out of your hands and with no clear end in sight, making it hard to ever feel truly at ease. Other stressors, like climate change or racism, can have the same effect. 

Horror is one way to regain control of your emotions when so much of life feels out of your control. And at a time when the apocalypse is on many of our minds, it makes sense to find horror a bit soothing. Right now, real life is complicated and hard. In zombie movies, the threat is simple, and the solution is straightforward: aim for the head, and don’t get bit.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.



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Pictured: The McDonald’s that’s housed inside a stately 19th-century MANSION in Maine


McDonald’s isn’t recognised for obtaining regal places to eat – but there is just one uber-posh exception.

An stylish Golden Arches outlet is housed within a 19th-century mansion in Freeport, Maine – with a signal carrying the speedy-meals chain’s famous symbol subtly perched on the front garden.

The developing has a colonial facade, and within, consumers feast on lobster rolls and Large Macs in a subtle eating home, complete with a stately fire and candlesticks.

The McDonald’s in Freeport, Maine (pictured earlier mentioned), opened its doors again in 1984 (cc by 2.)

The original mansion was built by Maine merchant William Gore around 1850

The initial mansion was built by Maine service provider William Gore around 1850

In accordance to the Freeport Historical Culture, the house – recognised as ‘Gore House’ – is a ‘combination of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture’ and was developed by Maine service provider William Gore all around 1850.

In the early 1980s, McDonald’s experimented with to introduce the chain to the town, but locals objected – the trademark purple and yellow architecture of the speedy-foods cafe went from the town’s strict developing design codes.

McDonald’s created a compromise. In late 1983, the Freeport Zoning Board of Appeals permitted the chain to put a cafe inside the historic Gore Dwelling.

‘Citizens in Freeport were being indignant when the McDonald’s Company acquired the Gore residence,’ the Freeport Historic Culture claimed in the 1996 e-book Photographs of The united states: Freeport.

Gordon Hamlin, a spokesman for the North Most important Road Community Firm, which opposed the restaurant at the time, advised the New York Moments they have been ‘really disappointed’ with the conclusion. 

Pictured: The McDonald's that's housed inside a stately 19th-century MANSION in Maine

‘The exterior of the home was preserved to hold with the aesthetic of the hundreds of years-previous coastal city [of Freeport],’ McDonald’s says 

The sophisticated dining room comes complete with a stately fireplace and candlesticks

The complex dining area comes complete with a stately hearth and candlesticks

In the meantime, McDonald’s company media spokesperson Stephen Leroy explained to the publication: ‘What we are carrying out there is something we almost certainly have never ever completed right before in phrases of style and the volume of time and effort associated.

‘We are inclined to devote the income to make it compatible with the location, the history, the group and the people today who reside there.’ 

The McDonald’s Corporation defined in a new Instagram put up: ‘The exterior of the dwelling was preserved to maintain with the aesthetic of the hundreds of years-previous coastal city.’

The restaurant opened its doors in 1984 and continues to be a strike with quick-food enthusiasts today. Tying in with the grandeur of the architecture, the early interiors highlighted carved wooden dining chairs and Roman window blinds.

Contemporary wooden booth-style seating and industrial hanging lights were introduced in recent years. The walls are plastered with giant archival photographs of Freeport landmarks

Modern day picket booth-design seating and industrial hanging lights were being released in new many years. The walls are plastered with giant archival images of Freeport landmarks

A push-via was constructed on a single facet of the mansion, tucked out of sight of the principal street. 

Cyndi and Ron Lydick have owned and operated the company considering the fact that 2007. ‘People adore going to just to see the uniqueness of the restaurant,’ Ron instructed the McDonald’s Company.

McDonald’s added: ‘Ron and Cyndi get the job done intently with the Freeport Historical Culture to sustain a mutually effective marriage with the city, doing work jointly to make positive the location honours the legacy of the city and the making by itself.’

The McMansion’s interior underwent a modern day renovation in the previous couple of decades, introducing contemporary picket booth-type seating and industrial hanging lights.

Remaining true to the building’s Freeport roots, the partitions ended up plastered with large archival photos of nearby landmarks, with golden information plaques sharing info about the area’s background.

On the walls, golden information plaques share facts about Freeport's history

On the partitions, golden details plaques share info about Freeport’s record

The traditional picket seating in the eating area was up-to-date, and the fireplace was remodelled with red brickwork and a slick white paint occupation. 

Technologies was also built-in into the makeover – nowadays, standalone touchscreen robots acquire your purchase inside. 

Outdoors, picket benches and picnic tables are dotted among vibrant beds of flowers. 

Lobster rolls are served in the summer months months, but if not, the fare is common McDonald’s.

‘McDonald’s’ is published earlier mentioned the front door, but the signage is delicate. 1 Yelp reviewer admitted they ‘drove by not even recognizing it was a McDonald’s’.

A discreet Golden Arches sign is perched on the estate's front lawn (cc by 2.0)

A discreet Golden Arches indicator is perched on the estate’s front garden (cc by 2.)

The traditional wooden seating in the dining room (pictured) was updated in recent years

The conventional picket seating in the eating home (pictured) was current in new yrs

Pictured above is the restaurant before its renovation. Today, standalone touchscreen robots take your order inside

Pictured over is the cafe before its renovation. These days, standalone touchscreen robots just take your order within

‘It’s a McDonald’s with a twist simply because it basically does not search like any Golden Arches you have ever observed. Kudos to company for approving such a fantastic structure,’ wrote another.

A 3rd was enamoured by the grand decor, writing: ‘Food is typical Mickey D’s, but the placing is really worth going for. Established in an previous house but with all the comforts. Even a fire.’

It is not the only McDonald’s of its type – there is another McMansion in New Hyde Park, New York.

Originally crafted as a farmhouse in 1795, the Long Island house was converted into a mansion for Joseph Denton, a descendent of a person of the founders of the town of Hempstead in the 1860s.

In 1988, the building was specified as a historic landmark, so McDonald’s restored the setting up, mimicking the building’s 1920s search, before opening it in 1991.





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No Time To Die ending explained: How Daniel Craig’s final James Bond adventure wraps up


Daniel Craig’s final James Bond adventure has one heck of an ending.  


MGM

No Time To Die hit UK theaters Thursday, with the US release happening Oct. 8 and the Australian one coming Nov. 11, bringing Daniel Craig’s tenure as James Bond to an end. It’s the 25th official 007 movie, and Craig’s fifth cinematic outing as the iconic British superspy since 2006.

“In Daniel Craig’s final outing as the suave superspy, James Bond finally gets a life,” CNET’s Richard Trenholm said in his review. “The result is an epic, explosive and emotional swan song that throws everything it has against the wall for a genuinely unique entry in the series.”

Let’s dive into the movie’s final moment, but be warned: the following SPOILERS should be for your eyes only if you’ve seen the movie.

spoiler alert

Infiltration

Bioterrorist Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek) takes Bond’s former lover Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux) and her daughter Mathilde to his classic villain lair on an old World War II island base between Japan and Russia. Earlier, Madeleine insisted Mathilde isn’t Bond’s kid, but those striking blue eyes suggest otherwise.

Madeleine’s father, the late Mr. White, killed Safin’s family on behalf of terrorist group Spectre when Safin was just a wee lad, so he killed Madeleine’s mother to hurt Mr. White. Madeleine got trapped under ice as she tried to escape this attack, but he saved her and became obsessed like a big weirdo.

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Lyutsifer Safin brings some creepy villainy to the adventure.


MGM

Safin previously forced her to take part in his scheme to wipe out Spectre with Heracles, a DNA-based bioweapon containing nanobots that target specific people. It kills captive Spectre boss Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Christoph Waltz), completing Safin’s revenge (cue maniacal laughter). From his base, Safin intends to launch Heracles globally, infecting millions (laughter intensifies).

Newly reinstated as 007, Bond and fellow 00 agent Nomi (Lashana Lynch) infiltrate the island and seemingly succeed in opening the silo doors to make sure a missile strike ordered by M (Ralph Fiennes) will completely wipe out Safin’s base. Nomi escapes with Madeleine and Mathilde, while Bond sticks around to make sure the base is destroyed.

Bond’s fate

The silo doors start to close, so Bond rushes back to reopen them. Could it be a trap? It definitely is. 

Safin gets the drop on 007, shooting Bond several times and infecting him with nanobots coded to Madeline’s DNA — meaning he can never touch her or Matilde again without killing them. What a jerk.

Bond guns down Safin and opens the silo doors, but it’s clear he doesn’t have time to escape. He calls Madeline and tells her he loves her.

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Bond and Madeleine Swann bring us on an emotional rollercoaster.


MGM

“You have all the time in the world,” he says.

“She does have your eyes,” she responds, confirming that Mathilde is his daughter.

“I know,” he says, as the missiles come down on the base. “I know.”

With that, Bond is enveloped in the explosions.

Wait, James Bond dies?

Yes, for the first time in the character’s 59-year cinematic history (and 68-year literary one), 007 is killed. The movie’s title lied to us. It’s pretty definitive too; he’d been badly wounded by Safin, seemed at peace with his fate and the missile strike wiped out the island. 

This comes after Bond became a father for the first time (that we know of) and seemed ready to settle down with Madeline and Matilde, making it all the more devastating. Pardon me, I have something in my eye.

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Daniel Craig’s James Bond: 2006-2021


MGM

What happens after his death?

Nomi returns to MI6 headquarters in London and M gathers her, Moneypenny, Tanner and Q (Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear and Ben Whishaw) in an emotional toast to their late colleague.

“Right, back to work,” M says. Probably has another supervillain to stop.

The final moments take us to the spectacular Italian mountainside city of Matera, where we met Madeline and Bond at the start of the movie. This time, she’s driving with their daughter.

“Matilde, I’m going to tell you a story about a man,” Madeline says. “His name was Bond, James Bond.”

The credits roll, to the tune of Louis Armstrong’s We Have All the Time in the World.

How is that song significant?

Longtime Bond fans will recognize that We Have All the Time in the World from 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the sixth movie in the franchise and George Lazenby’s one and only outing in the role.

The title is darkly ironic — it’s taken from Bond’s final line after his new wife, Tracy, is fatally shot by Blofeld’s goon.

No Time To Die echoes On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in that it sees Bond growing as a person and apparently willing to leave spycraft behind to settle down. In both instances, fate intervenes — and something appears to have gotten in my eye again.

Is there a post-credits scene?

No Time To Die doesn’t have a post-credits scene, but if you stick around to the end you’ll see the classic words “James Bond will return.” 

The phrase has never been more reassuring, but we don’t know yet who’ll be taking over from Craig. 

The future 007

The search for the next Bond actor will begin in 2022, producer Barbara Broccoli told BBC Radio 4’s Today program, according to Deadline.

“We want Daniel to have his time of celebration,” she said. “Next year we’ll start thinking about the future.”

The Bond franchise has always been a bit fuzzy in terms of continuity — newer actors’ movies sometimes referred to events from a previous era, so it seemed like Sean Connery, Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan were all playing the same person.

However, Craig’s first movie, Casino Royale, rebooted the franchise in 2006. So his movies are a self-contained series, and the death of his version of the character closes the loop on that narrative. Goodbye, Mr. Bond.

No Time To Die ending explained: How Daniel Craig's final James Bond adventure wraps up


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Escorted tours: Embrace the comradeship of a road trip holiday with strangers


Simply call me a masochist but I truly appreciate the business of strangers. It is a maxim of mine, which I cling to as a result of thick and slender, that there is no these types of issue as a bore, only appealing individuals to whom you have not but asked the proper inquiries.

Which is almost certainly why I am this kind of a major supporter of escorted excursions. The ‘E-word’ tends to make men and women twitchy. They get worried they are heading to be nannied, shepherded around in teams, forced to make unpleasant little talk for several hours at a time.

They are lacking the point — which is that the comradeship of the highway is as aged as journey alone. It is an intrinsic section of what can make vacation so exhilarating. Not just new scenery but new faces. Ordeals shared. Friendships struck up significantly from property.

 Max Davidson has ‘savoured just about every minute’ of his time expended on escorted tours 

I have been on dozens of escorted tours in my time, in a lot of diverse nations around the world, in groups huge and modest, and I have savoured just about every minute.

From mentor excursions of English cathedrals to river tours of French vineyards, from bourbon distilleries in Kentucky to ancient ruins in Turkey, I have been there, done it. I could have visited the exact same destinations on my individual, or with my relatives, but I doubt I would have brought home this sort of a prosperity of reminiscences.

Quirky encounters. Mad conversations. Jokes. Stories. Combine-ups at airports. Late-evening drinking. Larking about at the back again of the bus, like small children on a school journey. What’s not to like?

I have also discovered a large amount from the men and women who issue most on an escorted tour — the guides accomplishing the escorting. These guides are portion of a extended tradition. In the 19th century, English travellers visiting Rome or Florence, hungry for cultural enlightenment, would be escorted by a cicerone. (In Muslim international locations, the dragoman played a equivalent purpose.)

The cicerone was Wikipedia and Tripadvisor and Google Maps rolled into just one. And if you assume fashionable technological innovation has rendered cicerones redundant, you are wrong. A superior expert information is like gold dust.

I can even now see the confront of the younger Egyptologist who accompanied me and a smaller team of Brits on a Nile cruise 20 many years in the past. His enthusiasm was infectious. His knowledge about the tomb of Tutankhamun and the wonderful Temple of Luxor was encyclopaedic.

A guide's 'encyclopaedic' knowledge about the Temple of Luxor (pictured) left Max impressed

A guide’s ‘encyclopaedic’ expertise about the Temple of Luxor (pictured) left Max impressed

Different qualified guides have diverse variations, which is all part of the exciting. I don’t forget an additional escorted tour of Egypt in the corporation of the English classical scholar Peter Jones.

His soon after-lunch slide displays were being a riot. ‘In historic Alexandria, you couldn’t go for sages. And they realized their onions.’ Boom-increase!

Unbiased travellers, spurning offer holidays, performing their own investigate, straying off the overwhelmed monitor, are rightly happy of their self-sufficiency. They are the heirs to the fantastic Victorian explorers. But human beings are social animals

These is the abundant selection of the present day vacation industry that your cicerone on an escorted tour could be not just charming and well-informed but also a family title.

I have been on an escorted tour of Vietnam, on a cruise ship, exactly where freshly purchased area create was turned into delightful meals by Raymond Blanc, no a lot less. Gastronomic heaven, with a seasoning of Gallic attraction.

Even better was an escorted tour of the Caribbean a handful of years back, when I joined some England lovers on an island-hopping, cricket-observing extravaganza in the firm of David Gower, God’s gift to the protect travel.

For this avid cricket enthusiast, it would have been a thrill just to glimpse the excellent man in the distance. To devote several hours in his business, chatting about cricket and lifestyle, with a glass of anything great in hand, was riches in truth.

Unbiased travellers, spurning package deal holiday seasons, performing their personal research, straying off the overwhelmed track, are rightly happy of their self-sufficiency. They are the heirs to the fantastic Victorian explorers.

But human beings are social animals, and there is no disgrace at hunting at journey by means of a slightly diverse lens. If you have seemed down your nose at the idea of an escorted tour, believe once more.



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Amazon’s Astro is the latest in a growing line of real-world robots


Who’s a excellent robot?


Screenshot by CNET

Hi there, Astro.

Amazon introduced an entry in the contest for the cutest home robotic, having the wraps off a rolling droid that vaguely resembles a mechanical pup at its fall function on Tuesday. Astro, its creators reported in a slick video clip, incorporates Amazon’s AI technologies and is driven by the Alexa voice assistant. It also athletics a removable cupholder, mainly because who wishes the trouble of essentially carrying a Large Gulp? 

The giant e-tailer saved Astro until finally the finish of its hour-extensive occasion, which integrated updates to Echo, Ring and other wise dwelling products. But the robot, which can map your house and serve as a not-terribly-fearsome watchdog, was plainly the showstopper.

Astro is not available for basic obtain at the moment, but Amazon has opened a waiting around listing for these nervous to get the minor fella. The robot will be readily available later this year and expenses $1,000. (United kingdom and Australian selling prices weren’t declared, but which is about £740 or AU$1,380.) If you you should not get one particular this time all around, keep the religion. Amazon states an Astro 2 is now in the works.

Robots are an alluring idea and have captured human imagination for more than a century. If you never want to get in line for Astro, in this article are some robots you can think about:

Tesla Bot

As opposed to Astro, Elon Musk’s Tesla Bot seems like tiny much more than an awareness get. The humanoid robotic, unveiled at the electrical car or truck company’s AI Day last month, is meant to be a humanoid robotic that makes use of synthetic intelligence to just take more than mundane responsibilities for individuals. The form-of-single Musk states the bot will activity autopilot cameras and will be ready to elevate 150 kilos.

Musk proposed the robot, which just isn’t at prototype stage nonetheless, could handle “hazardous, repetitive, boring” work like likely to the retailer to obtain groceries. That’s a mundane process and a single that could be regarded harmful, assuming you’re vulnerable to shopping for half gallon tubs of ice cream.

“Effectively, in the long term, bodily perform will be a selection,” Musk reported in the course of the presentation at Tesla’s AI Working day. “If you want to do it, you can, but you is not going to will need to do it.”

Musk claimed he hoped for a Tesla Bot prototype following calendar year, but it really is anyone’s guess when you will operate into one at your area Safeway. The Tesla Bot we saw at AI Day was just a skinny dude in a unusual onesie. (Try to remember: Musk has also advised us we are going to Mars, but no one’s introduced again a memento snow world still.) 

Robotic vacuums

Talking of repetitive and unexciting tasks, the best set up robotic product line most likely is for models that’ll cleanse your flooring. iRobot started the development with its Roomba line, but now there are a great deal of other robotic vacuum cleaners and ground moppers.

Makers of robotic vacuum cleaners include iRobot, Eufy, Samsung and many others.

Shipping and delivery bots

Bots are coming… to your doorway. All around the globe, firms are experimenting with robots that provide instantly to buyers.

In Berkeley, California, a fleet of cute Kiwibots stirred up awareness as they cruised the streets with meals for the city’s students. They also rankled residents. One gentleman upset by their presence botnapped one of the devices, which police tracked with GPS.

@daggybogan

Photo me rollin’. ##robots##viral##robotsbelike##robotschallenge##robotapocalypse##okboomer##boomer##robotstyle##patriots##newengland##tombrady

♬ Picture Me Rollin – Chamillionaire

No surprise, Amazon is in the delivery bot house. The company began its Scout shipping and delivery bot program two and a 50 % yrs ago not considerably from its Seattle headquarters. Very last month, Amazon reported it was establishing a Scout R&D centre in Helsinki. Google, Postmates and other firms are also working on robotic shipping and delivery solutions.

Starship Technologies delivery bot

A Starship Technologies delivery bot on a sidewalk in London.


Starship Technologies

Shopping mall cops

Robots can assistance with safety and policing, at the very least in the eyes of companies promoting the products and solutions, and you may see a actual-environment RoboCop in some sections of the planet. Dubai is applying a Pal Robotics development as a law enforcement bot in malls and vacationer places. Individuals can use it to get data, pay fines and report crimes.

Stability is one of the initial marketplaces for Boston Dynamics, a business with some of the most eye-catching robots about. Its backflip-able humanoid Atlas robots are in all probability the closest matter to a Tesla Bot so significantly, but the item that the business is promoting today is the doglike Place Mini.

Location Mini didn’t fare effectively in New York City, while. The New York Police Department scrapped a agreement for robot law enforcement pet dogs after criticism from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other general public problems.

Telepresence robots

Even just before COVID-19 wiped out organization vacation, some companies had been arguing that you can conserve a bundle on airplane tickets if you make a virtual overall look at a distant web-site applying a telepresence robot from a corporation like Double Robotics, which puts an iPad on a stalk that you can wheel all around an business. Your encounter seems on the iPad display screen so individuals know who they are dealing with, and the iPad’s digicam beams its view to your display. Prices get started at $4,000.

Double Robotics telepresence robot

Double Robotics telepresence robotic.


Stephen Shankland/CNET

Educational toys

Tons of organizations are trying to capitalize on parental hopes that their kid could be the future Elon Musk if only they obtain the ideal academic robotic. They may possibly not in fact be a quick track to a Carnegie Mellon engineering degree, but they can be enjoyable and instructive.

The 4M Tin Can Robotic is a cheap way to get began with mechanical leisure. The $150 Ponder Workshop Sprint robotic is currently assembled but allows children management it via essential programming. And the $350 Lego Mindstorms 51515 Robot Inventor kit brings together open up-ended construction selections with programming. If you want additional-sophisticated crafted-in technologies, the $489 Anki Vector has AI voice management and a camera. 

Clean espresso

What do you get when you cross a manufacturing unit floor robotic with a barista? Cafe X’s Gordon, a robotic that tends to make espresso. They are not however displacing school students working at Starbucks, but you can see 1 in motion at San Francisco Global Airport’s Terminal 3.

Warehouse workers

Operate in a warehouse or a manufacturing facility and there is certainly a good prospect you will interact with a robotic at some level. The devices are cropping up just about everywhere, including breweries, bakeries and brickworks. 

A single company that surrendered to robot overlords long back: Amazon. In 2014, the huge e-tailer started rolling out Kiva robots at its success centers, in which they whiz all over gathering orders and bringing them to a human worker.





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