Archive for ‘The Courier’

Four Secrets To Browsing Safely

By admin, 4 September, 2009, No Comment

If you use the internet every day, you’ve probably run into annoying pop-ups, had difficultly browsing at one point, and maybe you’ve even gotten a virus, or spyware. You don’t have to browse unprotected anymore! There are a some very simple things you can do to protect yourself, which practically guarantees your safety when browsing just about any webpage on the internet…

Who Are Stair Lifts Suitable For?

By admin, 5 December, 2008, No Comment

Stair lifts are devices that are built around staircases to help people who have difficulty walking on the stairs, or those who are confined to wheelchairs due to a disability. These machines can range in size from smaller mobile seats that are attached to the staircase wall to larger, separate devices that are better equipped for moving people confined to wheelchairs.

These stair lifts can be used by any disabled or immobile person to assist them in moving about from floor to floor and can be installed in private residences as well as public buildings. The most common form of stair lift is a straight model with an attached seat which can be put onto a traditional staircase; however, there are those that can be put on spiral staircases if required. There are even stair lift models that are designed to be placed on outdoor areas that do not have easy lift or ramp access. The stair lifts can even be used in outdoor historical sites in order to allow people who would not normally be able to get up and down the large numbers of stairs to be able to visit these interesting sites. One example of this being done is the curved stair lift system that has been installed in Caernarfon Castle in North Wales.

Read the full article at Stair Lifts Online.

Large pushy pig traps Australian

By admin, 24 September, 2008, No Comment

A woman on the north coast of New South Wales in Australia is being held hostage in her own home by a large pig, Australian media report.

Caroline Hayes, 63, says the pig is comparable in size to “a Shetland pony” and that she cannot get out of her home because of its aggressive behaviour.

“It started knocking on my door at 4 am, barging the door, wanting some food,” she told ABC television.

When she opened the door, she said, the pig pushed her back inside the house.

The offending animal, whom locals have nicknamed “Bruce”, also pulled a large mattress out of her garage and ripped to pieces.

Ms Hayes, who describes herself as an animal-loving vegetarian, admits she and some of her friends had begun feeding Bruce.

Rangers from the local council tried to catch the large animal but their cage was too small to fit the beast.

Ranger Len Hing, who visited the scene, explained that Bruce’s considerable size makes him difficult to control.

“He is a bald pig, about 80 kilos” he said.

“I wouldn’t like to see the pig go as a pet anywhere because he potentially could become a dangerous animal.”

Rangers say the pig will be captured and taken to a piggery.

Inverness Castle and Robert the Bruce

By admin, 31 July, 2008, 2 Comments

Robert I of Scotland is known for his his defence against the English, but few know about his attack on many Scottish castles to return them to his control. This included Inverness which was burnt to the ground on his journey to the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

After Bruce had destroyed the castle which stood in Inverness a stone replacement was built. The exact date is not known, but it is thought to have been during early 15th Century.

Seaford – it’s chequered past

By daisy, 23 April, 2008, No Comment

The popular seaside town of Seaford has a population of about 22,000 to date. A settlement is known to have existed here since the Middle Ages when Seaford was one of the main ports for Southern England.

Over many years, the town’s fortunes declined due to coastal sedimentation silting up it’s harbour and continual invasions by French pirates.

During the 13 and 1400′s, the French burned down the town on multiple occasions.

In the 1500s the people of Seaford became known as the “cormorants” due to their enthusiasm for looting ships which had wrecked in the bay.  It is even thought that they may have encouraged ships to run aground by placing faux harbour lights on the cliff tops.

Seaford’s fortunes were revived in the 19th century with the construction of the railway connecting the town to London. It became a small seaside resort, and still attracts many tourists every year.

Berwick-Upon-Tweed to return to Scotland?

By daisy, 17 February, 2008, No Comment

After changing hands an amazing 13 times in the past, the local people of Berwick-upon-Tweed have once again taken to the polls to decided in which country their town should be located- England or Scotland?

Results showed that around 60% of locals would prefer their home to be part of Scotland, giving superior public services and free health care for the elderly, as the main reasons for their decision.

The vote was undertaken as part of ITV1′s “Tonight” program, which is due to be aired on Monday 17th February and will include a feature on the town.

The UK’s most famous ghost?

By daisy, 8 February, 2008, No Comment

A debate appears to be raging to decide which is the UK’s most famous and well known ghost!

Candidates range from the Brown Lady of Raynham Hall to the elaborate haunting of Borely Rectory (or the site on which it used to stand).

The real question seems to come down to what makes a ghost “famous”? Is it the number of people who believe to have seen it or the one which has got the most media attention over the years?

I think if we were looking at the latter, the Brown Lady would definitely be the front runner as it’s hard to come across anyone who has not seen “that” famous photograph!

So who do you think is the most famous ghost in the UK… let us know your thoughts.

Norfolk’s Chelsea on Sea

By daisy, 8 February, 2008, No Comment

Burnham Market has fast become the place to visit amongst the famous and well known throughout the UK and beyond.

Burnham Market Village Sign

This delightful settlement centred around an array of village greens has attracted holiday-makers from all walks of life for many years, but more recently has seen a huge increase in the number of famous faces poping in and our of the pretty shops and tearooms.

The likes of Robbie William, Richard Briers, and Jamie Oliver have all been spotted along with regulars such as Les Dennis and Anneka Rice.

Tipped as the place to visit this summer if you are looking to “keep up with the Jones” Burnham Market is the ideal retreat for all the family.

Recipe for Broccoli in Oyster Sauce

By admin, 8 February, 2008, No Comment

Broccoli is not only one of the tastiest vegetables in the world, it is also forms part of a very healthy diet. Try broccoli in oyster sauce.

Ingredient List 

2 bunches of broccoli (about 1 ½ lb).
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce.
2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
2 tablespoons of chicken broth.
1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
½ teaspoon of sugar.
½ teaspoon of fresh garlic, minced.
½ teaspoon of fresh ginger, minced.
¼ teaspoon of white pepper.

Method 

Cut 2 inch-long florets from the top of the broccoli.

Put 2 cups of water to boil in a wok and use a Chinese bamboo steamer, or use a metal colander inside a larger stockpot that does not allow the water to touch the vegetables.

Combine the rest of the ingredients for the gravy and set aside.

Add the broccoli to the steamer when the water is boiling hard, and partially cover with a lid to allow steam to escape.

Steam for 3 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.

Remove the broccoli from the steamer and immerse it in ice water for a few seconds.

Transfer to a serving plate.

Heat the gravy to a boil in the wok and spoon over the broccoli.

More Resources

See the official broccoli recipes website for more amazing recipes featuring this vegetable. Then for dessert, try this delicious peach pie recipe.