Monday, June 15, 2026
Google search engine
Home Blog Page 450

Your vacation was ruined, and the company apologized — with a heartfelt note written by ChatGPT

admin
-
0
Your vacation was ruined, and the company apologized — with a heartfelt note written by ChatGPT

Responding to angry customers is one of the hardest parts of her job, Natasha said.

Finding the right words, conveying the appropriate level of contrition — especially when the hotel isn’t at fault (read: rain complaints) — is a tedious and time-consuming process, said the director of a five-star resort, who asked that CNBC not use her real name to protect the resort’s name.

But now she has a secret weapon: generative AI.

Natasha pastes a traveler’s complaint into ChatGPT and asks the chatbot to write a response.

She said a task that would easily take her an hour is done “in two seconds.”

‘A pretty good job’

For all its faults, ChatGPT “does a pretty good job” responding to customer complaints, Natasha said.

“One [response] was much better than what I would have done,” she said. But “it has to be checked …you have to read through it.”

Responses tend to be “schmaltzy” and adjective-laden, she said. Still, they “hit the points of like ‘We’re sorry, we wish we could have done something, we’ll do better’ kind of thing.”

Why more companies are using AI to respond to negative online reviews

They also address every complaint mentioned by a traveler.

“It’s hard to write these letters; you have to go through line-by-line,” she said. “You wouldn’t be doing the person justice, if you didn’t respond to everything on the list … the AI does this really well.”

But best of all, artificial intelligence isn’t defensive like humans, said Natasha.   

“The AI takes all the emotion out of it. Maybe the people were ass—–,” she said. “It doesn’t care.”

The ‘ghosting’ risk

Responding to negative online reviews is even harder, said Natasha, since they are so public.

Plus, research shows that companies that don’t respond to online reviews — even positive ones — can harm their brand’s reputation.

In a ranking of U.S. hotel chains by their “online reputations,” the tech company SOCi found that a driving factor for low scores was “ghosting” — that is, failure to respond to traveler reviews.

The need to constantly monitor and respond to online feedback is partly why using generative AI for “reputational management” is worth an estimated $1.3 billion to the travel industry, according to a 2023 report published by the travel market research company Skift.

Not only can large language models track sites where travel reviews appear — from TripAdvisor to Yelp to Reddit — they can also help companies “respond to reviews, especially negative ones,” the report, titled “Generative AI’s Impact on Travel,” states.

Some 45% of hotels use reputation or review management software already, it said.

A screenshot of a discussion about using ChatGPT to write reviews on Airhosts Forum, a website for Airbnb hosts.

CNBC

But short-term rental owners use AI for these purposes too, said Luca Zambello, the CEO of the short-term rental property management platform Jurny.

“The short-term rental/Airbnb industry has been early adopters,” he said. “Within the next five years, I would say it is probably going to be adopted by the vast majority of the industry.”

He said responding to reviews is time-consuming, which is one of the reasons his company provides this service.

“The majority of our users absolutely love it,” he said. “It is really a no-brainer for companies once they see how good it is.”

An open secret

Using AI to write penitent responses is a taboo topic in the travel industry, which prides itself on personal service. Conventional wisdom, too, has long held that apologies must “come from the heart.”

I want people to think that I am sitting there toiling away over their letter.

Natasha

Director of a five-star resort

When asked if she wants travelers to know she uses AI to respond to negative emails and reviews, Natasha said, “I sure do not. I want people to think that I am sitting there toiling away over their letter.”

One company that acknowledges using AI to deal with customer complaints is the travel booking platform Voyagu, which stores past customer communications to help travel advisors with future interactions, a company representative said.

“Travel advisors always reply to customers themselves, but Voyagu’s AI system tracks all communication — both written and verbal — and suggests a better way to respond,” she said.

Brad Birnbaum, CEO of the AI-powered customer service company Kustomer, said technology of this sort is being used “not just within hospitality, but really all forms of customer support.”

His company, which counts Priceline, Hopper and AvantStay as customers, uses AI to help customer service agents sound more professional, he said.  

“We will take text that is really rough and convert it to elegant text, to empathetic text,” he said.

Birnbaum said customers likely don’t know that their interactions with agents are either generated or improved by AI.

“And I don’t think they would care,” he said. “As a matter of fact, I think they probably welcome an agent system because they’re going to get a better response faster.”

More discovering it

Michael Friedman, CEO of the family-run vacation rental company Simple Life Hospitality, said his company does not use AI to respond to customers.

“We never write an email with AI,” he said. ‘There is still a personal element in the ‘tone of voice’ that I believe AI is missing. … I believe there is nothing better than the human touch.”

Wanping Aw, managing director of the Japanese travel agency Tokudaw, said she had never thought to use AI to respond to customer complaints. But after learning that other travel companies are, she decided to test ChatGPT with a real-life problem she recently faced.

She typed: “Our guests are travelling to Mt Fuji. Their bus engine just started smoking. They are scared and anxious to know what is going to happen to their itinerary. What should we do?”

The result? “PRETTY AMAZING!” she told CNBC by email. “ChatGPT suggested exactly what we did!”

The chatbot provided a six-step plan that included evacuating the travelers and arranging alternative transportation.  

Text showing the apology letter ChatGPT generated for Wanping Aw.

“Actually it’s better,” she said. “ChatGPT provided a good solution — better than my expectations — and also a great apology letter which I wouldn’t have able been to write under such stressful situations.”

Source

I shop sales for a living, and these are the Wayfair Way Day home deals I’m eyeing — save up to 80%

admin
-
0
I shop sales for a living, and these are the Wayfair Way Day home deals I’m eyeing — save up to 80%

I shop for home deals on the internet seven days a week, 24 hours a day and I have a little secret to let you in on — not all sales are worth your time. But I do have some good news to share: Upon checking out this year’s Wayfair Way Day home deals, I felt no need to shout, “Mayday!” There are some impressive finds up for grabs, whether you could use a new mattress, are looking to upgrade your cookware or want to make the most of your outdoor space this season. Trust me when I say there’s something for everyone (and every room of your home!) at the Wayfair Way Day sale.

Quick Overview

  • Wayfair Sleep 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Queen

    $150$270

    Save $120

  • Sealy Cool 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress, Queen

    $385$1,199

    Save $814

  • Serta Perfect Sleeper 12-Inch Hybrid Mattress, Queen

    $568$1,149

    Save $581

  • Wayfair Basics 1800 Series Sheet Set, Queen

    $18$42

    Save $24

  • Wayfair Sleep Cooling Memory Foam Pillow

    $23$110

    Save $87

  • Charlton Home Darcelle 100% Turkish Cotton Bath Towel Set, 6-Piece

    $32$73

    Save $41

  • Hoover Dual Spin Pet Plus Carpet Cleaner

    $166$270

    Save $104

  • Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 MAX with True HEPA

    $190$400

    Save $210

  • KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

    $240$330

    Save $90

  • Cuisinart Deluxe Convection Toaster Oven Broiler

    $144$330

    Save $186

  • Sand & Stable Hertford Accent Chair

    $124$160

    Save $36

  • Ebern Designs Chelsea Upholstered Sofa

    $270$420

    Save $150

  • Millwood Pines Eoghan Lift-Top Coffee Table

    $120$170

    Save $50

  • KitchenAid Classic Knife Block Set, 12-Piece

    $53$135

    Save $82

  • Staub Ceramics Baker Set. 4-Piece

    $50$187

    Save $137

  • Staub 12-Inch Cast Iron Fry Pan

    $126$314

    Save $188

  • KitchenAid Nonstick Cookware Set, 10-Piece

    $130$335

    Save $205

  • Trent Austin Design Migel Wood Flat Mirror

    $110$399

    Save $289

  • Greyleigh 9-Pair Shoe Rack

    $45$98

    Save $53

  • Kelly Clarkson Home Helena Floor Lamp

    $138$332

    Save $194

  • Latitude Run Square Outdoor Dining Set

    $150$250

    Save $100

  • The Twillery Co. Buckhead Indoor & Outdoor Area Rug, 7’10” x 10′

    $95$299

    Save $204

  • Darby Home Co. Hayler Outdoor Fire Pit Table

    $125$220

    Save $95

  • Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle

    $200$300

    Save $100

See 19 more

How does a set of cooling queen-sized sheets for just $18 sound? (Pretty darn dreamy if you ask me!) You can also score a Staub iron skillet that Jennifer Garner loves cooking with for just $126 (that’s 60% off), a 3-piece outdoor bistro set for $150 and so much more. I’ve rounded up my top picks to save you some time — after all, you’ll want to snag these markdowns before the Wayfair Way Day sale ends on Monday, May 6.

For more info (and deals!), be sure to check out our explainer on all things Way Day 2024. Happy saving!

Wayfair

You don’t need to pay top dollar for a quality mattress and this $150 queen is proof! Made of ventilated, cooling gel memory foam, it was designed to help hot sleepers snooze more comfortably and comes with a breathable cover. This one’s on the softer side, FYI!

“It’s been almost two weeks and I can’t begin to tell you how amazing this mattress is,” wrote a relieved reviewer. “I wake up pain-free and feeling rested and rejuvenated, and I’ve noticed I’m falling asleep faster without much tossing or turning.”

$150 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Prefer a thicker sleep surface? This top-rated 12-inch mattress boasts CopperChill technology to ward off night sweats, along with a moisture-wicking material and low-motion transfer (no more waking up your sleep partner when you get up to pee in the middle of the night). Multiple layers of foam offer pressure point relief, and a 10-year limited warranty provides extra peace of mind.

“This bed is wonderful!” gushed a buyer. “I’ve been having back issues for the past month due to my other bed and could barely sleep. Last night was the first night I’ve slept without back pain and slept through the night.”

$385 at Wayfair

Wayfair

This hybrid mattress might just be the best of both worlds, thanks to its combination of body-hugging memory foam and supportive coils for improved breathability. The fabric it’s made from helps control heat while minimizing moisture, while an antimicrobial fiber layer wards off icky bacteria, mold and the like. 

“This mattress is super comfortable!” exclaimed a content customer. “I love the plush pillow top … I’m a back-, side- and stomach-sleeper, and this mattress is perfect for me. My body doesn’t feel like it’s sinking into the mattress and I have the support I need.”

$568 at Wayfair

Wayfair

A whopping 58,000-plus reviewers gave this microfiber sheet set a perfect rating, so you know it’s doing something right! It’s resistant to fading, wrinkling and pilling, plus it’s hypoallergenic to help keep sneezes and sniffles at bay. (Need to keep it light this summer? Check out our list of the best cooling sheets.)

“The sturdiness of the fabric promises durability,” wrote a shopper. “It’s held up beautifully, even after multiple washes, maintaining its crisp, clean look. Truly a wonderful investment for anyone seeking quality.”

$18 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Anyone who runs hot at night knows how unpleasant sleeping (well, attempting to) on a stuffy pillow is. That might be why this cooling head cushion has garnered over 16,000 perfect ratings. It’s made of gel-infused memory foam to help draw heat away from your body while providing your head, neck and shoulders with customized support. Plus, it comes with a removable, 100% cotton cover to keep it clean. (There’s nothing like a good pillow — you can check out our favorites for every type of sleeper here.) 

“I bring this pillow everywhere,” wrote a fan. “It has such hugging support for my head and neck. I also have a lot of ear piercings that can sometimes limit laying on that side … but this pillow actually creates a little dip for my ear to sit in without pain. A must-have!”

$23 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Ready to finally invest in some quality towels? Ditch the threadbare, mismatched ones in your bathroom for this 100% Turkish cotton set, which includes two bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths. At this price, consider getting a second for when guests visit!

“These towels are fantastic,” raved a buyer. “They are exactly the quality and thickness I was looking for. They have to be washed before first use and, incredibly, that process makes them nearly double in thickness. They are super absorbent and soft to the touch.”

$32 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Pet owners understand that a good carpet cleaner is essential to make sure your home looks (and smells) its best. This carpet cleaner does the work of a much bigger machine like the ones you can rent, but this one you can store in your own cleaning closet! 

“This carpet cleaner is amazing! I have three boys, a dog and a cat, and this cleaner helps get all the remaining hair and the traffic stains up from the carpet better than the other one I own,” said a thrilled shopper. “I also really love the tools and various attachments. I have used this to clean my couch, too.”

$166 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Allergy season is in full swing, but you can lessen the symptoms with a quality air purifier. This one from Shark includes a HEPA filter that removes pollen, dust and allergens from the air. The included remote can be used from across the room so you can turn it on or off at a distance. Use it in rooms up to 1,000 square feet. (We love a good air purifier — here are our favorites.)

“Got this for our cabin where the entire family has allergies,” said one fan. “Within three hours of it running, we felt better. It’s ultra quiet, too.” 

$190 at Wayfair

Wayfair

As someone who used to bake for a living, I consider KitchenAid stand mixers to be the gold standard in their category. That said, they have high price tags to match — aside from this one! If you’re looking for a sturdy workhorse that does everything from mixing batters and whipping cream to kneading dough, you won’t do much better than this. 

“Love, love, love this mixer,” gushed a reviewer. “This is the second one in my lifetime, as they last for years and years. … It gets used at least three times a week for cookies, cake or whipping cream for strawberries.”

$240 at Wayfair

Wayfair

This sleek appliance will reeeally come in handy on those hot and humid days when the last thing you feel like doing is turning on your full-sized oven. I actually own this toaster oven and it heats up in no time — plus, it saved my butt a few years ago when my regular oven decided to break the week before Thanksgiving. I’ve made everything from roasted vegetables to pies and cakes in it, and it doesn’t make my kitchen feel like a sauna. (Check out our round-up of editor-approved air fryers.)

“This is my favorite appliance!” exclaimed an enthusiastic user. “It heats up so fast that I use it as my preferred oven when I don’t need a large-size baking dish. … It’s more user-friendly than other toaster/convection ovens because the crumb tray slides out the front. Most models you have to turn the oven around to access the crumb tray from the rear, which is a pain, especially if you have limited space.”

$144 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Mid-century modern furniture will never go out of style, and this relaxed yet sophisticated chair for just $124 is no exception. Its vintage-inspired angles give it some character and the thick foam cushions make it a comfy seat you’ll want to unwind in at the end of the day. 

“Solid, beautiful chairs — just what I needed for a smaller space,” shared a fan. “They’re firm, but comfortable, and the little pillow provides perfect lumbar support.”

$124 at Wayfair

Wayfair

I almost did a double-take when I saw the price of this Luxe-with-a-capital-“L” couch! The velvet material and quilted cushioning will have guests thinking you purchased it from a high-end design store, but the truth will be our little secret. It’s also wrinkle-resistant!

“Absolutely adore this sofa!” exclaimed a shopper. “The material is soft but also easy to clean. I have three boys under 10 and this couch holds up to all their rough-housing. We’ve had it for about six months now and it’s still in the same condition as it was when we got it. Super easy to put together, took me about 20 minutes alone.”

$270 at Wayfair

Wayfair

There’s a reason it seems like you’re seeing lift-top coffee tables in every home — they’re both convenient and discreet. Let’s face it, many of us are short on storage space, meaning our coffee tables become cluttered with mail, books, remotes and who knows what else. With this, you’ll be able to keep all of that concealed, and the fact that the top can be elevated means you’ll have a place for comfortably propping up your laptop or eating in front of the TV. The extra two drawers at the bottom are the icing on the cake!

“Absolutely beautiful!” wrote a buyer. “Very easy to put together. [The] drawers glide in and out without any glitches. … Plenty of storage under the hinged top and in the drawers.”

$120 at Wayfair

Wayfair

If your dull knives make you dread having to slice through a tomato, a new set is in order — and this one’s a whopping 60% off. It comes with an attractive wood block and includes a carving/slicing knife, chef knife, bread knife, santoku knife, utility knife, paring knife, steak knives and kitchen shears. Plus, it even has a built-in sharpener to keep everything nice and pointy. (Check out our other editor-approved knife set picks.)

“Love these new knives,” shared a satisfied slicer. “The light-colored block looks great in my kitchen.”

$53 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Staub is one of the most sought-after stoneware brands, so the fact that this set is over 70% off “bakes” me very excited! You’ll be able to enjoy everything from fruit cobblers and brownies to lasagna and casseroles via the two rectangular baking dishes, while the pair of bowls will elevate your daily cereal-eating experience. These pieces are dishwasher- and oven-safe up to 572°F and come in three colors. 

“Not only do these dishes look beautiful in my kitchen, but they are also incredibly durable and versatile,” raved a home baker. “Once they’re heated up in the oven, they keep my food hot for a long time. … They wipe clean with ease and I’ve never had any issues with food sticking to them.”

$50 at Wayfair

Wayfair

I’m also obsessed with this textured cast iron pan with a matte interior and an enameled exterior — this favorite from Staub (and celeb Jennifer Garner) distributes heat like a boss, ensuring all your favorite foods are cooked evenly. This foot-wide wonder comes in a variety of colors (including black matte, dark blue and graphite gray) but you’ll score the best deal on the internet right now with the cherry colorway at 60% off.

“Glide a tiny bit of butter each time while heating, as suggested, and this pan with the non-stick coating will brown food efficiently and evenly,” said one shopper. ” … The heat retention is also good. Food flavors are retained because food does not dry out because of the pan’s efficiency.”

$126 at Wayfair

Wayfair

They need to invent a national holiday for whoever invented nonstick pans, because cooking has become infinitely easier thanks to their contribution. This set, which is 60% off, is particularly praise-worthy because it can go from stovetop to oven and has silicone handles that won’t get too hot. Included are a stock pot, saucepan, two frying pans, a sauté pan and four lids — all for the price of what many single pans cost these days! (For more of our faves, read our list of top cookware sets.)

“This is a solid kitchen set, and so far I have been loving it,” wrote a content cook. “It seems durable and the pieces heat evenly.”

$130 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Tired of crossing your fingers that your shirt and pants combo is ready for prime time? A full-length mirror allows you to give yourself a once-over before heading out the door, and if you’re a fan of shabby-chic decor, look no further. This tastefully distressed beauty is over 70% off for Way Day. 

“It is a beautiful, large mirror,” gushed a fan. “Versatile for propping against or hanging on the wall, and it came with hardware to install if wished. Super happy!”

$110 at Wayfair

Wayfair

If there’s one way to make your home look more put-together instantly, it’s by picking your shoes up off the floor and storing them on an attractive rack. This one, made of wood and metal, has a slightly rustic, slightly industrial feel that’ll work well with many aesthetics. 

“Just what I needed in my laundry room,” shared a reviewer. “My husband put it together with no problem and it is very sturdy. I love the color and shape.”

$45 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Let’s shed some light on the subject, shall we? In all seriousness, how gorgeous is this gold stunner from Kelly Clarkson Home, which marries a modern silhouette with traditional touches. Now you won’t have to squint while completing your nightly crosswords. 

“Gorgeous, sturdy, and looks and feels way more expensive than the actual price,” swooned a shopper. 

$138 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Have you tried shopping for patio furniture recently? It’s ridiculously expensive! So imagine my surprise when I saw that this 3-piece set was marked down to just $150. Few things are as pleasant as enjoying an al fresco meal, and these sleek pieces will allow you to do just that. They’re made of rust-resistant aluminum, and seat cushions are included for extra comfort. 

“Elegant-looking bistro set,” wrote an impressed shopper. “Very easy to assemble … Doesn’t take up too much room, and the chairs slide nicely under the table if you want to serve drinks or food.”

$150 at Wayfair

Wayfair

There’s no reason why your patio rug shouldn’t be as chic as your indoor flooring, and this stylish woven mat will elevate any outdoor space. Aesthetics aside, it’s also water-, fade- and stain-resistant to withstand harsh weather conditions.

“The pattern hides any dust/dirt, it’s very soft for bare feet and rolled out with ease,” said a reviewer. “It stays surprisingly cool in over-100° weather.”

$95 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Not only will you and your friends have a blast telling stories and snacking on s’mores around this fire pit, you’ll also enjoy the food you’ve grilled over it, thanks to its two swiveling grates. And on days when it’s too hot to sit in front of flames, the included cover turns it into an outdoor table. (Here are some more of our favorite fire pits!)

“Assembly was easy, and I like that it was raised off the ground, with a ledge for your feet or plates if you’re using the grills that come with it,” explained a buyer. “I also like that it came with a cover to protect it from the rain and snow.”

$125 at Wayfair

Wayfair

Cooking for a crowd? This roomy outdoor griddle can fit 44 hot dogs, 18 burgers or 12 steaks at a time to ensure no one goes hungry. With two burners that can be controlled separately, you’ll be able to cook foods at different heat settings simultaneously, and since it’s on wheels, it’s easy to move from the garage to the yard. (Don’t miss our round-up of editor-approved grills.)

“Assembly was straightforward and it works very well,” shared a shopper. “The magnetic strip on the front, plus the extra front container to hold accessories is convenient and useful. The food we have cooked so far has been delicious!”

$200 at Wayfair

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Source

Woman battled brain tumour while pregnant – after her dad died of the same cancer

admin
-
0
Woman battled brain tumour while pregnant – after her dad died of the same cancer

A woman fell pregnant with a “miracle baby” while battling a brain tumour – after her dad died of the same cancer.

Paige Gouge, 27, was diagnosed with diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) – an aggressive brain tumour – aged 25.

Her dad, Mark Gouge, had passed away at age 37 from the same cancer in June 2000.

Paige underwent a debulking surgery – as well as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and privately-funded immunotherapy treatment in Germany – throughout 2022 and 2023.

To Paige’s surprise, she fell pregnant naturally last year – something doctors had said was unlikely to happen.

Taylor Allen and Paige Gouge with their son Alfred. Credit: SWNS

The HR manager and her fiancé, Taylor Allen, welcomed their healthy baby boy, Alfred, into the world on April 1, 2024.

Paige, from Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, is hoping to restart her immunotherapy treatment in Germany next month and is crowdfunding to help cover the costs.

Her brother, Ryan Gouge, 34, ran the London Marathon in her honour on raised £6,355 for the charity Brain Tumour Research.

Ryan, a graphic designer, from Harold Wood, East London, said: “Paige was back working full-time and trying to lead as normal a life as possible.

“She was so happy with the fact she was pregnant that the apprehension about what could happen without her being on treatment – although it was something she and Taylor had to really think about – took a backseat.

“Now she needs to get that back on track.

“I wouldn’t have run a marathon and pushed myself through that pain without having a good reason and the charity gave me that.

“Knowing what Paige is going through and how little research has progressed since we lost my dad makes me want to help.

“What I’ve done is a small drop in a large ocean but if everyone does their bit, then things have got to improve for people like Paige in the future.”

Headaches and lethargy

Paige had experienced headaches and low energy – but put it down to a low iron count.

Following a seizure and an MRI scan, Paige was diagnosed with glioblastoma in October 2021.

In March 2022 she started her treatment but unexpectedly found out she was pregnant in summer 2023 – and had to pause her treatment.

After welcoming baby Alfred in April 2024, Paige is ready to get back to her treatment – and went along to watch her brother run the marathon last Sunday.

Ryan said: “It was so important to me that I didn’t let anyone down that I felt the weight of the world on me, but, thankfully, I got through it.

“I had 35 supporters including family and ex-colleagues, so that helped, and the other Brain Tumour Research runners were amazing. I felt pure relief at crossing the finish line.

“Taylor stayed at home because of a knee injury so he had Alfred and Paige came to watch me run. When I saw her, the scale of what we had done hit me.

“Having her there was the most important thing for me. If she hadn’t been, I’m not sure it would have had the same impact, but the fact she was and she was so supportive was great.

“She even bought me a gift bag with a massage gun in it to give me after the race.”

Carol Robertson, national events manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Paige’s story is a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of brain tumours, which can affect anyone at any time.

“They’re the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s and yet just 1 per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.

“We’re determined to change that, but we can’t do it alone.

“We’re really grateful to Ryan for taking on this huge challenge for us and we wish Paige the best of luck with motherhood and her continued treatment. Together we will find a cure.”

Source

China-France forum underscores people-to-people, cultural exchanges

admin
-
0
China-France forum underscores people-to-people, cultural exchanges

PARIS, May 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France was held here on Saturday, in a bid to boost cooperation and mutual learning.

A forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France was held at InterContinental Paris - Le Grand on Saturday.(Yang Lei)
A forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France was held at InterContinental Paris – Le Grand on Saturday.(Yang Lei)

President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua attends a forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France and delivers a speech, in Paris, France, May 4, 2024. (Meng Dingbo)
President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua attends a forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France and delivers a speech, in Paris, France, May 4, 2024. (Meng Dingbo)

Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye, speaks at a forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France, in Paris, France, May 4, 2024. (Lian Yi)
Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye, speaks at a forum on the development of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and France, in Paris, France, May 4, 2024. (Lian Yi)

The participants agreed that strengthening cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and France will not only help broaden consensus and deepen mutual trust, but also promote the two great civilizations and other civilizations worldwide to achieve each other and to rejuvenate with fresh vitality in the new era.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France and is also the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism.

In his opening speech, President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua said the forum, held on the eve of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to France, is of great significance in boosting cooperation between media, think tanks and enterprises from the two countries and in facilitating cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Fu said that Xinhua has been dedicated to telling stories about the friendship between the two countries and promoting Chinese and French cultures.

“We are willing to work with Chinese and French media outlets, think tanks and other organizations to uphold the principle of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, and promote the common values of all humanity,” he said.

Xinhua is ready to jointly showcase the fruits of China-France cooperation, demonstrate the charms of the two countries’ traditional cultures and the unique highlights of their modern civilizations, and broaden the bridge of people-to-people exchange and cultural cooperation, Fu noted.

Xinhua also stands ready to seize such opportunities as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism and the Paris Olympic Games to try to hold more cultural exchange activities to push bilateral relations to a new high.

China’s Ambassador to France Lu Shaye said people-to-people and cultural exchanges are an important foundation and inexhaustible driving force for China-France relations.

The two countries are set to launch dozens of cultural and tourism events this year that marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, and will see the Paris Olympic Games, bringing important opportunities for people-to-people and cultural exchanges, the ambassador said.

Lu also expressed his belief that under the strategic guidance of President Xi and President Macron, bilateral ties are bound to show vigor and vitality in the future, and the booming cultural exchanges and cooperation will also lay a more solid public opinion foundation for the sound and stable development of bilateral ties.

“Culture constitutes the strongest cement between our civilizations,” Eric Alauzet, president of the France-China Friendship Group of the French National Assembly, said at the forum.

The common history of the two countries after the establishment of diplomatic ties has nourished fruitful cultural and people-to-people exchanges, which has in turn driven cooperation and development in other areas, he said.

Bilateral cooperation has achieved many outcomes in economy and trade, and in their joint efforts against climate change, Alauzet added, noting that the two countries have held various cultural exchange activities this year, which will further push forward bilateral relations.

Saturday’s forum is co-sponsored by Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese Embassy in France, and Publicis Groupe, a French multinational advertising and public relations company.

Themed “Reinforcing People-to-people and Cultural Exchanges, Promoting the China-France Spirit,” the forum drew around 250 representatives from the Chinese and French governments, the United Nations and other international organizations, mainstream global media outlets, think tanks as well as cultural and business circles of the two countries.

Prior to the opening of the forum, Xinhua News Agency signed a memorandum of understanding with Publicis Groupe.

Source

These ‘amazing’ brushes give a deep clean to the nooks and crannies of your home for only $3 a pop

admin
-
0
These ‘amazing’ brushes give a deep clean to the nooks and crannies of your home for only $3 a pop

There’s that old saying, “I don’t do windows.” And yes, keeping windows streak-free is no walk in the park. But you know what just got easier? Cleaning out those window sills. And not only your window sills but your sliding door tracks. And your faucets, and your showers. The Rienar 2-in-1 Brushes can get into all those dark, hard-to-reach — and sometimes embarrassingly out in the open — spaces where grit has made itself at home. And now’s the time to evict the grit with these brushes, available in a 2-pack for only $6.

Rienar

For $3 a pop you can pick up several to take care of business throughout your home.

$6 at Amazon

The elevated, curved handle and built-in finger grips ensure you have a tight hold when this boldly goes where no sponge has gone before. The razor-thin brush effortlessly fits into crevices and corners, under the stove and over the faucet. Meanwhile, the scraper loosens winter’s icky grip on your window sills. And with no elbow grease on your part! The tools are also a snap to clean with warm water and dish soap.

If you’ve been relying on a toothbrush to get into those crevices on window sills, you have probably noticed that they kind of work, but the short bristles tend to get clogged with dirt easily. These brushes have long bristles that are better for sweeping and pushing dirt around. The handle has a flat edge that’s good for scraping stubborn dirt and gunk off without cutting or gouging surfaces. The brush has a no-nonsense sturdiness and holds up to vigorous and repeated scrubbing. But thanks to its design, it won’t leave you with a clean house and sore hands.

A brush that cleans a sliding door track, stove top, and faucet.

This handy tool will put you on the right track to a clean house. (Amazon)

Over 2,200 shoppers have given these brushes a glowing five-star review. “Purchased with the thought of only using for the sliding door track as advertised,” admitted one shopper. “Then while cleaning the shower stall, I thought to use it on those curves around faucets, shelves, shower heads, drains and was really surprised at the easy way to clean them…amazed how easily crud fell off…and the handle design makes it easy to hold for arthritic hands.”

Here’s a confession: “This will be a huge help if you’re like me and cleaning the tracks of your windows for the first time in years.”

“I have arthritis in my hands and wouldn’t be able to get in and clean the cracks and crevasses of my windows without this brush, raved one. “Ordered extras for friends!”

These little powerhouses have also become Tik Tok famous: “I saw this product on a cleaning TikTok and couldn’t wait to try it for my window sills and my shower-rail tracks. To say I was impressed is an understatement. Without barely any effort I was able to clean the tracks out and make them look brand new. The quality and value for this is amazing. Will definitely recommend and order again.”

Rienar

Now there’s nowhere for dirt to hide since these brushes are on the case.

$6 at Amazon

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Source

Young mum given a year to live after UK hospital botches C-section

admin
-
0
Young mum given a year to live after UK hospital botches C-section

A mother has been told she has less than a year left to live if she’s unable to have a bowel transplant, after a caesarean birth went wrong.

Kelsie McHugh, 30, was having an emergency C-section to give birth to her daughter Renae, now 18 months, when surgeons accidentally sliced a 20cm cut in her bladder.

It caused blood and bowel poisoning resulting in intestinal failure and she is now unable to absorb fluids.

The teaching assistant from Oldham, Greater Manchester in the UK, has been told she needs a bowel transplant, and only has about a year to live if she doesn’t have the surgery.

“I’m just hoping and praying that I can get to the top of (the transplant) list soon because I’ve got a little baby who needs her mum in her life,” McHugh said.

“It’s so hard to stay strong because it’s out of my control, and that’s the worst bit.

“When I got told about the 12 months, I said all I wanted to do is focus on my family and make memories.

“Not getting the transplant plays on my mind a lot but my husband doesn’t want to think about it.”

McHugh — who is married to Danny, 39 — gave birth to Renae when she was 31 weeks pregnant and had a cardiac arrest just less than an hour after she was born.

After constantly being in and out of hospital and having two stomas fitted because of complications with her bladder, she was diagnosed with multiple organ failure.

She has been fitted with a TPN machine — which is used when all or part of a person’s digestive system does not work.

She will need the machine for the rest of her life, which may not be long.

“I have six glucose bags, which have different nutrition in,” McHugh said.

“Then I have what I call a fat bag, which has the same nutrition in but not as much glucose.

“I can eat but only for the taste because I don’t get anything from food now.

“It’s awful because I used to be an absolute foodie who loved all different types of food.

“If I am hungry then I will eat but if I eat a full meal then I will just dehydrate myself straight away.

“I’m also restricted to just a litre of fluid a day and I can’t go over that.

“It’s exhausting to be on top of everything.”

A mum has been told she only has less than a year left to live if she’s unable to have a bowel transplant. Credit: Kelsie McHugh/SWNS

While she was in hospital, McHugh was put on fluids which left her “unable to get out of bed without help”.

She has had to re-learn how to walk, which she said was “just awful” because she couldn’t even put her feet on the floor at one point.

“I had to go on fluids so I put so much weight on, but it was all fluid retention,” McHugh said.

“I couldn’t even get out of bed without help.

“I had to use a (walking) frame and had two people to help me get to the toilet and it was literally three steps from my bed but it took me 10 minutes to get there.

“That was just awful — I had to have physiotherapy as I couldn’t put my feet down on the floor.

“If I went on my feet, I had to go on my tiptoes because it was too painful to stretch my legs out because I had been in bed for so long.”

McHugh, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was younger, has now decided to start a bucket list of cthings she wants to do.

This includes meeting Geordie Shore star and influencer Charlotte Crosby, singing with Adele, creating a music video, feeding a baby goat and visiting a spa.

“I’ve always said I want to do 30 things in my 30s because my life expectancy is slightly less because I have cystic fibrosis, former singer McHugh said.

“Now I’ve been given the 12 months, I want to make as many memories as possible.

“There’s so many things. I want to meet and sing with Adele and then go on a trip to a log cabin with a hot tub because I just want to chill out with no worries.

“There’s also really random things like going to the zoo or going go karting because I haven’t done that before.

“I also can’t work but my husband will eventually need a lot of time off to look after Renae if I have the transplant.

“If things don’t go the way we hope they do, I want him to be able to take bereavement time off work to look after Renae.”

Source

Jim Cramer’s Friday thoughts on 5 stocks: Cloudflare, DraftKings, Expedia, Booking and Hershey

admin
-
0
Jim Cramer’s Friday thoughts on 5 stocks: Cloudflare, DraftKings, Expedia, Booking and Hershey

Source

ALULA TO HOST INAUGURAL EDITIONS OF ARAB CUP FOR CAMEL RACING AND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL CAMEL ENDURANCE, STRENGTHENING ITS STATUS AS THE PREMIER HOME OF HERITAGE SPORTS

admin
-
0
ALULA TO HOST INAUGURAL EDITIONS OF ARAB CUP FOR CAMEL RACING AND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL CAMEL ENDURANCE, STRENGTHENING ITS STATUS AS THE PREMIER HOME OF HERITAGE SPORTS
  • Camel sports enthusiasts, teams, and owners, from the across the region to travel to AlUla for the first edition of these new competitions, each featuring multi-million SAR prize pools
  • The first Arab Camel Cup and first World Endurance Championship, held on 3rd May and 4th May respectively, will both feature a prestigious field of thoroughbred racing camels

ALULA, Saudi Arabia, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AlUla’s growing reputation as the home of diverse and exciting heritage sports from across the region and beyond will be further cemented when the city hosts two of the sector’s newest and most high-profile contests – the Arab Cup for Camel Racing and the World Championship for International Camel Endurance.

The first Arab Camel Cup and first World Endurance Championship, held on 3rd May and 4th May respectively, each feature a prestigious field of thoroughbred racing camels and multi-million SAR prize pools
The first Arab Camel Cup and first World Endurance Championship, held on 3rd May and 4th May respectively, each feature a prestigious field of thoroughbred racing camels and multi-million SAR prize pools

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has worked closely with key partners the Arab Camel Racing Federation and the International Camel Racing Federation to stage the new competitions, which will be held back-to-back over two thrilling days and feature the region’s best thoroughbred camels.

Held on 3rd May at the Mugheira Heritage Sports Village, the debut Arab Camel Cup will see some of the sport’s leading riders from 16 Arab nations compete over 13 hotly contested rounds of racing for a share of prizes exceeding SAR 3 million.

The following day, 4th May, will see an international contingent of camels and riders tested to their limits as part of the first-ever World Championship for International Camel Endurance. With a total prize pool of SAR 2 million to be won, the two-stage challenge will cover a total of 16km with male and female riders competing in their respective categories. 

The winners will receive SAR 500,000, with the remaining prize money shared amongst the runners up. Riders participating in the World Endurance Championship in AlUla will be registered based on their age (at least 18 years old) and type of camel, which will include: Hail, Thanaya Bakkar, Zamoul, and Thanaya Qadan.

Building on AlUla’s established status as the premier destination for heritage sports, including a diverse collection of camel races, horseback and endurance challenges, and more, the two new competitions will attract an international audience of spectators as well as enthusiasts from across the Kingdom and the wider AlUla community.

The Arab Camel Cup and the World Endurance Championship will both be held in support of the Ministry of Culture’s ‘Year of the Camel’ initiative, celebrating the camels’ status in Saudi culture and society. These events also support RCU’s long-term plan to champion the deeply rooted cultural legacy of camel and heritage sports, while also opening new opportunities for socio-economic growth within AlUla and northwest Arabia.

RCU’s ambitions for heritage sports are closely linked to its tourism and cultural conservation plans, placing each at the heart of the community as a powerful and unifying area of development aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan.

Ziad Alsuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Hosting the new Arab Camel Cup and the first-ever World Endurance Championship is yet another exciting milestone in the ongoing evolution and development of heritage sports in northwest Arabia. 

“As the sector continues to go from strength to strength, RCU is excited to welcome the very best teams, owners, and riders to participate in thrilling new competitions that showcase much-loved categories of traditional sports as well as the wonderful, purpose-built facilities that have been created in AlUla to accommodate participants and spectators alike. 

“The heritage sports sector continues to grow at a rapid pace, bringing with it new opportunities for inclusive growth, dynamic investment, and of course new levels of sporting excellence. The Arab Camel Cup and the World Endurance Championship are new and welcome editions to AlUla’s growing calendar of year-round cultural and sporting events.”

Noted for editors:

It is always AlUla / not Al-Ula

About the Royal Commission for AlUla

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in north-west Saudi Arabia. RCU’s long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable, and sensitive approach to urban and economic development that preserves the area’s natural and historic heritage while establishing AlUla as a desirable location to live, work, and visit. This encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education, and the arts, reflecting a commitment to meeting the economic diversification, local community empowerment, and heritage preservation priorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme.

The first Arab Camel Cup and first World Endurance Championship, held on 3rd May and 4th May respectively, each feature a prestigious field of thoroughbred racing camels and multi-million SAR prize pools
The first Arab Camel Cup and first World Endurance Championship, held on 3rd May and 4th May respectively, each feature a prestigious field of thoroughbred racing camels and multi-million SAR prize pools

Source

DFS Unveils “Masters of Wines and Spirits 2024,” Bringing Craftsmanship to the global stage

admin
-
0
DFS Unveils “Masters of Wines and Spirits 2024,” Bringing Craftsmanship to the global stage

IGNITE YOUR SENSES with over 200 rare and exclusive wines and spirits, specially curated from more than 100 legendary houses

  • Marking a momentous first, Masters of Wines and Spirits 2024 goes beyond Asia this year, travelling from City of Dreams in Macau to an exclusive gala event in Los Angeles and a themed in-store exhibition at Los Angeles International Airport.
  • The highly anticipated event celebrates industry craftsmanship and DFS’s curational expertise. This year’s edition showcases the most extensive collection ever in the history of Master of Wines and Spirits, featuring over 200 rare and exclusive wines, champagne, whiskies, cognac, and more, specially curated from over 100 legendary houses.
  • DFS elevates the whisky category even further by enhancing its curated Single Cask selection with a stunning array of single malts from Scotland, Japan, Australia, and the USA.

HONG KONG, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DFS, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, proudly presents the Masters of Wines and Spirits 2024. Set to unfold from Los Angeles to Macau, DFS is bringing this highly anticipated annual event beyond Asia with the most extensive collection to date. The 12th edition themed “Ignite Your Senses” epitomizes DFS’s unwavering commitment to curating extensive yet best-in-class luxury experiences for customers across the globe.

Please download the high-res images from here

Among the 200 wines and spirits curated from more than 100 legendary houses, Masters of Wines and Spirits 2024 showcases a special selection of rare cellar and distillery releases, one-of-a-kind bottles that have been numbered and signed, and exclusive collections created only for DFS.

“DFS has hand-selected a curation of wines and spirits from around the world showcasing them to collectors and enthusiasts,” said Christophe Marque, President of Merchandising at DFS Group Limited. “We are extremely excited to be bringing the Masters of Wines and Spirits and the gala event beyond Asia for the first time, with the most extensive collection ever. Meticulously chosen by our passionate team of wines and spirits experts, this portfolio serves as a testament to DFS’ unwavering reverence for tradition, history, craftsmanship and innovation.

Celebrate and discover, from Los Angeles to Macau

In a momentous first, the Masters of Wines and Spirits held a successful gala event in Los Angeles, California, United States, on April 27. Starting on May 1, a themed in-store exhibition at Tom Bradley International Terminal within Los Angeles International Airport, will offer travelers the chance to discover our curated selection of newfound favorites and cherished classics.  The in-store exhibitions at San Francisco International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport will open imminently. In Macau, for the third year in a row, the Masters of Wines and Spirits offers travellers a chance to view some of its extraordinary curation at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, City of Dreams, running from now until the end of June. Additionally, exclusive media and VIP guests will experience food and wine-pairing dinners with a series of masterclasses, and a gala event scheduled to take place on May 24 and 25.

The gala event in Macau will feature a series of expert-led VIP masterclasses featuring Ao Yun, Bladnoch, Glenmorangie, and The Macallan.

The Los Angeles masterclass events features Glenmorangie, The Macallan, Tomatin, Royal Salute, Sazerac, and Shafer. Attendees will not only celebrate the legacy these brands represent, but explore how legacy brands can stay relevant from now into the future.

Collectible fine and rare bottles available for the connoisseurs

DFS will introduce fine and rare collectible whiskies to this year’s Masters of Wines and Spirits, including Glenmorangie’s “Pommard Cask Finish 25 Year Old”, The Macallan’s “The Golden Age of Travel: The Motor Car”, Tomatin’s “Highland Scotch Single Malt Aged 50 Year”, Royal Salute’s “The Age Collection II”, as well as Shafer’s “Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Collection”.

Elevating the whisky experience even further, DFS also proudly announces a significant enhancement to its Single Cask selection. The Masters of Wines and Spirits 2024 will showcase a curated assortment of single cask whiskies from Scotland, Japan, Australia, and American distilleries, representing the pinnacle of whisky collectability.

Leading the realm of experiential luxury

Leveraging its partnerships with City of Dreams Macau and Empress Company, American Express’s joint venture in China, DFS continues to solidify its leadership position in Macau’s luxury market.

“City of Dreams is a unique integrated resort that offers stylish thrills with an innovative collection of experiences consisting of electrifying entertainment an amazing array of accommodations, regional and international dining, designer-brand shopping, international renowned art and iconic architecture,” said Linda Switzer, Vice President – Retail, Melco Resorts & Entertainment. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with DFS, making this prestigious annual event a key highlight for Macau.”

As the payment partner of this event, Yamin Zhu, CEO of Express Company, American Express’ joint venture in China, said, “We have been working together with our partners like DFS to meet the growing demand for diversified and differentiated benefits and services from American Express Cardmembers in the China market. The support for this event further demonstrates our core competences and unique values in the premium segment, creating unforgettable and exclusive experiences for individuals in the high new worth segment.”

Ignite your senses with the Masters of Wines and Spirits 2024

Embark on a journey of discovery, indulgence, and celebration at Masters of Wines & Spirits 2024. All are invited to experience our open curation at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, City of Dreams, and head to our themed in-store exhibition at Tom Bradley International Terminal within Los Angeles International Airport; in the meantime, learn more about the Masters of Wines and Spirits 2024 by visiting: https://www.dfs.com/en/macau/masters-of-wines-and-spirits

* The Masters of Wines and Spirits 2024 featured products

Brand

Products

Details

Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie
Pommard Cask
Finish 25 Year
Old

•  LIMITED EDITION, Only 1,000 Bottles In The World, 24 units in DFS

•  This 25 years old traveler’s exclusive edition unites powerful Pommard
    red wine casks with wondrous Glenmorangie single malt whisky.
    Pommard is renowned for its rich red wine and takes its name from
    the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance, Pomona. She protected and
    cultivated fruit trees, just as Master Distiller Dr Bill Lumsden carefully
    selects and presides over his whisky.

The Macallan

The Golden Age
of Travel: The
Motor Car

•  RARE DISTILLERY RELEASE: Only 50 Bottles In The World, 1 bottle at
    Masters of Wines and Spirits

•  During the 1930s the automobile business flourished and automobiles
    became a form of art, a way for owners to value elegance and
    innovation. Distilled in 1937, the whisky relives an age of bold steps
    and innovation, and creates its own art through complex and
    invigorating notes of polished antique wood on the nose, similar to
    the finishes of a luxurious 1930s motor car.

Tomatin

Tomatin
Highland Scotch
Single Malt
Aged 50 Years

•  LIMITED ANNUAL RELEASE: Only 125 Bottles In The World, 1 set in
    Masters of Wines and Spirits

•  Following 50 years of maturation at the Tomatin Distillery, cask
    number 30040 first fill oloroso sherry hogshead has been bottled in its
    most natural form, yielding just 125 special bottles to celebrate the
    distillery’s 125th anniversary.

Royal Salute 

Royal Salute The
Age Collection II

•  LIMITED EDITION: Only 25 Sets In The World, 1 set in Masters of
    Wines and Spirits

•  The Age Collection II was created for Queen Elizabeth II’s Sapphire
    Jubilee, celebrating her being the first British monarch to do so, and to
    commemorate the moment she became the longest reigning living
    sovereign. The collection starts at 25 years old, Elizabeth’s age when
    she became a queen, and ends at an astonishing 55-year-old whisky.

Shafer

Shafer Hillside
Select Cabernet
Sauvignon
Collection

•  SPECIAL COLLECTION CREATED FOR DFS

•  Shafer Vineyards has produced world-class wines in the Stags Leap
    District of Napa Valley since 1978. Their estate-owned vineyards are
    the source of their venerated wines, including their signature Hillside
    Select Cabernet Sauvignon. Shafer Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s
    most celebrated wineries, named as “one of the world’s greatest
    wineries” by wine critic Robert Parker.

For enquiries, please contact:

FleishmanHillard Hong Kong | Bryan Leung | +852 6156 9672 | bryan.leung@fleishman.com
FleishmanHillard Hong Kong | Clement Yiu | +852 5406 8947 | clement.yiu@fleishman.com

DFS: Your Personal Guide to The World Of Luxury

DFS Group is the world’s leading luxury travel retailer. Established in Hong Kong in 1960, DFS Group continues to be a pioneer in global luxury travel retail, offering its customers a carefully curated selection of exceptional products from over 750 of the most desired brands. Its network consists of 44 stores located in 1amer2 major global airports and 21 downtown locations on 4 continents, as well as affiliate and resort locations. The Group is privately held, and majority owned by the world’s largest luxury conglomerate, Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), alongside DFS co-founder and shareholder Robert Miller. DFS Group employs more than 6,000 people focused on creating inspiring omnichannel retail experiences for its customers and is headquartered in Hong Kong SAR with offices in Australia, mainland China, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Macau SAR, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Vietnam. For more information, please visit www.dfs.com.

T Galleria by DFS is the ultimate evolution of the original travel retail concept pioneered by DFS Group. The first downtown store opened in 1968 in Hong Kong, followed shortly thereafter by Honolulu and eventually expanding to 21 locations all over the world. Today, T Galleria by DFS has a presence in the United States of America, as well as across Asia, Europe, Oceania and the South Pacific regions. Linked to the notion of travel through the use of T for the Traveler, the brand stands for what customers have come to expect: an expertly curated assortment of the world’s preferred luxury brands, exceptional retail environments, highly personalized services and unique experiences tailored to their specific needs as travelers. T Galleria by DFS enables travelers to realize their individual style, one journey at a time.

About American Express

American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with American Express on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, threads.net/@americanexpress, tiktok.com/@americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

About City of Dreams

City of Dreams is an integrated entertainment resort that has established itself as a premier leisure and entertainment destination in Macau. Located in the heart of Cotai in Macau, it combines electrifying entertainment, a diverse array of accommodation, regional and international dining as well as designer brand shopping. The resort brings together a collection of world-renowned brands including Morpheus, NÜWA, The Countdown, Grand Hyatt and Dragone to create an exceptional entertainment experience that aims to appeal to a broad spectrum of visitors from around Asia and the world.

City of Dreams features over 30 restaurants and bars; an impressive array of some of the world’s most sought-after retail brands; “The House of Dancing Water”, the world’s largest water-based extravaganza showcased in the purpose-built Dancing Water Theater, represents the live entertainment centerpiece of City of Dreams’ overall leisure and entertainment offering.

A comprehensive range of accommodation options at City of Dreams include NÜWA offering approximately 290 guest rooms, The Countdown offering approximately 300 guest rooms and Grand Hyatt Macau offering approximately 800 guest rooms. In addition, Morpheus, the newest addition at City of Dreams designed by the late legendary architect Dame Zaha Hadid, commenced operation in 2018, offering approximately 770 guestrooms, suites, and villas.

Source

‘Cook with love’: ‘Top Chef’ star reveals lessons and recipes learned from her mother

admin
-
0
‘Cook with love’: ‘Top Chef’ star reveals lessons and recipes learned from her mother
In a photo illustration, chef Adrienne Cheatham, standing in front of flowers, holds a hot cooking pot.

Chef Adrienne Cheatham celebrates her mother by cooking a “lifelong favorite” meal inspired by her. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Kelly Marshall, Getty Images)

Harlem-based chef, cookbook author and TV personality Adrienne Cheatham says that some of the most impactful life — and cooking — lessons she’s learned were passed on by her mother and her late great-aunt. Many of those lessons took place in Chicago restaurants where her mother built a career managing dining rooms.

“I was pretty much raised in the no-smoking section of a restaurant — busing tables, washing dishes,” Cheatham says with a laugh. “I felt more comfortable in restaurants than in the real world. I wanted to go to culinary school after high school and my parents were like, no,” she says, explaining that her mother didn’t think being a chef was a viable career back then.

Turns out that couldn’t be further from the truth for Cheatham, who would go on to be educated at the Institute of Culinary Education and work in some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants — from chef Eric Ripert’s three-star Michelin restaurant in New York City, Le Bernardin, to celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster in Harlem. She has won second place on the Food Network’s hit show Top Chef (Season 15) and has written a cookbook called Sunday Best, which aims to celebrate everyday moments with those you love, through food. She says she enjoys cooking this time of year because it reminds her of her family and of her mother cooking for them.

“She loved to make a leg of lamb in the springtime — if not for Easter, then for Mother’s Day — and she passed that on to me and my sister.”

She speaks excitedly of the lamb dish, remembering her mother’s preparation of it. “Spring lamb is such a classic! She’d crush the garlic and make a paste, combine it with pounded onion, herbs and black pepper, then she’d use a long, thin boning knife to poke holes into the leg of lamb and infuse it with the garlic paste,” Cheatham says. “She’d also rub it with soy sauce and let it sit overnight before cooking it the next day. It was so tender, so flavorful, so delicious — her leg of lamb was one of my favorite things!”

A plate of roasted lamb and a bowl of salad on a table.

One of Cheatham’s favorite spring dishes is her mom’s roasted leg of lamb, a recipe she features in her cookbook, Sunday Best. (Penguin Random House)

One of the key lessons imparted to Cheatham by her mother was how to use time wisely in the kitchen. She called her mom the “queen of time management.”

“If my mom was going to roast a chicken, she’d put it in a Ziploc with seasoning in the morning and then throw it on a tray with some vegetables later on. [She’d say,] ‘You don’t have to do everything at once.’ It’s like mise en place at restaurants: My mom would do that at home so that she didn’t have to do so much at dinnertime.”

Her great-aunt also left an imprint on Cheatham when it comes to cooking. “One of the best things that my great-aunt in Mississippi (and my mom) passed on to me was how to freeze stuff. Like, when you have time to cook, bulk up and freeze the extra food so you have something to pull out of the freezer on a weeknight.”

When it comes to food, you have to cook with love. You can’t be angry when you’re cooking someone’s food — it’s like singing without passion.”Chef Adrienne Cheatham

Cheatham often turned to her mother and great-aunt for advice when she felt like she was drowning in schoolwork and responsibilities. She said it was her mother who taught her the art of batching out tasks (and cooking duties) — and how to better manage her workload, tips she uses to this day.

“My aunt always gave me advice and put things in perspective,” Cheatham says of her hectic younger years. “She’d remind me not to let my college problems weigh me down. And when I got into fine dining, everything was stressful, high-pressure; I thought it was the end of the world when I got yelled at. But I’d remember what she said: ‘It’s just a moment.’ And I do believe when it comes to food, you have to cook with love. You can’t be angry when you’re cooking someone’s food — it’s like singing without passion.”

Black Garlic Roasted Leg of Lamb

(From chef Adrienne Cheatham’s cookbook, Sunday Best)

Serves 6-8 (or 2 with plenty of leftovers)

Ingredients

1 large onion, peeled, root end trimmed

1 bone-in leg of lamb roast, about 6 lbs.

4 large cloves of garlic

1/4 cup (tightly packed) black garlic cloves, or 1/4 cup garlic paste

1.5 tsp. cracked black peppercorns

3 tbs. anchovy paste or 3 tbs. packed chopped anchovies

1 tbs. chopped thyme

1 tbs. (heaping) chopped rosemary leaves, plus 4-5 whole sprigs

6 sprigs oregano

2 tbs. Dijon mustard

1/4 cup olive oil

1 lemon, zested and cut in half

2 cups dry white wine

2 lbs. small red potatoes, rinsed

Directions

1. Heat your oven to 450F. Slice the onion crosswise into rounds, about ½” thick, it’s okay if the rings separate and you have hollow rounds. Line the bottom of a roasting pan with the onion slices/rings, spaced out a bit (the onion slices will serve as a rack to hold the lamb during roasting). Blot lamb dry and place, fat side up, on top of the onions in the roasting pan. Use a paring knife to make a series of cuts straight down into the lamb in a consistent pattern, every 2.5”. You should have about 12 deep incisions. Set pan aside.

2. In a small food processor (or in a mortar and pestle), combine the garlic, black garlic, black pepper, anchovy paste, chopped thyme, and chopped rosemary leaves. Process or mash for about a minute, or until you have a chunky paste with the ingredients well combined. Divide paste in half, placing one half in a separate mixing bowl for later.

3. You’re going to have to get hands-on for this part: use your fingers to smush seasoning paste into each incision. The idea is to really get it in there, as much as you can, down to the bone. Scatter the remaining herb sprigs around the bottom of the pan.

4. Take the bowl with the remaining seasoning paste and whisk in the Dijon, olive oil, lemon zest, and juice from ½ of the lemon. Smear this all over the outside of the lamb and fat cap. Feel free to throw the lemon halves into the roasting pan as well, the aroma of them roasting with the lamb is nice.

5. Pour the wine into the pan along with about 1c water. Toss the potatoes with a little oil, salt, and pepper, and scatter around the pan.

6. Place the pan on a middle rack, and roast the lamb at 450 for 12 minutes, then turn the temperature down to 350 and continue cooking for about an hour (can take longer depending on the oven), or until you reach 130F on a thermometer inserted into a thicker part near the bone. Baste the lamb every 20 minutes or so, also adding a little water as needed to keep the onions and pan from scorching.

7. Remove the pan from the oven and let the lamb rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Wayfair

Paid for by Wayfair

This ovenware nonstick roaster with rack provides the perfect solution for everyday family meals, parties and holiday celebrations.

$38 at Wayfair

Source

1...449450451...489Page 450 of 489

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Blogchicks is your lifestyle news, entertainment, travel, music, health & fashion website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos, something for everyone.

Contact us: info@blogchicks.com.au

FOLLOW US

© Blog Chicks 2024