Feature Stories - Sample Clips from file
OLIVE OIL - MEDITERRANEAN MIRACLE
‘Olive oil and Italian recipes go together like stamp and envelope. That’s the analogy used by the
Chef de Partie at a ristorante in the North West as he spoke with me for ‘Food&’ about the popularity
of what, for centuries, has been a fundamental part of the Italian cuisine.
It’s a fact, whether you are in southern Italy or in the north of England, olive oil is in your pizza topping,
in your pasta and on your salad. It is also true that although this Italian staple, once branded as
‘liquid gold’ by Homer the Greek poet, dates back to 5000 B.C., it was not grown in Italy before the
18th century B.C.
History sources the first cultivation of the olive tree in the Middle East. Based on the book of Genesis
in the Bible, the tree probably flourished on or near Mount Ararat where it is believed Noah’s Ark
came to rest after the flood.
The Bible says only when a dove he had released returned with an olive branch, that Noah knew the
floods had receded. The olive branch is still regarded as a symbol of peace.
Evidence of the medicinal properties of the olive also comes early in the Bible. In the book of Exodus,
the Lord tells Moses how to make an anointing oil of spices and olive oil.
Authoritative sources including ‘Olive Oil Source,’ (OOS) set the olive in Asia Minor more than 6,000
years ago. Arguably among the first plant life to be cultivated, it flourished in several countries
including Iran and Syria before spreading across the Mediterranean to Africa and the south of
Europe.
Early civilization used olive oil during special ceremonies and for their well being. The oil was used
to anoint Greek and Jewish kings and the Greeks used it to anoint winning athletes. As recently as
the 2004 Olympics,wreaths of olive leaves and twigs were a prominent feature.
Actually, researchers have surmised that the olive culture spread to the Greeks and then the
Romans who along with every conquest seized the paranormal olive and took it back with them.
Apart from the health properties for which its fruit is renowned, the olive tree itself is hardy. The
elements including drought and high winds do not impact it. And some if not all varieties of olive
trees are very resistant to insects and never require treatment with insecticides. The 2,000 year old
olive trees on the Mount of Olives
in Jerusalem are a testament to its resilience.
Just as the tree is a symbol of strength and purity so too is its fruit and all
around the world, olive oil is an icon of excellence, purity and
versatility
_________________________________________________________________________________
THE INTERNET MADE EASY FOR ACTIVE LIVES
(Prepared for an Altrincham company as part of its launch of a programme for over 60's. All tables have
been omitted here).We are about to demystify the INTERNET and getting connected.
Make yourself comfortable and get ready to discover that getting around on the INTERNET is easier
than driving to the store, the library, Post office and newsagent. Easier than a spin just to say hello to
relatives or friends on the next block
or miles away. And it’s an easier, faster and better way to keep in touch with loved ones who are
3,000 and more miles away.
Access to a personal computer is your first step towards bringing the world of information right to
your fingertips. You already have a computer. Good! But you are one of those who are convinced that
you must be a computer wizard before venturing on what was once known as the International Super
Highway.
Look at it this way. You’ve always left the manufacture and repair of cars you drive to the experts.
Well, it’s time you do the same for your PC (personal computer). Leave the how and why of its
capacity and capability to the experts and start making it work for you.
It’s a proven fact. You don’t have to be a master of the trade to be part of
benefit from the dramatic changes ...(end of clip)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Video Surveillance-Key to Protecting Vulnerable Infrastructure
Advances in video surveillance technology have greatly improved the odds of declaring the United
States safe from deliberate damage to the country’s energy infrastructure.
Unless measurable protective systems are established, Natural gas, Electricity and Water will alway
be at risk. But while we agree that these utilities are an every day necessity to sustain prevailing
lifestyles, apart from usage they seldom if ever find room in our thoughts.
Actually, the consequences of malevolent damage, say, to our electricity infrastructure will be
enormous. While such an eventuality may have been a wild dream two or more decades ago, today
we must accept it as a distinct possibility that points to the need for decisive measures to protect the
country’s power
as well as other utility supplies.
The Department of Energy (DOE) which is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and
integrity of the country’s power source acknowledges that energy supply and demand play an
increasingly vital role in national security and economic output.
Safety at all levels remains a main concern on the department’s agenda. Its Office of Energy
Assurance (OEA) is responsible for coordinating Federal Government programmes which seek to
afeguard the country’s more vulnerable assets from unwarranted attacks.
The OEA also works closely with The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to shield Americans
from possible terrorist attack or natural hazards that could adversely impact the country’s energy
infrastructure. However, any effort at disaster mitigation ----(end of clip)
____________________________________________________________________________________
Miracle In The Sky Over Antigua
Thousands of residents and visitors, last Thursday witnessed a total eclipse of the sun, the first over
Antigua in the last 360 years and the last in the Western Hemisphere this century.
Schools remained closed for the day and government declared a public half-holiday, Prime Minister
Lester Bird said primarily in the interest of safety of children.
He said the half day would allow parents to manage their children’s viewing of the phenomenon.
An unprecedented education/information series mounted by the Government owned ABS Radio and
Television ensured every family was well aware of the beauty and the inherent dangers of the
miracle in the sky.
As the day approached, excitement mounted and for as long as supplies lasted eclipse-viewing
shades took over as the hottest items on the market. By the Tuesday before, one leading merchant
had sold out his 30,000
order. Restaurants, particularly those in the South of the country put on special lunches, some
churches organized an eclipse ritual on King George V grounds in Grays Farm, and special parties
were organized for the Rising Sun Grounds in St. John’s, Betty’s Hope, the Interpretation Centre and
Shirley Heights.
Cloud cover over St. John’s which all but ruined the full time anticipated view of the once in a lifetime
spectacle, broke just enough and in time for the darkened sun to appear.
Betty’s Hope and the Interpretation Centre turned out to be good viewing sites, but by all accounts,
the best picture of the miracle in the sky came through cloudless skies observed from Shirley
Heights.
And as a stabbing darkness closed in on the country in the middle of the day. (end of clip)
____________________________________________________________________________________
On Tour With Volcano Evacuees
Some of them had not been to the North of the island in years, several of them are occasional
visitors, but for all of the residents from O'garos, Long Ground, Whites Tuitts Farms and Trants the
villages of Brades, Cavalla Hill, Davy Hill, Cudjoe Head, Judy Piece and St. John's, all in the far north
of the island is home.
Their move to the area was brought on by volcanic activity in the east of the island.
They are housed, the elderly in schools and the able bodied mostly in churches in the area. of St.
John's. This, the larger of the villages in the declared safe area is known for its rum shops (stand up
Bars) on one side and churches on the other side of the main road. Full report
Back to top
|
|
