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Articles by Bianca Ackroyd
The Best Polish Desserts You Need To Try
Desserts in Poland play a major role in holiday celebrations, especially Christmas and Easter. During these holidays, families gather to bless food and feast according to traditions linked to the predominant Catholic faith. Loved by over 40s A turbulent history that has included changing borders and war has led to more than 20 million Polish people leaving the country over the years to start fresh in other parts of the world.
The Best Swedish Desserts You Need To Try
Surviving Sweden’s dark winters can be a long slog, but it’s made that much easier with an array of tasty buns, cookies and cakes enjoyed as part of the daily fika tradition. Loved by over 40s People all around Sweden meet at cafés or friends’ houses twice a day at 10am and 3pm for a pot of coffee and a bun of sorts. On cold, rainy weekends, Swedes can spend a few hours a day making cinnamon buns to store in the freezer for when visitors come over.
The Best Icelandic Desserts You Need To Try
Iceland is a volcanic Nordic country home to 330,000 people. The island’s history is shaped by Norwegian farmers who first settled in the late 9th century, and the remoteness of the island and scarcity of sunlight – particularly during the winter months – has led to an independent culture and way of life. Traditions have been passed down through generations, including recipes for delicious desserts. Here are the dishes you need to try.
How Māori Culture is Reflected in Wellington’s Urban Design
A Māori sculpture sits atop Mount Victoria in Wellington | © LatitudeStock / Alamy Stock Photo The New Zealand capital has a rich and diverse history, linked with stories of exploration and settlement of the Māori, followed by Europeans. Culture Trip explores how Māori culture is reflected in this bustling city.
The Best Swedish Desserts You Need To Try
Swedes get through their long, dark winters by adding sweet treats to their lives | © Sheridan Stancliff / Getty Images Surviving Sweden’s dark winters can be a long slog, but it’s made that much easier with an array of tasty buns, cookies and cakes enjoyed as part of the daily fika tradition. People all around Sweden meet at cafés or friends’ houses twice a day at 10am and 3pm for a pot of coffee and a bun of sorts.
A Guide to the Best Italian Restaurants in Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington in New Zealand is known for its diverse cuisine, particularly Italian food | jiGGoTravel / Alamy Stock Photo Italian restaurants, while often having pasta, pizza and tiramisu in common, have evolved into diverse dining experiences from late-night pizza joints to contemporary shared dining eateries to fine-dining establishments. Here’s a list of the best Italian restaurants to visit in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.
Things To Do in Mount Victoria and Oriental Bay, Wellington
Oriental Bay and Mount Victoria are always a hive of activity | © David Wall / Alamy Stock Photo Wellington, the capital of New Zealand is known for its creativity, culture and its inclement weather. Wind, rain, storms, it can all change within minutes in the capital. Locals have a saying that goes, “you can’t beat a sunny day in Wellington”. On the few days when it’s sunny, the places to be are the adjoining suburbs of Mt Victoria and Oriental Bay.
Explore the Rich History of Te Aro, Wellington
Eva Street in Te Aro, Wellington, has a number of cosy restaurants and bars to choose from | © Krista Rossow / Alamy Stock Photo Wellington’s central suburb of Te Aro is where the city’s creative heart pulses to the beat of live music and independent art galleries. Te Aro is one of the first areas of New Zealand’s capital where Europeans settled in the 1840s and it was home to a diverse, working-class population.
Enjoy Nelson's Thriving Café Culture at These Top 9 Coffee Shops
Trafalgar Street in Nelson offers a number of places to stop and grab a coffee | © David Wall / Alamy Stock Photo Nelson, a city that’s home to about 50,000 people at the top of the South Island in New Zealand, is known for its history, art and craft culture, and stunning natural scenery. For residents and visitors alike, cafés are a part of everyday life as places to stop between visiting the museum, local art galleries, shopping or walking in one of the parks.
Take a Walk Through Nelson's Rich History
Julia Wytrazek / © Culture Trip Nelson, New Zealand, is positioned on the shores of Tasman Bay, chosen by English settlers during the Victorian era because it had the best harbour in the region and was close to the fertile plains of Waimea. Visitors to the city today, which is now home to approximately 52,000 people, can walk in the footsteps of these early explorers, stopping at significant sites of the colony’s establishment.
Experience a Taste Odyssey at the Markets of Nelson, New Zealand
Nelson Market is a great place to purchase tasty treats and meet local merchants | © Urban Napflin / Alamy Stock Photo Markets in the Nelson Tasman region are exciting places to visit to witness how international migration has reached this little corner of the southern hemisphere. The markets represent the multicultural society that Aotearoa is becoming today. Immigrants tour the weekly market circuit, selling roti from Sri Lanka, spring rolls from South East Asia, and gourmet cheeses from Italy.
The Top 5 Things To Do in Tahunanui, New Zealand
Tahunanui Beach in Nelson is a popular spot with residents and receives the most sunshine in New Zealand | © Tim Cuff / Alamy Stock Photo The top of New Zealand’s South Island is one of the sunniest places in the country. Nelson City’s local beach, Tahunanui – also referred to by its shortened name of Tahuna – is a popular spot for residents and visitors to spend these sunny days cooling off in the Tasman Bay.
Student Buzz - Boston Media House Arcadia Campus Newslwetter
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Bianca Ackroyd's review for Tiger's Milk Restaurant & Bar
Rated We were invited to Tiger's Milk for a birthday party. It was pretty busy but the service was great. Loved the roast lamb pizza! Great vibe and nice mix of people.
Growing concerns over Camps Bay water quality
Cape Town, 15 December 2016 - Advocacy groiup Water Watch SA are conducting tests of water quality at Camps Bay and Clifton beaches to monitor pollution from the sewage outfall off the coast of Camps Bay beach. Video: Supplied. JOHANNESBURG – The water quality at Camps Bay and Clifton 4th beach is under the spotlight after Water Watch SA raised the alarm of high levels of E. coli discovered in their own recent water quality tests.
#keDezemba: Five fun places for overnight stops on the N1
JOHANNESBURG – The famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Life is a journey, not a destination,” could be applied when planning a stop over between Gauteng and the Western Cape this festive season. If you have the time, it’s much safer to stop overnight during the 13 hour plus drive on the N1 and there is a lot to see and do if you have a couple of extra days to spare. And if you are going to stop overnight, at least choose an interesting place to stay.
#Drought: Five reasons why we aren't winning
Johannesburg, 14 November 2016 - Recent heavy rains have provided some relief for the Vaal Dam in Gauteng. Water levels had recently reached dangerously low levels due to the drought. Video: eNCA JOHANNESBURG – The recent El Niño event that caused one of the biggest droughts in South Africa may be over but that doesn’t mean that the country isn’t still struggling with maintaining water security.
Why Zuma should pay interdict court costs: Opposition
02 November 2016 - Advocate Dali Mpofu (C) and Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi (R) in the North Gauteng High Court for the argument into who should foot the bill for President Zuma's interdict costs. Photo: eNCA PRETORIA - Advocate Dali Mpofu, legal counsel for the UDM and Cope joined the call for President Jacob Zuma to pay for the cost of the interdict application to stop the release of the public protector's report on state capture.
Now, later or never on state capture report? Mpofu
Watch our LIVE VIDEO of the President Zuma interdict against state capture report here. PRETORIA - Advocate Dali Mpofu told the North Gauteng High Court on Tuesday that the only question before the court regarding the President's interdict against the release of the State Capture report is whether or not the public will get to enjoy the right of having access to the Public Protector's report.
Public funds must not be diverted for private ends Gordhan
File: The minister delivered the medium term budget speech on Wednesday while protests were taking place outside the National Assembly. Photo: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File photo PARLIAMENT - Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan said that for South Africa to encourage more inclusive growth the country faces many challenges.
Financing education must be highest priority Gordhan
Watch our LIVE STREAM AND BLOG of the mid-term budget speech here. PARLIAMENT – Government will fund the increase in fees at higher learning institutions for the 2017 academic year, adding R17-billion for students and universities. This was announced during the medium budget speech by Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, at the National Assembly in Cape Town on Wednesday afternoon. "In our current phase of development, financing of education has to be our highest priority," he said.
Seven quotes from Gordhan's midterm budget speech
PARLIAMENT - Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, are three famous leaders Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan quoted during his midterm budget speech on Wednesday. The minister who is currently facing charges of fraud due to his involvement in approving the early retirement and reappointment of former Sars official Ivan Pillay said while South Africa was facing a low economic growth it was also an opportunity.
Lephalale mayor accused of jobs scam
Members of the Lephalale Unemployment Forum march to the Lephalale municipality against the mayor, Jack Maeko, who they accuse of interfering with who gets jobs with contractors in development projects. Photo: Supplied JOHANNESBURG – With two out of six units at Medupi power station synchronized to the national grid, unemployment in Lephalale, Limpopo continues to be a major issue. What ever jobs are available, appear to be given only to ANC members, alleges one community group.
Blade: Technical colleges suffering from #FeesMustFall
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande,appears before the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training established to enquire into, report on and make recommendations on the feasibility of a fee free higher education.
Should SA legalise trade in rhino horn?
This handout photograph provided by the Freeland Foundation shows Thai customs officers looking at alleged smuggled rhino horn displayed on a table, during a press conference at the International Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok on January 7, 2013.
Countries divided over ivory trade at world wildlife conference
Johannesburg, 27 September 2016 - Zimbabwe and Namibia cannot sell ivory to other countries, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species' conference has voted. Video: eNCA SANDTON – Countries participating in the 17th Conference of Parties on the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP17) in Johannesburg remain divided over the issue of ivory trade.
INFOGRAPHIC: SA's top mammal exports for 2010 2014
African lions born in captivity in Peru rest on April 27, 2016 caged in a containment area in Puente Piedra, northern skirts of Lima, prior to be airlifted to Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: CRIS BOURONCLE / AFP JOHANNESBURG – South Africa is a major global exporter of mammals. From live mammals to mammal skulls, tusks, trophies and carcasses, the country exported thousands of specimens of mammals from 2010 to 2014.
Five strategy changes SA needs to curb rhino poaching
File: Rhino poachers operate in a sophisticated network of transnational global syndicates. At any given time there are between 5 – 15 poaching groups operating in the Kruger National Park. SANDTON - The time for rhino poaching to be referred to as conservation issue is over. The illicit trade in rhino poaching should be treated wildlife trafficking and be tackled by intelligence services and not environmental agencies.
Zuma: Rhino trade must be sustainable
Animal rights activists march against wildlife trade and poaching at the Sandton Convention Centre on 24 September 2016. Photo: eNCA / Bianca Ackroyd SANDTON – President Jacob Zuma says the trade in rhino must be done in a way that will ensure the survival of the species for eternity. “Regulations must ensure that trade in rhino is in a way that ensures that future generations benefit from them and that they do not become extinct,” said Zuma.
Report says wildlife trafficking is thriving
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s Big Five and vast diversity of wildlife have for years been a major tourism drawcard for the country. With more than a dozen national parks and many private game reserves, wildlife tourism is big business. According to South African Tourism, tourist arrivals from Europe alone exceeded 1,3-million last year with the majority of European visitors coming from the UK and Germany.
INFOGRAPHIC: Schoolgirl sanitary towels by numbers
JOHANNESBURG , 19 September 2016 - Pledge a Pad is a non-profit organisation that seeks to make a difference by collecting sanitary pads for women and girls from disadvantaged communities. The organisation also educates women on female hygiene. Video: eNCA JOHANNESBURG - How much would it cost to ensure the dignity of schoolgirls in South Africa by giving them access to free sanitary products?
INFOGRAPHIC: Is government winning the war on corruption in state departments?
Cape Town, 14 September 2016 - Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts, will be briefed by the Anti-Corruption Task Team and South African Revenue Service on Wednesday. Video: eNCA CAPE TOWN – Members of Parliament's standing committee for public accounts blasted the anti-corruption task team at a report-back briefing on Wednesday morning.
Zuma confident of Myeni's ability as SAA chair
PARLIAMENT - President Jacob Zuma says cabinet approved the appointment of the South African Airways (SAA) board. Zuma was asked by DA leader Mmusi Maimane if he has confidence in the airline's chairperson, Dudu Myeni, who was reappointed to her position on 2 September. Myeni is reportedly close to the President and heads up the Jacob Zuma Foundation.
East African art showcase set to wow Joburg
Two people watch a video art installation by Wangechi Mutu, a Kenyan artist based in Brooklyn, New York. This work 'The End of Eating Everything' is a collaboration with Mutu and Santigold and was part of the FNB Joburg Art Fair in September 2016. Photo: eNCA / Bianca Ackroyd SANDTON – It’s not like going to a museum or a gallery, it’s a much larger experience says director of the FNB Joburg Art Fair Cobie Labuschagne. This is the 9th annual event so “it’s getting quite established,” she says.
INFOGRAPHIC: How much more will I pay for water in Joburg?
FILE: Johannesburg residents have been banned from filling swimming pools with municipal water, in order to help the city meet a 15 percent water restriction as a result of continuing hot and dry conditions. Photo: SXC.hu JOHANNESBURG – Residents of Gauteng might be confused by the recent warm weather, thinking that the first week of spring is actually summer as maximum temperatures have been averaging in the high 20s. The prediction for spring and early summer is no different.
20 ways to cook an Nguni cow
The slow food movement came to Soweto, with an indigenous breed of cattle being cooked from nose to tail by some of Johannesburg's best student chefs. Video: eNCA SOWETO - In a world with fast food chains on every street corner, convenience often takes precedence over healthy eating. The international slow food movement encourages people to consume unprocessed food straight from local farmers and Johannesburg residents got to experience this for themselves on Saturday at the Soweto Theatre.
Statistics for sexual offences remain unreliable: ISS
Johannesburg, 02 September 2016 - Minister of Police Nkosinathi Nhleko briefs the media on the latest crime stats. Video: eNCA CAPE TOWN – The latest crime statistics show that reported sexual offences have decreased by 3.2 percent in 2015/16 compared to 2014/15. However these statistics continue to be highly unreliable, said Lizette Lancaster at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). “We are quite concerned that the number has gone down.
Eskom's performance is improving: Molefe
Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe (pictured) appeared before parliament on Wednesday morning, to report on some of the parastatal's gains over the past year. Photo: eNCA CAPE TOWN - Eskom CEO Brian Molefe told members of Parliament that the parastatal's performance has improved. "Eskom is on a firm financial and operational setting. "Generation performance has been stabilised and we don't anticipate any load shedding going forward," said Molefe.
Mantashe: Stop the 'Hollywood style' investigation of Gordhan
JOHANNESBURG – ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe has called on government institutions to conduct their business in a legitimate way and not engage in public spats, which dent the economy. "The Hollywood style of conducting that issue (sic), when you bring cameras, doesn't help society or the economy – it dents the economy," said Mantashe at a media briefing at Luthuli House in the Johannesburg CBD on Tuesday afternoon.
South Africans still need to save water
PRETORIA – The South African Weather Service says it will be quite some time before country-wide dry conditions ease. South Africa experienced an extremely dry period since 2015 due a severe El Niño and the weather service says heavy rainfall is unlikely to fill dams. Dr Asmerom Beraki said the probability of a La Niña event that follows an El Niño, with cooler temperatures and higher than average rainfall, is uncertain. “The likelihood of above normal minimum and maximum temperatures is high.
Masipa ignored three factors in Oscar sentencing Nel
The Oscar Pistorius case is back in court Friday. State prosecutors are seeking permission to appeal against the disgraced paralympian’s six-year jail sentence. PRETORIA - State prosecutor, Gerrie Nel, says Judge Thokozile Masipa minimised the seriousness of the crime Oscar Pistorius committed, when sentencing him. The state sought permission to appeal Pistorius's six-year sentence for murder, in the South Gauteng High Court on Friday morning.
Oscar defence says appeal not justified
Pretoria, 26 August 2016 - Oscar Pistorius's defence team says the state's leave to appeal application is unfair. Video: eNCA Pretoria, 26 August 2016 - Oscar Pistorius's lawyer, Barry Roux, says the six-year sentence is not lenient, given that Pistorius has already served some time. Video: eNCA PRETORIA - Oscar Pistorius's lawyer Barry Roux argued that allowing an appeal of his client's six-year sentence would not be effective or justified.
Bizos distressed about Sars wars
Pretoria, 25 August 2016 -The Helen Suzman Foundation together with other activists say they're against the persecution of the finance minister. Human rights lawyer George Bizos speaks outside the Hawks offices in Pretoria. Video: eNCA PRETORIA - Anti-apartheid activist and lawyer George Bizos says he's extremely concerned "that people are being unjustly involved in criminal prosecutions".
TIMELINE: Treasury troubles
JOHANNESBURG - The high stakes battle between Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and the Hawks as dominated headlines for much of 2016, expect for a few months leading up to the elections when all sides went quiet. Back in February a letter to Gordhan from the Hawks was leaked to the media.
Seven ways San Diego is becoming more sustainable
San Diego, 10 August 2016 - The City of San Diego, California is vulnerable to rising sea levels, increased heat waves and drought. Here are a few ways the city is becoming more sustainable. Video: eNCA SAN DIEGO, CALIFRONIA – Only 32km from the Mexican border, San Diego is home to 1.38 million people and is the eighth largest city in the United States. The population is growing but natural resources aren’t. The city is vulnerable to rising sea levels, increased heat waves and extended droughts.
DA wins Tshwane, but needs a coalition to rule
Final results for the closely contested City of Tshwane are in. Video: eNCA Click here for your full guide to the 2016 municipal elections. PRETORIA – After all counting was completed, the closely contested prize capital, the City of Tshwane, has gone to the Democratic Alliance. The DA obtained 43.1 percent and 93 seats while the ANC were slightly behind with 41.22 percent and 89 seats. Some analysts believe voter boycotts in some ANC strongholds cost the party dearly.
DA wins Tshwane, but needs a coalition to govern
Johannesburg, 06 August 2016 – The party should thank the ANC supporters who didn't show up to vote in the metro, he says. Video: eNCA Johannesburg, 06 August 2016 - eNCA's resident commentator Angelo Fick says the lack of an outright majority win in Tshwane suggests the EFF now holds the balance of power in the metro. Video: eNCA Pretoria, 06 August 2016 - DA leader Mmusi Maimane is confident the DA will win the battle for Tshwane.
The wait is over, Joburg results finally in
Final results for the closely contested City of Johannesburg are complete at last. The ANC wins the metro, with the most votes at 44.64-percent and 121 seats. Photo: via Wikimedia Commons PRETORIA - Final results for the closely contested City of Johannesburg are in and it shows the ANC takes the council with 44.64-percent of the vote -- falling short of an outright majority. The party has secured 121 seats in the metro.
The wait is over, Joburg results finally in
Final results for the closely contested City of Johannesburg are complete at last. The ANC wins the metro, with the most votes at 44.64-percent and 121 seats. Photo: via Wikimedia Commons PRETORIA - Final results for the closely contested City of Johannesburg are in and it shows the ANC takes the council with 44.64-percent of the vote -- falling short of an outright majority. The party has secured 121 seats in the metro.
Nothing wrong with DA's early Tshwane announcement: IEC
5 August 2016 - Democratic Alliance leader, Mmusi Maimane addresses the media at the IEC's ROC, saying with confidence that the DA has beaten ANC in Tshwane. Results have not yet been finalised, however. Photo: eNCA / Bafana Nzimande For your full guide to the 2016 municipal elections, click here. PRETORIA – The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says there is nothing irregular or illegal about political parties announcing results early.
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