#Edinburgh to London is usually 5

[mankillercalledbunny]

Some people will be out here writing shit like a Brit getting an overnight train (extremely rare) leaving at 11:30pm (most trains from major stations stop running between ~11pm and ~4am) on Christmas eve (trains don't run after 6pm on Christmas Eve/NYE and don't run at all on Xmas/NYD) between two UK cities that are a 3 hour trip at most and that's if you're hitting every tiny country station along the way

Meanwhile I'm checking that my character's brief distracted geological ramblings are factually accurate by checking a research paper on quartz inclusions and asking a geologist to proofread them

We are not the same

[clarkeyhill]

🔞Platform Roulette | George Clarke

[Arthur has invited you to join in platform roulette after asking him for months, you've been living in London for around 4 months now and share a flat with George & Arthur so it made sense for you to tag along at some point, although the night doesn't end the way you planned it to end]

You arrive at King's Cross at 8am, you George and Arthur waiting on Arthur tv as usual as you're waiting you open your phone out to take a picture for instagram to show to your followers you go places other than your flat and the gym, you caption the photo with "platform roulette shenanigans 😛" and add it to your story, the boys fans base know you live with them so it was only a matter of time before you popped up in a video. Finally Arthur turns up in a hurry as usual as you film the intro for the first part of the video

"Hey guys and welcome back to another episode of platform roulette, today we're joined by someone else aswell as Arthur tv, she's been yet to make an appearance despite the nagging of her asking, it's y/n" he points towards you as you stand there and wave "hi guys and for the record I haven't nagger I asked once, Arthur just wants people to think everyone wants in on the game" you laugh and nudge him as George and Arthur tv laugh in unison "in that case why don't you pick the platform for todays adventure then any between 1-16" He looks towards you "erm, 4, my lucky number" you smile, he looks to the board to see what you've picked out "looks like we're off to Edinburgh" he turns back to the camera "right let's go get our tickets and a train bev" you all make your way over to the WHSmith to grab a drink, it's a 4hr journey so you decide to opt for 2 bottles of wine. "Jesus you're gonna be drunk before we get there" George laughs at you "unfortunately Mr Clarke I'm not a lightweight like you boys" you shoot him a wink as you pay for your wine, the boys opt for Cans of madri for the trip.

You get seated on the train and realise you've bought wine with no cups, "right guys I don't want no judgment here" everyone looks at you as you say this "but I'm afraid I'm gonna have to neck it out the bottle, I don't have a cup" you look at them as you let out a giggle, Arthur shakes his head as he looks at you "this is why you've never been allowed on before" he laughs as you pop open the bottle of wine. You manage to finish the last drop of your second bottle just as you pull into Edinburgh, the boys said you were going out into the town so you opted for casual wear, flared jeans, a corset top and one of George's flannel shirts you borrowed off him. Arthur starts to film again as he explains the rules and you head to rhetorical first pub, Arthur goes to the toilet so you all decide to sneak a quick "secret shot" in, you George and Arthur tv shot a sambuca as you wait for your drinks order, shortly after you all sit down Arthur reappears "just to let you know, you owe us all £50" you chuckle "how do you work that one out" Arthur looks confused "because we've all just done a secret shot at the bar" Arthur looks at the cameraman in shock as you've literally been at the pub 5 minutes and George and Arthur wouldn't of done this off their own backs "you're never coming again" he laughs as he takes his Guinness.

"Split the G?" You challenge him, although you've never drank Guinness in your life let alone know how to properly split the G. "You're on, but don't cry if you lose" he looks up at you with menace in his eyes "same goes for you" you retort. You both start to sip as you plant the glasses down at the same time, the camera man pans the camera to the glasses and pure shock stretches across his face "no way" he says as he looks at Arthur, George and Arthur tv rise out of their seats to see not only has Arthur missed the split line, you've managed to perfectly split the G on your first attempt.

"She's had your pants down mate good and proper" George laughs as his head jolts back, Arthur looks at you with an open jaw "you're never coming on this again, I'm off home" he buries his head in his hands as George and Arthur cheer you on, you catch George's hand slightly graze your thigh as they do so, was that an accident?

After plodding around the streets of Edinburgh you're all slightly tipsy and head the the last pub the score markers at the end show

[George: 11|Hill: 10| Y/N: 12|Tv: 12]

You sit down at the final pub and you decide to opt for a fishbowl cocktail for you all to share, Hill and tv make their way to the dance floor as you and George hang back for a second, your feet start to ache a little. "Have you enjoyed today?" George asks scooching closer "yeah I have, it's a lot of fun but I doubt he'd want me to do it again after showing him up" you laugh "honestly you being here has made the day better, there's something about you that lights up the room and it's nice to see, it's nice to see you have fun" George smiles at you "thanks George, I appreciate that" you lean in to give him a hug, you both pull away and just start at eachother for a hot second, "you look gorgeous by the way" he says "George you're drunk and you don't mean that" you say as you pull away and take a sip of the cocktail, he says nothing in return as you make your way over to the dance floor to join the boys

"Everything okay?" Tv asks "yeah I'm good, now show me some good dance moves" you giggle as you all dance, you turn to George who's buried in his phone, "George!" You shout, he looks up and ignores you, your eyebrows furrow as you walk over to him "ignoring me are we?" You laugh "I did mean what I said" he retorts "I've felt like this for a while, I just couldn't muster up the courage to tell you" you make your way over to sit with him again, you were left speechless. You wouldn't know how you'd be able to acknowledge George's feelings without it causing a stir in the friendship group "I'm not sure how we'd go about this if it was something serious George" you grab one of his hands and look at him with soft eyes "I like you too, but the friendship sort of made me step back" just then Tv and hill walk over and you slip your hand away from George's "you okay mate?" Hill asks, "yeah he's just feeling it abit now, he's a lightweight" you chuckle trying to hide the conversation you've just had "well out trains nearly due so why don't we head out?" Hill says, you all finish the last drops of the fishbowl and make your way to the station, George stumbling slightly so you interlink your arm with his "I'm definitely not coming again if I'm the one who has to babysit" you look at them all, letting a playful scoff "hey! I don't need babysitting!" George protests as you approach your train.

You sit down and hand everyone a bottle of water you stashed in your bag, "don't say I don't look after you all" you smile as you take a bobble out of your bag and tie your hair up, hill walks to the bathroom as tv is fast asleep, George plants his hand on your thigh sending shivers up your back, you turn to him, "if you're not too tired we can sort this out at home" you look at him with fire in your eyes, his eyes widen at your words "really?" He says "mmhm" you nod as Hill returns to his seat

You arrive back into King's Cross as you wake TV up from his sleep, you all stumble off the train and Hill opts to get tv back to his flat as you offer to take George back to his, awaiting Arthur's return. You get into the Uber and make your way to the flat, you exchange no words throughout the journey. The silence kills you as you open the door to the flat and toss your keys on the counter, "so where were we-" you turn as your words are interrupted by George smashing a kiss onto your lips, your move with his motions as sparks fly between you, you both manoeuvre your way to George's bedroom, still locked in by the passionate kiss. You decide to take control and spin him around, pushing him onto his bed, you look at him with menace as you unbutton your jeans leaving no time for conversation, you straddle him, planting your ass on the outline of his shaft, you flick your hair to the side as you slip your corset top off leaving nothing but a thong on your body, George places his hands on either side of your hips "fuck you're so gorgeous" his breath hitches as he says this, seeing you in a new light. You lean down to his level and relock your lips in a fiery kiss, tension rising between you both

You slowly slip your fingers into the seam of his joggers still straddling him, looking at him for permission to remove them, you lift yourself up onto your knees as George slides his joggers and boxers down, revealing his hard shaft beneath you, conscious of time you slowly tease George by grinding yourself on top of him before sliding him inside yourself, you let out a small gasp as you adjust to his length, letting out a slight whimper "fuck you're so big" you exclaim as you begin to ride him, you dig your nails into his chest as he grips your hips, assisting you "you're so tight" he looks at you with desire as he bites his lip

George decides to take action as he flips you onto your back, asserting his dominance. He teases your entrance, repaying the suspension you caused for him before slipping his tip inside you, your breath hitches as you cup one of your tits, "how bad do you want me?" He exclaims sending a slight smirk across his face "I want you to do everything possible to me George" his expression lights up at the thought of no boundaries, he locks his hand around your neck as he places a thumb on your pussy making figure 8 motions, your head jolts back in pleasure "fuck" you let out, George then starts thrusting into you, still playing with you sending your body into overdrive, his grip becomes more tightening round your neck, leaving small air to make its way in, your eyes start to water from the pain.

You feel yourself becoming close but didn't want it to end just yet "bend me over your desk George" you look up at him with doe eyes, you smirk at him "holy fuck you're insane" he pants as you walk over to his desk he uses for filming, you lay yourself on the corner of it as you signal for George to include the ponytail you recently tied up "fuck me with my hair wrapped around your hand" making george lost for words, he wraps your pony around his hand and grips it hard, you dig your nails into the desk as he takes a hold on your ass, he slowly teases you once again before thrusting into you one last time, your mind goes into over drive at all the feelings you're experiencing, you feel your legs turn into jelly as you're close to climax "fuck George I'm so close" you scream out, he picks up the pace as his grip on your hair slips, taking both hands on the top of your ass to gain control, you whimper as your legs fall from underneath you and you reach your limit "oh fuck George" you climax as George still continues to thrust into you, nearly reaching his limit "oh fuck y/n" he mutters as he climaxes also, both out of breath you emerge from his desk all sweaty

"Fuck that was amazing" George says out of breath, "yeah you could say that" you laugh as you quickly collect your clothes and run to your room to get changed into something quick before Arthur comes back George does the same, you wander back into George's room and plant a kiss on his lips.

"Maybe we could develop on this?" You say with a smile

"I definitely want to" he says rubbing your check

Just then the door handle clicks and Arthur's home.

-

🫶🏻

[greenwitchcrafts]

January 2024 Witch guide

Full Moon: January 25th

New moon: January 11th

Sabbats: None

January Wolf Moon

Known as: Bear Moon, Chaste Moon, Cold Moon, Disting Moon, Goose Moon, Moon of Little Winter,  Moon of Strong Cold, Quiet Moon, Snow Moon, Stay at Home Moon, Sun Has Not Strength to Thaw Moon & When Snow Blows Like Spirits In The Wind Moon

Element: Air

Zodiac: Capricorn & Aquarius

Nature spirits: Brownies & Gnomes

Deities: Freya, Hera, Innana & Saraswati

Animals: Coyote & fox

Birds: Blue Jay & pheasant

Trees: Birch & Hazel

Herbs: Cones, holy thistle &marjoram

Flowers: Crocus & Snowdrop

Scents: Mimosa & musk

Stones: Chrysoprase, garnet, hematite, moonstone, onyx & jet

Colors: Black, blue-violet, grey, silver & white

Energy: Adventurous, ambitious, awareness, beauty, beginning & conceiving; business, career, conserving energy, energy below the surface, organization, political matters, potential, protection, recognition, reputation, reversing spells & spirituality

The name for the January full Moon is believed to have originated from Celtic and Old English roots, which European settlers then brought to the New World.

At one point, gray wolves were among the most widespread land mammals on our planet. According to the Wolf Conversation Center, gray wolves “inhabited most of the available land in the Northern Hemisphere.” Habitat destruction and persecution by humans have reduced their range by about a third worldwide and 90 percent in the lower 48 states.

The wolf’s adaptable nature to survive in a wide range of habitats and ability to prey on the largest mammals living in those regions made it widespread. Basically, if there are enough deer, moose, elk, caribou, bison, and musk ox, wolves can survive. Predation of domestic animals caused friction with European settlers and early Americans who aggressively hunted the wolves.

Werewolf myths can be found in ancient Greek and Roman societies, throughout European history and among some Native American tribes. In modern storytelling the transformation from man to wolf has been closely tied to the full Moon in films like “The Wolf Man” and “American Werewolf In London.”

Howl at the Moon means to waste energy pursuing something unattainable. It’s shorthand for doing something crazy. However, howling is hardly a waste of energy among wolf packs. And they aren’t howling at the Moon. The Moon just happens to be shining during times when wolves most often howl.

A wolf’s howl can be heard miles away. The vocalization helps wolves locate separated members and even communicate between packs marking their territories. One study recorded spontaneous howls and responses happen most often between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The cry of wolves doesn’t play into the Sioux name for the January full Moon, which is known as “The Time When Wolves Run Together.” Wolves do plenty of running to defend territory that can stretch hundreds of square miles to find enough prey to support the pack.

Other Celebrations

• Hogmanay | January 1st: is the Scots word for the last day of the old year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year in the Scottish manner. It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year's Day (1 January) and, in some cases, 2 January—a Scottish bank holiday. In a few contexts, the word Hogmanay is used more loosely to describe the entire period consisting of the last few days of the old year and the first few days of the new year. For instance, not all events held under the banner of Edinburgh's Hogmanay take place on 31 December.

The origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances of the winter solstice. Customs vary throughout Scotland and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with particular attention given to the first-foot, the first guest of the new year.

• Compitalia/ Feast of Lades | January 3-5: was an annual festival in honor of the Lares Compitales, household deities of the crossroads, to whom sacrifices were offered at the places where two or more ways met.

Dionysius said that Servius Tullius founded the festival, which he describes as it was celebrated in his time. Dionysius relates that the sacrifices consisted of honey-cakes (Ancient Greek: πέλανοι) presented by the inhabitants of each house; and that the people who assisted as ministering servants at the festival were not free men, but slaves, because the Lares took pleasure in the service of slaves. He further adds that the Compitalia were celebrated a few days after the Saturnalia with great splendor, and that the slaves on this occasion had full liberty to do as they pleased.

During the celebration of the festival, each family placed the statue of the underworld goddess Mania at the door of their house. They also hung up at their doors figures of wool representing men and women, accompanying them with humble requests that the Lares and Mania would be contented with those figures, and spare the people of the house

Sources:

Farmersalmanac.com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Llewellyn's 2023 magical almanac: practical magic for everyday living

Wikipedia

Encyclopedia Britannica

[scotianostra]

July 5th 1847 saw the final run of the Edinburgh to London mail coach.

By the mid 19th century coaches had become outdated throughout most of the country with improved rail links, the Newcastle Berwick Railway opened throughout on the 1st July 1847 which caused the demise of the coach service. The last coach carrying the London mail arrived in Glasgow on 14th February 1848. The extension of the Caledonian Railway from Beattock to Glasgow came into operation the following day.

Horses have been used to carry messages from the very early days, when post boys would deliver messages by horse. In the 18th Century horse-drawn mail coaches were introduced, which cut mail delivery times by more than half.

The coaches also carried fee paying passengers, at first four inside, later more were allowed on board but had to sit up with the driver outside, the passengers sitting inside the mail coaches had to pay considerably more than those exposed to the elements on the outside.

The average speed of the coaches was usually 7-8 mph in summer and about 5 mph in winter, but with improvements to the quality of the roads, it had risen to 10 mph by Victorian times.

The coaches were privately operated and the coachmen earned much more in tips than in wages. They were fined if caught carrying goods on their own account. The only Post Office employee aboard the mail coach was the guard. He was heavily armed, carrying two pistols and a blunderbuss. He wore an official uniform of a black hat with a gold band and a scarlet coat with blue lapels and gold braid. He also had a timepiece, regulated in London to keep pace with the differences in local time, and recorded the coach’s arrival and departure times at each stage of the journey. The guard sounded a horn to warn other road users to keep out of the way and to signal to toll-keepers to let the coach through. As the coach travelled through towns or villages where it was not due to stop, the guard would throw out the bags of letters to the Letter Receiver or Postmaster. At the same time, the guard would snatch from him the outgoing bags of mail.

Mail Coaches continued in the north of Scotland until modernised rail connections were introduced, the last one was in Kingussie and ran until the beginning of World War One The horses didn't enjoy a happy retirement though, they were requisitioned by the Army and sent to the continent during the first world war, 8 million horses were killed during the conflict.

[stylesnews]

HSLOT EUROPE: FINAL LEG

May 13 - Horsens, Denmark | setlist

May 14 - Horsens, Denmark | setlist

May 17 - Munich, Germany

May 18 - Munich, Germany

May 22 - Coventry, UK

May 23 - Coventry, UK

May 26 - Edinburgh, UK

May 27 - Edinburgh, UK

June 1 - Paris, France

June 2 - Paris, France

June 4 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

June 5 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

June 6 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

June 10 - Slane, Ireland

June 13 - London, UK

June 14 - London, UK

June 16 - London, UK

June 17 - London, UK

June 20 - Cardiff, UK

June 21 - Cardiff, UK

June 24 - Werchter, Belgium

June 27 - Dusseldorf, Germany

June 28 - Dusseldorf, Germany

July 2 - Warsaw, Poland

July 5 - Frankfurt, Germany

July 6 - Frankfurt, Germany

July 8 - Vienna, Austria

July 12 - Barcelona, Spain

July 14 - Madrid, Spain

July 18 - Lisbon, Portugal

July 22 - Reggio Emilia, Italy

PS: Time information is based on the time set for the event to begin on the ticket selling websites. On ticketmaster it’s usually set the time the doors are open which is typically two hours early than the main show, so the guesses are based on that. Some might be innacurate and we'll update once we know.

🌎 ⏱️  TIME ZONE CONVERTER  🎤 SETLIST

70 days, 31 shows, 16 countries.

[theawkwardterrier]

Bake On: A Jamie/Claire Wednesday100 story

Week 1: Cake

Jamie gets his signature - Mam's snow cake - into the oven before he takes a moment to truly size up the competition.

There's the usual crop of grannies and older gents and young mum types, a smarmy-looking middle-aged man Jamie instantly dislikes, a willowy girl he smiles at because she's trembling with nerves, a hulking, wildly bearded lad with an accent Jamie can't place (Welsh?), and then, down in the front corner, far from his back row...

He watches her for so long that he has to rely on the technical and showstopper to make up for his overdone cake.

Week 2: Biscuits

There were many things that Claire considered before entering the competition: that her self-taught skills wouldn't hold up, that she didn't have the sorts of stories and traditions needed for the signatures, that she wouldn't be able to balance it all with her usual work schedule.

She hadn't thought that she'd need to remind herself to focus each time her ears detected a Scottish accent at the back of the tent, or that, after her Kingston biscuits came first in the technical, she'd think about his grin and the light touch of his foot against hers the entire drive home.

Week 3: Bread

"The best simit I've had was off splintery carts pushed by old men who would have considered you mad for criticizing the sesame seeds' evenness."

Jamie looks up from messaging Jenny to find Claire beside him. He'd been trying to stop reexamining his near elimination today. Now he smiles without thought.

"Well, Sassenach, I'll be back next week. That's what matters."

"I suppose that's true." She smiles back, cheeks rosy and rounded, before adding, "You're taking the train, aren't you? I can drive you to the station."

It's an easy walk. The choice to ride with her is even easier.

Week 4: Pie

"Will London surgeon Claire's use of herbs finally win her the title of star baker?"

Her held breath becomes a laugh. She sets down the knife she had been using to carve her pastry top, looking over to him leaning on her bench.

"It might, especially if freelance translator Jamie doesn't get back and give her some competition."

He flashes a grin. "Canna have that. My case is done cooling besides."

She watches him walk away, then resumes, her hands steadier now. She wonders whether he could have possibly noticed her doubts from the back. No, she decides. A coincidence.

Week 5: Pastry

He doesn't notice how long they've been talking until Claire shivers in the midnight chill. It seemingly doesn't register with her - she simply crosses her arms and continues speaking about her patients - but he wants to tuck her against himself, offering his warmth.

Her expression is vivid, and he hates cutting her off (although he'd have hated interrupting her while discussing their fellow contestants, London versus Edinburgh, or today's lunchtime sandwiches). Still, he checks his watch, yawns, says, "Christ, it's that late? We'd better get in if we want to be awake for the showstopper," and sees her safely sheltered.

Week 6: Chocolate

It's meltingly hot in the tent, and everyone's rushing about. Claire's behind on her own bake, and so nearly doesn't notice the cheesecake sitting out at the edge of one of the vacant benches, matching the description Jamie gave of the one he was planning while they'd baked together over the phone this week. Her eyes narrow, and she looks around.

Frank looks back, then immediately glances away.

She places Jamie's cake back into the refrigerator. There isn't time for revenge now, but they can plan together later.

In the meantime, beating Frank will be sweet in its own way.

Week 7: Puddings

"Didna ken this would be the week where I'd remember them so much," Jamie says that night, knowing that she hears him despite his quiet words.

He supposes he should feel embarrassed, tearing up over a batch of clootie dumplings, but he remembers Mam helping him tie the cloth, remembers Da ruffling his hair and Willie saying with his mouth full, "They're good, Jamie!"

And Claire doesn't make him feel foolish, simply places her hand over his, saying, "I don't think there's a wrong time to remember the people you love," so he doesn't feel alone there in the dark.

Week 8: Tarts

She's smiling with satisfaction for the first bit of the drive, star baker title finally achieved and her place in the semi-final assured. It's only as she's shaking her head for her own foolishness at wanting to call Jamie to celebrate when she's barely left him (and knows that he had work to take care of on the train ride home besides) that she realizes what this means.

They've both shown their skill and she's confident in their chances of making it through next week. But even so, even if they get into the finale together, their weekends are numbered.

Week 9: Patisserie

The tension in Jamie's shoulders has nothing to do with two days fussing with choux pastry, or the pressure of next week's final, and everything to do with the countable hours he has left with Claire.

They stand talking in the car park long after the others have packed up and left, after he's missed his train, and he wonders if she might feel the same. Regardless, more time with her doesn't seem like a chance he can miss.

At the next pause, he breathes and asks, "Might ye—Will ye come have dinner with me, Claire?" and watches her smile.

Week 10: Final

The contestants carry their showstoppers to the waiting crowd of loved ones. In classic British fashion, the finale fete is chill and rainy; the camera catches Claire carefully keeping her hair out of her icing.

"Christ, I'd forgotten what the damp did to that curlywig o' yers."

Claire elbows him from her spot beneath his arm, although she is laughing along. "Hush and watch. We're about to lose in front of the entire country, after all."

"True enough. Still, I think we won more than that cake stand o' Glenna's," he says.

By the way she kisses him, she agrees.

[tocitynews]

A Widespread Microsoft Outage Disrupted Flights, Banks, Media Outlets And Companies Around The World On Friday And Highlighted Dependence On Software From A Handful Of Providers – New York City reporting

The issue affected Microsoft 365 apps and services, and escalating disruptions continued hours after the technology company said it was gradually fixing it.

Microsoft 365 posted on X that the company was “working on rerouting the impacted traffic to alternate systems to alleviate impact in a more expedient fashion” and that they were “observing a positive trend in service availability.”

Major disruptions reported by airlines and airports grew. Flight tracking website Flightaware reports more nearly 1,000 flights canceled and over 12,000 more are delayed. Chicago O'Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Newark , La Guardia and Boston Logan International Airport lead Flightaware's "misery map" with the most delays and cancellations.

In the U.S., the FAA said the airlines United, Delta and Allegiant had all been grounded. American Airlines lifted its ground stop just after 5 a.m ET, saying they were able to "safely re-establish operations."

An earlier ground stop for Frontier Airlines was lifted just after midnight, and the carrier said they had resumed normal operations, for now.

Travelers at Los Angeles International Airport slept on a jetway floor, using backpacks and other luggage for pillows, due to a delayed United flight to Dulles International Airport early on Friday.

Across the pond, Edinburgh Airport said the system outage meant waiting times were longer than usual. London’s Stansted Airport said some airline check-in services were being completed manually, but flights were still operating.

The budget airline Ryanair said they are "experiencing disruption across the network due to a global third party IT outage which is out of our control. We advise all passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time.”

Widespread problems were reported at Australian airports, where lines grew and some passengers were stranded as online check-in services and self-service booths were disabled. Passengers in Melbourne queued for more than an hour to check in, although flights were still operating. Airlines Virgin Australia and Qantas were severely affected by the outage.

News outlets in Australia — including the ABC and Sky News — were unable to broadcast on their TV and radio channels, and reported sudden shutdowns of Windows-based computers. Some news anchors broadcast live online from dark offices, in front of computers showing “blue screens of death.” Telecommunications providers, banks and media broadcasters were also disrupted as they lost access to computer systems. Outages reported on the site DownDetector included the banks NAB, Commonwealth and Bendigo, as well as internet and phone providers such as Telstra. The New Zealand banks ASB and Kiwibank said their services were down.

Television stations in the United Kingdom were being disrupted by the computer issues.

Hospitals in Britain and Germany also reported problems.

Israel’s Cyber Directorate said that it was among the places affected by the global outages, attributing them to a problem with the cybersecurity platform Crowdstrike. The outage also hit the country’s post offices and hospitals, according to the ministries of communication and health.

In South Africa, at least one major bank said it was experiencing “nationwide service disruptions” as customers reported they were unable to make payments using their bank cards at grocery stores and gas stations.

Numerous European airlines are using manual check-in.

[mirza-majoris]

Chapter 5 : O Flower of Scotland !

When they arrived to Dingwall, Desmond hopped from the train and looked around, yawning a bit. This train trip had been rather long considering how far they now were from London and from England. They had taken a small train to go to Victoria Station before taking another very long one to go to Edinburgh, and he had been taking some time to sleep since his night had been pretty rough until now. It was also during that time that his father and Raymond had been discussing the idea of renting a house together and find a job to ease their expenditures. Desmond vaguely remembered something about Ray's mother and how he had explained the whole story to them.

His mother owned a small cottage near Cullicudden, a quarter of hour long trip in car was necessary to go there from Dingwall but it was always closer than anything considering trains couldn't go where there was no railroads. Also, there was another reason Ray wanted to stop to Dingwall. His mother was being employed as a domestic by a very rich family living in Dingwall and her cottage was not inhabited most of the time, that was why she had asked his son to come back to Scotland someday, to help her with the house since she was living in the same mansion as her masters. "The cottage is away from any big city, very few neighbours and good air indeed", that was how Raymond had described it and, somehow, after a good hour of thinking about it, Leon was rather opened to such an idea. And he knew that life could be expansive when you were raising a little boy as a father, and alone. Just thinking about Rachel and how she would've wanted her boys safe and sound, living a normal life, had been enough to convince him to give it a try.

Once in Edinburgh, they had to take another train to Iverness, but before doing so they stopped to buy some coats considering the weather was being less clement than in London, and Leon and Desmond hadn't brought one since they had to leave in a hurry. It wasn't winter yet, so they had some time to buy everything they needed. Only Raymond seemed unbothered by the very wet air coming from his homeland, and in fact he was almost happy to come back home. Desmond had been very interested in the landscape and even though it wasn't his first time traveling somewhere –his parents once travelled to Nazca, in Peru, when he and Theodore were younger– he was a bit nervous since this time they had some evil guys trying to look for them in order to take them away to a very bad place. Scotland was very much different from what he thought it would be, and hearing everyone's accent was enough to trouble him a bit at first. But he had been more than excited when they saw the Loch Ness when changing train again in Iverness. He even had the time to see the castle a bit and eat an ice cream !

Finally, after a whole travelling day, they were finally done and getting out of the station. The evening was near and they had not eaten much, merely two sadnwiches and an ice cream for the boy. But with a smile Raymond told them not to worry, that his mother would be more than happy to take them to diner tonight.

–Still, Leon had said, I don't want to impose my presence and Desmond's to her... and if she's kind enough to allow us to stay in her cottage, I might at least be the one offering her a diner.

–Oh, trust me, sassenach, try to offer to pay and ye'll be facin' a beast ! She'll never accept it. Trust me, A've tried twice. And she scolded me in the middle of the restaurant as if A was still a toddler !

Desmond chuckled a bit and was already picturing a little woman scolding that biker as if he was but a child. Leon smiled when he saw him being a bit more joyful than usual. This was enough to make his heart lighter for a few moment. Ray let them for a short moment, going to take back his motorbike which had traveled with them, in a wagon dedicated to these heavy things. Leon rolled his eyes when he saw that Scottish lad being almost in live this his engine.

–Come on, it's just a vehicle ! It's not some kind of wonder.

Raymond gasped and exaggerated his reaction just to make the boy smile again, boy who was really intrigued by such a mechanical prowess.

–It's not "just a vehicle" sassenach ! It's a Norton Model 40 International 350cc 1 cylinder from 1938 ! A've restored it ! T'was me dad's.

–How does it work ?

Desmond had sparkles in his eyes and he was hopping around the vehicle trying to figure out how it was possible for such a thing to be driven by someone on the road. Leon sighed, not knowing how to react to Desmond's enthusiasm since he didn't like mechanical stuff much. He was a more... traditional man regarding technology and mechanics. And he was barely capable to use a television so he wasn't an expert regarding the topic.

–Well, maybe he can explain it to you once we've seen his mother. How do we do that ? We wait for the end of her service or what ?

Raymond took a peek at his watch and thought about it for a minute.

–OK, well... I'll take her at her job, it's almost October's holidays for her, they always give her Samhain.

–Sowhat ?

The Scottish man sighed again and rolled his eyes, pulling his motorbike to follow as they were walking together.

-It's pronounced "Soween", and it's... well, 31st of October. The All Hallows eve, if ye prefer. Go on, have some nice walk time or go to the park, A'll join ye here with me mom. Sounds good ? There's also a few shops. To get yerself a Scots dictionary. Because ye'll need it.

He chuckled and winked to Desmond, promising him a nice ride later, and he made the motor roar before flying away to a very big mansion, away from the city center, and the more he was getting closer and the more his smile was fading. What he hadn't said Leon about all this was that he wasn't exactly in good touch with his mother and he wanted to go there forst to try to talk to her. Last time he had seen her, it was another glorious argument they had, about family mostly, and he has had very harsh words to her, before leaving like a thief, without even saying goodbye. By now he has had enough time to think about it and he regretted a good portion of what he said six years ago. That large amount of time was also the reason he hasn't told Leon about his relationship with his mother. Because at this point he didn't even know if she was willing to talk to him anymore.

He had written him letters 2 years ago, if you can call that writing a letter considering he's done nothing but traces a few line on the paper, for Christmas, All Hallows Eve, New Year's Eve, Easter, her birthday, etc. Just a few lines, and she had never responded to any of them for the simple reason he's been avoiding to leave any address to reply. His life wasn't the most glorious one and by now he was really regretting it, trying to make up for things he's been too stubborn to apologise for.

Without him realising it, his motorbike had almost ridden itself alone, bringing him right to main gates of the big mansion where his mom was working. He sighed and entered the property, leaving his engine near the portal gates, and proceeded to go up the alley to reach for the doors and knock on them, disdainful enough not to ring the bell. He wasn't used to ring bells anyway, he preferred the simple knocking, bells were some fancy way to summon someone and he didn't like it.

A young woman came soon after, looking at him with red cheeks and a shy smile across her face.

–Good evening sir... Who may I announce ?

–Hi, huh... well, A'm not here to see Lord McGregor, A'm lookin' fer me mother, Maighread, is she workin' or does she have... ye know, a few minutes ?

The young lady though seemed a bit troubled by his accent, for sure she was probably not used to Scots and Scottish accent either since the master of this old creaky mansion was trying to speak as "normally" as possible.

–I deeply apologise but... May-who ?

–Maighread, me mom. Ye know her surely, a li''le woman, heavy brown hair, she's the one in charge of the whole domestics here A think.

This time the lady figured it out and her eyes seemed to lighten up.

–Oh, I see ! You're looking for Mà Bannag ! Everyone calls her like that, she always bakes the most wonderful pies !

Ray sighed, a bit nostalgic, and thought that this nickname was truly fitting his mother. He nodded and offered the maid his most charming smile.

–Would ye be kind enough to allow me to see her ? The day's almost done, and A need to talk to her...

Being put in front of such a charming man, the woman blushed again and chuckled like an adorable chick before allowing him to enter and asking him to wait in the hall while she was going to bring Maighread in.

Ray looked around, not that impressed by such a decorum displayed through this hall. Big wooden interior, sculptures, old architecture, dark wooden stairs and ceilings, some tapestries which colours were slowly being less and less shiny considering they were older than everyone in this mansion, some carpets, everything making this house wealthy was only the furniture while the house itself was creaking each time there was a windy day. The man had lived there, with his mother and father, in the domestic aisle, most of his life, before leaving when he was a teen. He knew this corridors like no one else and he also remembered some nice little pranks he did to his parents when he was hidden in the library secret passage. A bit cliche but always worked. The thought was enough to bring a smile on his face but it quickly vanished when he heard the voice of an old man coming from up the stairs.

–It's been a while since last time you came here...

Raymond barely looked up, he wasn't much impressed by the old lord and his grey hair, grey moustache, grey tuxedo and severe figure. In fact, all that was filling his eyes right now was animosity.

–A'm not here to talk to ye. A'm here for me mà.

The old lord seemed to feel some heavy pressure on his shoulder and he looked away. Even his voice seemed less full of assurance.

–She should be here soon, I saw Maggie, the maid who introduced you in, rushed to the domestic aisle... ... you know, if I can do something, I-

But Raymond shook hisbhead and interrupted him right away.

–A want nothin' comin' from ye. And don't ye dare bring Maighread into this. Ye've done enough already, don't ye think ?

The old man sighed but replied nothing. Instead, he only nodded and went away, coming back to his room, just a moment before a shaky voice came to Ray's ears. He turned with a small smile hanging on his lips and waited anxiously for the little woman to come closer, uncertain how to react.

In front of his, his mother was looking at him, her hazel eyes wide opened. Her dark wair was tied into a severe bun but her cheeks and wrinkles at the corner of her eyes were indicating a very joyful woman. She was a bit skinnier than last time Ray had seen her and she had aged indeed. Her hands were shaking because of how unreal the moment seemed to be to her and her uniform, her apron indeed, was covered in flour. The man sighed and messed with his own hair, embarrassed and not knowing what to say. Suddenly his mind had gone blank.

–Hey.... huh... well... hi mà...

The old woman didn't let him say anything else and rushed to hug him tight, happy like she had rarely been. Since she was littler, he had to lean a bit but he didn't complain and hugged her back.

–Mo mac ! Balach beag, A've been so worried, me boy !

If anyone wondered where that young man got his accent from, then the answer was his mother, because she was the one always using this soft voice and little words to speak with her son. Even Ray's father had less of an accent than her !

–Ye are insufferable, young man ! Do ye know how very few informations ye put in yer letters ? A didn't even know if ye were doin' fine or not !

–A'm fine, mà... A just... well... A just had... rough days back then... A'm sorry...

A mother would always be a mother and this one knew her som very well. She backed away a bit, softly put her hands on both his cheeks and look him in the eyes with a worried frowned wrinkling her forehead.

–Yer eyes tell a lot, mo mac... Ye'll explain to me later ?

Raymond sighed and looked away. Maighread sighed too and kissed his forehead before smiling.

–I know ye're not here without a reason... do ye mind helping me grab me things ? Then ye'll tell me all about it, sounds fair ?

For how much Raymond wanted to be serious and for how much guilty he was feeling for the past few years, he cracked a smile and followed his mother. This little reunion had been going rather well but the main topic wasn't even brought on the table yet, they would need a long conversation, preferably with a cherry or a good whiskey.

–Yeah... let's go... Care fer a ride on me motorbike ?

–A thought ye'd never ask !

-> First chapter

-> Previous chapter

-> Next chapter

[captainsavre]

Feeling excited about the new year? Any great plans or anything to look forward to?

well i don’t usually make big plans, i’m more like go with the flow type of person!!

that being said, there are in fact some big events this year i’m actually looking forward to 🤭

1. first is already next week, i’m travelling to London to go see a gig of my fav singer, Melanie C (Sporty Spice) 🥹 although i’m a bit terrified ‘cause i’m going all alone and i hate to travel and going to concerts alone but hey, i’ve been waiting more than 20 years to see her live (as a solo, seen the Spice Girls live a few times already), so yeah i’m excited 😊 and yes, i’m a Spice Girls fan… sue me 😅🤭

2. really hope i can make it to FRR3 and/or CTF2 🥹 looking forward for my very first con… and again, terrified for going all alone and not knowing anyone in the fandom that well yet! i just really REALLY hope Danielle and Stefania will be guests because they’re the only reason i’d go 😬

3. my very first Keane show, here in Portugal in May! big fan of them so yeah, again very excited about it 😊

4. late this year i’m planning to travel to Scotland for the first time, Edinburgh has always been one of my top cities to visit and hopefully it will happen this year 🥰

5. oh and there’s also one more thing… Station 19 being saved, that’s probably the biggest of them all and the one i’m more anxious about!! all of this has consumed all my energy lately and made lose big part of my excitement for all my other plans and it sucks, i really hate it 😔 it has been a rollercoaster of emotions lately, there are days i believe we can make it, there are days i lose all my hope… but yeah gotta believe, right?! 🥹🤞🏼

and for someone that doesn’t make plans, my year is already looking pretty busy 😅🤭

[standupcomedyhistorian]

Hey, everyone!

I'm doing better (although living on my own is WEIRD after being with my ex for 21 years), and I wanted to thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. I'm getting through this one day at a time, and I'll make it to the other side of the road. 🐔

Anyway, there was a recent list of best comedians in the 21st century in the Telegraph on the eve of the Fringe Festival, and some of my favorite comics were included! 👀

Here's the descriptions for those curious—I highly recommend all of these incredible comics, ESPECIALLY number 1:

44. Kate Berlant (my article about her and Bo; audience interviews for Kate coming soon!)

A warped mirror for millennial smugness, 36-year-old Berlant’s narcissistic persona and fast-paced, deadpan delivery have inspired a host of great younger acts ­(including Leo Reich). Her ­half-improvised, stream-of-­consciousness patter is a kind of thrilling comedy glossolalia, while her mind-reading routine is some of the funniest failed ­stage-magic since Tommy Cooper. The ­American’s luvvie-mocking ­Broadway show Kate (directed by Bo Burnham) arrives in London next month. Fight for a ticket.

16. James Acaster (my article about him and Bo)

It’s easy to take Acaster for granted – he’s constantly on panel shows and podcasts. But his 2018 stand-up shows (collected on Netflix as Repertoire) are works of borderline genius; baroque puzzle-boxes, all buried callbacks and high-concept whimsy. If he once seemed a bit aloof and impersonal, that mask fell with his most recent West End show: a confessional tour-de-force about being dumped by his girlfriend for Rowan Atkinson.

5. Tim Minchin (my article about him and Bo)

The kohl-eyed, frantic-haired ­Aussie already felt like the ­finished article when he parachuted into the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe with his sensational debut, which ­parodied teen popstar dreams with precision-tooled, beat-perfect musical numbers. Almost two decades later – after stage-musical success with Matilda and Groundhog Day – his live shows come with more ­contemplation and political edge, but that twinkly-eyed mischief is still there. Minchin evolves with age, and is all the better for it.

4. Maria Bamford (my article about her and Bo)

A critic once called Bamford ­schizophrenic. She corrected him: “That’s not my mental ­illness! ­Schizophrenia is, of course, ­hearing voices, not doing voices.” An ­impressionist whose vocal ­acrobatics are usually used to ­imitate her own family, Bamford can be surreal, confessional or ­staggeringly dark (especially stories about her time “in the psych ward”), but is always ­thrilling. Her rare ­performances – in her own front room, car parks, or to just one ­audience member at a time – are unique. Wildly original, and a crucial influence on countless young British acts, she is, to my mind, America’s greatest living stand-up.

1. Bo Burnham (my primer and SOOOO much more on my website haha)

Burnham is the 21st-century ­comedian. Recorded in his ­bedroom, the razor-sharp New ­Englander’s piano-driven songs made him a ­YouTube sensation by the age of 19, at which point, in 2010, he ­astonished British audiences with an almost bewilderingly precocious stage debut, Words, Words, Words. 

His follow-up, What, was better yet, a royal-flush hour of ingeniously sly musical, character and meta-comedy that was the undisputed hit of 2013. As he told me at the time, “I do hope my sort of frantic, the-floor-is-lava type of comedy is a mimic of what it feels like to be alive now.” Indeed it was, and, although panic attacks took Burnham away from the stage for some years, he blithely whipped up the acclaimed feature film Eighth Grade in 2018, and three years later returned to the public eye with the Netflix ­special Inside. 

This was locked-down comedy – as “live” as it could be at the time – about the misery, isolation and gnawing insecurity of being a young comic unable to perform, so finely observed, intricately ­constructed and beautifully ­written it made your head spin. In terms of capturing that bizarre moment, mining it for laughs, and speaking both to his own generation and to all of us imprisoned in our own homes, no one else even came close.

Congratulations, Bo! ✌🏼

[walkingstackofbooks]

I'm sure there are plenty of people who might feel differently, especially if they're younger than me (I'm 27), but for me I definitely feel this might be more noticeable a phenomenon in the US than the UK?

Kind of, anyway. The freedom of my teenage years compared to the freedom of those in prior generations seems like it was more limited, and there were definitely opportunities my parents had that would have been unimaginable to me. (Backpacking around Europe without a mobile phone on hand, for instance.) And 100% we're experiencing the erosion of safe, free/cheap public spaces for young people to be, and the rampant capitalism forcing us to prioritise work over actually living life happily 🙃

But on the other side, I've been taking the bus by myself since I was 11 -- some of my friends lived way out of town, so to meet up either they or I would have to do the 1/2 hour bus journey. It wasn't a problem for me to catch a train to London - 40+ miles away - with a group of friends from when I was about 16 or so, and just wander about there for the day. And on a regular weekend, I could walk pretty easily into town from our suburb - about 40 minutes, 50 perhaps to the cinema?

Hell, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions are a common sight each summer - a group of 14+ yos with backpacks practically as big as them wandering around the countryside for 3 days, trying to follow a route on a map, maybe having an adult check in on them 3-5 times in the day but otherwise left to their own devices and to walk miles in the wrong direction if they make a mistake. The shit we got up to in the campsites was real 😂

I feel like a lot of teens get a chance to do do young, dumb stuff in college, too (college in the UK being an optional educational institution for 16-18yos instead of staying on at secondary school.) (That's very simplified but shh.) It would depend where you are in the country I guess but definitely both of my 25yo housemates have some wild stories from college. Plenty of 17/18 yos I know went interrailing for a few weeks in Europe, too (although I know that's more difficult for the current generation with Brexit and price hikes and such).

And then as well if teens do go to uni* they're usually able to drink straight away, being 18 (which is debatable whether or not it's a good thing I guess) but Freshers' Weeks are certainly always wild and pubs and clubs always seem busy in uni towns -- and tbh I have friends who still regularly go clubbing well into their twenties, if it's their thing. And like, whatever you're doing when you're 18, you'll be able to hang out at a pub in the evening, and just have a chill night with your friends - half of us don't even drink alcohol. (I do feel minorly bad for always asking for tap water, but 🤷‍♀️. Sorry local pub for maybe spending only £20 there in the past 10 years 🙈 )

*(which I think is easier here? You only pay one ~$35 fee to apply to ALL your unis, not one-by-one, and our loans are less aggressive here too -- you don't pay them back until you're earning £25k ($30k) and they're written off after 30 years -- so it's more manageable to go? [Though don't get me wrong, it's still a damn sight harder if you're not middle-class+])

Ugh, sorry, this got long -- I don't want to diminish the importance of what you've all said because it's true. And it's been 8 years since I was a teenager, so younger folks might feel their freedom's been diminished since then. But at a time where social media was very much a thing, I had a 3/14/40 mile radius as a teen and it just doesn't ring true that we didn't get the chance to do dumb, stupid shit. 🤷‍♀️

Maybe this is the wrong platform to pose this question given the average tumblr user but

Is it just me or did our generation (those of is who are currently 20-30 ish) just not get the opportunity to be young in the 'standard' sense?

Like, everyone I talk to who's over 40 has all their wild stories about their teens and 20s, being young and dumb, and then I talk to my friends and coworkers and classmates, and we just... dont.

[9087miles]

The holiday you wouldn’t read about… after Dante’s Divine Comedy

I know it has been almost five years since we last blogged. In fact, I never even finished the series that I was writing. It’s not even that there has nothing blogworthy. It seems the pandemic just threw a crown-shaped spanner in the works of everyday life, and broke a five-year habit.

To recap:

1. We got back from France in mid-March 2020 and a couple of days later went into lockdown.

2. In the summer of 2020, we did a two day fell pony trek through the Lake District, camping overnight in a high field overlooking Lake Windermere. Also, I grew a regrettable lockdown moustache / soul patch combo.

3. Throughout 2020 and 2021 we saw a load more of the UK once we were allowed to - Cornwall, Devon, the south coast, the Midlands, more of Wales, Manchester.

4. In 2022, Tom’s sister Donna visited. We visited all of the usual sites and then Paris for the first time. Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away while we were in Paris. Donna and Tom attended the Queen’s lying in state, queued for hours and ended up sleeping at London Paddington station after missing the last train.

5. In May 2023, we woke to find that our lovely Judy had passed away after a gradual decline into senility. We were all distraught.

6. In September 2023, my parents, aunty and uncle came. We did all the usual sites and we went to Edinburgh. We stayed in an epic apartment with a view of the castle from the bedroom, then a panoramic view of the entire city from the dining room. We saw the decommissioned royal yacht, the amazing Kelpies and even visited Perth.

7. Edie never really recovered from losing Jude and, following a few bouts of illness and fits, by April this year we made the tough call to put her down.

8. In amongst losing Edie, Tom has been back forth to the USA for the installation of a sculpture he’s been project managing over the last five years.

It has been the hardest time adjusting to life without our girls… after all, they were on this 9087 mile journey too. It has given a little bit more freedom to holiday, because we don’t need to find a dog-sitter or look for dog-friendly accommodation.

Which brings us back to the present - just over ten years since this journey began. Speaking of presents, as a birthday gift in June, Tom got tickets for us to go to Il Giardino die Tarocchi, a sculpture park by the renowned French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle. It is at the bottom of Tuscany, so he also booked EasyJet tickets to the closest airport (Pisa).

It took us forever to plan out an itinerary, but it ended up quite simple:

Friday: Fly into Pisa mid-morning. See the sights and stay the night.

Saturday: Pick up a hire car and drive down to Capalbio (where the Giardino is). Drive to Siena, drop off the hire car and stay the night.

Sunday: Catch the train to Florence. Stay two nights.

Tuesday: Train back to Pisa Airport and home again.

That was the plan anyway… of course, it wouldn’t be a 9087 Miles adventure without a few hiccups. I’ve named this blog series after one of Dante Alighieri’s well-known epics, because he is a notable Tuscan export. In his Divina Commedia (The Divine Comedy), the main character travels through hell, purgatory and finally heaven. That should give a taste of what is to come, and sets up the three posts to follow; Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso.

I leave you at the end of this introduction with a quote from the first of three parts in Divina Commedia, written on the gates of Hell (Inferno):

“Abandon all hope, ye who enter here”.

[sceneloc8official]

Explore Stunning Filming Locations of Brahmastra — A Guide for Content Creators

Exploring the filming locations of the Hindi movie Brahmastra offers a unique glimpse into the breathtaking backdrops that enhance its narrative. This high-budget fantasy action-adventure film, directed by Ayan Mukerji, showcases a blend of Indian and international settings that can inspire content creators such as vloggers, photographers, and influencers to explore these picturesque locations for their projects.

Overview of Filming Locations

Brahmastra was shot in six stunning locations, four of which are international sites and two in India. These locations not only serve as a visual treat but also provide diverse environments for various content creation activities. Here’s a breakdown of each location, accessibility details and content creator ideas.

1. Varanasi, India

Scenes Shot: A significant part of Brahmastra is set in Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities. The song “Kesariya” highlights the colorful life along the Ganges River and masterfully captures the renowned ghats and tiny alleyways.

Accessibility: Road, rail, and aviation connections to Varanasi are excellent. Filming in public spaces usually does not require special authorization, but verifying local laws is always a good idea.

Content Creator Ideas:

Pre-Wedding Shoot: The romantic backdrop of the ghats offers a serene setting.

Photography Shoot: Capture the essence of spirituality and culture.

Vlogging: Document experiences along the ghats and temples.

2. Manali, India

Scenes Filmed: The lush landscapes of Manali feature prominently, showcasing its snow-capped mountains and verdant forests.

Accessibility: Manali is accessible via road and has an airport nearby (Kullu). Filming permits may be required for specific locations.

Content Creator Ideas:

Photography Shoot: Ideal for nature photography amidst stunning mountain views.

Dance Shoot: The scenic vistas provide a perfect backdrop for dance videos.

3. New York, USA

Scenes Filmed: Iconic landmarks like Central Park and Times Square were utilized to depict urban life in Brahmastra.

Accessibility: New York City is easily accessible via multiple international airports. Filming permits are necessary for commercial shoots in public spaces.

Content Creator Ideas:

Vlogging: Explore the city’s vibrant culture and attractions.

Music Videos: Use urban landscapes as dynamic backdrops.

4. London, England

Scenes Filmed: Landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye are featured prominently in the film.

Accessibility: London is well-connected by air and rail. Filming permits are needed for public locations.

Content Creator Ideas:

Photography Shoot: Capture iconic British architecture.

Film Shooting: Utilize historical sites for narrative-driven projects.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Scenes Filmed: Edinburgh’s enchanting architecture and natural beauty provide a stunning backdrop for several scenes.

Accessibility: Edinburgh is accessible via air travel and has good public transport. Permits may be required for filming at certain sites.

Content Creator Ideas:

Voxpop Places: Engage with locals about their culture.

Dance Shoot: Use historic sites as a backdrop for creative dance videos.

6. Bulgaria

Scenes Filmed: The majestic mountains of Bulgaria serve as a dramatic backdrop for key sequences in Brahmastra.

Accessibility: Bulgaria is accessible via Sofia Airport. Filming permits may be needed depending on the location.

Content Creator Ideas:

Photography Shoot: Capture the stunning landscapes.

Vlogging/Film Shooting: Document adventures through Bulgaria’s rich history and natural beauty.

Songs and Their Locations

The film features several songs that enhance its storytelling:

“Kesariya” (Varanasi): Shot along the ghats, showcasing traditional Indian culture.

Each song’s location contributes significantly to its visual appeal, making them ideal spots for content creators looking to capture similar aesthetics.

Conclusion

The filming locations of Brahmastra not only enhance its cinematic experience but serve as inspiring destinations for content creators. By exploring these sites, vloggers, photographers, and influencers can craft engaging narratives that resonate with their audiences while leveraging the visual splendor captured in this film.

Bollywood, Brahmastra, Content Creation, contentcreation, ExploreIndia, film shooting, film shooting location, FilmingLocations, FilmTourism, Location for photoshoot, music videos, photo shoot location, Photography, photography location, Scene Locate, SceneLoc8, travel, vloggers, Vlogging

Follow Our Whatsapp Channel:

@SceneLoc8 India

@SceneLoc8 Mumbai

https://sceneloc8.com/explore-stunning-filming-locations-of-brahmastra-a-guide-for-content-creators/

[ranjit004]

Top Masters Programmes in UK for International Students 

The UK has always remained a first choice among students when it comes to higher education, keeping in view the rich academic history, world-class universities, and vibrant cultural environment. Studying a master's course in the UK not only adds more worth to the academics you have already pursued but also pulls up your global career prospects. In this blog, we go through the most recent selection of some of the best master's degree programs in the UK, highly popular among international students-so you can be really informed about your next academic step.

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

These topics are one of the most famous graduate courses in the UK, where lots of students join from different parts of the world. There is a range of top-ranked business schools offering highly reputed MBA programs at London Business School, Saïd Business School-University of Oxford, and Judge Business School-University of Cambridge.

Those are niche programs in the fields of leadership, entrepreneurship, and strategic thinking which, as a matter of fact, attract graduates in the job market. Networking with industry leaders, experiencing real business challenges, and comprehensive career support mean high value with an MBA in the UK.

2. Master's in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

The world is increasingly dependent on data-driven decision-making and business outcomes for which industry and enterprise alike seek. It is due to this that subjects like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence master's programs are one of the most sought-after courses offered by schools such as Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Warwick-schools offering courses at the forefront of such highly sought-after disciplines.

It covers everything a student needs to know in machine learning, data analytics, and programming to be equipped for a working opportunity in technology companies, financial services, healthcare, and other related areas. A master's earned within the UK offers entry into highly paid and future-proof careers.

3. Master's in International Relations and Politics

With great experience in politics, the UK also enjoys great experience in international relations and diplomacy; thus, it is the best destination for studying International Relations and Politics. Courses offered at recognized institutions including the London School of Economics and Political Science, King's College London, and the University of St Andrews offer learners profound insight into global issues, international law, and political theory.

This UK Master's degree, therefore, prepares students for careers within government departments, international organizations, NGOs, and the media. However, closeness to such keys-or political hub, coupled with contact with influential guest speakers and networks, further enriches the learning experience.

4. Master's in Engineering and Technology

One of the most sought-after disciplines in which an international student can pursue a master's degree in the UK encompasses programs offered in engineering and technology. With highly reputed programs in the field-in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Robotics-some of the top universities are the University of Manchester, University of Sheffield, and University of Bristol.

These are practice-oriented programs that have a great emphasis on innovation, research, and laboratory work. A relatively good number of graduates from such programs are usually absorbed into top engineering firms, technology firms, and research houses within the UK and other parts of the world.

5. Master's in Public Health (MPH)

Other popular areas in the UK include Public Health, and the universities offer highly inclusive programs for the same, thus attracting students from each and every part of the world. The University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, and UCL have highly reputed Master's programs in Public Health with specializations in fields like epidemiology, health policy, and global health challenges.

A master's in Public Health from the UK would prepare the students to face pressing health problems, work at governmental levels, and NGO levels that help improve healthcare systems around the world.

Conclusion

From business and technology to politics and public health, the fields of study where a student can specialize while pursuing a master's in UK are endless. With prestigious universities, a range of programs on offer, and practical learning skills, the UK has the knack of ensuring that any international student is looked after with a valuable globally recognized education. Correct identification of the master's program will prove very instrumental in your career whereby you are supposed to gain all the necessary skills, networks, and credentials that are accoutrements to success on the selected career path. Whether it be to further a career in the same existing field or changing over to another, studying for a UK master's will help you do just that.

[scotianostra]

July 5th 1847 saw the final run of the Edinburgh to London mail coach.

By the mid 19th century coaches had become outdated throughout most of the country with improved rail links, the Newcastle Berwick Railway opened throughout on the 1st July 1847 which caused the demise of the coach service. The last coach carrying the London mail arrived in Glasgow on 14th February 1848. The extension of the Caledonian Railway from Beattock to Glasgow came into operation the following day.

Horses have been used to carry messages from the very early days, when post boys would deliver messages by horse. In the 18th Century horse-drawn mail coaches were introduced, which cut mail delivery times by more than half.

The coaches also carried fee paying passengers, at first four inside, later more were allowed on board but had to sit up with the driver outside, the passengers sitting inside the mail coaches had to pay considerably more than those exposed to the elements on the outside.

The average speed of the coaches was usually 7-8 mph in summer and about 5 mph in winter, but with improvements to the quality of the roads, it had risen to 10 mph by Victorian times.

The coaches were privately operated and the coachmen earned much more in tips than in wages. They were fined if caught carrying goods on their own account. The only Post Office employee aboard the mail coach was the guard. He was heavily armed, carrying two pistols and a blunderbuss. He wore an official uniform of a black hat with a gold band and a scarlet coat with blue lapels and gold braid. He also had a timepiece, regulated in London to keep pace with the differences in local time, and recorded the coach’s arrival and departure times at each stage of the journey. The guard sounded a horn to warn other road users to keep out of the way and to signal to toll-keepers to let the coach through. As the coach travelled through towns or villages where it was not due to stop, the guard would throw out the bags of letters to the Letter Receiver or Postmaster. At the same time, the guard would snatch from him the outgoing bags of mail.

Mail Coaches continued in the north of Scotland until modernised rail connections were introduced, the last one was in Kingussie and ran until the beginning of World War One The horses didn't enjoy a happy retirement though, they were requisitioned by the Army and sent to the continent during the first world war, 8 million horses were killed during the conflict.

[flexible-student-accommodation]

A Guide to Getting an MBA in the UK

The UK has stood out as a valuable source of global education for a long, and its Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses are no different. With distinguished institutions, comprehensive curriculums, and a global business perspective, the pursuit of an MBA in the UK can be a life-changing experience for budding business leaders. This guide will take you through all the essential points of getting the MBA of your dreams in the UK, starting with the program selection, and ending with the project-like academic life at the new place.

Why Choose the UK for Your MBA?

The UK provides various strong grounds for MBA aspirants from all around the globe to their studies in this country:

1. World-Wide Acknowledgment: The United Kingdom has MBA schools that are recognized internationally. The MBA Institutions are some of the best and highest-ranked globally.

2. Cultural Diversity: The UK's multicultural environment is great for connections and learning about different business cultures.

3. Shorter Duration: Most UK MBA programs can be finished in 12-18 months, whereas it usually takes two years in other countries.

4. Career Opportunities: The UK is globally linked and thereby the internships and post-study work opportunities are very good. This can be a good point to mention in a cover letter.

Choosing the Best MBA Program

Choosing an MBA program from the wide range of possibilities that the schools offer you might be a difficult task. Following are the key things that you should bear in mind:

1. Accreditation: You have to go for the programs that are sold loose [sic] and that are acknowledged by bodies like AMBA, EQUIS, or AACSB.

2. Specializations: Not only a few but most UK MBA programs insist on having specializations in areas like finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship. Select the one that matches your career goals.

3. Rankings: Although they are not the only ones, rank lists of organizations such as the Financial Times or QS are useful tools to carry out the process.

4. Location: Do you like a crowded city such as London, or the pacific atmosphere of Edinburgh or Cambridge?

5. Cost: Tuition fees for MBA programs in the UK can rise up to £90,000, whereas some education costs could be as low as £20,000. Consider the cost of living, if any.

Application Process and Requirements

The emplacement is too hard for the students since they have to pass the Mab Test and fill out the following list:

1. BSc degree from a first-class university or an equivalent with a minimum of 2:1 honors

2. GMAT or GRE scores (vary by institution)

3. English language proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, or other)

4. Work experience (usually 3-5 years, though some programs accept fresh graduates)

5. Letters of recommendation

6. Personal statement or essays

Key Statistics:

- During the year 2019/2020, the Higher Education Statistics Agency reported that there were a total of 126,955 overseas students studying in the UK pursuing master's degrees.

- Top UK programs usually have a GMAT score of between 650 and 700.

- National statistics from reputable data sources reveal that a good employment rate in schools is 90% at the most within three months of graduation.

Financing Your MBA

MBA is a great deal of money to invest. So, here are some ways how to make it feasible for you:

Scholarships are the awards that many UK universities give to their MBA students based on their merits. The student loan is the financial aid that can be availed by both the local and the international students in the UK. It becomes important to the fact that the international student can work only up to 20 hours per week during the term to their part-time job. The employee schools students who pass the MBA such as an MBA school or business school.  

Let me know my view about this.

Life as an MBA Student in the UK is the following text that you can get and read. An MBA in the UK is a tough and very worthwhile challenge. Here is what you should expect to face the moment you walk in the door:

1. A faculty that demands the students to take part in the class and the assignments that take them out of the class.

2. Classmates interaction and networking: You might find mingling with like-minded people at various social events and getting to know professional experts through visiting lecturers and dinners for alumni.

3. Career aid: Schools usually offer services of job search, curriculum lines, mock interviews, and job fairs.

4. Get good grades: Spend your leisure time visiting various sites with historical relevance and engaging in intercultural experiences in the UK.

Post-MBA Opportunities

If you go for an MBA from the UK Industry, you might be exposed to a variety of prospects like:

1. Being promoted to higher positions: Majority of MBA graduates take up the role of a manager in their fields of choice.

2. Starting your enterprise: with the startup ecosystem in the UK being very strong, there are various areas in which entrepreneurs can create new business ventures.

3. Training: High institutions in the UK are the main source of management consulting hires by the consultants.

4. Working abroad: An MBA in the UK can open a career world door to you.

85% of the respondents from the 2021 survey on The Association of MBS affirmed the value of of MBA by showing that it was helpful to 85% of them in achieving their career goals.

Challenges and Considerations

Although studying an MBA in the UK is beneficial in many ways, the difficulties that may arise as a result of it must be known:

1. High costs: Both tuition fees and living costs can be quite large.

2. Intense competition: Enrollment in the best programs is being really restricted.

3. Cultural adjustment: It might be the case that foreign students would need some time to get used to the UK education and social norms.

4. Post-study work visa: With the newly introduced two-year post-study work visa, the UK is now open to foreign students.

Accommodation: Your Home Away from Home

Choosing a good accommodation is mandatory to have a great MBA experience. There are many universities that have on-campus housing, however, private student accommodation providers like Uninist give the students the chance to find other potential places. Uninist offers modern, up-to-date student apartments in the most sought-after areas in the UK and these apartments are specifically designed to accommodate postgraduate and MBA students. Uninist is well known for some amenities such as the LEED green building certificate, internet high-speed, and networking opportunities. Consequently, Uninist Accommodation strives to be an extension of your MBA experience by providing you comfortable and study-conducive living space.

As a result, the decision to pursue an MBA in the UK is a life-changing experience that not only earns you the best education but also offers you the opportunity to create a global network and launch you to success in your career field. By investigating your options, making sure you are well prepared for the application process, and being open to the difficulties and silver linings of your journey, you are able to benefit from this changing experience to the fullest. Apart from this, providers like Uninist with the best facilities and comfortable living conditions can provide you with a peaceful space to achieve success in your job.