Where to Buy, Use and Register An A>R>T>Covid test kit?

My family members have travelled from London, England, to Singapore and Spain and France, and from Singapore to London. Each trip involved different levels of fact-finding, time, cost, Covid-checking and form filling.

Arriving in Singapore, March 2022

Apparently Singapore recognized only certain brands of kit, available locally. Not the NHS kits from the UK. My family thought.

ART stands for Antigen Rapid Testing. The key word is rapid. Quick and easy. DIY.

The Singapore hunt for kits had its moments of humour. Going online, you could see that ART test kits were stocked in many places in Singapore including the ubiquitous (meaning found everywhere) Fairprice supermarket. 

Finding an ART test kit within a huge supermarket was not so simple. You might think it would be next to toothpaste. Toothpaste is near the cashier. 

How to find an employee to ask? Large numbers of single male and female customers from nearby shops are wearing official looking uniforms. 

I asked a woman who was filling shelves, "Where do I find an ART kit?"

The third time I asked, she understood part of my question.

She replied, helpfully, "Tea?"

She told me to ask the cashier. 

Eventually, somebody rushed past towards a staff door. I manage to chase after and call her back.

She escorted me to the cashier. Because my helper was staff, she had the courage and authority to interrupt the cashier to ask for the kit. The cashier produced the kit from under her mystery boxes, as if I had asked for contraband. There were two kits at different prices. What was the difference? The price. 

I took the cheaper one. Firstly, to save money. Secondly, it is usually easier to pay extra for a dearer item than to ask for a refund exchanging an item for a cheaper one.

What The Kit Contains

The instructions are in the packet. Like hair dye, the packet has a punch out disc, which creates a hole in which you can keep the supplied cylindrical container upright. You are given a swab like an ear cleaner, a plastic bag, liquid to mix, a flat container with a guage. After you have shaken up the liquid in which you have shaken the used stick containing your nose's 'germs' or virus, you place it in the container. Then watch the colour creeping along the middle. 

The cost was about 20 dollars. Only about 5 dollars per kit, but you have to buy a box of 5. Why? At first sight it seems just a ruse to make money from customers. However, on second reflection, if you test positive, you may have to wait a few days and take another test to show that you are clear, negative, before leaving home. You might not have the energy or permission to leave home for a second test.

We were very happy to see the negative test. 

After taking the test, how do you post back the results? Back in the UK in 2021 we had had to post back the results in the supplied envelope from one of the designated postboxes which had frequent mail collections. We drove to the postbox late in the day, wearing our masks.

What if you don't have the energy to walk to the postbox? What if you are negative and not permitted to leave your home or bedroom?

Singapore March 2020

No worries. In Singapore, in March 2020, no need to post it back. You send the records to the HQ online.

It is not clear to me how they know that you used an approved test, or that you in fact took the test. They don't seem to require a reference number or a dated photo of your result. But I did not see the login taking place.

Maybe most people in Singapore are totally honest and law abiding and rule following. The weird minority who won't follow rules might not take the test at all, but their arrival and flight numbers are on the system and somebody will be chasing them to ask them for the test result.

We were very happy to see the negative test. And to be able to register the result immediately.

Useful Websites

Fairprice Supermarket Locations and Stocks and Deliveries

https://www.fairprice.com.sg/

Singapore

https://www.guardian.com.sg/brands/sd-biosensor

https://www.amazon.sg/s?k=art+test+kits

Singapore A R T Government Information

https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/covid19_test_providers/list-of-approved-art-providers-for-remote-supervised-self-swab-for-overseas-travellers-(23032022).pdf

UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kits&adgrpid

USA

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Home%20Test%20Kit

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/covid-19-art-self-test-kits-fda-warns-against-use-sd-biosensor-flowflex-

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests

NB Check for latest updates.

Christmas tree light up, Tanglin Club, Singapore

Angela in front of the tree before light up. Photo by Trevor Sharot.

The president of the Tanglin club gave a speech from half way up the grand staircase overlooking the tree and the hall. If I remember rightly, and I rarely do, he started by addressing the parents about the year of Covid-19 and it challenges, and how we had to adapt and prepare and hope the new year would bring good and better circumstances. 

All the children received a goody bag from Santa.

About the author

(About the Author of this blog, Author Angela Lansbury)

BIOGRAPHY

Angela Lansbury B A Hons ACG ALB PM5 EH5 DL5 VC5 
The Author of several books, including  Etiquette For Every Occasion. Wedding Speeches & Toasts. How to be the Best Man. Quick Quotations. Who Said What When.

Blogs travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com

dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com

translateforfun.blogspot.com

Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Club Vice President Public Relations (VPPR), Previous President

Join BHA 1st Wednesday 7pm and 3rd Saturday 2 pm Singapore time 

Vice President Public Relations (VP PR) of Tampines Changkat Advanced;

Secretary of weekly online Singapore International Dynamic Toastmasters Speakers’ Club;

Member and past president of Harrovians toastmasters club, UK; Past member of HOD Toastmasters, London. Past member in Singapore of: Toastmasters Club of Singapore (TCS); Tiarel; and Senja Cashew.

More details from Toastmasters International find a club.

Regular attendee at annual Swanwick Writers’ School, England.

Regular attendee at annual Writers’ Holiday, Wales.

Contributor to poetry readings, and after tea courses on: Speaking On Radio To Promote Books; and Plots And Character.

Winner of many club and area speaking contests in the UK and Singapore.

Language advisor to Empire Toastmasters club in Indonesia.

Language and speech workshops in Singapore.

Speaker on radio and TV in England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia.

Compiler of a school course on public speaking for teachers to prepare pupils for school open days with attending ceremonies before government ministers, Singapore.

Former member of Harrow Writers’ Circle, London, and two writing groups in Singapore.

Angela is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter. She would be delighted to link up with new friends.

I  also have a blog on comic poems.

 Please share links to your favourite posts.

Ascot and Windsor, Hats, Horses, Movies, Royals, and what you can do and see and imagine, summer and winter

The name Ascot comes from East and cottage. Nowadays it is far from a cottage, the scene of royalty and fashion. But still a place for horses. In the early days men wore top hats and you watched the race with field glasses (binoculars).

In our era, the most well known race is in June. Other races take place during the year, such as Family Day in November, and a Christmas event. However, in 2020 changes were made because of Covid-19 so check the latest on the official websites.

The racecourse is just down the road from Windsor Castle. The royals are known for being fond of horses. The royal horse-drawn carriages arrive. The royals present prizes. The royal horse-drawn carriages leave.

Royal Horse drawn Carriage

Christmas event in a previous year.

Horse statue.

The grandstand overlooks the huge race course. People picnic in the car park. Or sit under table umbrellas in the outdoor restaurant.

HM The Queen Elizabeth 2

Will and Kate. Kate in a lovely summery white hat.

If you are more interested in modern times,  Wiki reports that

• John Lennon (1940–1980) and Ringo Starr (1940–) of The Beatles, successively lived at Tittenhurst Park, Ascot.
• 
  
• Getting there
• Ascot is near Ascot railway station which is on the train line from London Waterloo to Reading.

Most years, prior to Covid-19, I would drive or take the train to Wales, passing Windsor castle.

Before, after or instead you might like to visit Windsor. Windsor is dominated by the castle. , has a railway museum with statues of the royals.

I have been there many times and walked across the bridge to Eton where in one of many old pubs we had Eton mess, which means crushed meringue and strawberries and cream. Essentially a summer dish.

If you cannot get to the racecourse, in winter you can see the Christmas lights in Windsor. 

A hotel in the USA has an Ascot trophy.

Family Holiday Reading

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.

Film (Americans say movie)

A view to a kill (1984), a James Bond film starring Roger Moore, includes a short scene at Ascot early in the film.

My Fair Lady, (1964) starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, also includes a racecourse scene.

 Useful Websites

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascot,_Berkshire

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascot_Racecourse#Royal_Ascot

About the Author, Angela Lansbury

BIOGRAPHY

Angela Lansbury B A Hons ACG ALB PM5 EH5 DL5 VC5 
The Author of several books including  Etiquette For Every Occasion. Wedding Speeches & Toasts. How to be the Best Man. Quick Quotations. Who Said What When.

Blogs travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com

dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com

translateforfun.blogspot.com

Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Club Vice President Public Relations (VPPR), Previous President

Join BHA 1st Wednesday 7pm and 3rd Saturday 2 pm Singapore time on bha.learncool.sg  

Vice President Public Relations (VP PR) of Tampines Changkat Advanced;

Secretary of weekly online Singapore International Dynamic Toastmasters Speakers’ Club;

Member and past president of Harrovians toastmasters club, UK; Past member of HOD Toastmasters, London. Past member in Singapore of: Toastmasters Club of Singapore (TCS); Tiarel; and Senja Cashew.

More details from Toastmasters International find a club.

Regular attendee at annual Swanwick Writers’ School, England.

Regular attendee at annual Writers’ Holiday, Wales.

Contributor to poetry readings, and after tea courses on: Speaking On Radio To Promote Books; and Plots And Character.

Winner of many club and area speaking contests in the UK and Singapore.

Language advisor to Empire Toastmasters club in Indonesia.

Language and speech workshops in Singapore.

Speaker on radio and TV in England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia.

Compiler of a school course on public speaking for teachers to prepare pupils for school open days with attending ceremonies before government ministers, Singapore.

Former member of Harrow Writers’ Circle, London, and two writing groups in Singapore.

Angela is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter. She would be delighted to link up with new friends.

 Please share links to your favourite posts.

Three melons and Katsu chicken + tips and tricks from The Civil Service Club & Restaurant during Covid-19

The Civil Service Club. Photo from Wikipedia.

The Civil Service club is now taking bookings for Christmas and you might have the chance to be invited to a group dinner. I have been to several Christmas dinners organized by a long-standing friend, who is a civil Servant by Profession, who I know from Harrow Writers Circle, and he took me to Toastmasters International's local club. He organized meetings for both these organizations and others. Yet again, I went to the Civil Service Club weekly meetings with a wine and dine group which meets here often, so I know it well.

We just had the pre-Xmas menu, but you may be getting some of the same this winter or next summer so here are my suggestions.

Our meal started well with hot bread and butter. That was good to keep us going - I needed the energy to climb the steep staircase up to the ladies toilet. I also did not want to get too drunk on our wine and dine club's two starter white wines. If I had drunk on an empty stomach, I would have been unsteady and nervous on the steep stairs. I vowed to go down in the lift instead to the ground floor toilets at the end of the meal which included several wines and ended with a sweet Gewurtztraminer, a spicy wine, my favourite, followed by port.

After a toast to demised Paul, who was the focus of  our memorial dinner, we were on to the meal\s starters. One diner at our table liked the prawns, thought they were flavoursome and succulent. And easy to eat. My husband prefers prawns in the shell. However, he had no complaints.

How to Eat Hard Melon

Our starters for a group meal included prawns or the trio of melons. 

Trio of melon. Photo by Angela Lansbury

 I am allergic to shellfish so I opted for the melon. A lovely trio of colours, red, yellow and green, like traffic lights. 

The red watermelon was great. The orange and green and white melon slices were so hard that you could not cut them with a knife or spoon. However, I discovered that if you pick them up in your hands, real teeth (I can't speak for dentures), are strong enough to eat a hard water melon. The orange melon was quite tasty. 

Main courses

I had chosen the chicken katsu. It's Japanese style. I like to try something new. 

It was fried breaded chicken in a curry sauce on rice. Why put a hard dry coating on chicken? Chicken should be succulent. 

The alternative was fish. Or steak and chips. The steak was rather tough. The portion of chips was generous and did for two of us. 

So far, ups and downs. Fortunately the meal ended on a high note. Dessert. 

Dessert

I chose cheesecake, which had two fresh strawberry halves on top.  It wasn't a really cheesy, baked solid cheesecake like the ones called New York style which you get in coffee shops such as Starbucks on a good day (when they have not run out already). But not a piece of blancmange nor toothpaste masquerading as a dessert and contending for disappointing dessert of the year. 

I was happy enough with my choice. However, I looked with keen, suspicious interest at the other lady's apple crumble. I asked, "Did you like your dessert?"

She didn't respond to my questions. She stared at me as if finding it difficult to commit. I feared the worst.  After I repeated the question, she admitted, "I'm hard of hearing." 

She eventually understood my vital question. I rephrased it, "Was the crumble too hard  - or too soft?" 

She said,"No - in the middle." She conceded, "It was the best part of the meal."

My husband opted for the cheese platter, which had generous pieces of solid cheese, and crackers.

Seating - in Covid Times

We were two couples on a table for four. That seemed a good arrangement during Covid-10. We sat each facing our own partners. The top table diners, like at a wedding, were all facing forward.

And now for some practicalities:

Downstairs Bar Seating and Eating

The ground floor bar area is an informal restaurant. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The interior is very pleasant, with pictures made up of postage stamps, at a distance you can see they form traditional London sights such as a telephone box, and the symbol of the underground railway system.

Toilet Tips

The Civil Service Club has two sets of toilets. The larger one is on the ground floor with several cubicles. The other is above the restaurant with two cubicles.

From the ground floor to the restaurant, you can take the tiny lift which takes two or three people crammed together, so a maximum of  two others. But rather close, but you could ride it alone.

To avoid other people, you might prefer the two cubicle ladies toilet upstairs. It is up the steep double flight of stairs from the main restaurant. (The upstairs toilets are on the same level as some of the private dining rooms).

To avoid climbing the steep stairs up to the ladies toilet, you can use the ground floor ladies, through a doorway behind the bar.

The tables are secluded, if that's what you want. But when they are arranged around the room in a U shape or three sides of a square, with the top table backs to the window. The large round pillars may prevent some of the diners from seeing or hearing speakers at the top table.

With Covid-10 still a concern for some, the organizer of the event reduced mingling by printing out place cards. He met us at the door and directed us to the correct tables. He said, "I had meant to print out a seating plan, but my printer ran out of ink at the vital moment."

Useful Websites

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_katsu

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Service_Club

https://www.civilserviceclub.org.uk/Membership/Ordinary_Member_Form/accomodation_2021_screen.aspx

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2021/10/covi19-and-restaurants-and-quarantine.html

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2021/09/food-choices-stains-and-toilets-at.html

About the Author

Please share links to your favourite posts

 

Covid-19 Research - genuine or a scam?

You Want To Help

Some of us will do anything we can to help. If we don't give money, at least we can give time. However, some of us are suspicious of anything, including anything from the government. However, they can't make sensible decisions without information.

But, even if we trust the government, and it claims to come from the government, is it really from them? How do I know it didn't just pop up, sent by hacker's computerized system, seeing me on a government website? I have been approached by various organizations asking if I would volunteer for Covid-19 research. What made me stop and think? Or stop completely?

1 You might sign up and find that if you are not permanently resident in the country organizing the results that you are not eligible. Problem solved. I won't waste my time - and they won't waste theirs.

This is perfectly reasonable. Each country puts out its own statistics and makes its own predictions. Every morning my husband who is a statistician check the statistics of Covid-19 in half a dozen countries.  Meanwhile, what am I doing? 

Personal Questions

In one case I spent half an hour on a survey. Then, at the end, they wanted to know my income, and other personal questions. Why? I can see that certain questions would help them understand whether certain people are more vulnerable, or have certain attitudes. However, most government surveys allow you to say 'prefer not to answer'. 

I suspected that the purpose of the survey was either to collect personal information, or to ask for money. So I discontinued answering.

Time

I also like to know how long a survey will take before I start. And if it is a long survey, whether I can stop and resume later. If I get a phone call or a delivery and come back and find my survey has timed out, I am not prepared to spend 30 minutes on a supposedly ten minute survey on a busy day.

Scam Search

Another solution would be to search for scams. Or to search for other sites referring disparagingly to the so-called government survey. 

Government Warnings

Also search for scams information on the government's own site. 

Bank Warnings

You know not to give away your credit card details or your password unless you have checked you are in a genuine website. If anybody wants you to do something 'urgently', it's probably a scam to prevent you checking with your family or other websites.

Who Is The sender?

If you get an email, check where it is from. Even if it claims to be from a bank or government, is it their usual font?

Many banks and government agencies have websites which include a page of warnings about scams, telling you what the government or bank will never do.

UK

From my UK GP a link:

 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/research/

But first check

https://www.ons.gov.uk/surveys/informationforhouseholdsandindividuals/protectingyoufromfraud

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/scams/coronavirus-scam-calls-and-texts

Singapore

https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/general/clarifications

USA

https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/consumer-alerts/fraud-alert-covid-19-scams/

About the author of this travel blog

Angela Lansbury is British born and bred but has also lived in the USA, Spain and Spingapore and visited countries around the worl

She is a semi-retired teacher of English language and literature and a member of Toastmasters International and five clubs, Harrovians in the UK, three in Singapore (BHA and TCA and Senja-Cashew), a club coach for Nee Soon South, and a member of online only club, Singapore Online Dynamic. To find a club go to Toastmasters International Find a club or look on Facebook. BHA meets the first Wednesday evening each month, login 6.45 for 7 pm start Singapore time (SGT), which is noon in London UK, during British summer time, until clocks go back the last Sunday in October when the UK reverts to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

A Museum of Inventions and Inventors, National Inventors Hall of Fame, in Virginia, USA near Washington DC

 I discovered this wonderful museum in a roundabout way. I found a shoe website which mentioned Rip-tape, and looked up the story of the invention of Velcro. The Wikiedia references led me to the Museum in the USA.

Some time back, I had a book on inventions such as the zip and the toaster. I visited a school in Singapore and found that panels on the corridor walls featured the history of popular inventions.

At Toastmasters International clubs (I belong to five clubs now since Covid-19 meeting online) we often cite Edison, who invented the light bulb - after as many as a thousand attempts to create a momentary spark and make a permanent light bulb. He is widely quoted as saying variations on: I didn't make a thousand mistakes. I discovered a thousand ways not to do it.

I looked at the website of the museum in the USA. I read about the 2022 recipients of awards, the people who had found solutions to health problems affecting many. Cataract and Covid-19. Then I checked on the article on women. Finally, for black history month, the man who invented the breadcrumb making machine.

Useful Websites

USA

Washington DC/Virginia

https://www.invent.org/museum

UK

Science Museum, London

https://shop.sciencemuseum.org.uk/products/science-museum-brilliant-book-of-inventions

About the Author

Angela Lansbury, is a semi-retired travel writer still researching bucket list countries and seeking out the special, unusual, people, places,  landmarks, hotels, museums and trails, fabulous foods, recipes, clothes and online souvenir shopping.

Angela Lansbury is a member of Toastmasters International.

About the Author Angela Lansbury

The Author - Quick Quotations

Angela Lansbury B A Hons  is the author of ten books by regular publishers plus another ten self-published books. 

About Angela The Speaker & Trainer

Angela Lansbury is a teacher of English and other languages to Toastmasters clubs and businesses.

Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Vice President  Public Relations, Immediate Past President. VPPR

Former Area Director S3. Club Coach for Nee Soon South Toastmasters Club.

Also Member of: TCA Toastmasters Club; Singapore Online Dynamic; Harrovians UK

BHA

Past meetings have included Garen Tee on using story telling in business, on 

bha.learncool.sg/meet/bha . 

Recent meetings of BHA included an educational session on using Powerpoint for posters.

Next BHA meetings, always first Wednesday evening, 7 pm Singapore time. Next meeting is  the third Saturday afternoon, June 19th 2pm Singapore time.  Inauguration of the new committee was by the incoming Director of S, plus a lively speech on teamwork.

Next meetings will be on these dates (unless a national holiday in Singapore or worldwide)

Themes and word of the day are tentative

2021

JULY - JUBILANT JULY

Theme/WOD Jubilant

WORKSHOPS & EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS (based on level one of Pathways)

1 Your first speech or role EASY ENGLISH LANGUAGE (Articles A and The, Plurals, Tenses, Pronunciation, Singlish)

2 CHOOSE YOUR PATH

Wed July 7th 

Saturday 17th

July 4rh American Independence Day.

2021 AUGUST - AWESOME AUGUST

1 Pathway Level 1 Introductory Speeches

2 Evaluations

Wed 4th

Sat 21

2021 SEPT - SUPER SEPTEMBER

Wed 1st

Sat 18th SPEECH CONTESTS

Humorous Speech Contest

Table Topics Contest

2021 OCT - ODD OCTOBER

Wed 6th

Sat 16th

2021 NOV - NOVELTY NOVEMBER

Wed 3rd

Sat 20th Wed

Diwali Hindu Festival of lights Nov 4th.

Nov 25th American Thanksgiving.

Hanukah starts 28 Dec 8 days until Dec 6. Jewish Festival of lights, celebrated by Jesus.

2021 DEC - DARLING DECEMBER

Wed  1st (Hanukah if not previous month. Festival foods.)

Sat 18th

Speech on 

JAN 2022 - JOYFUL JANUARY

Wed Jan 5th New beginning - forget the past

Sat 15 Long-term plans = for the future/Chinese New Year (CNY for short)

2022 FEB FUN FEBRUARY

Theme Love and romance - Chinese New Year

Feb 1st and 2nd are holidays - do we move this Feb 2nd meeting date?)

Wed 2nd (Valentine's Day Mon Feb 14)

Sat 19th

2022 MAR - MARVELLOUS MARCH

Theme

Wed 2nd

Sat 19

March 1st is Christian Pancake day. 

2022 APR - APRIL'S AIMS

Wed 6th

Sat 16th

Muslim Ramadan 1-30 April.

Jewish Passover (Seder meal=Last supper) April

 16

2022 MAY - MODERNISING MAY

Wed 4th

Sat 21

2022 JUN - JUBILANT JUNE

Wed 1st

Sat 18th

Jul 6, Jul 16, Aug 3, Aug 20, Sept 7, Sept 17, Oct 5, Oct 15, Nov 2, Nov 19, Dec 7, Dec 17.

Angela The Blogger 

Angela has several blogs speeches, comedy and song writing and organizing, writing intermittently, but writes almost daily on these three:

travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com

dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com

translateforfun.blogspot.com

See many varied posts such as the post on sculptor Tom Harvey.

Please share links to your favourite posts. 

Conversations about Cancer and Covid-19 and Techniques of Persuasion

Over lunch we discussed why some countries had lower death rates and had more people obeying advice to get vaccinated. What were the essentials of the conversation? Cautionary tales about cancer and Covid-19. One relative who died from cancer was a heavy smoker. No surprise nor new lesson there.

Another couple, I heard about, the wife was religious and an anti-vaxxer and refused to take the vaccine.  Her husband who was very active in the community had cautiously taken the first dose of the vaccine - without telling her. 

Why did he not try to persuade her?

Some people cannot be persuaded.

Persuasion Technique

How can you convince somebody to take the vaccine, without alienating them from the concept and from you as the advocate? Following the Toastmasters- taught system, used in sales, and persuasion, you find two things they would agree with and get them to verbally agree. Then you relate your proposal to one or both of the concepts which they agree with. 

The Word Of God and Sacrifice

For example, they agree that you follow the rules set down by God. You remember how Abraham was going to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to obey God, but God told him not to sacrifice his son. You agree to follow any revelation from God to his VIP followers such as forefathers, priests or rabbis. If God told your priest or rabbi or spouse not to sacrifice your child to Covid-19, you would do so, wouldn't you?

Homeopathy

Another example, a man or woman agrees with homeopathy, and plant-based food and cures, but won't take the vaccine, nor cancer treatment. Let us take the case of cancer.But some cancer treatments such as the one my husband took and cured lymphoma (in remission over 5 years)  are gathered from Madagascar, a plant called vincristine. 'Vincristine (oncovin) – derived from the Madagascar periwinkle Catharanthus roseus.' 

Now let's try to use the same method with homeopathy. Vaccines operate like homeopathic medicines; vaccines take a small amount of what makes people ill and doctors give it to you so that you develop antibodies.

Useful Websites

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:COVID-19_pandemic_data

How the Hayes Conference Centre Coped With Covid-19

 

Sign on the bedroom desk

We were amazed and delighted to be back at the Hayes conference centre which coped so well and made us feel welcome. Sanitizers for hands were either side of the door, foot-operated. With numbers down from the high of about 400 in one or two previous years to 200 the rooms were spacious and it was easier to sit one seat away from anybody else when you chose to do so. 

Masks

The Hayes had a supply of disposable blue masks. However, most people had masks of fabric. One of two people had special matching masks. I admired the orange satin mask matching the orange outfit. The sequined mask matching the sequined tote bag. The red tartan mask matching the red tartan shirt (from Amazon).

Gloves

Some of the catering and cleaning staff were wearing masks. Others were not.

The bedroom doors were sealed with a sign saying they had been sanitized.

I like the sign on the bedroom desk: Hello and Welcome. It's great to see you.

Downstairs in the crossroad corridor by the bar was a wonderful huge sign saying Hello we've missed you. What great marketing.

At morning and afternoon tea instead of the home made cakes we had wrapped cakes and biscuits. I was partial to the local bakewell tart. Mrs Crimble's Bakewell slice.  Other choices were muffins with blueberry or chocolate chip. 

At lunch and dinner time we had a buffet on some days for both lunch and dinner. At other times we had a choice of sandwiches, wraps, baguettes, and plain salads. I saw a friend who was on a gluten free diet had a baked potato so I asked for the same and got it. I rejected the offered ham as being processed meat and was very happy to have grated cheese.

I can't speak to highly of the staff at the Hayes. They were so friendly and helpful. If you are arranging a conference, lovely place. Rooms of all sizes. Bedrooms. Meeting rooms. For quiet, choose the main house. For conviviality, or overlooking your car, Maybe Lakeside. But I understood from our AGM held on the last afternoon that we have the writers conference booked up to five years in advance, with a deposit paid and have to take and pay for the number of rooms the organizers book. This year, because of the uncertainty, anxiety and restrictions on travel from overseas, the numbers attending our conference were down from about 400 to about 200. A delicate guessing game and calculation. 

In previous years, I am going back twenty years now to the earliest days, the place was like a school. The motto seemed to be, find out what people are doing and stop them. If you took a piece of fruit and hadn't ordered a vegetarian meal, there were announcements about how annoyed other guests were at non vegetarians who had unfairly taken fruit.

However, nowadays there were copious supplies of fruit. If you were early you might get a banana. If you got to the fruit bowl late you might get an apple or orange instead. If you were late you might get a chocolatine instead of a croissant. But if you asked for something  they would immediately go and look. Once I saw that a vegan had asked for a baked potato instead of the lunchtime ham and cheese sandwiches. So I asked for a baked potato. I got baked potatoes twice. The third time they were very apologetic that there were no potatoes because of the village wide power cut. But they apologized to me, instead of making me feel I had been unreasonable. So I felt good all week.

Sweet Surprises

My last discovery in the dining room was on the last day. No croissants. Staff immediately run to find me a croissant. 

They had cleared away breakfast. I looked at two plastic bottles which I had previously ignored. One was honey. Just the thing to go on toast.And they made brown bread toast for me. No shrug that they'd cleared away, too late, all gone.   Later, another of my friends said she had put honey in her tea. 

The second bottle was maple syrup, which we used to have at home on our porridge. So if I get back to the Hayes and they still have the maple syrup, next time I shall take the porridge and add maple syrup.

There is always something unhealthy, or over healthy, which you don't want. But there's always so much that you are bound to get something you like if you are willing to ask and look on the bright side. 

Cash or Card?

At the end of the week at the Writers' Holiday, a collection is made of or the staff. Remember to take some cash. In case the bar or the shop are taking cash for small sums. This year the bar was taking cards and the shop was supposedly taking cash. In the writers holiday area, the main book area was taking cards. They wanted your bank transfer number if you wanted to be paid for sold books by bank transfer. But the second hand book table had a box for cash donations. I bought notebooks in both the Hayes shop and the Writers' Conference shop. If you make sure you have cash left over for the staff tips, or a charity collection, depending on your type of conference, then you can be as generous as you like, then you won't risk feeling, I wish I had given a little more. 

Subtle socially distanced seating.

Useful Websites

https://www.cct.org.uk/the-hayes/the-hayes-conference-centre

https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/

mrscrimbles.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Biscuits-Mrs-Crimbles-Crackers

Where to try and make Noah's Pudding - An Old New Fruit Porridge Dessert Dish From Turkey

 

 When I visited Sofra Turkish restaurant in Singapore in July 2012 I was momentarily disappointed to see that Noah's pudding, one of many intriguing dishes on their extensive menu, was not available. I had known about Noah's pudding for a long time. I came across it when writing a post on the various places in the world where you could see reproductions of Noah's Ark, buy Noah's Ark toys, and see mountain tops where the ark was claimed to have landed.

After we returned home from the restaurant, I discussed the recipe with the family. I looked up recipes online for one we could make at home, supervised by my husband, who is the cook in our family and made comments on the ingredients. 

Noah's pudding is essentially an elaboration on fruit salad. You could copy it Noah style by making from leftovers. 

We compared several recipes. The fruits vary. They seem to float on top of a liquid, which is thickened with additions such as beans, barley or chickpeas. 

Beans, barley or chickpeas! That sounds like a savoury dish. Is it a savoury dish? 

No. The addition of rose water makes it a dessert. However, it is different to and superior your usual fruit salad as an after dinner dessert or breakfast.

We devised a recover from cancer diet with breakfast starting with fruits and nuts in yogurt and milk with the bulky sustaining cereal of porridge , or muesli made from soaked oats. When in a hurry to travel we occasionally add a naughty, hasty half a Weetabix (which spoils our virtuous supposedly all natural breakfast by being factory made and adding a fearsome list of ingredients.

the fruit already contained a sugar called fructose, fruit sugar. We try not to add any more. Anything from a packet is scanned by our suspicious eyes. We check for our taboo, sugar. (I had to cut out sugar in fruit salad for five years, cooking for my widowed late father had late onset diabetes.

More recently, all this year and most of last year, I have been on a diet to lose weight because I was overweight at the start of 2020. being overweight is a vulnerability factor in Covid-19 times. I can't change my age, but I can change and check my diet.

Rose water? Rose water syrup?  We cannot be over-generous with the rose water. Nonetheless, we plan to make a version of home made Noah's pudding soon and will show you the photos.

We visited Sofra before the recent shut down of indoor dining in Singapore. Maybe one day we will go back to Sofra to try their Noah's pudding.

Noah's pudding from the Bible, has reached Christians and Muslims as a festival dish and one to be shared with neighbours of all religions and none.

Turkish Muslims make it in the tenth month. Christian Armenians make it for Christmas or New Year. If you cannot find a recipe you like under the words Noah's pudding, keep searching under the words Ashura meaning tenth, or Asure from the Persian for mixing.

It is also served by Greeks at funerals and as a pre-Lent dish like the UK's pancake day.

The mixture can be thickened so that it sets. Using cornstarch or another starch.

You start by boiling up the grains the night before, or at least 6 hours ahead.

You can add flavourings such as cinnamon. Or ginger.

After the mixture has been boiled up, and left to set for a while, you add the topping. A favourite topping is the red pomegranate seeds which counteract any sugariness. The red of the pomegrante seeds can contrast with the green of chopped pistaccios which makes a nice stripe in an individual portion in a small bowl if you are making lots of individual pots. This is visually appealing.  However, I prefer to have the toppings all mixed up for the flavouring.

Useful Websites

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashure

http://balkon3.com/en/the-istanbullu-greek-asure-an-example-of-cultural-exchange/

https://deliveroo.com.sg/

https://ozlemsturkishtable.com/2010/12/asure-noahs-dessert/

You tube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZDYVUfqvFs

About the Author 

Physical versus Online meetings?

Angela is wearing a red hat, fourth from the left, top row. Online meeting.

Physical 

University lecturers like physical meetings. They can read from their notes. They need notes because the scientific or social subjects explained are often technical and detailed. A lecture often lasts an hour, which means a lot of facts to remember.

 In contests we stand up. But we need to be online for TV, YouTube, movies, and speaking to overseas clients.

One member of Singapore Online Dynamic said she joined the online club specifically because it was online. She spent less time commuting.

Since Covid-19 I have been increasingly keen on online meetings, and increasingly keen to forego physical meetings when I have an alternative.

About the Author

Angela Lansbury, is a semi-retired travel writer still researching bucket list countries and seeking out the special, unusual, people, places,  landmarks, hotels, museums and trails, fabulous foods, recipes, clothes and online souvenir shopping.

Angela Lansbury is a member of Toastmasters International.

About the Author Angela Lansbury

The Author - Quick Quotations

Angela Lansbury B A Hons  is the author of ten books by regular publishers, plus another ten self-published books. 

About Angela The Speaker & Trainer

Angela Lansbury is a teacher of English and other languages to Toastmasters clubs and businesses.

Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Vice President, Public Relations, Immediate Past President. VPPR

Former Area Director S3. Club Coach for Nee Soon South Toastmasters Club.

Also Member of: TCA Toastmasters Club; Singapore Online Dynamic; Harrovians UK

BHA

Past meetings have included Garen Tee on using story-telling in business, on 

bha.learncool.sg/meet/bha . 

Recent meetings of BHA included an educational session on using Powerpoint for posters.

Next BHA meetings, always first Wednesday evening, 7 pm Singapore time. Next meeting is  the third Saturday afternoon, June 19th 2pm Singapore time.  Inauguration of the new committee was by the incoming Director of S, plus a lively speech on teamwork.

Next meetings will be on these dates (unless a national holiday in Singapore or worldwide)

Themes and word of the day are tentative

2021

JULY - JUBILANT JULY

Theme/WOD Jubilant

WORKSHOPS & EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS (based on level one of Pathways)

1 Your first speech or role EASY ENGLISH LANGUAGE (Articles A and The, Plurals, Tenses, Pronunciation, Singlish)

2 CHOOSE YOUR PATH

Wed July 7th What Your Committee Can Do For You

Saturday 17th

July 4th American Independence Day.

2021 AUGUST - AWESOME AUGUST

1 Pathway Level 1 Introductory Speeches

2 Evaluations

Wed 4th

Sat 21

2021 SEPT - SUPER SEPTEMBER

Wed 1st

Sat 18th SPEECH CONTESTS

Humorous Speech Contest

Table Topics Contest

2021 OCT - ODD OCTOBER

Wed 6th

Sat 16th

2021 NOV - NOVELTY NOVEMBER

Wed 3rd

Sat 20th Wed

Diwali Hindu Festival of lights Nov 4th.

Nov 25th American Thanksgiving.

Hanukah starts 28 Dec 8 days until Dec 6. Jewish Festival of lights, celebrated by Jesus.

2021 DEC - DARLING DECEMBER

Wed  1st (Hanukah if not previous month. Festival foods.)

Sat 18th

Speech on 

JAN 2022 - JOYFUL JANUARY

Wed Jan 5th New beginning - forget the past

Sat 15 Long-term plans = for the future/Chinese New Year (CNY for short)

2022 FEB FUN FEBRUARY

Theme Love and romance - Chinese New Year

Feb 1st and 2nd are holidays - do we move this Feb 2nd meeting date?)

Wed 2nd (Valentine's Day Mon Feb 14)

Sat 19th

2022 MAR - MARVELLOUS MARCH

Theme

Wed 2nd

Sat 19

March 1st is Christian Pancake day. 

2022 APR - APRIL'S AIMS

Wed 6th

Sat 16th

Muslim Ramadan 1-30 April.

Jewish Passover (Seder meal=Last supper) April

 16

2022 MAY - MODERNISING MAY

Wed 4th

Sat 21

2022 JUN - JUBILANT JUNE

Wed 1st

Sat 18th

Jul 6, Jul 16, Aug 3, Aug 20, Sept 7, Sept 17, Oct 5, Oct 15, Nov 2, Nov 19, Dec 7, Dec 17.

Angela The Blogger 

Angela has several blogs speeches, comedy and song writing and organizing, writing intermittently, but writes almost daily on these three:

travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com

dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com

translateforfun.blogspot.com

See many varied posts such as the post on sculptor Tom Harvey.

Please share links to your favourite posts. 

TCA (A for Advanced club) is another advanced speakers' club which meets both online for visitors from worldwide and physically for walks, meals and socials in the Tampines area. Meetings are in the TC Community Club when Covid-19 regulations in Singapore allow it, but meanwhile come along to meetings online.

TCA meetings are on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month at 7 p.m Zoom room open to check your sound and online appearance and chit-chat, ready for a 7.15 pm start. I usually manage to attend meetings whether I am in Singapore or the UK.

Another club, totally online, is Singapore Online Dynamic, meeting 9 pm Singapore time on Fridays. I am a member of this club.

I am also a member of Senja-Cashew. When it meets physically it is in a convenient large complex containing a swimming pool beside a landmark lake next to a shopping complex. Right now it is online.

Once you join a club, your club's president will give you the opportunity to be informed of Toastmasters club meetings worldwide, especially those which have interesting workshops.cAbout the Author

Angela Lansbury, is a semi-retired travel writer still researching bucket list countries and seeking out the special, unusual, people, places,  landmarks, hotels, museums and trails, fabulous foods, recipes, clothes and online souvenir shopping.

Angela Lansbury is a member of Toastmasters International.

About the Author Angela Lansbury

The Author - Quick Quotations

Angela Lansbury B A Hons  is the author of ten books by regular publishers, plus another ten self-published books. 

About Angela The Speaker & Trainer

Angela Lansbury is a teacher of English and other languages to Toastmasters clubs and businesses.

Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Vice President,  Public Relations, Immediate Past President. VPPR

Former Area Director S3. Club Coach for Nee Soon South Toastmasters Club.

Also Member of: TCA Toastmasters Club; Singapore Online Dynamic; Harrovians UK

BHA

Past meetings have included Garen Tee on using story-telling in business, on 

bha.learncool.sg/meet/bha . 

Recent meetings of BHA included an educational session on using Powerpoint for posters.

Next BHA meetings, always first Wednesday evening, 7 pm Singapore time. Next meeting is  the third Saturday afternoon, June 19th 2pm Singapore time.  Inauguration of the new committee was by the incoming Director of S, plus a lively speech on teamwork.

Next meetings will be on these dates (unless a national holiday in Singapore or worldwide)

Themes and word of the day are tentative

2021

JULY - JUBILANT JULY

Theme/WOD Jubilant

WORKSHOPS & EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS (based on level one of Pathways)

1 Your first speech or role EASY ENGLISH LANGUAGE (Articles A and The, Plurals, Tenses, Pronunciation, Singlish)

2 CHOOSE YOUR PATH

Wed July 7th What Your Committee Can Do For You

Saturday 17th

July 4th American Independence Day.

2021 AUGUST - AWESOME AUGUST

1 Pathway Level 1 Introductory Speeches

2 Evaluations

Wed 4th

Sat 21

2021 SEPT - SUPER SEPTEMBER

Wed 1st

Sat 18th SPEECH CONTESTS

Humorous Speech Contest

Table Topics Contest

2021 OCT - ODD OCTOBER

Wed 6th

Sat 16th

2021 NOV - NOVELTY NOVEMBER

Wed 3rd

Sat 20th Wed

Diwali Hindu Festival of lights Nov 4th.

Nov 25th American Thanksgiving.

Hanukah starts 28 Dec 8 days until Dec 6. Jewish Festival of lights, celebrated by Jesus.

2021 DEC - DARLING DECEMBER

Wed  1st (Hanukah if not previous month. Festival foods.)

Sat 18th

Speech on 

JAN 2022 - JOYFUL JANUARY

Wed Jan 5th New beginning - forget the past

Sat 15 Long-term plans = for the future/Chinese New Year (CNY for short)

2022 FEB FUN FEBRUARY

Theme Love and romance - Chinese New Year

Feb 1st and 2nd are holidays - do we move this Feb 2nd meeting date?)

Wed 2nd (Valentine's Day Mon Feb 14)

Sat 19th

2022 MAR - MARVELLOUS MARCH

Theme

Wed 2nd

Sat 19

March 1st is Christian Pancake day. 

2022 APR - APRIL'S AIMS

Wed 6th

Sat 16th

Muslim Ramadan 1-30 April.

Jewish Passover (Seder meal=Last supper) April

 16

2022 MAY - MODERNISING MAY

Wed 4th

Sat 21

2022 JUN - JUBILANT JUNE

Wed 1st

Sat 18th

Jul 6, Jul 16, Aug 3, Aug 20, Sept 7, Sept 17, Oct 5, Oct 15, Nov 2, Nov 19, Dec 7, Dec 17.

Angela The Blogger 

Angela has several blogs speeches, comedy and song writing and organizing, writing intermittently, but writes almost daily on these three:

travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com

dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com

translateforfun.blogspot.com

See many varied posts such as the post on sculptor Tom Harvey.

Please share links to your favourite posts. 

You also get access to the online magazine. And the club will appoint a mentor to guide you through your first three speeches and plan your year so you can complete a Pathway suited to your personal interests. I chose the basic Presentation mastery path to start. Next I did the Engaging Humor path. Now I am onto the leadership paths such as Visionary Communication.

I am also a coach for Nee Soon South.

All the clubs worldwide have just handed over to the new team from July 1st, all full of enthusiasm, seeking new members, sometimes with a space for a committee member if you are job-hunting, or climbing the corporate ladder, just the thing to add to your c.v.

Toastmasters has made links with the Rotary club organization. So if you are interested in Rotary clubs, you might investigate both.