January Embers

The month is almost over – has January 2021 gone the way that you thought it would? Even with the vaccine getting spread to some sections of the population, we are still a very, long, long way away from coming out of the pandemic. Some areas still have lockdowns or strict restrictions and that has kind of been the way of life for a few months now.

I think I have settled into the new normal pretty well. But anyway, we are talking about January. For all the talk of people saying that they can’t wait for 2020 to end and see the end of that year and welcome 2021, things haven’t changed. For all the talk of the vaccine, we are still a long ways before the entire world is vaccinated. Remember for things to go back to normal, everyone would have to be protected from the virus. It’s not enough if just a few million get vaccinated. It won’t make the difference that we are looking for.

And is it just me or did January take it’s time? It felt like it has been a very long, long month. I can’t believe that it’s only the 31st of January. But at times I also think that the holidays have gone by quickly and it shouldn’t be the end of January as well. It’s been weird that way.

Got A Star Trek Tattoo

I first got a tattoo back in 2015 (August 14 to be exact). While I was in Chennai, sent there from the office, and shopping on a Friday I spotted the store owner had a couple of big tattoos. I casually asked him where he got his, how much they were and if there were any tattoo parlours in the mall or nearby. When he gave me directions to the same one where he got his, very near the next stop I was headed too, which was a pub, I just had to get a tattoo done. Just like that, on the spur of the moment from me asking some guy I just met about his tattoos and asking for recommendations to me getting my first tattoo done at the ripe old age of 39.

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Today, after a bit more planning for the past few days, I decided to contact a few tattoo parlous and check out their Instagram pages. I selected one which is not too far from me. I arranged for my appointment (as they are only doing it this way since Covid) at 12 pm today and I left by 11:30 am. I reached 10 minutes early but it took me 4 minutes to locate the building. I walked the steps to the first floor and rang the bell. I met the two artists who run the place and showed them the design I had finalized on. They took a print out and then a stencil of it which was stuck onto my hand.

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I sat in a nice chair, relaxed (as much as you can when that needle is hitting you) as the artist (on seeing my ACDC inspired mask) and asked me what other bands I listened to. On hearing my tastes, he changed the music from the New Age stuff to more classic rock. I chilled to Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Guns n Roses,Ozzy Osbourne etc and we talked music and tattoos as he did the work on me. It does hurt but I can take it. I wasn’t expecting it to take almost 2 hours to finish. By the time he was done, I was close to wanting a break. I needed a cold drink.

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I didn’t get on at that time though. I went to a grocery store and bought some supplies, then to an ATM to take out some cash and later on also buy some medicines. I then came home and wasn’t in the mood to eat a full lunch as it was almost 3pm, so I ate a meat samosa and am egg puff with a Coke and then logged in to my work computer as they needed me to check on some data. I was checking on it till about 5pm and then messaged the details. I was ready for some coffee and music blasting on my laptop, so I shut down my work pc and chilled till just about now.

I’ve got grilled chicken alfahm coming my way and I am drinking a beer. Things are good.

Jokes About The English

Mrs Cameron, a primary teacher, was teaching her class about the difference between right and wrong. “All right children, let’s take an example,” Mrs Cameron said. “If I were to get into a man’s pocket and take his wallet with all his money, what would I be?” Little Tony raises his hand, and with a confident smile says, “You’d be his wife.”


  • Britain has invented a new missile. It’s called the civil servant – it doesn’t work and it can’t be fired.
  • What do you call an Englishman with an IQ of 50?  Colonel, sir.
  • They say an Englishman laughs three times at a joke. The first time when everybody gets it, the second a week later when he thinks he gets it, the third time a month later when somebody explains it to him.
  • An Englishman went into a hardware store and asked to buy a sink.’Would you like one with a plug?’ asked the assistant. ‘Don’t tell me they’ve gone electric,’ said the Englishman.

At an antiques auction in Leeds, England a wealthy American announced that he had lost his wallet containing £5,000, and he would give a reward of £50 to the person who found it.  From the back of the hall a Yorkshire voice shouted, “I’ll give £100!”


Roland, an Englishman went to Spain on a fishing trip. While there, Roland hired a Spanish guide to help him find the best fishing spots. Since Roland was learning Spanish, he asked the guide to speak to him in Spanish and to correct any mistakes of usage. Together they were hiking on a mountain trail when a very large, purple and blue fly crossed their path. The Englishmen pointed at the insect with his fishing rod, and announced, ‘Mira el mosca.’ The guide, sensing a teaching opportunity to teach Roland, replied, ‘No, senor, “la mosca”… es feminina.’ Roland looked at him in amazement, then back at the fly, and then said, ‘Good heavens….. you must have incredibly good eyesight.’

Coffee Is Life

How many of you are coffee drinkers? I first started drinking coffee at around the age of 13. Once I stopped drinking milk – flavoured or otherwise – for breakfast I started drinking tea. Being in India, tea is a big thing but in the South we tend to drink a lot of coffee as well. Then ofcourse once the coffeeshop boom hit us, I think coffee drinking has a big boost in consumption numbers.

So like I said I started drinking tea at around 8 or 9 years old but I drank so little of it. I tend to not like tea with milk; the taste is off putting. Once I started drinking coffee, not only did I like the taste but I also liked the energy it gives me. Since that time – I am now 44 – I am kinda addicted to it. I need a big cup to just wake up in the morning and another cup a little later on. In the evening I want one more cup atleast and 2 unless I am drinking some juice or a Coke/Pepsi/7up or maybe a beer.

As I make my 3rd cup of coffee while still drafting this, I wish I had a nice big top of the line coffee machine that can make cappuccinos, lattes & espressos. Proper machine. And what about the frappes? I wish I could make them at home. Where is a food replicator when you need one eh?

Creamy VS Crunchy Peanut Butter

Creamy vs Crunchy

Creamy PB is as smooth as a baby’s bottom and is the shade of warm Hawaiian sand. Crunchy PB, on the other hand, is a bumpy brown mess. It doesn’t come out of the jar on a spoon in the perfect, round mound in which creamy PB does. Instead, it’s a gross runny and lumpy blob. Smooth peanut butter is creamy, which means it spreads easier on bread, and it mixes better into desserts and smoothies. Smooth peanut butter also lends itself to being licked from a spoon.

The most noticeable difference between the two peanut butters is that crunchy peanut butter generally contains about a full gram more of fiber than its creamy counterpart. Fiber is super important in regulating your digestive system, and it is a super good for you nutrient that helps you feel full for longer periods throughout the day, which prevents overeating and generally quells the desire to binge on unhealthy processed foods. Crunchy peanut butter also contains less saturated fat, which is the less healthy fat that your body can take.

Creamy peanut butter has a touch more protein, but crunchy PB has more folate and fiber, a nutrient that helps maintain bowel health. At the end of the day, though, their nutrient profiles are pretty darn close. Unless you’re strictly watching your saturated fat intake (there’s more of the nutrient in creamy peanut butter) there’s no reason you shouldn’t just choose the spread you enjoy the most.

Ødegaard Joins Arsenal On Loan

Norwegian international Martin Odegaard is joining us from Real Madrid on loan for the remainder of the season. The attacking midfielder started his career in Norway with Stromsgodset, where he made his debut as a 15-year-old in April 2014, becoming the youngest-ever player to feature in the top division. After featuring regularly in the Stromsgodset team in his first season, Odegaard was signed by Real Madrid in January 2015 and subsequently became their youngest player in May 2015.

In the three seasons from 2017/18, Martin spent loan spells with Heerenveen and Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands and then last season back in Spain with Real Sociedad, where he helped the club reach the final of the Copa Del Rey and also qualify for the Europa League.

The 22-year-old has also made 25 appearances for Norway, making his debut in August 2014 when he became the youngest debutant for his country’s senior national team at the age of just 15 years and 253 days making his international debut against the United Arab Emirates. On 13 October 2014, he became the youngest player to feature in a qualifying match for the UEFA European Championship. Martin will wear the number 11 shirt.

Ødegaard is the son of former footballer Hans Erik Ødegaard, who played as a midfielder for Strømsgodset and Sandefjord Fotball and was assistant manager of Mjøndalen IF from 2009 to 2015.

A Detailed Guide to Live Porn Cams

Have you ever participated in a live porn webcam show? Cam sites have increased in popularity owing to the interaction between models and viewers. No other form of pornography allows individuals to interact with the performers they see on the screen either in a public or private chatroom. There is an abundance of cam sites online, imposing different content requirements and rules to everyone using the platform.

The guide below will introduce you to live porn cams.

What are cam sites?
Webcam websites feature cam models streaming various types of sexual content in order to attract the attention of viewers. For instance, some performers masturbate in front of the camera, while others focus on dirty talk. Some models take part in foreplay or sexual intercourse, hosting public or private steams. Make sure you go here to check out some hot foreplay ideas.

Furthermore, certain performers only show their intimate body parts to viewers, whereas others engage in sexual activities with other webcam models. The content streamed by performers is determined by their preferences, as well as the restrictions imposed by the live porn site.

The majority of such websites provide viewers with a chat feature, allowing them to communicate with the models by texting them. Users give suggestions to performers in their texts, requesting them to perform certain actions during the show. The models are those who decide whether to fulfill their requirements or simply ignore them.

How do these sites work?
The purpose of cam websites is for performers to establish a relationship with their fans. Naturally, webcam models engage in such shows to earn finances. The largest number of sites enable performers to host their own chatrooms free of charge. Nevertheless, hosting a free chatroom isn’t exactly profitable for webcam models, as they get paid only by getting tips.

By using a tipping system, live porn cam sites provide payment to performers based on their tips from viewers. The longer viewers enjoy these sessions, the higher the likelihood for models to earn tips in the form of tokens and credits. These virtual payments are later converted into money and given to performers. Visit this link, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Token_coin, to learn about the types and uses of token coins.

The most lucrative opportunity for performers is participating in private shows, referring to the sessions where viewers and models leave public streaming to engage in a private session. In the course of these shows, the model adheres to the instructions of the viewer while getting paid for each minute of the performance. Nevertheless, the webcam model doesn’t take all the money to herself/himself but shares it with the live porn site.

Additionally, some websites offer two-way private sessions where users show themselves on camera as well. Also, webcam models host group private shows with a limited number of viewers. Unlike free chatrooms, these sessions aren’t open for everyone to join.

Furthermore, performers differ in their earnings. Their payments depend on the number of fans, their popularity, and the reputation of the website.

Are these sites legal?
Live porn sites are legal for performers and users over the age of eighteen. There are numerous opportunities for viewers to watch porn free of charge by enjoying 24/7 live porn shows. Anyhow, most of these platforms restrict explicit content that goes against their regulations. These websites impose chatroom etiquette in order for users not to harass the performers.

In addition, chatroom participants are required to adhere to the etiquette by respecting the rules related to using inappropriate language. The minute a viewer exhibits unacceptable behavior, performers are allowed to ban the user from the chatroom. Sometimes, the role of blocking participants is trusted in the hands of chatroom moderators.

The purpose of chatroom etiquette is for webcam girls to be treated with respect instead of being downgraded by participants. Also, it’s paramount for the personal life of these workers to remain private, not exposed to the public. Even though they have an online workplace, it doesn’t mean their lives should be shared with the public.

Final thoughts
When looking for a new form of sexual excitement, join a live porn chatroom. It’s one of a kind, arousing experience!

Southampton 1 Arsenal 3

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta dedicated his side’s Premier League win over Southampton to absent captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed the game for personal reasons. The Gunners made light of their star striker’s absence as they continued their excellent run of league form by coming from behind to beat the Saints in an eventful game. After Alexandre Lacazette missed a glorious chance to give the Gunners a first-minute lead, Stuart Armstrong put Southampton ahead from a wonderful delivery by captain James Ward-Prowse.

But the lead lasted just five minutes, as Nicolas Pepe equalised with a neat finish, before both sides created clear chances. Former Saints defender Cedric Soares volleyed narrowly wide at one end while Bernd Leno produced a flying save to keep out a header by Che Adams at the other. England winger Bukayo Saka put the Gunners ahead after going past keeper Alex McCarthy, who had come rushing out of his penalty area, before the 19-year-old picked out Lacazette to seal the points, the Frenchman appearing to send a message of support to Aubameyang in the process. When they were held 1-1 by Southampton at Emirates Stadium on 16 December, Arteta’s side were 15th in the table and trailed the Saints by 10 points.

This latest impressive win lifted them above Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side and up into eighth spot, five points off a top-four position. Not that Arteta is looking. Arteta’s team are finally producing results, with a fifth win in six league games easing the pain of Saturday’s FA Cup exit, while building further momentum before Saturday’s intriguing home game with high-flying Manchester United. Saka once again showed why he is being touted for a big future with an energetic performance, which he capped with a fine finish, while Granit Xhaka and Lacazette also created goals.

Lays American Cream & Onion

What are your favourite snacks? I have stated here before that my favourite movie theatre snack is M&M peanuts and then the cheese popcorn that they serve in the theatres as well as the caramel popcorn. I started going less and less to theatres and in 2020 I haven’t even been to one due to Covid. But I do watch a lot of movies at home and I prefer M&M peanuts and if that is not there then popcorn.

But yeah, what about chips? My joint favourite flavour is Lay’s American Style cream & Onion. The Indian arm of Pepsi/Frito-Lay created a product that duplicated the taste of the American version of Lay’s Sour Cream & Onion to sell in India. From what I understand it is supposed to be the Indian version of Lay’s Sour Cream & Onion and it tastes different and even looks different. The American ones are flat while international versions are narrow-rippled. I cannot compare the two since we don’t get the American ones over here and I have not tasted them.

But I love these. I get two big bags every couple of months and eat them over a few days each. Stretching them as much as I can to enjoy with my evening coffee or a movie. I rarely have them with beer though because my other joint favourite flavoure is the one I like with beer or vodka.

The Watcher (2000)

The Watcher is a 2000 American thriller film directed by Joe Charbanic and starring James Spader, Marisa Tomei, Ernie Hudson and Keanu Reeves. Set in Chicago, the film is about a retired FBI agent who quit as he was moments too late to save a young woman from a serial killer he has been investigating and who is stalked and taunted by the same serial killer.

What Is A Republic?

A republic is a king-less form of government that has no monarchy and no hereditary aristocracy. It originates from Rome, in 509 B.C. when the Romans overthrew the Roman kingdom. Once free, the Romans established a republic, a government in which citizens elected representatives to rule on their behalf. The national sovereignty lies in the authority of the government and not in an emperor or monarch. The word republic comes from the Latin language words res publica, which means a “public thing”. For example, the United States is a republic and India is a republic, but North Korea and Cuba are also called republics. However, Britain and Canada are not republics, since they have a monarch (Queen Elizabeth II in both cases).

The Head of State in a republic is generally a person who has been chosen by the citizens, either by direct election or by a group of elected representatives to act as the top representative of the people. In most republics, the Head of State is called the president. In some countries, the president is elected and has a lot of political power. In others, the president does not hold much direct power, but is important in the legal system for other reasons.

Sometimes a state is called a “republic” when its head is not called “king” but something else. For example, the Roman Empire had an “Emperor” and the Dutch Republic had a “Stadholder” but they worked as hereditary monarchs. Licchavi in India was the first republic in the 6th and 5th century BCE. The earliest republics that were much imitated later were Greek cities in the eastern Mediterranean area. The biggest difference from other city-states at that time was that people chose their leaders by voting. The votes were counted, and the person with the most votes won.

Live In Or Marriage?

Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage?

I am kinda torn about it. One hand I don’t much of a problem in a couple deciding to live together before they married or even stay that way for the rest of their lives or the end of their relationship. It would seem that it would be easier if they decide to break up and go their separate ways if they weren’t married and can avoid a messy divorce.

However I am old-fashioned I guess. Or I just respect marriage a lot. If you and your lover are serious about each other, love and respect one another, I don’t anything more wonderful than getting married and announce it to the world legally. I also do not think that it is a religious aspect as I am an atheist and religion does not have a stranglehold of marriage/weddings. But doing it as per the norms and regulations of your nation is more of what I would be going for.

So I would rather wait a couple of years, date and get to know your significant other, and when you are sure and ready then put a ring on it and get hitched. You don’t have to have a lavish wedding with spending money like it was the end of the world. A simple yet elegant affair that sees your family & close friends join and wish you on your new adventure.

Prompt from 401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing at The New Year Times

The Ultimate State To State Relocation Checklist

Moving state-to-state is a lot of work, which is why you’ll want to make sure you stay on track as you prepare for your move. This relocation checklist will help you keep track of everything that needs to be done before moving day.

What To Do A Few Months Before Your Move:

  • Explore Your Options: Are you going to be handling your move yourself, or will you hire movers? Look at your options and gather information so that you can make the right decision.
  • Look Into Auto Transport Services: Are you thinking about shipping your vehicle to your new home? If this is something that you’re considering, you’ll want to find out more about these services. See if this is a solution that will work for you.
  • Learn More About The Area You’re Moving To: Moving to a new area isn’t easy, which is why you’ll want to do everything you can to make the relocation easier for you. Start researching the area now so that you have a better idea of what you should expect.
  • Set A Moving Budget: Cost of moving to another state can spiral out of control quickly, which is why you’ll want to make sure you have a firm budget in mind for your move. Come up with a budget and make sure you stick with it.
  • Do A Closet Clear Out: You won’t want to bring all of your things with you. Now is the perfect time to go through your closet and get rid of things you don’t use anymore. That way, you’ll have less to bring with you when you move.

What To Do A Few Weeks Before Your Move:

  • Book Your Moving Company: If you do decide to hire movers, this is when you’ll want to book the company you’ve chosen.
  • Rent Equipment: If you’re going to be renting a truck, equipment, or other supplies, you’ll want to book your rental now.
  • Gather Supplies: You should make sure you have important supplies that you’ll need for your move, such as cardboard boxes and packing tape. Gathering the supplies, you need ahead of time can help you to avoid setbacks.
  • Start Packing: Packing is a long process, which is why you’ll want to start packing up your things a few weeks in advance. Leave essential items that you regularly use until the last minute.
  • Transfer Utilities: Contact your utility company and inform them of your upcoming move. You’ll want to arrange to have the power shut off at your current address and have utilities transferred to your name at your new address.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company: Reach out to your insurance provider and inform them of your move. If possible, you’ll want to stay with the same insurance company. If it’s not an option to transfer your policy, you’ll need to look for new coverage.
  • Talk To Your Children’s School: If you have children, you’ll want to reach out to their school and inform them of the move. You should arrange to have their records transferred to the new school that they will be attending.
  • Ask Friends And Family For Help: If you’re going to need people to assist you on your moving day, you’ll want to make sure you ask them for help in advance, this can cut-down your moving costs. Let people know that you’re looking for assistance and find out who will be available to help.

What To Do A Few Days Before Your Move:

  • Forward Your Mail: You’ll want to fill out a change of address form at the post office so that all of your mail will be sent to your new address.
  • Pack A Weekend Bag: There are essential items that you’ll want to have access to before you unpack. You should put items like toiletries in a weekend bag that you’ll be able to access at any time.
  • Deep Clean Your Home: Once everything has been packed up, you’ll want to give your home a deep cleaning. Whether you’re moving out of a rental or a home that you’ve sold, you’ll want to leave the property looking great.
  • Clear Out Your Fridge: Now is the time to use up any food you have in your refrigerator. While you should be able to box up the items in your pantry, you’ll need to use up refrigerated items or give them away before your move.
  • Talk To Your Kids: If you have young children, it’s a good idea to talk to them in the days leading up to your move. Make sure that they’re fully prepared. Answer any questions that they might have.

Keep this state-to-state relocation checklist in hand as you start preparing for your move. A cross-country move can be overwhelming, but you’ll find that it’s easy to keep track of everything you need to do when you can rely on this checklist.

Southampton 1 Arsenal 0

A strong Southampton side knocked holders Arsenal out of the FA Cup in the fourth round courtesy of a first-half own goal on Saturday. The Saints were rewarded for their attacking intent in the opening period when Gabriel turned in Kyle Walker-Peters’ cross in the 24th minute. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in 508 minutes as they suffered a first loss in seven matches. Southampton will face another Premier League side, Wolves, in the next round.

With their next opponents enduring a poor run in the league and having struggled in their 1-0 win at non-league Chorley on Friday, the 1976 winners will fancy their chances of progressing further at Molineux. The Saints also went close through Che Adams, whose low, angled strike was saved brilliantly by Bernd Leno, and James Ward-Prowse, who saw his delivery from a corner come off the bar. In the second half, substitute striker Shane Long fell under a challenge in the box, but penalty appeals were waved away by referee Peter Bankes.

Arsenal were without forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, while another in-form player, Bukayo Saka, was only introduced in the second half. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners side were tepid as an attacking force during the first 45 minutes, but looked more of a threat after the break. However, Eddie Nketiah’s deflected shot in the 67th minute, which was superbly dealt with by home goalkeeper Fraser Forster, was their only effort of note.

RIP Larry King

Larry King, the longtime CNN host who became an icon through his interviews with countless newsmakers and his sartorial sensibilities, has died. He was 87. His son, Chance, confirmed King’s death Saturday morning. “With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” the statement said. “For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster.” The statement did not give the cause of death. King hosted “Larry King Live” on CNN for over 25 years.

King was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 19, 1933. He was one of two children of Jennie (Gitlitz), a garment worker who was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, and Aaron Zeiger, a restaurant owner and defense-plant worker who was born in Kolomyia, Austria-Hungary. His parents were Orthodox Jews. HE started out in radio and cemented himself a place in Miami broadcasting in the 60s. In 1978, he started a nightly coast-to-coast radio talk show on the Mutual Radio Network, called “The Larry King Show.” It featured guest interviews and call-ins from an audience listening to more than 500 affiliate stations.

The Larry King Live CNN show began in June 1985 in which King hosted a broad range of guests from controversial figures of UFO conspiracy theories and alleged psychics, to prominent politicians and leading figures in the entertainment industry, often doing their first or only interview on breaking news stories on his show. After doing his CNN show from 9 to 10 p.m., King then traveled to the studios of the Mutual Broadcasting System to do his radio show, when both shows still aired.

Millions watched King interview world leaders, entertainers and other celebrities on CNN’s “Larry King Live”, which ran from 1985 to 2010. Hunched over his desk in rolled-up shirt sleeves and owlish glasses, he made his show one of the network’s prime attractions with a mix of interviews, political discussions, current event debates and phone calls from viewers.

Larry King remained active as a writer and television personality. King was the moderator of the sixth Kazenergy Eurasian Forum in Astana, Kazakhstan, an annual forum for Kazakhstan’s energy sector occurring in October 2011. King guest starred in episodes of Arthur, 30 Rock and Gravity Falls, had cameos in Ghostbusters and Bee Movie, and voiced Doris the Ugly Stepsister in Shrek 2 and its sequels. He also played himself in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story and appeared as himself in an episode of Law and Order: Trial by Jury.

King had been hospitalized with Covid-19 in early January at Cedars-Sinai, a source close to the family said at the time. He battled a number of health problems, suffering several heart attacks. In 1987, he underwent quintuple bypass surgery, inspiring him to establish the Larry King Cardiac Foundation to provide assistance to those without insurance. More recently, King revealed in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer and successfully underwent surgery to treat it. He also underwent a procedure in 2019 to address angina.