By Delaney Turner Canadian copywriter Delaney Turner moved to Bogotá from Ottawa in 2015, after his wife’s job was transferred to the Colombian capital. He blogs about his experiences, and writes about arts and technology for English-language newspaper The Bogotá Post. Every conversation about Bogotá begins with security, which remains a complex issue. On one hand, the murder rate is at its lowest in decades. On the other, street crime is a persistent problem, particularly in tourist areas such as La Candelaria, the historical centre. The car bomb that killed around 20 people and injured some 70 others in January has revived fears of the violence residents thought they had left behind. Though life has largely returned to normal since, Bogotá is a sprawling metropolis of more than 8m people so, inevitably, there are areas expats should avoid. Most live in the smaller neighbourhoods of Parque 93, Chapinero Alto, Los Rosales, Cedritos and Usaquén. … [Read more...] about Expat advice: moving to Bogotá, Colombia
Shopping advice
Former leading Derby shoe shop to get new lease of life
The premises of a former leading Derby shoe shop could be given a new lease of life if councillors give the green light to a planning application to turn it into offices. Disability Direct, which has its headquarters on Pride Park, is looking to change the use of the former John Barclay International Footwear Store in Babington Lane into an information and advice centre for disabled people and carers. The venue, which was founded by the late Basil Walker - once dubbed “Derby's answer to Jimmy Choo" - has been empty for three years. No physical changes are proposed to the shop frontage or building and it is this factor which has persuaded the council planning department to recommend granting permission for the change of use. The fate of the application will be decided by Derby City Council's planning committee on Thursday night. In the report going to the planning control committee, it says: "No physical changes are proposed to the building and it is considered that the character … [Read more...] about Former leading Derby shoe shop to get new lease of life
Record Store Day 2019 – when is it, what are the best releases and how can I find a list of the shops taking part?
MORE than 200 independent record stores across the UK mark the one day a year not just with special releases but also gigs and events to mark the occasion. The event originated in the US but now stores around the globe take part. When is Record Store Day 2019? This year RSD 2019 falls on Saturday, April 13. It was first conceived as a way of gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally. The first day was April 19, 2008. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day. It’s not just about trying to flog records but the day often includes various activities such as gigs, meet and greets, as well as DJs But there have also been cook-outs, body-painting and a whole host of activities. In the US a ‘Record Store Day Ambassador’ and … [Read more...] about Record Store Day 2019 – when is it, what are the best releases and how can I find a list of the shops taking part?
New cafe at mobility shop is a lifeline for lonely people
Lee Sherratt has come a long way since selling and repairing the odd mobility scooter from his dad's garage - and now provides a lifeline to people with issues getting about in Swadlincote. Bucking the trend of the decreasing number of high street shops, the 36 year old former William Allitt School pupil has been slowly building up Forever Mobility for more than a decade, now selling everything from writing aids to walk-in showers and accessible beds. In March, the firm which has four staff, moved into its largest premises to date - the former Star Foundation furniture warehouse, in Market Street. The size of the unit means Lee has even added a coffee shop to the mix - after finding many customers, often living by themselves, were visiting the premises simply for a chat. And rather than being hellbent on selling hundreds or thousands of pounds worth of mobility scooters, Lee says he is prouder when he has recommended a simple commode, for example, to a customer and it has changed their … [Read more...] about New cafe at mobility shop is a lifeline for lonely people
The latest urgent recalls by shops and supermarkets you must return
Shoppers are being urged to return items that have been recalled by manufacturers or major supermarkets. There are products that have been sold by Lidl and Aldi that should be returned and the purchase price will be refunded in full. But the issue is not contained to those retailers as items sold at other shops and stores are also included in the latest round of recalls, reports Birmingham Live . Products at Tesco, Spar, Asda and Pets at Home are also affected, as well as famous and popular brands including Ben & Jerry's and Hovis. Also included are foods for vegans and dogs. Customers can return products back to the store, with a full receipt, and receive their money back. The chains have issued the recalls through the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website. It's worth checking your cupboards for the following products being recalled this week: Ikea - Sotask Skumtopp Ikea recalls Sötsak Skumtopp, soft marshmallows covered in chocolate flavoured coating, 180g, because … [Read more...] about The latest urgent recalls by shops and supermarkets you must return