Agatha Christie's Miss Marple returns

 One doesn't stop at one murder...

Agatha Christie’s legendary sleuth, Jane Marple, returns to solve twelve baffling cases in this brand-new collection, penned by a host of acclaimed authors skilled in the fine art of mystery and murder: Naomi Alderman, Leigh Bardugo, Alyssa Cole, Lucy Foley, Elly Griffiths, Natalie Haynes, Jean Kwok, Val McDermid, Karen M. McManus, Dreda Say Mitchell, Kate Mosse and Ruth Ware.

“Marple is the best loved [detective]. Also the most influential.... It is Miss Marple who introduced the revolutionary notion that people are essentially the same wherever one goes.” —Los Angeles Times

Jane Marple is an elderly lady from St Mary Mead who possesses an uncanny knack for solving even the most perplexing puzzles. Now, for the first time in 45 years, Agatha Christie’s beloved character returns to the page for a globe-trotting tour of crime and detection. Join Marple as she travels through her sleepy English village and around the world.

Bringing a fresh twist to the hallmarks of a classic Agatha Christie mystery, these twelve esteemed writers have captured the sharp wit, unique voice, and droll ingenuity of the deceptively demure detective. A triumphant celebration of Christie’s legacy and essential reading for crime lovers, Marple is a timely reminder why Jane Marple remains one of the most famous detectives of all time.

"Each author captures Christie—and Marple—perfectly, while also displaying just a bit of her own unique touch.... This new and entertaining collection by some of our favorite writers will hook a new group of readers to the formidable Miss Marple." —Rhys Bowen, Washington Post

Who is Miss Marple?

British actor Joan Hickson in the role of Miss Marple for BBC TV

Miss Marple is a fictional character created by the British author Agatha Christie. She is a detective who appears in a series of mystery novels and short stories, and is known for her sharp mind and ability to solve complex cases.

Miss Marple is an elderly spinster who lives in the small English village of St. Mary Mead. Despite her unassuming appearance and gentle demeanor, she possesses an excellent memory and a keen sense of observation, which allow her to solve even the most difficult of cases. She often draws on her knowledge of human nature and her experiences living in a small village to help her solve crimes.

Over the course of the Miss Marple series, she solves a wide variety of cases, from murders to thefts to blackmail schemes. Her investigations often involve piecing together clues and observing the behavior of suspects and witnesses, and she frequently works alongside local police officers to help solve crimes.

Miss Marple has become one of Agatha Christie's most beloved and enduring characters, and she has been portrayed in numerous film and television adaptations over the years. Her intelligence, wit, and determination have made her a popular figure in the detective genre, and she continues to captivate readers and viewers around the world.

Who was Agatha Christie?

Agatha Christie was an English writer who lived from 1890 to 1976. She is best known as the world's best-selling mystery writer and is often referred to as the "Queen of Crime". Christie wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, many of which feature her famous detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Her works have sold over 2 billion copies in the English language and another billion in more than 100 other languages.

Some of her most famous novels include "Murder on the Orient Express" (1934), "Death on the Nile" (1937), "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" (1926), and "And Then There Were None" (1939). In addition to her writing, Christie was also a playwright and wrote several stage productions, including "The Mousetrap," which is the longest-running play in the history of the West End theater.

Christie's works are known for their intricate plots, engaging characters, and surprising twists, and her legacy continues to be celebrated and studied in the world of crime fiction.

Grin offers enhanced dating power

There's usually a fairly strong idea about the traits we want in a date and prospective companion when it comes to dating. Whether the person is in good shape, eats well, or maintains good relations with family and friends, is typically standard. 

International Women’s Day, Founder/CEO Heidi Kuhn Calls for “One Thousand Golden Shovels”

  In tribute of International Women’s Day, Heidi Kuhn, Founder/CEO, Roots of Peace, a recipient of the FORBES 50 Over 50 Women, called forth a global community of committed women to raise $1 billion dollars to benefit farmers and families in Afghanistan during this time of crisis, food shortages and massive starvation.

Virus bomb in a can. Is this a COVID killer?

 We’re all familiar with the concept of a flea or cockroach bomb to exterminate a critter infestation, but did you know it’s possible to ‘bomb’ a space in a similar fashion with ‘sanitisation in a can’ thanks to a new Aussie innovation?

With the push of a button, the ViroCLEAR Sanitiser & Protectant Fogger dispenses a fine mist of anti-microbial sanitiser that gets into every crack and crevice to create a protective layer covering up to 40m2.

The fogger is a game-changer for travel, hospitality, aged care, medical, education, real estate, automotive, gyms – basically any indoor space.

Powered by botanical extracts of chamomile and native lemon bush and devoid of harsh chemicals that can lead to skin sensitisation, the formulation kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria, including rhinovirus – the main culprit behind the common cold.

Daniel Seldon from Aussie Pharma Direct who distribute the fogger, says it’s perfect for our times.

Inventor Ross Macdougald

“The pandemic has created a heightened awareness of the need for good sanitisation, so this is another tool in our protective armoury to keep everyone safe and healthy,” says Seldon. “Not every indoor space lends itself to good ventilation, so the ViroCLEAR fogger offers an effective solution to kill airborne ‘nasties.’ And it can also be dispersed via air conditioning systems to help spread the protection even further.”

ViroCLEAR is an Australian-owned and -made invention of Ross Macdougald, who initially created it for his wife Lucy, who suffers from eczema and is unable to use standard ethanol and alcohol-based sanitisers. His passion project resulted in a hospital-grade surface disinfectant that kills Covid within 90 seconds of surface contact.

“Once I ‘cracked the code’ I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be great if we could put this formulation into an easy-to-use fogger anyone could use to help reinvigorate businesses and livelihoods after this awful Covid period we’ve all been experiencing?’” says Macdougald. “There is nothing quite like this on the market that provides a super low chemical sanitiser that really works.”

Five other things you can do with hand sanitiser

 Hand sanitiser is, after all, mostly isopropyl alcohol (CH₃CHOHCH₃) which you can also buy in liquid form as Isocol. There are others types of non-alchohol sanitisers, but these tips do not apply.

The gel can make the sanitiser easier to handle as there isn't the spillage you get with Isocol liquid. And, let's face it, hand sanitiser is everywhere and usually free every time you walk into a store or office. It is also almost non-toxic, especially when compared to its nasty cousin, ethanol. And it drys to nothing, leaving no residue or harmful oxidants to damage your electronics.

So, all those jobs you kept expensive Isocol solvent around for can be just as easily completed with corner store sanitiser. Here are five quick and handy tasks you can complete. Add your ideas in the comments.

1. Clean your whiteboard. Dab a squirt of hand sanitiser on a tissue or soft cloth and go crazy. It works a treat, especially for those stubborn marks.

2. Soothe insect bites. When those pesky mosquitoes start biting, slap a liberal dose of sanitiser on the bite to instantly ease itching. If the skin is slightly broken, it will also help disinfect - even if it stings a bit at first.

3. Clean your spectacles. Hand sanitiser makes a great lens cleaner. Smear the lens with liquid sanitiser and rub gently with tissue paper to remove grubby finger marks and grease. You can also use on your camera lenses, binoculars etc too but use ONLY tissue paper or microfibre cloth to avoid damage to lens coatings. A bonus benefit is sanitiser (achohol) works as an anti-fogging compound. True.

4. Disinfect your devices. Cellphones, iPods, tablets, keyboards, mice and so many more peripherals all get a lot of handling during the course of a day and we know how germs spread. Again, a tissue paper or microfibre cloth is ideal. HINT: clean your keyboard when the computer is OFF. (duh!)

5. Works as a deodorant and aftershave substitute. Rushing to that first date and forgot the Brut 33? Never fear, sanitiser will quickly soothe razor rash (you too girls!) with the added benefit of disinfecting. Body odour is caused by the bacteria on our skin, so a quick lather of sanitiser under your arms will quell most odours quickly.

So there you have it. Do you have you your own tips for unusual uses of hand sanitiser? Let's hear them.

Walford School for Girls supports women

Established in 1883, Walford Anglican School for Girls has a 128-year history in Unley. Lydia Adamson opened the school in her family's home and educated girls on Fisher Street and the school relocated to the present site on Unley Road in 1917.

Director of Marketing and Community Engagement aid the school's beginnings set the values that continue to be held today.

Mandy Hore - Deputy Principal

"The school began in the front room of a family home and I think that is evident as you get a family feeling when you walk through Walford," Karin said.

"We're a strong connected community, caring community and an extended family."

In 1912 Ellen Benham became the second headmistress of Walford. She was also a science pioneer.

The Walford Science Centre was named in recognition of her scientific achievements.

"It was radical at the time for girls to learn science and Ellen used to teach girls in the centre," Karin said.

"For women to have a career in science was extraordinary. They were living in history.

Ellen Ida Benham
(1871 - 1917)

"It is important for the current students to know the history of the school- to know where the previous women have been, where they came from and the pioneers they became."

Karin said old scholars of Walford mentor and support current students.

"Women support each other," Karin said.

"It is about appreciating that you are a part of something unique and creating a successful future which comes after you."

The current headmistress Rebecca Clarke is supportive and determined to continue the tradition for her students into the future.

Tijana Birdjan - Adelaide East Herald 

Staying safe from the Romance Scam

Anne had only been on a dating app for a short time before she met her perfect partner. Her partner had come across as kind, thoughtful and although Anne had not met them in person, she knew they were the one. Anne and her partner had already talked of the future and Anne really trusted this individual. Three months into the relationship, Anne’s partner asked for a small amount of money. Due to COVID-19 Anne’s partner had been unable to find a well-paid role due to job cuts and Anne knows her partner only asked as a last resort. Anne made the payment without hesitation as her partner assured her they will pay her back as soon as they can. This progressed over time and a year later Anne had sent over $50,000 with the requests for money becoming more regular. If Anne questioned her partner they would get upset and sometimes won’t talk to Anne for days so she stopped asking questions. When Anne finally mentioned the situation to a close friend they suggested it could be a scam, this was later confirmed by the Police after she approached them.

Image source: Norton Internet Security

TIPS TO STAY SAFE

- Before you send money to someone you have only met online, talk to a trusted friend or family member and pay attention if they are concerned about your new love interest.

- Always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam, particularly if there are warning signs and if the individual asks for money or recommends an investment opportunity.

- Be cautious when sharing information about your financial status or photos and videos with prospective partners.

More: https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-online-scams-online-dating-scam-statistics.html