Latest news with #Charlie's
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Books are my business: Bookshop children's section manager Méabh McDonnell
Méabh McDonnell is children's section manager with Charlie Byrne's bookshop in Galway. She is also the author of a middle-grade novel, Into the Witchwood. Her YA book, Any Way You Slice It, is available to pre-order. How did you get into bookselling? I have always had a big interest in children's books and children's writing, and would have been aware of what was going on in children's books and publishing in general. I used to work as a sub-editor in a regional newspaper, and about six years ago, I was looking for a change. I had always been interested in working in a bookshop, and I sent my CV into Charlie's and, as it happened, they were looking for someone who had an interest in children's books. Within about two weeks, it was like: 'This is where I am meant to be.' I would have been familiar with Charlie's from a fairly young age, and I was a long-time customer before I started working there. Sometimes I have a nice little 'pinch me' moment where I think about how excited my younger self would be if she knew I had a copy of the keys. It is particularly rewarding and special to be a children's bookseller. What does your role involve? My days are often very different. I would generally come in and maybe go through the previous day in sales. Then, at some point during the day, we would get deliveries in and I put out new books. I spend a certain amount of my day researching new titles, and maybe on the phone with sales reps or meeting them about books we want to buy in. At certain times of the year, I might go over to the UK to buy new stock. If it's a Saturday, we have a free story-time session that I run where we read from picture books for about an hour. On other days, I might have a children's book club on, where a group of kids come in to talk about a different book every month. We also might have author visits or school visits. For example, today I was down at a school talking to them about stocking a new library. What do you like most about it? My favourite part is talking to a child about a book that I've recommended to them and seeing it click with them, where they have fallen in love with not just the book but with the idea of reading and they want to find that magic again. There's nothing like seeing that, particularly with children who maybe were reluctant readers or thought reading wasn't for them. I believe that there is a book out there for every child. What do you like least about it? If somebody is looking for something specific and I don't have it or I can't find it. I will try to order it for them, or I try to track down a copy, but sometimes you just can't quite lay your hand on something. Luckily, it doesn't happen that often and usually you can find something else. As we often say about Charlie's, you'll always go away with something. Three desert island books Philip Pullman's Northern Lights was one of the first books I read as a teenager that I felt really captured something bigger than itself. It's a book that I return to a lot and it still makes me cry. I'm cheating a bit with the next one, which would be the Ursula Le Guin Earthsea Cycle. I remember being amazed by the scope of it and by the sophistication of the writing — it felt so philosophical and magical. My third pick would be I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith — I remember reading it for the first time when I was about 17 and being so captivated by the main character, Cassandra Mortmain. It sat perfectly between a classic novel and one that was more modern.
Edinburgh Live
30-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
New East Lothian pie shop makes call with 'heavy heart' after locals clear stock
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A family-run East Lothian pie shop has been forced to close after 'underestimating the support' of locals. Charlie's Pies and Pate opened up in Haddington on May 24, and residents have been clearing the shelves since. Owners said the decision to close on Friday, May 30, 'wasn't taken lightly'. They assured locals that they'd return on Saturday after replenishing their stocks on the High Street. Posting to Facebook, the pie shop said: "Good evening all, it is with a heavy heart and long discussions that tomorrow (Friday) we are going to have to close to replenish all stock levels as we totally underestimated how supportive the community has been towards Charlie's pies and pate. "We want to reassure that this wasn't a decision made lightly. But will be back on track with all your pies and pate on Saturday morning from 8am till 2pm. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "I want to thank everyone that has taken the time to support us. I hope you all understand." One local resident said: "Was looking forward to my Friday treat, will just have to be a Saturday treat instead." Another added: "That's a good thing that you've sold out, well done guys that is fantastic." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. A third posted: "Gutted I was going to pop in, I'll try Saturday." On offer at the shops grand opening was a range of pies including steak, mince, chicken leek and cheddar, three cheese macaroni, chicken haggis and peppercorn, sausage bean and cheese, and chicken garlic and bacon. They will also be stocking Greek spanakopita, traditional sausage rolls, pork and black pudding sausage rolls, square sausage cheese and chutney pastries, their award winning chicken liver pate, smoked trout and chive pate and a mushroom and thyme pate.
New York Post
16-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
FDA may ban ‘yoga mat' bread ingredient — that's already illegal in Europe
The feds are eyeing a crackdown on a controversial chemical that could be hiding in your avocado toast. The FDA announced this week it's ramping up its review of food additives — with azodicarbonamide (ADA), the so-called 'yoga mat chemical' used in some breads and baked goods, among those under the microscope. A ban would bring the US in line with countries like China, India, Australia and those in the European Union, where the ingredient has already been pulled from the food supply over potential health risks. 3 US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long been a vocal critic of food additives. Getty Images 'No parent should ever worry about what's in their child's food,' Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. 'We're taking decisive action and using every authority we have to clean up the food supply and protect American families.' What is ADA? It's a chemical substance approved by the FDA for use in food as a flour-bleaching agent and dough conditioner. It helps make dough softer and more elastic — but it's also used for the same purpose in the production of rubber products like yoga mats and flip-flops. About a decade ago, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) found ADA listed as an ingredient in nearly 500 food items. Today, that number has dropped to around 55, as many companies have phased it out under growing market pressure. What are the health concerns with ADA? Most of the concern around ADA comes from two chemicals it breaks down into during baking — semicarbazide and urethane — both of which have been linked to cancer in lab studies. The FDA gave ADA the green light as a food additive back in 1962, labeling it 'generally recognized as safe.' In 2016, the agency reaffirmed its stance after finding that Americans are exposed to only small amounts of semicarbazide from food. While some studies have found mice developed tumors after being fed the chemical, the FDA noted that the levels 'far exceed' what people would get from eating ADA-treated bread and flour products. 3 ADA can be found in rubber items like shoe soles, yoga mats and automotive parts. Charlie's – But cancer isn't the only area of concern. According to the World Health Organization, workers exposed to high levels of ADA have reported asthma and other respiratory issues, as well as skin irritation. Some studies also suggest possible links to other health problems, such as hormone disruption and immune system suppression, but more research is needed to confirm the potential association in humans. More than just the 'yoga mat chemical' The FDA's renewed focus on ADA comes as part of a bigger effort to reevaluate food chemicals that have long been on US shelves. Earlier this year, the agency announced plans to phase out eight petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the American food supply. 'We are prioritizing our resources and leveraging gold standard science to create, for the first time, a systematic post-market review program that consumers can trust and rely on,' said FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary. ADA isn't the only food additive in the hotseat. The FDA also plans to prioritize its safety review of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) — two preservatives that have come under fire for possible health risks. 3 ADA is permitted in US foods, but banned as an additive in several other countries. Prostock-studio – How long will it take? That depends. FDA safety reviews can drag on for months — or even years — depending on the product and process. How to steer clear of ADA While the FDA takes a closer look at ADA, the EWG has outlined a few ways to cut it from your diet. Start by choosing USDA-certified organic products — they're not allowed to contain the chemical. Shopping local is another good bet, since small bakeries and independent food makers are less likely to use industrial additives. At the grocery store, check the ingredient lists on packaged baked goods like bread, pastries, buns, cupcakes, stuffing, and croutons. If ADA is used, it will either be spelled out or listed by its abbreviation. Still unsure? The EWG's free Food Scores database can help you spot products that skip the additive entirely.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ric's And Drew's Lives Come Crashing Down On March 31 General Hospital
It's the devastating aftermath of the car crash, plus an unexpected turn of events in the case of the Quartermaine crypt on the March 31, 2025 episode of General Hospital. As both paramedics and Kristina (Kate Mansi) arrived to the scene of the crash, it didn't take long for her to realize it wasn't Ava (Maura West) in the car. As paramedics began pulling out Ric (Rick Hearst), Lucky (Jonathan Jackson) arrived and a shocked Kristina revealed she caused it. Lucky's quick Spencer thinking gave Kristina an alibi and sent her to Charlie's, and that was when he saw Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) being put into a stretcher. When Kristina appeared at Charlie's, she was joined by Molly (Kristen Vaganos) after finally making up with her sister. But that's all about to change once Molly learns the truth. Until then, when Molly got the call about her father, they hurried to GH, where Kristina also learned Elizabeth was in the crash meant for Ava. READ THIS: Here's what's coming up on GH. Elizabeth fortunately was only left with a broken leg, but the scare prompted Lucky to admit to an unconscious Liz that he loves her. As for Ric, Lucas (Van Hansis) informed Molly that her father was in surgery, suffered head trauma, and they were doing everything they could for him. Port Charles did, however, get a piece of good news today. After a long and drawn out battle, Diane (Carolyn Hennesy) arrived to the chaos at the crypt with a cease and desist. Ezra (Daniel Cosgrove) found it to be legit and called off the demolition while Tracy (Jane Elliot) celebrated her victory. But the best part came when Ezra went running to Congressman Cutthroat to inform him of the turn of events. When Drew (Cameron Mathison) asked how Tracy had pulled it off, Ezra told him, 'Tracy didn't… Monica did.' Tomorrow marks GH's 62nd anniversary with an episode that will pay tribute to Monica and the late Leslie Charleson. Do you think Lucky will cover for Kristina's crime? Let us know in the comments.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crisp giant makes U-turn after fans show outrage over snack only sold in Worcester
A CRISPS giant has made a major U-turn in their decision to sell a famous flavour of crisps only in Worcester. Walkers has apologised to fans after they expressed outrage that the Worcester Sauce flavour would only be served in Charlie's Convenience Store in Barbourne Road. Many people had flocked to the store to get their hands on the limited edition flavour, which made many fans feel left out. The crisps will be on sale across the rest of the UK from March 17. A spokesperson for Walkers said: "On reflection, maybe we shouldn't have just limited the sale of Walkers Worcester Sauce flavoured crisps to only one store in Worcester. "Fans, we've heard your outrage loud and clear. "We're working hard to make them available for everyone to enjoy the beloved flavour - which is now even more Worcestershire-y with Lea & Perrins' iconic sauce." Fans had gone to social media to show their outrage at the move to only sell the crisps in Worcester. One, @tripleeatsfood, wrote: 'NATION WIDE RELEASE NEEDED RIGHT NOW!!!' And another fan, @krissie.p74, added: 'Bring them back everywhere. Best crisps ever.' COMEBACK: Shamsher Singh and Kanwalpreet Kaur, directors of Charlie's Convenience Store celebrating the return of Worcester Sauce crisps (Image: Newsquest) The popularity of the crisps flavour has been massively felt by the city based convenience store Charlie's who have almost sold out. A business spokesperson said it had 89 boxes of the crisps, all of which are gone. Charlie's is expecting a new flavour delivery in the next few days. People had travelled far and wide to celebrate the return of Worcester Sauce crisps on March 4, which led to Walkers completely taking over the city. Large inflatable crisps, signs and people dressed in the packet's colours had popped up to mark the day.
