Latest news with #Niki
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Historic Lake District hotel for sale as owners look to retire
A historic hotel in the village of Stainton, near Penrith, has been put up for sale. The 18th century Brantwood Country Hotel, is on the market for an asking price of £900,000, as the owners look to retire. Richard and Niki Langley, the current owners, bought the hotel in 2007. The hotel offers seven guest bedrooms in addition to a public bar and restaurant, known for serving a traditional menu. The restaurant also offers a private dining room for up to 20 people, and the sale also includes a two-bedroom owners' or managers' cottage adjacent to the hotel. Mr Langley said: "We knew from the moment we first walked through the door nearly 20 years ago that Brantwood was exactly what we were looking for in a business: great potential, that hosted visitors and locals, and offered food, drink and accommodation whilst being in one of the prettiest villages in the Lake District. "We have loved our time with Brantwood Hotel and being part of the local community. "As we are ready to retire, our final job is to make sure we find a new owner to take over the business with the same enthusiasm we have been able to offer over the years." Graham Wilkinson, Lake District-based hotel agent at Christie & Co, said: "It is a pleasure to be invited by Richard and Niki to find a new owner for the Brantwood Country Hotel. "The excellent reputation of this business reflects Richard and Niki's commitment to their guests and the community. "We will work hard to find a suitable new owner to take the business forward as Richard and Niki retire." The Brantwood Hotel is on the market with a freehold asking price of £900,000.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘A Pale View of Hills' Review: An Overly Cautious Adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's Haunting Novel
In a modest home in the English countryside, a young woman rummages through her mother's belongings. Among half-packed boxes and cluttered papers, she finds an envelope of photographs. 'I've not seen many pictures of you in Nagasaki, you look so young,' Niki (Camila Aiko), a British-born Japanese writer says to her mother, Etsuko (Yoh Yoshida), before handing over one of the images. There's a brusqueness to their interaction, a brevity that hints at secrets untold. Etsuko says she hadn't intended to put the photos out and proceeds to make the bed. These kind furtive exchanges litter A Pale View of Hills, Kei Ishikawa's overly careful adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's debut novel of the same name. The film, which premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard sidebar, braids together two stories. The first is set in 1980s England, where Niki helps her mother prepare to sell their house. As the two women pack up a lifetime of belongings, Niki interviews her mother about life in post-war Japan. The young writer, who recently dropped out of university and lives in London, is working on a memoir about her family and she hopes these conversations with her mother can help her understand her older sister Keiko's suicide. Working with DP Piotr Niemyjski, Ishikawa defines this timeline with cool tones — dark blues, muted greens and a gray pallor that haunts every frame. More from The Hollywood Reporter 'The Secret Agent' Review: Wagner Moura Makes a Stunning Return to Brazilian Cinema in Kleber Mendonça Filho's Masterful Period Political Thriller 'Slauson Rec' Review: Shia LaBeouf Inspires Wannabes - and Frequently Turns on Them - in an Intimate Chronicle of His Theater Experiment Wes Anderson, Benicio Del Toro's 'The Phoenician Scheme' Cannes Premiere Draws Polite Ovation The second story takes place in Etsuko's memories, a golden-hued recollection of Nagasaki in 1950. Ishikawa transports viewers to the decade after the U.S. detonated an atomic bomb on the port city which, killed hundreds of thousands of people and exposed countless others to harmful radiation. The tone is warmer in this section, the director shaping the images from this period with a bright, almost surreal visual language. Together, these threads form a lopsided and sometimes prosaic film. Not only do the post-war Japan sequences have more resonance than the stiffer generational trauma-drama of 1980s England, but a vague sense of viewer distrust plagues this adaptation. It's almost as if Ishikawa, eager to do the source material justice, fears that inviting any ambiguity will fail the mystery propelling Ishiguro's novel. But a little uncertainty can be beneficial, especially when it comes to interpreting an author whose work is so haunting. After Etsuko shares that the stress of the move has been instigating some nightmares, Niki goads her mother into telling her some stories of life in Nagasaki. The elder woman's initial reluctance dissolves into a timid willingness as she recalls the cautious optimism saturating the city after the bomb. In those post-war years, Etsuko (now played by Suzu Hirose, Our Little Sister) and her husband Jiro (Kouhei Matsushita), a prickly man whose long hours at work make him both cranky and distant, are expecting their first child. Their relatively quiet life undergoes dramatic changes when Jiro's father Ogata (Tomokazu Miura, Perfect Days) comes for an extended stay and Etsuko meets Sachiko (Fumi Nikaido of Shogun), a single mother who lives in a run-down cottage nearby. The presence of both figures challenges Etsuko to confront the painful legacy of World War II as well as the role women played in post-war society. In Ogata, the expectant mother begins to understand why a younger generation feels betrayed by their elders, whom they accuse of leading them to war because of blind faith in imperialism. And through Sachiko, Etsuko expands her sense of who a Japanese woman can be in and beyond Nagasaki. Sachiko harbors dreams of leaving the city with her daughter Mariko, a solitary and malcontent child who she believes might thrive with some distance from Japan. When she meets a white American soldier named Frank, who offers to take her overseas, these dreams seem closer to becoming reality. One of the underlying mysteries fueling Ishiguro's novel revolves around the strange relationship between Etsuko and Sachiko. The two women, as recalled by Etsuko, can come off eerily similar and some critics have posited that one might be a projection of the other. Part of the thrill of Ishiguro's novel is in how ambiguous the writer leaves this; the text offers clues, but few solid answers. That intentional inscrutability makes the book excitingly capricious, reflecting how nations remember or untangle painful ruptures in their history. Ishikawa, who in addition to directing and editing A Pale View of Hills also wrote the screenplay, is most confident with the Nagasaki timeline, which conforms to a conventional family drama. It's when Ishikawa must interweave and balance that timeline with the one in England that the director struggles a bit more. The impact of A Pale View of Hills is blunted by a tendency to over-explain and flatten. Still, there are some highlights, including the relationship between Etsuko and Sachiko. The chemistry between Hirose and Nikaido makes their performances compelling to watch and amplifies the intriguing elements within their characters' friendships. Those strengths coupled with Ishiguro's popularity mean that, despite its shortcomings, A Pale View of Hills could find some stateside success. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
Tom's Guide
17-05-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
The experts have spoken — these are the 7 best exercises for menopause
Exercise can be one of the most powerful tools for managing both the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause. From weight gain and disrupted sleep to decreased muscle mass and bone density, the effects of menopause can feel overwhelming. However, the right kind of movement can help reduce symptoms, build strength, and restore a sense of control and confidence. This article is part of Tom's Guide's Women's Health Week — a series of content that explores how technology and the right workouts can support and empower women through every phase of life. 'During menopause, it's important to focus on exercises that support overall health and address common concerns,' says Niki Wibrow, menopause fitness and health coach. 'This includes strength training to help maintain muscle mass and support bone density, as well as cardiovascular exercise — think brisk walking, cycling, or swimming — to lift your mood, manage weight, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.' Flexibility matters, too. 'Incorporate stretching or yoga to improve balance, ease stiffness, and keep joints moving well as hormones fluctuate,' adds Niki. 'As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can lead to weaker bones, a slower metabolism, and a higher risk of injury,' says Niki. 'Strength training with light to medium weights helps combat these changes — keeping you strong, energized, and confident.' In this routine, Niki demonstrates seven simple, yet effective, full-body strength exercises designed to support your body through menopause. These exercises not only help manage symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings but also promote overall well-being and vitality. 'Just three to four sessions a week is a fantastic place to start,' Niki adds. 'It's a smart way to future-proof your body' — think of it as your physical pension pot. The more you invest now, the more benefits you'll reap later. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Always begin with a gentle warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints, boost circulation, and help prevent injury. Light marching on the spot, arm swings, or a brisk walk around the block work perfectly. 'It's not about going harder — it's about going smarter,' says Niki. 'Your hormones have changed, and your workouts should too. Swap the old hustle for a new kind of strength.' 'When you're feeling low-energy, even small pockets of movement can make a big difference. They boost blood flow, release feel-good endorphins, and help reset your mind without overwhelming your body. Think of it as a quick recharge, not a full workout — every bit counts.' Niki recommends starting with three sets of 10 reps, focusing on form over speed. 'It's all about quality over quantity,' she explains. 'Good technique ensures you get more from each movement while reducing the risk of injury.' A post shared by Niki Wibrow (@nikiwibrowfitness) A photo posted by on Reps: 10 Sets: 3 Why: 'Targeting the inner thighs is especially important as we age because these muscles play a key role in stability, balance, and overall leg strength,' says Niki. This move strengthens the hips and thighs. Reps: 5 each leg Sets: 3 Why: 'As we age, our arms naturally lose muscle tone and skin elasticity due to a drop in collagen and muscle mass,' says Niki. 'This can lead to a softer, less defined appearance — but this move helps strengthen and sculpt the arms and shoulders.' Reps: 10 Sets: 3 Why: 'Movement isn't just about fitness — it's about feeling good,' says Niki. 'This exercise is designed to keep you mobile, ease joint stiffness, and build strength.' Reps: 10 (each side) Sets: 3 Why: 'Menopause shifts everything — including your core, but with the right movements, you can rebuild strength, stability, and confidence from the inside out,' explains Niki. Reps: 10 Sets: 3 Why: 'The reverse plank twist strengthens the back, tones the arms, and targets the glutes and core,' says Niki. Reps: 10 Sets: 3 Why: 'This gentle move improves flexibility and strengthens the back' explains Niki. It also helps stretch the abdominals while opening the chest and shoulders. Reps: 10 Sets: 3 Why: 'Menopause can lead to bloating and stubborn belly fat. Core moves like this help tighten, tone, and boost body confidence,' says Niki. Take a few minutes to cool down with some light stretching—gentle forward folds, cat-cow stretches, and a seated twist are perfect for releasing any tension. Remember, this phase of life isn't about slowing down — it's about shifting. 'Menopause is like signing up for a subscription box you didn't even ask for,' says Niki. 'But by tuning into your body and moving with intention, you can feel strong, balanced, and empowered through menopause and beyond.' No matter where you are in your menopause journey, movement is one of the most powerful tools to help you feel more like yourself again.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lisa Mishra opens up about landing challenging role in The Royals
Singer and actress Lisa Mishra is all set to captivate audiences with her role in the drama series ' The Royals '. While fans are excited to see Lisa in a fresh avatar, the journey to landing the role of 'Niki' was anything but easy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lisa recently opened up about the intense audition process she went through to bag this pivotal part. Lisa revealed that she underwent several rounds of auditions before finally being cast as Niki. The casting process tested her emotional range , adaptability, and on-screen presence, and she rose to the challenge each time. 'It was a long casting journey,' Lisa shared. 'I had to really push myself out of my comfort zone. The character of Niki is layered, stylish, and emotionally complex. I remember going through multiple rounds of auditions, each one different than the last. But I think the team saw something in me, a version of Niki that felt real. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it.'
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Gen Z on a mission to find love beyond labels and social media theories
They say love conquers all. But in this digital realm, where finding true love depends on left and right swipes, Gen Z is in a dilemma about whether labels such as breadcrumbing (when someone gives you just enough attention or affection to keep you interested, without any real intention of commitment), situationship (a relationship that's more than friendship but without clear commitment or definition), benching (to keep someone on standby and show occasional interest without moving the relationship forward), and lovebombing (overwhelming someone with excessive affection and attention to gain control or manipulate) bring comfort. Is putting labels to describe a relationship between two people a boon or a bane? Coming in handy 'Even though these terms are not comforting, they are not much of a pressure. It is easy to be aware of what attracts and what does not,' says Niki, 22, who works in the service sector. Agreeing with Niki, Callestina Vincent, 22, who works in the finance sector, says labels make it easier to categorise certain behaviours. However, on the flip side, Kavya, 25, IT consultant, finds that labels enforce a certain behaviour pattern. 'Even with dating, labels such as love-bombing and breadcrumbing are inherently classified as bad, and it is making us move away from looking at certain behaviours through a more empathetic lens. What if this person, who is exhibiting this bad behaviour, is a green flag?' Social media like Instagram is filled with dating theories such as the orange peel theory (the idea that small and caring gestures, like peeling an orange for someone, show true love and affection) and the classic red and green flags analogy, putting their loved ones on a litmus test and basing their choices on these theories. 'I could just refuse to peel an orange because I don't feel like it,' says Faizan ul Haq, 25, a software developer. Niki adds that such theories put unrealistic expectations on people. 'I always had the image of 'if this person loves me, they will do it without me asking', not understanding that my lover is not a mind reader.' Social media works on personal algorithms, ensuring that you relate to most of the content you consume. 'We are not taking into account that these influencers have a completely different lifestyle. There is no guarantee that it is their real life that they are leading. It is best to focus only on our relationship, as nobody knows us better than we do,' says Niki. Faizan says many influencers do not research properly and base their theories on self-experience, making it easy for people to trust them. 'I need to know whether their source of information is well-researched and has some basis. But if it is ill-informed, I will be sceptical about their views,' he says. Art of gifting Gen Z, known for not shying away from displaying emotions, believes in the art of gifting handmade gifts such as letters and scrapbooks as it is more personal and intimate. 'The old-school methods seem way more beautiful. Imagine having someone send you handwritten letters when you are away at work or a poem to remind you that they are thinking about you. It is just blissful,' says Callestina. However, labels come with their own pressure, and it becomes hard to keep up. 'New terms are getting made up every single day. It is hard to keep up with them and it is overwhelming. Having a billion terms means you are aware, but if it goes overboard, it can be very irritating,' says Niki. Callestina adds that if people are able to understand the behaviour pattern, they can choose to walk away from the situation, and in that way, labels are useful. Will love truly transcend labels, social media theories, and return to its regal status of being an unadulterated emotion? Time shall tell.
