San Francisco isn't just rich in history and culture – it's a world-class food destination. At the heart of it all is Michelin-starred chef Tyler Florence, a culinary force behind the acclaimed Miller & Lux steakhouse at Chase Center – recently named the Best Steakhouse in the Bay Area.

From fine dining to food trucks, SF’s food scene tells the story of its people. With flavors shaped by generations of Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, and Italian immigrants – plus innovations like sushi burritos and iconic sourdough – the city’s plates are as diverse as its population.

Tyler is a champion of street food culture and host of The Great Food Truck Race, and he’s passionate about making sure no one experiences food FOMO – especially with 23M+ visitors expected this year and global events like the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl on the horizon.

🔥 He’s sharing:

• SF’s must-try dishes + the stories behind them
• Trends shaping the future of food
• Recipes from his new book American Grill
• Why food truck culture is booming in the US and UK

With summer and festival season heating up, now’s the time to dive into the city’s flavors – from fine dining to curbside bites.

#Foodie #SanFrancisco #TylerFlorence #FoodTrucks #MichelinStar #AmericanGrill #BBQSeason #FIFAWC26 #SuperBowl2026 #CulinaryTrends #Hospitality #VisitCalifornia

Carole Becker-Douglas is a UK-based singer-songwriter celebrated for her evocative blend of Celtic, spiritual, and folk-inspired music. Her work often intertwines poetic themes with traditional melodies, creating a unique and heartfelt listening experience.

🎶 Musical Career & Style

Becker-Douglas's discography showcases her versatility and depth as an artist:

• Tioram to Mingulay (2003): This album features traditional Scottish and Celtic songs, including "Mingulay," "She Moved Through the Fair," and "I'm Listening to the Breeze." The collection captures the essence of Celtic heritage and landscapes. (Amazon UK, Apple Music - Web Player)
• For the Love of Yeats – A Celtic Weave of Poetry and Song (2016): A tribute to poet W.B. Yeats, this album merges his poetry with Celtic musical arrangements, offering a spiritual and literary journey. (Amazon UK)
• Shania (2014): Diverging into contemporary themes, this album includes tracks like "Shania (On My Way)" and "You Don't Love Me Now (Better Days)," reflecting a more modern musical approach. (Shazam)

Her single, "The Millennium Prayer for Peace (So Many Lives)" (2015), exemplifies her commitment to spiritual and humanitarian themes through music. (Apple Music - Web Player)

🎧 Where to Listen

Carole Becker-Douglas's music is accessible on various streaming platforms:

• Apple Music
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• SoundCloud

These platforms offer a comprehensive collection of her works, from traditional Celtic tunes to contemporary compositions.

🌟 Artistic Vision

Beyond her albums, Becker-Douglas has ventured into composing for film and television, including projects aimed at children's animation. Her dedication to blending music with storytelling underscores her multifaceted talent and passion for the arts. 

#CelticMusic, #FolkMusic, #SpiritualMusic, #SingerSongwriter, #IndieArtist, #PoeticMusic, #CelticSoul, #ModernFolk, #MysticalMusic, #YeatsInspired, #MusicAndPoetry, #PeaceThroughMusic, #HealingMusic, #SacredSounds, #NowPlaying, #NewMusicDiscovery, #SupportIndieArtists, #ListenToThis, #MusicForTheSoul

Michigan is actually a fantastic — and sometimes underrated — destination, especially if you like a mix of cities, small towns, lakes, forests, and (of course) sport.

Here’s a broad overview of what Michigan offers:

🌆 Cities

• Detroit: Known as the "Motor City," Detroit is famous for its music (Motown, techno), automotive history (home of Ford, GM), and a vibrant cultural revival. It has four major league teams (NFL Lions, NBA Pistons, NHL Red Wings, MLB Tigers) and a lively downtown with museums, galleries, and new restaurants. Key spots include the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, and Eastern Market.
• Ann Arbor: A beautiful, leafy college town that’s home to the University of Michigan. It's famous for its arts scene, bookstores, restaurants, and one of the biggest stadiums in the world, Michigan Stadium (known as "The Big House").
• Grand Rapids: A lively mid-sized city known for its craft breweries, art scene (ArtPrize festival), and close access to beaches along Lake Michigan.

🏖️ Nature and Outdoor Adventures

• The Great Lakes: Michigan is unique because it's bordered by four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie), so it has over 3,200 miles of shoreline — more coastline than any US state except Alaska!
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Huge, dramatic sand dunes along Lake Michigan. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and climbing.
• Upper Peninsula (U.P.): A wild, remote, and stunningly beautiful region filled with forests, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines. It feels almost like stepping into another country. It’s perfect for hiking, skiing, kayaking, and snowmobiling.
• Mackinac Island: A charming, historic island between Michigan’s two peninsulas where no cars are allowed — transport is by horse-drawn carriage, bike, or foot. It’s famous for its fudge, Victorian architecture, and relaxing atmosphere.

🎶 Culture and Food

• Music: Detroit is the birthplace of Motown and has a deep connection to jazz, techno, and hip-hop.
• Food: Michigan is famous for cherries (especially Traverse City), Coney Island hot dogs (Detroit style), craft beer (especially in Grand Rapids, called “Beer City USA”), and farm-to-table dining.
• Festivals: Whether it's the Tulip Festival in Holland (yes, there’s a Dutch town), the National Cherry Festival, or endless summer music fests, there’s something happening year-round.

🏈 Sport

• Besides the four major pro teams, Michigan has some of the most passionate college sports fans in the US. University of Michigan vs Michigan State University (the Spartans) is a huge rivalry across sports like American football and basketball.
• Also popular: minor league baseball, auto racing (NASCAR at Michigan International Speedway), and hockey at all levels.

✈️ Getting There

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the main international gateway with direct flights from London and other major cities.
• Car rental is highly recommended if you want to explore beyond the cities because public transport between towns can be limited.

In short: Michigan has a bit of everything — from gritty, reborn cities to serene lakeside villages, plus massive sports culture, rich music history, and breathtaking outdoor scenery.

https://www.michigan.org/

Electric Vehicle Demand Hits Record Highs – But Misconceptions Still Holding Millions Back

As demand for electric vehicles (EVs) surges to record levels across the UK, millions of drivers are still hesitating to make the switch—held back by persistent myths about costs and complexity.

However, a groundbreaking new study—the most comprehensive of its kind globally—aims to set the record straight.

The Cost of Driving Electric (CODE) report reveals:

• 80% of drivers can save money by switching to a battery electric vehicle (BEV)
• The average saving per car is £5,850 over a typical ownership term
• Buyers of used EVs can save an additional £2,781 on average

Despite the clear financial benefits, confusion around EV affordability—combined with patchy government messaging and concerns about charging infrastructure—continues to delay wider adoption.

But with momentum building, the upcoming Everything Electric LONDON expo (16–18 April 2025 at ExCeL London) arrives at a crucial moment. The show, part of a globally acclaimed event series, is expected to draw over 25,000 attendees. Visitors will have the chance to:

• Test drive the newest EV models
• Attend expert-led sessions on making the switch to electric
• Explore the latest in electric home and transport technology

With EVs becoming more accessible—and now even cheaper upfront than petrol cars in the used market—the road to a cleaner, more cost-effective future is clearer than ever.

Easter Motorcycle Racing Extravaganza at Bishopscourt!

Get ready for a thrilling weekend of two-wheeled action as the Motor Cycle Road Racing Club of Ireland hosts Round 2 of the Ulster Superbike Championship at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Downpatrick.

Headlining the event is the 49th Enkalon Trophy, first won in 1977 by Ray McCullough, now contested by top Superbike Pro riders. The IFS David Wood Trophy will be awarded to the Supersport Pro class winner. Both feature four races across two days, with silverware and cash prizes up for grabs.

With over 170 entries, racing will be intense. Superbike class gets a major boost with £12,000 sponsorship from SBT Ireland. Big names like Richard Cooper, Carl Phillips, Jonny Campbell, and Korie McGreevy will be gunning for glory.

Friday starts at 9am with practice and the exciting “Sail to Pole” Supersport shootout, sponsored by Nutt Travel. Racing begins at 12pm Friday and 9am Saturday, with all 40 races counting toward the USBK Championship.

Other highlights include:

• Resurgent Supertwin class
• Mini Sidecar Championship running through Monday at Kirkistown
• Moto One & Moto 3 youth classes, showcasing the next generation
• Support races: Production Twins, Supersport 300, Classics & more

Admission is £20pp, with overnight camping available Thursday and Friday. Local accommodation options are plentiful.

Thanks to IFS Global Logistics, all sponsors, and supporters for making this possible. Don’t miss one of the biggest weekends in Irish road racing!