How Africa gains from transparency

The continent is experiencing economic growth and improving financial governance and trustworthiness. Freer, fairer elections can support this trajectory. 
Source: How Africa gains from transparency

As shutdown sets record, Head Start preschools start closing

On Monday, the first Head Start centers started to close, a result of the now record-setting government shutdown. The program serves 715,000 children and their families a year.
Source: As shutdown sets record, Head Start preschools start closing

End the shutdown? That'll point Congress back to Obamacare's rising costs.

The idea of federal subsidies to help more people afford health insurance was baked into the Affordable Care Act from the start. But they've grown, as has the strain of overall health care spending on federal budgets.
Source: End the shutdown? That'll point Congress back to Obamacare's rising costs.

A spiritual perspective that breaks through impasse

As we recognize that God is blessing us all without limit, we find that dead ends become open roads to progress. An article inspired by this week's Bible lesson from the Christian Science Quarterly.
Source: A spiritual perspective that breaks through impasse

Focusing on the right answers

Beginning with spiritual reality brings momentum to our prayers for the world.  
Source: Focusing on the right answers

'£20 a night for one of the most peaceful locations in the world': readers' favourite remote stays

From the Scottish Highlands to a Greek island, our tipsters have been awed by silence, beauty and wildlife in out-of-the-way corners of Europe
• Tell us about a great country pub – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher

I'd recommend visiting the Outer Hebrides island of Berneray for an experience of true remoteness. Here you can walk across the rare grassland called the machair to the white, three-mile long West Beach, which looks out into the North Atlantic, and marvel at the immense space and colour of the sea. We stayed at a Gatliff Hebridean hostel, which consists of two converted crofts where for about £20 a night for a bunk you will be staying in probably one of the most peaceful locations in the world. Berneray is between North Uist and Harris.
Nik Fernee

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Source: '£20 a night for one of the most peaceful locations in the world': readers' favourite remote stays

'There is bounty almost everywhere': why you'll always find me in the flea market on my travels

Forget sightseeing, secondhand shopping is now a major draw for tourists. A seasoned bargain-hunter shares her tips on picking up the best vintage finds when travelling abroad

Marburg, Germany. It's a fairytale city, not only because of the hilltop castle that overlooks its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, but also because this is where the Grimm brothers once lived and studied, starting the collection of folklore stories that would eventually become their famous anthology of fairytales. Throughout the city, sculptures – some perched in improbable places – pay homage to this past, forming a mile-long route known as the Grimm Path. It's very much like a treasure hunt.

But on my visit to Marburg, I had a different type of treasure hunt in mind and, once done with enchanted mirrors and kissy-lipped frogs, headed straight for the SecondHand by DRK (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz – the German Red Cross) to scout for pre-owned items.

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Source: 'There is bounty almost everywhere': why you'll always find me in the flea market on my travels

In Mexico, Nothing Says 'Good Morning' Like a Concha

Chefs are elevating what's long been a basic street cart breakfast with novel flavors and updated ingredients.
Source: In Mexico, Nothing Says 'Good Morning' Like a Concha

With Their Egg Tarts, Hong Kong's Cha Chaan Tengs Offer Nostalgic Joy

The much-loved treat has become synonymous with the city's vanishing all-day diners.
Source: With Their Egg Tarts, Hong Kong's Cha Chaan Tengs Offer Nostalgic Joy

Spoiler Alert by Rel Paul  - Spoiler Alert: An Album Full of Passion and Purpose

I’m not usually into rap, but Spoiler Alert by Rel Paul really surprised me! The lyrics hit deep, the beats are solid, and the message about faith and victory in Christ is powerful. Every song has something different to offer, and you can feel the passion in each track. Definitely worth a listen — even if rap isn’t your usual style!
https://speedstars.run/[...]
Source: Spoiler Alert by Rel Paul  - Spoiler Alert: An Album Full of Passion and Purpose