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Convicted Child Rapist Steven Van de Velde.
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, anger, amusement to hope. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into any of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter.
THE BAD
CONVICTED CHILD RAPIST ALLOWED TO COMPETE IN 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
In 2016, a 19-year-old Steven Van de Velde, a Dutch beach volleyball player was convicted of the rape of a child. The rapist flew 400 miles from Amsterdam to the UK to meet the schoolgirl after they met on Facebook. Well aware that the girl was only 12 years old, he gave her alcohol and raped her multiple times. After the assault, he instructed the victim to get the morning after pill as they had not used contraception. Then he went on his merry way back to his home country, the Netherlands.
It was the child's visit to a family planning clinic that alerted the police, who were called in due to the girl’s extremely young age. Van de Velde was later extradited to the UK when he was arrested on suspicion of the sexual assault of a child under 13 years old. He confessed to the rape of the girl to the authorities.
2024 Paris Olympics Athlete, Pedophile Van de Velde.
He was found guilty of three counts of child rape and sentenced to a four-year prison sentence. Under a treaty between the Netherlands and the UK, Van de Velde was transferred to the Netherlands to serve his sentence. The charges and sentencing were amended under Dutch law transforming the rape charge into 'fornication'. After serving only 13 months of his original four-year sentence, he was released from prison.
After his release from prison in 2017, Van de Velde had the audacity to complain about "all the nonsense" reporting on his crime in the media, claiming that the term pedophile did not apply to him. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in Britain condemned his comments at the time, stating that his "lack of remorse and self-pity is breathtaking."
When the young girl learned of Van de Velde's arrest for her assault, the victim felt a tremendous sense of guilt because she believed they were in love. She subsequently took an overdose and had several incidents of self-harm. The child suffered severe emotional distress as a result of this man taking advantage of her innocence.
Upon gaining his freedom, Van de Velde told a local newspaper, "I have been branded as a sex monster, as a paedophile. That I am not - really not."
Stolen Innocence.
After the worldwide backlash when the rapist was announced as an Olympic contender, Dutch officials had the temerity to defend the decision to allow him to compete in the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee said who competes "is the sole responsibility of each respective National Olympic Committee."
They housed the child rapist away from the other athletes at the Olympic Village and would not allow him to speak with the media. The pedophile was booed by fans at his matches. The Committee also apologized for the psychological effect of Van de Velde's nomination on sexual assault victims, "claiming they did not expect it to attract so much attention."🙄
Steven Van de Velde should be rotting in prison, not competing in the prestigious Olympic Games. The Games are supposed to highlight the greatest athletes in the world as they compete and bring honor to their individual countries. A self-admitted, convicted pedophile is not someone who should be selected to represent anything other than to serve as an example of a despicable human being with no moral compass. Van de Velde remains on the sex offender list in England.
ANGELA WEBSTER 8/2
ASHKAN REZAI 8/19
EDWIN ERNEST 8/22
STUART BENSON 8/24
ERICA TURNER 8/24
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
JUST WRITE IT DOWN, PLEASE.
TRUTH BOMBS are described in the urban dictionary as surprising but true statements. A fact or piece of knowledge that, when told to a listener, is devastating to the listener's argument or world view.
New Yorker Seth Phillips has gained a cult following for his truth bombs that protest anything from loud engines, phones that shatter easily, “x” in espresso, and other very specific, small things that add up to our daily lives. He has a over 7.5 million followers on social media. Phillips has gone mainstream enough that fashion brands are selling "Dude with Sign" shirts in their collections.
And, of course, there’s always something new to protest. Such as, hot coffee in summer or verifying you’re not a robot online. Those of us who have had enough of everything will get a chuckle out of this series.
Summer’s temperatures are blazing so we’ve found some refreshingly cool and delicious treats to help us all chill out! Give one of these frosty recipes a try and create a delectable frozen dessert that the whole family will rave about.
HOMEMADE MANGO ICE CREAM
This Mango Ice Cream recipe is a creamy and delicious frozen dessert that can be prepared with just three simple ingredients. This frosty dessert recipe requires no ice cream maker or churning and has only 10 minutes of preparation time. You'll be indulging in the mouthwatering flavors of homemade mango ice cream in no time at all.
INGREDIENTS
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2 Cups Mango Pulp
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2 1/2 Cups Whipping Cream Heavy Cream
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14 Oz. Condensed Milk (1 Can)
Fresh Diced Mangos.
DIRECTIONS
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Combine Condensed Milk and Whipping Cream in a bowl of a stand mixer. Whip them together until a stiff peak is achieved.
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Fold in the mango puree gently with silicone spatula until well combined.
2 cup Mango Pulp
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Transfer the prepared Mango Ice cream to a Bread Loaf Pan or a freezer safe bowl. Smoothen the top with the back of the spoon. Place a small sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper on the top of the ice cream, Cover with cling film and freeze.
2 cup Mango Pulp,600 ml Whipping Cream,397 g Condensed Milk (1 can)
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For soft scoops, pull them out in 2-2.5 hours and serve them right away. For perfect rolled scoops, freeze them for 6 hours+.
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Serve the 3 Ingredients homemade Mango Ice cream in cones or in cups, whatever you prefer.
HELPFUL TIPS:
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Pre-freeze your mixing bowl and beaters for about 15-20 minutes before whipping the cream. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve a smoother texture.
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Chill the cream and condensed milk before whipping to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
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Do not over whip the cream as the ice cream mixture can fall apart.
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Use good mango pulp or make your own from fresh mangoes for a vibrant and authentic mango flavor.
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For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile.
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To prevent ice crystals from forming, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This creates a barrier and helps maintain the creaminess of the ice cream.
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Allow the ice cream to soften for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving and smoother texture.
Creamy & Delicious Homemade Mango Ice Cream. Yum!
🙄
1. Would you rather have the power to mute people in real life or have the ability to fast-forward through meetings?
2. Would you rather give up email for a week or give up your work phone for a day?
3. Would you rather have the ability to turn any boring meeting into a party or turn any stressful day into a spa day?
4. Would you rather participate in a mystery murder dinner with your coworkers or a scavenger hunt through the city?
5. Would you rather bring your pet or your kid to work once a month?
Bring Your Dog To Work Day. 🐾❤️
6. Would you rather participate in a company-wide talent show or a cook-off competition?
7. Would you rather have an office with an amazing view but a long commute or a bland office but a very short commute?
8. Would you rather have a workspace with the best technology and gadgets or one that’s eco-friendly and sustainable?
9. Would you rather have immediate feedback on your work or comprehensive feedback at the end of a project?
10. Would you rather have a team-building retreat in the wilderness with no cell service or in a luxury hotel with all the amenities?
Tranquil Wilderness Retreat.
AFTER being rescued and adopted.
BEFORE & AFTER RESCUE DOG TRANSFORMATIONS
According to the ASPCA, a staggering 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters every year in the US. Every year, more than 900,000 of those animals are euthanized (300,000+ dogs and 500,000+ cats). It is so heartbreaking to know that many of these animals never get a second chance at life.
Who can resist a heartwarming makeover, especially when it involves a sweet dog? Whether they were abandoned, lost or mistreated, these down-on-their luck dogs were in dire need of a loving presence in their lives. That's where caring animal shelters, pet rescues and foster parents come into the picture. With lots of love and much-needed TLC, these rescue dogs started thriving — inside and out. These before-and-after transformation pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, it will inspire you to adopt a rescue pup of your own.
BEFORE. 😢
Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or a pet rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry family member. Trust me, you'll be so glad that you did. 🐾❤️
NATIONAL GIRLFRIEND DAY 8/1
ICE CREAM SANDWICH DAY 8/2
NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY 8/3
FREINDSHIP DAY 8/4
NATIONAL SISTER DAY 8/4
BOOK LOVER’S DAY 8/9
NATIONAL LAZY DAY 8/10
WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 8/12
NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY 8/15
BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY 8/17
SENIOR CITIZENS DAY 8/21
NATIONAL DOG DAY 8/26
WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY 8/26
NATIONAL GOLF MONTH
NATIONAL PICNIC MONTH
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION MONTH
NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH
NATIONAL EYE EXAM MONTH
FISHING MONTH
1. Popsicles were invented by accident. Eleven-year-old Frank Epperson inadvertently created the popsicle in 1905 by leaving his soda with a stirring stick outside on his porch overnight. The cold night air froze the soda, leaving the stick upright. The “Epsicle” was born. The name popsicle was created by Frank’s own kids who called his invention “Pop’s ‘sicle.” Frank liked the name so much; he patented it in 1923.
2. Frisbees are a popular sport that came from throwing pie plates. Invented in 1870s, the frisbee was originally a pie plate that became a summer pastime.
3. In the year 1816, there was no summer. The volcanic eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia blocked out the atmosphere with dust, ash and sulfur oxide. The event caused a significant drop in global temperatures resulting in winter-like climates.
4. There are 12 types of ice cream and over 1,000 flavors around the world.
5. Goats can climb trees. Each summer in Morocco, goats will climb as high as 30 feet up Argan trees to eat their fruit and leaves.
Goats in an Argan tree in Morocco.
6. More thunderstorms occur during the summer than at any other time of the year. The warmth of summer often provides the perfect conditions of rising air and moisture required for the creation of thunderstorms.
7. Sunshine improves your brain function. Researchers at a University in Belgium found that "brain activity peaks in the summer."
8. Crickets get chirpy in the summer. There's a simple trick to find out the temperature in the summer using crickets. The frequency of a cricket's chirps is consistent with air temperature, so you simply need to count how many chirps there are over 25 seconds then divide by 3 and add 4 to tell the temperature in Celsius.
9. Humans are scientifically proven to be happier in the summer.
10. On a hot day in Paris, the Eiffel Tower grows taller. The tower is constructed of iron and when this is warmed, it expands, causing the structure to grow by up to 7 inches.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris.
CHESSLYN BOHLER 8/1
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY, CHESS!
Healthy & Hydrating Drinks.
In the last several years, we have all experienced new challenges that have affected our mental, physical, and social well-being. Many of us have felt anxiety, increased stress, and emotional exhaustion which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever before. Our wellness journey is an ongoing one, and we have to prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are some ideas to care for the many dimensions of wellness, so we can nourish our bodies and nurture our minds.
FIVE DRINKS THAT WILL KEEP YOU HEALTHY & HYDRATED THIS SUMMER
The summer has arrived in full force with high temperatures and even higher humidity. Try keeping cool and get a nutritional boost from these delicious, cool and refreshing summer drink recipes. Some have anti-inflammatory and healthy skin benefits, so drink up and enjoy.
Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Mojito Lemonade
Ingredients
2 cups cold peppermint tea
1/3 cup honey or vegan substitute
A handful of fresh mint leaves.
3 limes, juice and zest.
3 lemons, juiced
Sparkling water
Fresh mint leaves and lime or lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
1. Add the peppermint tea, honey, mint leaves, lime juice and zest, and lemon juice to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture into a large pitcher to remove any bits of mint leaves that remain.
3. Fill glasses half-way with the mixture and top it off with sparkling water, a lemon or lime wedge, and some fresh mint leaves for garnish.
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Watermelon-Basil Agua Fresca
Ingredients
2 cups cubed watermelon
1 cup water
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
Optional Sweetener: 1 teaspoon agave syrup or a couple of drops of Monk Fruit
Ice for serving
Instructions
1. Combine watermelon, water, lime juice, and basil in a blender. Process until smooth.
2. Serve over ice.
*For a festive touch, garnish with a couple of fresh blueberries.
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Blackberry Limeade
Ingredients
1 cup water
1-quart blackberries
5 limes
2/3 cup sugar
3 cup water
Blackberries and limes to garnish if desired
Instructions
1. Mix 1 cup of water with the blackberries in a blender and process until smooth (1 cup water, 1-quart blackberries).
2. Put the blackberry mixture through a sieve or strainer to remove the seeds.
3. Pour the blackberry juice into a large pitcher.
4. Juice the limes to get about 2/3 cup of fresh lime juice (5 limes).
5. Add the lime juice and sugar and remaining 3 cups of water to the pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves (2/3 cup sugar, 3 cups water).
6. Garnish glasses with limes and blackberries (blackberries and limes to garnish if desired).
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Whipped Frozen Creamsicle
Ingredients
1 ¼ cups orange juice or tangerine juice (fresh or refrigerated, not from concentrate)
½ cup unsweetened vanilla coconut milk
1 ½ cups ice cubes
¼ cup frozen mango chunks
Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
Combine orange (or tangerine) juice, coconut milk, ice, and frozen mango in a blender. Blend until the mango is pureed and the ice is crushed to a slushy consistency. Divide the creamsicle between two 12-ounce glasses, garnish each with an orange slice, and serve immediately.
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Mango Lemonade
1 cup mango pulp
½ cup sugar or honey
¾ cup water
juice of 1 lemon
2 cups cold water
ice cubes, mint leaves, and lemon slices
1. Add mango or mango pulp, sugar, lemon juice and water to a blender. Process until smooth.
2. Serve on ice and garnish with mint.
3. Prepare a Simple Syrup - To prepare simple syrup, add sugar and water to a pan. Allow the mixture to boil until sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes and allow the mixture to cool down.
4. Prepare the Mango Lemonade Pitcher
5. To a large pitcher, add mango pulp, lemon juice and sugar syrup.
6. Add cold water and stir.
7. Add lots of ice cubes, just before serving.
8. Serve Chilled Mango Lemonade in glasses with a sliced lemon and garnish with mint leaves.
If you are using fresh mangos, peel the skin off and blend them to obtain a puree.
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Color Changing Galaxy Lemonade
Establishing healthy habits is a challenging but important part of maintaining your wellness. Small actions and simple activities can make a big difference in your holistic health. The holistic approach to health care focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body.
I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people everywhere. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
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