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If winter is gradually ending where you are, get ahead with pruning, mulching and seed-sowing. London (PA Media/dpa) – As winter slowly comes to an end, February is a month when, weather permitting, gardeners can get on with jobs which will give them a head start for spring. It doesn’t just have to be outdoors. If there’s frost and the ground is too hard to work, there’s plenty to do inside – from sowing seeds to giving houseplants a helping hand. Here are 10 jobs to get you started. Sow seeds Some veg seeds can be sown indoors, including lettuces, tomatoes, peppers, chillies and other salad crops, plus kale, peas and leeks. If you’d rather be sowing seeds for flowers, cosmos, salvias and sweet peas are excellent choices. If the ground is suitable for outdoor sowing (not frozen or waterlogged) and you live in a mild area, you could try sowing vegetables such as broad beans, cabbages, carrots and parsnips under cloches, but if the ground is not suitable, wait until March when everything has warmed up a little. Chit potatoes Early seed potatoes (new potatoes), which you can buy in bags in garden centres, can be ‘chitted’ indoors now to encourage their sprouts to grow. Place them either in old egg boxes or seed trays, ‘eye’ side up on a windowsill with indirect sunlight, and wait a few weeks until the sprouts grow to around 2cm, ready for planting out around six weeks later in March and April. You can remove all but three or four chits if you want bigger potatoes. Plant bare-root roses, fruit bushes and shrubs If you’ve managed to bag a bargain with a bare-root variety rather than a more expensive potted one, and the ground is soft enough to work, plant out bare-root roses and other bare-root shrubs now to give them a head start to growth so they become established by summer. You can also plant out raspberry canes and bare-root strawberries in February, if the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Prune winter-flowering shrubs Shrubs which have given you winter colour, such as winter jasmine, should be pruned after flowering, and you can also prune roses later in the month, as well as Groups Two and Group Three clematis, wisteria, and summer-flowering shrubs such as buddleia and Hydrangea paniculata, which flower on this year’s growth. It’s also a good time to tidy up fruit bushes such as blackcurrants and gooseberries for a better framework. You can also cut back deciduous hedges in February before birds start nesting in them in March. Wait to prune spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia until they have finished flowering, but do cut back perennials and ornamental grasses to encourage more growth. Plant summer-flowering bulbs Start off lily bulbs indoors in a cool room or greenhouse and if you’ve stored dahlia tubers over the winter, pot them up and place them in a light spot such as a greenhouse, keeping the compost moist. Give your gladioli a head start by planting corms in seed trays in a light, warm spot where they should show signs of life before planting and encourage an earlier display. Check plant protection Depending on where you live, February can still be extremely cold, so make sure netting and covers are secured in place to protect vulnerable plants from the worst of the weather. Various forms of netting and horticultural fleece can be wrapped around container plants or made into a frame to cover wall plants. Warm the soil You may have more luck when you are planting directly into the ground if you warm the soil first. You can use cardboard, old sheets, bubble wrap or cloches to keep the worst of the elements off and give your hardy plants a good chance. It may be best to wait to plant out your hardier plants until mid-February, when hopefully the sun will have shown its face. Mulch trees, shrubs and fruit bushes with organic matter such as compost, which will not only add nutrients, but also provide some protection to the roots. Check on houseplants Make sure that in the last weeks of winter your houseplants are still getting plenty of light, so move them closer to windows but make sure they are not in a draughty location. Don’t overwater them – you can buy watering indicators or just put your finger in the soil – if it comes out with damp soil on it, then chances are the plant won’t need watering. Keep the leaves well dusted to encourage photosynthesis. Clean garden tools If you didn’t do it last year, venture to your shed and make sure all your garden tools are cleaned and oiled, ready for the new season. Give pots a good clean ready for seed-sowing and make sure your lawn mower has been serviced in anticipation of spring. Deadhead flowers Your container-grown violas and pansies may have been sulking over winter, but if you deadhead them now, they should come back to life in spring. Do the same with the spent flowers of early flowering primulas and clear any fallen leaves which may have drifted into containers and given slugs and snails a handy hiding place. The following information is not intended for publication dpa pa arw

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French President Emmanuel Macron turned heads in Davos by wearing aviators indoors. Before you start talking to your boss in sunglasses, be advised that Macron's eyewear choice was not meant as a trendsetting fashion flex – at least officially. Davos (dpa)  – If the French president can address world leaders, company executives and wealthy elites on global security matters in a pair of aviators, then perhaps all of us can too?  French President Emmanuel Macron made what appeared to be a bold fashion choice on Tuesday, wearing a pair of sunglasses while speaking to the World Economic Forum in the Swiss town of Davos. However, his choice of eyewear was not an attempt at trend-setting, but rather due to a health issue: He is suffering from a temporary condition which turns part of the eyeball red. French media first reported on Macron wearing the sunglasses on Thursday at a New Year's address to the French armed forces, where he reassured the audience about his health despite the "unsightly" bloodshot appearance of his right eye. At Davos, Macron continued to wear the sunglasses as he met attendees and joined meetings. AI-generated videos suggesting Macron was covering a black eye have appeared on X, however footage of Macron addressing troops shared by his X account shows he does indeed have a slightly reddened right eye. 'Generally considered rude' For anyone considering donning shades for their next team meeting, fashion brands and etiquette specialists are firmly convinced that indoor sunglasses are still a no-go. "Unless you have a medical issue that requires you to wear sunglasses inside or you've achieved single-name celebrity status, it's generally considered rude to keep your shades on indoors, especially in office buildings," US eyewear brand American Optical tells customers. "As a general rule, one does not, and should not, wear sunglasses indoors," Jo Hayes, founder of the Etiquette Expert website, told the Huffington Post in July. Macron's choice of eyewear to cover a blemish was more suave than that of then-German chancellor Olaf Scholz, who donned a pirate-like eyepatch in 2023 after injuring himself in a fall while jogging. Macron is believed to be suffering from what's known as a subconjunctival haemorrhage. The white part of your eye is covered by a clear membrane called the conjunctiva, under which are many tiny blood vessels – or capillaries – that can easily burst. "If it happens spontaneously and for no apparent reason, the redness is often harmless and disappears on its own after a while," says Dr Philipp Steven, senior physician in the Department of Ophthalmology at Cologne University Hospital in Germany. Indeed, Macron told the French armed forces the same: "It's something completely harmless." Red eye can be caused by straining on the toilet Heavy lifting or straining to have a bowel movement may also cause a capillary in your eye to burst. "Pressure from a coughing fit or strong sneeze can even do it," explains ophthalmologist Dr Andrea Lietz-Partzsch. The leaking blood can spread over part or all of the eyeball. "Simply rubbing your eye can cause a haemorrhage as well," Steven says. If you have recurrent subconjunctival haemorrhages within a short period of time, you should be examined by an ophthalmologist. You should see an eye doctor promptly if a burst capillary results in impaired vision or your red eye was caused by an injury, such as being struck by a ball or scratched by a thorn while gardening. But if you get a red eye and notice no ill effects, you can generally wait to see if the redness goes away. Should it persist for more than two days, however, it is advisable to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist to determine the cause. It's a good idea to be examined by a specialist for internal medicine too, according to Andrea Lietz-Partzsch, "because a red eye can also be a symptom of a serious illness." Recurrent burst capillaries in the eye may be an indication of high blood pressure, which, if left untreated, can at worst lead to a stroke. A blood-clotting disorder is another possible cause, which should be treated as well. And if you regularly take certain medications, including blood thinners, you can be more prone to localized bleeding – "not only in your eye, but in other parts of the body too," Steven says. A possible sign of ageing or dry eyes "It's also possible that your eyes, perhaps due to the ageing process, are simply overly dry," points out Lietz-Partzsch. Dryness often makes the eyes so sensitive that even rubbing them lightly can cause redness. A doctor can recommend an ointment to alleviate the symptoms. As Steven notes, subconjunctival haemorrhages "almost always" occur in just one eye at a time. Redness in both eyes at once is often due to an allergy or infection with a virus or bacteria. Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva) or keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) often cause reddened eyes as well. If you have a red eye from a burst capillary, you should avoid strenuous physical work, intensive sport and heavy lifting to allow the blood in your eye to recede. "Otherwise," Steven warns, "there's a risk of a capillary bursting again and prolongation of the redness." The following information is not intended for publication dpa coh hm

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Los Angeles (tca/dpa) – Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are cops on the edge of the law in "The Rip," a tough-talking, chest-thumping, ultramacho police thriller where the only crosses are double crosses and the only trust is full of deceit. Damon is Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Affleck is Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne, and the pair works for the Miami PD's Tactical Narcotics Team, or TNT. The recent murder of their partner has them wondering who they can trust and if there's a snitch in their ranks, and a stash house seizure of $20 million becomes the ultimate test of loyalty. "One Battle After Another's" Teyana Taylor is on board as a fellow TNT member, as is Steven Yeun. Kyle Chandler plays a DEA agent with whom they're partnered, and no one is quite sure who's on the level and who's working dirty. Writer-director Joe Carnahan, at his best when making stories about crooked cops ("Narc"), fast talkers ("Smokin' Aces") and the male id ("The Grey"), is on his home turf here, and he gets juicy performances out of Damon, Affleck and Chandler. The nighttime setting ramps up the intensity, and the script is full of blustery jargon ("You think I wanna jack this rip?" "You tryin' to two-and-two is four, run up the flank?") that is perfect for this kind of grimy, shoot-from-the-hip action thriller. "The Rip" rips. The following information is not intended for publication tca dpa coh

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As people across the globe embraced stuffed pasta and shaped it as their fancy in a multitude of forms, the number of varieties exploded. From Georgia's khinkali to Japan's gyoza, each kind is slightly different – yet all are delicious. Berlin (dpa) – Every region has its own variation of filled pasta, but no matter where you are, you will find this tasty dish worldwide. Each place has a different take on the basic formula though, so check whether there are some new ones for you to try from this overview: Jiaozi (China): These crescent-shaped dumplings are usually filled with pork, cabbage, garlic and ginger and are either boiled, steamed or fried. Wan-Tan (China): Very thin, delicate dough with a classic filling of pork, prawns, bamboo or shiitake mushrooms. They are typically served in broth (wonton soup) or fried until crispy with a dip. Baozi (China): Filled yeast dough pockets, which are mainly steamed, such as char siu bao with caramelized pork. Mandu (Korea): Similar to jiaozi, they can be steamed (jjim mandu), boiled (mul mandu) or deep-fried (gun mandu). Often filled with minced pork or tofu, kimchi and glass noodles. Gyoza (Japan): Similar to jiaozi, but with thinner dough and smaller in shape, mainly fried and then briefly steamed, very crispy. Momos (India): Thin wheat dough with vegetarian filling or with chicken or lamb. The dumpling is steamed or deep-fried and is a street food star in northern India. Khinkali (Georgia): They look like little bags. The filling is placed on a cut-out circle of dough and the ends of the dough are twisted slightly above the filling. Koldūnai (Lithuania): These semi-circular pasta pockets are considered a favourite food in Lithuania and are filled with mushrooms at Christmas. Pierogi (Poland): These are one of the most popular Polish dishes. Filled with a mixture of potatoes, cream cheese, herbs and spices, they are served with sour cream, melted butter and coleslaw. Ravioli (Italy): The name has been documented there since the 11th century. Initially, they were not filled pasta pockets, but rather small dumplings. Later, filled pasta became increasingly popular. Each region has its own variations in shape and name, such as rectangular agnolotti from Piedmont, hat-shaped cappeletti from Emilia-Romagna and triangular pansotti from Liguria. Schlutzkrapfen (Austria, South Tyrol/Italy): A dish from Tyrolean peasant cuisine, filled with veal, beef or potatoes. In South Tyrol, the filling usually consists of spinach, curd cheese and grey cheese, and sometimes beetroot. It is served with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn hpz xlt cwg lue arw

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Pasta fans around the world unite in their love of dumplings, preferably handmade. Whether you know them as ravioli and tortellini or pelmeni and jiaozi, here are some tips to make them yourself. Berlin (dpa) – Tiny balls of filling lovingly parcelled up in noodles, boiled and served with sauce – whether you know these as tortellini or jiaozi, these are culinary stars worldwide. We enjoy them baked so they are crunchy, gently steamed or fried to golden brown, depending on where we are. Almost every culture has its own version of these versatile dumplings, whether it is Italian ravioli, Lithuanian koldūnai, Polish pierogi or and Korean mandu. And each reveals wonderful flavours plus a mouthful of history too. From China to Europe via trade routes No one really knows where these dishes originated. China is considered the cradle of the practical method of reusing leftovers, vegetables or meat in dough. Jiaozi are probably one of the oldest known dumplings. "Their roots lie in China, and the first dumplings were mentioned as early as the Han Dynasty, 200 BC," says Asia specialist and food blogger Stefan Leistner of Asiastreetfood in Bavaria. The crescent-shaped jiaozi, filled with pork, cabbage, garlic and ginger, are considered the precursors of dumplings such as gyoza from Japan or Korean mandu. Today, they are either boiled, steamed or fried. "The first dim sum appeared during the Tang Dynasty (7th-10th century) in teahouses in southern China, especially those located directly on the Maritime Silk Road," says cookbook author Orathay Souksisavanh, who grew up in Asia. To attract travellers and traders, small snacks began to be served with tea. Dim sum, or dian xin in Mandarin, literally means "those that touch the heart," the author says. Trade routes such as the Silk Road spread these little dough parcels from China to Korea, Japan, Central Asia and on to Europe. This explains the similarities to Russian pelmeni, Turkish manti and Italian ravioli. Each region has developed the basic idea further and adapted it to local ingredients, preparation methods and food culture. Ready-made dough from the shop For speed and ease, Souksisavanh suggests you use ready-made dough from the supermarket, in her cookbook about making Chinese dumplings at home. "All the ready-made doughs available in grocery stores are very practical and save time," she says. Use fresh dough without preservatives or additives. Leistner also encourages us to use ready-made dough. "Thinly rolled shortcrust pastry from the supermarket works surprisingly well as a quick homemade version: fill, fold, cook – done." And for those who want to go the authentic route, he recommends wantan wrappers from Asian shops, which are usually frozen. "Just thaw and unwrap – that's how you get the original at home," he says. Easy to make, just takes practice For Lithuanian-born Joana Gimbutyte, homemade dumplings are totally fine for beginners to attempt. "They were regularly prepared in my childhood in Lithuania – not least because they are relatively easy to make," she says. A trained chef and cookbook author from Austria, she adds, "Many doughs consist of only a few ingredients, and there are virtually no limits to creativity when it comes to fillings." Shaping them requires a little practice. However, it does not take long to get the hang of it. She recommends starting with simple doughs such as pasta made from flour, water and a little oil. The right consistency is crucial – the dough should be neither too dry nor too sticky. Thorough kneading, by hand, with a mixer or food processor, makes it nice and smooth and supple. Afterwards, let it rest so that it is easier to work with. Smooth dough made from wheat flour using hot water For dumplings, use either wheat flour or starch for the transparent dough, Souksisavanh says. For dough made from wheat flour (type 550), "the key to success is to mix the flour with boiling water and knead immediately while the dough is still hot." As soon as the boiling water comes into contact with the flour, it cools down and you can easily work the dough by hand. The higher temperature makes the texture of the dough much more delicate and softer compared to dough made with cold water. Leistner says beginners should try their hand at half-moon-shaped jiaozi or gyoza, the Japanese version of jiaozi. The thin dough is easy to shape and fold into a half-moon. You fill them with minced pork or tofu and finely chopped Chinese cabbage, ginger and garlic, then cook the dumplings in a pan. Soul food from way back Depending on the culture, potato dough, yeast dough or puff pastry can also be used to envelop a delicious filling. Baos or baozi, which originate from northern China and remind Souksisavanh of her childhood, are a type of filled roll made from yeast dough, which are usually steamed. Her favourites are "Mama's Baos" filled with minced pork belly and diced vegetables. "We spent a lot of time back then trying to find an extra-fluffy dough that was somewhere between a French croissant and a Chinese bao," she says. Gimbutyte says the variety of fillings should not be off-putting. "Dumplings can look rustic – it's the taste that counts!" She loves the koldūnai from her Lithuanian homeland, filled with vegetables, meat or even sweet fillings. "They remind me of my childhood and family celebrations, where dumplings were simply a part of the tradition," she says. Vegetarian mushroom dumplings are a must, especially at Christmas. The many names of ravioli Italian-born Laura Zavan enjoys inviting friends over and preparing fresh ravioli with them, which everyone can fill as they like. "Ravioli generally refers to filled pasta – but depending on the region, they can have different shapes and names. Sometimes the shape gives them their name, but sometimes it's the region or the filling," she says in her cookbook about ravioli. Zavan's simple recipe is homemade pasta dough filled with cheese, vegetables, meat or fish. She varies the shapes from semi-circular, square, straight or twisted and cooks them al dente. Then she just tosses the parcels in butter or serves them with sage or tomato sauce for a simple but tasty treat. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn hpz bzl cwg lue xxde arw

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Pasta fans around the world unite in their love of dumplings, preferably handmade. Whether you know them as ravioli and tortellini or pelmeni and jiaozi, here are some tips to make them yourself. Berlin (dpa) – Tiny balls of filling lovingly parcelled up in noodles, boiled and served with sauce – whether you know these as tortellini or jiaozi, these are culinary stars worldwide. We enjoy them baked so they are crunchy, gently steamed or fried to golden brown, depending on where we are. Almost every culture has its own version of these versatile dumplings, whether it is Italian ravioli, Lithuanian koldūnai, Polish pierogi or and Korean mandu. And each reveals wonderful flavours plus a mouthful of history too. From China to Europe via trade routes No one really knows where these dishes originated. China is considered the cradle of the practical method of reusing leftovers, vegetables or meat in dough. Jiaozi are probably one of the oldest known dumplings. "Their roots lie in China, and the first dumplings were mentioned as early as the Han Dynasty, 200 BC," says Asia specialist and food blogger Stefan Leistner of Asiastreetfood in Bavaria. The crescent-shaped jiaozi, filled with pork, cabbage, garlic and ginger, are considered the precursors of dumplings such as gyoza from Japan or Korean mandu. Today, they are either boiled, steamed or fried. "The first dim sum appeared during the Tang Dynasty (7th-10th century) in teahouses in southern China, especially those located directly on the Maritime Silk Road," says cookbook author Orathay Souksisavanh, who grew up in Asia. To attract travellers and traders, small snacks began to be served with tea. Dim sum, or dian xin in Mandarin, literally means "those that touch the heart," the author says. Trade routes such as the Silk Road spread these little dough parcels from China to Korea, Japan, Central Asia and on to Europe. This explains the similarities to Russian pelmeni, Turkish manti and Italian ravioli. Each region has developed the basic idea further and adapted it to local ingredients, preparation methods and food culture. Ready-made dough from the shop For speed and ease, Souksisavanh suggests you use ready-made dough from the supermarket, in her cookbook about making Chinese dumplings at home. "All the ready-made doughs available in grocery stores are very practical and save time," she says. Use fresh dough without preservatives or additives. Leistner also encourages us to use ready-made dough. "Thinly rolled shortcrust pastry from the supermarket works surprisingly well as a quick homemade version: fill, fold, cook – done." And for those who want to go the authentic route, he recommends wantan wrappers from Asian shops, which are usually frozen. "Just thaw and unwrap – that's how you get the original at home," he says. Easy to make, just takes practice For Lithuanian-born Joana Gimbutyte, homemade dumplings are totally fine for beginners to attempt. "They were regularly prepared in my childhood in Lithuania – not least because they are relatively easy to make," she says. A trained chef and cookbook author from Austria, she adds, "Many doughs consist of only a few ingredients, and there are virtually no limits to creativity when it comes to fillings." Shaping them requires a little practice. However, it does not take long to get the hang of it. She recommends starting with simple doughs such as pasta made from flour, water and a little oil. The right consistency is crucial – the dough should be neither too dry nor too sticky. Thorough kneading, by hand, with a mixer or food processor, makes it nice and smooth and supple. Afterwards, let it rest so that it is easier to work with. Smooth dough made from wheat flour using hot water For dumplings, use either wheat flour or starch for the transparent dough, Souksisavanh says. For dough made from wheat flour (type 550), "the key to success is to mix the flour with boiling water and knead immediately while the dough is still hot." As soon as the boiling water comes into contact with the flour, it cools down and you can easily work the dough by hand. The higher temperature makes the texture of the dough much more delicate and softer compared to dough made with cold water. Leistner says beginners should try their hand at half-moon-shaped jiaozi or gyoza, the Japanese version of jiaozi. The thin dough is easy to shape and fold into a half-moon. You fill them with minced pork or tofu and finely chopped Chinese cabbage, ginger and garlic, then cook the dumplings in a pan. Soul food from way back Depending on the culture, potato dough, yeast dough or puff pastry can also be used to envelop a delicious filling. Baos or baozi, which originate from northern China and remind Souksisavanh of her childhood, are a type of filled roll made from yeast dough, which are usually steamed. Her favourites are "Mama's Baos" filled with minced pork belly and diced vegetables. "We spent a lot of time back then trying to find an extra-fluffy dough that was somewhere between a French croissant and a Chinese bao," she says. Gimbutyte says the variety of fillings should not be off-putting. "Dumplings can look rustic – it's the taste that counts!" She loves the koldūnai from her Lithuanian homeland, filled with vegetables, meat or even sweet fillings. "They remind me of my childhood and family celebrations, where dumplings were simply a part of the tradition," she says. Vegetarian mushroom dumplings are a must, especially at Christmas. The many names of ravioli Italian-born Laura Zavan enjoys inviting friends over and preparing fresh ravioli with them, which everyone can fill as they like. "Ravioli generally refers to filled pasta – but depending on the region, they can have different shapes and names. Sometimes the shape gives them their name, but sometimes it's the region or the filling," she says in her cookbook about ravioli. Zavan's simple recipe is homemade pasta dough filled with cheese, vegetables, meat or fish. She varies the shapes from semi-circular, square, straight or twisted and cooks them al dente. Then she just tosses the parcels in butter or serves them with sage or tomato sauce for a simple but tasty treat. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn hpz bzl cwg lue xxde arw

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Los Angeles (dpa) – Netflix has made no secret of its disdain for the cinematic release. When asked about this topic, executives at the streaming giant consistently say it is more important for the company to deliver films straight to hundreds of millions of streaming subscribers than to release them in cinemas. So if Netflix acquires Hollywood heavyweight Warner Bros, what does this mean for the future of the cinema industry and the big-screen releases expected of a blockbuster powerhouse like this? Nothing much will change, Netflix says, seeking to ease fears among cinema owners and fans. The streaming giant would not expose Warner’s cinema business to risks, Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos said in a January interview with the New York Times, assuring that the current 45-day window for exclusive theatrical releases would remain. When Netflix announced plans to acquire Warner, Sarandos had initially signalled that the company envisioned a gradual change in the lengths of theatrical exclusivity. US cinema operators worry that shorter exclusive windows could cost them vital revenues. Warner films have recently been a key pillar for the cinema business. Sarandos stressed that Netflix, following a Warner acquisition, also wanted to become number one in the cinema business. "We want to win" — both on a film’s opening weekend and in total box office revenues, he said. Reviewing Warner’s financials, Netflix discovered that the studio’s cinema operations were performing better than previously assumed. Netflix is seeking to buy Warner Brothers’ studio and streaming business in an $83 billion deal, excluding the television channels currently owned by the company, such as CNN. Its rival Paramount, however, is offering $108.4 billion for the entire Warner Bros Discovery company as it stands today. Warner’s management has opted for the Netflix bid, but Paramount has since appealed directly to shareholders. The outcome of the bidding war remains uncertain. The following information is not intended for publication dpa so yyon n1 sl

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"A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms", HBO’s newest "Game of Thrones" spinoff trades dragons and dynastic chaos for muddy camps, brutal tourneys and a gentle, guileless hero. But without magic or grand intrigue to lift the stakes, will this show stay stuck in the dirt? Los Angeles (tca/dpa) – Cersei chose violence. Rhaenyra commandeered dragons. But the protagonist of HBO's new "Game of Thrones " spinoff, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms"? Don't expect vengeful wildfire or shouts of "Dracarys!" Wanna-be knight Dunk is earnest, gentle and enjoys sleeping under the stars. There are no magic spells, dragons or major wars in Dunk's (Peter Claffey) timeline, which is set about 100 years before the events of "Game of Thrones," and roughly seven decades after 2022's spinoff, "House of the Dragon ." But there's still mud. Lots of mud, mixed with blood and guts, because what's Westeros if not a queasy swill of muck and bodily fluids? Here's to consistency between series. But there's a problem. It turns out that sitting through scenes replete with diarrhea, snot, vomit and bashed brains isn't all that tolerable without the payoff of royal feuds, sociopathic personalities, supernatural phenomenon and above all, a story that promises to go somewhere bigger. Based on the "Tales of Dunk and Egg," novellas by author George R.R. Martin (he wrote "A Song of Ice and Fire," the novel series that inspired "Game of Thrones"), "Knight," premiering Sunday, takes a humble road into the realm, basing its story around a simple, low-born wanderer who dreams of becoming a knight. His story unfolds over six episodes that take place over the course of a few days, which is quite a switch from the vast timelines of "Game of Thrones " and "House of the Dragon's" debut seasons. The tighter scope and folksy approach — from a score with more spare acoustic guitar than sweeping orchestral numbers and an abundance of drab peasant rags over plush regal garb — is refreshing, at first. Dunk, a.k.a. Ser Duncan the Tall, is a strapping but awkward young man with little confidence and few skills. We meet him upon the natural death of his mentor and adoptive parent, Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb). The old man was a hedge knight, meaning he wandered about Westeros renting out his protective services to monied houses and, occasionally, those in need. One such charity case was young Dunk, whom the older knight saved from a thief's knife before taking on the boy as his squire. Now on his own, Dunk aspires to become a hedge knight too. On his way to prove himself at a jousting tournament, he meets a clever, bald-headed boy who calls himself Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). The child is as smart and cunning as Dunk is thick and guileless. They repeat history when the child becomes the wanna-be knight's squire, and together they prepare for a match that Dunk is wholly unsuited to win. Created by Ira Parker, in conjunction with Martin ("Game of Thrones" co-creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss had no involvement), "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" is a David and Goliath story, with a somewhat predictable outcome. Granted, nothing will ever be as grandiose, addictive and surprising as the fantasy universe that brought us White Walkers, the Red Queen and the Faceless Man, but to pull out the magical realism, then fill the gaps with Dunk's sincerity and honor-above-skill ethos is not a winning strategy. One of the more successful aspects of the series is the performance of Ansell as Egg. The boy squire shines bright in the otherwise drab surrounds of the tourney campgrounds. His wits and ingenuity versus the knights' brutality and violence is a worthy match. Nevertheless, the bloodiest forms of combat decide the day at the tourney, be it by mace, battle ax or bludgeon. The gore throughout this drama is on par with some of the more violent and ferocious scenes from previous HBO series set in Martin's world. But without the possibility of a story that rises above Dunk's slog on the ground, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" stays stuck in the mud. The following information is not intended for publication tca dpa coh

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Outdoor walks can enrich the lives of indoor cats, but not every animal enjoys being tethered to a human. If you want to try walking on a lead with your cat, there are a few things to keep in mind. Hamburg (dpa) – Freedom-loving, self-determined and stubborn: few animals embody independence like the cat. Such traits don't always mesh well with a harness and lead, yet some owners still take their pets outside. But is this appropriate, or just stressful? And when can an outing actually benefit a cat? Outings on a lead? It depends on the cat "Unlike dogs, who like to go exploring with their owner, cats are very independent animals that prefer to roam around on their own," says Nadia Wattad from the German Animal Welfare Association. Controlled outings can benefit indoor cats, especially if outdoor access is limited by traffic or other hazards. "Going out on a lead can support the natural urge to explore," says Wattad, but only if the cat feels comfortable. "Fearful or rather skittish animals are not suitable for walks on a lead," she adds. Cats that already roam freely outdoors may also gain little from a harnessed walk. Clear stress signals — stopping, refusing to move, or trying to remove the harness — mean the outing should end immediately. How to walk your cat successfully Patience and preparation are essential. The harness must fit snugly but comfortably. The cat should first get to know it indoors. "The lead should be short, flexi leads are unsuitable," says Nadia Wattad. Collars are taboo, as cats can easily injure themselves or even strangle themselves on them. The first outdoor steps should take place in a safe, familiar environment, such as a fenced garden. Avoid areas with many dogs, as encounters can stress both animals. A transport box can offer extra security in confusing situations and prevent escapes. Even with precautions, escapes can't be ruled out. Cats should always be vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and registered with a pet registry. Not a substitute for outdoor freedom As exciting as an outing may seem: "It's no substitute for real outdoor access," says Nadia Wattad. Cats appreciate being able to decide for themselves where they go. Walks on a lead can enrich the everyday life of an indoor cat, "but they always remain a compromise." The animal welfare association views the concept "rather critically," but considers it justifiable in a quiet environment or private garden. Pet expert Sabrina Karl adds that enjoyment depends on the cat's personality, history, health, and exercise needs. "These factors should be used to decide whether a walk is a welcome and feasible activity for the cat." Gradual introduction is key Getting a cat used to a harness should be done slowly and positively. Karl recommends dividing the process into small steps. Training may take days or weeks, depending on the cat's motivation and learning speed. Food, cuddles and play sessions help build trust. Only when the cat feels confident with the harness indoors should it take its first steps outside – preferably on the patio or balcony before going into the garden. "Then you can gradually increase the intensity of the distractions and external stimuli." Read your cat's body language Your cat's body language will show whether it really enjoys the adventure: a relaxed posture, curious sniffing or quiet meowing are good signs. If, on the other hand, the animal seems tense, panicky or withdraws, owners should react immediately and stop the outing. "Then it's better to start again and continue in smaller steps," advises Sabrina Karl. Long-term success depends on trust. "Reliability and loving support are the basis of every human-cat relationship," says Karl. If you recognize your cat's needs and respond to them patiently, you will strengthen the bond – even outside on the lead. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn zen xxde mls coh

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Budapest (dpa) – Anyone who has kept different dogs as pets will have noticed over time that some are more attuned than others to speech and are quicker to pick up commands. Some, of course, soon get that 'sit' means just that and 'heel' means walk with me – and respond accordingly. No less endearingly, perhaps, others might just stare back blankly, panting and looking for a pat on the head before returning to their seemingly aimless wandering and random chewing. But according to researchers at Hungary's Eötvös Loránd University, a very small subset of dogs can go "much further" than just understanding basic commands and can learn by eavesdropping on people. The team contends that there are rare cases of "gifted" dogs so intelligent that not only can they be trained to understand hundreds of words, they can figure out the meaning of words such as rope and frisbee from chatter around them and can do so "at an astonishing pace." "They do this naturally, during everyday play with their owners," the Budapest-based team said, declaring that no training is needed for dogs so smart. In other words, when a dog’s ears prick up while people are talking, it could be that the animal is not just on the alert for alarming or unusual noises, but is another of these pooch prodigies able to pick up on signals and meanings from words they overhear. "They not only retain these names for long periods but also extend the labels to categorize their toys, offering a rare window into canine cognition," the researchers said, following a series of meticulous tests and researchpublished in the journal Science. Such dogs "possess sociocognitive skills functionally parallel to those of 18-month-old children," the researchers said in their paper. The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh

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