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Urgent Tips to Revive Your Basil Plant and Elevate Your Cooking

UPDATE: Just announced! Gardening experts reveal essential tips to help revive your shop-bought basil plants and maximize their growth potential. As summer heats up, many home cooks are looking to enhance their meals with fresh basil, known for its vibrant flavor and culinary versatility.
Basil is a key ingredient in numerous dishes and drinks, including savory sauces like pesto, salads, and even cocktails. Unfortunately, the frustration of wilted and yellowing basil is a common experience for many. But with a little extra care, your basil can flourish and become a stunning addition to your kitchen.
Experts recommend these urgent steps to ensure your basil plant thrives:
1. Repot Immediately: Transfer your basil to a larger container to give it the room it needs to grow. The original pots are often restrictive, limiting its potential. A bigger pot means a bigger and healthier basil plant.
2. Water from Below: To ensure robust root growth, place your pot in a large saucer filled with water. This method allows the plant to absorb moisture through its roots without risking oversaturation or fungal diseases.
3. Find the Sun: Basil thrives in sunlight! Position your plant on a sunny windowsill or a sun-trap location to soak up those vital rays. More sunlight means more flavor in those delicious meals.
4. Trim, Don’t Pluck: For optimal growth, trim the top of the stem when you need basil, rather than picking individual leaves. This method encourages healthy growth and allows the plant to flourish over time. Remember to wait about a month before trimming, giving your basil time to establish its roots.
These tips come as many are turning to home gardening to enhance their meals with fresh ingredients. The demand for basil is peaking as more people explore cooking with fresh herbs, especially in popular cuisines like those from Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Basil not only elevates flavors but also provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for any meal. By investing time in caring for your basil plant, you can enjoy the profound satisfaction of using home-grown herbs in your cooking.
As of July 15, 2023, now is the perfect time to implement these strategies and ensure your basil plant thrives. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your culinary creations with fresh, vibrant basil!
Stay tuned for more gardening tips and updates to make the most of your home-grown herbs. Share this with your friends and fellow cooking enthusiasts to help them enhance their kitchens too!
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Dublin City Council Set to Vote on Urgent Property Tax Increase

UPDATE: Dublin City Council is poised to vote today on a significant increase to the local property tax rate, marking the first hike in a decade. The council’s ruling coalition, including Fine Gael, the Green Party, Fianna Fáil, and the Labour Party, is set to approve an increase that could generate up to €16.4 million annually.
The special council meeting, scheduled for later today, will address a proposed increase that reverses a 15% cut made in previous years. If approved, the local property tax rate will rise to the baseline level, ensuring crucial funding for housing maintenance, road repairs, and initiatives to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Dublin. The new rate is expected to be effective until 2029.
Cllr. Colm O’Rourke, the Fine Gael Group Leader, emphasized the urgent need for better infrastructure, stating, “Residents across Dublin City have had enough of poor-quality footpaths and roads riddled with potholes. Communities have consistently called for improvements, and it’s time those calls were properly answered.”
In support of the increase, Cllr. Janet Horner, Green Party Group Leader, noted, “No one should be living in damp, mouldy, or cold conditions in our Council housing. The revenue raised here takes a meaningful step to end that injustice.”
Meanwhile, Cllr. Daryl Barron of Fianna Fáil highlighted the importance of additional funding for apprenticeships, stating, “We also welcome the much-needed boost of €1 million towards apprenticeships that will deliver a more skilled workforce within our City Council.”
However, opposition is mounting against the tax hike. Sinn Féin’s Cllr. Daithi Doolan condemned the proposal, arguing that Dubliners are “unfairly punished” due to the high cost of living and housing. He stated, “This household charge is an unfair, regressive charge on people’s homes. With a record budget surplus of over €8 billion, it would be wrong to impose any increase in this household charge.”
The urgency of this vote comes as other councils in the area, such as South Dublin County Council, have opted for a 7.5% cut, while Fingal County Council has voted for a 5% cut. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is the only council to implement the full 15% cut this year.
As the Dublin City Council prepares for this pivotal decision, residents are urged to stay informed about how these changes could impact their finances and local services. The outcome of today’s vote will have long-lasting effects on the community, paving the way for necessary improvements in housing and infrastructure.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
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Dublin City Council Set to Vote for Urgent Property Tax Increase

UPDATE: Dublin City Council members are poised to vote later today to increase the local property tax rate for the first time in a decade. The ruling coalition, consisting of Fine Gael, the Green Party, Fianna Fáil, and the Labour Party, plans to restore the rate to its baseline level, reversing a 15% cut implemented in previous years.
The proposed increase, which is expected to generate €16.4 million annually, aims to address critical funding shortages in housing maintenance, tackle vacancy issues, and improve road and footpath conditions throughout the city. Residents have long voiced frustrations over deteriorating infrastructure, and council leaders assert this move is essential for community improvement.
Today’s vote represents a significant shift in policy, as it marks the first time the property tax will not be reduced since its introduction in 2013. Cllr. Colm O’Rourke, Leader of the Fine Gael Group, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Residents across Dublin City have had enough of poor-quality footpaths and roads riddled with potholes. They’re absolutely right to expect better.”
Furthermore, Green Party leader Cllr. Janet Horner highlighted the importance of the additional revenue, declaring, “No one should be living in damp, mouldy, or cold conditions in our Council housing. This revenue takes a meaningful step to end that injustice.”
In contrast, opposition party Sinn Féin is advocating for the continuation of the current 15% tax cut. Group leader Daithí Doolan criticized the proposal, arguing it unfairly burdens residents already struggling with high housing costs and a rising cost of living. “This household charge is an unfair, regressive charge on people’s homes,” Doolan stated, pointing out that many households are already facing financial pressures.
While Dublin City Council prepares for this crucial vote, other councils in the region are taking different approaches. Recently, South Dublin County Council voted for a 7.5% cut, and Fingal County Council approved a 5% reduction. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown remains the sole council opting for the full 15% cut this year.
This council meeting, taking place at 3 PM today, is expected to draw significant public attention as residents await the outcome that could reshape the financial landscape of Dublin housing services. As the vote approaches, the implications of this decision will resonate throughout the community, impacting residents’ daily lives and the city’s future infrastructure projects.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we monitor the council’s decisions and their potential effects on the Dublin community.
For more breaking news and updates from Dublin, visit our homepage or join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp.
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Dublin Magician Conn McCormack Shines at Joe Duffy’s Farewell

UPDATE: Dublin magician Conn McCormack is making waves as a rising star, impressing audiences with his unique blend of magic and mind tricks at Joe Duffy’s retirement party. Just last month, McCormack captivated guests with his astonishing performance, solidifying his reputation in Ireland’s magic community.
In a stunning display of talent, the 28-year-old Dubliner demonstrated his knack for psychological manipulation and performance art, leaving attendees in awe. “Pick a number between 1 and 100,” he prompted, revealing that he had predicted the choice even before it was made. This mind-bending act is just a glimpse of McCormack’s skills, which he has honed since the age of seven.
McCormack’s journey into magic was sparked by a childhood desire to channel his fidgeting energy into something productive. “I used to fidget a lot, and my dad’s friend did a trick that fooled me,” he recounted. This moment ignited a passion that has led him to perform professionally since he was just 16 years old.
His performances have garnered comparisons to renowned magicians like Keith Barry and Derren Brown, showcasing his natural showmanship and engaging manner. McCormack’s ability to read and manipulate audience expectations stands out, turning potential mishaps into captivating moments. “You can trick people even when things go wrong,” he explained, demonstrating the art of recovery in live performances.
Having made a name for himself, McCormack is now booked for numerous events, including weddings and corporate gatherings. He recently entertained at the Irish rugby team’s ball and has future performances lined up throughout the year. Duffy, who recently concluded a remarkable 27-year tenure at RTÉ, expressed his admiration for McCormack, stating, “Joe loves magic, and he was in awe after I showed him a trick,” McCormack shared.
As McCormack rises in prominence, he emphasizes the joy of bringing wonder to people, akin to the magic of childhood. “It’s like Santa Claus; everyone knows there’s a method, but the excitement is in the performance,” he said.
This story is just beginning, as Conn McCormack continues to captivate audiences across Dublin and beyond. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit, reminding us all to embrace the magic in our lives.
Stay tuned for more updates on Conn McCormack’s performances and the latest in the world of magic.
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Dublin Magician Conn McCormack Becomes Rising Star Overnight

UPDATE: Dublin magician Conn McCormack has quickly emerged as a rising star in the world of magic, captivating audiences with his mind-reading tricks and charismatic performances. Just last month, he wowed guests at Joe Duffy’s retirement party, solidifying his status as a must-see entertainer in Ireland.
At just 28 years old, Conn has crafted a unique style that blends traditional magic with psychological insights, leaving spectators questioning their own perceptions. During an interview, he demonstrated his mind tricks by asking me to “pick a number between 1 and 100.” When I chose 59, he revealed that his phone contained a note that read: “This is the number Ciara is going to pick.” His ability to manipulate thoughts in real-time astonished everyone present.
Conn’s rise in the entertainment industry comes after years of dedication to his craft. Starting at the age of seven, he spent countless hours honing his skills and developing his unique brand of magic. “I’ve been doing this professionally since I was 16,” he shared, explaining how he began performing for £50 at local events. Today, he is fully booked for weddings and corporate events, including annual appearances at the Shelbourne for the Irish rugby team’s ball.
His performance style draws comparisons to renowned magicians like Keith Barry and Derren Brown. Conn’s natural showmanship and easy demeanor make him a favorite among audiences. Notably, Duffy, who hosted Liveline for 27 years, has become an enthusiastic supporter. The two met during a show in Malahide, and Duffy instantly recognized Conn’s talent, asking him to entertain at his retirement celebration.
Conn is not just about tricks; he emphasizes the importance of connecting with the audience. “Even if something goes wrong, you can still create magic,” he explained, showcasing his ability to recover from mishaps during performances. His enthusiasm for the craft is infectious, as he describes magic as a blend of skill and wonder that brings joy to people’s lives.
The emotional impact of Conn’s performances resonates deeply with those who witness them. He recalls how his childhood fascination with magic began when a friend of his father performed a trick that left him in awe. “I used to fidget a lot, and magic became my outlet. I wanted to learn how to create that feeling in others,” Conn said.
As his reputation grows, Conn McCormack is set to redefine the magic scene in Ireland. His journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated performer is a testament to his hard work and passion. With more performances scheduled and a growing fan base, audiences can expect to see much more from this talented magician.
Stay tuned for more updates on Conn’s upcoming shows and appearances, as his career continues to ascend in the world of magic.
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