A celebrated author argues that it's not at all impractical to study subjects like writing, languages, music and history
says have to focus on winning games rather than think about the title race after dropped points. City fell 11 points behind the Reds following a on Sunday but have since cut the gap down to nine thanks in part to their on Wednesday night. Goals from Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku ended a run of four straight defeats in the top-flight and secured a first win in eight games across all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side. Shortly after the final whistle blew at the Etihad Stadium, news filtered through that in another Premier League classic between the two sides. Naturally, De Bruyne was quizzed after inspiring his side to victory as to whether they can take confidence from that result, and his response was to issue a challenge to his team-mates. "To be honest, it's not the moment to look at that," he said on Amazon Prime Video. "It's been a hard period, we have to accept the challenge. "The Premier League is harder and harder, we know that everybody is becoming a really good, tough team to play and everyone is taking points off everybody. "We have to improve as a team first, try to win games and we'll see in a couple of months where we are and hopefully we've improved a bit and we are a bit closer. But for the moment, it's not the time." De Bruyne made his first City start since September against Forest and justified his selection by contributing a goal and an assist in the first half. However, his starting position was somewhat unusual as both he and Jack Grealish occupied the central spaces. That left Silva and Doku as the wide players, but even the Belgian international was at a loss when attempting to go into detail about Guardiola’s tactical setup. "I don't know how to explain it, it was more like a 3-3-4 I would say," De Bruyne added. "We didn't expect Nottingham to go man-for-man so we had to adjust a little bit. "They were leaving Nathan [Ake] free, the first half an hour we did well and then we struggled. The second half was a different game when they played five at the back." Next up for City is a trip to London as they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. They then meet Juventus away from home in the Champions League before the small matter of the Manchester derby.What We're Reading to Start the New YearColumn: Coal ash remediation a Christmas wish for Waukegan
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For doctors across specialities, having access to the right funding can be a game-changer in building a successful and well-equipped practice. The challenges different types of doctors face vary based on their area of expertise, practice scale, and long-term goals. For example, radiologists may require high-end imaging equipment, while dentists might need modernised chairs and tools. Similarly, setting up a multi-speciality clinic requires significant capital. So, whether you are a general physician setting up a clinic, a specialist upgrading your diagnostic tools, or a surgeon expanding your facility, financing tailored to your specific needs ensures you have the resources to deliver the highest quality care to your patients. Access to these funds tailored for these specific requirements not only will support you but also provide a competitive edge in patient care. This is where a doctor loan comes in. These loans are designed to cater to these unique and diverse needs. So, let us see how each doctor, based on their speciality and practice goals, can select the most suitable loan option with Bajaj Finance to meet their unique needs. Choosing the right loan variant based on practice type Discover how different types of doctors can choose the ideal loan variant tailored to their practice type, ensuring financial flexibility and growth. For general practitioners (GPs) GPs are the doctors you visit for check-ups and common illnesses. Their clinics need basic equipment like stethoscopes and blood pressure monitors. A doctor loan can help GPs with: Clinic setup: Renting a space, buying furniture, and setting up an examination room Essential equipment: Getting diagnostic tools and medical supplies Hiring staff: Employing nurses or assistants to help run the clinic smoothly For surgeons Surgeons use advanced skills and technology to perform crucial surgeries. They need significant equipment including: Advanced surgical tools: Scalpels, laparoscopes, and other specialised tools High-tech imaging gear: X-ray machines, ultrasounds, and possibly CT scanners Operating room upgrades: Keeping the surgery room clean and well-equipped A doctor loan can help surgeons get these essential tools, enabling them to provide top-quality care. For dentists Dentists look after our teeth. Their equipment needs can include: Dental chairs: For patient comfort during procedures Digital X-ray systems: For accurate diagnosis and treatment planning Specialised dental tools: Drills, scalers, and other necessary tools Doctor loans can help dentists buy these tools and modernise their clinics, attracting more patients. For specialists Medicine has many specialised fields. For example, a cardiologist may need advanced heart monitors while a dermatologist might need special lasers. Doctor loans provide specialists the money needed to buy specific equipment and technology, improving patient care. Additional uses of a doctor loan Doctor loans are not only for equipment. They can also be used for: Clinic renovation: Making your clinic look better and feel more welcoming Marketing and branding: Building a strong online presence to attract new patients Continuing Medical Education (CME): Keeping your skills and knowledge updated with courses Features and benefits of the Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan Each loan variant under the Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan is crafted to help doctors like you finance your professional needs seamlessly. Here is how you can benefit from choosing this loan: · Get high loan amounts: You can easily get loans ranging from Rs. 2 lakh up to Rs. 80 lakh, allowing you to meet small and large expenses alike · Quick approval and disbursal: Funds are credited within 48 hours of approval, helping you address urgent financial requirements without any delays · Longer tenure: Repayment periods of up to 96 months give you the freedom to structure EMIs as per your financial plan · Transparent charges: All fees are clearly communicated with no hidden charges, ensuring complete clarity. This can help you manage expenses well in advance · No collateral needed: Get funds without pledging precious assets, giving you peace of mind while focusing on practice growth Choosing the right doctor loan variant based on your practice type can significantly impact your financial health and help achieve your clinic’s goals. The Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan options are designed to cater to each doctor’s unique needs, making it easier to support a growing practice, invest in cutting-edge technology, and offer superior healthcare services.I t’s only fitting that the pirate of pastry should plunder fans from across the ocean. Dylan Bachelet, the breakout star of this year’s Great British Bake Off , has found fame on both sides of the Atlantic, and went viral when the New York Times dubbed him “the Captain Jack Sparrow of baking”. “I wasn’t expecting that,” the 20-year-old from Buckinghamshire said. “The weirdest part was that it wasn’t in the food section, it was in the fashion pages ... A lot of coverage has been about my appearance but people seem to like it, so that’s all good.” Besides, Bachelet rather fancies the pirate lifestyle. “It would be a pretty sick life – on a boat with a bunch of your mates, just sailing around. If I could be the actual Jack Sparrow of baking, that would be wicked.” The 15th series of Bake Off , which aired its grand final last week, was widely seen as a return to form, boosted by fresh challenges, the antics of co-host Alison Hammond and a characterful batch of bakers. The calorific franchise remains Channel 4’s top-rated programme, pulling in 7million viewers a week and attracting a devoted international fanbase on Netflix. Bachelet was undoubtedly its star. He broke records by winning two star baker accolades, three technical challenges and three congratulatory handshakes from judge Paul Hollywood. “I’m sick of shaking your hand,” joked hard-to-please Hollywood, who called Bachelet “the flavour king”. His adventurous recipes were inspired by his gap year travels and his family heritage (his mother is Indian, his father Japanese-Belgian). Bachelet boldly blended sweetness with spice in high-concept creations, including a cake recreation of an ancient Egyptian canopic jar, a tiramisu designed to resemble a block of concrete and a gravity-defying hanging cake, inspired by the crumbling plasterwork on houses in Murano, Italy. He went into last Tuesday’s final as bookies’ favourite to become the contest’s joint youngest winner. Instead, Welsh paediatric nurse Georgie Grasso was crowned champion. “She totally deserved it,” he said. “Her cakes were awesome. Mine were poor.” Culinary stardom still looks assured. He has already amassed an Instagram following of 126,000, three times bigger than those of his fellow finalists. Not bad, considering he hadn’t baked much previously. “I was inexperienced compared to the others,” he said. “Before entering, I’d only baked 10 to 15 things that truly worked. Those were the photos that I sent off in my application. From that point, I was learning on the fly. As practice time got tighter towards the end, my bakes became less polished.” Bachelet’s swashbuckling style – flowing locks and goatee beard, often teamed with a bandana or baker boy cap – have made him easily recognisable. “Walking around London last week, I was getting recognised every five minutes,” he said. “I’d go to the supermarket and get stopped in every aisle. People were wishing me luck for the final. Everyone I met was lovely. Although I have been sent a few creepy DMs.” His newfound sex symbol status has taken Bachelet by surprise. “I’ve never been ogled before,” he said. “It’s not something I’d ever lean into. I won’t be starting an OnlyFans. My sister sent me TikTok clips of me blow-torching a meringue in slow motion.” In one episode, his trademark chunky jewellery included a Palestine earring. “While we were filming this summer, the war was escalating,” he said. “Regardless of your political stance, everyone can agree it’s a serious issue. People in their thousands are dying but nothing proactive is being done in the international sphere. The earring wasn’t intended to divide people.” Sign up to Observed Analysis and opinion on the week's news and culture brought to you by the best Observer writers after newsletter promotion Bachelet achieved four A*s at A-level and started a degree in biomedical engineering before dropping out to pursue his passion for cooking. “I was actually offered a job at Ottolenghi and couldn’t take it because I was about to go on Bake Off . But I got my new job after doing the show, so it all worked out.” He is now chef de partie at The Five Fields in Chelsea, London, a Michelin-starred modern British restaurant. “It’s been a steep learning curve but it’s a great environment. The pressure is way higher in a professional kitchen than the tent. Bake Off was fun and you were in control. In the restaurant, get things wrong and you’re stuffed.” His employers knew he’d been on Bake Off but not how well he fared. Colleagues followed his fortunes on-screen each week and professed themselves “proud and overwhelmed” by his success. “When people asked [how I had done], I said, ‘Sorry guys, I’ve signed an NDA’.” Bachelet admits to stealing “a bunch of thermapens and a whisk” when he left the tent. What else did he take from the Bake Off experience? “It was life-changing. It brought me a lot of happiness and friends I’ll treasure for ever. We’re all seeing each other this weekend, which will be a nice reunion.” His ultimate ambition? “My priority is learning more about food. Going to different kitchens and improving my ability until I’m satisfied. When I get to that point, I’d love to have my own restaurant, but that’s a while away.” His US fanbase might beckon, too. “I’ve never actually been to the States, so it’s surreal they know about me over there ... I’d love to go.”