Latest news with #AliceSjoberg
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I watched all extended versions of Lord of the Rings in the cinema and here's my verdict'
It'd been over a decade since reporter Alice Sjoberg had seen the Lord of the Rings films, so she decided to take the opportunity to watch the extended versions at the cinema for the first time Cineworld is celebrating their Unlimited feature, a membership programme which allows members to watch as many films as they want for a monthly fee, turning 25. So to celebrate, they brought back some of the top films from the last 25 years for fans to enjoy for a discounted rate for everyone. So when I saw on social media that the Cineworld near me was showing all three of the Lord of the Rings movies three days in a row, I immediately knew I wanted to go. If there's anything that'll make those films better, it's seeing them in the cinema. But when I later realised they were showing the extended versions, I got even more excited as I'd only ever watched the theatrical cuts of each movie. So, I quickly booked tickets for me and my boyfriend, who is a big Lord of the Rings fan, and together we went to experience the iconic films on the big screen. But will 12 hours in total prove to make this trilogy 'too much'? Only time would tell... The Fellowship of the Ring First up was of course the Fellowship of the Ring, which was showing on the Monday evening at 6.30pm. We made sure to get there early enough to use the bathroom and get ourselves some popcorn and drinks ahead of the three-and-a-half hour long film. The first extra scene came right at the beginning, which saw the introduction of the one ring and how it came to be so powerful and feared among people in Middle Earth. As a novice in the world of Lord of the Rings, I really appreciated this, as it added extra depth into the story - not that it needs it. Next up came the scenes in the Shire, which already were some of my favourite as I'd happily live there myself if I could. While I felt like it dragged a bit at some points, you just can't beat the feel-good moments such as during Gandalf's fireworks extravaganza. This truly made me excited for watching the rest of the movies, as the cinematic experiences made it even better. It also added extra backstory to all of the Hobbit characters. While this is nice in the moment, it really adds a nice build up and backstory for the later films. One of the extra scenes that truly blew me away in this film was when Frodo and Sam spotted the Wood Elves heading to the Undying Lands. While it didn't add much in terms of the plot, the scenery, music, and overall emotion of the moment made it a breathtakingly beautiful scene that ended with me covered in goosebumps. As I'd not watched the films from beginning to end in so long, there were also moments and scenes in this film that I'd completely forgotten about, which made it feel like I was watching them again for the first time. The extra scenes also made me sympathise with Aragorn right from the start. Don't get me wrong, he is and remains one of my favourite characters, but seeing him visit his mum's monument in Rivendell and sing and Elvish song that refers back to his feelings for Arwen really makes him more relatable. The Two Towers The following evening, it was time for my boyfriend's favourite film, The Two Towers. It follows the journeys of the members of the Fellowship, after it got divided into three groups and went on their separate adventures to do what they could to prepare for the upcoming fight against antagonist Saruman. While I was excited for this, our cinema experience started with a disappointment as we soon realised all the ads and trailers were the exact same as the previous night, and they were even in the same order! While this isn't the movies fault, I had hoped for a bit more variety. However, one of my favourite parts about this film was how much screen time Merry and Pippin got. Once again, I'd completely forgotten about their adventures with the Ents, especially Treebeard. A particular favourite moment of mine was when they drank the nourishment of the Ents and quickly starts competing to see who can grow taller than the other. Since the films are quite heavy and dark overall, these lighthearted moments become more enjoyable. Another example of this is when Legolas and Gimli start to compete with each other over how many orcs they've killed at the end battle, which not only helps show the competitive friendship between the two, but also makes the long fight scene a bit more fun and light-hearted. Speaking of the fight scenes, of which there are many - these scenes have always been incredible to watch. But watching them in the cinema really made it worth having to stay up until almost midnight every night to watch them, even for someone like me who normally has a strict 10pm bedtime. The Return of the King All of the sudden, it was Wednesday and it was time to return to Cineworld for the longest movie in the trilogy. It also had an added 51 minutes of footage added to it, making the film over four hours long. This film included several scenes I think I would miss if I rewatched the theatrical release now, as they truly made an already great film even better. The most notable scene in this extended version is Saruman's death. This takes place when Gandalf and the others come across a defeated Saruman who is still defiant, but is quickly stabbed by Wormtongue and falls off his tower to his death. Meanwhile, in the theatrical cut, Saruman's story just ends and he is simply not heard from again. The extended version also included answers to a previous plot hole on how Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli take over the Black Ships, which I'm sure fans were overjoyed to learn when they first saw it. Overall, I spent over 12 hours watching the extended versions of this trilogy in the cinema, but would I recommend it to others? Absolutely. These films became even more amazing when watching them on the big screen, and the extended versions never felt like they were as long as they actually were as there were constantly interesting things happening. I am so happy that Cineworld decided to bring these films back to the cinema, and I hope more cinemas will do the same in the future as I'm desperate to watch them again.
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I visited Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm Shop and one thing was unbearable'
'I visited Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm Shop and one thing was unbearable' As fans of Jeremy Clarkson, Social News reporter Alice Sjoberg and her parents were keen to visit the presenter's Diddly Squat Farm Shop in the Cotswolds - but was it worth the trip? Diddly Squat farm shop was 'worth the wait' (Image: alice sjoberg/The Mirror ) Diddly Squat's farm shop opened in 2020 and the development of the store has been eagerly followed by fans of 'Clarkson's Farm' on Prime Video. The Cotswold's-based repository is wildly popular and often has long queues where the shop is situated. So it made all the sense in the world for Social News reporter Alice Sjoberg to pay a visit with her Swedish parents to see what the fuss was all about. Despite never having visited herself, Alice admitted she was certain her father would enjoy the outing, given the countless hours they spent watching Top Gear together during her childhood. The drive from her Worcestershire home took just over an hour, and proved slightly more nerve-wracking than anticipated due to her mother's discomfort with driving on the left-hand side of the road. Nevertheless, they arrived without any mishaps and were promptly guided to a parking spot. Despite arriving 90 minutes post-opening, there was ample parking available in a nearby field, merely a minute's stroll from the farm shop. Finding themselves at the tail end of an "unbearably" long queue to enter the quaint shop, they joined the back of the line, hoping it would move faster than it appeared to be. Alice noted: "One of my main criticisms of the farm shop is the lack of shade. While it's pleasant to soak up the sunshine, many of us found it unbearable not having any respite from the sun during the hour-long queue." Article continues below The queue in the hot sun was less than enjoyable (Image: Alice Sjoberg/The Mirror ) She expanded that, given the situation, it would prove a good idea to provide some form of sun protection, such as a marquee, for those queuing, especially on scorching hot days like this one. Just outside the shop, a table was heaped with locally grown fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, multi-coloured courgettes, spring onions, and broccoli. To the left of the entrance, there was also a 'cow juice' milk vending machine where customers could buy milk directly from local farmers, although it was out of service at the time. The local produce table was groaning with fruit and vegetables (Image: Alice Sjoberg/The Mirror ) Despite initial reservations about the lengthy queue, it turned out to be worth the wait. The shop was somewhat smaller than Alice had anticipated, but it offered everything she had hoped for and more. From locally sourced meats and dairy products to popular Hawkestone ciders and lagers and Diddly Squat gin. The reporter did note a few niggles though, saying: "While I could have easily spent more time browsing the shop, the queue system made me feel slightly rushed. The meats and cheeses were enticing, especially the sausage rolls, but due to our plans later that day, I didn't get a chance to buy any." However, she did manage to snag some gin for her granddad's birthday, an empty Diddly Squat glass milk bottle, a jar of piccalilli pickle, and a fridge magnet. Her parents opted for some locally roasted coffee and a 'bee juice' (honey) handmade soap bar. Initially, Alice had the impression that the farm might be somewhat lacking in offerings, but she was pleasantly surprised. As it was nearing lunchtime, they decided to try out the bar situated behind the farm shop, having heard favourable reviews about their food. At first glance, the menu seemed a bit underwhelming, offering only burgers or breakfast items. However, despite its simplicity, the food proved to be "exceptionally good". The burgers were impressive, with Alice saying it may have been one of the best she'd ever had (Image: Alice Sjoberg/The Mirror ) Alice chose a halloumi burger, while her parents both went for the 'Big View' burger. When their meals arrived, she was astounded. The halloumi burger was cooked to perfection, with a slice of roasted aubergine and harissa mayo creating a perfect fusion of flavours, further enhanced by chilli and tomato chutney. Alice's parents were equally delighted with their burgers, which featured an aged beef patty topped with cheddar, homemade burger sauce, caramelised onions and pickles. The burger was, in fact "one of the best I've ever had," Alice admitted. Article continues below To summarise, the journalist said: "The memory of that meal alone makes me want to make the hour-long journey back to the farm, especially as the queue for them was considerably shorter than the one for the shop. I would highly recommend it!"
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I ate pasta with strawberries like Wimbleon's Iga Swiatek and couldn't shake one thing'
'I ate pasta with strawberries like Wimbleon's Iga Swiatek and couldn't shake one thing' After Wimbledon star Iga Swiatek revealed her favourite dish is pasta with strawberries and yoghurt, reporter Alice decided to make the meal herself – and the results were not what she'd expected Reporter Alice Sjoberg decided to recreate Wimbledon player Iga Swiatek's strawberry pasta (Image: Alice Sjoberg ) Growing up, my parents always insisted I wasn't allowed to say I disliked a food until I'd tried it. While it frustrated me growing up, this has made me more open to trying new foods, no matter how odd they may sound. So, when Wimbledon player Iga Swiatek expressed her love for what she considers her favourite childhood meal, strawberry pasta, it caught my interest. Speaking with Annabel Croft on Centre Court, following her match on Sunday (July 6), Swiatek reminisced over the peculiar dish from her youth. She said: "But I have my favourite [food] actually. I ate it as a kid. It is pasta with strawberries." Encouraging others to sample the unique recipe, Swiatek revealed the simple ingredients needed to make the dish, as she said: "You should try it guys. Pasta with strawberries and a little bit of yoghurt. It is just great." Anyone who shares my love for strawberries will know they taste so much better during the summer months when they're in season. Because of this, I was eager to try this new way to new way of eating them, as I'll take any chance that I can during the summer to enjoy them. And since the Polish tennis star seem so certain that others would love the dish as much as she does, I decided to give it a try. However, as I set my pasta to boil of the hob, a flicker of doubt hit me while prepping the strawberries as I wondered whether this would end up being a waste of delicious strawberries. Alice mixed her pasta with Greek yoghurt and sliced up strawberries (Image: Alice Sjoberg ) Article continues below I decided to ignore my doubts as I continued with my meal, making sure the pasta was cooked to an ideal al dente before draining and pouring it back to the pot. This is when a second wave of doubt hit me as I paused for a moment before adding my yoghurt. Since Swiatek didn't specify the type of yoghurt she used, I went back and forth with whether I should use the Greek or vanilla yoghurt in my fridge. In the end, I opted for the Greek variety to avoid the pasta for becoming too sweet. Next, I mixed in my sliced strawberries, stirring everything together with a spoon. And to my surprise, it looked delicious. But would it taste as good as it looked? I made sure my first bite included a mix of the creamy yoghurt-coated pasta and the strawberries to get the full experience of the dish, and it wasn't quite what I'd expected. Alice said the strawberry pasta dish was 'weirder' than she'd expected (Image: Alice Sjoberg ) While the Greek yoghurt ended up adding a perfect creaminess to the pasta, the strawberries introduced an unexpected sweetness, creating a sense of confusion about whether the dish should be sweet or savoury. Article continues below As I went back for a second bite, I managed to get past the initial surprise of the flavour combination, but I couldn't shake off the feeling it was a confusing dish that didn't know if it was sweet or savoury. Maybe if I'd chosen the vanilla yoghurt, it wouldn't have been as "confusing" for my palate, but it might have tipped the balance towards being too sickly sweet. However, given that Swiatek mentioned it was a dish from her childhood, I can envision kids, including me as a child, going mad for this meal as it gives the impression of having pudding for dinner - and what child wouldn't love that? While the strawberry pasta does seem like a perfect summer dish, I can't say I'm keen to give it another go. I'll stick to enjoying my strawberries with cream or just the yoghurt by itself.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'My dad had a stroke in his 40s and now there are six health rules I follow'
After her dad had a stroke 14 years ago, reporter Alice Sjoberg has repeatedly been told she is at a higher risk of having one too and has since implemented several lifestyle changes to prevent it Just a week before my 13th birthday, my dad suffered a stroke. Initially, the medics at A&E were sceptical as he was a fit and healthy 40-year-old with no prior health issues. A stroke seemed out of the question, they thought. But their doubts evaporated when he began to struggle with speech and couldn't walk in a straight line. He was promptly admitted for treatment and further tests. In some ways, you could say he was one of the 'fortunate' ones. After a week-long hospital stay, he was discharged and embarked on a three-month home-based rehab journey, gradually recovering. Fast forward nearly 14 years, and you'd be hard-pressed to guess what he's been through. The only tell-tale sign is the array of pills he takes daily to keep another stroke at bay. Despite strokes being fairly common, as around 100,000 people in the UK experience one each year, according to the Stroke Association, many are unaware that there can be a genetic component. Speaking to the Mirror, the CEO of the Stroke Association, Juliet Bouverie OBE, explained: "There is a common misconception that strokes only happen to older people, but they can affect anyone of any age. Around a quarter of strokes happen to people of working age, under the age of 65, which could be down to a myriad of factors." Since I was a teen, I've been advised by numerous doctors and healthcare professionals that I need to consider alternative treatments and lifestyle decisions due to my elevated risk of having a stroke, given my dad's relatively young age at the time of his. As a result, I've made six lifestyle adjustments to try and stave off the possibility of enduring a stroke like my dad did. These are – 1. Prioritising my blood pressure health High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading risk factor for stroke. It's a condition that runs in my family, with both my parents and their parents having battled it. Because of this, this genetic predisposition doesn't bode well for me. My father suffered a stroke due to a blood clot, which could have been triggered by high blood pressure. Hypertension can damage your blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen, and leading to a build-up of fatty material. Juliet explained: "The Stroke Association is encouraging people to have their blood pressure regularly checked. This can be done at the GP, participating pharmacies or blood pressure monitors can be purchased online or from the high street for around £20. "We also encourage people to attend the NHS Health Checks which are available for those over 40 in England and Wales and include a blood pressure check." To prevent hypertension, I regularly monitor my blood pressure through medical check-ups or using a home device. I also adhere to the NHS' guidelines for preventing high blood pressure, which involve a balanced diet, regular exercise, and moderating alcohol intake. 2. Embracing a healthier lifestyle While it may sound like a typical, even clichéd, approach to warding off illness or health issues, it genuinely does make a difference. I've never been particularly sporty, despite my teenage attempts to find an enjoyable, active pastime. However, as I've matured, I've come to appreciate the importance of hitting the gym. While weightlifting might seem dull, which I initially believed, I've learned to love it. Not only does it contribute to a healthy heart, crucial for stroke prevention, it also helps reduce blood pressure and slow down the process of artery clogging. 3. Prioritising breaks when necessary A few months before my father suffered his stroke, he was given medical leave from work due to extreme stress. The NHS states excessive work pressure can lead to stress, impacting our happiness and quality of life, and leaving us feeling physically and mentally unwell. After being urged to return to work prematurely, where he was immediately subjected to the same level of stress, he had the stroke. As a result, I've always prioritised listening to my body and am not afraid to take a day off if I need it. Using stress management tools – like mindfulness or meditation – can also be beneficial. 4. Monitoring my migraines The type of migraines I experience, which cause aura symptoms like blurred vision, dizziness, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound, have been linked to an increased risk of blood clots in previous studies. Despite my best efforts, I've found no way to prevent my migraines. However, I do keep track of when they occur and pay extra attention if they start happening more frequently. Talking about this, Juliet said migraines aren't necessarily anything to panic about. She added: "There is limited evidence that says people who have migraines may be at an increased risk of stroke, but more research needs to be done on this. Anyone with concerns should speak to their GP. " 5. Steering clear of certain contraceptives When I visited a gynaecologist with the intention of starting contraceptive pills to regulate my periods, I was surprised to be given some advice. The doctor informed me I couldn't use the combined pill or any other contraceptive method that uses both progestogen and oestrogen – due to their association with an increased risk of blood clots. The NHS states that 1 in 1000 people on the combined pill experience blood clots as a result of taking it. While these odds are relatively small and don't necessarily lead to a stroke, I'm still advised to avoid them given my already high risk due to my father's history and my migraines. 6. Rocking compression socks For years, my mum has been encouraging me to invest in compression socks for travel. They can also be useful when you're standing for long periods. Initially, I resisted. After all, what 20-something wants to wear compression socks out in public? However, it is important. When you're flying, your body's blood circulation isn't as efficient as usual. As a result, compression socks, which promote circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the legs, are often recommended to travellers of all ages as a preventative measure against blood clots. Now, I've got a comfy pair tucked away in my sock drawer for my next flight. If you think someone around you is having a stroke, Juliet recommends following the NHS FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test. This includes: Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech – is their speech slurred? Time – call 999 "Every second counts after a stroke hits, to minimise the brain damage caused and give the person the best chances of making a good recovery, both mentally and physically," she said. Or if you have any concerns about your health, you should book an appointment with a medical professional as soon as possible.
