UK CFOs turn wary as inflation and borrowing costs bite: Deloitte
By William Schomberg LONDON Finance executives at top British firms have turned more cautious in the face of
2023-07-17 07:15
Gordon Ramsay once cooked a meal so bad, another chef was visibly disgusted
Gordon Ramsay is known as the expletive-loving Michelin-starred chef with a hot head and an even hotter kitchen. Yet, his award-winning food has been met with pretty frosty receptions by some. Now, genuinely, we’re not usually ones for schadenfreude, but we can’t help but relish seeing one of the world’s most celebrated gourmets being roasted for his cooking abilities. And that is, indeed, what happened back in 2009 when Ramsay tried to whip up a feast for a group of those notoriously harsh critics… Buddhist monks. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter The clip from The F Word (which still sporadically does the rounds on social media), follows the restauranteur as he prepares an iconic dish for worshippers at a Thai temple in south-west London. In the intro to his mission, he explains: “I love Thai food, I love cooking it, and I love eating it. But this has to be the most daunting task so far.” He explained that his diners – a “small and revered group of Buddhist monks” – are forbidden from cooking by their religious teachings. “So it's up to the local Thai community to offer the one meal the monks are allowed to eat at 11 o'clock each day,” he said – adding that now, he would be offering his own contribution. “Helping me fulfil this honour and privilege is Chang, executive chef of the Blue Elephant, one of London's top Thai restaurants,” he continued. Joining Chang in his kitchen (not without a quick dig at its “tight” layout), Ramsay acknowledged that the “pressure [was] on.” “Are they fussy eaters?” the Hell’s Kitchen star asked Chang, to which he replied: ”No, they are really nice, they're really kind.” Asked if they “ever send food back”, the Thai expert reassured his fellow chef: “No, never.” Ramsay then explained that the Blue Elephant “prepares the very best dishes to offer to the monastery, and every dish has to be perfect”. Clearly, he expected his own efforts to fulfil these high standards, but was soon left with egg (and fish sauce) on his face. Gordon tries to make Pad Thai | The F Word www.youtube.com The celeb chef got to work preparing his “take” on Thailand’s national dish, pad thai, explaining his method to the viewer before adding nervously: “I’ve never cooked for monks before [...] I hope they’re going to be happy with this.” However, before he was able to send his steaming plates of noodles out, Chang demanded to “test” the food first. As he chewed thoughtfully on his forkful, it swiftly became clear that the chef was unimpressed by Ramsay’s “quick and easy” version of his nation’s most beloved meal. "How is it?" the anxious cook asked his judge. “This is not pad thai at all,” Chang replied brutally. Explaining his assessment, he continued: “No, pad thai has to be sweet, sour, and salty." Clearly not used to receiving such damning critiques, Ramsay gave it a try himself. "I think that doesn't taste too bad,” he announced. “It's not perfect... " But Chang wasn’t having it, and interjected: "For you, but not for me." “You’re a tough cookie,” the defeated Ramsay replied. Well, takes one to know one, and all that. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-07-16 19:15
Brittney Griner makes a triumphant return in her first WNBA All-Star Game since her Russian detention
Phoenix Mercury superstar Brittney Griner marked a successful return to the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, her first since being released from a Russian penal colony last December.
2023-07-16 13:45
Chiefs Twitter calls out Brittany Mahomes hate over Netflix's 'Quarterback' clip
Chiefs Twitter has had enough with fans hating on Patrick Mahomes' wife Brittany Mahomes after a clip Netflix's "Quarterback" went viral.Patrick Mahomes is the most beloved man in Kansas City. His wife, Brittany Mahomes, doesn't get to feel the love from NFL fans in quit...
2023-07-16 08:47
Logan Paul’s Prime responds to backlash over energy caffeine levels
Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime has defended the levels of caffeine in its beverages after facing a backlash. It comes after health experts called on the US Food and Drug Administration to investigate the energy drink company. A 12 oz can of Prime, which was founded by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI, contains 200mg of caffeine, equivalent to about half a dozen Coke cans or nearly two Red Bulls. The brand released a statement to People on July 11, saying: “PRIME Energy, sold in a can, dropped in 2023 and contains a comparable amount of caffeine to other top selling energy drinks, all falling within the legal limit of the countries it’s sold in.” Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter The spokesperson for the brand said that the drink “complied with all FDA guidelines” prior to hitting the market and indicated on the packaging that PRIME energy drinks are “not made for anyone under the age of 18.” “As a brand, our top priority is consumer safety, so we welcome discussions with the FDA or any other organisation regarding suggested industry changes they feel are necessary in order to protect consumers,” they added. Earlier this week, New York Senator Charles Schumer urged the FDA to launch a probe into Paul’s energy drink, which became an overnight sensation when it launched last year. “One of the summer’s hottest status symbols for kids is not an outfit, or a toy – it’s a beverage,” the Democratic senator said in a letter to the FDA. “But buyer and parents beware because it’s a serious health concern for the kids it so feverishly targets." Prime has become a phenomenon since being launched in 2022, to the extent it’s sold for ridiculous prices, made one shop in Wakefield go viral, and even been reviewed by foul-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay. The collaboration between Paul and KSI (real name Olajide “JJ” Olatunji) was announced back in January last year, with the pair just recently touring Munich, Barcelona, Copenhagen and Oslo to promote the drink. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-07-15 17:53
All Barbie-inspired looks Margot Robbie has worn
With the release of the Barbie movie fast approaching on July 21, the marketing campaign has been unavoidable. From the pink billboards to the endless amount of brand collaborations - everyone and everything is channelling Barbie this summer. This includes Barbie herself, Margot Robbie who is taken fashion inspiration from the different looks the Mattel doll has worn over the years to wear at different premieres. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Of course, fans are loving the way the Australian actor is paying homage to her character. One person said: "I literally can't even with the perfect Barbie looks that Margot Robbie has been sporting on her Barbie press tour." "It’s so unbelievably perfect. She [Robbie] gave everything I wanted and more. Need this energy from the other characters," another person wrote. Someone else added: "Margot Robbie is slaying the #barbie promo tour so hard it's almost painful." "Margot Robbie turned Barbie into the fashion event of the year and I am here ittttt," a fourth person commented. Here is a rundown of all Robbie's Barbie-inspired looks during the Barbie movie press tour: Cinemacon, Las Vegas (April 25 2023) Robbie hinted at her Barbie wardrobe at Cinemacon back in April where she sported a pink gingham Prada bralette and skirt set based on a dress her character wears in the film. Since then, Mattel has created this outfit for Barbie dolls, so you could say the film was the inspiration in this case. Los Angeles photo call (June 25 2023) Barbie loves all things pink, including a pink dress with white polka dots. This fun Valentino number accessorised with a bright yellow bag took inspiration from the 2015 Pink & Fabulous Barbie. Sydney, Australia photo call (June 29 2023) Throwing it back to Barbie's first-ever outfit with the black-and-white swimsuit, Robbie took inspo and wore a black-and-white Hervé Léger dress with white sunglasses to match during a photo call on Bondi Beach. This swimsuit can also be seen on Robbie in the Barbie movie trailer too. Barbie Celebration party, Sydney (June 30 2023) Sparkling in a dazzling metallic pink 1994 Versace dress, Robbie's outfit channeled a similar outfit to the Happy Birthday Barbie - and while it might not be Robbie's birthday, she had plenty to celebrate at the Barbie party in Sydney. Seoul 'Barbie' premiere, South Korea (July 2 2023) Dress up with a white brimmed hat, hot pink blazer, pencil skirt and high heels - not forgetting the rhinestone phone - Robbie's outfit was a throwback to the 1985 Day-to-Night Barbie, with this being the day look. Robbie later changed into the night look which was a pink sparkly leotard and a part-Versace pink dress with the tutu skirt. Media news conference, Seoul (July 3 2023) It was pink and sparkles galore for Robbie at a media conference in Seoul when she turned up for the event in a bejewelled suit skirt set, with a cute hair bow and heart bag to match in tribute to the 1964 Sparkling Pink Barbie. Mexico City 'Barbie' premiere, Mexico (July 6 2023) Robbie wore a long-sleeve pink minidress at the Barbie Mexico premiere, but the accessories made the look complete with a silver belt and some huge dangly hearts and stars silver earrings for Earring Magic Barbie. Mexico photo call (July 7 2023) A bright patterned dress with fluorescent pink earring and crimped hair screams the 80s which means sense since the look is inspired by the Totally Hair 25th Anniversary Barbie. 'Barbie' world premiere in Los Angeles (July 9 2023) Ditching the pink (although not entirely with the delicately held handkerchief), Robbie stepped out in a black custom Schiaparelli haute couture dress to the LA premiere of Barbie. This look referenced Barbie’s Solo in the Spotlight dress from 1960, in which both the doll and Robbie wore black gloves, tulle fringe, and pink handkerchief. 'Barbie' European premiere, London (July 12 2023) Robbie stunned in a vintage Vivienne Westwood draped corset gown, which featured a white tulle stole, and was accessorised with matte ivory opera gloves and a layered pearl necklace. A look that was originally created for the Mattel doll back in the 1960s for Enchanted Evening Barbie. Elsewhere, here are 29 of the biggest Barbie brand collaborations ahead of the new movie, doctors warn against 'Barbie foot' challenge taking over TikTok and how old is Barbie supposed to be? Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-07-15 15:18
Harry Kane is put to the test during 'Hot Ones' appearance - but how did he do?
Harry Kane was the latest guest to appear on First We Feast's Hot Ones challenge and proved he could handle the heat off the pitch. The YouTube show sees host Sean Evans interview celebrity guests. During each question, both he and a guest eat a chicken wing that has been coated in different hot sauces, with the Scoville level (the heat or spiciness) increasing each time. Some of the previous celebrity guests include Jennifer Lawrence, Gordon Ramsay, Florence Pugh, and Noel Gallagher. In the latest episode, host Evans began by asking the England captain how he is around spicy food, to which Kane admitted that he's "not great," adding that "it's not something [he] normally [has] a lot". The first wing had a Scoville level of 1,600 which Kane ate with ease and said it was "not too bad," as Evans asked the footballer about his record-breaking season, scoring over 30 goals and becoming England's all-time leading goal scorer. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Kane described the latter achievement as a "dream come true," before having a slight cough and reaching for a glass of milk - was the spice getting to him already? Harry Kane Takes One For the Team While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones www.youtube.com Next up was a wing with a Scoville level of 6,000 and to Kane's surprise he found this one "a little easier". "I do like a curry back home in England, so I'm quite familiar with that taste," he told Evans, appearing more confident in his ability to handle the spice. For the wings with a Scoville level of 15,500, 36,500, and then 49,000, followed by 71,000 and 103,000, Kane took them in his stride, with some coughs, a runny nose and sips of milk along the way. Then came "Da Bomb," hot sauce at a Scoville level of 135,600 which a nervous Kane commented: "I've heard about this. I've just heard it's brutal. Unenjoyable." Though it didn't stop the Tottenham player from taking a bite, before telling Evans that it was "not nice," and "disgusting," and added that he could have the other sauces he's tried with food, but not with "Da Bomb". Despite the discomfort, Kane continued on to eat wings that had a Scoville level of 641,000 before finally making it to the final wing where he join in the tradition of dabbing an extra bit of sauce on the wing. Going straight for it, the footballer noted how the heat "straight up [his] nose". Footy fans loved seeing Kane on Hot Ones and in the comments praised performance for making it to the end. One person said: "Never in a million years did I think I'd see Harry Kane on this show, but I'm all here for it." "Let's be real he surprised every single one of us after seeing his reaction to the first wing. Respect," another person wrote. Someone else added: "Harry seems so wholesome!! And handled the hot sauces so well for someone who doesn't appear to eat much hot sauce." "One of the best episodes ever! Big bites, no complaints and a good talk," a fourth person commented. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-07-14 23:45
Man desperate for love uses Taylor Swift tickets to get date
A single man went to extreme measures on Tinder to try and secure a date – by showing off his spare Taylor Swift ticket. The screenshot of the profile was shared online, which showed a webpage of him in the queue for pre-sale tickets for the Sydney show. "Need a date for Taylor, thought I better start looking," he wrote in his Tinder bio. Diehard fans flooded the post volunteering for tribute, with many calling it "genius." One person wrote: "Even if his plan was to murder me, I would simply ask for him to wait until after (the concert). A win is a win." A third added: "May have to resort to this to be fair." Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Meanwhile, others weren't too impressed with the singleton's creative approach... "It's so cute when they think we're stupid," one person wrote, highlighting that his screenshot did not necessarily mean he had gotten his hands on the tickets. It comes after pre-sale tickets went live last week for Swift's hotly-anticipated tour – and fans were understandably nervous, birthing a string of memes online. Earlier this year, Ticketmaster was forced to apologise to Taylor Swift and her fans after its website crashed. "We apologise to the fans. We apologise to Ms Swift. We need to do better, and we will do better," Live Nation president Joe Berchtold told a Senate judiciary committee. Senator Democratic Richard Blumenthal jumped in, referencing Swift’s hit 'Anti-Hero': "Ticketmaster should look in the mirror and say ‘I’m the problem, it’s me." While Democratic US senator Amy Klobuchar, chair of the Senate antitrust committee referenced the song 'All Too Well' and Republican Senator Mike Lee took a line from Swift's hit 'Blank Space' to share his thoughts on limiting ticket reselling: "A lot of people seem to think that’s somehow a solution, I think it’s a 'nightmare dressed like a daydream'". Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-07-14 17:45
KSI and Logan Paul highlight the key flaw on reports Prime has been banned in Canada
KSI and Logan Paul have hit back at reports that Canada is banning Prime due to health concerns. Canadian health officials reportedly said the popular energy drinks should be "recalled" with claims it contained too much caffeine. However, the two YouTubers have since stated it was never sold even in Canada, to begin with. "We’ve never even released PRIME Energy in Canada, lmao," KSI wrote on Twitter on Thursday (13 July), which was shortly followed by a response from Paul. Paul, who recently got engaged to Nina Agdal in Lake Como, shared a video online, where he slammed reports for "misinformation." "The crazy part about that is, we don’t even distribute Prime Energy in Canada!" Paul told followers. "So, how could it be recalled? The answer is: Illegal or unauthorised imports of the beverage." Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter He continued: "But of course, traditional media doesn’t care about that, because they just want a headline. They want clicks. The level of misinformation currently being spread around prime is actually insane." Prime officials said in a statement earlier this week: "Our top priority is consumer safety, so we welcome discussions with the FDA or any other organisation regarding suggested industry changes they feel are necessary in order to protect consumers." Prime has been proving incredibly popular since its 2022 launch, with the drink flying off the shelves and being re-sold at extortionate prices. Earlier this year, the two founders candidly opened up about the amount of money they've made from the drink. "In year one we cleared $250 million in retail sales and $110 million gross internally", Paul told the Kyle and Jackie O Show. "In January of this year we did $45 million", he added. Mind. Blown. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-07-14 16:59
Saudi crown prince invited to visit UK later this year -FT
The British government has invited Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to London with the visit expected to
2023-07-14 12:27
Kim Kardashian reveals farting fear on dates after Kanye West divorce
Kim Kardashian has revealed that despite being one of the most high-profile celebrities on the planet, she's got a new-found fear going on dates, since divorcing Kanye West. In a new episode of The Kardashians, the reality star revealed Mexican restaurants are a risky date idea for one unexpected reason. "You know what I was thinking?", she says. "Going on a first date at a Mexican restaurant, you would be farting up a storm." Click here to sign up for our newsletters
2023-07-13 22:25
UK economy dips less than expected after strikes and coronation
By Andy Bruce and William Schomberg LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's economy contracted by less than expected in May despite the impact
2023-07-13 14:45