The Invisible Climate Impact of a Cruise Ship
Cruise operators are replacing oil-based fuel with liquefied natural gas to run their ships and pitching the shift
1970-01-01 08:00
Banks Propose Disclosing Just 33% of Capital Markets Emissions
A majority of investment bankers tasked with setting the first industry standards for calculating the carbon footprints of
1970-01-01 08:00
Trump trolls DeSantis with ‘awkward’ video of Florida governor wiping his nose with hand while greeting people
Former president Donald Trump mocked Ron DeSantis, his chief rival in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, by posting a video of the Florida governor wiping his nose with his hand while greeting people. Mr Trump posted the video on his Truth Social site, which featured the children’s song “One of These Things is Not Like the Other” with Mr DeSantis talking with supporters while holding a beer. The video was created on the right-wing video site Rumble by the pro-Trump Dilley Meme Team. The end of the video shows Mr DeSantis wiping his nose with his hand while speaking with people with a voice saying “ew.” The Florida governor has received negative media attention for his supposed social awkwardness, most notably a story in The Daily Beast where he reportedly ate pudding with his fingers. Mr Trump has regularly pilloried Mr DeSantis, accusing the Florida governor of being disloyal after Mr Trump endorsed him in the Republican primary for governor in 2018, and has dubbed him “Ron DeSanctimonious.” During a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, he mocked the fact that Mr DeSantis’s campaign is shedding money and staff, according to multiple news reports. He also said Mr DeSantis ruined his chances to run for president in 2028. “A lot of people say just saying this is dropping out of the race,” Mr Trump said. “I don't know that that's true, but I wouldn't be surprised. He should. Because I think he's absolutely killed himself for [2028].” Mr DeSantis recently laid off multiple members of his staff after raising only $20m and burning through a large part of his campaign cash despite the fact he has only been a candidate for two months. A New York Times/Siena College showed that 54 per cent of Republicans support Mr Trump, with only 17 per cent supporting Mr DeSantis. Read More Georgia DA says Trump 2020 election probe is ‘ready to go’ in strongest hint yet of looming indictment Trump rehearses defence over possible election lies charges at Pennsylvania rally Trump news – live: Georgia DA says Trump 2020 case is ‘ready to go’ as Mar-a-Lago worker heads to court
1970-01-01 08:00
Why Does ‘Of Course’ Mean ‘Yes’?
‘Of course’ is one of the most versatile ‘yes’ synonyms we have. But what does it actually mean?
1970-01-01 08:00
UK Carbon Hits Two-Year Low as Government Wavers on Green Policy
The cost of UK pollution rights slumped to a two-year low, with prices now almost half those of
1970-01-01 08:00
London chef apologises after criticism for all-white, all-male kitchen team
A London-based chef has apologised for what his peers branded a “rude” response towards criticism, after he faced backlash online for revealing the line-up of his kitchen team at his Notting Hill restaurant. Thomas Straker, who opened his namesake restaurant Straker’s in 2022, recently shared a photograph of his “chef team” comprising eight people, including himself. All eight members of the team pictured were white and male, prompting complaints from social media users who believed it did not reflect the diversity of London. Some comments claimed Straker’s team showed how the food industry was a “white boy’s club”, while others urged the restaurateur to provide chefs from minority groups a “safe place to grow as chefs”. Straker, who found fame by sharing his recipes and cooking videos on TikTok, responded to the negative backlash by commenting: “Honestly, people need to calm down. Firstly, there is a shortage of chefs/hospitality workers. Secondly, if you feel so passionately, please go and gather CVs of any chefs you think we’re missing in the team. Solutions not problems. Thank you.” However, his response has also been criticised as “rude”, with a number of chefs and other figures in the food industry weighing in on the online storm. He has since shared an apology via his Instagram Story. “On Friday night, I put up a post of my chef team and many rightly pointed out the lack of diversity in it. I am very sorry for my initial response, where some queried whether I take this issue seriously,” he said. “I am absolutely committed to ensuring diversity in my restaurants, unfortunately we aren’t achieving this in my kitchens currently and this is an area I know I need to improve on, making sure it is seen as a welcoming and approachable environment for all. Tom x.” Becky Paskin, a drinks expert who appears regularly on ITV’S Love Your Weekend, wrote on Straker’s original post: “Too often we say, ‘We only recruit on the basis of the best people for the job’ without any consideration the role bias plays in the selection process. “It’s been proven time and again that diverse teams are more creative, productive and successful. If every member looks the same and has the same background, you’ll find they’ll all think the same as well. Forming diverse teams is not only the right thing to do, it makes business sense too.” US chef Kenji Lopez-Alt, who is known for his book The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science, added: “Get off the social media for a week or so. Do some reflection. Talk to people who care about you and who you trust. Be better.” However, some people have defended Straker’s choice to hire who he wants in his team, and pointed out the staff shortage affecting the entire restaurant industry. Henry Tilley, restaurant manager at Native in London, wrote: “The industry is on its knees right now. There [aren’t] enough chefs or even [front-of-house staff] to go around as it is. We would love some applications for chef positions in our restaurants from female or non-binary individuals. The reality of the matter is we never get the applications so can’t be as representative as we’d like.” But Ben Mulock, executive chef of Balans in Soho, says the onus is on senior chefs to “solve the problem” of lack of diversity, instead of “asking others to solve it for us”. He told The Independent: “I am a white male executive chef, so it is my responsibility to push for an inclusive workforce, be that sex, age or ethnicity. They are not mutually exclusive – they are all important. “No, it’s not easy and at the moment, it almost seems impossible to recruit, but if we don’t try, we don’t move it forward. We always need to do better for this industry, and if we can’t do it in London, where can we?” While Straker’s post was not intended to stir controversy, the lack of diversity in his team has “shone a light on the broader challenges we face in kitchens these days”, Hannah Norris of Nourish PR said. “This is a classic case of an ill thought-out post,” she told The Independent. “Thomas Straker has issued what he believed was a photo of a group of confident, strong-looking chefs ready for service but didn’t think about the optics of the image and what it represented. “Whilst it was well-meaning I believe, a picture doesn’t lie. For whatever reason, he currently has no women or people of colour in his kitchen, so it all looks a bit ‘pale, male and stale’. Perhaps the reaction to this image will make Thomas think again a bit more carefully about who he wants to employ in the future.” The Independent has contacted Straker for comment. Read More The dish that defines me: Frank Yeung’s prawn wontons Between Brexit and Covid, London’s food scene has become a dog’s dinner – can it be saved? Prince William serves up vegetarian ‘Earthshot burgers’ to shocked diners Restaurant introduces ‘minimum spend’ that sees solo diners pay double to eat alone Restaurant with ‘tips are a privilege’ policy sparks intense backlash on social media How to make the Prince of Wales’s Earthshot burger
1970-01-01 08:00
Dame Judi Dench’s sight loss battle: ‘I can’t see on a film set anymore!’
Dame Judi Dench has admitted her sight loss condition has got so severe she can no longer see on film sets.
1970-01-01 08:00
Judi Dench says she can't see on movie sets anymore
Oscar-winning actor Judi Dench says that a degenerative eye condition has left her unable to read scripts or see on set.
1970-01-01 08:00
Joan Laporta: Barcelona 'respect' Lionel Messi's Inter Miami transfer
Barcelona president Joan Laporta explained that the club are happy with Lionel Messi's decision to join Inter Miami if it means the Argentine is happy himself.
1970-01-01 08:00
Mar-a-Lago property manager scheduled to appear in court in classified documents case
Carlos De Oliveira, the Mar-a-Lago property manager and newest co-defendant in the special counsel's criminal case charging former President Donald Trump and his staff with mishandling classified information, is scheduled to make his initial appearance in a Miami courtroom on Monday.
1970-01-01 08:00
How to dress in rainy summer weather
Following a record-breaking June, it’s fair to say summer has turned into a bit of a washout, with a deluge of downpours, while other parts of Europe are baking in unbearable heat. Unfortunately, the unsettled weather is set to continue, with the Met Office forecast for the next two weeks stating: “Showery conditions are likely, along with the risk of longer spells of rain and stronger winds at times too.” In the second half of August, we can expect: “A mixture of rain and showers for many areas… any prolonged dry and hot spells appear to be unlikely.” At the same time, temperatures haven’t plummeted completely, which makes deciding what to wear quite the conundrum at the moment. How do you keep cool and dry at the same time? Here’s what fashion experts recommend for wet weather during summer… Waterproof jacket When it’s too warm for a proper coat, a thin rain jacket with a hood is essential. Make a style statement in a bright colour or bold print, with trendy waterproofs that combine fashion and function. “A lightweight and compact rain jacket from Rains is always easy to style and perfect for carrying around for unexpected showers,” says Lesley Torson, co-founder of Trilogy Stores. “They look really sleek, so won’t ruin a good outfit, whilst still being really light and airy to keep you cool.” Amber Gordon, founder of fashion sourcing company Tailored Styling, recommends a see-through mac: “During Fashion Week, fashion editors and stylists will have a clear and structured raincoat they can whip on to keep their look from getting wet, that still allows people to see what they are wearing.” Regatta X Orla Kiely Summer Pack-It Jacket in Fuschia Passion Flower, £34.95 (was £70) Cotton Traders Moorland Rich Gold Waterproof Coat, £65; Wrinkle Free 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Jersey Top, £20; Women’s Ecru Coloured Stretch Jeans, £36 (accessories, stylist’s own) Lots of layers “Light layers are the best way to dress for summer rain,” says Torson. “Wear your raincoat with a cropped jean, or cotton or linen midi dress, and trainers to maintain a summery look, whilst being prepared for unpredictable weather.” The utility trend is also handy for rainy days – loose cargo pants are cool and practical. “Whip out your hoodies and wear underneath an oversized leather blazer,” says Gordon. “The different textures will make the laidback and comfortable fit feel super high-end.” Monsoon Wide Leg Cropped Jeans in Blue, £80 Sensible shoes Nobody wants soggy socks, which is why splashproof shoes are a must – trainers with a chunky sole will help stop puddle water from seeping into the seams. For seriously rainy days, only Wellington boots will do. “They’re officially back as a fashion staple, thanks to this unpredictable rain,” says Gordon. “To elevate the welly look to luxury, invest in a lighter colour, like a beige or cream Wellington boot. Wear with a bare leg and a floaty dress that will keep you cool and looking summery.” Dune London Truro Navy Side-Stripe Lace-Up Runner Trainers, £100 Don’t forget your hat A hat is the most important fashion accessory for keeping your hair dry and frizz-free. “Hats have become incredibly popular this summer, from denim hats, such as the Miu Miu denim cowboy hat, to summery straw hats,” says Gordon. A water-resistant bucket hat is on-trend and ideal for drizzly days. “A tanned leather bucket will go with most outfits,” Gordon continues. “Use hats to dress your outfits up or down, depending on your mood and as a bonus – you’ll barely notice the rain!” Accessorize Nylon Bucket Hat, £14, Simply Be
1970-01-01 08:00
Australia emphatically beats Canada to reach Women's World Cup last 16, eliminating reigning Olympic champion
Australia is through to the round of 16 of the Women's World Cup thanks to an emphatic 4-0 win over Canada, eliminating the reigning Olympic champion in the process.
1970-01-01 08:00
