Why Amazon's Prime Day is in July
Amazon Prime Day is back again starting Tuesday. But a random couple of days in July does, indeed, feel a bit random. Here's why Amazon made the seemingly nonsensical decision to throw what could be one of its biggest sales days into the middle of the summer.
1970-01-01 08:00
Travel agent left stunned by hotel's bizarre ‘fart’ perk
Going on holiday is all about spoiling yourself and enjoying luxuries you’d normally forgo. Whether that’s tucking into a slap-up buffet breakfast, or booking yourself in for a well-earned massage. And yet, one 4-star hotel in France not only offered guests the option to splash out on a spa treatment or bottle of wine for their room, but they also suggested a very unique kind of perk… A fart. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Yes, you read that correctly. A US-based travel agent made the eyebrow-raising discovery when she was booking a room on behalf of a client. Jaclyn D'Esposito was checking out on the hotel’s website when noticed that its add-ons included a rooftop aperitif, a 30-minute back rub, and a special indulgence labelled simply as “fart”. D’Esposito shared her bewilderment on TikTok, telling viewers that she thought she was “seeing things” when she spotted the offer. Addressing the camera, she said: “You know when you go to check out at a hotel and sometimes there's that page that pops up before you put your credit card in and it's like, ‘Enhance your stay with these other things’ – and it's always like, flowers, champagne, car service, massage, whatever… I truly, I truly thought that I was seeing something.” She then focused in on her computer screen and ran through the “totally normal” extras on display – “Bottle of wine, massage…” – before pausing at a picture of a dog accompanied by the title “fart”. “What is fart?” she asked, before noting that it was being offered “for free”. Clicking on the icon to find out more details, she discovered that “the rate is per day”. “What is happening?” she said before asking followers if she should “book [her] client a fart.” @heartfelttravel I couldn’t pull the tigger guys I’m sorry ? #travelisaprivilege #heartfelttravel #wheretostaysputhoffrance #southoffranceitinerary #southoffrancetravelguide D’Esposito’s video racked up more than 1.6 million views in four days, as commentators shared their glee at the mishap. “It’s a vacation, you should splurge,” one joked. “I like how you said “for FREE?!?” as if you were more shocked that the fart was free than that there was a fart in the first place,” remarked another. “Call and inquire about what’s included in the fart package. You will make that front desk person’s week!” said a third. Others attempted to explain the bizarre scenario by pointing out that “pet” is the French word for “fart”– which would explain the dog pic. And a number suggested that “fart” had been written on the webpage by one of its designers as a jokey placeholder for the pet section, but they then forgot to remove it. Oops. @heartfelttravel Reporting live from Fartfelt Travel ??? #heartfelttravel #travelisaprivilege The travel agent confirmed their theories in an update which, beaming, she began: “I cannot stop laughing at these comments, you made my week, and I'm here to answer all your questions.” She then admitted that she had decided not to book the fart for her client but said it was a decision she now regretted. Naming the hotel as Les Bords de Mer in Marseille, she stressed that they had now fixed their website and it “now says pet everywhere”. (A quick check by indy100 shows this is, indeed, the case:) D'Esposito ended her debrief: “For everyone who commented saying that fart is French slang for pet, you were correct. “To me though, it's still hysterical. Thanks for laughing with me.” 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.
1970-01-01 08:00
A 'perfect storm' of ingredients are combining to create deadly flooding and record heat, scientist says
The climate crisis is "supercharging" extreme weather events like flooding and heat waves, Michael E. Mann told CNN.
1970-01-01 08:00
Dua Lipa wore a chainmail dress to the Barbie premiere and not much else
Singer Dua Lipa stole the show with a very NSFW dress at the premiere of the Barbie movie in Los Angeles. On Sunday night, celebrities from across the entertainment industry gathered to celebrate the hotly-anticipated film, with everyone from Gal Gadot to Issa Rae taking to the pink carpet. Pop star Dua Lipa was in attendance having performed a song on the film’s soundtrack and making her acting debut with a small role as Mermaid Barbie. The three-time Grammy winner certainly caught the eye with her revealing outfit as she wore a sheer, floor-length silver chain mail Bottega Veneta gown with no bra and a white thong. She accessorised the dress with jewellery from Tiffany’s and a pair of silver Bottega Veneta rocket mules. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter In an interview with Dazed, Dua Lipa said she had been wanting to work with the director Greta Gerwig for a long time, because her films “never really feel like the male gaze. They have very interesting female protagonists”. She continued: “The film ― and there’s a lot of diversity in the cast ― is touching exactly on the buttons that maybe it presses, and shows a different story.” Dua Lipa also explained the film’s soundtrack is inspired by disco, adding, “There’s a lot of very glittery and pop moments in it”. And, her small role in the Barbie movie appears to be the first of her new acting venture as the singer has also secured a part in the spy-thriller movie Argylle, also featuring Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard. 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.
1970-01-01 08:00
Tottenham complete Manor Solomon signing after Shakhtar Donetsk exit
Tottenham have announced the signing of attacker Manor Solomon on a free transfer. Spurs moved to bring former Fulham loanee Solomon to the club after he was able to cancel his deal with Shakhtar Donetsk. The diminutive winger has agreed a five-year contract with Tottenham after he returned to the country from holiday last weekend and passed his medical on Monday. Solomon was allowed to cancel his contract with Shakhtar and sign for Spurs after FIFA in May extended its temporary employment rules relating to the war in Ukraine. Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, foreign players contracted to clubs affiliated to Ukrainian or Russian football associations can “unilaterally suspend their employment” until June 30 2024, provided teams are informed of the suspension in writing by July 1. With Solomon’s previous terms with Shakhtar due to expire on December 31, he was able to become a free agent after he exercised the right to suspend his current employment with the Ukraine outfit. The wide forward becomes the fourth addition completed by Tottenham this summer, with Dejan Kulusevski’s loan move being made permanent while last month Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison sealed transfers to the Premier League club. Israel international Solomon showed flashes of his potential during his loan with Fulham last season despite waiting until January to make his full debut due to a serious knee injury. When the 23-year-old was fit, he scored five goals in 24 appearances to earn admirers at Tottenham. Solomon could face old club Shakhtar in a friendly on August 6 after it was announced last month that Spurs would host the Ukraine champions. The Premier League side are set to make a financial contribution to Shakhtar’s charitable foundation while an additional donation of net proceeds from ticket sales has been promised to help with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Tottenham remain in the hunt for new central defenders with talks continuing with Wolfsburg over the signing of Micky ven de Ven. Spurs also hold interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham, but outgoings are another area of priority after Harry Winks recently left to join Leicester. The club’s stance on Harry Kane remains unchanged despite Bayern Munich’s growing interest. Kane will return to training on Wednesday, but speculation over his future continues to intensify with only a year left on his deal. The PA news agency understands Tottenham have offered the forward a new contract that is an increase on his current £200,000-a-week terms. While Kane is yet to make a decision on the contract, Spurs’ stance remains the same with their star striker not for sale. Spurs fly out for their pre-season tour of Perth, Bangkok and Singapore on Friday and a decision will need to be made over whether captain Hugo Lloris is part of the travelling party given interest from Inter Milan. Tottenham are open to selling Lloris for the right offer and an agreement could even be reached to terminate his terms a year early, PA understands. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ange Postecoglou excited about ‘leader’ James Maddison’s role at Tottenham Lotte Wubben-Moy excited about England’s potential ahead of World Cup England retain Jonny Bairstow in unchanged squad for fourth Ashes Test
1970-01-01 08:00
Israelis Blockade Highways, Face Water Cannons to Protest Netanyahu Plan
Israelis have taken to the streets en masse to protest the government’s attempt to weaken the power of
1970-01-01 08:00
Will inflation come down this year? We're about to get a big clue
This week kicks off the second quarter earnings season, when firms in the US report on how much money they made (or didn't make) from April through June of 2023. It also brings a slew of new inflation data.
1970-01-01 08:00
Iowa's special session places abortion at forefront in 2024 GOP primary
Iowa's legislature will kick off a special session Tuesday aimed at banning abortion in most cases after about six weeks of pregnancy, elevating the issue in a state blanketed by 2024 presidential contenders who have sought to avoid the kinds of specifics the Republican-led state House and Senate are poised to consider.
1970-01-01 08:00
DraftKings Golf Promo Unlocks $150 GUARANTEED on Any Scottish Open Bet
The PGA Tour heads to the Genesis Scottish Open this week and DraftKings Sportsbook has an excellent sign-up bonus available: Bet $5, Win $150 GUARANTEED on ANY bet! Just for placing your wager, you'll INSTANTLY receive $150 regardless of its outcome.See below how to get signed up and get y...
1970-01-01 08:00
Lotte Wubben-Moy excited about England’s potential ahead of World Cup
England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy is convinced the Lionesses are yet to test the limits of their true potential as they dare to dream of a maiden World Cup title. The European champions begin their global mission against Haiti in Brisbane on July 22 before taking on Denmark and China to conclude the group stage. With the July 31 one-year anniversary of her side’s Euro 2022 Wembley triumph fast approaching, Wubben-Moy and her team-mates are ready to consign that victory to the history books and focus on their next chapter. “In terms of preparation I think it is a Euros but then a level up,” the 24-year-old said during a training session on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. “The focus, the desire, the intensity, I think it’s all taken a step up and that’s what I’d expect really. “We’ve come off the back of a Euros, we’ve won that, and it’s not a case of settling on that, it’s ‘ok, what’s next? how much more can we push?’ because I don’t think this team knows how far we can go really and that’s quite a nice place to be in because in that sense you can dream and always be excited about what’s next.” England arrived in Australia, tournament co-hosts alongside New Zealand, on Friday and will train at the Sunshine Coast Stadium until they make their way to Brisbane ahead of their opener. While several Lionesses have praised the hosts for making them feel at home in such a short period of time, there are some unquestionable differences between this World Cup and last summer’s Euros in England – things like the kangaroos roaming the grounds of the team hotel. Wubben-Moy continued: “From the food room you can look out onto the water, and there are these like mad, massive blue fish, similar to the colour of the kit actually, so there’s going to be plenty of wildlife that we see. Hopefully none of the scary ones, because I think quite a few people are scared of spiders and snakes. “I don’t mind spiders but snakes, nah, no, not having it. Oh, the thought of it. So hopefully we don’t encounter any of them.” I don’t think this team knows how far we can go really and that’s quite a nice place to be in because in that sense you can dream and always be excited about what’s next Lotte Wubben-Moy While a combination of retirements and injuries will force Sarina Wiegman to debut a new-look line-up from the identical one she fielded for every match last summer, Wubben-Moy is less likely to be among her head coach’s top choices to start at the back. Millie Bright, named captain in place of the injured Leah Williamson, looks set to return after recovering from the knee injury that kept her out of the Lionesses’ pre-departure goalless draw with Portugal, while stalwarts Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood will feature in their third consecutive World Cups. Jess Carter and Esme Morgan both earned starting places in that friendly, while Wubben-Moy remained on the bench. However she is employed this tournament, the Arsenal defender vowed she will make the most of the experience. She added: “I think it’s difficult, a player is always going to want to play as much as possible. “I guess I’m not naive to the fact that the minutes I’ve got this year with England haven’t been massive, so my focus on this tournament is to enjoy it, gain the most out of it and actually ideally give the most of myself. “I’ve spoken a lot about consistency and being the best person that I can be for my team-mates, whether that’s on the pitch or off the pitch, and I hold myself to high standards in general, so that’s definitely something that I see as a goal for the tournament, regardless of whether I get minutes or not.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ange Postecoglou excited about ‘leader’ James Maddison’s role at Tottenham England retain Jonny Bairstow in unchanged squad for fourth Ashes Test Royal Birkdale to host Open Championship in 2026
1970-01-01 08:00
If You Bought A&W Root Beer in the Past 7 Years, the Company Might Owe You Money
Do you feel wronged by A&W? You might be entitled to compensation.
1970-01-01 08:00
Ange Postecoglou excited about ‘leader’ James Maddison’s role at Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou is excited about the role “leader” James Maddison will play in helping implement his style of football at Tottenham. Maddison completed a transfer worth £40million plus add-ons to Spurs last month after five years with Leicester where he won the FA Cup and scored 55 goals in 203 appearances. England midfielder Maddison had been tracked by Tottenham since he was a teenager at Coventry and officially begins work with the club on Wednesday when the next group of international players, including Harry Kane, return. His new boss feels the playmaker will be key to the sizable task of getting a squad accustomed to pragmatic, counter-attacking football now in sync with the aggressive, possession-based style set to be used by the Australian. Postecoglou said: “Really excited to get James as part of the group. “Any manager will tell you that part of the key to being a dominant team is having multiple attacking threats and having a midfielder who can score and create goals. “They’re not easy to come by. He’s proven himself at that level in the last few years as somebody who can do that. “When you look at Tottenham the last few years, they’ve been really reliant on the front three to get their goals. “I thought it was a really good fit for us to look for a player like James – even better if we could get James, so we ended up getting James. “I was really pleased and the fact we did it early was great because it allows him to have a break. He’s had the birth of twins so I don’t know what shape he’ll be in when he gets here! “But once we get him in, it means he can come on the tour with us and I know he’s really excited about joining the group. “He obviously knows a few of the lads and I think he’s in a stage of his career where it feels like he can be a leader, which is great as well because we need players who want to embrace that responsibility within this group. “Whether it’s their first year in or they’ve been here for ages, we’re going to need leadership on the field and he feels like he can be a player who does that.” Postecoglou held his first press conference since switching Celtic for Spurs on Monday and struck the right chord between confidence alongside realism. Tottenham finished eighth in the Premier League last season – using three different head coaches – but more significantly have spent the last four years playing counter-attacking football. Gradually it wore down a disgruntled fanbase impatient for success with no trophy since 2008 and while a return to an aggressive, front-foot style will be welcomed, Postecoglou is aware rebooting a squad used to a certain way will be no mean feat. He added: “Absolutely that will be the biggest challenge and that’s what I’m concentrating on at the moment. “We don’t have the whole group here but the guys we have, it’s about changing that mindset and changing the way the players see the game and maybe their roles within in. “Because even with the positions they play, there’s going to be adjustments in how I want them to do things. Again, I love that. That’s why I’m here. “If it was just me rolling up and they’re going out there, doing their thing, it wouldn’t excite me. That’s part of the challenge – it will be a shift from the way the club has played for three or four years. “In terms of how quickly the players embrace that, the new players coming in will help. That’s the part I have control over, whether that’s James Maddison or Guglielmo (Vicario) in goal. “They’re players who fit in the direction I want to go in, which helps. Then it’s about seeing with the existing group how many of them are able to adjust and embrace the way we’re going to play.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Lotte Wubben-Moy excited about England’s potential ahead of World Cup England retain Jonny Bairstow in unchanged squad for fourth Ashes Test Royal Birkdale to host Open Championship in 2026
1970-01-01 08:00
