List of All Articles with Tag 'tok'

Some fear the controversial new barrier may make the crossing more dangerous for migrants.

Authorities have poured water on the suggestion that TikTok challenges are in some way responsible for recent drownings in the US. It was widely reported that a so-called “boat jumping” or “boat jump” trend had inadvertently claimed the lives of four people this year, after an official in Alabama issued a stark warning. Cpt. Jim Dennis, the head of Alabama’s Childersburg Rescue Squad, told local news site WBMA: “[Over the] last six months we have had four drownings that were easily avoidable – they were doing a TikTok challenge.” He explained: “It’s where you get in a boat going at a high rate of speed, you jump off the side of the boat, don’t dive, you’re jumping off feet first and you just kinda lean into the water.” Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Cpt. Dennis’s comments were picked up by a number of news outlets, encouraging further discussion on the potentially nefarious power of social media trends. @tndtok First responders in Alabama are seeing a spike in drownings related to a TikTok boating challenge, where people jump off of a boat moving at high speeds. #boat #tiktokchallenge #alabama #firstresponders #jumpoffboat However, he later rowed back on his mention of the video-sharing app, insisting that remarks attributed to him were taken out of context during interviews he gave promoting boating safety, AL.com reports. “It got blown way out of proportion,’’ he said of the publicity. “We’ve had four drownings in the last six to eight months and some of those were just drownings,’’ he added. The first responder confirmed that he’d worked on one death of someone jumping from a boat, but admitted: “To say that’s the reason they died, I can’t say that. That would be a matter of opinion.” Meanwhile, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) issued its own statement on the issue, saying: “On Monday, July 3, a news story was shared regarding ‘first responders warning against a deadly boating TikTok trend after recent drownings’ in Alabama. “However, please be advised the information released to the news outlet was incorrect. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division does not have any record(s) of boating or marine-related fatalities in Alabama that can be directly linked to TikTok or a trend on TikTok.” They added: “One individual was fatality injured after jumping from a moving vessel in 2020 and a similar marine-related fatality occurred in 2021, however, both fatalities cannot be linked to TikTok.” Cpt. Dennis acknowledged that in one of the fatal cases he worked on, the victim did jump from a moving boat. But, he said he had no proof that it was linked to any TikTok challenge. A second person also died after jumping off a boat, but he said his squad had received conflicting statements as to whether the vessel was moving or stationary. He continued: “If we have a drowning, we may know unofficially what it is but to make an official statement, that would have to come from ALEA. Sometimes it’s a year or two before they get the final coroner’s report.” Still, the rescue chief was keen to emphasise the dangers of boat jumping. “Just from growing up around water, when you’re jumping off boats that are moving at a high rate of speed, things can happen,’’ he said. “Water is the hardest surface known to man. We cut diamonds and steel with it. When you’re moving at a high rate of speed and you hit the water wrong, it’s like hitting a brick wall. Your neck is the weakest part and you run the risk of breaking it. “There is a TikTok challenge, but I do know jumping off of a moving boat is nothing new,’’ he added. “As far as TikTok, there’s not a challenge on there that’s any good.” 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.

The internet has spiralled over a certain two-second snippet from the upcoming Barbie movie – and it involves Margot Robbie's feet. In the trailer for Greta Gerwig's hotly anticipated release, Barbie is seen stepping out of her high heels while maintaining her arched foot. In fact, it's become so "iconic" that it's birthed an entire TikTok challenge with the likes of Chrissy Teigen trying it out, and the hashtag alone has racked up over 40 million views. While the niche trend has proven popular on the platform, doctors have been forced to step in with a warning. Dr Jodi R. Schoenhaus, DPM, RPhs, FACFAS, and Board Certified Podiatrist at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, said the challenge "is not without risk." "If someone attempts the pose once or twice, they will likely be ok and produce a great TikTok video," she said. "However, if attempting the pose and stride over long periods, there are some risks involved. The ankle is unstable, which can lead to ligament sprains and injuries, commonly seen with high heel use." According to Dr Schoenhaus, the foot positioning "places more strain on your low back leading to muscle and spine problems," and can injure growth plates in younger women. "To walk on your toes without heels isn't sustainable, and, in fact, the reality in the movie is that Barbie actually has flatfeet, along with 30 per cent of the population. Considering we aren't trained ballerinas en pointe, let's keep the fad to movie stars who have props and multiple takes to make it look perfect," she added. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter @shannascribner @barbiethemovie inspired me with a challenge idea!! Stitch & show me how well you can do the #BarbieFootChallenge !!! #barbiefootchallenge #barbie #foot #feet #heels #challenge #footchallenge #feetchallenge #margotrobbie Speaking about the famous scene, Robbie told The Project that it didn't actually require as much effort as people expected. "There’s no special effects, you’d be amazed how few [special effects] there are in this film actually," she said. "We didn‘t do that many takes of it, a couple of takes and I kind of held on to a bar so I was sturdy when I stepped." "We just put double-sided tape on the floor so that my shoes stayed still and I did have a pedicure that morning." 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.

Provides an overview of Samoa, including key dates and facts for this Pacific island nation.

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.

A wholesome clip of an elderly man's proposal to his childhood crush 60 years later has left people in floods of tears. Dr Thomas McMeekin, 78, orchestrated the airport proposal with help from his assistants at his practice. Several clips of the emotional event have surfaced on TikTok, with one comparing it to "Letters to Juliet in real life". One clip showed the doctor greeting Nancy Gambell, 79, at Tampa Airport, where he hands her a bouquet of red roses and a necklace with both of their birthstones on. He then kneels down on a pillow and makes a speech to his now-fiancee. "It's been sixty years since we first met. You have always been the one that I've had a crush on since your cheerleader days," he said, before asking her to marry him. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Strangers gathered to watch the special event, with many more online flooding the comments online. "They were meant to be, nor time, distance tore them apart. When two souls are meant to be they will find each other," one person wrote, while another added: "You know what’s really sweet about it. I bet they see each other as they were in High School. Remembering all the fun they had. Beautiful." @jobuns_ My heart!! Sweetest proposal 🥹 He was so excited! #proposal #highschoolsweethearts #fyp #love #tampaflorida #tampainternationalairport McMeekin's assistants opened up to Insider, saying: "He kept talking about it every single day. All the staff were like, 'We have to go.'" "We had picked up a pillow so he could kneel down and propose, and we got some stuff to make a sign saying, 'She said yes' – because we knew she would," they continued. "He knew what he was going to say and he followed through with what he was going to do. Find me a man like 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.

A psychological test can reveal your personality in just four short questions, and its even captured the attention of celebrities. Tests that reveal what our truest version of ourselves is are always eye-opening and with four questions posted on TikTok by Made In Chelsea star and entrepreneur Jamie Laing, you can do just that. Laing said: “For each answer you give, you have to give two adjectives as to why you've given that answer.” He continued, explaining first you have to say what your favourite animal is. Next, you have to provide two adjectives to describe your favourite animal and why it’s your favourite, for example, a lion because it’s strong and clever. According to Laing, this is “how you describe yourself”. The next question is, “What is your favourite food?”, again giving two adjectives to explain why – for example, Thai food because it’s spicy and zingy. This is how you view your partner. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter @jamielaing Personality test in 4 simple questions #jamielaing #foryou Thirdly, the test asks “What's your favourite colour?”, along with two adjectives. According to the personality test, this is how other people view you. The final question asks, “What's your favourite type of water?”. Laing gave the examples of “river, sea, swimming pool”, before revealing “that is your sex life”. In the comments, people gave their answers and some of them were hilarious. One person wrote: “Me saying panda for the first one cause it's fat and lazy. Guess that's me.” Someone else added: “Not me saying Pad Thai as my favourite food as it’s tasty and has nuts.” “Fav food: pasta because it’s creamy and filling,” another wrote along with some laughing face and embarrassed face emojis. Others who took the quiz realised they may need to dust off the old school books. Someone admitted: “My answers were bizarre. Think I need to re-learn what an adjective is.” 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.

The government intervened in eight takeovers of UK firms by Chinese buyers last year, figures show

By David Shepardson ARLINGTON, Virginia (Reuters) -U.S. lawmakers are considering changes to address concerns about a bill that would give

LeBron James coached his son Bryce's team at the 2023 Nike EYBL Peach Jam Basketball Tournament over the weekend. While the event was highlighted by some of the

A VTuber's performance at a mini-concert has gone viral on TikTok and turned into its own meme after reportedly charging $300 to punters who saw the gig. According to YouTube, the performance took place at the Cosplay Arts Festival in Thailand on July 1st. This was reportedly part of the Algorhythm Project performance, which is a collective of Virtual YouTubers (Vtubers) who all perform under the same banner. For those not in the know, a vtuber is basically a YouTuber who uses a virtual reality avatar instead of themselves as part of the entertainment on their streams, which often involve singing. The particular vtuber who has gone viral on TikTok in the last few days is called Dacapo who has 230,000 subscribers on YouTube alone. They performed as part of the Algorhythm Project video and while there were numerous other vtubers in the piece has focused in on Dacapo's performance which can be viewed below. 【#ARPxCAF Mini-Concert Replay】Shinunoga E-Wa 「Dacapo」 www.youtube.com The video consists of not much more than Dacapo singing the song 'Shinunoga E-Wa' as the avatar sways back and forth with their long fringe covering the character's eyes. Toward the end of the song, the hair does lift up and viewers do get to see the character's eyes which appears to prompt a huge reaction from the crowd. @edgebum #vtuber #vtubers #vtuberconcert #viral #fyp #funny Numerous TikTok's have since emerged of this performance with many claiming that people at the festival paid $300 to watch the show. @rashawn531 Woke up to this #vtuber #rashawn531 However, this is likely to be $300 in Thai Bhat which roughly exchanges to $8.50 (£6.60) in US money, so in reality they didn't spend too much money. Regardless the vtuber's video has since gone viral and become something of a meme on TikTok where people imitate the song. @jcmyep #foryou #fyp #foryoupage #vtuber#concert#vtuberconcert Dacapo is yet to respond to their new found online fame. 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.

An alleged TikTok challenge has claimed the lives of four people in just six months, according to US authorities who have issued a stark warning against the trend. The victims broke their necks and drowned after jumping or flipping off the back of speeding boats, Cpt. Jim Dennis, of Alabama’s Childersburg Rescue Squad announced. Dennis claimed they’d been participating in what’s been dubbed the “boat jumping” or “boat jump” challenge, which he said had posed a particular problem since the start of the year despite being an issue for some time. “[Over the] last six months we have had four drownings that were easily avoidable – they were doing a TikTok challenge,” Dennis told local news site WBMA. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter “It’s where you get in a boat going at a high rate of speed, you jump off the side of the boat, don’t dive, you’re jumping off feet first and you just kinda lean into the water.” He added that the trend had been on first responders’ radars for “two years” but it’s popularity was “sporadic”. However, he stressed, it’s “something that needs to go away and stay away”. @tndtok First responders in Alabama are seeing a spike in drownings related to a TikTok boating challenge, where people jump off of a boat moving at high speeds. #boat #tiktokchallenge #alabama #firstresponders #jumpoffboat One of the tragic incidents occurred in February when a father reportedly dived into Alabama’s Coosa River as his wife and three children watched helplessly from their boat. “Unfortunately, she recorded his death,” Dennis said. The most recent tragedy occurred in May and involved a middle-aged man, according to WBMA. Indeed, Dennis stressed that the so-called trend was carried out by people of all ages, despite warnings over its dangers. In a separate interview with ABC7, the rescuer pointed out: “I think people, if they’re being filmed on camera, I think they’re more likely to do something stupid because they want to show off in front of their friends for social media.” However, he emphasised to anyone tempted to give it a go themselves: “Do not do it. It’s not worth your life.” One keen boater who condemned the trend explained how it would feel to hit the surface of a lake, river or sea from a fast-moving boat. Larry King told WBMA: “When you hit the water, it’s almost like hitting concrete at that speed. So, nothing good is going to come from hitting water at that speed.”Indy100 has contacted TikTok for comment on the alleged challenge. 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.