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Apple GPT: Tech giant reportedly working on a ChatGPT, generative AI competitor
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Apple Vision Pro: These 2 flaws are reportedly plaguing it behind the scenes
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San Francisco vegan restaurant Gracias Madre shuts down after 15 years due to city's 'deteriorating' conditions
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7 TikTok food hacks that actually work
From whipped drinks to unconventional flavour combinations, TikTok food hacks push the boundaries of traditional cooking, making it exciting and fun to try something new. They offer hacks, shortcuts and simplified versions of popular recipes, making them accessible to busy individuals and those who love a challenge. However, it can be hard to distinguish which hacks work, and which just waste your time. Using search data and TikTok views, the experts at Wren Kitchens have found out which food hacks will actually save you time in the kitchen. 1. Fruit roll ups with ice cream @sydwingold trying the ice cream in a fruit roll-up ? #fruitrollup #fruitrollupchallenge #icecreamfruitrollup ♬ Elevator Music - Bohoman Combining fruit roll-ups with ice cream is by far the most popular food hack right now. You can create the delicious dessert using two ingredients: fruit roll-ups and ice cream of your choice (vanilla, chocolate, etc) Method: 1. Start by unwrapping a fruit roll-up and lay it flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or countertop. 2. Take a scoop of your favourite ice cream and place it near the edge of the fruit roll-up. 3. Carefully roll the fruit roll-up around the ice cream, tucking in the sides as you go. 4. Once you have made all your ice cream rolls, you can enjoy them right away or place them in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up. 2. Pancake batter in ice cube tray @feelgoodfoodie These freezer pancake cubes are perfect for meal prep to have on busy mornings or for suhoor Ramadan mornings. Use any batter you like and just add a little extra cooking time depending on how thick they are. #ramadansuhoor #pancakecubes #freezerpancakes IB: @dliciouslyinspired ♬ original sound - Feel Good Foodie Your ice cube tray is the answer to a quick brunch fix: fluffy pancakes. Method: 1. Start by making your preferred pancake batter with a basic recipe that typically includes flour, eggs, milk and sugar. 2. Mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth batter. 3. Use an ice cube tray and spoon the batter into the individual compartments of the ice cube tray, filling each one about 2/3 full. 4. Let it freeze completely, which usually takes a few hours or overnight. 5. Once the batter is frozen solid, carefully remove the ice cube tray from the freezer. Gently push on the bottom of each compartment to pop out the pancake batter ice cubes. As it melts on the pan, you’ll have the perfect size to cook and enjoy! 3. Ketchup packet cut @heinz_ca Say goodbye to awkwardly squeezing out ketchup packets. ♬ heinz ketchup packet hack - Heinz Canada For easier access and more ketchup for your fries, this hack is genius. Tear the ketchup packet horizontally in its entirety, rather than ripping it open from the top. Once cut, grab both ends of the sachet and push them towards each other to make a little pouch to easily dip your fries into. Be careful not to squeeze the packet too hard or cut it too deep, as the contents will spill out. 4. Burger upside down Isn’t it frustrating when you eat a burger and the contents fall out with each bite you take? Eating a burger upside down prevents the condiments from falling out and maximises the taste. The top side of a burger bun is thicker than the bottom, so the bread absorbs more of the juice’s sauce and flavour. This can be especially useful if you have a burger with a lot of toppings or if the bun is particularly soft or slippery. 5. Jelly drink @williamsengg I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the jelly drink I made for my girlfriend so here’s my favorite version and all the tips and tricks for making it ✨ hope it helps #jellydrink #williamsengg #fyp #xyzbca ♬ the one that got away - el This viral drink is popular for those who want a quick jelly snack without waiting overnight for it to set. Method: 1. Grab a handful of your favourite flavour of jelly sweets and place them in an empty cup. 2. Add 3/4 cup of hot water to fully submerge the gummies and mix until the pieces of candy dissolve. 3. Let it chill in the fridge for five hours. 4. When the mixture is solid, pour 2 teaspoons of condensed milk and 1/3 cup of milk, over the solid jelly layer. 5. Use your straw to poke holes all over the jelly layer to break it up into small chunks and enjoy! 6. Pierce a hole in a lemon for easy juice @paulfosterchef Great Lemon juice hack #chef #chefhack #viral #lemon #lemonjuice #homecooking #cook #howtocookproperly ♬ QUIET DOWN 2 - Madison Malone This hack is impressing everyone who tries it. Roll your lemon on a cutting board and, using a skewer, toothpick, or pin, poke a hole in the non-stem end of the lemon. You now have an easy way to squeeze lemon juice out of a lemon. As you only poke a tiny hole in the lemon, you can preserve the lemon for a week in an airtight bag, without the risk of it drying out. 7. Spicy pickled garlic @lisanguyen Pickled garlic with sriracha, chili powder & thyme (credit: @lalaleluu) #pickledgarlic #foodie ♬ Aesthetic Girl - Yusei Pickled garlic can be used as a condiment or added to various dishes for an extra kick of flavour. Some people enjoy eating pickled garlic straight out of the jar, while others use it as a topping for salads, sandwiches or cheese platters. For this spicy hack, all you do is drain a jar of pickled garlic and add some sriracha and other seasonings, such as chilli flakes and thyme, and shake. Ensure you use pickled garlic and not raw garlic. Pickled garlic is usually stored in vinegar, not oil, and when compared to raw garlic, it has a milder and sweet taste. Find out more at wrenkitchens.com Read More Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat Saltie Girl in Mayfair will make you happy as a clam – as long as you can afford it These recipes will keep you hydrated on hot days Three tomato salad recipes that aren’t boring
2023-06-06 21:26
Pulitzer, Amsterdam hotel review: Luxury, local cuisine and decadence in this Dutch period piece
In a nutshell: In Amsterdam’s oldest five-star hotel, no two rooms are the same, restaurants serve up local cuisine, and a 1909 saloon boat offers tours of the city’s canals. The neighbourhood Amsterdam attracts visitors from all around the world thanks to its rich history, eclectic museums, bike lifestyle and coffee shop culture. The city is wonderfully walkable and the five-star Pulitzer hotel places you in prime location to explore all the Dutch capital has to offer. Looming over the canal belt and in the heart of the historic Nine Streets neighborhood (right out of a Wes Anderson movie), this quintessential district is brimming with boutique shops, charming cafes and enticing restaurants. Located five minutes down the canal, you’ll find Anne Frank’s house while the Museumplein (home to Rijksmuseum, the Van Gough museum and Moco), Amsterdam Centraal and Vondelpark are a mere 20 minute walk away. If you’re keen to cycle like a local, the hotel is equipped with Pulitzer bikes and the erudite concierge Ron Stoevelaar is on hand to show you the best routes. The look Set within 25 Golden Age canal houses, the Pulitzer forms an entire block in the Nine Streets area. Founded in 1970 by Peter Pulitzer (grandson of the Pulitzer Prize founder Joseph Pulitzer), the hotel went through a £1.5 million restoration in 2016. The hotel combines 17th century Dutch elements and mid-century design (think beamed ceilings, historic fireplaces, period antiques and an impressive collection of art, books and music) with contemporary features. Every nook (and there’s many) of the hotel offers a glance into the past – whether it’s in the library of Pulitzer Prize winning books, the lobby with Persian rugs and paintings or in the four luxury collectors suites. Exemplifying the old meeting the new, look out for what appears to be a 17th century painting of a floral bouquet in the lobby. A closer look will reveal it to be a photograph of melted cutlery by a contemporary artist. The vibe Oozing elegance and class, the Pulitzer’s architectually impressive buildings are enriched with antique pieces and Dutch design details. A beguiling space, the grand lobby has a buzzy atmosphere thanks to the laid-back Pulitzer Garden bar and eatery that are tucked away toward the back, while the check-in and concierge desks are warm and welcoming. Upon arrival, you’ll spy an eclectic clientele of 30-somethings talking over old fashioned cocktails at the bar, upmarket travellers in the mid-century armchairs, older couples chatting to the concierge and families feasting in the lobby’s Italian-inspired restaurant. Stepping out of the Pulitzer doors and onto the canal side, picturesque Amsterdam – without the chaos of the main streets – is on your doorstep (just try not to collide with any of the bikes swishing past). Bed and bath Despite being home to more than 200 rooms, the hotel has a cosy, boutique feel owing to the canal house layout and warren of mood-lit interlocking corridors (there’s much enjoyment to be had in getting lost in the Pulitzer). Each room is unique and inspired by an aspect of Dutch design. With themed-collectors suites, family size spaces and canal-view rooms – as well as generous, cosy and classic spaces available – there’s a room to suit every kind of traveller. Featuring decadent marble bathrooms (complete with luxury Debaser toiletries and well-pressured power showers), the rooms boast custom made headboards, a work desk with a mirror, mid-century drinks trolleys and chaise lounges. Thoughtful details such as bookshelves, a bike repair kit, an umbrella, French press and Dutch sweet treats all elevate the space, while windows either look out over the canal, the street below or the Pulitzer garden in the centre of the hotel. You can opt in or out of having your sheets changed each morning – the hotel reminds you of the importance of saving water – by placing a card on your bed. Food and drink There are two restaurants on site at the Pulitzer: the all-day dining eatery Jansz and the more laidback Pulitzer Garden restaurant. The former favours locally-sourced ingredients and classic Dutch cuisine, with the lunch and dinner line-up brimming with seasonal small plates, freshly caught fish dishes (the shrimp croquettes and octopus were a delight) and refined classics like burgers and steaks. Jansz is also where breakfast is served, with guests able to order a la carte (the omelette is a must) or try the continental buffet. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Pulitzer Garden has indoor and outdoor tables with a hearty menu inspired by Italian cuisine – think aubergine parmigiana, lobster spaghetti and chicken caesar salad. After dinner, be sure to head to the glamorous and deliciously moody Pulitzer Bar. Sink into the armchairs, sofas and bar stools to while away the evening with signature or classic cocktails (try the breakfast margarita and new Amsterdam). Public areas The neighbourhood-style complex includes the Jansz restaurant, Pulitzer Garden bar, restaurant and garden seating, the Pulitzer Bar and the resplendent lobby. Whether you’re a guest or not, the Pulitzer bar is a must-visit. Elegant and free from the havoc of city centre bars, the Art Deco-style bar looks over the canal and is the perfect spot for people watching. Open to guests, there’s also a 24-hour gym at the Pulitzer with machines, yoga mats, weights, towels and chilled water. When visiting the Pulitzer, you’ll notice two gleaming boats docked in front of the hotel. The Tourist (which famously took Winston Churchill on a trip through the city in 1946) and the smaller Belle are available for private and group tours for guests and the public at an extra cost. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the interiors are complete with polished teak and brass, luxurious carpeting, marble, leather and original bevelled glass. Lasting 90 minutes, the concierge’s guided cruises take you on a whistlestop tour of the city’s canals – and there’s a self-service mini bar for on-board drinks. Nuts and bolts Room count: 225 Freebies: Breakfast at Jansz restaurant (if included in your booking); gym access; Pulitzer tote bag; Pulitzer card deck; welcome stroopwafels; coffee or tea in the room. Wifi: Free. Extra charges: Room service; additional beds for children; pets. Disability access: There are fully fitted accessible guest rooms available to reserve. Pet policy: A small dog or cat is allowed in rooms at a cost of €50 per day. Bottom line Best thing: Impeccable service, prime location for exploring the city, excellent restaurants and an intimate bar. Worst thing: Some might not get on with the thin doors and walls in the bedroom (it is an old building after all), meaning you can occasionally hear movement in the corridor. Plus, we would have liked to see slightly more reasonable prices in the otherwise more laidback Pulitzer Garden restaurant. Perfect for: Upmarket travellers, foodies, couples and families. Not right for: Those after a budget city break. Instagram from: The moody Pulitzer bar, canal-view room, The Tourist boat tour or Jansz window tables. Room rate: Double rooms from £351 a night. Read more of our hotel reviews: The elegant Landmark Hotel London Luxury hotel meets B&B at The Dante House The Ritz-Carlton, Abama hotel review Read more on Amsterdam travel: Amsterdam travel guide: Best things to do Best hotels in Amsterdam Everything British tourists shouldn’t do in Amsterdam Read More Independent Traveller guide to best hotels and short breaks Best UK hotels 2022 Best hotels in Paris for 2023 Amsterdam travel guide: Best things to do and where to stay for a 2023 city break The best holidays to book for November, from winter sun in Oman to Scandi Christmas markets Best hotels in Europe 2023: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break
2023-10-24 04:55
How to help your teen with comparison culture on GCSE results day
Whether your child’s GCSE results are high, low, or somewhere in between, one thing is inevitable – they’ll compare them with their friends’ grades. This comparison culture, which is far more pervasive because of social media, can leave teens feeling inadequate because their results are worse than their mates, or make their friends feel useless if roles are reversed. But although there’s no getting away from teenagers comparing their results both on and offline, what can parents do to try and limit the damage this it can cause? Former teacher Dr Julia Clements, principal educational psychologist at the children’s mental health charity Place2Be, says the comparison of results will undoubtedly impact some teenagers’ wellbeing. “Your teenager is bound to compare their results with their peers at the same school, but also through social media,” she acknowledges. “Although this comparison is inevitable, it may be harmful for your child’s wellbeing – especially if they’ve not done as well as expected. “Indeed, the term ‘compare and despair’ can be especially pertinent on days like today.” Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise, a charity which helps young people navigate the changing world of work, adds: “The pressure to measure up to their friends’ achievements can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy or disappointment.” So how can parents help their teens? 1. Ask how they feel If your child is down on themselves and rating themselves negatively in comparison to their friends, they may reject any positives and praise parents provide, Clements warns. “It may be more useful, in the first instance, to ask them how they’re feeling, and to acknowledge and validate difficult feelings,” she advises. Such feelings may include disappointment, sadness, anger, shame, or feeling as if they’ve let themselves – and you – down. “If your child is feeling like this, it’s important to give them the message that you love them unconditionally and you’re proud and pleased to be their parent because of who they are – not because of the grades they achieve,” she stresses. 2. If they’ve done better than their friends… If your child has achieved good results, which may be better than some of their friends, then they’ll want to celebrate. But while celebrating is of course a great idea, Clements suggests: “You may want to talk with them about how to be sensitive and compassionate towards their friends who haven’t done so well.” 3. Help them turn a negative into a positive Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Nihara Krause specialises in teenage mental health and is working with the Talking Futures campaign to help parents engage their children in meaningful conversations about their futures. She says if a young person doesn’t get the grades they were hoping for, they may be highly critical of their performance in comparison to their peers. But she suggests parents show them how to turn their negative thinking around. “Parents should encourage their children to focus on recognising the approach they took to exams this time round and take steps to reflect on what they could do to achieve a better result in the future. Focus on what helps a young person gain their own personal best, no matter how their results compare with others.” 4. Don’t ask about their friend’s results or post about them Krause says parents should try to celebrate their child’s achievements for what they are and avoid asking about their friends’ results. “To avoid comparison, parents should also avoid sharing their child’s results on social media,” she says. 5. Don’t be too hard on yourself Clements points out that comparison culture may not just affect teenagers – if their results aren’t as good as expected, mums and dads might start comparing their own parenting during the revision and exam period with other parents whose kids have got better results. “As a parent or carer, you may also be drawn into unhelpful comparisons with others,” says Clements, “and you may question the amount of support you were able to provide your child in the run up to their exams. However, today is not a day for self-criticism or judgements – some self-compassion is important at this time.” 6. Reach out for support This might be the first results day many parents have gone through with their child, and while comparisons with other teens may well have been unhelpful, Davies points out that schools will have career advisers and teachers available who can offer support and advice. There are also online forums and blogs where those in similar situations share their experiences. She says: “No-one is expecting you to have all the answers – that’s why there’s support available.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Women more severely affected by ME, study claims 4 hacks to get teens off the sofa and get active – as study warns of heart damage Taking adult education classes may lower risk of dementia, study suggests
2023-08-24 13:51
The biggest Google Pixel event announcements: The Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2
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Victoria Beckham’s beauty reveal: ‘David has never seen me without my brows’
Victoria Beckham has said she would not want to be in her twenties again as she used to focus on what she felt needed to be improved upon but now she is “comfortable” with who she is. Beckham rose to prominence in the nineties as a member of girl group The Spice Girls, but later turned her hand to the worlds of fashion and beauty. She said she embraces her look at age 49 but admitted that her husband, former England footballer David Beckham, has never seen her without her eyebrows done. Asked how she feels about ageing, she told The Sunday Times: “I am comfortable with who I am, I accept how I look, I make the best of what I have. “I feel, professionally and personally, really accomplished at 49. I consider how I apply my make-up. But I like how it feels being older. “I wouldn’t want to be 25 again. I was the kind of young woman who would look in the mirror and see what needed to be improved upon, as opposed to what actually looked OK.” She continued: “I’ve always been quite tough on myself, but because of that I’ve also always strived to be the best version of myself. “It’s not about changing anything, it’s just about looking at the best version of yourself.” These days, her signature style is largely removed from the Spice Girls’ heyday and through her eponymous fashion label, she is known for elegant silhouettes with lots of sleek, flowing dresses, palazzo pants and block colours. Beckham revealed she undergoes some laser and skin tightening treatments but underlined that she is “not trying to turn back the clock”. “I think it’s about little things. Same with make-up, it’s about not doing too much, which can be really ageing”, she said. “I went to an event recently and people had very ‘big’ (overfilled) faces. There are some scary options out there.” However, she admitted that she fell victim to the over-plucked eyebrow style and now drawing on her eyebrows is the first thing she does every morning. “Over the years my brows have been so overplucked that if you saw me without it you’d be horrified”, she said. “David has never seen me without my brows. They’re the first thing I do: wake up, put on the brow.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 7 tips and tricks for hay fever relief Top Films: w/c Saturday, May 27 Soap Guide: w/c Saturday, May 27
2023-05-21 23:18
Australia to triple size of protected marine park to area larger than Germany
Australia plans to triple the size of an ecologically important marine park and close off an area larger than Germany to fishing and mining, the government announced Monday, protecting millions of vulnerable seabirds and animals.
2023-06-05 11:57
Emmy Rossum's 'The Crowded Room' co-star Amanda Seyfried helped potty train her children
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Five Israelis held in Cyprus over alleged gang rape
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