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How to watch the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest
How to watch the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest
Thousands of people will gather at Coney Island on Tuesday to watch competitive eaters scarf down mountains of sausages and buns during the annual Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest.
2023-07-04 02:22
How to wear the casual tailoring look in summer
How to wear the casual tailoring look in summer
The biggest menswear trend of the moment is about putting an easygoing spin on the classic suit. “Casual tailoring is a fashion movement that has accelerated over the last few years,” says Martin Roberts, head of buying at Jacamo. “Dress codes have become much more relaxed and comfort has become a key priority in menswear. “As a result, men are moving away from formal etiquette and instead adding some style and versatility to their suits.” From catwalks to red carpets, the ‘suited and booted’ look is increasingly being replaced by the ‘blazer and trainers’ combo. “We’ve seen prominent fashion designers embracing the trend, incorporating lightweight fabrics, earthy tones and refined silhouettes,” says Victor Nyamdavaa, tailoring specialist at Hawes and Curtis. “Along with the countless red carpet appearances from A-list celebrities dressed in relaxed linen suits, it’s clear that casual tailoring is revolutionising the way we perceive sartorial styling.” While some events still call for a formal dress code, casual tailoring is supremely versatile. “A matching two-piece will always look dapper and can suit every occasion, whether it be a trip to the office or a weekend wedding,” says Roberts. “However, comfort dressing is the new power dressing, and smart shirts are now being replaced with tees, polos and knitted sweaters, as working and social environments become more accommodating to a casual attire.” And it’s simple to work into your wardrobe, Nyamdavaa says: “By incorporating tailored pieces such as linen jackets, polos, and linen trousers into your summer outfits, you can embrace the casual tailoring trend and exude sophistication with ease.” Style and simplicity “The best way to approach the trend is by keeping it simple and suave,” says Roberts. “Mixing up the style and colour of your suit layers will make the vibe feel more laid-back and add some versatility to your outfit choice. This look is ideal for a celebratory event, such as a birthday party or anniversary.” But stay within the same colour palette and choose soft hues, he advises: “It’s important to find the perfect colour contrast, as too similar and the suit separate loses its touch, but too bold and it can look out of place.” Steer clear of jazzy prints, too, he adds: “For example, checkered trousers with a striped blazer will look displaced when put together.” Pastels have been a major part of the casual tailoring trend, with style icon Ryan Gosling rocking mint, baby pink and powder blue suits during the Barbie movie press tour. “If you’re looking for an outfit that shouts ‘laid-back cool’, combine a cotton polo shirt with linen trousers in a matching or contrasting hue,” says Nyamdavaa. “Accessorise with leather loafers to elevate the outfit while maintaining its easygoing charm.” If sugary shades aren’t for you, opt for natural tones like cream, caramel or light brown. Darker colours also work well for evening events in summer. Nyamdavaa continues: “You can create a sleek monochromatic look with a navy linen blazer, navy polo and navy linen trousers, creating a level of understated style while keeping you cool and comfortable wherever the season takes you.” Neutral and natural “People must also consider which fabric to wear based on the season – in summer, linen and cotton suit parts work well together,” says Roberts, while wool or tweed should be left in your winter wardrobe. Nyamdavaa agrees: “For an effortlessly chic aesthetic, opt for a tailored linen jacket in a neutral tone, paired with a classic polo shirt, completed with tailored linen trousers and suede loafers for a touch of sophistication.” As an alternative to a two-piece suit, mix and match separates. “A pair of suit trousers can be replaced with more comfortable and informal clothing, such as chinos and even jeans,” says Roberts. “For holiday goers who are planning a family meal out or couples who are heading to a wedding abroad, a chino and blazer pairing is the perfect summer look.” Here’s our pick of the coolest casual tailoring pieces on the high street… Jacamo Elliot Pink Brushed Flannel Suit Jacket, £75 (was £100); Elliot Pink Brushed Flannel Suit Trousers, £35 (were £50); Grey Marl Crew Neck Jumper, £22; Puma RBD Game Low Trainers, £48.75 (were £65) Hawes and Curtis Brown Linen Shirt Jacket, £179 (was £199); White Mercerised Cotton T-shirt, £29.50; Natural Herringbone Tailored Linen Trousers, £150; Light Brown Suede Leather Casual Loafers, £99 (were £129) Threadbare Luxe Men’s Stone Linen Blend Blazer, £75; Luxe Men’s Navy Linen Mix Drawstring Trousers, £30 Matalan Taylor & Wright Panama Black Tailored Fit Suit Jacket, £39; Lilac Essential Pull-On Hoodie, £15; Taylor & Wright Panama Black Tailored Fit Suit Trousers, £21; White Stripe Trainers, £17 Ted Baker Lancej Wool And Linen Blazer in Light Green, £206 (was £295); Lancet Slim Fit Wool Linen Trousers in Light Green, £105 (were £150) FatFace Light Teal Organic Cotton Pique Polo, £35 Peacocks Mens Tan Linen Blend Shirt, £12 (was £18)
2023-08-03 14:55
I present my children on Instagram like they live in a fairytale – could it damage them?
I present my children on Instagram like they live in a fairytale – could it damage them?
Freshly cut roses. Sumptuous Marie Antoinette-style birthday cakes. Vintage Liberty dresses in Strawberry Thief fabric. Shetland ponies. These are some of the ingredients of my Instagram posts featuring my kids. I wouldn’t call myself a “sharent” by any means – someone who overshares their children’s intimate lives on social media in one long, parental “humblebrag”. But whenever I do post, it is picture-perfect. My kids look like they’ve walked straight out of a fairytale. But is it naff? Like tablescaping your kids? A form of digital narcissism? Is it, in its own unique way, a parental kind of “thirst trap”? To an extent, I’m luring others into a fantasy that doesn’t exist. I like to project a wonderfully idyllic life as a single mum... when quite frankly, it isn’t. It’s like when people try to woo their ex-partners back by posting shots of themselves half-naked and having the best time of their lives, despite crying into their pillow heartbroken all day and night. Some mums are professionals at posting perfect dreamy shots of their kids. Look no further than Carrie Johnson, Tamara Ecclestone, Stacey Solomon, and Kate and Rio Ferdinand. For celebrities and influencers, a picture-perfect ideal is the norm on social media – there are lots of cream interiors and matching Christmas jumpers. They might be promoting a homeware brand, or tagging a pram they got for free. Even when it’s tastefully done, like the former PM’s wife’s Instagram, it always gives the impression that motherhood is wondrous. That life is one big, happy Timotei advert. Even when celebrities try to be more candid, it doesn’t work. Mum-of-two Millie Mackintosh, formerly of Made in Chelsea, recently posted a “toddler tornado dump” on her Instagram. “I feel like it’s so easy to always share the nice, polished, life,” she wrote. “Well, today, I’m here to break that pattern.” The glimpse “into the delightful chaos” of Mackintosh’s maternal life included photos of a toothbrush and toothpaste on a bathroom basin, a bedroom littered with hair bows, and a make-up drawer with a few brown concealer stains on it. Really? Is that as bad as motherhood gets? For me, it’s simply more interesting to post magical rather than mundane shots. But why on earth do I want to present my kids as if they’re living in one long, tasteful pastel-coloured dream, where everything looks enchanting? No messy hair. No sleep deprivation. No kids bored out of their minds. I don’t require a filter, either – I’m already looking at life through rose-tinted spectacles, and expecting everyone else to do the same. But am I totally deluded? And, more than anything, could it be damaging to my children? Dr Charlotte Armitage, who is currently the duty-of-care psychologist on ITV’s Big Brother, has big concerns. “First of all, it’s impacting the relationship between the parent and a child because the relationship is contingent on the creation of these images and the number of likes that follow,” she says, adding that when you are “truly happy” with your situation, “you don’t tend to post perfect images”. It’s more important to ask ourselves the question of why we feel the need to present this kind of picture-perfect image of ourselves to the world. Is it because, in reality, we are discontented with our lives? Dr Charlotte Armitage, psychologist As parents, she continues, we are modelling behaviours to our children. “They learn by imitation – if mum is taking photos and seeking validation from likes, the child starts to become validated by these likes themselves and will develop an external focus of control; they will learn that validation comes from what others think of them. This is unhealthy because, throughout life, a child’s self-esteem and self-worth become based on what others think about them rather than how they feel about themselves.” The key, she says, is realising we shouldn’t use social media to fulfil our self-worth. “It’s more important to ask ourselves the question of why we feel the need to present this kind of picture-perfect image of ourselves to the world,” she says. “Is it because, in reality, we are discontented with our lives?” According to research, the average child today has had their image put on social media 1,300 times before the age of 13 – I can see this trajectory for my kids unless I put on the brakes. There are already widespread concerns over the data. In France, an anti-sharing bill continues to be discussed in the country’s senate, and parents could potentially be banned from sharing photos of their children on social media. It could also become mandatory for influencers to admit if a photo or video they posted was retouched or filtered. There is controversy over whether pictures of kids should even be posted online at all, as many are too young to even give permission. How will they feel about the spread of their image in the future? What happens if their identity is stolen – or worse, used by paedophiles? Does it promote a distorted reality of motherhood, compared with which other “normal” mums feel inadequate? And can it backfire on the parents when children’s rights in the digital era are not honoured? “Children tend to be frustrated or critical of the way their parents share images of them,” says Professor Sonia Livingstone, from the department of media and communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science. “Not because they are made to seem ‘perfect’ but because they can be embarrassed, even shamed, in the eyes of their peers. Meanwhile, parents feel hugely under pressure in many ways, both to be perfect parents and also because such images leave parents competing with each other and isolated in their own seemingly inadequate lives.” Dr Cosmo Duff Gordon is the founder of leading addictions clinic Start2Stop, and a psychologist in private practice at Chelsea Recovery Associates. He says that in his 20-year career as a psychologist, he’s “never had a parent sit in front of him and say ‘I’m addicted to Instagram,’” but that’s not because social media addiction doesn’t exist. He puts it largely down to “denial” – “not least since the use of social media can involve so many of the processes that usually characterise classic alcohol or drug addiction”. Denial being the number one culprit. “Obvious ones might be obsession, compulsion, capture of attentional focus and loss of control,” he says. “More subtly, social media use can involve the same sort of self-medication, or escape from reality, that addiction offers – and being a parent is hard. That’s why drifting into a fantasy land can be a relief from the daily grind of motherhood.” Parenting expert Hannah Keeley – aka “America’s #1 Mom Coach” – is more upbeat about mums posting potentially inauthentic photos of their kids. “The hardest truth to accept is that there are some mums who are actually professionalising motherhood to this level,” she says. “Not that they have achieved perfection, but they take pride in their performance as mums and use social media as a way to confirm that to themselves and boost their confidence to encourage their efforts. Should these mums also be obligated to ensure that all mums feel good about themselves, whether or not they have invested in their career to this level? Mums don’t have to be responsible for other mums’ perceptions.” After great debate and reflection, I’ve decided I’m happy with my Insta posts. They might be driven by my background, where my sister and I ran around in white nightdresses as if we had starring roles in Picnic at Hanging Rock. Or because I was conditioned to believe that how we look – even how thin we were – equalled self-worth. I’m not setting myself up to be a supermum. I don’t look at how many likes I get. It’s true that us mums also need to share our parenting experiences honestly, to let other mums know they are not alone. But for now, I’m not doing a U-turn – I’m just living the fairytale dream. Read More My daughter’s horsey hobby makes her happy, but our home now hums If poachers make the best gamekeepers, do siblings make the best babysitters? Mother’s song about how easy it is to be ‘such a good dad’ goes viral Will an adaptogen a day keep the doctor away this winter? Naomi Watts admits mid-thirties menopause felt like ‘the end of my worth’ Smoking causes 150 cancer cases every single day in UK, study finds
2023-11-20 14:53
How to unblock and watch Australian Netflix for free
How to unblock and watch Australian Netflix for free
SAVE 49%: You can access Australian Netflix from anywhere in the world with a VPN.
2023-06-16 11:56
FIA take action against Helmut Marko after comments about Sergio Perez
FIA take action against Helmut Marko after comments about Sergio Perez
Helmut Marko has received a written warning from the FIA and was “reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport” after his ”offensive remark” about Sergio Perez. The 80-year-old, who works as a special advisor for Red Bull, apologised after comments made after the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago. Marko referred to Perez’s background when discussing his poor form, saying: “Let’s remember that he (Perez) is South American and so he is not as focused as Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel was.” While Marko apologised for the “offensive remark”, with Perez accepting the apology, Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff were among the figures to condemn Marko’s actions when speaking this weekend in Singapore. Now, the FIA have confirmed that Marko has "received a written warning and been reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport in line with the FIA Code of Ethics." Hamilton, 38, labelled Marko’s comments as “completely unacceptable” on Thursday. “This is not something you just apologise for and it is all OK,” the seven-time world champion said. “Whilst we say there is no room for any type of discrimination in this sport – and there should be no room for it – to have leaders and people in his position making comments like this is not good for us moving forward. “There are a lot of people in the background that really are combating these kind of things, but it is hard to manoeuvre if people at the top have mindsets which stop us from progressing. “But it is not my team and not how we move as a team. We still have a lot of work to do to make this a more inclusive environment.” Mercedes boss Wolff added: “That thing is so embarrassing for Formula 1., overall. “It’s not even saying it, it’s to have the mindset. To come up with these things. We are trying to do so much on diversity and equality, not only because we need to it’s because it needs it. “This is a role model environment, we are a global sport, we are going to every country, we are embracing the cultural differences. That hasn’t got any place in Formula 1. Not now and not in the future.” Read More Red Bull chief apologises to Sergio Perez over ‘offensive remark’ Sergio Pérez says he received personal apology from Red Bull boss over heritage comments Lewis Hamilton labels Helmut Marko’s comments about Sergio Perez ‘completely unacceptable’ F1 Singapore Grand Prix LIVE: Practice updates and lap times at Marina Bay Zhou Guanyu interview: ‘There is a lot of pressure – only winners stay in F1’ Max Verstappen tells Toto Wolff to focus on Mercedes after snipe
2023-09-15 23:22
Pirarucu: Amazon's giant air-breathing fish in poachers' sights
Pirarucu: Amazon's giant air-breathing fish in poachers' sights
A fish larger than a man, tasty as well as beautiful, the freshwater pirarucu is a favorite with poachers in a lawless part of the Amazon jungle...
2023-06-10 09:47
6 of the best new running shoes for summer
6 of the best new running shoes for summer
Looking to upgrade your running shoes this season, or kickstart a new jogging regime with some swanky new kit? We put these recent releases from a range of top running brands through their paces… 1. Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, £175, asics.com The technical bit: Billed as ‘the most comfortable running shoe’ following consumer tests, Asics have taken cushioning to the max with the Gel-Nimbus 25. Lightweight foam and PureGEL pockets in the soles promise enhanced shock absorption for softer landings and smoother transitions, while the stretchy tongue and collar promise an adaptive fit and stability. The rundown: Despite the super chunky soles, these shoes are pleasingly lightweight. The fit feels a little snug at first (you may want to try them on in store for size) but once I get running, my feet feel very stable and supported. What’s most noticeable about the cushioning is how it supports the whole of the foot at every part of the stride – from striking the concrete to take-off – making for a confident and comfortable run. 2. On Cloudsurfer, £150, On-running.com The technical bit: Ons are known for their revolutionary midsole designs, promising the sensation of ‘running on clouds’ – and the On Cloudsurfer features the brand’s latest design enhancement, CloudTec Phase®, for the ‘smoothest ride’ yet. They’ve upped the sustainability stakes too, using 95% less water in the dying process (compared with conventional methods) for the 100% recycled uppers. The rundown: These are hands-down the most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever worn! They’re so light and flexible, I barely knew I was wearing them – apart from the fact my feet felt super bouncy. They also look very stylish and are easy to clean, which is a bonus. 3. Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Flyknit Women’s Running Shoes, £169.99, Sports Direct The technical bit: Designed for road running, the design details promise to help reduce injuries, with very thick cushioning a key feature of the rubber soles, along with Nike’s ZoomX midsole technology and lightweight Flynit uppers. The rundown: I could definitely feel the benefits on my longer road runs, thanks to the added comfort and support. My feet and knees felt less achy than usual. It did take me a while to get used to the wide sole design, however, as I’m used to a narrower shoe. But for comfort pounding the pavements, they’re a win. 4. Men’s Featherswift Trail Running Shoes, £90, Helly Hansen The technical bits: These trainers are great for anyone new to trail running, designed with lots of support and cushioning, while remaining light and flexible. And if you’re looking for sustainability, they have a 70% recycled upper, including recycled laces, lining and webbing, as well as zero-waste design elements. The rundown: As described, running in the Featherswifts is light and easy. They have a brilliant grip – which is handy, as all the woodland areas I run in seem to be pretty slippery at the moment – with a good support structure around the heel. As someone who’s prone to ankle rolling, they’re stable enough to give you confidence when running off-road, although they could look a bit more interesting for the price. 5. London Edition FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3, £220, New Balance The technical bit: Made for ‘marathon runners who never let up’, the two-layer FuelCell midsole and carbon fibre plate is said to deliver energy return. The one-piece integrated tongue also ensures a secure and breathable fit. The rundown: With a design inspired by the TCS London Marathon, the look might not be for everyone. These trainers are super expensive and attention-seeking, but they do make you run like a dream and the bounciness is unreal. They somehow seem to make your stride longer, higher and faster (apparently, that’s down to the FuelCell foam, which delivers a ‘propulsive feel’ to help drive you forward, and the energy-boosting carbon fibre plate geometry). If looking cool is more important to you, you might prefer to downgrade to the London Edition Fresh Foam X 880 v13 (more affordable at £140), but if distance is your thing, you won’t regret buying these. 6. Women‘s KIPRUN KS900, £89.99 (were £99.99), Decathlon The technical bit: Designed with longer runs in mind, these trainers promise a cushioned sole – thanks to the new MFOAM cushioning – and extra grip, perfect if you’re going cross-country on wet terrain. With a wider sole than other trainers in the KIPRUN range, these shoes are all about delivering stability – and with the power of your run distributed more evenly across the sole, it aims to keep you comfortable as you clock up the miles. The rundown: I find some running shoes too flimsy, in a bid to be as lightweight as possible. This model strikes the balance perfectly between feeling sturdy enough that my feet were supported, while still being light – so I wasn’t weighed down. As promised, the sole felt comfortable and springy, with plenty of grip to prevent slips. The fit runs on the snug side – but in a good way, meaning my feet felt extra supported as I pounded the pavements.
2023-07-07 16:59
Here’s A Preview Of The Best Summer Dresses, According To Passionate Reviewers
Here’s A Preview Of The Best Summer Dresses, According To Passionate Reviewers
Throughout our intrepid warm-weather shopping research, we've realized that we can't wait to get out of our stuffy jeans and glide into some of the best summer dresses. The temperature is steadily increasing, and once the heat is at an all-time high, a breathable dress is the ultimate go-to. Lounging at home, running mid-day errands, prepping for summer weddings, and weekend city shopping with friends, you name it, you can do it in a dress.
2023-05-12 03:28
F1 reveal unique Las Vegas Grand Prix schedule and ‘opening ceremony’ plans
F1 reveal unique Las Vegas Grand Prix schedule and ‘opening ceremony’ plans
Formula 1 has confirmed the schedule for the Las Vegas Grand Prix next month including a 10pm local start time for the race on Saturday night and an opening ceremony before cars are on track. F1 is returning to Sin City for the first time in over 40 years in November, with the 3.8 mile street track on the Vegas strip staging the penultimate race of the 2023 season in what is being billed as one of the sporting events of the year. Now, plans and timings have been confirmed by race organisers – with the race start time confirmed to be 10pm PST (6am GMT, 1am ET) under the lights on Saturday 18 November. The event schedule will start, rather uniquely, on a Wednesday night with a lavish opening ceremony at the paddock site. It will feature the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new paddock building, estimated to have cost $500million, and is likely to follow a similar order of play to Miami’s pre-event spectacle, where drivers and team bosses were introduced on stage. Practice takes place on Thursday 16 November, with qualifying on Friday 17 November at midnight (PST), which is 8am GMT and 3am ET on Saturday morning. Race organisers announced this week that Nevada residents can secure a single-day grandstand ticket for Thursday practice, starting at $200, with race day tickets around $1,300. Three-day tickets for $500 have already sold out. Preparation for the Las Vegas race has seen numerous roads closed while construction takes place, with the project as a whole costing an estimated $560m. A man working on the construction at the Bellagio Fountains area tragically died last month after suffering a “major laceration to the neck.” A spokesperson for the police confirmed the worker was involved in construction for the Vegas race circuit. The 3.8-mile track passes a host of famous Sin City landmarks, including the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the new MGM Sphere. F1 is returning to Vegas for the first time since 1982, when the Caesars Palace Grand Prix was held in the car park of the famous hotel. Read More Lance Stroll ‘may have contravened FIA rules’ during furious outburst in Qatar What Lewis Hamilton’s clash with George Russell tells us about state of play at Mercedes F1 construction worker killed in Las Vegas while setting up grand prix circuit Lance Stroll ‘may have contravened FIA rules’ during furious outburst in Qatar F1 driver Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet during ‘horrible’ Qatar Grand Prix McLaren set astonishing new F1 record after Lando Norris pit stop
2023-10-11 17:51
How to watch the 2023 NRL Finals online for free
How to watch the 2023 NRL Finals online for free
After a typically tough regular season, the NRL Finals are finally here. The Penrith Panthers
2023-09-08 11:54
Don't miss out on these Amazon smart home bundles currently on sale
Don't miss out on these Amazon smart home bundles currently on sale
Amazon Echo products are all the rage and especially impressive when they sell in a
2023-08-09 00:19
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for October 25
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for October 25
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The
2023-10-25 10:48