Are all men obsessed with the Roman Empire? We investigate.
Ask the dudes in your life how often they think about the Roman Empire. You
2023-09-16 18:55
'Quordle' today: Here are the answers and hints for June 29
If Quordle is a little too challenging today, you've come to the right place for
2023-06-29 11:55
Hinge reveals the top 25 prompts of all time that will 'guarantee conversation'
Some may argue that the most difficult part of dating apps is putting a profile together – well, one of them at least. That's before the love bombing, ghosting and a string of other modern dating behaviours come into play. For the first time since 2020, Hinge has revealed the 25 most successful Prompts, based on how often they lead to a conversation. The insight is a fun look into dating today and the creative way daters are expressing themselves on their profiles. It showcases some of the ways daters are stepping out of their comfort zone to show their most authentic selves. Before we launch into them, Hinge's director of relationship science, Logan Ury (she/her) offered three tips to get the most out of your online profile. Try using your voice if you're struggling with what to write Hinge’s Voice Prompts feature is one of the most authentic ways you can express yourself on your profile. 64 per cent of daters feel a potential match’s voice is an important factor in determining if they like them and almost half (49 per cent) of users have become more attracted to someone after hearing their voice. Be Yourself Successful profiles include a mixture of both humour and vulnerability, so lean into both your silly side and your more serious one. If you want to use the ‘The Way to Win Me Over’ Prompt, dig deep and think of something original and unique to you. Stop talking about your love for “The Office” and start telling us about your secret hobby as a herbal tea connoisseur. The Perfect Prompt Answer the Prompts in a way that encourages more in-depth conversation and leads to more meaningful connections. In other words, no one-word answers, please! Whatever it is you love about who you are, make sure other people can see it. This will help you present your authentic self. Your profile should be an extension of your personality. Ideally, your Prompts should give someone a sense of what you’re like and what it would be like to date you. Paint a picture of who you are by mentioning specific quirks or pleasures can help create a vivid image of who you are and help them picture what a relationship with you would be like. Still not sure where to start? Try using one of the following most successful prompts on the platform: The way to win me over is My simple pleasures I go crazy for Together, we could My most irrational fear We'll get along if I'm looking for This year, I really want to Typical Sunday A life goal of mine My greatest strength Dating me is like I’m convinced that I want someone who Unusual skills The key to my heart is First round is on me if What if I told you that I’m weirdly attracted to My Love Language is All I ask is that you I’ll fall for you if I won’t shut up about The one thing you should know about me is I bet you can’tSign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter 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.
2023-08-16 18:51
Save 49% on the best VPN for 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3'
TL;DR: ExpressVPN is the best VPN for gaming. Find Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
2023-11-01 13:21
Farmers’ markets in autumn are a cornucopia of colour
There’s something enchanting about the mellow-misted colours of Borough Market in autumn that I find utterly absorbing and truly magical. Hypnotic shades of rusted ochre reds, dark butterscotch browns, plum purples, mustard yellows, forest greens and golden copper oranges. It’s a palette of comforting abundance, which ushers forth the only season of the year whose flavours exhilarate the tastebuds just as much as they soothe the soul. Russet red Discovery apples are one of the first fruits to arrive. Their sweet-acidic bite and floral strawberry notes pair fantastically with cheeses like Cumin Gouda or Bath Soft Cheese, drizzled with a kiss of truffle honey if feeling fancy. Tart ombré-green Bramley apples call for slow baking into cinnamon-sugar scented pies, old fashioned crumbles or streusel-topped crisps – the latter being particularly delicious with the addition of toasted coconut, rum-soaked sultanas, and a pinch of warming green cardamon. But the cornucopia of autumn’s apples also takes wonderfully to savoury treatment in the kitchen. A recipe I discovered recently from a north Italian neighbour is Tuscan sausage baked apples. The apples are sliced across the top to create a lid, hollowed out, then stuffed with a piquant filling of spiced Italian sausage meat, garlic, crushed fennel seeds, finely chopped shallots, toasted breadcrumbs, pecorino, wine vinegar and a splash of vermouth. Bake at 180C for 30-40 minutes until the apples are burnished outside and the filling cooked through – it makes for the most sumptuous autumnal supper with big hunks of focaccia to mop up the juices. Braeburn and Egremont Russets are great varieties for this, their hard-fleshed nuttiness adding an extra dimension of flavour to the dish. One of the most thrilling markers of autumn in the market are chalkboard signs blazoned with the word “WILD”: a moniker attached to both mushrooms and game birds, both of which have their moment at this time of year. Girolles, chanterelles, pheasant and partridge are a quartet of ingredients that cry out to be married together in a pie. This is an occasion for a crumbly lardy pastry, generous sprigs of fresh rosemary and a good splash of vin jaune or dry sherry for yeasted acidic kick. The comedic sight of squashes piled high in wooden market crates in an assortment of gnarly shapes and speckled colours always looks to me like a convention of delicious misfits gathered together for their annual symposium. Their names alone – butternut, acorn, pumpkin, delicata – have an inviting poetry that autumn’s harvests alone possess. My favourite among them is the kabocha – a dappled green gourd with a fluffy orange inside that tastes of fired chestnuts, floral honey and sweet potato all at once. Roasted at 180C for 30 minutes in elliptic boat shapes with a generous glug of olive oil and either a sprinkling of ras al hanout, a splash of ponzu or a scattering of freshly torn sage, it makes the perfect accompaniment to any autumnal roast. But I think kabocha squash is most delicious when gently baked with a little brown sugar and grated nutmeg, then blitzed to a velvety orange mash for enriching autumnal deserts. A deep-filled pumpkin pie is the truly classic way to go, but the bake I turn to on repeat every autumn is the kabocha, olive oil, and bittersweet chocolate cake from Los Angeles-based restaurant, Gjlena. Eaten warm from the oven in a puddle of vanilla custard, its rich, buttery texture and intense roasted-squash flavour is the bear-hug of comfort that autumn’s colder days demand. The market’s fruits of the sea also flourish at this time of year. Turbot – king of the flatfish – is exquisite in the prime of autumn. With its firm flaky texture and delicate flavour, it takes well to spicing – but always do so with subtlety. I like to pan fry well-seasoned fillets in a little oil with a good knob of butter, crisping up the skin side for 3-4 minutes. Complete by flipping over and adding a pinch of a single spice to the frothy butter, as suits your mood. Crushed black lime will add zesty smokiness, finely ground pink peppercorns bring lemony fruitiness, or for something a little decadent, a pinch of crushed saffron pairs perfectly and tints the turbot bright sunshine yellow. Whichever direction you take it, serve with leeky spring onion champ on the side. For autumnal suppers with a more brazen hit of spice, I turn to the season’s fresh clams, which arrive at the market in abundance at this time of year. Their sweet brininess has a special affinity with the powerful flavours of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. I love them stir-fried with fresh ginger matchsticks, bruised lemongrass, slivers of garlic, a little tamarind paste, palm sugar, fish sauce and a chiffonade of Thai basil to finish. Add a birdseye chilli if you want a touch of autumnal heat and serve with fragrant jasmine rice. Alternatively, there is no better time than now to be making spaghetti alle vongole on repeat! Bundles of freshly excavated beetroot, dotted around Borough’s market halls like giant purple baubles, are the quintessence of earthy sweetness that makes cooking in autumn so homely. For a simple warming lunch dish, keep the beets unpeeled then slice into thick discs. Jumble together in a shallow roasting tin with blanched purple kale, a jar of Spanish chickpeas, a glug of tarragon vinegar, maple syrup and a generous sprinkle of smoked salt. Roasted at 190C for 30-40 minutes, it makes for a delicious vegan bake. These cooked beetroots are equally delicious blitzed into a soup with some good vegetable stock and obligatory ripple of double cream just before serving. Garnishing with Kentish cobnuts will add hazelnutty crunch, while shavings of manchego cheese add a delicious tang. Among Borough’s most welcoming autumn arrivals are the wicker baskets of pear-shaped quinces in muted shades of custard yellow. They make for the most delicious autumnal breakfast compotes and chutneys – marrying just as well with vanilla bean, cinnamon and sugar as they do with freshly grated ginger, cider vinegar and star anise. Their sweet citrussy bitterness also makes them wonderful for baking into brown sugar upside-down cakes, pairing gloriously with toasted almonds and marzipan. I particularly love cubes of quince gently stewed in orange juice, honey and cognac for layering into nostalgic trifles, with dense madeira cake and pillowy orange blossom whipped cream. But of all the sights in the market, it’s the majestic purple of ripe autumn figs that brings me most joy. Their flavours are so intensely raisiny at this time of year that I like to eat them fresh – simply score in a cross with a knife, then gently squeeze open like a ruby-seeded lotus. Their syrupy sweet flavours can be amplified even further by adding savoury sweet adornments for devouring together in the same bite. The flavour-chord trio of ripe figs, crumbled Stichelton and sour cherry molasses is rather special. But what I love most is a slice of warm sourdough with the jammiest soft figs of the season smooshed on top like an avocado – then decorated with slivers of pickled walnut, fresh thyme and a little flaky salt. It’s a combination that both enlivens your palate and comforts your senses in equal measure. All the magic of autumn on toast – simply sublime! For more information on what you can find at Borough Market, visit: boroughmarket.org.uk Read More How to shop at Borough Market in the summer Obsessed with Boursin? It’s the perfect way to elevate your leftovers Spice up your life: Three recipes from Nadiya Hussain’s new book that bring the heat Budget Bites: Three one-pan recipes that minimise on washing up
2023-10-16 13:53
Why going sober could be the key to fitness success
Despite having ambitious fitness goals, or a desire to create a change in our lives, many of us are reluctant to give up alcohol. Surely it cannot affect our fitness routines and progress that much, just to enjoy a glass of wine, or a few beers at the pub? But, as Drinkaware explains, alcohol has a negative impact on physical performance, motor skills and brain function. So, what could going sober allow us to achieve health and fitness-wise? “Since going sober two years ago, my training performance, energy levels and mental clarity have skyrocketed,” says personal trainer Josh Davies, from Aimee Victoria Long personal training. So, how does it impact your fitness? Poor sleep and hydration Alcohol has plenty of detrimental impacts on our bodies that hinder our fitness performance. “Firstly, alcohol causes dehydration. We all know the importance of being hydrated when it comes to bodily function,” says Davies. “Secondly, alcohol has a huge effect on the quality of your sleep. Alcohol prevents the body from getting into deep and REM sleep – the part of your sleep that helps with recovery and restoration. “If you’re not getting adequate amounts of this type of sleep, you won’t recover between sessions and are unable to perform when working out.”Motivation and emotions A terrible hangover or consistent fuzzy feeling is not the best if you want to get up and go when it comes to fitness, and the result-restriction caused by drinking could be holding you back. “If you’re not seeing progression in training and you’re feeling tired from the effects of alcohol, your motivation levels are likely to wane,” says Davies. Similarly, its mood-lowering effects can make you want to do anything but workout. “Whenever I used to drink too much, I used to wake up the next day and feel awful. It would leave me not being the best version of myself and stop me from pushing myself to my limits with fitness. I’d feel low, depressed and all I’d want to do is stay in bed,” says Lauren White, addiction coach and former PT. “Alcohol would always make me depressed, I would isolate and want to be alone. I was always into fitness at a young age and knew I was good at it, but when I started getting into drinking too much, I stopped looking after my body and forgot myself and my identity,” she explains. Aids with weight loss Weight loss is not, nor should it be the only goal of a fitness boost, but if it is for you, giving up drinking may help. Nick Mitchell, CEO and founder of Ultimate Performance, says: “The problem with alcohol calories is they take priority as fuel in the body over other fuel sources, as the by-product of alcohol, acetaldehyde, is toxic and converts to acetate. “This means your body won’t start burning fat again until you burn those alcohol calories off. “In fact, alcohol consumption can be one of the major reasons that you are self-sabotaging your fitness goals. “Cracking open a can of beer or two to relieve stress – although it may seem a good idea at the time – will come back to bite you. It slashes testosterone levels in men and impairs muscle growth.“Beer, in particular, is terrible for anyone seeking to lose body fat, due to its high count of calories and its estrogenic effects. This latter point can’t be underestimated – hops are estrogenic and, as such, are the prime causes of many men, not just for beer bellies, but also for man boobs,” he explains.More time and money Quitting drinking will give you more time and money to focus that energy on goals such as strength training or distance running. “You could take up new hobbies and do things that stimulate your mind and give you that serotonin release that you feel from drinking. Furthermore, you can save a bucket load of money,” says Davies. “Alcohol is expensive and when you’re intoxicated, you lose clarity and can end up spending more and more money.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 of this summer’s hottest swimwear trends Teenagers with obesity should be offered weight loss drug, say experts Harry and Meghan ‘not contacted by royal family’ after car chase in New York
2023-05-18 16:22
The Motorola 'bendy phone' wraps around your wrist. Here's how it works.
The Motorola bendy phone is what most of us secretly need. After all, clutching one's
2023-10-26 18:54
The Rolling Stones and Skechers launch shoe collaboration with iconic tongue logo
The Rolling Stones and footwear brand Skechers have teamed up to launch a collection of trainers for men and women. The collaboration with the legendary British rock band features a range of limited edition designs, all featuring the iconic lips and tongue logo designed in 1970 by English artist John Pasche. Produced in partnership with Bravado, Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company, the Skechers X The Rolling Stones collection comprises of three styles: the modern Skechers Uno, a canvas slip-on, and lug and cup sole designs. The canvas slip-ons are made from light-wash blue denim, with the tongue and lip logo on the tops of the shoes. Meanwhile, the other two designs come in a black-and-white, as well as a red-and-white colourway, with the logo placed either on the side of towards the back of the trainers. The collection will launch exclusively at the RS No 9 Carnaby, The Rolling Stones’ flagship merchandise store in London today (Thursday 15 June), followed by stores across the UK and the EU on 22 June. The Rolling Stones said in a statement: “We love partnering with brands that offer great product and giving our fans something new they can enjoy.” Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, added: “For six decades, the Stones have endured like no other – rebelling, conquering and being listened to by billions. Nearly every adult on this planet knows their iconic logo.” Skechers recently released a collaboration with Doja Cat, which comprised of the Skechers Uno trainers in different colours, such as neon pink, neon green and bright purple. The American footwear company has also previously collaborated with musicians including Ringo Starr, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Snoop Dogg. Read More Craving a ‘beach-ready body’ is the surest way to self-loathing, but I still want one Vegan family asks neighbours to close their windows when cooking meat Demi Lovato changed pronouns because explaining They/Them to people was ‘absolutely exhausting’
2023-06-15 23:15
Fast Fashion Report Cards Show What’s Really in Your Clothes
Consumers’ drive for quantity over quality is transforming the world’s textile industry, sparking an almost doubling in global
2023-07-21 05:15
YouTube Music Review
The streaming music field is packed with companies battling for your auditory attention. YouTube Music,
2023-09-07 00:53
Snag a Nintendo Switch 3-in-1 docking station for under $20
TL;DR: As of July 27, the 3-in-1 Nintendo Switch Docking Station is on sale for
2023-07-27 17:46
Can't Make That Meeting? Google Slides Now Lets You Pre-Record Presentations
Sometimes, you just can't be present for a presentation, even when you're the one presenting.
2023-11-30 02:56
You Might Like...
FBI Shuts Down 'IPStorm' Malware That Targeted Windows, Mac, Linux
Nestle goes upmarket with deal for Brazil chocolate maker
Toto Wolff unhappy as crane lifts Lewis Hamilton’s stricken car off Monaco track
10 Amazon Travel Best Sellers To Level Up Your Next Getaway
Video and audio calls on X, formerly Twitter, will be for paying subscribers only
Solgaard’s Secret Luggage Sale Is Almost Too Good To Be True
Grocers Cleared of Profiteering From High UK Food Prices
Alix Earle shares Greece shopping haul with followers on TikTok, here's what fashion icon wore during vacation