RTÉ director general resigns over Tubridy payments
The Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy was paid €345,000 (£296,000) more than was published in reports.
2023-06-26 16:22
'Penis facials' remain Hollywood's most alarming beauty trend
It’s becoming increasingly clear that there’s nothing celebrities won’t do for beauty, especially when it comes to their skin From Kim Kardashian’s famous predilection for so-called “vampire facials” to Victoria Beckham’s enthusiasm for bird poo-infused face cream, society’s elite seem willing to go to any lengths to preserve their glowing complexions. However, Cate Blanchett’s preferred treatment must surely be the winner in the weirdness stakes. It is known simply as “the penis facial”. And no, this is not a misleading name, it really involves penises – more specifically, the foreskins of newborn Korean babies (you can’t make this stuff up). Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter In an interview with Vogue Australia back in 2018, Blanchett revealed how she first came across the eyebrow-raising regime with her friend, fellow actor Sandra Bullock. “Sandy [Bullock] and I saw this facialist in New York, Georgia Louise, and she gives what we call the ‘penis facial,’” she told Vogue reporter Remy Rippon. “I don’t know what it is, or whether it’s just because it smells a bit like sperm — there’s some enzyme in it, so Sandy refers to it as the ‘penis facial'.” Her comments sparked a flurry of interest – and horror – in the procedure, which was later clarified by the beauty expert, Georgia Louise. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter (THR) she explained that the treatment’s technical name is an Epidermal Growth Factor facial – or EGF for short – and that no babies are harmed in the making of it. “The foreskin is collected during circumcision and the stem cells are then harvested and extracted through a centrifuge,” she told the website. “I am always very mindful to explain radical serums and potions that I carry in my back bar, so I always explain that EGF is derived from newborn baby foreskin, but cells were taken and from that, new cells are cloned from a laboratory,” she added. In a separate statement shared to her Instagram, she insisted that she only uses clone EFG cells that were “grown in a lab”, and that everything she uses is FDA approved. Apparently, the cells help to generate collagen and elastin, heal scar tissue and help treat pigmentation and sun damage. Anyone looking to emulate Blanchett and Bullock’s undeniable glow can now do so from the comfort of their own home: you can buy Hollywood EGF kits on the Georgia Louise website for a cool $415.00 (around £326). Inevitably, there’s no mention of the treatment’s NSFW nickname on the website but, let’s be honest, that’s how it will forever be known. 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.
2023-06-25 23:24
17 Facts That Will Warp Your Sense of Time
From prehistoric animals that lived much closer to us temporally than you might realize to the guillotine lasting way beyond the French Revolution, these facts are to mess with your perception of time.
2023-06-23 03:59
Harrison Ford fights back tears in emotional Indiana Jones interview
As the new Indiana Jones film approaches, Harrison Ford has given a teary eyed interview in which he explained the importance of emotion in the film series. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny comes out on 28 June, and it will be the 80-year-old actor’s last in the franchise. Speaking to the BBC, Ford said: “The thing that I most admire about [the films] is the depth and the subtlety of the emotion.” Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter “As this last one concerns age and frailty and the changing nature of life it was especially compelling to me because I am of that age and I wanted it to feel real for the audience. “I wanted them to see the complexity of that experience with someone they spent 40 years with. As the camera cut back to the interviewer, Ali Plumb, he said to Ford: “On behalf of the fans, thank you. It’s been such an adventure, we love you so much.” “I don’t want to make you blush or anything but you mean the world to us.” The actor, visibly growing emotional, replied: “And I must say to you, thank you, sincerely. It means the world to me.” The interviewer later tweeted out a clip of the tweet, saying: “So I think I made Harrison Ford cry (a bit). He certainly made me cry, I'll be honest with you.” The exchange prompted a further outpouring of love on social media from fans. One person tweeted: “He plays up the curmudgeon role so often, it’s rare to see him like this.” Another said: “This man and the very heart and soul he brought to Indiana is something I have cherished my entire life. And I do not say that lightly… Indiana Jones is my favourite character of all time, and I only hope Mr. Ford knows, truly knows, what a gift he is to so, so many.” One commenter added: “As though he couldn't make us love him even more.” It wasn’t all tears, however, as co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge recalled a time on set where she tried to prank Ford and it didn’t quite go to plan. The Fleabag star said she and another person on set dressed as Ford “like the ghosts of Christmas past and present”, snuck up on him and tried to surprise him. Ford had “absolutely no reaction,” she added. “I’m always just a poor victim,” he quipped after. 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.
2023-06-22 23:20
Windrush: Hak Baker says why singing about it now feels right
Hak Baker's been releasing songs since 2017 but only now feels he can put music out about Windrush.
2023-06-22 19:58
Metallica defend 'awesome' bagpiper covering their songs after Instagram attack
Metallica has stepped in with a big compliment for a woman posting bagpipe covers of the band’s songs on Instagram, after she was criticised by fans online. New Yorker Ally Crowley-Duncan, known online as Piper Ally, has nearly 330,000 followers on the social media app, where she posts videos of her playing the instrument. On 20 June, Crowley-Duncan uploaded a video showcasing “Five Metallica songs you didn’t know you could bagpipe.” Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter “Metallica and bagpipes is *chefs kiss*,” she wrote, with covers of some of the band’s biggest hits including Master of Puppets, Fade to Black, One, Enter Sandman, and Whiskey in the Jar. One Instagram user was unimpressed. “Bagpipes don’t belong in Metallica!!,” they wrote. “James [Hetfield, the lead singer] would not approve.” However, within minutes, Metallica intervened, saying: “@Ally the Piper. This guy doesn’t speak on our behalf. You’re awesome.” In a separate post, Crowley-Duncan shared the comment. She said: “When Metallica defends you in the comments of your own video.” Other users were quick to leap to her defence. One person said: “Could not have [a] bigger compliment.” Another said: “This is LEGENDARY.” Before long, the critic had deleted their comment, and later their own Instagram account. One commenter added: “This one goes out to that comment trying to talk for @metallica. Keep it up bad ass.” Another said: “Imagine getting owned so hard you up and quit Instagram. Metallica has spoken!” 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.
2023-06-22 19:48
30 Author Names You Might Be Mispronouncing
If you’ve been pronouncing Roald Dahl’s first name as “rolled,” you should read this.
2023-06-22 02:22
Bebe Rexha shares black eye update after being hit in face by phone during concert
Bebe Rexha has made light of having a phone launched at her over the weekend, by referencing one of her biggest hits in a TikTok video. The singer was struck by a phone during a concert in New York, causing her to fall to the floor in pain. In the video, the 33-year-old shows off her stitched-up black eye, while lip syncing: 'I'm good yeah I'm feeling alright' in reference to the situation. A 27-year-old man has now been arrested and charged. Sign up to our new free Indy100 weekly newsletter
2023-06-20 20:16
Adele's stage costumes are so tight she's contracted a fungal infection
Adele has been wowing audiences at her Las Vegas residency over the last few months - but her tight-fitting costumes have come back to haunt her. The 35-year-old singer explained sweating under the lights while performing has caused 'jock itch' (a form of ringworm) resulting in a rash. "Obviously when I do my shows I wear Spanx and keep it all in and make it all fit me", she told her crowd over the weekend. "I don't know why the f*** I just told you that!", she added. Thankfully, a cream should clear things up. Ouch. Sign up to our new free Indy100 weekly newsletter
2023-06-20 17:23
Chlöe Bailey to headline Tina Turner tribute at CNN's 'Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom' concert
CNN's second annual "Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom" concert is set for Monday night, to be broadcast from Los Angeles' historic outdoor Greek Theatre in Griffith Park.
2023-06-19 22:28
ITV's Daisy Payne stuns fans in floral dress as she reveals secrets to her summer wardrobe
TV gardener Daisy Payne has left fans stunned sharing snaps of her summer wardrobe – including gorgeous flowing dresses. The ITV presenter, who recently visited Belvoir farm, frequently shows off incredible outfits on Instagram, with her 22,000 followers eager to find out where the clothes are from. And she’s more than happy to share her fashion secrets, having revealed where she shops some of her top looks - from Studio B Fashion to Franks London and RIXO. In one clip, Daisy can be seen in a video frolicking in a field wearing a flowing white dress with blue flowers bought from Studio B Fashion, an online store with a curated edit of independent brands like Pink City Prints. She is visiting Belvoir farm, the brand well-known for its elderflower cordial, alongside Pev Manners, the company’s managing director, who challenges her to jump on board to help with the annual elderflower harvest, and race to make the fastest and freshest elderflower cordial of 2023. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter The moment is made even more wholesome by Daisy holding a weaved basket as the pair skip through the field and Pev hums “I’m singing in the rain” – while gently swinging his wooden walking cane. A regular on ITV’s This Morning and a social media influencer, country-loving Daisy is known for bringing a touch of glamour and floral fashion to the gardening world. She rolled up her sleeves to help the local community pick flowers in return for cash payment. Daisy said: “I was delighted to be part of this wonderful harvest. “I’m a huge fan of elderflower cordial and it was great to find out more about how Belvoir Farm turns their wild and organic elderflowers into drinks with help from the local community.” “It was wonderful meeting the local volunteers around Belvoir Farm, who had come out to help us all pick and then transform this wonderful bounty of nature into the delicious drink we all know and love. “It’s really a unique experience. Not only can the pickers earn some extra cash with their endeavours, but it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy nature, and really understand the process of bush to bottle.” Company managing director Pev said: “It’s great to take Daisy out of her garden, into the wonderful Vale of Belvoir countryside and we’re delighted to say our annual harvest is still going strong and it was so much fun working with Daisy to welcome her into the wonderful wild organic fields at Belvoir Farm. “It really has given this year’s harvest a brilliant start.” Daisy went behind the scenes to see how the brand’s Elderflower Cordial charted its bush to bottle journey and award-winning recipe that’s now shipped worldwide to over 40 markets. Taking up the challenge to pick, infuse and blend the flowers with the brand's trademark sugar, lemon and spring water that go onto create its signature delicious flavour, Daisy then bottled, boxed and delivered the bottles to a local bar and supermarket to enjoy. The TV star still looked as fresh as a Daisy despite the hard work picking. “You look like a ray of sunshine,” says Sam. In another video, she wears another Victorian-style long dress in black and white, with her blonde tresses flowing across her shoulders. “Love your dress, where is it from? xx,” asks Mel, with Daisy replying that it’s from Franks London. [sic] Although that particular look doesn’t appear to be available on the retail site any longer, there are plenty of similar ones – with price tags from £190-£235. In a different post, Daisy wears a gorgeous flowing summer outfit from Hope & Ivy, priced around £85 depending on where you get it. Elsewhere, she is dolled up in a similar look but in a blue shade with flowers on it. “You come through HARD with the dresses,” writes one fan, as the presenter reveals the outfit is from RIXO and costs £275. Looking at her wardrobe, one thing is clear: Daisy Payne is the queen of floral. 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.
2023-06-19 17:53
Superman fans compare Christopher Reeve's contrasting cameos in The Flash and Smallville
Warning: This article does contain spoilers for The Flash (2023). If you are in any way interested in superheroes or movies in general you'll no doubt be aware that a new comic book film is being released this week concentrating on the DC character The Flash. It's the first time the scarlet speedster has ever been given a solo movie and despite the controversy surrounding the film's lead star, Ezra Miller, Warner Bros have invested a lot into making this a thrilling experience for fans. The premise of the film is a loose adaptation of the 2011 comic Flashpoint, where The Flash travels back in time to prevent the untimely death of his mother but inadvertently changes the future, as is often the case with time travel movies. As a result, Michael Keaton will be reprising his iconic performance as Batman, a character he hasn't played since 1992 with the likes of Michael Shannon also returning as General Zod and Sasha Calle also delivering a new take on Supergirl. However, people who have already seen the film have noted that several other iconic iterations of these famous characters also make appearances despite some of the actors having already passed away. Many of these are included in the film's climax and feature CGI incarnations of beloved actors like Christopher Reeve as Superman and Adam West as Batman. Other cameos include George Reeves as the Superman from the 1950s, Helen Slater from the 1984 Supergirl movie, Nicolas Cage playing Superman from the unreleased 1990s film and George Clooney reprising Batman from the much maligned 1997 Batman and Robin movie. While The Flash isn't the first movie to use this type of technology (numerous Star Wars titles have already recreated the likes of Carrie Fisher and a younger Mark Hamill for new stories) the use of Reeve's Superman has struck a particularly sour note due to both the messaging and the apparent ugly aesthetic. While Warner Bros is likey to have gotten permission from Reeve's estate to include his likeliness in the film many fans feel that it sets the wrong precedent given that the actor was left paralysed in 1995 before passing away in 2004. Fans of the Superman TV show Smallville have pointed to Reeve's cameo in the show in a 2003 episode which didn't hide his paralysis but respectfully recognised his contribution to the character's legacy and also allowed him to promote his paralysis charity. George Reeves inclusion has also sparked controversy given that the actor ultimately blamed playing Superman for the downfall of his career. His death in 1959 also remains with debates raging over whether he was murdered or took his own life. Given that Reeves is perhaps the least known of all the cameos, fans who have dug into his backstory were shocked that he was included. Ultimately, Warner Bros' owns the rights to Superman and essentially can do whatever they want to with the character but with the growing popularity of multiverses and an over reliance on nostalgia this type of thing will only become more and more common. One thing that we can hope for is that if the technology continues to be used then the tributes will be more tasteful and considered than this time around. 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.
2023-06-17 23:48