Europe's Most Famous Restaurant Turns to Coffee Roasting
Drink This
Noma Launches a Coffee Subscription Service
By Luke Fortney
In 2017, Carolyne Lane was working as a barista in Bielefeld, Germany, when she saw a YouTube video of René Redzepi talking about coffee. 'Back then, specialty coffee shops were a rarity in Europe,' Lane says. And yet Redzepi, the chef behind Noma in Copenhagen, was pledging to have a world-class coffee service at his restaurant. The following spring, Lane drove north and asked for a job. Noma has a hyper-fixation on local food — the bark, branches, crickets and reindeer on the menu can all be found in the Nordic region. One of the few exceptions is coffee. 'It's the most exotic thing in the restaurant,' says Lane, who now manages the coffee and tea services at Noma. The restaurant began roasting its own coffee last year under the brand Noma Kaffe. This month, the beans will be packaged and shipped internationally for the first time as part of a subscription service. Offerings will change monthly, drawing from producers around the world. Some of them, like the Intzín family, a community of Indigenous farmers in Chiapas, Mexico, have supplied Noma in the past. The beans are roasted in Copenhagen and shipped to subscribers with notes on sourcing and brewing. 'These coffees are very easy to make,' Lane says. 'They taste good at home.' Noma Kaffe is the latest packaged product from the restaurant, which has been building out a pantry of consumer goods ranging from pumpkin vinegar to corn yuzu hot sauce. Noma Kaffe subscriptions will be available online beginning on March 6; from $65 for two bags of coffee beans, nomaprojects.com.
Stay Here
A Ritz-Carlton With Treehouse Tents in Costa Rica's Tropical Forest
By Jenny Comita
Nekajui, the name of the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve property on Costa Rica's Peninsula Papagayo, means 'lush garden' in the local Chorotega language. It's a fitting description of its deeply verdant location. Hailed as one of the most biodiverse places on earth, Costa Rica's Guanacaste region is home to about 7,000 types of plants, in addition to sloths, sea turtles, monkeys and approximately 500 avian species, including toucans and the rainbow-bright parrots from which the peninsula takes its name. Situated in a tropical forest atop coastal cliffs, Nekajui is surrounded by a 250-acre wildlife sanctuary where guests can partake in zip-lining, guided nature hikes and canoe excursions through the mangroves. The resort itself has seven restaurants and bars, a 27,000-square-foot spa, two large pools and a full-service beach club. Accommodations include 107 ocean-facing guest rooms and a handful of private villas — one with 10 bedrooms — but perhaps the most intriguing options are the three luxurious canvas-roofed, family-size casitas elevated on stilts to sit eye level with the forest canopy. Though they're billed as treetop tents, they make glamping look like roughing it, with butler service, marble bathrooms and private plunge pools. From $2,390 per night, ritzcarlton.com.
Buy This
Colorful Outdoor Furniture From Dusen Dusen and Fatboy
By Kurt Soller
In 1998, the Finnish designer Jukka Setälä released a vibrant beanbag chair called Fatboy, which was named not for its slouchy, oversize form but for the musician Fatboy Slim, whom he often listened to while working. As a child, the American designer Ellen Van Dusen, founder of the 15-year-old pattern-heavy housewares brand Dusen Dusen, had a solid red Fatboy in her room in Washington, D.C. Now all of that history is coalescing in a collaboration between the two companies that's part of a pop-up beginning March 12 online and in-person at New York's MoMA Design Store, where Van Dusen has been selling products for the past six years. The idea here was to create a new suite of outdoor furniture — a modular couch, a hammock, some poufs, pillows and bean bags, among other items — that's as durable and versatile as it is bright and fun. On the sofa, for instance, there's an orange pattern inspired by oak-tree bark; on smaller pieces, green or blue stripes are meant to reflect the land or the sky. All were envisioned with Van Dusen's own Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, outdoor space in mind, with its abundant greenery and mosaic tiling by the artist Matthew Chambers — but would make any area look bolder. 'I've been working on my own backyard for years, and most outdoor furniture that's good-looking isn't comfortable,' she says. 'I often design because I want something exciting and useful in my own life.' Fatboy x Dusen Dusen launches March 12, store.moma.org.
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Digital Trends
3 hours ago
- Digital Trends
This humanoid robot dominated the track events at the ‘robot Olympics'
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Business Upturn
a day ago
- Business Upturn
Best Contractor Business Loans for Bad Credit: ROK Financial Responds to Growing Credit Access Challenges
New York, Aug. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The information below is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or professional advice. Funding availability, terms, and approval times may vary by applicant and lender. Always confirm details directly with the official provider before applying for financing. If you apply through links in this article, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Best Contractor Business Loans for Bad Credit: ROK Financial Responds to Growing Credit Access Challenges ROK Financial has moved into 2025 with an aggressive stance on expanding contractor business loan options for owners with bad credit. As interest in alternative financing grows, the firm positions itself at the center of this shift, helping small contractors stay competitive despite tightening bank approvals. Across the country, builders, roofers, electricians, and independent contractors are confronting a familiar problem: demand for projects continues to rise, but traditional banks remain restrictive when credit histories are less than perfect. That gap has created one of the strongest surges in search interest for 'best contractor business loans for bad credit' in years. Explore Contractor Loan Solutions from ROK Financial Why Interest in Best Contractor Business Loans for Bad Credit Is Surging in 2025 The surge in contractor lending demand reflects broader shifts in the economy. Inflation and higher borrowing costs have left many contractors unable to qualify for standard loans, even while customer demand for home improvement and infrastructure work grows. According to recent industry surveys, more than half of small businesses that applied for financing in 2024 were either denied or offered unfavorable terms. Contractors often work on thin margins, face seasonal cycles, and must cover upfront costs before receiving client payments. Payroll, materials, and equipment purchases cannot wait, which makes access to credit essential. Yet banks continue to rely on rigid FICO cutoffs that leave many qualified operators without options. This disconnect between project demand and credit availability has fueled record-high online searches for bad-credit business financing. YouTube creators discuss how independent builders struggle with cash flow. Search data from Google Trends highlights this shift. Phrases like 'contractor business loans bad credit' and 'working capital loans for contractors' have shown double-digit growth year over year. On YouTube, creators are explaining how alternative lenders have stepped in to support tradespeople, while discussions on small business forums reveal how credit access challenges have become a daily struggle for those in the building industry. This isn't a niche issue anymore — it's a mainstream conversation gaining momentum. Reddit forums are filled with small operators debating alternatives. TikTok videos trend on 'funding hacks' for contractors who need money fast but do not meet traditional underwriting standards. For many contractors, the ability to secure fast working capital can mean the difference between taking on new clients or turning down projects. Seasonal slowdowns, weather disruptions, and equipment costs all put pressure on cash flow. Without flexible financing, these businesses often face unnecessary setbacks. With more than half of contractors operating as small businesses or sole proprietors, the need for loan programs that look beyond credit scores has become urgent. ROK Financial's visibility in this conversation has grown as more contractors look beyond banks. The firm is often mentioned in user forums and industry publications for its willingness to structure financing designed for credit-challenged owners. In fact, a recent release highlighted how bad credit business loans surged nationwide in 2025 as ROK expanded access to alternative programs. The cultural and economic backdrop points to one clear trend: in 2025, small contractors are no longer waiting for banks to change their rules. They are searching for financing partners that recognize the realities of their businesses and provide flexible ways to secure working capital. Learn More About ROK Financial's Contractor Loan Programs ROK Financial as a Response to This Shift ROK Financial has built its reputation around filling the gaps that traditional banks leave open. While major lenders continue to rely on outdated credit scoring models, ROK positions itself as a direct response to the needs of contractors who require fast, flexible working capital solutions. The company designs loan structures specifically for contractors who face unpredictable cycles, delayed payments, and urgent material purchases. Its programs are positioned for small and mid-sized operators who often find themselves locked out of bank financing but still need the resources to secure bids, take on bigger projects, and keep crews paid on time. This strategy was highlighted in a recent update, where ROK Financial detailed its expanded contractor loan programs ahead of storm season to help roofing companies secure working capital. That release underscored how specific industry challenges, like seasonal roofing demand, align with ROK's flexible lending approach. For contractors, this approach means access to financing that acknowledges the realities of the industry rather than penalizing them for circumstances beyond their control. By focusing on speed, flexibility, and tailored structures, ROK has become a recognized alternative to rigid, slow-moving bank processes. Inside the Contractor Loan Platform Beyond the broad positioning, ROK Financial's programs feature structures that reflect what contractors request most often. Instead of rigid underwriting, the platform explores credit alternatives such as revenue-based qualification, repeat customer payment history, and job pipeline forecasting. These tools allow credit-challenged contractors to show their real business performance rather than be judged on a single score. Features explored by users include working capital advances, short-term loans for equipment, and financing designed to bridge gaps until receivables are collected. Contractors report that flexible repayment structures are especially important during seasonal downturns, where cash flow can shrink but payroll obligations continue. Another key dimension is the company's willingness to adapt programs to industries under pressure. In 2025, demand has surged in segments where traditional lenders are pulling back. A related release showed how no credit check financing is becoming a high-demand option as ROK Financial expands access nationwide. That flexibility sets the firm apart in an environment where small businesses are seeking practical solutions over rigid qualifications. Commonly requested tools include same-day approvals, access to multiple lending partners, and quick online application workflows. These features give contractors clarity on options, often within hours instead of weeks. By building this kind of speed and transparency into its platform, ROK has become part of the conversation among small operators seeking to stay competitive in a tough lending climate. Learn About ROK's No-Credit-Check and Flexible Loan Options What Online Users Are Saying About This Category The conversation around contractor financing has grown louder across digital platforms in 2025. On YouTube, creators explain how small business owners are adapting to rising borrowing costs. Podcasts focus on the struggle independent contractors face in securing predictable funding. Reddit and TikTok threads highlight strategies that operators share with one another to keep jobs moving despite poor credit histories. The tone of these discussions is exploratory rather than promotional. Many participants acknowledge the challenge of finding reliable lenders while pointing to a handful of providers that appear frequently in threads. ROK Financial's name surfaces often in this cultural dialogue, typically associated with speed and flexibility compared to larger banks. These discussions matter because they reflect the sentiment of the very audience searching for solutions. Contractors frustrated with denials report that alternative financing gave them the ability to purchase equipment or make payroll on time. Others emphasize that while they remain cautious, programs built for bad-credit borrowers are increasingly seen as necessary in today's economy. This blend of curiosity and demand continues to reinforce search momentum. By being part of the conversation, ROK Financial benefits from growing visibility and expanding trust signals within the contractor community. Who Might Gravitate Toward This Product in 2025 The profile of contractors exploring bad-credit business loans in 2025 is diverse. High-performing builders taking on larger contracts often require immediate working capital to secure materials before client payments arrive. Independent roofers, plumbers, and electricians lean on financing when seasonal swings disrupt cash flow. Newer contractors entering the market see alternative funding as a bridge until their credit history strengthens. Other groups showing interest include small operators managing multiple crews and subcontractors who must cover payroll before invoices are cleared. These borrowers look for speed and flexibility rather than long application processes that delay projects. There is also a growing set of entrepreneurs who entered construction after leaving corporate roles during the pandemic years. Many lack the credit profiles banks demand but have strong networks and client pipelines. For them, alternative financing is a tool to scale businesses faster and compete with established firms. ROK Financial has built its programs with these varied use cases in mind, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. By aligning repayment terms with revenue flow, the company creates a pathway for contractors who would otherwise be excluded from mainstream financing. Explore How ROK Aligns Loan Structures With Contractor Needs Market Category Reflections – Why This Niche Is Expanding The market for contractor business loans designed for borrowers with bad credit is expanding because structural forces are pushing demand higher. Rising interest rates, inflation, and tighter bank regulations have made it harder for small operators to access working capital. 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Instead, they are adopting solutions that keep projects moving, protect crews from delays, and enable competitive bidding on larger contracts. Public Debate – Supporters, Skeptics, and the Signals Behind the Buzz Public conversation about contractor loans for bad credit has divided opinion. Supporters argue these programs reflect an overdue correction in lending, allowing small operators to demonstrate real performance instead of being dismissed by outdated credit models. They highlight how contractors often juggle delayed payments, unexpected project costs, and seasonal downturns, making alternative funding more aligned with day-to-day realities. Skeptics, on the other hand, question whether relying on nontraditional financing creates longer-term risks. Concerns about repayment terms, higher interest rates, and dependency on fast capital surface often in forums and podcasts. Some critics caution contractors to balance immediate access with careful financial planning. Neutral observers note that the sharp rise in search volume for related keywords shows that interest is genuine and growing. Whether supportive or skeptical, online discussion has helped put contractor loans for bad credit into the spotlight, signaling an important cultural shift in how business financing is viewed. By presenting itself as a transparent, education-first provider, ROK Financial positions its platform as a response to both sides of the debate, offering speed and clarity without overpromising. See How ROK Balances Transparency With Contractor Loan Access About ROK Financial ROK Financial operates with a mission to expand credit access for small businesses that face obstacles in traditional lending channels. The company emphasizes an education-first approach, helping contractors and entrepreneurs understand financing options before making commitments. Its platform prioritizes speed, clarity, and alignment with real-world business cycles rather than rigid credit scoring. Since its founding, ROK Financial has positioned itself as a partner to industries often underserved by banks. Contractors, franchise owners, and independent operators turn to the company for flexible working capital programs designed to support growth and stability. By focusing on practical solutions instead of one-size-fits-all lending, ROK has built a reputation for responsiveness and trust within the business community. This positioning reflects broader shifts in the financing landscape, where alternative providers are now viewed as essential players. Contact Final Disclaimer This press release is for informational purposes only. The content herein does not constitute financial, legal, or medical advice. Best Contractor Business Loans for Bad Credit is not intended to diagnose, treat, predict, or guarantee any result or outcome. Individual experiences may vary, and outcomes are not assured. Some links in this release may be promotional in nature and may lead to third-party websites. The publisher or author may receive compensation through affiliate commissions if a purchase is made through these links. This compensation does not affect the price you pay and helps support continued research and content publication. All statements made about product features, platform strategies, or training content reflect publicly available information, user discussions, or historical trends, and are not endorsed or validated by regulatory bodies. Please perform your own research before making financial, technological, or purchasing decisions. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Politico
a day ago
- Politico
Putin got a warm Trump meeting. Europe is afraid Zelenskyy won't.
While publicly Europe and Ukraine have appeared upbeat, privately officials were wary of Putin's red carpet welcome back to the West, where he secured the veneer of global legitimacy without making the kind of gestures toward peace the U.S., Europe and Ukraine have sought. 'Worries have been there all the way this year, and yesterday's meeting did not really help,' a European official said. Trump's position on the war has yo-yoed in recent weeks. While he had for months blamed Ukraine for the conflict, he had been more critical of Putin and Russia in the lead-up to the summit. He even said Putin would face 'severe consequences,' if he did not agree to stop the war after Friday's gathering. But after several hours of meetings with Putin in Alaska, Trump backtracked on a demand for an immediate ceasefire, again said it would be up to Ukraine to end the fighting and advised Kyiv to 'take the deal,' without specifying what Putin had suggested. Trump said after the summit that he negotiated with Putin over land swaps but declined to provide more details. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday will lead a teleconference among the 'coalition of the willing' — countries that have indicated they will provide troops and other support to Ukraine at the end of the war, according to a European official. Ahead of the summit, Trump said he supported some American role in providing security guarantees — some form of assurance or support from Washington to deter Russia from attacking again after a peace deal is agreed. Nordic and Baltic leaders welcomed those commitments again after Trump spoke with European officials late Friday. While Trump did much more than usual to consult with Europe in the lead-up to the summit with Putin and after, the frequent contact does not seem to have yielded tangible results. European officials are relieved that Trump did not agree to a deal with Putin but disappointed that the threat of steep secondary tariffs targeting third countries buying Russian oil was tabled. 'They want to try to influence the negotiation process as much as possible, because they know Trump really wants to do it this way, and they don't want to leave the initiative to Putin,' said Giuseppe Spatafora, a former NATO official who is now a research analyst at the EU Institute for Security Studies. 'In general, the Europeans talk much more often to Trump than during the first 100 days, which is good. They have influence. But it's limited.' Zelenskyy's last visit to the Oval Office in February quickly went off the rails when Vice President JD Vance and later Trump both lectured him for not being grateful enough for American support and overplaying what they said was a weak diplomatic position. Zelenskyy's decision to wear a black polo, black pants and boots rather than a suit further soured the atmosphere. But Trump and Zelenskyy have been on better terms in recent meetings, as Kyiv's allies sought to improve the relationship and Trump's frustration with Putin mounted.
