Latest news with #BritishSummerTime
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Don't be fooled by fake video showing 'starling murmuration' in London
Claim: A video authentically showed a starling murmuration near Big Ben in London on May 27, 2025. Rating: In late May 2025, a video (reported) circulated online purportedly showing a starling murmuration — a spectacle where starlings gather in the thousands at dusk and collectively fly in shape-shifting patterns — near Big Ben in London, England. The post featuring the footage, which had more than 147,000 views at the time of this writing, claimed the display took place on May 27. The clip also appeared elsewhere (archived) on X (archived) and on (archived) Facebook (archived). However, the video was fake. In the 10-second clip, Big Ben's clocks displayed different times, and the Palace of Westminster was also missing at least two towers. Additionally, the London Eye, which was also featured in the footage, is actually located across the River Thames and is not next to the Palace of Westminster as the video showed. The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), two British wildlife trusts, have both previously reported that starling murmurations happen during the winter months, not spring and summer. The video did not carry any visible signs (such as a watermark or logo) that it was generated by artificial intelligence (AI). However, its content revealed that it was fake. The footage depicted the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben (located in London near Westminster Bridge). However, a comparison with accurate, authentic street view imagery on Google Maps revealed that the AI generator missed several details on the palace, including at least two towers, as shown below. (X user @InterestingSci1/Google Maps/Snopes Illustration) The geography shown in the clip was also incorrect. The big Ferris wheel seen beside the Palace of Westminster (the London Eye) is located across the River Thames from the palace, not next to it. In the Google Maps view above, the London Eye would actually be directly to the right/east of the picture. Additionally, the video shows Big Ben with different times on two of its clock faces. The Big Ben clock, situated on Elizabeth Tower, generally shows the same time — British Summer Time on May 27, 2025 — on all four clock faces. It was not clear at the time of this writing who generated the starling murmuration footage and what AI engine was used. However, the X account that posted the most popular version also posted numerous other fake or misleading posts. For example, on May 30, 2025, the account posted a video (archived) of a pink volcano eruption that Snopes has previously debunked. Regardless of the authenticity of this particular clip, starling murmurations are authentic performances that do occur in the U.K. during the winter months. According to the RSPB, starling murmurations take place from November to February when birds from Scandinavia join the resident British starlings and raise population numbers. Murmurations can consist of thousands of birds and allow the starlings to socialize and exchange information while benefiting from safety in numbers. 'Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster Are Pictured from the London...' Getty Images, 30 July 2024, "Facts and Figures: Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower." UK Parliament, Starling Murmurations | The Wildlife Trusts. Accessed 30 May 2025. "Starling Murmurations: How to Enjoy Winter's Best Spectacle!" Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, 8 Nov. 2024, "Street View · Google Maps." Street View · Google Maps, Accessed 30 May 2025.
Daily Record
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Olivia Rodrigo picks Scots singer for support act at huge London show
The chart-topping star has followed Katie Gregson-MacLeod on social media for the last couple of years and contacted the singer's agent to ask if she would like to play at her her British Summer Time show in London. A Scots singer has been chosen by Olivia Rodrigo as a special guest at her massive Hyde Park show next month. The chart-topping star has followed Katie Gregson-MacLeod on social media for the last couple of years and contacted the singer's agent to ask if she would like to play at her her British Summer Time show in London. Katie, 23, told the Record: 'It's a real honour and pretty surreal to be supporting Olivia for her BST Hyde Park show. 'I've followed Olivia's work since her astronomical breakout single and have admired her from afar for both her artistry and advocacy. 'To have received her support and to be selected amongst this powerhouse lineup made up of female and queer artists has been very affirming. 'I can't wait to take my little show to such a big stage.' Scots singer-songwriter Katie became an overnight global sensation after posting a 45-second clip of an unfinished song on social media in 2022 while working in a coffee shop part-time. The song called Complex went viral, with versions recorded by the likes of Cuban-American hitmaker Camila Cabello, country singer Madison Beer and Brit award-winner Tom Walker. Gregson, who was a history student at the time, went on to land a record deal thanks to the viral hit. Katie's manager Dougie Brown said: 'Olivia has followed Katie on social media for a while and an offer came through to Katie's agent to join the bill for her British Summer Time show so obviously couldn't say no.' As well as Katie, Rodrigo will be joined by special guests including BRIT Award winning band The Last Dinner Party and girl in red and a selection of newly announced stars; Flowerovlove, America's Got Talent quarter-finalists Between Friends, The Voice UK winner Ruti, BRIT Award rising star nominee Caity Baser, Katie Gregson-Macleod, Ruti, Florence Road, Aziya and Déyyes. Rodrigo, who shot to fame when her single Drivers License topped the charts around the world including the UK and US in 2021, will headline American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Friday, June 27 2025. Other BST Hyde Park's headliners for 2025 are Zach Bryan (June 28 +29) Noah Kahan (July 4), Sabrina Carpenter (July 5+6), Neil young and the chrome hearts (July 11), Stevie Wonder (July 12) and Jeff Lynne's ELO (July 13). Expect more incredible announcements soon for the 2025 edition of one of the UK's most anticipated summer event.
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Can Palace shut out City?
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 16:05 British Summer Time 16:05 BST #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply) Contrasting emotions here. We only got one ticket so I've dropped off my son to go in with friends while I slope off to find a pub to watch it in... Buzzing for him. That's Dad life for you! Eagles! Simon (Dad) and Samson (son), Streatham. Image source, Simon Image source, Simon
Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Why Dubai is the perfect hub for digital nomads
As the rise of remote work continues to reshape global priorities, one city has attracted a growing number for those keen to embrace a different way of life: Dubai. The Gulf city has quickly carved out a niche as the ultimate remote-work hotspot, clinching the top spot in the 2024 Savills Executive Nomad Index and leapfrogging traditional digital nomad locations such as Lisbon and Miami. With year-round sunshine, ultrafast internet, flexible visa schemes, zero income tax and the kind of work-life balance that lets you switch from spreadsheets to paddleboards in less than an hour, Dubai's appeal for digital workers is clear. Here's why increasing numbers of freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote workers are choosing to call the city home. Easy visas designed for digital nomads Unlike many digital nomad visas around the world, securing the virtual work visa required to work in Dubai is refreshingly straightforward: applicants need proof of employment, a minimum monthly income of £3,200 and health insurance. In return, successful applicants receive a one-year renewable visa that offers access to resident services, from utilities to banking, without the need for local sponsorship. For those seeking to lay down more permanent roots, a number of options are available. The 10-year Golden Visa provides long-term residency for investors and professionals who have made an exceptional contribution to the arts, science, sport or technology; there is also a 10-year UAE Blue Visa for environmental advocates; a five-year visa is available for entrepreneurs; and freelancers can apply for the five-year Green Visa. These are clear signals that Dubai isn't only opening its doors to digital nomads for short stays, but inviting them to make the city their home. 'Anything is possible' Psychologist Sarah Christensen moved to Dubai from the UK 13 years ago, and in 2017 set up Christensen Consultancy, a company that supports organisations to create inclusive cultures. Having lived there for over a decade, she feels that Dubai is a place full of opportunity. 'What's great about here as a city is that anything's possible. You can think of a new business and say, 'Let's crack on, let's go do it.' It's very entrepreneurial,' she says. 'There's a fluidity in business here, which means you can have a go and see what happens. You'll be able to find anything you want here, and if you don't find it, you can set it up yourself.' For travel vlogger Mac Candee, the decision to base himself in Dubai was driven by more than just paperwork. Known as World Nomac online, Candee has made a career out of documenting his travels across dozens of countries across the globe. But he keeps returning to Dubai. 'It's where people come to build something,' says Candee, who now holds a Golden Visa. A time zone that works For remote workers from the UK, a four-hour time difference (three hours during British Summer Time) makes it simple to stay in sync with European work schedules, meaning digital nomads can start the day with a beachside coffee before hopping onto calls with colleagues back in London. Dubai also boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, with high-speed fibre connections standard even in residential apartments and co-working spaces. Dubai's global connectivity is equally impressive. The city's airport, one of the busiest in the world, offers direct flights to more than 240 destinations, including multiple daily routes to London. This makes it easy for remote workers to travel for business or leisure – or to visit family back home – without the hassle of long layovers. When you also factor in the exceptional living standards that residents will find, it's no surprise that so many businesses have set up bases in the emirate in the hope of attracting top-tier talent. Work and play in Dubai While Dubai's infrastructure and low crime rates makes it an efficient place to work and a safe place to live, its lifestyle offerings set it apart from other remote work destinations. The city is designed for those who want to work hard and unwind just as vigorously. Once you've closed your laptop for the day, the city comes alive: you can enjoy the culinary wonders in one of its many Michelin-starred restaurants, watch the biggest names in sport compete in the many top-ranking tournaments or be wowed by the wealth of cultural attractions, from live concerts to art shows. For Candee, days start with sunrise paddleboarding sessions along the Arabian Gulf before squeezing in a productive work block at sleek co-working spaces or coffee shops, and winding down in the evening at glittering rooftop restaurants overlooking the city's ever-changing skyline. 'You can feel the growth, both in the city and within yourself,' he says. 'Every time I come back, there's something new: new buildings, new opportunities, new connections.' The emirate also hosts countless events, from international art fairs to tech conferences, creating opportunities to network beyond traditional office settings. A global village The city brings together a wide range of cultures, languages and professional networks from almost 200 countries who come together in the UAE to create a global village that connects all corners of the business world. 'I've connected with entrepreneurs in co-working spaces, creatives at workshops, and even fellow content creators just through community events,' says Candee. Christensen also echoes that sentiment, adding that Dubai is a great place to find a sense of community. 'Because so many of us are expats, we're open and welcoming to new people. We've all been there so we help one another. There's groups all over the place and you can find one that perfectly matches you,' she says. Industry-focused free zones and communities, such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis and DIFC Innovation Hub have a campus-like feel and are organised in a way that enables entrepreneurs and digital nomads to integrate, collaborate and network with the wider technology ecosystem. There is no shortage of tech events held in Dubai throughout the year. Dubai AI Week, Dubai FinTech Summit, GITEX Global and Expand North Star are just a few that bring digital nomads from around the world to the city to tap into business potential in the wider region. Dubai isn't only a place to work – it's a place that works. For digital nomads seeking a base combining convenience, connectivity and culture, the city offers a world of opportunity. The best remote work spots in Dubai, according to digital nomad Mac Candee Techarc Space 'The greenery at this coworking space in Dubai's trendy Al Quoz district gives the space a fresh vibe that keeps energy levels up. The layout's open and full of desks, cosy nooks or even glass-walled private rooms if you need to dial in without distractions.' Kulture House Dubai 'There's art everywhere – on the walls, on shelves and even the furniture. But it's the outdoor patio that's my go-to – sunny, breezy and the perfect place for plates of avocado toast almost too pretty to eat.' The Açai Spot 'Kick back in a hanging chair with yachts drifting by and the shimmering Marina skyline in the background. There are several branches in the city, but the one at Dubai Marina is the best for a day spent working, snacking and soaking in the views.' Broaden your horizons in Dubai In Dubai, you'll find all the right ingredients for a sun-soaked trip. The sophisticated metropolis by the sea provides unforgettable experiences, from serene safaris in the desert to dining in the world's tallest building. Broaden your horizons with a trip that takes in its exhilarating mix of record-breaking architecture, traditional neighbourhoods and white-sand beaches. You'll return home with plenty of tales to share.
Times
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Times
I've found the perfect shorts for grown ups
Forget the clock change or the equinox, the first tights-free day or beer garden evening, I always know when British Summer Time really hits because people start asking me the same question: if I buy one thing what should it be? My answer this year is the same as last — and I can see from the little black book in which I record such things that many of you were rather sceptical. Does it help to hear that the pair of denim boardshorts I bought then were not only my most worn item of last summer but already look set to be the same this year too? I come from a long line of women who refuse to wear shorts, so I understand the
