Latest news with #ChrisHaslam
WIRED
23-05-2025
- WIRED
Shop Like a Supervillian
By Chris Haslam and Jeremy White Villainous characters often have devilishly good taste. Put these tools to better use in your own lair. Photographs: Shutterstock; products courtesy of the brands All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Face it: Being bad feels pretty good sometimes. Who amongst us hasn't wanted to enjoy the spoils of a ne'er-do-well's criminal enterprises? Should you desire those things and be able to acquire them without doing all the crimes, WIRED has prepared a little shopping list for you. If you've ever craved a kitchen worthy of Hannibal Lecter, a stereo perfect for Hans Gruber, boots befitting Darth Vader, a chair perfect for Doctor Doom, or a toy box The Joker would be envious of, you've come to the right place. Dry Ager While Buffalo Bill liked to 'store' his victims for later in the bottom of a well, Hannibal generally preferred to dig in right then and there (just ask Paul Krendler). But when he demands the most tender possible cuts for his guests, we expect only dry aging will do. This high-class meat store combines ancient dry-aging methods with state-of-the-art humidity-controlled technology to take the effort, risk, and odor from hanging meats, all from a plug-and-go appliance. The result is a blackened steak with thick crust—but cut away the exterior and you'll be rewarded with the most tender, buttery piece of meat imaginable. Price on request. Dragon Riot Whether you're looking to spatchcock a chicken, debone a carcass, or neatly remove your own polydactyly finger, these poultry shears will effortlessly cut through gristle and bone. With non-slip micro-serrated German stainless steel blades they're easy to wield, the non-slip ergonomic grip and lockable blades prevent unwanted accidents, and while they're dishwasher safe, keep in mind that blood stains are easier to remove with cold water. Bialetti WIRED is fully aware that Mads Mikkelsen's Lecter used a gloriously expensive $22,000 Royal Coffee Maker. Sadly, it doesn't come in red, so here's a beautifully simple, hugely effective stovetop espresso maker from alternative coffee royalty Bialetti. It works just like the classic Moka Express, but the collector is replaced by a plate with room enough for two espresso cups. Although in Lecter's kitchen, you're doing well if you make it past dessert… Riedel If you've gone to the trouble of cooking liver and fava beans, that nice chianti had better be aired to perfection. Launched in 2006 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of both Riedel and Mozart, this hand-blown decanter is shaped like a lyre—a lute-style stringed instrument—and pours deliciously. Handmade using the finest clear crystal glass, it holds a single bottle of wine within a curved shape that helps to naturally capture any sediment without the need to add filtration. Wüsthof Dr. Lecter enjoyed the versatility of his unserrated Spyderco Harpy knife, but when the guests arrive he's going to want something a little less murderous on the kitchen counter. Now available in a red wine-inspired shade of Tasty Sumac, this classic knife set and oiled ash block from Wüsthof features riveted handles, full-forged stainless steel blades with a Rockwell Hardness Scale rating of 58, and classic precision-cut focused blade grind-angle of 29 degrees. Sirman When you 'prefer to eat the rude' nothing prepares them for the plate as elegantly as this 132-pound example of flesh-slicing perfection. Sirman's polished and painted aluminium manual flywheel slicer has a 12-inch blade and patented motion system that has no visible mechanical parts, while its double-articulating arm holds your victim cured meat securely in place. It's easy to clean, disassembles without the need for tools and, despite the retro aesthetic, is an all-modern design for demanding, precision butchery. Pro-Ject $999 Turntable Lab (Pre-order) Few people realise that the $640 million in negotiable bearer bonds Hans so desperately wanted was needed to fund his vinyl addiction. It's a financial pain analog enthusiasts know only too well, but turntable stalwarts Pro-Ject have at least found a way to keep, and restore, a priceless collection. This dedicated vinyl-flattening machine features two 12-inch sized hot plates that heat and press any precious-but-warped long players back into shape. It maintains a temperature of 136.4°F (58°C) and gently irons out those unwanted wobbles. écoute In 1988, George Michael's album Faith ruled the US charts, but something tells us Hans Gruber wasn't about to be whistling 'I want your sex' in a Nakatomi Plaza elevator. It's classical all the way—'Ode to Joy' in this case—and to make the most of Beethoven's final symphony, he'll be wanting a pair of headphones with a rich, traditional playback. These stylish ANC-enabled hybrid Bluetooth cans feature the latest voice control and digital wizardry, but sonic duties are handled deftly through a built-in vacuum tube preamp that offers traditional analog warmth and rich midrange. Vicoustic With Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. on heavy rotation—that and a proclivity for semi-automatic weapons—Gruber's tastefully decorated apartment would benefit from a little audio control. This bi-dimensional diffusion panel provides audio multi-reflection on both vertical and horizontal planes, and works especially well on mid and high frequencies, helping to enhance musical definition. Each panel measures 23.4 x 23.4 x 5.8 inches and can be installed easily by any blond henchman. T+A $10,780 House of Stereo (Turntable) $18,880 House of Stereo (Receiver) Hailing from precision German audio engineers T+A, we consider this slick setup the perfect cold-steel color-match for Hans' (and Arafat's) John Phillips suit. The belt-driven turntable has an MC-2 moving coil cartridge and a crystal-controlled synchronous motor for exceptional stability, while the decidedly retro-modern all-in-one features a precision CD drive, FM/DAB/internet radio, a 25-watts-per-channel AB amplifier, and comprehensive G3 streamer with native DSD playback and a quadruple PCM DAC with eight 32-bit Burr-Brown chips, ensuring exceptional sound quality. Cassina $7,030 Design Within Reach As an iconic Euro Villain, Hans Gruber's choice of chair would be of equally high standing, and as utterly uncompromising as the man himself. Designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand in 1928, the LC2 Armchair combines generously proportioned cushions and a tubular chrome frame to create an instantly recognizable piece of furniture. Shown here in classic black Scozia leather, the chair is said to embody the principles of rationalism, which rather aptly deal with order, structure, proportionality, and symmetry, while rejecting unnecessary detail or overly emotional design. That's so Hans! Transparent Weighing a hefty 26.5 pounds and standing at more than 23 inches tall, this Brutalist architecture-inspired speaker is made from 70 percent post-consumer recycled aluminum. Inside, there's a 6.5-inch side-mounted woofer and dual 3-inch tweeters, placed rather strikingly at elevated 90-degree angles. It's a bold audio offering, but with up to 24-bit/192-kHz hi-res, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, and Spotify support it would have made the perfect farewell gift for Hans, when he was kindly asked to leave Volksfrei, his old West German terrorist group. Alpacka Bouncing down rapids in a 5.5-pound inflatable packraft might not compare to a 'dance with the devil in the pale moonlight,' but if he needs a distraction from taunting Batman, maybe the Joker could take a paddle. We're not sure if Gotham River has any white water, but at least he'll be prepared with this nylon-hulled craft designed for beginner and intermediate paddlers and rated for up to Class III waters. And, even if he does fall out, the self-bailer automatically drains any water that gets in, so he won't need to come ashore. Price varies. The Joker loves his razor-sharp playing cards, acid flowers, and cyanide pies—but he secretly craves just a few of Batman's toys. Now he can join in the wall-scaling fun with the Grapnel Launcher, which can shoot a rope and grappling hook up to 115 feet, or 53 feet with a rope ladder. This device for first responders isn't sold to the public, so he'll have to pull some strings. Price on request. When you really need to get a message out of Arkham Asylum and you can't find a convict willing to have a phone stitched inside them, try a drone like the virtually uncrashable DJI Mavic 3. The Joker can dress up his stock quadcopter with a set of laser-cut, color-matched, UV-resistant, and goo-free stickers from iStyles. Muc-Off When the Joker isn't filling balloons with Smylex, he should use this palm-size, battery-powered pump that can bring any inflatable up to 100 psi in seconds. If the Joker wants to enter another surfing contest, he should wear Sharkbanz. The battery-free wearable uses magnets to confuse a shark's sensitivity to electric fields, making them swim away. Rolls-Royce Let's just call this 'Vapour Violet' beauty what it is: the Jokermobile. Rolls-Royce raided its toy box for this highly exclusive version of its Spectre EV, adding light-up grilles and number plates, a dark-finish interior, and—Joker's favorite—a boost button on the steering wheel. Price on request. Cult What sport would a fiercely intelligent maniacal lunatic lean toward? With its mix of adrenaline, speed, and high probability of bruising your nether regions, BMX would seem a natural fit. This top-tier ride from Cult Devotion has been designed for street, freestyle, and park riding, and it features a classic cassette hub for direct power transfer. It also has a classic fast-stopping 990 U-Brake—not that Joker would ever use it. Waiting For Ideas When Victor von Doom regales his cloned grandkids with tales of narrow defeat at the hands of the Fantastic Four, he'll have swapped his throne for the gentle rocking of this precision-engineered, all-aluminum design. Created by Jean-Baptiste Anotin for his Paris-based studio Waiting For Ideas, the sharp lines and tight curves were inspired by the speed and aerodynamics of Formula 1, which sits beautifully at odds with a product designed to move so gently. It's the perfect combination of sculptural, practical, and threatening. Rolex This year's watch releases held good news for Victor Von Doom, as Rolex decided to go green with its GMT Master-II, and any worthwhile designs on ruling humanity with an iron fist naturally requires perfect timing on the wrist. The upgraded case material, now in white gold, befits Doom's status, of course, but the real Doom boon is the new green dial made of Cerachrom, Rolex's own patented ceramic alloy, that perfectly matches the bezel made from the same material. The bi-tone bezel, incidentally, is the key to keeping track of dastardly deeds in two different time zones simultaneously. Meanwhile, a 70-hour power reserve should help keep even the best-laid plans from falling foul—and no, your eyes do not deceive you, this is a lefty (though righties are welcome). Stone Espresso Nobody can be expected to tackle the complexities of the Multiverse without a decent coffee, and while the idea of Doom sitting down for breakfast feels farcical, deftly extracting the perfect two ounces of espresso feels on-brand, and this small-but-mighty coffee machine fits the bill brilliantly. It has zero plastic parts and is just 14 inches tall, but still weighs a solid 45 pounds. Temperature is accurately controlled with a 6.6-pound solid brass group head and PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) heating system which, unlike traditional thermostats, constantly monitors and adjusts the heat, maintaining the ideal temperature with greater precision and stability. Ferm Living Made from plate aluminum, rather than the nuclear-powered titanium used in Doom's battle armor, this carry-all trolley from Danish homeware deities Ferm Living blends the industrially sculptural with a blast of Brutalism. Useful as a bar cart (although Lager translates as 'warehouse,' rather than anything beer-related), side table, or arcane gauntlet storage device, it's 27 pounds of uncompromising design. iFi Audio One imagines that full titanium headgear ( curse you, Richards!!! ) plays havoc with a Bluetooth connection, so traditional wired headphones are the order of the day for Doom. And to make the most of his high-resolution playlists, he's going to need a dedicated amplifier. The iFi Audio iCAN Phantom is built to cope with the sonic demands of the most sensitive and difficult-to-run headphones. As such it can deliver 15,000mW at 16Ω and 640V for electrostatic models and, in a novel twist, the listener can switch between solid-state and tube modes to find the perfect tone. Porsche From e-bikes and dental chairs, to door handles and basins, Porsche's design division has a habit of elevating the everyday, and nowhere is this more evident than with this elegant gaming monitor. Borrowing design elements from the Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa, the 49-inch, 5K resolution QHD-OLED display has a seriously quick 240Hz refresh rate, 1,000-nit brightness, and 1,800R curvature for full immersion. And, when Victor puts down the controller, the USB-C connectivity and hub means it can transition seamlessly back to the daily grind of world domination. Iquinix Machined from aluminum, this hot-swappable retro-style Bluetooth keyboard is a world away from cheap plastic clickety-clack options (which no doubt abound in Four Freedoms Plaza). It uses a desktop-space-saving 65 percent layout, but still squeezes in Bluetooth 5.1, Wireless 2.4GHz, and USB-C connectivity, meaning you can switch between up to three (doomsday) devices with ease. Available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, it even comes in Doom's signature green. Chasseur What they don't tell you on Wookieepedia is that while Anakin Skywalker grew an impressive six inches by becoming Darth Vader, his shoe size remained the same. Sadly, Anakin's favorite black boots met the same fiery fate as his legs on Mustafar, but at least we've found him the perfect replacements. These handcrafted, leather-lined wellies come with a full-length side zip and eight separate calf fittings for a near-bespoke fit. The Chamolux rubber is all-natural too, and the in- and outsoles offer protection and cushioning for all the miles clocked up marching around the Death Star. There's even a neoprene-lined version for those chilly trips to Hoth. Avolt When the Power of the Dark Side doesn't quite reach far enough, we recommend the Avolt Square 1, possibly the most Star Wars-looking gadget on this list. Available in EU, US, and UK plug configurations—the Tatooine version is still TBC—it is the most beautifully minimalist multi-socket extension lead you'll find, and comes with a generous 5.9-foot cord and two USB-C ports, each supporting 30W fast charging. Kartell Even the most morally conflicted Jedi Knight needs decent storage options, and this classic by Italian designer Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell ticks all his black boxes. First launched in 1967, it is made from glossy ABS plastic for a seam-free aesthetic, and is available in two, three, and four-compartment configurations. And no, before you ask, it's not the same plastic used to make that iconic helmet, because everyone knows that is an alloy composed of durasteel, plasteel, and obsidian. But, you know, it looks pretty close… LG George Lucas has provided differing origin stories to how the name "Darth Vader" originated, but he has mentioned the phrase "Dark Water" as inspiration. Which, by coincidence, is precisely what he'd get if he put that filthy cloak in the wash. This suitably obsidian appliance can blitz through an 11-pound load in just 39 minutes and, thanks to its use of steam, 99.99 percent of allergens are removed and creases reduced by 30 percent. It's Wi-Fi enabled too, and the AI Wash cycle can adjust the motion of the drum depending on the fabric. New and troublesome stains, meanwhile, can be custom-cleaned by downloading upgraded wash-cycle data. Gridy Despite being on the site of a Dark Side locus and just a stone's throw from where Obi-Wan left him for dead, Fortress Vader is surprisingly homely. Yes, it's a towering display of evil, but look closer and you might just spot a 3PO droid giving it a quick once-around with the Northern Cane magnetic broom set. Designed by studio Gridy, the powder-coated steel dustpan has a level front edge that maintains close contact with the floor, while the waist-height handle makes sweeping up lava dust a breeze. Dreame While primarily used to guide Stormtroopers around the half-finished corridors of the Death Star, the MSE-6 series 'Mouse' droid was also capable of repairs and even domestic chores. It's no match for the new X50 Dreame—though sadly for US readers, this class-leading next-generation self-cleaning robotic vacuum and mop isn't yet available in the States. It uses the latest 360-degree DToF (Direct Time of Flight) LIDAR-style navigation to avoid Imperial clutter, and the new ProLean system can lift the unit high enough to clear doors, steps and dividers up to 2.36 inches high. It can even reduce its height to just 3.5 inches, for a quick scooch under your low furniture, and can even search the house for your pets while you're away, and transmit a live feed to your smartphone.
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK seaside village with huge harbour and country's best fish and chips
Known as the gateway to the Farne Islands, this humble Northumberland village offers unique access to wildlife and dune-filled beaches. It is also home to one of the best fish and chip spots in the UK. This fishing village is home to a busy harbour and some of the best fish-and-chip takeaways in Northumberland. Tucked away in the region's rugged coastline, it is often overshadowed by more well-known neighbouring destinations. But for travellers in the know, this village is worth a detour. The village of Seahouses is just an hour's drive from Newcastle city centre, just up the A1 and across the coast. But with destinations like Amble, Alnmouth, Craster and the famous filming location of Bamburgh not too far, travellers unjustly overlook this charming fishing town for beachier hotspots. Seahouses certainly makes for a great base for exploring Northumberland's coastline, and is considered a gateway to the Farne Islands nearby. Taking one of the convenient boat trips from Seahouses out to the island allows travellers to see puffins, grey seal colonies and a wealth of wildlife year round. The village now known as Seahouses was originally named North Sunderland and was about a mile inland from the sea. That was until a fishing community was established by the sea, consisting of small cottages or 'sea houses'. When the introduction of the railway brought more tourists by the sea, the entire community came to be known as Seahouses. That said, travellers will find that some village locals still differentiate between North Sunderland, which maintains its own character. One of the distinguishing features of Seahouses is its stunning beaches. The two main beaches are located on the north and south of the village and harbour. St. Aidan's Dunes is on the north, offering a large sandy expanse that is also connected to the famous Bamburgh Beach. From here, travellers can enjoy incredible views of the Farne Islands and Bamburgh Castle. A smaller beach can be found south of the village, which stretches from the Seahouses golf course to the village of Beadnell. Both beaches are popular with tourists and locals alike, though rock pool explorers may be more drawn to the north side. The village has been gaining steady popularity since it was featured on BBC's Villages by the Sea in 2024. It has also begun to stand out for its impressive offering of a classic British dish. The Times rated the Seahouses staple, Lewis', as one of the best fish and chip shops in the country in both 2022 and 2023. The Times' critic Chris Haslam wrote in his review: "I asked 11 dog walkers on Beadnell and St Aidan's beaches to nominate the best chippy in the district. Three of them turned out to be tourists, but among the remaining eight, opinion was split down the middle between Neptune and Lewis's, 70m apart on Main Street, Seahouses.' While Seahouses is certainly worth a trip in its own right, if you are in the area it is still including a trip to Bamburgh on your itinerary. The Northumberland town was named one of the best seaside towns in the UK four years in a row by consumer champion, Which. Beating out 120 UK towns and villages for the top spot, Bamburgh's unspoilt beaches and iconic castle make it a consistent staycation hub. Part of its appeal is that it is easy to access by train and plane given its proximity to Newcastle airport and the Chathill train station. The same goes for Seahouses.
WIRED
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- WIRED
The Pro-Ject Flatten It Uses Heat to Fix Warped Records
Photograph: Chris Haslam A quick trip to a thrift store plus five minutes with a hair dryer, and Rod Stewart's Greatest Hits was warped almost to the point of no return. Two hours in Flatten It, however, and it's as good as nearly-new, with no discernible damage to the grooves. Putting the records in and setting the clock is a simple if time-consuming process, but it works brilliantly. I've been able to resurrect a few old favorites that haven't played properly since 1993, and for that I owe Pro-Ject a debt of thanks. A Worthy Competitor Photograph: Chris Haslam At $1,000 MSRP, you're going to need to be a wealthy and fastidious collector or a record store or dealer to make it worth your while. For most of us, we'll want to wait until a well-heeled friend or local store has shelled out for one. If you stumble across Ringo's spare but warped copy of The White Album , it'll be a wise investment. Most casual collectors will find it more useful for restoring nostalgic favorites than valuable gems. Pro-Ject's Flatten It isn't the only solution. Brave souls who don't want to buy vinyl accessories have been putting their warped records under heavy flat surfaces for years, and even in the oven. Don't do that. There are other options: Japanese audio brand Orb has the DF-01iA+, which costs around $1,500, while Vinyl Flat offers a cheaper solution featuring a simple record clamp and heated blanket for a total of $224, although I've not tested either yet. For now, the Flatten It remains the best solution I've tried. It works a treat.
WIRED
06-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- WIRED
Smeg's New SKC01 Soda Maker Offers Beauty and Bubbles
Photograph: Chris Haslam Installation and use is simple. Just screw the standard 400/426-gram CO₂ cylinder into the hole in the base and you're ready to fizz. In the UK, Smeg has partnered with a brand called CO2 You that offers cylinder refill, return, and subscription services, with prices from £25. Buy direct from Smeg and you will receive a free cylinder, but don't expect the same from third-party retailers. Most soda makers have handles or buttons, but the Smeg has a stylish metal dial that keeps the design lines uncluttered. The knurled metal ring is a pleasure to use, and the base is stable enough for one-handed operation, although getting the current level of fizz into your water does take practice. Busy With the Fizzy Photograph: Chris Haslam The supplied instructions are a little too basic, suggesting that turning the dial once, twice, or three times will boost your bubble level. What it doesn't say, however, is how long you turn the dial for. Again, I asked Smeg, and they told me that carbonation levels are subjective, as a rule. But as a rule, if you spritz for two seconds, you'll get light bubbles— leggermente frizzante , if you're feeling Italian—four seconds for a medium fizz, and hold for six for the full club soda effect. You can also hold the dial to the right until it squeaks, which indicates there's as much CO₂ in there as possible. Obviously, the amount of carbonation will impact the number of cylinders you will get through. I like my water fizzy, and while rated for 13 gallons (60 liters), CO2 You estimates that I'm more likely to get 10 to 11 gallons (45 to 50 liters). It's still a whole lot better than the equivalent number of plastic bottles you'd get through. So it's simple to use, effortlessly stylish, and fizzes water like a charm. And surprisingly, given Smeg's track record, it's not crazy expensive. Still, just be aware that you can currently pick up a perfectly effective, but painfully boring, SodaStream Art with three CO₂ cylinders for just $110.
WIRED
01-05-2025
- General
- WIRED
The Best Day Hiking Backpacks for Every Adventure
The premise of Nemo's Endless Promise line is that it's designed to be kept out of the landfill forever—100 percent recycled, infinitely adjustable, repairable, and once it's reached the end of its life, it can be sent back to Nemo for total recycling. The Cero fabric is solution dyed to reduce water waste, as is the cushioning. At first glance, that makes the pack awfully fiddly. It's a little annoying and fussy to adjust the fit and the storage options with the Resolve's strange system of bungees and pull-tabs, instead of straps or webbing. Over the long term, however, those bungees will be easier to repair, recycle, or replace, and once I got used to it, it was pretty fast and easy to adjust. This pack is weirdly comfortable. It's technically frameless, but it does feel like it has some structure. It sits nice and high on your back—I do not like carrying weight around my hips—and at 1 lb. 15 oz., it's pretty light, considering all the hardware that it has on it. The cushioning is made in a funny tube-shaped pattern that looks like the hot dog rollers at 7-Eleven, but it also allows for plenty of airflow next to the skin on your back and shoulders. I have been using it for biking around town, but this will also be a nice day pack for summer hiking adventures, for as long as you need to have it around. —Adrienne So Specs Capacity 16L Weight 1 lb 15 oz Pockets 11 Sternum strap Yes Waist Strap Yes Osprey has been making Talon packs since 2007. Head to any popular trail, and I guarantee you'll see someone hauling one. Their popularity is well earned, and the latest top loading 33L iteration is impressively well specced and weighs just 2 lbs., 12.5 oz. No, it's not a gossamer thin, ultralight pack, but the 100D high-tenacity nylon is tough and made from 100 percent bluesign-approved recycled materials, with a non-PFAS DWR. Annoyingly, there's no rain cover, but that omission aside, it's a superb daypack. The clever back panel used here can be adjusted between 17-22 inches to fit a good range of torsos, and the injection-molded design combines well with the wide hip belt to offer a great level of support. That said, the hip belt has day hike, rather than multi-day, levels of cushioning, but that's fine as the 33L capacity limits how much you can take anyway. It is a versatile pack with a large top lid, two zippered pockets and a large front stretch pocket that I stash jackets, bike locks and all sorts in. There's a couple of stretch side pockets too, zipped snack pockets where you need them, and everything can be cinched down tight to minimize bouncing. You can safely carry two ice axes too, and the clever hiking pole storage means you can access and stow them without taking the pack off. —Chris Haslam Specs Capacity 33L Weight 2 lb 12 oz Pockets 8 Sternum strap Yes Waist Strap Yes
