Latest news with #Grind
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet Elon Musk's Puppet Master: Russell Vought
Elon Musk may have 'left Washington' last week, but the Department of Government Efficiency won't miss a step. That's because Musk was never running DOGE in the first place. I'm not suggesting that Amy Gleason was in charge. Gleason, you may recall, is the government official whom the White House last February named as a sort of papier-mâché acting DOGE administrator as part of its legal sleight of hand to shield Musk from litigation. Gleason is a data expert who worked for Musk, not the other way around. No, I'm talking about Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought. The worst-kept secret in Washington is that Vought, from day one, was pulling Musk's marionette strings at DOGE. That lends some irony to news reports that Vought will inherit Musk's DOGE portfolio. In truth, that portfolio has been sitting atop Vought's desk since January. 'Elon Musk is the face of DOGE,' said Bloomberg Businessweek last month, 'but Russell Vought is the brains.' Am I saying Musk brought nothing to the table? I am not. Assembling and deploying DOGE's team of tech saboteurs—those hoodied 24-year-olds who tapped into government computer systems that were theoretically off-limits to them—was Musk's chief contribution. The wildly inaccurate DOGE scorecard of savings achieved looks like Musk's handiwork too. And it goes without saying that Musk enlivened the project with hateful rhetoric. I won't soon forget this tweet (which Musk took down after it caused an uproar): 'Stalin, Mao, and Hitler didn't murder millions of people. Their public sector employees did.' But when Musk took on this project, he knew nothing about how the federal government works and therefore would have been incapable of choosing DOGE's targets. Also, it's doubtful Musk had the first clue how to get around the obstacles that civil servants threw in his path. Then there's the matter of Musk's pill-popping and severely disordered personal life while campaigning for candidate Donald Trump last fall, as documented last week by The New York Times. According to the Times' Kirsten Grind and Meghan Twohey, Musk was 'using drugs far more intensely than previously known.' These drugs included ecstasy, magic mushrooms, and so much ketamine that the richest man in the world struggled to maintain bladder control. Per Grind and Twohey, it's 'unclear' whether Musk continued doing all this in the White House. But I wouldn't call it very unclear. Grind and Twohey note that Musk's behavior while in government was 'erratic … insulting cabinet members, gesturing like a Nazi and garbling his answers in a staged interview.' (Grind and Twohey wrote that before Musk showed up Friday in the Oval Office with a shiner.) We know from a January 2024 Wall Street Journal report by Grind and Emily Glazer that executives and board members at Musk's companies have for some time been worrying a great deal about Musk's consumption of these same drugs (and also LSD). Vought, on the other hand, is by all accounts extremely knowledgeable about how the government works, having previously worked as OMB director during Trump's first term, assuming the role in 2019 after his predecessor, Mick Mulvaney, became acting chief of staff. Before that, Vought was (among other things) executive director of the Republican Study Committee and policy director of the House Republican Conference. 'There's a category of conservative activists who say, 'This is what should be done,'' Tom Fitton, president of the conservative nonprofit Judicial Watch, told McKay Coppins of The Atlantic last month, 'and there's a much smaller group who actually know how to make it happen. Russ is one of them.' DOGE was carved out of an existing (and far more anodyne) White House office, the United States Digital Service, which is part of … you guessed it—OMB. According to The New York Times, Trump moved DOGE out of OMB to put it out of the reach of 'open records laws that could give the public insight into its operations.' It would not surprise me to learn that this was Vought's idea. Vought is also Mister Project 2025. He wrote the chapter in this notorious Heritage Foundation book about White House powers over the executive branch, having previously served seven years as vice president of Heritage's political advocacy arm, Heritage Action. According to David Graham's new book The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America, Vought is 'widely understood to be the driving intellectual force behind the project.' Trump disavowed Project 2025 during the 2024 campaign ('I don't know anything about it, I don't want to know anything about it'), but Vought's involvement alone is sufficient to call Trump a liar: Trump installed Vought as policy director of the platform committee at the Republican National Convention. Since January, Project 2025 has been (to the extent anything is) the Trump White House's blueprint for policymaking. A Project 2025 tracker maintained jointly by two nonprofits, the Center for Progressive Reform and Governing for Impact, checks off 31 recommendations just at OMB, which lies (per Graham) 'at the heart of Project 2025's plan to remake the government.' A somewhat more user-friendly Project 2025 tracker created by two tech nerds on Reddit follows 313 policy recommendations from the volume. Of these, it reports, 98 are done and 66 are 'in progress.' One of Project 2025's major aims is to radically downsize the federal government. 'The overall situation is constitutionally dire,' Vought wrote in it, 'unsustainably expensive, and in urgent need of repair.' In a subsequent interview with Tucker Carlson, Vought said OMB 'has the ability to turn off the spending that is going on at the agencies.' Not DOGE; OMB. In a February memo to the heads of executive branch departments and agencies, Vought and Charles Ezell, acting administrator for the White House Office of Personnel Management, called for 'the maximum elimination of functions that are not statutorily mandated' and explained how the layoff process in the federal government worked, imposing at least some semblance of order on Musk's mass firings. It was also Vought who expanded DOGE's budget during Trump's first weeks in office from an initial $750,000 to $14 million. Here's how Politico's Megan Messerly, citing four former Trump officials, explained the working relationship between Musk and Vought: Musk … provides the public face to the bureaucracy-slashing efforts and takes the heat for the budget-cratering, employee-firing and overall havoc-wreaking that has been unleashed on the federal government. Vought … brings the expertise, insider knowledge and ideology.… Musk's army makes very public incursions into agencies and ferrets through data using artificial intelligence … to identify allegedly wasteful spending while Musk handles the public relations campaign on X and amplifies their findings. Vought's OMB, meanwhile, brings the technical tools and expertise to figure out, one, whether the concerns DOGE raises are actually problems and two, what to do with them. If Vought was pulling the marionette strings, why did so many of DOGE's actions get overturned by federal courts? The Institute of Peace, for instance, reclaimed its headquarters in late May after DOGE tried to expel it, and even without judicial intervention, 70 Agriculture Department leases that DOGE tried to cancel got un-canceled. Wouldn't a longtime Washington pro know how to be more surgical in cutting government and avoid such reversals? Not if that Washington pro didn't care. Like Steve Bannon and other hard-core Trump believers, Vought is a fanatical advocate for maximum disruption. 'We are living in a post-constitutional time,' Vought has written, meaning that our current constitutional norms are so polluted by mainstream legal thinking over the past 100 years that we need to tear them down. In effect, Vought wants to repeal—not the industrial revolution, exactly, but certainly the governmental structures created to keep it from overpowering democratic governance. Firings are integral to this goal; so is demoralization. As Molly Redden, Andy Kroll, and Nick Surgey reported last October for Pro Publica, Vought was recorded saying in a private meeting: We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected. When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains. We want their funding to be shut down so that the EPA can't do all of the rules against our energy industry because they have no bandwidth financially to do so. We want to put them in trauma. Mission accomplished. DOGE hasn't done much to reduce the budget deficit; indeed, according to CNN analyst Zachary B. Wolf, DOGE could easily end up netting out as a loss to the Treasury of about $45 billion. But if Vought were serious about eliminating red ink, he wouldn't be working so hard to pass a Big, Beautiful reconciliation bill that will more than double the budget deficit. Musk pointed out the folly of the reconciliation bill on his way out the door. That was reported as Musk criticizing Trump, but more notably it was Musk slighting Vought. Pinocchio was giving Geppetto a little back talk. Vought took it in stride because his goal is demolition, not solvency, and (setting aside adverse judicial rulings that the administration may or may not obey) the wrecking ball continues to swing. Vought didn't even bother to fold all of DOGE's cuts into the administration's proposed budget, he said last weekend on CNN, because he didn't think he had to. But isn't that impoundment, CNN's Dana Bash asked Vought. 'We are not in love with the law,' Vought replied. DOGE isn't going anywhere.
Telegraph
24-04-2025
- General
- Telegraph
The best iced coffee makers, tested to see if they're worth a spot in your kitchen
With warmer weather incoming, now's the time to master how to make iced coffee at home. It's surprisingly simple to make in your kitchen for a fraction of cafe prices and coffee machines increasingly come with a cold-brew function or steam-free frothing, making it even easier to switch from hot to iced lattes. In theory, you can use any coffee to make iced coffee: pod machine coffee, bean-to-cup espresso or even instant. But since ice dilutes the mix, a full-flavoured brew is essential. As award-winning coffee expert Ben Lewis, aka Barista Benji, explains, you need to act fast to minimise dilution: 'I apply some of the same principles as cocktail making. I'll stack the cup with ice before adding any coffee, then quickly add the ingredients.' You might also want to include specialist coffee syrups, as iced coffee lacks the sweetness of steamed milk and sugar doesn't dissolve easily in cold liquid. I tried eight different products to find the best iced coffee makers, including automatic coffee machines, a milk frother and even cold brew bottles. Prices start from just £27 and you'll find brands including Ninja, Delonghi and Grind below. The best iced coffee makers: At a glance How to choose the best iced coffee maker for you There's much to consider when it comes to choosing a coffee machine; they vary enormously in size and price and the latest iced coffee makers for use at home employ a wide range of different brewing techniques. Some machines are designed to dispense hot coffee directly over ice, while others use low or no heat methods, such as slow and low-tech cold infusion – these are probably not the best picks for a quick caffeine hit but may appeal to serious coffee connoisseurs. At the other end of the scale, some bean-to-cup coffee machines offer dedicated cold coffee settings and steam-free milk frothing for fabulous iced lattes in minutes. Ultimately, the maker that's best for you will depend not just on your favourite style of coffee but on how long you're willing to wait for it to brew, the space you have available in your kitchen and your budget. How we test iced coffee makers I tested a wide range of coffee makers, from simple infusion bottles to fully automatic bean-to-cup machines which offer the latest in cold-extraction technology. I considered how simple each one was to operate and the time it took to dispense a brew. I factored in the practicalities, such as how easy they were to refill and keep clean, as well as how noisy my morning coffee was to make. I also considered the design and materials with which each machine was made. I used the same coffee beans and grounds in every coffee maker, opting for the delicious House Blend from Grind and scoring each maker on the range and quality of the coffee it delivered. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best iced coffee makers of 2025 1. Best Buy Iced Coffee Maker: Ninja Luxe Café This manual Ninja coffee maker is great if you enjoy taking your time to craft an impressive brew. It offers extensive customisation, with 25 grind sizes and four different froth styles (for different milks), so you can fine-tune every aspect of your coffee, including brew strength and temperature. This solidly built machine has a chunky stainless steel jug for milk frothing and a simple illuminated display, controlled by buttons and dials. The settings are straightforward and the screen guides you through each stage – for example, once you've dialled in your choice of brew, the display indicates the recommended grind size – letting you achieve great results without barista skills. As well as hot espresso, there are chilled coffee settings for cold brew, cold pressed coffee and an 'over ice' option, delivering concentrated hot coffee that stands up to ice dilution. If, like me, you find texturising milk tricky, you'll be pleased to know that the frother is automatic, taking the pressure off creating a top-tier micro foam. There's a self-purging wand for steaming hot milk and a fantastically effective whisk attachment for cold foam. I scored the machine highly from a practical point of view. The water tank is a generous two litres and the bean hopper, positioned at the front of the machine, takes the stretch out of refilling. The coffee tamper and funnel slot into one side of the machine and there's a clever accessories compartment on the other for cleaning brushes and spare filter baskets. Many of the parts, including the drip tray components, water tank and even the bean hopper, are dishwasher safe. This machine takes the headache out of creating great coffee while allowing you to learn-on-the-go and improve your barista skills with every cup. It's brilliant value too, out-performing far pricier models. Key specifications 2. Best Value Iced Coffee Maker: Instant Cold Brewer Traditional cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. This extended brewing time lets the coffee extract slowly, resulting in a smoother, less acidic and more full-bodied flavour. Instant's cold brewer is designed with the usual high quality and functionality we've come to expect from them. It's attractive and well made, consisting of a glass jug with a steel brew basket and strong lid – all of which are dishwasher-safe. It's simple to operate and spin-brews cold coffee (or tea leaves) using its 'FlashExtract' technology to agitate the grounds or tea leaves and extract the maximum flavour in under 20 minutes. While slow-tech cold brew bottles may deliver the best results, this is a brilliant option if you enjoy cold brew but don't always have time to plan ahead. While you might argue that an instant coffee machine can't technically produce a true cold brew, this machine can most certainly create a delicious-tasting cold coffee. And at £79, it's excellent value for such a high quality piece of kit. Key specifications 3. Best Iced Coffee Maker for Cold Brew: Grind Cold Brew Bottle A simple infusion bottle such as this one by Grind is the easiest way to make a true cold brew. There's little skill involved, but you will need to plan ahead as the process takes between eight and 24 hours using time rather than heat to bring out the flavours in your coffee. It's a method I enjoy using as I love the smoothness of the resulting coffee. Preparing the bottle only takes a couple of minutes and during the summer months, I make it part of my morning routine. The bottle is filled with cold water, the coffee grounds are spooned into a stainless steel filter basket, which is gently lowered into the water and left to infuse slowly in the fridge. Once the coffee has brewed, it can be kept in the fridge ready for you to enjoy on demand. The bottle and parts are entirely dishwasher safe and Grind even makes iced coffee cups if you want to enjoy your drink on the go. As a rule, Barista Benji suggests a ratio of 1:10, so 100g of coffee grounds per litre of water, explaining that: 'By increasing the amount of coffee in the water, you can add more body to the drink; however, this can sometimes be overpowering. Finding a good balance is key.' Grind recommends just 50g of coffee grounds per litre, which after 12 hours of infusing, made a strong enough brew for my taste buds. Key specifications Type: Coffee grounds Capacity: 1 litre 4. Best Automatic Iced Coffee Machine: Delonghi Eletta Explore Score: 9/10 We like: The speed and ease We don't like: It's a little noisy This Italian-made, bean-to-cup coffee maker offers all the styles you'd expect to find on an automatic machine, such as a flat white and a cappuccino. Unlike others, however, it also offers cold extraction – the machine cools itself down with a rinse, then slowly brews the coffee. Though the dispensing temperature wasn't truly cold (29C according to my thermometer), its steady three minute drip into a glass of ice resulted in a wonderfully smooth coffee with noticeably less dilution than when using hot espresso. This machine is also capable of frothing milk without steam, with a recommendation for skimmed and dairy-free alternatives. I tried it with the regular semi-skimmed in my fridge and still got excellent results. If there's any remaining milk in the carafe, it can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days and it's conveniently dishwasher-friendly. The machine automatically rinses when switched on and off, so it's a good idea to keep a small jug positioned under the spout to save you from frequently emptying the drip tray. The design is well thought out with a good-sized water tank to the side and a large bean hopper, keeping refills to a minimum. The spout slides up and down to accommodate a range of cup sizes, including the tall to-go insulated cup it comes with. The digital display is simple to use. Scroll through the wide range of preset drink options and make modifications, save favourites or individual user profiles. Once your coffee is ready, the machine displays a jolly message such as 'This is my best one yet!' There's also an accompanying app. It's also worth noting that the brand's Rivelia Automatic Coffee Machine is compatible with a clever Latte Crema Cool Upgrade Set that enables the machine to create an additional range of six iced coffees. Key specifications 5. Best Iced Coffee Maker for On The Go: Hario Cold Brew Coffee Filter in Bottle Similar in design to the Grind bottle, this glass bottle has a silicone lid and stopper. The bottle is slightly narrow and a little taller, while the filter basket is nylon rather than stainless steel. This may not affect the filter's functionality, but it detracts from an otherwise stylish appearance. The white mesh may also discolour a little over time. The filter basket is lidded, which means the coffee can be poured into a glass without the need to remove the filter from the bottle. And as the coffee is already chilled, your cold brew can be served straight or over ice. A cold brew bottle is a brilliant option for taking into work, making it easy to swerve the coffee shop queues and save a few pounds. Just fill it up before bed and you're all set to go come the morning. This design comes in various sizes and a beautiful array of contemporary shades, including deep teal and cranberry red, making it as visually appealing on your breakfast table as it is in a picnic basket or work bag. Key specifications 6. Best Cold Milk Frother: Drew & Cole Barista Frothiere The Frothiere is a small and easy-to-use milk frother that makes a great partner for using alongside a coffee pod machine or coffee pot. Unlike some other frothers, which specialise in warming the milk while whisking, this machine can also handle cold milk. Two whisk attachments let you choose from foamy or smooth textures, although you'll need to cool your espresso before adding to the frother in order to avoid warming the milk. Alternatively, add your choice of black coffee to an ice-filled glass and top up with the whisked milk. It's not the quickest, taking around three minutes, but it couldn't be easier to operate. Key specifications Type: Prepared coffee Size: 18.3 x 17.4 x 11.2cm Weight: 1.14kg Capacity: 0.2 litres 7. Best Iced Coffee Maker for Small Kitchens: Breville Iced Coffee Maker This style of iced coffee maker uses a drip method in the same way as a standard filter machine, passing hot water through ground coffee into a tumbler of ice. It couldn't be simpler to operate and once the machine is filled and assembled, it's just a case of pressing the start button. The accompanying tumbler has useful markers to help measure out the correct amount of water needed to fill the reservoir, as well as how much ice to add. You can control the strength and length of the drink by varying the amount of coffee you add to the filter. Once you're satisfied with the volume of coffee dispensed, a simple sliding lever halts the coffee flow, allowing you to add milk or more ice as you wish. While it's lightweight and easy to pop away into a cupboard, the plastic build does feel a bit on the flimsy side. Key specifications 8. Best Budget Iced Coffee Maker: Salter 2 in 1 Iced Coffee Maker Like the Breville Iced Coffee Maker above, this is essentially a filter machine. It produces both hot and cold coffee, hence the name, and there's no need to use paper filters. Coming complete with nifty to-go cups, the model offers one tall beaker with a straw for iced drinks and an insulated travel mug. The instructions specify 180g of ice cubes which, if you don't want to get the weighing scales out every time you want an iced coffee, works out as a full glass. Despite this large amount of ice, once the machine had completed its cycle (about three minutes dripping plus a recommended two minutes resting), the ice had all but completely melted and the resulting, diluted coffee was still not quite cool enough at 8C to 9C. There's no way I could see to modify the settings, so I'm not quite sure how you'd reduce the coffee volume in order to accommodate adding milk. This style makes a good choice for a compact kitchen and despite its economical price tag, it's attractive and sturdily put together. Key specifications Iced Coffee Maker FAQs Is an iced coffee machine worth it? Yes, if you drink iced coffee frequently and enjoy well-brewed, non-watery results, then it's worth it. However, you can definitely make great iced coffee without one. Can I make iced coffee without a coffee machine? Yes, you can serve any coffee over ice but you'll need to start with a full-flavoured base that can hold up to adding milk and or ice. Can I make iced coffee using a coffee pod machine? Yes, though if using the original-style capsules, I'd recommend using two per brew so the coffee flavours don't get lost. What kind of coffee roast is best for iced coffee? Medium to dark roasts often work well for iced coffee as they retain their flavour when chilled and diluted. However, lighter, fruitier roasts can also be delicious if you prefer a brighter iced coffee. What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee? Iced coffee is typically made with hot-brewed coffee that has been poured over ice. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a coffee that is generally smoother and less acidic. Barista Benji says: 'Cold brew is great for people who enjoy the natural flavours of coffee and of course, coming from the fridge it shouldn't dilute much further when added to a big cup of ice.' How do I make iced coffee without it getting watery? Brew stronger coffee than usual, or allow it to cool a little before adding ice.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Tried and tested: These are the best matcha powders, according to a daily matcha latte drinker
A few summers ago, I asked the barista in a small coffee shop in Athens if he had an iced drink that was less strong than a frappé. 'You're not really a coffee drinker,' he laughed, before recommending the homemade iced tea. Some people might have taken offence at his reaction, but the truth is he was right: I wasn't a coffee drinker. And I haven't ordered one since. Instead, I start each day with an oat matcha latte that I make at home. Lauded for its health benefits, matcha is an ultra-fine powder grounded from green tea leaves. Because of the way it's processed and consumed (as whole leaves, rather than just steeped leaves), the vibrant green powder is rich in antioxidants, nutrients, caffeine and L-theanine. The latter combination also gives you a longer-lasting energy boost (without the crash you might get from coffee). When I first started drinking matcha, around five years ago, I could only really buy the powder on Amazon (or in the Japanese supermarket in central London). Today, the matcha market in the UK is booming. Most supermarkets now stock Perfect Ted; matcha bars Jenki and Blank Street have started selling their matcha powders; and even coffee roasters are jumping on the trend, with Grind launching its first at-home matcha range. It's important to note not all matcha powders are created equal, especially if you're going to drink it. 'Always opt for a high-grade ceremonial powder,' says Amy Moulsdale, Grind's group coffee manager. 'Not only does it deliver exceptional taste, but it is also the richest in antioxidants, ensuring you reap maximum health benefits.' 'You can tell if the matcha is good quality as it should be bright, green in colour with a naturally sweet smooth and creamy texture,' she adds. How I tested these matcha powders I used each of these powders to make a matcha latte – I prepared them all in the same way, using the same oat milk (Oatly Organic Barista Oat Drink, in case you were wondering). They only made the cut if I actually finished the tin or pouch. Below, you'll find five of my current favourite matcha powders. The best matcha powders Grind Ceremonial Grade Matcha (30g) Currently sold out, so make sure to sign up for the restock. £20 Shop Perfect Ted Ceremonial Grade Matcha (30g) Cheep and cheerful, this one is also available in most supermarkets. £9.95 Shop Jenki Ceremonial Grade Matcha (40g) It's pricey but oh so good. Plus, the tin is less messy. £27.99 Shop Matcha Union Ceremonial Grade Matcha (30g) I quite like the vanilla version of this one too. And it also comes in a mess-free tin. £26 Shop Clearspring Ceremonial Grade Matcha (40g) An affordable, no-nonsense option, but the packaging isn't resealable. £10.99 Shop How to make the perfect matcha Regardless of whether you're serving up a hot or iced latte, preparation is key – even the highest-quality ceremonial matcha can taste off if it's not made right – and it all starts with the matcha 'shot'. You'll need a bamboo whisk (chasen), a bamboo scoop (chashaku), a matcha bowl (chawan), a tea strainer and, of course, your matcha powder. 1. The start to great matcha is to 'bloom' your whisk: let it sit in hot water to soften the bristles for around 60 seconds before use to ensure a smoother whisking experience. 2. Water temperature is also important. Always use 70-80 degrees water, as anything hotter will burn the matcha, resulting in a bitter taste. 3. To achieve the perfect foam texture, sift your matcha powder before whisking. Then, whisk in a 'W' or 'M' motion until a smooth layer of froth forms. For a hot matcha latte, pour the matcha shot into a mug and top it with your hot frothed milk of choice. For an iced matcha latte, fill a cup two-thirds of the way with ice and your cold milk of choice, and pour the matcha shot over the milk.
