Latest news with #Riccardo
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Rainbow Room International brings Japanese innovation to the Ayr salon
Ayr salon director Riccardo Corvi and apprentice Ava Lester returned from the experience with a deeper appreciation for precision, calm, and purpose in hairdressing. After an inspiring educational trip to Japan, Scotland's largest salon group, the award-winning Rainbow Room International, is now implementing key insights gained from the experience into their salon environment. The trip was made possible by Laura Leigh Kerr, the Director of Howard Street Academy, and the 2024 Educator of the Year for the prestigious Fellowship for British Hairdressing. She played a crucial role in securing the successful bid that allowed the group to embark on the unique, once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Far East.. The opportunity followed a rigorous application process funded by the Turing Scheme, which ultimately approved the trip. The experience was not only an opportunity for the eight young apprentices selected to participate, but it also proved transformative for everyone involved. The meticulous techniques, respectful client rituals, and deep appreciation for the hairdressing profession in Japan left a lasting impression. For Riccardo Corvi, salon director of Rainbow Room International Ayr, and apprentice Ava Lester, the educational trip to Japan was a profound reminder that true excellence in hairdressing lies in technique, focus, and the courage to create with intention. Travelling as part of the select group representing Scotland's leading salon group, Riccardo and Ava were immersed in Japan's unique salon culture, where discipline, calm, and craft go hand in hand. Riccardo said: "What we experienced wasn't just skill, it was precision with purpose. Everything we saw, from cutting to styling, was about control, discipline and deep respect for the process. That mindset has already elevated how we're approaching our work back in Ayr." Ava, one of the eight apprentices chosen for the opportunity, was particularly struck by the serenity of the salons. She said: "It was so chilled and quiet. You felt relaxed as soon as you stepped in, like you were in a completely different world." But beyond the atmosphere, it was the technique that left a lasting impact. Ava described a hair-up demonstration that used just a single pin to create a perfectly formed French roll, no heat, barely any product, only backcombing and technique. She said: "It was so precise and so effortless. It showed me how much you can achieve when you strip it all back and focus on the craft." Riccardo agreed that this minimalist, deeply considered approach is something his team in Ayr is now embracing more than ever. He added: "Less product, less rushing, more thought, more purpose. The team has returned with a sharper eye, a steadier hand, and a real appreciation for the power of precision." Inspired by Japanese calm, clarity, and technical mastery, both Riccardo and Ava are championing a return to thoughtful creativity, where each section, snip and styling move is done with care, clarity and confidence. Riccardo said: "Japan reminded us that hairdressing is an art form, one that deserves time, focus, and a genuine love of the craft. "And that's exactly the energy we're bringing back to Ayr."
The Review Geek
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Has Real Men been renewed for Season 2? Here's what we know:
Renewed or Cancelled? Real Men is the latest comedy on Netflix, with an energetic cast and a simple premise. Having watched the first season in its entirety, you may be wondering if this one has been renewed or cancelled. Well, wonder no more! What is Real Men about? Real Men centers on four middle-aged friends – Massimo, Luigi, Riccardo and Mattia – who find themselves forced to navigate changing gender dynamics. Through humour, the four confront bias and toxic masculinity, redefining relationships and roles amid the push for equality. Has Real Men been renewed for Season 2? At the time of writing, Real Men has not been renewed for season 2. Generally Netflix would gauge numerous metrics before renewing a show, including how many people initially watch it and then looking at the drop-off rate. With some shows, cancellations or renewals happen quickly. Other times, it can take months before a decision over a show's future is made. So far, Real Men has had a very mixed reaction online from critics and audiences alike. Given the way this show is set up, and the ending we receive, we're predicting that this will not be renewed for a second season. Getting Deja Vu watching this? Well, Real Men's premise is almost identical to Alpha Males, Shafted and Roosters that are all basically the same show in different languages. This has been well-trodden ground for a while now. The series has potential no doubt, but as we've seen with shows like Money Heist: Korea, just rebooting a show into a different country doesn't always work. We also know completion rate is a massive metric for these streamers and this feels like one of those shows that people will drop before the end. However, we could be completely wrong too, so take our prediction with a pinch of salt! What we know about season 2 so far: Barely anything is known about Real Men season 2 at this point given Netflix haven't officially renewed or cancelled this one. Given the first season's conclusion and the hopes from cast and crew for more, we'd likely get another 8 episode season if this one is renewed. Furthermore, the story's tone and style will likely remain very similar to what we've been graced with in season 1. We will update this page when more information becomes available, so be sure to check this page out in the near future. Would you like to see Real Men return for a second season? What's been your favourite part of the show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
San Francisco Chronicle
01-05-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
S.F. boozy brunch hotspot shuts down, and more Bay Area restaurant closures
The following is a list of notable Bay Area restaurants that closed in April 2025. Click here for a list of March closings. Popular pan-Asian restaurant Chubby Noodle closed in San Francisco's North Beach on April 30. The restaurant was well known for its 90-minute all-you-can-eat brunch which included dishes like spicy wontons, garlic noodles and salt and pepper shrimp. Nighttime diners could find Korean-style pork tacos, Japanese style meatball skewers and steamed pork buns, among other dishes. Los Altos Georgian restaurant Bevri announced via email its final day in business was April 7. The restaurant was well known for its khachapuri, a cheesy stuffed flatbread, and Georgian wines. The flagship Bevri location in Palo Alto remains open. Windsor bistro and shop Maison Porcella announced via its newsletter that it closed on April 26. Owners thanked patrons for their support and wrote they will now focus on preparing their charcuterie boards for catering clients and at farmers' markets. The restaurant space will remain available for private parties through the end of June. East Bay Nosh reports that Highwire Coffee on Berkeley's stretch of San Pablo Avenue has closed. Company co-founder Robert Myers said the location was not ideal for foot traffic. A new Highwire location recently launched in West Oakland's Prescott Market food hall. Zarri's Delicatessen has made its last smoked ham and liverwurst sandwiches. The 90-year old deli in Albany was known for its old-school foods and Italian goods, including wines. It originally opened in Richmond in 1935, then relocated to Albany in 1974, East Bay Nosh reported. Santa Rosa's beloved Italian restaurant Trattoria Cattaneo closed for good when its lease ran out on April 30. Owners Riccardo and Julie Cattano told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat that business cratered post-pandemic, and that the rising costs of goods and utilities made the restaurant unprofitable. Sushi California in Berkeley has closed for good. The neighborhood roll restaurant offered nigiri pieces, maki sushi like salmon rolls and, yes, California rolls. Live music acts on Wednesdays and Fridays were a popular draw. A wine bar and bottle shop at the Chase Center's Thrive City plaza has closed. Glu Glu announced on Instagram that April 30 was its final day at the location. The message mentions there are plans to reopen at another location. Local roaster Ritual Coffee closed its Haight Street location on April 11 after nine years in business. Owner Eileen Rinaldi cited many unspecified factors which made it a challenge to operate. Three other locations operate across San Francisco and Napa. San Francisco's beloved liquor store the Jug Shop closed after 60 years in business. An owner confirmed to the Chronicle that the business was unable to pay rent at its temporary location and was evicted. The business was forced to relocate from its longtime space on the corner of Pacific Avenue and Polk Street for redevelopment. The bottle shop was listed on the San Francisco Legacy Business Registry. Luce, the longtime Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant at San Francisco's Intercontinental Hotel, has closed. It originally opened in 2008 and became a launchpad for high profile chefs such as Dominique Crenn, of Atelier Crenn, 'Top Chef' star Melissa King and Rogelio Garcia of Calistoga's Auro. A Richmond restaurant and live music venue abruptly closed mid-April. Baltic Kiss notified tentative performers it had closed immediately, with a matching message on its website. The restaurant was the latest from chef Tony Caracci and Suzie Vasko, who operated the Black Star Pirate BBQ in Point Richmond. Employees have filed complaints with the California Labor Commission alleging thousands of dollars in unpaid wages.
NZ Herald
28-04-2025
- NZ Herald
I've found the best free way to see any city
There are many ways to explore a city on foot. You can do a typical city walk (ideal if you haven't been to a city before or for a long time), or a themed walk centred around food or the supernatural. I vividly remember a food tour of Manhattan where we ate piping hot, artichoke pizza on a freezing winter's day. I also fondly remember doing a 'Harry Potter' walking tour in London, which involved a quiz connecting the sites we saw in the films. A walking tour is a great way to orient yourself, and it usually takes you past the key tourist sites. Think of a hop-on, hop-off bus but with interactive commentary and walking rather than sitting, which is also a great way to shake off jetlag. Better than the orientation, though, are the stories told by the tour guides. Typically lifelong residents of the city and always local, these guides are invariably engaging and passionate about the cities they live in. You learn something about the city's history, something about the culture and something about the way people live in the city. In Florence, my tour guide, Riccardo, told the group about the demise of the city's leather-making industry and the exodus of the young people. Like so many other 'tourist hot spots' in Europe, he explained, Florence is no longer affordable for young people. We walked on with Riccardo and, when we were positioned at the rear of the famous Duomo (Cathedral), he pointed to the street sign – Bischero (pronounced Biskero). Riccardo told us the origin of the name. At the end of the 1200s, before building the Duomo, the government offered the local families money to buy their homes and relocate. All accepted except the Bischeri family, who hoped to increase the offer. Mysteriously, the Bischeri house burnt to the ground and, from that day on, 'Bischero' has been used by Florentines to refer to a stupid person. The story was funny and interesting in itself, but it became hilarious moments later. Riccardo, looking directly at the two sullen teenagers in our group, reminisced about a history lesson when he was a teenager, where the teacher discussed a lot about the Medici family, but also mentioned the Bischero story. At the end of the lesson, the teacher asked Riccardo who the important family in the story was. 'Bischero,' he'd said confidently. 'No,' said the teacher, 'It was the Medicis. You are the Bischero!' A good joke made even more impressive by the fact it was delivered by a Forentine in perfect English. Jack was our guide in Oxford. He introduced himself as a 'Townie' and a 'Gownie'. A 'Townie' means he lives in Oxford. A 'Gownie' means he had studied in Oxford too. Now a self-confessed, struggling writer hoping to have a career as an academic, Jack guides walking tours and infuses his facts with local knowledge. Jack told our group how the town of Oxford came to be, but most interesting was his insight into Oxford as a university town. He told us that 31 of 58 English prime ministers have been educated in Oxford, and explained how every student is assigned to a pastoral hub, being a college. He spoke earnestly about how Oxford University looks to the future and is now leaning away from undergraduate study towards postgraduate studies and to be a world centre for research. Another day, another fascinating walking tour. This time, in the summer in Dubrovnik. The tour guide, Luka, was a Dubrovnik native who had some interesting and concerning thoughts on tourism. Croatia, he told the group, has lost 500,000 residents since 2011. There is now one retiree for every worker. Luka believes tourism has brought Dubrovnik back to life and saved Croatia's economy. On the other hand, Dubrovnik has a population of 42,000 but 45,000 tourist beds! Hardly any locals live in the Old Town any longer - a mere 900 yet there are 2800 tourist beds. Even with a cap of two cruise ships per day during cruising season, there can be 9000 day trippers in Dubrovnik. No wonder the city has crowd control measures such as ropes and direction arrows indicating pedestrian traffic flow. Advertise with NZME. Luka told us one-fifth of the Croatian economy is tourism and that, slowly, all industries other than tourism are shutting down. Even wineries and olive oil production have become tourism businesses. He, himself, admitted that being a tour guide a few hours a day for part of the year is a much easier life than being a farmer. Despite the challenges, Luka regarded his life as prosperous because previous generations lived through occupation and conflict. Without walking tours guided by locals such as Ela, Riccardo, Jack and Luka, I would have wandered around Bologna, Florence, Oxford and Dubrovnik and gazed at the impressive buildings without any idea of the stories behind what I was seeing, nor how the locals live now. I leave every walking tour with an enhanced sense of what the city was and what the city is. I leave with unique, local insights that cost me (next to) nothing. How do I find a walking tour? You can join a free walking tour by visiting the local Tourist Information Office or via a Google search. I like the GuruWalk app as it groups all tours together by city with descriptions of what will be covered, tour duration, languages, times, meeting places, maps and reviews. Are walking tours really free? Some walking tours attract a charge per head, but these are usually themed walks or tours that involve admission fees. If there is no disclosed fee, there is no obligation to pay anything. Bear in mind, though, that this is a job for the guide. The guide is giving up their time and local knowledge, so a tip or donation at the end of the tour is recommended.
Japan Times
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Japan Times
How Yuki Tsunoda's new attitude helped him land a seat with Red Bull
As his fellow Formula One drivers cooled down their cars, waved to fans and took deep breaths after 90 minutes of high-intensity racing, Yuki Tsunoda raged. Toward the latter stages of the Bahrain Grand Prix last March, Tsunoda was told to let his teammate Daniel Riccardo pass him. Riccardo was on fresher tires, and the team strategists reasoned that he had the better opportunity to fight for a points finish. Across several messages over the team radio, Tsunoda wasn't shy about expressing his displeasure, but he eventually let the Australian through. Then on the cooldown lap after the race, his anger boiled over. The Japanese driver aggressively overtook Riccardo, nearly causing a collision between the two cars. After the race, Riccardo diplomatically called it a 'bit of immaturity' on the part of the young driver. 'I was a bit heated,' Tsunoda admitted a few days later. 'I was getting heated moments in my brain.' Heated moments were a recurring theme for Tsunoda early in his career. Upon entering the sport with Alpha Tauri, now known as Racing Bulls, Tsunoda quickly gained a reputation as a hothead and became known as much for his colorful messages over team radio as his driving skill. That may have helped him develop a cult following among F1 fans, but it didn't do his long-term career prospects any favors. Indeed, it's hard to imagine Racing Bulls' senior team would want that version of Tsunoda in 2025 as it strives to win back the constructors' title. Now, as he prepares for his Red Bull race debut on Sunday at the Japanese Grand Prix, those close to Tsunoda are adamant that the six-time constructors' champion is getting a new and improved version of the hotheaded rookie from 2021 — a calmer, more consistent driver who is finally ready to fight at the front of the grid. Growing pains From the very start of his F1 journey, Tsunoda was known both for his talent behind the wheel and his road rage. He cursed about traffic in front of him, told his race engineers to 'shut up' and criticized various aspects of his car and team strategy. Just a few months after his first F1 race, Tsunoda admitted on the 'Beyond the Grid' podcast that his anger management was a weak point and something that he was working on. 'Controlling myself is now the main topic for me,' he said. 'This is definitely now my weak point and I have to now really improve on this radio communications.' While Tsunoda has calmed down since then, the high-pressure environment in F1 means his radio transcripts will never be family friendly. Last year, Tsunoda was fined after he used an offensive term to describe another driver's intelligence during qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix. Tsunoda later apologized on social media, saying he didn't understand the true meaning of the word. In truth, the fact that Tsunoda isn't a native English speaker is part of the reason he's come across as such a colorful character. 'I had a quick temper but I was still learning English, and I was amazed at how you can express yourself with swear words very easily. In Japan we don't have (those) kind of words, so I was a little bit enjoying (using those) words,' he reflected during an interview with The Japan Times on Tuesday. Tsunoda signs autographs after the first practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday. | AFP-JIJI Mental maturation Alpine driver Pierre Gasly had a firsthand view of the more volatile Tsunoda during the Japanese racer's early years in F1. Gasly already had three full seasons and a race win under his belt when he was paired with Tsunoda at Alpha Tauri in 2021. 'I think he always had the raw speed,' Gasly said during a news conference on Thursday. 'It was a little bit too hectic behind the wheel at times, on the radio. I think in that sense, he's matured enough in minimizing the mistakes.' Tsunoda said his mental development was a conscious decision he made due to the realization that a calmer approach would be better for his career in the long run. 'The team expected me to say in the radio more like car feedback rather than emotion,' Tsunoda said. 'You don't want to have that kind of easy temper and emotion straight away.' Tsunoda said that Red Bull boss Christian Horner typically said little to him about his driving skill during their discussions, instead focusing his attention on Tsunoda's attitude behind the wheel. 'Now I'm naturally just a bit calmer,' Tsunoda said. 'I started to also see clear benefits from not being quick-tempered and shouting on the radio.' Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies was quick to praise the growth of his former charge, both inside and outside the car. 'We have seen him being more calm, being more mature, improving massively his technical feedback ... and this is converting into speed,' he said during a news conference on Friday. 'So as a result, the natural speed when he gets into the car is higher straight away. And when you combine all that, well, you turn a young driver into a team leader, and that's really the role he was taking with the team, certainly from the start of the year.' The French engineer also praised the 24-year-old's work ethic with comments that might surprise those who remember Tsunoda's lackadaisical attitude toward training during an episode of Netflix's 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive' that aired in 2022. 'As we know, (improvement) never comes for free and without effort. You can sense how much effort and concentration he has been putting into that,' Mekies said. As an example of his more relaxed mentality, Tsunoda's most notable radio message so far in 2025 was a far cry from his expletive-laden outbursts of the past. 'Woooo! Told you! Iced latte's working baby. Iced latte,' Tsunoda exclaimed after qualifying fifth for the Australian Grand Prix. Tsunoda sits in his car during practice on Friday. | REUTERS Fresh challenge Tsunoda may need an extra bit of zen as he faces his next challenge with Red Bull. For one, the car, while undoubtedly among the quickest on the grid, has developed a reputation as being difficult to drive. Sharing a garage with Verstappen is also a daunting challenge, as Tsunoda will constantly be judged against the pace of the four-time champion. It's a position that Horner has called the 'toughest job' in Formula One. But perhaps most of all, the stakes are simply higher now that Tsunoda is racing for a team with title aspirations. Battles further back in the field are undoubtedly intense as teams strive to move up the pecking order, but there is a big difference between fighting for the bottom points-paying positions and a place on the podium. So far, Tsunoda looks relaxed even as his Red Bull debut comes with the added hoopla of a shocking driver swap ahead of his home race. He managed the sixth-fastest time in Friday's first practice session and was just a tenth of a second off the pace set by Verstappen in what Horner called a 'solid start' during an interview with Sky Sports. Mekies, for his part, expressed full confidence that Tsunoda will succeed with the senior team. 'Yuki is able to turn up to race weekend and from the first lap of (practice) to the last lap of the race, just doing a purely faultless weekend,' he said. 'What you see outside of the car is certainly turning into very tangible improvements when he's driving the car.' As for Tsunoda's first drive in his new car, his radio message at the end of Friday's first practice session was unlikely to make it onto his greatest hits album. 'I found the car interesting on the track. But yeah, it's OK. Good sesh,' he said.
