Latest news with #Spa
Top Gear
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Endurance Motorsport Series preview: why hasn't anyone thought of this before?
Gaming Playing as driver and mechanic in online co-op? Brilliant Skip 5 photos in the image carousel and continue reading In this present chapter of the games industry, in which it's rare enough to play a game that hasn't been preceded by at least nine sequels or released twice already before its current remastered form, new ideas are thin on the ground. But the developers at KT Racing have evidently had their thinking caps on lately. Endurance Motorsport Series is a strikingly generic name for a strikingly bold, fresh racing game. In the simplest terms, you get to be the driver, the strategist and the race engineer all at once. Or stick to one role and play in co-op with your mates occupying the other roles. Advertisement - Page continues below It's as simple as that, and yet nobody's really tried this before. The line between motorsport management and racing sim has always been kept crisp and clear, and other than the Codemasters F1 series letting you run a team off the track and then drive the car at race weekends, no one has dared to step across it. Hypercars, LMP2 and GT vehicles are all on the roster here, as are a mix of real-world tracks like Spa with some supermarket own-brand fictional circuits inspired by the circuits who evidently wouldn't sign the license agreements. We're not talking Gran Turismo 7 -levels of encyclopaedic rigour, then, but that's not really what EMS is going for. You might like As we quickly discover on track at The Green Hell, the handling has a simcade character rather than an all-out simulation. KT Racing wants this to be equally compelling for direct drive wheel users and racers who like to sit back on the sofa with a gamepad in their hands, and that's a smart place to pitch the accessibility level considering there's a co-op element, which means selling the game hard like Jordan Belfort to your gaming buddies in Discord. Lower barrier for entry equals greater likelihood of getting friends involved. Oddly enough, though, it ends up being more compelling with a wheel than a controller. It takes some time to figure out that you can brake much later than when the reasoning gland in your brain starts yelling at you, and even a shade after the 'seriously, brake now' cortex chimes in. Advertisement - Page continues below You've got so much more stopping power and lateral agility than the cars in Assetto Corsa Competizione or iRacing give you, which means half the challenge is finding where the new limit is. And the analogue inputs of a wheel and pedal make that a bit easier to feel your way into than the sharper stick waggles and trigger squeezes of a gamepad. In third-person cam and using a controller, it's clear there's a bit of fine-tuning still to be done on the handling before EMS releases later in 2025. Specifically, the relationship between camera movement and turn-in rate – it's tricky at present to judge how much grip you've got, and the strange understeer-oversteer-understeer phases we experienced through Spa's corners (admittedly, in the wet) felt short of convincing. However: switching between driver and engineer is just as gratifying as it sounds. With one button tap, you're out of the car and watching several data readout screens from the pitwall. Here you're given all the information to analyse the best pit window, the optimum tyre compound, and where the clear air is on track when you exit the pits. It's enjoyable enough to play both roles, but the prospect of playing as a duo and having each co-op teammate committed to their role is genuinely exciting. Because it's genuinely new. We need to shout about these risk-taking games from the rooftops in 2025, because there aren't nearly enough of them. So keep doing what you're doing, EMS . Please make it an easy sales pitch when we get onto Discord and try convincing our mates to join us. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Endurance Motorsport Series is due later in 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Traffic camera beside Crossroads school vandalized
The traffic camera installed near Crossroads Public School in Virgil was brought down at its base by an unknown vandal early Tuesday morning. The Niagara Region, which owns the camera, said it's working to get the camera fixed soon. It appears to have been cut by a power tool. 'Niagara Region is aware of the vandalism to the automated speed enforcement camera on Regional Road 55,' said Scott Fraser, the region's associate director of transportation planning. He said the camera vendor, responsible for the installation and maintenance of the camera (which includes dealing with instances of vandalism), has been notified. Currently, the region doesn't have an estimate of how much it'll cost to repair the camera, Fraser said. 'However, we expect the site to be repaired and the camera returned to service within the next few days,' he said. Niagara-on-the-Lake has seen a wave of vandalism this year. On New Year's Day, there were 16 vehicles that had their windows smashed. In February, 10 cars had their windows broken at the Pillar and Post Hotel & Spa. The region started its speed enforcement program in 2023, with cameras rotating in different parts of Niagara since then. A camera by Crossroads was active in 2024 and again this year. The use of traffic cameras to enforce speeding, including in school zones like this one, has been met with some anger and controversy due to a belief among some drivers that the installation of the cameras is motivated by money-making rather than road safety, as well as issues with technology relating to the automated ticket system. 'My wife and son each received a ticket each in late February for going 53 and 52 km/h,' one local told The Lake Report in a roundup of opinions from ticketed drivers published last March . 'Total fines were $85 and $80, respectively. We will pay the fine, but we will take action to avoid Virgil. I believe these automated cameras are a soft way to get extra money into coffers in the guise of safety. We are all pro-safety, but also common sense.' 'I received a speeding ticket at Crossroads — $115 for driving at 58 km/h,' said another complainant. 'I paid by mail as the internet connection on the ticket did not work.' Parents like Todd Graves, the father of a Grade 5 student at Crossroads, see this as no excuse for the vandalism. 'I can understand speed camera frustration,' Graves said. 'But they are meant to be there for the benefit of the kids and vandalism is never acceptable.' A spokesperson for Niagara Regional Police says the force is aware of the incident and is asking the public for help in identifying the vandal. In the meantime, it wants the public to know that potential consequences for vandalism can be stiff in Niagara. Assuming the price of the speed camera is more than $5,000, 'the criminal charge would be mischief over $5,000, with a potential maximum penalty of two years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both,' said Const. Rich Hingley in an email. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905)-688-4111 or Crimestoppers Niagara at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or daniel@
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Job opportunity on 'incredible' Scottish island with live in accommodation
Four jobs on the picturesque isle are available. A number of job opportunities on an "incredible" Scottish island have come up. The positions come with live-in accommodation. At the moment, the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa is looking to fill a number of roles. The hotel is situated in the island's village and main ferry port of Craignure. The hotel and spa is currently hiring a Food and Beverage Manager, a Leisure Attendant, a Room Attendant, and a Spa Therapist. All four positions are full-time, and involve around 40 hours of work per week. The main benefit of the jobs is that they all come with live-in accommodation in a dedicated block, as well as staff meals. Other benefits include staff discounts, career development opportunities, vouchers, and extra holiday days. The Food and Beverage Manager position pays a "competitive" salary of up to £33,000 per year. The successful applicant will also receive an "extensive benefits package". Main responsibilities will include managing day-to-day operations of the hotel's restaurant, ensuring high standards of service, and addressing guest complaints. Other tasks will include overseeing staff training, managing invoicing, and compiling weekly and period-end sales reports. Meanwhile, the Room Attendant job pays a salary of £12.60 per hour. As well as a benefit package, the successful applicant will receive a service charge of up to £2,000 per year. The main tasks of the Room Attendant include preparing guest bedrooms and bathrooms, assisting with laundry and linen, and refilling guest supplies. Additionally, the worker will clean corridor areas and complete any other duties requested by the Head Housekeeper. The Leisure Attendant will be based in the hotel's gym and swimming pool. Like the Room Attendant position, it pays an hourly wage of £12.60 and a service charge of up to £2,000 per year. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of guests in the gym, pool, and leisure areas. Tasks will include preparing the leisure club every morning, making sure all procedures are followed, and assisting with swimming lessons and acting as a lifeguard. Finally, the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa is looking for a Spa Therapist for its spa. The job will involve providing expert spa therapies such as nail and waxing treatments and making sure every guest leaves feeling rejuvenated. When not working, the Isle of Mull has a huge variety of things to see and do. Described by VisitScotland as "incredible", the island is home to spectacular beaches, historic attractions, and plenty of opportunity for scenic walks. The main settlement on Mull is Tobermory, which is famous for its colourful seafront houses. The town also features a variety of cafés, restaurants, and pubs, as well as the Tobermory Distillery. The job listing states: "The Isle of Mull is the second largest island in the Inner Hebrides, on Scotland's west coast. What does that mean? Red deer, white tailed eagles and native otters; stunning sunrises across the water; a sense of space, peace and a quiet life. There's a really strong community amongst islanders, too. It also means 35 minutes' drive to the supermarket; 45 minutes on a ferry to the nearest cinema; a bus every two hours. The nearest airport is Glasgow, half a day's travel away. "These are the realities of life at the Isle of Mull Hotel Spa, where life takes on a slower pace in winter but is full on in summer. For our staff, these are all reasons why Mull has become home. The other draw is the welcoming environment they find living and working at our hotel." For further details about the jobs, visit the Indeed website. Meanwhile, more information about what you can get up to on the Isle of Mull can be found on VisitScotland.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
A hidden gem for an easy Sunday lunch in Upper Wynberg
Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa is an urban hideaway amid the leafy streets of Upper Wynberg. This past Sunday, I headed to Palm House in Upper Wynberg for their 'Easy Sundays' lunch at the Palm Terrace restaurant – and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable meals I've had in a while. The setting alone is worth mentioning. Palm House is tucked away quietly in the established area of the suburb, with surprisingly gorgeous views of the Constantiaberg mountains. Surrounded by lush gardens and shaded outdoor seating, the atmosphere is calm and unhurried – ideal for a long, relaxed afternoon. The Sunday lunch starts with an array of sharing plates brought to the table. From warm farmhouse bread and house-smoked trout pâté to a heritage tomato and burrata salad, each small dish felt considered and seasonal. The baked brie and caramelised onion tartlets were especially good – rich but not overwhelming.
Irish Examiner
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Dara Moynihan makes welcome return as Kerins O'Rahilly's joins Austin Stacks on Kerry SFL summit
ON THE day water breaks returned to Kerry club football, Kerins O'Rahilly's moved level on top of the county's SFL Division 1 with Tralee neighbours Austin Stacks with a hard-earned win over Killarney Legion while the Rock were losing to Spa. O'Rahillys closed out a 1-15 to 0-15 win over Legion in Strand Road but never were comfortable and trailed 0-7 to 0-2 after the opening quarter with Ryan O'Grady, David O'Sullivan and Josh Bowler doing the bulk of the visitor's scoring. Darragh O'Connor and Jack Savage were keeping the Strand Road side in touch, before a Conor Hayes goal for O'Rahillys saw them back in the game. Ryan O'Grady and Gearoid Dillane swapped points as Legion retired 0-8 to 1-4 in front at half time. Points from Hayes, Darragh O'Connor and a two pointer from Jack Savage saw the Tralee side move three clear and they maintained their advantage to the end despite the efforts of young Josh Bowler and Ryan O'Grady. Stacks had the opportunity to go two points clear at the top but struggling Spa - with only a win and two draws so far in the league - caused an upset when they ended Stacks unbeaten league run, 2-16 to 1-17. Spa were always on top and though Stacks levelled on a number of occasions, crucially they never led. Dara Moynihan lined out with Spa for his first outing since last year's Club Championship in August, and the sides were level 0-5 to 1-2 after 17 minutes, Colm Browne with the Stacks goal. Ciaran Spillane and Shane O'Callaghan again swapped points with Kerry panelist Armin Heinrich being prominent for the Tralee side. Evan Cronin restored Spa's lead with a two point free and another two pointer from Cian Tobin gave Spa a 0-10 to 1-6 lead at the interval. They moved three clear thanks to points from Tobin and Spillane and by the 40th minute it was 0-13 to 1-7. Heinrich was withdrawn a minute later and points by Greg Horan and Adam Curran meant it was a one point game ( 0-14 to 1-10) at the second water break. An Evan Cronin goal appeared to give Spa breathing space but a Ferdia O'Brien two pointer and a Ryan O'Driscoll levelled the contest again at 1-15 apiece with five left. Michael Foley restored Spa's lead as Stacks wasted a couple of gilt-edged chances and it proved costly when Luke O'Neill finished a searing run with low shot to the Stacks net. Ferdia O'Brien and O'Driscoll cut the deficit to two but they were denied the win when Shay O'Meara saved on the line in the final seconds. Dr Crokes are going nowhere as they move into joint second place with Legion following a facile 2-18 to 0-6 against a disappointing Laune Rangers side. Rangers actually led 0-2 to 0-1 after four minutes but it sadly went downhill after that for Killorglin side after that. A Mikey Casey goal saw Crokes retire 1-8 to 0-5 at half time. Laune Rangers only added a single point in the second half as Crokes' well-oiled machine added 1-12 with Billy Courtney and David Shaw adding two points each, Alex Hennigan added three, Gavin O'Shea also brought his game tally to 0-3 before Cian McMahon scored a cracking goal but it was all too easy. Glenflesk had a big win over neighbours Rathmore who introduced Paul Murphy, but he could not stem the Glenflesk goal rush as they won 5-11 to 0-17. Cian Lynch, Ian Roche and Darragh Roche got the first half goals as they led 3-2 to 0-7 at half time with Ciaran Collins and Mark Reen contributing 0-3 each. Rathmore closed the gap to three points on two occasions, but was Jamie Moynihan and Callum Cronin finished Rathmore off with second half goals.
