Latest news with #Toad
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Hyped London bakery Layla is opening a second site
Londoners love a good pastry. Just head to one of the city's most hyped bakeries, like Toad, Jolene or Fortitude, on a Sunday morning to see Damson Madder-clad city dwellers lining up in their droves to get their hands on the latest drop of a limited edition danish. It's good news then for all the city's croissant lovers, because another popular bakery, Layla, has just announced it is opening a second site in London. Layla Bakery, a popular spot in Notting Hill that often see sees queues winding down Portobello Road, will open its second outpost further west in Acton this September. The new site will be geared towards takeaways, with a few stools inside and a couple of benches outside. The Acton branch will be serving up similar bakes to the Ladbroke Grove location, including sourdough breads, sandwiches, pastries and tarts. They will serve the bakery's most popular offerings, as well as exclusives for local customers. Recent Layla eats include raspberry and lemon verbena 'bowties', peach and mascarpone olive oil cake and yuzu Swiss meringue custard tarts. Layla's founder Tessa Faulker said Acton was chosen for its community spirit, and head baker Colton Dinner (lovely bit of nominative determinism here) will take charge as the executive baker at both outposts. Layla Bakery Acton will opens Thursday September 4 at 53 Churchfield Road, Acton W3 6AY. The best bakeries in London for 2025, according to Time Out. The best bar in London in 2025, according to Time Out.
Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Amid squeeze on musical ecosystem, an old Cambridge venue gets new life
It reopened earlier this year, after a year-and-a-half closure, according to the venue's owners. In doing so, it became something of an anomaly in Greater Boston. Band member Clifford Carraha tested a microphone on the small stage. Ben Pennington/for The Boston Globe As beloved, housing and cost of living crises. Gregg Perry, the trio's 42-year-old guitarist from Arlington, plays in a couple bands, but the gigs don't come as often as they once did. A Berklee College of Music dropout, Perry works as a delivery driver part time nowadays, he said. Advertisement 'I don't know, man, the Boston music scene is really tough,' he said. 'Just trying to get a gig, dude is like, [expletive]. . .' His voice trailed off. Advertisement JP Faundez Power Trio bandmates Gregg Perry, J.P. Faundez, and Clifford Carraha (left to right) played together in Toad. Ben Pennington/for The Boston Globe Tommy McCarthy, and his wife, Louise Costello, are behind Toad's rebirth. It is the fifth bar they've opened. The first, and perhaps most well known, is Both musicians by trade, McCarthy and Costello didn't know much about running a bar at the time. 'We just thought if you could create the music, the rest will follow,' said McCarthy recently. That mantra has guided the reopening of Toad. It's connected by a doorway to a larger pub, formerly known as Christopher's, now called McCarthy's. While Toad puts on live music — blues, acoustic singer-songwriters, rock — later at night, McCarthy's has a traditional Irish session every day of the week that starts at 7 p.m. The Burren has a similar setup of different performance spaces. Jonathan Bricker, a professor who teaches courses on live music, touring, and concerts at Berklee, said the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out many small, independently run venues that are a creative lifeblood for the local musical community. 'Rooms like that are essential for developing, for trying out, and growing as an artist, as a band, wherever you find yourself on the musical spectrum,' said Bricker, who manages several local acts. Data on small, independent music venues, and their closures since the start of the pandemic, are hard to come by. The Advertisement Toad's reopening is welcome news among local musicians. Trama acknowledged that at a time when it is becoming 'tougher and tougher' for artists to exist in Greater Boston, any survival of another place to gig should be applauded. 'All of these smaller places, they are a lifeline to the culture of art in the whole Boston area,' he said recently. 'More of them, the better.' People mingled before the music started at Toad. Ben Pennington/for The Boston Globe 'It's a victory, definitely,' she said of Toad's reopening this past April. 'Having it back is a major win. Places like Toad, you have every skill level of musician playing that room.' Jim Haggerty, a full-time musician who has played bass for about 50 years, lamented the dwindling number of small venues. He described Toad, a place he has played more than a hundred times, as somewhere 'where professional musicians can play, and, if you have a good enough following, you can make a living.' Haggerty moved to Boston from upstate New York in the 1980s, when it was possible to work odd jobs, pay cheap rent with 'a bunch of buddies,' and pursue one's artistic dreams. It's no longer that town, he said. Haggerty lives in Roslindale and was able to buy a house 'before things got crazy.' Implied is that musicians nowadays have a much steeper fiscal climb to put down roots locally. Advertisement 'I got extremely lucky,' he said. Back in Toad before his gig, Carraha, the bassist and singer, said for him, the barometers of a good set are straightforward: Are the players in sync, feeling the groove? Is the crowd responding positively? Carraha, a 42-year-old Watertown resident, has been playing gigs around town for about 25 years. In his day job, he co-owns a catering company. 'Every venue is essential because as artists we need that,' he said. His bandmate, Perry, will be happy with his take from the night's performance. Perry will make $120, he said. In years past, he played gigs at Toad where the entire band got $150, plus whatever was in the tip bucket, and some comped food and drinks. 'It's medicine for the soul,' he said of music. 'I need this.' Minutes later, his band started to play. Danny McDonald can be reached at
Buzz Feed
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
31 Pleasant, Soothing, Or Cute Products For Good Vibes
A beginner watercolor kit for anyone who's been a little art curious lately. Reviewers love this model for its wide range of colors, impressive pigmentation, and beautiful packaging. One reviewer said the paints are "smooth and creamy," which is enough to convince me. Plush, high-quality versions of Frog and Toad you'll want to bring on all your whimsical adventures. You'll be like, 'This morning, when I woke up, I felt good because the sun was shining. I felt good because I have these little dudes as my friends." And a microwaveable, lavender-scented weighted plush providing gentle relief for anxiety, cramps, or really-needing-a-warm-hug syndrome. Pop your new friend in the microwave or freezer to enjoy the soothing effects. A trio of mythical plant stakes to make your houseplant feel like a magical forest filled with cryptid photo opps. Sneak them under your monstera's leaves and see how long it takes your roommates to notice. A silly goose badge — congrats on your promotion! Now that you've been deputized, let's hit the streets and start pieing people in the face. A drain cover so you can fill your tub all the way to the tippy top. You need all the water you can get if you want a cartoonishly overflowing bathtub! A birria bomb — a delicious spin on the bath bomb. Dunk one of these spice balls into a pressure cooker with meat and water for a comforting consomme ready for dipping. In a way, these really are bath bombs, but for tacos and quesadillas. A cubic zirconia fidget spinner ring offering a subtle way to de-stress. It'll come in handy as you think about that asteroid coming our way... A Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil if you're sick of lippies that leave your pout feeling sticky, dry, or messy. The apple seed and raspberry extract-infused oil offers long-lasting hydration and a touch of color without you having to stress about it transferring or smudging. Burn After Writing — a guided journal with questions and thought experiments that encourage readers to reflect, explore their feelings, and get to know themselves a little deeper. Reviewers say it's a stress reliever! A set of Globbles, TikTok-famous fidget toys that are squishy, colorful, and stick to any surface you throw them at without leaving a residue. It'll soothe the childhood stress of throwing a sticky hand toy at the ceiling and getting screamed at by your parent for a week straight. A cutie pie planner to help you be a busy bee, or more likely a take-it-slow sloth. There's room for appointments, errands, and people to in due time. A lavender spray you can spritz on your pillow before bed. It'll make your bedding smell heavenly, and the soothing scent can help carry you right off to dreamland. A pretty tea cup set that looks like your mug is floating on a cloud. How delicate! How dreamy! Untethered and unbothered! Am I envious of a teacup right now? Time to whip up a cuppa and watch the leaves falling outside. A set of 10 peel-off jelly masks so you can feel like a frosted dessert during your next self-care session. The electrolyte-infused hydro masks come in styles like lavender, hyaluronic acid, tea tree, and chamomile and work to hydrate, soothe, and balance your pH level. A copy of The Big Activity Book for Anxious People filled with puzzles, mazes, color pages, and affirmations to help guide you through the stressful season. Over 1,400 5-star reviewers love this lil' book and say it helps when they're feeling overwhelmed. And an "Everyday Mindfulness"-themed word search book to help you turn your brain off for a bit each day. The themes are simple and unproblematic, like "playground parts" and "chess," so unless you're a disgraced chess master or the cop who slid down that slide really fast, the puzzles hopefully won't trigger any anxiety. A miniature frog wizard happy to sit next to you on your desk and ward off malicious spells or curses that might be hurled your way. You never know what Agatha from accounting is planning... A shampoo scalp brush ready to blast away dead skin, dirt, and buildup, all while giving you a nice, relaxing head massage. A playing card PopGrip modeled after the joker or queen of hearts. The phone grip can be rotated and tilted, giving you a winning hand (or at least, a hand holding your giant phone). A bead-filled weighted eye mask that offers gentle pressure while blocking light. It's helped over 4,000 happy reviewers get decent shut-eye. A bear-y nice under-eye stick formulated with skincare darling niacinamide, along with soothing Icelandic mineral water and seaweed extract, to soothe puffiness and dark circles. If a beauty item isn't shaped like an animal, is it even worth getting? A John Derian sticker book for adults feeling a little jealous of their kids' incredible sticker treasure trove. This collection comes with over 700 elaborate designs inspired by 19th-century illustrations. A horseshoe necklace providing a little luck — something we all desperately need right now. Your friends are sure to pony up compliments when they see this stainless steel piece in person. A paw-shaped chair cushion, because who doesn't want to be lovingly cradled in a kitten's paw? "Liquipens" — a cross between a pen and a lava lamp. These are fun to play with and likely mesmerizing enough to keep you entertained while taking notes in class. A handheld capybara that's sure to be your guiding light when it comes to taking it easy. After all, what animal is chiller than the capybara? A jar of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnadust seasoning if you want the best cereal flavor to extend past breakfast time. Just imagine how tasty this would be sprinkled over a hot beverage, ice cream, apple slices, or buttered toast (Cinnamon Toast Crunch cinnamon toast!). A set of art or writing dice you can throw whenever you need an instant prompt to get them out of a creative block. The nine writing dice deliver the who, what, when, where, and why, while the art dice offer subjects, colors, patterns, mediums, and more. Talking Hearts — a deck of conversation cards for couples looking to deepen their connection or just pass the time on a long trip. There are 200 questions, plus two wild cards to keep conversation flowing. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit that comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel to display your tiny masterpieces. It's perfect for adults and teens looking for a quick project and kids working on their fine motor skills.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What did Mang0 do? Super Smash Bros. legend faces backlash for harassing female streamers live on stream
(Image via X/@millirxch) Super Smash Bros legend Joseph "Mang0" Marquez is no stranger to the spotlight. But this time, he's trending for all the wrong reasons. At Ludwig's recent Beerio Kart event, what was supposed to be a chaotic, fun-filled gaming night spiraled into an uncomfortable mess, with Mang0's actions sparking outrage across Twitch, Reddit, and beyond. Here's everything about the viral incident. The Viral Moment That Sparked It All The Beerio Kart event brought together top-tier creators like Valkyrae, Maya Higa, ExtraEmily, Will Neff, and more to drink and game live. Mang0, invited as a guest, quickly turned heads, not for his gameplay, but for his erratic and highly inappropriate behavior. Clearly intoxicated, Mang0 was shirtless and hyperactive throughout the stream. But what crossed the line were his interactions with female streamers, particularly Maya Higa and ExtraEmily. The Viral Clips that Broke the Internet Though many of the original Twitch VODs were pulled, the internet never forgets. Mirror clips have been circulating widely especially on r/LivestreamFail , showing Mang0: Walking up behind Maya Higa mid-stream and placing a leg on her chair while mimicking a humping motion behind her head. Gyrating on a Toad plushie right next to her. Pressuring ExtraEmily to end her stream while repeatedly patting her hair and invading her space. Using a cardboard cutout of himself to simulate more inappropriate movements toward her, even groaning audibly while doing so. Ludwig, who hosted the event, tried to pull Mang0 away multiple times. But Mang0 kept returning, crossing physical boundaries and making everyone visibly uncomfortable. Fans and Fellow Creators Speak Out Fans, Redditors, and even longtime supporters were quick to slam Mang0's behavior. While some brushed it off as 'drunk shenanigans,' others called it out for what it was — inappropriate, uncomfortable, and borderline sexual harassment. The fact that it happened on stream, live, in front of thousands, only intensified the scrutiny. Some viewers argued that Mang0 'crossed a line' and 'should've been kicked out the moment it got weird.' Others questioned why the event lacked clear boundaries or interventions, especially when multiple female creators looked visibly uneasy. xQc Reacts to Super Smash Pro Player "Mang0" Harassing Multiple Females on Stream Why This Matters This isn't just about one chaotic night. It's about the fine line between content and consent, party and professionalism. When someone as influential as Mang0 behaves inappropriately, especially around women creators, it sends a message. And the internet is loud and clear: this kind of behavior isn't okay, no matter how iconic your status is. Mang0's Beerio Kart behavior has sparked major backlash due to repeated inappropriate conduct toward female streamers. Viral clips, fan outrage, and growing concerns over harassment at content creator events have turned a chaotic stream into a serious conversation. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
The Star
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Mario Kart World's' journeys are smooth and unremarkable
Mario Kart World is an incredibly clean game. As the latest iteration of a decades-spanning franchise, it has been winnowed into something smoothly efficient and entirely absent of blemishes. The series' hypercolored, candy-coated art style is rendered with impressive clarity on the Nintendo Switch 2's brand-new hardware. You can launch into a race in moments, whether playing on your own, sharing a split screen or playing online. In this well-crafted experience, there is very little standing in the way of the fun. Yet once I eventually put down the racing controller, I can only assume this iteration will be as thoroughly erased from my memory as Mario Kart 8 was after its release 11 years ago. It comes down to the nature of playing these games. They aren't linear narrative experiences. They aren't designed to provoke specific emotions at specific times, nor to generate thought or reflections on a theme. The Mario Kart games are toys, things to pick up and play, to boop and to beep, before putting them back down again. The karts and drivers you can select are collectibles to rotate around and admire, not embody. They're like video game versions of Parcheesi . They don't come bearing rich characters, plots or motivations, all useful tools when it comes to creating something that can memorably exist on its own as a piece of art. When Mario Kart 8 came out for the Wii U in 2014, the most active discourse about it online focused on Luigi. More specifically, the evil way he seems to smirk at other racers while caught on the replay camera that rolls after a race. We couldn't get enough of the anodyne plumber shooting murderous looks at his competitors. But Luigi wasn't designed to be a giant jerk. His demeanour was an accident of his default facial expression paired with players' desire for meaning and humour in a game without much consideration for either. Since the release of Mario Kart World , I've already seen popular social media posts with a picture of a smiling Toad driving a police car, instigating questions of whether anti-cop slogans apply to this gormless talking mushroom. All of these memes work as a kind of fan fiction for Mario Kart , adding a layer of narrative. Most of the racers in Mario Kart World are series regulars who carry decades of back story from previous games, movies and comic-book spinoffs. It's easy to project pathos onto the cartoonish frames of Wario or Yoshi or Donkey Kong. We get hints of character, too, in the way that racers side-eye one another while waiting in the starting line, or in the shape of Waluigi's lanky form as he wraps himself around a tiny scooter. There's a sense of humour implicit in certain character choices, too: a flying, limbless Para-Biddybud behind the wheel of a go-kart, or the cows and moles who normally serve as course obstacles. These tiny details form an impressionistic pattern over time, reminiscent of the ghostly indentations a pen's tip leaves on the opposite side of a page. They wind up feeling superfluous to what the game actually is, though: a kart racer on tracks inspired by various Nintendo properties. It is a racing series that marches in lock step with a long legacy, to the extent that I can't say with any confidence that completing a race on the Switch 2 feels substantially different from playing the original Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo. There are many more bells and whistles in Mario Kart World , of course, with lots of floors added onto the original game's blueprint. It comes packed with new vehicles, new characters and new tracks (as well as variations of classic ones). There are dynamic new ways of moving, such as rails you can hop onto and grind along, Tony Hawk-style, before somersaulting back onto the track. Racers are now able to flip themselves into the air, leaping over their competitors, obstacles and – with enough timing and practice – even red shells. There's an exciting new mode, Knockout Tour, an endurance race that combines several tracks into one long one and eliminates drivers after each checkpoint. It benefits particularly well from the chaos and fun of bringing online players into the mix. There's also the game's much-touted Free Roam mode, which allows you to pick any character and drive around an open-world map, passing through existing tracks, discovering different collectibles and accomplishing location-specific challenges that test your skill and accuracy. Though a promising addition, this mode can't compete with the robustness of Forza Horizon or hold a candle to Burnout Paradise , the originator of this open-world approach. Both games make the concept central to their structure, so they naturally fill them with variety. Here, the Free Roam mode sits at the bottom of the game's main menu, wedged between its collectible sticker book and user manual. Like the rest of the game, this mode is elegant, but mostly empty of anything terribly meaningful. The roads and freeways are lined with outfit-transforming fast food, Bob-omb-driven cars, Hammer-throwing Bros and colorful rides that produce no exhaust, drip no oil and leave no skid marks. The boulevards crisscrossing this pristine landscape are congestion-free and quiet. Mario Kart World's surface is entirely smooth, free of any bumps or indentations. Slipping off it feels inevitable. – © 2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times
