Latest news with #awardWinning
The Guardian
7 days ago
- The Guardian
Ayahuasca and toad poison seized as police raid spiritual retreats in Spain
Police in eastern Spain have arrested three people and seized 11 litres of ayahuasca, 117 San Pedro cactus plants and several bottles of toad poison after raiding two rural properties that were used to host lucrative spiritual retreats promising 'astral journeys'. Officers from the Guardia Civil force began investigating the business in the Pedreguer municipality of Alicante province five months ago after receiving a complaint from a former customer. They discovered that the retreat, which advertised online and billed itself as an award-winning and internationally renowned spiritual centre, offered 'traditional curative medicine' breaks that were especially popular among European visitors. 'The three-day and five-day packages on offer cost an average of €1,000 [£865] and included lodgings, support and the substances to be taken,' the force said in a statement. 'The retreats comprised groups of up to 20 people, who were accompanied on their 'astral journeys' by six of the organisation's employees. Several such retreats took place each week, leading investigators to conclude that the group made hundreds of thousands of euros over the past year – most of which was paid in cash that was not declared and which therefore left no trace. A large number of bank accounts in different countries were used.' The Guardia Civil said 16 people had been on a retreat when the raids took place, adding that the centre did not have the necessary equipment to deal with cases of poisoning and that the concoctions were prepared in a 'homemade, rudimentary laboratory that lacked hygiene measures'. Police photographs showed a large room, filled with mattresses, buckets and tissues, where the 'astral journeys' took place. Two men and a woman – thought to be the group's leaders – were arrested, while five others who served as 'spiritual guides' are under investigation. All are suspected of drug trafficking, money laundering and belonging to a criminal organisation. Officers also seized 945 Ritalin tablets as well as an assortment of plant products, all of which were sent to the laboratory for testing. 'Ayahuasca, San Pedro cactus, toad secretions, wild rue and mimosa pudica are naturally derived products that can be highly damaging for humans and whose effects are difficult to predict because they depend on various factors, including an individual's metabolism and the amounts administered,' the Guardia Civil statement said. 'That risk increases when the toxic substances are administered by people who lack healthcare training and when they are produced in a homemade fashion.'
RNZ News
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Creatives behind 'Outrageous Fortune' reflect 20 years on
This week marks twenty years since beloved New Zealand television series Outrageous Fortune first went to air. The award-winning comedy-drama based in West Auckland was appointment viewing during its six year run. Some of the creative forces behind the show have reflected on its success whilst lamenting the challenges facing local storytellers today. Adam Burns reports. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Inside the old Melbourne heritage home that's just won a prize at the Dulux Colour Awards: 'Breathtaking'
A Melbourne weatherboard home with an extension at the rear has been expertly transformed into an award-winning home. The Elonera House project, undertaken by Studio Doherty, was recently recognised in the 2025 Dulux Colour Awards and named the winner in the coveted Residential Interior category. Studio Doherty, led by Mardi Doherty, took to their Instagram account after the win to say they were 'still pinching ourselves' about the victory. But a glimpse at the beautiful interior images of the Sandringham home confirms the renovation is more than deserving of the top accolade. The Bayside suburb project set out to transform a tired, singe-level, weatherboard period home 'into a welcoming sanctuary for a growing family'. The team was posed with the added challenge of staying within the home's existing footprint – while converting it into an elegantly designed space with a functional layout. The project rationale described it as a 'thoughtful reconfiguration' utilising 'a refined material palette'. The plan was to 'celebrate the original Edwardian charm while creating intimate, light-filled spaces that connect with the garden, offering both warmth and modern functionality'. The end result is a renovation that has a modern aesthetic, while honouring many of the home's original period elements, like the heritage architraves, fretwork and skirting. Even the 90s extension area is playfully nodded to with that section of the house sculpted in light timber. Colour-wise, the judges' were captivated by the homes' use of a palette of graceful tones, inspired by its surrounding gardens. This is echoed throughout the design through the use of earthy yellows and light blues alongside matte and glossy finishes. A distinct cherry-painted door marks the transition between the original house and its contemporary back area. The bold kitchen is a particular standout in the project, with the space delineated by a curved bulkhead that wraps around the kitchen. The splashback is covered in glistening yellow tiles and complements a quartzite covered island bench top. Together, these luxe warm tones unite the kitchen and carry on through to the adjacent living space. Overall, the final result is a house that exudes warmth, elegance, relaxation and functionality - making it a clear winner at the recent awards. The Dunstan House project was commended for its use of a 'Yellow Varnish' paint on external aspects of the home, which cleverly tied interior and exterior living spaces In the other highly competitive category of Single Residential Exterior, the winner was Melbourne project Dunstan House by SSdH. The SSdh designed home in the north-east suburb of Preston was particularly commended for its use of the Dulux shade 'Yellow Varnish' on external aspects of the house. The colour was cleverly used as a connecting device between the interior and exterior living spaces, while also adding visual warmth and framing. As explained in the project rationale, the paint 'impacted on the colours around it'. 'On a clear day, it brings the sky into focus and in the evening, it reflects a glowing warmth onto the brick walls and timber-lined interior.' Like the interior winner, the judges' appreciated the Dunstan House project's ability to play into its original 'true to character' elements. In the case of this project, this was evident in the display of an imperfect layered brick finish. A judges' statement provided to FEMAIL confirmed that a common thread among this year's winner was a preference for honouring 'architectural heritage' and design that championed retro and vintage influences, as well as the 'striking use of singular colour as a design device'.
CBC
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
What makes for the best bannock?
CBC reporter Darla Ponace checked out Regina's Urban Treaty Day celebrations to see what goes into making award-winning bannock.
