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Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Ai-generated photos show 'sunburn competition in New Orleans'
Claim: Photographs shared online in June 2025 authentically depicted a sunburn competition held in New Orleans. Rating: In early June 2025, a collage of four striking images allegedly captured during a "sunburn competition" in New Orleans wildly spread on social media. As of this writing, one Facebook post (archived) showing photos of people with red-hot flesh reached over 64,000 reactions, 49,300 comments, and 24,000 shares. The collage also spread on social media platforms including X (archived), Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), TikTok (archived) and Reddit (archived). "Sunburn competition in New Orleans, prize…$50 gift card to Target," one Threads user captioned the collage. However, no evidence exists that such an event took place in New Orleans, or anywhere else in the world, in 2025. The photographs allegedly showing scenes from the purported sunburn competition displayed clear signs of being generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software. Additionally, when the images first circulated in 2023, the original poster admitted to having created them using AI. For these reasons, we have rated this claim as fake. A reverse image search and a Google search for terms such as "Sunburn Competition in New Orleans" yielded no results from credible news outlets or local media. The only references to the event came from social media users reposting the same viral collage of four images. (Google search results) The images had several telltale signs of being generated using AI, including unnaturally smooth and plastic-like skin texture, distorted features such as deformed feet, and body parts that appeared to dissolve into the background. (Facebook user TheRealkiyaaa/Snopes Illustration) What's more, as seen in the image below, the facial features in the photos were noticeably distorted. For instance, one person's hair appeared to blend into their face, and the neck and skin of another displayed unnatural shapes and textures. (Facebook user TheRealkiyaaa/Snopes Illustration) Such visual anomalies are common indicators that an image was created, at least partially, with the use of AI software. An analysis conducted with Hive, an AI-detection tool, determined with 98% certainty that the images were "likely to be AI-generated." (Hive Moderation) This wasn't the first time these images had gone viral. In late 2023, the exact same pictures circulated online with a different caption, suggesting they depicted a "sunburn competition" in Florida. At that time, multiple fact-checking organizations, including Reuters and Logically Facts, investigated the images and found that they were created using AI. The organizations traced the origin of the photos to a Facebook group "Cursed AI," where users often post surreal or absurd AI-generated content for entertainment purposes. Will Cartwright, a member of the "Cursed AI" group, confirmed to Logically Facts that he was the original creator of the images, saying, "Yes, I created the images and posted them to the Facebook group Cursed AI" and adding that he used Bing Image Creator. "'Extreme competition' posts have been very common in the group, often of situations that would be very uncomfortable, which is what gave me the idea," he told Logically Facts, explaining he used a prompt along the lines of "people competing in an extreme sunburn competition in Florida" on Bing. A partially archived version of the original post from Aug. 1, 2023, can be found via the Wayback Machine archiving tool (see screenshot below): (Wayback Machine) It remains unclear, however, who originally posted the collage in June 2025, stating it depicted a sunburn competition in New Orleans. As of this writing, the "Cursed AI" Facebook group featured several similar "sunburn competition" posts from mid-2023, with clearly AI-generated images. (Cursed AI Facebook group) We have investigated numerous AI-generated images in the past. For instance, in early June 2025, we debunked a photo allegedly showing a Cybertruck-like 1930 Russian or Soviet "Tarantaika," also known as "Boneshaker." We traced the roots of the picture to Facebook user who told us he created the image with the generative-AI platform Midjourney. In another case, we analyzed a video that purported to show a helicopter pilot's view of dozens of massive anacondas swimming in a river. The footage showed clear signs of being AI-generated, including the absence of readable letters or numbers on the helicopter's control panel. AI-Generated Images Claimed to Be of 'Extreme Sunburn Competition' | Logically Facts. Accessed 10 June 2025. Check, Reuters Fact. "Fact Check: Photos of Florida Sunburn Competition Are Fake." Reuters, 7 Aug. 2023. Cursed AI | Extreme Sunburn Competition in Florida. 13 Aug. 2023, Hive Moderation. Accessed 10 June 2025. Liles, Jordan. "Helicopter Video Shows Pilot's View of Massive Anacondas Swimming in River?" Snopes, 3 June 2025, ---. "Photo Shows Cybertruck-like 1930 Russian 'Tarantaika'?" Snopes, 9 June 2025, "What Is Midjourney AI and How Does It Work?" Android Authority, 19 Mar. 2025,
Extra.ie
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Clodagh McKenna: I never compare myself to anyone…least of all Meghan Markle
Celebrity chef and author Clodagh McKenna is about to launch her first foray into the lifestyle brand arena – but she's quick to rule out any comparisons with Meghan Markle. 'I've never in my life, and it's always been a rule of mine, I never compare myself to others,' she told 'I think it's really good mentally not to compare because it gives you complete creativity to do exactly what you want to do.' Speaking about her new range, Honey by Clodagh – – which includes her Lemon Grove line of napkins, matching tablecloth, cushion covers and apron – – the writer and presenter said she wanted to 'create a beautiful space for people to go and get inspiration for entertaining'. Celebrity chef and author Clodagh McKenna is about to launch her first foray into the lifestyle brand arena – but she's quick to rule out any comparisons with Meghan Markle. Pic: Shutterstock And she insists the inspiration extends beyond her product line. 'So Honey by Clodagh, there's lots up there, you can get recipes as well, there's a whole entertaining section, and we're adding to it bit by bit every week – we're adding cocktail recipes next week,' she said. 'It's a store predominantly, but I also wanted to create a little hub, we're calling it 'the hive' – so we have a Hive newsletter which goes out every week… so we're creating a little hive, a kind of community for entertainment.' The glamorous Cork woman, who lives with husband Harry Herbert at Broadspear on the Highclere Park estate where Downton Abbey is filmed, has also just launched 'the honey that I make on my farm'. And as if she doesn't have enough on her plate, McKenna is also about to serve up her ninth and 'most personal' book – – Clodagh's Happy Cooking. This time around, she says the focus is inspired by her attempts to eat healthier. Clodagh McKenna. Pic: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock for NTA 'I'm not someone who lives off celery sticks all week long, that's never going to be me. I love my big, gorgeous dinners and a glass of wine at the weekend. 'But then when it comes to Monday, I definitely get into a different frame of mind. 'A few years ago, I just thought I've got to focus on eating really well and learning more about ingredients that are good for me and making sure that I get them into my diet. And I think that, as we all get older, you know, going into your 40s, 50s and 60s and the rest, you start thinking about your body more, like feeding it and how you can get better energy, and when you start eating well also, it affects your happiness.' Speaking of which, McKenna recently celebrated a landmark milestone with a big blow-out birthday bash to mark her 50th year: 'It was fabulous, yeah, I turned 50.' She added: 'I'm grateful for feeling confident, I'm grateful for knowing who I am and I'm grateful for my husband and family and friends, I've got such an amazing family, both my own Irish family and my new English family. I'm really lucky, as you get older that becomes more and more important, it becomes the number-one thing in your life.' She is encouraged by how things are evolving for women over 40 but would love to see people embracing their age more. Harry Herbert and Clodagh McKenna. Pic: Clodagh McKenna/Instagram 'I think it's changed a lot, which is incredible – – even in the last five years, I think for women it's just changed so much. 'Even if you look at all the rock stars that are out there, from J-Lo, 55, to Beyoncé, 43, years ago people would have thought being in your 40s and being such a megastar, you'd have to be in your 30s – it's all changed so much. 'It's amazing because when you're working on your craft, you only get better at it with time. 'And when you really hone your craft and you have all your experience, you're at a point in your life where a lot of women are in their 40s, 50s and 60s, they become confident and they know who they are – that's when they are producing their best work. 'What I would love to see is that we're all striving to be the best for the age that we are, rather than trying to be younger or older, just the best for the age that we are. 'I hate seeing people trying to change what age they are by anything they do to do themselves or feeling pressured to look younger. I think it's really important that we try to look the best or be the best for our own age and for our own moment in life.' And her motto for living life at 50? 'It's that your dreams start when you wake up in the morning.'
Edinburgh Live
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Hive nightclub looks to create new image as 'reputable music venue'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A mainstay Edinburgh nightclub is seeking to establish itself as a "reputable music venue" in an effort to foster the capital's struggling music scene. Staff at the Hive Nightclub & Venue in Edinburgh's Cowgate area issued a callout to local artists to perform at the venue, seeking "local bands and artist to play live gigs at The Hive." The Hive is known as a clubbing destination, but the team is working to rebrand, with an announcement from the nightclub reading: "Whether you're indie, rock, punk, metal, alt, or something totally unique, we want to hear from you." Edinburgh Live spoke to Eric Brock, 34, who hopes to provide a new space at The Hive for up and coming artists in Edinburgh to make a name for themselves. Eric has been a part of the capital's music scene since 2016 with his band Earl of Hell and claims the scene has been in a state of "steady decline" for years. He said: "Being in a band from Edinburgh, I know how difficult it is for up and coming bands to get on a show. It's different for Glasgow [but for] Scotland as a whole, it's tough. We played the majority of our shows down south because there are more places to play, more venues, bigger crowds." As the city loses venues like Studio 24, he sees it as more important than ever to welcome fresh acts to the stage. Eric added: "After Covid, it took a big hit. All the cities in Scotland need to have more music venues and also think about getting people back out to gigs. It's a difficult market." "We're trying to bring live music into the Hive as well as it being a club. Hive is a mainstay club in Edinburgh and has been there for years. It's one of the most popular clubs in Edinburgh, but most people don't know it has music. "We're trying to create an identity as a reputable music venue. It's something that Edinburgh lacks. "We don't want to pigeonhole ourselves for certain genre, any genre is welcome. It is a really solid space for music. It's just about trying to get it out there." Faune Reid, events manager at The Hive, said: "We've always been passionate about supporting grassroots music and local talent. Our call-out for live acts is a chance to give emerging artists a platform in one of Edinburgh's most iconic venues." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
British Gas launches member scheme giving personalised discounts on energy costs
According to the supplier, the scheme gives households across the UK a series of "personalised" promotions and rewards, such as discounts on annual services or emergency repairs British Gas has launched a new membership scheme that offers customers exclusive deals to help reduce some of the extra costs when it comes to energy. British Gas says the scheme - which has been launched today - is a way "of saying thanks for being with us". The Membership scheme gives households across the UK a series of "personalised" promotions and rewards, such as discounts on annual services or emergency repairs. Offers which are not available to non-member British Gas customers. Some of the discounts and rewards on offer to customers now include a £69 gas appliance check. Usually, this would set you back £109, however, under British Gas' summer sale, it currently sits at £79. Alongside this, customers can get an on-demand boiler service for just £74. Usually this would set you back £119 - or £84 under its summer sale. For these two discounts, customers who sign up to the Membership scheme would get a discount of £40 and £45 respectively. Other offers British Gas customers can take advantage of include four for three on kitchen appliance cover, 10% off Hive thermostat, or 15% off with installation, £15 off one-off boiler and electrical repairs, and £30 off boiler and electrical repairs. Alongside this, members would be given early access to sales and entry into prize draws - including the chance to win free energy for a year. The membership scheme is available to both new and existing customers and is completely free to join. British Gas says the membership is available even if you do not own your home - this means rental tenants can benefit, and not just homeowners and landlords. You can sign up for the membership scheme through your British Gas account online. Once registered, customers can benefit from the "always on" offers available in their membership wallet. Customers will also be emailed when new offers become available. The energy supplier says each offer is tailored to each customer's preferences. Over the coming months, it will make more offers and discounts available to British Gas Membership customers. Customers can also leave the membership scheme at any time. A British Gas spokesperson says the Membership Scheme is designed to give customers "easy access" to extra savings and give them the choice of whether to receive personalised deals. Customers do not need to sign up if they do not want to. Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics Mark Berryman, Managing Director of British Gas Services and Solutions, said: 'We know that households across the UK are always looking for new ways to save – not just on their energy bills, but on the everyday home maintenance checks and cover that keep homes up and down the country running smoothly. "Our British Gas Membership offers customers exclusive discounts and offers tailored to their needs, whether that's money off a boiler repair or an unbeatable deal on a Hive thermostat. It's never been easier to save money on existing home maintenance services and repairs.'
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Fake footage of massive 'TACO' skywriting over Mar-a-Lago likely AI-generated
Claim: Authentic footage from May 2025 depicts the word "TACO" spelled out in the sky above Trump's Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago. Rating: On May 29, 2025, footage allegedly showing the word "TACO" spelled out in contrail vapor above U.S. President Donald Trump's residence in Florida, Mar-a-Lago, circulated the internet. The video spread across multiple platforms, including X (archived), TikTok (archived), Facebook (archived), Instagram Threads (archived) and YouTube. The first post of the video (archived) appeared on X account @SkylineReport, where it garnered more than 1 million views, as of this writing. We were unable to reach the account's owner for comment. Investors began popularizing the term "TACO" ("Trump Always Chickens Out") to characterize claims that whenever Trump faces a market backlash, he will back down. Although several users in the comments appeared to believe that the video was authentic, the footage was fake — and likely AI-generated. First, Google search results of the terms "Trump," "Taco," and "above 'Mar-a-Lago'" yielded no results pertaining to the footage from any reputable news outlet. The results only related to Trump's response to reporters' questions about the term as well as unverified social media posts of the video or similar claims in question. ( Second, there were indications in the video itself of AI-generation. Jet engine vapor trails form letters out of condensation, but an aircraft does not appear in the video until the very end, when it spontaneously appears next to the letter "O" approximately four seconds into the video. If the video were authentic, the aircraft would be visible throughout the video. The video shows dozens of people on the ground beneath the letters. If the footage were authentic, individual social media users would have posted their own footage. Rather, the only footage on the internet is from one angle. The fake footage also depicts a distinctly long building beneath the letters supposedly on the Mar-a-Lago property, but Google Earth imagery of Mar-a-Lago does not appear to show any such building. (Google Earth) Lastly, we ran a screenshot of the video through AI-detection software Hive, and the results were 99.9% likely to be AI-generated. ( Fact Check: FAKE Video Shows 'TACO' in the Sky Over Mar-a-Lago | Lead Stories. 30 May 2025, Accessed 30 May 2025. Jolly, Jasper. '"Trump Always Chickens out": Taco Jibe Ruffles President's Feathers'. The Guardian, 29 May 2025. The Guardian,
