Latest news with #TheBeast
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
The Chase star Mark Labbett says 'it's an honour' 16 years after ITV show debut
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 The Chase's Mark Labbett was quick to issue a message to one of the celebrity guests during Saturday's show. During the episode, which originally aired last year, ITV viewers saw 'The Beast' go head to head with the likes of Raj Bisram, Danielle Harold, John Conteh and Roger Black, who were all competing to win money for their charity. With the Antiques Roadshow expert and EastEnders star successfully managing to make it back to the table with the money they had earned in their round, it was time for former British professional boxer John Conteh to face Mark. The 74-year-old answered three questions correctly, meaning he had earned a total of £3,000 to potentially bring back to the team. However, before facing Mark at the table, the quizzer had some kind words to say to the boxing champ. He said: 'Good evening, John. It's not often I say this, but it's an honour, sir, to meet you.' The audience gave a collective sound of admiration for Mark's remark as John thanked him. Bradley added: 'He loves his boxing!' Although the niceties were short-lived as Mark replied: 'Right, that's the last compliment you'll get.' Sadly, John didn't make it back to the table as Mark caught him at the table during his round. In the end, it was Raj, Danielle and Roger in the final Chase as they were playing to win a staggering £120,000 after Roger decided to go for Mark's high offer. Getting a three-step headstart, the team managed to answer 11 questions correctly, setting a target of 14 for the chaser to try and beat. With two minutes on the clock, Mark managed to catch the team with 47 seconds left on the clock to spare. Speaking about their performance, the quizzer, who has been part of the ITV show for 16 years, said: 'I'm sorry guys, the way they broke, either I knew them, or they were so tough you didn't stand a prayer at pushing me back.' Meanwhile, host Bradley Walsh said: 'We missed John Conteh, of course, you needed a full house, and we needed a bigger score on our side of that run, but that's just the way it is.' However, the ITV star informed the team that they won't be walking away empty handed as they'd each get £1,000 to give to their chosen charity. The Chase is available to watch on ITVX
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
27 Gardening Products From Etsy
A practical garden kneeler featuring a playful vegetable patch print that'll make you smile whenever you break it out to provide your precious knees with a little extra support. Those weeds aren't going to pull themselves, you better get down there! A garden dibber to make planting bulbs, sowing seeds, and breaking up clumps of dirt easier than ever — every gardener should have one of these babies! A handy dandy multi-tool for anyone who has always wanted to be the Inspector Gadget of gardeners — it features a saw, a weeder, a grating/propagation knife, and pruners to take your green thumb to the next level. Or a gardener-favorite hori hori knife with an ergonomic handle and dual-sided blade you can use for digging, weeding, cutting, and planting — not to mention you'll look pretty badass whipping this bad boy out to fight off some dandelions. Pretty gardening gloves so you can continue to get down 'n' dirty keeping your plants and yard looking fresh without ruining your manicure. Or arm-saving gardening gloves with a bit of extra length to 'em you can count on to protect you from the scrapes and cuts you're usually subjected to while trying to trim your beloved rose bush. Somehow, I think this wasn't a problem for The Beast and his enchanted rose... Or SUPER long gardening gloves that'll actually cinch around your arms and keep the unsavory characters of your garden at bay. (I'm looking at YOU, poison ivy and mosquitoes. Get outta here!) Copper garden markers to help you remember precisely where you planted your various herbs — they do, admittedly, all look quite similar. Is that oregano or thyme? These lil' guys will let ya know. Or a different style of vegetable, fruit, and herb markers — each stick is individually sold, and with over 40 options to choose from, you should have no problem finding exactly what you need to keep your garden in check. Or (there are simply too many good options!) a ceramic garden marker in the shape of the fruit/veg/flower you're bringing to life — the only thing that could make these *more* photogenic is a flourishing plant beside it! Edible garden bulbs you can pop directly into the ground (or a pot) and then start planning meals around them while you wait for them to flourish. Your neighbors are going to be *so* jealous of your crops. A pack of 1,000 assorted perennial wildflower seeds to transform that boring patch of dirt in your yard into a photo shoot–worthy garden without the stress of hand selecting which flowers to plant. Or a pack of blush-colored Zinnia seeds that'll leave your garden beds looking like an aesthetic dream — you'll receive about 50 flower seeds that will likely grow best when temperatures reach 80 degrees. (So order 'em ASAP!) And a seeding square kit, so planting your lil' sprouts won't turn into a game of guess and check. You'll know *exactly* what pattern you planted your basil seeds in this year. A vibrant bee-watering station that'll double as a piece of art in your garden — it'll provide a buzz-worthy haven for your fave pollinators to hang in and recharge before they get back to work. They're called "busy bees" for a reason! And a "pollinator hotel" designed to attract Leaf Cutter and Mason bees who lay eggs instead of building hives. (The more you know!) This little home features a bunch of cavities for these bees to lay said eggs as well as "rooms" to give them shelter without having to stray far from your garden. You won't beelieve how good your veggies, herbs, and flowers are going to grow after you invite your new residents to stay. A gardening waist bag that'll make you feel more prepared than a seasoned mom herding a group of kids through the airport whenever you reach for your trowel or pruning shears. It's stylish, super convenient, and has a variety of pockets to make sure whatever you need is always on hand. A whimsical metal watering can to keep you company in the summer heat as you mosey around your yard hydrating your beloved begonias or bell pepper plants — it's simply a "mouse-terpiece." A terra-cotta self-watering plant spike that'll add some pizzazz to your planters while your lil' sprouts take their sweet time to grow — not to mention it'll help provide a slow, steady water supply without you having to lift a finger. A grass gauge you can count on to remind you when your lawn needs a lil' trim — and not without a sense of humor. 😉 Can someone make one of these for my actual hair? TYSM. A 3D-printed spout that'll transform any gallon or half-gallon milk jug into a watering can! We 👏 love 👏 an 👏 upcycling👏 moment👏!!! A reliable cedar garden basket you'll pat yourself on the back for purchasing once you have a plethora of goodies to harvest from your garden. The cedar itself is resistant to water and soil! Or a harvesting apron, in case you'd rather gather your bounty hands-free. It'll be a surprisingly stylish addition to your gardening routine *and* prevent your fave shirt from getting covered in dirt. A moss agate snail-shaped crystal that is known as "the gardener's stone" and can be used to promote health and vitality in plants — whether you believe that or not is up to you, of course. But if you're still waiting for your *green thumb* to appear it might not hurt... A personalized set of kids' gardening tools so they can crouch down next to you and help rake out all of the mulch you've been trying to artfully arrange in your flower beds. They'll be way more useful than the plastic ones they've been struggling to make a dent with since March. A "plant lady" hat to keep by your back door before you head out to tend to your precious babies, ahem, your plants. It'll protect you from the sun while also letting everyone in your home know not to disturb you while you're in *~gardening mode*~. And a darling denim baseball cap embroidered with cherry tomatoes because we all know that's your most prized crop, and it deserves its own moment in the sun (literally, atop your head). Tomato girl summer is here to STAY.
Techday NZ
3 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Sumsub unveils 'The Beast 2.0' to combat digital fraud in APAC
Sumsub has launched the next iteration of its campaign against digital fraud in Asia Pacific, introducing "The Beast 2.0" with a renewed emphasis on secure digital inclusion. The campaign features The Beast, a recurring fictional character that represents fraud, and builds upon Sumsub's previous efforts to highlight the risks associated with digital transformation across the region. "The Beast 2.0" aims to engage compliance professionals and digital onboarding teams within industries such as fintech and crypto, with a particular focus on safe access to digital services and greater public awareness of digital fraud risks. Fraud trends in APAC Sumsub has reported a significant increase in fraudulent activity across Asia Pacific, with company data indicating a 121% rise in identity fraud in 2024 compared to the previous year. Rapid digital adoption in the region has presented opportunities for fraudsters to target vulnerabilities in identity verification systems, raising concerns for both businesses and end users. The campaign will release two new videos over the coming months, each examining different aspects of what Sumsub refers to as an evolving "fraudemic" in APAC. These will address diverse topics within digital inclusion and security as the digital economy continues its expansion across markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Digital inclusion and campaign focus The initial video in "The Beast 2.0" campaign is centred on promoting safe and secure digital inclusion. Sumsub notes that the growing reliance on digital platforms for everyday transactions underscores the need to ensure that real individuals can participate securely, while fraudsters remain excluded. "We are excited to reveal the new chapter of 'The Beast' with a more compelling and expansive narrative that addresses the evolving challenges of building a safe and secure digital future," said Vitaly Gribanov, Senior Brand and Creative Director at Sumsub. "Since its debut last year, The Beast has received multiple international accolades and become a memorable character in Sumsub's brand storytelling. Through 'The Beast 2.0', we seek to further elevate our presence across APAC and reinforce Sumsub's reputation as a bold, human-friendly, and forward-thinking global verification provider." The company intends for the campaign to foster discussions on people-centred, inclusive approaches to digital transformation. It intends to use various digital platforms, including cross-platform video, targeted banners, and social media outreach, to target stakeholders dealing with compliance and digital onboarding throughout the region. Campaign reach and recognition The original "The Beast" campaign, launched in 2024, exceeded Sumsub's expectations by reaching over 40 million impressions across platforms in its first three months, outperforming initial projections by 290%. The company also reports that the campaign delivered over 2 million video views in total. "The Beast" has also achieved recognition within marketing and advertising sectors, earning more than 15 awards internationally. These include three Gold awards at The Muse Awards 2024 for Branded Content – B2B, Advertising – Online Ad (Campaign), and Video – Business to Business, as well as honours from The Davey Awards, The Drum Awards and w3 Awards. Sumsub's "The Beast 2.0" campaign expands on these achievements, with further content being introduced across its digital ecosystem in APAC markets. The initiative is intended to maintain momentum behind discussions on digital trust, identity verification, and the ongoing threat of fraud targeting online platforms.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV The Chase removed from screens in huge scheduling shake up
ITV The Chase has been pulled off air in an unexpected scheduling change The Chase will not air on ITV1 tonight following a schedule shake-up. The popular ITV game show, presented by Bradley Walsh, has been removed from its usual 5pm slot to make way for the continuing coverage of Royal Ascot. The horse racing will be screened from 1:30pm - 6pm tonight, disrupting The Chase's usual time slot. No episode of the popular programme aired on Tuesday June 17. The schedule change is set to continue throughout the rest of the week, meaning no episode will air on Thursday or Friday either. Fans will need to patiently wait until next Monday (June 23) to see the show return to screens. The daytime TV behemoth features a team of the some of the UK's best quizzing gurus including Mark Labbett (The Beast), Shaun Wallace (The Dark Destroyer), Jenny Ryan (The Vixen), Anne Hegerty (The Governess), Paul Sinha (The Sinnerman) and Darragh Ennis (The Menace). The Chase first debuted on screens in 2009 and soon became a hit among viewers. Hopeful contestants battle it out and test their general knowledge skills as they attempt to beat the chaser and take home a whopping cash prize. It is not the first time the quiz show has faced disruption to scheduling. Earlier this month, it was taken off air to make way for coverage of the UEFA Women's Nations League, Spain v England. The Chase also had to switch up its usual time slot last week when two Soccer Aid for UNICEF Celebrity special episodes aired on Wednesday and Friday. Last Wednesday, Shaun Williamson, Lianne Sanderson, Dion Dublin and David James all teamed up to try and beat chaser Darragh Ennis. After four rounds, the entire team managed to make it back, and have been praised for their "superb" win after they managed to beat the quiz guru and take home £150k for UNICEF. The stars sent an impressive 23 score for Darragh which he was unable to beat. Fans at home were delighted as one said: "This is the best episode I've seen, they have to win this." Another chimed in: "Wow what a well deserved win. Such a great team! £150K." Meanwhile, Dermot O'Leary, Kyle Walker, Alex Brooker and Lynsey Hipgrave went up against Anne Hegarty on Friday night. For the special occasion, Anne switched up her usual ITV attire and appeared in a football top and red lipstick instead. She was also defeated by the team who managed to bag an incredible £169k for UNICEF after answering 21 correct questions. The Chase will resume its normal scheduling time slot of 5pm on ITV every weekday next week.
Winnipeg Free Press
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Extinguishing massive out-of-control wildfires in Manitoba is unrealistic; priority is to slow the destruction, wait for rain
There are moments — as tendrils of flames creep over treetops, spew acrid smoke and envelop the horizon in a crimson glow — that an out-of-control wildfire can seemingly transform from a natural phenomenon to something hellish and alive. Jody Butz has seen it happen. He was the operations section chief of the Fort McMurray Fire Department in 2016 when a massive inferno, nicknamed 'The Beast,' incinerated the city in northeastern Alberta. 'What you will see first is the sun will go away… there's this black smoke column that just encapsulates the horizon,' Butz says. 'Way before you see flames, you will see the embers coming in. It's ashes falling on the hood of your vehicle, falling into these neighbourhoods … Then, you start to hear the roar of the fire itself, and it gets louder and louder until it's deafening.' JEFF MCINTOSH / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Jody Butz was the operations section chief of the Fort McMurray Fire Department in 2016. JEFF MCINTOSH / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Jody Butz was the operations section chief of the Fort McMurray Fire Department in 2016. Butz says the name given to the fire that ravaged his city was a bit 'theatrical' but it captured the sinister and volatile nature of wildland fires. He's watched with concern as high winds and tinder-dry conditions have fuelled wildfires across the Prairies, causing mass evacuations in three provinces, signalling an explosive start to Canada's wildfire season. In Manitoba, two people have died, at least one firefighter was seriously injured, dozens of homes have been destroyed and more than 21,000 people have fled from 27 communities. As of Wednesday, flames had ignited about 830,000 hectares, equivalent to nearly four per cent of the province's 23.6 million hectares of forest. Provincial data shows the total area burned annually from 1914 to 2020 has exceeded 800,000 hectares only seven times. With months of summer left to go, the 2025 wildfire season has already earned the grim distinction of being among the worst in Manitoba. The Free Press spoke with wildfire experts and firefighters who said there might be little crews can do but slow down the spread of large-scale fires and pray for rain. Flin Flon, a city emptied of its 5,000 inhabitants, is a key battleground. Bumping up against the Saskatchewan border to the west and south, the city is surrounded by the largest wildfire that's burning in Manitoba, measuring about 307,000 hectares — more than seven times the size of Winnipeg. Hundreds of firefighters on the ground, piloting dozens of aircraft and operating tonnes of equipment have been operating near the city for more than two weeks. So far, they have managed to keep the inferno at bay. Mike Flannigan, a wildfire expert and researcher from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C., says the idea of extinguishing a fire of that size is mostly a myth. The priority for crews is controlling its spread. 'You see pictures of planes dropping water or retardant on a fire and people might think we can put out all the fires all the time, but we can't. If the fire is large and intense… it's like spitting on a campfire; there's nothing you can do to stop it,' Flannigan says. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Mike Flannigan says the idea of extinguishing a fire 307,000 hectares in size is mostly a myth. The priority for crews is controlling its spread. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS A typical strategy for large-scale fires involves focusing efforts on the perimeter of the blaze. Crews target hot spots with pumps, hoses and water bombers, while heavy equipment and hand tools are used to dig trenches and separate the flames from natural fuels or infrastructure, he says. Firefighters will be on alert for spot fires, sparked by embers that can be carried vast distances by the wind. Hot spots located closer to the centre of the blaze are largely ignored, allowing them to consume existing fuels and burn themselves out. While the Manitoba government could not provide specifics about how the Flin Flon fire is being managed (noting the strategy is fluid and subject to change), a spokesperson says Flannigan's assessment is largely accurate. Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine says local crews are handling the fire response in the city, while senior levels of government are in charge of everything beyond. Mathew Conte, fire chief and director of emergency management for the Municipality of Jasper, in Alberta, knows what it's like to be inside a community under threat of fire. He was among the firefighters who fought the blaze that destroyed about one-third of the resort town last July. He, like Butz, says the fire took on a life of its own. 'Absolutely, what we found was the fire intensity and the rate of travel and spread was very extreme,' Conte says. 'It was the highest fire intensity a lot of our wildfires crews have ever seen or had to work with…. It was just kind of mind-blowing.' A key component of the Jasper fire response included setting up sprinklers and counter-fire measures around critical infrastructure, including the water treatment plant, hospital, schools, power stations and communications towers, he says. Jasper remained under an evacuation order for nearly a month before the wind calmed and rain fell, giving crews an opportunity to extinguish the remaining flames and hot spots. Outside town, the wildfire grew larger than 32,000 hectares before the federal government declared it under control on Sept. 7. Parks Canada didn't classify it as being extinguished until April of this year. Weather conditions — particularly wind, rain and temperatures — are factors that largely determine the lifespan of a fire, Flannigan says. A downpour of 100 to 150 millimetres (four to six inches) of rain in a short period, coupled with cool temperatures, might be enough to quell the flames near Flin Flon, he says. The latest forecast from Environment and Climate Change Canada suggests some favourable weather may be on the way in the northern part of the province, although there's no sign of that kind of precipitation in the near future. Temperatures in the teens and low-20s are currently projected next week, and 10-30 millimetres of rain is expected to fall on Flin Flon over the weekend, scientist Christy Climenhaga says. SUPPLIED John Davies a senior wildland fire specialist for B.C.-based consultancy firm Forsite. SUPPLIED John Davies a senior wildland fire specialist for B.C.-based consultancy firm Forsite. John Davies, a senior wildland fire specialist for B.C.-based consultancy firm Forsite, said officials in charge of the Manitoba response will be watching the weather closely. If conditions are favourable, crews may be able to conduct targeted burn operations to eliminate fuels in the fire path, but the battle could continue for weeks or even months, Davies says. 'It's going to come down to Mother Nature to cool these fires down and eventually put them out,' he says. Flannigan offers a similar prediction, warning some of Manitoba's fires may be 'burning deep' — a term used to describe when intense flames and heat reach deep into the earth, where they can feast on soil contents and smoulder undetected for weeks or months. When hot, dry and windy conditions return, these fires can re-emerge from the depths in a phenomenon known as 'zombie fires.' Infrared technology can be used to identify the otherwise unseen fires and stop them before they rise again. In other instances, fire crews can flag hidden hot spots simply by feeling the heat rising through the soil, Flannigan says. 'As as soon as you hear 'burning deep,' this is bad news, OK, because it means it is so much harder to extinguish it. You have to dig down deep, or you have to use a lot of water…. It's laborious and time-consuming,' he says. 'If the dryness continues, it could burn through the winter. We have fires in B.C. that started in 2023 that are still burning today…. There's a chance, if it stays dry, this fire will survive winter and you folks will be dealing with it next spring again.' Asked about the potential for flare-ups to occur in Manitoba, a provincial spokesperson said it's too early to comment. All of the fires will remain under investigation, with plans to conduct thermal-imaging flights over the affected areas when it is safe to do so, the spokesperson said. Davies said the longer the fires burn, the more challenging conditions could become. Crews who've been called in for support from other provinces or countries may have to return to fight blazes on their home fronts, he says. 'You never have enough resources, there's just always a demand,' Davies says. 'It's pretty early in the season to be bringing people in from other jurisdictions. Typically, we get much deeper into our fire season before we see that request.' As of Thursday, 229 firefighters from other provinces and the U.S. were helping to battle the flames. Nobody can say how long Manitoba's wildfires will rage, but one thing is certain: there will be more, says Norman Brandson, former deputy minister of the Manitoba Departments of Environment, Conservation and Water Stewardship. 'It's a fool's errand to think we are going to somehow prevent these fires from occurring. In fact, they are essential to the health of the forest,' Brandson says. 'Part of prevention is identifying some of these potential large-scale areas that might be at risk, and I don't think we've done much of that.' Brandson, who was a deputy minister for about 17 years before retiring in 2006, has continued to take an interest in environmental management. He says it's time for the province to rethink how it manages its forests and responds to wildfires. Brandson wants to see new regulations to govern companies that cut timber in northern Manitoba's boreal forest, such as compelling them to cut in a 'checkerboard' style to create many smaller fire breaks, instead of clear-cutting. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Flin Flon is surrounded by the largest wildfire that's burning in Manitoba, measuring about 307,000 hectares. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Flin Flon is surrounded by the largest wildfire that's burning in Manitoba, measuring about 307,000 hectares. He suggests additional training and resources should be available to Indigenous communities to help them mitigate and respond to fire emergencies. Addressing climate change is another critical component, and one that should be prioritized by the federal government, he says. Finally, lessons must be learned from this year's wildfire season and applied to policies and legislation. Jurisdictional barriers among all levels of government must be reviewed to ensure a thorough, strategic and year-round approach to environmental management and emergency response, he says. 'My sense is that this new approach has to be scaled up significantly in terms of resources, in terms of jurisdictional issues. The federal government has to be involved much more than it has been in the past,' Brandson says. 'The years we don't have forest fires are just as important as the years we do.' Tyler SearleReporter Tyler Searle is a multimedia producer who writes for the Free Press's city desk. A graduate of Red River College Polytechnic's creative communications program, he wrote for the Stonewall Teulon Tribune, Selkirk Record and Express Weekly News before joining the paper in 2022. Read more about Tyler. Every piece of reporting Tyler produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
