The Daily: May 14
World's most expensive foods revealed
On average, an aeroplane meal costs £1-£2 to produce. However, a bespoke private jet meal can cost up anything from £250 to a staggering £1000, it has been revealed. Caviar has always been a favourite of the super rich, but with the demand for rarer and more extravagant foods, the Beluga variety can sell for £24,000 a tin. Laura King, founder of Kings Fine Food, explained that producers have to wait twelve years for the beluga to produce eggs, adding that "it's the rarity and the time it takes that denotes the cost." Bespoke Beverages are also well known for their pricey produce, selling their diamond coffee for £325 a cup. The story behind the coffee is as astounding as the price, with Richard Hardwick explaining "the coffee is sourced in the Sumatran jungle, where a weasel cat goes round foraging for coffee", before digesting the coffee cherries and producing a "precious green gem" that goes towards their exclusive blend.
Catherine Deneuve: "there are no longer any stars"
Catherine Deneuve has publicly denounced social media for its invasive approach to the previously secretive film world. Speaking at a press conference for her new film Standing Tall (La Tête Haute), Deneuve lamented on a bygone film era of mystique and glamour, saying "it's the social networks that prevent people from dreaming any more about stars." The film and fashion icon expressed pity at the celebrities who find every detail of their private lives online, adding that "it's hard to keep any degree of mystery nowadays." Deneuve's film has taken the prestigious opening slot at the Cannes Film Festival, now a highly publicised and much watched event, thanks to social media who are just as likely to comment on the red carpet frocks as the films themselves.
Denmark to consider cash-free shops
Danish politicians are to vote on a proposal which would give shops the option to go completely cash-free. The proposal, put forward by the Chamber of Commerce, would give shoppers the option of paying exclusively with their smartphone, by swiping the device and clicking accept all in a matter of seconds. The chamber is responding to industry demands for a more efficient and cost cutting way of dealing with their transactions, as well as consumer's worries about carrying cash in society. Smaller businesses are also keen on the idea of cashless payment, saying that transactions in cash are so few now that they have become a hassle to process. Although some groups have warned against the potential negative impact on technology shy pensioners, research has shown that elderly Danes in fact prefer using plastic, with mobile payment group MoneyPay boasting one customer aged 104.
Tea proven to improve brain function
Not only our favourite drink but now good for us too: black and green tea found to hold numerous health benefits from improving brain function to helping our heart. New research has discovered that cognitive function improved significantly within just one hour of drinking a cup of tea, with brain waves alpha, beta and theta showing a rise in activity. Green tea was found to have a positive cognitive effect in thirty minutes, boosting theta waves, improving "verbal memory, attention and executive function". The study also found that chamomile tea was shown to protect against thyroid cancer after researchers asked thyroid patients, those with benign thyroid diseases and healthy volunteers on their tea drinking habits. Those who answered to drinking camomile tea two to six times a week were found to have reduced their rick of thyroid cancer by an astounding 70 per cent. Dr Chris Etheridge explained the significant findings to be a result of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant polyphenols and flavonoids that the infusion contains.
'Puppy Room' offered to stressed students at Bristol University
A 'puppy room' at Bristol University has been set up to help relive students under pressure from study stress. The scheme has already proved a runaway success, with over 600 students having signed up already. Dog owners have been found to have lower blood pressure in stressful situations, as well as boosted levels of calming serotonin and dopamine whilst playing with their pet. Around twenty dogs and puppies from The Guide Dog Charity will take part in 15 minute 'cuddle slots' on the day, with students also being encouraged to make a £2 contribution to the charity. Although confessing she is more of a cat person herself, Jo Woods from Bristol Students' Union expressed excitement at the idea, saying "It's really important to do fun and different things to de-stress during exams and cuddling a puppy is a perfect way to release some endorphins."
On average, an aeroplane meal costs £1-£2 to produce. However, a bespoke private jet meal can cost up anything from £250 to a staggering £1000, it has been revealed. Caviar has always been a favourite of the super rich, but with the demand for rarer and more extravagant foods, the Beluga variety can sell for £24,000 a tin. Laura King, founder of Kings Fine Food, explained that producers have to wait twelve years for the beluga to produce eggs, adding that "it's the rarity and the time it takes that denotes the cost." Bespoke Beverages are also well known for their pricey produce, selling their diamond coffee for £325 a cup. The story behind the coffee is as astounding as the price, with Richard Hardwick explaining "the coffee is sourced in the Sumatran jungle, where a weasel cat goes round foraging for coffee", before digesting the coffee cherries and producing a "precious green gem" that goes towards their exclusive blend.
Catherine Deneuve: "there are no longer any stars"
Catherine Deneuve has publicly denounced social media for its invasive approach to the previously secretive film world. Speaking at a press conference for her new film Standing Tall (La Tête Haute), Deneuve lamented on a bygone film era of mystique and glamour, saying "it's the social networks that prevent people from dreaming any more about stars." The film and fashion icon expressed pity at the celebrities who find every detail of their private lives online, adding that "it's hard to keep any degree of mystery nowadays." Deneuve's film has taken the prestigious opening slot at the Cannes Film Festival, now a highly publicised and much watched event, thanks to social media who are just as likely to comment on the red carpet frocks as the films themselves.
Denmark to consider cash-free shops
Danish politicians are to vote on a proposal which would give shops the option to go completely cash-free. The proposal, put forward by the Chamber of Commerce, would give shoppers the option of paying exclusively with their smartphone, by swiping the device and clicking accept all in a matter of seconds. The chamber is responding to industry demands for a more efficient and cost cutting way of dealing with their transactions, as well as consumer's worries about carrying cash in society. Smaller businesses are also keen on the idea of cashless payment, saying that transactions in cash are so few now that they have become a hassle to process. Although some groups have warned against the potential negative impact on technology shy pensioners, research has shown that elderly Danes in fact prefer using plastic, with mobile payment group MoneyPay boasting one customer aged 104.
Tea proven to improve brain function
Not only our favourite drink but now good for us too: black and green tea found to hold numerous health benefits from improving brain function to helping our heart. New research has discovered that cognitive function improved significantly within just one hour of drinking a cup of tea, with brain waves alpha, beta and theta showing a rise in activity. Green tea was found to have a positive cognitive effect in thirty minutes, boosting theta waves, improving "verbal memory, attention and executive function". The study also found that chamomile tea was shown to protect against thyroid cancer after researchers asked thyroid patients, those with benign thyroid diseases and healthy volunteers on their tea drinking habits. Those who answered to drinking camomile tea two to six times a week were found to have reduced their rick of thyroid cancer by an astounding 70 per cent. Dr Chris Etheridge explained the significant findings to be a result of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant polyphenols and flavonoids that the infusion contains.
'Puppy Room' offered to stressed students at Bristol University
A 'puppy room' at Bristol University has been set up to help relive students under pressure from study stress. The scheme has already proved a runaway success, with over 600 students having signed up already. Dog owners have been found to have lower blood pressure in stressful situations, as well as boosted levels of calming serotonin and dopamine whilst playing with their pet. Around twenty dogs and puppies from The Guide Dog Charity will take part in 15 minute 'cuddle slots' on the day, with students also being encouraged to make a £2 contribution to the charity. Although confessing she is more of a cat person herself, Jo Woods from Bristol Students' Union expressed excitement at the idea, saying "It's really important to do fun and different things to de-stress during exams and cuddling a puppy is a perfect way to release some endorphins."