Latest news with #Absinthe
Spectator
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
Labour has tied itself in knots over welfare reform
The problem with having principles is that they're very expensive. This is proving an enormous headache for Starmer's government, which is still trying to slash disability benefits in plain sight rather than raise taxes, only to be forced into another embarrassing U-turn by hundreds of its own backbenchers. These rebel MPs kicked up a fuss on the basis that they didn't run for office to push hundreds of thousands of disabled people into poverty. Most of these MPs ran for office on the basis of not being Tories. The party leadership apparently believed that it could legislate like Tories and get away with it, but to get away with that sort of flagrant regressive policy, you have to be – well, a Tory. That's the downside of liberalism as a lifestyle choice. You can't just show up with unbrushed hair and a swindler's grin and expect a round of applause. You have to do vulgar things like telling the truth and being accountable to the public. There's nothing inherently embarrassing about changing your mind on the basis of new information – unless the new information is that you haven't a clue what you stand for, and you're out of step with the party and the public. Party insiders are still arguing that Reeves messed up here by not making the moral case for kicking people off benefits. Presumably the reason she didn't make one is because there isn't one – at least not one that the public will believe. The implications, however, are unavoidable: if disability claims are rising, if the benefits bill is ballooning, it must be because poor people are cheating the system. The problem with this implication is that it's wrong – not morally, but factually. An enormous proportion of British people who receive benefits – including disability benefits – are in work, and welfare has long been used to spackle over the fractures in our healthcare and our job market, and to subsidise our broken housing system. And no matter how costly a crutch this might be, you can't cure anyone by kicking it away. It was, in fact, New Labour who really leaned into this practice, just as it was Labour who kicked off a generation of punitive welfare reforms on its way out the door in 2010. There is an ugly, parsimonious impulse to the Labour party when in power, just as there is with any centre-left party trying to line up its historical claims to fairness with its twofold terror of both the markets and the voting public. The parts of the Labour party which pride themselves on their electability have always had a puritan streak, and that tendency has been polished by years in opposition fighting off nonsensical accusations of spendthriftery from Tory governments running the economy on deranged goblin mode. This economic dysphoria is unwarranted, given that the Conservative party will not be trusted to run the economy for a very long time, for the same reason I cannot be trusted to consume Absinthe in a goth club: because of the incident. Fourteen years of swindling, scandal and chaos seem to have marinated the legacy of Labour politicians in the sense that they have become the party of modesty and discipline. This conviction plays into the social darwinism that is particular to the centre-left in power: that welfare must come with deterrents and that requiring state support is a sign of moral weakness. This is a hangover from centuries spent trying to sleep at night inside the racket of a machine that grinds out human misery. Underpinning it all is the conviction that there is something shameful about poverty. That sort of shame runs livid under the skin of the British class system. It's why every effort to actually help those who have been shut out and worn down by the system still has to be buttoned up in appeals of restraint and moral instruction. Labour has long been suspicious of pleasure, of anything that could possibly be seen as self-indulgent – setting itself against the excesses and depravity of the Tory old guard. As principles go, that one's cheap, but like most cheap things, it breaks down just when you need it most. Unfortunately, after gambling away the social democratic settlement, the Tories also gambled away the excuses. Nobody believes that taking away money from sick, poor and disabled people is an acceptable way to pay off the debts the last lot ran up. That's a song the British electorate has been hearing for too long, and we are sick of it. Nor can Reeves plausibly tell the public that we're all in this together, even though she, at least, seems to be shouldering her share of the national misery – unlike, for example, Osborne, who delivered this line while clearly having a fabulous time holding the country upside down to see what shook out of the pockets of the working poor. Reeves has the decency not to look pleased with herself – just as what remains of the Conservative party has had the decency not to show up for these debates.
News18
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Manidhargal Review: A Short-Film Idea Uncomfortably Stretched Into A Feature
Last Updated: Manidhargal is a story of a bunch of friends trying to get rid of the body of their friend, who died during their drinking session. Read our review. Manidhargal released on May 30. A bunch of friends, after a night of heavy drinking, wake up to find one of them dead. Panic-stricken, the four of them try to get rid of the body, and thus begins their car ride, and the audience's excruciating ordeal that lasts for 100 minutes. Manidhargal, a crowd-funded movie, has a core problem of being an inadequate idea for a feature film. The story is wafer-thin that would have suited a short flick as the sequences are redundant without any major development or revelation. Though Manidhargal is a relatively short feature film, it can feel exhausting to watch, especially as the scenes of grown men crying and panicking become difficult to endure. Kaali (Kapil Velavan) is supposed to be the hard-boiled character in the film, who doesn't break till the end. Mano (Gunavarthan) is the crybaby, who doesn't stop his antics. Sathish (Dhasha) is a relatively sane guy who also starts wailing as the clock ticks. Samba Sivam as Chandru seems to have drunk something potent than Absinthe, because he doesn't seem to sober up. Arjun Dev as Deepan is part of the film because having just three characters would make the painful redundancy obvious. The four lead actors are like emojis that don't change their expression. It's understandable that the characters are in deep trouble and guilt, but their expressions and lamentations are unrealistic. Even real-life murderers would come to terms with their actions and move on to fixing the problem. But these men are perennially stuck in a loop of crying and lamenting. Mano as Gunavarthan plays an incredibly frustrating character who just doesn't know when to stop. His over-the-top behaviour becomes so overwhelming that it's hard to bear, leaving you wishing he had faced the consequences instead. Director Raam Indhra needed more layers and plot points to sustain this flimsy story. Instead, what we have is a string of contrivances. This is how the film goes: Friends carry the body in the car. Someone or something stops them. Friends cry. Someone or something doesn't do a thing. Friends cry. Friends continue carrying the body in the car. And someone or something stops them. Repeat. There is no progression in the story till the end. Having just a few ideas, like the reason behind the conflict and an open ending, isn't enough to make Manidhargal a truly deep or philosophical film. Yet, Raam Indhra is skilfull when it comes to making great images with mundane things. With cinematographer Ajay Abraham, he creates distinct frames with innovative camera angles that are a visual treat. His creativity reaches its pinnacle in a song full of such abstract images created by superimposing various frames of the car, lights, and the road. Wish such creative energy was directed at coming up with more in-depth characters and plot points. First Published:
Associated Press
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Red Phone Booth to Celebrate National Absinthe Day with a Week of Cocktail Specials March 3 - 9 at All Locations
Raise a Glass to the Green Fairy to Honor the Rich History and Unique Flavors of Absinthe 'At Red Phone Booth, we take immense pride in curating exceptional cocktail experiences that honor the craft, culture and history of spirits.' — Stephen de Haan, Red Phone Booth Founder ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, March 3, 2025 / / -- Red Phone Booth, the upscale 1920s Prohibition-style speakeasy known as the world's foremost expert in historic craft cocktails, will celebrate National Absinthe Day (March 5) all week - March 3 - 9, with exclusive absinthe-inspired cocktail specials at all locations. The event will highlight the mystique and allure of this storied spirit with unique concoctions that elevate the timeless tradition of absinthe cocktails. Red Phone Booth features a selection of rare spirits, craft cocktails, and a distinctive ambiance that transports guests to another era. Absinthe, often called 'The Green Fairy,' is a strong, anise-flavored spirit that originated in the late 18th century in Switzerland. Absinthe became a cultural icon in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in France, where artists and writers like Ernest Hemingway, Vincent van Gogh and Oscar Wilde embraced it for its bold flavors and mysterious allure. Celebrated annually on March 5th, National Absinthe Day honors absinthe's legacy, artistry, and revival. Red Phone Booth is an exclusive speakeasy offering an elevated experience in a hidden, prohibition-inspired setting. Known for its intimate and upscale atmosphere and unparalleled attention to detail, Red Phone Booth has become a favorite destination for cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative and sophisticated craft cocktails. This week, Red Phone Booth will feature rare and exciting absinthe-based beverages, each thoughtfully curated and crafted by expert bartenders. Whether you're a seasoned absinthe aficionado or a curious newcomer, Red Phone Booth's National Absinthe Day celebration promises to be an unforgettable experience for all. Red Phone Booth was founded and curated by Stephen de Haan. With the original location in downtown Atlanta, Red Phone Booth has expanded to also include the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Nashville, TN, The Colony, TX, Brickell, FL, and Tampa, FL opening soon, all with reciprocal membership privileges. 'At Red Phone Booth, we take immense pride in curating exceptional cocktail experiences that honor the craft, culture and history of spirits,' said Stephen de Haan. 'For National Absinthe Day, our bartenders have thoughtfully crafted a selection of classic and modern cocktails showcasing Absinthe's rich heritage and remarkable versatility. Guests will have the opportunity to experience the traditional absinthe drip, an integral part of cocktail history, while also exploring how this storied spirit can elevate contemporary cocktails. As the foremost leader in craft cocktails, we are dedicated to preserving the traditions that define cocktail culture while continuing to push the boundaries of innovation.' As part of Red Phone Booth's dedication to preserving the art of classic cocktails, members enjoy exclusive privileges, which includes this opportunity to immerse themselves in the time-honored tradition of the absinthe drip experience. This ritual, deeply rooted in cocktail history, allows guests to witness the beauty of absinthe preparation firsthand, just as it was enjoyed by the legendary artists and writers of the past. Members are encouraged to visit and partake in this exclusive experience, a testament to Red Phone Booth's commitment to craft, culture and history. Featured Craft Cocktail Specials - $10 each: Traditional Absinthe Drip – A classic method dating back to the 19th century involves slowly dripping cold water over a sugar cube on a slotted spoon into a glass of absinthe. This process, known as 'louching,' turns the clear spirit cloudy and softens its potent herbal flavors. Originating in Switzerland and popularized in France, this ritualistic preparation enhances the mystique and historical allure of absinthe, making it a timeless cocktail experience. Death in the Afternoon – Created by Ernest Hemingway, this cocktail is a simple yet elegant combination of absinthe and sparkling wine. Hemingway, a notorious absinthe enthusiast, included the drink in a 1935 cocktail book, advising drinkers to 'pour one jigger of absinthe into a champagne glass and add iced champagne until it attains the proper opalescent milkiness. Corpse Reviver No. 2 – A pre-prohibition classic, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 was originally designed as a hangover cure. First appearing in the Savoy Cocktail Book (1930), this cocktail is a beautifully balanced mix of gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe. The absinthe adds depth and a slight herbal complexity to this crisp, refreshing cocktail. Sazerac – One of the oldest known cocktails, the Sazerac originated in New Orleans in the 1800s. Traditionally made with rye whiskey, sugar, Peychaud's bitters, and an absinthe rinse, this cocktail delivers bold, complex flavors with a rich history. The absinthe rinse provides a subtle anise aroma that enhances the drink's depth and character. Green Beast – A modern classic that highlights Absinthe's refreshing and balanced side. Originally crafted as an approachable way to enjoy the spirit, this cocktail complements absinthe's bold intensity with crisp cucumber and fresh lime, making it perfect for both absinthe newcomers and aficionados. Red Phone Booth's goal is to provide each guest with the most memorable experience, always looking for opportunities to exceed each guest's expectations while maintaining a sincere, gracious attitude. From the comfort of the seating to the training and knowledge of the staff and the quality of the air, it is all of these things and more that allow Red Phone Booth to deliver an unparalleled experience for their guests. While the exclusive lounge is open to the public, part of the unique prohibition experience is that guests need a secret phone number from a member or local hotel concierge to dial into the restored London antique red phone booth to gain entry. Memberships are available and are reciprocal at each location. ABOUT RED PHONE BOOTH: Red Phone Booth features a stunning interior reminiscent of a clandestine hideaway as the venue showcases an exquisite design that includes vintage-inspired décor, plush seating, and dimly lit surroundings, creating an atmosphere that exudes timeless elegance. Red Phone Booth offers a world-class mixology program curated by an expert team of bartenders. Patrons can expect a cocktail menu featuring an extensive selection of over 400+ spirits, including rare bourbon, whiskey, scotch, tequila, and Japanese whisky selections. Guests have come to expect the finest attention to detail that provides exceptional cocktails, including 100% freshly squeezed juices for lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, and cranberry juices. In addition, Red Phone Booth offers an extensive selection of 200+ products from the temperature and humidity-controlled walk-in humidor. With its intimate ambiance, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional service, Red Phone Booth provides an extraordinary destination for members to unwind with colleagues over a specialty craft cocktail, signature cigar, and small plate. Red Phone Booth also hosts exclusive tasting events where members and guests can sample flights of whiskey, bourbon, scotch, or tequila while learning about the spirits' history from key industry leaders. Visit for more information.
