Latest news with #LochNessMonster
Economic Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Gone with the gold watch: Britain's missing economy and other pub-side mysteries
Britain, billed as the Sceptred Isle, this other Eden, demi-Paradise, is also the haunt of mythical and mysterious bogeys and beasties - things that go bump in the night, or even in daylight. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Loch Ness Monster, the cuddly Nessie, said to lurk in the lake of that name in the Scottish Highlands. Since her first reported sighting in 1933, Nessie continues to attract some 5,00,000 visitors annually, bringing in over £40 mn. In T.H. White's 1958 Arthurian epic, The Once and Future King, a knight of the Round Table, Sir Pellinore, devotes his life to the pursuit of the elusive Questing Beast. Finally, weary of his vain efforts, the ageing knight doffs his armour, stables his steed, and calls it a day. But he's roused from his repose by a snuffling outside his castle. It is the Questing Beast, anxiously waiting to be quested again. In the true spirit of chivalry and knight-errantry, Sir Pellinore dons his helmet and breastplate and sets off once more, with the Questing Beast merrily leading the chase, leaving behind fewmets for its pursuer to follow. In the unlikely guise of an economist, a latter-day Sir Pellinore might quest in search of a fabled fugitive called the British economy - an enigmatic entity, as seemingly unsusceptible to discovery as the unfathomable Nessie. Hang it all, the blessed thing was here just the other day, wasn't it? It must have been, what with Britain having presided for a couple of centuries over the biggest empire ever known to man - or, Marvel Comics superhero - just one component of which, the Jewel in the Crown that was India, yielded a wealth which, in today's terms, is estimated at over $64 tn. Where did all that lolly go? Like the Questing Beast, the economy leaves a trail of occasional droppings to indicate its passage. A while ago, it was reported that the erstwhile outpost of the British raj, India, has overtaken its former ruler to become the world's 5th largest economy. For the Indian economy to have overtaken Britain, the latter must have had an economy capable of being overtaken, right? Right. Well, sort again, all the London pubs are always full, with not even standing room. Surely, you need to have an economy to finance all this patronage of public houses, which have never been so prolifically public - even though what, in Cockney rhyming slang, is called a 'gold watch' (=Scotch), costs what a horologe composed of that metal would fetch in a pawn that's what's happened to the disappeared economy. It's got itself another reason adduced for this plenitude of pub patronage relates not to Britain's economy, but to the economies of other nations - what with Russian oligarchs and Arab sheikhs having bought up so much real estate in the city that property has turned into unreal estate for many Londoners. This has resulted in a phenomenon known as failure to launch, which refers to the financial inability of those who, unable to afford to leave the parental nest, seek temporary refuge - and spirituous solace - in talks about the high, and growing higher, cost of living. To compound the problem, its alternative - the cost of dying - is also pricey, with a typical funeral costing £2,500-plus, nullifying Woody Allen's anodyne definition of death as a radical way to save on the mystery of the absconding British economy might have a simpler explanation: it has been subsumed, secretly, within a much larger one. Attention is so focused on Trumpistan's attempted takeover bid to make Canada the supposed 51st state of America, it's been overlooked that Uncle Sam has had a symbolic extra star on his flag ever since the end of was when John Bull surrendered his bowler hat in exchange for a cowboy's Stetson, and Westminster became an annexe - or, in local parlance, a granny flat - of the White House. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. How Vedanta's Anil Agarwal bettered Warren Buffett in returns Why Infy's Parekh takes home more than TCS' CEO despite being smaller Worrying cracks hiding behind MG Motor's own 'house of Windsor' Rivers are moving more goods than before. But why aren't they making a splash yet? Central bankers print currency for all, but why do they chase gold? Stock Radar: This BSE Sensex stock from IT space is now looking attractive after breaking out from ascending triangle pattern; time to buy? These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 25% return in 1 year, according to analysts Buy, Sell or Hold: Antique recommends buy on Shilpa Medicare; YES SECURITIES initiates coverage on Chalet Hotels
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Loch Ness Monster spotted for second time this year with sinister recording
Mysterious Loch Ness Monster sighting recorded on 'official' register An 'official sighting' of the legendary Loch Ness Monster has just been recorded - and it's the second glimpse of the supposed creature this year. A visitor spotted the Loch Ness Monster on May 23 - and made a report of the sighting to the dedicated register. The 'Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register' is the register where any glimpses of the elusive Nessie are recorded and it lists a total of 1162 over the last 40 years. The mysterious 'monster' has puzzled people across the globe for decades, with locals and tourists reportedly seeing the strange beast in the depths of the lake. This intriguing sighting in May 2025 is the second one this year, but in 2023 a whopping 10 were logged on the official register. The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register reported that the visitor to the area was there for the Loch Ness Quest, when they saw the supposed water creature. The Loch Ness Monster Sighting wrote about the sighting on their website: 'He (the visitor) said that he was at the high vantage point overlooking Urquhart Bay when he spotted a small motor boat entering the Bay. 'When he checked it out through binoculars he spotted something long and thin pop up in the boat's wake. 'It vanished a few times but he managed to catch it on film. The sighting lasted 3-5 minutes and took place at 3.40pm. Although many consider the Loch Ness Monster to be a myth, sightings have streamed in over the years. The first supposed sighting this year, on March 22, described the creature seen as a 'black mass' looming just under the lake's surface. This earlier 2025 sighting was at Dores Beach - and the witness snapped a photo of 'part of the body' of Scotland's legendary Nessie. The sighting lasted for several minutes on March 22 with a 'clear view' of the mysterious monster. The official register recorded the observer seeing something 'large and alive and swimming in the water'. The witness described graceful movement, with 'two humps' as has often been suggested, but they said the creature's head was 'hidden'. The sighting by a person in March was convinced they saw 'one long creature" - and many are still on the fence as to whether the Nessie does exist. The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register has recorded Nessie sightings by visitors to the loch going back to 1985. The official sightings website even details that the 'very first sighting was noted in 565AD by St Columba' who'd travelled to Inverness. The 'original Latin description' can be found on the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register with details of this 565AD sighting.
Buzz Feed
14-06-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
29 Kitchen Products So Good, Reviewers Say They Bought Them For Friends And Family
A snap-on pasta strainer that saves you from that awkward, dangerous game of balancing a hot pot over the sink, trying not to spill boiling water everywhere. It can handle temps up to 400 degrees F and fits most pots and pans. And the best part? No more leaving a big colander sitting in your sink for days just because you wanted some Kraft mac 'n' cheese. A set of fun, colorful vinyl coasters so your morning cup of joe doesn't leave a ring on your beautiful wood dining table. A Loch Ness Monster–shaped ladle with little feet that keep it upright, which not only makes it look like Nessie's bobbing around in your soup but also prevents your spoon from slipping into the pot, getting stew all over the handle. Plus, this mini monster is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup! A 12-piece Caraway cookware set so you'll have what you need to make all those saved recipes from your late-night scrolling. This set has a nontoxic coating and is oven safe — which makes cooking infinitely easier. And the fact that these last so fricking long (years and years!) makes them well worth the investment. A veggie chopper for keeping your counter tidy while speeding up your prep time. If you love to cook but hate chopping (who doesn't, right?) this thing is a lifesaver. It chops just about everything — onions, peppers, zucchinis, potatoes, you name it! Plus, it comes with different blades for slicing, dicing, and even spiraling your favorite veggies. A vampire garlic crusher (aka "Count Gracula") that makes mincing garlic much easier and more entertaining. It's the perfect silly yet functional gadget for any garlic fanatics. A rectangular lazy Susan to save all that food from disappearing into the back of your fridge like it's the Bermuda Triangle. Now you might actually have a chance at finishing that container of Greek yogurt instead of finding it months later, covered in mold. Plus, its shape maximizes your fridge space way better than the traditional round ones! An electric potato peeler that Dennis from It's Always Sunny would've loved for his apples. It's a hands-free operation, so you can prep other ingredients while this takes care of the potatoes, and the nonslip grip keeps it from tipping over, even when it's really working. Plus, it has two spare blades conveniently stored in the base, making sure you're always ready for your next round of peeling. A heavy-duty ice cream scoop strong enough to go up against the rock-solid tub of "The Tonight Dough" that's been chillin' (pun intended) in your freezer for two months. Reviewers rave about its durability, amazing handle, and how effortlessly it scoops, forming a flawless sphere every time. A two-pack of Dan-O's seasoning that went viral on TikTok for being so delicious without any added preservatives, MSG, or excess sodium. People use it to season a wide variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, seafood, and even popcorn. A mini waffle maker loved for its sleek design, super fast heat-up time, and nonstick surface that makes waffle-making (and cleanup) a breeze. It's super versatile; you can use it for other recipes like hashbrowns, brownie bites, or even egg dishes. Plus, it takes up very little space and comes in a variety of fun colors to fit your kitchen style! A 14-ounce portable personal blender you can drink straight out of to avoid creating yet another dish to wash. You'll be able to make your morning smoothie while half asleep — just throw in the ingredients, press the button, and you're good to go! A rapid egg cooker so you don't have to compromise between eating a decent breakfast or doing your hair. It cooks up to six eggs at a time in any style you like, be it soft-, medium-, or hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or even as omelets! A stainless-steel pepper and jalapeño corer so those seeds don't take up residency in between your teeth (and, in the case of jalapeños, burn off your taste buds). This one is designed with a ribbed, scoop-like head that grips and removes the seeds with very little effort on your part. A set of Bottle Bright tablets to turn cleaning your water bottle from one of the most laborious chores to the least. Just drop in a tablet, add warm water, let it soak while the tablet fizzes up, then rinse. Voilà — your bottle is sparkling clean without any scrubbing! A set of "wine wands" if you love wine, but can't seem to enjoy it without your head pounding in the morning. This clever little device comes with filters that help remove histamines and sulfites — common culprits behind headaches and hangovers. It's super portable, so you'll be good to go for any spur-of-the-moment drinks! A microwave pasta maker that lets you cook pasta quickly and easily without the need for a stove, or a pot, or a pasta ladle, or a colander. I never realized how many things are needed to make a simple spaghetti dinner. A marble board wire cheese cutter for effortlessly slicing through cheese with precision — and when you're not using it, it'll just sit pretty on your counter, adding a touch of style to your kitchen. A silicone baking mat so you don't have to break your arm scrubbing off the residue after your single-pan meal. These can handle temps up to 480 degrees F and can be used over and over (and over), saving you from spending on rolls of parchment paper. And just FYI, these go on TOP of your metal sheet pans. A Mason jar-esque cold brew coffee maker because let's face it — this economy can't support daily iced coffee runs anymore. It's got a leak-proof lid that's easy to pour from and a mesh filter that keeps you from chewing your coffee. Just a heads up: Don't add boiling water! A set of magnetic fridge spice organizers if you're in desperate need of more cabinet space or keep forgetting what spices you have because they're always getting lost in the back of the cupboard. No need to worry about them falling off — they're designed with heavy-duty magnets, and reviewers attest to how securely they stay in place! A magnetic air fryer cheat sheet because it's all too easy to go on your phone to look up the cook time for chicken nuggets, only to end up scrolling through TikTok and completely forgetting what you were doing in the first place. A set of reusable Gripstic bag sealers so your precious "Everything But the Bagel" chips from Trader Joe's don't go stale after a week. They slide across the entire top of the bag, ensuring an airtight seal, and will fit in even the most cluttered of drawers (unlike bulky chip clips). A silicone muffin mold to replace your old rusting one that takes way too much effort to remove cupcakes from. In fact, reviewers say their muffins basically fall right out of this and that it's super easy to clean. A bamboo beginner's sushi-making kit that's perfect for a fun date night, hanging with friends, or even just enjoying on your own. Reviewers say it's sturdy and has held up well over time, so you'll be able to make your own California rolls for years to come! A nonstick stuffed patty mold so you can have cheese on top of *and* inside your burger. But you can let your creativity run wild and fill it with anything you want, like mushrooms, onions, peppers — anything your heart desires. A terra-cotta garlic roaster that'll turn your garlic into a spreadable delight. It evenly distributes heat, softening the garlic and bringing out its rich, aromatic flavor. Just pop in the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, and roast away. A ring can opener for anyone who's ever struggled to get that tab to lift. It's compact, easy to use, and gives you a smooth, safe way to open cans without making a mess or hurting your fingers. A magnetic microwave cover that conveniently attaches to the microwave ceiling, ensuring it's always ready when you need it. Now when you reheat your lasagna leftovers, it won't look like an actual crime scene.
The Age
12-06-2025
- General
- The Age
It's one of Sydney's favourite urban legends. But could it be real?
Circus escapees. Abandoned World War II mascots. Black market pets. No matter who you speak to, everyone has their take on how the Blue Mountains Panther – one of Sydney's favourite urban legends – came to be. But for a group of local explorers, the 'how' isn't the important question – it's the whereabouts of the 'Big Cat' itself that they're determined to answer. For four years, 14 locals from the group Blue Mountains Explore have searched the most hidden corners of the bush to try to find evidence proving the existence of big cats in the Blue Mountains. The group, selling Blue Mountains guidebooks to help fund their search, have shared their experience with believers and non-believers across social media, including the highs (evidence of suspiciously large paw prints) and lows (ticks, leeches and accidentally camping on spider nests). They're so certain that they're getting close to proving the existence of big cats that, for the past 18 months, the explorers have dedicated themselves to the search full-time, going out into the bush five days a week, every week. Like many Blue Mountains locals, group member George Kaplan grew up hearing the legend of big cats. 'It's the same as the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland, and it's the same as other mythical creatures in different parts around the world, but from the age of probably two I've been hearing about the mythical Black Panther in the Blue Mountains,' he said. 'After starting the Instagram account Blue Mountains Explore with a number of other friends, we started to see things out in the wilderness when we were just exploring that we thought were weird, unusual.'
Sydney Morning Herald
12-06-2025
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
It's one of Sydney's favourite urban legends. But could it be real?
Circus escapees. Abandoned World War II mascots. Black market pets. No matter who you speak to, everyone has their take on how the Blue Mountains Panther – one of Sydney's favourite urban legends – came to be. But for a group of local explorers, the 'how' isn't the important question – it's the whereabouts of the 'Big Cat' itself that they're determined to answer. For four years, 14 locals from the group Blue Mountains Explore have searched the most hidden corners of the bush to try to find evidence proving the existence of big cats in the Blue Mountains. The group, selling Blue Mountains guidebooks to help fund their search, have shared their experience with believers and non-believers across social media, including the highs (evidence of suspiciously large paw prints) and lows (ticks, leeches and accidentally camping on spider nests). They're so certain that they're getting close to proving the existence of big cats that, for the past 18 months, the explorers have dedicated themselves to the search full-time, going out into the bush five days a week, every week. Like many Blue Mountains locals, group member George Kaplan grew up hearing the legend of big cats. 'It's the same as the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland, and it's the same as other mythical creatures in different parts around the world, but from the age of probably two I've been hearing about the mythical Black Panther in the Blue Mountains,' he said. 'After starting the Instagram account Blue Mountains Explore with a number of other friends, we started to see things out in the wilderness when we were just exploring that we thought were weird, unusual.'
