Latest news with #MattAlexander
New York Post
09-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Weird silicone phone case feels like human skin — and it can even get sunburned
This flesh-like phone case is a creative reminder to protect yourself from the sun. Researcher Marc Teyssier has partnered with Virgin Media O2 to create the Skincase — and it looks, feels, and burns just like human skin. Teyessier was inspired to create the case after research revealed the staggering gaps between the number of times people check their phone during the hours with a high UV index and the number of sunscreen applications at the same frequency. Thus, as the phone case starts to burn in real time, it serves as a reminder to slap on some sunscreen. 'My work often seeks to bridge the gap between our digital lives and our physical well-being. The Skincase is a prime example of how technology can be harnessed to promote health awareness and encourage positive behavioural change,' Teyssier said in a press release. 3 Marc Teyssier also added flexible filament to the fake skin, resulting in its pliable texture. Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments Creepy and lifelike as it may appear, Teyssier insists it's synthetic. The creative combined silicone with UV-reactive elements to replicate the all-too-familiar feeling. He also used 3D printing and hand-sculpting techniques, and individually carved wrinkles into the engineered epidermis. 3 Prolonged exposure to UV rays and repeated sun damage can lead to skin cancer. Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments 'With mobiles being such an essential part of everyday life, especially on holiday according to our new research, we've created the Skincase to demonstrate in real time just how severe the effects of sunburn can be while also promoting sun safety among holidaymakers,' Chris Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, said. The Skincase was created in three different skin tones, and each reacts to UV rays by changing colors, just like the real thing. Teyssier is no stranger to synthetic skin. The researcher previously created an artificial skin that adheres to cell phones. Back in 2019, when he introduced the tech to the world, he told New Scientist that he simply wanted to 'pinch [his] phone,' so he created a mobile accessory that could feel human touch and even reciprocate the sensation as a means of comfort. 3 Each skin tone takes on a unique hue when exposed to UV rays. Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments As a sweltering summer continues to ramp up in the U.S. and a heat wave sweeps across Europe and Asia, a creepy — albeit effective — reminder of potentially harmful UV levels is welcome for many sunbathers. Eager as you may be to get your hands on the latest bizarre creation, as of now, the Skincase is still a prototype and isn't for sale quite yet.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
North State firefighters brace for potential thunderstorms with lightning this week
It's already been a busy season for North State firefighters with several small brush fires breaking out in June. And weather conditions will challenge firefighters this week as the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for portions of Shasta, Siskiyou and Trinity counties through Tuesday night. 'Isolated thunderstorms may produce dangerous lightning, gusty winds, small hail, and possible fire starts, impacting outdoor activities and recreationists. No debris flow impacts are expected to burn scars,' the National Weather Service said in an advisory it posted Monday morning. The chance for thunderstorms is expected to continue through Thursday in the mountains. "We're in the thick of right now. We have had some fires and we have some incoming weather right now that could produce some lightning, so we're on high alert," California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Battalion Chief Matt Alexander said Monday during the Shasta Arson Task Force fireworks danger demonstration in Redding. Two more brush fires burned Sunday and early Monday morning in Redding. Crews on Monday mopped up from the Kenyon Fire that burned 26 acres in south Redding on Sunday afternoon. The fire caused a scare for residents in the area of Riviera Drive, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for those neighborhoods. Redding Fire Prevention Officer Corey Welch said the Kenyon Fire threatened 25 homes. It damaged a house and outbuilding on Enchanted Way and Rocky Ridge Court. There were no reported injuries, Welch said. The Twin Fire burned 4 acres north of Highway 299 and west of Shasta College around 3 a.m. Sunday. The blaze burned in the same vicinity of a quarter-acre fire around 10 p.m. Saturday. Causes for the Kenyon and Twin fires are under investigation, Welch said. With thunderstorms and the potential for lightning in the forecast, Cal Fire is getting ready for the fire risk the weather brings. Cal Fire spokeswoman Jas Shaw said Cal Fire units in the Northern California region, essentially Sacramento to the Oregon border, are adding staff and equipment. 'If we start getting a lot of activity, then our (Cal Fire Shasta-Trinity Unit) duty chief would be able to (add staff) unit-wide,' Shaw said. Cal Fire also is staffing two fire lookouts, Bully Choop on the western edge of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and Solider Mountain near the eastern edge of the Shasta-Trinty National Forest near McArthur Road, Shaw said. A red flag warning alerts people that there is an increased risk of fire danger brought on by warm temperatures, low humidities and stronger winds, according to a NWS office in Michigan. A new fire can grow rapidly under a red flag warning, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs. People can help prevent fires from starting by removing dead shrubbery around their homes and avoiding using power equipment that creates sparks, NPR reported. Other tips from the IAFC include not driving your vehicle on dry grass as the heat from the underside of your vehicle can start a fire and never throwing cigarettes or matches out of a car. Temperatures are expected to cool later in the week as the threat of thunderstorms subsides, the National Weather Service said. After a forecast high of 103 degrees in Redding on Wednesday, the mercury will dip below 100 on Thursday. The expected high for Friday, July 4, is 92 degrees. Temperatures will stay below 100 through the weekend, the National Weather Service said. David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He's part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Red flag warning for Shasta, Siskiyou has firefighters on alert
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Aldi taking on McDonald's by celebrating fan favourite hash browns
Aldi taking on McDonald's by celebrating fan favourite hash browns It comes after research uncovered the "great breakfast frustration' — the feeling Brits experience when they miss out on the breakfast cut-off, with over a third of Brits (42%) also calling for hash browns to be an all-day long delicacy Aldi's branded food van will be pulling up outside selected McDonald's restaurants from precisely 11:01am, just after the fast-food chain's breakfast service ends and offering free, freshly cooked hash browns to those left craving their morning potato fix. (Image: Matt Alexander/PA Media ) A major UK supermarket chain has decided to take on fast food giants McDonald's in a new campaign to celebrate their fan favourite hash browns. It comes after research uncovered the "great breakfast frustration' — the feeling Brits experience when they miss out on the breakfast cut-off, with over a third of Brits (42%) also calling for hash browns to be an all-day long delicacy. The UK's fourth largest supermarket, Aldi, is celebrating the beloved breakfast staple, the hash brown, and taking to the road to offer the breakfast favourite to Brits - but that's not all. The supermarket is also bringing the heat and challenging the McDonald's legendary hash brown with their own, cheaper version of the breakfast favourite. Aldi's branded food van will be pulling up outside selected McDonald's restaurants from precisely 11:01am, just after the fast-food chain's breakfast service ends and offering free, freshly cooked hash browns to those left craving their morning potato fix. Aldi's branded food van will be pulling up outside selected McDonald's restaurants from precisely 11:01am, just after the fast-food chain's breakfast service ends and offering free, freshly cooked hash browns to those left craving their morning potato fix. (Image: Matt Alexander/PA Media ) The study revealed that 62% of UK adults believe 11am is too early to stop serving breakfast, with one in five (22%) saying they would prefer breakfast food to be available all day. Article continues below What's more, comfort (23%), flexibility (17%), and convenience (15%) were cited as the key reasons Brits love breakfast. Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: "Brits love their hash browns and our Oakhurst Breakfast Hash Browns have developed quite the loyal following, with over half a million breakfast hash browns sold in store per week. That's why our hash brown van has been designed with one purpose — to bring the nation their crispy potato fix at any time of the day, not just before 11am.' Aldi's Oakhurst Breakfast Hash Browns have garnered cult status among breakfast enthusiasts, often reportedly outdoing McDonald's in blind taste tests across social media and food critic reviews. Article continues below Capital FM host @aimeevivian shared her love of the viral hash browns on TikTok, saying: 'It's another run don't walk to Aldi!! I love a cheeky maccy's hash brown as a treat. So, to find these in @Aldi UK was a touch!' For those that miss out on Aldi's hash brown tour, the supermarket's popular hash brown range including the Oakhurst Breakfast Hash Browns are available to buy in stores now.
Glasgow Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Giant Hungarian Horntail dragon stuns onlookers at it roars through London
The 25-foot animatronic dragon, which weighs 1.3 tonnes, appeared captured as it made its way past Westminster Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and King's Cross Station. The theatrical stunt was staged to mark the launch of Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions, a new feature at Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the cinematic release of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. The Hungarian Horntail featured in the fourth Harry Potter novel and film, where Harry battles the beast in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. Rae McFarlane, aged five, sits by the 25-ft-long animatronic Hungarian Horntail (Matt Alexander/PA) The fictional dragon roared and bared its teeth past London landmarks before making its way to the tourist attraction in Leavesden, Hertfordshire. Harry Potter filmmaker and animatronic designer, Joe Scott, designed the dragon, replicating the creature in the film, complete with moving head, mouth and eyes, and sound effects. The recreation of the famous dragon was carefully crafted over 750 hours, using materials that included 25kg of fibreglass. The team first created a series of detailed sketches and CGI mock-ups, before sculptors, carpenters and scenic artists built the dragon's head, which was 3D printed using a scan of the original Hungarian Horntail from the film. A total of 119 spikes were individually applied to decorate the dragon's head and tail, which took 265 hours, whilst 38 razor-sharp teeth were 3D printed in resin to create bite in the creature's animatronic mouth. The fictional dragon roared and bared its teeth past London landmarks (Matt Alexander/PA) 'Revisiting the creation of the Hungarian Horntail 20 years on from Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire has been magical,' said Mr Scott. 'Creating the dragons for the Triwizard Tournament was no mean feat, with engineers, animatronics, designers and the special effects teams all working together to bring them to life. 'It's fantastic to see the craftsmanship that went into this on display at the new feature – inspiring visitors with the magic of our filmmaking secrets.' The Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions, which will run from May 15 to September 8, at Warner Bros Studio Tour London features behind-the-scenes secrets and digital recreations from the fourth film. Further additions include Mad Eye Moody's arrival in the Great Hall and wizarding journalist Rita Skeeter, best known for her poison pen articles, will be welcomed to the Studio Tour along with her self-writing quill. Laura Sinclair-Lazell, head of show experience at Warner Bros Studio Tour London says: 'We're excited to launch our brand-new summer feature, Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions, where visitors can learn behind-the-scenes secrets of the fourth Harry Potter film. 'To celebrate and bring the magic of Warner Bros Studio Tour London to the streets of the capital, we recreated the iconic moment of the escaped Hungarian Horntail dragon 20 years on from Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.'
Western Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Giant Hungarian Horntail dragon stuns onlookers at it roars through London
The 25-foot animatronic dragon, which weighs 1.3 tonnes, appeared captured as it made its way past Westminster Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and King's Cross Station. The theatrical stunt was staged to mark the launch of Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions, a new feature at Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the cinematic release of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. The Hungarian Horntail featured in the fourth Harry Potter novel and film, where Harry battles the beast in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. Rae McFarlane, aged five, sits by the 25-ft-long animatronic Hungarian Horntail (Matt Alexander/PA) The fictional dragon roared and bared its teeth past London landmarks before making its way to the tourist attraction in Leavesden, Hertfordshire. Harry Potter filmmaker and animatronic designer, Joe Scott, designed the dragon, replicating the creature in the film, complete with moving head, mouth and eyes, and sound effects. The recreation of the famous dragon was carefully crafted over 750 hours, using materials that included 25kg of fibreglass. The team first created a series of detailed sketches and CGI mock-ups, before sculptors, carpenters and scenic artists built the dragon's head, which was 3D printed using a scan of the original Hungarian Horntail from the film. A total of 119 spikes were individually applied to decorate the dragon's head and tail, which took 265 hours, whilst 38 razor-sharp teeth were 3D printed in resin to create bite in the creature's animatronic mouth. The fictional dragon roared and bared its teeth past London landmarks (Matt Alexander/PA) 'Revisiting the creation of the Hungarian Horntail 20 years on from Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire has been magical,' said Mr Scott. 'Creating the dragons for the Triwizard Tournament was no mean feat, with engineers, animatronics, designers and the special effects teams all working together to bring them to life. 'It's fantastic to see the craftsmanship that went into this on display at the new feature – inspiring visitors with the magic of our filmmaking secrets.' The Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions, which will run from May 15 to September 8, at Warner Bros Studio Tour London features behind-the-scenes secrets and digital recreations from the fourth film. Further additions include Mad Eye Moody's arrival in the Great Hall and wizarding journalist Rita Skeeter, best known for her poison pen articles, will be welcomed to the Studio Tour along with her self-writing quill. Laura Sinclair-Lazell, head of show experience at Warner Bros Studio Tour London says: 'We're excited to launch our brand-new summer feature, Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions, where visitors can learn behind-the-scenes secrets of the fourth Harry Potter film. 'To celebrate and bring the magic of Warner Bros Studio Tour London to the streets of the capital, we recreated the iconic moment of the escaped Hungarian Horntail dragon 20 years on from Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.'
