Latest news with #Tony
Daily Maverick
a day ago
- General
- Daily Maverick
AirFryday: Crispy potatoes with bacon and rosemary
Bacon makes everything seem better. Potatoes have that effect too. So let's put them together and turn out what may be the most satisfying air fryer potato dish of them all. There are memes going around saying air fryers are only good for cooking potatoes. This is wildly far from the truth, as my now scores of air fryer recipes for all sorts of things will attest. But I'll give the claims some credence, in that potatoes are one of the most effective and popular air fryer dishes. In so many ways. Here's a new way: paring spuds with bacon. This is a divine match. And I sneakily added in some fresh rosemary too, because this herb goes so well with potatoes and is an interesting aromatic for bacon too – if bacon needs any help in pleasing the human palate. I used a little extra virgin olive oil in this dish too – I rarely use cooking oil spray now that I've got the hang of using an air fryer. A modest amount of actual oil does the job much better, as it coats the potatoes more thoroughly. Tony's air fryer potatoes with bacon and rosemary (Serves 2-4 as a side portion) Ingredients 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters 3 Tbsp olive oil 4 rashers of streaky bacon, diced 4 rosemary sprigs Salt and black pepper Method Peel the potatoes and quarter them. Pick the rosemary needles off their stems and add them to a bowl. Pour in the olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Dice the bacon rashers and add. Add the potatoes and toss and stir so that everything is coated with the oil. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. When hot, spoon everything from the bowl into the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes at 180°C, shaking the basket quickly every few minutes and shutting the drawer again. Turn the temperature up to 200°C and air-fry for 10 minutes more. Shake the basket well, and cook for 10 minutes more at 200°C. Finally, shake the basket again and give them one last 5-minute session, still at 200°C. They need to be crisp and golden when done. Insert a skewer into a potato and check whether it is tender to the middle. If not, cook for a few minutes more. Eat a potato and decide whether you're happy that they have enough salt, and adjust if necessary. DM Tony Jackman is twice winner of the Galliova Food Writer of the year award, in 2021 and 2023.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Brighton insider on whether Bloom can keep Hearts promise
"I've only met him once and it was very, very briefly," Maguire told the Hearts Standard. "He's a guy who's three steps ahead. I'm a teacher. I'm a pretty good teacher because I can take people through a series of steps. Tony's the type of guy who can identify something very quickly. He's already answered my next question before I've asked it. Read more: "Sometimes you do [come] across it. I teach at university. I teach very learned professors and so on, who are super smart. Tony is without doubt well ahead of those, and he's used that skill to create a culture at Brighton which allows the club to punch above its weight. You can only make progress if you're bigger or smarter, and he's gone down that smarter route." Majority owner and chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion, Bloom has moulded the club into one of the English Premier League's mainstays. Although their quest for major silverware under his stewardship remains ongoing, the stability and effective manner in which the club is run is difficult to find anywhere else in Britain. "He is [a] visionary," adds Maguire. "He employs smart people who are able to effectively transfer his ambitions and his strategy into reality. "He's got a chief executive at Brighton, Paul Barber, who's one of the best paid in the Premier League, and effectively the driver of Tony's plan. They've got a succession plan for everything, so if Brighton lose a player, they've already recruited the replacement. It's a no-drama, no-crisis football club, and now the fan base, if they lose their best players, they just accept it as it's part of the price of being successful." Bloom recently made headlines by emphatically stating that he believes in Hearts' ability to 'disrupt the pattern of domination of Scottish football'. The last time a club other than Celtic or Rangers won the top flight was in 1985, when Sir Alex Ferguson's all-conquering Aberdeen side brought the title to Pittodrie. Maguire delivered his verdict on whether Bloom can help end the Glaswegian monopoly and win Hearts their first league championship since 1960. "Possibly yes, probably no, would be my assessment. Do I expect Hearts to be winning the premiership on a regular basis? No, I don't. Could they become more of a challenge in making third position not too far behind second? Yes, I think he probably could do that. Then, could that be narrowed down to taking second place? Well, who knows? I don't know. Nobody knows Tony's secret sauce. "I think his first ambition will be to try to establish Hearts as the number three club in Scotland, with the aim of chipping away at the others. He sees that as an intellectual challenge and he likes the idea of being a disruptor. I think that will be interesting to see how it can be applied because there is such a financial gap between the two Glasgow clubs and the rest of Scottish football." With Bloom's investment, Hearts are utilising his data analytics firm, Jamestown Analytics, to help new manager Derek McInnes sign players. Said supercomputer has enabled Brighton to become one of the most renowned clubs in Europe for buying relatively unknowns and moving them on for considerable profits; Ben White, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo were sold for a combined fee of over £200 million between 2021 and 2023. And this money isn't being made against a backdrop of dark clouds and grey skies on the south coast. "Brighton, it's a happy club," says Maguire. "I think Tony's philosophy is, if the first thing a football player sees in the morning is somebody smiling at them, whether they're cleaning the toilets, whether it's the receptionist, whether it's the person in the canteen, the staff, they take lunch with the players. I think things like that, and you compare that to Manchester United where everything is down to just screwing the staff except the players. "That's the culture that they try to have, and that takes time to implement. So, you need a good chief executive, you need a board of directors who are on board, and then you have effectively a coach and a director of football who are all rowing in the same direction. "As soon as you get factions, as soon as you get infighting, the whole thing collapses. But he's always aimed to have people at Brighton who will effectively have that same philosophy. "Brighton have got a manager, as everybody points out, he's 32 years old, nobody had ever heard of him. He spends his time cycling around Brighton, and nobody bothers him. It's not that pressure cooker that you would have elsewhere. You couldn't do that in Glasgow. Can you imagine Brendan Rodgers out on his bike? It's different, but it works again and again." Things might well be all rosy in Brighton's garden just now, but it has taken Bloom over a decade to transform the club into its present state. He became chairman all the way back in 2009, and only in the past five years have we begun to see the fruits of his labour. Demands for success at Tynecastle Park are as high as you might find in Scottish football, Parkhead and Ibrox aside. Patience could be key for the Gorgie faithful. "I don't know how impatient Hearts fans will be. That's the one thing that you've got to buy into. It took Brighton six seasons under Tony Bloom to get from the Championship to the Premier League. But in those six seasons, they got to the playoffs on three occasions, and then they went up on the final time."
Edinburgh Reporter
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Dear Evan Hansen – speaking to Ryan Kopel and Sonny Monaghan ahead of Edinburgh run
'Today is going to be a good day…' With not one, but two Evan Hansens in the room, that would appear to be a given. Ryan Kopel and Sonny Monaghan may sport very different looks and have an age gap of six years but they have one important thing in common, both are preparing to play the iconic title role in the new Nottingham Playhouse production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen. Kopel stars in the fresh new take on the musical, which will embark on its first UK Tour after opening in Nottingham, while Monaghan is the alternate Evan. Both are excited at the prospect and it's clear they can't wait to have an audience. With musical theatre credits that include Newsies and The Book of Mormon, Kopel landed the coveted role after a three month audition process. He recalls, 'My agent asked me if I'd be interested in Dear Evan Hansen at the start of the year. I said, 'Yes', and then did five auditions, the last one being in March. A couple of days later, while on the Underground going home, my agent called to say I'd got the part. I was so excited I had to get off the Tube to scream a little bit. Then I realised I was miles away from my stop and would have to walk the rest of the way. That was even more tortuous as I couldn't wait to see my family and partner's faces when I told them.' If Kopel's casting followed a fairly traditional route, for Monaghan, from Eastbourne, the audition process proved very 'now', he landed the part after submitting a video on TikTok, as part of the casting team's collaboration with the social media platform, which invited users who were interested in being cast in the production to upload a video of themselves singing any number from the show. From more than 2,000 submissions, the 21-year-old was one of 36 TikTok users invited to in- person auditions, eventually being cast as a member of the show's ensemble and as alternate Evan, a role he will perform twice a week, at every matinee. The 21-year-old explains, 'I saw a post asking people to submit a video of themselves singing a number from Dear Evan Hansen through TikTok. I sang Words Fail. Maybe three weeks later I got an email inviting me to an in person audition.' Three rounds of auditions later, Monaghan was recording a song for his friend's new musical when he got his good news and, as it was Dear Evan Hansen that first got him into musical theatre while at secondary school, he says receiving the news was 'a dream come true.' 'When my agent called and said I'd been offered the alternate Evan, my friend and I had a bit of a celebration,' he admits. Dear Evan Hansen is the story of an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn't tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he'd have. As events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him. Washington premiere The musical premiered in Washington, DC, in 2015 before transferring to Off-Broadway and then Broadway a year later. The London West End production followed in 2019 but it was on Broadway that Monaghan, a self confessed fan of the show, first saw the musical during a family holiday to New York. He loved it so much he then went to see the original West End production when it opened. For 27-year-old Kopel, it was a very different story. The actor from Kirriemuir, in Scotland, reveals, 'I never saw the original production, but Dear Evan Hansen was such a huge cultural phenomenon when it first came out that I knew all about it without ever really knowing the story.' His introduction to that came during the audition process and with themes including bullying and mental health, he quickly discovered that Dear Evan Hansen deals with some important issues. He recalls, 'Reading the script during the audition process was very helpful because as much as Ben Platt, the original Evan, was iconic in the role, it was nice to be able to form my own take on Evan. The writing is so good that I really can just trust my instinct to bring what I feel to the character. Usually when you do a musical that has been done before, there's a set way of doing everything; 'This is how you say this line,' and, 'This is where you stand on the stage for this moment'. We've had none of that. We have complete freedom to take the script and create something new.' 'Staging-wise, everything is different…' chips in Monaghan, before Kopel continues, 'It's eight years since the Broadway production debuted, which doesn't sound that long but when you think about it, a lot has changed in that time. The technology we use everyday is so different that much of the script has taken on a whole new meaning. Just looking at the piece from the lens of 2024 has been an interesting experience.' If the rehearsal period has been invigorating for Kopel, for Monaghan it has been nothing less than hectic. Explaining how having two Evans 'in the room' works, he reveals, 'Mainly, it's Ryan and the principal cast who are in the rehearsal room with director Adam Penford. They create the show. As the alternate Evan, I get brought in once it looks the way they want it to look. Then I work with our associate director to replicate that.' Kopel elaborates, 'To be fair, that is the case, but it's also done that way because Sonny has about '90 million' different things to learn. While I'm lucky to be focussing on one character, he has to be in a different room learning the parts of Evan, Connor, Jared and all the ensemble's moves too. 100 per cent do I have the easy shift… apart from having to do it every night,' he grins. The Mix And it's not just lines, songs and moves the pair have to familiarise themselves with, due to the sensitive themes of the piece, producers have partnered with The Mix, the UK's leading digital charity for under 25-year-olds, to ensure anyone affected by the issues explored in the show knows where to find support. The Mix has provided training to the cast and creative team on how to appropriately respond to queries from the public, both online and offline, and equip them with the knowledge to direct individuals to the right support channels. 'The Mix is there for anyone who needs to reach out for support,' explains Kopel. 'We had a long Zoom with them the very first week of rehearsals where they explained what they did and the way they work. It was an incredible insight into a world I had no idea about.' 'Given the nature of the show, if people struggling with these issues come to see the show, The Mix has given us the information we need to point them in the right direction if they come to the stage door,' adds Monaghan, before Kopel continues, 'There's just something about this show that allows people to connect deeply with the characters. Often, they then associate characters with the actor playing them and open up, sharing what they are going through. We take that responsibility incredibly seriously and having that guidance from The Mix is vitally important.' Despite its themes, Dear Evan Hansen is a beautifully crafted and uplifting piece of musical theatre, one that Monaghan believes will 'be a blessing for many, by helping them realise they need to talk to someone.' Kopel agrees, 'Ultimately, Dear Evan Hansen is about hope. No matter what happens, what you are going through, its message is that there is always someone to talk to and reasons why you should go on. That's what I'd like people to take away from the show.' Biggest songs Packed with some of the biggest musical theatre songs of the last decade, Dear Evan Hansen has Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the Oscar-winning composers for The Greatest Showman, to thank for its haunting score and both Evans have a favourite song when asked which they enjoy singing most. The anthemic For Forever is Monaghan's while for Kopel it is Words Fail, he adds with a cheeky smile, 'I like it because it's a bit of an emotional catharsis, it doesn't matter if your voice cracks because you are crying and already an emotional mess.' Before they head back to rehearsal, there's one last question: Dear Evan Hansen starts with Evan writing a letter to himself. It begins, naturally enough, with the title of the show followed by 'Today is going to be a good day because…' So, what would they write in such a letter to themselves? 'Keeping in line with the show, My letter would say, 'Dear Ryan Kopel, today is going to be a good day because you can take each day at a time, every hour as it comes',' says the Scot. 'Mine would read, 'Dear Sonny Monaghan, today is going to be a good day because this is what and where you want to be and you should know that you have worked hard and deserve to be here'.' With opening night fast approaching, both admit that despite their reassuring words to themselves, the nerves are sure to kick in on the big night, but even that is a good thing. 'I kind of live in a state of constant nerves anyway,' laughs Kopel, 'but nerves before a performance are definitely a good thing. It means you care, so I'll harness them and let them kick me up a gear…' 'It's like athletes,' nods Monaghan, 'You have to use your nerves and adrenaline to reach your peak performance…' Kopel laughs, 'Yes, and then keep it there for another two and half hours.' Dear Evan Hansen Edinburgh Playhouse 1-5 July 2025 Tickets here Like this: Like Related
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
The 13 Treasures of Bailey Hill mystery finally solved
The 13 Treasures of Bailey Hill, a community puzzle blending folklore, art, and intellect, has captured imaginations for the past two years. Filled with cryptic clues, bilingual riddles, ancient symbols, and folklore-inspired artwork, the challenge drew participants from across the UK and beyond. The first to solve the full sequence and uncover the final treasure was Anthony Wyatt, known locally as Tony. In recognition of his achievement, Mr Wyatt was awarded a solid bronze version of Gwŷddbwll—an ancient Celtic game thought to predate chess and steeped in Welsh legend. The board (Image: ©HuwDavies2025June) The board was crafted from wood sourced from Bailey Hill and presented to him at the Bailey Hill Centre by resident artist Huw Davies, who designed the entire puzzle. Mr Davies said: "The site has a magical quality to it. "Mature trees create a natural maze of pathways. "After working with over 200 members of the community, the design for the sculptural pieces began to emerge. "The treasure hunt requires the viewer to engage with the site, both physically and mentally. "The bronzes will patinate and blend into their environment over time — finding them will become more difficult." While the puzzle has been solved, the adventure continues for visitors. All 13 bronze masks remain in place throughout Bailey Hill Park, forming a permanent treasure trail. READ MORE: Mold's Y Pentan hoping for Proper Pubs award at special gala event Those who find all thirteen can collect a postcard certificate signed by the artist. Visitors can pick up a free map at the Bailey Hill Visitor Centre or the Mold Town Council Office, mark the location of each mask, take a photo, and return to claim their reward. Gwŷddbwll, also known as 'the wood of meditation', is believed to be so ancient that some legends claim the game can 'play itself' when the pieces are correctly arranged. Though its true origins remain a mystery, the story adds an extra layer of magic to a puzzle already rich in myth and meaning.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Adams, Duerk & Kamenstein LLP Deepens Litigation Bench with Dual Partner Hire
Los Angeles-based Adams, Duerk & Kamenstein LLP (ADK) has announced the arrival of two new partners, Anthony Pacheco and M. Anthony (Tony) Brown, both former federal prosecutors. The move adds significant firepower to ADK's civil litigation, criminal defense, and internal and government investigations practices. ADK Partner Christine Adams commented, 'We are so honored to have Anthony and Tony join us. The firm now houses five federal prosecutors and veteran trial lawyers under one roof – a combination that will enable us to provide powerful advocacy to clients caught in the crosshairs of high-stakes litigation and investigations. Anthony's extensive public corruption experience and Tony's winning record as an appellate advocate will also deliver major value for clients across the life cycle of litigation.' A stalwart advocate and trusted advisor to clients across a range of industries, Pacheco handles complex civil litigation, parallel proceedings, internal and government investigations, and criminal prosecutions. At home in civil and criminal venues alike, he has litigated cases relating to federal and state healthcare fraud, securities and financial institution fraud, whistleblower claims, corporate espionage, False Claims Act, cybersecurity, theft of trade secrets, insider trading, shadow trading, breach of contract, consumer fraud, and mail and wire fraud. He has also handled more than 100 internal investigations for publicly traded and middle-market companies and managed an assortment of sensitive public relations issues. Brown handles a range of complex civil and criminal matters. Fluent in the intricacies of both trial and appellate practice, he has successfully tried cases in state and federal court, as well as before the Ninth Circuit, the California Supreme Court, and the California Courts of Appeal. He regularly represents corporations, boards of directors, management and individuals in white collar criminal prosecutions, government investigations, enforcement actions, administrative proceedings and internal investigations arising from whistleblower complaints, with a particular emphasis on work for hospital systems. In this capacity, he has investigated and defended clients against allegations by federal and state agencies of financial mismanagement; violations of the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law; and the unlicensed practice of medicine occurring at ambulatory surgical centers. 'The opportunity to join forces with such talented lawyers and great people at a rising star firm is a special one,' Pacheco said. 'This is an exceptionally strong, energetic team with an ambitious vision for the future.' Brown added, 'As longtime friends and law partners, Anthony and I thrive on collaboration. ADK's collegial culture and commitment to top-tier client service make this firm the ideal environment for us. We look forward to practicing alongside professionals who share our values of honesty, integrity and professionalism.' Partner Adam Kamenstein said, 'Our team is incredibly fortunate to welcome these two outstanding litigators. Adding lawyers of their caliber to our already stellar roster further expands ADK's capacity to provide clients with world-class representation across a range of matters.' Information was sourced from Adams, Duerk & Kamenstein LLP. To learn more, contact
