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The forthcoming film 'The Drama', starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, has sparked controversy over its portrayal of a character who once planned a school shooting. Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel was killed in the 1999 Columbine school shootings, expressed his disapproval of the film's approach, calling it 'awful' and accusing it of 'humanising' perpetrators of such violence. The film, a dark romantic comedy directed by Kristoffer Borgli, features Zendaya's character revealing a past plan to carry out a school shooting during a parlour game. Despite her character backing out of the attack, Mauser argues that the film 'normalises' such actions. He also criticized Zendaya's response to questions about the film's twist on the Jimmy Kimmel show. A24, the studio behind 'The Drama', has limited screenings of the film to avoid spoilers. Early reactions to a small screening in the US were broadly positive, but reviews are embargoed until March 31. The film's UK distributors have been approached for comment. The controversy surrounding 'The Drama' highlights ongoing concerns about the portrayal of violence in media and the impact on audiences. This is not the first time a film has tackled the sensitive topic of school shootings; Gus Van Sant's 'Elephant' (2003) and Michael Moore's documentary (2002) are notable examples.

A garden log pile is a surprisingly vibrant ecosystem, teeming with life. The pile, composed of various tree species like apple, walnut, and oak, attracts a diverse range of insects and fungi. The diversity of logs supports a greater variety of life, with different species inhabiting different parts of the pile.The log pile is home to frogs, wrens, and other animals, and even supports the growth of fungi like jelly ear. The arrangement of the wood also plays a crucial role in attracting different species, with buried wood attracting stag beetles and wood at height attracting wasp beetles.The author of the article, Kate Bradbury, carefully dismantles the log pile to make room for a hedgehog box, uncovering a variety of creatures like beetles, springtails, and centipedes in the process. The log pile is then rebuilt, with softer logs on the soil and drier ones around the box, creating a new home for a female hedgehog and other animals.

Apple is aggressively expanding its revenue streams by integrating advertising into its flagship Maps application and consolidating its disparate business tools into a single, unified platform. The tech giant announced that it will begin allowing advertisers to target customers on Apple Maps in the U.S. and Canada this summer, marking a significant shift in its monetization strategy. Simultaneously, Apple is rebranding its suite of business services under the umbrella of Apple Business, aiming to streamline operations for enterprises and compete directly with Google Workspace.The Blue Halo: Apple Maps Enters the Ad EraThe introduction of ads into Apple Maps represents a calculated move to diversify revenue without disrupting the user experience. Unlike the cluttered interfaces of competitors, Apple has implemented strict visual and functional constraints. Users will only see one ad per search result, distinguished by a small blue halo around the map pin and a clear label as a "Sponsored" place.Privacy-First Approach: Apple emphasizes that ad data is not associated with the user's Apple ID, ensuring that personal data remains on the device and is not shared with third parties.Auction-Based Model: Advertisers will utilize a standard bidding system, paying only for desired outcomes like views or taps, similar to the App Store's advertising model.Targeting Capabilities: Businesses can customize campaigns, scheduling ads for specific times or targeting precise locations, though the primary entry point requires an existing Apple Maps listing.Monetizing the Ecosystem: Financial ImplicationsBringing ads to one of Apple's most used first-party applications offers a low-risk opportunity to generate substantial revenue. As consumers have become accustomed to seeing ads in Google Maps, Apple is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the local search market. Industry analysts predict this move could add billions to Apple's bottom line as its advertising business continues its global expansion.Competition with Google Workspace IntensifiesThe launch of Apple Business serves as a direct counter to Google's dominance in the enterprise software space. By combining previously separate tools—Apple Business Connect, Apple Business Essentials, and Apple Business Manager—into one portal, Apple simplifies the administrative burden for companies.Unified Suite: Businesses now have access to a centralized directory, email, calendar, and device management tools under one domain.Cost-Effective for SMBs: Small businesses can utilize free tools like MDM (Mobile Device Management) and "Blueprints" for preconfigured setups, while larger enterprises can leverage advanced APIs.Pricing Structure: U.S. businesses can purchase upgraded iCloud storage starting at $0.99 per user per month, with AppleCare+ for Business available as an add-on.Future Outlook: A Unified Business EcosystemWith the new suite launching in 200 countries by April 2026, Apple is signaling its intent to become a holistic player in the enterprise sector. The combination of privacy-focused advertising and a streamlined, integrated business suite positions Apple to challenge incumbents by offering a seamless ecosystem that prioritizes user privacy and ease of management. As Apple continues to integrate hardware, software, and services, the boundary between consumer tech and enterprise solutions is blurring, creating a formidable competitive landscape for Google and Microsoft.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, have announced a poignant tribute to the 11 fans who lost their lives in a stampede outside their home stadium, M Chinnaswamy, during title celebrations last year. The team will keep 11 seats empty at the stadium as a memorial to the victims.The tragic incident occurred on June 4, 2025, when RCB won the IPL for the first time. The stampede claimed the lives of 11 supporters, aged between 14 and 29, and injured over 50 people. The event took place during a homecoming trophy parade, where hundreds of thousands gathered to welcome the team and star batsman Virat Kohli.In the wake of the tragedy, the stadium was initially deemed unsafe due to structural and crowd management issues. However, after significant enhancements to crowd management measures, including the installation of AI-guided cameras, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approved the stadium to host games, including RCB's home fixtures.RCB CEO Rajesh Menon emphasized that the empty seats are a tribute to the fans who will always be part of the team's journey. The team will also wear black armbands and warm-up tops with the number 11 during their upcoming match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking the start of the 2026 IPL season.The stampede led to several officials, including a senior RCB executive, being questioned by police, though no one has been convicted. The team's management has taken steps to prevent such a tragedy from recurring, ensuring a safer experience for fans.

Israeli analysts are expressing a sense of disappointment and confusion following US President Donald Trump's assertion that negotiations with Iran to de-escalate the conflict are ongoing. This comes as a surprise, given Trump's previous threats to launch strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure and Tehran's denials of any negotiations taking place.The situation has left many in Israel questioning the country's role in the conflict, particularly as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had framed the war as an existential threat to Israel, with the US joining forces to combat Iran. Netanyahu has boasted of convincing the US to support Israel's stance against Iran.In a video statement, Netanyahu mentioned that Trump believed it was possible to leverage the military achievements of both the US and Israel to secure an agreement that would safeguard their vital interests. He emphasized that Israel continues to attack Iran and Lebanon, methodically dismantling Iran's missile and nuclear programs and targeting Hezbollah.Despite Netanyahu's assertions, many Israelis are aware that the war was initially presented as an effort to overthrow the Iranian government and eliminate the threat from the country. With the Islamic Republic still standing and Iran launching deadly attacks on Israel, the prospect of a negotiated end to the conflict is unsettling.Former Israeli ambassador Alon Pinkas suggested that if Trump has pushed for negotiations over Netanyahu's objections, it may indicate that the US president has realized Netanyahu may have misled him about the feasibility and speed of a victory and the viability of regime change in Iran.Political scientist Ori Goldberg described Trump's move as a defeat for Netanyahu, essentially ditching Israel. He noted that this development undermines Israel's status as a serious player that the US or other states would want to engage with.The situation highlights the complex dynamics between Israel, the US, and Iran, with analysts suggesting that even if Israel has been sidelined in current negotiations, it has still achieved significant gains in its fight against Iran. Israeli political analyst Nimrod Flashenberg noted that Israel's primary goal may have been to downgrade Iran's military capabilities, which it has accomplished in a way that ensures long-term US commitment to maintaining this status.

Around 15 years ago, Ashley Markle was introduced to a culinary curiosity that would later become a global phenomenon. While staying at her aunt's house, she encountered a small, plastic-wrapped biscuit that would forever change her perception of cookies. What began as an unknown airline snack evolved into one of the fastest-growing biscuit brands in the US, with Markle becoming an unwitting early adopter of what would become a cultural movement.The spiced caramel biscuit, created in 1932 by Belgian company Lotus, has experienced remarkable peaks in popularity over the past decade. From being described as 'crack in a jar' in 2014 to becoming a staple in freakshakes in 2016, the brand has consistently found new ways to capture consumer interest. The pandemic home-baking boom in 2021 propelled Biscoff into social media stardom, with chef Jon Watts demonstrating multiple Biscoff recipes on daytime television.In January 2026, Biscoff experienced another viral surge, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, where users obsessively shared recipes for a 'Japanese cheesecake' featuring the biscuits. Markle, a social media creator specializing in snack recipes, has seen her Biscoff-related content accumulate millions of views, including a cheesecake recipe that garnered over 4 million views and a two-ingredient cookie recipe with 5.6 million views.The phenomenon extends beyond social media. A teacher named Raj developed such an affinity for Biscoff that he purchased multiple boxes, declaring: 'I'd smoke Biscoff if I could.' At his school, colleagues use the biscuits as incentives for students to attend tutoring sessions, demonstrating the brand's cultural penetration.Food industry experts attribute Biscoff's success to several converging trends. Lisa Harris, co-founder of food consultancy Harris and Hayes, explains: 'Biscoff isn't a single trend in itself, more an expression of various converging trends.' The brand taps into nostalgia, accessible indulgence, and versatility, allowing it to appear in everything from drinks to ice cream to desserts.The brand's partnerships with other companies exemplify modern 'collab culture', with Harris noting that products with distinctive flavors often develop a life of their own among consumers. 'Fans run with it and feel as if they have ownership over the product as much as the brand itself does,' she observes.Lotus Bakeries has responded strategically to the social media buzz. The company is removing the Lotus embossing from biscuits, replacing it with the word Biscoff to better resonate with younger shoppers. Niamh Leonard-Bedwell, fast-moving consumer goods editor at The Grocer, notes: 'In the week to January 17, their volume sales were up 30% on the same time last year.'The business impact has been substantial. In its 2025 annual results, Lotus announced a 10% revenue increase, with more than half coming from the Biscoff brand. The company has expanded internationally with factories in the US and Thailand, with founder's grandson Jan Boone declaring: 'We want to conquer the world.'Despite its sweet reputation, Biscoff is venturing into savory territory with recipes like prawns in Biscoff sauce and creamy Biscoff duck breast. However, chef Jon Watts remains skeptical about these applications, preferring the biscuit's traditional uses in desserts and treats.Industry analysts believe Biscoff's universal appeal will sustain its popularity. Unlike divisive trends like matcha, Biscoff offers a 'quite universally likable flavor' that balances novelty with familiarity. As Kiti Soininen of Mintel notes: 'If it's that sort of safe adventure, where it's got that newness, that freshness, but it's pairing that with familiarity – that hits the mark with a lot of people.'Despite growing concerns about ultra-processed foods, Biscoff's traditional positioning may insulate it from criticism. There's a disconnect between how products are classified and consumer intuition, with Soininen observing: 'If my grandmother can have bought this then it can't be truly ultra-processed.'With retailers developing Biscoff-inspired products including porridge, tea, popcorn, and breakfast cereal, the trend shows no signs of abating. As Markle predicts: 'I don't see anybody deciding that they don't like Biscoff any more.'

The escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have triggered a worldwide energy crisis that is affecting lives far from the conflict zones. Alagesan, 35, a small business owner in Coimbatore, India, faces the potential collapse of his roadside drink and snack shop due to an acute shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) caused by the conflict."I am far away from the Middle East, but my life is affected," Alagesan stated. "The gas cylinder is not available because of the war. I don't know what to do."The closure of the Strait of Hormuz – through which one-fifth of the world's oil travels – has created a critical supply disruption, pushing international oil prices to approximately $100 per barrel. This surge is translating into higher costs for gasoline, petrol, and numerous consumer goods, placing significant pressure on households and economies globally.In response to the crisis, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has issued a series of recommendations including remote work where feasible, reduced highway speed limits, shifting from private vehicles to public transportation, carpooling, electric cooking alternatives, and avoiding non-essential air travel."The war in the Middle East is creating a major energy crisis, including the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market," stated IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. "In the absence of a swift resolution, the impacts on energy markets and economies are set to become more and more severe."Individuals worldwide are implementing various coping strategies in response to fuel shortages and price increases. Many have restricted driving to essential journeys only, increased cycling, and utilized public transportation more frequently.In regions with cooler climates, heating oil usage has been drastically curtailed due to "skyrocketing prices," with some households heating only single rooms, burning wood, and adding extra layers of clothing. Others have cancelled vacations, citing inappropriate fuel consumption during heightened demand.While some expressed relief at having electric vehicles and solar panels providing "control" over their energy sources, many with limited public transport options have no alternative but to continue driving to work and essential activities, forcing difficult budget adjustments elsewhere.In India, where 60% of LPG is imported and 90% of it passes through the Strait of Hormuz, the crisis has led to severe rationing. Gangesh, 57, from Kerala, reported "most hotels are suffering the worst shortage" with "a large number of eateries shutting down leading to unemployment." One woman noted a "35-day wait for the next instalment of gas cylinders."The personal stories of adaptation continue across continents. Sue, 73, in the UK has "banned" car use except for hospital trips, opting for bicycles and a tricycle instead. Katie, 71, in Massachusetts faces impossible choices between food and gasoline for her son's essential medical care, requiring 100-mile round trips."We now consider carefully almost every mile we must drive and are trying to cut back expenses every way we can," Katie explained.In the UK, where an estimated 1.7 million households rely on heating oil, and in Northern Ireland where it serves as the primary heating source for nearly two-thirds of households, the crisis has reached critical levels. David in Londonderry expressed concern about "additional and immediate increases" in fuel costs, particularly for those with respiratory conditions requiring stable temperatures.Anne*, 50, in Perthshire, Scotland, saw the price of 1,000 liters of paraffin jump from £600 to £1,450, forcing her family to use firewood cut from fallen trees instead. "It's laborious work," she noted. "Hot-water bottles are also good. Very old school."Amanda*, 48, in Devon, UK, has only about three weeks of heating oil remaining: "I have had to turn it off as I do not have the extra money to pay the current prices. It's difficult because you obviously want to keep them [her sons] warm, and you feel guilty that you can't provide for them."Meanwhile, Alex, 46, in New South Wales, Australia, has reduced driving and increased public transport use, not only due to rising costs but also to avoid "panic buying" that could leave her without fuel. "War isn't about security or defending borders. War is what greed looks like in public," she reflected.

When future generations examine television trends, they might be surprised by the glut of dramatisations about famous men caught in sex scandals. Jimmy Savile and Prince Andrew have both received multiple treatments, and now, with almost crushing inevitability, comes Channel 5's Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards.Edwards, the high-profile BBC newsreader who resigned in 2024 before being charged with three counts of making indecent images of children, remains defensive. Prior to the broadcast, he released a statement claiming the drama is unlikely to convey reality while asserting: I am repelled by the idea that some people enjoy viewing indecent images of children.The drama earns its title by portraying a powerful man utilizing a queasy power dynamic to manipulate a teenage boy into fulfilling his sexual desires. While not the pinnacle of drama, the film succeeds in capturing a sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach.The main draw comes from its casting. Martin Clunes, known for roles that rely on his innate likability, creates an impressively accurate Edwards. He captures the fascinating mix of swagger and vulnerability, along with Edwards' distinctive accent and diction. Even during disturbing scenes, his performance never wavers.For much of the film, Edwards remains a figure of distant menace. Instead, this is really the story of Ryan (Osian Morgan), a teenage boy who finds himself being groomed by Edwards. The drama is constructed around first-hand interviews with Ryan (using a pseudonym to protect his identity), showing how Edwards validated his desire for connection before making the relationship transactional.Most powerfully, the film depicts the effect on Ryan's parents, as their dismay at his increasing waywardness first becomes anger directed at Edwards and then fear that they had become the bad guys.Still, the producers face challenges with a story that isn't visually interesting. Much of the relationship happened over text, meaning excessive time is spent watching people type or narrate messages. The film makes odd stylistic choices, including framing everything around the Queen's death and ending with Edwards reporting on his own charges.Edwards has promised to tell his side of the story, but as the reviewer notes, few will have the stomach to hear it when that day arrives.

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has revealed that small changes to daily habits can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. The research, conducted by experts from Australia, Chile, and Brazil, examined data on more than 53,000 middle-aged UK adults taking part in the Biobank study.The study found that sleeping for 11 minutes more each night, doing 4.5 additional minutes of brisk walking, and eating an extra 50g of vegetables each day can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, by about 10%. These small behavior changes were found to be more "achievable and sustainable" compared to attempting major changes in a single behavior.According to the study, the "optimal" way to avoid cardiovascular incidents includes getting eight to nine hours of sleep each night, a good diet, and a minimum of 42 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Combining these measures leads to a 57% lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.Dr. Nicholas Koemel, the study's lead author, noted that "making a few small, combined changes is likely more achievable and sustainable for most people when compared with attempting major changes in a single behavior." He encouraged people to make small changes to their daily routine, as they can have a surprisingly large positive impact on cardiovascular health.Prof Emmanuel Stamatakis, a senior author of the study, plans to build on these findings to develop new digital tools that support people in making positive lifestyle changes and establishing sustained healthy habits.Commenting on the study, Emily McGrath, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said that "small tweaks – like getting a little more sleep, adding a few extra minutes of activity to your day or eating a bit more veg – can work together to have a meaningful positive impact on your heart health."