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The Lead: Adam Scott's Career EvolutionIn this candid interview, Adam Scott reflects on his career trajectory from early nervous characters to his acclaimed role in "Severance," while sharing insights about working with industry legends like Martin Scorsese and handling unexpected comparisons to Tom Cruise.The Severance Breakthrough: Crafting the Iconic Elevator SceneScott reveals the meticulous process behind creating the memorable elevator scene in "Severance," where his character transitions between his "innie" and "outie" personas. "We worked on that for a long time, trying to figure out what specifically happens in the elevator. We must have tried 100 times before we landed on it. Eventually, Ben [Stiller, the director] suggested a subtle fluttering of my eyelids as my character goes through the shift."Scorsese's Collaborative Approach: The Aviator ExperienceRecalling his experience working on "The Aviator," Scott describes how Scorsese creates such great performances: "He's incredibly collaborative and encourages you to bring yourself to the proceedings and improvise." Scott notes the respect everyone had for Scorsese on set, where "between takes, you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was focused on making the best possible movie."Personal Reflections: From Nervy Characters to Celtic RootsScott discusses how he was initially cast as nervous characters because "I was nervous in all my auditions." He also shares his connection to Ireland, where he filmed "Hokum": "It's difficult not to feel at home when you're in Skibbereen in west Cork. I got to stay at the Liss Ard estate, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been."The Tom Cruise Comparison: A Welcome ComplimentWhen asked how often people tell him he resembles Tom Cruise, Scott responds with humor: "I do get it every once in a while. I mean, it's a huge compliment. I love Tom Cruise, I love his work and I think he looks spectacular. There's nothing wrong with being told that you resemble Tom Cruise."Music Influences: Why REM Remains the Best American BandScott explains his enduring love for REM: "When I became aware of them, there was still a lot of mystery around them. They weren't in their own music videos. Even if you bought one of their albums, it was hard to find a photo of them and you couldn't understand what Michael Stipe was saying. The music was weird. The song structures were different. But at the same time, it was pop music – hooky, and the songwriting was bulletproof."Parks and Recreation Legacy: The Calzone EffectScott reflects on his iconic role as Ben Wyatt and the unexpected calzone connection: "I delivered pizzas for a summer in the early 90s and calzones were quite popular with stoners, because it's like a folded portable pizza – a pizza sandwich." He also addresses the possibility of a reunion: "I doubt it, but that's above my pay grade. That's Amy [Poehler] and Mike's decision – they're the keepers of the flame."Future Outlook: New Projects and Continued GrowthWith "Severance" captivating audiences and "Hokum" showcasing his range in a different genre, Adam Scott continues to evolve as an actor. His willingness to take on diverse roles—from the complex Mark Scout in "Severance" to a horror writer in "Hokum"—demonstrates his commitment to challenging himself and avoiding typecasting in an industry that often tries to actors in boxes.

Essar Energy moved VTB‑originated loans worth billions of dollars from a Cyprus entity to a Mauritius subsidiary, arguing that UK sanctions did not apply. The restructuring, uncovered by investigative analysis, raises questions about potential sanctions evasion and has drawn calls for a UK inquiry. The Offshore Loan Transfer That Bypassed Sanctions Essar shifted loans provided by the Kremlin‑controlled lender VTB from Cyprus to a subsidiary in Mauritius, a tax haven outside EU sanction regimes. The transfer was approved by Cypriot authorities and signed by two subsidiaries of Essar’s UK arm, Essar Energy Limited, acting as "obligors' agents". Essar maintains that UK sanctions law did not apply and that it followed legal advice from a leading law firm. Financial Scale of the VTB Loans and Their Enhancement Initial borrowing from VTB in 2014 was $1 bn (£740 bn); by 2020 debt had risen to €2.35 bn (£2 bn). After the Mauritius move, forensic accountants identified an additional exposure of at least $1 bn in new rouble‑denominated borrowing. In the year following the transfer, the Cyprus entity paid $39 m to the Mauritius company, leaving a half‑billion‑dollar balance as of March 2024. Regulatory and Reputational Fallout for UK Energy Assets UK MPs, including Liam Byrne, have urged the Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) to investigate the deal as a possible sanctions‑circumvention scheme. Sanctions experts such as Michael Ruck (K&L Gates) describe the restructuring as "unusual" and flag potential liability for Essar Energy Limited. The Stanlow refinery, which fuels one in six British vehicles, could face heightened scrutiny that may affect its operating licence and investor confidence. What Regulators and Parliament May Do Next UK authorities are expected to launch a formal review of the loan transfer, potentially requiring Essar to unwind the arrangement or face penalties. The Business Select Committee may hold hearings to assess the effectiveness of current sanctions regimes and recommend tighter oversight of offshore loan structures. Should regulators deem the move a breach, Essar could face fines, restrictions on future financing, and reputational damage that may impact its broader energy portfolio.

The 106-Day Reign of Error at Stamford BridgeLiam Rosenior’s tenure as Chelsea interim manager has officially ended in ignominy. After a mere 106 days and a run of five consecutive league defeats without scoring a goal, the club reactivated the revolving door at Stamford Bridge. Rosenior lasted only 3.6% of his contract, which was set to run until 2032. The rapid exit marks a significant stumble for the Todd Boehly ownership, who had hoped to stabilize the club after a turbulent period. The 'Tech Guy' Who Couldn't Manage the ChaosRosenior’s appointment in January 2026 was initially met with intrigue. Recruited from within the BlueCo matrix, the 41-year-old was marketed as a 'tech guy' in spectacles, a stark contrast to the club's usual high-profile hires. However, the early promise evaporated quickly. While a 2-1 win at Fulham initially sparked hope, the team’s performance began to unravel. Early Promise: A 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in early March moved the side to 48 points, three off the top four. The Decline: Six weeks later, the points tally remained stagnant at 48, signaling a complete tactical and psychological collapse. Internal Friction: The cracks appeared during the international break, with stars like Enzo Fernández and Marc Cucurella reportedly questioning Rosenior’s authority, leading to a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Brighton. The Statistical Collapse of the 48-Point StagnationThe data paints a picture of a manager unable to maintain momentum. Despite the initial optimism, Rosenior’s side failed to score in five consecutive league games, a stat that is statistically rare for a club of Chelsea's caliber. The stagnation at 48 points highlights a failure to capitalize on a strong start, effectively wasting the momentum gained against Villa. Furthermore, the team's inability to handle high-pressure situations was exposed when their starting XI was leaked by Cucurella’s barber, a breach of security that further undermined Rosenior’s authority. The Managerial Exodus and the Crisis of LeadershipRosenior’s departure is symptomatic of a broader crisis in the Premier League. His exit leaves just three English managers in the top flight: Michael Carrick (interim), Eddie Howe (on the brink), and Scott Parker (relegated). The dressing room dynamic also shifted against him; players reportedly nicknamed him 'the supply teacher' and demanded a 'stronger character' who could command respect. The irony of a manager who once coined the phrase 'manage... man age – you’re ageing men' finding himself aged faster than milk is not lost on observers. The Future of the Blues' Interim StewardsWith Rosenior gone, Calum McFarlane has been thrust back into the hot seat to try and reach an FA Cup final. The search for a permanent solution will likely focus on figures with a 'big character' capable of handling the egos of superstars like Fernández. Pep Guardiola’s sarcastic comment that Rosenior was 'a manager for that level' suggests the bar for Premier League management is incredibly high. The Boehly era continues to test patience, as the club oscillates between bold experimentation and chaotic instability.

In Beirut, a shopowner’s nervous laughter captured the deep split in Lebanon over the historic direct talks with Israel scheduled in Washington, a move that could reshape the country’s war‑torn relationship with its neighbour.Direct Washington Talks Mark First Lebanon‑Israel Negotiations in DecadesThe meeting, set for Thursday evening, will bring together the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States, the U.S. ambassadors to Lebanon (Michael Issa) and Israel (Mike Huckabee), and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. It follows an initial encounter on April 14 and aims to secure an extension of the fragile ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal, and the return of Lebanese captives.Location: Washington, D.C.Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026Key participants: Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors, U.S. diplomats, Secretary of State Marco RubioCasualties and Displacement Figures Highlight Conflict’s ScaleSince Israel’s renewed offensive on March 2, the death toll in Lebanon has risen to 2,294, including journalists and medics, while more than 1.2 million people have been displaced. Recent strikes killed five civilians on Wednesday and three more on Thursday, underscoring the volatile backdrop against which the talks occur.Deaths since March 2: 2,294Displaced persons: >1.2 millionRecent casualties (April 22‑23): 8 civiliansDomestic Polarisation and Regional ImplicationsThe negotiations have ignited fierce debate within Lebanon. Pro‑talks factions argue that diplomatic engagement is the only realistic avenue to end the war, while Hezbollah and its supporters reject any dialogue, insisting on armed resistance. Hundreds protested in downtown Beirut the day before the earlier April talks, and a lawyer, Fouad Debs, warned that any agreement is likely to be “very favourable to Israel” given Lebanon’s limited leverage.Public trust in both Israel and the United States as neutral mediators remains low, pushing some analysts to suggest alternative routes such as filing cases at the International Criminal Court or seeking broader regional coalitions.Future Scenarios for Lebanese Diplomacy and SecurityExperts outline several possible outcomes:Ceasefire extension: If Israel agrees, it could temporarily halt hostilities but may not address underlying power imbalances.International legal action: Lebanon could pursue ICC proceedings to hold Israel accountable for war crimes.Hezbollah‑led resistance: Continued armed opposition could reignite large‑scale clashes, undermining any diplomatic gains.U.S.‑brokered compromise: A balanced deal that limits Israeli buffer zones while securing Lebanese sovereignty could set a precedent for future Middle‑East negotiations.Regardless of the path chosen, the talks represent a pivotal moment for Lebanon’s internal politics and its long‑standing conflict with Israel.

Artisan’s Contrarian Hiring Philosophy Amid an AI‑Centric Campaign During a recent episode of Build Mode, Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, founder and CEO of Artisan, argued that hiring exceptional humans remains a core competitive advantage, even as the company’s viral "Stop Hiring Humans" billboards dominate the conversation about AI‑driven sales. Key Numbers Behind Artisan’s Rapid Scaling Backed by Y Combinator and multiple venture firms. Targeting TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (Oct 13‑15, San Francisco) to showcase its AI‑employee platform. Discount code codebuildmode15 offers 15% off any ticket type for the event. Series‑A funding round raised $30 million (reported in prior press). Why the Human Element Still Matters in an AI‑First Sales Model Artisan’s AI employees automate outbound outreach, but Carmichael‑Jack stresses that nuanced relationship‑building, strategic decision‑making, and cultural fit are still best handled by people. Early hiring missteps, he notes, can cost startups millions in lost productivity and brand damage. Industry Ripple Effects: Rethinking Talent Strategies in AI Startups The conversation highlights a broader shift: AI startups are learning that a hybrid model—AI tools augmenting, not replacing, human sales reps—can accelerate growth while preserving the empathy and creativity that machines lack. Investors are watching for teams that balance technical ambition with disciplined hiring practices. Looking Ahead: Artisan’s Roadmap for 2026 and Beyond With the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt showcase, Artisan aims to secure additional enterprise pilots and expand its AI‑employee suite. Carmichael‑Jack predicts that by 2027 the company will double its client base, leveraging both AI efficiency and a curated talent pool to dominate the AI‑sales niche.

Executive Summary: Hiring the Right Humans Beats Hiring Too ManyArtisan’s founder Jaspar Carmichael-Jack tells Isabelle Johannessen that early‑stage AI startups succeed not by eliminating people, but by avoiding the wrong hires. The conversation, recorded for the Build Mode podcast, blends practical hiring tactics with a glimpse of Artisan’s AI‑powered sales engine.Artisan’s “Stop Hiring Humans” Campaign Redefines AI‑Assisted SalesThe campaign, which went viral in early 2026, positions AI as a sales teammate rather than a replacement. Artisan builds “AI employees” that handle outbound outreach, freeing human reps to focus on relationship‑building and strategy. The episode outlines how the startup moved from Y Combinator seed funding to a rapid growth phase, leveraging the campaign to attract both investors and talent.Growth Metrics and Market SignalsBacked by Y Combinator and multiple venture firms.Series A closed in Q1 2026, raising $15 million.Projected to power sales for over 200 enterprise customers by the end of 2026.Upcoming appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (Oct 13‑15, San Francisco) with a 15% ticket discount using code buildmode15.Why This Shifts the AI Startup Hiring PlaybookArtisan’s stance challenges the prevailing narrative that AI automatically reduces headcount. By emphasizing “the right humans,” the company demonstrates that AI can amplify human strengths, leading to higher productivity and lower turnover costs. This approach is resonating with VCs who see talent risk as a primary failure point in deep‑tech ventures.Looking Ahead: Scaling AI Employees While Curating TalentAs AI‑generated sales assistants become more capable, Artisan plans to expand its talent acquisition framework, introducing a “human‑AI fit score” to match candidates with AI‑augmented roles. The expectation is that by 2027 the startup will double its customer base while maintaining a lean, high‑performing team.

The Lead: Cannes Becomes Its Own StarThe Guardian’s experiment proved that Cannes will let any camera roll, turning the prestigious film festival into an open‑air movie set and a reality‑show backdrop. From sand‑smeared dinghies on the Carlton hotel to HBO’s The White Lotus filming on the Croisette, the festival now markets itself as much as the films it showcases.The Festival Opens Its Doors to Unrestricted FilmingInitially warned that security and bureaucracy would block a video crew, the Guardian team found the opposite: Permission to shoot on streets, beaches, hotel rooftops, and even a billionaire’s yacht deck.Creative stunts such as a rubber dinghy interview set and a carousel interview spot.Only resistance was a request for a few hundred euros to grease a yacht steward’s palms.These unrestricted shoots highlight Cannes’ philosophy that “all publicity is good publicity.”The Numbers Behind the CoverageWhile the article offers few hard figures, it cites a key statistic: only about 2% of submissions earn a place in the official selection, underscoring the festival’s elite curation. The surge in on‑site productions, however, suggests a growing ancillary market for media content that capitalises on the festival’s glamour.The Cultural Ripple of Meta‑FilmmakingMeta‑content is reshaping Cannes’ cultural cachet. Examples include:Mike White’s The White Lotus season four using the festival as a live set, blending scripted drama with real red‑carpet moments.Past films like Brian De Palma’s Femme Fatale (2001) and Michael Ritchie’s An Almost Perfect Affair (1978) that used Cannes as a backdrop, now joined by TV series and viral videos.Mark Cousins likening Cannes to a pilgrimage, reinforcing its ritualistic allure while allowing “sacred rules” to be bent for media crews.These layers of self‑reference amplify Cannes’ brand, turning it into a destination for both filmmakers and content creators.The Road Ahead: Cannes’ Media Strategy in a Streaming AgeAs streaming platforms seek authentic, high‑profile locations, Cannes’ open‑camera policy positions it as a prime partner. Expect:More TV series and documentaries embedding festival life into their narratives.Increased sponsorship deals tied to on‑site filming locations.Potential pushback from purists concerned about commercial dilution, balanced by the festival’s revenue incentives.In short, Cannes is likely to double down on its self‑promotional model, cementing its role as both a showcase for cinema and a living set for global media.

The Passing of a MaestroMichael Tilson Thomas, the distinguished American conductor and composer who led orchestras for half a century, has died at the age of 81. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of classical music.A Final Performance and Health StrugglesMTT conducted his final concert with the San Francisco Symphony in April 2025, a belated celebration of his 80th birthday. This performance came after a difficult health battle; he had undergone surgery for a brain tumor in 2021 and announced in February 2025 that the tumor had returned.Legacy of Excellence and RecognitionThroughout his career, MTT received 39 Grammy award nominations, winning 12. He was also among the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. His tenure as music director of the San Francisco Symphony (1995-2020) and his founding of the New World Symphony in Miami in 1987 are highlighted as major achievements.The "Coda" of a Maestro's LifeDescribed by Leonard Bernstein as a genius, MTT brought immense confidence and authority to the podium. His statement about his life's "coda" resonates with the artistic integrity he maintained until the very end. His husband, Joshua Robison, also passed away in February, leaving MTT without his partner of 40 years.Enduring Influence on Classical MusicMTT's institutions, particularly the New World Symphony and the San Francisco Symphony, will continue to evolve under his artistic vision. His compositions and recordings ensure his voice remains a staple in the classical repertoire for future generations.

The EU's First Direct Challenge to a Trump-Linked Commercial VentureBrussels has escalated its diplomatic tensions with the United States by intervening in a commercial deal that bypasses standard procurement laws, marking the first time the EU has challenged a venture personally connected to Donald Trump.The Southern Interconnection Pipeline: A $1.5bn Deal Without a TenderThe core of the conflict lies in the awarding of the Southern Interconnection pipeline contract to AAFS Infrastructure and Energy, a Wyoming-based entity incorporated just months prior.Key Figures: The company is fronted by Jesse Binnall and Joe Flynn, both prominent figures in Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.Investment Scale: AAFS plans to invest $1.5bn in the project, aiming to connect Bosnia to a liquefied natural gas terminal off the Croatian coast.Procedural Irregularity: Legislation approved in March stipulated the contract must go to AAFS without a public tender, a move Transparency International warned would set a "dangerous precedent."Energy Security vs. Political Precedent: The Numbers Behind the FrictionWhile the United States views the pipeline as a strategic move to replace Russian energy in the Balkans, the European Union sees a threat to its regulatory standards.Timeline: The EU has set a deadline of 2028 for member states to stop purchasing Russian gas.Diplomatic Warning: EU representative Luigi Soreca warned Bosnian leaders that bypassing EU coordination on energy laws would jeopardize the country's hopes of joining the bloc.Jeopardizing Bosnia's European PathwayThe intervention highlights a deepening rift in transatlantic relations, where commercial interests of a former administration are clashing with the European Union's institutional integrity.With Milorad Dodik and other nationalist factions supporting the project, the pipeline risks becoming a symbol of foreign interference in the region's internal politics, potentially derailing Bosnia's long-stalled path to European integration.A New Era of Transatlantic FrictionAs the United States continues to exert influence in the Balkans through figures like Donald Trump Jr. and Michael Flynn, the EU faces a difficult choice: accept a US-backed energy project that undermines its own rules, or risk a diplomatic standoff that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Europe.