Ed Cunningham

A few years ago, wireless earbuds were a luxury. Everyone thought they were a bit OTT; maybe even that they looked a bit silly – after all, what was ever wrong with good old-fashioned wired earphones? Then the pandemic happened, and, with mask-wearing, wireless earbuds really came into their own. Once people tried a tangle-free, faff-free lifestyle, they didn’t look back. These days, the market is brimming with hundreds of models of wireless earbuds. And they vary a heck of a lot. While there are key differences in comfort, battery life, sound quality and noise cancellation tech, in-ear buds also come with huge style differences. Some are minimal and fashionable, while others can be so ridiculously chunky that they make you look like some kind of android. Luckily, we’re here to point you towards the best earbuds for every occasion. Below we’ve sorted your big-brand knock-offs from your budget bargains – read on for the top ten best wireless earbuds on the market. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

It’s pretty much an undisputed fact that everyone (yes, you included) loves Eataly. And how could you not? For casual Italiano fans and connoisseurs alike, Eataly is a literal heaven on Earth. Supremely tasty food? Check. A fabulous selection of vino? Of course. An enormous market packed full of the finest Italian ingredients ? You betcha. Which is why the return of Restaurant Fest, Eataly’s signature dining event , has us drooling. This March 4-20, the Eataly stores in both Flatiron and Downtown are set to be taken over by more Italian  dishes and wines than you can possibly imagine – and menus are starting at $19! So what even is Restaurant Fest? Well, in short, it’s an all-out celebration of all things Italian food. It’s the chance to indulge in some of Eataly’s finest dishes and drinks, and to take part in some pretty cool events, activities and experiences, too. As you can imagine, the food is top-of-the-range. Along with the  phenomenal two-course menus starting at $19, experience Eataly like never before with all new features like a roaming mozzarella cart, trays of coccoli con prosciutto (fried balls of goodness stuffed with prosciutto), and tiramisu directly from the pan, just like Nonna makes it.  It goes without saying that, for a meal this decadent, you’ll want to pair it with something equally delectable, and Restaurant Fest caters to that, too. From rare regional wines to cocktail carafes, Eataly will offer over 100 wines by the glass starting at just $10 and fu

Sure, some people reckon CDs are back on the rise, but vinyl certainly isn’t going away any time soon. In this age of music streaming, records are often the best way of supporting your favourite musicians. And what do you need once you’ve got a full rack o’ records? You need a good player, that’s what. As vinyl fans no doubt already know, record players are notoriously tricky things to buy. Not helped by the fact that vinyl snobs can be some of the web’s most irritating dudes/dudettes, buying a record player can lead you down very, very deep rabbit holes with different designs, levels of audio quality and countless other variables. Needless to say, you can also end up spending a pretty ridiculous amount of cash.   The perfect record player can depend on loads of things, from your current hi-fi set up to your budget. As a bare minimum, we imagine you’ll want something with a lovely depth of sound – and certainly not something that'll scratch up your discs. Below we’ve got a mix of record players and turntables (the difference being that the latter don’t usually include speakers or a preamp) for a range of uses and budgets. Read on, and prepare to revolutionise your vinyl listening experience. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Mmm. There’s nothing quite like that thick, creamy frothed milk you get on top of a cappuccino at a proper coffee shop. For loads of us, it’s probably a main reason why we treat ourselves to a barista-made coffee. But you might not have to venture down to your nearest Pret or Starbucks every time you fancy frothy coffee for much longer – these days, you can get a proper milk frother to make top-grade milk foam from the comfort of your own kitchen. So how difficult can it be to froth some milk? Well, it’s more complicated than you think. You can get manual milk frothers, handheld ones and ones that are built into coffee machines. Some are also milk heaters, while others specialise in hot or cold froth. Plus, some are more effective with different kinds of milk. See? There’s loads of variables at play. Luckily, we’re here to point you towards some of the finest milk frothers in the business. From high-tech, glitzy machines to traditional, hand-powered devices, below are eight top milk frothers, for whatever your needs. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Getting straight to the point (if you’ll pardon the pun), it’s difficult to understate just how much a great knife can transform your kitchen life. A knife that’ll cleanly slice through anything saves so much time and effort. Just imagine: instead of precariously sawing through mushed, flattened veg, you can glide through any foodstuff with sweat-free, finger-safe precision. There are essentially two camps when it comes to chef knives. You’ve usually got to choose between German-style knives (thick, heavy and easy to sharpen) or their Japanese-style equivalents (which are lightweight, sharp and precise). A great chef knife has the right weight, grip and shape, and is also usable, durable and safe. The right knife also depends heavily on personal preference and skill level (we still want you to have all yer fingers), as well as how much you’re willing to spend. If you get all that right, you could be some kind of kitchen ninja, chopping stuff mid-air, in no time at all – although, to be clear, we do not condone risky culinary karate. Here’s our lowdown of the best chef knives out there right now. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Not many people are comfortable going deep underground. There’s something pretty scary about diving into the pitch-black abyss, towards the mysteries at the centre of the Earth. Even at the best of times, being below ground can feel claustrophobic, inescapable, terrifying. But humans have been going underground – mining, caving, living and like – for as long as, well, we’ve been humans. And that means there are plenty of cool, weird and outright gorgeous attractions hidden down there. Some are marvels of human workmanship, others are naturally occurring wonders. All over the world you’ll find all manner of magnificent underground phenomena. Here are our favourites. RECOMMENDED: 13 alternative cultural wonders of the world

Going vegan – and therefore, doing Veganuary – is undeniably A Good Thing. A plant-based diet is great for the planet and fab for animals (obviously), but it can also be pretty sweet for your own health. Even if you’re not a full-time vegan, edging away from animal products goes a long way to making the world a better place. If you’ve gone vegan this Jan, good on you – and, even better, we’re here to lend a helping hand. We’ve partnered with Quandoo, an international foodie directory and booking platform, to point you towards London’s finest vegan dishes. From creperies to izakaya, here are 10 places to try out some excellent vegan nosh this January. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

NYC can be a very, very expensive place – but it doesn’t have to be. And you don’t have to sacrifice style or quality for cheap prices, either. If you know where to look, NYC is packed to the brim with chic, cozy hotels at prices that won’t make your eyes water. So whether you’re hunting for a historic hideaway, a room with a view, or simply a hotel with an uber-convenient location, we’ve got you covered. Below we’ve rounded up NYC’s finest cheap hotels, helping you leave plenty of room in the wallet to splurge on the rest of your trip.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Colorado is one of the US’s most unspoiled – and thereby most drop-dead gorgeous –  states. Within its hundreds of thousands of square miles (which, in fact, make it the 8th largest in the union), are cultures and environments aplenty. From the dramatic, towering Rockies to the southwest’s endless desert, Colorado is packed full of incredible landscapes and exciting, adventurous things to do. Fittingly, the state also has no shortage of truly fantastic hotels. After all, once you’ve finished trekking or climbing, there’s nothing quite like putting your feet up in a deluxe pad. From bougie boutique hotels to rustic inns, all the way from Vail and Aspen to Denver, we’ve sorted the best establishments in Colorado for every kind of getaway. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

We know, we know. NYC is already an incredibly romantic city. With all those legendary sights, how could it not be? But don’t underestimate the power of a hotel to make the city even more amorous. Just think about it: NYC’s classically romantic backdrop playing host to fancy restaurants, hot tubs and massages. It’s enough to seduce even the sternest of New Yorkers. Of course, you can’t put a price on love—but if you could, these hotels are great places to start. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Sometimes Singapore, with its tall buildings, high population density and endless amount of happening things, can get a little overwhelming. No matter how green and fascinating the metropolis always is, its sheer busyness can get a little too much. Which calls for… a staycation, of course! Singapore is littered with staycay sanctuaries perfect for a weekend away from the city bustle. These tranquil hotels, inns and resorts offer the perfect excuse to take a well-earned break. RECOMMENDED: The best staycation promotions in Singapore and the best cheap hotels in Singapore under $200 This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

You can barely turn a corner in New York City without stumbling on a new well-loved, well-known landmark. From classic attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State and Central Park all the way to the Yankee Stadium and Birdland, the city is practically overspilling with icons of historical and cultural importance.  But lots of the city's hotels deserve a spot on that list, too. Plenty of NYC's hotels are attractions in themselves, either because they're architecturally outstanding or because they've been graced by famous people, things, or historical events. Many are also exceptionally luxurious and considered among the top hotels in the entire country – but even if you're just looking, they're certainly worth a visit. And if you can afford to stay there? They're totally worth it, obviously.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Tracing the exploits of a gruesome serial killer, the Jack the Ripper tours are scary enough as they are. But add a Halloween theme and the opportunity to drink a potentially frightful amount of booze? Even more spine-chilling. A collaboration between Spitalfields cocktail bar Discount Suit Company and walking tour company London’s Walks, the Halloween edition of the Jack the Ripper tour will explore the streets of the East End, led by charismatic Ripper expert Simon Whitehouse. But, vitally, it’ll include booze. Lots of it. Starting off with a complimentary hot punch, the hour-and-a-half-long tour will wind up at the Discount Suit Company itself, where there will be special 'Rocket Lolly' and 'Notorious' cocktails to mark the occasion. Tour guests will also receive a 25 percent discount off their final bill. Tours will start at 12pm, 2.30pm & 5pm

Despite being tremendously popular in his time, artist and illustrator Louis Wain has been somewhat overlooked of late. Luckily enough, he’s soon to receive the Hollywood treatment, being played by Benedict Cumberbatch in an upcoming film, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain. And while that film is sure to invigorate Wain’s legacy with the respect it deserves, you can get ahead of the curve by heading over to the Bethlem Museum of the Mind. Wain is best known for capturing cats in all their various forms, and the Bethlem’s exhibition is a glorious display of some of his finest illustrations. Expect a vibrant, characterful world of felines, ranging from the anthropomorphic to absurd. Animal Therapy: The Cats of Louis Wain is free, but you can still support both the exhibition and the Bethlem Museum of the Mind by buying from their online shop or via direct donations. The Bethlem Museum of the Mind is open Wednesday to Friday and the first and last Saturdays of month, 10am to 5pm. See the museum’s visitor page for more details

Fun fact: Frock Me was the first vintage fair in London. Back in 1997, founder Matthew Adams started the fair at Kensington Town Hall, which prided itself on a mix of fashion and decorative arts. It then moved to Chelsea Old Hall, taking more of a focus on fashion – but remaining London’s original, most essential vintage fair. For one date in November, Frock Me will be returning to its original venue in Kensington Town Hall. Promising 70 exhibitors with an enormous range of fashion (ranging from the Victoria era through to slightly more modern designer outfits), there’ll also be watches, jewellery and a pop-up café. For the fashion fanatics, preview tickets (11am-12pm) are £10. General admission (12:00-17:30pm) is £5, reduced to £3 with an NUS card.

Would you ever imagine that a mere 33 metres below Clapham High Street, there lies one of the UK’s most cutting-edge urban farms? Us neither, yet that’s where you can find Growing Underground, a farm fashioned out of a former Second World War bomb shelter. Cultivating veggies using LED tech and hydroponic systems, the farm produces pesticide-free, carbon-neutral and nutrient-rich greens that taste delicious. Snoop around and discover more about the history of the tunnel and the farm’s sustainable credentials during a 75-minute tour, which includes a fresh micro herb salad to take home with you. Green in more ways than one. 

As Afghanistan reels from decades of war and a brutal Taliban takeover, many of us are looking for ways to help the around 18 million Afghans in need of humanitarian assistance. And how better to lend a hand (or, more accurately, a bit of cash), than the Afghanistan Emergency Fundraiser? A joint project from Resident Advisor, The Right To Dance – a War Child fundraising movement – and Choose Love, the AEF will take over at The Cause in Tottenham for an all-night club event with an all-star line-up. The aim is to raise £10,000 for Afghans in need. When we say the names topping the AEF’s bill are huge, we really mean huge. Mercury-nominated duo Bicep and global megastar DJ The Blessed Madonna lead the way, though other names on show include ambient techno maestro Daniel Avery and UK garage revivalist DJ Banana, among plenty of others. There’s never been a better excuse to get down to The Cause, have a boogie, and raise money for a very, very worthy cause.

An entire city of gingerbread. Imagine that. Well, many of you probably don’t have to imagine it – you might’ve seen it with your very eyes. The Museum of Architecture’s Gingerbread City exhibition is hugely popular, and has been running for several years. It returns in December, featuring over 100 architects, landscape artists, engineers and ecologists, all working together to craft a mini settlement made entirely of gingerbread and icing. The MoA’s Gingerbread City features all the manor houses, town halls and skyscrapers as usual though, within the guidelines of this year’s theme of ‘nature in the city’, there are also meadows, parks and forests – as well as models showing the effects of pollution, flooding and climate change. This year’s exhibition takes place at a new pop-up location near Knightsbridge. Given the amount of gingerbread on display, needless to say the Gingerbread City is essential Christmas viewing. Our advice? Eat something before you go – it’s a nightmarishly mouth-watering place to be hungry. 6-7 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JU. Tickets go on sale on the Gingerbread City website on October 11. 

We’ve all missed live music, but isn’t local live music enjoyable on an entirely different level? Watching musicians get a break before they become global superstars, and having that feeling of discovering genuinely fresh talent for yourself? For The Music clearly think the same: born in lockdown, throughout the pandemic they platformed local acts with a series of filmed web episodes. Now, For The Music is curating its own, real-life festival to give a stage to some of East London’s finest local talent. The line-up promises ten acts throughout the day, ranging in style from R&B and hip hop to funk and indie rock. The setting, inspired by Jools Holland’s live lounge, will also feature local behind-the-scenes crew, as well as an array of street food and craft beer stands.  Tickets are free and on the door.

How much you can recreate a tropical environment without relying on the weather at all? Hazy Sessions is giving it a go, promising to cram uplifting beats, a VW camper van bar and truckloads of barrels of a ‘juicy’ new IPA on to the outside terrace of Westfield White City . The latest instalment of Goose Island Presents, this day-long event launches the Chicago-based brewery’s latest addition to its IPA range, Today’s Haze. If you don’t like fruity beers, maybe steer clear: this new brew is apparently ‘flooded with mango, citrus and stone-fruit character’. Let’s hope all that tropical effort doesn’t get drowned in bucketing rain.

Too many book festivals don’t have enough festival. It isn’t that there’s too much emphasis on books (how could there be?) but that there’s just not enough partying, drinking and grooving with your fellow bookworms. But not Queen’s Park Book Fest. Held, as always, in the public park, it’ll combine literary celebs with stand-up comedy, local history and lectures on pressing issues of the day. And crucially, each day is capped off by a party into the night. Not like a rave but, you know, just a jolly good time.

For one of her first post-pandemic performances, Laura Marling is lending a hand to Raise Three Fingers, a community of artists and creatives acting in solidarity against Myanmar’s military coup. Marling’s folky, rocky delights might be the main attraction at the organisation’s event in Southwark’s Marlborough Sports Garden, but she’s part of a packed schedule. Over the course of a one-day festival, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly co-headlines, and there’ll be photography and art exhibitions, live comedy, keynote speeches, a craft fair and an auction. That’s a lot! And it’s all for a great cause – all proceeds go to Mutual Aid Myanmar, Advance Myanmar and Myanmar Crisis Action.

The great thing about non-fiction cinema is that its best stuff always leaves you knowing a bit more, thinking a little differently, seeing the world as an even more complex place than before. And no, not all documentaries do that – I’m looking at you, ‘Tiger King’ – but the kind shown at Open City Documentary Festival do. This year’s edition, as usual, spans stories from more different countries, peoples and eras than I can really do justice to, from a study of rural Japanese communities to an exploration of modern female labour in the UK. Embarking on a hybrid format after the pandemic, the festival will be showing 46 new films from 26 different countries, as well as putting on filmmaker Q&As, panels and workshops. The Open City Documentary Festival takes place at various venues across the city from Sep 8-14 and is online Sep 13-23.

I’m sure most of us, at some point in our lives, have wanted to be in the magical universe of Harry Potter. And luckily enough, that immersive experience has arrived! Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience gives you the chance to hurl spells and interact with magical characters, meeting centaurs, nifflers and plenty of other beasts from the world of the ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’ film series. Behind the magic, A Forbidden Forest Experience features the technical wizardry of award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators. The experience is a night-time woodland trail at Arley Hall and Gardens in Cheshire and includes food and drink inspired by the wizarding world, as well as the opportunity to shop for plenty of Harry Potter merch. RECOMMENDED: find out which Hogwarts house you belong in with our Harry Potter house quiz

ロシアのウクライナ侵攻を受け、人口わずか280万人のバルト海の小国、リトアニアの人々が怒りをあらわにしている。 リトアニアの南西にはロシアの飛び地であるカリーニングラードがあり、約300キロメートルの国境を共有。東の国境の大部分が接しているのはロシアの同盟国、ベラルーシだ。1991年にソ連から独立したこの国は、今でもロシアに、いわば「挟まれた」状態にある。 ロシアの大統領であるウラジーミル・プーチンが戦争を仕掛けている今、こうした環境にあるリトアニア人が少なからず神経をとがらせているのは理解できる。同国政府はリスクを回避しようと、2022年2月24日に非常事態を宣言した。 その中にあっても、リトアニアとその国民は、ウクライナとの連帯を表明。「隣の独裁者」を侮蔑するジェスチャーを見せ、プーチンへの反発も完全に強めている。 例えば、首都ビリニュスのロシア大使館のすぐ外の路上に現れたテキスト（上の写真）を見てみよう。「プーチン、ハーグがあなたを待っている」とある。戦争犯罪を犯した（と現在いわれている）ロシアの指導者に、報いを受けろとあおっているのだ。 この大胆なメッセージは、ストリートアーティストが「落書き」したものではなく、市長のレミギユス・シマシウス自らの依頼で制作されたもの。同じメッセージは、市の中心部にある政府の建物にも書かれているという。なんとも、勇敢な話だ。 Photograph: Kristina Jasudaite これだけではない。2月27日には、ロシアの侵攻に抗議するために何千人もの女性が主要都市に集結。3月5日には、国境の向こう側であるベラルーシからも見えるように、20メートルもの長さのウクライナ国旗を付けた8機の熱気球がビリニュス上空に上げられた。 ウクライナとの「連帯」を表す象徴的なこうしたアクションと連動するように、リトアニア政府は強力な政治的行動を起こしている。欧州連合（EU）の一員として、ロシアとベラルーシに対する制裁を実施。また開放的な難民政策に基づき、紛争から逃れてきたウクライナ人を支援している。 リトアニアは、EUの国々の中でもロシアやベラルーシに対してより厳しい制裁と孤立化措置を強く訴えてきた。ロシアを国際的な銀行システムであるSWIFT（スイフト、国際銀行間通信協会）から切り離すよう加盟国に促し、ウクライナへの侵攻前にロシア軍を受け入れたベラルーシへの制裁を、多くの加盟国に先立ち求めたのもリトアニアだった。 リトアニアは、EU全体が承認した以外でロシアとベラルーシに対する経済制裁の実施するには難しい状況にあった。しかし、欧州高等教育圏からのロシアとベラルーシの追放を提唱したり、ロシアやベラルーシ当局との間の全ての学術や科学に関する協力を打ち切ったりと、ほかの手段も講じている。ロシアはリトアニアにとって最も重要な貿易相手国の一つであるにもかかわらずだ。 地図で見るとリトアニアは二方を敵対国に囲まれているようだが、完全に無防備というわけはない。リトアニアはEUと北大西洋条約機構（NATO）の軍事同盟のメンバーであり、加盟国の集団防衛の原則を定めているNATO条約第5条の影響下にある。この条約では、一つの加盟国への攻撃であっても、加盟国全てに対するものと見なされる。ロシアによるリトアニアへの攻撃は、より広範囲に問題を広げることが明白なため、回避できているわけだ。 Photograph: Gabriel Khiterer / Go Vilnius いずれにせよ、リトアニアの大胆な抗議運動は、小国であってもロシ

The Castlefield viaduct in Manchester is a majestic piece of design. Fashioned out of solid steel, the structure features 56 magnificent arches and 330 metres of rugged Victorian engineering. Very near Mancunian institutions like HOME and the Science and Industry Museum, it’s one of the city’s most historic – and strangely underappreciated – sites. The old railway line has been sitting derelict for more than half a century – but will soon be jolted back into public use. Plans are under way to transform it into a ‘sky park’, a bit like New York’s High Line or Paris’s Promenade Plantée. The National Trust is behind the initiative, and intends for the park to be open to the public and completely free to access. In time, it’s hoped the viaduct will be transformed into a relaxing, flower-filled green space, and provide new walking and cycling access to several areas of south Manchester. Here are a few snazzy artist’s impressions: Image: ©Twelve Architects & Masterplanners Image: ©Twelve Architects & Masterplanners Image: ©Twelve Architects & Masterplanners The viaduct will include loads of info designed to educate visitors about both its own history and wildlife in the local area. It’ll be the first time that it has been open to the public since the Grade II-listed site officially closed in 1969.  In other words, Mancunians have got a lot to be excited for over the next few months. The new ‘sky park’ is scheduled to open in a temporary form in July, the idea being that this

When you think of lakeside cabins in the UK, modern isn’t usually the word that comes to mind. Often they’re little more than glorified sheds: old, dusty, grimy little abodes. But there’s a new lodge in Scotland that is here to totally upend expectations. It’s called Coorie, and it’s a very, very chic holiday home indeed. Designed by Glasgow-based architecture studio Cameron Webster, the property is hyper-modern and super-sustainable, but it also blends in with its forested, lochside surroundings. Fashioned out of dark timber, it’s perched on the shores of Loch Venachar in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in central Scotland, around an hour’s drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth. The interior is warm and cosy, decked out with a log burner, high-tech insulation and huge windows from which to view the nearby lochs and mountains. It’s got recycled toiletries, a wood-fired hot tub and an air-source heat pump – all of which gives Coorie some serious environmental cred, too. With two bedrooms (a double and a twin) and an open-plan upstairs lounge and kitchen space, there should be enough space for you and three mates. The home has its own decking and garden, as well as parking spaces for cars, bikes and kayaks. It’s not short on modern amenities either, so you’ll find Wi-Fi, USB charging sockets and even a network of Sonos speakers. Fancy, eh? Here are a few more shots: Photograph: Loch Venachar Lodges / Ross Campbell Photograph: Loch Venachar Lodges / Ross Campbel

With its magnificent splurge of oranges, pinks, reds and greens, there’s a real sense of joy in the above photograph. Taken by Azim Khan Ronnie, it captures an Indian ‘festival of colours’ (otherwise known as Holi) in all its vibrant and energetic splendour. Most impressive of all, the photo was taken on a Huawei Nova2i, a smartphone, absolutely putting our dodgy iPhone holiday snaps to shame. As do all of the winners of the 11th Mobile Photography Awards, in fact. Every year, the MPA selects finest photographs shot around the world taken on phones or tablets. This year’s edition celebrates the best mobile photography of 2021 – below are some of our faves from the category winners, including… This pristine close-up of a bumble bee Photograph: James Peck / 11th Annual Mobile Photography Awards  A satisfyingly sharp bedside table Photograph: Liu KunKun / 11th Annual Mobile Photography Awards A calm beach scene Photograph: Junbiao Cai / 11th Annual Mobile Photography Awards This shadowy masterpiece Photograph: Wai Ying Kwok / 11th Annual Mobile Photography Awards  This hazy waterfall Photograph: Shinya Ithana / 11th Annual Mobile Photography Awards  This magnificently angled street/triangular hat combo Photograph: Jason Liu / 11th Annual Mobile Photography Awards  This Wes Anderson-esque snap of an observatory Photograph: Kuanglong Zhang / 11th Annual Mobile Photography Awards And this supremely well-timed shadow shot... Photograph: Roy Pan / 11th Annual Mobile Ph

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Lithuania – a tiny Baltic country of just 2.8 million people – would be feeling the heat following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It doesn’t just share a 300km-long border with Russia, it also has a major border with Russian ally Belarus. The country only gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and is still kind of surrounded, with the main bit of Russia on one side and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad on the other. With Putin on the warpath, we’d understand if Lithuanians were more than a little bit nervy right now. And the government isn’t taking any risks, having declared a state of emergency on February 24. But Lithuania and its citizens have also totally ramped up their opposition to Putin, both expressing solidarity with Ukraine and sticking two fingers up to the dictator next door. Take the above graffiti, which is right outside the Russian embassy in the capital Vilnius. It reads: ‘Putin, The Hague Is Waiting For You’, goading the Russian leader with comeuppance for his (currently alleged) war crimes. And this ballsy bit of graffiti hasn’t been sprayed by any rogue street artist, it was commissioned by Remigijus Šimašius, the mayor of Vilnius himself. The same text has been plastered across a government building in the city centre. Plucky stuff, indeed. Photograph: Kristina Jasudaite And that isn’t the only act of gutsy Lithuanian solidarity. Alongside plenty of bold street art all over Vilnius expressing camaraderi

At the end of last week, we covered the news that an entire town in Canada is going up for sale. The hamlet of Edelweiss in British Columbia was originally built for Swiss guides and mountaineers who had relocated to the region in the early 1900s, but these days it’s totally deserted. Now, the whole thing is going up for sale. As always, the internet had plenty to say about Edelweiss and its six pretty charming chalets. Time Out’s social channels were full of people chiming in with their thoughts, ranging from the sensible and thoughtful to the, erm, not so sensible. Here are a few things you suggested turning it into: A squat alternatively, just go squat there on account of it being deserted. https://t.co/OKY55kCVgP — Crooked Forest (@crooked_forest) March 4, 2022 A writers’ retreat Who wants to buy this village with me and make it into a writers' retreat offering residencies to writers who need them https://t.co/wurvWnxmWF — Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) March 4, 2022 A queer commune New queer commune daydream just dropped. https://t.co/VfN2UJYEgY — Ana Mardoll (@AnaMardoll) March 4, 2022 Government housing Surely the government purchase this to provide much needed housing? https://t.co/MzpcMmIaYx — Peggy Blair (@peggy_blair) March 4, 2022 Repatriated land for indigenous people

It might be a cold, crisp March day, but now’s the perfect time to get a beachy holiday in your sights. Budget airline EasyJet has unveiled its schedule for next winter, releasing thousands of dirt-cheap seats on flights to some of Europe’s sunniest holiday hotspots. One-way tickets for the beach paradise of Málaga start at a pretty ridiculous £18.99. For just £20.99, meanwhile, you can get to sun-glazed Majorca, Barcelona and Madrid, and £22.99 will get you all the way to culture-packed cities Amsterdam, Berlin and Lisbon. Routes depart from airports across the UK, including Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and London Gatwick.   The above EasyJet rates were found using its new Low Fare Finder tool, which is designed to help travellers with flexible availability book uber-cheap hols. EasyJet is also operating a flexible booking policy for up to two hours before departure, so in a worst-case scenario, you hopefully won’t be out of pocket, either. That policy is outlined here.  The schedule covers dates up to the end of February 2023, so it could be the ideal time to book yourself a pre-emptive escape from next year’s winter blues. Find out more and check availability on the EasyJet website. Looking for travel inspo? These are the 22 best new things to do in the world in 2022 according to us.

After formally recognising two separatist republics in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region last week, Russia is now in the midst of a far-ranging military assault on Ukraine. The situation is obviously pretty nuanced and complicated, but one thing’s clear: Ukraine and its people face immense danger, and almost certainly need all the help they can get. No doubt plenty of you are looking to find ways to do your bit right now. And while, of course, very few of us have the power to get involved with the really big, impactful stuff like enforcing sanctions or freezing Russia’s foreign assets, there are still some pretty easy things you can do. Here are a few places where you can donate and make a difference. How can I help Ukraine? Try donating to... The Ukrainian Red Cross, which does loads of humanitarian stuff, from aiding refugees to training doctors. Donate here.  The British Red Cross, which has launched an appeal to raise funds for food, medical supplies, shelter and water. Donate here.Revived Soldiers Ukraine, which funds medication and medical supplies for army hospitals on the front line. Donate here. Nova Ukraine, a Ukraine-based non-profit that provides civilians with everything from baby food and hygiene products to clothes and household supplies. Donate here. Sunflower for Peace, which provides first-aid backpacks to doctors and paramedics on the front line. Donate here. Voices of Children, a charity that focuses on helping children recover from the psychological trauma

As Russia continues to escalate its horrifying invasion of Ukraine, greater numbers of people are fleeing the conflict. According to the UN, up to seven million are thought to have already been displaced within the country, with more than a million now believed to have tried to flee Ukraine entirely. Many refugees are having to face long queues at borders and difficult asylum processes. While some countries (like those in the EU, for instance) have made the visa process much easier for Ukrainian refugees, other countries have not. So what can we do to directly help those fleeing Ukraine? Below are five ways to offer financial, legal and humanitarian support.  1. Donate to refugee charities working in nearby countries Ukrainian refugees are spilling into countries on the country’s western borders, mostly to Poland, Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia. Here are three charities working in those countries and providing aid:  UNHCR is the official UN organisation that helps refugees. Donate here.  Project HOPE provides medical supplies and assistance. Donate here. Save the Children focuses on providing children with food, water and safety. Donate here.  2. Share information on legal aid for refugees Some countries (like the UK) are making it harder for refugees to claim asylum than others. Plenty of organisations and resources exist to help those fleeing the conflict, such as: This list of UNHCR partner organisations helping to provide social and legal assistance to refugees in

In the latest move that signals the travel industry is looking to leave the pandemic very much behind it, some airlines are now starting to get rid of their mask mandates. Normality, it seems, has very much returned. In fact, British airline Jet2, mostly known for its package holidays, has already dropped the requirement for passengers to wear masks. The new (lack of) rules applies to travellers from England and Northern Ireland, in line with local government guidance that also does not mandate mask-wearing. Ryanair has also announced plans to drop mask-wearing rules on its planes. The budget airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary has said he hopes face coverings would be scrapped on its flights by the end of April. All of which is a refreshing (or slightly worrying, depending on your view) return to normality. During the worst bits of the pandemic, mask-wearing in the air kind of made sense. You were trapped in a box tens of thousands of feet in the air, with pretty much the same lot of air swirling around for hours on end. Masks were there to stop everyone from making each other ill.  It’s worth noting that the relaxing of mask requirements on flights does not apply to every airline in every destination. It currently only applies to Jet2 flights departing from England and Northern Ireland. Jet2 flights from Scotland still require passengers to wear masks, as do all other flights from UK airlines, from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to Tui. And of course, while you might not hav

フランスのパリで初めてとなる公共ロープウエーの開業が準備されている。「Cable A」と名付けられたこの新路線は、全長4.5キロメートル。パリ南東部の郊外のいくつかの駅と地下鉄の4つの駅を結ぶ。 では、なぜスキー場のゴンドラリフトのような乗り物が採用されたのか。この路線が開通するクレテイユという地域は丘陵地帯で、高速道路や高速鉄道が縦横無尽に走っている。バスや地下鉄の高価で複雑なシステムを構築する代わりに、その頭上空間を活用したというわけだ。理論的には建設費も安く、人々の車離れを促し、環境にも優しいという。 Image: Ile-de-France Mobilities Cable Aが初めて提案されたのは2008年だったが、長い間地元住民の反対を受け、計画は頓挫していた。主な住民の不満はプライバシーに関わることだったが、「気の利いた」新しい技術がそれらを解決した。 ブルームバーグによれば、各車両にはセンサーが取り付けられ、住宅に近づき過ぎると窓が不透明になるという。賢いやり方ではないだろうか。   Image: Ile-de-France Mobilities Cable Aは、2025年に運行開始予定。パリ郊外にできる5つのゴンドラシステムのうちの一つになる見込みだ。頭上を行き来するロープウエーの建設という、パリの都市計画者が考えたアイデアを、誰も責めることはできないだろう。美しい場所がたくさんある街では、あらゆる場所から景色を見たくなるものだ。 近い将来、Cable Aがパリで一番おしゃれな通勤手段になるかもしれない。 原文はこちら 関連記事 『パリ中心部で約50年ぶりに高層ビルが建設』 『2024年パリ五輪、開会式の計画を発表』 『パリ市が100％自転車で移動できる街になるための計画を発表』 『イヴ・サンローランの一大展覧会がパリの6つの美術館で開催』 『駐日フランス大使が語る、日仏のサステナブルな未来のために必要なこと』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら

Feeling that nip in the air and can’t wait to escape those late-winter chills? Luckily there’s another sale on at Ryanair, perfectly timed for that last-minute Euro getaway – and the budget airline’s prices are as ridiculously low as ever. For as little as £5 (!), you can jet off to culture-stacked metropolises Milan, Barcelona and Warsaw. For under £15, you can get to an enormous range of European tourist destinations, from French beach paradises Nice and Biarritz to other sun-drenched tourist hotspots like Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Fez and Pisa. Overall, more than 300,000 seats are available for less than £15. Some very tasty deals indeed.  Most importantly, many of the places won’t require any sort of quarantine (or even testing) for fully-vaccinated travellers. But such is the nature of travel after the pandemic, you should be sure to check all these things before you book.  Several airports across the UK are included (London Stansted, Gatwick and Luton, plus Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Manchester and Newscastle), and the sale covers dates from March all the way through to July. But you’ll have to be quick: the deals only last until midnight tonight. This being Ryanair, there are no doubt more than a few extra costs beyond the retail price. But when the upfront cost is so low, who can really argue?  The sale has now been extended until midnight tonight (March 3). Check out all the deals