The UK is Getting Their Own Version of SNL

It won’t be long before Brits will be hearing the words, “Live from London, it's Saturday Night!” The comedy show will be reimagined through a distinctly British lens, with new guest hosts taking the helm each week and putting their distinctive stamp on the show. The SNL U.K. cast includes several up-and-coming British actors and comedians, including Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young. The show premieres on Saturday, March 21, on the UK network Sky and the streaming service NOW. The show’s debut season will consist of six episodes. It hasn’t been revealed whether U.S. viewers will be able to tune in to SNL U.K. Sky is owned by NBC Universal’s parent company, Comcast, so it’s likely episodes will eventually become available to watch on NBC and Peacock. The British show will follow the same format as the U.S. version, with episodes recorded in front of a live studio audience, featuring an opening monologue, topical sketches, live music, and a U.K. take on SNL’s iconic news satire, Weekend Update. While James Longman will serve as the show’s lead producer, SNL creator Lorne Michaels will remain the executive producer. For those wondering if any U.S. cast members will appear on SNL U.K., that hasn’t been decided yet.

Continue Reading...

The LEGO Group and Crocs Team Up For Some Unusual Footwear

LEGO, the Danish toymaker, and the American footwear company Crocs have agreed to a new multi-year global partnership. To kick off their collaboration, they’ve released the somewhat improbable LEGO Brick Clog. These oversized, rectangular shoes are modeled after LEGO’s classic two-by-four toy bricks, and feature four branded studs on top. While they're certain to turn heads if you wear them out on the street, Crocs points out that they’re more of a collectible than something for comfortable all-day wear. Still, they feature a heel strap in case anyone fancies activating “sport mode.” The footwear will be available globally on February 16 for $149.99 on the company’s website.

Continue Reading...

Walnuts: The “King of Nuts”

Walnuts play a key role in the modern shift toward food as medicine. In fact, there’s even an annual walnut conference where scientists and industry experts gather to discuss the latest research. Thanks to their omega-3 content, walnuts are often called the “king of nuts.” Regular walnut consumption has been associated with improved memory and cognitive function in older adults, and one fascinating aspect is that the structure of a walnut even resembles the human brain. Health experts say consuming 10-12 walnut halves a day boosts brain performance. Brain scans of volunteers who consumed walnuts daily showed improved neural efficiency, while blood tests indicated positive changes in glucose and fatty acids. Walnuts also act as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases, but walnuts can act as an inflammation-fighter because they're packed with polyphenols. “Just a handful can support your body’s natural defenses and keep inflammation in check,” said cardiologist Dr. Jay Shah. Walnuts also help with weight management. Despite being energy-dense, walnuts contain protein, fiber and healthy fats that can help people feel fuller long. A quick and easy way to get them into your diet is to have a few as a 3 p.m. snack with fruit or yogurt to tide you over until dinner. Doctors caution, however, to opt for unsalted walnuts to reduce sodium intake.

Continue Reading...

These Cauliflower “Steaks" Are Tender on the Inside and Crispy on the Outside

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to work more vegetables into your diet, this recipe is for you. The flavor-packed dish is a winner for cauliflower lovers, as well as for those who aren’t that fond of it. When choosing cauliflower for this dish, look for creamy white heads that feel heavy, with tightly packed florets. There shouldn’t be any black spots on the curds, which is a sign the head is getting old and on the road to being tossed. 

Servings: 4 Steaks

Ingredients:

• • 1 large head of cauliflower sliced lengthwise through the core into 4 steaks.
• • ¼ cup olive oil
• • 1 tbsp lemon juice
• • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• • 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• • Preheat oven to 400º F.
• • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the steaks on the sheet.
• • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper together in a bowl.
• • Brush tops of cauliflower steaks with half of the olive oil mixture.
• • Roast cauliflower steaks in the oven for 15 minutes.
• • Flip the steaks over, brush tops with remaining olive oil mixture, and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until tender and golden.

Continue Reading...