Thursday, October 6, 2011

'Killer Kismot curry' contest leaves two in hospital in Edinburgh

World's hottest chilli contest: Competitors tuck in to the 'Kismot Killer' curry, trying to prove it's not too hot to handle. It left two people in hospital

Ambulances were called to the restaurant, with one of those taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (ERI) having to return there within hours of being released, for more treatment.

At the heart of the ‘Kismot Killer’ is the bhut jolokia chilli, considered the world’s hottest edible variety – 20 times more potent than some Cayenne peppers.

The blood red and brown dish containing three of the chillies gives off an air of menace and the disclaimer gives customers a taste  of what they are letting themselves in for.

‘Kismot Restaurant will take no responsibilities for the bodily functions after you eat the curry,’ it says. ‘If you die whilst eating or as a direct result of eating the curry, members of the table will share the cost of your Kismot Killer.Kim Curie had to be taken by ambulance to hospital twice in a matter of hours

‘If you become ill due to the Kismot Killer or if you find that you are experiencing any problems with your lover(s) then under no circumstances are you entitled to blame Kismot Restaurant or any members of its staff.’

Participants in the charity event had to eat spoonfuls of increasing strength ‘Kismot Killer’, with those who took a drink of milk before the end being disqualified.

Kim Curie, 21, a Korean exchange student at Edinburgh University, came second in the competition, which was in aid of the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland. She said: ‘I’ve always enjoyed spicy foods and thought this was for a good cause. But it came with a price: I had to be taken to the ERI twice. I have never endured such pain in my life.’

Restaurant owner Abdul Ali admitted his surprise at the violent reaction to the dish, especially as the man who finished fifth also ended up in hospital.

Abdul Ali, manager of the Kismot restaurant, with his Kurry King or Queen crown and trophy
‘People were in agony,’ said Mr Ali, who was criticised by the ambulance service after the event. ‘I might have overestimated what I could give them. We made it a bit hotter than it is on the menu. I was a bit shocked at how people reacted. I think we’ll tone it down in future. We do not want any more ambulances.’




Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies at 56

Apple boss Steve Jobs, seen here delivering one of his last public speeches, has died at 56

Described as a 'visionary' by president Barack Obama and 'brilliant passionate and energetic' in a statement from his company itself, Jobs is widely credited with transforming the world of computer and smartphone technology.

Apple's iPod also revolutionised the music world by making digital music and music players 'cool' again.

Microsoft boss Bill Gates also paid tribute to Jobs, who died on Wednesday, saying it had been an 'insanely great honour' to work with him.


A tribute to Jobs, left on the Apple store front in Santa Monica

'I will miss Steve immensely,' Gates added.

In a short tribute, Mr Obama hailed Jobs' contribution to American life in general, saying he 'made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun'.

'Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it,' the US president added.

Many other tributes poured in for the Apple co-founder after the news of his death emerged, with influential figures from across the world united in their respect.

Apple's statement said: 'The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.'

Tributes and flowers were laid by Apple staff and fans at the company's iconic headquarters in Cupertino, California.


Candles are lit at a makeshift memorial for Steve Jobs at the Apple headquarters

The Apple boss' death comes just a matter of hours after his company's latest announcement - the next generation iPhone 4S.

The presentation of the new device, which has received a muted response from fans and critics so far, was made by new chief executive Tim Cook - his first public presentation after taking over from his predecessor.

Jobs' impact across different spheres was perhaps encapsulated best by the tributes paid to him from all walks of life.

American tennis star Serena Williams called Jobs 'the Thomas Edison of our day' in a Twitter post, adding: 'You will be missed but your legend will live forever.'

Will Findlater, editor of Stuff Magazine, added: 'Steve Jobs created the modern technology landscape. He made gadgets front-page stories and objects of desire, and his uncanny ability to predict what we would need and want from our gadgets led to the products that have defined the 21st century.

'He understood above all else that it’s not the technology itself, but the way in which you use it that can enhance your life. As a result, he forever changed the way we entertain ourselves, communicate with one another and interact with our devices.'

Meanwhile, British business magnate Lord Sugar - his own fame born from the computers market - said he was 'gutted' by the news.

'We started our computer biz at same time and were competitors tru 80's. Great visionary. Sadly missed RIP,' he told his followers.

Jobs started his career in tech in 1969 when he got a summer job at Hewlett-Packard, before going on to launch the Apple 1 computer with fellow Apple founder Steve Wozniak in 1976.