These Are the World’s Most Liveable Cities in 2023
It was a long time coming, but a shift back to normality after the years-long Covid pandemic is
2023-06-22 16:54
How – and why – to prioritise mindfulness in the busyness of summer
With bank holidays, festivals, trips and social commitments in the summer, it can feel difficult to say no, even if you really want to take some time out for yourself. “Summer can feel like a never-ending list of activities and events, and this might encourage us to overindulge in too many late nights, alcohol, and food, ” says psychologist Dr Alison McClymont. “Of course, doing this occasionally is not going to hurt, but to do it repeatedly will have a negative effect on your overall wellbeing. Rest and relaxation are the petrol you need to ensure your car keeps running,” she says. So, what can we do to make that a priority, while not totally abandoning our social lives? What do you actually want to do? “It’s important to remember that ‘no’ is a sentence, and your boundaries matter,” says Carly Rowena, wellbeing influencer, who’s been working with Sky Stream. “Remember to simplify your mind and your decisions, by prioritising what you actually want to do, rather than what you feel you should do. I’d recommend finding out what you want this summer by journaling, stretching, or meditating,” she explains. Think about how you feel You may not know who to prioritise. “We can be mindful of our internal experiences by being aware of the emotions we experience when socialising,” says Chloe Wheeler, assistant psychologist at Cygnet Health Care. “This can support us to recognise who makes us feel safe, uplifted and loved, and who may add to feelings of burnout, stress or anxiety.” Be present and slow down “Mindfulness isn’t sitting quietly and trying to stop your thoughts, it’s allowing yourself to be present and to allow those thoughts to float past you like sticks floating down a river. “Adding mindfulness into your routine gives you a chance to find out about yourself, slow down, prevent burnout and instead, find gratitude and joy throughout your day,” Rowena explains. “According to research by Sky Stream, 94% of Brits wish their lives were simpler, with 74% agreeing that life is more complicated now than it was five years ago, which is why it’s more important than ever to focus on finding pockets of stillness and connection,” she says. Drink less when socialising Many summer events revolve around drinking. “Physically, as well as psychologically, alcohol directly affects a person’s ability to focus,” says Dr Henk Swanepoel, lead neuropsychologist at Cygnet Health Care. “As we know, a key principle of mindfulness is to focus attention on the present moment, by practising mindfulness breathing. However, alcohol can reduce a person’s ability to concentrate and pay attention to this experience.” Get outdoors “Get outside as much as you can and ground yourself,” says Rowena. And for parents, this is important to do with or without your children. “Children are incredible at being present and mindful, and need very little to find this. Give yourself time to make animals out of the clouds, paint an egg box with colours and find things in nature that match the colours, throw sticks and race in the water.” Your presence and peace is important too. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 sandal trends that will be huge this summer 6 triggers asthma sufferers should watch out for this summer Imposter syndrome – what is it and why does Kim Kardashian have it?
2023-06-22 16:20
6 triggers asthma sufferers should watch out for this summer
Summer brings days out, holidays and festivals, but for those with lung conditions it can also be a risky time of year. High pollen levels, pollution, heat, and even smoke from things like BBQs can be dangerous, so it’s important to know what precautions those who are vulnerable need to take, say Asthma + Lung UK. “We all look forward to summer and all the fun it brings with it, but people with asthma and other lung conditions must be careful to keep themselves safe too,” says Erika Radford, head of health advice at the charity. “Things like hot weather, dust in the atmosphere, or higher levels of pollen can make it harder for those with lung illnesses to breathe. Strong emotions, stress and even laughing a lot are also known asthma triggers, so we want people to be armed with the knowledge they need to protect themselves while enjoying themselves in the sun.” Here are the summertime triggers to look out for and how people with lung conditions can protect themselves. 1. Hot weather “Hot weather can be problematic for people with asthma or other lung conditions, because warmer air can cause the airways to narrow, leading to coughing and shortness of breath,” says Radford. “Strong sunshine also causes the level of ozone and other air pollutants in the atmosphere to rise, which can trigger symptoms.” She advises using your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed and carrying your reliever inhaler everywhere. “Staying out of the heat and in shaded areas as much as possible and cooling down with a handheld fan can help relieve breathlessness. Keep hydrated with regular cold drinks and take a cool shower if you become too hot.” Also, make sure you keep inhalers in a cool place out of direct sunlight, so they continue to work well, and in a cool bag when you’re out and about. “Don’t add any ice to the bag though, as your inhaler needs to be kept dry,” she says. 2. Pollen Pollen levels tend to be highest between May and September. “Pollen is a trigger for almost half of people living with asthma and a quarter of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” Radford says. Again, minimise the impact of pollen with your inhalers. “Taking antihistamines or using a steroid nasal spray to reduce their allergic reaction to pollen is also really important,” she adds, “As it’s this allergic reaction that can cause your airways to narrow and fill with mucus, potentially setting off an asthma attack.” 3. Aerosols “Sweating more in the heat means you may want to carry things like deodorant or hairspray with you while commuting to work. But some of these sprays contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause irritation to the lungs and may increase the risk of experiencing symptoms or having an asthma attack,” Radford suggests. “If you live with a lung condition, your airways are more likely to be irritated, so try to use allergy friendly and chemical-free products, which have lower levels of VOCs and are usually fragrance-free, on your travels.” You may also benefit from using solid products, like roll-on deodorant. Unlike sprays, these won’t get into the air for you to breathe in. 4. Dust Dusty holiday homes, camping equipment or sun loungers that have been kept in storage can contain dust mites, which many people with lung conditions like asthma are allergic to. This allergic reaction can cause your airways to inflame and produce more mucus, Radford says. If you’re getting dusty items out of storage, vacuum them or wipe them down with a damp cloth before use, ideally outdoors – or get someone else to do this for you. If you use airtight plastic bags or boxes when you pack the items away again, they are likely to get less dusty through the year when not in use. Make sure you carry antihistamine medicine in case your dust allergy is triggered. 5. Smoke There are likely to be people puffing away on cigarettes or vapes outdoors when the weather is nice, and it’s wise to stay away from them if you have a lung condition. “Smoking and breathing in secondhand smoke can not only make existing symptoms such as breathlessness worse and trigger asthma attacks, it can also cause many lung conditions, including COPD, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and lung cancer,” says Radford. “Smoke from BBQs or grills can also trigger asthma so if you are hosting a gathering, try and get someone else to cook and stand well away from the area.” 6. Mould Hot, damp environments like the inside of a tent can be breeding grounds for mould spores, which can grow in damp places in just 24 hours, says Radford. “If you are allergic to mould, this can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing or sneezing. In those with asthma, it could trigger asthma symptoms. Exposure to mould can also cause an allergy or hypersensitivity to it, or a fungal infection within the lungs.” So if you are going camping this summer and do notice mould or a damp and musty smell in your tent or on sleeping bags, make sure it’s removed and they’re fully dried and aired afterwards. For more information on how to stay safe with a lung condition visit asthmaandlung.org.uk or call the Asthma + Lung UK helpline on: 0300 222 5800. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Imposter syndrome – what is it and why does Kim Kardashian have it? The best TV shows, books and podcasts about Windrush How can I be a better ally to trans people right now?
2023-06-22 14:50
Beyond Meat Wannabes Are Failing as Hype and Money Fade
Unreal Food ended its pursuit of an eggless egg. Remastered Foods stopped developing vegan bacon. The Meatless Farm
2023-06-22 12:22
Canada Bread agrees to pay C$50m for role in price-fixing scheme
Canada Bread pleaded guilty to a role in a scheme to inflate the price of the food staple in Canada.
2023-06-22 08:49
Ukraine dam: Satellite images reveal Kakhovka canals drying up
Following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, BBC analysis reveals the changes in the surrounding area.
2023-06-22 08:18
British mother reveals toddler speaks with American accent after watching Ms Rachel: ‘Payback for Peppa Pig’
A British woman has shared her surprise and amusement after noticing her toddler has started to speak with an American accent from watching a popular YouTuber. Kelly Convey, who goes by the username @kelly_convey on TikTok, shared a video about the influence children’s YouTuber Ms Rachel has had on her 21-month-old daughter, Bea, earlier this month. In the clip, Convey began by asking: “Has anybody else got a British, and I have to stress British, toddler who watches Ms Rachel, and, as they’ve started to speak, you realise that they’ve actually got an American accent?” Ms Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, is a popular American YouTuber known for her educational toddler songs and nursery rhymes. The educator and songwriter, who has accumulated more than 4.7m subscribers on YouTube, is best known for her video series “Songs for Littles,” which teach children their first words. In the TikTok, Convey then filmed herself conversing with her daughter, with the London-based comedian filming herself asking the toddler to say “car”. After the child pronounced car in an American accent, Convey asked her daughter to say “more,” “ears,” and “zebra,” with the 21 month old pronouncing each word differently from her mother. “You’re so clever,” Convey told her daughter while giggling about the toddler’s Americanised pronunciations. In the caption of the video, which has since been viewed 5m times, Convey wrote: “Born in the USA.” @kelly_convey Born in the USA. #mumof2 #mumlife #motherhood #mumtok #mumsontiktok #mumsoftiktokuk #parenting #funnywomenoftiktok #fyptiktok #momlife #parentingtips #toddlertok #toddler #2under2 #familytiktok #missrachel #songsforlittles ♬ original sound - Kelly Convey The TikTok has been met with similar amusement from viewers, with many making comparisons to the influence of Peppa Pig on American toddlers. According to many parents in the US, their children have begun speaking with British accents as a result of the popularity of the British animated children’s TV show. The video also prompted comparisons to the influence of popular Australian animated series Bluey, which has had a similar impact on the accents of its young viewers. “This is payback for Peppa Pig,” one viewer joked, while another said: “Omg the reverse Peppa Pig effect.” “My very American toddler developed a British accent from Peppa Pig and it’s turned Australian from Bluey,” someone else wrote. According to another viewer, who revealed that their own children’s accents were influenced by Peppa Pig and Bluey, it’s “funny to see it with a British kid”. “I have an American baby with a Peppa Pig accent,” someone else jokingly admitted. The viral TikTok also prompted a response from Ms Rachel herself, who commented: “I’m sorry” along with a laughing face emoji and a heart-face emoji. The YouTuber also dueted Convey’s video on TikTok, where she filmed herself watching the toddler and smiling. After hearing Bea’s pronunciation of “more,” Ms Rachel could be seen covering her face in surprised amusement. @msrachelforlittles duet with @Kelly Convey mumof2 msrachel toddlermom ♬ original sound - Kelly Convey Speaking to The Independent about the viral reaction to her video, Convey said the response has been “really incredible” and “mostly from Americans”. “Clearly they relate, particularly with having so many of their children sounding like Peppa - a phenomenon I didn’t know about until the comments went wild,” she said. “I’m a comedian so hitting a relatable sweet spot is like gold to me so I’m chuffed.” As for when she realised the influence Ms Rachel was having on her daughter, Convey said that Bea has been saying words for a while now, but “only recently putting a few words together”. “This is when we noticed the strong R in words like door, four and more. But ZeeeeBra really takes the biscuit! Luckily she says water in the British way - not sure I could handle that!” she joked. The TikToker also shared her daughter’s excitement to Ms Rachel’s video response, with Convey revealing the toddler “couldn’t believe it”. “Ms Rachel has just responded with a duet video and I’ve just shown Bea and she couldn’t believe it. Really made her day (and mine),” she said. Read More Peppa Pig is changing the way American children speak, according to confused parents ‘Dunny’ and ‘Brekky’: How Bluey is changing the way American children speak Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat
2023-06-22 02:46
Imposter syndrome – what is it and why does Kim Kardashian have it?
Reality TV star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian says she still has “imposter syndrome”, despite the global success of her multi-million dollar shapewear brand Skims. Kardashian, 42, revealed the brand, founded in 2019, has exceeded “everything that I ever imagined”. Celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Michelle Obama have also shared the imposter syndrome obstacles they have faced. So, why might you feel ‘imposter syndrome’ in spite of success, and what does it even mean? What is imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is “a feeling that we’re going to be found out, feeling like we are a fraud, that we aren’t as good as people think we are”, says psychologist and author of Self Care For Tough Times, Suzy Reading. “It’s where we downplay our successes and where we doubt our ability moving forwards, even though we’ve demonstrated the same skills and strengths countless times in the past.” What causes it? “Quite often, it is caused by caring deeply and wanting to get it right,” Reading continues. “It can be seen as part of us assessing our readiness, or preparation or skill, in delivering something important to us. It’s also a safeguard against becoming arrogant, conceited, boastful or underprepared. Other causes include personality traits like perfectionism, or being raised in a family environment that focuses on high achievement above all else.” What are the signs? Kardashian is not alone. “Even the most talented, accomplished, experienced, educated, successful people have this experience,” says Reading. “It is very common. We can all relate to the feeling and it can manifest in different ways, including self-doubt, insecurity, fear of making mistakes, fear of failure, self-criticism, negative self-talk, an inability to accept praise or compliments, undervaluing your own contributions, or attributing accomplishments to external variables. It can lead to self-sabotage, and eventually burnout.” How can you get rid of it? “Here’s the good news – we don’t need to eradicate it,” Reading explains. “Make peace with that voice of self-doubt, allow it to be there, and understand that it is a reflection of how much you care – and not your ability. “Remember your thoughts are not facts and we don’t have to invest our identity in them. Don’t try to silence the voice of the inner critic, but also, don’t amplify it. Let it speak, but then pass the mic to the voice that cheers you on, encourages you – the compassionate voice we can all cultivate,” she adds. “I’d also recommend looking for evidence contrary to the voice of your imposter – challenge it, dispute it, remind yourself of your strengths, your values, your accomplishments and all the work you’ve done to reach this point in your life. “Get your body involved too – it’s not just about using your mind – stand tall because our posture has an impact on our feelings of personal power, soothe your nervous system with calm, relaxed breathing, releasing physical tension, and remember: you are capable, you are resourceful”.
2023-06-21 20:23
Yes, Titanic tourism is a thing, and it's dangerous
Only a handful of people have seen the Titanic's wreckage in person, because precious few have what it takes to visit: the financial resources, access to experts -- and a willingness to accept the significant safety risk.
2023-06-21 18:48
John Goodman reveals he’s lost 200 pounds as he makes red carpet appearance
John Goodman stunned fans as his weight loss was made apparent over the weekend, but his journey didn’t “happen overnight”. The Big Lebowski star, who turned 71 on 20 June, recently attended the 2023 Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco on Sunday (18 June) where he debuted his slimmed-down figure on the red carpet. In photos from the event, Goodman looked sharp in a navy blue double-breasted suit and khaki pants, which he paired with a yellow tie, brown loafers, and round-framed sunglasses. The actor’s transformation is the result of more than a decade of hard work, after he reportedly started working on his health back in 2007. In a new interview with Rolling Stone published on 17 June, Goodman revealed that he has lost a total of 200 pounds, ever since he first revealed to David Letterman in 2011 that he was “pushing 400” pounds when he was at his heaviest. “I’d get off of Roseanne every spring. I’d lose 60 pounds every spring [but] I’d gain it back and then some, every year,” he told the late-night host at the time. At the start of his journey, Goodman hired health coach Mackie Shilstone who helped him to give up sugar and work out six days a week. The actor, who’s been open about his struggles with alcoholism in the past, also stopped drinking after checking into a rehabilitation center in 2007. “It takes a lot of creative energy to sit on your a** and figure out what you’re going to eat next,” he said in an interview with People in 2010. “I wanted to live life better.” Five years later, Goodman’s health coach revealed to the New York Post that the Roseanne star had lost 100 pounds through a combination of diet and exercise. Goodman unveiled his 100-pound weight loss transformation at the premiere of his film Trumbo in 2015. “This didn’t happen overnight – it’s been an ongoing process,” Shilstone told the Post. He introduced Goodman to a “Mediterranean-style eating plan,” which heavily leaned on a diet of fish, nuts, olive oil, vegetables, and fruit. The Monsters, Inc actor also racked up 10,000 to 12,000 steps a day, along with getting in some miles on the elliptical bicycle and treadmill. At the time, Goodman’s then-100 pound weight loss took around two years. In an interview with ABC News, Goodman revealed that he decided to make a change to his habits after he would look in the mirror and not like what he saw in his reflection. “I just got tired, sick and tired of looking at myself. You’re shaving in the mirror and you don’t want to look at yourself. It gets dangerous,” he told ABC’s Peter Travers in 2016. Goodman also explained that his weight loss journey was made easier after he “just stopped eating all the time”. “I’d have a handful of food and it’d go to my mouth,” he said. “In the old days, I would take three months out, lose 60 or 70 pounds, and then reward myself with a six-pack of Bud or whatever and just go back to my old habits.” “Then this time I wanted to do it slowly, move, exercise. I’m getting to the age where I can’t afford to sit still anymore. And it gives me the energy to work, ‘cause work is very draining.” These days, John Goodman has been busy balancing his ongoing health journey with his many roles in television – reprising his role from Roseanne as beloved father Dan Conner in ABC’s The Conners, and televangelist patriarch Eli Gemstone in the HBO comedy, The Righteous Gemstones. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Goodman detailed that he stays active by “getting out and walking the dogs” amidst his busy schedule. Before production began on The Conners in 2018, Goodman said he spent much of his time boxing too. “I was boxing up until then and I haven’t been able to do that since Covid because I’m lazy,” he shared. “I haven’t been exercising, but I’m going to start a routine again this summer where I can get some stuff done. I’ve just let everything go just because I haven’t had the energy because of the jobs.” The iconic Hollywood actor also opened up about his past struggles with alcohol and “anger as a younger man,” which he admitted was “fuelled by fear”. “But I was probably born an alcoholic,” he joked. “But most of the anger’s gone. If I don’t watch the news, I’m cool.” Read More Glastonbury 2023: Gates at Worthy Farm to open today as new ‘secret set’ announced Extraction 2 viewers spot ‘ridiculous’ blunder in Chris Hemsworth sequel ‘What in the wingardium leviosa?’: Emma Watson shocks fans with ‘levitating’ dress What are the symptoms of laryngitis and how long does it take to recover? What is egg freezing and how does it work? Regular napping could be good for brain health, research suggests
2023-06-21 14:28
Australia Pressured to Use Russia War Windfall to Help Ukraine
“Aussies know a road warrior when they see one,” Ukraine’s Defense Department said earlier this month in a
2023-06-21 03:29
John Goodman shows off 200-pound weight loss amid journey to ‘live life better’
John Goodman showed off his dramatic weight loss transformation over the weekend, but his weight loss journey didn’t “happen overnight”. The Big Lebowski star, who turned 71 on 20 June, recently attended the 2023 Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco on Sunday (18 June) where he debuted his slimmed-down figure on the red carpet. In photos from the event, Goodman looked sharp in a navy blue double-breasted suit and khaki pants, which he paired with a yellow tie, brown loafers, and round-framed sunglasses. The actor’s transformation is the result of more than a decade of hard work, after he reportedly started working on his health back in 2007. In a new interview with Rolling Stone published on 17 June, Goodman revealed that he has lost a total of 200 pounds, ever since he first revealed to David Letterman in 2011 that he was “pushing 400” pounds when he was at his heaviest. “I’d get off of Roseanne every spring. I’d lose 60 pounds every spring [but] I’d gain it back and then some, every year,” he told the late-night host at the time. At the start of his journey, Goodman hired health coach Mackie Shilstone who helped him to give up sugar and work out six days a week. The actor, who’s been open about his struggles with alcoholism in the past, also stopped drinking after checking into a rehabilitation center in 2007. “It takes a lot of creative energy to sit on your a** and figure out what you’re going to eat next,” he said in an interview with People in 2010. “I wanted to live life better.” Five years later, Goodman’s health coach revealed to the New York Post that the Roseanne star had lost 100 pounds through a combination of diet and exercise. Goodman unveiled his 100-pound weight loss transformation at the premiere of his film Trumbo in 2015. “This didn’t happen overnight – it’s been an ongoing process,” Shilstone told the Post. He introduced Goodman to a “Mediterranean-style eating plan,” which heavily leaned on a diet of fish, nuts, olive oil, vegetables, and fruit. The Monsters, Inc actor also racked up 10,000 to 12,000 steps a day, along with getting in some miles on the elliptical bicycle and treadmill. At the time, Goodman’s then-100 pound weight loss took around two years. In an interview with ABC News, Goodman revealed that he decided to make a change to his habits after he would look in the mirror and not like what he saw in his reflection. “I just got tired, sick and tired of looking at myself. You’re shaving in the mirror and you don’t want to look at yourself. It gets dangerous,” he told ABC’s Peter Travers in 2016. Goodman also explained that his weight loss journey was made easier after he “just stopped eating all the time”. “I’d have a handful of food and it’d go to my mouth,” he said. “In the old days, I would take three months out, lose 60 or 70 pounds, and then reward myself with a six-pack of Bud or whatever and just go back to my old habits.” “Then this time I wanted to do it slowly, move, exercise. I’m getting to the age where I can’t afford to sit still anymore. And it gives me the energy to work, ‘cause work is very draining.” These days, John Goodman has been busy balancing his ongoing health journey with his many roles in television – reprising his role from Roseanne as beloved father Dan Conner in ABC’s The Conners, and televangelist patriarch Eli Gemstone in the HBO comedy, The Righteous Gemstones. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Goodman detailed that he stays active by “getting out and walking the dogs” amidst his busy schedule. Before production began on The Conners in 2018, Goodman said he spent much of his time boxing too. “I was boxing up until then and I haven’t been able to do that since Covid because I’m lazy,” he shared. “I haven’t been exercising, but I’m going to start a routine again this summer where I can get some stuff done. I’ve just let everything go just because I haven’t had the energy because of the jobs.” The iconic Hollywood actor also opened up about his past struggles with alcohol and “anger as a younger man,” which he admitted was “fuelled by fear”. “But I was probably born an alcoholic,” he joked. “But most of the anger’s gone. If I don’t watch the news, I’m cool.” Read More John Goodman weight loss: Fitness expert explains how actor lost 100lbs Scientist behind Ozempic says drug can make life ‘so miserably boring’ What to know about prescription drugs promising weight loss What are the symptoms of laryngitis and how long does it take to recover? What is egg freezing and how does it work? Regular napping could be good for brain health, research suggests
2023-06-21 03:25