Search Results

Cosmetic surgery is popular all over the world, but it still comes with a stigma. While some see it as empowering, others view it as harmful, vain and against religious or cultural beliefs. Most people have come to accept cosmetic surgery and realise the benefits that it can bring to their lives. But throughout this article, we will answer the question of why we are still judging those who choose to go under the knife. Where did the stigma come from? The most obvious impact of cosmetic surgery comes from cultural and religious beliefs. Going back in time, you would find that many religions believe altering our appearance goes against the God responsible for creating us. Islam is arguably the religion most against the use of cosmetic surgery. Although the beliefs of some are becoming slightly more relaxed, most radical Muslims would view cosmetic surgery as tampering with something which Allah has created. This differs from Islam’s stance on plastic surgery or any procedure that is designed to correct functional issues with the body. The media also plays a key role in stigmas, and this isn’t exclusive to cosmetic surgery. Over the years, mainstream media and social media have portrayed plastic surgery to be a way of achieving a fake look.  Social Expectations and Cosmetic Surgery The increasing pressure to look a certain way, driven by what we see in Hollywood and online, has played a part in our changing beliefs towards cosmetic surgery. Women, especially, are put under pressure to look younger, have bigger breasts, skinnier waists and so on. Celebrities who don’t follow the standard are often unfairly criticised in the media. This has caused a conflict with the stigma towards cosmetic surgery. As a society, we have come to accept that we cannot criticise appearances and also look down on those who are simply trying to keep up with aesthetic trends.  While the stigma has become more relaxed, men also still face backlash for turning to cosmetic surgery. Altering appearances in artificial ways is generally seen as a feminine act by many, despite the fact that men face the same pressures as women to look a certain way. Breaking The Stigma Fully Going forward, there is still some work to be done in terms of breaking the stigma around cosmetic surgery. After all, why should someone be judged for what they choose to do with their own body? Especially when we consider that these choices often come from the pressures created by society. Fortunately, the tide is turning. In South Korea, for example, cosmetic and plastic surgery are viewed as normal with no stigma attached. As a result, 1 in 5 South Koreans have undergone plastic surgery . This demonstrates the need for continued education in the Western world about surgery. Cosmetic surgery in Manchester  or New York will likely still be presented negatively by certain areas of the media. Final Thoughts There is no doubt that there is still a stigma attached to cosmetic surgery, but we do appear to be making steps towards breaking this stigma. Going forward, education will be key to this shift, and it’s imperative that future generations are educated around issues such as confidence and empowerment. At the same time, it’s important that we aren’t creating or promoting unsafe surgical trends. When it comes to striking the right balance, the world can look to South Korea, where surgery is used to boost confidence, with trends focusing on safe, minimally invasive procedures. Time will tell whether or not the Western world can reach the same point in terms of attitudes towards surgery.

We spend years building our online lives. But what happens to all that data when we die? From photo albums stored in the cloud to emails, passwords and social media profiles, our digital presence often continues long after we’ve gone. While most of us make plans for our possessions and property, few consider what should happen to our online accounts. And yet, in an age where identity is as much virtual as it is physical, the question is becoming harder to ignore. A digital footprint that doesn't fade According to a 2023 report by NordPass, the average internet user now has over 100 online accounts. These include everything from banking apps and cloud storage to dating profiles, shopping sites, and social media platforms. Many of these accounts hold personal information, private conversations, or payment details. In some cases, they contain cherished memories, such as photos, voice notes or videos. But once someone dies, accessing these accounts can be far from straightforward. In many cases, family members find themselves locked out, unsure of what data is stored, how to retrieve it, or whether they are even legally allowed to. What the big platforms say Some tech companies have introduced tools to help users manage their digital legacy. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, allows users to nominate a "legacy contact". This is someone who can look after a memorialised profile, add tribute posts and update the cover photo. However, they cannot log in as the user or read private messages. If no legacy contact is set, family members can request the account be deleted or turned into a memorial page, but they will need to provide proof of death. Google offers an “Inactive Account Manager”, which lets users choose what happens if they stop using their account for a set period of time. They can select up to ten trusted contacts who will be notified, and decide whether their emails, documents and photos are shared or deleted. Apple, meanwhile, introduced a Digital Legacy feature in iOS 15.2, which allows people to designate up to five individuals who can access their iCloud data after death. However, they will still need a copy of the death certificate and an access key to unlock the account. Not all platforms offer such options. For smaller services, or accounts that are not covered by legacy tools, the process can be time-consuming and inconsistent. What the law says In the UK, digital assets are not yet clearly defined in law. According to the Law Society, there is no legal requirement to include digital possessions in a will, but doing so is strongly advised. Some items, such as cryptocurrency wallets or digital art, are considered property and can be passed on. Others, like email accounts or social media profiles, are often treated as licences that expire on death. This can make it harder for families to retrieve content or gain access. Different companies also have different terms of service. In some cases, accounts are considered non-transferable. In others, they can be managed by an executor if proper documentation is provided. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) recommends that people plan ahead and consider how their personal data will be handled in the event of death. But there is currently no single UK law that governs digital inheritance, and calls for reform are growing. Enter the digital will To avoid confusion, experts are increasingly advising people to create a digital will. This can be a standalone document or part of a traditional will, and should include a list of key accounts, where to find them, and who should have access. Password managers like LastPass and 1Password offer emergency access features that allow trusted contacts to retrieve information if needed. It is also possible to store login details securely with a solicitor or notary. “Leaving behind an up-to-date digital will can save loved ones a great deal of stress,” says Nicola Plant, a private client solicitor at Thomson Snell & Passmore. “It ensures that your wishes are clear and your accounts are dealt with appropriately.” Digital wills are especially important for business owners, influencers, and people who hold assets online. However, they are becoming more common among the general public, particularly among those who store family photos, creative work or important correspondence in the cloud. Ethical dilemmas Beyond the legal and practical challenges, there are also ethical questions to consider. Should companies be allowed to use someone’s data for marketing purposes after they die? Should AI chatbots be trained on personal messages or voice recordings? And who gets the final say over how someone is remembered online? In 2020, Microsoft filed a patent for technology that could create a chatbot based on a person’s digital history. Although it was never released, it sparked debate over whether we are heading towards digital reincarnation. For some, the idea of a digital memorial is comforting. For others, it raises concerns about consent, privacy and the risk of exploitation. What you can do now Preparing for your digital afterlife does not have to be complicated. Experts recommend the following steps: Keep a secure list of your major accounts and passwords, and store it safely. Use built-in legacy features on platforms like Facebook, Google and Apple. Name a digital executor in your will, if possible. Speak to your family or solicitor about your wishes. It might not be a conversation many of us are keen to have, but as our lives become increasingly digital, planning ahead is one way to make life easier for those we leave behind. After all, your digital footprint could become part of your legacy. Whether you want to be remembered through a carefully managed memorial page or prefer to vanish into the data void, the decision is best made while you’re still around to make it.

While most industries were struggling during the pandemic, certain areas of the fashion world flourished. Most notably, loungewear and activewear sales were on the up as workers swapped office suits for snug tracksuits. But while the pandemic has come and gone, the trend for activewear has not. It’s now reached a point where the sector is even accused of being saturated. But is saturation a sign to avoid entering an industry? Or is it simply a reminder that you must differentiate from what’s already out there? The state of the market The sportswear market has long been led by gigantic legacy brands. The likes of Adidas  and Nike  have dominated just about every intersection of sports and fashion for the last 30-40 years. More recently, an influx of microbrands has arrived, and the sheer quantity of these startups has proved to cause quite a disruption in the activewear market. In just 10 years, UK-born Gymshark  went from being an unknown startup to a genuine competitor to the legacy brands mentioned above. This success has paved the way for many others to attempt to follow suit, which has led us to where we are today: a competitive, if not saturated, market made up of innovative startups and household names. Competition breeds variety When a market starts to become saturated, new niches emerge. Where all sports used to be covered by activewear brands, the space has seen the emergence of activity-specific brands. Gymshark gained a foothold with gym goers and strength trainers. More recently, Alo  has experienced phenomenal success by positioning their brand as yogawear.  A more competitive market tends to bring about a broader price spectrum too, and this would explain why we’re now seeing luxury activewear versus fast-fashion-type alternatives. Castore  is a great example of another brand whose success can be attributed to positioning, with customers perceiving it as a more premium option within a highly competitive space.  More recently, A-Game  is a great example of an upcoming activewear brand that has understood the need to niche down, offering technical activewear that’s designed for consumers who are concerned with peak performance rather than simply staying in shape. Wherever your brand sits in terms of price and positioning, it should ultimately determine your content, partnership, and wider marketing efforts. Marketing Strategies That Work in Saturated Niches Target a subculture The likes of Alo and A-Game didn’t try to beat Nike and Adidas at their own game; instead, they targeted a smaller group of people and catered more specifically for them. This strategy now explains why we have clothing brands for climbing, weightlifting, and yoga as opposed to simply having brands for sport and fitness in general.    Authentic partnerships In terms of influencer marketing, activewear brands once simply tried to work with the biggest names possible. But now, partnerships must be authentic, with brand and influencer being aligned in values.  Build a community Brands are starting to move away from building customer bases and moving more towards building strong communities. Communities are made up more of brand ambassadors rather than consumers. Brand loyalty tends to be far higher, and repeat purchases drive success. To build ambassadors rather than consumers, brands should focus on content marketing, storytelling, and customer service.

London is one of the world’s most popular cities, so it’s no surprise that it draws young professionals in droves. With a wealth of opportunities, both in and out of the workplace, it’s easy to see why young people are drawn to the UK’s capital. But now the work-from-home era is in full swing, many are asking if relocating to London is still worth it for young professionals. In this article, we will evaluate whether London still offers vast opportunities for young workers or if the city has become overrated. Pros Of London For Young Professionals Prosperous Job Market We can argue about whether or not London still offers the same opportunities as 10 years ago, but there’s no denying that London still attracts the world’s biggest companies and the most innovative startups. As a result, the city still possesses a prosperous job market. While you’ll find opportunities in any industry, London is perfect for those seeking careers in finance, property and creative industries. It’s also great for those looking to forge out a career as an entrepreneur due to the abundance of networking opportunities and access to capital. Attractions One of the best things about London is that you’ll never be short of things to do. If you’re a young professional, you’ll probably be concerned with how you spend your time outside of work. If you are concerned with this, you’ll be glad to hear that London offers a vibrant nightlife, an excellent restaurant scene and some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions. Transport Links While London is one of the world’s busiest cities, it is helped by a reliable transport system. This includes London’s bus network and tube system, which can be a great help if you face a long commute every day. While traffic is one of the few drawbacks of London, drivers are helped by an array of city centre car parks , which can be useful if your place of work doesn’t have on-site parking. Cons Of London For Young Professionals High Cost Of Living While London is one of the best cities in the world, it certainly isn’t one of the cheapest. Transport, gym memberships and eating out are all above average, and that’s not to mention the cost of London property. Buying property is out of reach for many young professionals in London, which means the rental market is extremely competitive. As a result, you can expect to pay over the odds for rental properties. Last year, a 1-bedroom city centre apartment would cost approximately £2,180 a month in rent. Busy Many people dream of moving to lively cities where they’re surrounded by hustle and bustle. For others, this is their idea of hell. If your dream location is one that is tranquil and quiet, London probably isn’t for you. Like other major cities, London doesn’t really sleep, and you’ll find yourself constantly surrounded by packed streets and bustling crowds. Weather Finally, how could we not mention the infamous British weather? If you’re a young professional moving to London, you’ll need to be prepared for cold winters and constant rainfall. While this may not be an issue for everyone, those who move to London from more tropical climates may be in for a slight culture shock when they start their new life in London. Final Thoughts London remains a fantastic city for young professionals. But does the city still offer bang for buck when so many people are searching for remote jobs? Whether or not London is right for you depends on your career goals, your personality and your interests — it also depends on how much you’ll be earning, as London is one of the world’s most expensive cities. If you’re a young professional living in London, let us know your thoughts!

New research has revealed that some of the most popular disposable vape brands on the market today are emitting dangerously high levels of toxic metals, including lead, prompting renewed health warnings and accelerating regulatory crackdowns. The study, led by researchers at the University of California, Davis and published in late June 2025, examined seven popular disposable vaping devices including brands such as Elf Bar, Flum Pebble, and EscoBar. The findings were stark: several devices released lead concentrations that far exceeded health safety thresholds, with some generating more lead in a single day of vaping than what would be inhaled by smoking 20 traditional cigarettes. According to the researchers, as disposable vapes are used over time, the levels of toxic metals in their aerosol emissions increase significantly. This is largely due to the degradation of internal components such as heating coils and solder joints. In some cases, the levels of lead, nickel and chromium in the vapour were found to be over 1,000 times higher than at the start of the device’s life. These metals, when inhaled, are not harmless by-products. Lead, in particular, is a potent neurotoxin that can damage virtually every system in the human body. Prolonged or high-level exposure can affect brain development, reduce cognitive function, damage the kidneys and liver, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In children and teenagers, whose nervous systems are still developing, exposure to lead is especially dangerous. Even low levels of lead can result in long-term developmental and behavioural issues. Nickel and chromium, both also identified in the study at harmful levels, carry their own significant risks. Nickel exposure through inhalation has been linked to lung inflammation, bronchitis and increased cancer risk. Chromium, depending on its chemical form, is classified as a human carcinogen. These findings suggest that far from being a safer alternative to cigarettes, many disposable vapes could be introducing a new set of serious health hazards. In light of these revelations, the UK government moved ahead with its planned ban on disposable vapes, which officially came into effect on 1 June 2025. The decision was made on both environmental and public health grounds, with mounting concerns over youth vaping, poor product quality, and the unrecyclable nature of the devices. Public health officials welcomed the move, describing it as a necessary step in tackling what they termed a "rapidly escalating health crisis". While the ban addresses the growing popularity of colourful, sweet-flavoured disposable devices among younger users, it leaves open the market for reusable and refillable vaping products. Many adult smokers who have switched to vaping now rely on pod-style or refillable devices, often marketed as cleaner and more reliable alternatives. But are these alternatives truly safer? Studies into refillable vaping devices have found that they also emit toxic metals, including lead, though usually at lower levels than their disposable counterparts. Research conducted by Johns Hopkins University and others indicates that the level of metal contamination in refillable devices is highly variable and dependent on several factors, including the materials used in the coil, how often the device is used, and how hot it gets during operation. In a typical session of 15 puffs on a refillable vape, users may inhale between 0.003 to 0.057 micrograms of lead. By comparison, a single cigarette delivers roughly 0.004 micrograms. For nickel, refillable vapes have been measured between 0.011 to 0.029 micrograms per 15 puffs, closely matching the 0.019 micrograms found in cigarette smoke. These figures highlight that while refillable devices might avoid the worst-case contamination scenarios seen in cheap disposable vapes, they are not free from concern. Traditional cigarettes, of course, have long been known to contain and emit heavy metals. Tobacco plants absorb metals like cadmium and lead from the soil, which are then released in smoke. The difference, however, is that cigarette composition and emissions are highly regulated and well-documented, while the fast-moving vape market has remained relatively unchecked until recently. Critics of the vaping industry argue that manufacturers have prioritised aesthetics, flavour and low cost over product safety. The popularity of vapes among younger demographics has outpaced public understanding of what exactly is being inhaled. As evidence of metal toxicity mounts, scientists are calling for stricter testing requirements and long-term health studies to assess the cumulative effects of vaping across different device types. The health implications are becoming harder to ignore. While vaping was initially promoted as a less harmful alternative to smoking, these new findings suggest that the risk profile is more complex than once believed. Toxic metal exposure, particularly from cheap and poorly manufactured devices, could pose risks equal to or even exceeding those associated with traditional tobacco use. Ultimately, public health experts continue to reiterate one key message: the safest option is not to smoke or vape at all. While nicotine replacement therapies and prescription aids are available for those looking to quit, neither cigarettes nor e-cigarettes can be considered risk-free. As the UK and other countries move towards tighter regulation, the goal remains to reduce dependency on all nicotine products, not just the most dangerous ones.

The return of WWE Evolution  on Sunday 13th July 2025 marked a major milestone for the company and women’s wrestling as a whole. The last all-women premium live event took place in October 2018, and despite fan demand, it was never brought back until now. Evolution’s original incarnation was a trailblazer, proving that the women’s division could carry an entire card on its own. Its 2025 return, seven years later, felt less like a token gesture and more like a legitimate statement: the women’s roster is stacked, experienced, and fully capable of headlining, storytelling, and delivering in-ring drama from start to finish. And deliver it did. Triple Threat Opener: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria This was an electric way to open the show. The match pitted two battle-tested veterans in Becky and Bayley, against the rising star of Lyra Valkyria, who more than held her own in the chaos. Each woman had moments to shine. Bayley used her ring IQ to isolate and punish, Becky turned the pace up with signature counters and leg drops, and Lyra wowed with high-flying agility and crisp chain wrestling. The story was tight, too, a newcomer trying to prove herself in the lion’s den. Becky picked up the win in the end, but Lyra left the biggest impression. A strong match that showed off how deep the division has become. NXT Women’s Championship – Jacy Jayne (c) vs Jordynne Grace What began as a showcase of Jordynne’s power and suplex arsenal, spinebuster, and folding powerbomb ended with the classic heel twist. Blake Monroe, in Grace’s corner, turned on her, striking Grace with the title belt. Jacy then hit her Rolling Encore for the win. Solid grappling, but the betrayal felt predictable. WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Kabuki Warriors vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez Judgment Day’s Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez defended against Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, the Kabuki Warriors, and NXT’s Sol Ruca & Zaria. Sol and Zaria opened with crisp tandem moves, and Flair answered with her trademark domination. After chaos on the outside orchestrated by Rodriguez, Perez hit her Tejana Bomb on Sol Ruca and secured the fall. Judgment Day’s unlikely pairing held strong—an exciting, dynamic match. Battle Royal – World Title Shot at Clash in Paris Twenty women competed for a title shot in Paris. The final four were Nikki Bella, Lash Legend, Nia Jax, and Stephanie Vaquer. Lash forced Nikki out, then Lash and Vaquer eliminated Jax. On the apron, Vaquer hit her “Devil’s Kiss”, a seated snap‑mare into facebuster, on Lash, sending her over to win. Nikki was eliminated fourth. Stephanie earned her shot cleanly and celebrated in her post-match interview. Tiffany Stratton vs. Trish Stratus On paper, this had the potential to be a little awkward. In reality? It was a blast. Trish, nearing 50, hasn’t missed a beat. Stratton, who’s rapidly maturing in the ring, played the smug upstart perfectly, but Trish matched her move for move. Some of the bumps looked brutal (that top rope bulldog was gnarly), and the chemistry between the two worked. Trish took the win to a standing ovation, but Tiffany left the ring looking like a star in the making. Definitely worth a watch. No Holds Barred – Jade Cargill vs Naomi This hardcore bout was brutal but uneven. Naomi suffered a nose injury early yet kept fighting, supported by Bianca Belair’s guest referee role. Jade eventually hit a top‑rope “Avalanche Jaded” through a table for the victory. Not the highlight of the card, but it served its purpose storyline-wise. It wasn’t a disaster, but it didn’t live up to the rest of the card. Main Event: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Iyo Sky – Women’s World Championship This was the match of the night, without question. Ripley and Iyo threw everything at each other. The crowd was split, the action was snug, and both women “sold” like it was life or death. Iyo’s moonsault to the outside was picture perfect, and Rhea’s avalanche Riptide was the kind of moment you replay ten times. Just when it looked like Ripley would retain, the lights flickered and out ran Naomi, cashing in her Money in the Bank  contract — a genuine surprise no one saw coming. Naomi capitalised on a groggy Ripley and pinned her after a top-rope split-legged moonsault to close the show. Shock. Pop. Buzz. Everything you want from a PLE main event. Final Thoughts on WWE Evolution WWE Evolution wasn’t just a gimmick — it was a full-throttle, main-event calibre show that proved the women’s division is deeper than ever. From technical wrestling to nostalgia and a major surprise ending, it delivered across the board. Match of the Night:  Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky (with Naomi’s MITB cash-in) Biggest Surprise:  Naomi winning the title Most Fun:  Battle Royal madness Weakest Link:  Jade vs. Naomi, but only slightly Evolution is back — and hopefully, this time, it’s here to stay.

WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event  returned on 12th July 2025 with all the nostalgic bells and whistles, neon lighting, synth-heavy intro music, and classic-style graphics reminiscent of the 80s and 90s. Originally launched in 1985 as a network TV alternative to Saturday Night Live , the show was once a crown jewel of primetime wrestling, showcasing megastars like Hogan, Savage and The Rockers. In its modern form, it has taken on a part-retro, part-premium live event style, but this time, it came with one major problem: actually watching it. As someone who couldn’t tune in live, catching up was more of a test of endurance than enjoyment. Between YouTube’s constant interruptions (not a Premium user here), a full WWE ad reel baked into the show, and then even more  ads from YouTube right after skipping... at one point, I watched 30 seconds of wrestling sandwiched between two minutes of adverts. For a show rooted in nostalgia, that’s one modern update I could have done without. Still, when the show got going, it did offer a few standout moments, even if not everything landed. Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jimmy Uso – United States Championship This one felt more like a placeholder than a PLE-worthy match. Solo retained the title in a relatively short and uneventful bout, with the usual interference from the “MFTs” (Most Feared Tongans, now routinely backing Solo). While the storytelling of the fractured Bloodline brothers once had weight, the formula now feels tired. Predictability and repetition took the edge off, and it’s hard to get invested when you can already guess the ending three minutes in. Verdict: Forgettable. Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre – Singles Match This match had real heavyweight energy. Orton and McIntyre brought intensity, physicality, and crowd investment from the first bell. It had all the makings of a top-tier match — until the interference. Jelly Roll, whom I’d genuinely never heard of before Friday’s SmackDown , played the distraction role, and while I understand WWE’s crossover marketing, it felt jarring. To make it worse, Logan Paul — a man who’s gone toe-to-toe with Roman Reigns — backed off from Jelly Roll like he’d just seen Brock Lesnar reincarnated. The wrestlers were excellent, but the booking took a slight shine off what could have been a match-of-the-night contender. LA Knight vs. Seth Rollins This one started well. LA Knight was over with the crowd and brought that electric charisma he's quickly become known for. Seth Rollins, while technically sound, isn’t everyone's cup of tea and personally, I think others on the roster outshine him both on the mic and in the ring. Midway through the match, things took a nasty turn. Rollins attempted a springboard knee and landed awkwardly. He immediately collapsed and clutched his knee, unable to continue. LA Knight improvised the finish, landing his Blunt Force Trauma finisher for the win. There was genuine concern from the audience, and even Knight toned down the celebration. Not the way anyone wanted this to end, and while I’m not Rollins’ biggest fan, no one wants to see an injury derail a career. Gunther (c) vs. Goldberg – World Heavyweight Championship Say what you want about Goldberg, but there’s still something special about seeing him make that entrance, smoke, sparks, and a sea of chants. Gunther played the perfect opponent: cold, calculating, and punishing. This was no technical masterpiece. Goldberg struggled throughout, visibly gassed by the second act of the match. Gunther targeted his knee early on and wore him down with brutal precision. Gage Goldberg attempted to get involved, only to be restrained, and after one final powerbomb, Gunther put the Hall of Famer away. Goldberg gave a post-match farewell, briefly thanking the crowd, but unfortunately, NBC cut the broadcast before his full speech aired. A frustrating end to what could have been a sentimental moment. This wasn’t about five-star ratings; it was about closure. Goldberg clearly didn’t have much left, but the match was structured to protect that, and the fans got a decent nostalgia hit without things going off the rails. Saturday Night’s Main Event Overall Thoughts Saturday Night’s Main Event was a mixed bag. The retro presentation was a welcome throwback, but it clashed with the frustrating reality of modern streaming. Gunther vs. Goldberg offered closure, and LA Knight continues to rise. But predictable interference and an over-reliance on faction storytelling dragged some matches down. Match of the Night:  Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre (despite the interference) Moment of the Night:  LA Knight’s improvised win after Rollins’ injury Most Forgettable:  Solo Sikoa’s title defence Next up: Evolution  — where the women delivered a very different kind of show.

Kerr County Courthouse by Jimmy Emerson from Flickr More than 120 people are confirmed dead following the worst flooding event in Kerr County's recorded history. A further 40 remain missing. The floodwaters, triggered by a slow-moving storm system over Texas Hill Country, swept through communities, destroyed property, and overwhelmed emergency services with a scale and speed that has stunned both residents and experts. Among the dead are dozens of children and staff from Camp Mystic, a century-old summer retreat nestled along the Guadalupe River. Entire cabins were washed away as the water rose rapidly during the early hours of 8 July. Family members, camp staff, and first responders have described scenes of chaos and devastation. Many were unable to flee in time due to a complete lack of outdoor warning systems or coordinated evacuation orders. The tragedy has sparked national scrutiny. The extreme weather event itself was devastating, but much of the attention is now focused on the long-standing decisions by local and state leaders that left the region vulnerable. The flood has become a case study in what happens when the changing climate collides with outdated infrastructure and political inaction. A Flood Like No Other Meteorologists have described the Kerr County flood as an extreme, low-probability event. More than 20 inches of rain fell in under 36 hours, most of it focused over the Upper Guadalupe watershed. The rain was delivered by a mesoscale convective vortex, a type of rotating storm system that formed from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry. The system was fuelled by abnormally warm Gulf waters. The result was a powerful and prolonged deluge. River gauges in the county recorded rises of over 14 feet in less than three hours. Flash flooding destroyed bridges, submerged entire neighbourhoods in Kerrville and Hunt, and rendered several major roads impassable. Emergency responders were overwhelmed. Communication systems failed as power and mobile towers went offline. In some of the most affected areas, including camps and rural homes near the river, there were no sirens, no public address warnings, and in many cases no time to act. The Role of Climate Change Climatologists have long warned that Texas Hill Country is becoming a high-risk zone for extreme weather. The frequency and severity of rainfall events in the region have increased significantly over the past 30 years. This trend is strongly linked to climate change. Rising global temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture. For every degree Celsius of warming, the air can hold approximately 7 percent more water vapour. This makes storms more intense and more likely to stall over a single area. In this case, the combination of tropical moisture and blocked atmospheric flow created the conditions for a record-breaking rainfall event. Texas State Climatologist Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon said the flood was consistent with expected climate trends. “We are seeing more of these slow-moving, high-intensity storms. The Hill Country’s steep terrain and narrow river valleys make it especially vulnerable to flash flooding when rainfall exceeds certain thresholds. What was once a one-in-500-year event may now occur every 50 to 100 years.” The Upper Guadalupe River, which flows through Kerr County, has flooded before. Notably in 2002, 2015, and 2018. But none of those events reached the scale or lethality of the 2025 flood. The difference this time, many argue, is that the community was warned. Just not in time. Years of Political Reluctance A growing chorus of critics points not only to climate change, but to a long-standing reluctance by local and state officials to invest in flood warning infrastructure. Despite repeated recommendations from federal and state agencies, Kerr County remains one of several counties in Texas without an outdoor warning siren network. Meeting records show that since at least 2016, local emergency managers and community members had requested funding or grant applications for flood mitigation systems. These included river-level monitoring, automated warning sirens, and dedicated evacuation protocols for high-risk areas like summer camps. In 2021, Kerr County received over 10 million dollars in federal COVID-era relief funds. None of it was allocated to emergency flood systems. Instead, funds were used for public safety radio upgrades, employee bonuses, and general infrastructure repairs. Commissioners cited sirens as costly, difficult to maintain, and ineffective in the area’s hilly terrain. State Representative Andrew Murr, who represents the region, has in the past opposed mandatory siren installations across rural counties. He argued that local control and personal responsibility were more effective than state-level mandates. “People have phones, they can monitor the weather,” he said during a 2022 debate on rural emergency funding. Yet during the July flood, mobile alerts were delayed or unavailable. Poor cell reception and power outages rendered the county’s primary warning method, phone-based notifications, useless for thousands. Critics argue that political decisions were driven less by cost and more by ideology. “This wasn’t about money,” said Dr. Laura Gutierrez, a public safety expert. “It was about governance. Sirens are common across flood-prone areas of the Midwest and South. Kerr County officials chose not to invest in them despite decades of warnings.” Estimated costs for a full siren system across the county were projected at between 900,000 and 1.2 million dollars. For comparison, that is roughly 4 percent of the county’s annual budget. A Human Toll The aftermath has been devastating. Entire families have been displaced. Dozens of children from multiple states are dead or missing. Mental health teams and federal disaster crews have been dispatched to the region. In Kerrville, emergency shelters are full. Churches, schools, and community centres have opened their doors, with residents offering food, bedding, and transport. The Red Cross has set up mobile stations for medical aid and reunification. In nearby Ingram, firefighters and volunteers continue to search riverbanks and debris fields. Many of the dead were swept miles downstream. President Trump has declared a major disaster in Central Texas. This unlocks federal funds for rescue and rebuilding. But for grieving families and traumatised communities, no amount of aid will reverse the losses already endured. What Happens Next Under pressure from both residents and national media, Kerr County officials have announced a rapid review of emergency preparedness protocols. County Judge Rob Kelly, who had previously defended budget decisions, admitted this week that “there were serious gaps in our readiness.” Representative Murr has now called for a special legislative session to explore statewide funding for flood sirens and other early warning systems. The Texas Department of Emergency Management has pledged 20 million dollars to help rural counties modernise their flood response plans. Meanwhile, federal agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA, are working with local planners to reassess floodplain maps, install real-time monitoring stations, and train staff in rapid deployment protocols. A siren installation plan is expected to be finalised by autumn. The county will also explore integrating its systems with NOAA’s “StormReady” programme, a certification that has long been available but never pursued by Kerr County. The Kerr County flood of 2025 was not simply a natural disaster. It was the outcome of multiple systems under pressure. Environmental, political, and infrastructural factors all failed in critical ways. Climate change increased the storm’s power. Political inaction removed potential layers of defence. In the middle stood communities that believed they were safe, until the river rose faster than anyone thought possible. Now, the task before Kerr County is not just to rebuild. It is to finally prepare for a future that is no longer theoretical.

There’s friendship. Then there’s Cleary Arms friendship. In the West Yorkshire village of Burthwaite, a group of pub regulars are being quietly hailed as local heroes for a simple but powerful act of loyalty. For nearly two years, they have taken it upon themselves to ensure their mate, 78-year-old George Pickering, never missed a pint at his favourite pub. Even after he could no longer walk. Every day, without fail, the regulars at The Cleary Arms take turns wheeling George the quarter-mile from his bungalow to the pub and back again. Rain, snow, or sunshine. “Missing a day? That’d be like missing church,” jokes Pete Lawson, one of George’s oldest mates. “Only we worship ale and pork scratchings instead.” A Slow Decline, and a Fast Response George, a retired coal merchant, has been part of Burthwaite’s daily pub crowd for over five decades. Locals call him “The Mayor of Cleary Arms” due to his usual perch in the corner seat and encyclopaedic knowledge of local gossip. Two years ago, George suffered a stroke that left him with limited mobility. Though his mind remained sharp, walking became nearly impossible. At first, he resigned himself to a quiet life indoors. “Those few weeks nearly broke me,” George recalls. “I missed the lads. I missed the laughter. I missed being part of it.” His friends, however, had other ideas. “They told me to shut up and sit tight,” George grins. “Next thing I know, they’ve got a wheelchair and a rota.” A Pub’s Beating Heart Each afternoon, like clockwork, one of the lads collects George. They’ve weatherproofed his wheelchair with a pub-style umbrella and even added cupholders. Some days, he arrives to a cheer. Other days, it’s quiet chat and crisps. But he is never forgotten. Landlady Maria Dodd says George has become the symbol of the pub’s soul. “He’s the glue, really. The stories he tells. The way everyone lights up when he’s here. It reminds us what pubs are truly about – community.” She adds that they’ve modified the pub’s entrance with a ramp and extra-wide access thanks to a local fundraiser. “We thought we were helping George,” she says, “but really, he’s helping us keep this place alive.” National Attention Earlier this year, a passing cyclist posted a video of George being wheeled in by Pete, pint in hand, singing an off-key version of “Jerusalem.” It went viral. Since then, the story has featured in regional news and morning radio, sparking a wave of admiration. Offers poured in – new wheelchair cushions, local breweries offering free ale, and even a campaign to name him a “National Pub Treasure.” George shrugs it all off. “I’m just a lucky old bugger with brilliant mates.” More Than a Pint In an age where loneliness among older people is a growing issue, George’s story is a powerful reminder of what friendship, loyalty, and a good local can achieve. “These lads saved my life,” George says quietly. “I was fading. Now, I’ve got something to get up for every day.” Burthwaite might be small, and The Cleary Arms might not win any Michelin stars. But in a modest corner of Yorkshire, the spirit of the Great British pub is alive, well, and on wheels.

Most people never read the terms of service. They're the digital equivalent of the small print on a credit card offer. Dry. Dense. Usually harmless. But every now and then, one of those boxes you tick without thinking hides something that matters. CapCut, the hugely popular video editing app owned by ByteDance, quietly updated its terms of service in June. The new terms haven’t radically changed in structure, but their language has sparked widespread concern. Creators, influencers, journalists and casual users are now realising the cost of convenience might be their content, their voice, and even their face. So what changed? And why does it matter? CapCut Now Has the Right to Use Your Content, Forever At the heart of the controversy is CapCut’s licence agreement. When you upload a video to their platform, even as a private draft, you are granting ByteDance and its affiliates a worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable and perpetual right to use, edit, reproduce, distribute and monetise your content. This includes your username, your voice, and your likeness. In short, they can do what they like with your video. Forever. And you cannot revoke that permission. Critically, this applies not just to content published publicly but also to drafts or private videos stored in CapCut’s cloud. Even if you delete the file or your account, the licence remains in place. You still technically own your content, but they own the rights to do whatever they want with it. This has understandably caused alarm among creators. A vlog you filmed for friends, a marketing draft, or a clip of your child dancing in the living room could, in theory, be used in an advert, a training dataset, or promotional material with no payment or warning. The Growing Frustration with ‘Freemium’ Beyond the terms themselves, CapCut has also come under fire for its monetisation strategy. Features that were once free, like slow motion effects, watermark-free exports and audio extraction, are now locked behind a Pro subscription. Reddit forums are filled with posts from frustrated users. One wrote, "You literally cannot do anything on it anymore, everything requires a subscription #boycott_capcut."  Others have vented about automatic updates that break their workflows or remove tools they relied on. CapCut was once the darling of quick, quality video editing. Now, many feel it has shifted from a useful free tool to a pay-to-play model without warning. That change has made some users feel as though they were tricked into building their content libraries on a platform that no longer respects their creative control. Who Is Most Affected? The impact is not the same for everyone. Here are three groups most at risk: 1. Content Creators and Influencers Anyone uploading original content to CapCut risks losing control over how that content is used. That includes voiceovers, music, video clips and personal footage. A brand image carefully curated over years could be diluted or repurposed without input or approval. 2. Journalists and Documentary Filmmakers Those working with sensitive material or vulnerable subjects may be unknowingly placing source material into the hands of a third party. CapCut’s terms allow them to retain copies of content and distribute them freely. For journalists working under embargo or dealing with whistle-blowers, this is a serious threat to trust and ethics. 3. Small Businesses and Charities Many organisations use CapCut to produce promotional videos, explainers, and behind-the-scenes content. If those assets are uploaded to CapCut’s servers, they may be reused, reshaped or monetised elsewhere. This undermines brand control and could expose sensitive internal material. Safer Alternatives for Creators If you are reconsidering your use of CapCut, here are some alternatives that offer more transparency or control: DaVinci Resolve : A professional-grade editor with a free version offering extensive features and no cloud tie-ins. Adobe Premiere Pro : Paid, but widely trusted and industry standard. Final Cut Pro : Ideal for Mac users who want full control over local files. VN Video Editor : A popular mobile alternative with fewer strings attached. Openshot : A free, open-source tool for those who prefer editing offline. Shotcut : Another open-source video editor with advanced features and no automatic cloud storage. A Wider Trend of Terms That Take More Than They Give CapCut is not alone. Increasingly, apps and platforms are granting themselves sweeping rights over user-generated content. TikTok, also owned by ByteDance, includes similar language in its terms. Meta’s platforms have long included provisions that allow for the reuse and promotion of posted material. Even Zoom caused controversy in 2023 after suggesting it could use video calls to train AI. These trends suggest a growing normalisation of terms that put user control second to corporate interest. The technology is free, but your content becomes the price. The Lesson? Read Before You Click We live in an age where convenience and creativity are closely tied to platforms we do not control. CapCut’s updated terms of service are not necessarily unusual—but they should be a wake-up call. If you value your content, your privacy, or your brand, it may be time to check those terms before clicking ‘Accept’. Because in the world of digital creation, what’s yours might not stay yours for long.

In the sleepy seaside town of Cleaves-on-Sea, population just under 9,000, an unexpected local initiative has caught national attention. This isn't about green energy, improved public transport or a cultural renaissance. It's about seagulls. Specifically, it's about teaching them to queue. Yes, queue. For the past five years, residents of Cleaves-on-Sea have been engaged in an unusual project: encouraging the local seagull population to adopt British queuing etiquette. It began as a joke, then became a community experiment, and now, locals swear by its success. A Bird-Brained Idea? The initiative started with Jim Roscoe, a retired postman and lifelong resident. Known affectionately as “Postie Jim,” he spent most of his days feeding birds from the same bench near the promenade. “I was sick of them diving at tourists,” Jim says. “They’d nick chips, ice cream, even once a baby’s dummy. It wasn’t right.” So Jim began a simple experiment. He fed only those gulls who remained at a respectful distance. He even placed markers—sticks at first, then painted lines—to show where the birds should stand. “It was daft at first,” he admits. “But over time, I noticed they started getting the message. The ones who waited got fed. The greedy ones missed out.” Word spread. Locals began helping. Yellow lines appeared across the promenade. Signs read, “Queue Here for Chips – Gulls Welcome.” Children took turns policing the queue with toy whistles. One local café even began offering “queue treats” to well-behaved birds. Seagull Psychology? While some might dismiss it as folklore, Dr. Sarah Densmore, an animal behaviourist from the University of Exeter, says there may be some truth to it. “Gulls are highly intelligent and opportunistic. They’re capable of pattern recognition and basic learning,” she explains. “If a community consistently rewards certain behaviours, even wild animals may adapt. Especially ones as socially driven as gulls.” Dr. Densmore visited Cleaves-on-Sea last summer and confirmed that gulls were, unusually, standing in a loose but visible line near key food spots. “There was order. I won’t call it a queue in the British sense, but something resembling it. In gull terms, that's remarkable.” Tourists and Tradition Local businesses have embraced the fame. The Gull & Chips café now sells commemorative mugs with a queue of cartoon birds, and a new mural was unveiled in April showing seagulls politely queuing for ice cream. Tourists flock to see the spectacle, hoping to witness this bizarre display of coastal civility. “It’s bonkers, but it works,” says Sharon Whitby, who runs the town’s small tourism board. “We’re famous for it now. Better this than a pier ghost story.” There are, of course, doubters. Some say the gulls are just waiting due to food scarcity, or that the perceived queuing is more coincidence than learning. But for Cleaves-on-Sea, the truth doesn’t matter so much as the charm of the story. “If you’ve lived here long enough, you see them change,” says Jim, tossing a chip to a waiting bird. “They’re like us. They just needed a bit of encouragement to mind their manners.” And in a country known for orderly queues, perhaps it’s only fitting that even the wildlife learns to fall in line.

There’s no shortage of oddities in British life – from our weather obsession to our unshakable belief that tea solves everything. But dive into the data, and things get even stranger. The UK isn’t just a country of polite queues and biscuit dunking. It's a land of eyebrow-raising statistics that reveal our quirks in full, glorious detail. Here are some of the weirdest and most wonderful stats about everyday Britain that you probably didn’t know (and may wish you didn’t). You’re More Likely to Be Hospitalised by a Tea Cosy Than a Shark Shark attacks in UK waters are incredibly rare, with around 1 unprovoked attack every few decades , according to the Shark Trust. But soft furnishings? That’s a different story. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reports that over 6,000 people a year  are injured by pillows, slippers, and tea cosies. Common causes? Trips, allergic reactions, and a surprising number of people walking into furniture while carrying hot beverages. Seagulls Steal Around 370,000 Ice Creams Every Year That might sound absurd, but a 2022 coastal survey found that 14% of seaside visitors in the UK  have had food stolen by gulls, and most of them reported it happening during warmer months when ice creams and chips are prime targets. If you extrapolate the average number of summer visits, that’s around 370,000 stolen 99 Flakes . Brighton has even trialled “gull patrols” – teams armed with flags and water pistols – to keep the skies snack-safe. Brits Lose Over 72 Million Socks a Year A 2020 study by Samsung (who were promoting smart washing machines, naturally) revealed that the average Brit loses 1.3 socks per month  to the laundry void. That’s more than 72 million socks vanishing every year  in the UK alone. The main culprits? Falling behind radiators, getting stuck in the washing machine’s filter, or being mistakenly binned. More Than 20,000 People Go to A&E Annually for… Furniture-Related Injuries We’ve all stubbed a toe or banged a shin, but it turns out British homes are filled with danger. According to NHS Digital, beds, chairs, and even wardrobes  send over 20,000 people to hospital each year. One of the most common causes? Falling off a chair while changing a lightbulb. Another? Getting fingers trapped in folding sofa beds. Flat-pack furniture may need its own risk assessment. Toilet Seats Are a Surprisingly Common Cause of Injury Yes, really. Around 2,500 Brits visit A&E each year  due to toilet seat-related mishaps. These include everything from children trapping fingers to adults slipping during a poorly judged “hover”. In 2021, one insurance firm reported that more than half of their “strangest claims” involved either toilets or trampolines. Sometimes both. One in Five Brits Talk to Their Houseplants (and Over 1 in 10 Name Them) In a survey conducted by The Royal Horticultural Society, 20% of Brits said they talk to their plants regularly , believing it helps them grow. And 11% confessed to naming them , with “Leafy”, “Dave”, and “Professor Fernsworth” among the most popular. There’s even anecdotal evidence from plant nurseries that customers request “companions” for lonely-looking shrubs. The Queen’s Swans Have Their Own Official Census Every July, the Royal Household conducts “Swan Upping” on the River Thames – a ceremonial counting and health check of all unmarked mute swans  between Sunbury and Abingdon. It’s been done since the 12th century, originally to assert ownership of the birds (they were once considered a royal delicacy). Now it’s more about tradition and conservation. The Queen technically still owns all unmarked mute swans in open waters, though she rarely claims them for dinner these days. Britain Spends £7 Billion a Year on Unused Gym Memberships According to a study by Sport England and Statista, nearly half of all people with gym memberships  rarely or never attend, despite paying monthly fees. That’s around £7 billion annually  spent on good intentions and unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions. The most common reasons given? “Too busy,” “too tired,” and “I forgot I had a membership.” Bonus Round: Rapid-Fire British Oddities 3,000+ people injure themselves annually with kettles. Approximately 4% of Brits sleep with a teddy bear – and that includes many adults. More than 60% of us still say “sorry” when someone else bumps into us. Nearly 1 in 10 people admit to naming their cars. About 2% of Brits have accidentally locked themselves in their own bathrooms. So, What Do These Stats Tell Us? Mostly, that Britain is every bit as eccentric as it is charming. We apologise too much, talk to our houseplants, lose socks at an industrial rate, and bravely face aerial chip raids from seagulls. In a world that can sometimes feel overly serious, it's comforting to know that we still trip over the same old furniture, spill the same cups of tea, and smile at the same ridiculous headlines. And if you’ve ever fallen off a swivel chair while dodging a wasp with a fly swatter, you’re not alone.