Latest news with #30C
Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
A cultural juggernaut returns – is it finally time to join in?
Last week, I described enjoying a lightly-roasted lamb rack (garlic and rosemary crumb, Greek salad on the side) to accompany episode seven of The Four Seasons. This week: cucumber gazpacho and Squid Game. How the mighty are fallen. I mean, the gazpacho part was all right. It seemed like a good idea when the thermometer hit 30C. I began with a recipe from the BBC website: peel a cucumber, then blitz it in a blender with 150g of white bread, 50g blanched almonds, a garlic clove, some fresh basil leaves, two tablespoons each of olive oil and sherry vinegar, salt and pepper and 500g of water. I didn't have any sherry vinegar so I used wine vinegar, and at the last minute – partly out of suspicion and partly so as not to disappoint my dinner companion who thinks I'm too stubborn ever to follow recipes precisely, though I suppose that comes to the same thing – I added an avocado. It was fine. It had that quality you get with risotto or spaghetti carbonara: the first few spoons are delicious, then it seems like an hour's gone by and you're still eating it. If you want to give this a go, I'd suggest you do it in shot glasses for a starter. I'm including it here only because I'm excited by my new 'recipe and review' format (it'll be really handy in those weeks when there's nothing much to say about the programme) and I won't get shouted at online for this recipe because it's vegan. Mind you, if you're vegan, I don't think you're going to like Squid Game. It's all blood and suffering. (Although if you're only vegan because it's fashionable then bingo! This show is Korean.) I hated it. Let's get that out the way early. I always reckoned I would hate Squid Game, but series three dropped on Friday and everybody's talking about it so (with a miserable sigh) I decided I should attempt to get at least a vague handle on what the whole thing's about. I feel much the same way about the situation in Iran. Squid Game featured so much visceral violence, I was relieved to be having cucumber gazpacho and not meat. Even a tomato gazpacho might have come up again. Another problem, though, is that I never have a drink with soup. It's a rule my parents gave us as children. I don't know why. Everyone's childhood had its own weird rules that you never hear of anywhere else, right? Like public schools inventing their own daft words for sport or chapel? In our house, we weren't allowed to mix two breakfast cereals in the same bowl, weren't allowed to open Maltesers before a film started and we never had a drink with soup. I follow those rules superstitiously to this day. So, having soup on the hob, I didn't open a bottle of wine for the first time in at least 18 months. Naturally, I was in a bit of a bad mood. (I know what you're thinking: wasn't it gazpacho? Aha, I only said the soup was on the hob. I didn't say the gas was on.) It's difficult to eat cucumber gazpacho and read subtitles at the same time, unless you particularly want a damp green lap. Thus, a lot of my experience on the evening in question was not actually watching television but simply drinking spoonfuls of cold soup to the sound of bleak Korean screaming. If that's your idea of a great night, there's some good news for you on Netflix. I didn't start with the new series, obviously. I started with series one, episode one. It's dreadful. It starts well enough: a desperate gambler meets a mysterious man who offers to play a game with him. So at least it was relatable. I've been in that situation many times, and I love the fictional cliché, whether it's the creepy curates on the train in The Box of Delights or Damon Runyon's earful of cider. Caveat ludor! That's a message I always find appetising. Unfortunately – as I expect you know, if you've paid any attention to the cultural conversation in the four years since Squid Game came out – this quickly descends, unlike The Box of Delights, into a harrowing dystopian gorefest. By the end of the first episode, we're watching hundreds of terrified people being plausibly gunned to death. And just to stop anyone but a sociopath from having a bit of distance on the damn thing, our trapped protagonist has a beautiful little daughter, and it's her birthday. Thanks everyone. It made me so angry. Admittedly I found myself watching at a time of particular 'IRL' horror around the world (that's 'in real life', if you're the kind of cultural abstainer who doesn't already know the plot of Squid Game), but the world is always full of horror and I never want to be reminded that some people get a kick out of seeing that. (A lot of people do, if the ratings for Squid Game are anything to go by.) There's a curious coda to this. The next day, for reasons I can't adequately explain, I found myself wanting to watch another episode. Despite having hated it, I felt a little craving for more. Something in the programme's DNA, clearly, has talent. I switched on episode two: a number of coffins were being slid one by one into a furnace. A coffin lid creaked open and an anguished hand pushed its way out. A masked figure shoved the hand back in and hammered down the lid. I had a sudden flashback to the foul taste of my first cigarette, many years ago, and the irresistible attraction of my second. The screen said 'Episode 2: Hell'. I switched it off.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
The 5 ‘silent' cancer signs you might miss on your nails – plus the ‘diamond gap test' & other deadly hand clues
IF you love a bit of sun, you might know to check your skin for worrying moles, blemishes and marks. But did you know that the deadly skin cancer, melanoma, can develop in obscure places? On or around your nails. Here's how to spot the lesser-known signs. With the Met Office predicting temperatures could hit 30C in places this weekend, it's not just new or evolving moles you need to look out for, but warning signs in your fingernails and toenails too. Dr Magnus Lynch, consultant dermatologist, tells Sun Health: "Changes in your fingernails can be an early warning sign of cancer. "This is because nails reflect what's going on inside the body, including how it's using oxygen and nutrients, and fighting disease." Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and rates are steadily rising, according to Cancer Research UK. It's usually caused by UV light from the sun, which can damage the DNA in skin cells and trigger abnormal growth. And though it's rare for skin cancer - including melanoma - to develop under and around your fingernails and toenails, it does happen. It tends to be more common in people of colour, and if you're older, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). You could also be at risk if you have a family history of melanoma or you've injured your nails in the past. There are five signs to watch out for on and around your nails that could indicate you have melanoma. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, adds: "While not all these symptoms mean cancer, it's important to get them checked out, as early detection is crucial." 1. A dark streak This may look like a brown or black band on your nail, the AAD said. It's most likely to show up on the thumb or big toe of your dominant hand or foot. However, the discolouration could develop on any one of your nails. A woman recently took to TikTok to recount how a 'cool' nail streak she'd had for 10 years - which looked like a brown line painted across her nail - turned out to be a sign of subungual melanoma. People who have melanoma under their nail may wrongly believe they just have bruising, or not even notice a change at all. Aside from a line, it can also look like irregular pigmentation under the nail. Maria Sylvia revealed that her own dark streak grew from the nailbed, where a cancerous mole sat. 2. Your nail lifting from your fingers or toes You might think you've just stubbed your toe, but a nail peeling or lifting off from the skin might be the sign of something more sinister, according to the AAD. It explained: "When this happens, your nail starts to separate from the nail bed. "The white free edge at the top of your nail will start to look longer as the nail lifts." 3. Your nail splitting 4 Your nail splitting down the middle is yet another possible sign of melanoma. This is because the cancer can weaken the nail plate, causing it to crack or split, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 4. A bump or nodule under your nails Pay attention if you notice something bumpy under your nail. You might also see a band of colour on your nail. It could be wide and irregular or dark and narrow, the American Academy of Dermatology explains. 5. Thick nail A thickened bit under your nail could be a warning sign of a rare genetic condition that raises the risk of several cancers, a study published last year found. The disorder, called BAP1 tumour predisposition syndrome, affects a gene that normally helps stop cells from growing out of control and turning cancerous. It also plays a key role in fixing damaged DNA. People with the condition face a higher risk of tumours in the skin - like melanoma - eyes, kidneys, and the lining of the chest and abdomen. What to do if your nails look dodgy Nail melanoma is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage than melanoma on the skin, according to the AAD. It advised you to see a dermatologist if you notice changes to your nails. "The good news is that when found early, melanoma - even on the nails - is highly treatable," the AAD said. So it's useful to know what to look for and to regularly check your nails. Laura Harker, a screening nurse at The MOLE Clinic, advised to also keep an eye on other less obvious areas, such as your hairline, behind the ears, the soles of your feet and your arms. There are two main types of skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed a combined 147,000 times a year in the UK, while melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is diagnosed 17,500 times a year. According to Cancer Research UK, one in 35 men and one in 41 women in the UK will now be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime. GP Dr Philippa Kaye told Sun Health: 'It's important to know your body and become familiar with your moles and skin and what they look like, so you will recognise if something changes,' 'See a doctor if you notice a mole is changing, which can be in colour, size, appearance but also in sensation - so if a mole is bleeding, crusty or becomes sore or itchy.' Your GP will likely use the ABCDE mnemonic to help tell if a mole is cancerous or not, and you can use it at home too. Get a loved one to help you check your WHOLE body - including the bits you can't see - and don't forget to return the favour! Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma What your hands can reveal about your health Your hands can tell you a lot about the state of your health. From what a weak handshake means for your ticker, to how the length of your fingers may indicate a cancer risk, they are able to reveal quite a bit. GP Dr Sarah Garsed says: 'We often start with the hands for examinations when patients come to us. "We can tell huge amounts from them, so any change to your hands that is prolonged, we recommend you get it checked by your GP.' Here we look at everything you should be on the lookout for: 1. Enlarged fingertips Sudden growth in your fingertips could be a reason to seek advice on your respiratory health. Dr Garsed says: 'This symptom is basically an increase in the tissue around the ends of the fingers. 'This is not something you should ignore as it can be a sign that you have low oxygen in your blood. 'Low oxygen in the blood is always a red flag as it can indicate early signs of lung disease and is something that can be checked with a simple blood test by your GP.' 2. Weak grip A weak handshake has long had associations with nervousness or being a bit of a wimp – but it could signal something much more significant. In fact, a feeble grip has been linked to a shorter life expectancy and a higher risk of cognative decline and dementia. A nationwide study published in the British Medical Journal found that those who develop a weak hold in midlife have a 20 per cent higher risk of death from heart and respiratory diseases and cancer. 3. Long index fingers The length of your fingers can give indications about your health – especially if you are male. A study by the International Journal of Medical Sciences found that if an index finger is much longer than the ring finger, it can be a sign of coronary artery disease. However, men whose index fingers are the same length or longer than their ring fingers are 33 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to a 2010 study published in the British Journal of Cancer. 4. Red, white or blue fingers Fingers that turn white, red or blue can suggest poor circulation. Often a change in temperature from hot to cold, or exposure to long periods of chilly temperatures, causes the colour change, but extreme stress or trauma can also bring it on. Dr Garsed says: 'Regular bouts of extreme colour change in the fingers show your circulation is not functioning correctly and is usually a sign of Raynaud's disease. 'A lack of adequate blood supply is what causes the fingers to go white or blue, while a sudden return of circulation of blood to the area is what causes redness and swelling." 5. Little red rash Small red bumps or blisters on your hands or wrists can point towards a food allergy. Sensitivity to nickel – traces of which are found in foods including beans and legumes, chocolate, peanuts, soy, oatmeal and granola – is a common allergy. If you experience any persistent rashes on your hands, it could be a sign. Dr Garsed says: 'You can easily find out if you do have the allergy by simply cutting out foods with nickel in them and seeing if your rash disappears.' 6. Finger clubbing You might think signs of lung cancer - one of the most common and serious types of the disease - would only show up in your breathing. But a less common sign of the disease can affect your fingers - and a simple test you can perform at home could reveal if you are at risk of lung cancer. All you need to do is take the 'diamond gap' finger test, also known as the Schamroth window test. This involves placing your nails together to see if there's a diamond-shaped space between your cuticles. If there isn't a space, this is a sign of what's called finger clubbing, when the tips of your fingers become rounded and bulbous. According to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, about 35 per cent of people who have non-small cell lung cancer have finger clubbing and 4 per cent of those with small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell is the most common form of the disease and makes up about 85 per cent of cases, NHS guidance said. Small cell is the less common variety which spreads faster. Finger clubbing happens in stages and can take years to develop, according to Cancer Research UK. It usually affect the fingers on both your hands, but you might see it on your toes too.
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
The ‘optimum temperature' to wash towels to get rid of germs and leave them super soft – and it's NOT 60 degrees
IF you want to ensure you are washing your towels at the right temperature to not only banish germs, but to also leave them feeling super soft, then you've come to the right place. While many of us will wash our towels at 60 degrees, it turns out that if you want to avoid 'crunchy' results, you'll need to lower the temperature. 3 3 3 Tom Drake, a DIY expert at Only Radiators, has shared his top laundry tips to keep towels 'soft' and 'fresh." Not only this, but he also revealed the "optimum temperature' for best results. Tom explained: 'Towels can feel hard and stiff due to the build up of soap and detergent which causes a less absorbent layer on your towels. 'You may think that a lot of fabric softener and a hot wash will keep your towels fresh, but this can actually have the opposite effect.' Instead, Tom stressed the importance of reducing the temperature when washing towels, which will make a huge difference to how long they last. He advised: 'You may think that hotter temperatures are better for cleaning clothes, but for towels the optimum temperature is between 30C to 40C. 'Warm water absorbs detergent better, in turn leaving less chemical child up on your towels, which makes them feel stiff.' As a result, the pro acknowledged: 'Although washing your towels at higher temperatures is the most efficient way to get rid of germs, 30C or 40C will still eliminate most of your bacteria and preserve your towel's fibres.' This can also be applied when washing bedding too, but always make sure to check the label to avoid damage. Not only this, but if you want to put the softness back into your laundry, Tom shared a simple and very cost-effective hack. Cleaning fan reveals the cheap, easy way to get clothes smelling 'beautiful' without shelling out on pricey dryer sheets 'Fabric softener will coat the fibres of the towel and build up over time which causes towels to feel hard and become less absorbent. 'Soften with towels in a load of just white vinegar once every few weeks to remove the soapy residue that causes your towels to feel hard. Laundry tips Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol shared her laundry tips. How often should you be remaking your bed? When it comes to your bed, maintaining a hygienic sleep setup can actually improve your sleep quality, helping you start every day better. Most people shed 500 million skin cells per day and a lot of that ends up in bed for dust mites to feed on. And those with asthma or allergies might see symptoms worsen by sleeping on dirty sheets! You want to be washing your sheets once a week - or every 10 days if you don't suffer from allergies and wear nightclothes. Bedding builds up with sweat, skin cells and oils quickly, even if it doesn't look dirty. Using an effective detergent like smol's will still give you a great clean on a 20°C cycle - that's better for the planet and your energy bills! What temperature do smol recommend then? For your regular weekly washes I recommend washing most loads at 20°C for 30 minutes. It's gentler on fabrics, slashes energy use, and still delivers excellent stain removal with the right detergent. A colder wash can actually be more effective if you opt for a bio detergent as its enzymes need cooler water; too hot and they lose their ability to digest stains. A wash at 60°c (unless you have silk sheets) every now and again can help kill off dust mites and other nasties. What's the difference between bio and non-bio detergent? Bio detergents contain enzymes, which are especially good at breaking down tough stains like food, grass, or sweat. It's best used in mid to low temperature washes (ideally between 20-40°C) as anything hotter can cause them not to work effectively. Non-bio skips the enzymes, which in turn makes it more suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Although non-bio doesn't contain enzymes, it's still great at removing stains and keeping your clothes clean, you just may need to use a slightly higher temperature setting to aid with the cleaning process. "One cup of white vinegar will be enough for this process,' he noted. As well as avoiding fabric softener, Tom recognised the importance of ditching tumble dryers to dry towels. He recognised that due to the hot heat within the appliance, towels may end up turning stiff and crunchy, as he continued: 'Line drying is the most environmentally friendly way to dry towels.' He also shared a two-second trick to ensure your towels stay fluffy for longer. 'If you're drying them this way, you should shake the towels once they've dried to fluff them up," Tom recommended.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Thunderstorms to hit parts of UK ahead of 30C weekend
Thunderstorms are set to hit parts of the UK before 30C temperatures over the weekend, forecasters say. Wednesday is due to be 'humid and very warm' in the south of England, with a 'threat of heavy, possibly thundery showers' later in the day, the Met Office said. Thunderstorms with 'lightning, hail, and heavy rain' may lash the south east of England overnight before clearing on Thursday, forecaster Paul Gundersen said. He continued: 'Elsewhere through Thursday, rain will move eastwards across the UK, clearing to showers, with some sunny spells breaking through at times. 'Friday will start dry in the east, with rain moving in from the west, becoming showery later.' Mr Gundersen said that many parts of the country will stay dry on Saturday, with a patch of rain moving south east and easing. Sunday is due to see 'variable cloud and showers' in the north, with 'patchy rain and drizzle' in the west, but otherwise stay dry with sunny spells, he added. Parts of the south are set to hit highs of 30C over the weekend, which would be hotter than Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, according to forecasts.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Expert shares how to protect your grass during the extreme heatwave
This week will see temperatures reach above 30C degrees across the region and while it might seem like the perfect sunny day to get outside and cut your grass, mowing your lawn in the extreme heat could cause serious damage. According to experts, cutting the grass in hot temperatures can destroy or even kill the blades, leaving ugly brown patches in the yard. Here is a tip. Allowing the lawn to grow during the heat actually protects the blade and the soil from the strong sun rays. While the nice weather might seem like a great opportunity to make your garden look glorious, gardening in the heat can be a bad idea. 'High temperatures and strong sun exposure can damage plants and that includes grass blades. If you cut your grass, the blades will be more exposed to the sun, and the soil will also suffer. This issue will lead to bare patches on your lawn which will take time and effort to repair,' said Colleen McGrory from If you really want to shape up the lawn during this scorching strike, here are a few things experts say to consider: Reduce foot traffic While you'll want to enjoy your yard in the nice weather, be mindful of heavy foot traffic on your grass. Walking along the lawn will stress it, which can cause further damage during heatwave. Let it grow Letting your grass grow a little longer allows it to cope with heat stress. Longer grass in hot weather acts as a 'micro jungle,' with taller stems helping to sustain a microclimate at soil level. Experts recommend Keeping your lawn length up to five centimeters. Raise your mower The cutting height of your mower should be increased during dry conditions. The majority of lawn mowers have different height settings. A higher setting will allow valuable moisture to be trapped, limiting evaporation and encouraging stronger, deeper roots to grow. Lots of water If you need to cut the grass when it's hot, be prepared to regularly water it with about one inch of water per week, using a sprinkler, watering can, irrigation system or garden hose. Give it shade Shade helps to lower water loss through evaporation, which in turn creates a cooler climate, reducing the need for frequent watering while maintaining grass health and providing much-needed relief for your lawn.
