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Gulf Today
3 days ago
- General
- Gulf Today
‘Sorry' is one word, why are we so bad at apologising?
Olivia Petter, The Independent Saying 'sorry' is easy. It's just one word, two syllables. You can say it faster than you can sneeze. Meaning it, however, is a lot harder. According to research commissioned by the language-learning platform Babbel, Britons have 15 uses for the word, with just one of them meaning regret. So seemingly sorry are we all the time that we don't even know what it means any more. Here are some of the ways we're using 'sorry' incorrectly: to ask someone to move out of the way. To ask someone to repeat themselves. To show empathy. To express disbelief. To disagree. To mock. And, if we're British, to preface literally any sentence ever. 'In British English, 'sorry' has evolved beyond its original role as an expression of remorse,' explains Noël Wolf, cultural and linguistic expert at Babbel, whose research also found that we use the word 'sorry' an average of nine times a day. 'It now serves as a social lubricant and a flexible tool of communication used in all sorts of everyday interactions.' It also reflects our nationwide desire to avoid conflict by way of old-fashioned, sturdy politeness. We keep calm and carry on, as is the British way. 'In a culture where directness can feel impolite, and personal space, both emotional and physical, is protected, 'sorry' can smooth over moments of friction, no matter how minor,' says Wolf. The problem with such an overuse of the word is that it has become diluted beyond recognition, and now we're unsure how to apologise properly for something that actually warrants remorse. How can any of us truly be sorry if we don't know how to say it? If we're saying it too much, does the word even mean anything any more? And why do so many of us resort to insipid platitudes when apologising? Few sentences are more grating to hear than 'Sorry if I upset you...' These are some of the questions asked by Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy in their book Getting to Sorry: The Art of Apology at Work and at Home, which examines the reasons why we might be wired to apologise badly, in both our professional and our personal lives, and why it's holding us back from having meaningful relationships with others – and with ourselves. A central tenet of their argument relates to the rise of celebrity apologies: public statements made via social media, or representatives, that are designed to enshrine the celebrity's reputation by minimising bad behaviour. Or occasionally denying it altogether. We've seen this play out countless times in the public eye, with everyone from Drew Barrymore and Lena Dunham to Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis issuing statements to address allegations against them. Not to mention Britain's endless list of terribly sorry politicians. Often, the apologies are long-winded, PR-executed masterpieces. Occasionally, they're laughably weak and serve as the jumping-off point for an entirely new genre of meme; there are, in fact, several lists compiling the 'worst celebrity apologies'. 'They tend to centre the person apologising rather than the people receiving the apology,' says Ingall. 'Rarely do they say exactly what they're apologising for, making them sound fake and like clear attempts to squirm out of trouble rather than a legitimate attempt to make amends.' The result, Ingall posits, is that they set a precedent for apologising badly; for finding every excuse possible to shift the blame and avoid taking accountability, in a bid to protect our reputation – as if we, too, have a globally recognised public image to consider. 'This is because our brains are designed to protect us, to help us see ourselves as the hero of our own story,' explains Ingall. 'If we didn't think we were decent people, it would be hard to get through the day. This means that when we're faced with the cognitive dissonance of 'I'm a good person but I did a bad thing', we tend to fix that uncomfortable dissonance by telling ourselves what we did wasn't really that awful, that we don't really have to apologise, and that the other person always overreacts.'
STV News
23-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
Hospital At Home: Virtual ward service 'life-changing' for elderly patients
Elderly patients say the NHS's Hospital at Home programme has changed their lives by allowing them to receive safe medical care in the comfort of their own homes. A new report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland has found that the expansion of its 'virtual ward' service across Scotland has saved over £50m and kept around 15,500 people from staying in hospital for treatment over the past year. The programme is designed to treat patients at home, often with remote monitoring using technology, without the need to be separated from family and friends. It also helps to reduce the risks associated with hospital admissions, such as increased risk of catching infections and a decrease in mobility and independence. Among those who have benefited is Norman Cumming, 77, from Chapelhall, who was born with brionchiectasis. Over the years, he developed asthma and was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in 1990 – a progressive, incurable lung condition. Symptoms include shortness of breath, frequent chest infections, and fatigue. Supplied/NHS Scot The pensioner takes daily medication and uses an inhaler, but occasionally needs to visit his GP clinic for nebuliser treatment, where medication is delivered as a fine mist to help ease his breathing. His wife Tina, 64, told STV News: 'This past year has been the worst it's been. It takes a lot out of him – he gets tired easily, his breathing is affected easily. This last spell, with the hot weather, he has really struggled with that. 'He sometimes has to sleep all day to rebuild his energy.' The couple were first told about Hospital at Home while visiting their GP clinic in December 2024. 'I thought it was a brilliant idea,' Norman said. 'In hospital, you've got to wait for attention. At home, I know there's someone there for me if I need help. 'It's a safe environment, and I'm not worrying about picking up other infections.' Tina added: 'Norman was absolutely delighted – obviously any infection he gets causes more damage to his lungs. 'It eases the pressure on us by being at home – Norman gets really agitated in hospital and likes the comfort of his own bed. He also loves drawing and painting, which he can't do in hospital.' The couple have used the Hospital at Home Service four times since January. Each time, care was provided for between one and two weeks. On the first visit they were provided with monitoring equipment, including a blood pressure cuff and thermometer, linked to a mobile phone that sent readings to the care team four times a day. Norman was also able to receive nebuliser treatment and oxygen support without leaving the house. The couple are encouraged to call for help whenever they need it, with a nurse sent to their home if required. Tina said: 'At first I was a bit wary because I'm not very techy, but it was so straightforward. They reassured us we could call any time, and they really meant it. 'For me, it's just easier being here with him. When he's in hospital I'd be up and down every day, juggling work and everything else. Now I can support him if needed. 'Without this service, he'd be in hospital longer, he'd be more anxious, and it would take him longer to recover.' Norman said: 'It has made a big difference to our life. The staff are so helpful and cheery – they always comes in with a smile on their face. They are fantastic.' Bill Denholm, 85, from Stenhousemuir was recently treated by NHS Forth Valley's Hospital at Home team. His wife Marion, 82, said: 'There are no words to adequately describe the care and attention Bill received. 'We've had doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a dietitian and a speech and language therapist all visit our home to provide the care and treatment he required so he didn't have to go into hospital. 'This meant he was able to stay in familiar surroundings with his family and still receive the same type of care he would have in hospital. I also felt very supported as I could contact the Hospital at Home team direct if I had any worries or concerns. 'I can't praise the Hospital at Home service enough. It makes so much more sense to treat people in their own homes if you can rather than occupy a bed in a busy hospital. It's definitely a win-win for everyone involved.' The report estimated £39m has also been saved due to reduced healthcare usage in the six months following hospital at home discharge. More than 1,600 patients were treated on average each month, up from 1,400 on the previous year, with around 15,470 people prevented from spending time in hospital. More than 650 extra hospital beds and almost 500 care home admissions would have been required over the year if hospital at home services did not exist. Belinda Robertson, associate director of Improvement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: 'It seems that Hospital at Home is very much here to stay. We are finding that more NHS boards are not just increasing the numbers receiving acute hospital care at home, but that their services are maturing, becoming more efficient and being set up in such a way as to ensure they are sustainable. 'Making sure that Hospital at Home services are sustainable in terms of resources and capacity has been one of our main focuses over the past year, and we're delighted to see Scotland's NHS boards achieving this. 'For patients, the benefits of being able to be treated in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes is clear to see and this is set to continue.' The Hospital at Home service mostly provides care for frail, older people in their own homes who may be suffering from acute illnesses and health conditions such as respiratory and cardiac issues, infections, or require treatment after a fall. First Minister John Swinney recently announced funding of £85m which will allow 2,000 beds across Scotland to be made available through the Hospital at Home service. Health secretary Neil Gray said: 'This report shows we are delivering personal, efficient and reliable care to patients across the country. Our expansion of Hospital at Home means more people will benefit from first-class NHS care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. 'By increasing capacity to 2,000 beds by December 2026, we're on track to create the largest 'hospital' in Scotland – bringing care closer to where people live and need it most. 'I am delighted to see the positive impact Hospital at Home is having across Scotland, particularly for elderly patients who can now receive high-quality care without the need to travel to hospital. I am grateful to all of the partners who are delivering this service and look forward to its further expansion in the months ahead.' 'First Minister John Swinney recently announced funding of £85m, which will allow 2,000 beds across Scotland to be made available through the Hospital at Home service.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
MAFS Australia star Jamie Marinos says Dave split was 'real kick in the teeth'
Married at First Sight Australia star Jamie Marinos opened up about her time on the E4 show, and the romance rumours with Eliot Donovan Married at First Sight Australia star Jamie Marinos has divulged more about her time on the show, and where her and Dave are now. The former E4 bride opened up during a chat on Lorraine's ITV breakfast show on Tuesday, July 22. She explained why she felt the breakdown of her and Dave's relationship after their on-screen marriage was a "kick in the teeth" at the time. However, she also explained she's not opposed to reconnecting with him if they had a chance at rekindling a friendship one day. Jamie also lifted the lid on her alleged romance with co-star Eliot Donovan as she chatted to Christine Lampard. The pair sparked romance rumours following filming on the show, as they were snapped out and about together appearing to enjoy a lot of one-on-one time. Revealing why she chose to go on the Australian reality show, Jamie said: "I have always loved MAFS - it's just crazy. It's the one reality television show that I feel Australia does right, which we don't have many of… MAFS was always crazy and so I just thought why not?" She continued: "I mean it surely was better than whatever I was selecting myself. I was like I can't do it, so I am going to let three experts find me a husband and I honestly went in thinking I am going to have it all. I am going to walk out with my man, have my babies - it didn't plan out that way, but that's okay." Opening up about the moment that her relationship with Dave Hand came to its end, Jamie said: "That was a real kick to the teeth. When they say that the carpet's ripped out from under you, that's exactly what it felt like because no one saw it coming. I remember looking around at production, cameramen, cast, and no one could make sense of it. Everyone was so shocked. "He wasn't giving any indication even in his private camera moments, so it came out of nowhere. At that point, I felt that heartbreak and I knew public humiliation was about to come my way too and just overall rejection. I think it was a really tough time for me but then there is a lot of beauty in the lessons you learn and the strength that you acquire." Confirming that she has not been in touch with Dave since the show, Jamie said: "No contact, but I think it's for the best. We both needed to protect our own peace and find our own happiness. I'm not closed off from reconnecting as friends in the future because we did share a really unique experience, but at the moment, no contact." Addressing the relationship rumours with her co-star Eliot Donovan, Jamie told viewers: "Eliot and I, look we definitely fell into a flirtationship. I was very much off the market during airing, I didn't want anyone to know that Dave and I didn't work out because we were such a love story. And then, kind of as soon as I was like, 'I'm free and single', Eliot and I's friendship definitely developed. We kind of explored something a little bit more. It's a bit complicated being in two different states so what we did want to focus on is the friendship because it's a really beautiful friendship."
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning issued to anyone thinking of getting a puppy or cat this summer
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares some seasonal money-saving hacks to keep pets healthy without a huge bill Our pets are part of the family – but they are an added expense to the household budget. From pet insurance to vet bills and even day-to-day food and treats, the cost of owning a pet can be a financial pressure. The good news is there are plenty of ways to reduce the costs of owning a pet this summer. Don't be fooled by summer living The sun makes everything seem better – and that includes the idea of getting a (or another) puppy to add to your family. If you haven't thought through getting a puppy, but your summer routine of being outside more, walking, and going on beach trips tempts you to consider a new puppy: think twice! It's easy to think life will be really easy with a new puppy. But the summer can be misleading: it makes it easy to forget about the rainy days and long nights of autumn and winter, which will arrive just in time for a summer puppy's most crazy time: adolescence. If you've been thinking of getting a puppy and have made plans, by all means go for it. But don't get one on a whim while you're inspired by outdoor living in the few months of the year it's possible to do in the UK. Think about how you'll cope with a young dog when bad weather, long nights, and no-annual-leave-left-til-Christmas hits. Use monthly flea and tick subscriptions Keep your pet healthy with monthly flea and tick medication. It's far cheaper to prevent fleas or tick-related disease than treat it. Your vet is likely to run a monthly payment scheme that includes monthly flea, tick, and wormer medication, as well as extras such as annual vaccination boosters, discounts on dental treatment and discounts on prescription food. However, it can run quite expensive to use these plans, especially if you don't intend on using the other benefits such as nail clipping appointments or physio discounts. There are mail-order subscriptions that can reduce the cost of monthly flea and tick medication, sent to you each month so you don't forget to renew. Check the terms and conditions, as some might lock you into an annual plan in the fine print! However, these plans often work out much cheaper than the vet's scheme if you only want the regular medication and not the extras. Pets at Home and VetBox are examples of these schemes. ItchFlea for Cats and Dogs starts from £7.95 a month with the first month free. Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money Get a tick remover Ticks carry disease that might not show in your dog immediately – and can be very expensive to sort out. When you've taken your dog for a walk in long grass or in areas where deer are known to roam, always check them over for ticks after the walk. You don't need to go to the vet to remove one. A tick remover tool costs less than £4 and fits in any pocket to take wherever you go. Keep an eye on any bites once removed in case a ring 'bullseye' rash appears – if this happens, take your dog to the vet. Use vet-approved over the counter medications Your vet is only legally allowed to recommend animal-specific medications. However, there are often human over-the-counter alternatives that are more affordable and safe to use. Don't be scared to ask your vet for the alternatives – they're used to the question and will know what they can recommend. Never give an animal human medications without talking to your vet first. Keep your pet cool to avoid emergencies With two heatwaves already gone this summer, it's likely we're going to see more of them over the coming months. Overheated pets can be a medical emergency, racking up a huge vet bill that you may not have planned for. Some pet insurance may also not cover treatment for what could be argued as a preventable problem, too. It's vital to be prepared to keep your pets cool. This might mean running a fan for them near to their bed, or investing in a cooling mat. Ensure they always have access to water – lots of people like to pop ice cubes in the bowl to keep it nice and cold, too. If you have an outside space, splash pads or kids' paddling pools offer cheap and effective cooling. Choose ice and cooling toys, too. You can freeze some chicken broth in an ice cube tray for a salty delicious cool treat, or get a reusable freezable toy to keep them cool while they chew. You may also wish to consider investing in a portable air conditioning unit to keep your bedroom cool at night. This will ensure your pet stays cool too, and that means a better night's sleep, which is good for everyone's health. While it's an investment, if you look for one with a dehumidifier function, like the S1 Pro Personal Air Conditioner by Morphy Richards, it'll be useful all year around as the dehumidifier can help reduce damp in the winter time, making the investment more valuable. Never, ever leave your pet in a locked car in the summer, even for a few minutes. Heat exhaustion can strike much faster than you think! Take your pet on holiday If you're going away in the UK, consider taking your pet with you. Not only will you be able to create some wonderful family memories together, it can save a lot on kennel boarding or pet sitting costs. While some accommodation options will include a pet fee, this will be cheaper than other options like kennels. But if you've already booked non-pet approved accommodation, or you're heading abroad, look at alternative options to expensive boarding kennels. House sitters can look after your home and pet at the same time, and many people will do it for free (and expenses) because it gives them a small holiday from home, too. TrustedHouseSitters is a reputable site to find someone to look after your pet without extortionate costs. Some of the brands and websites we mention may be, or may have been, a partner of However, we only ever mention brands we believe in and trust, so it never influences who we prioritise and link to.
The Star
19-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Rifle Range Flats, the 15-minute city
Home on the Range: The development includes 3,663 residential units, 65 shoplots and 13 accessory units. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star Exhibit celebrates last standing relic of post-Independence housing in Penang GEORGE TOWN: Older Kuala Lumpur folk visiting Penang's Rifle Range Flats may feel nostalgic as the blocks mirror the capital's once-iconic Pekeliling Flats, which were demolished years ago. Located in Air Itam, the site now stands as the last architectural relic of Malaysia's early post-Independence drive for urbanisation and public housing. To old-timers, both developments were built using the Industrialised Building System – a method that accelerated construction by using pre-fabricated components assembled on-site. More than engineering feats, these flats fostered strong community bonds. For Chong Lee Choo, the Rifle Range Flats, built in 1969, represent an early, unintentional embodiment of the '15-Minute City' coined by French urbanist Carlos Moreno in 2015. 'It describes the neighbourhood where all essential services are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. 'Markets, schools, clinics and other essentials gradually sprang up around the flats, making Rifle Range a self-sufficient community, decades before global cities began adopting the same concept. 'Today, cities around the world are trying to implement this model. But here at Rifle Range, it has always been about one thing – making daily life easier,' said the 54-year-old. When completed, Rifle Range Flats were the tallest buildings in Penang, comprising six 17-storey and three 18-storey blocks. The development included 3,663 residential units, 65 shoplots and 13 accessory units. To honour the estate's legacy, publishing agency Penang City Eye is hosting an exhibition from July 4 to Sept 7 at the community hall above the Rifle Range market. Chong, who is the curator, said the exhibition themed 'Home at Rifle Range Flats' documents 56 years of the flats' history through photographs, oral stories and everyday items contributed by residents. Penang Eye City editor See Chiew Yen, 32, said the flats were developed in the late 1960s when the state lost its free port status, causing widespread unemployment among working-class families. 'With support from the late chief ministers Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, Rifle Range became Penang's first mass housing project, aimed at providing affordable homes to the urban poor,' she said.
