Category: Life Style

Archaeologists have found an ancient Egyptian temple hidden in a cliff face dating back around 2,100 years at the site of Athribis.

Athribis is located near the modern-day city of Sohag and the team started uncovering the temple in 2022.

During the excavation of the temple made of stone, the team found the remains of reliefs showing King Ptolemy VIII (reign circa 170 to 116 BC) offering sacrifices to the goddess Repit and her son Kolanthes.

The temple may have been dedicated specifically to Repit but according to an email sent by project leader Christian Leitz to LiveScience, “the name of this building is still not known”.

He added that the team hopes to learn more about the temple as excavations and analysis continues.

A chamber within the temple has also been discovered that once held utensils and amphorae or clay vessels with two handles and narrow necks.

Reliefs depicting Repit with Min-Ra at the entrance of the chamber were also found by the team.

Repit was the consort of Min-Ra, a god associated with fertility.

In one of the reliefs, Min-Ra was accompanied by two decans, stars that enable people to tell the time at night and they had humanoid bodies with animal heads.

In the relief, one decan has the head of a falcon and the other has the head of an ibis.

The site is part of a larger temple district that archaeologists have been excavating since 2012. 

A 100-year-old man and a 102-year-old woman have gotten married and become the oldest newlyweds of the world earning them a Guinness World Record.

Bernie Littman and Marjorie Fiterman met at a costume party at their senior living home in Philadelphia and ended up falling in love. 

They tied the knot at the facility where they both live on May 19, according to UPI. 

The couple later discovered that they had both been students at the University of Philadelphia at the same time but never crossed paths in their academic lives.

Littman’s granddaughter, Sarah Sicherman told the Jewish Chronicle that the pair were “so lucky to have found each other and be a support to each other, especially during the pandemic”.

Sicherman also wrote on her social media that Littman and Fiterman “both had 60-plus years of marriage to their first spouse and found love again at 100 years old!”

The rabbi who officiated the wedding ceremony told Fox News the couple had eventually realised that “not just close friends — but husband and wife — felt like the right step to take”.

Littman attributed his long life to reading and staying up-to-date on world events whereas Fiterman credited her old age to buttermilk.

“They both love each other’s humor and intellect,” Sicherman told Guinness World Records, “they keep each other young”. 

The Queen is said to be “tired but on the mend” as she gradually returns to work as she recovers from pneumonia.

Camilla has been forced to cancel several engagements in recent weeks after the palace said she was recovering from a chest infection following her long-haul trip with the King to Australia and Samoa.

It was then revealed on Tuesday that she had in fact contracted pneumonia, and was still suffering from lingering post-viral symptoms.

On Thursday, she shared an update on her recovery as she joined domestic abuse survivors, advocates and staff from Women’s Aid to celebrate the organisation’s 50th anniversary.

She spoke to Alice Liveing, a Women’s Aid ambassador and a survivor of an abusive relationship who appeared in the Queen’s recent documentary about domestic abuse, who said after the event: “She said she was feeling pretty tired and she was on the mend, she (said) was trying to juggle some bits.

“She’s a long-standing supporter of Women’s Aid and, more widely, domestic abuse, it’s very clear it’s very close to her heart. I think the documentary showed that, and even if she’s not 100% she still comes – I think that’s wonderful.”

The Queen has had a busy week helping the King host the state visit of the Emir of Qatar over two days.

She missed the outdoor ceremonial welcome for the emir on Horse Guards Parade, waiting in the warm inside Buckingham Palace instead, on doctors’ advice, but attended a lunch, a Royal Collection exhibition and the state banquet.

The Queen contracted her chest infection after a long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa and has pulled out of a series of engagements since then, including the Royal Variety Performance, the Gladiator II premiere and the Remembrance Day Service at The Cenotaph.

In an impromptu speech at the Women’s Aid event, Camilla, who has long campaigned on the issue, vowed to help end domestic abuse and said: “It’s terrible that after 50 years it still has to be eradicated but we are making progress.”

She looked relaxed as she joined the large group of women in London and said in her short speech before cutting the 50th birthday cake: “I’ve talked to many, many women and men all around the country, all around the world, and you hear the same devastating stories time and time again. I was so moved by it.”

She got a loud round of applause when she added: “I’ve no intention now that I’ve started to stop now, I’m determined to put an end to this…”

“We’ve all got to pull together, and start hearing the voices of survivors, it’s so important because every time another survivor hears a voice it inspires them perhaps to get up and say something themselves.”

Among the guests was television presenter Katie Piper, a survivor ambassador for Women’s Aid, who spoke movingly about her own experience and the work of the organisation.

If you are travelling to Hong Kong this weekend, then you are in for a special treat as thousands of giant panda sculptures will welcome you and locals there starting from this Saturday.

This massive exhibit, titled ‘Panda Go! Fest HK’, was launched during a ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport earlier this week, featuring 2,500 panda sculptures.

The exhibit reflects the city’s growing enthusiasm for the beloved bears following the recent birth of two cubs at a local theme park

According to CNN, the panda sculptures will first be on display at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, a bustling shopping district, before moving to three other locations throughout the month. 

One key site is Ocean Park, home to the twin cubs, their parents, and two additional pandas gifted by Beijing this year. 

Notably, six of the sculptures were designed using recycled materials and are inspired by these iconic bears.

The twin cubs, born to Ying Ying — recognised as the world’s oldest first-time panda mother — may begin interacting with visitors as early as February.

Additionally, the displays are also part of Hong Kong’s efforts to leverage its use of pandas to enhance its economy and restore its status as a top tourism destination in Asia.

Local tourism representatives are optimistic about the potential of housing six pandas, hoping to boost visitor numbers even though caring for pandas in captivity is expensive. 

Officials have also encouraged businesses to capitalise on the popularity of the bears to seize opportunities in what some lawmakers have dubbed the “panda economy.”

Most of these special sculptures will be auctioned online for charity and the proceeds will be donated to Ocean Park to support giant panda conversation efforts.

Ying Ying and the twin cubs’ father, Le Le, are the second pair of pandas gifted by Beijing to Hong Kong since the former British colony returned to China’s rule in 1997.

The first pair were An An and Jia Jia who arrived in 1999. Jia Jia, who died at 38 in 2016, is the world’s oldest-ever panda to have lived in captivity.

A mother revealed the relatable reason why her family doesn’t send out Christmas cards: it’s just too much work.

In a TikTok video, a mother named Abby Eckel opened up about the “mental load” involved in creating the perfect holiday card, from coordinating schedules to managing every tiny detail. For Eckel, the tradition only lasted a single year before she decided it wasn’t worth the effort.

“My husband asked me one year when we didn’t do Christmas cards,” Eckel shared in the clip, “and he has never asked me again since.”

Eckel recalled her husband’s initial suggestion during the early days of parenting. “We have done Christmas cards one year, and that was when our oldest was a baby,” she explained. “My husband was like, ‘Christmas cards. You should do Christmas cards?’”

At first, Eckel was on board with the idea. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I mean, it’s just cards, right?’” she said. But soon, the reality of the task set in, and she decided to turn the tables on him.

“I told him, ‘Sure, why don’t you handle the Christmas cards?’” Eckel continued. She then broke down the many steps involved: finding a photographer, scheduling a session that works for everyone, picking outfits and a location, paying for the shoot, reviewing the edits, selecting photos, designing the card, gathering mailing addresses, buying envelopes, addressing them, and finally, purchasing and applying stamps. Her husband responded with a shocked “Huh?”

“It’s not just Christmas cards, is it?” Eckel said, summing up the ordeal.

For Eckel, the tradition simply didn’t make sense. “The mental load behind Christmas cards has never seemed worth it to me,” she explained. “Anybody that I would send a Christmas card to, I see regularly. And if you don’t see me regularly, you wouldn’t be getting one anyway.”

In the comment section, many mothers expressed their frustrations, noting that they understood Eckel’s frustrations.

“They’re a waste of time and money,” one user wrote.

Another added: “I used to do beautiful Christmas cards every year. It was so much work. I just stopped one year. A few people asked about it, but that’s it. Turns out I didn’t need to be doing so much work.”

“And how cherished are they, really?” someone else noted. “Family sometimes sends us cards and I go ‘cool’ and throw them away.”

Others noted that their husbands often left the responsibility to them.

“Amazing how their opinions change once they are in charge of the task,” one person said, while someone else noted: “’We should do Christmas cards’ Aka YOU do them, I’ll put my name on it.”

The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant, educator, and inventor, commissioned the first printed card. Designed by artist John Callcott Horsley, the card featured a festive family scene and the simple yet enduring message: “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You,” according to Smithsonian Magazine.

The initial run of 1,000 cards quickly gained popularity, sparking a trend that spread across Victorian society. By the late 19th century, improvements in printing technology made Christmas cards more affordable, cementing their place in holiday celebrations.

However, the custom has seen a sharp decline in recent years. The U.S. Postal Service reports that the number of holiday cards sent has dropped by more than 40 percent in the last decade. While the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily revived the tradition as people sought meaningful ways to connect, the rise of digital communication and changing social habits continue to reduce its prevalence.

If you feel lethargic after mindlessly scrolling through TikTok in bed, you have probably experienced brain rot – which has been named the Oxford Word of the Year 2024.

Six contenders, including the words ‘slop’ and ‘demure’, were shortlisted by Oxford University Press’ language experts to reflect some of the moods and conversations that have shaped the past year, and brain rot came out on top after a public vote of more than 37,000 people worldwide.

The winning word has been linked to mental fogginess, reduced attention span and cognitive decline, but what is it? And is there anything we can do to prevent these negative side effects?

What is brain rot?

“Brain rot is a term people use to describe that foggy, numbed-out feeling you get when you’ve consumed too much low-quality, repetitive content,” explains Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic. “It’s that sense of being mentally drained or dulled after hours of scrolling social media, binge-watching shows, or engaging with material that doesn’t challenge or stimulate your mind.”

It is actually an old term which has come back into fashion.

“It was American writer [ Henry David] Thoreau who used the term in 1854 in his book Walden, which argued for a simple life, being closer to nature, and getting away from the constant chatter of news and trivial matters that was running rife in England at the time,” says Craig Jackson, professor of occupational health psychology at Birmingham City University.

“Also, Alvin Toffler wrote in the 1970s that the consumption of too much media was causing future shock in people – a form of mental and cognitive inertia as people could not cope with all of the information that was coming at them.”

But what are the reasons behind its drive in popularity in 2024?

“Brain rot captures a shared experience in today’s hyper-digital world, where many of us feel glued to our screens,” notes Touroni. “With the rise of short-form content, like TikTok and Instagram Reels, and the increasing time spent online, the term has struck a chord.

“It also reflects a growing awareness of how our digital habits might be impacting our mental clarity and wellbeing.”

What are the consequences?

“There is no known physical change to the brain or nervous system in those over-exposed to ‘brain rot’ media, but it is both a cognitive and behavioural change,” clarifies Jackson.

And this can encompass a wide range of negative effects.

“The effects can range from difficulty concentrating and reduced productivity to a sense of dissatisfaction or even guilt about wasted time,” says Touroni. “It can also impact mental health, contributing to feelings of stress, anxiety, or a lack of purpose.

“Over time, it can make it harder to focus on meaningful activities or connect with deeper thoughts.”

Here are 6 ways to combat it..

1. Set limits

“Limit access to social media and be disciplined,” advises Jackson. “Restrict use to a few set times a day and for set periods in length.”

2. Find engaging alternatives

“Swap passive scrolling for more enriching activities, like reading a book, journaling, or exploring a creative hobby,” suggests Touroni. “These activities allow your mind to engage in a healthier way.”

3. Get moving

“Regular exercise is a powerful antidote to mental fog,” highlights Touroni. “Even a short walk outdoors can help clear your mind and boost your focus.”

4. Take digital detox breaks

“Although a cliché, a digital detox and going cold turkey from social media can change how users view their relationships with social media,” says Jackson. “A week free from Twitter use will change how it is viewed going forward.”

5. Stimulate your brain in positive ways

“Engage with material that challenges you, like learning a new skill, solving puzzles, or having meaningful conversations,” advises Touroni. “It’s about feeding your mind with quality content.”

6. Be intentional about media choices

“Choose content that aligns with your interests and values, such as documentaries, thoughtful podcasts or books that inspire you,” suggests Touroni.

In a research facility in the northwest of Beijing, molecular biologist Li Jieping and his team harvest a cluster of seven unusually small potatoes, one as tiny as a quail’s egg, from a potted plant, Reuters reported.

Grown under conditions that simulate predictions of higher temperatures at the end of the century, the potatoes provide an ominous sign of future food security.

At just 136 grams (4.8 oz), the tubers weigh less than half that of a typical potato in China, where the most popular varieties are often twice the size of a baseball.

China is the world’s biggest producer of potatoes, which are crucial to global food security because of their high yield relative to other staple crops.

But they are particularly vulnerable to heat, and climate change, driven by fossil fuel emissions, is pushing temperatures to dangerous new heights while also worsening drought and flooding.

With an urgent need to protect food supplies, Li, a researcher at the International Potato Center (CIP) in Beijing, is leading a three-year study into the effects of higher temperatures on the vegetable. His team is focusing on China’s two most common varieties.

“I worry about what will happen in the future,” Li said. “Farmers will harvest fewer potato tubers, it will influence food security.”

Li’s team grew their crop over three months in a walk-in chamber set at 3 degrees Celsius above the current average temperature in northern Hebei and Inner Mongolia, the higher altitude provinces where potatoes are usually grown in China.

Their research, published in the journal Climate Smart Agriculture this month, found the higher temperatures accelerated tuber growth by 10 days but cut potato yields by more than half.

Under current climate policies, the world is facing as much as 3.1 C of warming above pre-industrial levels by 2100, according to a United Nations report released in October.

In Inner Mongolia, dozens of workers clutching white sacks rush to gather potatoes dug up from the soil before the next downpour.

“The biggest challenge for potatoes this year is the heavy rain,” said manager Wang Shiyi. “It has caused various diseases… and greatly slowed down the harvest progress.”

Meanwhile, seed potato producer Yakeshi Senfeng Potato Industry Company has invested in aeroponic systems where plants are grown in the air under controlled conditions.

Farmers are increasingly demanding potato varieties that are higher-yielding and less susceptible to disease, particularly late blight, which caused the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-19th century and thrives in warm and humid conditions.

“Some new and more aggressive (late blight) strains have begun to appear, and they are more resistant to traditional prevention and control methods,” said general manager Li Xuemin, explaining the Inner Mongolia-based company’s strategy.

The research by CIP, which is headquartered in Lima, is part of a collaborative effort with the Chinese government to help farmers adapt to the warmer, wetter conditions.

In the greenhouse outside Li’s lab, workers swab pollen on white potato flowers to develop heat-tolerant varieties.

Li says Chinese farmers will need to make changes within the next decade, planting during spring instead of the start of summer, or moving to even higher altitudes to escape the heat.

“Farmers have to start preparing for climate change,” Li said. “If we don’t find a solution, they will make less money from lower yields and the price of potatoes may rise.”

Victoria police had to carry out a “bizarre” welfare check after a venomous tiger snake slithered up the leg of a driver while she was driving at a major freeway with the speed of 80km/h.

The police said they were contacted and called to Monash Freeway near the Toorak Rd exit in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne on Saturday morning, according to The Guardian. 

They received reports of a woman, barefoot, trying to flag down passing cars.

The police were told by the woman that she had been driving when she felt something on her foot and when she looked to see what it was, she found a snake “slithering up her leg”.

The snake was later identified as a tiger, one of the world’s most venomous and deadly snakes, who had curled up under the steering wheel of the woman’s car.

“Remarkably, she was able to fend the snake off her and weave through traffic before pulling over and leaping out of her car to safety,” the Victoria Police said.

Paramedics were called on the site to make sure that the woman had not been bitten by the snake and luckily a spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria said she had not been hurt and they could not find any puncture wounds on her body.

“Tim from Melbourne Snake Control was contacted, quickly identified the tiger snake (the fourth most venomous snake in the world) and volunteered his services,” the police said. 

“Passing motorists were left in bewilderment as the massive snake was safely removed from the vehicle,” a police spokesperson said.

“And so ended one of the more bizarre welfare checks you’ll ever hear about,” the spokesperson added.

The snake catcher stated that the woman had travelled from the south-west Victoria where the snake is believed to have sneaked into her car and then curled under the steering wheel.

The snake has been taken to a reptile vet to get it checked for parasites and was cleared to be released into a local catchment area, which the catcher said was a “safe place right away from people and pets”.