Budget-friendly tips to decorate your house for Ramadan

Eat This, Not That!
Dr. Fauci Says How Precisely You Can Catch COVID
Despite the fact that coronavirus vaccines are being administered, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has said: "Now's the time to double down" on public health measures "because you don't want to let your guard down thinking that vaccines are going to come to the rescue." With cases and deaths rising nationwide, he's got a point. Read on to see how to avoid COVID at this moment—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss this urgent news: Here's How You Can Catch COVID Even If You're Vaccinated. 1 If You Don't Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine As Soon as You Can, You Could Catch COVID-19 Now every adult who is qualified to get a COVID vaccine is eligible. Once 75% or more of us have it—or so, Dr. Fauci says don't get too hung up on the number—"we'll create a veil of protection in our country that we'll be able to put an end to this outbreak," says Fauci. "So it's a very critical period." Is the vaccine safe, you may be wondering? It was developed so quickly after all. "Was that reckless speed? And is that dangerous?" said Fauci. "And the answer to that is absolutely not because the speed is merely a reflection of the extraordinary advances in the science of vaccine platform technology, which has allowed us without compromising safety and without compromising scientific integrity to do something in a matter of months that would normally have taken years." 2 If You Delay Getting Your Vaccine Because You Worry Over Lasting Side Effects, You Are At Risk Fauci reiterated that the vaccines are safe and effective, with only mild side effects, like a pain in the arm or tiredness, if any, despite the possible connection between the Johnson&Johnson vaccine and blood clots. "If you look at the history of vaccinology, there have been virtually no adverse events that are realized years after you've taken the vaccine," he said. "I mean, it's just unheard of…Before a vaccine is even allowed to be put into someone's arm," thanks to testing, "you're already beyond the point where almost all of the history of adverse events have occurred. So although it's not a hundred percent chance that you're not going to have a late effect in some people, it is extraordinarily that you're going to see that." 3 You Must Adhere to "Universal Wearing of Masks" "The idea about having everyone for at least 100 days—at least—wear a mask. Everyone uniformly, so we don't have disparities where some people are adhering to public health measures and others are not," Dr. Fauci has said of President Joe Biden's desire for everyone to wear masks. Because you may spread COVID even after vaccination, it's important to wear a mask. 4 You Must Keep "Physical Distance" "Social distancing, also called 'physical distancing,' means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household," said the CDC. "To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms' length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces." 5 You Must Avoid "Crowds in Congregate Settings" Fauci has wanted against crowds but also groups of people gathering indoors. New York had once capped get-togethers at 10 people. "Ten may even be a bit too much," Fauci has said. "It's not only the number, it's the people who might be coming in from out of town. You want to make sure you don't have people who just got off a plane or a train. That's even more risky than the absolute number."He says indoor dining is still risky. So is travel.RELATED: Most COVID Patients Did This Before Getting Sick 6 You Must Wash "Your Hands as Frequently as You Can" If you touch anything that might have COVID on it, wash your hands. That's more important than washing, say, a bag of groceries. "I do have a bag that I bring into my house. Instead of worrying about the bag, I'll open the bag, and then I'll just wash my hands thoroughly, which is what you should do," Fauci told Yahoo Finance's All Markets Summit. "If you look at the transmissibility, the epidemiology that we have a lot of experience with now, that is very likely a very, very minor, minor aspect of transmissibility. We can't say it's zero, it certainly is real and is finite, but it's minus," Fauci said. 7 How to Stay Safe During This Pandemic "Now we're on the threshold of the vaccine coming to the rescue at the same time, we have a terrible burden of infection and disease," says Fauci. "That's the reason why the one thing we don't want people to say as well, 'vaccines are here, we can just relax public health measures.' You can't—we have to even more so double down now on things….Ultimately vaccines will come to the rescue, but it will take several months before they do." And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
7 minutes ago
Footwear News
Cardi B Goes All-Out 2000s in a Bustier, Glowing White Pumps and These Disputed Skinny Jeans
Gen-Z has a lot to say about skinny jeans these days.
24 minutes ago
Eat This, Not That!
The Most Healthy Benefits of Marijuana, According to Doctors
It's 4/20, a day that has become synonymous with marijuana usage, so what better time to consider the medical benefits of marijuana, according to doctors (as well as the many risks). "Medical marijuana is available as an oil, pill, vaporized liquid and nasal spray, as dried leaves and buds, and as the plant itself," say the experts at the Mayo Clinic. "The herb is typically used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment, loss of appetite and weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, chronic pain and muscle spasms. Research on the use of marijuana for specific conditions shows" the following. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss this urgent news: Here's How You Can Catch COVID Even If You're Vaccinated. 1 Marijuana Might Help Your Glaucoma "Marijuana might reduce the pressure in the eye caused by this eye condition," says the Mayo Clinic. "However, the effect appears to last only a few hours. Some findings indicate that marijuana may decrease blood flow to the optic nerve, increasing the risk for vision loss in people with glaucoma." 2 Marijuana Might Help Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Cancer Treatment "Research has shown that an active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), effectively reduces nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy," says the Mayo Clinic. 3 Marijuana Might Help With Your Pain "Marijuana use might reduce the intensity of shooting or burning pain often due to nerve damage (neuropathic pain) caused by HIV, diabetes and other conditions," says the Mayo Clinic. 4 Marijuana Might Help With Your Spasticity "Marijuana use might reduce muscle stiffness or spasms and urinary frequency caused by multiple sclerosis," says the Mayo Clinic. "It's not clear if marijuana effectively treats seizures."RELATED: Signs You're Getting One of the "Most Deadly" Cancers 5 Final Word From the Doctors—"Use Caution" "Evidence has shown that marijuana can effectively treat chemotherapy-induced nausea. It might also reduce muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and decrease the intensity of neuropathic pain," says the Mayo Clinic. "However, marijuana use can cause cognitive impairment and should be used with caution if you have a mental health condition. In many places marijuana use is considered illegal for any purpose."They note that "medical marijuana use is generally considered safe" but can also cause these extensive side effects:HeadachesDry mouth and dry eyesLightheadedness and dizzinessDrowsinessFatigueNausea and vomitingDisorientationHallucinationsIncreased heart rateIncreased appetiteFor more warnings from the Mayo Clinic, see here, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Signs Your Illness is Actually Coronavirus in Disguise.
37 minutes ago
The Wrap
Anthony Powell, Oscar-Winning Costume Designer, Dies at 85
Anthony Powell, the British costume designer whose decades-long career yielded three Academy Awards, died Sunday at age 85. “My friend, my mentor, Anthony Powell passed away last evening,” fellow designer Scott Traugott announced on Facebook Monday. We have lost a brilliant designer, a true gentleman. I was so honored to follow in his shadow on many productions. A light has dimmed in our universe. He taught me so much, and helped me so much. I will truly miss him. Everything was told with a very funny Hollywood story.” The Costume Designers Guild also confirmed the news in a statement Monday on Facebook: “Legendary English costume designer Anthony Powell passed away last weekend. He will be celebrated in a small, private gathering due to COVID restrictions and is survived by two nieces,” A master of period detail, he earned his Oscars for “Travels With My Aunt” (1972), the Agatha Christie adaptation “Death on the Nile” (1978) and “Tess” (1979). He received additional nominations for two more fantasy-oriented films, Steven Spielberg’s 1991 take on Peter Pan, “Hook” and for Disney’s live-action 2000 film “102 Dalmatians.” Also Read: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2021 (Photos) His feature credits also include “Papillon” (1973), “Buffalo Bill and the Indians” (1976), “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984) and “101 Dalmatians” (1996) and the British spy caper “The Avengers” (1998) with Ralph Fiennes, Uma Thurman and Sean Connery. His most recent screen credit came in in 2006 for the Renée Zellweger-led Beatrix Potter biopic “Miss Potter.” Powell, who got his start designing costumes for British theater, also won a Tony Award for his work on the 1963 revival “School for Scandal” and earned another nomination in 1995 designing the gowns for Glenn Close in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard.” Read original story Anthony Powell, Oscar-Winning Costume Designer, Dies at 85 At TheWrap
38 minutes ago
The Wrap
2021 Webby Awards: Google, HBO and Comedy Central Lead With Most Nominations
The 2021 Webby Award nominations were announced on Tuesday, and Google, HBO and Comedy Central are leading the pack with the most nominations. HBO Max, Peacock, MasterClass, CNN and PBS were all nominated for the best streaming service award for mobile and over-the-top app features. “Stephen Colbert at Home,” Comedy Central, the Fail Army Facebook page and “The Daily Show” Twitter account are all in the running for the humor award. In the viral video category, Billie Eilish’s “Same Interview, the Fourth Year” with Vanity Fair earned a nomination, while James Corden, Jennifer Garner, Gordon Ramsay, Sir David Attenborough and Bon Jovi nabbed nominations in the celebrity/fan social category. Also Read: From Billie Eilish to the Bee Gees: Why Music Documentaries Are Booming In the events and livestreams category, Disney’s “Hamilton” watch party on Twitter, WWE Wrestlemania 36, RMG’s Black Entrepreneurs Day, Adobe’s CoCreate series and NASA’s Launch America all nabbed nominations. The Webby Awards honor excellence on the internet, including websites, video, advertising, media and PR, apps, mobile, voice, social, podcasts and games. More than 13,000 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide were received this year. All nominees are eligible to win two other awards: the Webby Award, selected by The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, and the Webby People’s Voice Award, which is voted on by fans. Voting is open here until May 6 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Winners will be announced on May 18 at a virtual ceremony hosted by Jameela Jamil. Viewers will be able to watch online at the Webby Awards website. Also Read: Jameela Jamil to Host 25th Annual Webby Awards A highlighted list of nominees is below. For the full list, click here. Best Editing, Performance & Craft (Video) Best Ever Food Review Show La Rosalía – Cut+Run Megan Thee Stallion: The New York Times – Cut+Run Vogue “I Love NY” – Modern Post Rolling Stones “Criss Cross” – Object & Animal Best Festival or Concert (Virtual & Remote Features) Exhibit Zero – Momentum WW, Commonwealth/McCann, Weber Shandwick and MRM Save our Stages Fest – Youtube Music ComplexLand – Jam3 Adobe MAX – Adobe 2020 Roots Picnic Virtual Experience – The Oriel Co. Best Host or Personality (Virtual & Remote Features) RZA x TAZO Guided Meditations – Edelman Rock the Runoff Virtual Concert – Markham Group Honor Her Wish – Markham Group Black Entrepreneurs Day – RMG Trevor Noah – The Daily Social Distancing Show – Comedy Central Digital Public Service & Activism (Video) Sincerely, Camille – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Unpack That – The Root A Gift of Joy – Unanimous Media GLAAD x BuzzFeed Present “Drive the Vote” – GLAAD Disability Demands Justice – Ford Foundation Music, General (Virtual & Remote) Diplo vs. The World – Goodby Silverstein & Partners Adult Swim Festival goes global – Adult Swim She Can STEM Concert – Deloitte Digital Moses Sumney – Live from Planet Afropunk – Moses Sumney Kiswe Powers BTS’ Innovative Virtual Concert “Map of the Soul ON:E” – Purpose Worldwide Humor, General (Social) Stephen Colbert At Home – ViacomCBS Digital Comedy Central – Comedy Central Digital Fail Army Facebook – Jukin Media Comments By Celebs – Metro Public Relations The Daily Show Twitter – Comedy Central Digital Best Series, Features (Podcasts) HISTORY This Week – A+E Networks Dr. Death Season 2: Dr. Fata – Wondery Family Secrets – iHeart Podcast Network Truth and Lies: Jeffrey Epstein – ABC News It Was Said – Cadence13 Documentary, Limited-Series & Specials (Podcasts) American Prodigy: Freddy Adu – Blue Wire Podcasts My Friend Ted – Bigsnit Media Consulting Inc. Love Under Lockdown – Paradiso US Wind of Change – Spotify Studios Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? – San Francisco Chronicle Television & Film, General (Podcasts) Office Ladies – Earwolf EW’s BINGE (featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race, Community, and Schitt’s Creek) Sista Brunch Talking Sopranos with Michael Imperioli And Steve Schirripa – The Initiative Group Lovecraft Country Radio – HBO Diversity & Conclusion, General Series (Podcasts) Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America – Vox Media The TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones The Brown Girls Guide to Politics – Wonder Media Hear to Slay – Luminary Jemele Hill is Unbothered – Spotify Studios Crime & Justice, General Series (Podcasts) Bad People – BBC Sounds Evil By Design – CBC Wrongful Conviction- Junk Science – Signal Co. No1 Truth and Lies: Jeffrey Epstein – ABC News Scam Goddess – Team Coco Events & Livesteams (Social Content Series & Campaigns) Launch America: U.S. Astronauts Launch from U.S. Soil – NASA Adobe’s CoCreate Series – Adobe Create Magazine Black Entrepreneurs Day – RMG WWE WrestleMania 36 – WWE Hamilton – Twitter Watch Party – Disney Best Streaming Service (Mobile & OTT App Features) CNN – CNN NBCUniversal Peacock Television App – NBCUniversal HBO Max – Best Streaming Service – HBO Max PBS Video App – PBS MasterClass – MasterClass Television & Film (General Websites and Mobile Sites) ESPN – House of ’98 – R/GA Huluween – The Screamlands – Hulu Netflix FYSEE 360 – Subvrsive Walt Disney Animation Studios – Walt Disney Animation Studios The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Hello Design Television & Film (Social Video) Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical – Marathon Digital Disney+ Library Stunt Video – Disney SCOOB- #SCOOBDance TikTok Challenge – Warner Bros. Entertainment Westworld Season 3 Social Video – HBO Father of the Bride Part 3ish – Netflix Sports (General Social) NBA 2K League – National Basketball Association @NBA Instagram – Most followed, most viewed and most engaged sports league account on Instagram – NBA theScore – Instagram – Score Media and Gaming Inc. WWE social media – WWE SportsCenter On Instagram – ESPN Celebrity/Fan (General Social) Island Records: Sing Bon Jovi – BBDO New York Sir David Attenborough on Instagram – Studio Silverback Gordon Ramsay & Ramsay in 10 – Studio Ramsay Jennifer Garner (specifically the Pretend Cooking Show series) – Jennifer Garner The Late Late Show with James Corden – ViacomCBS Digital Media & Entertainment (General Virtual & Remote) Vought Experience – Amazon Prime Video The Daily Social Distancing Show – Comedy Central Digital Insecure: Virtual Premiere Block Party – HBO Dispatches From Elsewhere ARG – AMC Networks Virtual HBCU Homecoming – L2C Studios Viral, General Video (Video) Billie Eilish: Same Interview, The Fourth Year | Vanity Fair – Conde Nast Entertainment #WouldYouHireTrump Samirah Raheem Slut Walk Video – IMG Models Explaining the Pandemic to my Past Self – Feeling Peckish Inc. The Girls Have Spoken! – 1/33 Productions News & Politics, Social Content Series & Campaigns (Social) Complex’s ‘Pull Up & Vote’ Campaign #VoteBecause – nonproft Decoded, an MTV News Production When the vote made all the difference – CBS News Go There – CNN Technology, General Series (Podcasts) In Machines We Trust – MIT Technology Review Should This Exist? – WaitWhat Hacker Valley Studio Get WIRED Equity – TechCrunch Entertainment, Video Series & Channels (Video) Keke Palmer’s “Turnt Up With The Taylors” – Kids at Play Sesame Street YouTube Channel Honest Trailers – FANDOM Variety’s Actors on Actors Beeing at Home with Samantha Bee – TNT/TBS/TruTV Documentary, General Series (Podcasts) Slow Burn: David Duke – Slate The FRONTLINE Dispatch The Big Steal – Fresh Air Production Say Their Name – Acast Black History in Two Minutes – Hidden Empire Film Group News & Politics, General Series (Podcasts) How to Sell a Massacre: Al Jazeera Investigates Extra What A Day – Crooked Media In The Thick Our America with Julián Castro – Lemonada Media Today, Explained – Vox Media Podcast Network Read original story 2021 Webby Awards: Google, HBO and Comedy Central Lead With Most Nominations At TheWrap
52 minutes ago
Eat This, Not That!
Peloton Refuses to Recall Treadmill After 39 Accidents
A Government watchdog agency has issued an "urgent" warning about Peleton's treadmill after many incidents of children—and a pet—being injured, 39 in all, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Peleton itself had previously announced at least one child had died. In a statement released over the weekend, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission "staff believes the Peloton Tread+ poses serious risks to children for abrasions, fractures, and death," the agency said in its announcement. "In light of multiple reports of children becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the product, CPSC urges consumers with children at home to stop using the product immediately." Read on to find out more about the controversy—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss this urgent news: Here's How You Can Catch COVID Even If You're Vaccinated.The "Urgent Warning" Came After a Child's Death, Says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission"The urgent warning," says the agency, "comes less than a month after Peloton itself released news of a child's death by a Peloton Tread+ and CPSC's announcement of an investigation into that incident…. It is believed that at least one incident occurred while a parent was running on the treadmill, suggesting that the hazard cannot be avoided simply by locking the device when not in use. Reports of a pet and objects being sucked beneath the Tread+ also suggest possible harm to the user if the user loses balance as a result."RELATED: Signs You're Getting One of the "Most Deadly" CancersThe Peloton CEO and Co-Founder Refused to Recall the TreadmillJohn Foley, Peleton CEO and Co-Founder, responded to the Commission by refusing to recall the product. You may "have read news reports suggesting that CPSC believes that we should stop selling or recall the Tread+," he wrote in a blog post. "I want to assure you that we have no intention of doing so. The Tread+ is safe when our warnings and safety instructions are followed, and we know that, every day, thousands of Members enjoy working out safely on their Tread+.""But I urge you to stay vigilant," he continued. "Remember, the Tread+ is not for children under 16, and children, pets, and objects need to be kept away from the Tread+ at all times. When the Tread+ is not in use, store the Safety Key away from the Tread+ and out of reach of children. Our Tread instructors remind us at the beginning and end of each class to keep these safety instructions top of mind. In addition, many of you have chimed in on social media in recent weeks to share helpful tips, such as working out during naptime, having someone watch the kids while you work out, or using a baby gate to keep children, pets, and objects away. Thank you for sharing those suggestions with our community.""Our hearts go out to Members who have had an incident where a child or pet was injured and who want their privacy at this time," he added. "As a parent myself, I hope that our Peloton community continues to treat each other with respect and compassion." As for yourself: To get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
an hour ago
Eat This, Not That!
Costco Is Warning Its Customers About These 13 Online Scams
Costco offers shoppers many ways to save money, and sometimes those deals can be found online. But the warehouse chain is raising awareness about several scams floating around the internet right now promising customers free products and coupons.The fraudulent Costco scams come from fake satisfaction surveys, Facebook Posts, texts, offers, emails, giveaways, job interviews, and more. Typically the creators use these methods to engage in things like credit card theft, capturing login credentials, and identity theft, according to online security provider Norton.Related: Costco Foods You Should Always Avoid, According to NutritionistsOne Costco scam promises participating in a 30-second survey gets you exclusive rewards amounting to over $500. Another tells customers that since they pay their bills on time, they are eligible for a free Samsung 4K HDTV. And another uses a text with a link to get people to click on a 2% cash reward redemption. To see the full list of the scams with pictures, head to Costco's website."These offers are not from Costco Wholesale," the chain says on its website. "You should not visit any links provided in messages such as these, and you should not provide the sender any personal information."It's not uncommon for these types of scams like the Costco ones to pop up as you browse, but can be quite a nuisance. "These experiences can be costly and, frankly, kind of humiliating," says Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson. "You find yourself wondering why you didn't see it coming."One deal that's not a scam? Costco is now selling a Nespresso machine! The coffee maker is now available on the website and in warehouses for $169.99. It includes the machine, an Aeroccino3 milk frother, 42 espresso capsules, 2 capsule recycling bags, a descaling kit, and a $35 coupon for Nespresso.com.To get all the latest Costco news delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter!
2 hours ago
Eat This, Not That!
5 "Red Flags" After Your COVID Vaccine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Food and Drug Administration, all three of the COVID-19 vaccines—Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson&Johnson—are "safe and effective." However, side effects—the majority mild and temporary—are totally normal. There are also a few potential side effects that aren't so normal and can even be considered red flags. Read on to learn what they are—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Signs Your Illness is Actually Coronavirus in Disguise. 1 You Experience Blood Clot Symptoms Severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath are all signs you could be experiencing a blood clot after receiving the Johnson&Johnson vaccine. During an interview with Martha Raddatz on ABC's This Week, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to the President and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, discussed "red flags" regarding the J&J vaccine. When asked why not just pause distribution of the vaccine in the demographic experiencing blood clot—women between the ages of 18 to 48—Fauci pointed out that the FDA wants to make sure "they're not missing something." He explained that "oftentimes when you're dealing with adverse events, you get an indication that something is wrong, which is what those six cases were a bit of a red flag," he said. "Then when you look more deeply into it, you see other things. So if you're going to pause, you might as well just pause period, and then get back into it as soon as you possibly can." 2 You Experience a Severe Allergic Reaction Watch out for allergic reactions, including hives, swelling, or wheezing. "If you had a severe allergic reaction—also known as anaphylaxis—after getting the first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, CDC recommends that you not get a second shot of that vaccine," the CDC says on their website. "If the reaction was after an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), you should not get a second shot of either of these vaccines. An allergic reaction is considered severe when a person needs to be treated with epinephrine or EpiPen© or if they must go to the hospital."Also, "if you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911." 3 Redness or Tenderness in the Shot Area Worsens While in most cases, "discomfort from pain or fever is a normal sign that your body is building protection," if you experience redness or tenderness in the area where you got the shot that worsens after 24 hours, the CDC suggests contacting your MD. 4 Your Side Effects Don't Go Away If any of the "normal" side effects—including pain, redness or swelling in the injection area or fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, nausea—don't seem to go away after a few days, you should call your doctor ASAP. RELATED: Most COVID Patients Did This Before Getting Sick 5 You Experience COVID Symptoms COVID-19 symptoms can closely mirror vaccine side effects. However, if you think you may have contracted the virus itself after getting vaccinated, you should consider it a red flag and contact your MD immediately. You should also get tested as soon as possible. Dr. Fauci has reported a small fraction of "breakthrough" cases, possibly caused by variants. 6 Keep Protecting Yourself and Others So follow Fauci's fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear a face mask that fits snugly and is double layered, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
2 hours ago
Esquire
I Took the Advice in ‘Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus’ 30 Years Later
It couldn’t hurt to read the most iconic marriage manual of my parents’ generation…right?
2 hours ago
The Telegraph
‘We made the difficult decision to keep my cancer a secret from our children’
Some people might be surprised to learn that I initially kept my cancer diagnosis a secret from my family – including my two children. I run a digital health platform (myfreda.com) that aims to break the stigma around periods and menopause, so I’m accustomed to talking openly about bodies. But at the time, my husband and I felt that it was the right decision for our family. In the months before my diagnosis, I had been experiencing some irregular bleeding, which I put down to early menopause. However, my husband is a gynaecologist and he suspected it might be more. I went for a consultation alone, where I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. At the time, I was completely lost for words; you never think it is going to happen to you. Later that night, I told my husband and his face went blank. He blamed himself for not making me get it checked out sooner. We made the difficult decision to keep my cancer a secret from our children, who were aged 19 and 20, and my wider family, until we knew exactly what we were dealing with. Although it felt strange to hide it from them, both of them were at university and we didn’t want to burden them with any uncertainty. We agreed that we would tell them once we knew exactly how far along the cancer was, and what treatment I needed. Those first few weeks were difficult. I remember walking into the kitchen and having my first panic attack when I saw my husband and son cooking together. Later down the line my friend, who is a therapist, said it was because my mind was processing what life could look like if I wasn’t there any more. I had surgery to remove the tumour, but because the cancer had extended beyond the bladder wall I was left with two options: a cystectomy to remove the bladder, or chemotherapy. I opted for chemotherapy, and at that point we told our immediate family. Given the side-effects of the treatment, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to hide the cancer for long. My daughter dealt with my diagnosis well, but my son found it a lot harder to process. I remember him asking two questions: “Are you going to lose your hair?” and “Are you going to die?” I assured him: “Not if I can help it.” However, my mum felt betrayed that I hadn’t told her straight away. I explained to her that it was my cancer, and that was how I wanted to deal with it. Throughout my treatment – a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy – we only confided in a handful of close friends. Telling them felt like the hardest thing, as I didn’t want the responsibility of them knowing. However, I lost some of my hair during the treatment so it slowly became more obvious that I had cancer. Sometimes we would be out on a walk and bump into a friend, who would say I looked tired or ask about my hair. I was always honest and said I had cancer, although I didn't go out of my way to tell people. I wanted to keep living my life as normal, without letting the cancer define me. The treatment worked, but I still live with a lot of uncertainty between check-ups. A cancer diagnosis is an incredibly personal thing, so I understand why Helen McCrory chose to keep hers private. Looking back, it was the best decision for our family and I wouldn't change how I did things. For information and support on cancer, contact Macmillan’s support line on 0808 808 00 00 or visit the website Read more: ‘My mum kept her cancer secret too – and it's left a lifetime of sadness’ Read more: ‘Why I didn’t want anyone to know I had cancer’
2 hours ago
The Guardian
A frou frou boob tube and metallic pink trousers: the outfits readers can’t wait to wear
A frou frou boob tube and metallic pink trousers: the outfits readers can’t wait to wear. After a year in fleeces, leggings and pyjamas, many of us are yearning for escapist dressing – from bespoke suits to peep-toe shoes
2 hours ago
The Telegraph
Why I've felt safer in Africa than in Europe during the pandemic
On a map of the UK Government’s current Covid ‘no-go’ nations, sub-Saharan Africa rages alarmingly red. To date, 17 countries have been designated viral hotbeds, forcing returning travellers to fork out for overpriced mandatory stints in government managed hotels – not the sort of staycation any of us are keen to take. From the outside, most of the continent looks like a corona danger zone. Yet for large parts of the pandemic Africa has been my safe place. Since October last year, I’ve been hopping across the equator, watching waves rise, fall and ebb away as a tsunami of cases flooded Europe. At home, in London, I felt forever shadowed by a dark cloud, dragged down by daily death counts, poor political judgements and the fear this disaster would never end. Africa afforded some desperately needed escapism: skies were clearer, the sun shone brighter, and attitudes to life – and death – were as refreshing as the vast open spaces and clean air. In the very early stages of the pandemic, it was assumed ‘poor’ African countries would be unable to cope. True, many hospitals are under-resourced, and millions of people walk a tightrope along the poverty line. But any shortfall in funds is countered by experience; medics have dealt with deadly diseases such as AIDS, Ebola and tuberculosis for decades and many laboratories already had suitable protocols in place. Countries like Kenya, Botswana and Uganda locked down immediately, closing borders and airports when cases were still relatively low. Too arrogant to take heed, it took us ten months to wake up and do the same – and we regretfully paid the price. On two occasions in the last six months I’ve travelled through Rwanda, taking multiple, easily accessible PCR tests to visit chimps and gorillas. From office workers to agriculturalists, everyone wore masks and even the shabbiest market stalls had a freestanding wash basin and sanitiser station set up. For a few blissful days, I floated in my own little bubble. With so much citizen compliance – and so few cases – I’m baffled why Rwanda remains on our 'red list'.
3 hours ago
Esquire
In 'Hot Stew,' Fiona Mozley Takes Aim at Gentrifying Cities
Mozley discusses why the medieval period inspires her, and what she hopes and fears for modern cities riven by income inequality.
3 hours ago
The Telegraph
The Break Debate: What actually is a 'staycation'?
The last year has asked many questions of us as a species – but none, of course, more pressing than this: is a ‘staycation’ a holiday in your own country, or a holiday in your own home? For half the population – let’s spice things up a bit by calling them Remainers, shall we? – it’s absolutely clear that a staycation is a holiday housed strictly under your own roof (“I am prepared to die to defend this point,” said reader Mike Taylor when completing our Twitter poll on the subject).
4 hours ago
The Guardian
Terry Pratchett’s debut turns 50: ‘At 17 he showed promise of a brilliant mind’
Terry Pratchett’s debut turns 50: ‘At 17 he showed promise of a brilliant mind’. Written while he was a teenager, published when he was 23 and rewritten when he was 43, The Carpet People is being honoured with an anniversary edition
4 hours ago
The Telegraph
I escaped my river cruise for a Black Forest adventure by bike
Cruises aren’t known for returning you home fit as a fiddle and a few pounds lighter. On a river cruise, where you can stroll from one end of the boat to the other in around a minute, all that sleep, (over)eat, repeat is even more likely to take its toll. I’m no treadmill-pounder but, equally, I get antsy at the thought of lolling about on a lounger all day. The nature of my eight-day Rhine cruise, with a new destination to see each day, meant I’d have plenty to explore, but I fancied something a bit more off the beaten track. An e-bike ride through the Black Forest sounded just the ticket. Eight hours of cycling through an area of southern Germany known for its beautiful landscapes; where the Brothers Grimm took inspiration for their tales, and deep woodlands and rolling valleys meet medieval villages, Hansel and Gretel-style houses and cuckoo clocks. There was also the promise of its eponymous gateau. Cardio, cake and photo ops aside, I was apprehensive as the day approached. A 26-mile bike ride, when my most recent consistent stretch of exercise was the daily run for the bus, is a substantial distance. There was a strong possibility I’d be greeted by a sea of padded cycling shorts and sturdy calves. The only solace was that we would be on e-bikes. I’d never ridden one, but they had to be easier than pure pedal-power. Moments after stepping ashore to meet the group at Breisach, it was panic over. This was no Lycra fest. I clocked the guy with a handlebar moustache in jeans and hiking boots, and then all the others, guides included, in casual attire (and largely inappropriate footwear). We looked like we were off for a picnic, rather than an all-day jaunt on two wheels. After a wobbly test loop of the car park to check I hadn’t defied the old “you never forget how to ride a bike” adage, I listened in as guides Lydia and Nick talked through the plan for the day, took our lunch orders, and explained the bike settings: “‘Trail’ is nice for the flats. Choose ‘turbo’ for the hills. Use "turbo" the whole way if you like, but you’ll likely run your battery down.” Turns out e-bikes do not charge as you cycle – who knew?
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How far can I travel in the UK? The destinations likely to make the 'green list' Advice: Travel insurance and the traffic light system Sign up to the Telegraph Travel newsletter The US has added some 130 countries to its Do Not Travel list, accounting for 80 per cent of the planet, raising concerns the country will not open a transatlantic corridor with the UK in May. The United States' State Department said the Covid-19 pandemic "continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers" and urged Americans to "reconsider all travel abroad". Travel to the remaining 20 per cent of countries is also discouraged. The full list of banned destinations has not yet been made public, with guidance for each individual country expected next week, however, it dashes hopes for the introduction of a UK-US travel corridor from May 17, when the UK Government intends to resume overseas travel. The UK is due to confirm its "green" list of countries on May 10, with the US expected to be one of the few places Britons can visit without the need to quarantine on return, but there has not yet been any official confirmation. Last week a report by UK airlines highlighted that a ban on transatlantic travel costs the UK £23million a day. Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss said successful vaccine rollouts on both sides of the Atlantic presented "a clear opportunity to safely introduce a transatlantic corridor from 17 May." The US is the UK's fourth most popular destination for overseas travel, with 4.8million Britons visiting in 2019. Scroll for updates.
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