World

Children's home plans deferred over crime fears

Residents voice concerns over anti-social behaviour in the area, claiming families felt "intimated".

How physical greetings evolved and how they’ll probably change

Over the course of history, human beings have developed some strikingly varied methods of greeting each other, from rubbing noses and kissing cheeks to shaking hands and bowing. However, during the global pandemic, many of these were scaled back drastically for fear of infection, while the more intimate ones may change forever. So, how did physical greetings evolve, and how are they likely to change? Click through the gallery to find out

Here's Why Everyone Is Putting Pickles in Their Dr. Pepper Right Now

"Don't knock it 'til you try it."

What you didn't know about bedbugs

We've all heard the familiar children's rhyme about bedbugs. But there's nothing like having to deal with an actual bedbug infestation! With the recent news of how bedbugs are crawling all over Paris, these pesky pests are making everyone worried ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. But while it's normal to be completely creeped out by them, it's also important to note that bedbug outbreaks are incredibly common. What's more, having all your facts in order is important to properly deal with a bedbug outbreak. Check out this gallery to learn everything you need to know about bedbugs.

Memorable epitaphs from famous gravestones

Words are one of the many forms through which we honor the deceased. Epitaphs come in all sorts of formats, depending on the person they are written for, and by whom. There are some famous dead people who have pretty unique epitaphs craved on their headstones, from poetic to funny. Despite the variety of styles, they all have something in common—they're memorable. In this gallery, you'll discover some of the most beautiful and quirky epitaphs from famous gravesites. Click on.

New Zealand looking into Indian spice brands over contamination

By Rishika Sadam HYDERABAD (Reuters) - New Zealand's food safety regulator on Wednesday said it is investigating possible contamination in spice products of top Indian brands MDH and Everest after they faced scrutiny in other countries. The United States and Australia have been looking into contamination after Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends of MDH and one of Everest,

Mona Lisa background's real-life location thought to be pinpointed for the first time

The studies resulting in this finding have the potential to be groundbreaking in art history.

Straw hat inspo for the sunny days ahead

Straw hats have been around for a long time. The material is easy to work with, it's cheap, and it's surprisingly fresh on a hot summer's day. Straw hats have been adopted by farmers, gardeners, boaters, and many other professionals. But beyond their practical uses, straw hats have also been used as stylish fashion accessories. From the classic boater to the Panama, and wide-brimmed chic straw hats, in this gallery you'll find a bit of everything. And of course, all modeled by your favorite celebrities. Click on!

Middle Age dread: Uncovering some of the most brutal stories from the medieval period

The medieval era, also known as the Middle Ages, spanned from around 500 to the late 1500s in European history. It was a time of great uncertainty, with turmoil, crisis, and lawlessness prevailing. Violent crime was a major concern for medieval governments, who were constantly grappling with its prevalence. Some of the most brutal acts of savagery occurred in the name of religion, while many other episodes were politically motivated, resulting in the spilling of royal blood. In addition, there were common street gangs that roamed the streets engaging in looting, mugging, and even murder. If all this sounds intriguing, click through and investigate these medieval murders, crimes, and misdemeanors.

Is the use of tarot cards safe or sinister?

The tarot first appeared in Italy as a pack of cards in the early 15th century. Originally applied in table games and fortune-telling, the tarot deck was later used for divinatory purposes and developed into a powerful tool for self-discovery and reflection. Today, tarot cards are used widely and read to predict what will happen to someone in the future. But how safe are tarot cards, and can they be used for more malevolent purposes? Click through and shuffle the pack for answers.

Is Charles' portrait a warning about the future of the monarchy?

The 8.5ft-tall oil on canvas by Jonathan Yeo was revealed to the public and the Royal family at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace today.

34 perfect prawn recipes you NEED to try

Fresh or frozen, prawns are incredibly versatile, whether to toss through a stir-fry, poach in a warming curry or sizzle on the barbecue. There's something for everyone in this collection of our best prawn recipes.

Could you live in an optical illusion house?

From hovering homes floating above the ground to mirrored properties hiding in plain sight, these optical illusion houses will really make you look twice.

Nature's deadliest assassins

For all its mesmerizing splendor, the animal kingdom can be a dangerous place to live. Among its millions of diverse residents are some truly menacing creatures: mammals, birds, and insects that can end life in an instant. And guess what? There are species of carnivorous plants out there, too. These natural born killers have devised ingenious ways to lure and capture their prey to make them nature's deadliest assassins. Indeed, they number some of the most fearsome predators on the planet. Intrigued? Click through and be in awe of wildlife with the sneakiest kill tactics.

Houses of horror and other true crime locations

The morbid fascination with those who murder often extends to learning more about the locations in which the killings take place. Houses, apartments, compounds, highways, theaters, and schools are among the places where some of the most heinous crimes have been committed. Many of these properties are rightly demolished after the event, their continued existence otherwise providing an all too painful reminder of what took place inside. But there are scenes of crime that have survived, some as private residences, others as historic landmarks. Intrigued? Click through and discover houses of horror and other true crime locations.

These famous figures returned from the dead

Death is a part of life that we all encounter, and it's usually treated with great seriousness. Despite the finality of death, there are occasions when someone who has been presumed dead unexpectedly reappears. While most examples involve people actually faking their own deaths, there have also been cases where someone was mistakenly believed to be deceased. Click through this gallery to explore shocking stories of individuals who resurfaced after being declared dead..

China retiree, 78, and pole dancing champion wins gold medal, represents country in Asia’s Got Talent contest

Starts hobby to keep fit at 64, loves 'flying in the air', will dance into 80s Says no more inflammation, swollen wrist, enjoys 'conquering' challenges Wearing glamorous make-up, a mini skirt and high heels, Dai Dali, gracefully spins, does the splits and hangs upside down from a pole on stage. It is hard to believe, but Dai is 78 years old. The fo...

From the Kardashians to the Jolie-Pitts: where famous kids go to school

Leo: Your daily horoscope - May 15

Leo: here are your free predictions for the day May 15

Balancing work and family life: Strategies for success

In today's fast-paced world, achieving a harmonious balance between work and family life is a universal challenge. We all strive to be successful at work while nurturing our relationships with loved ones. It's a delicate dance that needs to be managed with caution. Could you use some help? Swipe through to explore strategies to help you excel in both realms.

The countries with the highest divorce rates

Marriage is an almost universal rite of passage, so common across countries and cultures that there are no known societies where it doesn't exist. Sadly, however, sometimes marriages don't work out, for whatever reason. Divorce rates are calculated using available census data from each country. Dividing the number of divorces in a given year by total population yields the crude divorce rate. However, this doesn't take into account that the divorce rate is measured as a percentage of the total population, not in relation to the total number of marriages. Where possible, i.e. there is data available, the divorce rate is taken alongside the marriage rate to come to paint a more accurate picture about a country's rate of divorce. Intrigued? Click on to discover the countries with the highest divorce rates worldwide.

30 businesses you could start at home

Alright, folks, let's bust a myth that's been hanging around for way too long! You know, that idea that starting a business means you need a swanky office, high-end furniture, and an expense account that could rival a Hollywood blockbuster's catering bill? Well, it's time to chuck that notion right out the window! In today's digital age, where creativity knows no bounds, launching a successful business from the comfort of your own home is not just possible, it's pretty darn trendy. It doesn't matter what you do, you can reach your customers/audience through all types of digital channels these days. In this gallery, let's dive into the world of innovative home-based businesses and see how "working from home" has turned into "thriving from home." Ready? Then click on!

Newlyweds defend splashing £40,000 on their wedding

High school sweethearts Kirsty and Sam Harvey , both 33, from Halesowen, West Midlands, tied the knot on last June after being together since they were 16.

How McDonald's REALLY conquered the world

The fascinating rags to riches story of how McDonald's grew from a simple burger bar started by two working class brothers to the world’s biggest fast food chain.

11 Polite Habits House Cleaners Secretly Hate—and What to Do Instead

Your intentions may be good, but these "helpful" habits don't help your house cleaner at all The post 11 Polite Habits House Cleaners Secretly Hate—and What to Do Instead appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Do you know the spring flower of your zodiac sign?

There are many signs the world is making way for spring: warmer temperatures, much longer days, and, of course, the arrival of beautiful, enchanting flowers. Bursting onto the scene in a kaleidoscope of floral colors, they are a welcome reminder of the possibilities of the new season. But did you know there's a spring flower to represent each star sign? Curious? Click on to discover which spring flower best matches your zodiac sign.

Are you guilty of emotional spending?

From time to time, most of us are guilty of some emotional spending. Let's be honest: it's pretty normal to have a bad day and want to ease the pain by buying an item of clothing or a new gadget. However, when it gets out of hand, it can become a serious problem. Click on to discover what emotional spending really is, and how to stop doing it if it's an unhealthy habit for you.

How to be more confident at work

There are some people who seem to start each working day brimming with confidence and self-belief that they will achieve great things. If this is you, and you really do feel that confidence, bravo! However, it is not uncommon to feel a little unsure of yourself or even completely lack confidence at work. Thankfully, there are some things you can do if you do find yourself in this situation. Check out this gallery for some tips on how to be more confident at work.

Cockroach milk: the next superfood?

Dairy-free milk alternatives have gone from strength to strength in recent years, as people forego animal products. Some prefer not to drink dairy for environmental reasons, others are simply lactose intolerant. As people make an individual effort to do their part for climate change, our diet is one of the first places we can look at. However, many people who are trying to eat less meat might struggle to get enough protein from their diet. Cue: insects and creepy crawlies, which are naturally rich in protein. And now, it seems, you can obtain milk from a cockroach! Dystopian, or a dairy-free delight? Click on to find out more.

Nursery left homeless after rent dispute with church

Pre-school boss Emma Martin says families are "devastated" about any possibility of it closing.

Home security mistakes everyone should know about

Avoid these common security mistakes that will leave your house vulnerable to intruders, from beefing up your security to making sure you don't leave your keys near your front door.

The cutting edge of life as a samurai

Samurai have long been revered as iconic and renowned warriors of history. Their exploits have inspired numerous books, movies, and TV shows that help capture the essence of these ancient Japanese warriors. Beyond their well-known code, weaponry, and battle gear, the samurai class played a multifaceted role as guardians of Japan for over six centuries. Keep reading to uncover further fascinating insights into these legendary warriors.

37 genius storage hacks to maximise kitchen space

Make the most of your kitchen space with these 37 storage hacks

John Malkovich Dons White Tie to Play Romanian Conductor Sergiu Celibidache in First Look Image from ‘The Yellow Tie' (EXCLUSIVE)

John Malkovich has transformed into Romanian conductor Sergiu Celibidache in first look images from biopic "The Yellow Tie." "The Yellow Tie" is part of a new spate of conductor biopics that also includes "Tar" and "Maestro." The film, which VMI Worldwide will introduce to buyers in Cannes, spans seven decades of Celibidache's life, with Ben […]

The most influential fashion designers of all time

Indeed, some designers have become iconic names in the fashion industry, and will forever be remembered for their creativity and influence on how we dress. Whether it be by working for major fashion houses or creating their own luxury brands, these designers are true icons. Click through the following gallery to check out the most influential fashion designers of all time.

These are the best canned foods to keep in your pantry

Canned foods often get a bad rap for being high in sodium and sometimes sugar. But it's actually a common misconception that they're not as healthy or flavorful as fresh or frozen options. In reality, they're a pantry essential. Long-lasting, packed with flavor, and often inexpensive, these canned foods make great starting points for simple meals at home. Plus, they can actually be tasty and nutritious, a total win-win situation! Click on for some of the best canned foods to keep in your pantry.

Dine and dash couple hit my pizzeria, says owner

A restaurant owner says two fraudsters could have been stopped sooner after spotting them on CCTV.

Watch out for these "energy vampires"

Feeling emotionally drained after talking with a friend, colleague, or family member? You may be dealing with an energy vampire! Energy vampires are people who, sometimes intentionally or unintentionally, drain your emotional energy. They feed on your willingness to listen and care for them, leaving you exhausted and overwhelmed. Energy vampires can be anywhere and anyone. But once you’ve identified one, you can develop ways to protect yourself, such as setting boundaries and saying "no." Click on to learn more about how an energy vampire works, and what you can do about it.

Signs that someone will grow up to be a millionaire

Many great entrepreneurs showed early signs of having the self-discipline and determination to reach their goals. Nonetheless, becoming a millionaire is a common ambition to have, and most people will say they want to be rich in a way that means they think it is merely a fantasy. However, this does not have to be the case! Take a look through this gallery to see the types of behavior that can lead to becoming a millionaire.

Rediscovering the beauty icons of the 1960s

In retrospect, every decade in history has had its own unique concept of beauty. In the 1990s, there was the trend known as "heroine chic," while the 1950s favored voluptuous blondes, and the Roaring Twenties celebrated boyish flappers. The 1960s were fascinating years, as the decade marked the end of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the beginning of a period of liberation. The second wave of feminism encouraged women to embrace their sexuality in a new and empowering way. However, traditional Hollywood beauty symbols still held prominence in popular culture. Let's see which stars were considered the most beautiful women of the 1960s. Click through the gallery to get started.

Quick and healthy breakfast ideas for a busy morning

Mornings can get real hectic, and making a healthy breakfast may be the last thing on our minds. The good news is that there are plenty of quick and healthy breakfast ideas to try out that guarantee you an energizing start to the day. Click through the following gallery for some great breakfast ideas for a busy morning.

These animals are associated with the devil

There are some animals that, despite being perfectly harmless and innocent of any wrongdoing, are forever associated with evil. These are creatures that some cultures and religions depict as being symbolic of Satan. They are nature's villains, misrepresented and demonized for their appearance and behavior—victims of our own prejudice and superstition. But what beasts are we so afraid of, and why? Click through and get to know the devil's pets.

10 tips and tricks to eliminate the smell of tobacco

These historical figures were incredibly good looking

We're exposed to attractive famous people everywhere we look it seems. But before the age of the internet and indeed the proliferation of photography, how did we know how someone looked like? Luckily, some photos and paintings survived to tell the story. Curious to see who the hottest people in history were? Click on!

How to grow your garden without soil

In a world where concrete jungles are rising up to swallow the landscape, people can find it difficult to carve out enough space to grow plants and vegetables. But even as cities become bigger and gardens become smaller, there is a quiet revolution that is taking hold in the land of agriculture: soilless farming. You might be wondering if it's really possible for plants to grow without soil. And, if so, how much better is it truly when compared to traditional gardening methods? For the answer to those questions and more, click through this gallery as we uncover all the mysteries behind this elusive gardening practice.

Curious facts about witchcraft that will keep you spellbound

If you were accused of being a witch a few centuries ago you could expect to be persecuted, tortured, and burned at the stake. Heresy and black magic were simply not tolerated. But many of those who met a fiery end were totally innocent and died purely because of their religious beliefs. Here are 30 interesting facts and anomalies about witches and witchcraft that will have you spellbound. Click through the gallery to get started.

The best glow-boosting product has finally launched in Australia. And it's currently $20.

Mamamia’s Tried and Tested series is your review of the latest to hit our desks in beauty, health and wellbeing. You won’t find any #sponsored content here, just honest, relatable and independent advice. This week, Mamamia's Beauty Editor trials L'Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion. There's some exciting news swirling around the beauty streets. And it has everyone scrambling to their nearest chemist. ... Continued

Why we're all brushing our teeth wrong

Brushing our teeth is one of the skills we learn early on in life. Many of us have early memories of the adults around us checking we had brushed before school and before bed. Fast forward to adulthood, however, and the reality is that the majority of us don't brush our teeth in a way that optimizes our oral hygiene and health. Luckily for us, there are steps we can take to rectify that fact. Check out this gallery to learn how we are all brushing our teeth wrong.

Jim Chalmers and his wife's big mistake on Budget night

They say politics is showbiz for ugly people. Whether that's true or not, why has Budget night turned into its own showbiz-style extravaganza?

Inside the world's cutest homes, from cottages to cabins

From a tiny treehouse tucked away in an English woodland to a 100-year-old cottage in picturesque Alabama, these are the world's cutest homes