From dusted-off bikes to electric dreams: UK green economy booms on back of Covid-19
The queues were “absolutely crazy”, says Gavin Hudson, the owner of the cycle repair startup Butternut Bikes. As lockdown descended he began fixing old bikes in the parking lot of a Methodist church in north London, before moving his services to a furloughed pub in Crouch End. However, the surge in demand for cycle repairs…
Miss Manners: Mom-to-be wonders about a drive-by baby shower?
Dear Miss Manners: I am expecting my first child in August. What to do about the baby shower? I'm disappointed to miss the chance to gather with our friends and family, and like many couples, we would greatly appreciate gifts. Sweet toys and blankets will be loved today and treasured keepsakes tomorrow, and more practical…
Hints From Heloise: Script savings
Dear Heloise: Do you have any hints about how to save money on prescription medications?— Helen in OhioHelen in Ohio: I sure do. At your appointment, ask the doctor if your medication has a generic brand. Also ask about any alternatives, possibly homeopathic treatments, that might work for you.Be sure to inquire about free samples.…
Say oui to ennui: how to face, and even embrace, your boredom
There’s a murky undercurrent to this week’s story about the French worker awarded €40,000 in damages by a court who agreed that his employers had subjected him to “boreout”; the condition of having so little to do that one’s mental health is seriously affected.What lies beneath the story of Frédéric Desnard’s tenure at a luxury…
Are Medical Masks Effective Against the Coronavirus Disease?
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in nearly 10 million cases and almost half a million deaths.While infection rates are dropping in most countries, it is still critical to protect yourself and others.This will help “flatten the curve” and ensure that the world can move forward out of the coronavirus pandemic.There are a number of ways…
Ugly produce is the best bargain at farmers markets. Here’s how to buy and...
We all grew up hearing that it’s not what’s on the outside but the inside that counts, that you can’t judge a book by its cover, and all those other oft-repeated pieces of wisdom. Of course, as we’ve learned, those things apply to food, too.Ugly produce, misfit produce, whatever you want to call it: Those…
Summer sipping doesn’t get much better than these five wines under $20
From left, Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot Number 69, Spellbound Petite Sirah 2017, Daou Rosé 2019, A to Z Rosé 2019, Keuka Spring Dry Rosé 2019. (The Washington Post)Here’s an all-American lineup of five “great value” wines, all under $20, to enjoy during your July 4 cookouts. We have three stellar rosés from California’s…
Miss Manners: No social media? No need to explain.
Dear Miss Manners: Please provide a polite, subject-closing way to let people know I have no intention of joining the world of social media. People become quite angry when I say this, presumably because they think I am judging them for wasting time.I am a teacher, and my profession depends on discretion and moral behavior:…
The Benefits of Having The Essential Oil Diffuser in Your Home
Have you seen homes, workspaces, and relaxation centers keeping an essential oil diffuser?You may think that it is a part of the interior decor essential. Well, yes it is. But along with it being an interior essential, it is an amazing essential that takes care of many health aspects.We all know that the essential oils…
BAME women make up 55% of UK pregnancy hospitalisations with Covid-19
More than half of pregnant women who were admitted to hospital with coronavirus in the UK were from a black and minority ethnic background, a study has found, prompting experts to issue guidance for midwives to remain on high alert and lower the threshold for diagnosis by medical professionals.The study found that 55% of pregnant…