Wild animals shouldn't be kept as pets. It's like a prison sentence...
And we don't just mean the teensy-weensy pooches that Hollywood starlets plop in their Gucci shoulder bags, before schlepping them on to the red carpet for a photo opportunity.
No, apparently some Americans also own pet zebras, which are very difficult to squeeze into a shoulder bag, Gucci or otherwise.
They also don't particularly enjoy being pets, which probably explains why a zebra named Ed did a runner in Tennessee.
The stripey escape artist seemed to be enjoying his freedom. Unfortunately those pesky humans managed to nab him, and he was airlifted in a giant net back to his owner.
Reader Bruce Martin was telling his wife, Sally, about the great escape and the even greater capture.
'That's horrible,' winced Sally. 'Wild animals shouldn't be kept as pets. It's like a prison sentence for the poor things.'
'It's not so bad for a zebra,' reasoned Bruce. 'They're already behind bars.'
Mind your language
The audacious Diary is daring to venture where few adults (who aren't in possession of a teacher's certificate) have the boldness to tread.
That's right, folks. We're tip-toeing through the school gates of Scotland's schools to discover what the young scholars have been up to.
An English teacher in one of Glasgow's finer educational establishments tells us that a curious student wanted to know: 'Where do they speak jargon?'
Read more: When a Glasgow teacher gives a young scholar dietary advice...
Money matters
These are fiscally ferocious times.
Inflation isn't just through the roof, it's now blasting into the stratosphere and will soon be colliding with one of Elon Musk's rockets.
Thankfully reader Brenda Collins knows how to scrimp and save.
'I'm great at budgeting,' she boasts. 'Unless there's a dress I want, or a great new wine bar opened in town, or I'm desperate to buy my 100th pair of high heels…'
Work or shirk?
Overheard by reader Mark Talbot on a Newton Mearns bus.
One teenage girl said to her pal: 'My mum wants me to study really hard and go to uni. But why should I? Being intelligent is so uncool.'
Bad habit
When a pal of Trish Cummings slipped a packet of cigarettes from her bag, Trish said: 'You told me you'd stopped smoking for good.'
'I did,' nodded the pal. 'Now I smoke for evil.'
Fine without spine
Politically engaged reader Craig Ellis points out: 'The fact that jellyfish have survived for 650 million years despite not having brains or a spine gives hope to the entire political class in Holyrood.'
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I work in a doggy daycare and would never own these 10 breeds – they're stinky, unhealthy, fart & attack me at work
Plus, the breed which sheds fur everywhere RUFF TIMES I work in a doggy daycare and would never own these 10 breeds – they're stinky, unhealthy, fart & attack me at work Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT can be hard to know which dog breed is best for you - but one professional has given her advice. May, who has worked at a doggy daycare for eight years, shared 10 breeds that she would never have herself. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The dog professional said she would be put off by both English and French bulldogs Credit: TikTok/@notnutmeggyy 5 She also was against owning pitbulls Credit: TikTok/@notnutmeggyy On her @notnutmeggyy account, she shared a video which has racked up 46,000 likes, of the dogs that have some off-putting drawbacks, in her opinion. She added that her list is from her 'personal experience' and not every single dog from that breed shows the negative traits. The first up was an English bulldog, which, although it can be adorable, was one to avoid due to being 'stinky' and 'so unhealthy'. She added that the one had even tried to attack her recently which was another strike against the breed. More on dogs COCKA-POO! The six dog breeds most likely to get DIARRHOEA revealed by scientists French bulldogs were also on her banned list for being 'unhealthy' and 'overbred.' Next up was a German Shepherd, who made the list due to their 'crazy anxiety'. She added that she would not be able to keep up with their energy and she would only consider getting a senior one. Fourthly, was a Chow Chow, as she said they aren't great with anyone other than their owner. On a side note, she said their 'purple' tongues 'freak' her out. Pugs also made the list for 'not being healthy', barking too much, 'farting' too much and shedding. Laura Anderson shocks fans as she reveals her dog has BITTEN her daughter, 1, twice - but she's not giving him up Foxhounds were also a no-go, although she said she loves them other than the fact they are 'too loud.' Pitbulls, staffies and bullies also made the list as "aggression" is in their genes. In the UK, it is against the law to own certain types of dogs, including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. Additionally, XL Bully dogs are banned in England and Wales. The top 10 dog breeds the professional would never own MAY, who posts under @notnutmeggyy, and who has worked at a doggy daycare for eight years, shared 10 breeds that she would not own... English Bulldog French Bulldog German Shepherd Chow Chow Pug Foxhound Pitbull, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie), Bully Pomeranian Husky Jack Russell Terrier It is also illegal to sell, abandon, give away, or breed from any of these banned dogs. May added that pitbulls are nearly always on Apoquel or anxiety medication, and also have allergies. The next dog on her list was a Pomeranian as they can be 'aggressive' and 'way too loud.' 5 Pugs also made the list for 'not being healthy' and barking too much Credit: Getty 5 Huskies were found to be 'loud af' and the 'shedding goes crazy' Credit: Getty 5 She said she'd encountered a lot of 'aggressive' Jack Russells Credit: Getty Another gripe she had was how much grooming they require. Dog number nine was a husky as they are 'loud af', she doesn't live in a cold climate and 'shedding goes crazy.' Finally, she recommended people don't buy Jack Russells as she's encountered so many "aggressive" ones and also she 'doesn't want to play fetch 24/7.' While many people agreed with her selection, the list also ruffled a few feathers with dog owners. One said: 'As I sit here on the couch with my 3 pitties who have zero allergies and no aggressive tendencies.' Another added: 'I won't tolerate English bulldog slander! They're wonderful dogs.' And a third commented: 'Worth noting that the majority of these qualities aren't found in well-bred versions of these dogs.'
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ed Sheeran's bitter family rift as star faces backlash for identity confession
Ed Sheeran's confession that he identifies culturally as Irish caused backlash online, but his heritage comes after his grandparents' love story which was portrayed in his hit tune, Nancy Mulligan Ed Sheeran has faced backlash following his candid interview with Louis Theroux, in which the singer claimed he 'identifies culturally' as Irish. The Shape of You star, 34, opened up to the journalist on his podcast, revealing his family's heritage. Ed, who was born in Halifax and raised in Suffolk before moving to London to pursue his dreams, recalled his childhood holidays to Ireland. He explained to Louis how his dad, one of eight siblings, is from Belfast. He was born to Nancy Mulligan and William Sheeran. While Nancy was a Catholic from the Republic of Ireland, William was a Protestant who was born in Northern Ireland. The duo fell in love during the Second World War, with their connection causing tension on both sides of the family. Despite the furore from their families, Nancy and William enjoyed a marriage spanning almost seven decades. William died in 2013, while Ed mourned his grandmother's death in 2023, aged 98. The bitter fallout was Ed's inspiration behind his huge hit from 2017 titled after his grandmother. During her funeral, Ed's dad referenced the love story in his speech. He said: "Mum met Dad, a dental student, at a Guy's nurses' home party. Friendship turned into love, but the Northern Ireland Presbyterian side of dad's family did their utmost to end the relationship. "Their wedding was attended by only one family member – mum's twin sister Peggy. They lived above that dental surgery in South London with a growing family. Eventually five boys and three girls. Mum joked to us that she had originally wanted 11 children so she could feel the football or cricket team." Speaking of his heritage, Ed told The Louis Theroux Podcast. "I class my culture as Irish. I think that's what I grew up with. My mum's family is very, very small, it's her and her parents, and my dad's family is… he's got seven brothers and sisters. "We'd spend all of our holidays in Ireland. My first musical experiences were in Ireland, I grew up with trad music in the house. So I identify culturally as Irish, but I was obviously born and raised in Britain.". He added: "I do feel like my culture is something that I'm really proud of and grew up with and want to express. And I feel like just because I was born in Britain doesn't necessarily mean that I have to just be (British), there's loads of people I know that are half this or quarter this." He also admitted the country was "basically my second home musically". " I'd say Ireland is the place that I am most successful musically," he claimed. However, he was met with mixed response to his comments online. "They can have him," one Twitter /X user fumed. "Why can't he just identify as himself," asked another. There were comments of support too, though, with one user explaining: "It's not where you're born. It's your bloodline that determines what you are. "Cliff Richard was born in India. Is he Indian? You can be born anywhere in the world. That doesn't automatically make you part of that culture."
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks Spanish as he describes ‘dream' Real Madrid move
The 26-year-old England international, who has signed a six-year deal after his contract with Liverpool expired, was watched by his family as he spoke confidently at his official presentation ahead of a press conference. His choice to speak in the language of his new club and not English surprised many but showed the preparation which had gone into this move, something for which he was criticised by sections of the Liverpool fanbase after leaving the club on a free transfer. 👕 #WelcomeTrent 👕 — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 12, 2025 'This doesn't happen every day, it's a dream come true and I'm very happy and proud to be here,' he said after his 20-year association with Liverpool officially came to an end. 'I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play; I'm going to give my all for the team and Real Madrid fans. 'I want to show those fans how I play, I want to win many titles and I want to be a winner here and enjoy playing alongside the many great players.' Alexander-Arnold, wearing a black suit and tie, sat next to girlfriend Estelle Behnke as a video montage was played of his best moments in a Liverpool shirt, inevitably featuring his two assists in the 4-0 Champions League semi-final comeback against Real's arch-rivals Barcelona. Trent Alexander-Arnold speaking in fluent Spanish at his Real Madrid unveiling 🇪🇸 — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 12, 2025 His mum Dianne, sat alongside his dad Michael and brothers Tyler – his agent – and Marcell – could be seen wiping away tears as the video concluded. Real president Florentino Perez described Alexander-Arnold as: 'A player who has won everything, one of the best defenders and full-backs in world football. 'One on the greatest players worldwide is joining this club and hopefully we can write a new page in the history books.'
