Latest news with #Marmite
Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
In London, the fox has its own ambulance service when it needs help
PADDOCK WOOD, England (AP) — The injured fox is cornered in a cage, teeth bared and snarling at the woman trying to help it. Nicki Townsend is unfazed. Wearing only rubber gloves and an outfit suitable for a yoga class, she approaches with soothing words. 'All right, baby,' she coos as she deftly drapes a towel over his head, grabs him by the scruff of his neck, scoops up his wounded legs and moves him to a clean cage. It's not the way her day typically begins, but there's nothing routine about rescuing foxes. 'You can never predict what you're going to arrive at,' Townsend said. While not as visible as phone boxes or double-decker buses, the red fox is a fixture in London, a city not known for its wildlife. But living on the streets, alleys and back gardens of a dense urban environment can be rough and when foxes need help, they have their own ambulance service — and Townsend may be on her way. The foxes didn't invade London so much as adapt and expand their range inward as the city spread to their habitat in the 1930s and suburbs grew. Love 'em or hate 'em But people and the bushy-tailed member of the canine family have not always lived in harmony, and the species has admirers and adversaries. For everyone enchanted seeing a fox trotting nonchalantly down their street at dusk or basking in a sunny backyard, there are plenty who see them as pests. They poop where they like, tear into garbage and the vixens in heat let out terrifying shrieks in the dead of winter when attracting a mate. 'It's like Marmite with foxes,' Townsend said, referring to the food spread that is an acquired and divisive taste. 'You either love them or hate them.' The divide between the two camps led Trevor Williams to found what became The Fox Project nearly 35 years ago. Once a bass player in the rock group Audience that opened for Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, Williams had been active in the campaign to stop fox hunting when he redirected his protection efforts to the city, where foxes were once routinely killed. 'Because of the myths that have occurred over the years, there's still a lot of suspicion about what foxes might be,' Williams said. 'You know, they're going to bite the baby, they're going to eat the cat, they're going to run away with your husband.' The project has since grown from providing information on deterring foxes to rescuing 1,400 a year, including 400 cubs, though only about half survive to be released. City offers cheap eats and unique hazards There are estimated to be 15,000 foxes in London. The project covers a swath of south London and its leafy suburbs while other organizations not devoted solely to foxes handle other parts of the city. While the omnivores survive on small animals, bugs and berries in the wild, they favor easily scavenged leftovers in the city and handouts that make them more dependent on humans. Their main urban menaces are cars, getting snagged in soccer nets or getting stuck in tight spaces. In their effort to get free, they often get nasty abrasions that can become infected. Many also suffer from mange, a parasitic infestation that leads to all kinds of problems. Townsend pilots her VW Caddy on city streets, highways and narrow lanes that roll through lush hills, responding to calls about injured or ill foxes or cubs that have lost their mothers. She's seen a bit of everything since her first humbling call 2 1/2 years ago when the supposedly injured fox bolted. 'In my inexperience, I chased after him, which is comical because you're never going to outrun a fox,' she said. 'I just remember he ran very fast and I looked silly running after him.' Despite many challenging situations — she once managed to rescue a fox that lost its footing atop a fence and ended upside down at eye level with its paw lodged between boards — she's only been bitten once. Heartbreak with hard cases Her van carries the distinctly musky scent of foxes. The odor becomes unpleasant when an anxious passenger in a litter of cubs relieves itself enroute to being delivered to a foster care pen where they will stay until being released in the wild. 'Feel free to open the window,' said Townsend, who is accustomed to the stench. 'This is a stinky job.' On a recent day, she was dispatched to meet a heartbroken couple who found a cub with a puncture wound collapsed on their back lawn. 'We thought he was asleep at first, so we went to go and have a close look because we love them,' Charlotte English said. 'Then he just didn't move, so we knew something was wrong.' That cub had to be put to sleep, as did the adult Townsend transferred at the start of her shift. Cubs that recover are socialized in packs of five until they mature and are then released in a rural location while the adults are freed in the neighborhoods where they were found. The fox does not say 'Thank you' Given a second chance, it's not clear how well the foxes fare, because they are rarely tracked. A 2016 study in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that rehabilitated foxes were more likely to behave as if they had been displaced when returned to their original territory. They were tracked wandering farther away, potentially exposing them to more traffic and greater stress. 'It is a gap in the knowledge and there's an assumption that when you release them, they thrive and I think that that assumption needs to be challenged more,' said Bryony Tolhurst, a University of Brighton honorary research fellow and lead author of the study. For Townsend, fox deaths are offset by the joy of seeing little ones venture into the unknown or an adult darting into a neighborhood it instantly recognizes. 'Sometimes they look back and people like to romanticize that they're saying 'thank you,'' she said. 'They're just making sure we're not chasing after them.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Irish Examiner
18 hours ago
- Science
- Irish Examiner
Leaving Cert students face tougher maths paper with 'some curveballs'
The second week of Leaving Cert 2025 began with a 'trickier' maths paper 2 exam that included some curveballs to get students thinking, teachers reviewing this year's exam papers believe. Junior Cycle 2025 also continued this Monday, with students tackling the science exam. Maths paper 2 was a tougher paper than Friday's paper 1, according to Niall Duddy, ASTI subject spokesperson and teacher at Presentation College, Athenry, Co Galway. 'The feeling certainly amongst our own students here is that it was a trickier test than paper 1 overall,' he said. 'It was a more stern test but at the same time, it was still doable,' he added. 'If I was doing the paper myself, I probably would have started with a question like number three, which was around probability and Venn diagrams, which students would have been familiar with from Junior Cycle, with this question just given a higher-level Leaving Cert twist.' He also noted several 'helpful little hints' included in the questions this year, for example, students were asked to give a reason for their proof. 'That has crept in the last couple of years, and it's nice to see. It's more user-friendly.' However, students he spoke to after the exam found section B of the higher level paper 'trickier'. 'Particularly question eight, which was based around pyramids. It's a bit like Marmite; Some people like this type of question, others don't.' 'A lot of students I spoke to avoided it, even though the question wasn't as bad when you went down into it as it was at first glance.' Another question that caught a few students out was the use of the phrase "stratified random sampling" in question 10, he believed. 'It's only a small part of the question but I know quite a few students who asked me afterwards what it actually was.' The paper 'got tough' as it went on, he said. 'But that is to be expected with higher-level maths.' 'There was no one coming out who seemed very disappointed, but they did say it was trickier.' Studyclix subject expert Stephen Begley, of Dundalk Grammar School, said the higher level maths paper 2 was 'very fair and decent'. 'Though it did have some curveballs to get students thinking." 'Those who prepared for a typical paper 2 would have been content with this paper, which enabled students to showcase their knowledge of the usual core topics in a range of questions. 'All in all, it's been a pretty good, fair, and accessible set of exams for Leaving Cert higher level maths students in 2025.' Meanwhile, the ordinary level paper presented students with a 'very typical and manageable set of questions', Mr Begley believed. 'While the paper was particularly statistics heavy, those who prepared this regularly featured topic would have been well-rewarded, with all elements of the area being examined across multiple questions.' He said the empirical rule in question six, tree diagram in question seven, pie chart in question eight and trigonometry question in question 10 "would have given students plenty of marks to boost their confidence in the exam". He added: 'Whilst the tail end of questions were not without their stings, the opening parts provided good space for students to gather marks.' Read More Threat of industrial action in secondary schools as ASTI rejects Leaving Cert reforms
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
River Island's 'stunning' £50 bag 'matcha girlies' need 'immediately'
River Island shoppers have fallen in love with a new beaded handbag from the retailer's premium collection Matcha lovers say they are "obsessed" with a new River Island bag that's been hailed as "the epitome of girlhood." Shoppers love the beaded style, which is inspired by a blueberry matcha drink. The novelty bag impressed customers when it went viral on TikTok. The Green Premium Blueberry Matcha Shoulder Bag was featured in a popular video shared by a shopper named Ellie, who posts on TikTok as @fenloninteriors_. Ellie said: "Fellow matcha girlies, why is nobody discussing this bag? I fear this is the epitome of girlhood." She continued: "Could you imagine this with an all-white outfit on holiday? I'm obsessed." The blogger told viewers the design reminded her of Blank Street's drinks, referencing the popular coffee shop chain. She explained: "As a matcha girlie, it's giving Blank Street matcha. Like, I want that just on me permanently. Like, it's stunning. It's also giving that sort of Kate Spade vibe." Ellie added that she didn't think the bag would be for everyone, but she loved it. "I deffo need it for holiday," she shared. "I feel like it's going to be Marmite, you're either gonna love it or hate it. I also love the beaded feature, you know, beaded bags are just so in right now. As a matcha girlie, I require this bag immediately." In another post, @beccieday was just as impressed. In her post, the TikTok user said: "Obsessed with this beaded blueberry matcha bag in River Island," and viewers had a similar reaction. Replying to the videos, shoppers praised the new style. One fan commented: "OH MY ACTUAL GOD." A second said their friend "would LOVE" the design, and someone else told a fellow social media user: "I fear you need this." The Green Premium Blueberry Matcha Shoulder Bag is £50 at River Island. The product description says the beaded bag is from River Island's premium collection and that it has a zip fastening and chain strap. Similar designs from River Island include the £46 Red Premium Red Sauce Beaded Clutch Bag, the £46 Beige Premium Beaded Pizza Shoulder Bag, the £50 Green Premium 7up Beaded Can Shoulder Bag, and the £50 Blue Premium Baked Beans Beaded Shoulder Bag. Some shoppers have taken to review website TrustPilot to share their thoughts on River Island. Someone wrote: "I paid £32 for a cross body bag, have had to had it replaced twice since I bought it less than 6 months ago as the stitching has come away. The store replaced it no problem but so disappointed with the quality." Another claimed: "Products arrived in good order but I paid for a specific delivery day and this was not honoured. What is the point of offering this service if it does not get adhered to. Emailed to complain about this and nothing was done about it. Very disappointing." Alternatively, Kate Spade offers a selection of food-inspired accessories. For bag lovers, there's a 3D Hamburger Crossbody on sale from £295 to £189. The product description says: "Our crossbodies are perfect if you want to carry your important things without all the bulk. Plus, your hands are free to keep up with all your group texts and grip that vanilla latte." There's also the Snack Bar Popsicle Small Slim Bifold Wallet, which is on sale for £129 from £195. For jewellery lovers, there's also a Fast Food Ice Pop Pendant, which is on sale for £54 from £90, and the Fast Food Ice Pop Studs, which are on sale for £49 from £80. The product description for the pendant says: "The finishing touch to your outfit. And the reason for all the oohs and aahs."
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
River Island's 'stunning' handbag is 'the epitome of girlhood'
Shoppers love River Island's glitzy new handbag that's wowed fashion fans River Island shoppers are "obsessed" with a new beaded bag dubbed "the epitome of girlhood." Customers have fallen in love with a glitzy bag, designed in the shape of a blueberry matcha drink. The fun accessory wowed fashion fans when it went viral on social media. The Green Premium Blueberry Matcha Shoulder Bag was featured in a popular video shared by a shopper named Ellie, who posts on TikTok as @fenloninteriors_. In her post, Ellie said: "Fellow matcha girlies, why is nobody discussing this bag? I fear this is the epitome of girlhood." She added: "Could you imagine this with an all-white outfit on holiday? I'm obsessed." Ellie said the design reminded her of Blank Street's drinks, referencing the popular coffee shop chain. She said: "As a matcha girlie, it's giving Blank Street matcha. Like, I want that just on me permanently. Like, it's stunning. It's also giving that sort of Kate Spade vibe." The fashion lover added that she didn't think the bag would be for everyone, but she counted herself as a fan. "I deffo need it for holiday," she said. "I feel like it's going to be Marmite, you're either gonna love it or hate it. I also love the beaded feature, you know, beaded bags are just so in right now. As a matcha girlie, I require this bag immediately." Elsewhere, @beccieday was just as impressed. In her video, the shopper said: "Obsessed with this beaded blueberry matcha bag in River Island," and viewers had a similar reaction. Replying to the videos, shoppers said they loved the new style. One fan wrote: "OH MY ACTUAL GOD." Another said their friend "would LOVE" the design, and someone else told a fellow social media user: "I fear you need this." The Green Premium Blueberry Matcha Shoulder Bag is £50 at River Island. The product description says the beaded bag is from River Island's premium collection and that it has a zip fastening and chain strap. Similar designs from River Island include the £46 Red Premium Red Sauce Beaded Clutch Bag, the £46 Beige Premium Beaded Pizza Shoulder Bag, the £50 Green Premium 7up Beaded Can Shoulder Bag, and the £50 Blue Premium Baked Beans Beaded Shoulder Bag. Some shoppers have taken to review website TrustPilot to share their thoughts on River Island. Someone wrote: "I paid £32 for a cross body bag, have had to had it replaced twice since I bought it less than 6 months ago as the stitching has come away. The store replaced it no problem but so disappointed with the quality." Another claimed: "Products arrived in good order but I paid for a specific delivery day and this was not honoured. What is the point of offering this service if it does not get adhered to. Emailed to complain about this and nothing was done about it. Very disappointing." Elsewhere, Kate Spade offers a selection of food-inspired accessories. For bag lovers, there's a 3D Hamburger Crossbody on sale from £295 to £189. There's also a Fast Food Burger Pendant for £99 from £170 and Fast Food Burger Studs for £49 from £80. More options include the Snack Bar Popsicle Crossbody Bag, which is on sale for £279 from £429, and the Snack Bar Popsicle Small Slim Bifold Wallet, which is on sale for £129 from £195. For jewellery lovers, there's also a Fast Food Ice Pop Pendant, which is on sale for £54 from £90, and the Fast Food Ice Pop Studs, which are on sale for £49 from £80.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I tried UK's wackiest ice cream flavours from pickled onion to Bisto – the crazy £4.50 winner surprised me
How does Sriracha ice cream sound? I SCREAM! I tried UK's wackiest ice cream flavours from pickled onion to Bisto – the crazy £4.50 winner surprised me WHATEVER will Mr Whippy say? To compete, he may need to stick more than a 99 Flake in his cone. An ice-cream parlour in posh Knightsbridge, Central London has come up with some very crazy flavours, ranging from, er, Twiglets, to Bisto and Irn-Bru. 11 Alexander McLeod has tested some of the craziest ice cream flavours Credit: Ian Whittaker Summer pop-up The Ice Cream Project is the idea of eccentric fashion designer Anya Hindmarch, as Waitrose recently revealed Gen Z enjoy a twist of baked beans, soya sauce or cheese in their tubs. She bills her ices, at £4.50 a scoop, as 'a celebration of Britain's kitchen cupboard culture'. But do we likey-lick? Alexander McLeod, right, tries Anya's ice creams and gives his verdicts and marks out of ten . . . read more on TASTE TESTS CRUSH IT I tested budget slushie makers vs £350 Ninja – and a £10 dupe works just as well Jacob's Twiglets 11 The Jacob's Twiglets ice cream has a Marmite tang Credit: Peter Jordan MALTY, yeasty and spiked with a Marmite tang. It's also smooth, which feels strange given how much your brain expects crunch. Oddly, I quite liked it. Rating: 7/10 Punters divided over Scots takeaways loaded ice cream fries Quaker Oats 11 The Quaker Oats offering tasted bland Credit: Peter Jordan SWEET, toasted oat flavour was bland and packed all the joy of a cold bowl of porridge. This ice cream has a velvety vanilla base but is a little coarse. Rating: 5/10 Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil 11 The extra virgin olive oil version was Alexander's favourite Credit: Peter Jordan CREAMY base has fruity richness of quality olive oil. Gentle peppery taste lingers to keep you interested. Smooth and balanced. Rating: 8/10 Bisto Gravy 11 The Bisto ice cream nearly works as a treat Credit: Peter Jordan SUBTLE gravy flavour brings roast-dinner warmth but frozen into a silky, scoopable form that nearly works. Shows even Bisto can be made posh. Rating: 6/10 Romney's Kendal Mint Cake 11 The Romney's Kendal Mint Cake version captures its mint sweetness Credit: Peter Jordan AS snow-white as the original slab, this captures that sharp mint sweetness. Refreshing palate- cleanser. Rating: 7/10 Flying Goose Sriracha 11 The Sriracha flavour is bold and strange but not entirely unlikeable Credit: Peter Jordan IT'S Sriracha from the first icy hit – tangy, garlicky, with a slow-building heat that creeps up on you. Bold and strange but not entirely unlikeable. Rating: 6/10 Garner's Pickled Onion 11 The Garner's Pickled Onion flavour tastes more like a dare than dessert Credit: Peter Jordan NORMALLY, when you smell a dish from across the room, it's a good sign. Not here. Vinegary, briny punch feels more like a dare than dessert. Rating: 2/10 Ovaltine 11 The Ovaltine ice cream is really quite nice Credit: Peter Jordan MALTED warmth comforts like a favourite jumper. Balances the sweetness and slight earthiness well, and is really quite nice. Rating: 7/10 Irn-Bru 11 The Irn-Bru flavour looks and tastes just like the drink Credit: Peter Jordan BRIGHT orange and proudly so, this sorbet looks and tastes just like the drink. Fizzy on the tongue, and very sweet. Perfect for a hot summer day. Rating: 6/10 McVitie Club Orange 11 The Club Orange version includes crushed-biscuit pieces for a nice crunch Credit: Peter Jordan NOSTALGIC mix of milk chocolate and zesty orange. The crushed-biscuit pieces provide enjoyable texture and crunch. Rating: 8/10 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
