Latest news with #Nero
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Scots dog lovers swiping right on 'dating-style' app to 'borrow' a puppy
Dog-lending service BorrowMyDoggy, where people are matched up with four-legged-friends, comes without the long-term commitment of owning a pet. More than 100,000 Scots dog lovers are swiping right on a canine dating-style app to 'borrow' a pup without the long-term commitment of owning a pet. Dog-lending service BorrowMyDoggy, where people are matched up with four-legged-friends, say they've now hit six figures across Scotland, with more than 20,000 borrowers in Edinburgh, 15,000 in Glasgow and 9000 in Aberdeen. Dog ownership doesn't suit everyone as the rush to buy pups during the pandemic showed, with thousands of pets later abandoned or given up, leaving Scotland's rescue centres inundated. The website has over a million members, with borrowers spanning all age groups and members ranging from people working, students and retirees to families with young children. Rikke Rosenlund, who founded BorrowMyDoggy in 2012 after taking care of a neighbour's dog, said: 'We now have more than 100,000 borrowers sign up in Scotland since we launched the app, which is an absolutely fantastic number. 'The app allows dog lovers to sign up to borrow a four-legged friend for a few hours a week as a stress reliever, combat loneliness or to try-before-they buy a pet themselves. 'If you are feeling isolated, borrowing a dog can help you feel less alone. Taking care of a dog requires a certain level of responsibility, from feeding them to walking them -- making sure they stay healthy to keeping them safe.' Retired marine engineer Iain Bell, 79, from Lenzie in East Dunbartonshire, has one of the longest-running pairings since the service was founded. He has walked over 5000 miles with borrowed sidekick Nero, 11, over the last decade. Iain said: 'My daughter in law signed me up for the app because she thought I was lonely when I was going out walking to get some exercise after I had a heart attack 10 years ago. 'It has been very beneficial for me in terms of my physical health and mental wellbeing. The retired engineer in me set a target of walking six miles a day after the heart attack and that's what we aim for during our walks.' Iain, who collects Nero from his home in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, up to three times a week, said he had become very attached to Nero over a decade of walkies. He added: 'Nero and I get along really very well and he is a great wee friend. Nero loves his walks and it is an added incentive for me to make the effort and get out walking to try to stay fit. 'I would recommend borrowing a dog for anyone who can't, for whatever reason, have a dog of their own.' Nero's owner Claire Stewart, of Uddingston, says a break-up with her partner meant she might have had to consider rehoming Nero if it hadn't been for Iain and BorrowMyDoggy. She said: 'Iain started borrowing Nero when he was just a puppy. My then partner and I worked full time so BorrowMyDoggy seemed like such a great option. 'I loved the idea of someone who wanted to spend time with a dog, but maybe not be able to commit to one full time, being able to build a real bond with him. 'When my partner and I separated Iain's help became vital as I tried to balance a full-time job in the NHS with making sure Nero got enough attention and exercise. 'All my friends worked during the day like I did, so I really would have had to consider rehoming him without Iain's support.' 'Nero goes berserk whenever he sees Iain's car pull up. I'm so glad he's stuck with us all these years.'
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
7 most bizarre taxes from history that actually existed
Taxes are a part of life, and while modern ones like income or sales tax are familiar, history has seen some truly bizarre and surprising forms of taxation. Through the ages, governments have found unexpected ways to raise revenue, sometimes through targeting things as ordinary as beards or something as mood-lifting as playing cards. When we look back at some of these most unusual taxes, they often tell us about the society and priorities of the time, symbolising class structures, cultural norms, and also fashion trends. And while some taxes were designed to encourage conformity, others to stop some practices, and many just to squeeze more funds from the population. Many of these taxes eventually disappeared due to public backlash or impractical enforcement, leaving an interesting story in the record books. Here are seven of the strangest real taxes that existed in history The urine tax in Ancient Rome This was almost just as the Ancient Romans taxed pee! Introduced under Emperors Nero and Vespasian, the urine tax was placed on the buyers of urine, which was used at the time for tanning leather, laundering clothes, and even teeth whitening. Collectors of public urine were required to pay tax since it became a profitable commodity. The Latin phrase Pecunia non olet meaning 'money does not stink', reportedly originated from this, telling that profit was more important than how it was made. The beard tax in Russia and England Emperor Peter the Great of Russia, in 1698, wanted his people to adopt a more European look. So, he taxed facial hair. Those who wanted to keep their beards had to pay a fee and carry a beard token as proof. Earlier, Henry VIII had also taxed beards in England. As a result, beards became a symbol of status, meaning if you had one, you could afford to pay for it! The cowardice tax In medieval England, knights could avoid going to war by paying a tax called scutage, often mockingly called the "cowardice tax." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Franklin India NFO Investment Franklin Templeton India AMC Learn More Undo It started around the 1100s, letting landowning knights stay home rather than fight. Over time, it became a more general land tax and was eventually phased out by the 14th century. While this tax seemed practical, it often exposed the social tensions between duty and privilege. Window tax First introduced in England in 1696, the window tax was meant to tax wealthier homeowners who had more windows. But in crowded urban areas, it hit the poor hard too. To avoid paying, people bricked up their windows, leading to dark, poorly ventilated homes. This unhealthy condition led to public anger and was a major reason the tax was repealed in 1851. Playing card and dice tax It is true that there was a tax on fun. From the 16th century, and raised significantly in 1710, England taxed playing cards and dice. Cards became more expensive, leading to widespread forgery. The tax was charged until 1960. The wallpaper tax In 1712, Britain imposed a tax on patterned or decorated wallpaper, viewing it as a luxury and a way to target wealthier homeowners. To get around this, people began buying plain paper and hiring artists to paint designs directly on their walls. The tax stayed put until 1836. Clock and watch tax Back in 1797, Britain decided to put a tax on timepieces, including watches and clocks, specifically the ones made of precious metals! This was done to collect more revenue, as most clocks and watches were owned by the rich. Rates depended on how fancy the timepiece was, as gold ones cost more, of course. But people weren't happy. As clock owners and watchmakers pushed back hard. The tax caused so much frustration and avoidance that it was dropped just a year later, in 1798.
News18
20-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Eknath Shinde invokes Nero to target Uddhav
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Thane, July 20 (PTI) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday invoked Roman emperor Nero and the popular legend associated with him to target Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray. He also questioned the 'selective" criticism of the Election Commission when the opposition loses polls. 'It is strange that some individuals are celebrating when people leave their party (Shiv Sena-UBT). We haven't seen this kind of behaviour before. 'While Rome was burning, Nero was playing the fiddle'," Shinde, who heads Shiv Sena, said without naming Uddhav. He said instead of introspection, some leaders are only indulging in blame games and cursing others. 'When they got desired results in the Lok Sabha elections, they consider the Election Commission good, but when things do not go their way, they blame the system," Shinde said while addressing an event to felicitate medical entrepreneurs in Thane. He highlighted the Mahayuti government's achievements, particularly schemes for women. 'We've created historic schemes for 2.5 crore sisters. Many tried to consolidate power and booked five-star hotels and ministries in advance. But the people, especially our sisters, shattered those dreams and brought Mahayuti back to power (in 2024 elections)," he said, adding that he identifies himself as a party worker who is available 24 hours a day. Shinde also lauded the role of doctors in society, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Alluding to attacks on doctors, Shinde said the medical fraternity is the pillar of society and deserves deep respect. 'At times, unfortunate incidents occur, and despite the doctors' best efforts, lives cannot be saved. In such moments, society must act responsibly instead of targeting medical professionals", he added. Shinde recalled the struggle to arrange for Remdesivir from various places, including from abroad. PTI COR NSK view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 23:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Metro
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Eric Bana fans think he's underrated – but he never wanted to be a 'leading man'
Eric Bana decided he would take being viewed as an 'underrated' actor as a compliment (which it is). When we spoke to Bana, 56, ahead of his gripping new thriller Untamed dropping on Netflix, he said that he wasn't sure if he agreed or disagreed with the sentiment, but laid out how he has charted an atypical career in the moviemaking business. 'I always felt like at some point in my career, it would be really dangerous to only be available to play that lead character,' he told Metro. 'I've really enjoyed mixing it up and making myself available for different kinds of genres and films and different size roles. It's way more interesting.' That said, he also knows there are certain projects he 'definitely' would not do. Bad news Hulk fans: going green again is one of them. But he sometimes he's surprised himself with what he signs on to. Star Trek, for instance, was a franchise he 'never imagined' he would want to be in, until Nero landed in his inbox. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Bana explained that part of the approach to cherry-picking parts is his desire to always be a contender on the chopping block in the audience's mind. 'I wanted them to think 'here he is, bloody hell he could be gone in the next five minutes'.' And indeed in many of his films – Troy, Deadfall, Hana – he is. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video That's not to say that Bana doesn't enjoy helming a project, which is what he's tasked with for the gripping new Netflix thriller Untamed. He stars as parks investigator Kyle Turner and is the subject of a Gary Cooper wisecrack early on. The likeness is there: Turner is stoic, troubled and most at home on a horse. Set in Yosemite National Park (albeit, slightly fudged thanks to drone footage, since the show was shot in the still-beautiful British Columbia), Bana described the six-parter as a 'dream job'. This was in part because most of his scenes were in the vast wilderness. 'I hate filming indoors,' he said, visibly recoiling at the thought. When the teaser for the new thriller dropped, there was much commentary about how different Bana looked, sporting a grizzled silvery beard. Bana says it's fairly similar to how he looks when he's at home in Melbourne, Australia. What is your favourite Eric Bana film? So what's next for Bana after Untamed? More gritty dramas or some light relief like Funny People? 'Try balance it out like a bit of therapy,' he laughed. 'Sometimes it feels that way.' More Trending Despite what his recent CV might attest to, he's still open to comedy. Although, he did add: 'It won't surprise you to know that my inbox is 99% drama and 1% light, so I don't have full control of that.' Perhaps the answer is more Untamed. The show ties up neatly and has been billed as a limited series, but when things kick off (and we have a feeling this might), Netflix finds a way. It's not something Bana shuts down. 'The nature of these [park investigative agencies], they move from park to park,' he explained. 'They don't just stay in the one park their whole career. So it is feasible that Kyle could end up somewhere else. We'll see.' View More » Untamed is available to stream on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Dark, twisted, great performances': Your favourite underrated shows on Netflix MORE: 'Inheriting a law firm would've been easy – I became a WWE legend instead' MORE: This Morning star reveals how her life crumbled an hour after announcing engagement
STV News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- STV News
FIFA 'lacked sensitivity and respect' in staging of Club World Cup
FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino have been accused of acting 'without dialogue, without sensitivity and without respect' for players in their staging of the Club World Cup. The controversial 32-team tournament came to a close on Sunday with Chelsea causing an upset with a 3-0 win over European champions Paris St Germain. Infantino has hailed the competition hosted in the United States as a success, but concerns have been raised around player welfare, with some matches being played in extreme heat and the tournament providing very limited time for players to rest before preparing for the new season. Sergio Marchi, the president of world players' union FIFPro, accused FIFA of choosing to 'continue increasing its income at the expense of the players' bodies and health', likened its approach to the 'bread and circuses' tactics used by Emperor Nero in ancient Rome and warned there could be no repeat of playing matches in such extreme heat at next summer's World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. 'Despite the fact that the recent Club World Cup generated enthusiasm in many fans and allowed some of the main figures of world football to be seen in the same tournament, FIFPro cannot fail to point out, with absolute clarity, that this competition hides a dangerous disconnection with the true reality that most footballers in the world are going through,' Marchi said in a statement. 'What was presented as a global football party was nothing more than a fiction staged by FIFA, promoted by its president, without dialogue, without sensitivity and without respect for those who sustain the game with their daily effort. 'A grandiloquent staging that inevitably recalls the 'bread and circuses' of Nero's Rome, entertainment for the masses while behind the scenes the inequality, precariousness and lack of protection of the true protagonists deepens. 'Most footballers on the planet do not receive their salary in full, they play only a few months a year, and they do so without minimum guarantees of stability, medical coverage or decent working conditions. This reality was completely ignored by FIFA, which chose to continue increasing its income at the expense of the players' bodies and health. 'The tournament also took place under unacceptable conditions, matches were played in extreme heat and with temperatures that put the physical integrity of the players at risk. This situation must not only be denounced, but must be firmly warned. What happened cannot be repeated under any circumstances at next year's FIFA World Cup.' The PA news agency understands no FIFPRO representatives were invited to a meeting held by FIFA on Saturday concerning player welfare, where a minimum three-week off-season break was agreed. It is understood none of the union's officials were present and therefore the meeting is seen as a charade. The Club World Cup's scheduling has been part of a wider, bitter legal dispute between unions and leagues on one hand and FIFA on the other. Unions and leagues insist FIFA has abused a dominant position by failing to adequately consult over football's international match calendar. Marchi added: 'We have been warning about the saturation of the calendar, the absence of physical and mental rest for the players, and the lack of dialogue on the part of FIFA. 'This way of organising tournaments, without listening to the federation that brings together the associations of professional footballers worldwide, is unilateral, authoritarian and is based solely on a logic of economic profitability, not human sustainability. 'You can't continue to play with the health of the players to feed a marketing machine. There is no possible spectacle if the voice of the protagonists is extinguished. FIFPro reiterates our commitment, we will firmly defend every right, denounce every abuse, and demand that FIFA adopt a truly inclusive policy, which respects the integrity of players and places them at the centre of every decision.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
