Latest news with #Valerie
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Wai Ching smashes stair-climb world record
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's Soh Wai Ching smashed a Guinness World Record in a gruelling one-hour stair climb machine challenge at a shopping mall here today. The famed tower runner set a new world mark (1.78km) for the farthest simulated distance climb on a stair machine in one hour. It surpassed the previous record of 1.74km set by Britain's David Mahoney in May. Amid a display of great endurance and mental strength, Wai Ching completed the feat without holding the machine's handrails. "I don't hold the rails. That's my principle. Even though it's allowed, holding the handrails feels like cheating," he said. Wai Ching was also awarded with four Malaysia Book of Records awards for his achievements today. He clocked the fastest time in climbing the equivalent height of the Petronas Twin Towers (451.9m) in 14 minutes and 46 seconds, then "ran across" virtual landmarks including Merdeka 118 (680.5m) in 22 minutes and 18 seconds, and completed a vertical kilometre climb in 33 minutes and 11 seconds. For Wai Ching, the challenge was deeply personal. "After becoming a world champion, I lost my goal. I lost the fire to pursue greatness," he admitted. "I even asked myself — maybe I should retire. But this world record attempt was about challenging human limits. I wanted to see how far I could go." That challenge was tested when a severe cramp struck with eight minutes remaining. "I really shouted many times, I felt like quitting. But I just had to hang on, believe I could do it, and push," he said. Wai Ching's other challenges for the year are the Kuantan 188 Towerton at Menara Kuantan next Saturday and the Merdeka 118 Sky Race, the Asia Oceania Championship in August. "My main goal is to defend our home turf — not let anyone else win because it's in Malaysia," he said. Fellow tower runner Valerie Sarah Ong also entered the Malaysia Book of Records today. Valerie set a new national women's record for the Longest Vertical Climb (1.33km) on a stair climb machine in one hour. "The most difficult part was the mental challenge," said Valerie. "Even though my body could still move, my mind kept asking me to stop. It took a lot of mental grit and self-talk to keep going."
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Copy Princess Kate's most iconic Wimbledon look with this polka-dot shirt dress
Get the royal look without breaking the bank as this 'very flattering' polka-dot dress perfectly emulates one of Kate Middleton's most iconic Wimbledon looks at a fraction of the cost If there's one pattern the Princess of Wales opts for time and time again, it's the classic polka dot. She's often seen donning it for various occasions, from the birth of her children to Wimbledon. Kate has a fondness for a polka-dot frock. Particularly, she's sported a range of variations on the blue-with-white polka dots when it comes to dresses. While most of us don't have a Royal bank balance to splurge on Kate's exact outfits, there is still a way to steal her style without breaking the bank. Over at L.K. Bennett, there's a navy polka-dot midi dress that is perfect for emulating Kate Middleton's iconic Wimbledon in 2022, making it an ideal choice right now as the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament gets underway. Available at L.K. Bennett or from Marks & Spencer, this Valerie Spring Navy & Birch Viscose Printed Viscose Shirt Dress With Belt is the ideal piece for copying Kate's fabulous Wimbledon ensemble. It comes in a wide range of sizes from 6 to 20, with regular and petite measurements available for those who aren't graced with Kate's height. This dress is also available in several shades, in case you fancy veering away from Kate's traditional navy look. Boasting the same strong shoulders as Kate's noteworthy dress, this Valerie Shirt dress offers a formal, structured look that makes it an easy choice for days in the office or more highbrow events, whether you're heading to the court side or meeting a client for lunch. An LKB signature shirt dress ideal for spring and summer, this number seamlessly walks the line between smart and casual, ensuring it's a wardrobe staple for any season. Crafted from a lightweight, floaty fabric that's sure to keep you feeling the breeze during warmer weather, and coming in navy blue with a cream polka dot print, this piece has a long, rounded collar that adds a dash of timeless chic to any look. With Kate's go-to puff shoulders and short sleeves, this dress is a versatile pick in the sunnier seasons. It varies from Kate's as it sports cream buttons, a buckled belt, and a back yoke, but matches her iconic look in its midi-length skirt. Wear it with your favourite heels or Kate's beloved tennis shoes for a royal ensemble that can seamlessly work for any and all occasions this summer. One shopper who picked up this piece from M&S raves: "Lovely material. Looks as though it will not crease which is important to me! Very flattering style. Pricey but worth it!" This exact dress is up for grabs for £299 from L.K. Bennett or Marks & Spencer and is currently in stock in all sizes. For those keeping to a tighter budget, Finery London has this Saskia Navy Polka Dot Midi Tea Dres s that is a great wallet-friendly option that nods to Kate's iconic look, for £49. For the same price they also have this Mela Navy Polka Dot Midi Tea Dress which matches Kate's puffed shoulders style.
Refinery29
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Where Do The Rich Flock To In The Summer? In Toronto, It's Lake Muskoka
Private chefs, gaggles of nearly identical pastel-clad women, unnervingly manicured lawns, glittering palatial estates — the hallmarks of the rich and famous are as predictable, and as invariable, as their migration pattern once summer hits. In New York, it's the Hamptons. In Toronto, it's Lake Muskoka — the idyllic lakeshore region, a two-hour drive north of the city, that inspired Mariposa, the setting of Canadian author Lily Chu's newest romance audiobook Rich Girl Summer, exclusively available on Audible, which follows Valerie Peng who poses as a wealthy client's long-lost daughter to uncover a family secret, and finds herself entangled in a complicated romance with Nico, the client's right-hand man. There's mystery, there's tension, there's intrigue — and best of all, there's a fascinating, almost anthropological glimpse into the way the one-percenters summer, or in Canada-speak, the way they cottage. 'Americans tend to call them cabins or lake houses, but in Canada, we call these summer homes cottages, and Muskoka is quintessential cottage country — it's beautiful, it's peaceful, it's a nice escape from the city,' says Chu, who wants to be clear that not all cottages are inhabited by the wealthy — there's a spectrum that ranges from homes without electricity or plumbing, to mansions on a lake. 'There's a huge difference in how people cottage, and there's a mix of people there: You have the people who work in the towns and then there are those who are coming up for the weekend and staying in multimillion-dollar homes.' Chu, like her Rich Girl Summer protagonist Valerie, is not a cottage person. So the way in which she describes Mariposa (or the people, or the vibe) in the audiobook is not at all dissimilar to her experience at Lake Muskoka in real life. 'I wrote it for people like me, who are coming into these new environments — Valerie is kind of like my stand-in. In my perspective, there is a very country club-ish look and vibe, and it's very status-conscious,' says Chu, who remembers stopping by boutiques selling $200 jeans, or a home furnishing store with a $3,000 flamingo lamp, or a store solely dedicated to tennis gear. 'Is this a reflection of every rich person who goes to Muskoka? No. Does it reflect reality all the time? Probably not. But is it fun? Yes.' Regardless of status, class, or cottage family lineage, one thing remains the same: the shared, collective experience of Lake Muskoka bliss. 'My first memory was of the very cold, clean lake water smell. And bugs. And the intense darkness,' Chu says. 'But every cottage I've been to, no matter the spot, I've always had the sense of isolation, relaxation, and disconnection. There's canoeing, there's kayaking, there's nature. You can sit in a hammock and listen to an audiobook with a gin and tonic. You can sit and look at the water and watch a loon go by. It's a really beautiful area; it's just so calming and lovely — there's a reason everyone goes there.' Convinced yet? For your next getaway, consider venturing to Lake Muskoka, which Chu has roadmapped, with hidden gems, super-local stops, and unforgettable sights. Webers Burgers A traditional (and nostalgic) snack stop along Highway 11, Webers has been serving charcoal-grilled burgers since the 1960s. Take your milkshake and fries to the grassy areas, or eat in a railcar. On the wrong side of the highway? Cross via the pedestrian bridge. Mariposa Market Pass through Orillia, a city in Ontario, and hit up Mariposa Market, a must-visit grocery store that just so happens to also be featured in Rich Girl Summer, for some huge doughnuts, butter tarts (a classic Canadian pastry that's akin to a sugar pie), and lovely jams for a host gift. Stroll down the quaint main street to enjoy your treats on the shores of Lake Couchiching. Bala and Bala Falls Take a trip to the charming town of Bala and visit the picturesque Bala Falls — the perfect place for a picnic. Lucy Maud Montgomery fans can visit Bala's Museum, celebrating the author's visit to the town, before hiking along one of the many scenic trails along the water and over the Canadian Shield — a large exposed expanse of continental crust. The town is also famous for its cranberries. Need some groceries? Rousseau General Store has been serving cottagers since 1874. Get everything you need for dinner, and an ice cream cone for the road. Muskoka Steamships Steamships have been cruising the lakes here since 1866, and you too can join the tradition and tour Lake Muskoka in style. Steam along the rocky shores and admire the homes and boathouses of Millionaires Row hidden among the trees. Want a change from making s'mores over a nightly bonfire? Visit Torrance Barrens, the world's first dark sky reserve, to stargaze and marvel at the Milky Way. During the day you can go hiking or biking as well.
Metro
07-07-2025
- Health
- Metro
Elderly woman dies after waiting 14 hours for ambulance following fall
An 89-year-old woman died in hospital after being forced to wait 14 hours for an ambulance following a fall. Valerie Hill fell and broke her thigh at Ty Bargoed Care Home in Bargoed, South Wales and had to endure 'a long lie' on the floor, her inquest heard. An ambulance arrived after 14 hours, before she later died in hospital from pneumonia. Senior Coroner for South Wales Central, Graeme Hughes described ambulance delays in the region as 'intolerable' and warned Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan of their 'devastating' outcomes. This has led to an 'acute concern' among the area's coroners, he said. Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) have a 15-minute handover expectation, but evidence shows this target is only met 10-20% of the time. Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) was found not to be 'the worst in Wales'. Mr Hughes submitted his Prevention of Future Death report to the Ms Morgan who has until August 9 to respond. Mr Hughes said: 'Valerie died on 11 March 2022 at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, following a fall at Ty Bargoed Care Home on 7 March 2022. 'She endured a long lie on the floor of over 14 hours whilst waiting for an ambulance to attend. 'It is possible that this long lie exacerbated known medical conditions. It is probable that the lack of risk assessments completed and referrals for Valerie during her time at Ty Bargoed meant appropriate precautions were not taken to prevent further falls. More Trending 'It is possible, due to long ambulance handover times across Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board and inadequate systems in place to effectively manage patient flow that this contributed to the long lie. 'In answer to my question to him as to whether a situation akin to that which Valerie faced on 7 March 2022 could happen again today, he (NHS deputy chief executive) accepted that that was a fair conclusion and that the same risks remain in the system. 'My concern is that this disconnect is having a significant effect upon how the system for conveying acutely ill patients in the community to hospital is operating and changes are indicated to address this system dysfunctionality.' Ms Hill died of pneumonia and a fall leading to a periprosthetic fracture of femur, he said. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and frailty of old age were contributing factors. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: 'I made the first ready meals for supermarkets – now I fight deadly fake food' MORE: Red Arrows flight path this weekend ahead of Swansea Airshow and Silverstone flypast MORE: Doctor jailed for 'unnecessary genital exams' on teenage patients
Scroll.in
01-07-2025
- General
- Scroll.in
Are our pampered pets really living their best life?
Pet-keeping is often promoted for the benefits it brings humans. A close association with another animal can provide us with a sense of purpose and a daily dose of joy. It can aid our health, make us more conscientious and even help us form relationships with other humans. But the situation is perhaps not as rosy for the animal itself. Domesticated animals often live longer than their free-living counterparts, but the quality of those lives can be compromised. Pets can be fed processed foods that can lead to obesity. Many are denied a sexual life and experience of parenthood. Exercise can be limited, isolation is common and boredom must be endured. In the worst cases, pets suffer due to selective breeding practices, physical abuse and unethical commercial breeding. Is this the best life for the species we feel closest to? This question was raised for me when I heard the story of Valerie, the dachshund recaptured in April this year after almost 18 months living on her own on South Australia's Karta Pintingga/Kangaroo Island. Valerie's escape and return Valerie, a miniature dachshund, escaped into the bush during a camping trip on Kangaroo Island in November 2023. After several days of searching, her bereft humans returned to their home in New South Wales. They assumed the tiny dog, who had lived her life as a ' little princess ', was gone forever. Fast-forward a year, and sightings were reported on the island of a small dog wearing a pink collar. Word spread and volunteers renewed the search. A wildlife rescue group designed a purpose-built trap, fitting it out with items from Valerie's former home. After several weeks, a remotely controlled gate clattered shut behind Valerie and she was caught. Cue great celebrations. The searchers were triumphant and the family was delighted. Social media lit up. It was a canine reenactment of one of settler Australia's enduring narratives: the lost child rescued from the hostile bush. A dog's-eye view But imagine if Valerie's story was told from a more dog-centred perspective. Valerie found herself alone in a strange place and took the opportunity to run away. She embarked on a new life in which she was responsible for herself and could exercise the intelligence inherited from her boar-hunting ancestors. No longer required to be a good girl, Valerie applied her own judgement – that notorious dachshund 'stubbornness' – to evade predators, fill her stomach and pass her days. Some commentators assumed Valerie must have been fed by anonymous benefactors – reflecting a widely held view that pets have limited abilities. Veterinary experts, however, said her diet likely consisted of small birds, mammals and reptiles she killed herself – as well as roadkill, other carrion and faeces. Valerie was clearly good at life on the lam. Unlike the human competitors in the series Alone Australia, she did not waste away when left in an island wilderness. Instead, she gained 1.8 kg of muscle – and was so stocky she no longer fit the old harness her humans brought to collect her. She had literally outgrown her former bonds. Valerie could have sought shelter with the island's humans at any time, but chose not to. She had to be actively trapped. Once returned to her humans, she needed time to reacclimatise to life as a pet. Not all missing pets thrive in the wild. But all this raises the question of whether Valerie's rescue would be better understood as a forced return from a full life of freedom, to a diminished existence in captivity? Pets in the wild Other examples exist which suggest an animal's best life can take place outside the constraints of being a pet. Exotic parrots have fled lives in cages to form urban flocks. In the United States, 25 species initially imported as pets have set up self-sustaining, free-living populations across 23 states. Or take the red-eared slider turtle, which is native to parts of the US and Mexico. It's illegal to keep the turtles as pets in Australia, but some of those smuggled in have later been released into urban wetlands where they have established large and widespread populations. Cats are perhaps the most notorious example of escaped pets thriving on their own in Australia. They numbers in the millions, in habitats from cities to the Simpson Desert to the Snowy Mountains, showing how little they need human assistance. One mark of their success is their prodigious size. At up to 7kg, free-living cats can be more than twice the weight of the average domestic cat. Around the world, exotic former companion mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects have all established populations large enough to pose problems for other species. Rethinking animals as pets Of course, I am not advocating that pets be released to the wild, creating new problems. But I do believe current pet-keeping practices are due for reconsideration. A dramatic solution would be to take the animal out of the pet relationship. Social robots that look like seals and teddy bears are already available to welcome you home, mirror your emotions and offer up cuddles without the cost to other animals. A less radical option is to rethink the idea of animals as 'pets' and instead see them as equals. Some people already enjoy these unforced bonds. Magpies, for example, are known to have strong allegiances with each other and are sometimes willing to extend those connections to humans in multi-species friendships. As for Valerie, she did make ' her little happy sounds ' when reunited with her humans. But she might look back with nostalgia to her 529 days of freedom on Kangaroo Island.
