Latest news with #dad
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
JOE WICKS: ‘As a kid, my diet was about 90 per cent processed food'
My first food memory is my mum's lasagne. She'd be the first to admit that she isn't a very good cook. She left home at 15 and lived in a squat. So, growing up, our diet was not that healthy. Lasagne was the one thing she made; OK, so she used Dolmio red and white sauces, but it's the only meal I remember her actually spending a little time preparing. Even now she'll still say, 'Do you want me to bring a lasagne round?' and it takes me straight back to my childhood. My dad, when he was about (as he was in and out of rehab), used to chop up some chicken breast, put it in a pan, then pour in a jar of that nuclear orange Uncle Ben's Sweet & Sour sauce. There were no vegetables and it was so sugary. I hated it. As a kid, it wasn't a question of being allowed fizzy drinks, sweets and chocolate – that was my diet, about 90 per cent processed food. My mum would shop around various supermarkets to get the cheapest deal – things like Wagon Wheels, Iced Gems, Findus Crispy Pancakes, frozen chicken and mushroom pies, KitKats, Penguins, sandwiches and maybe a little bit of fruit. And it definitely affected me: I was hyperactive, climbing the walls. But at the time I suppose it was all my mum knew. She didn't know how to prepare healthy food. Growing up in Surrey, I had free school dinners and remember some dishes so vividly. The midweek roasts with thin slices of beef, and butterscotch tarts with cream on top and a thin pastry base. Everything was thin. At secondary school we had the usual stuff – slices of pizza, burgers, chips, more roasts. I loved it all. I was very cheeky but knew how to be polite, and a bit charming, to get extra portions from the dinner ladies. Because I was raised on all that cheap food, it's in my DNA to still want it. When I'm stressed, it's a real issue. I don't just walk out of a shop with one chocolate bar and a bag of Monster Munch crisps. I'll also get a can of Coke, a packet of Fruit Pastilles and a tub of Ben & Jerry's and eat it all within half an hour. I'm trying to have a better relationship with food, and be a role model for my children. My life's very different now but, because of my childhood, I know what it feels like to live off that sort of diet, and the difference it makes to your energy, mood and health. These days I am very balanced in my diet, and 80 per cent of the time I'm in control. But the other 20 per cent I'm drinking fizzy drinks and bingeing on sugar. Our kids love nothing more than cakes, brownies and ice cream. But it's more about having those things as a treat when we're out. I don't want them in the house all the time. The only food I really despise is tinned tuna. My dad used to make pasta with tinned tuna, mayonnaise and sweet corn. It made me retch and I remember hating the smell of it. I was a very fussy eater as a child, very beige. My ultimate comfort food would be a gourmet burger and chips, but I also love a pub roast with all the trimmings. I always have the basics in my fridge: eggs, cheese and lots of vegetables. Things I can throw into a pan with some rice or noodles. Along with beef mince and chicken breasts for bolognese and curries. It makes me laugh when I'm having a burger or ice cream in a restaurant, and people say to me, 'Ooh, I didn't expect you to be eating that.' But I'm a greedy eater and want to be full up. I'm the person having a slice of toast with marmalade before bed. I just love food. My last supper would start with gyozas and popcorn shrimp tempura. Then I'd mix it up and have a smash burger and chips. Dessert would be chocolate fondant or sticky toffee pudding. Along with a pint of Coke. That would make me so happy. Book tickets for Joe Wicks Festival at Kew on 6 July at
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
How ‘child life specialists' help kids with cancer
A Vancouver Island dad is praising a group of health-care professionals for protecting his child from some of the trauma associated with cancer.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
The noises you make every day fill me with disgust. Now I'm not afraid to tell you
In case you aren't related to me and didn't know, it was my dad's birthday last week. Looking through photos and various paraphernalia to make the perfect post about him that he almost certainly wouldn't see, I found a note I had written to him as a child. In it, using language that would now be considered 'toxic' and 'victim- blaming', I apologise for yelling at him for picking his nose (while also pointing out how disgusting I found it). Not to try and excuse my behaviour which I would describe medically as 'being a little shit', but occasionally in life we can look back at our child selves and understand something we didn't know at the time. This is one of those instances. To me, I can see the little shittery, but I can also see something else that probably caused this behaviour towards my dad, a condition outside my control: misophonia. Now that ADHD has had its moment in the sun, I am here to push for my cause. I have explained misophonia before, but essentially it is a disorder where specific sounds or movements from people around you act as triggers, causing extreme disgust, distress or even hatred. It's not the feeling you get when you're a bit annoyed at someone's open-mouth chewing; it's more like your entire body suddenly overflows with rage and sometimes vomit. The small amount of research into misophonia (it was only named in 2001) indicates it starts in childhood and may initially be focused on one particular family member. Hence, yelling at my dad for picking his nose. Which is disgusting by the way. My misophonic focus soon expanded to the rest of humanity, and since then barely a day has passed in which I haven't experienced some form of trigger. A few days ago I was watching a new Netflix show where one of the main characters was upset by a colleague eating an apple (very familiar) and she said he probably has misophonia, and then explained what it was. I was really surprised by what I felt when she explained it so matter-of-factly, and had it taken into consideration. It was the same feeling I get when I talk to someone else who has this condition, a relief that someone else understands and can give you appropriate support. The feeling that it has been taken seriously as a real thing. Because I know it sounds weird, and probably a bit made up. It's embarrassing to admit that a sound someone is making without even thinking about it has turned your insides into one of those primary school science fair volcanoes with vinegar and baking soda. That you can't listen to a conversation because someone is scraping a bowl. That you can't go to a movie with a friend who slurps their drink too loud. Even though I've written about misophonia, I still find it hard to talk about in real life. I find it hard to admit to a new friend and I find it very difficult to ask anyone to adjust their normal behaviours for me. I don't want to be a nuisance, or burden them. I'd rather put myself through the unpleasantness than ask them to change. But to feel able to ask for these things is a huge relief. Misophonia has clearly been with me forever, but as an adult I've also had the fun addition of some new mental health struggles. I have had a couple of depressive episodes in recent years, one right now as it happens (yes I am a hero), which is another thing I have found it very difficult to talk to people about. I still find it hard to be depressed around other people, even those who love me and will take my company in whatever state it's in. I am on a slow journey with it, but I have found that being open about my mental health with people – employers, colleagues, housemates, etc – has only been helpful. Misophonia feels like a different thing, but it's still related to my mental health – they sort of egg each other on. I am also on the slow journey with talking about it. I want to be more open about it – for most of my life I have gritted my teeth and blocked my ears, only letting the closest people in my life into my unusual reality. It's something that has heavily impacted my day-to-day and I have been too embarrassed to tell most people about it. But alongside society's growing awareness around neurodiversity and mental illness, I am getting better at knowing it is OK to ask people for adjustments to their behaviour, or more care, or a different way of doing things, if it will help. Whether it's depression or misophonia, having it taken seriously by other people is so important. So I am here to start the conversation. I am willing to become the face of misophonia. The face is scrunched up angrily at the sound of someone stirring their tea, but it's out there. In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 and at MensLine on 1300 789 978. In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 and Childline on 0800 1111. In the US, call or text Mental Health America at 988 or chat
CNET
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CNET
The Car Battery Jump Starter I Recommend to Everyone Is a Must Have Lifesaver
My grandfather was an auto mechanic, so I learned a lot about cars, but I never had to deal with car issues on my own until I had to jump-start my car battery by myself. My beloved 2011 Toyota wouldn't start and was making a weird sound when I turned the key. Like any responsible young adult, I immediately FaceTimed my dad and played the sound for him. He determined in less than a minute that I'd need to jump-start my car to get it running. (Spoiler: He was right.) Ever since then, I've been sure to keep several key items in my car in case of an emergency, and one of those is a portable jump starter. The Powrun P-One is the jump starter I keep in my trunk and I'll recommend it to who will listen. This 12-volt portable jump starter battery pack can start my car in seconds without another car or anyone else's help. Complete with mini jumper cables and instructions, it's practically idiot-proof. (I say this proudly as a car idiot who has used this pack several times to jump-start my car.) It's incredibly easy to use. You prepare your car like you would if you were jumping it from another car. Pop the hood, locate the battery and attach the jumper cables. Then, using the black connector attached to the jumper cables, you plug the jumper cables into the battery pack, matching up the blue plug to the corresponding port on the battery pack. Then, you flip the switch to turn the battery pack on, and a green light on the jumper cable connector will signal you have a good connection. All you have to do is retry starting your car and that extra charge bank should give you the juice you need to get it running. This battery has enough juice to jump-start your car up to 25 times from a single charge and is compatible with 12-volt gasoline and diesel engines. Plus, it has an intelligent safety system (in the form of eight types of protection systems) to make sure you don't electrocute yourself. In addition to helping you get moving, this battery also comes with a flashlight, compass and ports you can use to charge your phone or other devices. It also has a display screen that shows your use and remaining battery power. It's lightweight, compact and easy to store in your glove box or trunk. This is everything that comes with the battery jump starter. Amazon Why the Powrun P-One makes a great gift I don't like to tout any product as life-saving, but this one really could be. Luckily for me, my car battery died during daylight hours in a relatively safe place, but the situation easily could've been much worse. Aside from the convenience of not needing another car to get a jump start, this portable jump starter is as much a safety tool as it is a car tool. I feel much better driving around knowing I have it in my trunk, ready to go if needed. If you use the Powrun P-One only once, it'll probably provide relief that will justify its purchase. This jump starter may not be the "coolest" of graduation gifts, but it's practical, thoughtful and sets the recipient up for real-world adulting. Plus, if your giftee ever needs it, you can most definitely expect a thank you call or text afterward. Speaking of, here's our list of 50 unique gifts for people who already have everything.
CNN
3 days ago
- General
- CNN
We asked our dads what they want for Father's Day. Here's what they said
We know all too well that shopping for dads can be tough. Ask any dad what they want this year, and nine out of ten times, they'll tell you they don't want anything. So, this year, we asked the real experts — our own dads — what they actually want this Father's Day, from practical picks to thoughtful splurges. Whether you're shopping for a new dad, a seasoned pro, the 'cool dad' or a father figure who's always had your back, these gifts are guaranteed to get a smile. Hedley & Bennett Grateful Dead Steal Your Face Chef's Knife The easiest — and safest way — to shop for my dad is to get him anything and everything Grateful Dead-themed. He's always cooking something up, and this year, he asked for something to help him out in the kitchen. This knife is the perfect solution. Not only is it functional but it's also very on-brand. If you're shopping for a Dead-head chef, this is perfect gift for the foodie. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Marmot Men's PreCip Eco Rain Jacket My dad loves shoes and cycling gear, but this year, he's asking for a good rain jacket that's breathable and lightweight — something he can use in hot, tropical weather when he's out inspecting his shrimp farm. So, he's getting this rain jacket from Marmot. I own one myself, and it kept me dry when I was visiting Ireland a few years back. It's so lightweight you can actually fold it down to a size you can fit in your pocket, but its waterproofing is very effective too. — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer Read our review Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses My dad has been a devoted Oakley sunglasses wearer for as long as I've been alive. He spends a ton of time outdoors in the bright Florida sun, so he asked for a new pair of polarized sunglasses to replace his older pair. He is not subtle by any means and sent me a photo of these exact ones. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor Omaha Steaks 10-Ounce Ribeye Steaks, 4-Pack When I asked my dad what he wanted for Father's Day, he gave a short and simple answer: 'A ginormous steak!' I always think gifting some sort of food or experience is better than a knickknack that will probably just sit in the closet for years, so this box of four ribeyes is a great choice. If you really want to go all-out, you could even splurge on a couple of dry-aged steaks, which my dad said would earn 'bonus points.' — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Bombas Men's Sunday Slippers My dad is very particular about his house slippers. They have to be comfortable and warm but not too clunky. When I discovered Bombas had fuzzy slippers, I knew my dad would love these cushioned shoes. Plus, the thought of him wearing sherpa slippers is enough to sell me. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Related article The best beer subscription boxes in 2025Dogfish Head Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale My dad is probably the biggest Grateful Dead fan of all time, so when he saw this beer collaboration with Dogfish, he knew he needed to try it. Once I got my hands on a case, he took one sip and absolutely loved it. I plan on getting him more for Father's Day since it will make the perfect addition to our summer BBQs. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder My parents' house is practically a bird sanctuary at this point; it's outfitted with almost anything you can think of for giving birds a place to eat, drink and rest. That said, I was shocked to learn my stepdad has yet to add a smart bird feeder to their yard. I know he'll really enjoy seeing the birds that come to the feeder, and the camera attached to this option gives him quick access to see who's stopping by throughout the day. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer Read our review Chaco Customizable Men's Z/1 Sandals My dad loves my dog, Stitch, and he loves comfy sandals. Now that the weather is getting warmer, he's been asking for sandals to wear outdoors, so what better way to combine his love for Stitch and his search for new shoes than with a customized pair of sandals. These Chaco sandals are comfortable, supportive and will be great for any trips to the beach this summer. You can personalize just about every part from the colors of the buckle and stitching to adding embroidery. — Stephanie Luna, editorial coordinator Untuckit Beyond Shorts My dad is not comfortable in the water, even though the rest of our family loves swimming and snorkeling. But we're going on a family tropical vacation and forcing him to get out of his comfort zone and join us on several boat trips and island-hopping tours. So, he needs a pair of swim shorts like these ones from Untuckit. These high-quality shorts boast a chafe-free liner and a quick-drying fabric, so he can at least stay comfortable even when he's exploring a tropic archipelagic paradise not having fun. — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer Related article The 31 best hiking shorts for men and women, according to experienced hikersPatagonia Men's Better Sweater Fleece Jacket Technically, my dad didn't ask for this gift. My mom put in this request, but she knows my father better than he knows himself, and she knows he's been wanting a warm, fleece jacket — specifically one with a zippered left-chest pocket. It's going to be a welcome addition to his sparse closet. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones you didn't even know you needed. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Teton Highline Pet Blanket My dad is big on taking road trips and always takes my dogs along. This Father's Day, he really wants something that can help them be more comfortable when we go camping or to the beach. I recently got this blanket, and my dogs love it. My dad said he wants to get another one since my dogs have been using this one at home to lounge out in the sun all day. It's made to rough it in the outdoors, but it's also very versatile and comfortable to use wherever and whenever. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator 'The Best American Short Stories 2025' Edited by Celeste Ng Without fail, every time I ask my dad what he wants for any holiday, he always has two answers: books and more books. He's a true bibliophile at heart and loves to see his library expand. This year, I'm going to gift him the latest edition of 'The Best American Short Stories.' He gets a copy every year, and I know he'll love this thoughtful gift. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Homage X Starter Yankees Heavyweight Satin Jacket I'm 99% sure my dad loves the New York Yankees more than anything else on the planet — including me. My brother is named after Graig Nettles, and he's had more than one pet named after a famous player. So, aside from lifetime home-plate season tickets, my dad wants this awesome retro-inspired satin jacket from the Homage x Starter collab. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor ResortPass Gift Card As a mom of two teenage boys, sometimes we just want some calm. This year, I'm gifting my husband a gift certificate to ResortPass, which lets us nab a daily pass to a hotel in our vicinity and bask in its upscale amenities. Not only can we lounge by the pool when the weather warms up but we can schedule spa services as well, like a massage or facial at the famously decadent Guerlin Spa at The Plaza Hotel. — Tobey Grumet Segal, former reviews editor Read our review Vuori Strato Tech Polo If there's one thing and one thing only I know about my dad, it's that he won't go clothes shopping for himself. Seriously, he's still wearing shirts someone (me) gifted him in the 2000s. He wants new clothes; he's just not going to get them himself. This Vuori polo is performance fabric, which I know he likes to wear during the summer when it's hot out, and is super soft and comfortable. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer Lorens NYC New York Medz Tee There's nothing my dad loves more than a great T-shirt, especially one that pays homage to his Armenian and New York roots. I know he'll love this graphic tee: It's a fun play on words on an Armenian pun, in addition to featuring an eye-catching design. I can see him wearing it already. It's bright and hip, all without being outside my dad's comfort zone. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this guide, associate testing writer Carolina Gazal asked our dedicated team of writers and editors to reach out to their dads to find out what gifts they truly want this Father's Day.
