For the second leg of our band’s nationwide tour we’ve hired a van for all our stuff, but it only has three seats, so the rest of us are following in two cars. We have agreed that no changes will be made to the show, but halfway to Bristol a revised set list appears on … Read more
The questions 1 Which continent has the highest ratio of coastline to total area?2 Han Kang is the first Nobel literature laureate to write in what language?3 Which marine mammals hold hands while sleeping?4 Who would receive a visit from Agent Million?5 “And Robin shall restore amends” is the last line of which play?6 What … Read more
These cupcakes are a playful twist on the classic Boston cream pie. I’ve added cocoa powder to the cake, while keeping the classic custard filling really rich and luscious, but the real star is an easy creme patissiere that saves on time without sacrificing flavour. Friends have declared them “amazing”, and they’d be a strong … Read more
Erin Phillips has already kicked off her white sneakers by the time we start walking south along Tennyson Beach in Adelaide. She casually leaves them behind on the sand as we dodge seaweed and dead crabs marooned by the morning tide – this is her local, after all. “I’d say I’m here at least five … Read more
Philip, 73, Bristol Occupation Retired marketing director Voting record Usually Conservative. Intends to vote Reform next time Amuse bouche Philip ate the first-ever Viennetta. Fresh out of university, he worked at Unilever, and they placed him with Wall’s ice-cream. It was one of the happiest days of his life; he loves ice-cream Doug, 63, London Occupation Wine buyer Voting … Read more
Nettles are rarely considered a welcome sight to gardeners. With their capacity for rampant growth – they spread by rhizome (underground) as well as seed – and the tiny hairs on their stems and leaves that sting any passing bare skin, they are usually uprooted from outside spaces where people are present. Nonetheless, this defensive … Read more
The prosecution: Liam Surely doing a favour badly is worse than not doing it at all? It took me three hours to fix A few weeks ago, while I was preoccupied with medical exams, my housemate Ray kindly offered to wash my car. I was very thankful for the gesture as the stress from studying meant … Read more
Choosing a cordless vacuum isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. You’re likely to keep a vacuum cleaner for years, relying heavily on its ability to suck up dust, crumbs, mud, pet hair and any other dry spillages or sheddings that end up on your floor. Choosing the right model can be the difference … Read more
What’s the problem?My indoor lemon tree has sticky leaves and white spots underneath. What is it? DiagnosisThe sticky residue and white growths suggest an infestation of mealybugs. Mealybugs are notorious for attacking the fleshy leaves of cacti and succulents, but they also thrive on citrus trees, feeding on sap and weakening the plant. Their waxy … Read more
How do I navigate the fear, anger and uncertainty of this political moment? Eleanor says: A long and distinguished tradition in philosophical thinking about emotions and politics, from Aristotle to Henry David Thoreau and through to Amia Srinivasan and Myisha Cherry, asks exactly this question. Anger and fear are really enervating. How are we meant … Read more