From gods to monsters: how did we come to fear the shark?
The most haunting of our imagined monsters remain hidden as they stalk us, striking when we least suspect it, while we are relaxing, or at play. The now-extinct megalodon roams the ocean unseen and u… [read more]
How Trump adviser manipulates free speech to advance his causes and ‘hurt his adversaries’
Towards the end of July Leonard Leo, architect of the rightwing takeover of the American judiciary, emerged from his vacation retreat in Maine to write an opinion piece for the local newspaper, the B… [read more]
Seals hot tubs overpriced beer: how I holidayed in Iceland – without leaving Hastings
Despite my Turkish heritage, I cannot handle hot holidays, so a trip to Iceland is my dream, combining two of my favourite things: nature and jumpers. I have long been fascinated with this small, oth… [read more]
Melanie Blatt: ‘The worst thing anyone’s said to me? Your career will be over if you have the baby’
Born in London, Melanie Blatt, 48, went to the Sylvia Young Theatre School. In 1993, she formed All Saints with Shaznay Lewis, later adding Nicole and Natalie Appleton. The group had five No 1 single… [read more]
A new start after 60: I’m a short greying woman – and the world’s oldest battle rapper
As a child, Joy France was so shy that she walked to school with her hands over her eyes, believing no one would see she was there. Now 66, she is an international battle rapper who raps in front of … [read more]
Manzi’s London W1: ‘Liberace levels of camp and self-aware daftness’ – restaurant review | Grace Dent on restaurants
Whatever happens to dining out come the future, discerning restaurateurs will always open places such as the new Manzis in Soho, and at considerable expense, because old-school glamour will never sto… [read more]
Tall short or super-shy? 10 ways to find the perfect swimwear
Every summer, as I wrestle myself into a swimsuit for the first time in a year, the words: Its the most vulnerable time of the year pop into my head to the tune of Andy Williams Christmas classic.
B… [read more]
The Guardian view on murder in Ecuador: a tide of violence reaches new heights | Editorial
The assassination of the Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio on Wednesday marked a frightening new moment, even in a country where homicide levels are rocketing. Rising violence … [read more]
‘The kids love the freedom here’ – how we made the perfect Swedish summer house
Cathy Nordströms summer house is a three-minute cycle from the beach in Torekov, a fishing village in Skåne, Swedens southernmost county. In August, when the schools are shut, its not unusual for Nor… [read more]
Wildlife lovers fear for nature reserve threatened by Cambridge university building
Dusk is falling over Paradise nature reserve on the banks of the river Cam. Half a dozen bats burst out from their hiding places in the rare wet woodland, dipping and diving merrily through the darke… [read more]