Scientists solve mystery of why flamingos stand on one leg
A flamingo stands on one leg because it takes less effort than using two, according to new research. It is possibly the animal kingdom's most iconic pose and the reason for it has remained one of the greatest mysteries in nature. Now, in the first study of its kind, scientists reckon they have come up with a simple solution. The famous long necked pink bird with stick like legs, which at five feet tall is among the biggest on Earth,...
Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge
By Linda Marric First of all let’s start with the good news, because despite earlier misgiving about yet another outing, there is no doubt that the fifth film in the Pirates of The Caribbean franchise is far more coherent than its most recent predecessor. Yes Salazar’s Revenge is way more knowing and far better crafted than On Stranger Tides (2011), but that is not to say that this latest instalment brings anything new or original to the usual seafaring shenanigans....
Fascinating photos show inner engine of the Flying Scotsman
A fascinating series of photographs gives an insight into the maintenance work needed to keep The Flying Scotsman running. The world-famous train, which in 1934 became the first locomotive to crack 100mph, is currently touring the UK. It has most recently been in the West Country - and these pictures taken at St Philips Marsh depot, Bristol, show the intricate workings of the engineering masterpiece. They show Nick Battle repairing small boiler tubes inside The Flying Scotsman's firebox, the area...
Watch – Britain’s oldest triplets celebrate their 80th birthday
Three sisters have celebrated their 80th birthday – and are Britain’s oldest surviving TRIPLETS. Mary Bloxham, Margaret Coleman and Georgina Leech, 80, were born on May 20 1937 and grew up together in the Hall Green area of Birmingham. Their mother, Mabel Bloxham, only expected one child and the chances of triplets surviving in the 1930s was very slim. But the three sisters, born to the family name, Bloxham, celebrated their 80th birthday together with their family. Mary said: "Most...
Southbound: The supper club taking Londoners on a journey of discovery through food
It's a warm evening in Battersea as our taxi pulls into an old housing estate just south of the river. My experience of supper clubs to date - a five course meal on an old Victoria Line train and a three course banquet in a cellar - have been nothing short of intriguing, and so it was with a sense of anticipation that we descended upon The London Cooking Project to see what was in store tonight. Supper clubs have...
Brexit leads to slowing of commercial property market
Land securities NAV slips as markets pause for breath during Brexit uncertainty According to research released by QuotedData, for the year ended 31 March 2017, Land Securities’ NAV slipped as it said that its markets are 'pausing for breath'. The chairman says that “In the London office market, we expected the occupational balance to shift from demand to supply during the course of 2017. The Brexit vote brought that inflexion point forward “Over the next 12 months, we’re unlikely to...
Watch – Ariana Grande on stage & girls enjoying gig moments before bomb attack
At least 22 people were killed and 50 others injured in the blast at an Ariana Grande concert - which witnesses are claiming was caused by a 'nail bomb'. Newly released mobile phone footage shows panic spread across the crowd, as one terrified girl screams "oh my God" and others are seen running for their lives. The lights had just gone up and people were leaving the arena when a loud bang is heard. Fans are then seen running back...
Review: Liza Sings Streisand
If the era of the grand dame is over, Liza Pulman has not got the memo. She has a lovely voice, a genuine smile, and the kind of sparkly eyes men of a certain age go totally dippy for. Throw in two dramatic gowns, a neck full of diamonds and a band called the Stardust Ensemble, and you’ve got yourself a bona fide diva. Liza Sings Streisand is an evening of just that - Pulman singing Streisand songs with a...
High street bank sets up Britain’s first virtual reality proposal
A high street bank has helped a loved-up couple get engaged this week in what is thought to be Britain’s first virtual reality proposal. Footage has been released of the tear-jerking moment when Robin King produced a diamond ring whilst his girlfriend was immersed in a VR simulation with Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Jenson Button. The video, dubbed ‘Love Virtually’, was recorded in Ennis-Hill’s home town of Sheffield, Yorks, after Santander UK undertook a national search seeking someone ready to pop...