Innholdsfortegnelse for 10-May-2018 i Chat

There’s no creature as laid-back as the sloth! Despite spending most of their time hanging upside down from the trees, the lazy beasts – like this happy chap – sleep for at least 10 hours a day, and can take up to a month to digest a single leaf! And they only head to the forest floor once a week to poo! It’s a flush life for some! To find out some more adorable sloth facts, or just to see some cute pics and videos of the creatures, just go to lifedeathprizes.com  and search ‘sloths'.…

Eventually, in June last year, the case began at the Old Bailey. Tommy Roome and another man, both aged 19 at the time of the attack, pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder. They also denied alternative charges of manslaughter and wounding Paul with intent. The court heard that Roome had gone to the area that day looking for two brothers with whom he had an ongoing dispute, but hadn’t found them. He and the other teenager were on mopeds, while a third followed on a mountain bike. Spotting them on the home security sizing up Perry’s scooter, Paul opened the front door, told them to f*ck off. Then Roxy had come out, barking, waking up Ricky. Ricky had got Perry, and they’d both run out – barefoot and…

Brett Cowan was found guilty of Daniel’s murder and sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 20 years. Judge Roslyn Atkinson said Cowan’s crimes were ‘horrific and disgraceful’, and that he ‘tragically and pointlessly snuffed out a young life’. Daniel’s father Bruce said, ‘Sitting in the same room as you revolts me.’ Bradley Morcombe, now 29 and a married father, is still haunted by his decision to stay home that day. ‘I wonder what might have happened if I’d gone with him – it’s likely he’d still be here,’ he said. As for Daniel’s mum, her agony will never end. ‘He’ll always be a 13-year-old boy,’ says Denise.…

Being bugged!  Q I’m in torment with insects crawling all over me! Specialists can’t find anything wrong – even though I’ve shown them bugs taken from my skin! Liz, 58 A This could be formication, the belief that insects are crawling on you. Patients often show the doctor supposed parasites which turn out to be fluff or scabs. It can be a side-effect of drugs, otherwise treatment means psychological therapy. Am I going mad?  Q I have tinnitus, but I also hear music. What's wrong with me? Pamela, 88 A Tinnitus means hearing false sounds, usually ringing, roaring or buzzing. Occasionally, your brain tries to make sense of them by forming them into music. Treatment depends on the cause of your tinnitus, but hearing aids or having the radio on…

Serves 4 Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cost per serving: 92p 1 Gently fry 2 chopped shallots and 1 sliced garlic clove for a few mins. Add 400g black beans, ¼tsp cumin and paprika and ½tsp coriander. Cook for 10-15 min, until the beans have softened. Mash slightly. 2 Place 2 fajita wraps on a surface and cover half of each with the bean mix. Layer on 200g cooked spinach, a few tbsp tomato salsa and 1 sliced Camembert wheel, season well and fold the fajita over to close it. 3 Brush with oil and cook in a large dry frying pan until brown. Flip and cook the other side until brown and crispy. When hot, cut into 4 pieces and serve. Recipe by Alex Head for Le Rustique.…

I went out and bought myself a pair of bolt cutters… As my mate wiggled what was left of her little finger, I giggled. ‘It looks cute!’ I told her, smiling. It was around 2007 and she’d lost her finger in an accident, and I was just trying to reassure her. But, deep down, I did like it. Even felt a little jealous of her pinky stump. Maybe I should chop off my own little finger, I thought. I’d always been a fan of body modification. I’d got my first piercing at 8 years old and a tattoo at 18. To me, the idea of chopping off half my finger was just an extension of that. I’m not totally mad, though – I knew it wasn’t like getting a new…

Well done, Phil! Congratulations to Phil Rogers who lost nearly 9st recently. I could hardly believe the transformation when I read ‘No More Big Daddy' (1 March issue). He looks like a different person! Sadly it took a cruel jibe from a stranger to motivate Phil, but his story will encourage others not to accept they'll always be overweight. Phil realised this and he looks amazing! Shannon Lloyd, Graig-fechan, Ruthin WE PAY CASH Sign of strife! After passing my driving test recently, I saw this sign on the way to a friend’s house. I wonder how many people didn’t take heed and got stuck? I decided to turn the car around! Lucy Hill, Halifax Photo of the week This pic of me and my husband three years ago brings back…

Settling in front of the TV, I tore open another bag of chocolate. I offered the packet to my hubby Ben, 38. ‘Thanks, love,’ he grinned, grabbing a handful. It was August 2016, and this was our nightly routine. We’d put the kids to bed, flick on the telly and snack on sweet treats. We thought nothing of it. Ben and I had always been big, never overly concerned about our weight. We’d been friends as kids, lost touch. Then, 10 years on in February 2008, we got back in contact through family and hit it off. We married within two years. We desperately wanted a baby sibling for my daughter, Imogen, then aged 4, from a previous relationship. In September 2010, Ben and I joined a slimming club to…

ALL ABOARD Eerie CCTV footage left railway employees with the chills after it seemed to capture an apparition. The video shows headlights of a train appearing on camera, pulling into Baotou station in China. Only the train itself never appears. Nobody can provide an explanation... TOILET HUMOUR Staff at a Tesco Express hit a bum note when they put up this sign informing customers the supermarket had to close briefly. The notice was taped on the shop door in Bicester, Oxfordshire . Er, clean up on aisle two? S-S-S-SURPRISE! A man in Bangkok, Thailand, was watching TV when he noticed a weird noise coming from one of his walls. Smashing through the plasterboard, he was horrified to discover he'd been sharing his home with a 15ft…

Finally relaxing, I soaked up the scorching June sunshine. Bliss! It was a sunny Thursday morning last year, and I’d finished my final AS level exam the day before. Now I was chilling out with friends at the local park before my afternoon receptionist shift at the local leisure centre. Only, after a few hours, I had a really bad headache. Heading to work, I tried to ignore it. But by the time I’d finished my four-hour shift, I felt sick and faint. And my head was absolutely pounding. Must be sunstroke, I thought, blaming the hot day. Back home, my mum Karina, 48, felt my forehead. ‘I’m sure it’ll pass,’ she said. So I had a cold shower and took some paracetamol before climbing into bed. But, next day,…

Makes: 12 Prep: 15 mins Cook: 15 mins Cost per serving: 46p 1 Heat oven to 190C/Gas 5. Beat 160g muscovado, 100g caster sugar, 200g softened butter, 1tsp vanilla and 1 egg in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in 285g plain flour and 1tsp baking powder, then stir in 170g white chocolate chips and 100g macadamia nuts. 2 Take tablespoons of the dough and shape into rough circles, then put on a baking tray lined with baking paper, positioning the rounds about 5-6cm apart. Bake for 10-15 mins until lightly browned. After a few mins, put cookies on to a wire rack. Eat within 30 mins. They're delicious served with hot chocolate! Top tip If you can't find or don't like macadamia nuts,…

Stepping out of the shower, I dried myself with the towel and caught sight of my back in the mirror. That’s strange, I thought. A mole on my back had got bigger and darker, too. I knew the risks of skin cancer and being fair-skinned I always wore suncream and never used tanning beds. ‘Can you look at this?’ I asked my fiance, Nick, 32. ‘That doesn’t look right, get it checked out,’ he insisted So, in June 2016, I went and saw my GP, who referred me to a dermatologist, who told me it was nothing to worry about. Phew! Six months on and the mole got so dark it was almost black. But I’d been told not to panic, so I didn’t worry about it. Though, by early…

I caught a glimpse of something in her hand, shining Nipping out to our local pizza place, I looked forward to our Friday night treat. It was a rainy evening in October last year. But the takeaway was only a few minutes away. ‘Won’t be long,’ I called to my mum Edna, 80, leaving her looking after my youngest daughter Ava, 2. My oldest daughter, 20, also lived round the corner with her boyfriend. I loved having all my family living a stone’s throw away. Only, as I walked down the road to the takeaway, I heard yelling. It sounded loud and aggressive. It was coming from a flat on the same road. As I got closer, I suddenly stood stock still. I’d know that voice anywhere, I thought. It…

I knew this was more than just tummy trouble I frowned as my daughter Kayleigh, 13, plodded down the stairs for breakfast. Her stomach was swollen beneath her pyjama top, her complexion grey. ‘Want anything to eat, love?’ I asked. She shook her head, opting for water instead. Taking a sip, she set her glass down. ‘I’m full, Mum,’ she grimaced. It was January 2016 and Kayleigh hadn’t eaten properly for months. Now she wasn’t eating at all. Plus she hadn’t been to the loo in nearly three weeks. I whisked her to the doctor, who diagnosed tummy trouble and prescribed laxatives. But days later, still nothing. ‘This is more than constipation,’ I told my husband Andrew, 38. After several more calls and visits to the GP, Kayleigh was referred…

The word Winner came up and I squealed for joy! Working long hours in a bar – there’s nothing I like more than putting my feet up after work. Sometimes I play bingo. Me and my fiance Gary, 52, have been playing it for years. We play Chat Mag Bingo and the site has loads of games – not just bingo but slots, too, and you can play on your mobile. On 11 August last year it was just like any other evening. I’d got back about 6pm and Gary was already home and he had the dinner in the oven. I knew that there was a Link Game in Emerald, the 90-ball bingo room from 6.30pm, so I logged on to catch the game. A Link Game is a…

She’d fled to a London squat, aged 16, pregnant… My mum Roz walked out of the kitchen carrying a chocolate cake. ‘Happy birthday to you…’ she and my dad Derek sang to me. As the glow of the candles lit up my face, I closed my eyes and made a wish. I wish I could meet my real mum, I thought, blowing out the 10 candles – it was the same wish I made every year. Ever since I could remember, I’d known Roz and Derek weren’t my real parents. They’d told me the truth about my adoption. ‘When your real mum had you, you were born very premature,’ Dad said. I’d been born in London in March 1973, three months early, weighing just 1lb 3oz. Back then, hospitals didn’t…

Butterflies fluttered in my tummy as the chat turned into my first crush. Suddenly, I felt shy. It was early 2008, and I was only 10 years old. But, whenever the object of my affection was mentioned, I’d feel the same. Hot, flustered, coy… I couldn’t explain it. Especially because my crush wasn’t a boy at school. It was our family car’s GPS system! ‘Please can I do it?’ I’d plead whenever someone went to programme in our destination. I’d always make excuses to touch the GPS, to try to hold it close. Something about its voice made me feel really happy. As if we had some sort of emotional connection. I didn’t share my feelings with anyone. I didn’t know how to tell anyone – because I couldn’t understand…

Back in 1845, Emilie Sagee, 32, took a teaching position at an exclusive girls’ school called Pensionat von Neuwelcke, in what is now Latvia. The school was famous, as only the very wealthy and refined could send their daughters to study there. But although her CV was excellent, Emilie’s employment history baffled the headmistress. The young teacher seemed to have great difficulty in holding down a job very long. Over the years, she’d been dismissed from 19 schools all over Europe. Still, her actual teaching record was spotless, so Emilie got the job nonetheless, and was instantly well-loved by pupils and staff alike. Those who knew Emilie never had a bad word to say about her, describing her as a kind, patient and intelligent young woman. It was the other…

As Dave and I watched our dogs playing in the field, our eyes met. It was April 2010 and we’d gone for a late-night walk under the stars. ‘It’s beautiful,’ I smiled, gazing up at the sky. We were both single, both had dogs that needed exercise. The perfect excuse to spend time together. Soon our walks were getting longer. And my feelings for Dave, then 25, were getting stronger. Then, one day, Dave turned up at my house. ‘We have to give this a try,’ he said. ‘I really like you.’ ‘Me too!’ I replied. I quickly knew that Dave was The One. But I knew something else, too. That we might not have long together. You see, Dave had been born with cystic fibrosis (CF). Seeing us getting…

The consultant said there was nothing more they could do As the scorching sun prickled my skin, my thoughts flashed to my eldest, Ricky, 27. I hope he’s looking after himself, I thought. It was a blazing-hot day in September 2016, and I knew he was working outside as a council maintenance man. No matter how old your kids get, you still worry. I was right to be concerned. Later, Ricky texted me. I’ve got a headache, he wrote. Typical! It’s boiling out there. Don’t forget to put your sunscreen and hat on tomorrow, I wrote. OK, Mum. Night, he replied. Night, I texted back. Ricky was my firstborn, my mummy’s boy. He had blond hair, big blue eyes, and me and his dad Paul Hayden, then 55, adored him.…

Hiding in my gran’s bathroom, I secretly applied her lipstick and mascara. It was 1972 and, age 5, I preferred dressing up to playing football. That, to me, was normal. Only, deep down, I knew I was different. ‘Boys line up on my right, girls on the left,’ my teacher said one day shortly after. Hesitating for a moment, I reluctantly joined the boys’ side. I longed to be one of the girls. Instead, I felt alone, somewhere between the two. Back then, being transgender wasn’t talked about. So I bottled up my feelings, played the part I was expected to, instead. It got harder the older I got, but I was determined to hide who I really was inside. So... ‘I’m going to be a firefighter,’ I announced at…

Luscious lashes If your mascara is running out, just add a few drops of eye drops. Turn the brush (don't pump it!) and your mascara will have a new lease of life. Sheila Mudd, Hartlepool Top pots  To keep pot plants healthy while you're on holiday, soak newspapers and lie them flat in the sink, then stand your plant pots on top. It'll keep them moist. Gerry Smyth, Sunderland No more knots  When I go on holiday, I use a straw to cover the chains of my necklaces so they don't get tangled up. Angela Clifton, Felixstowe DIY air freshener Spray a little perfume on a (cool!) light bulb. When you turn on the bulb, it'll release a lovely smell. Don't use too much perfume or you'll short out the…

We love American food – and the cars, too! My feet throbbed, my back ached and my throat was parched. ‘Anyone for a brew?’ my mum Leslie, then 57, asked. ‘Yes, please!’ me and my hubby Neil, 29, groaned. Running New York-style restaurant Witham and Blues together was a fun but exhausting business. It was August 2015 and we’d just closed for the night. Mum and my dad Bob, 59, had popped in to have a catch-up. They’d recently been on a driving holiday in Europe, and Neil and I weren’t long back from a trip to America. ‘We saw some amazing diners,’ I told them. Funnily enough, Neil and I had been talking about opening a second eatery, in a big venue space attached to Witham and Blues. We’d…

Co-op ONLY £1.19 Tzatziki 200g, £1.19 Light and flavourful with a good texture. Try spreading it in a falafel or chicken wrap. M&S Tzatziki 230g £1.30 A nice and chunky tzatziki with a lovely fresh flavour and lots of herbs. Sainsbury's Tzatziki, 230g, £1.35 A smooth texture and rich, creamy feel, with nice chunks of fresh cucumber. There are fewer herbs, but it still has great flavour! NEW Ryvita Protein, £1.59, Sainsbury's  This new range of crispbreads is enriched with pea protein, as well as being naturally rich in fibre.…

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George Gel Effect Nail Polish in Obsession, £3, Asda You can't go wrong with a classic, glossy red. Use a top coat for extra staying power. Barry M Coconut Infusion Nail Paint in Lemonade, £4.99, Superdrug Made with a blend of coconut water and oil to care for and hydrate your nails while they're painted. Mavala Nail Color Cream in Hanoi, £5.20, John Lewis A cross between pink and purple, this bright fuchsia really packs a punch. One coat gives a strong colour. All That Jazz Nail Lacquer in Patty Cake, £9.98, allthatjazz.com  From its Caribbean Collection, this turquoise polish stays chip-free for ages - perfect for holidays.…

1 Enjoy the view The Space Needle soars 605ft in the air. Taking just 45 seconds to reach the top and at $22 (£15) for a standard adult ticket, it's a great way to get an overview of the city. 2 See something fishy Pike Place Market is the oldest, continuously operating farmers' market in the country. Check out the group of fishmongers who've made a name for themselves with fish-throwing entertainment! And have a go yourself, if you're brave enough! 3 Check out the coffee Seattle has the most coffee shops of any city, and is home to the first-ever Starbucks. Based in Pike Place Market, the store has kept its early appearance over time, with its original mermaid logo on the window. 4 Whale watch See orcas, humpbacks,…

THE CRIME In March 1996, Matthew De Gruchy ran out on to the street pleading for help. He was covered in blood. As police arrived at the house, they discovered Matthew's mother, sister and brother, all dead. Their injuries were so horrific that investigators compared them to victims of an air crash. Matthew was in an emotional state - but all wasn't what it seemed... THE STORY Curtains twitched as neighbours heard a high-pitched sound reverberating in their usually quiet street in Albion Park Rail, Wollongong, Australia. ‘Help!’ Matthew De Gruchy, then 18, screamed. He was covered in blood – his family’s blood. Neighbour Mr Bailey opened his front door and approached the young man. ‘There’s something wrong with Mum and Sarah,’ Matthew wailed. Confused and nervous, Mr Bailey followed…

Aries 21 March - 20 April You’ve made bold moves in the last couple of weeks, but it’s hard to see if they worked out the way you hoped or made things worse. Hold your nerve, stick with the course you’ve chosen and all will be well. Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May When something takes your fancy, you tend not to look at the price. In this case, you should, because it costs a lot for what you get. If your heart’s set on it, buy it - but better things are coming if you wait. Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June Two steps forward, one step back. It’s progress, but you may be trying to do…