Author: Kieran Whitlock

Patricia Routledge, 96, died peacefully in London. The Keeping Up Appearances star's Damehood and iconic Hyacinth Bucket role leave a lasting legacy in British comedy.

The 2025 Ryder Cup unfolds at New York's Bethpage Black Course, pitting Keenan Bradley's USA squad against Luke Donald's defending European side. With a 14‑point target for Europe and 14.5 for the hosts, Day 1 saw Europe surge ahead. This piece breaks down captains, line‑ups, format and what the coming days could hold.

Angel Batista is dead. In Dexter: Resurrection episode 9, the longtime fan favorite finally confirms Dexter is the Bay Harbor Butcher—then gets shot by Leon Prater during a furious confrontation. Batista dies in Dexter’s arms after trying to strangle him, closing a 19-year arc. The loss severs one of the last ties to the original series and resets the stakes heading into the season’s end.

Well, folks, you're in for a treat! We're diving headfirst into the wondrous world of language translations. So, how do we say "pila" (Spanish) for water in English? Drumroll, please... it's "pile"! But wait, it's not your usual pile like a stack of books. In this context, it refers to a basin or a trough filled with water. So, if you ever find yourself in a Spanish-speaking country, don't be alarmed if someone asks you to fetch some water from the "pila". They are not asking you to carry a pile of water (imagine that!), but rather, a basin or trough of water. And there you have it – your Spanish lesson of the day! Isn't language fun?

I've been researching some of the most daring swimming feats and came across the question of whether anyone has ever swam from Spain to Ibiza. Turns out, it has indeed been done! David Meca, a renowned long-distance swimmer, completed the 90 km journey in 2005, making history. It wasn't easy though; he battled cold temperatures, strong currents, and jellyfish during his 24-hour swim. This incredible achievement proves the lengths human endurance can go to.

In my research on energy-efficient swimming, I found that the freestyle stroke is often considered the most energy-conserving swim stroke. It's typically faster than other strokes, allowing swimmers to cover more distance with less effort. The stroke's streamlined position reduces drag, while the continuous arm movement ensures there's always one arm propelling you forward. Moreover, the rhythmic breathing pattern of freestyle swimming can help conserve energy. So, if you're looking to swim longer distances without tiring, freestyle might be your best bet.

Swimming is an amazing long-term activity that offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it's a low-impact exercise, making it ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. Regular swimming can help boost cardiovascular health, improve flexibility, and build muscle strength. Moreover, it can also contribute to better mental health by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Lastly, it's a skill that can potentially save your life, so the benefits really are far-reaching!

The practice of beach-going started to gain popularity around the 18th century. It was initially seen as a health cure in England, where people began to flock to the seaside for its supposed healing properties. The trend eventually evolved into a leisure activity during the 19th century, particularly in the United States. Over time, beach-going became more accessible to the masses, evolving into the popular pastime that we know and love today. Today, we hit the beach for recreation, relaxation, and fun, but it's fascinating to know it all started with a health remedy.

I recently researched the fascinating topic of swimming with hammerhead sharks and whether it's safe or not. It turns out that, while these creatures may appear intimidating, they generally pose little threat to humans. Most hammerhead species are actually quite shy and tend to avoid human contact. However, caution should always be exercised, as some larger species can be more aggressive. Overall, swimming with hammerhead sharks can be a thrilling experience if done responsibly and with proper guidance.

I recently came across a rather bizarre and unsettling question - are there really water creatures that can swim up your urethra? After doing some research, I discovered that there actually is a tiny parasitic fish called the candiru, native to the Amazon River, that is known to do just that. While such incidents are extremely rare, there have been reported cases of the candiru entering a human's urethra, causing immense pain and requiring surgical removal. However, it's important to note that these occurrences are highly unlikely and generally limited to specific regions. So, while it's a disturbing thought, the chances of encountering such a creature are pretty slim for most of us.