Lifestyle - Thursday, June 4, 2026

Readers respond to an article about avian onanism with their own pets’ self-pleasuring antics Sixty years ago, my father had a budgerigar that my brother and I named “Bobby the wanking budgie” ( Masturbation among birds is ‘natural’ and should not be punished, say experts, 1 June ). Its favourite toy in the cage was a hanging mirror with a bell on it, and Bobby often became so excited by his own image that he would cling on to the mirror and give it a good hammering, accompanied by frantic bellringing, appropriate comments from his listeners and giggling from my mum: “Dirty little devil!” Very amusing, except when the vicar came around one afternoon. Mum was mortified. Bobby probably thought: “I’ll show this bloke what bellringing is!” Denis Compton Worcester • Birds are not the only creatures capable of self-pleasuring. In the 1970s we had a hamster that was flexible enough to do the job orally. (And my mother had a budgie named Timmy who would occasionally give himself a good time in front of his mirror.) Peter Johnson Leicester Continue reading...

Fresh produce rules and the menu is always changing at this outstanding Italian restaurant in Mount Pleasant.

Hundreds of people applied to adopt beagles from a breeding facility – but ‘these are not ordinary dogs’, says one rescue worker In May, 1,500 beagles were released from Ridglan Farms, a breeding and bioresearch facility near Madison, Wisconsin. The event made headlines . Soon, a deluge of tear-jerking videos followed, showing the lab beagles experiencing the outside world for the first time. Millions of people watched the dogs touching grass and instinctively paddling their paws at the sight of water. Continue reading...

About 5,000 hopefuls logged on for the chance to sleep over in the furniture store’s Sydney pop-up. Caitlin Cassidy scored a coveted stay, but could she keep her sanity? If you came of age in the early 2000s, you have probably seen 500 Days of Summer , an indie romcom that romanticised Ikea showrooms as the perfect place for a date. It was thanks to this film that I jumped at the chance to sleep over in what is effectively an Ikea showroom. The caveat being, I would do so alone and, instead of kookily standing in a waterless shower and pretending to cook in a fake kitchen, the taps would work. Continue reading...

Don’t let the fear of stains hold you back. Stylist Liz Teich shares tips on getting out food, sunscreen and makeup spots to keep your white clothes pristine We found the four best stain removers in the US – tested on red wine, olive oil, coffee and more Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things I’d like to take a moment of silence for my graveyard of white clothing . It’s painful to think about the pricey white tank top with a coffee stain, or the vintage cream sweater smudged pink from some mysterious makeup product – all banished to the back of my wardrobe. Over the years, I’ve found myself hesitant to wear white, a color that proudly showcases my predisposition towards spilling. For all stains: The Laundress Stain Remover Kit Continue reading...

Carole Hopson was a journalist and corporate executive before she ever flew a commercial plane. Now, the United Airlines captain wants to get more women in the cockpit.

A higher price does not necessarily mean better fabric, fairer pay for workers or greater sustainability. To guarantee you’re buying ethically, experts say, you need to dig a little deeper Does paying more for a T-shirt mean that it’s more likely to be ethically made? In short (sleeves): no. People who spend their time investigating fashion companies’ supply chains and employment practices seem united in the conclusion that money cannot necessarily buy us a clear conscience. Continue reading...

Millions of fans have watched videos of Ronaldo the dog, named after soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo, playing goalkeeper.

Restaurant dining is a terrific and expensive treat, so how can you be sure to get the best from every menu? Experts give their advice, from looking for the strangest dish to going easy on the booze For many of us, going to a restaurant is a real treat, so you want to make the most of every mouthful. From starters to small plates, how can you ensure that you have the best possible dining experience? Restaurant critics share the insider secrets to ordering well when eating out. Continue reading...

Charles and Alice have reconnected in their 60s, but he finds her soggy sponges foul, while she says his ashtrays are worse. You tell us who is giving you that sinking feeling • Find out how to get a disagreement settled or become a juror Whenever I see Alice’s cloths, I imagine all the bacteria that must be crawling over them Charles would prefer to throw all dishcloths away immediately after using them Continue reading...