Author: The Guardian

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Some of my biggest regrets in life are things I’ve turned down on principle. Don’t agree to any social plans a month ahead that you wouldn’t be excited about if they were happening that night. If you kick it into the long grass, it will still eventually find its way back out of that grass and eat you. If you do agree to a plan, don’t bail on it. Don’t be a flake! Don’t make the idea of what other people might think cause you to be afraid of trying things and failing. Someone much…

In day-to-day life, there are two kinds of selfishness. One is where you don’t give a damn about anyone else and what they need or want, and just go after what you want, whenever it feels good to do so. This is the kind of selfishness that gives the word a bad rep. The second is just about prioritising our own needs, and articulating them.We’ve misunderstood the value of selfishness. That isn’t terribly surprising, given that most major religions have always framed it as a vice, with kindness almost always presented as an unequivocal good. But overemphasising the primacy of…

Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem had to fight two Australian opponents in the first round of international qualifying in Brisbane when a deadly snake forced play to be suspended.The former world number three faced Australian youngster James McCabe on Saturday, with the Austrian losing the first set 2-6. But the 30-year-old’s eventual successful fightback was put on hold when fans spotted a snake on the sidelines.As the snake slithered toward Arena 2, security was called and the referee had to temporarily stop play. Snake catchers eventually captured the reptile – a 50cm long eastern brown snake – and removed…

My wife is going away for a few days, and I will be completely alone in the house for the first time in a very long while. The last time it happened, it was a different house.I’m happy with this, even though I know I probably won’t be able to choose between the many profitable ways I might spend this time. I’ll end up slumped on the sofa in front of the TV, or asleep in the bath with a paperback floating by my feet. That’s OK – no one has to know.My wife departs at 5.30am on Sunday, but my time alone does…

Pakistan claimed they were the better side in the Boxing Day Test but believe skill decided the outcome of Australia’s 79-run win.Pakistan coach Mohammad Hafeez has launched a scathing attack on the Boxing Day Test umpires, claiming his team’s defeat against Australia was only because technique decided the match.In a fiery postscript to Australia’s 79-run victory on Friday, the former Pakistan spinner questioned the consistency of match-making. He was also particularly upset by Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissal of the match, insisting he should not have fallen behind late in the chase.”Our Pakistan team performed better overall than other teams,” Hafeez said.…

US prosecutors say they do not plan to conduct a second trial against Sam Bankman-Fried, who was convicted last month of stealing from customers of his now-bankrupt FTX cryptocurrency exchange.In a letter filed on Friday night in federal court in Manhattan, prosecutors said the “strong public interest” in a prompt resolution of their case against the 31-year-old former billionaire outweighed the benefits of a second trial.Prosecutors said that interest “weighs particularly heavily here”, given that Bankman-Fried’s scheduled sentencing on 28 March 2024 is likely to include orders of forfeiture and restitution for victims of his crimes.Jurors convicted Bankman-Fried on 2…

IIf you had watched Pakistan play a Test match in Australia over the summer, you might have had the feeling that a schoolteacher knows. Anyone in charge of students can tell you the most frustrating students: those who are smart and interesting, but for some reason just can’t put things together.They were brilliant, unpredictable, and most frustrating of all, which sometimes included playing up to their potential. They may work hard for a while to improve their test scores. Then on the last day of term, they stole a bunch of chemicals from the science lab and burned down the…

The singer Shirley Bassey, the England goalkeeper Mary Earps, the Glastonbury festival founder Michael Eavis and the Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke are among the famous names recognised in the new year honours list, while the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, leads those rewarded for their work on the coronation of King Charles III.Bassey, known for recording the Bond songs Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever, is one of the all-time bestselling artists. She becomes a Companion of Honour, one of the top honours, for her services to music. She said: “My heart is full of emotion and I am…

On Friday, the Los Angeles Police Department (LASD) released body camera video of an officer shooting and killing 27-year-old Niani Finlayson, who called during a domestic violence incident Call 911 for assistance.Video clips The Dec. 4 encounter revealed Deputy Ty Shelton fired four shots at Finlayson within about three seconds of entering Finlayson’s home.Last week’s killings in Lancaster, a city north of Los Angeles, sparked national outrage, with civil rights activists questioning why deputies failed to de-escalate and instead used deadly force against a woman who sought aid and became a victim. Abuse.The Los Angeles Police Department released audio of…

Lara on ClaireWhat were you hoping for?To meet the woman of my dreams and swiftly u-haul it to a coastal location.First impressions?Stunning smile and soulful eyes. And her shirt was cheeky and fun.What did you talk about?Travel. Careers. Awareness that this life is brief and important.Most awkward moment?Leaving at the end, I wanted to ask for her number. While I had to be back home for the little people, I would have loved to have texted her all night.Good table manners?Claire suggested sharing food – which is most admirable and joyful.Best thing about Claire?Her self-awareness, lack of ego, energy for…