So THAT’s Why Your Gym Has 50 Treadmills But Only 1 Squat Rack

Posted on 02/04/2025 by Boris Clair

This morning, I left my spin class, walked up to the weights section to get the rest of my workout in, and promptly turned back around.

The squat rack (my huge, bustling gym only has one) had a three-person line around it, excluding the lifters circling, keen-eyed, like beefy kestrels.

Meanwhile, dustballs might as well have been blowing across the grey acres of treadmill belts upstairs.

Why does this happen? After all, my experience is far from unique – Redditor u/IndependentHawk9655 asked the members of r/AskUK, “Why does every chain gym in the UK still prioritise cardio equipment that never gets used over the weights room/resistance machines which are always absolutely rammed?”

So, we spoke to Maria Vazquez, head of training at MYWOWFIT, about what’s really going on.

It’s strategic

“It’s all about strategy,” Vazquez told HuffPost UK.

She explains that “Most beginners are more comfortable jumping on a treadmill or elliptical than going straight to strength training equipment.

“So having a lot of cardio machines means gyms can accommodate the high volume of new members who are still getting into their routine.”

From a financial standpoint, gyms rely on inactive members to make a profit – a strategy Gen Z is ruining.

Then, there’s safety to consider.

“Machines like treadmills and ellipticals require less supervision, lower liability risk,” Vazquez shared.

“Squat racks and Smith machines require more space, proper form and sometimes a spotter which can deter some gym goers.”

Lastly, there’s the time math; a treadmill user might be on there for 40 minutes, while someone is unlikely to spend that long on a Smith machine.

The lifter, unlike the runner, can allow someone else to “work in” their sets too.

But if that logic is sound, why is the squat rack still always busy?

The problem is that gyms might not have adapted to new trends, the expert said.

“In my experience, this [pattern of equipment use] is all changing. More people are getting into strength training and gyms are starting to balance out their offerings,” Vazquez explained.

“There is definitely a demand for more squat racks, benches and space for heavier lifting. But for now, cardio will probably remain the priority because it’s just more practical for the majority.”

How You Pronounce This Letter May Reveal Your Age, Linguist Says

Posted on 01/04/2025 by Boris Clair

You might already know that how long you can stand on one leg has been linked to your brain age ― the position involves coordinating different parts of your body and mind, making it uniquely useful as a marker of ageing.

But not all the signs are medical, as anyone who’s ever looked at a festival lineup and thought “I don’t recognise a single name here” knows.

And recently, members of r/AskUK wondered whether or not the pronunciation of the letter “z” counts as one such marker.

“I was horrified to learn that a fully British colleague of mine says ‘zee’ for the letter zed and he says he always has. Is this now common and I have just lost touch?”, a now-deleted poster asked.

So, we spoke to clinical linguist and CEO of Dysolve, Dr Coral Hoh, about what was really going on.

Yep, it does seem to be an age thing

“Yes, it’s generational but not confined to the UK alone,” the linguist said of the Americanised pronunciation.

“It is also the case in other English-speaking regions,” she told HuffPost UK.

“For example, in Southeast Asia, in countries like Singapore and Malaysia, speakers in their 30s-40s may use ‘zee’ and ‘zed’ interchangeably.”

Meanwhile, she says, “their younger counterparts prefer the former, thanks to American influence.”

Indeed New Zealand magazine North And South have written about increased Americanisms among their younger people.

Growing up in Ireland, people in my Disney Channel-reared age group were constantly being accused of the same thing (I’ll admit I choose “zee” over “zed,” though my older relatives would never).

People think the trend is coming from media, including social media

“Americanisms are becoming more and more common, I blame YouTube,” Redditor u/Frst-Lengthiness-16 opined.

“My kids refuse to call biscuits by the correct name, calling them fucking ‘cookies.’”

Jane Setter, a professor of phonetics at the University of Reading, agrees, telling The Guardian: “For children, it could simply be because everyone is watching a particular trending YouTube influencer or group of influencers, or playing particular online interactive games, through word of mouth and a desire to fit in with their friends, that these people speak in a particular way, and the kids are using the features of those speakers with other kids to show they “belong” to that group.”

This may be part of the reason why Americanisms are so common among Gen Z (never said “Gen Zed,” I note) and younger…

People Are Just Realising Who Directed One Of Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Most Famous Scenes, And Wow

Posted on 17/03/2025 by Boris Clair

You may already know that Tim Burton was the unlikely director for both Batman and Batman Returns ― though he doesn’t think he’d do another superhero movie.

But that’s got nothing on the improbable director Jennifer Love Hewitt says is behind one of her most famous scenes.

In I Know What You Did Last Summer, the actor’s character breaks down after months of being followed by a killer. The camera shows her spinning in the street as she screams: “What are you waiting for, huh? What are you waiting for?”.

The moment is probably the best-known scene in the movie – and Jennifer says it was directed by a child, in an interview that’s resurfaced in a viral Instagram Reel.

Speaking to US Weekly in 2018, the star said: “Here’s what’s crazy about that – that scene was actually directed by a kid who won a contest to come on and create a moment for the movie, and it became the biggest part of the movie.”

Though she admitted “I have no idea where he is,” she said his direction was great.

She claimed he said, “I want her to stay in the street and turn around and just… scream, like, ‘What are you waiting for?’”.

“I was literally like, are you kidding me right now?” Jennifer added.

“This is what I’m gonna do? Okay, this is a great idea, let’s have this guy come in,” she said sarcastically.

“And then we were doing it, and it looked amazing. And now everybody loves it.”

“That’s one of the best scenes of the movie. And one of my favourites to recite as well,” an Instagram user commented under a post about the fact.

“That kid is a genius,” another wrote.

I Know What You Did Last Summer’s sequel was announced in 2024 and is due to come out on June 18 of this year.

The actor is set to star in the new release, having previously told US Weekly: “I’m gonna be the creepy old lady who’s still turning around in the street screaming into the air and the kids are gonna hit me. That’s gonna be my part in the next movie!”

We don’t know exactly what her new role in the franchise will be yet ― but there’s been no mention of child directors so far.

Here’s The Real Reason Your Cat Licks You, And It’s Pretty Heartwarming

Posted on 12/03/2025 by Boris Clair

Ever had your shoe stolen by a dog?

Well, according to experts, your furry friend is likely just reassured by your scent and wants to be near it.

Cute as that seems, dogs have so many other ways of showing affection (wagging their tail, running up to you, leaning against you) that you might be left wondering why they had to turn to your favourite slipper in the first place.

Surely that’s the sort of behaviour you’d expect from notoriously cryptic cats, whose rarer displays of affection include stretching at, kneading on, and licking their owner?

And does your cat licking you mean they like you at all?

It could be a form of “allogrooming”

According to PetMD, we can’t be 100% sure (typical felines) ― but one of the leading theories vets have is that your cat might lick you to get closer to you.

“Mothers groom their kittens and cats may groom one another, which is called allogrooming,” the publication shared.

This helps to strengthen social bonds and increases a sense of belonging (aww).

Blue Cross’ animal behaviourist, Claire Stallard, said that allogrooming is the most likely reason your cat is licking you.

Other causes may include your cat seeking attention from you, your cat liking the taste of your skin (yes, really ― be careful with this if you’re wearing lotions, fake tan, or perfume), and them identifying you as a part of their group.

Rarely, the habit could indicate stress or anxiety. This is especially likely if their ears are flat to their head and/or their tail is swishing

See your vet if your cat suddenly starts licking you a lot out of nowhere, though. Very occasionally, this can be caused by medical conditions that create nausea.

Why are cats’ tongues so scratchy?

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that cats’ tongues actually have little hooks, rather than cones, which allow them to hold saliva on their tongue.

When cats lick themselves (or you), this is designed to comb their fur and distribute the cleansing saliva evenly across the surface they go for ― sometimes at the cost of a scratching sensation on your skin.

Per BBC Science Focus, this is partly because cats (unlike dogs) are solitary hunters. When a cat is hunting, they need to disguise their scent ― their specially-designed tongue helps them to do this to themselves easily.

This is less important for dogs, whose pack-hunting technique requires less disguise from both their prey and potential predators.

Oscars Host Claims Disney Gave ‘Hard Pass’ To 1 Goodie Bag Inclusion

Posted on 04/03/2025 by Boris Clair

Did you know the Oscars uses seat fillers to make the crowd seem full and busy on-air?

They’re not paid for the gig, have historically worn a badge that says they’re not a star, and usually have to be pretty well-connected to get the job.

But this year, host Conan O’Brien at least gave the event’s unrecognised cast members a snack box and a touching note, just as he did with the celebs.

In an X post, the editor-in-chief of Variety Ramin Setoodeh said: There’s a note from Conan under every #Oscars seat with a snack box of water and a pretzel.”

Conan O'Brien at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party — Conan O’Brien at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

In the note, the host claimed that he’d planned to include another item in the box ― but that it had been given a “hard pass” from Disney, who has the rights to air the show.

“Dear Star/Seat Filler, I hope you enjoy these complimentary snacks,” the note reads.

“I tried my best to include a gummy but Disney said that was a ‘hard pass’,” it continues.

That was presumably a cannabinoids-infused gummy ― they’re legal for over-21s in California, where the Oscars are held.

“Have a great night, Conan,” the note ended, along with a doodle of the host himself (the comedian is known by fans for his drawings).

Of course, it’s nowhere near as costly as this year’s Oscars goodie bag which went to all 25 top acting and directing nominees and included a five-night stay at a luxury resort and up to $1 million worth of emergency services to people affected by this year’s LA wildfires.

Still, people on X seemed touched by the gesture.

“This is so thoughtful,” one X user wrote. Others called Conan the “host of the decade.”

A commenter wanted to know what we were all wondering, too: “are [the notes] all the same copied and printed or did he handwrite them individually because he is both funny and genuine enough to do that?”

We reckon the reply to their question rings true though ― “I don’t think he’d have the time to handwrite hundreds of notes.”

The Oscars Goodie Bags Have A $1 Million Change This Year

Posted on 27/02/2025 by Boris Clair

Don’t get us wrong; the main point of the Oscars is obviously to celebrate the talent of its nominees (who include Cynthia Erivo, Timothée Chalamet, and Demi Moore this year).

But let’s be real here ― we reckon the event’s iconic goodie bags, whose contents are regularly valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, are a pretty big draw for the celeb crowd, too.

This year, marketing company Distinctive Assets is in charge of their “Everyone Wins” Oscars bags, which will go to all 25 top acting and directing nominees.

But according to a press release from the company, LA’s devastating wildfires have made a million-dollar difference to the usual offerings.

“While our gifts may be famous for being fun and fabulous, they also serve as a means to elevate small businesses, minority-owned brands, female entrepreneurs and companies that give back,” the company’s founder, Lash Fary, said.

“This year, on the heels of the historically tragic LA fires, we have found even more ways that our celebrity swag can do good in our community.”

In practice, that means this year’s Oscars goodie bag will include a membership to disaster recovery charity Bright Harbor, who is offering $1 million worth of services to those affected by the fires.

Builders Maison Contractors have offered their renovation services too.

“Whether they pamper themselves or share these bountiful gifts as a care package for a friend who may have recently lost their home, we give these gifts not based on the recipients’ need but out of a desire to brighten someone’s day and to acknowledge a job well done,” Lash shared.

Also included in the bag this year are:

Miage’s full skincare line
A selection of L’Oréal Paris cosmetics and hair care
A four-night villa stay at JOALI Maldives or JOALI BEING
A five-night wellness retreat at Santani in Sri Lanka
Nomatic’s Travel Pack and Check-In Classic suitcase
A 20-piece luxury gift box of lip products from Petty Pout
Film-inspired merch and gift card from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
AncestryDNA kit with a 3-month World Explorer membership and VIP Family History Experience
ArtLipo body contouring with Dr Thomas Su
BAGCEIT portable purse seat
Beboe luxury cannabis products
Blanc par rouGe gourmet maple products
Boos Block cutting board by John Boos
Bored Rebel “L.A. Strong” graphic undershirt
Brook37 The Atelier premium tea gift box
Cate Brown Studio sustainable luxury dog wear and toss pillows
Five-star Barcelona hotel stay at Cotton House Hotel
The World’s Finest Pocket Square from Daniel Ashley Co.
Danucera’s cult-favorite D22 Tonic
Dogwalkers cannabis pre-rolls
EATABLE gourmet popcorn
Chilean wine from Frontera Wines
One-year Function Health membership
Gammn reimagined backgammon set
Greens First greens powder
Greenworks 2-in-1 Cordless Standing Light Kit
Helight NASA-inspired red light sleep therapy device
IERIAS NAMA Sacred Glow Skincare Ritual
ILIA Beauty’s skin-centric brushes and makeup
INSTYTUTUM result-driven Swiss skincare
A Journey of Iceland: From Darkness to Light immersive coffee table book
Karma Nuts air-roasted cashews
Eyewear from KITS Eyecare
Kloth eco-friendly face towel
Krovblit Fine Art framed mini resin print
Mermaid Cove ocean-inspired skincare
Neue Theory probiotic protein powders and Digest + Debloat supplement
OMGIGI LA Strong bracelets and Jewelry Bar experience
1MD Nutrition’s VisionMD “Vision for Tomorrow” gift box
Overnight Travel Bags vegan leather passport wallet
A year’s supply of Oxygenetix breathable foundation and concealer
Partake Bodycare Luxury Bath Soak
PETA’s custom “Let Monkeys Swing Free!” portable hammock
Posh Pretzels chocolate-covered pretzels
RYTHM cannabis
Tanner romance novel by Samantha Skye
Sattaché eco-friendly luxury shoe bag
Señorita THC-infused non-alcoholic margaritas
Shinery Jewelry Wash and Radiance Towelettes
Shrinkage: Manhood, Marriage and the Tumor that Tried to Kill Me by Bryan Bishop
Skanties “anti-shapewear/2
Suko Stones by MB Saku Hana candle holder
The Heart Company vegan heart-crafted perfume collection
The Souled Store pop-culture t-shirts
3D Virtual Wellness Retreat
TruFru chocolate-covered freeze-dried raspberries
VEDI cruelty-free lipstick
Hollywood Star Cookie Suites from Windy City Sweets

Bridget Jones’s Diary Was Blamed For A Drop In Sales Of This Drink

Posted on 08/02/2025 by Boris Clair

Apparently, the binge-drinking, heavy-smoking, chaotic lifestyle of Bridget Jones isn’t aspirational to some people?

Personally, I can’t relate but according to one expert, the fictional anti-heroine caused a huge slump in sales of her favoured drink around the time of the column in The Independent and, of course, the film’s release back in 2001.

The expert in question is Oz Clarke, a prestigious wine expert and writer from the UK.

‘The blame should be firmly placed at the door of Bridget Jones’

According to The Telegraph in 2008, Clarke said: “Chardonnay has made some of the world’s greatest wines, everyone appreciated it – until Bridget Jones.

“Bridget Jones goes out on the pull, fails, goes back to her miserable bedsit, sits down, pours herself an enormous glass of Chardonnay, sits there with mascara running down her cheeks saying, ‘Dear diary, I’ve failed again, I’ve poured an enormous glass of Chardonnay and I’m going to put my head in the oven.’ Great marketing aid.”

Personally, I would argue that Ms Jones was not supposed to feel relatable to Mr Clarke, and that’s before we even get into the recession that was flooding the UK at the time.

Anyway, I digress.

The Independent reported at the time: “Across Britain fewer people are seeking solace – or enjoyment – in chardonnay. In the past 12 months, 7.5 million shoppers bought it, fewer than the previous year, according to the retail analysts TNS. Meanwhile, rivals such as sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio are rising in popularity.”

Clarke made his comments at London’s first self-storage wine facility, adding: “Until Bridget Jones, chardonnay was really sexy. After, people said, ‘God, not in my bar’.

“If you’re a marketing manager what would you say? ‘OK, I’m going to sell something that makes people feel really miserable. Let’s call it chardonnay!’”

Other experts argued that the drink had simply taken a new direction

Alan Griffiths, former wine director of Berry Brothers, Britain’s biggest wine merchants, said: “The appeal of chardonnay is still very strong. It’s a safer bet for a party. It’s more likely to go down well for a group of 50 than a gewürztraminer or a riesling or a sauvignon blanc, which some people find too grassy or acidic.”

Personally, I’ll be raising a toast to Bridget before seeing the newest instalment of her story.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is out on February 13th in cinemas across the UK.

So THAT’s Why Takeaway Coffee Cup Lids Have A Second, Tiny Hole

Posted on 20/12/2024 by Boris Clair

More goes into the design of a takeaway coffee cup than most of us realise.

For instance, you might not have known that placing the cover’s drinking spout opposite the paper cup’s “seam” can help prevent leaks.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll have no idea why there’s often a tiny hole (separate from the main drinking point) in the lid either.

Turns out it’s actually a pretty smart safety feature ― and makes sipping from the container easier too.

How?

According to the Aussie version of the food and drink site Delicious, it’s partly down to steam.

The minute vent helps steam to escape, they say ― though this doesn’t cool it down much.

Instead, it prevents steam from building up in the container, causing pressure to build and potentially leading to burst cups.

Additionally, the presence of another hole than the drinking spout allows coffee to run smoothly when you’re sipping from it ― otherwise, there’d be no airflow in the cup.

According to Atlas Obscura, who interviewed the authors of Coffee Lids: Peel, Pinch, Pucker, Puncture, the vent can be used to boost the coffee-drinking experience too.

They write that the Viora lid’s “deep well and centred hole are designed to concentrate the coffee’s aroma.”

It also helps to prevent spills

Per Delicious, the oft-unnoticed detail design also helps to keep your coffee where it should be (ideally, either in your mouth or in the cup).

It works for the same reason the hold creates a better sip; if there’s a lack of steady airflow, the liquid will move in jumpy, unpredictable ways.

Designer Louise Harpman and architect Scott Specht, who worked together on Coffee Lids: Peel, Pinch, Pucker, Puncture, say that trends, tech, and even legal cases have shaped the design of the mundane invention over the years.

For example, coffee lids became more dome-shaped as foamy, bubbly drinks rose in popularity; after the famous McDonald’s coffee court case, they told Atlas Obscura, brands started including more visible warnings on their lids.

“Coffee lids are modest modern marvels, but we rarely slow down and take the time to consider, admire, or even wonder about these humble masterpieces,” Louise told the publication.

Well, that’s changed for me, at least…

I’m A Wine Expert ― Always Check These 2 Signs On Champagne Bottles

Posted on 18/12/2024 by Boris Clair

We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about the three letters you should always look out for on Italian wine bottles to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Well bang is one thing, but what about fizz? After all, ’tis the season for a festive glass of bubbly ― and if you’re anything like me, you have no idea what to look for on a champagne label.

Luckily wine expert Partner In Wine shared a TikTok video revealing how to “read” the drink’s bottle.

Let’s start with “Brut”

I’ll be honest here ― I thought “Brut” was a brand of champagne, but the wine pro says it’s actually to do with its taste.

“Brut is a common name for the sweetness of the wine,” she explained.

“So this bottle says ‘Brut’ on it, which means it’s a dry wine. If you want something bone-dry, look for the words ‘Extra Brut’ or ‘Brut Nature’.”

The “drier” the champagne (or the more Brut force it has ― teehee), the less sweet it is, Champagne de Lozey say on their site.

If you’re after something a little more sugary, Martha Stewart’s site adds, you might want to go for a demi-sec or, for the sweetest sip, doux, variety.

Then, there’s the vintage to consider

“Most champagnes state ‘NV’ on the label,” the wine expert said, meaning they’re not vintage.

“This means it’s been made of a blend of grapes from different years.”

Though I always heard “vintage” matters, Partner In Wine explains that the blending method helps winemakers to produce consistent wine brands that taste the same every time you drink a different bottle.

It’s a smart move because bad grape years spell disaster for your glass of bubbly ― mixing blends together can provide a better product.

With that said, Partner In Wine points out that if a winemaker shows you the year their product is from, that’s usually because its something to brag about.

“If there’s a year on the label, that means it comes form one exceptional year,” she shared. “This means it’s a vintage champagne, and they tend to be more expensive but also, more delicious.”

Don’t let the word “vintage” lead you to think she means “ancient,” though.

Cult Wine Investment writes that 2008 is this century’s standout year, with 2013 and 2014 also yielding pretty great results. 2002 and 2000 went down well too, they add.

Is It Just Me, Or Does Tap Water Get Colder In Winter? I Asked An Expert

Posted on 12/12/2024 by Boris Clair

I’ll be completely honest here: I know as much about plumbing as I do marine biology or rocket science (which is to say, next to nothing).

So when I told a friend “you know, I always think tap water is way colder in water,” I had no idea how to respond when she asked how I thought that’d happen.

An even more embarrassing admission; I’m not even sure where the reservoir that holds the water that runs through my sink is, or if it’d even be possible for the liquid in it to be affected by the weather.

So, I thought I’d ask Myles Robinson ― former boiler repair company owner and current CEO of UK Composite Doors ― whether I was losing it in the run-up to Christmas, or if this was a real thing.

So… Is tap water really colder in winter?

Yes, Myles says.

He told HuffPost UK: “tap water is definitely colder in the winter. It all comes down to a combination of factors, the water source, the pipes, and how they interact with the colder weather.”

“Most water systems draw from reservoirs, rivers, or groundwater. In winter, these sources naturally drop in temperature, especially in areas with freezing conditions,” he continued.

“Even groundwater, which is insulated by the earth, gets colder as the ground above freezes. So, the water entering your home starts off colder during winter months.”

If you’re thinking “wait, wouldn’t it warm up in the pipes?”, we were in the same boat ― but Myles has answers.

“Pipes running through unheated spaces, like basements, crawl spaces, or underground, are understandably more exposed to the colder air or ground temperatures in winter,” he explained.

“As the water sits in these pipes, it cools even more before reaching your tap. The longer the run of pipe from the main supply to your tap, the more pronounced this cooling effect can be.”

Does tap water get hotter in summer too?

I knew I wasn’t imagining lukewarm glasses of water in the colder months!

“Interestingly, in the summer, the opposite can happen. Heat from the air or soil can warm up the water in your pipes, making it feel less refreshing than winter’s icy flow,” Myles said. Huh!

By the way, if freezing tap water is bothering you, the home expert says there are steps you can take to get rid of the problem.

“If you’re noticing your tap water feels shockingly cold in winter, especially in older homes, you might want to check if your pipes are insulated,” he told HuffPost UK.

“Proper insulation won’t stop the water from being cooler—it starts that way from the source, but it can keep your pipes from freezing, which is a much bigger concern!’’

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