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House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research.
The study shows certain species act like natural air fresheners - removing harmful chemicals from the air we breathe.
House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research
Research has shown the air in offices and family homes often contains pollutants leading to ‘sick building syndrome’ where people suffer a range of symptoms including headaches, fatigue, difficulties in concentrating and respiratory problems.
It has been estimated to blight the lives of up to three in 10 office workers. A study earlier this year estimates that annually nearly 100,000 people die from the effects of indoor air pollution.
Now new research has found the Scarlet Star (Guzmania lingulata), from South America and a member of the bromeliad family of plants, got rid of more than 80 percent of illness causing compounds.
That performed the best out of five plants tested, although the Dracaena Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans massangeana) soaked up virtually all of a particularly pungent chemical common in nail salons.
House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research
Native throughout tropical Africa, it is grown in many homes and offices within the UK, US and Europe.
Scientists say their findings show picking the right houseplant can clear the air of dangerous pollutants in homes and offices.
Printers and cleaning products give off potentially harmful chemicals known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Dr Vadoud Niri, of the State University of New York, said: “Buildings, whether new or old, can have high levels of VOCs in them, sometimes so high you can smell them.”
House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research
VOCs are compounds like acetone, benzene and formaldehyde that are emitted as gases and can cause short and long term health effects when inhaled. They can come from paints, furniture, copiers and printers, cleaning supplies and even dry cleaned clothes.
Explained Dr Niri: “Inhaling large amounts of VOCs can lead some people to develop sick building syndrome, which reduces productivity and can even cause dizziness, asthma or allergies. We must do something about VOCs in indoor air.”
The most common solution is to install ventilation systems that cycle in air from outside or methods using adsorption, condensation and chemical reactions.
But using plants to remove chemicals from indoor air, known as biofiltration or phytoremediation, is much simpler - and cheaper.
House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research
In addition to carbon dioxide plants can take up gases such as benzene, toluene and other VOCs.
NASA began studying this option in 1984 and found that plants could absorb these airborne compounds via their leaves and roots.
Since then, other studies have looked at how plants phytoremediate specific compounds, such as the cancer causing chemical formaldehyde, in a closed space.
Most of these studies focused on the removal of single VOCs by individual plants from the ambient air.
But Dr Niri wanted to compare the efficiency and the rate of simultaneous removal of several VOCs by various plants.
So his researchers built a sealed chamber containing specific concentrations of several VOCs and monitored the VOC concentrations over several hours with and without a different type of plant in the chamber.
For each plant type, they noted which VOCs the plants took up, how quickly they removed them from the air, and how much was ultimately removed by the end of the experiment.
The researchers tested five common house plants and eight common VOCs, and they found that certain plants were better at absorbing specific compounds.
For example, all five could remove acetone, the pungent chemical abundant at nail salons, but the dracaena plant took up the most, around 94 percent of the chemical.
Dr Niri said: “Based on our results, we can recommend what plants are good for certain types of VOCs and for specific locations.
“To illustrate, the bromeliad plant was very good at removing six out of eight studied VOCs - it was able to take up more than 80 percent of each of those compounds - over the twelve hour sampling period. So it could be a good plant to have sitting around in the household or workplace.”
Dr Niri says the next step in the research is to test these plants’ abilities in a real room, not just a sealed chamber.
He would eventually like to put plants in a nail salon over the course of several months to see whether they can reduce the levels of acetone that workers are exposed to.
The other three plants studied were Jade plant (Crassula argentea), the Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) and the Caribbean Tree Cactus (Consolea falcata.)

VIDEO: House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air


House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research.


The choice of leaf-based beverages on offer has mushroomed in recent years, from builder’s tea or nothing, to every flavour from peppermint to rhubarb & ginger.
Now, a third generation of teas is brewing. This will concentrate less on exotic new flavours and more on health benefits as producers look to capitalise on a market that remains huge – with 165 million cups of tea consumed in Britain every day – but faces growing competition from coffee.
Tetley has looked into the tea leaves and predicts we are in for a range of “remedy” teas – enriched with medicines, from painkillers to antibiotics – some of which may even be offered as cures for hangovers and remedies for tiredness, the report suggested.
We can also expect tea to be consumed through an array of alternative “delivery mechanisms” such as tablets, jellies, sprays and sorbets, according to a new report Tetley has done with so-called futurologist consultancy Future Foundation.
“Britain’s love affair with tea is enduring. The way we consume tea has gradually evolved since the 17th century, but now we are entering a period of rapid change,” said Laurent Sagarra, head of product innovation at Tetley.
“The way we consume tea has gradually evolved since the 17th Century, but we are now entering a period of rapid change,” she said.
“We’re constantly innovating, grading, blending and tasting and now’s the time to see what’s next for the iconic British cuppa,” she added.
The proliferation of teas will give High street coffee shops a run for their month, the report suggests, with “tea-total” outlets offering a range of exotic tastes and flavours.
Nick Chiarelli, director of the Future Foundation, said: “Our report predicts that exciting and satisfying new tea formats will develop, and that tea will evolve to deliver personalised health benefits.”

New generation of teas could cure hangovers, report suggests


The choice of leaf-based beverages on offer has mushroomed in recent years, from builder’s tea or nothing, to every flavour from peppermint to rhubarb & ginger.


The internet is 25 years old today and we take a look at 25 things the world wide web changed forever.
Happy 25th birthday to the internet! In August 1991, British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee published the first web page.
And on August 23, 1991, he gave the public access to it.
Handily, the page told readers how they could set up their own website, whatever the heck a website was.
You can view a version of that original web page here. Compared to what we have now obviously it is very basic but will go down in history as one of the most important developments of all time.

The World Wide Web is 25 today: Here’s 25 things the internet changed forever


The internet is 25 years old today and we take a look at 25 things the world wide web changed forever.


Sports fans are being urged to be on the lookout for scams in the run-up to the Olympic Games in Rio, which start on Friday.
Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, says it has already received nearly 50 reports of fraud relating to the games, with victims losing a total of £299,935 to criminals.
Most of the fraudulent activity has so far been related to ticket scams, either through people attempting to buy non-existent tickets or through lottery scams used to gather targets’ personal data.
Some victims believed they were securing last-minute ticket for the games in Brazil, only to find that the tickets did not exist and they have been left out of pocket. Action Fraud warns that people should always be wary of buying tickets at the last minute and should only go through authorised sellers, a list of which can be found here.
Director of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith said: “It is absolutely key that everyone is wary of the fraudsters who are clearly using an iconic sporting event to exploit innocent victims.If people are thinking about buying last minute tickets, they should be particularly careful about where they buy them and it is crucial that they check the genuine seller list published by the Olympic organisers.
Criminals have also been operating lottery scams to gather banking and other details from victims. Targets have received emails or letters telling them they have won a trip to the Games along with a cash prize, courtesy of the event’s organisers.
Pauline Smith warned: “People who think they may have been lucky enough to have won tickets through a lottery should be wary and always protect themselves by asking simple questions around whether or not they have entered in the lottery in the first place.
“If you have not entered a lottery then you cannot have won it. Genuine lotteries thrive on publicity, if they ask you to keep your win a secret; it is likely to be a fraud.”

Rio Olympic scammers trick victims out of £300,000


Sports fans are being urged to be on the lookout for scams in the run-up to the Olympic Games in Rio, which start on Friday.


It could cost airline passengers £25 for making a complaint, following the introduction of new aviation rules.
Passengers traveling with British Airways, easyJet and Thomas Cook will be charged £25 if any claim they make is unsuccessful, as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will no longer mediate between customers and airlines.
Previously, the CAA would act as the ‘middleman’ in negotiations between customer and airlines in disputes regarding flight delays and cancellations or missing or damaged luggage.
British Airways, along with easyJet and Thomas Cook, have signed up to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), which charges customers a £25 fee for unsuccessful claims for compensation.
However, passengers with other airlines, including Flybe and Ryanair will be able to pursue complaints without fear of financial loss as these airlines have signed up with the Retail Ombudsman which does not charge customers to use the service.
Also, Eurowings and Lufthansa will use German company Söp, which similarly does not charge a fee.

BA and easyJet passengers could pay £25 charge for flight delay complaints


It could cost airline passengers £25 for making a complaint, following the introduction of new aviation rules.


Matt Adcock reviews David Brent: Life On The Road (15)
“I’m gonna roll you over, and rock you stupid, and leave you there just humming...”
David Brent is back. I never thought I’d write those words but here is the middle-aged master loser – on the big screen as a documentary team follow his dream of a ‘rock tour’ to save him from life as a sanitary products sales rep.
The Office was incredible TV, that made you wince and laugh in equal measure, the likes of which we haven’t fully seen since.
David Brent: Life On The Road picks up the potent unfulfilled dreams of Slough’s favourite office manager and presents the full horror of what happens when Brent cashes in his life savings and pensions to finance a tour for his band Foregone Conclusion. The good news is that this the best Gervais has been in years – capturing the brilliant comedy/pathos at the heart of The Office and delivering big time both in the laughs and the cringe inducing awfulness of Brent’s socially awkward overdrive.
This isn’t for those who are easily offended or just after some gentle humour – Life On The Road is a comedy-tragic-em-up that will rip your heart out even while you’re spitting popcorn.
This older Brent is a lonelier than ever, his hired bandmates won’t socialise with him or even let him on the expensive tour bus he’s shelled out for; he even has to pay them to have an after show drink with him at one point.
The expected adoring crowds don’t exactly turn up and the record company scouts are more interested in the genuinely talented aspiring rapper Dom Johnson (Doc Brown) who Brent has guest rap on some of his songs in an effort to make them both ethically friendly and youthful.
The excellent Tom ‘Love & Friendship’ Bennett is great as Brent’s one Lavichem office pal and Diane ‘Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe’ Morgan has a fun cameo as a PR tasked with the impossible job of making Brent ‘cool’.
Doc Brown, though, steals all his scenes with looks to camera of such sheer uncomfortableness that I’d love to see him get his own spin-off movie.
Life On The Road takes mid-life desperation and blows the door off it in fine comic style.
You’ll laugh, you might even cry but be warned you might also very well hurt yourself due to the unsafe levels of cringe.

Review: Cringeworthy David Brent brings tragedy to comedy


Matt Adcock reviews David Brent: Life On The Road (15)


I must confess to loving a delicious pie. I’m pretty hopeless at making pastry - the first pie I made as a married woman looked more like a jigsaw puzzle - but consuming them causes me no problems at all.
So I was rather delighted to hear from Bucks County Show secretary Alison Baylis that a new event at this year’s show (at the Weedon Showground on Thursday 1st September) will be a pie competition.
The competition is for commercial pie makers only, but entries are expected from lots of pubs and shops.
Award winning chef Paul Capener from the Bell Hotel in Winslow came up with the idea to hold the competition and he is drumming up support from fellow pub chefs.
There will be six classes, beef and ale, lamb, chicken, vegetarian, a dessert and a pub pie, and all competitors must use local produce.
A team of four or five judges will decide on the winners, who will receive a certificate presented by Buckinghamshire High Sheriff Milly Soames.
The pie competition will take place in a marquee next to the Cookery Theatre, and will be opened to the public at about 11am following judging, so that we can all feast our eyes over the delicious entries.
Mr Capener will also conduct demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre.

FARMING MATTERS: Our columnist will be in pie heaven at this year’s Bucks County Show


I must confess to loving a delicious pie. I’m pretty hopeless at making pastry - the first pie I made as a married woman looked more like a jigsaw puzzle - but consuming them causes me no problems at all.


Deus Ex has you spoilt for choice.
Mankind Divided and so am I when it comes to reviewing the latest Deus Ex game after its launch last week.
There is so much to rave about in DEMD and I’m still enjoying it now over a week into the game.
But there are a number of elements which do not quite sit right with me.
Let’s start with the positives, though, and there are plenty of them.
There is layer upon layer in this game all expertly crafted together and beautifully designed.
The gameplay stands up to the high standards set by previous Deus Ex games and goes beyond them in many respects.
This is a game that will suit all types of gamers too.
Looking for a quick blast for an hour, you can jump on and get enough done to enjoy the experience, looking for longer, more involved sessions on your console then the gameplay rewards your patience, curiosity and creativity.
You play augmented human Jensen who is essentially the most deadly Power Ranger on the planet. I mean this guy has everything and would even give Superman a run for his money.
There are so many options to negotiate each scenario
And this is where my first problem lies with DEMD.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy.
‘Ramp up the difficulty setting!’ I hear you cry.
Well yes there’s that but my point is no matter what level you are playing at, Jensen just has too much at his disposal for his enemies to trouble him.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
But don’t get me wrong it’s still great fun entering a room littered with foes and walking out past a pile of them without breaking a sweat.
Another thing that doesn’t quite land for me is the Apartheid type references between the humans (naturals) and the augmented race. It is a poor attempt to give the storyline resonance with real life - for example there are posters dotted around saying things like ‘Augmented Lives Matter’ and it just feels a little frivolous.
I’m being hyper critical, though, and Deus Ex will go down as one of the games of the year of that there is no doubt.
Rating: 8.5/10

Console Corner: Deus Ex Mankind Divided review


Motorists now change their car more often than they switch their mattress or even their mobile phone, suggests new research.
The length of time motorists keep a car has plummeted from around five years to two years or less, reveal latest figures.
The data produced by automotive experts, cap hpi, shows that some car makers now see average returns of vehicles in 24 months, and there is evidence of a growing number of 18-month leases in the market.
Mattresses should be changed every seven or eight years to ensure a good and healthy night’s sleep, according to chiropractors, while mobile phone contracts are on average between 18 and 24 months.
Expert say car manufacturers are managing volumes in the used market by varying contract lengths by model and remarketing channels.
Philip Nothard, retail and consumer specialist at cap hpi, said: “What we are seeing is the ‘iphonification’ of the car industry as consumers increasingly pay to drive rather than pay to own their vehicles.
“It’s the same model as the mobile phone industry where people are comfortable paying a monthly fee - only they are now doing this with their vehicles as well as their mobiles.”
He said the growth of personal contract purchase (PCP) and other finance options is having a “profound” effect on the car industry.
Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is also increasing, as motorists increasingly look towards usership rather than ownership.
Around four out five new car sales (80 per cent) are now on finance, according to estimates by cap hpi.
Mr Nothard added: “Not so long ago it was fairly common for motorists to have their cars for a minimum of five years or longer, but that has now changed dramatically and dropped to just two years for millions of motorists.
“After buying a house, the car was usually the biggest outlay for most consumers but now they are far more likely to change their car more often than their mattress.
“Consumer demand remains strong in the used car market and there are lots of used bargains waiting to be snapped up.
“As PCP becomes more popular and accessible in the used market, motor dealers expect its use to double in the future so we’re going to see people changing their cars with increasing regularity.”

Motorists change their car more often than their mobile phone


Motorists now change their car more often than they switch their mattress or even their mobile phone, suggests new research.


Social media can increasingly tell potential burglars information that will make their job much easier.
The culture of posting expensive new purchases, giving out your address and even when you are out of the country and for how long can create an enticing picture for would be burglars. Here are 10 steps you can take to protect yourself and your home during the summer period.
1) Consider taking a vacation from social media while you are on holiday or away for the day. Avoid announcements that you are going to be in another country for the next few weeks and do not check-in on social media at the airport.
2) Share vacation photos after the holiday. The photo could make clear that you are not at home even if you haven’t said where you are.
3) Consider sharing information with friends and not the entire public. At least in the weeks leading to a trip and during it.
4) Do not make details such as address, place of work or previous school public.
5) Put lights on timers during the evenings to give the impression there is someone there. Additionally outside sensors in the garden may deter potential intruders or burglars. In the absence of light, a timer on a TV or Radio could be an effective alternative.
6) Have a relative or a friend collect your mail so there is no build up of evidence to suggest you aren’t home. Don’t leave notes for delivery people suggesting you aren’t in.
7) Consider securing a visible security alarm. When asked burglars suggest the presence of a security system is the biggest deterrent to a potential burglar.
8) Keep any doors or windows, particularly on the ground floor, shut when you are not there. Remember insurance companies will often not pay out if a burglary occurs as a result of an insecure door or window.
9) Don’t forget to secure your garage or shed and if you have any power tools or gardening tools register them for free at http://www.immobilise.com/.
10) If you are going to be away for a period longer than a week it is worth informing the police of the duration of your trip. It may encourage them to actively drive by your home while they are on patrols.
Sources: Hampshire Police and Distinctive Doors

How to avoid making yourself a crime target with your social media posts


Social media can increasingly tell potential burglars information that will make their job much easier.


Follow our live updates from across Aylesbury Vale and Thame on GCSE results day.
LAUNCH LIVE STREAM: Click here to get involved, post your results, share your news and pictures and have your say on our live feed covering the GCSE results as they come in from across Aylesbury Vale and Thame.
If you’re collecting your GCSE results today (Thursday August 25), the date will probably mark the first time you’ve ever picked up formal exam results.
The grades you get will provide you with important qualifications and help you progress onto A-levels or further study. There’s no getting away from the fact that it can be a stressful day so it’s good to be as relaxed and ready as you can.
Here is some great advice from The Student Room website on GCSE results day.
Staying calm for GCSE results day 2016
If you’re feeling anxious about results day, try to look after yourself in the days before. When you’re feeling stressed, getting some exercise can help clear your head. It doesn’t have to be a massive gym session - just a quick jog or a brisk walk will do the job.
Look out for what you’re eating as well. Steer clear of junk food and aim for healthy food such as nuts and veggies. It will help keep your blood sugar levels on an even keel and keep your head clear.
With the school routine a distant memory, late nights can easily become the order of the day. But it’s no fun feeling half-asleep on a day when you really need your wits about you. Try to get some early nights in the run-up to results day, so your sleep pattern gets back to normal.
How to prepare for GCSE results day
On the day, make sure you pack your mobile phone so you can give your parents a call after getting your results.
Pro tip: as you reveal your results to them, read the grades from lowest to highest. Pack a bottle of water and some tissues. Make sure you’re not running on an empty stomach, grab a bit of breakfast before you head down to school.
Decide where you want to open your GCSE results
Imagine your best and worst case scenario, and think about whether you’re happy to experience whatever ‘success’ or ‘failure’ means to you on your own or with friends.”
Some students nip off to a toilet cubicle to open their results, others rip them open in front of their friends and teachers. Everyone’s different, so make sure you’re not peer-pressured into opening your results with friends if you’re not feeling comfortable or confident.
It’s best to be somewhere at school to open your results, so you can get advice from your teachers if you need it. But you can always take them home to open them if you prefer.
You might find there’s a photographer from the local newspaper wanting to get snaps of celebrating (and commiserating) students. If you’re camera shy and private, you’ll want to avoid the hustle and bustle. If not, make sure you read our guide to the perfect results day jump to maximise your chances of local paper glory.
Your GCSE grades and how much they matter
When you first look at your list of GCSE results, English language and maths are the key qualifications to look out for. Getting a C or above is great news; at least a C in English and maths GCSEs is often requested as an essential by sixth-form colleges, universities and employers.
If you’ve missed out on the C grade, especially if it’s by a narrow margin, you’ll want to consider applying for a remark or retakes. You’re allowed to retake English and maths in November, with other subjects you’ll have to wait until the following June.
People often find there are one or two subjects where their grades have slipped a little. If that happens to you, try to focus on the positive grades you’ve got. English and maths aside, having one or two poor GCSE grades is not going to hinder you in the future.
If you’ve performed generally under your expectations, again you shouldn’t worry. If you’ve managed to get into your sixth form college of choice, then it’s time to look forward and not to dwell on your results.
And if your results went well: congratulations! It’s time to celebrate, relax and plan for what comes next. Either way, good luck on GCSE results day.

LIVE: GCSE results Aylesbury Vale and Thame


Follow our live updates from across Aylesbury Vale and Thame on GCSE results day.


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QUIZ: How well do you know your retro games?


Can you get 10/10 in our retro games quiz?


Are you a drill sergeant, a worshipper, a skipper or a teammate? Experts have identified four types of parent when it comes to teaching their children how to DRIVE.


Matt Adcock reviews Pete’s Dragon, starring Robert Redford
Prepare to believe in dragons once more as the powers that be re-image Disney’s original boy-and-dragon story Pete’s Dragon.
Step this way or an adventure which sees unfortunate orphan Pete (Oakes Fegley) surviving in the wild thanks to his unusual best friend Elliot (a kind hearted furry green beastie).
Pete and Elliot’s worlds are shaken up when Pete runs into Forest Ranger Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) who has somehow managed not to notice the wild boy and his giant green pal living on her patch of forest for several years. He’s whisked off to civilization and introduced to Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill.
Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about his dragon – while the townsfolk decide to catch Elliot to make money out of him. Can the two mismatched kids and kindly dragon believing old timer Mr Meacham (Robert Redford) - who tells the local children tales of a dragon residing deep in the woods-– find a way to triumph?
Well, without wanting to spoil it, this is a Disney children’s fantasy but it does at least throw in some mild scares, a spot of tension and an impressive fire-breathing finale. This new take on Pete’s Dragon updates the 1977 live-action animation mixture removes lots of the cheese and adds some nice thought -provoking themes. Director David Lowery does a decent job in making the whole tale bounce along with a bittersweet grounding that should appeal to both kids and those who can still find their inner sense of childlike wonder.
Everyone goes about the fantasy fun and occasional peril with good spirit, Redford is the best I’ve seen him in years and the two young leads are very watchable. Howard has strong recent form with giant lizards after Jurassic World, plus there’s Karl ‘Star Trek’ Urban and Wes ‘American Beauty’ Bentley to round out a great cast.
Pete’s Dragon is a family pleaser which stands above the cash in summer kids efforts and is certainly worth a look.

Pete’s Dragon review: Family fun in tale of a fiery friendship


Matt Adcock reviews Pete’s Dragon, starring Robert Redford


Berkhamsted may be teeming with great places to eat but if you are looking for good honest Italian food with a contemporary twist in a great setting then look no further than Carluccio’s.
A popular eating out destination for people from across the Home Counties, Berkhamsted has won a number of awards for its high street offering in the past.
Carluccios is the brainchild of the godfather of Italian gastronomy Antonio Carluccio
To that end it has a reputation to protect.
Carluccio’s - the brainchild of the godfather of Italian gastronomy, Antonio Carluccio, may be yet another chain - and yes the high street does need to maintain its tradition of having some great independents - but it doesn’t feel like one and in many respects has local at its heart.
For a start Berkhamsted’s Carluccio’s is nestled away in the Listed Old Town Hall building on the high street, making it one of the best and most interesting settings to enjoy a nice meal.
Cosy and inviting inside, the staff offer as warm a welcome as the table filled with a host of delicious desserts which greets you as you walk in.
Carluccio's Grandioso platter
The menus cater for all ages and are genuinely exciting. It is the sharing platters that steal the show, though. There are meat and veggie versions, the meat version is particularly delicious and boasts succulent freshly sliced meats like Parma ham, salami from Naples and Milan, herb-roasted ham and mortadella. And if you can manage it, the meat is accompanied by olives, caperberries and home baked focaccia.
But don’t miss out on the arancini, a taste sensation which is essentially Italy in a stuffed rice ball. Coated with breadcrumbs and then deep fried, the arancini are balls of gorgonzola and courgette or nduja and buffalo mozzarella, both served with a tomato sauce.
A range of fantastic classic Italian dishes from a hearty traditional lasagne, lobster spaghetti and homemade ravioli, as well as gluten-free pasta, adorn the menu and the mix is just right without offering too much choice that you find yourself overwhelmed. The menu also includes Italian grill dishes of flattened chicken breast topped with Parma ham and mint-marinated lamb cutlets which is a must.
The dessert offering is typical Italian fare with a zesty lemon tart, chocolate cake, tiramisu and meringue to choose from. There is also a collection of Carluccio’s own branded products on offer and you can take some sweet treats home with you if you like too.
Bistecca Di Fesa
Another aspect which gives the chain a local connection is its picnic service.
There are freshly made meat and vegetarian picnic meal platters available at £45 each, which generously feed two people, as well as a children’s version with a mini pizza, cake and juice for £10 and it all comes in a nifty coolbag. So if you are going out to enjoy the fine summer weather we are experiencing at the moment you can place your order over the phone and collect the picnic basket four hours later.
People might ask did Berkhamsted need another chain? Maybe not, but it definitely needs its Carluccio’s.
Traditional, hearty lasagne
Sweet treat: Carluccio's tiramisu

Eating Out: Carluccio’s puts Italian soul into Berkhamsted’s award-winning high street


Berkhamsted may be teeming with great places to eat but if you are looking for good honest Italian food with a contemporary twist in a great setting then look no further than Carluccio’s.


Fertility experts are calling for tougher regulations around IVF treatment because the solutions used to grow embryos can influence the birthweight and health of babies.
They want firms a clear list of ingredients for the solutions like those used to regulate food such as peanut butter.
The demand follows the results of a trial that shows that the composition of these laboratory cultures influence the health of the resulting embryos and babies.
The trial found that they affected the numbers of viable embryos created, the rates of successful implantation in the womb, the pregnancy rates and the babies’ birthweights.
The findings were published in the journal Human Reproduction, together with a second paper that reviews what is currently known about embryo culture media.
The second paper concludes: “There is a strong case for demanding full transparency concerning the compositions of and scientific rationale behind the composition of embryo culture media”.
The journal’s editor-in-chief, Professor Hans Evers, called for “urgent action” by industry and regulators in the wake of the findings, saying that, just as with foods such as peanut butter, the exact composition of the culture media should be listed.
He said: “Floating an embryo for only a few days in a culture medium affects the birthweight of IVF children nine months later.
“Small differences in birthweight may reflect more subtle disturbances that only will manifest themselves later in life.
“As of today, not knowing the exact composition of their IVF culture media is no longer an option for clinical embryologists.”
Dr John Dumoulin, the IVF laboratory director at Maastricht University Medical Centre in The Netherlands, and his colleagues recruited 836 couples who were scheduled for IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatment at one of 10 IVF centres.
Dr Dumoulin said: “For the first time, by means of a large randomised controlled trial, we have shown that human embryos that are cultured in vivo are sensitive to their environment and that something is programmed into these embryos during those few days before transfer to the womb that still has an effect nine months later.
“This being the case, we must be aware that David Barker hypothesised that the environment in early life, from foetus to the first two years of life, can have a significant effect on long-term health.
“This means that we should be careful and we should no longer blindly accept new culture media, or other alterations in laboratory or clinical procedures, without first rigorously studying effectiveness and safety.”
In the second paper, a working group of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, led by Professor Arne Sunde, of the University Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, made the same recommendations.
Their research showed that culture media vary widely, their composition is usually unknown by the embryologists, doctors and patients, and figures about the influence of the media on outcomes are conflicting.
Prof Sunde said: “The key issue is that we must know the composition of the culture media we use, since it seems to induce differences in the make-up of the children born.
“We have no information about long-term consequences of this, but we cannot rule out that the composition of the culture media may affect the health of children as they grow up and become adults.”
At present, there is no uniform regulation of embryo culture media. In Europe, the majority of media approved for use carry the CE mark, but other non-CE media can still be used.
Prof Sunde added: “It is not obligatory to declare changes and the information we might get is far from sufficient.
“We want to know in detail what changes have been made and the scientific basis for the changes, including animal and human clinical data backing the change.”


Fertility experts are calling for tougher regulations around IVF treatment because the solutions used to grow embryos can influence the birthweight and health of babies.


A pastor and a Rolls-Royce aerospace engineer are among the 12 hopefuls competing to win the 2016 series of The Great British Bake Off.
The amateur bakers, competing to follow in the footsteps of last year’s champion Nadiya Hussain, will again seek the approval of judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.
However the seventh series could be the last on the BBC. Its three-year deal with producers Love Productions expires at the end of this run and ITV is bidding to poach the format.
Ms Berry, 81, hinted at tensions behind the scenes between the new batch of contestants donning their aprons. She said: “They know the standard that it is, which is now pretty high. And I think they were slower to bond this year than they were in the past.”
The bakers include Andrew, 25, originally from Northern Ireland, he now lives in Derby and works as an aerospace engineer for Rolls-Royce. A Cambridge University graduate, Andrew has set his heart on designing a baguette concorde.
The oldest contestant in this year’s lineup will be Lee, a 67-year-old who has worked in various pastoral ministries for the past 30 years – most recently as the pastor of his local church in Bolton. A former builder, he had a complete change of direction in the mid 1980s, when he turned to theology and took up baking.
The youngest baker is Michael, a 20-year-old from London who is studying politics and economics in Durham. He enjoys making “big grand cakes” and making Greek pastries inspired by his Cypriot heritage.
Teaching Assistant, Benjamina, 23, who started baking aged 14 just for fun, recently graduated with a 1st in Economics & lives in south London.
The contestants also include 66-year-old former primary school head teacher Val, and 31-year-old secondary school PE teacher Candice. Mother of two Kate, 37, is a farmer’s daughter from Norfolk, is a qualified nurse and works on an acute respiratory ward. Candice, 31, from Bedfordshire, was taught to bake by her beloved Nan, and strives to emulate her bakes aiming to be “even half the lady she was.”
Hollywood said Nadiya’s success – she is judging a junior version of the series and is presenting a documentary on her culinary inspirations – had raised the bar for this year’s batch.
“Nadiya went to a whole new level, and because of that I think it put the pressure on them more, and I think we felt that in the tents as well,” the judge said. “But actually they came out tops.
They started quite nervously but once they settled down they got into it. Then the baking started to flow and the standard got really really good.”
The Great British Bake Off launches on August 24 on BBC One at 8pm.

Great British Bake Off contestants: Rolls-Royce engineer and pastor join 2016 lineup


A pastor and a Rolls-Royce aerospace engineer are among the 12 hopefuls competing to win the 2016 series of The Great British Bake Off.


Eating Out: Carluccio’s puts Italian soul into Berhamsted’s award-winning high street


Lord Williams’s School in Thame achieved its best ever set of GCSE results today (Thursday).
76% of students achieved five or more passes at A*- C which included in English and Maths.
Headteacher David Wybron said: “Following on from very successful A Level results last week for our Sixth Form students, this is now wonderful news for our Year 11 students.
“There is no substitute for hard work in terms of fulfilling potential and our students should feel very proud of their achievements.
“They are a very capable cohort of students who brought such positive energy to their studies and wider interests.
“Students also acknowledge that they couldn’t have achieved such results without the excellent support and encouragement from teachers and support staff in school and from parents and carers at home.”
The following students got at least seven passes at Grade A* or A: Bethany Airstone, Matthew Bellars, Marcus Birmingham, Harriet Burdett, Harriet Caiger, Lara Carmichael, Daniel Collins, Laura Denton, Nikhil Desai, Eleanor Downer, Ellie Draper, Luke Eaton, Ella Ferris, Lois Freeman, Sam Goode, Alessia Grant, Chiara Gregory, Emily Hake, Nicholas Harbour, Clare Harman, Rufino Herreros-Richards, Jack Hudson, Elspeth Jackson, Imogen Krauze, Florence Lawlor, Adam Lockwood, Ashley Macdonald, Tessa Marsh, Georgia McDermott, James McStay, Lucy Miller, Oliver Moss, Josefine Ng, Lewis Niedzielski, Rory Pearce, Jacob Powell, Isobel Scarborough, Michael Shearwood, George Shreeve, Ella Simms, Sophie Smith, Katie Strathdee, Bex Surridge, Charley Sydenham, Jessica Thomas, Niamh Twyford, Rebecca Van Walwyk and Lucy Webb.

Celebrations at Lord Williams’s School for best ever GCSE results


Lord Williams’s School in Thame achieved its best ever set of GCSE results today (Thursday).


Security researchers claim to have uncovered a vulnerability in the locking systems of Volkswagen cars that could leave up to 100 million vehicles exposed to break-ins.
The computer scientists from the University of Birmingham say that a flaw in the German firm’s remote locking systems allows hackers to wirelessly unlock the doors and could affect practically every VW sold since 1995.
According to Wired Flavio Garcia and his team will, along with engineering firm Kasper & Oswald, reveal two vulnerabilities in remote locking systems to the Usenix security conference. They will show how the VW flaw affects up to 100m vehicles and how a second hack could leave millions of cars from other manufacturers, including Ford, Fiat, Nissan and Vauxhall, also open to attack.
The VW flaw stems from an internal encryption which uses a handful of key values across almost all vehicles. Using a cheap radio transmitter/receiver hackers could intercept the unique code sent by the target vehicle when it is locked and, using a computer, combine this with the common code to allow them to clone the car’s remote key fob.
The weakness affects cars from across the VW Group, which includes Skoda, Seat and Audi. And while they won’t reveal their exact methods the scientists have warned that four shared keys cover nearly 100m vehicles, meaning a hacker who managed to root out even one of the codes could leave millions of vehicles vulnerable.
The team previously exposed a weakness that allowed them to bypass the immobiliser feature of millions of vehicles from various manufacturers, including VW, and start them without a key. Combined, the two flaws would leave vehicles not only exposed to break-ins but to being driven away as well.

Wireless hack ‘can unlock 100m Volkswagens’


Security researchers claim to have uncovered a vulnerability in the locking systems of Volkswagen cars that could leave up to 100 million vehicles exposed to break-ins.


DIY retailer B&Q has issued a recall notice after testS showed a power tool could fail, spitting metal shards at its user.
The internal metal fan of the PP 400W random orbital sander can fail, ejecting fragments of metal through its plastic casing.
The power tool being recalled
The hardware retailer has asked anyone who has purchased the sander - which was sold in its stores between July 2006 and January 2011 - to return it to their nearest store as soon as possible. A full refund will be given.
The affected item is a PP 400W Random Orbit Sander, NLH401ROS - barcode: 05106769. No other products are affected.
Customers who are unsure if they have an affected product or who require further information can contact B&Q’s helpline on: UK: 0300 3034482 ROI: 1800 946327.

B&Q recalls power tool over spitting metal safety fears


DIY retailer B&Q has issued a recall notice after testS showed a power tool could fail, spitting metal shards at its user.


Bryony Page may have wowed crowds by becoming the first Brit to win an Olympic medal on a trampoline.
But new research suggests injuries sustained from indoor trampoline parks are an “emerging health concern”.
The warning comes after a study recorded 40 children needed medical treatment at one hospital in the space of just six months after trampoline accidents at an indoor park.
Last week 25-year-old Bryony won a silver medal in Rio, performing twists and turns at a staggering 30ft.
But while many youngsters may wish to emulate her, researchers stress the danger of using indoor trampoline parks, where many kids bounce simultaneously, on beds placed in close proximity to each other.
Researchers reviewed the medical records of Australian children under 17, who sought medical treatment at a children’s emergency care department between July 2014 and January 2015.
The team focussed solely on injuries sustained whilst at a trampoline park.
During a six month period, the team recorded 40 child patients, 55 per cent of which were girls, requiring treatment for their injuries.
The average age of each child patient was 10, but the youngest was just a year old.
Most of the injuries, a third, occurred while the child was on the trampoline.
And a fifth - 18 per cent - of the injuries were caused by a failed landing.
But in eight cases, the injury was the result of several different children of different sizes using the trampoline at the same time.
The research, published in the journal Injury Prevention, revealed over half of the children (52.5%) injured were simply jumping and not attempting any flips or somersaults at the time.
Six children injured themselves by landing awkwardly on something on the trampoline, such as protective padding designed to prevent falls.
Bruising and sprained ankles were the most common injuries, with 55% of the children’s medical records detailing these.
A third fractured elbow and ankle bones.
But for five children, their injuries were more serious and required surgery and a hospital admission.
Author Dr Christopher Mulligan, from The University of New South Wales said: “Most children were injured while involved in simple jumping activities (52.5%).
“However, five children (12.5%) were injured while attempting somersaults or flips.
“Six children were injured when they came into contact with something while on the trampoline.
“This included two children who landed on balls, and four children who landed on, or caught their feet in, the less elastic padding surrounding them or the hard surface floor.
“In terms of the injuries observed, the majority of patients presented with a soft tissue injury or sprain ( 55%) or fractured bone(s) (37.5%).
“One child sustained a lip laceration. One child presented with concussion, and one with chest pain.
“The lower extremity was the most frequent site of injury (67.5%), followed by the upper extremity (15%).
“The most common sprains were of the ankle. The most common fractures were supracondylar fractures of the elbow and fractures of the ankle.
“There was one fracture/dislocation of a cervical vertebra. No patients sustained a loss of consciousness.”
He added children using trampolines at home are more at risk of falling off it as they are raised above the ground or falling through the padding.
But at centres “double bouncing, or multiple users on a single trampoline, carried a significant risk for injury.
“This occurred particularly when small children were jumping with larger peers
or other adults.”
The study was published in the BMJ’ s Injury Prevention.


Bryony Page may have wowed crowds by becoming the first Brit to win an Olympic medal on a trampoline.


A new study has found that Britons are struggling to tell their hippogriffs from their hippopotamuses and their kestrels from their thestrals.
The survey of 1,000 adults and children found that many people couldn’t tell real-life animals from creatures in the Harry Potter universe, with three-quarters of children failing to correctly separate fact from fiction more than half the time.
The poll was conducted by cinema chain Odeon to celebrate tickets going on sale for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the much-anticipated new film from the pen of JK Rowling.
Set in the same wizarding world as the smash hit Harry Potter films, the movie follows writer Newt Scamander as he attempts to track down a host of mystical beasts running amok in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards.
So is a tasselled wobbegong real or unreal and where exactly would you find an occamy? Take our test and see if you’re animal magic or a bit of a bird brain.

QUIZ: Can you tell real-world wildlife from Harry Potter’s fantastic beasts?


A new study has found that Britons are struggling to tell their hippogriffs from their hippopotamuses and their kestrels from their thestrals.


British Transport Police have issued a warning after a gang placed wooden planks across a railway line and watched a train smash into them.
The gang are currently being hunted by police after the incident in Buckinghamshire on August 11, where a group were caught on camera putting large wooden planks across railway tracks.
A member of the public called 999 but before anything could be done, a train crashed into the planks.
The train was badly damaged but not derailed and there were no injuries. However, passengers said they felt the carriage ‘jump in the air’.
Investigating officer PC Jay Townsend used the incident as an opportunity to fire out a nationwide warning.
“This was an incredibly stupid thing to do and it beggars belief that someone would think this was a funny thing to do,” he said.
“Not only is trespassing on the railway extremely dangerous – with trains travelling well in excess of 100mph – but this could have caused the train to derail, and who knows what might have happened.
“We were lucky this time but acts like this can easily have fatal consequences.”
PC Townsend is now hoping to catch the culprits and bring them to justice.
“Although these images are grainy, we are releasing them in the hope that someone comes forward with information,” he added.
“Do you know who might have done this? Have you seen someone bragging about this on social media, or maybe uploading a video of themselves on the tracks?
“If you have any information, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting 505 of 11/8.

British Transport Police issue warning after train ‘jumps in the air’


British Transport Police have issued a warning after a gang placed wooden planks across a railway line and watched a train smash into them.


Video game escapism in its purest form.
No Man’s Sky in undeniably a work of art, but have you got time to look around the whole gallery?
No Man’s Sky launched last week after much hype and billed as quite literally the biggest video game ever made.
The self-perpetuating game, which promises to be potentially endless, was four years in the making by a tiny team in game production terms. And you can tell as it will instantly take your breath away.
Make no mistake there has never been anything like this before. As you fly ever deeper into the universe, new planets and solar systems roll silently into view – some will have been seen before, others discovered for the very first time. And you have 18 quintillion of them to choose from...
Each has its own set of flora, fauna and inhabitants. By exploring, players gain information about the planets that they can submit to The Atlas, a universal database that can be shared with other players of the game and for which they are rewarded in currency each time.
Each planet is a work of art you could spend hours studying, analysing and dissecting. These works of art are housed in an endless gallery and for art connoisseurs it will be Manna from heaven.
However, most people’s playing time will be finite.... unless you’re at university and can afford to miss the odd class here and there to squeeze in just one more exploration of a peculiar alien planet.
And that is where one of the game’s key sticking points comes in. As much as No Man’s Sky takes us to Infinity and leaves us wondering what waits beyond, there is also an almost irresistible itch which you can’t scratch because you can never truly “complete” this game in the traditional sense.
But that is very much a personal take on NMS, many people might enjoy jumping on for a couple of hours here and there, discovering lots of different things and logging it to the Atlas, if anything it could be cathartic but many people like a beginning, a middle and an end to their games.
No Mans Sky is undeniably a work of art
The care, thought, time and brilliance that has gone into this utterly original video game is mindblowing and deserves to be experienced by PlayStation gamers.
It is the purest form of video game escapism we have ever seen and should be celebrated as such.
But it will more likely go down as a cult classic than the blockbuster success it’s craft deserves.


Next month sees the release of a new Beatles documentary, directed by Oscar winner Ron Howard.
The Apollo 13, Da Vinci Code and Rush director has been given the blessing of the surviving band members - Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr - and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison to produce the film looking at the band’s early years.
As well as archive footage from “the touring years” from 1960-66, The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years will feature fresh contributions from McCartney and Starr and never-before-seen clips shot by fans.
To get yourself warmed up for the film’s release test your knowledge of the band’s hits with our fiendishly tricky lyrics quiz.

QUIZ: How well do you know your Beatles lyrics?


Next month sees the release of a new Beatles documentary, directed by Oscar winner Ron Howard.


The most popular pet name in the UK is Charlie, according to new research into the names we choose for our animals by Pets at Home.
Pets at Home surveyed more than 800,000 pet owners through its My VIP club and has found the top 50 most popular names for each pet type. Whether the pet is a bird, cat, dog, fish, horse, reptile or small animal, Charlie was the clear winner with almost 34,000 of British pet owners choosing this name for their animal friend, topping the list of most common names for birds, cats and horses.
Poppy also proved to be a popular choice for many pets, particularly canines and felines, ranking at number one for dogs and number two for cats. Other common selections include Alfie, Bella, Billy and Molly.
George also ranked highly across all species with almost 10,000 of those taking part choosing this name within the top 50, again regardless of pet type, suggesting the young Prince’s influence may not end with toddler fashion and toys.
The world of entertainment, particularly children’s cartoons, appear to have had an effect on the names owners select. Bird based film Rio saw the film’s title rank in 10th place for birds, while classic cartoon character name Tweety came in at number 32.
Bestselling book A Cat Called Alfie may have inspired cat owners, with Alfie being the eighth most popular name for cats. Winnie the Pooh fans are meanwhile drawn to Tigger, which ranked at 11 in cat names. Demonstrating that classic films can still influence our decisions, Thumper, who appeared in the 1942 film Bambi, is still the seventh most chosen name for rabbits. Nemo, is the second most popular name for the nation’s fish following Goldie in first.
Gavin Hawthorn, Group CRM Director, said: “It’s interesting to see that just as popular culture and famous faces influence what we name our children, likewise, these trends can help the nation’s pet owners select a name for their animals. It seems likely that children being allowed to name their first animal friend forms a big part of the naming process, particularly among the film and TV inspired monikers.
“However, it also seems that books and even the Royal family are also helping Brits to decide on what to call their pet. Meanwhile Charlie and Poppy scored highly across species, suggesting that cute, traditional names will always appeal when it comes to naming our pets.”
Top 10 names for British pets by species
Top 10 names for dogs
1. Poppy
2. Alfie
3. Bella
4. Charlie
5. Molly
6. Max
7. Daisy
8. Bailey
9. Ruby
10. Lola
Top 10 names for cats
1. Charlie
2. Poppy
3. Molly
4. Bella
5. Oscar
6. Daisy
7. Tilly
8. Alfie
9. Millie
10. Smudge
Top 10 names for small animals
1. Daisy
2. Fudge
3. Nibbles
4. Poppy
5. Rosie
6. Charlie
7. Thumper
8. Fluffy
9. George
10. Harry
Top 10 names for reptiles
1. Spike
2. George
3. Rex
4. Charlie
5. Sid
6. Monty
7. Bob
8. Leo
9. Rango
10. Sheldon
Top 10 names for fish
1. Goldie
2. Nemo
3. Bob
4. Bubbles
5. Fishy
6. George
7. Fred
8. Jaws
9. Dave
10. Tom
Top 10 names for horses
1. Charlie
2. Jack
3. Rosie
4. Molly
5. Harry
6. Alfie
7. Billy
8. Poppy
9. Murphy
10. Lady
Top 10 names for birds
1. Charlie
2. Joey
3. Billy
4. Bobby
5. George
6. Blue
7. Alfie
8. Rosie
9. Sky
10. Rio


The most popular pet name in the UK is Charlie, according to new research into the names we choose for our animals by Pets at Home.


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.
Financial recruiter Goodman Masson took first place in the list by jobs site Glassdoor, based on reviews submitted to its website by current and former staff.
The company, which is based in London and also has offices in Dusseldorf, was praised by staff for its “huge investment” in staff benefits and “great” parties twice a year.
“The attention paid to the wellbeing of staff is at a level rarely matched elsewhere,” said an anonymous employee working in the London office.
In second place was technology firm Cisco Systems, and in third place was insurer HomeServe.
West Midlands-based HomeServe, which employs 1,200 people at its headquarters in Walsall and has 2.1 million customers in the UK, was commended for its attitude towards the treatment of its staff.
“The salary is very competitive and you are rewarded very generously for your hard work and just for carrying out your role. The company has a great framework for career progression and is always looking to promote people internally for job roles,” said a water supply engineer working at the firm.
Greg Reed, chief marketing officer at HomeServe, said: “We believe if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. This means creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day because they feel what they do really makes a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Temping firm LOLA and Screwfix completed the top five. Other companies in the top 20 included Apple, American Express Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever and John Lewis.
Google is known for its plush offices, but doesn’t make the top 20 companies for work-life balance. Its new London office has sleep pods so workers can take a nap, although perhaps this is an indication of long hours.
For a company to have been considered, at least 50 work-life balance ratings must have been submitted by UK-based employees in the past year.
The top 20 companies for work-life balance:
1. Goodman Masson
2. Cisco Systems
3. HomeServe UK
4. LOLA Staffing
5. Screwfix
6. American Express
7. BP
8. Peninsula Business Services
9. ARM Holdings
10. Unilever
11.Thomson Reuters
12. Kantar Worldpanel
13. Atkins
14. Téléfonica
15. Credit Suisse
16. Rolls-Royce
17. John Lewis
18. Waitrose
19. Lloyds Banking Group
20. Apple

Revealed: The top UK companies for work-life balance


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.


Daniel Ricciardo said standing on the podium again was the ‘best feeling in the world’ after he took an excellent second place in Germany on Sunday.
The Australian returned to the top three after six races away, finishing behind championship leader Lewis Hamilton.
Daniel Ricciardo does the 'shoey'
READ MORE: Ricciardo and Verstappen on the podium in Germany
He was joined on the podium by team-mate Max Verstappen, who picked up his fourth podium of the season, as Red Bull celebrated their first double rostrum since the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2015.
“I’m very pleased with today obviously,” said Ricciardo afterwards. “To beat one Mercedes is nice but for both cars to beat one Mercedes and the pole-sitter was really good.
“The last few races I got a bit more out of the race weekends and it’s nice to get a bit of momentum now before the summer break. Just to stand up there on the podium is the best feeling in the world.
“In the first part of the race I was sitting in third and the pace was okay but I think I really came to life in the second half of the race and that’s when I was able to show a bit more speed and capture second place.
“It was the best we could do today and I’m now happy to go into the summer break with another podium in the bag.
“For me the strategy worked very well, I was comfortable on the supersofts and it worked out my pace was better in the end with that tyre.”
While his performance on the track won him many plaudits, Ricciardo’s podium celebration - drinking out of his shoe - got him the most attention.
“Drinking out of the shoe on the podium is an Australian thing!” he admitted. “It’s called a ‘shoey’. I said if I win a race this year I’ll do it, but just in case, I thought I’ll do it next time I’m on the podium.”

Germany podium ‘best feeling in the world’ for Ricciardo


Daniel Ricciardo said standing on the podium again was the ‘best feeling in the world’ after he took an excellent second place in Germany on Sunday.


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.
The average driver now pays £715 a year for fully comprehensive cover, up 19 per cent on the same time last year.
The figures were revealed by the Confused.com car insurance price index, which tracks quarterly and annual trends.
After dropping for several years from a high of £843 in 2011, insurance costs have been rising since the start of 2015. The latest figures, for the period from April to June 2016 show that costs have risen by 6 per cent since the start of the year and drivers are paying an average of £115 more for their insurance than they were in the same period last year.
Northern Irish drivers have been worst hit by the latest rises, seeing their premiums climb 25 per cent year-on-year. They now face an average premium of £863.
Also feeling the impact badly are motorists in parts of Scotland - the Highlands and Islands saw rises of 24 per cent and drivers in the Hebrides were hit with a staggering 42 per cent annual increase.
Conversely, Orkney’s capital - Kirkwall - was one of only two places to see a drop in costs, with a quarterly fall of four per cent. Hereford, in the West Midlands, was the only other place to see a fall in quarterly premiums - down two per cent on the first three months of the year.
While younger drivers might face the highest premiums overall, they have actually escaped the worst of the rises. Drivers aged 17 saw an annual rise of just eight per cent - the lowest of any age bracket - but still face average premiums of £2,013. A the opposite end, 61-year-old drivers saw a 24 per cent rise - the highest of any age group - but still only pay £418 a year.
And the gender gap persists, with male drivers facing annual rises of 21 per cent in comparison with the 18 per cent faced by women. This continued difference means the gap between the sexes is growing as men pay an average of £92 a year more - up from £27 in 2013.
Confused’s motoring editor, Amanda Stretton, said: “We’ve not seen price rises of this magnitude for five years - a 19 per cent annual increase is substantial to say the least. And these price rises are being felt across the board, for drivers of all ages and genders, across all UK regions.
“If prices continues to rise at the rate we’ve been seeing, we could be facing the possibility of average comprehensive premiums reaching a high not seen since 2011. This, combined with rising fuel prices and increased motoring costs across the board, could result in a sizeable dent in drivers’ pockets.”

Car insurance costs soar nearly 20 per cent in 12 months


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.


Thame United progressed to the preliminary round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over visitors Abbey Rangers.
The match, which marked the visitors’ first ever game in the competition, was played out in front of a healthy crowd of 141 and, after a Luke Ricketts effort went over the bar on six minutes, they did not have to wait long for a goal.
That honour went to Lynton Goss who collected the ball 30 yards from goal and, with defenders backing-off, struck an angled effort from just outside the box that gave the visiting keeper no chance.
A Ricketts effort was then saved on the line before another Ford effort forced Henry Craven in the Thame goal to spectacularly push the ball wide of goal.
Eventually the second goal arrived when, in the 38th minute, a deep cross from the left was knocked back into the area by Ben Connelly for Andy Gledhill to head home via a slight deflection – his fourth goal in two games.
In the second-half, United had chances to extend their lead as West twice and Ricketts went close before Goss put a penalty wide.
Goss made amends three minutes later with a drive from 20 yards that the keeper got a hand to but could not keep out.
With United three goals to the good, the remainder of the game was largely uneventful, and United progressed to the next round where they will face North Leigh at the ASM Stadium.
Next game for Thame is this Saturday when Highworth Town are the visitors for a league match, 3:00pm kick-off.


Thame United progressed to the preliminary round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over visitors Abbey Rangers.


More than half of the UK’s grandparents are planning to look after their grandchildren over the next few weeks, according to a recent survey.
A poll of more than 8,000 over-50s shows that one in eight grandparents will look after grandchildren once a week over the school summer holidays, with a further one in eight will be on childminding duties twice per week.
However, one in twenty grandparents say they will be hosting their grandchildren three days a week while school is out for the summer, according to the research by Saga Car Insurance.
And it’s not just their time that will be donated - one in five say they will spend well over £200 keeping the children occupied. Days out to the beach (77 per cent) and on shopping trips (35 per cent) are the most popular distractions, although some grandparents are even taking their grandchildren on a holiday either in the UK (14 per cent) or abroad (5 per cent).
Grandparents in the North East are the most likely to babysit grandchildren over the school summer holidays, while those in the East Midlands are least likely to.
The Scots are most likely to spend big on their grandkids, with one in four expecting to spend more than £200 during the school holiday period.
Sue Green, Head of Saga Car Insurance, commented: “It looks as though children are in for an action-packed summer which is full of adventure if nan and granddad are in charge over the next couple of weeks. Grandparents really are generous giving up their time and money to help with childcare over the summer holidays and I’m sure they are really looking forward to spending some quality time with their grandchildren.”

Grandparents to the rescue over school summer holidays


More than half of the UK’s grandparents are planning to look after their grandchildren over the next few weeks, according to a recent survey.


I will be off to Weedon Park on Thursday (September 1)for my annual visit to Bucks County Show and I can’t wait because this year there is to be a pie competition and I have to say I am particularly partial to pastry.
Of course there is no guarantee I will be able to do anything more than just ‘look’ at the pies, but I’m rather hoping I might be allowed a tiny taste, all in the interests of my job of course, so that I am better able to accurately report on the excellence of the product for Bucks TV.
The other must-visit location will be the chocolate fountain, which I am hoping will be making a return visit. And ‘return visit’ is what I usually do, several times throughout the day, to scoff the strawberries smothered in melted chocolate.
True, this is an agricultural show, and this indeed is an agricultural column, so the focus should be on farming, but let’s be honest, without farming we wouldn’t have these delicious pies or chocolate and strawberries, so I’m not really going off point.
And of course I shall also enjoy looking at the prize winning cattle and sheep, watching the main ring attractions and sneaking at look at the beautiful horses and ponies.
So I hope the good weather continues and you manage to get along too. There is plenty of free parking at the showground, but you can also take the shuttle bus free of charge which is leaving at regular intervals from Station Way in Aylesbury throughout the day. For full details about the show, and to buy tickets in advance go to www.buckscountyshow.co.uk

FARMING MATTERS: Our columnist is looking forward to enjoying lots of food at Bucks County Show


I will be off to Weedon Park on Thursday (September 1)for my annual visit to Bucks County Show and I can’t wait because this year there is to be a pie competition and I have to say I am particularly partial to pastry.


Three men have been jailed for more than eight years for drugs offences across the Thames Valley including Aylesbury following an investigation in which more than 27kgs of mephedrone were seized.
Police carried out a number of warrants at addresses across the Thames Valley and London at about 6am on August 13 last year as part of an operation to clampdown on the supply of the drug known as M-Kat or Meow Meow (mephedrone).
More than 100 officers executed the warrants under The Misuse of Drugs Act at 11 addresses; six in Oxford, one in Cherwell, three in Aylesbury and one in London.
Cash, cars and a quantity of controlled drugs were seized, as part of the investigation called Operation Raise.
Police later established that the offending took place across Aylesbury, Banbury, Oxford, Abingdon and London.
During the investigation more than 27kgs of mephedrone was seized, which at the time was the largest seizure in the UK of the drug.
Ciaran Macdonagh, 38, of Northampton Street, Oxford, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to supply a class B controlled drug, one count of possession of a controlled drug of class A, cocaine, and one count of possession of a controlled drug of class B, cathinone derivative.
Nazar Vishal, 37, of Danvers Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiring to supply a class B controlled drug.
James Screeton, 28, of Willes Close, Faringdon, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring to supply a class B controlled drug.
Screeton was sentenced to two years and four weeks’ in prison at Oxford Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday).
Macdonagh was sentenced to 16 months’ in prison, suspended for two years, and Vishal was sentenced to five years’ in prison at a previous hearing on August 4.
Jivani Hussain, 52, of Kenilworth Road, Ashford, Surrey, was found not guilty of one count of conspiring to supply a class B controlled drug, following a four day trial.
Investigating officer, Det Insp Bruce Riddell of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “This was a challenging investigation for the operation team as the crime group were well organised and established.
“Through dedicated work the investigation team identified and evidenced the members, customers and the criminal activity of the group.
“This led to the largest seizure of mephedrone in the United Kingdom when twenty seven kilograms were recovered from a vehicle that was stopped just after Vishal Nazar was seen to load a number of bags into it.
“The use of mephedrone and ketamine are emerging issues within the drugs market and even though they are Class B drugs, then can cause significant health problems to users.
“The sentences show that Thames Valley Police, working together with partners and the support of local communities, will continue to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups involved in all types of crime.”

Gang jailed for drugs offences in Aylesbury after one of the largest seizures of mephedrone in the UK


Three men have been jailed for more than eight years for drugs offences across the Thames Valley including Aylesbury following an investigation in which more than 27kgs of mephedrone were seized.


A study has found that half of parents with children under the age of 14 allow them to drink alcohol at home.
And, perhaps more worryingly, one in 10 respondents to the Churchill Home Insurance survey allow children between the ages of five and seven to drink alcohol.
While it is not illegal for a child between the age of five and 16 to drink alcohol on private premises, it flies in the face of advice from the Chief Medical Officer whose official advice warns: “Children and their parents or carers are advised that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. However, if children drink alcohol underage, it should not be until at least the age of 15 years.
“Parents and young people should be aware that drinking, even at age 15 or older, can be hazardous to health and that not drinking is the healthiest option for young people.”

Do you think it’s okay to allow children to drink some alcohol at home?


A study has found that half of parents with children under the age of 14 allow them to drink alcohol at home.


Value supermarket Lidl is developing its plans to bring a store to Berkhamsted with the firm set to make an announcement in the ‘near future’.
The German chain is keen to build a new site in Gossoms End where the Roy Chapman garage was previously based.
Lidl bosses say plans are picking up speed but they remain tight-lipped about an opening date.
A spokesman for the supermarket said: “Lidl remains committed to bringing a new store to the site on Gossoms End, Berkhamsted and we hope to be able to update the local community on our plans in the near future.”
The controversial plans got the green light from Dacorum Borough Council’s development control committee by just one vote in September 2014, despite more than 350 residents signing a petition against the supermarket moving into the town.
On the other side of the coin, more than 700 people signed a petition in favour of it – and they should get their wish by the end of the year.

Lidl ‘committed’ to building new store in Berkhamsted


Value supermarket Lidl is developing its plans to bring a store to Berkhamsted with the firm set to make an announcement in the ‘near future’.


The guarantee by the Treasury that farming will continue to be financially supported by the British government up to 2020 in the wake of Brexit has given much needed clarity to farmers, and this is welcomed by the National Farmers Union (NFU).The news should mean that farmers can count on receiving financial aid for, amongst other things, agri-environmental schemes already in place, to take them through to their conclusion.
NFU president Meurig Raymond said he was extremely pleased to hear the news following his discussions with Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom, her department and the Treasury over recent weeks. He said this was good news for farmers and certainty in the short term now allows time for the industry and DEFRA to formulate a domestic agricultural policy that is fit for purpose.
Mr Raymond said: “ We’ve been emphasising to the government at all levels that the success of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector - food and drink - worth £108 billion to the UK economy, is underpinned by the farming sector. With the agricultural budget now retained and agri-environment agreements honoured, I am delighted that the Prime Minister and DEFRA have understood the importance of farming and food production.”

FARMING MATTERS: Guaranteed support for farmers following Brexit


The guarantee by the Treasury that farming will continue to be financially supported by the British government up to 2020 in the wake of Brexit has given much needed clarity to farmers, and this is welcomed by the National Farmers Union (NFU).The news should mean that farmers can count on receiving financial aid for, amongst other things, agri-environmental schemes already in place, to take them through to their conclusion.


A quite unique shop is celebrating 10 years of business at its farm location this week.
Terrick Beef is sold from Grove Farm in the hamlet of Terrick by farmer Geoff Brunt, but the tiny shop opens for just two half days each month.
Mr Brunt said: “I work fulltime as a farmer looking after my animals and land, so I can’t run the shop as a full time enterprise. But our customers are used to the way it operates and they are extremely loyal, and thanks to them we can now celebrate the tenth anniversary of our shop.”
That loyalty was confirmed when customer votes ensured Terrick Beef won the 2012 Countryside Alliance Local Food Award for the South East.The primary product sold in the shop on the first Friday afternoon and Saturday morning of each month is Terrick Beef, bred and reared by Mr Brunt on his farm. He also sells Terrick Lamb and a few other local lines including free range chicken and eggs supplied by his cousin, bread, chocolate, jams and chutney. Most customers order online via the website, www.downonthefarm.co.uk but the produce is also available to customers on the door, subject to availability. To celebrate the anniversary on Friday and Saturday this week, a 10% discount is being given to regular customers who ordered online by a stipulated deadline.

Farmer celebrates 10 year shop anniversary in tiny hamlet between Wendover and Princes Risborough


A quite unique shop is celebrating 10 years of business at its farm location this week.


Daniel Ricciardo made it three podiums in a row for Red Bull Racing in Belgium on Sunday as Max Verstappen failed to convert a front row start into points.
Ricciardo, who finished third in Hungary and second in Germany, crossed the line second again at the Belgian Grand Prix behind race winner Nico Rosberg.
A dramatic start helped Ricciardo through the field, but hampered his Red Bull Racing team mate Verstappen, who was starting from the front row.
Slow off the line, the Dutchman was involved in a collision with both Ferraris and needed a first lap pit-stop to repair a damaged front wing.
Battling through the field, Verstappen renewed his rivalry with Kimi Raikkonen, who has openly criticised the teenager’s driving style in the past, and the pair clipped on several occasions as they battled down the order.
Ricciardo meanwhile saw off Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg to move into second. A potential battle with championship leader Lewis Hamilton looked set to unfold until the Mercedes driver pitted late on, handing Ricciardo a safe second place.
Verstappen was caught up with the two Ferraris at the first corner
Verstappen’s tyre problems saw him eventually finish 11th, out of the points.

Ricciardo on the podium in Belgium as Verstappen struggles


Daniel Ricciardo made it three podiums in a row for Red Bull Racing in Belgium on Sunday as Max Verstappen failed to convert a front row start into points.


Six out of ten parents don’t know about a free NHS treatment that protects against decay, a survey has revealed.
The lack of knowledge is putting the dental health of more than seven million children in the UK, according to mydentist, which commissioned the research.
Researchers also found that three in ten parents have a daily struggle to get their kids to brush their teeth, and one in five let their children get away without cleaning their teeth the recommended twice a day.
And five per cent of parents admit they only really clean their children’s teeth a couple of times a week or less.
The research also revealed that one in four parents resort to a gimmicky toothbrush, flavoured toothpaste and threats of teeth falling out to persuade their children to take care of their oral health. While one in ten sing a song, offer treats or use a reward chart to encourage children to brush.
Steve Williams, clinical Director of mydentist, said: “It’s shocking to think that seven million children in the UK are missing out on a simple, preventative treatment which offers protection against decay and strengthens teeth.”
The company has launched a nationwide ‘Kids Club ’intended to provide parents and children with ”essential information you’ll need to look after your child’s smile during their early years.
find out more about the Kids club inititaive at mydentist.co.uk.
“Our aim is to change this and help parents take advantage of the free dental care available on the NHS, including fluoride varnish treatment, which helps prevent decay and should be applied to children’s teeth twice a year from the age of three.”

Parents putting teeth of millions of children ‘at risk’


Six out of ten parents don’t know about a free NHS treatment that protects against decay, a survey has revealed.


Max Verstappen will start on the front row of the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman, who grew up just 50km from the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, will start second behind Nico Rosberg’s Mercedes after setting a time of 1:48.407, just 0.147 seconds behind the German.
Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing team mate Daniel Ricciardo will start fifth, behind the Ferrari duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.
Verstappen, at 18, becomes the youngest ever driver to start from the front row of the grid and felt pole position with within reach.
“You can always do a better job,” he said. “But Nico could have gone quicker too.
“We have to be pleased being so close to the Mercedes though.
“I had some issued this morning, but the mechanics did a great job and the car was working really well. It’s great motivation to see the fans cheering me on by the track.”
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton will start 18th on the grid after picking up a grid penalty.

Verstappen makes history with front row in Belgium


Max Verstappen will start on the front row of the Belgian Grand Prix.


Max Verstappen admitted he wasn’t expecting both Red Bull cars to be on the podium in Germany.
Verstappen finished third at Hockenheim, with team-mate Daniel Ricciardo second behind race winner Lewis Hamilton.
Max Verstappen battled with Nico Rosberg in Hockenheim
The Dutchman made a lightning start from fourth on the grid, passing pole position man Nico Rosberg and team-mate Daniel Ricciardo to run second in the early stages.
Allowing Ricciardo through after a strategy call from the pitwall, Verstappen battled with Rosberg to hold on to third place.
But a late move from the German at the hairpin forced Verstappen off the road at the exit, and the race stewards handed down a five-second penalty to the Mercedes driver, gifting the podium finish back to Verstappen.
He explained: “Rosberg just braked very late and then didn’t turn into the corner, that incident cost me a lot of time, he pushed me wide and put me in a bad situation.”
Finish second and third, it was Red Bull’s first double podium in more than a year, and moved them up to second in the constructor’s championship, overtaking Ferrari.
“We didn’t expect it to be that good this weekend so we definitely maximised the result,” said Verstappen. “Strategy doesn’t always work for you but I took one for the team today and we still finished second and third and in front of Ferrari, which was the main aim.
“I let Daniel go by as was the strategy of the team, in the end the most important thing was to score the points and move up in the constructors’ championship. Finishing only 10 seconds back from Mercedes is very good.
“It is still too early to say how close we can get by the end of the season as I think they may have some in reserve.”


Max Verstappen admitted he wasn’t expecting both Red Bull cars to be on the podium in Germany.


Thame Town lost at home to local rivals Aston Rowant.
Thame elected to bat on a good pitch first and battled well to reach lunch at 90-5 in the face of consistent bowling.
After lunch, Thame never really kicked on as they would have liked and lost wickets regularly, only Matt Macdonald (57no) and Hassam Mushtaq (30) made significant contributions and enabled Thame to reach 162 all out in the 58th over, which was to prove well below par.
In reply, Sam Lachlan got Thame a couple of early wickets but Josh Smith, the Aston Rowant captain, scored an unbeaten half-century to steer the visitors past the target for the loss of three wickets.
With four games to go, starting at Buckingham this Saturday 13, Thame need to win two to give themselves a good chance of survival.
Thame IIs visited Leighton Buzzard knowing that they had to avenge their only defeat so far this season back in June.
After Thame had won the toss and asked the home side to bat on a grassy pitch, the game plan was working well as Leighton Buzzard lost both openers for just two runs.
The prospect of a quick Thame win then started to recede as Raine and Krynauw built a 99-run partnership.
One of the beauties of cricket, however, is that matches can change so quickly and two wickets in one over from Ali Thomas (15-3-35-4) swung the game back to Thame.
With support from Chris Penny (17-3-57-3), plus three catches by James Nielsen, the hosts were restricted to 177-9 from 53 overs, which looked a par score on a variable pitch.
In reply, Thame had to endure lively spells from the opening bowlers but, having moved slowly to 25 in 10 overs, they started to score freely.
With James Nielsen (92no) batting imperiously, supported by Andy Jinman (38), they put on 142 for the first wicket before Matt Furness (22no) finished the job with Thame reaching 181-1 from 38.4 overs.
This Sunday they entertain Chearsley at Church Meadow, knowing they must continue to win to maintain their lead at the top of Division Five.
Thame IIIs travelled to bottom side Dinton IIIs looking to keep up with Buckingham at the top of the league.
Thame won the toss and chose to bat, with Ian Chappell leading from the front again with 45, ably backed up by Guy Holmes (43) and Christian Warwick (38).
Despite several wickets falling at the end, Thame reached a strong total of 212-5 from their 45 overs.
Dinton never looked like overtaking Thame’s score but started resolutely before Pete Tervet got the opening wicket.
Thame continued to be frustrated by dogged batting and dropped catches, until Matt Anderson’s fine spell of 3-19 and Danny Thompson’s 2-6 gave Thame hope of a win.
Guy Holmes 2-4 put Dinton on the brink, but their youngsters held on well for a draw. Thame took 20 points and visit Chearsley IIs on Saturday.

Thame’s survival chances dented by defeat to rivals Aston Rowant


Thame Town lost at home to local rivals Aston Rowant.


The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Saturday.
The ‘yellow’ warning was issued at 11am this morning (Friday) and warns of strong winds and heavy, blustery showers covering large parts of England and Wales.
The weather warning will be in place from 2am tomorrow (Saturday) until 9pm tomorrow night.
The Met Office warns: “A spell of unseasonably strong southwesterly winds, accompanied by heavy, blustery showers, is expected to reach the southwest of the UK during the early hours of Saturday, moving east across many parts of England and Wales through the day.
“Gusts are expected to reach 40-50 mph inland, and 50 to very locally 60 mph along exposed coastlines in the south and west.
“Please be aware that these winds may lead to disruption to transport, and in view of the time of the year, there is increased potential for disruption to outdoor activities.
“Also, strong winds and large waves will coincide with a period of spring tides this weekend. This is expected to lead to some localised instances of spray and wave over-topping of flood defences around the coasts of southwest England and Wales.
“This warning has been updated to extend the warning more widely across England and Wales, whilst bringing forward the start time, this latter aspect only applicable to southwestern parts of England and Wales.”
Temperatures are set to rise again by next week with sunny spells and highs of around 24C.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING: ‘Unseasonably’ strong winds to hit county on Saturday


The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for Saturday.


Being stuck in a dead end job by your early 40s is bad for your health.
Having an unrewarding job as you start out on the career ladder makes you more depressed, worried and had more trouble sleeping.
And if you stay stuck in positions with low levels of job satisfaction it affects you not just you mentally but physically too, including catching more colds, having a bad back and poor heart health.
But if you are happy in your job or finally get your dream job as your career progresses your overall health gets a boost.
The study by Ohio State University sociologists found job satisfaction in your late 20s and 30s has a link to overall health in your early 40s.
While it impacts on physical health, its effect was particularly strong for mental health.
Lead author and doctoral student Jonathan Dirlam said: “We found that there is a cumulative effect of job satisfaction on health that appears as early as your 40s.”
The study highlighted the importance that early jobs have on people’s lives.
Associate professor of sociology Dr Hui Zheng said: “You don’t have to be near the end of your career to see the health impact of job satisfaction, particularly on your mental health.
“The higher levels of mental health problems for those with low job satisfaction may be a precursor to future physical problems.
“Increased anxiety and depression could lead to cardiovascular or other health problems that won’t show up until they are older.”
He added the study was carried out before the credit crunch and said: “The recession almost certainly increased job insecurity and dissatisfaction, and that could have resulted in more negative health effects.”
The study used data from 6,432 Americans followed from the ages of 14 to 22 as part of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979.
Researchers examined job satisfaction trajectories for people from age 25 to 39 and their health on turning 40.
Participants rated how much they liked their jobs from 1 - dislike very much - to 4 -like very much.
They were then divided into four groups: consistently low and consistently high job satisfaction, those whose satisfaction started high but was trending down and those who started low but were trending higher.
About 45 per cent of participants had consistently low job satisfaction, while another 23 per cent had levels that were trending downward through their early career.
About 15 per cent of people were consistently happy at their jobs and about 17 per cent were trending upward.
Mental health was most affected by people’s feelings about their jobs with those in the low job satisfaction group throughout their early careers scored worse on all five of the mental health measures studied.
They reported higher levels of depression, sleep problems and excessive worry and were more likely to have been diagnosed with emotional problems and scored lower on a test of overall mental health.
Those whose job satisfaction decreased were more likely than those with consistently high satisfaction to have frequent trouble sleeping and excessive worry, and had lower scores for overall mental health.
But they didn’t see an impact on depression scores or their probability of being diagnosed with emotional problems.
Those whose scores went up through the early career years did not see any comparative health problems.
Those in the low satisfaction group and those who were trending downwards reported poorer overall health and more problems like back pain and frequent colds compared to the high satisfaction group.
But they weren’t different in physical functioning and in doctor-diagnosed health problems such as diabetes and cancer.
As with mental health, no effects were seen on physical health for those trending upward.
The findings was presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Seattle.


Being stuck in a dead end job by your early 40s is bad for your health.