Wild animals shouldn't be kept as pets. It's like a prison sentence...

And we don't just mean the teensy-weensy pooches that Hollywood starlets plop in their Gucci shoulder bags, before schlepping them on to the red carpet for a photo opportunity.
No, apparently some Americans also own pet zebras, which are very difficult to squeeze into a shoulder bag, Gucci or otherwise.
They also don't particularly enjoy being pets, which probably explains why a zebra named Ed did a runner in Tennessee.
The stripey escape artist seemed to be enjoying his freedom. Unfortunately those pesky humans managed to nab him, and he was airlifted in a giant net back to his owner.
Reader Bruce Martin was telling his wife, Sally, about the great escape and the even greater capture.
'That's horrible,' winced Sally. 'Wild animals shouldn't be kept as pets. It's like a prison sentence for the poor things.'
'It's not so bad for a zebra,' reasoned Bruce. 'They're already behind bars.'
Mind your language
The audacious Diary is daring to venture where few adults (who aren't in possession of a teacher's certificate) have the boldness to tread.
That's right, folks. We're tip-toeing through the school gates of Scotland's schools to discover what the young scholars have been up to.
An English teacher in one of Glasgow's finer educational establishments tells us that a curious student wanted to know: 'Where do they speak jargon?'
Read more: When a Glasgow teacher gives a young scholar dietary advice...
Money matters
These are fiscally ferocious times.
Inflation isn't just through the roof, it's now blasting into the stratosphere and will soon be colliding with one of Elon Musk's rockets.
Thankfully reader Brenda Collins knows how to scrimp and save.
'I'm great at budgeting,' she boasts. 'Unless there's a dress I want, or a great new wine bar opened in town, or I'm desperate to buy my 100th pair of high heels…'
Work or shirk?
Overheard by reader Mark Talbot on a Newton Mearns bus.
One teenage girl said to her pal: 'My mum wants me to study really hard and go to uni. But why should I? Being intelligent is so uncool.'
Bad habit
When a pal of Trish Cummings slipped a packet of cigarettes from her bag, Trish said: 'You told me you'd stopped smoking for good.'
'I did,' nodded the pal. 'Now I smoke for evil.'
Fine without spine
Politically engaged reader Craig Ellis points out: 'The fact that jellyfish have survived for 650 million years despite not having brains or a spine gives hope to the entire political class in Holyrood.'

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Scottish Sun

an hour ago

• Scottish Sun

I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city

Cheap drinks, Ibiza vibes and cracking views: here's some of the best rooftop spots to soak up the London skyline this summer CLOUD NINE I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city NOW that summer is in full swing and the heat is truly turning up, there's one spot like nowhere else to make the most of this weather - the rooftop bar. So I visited some of London's most popular rooftop bars to see which ones are really worth it Advertisement 18 Chilling in the gazebo by the water fountain was a very different vibe to the competitive darts going on inside Credit: Jenna Stevens Here are five of my favourites to visit if you are in the city this weekend. (Some of them feel like being at a beach club abroad, but for half the price). Magic Gardens, Victoria Flight Club Flight Club in London's Victoria is a buzzing spot for after-work drinks and competitive darts with friends. It's popular for its retro fairground decor and stunningly suave bars, serving everything from craft beers to velvety espresso martinis. Advertisement It might be best known for its indoor high-energy darts, but take a step outside into their Magic Gardens and you're transported into a dreamy rooftop escape. As soon as I stepped out onto the terrace, I was hit with a vibrant floral explosion. It was a total contrast to the vintage feel of the indoor bar. The Magic Gardens are like a hidden oasis tucked between skyscrapers. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers make for a beautiful escape from the bustle of the surrounding city (and also make for a great Instagram backdrop!) Advertisement The drinks menu is full of fresh, summery cocktails. The 'Rose-ito' in particular caught my eye. It's a blend of rose-flavoured vodka with fresh lime and mint - the perfect floral refresher to sip in the summer heat. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' 18 The Magic Gardens make for a perfect selfie backdrop Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 The garden-themed rooftop was truly enchanting Credit: Jenna Stevens Advertisement London Bridge Rooftop Bar In the centre of London, just minutes from Borough Market, is London Bridge Rooftop Bar. This colourful hangout is built for partying and spectacular skyline views. After making my way up a series of stairs (you forget that to visit a rooftop bar, you have to actually climb to the rooftop) I walked out onto a lawn decorated with picnic benches and bold colours. This spot definitely has a party vibe, with booming beats blasting through the speakers and a DJ booth right in the centre. Advertisement It feels like a mix of city bar and Ibiza beach club, but weirdly it works. Business professionals were flocking in straight from the office, snacking on truffle fries in their suits and sunnies. 18 London Bridge Rooftop bar often books up, so it's worth reserving a table Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 There's even a photobooth to remember your night out Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 You can see the Shard from the benches Credit: Jenna Stevens Advertisement 18 The bright and colourful garden decor was a real change from the streets of central London Credit: Jenna Stevens Think sipping on an Aperol Spritz and biting into a gourmet smash burger, all a stone's throw away from The Shard. The rooftop has DJ performances from 6pm Thursday through Saturday, playing the best in house and garage. They also do a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that tends to sell out. 90 blissful minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol, mimosas and beers with burgers and fries for £40 per person. Advertisement Given the location, views and vibe, I think it's well worth it. Circe's Rooftop This gorgeous rooftop bar felt less like London and more like Mykonos. After walking up a staircase full of painted clouds and mythical goddess quotes, I stepped out into a world of peachy pink beachfront bliss. With its palm trees, parasols and beach hut bar, why go for a girl's trip to Marbella when you can sip and sunbathe in Waterloo? Advertisement This beach club style rooftop bar is just minutes' walk from a busy station. But once I arrived, I instantly forgot about where I really was. Less Northern line, more Negronis. 18 Cosy coral-coloured sofas lined the outskirts of the bar Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 A beach-hut bar smack bang in the middle of London? Yes please! Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 'Drink up the rays for days and days' on the daybeds Credit: Jenna Stevens Advertisement The rooftop has a truly Mediterranean vibe, offering mezze and small plates to go with your piña colada or kiwi margarita. The small plates are 3 for 2 if you're there before 5pm, and range from spiced kofta lamb skewers to chilli tiger prawns. I could honestly spend all day snacking, sipping and pretending I'm away on holiday. I also couldn't help but notice the espresso martini chocolate flavoured ice cream on the puddings, served with Hotel Chocolat chocolate sauce. Advertisement 18 I was loving life relaxing on the daybeds Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 I didn't think I'd ever see palm trees next to London skyscrapers, but there's a first time for everything Credit: Jenna Stevens Frank's Cafe If you're looking for something a little more quirky and artsy, Frank's Cafe in Peckham really took me by surprise. It has a much more urban and industrial feel, an effortlessly cool vibe, and is also the cheapest of the lot. Advertisement After walking up a hot pink staircase, you step out onto a giant playground. The bar is hidden at the back of a giant rooftop, as you walk by unique art installations that make you feel like you're in Berlin. 18 I was shocked to step out onto a giant playground Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 Bright pink stairs lead you to the giant rooftop Credit: Jenna Stevens Advertisement It's a cheap and trendy spot where people gather for toasties, iced cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the London skyline. By night, the rooftop is buzzing with groups sharing jugs of cheap drinks and enjoying food from the grill. Drinks like alcoholic slushies are served in takeaway style cups at wooden benches for that no-frills urban feel. It all felt a bit too cool and concrete for me, but the £5 drinks stole my heart. Advertisement This quirky spot is a great place for casual drinks with friends, a cheap bite to eat, and some pretty spectacular views over the city. 18 Casual bench seating and a super simple food and drinks menu make Frank's Cafe a staple choice Credit: Jenna Stevens 18 Five before five is the rooftop bar's popular drinks deal Credit: Jenna Stevens Market Halls Victoria Opposite London Victoria station is a bar where street food market hall meets swanky rooftop hangout. Advertisement You start by choosing your food in the downstairs market hall, where various venders offer a range of affordable eats. Burgers from Black Bear smelled divine, and the ever-popular eggslut was serving their famous breakfast style sandwiches. I grabbed myself a tub of gelato from Badiani, and headed upstairs. 18 Stepping out into this stunning suntrap was a joy Credit: Jenna Stevens Advertisement 18 The floral decor really made this place feel like an urban escape Credit: Jenna Stevens This rooftop terrace was an absolute suntrap, and the perfect spot to enjoy the street food and soak up some rays. The atmosphere is lively and the music is loud, with many gathered to watch the busy world go by with an ice cold pint. The bar also hold live music events and regularly show football matches, making it a solid spot to meet up and soak up the summer vibes. Advertisement

The Herald Scotland

4 hours ago

• The Herald Scotland

So why is Rod Stewart in the huff with The Donald?

The warm friendship between the two bottle blonds (allegedly) is strained, possibly beyond repair. Apparently Rod is disappointed at the way Donald treats women. It's understandable that this is the reason for the rift, because Rod is, of course, a noted feminist activist. The lyrics to his classic disco hit, Hot Legs, become a foundational text for second-wave feminists. Inspired by the writings of Simone de Beauvoir, the song's lasting influence is reflected in the work of later campaigners, including Gloria Steinem and Susan Sontag. Even though Rod has an impeccable pedigree in promoting women's rights, the Diary is suspicious that there just might be another reason for his falling out with Trump. Rod is an esteemed figure in the world of model railway enthusiasts, being the proud owner of an impressive choo-choo set. Is it not possible that Trump, the avaricious property developer, used underhand means to purchase several of the little buildings that run alongside Rodney's teeny-tiny train track? Never wedge yourself between a boy and his toy, that surely is the motto that Mr Stewart lives by. Meanwhile, the Diary also has a motto… entertain our readers. And we never stray from this maxim, as you'll discover while reading the following classic yarns from our archives… Bottling it We were told of a Scottish minister who was not averse to taking a dram while on home visitations. In fact, his nickname was The Exorcist, because after his visit there were no spirits left in the house. Driven to distraction More from the religious world. From the isle of Islay we received a report of another minister who got himself a new car. It was a French motor, a Citroen Temptation, which not a few of the locals considered a risqué little number for the minister. Puzzled pet A lady of the Diary's acquaintance decided to buy a new overcoat for her wee dug. She was trying to describe the size of her mutt when the woman in the pet shop suggested she bring the dog in, so the coat could be properly fitted. 'Oh no, I couldn't do that,' the lady replied. 'It's a surprise for his birthday.' Maths for beginners The wisdom of weans. A teacher took the class for an excursion in the countryside. The plan was to insinuate a bit of learning into the experience. Attempting to test one child's arithmetic, the teacher pointed to the field and asked: 'How many cows can you see?' 'All of them,' the pupil replied. Bird-brained badinage A reader once got in touch to tell us a tale regarding mankind's feathered friends… Two ducks are flying over Belfast. One says: 'Quack! Quack!' The other duck can only reply: 'I'm going as quack as I can.'

Leader Live

4 hours ago

• Leader Live

Countdown star Susie Dent to bring new tour to Wrexham

The Dictionary Corner favourite from Channel 4's Countdown will bring her latest show, Word Perfect, to Wrexham's William Aston Hall on Saturday, August 23. The show promises a lively exploration of the quirks, histories, and hidden stories behind everyday words and phrases. Ms Dent said: "The English language will never stop surprising and delighting me: it is as wayward as it is majestic, while the dictionary is as full of magic, drama and adventure as you will find anywhere. "I can't wait to walk down some more of its secret alleyways with the Word Perfect audiences, and to hear their own questions about our curious mother tongue." READ MORE: Musical talent and more from the Leader's photo records Ms Dent will share a fresh collection of tales and trivia from the ever-evolving world of language. Audiences can expect answers to questions such as why a group of crows is called a murder, whether the fruit or the colour orange came first, and whether regional dialects are truly disappearing. The new tour follows her previous 74-date show, The Secret Life Of Words, which ran from 2018 to 2024. Ms Dent is a writer and broadcaster best known for her long-running role on Countdown and its comedy spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. She was awarded an MBE in 2024, the same year she published her debut novel, Guilty by Definition. Ms Dent's upcoming titles, Words For Life and The Roots We Share: 100 Words That Bring Us Together, are set for release this autumn. For more information and to book tickets, visit