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The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scott Cummings on Franco Smith effect at Glasgow and Lions selection
When Mungo traded a safari park in Holland for his current post in 2006, the museum staff famously struggled to get their £11,000 giraffe into the room after a measurement oversight, and although I wasn't quite so worried about that with the newly anointed British & Irish Lions lock, there were other concerns. There was a niggling feeling in the back of my mind that if we sat for long enough, we'd risk being classified and catalogued by an overzealous curator. Passing pensioners and schoolchildren of the future would ooh and ahh as their tour guide explained the vast differences between near relations 'homo eggchaserus', found mainly tackling its prey in fields and 'homo journalisticus', found mainly eating Wotsits in a swivel chair, technically the same species but difficult to fathom how. Cummings is used to the media setting up left-field photo opportunities though, mentioning an altogether regrettable instance involving pom-poms around the 2019 World Cup. The requests won't be slowing down any time soon. After his selection for the upcoming tour of Australia, alongside three of his club-mates in Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones and Zander Fagerson, Glasgow Warriors had commissioned portraits by Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Decade Gareth Reid, to be unveiled at the city landmark that evening. A few early school trips aside, the museum isn't Cummings' natural habitat – although that may well change. He's recently discovered he's going to be a father and hey, it's a cheap day out. 'It's sinking in a bit now, yeah,' he says. 'We did the first pram shopping at the weekend and started trying to get some nursery stuff. That's when you're really like 'what the heck?'. Catherine [his wife] gave us a list of stuff and I'm like, I don't even know what half this stuff is! 'I'm really good mates with Zander and he's got four kids – a six-year-old, a five-year-old and then they tried for a third and had twins – so he's got that chaos and it's quite nice having them for a few hours, so we're used to being with kids on our own. 'We're not due until October, so we've still got a bit more time. It's a shame Catherine can't travel, but with the tour timing-wise it ends up all right.' Cummings may need to change a few nappies upon return after his other surprise announcement. The tour whisks him away to Australia with Andy Farrell's squad next week until early August. Cummings will make his Lions debut from the bench against Argentina in Dublin, and the lock has as good a chance as any of cementing his place in the side when the Test matches kick off in earnest. With matches set up against the best club sides Oceania has to offer, ending in a three-match series against the Wallabies themselves, the rewards are there for the taking. A lovely video taken by Warriors staff during the selection announcement showed just how much it means to the Glasgow native and how well-liked he is in the dressing room. The place erupts as his name is read and, flanked by best pal Zander and fellow big unit Rory Sutherland, the pile-on is immediate. Scotstoun is built for scrums but not usually among the folding chairs of the conference room. The moment Scott found out he was a Lion 🦁 #WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ — Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) May 8, 2025 'It was a pretty special moment,' says Cummings. 'Franco [Smith, Glasgow Warriors head coach] put us through a mauling session in the morning so we didn't have too much time to think about it and dwell on it. 'I would have been gutted if I hadn't been picked, definitely, but I'm so thankful that it happened. You're just counting through the letters because it's alphabetical, trying to see if it's going to happen or not. 'My first call was to Catherine – it was a shame because she'd actually got between two and half two off work for it, but she works on the NHS as a physio so she had to go back to the wards. She watched all the info at the start then missed me actually getting called out!' After a celebratory meal at Cameron House near Loch Lomond – no beers of course, with the Warriors' league season still winding up – a shattered Cummings had time to relish the achievement. It says much of his mental strength that he had never completely given up hope on making the 38-man shortlist. A broken arm ahead of the Six Nations deprived the second row of any chance to impress with Scotland and indeed he managed just 20 minutes on the park, coming off the bench in a URC cameo against Bulls, before selectors made their decision. 'It was a strange situation for me,' he admits. 'What I envisioned was having a good Six Nations would mean I've put myself forward for the Lions tour. Obviously getting injured the week before it was a massive blow to that plan. 'I was still fighting to get back fit for the end of the season for Glasgow but the Lions wasn't as much in my focus. I knew it was going to be three months [out]. I was just trying to go in my head 'right, what can I control?'. I've probably missed this opportunity. Thankfully it didn't work out that way. Scott Cummings at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (Image: Colin Mearns) 'I think from rumours that there were like seven or eights odd boys that they were constantly chopping and changing between, so I'm sure there were some pretty tough decisions in there, but I'm just really thankful they've picked me to represent them.' It's likely John Dalziel played no small part in that. Although Cummings is held in high esteem by anyone who's been on the business end of his oncoming shoulder, the Lions selection process can be a murky business that can sometimes see standout candidates stood down in favour of the coaches' trusted lieutenants from back home. Having a Scotsman in the backroom making your case is always nice, and especially when you already get a bit of stick for being his golden boy. 'I get that a lot,' says Cummings with a laugh. 'It was literally one time in a line out in training I said his name in a strange way, and all of a sudden it's gone, it's grown arms and legs. Read more: 'I've been coached by JD loads throughout the years – he was my Under-20s coach, he was our forwards coach at Glasgow and then at Scotland, so I'm sure he'll have put in words for the Scottish contingent that have been selected, just as I'm sure the Irish coaches did for the Irish boys. 'I'm really happy for JD as well, he's a great coach that's come through the ranks in Scotland and to have a Scottish coach on the lines for the forwards is a massive, massive thing for him. We're all really happy for him.' That's not to say he's there as a favour. For the Kelvinside Academy graduate, this is the culmination of more than a decade of hard graft, building on his natural strengths and eliminating any weaknesses in his game. The son of a mother who works in the school's office and a dad who is a driving instructor, the family didn't have much interest in rugby in those early days – his brother hated playing himself - and so a young Cummings made progress on his own steam, with help from school coaches. 'The first thing that was bigger than just normal school rugby was I went to some under-15 regional stuff, and to be honest, I was quite a shy guy and I got dropped from it all,' he recalls. 'In the first rounds they just said I wasn't there. I wasn't great. 'The next year, I was close to not doing it again, but I went back to the under-16s. I still enjoyed playing but I didn't know if going down the actual rugby route was for me. But then this regional coach, Nic Humphries, he came and did extra sessions with me, helped me build my confidence up a bit and pushed me through. My first 15s coach, Davie Wilson at Kelvinside, pushed me on to go a bit further as well. 'You know what it's like with rugby, if you're a big kid when you're younger, you're good at rugby. You don't need to be that good to be good. But I've always been a quieter guy so developing that confidence was a big thing. 'There's a lot of big personalities in rugby, so you've got to fight for yourself.' There was no looking back for Cummings from there. The virus had spread. Season tickets with the Warriors followed, first at Firhill then Scotstoun, and watching Jason White clad in dark blue lifting the Calcutta Cup in 2008 became a formative memory. Mum accompanied him on the early trips, before pathway coaches with the Institute of Sport took over chaperone duties, helping the eager pupil shut out the excitement of the match to watch the movement of just one player, often fellow Kelvinside alumnus Richie Gray, and absorb as much as the could for their own game. Scour the annals of YouTube and you'll come across the Warriors' semi-final celebrations on the way to a 2015 Pro12 title win and when the camera pans across the Scotstoun stands, if you squint hard enough you can see Cummings, the Glasgow Warriors fan first and foremost, losing his mind. After coming through the academy system to make his debut at 18 and spending 10 years with the Warriors, Cummings is as invested as anyone in their success both on the pitch and off it. So what of the man who has elevated his club in so many ways? The head coach who may be headed for the door this summer? Franco Smith's future may be in doubt, but for Cummings there's no questioning the impact he has had on his players since the South African's arrival in 2022. 'He's someone who breaks down barriers that we probably set ourselves,' says Cummings. 'For example, the Bronco, the fitness test that we all run, we all get really nervous for it, so he'll make use run it at the end of sessions all the time just to be like 'See? It's not that bad'. Scott Cummings in Lions training (Image: Getty Images) 'He's very much someone that when you first come in you say 'Oh we can't do that', and he'll always ask 'Well, why not?' He's always pushing the limits of what you can do. 'There's been times where he's pulled me into his office and said 'You're playing well, but there's more in you. I think there's more from you. If you want to just be a Glasgow player in the Scotland team, then fine, but if you want to take the next step, here's what I need from you'. 'He's not afraid to challenge the big guys, more than other coaches. He's someone that, if he doesn't think those star players are performing, he'll tell you and drop you. 'He's definitely made sure that all 40 or 50 guys in the squads feel like they're going to play even though only 20 are going to get the chance on the weekend. "He rotates a lot – I think last year when we were going into the final, it wasn't until the last three games that he picked the same team, so everybody's ready and everybody's fighting and it breeds competition. He has belief in the young guys. 'Don't get me wrong, he trains us very hard as well, he's not just belief. He works us hard, we train the way we play, we need to be fit, we need to be able to run and do things under pressure, he's definitely added that side to us.' One sticking point on whether Smith sticks around to build on his success is the recent shift in policy around foreign players in the Scottish game. Scottish Rugby performance director David Nucifora has implemented an informal ruling around signing players from overseas who may block the pathway for Scottish prospects, much to the chagrin of the Warriors boss, who has lost Henco Venter and Sebastian Cancelliere after making clear he had plans for them at Scotstoun. Read more: As a Scot who prospered given his chance, what's Cummings' take on the difficult transition? 'I don't want to speak out of turn – it's a tough one,' he says. 'I understand the vision. Obviously the more Scottish players you have, the better for Scottish rugby but it's got to be a fine balance between that and still having the quality of players to compete. 'It's tough because there's some boys in there – Cancelliere, Henco, JP [du Preez] – foreigners that we really love, they've become part of our squad, their families have grown up here and it's pretty gutting this year that they're leaving and not a lot of people want them to leave. 'I can understand the plan it's just sometimes tough to take when you see the actual personal side of it as much as anything. "You also need to make sure young Scottish talent is ready to come through so it's a fine balance they have to strike with it.' For now, the domestic scene takes a back seat for the long summer ahead. Hotel rooms have to be sorted – Garry Ringrose was his room-mate for their London meet-up but he's keen to get acquainted with the other lads too – tickets may have to be procured – although Catherine won't make it over, his parents and some pals will make it Down Under – and of course, nursery construction beckons. 'In some ways my priorities will change – the wee one will be a massive part of my life,' he says. 'I'll go out there to make them proud. But I'm still going out there to make myself proud, make the rest of my family proud and for the sacrifices my wife and my family made growing up. Scott Cummings poses for a photo while on Lions duty in Dublin (Image:) 'For me it's just about making sure I gave it my all. My dream was to win the Six Nations with Scotland and then you're in hospital with a broken arm – it happens. It's just knowing I didn't leave anything out there. 'It's knowing I didn't let it become a chore because I know a lot of players who stop enjoying rugby. I make sure I enjoy every day because it's not going to last long, when you retire you go into a nine to five job and it'll be a lot tougher. 'We might complain about not getting looked after or that training should be shorter but at the end of the day we've got a pretty good life, so I don't want any regrets.' As we leave the holding room for Noah's Ark, one suspects life is about to get a lot wilder for Scott Cummings. It may be a zoo in here, but it's a jungle out there.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Parents race to Home Bargains for travel set that contains a cabin bag, rucksack, pillow and MORE for less than £20
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PARENTS are racing to get to their nearest Home Bargains store, eager to nab a travel set that kids will love. Not only does it contain a cabin bag, a rucksack, a travel pillow and more, but it's super affordable too. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Parents are going wild for an affordable travel set that contains a cabin bag, rucksack and more from Home Bargains Credit: Getty 3 There's three styles to choose from and it's sure to go down a treat with kids Credit: Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS 🛍 Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More 3 So if you're going on a family holiday this summer, you won't want to miss this Credit: Getty So if you're lucky enough to be jetting abroad any time soon, then you've come to the right place and will need to check this out. Particularly with the costs of holidays rising, if you're desperate to find a luggage solution that won't break the bank, this is just the thing. It comes after one savvy shopper was left beaming after browsing the aisles in her local Home Bargains, when she spotted the brand new 5-Piece Kids' Travel Set on shelves. Thrilled with her affordable find, Catherine Jacinto Dela Cruz took to social media to alert others to the purse-friendly set, leaving many totally stunned. Posting on BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More, a public Facebook group with 852,000 members, Catherine uploaded a snap of her find and beamed: 'Kids' travel set spotted at Home Bargains.' Thanks to this epic five-piece set, you'll get a carry-on bag, a backpack and a lunch bag. But that's not all, as it's also complete with a travel pillow and a zip pouch. The carry-on bag and backpacks are perfect for packing your little one's clothes and holiday essentials. Meanwhile, the lunch bag will ensure their snacks don't get squished, while the travel pillow is great for getting some rest on long flights. And if you're worried they'll lose their valuables, the zip pouch is perfect for keeping items safe and secure. Parents are racing to B&M desperate to nab 'the cutest' kids' cabin cases - they're ideal for EasyJet & Jet2 passengers The Home Bargains set is available in three styles - so if your little one can't get enough of sharks, rainbows or camo print, you're sure to find something that's just right for them. It won't burn a hole in your wallet either, as it's priced at just £19.99, which we think is a real steal. Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." And it's clear that Facebook users were left beaming with the high-street find, as Catherine's post has quickly racked up 121 likes and 72 comments. One person said: 'I got one of them for my son and he loved it.' I want these for the kids! Facebook user Another added: 'That looks good.' Meanwhile, a third tagged a friend and commented: 'If you see this, let me know.' Not only this, but one parent mentioned a loved one and beamed: 'I want these for the kids!' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Medical News Today
9 hours ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Cold weather and joint pain: What is the connection?
Effects Who it affects Managing pain Contacting a doctor FAQ Summary Cold weather may worsen joint pain in some people, such as those with arthritis or orthopedic implants. Keeping warm by dressing appropriately for the weather and using draft excluders at home may help. Many people with health conditions such as arthritis report worsening joint pain when temperatures drop. Some research supports this, but more studies may be necessary for scientists to understand exactly why this happens and how common it is. Taking steps to stay warm may help reduce joint pain during cold weather. However, if someone experiences severe or persistent pain that interferes with their daily life, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. CatherineHistorically, most evidence of a link between cold weather and joint pain was anecdotal. However, in recent years, more researchers are investigating a cause-and-effect link. A 2025 review suggests that low temperatures may affect: compliance of the periarticular structures, which are tissues around a joint viscosity (resistance to flow) of synovial fluid, which is in joint cavities the ability of substances to pass through blood vessels, which may affect inflammation blood vessel constriction These effects may lead to increased joint pain and stiffness during cold weather. A 2023 systematic review of 14 studies suggests a correlation between increased osteoarthritis joint pain and lower temperatures, as well as increased atmospheric pressure and relative humidity. A potential cause for this is an overexpression of thermosensitive transient receptor potential channels (thermo-TRPs) in cold weather. Thermo-TRPs are a type of protein structure in cells involved in functions such as body temperature regulation and pain perception. However, the researchers conclude that more research is necessary to fully understand the links between osteoarthritis pain and weather conditions, including temperature. According to the 2025 review, cold weather may affect how people use care resources for health conditions such as arthritis. For example, lower temperatures may make people less likely to use physical therapy, which could contribute to increases in their symptoms. The Arthritis Foundation also suggests that cold weather may contribute to lower moods, which may cause people to focus more on their pain. More research is necessary to understand exactly how cold weather affects joint pain and other factors that may contribute. Not everyone will experience joint pain when it gets colder. However, certain health conditions may increase a person's chance. Pain is subjective and varies from person to person, even among people with the same health conditions. Mild pain for one person may feel severe for another. So, there is no guarantee everyone with arthritis will have painful joints when it gets colder. A 2020 study also suggests a link between cold weather and increased pain in people with orthopedic implants, such as joint replacements. If someone tends to experience worsening joint pain in colder temperatures, it can help to monitor weather forecasts to anticipate weather changes before they happen and take steps to prepare. Keeping warm may help reduce joint pain due to cold weather. People can try the following steps: wear warm clothes, such as gloves and multiple layers choose clothes made from insulating materials, such as wool use hot water bottles or portable hand warmers use heat pads or heated blankets at home place draft excluders or door sweeps on doors at home eat a hot meal or drink a warm drink move around to boost circulation If someone has a health condition that affects their joints, sticking to their treatment plan even during cold weather can help prevent worsening joint pain. A person's symptoms may differ depending on factors such as underlying health conditions, current treatments, and more. If someone does not have a diagnosed health condition but starts experiencing persistent or frequent joint pain, a doctor can diagnose the underlying cause. People with a health condition, such as arthritis, may benefit from speaking with a healthcare professional if they experience a severe flare-up or worsening symptoms. Their healthcare team may wish to change their current treatment plan to help them manage their symptoms. Although warmer temperatures may improve joint pain for some people, other weather factors, such as humidity and barometric pressure, can also affect joint pain. Treatment compliance and other factors may also contribute. The Arthritis Foundation suggests there is no guarantee a warmer climate will help. However, people can visit a new climate at different times throughout the year before committing to moving to see if their symptoms improve. No scientific studies support an 'ideal' temperature to reduce joint pain. The most comfortable temperature to relieve joint pain may vary from person to person. People can use a symptom journal to help work out what temperatures seem to relieve their joint pain and what temperatures worsen it. No scientific research supports using copper or magnetic bracelets to relieve joint pain during cold weather. However, the Arthritis Foundation suggests there is no harm in trying this remedy alongside a doctor-approved treatment plan. Some people may find that their symptoms improve due to the placebo effect. Cold weather may trigger or worsen joint pain in certain people, such as those with arthritis or joint replacements. Low temperatures may affect the fluid and tissues in and around joints, causing pain and stiffness. People may also focus on symptoms more and be less likely to follow treatment plans in cold weather. Taking steps to keep warm may help relieve joint pain that worsens in cold weather. This may include wearing multiple layers, using hand warmers or heat pads, and fitting draft excluders at home. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
India.com
12 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
She changed her religion, walked into Iran's homes...then vanished without a trace, THIS Mossad's 'deadly' female spy is behind the chaos in Iran
This is not a James Bond movie, it actually happened. A shocking story from Tehran, the capital of Iran, is now making headlines all over the world. According to reports, a female spy from Israel's intelligence agency Mossad secretly entered Iran two years ago. She then converted to Shia Islam and slowly got close to top Iranian officials and their families. Her name is Catherine Pérez Shakdam. Originally from France, she wasn't just highly trained she was also smart, beautiful, and bold. Her charm and clever planning fooled even Iran's strict security agencies. How did she get in and why no one noticed? At first, Catherine claimed she was simply curious about Islam. She converted to Shia Islam and started meeting and talking to the wives of Iranian government officials. Over time, she gained their trust and became a regular guest in their homes. She was so trusted that she even entered private areas in the homes and places where security is normally very tight. While Iranian agencies carefully checked phones and visitors, Catherine was silently taking photos and collecting secret information. She sent all of it directly to Mossad. As tensions between Iran and Israel increased, many top Iranian officials changed their locations for safety. They thought they were now secure. But every time an attack happened, it was so accurate, it felt like someone had handed over a detailed map. When Iran's own intelligence service started investigating, the truth slowly came out. Photos taken with officials helped identify Catherine. But by then, it was too late. Where is she now? No one knows. Catherine has completely disappeared. Iran's intelligence agency has spread her posters and photos across the country. But there's no sign of her, no trace, no voice. Some say she has changed her identity and is now living in another country. Today, Catherine Pérez Shakdam is being called one of the most daring spies in Israeli history. Her mission has left Iran shocked and the world stunned.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
This viral Lego toast is dividing the internet—and it's the cutest chaos you will see today
You've seen avocado toast, you've seen cinnamon swirl toast—but have you ever seen LEGO toast? That's exactly what food vlogger Catherine Hellings dropped on us, and 'dropping' feels right, since she uses an actual Lego brick to stamp cute patterns onto a slice of bread before toasting it. The result? A light brown, butter-slathered canvas that looks way too cute to eat—but people are definitely eating it. . First, Catherine presses the Lego brick onto the raw bread, imprinting that iconic block pattern. She toasts it lightly, spreads on a generous slab of butter, then toasts it again—just enough so the butter melts into the grooves, creating a buttery grid of heaven. Her Instagram caption nails it: 'Hot buttered Lego toast! … perfect for Lego-loving kids (& grown‑ups too!).' And yeah, anyone who's ever built a brick castle is gonna crack a smile. Of course, the internet had lots to say about this neat little experiment Some comments were pure love: 'So fun! If you toasted another slice, I wonder if they'd lock together.' Another praised the simplicity: 'How fun and cute.' Clearly, the adorable factor scored major bonus points. But, in classic internet style, there were plenty of haters too. One unimpressed viewer sneered, 'Seriously, if I'm making toast instead of something else, it means I don't have time for this nonsense.' Ouch. Another put it more bluntly: 'What exactly is the point?' And if that wasn't harsh enough, this gem of practicality surfaced: 'That took too long. Place some blocks on a small board the size of bread and do it all at once. ' Harsh—but kind of relatable for any parent who's ever made food art only to have a toddler declare it 'yucky.' And those are the best kind of comments—the 'relatable real-talk' ones the internet lives for. For every 'aw, so cute,' there's a 'really? Toast with Legos?' mix of confusion and mild contempt, and those reactions are gold. This isn't some haute cuisine. This is a playful idea—simple, quirky, compelling. And it worked. Over 2.1 million views later, it's clear people are into small kitchen surprises that make them smile. Even the harshest critiques had to click, watch, and comment. That's the kind of viral content we all talk about around the breakfast table…or when we should be eating it. If anything, this video reminds us that food creativity doesn't always need a Michelin star or mystical ingredients. Sometimes it needs just a slab of butter, a warm kitchen, and a Lego brick you didn't wash yet. And maybe a little nostalgia. It's about tapping into childlike wonder, making something surprisingly delightful out of the everyday—and maybe inspiring you to make your own toaster art. In a world where we're all chasing the next viral food trend, this reminds us: creativity doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to make us say, 'Aww… and also wait, what?' That's the spice of life—snack edition. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
