Tragedy as Mark Rylance’s wife Claire van Kampen dies on his birthday

Claire van Kampen, the wife of actor Sir Mark Rylance, has died aged 71, it has been confirmed.

The 71-year-old passed on Saturday (January 18) – Rylance’s 65th birthday – in the German town of Kassel surrounded by her family after being diagnosed with cancer, according to a statement shared on behalf of Sir Mark and her daughter Juliet.

Van Kampen was a concert pianist, composer, playwright, theatre director and worked in various roles at Shakespeare’s Globe for around 20 years. In the statement, she was described as “one of the funniest and (most) inspiring women we have ever known”.

It added: “We thank her for imbuing our lives with her magic, music, laughter, and love. Ring the bell, sound the trumpets reverie, something is done, something is beginning. One of the great wise ones has passed.”

The announced, signed from “Mark and Juliet Rylance” continued: “Claire has died of cancer on Mark Rylance’s 65th birthday. Her youngest daughter having died in 2012, she leaves her eldest daughter Juliet Rylance, her eldest daughter, Juliet Rylance, her two husbands, and countless beloved friends in England and America.”

Her theatre credits include composing the music for the 1989 Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet starring Sir Mark, whom she married that same year.

Later in her career she created original scores for Broadway productions of 2000’s True West, 2008’s Boeing-Boeing and 2010 comedy La Bete, as well as adaptations of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Richard III.

Paying tribute to Van Kampen on X, formerly Twitter, The Royal Shakespeare Company wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Claire van Kampen today. Our thoughts are with Claire’s family and friends at this time. Co-Artistic Directors Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans share this message.”

The message from the directors reads: “Claire was a true genius, not only in her music but also in her understanding of Shakespeare and of the relationship between actor, audience, text, music and silence in so many forms of storytelling.

“Her score for Pericles this season was a thing of wonder and beauty, which captivated audiences at the Swan and in Chicago alike. The world is a far more beautiful place for having had her in it. Our thoughts are with all those, near and far, who were lucky enough to know her.”

Van Kampen also wrote the play Farinelli And The King which saw Sir Mark star as King Philippe V of Spain and was nominated for several Olivier Awards including best new play, and a number of Tony Awards.

The director and composer trained at the Royal College of Music in London where she studied music theory and piano, specialising in the performance of 20th century music.

She went on to have a career as a composer and performer, writing and playing for theatre, radio, television and film soundtracks and the concert hall. In 1986, she began her theatre career with the Royal Shakespeare Company and with the Royal National Theatre the following year. She served as artistic associate at Shakespeare’s Globe from 1996 to 2006 when Sir Mark was the artistic director.

Van Kampen later acted as a musical consultant and resident composer to the subsequent artistic director Dominic Dromgoole from 2007 to 2015. She was also a creative associate of the prestigious Old Vic theatre in London.

Van Kampen was previously married to architect Christopher van Kampen, with whom she had two daughters Juliet and Nataasha. Her youngest daughter Nataasha, a filmmaker, tragically died aged 28 in 2012 after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

David Lynch’s children to honour film-maker with ‘worldwide group meditation’

David Lynch’s children have invited fans of the film-maker to join in a “worldwide group meditation” to honour his legacy “by spreading peace and love across the world”.

His children Jennifer, Austin, Riley and Lula Lynch have organised the event to take place for 10 minutes on Monday at 8pm (12pm PST), on what would have been his 79th birthday.

It was announced on Thursday that the acclaimed Oscar-winning director, known for the surreal TV series Twin Peaks and films such as The Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet, had died age 78.

His children remembered their “beloved dad” as a “guiding light of creativity, love, and peace” as they announced the celebratory event in a joint statement shared on his X account.

“On Monday, January 20th — what would have been his 79th birthday — we invite you all to join us in a worldwide group meditation at 12:00pm NOON PST for 10 minutes”, the family statement added.

“Let us come together, wherever we are, to honour his legacy by spreading peace and love across the world.

“Please take this time to meditate, reflect and send positivity into the universe. Thank you for being part of this celebration of his life.”

The US film-maker’s death comes five months after he revealed he had been diagnosed with emphysema, a chronic lung disease, after “many years of smoking”.

Following his death, the world of film and TV hailed Lynch as a “visionary” film-maker who approached his projects with “two guns blazing”.

Oscar-winning British film-maker Sir Steve McQueen shared his admiration for Lynch’s approach with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday, saying: “He did it his way. He designed nightclubs, he painted, he did what he wanted to do.

“I tip my hat to him, he went out with two guns blazing, he did it, end of story. And he tapped in to the mainstream, which is extraordinary.”

Sir Steve, whose 2013 drama 12 Years A Slave won the best picture Oscar, also said Lynch brought “evil to the forefront of our narrative” within his work.

Lynch achieved worldwide stardom with the release of Twin Peaks, co-created with Mark Frost, following FBI agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) who visits a quaint town to investigate the murder of a 17-year-old.

The director returned to develop and write Twin Peaks: The Return, released in 2017, as MacLachlan came back to the role.

MacLachlan said he “owed” his “entire career, and life really, to his vision” after Lynch originally cast him in 1984 sci-fi film Dune based on the Frank Herbert novel, before starring in Lynch’s 1986 film Blue Velvet.

Lara Flynn Boyle, who played Donna Hayward in Twin Peaks, said “there goes the true Willy Wonka of film-making” in a statement.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese was also among the film-makers reflecting on Lynch’s back catalogue, including Eraserhead, Wild At Heart, Lost Highway, The Straight Story and Inland Empire, which he said will keep “growing and deepening” as the decades go by.

Scorsese said the word “visionary” has become a catch-all phrase but feels it was accurate in Lynch’s case.

“The word could have been invented to describe the man and the films, the series, the images and the sounds he left behind,” he said in a statement.

Scorsese said Lynch made “everything strange, uncanny, revelatory and new” which were “right on the edge of falling apart but somehow never did”.

The Oscar-winner added that it was a “sad day for moviemakers, movie lovers, and for the art of cinema” following Lynch’s death.

Other stars paying tribute were Italian-born star Isabella Rossellini, British actress Naomi Watts, Sir Ringo Starr, Wolverine star Hugh Jackman, The Police singer Sting and Oscar winner Nicholas Cage.

Mystery movie Blue Velvet launched Lynch into the mainstream but prompted controversy with its violent and sexual content, despite securing him an Oscar nomination for best director.

He was known for the dreamlike, surreal quality of his work, epitomised in 1980 film The Elephant Man – which secured Lynch Oscar nods for best director and best writing, and was loosely based on the life of Joseph Merrick, a severely deformed man who lived in London in the late 19th century.

Following three Oscar nominations, the Academy presented Lynch with the honorary award in 2019 for “fearlessly breaking boundaries in pursuit of his singular cinematic vision”.

Born in Missoula, Montana, Lynch began a career in painting before switching to making short films during the 1960s.

He was also known for the 1970s feature-length film Eraserhead, a black and white, surrealist body horror which follows Henry Spencer as he navigates a strange and gloomy industrial landscape filled with characters such as The Lady In The Radiator.

He also directed 1997’s Lost Highway and 1999’s The Straight Story, and made a foray into music, releasing three of his own studio albums, working with Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer Karen O and Swedish singer Lykke Li.

Keke Palmer comedy ‘One of Them Days´ and ‘Mufasa´ in close race…

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Keke Palmer buddy comedy “One of Them Days” opened in first place on the North American box office charts on a particularly slow Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

The R-rated Sony release earned $11.6 million from 2,675 theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, beating Disney´s “Mufasa: The Lion King” by a hair. By the end of Monday’s holiday, “Mufasa” will have the edge, however.

“One of Them Days” cost only $14 million to produce, which it is expected to earn by Monday. The very well-reviewed buddy comedy stars Palmer and SZA as friends and roommates scrambling to get money for rent before their landlord evicts them. Notably it´s the first Black female-led theatrical comedy since “Girls Trip” came out in 2017 and it currently carries a stellar 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

But the marketplace was also quite weak overall. The total box office for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will add up to less than $80 million, according to data from Comscore, making it one of the worst Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekends since 1997.

“For an individual film like ‘One of Them Days´ this was a great weekend,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “You can still find success stories within what is overall a low grossing weekend for movie theaters.”

The Walt Disney Co.´s “Mufasa” was close by in second place with $11.5 million from the weekend, its fifth playing in theaters. Globally, the Barry Jenkins-directed prequel has made $588 million. It even beat a brand-new offering, the Blumhouse horror “Wolf Man,” which debuted in third place with $10.6 million from 3,354 North American theaters.

This image released by Sony Pictures shows Keke Palmer, left, and SZA in a scene from “One of them Days.” (Anne Marie Fox/Sony Pictures via AP)

Writer-director Leigh Whannell´s monster tale starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner did not enter theaters with great reviews. It currently carries a 53% on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews don´t generally affect the success of horror movies in their first weekend, but audiences also gave it a lackluster C- CinemaScore in exit polls. The Blumhouse production and Universal Pictures release cost a reported $25 million to make and is expected to reach $12 million by the close of Monday´s holiday.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” was in fourth place with $8.6 million and “Den of Thieves 2” rounded out the top five with $6.6 million.

In specialty releases, Brady Corbert’s 215-minute post-war epic “The Brutalist” expanded to 388 screens where it made nearly $2 million over the weekend. A24 reported that it sold out various 70mm and IMAX showings. The studio also re-released its Colman Domingo drama “Sing Sing” in theaters and prisons, where over 1 million incarcerated people in 46 states were able to view the film.

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend has seen major successes in the past. Dergarabedian noted “Bad Boys for Life,” which had a three-day opening of $62.5 million in 2020, and “American Sniper,” which earned $89.3 in its first weekend in wide release in 2016.

“This is a year that´s going to get a big boost starting with ‘Captain America: Brave New World´ and ‘Paddington in Peru´ in February,” Dergarabedian said.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “One of Them Days,” $11.6 million.

2. “Mufasa: The Lion King,” $11.5 million.

3. “Wolf Man,” $10.6 million.

4. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” $8.6 million.

5. “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” $6.6 million.

6. “Moana 2,” $6.1 million.

7. “Nosferatu,” $4.3 million.

8. “A Complete Unknown,” $3.8 million.

9. “Wicked,” $3.6 million.

10. “Babygirl,” $2 million.

This image released by Sony Pictures shows Keke Palmer, right, and SZA in a scene from “One of them Days.” (Anne Marie Fox/Sony Pictures via AP)

Spice Up Your Winter Defense: Natural Ways to Keep Rodents at Bay

When the frost of winter bites at your windows and the warmth of your home becomes a beacon to every rat and mouse in the neighborhood, it’s time to reevaluate your game plan. Sure, you could opt for poisons and traps, but who wants the hassle—especially when you’ve got kids and pets who love to explore every nook and cranny? Luckily, some clever souls have discovered natural, safer alternatives that make life a whole lot easier.

“These rodents may have poor eyesight, but they more than make up for it with their other senses,” notes Sally from Diamond Pest Control, as reported by the Express. Their sense of smell is like a superhero ability—strong and precise. It’s this ‘superpower’ that we can turn against them.

Hot peppers, cayenne, chillies—spices are not just for spicing up your food, they’re your new best friend in the war against rodents. House mice can’t stand anything hot, and neither can rats. You can create a homemade repellent spray by mixing a tablespoon of cayenne pepper with water, and adding a few drops of washing-up liquid to ensure it sticks to surfaces. Spritz this concoction on windowsills, doorway gaps, and anywhere you suspect they might be sneaking in.

Essential oils are another secret weapon. Peppermint, eucalyptus, cedar wood—these scents overwhelm rodent sensory circuits, making any area reeking of these aromas intolerable to them. Sally suggests using an essential oil diffuser in strategic locations—near cracks and gaps or where they tend to gather. Soaked cotton balls work too, though you’ll need to replace them regularly to keep the scent strong.

However, a word of caution—many essential oils can be toxic to pets, so it’s wise to do your research if your home is also shared with four-legged pals.

And then there are the plants—lavender, rosemary, sage, marigolds. Not only do they bring a touch of nature into your home, they serve the double purpose of annoying any uninvited furry guests. The powerful fragrances of these plants aren’t just pleasant for humans; they’re downright disorienting for rodents.

Rodents’ strong sense of smell, which they rely on for finding food and evading predators, becomes their greatest weakness when faced with these potent aromas. Deprive them of their olfactory security and watch them scatter. If you’re a pet owner, plants might be the most amiable solution to your problem—but, again, some plants are harmful to pets, so exercise caution.

Winter is not just about staying warm; it’s about safeguarding your home as a fortress against the rodent invaders. These natural remedies not only provide a humane and safe way to repel these critters but also let you sleep soundly knowing you’re not inadvertently poisoning your family or pets. Keep your home smellin’ fresh and rodent-free with a touch of spice and a whiff of peppermint, and banish those pests for good.

Decoding the Viral Symphony: Navigating Flu Season with Discernment and Defense

As the U.S. braces itself against the frosty grip of flu season, the air is thick not just with cool winter gusts but a medley of respiratory viruses vying for unwelcome attention. Grappling with outbreaks and rising statistics—over 160,000 hospitalizations and more than 6,600 deaths so far this season—many find themselves caught in the conundrum of distinguishing flu symptoms from a veritable buffet of viral rivals like the common cold, RSV, and yes, the persistent specter of COVID-19.

“It’s a viral cocktail party out there, and none of us were invited,” quips Dr. Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC’s Influenza Division. The humor is a thin veil over the grim reality that deciphering these symptoms can be as elusive as a successful Zoom meeting that ends on time.

Flu symptoms in 2025 remain familiarly daunting—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, headaches, and sometimes, for the younger crowd, the less glamorous vomiting or diarrhea. Yet, what stirs the pot further is the overlap with COVID-19’s manifestations and the cold’s subtler implications—dry cough, anyone?

The Mayo Clinic suggests COVID-19 may rear its head later than the flu, potentially misleading hopeful diagnostics. A cold typically abdicates fever and headaches, leaving those to its more pernicious counterparts. Thus, a guessing game ensues, one best tackled with a proper test to isolate the intruder in your immune system.

In this viral thicket, RSV lurks with a seemingly mild demeanor, akin to a cold for most but deceptively dangerous for babies, young children, and older adults. It masquerades with mild symptoms only to potentially play wolf to the vulnerable sheep of our populace.

Spreading its wings through droplets borne of coughs, sneezes, or casual conversation, the flu virus finds fertile ground on hands that unwittingly caress the face—nature’s perfect petri dish. “Hand hygiene is your new best friend,” as CDC guidelines whisper in our collective ear, imploring the use of soap, water, and discretion in touching one’s face.

The sentinel of defense, the flu vaccine—advised for everyone aged 6 months and older—stands as a bulwark against severe illness rather than absolute prevention. It’s akin to wearing a life vest in stormy seas; you still get wet, but it might just save your life. Paired with antiviral drugs, ideally within days of symptom onset, this approach embodies a civil defense strategy more than an ironclad assurance.

And if your path takes you out to where people congregate, the face mask—N95 or KN95, of course—remains a respected talisman in this ongoing battle against the unseen.

As February approaches, historically the apex of flu activity, fortifying defenses becomes not just prudent but necessary. So as droplets dance in the air, and sneezes echo down aisles, remember this season’s motif: in the symphony of illness, discernment is your conductor, wielding soap, masks, and patience as its baton. Because in the end, health, much like wisdom, thrives in awareness and action.

Defend Your Castle: Outsmart Rodents and the Flu with Natural Know-How This Winter!

Winter, a season loved for cozy nights and holiday cheer, also heralds the not-so-welcome arrival of mice, rats, and the flu virus. As temperatures drop, humans are not the only ones seeking warmth and shelter—rodents are notorious for finding their way into homes, and viruses thrive in colder environments, making the season a battleground against these unwanted guests.

However, there are natural and effective ways to protect your home from rodents. According to Sally from Diamond Pest Control, the solution lies in harnessing the very strengths of these pests against them. “Their acute sense of smell is mostly used to find food, and also to detect predators,” she explains. With this in mind, homeowners can use spices like cayenne pepper or essential oils to create a barrier of scents that rodents detest. A simple concoction of cayenne pepper and water can be sprayed around entry points, effectively keeping those unwelcome visitors at bay.

Essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, also work wonders. These can be dispersed using an inexpensive diffuser or applied on oil-soaked cotton balls strategically placed around your home. Lavender, rosemary, and marigolds—plants available at your local garden store—are known to disrupt rodents’ ability to navigate by scent.

Speaking of scents, let’s shift our focus from pests to another seasonal menace—the flu. Every year, this viral adversary sends thousands into the hospital, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that over 160,000 have been hospitalized due to flu complications already this season, and the worst month is yet to come.

Flu symptoms mimic other respiratory viruses like the common cold or COVID-19, often causing confusion. Fever, muscle aches, and dry cough are more indicative of flu or COVID-19 than the typical cold, which rarely involves fever or headache according to the Mayo Clinic. RSV, another contender in the viral ring, can be serious for vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly, though it usually manifests as a mild cold-like illness.

Preventing the flu involves more than just voicing concerns—it requires action. The flu vaccine remains a crucial weapon for everyone over six months old. While not a foolproof shield, it significantly decreases the severity of the illness. Simple hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing, covering sneezes and coughs, and avoiding touching the face can go a long way.

Another line of defense includes antiviral medications, which are most effective when taken soon after symptoms appear. If you do find yourself under the weather, the CDC’s advice is clear—stay home, rest, and avoid spreading the virus until you’re fever-free for at least 24 hours.

And if you’re wondering about face masks, yes, they can help. Wearing an N95 or KN95 can mitigate the risk of spreading or contracting the flu, particularly when you need to interact with others or head outdoors.

So as you sip your hot cocoa this season, remember: whether it’s using a pinch of cayenne pepper to outsmart crafty rodents or getting that flu shot, small actions can have big impacts. Protect your home and your health with the right mix of knowledge and preparation—because when winter strikes, it’s best to be prepared for whatever it might bring.

Winter Warriors: Arm Yourself Against Flu Season and Keep Your Car Rolling

As the chilly embrace of winter tightens its grip across the U.S., the flu season emerges like clockwork, amplifying the need for us all to be vigilant—and smart—about our health. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have noted alarming figures: over 160,000 hospitalizations and more than 6,600 deaths related to the flu. It’s a potent reminder that the flu isn’t just a pesky visitor; it’s a force to be reckoned with, especially as February, the notorious peak month, looms on the horizon.

In this season of coughs and sniffles, many viruses are vying for attention. From the flu, which brazenly flaunts its feverish symptoms and muscle aches, to the cold, RSV, and COVID-19, each contender brings its own set of challenges and symptoms. The Mayo Clinic provides some differentiators—while a cold often skips out on a fever, both flu and COVID-19 tend to include one. A dry cough? Possibly COVID. Meanwhile, RSV might masquerade as a cold but can pack a punch for the young and the elderly.

But knowledge is one thing; action is another. So, how do we arm ourselves against this swarm of sickness? Dr. Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner of the CDC’s Influenza Division emphasizes the crucial role of the flu vaccine for everyone over six months old. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a shield worth wielding. Pair it with simple hygiene practices—soap, water, and the discipline of covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough—and you’ve got a strategy.

Face masks, too, are more than fashion accessories now. The CDC suggests utilizing them to cut down on the flu’s rampant spread. And if you’re in the throes of illness? Stay home. Let the battle be won in the sanctuary of your habitat, at least until the fever breaks and energy begins to return.

In a parallel universe—or perhaps just in the next garage—mechanics are facing their own winter warfare. As temperatures drop, car troubles rise. Worn batteries and slipping tires become the protagonists in this seasonal drama. Ken Frederick and Kelsey Desroches, voices of experience at Magic City Auto and Truck Repair, highlight the essentials for any winter warrior: tire treads sharp enough to slice through snow, brakes ready to grip the icy roads, and an engine block heater to keep your car purring.

Frederick reminds us, “Vehicles are made to need maintenance. It’s part of keeping it in tip-top shape.” His advice is echoed by Stephen Konyndyk, who champions the simple yet crucial task of checking tire treads—easy, folks, just a penny’s depth can tell the tale.

The wisdom doesn’t end there. While some might wield a controversial de-icing hack, prudence pays off with a mere $5 hands-free solution to prevent your windscreen from meeting a frosty fate. The winter survival kit—an extension of the driver’s own resolve—should be stocked with life’s basics: a blanket, a charger, and, yes, snacks.

So, whether you’re braving the cold in an effort to stay virus-free or ensuring your vehicle doesn’t become a winter casualty, preparation is key. As the days grow colder and the roads more treacherous, let foresight be your co-pilot and knowledge your navigator.

Repel Rodents Naturally: Harnessing the Power of Spices and Aromas

As winter’s icy embrace tightens its grip, the uninvited guests—rats and mice—often seek refuge in the cozy corners of our homes. Yet, the dilemma remains for many homeowners: how to repel these nuisances without deploying the arsenal of traps and toxins that could endanger our cherished pets and children?

Enter Diamond Pest Control’s Sally, who shared her expertise on uncomplicated, yet surprisingly effective natural repellents. She illuminates the peculiarities of our rodent adversaries, stating, “These rodents may have poor eyesight, but they more than make up for it with their other senses. Their acute sense of smell is mostly used to find food, and also to detect predators.”

Understanding this olfactory superpower holds the key to addressing the problem. Imagine the solution not in heavy-handed poisons but in the dainty guise of spices. Yes, our humble kitchen spices—those fiery jesters of culinary delight—wield the power to send these furry intruders scurrying away. Chilli pepper and cayenne pepper are more than just ingredients; they are your new allies. Sally advises, “House mice also hate anything hot. This includes Chilli peppers and cayenne pepper. Chilli peppers can be placed around your cupboards and home, and cayenne pepper sprinkled in these areas.”

For those who relish a DIY touch, creating a spicy spray is both simple and effective. A mix of cayenne pepper, water, and a few drops of washing-up liquid in a spray bottle is all you need to transform entry points like windowsills and door gaps into formidable barriers against rodent entry.

Yet, for those with a penchant for aromatic tranquility, essential oils can be a savior. Envision an atmosphere of peppermint and eucalyptus that is inviting to humans but repugnant to rodents. “Some of best herbs or aromas for house mice are said to be peppermint, eucalyptus and cedar wood,” shares Sally. Essential oil diffusers can dispense these scents throughout susceptible areas, while oil-soaked cotton balls can guard against potential intruders.

However, this fragrance-based defense requires diligence—replacement of the cotton balls is a necessary chore to maintain effectiveness. Also, pet owners must exercise caution. Many essential oils pose risks to our furry friends, necessitating thorough research before embracing this method.

And as a final nod to Mother Nature’s genius, consider planting lavender, rosemary, sage, and even marigolds around your abode. Their potent fragrances not only disrupt the olfactory senses of rodents, making them less likely to stay, but also offer a vibrant touch to your home décor.

In this dance between man and nature, where do you stand? Is it the pungent bite of spices or the soothing balm of herbal scents that will fortify your home against the winter invasion? As the temperatures drop, we are reminded that sometimes, the simplest solutions lie in the whispers of nature itself.

From Lasagne to Life Lessons: How Culinary Wisdom and Tech Are Redefining Family Well-being

Jamie Oliver, the ever-charming culinary wizard, has once again set the table with his deliciously comforting lasagne recipe—perfect for those crisp, wintry nights. Sure, it might not be as quick as a microwave mug cake, but the flavors it delivers are nothing short of a hearty embrace. This monstrous dish is built to serve a small army—a whopping twelve people—making it the ideal candidate for a festive family feast or even a week’s supply of freezer-friendly meals.

Not just about size, Oliver’s recipe ensures taste is at the forefront; a fresh green salad accompaniment is the perfect counterbalance to the rich, indulgent layers. And if your little ones are joining, his advice is spot on—ditch the bacon and hold back on the salt. Let the seasoning be a personal adventure once it’s plated up—a family dinner where each bite can be curated to perfection.

Meanwhile, as the kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of lasagne, elsewhere, the world of technology is making strides in another sphere of family life—children’s mental health. In an era where gadgets often seem to rule our lives, companies like BFB Labs are flipping the script, using tech to empower children to manage anxiety. Their mental health game, Lumi Nova, has shed light on the anxieties faced by 10,000 young minds—fear of school, the dark, and the anxiety of making mistakes taking the lead.

Founder Manjul Rathee’s approach is about breaking down these worries into manageable steps, borrowing from the same philosophy Jamie Oliver might use when simplifying a complex recipe. The kitchen might seem a world away from the classroom, but there’s a culinary lesson here: addressing a child’s anxiety can be as much about understanding the individual ingredients, the situations that blend to create that fear, as it is about the final dish.

What could be more relatable than Jamie Oliver’s mug cake, which evolves from simple ingredients into a comforting treat, much like the process of understanding and reassurance for an anxious child can transform a daunting experience into a manageable one. These quick treats—banana and chocolate wonders that can be whipped up in less than three minutes—offer a sweet metaphor for life’s little victories.

Whether it’s the nurturing warmth of a lasagne or the swift satisfaction of a mug cake, there’s something profoundly enriching about taking something raw and making it exquisitely yours. Similarly, by using the right tools and ingredients, parents are better armed to help their children overcome obstacles. Just as Oliver champions the power of fresh ingredients and straightforward instruction, Rathee and the BFB team leverage data to guide anxious minds towards a more serene state.

In embracing both kitchen wisdom and emotional understanding, we uncover the secret to making life’s journey a tad more delicious and a little less daunting. After all, what’s a good meal if not a blend of experience, patience, and a dash of creativity?

Nature’s Aroma Army: Unleashing the Power of Scents to Defend Your Home from Winter Rodent Invaders

In the relentless search for sanctuary from these cold months, rats and mice—those most uninvited of guests—often find solace within the warmth of our homes. But fear not, for there exists a trio of nature’s own sentinels that stand guard against these persistent intruders.

Our story begins with the species’ Achilles’ heel—their acute sense of smell. “These rodents may have poor eyesight, but they more than make up for it with their other senses,” says Sally, a seasoned expert from Diamond Pest Control. It is with cunning and creativity that she harnesses their olfactory sensitivity, proposing potent aromatic deterrents.

Consider the fiery prowess of spices such as chili and cayenne pepper. These zesty defenders emit a stinging scent that serves as a formidable deterrent to mice and rats. Sally advises distributing chili peppers around the home and deploying a cayenne-infused spray as a shield over potential entry points. This simple concoction—cayenne pepper, water, and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle—becomes a barrier no rodent dares to cross.

Essential oils also join this olfactory arsenal, wielding fragrances like peppermint, eucalyptus, and cedarwood. These natural oils—when diffused or placed on cotton balls at strategic locations—create an inhospitable atmosphere for any mice or rat considering residency. Essential oil diffusers positioned tactically around the home safeguard against infestation while simultaneously offering aromatic ambiance. Just a word of caution here: ensure the safety of any pets, as some oils can be toxic.

Completing this triumvirate of protection is the power of plants. Lavender, rosemary, sage, and marigolds—simple in appearance yet mighty in function—stand as nature’s guardians. Their vibrant scents, though pleasing to us, disorient rats and mice, rendering them incapable of detecting food or predators. Arranging these plant allies throughout our homes not only beautifies but fortifies.

These approaches speak to a broader cultural movement—a shift from toxic deterrents to embracing natural solutions. “What this also means, though, is that we can use this superpower against them,” reflects Sally. In aligning with nature, we find not just solutions, but glimpses of an approach that marries modern sensibilities with ancient wisdom.

Perhaps in contemplating these methods, we might also ponder: What other aspects of modern life could benefit from such an infusion of simplicity and natural harmony? In the meantime, rest assured—these earthy defenders stand ready to guard our homes from the winter’s most cunning intruders.