5 h. ago A moment that changed me: I gave up small talk for a month – and the world came alive

I was fed up with discussing the weather, so I started to ask unexpected questions. The conversations that resulted were revelatoryFor as long as I can remember, I have found small talk problematic. It was boring at best and stressful at worst. A colleague commenting on the weather, when I could see for myself that it was raining. The postman asking: “How are you today?” An impossibly broad question to answer briefly.I worked in book publishing for years, where networking was essential. I could discuss authors, print runs or marketing budgets with ease. But asking how a buyer had travelled to the event? Or where a journalist had parked? I didn’t care! So why were these the conversations we were all having? Everyone else seemed at ease, while I felt on edge. Continue reading...

Politics

12 h. ago Man in the mask Gyökeres silences ‘invisible’ taunts to make Arsenal mark | Ed Aarons

The centre-forward Arteta craved ends a nine-match goal drought to excite his manager about what is to comeIf Viktor Gyökeres goes on to become the striker all Arsenal supporters have been praying for, then perhaps they will look back on this night as the moment his fortune changed. As the old striker’s mantra goes, it doesn’t matter how they go in.After a run of nine matches for club and country without a goal and pressure mounting on the man signed for £64m in the summer, a huge wave of relief swept over the Emirates Stadium when Gyökeres scuffed home from close range via a deflection off David Hancko during a pulsating second half when Mikel Arteta’s team showed again that they mean business this season. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago 'I'm a nurse and started believing in God after eerie moment with hospital patient'

A nurse has shared a moment that has stuck with him throughout his career - and changed his perspective on the afterlife for good - involving a hospital patient on the brink of death

Science

5 d. ago 'I heard a loud bang in our sitting room, and then our lives changed forever': Influencer recalls the moment her three

Annabelle was airlifted to Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin, immediately after the accident to receive treatment for the 'severe trauma to her head'.

Politics

6 d. ago How to turn scallop roe into a delectable butter – recipe | Waste not

When you get scallops at the fishmonger, keep the roe, because it can be turned into a luxury ingredientBeyond Jersey’s epic beaches and rugged coastline, the island has an extraordinary food culture, rooted in both land and sea. From world-renowned jersey royal new potatoes to scallops sweeter and more tender than I’ve tasted anywhere, Jersey’s bounty is second to none. What excites me most, though, is how local farmers and producers are embracing regenerative agriculture, and in doing so reimagining the island’s food future with creativity and care. At the heart of that movement is Regen Gathering, a visionary festival that brings together farmers, chefs and food lovers to explore what Jersey’s foodtopia could look like.Last month, I was lucky enough to host a talk at the event, and cook a welcome dinner for all the speakers, alongside Regen’s inspiring founder, India Hamilton. Of course, scallops had to be on my menu, because they’re Jersey at its finest: delicate, plump and sing...

Politics

7 d. ago A moment that changed me: I nearly died when I was hit by a car – then started to relish life’s little luxuries

For years, I kept a stash of ‘nice things’, waiting for the right occasion to use them. The accident taught me to live now, rather than in the futureI used to have a drawer where the “nice things” lived: posh candles and fancy bubble bath; two flagons of Greek extra virgin olive oil; that Aesop handwash, to bring out for visitors. A bottle of fizz gathered dust on the kitchen side and, in the bathroom, an expensive moisturiser remained unopened. Life’s little luxuries, I believed, weren’t for enjoying now, but were to be saved for some unspecified “special” time in the future.Then I was hit by a car. It happened in May last year, while I was walking down a quiet street soon after lunchtime in Bermuda, where I’d been sent on an assignment for work. Continue reading...

Events

7 d. ago Jason Manford shares love for comedy superstar as they play 'most special' Manchester show

The comedian said he had 'relived the sliding doors moment that changed my life'

Culture

8 d. ago Jack Davenport changes parenting style with teen son after surprise moment

Taking on the role of James Forsyte in Channel 5's reboot of The Forsyte Saga, Jack Davenport opened up about his character's trajectory - and his relationship with his son.

Politics

1 week ago John Lodge was a pioneering force of British rock’s most underrated band

The late musician helped steer the Moody Blues into an exciting and groundbreaking new era of psychedeliaMoody Blues singer and bassist John Lodge dies aged 82The moment everything changed for John Lodge and his bandmates in the Moody Blues came one night at the Fiesta club in Stockton. Lodge and Justin Hayward were new to the band, Lodge playing bass and Hayward guitar, who had been booked into a well-paid series of cabaret shows in northern England. The Moodies were playing a revue-style show, with bits of R&B punctuated by comedy numbers, dressed in blue suits. They’d had a big hit a couple of years earlier with Go Now, but by 1966 they looked and sounded passé.After the show, Hayward told me a few years ago, a man came to the dressing room to see the band. “Normally they would say something like, ‘Oh, you’re great.’ But he said, ‘I just thought I’d tell you, you’re the worst fucking band I’ve seen in my life. You’re rubbish. And somebody’s got to tell you.’” Hayward and sing...

Politics

2 w. ago Ricky Gervais reveals worrying key moment that changed his life

Comedy legend Ricky Gervais has opened up on the moment his life changed as he 'took a punt' after finding himself in a daunting position

Politics

2 w. ago A moment that changed me: I stopped restraining myself – and found the love of my life

For years I tried to be the perfect girlfriend: bright, funny, engaging and fragrant. Then I stubbed my toe, and my ferocious roar of pain showed me I could be myselfIn 2008, I was in my mid-20s and single. My relationships until then had all been fun, flirty and conflict-free – which was unsurprising, given I expended so much energy on male approval.Depressingly, this seemed normal in the 00s and demanded a specific type of vigilance. As well as trying to look perfect for every date, there was also the effort of trying to be perfect: bright and funny and engaging and fragrant, but also vaguely unavailable. Endearingly kooky was OK; but I didn’t want to come across as weird. Misery and anger were off limits. I never risked showing I cared. No wonder love had failed to launch. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Inside angry Hibs dressing room as horrible Hearts defeat sharpens what if feeling after game changing moment

Easter Road star Warren O'Hara admits frustration and fury after sickening last-gasp derby defeat at Tynecastle

Politics

2 w. ago Coronation Street legend departs series after decades on soap

Her exit was changed at last moment by soap bosses

Politics

2 w. ago Coronation Street legend leaves series after decades on screen

Her exit was changed at last moment by soap bosses

Politics

3 w. ago A moment that changed me: I froze in a job interview – and it made me stop hiding my disability

I had always been hyper-independent, preferring to get the wrong bus than ask for help with my visual impairment. When I finally acknowledged it, I was overwhelmed by the love and support of friends and strangersIn the first week of summer 2019, I decided I wanted a job. I was 16, finally old enough to attend festivals and concerts with my friends; all I needed was the money. With no prior work experience, I scraped together a CV that didn’t even fill a page and sent it to every shop and cafe in my little village in Chelmsford, Essex. Miraculously, I was offered a job interview at the local fast food restaurant.I remember the nerves I felt on the way there. What would they ask me? Would they like me? In the end, I had nothing to worry about. The interview went well and the hiring manager seemed ready to hand me a contract. But, before I left, he asked me to try out serving a customer. “Just give her the items shown next to her order number on that screen,” he said, pointing to a mon...

Politics

4 w. ago A moment that changed me: I told my dad I was queer – and he said he found it hard to love me

The letter he slipped beneath my bedroom door was brutal. But our lost relationship became the furnace that forged meIn 2000, my dad wrote me a letter saying he found it hard to love me. “I don’t even understand you,” he said. He slipped it under my bedroom door when I was at my lowest point. The sentences split me wide open.I was always the pretty little boy in the corner of the playground, plaiting girls’ hair, dreaming of spotlights. My flamboyance didn’t seem to have an off switch. Dad tried his best to steer me into his version of a “proper” boyhood: football boots, muddy knees, the whole shebang. He’d tap my limp wrists into place and drag me to self-defence lessons in an attempt to turn them into karate chops.You Had To Be There by Jodie Harsh is published on 25 September by Faber (£20). To support the Guardian order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Romesh Ranganathan explains how 'devastating' moment in new Sky series changed his life

Romesh Ranganathan has opened up about a difficult decision he made in his new series, Can't Knock the Hustle, which led to an eye-opening revelation

Politics