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17th-century Polish ‘vampire’ found buried with sickle across neck

The remains of a woman found in a 17th-century graveyard in Poland are believed to be an example of an ‘anti-vampire’ burial after a sickle was also found placed across her neck to prevent her from rising from the dead. Dariusz Poliński, a professor at Nicholas Copernicus University, led the archaeological dig where the remains were uncovered, with the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11173505/Remains-VAMPIRE-pinned-ground-sickle-throat-Poland.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a> reporting that the skeleton was found wearing a silk cap and with a protruding front tooth. “The sickle was not laid flat but placed on the neck in such a way that if the deceased had tried to get up… the head would have been cut off,” Professor Poliński told the outlet. According to the <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/17th-century-poland-vampires-werent-boogeymen-out-town-girl-or-boy-next-door-180953476/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smithsonian</a> magazine, Eastern Europeans reported fears of vampires and began treating their dead with anti-vampire rituals during the 11th century. By the 17th century, these practices were common across Poland in response to reports of a vampire outbreak, per <a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/research-reveals-the-origin-of-poland-s-mysterious-vampires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ScienceAlert</a>. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/skeleton-lady1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The skeletal remains, pictured from above. Image: Łukasz Czyżewski, NCU Professor Poliński told the New York Post that there were other forms of protection to prevent vampires from returning from the dead, including cutting off limbs and using fire. “Other ways to protect against the return of the dead include cutting off the head or legs, placing the deceased face down to bite into the ground, burning them, and smashing them with a stone,” he said. The skeleton’s toe was also padlocked, which Professor Poliński said likely symbolised “the closing of a stage and the impossibility of returning”. This isn’t the first time a ‘vampire’ has been discovered by archaeologists either. Matteo Borrini, a lecturer at Liverpool John Moore University, discovered the remains of a woman who died in the 16th century and was buried with a stone in her mouth in a mass grave with plague victims. He explained that outbreaks of ‘vampires’ were often associated with periods where people were dying from unknown causes at the time - such as pandemics or mass poisoning. “These ‘vampires’ start to hunt and kill family members first, then the neighbours, and then all the other villages,” he said. “This is the classical pattern of a disease that is contagious.” The most recent ‘vampire’ remains, which were dug up in August, are being further investigated by scientists. Image: Mirosław Blicharski

International Travel

Harry Styles’ foray into the beauty world sparks huge demand

The world of men’s beauty products has remained relatively untouched in the past, with many believing these self-care products are exclusive to women. However, as Grammy award-winning musician and style icon Harry Styles has launched his own non-binary line of products, the demand for men’s products has seen a global rise. His new brand, called Pleasing, was launched in November and features skin care items and nail polishes, which have become Styles’ signature in recent years. Global fashion marketplace, <a href="https://www.lovethesales.com/press/articles/fashion-data-daily">LoveTheSales</a>, has been tracking demands and a range of sales data from over 10 million international shoppers. Since Pleasing was announced on Styles’ Instagram account, shopping searches for “men’s makeup” sky-rocketed a whopping 393 per cent compared to the week before. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWeVKMVvrpI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWeVKMVvrpI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Harry Styles Updates. (@harry_update1)</a> </div> </blockquote> There was also a 72 per cent increase in fashion searches for “men’s nail varnish” and a truly giant 641 per cent increase in demand for “men’s lip serums”. Harry started his line with specifically non-gendered items, as the conversation around gender and fashion continues to be evolving and changing amongst younger generations. “It’s starting with nail polish because that was kind of the birth of what it was for,” he told <a href="https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/54765/1/harry-styles-pleasing-brand-cover-2021-interview">Dazed</a> in an interview. “Me seeing a colour on a flower or a wallpaper or something and thinking, ‘Oh, I wanna put that on my nails.’” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWTYc_4lWHf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWTYc_4lWHf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Pleasing (@pleasing)</a> </div> </blockquote> Harry Styles has long been known for embracing gender-neutral style, as he has pushed the envelope with his fashion in photoshoots, and donning a more progressive way of presenting himself. With the help of his army of fans, Styles is helping to break down gender stereotypes in the world of beauty and fashion, as his new Pleasing brand is only the beginning. Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram

Beauty & Style

Bicarb to the rescue

This magic ingredient has scores of extraordinary uses about which you may have had no clue - until now. Rescue Remedy 1 Clean your produce You can’t be too careful when it comes to food handling and preparation. Wash fruit and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and voila, it will remove some of the impurities tap water leaves behind. Alternatively, put a small amount of bicarbonate of soda on a wet sponge or vegetable brush and scrub your produce. Give everything a thorough rinsing before serving. RR2 Make your own dishwashing detergent The dishwasher is fully loaded when you discover you’re out of your usual powdered dishwashing detergent. What do you do? Make your own by combining two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with two tablespoons of borax. You may be so pleased with the results you’ll switch for good. RR3 Remove crayon marks from walls Has a small child redecorated your walls or wallpaper with some original artworks in crayon? Don’t lose your cool, just grab a damp rag, dip it in some bicarbonate of soda and lightly scrub the marks. They should come off with a minimum of effort. RR4 Deodorise your rubbish bin If something smells off in your kitchen, it’s probably emanating from your bin. Some smells linger even after you dispose of the offending bin liner, so make sure you give your bin an occasional cleaning with a wet paper towel dipped in bicarbonate of soda (wear an old pair of rubber gloves for this job). Rinse the bin out with a damp sponge, then let it dry before inserting a new bag. You can also ward off bad smells by sprinkling a bit of bicarbonate of soda into the bottom of the bin before inserting the new bag. RR5 Douse that fire Did you know that bicarbonate of soda is the main ingredient in many commercial fire extinguishers? You too can use it straight out of the box to extinguish small fires throughout your home. For quick access, keep it near the stove for any unforeseen mishaps. In the case of a grease fire, first turn off the heat, if possible, and try to cover the fire with a pan lid. Be careful not to let the hot grease splatter you. Also keep a box or two in your garage and inside your car to quickly extinguish any mechanical or car-interior fires. Bicarbonate of soda will also snuff out electrical fires and flames on clothing, wood, upholstery and carpets. RR6 Get stains off piano keys That old upright may still sound great, but those yellowed keys definitely hit a sour note. Remove age stains by mixing a solution of 1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda in one litre of warm water. Apply to each key with a dampened cloth (you can place a thin piece of cardboard between the keys to avoid seepage). Wipe again with a cloth dampened with plain water, then buff dry with a clean cloth. RR7 Remove musty smells from books If books that have just been taken out of storage have a musty odour, place each one in a small brown paper bag with two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Don’t shake the bag, just tie it up and let it sit in a dry place for about a week. When you open the bag, shake remaining powder off the books and the smell should be gone. RR8 Deodorise rugs and carpets How’s this for a simple way to freshen up your carpets or rugs? Lightly sprinkle them with bicarbonate of soda, let it settle for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. RR9 Polish silver, and gold jewellery To remove built-up tarnish from your silver, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda and two tablespoons of water. Apply with a damp sponge and gently rub, rinse and buff dry. To polish gold jewellery, cover with a light coating of bicarbonate of soda, pour a bit of vinegar over it and rinse clean. Be warned though: don’t use this technique with jewellery containing pearls or gemstones, as bicarbonate of soda could damage their finish and loosen the glue. RR10 Tidy up your toilet bowl Instead of using chemicals to clean your toilet bowl, just pour half a box of bicarbonate of soda into the cistern once a month. Leave overnight. This cleans both the cistern and the bowl. You can also pour several tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda directly into a toilet bowl and scrub it on any stains. Wait a few minutes, then flush away the stains. All these tips – and hundreds more to save money and time – can be found in Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things, Reader’s Digest, RRP $49.98. To order visit <a href="http://www.healthsmart">www.healthsmart</a> magazine.com.au or call 1300 300 030. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/home-tips/bicarb-to-the-rescue">Reader’s Digest</a> Image: Reader’s Digest

Home & Garden

Doctors issue warning: How your gel and acrylic nails may be affecting your health

With nail salons around the country advertising their services at affordable prices, the popularity of gel and acrylic nails have hit its peak. More long-wearing than your standard manicure, it’s the most convenient option for women on the go. But as the saying goes: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. New research has shown that a certain chemical found in both treatments can cause adverse reactions if not applied properly. Dermatologists in both the UK and Ireland have officially issued a health warning about the methacrylate chemical – a substance that is found in almost all gel and acrylic nails, which is causing an “allergy epidemic” across the two countries. Allergy tests of 4,931 patients across 13 dermatology units were assessed to come to this outcome, as results showed that at least 2.4 per cent of those people could be suffering from this allergy. Another study conducted in 2017 by the British Association of Dermatologists discovered that the chemical was most likely to cause a reaction when it touches the skin, with side effects including loosening nails or a red and itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body. Those affected the most were nail technicians who come into regular contact with the chemical and those who attempt to do their own manicures at home rather than seeing a professional. The moral of the story? Go see a qualified nail technician and dump the at-home nail kits in the bin. Do you prefer to do your own nails or get someone else to do it for you? Let us know in the comments.

Body

Why you’ll never see Kate wearing red nail polish

Nail polish is always a fun way to brighten up an outfit, but for the Duchess of Cambridge, bright-coloured varnish is a no-go – and the same goes for the Queen. Why? According to Marie Claire, only natural-looking nails are allowed at official royal events. As we’ve <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/05/the-nine-dollar-nail-polish-queen-elizabeth-wears/" target="_blank">reported before</a>, Her Majesty’s favourite shade is Ballet Slippers by Essie, and it seems Kate is also a fan. However, the magazine says Kate also likes to mix two shades together. It’s believed she learnt the trick from Camilla’s manicurist Marina Sandoval, who created a signature blend for the Duchess of Cambridge ahead of her 2011 wedding – a mixture of Bourjois no. 28 Rose Lounge and Essie 423 Allure. “Catherine wanted something very natural looking and I felt these matched her skin colour beautifully,” Sandoval explained. “She wanted something off-white and bridal, so these were absolutely perfect. She was very pleased with the result and told me that it looked beautiful and elegant." What’s your go-to nail polish colour? Let us know in the comments below!

Beauty & Style

The $9 nail polish Queen Elizabeth wears

Queen Elizabeth has proven that she has a specific taste that she likes to keep to. She owns more than 200 versions of the same purse, finishes each night with a glass of bubbly and won’t travel without her favourite dessert. This behaviour extends to her nail care as the Queen will only wear one shade of nail polish from the Essie collection. <img width="498" height="325" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37047/essie_498x325.jpg" alt="Essie"/> The Queen uses the “Ballet Slippers” nail polish which is a favourite shade of beauty bloggers and celebrities. The tone won’t clash with any of the Queen’s bright outfits and it is subtle enough to remain unnoticeable beneath white gloves. According to Essie, the Queen was a fan of this pink polish before 1989 when her hairdresser sent the company a letter requesting a bottle of “the only colour Her Majesty would wear." At least this nail polish preference isn’t as expensive as her purse taste. This nail polish can be purchased on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/essie-nail-polish-ballet-slippers/dp/B0030IMVZ6?tag=geo02a9-20&SubscriptionId=AKIAIIO45QSTAA4R2Q6Q&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B0030IMVZ6&th=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for $9 (USD).

Beauty & Style

Why nail polish lasts so much longer on toenails than fingernails

It’s a question that’s plagued women for centuries (ok, slight exaggeration but who knows maybe Cleopatra had this issue) – why is it that nail polish lasts barely days on our fingernails but seemingly forever on our toenails? Well, wonder no more. According to Smith & Cult Beauty Ambassador Sarah Bland, it’s all about wear and tear. “Polish lasts longer on toes than fingers because we use our hands as tools and they’re in water much more often than toes,” she tells <a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/why-does-nail-polish-last-longer-on-your-toes-plus-4-tips-to-extend-the-life-of-your-manicure-45495" target="_blank">Bustle</a>. That’s all well and good, but how can we make our manicures go the distance? Here are her top tips. 1. Clean your nails Before applying any varnish, Bland suggests using rubbing alcohol or pure acetone to clean the nails and nail beds. This will get rid of any oils that may prevent the polish drying properly, making your mani last longer. And, prior to applying any varnish, always apply a base coat. 2. Be generous with top coat When you think your nail polish is about to chip, give it another go-over with top coat. “The best thing to do to extend your manicure is to add an extra top coat a couple of days into your mani,” says Bland. Extra top coat will extend the life of your varnish beyond those first few chip-prone days. 3. Paint outside the lines Forget everything you learnt as a child about colouring within the lines! According to Bland, being a bit messy with your top coat will ensure it lasts longer – at least, if you apply some to the top edge of your nail. This will act as a sort of seal, preventing any big chips. 4. Stay hydrated Not only will cuticle oil keep your nails hydrated, but it will make your polish last longer. Just make sure you only apply it after painting your nails, otherwise you’ll find it difficult to make your manicure last through the day. How do you make your manicure or pedicure last longer? Share your tips with us in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

Banana peel great to polish shoes

If you’re looking for a more natural way to polish your shoes than the traditional shoe polish, look in the fruit bowl. While it might sound crazy, you can polish your leather shoes quite well with the humble banana. All you need to do is wipe off any dirt and grime from your shoes first, then rub them all over with the inside of the peel. Then grab a clean cloth, rub the shoes all over and give them a bit of a buff and shine. It’s the potassium that bananas are well known for that actually has the shoe polishing capabilities. So as well as being delicious and nutritious, they are super handy to have around the house. Plus you can still use the fruit itself to top your cereal or bake a cake. Fruit bowl empty? You can also rub in a few drops of olive oil or a smear of petroleum jelly, then buff with a clean cloth. Do you know of any other foods that can double-up as a household cleaner? Share your tips in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/02/dirtiest-items-in-your-home-and-how-to-clean-them/">Dirtiest items in your home (and how to clean them)</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/02/6-kitchen-tips-and-tricks/">6 essential tips and tricks for your kitchen</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/02/mistakes-to-avoid-when-washing-sheets/%20">5 common mistakes to avoid when washing your sheets</a>

Home & Garden

Mum writes moving note for her son who wears nail polish

A mother in the US has taken a stand against bullies and bigots in a powerful Facebook post about her 6-year-old son. Devon Berryann shared this sweet photo with one of the most heart-felt pleas for love and acceptance we’ve ever seen. <img width="500" height="909" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/22934/13466329_10154232144747930_6479316103709728256_n_500x909.jpg" alt="13466329_10154232144747930_6479316103709728256_n"/> “My six-year-old son likes to wear nail polish,” she writes. “He likes to wear girls’ clothes and tutus. He tells me about the boys he likes at school. He says he will marry them and adopt babies. Maybe he will outgrow it. Maybe not. I love and accept him for who he is. I always thought that doing that would protect him from the pain of hurtful words and bullies, and I didn’t worry.” After returning home from school one day, Silas told his mum about the teasing and bullying he experienced from his classmates. While she admits she is afraid for what the future may hold for her son, simply because he is different, she realised none of it matters as long as her son is happy. “As scared as I am, I know that this world is not going to change with more fear. It has plenty of that. What it needs is more love and acceptance. “So yesterday, we went out and bought more nail polish, and today we wore tutus,” she concluded. “So here he is world. See my boy for the amazing person he is. Show him love. Show him acceptance. Help us change the world into one that deserves him.” <a href="https://www.facebook.com/devon.berryann/posts/10154232144767930">Click here</a> to read the entire post. Warning – it may bring a tear or two to your eyes. What do you think can be done to deter bullying in schools? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/06/9-year-old-is-worlds-youngest-wedding-photographer/">9-year-old is world’s youngest wedding photographer</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/teacher-donates-kidney-to-student/">Teacher donates kidney to her student</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/boy-is-overwhelmed-at-toy-store/">Adorable little boy can’t contain himself at the toy store</a>

News

Do you really need a base coat for your nails?

If you’ve ever done your nails and debated skipping the base coat, you’re not alone. Applying a base coat can seem like an unnecessary and annoying step, especially when you need results and quickly. While it may seem like a time consuming pain to apply, including a base coat of nail polish to your DIY manicure is one of the best ways to ensure a good result. Think of it like the foundation for a house. You can’t create anything with a shaky foundation. Here are three other reasons why applying a base coat has its benefits. <ol> <li>It’ll make your manicure last longer – Think of a base coat as double sided tape for your nails. These nifty products contain special chemicals to give them “stick”. This allows them to adhere to the nail below and above the polish to help prolong your manicure. Without this sticky surface for the pigment, your colour would end up chipping very quickly (as we are sure you’ve experienced!)</li> <li>It’ll prevent stains – If you’re partial to bright shades, you may have experienced the less than appealing shade of yellow they leave behind on your nail. This is due to the chemical reaction that sometimes occurs between the ingredients in your polish and your nail beds. A base coat is your best defence against staining.</li> <li>They can actually improve your nails – Gone are the days when a base coat was ‘just’ a base coat. These days, you can choose a base that suits the needs of your nails. From extra moisturising properties to ridge fillers, there’s a product on the market to help improve your talons. One thing to avoid is products that market themselves as “nail hardeners” as they usually contain formaldehyde which is best avoided.</li> </ol>

Beauty & Style

Darker shades chip quickest (and 5 other things you didn’t know about nail polish)

Thought you knew everything about nail polish? As it turns out, there’s more to your favourite shades than meets the eye. 1. The darker the polish, the faster it chips – Because they are a darker colour, dark polishes have higher pigmentation. Higher pigmentation increases the rate at which your polish chips. 2. You can do more than just paint your nails – Polish can be used for more than decorative fingertips. Coat costume jewellery that would otherwise be prone to rusting in clear polish to prevent oxidization. Use a small dab on a run in your stockings where it will dry and stop the run from traveling any further. 3. Your colour choice is significant – According to studies, your choice in colour is most likely related to a personal experience involving said hue. We are emotionally linked to colours, so that bright fuchsia you just spontaneously chose might not be a random choice at all, but a subconscious memory or association. 4. You’re storing your polish wrong –If you’re storing your polish anywhere but the fridge, you’re doing it a disservice. The low temperatures of your fridge actually help to prolong the shelf life of your favourite shades. 5. You need to take a break –If you paint and repaint your tips for weeks on end, you could be causing damage to your nails. Keep your nails free of polish for a few days every three weeks for optimum nail health. 6. You can be allergic – Most nail polishes contain formaldehyde, an irritant which some people are allergic to. Luckily, many brands have branched out into allergy-friendly formulations.

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17th-century Polish ‘vampire’ found buried with sickle across neck

Harry Styles’ foray into the beauty world sparks huge demand

Bicarb to the rescue

Doctors issue warning: How your gel and acrylic nails may be affecting your health

Why you’ll never see Kate wearing red nail polish

The $9 nail polish Queen Elizabeth wears

Why nail polish lasts so much longer on toenails than fingernails

Banana peel great to polish shoes

Mum writes moving note for her son who wears nail polish

Do you really need a base coat for your nails?

Darker shades chip quickest (and 5 other things you didn’t know about nail polish)