All posts tagged: miserable

Israeli drones make life miserable for residents of southern Lebanon

Israeli drones make life miserable for residents of southern Lebanon

At the site of an Israeli drone airstrike in Sebline, southern Lebanon, December 16, 2025. MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP At the bottom of the steps leading down from her house in Abbasiyeh, southern Lebanon, Hanane Farfour scanned the sky. It was a “daily reflex” for this 42-year-old woman, who, every time she left her home, checked for Israeli drones, usually buzzing, but sometimes silent. On the morning of Friday, December 19, beneath the blue sky, there was no sign of white aircraft. Locals said this was an exception. Day in and day out, Israeli drones make life miserable for people in southern Lebanon, many of whom are displaced. Whether carrying out reconnaissance or bombing missions, these drones have been omnipresent since the ceasefire of November 27, 2024, which was supposed to end hostilities – a two-month war in autumn 2024 that followed nearly a year of low-intensity conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. But Israel has continued its attacks in Lebanon. Strikes take place every week in the south, with the Israeli army claiming to target members or …

My Christmas week in the most miserable place in Britain

My Christmas week in the most miserable place in Britain

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter I’m heading to what feels like the other end of the world for Christmas – Blackpool. Dubbed the Las Vegas of northwest England, it’s famous for the Pleasure Beach amusement park, Blackpool Tower (featured in BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool Special), and for extreme poverty. It has become known as the most miserable place in the country after recent NHS figures showed it had the most people suffering from pain and mental anguish in England. It’s no wonder I feel trepidation as I pack the car with all of our suitcases and Christmas presents. Honestly, I’d rather stay in Notting Hill – the west London area where I live. Just before we hit the M1 northbound, I dash into my posh local deli for one last oat milk flat white, …