Saved For Later | The Guardian

Support the Guardian

Support now

Power independent journalism

Dear reader, you can now get breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox. Sign up here.

Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties.

Offensive mermaid

Since it's just you and me for the next little while, this is your semi-regular reminder that I have written a book and it would be nice if you would read it.

– Alyx Gorman

We can't stop talking about...

Getting jacked
Why is everyone wearing weighted vests?

Celebrities have been sporting them on walks and influencers are peddling them on TikTok. But are they any good? Madeleine Aggeler tries one out for two weeks.

Deceptive reps
If a fitness instructor says eight reps to go, there should be one rep per count, not four, Nadine Cohen says in a petty yet relatable gripe.

Substantial schleps
Do you really need to lift heavy if you want to build muscle mass? No, as it turns out.

Rats overstep
Meanwhile the Teesside mega-rat needs no help to get swole. The 22-inch behemoth is one of legion in the great global rat crisis of 2025.

Cook this

Sticky cakes

Cookbook author Tilly Pamment's take on the sticky date pudding is made with prune, pear and ginger, plus a big glug of ginger caramel sauce.

Top of the list

A show - gothy kitsch
'Jenna Ortega’s charisma could power 1,000 hearses' in the new season of Wednesday. Sure there's too much plot to keep track of, but you'll still enjoy the ride. On Netflix.

'Jenna Ortega’s charisma could power 1,000 hearses' in the new season of Wednesday. Sure there's too much plot to keep track of, but you'll still enjoy the ride. On Netflix.

A list - reading itch
Our wrap of the month's best books includes a swashbuckling shark tale, a collection of prescient satire and a trip down the rabbit hole with Guardian Australia's own Ariel Bogle.

Our wrap of the month's best books includes a swashbuckling shark tale, a collection of prescient satire and a trip down the rabbit hole with Guardian Australia's own Ariel Bogle.

A film - body switch
Jamie Lee Curtis is absolutely on one in Freakier Friday, a sequel to the early-noughts body swap classic. Also Lindsay Lohan is in it! In cinemas.

Jamie Lee Curtis is absolutely on one in Freakier Friday, a sequel to the early-noughts body swap classic. Also Lindsay Lohan is in it! In cinemas.

A record - fun glitch
Our critic has given Ninajirachi's debut album a full five stars. I Love My Computer is a thumping, femme tribute to 2010s EDM, no shredded Future Music bros allowed. Out now.

Our critic has given Ninajirachi's debut album a full five stars. I Love My Computer is a thumping, femme tribute to 2010s EDM, no shredded Future Music bros allowed. Out now.

The funniest things on the internet

Sh!t Theatre's tab tour

These two aren't worried about losing their gig to ChatGPT. 'They’re only making AI of things people actually want, and nobody wants fringe theatre,' the pair say. We do however want their nostalgic, animal heavy wrap of youtube clips.

This week's weirdest story

14 tonnes of tacky

Denmark is reportedly going to remove an 'ugly and pornographic' mermaid statue, which has also been decried as 'vulgar, unpoetic, and undesirable'. But others argue the outcry is body-shaming.

Enjoying this newsletter?

Have a friend who might? Forward this to them, or tell them how to get it.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters, please email newsletters@theguardian.com

… there is a very good reason why not to support the Guardian

Not everyone can afford to pay for news. That is why our website is open to everyone.

But – if you can afford to do so – here are three good reasons why you might consider becoming a Guardian supporter today:

Your funding means we can be completely independent

High-quality, trustworthy journalism is a public good

You can support us however you like

Help power the Guardian’s journalism at a time when misinformation is rife online and good news can be hard to find. It could be a one-off payment or a regular monthly amount of your choice. Thank you.