Happy Saturday readers. How does it feel to go back to enjoy the place where your life was last at risk? This is a question that our first read, and a dear colleague of mine, grapples with. His answer hides in the value of human connection. There are actually a lot of good humans in this week’s newsletter. Do enjoy. Oh – and thank you for being here.
1. I had a stroke during an ocean swim. Most people passed by unaware
When Graham Russell went for his usual Sunday swim in a powerful wintry surf, he had no idea the beach where he had helped protect and save lives would become the place where his own was changed.
‘Are you all right, mate?’: after making it to shore, most people walked past, unaware of his distress, and he himself didn’t realise he was having a stroke until one surfer stopped to help.
Returning to the spot: in a powerful and moving account, Russell describes his “connection to that quietly tucked away place has become richer” since the incident. He shares his story, truly thankful for being alive to tell it – and a story that we are all better off for him deciding to share.
How long will it take to read: three and half minutes
Further reading: Marc Brew was the sole survivor of a terrible crash that killed his friends and fellow dancers. Here is how he survived.
2. Matthew McConaughey on faith, fame and quitting romcoms
If you didn’t pick up a copy of Greenlights during the pandemic, but remain intrigued by Hollywood’s former leading romcom man, then Simon Hattenstone’s read on Matthew McConaughey is for you. If that previous sentence does not resonate, something in this interview will.
Trauma and triumph: the actor waxes lyrical on God, missing his birthday party after getting stoned and listening to Janet Jackson “32 f-ing times in his car”, and eludes to the terrifying incident that defined him.
Fun fact: McConaughey spent his gap year in Australia as a Rotary Club exchange student.
Fun fact No 2: he nearly became a monk, but a friend convinced him he was better at telling stories.
How long will it take to read: 10 minutes
3. A journey through some of the heaviest desserts in history
Tim Dowling has a public service announcement: “Britain’s puddings are under threat.” And why should we care? For one, Dowling is American, and judging by a sneak peak of the first recipe (a slightly raw jam roly-poly), some puddings might not be worth saving.
But even after some stodgy tastings, and a broken wooden spoon, Dowling makes 10 old fashioned puddings and as a result serves up a hilariously starchy read.
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“The result, however, looks perfect, and tastes exactly as I guessed it would: dry and dull. It’s much better with custard, but not as good as custard on its own.” – Tim Dowling
Which puddings would you keep, and which would you bin? I’m personally eager to try Queen of puddings, and I’ll always have a soft spot for bread and butter pudding.
How long will it take to read: five minutes
Further reading: Sticking with British culture, you may also enjoy 70 unforgettable (and unforgivable) shows from 70 years of ITV.
4. Seeing the world through stains
You’ll soon understand why it was important to have this week’s long read after consuming the story above. For writer Tom Lamont, such a luxury wasn’t afforded when he interviewed Britain’s greatest human stain remover over breakfast. Thankfully, he stomached it because Ben Giles’s life story is a Ghostbusters film (but for stains).
Restoring order: once a twentysomething freelance window cleaner, Giles is now, at 49, a leading extreme-cleaner expert and owner of a hugely successful company.
From murder scenes to whale blubber: he’s truly seen and cleaned it all, and says there are techniques and truths behind every single stain.
How long will it take to read: 10 minutes
5. ‘I looked and felt like a million bucks’
I admire those who follow their hearts when it comes to traditional events like weddings. Six Guardian readers, forgoing the traditional aesthetic, opted for unique attire on their wedding day. They chose to wear something other than white.
Hanneke from Essex, UK: knew she didn’t want to wear white for her second marriage, so she opted for orange, “a clear reference to my Dutch heritage”.
Q from Oregon, US: chose an “amazing dark green that shimmered chartreuse and had silver embroidery”. She’s “worn it over a dozen times at various formal events.”
How long will it take to read: two and a half minutes
Further reading: here’s a fun thought-provoking question as we conclude … should guests be charged to attend your big day? The $1,000 wedding ticket.
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