If you have teenagers in your life, they’ll probably have heard of the PSL scale. Or at least the language associated with it. Chad. Stacy. Normie. Subhuman.

The PSL scale is a pseudoscientific attractiveness rating system used by looksmaxxers, men in a part of the manosphere who sometimes use extreme methods to change their appearance. The scale purports to rank people into different categories based on their physical appearance, with looksmaxxers deeming that the higher up the scale a man is, the more attractive he will be to women.

The roots of this rating system lie in misogynistic online forums used by incels or involuntarily celibates, but now it’s all over social media, where teenage boys post photos of themselves, asking to be ranked. PSL apps are also available which will rate a person’s photograph, and give them AI-powered advice, sometimes for a fee, on how to “move up” the scale.

So how did the language of incels, and this one way of quantifying attractiveness and beauty, become so mainstream?

In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to Jordan Foster, an associate professor of sociology at MacEwan University in Alberta, Canada, who researches social media, beauty and masculinity. He explains the origins of the PSL scale, where it fits into the manosphere, and how some looksmaxxing influencers are making money off it.

PSL is an abbreviation of three, now defunct, online incel forums. Foster says that a precise dialogue emerged from discussions on these forums about what features constitute attractiveness and beauty, which turned into a pseudoscientific rating system. “So there might be notions, for example, that a strong brow bone or a stronger jawline is going to communicate a certain amount of testosterone and that this is going to suggest something about your virility or your fitness.”

Foster suggests the idea that beauty can be quantifiable in this way emerged as some men came to terms with “a topic that has historically been taboo and feminised”. He says looksmaxxers realised that if they wanted to have a discussion about beauty, they needed to communicate it in a language that is traditionally more palatable for men. “How do you do that? Wrap it in the guise of science.”

Listen to the interview with Jordan Foster on The Conversation Weekly podcast and read an article he wrote with his colleague Jillian Sunderland at the University of Toronto . This episode was written and produced by Katie Flood and Gemma Ware. Mixing by Eleanor Brezzi and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

Newsclips in this episode from NBC News, The Social CTV, CTV News, Tamron Hall Show, Saturday Night Live, BrettMaverick and PrestigeClipper via TikTok.

Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available via the Apple Podcasts or Spotify apps.

HOUSTON (AP) — Still marveling over their moon mission, the Artemis II astronauts received a thunderous welcome home Saturday from hundreds who took part in NASA’s lunar comeback that set a record for deep space travel.

The crew of four arrived at Ellington Field near NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Mission Control, flying in from San Diego, where they splashed down just offshore the evening before.

After a quick reunion with their spouses and children, commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen took the hangar stage, surrounded by space center workers and other invited guests. They were introduced by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, among the first to greet them aboard the recovery ship Friday.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your Artemis II crew,” Isaacman said to a standing ovation.

The jubilant crowd included flight directors and the launch director, Orion capsule and exploration system managers, high-ranking military officers, members of Congress, the space agency’s entire blue-suited astronaut corps and even retired ones, and more.

Their homecoming was poignant: They returned to NASA’s Houston base on the 56th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 13, whose “Houston, we’ve had a problem” refrain turned a near-disaster into triumph.

“This was not easy.” an emotional Wiseman said. “Before you launch, it feels like it’s the greatest dream on Earth. And when you’re out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends. It’s a special thing to be a human, and it’s a special thing to be on planet Earth.”

Added Glover: “I have not processed what we just did and I’m afraid to start even trying.”

Hansen said the four of them embodied love “and extracting joy out of that” as the four joined together to stand in a row, embracing one another. “When you look up here, you’re not looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you. And if you like what you see, then just look a little deeper. This is you.”

During Artemis II’s nearly 10-day mission, the astronauts voyaged deeper into space than the moon explorers of decades past and captured views of the lunar far side never witnessed before by human eyes. A total solar eclipse added to the cosmic wonder.

On their record-breaking flyby, the astronauts reached a maximum 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers) from Earth before hanging a U-turn behind the moon, eclipsing Apollo’s 13 distance record.

The mission also revealed a new side of our planet with an Earthset photo, showing our Blue Marble setting behind the gray, pockmarked moon. The image echoed the famous Earthrise shot from 1968 taken by the world’s first lunar visitors, Apollo 8.

The main attraction early at UFC 327 on Saturday night wasn’t any of the fighters, but President Donald Trump.

Trump entered the Kaseya Center shortly after 9 p.m. to watch the light heavyweight fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg. He was accompanied by Dana White, the president of Ultimate Fighting Championship, and several members of the Trump family.

As a Kid Rock song blasted from the speakers, Trump walked to his seat where Secretary of State Marco Rubio was waiting. Also nearby was Sergio Gor, the U.S. ambassador to India.

Trump shook hands with attendees on the floor and made a point of greeting Joe Rogan, the podcaster who also works as a UFC color commentator.

Trump gave several smiles to the cameras.

Earlier, on his way to the arena, Trump’s Truth Social account posted an advertisement that appeared to be for a UFC fight at the White House on June 14, on what would be Trump’s 80th birthday.

A crowd of onlookers could be seen filming the presidential motorcade upon arrival.

With former champion Alex Pereira vacating the belt to move up and challenge for the interim heavyweight crown at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, Ulberg (14-1-0) earned his spot across Procházka (32-5-1) in the main event of Saturday’s card.

On the main undercard, fellow light heavyweights Azamat Murzakanov (16-0-0) and Paulo Costa (15-4-0) will battle in what might end up being a qualifier for the victor to meet the winner of Ulberg and Procházka.

Fifth-ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes (19-5-0) will battle undefeated Josh Hokit (8-0-0).

Reyes (15-5-0), now the 10th-ranked light heavyweight, will battle No. 12 Johnny Walker (22-9-0).

In the featherweight division, Cub Swanson (31-14-0) stopped Nate Landwehr (18-8-0).

___

AP MMA: https://apnews.com/hub/mixed-martial-arts

Scientists have warned that even moderate consumption may accelerate the onset of dementia

If you want to reduce your chances of developing dementia, there’s one habit worth giving up, or at least cutting back on.

Research from a study suggests that regular alcohol use may do more than just leave you with a hangover with increasing evidence indicating it could have a significant negative impact on your cognitive health.

According to the NHS, dementia affects more than 944,000 people in the UK. The study highlighted the link between the drink and the condition in a 2023 peer-reviewed journal by Atrium Health. Researchers used a ‘chronic drinking approach’ in which mice were given the option to drink water or alcohol across 10 weeks.

The US-based researchers were especially focused on exploring the link between alcohol consumption and the development of Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for around 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. Their findings showed that even “moderate” drinking levels were sufficient to speed up brain atrophy.

This refers to the shrinking and deterioration of brain tissue, coupled with a rise in ‘amyloid plaques’ – harmful proteins closely associated with Alzheimer’s. “These findings suggest alcohol might accelerate the pathological cascade of Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages,” said Associate Professor Shannon Macauley, of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, at the time.

“These preclinical findings suggest that even moderate consumption of alcohol can result in brain injury. Alcohol consumption may be a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia”, reports Surrey Live.

Importantly, these results aren’t confined to studies on mice. In 2024, researchers at Oxford University identified alcohol as one of the most significant contributors to declining cognitive health, with the potential to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.

The team analysed the brain scans of 40,000 individuals to determine this. Professor Gwenaëlle Douaud, who led the study, said: “We know that a constellation of brain regions degenerates earlier in ageing, and in this new study we have shown that these specific parts of the brain are most vulnerable to diabetes, traffic-related air pollution − increasingly a major player in dementia − and alcohol, of all the common risk factors for dementia.

“We have found that several variations in the genome influence this brain network, and they are implicated in cardiovascular deaths, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as with the two antigens of a little-known blood group, the elusive XG antigen system, which was an entirely new and unexpected finding.”

Current UK guidance from the NHS states that being aware of your units will help you stay in control of your drinking.

To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks, it suggests:

• Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
• spread ySpreadinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
• If you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week

It adds: “14 units is equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine.”

For information on alcohol units and support, visit the NHS website here.

What are the signs of dementia?

Accoridng to Dementia UK: “Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the brain. There are many different types, subtypes and causes. It is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms always get worse over time.”

It added: “The most common symptoms of dementia include difficulties with remembering, thinking and speaking, which get worse over time. However, there are many other possible symptoms, and everyone has their own unique experience of the condition.”

You can read all about the signs and symptoms of dementia online via the Dementia UK website.

Owen Hargreaves believes only Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes ‘played properly’ in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side delivered another unconvincing performance as Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty cancelled out Junior Kroupi’s opener before Alex Scott scored the winner for Bournemouth in the 74th minute at the Emirates Stadium.

The defeat means Arsenal are still nine points clear at the top of the Premier League but Manchester City now have two games in hand and also play the Gunners next Sunday.

Arteta, meanwhile, continues to face criticism over Arsenal’s playing style and their inability to create several clear-cut chances during games.

‘They [Arsenal] didn’t play confident,’ Hargreaves told Premier League Productions.

‘I was at the game and the crowd were super up for it at the beginning of the game, by the end of it they were not happy with what they saw.

‘The only ones who played properly were Declan Rice and Gabriel, the rest of them got thoroughly outplayed.

‘Bournemouth were brilliant by the way, they pressed the life out of Arsenal.

‘Arsenal could not keep the ball for the life of them, kept going long, they’d pass the ball back to the goalkeeper, I think it was 39 times in the game, David Raya had the second-most passes of an Arsenal player. They just really encouraged Bournemouth into that press and the press is probably one of the best in the Premier League but they just surprised Arsenal and they deserved to win the game.

‘I think the biggest problem is they’ve been outplayed in three of the last four games – City in the Carabao Cup final, Southampton in the FA Cup, and then today.

‘They had the win against Sporting but David Raya was one of their best players in that game and he made quite a few saves so there is a little bit of a trend there where they’re being outplayed.

‘They’ve worked so hard to get to this point but they have to finish the job. Today they lacked a little bit of courage, belief and a little bit of aggression in crucial moments, Bournemouth were more aggressive today.’

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MORE: ‘Not good enough’ – Mikel Arteta urged to drop Arsenal star after Bournemouth loss

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MORE: Troy Deeney slams Arsenal fans for criticising £60m signing after Bournemouth defeat

The helicopters were seen touching down on Oxford Grove playing fields in the early evening.

Ivy Road was closed as emergency crews responded to a suspected medical episode.

Paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) took the lead in treating the casualty.

Emergency crews worked together (Image: Phil Taylor)

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident was in its early stages when officers were first called shortly before 5.30pm.

There was no further police role beyond assisting ambulance colleagues.

Ivy Road, where the incident took place, was blocked to drivers (Image: Phil Taylor)

Witnesses described a large emergency presence in the area, with multiple responders, police vehicles and an ambulance in attendance.

A crowd of residents gathered nearby as treatment was carried out, with reports that a dignity sheet was put in place.

An onlooker told The Bolton News that a child was seen assisting emergency crews at the scene.

A child helping the emergency team (Image: Phil Taylor)

At around 6.30pm, air ambulance crews were seen preparing to leave, with one aircraft departing shortly afterwards and a ground ambulance also leaving the area.

By 7pm, Ivy Road had reopened to traffic and the incident was reported to have been cleared.

The condition of the casualty has not been confirmed.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has been contacted for comment.

Prince Andrew allegedly insulted Sarah Ferguson’s appearance during a private lunch, according to a royal author who claims their long-standing bond hides a far more complicated and tense dynamic behind palace doors.

A royal author has claimed the relationship between Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Ferguson has been far more strained behind closed doors than they have publicly suggested over the years.

In her bestselling book The Palace Papers, journalist Tina Brown alleges that Andrew once made a cruel and humiliating remark about his ex-wife’s appearance during a lunch at Royal Lodge in 2015.

According to the account, he entered the room while Ferguson was dining with a visiting media executive from the US and reportedly referred to her using an offensive insult. The witness was said to be left stunned by the comment, later suggesting it hinted at a dynamic in which Ferguson appeared uneasy around her former husband.

Andrew and Ferguson divorced in the mid-1990s following a series of high-profile scandals involving infidelity, but remained unusually close in the decades that followed. They frequently described themselves as the “happiest divorced couple in the world” and continued to live together at Royal Lodge, near Windsor Castle, for many years.

Despite this outward show of unity, Brown claims their relationship has been more complicated, describing it as “symbiotic” — with each appearing to rely on the other for support during times of difficulty.

Ferguson has faced well-documented financial struggles over the years, and Brown suggests Andrew often stepped in to assist. In return, Ferguson has consistently defended him in public, including during the fallout from his association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew has repeatedly denied allegations linked to the scandal, while Ferguson has described him as a “kind, great man” and said she stands by him with “integrity and loyalty.”

Additional claims about Andrew’s behaviour have emerged in other recent books, including one by historian Andrew Lownie. His work alleges the duke was known for rude outbursts, crude jokes and humiliating pranks, including verbally abusing staff and embarrassing guests at social gatherings. Former aides reportedly described him as abrupt and demanding, in stark contrast to other members of the Royal Family.

While Andrew and Ferguson have long presented a united and amicable front in public, these accounts paint a more complicated and, at times, uncomfortable picture of their private relationship — one marked by loyalty, dependence and underlying tension.

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Anthony Joshua was in attendance for Tyson Fury’s fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov

Anthony Joshua refused Tyson Fury’s request to join him in the ring after his victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov. The Gypsy King wanted his British rival to climb over the ropes after the fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But Joshua, who appeared to record much of Saturday’s fight on his phone, refused, appearing to say that it was Fury’s night instead of his. The rivals then exchanged words in a tense chat, with AJ refusing to agree to a blockbuster fight between them.

Fury said: “I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for. I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fight fans what they want – the Battle of Britain.

“I challenge you Anthony Joshua to fight me the Gypsy King next. Do you accept my challenge?”

READ MORE: Tyson Fury pays heartfelt tribute to Ricky Hatton in unique gesture for fightREAD MORE: Tyson Fury dominates Arslanbek Makhmudov in unanimous decision win before calling out Anthony Joshua

In response, Joshua said: “Tyson, you are a clout-chaser. I’ve never had no problem getting in a ring with you, I punched you up as kids, watching you tonight I’ll punch you up again.

“You won’t tell me what to do. I’ve been chasing you the last 10 years, when you’re ready you come and see me. I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord. You work for me.

“When you’re ready you come and see me and tell me your terms and conditions. I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord remember that, you work for me.”

Earlier in the evening, boxing promoter Turki Al-Sheikh hinted that we could see Joshua return to the ring to face Fury in one of the biggest fights in British boxing history.

Al-Sheikh got in the ring and said: “It is the time, Frank [Warren], Eddie [Hearn], it is the time. Come on here Eddie. Tyson – he’s the next. It is not my call, it is his call.”

Speaking ahead of Fury’s fight with Makhmudov, Al-Sheikh said: “You know what is amazing now. The British fans. This is what gives us the motivation to do more and more. Today we have a big surprise, I hope we’ll announce the biggest fight in the history of England.

“We need to kidnap Eddie Hearn to announce the biggest fight. We have five or six big announcements with Netflix next year.”

Joshua was also asked about a potential clash with Fury midway through the 37-year-old’s fight with Makhmudov and said: “I’m so much of a good spy I’m front row.

“I’ve got my eyes on the prize, it’s been a long time coming, we’ll be in the deep end soon. The plan is right hand left hook, right hand left hook until something lands and then boom.”

A long walk starting in Horton in Ribblesdale heading in to the heart of 3 Peaks country. The terrain is varied (forestry, moors, farmland) but straightforward on good tracks. The views of the 3 3 Peaks are constantly changing and full of interest.

Start the walk from High Birkwith Farm; to find the farm head north from Horton in Ribblesdale on a narrow dead end road between the two bridges at the Crown Inn. There is limited road side parking before arriving at the farm. Near the farm are 2 of the best caves for inexperienced cavers (Birkwith and Old Ing), they are known as stream caves and easy to explore although they do form part of a larger caving network, accessible only by divers though! From the farm follow the bridleway north east and then north through sheep farming country. The 3 Peaks route from Pen Y Ghent to Ribblehead crosses here but ignore it and carry on past the attractive packhorse Bridge over Ling Gill. This is part of the Pennine Way/Bridleway and in good condition, the views start to open up over Ingleborough and Whernside after a steady climb and probably at their best when the track meets the Cam High Road. 

More walks:

The Cam High Road is Roman in origin and used by Ceasar’s legions whilst heading north to Hadrian’s Wall. Today it is used by the Forestry Commission and as a result in excellent condition. Turn right at the Road and continue climbing steadily for one mile. At a height of over 500m take the path to the right which cuts through the corner of the large forestry plantation. Two stiles lead to Cam Houses which is worth exploring and an ideal spot for a picnic. The next mile is through tussocky, sometimes muddy, terrain but it is downhill and before long arrive at Swarthgill Farm.

A view of Ingleborough from Cam Fell. Jonathan Smith

Swarthgill Farm and the nearby Nethergill Farm are in the real heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Both are very remote but the farmers are making every effort to diversify. They offer accommodation for those on the Dales Way and Nethergill is an impressive conservation landscape, the farming practices encouraging a large array of wildlife and now a tourist attraction. From Swarthgill continue past Nethergill to the small hamlet of Outershaw.  

Amongst the buildings of Outershaw a footpath heads south west (left) and climbs steeply uphill to a stile and in to forestry land. From here the nature of the walk completely changes, the forest shutting out the views (bad), weather (can be good!) and sounds of the first half of the walk. For one mile the footpath winds its way through the forest to a quiet dead end road heading west. Follow the road for a further mile until High Green where the tarmac becomes a farm track, still in good condition.  Continue through the forest for a further mile until with some relief the track emerges in to open countryside. Continue for a further 500m to a split in the track, turn right and enjoy the views of Pen-y-Ghent to the south and Ingleborough and Whernside to the west. The path drops down between two small hills to New Ings and join the outbound track to the start at High Birkwith Farm.

Fact Box:

Distance: Roughly 14 miles

Heart of the 3 Peaks map

Height to Climb: 310m (1,030 feet)

Start: SD 800767. Near High Birkwith Farm on the dead end road north from Horton.

Difficulty: Hard. A long day but mainly on good tracks.

Refreshments: Horton-In-Ribblesdale has two pubs, the Crown now with new owners.

Be Prepared:

The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (Explorer OL2) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

Jonathan runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales:

• He has written 3 books on walking in the Dales; ‘The Yorkshire 3 Peaks’, ‘The Dales 30’ mountains and the long distance path ‘The Bracken Way. Buy them direct from Where2walk
• Jonathan runs Navigation Training Courses. The next Beginners Course is on Saturday June 27th from Long Preston, near Settle.
• You can buy Dales 30 Guide Book, T Shirts and branded caps from the NEW Dales 30 website. Start the challenge today.

Where2walk.co.uk features 100s of walks with descriptions across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs. Visit the website for details of all these walks, guiding