Andy Murray breaks down as he contemplates retirement

Jan 11, 2019

Tributes are pouring in for tennis star Andy Murray after a tearful press conference addressing his possible retirement.

The former world number one has claimed that retirement is imminent following injuries which have plagued him for years, especially that of his hip.

Speaking about the upcoming Australian Open, Murray broke down in tears as he said it could be his last tournament.

"I spoke to my team and I told them I can't keep doing this. I needed to have an end point…"

-Andy Murray#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/wLEplbKXOV

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2019

The three-time Grand Slam winner has broken himself in order to keep up with arguably tennis' greatest generation, with Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer hot on his heels all the time.

Murray was emotional as he spoke about this summer's Wimbledon tournament, saying; “I'm not sure I'm able to play through the pain for another four or five months.”

The Scotsman has won the beloved British tournament twice, and wants to finish his career in the place where he won his first ever Grand Slam.

What a moment for British tennis.

We’ll be forever grateful to Andy Murray.#bbctennis pic.twitter.com/AkcRz85Vvm

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 11, 2019

He couldn't hold back the tears at the conference, after years of intensive physiotherapy and surgeries to try and maintain his status as one of the world's top players.

"I said to my team I think I can get through this until Wimbledon – that's when I'd like to stop playing,” he said.

Tributes have been coming in fast for the player and iconic feminist, among them is one from the infamous 39-time Grand Slam winner Billie Jean King;

.@andy_murray You are a champion on and off the court. So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future. Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations. Much love to you & your family. https://t.co/AQUOP3LGec

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 11, 2019

Fellow player and BFF Nick Kyrgios posted a touching tribute to his 'brother' and 'old friend' Andy, and our hearts legitimately shattered;

Murray has become a low-key feminist icon after consistently defending female tennis players battling the notorious sexist in the sport, such as Serena Williams.

He has argued for women's rights in the sport in numerous press conferences, and has battled sexist questions from journalists throughout his career. SLAY ANDY.

During Wimbledon in 2017, Murray called on schedulers to give women more opportunities to play on the main show courts.

Let's not forget his unreal take-down of a reporter who claimed a male player was "the first US player to reach a major semi-final since 2009," even though Venus and Serena Williams as well as three other female players had achieved this.

YAS ANDY. SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK

He's also renowned for his blunt Scottish wit;

Can we all take a minute to remember Andy Murray's greatest moment when asked how he eats strawberries pic.twitter.com/jqaMRNoEKr

— Sophie Mew (@mew_sophie) January 11, 2019

We love you Andy, never change.

Congratulations for all that you've achieved in the tennis world, you'll be remembered as one of the greats.

This is exactly why onions sting your eyes and make you CRY

Jul 6, 2017

by Amber Saunders

If you're a fan of onions, then you'll have tried all kinds of tricks to stop your eyes from watering when you cut them.

Putting a spoon in your mouth and plonking the onion in water have all been tried and tested, but have you ever wondering why they actually make you cry?

Well, Dr Robert Rosa Jr spoke to Web MD and said that when onions are growing in the ground, they release a gas full of amino acid sulfoxides to deter critters from eating them.

So, when they onions are cut opened, they release the sulfoxides and enzymes, which create a gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide, and that is what makes you tear up.

"It really is a complicated chemical process that creates the gas," said Dr Rosa.

"They all act as precursors that create the lachrymatory processor — or what makes you tear up.

"Your eyes have a set of nerves that detect anything that's potentially harmful to your eyes. Your eyes react to the gas that is formed, and your eyes try to flush it out with tears."

White, yellow and red onions are the main culprits as they release the strongest gas. Sweet onions, green onions and scallions have lower concentrations, which don't make your eyes water as much.

Robert warns that everybody is different, and some are more sensitive to the gas than others.

However, onions pose no threat to your vision or eye health.

"Chopping onions can cause some burning and irritation and tears. Other than that, it's pretty safe on your eyes. It's a temporary sensation with no known long-term effects, nor will it worsen any other conditions, like pink eye."

And to stop it? "I'd personally recommend using eye drops, like comfort drops, to help lubricate or rinse the eyes and dilute the gas exposure to the eyes," Dr Rosa said.

The beauty of tears seen up-close is enough to make us, well… cry

Mar 14, 2016

by Amber Saunders

Happy tears, sad tears, onion-chopping tears… getting a bit watery-eyed is a perfectly natural part of life, but it turns out that it's pretty darn artistic too.

Dutch artist Maurice Mikkers, who also happens to be a medical laboratory analyst, shed a few tears one day after stubbing his toe, and decided to check out the results under a microscope.

He was so chuffed with what he saw that he set out to create a full series of microscope-based photos of tears, from his own tears and those of willing volunteers.

He's dubbed the series The Imaginarium Of Tears, and it's very impressive.

Maurice says he didn't notice much difference between the microscopic look of say, the tears he cried while chopping onions and the tears a friend with an ill father had cried – but notes that each tear was still uniquely different because of the "oils, enzymes and antibodies" that formed it.

However another similar experiment last year did show up some interesting results. When examined in closer detail, it seems that our tears do vary somewhat depending on the reasons behind them.

Photographer Rose-Lynn Fisher studied the composition of 100 different tears for her exhibition The Topography of Tears and discovered that basal tears (the ones that our body produces to lubricate our eyes) are drastically different from the tears that happen when we are chopping onions.

Similarly, tears of laughter have a very different make-up than tears of sorrow. Again, this could be down to the molecular make-up of each tear, or could be due to other external factors.

"There are so many variables—there’s the chemistry, the viscosity, the setting, the evaporation rate and the settings of the microscope," Jospeh Stromberg of the Smithsonian’s Collage of Arts and Sciences told Lifebuzz of Fisher's work.

Fascinating – and pretty beautiful too.

The perfect Xmas gift? A cocktail made from your very own TEARS

Dec 8, 2015

by Amber Saunders

We are trying to think of reasons why you would want to make a cocktail that included bitters made from your own tears.

Perhaps you want to get revenge on someone who made you cry? Or maybe you think it would make a nice gift? Or possibly you just want to know what your tears would taste like in an alcoholic beverage?

Whatever the reason, the fact is that you CAN make your tears into your own concoction of choice.

A London art studio and foodie paradise is hosting a workshop in which you will learn how to infuse your own tears into cocktail bitters.

And we are not kidding.

"Having difficulty thinking of a present for your friend or lover who has everything? What could be more meaningful than the gift of you…” says Bompas and Parr's event description.

“Arguably the most poignant and personal Christmas gift imaginable, the bitter tears will be delicious as well as a decadent gift.”

Good to know they will be delicious.

If the thought alone of weeping in front of a group of strangers isn't enough to make you cry, the class will be using menthol to induce the tears.

Following this substantially awkward process, the participants will be able to choose from different herbs and spices to infuse the tears with flavour before it is mixed with pure alcohol to produce bitters.

The workshop takes place on December 15 but before you book your flights to London, we hate to inform it is in fact sold out.

We suggest weeping into a mojito for a similar effect.

‘It got the better of me’ Ian Madigan reveals what triggered THOSE tears

Oct 12, 2015

by Amber Saunders

It was the image that summed up so much for Irish rugby fans: substitute out-half Ian Madigan shedding tears of joy, pure emotion – and of relief – as the final whistle sounded at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Rising to the challenge when star-player Johnny Sexton limped off the pitch with just 25 minutes played, the Leinster-man had certainly performed when his teammates – and his country – needed him.

And although we've yet to play our quarter-final game (against Argentina – and taking place next Sunday), the Boys In Green have already given us plenty of reasons to be proud.

Indeed, with much of the country still preoccupied with 26-year-old Ian's performance – as well as that outpouring of emotion – the man-of-the-hour himself has taken to Instagram to reveal just what prompted the sobs.

"Incredible support from home and in the Millennium yesterday," he began – before tellingly adding: "Seeing mum and dad got the better of me at the end."

He furthermore included two playful emojis – a crying face and a baby.

Incredible support from home and in the Millennium yesterday. Seeing mum and dad got the better of me at the end

A photo posted by Ian Madigan (@ian.madigan) on Oct 12, 2015 at 5:34am PDT

His fans were firmly on his side, however. "Fantastic game! Who'd blame you? I was a blubbering mess meself! Bawling in the middle of the pub haha! Well done Mads," said one.

"You did us all proud yesterday Ian, amazing performance, well done!!" stated another, while a third wrote: "What a superstar!! Congrats Ian a huge performance! So deserved."

Meanwhile, there was further good news for the Irish team today: the squad moved up to No.3 in the world, just behind New Zealand and Australia respectively.

Our quarter-final foes Argentina slot in at No.6, with England, Scotland, and new-entrants Japan occupying the eighth, ninth, and 10th spots.

7 places we shouldn’t cry but always do

Uncategorized

Oct 21, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Why is it we always end up needing to ball our eyes out in the worst possible places? It's never as easy as breaking down under your duvet – oh no, it's usually one of these inappropriate and uncomfortable gems:

1. In Work

It's never easy taking criticism and trying to fight that urge to bawl when you get in trouble is SO hard – but you need to do it.

2. In A Nightclub

Drink, girls and dancing can sometimes lead to tears – so look after yourself!

3. In A Lecture

We know that hangover is killing you – but concentrate, this stuff is important!

4. In Front Of Your Girlfriend's/ Boyfriend's Parents

Unless there's a valid reason of course, tears in front of your SO's parents are best avoided.

5. On A Date

You just met – don't do it!

6. In Front Of Your Girlfriend's/ Boyfriend's Friends

If it's a new relationship you really don't want to do this…guys are bad enough handling their own girlfriend's tears without needing to wipe yours too!

7. On Public Transport

Don't be the girl that cries on the bus, we've all been there, let's not go back.

via our content partner CT

Star breaks down in tears – is her marriage to blame?

Celebrity

Jun 20, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Gwyneth Paltrow broke down in tears on Wednesday night while watching her mother in a play.

While we’re sure her marriage woes had something to do with the star’s tears, it appears she was very emotional while watching her mom, famous actress, Blythe Danner, on-stage.

Blythe stars in The Country House which is playing at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

A source told People magazine that the star was visibly emotional during the play: “She was tearing up at a scene where her mother – who plays a legendary actress – has a confrontation with her grown-up depressed son. It was sweet to see her watching her mom.”

Aww, that’s so sweet, we’re sure Gwyneth could use some cheering up these day with everything going on.