Nick Kamen, a model and singer, lost his battle with an illness he kept secret for three years, most recently stripping to his boxer shorts in a launderette in a 1980s Levi’s advertisement.
He’s best remembered as Madonna’s protégé and the heartthrob of an iconic Levi’s advert where he famously stripped down to his boxers in a launderette. But model and singer Nick Kamen tragically never reclaimed the limelight following his Eighties glory days, passing away aged 59 on 4 May, 2021.
Nick enters a launderette in the infamous 1985 Levi’s commercial to the music of Marvin Gaye’s 1968 classic, I Heard It Through the Grapevine. While several women watch, he removes his T-shirt and puts his Levi’s 501s back on, washing both with the machine. Then, as he appears on the screen, he takes a seat while wearing only his white boxer shorts, which read, “Now available in stonewashed.”
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Nick Kamen is remembered as Madonna’s protégé and the heartthrob of an iconic Levi’s advert (Image: Getty Images)
The star, who scored a 1986 hit with Each Time You Break My Heart – penned by Madonna herself – died at his Notting Hill, London, home following a gruelling three-year fight against bone cancer. Nick, born Ivor Neville Kamen, was cared for by his devoted partner of 15 years, Lucinda Carey, during his final days, reports OK!. His brother Ronald disclosed that as Nick’s condition deteriorated, his breathing became “very shallow” and he sensed his time was running out. “He did fight it very hard,” he revealed.
In an interview following Nick’s passing, Lucinda revealed that despite his ordeal, Nick experienced a “beautiful” death. She explained: “It was beautiful and incredibly gentle.”
Lucinda, the Viscount of Falkland’s daughter, confirmed that she and her 23-year-old daughter were present during Nick’s final moments. She continued, “Nick was an incredible person, and being around him during his illness was really inspiring.”
He famously stripped down to his boxers in a launderette(Image: https://www.levistrauss.com/2020/11/19/levis-laundrette-ad-reignited-the-501/)
The filmmaker continued, “He couldn’t have lived with more respect and dignity over the past three years, and there has been a lot of joy and hardship.”
Lucinda disclosed that Nick, who had known for three years that his death was approaching, “adored” the medical team who looked after him at Hammersmith Hospital, west London. “He valued everything that the NHS did for him and so do the rest of us,” she revealed.
Nick was born Ivor Neville Kamen(Image: Channel 4)
He’s been known for three years that he was going to die, but he never felt sorry for himself, Lucinda said, and he lived his life with incredible charm and brave.
She went on to say that Nick was “accepting of his situation” and, surprisingly, he never let stress take over him throughout his struggle. Lucinda acknowledged that he “never enjoyed” the public attention that it brought with Nick’s stardom and that he felt “most miserable” during that time.
He scored a 1986 hit with Each Time You Break My Heart – penned by Madonna herself (Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
She said, “Nick stepped out of public life because he didn’t like being famous,” explaining why. He was content with his private life and disliked being in the spotlight.
Due to his numerous comebacks in opposition to all expectations, Nick had earned the nickname “Lazarus” from his family. His sister, Denise, said, “He never gave up and put up such a strong fight; he would always fight back and never give up.” He actually fought so hard that we would refer to him as Lazarus after the biblical character because he came back so frequently.
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Nick and Boy George posed for this picture together in 1987(Image: Getty Images)
Madonna, who was a dear friend, voiced her grief saying it was “heartbreaking” to lose Nick. She recalled him as a “kind, sweet human” who “suffered too much”.
The need for cooling is quickly increasing, putting strain on both the planet’s electricity grids and the global heatwaves, which are getting longer and more intense. With 2024 the hottest year on record and 2025 not far behind, air conditioning is no longer a luxury for many – it’s a lifeline.
Al Jazeera explores the mechanisms of air conditioning, examines cooling history, and offers practical advice on how to protect your AC and lower energy costs.
How does cooling work?
Air conditioners cool indoor spaces by moving heat from inside your home to the outside using a chemical fluid called a refrigerant. The process begins with the indoor unit heating up the room with cold, low-pressure liquid refrigerant and moving the warm air in. The refrigerant absorbs the heat as the air travels across the coils and evaporates into a gas, cooling the air in the process. A fan then blows the cooled air back into the room.
A compressor raises the pressure and temperature of the now-warm refrigerant before moving to the outdoor unit. The refrigerant transforms into a liquid in the condenser coils by releasing heat into the outside air. The cycle then repeats.
(Al Jazeera)
How long have air conditioners been in use?
In 1820, British scientist Michael Faraday discovered that compressing and evaporating ammonia could chill air. The foundation for contemporary refrigeration and cooling systems was made with this early breakthrough.
American physician John Gorrie approached the subject in a practical way in the 1830s. He built a machine in Florida which created ice and used it to cool hospital rooms, aiming to treat patients suffering from tropical diseases.
At a New York printing press, Willis Carrier, an American engineer, created a system to regulate humidity and temperature in the early years of air conditioning. Carrier’s invention is regarded as the first true air conditioner despite its claims to combat humidity, which causes paper to contract, expand, and change in color.
By 1914, the first residential air conditioner was installed in a Minneapolis mansion. It was large, roughly the size of a room, and not very affordable for a typical household.
The first window-mounted cooling unit was created in 1931 by engineers HH Schultz and JQ Sherman to make it easier for each room. This innovation paved the way for household adoption in urban areas.
The New York World’s Fair’s igloo display, which displays air conditioning, is manned by Dr. Willis H. Carrier. On April 25, 1939, the temperature-controlled igloo remained inside at a constant 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
The 1940s and 1950s saw a rapid expansion in air conditioning use. AC entered homes and offices after World War II thanks to economic growth, mass production, and booms in suburban housing. In this context, toxic refrigerants like ammonia and propane were replaced with Freon (a chlorofluorocarbon, or CFC), making systems safer, smaller, and installation-friendly.
The 1963 General Electric Porta-cart air conditioner]Everett Collection/Shutterstock][Lambert/Getty Images] An air conditioner is mounted in an office window in the year 1955.
In Japan, the mini-split system was first developed in the late 1950s as a more effective alternative to cumbersome window treatments and central HVAC systems. Its key innovation was a ductless design, which delivers air directly from an outdoor compressor to an indoor air handler – minimising energy loss typically caused by ductwork.
In a clear sign of racial segregation, a sign outside a US restaurant mentions “White Rest Rooms” as well as “Air Conditioning,” [Joan Sydlow/FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images] (Getty Images)
By the 1970s and 1980s, mini-splits had become common in both North America and Asia. Their flexible installation and energy efficiency made them ideal for older buildings where retrofitting ducts was costly or impractical, as well as for homeowners seeking precise, room-by-room climate control. This is when inverter technology, which increases the compressor’s efficiency, was developed.
Governments adopted energy efficiency standards for cooling systems in the 1990s as a result of rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns. In response, manufacturers introduced more efficient compressors, thermostats and system designs to reduce electricity consumption. The Clean Air Act of the United States was amended during this time to eliminate ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), like R-134a, are now more common. But while HFCs don’t harm the ozone layer, they are potent greenhouse gases which contribute significantly to global warming.
Air conditioners began to incorporate digital controls, motion sensors, and smart thermostats in the 2000s, bringing a new wave of innovation. Automated systems made systems more adaptable and effective, while Wi-Fi connectivity made it possible for users to change temperature settings remotely.
By the 2010s, concerns over global warming and the environmental effects of refrigerants triggered a transition away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). In parts of Asia and Europe, new refrigerants like R-32 and R-290 (propane) are already being used, indicating a shift toward low-emission, climate-friendly cooling.
(Al Jazeera)
How to select the ideal air conditioner
Choosing the best-sized air conditioner is essential for keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills under control. Having the right size can save you both money and trouble because an AC is a long-term investment.
A small fan will not work as well as a large room because it won’t be able to cool it at all. On the other hand, an oversized AC may cool the space too quickly without removing enough humidity, leaving the room uncomfortably cold and damp.
Other factors to think about:
Higher tonnage may be required for sun-exposed rooms.
Ceiling height: Higher ceilings mean more air to cool.
More people occupy the building, and more heat is produced.
Appliances may require additional cooling in rooms with computers, microwaves, or TVs.
How to protect your air conditioner
Air conditioners work extremely hard in the hottest months, and proper maintenance can help reduce energy usage, extend the system’s life, and prevent breakdowns.
How can you ensure that yours runs smoothly:
Don’t set the thermostat too low
Keep the air filters clean.
Give it a break
Don’t keep turning it on and off
Keep the shade for the outer unit.
(Al Jazeera)
How to cut down on energy used by air conditioners
Install and set a programmable thermostat
The thermostat can be raised by about 4 degrees using a ceiling fan.
Seal any gaps and openings to prevent warm air from entering the room.
Avoid using heat appliances
To reduce the heat produced by the sun, open the curtains.
When using kitchen appliances or taking warm baths, use exhaust fans to expel heat.
(Al Jazeera)
How much do air conditioners contribute to global warming?
While air conditioners offer much-needed cooling from the sun, they also significantly contribute to global warming, the issue they’re attempting to solve.
Around 2,100 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity were used globally in 2022, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), which includes air conditioners and electric fans. That’s about 7 percent of total global electricity use, which was roughly 29, 000 TWh. Cooling accounts for nearly 20% of electricity consumption, specifically in buildings.
(Al Jazeera)
A cost is associated with this enormous energy demand. The IEA estimates that space cooling was responsible for about 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2022 from electricity use alone – about 2.7 percent of global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and industry.
(Al Jazeera)
And that’s only the start. Refrigerants, which are potent greenhouse gases used in many AC units, are not included in these figures, which add to the cooling’s impact by increasing the climate footprint.
While air conditioning helps us to be comfortable in a world of rising heat each year, it also risks deepening the climate crisis unless cleaner energy and climate-friendly technologies are adopted.
A cooling system experience a global surge
Air conditioner use is rising due to global warming and the rapid urbanization.
Demand for cooling is rising fastest in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in urban areas.
Because of the “urban heat island effect,” which is caused by heat being trapped in cities by asphalt and concrete, they heat up more quickly than their neighboring countryside.
By 2018, a country like Japan, the US, and South Korea had almost universal air conditioning, according to the IEA. In contrast, ownership remained low in heat-exposed but lower-income nations such as India and South Africa, where access is limited despite intensifying heatwaves.
Countries with higher incomes and hot climates, such as South Korea and Saudi Arabia, where 63 percent of households have AC units, are more prevalent. In addition, as cooling transitions from a luxury to a basic need, AC ownership is rapidly increasing in emerging economies like Indonesia (20%) and India (13).
How to build a homemade air cooler
Here are some construction instructions for a DIY cooler made of styrofoam, ice, and a fan if you don’t have an air conditioner or are trying to cut energy costs.
Although this won’t help with humidity, it can provide temporary cooling when the day is hot.
Even as the British government begins the process of resuming an extradition agreement with the autonomous Chinese city, the United Kingdom has condemned Hong Kong authorities for offering money to help with the arrest of pro-democracy activists living in Britain.
Following Hong Kong’s announcement of cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of 19 pro-democracy activists based abroad, including in Britain, who are accused of breaking Beijing’s strict national security law in 2020, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper released a joint statement on Friday.
Lammy and Cooper urged China to stop focusing on the voices of the opposition in Britain in their statement.
The Hong Kong Police Force’s continued enforcement of arrest warrants and fines against UK residents is another example of transnational repression, according to their statement.
Depending on the suspect, the Hong Kong authorities will demand an arrest amount between $200 and $1 million (roughly $25, 000 to $125, 000).
This is the fourth time Hong Kong authorities have made reward offers, which have drawn strong opposition from Western nations, which China has since called “interference.”
The two British ministers stated in their statement that “this Government will continue to support the Hong Kong population, including those who have established their own [United Kingdom].” We take their safety, freedom, and rights very seriously.
Some people worry that a recent British government proposal to change extradition laws will lead to a resumption of extraditions to Hong Kong, which have been suspended since the passage of the 2020 national security law.
The UK Home Office submitted a letter to Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp the following day after the country’s laws regarding extradition were amended on July 17 at Al Jazeera’s report on Friday.
According to Security Minister Dan Jarvis’ letter from July 18: “It is in our national interest to have effective extradition relationships to prevent criminals from evading justice and the UK becoming a haven for criminals.”
According to the letter, which was shared on X by Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, the Home Office also intends to reinstate an extradition framework with Chile and Zimbabwe.
According to Jarvis, cases involving Hong Kong and Zimbabwe would both be taken into account “case by case.”
In the UK, a special visa program was introduced in 2021, which brought in about 150 000 Hong Kong nationals.
In a protest against the government in Hong Kong in September 2019, an anti-government protester is sheltered behind an umbrella.
A new national security law, known as Article 23, was approved by Hong Kong’s legislators in 2024, giving the country new authority to repress all forms of opposition based on allegations of treason, espionage, sedition, and interference in Hong Kong’s internal affairs. Hong Kong has since then offered reward for the arrest of activists who have fled the city while facing charges related to the pro-democracy protests.
Due to its historical relationship and the sharp decline in political freedoms in Hong Kong since China enacted contentious national security legislation in 2020, the former British colony is a particular sticking point for the UK.
Fans of Doctor Who have suggested that a seemingly unlikable face might be the best choice for the show’s future, with the BAFTA winner seemingly interested in taking the part.
An unlikely actor could be a fan favourite choice for the role of Doctor Who (file)(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Dan Fearon)
Should producers take into account fan requests, a unlikely TV veteran might emerge as the next Doctor Who. The BAFTA winner has since stated that he would like to play the role and that he would like to give the “working class” character a “working class” background. When Billie Piper, the newest iteration of the Time Lord, made its debut, fans were thrilled.
Her casting as the titular Doctor follows on from Ncuti Gatwa’s departure from the series. But a new star for the role could come from a BAFTA winner whose work on EastEnders, as well as films like The Football Factory and Run For Your Wife.
Fans are hopeful that Danny Dyer will get the chance to play the Doctor, but it’s not yet clear whether or not he will do so.
Dyer said: “It’s such an iconic thing to do. It’s almost – not on the same level – like James Bond. It gives you an opportunity with Doctor Who, because of the nature of the work, to bring something left-field, something a bit mental, a bit stylised, which I love. I love the idea of it.”
Fans seem to be on board for the “incredibly working-class Doctor Who” Dyer would bring to the screen. A post to the r/DoctorWhoNews Reddit page saw fans discuss the possibilities for the actor.
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One fan wrote: “Honestly, I dig it. It could never happen as the BBC and Bad Wolf need to save face but I’d love a series of Comic Relief /Children in Need sketches where they put a variety of ill-judged castings in the role and they all smash it.
“You could make a solid comedy about the weird choices and misjudgements of the last few years of the show.”
Danny Dyer could be an unlikely choice for Doctor Who, but fans say it could work (file)(Image: BAFTA via Getty Images)
Another user claimed that people should overlook Dyer’s reputation as a trustworthy actor and that his resume would be ideal for what producers might want from a future Doctor Who actor.
People have forgotten that he is a truly fantastic actor and watchable, they claimed. Let’s not forget Harold Pinter, one of the most well-known British playwrights, who believed Dyer to be so extraordinarily talented that he kept him in all of his productions. That indicates a commendable seal of approval.
He recently won a BAFTA for his role in Bigstuff, which Luke Rattigan wrote for him in series 4. In Rivals with David Tennant, he is utterly sensational. I don’t understand why he wouldn’t be a brilliant new casting technique.
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Any other actor with such acclaim and accolades as we would be seeking. “
Dyer’s lead role role not convinced everyone, with some detractors sharing their “no” to the idea.
Scorpio will make a commitment in today’s horoscope for Saturday, July 26, while Virgo enjoys hands-on experiences for hands-on activities.
Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)
One star sign is hesitant to accept a party invitation while another sees the need to break old habits as it’s Saturday.
There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.
These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
You are trying to make some things clear but are unsuccessful. The ideas are erratic and perplexing. Not as straightforward as it first appeared. You prefer to take your time and think about it all after a friend or family member has made a quick decision.
Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)
You’re not sure if you’ll accept a party invitation. Attending a social event might be a good idea, even if you’re tired or not in the mood. Your mood will improve once you start conversing with others. You’re single, right? Someone with a positive personality will ease your mind.
Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
You’ll be eager to start fresh. Your energy and imagination will be well spent by participating in creative projects. You have a strong charm. Accept any invitations to social gatherings or travel if you’ve been feeling a little alone.
Cancer (June 22 – July 23)
Be present in your thoughts. Your well-being is greatly impacted by a positive mindset. Avoid unnecessary arrangements if you’re feeling exhausted and instead read a motivational book or watch a movie. Avoid negative people while listening to upbeat music.
Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)
When someone you once considered a friend is encouraging in the first instance but absent the following, it demonstrates their lack of reliability. You can get past any obstacles you may encounter right now and your objectives will be met. As problems and difficulties arise, you can turn to a variety of sources for assistance.
Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
Hands-on activities are enjoyable and will leave you feeling satisfied. You’ll leave the day feeling as though it was productive, whether you’re making flower art, adding color to a room, or making something practical.
Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
You can lose your own enjoyment and relaxation by giving a friend your all to do attention. You ought to take into account your own requirements. You shouldn’t have to give up everything for other people. Break free and regain control of your relationships if you are trapped in them.
Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
A contract that initially worked well for you and your partner is no longer appropriate for you. Don’t feel bad about resuming responsibilities that don’t fit your lifestyle. A housemate or a relative will be obnoxious if they forget a promise they made to deliver something for you.
Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
Surprisingly rejuvenating will be a brief period of contemplation or spiritual reflection. Find a quiet place to unwind when you start to feel stressed. You’ll find peace in knowing that everything is going as it should rather than worrying about your lengthy to-do list.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
You are beginning to understand that breaking old habits is essential for a more stable future. You can showcase your unique qualities in a new job opportunity. You can assume more responsibilities with confidence after being recognized for your work.
Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
You are letting other people use your good nature, and it will continue as long as you allow. You will feel less constrained, less frustrated, and more excited about what the day might hold if you don’t allow a needy friend or neighbor to consume so much of your time.
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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
You’ll be surprised by a visitor. You haven’t seen this person in a while. Your housemate’s suggestions will inspire you to reconsider your current routines and make room for improvement in how you handle joint household chores. You are starting to value your home time more.
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Before SmackDown on Friday night, the WWE honored Hogan in a moving memorial before hosting his first live event since his passing. Jimmy Hart, his former manager, was seen shedding his tears.
SmackDown ran a heartwarming montage of Hogan’s greatest WWE moments(Image: AP)
WWE stars have paid tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan who died suddenly aged 71 this week.
Hulk Hogan spent his final weeks battling severe health issues and making peace with estranged loved ones before dying of cardiac arrest. The wrestling icon,whose real name is Terry Bollea, died on Thursday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater mansion in Florida.
Major Nate Burnside of the Clearwater Police Department stated in a press conference on Thursday that “the Clearwater Police Department is conducting a medical investigation, which is standard in these types of cases. At this time, this call for service has no indications of foul play or suspicious behavior.
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Triple H with Gerald Brisco, Cody Rhodes, Sgt. Slaughter and the rest of the WWE locker room mourn the loss of Hulk Hogan(Image: WWE via Getty Images)
In addition to hospital stays, Hogan had several occasions before passing away. He underwent a four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, a challenging neck procedure, in June. His wife, 45-year-old Sky Daily, reported to followers on Instagram that he was recovering from “intensive surgery with a lengthy and layered healing process.”
In the first live event since his death, the WWE remembered Hogan in a poignant memorial before kicking off SmackDown on Friday night. Wrestling great Triple H, who now works as the company’s chief content officer, paid homage to his former colleague before a traditional 10-bell salute was held in his memory.
Triple H, whose real name is Paul Levesque, said: “Ladies and gentleman, yesterday we lost one of the biggest and most globally recognized icons in the world.”
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A number of WWE figures looked visibly emotional during the 10-bell salute, including his former manager Jimmy Hart, who was seen wiping away tears. The likes of Randy Orton, Logan Paul, Charlotte Flair and Cody Rhodes were also seen paying their respects to Hogan on the stage, reports MailOnline.
Hogan’s greatest WWE moments were then sung in a heartwarming montage that SmackDown then ran, with some heartfelt words from a number of his fellow wrestlers.
At the time of his death, Hogan’s career was thought to have cost around £18 million. His legacy included wrestling becoming a well-known sport in the 1980s.
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The WWE mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan during SmackDown at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on July 25(Image: WWE via Getty Images)
Brooke, his third wife, Sky, and his 34-year-old son Nick, who were also married to Linda Claridge, and two grandchildren, all survive him. Hogan’s turbulent personal life frequently appeared in media alongside his stardom in wrestling. After a divorcing in public in 2009, he split from Claridge and wed Jennifer McDaniel in 2010. In 2021, that union came to an end.
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