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New year and New York City are definitely boding well for Kelly Clarkson, who has undergone a style renaissance of sorts ever since moving to the big apple last year.
The 41-year-old singer and TV personality has been showing off a whole new cadre of looks with the newest fifth season of The Kelly Clarkson Show, ranging from sleek pantsuits to funky leather options and even a whole new hairstyle.
For the upcoming episode, a pair of teaser images were shared on the show's Instagram page, and immediately got fans excited not only for the episode, but the brand new look she was sporting.
Kelly wore a gray sweater with oversized bell sleeves, paired with a knee-length black vegan leather skirt, styled with strappy black heels, minimal makeup, hoop earrings, and her new curtain bangs.
Posing alongside Stranger Things star Joe Keery and Pretty in Pink star Jon Cryer, the caption alongside the post read: "Today on Kelly we're catching up with Jon Cryer and Joe Keery, a Best In Class mentor, and we're back in the kitchen with Danielle Kartes!"
Her followers were enthused, leaving behind comments like: "And now she looks like a teenager. You are awesome Kelly," and: "Kelly and leather are always a good idea," as well as: "Here for your daily style," plus: "I am slain by the look!"
MORE: Kelly Clarkson gives update on dating life following Brandon Blackstock divorce
In a recent interview with People, the "Because of You" singer opened up about finding a "fresh start" in NYC after moving from Los Angeles with her two children, daughter River Rose, nine, and son Remington Alexander, 7.
"I was very unhappy in L.A. and had been for several years. I needed a fresh start," she explained. The decision was made to broach the topic with NBC, The Kelly Clarkson Show's home network, which was ultimately receptive to the idea and even created brand new studio space for the purpose.
MORE: Kelly Clarkson wows in figure-hugging plunging dress that highlights slimmed-down physique
"We told NBC, 'I'm not trying to sound ungrateful, I just can't stay here anymore for my mental health; for me and my kids.' They weren't doing well either," Kelly shared. "For the past few years, I'd just been showing up and smiling and doing what I'm supposed to do, but you can only compartmentalize so long until you break."
She credits the move not only helping to invigorate her mental health, but also her physical health. "We go walk the dogs a few times at the park. We'll go for ice cream because my daughter will wear me down. We'll go make slime and we go to the museum," she says of days spent not working.
The former The Voice coach added: "Walking in the city is quite the workout. And I'm really into infrared saunas right now. And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down."
She dove further into her changing diet and health, saying: "I eat a healthy mix. I dropped weight because I've been listening to my doctor – a couple years I didn't. And 90 percent of the time I'm really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I'm a Texas girl, so I like meat – sorry, vegetarians in the world!"
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features, and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/510990/kelly-clarkson-fans-react-new-look-leg-baring-leather-skirt/
| 2024-01-10T20:24:11Z
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The 2024 SAG Award nominations have been announced and there are some surprising omissions and interesting inclusions, throwing all awards predictions up in the air. The SAG Awards have long been considered an Oscars bellwether; although the picks don't always align, it has been rare in recent years to see the acting or best picture winners at the Oscars not having been nominated by SAG.
The snub of Hollywood darling Leonardo DiCaprio from his peers therefore has his Oscars chances continuing to fall (although it has been obvious he has been campaigning for costar Lily Gladstone over himself), while Mark Ruffalo missed out on a nod in Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, with his Poor Things costar Willem Dafoe taking the fifth spot.
Awards chatter has questioned whether Mark would lose a spot to Willem, who has never won an Oscar, and this snub by SAG hints that 2024 may just be Willem's year.
There were no nominations for any of the Saltburn cast, and The Color Purple's awards chances are also slipping, with only one nod for acting, going to Danielle Brooks in Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, and nothing for Fantasia Barrino, although the entire cast was nominated for Best Ensemble.
Instead, that fifth Leading Female Actor spot went to Annette Bening for Netflix's NYAD, which received an awards boost as the two stars were both honored with nominations; Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role nod for Annette, and Jodie Foster was named in the Supporting Actress category, despite the film's middling reviews.
Penelope Cruz's campaign for her supporting role in Ferrari also received a much-needed jolt but May December was completely shut out, with no nominations for Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman or Charles Melton.
Barbie's Margot Robbie and Maestro's Carey Mulligan both were named in the Leading Female Actor category, but the Best Actress race continues to be, in our opinion, between Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone, who both received nominations for Poor Things and Killers of the Flower Moon respectively.
Poor Things best picture chances were hit, however, when it failed to receive a Best Ensemble nod -- but it was an incredible day for the American Fiction team, who received nominations for Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown and the ensemble. The dramedy, based on Percival Everett's book Erasure, has been a quiet success and today's nominations will surely see pundits moving around their categories.
In television, where there are no supporting categories, Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin all missed out on individual nominations in the Comedy categories for Only Murders In The Building ,although the show did receive an Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series nod.
The Crown also only received two nods – one for Elizabeth Debecki in Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, and Best Ensemble – with Imelda Staunton and Dominic West both missing out. The Bear's Jeremy Allen White will go up against his costar Ebon Moss-Bachrach in Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, and surprising no-one the category was rounded out by Ted Lasso's Jason Sudeikis and Brett Goldestein, and Barry's Bill Hader.
The Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series also has three nods for Succession, one for Pedro Pascal for The Last of Us, and – proving that actors love Apple TV+'s The Morning Show, a nod for Billy Crudup. Jennifer Aniston was also nominated – again – for her work in the series, although co-star Reese Witherspoon was snubbed with 20-year-old Bella Ramsay receiving her first nomination for The Last of Us.
2024 SAG Nominations - Film
Best actor
Bradley Cooper - Maestro
Colman Domingo - Rustin
Paul Giamatti - The Holdovers
Cillian Murphy - Oppenheimer
Jeffrey Wright - American Fiction
Best actress
Annette Bening - Nyad
Lily Gladstone - Killers of the Flower Moon
Carey Mulligan - Maestro
Margot Robbie - Barbie
Emma Stone - Poor Things
Best supporting actor
Sterling K. Brown - American Fiction
Willem Dafoe - Poor Things
Robert De Niro - Killers of the Flower Moon
Robert Downey Jr. - Oppenheimer
Ryan Gosling - Barbie
Best supporting actress
Emily Blunt - Oppenheimer
Danielle Brooks - The Color Purple
Penélope Cruz - Ferrari
Jodie Foster - Nyad
Da'Vine Joy Randolph - The Holdovers
Outstanding performance by a cast
American Fiction
Barbie
The Color Purple
Killers of the Flower Moon
Oppenheimer
Best stunt ensemble in a film
Barbie
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
John Wick: Chapter 4
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One
2024 SAG Nominations - Television
Best actor in a TV movie or limited series
Matt Bomer - Fellow Travelers
Jon Hamm - Fargo
David Oyelowo - Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Tony Shalhoub - Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie
Steven Yeun - Beef
Best actress in a TV movie or limited series
Uzo Aduba - Painkiller
Kathryn Hahn - Tiny Beautiful Things
Brie Larson - Lessons in Chemistry
Bel Powley - A Small Light
Ali Wong - Beef
Best actor in a drama series
Brian Cox - Succession
Billy Crudup - The Morning Show
Kieran Culkin - Succession
Matthew Macfadyen - Succession
Pedro Pascal - The Last of Us
Best actress in a drama series
Jennifer Aniston - The Morning Show
Elizabeth Debicki - The Crown
Bella Ramsey - The Last of Us
Keri Russell - The Diplomat
Sarah Snook - Succession
Best actor in a comedy series
Brett Goldstein - Ted Lasso
Bill Hader - Barry
Ebon Moss-Bachrach - The Bear
Jason Sudeikis - Ted Lasso
Jeremy Allen White - The Bear
Best actress in a comedy series
Alex Borstein - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Rachel Brosnahan - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Quinta Brunson - Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri - The Bear
Hannah Waddingham - Ted Lasso
Best ensemble cast in a drama series
The Crown
The Gilded Age
The Last of Us
The Morning Show
Succession
Best ensemble cast in a comedy series
Abbott Elementary
Barry
The Bear
Only Murders in the Building
Ted Lasso
Best stunt ensemble in a TV series
Ahsoka
Barry
Beef
The Last of Us
The Mandalorian
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/510991/leonardo-dicaprio-penelope-cruz-selena-gomez-2024-sag-awards-snubs-and-surprises/
| 2024-01-10T20:24:17Z
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Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice is currently involved in a furore over his alleged backstage conduct with former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington reportedly asking for the pair's backstage footage.
Aside from a comment on Debbie McGee's post about her time on the BBC show back in 2017, Giovanni has mostly remained off of social media, but on Wednesday the star made a comeback with a sultry post. Promoting his fragrance, Vita, Giovanni shared a stunning shot where he and a model closely embraced with their heads just above the water.
Speaking about his passion project, the Italian-born professional explained: "My aim in launching VITA was to create products to inspire and bring joy to life, and to explore another creative outlet for my passions.
"My fragrance VITA (Italian for life) is just that, a celebration of life. Of positivity when there is obviously so much around us which can be a cause for the opposite. We are starting this journey with high hopes and ambitions, and with many more products in the pipeline."
The dancer continued: "I hope you enjoy VITA as much as I loved creating it, as this image from our launch photoshoot shows! Our New Year sale is also now on, so grab yourself a bargain today at gpvita.com. Giovanni."
Giovanni's post was immediately swamped by support from his fans, as one commented: "We love you Gio... You got the support of your fans trust me you do. Ignore the background negativity. You're a star. And well done on this fragrance," and a second added: "Head held high, don't let them knock you down."
A third penned: "Stay positive @giovannipernice. You have a lot to celebrate and a lot to be thankful for. The people who matter the most, family, friends and supporters will share in your success, support you in times of need and teach you the true values and blessings of life," while many others complimented the 33-year-old for the fragrance.
Rumours about Giovanni and Amanda butting heads during training first started popping up during the show's first week, with Amanda speaking out about them ahead of the first live show.
"Just stop it, stop it, grow up. No one gives a [expletive]," she said in an Instagram video. Shut up, it's [expletive], so [expletive] off," she continued, adding: "You know who I'm talking to as well. Come on, jog on, it's nonsense and you know it's nonsense. It's all good."
The former Sherlock star quit the show ahead of its fifth week, citing "personal reasons" after having to miss the previous week due to "medical reasons".
"It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly," the actress penned in a statement. "I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue. It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
"I want to thank the incredible production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It's a wonderful bunch of people and I'll miss all of them.
"I'm so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you."
MORE: Giovanni Pernice showcases close bond with Rose Ayling-Ellis with special message
MORE: Giovanni Pernice excites fans with dance-related career move following Strictly exit
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/510995/strictly-giovanni-pernice-supported-by-fans-sultry-photo-amanda-abbington-feud/
| 2024-01-10T21:56:11Z
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Victoria Beckham has won many fans for her skills as a designer, but none are more impressed than her daughter Harper, with whom the former Spice Girl is very close. The star took to Instagram on Wednesday, where she shared a stunning photo showcasing a design of a beautiful white dress that she had created for her youngest child. The 12-year-old be seen smiling shyly and looking down as she stood on a wooden flight of stairs, holding onto the banister with one hand and clutching a small white handbag with the other.
She followed in her stylish mother's footsteps as she donned a long white dress for an angelic look. The frock, which has spaghetti straps, reaches her ankles and is coordinated with a pair of chunky white heels. The youngster kept the rest of her look simple, with her hair centre-parted and pulled back into a neat ponytail.
Victoria gushed over her daughter as she shared her inspiration for the design in the caption, writing: "I designed this exclusive Midi Cami Dress with #HarperSeven to wear at my #VBSS24 runway show in Paris!! I love the colour and how simple, yet elegant the silhouette is, paired with my Mini #VBChain. Kisses xx. "Shop the Exclusive Panelled Midi Cami Dress in Ivory now at VictoriaBeckham.com and at 36 Dover Street."
The star's followers rushed to the comments section to share their approval for the design, with their feedback including: "It's lovely. Age appropriate and elegant," "Absolutely stunning on her," and: "So elegant and yet not making her look older than she is. Just beautiful!" Last month, Harper modelled a very different dress as she enjoyed a special day out with her mum.
She was a picture of youthful stylishness again as she donned a black dress for an event hosted by US Vogue in Miami. This time her outfit consisted of a simple black maxi dress with spaghetti straps and a square neckline. She paired the timeless outfit with a pair of casual footwear that made the outfit look effortlessly cool – a pair of white trainers.
Her mother Victoria, 49, looked chic as always, contrasting with her daughter as she wore a white two-piece suit from her own fashion brand with a sharp blazer with the sleeves rolled to the elbow and wide-leg trousers that revealed a peek at her black stilettos.
The mum-of-four added a loose V-neck tee which she tucked into the trousers and cinched her waist with a leather black belt. Her long brunette locks were worn in loose waves and she kept accessories simple by adding an understated gold watch.
Victoria shared the sweet snap with daughter Harper with her 32.2 million Instagram followers, writing: "Special day with #HarperSeven and the #Vogue100 ladies @TheWebster!! Thank you @VogueMagazine, my friends and @lhd!! Kisses from Miami xx". She added another carousel of photos with her friends - footballer Lionel Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo and Elena Galera, as well as Isabela Grutman, hairdresser Ken Paves, and Natasa Gorham.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/510999/harper-beckham-looks-like-angel-dress-mum-victoria-beckham-collection/
| 2024-01-10T21:56:17Z
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Is the winter weather wearing you down? Do you wish you could just crawl back under the covers and not have to face another day of cold weather and new year paperwork? We may have crossed off the winter solstice date from our calendars - December 21st marks the beginning of longer days - but January can still feel dark and dreary which can lead to winter blues. Darker mornings and longer evenings mean that we see less daylight during the day which can have a significant detrimental effect on our mental health.
Numerous studies strongly support the positive role that sunlight plays in our mental health. But what if you’re busy with work? How do you hack the sunlight when you have to leave the house so early that it’s still dark and you don’t arrive home until way after sunset?
According to Dr. Kelli Ritter, a stress and anxiety expert and host of The Nourished Soul podcast, even if the weather is bad and you don’t have tons of time in your day to soak up the rays, you can still reap the benefits of sunlight in winter.
“It’s no secret that exposure to daylight can bring many mood-boosting benefits and that enough exposure will boost serotonin levels - the brain chemical that’s directly linked to mood,” Dr. Ritter explains. “Higher levels of serotonin equal a happier mood, less anxiety and a general sense of satisfaction and calmness. Think of daylight like nature’s natural antidepressant.”
The trick during winter, according to Dr. Ritter, is to tweak certain rituals in your day so that you maximise the time that allows the natural light in. “Yes, it's hard to live in harmony with our natural environment in the winter because we live busy lives and we're actually not designed to be super busy during this season,” she explains. “But the light frequencies are still there whatever the weather. It doesn’t matter if it’s not sunny, or the weather is grey, rainy or even snowy, you just need to get daylight into your eyes.”
Here are 3 hacks Dr. Ritter swears by:
When you wake up, get natural light before screen light
“The blue light that you get from artificial light and technology devices causes an inflammatory response in your body which depletes our dopamine levels. So before you go flipping on all the lights in the house and turning on the TV and the computer and your phone, get some natural light first. Even if that just means cracking up your bathroom window to let the light in. All you need is a few minutes of exposure to daylight each morning to instantly boost your mood and set your body clock running in the right direction.”
Expose naked eyes to the skies
“It’s so important to get the sunlight into your eyes to trigger the release of dopamine. So make sure you don’t wear contacts, glasses or sunglasses when you go outside as they will just block the frequencies that your eyes need to absorb in order to produce the happy hormones. This way, you’ll get a bigger dopamine boost! And it’s especially important to do this in the morning because it sets your circadian rhythm right for the day.”
Block blue light after sunset
“After you finish work, when it's dark, try wearing blue blocking glasses to block out the blue light frequencies from all of your devices and artificial lights. The sharp blue light frequencies are just going to tell your brain that it’s the middle of the day which messes up your dopamine levels and Circadian rhythm. Within a week you will start to notice a difference in your energy, particularly in your waking up."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/510997/im-a-stress-and-anxiety-doctor-here-are-3-easy-hacks-to-help-you-wake-up-happier-this-winter/
| 2024-01-10T21:56:23Z
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Entertainment
I Can’t Stop Thinking About The Curse Soundtrack
Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie’s distressing new show comes with an equally off-putting score that’s one of the best on TV right now.
One of the first distressing moments of Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie’s surreal, anxiety-inducing new show The Curse happens in a greenhouse filled with tomatoes. Asher, Fielder’s well-to-do and socially awkward husband, is chatting with his father-in-law (Corbin Bernsen), attempting to bond as he watches him water his plants. But something is off. The lighting is severe like a police interrogation, and the low groan of a sustained organ note, gradually building in volume until it sounds like a drone, suggests something sinister is about to happen. As their conversation turns to satisfying Asher’s wife Whitney (Emma Stone), it seems like the bomb is finally about to go off. Then, the shoe drops and the secret reveals itself: Bernsen knows Asher has a micropenis.
The first time I watched this I found it to be anti-climatic; after all that build-up, this was the kicker? But the second time, I was laughing; there was something pointed in how that moment was draped with A24-style sound effects, morphing a punchline into a reveal of mundane horror. In the months since The Curse premiered critics have called it everything from “disorienting” to “cringe-worthy,” and a huge part of its meticulously crafted unease comes from that masterfully eerie score.
Unlike TV’s usual cut-and-dry fare, where the music emotionally mirrors the content on the screen, the score in The Curse acts like another character, one with its own agenda. Centered around Asher and Whitney (Emma Stone) as they wreak havoc while filming their HGTV program Fliplanthropy, the show is hyper-aware of the satire its painting through the show’s insufferable titular characters. At any given moment, ominous-feeling synths or ghostly, off-key saxophone solos charge even the most unassuming shots with an unceasing current of dread — like when Whitney is working from her glass-encased office in the middle of the town’s dilapidated shopping plaza to an ever-growing hum of chattering instrumentals. (A way to highlight how out of place she is in her surroundings, perhaps.)
That feeling is probably familiar to you if you’ve watched the Safdie brothers’ Good Time and Uncut Gems, two films scored by Oneohtrix Point Never, who’s returned to executive-produce the score for The Curse. The music itself, however, is credited to jazz musician John Medenski, who, in a statement to Pitchfork, said that Fielder and Safdie wanted “to have the music be like another observer providing a perspective,” and to sometimes even mislead the viewer. It does in episode five, when a tender moment between Asher and Whitney is invaded by a foreboding buzz that shades their intimate exchange with bristling discomfort. But these moments are all in service to the show’s slow-building plot; as the story progresses, the audience eventually witnesses the deterioration of Asher and Whitney’s relationship, just as the music forewarned.
It’s difficult to make a score that’s memorable on TV (usually, it’s the soundtrack that gets all the attention). But The Curse, as critics have pointed out, is not your typical show: It’s a satire, surrealist comedy, thriller, and supernatural horror designed to make you squirm at every turn. It has a score that matches that energy, delivering something with so many layers the viewing experience is a riddle of trying to figure out what they’re really trying to say. Sometimes it’s a hint that something’s not right underneath the surface. And sometimes, it’s just a joke about a micropenis.
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https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/the-curse-soundtrack-nathan-fielder-benny-safdie
| 2024-01-10T22:27:18Z
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Culture
A Sapphic Film Festival Is Coming to Film Forum
Pre-game Valentine’s Day with SAPPH–O-RAMA, Film Forum’s forthcoming lesbian film series.
Love month is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than a survey of sapphic yearning across cinema? Luckily, Film Forum is here with a truly comprehensive list of films that capture the beauty, joy, and longing of queer women. SAPPH–O-RAMA, a film series co-programmed between Andrea Torres and Emily Greenberg, will run Feb. 2-13 at Film Forum in New York.
The series takes a broad look at the lesbian image through the lenses of film, from the silent era to present day. Across 30 classics and lesser-known works, the festival captures the burning desire, gay panic, and secret longing of lesbians, from love-struck school girls to bike-riding dykes.
“The sapphic film canon offers an abundance of unique work brimming with desire, despair, heartache, joy, and possibility,” Torres and Greenberg tell NYLON. “This swoon-worthy selection of films — groundbreaking, cult favorite, or under-seen, from the silent era to present day — have earned their rightful place.”
The series include works like the 1953 Western Calamity Jane, the 1931 German romantic drama Mädchen in Uniform, the ‘90s cult classic But I’m A Cheerleader, and more, with works by Chantal Akerman, Lizzie Borden, Nouchka van Brakal, Cèline Sciamma, John Waters, Pedro Almodovar, and others.
Tickets to SAPPH–O-RAMA are available from Film Forum later this month.
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https://www.nylon.com/life/sapph-o-rama-film-forum-lesbian-film-series
| 2024-01-10T22:27:24Z
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Blog From The <3
ThredUp Is The Greatest Unlikely Designer Marketplace
The most beautiful things come from the most unexpected places.
When you love fashion but are on a budget, it behooves you to not only sniff out the SSENSE sale, but develop a knowledge of the vast, mostly useless online reseller markets. You won’t catch me on Grailed or even The RealReal. (Needless to say, authentication is not a priority for me, nor was keeping the tags on my Beanie Babies pristine.) The real real ones know that the best deals are in the places you least expect.
eBay has long been my go-to for text-your-friend-immediately steals. In the last two years, I’ve purchased a pair of Prada peep-toe wedge sandals for $36, a zebra-print Dooney & Bourke bag for $25, and a faux alligator bubblegum pink Liz Claiborne bag for $5, to name a few. (Not to BRAG!) eBay will always be my first love, but lately, there’s been some unlikely competition: ThredUp, which has had me in a chokehold even since I discovered their seemingly bottomless collection of beautiful, affordable designer bags and clothing.
ThredUp was founded in 2009, and unlike other resellers or online consignment companies, the main tenet of ThredUp’s brand is sustainability. (Their motto? “Thrift. Clean out. Do good.”) They advertise a signature closet cleanout service, where they mail you a Thred Up-branded bag for you to send back pounds of clothes. ThredUp isn’t looking for only designer clothes; their focus is on everyday brands like Old Navy, Ann Taylor LOFT, and Madewell. They also handle resale for companies, including PacSun, J. Crew, and Reformation, allowing buyers to shop gently-used clothing on the brands’ specific shops on ThredUp.
ThredUp isn’t targeting sellers who are getting rid of designer threads: They are targeting people who want to clean out the Gap shirts they haven’t worn in two years who might also throw in an old Gucci tote alongside it. These are the people we all have to thank.
To give you a taste of what’s on the site: You can buy a Birkin bag on ThredUp. This is not a drill! Sure it costs $8,599, but that’s off its usual price of $28,500. Right now, ThredUp has a vintage canvas Gucci bag for $191, a Prada wallet for $230, and a silk Roberto Cavalli cocktail dress for $124. But where they really shine is mid-tier designers: I’ve lost many many hours scrolling through their offerings from Dooney and Bourke, Coach, and Kate Spade. And it’s not only legacy brands: They have Miaou and Sandy Liang, too. Select items are authenticated, if that’s important to you. There’s a “luxe edit” including authenticated designer pieces from third-party sellers like REBAG and Luxclusif (though these are typically more expensive than ThredUp’s stock.)
I’ve long thought about how to explain the sheer volume of ThredUP’s too-good-to-be-true deals. It feels too easy to chock it up to people not knowing the value of what they have, because ThredUp is consignment. The catch is that these items move fast, because what ThredUp wants to do is sell: They care about moving these products to continue the life-cycle, so that not everything remains in a warehouse, out of reach. What’s worth more is making sure someone can actually buy it.
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https://www.nylon.com/life/thredup-unlikely-designer-marketplace
| 2024-01-10T22:27:30Z
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Culture
Why You Can’t Stop Watching TikTok Cheating Content — And What It Might Mean For Your Relationship
Infidelity busting has gone viral, but it’s not all about the kindness of strangers.
In 2019, Elizabeth Gem had been dating a successful musician in L.A. for a year and a half when he left for an album-release party in New York City. During the event, he went live on Instagram, where he drunkenly ended up asking people to make out with him as Gem watched in disbelief from her Hollywood apartment. They broke up soon after, and Gem, traumatized, deleted Instagram for over a year.
While live-streaming your own infidelity is unusually careless, Gem’s experience of discovering cheating through social media is only becoming more commonplace. On TikTok, people share overheard conversations, a peep at a stranger’s phone on the bus, and even propose “loyalty tests” in which creators message your partner to test their faithfulness. But while these acts might seem like an extension of “girl code” — a set of unspoken rules that dictate that it’s your duty to let your friends know if they’re being played — in many cases, what passes for altruism is actually being mined for views, clout, and, sometimes, even money.
Abby Davis, a 24-year-old in Salt Lake City, Utah, first posted a TikTok offering to “DM your boyfriend” in July 2022 after discovering someone she was dating was talking to other women. Since then, Davis has had 150 to 180 viewers reach out asking her to contact their 20-something S.O.s and even their older husbands; all but three men have failed. Though Davis — who says she’s given up on dating completely — doesn’t charge, she’s already noticed other TikTokers commenting on her videos offering the same loyalty tests in exchange for cash. And as more creators catch on to the fact that mining heartbreak and relationship issues can result in virality, the exploitation of infidelity is only bound to increase.
Why does this sort of content appeal to us? New York-based psychotherapist Rachel Wright says it basically comes down to nosiness. “We want to know because we’re looking through the lens of ‘What if this happens to me?’” she says. “We want to learn to help others and help ourselves.” But Wright says watching infidelity happen online might also reflect existing love-life issues: “If you’re worrying you’re going to be cheated on at all times, it may mean some healing needs to happen — whether that’s in the relationship or within yourself.”
If you’re worrying you’re going to be cheated on at all times, it may mean some healing needs to happen — whether that’s in the relationship or within yourself
What’s also missing, crucially, is a sense of tact: Privately letting someone know their partner is being unfaithful is very different from publicly posting a screenshot. That’s why Wright says there’s a strong argument for minding your business — and if you do feel compelled to share, questioning where your motivation is coming from.
The same skepticism and reflection are also in order even if you’re on the other side of the screen. It is becoming harder to distinguish between a stranger doing a good deed and trying to make it big online (or a quick buck) — but ultimately, if you’re inclined to trust a random TikToker more than you trust your partner, it might not be a loyalty test that you need, but an honest conversation.
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https://www.nylon.com/life/tiktok-cheating-content-loyalty-tests
| 2024-01-10T22:27:36Z
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Ashley Judd, 55, recently shared the deeply emotional and challenging experience of finding her mother, Naomi Judd, after she tragically took her own life at the age of 76 on April 30, 2022.
Naomi, a celebrated country singer, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her home in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee. The autopsy report revealed Naomi's struggles with significant anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
In a poignant recounting, Ashley expressed her feelings during those harrowing moments: "It was traumatic and unexpected because it was death by suicide and I found her," she recounted on Wednesday’s episode of CNN's All There Is with Anderson Cooper.
Despite the shock and grief, Ashley found solace in being present for her mother in those final moments.
"Even when I walked in that room and I saw that she had harmed herself, the first thing out of my mouth was, 'Momma, I see how much you've been suffering and it is okay... I am here, and it is okay to let go.'"
She also recounted encouraging her mother to find peace and forgiveness, telling her, "All was forgiven long ago, leave it all here. Take nothing, be free."
The conversation shifted to Anderson Cooper, 56, who similarly had to confront the suicide of his brother, Carter Cooper. Carter, aged 23 at the time, tragically jumped to his death from the balcony of their mother Gloria Vanderbilt's New York City apartment while she watched in horror.
Anderson reflected on his brother's death: "One of the things I have found so hard about losing my brother to suicide was, I get stuck in how his life ended and the violence of it."
Ashley empathized with Cooper's feelings, sharing her perspective on how the manner of death becomes a part of a person's larger story: "I really honor the place in you that’s coming from. I think we all deserve to be remembered for how we lived, and how we died is simply part of a bigger story."
Naomi's last public appearance was a moving performance at the Country Music Awards with her daughter Wynonna, singing 'Love Can Build A Bridge.' Shortly after, the toxicology report revealed several drugs in her system at her time of death.
The Judd family, in a statement, acknowledged the complexity of mental illness: "Everyone who has gone through this tragedy understands that in the depths of a mental health crisis, thinking is profoundly distorted. Moreover, the worst days are never representative of the comforts and pleasures of the days free from the disease."
The Judds, consisting of Naomi and Wynonna, were iconic country singers in the 80s, winning five Grammys, nine CMAs, and selling 20 million records. Naomi's life was marked by challenges, including surviving sexual abuse and a violent assault, leading to her fleeing Los Angeles for rural Kentucky.
Naomi's story is one of resilience and triumph, having moved to Nashville to pursue a nursing career, which ultimately led to the launch of 'The Judds' career in music.
In the aftermath of Naomi's death, Ashley and Wynonna have supported each other, attending her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and grappling with their immense loss.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511001/ashley-judd-details-heartbreaking-moment-she-discovered-mom-naomis-body/
| 2024-01-10T23:28:21Z
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Kylie Minogue will soon be performing at her first-ever Las Vegas residency and ahead of the major career moment, the Padam Padam singer shared a teaser image, and she looked sensational.
Kylie has always had the best outfits and she continued to prove this on Wednesday as the singer sizzled in a skintight jumpsuit that carried a red leopard print. The stunning outfit had been embazzled with dazzling jewels and the 55-year-old wore her luscious blonde hair in her signature style, while also rocking a bright red lipstick.
In her caption, Kylie couldn't help but show her excitement as she enthused: "STAGE THIS WAY [arrow emoji] Not long now … see you soon Vegas," finishing the post off with a heart emoji.
The singer's followers mirrored the sentiment, as one commented: "We're excited to have you back!!" and a second added: "So excited!!! 8 more sleeps," and a third shared: "CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU NEXT FRIDAY!!!!!!"
A fourth teased: "I'm genuinely going to burst," alongside an explosion emoji and a fifth noted: "Always classy @kylieminogue."
Kylie spent the end of 2023 in Las Vegas preparing for the show, and ahead of big celebrations the star shared a sultry photo of her relaxing in just a bathrobe while showcasing her toned legs.
"Missing that post show feeling," she captioned the post, while in the foreground of the image was a bottle of her self-titled wine brand, that was suitably being chilled in a wine cooler.
"This show blew my face off. Also that Prosecco is [three love hearts]," a fan wrote, whilst another remarked: "And we've been missing you too, Min. Thank you for the incredible year you gave us. Padam 2024!!!"
Recently speaking to the Sun, she confessed: "It's surreal to be in Vegas, full stop. But yes, this moment feels very good and I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I have right now."The singer also revealed what she likes to keep in her private backstage area, and fans will be surprised at her simple demands.
MORE: Kylie Minogue sparks response as she shares post with ex-boyfriend
WOW: Kylie Minogue is simply flawless in skintight outfit as she shares incredible announcement
"I keep my backstage area pretty simple. I don't need distraction. Here in Vegas, a humidifier is essential." She continued: "High up on the list of priorities is a kettle and a coffee machine. A well-timed cup of tea can always make things better."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511000/kylie-minogue-skintight-jumpsuit-vegas-residency/
| 2024-01-10T23:28:27Z
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Diana Ross, 79, has been announced as the new face of Saint Laurent, and no-one was more proud than Diana's daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross. "@Dianaross no one like you!!! NO ONE!!! Just the most gorgeous," Tracee, 51, exclaimed in the comments on her mom's Instagram post, as she unveiled the new campaign.
The new shots, taken by David Sims, see Diana perched on a stool wearing a black off-the-shoulder bodycon dress with halter neck detailing. With no accessories, the dress does all the talking, and her iconic naturally curly hair is teased to perfection.
Fans couldn't get over the sleek and sexy look, with one writing: "Now THIS is the definition of iconic."
"THE BOSS. THE ONE. THE QUEEN," added Andy Cohen, while Diana's daughter-in-law Ashlee Simpson-Ross simply shared: "Stunning."
Tracee is Diana's second eldest daughter, whom she welcomed with ex-husband Robert Silberstein; they were married from 1971 to 1977 and have another daughter together, Chudney.Diana is also mom to her eldest daughter Rhonda, whom Robert adopted.
She is also mom to two sons, Ross and Evan, with ex-husband Arne Naess Jr.
Diana has a long history with the brand, thanks to her friendship with founder Yves Saint Laurent in the early days which saw the music icon often wearing the label, including to the 2003 Met Gala aptly themed Goddess: The Classical Mode.
Former YSL creative director Tom Ford dedicated his Fall 2003 collection to Diana., with models walking that season's runway to her hit songs 'Baby Love' and 'Touch Me in the Morning'.
The decision to make her the face of the Spring 2024 campaign was an obvious one, says HELLO! Fashion Monthly's fashion expert Lauren Ramsay: "She's the original diva, and Diana is certainly not one to shy away from a showstopping look: from diamantes and fishnets to chainmail maxi dresses, tulle, feathers and sequins. Though her latest campaign boasts a totally opposing dress code, it embodies her sophisticated and glamorous agenda in typical Saint Laurent style."
"Diana is the perfect Saint Laurent muse who embodies the label's values," Lauren added. "We can't wait to see her 80th birthday outfit…"
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/511002/tracee-ellis-ross-reacts-to-79-year-old-mom-diana-ross-very-sexy-new-look/
| 2024-01-11T01:00:30Z
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George Clooney opened up about the significant impact his twins, Alexander and Ella, have had on his life.
Married to Amal, a 45-year-old esteemed human rights lawyer, since 2014, George shared his experiences of fatherhood during a recent interview on This Morning.
He humorously described life with his six-year-old twins as a "two against one" scenario, highlighting the challenges and joys of parenting.
The 62-year-old actor and director, who directed the biographical drama The Boys in the Boat, discussed the demands of his professional life alongside his family commitments.
He expressed uncertainty about future directing projects, citing the time-consuming nature of the role and his desire to focus on his twins. "I actually don’t know if I’ll be directing much anymore because it takes so much time and I have six-year-old twins!" he said.
Interestingly, George's twins are multilingual, speaking fluent Italian and French – languages he admittedly does not share proficiency in, leading to humorous family dynamics.
During the interview, he joked about his children's language skills, "No, that's Italian!" when asked if they have a secret language.
Discussing The Boys in the Boat, which narrates the journey of the University of Washington rowing team to the 1936 Summer Olympics, George acknowledged the challenges of directing on water, referencing his acting experience in the 2000 film The Perfect Storm.
Despite The Boys in the Boat not performing as expected at the box office, Joel Edgerton, the film’s star, praised George's directorial skills. "He is fantastic. I kept looking at him thinking: 'You should be in front of the camera, for a start,' and then the fact that he wasn’t meant he cared so much about the story," Joel commented.
Addressing rumors about his potential retirement from acting, George clarified that he has no plans to step back. He even mentioned his recent collaboration with Brad Pitt, indicating his continued active involvement in acting.
Earlier this year, George and Amal's luxurious £12m Berkshire mansion faced a flooding disaster.
This incident came amidst reports that the couple had not been living in the property for years, instead dividing their time between the US and Italy.
Before settling down with Amal, George was well-known for his bachelor lifestyle. Their love story began in April 2013, when they met through a mutual friend.
The couple's wedding in Venice was a grand affair, followed by a legal marriage at Venice's city hall.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511003/george-clooney-62-details-the-challenges-of-raising-twins-with-wife-amal/
| 2024-01-11T01:00:36Z
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Kate Hudson recently opened up about the joys and challenges of balancing her work and family life.
In a heartfelt interview with People, the 44-year-old actress and mother of three shared her love for cooking with her children – Ryder, 20, Bingham, 12, and Rani, five.
“I am busy, I am really busy, but my day is done at 5pm, and I am in that kitchen making them something," she said.
Emphasizing the importance of involving her kids in the cooking process, Kate believes in nurturing a healthy relationship with food, “I get them in the kitchen. I get them chopping with me, we talk about what herbs are.”
Reflecting on her journey as a mother, Kate, the daughter of Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson, recounted the complexities of being a working mom, particularly during her times as a single parent.
“It’s hard to get it together when you are a working mom, and it was especially hard when I was a single mom. But at the end of the day, I want people to not put so much pressure on themselves,” she advised.
Kate has navigated motherhood with grace and resilience, co-parenting her children with their fathers. Her first child, Ryder, was born during her marriage to Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson.
Despite their separation in 2006 and divorce in 2007, they have maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their son.
Her second son, Bingham, was born to Kate and her ex-fiancé Matt Bellamy, lead singer of Muse. She shares her youngest, Rani, with her current partner, musician Danny Fujikawa.
In an interview with Sunday Times, Kate spoke candidly about co-parenting, “Chris and I just need to check in once in a while, Matt is so wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-parent."
She even shared how she has built a close relationship with Matt’s wife, Elle, with the family often vacationing together.
“It might not look traditional from the outside but on the inside, I feel like we’re killing it. The unit that I’ve created with three children with three different fathers is a seriously strong unit and it’s ours.”
Despite the complexities of her romantic life, Kate remains hopeful about marrying Danny, whom she first met while pregnant with Ryder but only began dating in 2016. The couple, who welcomed Rani in 2018 and got engaged in 2021, are not rushing into marriage. “I hope we get married. We’re not in a hurry," Kate expressed, sharing how watching Danny interact with Rani deeply moves her.
At the core of her life’s philosophy, Kate values love and relationships, “My goal in life is to love and be loved, and I work hard at relationships because I like them.”
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511004/kate-hudson-reveals-struggles-of-being-a-working-mom-of-three-kids/
| 2024-01-11T02:32:38Z
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The recent announcement of Prince Harry's inductionThe recent announcement of Prince Harry's induction as a 'living legend' of aviation, alongside distinguished figures like Buzz Aldrin, has stirred considerable debate and varying reactions online.
This prestigious accolade, to be presented at a Beverly Hills ceremony hosted by John Travolta, recognizes individuals for significant contributions to aviation and aerospace.
The decorated event has been previously been dubbed by actor Morgan Freeman as the Oscars of aviation.
It is understood that his work with setting up the Invictus Games Foundation will also be celebrated, according to the awards. It is not clear whether Harry, or his wife Meghan Markle, will attend the ceremony.
Despite Harry's military background and his involvement in various humanitarian initiatives, the decision has led to mixed reactions, particularly on social media.
Social media users have expressed skepticism and confusion about Prince Harry's achievements in the field of aviation that warrant such recognition.
One person commented on Platform X, "Is this a joke? What is the legendary stuff that he has done? I am asking seriously! What the heck has he done?"
“I look forward to every other military pilot in the world being given the same award based on his accomplishments in that field,” wrote another.
This sentiment echoes the surprise of some over the decision to include Prince Harry alongside other esteemed aviation figures.
However, supporters of Prince Harry have defended the honor, pointing to his notable military service, which includes two tours in Afghanistan as a forward air controller and an Apache helicopter pilot.
Fans of the Sussexes have extended their congratulations, with one user referring to him as "soldier Harry" and commending his military accomplishments.
The award, often compared to the Oscars of aviation, also acknowledges Prince Harry's work in establishing the Invictus Games Foundation and his roles as a humanitarian, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist.
His endeavors with Travalyst, Sentebale, African Parks, WellChild, BetterUp, the Aspen Institute Commission on Information Disorder, and The Archewell Foundation have been highlighted in the context of the award.
The Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, which organizes the event, aims to honor "remarkable people of extraordinary accomplishment in aviation."
The event's website elaborated on Prince Harry's selection, stating, "Prince Harry is a humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist. He has dedicated his life to advancing causes that he is passionate about and that bring about permanent change for people and places."
In addition to his military career, the website also praised Harry for his "compassion, vulnerability, and unflinching honesty" in his memoir "Spare," and his efforts to turn his pain into purpose following the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511005/prince-harrys-latest-honor-as-a-living-legend-sparks-debate/
| 2024-01-11T04:04:43Z
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Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have been the subject of fan speculation regarding the state of their marriage.
Married since 2021, the couple has recently been spending significant time apart due to their busy work schedules.
This New Year's Eve, they found themselves in different time zones, with Blake performing at WinStar World Casino and Gwen at an event in Las Vegas.
Despite the rumors and debates among fans, body language expert and celebrity psychic Inbaal Honigman suggests that the foundation of Gwen and Blake’s relationship remains strong.
Speaking to HELLO!, Inbaal analyzed the couple’s dynamics through the lens of Tarot cards. “Interestingly, the Tarot cards believe that Gwen and Blake can survive this challenging moment in their relationship,” she said.
“The Ace of Cups card, symbolizing deep emotions, indicates that beneath their professional commitments and daily life, Gwen and Blake share a profound love.
Furthermore, the 7 of Disks card, typically associated with financial challenges, suggests that the couple prioritizes their relationship over career opportunities.
“They value the relationship more than they value their careers,” Inbaal added.
However, Inbaal also pointed out a noticeable change in their recent public appearances compared to the early days of their romance in 2015.
Back then, the couple frequently displayed affection through embraces, hand-holding, and cuddling. Their body language was expressive of attraction and happiness in each other's presence.
In contrast, recent photographs, including those from their Walk of Fame honors and the CMT Awards, show a different picture. Blake often has his hands in his pockets, a departure from his earlier behavior of openly displaying affection.
“For a man who formerly missed no opportunity to touch his beloved, this isn't a comforting sign,” Inbaal observed.
At the CMT Awards, both Blake and Gwen posed with their hands in their pockets. Despite their smiles, Inbaal notes this could be indicative of romantic challenges.
“Some couples are more tactile than others, and that is fine. But a couple who used to be all over each other and now aren't, are likely going through tough times romantically,” she concluded.
While these observations suggest a shift in their outward expressions of affection, the underlying emotional connection between Gwen and Blake appears to remain intact.
The changes in their public interactions could be attributed to various factors, including the natural evolution of their relationship and the pressures of their high-profile careers.
Despite the challenges, the deep bond they share, as indicated by the Tarot readings, suggests they have the resilience to navigate through this phase of their marriage.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511006/gwen-stefani-and-blake-shelton-are-going-through-tough-times-romantically-after-spending-time-apart/
| 2024-01-11T05:36:53Z
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ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s photographer Dmitry Dotsenko captured the unexpected bloom of snowdrops in the Almaty mountains, showcasing the surprising scenes on his Instagram page.
The phenomenon unfolded in January, which turned out to be very warm and snowless for Almaty. The first time Dotsenko found and photographed the snowdrops blooming in the mountains was on Dec. 3.
“It turns out that flowers delight us the entire winter,” he wrote, adding that Alatau crocus graces the foothills, and galanthus now adorns city front gardens.
He also captured snowdrops on Jan. 8 in the mountains of the Talgar district in the Almaty Region. “Almaty is an amazing city. A real fairy tale for 12 months,” Dotsenko said.
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, was recently featured in The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go List in 2024.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/snowdrops-bloom-in-almaty-mountains-in-depths-of-winter/
| 2024-01-11T06:33:05Z
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ASTANA – Washington-based Caspian Policy Center hosted Jan. 4 a roundtable discussing the bilateral ties between Kazakhstan and the United States and the regional dynamics. U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel N. Rosenblum participated in the discussion.
Rosenblum underlined that the United States has prioritized two things in its relationship with Kazakhstan – stability and sovereignty. The United States was one of the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991.
“What is our national security interest? I tend to summarize it in two words: stability and sovereignty. The main strategic goals we have had since 1991, since independence for this region, is to ensure that the countries of the region are stable and do not become failed states that then result in other spillover effects that come back to hit us and directly affect our national security,” said Rosenblum, who began his mission in Kazakhstan in October 2022. Before that, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan from 2019 to 2022 and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia in the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs from 2014 to 2018.
Four lines of effort
U.S. efforts to help the region maintain stability and sovereignty have four main lines of effort, noted Rosenblum.
“One is on the political and diplomatic front, where we work to try to find common interests where we can, together with the countries of the region, advocate for certain policies internationally. Probably the best mechanism we have to do that today is the so-called C5+1 diplomatic platform,” said the ambassador.
The second line of effort, he noted, is in security, including border security, counterterrorism, and addressing transnational threats.
“The third line of effort is economic one. That’s all about building more trade and investment ties, helping countries and helping Kazakhstan in this case with any internal reforms that it undertakes, but where we can provide technical assistance and other things to help that be more successful,” said Rosenblum.
One of the lines of U.S. engagement in Kazakhstan also focuses on the human dimension. Rosenblum mentioned the human rights action plan signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in December.
“The President announced in December a new human rights Initiative for the next two years that will focus on a lot of issues that we care about, including domestic violence and trafficking of persons,” said Rosenblum, urging, however, greater political competition and political pluralism in the country.
He noted the reforms the country’s leadership has undertaken since the unrest in January 2022.
“I think from the government’s perspective, most of those reforms have already been implemented. They had to do with constitutional changes, changes in the electoral system, and holding the presidential and then parliamentary elections. Some of them are longer-term things that have to do with decentralization and giving more power, resources and authority to local governments. That’s still unfolding,” said Rosenblum, who had a meeting with President Tokayev on Dec. 22 in Akorda.
He acknowledged a “hearty debate” internationally and in Kazakhstan, about whether the political reforms changed anything regarding the political power balance.
“I think we have to give some time to see it. Of course, one of the most significant things that President Tokayev talks about a lot is the only once seven-year presidential term,” he added.
He also underscored the increased attention to economic reforms in Kazakhstan, referring to Tokayev’s state-of-the-nation address in September 2023, which primarily focused on the economy.
C5+1 format
Ambassador Rosenblum noted “significant progress” across all areas with Kazakhstan, with a culminating moment being the C5+1 meeting in New York in September.
The C5+1 diplomatic format commenced in 2015 with an overarching goal to enhance dialogue and cooperation between Central Asia and the United States.
“To be honest, it was a day that I never necessarily thought what I would see. I was involved in the first C5+1 meeting in Samarkand back in 2015. We’ve come a long way, and since then a lot has changed in the region. But the fact that we were able to get the leaders sitting at the table, and also issuing a joint statement, which was very substantive and had a lot of specific initiatives, is an amazing accomplishment,” said the ambassador.
Before the presidential summit, the dialogue platform advanced through engagement at the ministerial level, expert meetings, and thematic working groups on the economy, energy and environment, and security.
Rosenblum noted Kazakhstan’s crucial role as a “catalyst” in this effort.
“It is not always easy to overcome some of the tensions and the conflicts that exist among the countries and get them all to sit down together. It takes someone pushing. Kazakhstan has been that consistent pusher before 2015,” said Rosenblum.
Trade and investment
Rosenblum is optimistic about trade and investment dynamics. Though final figures for the year are yet to become available, he noted the two countries reached a $3 billion mark in bilateral trade in 2022.
According to Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics, bilateral trade between January and October last year hit $3.25 billion, with exports reaching $1.1 billion and imports – $2.2 billion.
The United States is the second largest investor in Kazakhstan after the Netherlands. The ambassador said American investments reached $5 billion in Kazakhstan in 2023.
“We put a big focus on 2023 and began to make progress together with other partners on developing the so-called Middle Corridor, the Trans Caspian route. That was another economic priority for the government and us, as well,” said Rosenblum.
The development of the corridor, which starts from Southeast Asia and China, runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and further to European countries, has been under increased attention over the past few years, particularly since Western countries began to look after alternative routes bypassing Russia.
The volume of cargo transportation along the route surged by 88% in the first nine months of 2023, reaching two million tons.
“The key challenge to developing the Middle Corridor and making it a viable alternative is to increase the speed of goods moving to lower the costs. Obviously, those are the two elements that make it competitive,” said Rosenblum.
He emphasized the need to prioritize regional cooperation in achieving these goals, adding that such coordination, “will require the countries of the region to cooperate and harmonize their standards and their procedures for the movement of goods.”
It is up to the countries of the region to reach the necessary agreements, but what international partners, including the United States, can do is assist in developing the infrastructure necessary to facilitate the movement of goods.
In June 2023, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development published a study that identified key priority infrastructure investment needs in all five Central Asian countries to improve the route significantly. The experts estimated the investments at €18.5 billion ($20.2 billion). These investment needs relate to railway and road network rehabilitation and modernization, rolling stock expansion, port capacity enhancements, improvements to border crossing points, and multimodal logistics centers.
“On the hard infrastructure, there’s a lot of interest on the part of the international financial institutions. (…) The European Union has a huge interest and stake in that,” said Rosenblum.
The EU is expected to host the Global Gateway Investors Forum on Sustainable Transport Connectivity between Europe and Central Asia on Jan. 29-30 in Brussels discussing the Middle Corridor.
“The United States will be there participating in that forum. The hope is that countries will actually make pledges towards specific projects at that event,” said Rosenblum.
Sanctions
Regarding the Western sanctions imposed against Russia, Kazakhstan has made a visible effort to comply with U.S. and international sanctions against Russia, Kazakhstan’s key trade partner.
“Since the sanctions were first imposed, back in 2022, Kazakhstan’s record is a good one, both in terms of their ability to prevent sanctions evasion and, also, making sure that they are complying with all the sanctions when it comes to their domestic companies, relationships with Russian companies, Russian banks, and so on,” said ambassador Rosenblum.
Where next?
Ambassador Rosenblum sees the United States headed in two directions.
“One is maintaining that level of engagement. Having another leader-level meeting. I know that Kazakhstan is quite interested and pushing us to commit to the same thing at the next UNGA. [United Nations General Assembly]. It will be complicated because it’s an election year for us. Hopefully, that can happen, and then it becomes a sort of a tradition,” he said.
The second direction, Rosenblum added, is to see that the “substantive commitments get realized, and then grow into other things.”
Specifically, he highlighted the proposed B5+1 meeting, “which is sort of a private sector parallel structure [to the C5] of business associations and U.S. businesses,” to discuss Central Asia as a regional market.
The other commitment is a critical minerals dialogue, where the United States also has a “very strong strategic interest.”
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/us-ambassador-addresses-bilateral-ties-with-kazakhstan-and-shared-priorities-at-roundtable-in-washington/
| 2024-01-11T06:33:11Z
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Boy Swallows Universe is the much-anticipated Netflix adaptation of the bestselling debut novel of the same name by Australian author Trent Dalton, with the first episode set to grace our screens on Thursday.
The series will trace the tumultuous childhood of 12-year-old Eli Bell, a working-class boy growing up in 1980s Brisbane with a heroin-dealer stepfather, a mute brother, a drug-addicted mother and a notorious criminal for a father figure.
Staying true to its Aussie roots, the series is populated with a star-studded cast of Australian actors, including Phoebe Tonkin as Frances Bell, Eli’s mother.
According to Netflix, the eight-part limited series will portray “an epic coming-of-age story […] that blends the magic and innocence of youth with the brutal reality of the adult world”.
The troubled tale tugged at the heartstrings of many Australians when the book was first released in 2018, and it turns out that certain elements of the iconic story were actually loosely inspired by some of the author’s own real-life childhood experiences.
In an interview with the Townsville Bulletin, the author recalls that he himself grew up with two unconventional male role models: his criminal stepfather, and his family friend Arthur “Slim” Halliday, who was a convicted murderer who became infamously known as ‘The Houdini of Boggo Road’.
Growing up in the 1980s, Trent knew his family friend "Slim" as a warm, fun and friendly father figure. “He was the funniest, kindest old bloke,” Trent told the Townsville Bulletin.
It is hard to reconcile this description with the shocking and serious events that marred Slim’s younger years. After two notorious prison escapes in the 1940s, he would later be accused and convicted of murdering a taxi driver on the Gold Coast by beating him with a pistol in 1952.
From a young age, Trent was hypnotised by the legend surrounding this man. Likewise, he recalls that his stepfather, an imposing character with taut muscles and skin etched with countless tattoos, was a defining figure in his early childhood.
He told the Townsville Bulletin: “That man was genuinely the first man that I ever loved and he was probably in many ways my mum’s true love, the love of her life …”
Like his protagonist, Trent had to contend with the fact that the people he loved most in the world during his childhood were simultaneously criminals who were haunted by a shadowy past.
However, there are many elements of the story that definitely stem from Trent’s imagination rather than his own experiences.
As seen in the trailer for the series released by Netflix last autumn, much of the story centres around a retro red rotary telephone. Trent recalls that this telephone did actually exist in his stepfather’s home, but in his fictionalised story, he brings this unassuming object into the spotlight.
He revealed that this childhood memory formed the basis for a major plot point in the story, where he imagines the phone in an eerie underground room and weaves an entire narrative “fantasising about who’s on the end of that phone line”.
Many of the jolting twists and turns that make up the plot are entirely fictional. Reality and fantasy have been masterfully mingled together to build this fascinating story.
The series, following faithfully in the footsteps of the novel that inspired it, is set to poignantly balance moments of playful joy and reckless abandon with sobering notes of grief and fear, culminating in a heart-wrenching, realist portrayal of life in all its complexity.
The first episode of Boy Swallows Universe airs on Netflix on Thursday 11 January.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/510879/tragic-true-story-behind-netflix-boy-swallows-universe/
| 2024-01-11T07:09:03Z
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With Londoners living in skips and a balcony selling for £35,000 in Knightsbridge, you could argue that the quirkier, the better when it comes to buying property in 2024.
Emerald Fennell's gritty dark comedy Saltburn has left an everlasting impression on its viewers, who have since flooded TikTok with a dance trend that sees them parading through their own homes to Sophie Ellis Bextor's 'Murder On The Dancefloor'.
Dancing aside, the film has also shed light on the beauty of Britain's oldest properties. With its stained glass windows, Gothic architecture and air of grandeur, living in a property as opulent as Saltburn, AKA Drayton House in real life, was once reserved for aristocrats and royalty. Until The Chapel at St Gabriel’s Manor came on the market, that is.
LUXURY HOMES INSPIRATION
A listing from the Unique Property Company on Rightmove details a unique converted chapel in London's Camberwell. With five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an unrivalled amount of character, this stunning home was formerly a chapel that had been intended for flats by developers.
Yet its interior designer owner, Peggy Prendeville, managed to keep the historic space away from the clutches of urban planners and instead transform it into one of London's most magnificent chapel conversions.
At present, this Grade-II* listed home will set buyers back just shy of £3 million at £2,950,000. Take a look inside…
Peggy has kept as much of the original charm of the former chapel as possible.
With exquisite stained-glass windows, a solid spiral stairwell and remembrance-clad walls, this unique home is not your average London property.
She was on the lookout for a unique and wonderful renovation project when she came across the stunning Cormont Road chapel. "I knew it was the place for me," she told HELLO!.
"I shook the owner's hand when I told him I wanted it and he honoured that, despite having offers at higher prices."
Before she moved into the historic home, Peggy had asked to see the chapel when it was dark outside to see how the electricity and lighting had been treated.
"It was mid summer, so it was light until about 10.30pm. When I went back late one night to view the chapel, the vendor had filled the place with candles which proved that there really wasn’t much electric lighting in the place!"
With an enormous renovation project on her hands, Peggy had just three main goals for the property - all of which required meticulous planning permission.
"I added a doorway to what was then a car park, which I have turned into a garden," she said. Second, a mezzanine level above the altar was necessary to give an extra room space.
"I managed to do this without interfering with the beauty of the stained glass windows by making the mezzanine glass with no handrail so effectively it was transparent," she explained.
Peggy also chose to add rooms to the end of the chapel away from the altar, giving her bedrooms and bathrooms for her family as well as a workspace.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/510996/inside-london-chapel-conversion-st-gabriel-manor-rightmove/
| 2024-01-11T07:09:09Z
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Crown Princess Mary's sister-in-law Princess Marie and her children may not be attending her and Crown Prince Frederik's accession to the Danish throne on Sunday but the future queen will no doubt be comforted by the fact that her own sister will be there to support her. According to local media outlets, the future queen's sister Jane Stephens will be in attendance to watch the momentous ceremony. The first change of monarch in 52 years will take place after the reigning queen, Margrethe II, announced her shock abdication on health grounds in her New Year's Eve speech.
As is traditional, the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, will proclaim Crown Prince Frederik to be the new monarch, King Frederik X, from the balcony of Christianborg Palace, a custom that dates back to 1849. Sunday will mark the second time that Mary's been supported by her sister at a momentous royal event. When the Australian-born Princess married the Danish heir to the throne back in 2004, both of her older sisters, Jane and Patricia, acted as bridesmaids. She also has a younger brother called John, who was born in 1970.
The 51-year-old royal began dating the future Danish king after meeting Frederik during the Sydney 2000 Olympics and was "immediately popular" in Denmark following her engagement to Crown Prince Frederik in 2003, according to a European royal expert. "I think she made the right decision after meeting Frederik to learn Danish because during her first press conference, she already spoke some words of Danish so she was immediately popular in Denmark," Belgian royal reporter Wim Dehandschutter told HELLO! earlier this month.
He went on: "I think she made a natural transformation from a commoner, who didn't know Crown Prince Frederik, who didn't know the royal family in Denmark, to a glamorous princess and future queen. In Denmark she's also called the perfect Crown Princess, even though she herself says no one is perfect." During the interview on 60 Minutes Australia, which was first broadcast in 2003, Mary was asked about being the future Queen of Denmark, with a lot of attention paid to her answer, which you can see in the clip below...
The mother-of-two and her husband will travel to Christiansborg Palace on Sunday at 1.35pm local time before Queen Margrethe II formally abdicates at the Council of State 25 minutes later, the first time such an event has occurred in nearly 900 years.
At 2.30pm local time, Frederik and Mary will host a reception for specially invited guests at Christiansborg Palace and at 3pm, Frederik will be proclaimed His Majesty King Frederik X as his wife becomes Mary and the couple's eldest son, Prince Christian, 18, will assume the title of Crown Prince of Denmark.
Queen Margrethe stunned her subjects when she made a speech and posted a statement to the official royal family website on 31 December, in which she announced: "I have decided that now is the right time. The 14th January 2024 – 52 years after I followed my beloved father – I will step back as the Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son the Crown Prince Frederik…"
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/510994/crown-princess-mary-denmark-supported-eldest-sister-jane-accession-day/
| 2024-01-11T07:09:15Z
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Beauty
A Practical Guide To TikTok’s Visual Weight Theory
How to tell if you’re high or low — and how to apply that knowledge to your makeup.
If you’ve ever wondered why a smokey eye looks so good on your best friend but doesn’t have the same effect on you, TikTok might have an explanation. The term “visual weight” has recently gone viral on the app, thanks to creators like “Princess Raquelle,” who draw their inspiration from East Asian techniques. The design terminology — which basically describes an element that attracts the eye — is now being used in makeup tutorials as a way to enhance your natural features. “The day you learn whether you have high or low visual weight is the day you instantly increase your pretty privilege,” says one TikTok creator in a recent video.
It’s an intriguing concept, to be sure, but one that doesn’t have a lot of real-world advice associated with it yet — which is why we consulted beauty experts to help you figure out your visual weight and, more importantly, how to put that information to use with actionable makeup tips. A note before we get into it, though: New York makeup artist Ehlie Luna says the theory should be viewed only as a starting point for picking makeup that suits you, not a hard and fast rule.
What Does “Visual Weight” Mean?
In short, visual weight is an informal measurement of how prominent your features are. A face with high visual weight has larger or well-defined features that are prominent, says Dallas beauty creator Jess Todryk. Take Angelina Jolie's jawline or Julia Roberts's lips, for example. On the other hand, a face with low visual weight has features that look more harmonious, meaning the individual elements don't stand out as much as the overall face shape and size, Todryk says. Think of Selena Gomez or South Korean singer Yeji.
When it comes to makeup, knowing your visual weight can help determine how your face best “handles” cosmetics so you can optimize your features, Luna says. And even if the categories are described as high and low, neither is superior — it’s more about getting to know your own face better, says Philippines-based beauty creator Jam Zoleta.
How To Determine Your Visual Weight
One popular way is the iPhone Mono filter method, where you use the phone app to compare your face with and without strong contrast. The other way is to look at old pictures or think about your previous experiences wearing makeup, Todryk says. If you often think your face feels overpowered by a dark smokey eye or a bold lip, that might be an indicator of low visual weight. Other creators on TikTok also use the app’s Bold Glamour filter as a standin for trying dramatic makeup IRL to make the determination.
How To Enhance A High Visual Weight Face
If you have high visual weight, you can use makeup to play up your most prominent features. And because your face can typically hold a lot of product without looking overpowered, Todryk says to consider going big.
Eyes: Eye-makeup options that complement a high visual weight are vast. Winged eyeliner and vibrant eyeshadow colors are all fair game, while tightlining your eyes with black pencil amps up their intensity.
Cheekbones: Bronzer, blush, contour, and highlighter are harder to overdo because they work with the natural contrast of your face. If you have particularly high cheekbones, you can go all in. Don’t be afraid to “carve those babies out,” Todryk says.
Lips: If your high visual weight is focused around your lips, red lipstick was meant for you. But, because your lips already get all the attention, why not try more unexpected shades like deep plum or hot orange?
How To Enhance a Low Visual Weight Face
When it comes to those with low visual weight, the key is to avoid anything too strong. Natural makeup will suit you best, Todryk says, but also any makeup look that provides balance or draws the eye to the center of the face (verses to one feature).
Eyes: Having low visual weight doesn’t mean you can’t play up your eyes or need to skip liner, but softer shades can make your overall look more striking. That might mean brown or navy eyeliner instead of harsh black, or applying shimmer eyeshadow in the same color family as your skin tone, rather than going for a high-contrast shade.
Cheekbones: Having an all-over, even glow maintains your natural facial balance. Highlight and contour looks best when it’s closer to the perimeter of the face and doesn’t go past the outer corner of your eye. Blush and bronzer (in subtle tones) also benefit from being placed higher on the cheeks instead of on the apples.
Lips: “Your lips, enhanced,” is the guiding principle for the best lip colors on low visual weight faces. A slightly darker-than-your-natural-color liner and a clear or tinted lip gloss on top is an ideal combo that leaves room for experimenting.
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https://www.nylon.com/beauty/tiktok-viral-high-low-visual-weight-theory-makeup-tips
| 2024-01-11T08:05:37Z
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ITV's highly-anticipated thriller, After the Flood, made its debut on Wednesday night and while plenty of viewers were enthralled by the compelling plot, others were left asking the same question. The series, which stars Happy Valley and Peaky Blinders star Sophie Rundle, is set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Waterside, which is hit by a devastating flood. When the body of a dead man is found in a lift at an underground car park, police assume he became trapped in the flood. But PC Joanna Marshall becomes obsessed with uncovering what really happened.
The opening scene sees PC Joanna, who is heavily pregnant, and her colleague, Deepa Das (Tripti Tripuraneni) wading through the raging waters in an attempt to save a baby from being swept away by the current.
Taking to social media, fans questioned whether a heavily pregnant police officer would be allowed to participate in the rescue mission in real life. One person penned: "Would the #police allow a pregnant officer (soon to go on maternity leave) wade around in flood water/sewage/fast flowing rivers?" while another asked: "#AfterTheFlood surely a heavily pregnant police officer would not be sent out in those conditions?"
A third person wrote: "A lone pregnant police officer wading through dirty floodwater? I'm not sure that would happen in the real world."
Other viewers, however, praised the thrilling drama. One person hailed the show as "brilliant", while another applauded Sophie's performance as PC Joanna: "Thoroughly enjoyed the first episode of #AfterTheFlood!! Sophie Rundle is absolutely amazing as Jo Marshall!! She's so captivating."
Tripti Tripuraneni, who plays Deepa, spoke to HELLO! about what it was like to film the water scenes. "With Deepa, what really attracted to me was the action woman of it all. Getting to do that big opening sequence was amazing and you don't get to do that every day, it's fantastic. And she's also ready to get stuck into everything."
She went on to add: "There was a running joke that every time I came in [to film] it was a water day, but I loved it."
Other viewers who tuned into the drama couldn't help but wonder how the dramatic water sequence was filmed.
MORE: I’m a TV expert - and these are the 5 shows I’m most excited to watch on Netflix in January
One person asked: "Desperate to know how they achieved the scene in the street full of flood water. Was it a real street that was due to be demolished, so they flooded the area? Or a built set on a lot with just the fronts and roofs?" while another penned: "Sorry how was this filmed? They flooded a whole street and all the houses downstairs will be ruined #AfterTheFlood."
Speaking on This Morning on Wednesday, the show's star Sophie revealed that the cast filmed the opening scene at a special facility. "For the opening flood sequence, we went to this water course in Teeside," she explained. "They film a lot of dramas there and do a lot of emergency service training. They have control over the water and it can be quite low and they can get it up to really strong currents."
She continued: "With the flooded street that you see later on, they built this massive water tank, it was basically a huge paddling pool. [They] filled it with water and built the fronts of the houses and we got in."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511007/after-the-flood-viewers-asking-same-question-itv-thriller/
| 2024-01-11T08:41:11Z
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Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed that he has "best case a year" to live after being diagnosed with cancer.
The 75-year-old managed England for five years and led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cup, as well as the 2004 Euros.
The football manager stepped down from his role as the sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad 11 months ago because of health issues. Opening up about his condition on the Swedish radio station, P1, he said: "Everyone can see that I have a disease that's not good, and everyone supposes that it’s cancer, and it is. But I have to fight it as long as possible.
"I know that in the best case it's about a year, in the worst case even less. Or in the best case I suppose even longer. I don't think the doctors I have can be totally sure; they can’t put a day on it."
Sven-Goran, who enjoyed a 42-year career in management, said he was trying to stay positive. "It's better not to think about it," he said. "You have to trick your brain. I could go around thinking about that all the time and sit at home and be miserable and think I'm unlucky and so on.
"It's easy to end up in that position. But no, see the positive sides of things and don't bury yourself in setbacks, because this is the biggest setback of them all of course."
The former sporting director explained that he was running five kilometers before he went to hospital and "collapsed and fainted".
"I'm not in any major pain. But I've been diagnosed with a disease that you can slow down but you cannot operate. So it is what it is," he added.
From 2001 to 2006, Sven-Goran coached the "golden generation" of footballers, including the likes of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511009/sven-goran-eriksson-reveals-cancer-diagnosis/
| 2024-01-11T10:13:19Z
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We love a good detective series, especially when it comes with an incredible cast and gripping storyline – and the BBC's latest offering has both! The upcoming six-part series, titled Ludwig, stars Peep Show's David Mitchell as the titular John 'Ludwig' Taylor, who assumes the identity of his missing identical twin brother, DCI James Taylor, in an attempt to find him.
David stars alongside Line of Duty's Anna Maxwell Martin, who plays John's sister-in-law, and Boiling Point actress Izuka Hoyle. Intrigued? Keep reading for all you need to know about the upcoming series.
Filming is currently underway on the new drama, which the BBC has described as "genre-bending".
So, what exactly is the series about? The full synopsis reads: "When John 'Ludwig' Taylor's identical twin, James, disappears off the face of the earth, John takes over his brother's identity in a quest to discover his whereabouts. John has never married, never had a family and never really ventured further than his own front door. Without a computer, mobile phone or even a television, he lives in quiet solitude, designing puzzles for a living, under the nom-de-plume of 'Ludwig'.
"However, filling the shoes of your identical twin is one thing - when your twin also happens to be a successful DCI leading Cambridge's busy inner-city major crimes team the stakes are much higher. John may be a master of all things cryptic, but can he crack the biggest puzzle of his life?"
On starring in the series, David said: "I'm delighted to be working in a genre of television that I have loved ever since, at the age of 10, I started watching the Miss Marple adaptations, starring Joan Hickson, with my parents. Sometimes the only thing that can bring the whole family together is murder."
Appearing alongside David, Anna and Izuka are Dorothy Atkinson (The Gold), Dipo Ola (Landscapers), Gerran Howell (Suspicion), and Dylan Hughes (Malory Towers).
The upcoming series, which comes from Big Talk Studios in association with That Mitchell And Webb Company production, is written and created by Mark Brotherhood, who is known for his work on Mount Pleasant, Shameless and Benidorm.
Serving as executive producers alongside Mark and David are Kenton Allen, Saurabh Kakkar, Kathryn O'Connor and Chris Sussman, while Georgie Fallon is the show's producer.
At the helm as directors are Robert McKillop (Guilt, Clique), and Jill Robertson (The Diplomat).
Ludwig isn't the only new BBC drama fans can look forward to, the broadcaster is releasing plenty of amazing shows in the coming months, including Blue Lights series two and the new series of Doctor Who with Ncuti Gatwa in the lead.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511008/line-of-duty-boiling-point-stars-team-up-bbc-drama-ludwig/
| 2024-01-11T10:13:25Z
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As a new mum – or a parent of any age - it's hard to find time to exercise. You're likely spinning lots of plates on little sleep, and there's a tiny person who needs you.
It's a plight HELLO!'s homes editor Rachel Avery knows all too well. Her little one is seven weeks old and she shared that during her 20-minute workout this morning, she needed to pause twice to tend to her baby.
It's not just newborns that are a barrier when it comes to mums working out, though. "As a parent you are responsible for the logistics of more people, and with this comes scheduling constraints," says personal trainer Nicole Chapman. "You may have limited childcare available and lack of support or understanding of the mental and physical load of motherhood."
Exercise and mum guilt
Nicole explains that ‘mum guilt’ can enter the equation too. "It's a very natural feeling. You may feel guilty for going to work, so when you aren't working you think all the time should be spent with your children, or you may feel judged if you take time away from the kids."
Our changing bodies
Nicole explains that not being used to your new body can act as a barrier to postnatal exercise. "As a new mum, what is often not considered is that it is normal to feel a disconnection to your body postpartum.
"Combine this with feeling sleep-deprived and overwhelmed and you might feel less attractive and even a sense of loss of identity. Stretch marks, weakness in your pelvic floor, leaking nipples and a body that still looks pregnant once you have given birth. You have a right to not feel sexy!" Nicole laments.
"Take each day at a time, understand that these feelings are ok and might even stem from unrealistically high beauty standards we've had to navigate through our whole lives, and that impact on our mindset.
"Knowing that this is normal can in itself power you up to change that mindset to have a new respect for your body and admiration for all it has done for you and your baby."
DISCOVER: I’m a personal trainer and here’s how to reset your approach to exercise
If you are looking to get back into exercise, Nicole has some stellar advice.
1. Focus on new goals
"Focus on non-aesthetic goals when it comes to working out," Nicole suggests. "Find something you enjoy and celebrate the wins along the way as you get fitter and stronger."
Of her own goals, Nicole says: "I no longer chase a figure on a scale – I chase personal bests. I set myself goals and challenge myself and everything else falls into place. It can be very easy to forget yourself through motherhood, so please remember that you are important too.
2. Keep it consistent
Consistency is key and if you can establish an achievable weekly routine, with balanced healthy eating, you will hit your weight loss and fitness goals, advises Nicole. "Patience will be your best friend."
Routine is important if you are struggling to find time to exercise, says Nicole. "Put it in your diary as a meeting. Establish healthy habits and goals that fit into your lifestyle - do not change your life to fit them if it doesn’t make you truly happy."
READ: Brain fog? Try this super simple way to clear it
If a lack of time is keeping you from working out, remember that even just 10 minutes of movement a day can be a total game changer for energy, mood and fitness.
Nicole explains that studies show that the intensity of the workout doesn’t dictate the benefits it has on your mood, so with this in mind, you can choose the physical activity based on your energy levels, time and present mood to support you best mentally as opposed to assuming HIIT being the answer, when indeed a walk in fresh air may be just what the doctor ordered.
"By adapting to what best serves you, you are more likely to build regular activity into your week in a way that is maintainable," she adds.
3. Remember exercise is self-care
Self-care doesn't have to mean soaking in the bath, it can equate to prioritising yourself, in whichever way you need that day.
"Recognise this and put yourself back on the priority list. You cannot pour from an empty cup!" implores Nicole.
DISCOVER: I went for a walk every day - here's what it did to my stress levels
"Finding the time for yourself, feeling the independence and knowing you're exercising for you, your body and your mind will see your family reap the benefits also. You'll be a mum with renewed energy and a boost of confidence that exercise brings."
Nicole adds that you'll likely feel like a better parent if you make time for yourself to work out, explaining: "Through fitness you can build a body you fall in love with, grow your confidence and increase your energy so you’re fit enough to meet the demands of motherhood, be it playing with the kids, jumping on a trampoline or completing a physical challenge you thought was unattainable.
"Exercise can give a sense of fulfilment away from motherhood or career achievements. Transforming your physical and mental health so you can bring the best of you into each and every day – which is rather empowering."
4. Ask for help
"Ask for help when you need it and communicate with your partner or support network," advises Nicole. "We often feel the need to juggle it all without asking for help. But by having support and getting that time for yourself, your family will benefit from a happier, heathier mum."
Nicole Chapman is the creator of the 6-week online workout programme, Power of Mum, designed to empower women to be fitter and stronger in body and mind, through strength training and metabolic conditioning. Her next programme starts 19 February 2024.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511012/exercise-new-mum-guilt/
| 2024-01-11T10:13:31Z
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Crown Prince Frederik only learned of his mother Queen Margrethe's plans to abdicate just three days before her surprise announcement in her New Year's address.
A spokesperson from the royal palace confirmed to Danish newspaper Berlingske that the queen informed both her sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, about her decision on 28 December.
Frederik will be proclaimed King from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on Sunday 14 January, following his mother's formal abdication at the Council of State.
From then he will be known as King Frederik X, while his wife Crown Princess Mary will become Queen.
Frederik was just three years old when Margrethe ascended the throne on 14 January 1972.
It will be the first time such an abdication has occurred in the Danish monarchy's history in nearly 900 years, the last being when Eric III Lam stepped down in 1146.
Royal reporter Wim Dehandschutter previously told HELLO!: "I was very surprised by the announcement of her abdication. I interviewed Queen Margrethe in 2017 and I asked her about voluntary abdication, because we've had several in Europe, in the Netherlands, where it's tradition, and in my country, Belgium, and also in Spain.
"She gave the predictable answer at that time, she told me 'In this country, we haven't gone in for that way of handing over. It's always been you stay for as long as you live and that's the way I see it too.' At that moment, I didn't think it was a special answer because it was in line with expectations, it was believed that Margrethe would remain on the throne until her death."
In her New Year's address, Margrethe alluded that one of the reasons for her decision to abdicate was down to health issues.
She said: "In February [2023] I underwent extensive back surgery. It went well, thanks to the skilled healthcare staff who took care of me. Of course, the operation also gave rise to thinking about the future - whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation."
While Prince Joachim will return to Denmark from the US for Crown Prince Frederik's accession, his wife, Princess Marie and their children, Count Henrik and Countess Athena, will not be travelling with him. The family currently reside in Washington D.C. where Joachim works as an attaché to the Ministry of Defence.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511010/queen-margrethe-told-prince-frederik-abdication-three-days-before-announcement/
| 2024-01-11T10:13:37Z
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Before marrying Meghan Markle and developing a close bond with his mother-in-law Doria Ragland, Prince Harry formed a close relationship with his ex Chelsy Davy's family. The Duke of Sussex, 39, dated the Aya jewellery designer, 38, for seven years, during which time he was invited to Cape Town in South Africa to meet her parents. While this can be a daunting relationship milestone for any couple – not to mention if royalty is involved – Harry had nothing but fond memories of their meeting, admitting they were "impossible not to like."
He explained in his book Spare: "[I] liked them instantly. They were impossible not to like. They enjoyed funny stories, gin and tonics, good food, stalking. Her father was bear-sized, broad-shouldered, cuddly, but also a definite alpha. Her mother was petite, an amazing listener, and a frequent bestower of epic hugs." The Duke went on to comment on his future with Chelsy, even going as far as thinking about what his life would be like if her family were his "in-laws." He continued: "I didn’t know what the future held, I didn’t want to put any carts before any horses, but I thought: If you designed in-laws from the ground up, you couldn’t do much better than these guys."
However, one crucial hurdle in their relationship was the press intrusion, which Chelsy later admitted she struggled with. "I advised Chelsy to treat it like a chronic illness, something to be managed. But she wasn’t sure she wanted to have a chronic illness," he wrote regarding their early relationship, adding: "You get used to it, I lied. Thereafter, I put the chances at fifty-fifty, maybe sixty-forty, I’d ever see Chels again. Odds were, the press would cost me another person I cared about."
They continued dating for six years, with Harry gushing that Chelsy was down-to-earth and unapologetically herself – something that set her apart from the crowds. "She wasn't visibly fitting herself for a crown the moment she shook my hand," he said.
However, that ultimately came to worry him when he considered the long-term ramifications, as he didn't want her to have to change to conform to royal standards. When asked if he saw himself marrying Chelsy, he replied: "She wore short skirts and high boots, danced with abandon, drank as much tequila as I did, and I cherished all those things about her… but I couldn't help worrying how Granny might feel about them. Or the British public. And the last thing I wanted was for Chels to change to accommodate them."
In 2011, it all came to a head with Chelsy wanting more privacy and Harry spending so much time away from the UK after joining the army. According to Harry, they had "no choice" but to call it quits. "We had all the same problems, nothing had been solved. Also, Chels wanted to travel, have fun and be young, but I was once again on a path to war. I'd soon be shipping off. If we stayed together, we'd be lucky to see each other a handful of times over the next two years, and that was no kind of relationship... Goodbye Chels."
Even before marrying Meghan Markle in 2018 – an event that Chelsy attended – Prince Harry has made his bond with his now-mother-in-law Doria no secret. He sweetly described her as "amazing" during their engagement interview in 2017! On the subject of their early relationship, she said: "I'm sure the onset, both my parents and my close friends were concerned, because we got very quickly swept up in a media storm that, as I shared, was not part of my life before that, but they also had never seen me so happy," she said of the start of their relationship.
"And I think also once my friends - excuse me, were able to - to really meet Harry, and my mum, who we've spent a lot of time with, who is so much fun." Prince Harry interjected: "Her mum's amazing."
MORE: Prince Harry's closest family members as revealed in Spare
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511023/prince-harry-reveals-real-thoughts-chelsy-davy-in-laws-rare-confession/
| 2024-01-11T11:45:26Z
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Strictly star Dianne Buswell sparked a fan reaction on Thursday with a romantic beach photo featuring her beau, Joe Sugg.
In the snapshot, which was shared to Instagram, the flame-haired dancer is pictured lying on the sandy shore soaking up the sunshine alongside boyfriend Joe. The duo looked totally smitten, with YouTuber Joe, 32, reaching down to plant a kiss on Dianne's head.
For the romantic beach trip, Dianne, 34, dressed down in a coral top, large round sunglasses and gold drop earrings. Joe, meanwhile, looked beach-ready wearing a pair of clear sunnies and a silver chain pendant.
Elsewhere, Dianne, who recently returned home from her native Australia, uploaded several family pictures featuring her adorable niece Zofia and a breathtaking video of her loved ones basking in a golden sunset.
"Losing our tans by the day [teary emoji] can't believe it's already been a week of being home [heart emoji] also my camera roll is mostly Joe and Zofia just being best buddies and it's ever so cute" Dianne gushed in her caption.
Awestruck fans immediately flocked to the comments section to share their thoughts, with a handful of followers racing to heap praise on the pair's relationship. One commented: "Awww you two are just the cutest", while another penned: "Aww these are gorgeous pics, miss the Australian content but sooo ready for tout content".
A third remarked: "Making such lovely memories, another gorgeous picture of you and Joe" and a fourth added: "@diannebuswell you two are soulmates".
Lovebirds Joe and Dianne have been going from strength to strength ever since they first crossed paths on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. They took their relationship to the next level back in the summer of 2023 when they exchanged their countryside bolthole for a gorgeous mansion in Sussex. Take a look at their property in the video below...
Whilst the couple adored their former country home in Sussex, Joe admitted: "We loved the last place, but it was a project, it was a big project. We haven't got the time to take on such a big project, so we found this place, we absolutely fell in love with it and now we are here."
Their sprawling property, which they reportedly snapped up for a staggering £3.5 million, is a real feast for the eyes. Sizing up from their previous property, Joe and Dianne's new home boasts 7,741 square feet and includes five bathrooms, six reception rooms, a double staircase, an open plan kitchen and lounge overlooking the huge garden, an indoor heated swimming pool and a gym.
Whilst the couple haven't yet given a full tour of their fabulous new abode, Dianne and Joe have taken to Instagram to share the odd photo. Speaking about her lavish dressing room, Dianne shared: "This is a really great-sized room for my dressing room. I do absolutely love it, it's just very white at the moment so I need to inject a bit of colour into it. There's a few finishing things, well, I say a few there's a lot of things I still need to do but it's going to get there, and everything takes time"
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511011/dianne-buswell-causes-stir-intimate-photo-boyfriend-joe-sugg/
| 2024-01-11T11:45:32Z
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Ellie Goulding and her husband Caspar Jopling have been pictured together during a date night in London's Leicester Square on Tuesday night. The surprise outing comes after months of being plagued by split rumours.
In a picture, obtained by The Sun, the couple were seen leaving the theatre after watching one of Ricky Gervais' comedy shows. Wrapped up in their winter coats and knitted hats, they appeared to be in relaxed spirits as they attempted to keep a low-profile.
Last year, it was reported Ellie, 37, and Caspar, 32, had been spending time apart due to their "hectic schedules". The rumours first emerged in July, with Ellie being spotted without her wedding rings weeks later. Her friendship with Tory peer Zac Goldsmith had raised eyebrows when they were pictured enjoying various outings together.
The singer has been married to art dealer Caspar since August 2019. They tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony at York Minster, which was attended by the likes of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom. The pair had been dating since 2017 and announced their engagement in The Times in August 2018.
"I get to spend the rest of my life with this truly extraordinary and beautiful, beautiful person," Casper later wrote on social media after popping the question, "No one has ever made me feel more full of life, knowledge, happiness, or love. Hope, passion, confidence, and more love.
"There is no one I have ever been more complete with and there is no one I will ever feel more complete with. I look forward to a lifetime of exploring the world together, crying with laughter at stupid jokes, chatting into the early hours of the morning about art, music, the world, and the future. I love you Elena. And thank you to all of you that have sent such loving messages today."
Ellie and Casper have since become parents to their son, Arthur, whom they welcomed in April 2021. Casper was the one to reveal their baby had arrived, sharing a photo of a bouquet of flowers on Instagram Stories, and writing: "Mum and baby both healthy and happy :) Extremely grateful."
He added: "I don't ever address the public attention that comes with Ellie's job, but during this magical and personal moment we would really appreciate being able to enjoy our privacy - Thank you x."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511031/ellie-goulding-husband-caspar-jopling-surprise-date-night-london/
| 2024-01-11T11:45:38Z
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Queen Letizia made her second outing in 24 hours when she stepped out for a visit, this time alongside her husband King Felipe, to the CEIP Gumersindo Azcárate School in Leon, Spain. The Queen, 51, looked so elegant as she entered the school grounds wearing a stunning wool cream longline formal coat by & Other Stories with a built-in waist tie to create a cinched silhouette. She was photographed with her husband in a classroom where she had taken her coat off to reveal a super stylish outfit that blended smart and casual to perfection.
The royal styled a pair of chic wide-leg checked trousers in grey by Massimo Dutti with a royal blue fine knit jumper with a rounded neck. She added a tan leather belt with gold hardware which cinched her trousers in at the waist to add structure to the wide-leg fit and teamed the outfit with a pair of taupe suede boots by Magrit. She was also seen carrying a timeless leather crossbody bag in tan by Massimo Dutti which tied in nicely with the belt.
The Queen wore her hair in a casual style - a simple straight blow dry and tucked one side behind her ear to reveal a pair of stunning earrings, the ‘Sasa Crawler’ tanzanite style by Gold & Roses. Her daughter Princess Leonor, 18, has been known to wear the same pair dangling vertically but Letizia added a modern touch by twisting the earrings so they laid horizontally to look like an ear cuff. Her husband looked smart in a charcoal two-piece suit with a cornflower blue shirt and a pink satin tie.
The royal couple visited the CEIP Gumersindo Azcárate School in Leon to award them with the Princess of Girona School of the Year Prize. The school sets out to provide education with diversity, integration, and purposeful technological development at its core. The centre also features an ecological school garden and is involved in the Erasmus + Project which promotes teacher mobility abroad to broaden horizons. It also seeks to promote the acquisition of the English language as a means of communication and a way to secure equal opportunities.
The royals visited the school's library and were offered a tour of the Biblioteca 2030, a space that promotes the love of reading, by teacher Ana Belén Montiel. During their visit, Felipe and Letizia were also able to meet the adorable four and five-year-olds attending the school who were undertaking mathematic activities and held a meeting with non-teaching staff from the centre and young people from Generation Teachers.
Their Majesties stepped outside for a tour of the facility's nature classroom and later headed into the school pavilion to preside over the award ceremony for the 2022 school year alongside the president of the Princess of Girona Foundation, Francisco Belill. The school was awarded the special prize for "the uniqueness in the humanistic use of technology" and for its commitment to a "diverse coexistence focused on positively impacting its environment."
DISCOVER: Queen Letizia stuns in super cinched dress and knee-high boots
Queen Letizia stepped out just one day prior for an important visit in another elegant outfit. The mother-of-two was seen at the central headquarters of the Association for the Prevention, Reintegration, and Care of Prostituted Women (APRAMP) in Madrid on Tuesday wearing a longline black coat by Carolina Herrera over a red tweed jacket which had been crafted by female victims of trafficking under APRAMP and a pair of black culottes.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/511013/queen-letizia-wows-waist-cinching-trousers-gorgeous-boots-king-felipe/
| 2024-01-11T11:45:44Z
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Simon Cowell and his fiancée Lauren Silverman stepped out for a rare public outing in London on Wednesday evening to support the music mogul's America's Got Talent co-star, Sofia Vergara, for a VIP screening of her upcoming Netflix series, Griselda.
The Syco boss, 64, and his fiancée, 46, were dressed to the nines for the glitzy night out and, at one point, Simon braved the cold in just a grey T-shirt showing off his physique and impressive tan.
Another snap showed the couple smiling for photographers before heading into the screening to watch the show alongside other celebrity guests including the leading star herself, Sofia, who looked stunning in a one-shoulder floor-length black gown, and statement gold earrings.
Simon's fiancée, Lauren, with whom he shares ten-year-old son, Eric, looked incredible in a daringly sheer brown dress with ruched detailing at the centre. The 46-year-old paired her gorgeous gown with a matching woven-detail clutch and brown croc-effect court shoes. The pair were also photographed inside the exclusive May Fair Hotel, smiling alongside Sofia and other guests.
The Colombian actress plays Griselda Blanco, a savvy and ambitious mother-of-three who becomes a ruthless and ambitious boss of a growing drug empire. The show will land on Netflix on 24 January and also stars Karol G and Vanessa Ferlito.
Meanwhile, Simon looked in great spirits alongside Lauren, whom he proposed to in Barbados in 2021. The former X-Factor creator and businessman has stepped back from his hugely demanding career and busy schedule in recent years to focus on his family instead.
This was further emphasised when he suffered a health scare in 2020 after falling from his electric bike while riding it on the grounds of his huge home in Miami. Simon broke his back in three different places and underwent surgery to have a metal rod implement in his spine.
MORE: Simon Cowell bravely discusses couple's therapy with fiancée Lauren
MORE: Simon Cowell shares news after fleeing London home and making confession about health
Not only did Simon face health troubles, but he and his family packed up their £45 million London home and fled for the States permanently after their stunning abode on Holland Park was targeted by burglars while Lauren, Simon and their son Eric, were sleeping. The move left Simon in "constant" fear. Over £1 million worth of jewellery was taken from their home.
The terrifying burglary and the serious operation led Simon to undertake therapy to cope. The Britian's Got Talent star told the Mirror: "That's when I thought, 'You know what? I've kind of looked after my body through diet, and exercise, pretty well over the years, but what have I done about my brain and my mind?'"
He added: "The answer is nothing and now's the time to do it. So, it was almost like my head going to the gym… I made the appointment and I sat down, really embarrassed and I said, 'Look, I just don't know where to start.' But within about 20 minutes it was as if I'd known him for 10, 20 years."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/511026/bronzed-simon-cowell-flashes-beaming-smile-during-rare-outing-with-fiancee-lauren-silverman/
| 2024-01-11T11:45:51Z
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I find pinpointing the exact origin of my troubles challenging as, in retrospect, it seems that my desire to avoid and numb were at play long before discovering the substances.
Like many others, I experienced childhood traumas, (big and small) that left me with a sense of not being good enough, a feeling of being different from my peers and a profound lack of safety.
I was introduced to alcohol and drugs during my adolescent years, around 14. Initially, it followed the typical rebellious behaviour of drinking cider in parks and at house parties. However, my lightweight tolerance and aversion to hangovers led me to marijuana which provided a means to disconnect without the unpleasant aftermath of alcohol and after that I became willing to try anything I was offered.
What began as innocent experimentation quickly morphed into something darker. I found myself prioritising getting high with my so-called friends over engaging in life.
By the time I reached Year 11 and faced mock GCSEs, the consequences of my choices became evident as academic failure loomed. This served as a wake-up call, prompting me to temporarily put a halt to substance use and focus on passing exams. However, the void remained, leading me to heavy drinking at pubs every weekend.
Feelings of not fitting in, a discomfort in my own skin, and a constant sense of inadequacy persisted. The only respite came when I had a few drinks in me, providing a fleeting sense of ease.
Over the following decade, my struggles manifested in various forms, from substance use to impulsive behaviours like unplanned shopping sprees – all driven by the need to escape, numb, and fill an internal void.
Reaching rock bottom
The first stark realisation of the severity of my situation occurred in 2011, when my youngest daughter was hospitalised with a severe bronchial infection at just four months old. Despite this crisis and her need for me to be present, I couldn’t handle the overwhelming feelings that came with it and regularly sought refuge on the hospital roof to get high. It took several failed attempts and another 11 years before I mustered the courage to seek the help I desperately needed.
Reflecting on this journey, I know that reaching my rock bottom was necessary for my recovery and while I could regret the time lost, I recognise that it shaped me into the person I am today.
READ: I quit alcohol 3 months ago - and the results were not what I expected
A functioning addict
It seemed like I was holding it all together. I was a functioning addict. I was a single mum, earnestly raising my two daughters, managing my own massage practice that provided enough for us to live on and continually further my professional development.
However, behind the scenes, the relentless grip of the constant drug use was slowly destroying me. The most noticeable casualties were my self-esteem, self-respect and confidence. Substance use disorder is a sly enemy, quietly and consistently working to isolate you from the world.
My desire to experience life slipped away with every high day. It became a daily struggle to reconcile the front I presented to the world with the internal chaos I was battling.
The once vibrant, courageous and energetic person became an empty, fearful shell of a woman, desperately clinging to any semblance of normality.
Making a change
Life had become an exhausting, monotonous cycle and I reached a point where I was existing and fighting to survive mentally rather than truly living.
Each day felt like a repeat of the last and the prospect of waking up became a source of dread. As my eyes opened, the first thought that would cross my mind would be: 'Oh no, not this again.' followed by the desperate search for something to numb the overwhelming sadness, frustration, and despondency.
INSPIRATION: I totally changed my life in 30 days - here’s how
The turning point arrived when I found myself sinking into a darkness so profound that I started wishing for an end to it all.
I began daydreaming about buying a one-way ticket to a distant place, packing a bag, and leaving behind a note for my mother and daughters, explaining that I couldn't bear it any longer.
The thought of disappearing in the middle of the night, without a phone or any means of being found or contacted, not only appealed greatly but also haunted me, surely this wasn’t normal. How come other people could live life without getting high but I couldn’t? What was wrong with me?
It was in that dark moment of despair that I realised a change was imperative for my survival. The depths of hopelessness and the dangerous fantasies of escape made it clear that I could no longer ignore the urgent need to confront my demons and ask for help.
READ: Ask a life coach: How can I cut back on drinking?
It was a profound awakening, a realisation that I couldn't continue down this self-destructive path and potentially really mess up my daughters' lives before they had really begun or I could do something to help myself.
The yearning for a better life, coupled with the fear of succumbing to the dark thoughts became the driving force behind my decision to make a change.
Turning my life around
I've always wanted to help stop people from suffering and help them feel better and I built a career as a remedial massage therapist, Reiki healer and business coach and mentor. It was a source of genuine happiness, providing me with a sense of purpose and worth.
While I thrived in my role, there was a subtle conflict niggling away at me. Despite the outward appearance of health, wellness and contentment, I grappled with a persistent feeling of being a fraud. I knew that I wasn't being totally honest and authentic and this internal struggle created a complex dynamic in my professional life which stopped me from living up to my potential, or so I kept telling myself.
One of the challenges I faced was that my work as a healer became the sole source of my sense of worth.
I became dependent on the positive feedback and transformation I facilitated in others to validate my own value and self-esteem. And this dependence proved to be an unhealthy foundation. Behind the facade of portraying everything being good with me and living my best life, I harboured a strong sense of unworthiness and brokenness.
In essence, my career, while fulfilling and purposeful on the surface, became a double-edged sword. It illuminated the positive impact I could make on others but also highlighted the unhealthy and empty life I was experiencing.
When I started training to become a coach in 2018. I believe that this was not only because I was ready to grow and expand my career and my business. My intuition tells me that I was also starting to look for ways in which I could help myself and I feel that this was the beginning of my recovery journey.
Retraining as a recovery coach
As the fog of intoxication cleared, a profound realisation dawned upon me.
My entire life suddenly made total sense. Everything I had studied, practised, and learned had been leading me to this pivotal moment. The desire to help people live happier, healthier and more vibrant lives which had been the driving force of my career all along could be fulfilled in using all of my skills, qualifications and compassion to support others recovering from substance or behavioural use disorders.
NEED TO KNOW: What are limiting beliefs and why are they stopping you from feeling happy?
My experience in rehab, witnessing the beginning of people's journeys, lit a fire within me. I felt a deep calling to assist individuals who had bravely carved out a second chance for themselves and to provide them with the tools and strategies to confront challenges head-on, instilling in them the confidence to navigate whatever obstacles came their way.
My mission was to guide them in turning what had been a mere existence into a life they eagerly anticipated each day, and in those times where they didn’t eagerly anticipate, because life does like to throw some curveballs here and there, empowering them to know they could handle whatever it may bring.
Helping others out of darkness
Having experienced first-hand what merely existing feels like, dedicating my time and energy to support and guide others towards a life they look forward to and want to run towards brings me a profound sense of purpose.
Witnessing individuals fall in love with themselves in a healthy way is a magical journey. To see them blossom and cultivate a sincere sense of self-esteem that empowers them to step into their lives, is a real privilege that I cherish.
What truly lights up my days is hearing the stories of where my clients take their journey once free of addiction. Witnessing them take the second chance of life they have created for themselves and turn it into something, seeing them start to stand up for emotional and physical wellbeing, and recognising and valuing their worth as beautiful human beings, is the most rewarding aspect of being a recovery coach.
DISCOVER: I'm about to turn 40 - this is how I'm tackling my midlife crisis
Happiness for me
I used to believe that every day needed to be filled with a constant state of happiness, and that notion that left me trapped in a cycle of fear. I feared that the uncomfortable times would never end and when life was good, I lived in fear of its inevitable departure because nothing lasts forever.
Describing what a happy life looks like is tricky for me because joy comes from so many sources. It's in the simple moments, such as spending time with my daughters, exploring the world together whether that's walking the dog, going on day trips or travelling further afield. It's gazing out across a stunning view, be it the expanse of the sea or the beauty of trees swaying in the wind.
True happiness, to me, also involves connections with others. It's about feeling the freedom to be vulnerable and honest about what's happening in my life, and being a safe space for someone else to do the same.
Most importantly, happiness is rooted in the knowledge that I can handle life as it comes. It's the understanding that I'm making the most of each day and the hope that my actions will contribute positively to the world. In embracing the impermanence of happiness, I've found a deeper appreciation for the beauty in both the ups and downs of life.
Still, not every day is a picturesque scene filled with sunshine and the joys of spring. Some days require a bit more effort than others and now, I am confident in my ability to navigate through them.
I have learned to be okay with surrendering to a day that doesn't bring the most uplifting emotions. I've learned to accept that emotions come and go. Instead of fearing that they'll linger forever or vanish completely, I'm able to embrace their constant motion.
In a peculiar way, I almost find gratitude for my past struggles with the drink and the drugs. Without them, I might never have discovered the beautifully imperfect life I have today.
Find out more about Elizabeth's work as a recovery coach and follow her on Instagram @theempowermentwarrior
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511028/elizabeth-walker-addiction-happiness/
| 2024-01-11T11:45:57Z
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Since welcoming their bundle of joy, Lyra Rose, in July, Janette Marara and Aljaz Skorjanec have been delighting followers with updates from their firstborn. On Wednesday, in an adorable new photo, little Lyra sparked a slew of comments from fans due to her incredible family resemblance to her dancer dad.
The infant was pictured having a snuggle with former Strictly star Sara Davies, who visited the couple's family home in Cheshire for dinner. The five-month-old donned an immaculate white outfit - a beautiful babygrow adorned with a silver swan, complete with a tutu skirt, grey tights, and white shoes complete with satin bows. She even had a white headband adorned with a matching bow.
"We had a friend visit us tonight," penned Janette alongside a white love heart emoji.
Friends and fans couldn't get enough of the adorable photo. "She looks so like her daddy in that photo," one fan wrote alongside a red love heart emoji. A second added: "This is so precious I might cry [relevant emojis]." Meanwhile, a third penned: "Such a beautiful and happy girl."
As well as the photo with Sara, Janette and Aljaz were also captured posing with their little one and friend. Lyra had changed out of her beautiful white ensemble and opted for a cosier outfit, which was adorned with a vibrant yellow duck.
Janette and Aljaz revealed the news their little girl arrived safely with a touching photo from the hospital on 29 July 2023. "Lyra Rose is here!!!!," penned the proud mother, alongside two red love heart and rose emojis.
The parenting duo were beaming in the snap, with mum Janette cradling their little girl, meanwhile, hands-on dad Aljaz was behind his girls with his arms around the hospital bed.
Ahead of Lyra's arrival, the couple opened up about their journey with IVF before conceiving naturally.
"We were preparing for IVF mentally and physically and then it was just a relief to finally have that positive test. I have so much respect for any parent that goes through IVF, not just for what it puts them through physically but mentally too."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511020/strictlys-janette-manraras-daughter-lyra-looks-so-much-like-daddy-aljaz-in-adorable-at-home-photo/
| 2024-01-11T11:46:03Z
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When it comes to naming a new pet in the family, it seems owners are thinking very alike as new research has shown that the top cat and dog names for 2023 were the same!
The study by Pets at Home's VIP Puppy & Kitten Club reveals that we are influenced by pop culture and entertainment when choosing a name for our beloved pooches and moggies.
So which name claimed the top spot?
The 'Luna' fascination continues as this moniker was the most popular cat and dog name in 2023, for the fourth year in a row, likely influenced by the Harry Potter character Luna Lovegood.
Milo and Simba are in the second and third spots for cat names, while Teddy and Milo are the next top most popular dog names – Milo a clear favourite for both.
Other names on the rise but not in the top ten are 'Bambi' – following the birth of Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury’s daughter with the cute Disney name.
'Wednesday' from Netflix's Addams Family series is another new favourite, as is 'Bluey' inspired by the popular children's show and 'Margot' after Margot Robbie from the Barbie movie. And 'Grady' in tribute to dog lover Paul O'Grady is also gaining popularity.
Dr Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets at Home, said: "While there are no rules around what to call your pet, it is good to make sure it doesn't sound similar to anyone else living in the home as it could be confusing for them.
"Opting for brief, endearing, and easily distinguishable names will undoubtedly enhance your chances of a prompt response when summoning your puppy or kitten.
"Research even suggests that pets tend to respond best to one or two syllable names, making it easier for them to recognise and remember."
Top cat names 2023
1) Luna - meaning ‘moon’ in Latin
2) Milo - of German origin meaning ‘soldier’ or ‘merciful’
3) Simba - of Swahili origin, meaning lion
4) Bella - meaning ‘beautiful’ in Italian
5) Nala – of African origin, meaning success
6) Coco – a shorter version of the name Soccoro
7) Oreo – after the popular American chocolate biscuit
8) Willow – meaning ‘willow tree’ and ‘freedom’
9) Kitty – a shortening of the word cat
10) Loki – primarily a male name of Scandinavian origin that means Trickster god
Top dog names 2023
1) Luna - meaning ‘moon’ in Latin
2) Teddy - meaning ‘wealthy protector’, ‘brave people’, or ‘God's gift’
3) Milo - of German origin meaning ‘soldier’ or ‘merciful’
4) Lola – a short form of the Spanish name Dolores, meaning ‘sorrows’
5) Coco - a shorter version of the name, Soccoro
6) Daisy – a flower symbolising ‘innocence’ and purity’
7) Poppy – of Latin origin meaning ‘red flower’
8) Buddy – a ‘friend’
9) Bailey – meaning ‘berry clearing’
10) Willow - meaning ‘willow tree’ and ‘freedom’
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511022/top-cat-dog-pet-names-2023/
| 2024-01-11T11:46:09Z
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Arguably the coolest Beckham family member, Harper Seven is growing up quicker than quick and is turning into an ‘It’ girl before our eyes.
I guess it’s kind of a given that if your mum is Posh Spice and your dad is David Beckham, your genetics are scientifically designed to be stylish, not to mention having Nicola Peltz Beckham as your sister-in-law. The youngest Beckham and only girl out of Victoria and David's four children isn’t letting the household boy energy stop her from living her best girl-coded life.
MORE: Victoria Beckham is making cropped trousers 2024’s chicest tailoring trend
RELATED: Victoria Beckham praises Nicola Peltz's 'major wedge' fashion in sweet birthday tribute
The 12-year-old took to her mum's TikTok account yesterday, taking the account 2.3 million followers in a day in her life getting ready for the premiere of her dad's Netflix documentary, Beckham, back in October of last year. Harper donned the most perfect custom VB pastel pink gown, which her mum made exclusively for her. Harper showed off the dress in the video saying “I’m wearing my Victoria Beckham pastel pink dress.” The soon-to-be style-maven paired the blush pink midi dress with a VB Mini Chain bag in the same hue, creating the most enviable girlcore look.
Aside from the certifiably stunning outfit, Harper accessorised her look with a simple diamond-encrusted gold “H” necklace, proving that personalised pendants are very much still trending.
The video caption which was written by Victoria explains how much she adores the one-of-a-kind dress “I designed this exclusive Midi Cami Dress with #HarperSeven to wear at my #VBSS24 runway show in Paris!! I love the colour and how simple, yet elegant the silhouette is, paired with my Mini #VBChain. Kisses xx”
Although the blush pink number isn’t available for purchase, Victoria mentioned that an ivory hue of the same silhouette is available to shop at “VictoriaBeckham.com and at 36 Dover Street” the same dress Harper wore to attend the Victoria Beckham SS24 show in Paris, late last September.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/fashion-trends/511019/harper-beckhams-personalised-necklace/
| 2024-01-11T11:46:15Z
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Jason Momoa has revealed that he "doesn't have a home" – just one day after settling his divorce from ex-wife, Lisa Bonet.
The Aquaman star, 44, and The Cosby Show actress, 56, announced their split in January 2022 after secretly separating on October 7, 2020. Lisa filed divorce papers on January 8, 2023, and just one day later the former couple amicably settled their divorce and reached a custody and financial agreement.
With Jason no longer living in the $3.5 million family abode in LA, he admitted on Wednesday that he has taken to a life on the road and no longer has a home to call his own.
"I don't even have a home right now," he told Entertainment Tonight, adding: "I live on the road."
Jason's nomad lifestyle is by choice, however, as he has been busy filming the docuseries, On the Roam, which sees him travel across the US meeting "extraordinary individuals blazing their own path", including artisans, musicians, and athletes.
Speaking about the show, the actor explained: "I'm always in these weird places. You're gonna find me on the road. It happens all the time. They're like, 'What the hell are you doing in our hometown?'"
He continued: "I love the idea of just being with everyday people and doing my craft, which is filming, and then showing them. And so, I think through doing that for so long, I got to be curious about it."
Jason is in no rush to find himself a permanent new base either as he'll soon be jetting off to New Zealand to film Minecraft, a live-action film based on the popular video game. "I hope everyone loves it," he said of the project.
Meanwhile, Jason and Lisa will soon both be legally single after court documents revealed their divorce will be finalized on July 9. In the documents, the former couple agreed to joint physical and legal custody of their daughter Lola, 16, and son, Nakoa-Wolf, 15, according to The Blast. They will also share the living expenses related to their children, without any formal child support payments.
The divorce was listed as "uncontested", and both Jason and Lisa have "waived the right" to seek or receive spousal support from one another.
The former couple shocked their fans when they shared news of their split in 2022. Posting a joint statement on social media, Lisa and Jason said that despite going their separate ways, "the love between us carries on".
The statement read: "We have all felt the squeeze and changes of these transformational times… A revolution is unfolding and our family is of no exception… feeling and growing from the seismic shifts occurring.
"We share our Family news that we are parting ways in marriage," they added. "The love between us carries on, evolving in ways it wishes to be known and lived. We free each other to be who we are learning to become."
They concluded. "Our devotion unwavering to this sacred life our children. Teaching our children what’s possible. Living the Prayer. May Love Prevail."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/511027/jason-momoa-doesnt-have-a-home-following-divorce-lisa-bonet/
| 2024-01-11T11:46:21Z
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Crown Princess Marie-Chantal's late father-in-law was in her thoughts on Wednesday as she attended a special service in New York in remembrance.
The childrenswear designer, 55, was unable to join her husband Crown Prince Pavlos at the private memorial service for King Constantine II in Tatoi, Greece.
But the mother-of-five shared an image as she and her two sons paid tribute on the first anniversary of Constantine's death.
"At the NY archdiocese and thinking of my dear father-in-law and grandfather to my children. 1 year already and so missed," she wrote in an Instagram Stories caption.
The Greek royal family primarily reside in New York but split their time between the Big Apple, London and Greece, where Pavlos' mother Queen Anne-Marie lives.
Crown Prince Pavlos shared a poignant photo of his late father Constantine sailing to mark the anniversary.
Constantine, the last King of the Hellenes, passed away at the age of 82 on 10 January 2023 after suffering from ill health for a number of years.
Pavlos was among the late King's close family to attend a private memorial service in Tatoi on Wednesday afternoon, where Constantine is laid to rest next to his parents, Crown Prince Paul and Crown Princess Frederica of Greece.
Andreas Megos revealed that the wreaths from family members, including Constantine's wife Queen Anne-Marie, as well as his children, grandchildren and his siblings, were placed on the tomb at the memorial service.
Constantine became King of Greece in 1964 following the death of his father, King Paul.
However, the military regime which ruled Greece at the time proclaimed a republic and abolished the Greek monarchy in 1973.
After living in London for several years, Constantine returned to Athens in 2013, where he resided until his death.
Crown Prince Pavlos is the current head of the Greek royal family. He married Marie-Chantal in 1995 and the couple share five children - Princess Maria-Olympia, Prince Constantine-Alexios, Prince Achileas-Andreas, Prince Odysseus-Kimon and Prince Aristidis-Stavros.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511030/why-princess-marie-chantal-missed-constantine-memorial-greece/
| 2024-01-11T11:46:27Z
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If you haven't yet set a New Year's resolution for 2024, ours is to explore more hidden corners and discover all the must-visit spots in London. January is notoriously glum, so why not brighten those blues and make some plans with your loved ones?
From vibey new restaurants to wholesome candlelit evenings, family-friendly things to do and romantic date night ideas, HELLO! writers have scoured the very best offerings in the capital this month.
Scroll on for the ultimate guide to things to do in London in January for a spectacular start to your new year.
MORE TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Best events and openings in London this month
From themed pop ups to red carpet premieres, family-friendly museums and more, keep reading to see which events the HELLO! team can't stop talking about this January.
Be blown away by a performance from Cirque du Soleil
Returning for another critically-acclaimed season at the Royal Albert Hall, Cirque du Soleil presents Alegria: In A New Light from 11 January - 3 March 2024.
I first had the privilege of watching Cirque du Soleil when I was eight years old, and the magic has never left me. As a young and budding performer I pledged I would join the circus after being mesmerised by the impossibly talented acrobatics and vibrant costumes. Two decades later, while I confirm I never lived out my dream of attending circus school, I can vouch that I rush back to watch Cirque du Soleil whenever it returns to London - and the experience is always equally as enchanting.
This year's spectacular promises to whisk audiences away to a mystical world sprinkled with visual poetry and acrobatic extravagance. With its Grammy-nominated soundtrack, mesmerising acrobatics, surreal costume designs, vibrant sets, and playful humour, Alegría: In a New Light unfolds a touching immersive experience filled with a joyous magical feeling – a quintessential Cirque du Soleil spectacle suitable for all the family.
Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
Enjoy a fun-filled evening at Everyman's Mean Girls: Super Fetch Party
What better way to watch the new Mean Girls movie than at Everyman's super fun party preview? Ahead of its UK release late this month, Everyman is bringing Mean Girls: Super Fetch Party to 31 of its venues nationwide, including at Everyman Broadgate in London on Wednesday 17 January.
It's time to 'Get in, loser' and enjoy a fun-filled evening of cocktails, popcorn and pink outfits. I don't know about you, but this event sounds so fetch!
But don't worry if you can't make the party preview, Mean Girls is released in the UK on 19 January and will be available to view in Everyman cinemas nationwide, where you swap your soft drink for a cocktail and kick back in luxury sofa seating whilst chomping on some delicious snacks.
London has many incredible museums that I’ve visited throughout the years alongside my young kids, so when I heard of the "first-of-its-kind" Balloon Museum coming to the city, I knew I had to take them.
The museum, located in the heart of the city, very close to Monument, is currently showing EmotionAir, a new group exhibition featuring 20 internationally acclaimed artists.
During our visit, we enjoyed discovering all the jaw-dropping oversized inflatable art – but of course, the boys' top moment had to be jumping into an enormous ball pit.
It really is an Instagrammer's heaven here, full of photo opportunities, for young ones and adults alike!
Prices are high, but if you’re in search of a fun, unique and unforgettable time in London – then this is it!
Best bars and restaurants to visit in London this month
From light bites to culinary delights, discover where HELLO! has been dining - and loving - this January.
Try out the newly reopened William IV
Look, I love London as much as anyone who lives here, but sometimes when you're heading out for a meal with a friend, you want to do it away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Thankfully, the newly reopened William IV in Kensal Rise is just the place to try. A short walk from Kensal Green tube line (accessible on either Bakerloo or Overground), the venue was the perfect spot for me and a pal to have a catch-up.
Starters are super-sized over here, with many designed to be sharing platters, which meant both me and my companion were able to sample the delicious buttermilk chicken, which comes with a selection of four different sauces, and the surprisingly ravishing carbonara croquettes. As for the main, I was blown away by the turkey schnitzel, while an apple and pear crumble managed to fill the right spot when it came to dessert. The wine was paired perfectly for the meal, and staff were incredibly friendly, helping guide us towards our final choices when it came to the meal.
With the pub only recently having reopened, we recommend beating the rush and getting there quick; we had plenty of space to chat but I predict it may soon be tough to even get a reservation.
Avoiding a dry Jan this year? Pavyllon has you covered with a month of events including the Bordeaux Wet January wine tasting dinner. I settled down in the upstairs private dining room and was wooed by the featured Château wines. Each glass was gorgeous and paired beautifully with the food. With the stories spun by my friendly sommelier along with the tasting notes, I felt like I’d been transported across the channel to France.
Ideal for both connoisseurs and newcomers, it's a fun, educational experience with no pretence, just great wine.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/511021/best-things-to-do-in-london-january-2024/
| 2024-01-11T11:46:33Z
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Ben Shephard has shared a new update on Kate Garraway with Good Morning Britain viewers. Appearing on Thursday's show, his first appearance since the death of his co-star's husband Derek Draper, the GMB host revealed how Kate and her children were coping.
Ben, a close friend of the family, told viewers: "It is the first time I have been on since sadly we heard of Derek's passing last Friday. I just thought it would be alright to, firstly, on Kate's behalf, say how she again reiterated what she said on Monday which is a huge thank you to everybody who sent her and her family a message."
He added: "She says she's sort of in a strange bubble of her own numbness of grief at the moment. She, Billy and Darcey are hunkering down together. Her amazing mum and dad have been with them who are just remarkable, so she's got all the right people around her."
Kate's husband Derek, a former political adviser, passed away at the age of 56 following several years of serious health complications inflicted by coronavirus. He had been critically ill following a heart attack in early December.
Confirming that Kate plans to return to work as soon as possible, Ben continued: "She wanted everybody to know she will be back when she can. They're in the next stages of what happens, there's a lot of admin to do when you lose somebody.
"In that brilliant way yesterday she said, 'I had to go out because I had to register the death', do the official things... So she said to Darcey, 'I'm going to have to go out to do this, I'm going to have to go out the house,' which is a big thing. And Darcey said, 'Mum, I know this is going to be really hard but can I make one suggestion, please?'
"'Can you take the Christmas jumper off and brush your hair?' And there's this brilliant moment where Kate just burst out laughing because as she said to me, the clocks stopped just before Christmas when Derek had that heart attack, and she's just starting to come out of that."
Earlier this week, Kate released a new statement via email, which was read out by GMB's Susanna Reid. She said: "Hello everyone. Thank you all so much for all the wonderful messages you have sent me. It really does mean so much to me, Darcey, Billy, and all of Derek's family.
"They are an extraordinary comfort, and I am so lucky to feel connected to you all through these messages at this time when the raw pain of grief can be so isolating.
"And that is the wonderful thing, isn't it, about our Good Morning Britain family - that all of us on the team and all of you watching from home are connected, supporting each other through the challenges of life."
The presenter, who is a mum to teenagers Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14, continued: "Knowing that we can also laugh at the fun and joys together that we share too.
"I am certain that it is the support you have given me and sent to Derek that has sustained us through these tough nearly 4 years, motivating us to fight on for each other and for those that can't fight for themselves. And it will sustain us to continue that fight in the weeks and months and years to come.
"I look forward to waking up with you very soon again on Good Morning Britain to celebrate life in all its wonder and challenge again. I hope you forgive me for taking some time to be at home. My family is so grateful we could be with our dearest Derek in his final moments, something not all get to share.
"Maybe you too are going through grief yourself, or have done in the past. I send love and support to you too. We are taking time to heal ourselves, now that Darcey and Billy know their Daddy is at peace and free from pain and struggle."
She signed off the message with: "I shall be thinking of you all until we are reunited very soon. In the meantime, hug your loved ones close - all my love, Kate."
Derek was first diagnosed with coronavirus back in 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital before returning home, where he received round-the-clock care from specialist nurses and his wife. The dad-of-two had been in and out of hospital since then for various reasons and in December 2023 was admitted after suffering a cardiac arrest.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511018/kate-garraway-numbness-grief-after-derek-draper-death-says-ben-shephard/
| 2024-01-11T11:54:13Z
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The EE BAFTA Rising Star Awards are special in their own right. Not only are they recognising incredible talent just starting to become stars in their own right, but it is also the only award that can be voted for by the public. With the exciting news that Phoebe Dynevor, Ayo Edebiri, Jacob Elordi, Mia Mckenna-Bruce and Sophie Wilde are the nominees this year, who has your vote? Find out more about them here…
Phoebe Dynevor
Known for: Bridgerton, Fair Play, Bank of Dave
The daughter of Coronation Street icon Sally Dynevor, it seems as though Phoebe was destined to become a star too! The 28-year-old British actress, who shot to fame with her role as Daphne Bridgerton in the hit Netflix period drama Bridgerton, recently showed her impressive range in the psychological thriller, Fair Play, where she plays a hedge fund analyst whose relationship begins to fail after she lands a promotion.
"To prepare for the role, I read a book called 'Hedge Funds for Dummies' because I had no idea what people in finance do on a daily basis," she explained to HELLO! and other reporters at the EE BAFTA Rising Star announcement. "I tried to highlight as much as I could then quickly realised that I would never get my head around it. So then moved on to getting the accent and rehearsing with Alden [Ehrenreich] which was the dream."
Speaking about finding out about her BAFTA nomination, Phoebe reveals that she was on a plane at the time. She explains: "I told my mum, and was so excited. Then I realised there were people around me and I was quiet, but it was too late!"
Mia Mckenna-Bruce
Known for: How to Have Sex, Persuasion
After making her start in shows including EastEnders and Holby City before becoming a star of CBBC’s Dumping Ground series, Mia has gone from strength to strength with her recent roles. Critics lauded the 26-year-old’s performance in How to Have Sex, where she played a teenager on her first party holiday, and you may have also spotted her as Anne’s infuriating (but hilarious) sister Mary in the Netflix Jane Austen adaptation, Persuasion.
Speaking about filming How to Have Sex, the British actress says: "We shot in Malia, on the strip! It was amazing! I went on holidays when I was younger so it was tapped back into 17-year-old Mia!"
She continues: "It was just incredible. I know it’s so cliche but we were literally a family shooting this movie. Everyone was so passionate about what we were doing, everyone turned up everyday so buzzing to be there the whole way through. We just had the best time."
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Sophie Wilde
Known for: Talk to Me, Everything Now
Sophie has been on our screens more and more recently, but her breakout performance has to be in the horror Talk to Me, where she plays a teenage girl toying with a hand that possesses you when you touch it - and it was down to rehearsals that the cast felt confident enough to act out the hauntings without feeling self-conscious.
"I did a film called Talk to Me," she says. "We had an amazing long rehearsal period and it was great, everyone played out each other’s possessions so no one would feel embarrassed about putting themselves in ridiculous situations!" She adds that it wasn’t too scary on set, and that the directors injected a "huge energy" to make things fun.
"They’re obsessed with Uno. They do this thing where you have to play Uno and if you lose, you have to do an embarrassing social dare. There were a lot of embarrassing social dares going on… It wasn’t me, I never lost! I’m really good at Uno! But my friend lost and when she met Sam [Jennings], the producer, she had to put mayonnaise on her hand, and go up and hold her hand."
Speaking about the nomination, the Australian actress adds: "When you get on a call and your entire team is on the call, that’s when you know it’s something big, because you’re like, 'Why would you all be on this call otherwise?!'"
Jacob Elordi
Known for: Saltburn, Euphoria, Priscilla
After making his start in the movie franchise The Kissing Booth before a star-making turn in Euphoria as Nate, Jacob had an incredible 2023 following the release of Saltburn and Priscilla, and it’s only going to get better!
The Australian actor has no less than six upcoming projects on the go, including Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein as The Monster, where he replaced Andrew Garfield in the role after the actor left the project due to scheduling conflicts.
However, Prime Video’s movie Saltburn, directed by Emerald Fennell, is certainly one of the talked about right now, and sees Jacob play a handsome and wealthy university student, Felix, who takes loner Oliver (Barry Keoghan) under his wing.
Speaking about giving the star some period costume tidbits for the movie, which is set in 2003, Emerald told Radio Times: "If somebody looks like Jacob Elordi, the best thing you can do is give them a Carpe Diem tattoo and a Livestrong bracelet and two long sideburns."
Ayo Edebiri
Known for: Bottoms, The Bear
Not only is she known on the Internet for having a brilliant Letterboxd account (a social media platform where you rate and review movies), but Ayo is at an absolute high point of her career too, having just received a Golden Globe award for her role as Sydney Adamu in The Bear.
The American actress’ 2023 movie Bottoms, where she plays an unpopular girl who starts a high school fight club with her friend, was also a smash hit. The star has a series of projects in the works, including reprising her voice role in the hit animation Big Mouth, Marvel movie Thunderbolts, and opposite John Malkovich in Opus.
Ayo has amassed a huge fan following not just because of her incredible skills as an actress, but also her brilliant comedic timing. In her speech after accepting the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, she says: "There’s so many people who I probably forgot to thank- oh my God! Oh my God! All of my agent and managers’ assistants! The people who answer my emails. Y’all are real ones! Thank you for answering my crazy, crazy emails."
Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA and the winner will be announced at the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511014/bafta-rising-star-awards-meet-2024s-incredible-nominees/
| 2024-01-11T11:54:19Z
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Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake are raising their sons out of the spotlight in Montana, but treated fans to a glimpse of their offspring in a series of fun photos.
Taking to Instagram, Jessica shared insight into their idyllic life and added snapshots from the festive season inside their luxury home.
While Jessica donned a knitted bobble hat, pulled down tightly around her ears, their son was dressed as Animal from The Muppets.
The little lad's face was hidden behind the oversized hat of the drum-loving character as he posed for a photo in his pajamas.
It appears Justin is passing on his passion for music to his children who are now eight and three.
Jessica also posted images of children's book character, Daniel Tiger, and hot cocoa too.
In addition, she added a photo of a sunset and a moon calendar for 2024. "More of this in 2024," she captioned her post and fans loved the sneak peek of their home.
"Yes and yes and yes and all the yesses," wrote one, while a second said: "2024 whatever will be a wonderful year for the Timberlake family," as a third added: "Amazing family, I love this so much."
The Sinner actress and NSYNC star have been married since 2012 and he's been opening about finding "the one" in Jessica.
"It's like, once you find that person, it's like a baptism, where you're like, 'I can't go back,' you know what I mean?" he's said.
However, they did split briefly a year before they tied the knot.The "Cry Me A River" singer met the Total Recall actress at a mutual friend's party in 2007.
Their relationship appeared to go from strength to strength over the following years, but they shocked fans by confirming they had separated in March 2011.
At the time, Justin and Jessica's reps released a statement that read: "Addressing the media speculation regarding Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake's relationship, we are confirming that they mutually have decided to part ways. The two remain friends and continue to hold the highest level of love and respect for each other."
But just five months later they were spotted on a date together, and Justin couldn't help but gush over his former flame when he told Vanity Fair: "She is the single-handedly most significant person in my life. In my 30 years, she is the most special person, okay? I don’t want to say much more, because I have to protect things that are dear to me, for instance, her."
Neither commented on the breakup but Justin popped the question in 2011, and the rest is history.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511017/jessica-biel-justin-timberlake-son-just-like-dad-shows-off-silly-side-new-photo-home/
| 2024-01-11T11:54:24Z
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Jennifer Lopez knows a thing or two about wedding dresses.
From wearing 27 for her movie Shotgun Wedding to Monster In Law, Marry Me, The Backup Plan... the list goes on, therefore we'd say she's a pretty reliable source when it comes to bridal fashion trends.
In her latest music video for her single Can’t Get Enough, the multihyphenate star is doing what she does best, and playing the role of a bride. And she's set the bar high for 2024 wedding fashion.
The four-minute see JLo - like many brides in recent years - changes from a nuptial dress into a party dress, and both dresses are bang on trend.
The party dress she wears features a voluminous ruffled hem, a strapless silhouette and a red statement corsage on the torso.
Not only has red been a fashion favourite hue this winter, but florals were also rife on the SS24 runways: “Roses are the floral of the moment, but flowers in general are still set to be huge next spring. Groundbreaking, right?,” says Hello! Fashion’s Orin Carlin, “We can't get enough. In particular, designers keep coming back to three-dimensional, often lifelike, blooms.”
Amping up the contemporary nature of the non-traditional wedding dress was a pair of white lace over-the-knee tights adding a touch of sultry drama. Knee socks was one of winter 2023’s most unexpected micro-trends, with fashionistas from Sydney Sweeney to Olivia Rodrigo embracing the look.
To say "I do" in the video, JLo wears a heart cut-out dress from Ukrainian brand Frolov's FW23 couture collection, which features two daring heart-shaped cut-outs embroidered with crystals - the cult-adored cut-out trend of the last couple of years has been given a romantic makeover for this season, by brands including Frolov and Valentino.
"It was my ultimate dream to dress Jennifer Lopez in Frolov. But we always wanted for it to be an iconic moment," explained Ivan Frolov, the founder and creative director of Frolov, "And it happened just like that. "I still can’t believe that she wore our dress to her "wedding", which will be forever a part of her music video and a short film accompanying the new album."
We can always rely on JLo to provide trend-led bridal fashion inspo.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/fashion-trends/511024/jennifer-lopez-wedding-dresses-that-are-on-trend-for-2024/
| 2024-01-11T11:54:24Z
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Forty-something can be a particularly tricky age to dress for and many of my clients come to me feeling they’ve totally lost their way with fashion. In reality, this isn’t usually the case, it’s just that they’ve been working so hard looking after everyone else, they’ve neglected their own needs in the process.
All of a sudden, they realise that they themselves have changed, but their wardrobes haven’t. There’s a disconnect between the energy of their clothes and the energy of the woman and as a result, their clothes stop working for them.
I’ve worked with hundreds of women who felt they’d lost their own sense of identity and just don’t know what to wear. They have fallen out of love with their wardrobe and style is no longer their friend but a source of frustration. This, coupled with changing bodies and emotions as our hormones fluctuate, results in anxiety as we become totally unsure of ourselves and how to dress.
Confidence loss in midlife
So many of my clients come to me having totally lost their confidence and I can relate as I have also been there.
Our mid-forties are challenging; our bodies are changing, our hormones are raging, we start to get rather unglamorous hot flushes and night sweats and do bizarre things such as put our car keys in the fridge. It can all happen very quickly and it’s easy to feel like you’re out of control. We lose trust in ourselves and get anxious about simple tasks which we would have eaten up for breakfast in our thirties.
As if perimenopause wasn't enough, our lives are also transitioning into a new phase; our children might be almost grown up, needing us far less - which in itself can be tough. Our relationship with our parents reverses as they become vulnerable and we start caring for them, and this causes us to naturally reflect on our lives.
INSPIRATION: How rejecting clothing sizes made me happier
Many women, having put others first for the last 20 years feel lost, with no real sense of direction, unsure where they fit into life. It can be a tough time indeed, which is why I’m so passionate about helping women get their fashion mojo back. It underpins everything, especially confidence.
Fashion struggles in our forties
Fashion felt more straightforward in our thirties, whether you were running around after small children in your ‘Mum uniform’ of skinny jeans, trainers and a nice tee or climbing the corporate ladder in power suits before tailoring got trendy and the workwear wardrobe became far more confusing.
In our mid-forties, we don’t fit into those boxes anymore. Our bodies are telling us that we are getting older but we still feel young, our confidence dwindles and it can feel like we are fading into the background as we lose touch with ourselves.
We don’t want to wear clothes that age us, but equally don’t want to dress too young either, there doesn’t seem to be any hard and fast ‘fashion rules’ so it’s difficult to know where we fit into the style spectrum.
How to rediscover your love of fashion
It’s all about confidence - but the beautiful thing is that the right clothing will bring you oodles!
The power of a great outfit; the right colour to make you glow, clothes that make you feel alive, seen and most importantly - reflect you - cannot be underestimated.
It will put a pep in your step, transform your posture, your smile and it will have a transformative effect on the rest of your day, switching up your energy which those around you will sense and gravitate towards.
READ: I'm a confidence coach - these are the 3 rules I tell all my clients
Remember style isn't selfish
I start by teaching women that it is not selfish to invest in yourself in this way - it’s essential. Fashion is a wonderful tool that, if fully embraced, can bring us so much joy and we deserve to reconnect with who we are and express ourselves through this wonderful medium.
In midlife our lives are far from over and by doing this work we are also inspiring other women, including our daughters and showing them that this is possible. When you think of it like this - how can you not fully embrace your new style?
So many women neglect themselves, but I remind them that fashion can be a pathway back to self-acceptance, confidence and ultimately, feeling good.
If you feel your best, that wonderful energy radiates and everyone around you will feel it - it's the sartorial equivalent of putting your own oxygen mask on first so everyone else can benefit.
NEED TO KNOW: The £14 buy that boosts our beauty editor's confidence
How fashion can make us happier
Every woman, no matter her age, deserves to feel beautiful, and this occurs when the energy of our clothes aligns with the energy of who we truly are. We are all blessed with different gifts and there is so much beauty in our uniqueness – but it’s easy to lose that in the current cookie-cutter world of beauty that we live in, but no one is more magnetic than a woman who resonates with who she really is and expresses it unreservedly.
There is huge power in dressing intentionally and much research has gone into the impact that dressing for the life you want, or day you want, can have on our lives.
Every morning you have the choice to be the very best version of who you are today, it’s a fresh start, a new leaf just for you and you deserve the very best.
How to feel confident in midlife
1. Accept who you are
As they change, it can often feel like we are at war with our bodies in midlife as they almost betray us with odd symptoms and new wobbly bits.
The first step in the feel-good fashion process is to pause and reacquaint ourselves with these wonderful, miraculous machines that have carried us so reliably through life so far.
Our bodies may have born children, we’ve probably abused them with lack of sleep, too much alcohol or squeezing them into too tight shoes. This may feel a bit uncomfortable, but I would really encourage you to silence that inner critic and reflect on just how incredible our bodies are.
INSPIRATION: I changed my entire life at 54 – here's what happened
2. Refocus on the positives
Rather than thinking about the parts you don’t like, why not reverse it and start focusing on the bits you do? This could be something as tiny as your wrists or decolletage, but if you start to alter your mindset by dressing to celebrate your body rather than disguising it, your confidence and happiness will follow.
I recommend taking this further by writing gratitude letters to your body, doing mirror work, recording and listening to positive affirmations about your body (even if you don’t actually believe the statements they actually work), you may feel resistance which is totally normal, but this inner work supports everything else - just remember you are investing in yourself, which will positively affect everyone around you - and that you are worth it.
DISCOVER: How to practice gratitude for a happier life: an expert's guide
3. Empower yourself
There are so many tools out there to learn about dressing for your body shape from books and websites, to investing in the services of someone like me. Go and equip yourself with the tools to make the best of your new figure.
No matter your size, there are so many tips and tricks out there to help you amplify your best bits and get your shape back - and the confidence this will bring is immeasurable. Don’t forget your vertical scale too - ie, the ratio between the length of your torso and the length of your legs - this can often be the missing link to making a look truly work.
4. Embrace colour
Colour can transform your mood in an instant, and if you’ve never invested in a colour analysis session, now is the time to treat yourself, or add it to the Birthday wishlist, as the effects are truly life-changing.
As we get older and wiser, we lose a bit of life from our skin and our hair can fade, so wearing complementary colours that can help give you some of this life back, becomes even more crucial.
READ: 3 body acceptance experts share how they learned to appreciate themselves
The right shades will take years off you, giving you a radiant glow, whereas showing up in the wrong ones will have the opposite effect.
Stay away from black, even if you could previously wear it, as it can be the ultimate complexion-drainer and contrary to popular opinion, doesn’t pair well with other colours, rendering them murky and dull.
Finally, if you are prone to wearing a colour on top and black on the bottom (or vice versa) - a ‘failsafe formula’ of many a woman I have worked with - the stark contrast will literally cut you in half, making you appear shorter and wider - avoid at all costs! Instead, try substituting other shades for black such as camel, navy, or even khaki or aubergine, your wardrobe options will start to open up and you will feel more vibrant.
5. Be bold
Nothing builds confidence faster than straying a little out of your comfort zone, so I would really urge you, once you are familiar with your colour palette, to get a bit brave and start to play with it.
This can be particularly challenging for a previously chic fashionista who lived in neutrals, but we only need to look at nature to see there is nothing more uplifting than a vivid colour combination so please give it a go.
READ: What are limiting beliefs and why are they stopping you from feeling happy?
You can look to Mother Nature, interior design schemes or the colour wheel for inspiration. Pairing contrasting hues situated opposite each other on the wheel (such as blue and orange) or analogous colours situated next to each other (such as pink and red), can result in a striking look that will make you feel fabulous.
Another option is monochrome - (wearing a single shade from head to toe) - this looks just fabulous and heads will turn, by wearing colour in this way you can’t help but be more confident and smile more - and I promise the compliments will flood in. If this is too daunting, start small by adding in some colourful accessories like a bright, statement handbag, a bold lippy or an eye-catching shoe.
6. Prep and plan
Nothing kills a fashion vibe more than last-minute outfit panic! Dressing under pressure will either cause you to get it wrong, or to default back to your old favourites which don’t do you any favours.
Both will knock your confidence and set you back on your feel-good fashion journey.
This is about setting time aside either weekly, monthly or seasonally to literally play with your wardrobe, experiment with new combinations in the safety of your own home, record them by taking snaps on your phone, to be stored in a handy album for easy access and build your repertoire of looks you feel good in.
DISCOVER: Why you'll never be happy without this one key thing
It’s easy to skip this step because you are busy, but it is vital. Remind yourself that you are doing your future self a big favour here, and the woman you’ll be in a few days or weeks will be so grateful that you made the effort to do this for them. You probably wouldn’t hesitate to spend the time helping a friend to this, so be a good friend to yourself and invest the time.
7. Clear out clutter
There is nothing more demoralising than staring into a cluttered wardrobe, half full of clothes that don’t fit you or aren’t suitable to wear.
Now is the time for a good spring clean. Take everything out, clean it from top to bottom, treat yourself to some new hangers or nice smellies that keep the moths away, then only put the pieces back that you can wear right now, storing or dealing with any garments that require selling, cleaning or mending or simply do not fit.
READ: How to organise your wardrobe in 7 easy steps
Clutter breeds confusion, and you’ll find it far easier to work with a few great pieces which are suitable than a jumble of clothes which aren’t.
8. Assess your lifestyle.
Before you hit the shops, look at your lifestyle which has probably changed and plan your wardrobe to match. A common mistake I see is wardrobes full of the wrong type of clothes, which were appropriate for the previous woman, but not the woman you are now. Perhaps city workwear when you’ve relocated to the country, or glam going-out clothes when you don’t really enjoy doing that anymore.
Embrace the life you now have. It's perfectly possible to still look great, even if your needs have changed. If you are very sporty and live in workout wear then consider upgrading it, buy matching sets so it feels put together and accessorise with subtle jewellery so you look ‘finished’.
READ: 5 life coach-approved ways to feel happier - without spending a penny
Teaming a clean, neutral trainer with it is far more stylish than a mismatched coloured one. Need to pop out? Add a coordinating cashmere sweater or a hoodie and top with a structured coat and channel the West Coat, LA cool vibe.
If you work from home and have been living in joggers, upgrade them to a beautiful pair of drapey, softly tailored trousers and have them tailored to the perfect length to be dressed down with a trainer or up with a small kitten heel, these tiny tweaks will make all the difference and make a positive impact on your day.
9. Structure/sizing
If in doubt, add a little structure in the form of a slim shoulder pad (these can work wonders for broadening busts and middles), some sharp tailoring or a crisp shirt. As we get older our bodies and faces soften, so we benefit from the added support that these firmer lines give us.
Don’t pay attention to sizing and never ever try to squeeze yourself into something that’s slightly too snug, in the hope that you will lose the weight and fit into it - ironically, you’ll likely look slimmer if you size up and the piece is looser-fitting.
10. Wear your happy
Finally, remember that fashion is ultimately a creative medium that exists to enable us to express ourselves and bring us joy. The key is to have fun, enjoy the process and learn to trust yourself. If you feel fantastic then you will look fantastic - end of.
It’s time to stop the self-sabotaging cycles of hiding in baggy clothes or dressing in anything that makes you feel smaller, this is your opportunity to start putting yourself first, and adopting a ‘feel good’ approach to fashion is the ultimate tool to do so.
Find out more about Miranda Holder and visit her Instagram for style inspiration.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/511037/fashion-mojo-back-40s-beyond/
| 2024-01-11T13:17:37Z
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Taylor Swift continued her winning sartorial streak as she stepped out in an olive-hued dress with Blake Lively on Wednesday evening. And did she just drop another hint that the re-record of her Reputation album is on the horizon?
The 'Anti-Hero' hitmaker, 34, turned heads in New York City in the 'Sweet Jane' olive crushed mini dress from Scottish brand Little Lies.
Days after wearing a glittering emerald green Gucci dress to the 81st Golden Globes, paired with a mesmerising collection of jewels Neil Dutta of Angelic Diamonds tells HELLO! was worth $210,000 (£165,000), it was somewhat a surprise to see Taylor rocking a £58 dress from an indie family business.
Proving her sartorial prowess, the American singer-songwriter slipped into towering 90mm boots from the Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier collection.
Jimmy Choo's signature footwear styles act as a canvas for Jean Paul Gaultier’s bold graphics as part of the duo’s collaboration. A case in point, Taylor's edgy boots are crafted from brown leather to an over-the-knee silhouette and saturated with eye-catching archival snake tattoo prints.
It's not the first time Taylor has rocked the snake motif in the last few months, leaving Swifties convinced the serpent symbol is an easter egg for her next album release.
From her glittering serpent rings and snake-green Golden Globes dress to her Roberto Cavalli Couture embroidered snake asymmetrical black catsuit during the Eras tour, the star's Medusa-like style is definitely giving '...Ready For It?' vibes.
Blake, 36, looked equally chic in a suede mini skirt, towering red heels and a multi-color striped sweater from her close friend Gigi Hadid's fashion label Guest in Residence.
The Gossip Girl muse, who has been friends with Taylor since 2015, was a close and supportive presence for the 'Bad Blood' singer after she became the butt of a more-than-awkward joke at the Golden Globes on Sunday.
Taylor - who marked her fifth Golden Globe nomination for her Cinematic and Box Office Achievement - made a solo entrance into The Beverly Hilton despite fans hoping she and NFL player Travis Kelce would make their relationship red carpet official.
The star's soccer-playing sweetheart didn't go unmentioned, however, with Taylor becoming the butt of a controversial joke host Jo Koy has since admitted was "weird".
He recited: "The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? On the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift," which led the 'Lavender Haze' singer to sip her drink.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511038/taylor-swift-olive-dress-new-york-city-blake-lively/
| 2024-01-11T13:17:43Z
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Grantchester returns to ITV on Thursday night with its long-awaited eighth series, which comes almost two years since we watched Will Davenport tie the knot with Bonnie Evans in the dramatic season seven finale. While fans will be overjoyed to see Will and his buddy DI Geordie Keating back on their screens, it's bittersweet as the new series marks Tom Brittney's final outing as the crime-fighting vicar.
As we prepare to revisit the titular Cambridge village, here's all you need to know about the new series, including plot details, cast and what to expect amid Tom Brittney's pending departure.
Series 8 release date
Now that Grantchester is back, consider our January blues cured!
The new series kicks off on Thursday 11 January at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with a running time of one hour.
Series eight consists of six episodes which will air on Thursday nights.
What happens in Grantchester series 8?
Series eight opens with a time jump to 1961, where we find Will blissfully married to Bonnie. Things aren't plain sailing for long, however, as the vicar's world is rocked by a terrible accident that sends him on a dangerous downward spiral of despair.
As for Geordie, amid his newfound contentment in his relationship with Cathy, the couple are faced with shocking announcements at work that threaten their happiness.
"As Mrs C, Leonard, Jack and Daniel rally around, both Will and Geordie find themselves in unfamiliar, emotional waters and murder is always around the corner," the synopsis continues.
Fans can expect the "explosive" new series to range from "Speedway to spies, exploring the lives of invisible women and the very visible problems caused by Leonard's new vocation which may, once again, find him battling the law."
Expanding on the tragedy that besets Will in the new episodes, Tom Brittney, 33, said: "From the moment we first met Will, he's always been struggling with his demons. What drives him in life is being the best man he can – everything he does, every case he helps Geordie with, every problem that he solves, he feels like he's getting better and better as a person, morally. And then this thing happens that just seems to erase all of that in one instant. Everything he’s worked so hard for is gone just like that.
"It just destroys the way Will thinks of himself, because this action, whether it was an accident or on purpose, in the eyes of God and everyone else, he believes it’s unforgivable, and it really sets him down a dark path," the actor told ITV.
Who's starring in the new series?
As usual, Tom Brittney and Robson Green will lead the cast as Will and Geordie. They will be joined by returning stars Charlotte Ritchie as Bonnie, Tessa Peake-Jones as Mrs C, Al Weaver as Leonard Finch, Kacey Ainsworth as Cathy Keating, Oliver Dimsdale as Daniel Marlowe and Nick Brimble as Jack Chapman.
Fans can expect to see some new faces in the upcoming series in the form of special guest actors Shaun Dingwall (Top Boy), Jeff Rawle (Doc Martin) and Jemima Rooper (Gold Digger).
MORE: Meet the cast of Grantchester's real-life partners
When does Tom Brittney leave Grantchester?
Series nine will be Tom Brittney's last as Will Davenport, after which he will be replaced by Rishi Nair as the new lead.
Although Tom hasn't given an explicit reason for his departure, he did say that it's "time for the baton to be passed". In a statement released in July last year, the actor said: "I've had the most incredible time playing Will Davenport for the last five years. I got to solve crimes with my best friend, and work with the best cast and crew I could ever ask for. I'll miss it more than anything. But it's time for the baton to be passed, as it once was to me, and I'm so excited for Rishi to join the Grantchester family."
While we don't know many details about Tom's exit storyline just yet, we do know that Will is approached with a life-changing offer and considers a life away from Grantchester.
But as one door closes, another opens for new vicar Alphy Kotteram, who is welcomed by the village. When he arrives in Cambridge, Alphy has "an instinctive distrust for authority and absolutely no desire to get involved in murder investigations". But he and Geordie soon discover that they have more in common than they think.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511034/grantchester-returns-series-8-cast-plot-what-to-expect-amid-tom-brittney-departure/
| 2024-01-11T13:17:49Z
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Michael Strahan, along with his daughter Isabella Strahan, are opening up about the recent toll on the 19-year-old's health.
At the end of last year, the Good Morning America anchor stepped away from his hosting duties to take care of a personal situation in his family.
Now, in an emotional interview with his ABC colleague Robin Roberts, the former NFL star and his daughter are opening up about her devastating diagnosis: a brain tumor.
Isabella, who started college at University of Southern California in Los Angeles last fall, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in late October, the most common type of cancerous brain tumor in children, which first stems from the lower back part of the brain, the cerebellum.
"I didn't notice anything was off till probably like October 1," the college freshman told Robin, sharing that her first symptoms were simply headaches, though it then evolved into nausea, and she "couldn't walk straight."
Things took a turn for the worse later that month, and she recalled: "I woke up, probably at like, 1 p.m. I dreaded waking up. But I was throwing up blood," and added: "I was like, 'Hm, this probably isn't good.' So I texted [my sister], who then notified the whole family."
After her father promptly encouraged her to go to the doctor and have a round of tests done, they discovered a fast-growing 4-centimeter tumor – larger than a gold ball – in the back of her head.
Michael then confessed to Robin: "I don't really remember much," adding: "I just remember trying to figure out how to get to L.A. ASAP. And it just doesn't feel real. It just didn't feel real.
More to come.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511046/michael-strahan-daughter-isabella-brain-cancer-revelation/
| 2024-01-11T13:17:55Z
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A new year and new responsibilities for Heidi Klum's oldest daughter Leni, who has adopted a puppy.
The model and her boyfriend, Aris Rachevsky, couldn't wait to share the news that they had welcomed a new addition to their family.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Leni posted two photos of their adorable ball of fluff asleep on the bed. Alongside the images, she wrote: "Aris and I adopted a puppy," and added a surprised face emoji.
Leni and Ari have been quietly dating for more than three years and live together in New York where she is studying. The news will be welcomed by her mom who is a huge animal-lover and has adopted many pets of her own.
Most recently, the America's Got Talent host welcomed two new pups into her home on her husband, Tom Kaulitz's birthday.
She posted a photo on social media with the Tokio Hotel rocker with his arms around two German longhaired pointer puppies.
Heidi wrote: "When he tells you he is not ready for a new puppy and you surprise him with two on his birthday."
Tom and Heidi were previously proud owners of three dogs, but two of the trio sadly passed away in 2023. In February, the couple's 15-year-old German shorthaired pointer Capper died, and their four-year-old Irish wolfhound Anton died a month later.
While the couple don't have any children together, they are proud parents to their pups and Tom is a hands on stepdad to Heidi's four children.
The German model shares her children, Leni, Henry, 18, Johan, 16, and Lou, 14, with her ex-husband, Seal.
They recently made a rare red carpet appearance together and stunned fans with their resemblance to their famous parents. It'll be a big year for the family with Henry headed off to college and fleeing the nest.
Last year, he toured colleges with his mom who is having to get used to the idea of another of her children leaving home.
It was tough when Leni moved out and across the country and Heidi opened up about the struggles on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
At the time, the mom-of-four revealed she'd become increasingly upset that Leni didn't return her phone calls. "It’s crazy, today she had her first day in college," she said. "This weekend, she just moved in, and I call her. Normally she picks up, but then three, four hours I don’t hear anything.
"And already, my head is going 'Where is she? What is she doing? Why is she not answering?' Already the worrying is starting."
But she knows she's raised Leni right, telling ET: "I am [so proud]. You know, she has her head screwed on right. Talking about her decision to move to the Big Apple, Heidi added: "I started in New York, so she knows New York inside and out because we shot Project Runway there for many years.
"So, she knows it well because I always move my family to New York when we were still filming. So, I think she's going to have a good time."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511036/leni-klum-boyfriend-share-adoption-news-mom-heidi-klum-so-happy-puppy/
| 2024-01-11T13:18:02Z
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What do the Princess of Wales and Selena Gomez have in common? Impeccably elegant style agendas.
Selena's recent 'fits have been nothing short of spectacular, from her Giorgio Armani Privé metallic red Golden Globes dress to her 'relationship hard launch' courtside cool street style.
Now she's channelling her inner royal and wore an ethereal all-white outfit that gave Kate's iconic winter ensemble a touch of California cool.
Selena hosted an event in Beverly Hills to celebrate her brand Rare Beauty's Find Comfort body collection. High-octane sophistication was on the agenda as she wore oversized pleated wide-leg trousers, with a matching fitted blazer and a dainty white lace corset vest to balance out the silhouette. A long white coat slung over the shoulders oozed sophisticated cool.
For the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey, Princess Kate wore a similar outfit formula featuring the High Waisted Straight Trousers from British equestrian label Holland Cooper with two statement gold buttons at the waist paired with a tailored long coat from Chris Kerr similar to Selenas.
Instead of her usual blazer and trouser combo, she tucked in a fitted cashmere crewneck jumper from Kiltane to give her look an air of warmth. A white Strathberry handbag, Gianvito Rossi suede pumps and Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery finished off her opulent look.
Selena and Kate's looks demonstrated how altering a silhouette or base layer can give an ensemble a totally different feel. Selena's choice of oversized trousers in comparison to Kate's straight-leg gave an air of off-duty cool, whilst Kate's cashmere jumper provided a timeless and classic feel, versus Selena's lace vest which was more romantic and playful.
Wintery whites have been at the top of fashionistas style agendas the winter, from the Duchess of Sussex in Ralph Lauren, to Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga ski wear.
We're utterly obsessed with the trend, just be careful when sipping on your Malbec...
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/fashion-trends/511032/selena-gomez-princess-kate-white-outfit/
| 2024-01-11T13:18:08Z
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When I was thinking about my 2024 bingo cards, one fashion trend I didn’t see sticking around was the mesh version of the ballet flat. To be honest, I thought the ‘it’ girl-approved kick would be left in 2023 but it seems Hailey Bieber has other ideas, recently sporting the bizarre footwear style in the most cultivated back-to-work fit, after her beachside escape with BFF Kendall Jenner.
Late last year the mesh ballet flat was by far the most cultivated shoe choice amongst stylish celebs and fashionable faces. Loved and religiously sported by the likes of Rosie Huntington Whitely, Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Richie, the mesh flats seem to have also made their alluring mark on Justin Bieber's wife Hailey.
MORE: How the fashion girlies are dressing for snow in 2024
RELATED: I tried the Mesh Ballet flats trend and they honestly go with every outfit
If you didn't already know from the enviable bikini pics and white sandy beach dinner posts on the Rhode Founders ‘gram, Hails spent the last week living her best island life, soaking up some much-needed winter sun. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, trading in her coconut margarita for an Erewhon smoothie, the beauty mogul is back to normal 9-5 programming.
Posting to her Instagram story, Hailey proved that office ensembles needn’t be boring. Sporting grey suit trousers, a matching top and an oversized leather blazer the A-lister topped off her look with an iconic slick-backed bun, her custom diamond ‘B’ necklace, black sunglasses and a pair of white mesh ballet flats.
Usually more of a loafer, trainer and kitten heel girlie, I’m surprised it has taken this long for her to wear the cultivated shoe choice and I have a sneaky suspicion this won’t be the last time.
When our Online Fashion Writer Lauren Ramsay tried the shoe for the first time, she found that, “they've become my go-to shoes, because I found myself just slipping them on as I was leaving the house because I knew they’d elevate any outfit and I could wear them all day.” She also said she was surprised at “how easy they are to style.”
Lauren can confirm that mesh flats are “comfortable and seriously chic and worth investing in.”
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/fashion-trends/511033/hailey-bieber-bizarre-mesh-shoe-trend/
| 2024-01-11T13:18:14Z
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It's safe to say that everyone has their own opinions about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship. But no matter how you feel about them, it's impossible not to appreciate and respect the pair's unwavering united front and their electric chemistry — they are a magnetic presence when together.
The couple now share an idyllic life in sunny Montecito, California with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet — but what do the stars have to say about their compatibility?
We delved head-first into astrological territory to find out whether or not Meghan and Harry are a good match based on their star signs alone. Born 4 August 1981, Meghan is a Leo while Harry, born 15 September 1984, is a Virgo.
In her book entitled The Signs in Love, astrologer Carolyne Faulkner explores the typical relationship dynamic between Leos and Virgos. While her analysis doesn't apply to Harry and Meghan in particular (the stars can only tell us so much!), there are definitely some interesting insights to be gleaned from Carolyne's writing.
According to Carolyne, Leos can be tempted to resort to seduction tactics to win over the Virgo, "but it won't wash in the long run". Carolyne writes: "If the Virgo sees through all the lion's tricks and decides to stay anyway, the magic can begin."
The two signs are directly next to each other on the zodiac wheel, but despite this, Carolyne writes that "these two may seem as if they are from different galaxies". The Leo is known to be fiery, proud and confident — while the Virgo tends to be humble, sensible and gentle.
However, when the other planets in both of their charts come into play, this is where the two typically "form common ground". And when they do, cue the fireworks, as Carolyne writes that "if so, they can weather any storm life sends at them".
However, Carolyne warns that when a Leo leads with the ego rather than with the heart, this risks causing the downfall of the entire relationship. She writes: "If the Leo is not evolved, though, it's simply a facade, and eventually the virgin will see through the Leo's apparent selflessness and realise how scheming they are, which quite literally breaks their heart."
But, she adds, "no partner can heal the other's wounds quite like these two, which is why both need to tread carefully and respectfully".
To avoid any animosity, Carolyne advises both parties to be as open and honest with one another as possible — in order to pave the way for a successful relationship.
Virgos can struggle with insecurities, and so the Leo can help them grow their confidence authentically while also injecting playful and fun energy into their life. "Good communication and open hearts are key for these two, as is self-awareness."
Carolyne also advises that meditation, which Harry and Meghan are both known to practice, is key to a healthy foundation.
"Meditation is valuable for us all, but for the Virgo, this type of mind training is immensely beneficial. If the Leo and Virgo can, as a couple, partake in it as part of a joint routine, their attachments will be healthy, allowing love and trust to flourish."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511035/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-astrology-compatibility/
| 2024-01-11T13:18:20Z
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Food delivery services have become very popular over the years, with Gousto and Hello Fresh leading the pack, but there are plenty of others to choose from.
All of these meal services - either the ready-to-cook ones or the ready-to-eat ones - can be a quick and convenient alternative to going to the local supermarket, shopping for supplies and then having to create a dish yourself. Plus, they can often save money in the long run - especially if you're someone who tends to waste a lot of fresh food.
A meal delivery service can save time and energy, and they're a great way to try new dishes. Plus, they can be a great option if you're cooking for one or planning meals for your whole family.
Keep scrolling to see our pick of the best meal delivery kits and boxes...
How we chose the best meal kits
- Testimonials: A lot of these websites feature testimonials from customers; some, good and some bad. We read though lots of verdicts to come to a conclusion. Some have also been tried by HELLO! staff members and family and friends.
- Cost-per-meal: With the cost of living on everyone's mind, no one wants to spend a huge amount of money on a meal delivery service and all of these suggestions are either affordable cost-per-meal OR there's a special deal on in order to save money.
- Flexibility: No one wants to be tied to a subscription service without any flexibility, so we ensured all those listed could be cancelled at any time.
If you're looking for a new year re-set, you might be after a roundup of the best juice cleanses to try.
If you're looking for gift hampers to send as a special gift to the foodie in your life, you might want to check out our edit of the best chocolate hampers, cocktail hampers or the most delicious afternoon tea hampers.
HelloFresh: Best For Busy People
Why We Rate It
- Time saver
- Value for money
- Cutting food waste
- Family friendly
- Healthy options
With a variety of different options for different needs, HelloFresh is one of the UK’s leading meal delivery services and is currently serving all of the UK. Try the Family Box to create fuss-free dinners, the Rapid Box for meals that take under 20 minutes, or the single person meal delivery.
Get 60% off 1st box, 20% off for 2 months and free treats for life.
Gousto: Best For Families
Why We Rate It
- 75+ recipes to choose from every week
- Affordable offers throughout the year
- Pre-measured ingredients ensuring minimal food waste
- Family friendly
- Healthy options
- Easy-to-use recipe cards
The Gousto menu offers over 75+ recipes to choose from on a weekly basis, including some of Joe Wicks' Lean in 15 recipes. And it can cost as little as £2.99 per serving!
Get 60% off you first box and if you like it you can get 30% off all other boxes you order in your first month.
Mindful Chef: Best For A Reset
Why We Rate It
- Time saver
- Deliciously Ella collaboration
- Flexible membership; skip or cancel anytime
- 20 recipes to choose from each week
- Value for money
- Cutting food waste
- Family friendly
- Healthy options: No refined carbs, no gluten ingredients and the best proteins
Founded in 2015 by three Devon school friends Giles, Myles and Rob, the brand’s mission is to make healthy and sustainable eating easy through its range of options to suit all occasions; all of which are gluten and dairy free. Mindful Chef offers a range of vegan, fish and meat recipes, ensuring that all needs are catered for.
You can get 25% off your first four recipe boxes with the code NEW25X4 which is automatically applied.
Planty: Best For Vegans
Why We Rate It
- Health focused
- Excellent options for plant-based
- Time saving
- Value for money
- Cutting food waste
- Eco-friendly: Recycle, compost, or return the packaging to them for free
- Sides and dessert options
- Family friendly
Looking for plant-based meals? Planty customers simply build their own box with either 6 to 12 plant-based meals which can be delivered to your door on your chosen delivery date. Add more meals to get cheaper prices.
All meals are fresh-frozen, so all you need is an oven or microwave to reheat it and dinner is served! Choose from dishes such as Mac ‘no’ Cheese, BBQ Banana Blossom Burrito and Wild Mushroom & Truffle Rigatoni.
Order now, from £5.65 per meal. Choose 6 to 12 meals, plus up to 12 extras. Add more meals to get the best price.
Green Chef: Best For Busy People
Why We Rate It
- Health focused: Keto, Lower Carb, Flexitarian, Vegan, Pescatarian & Vegetarian options
- Time saving
- Value for money
- Works with small-scale suppliers
- Cutting food waste
- Family friendly
- Flexible subscription model
UK’s best healthy recipe box service catering to six different dietary preferences – vegan, veggie, pescatarian, keto, flexitarian and lower carb. All recipes are designed by Registered Nutritionist and Head Chef Anna Tebbs. Boxes start from £28.50 for 2 meals for four people.
And what's particularly handy is the flexible subscriptions, which mean you can skip a delivery if you have other plans!
Enjoy a total of £66 OFF throughout your first 5 boxes.
The Good Prep: Best For Fresh Ready Meals
Why We Rate It
- Health focused meals with snacks, juices and sides available
- Time saving
- Fresh means - never frozen
- 100% recyclable packaging
- Value for money
- Good extras available
- Cutting food waste
- Recommended by athletes
- Family friendly
The Good Prep helps you to stay on track with your health and fitness goals. Choose from several plans including Trim & Slim, Maintain & Sustain and Grow & Gain. Meals are delivered weekly and also come with optional snacks and detox juices.
A three-day plan starts at £66.50 and a five-day plan is £119.
Cutter & Squidge: Best For Dessert Fans
Why We Rate It
- Celebratory treats
- Time saving
- Value for money
- Vegan and wheat-free options
- Gift worthy
- Great for sharing
Cutter & Squidge is a family-run, all natural bakery created by two food obsessed sisters! Order cakes, biscuits, brownies and even afternoon tea hampers. There are also vegan and wheat-free options available.
You can order your freshly made cakes and biskies up to 60 days ahead, and as little as ordering by 4pm the day before (2pm on Sundays for nationwide delivery) for next day delivery.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/shopping/510914/best-meal-delivery-services-and-subscription-food-boxes/
| 2024-01-11T13:18:26Z
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With the fun of the festive season well and truly over, and the long, cold, dark nights of winter stretching before us, thoughts are turning to warmth and holidays. And if, amongst your resolutions for 2024, you have promised to be more mindful of your wellbeing and set aside time to nurture yourself, mind, body and soul, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect place to include in your travel plans than Ibiza’s Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel.
Set in 13 hectares of natural rural beauty, bursting with fragrant orange groves, palm trees, herb and vegetable gardens and vibrant flowers, this spirit-lifting haven of tranquility, situated just outside the laidback town of Santa Eulalia, has its 20th anniversary this year - a milestone that will be marked in memorable style. But as with everything connected to Atzaró, the celebrating will be done with respect for its cherished history and an authenticity that has cemented its status as one of the White Island’s most highly-regarded holiday and spa destinations.
Cool and luxurious without being remotely "try hard", the beating heart of the place – which has welcomed such starry guests as pop's Rihanna and Shakira, actress Kate Hudson and fashion heiress Paola Fendi, who chose it as the setting for her wedding reception two years ago – remains the 300-year-old family farm that generations have tended with passion and pride, and which continues to supply the lion’s share of the produce for the hotel’s exquisite locally-sourced menus, as well as for its divine spa products. "Less a destination, more a sensory journey" is how one previous guest described Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel. I soon understood why.
From the moment my daughter and I stepped out of our taxi, following the 20-minute drive from the airport, we were hit by the most delectable aroma; orange blossom tinged with… what is that? A note of lavender here, a whiff of basil there… "Mmm, that smell!" my daughter and I enthused in unison. It would become a common refrain during our magical three-day mini-break, which more than delivered on delighting all the other senses too.
After the warmest of welcomes, we were shown to the Rubi suite, our home for the duration of our stay. Tucked away in an especially quiet corner of the estate, it boasted a generous private terrace awash with tropical plants and a large day bed, perfect for those who enjoy an afternoon siesta in the great outdoors.
And to the rear, we were thrilled to find that a smaller terrace housed an outdoor rolltop bath. How decadent! Though in all honesty, so eager were we to enjoy all that Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel has to offer, we never did take the plunge (maybe next time!). Having dumped our belongings and done a quick change, a walk around the sprawling grounds to acclimatize ourselves to our surroundings led us to the original, three-centuries-old family house around which the chic Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel that stands today has been sympathetically modelled.
Featuring a giant stone hearth and oven, above which ancestors would sleep to keep warm, the white-washed walls are hung with touching family photographs depicting its intriguing history and vividly capturing the fierce sense of pride that remains to this day. Having worked up an appetite exploring, my daughter and I took lunch at LaVeranda (all utterly delicious, but a special shout out to the Atzaró orange pie, which is simply heavenly) before relaxing on one of the gigantic daybeds that surround the hotel’s iconic 43m freshwater pool (one of nine) ahead of a busy afternoon at the spa.
Day visitors come from all over the island to experience Atzaró’s "treatment temples". It’s not surprising. I had the much-lauded Atzaró Integration massage, a blend of Swedish, Balinese and Thai techniques using lavender and chamomile oils, courtesy of the magic hands of Nicolas. It’s no exaggeration to say I felt like a new woman afterwards and floated back to our room. After dinner that evening under twinkling fairy lights and vines at the ethereal Orange Tree courtyard restaurant, my daughter and I both slept like babies, waking relaxed and
No visit to the Balearics is complete without sampling some paella – and the seafood one at Atzaró Beach was worth the flight from City Airport alone. Nestled on the sands at Cala Nova, just a short drive from the hotel, this bustling bohemian restaurant has an expansive decked area laid out with day beds – the perfect spot for people watching – as well as a generous and stylish dining terrace. (Not surprisingly, beds need to be booked well in advance during peak season and likely tables too, as, even end of season, it was buzzing).
After nipping ‘home’ to freshen up, we spent our final evening enjoying the country-chic ambience of Aubergine by Atzaró, the newest addition to the Ibizan portfolio, which we’d been told was a "must do". We’re so glad we took note. Offering healthy and wholesome farm-to-table dishes in a warm, relaxed and rustically romantic setting, both my daughter and I agreed it would make the most perfect place for boho brides to get hitched.
RELATED: What to do in Ibiza in 3 days: the best things to do in San Antonio Bay
We packed a lot into our three days, me and my girl, but our Atzaró experience left us feeling truly rested and reinvigorated and was a mother/daughter bonding treat we will never forget. As for that divine aroma, we just wanted to bottle it and take it home. Word on the grapevine is a bespoke fragrance might be on the cards as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations. If so, I’m bagging one for sure. Although as Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel has shown would-be imitators, you can’t beat the real thing.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/511015/ibiza-atzaro-agroturismo-hotel/
| 2024-01-11T13:18:32Z
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Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are an 85% match – especially when it comes to their bedroom antics – according to the results of a compatibility test they took for their podcast, Amy & T.J.
The former 'GMA3' stars – whose relationship came to light in November 2022 – had intimate details about their love life made public by this week's podcast guest, Michael Kaye, the director of brand marketing at OKCupid.
Sharing Amy and T.J.'s results after they answered some "saucy questions" about their sex life, Michael revealed: "You both enjoy sex more than foreplay. You're both super into post-workout sex and shower sex."
Adding another surprising revelation about their preferred intimacy methods, Michael added: "And people – they prefer cuffs over ropes. So, there was literally no question off-limits in this test, which made it so much more fun. I feel like I've known you guys for years!"
Responding to the results of the test, Amy explained why she thinks she and T.J. are so compatible with each other: "The thing is, we've been friends now for nine years. It's an interesting thing when you don't have romantic designs on someone.
"You're more willing to be telling all and vulnerable and I let him see my quirks and he let me see his in a way that I don't think you would do if you just started out dating. So, we actually maybe know too much about each other."
The test also revealed that Amy and T.J. are both intense people who are close to their families. They were also branded extroverts and morning people who enjoy relaxing at home and cooking together. As for what they value most in a partner, Michael shared that Amy said communication while T.J. picked trust.
"What neither of you said was physical attraction and romance, and while both of those are absolutely important, it really showed me that you both were looking for that deep, meaningful relationship with a really strong foundation," he explained.
Talk soon turned to the couple's views on jealousy, with Amy stating she thinks it can be healthy in a relationship, while T.J. vehemently disagreed. "I wouldn't like to act on that jealousy or be petty or small but feeling that bit of jealousy makes me know that I want to be with him and only him and I want him to be with me and only me," Amy explained.
"I don't like the feeling, and I don't want to act on it, but knowing it's there in a weird way makes me feel good," she added.
Sharing his opposing views, T.J. answered: "It goes back to the question when the answer was trust. I don't worry about it, think about it at all. So, it's a trust matter with me.
"If you wanna go do whatever you wanna do. If I see you out that window right there talking all flirty or whatever with anybody, knock yourself out! That's my woman. She's going home with me. Whatever I see there, whatever. I trust that I have to."
News of Amy and T.J.'s relationship came as a shock with many believing the couple were caught having an affair when photos of them enjoying a romantic weekend together were published in November 2022.
At the time, Amy was still married to her ex-husband of 12 years, 'Melrose Place' actor, Andrew Shue, while T.J. was also in a 12-year marriage to Marilee Fiebig. Recent reports claim that Andrew and Marilee are now dating.
However, they recently revealed that despite claims of an affair, they were both separated from their partners and in the middle of divorce proceedings when the news of their relationship became public.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511045/amy-robach-tj-holmes-share-steamy-details-sex-life/
| 2024-01-11T13:26:24Z
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Add another mark to the tally of how similar Mars is to Earth. While evidence continues to mount for water on the Red Planet, an unexpected new piece of research has found that it may have a continental-like crust once thought unique to Earth, suggesting it had tectonic activity long ago, possibly in its first 100 million years.
It may also rule out the theory that Mars experienced a large impact early in its history, resulting in its northern hemisphere being much lower than the southern hemisphere.
The intriguing discovery, published in Nature Geoscience, was made by Violaine Sautter of the Museum of Natural History in Paris and her colleagues. They analyzed data from 20 rocks studied by the ChemCam instrument on the Curiosity rover and suggested that they originated from a continental crust, rather than basaltic rock, due to the abundance of silica which is similar to what we observe in our own continental crust.
On Earth, our continental crust is thought to have originated from the movement of magma when plate tectonics first formed billions of years ago. Previously, the crust on Mars was thought to be one piece – that is, unlike Earth, it had no tectonic plates that shifted on the surface. But this latest evidence suggests otherwise. Tectonic activity on Mars would have occurred “very early” Sautter notes, roughly from the time of its formation 4.57 billion years ago to 4.47 billion years ago.
The evidence from Gale Crater, shown by the marker, may explain why the northern hemisphere (blue) is so much lower than the southern hemisphere (orange and red). Credit: Google Mars/NASA
“It is very important, because Mars is supposed to be a basalt covered world,” Sautter told IFLScience. Until now, it had been impossible to find evidence for a continental crust from orbit, but Curiosity’s location – Gale Crater – is unique in that it is deep, giving a cross section across the geological history on Mars, and it is also at the border of the northern and southern hemispheres.
This is important, because the hemispheres pose a problem. For some reason, the northern hemisphere is several kilometers below the southern hemisphere, appearing as a large depression. The predominant theory had been that Mars was struck by a Pluto-sized body four billion years ago, but this discovery may suggest otherwise. “To some extent yes, this paper [rules out a large impact],” Sautter explained.
The continental crust, rich in silica and feldspar, could explain the different altitudes of the two hemispheres. Sautter explains that it may be the result of an “internal reason” under the surface of Mars, such as the non-symmetrical transfer of heat, “not by an external [event] such as a giant impact.” Sautter estimates that the continental crust would extend 50 to 70 kilometers (30 to 45 miles) below the surface, and the researchers note in their paper that parts of it could have melted into a “hot and soft lithosphere” on the Red Planet.
The presence of a continental crust will require further research before it can be confirmed though. This might be possible on NASA’s upcoming InSight mission, which will land in September 2016 and drill five meters (16 feet) into the ground. If it is present, it poses further questions about just how Earth-like Mars once was.
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https://www.iflscience.com/mars-may-have-continental-crust-similar-earths-29398
| 2024-01-11T14:26:43Z
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Many of us go to our favourite celebrities for style, beauty, and hair inspiration. But as we enter 2024 and wedding season is not as far away as it may seem, we can turn to our favourite A-listers for engagement ring inspiration. There were many celebrity engagements in 2023 including Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin, Nicole Scherzinger and Thom Evans, and Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum. But the question is, whose ring is the most desirable, the most iconic, and which would you take inspiration from if you are the kind of person who likes to send hints to your partner when you feel a proposal on the cards?
Two new studies have been conducted that reveal the most sought-after celebrity engagement rings. Research conducted by customised jewellery experts at Glamira unveiled the most popular and iconic celebrity engagement rings by using Ahrefs to discover how many searches there are on average per month for each ring. Meanwhile, Pandora UK conducted new research that revealed which celebrity engagement rings captured the most online attention in 2023.
Pandora also ranked the most popular gemstone, band style, ring style and gemstone cut of 2023.
The most popular ring details of 2023 ranked by Pandora
Most popular gemstone - Moissanite
Most popular band style - Gold
Most popular ring style - Vintage
Most popular gemstone cut - Princess
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Take a look with us at the most impressive engagement rings topping the charts. Which will you take inspiration from in 2024?
At a glance: Glamira and Pandora's combined top-ranking celebrity engagement rings of 2023
Megan Fox
Kate Middleton
Meghan Markle
Millie Bobby Brown
Zooey Deschanel
Vanessa Hudgens
Barbara Palvin
Ashley Benson
Kourtney Kardashian
Jennifer Lopez
Blake Lively
Katy Perry
Angelina Jolie
Cardi B
Megan Fox
Expen4bles star Megan Fox, 37, got engaged to rapper Machine Gun Kelly in January 2022. Her ring was ranked the most sought-after in Glamira's research. The impressive piece features a teardrop-shaped diamond with an entirely untreated Columbian emerald gem, designed by Stephen Webster that ignited the 'toi et moi' engagement ring trend, meaning 'you and me' that alludes to the two-stone ring that can be taken apart to form two rings and is held together by a magnet. Megan's ring has an unusual fan that has divided fans. The pair revealed that her ring includes a band that is shaped like the thorns of a rose. "If she tries to take it off, it hurts," MGK said, quipping, "Love is pain!".
Meghan Markle
Just pipping Princess Kate to the post in Glamira's study is Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry proposed to Meghan in 2017 with a stunning three-stone ring with diamonds, which he had taken from his late mother Princess Diana’s collection. Meghan's dazzler averages 12,000 searches per month according to Glamira and is thought to be worth £115,000.
Princess Kate
The Princess of Wales' ring may be the most well-known in modern British history. Glamira tells us that the ring Prince William proposed with in 2010, which first belonged to Kate's late mother-in-law Princess Diana, amasses an average of 7,000 monthly searches and we can see why royal fans continue to be obsessed. The iconic piece, which is now thought to be worth up to £390,000 features a large sapphire hugged by 14 white diamonds.
Millie Bobby Brown
Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown might be the youngest fiance on the list, getting engaged in April 2023 at 19 years old, but her ring certainly didn't disappoint. Millie's then-boyfriend Jake Bongiovi proposed to the star with a stunning diamond ring which Kathryn Money, SVP of merchandizing and retail expansion at Brilliant Earth told Brides could be worth between $75,000 to $100,000. Millie's ring was ranked the most popular celebrity engagement ring of 2023 in Pandora's new study and we can certainly see why.
Zooey Deschanel
Elf actress Zooey Deschanel, 43, got engaged to her Property Brothers star boyfriend Jonathan Scott in August 2023 and her ring was beautiful and unusual. The piece resembles a flower crown featuring glistening pink and purple stones. The actress told People: "I didn't want just a diamond ring. There's just so many different beautiful gemstones. It's fun to have something different. I mean, I love diamonds, don't get me wrong. I'm not going to turn down a diamond. But I like the fun colors and I like pink and purple." Pandora ranked Zooey's ring the second most popular of 2023 with over 96 thousand global Google searches. We can see why it caught the attention of her loyal fans, it truly is an ethereal wonder.
Vanessa Hudgens
High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens was a blushing bride who tied the knot with her fiancé Cole Tucker before she rang in the New Year in December 2023. She got engaged in the most picture-perfect setting – right in front of the Eiffel Tower and the beauty of her ring matched the classic surroundings. Vanessa's gorgeous yellow gold oval solitaire diamond ring was ranked the third most popular celebrity engagement ring of 2023 by Pandora with over 37 thousand global Google searches and it is certainly one to remember.
Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney's mega sparkler was a whole cultural moment. She got engaged to her now husband Travis Barker on a beach in Montecito, California in October 2021. Glamira reported that the Kardashians star's clean and elegant solitaire diamond resting on a white-gold pavé band amassed over five thousand monthly searches last year and it just shows that a classic diamond ring, albeit a big one, is a classic for a reason. It's one for the vision board for aspiring brides in 2024 for sure.
Jennifer Lopez
Nothing excited JLo fans, and millennials for that matter, more than Jennifer Lopez's reunion with Ben Affleck. The 'On The Floor' singer's (second) incredible ring presented to her by her Gone Girl star husband in April 2022 features a rare five-stone square green diamond and receives an average of 5,600 searches per month worldwide according to Glamira.
Blake Lively
Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds proposed to Gossip Girl star Blake Lively in 2012 with a ring that is thought to be worth $2 million. Glamira reported that Blake’s showstopping light pink oval diamond receives an average of 5,200 monthly searches and was placed in sixth place as the most iconic and sought-after ring in their rankings.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511040/megan-fox-diamond-engagement-ring-most-iconic/
| 2024-01-11T14:49:47Z
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The foundation of any relationship is friendship, so it comes as no surprise that some of our favourite celebrity couples' love stories began as friends. From Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' double date with other people to Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton's meeting on The Voice and Prince William and Princess Kate's University fairytale, see the sweet stories about how celebrity friendships turned romantic…
Justin & Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber's father Stephen Baldwin introduced her to Justin Bieber in 2009. During his on-off relationship with Selena Gomez, they remained friends with Hailey even describing their relationship as a "teenage dream" on X (formerly Twitter.)
Hailey and Justin dated briefly in 2016, but the Baby singer rekindled his romance with Selena in 2017. By the following year, they had ended their relationship and Hailey and Justin got back together.
Hailey told Elle: "We were friends first for a really long time before there was anything romantic. But we always knew that we were aligned on what we wanted in our future. We had talked about wanting to be married young and having a family young and building a life. Even before we knew we wanted to be with each other."
They had a whirlwind wedding, with the couple announcing their engagement in July 2018 before getting married in a New York courthouse just two months later, followed by a bigger celebration in South Carolina in 2019.
Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton
The Voice coaches met on the singing competition in 2014, but they grew close after their respective divorces – Blake Shelton ended his marriage with Miranda Lambert in 2015, and Gwen Stefani split from Gavin Rossdale in 2016.
Blake told Billboard: "That's kind of how our friendship and bond started, that day. It went from that, to checking in on each other once a week through email – 'This [expletive] happened to me, what happened to you?' – to maybe three times a week, then every day, to 'Hey, here's my phone number if you ever want to text.' Next thing I know, I wake up and she's all I care about, and I'm wondering if she feels the same about me."
They got engaged in October 2020 and tied the knot in 2021 in an intimate ceremony at Blake's Oklahoma home, where he had built a chapel for his bride.
DISCOVER:
Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds
The superhero film Green Lantern brought actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds together in 2010 when Ryan was married to his ex-wife Scarlett Johansson. Their romantic relationship didn't begin immediately, with the Deadpool star telling Entertainment Weekly: "We were buddies for a long time, which I think is the best way to have a relationship."
He explained they organised a double date with different people a year later, but it was very "awkward" for the other two people since they realised their connection with one another. "We were both single [and] we went on a double date – she was on a date with another guy and I was on a date with another girl. We were just like fireworks coming across," he said.
The couple – who share four children – bought a $5 million home in Pound Ridge, New York together after six months of dating, and went on to tie the knot at the Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina in September 2012.
Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher
Mila Kunis' love story with Ashton Kutcher also began through work. The couple became friends after meeting on the set of That 70's Show aged 14 and 18, but they dated different people for several years – Mila was in a long-term relationship with Macaulay Culkin from 2002 until 2011, while Ashton was married to Demi Moore from 2005 until 2013.
They reconnected at the Golden Globes in 2012 and began a casual relationship before Mila admitted she caught feelings. Speaking of their Golden Globes run-in, she told Marc Maron on his WTF podcast: "I was looking around, and there was a really beautiful man from the back. I was literally like, 'Oh, he’s kinda hot.'… And then he turned around, and I was like, 'Oh, my God, it’s Kutch.' I thought it was the weirdest thing that I was checking this guy out, and it was someone that I had known forever."
They went public with their relationship in April of that year before getting engaged in February 2014 and married in July 2015. Mila and Ashton are now parents to two children.
Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have a love story for the ages! They started a friendship after working on Gigli together in 2002 when JLo was married to Cris Judd.
After the actress filed for divorce in July, they began dating and announced their engagement four months later. "I think what happened is, as we worked together, we became such good friends. We realised that we were crazy about each other. I found myself kind of thinking about him after the movie was over," she told Zane Lowe for Apple Music, adding: "It wasn’t an instant thing because we weren’t allowed to do that. Yeah, it kind of grew over time."
However, they never walked down the aisle, splitting in 2004 due to the media frenzy around their romance. JLo went on to marry Marc Anthony and get engaged to Alex Rodriguez, while Ben wed Jennifer Garner. However, after splitting from their partners, they rekindled their relationship in 2021 and tied the knot in 2022.
Kourtney Kardashian & Travis Barker
Travis Barker insisted he was "just friends" with Kourtney Kardashian in 2019, two years before they went public with their relationship in 2021. The Kardashians star and the Blink-182 drummer became close while they lived in neighboring homes in Hidden Hills, California. "Kourtney’s like a dear friend. That’s it. I mean, I love her to death. I love her family to death. But yeah, just friends," he said to People at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Travis proposed to Kourtney on a beach in Montecito in October 2021, and they had an impressive three weddings in 2022 – one non-legal ceremony in Las Vegas followed by a courthouse wedding in Santa Barbara and a big celebration in Italy. They have a blended family including Kourtney's three kids with Scott Disick: Mason, Penelope and Reign, as well as Travis' stepdaughter Atiana, daughter Alabama, and son Landon with his ex-wife Shanna Moakler.
Prince William & Princess Kate
The Prince and Princess of Wales became part of the same friendship group at St Andrews University in 2001, but it wasn't until a year later that their relationship blossomed while living in a shared house together off-campus.
During their engagement interview in 2010, William revealed: "When I first met Kate, I knew there was something very special about her. I knew there was possibly something that I wanted to explore there. We ended up being friends for a while and that just sort of was a good foundation. Because I do generally believe now that being friends with one another is a massive advantage. And it just went from there." Kate added: "I actually think I went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy. But we did become very close friends from quite early."
The royals dated for eight years – including a brief split in 2007 – before getting engaged in 2010 and married in April 2011.
Margot Robbie & Tom Ackerly
Another workplace acquaintance marked the start of Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley's love story. The actress and the assistant director were working on Suite Francaise together in 2013 when they moved in with a group of friends.
The Barbie star, who described herself as the "ultimate single gal", soon saw each other in a different light but wanted to keep it a secret from their fellow roommates. "We were friends for so long. I was always in love with him, but I thought, ‘Oh, he would never love me back. Don’t make it weird, Margot. Don’t be stupid and tell him that you like him," she said in an interview with Vogue.
"And then it happened, and I was like, 'Of course, we’re together. This makes so much sense, the way nothing has ever made sense before.'" The couple got married in 2016 in Australia.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511043/celebrity-friends-to-lovers-blake-lively-ryan-reynolds-mila-kunis-ashton-kutcher-more-romances/
| 2024-01-11T14:49:53Z
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NCIS fans were delighted when it was announced earlier in the week that the series will air a new spin-off, and instead of branching out to new location, it'll branch out in time.
CBS has ordered a spin-off prequel series to the flagship NCIS, titled NCIS: Origins, which is also set to feature the return of Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Read below for more on what we know about the upcoming prequel series, from its synopsis and cast of returning characters, to a potential air date and which NCIS family member thought of the idea in the first place…
What is NCIS: Origins about?
NCIS: Origins will trace the origins (literally) of a young Gibbs, who has just been recruited as a special agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office, led by NCIS legend Mike Franks (a recurring character on the main series).
The series is set in 1991, years before the flagship series first kicks off, and will allow a new, younger actor to step into the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, while Mark, 72, will act as narrator, similar to Young Sheldon.
Where did the idea come from?
The concept for the show actually came from none other than Sean Harmon, Mark's son who played a younger version of Gibbs on NCIS on seven episodes between 2008-2020.
Sean, 35, will executive produce the series with his father, and said in a statement: "The character of Gibbs has been an important part of my life for 20 years, both in watching my father craft the role and previously having the honor to play young Gibbs myself.
MORE: Inside Mark Harmon's sweet bond with lookalike son Sean Harmon
"I always felt there was a tale worth telling about his earlier years, so I am thrilled to be stepping into a producing role alongside [NCIS writers-producers Gina Lucita Monreal, David J. North] and my dad as we tell this story and reveal a new side of this beloved character."
Which characters will return?
We know that, of course, Mark Harmon's Gibbs will be back, and he'll be joined by Mike Franks, played on the flagship series by Muse Watson, and Special Agent Vera Strickland, former partner of Franks, played on NCIS by Roma Maffia.
READ: Mark Harmon sets the record straight with new details of NCIS departure: 'I was just tired'
Who will star in the prequel series?
So far, casting remains undecided/undeclared, although it's been made clear that neither Sean Harmon nor Ben Turner Dixon, who played the young Mike Franks on NCIS, will return to the role. Instead, new blood will be recruited for the series.
MORE: NCIS star Brian Dietzen shares reaction as co-star returns to franchise
When will the show air? And where can I watch it?
NCIS: Origins is set to premiere as part of the next fall line-up on CBS, and viewers can also catch episodes on Paramount+. An exact date is yet to be announced.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features, and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511050/all-we-know-ncis-origins-mark-harmon-comeback-all-returning-characters-air-date/
| 2024-01-11T14:49:59Z
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So many TV shows, so little time. So we looked at the line-up of upcoming UK shows so that you don’t have to! While there are plenty of incredible series landing in 2024, as HELLO!’s TV Editor, here are my top picks of the thrillers, historical dramas, real-life tales and comedies that I suspect everyone will be talking about!
Shuggie Bain - BBC
An adaptation of a truly brilliant book by Douglas Stuart, the show will be set in 1980s Glasgow and follow the troubled mother and son relationship of Snuggie and Agnes. Despite having a close bond, Agnes struggles with alcoholism, leaving Shuggie to care for her as he struggles to become a more "normal" person.
Playing Nice - ITVX
This psychological thriller sees James Norton return as king of the TV dramas as a concerned dad who discovers that his toddler was switched at birth and isn’t his after all. Meeting the other parents concerned, the families decide to keep the sons they have and become more involved in each other’s lives. But does the other family have ulterior motives?
One Day - Netflix
Another novel adaptation, this time from David Nicholls, follows Dexter and Emma, two best friends who spend years concealing their feelings for one another as well as having a series of near-misses that always keep them apart, despite being pretty in love with each other. After a movie with some seriously mixed reviews, this Netflix series looks like a very promising retelling of the beloved tale.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast - Channel 4
Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee is back for a new show with a murderous twist, and I couldn’t be more here for it. The series will follow 30-somethings Saoirse, Robyn and Dara who attend the funeral of an old classmate, only to get embroiled in a dark and twisted mystery. Sign me up.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz - Sky
Heather Morris’ bestselling novel tells the true story of Lale, a prisoner in Auschwitz who was tasked with tattooing arms in the horrific concentration camp during WWII. With World on Fire star Jonah Hauer-King playing Lale, I have no doubt it will be a very impactful drama and definitely worth the watch.
Death in Paradise fans get yet another addition to the cinematic universe with this new entry, this time taking place in Australia! For one detective, returning to her hometown is the last thing she wanted to do, but you have to go where the murder goes, you know? Little is known about casting just yet, but we can’t wait to find out more!
The Roadtrip - Paramount+
Another Beth O’Leary adaptation? Yes please. This sweet rom-com follows a split-up couple who have no choice but to drive cross country together for a mutual friend’s wedding - only for the reasons behind their split, and their lingering love for one another, coming to the surface for the journey. Expect tears, drama, and hopefully a happily ever after!
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Riot Women - BBC
Happy Valley’s triumphant screenwriter Sally Wainwright (after all, how could she not be after that third and final season?!) is back with a very different show, this time in a homage to a show she loved back in the 1970s, Rock Follies, and follows five women "of a certain age" who team up to make a pink rock band.
Renegade Nell - Disney+
Speaking of Sally, the screenwriter who is also well known for Gentleman Jack returns with another period drama, this time full of fantasy and starring Derry Girls’ Louisa Harland as Nell, a quick-witted and courageous woman framed for murder and becoming a notorious highwaywoman - with the help of a magical spirit.
Stags - Paramount+
A stag do with a murderous twist, the story follows a groom-to-be, Stu, and his mates as they had to his bachelor party in South America. After a week of fun, the group don’t end up getting their flight back, but are instead sent to a prison island run by two warring siblings, meaning that the gang need to choose sides to get back alive.
A Very Royal Scandal - Prime Video
We know that Michael Sheen is something of a chameleon, having previously starred as Tony Blair and Chris Tarrant on shows before, but this time he is getting the royal treatment by transforming into Prince Andrew for a retelling of the now-infamous interview with Newsnight journalist Emily Maitlis. The show, which is also set to star Luther’s Ruth Wilson as Emily, will follow the journalist’s journey up until the interview with the royal over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Baby Reindeer - Netflix
Comedian Richard Gadd’s stand-up show about his real-life stalker was a total smash hit, and with such a dark and compelling premise, we can’t wait to see the adaptation. The true story follows Richard’s "warped" relationship with a stalker who sent him over 40,000 emails as well as phone calls, countless social media messages and more. The synopsis reads: "Baby Reindeer follows the writer and performer Richard Gadd’s warped relationship with his female stalker and the impact it has on him as he is ultimately forced to face a deep, dark buried trauma."
Black Doves - Netflix
Written by The Lazarus Project showrunner Joe Barton with names like This is Going to Hurt's Ben Whishaw, Happy Valley's Sarah Lancashire and Keira Knightley starring, we think this will be one of the TV events of the year. The story follows Helen Webb, a politician’s wife and spy who has been passing on her husband’s secrets to the 'Black Doves' organisation. However, when her lover is murdered, her life is turned upside down.
The Death of Bunny Munroe - Sky
House of the Dragon star Matt Smith is set to star in the adaptation of Nick Cave’s novel, which follows a man who finds himself a single parent after his wife dies by suicide. The door-to-door beauty product salesman then has to take on a road trip with his nine-year-old son as the pair of them deal with their feelings of grief.
Queenie - Channel 4
We feel like we’ve waited forever for this adaptation, and it’s finally here (well, almost). The story follows 25-year-old journalist Queen Jenkins, and is the story about a young Black woman’s value and the unrelenting trials and tribulations of life.
The synopsis reads: "After a messy breakup from her long-term boyfriend Tom, Queenie seeks comfort in all the wrong places and begins to realise she has to face the past head-on before she can rebuild."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511060/brand-new-uk-shows-coming-out-in-2024/
| 2024-01-11T14:50:05Z
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Michael Strahan's teenage daughter, Isabella, has revealed her battle with a brain tumor in an emotional interview with her famous dad.
The 19-year-old sat alongside Michael in a segment on Good Morning America on Thursday where they spoke candidly about her struggles.
But what is medulloblastoma? What are the symptoms and what does this mean for her future?
What is medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumor that starts in the lower back part of the brain. According to Mayo Clinic: "Though medulloblastoma is rare, it's the most common cancerous brain tumor in children.
"It begins as a growth of cells, which is called a tumor. The cells grow quickly and can spread to other parts of the brain." The cells can spread "through the fluid that surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord".
What are the symptoms of medulloblastoma?
Isabella was diagnosed with a brain tumor one month after she began getting headaches in October 2023.
She told Robin Roberts, who was conducting the interview with her and her dad, that she "definitely noticed headaches, nausea," and confessed she "couldn't walk straight."
She thought she had vertigo, but when she began "throwing up blood" Isabella was urged to seek medical attention.
Other symptoms of medulloblastoma include, but are not limited to dizziness, double vision, nausea, headaches, tiredness, vomiting, unsteady to walk and poor coordination.
What is the treatment for a brain tumor in a child?
Doctors were eager to move quickly after her diagnosis. Following an MRI that confirmed she had a fast-growing four-centimeter tumor, bigger than a golf ball, in the back of her brain, she was rushed for surgery to remove the mass.
Isabella had to learn to walk again, with the help of her twin sister Sophia, and underwent a month of rehabilitation and several rounds of radiation to kill the cancer cells too.
"So I just finished radiation therapy, which is proton radiation, and I got to ring the bell yesterday," she said during her interview on GMA. "It was great. It was very exciting because it's been a long 30 sessions, six weeks."
Next month she will also start chemotherapy, which uses medicines to kill cancer cells, and says: "I'm ready for it to start and be one day closer to being over."
She'll undergo chemotherapy at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center in Durham, North Carolina, but hopes to return to USC when she's recovered to continue her studies in California.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to college and moving back to California and just starting my school experience over. Not over, but just restarting, being back into a routine and something that's enjoyable," she said.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/511057/what-is-medullobastoma-michael-strahan-teen-daughter-isabella-strahan-brain-tumor-diagnosis-gma/
| 2024-01-11T14:50:11Z
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Princess Anne continually comes out on top as one of the hardest-working royals due to the number of official engagements she carries out each year. And whilst her great-niece, Princess Charlotte, is only eight years old and has taken part in a handful of royal outings, there already appear to be a number of incredible similarities between the duo.
The eight-year-old is seldom spotted out of place and can often be seen helping her brothers, Prince George, 10, and Prince Louis, four, when to wave and say thank you. Who can forget the moment she reminded her elder brother to bow during Queen Elizabeth's funeral?
"Charlotte knows the rules. She's the one in the middle," confessed parenting expert Jo Frost in an exclusive interview with HELLO!. "She knows how to keep everyone in good stead.
Their reliability aside, it turns out Anne and Charlotte have many other attributes in common from their love for ballet to their close relationships with their respective fathers.
Keep scrolling to see four ways the little Princess takes after her great-aunt, Princess Anne…
Both share a love for ballet
Ballet has been a hobby of members of the royal family for generations. Princess Diana famously practised the elegant dance style and it was also revealed that Queen Camilla still takes part in Silver Swans dance classes at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), but did you know it's also something that Princess Anne and Princess Charlotte have in common?
The Princess Royal's talents were recently rediscovered in 2020 when old ballet records were uncovered by dance curator Jane Pritchard, who was part of the team putting together a museum collection for the RAD. However, due to Princess Anne studying under a competitor dance board, ISTD, the records didn't make the cut for the exhibition.
"Pritchard was thrilled to find the young Princess Anne's ballet exam notes from the 1950s – only to realise that she’d trained with an ISTD teacher and not a RAD one – 'no good at all!'," wrote journalist David Jay in the Dance Gazette, RAD's member's magazine.
Princess Anne has also watched countless performances at the Royal Opera House over the years.
Similarly, the Prince and Princess of Wales have both previously gushed about their daughter's love for ballet. Kate first mentioned Charlotte's adoration for the dance style back in 2017, when she said: "My daughter Charlotte likes dancing, she loves ballet and tap. Keep up the dancing," to a 7-year-old girl who told the Princess of her love for dancing during a visit to a Yorkshire textile mill.
Prince William also confirmed the youngster's hobby, and explained: "Charlotte is running around the kitchen in her dresses and ballet stuff and everything." Princess Charlotte also enjoyed a ballet birthday treat when she and her friends headed to watch the National Ballet of Canada's performance of Cinderella.
Close bond with their fathers
Both Princesses have a famously close bond with their fathers, Prince Philip and Prince William.
Close friends and family have previously been open about Prince Philip's relationship with his children - with many claiming that Anne was his favourite child.
Eileen Parker, wife of Philip's close friend Mike Parker, previously revealed via Daily Mail: "[Philip] always had more fun with Anne. Charles is more like the Queen, while Anne is very like Prince Philip."
The Princess Royal also inherited a love of sports from her late father according to journalist, Brian Hoey, who wrote in the Telegraph: "When she [Anne] was growing up she was constantly with her father when he was playing polo. It was Philip who taught Anne to sail, on Loch Muick, on the Balmoral Estate, and it was he who directed her enthusiasms towards sporting rather than academic achievements."
Much like her great-aunt, Princess Charlotte and her father, Prince William, have also bonded over their love of sport, most recently when the Lionesses made it to the final of the women's football World Cup 2023 and ahead of the match sent a video dedicated to the team.
The Princess and her father couldn't have looked closer, as the future King sat with his arm around his middle child who was holding a football.
Their fashion sense
Princess Anne has had countless iconic fashion moments throughout the years and in a photo from back in 1957, when she was just seven years old, she was spotted wearing a coat very similar to Princess Charlotte's beautiful forest green duffle coat she wore for her Christmas Day celebrations at Sandringham last year.
The Princess Royal was pictured in the piece as she waited with her grandmother, the Queen Mother, for her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her father Prince Philip, to land from overseas at London Airport.
Both pieces featured adorable sharp collars and were adorned with six buttons.
Both are incredibly passionate about sports
As well as their love for dancing, both Princess Anne and Princess Charlotte have always shown a love for sports, which, as mentioned, came from their fathers but what both Princesses appear to also have in common is a competitive edge.
Nigel Gillingham OBE, President of the RFU told Town and Country that even Princess Kate attested to this when she took part in a rugby training session last year. "She was telling me that she regularly plays rugby with her children in the back garden—and lots of other sports. Apparently, Charlotte is very much in her mould, very competitive as well apparently," he explained.
Princess Anne also showed a competitive streak from an early age having competed in public equestrian competitions since the tender age of 11, which led her to take part in the 1976 Olympic games.
It isn't just the taking part for the duo, as even when they are simply watching from the sidelines they appear to be in their element. We loved looking back at these incredible photos from Wimbledon, where the royal pair were beaming from the royal box as they watched the respective men's finals.
The image of Anne was taken in July 1967 when she watched John Newcombe and Wilhelm Bungert play. Princess Charlotte's was taken last year when Carlos Alcaraz played Novak Djokovic.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511047/4-ways-princess-charlotte-takes-after-princess-anne/
| 2024-01-11T14:50:18Z
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Julianne Hough made another show-stopping red carpet appearance on Wednesday after wowing fans in a plunging dress at the 75th Creative Arts Emmys on January 7.
The DWTS co-host looked phenomenal in a sheer dress that featured silver disc detailing throughout and a corset top as she attended a party thrown by GLAAD to celebrate its Governors Award at the 2023 Emmys. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation [GLAAD] will collect the award on January 15 for its work accelerating the acceptance of LGBTQ people through media, entertainment, and beyond.
Julianne showed her support for the non-profit organization at the swanky soiree in Bel Air and dazzled onlookers with her head-turning appearance.
The TV star highlighted her dancer's physique in the bold outfit, which showed hints of her toned figure underneath the sheer fabric and boasted a floor-sweeping length and cinched waist.
Julianne kept the rest of her look simple, opting for glossy lips and soft smokey, metallic eyes, wearing her recently chopped blonde hair in a sleek middle parting. She accessorized with metallic silver, pointed-toe stilettos, and a sparkling silver bag with a delicate chain she held in her hand.
Julianne debuted her new short 'do on Sunday when she accompanied her brother, Derek Hough, to the Creative Arts Emmys, where she witnessed him pick up an award for Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming for his work on DWTS.
Before her stunning appearance in her black Grace Ling dress, which boasted a plunging neckline to her navel, Julianne shared a clip on Instagram of herself taking a pair of scissors to her hair.
In the video, which you can watch below, the actress chops off a few inches of her chest-length hair, before seemingly having a pro tackle the rest off-camera.
While her daring look was the talk of Tinseltown, Julianne insisted the night was all about her sibling. She shared photos and videos on Instagram and wrote a heartfelt caption that read: "What an honor to present last night at the 75th Creative Arts Emmys, and an even bigger honor to have stood there in support as my brother won his 4th Emmy!
"Not only is he the most nominated choreographer (14 times!) in history, but to have won such an amazing award after this past month was an extraordinary way to welcome Derek home - a true depiction of experiencing the highs and lows while so gracefully showing up in gratitude Derek! So proud of you! Love you."
It's been a turbulent time for the professional dancer as his wife, Hayley Erbert, was taken ill over the holidays. Derek took to Instagram at the beginning of December to explain that Hayley, whom he married in 2023, had been diagnosed with a cranial hematoma after she became "disoriented" following a performance in Washington D.C.
He continued: "She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy".
Thankfully, Hayley is on the mend and took to social media following his big win to share her pride over her husband's achievement. “What a way to be welcomed home after such an unfathomable month. @derekhough, you continue to amaze me with your drive, brilliance, and commitment to excellence," she penned.
"I have loved being able to witness and be a part of your journey this far and cannot wait to see what else the future holds. I love you more than anything and am so unbelievably proud of you, today and always."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511070/julianne-hough-wows-see-through-dress-stunning-photos/
| 2024-01-11T16:21:54Z
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Princess Anne was a vision of regal beauty on Wednesday evening, as she and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence were hosted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka.
Princess Anne, 73, and Sir Tim, 68, are on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka at the request of the Foreign Office. Her presence at the President's official residence in Colombo on 10 January was in honour of the 75th anniversary of UK-Sri Lanka bilateral relations.
Putting on a colourful display, the Princess Royal asserted her sartorial prowess in a ravishing red shift dress adorned with blooming pastel flowers. For an additional pop of colour, the royal added a berry-red lipstick, balancing her ensemble with a draped cream scarf and white gloves.
It's not the first time Princess Anne has worn gloves in unconventional situations. Though she looks undeniably elegant, fans have been known to question the Princess' decision to wear gloves in all weather conditions.
"Just an observation, but the gloves seem a bit over the top for daytime," one fan wrote on X.
The Princess Royal likely had a good reason for wearing them – they help to avoid germs when meeting and shaking lots of hands. Her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, often did the same, with Princess Kate recently following suit too.
Completing her outfit, thrifty Princess Anne wore her most-loved accessory - a set of pearl earrings and a three-strand pearl necklace, which is believed to have belonged to the late Queen.
"I love the Princess’s outfit," penned a fan on X, as another wrote: "She is amazing. Her outfit is great."
Princess Anne previously visited Sri Lanka in 1995 where she visited projects set up by Save The Children. King Charles, then Prince of Wales, also attended the 50th anniversary of Independence Day in Sri Lanka in 1998.
In a surprising move, the down-to-earth royal - who is often named the hardest working royal each year - chose to fly commercial to Sri Lanka rather than take a private royal aircraft.
Sharing photos of Anne and Sir Tim boarding the plane, the airline penned in the caption: "A service fit for a royal! We are delighted to welcome onboard Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on her journey from London to Colombo on a two-day official visit to mark the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the UK."
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/511059/princess-anne-red-floral-dress-sri-lanka/
| 2024-01-11T16:22:00Z
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Cillian Murphy is the awards darling of the season whether he likes it or not, having taken home the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his role in Oppenheimer and being tipped to win the Oscar as well - even though he went viral for looking distinctly bored upon arrival at the first of the glittery events.
The actor has received widespread critical acclaim for his role in the blockbuster war movie - so what is next for him? The actor is set to star in an Irish movie Small Things Like These, which is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by Claire Keegan. So what do we know about the film? Find out here…
The novel’s synopsis reads: "It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church."
Cillian is assumed to be playing Bill, a man who realises that the Magdalene laundry is darker than he had ever imagined and must decide whether to remain quiet and not disturb his own peace, or step forward to do the right thing. Speaking about the project, he said: "I'm honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Claire Keegan's magnificent novel to the screen… we have gathered together a phenomenal team of creatives to make this film, and found exceptional partners in AE, a studio led by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck – actors and filmmakers I have admired for many years."
The 28 Days Later actor will be reunited with the director of Peaky Blinders, Tim Mielants, for the project, and is set to be joined by Belfast actor Ciarán Hinds alongside War Horse star Emily Watson.
Speaking about the characters, the Booker Prize judges said: "It is the tale, simply told, of one ordinary middle-aged man - Bill Furlong - who in December 1985, in a small Irish town, slowly grasps the enormity of the local convent’s heartless treatment of unmarried mothers and their babies (one instance of what will soon be exposed as the scandal of the Magdalene laundries).
"We accompany Furlong, and we feel - and fear - for him as he realises what is happening, decides how he must in conscience act, and accepts what that action, in a small church-dominated town, will cost him, his wife and his children."
Claire said about the novel: "I’m interested in how we cope, how we carry what’s locked up in our hearts. I wasn’t deliberately setting out to write about misogyny or Catholic Ireland or economic hardship or fatherhood or anything universal, but I did want to answer back to the question of why so many people said and did little or nothing knowing that girls and women were incarcerated and forced to labour in these institutions.
"It caused so much pain and heartbreak for so many. Surely this wasn’t necessary or natural?"
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511066/oppenheimer-cillian-murphy-new-movie-small-things-like-these/
| 2024-01-11T16:22:07Z
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James Gandolfini's son Michael Gandolfini is honoring his father's legacy over ten years after his untimely passing in 2013.
Michael, 24, previously carried on his father's legacy, particularly that of Tony Soprano's, through the HBO series' prequel film The Many Saints of Newark, in which he starred as the young mafia don growing up in New Jersey in the 1960s.
Now, as the legendary series marks its milestone 25th anniversary, the young actor is celebrating with his father's former co-stars.
On Wednesday, Michael – who is the spitting image of his father – stepped out for an anniversary event in New York City, alongside his girlfriend Mia Healy.
While there, he also posed for photos with The Sopranos alum Kathrine Narducci, who starred as Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia)'s wife, Charmaine Bucco.
James – whose performance of Tony has often been hailed as one of the most influential contributions to television history – died suddenly aged 51 on June 19, 2013, during a vacation in Rome with his family. He was in Italy for the Taormina Film Festival, where he was set to receive an award.
His son Michael was the one to find him unconscious in the bathroom of their hotel room at the Boscolo Exedra, after they'd spent the day sightseeing in intense heat. An autopsy later confirmed he died of a heart attack.
MORE: Stars pay tribute to the late Sopranos actor James Gandolfini
MORE: Sopranos star James Gandolfini's funeral plans confirmed
Michael's mom Marcy Wudarski was married to the late actor from 1999 to 2002; he subsequently married former Hawai'ian actress Deborah Lin in 2008, with whom he shared one daughter, Liliane, born in October 2012.
Ahead of the release of The Many Saints of Newark in 2021, Michael – who grew up on the set of The Sopranos – opened up to WSJ. Magazine about properly studying his dad's work for the first time to accurately portray his most iconic character.
The experience brought an onslaught of bittersweet feelings, and he explained: "Just watching for the first time. Seeing my dad and seeing how good my dad was – which pissed me off in some regard and made me feel so proud."
He added: "I was so happy for him and also thinking back to growing up on the set. And then having to just clear all… the junk. All the crap… laughing so hard and crying. It felt so good to get it all out."
Michael also explained to People at the time that while he agrees he looks like his dad, he didn't "have the gestures" that belonged to Tony Soprano, noting: "I don't have the accent, the way he uses his eyes. All those things are things I wanted to develop, because if I could get his physicality, I might be able to have more leeway to do what I want emotionally."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511064/james-gandolfini-son-michael-spitting-image-photos-the-sopranos-anniversary-event/
| 2024-01-11T16:22:08Z
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Is it just me, or are more and more people getting married in registry offices?
Perhaps is because I'm edging towards the end of my twenties and I'm in that phase where everybody seems to be engaged. Or, it's because post-Covid, destination weddings have become popular again and therefore there's more brides and grooms doing the legal bit in the UK first (besides, any excuse for lots more weddings is good enough for me).
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From what I've noticed through fiancée friends, and what is seemingly apparent on every influencer in their late twenties-early thirties on my social media feeds, is that the attire chosen to marry in a registry office is more playful, fun, and perhaps not something they'd walk down the aisle in.
It could be a minimalistic mini, or it could be something with daring cut-outs, sultry lace or dramatic feathers.
Whether it's the calm before the storm of a show-stopping wedding abroad, or it's a pared-back home grown wedding with little fuss - we've found stunning dresses for a registry office ceremony that you're guaranteed to wear again (if, you want to).
How we chose:
Style: I've found minis, midis and maxis with various silhouettes, sleeve-lengths, patterns and fits to hopefully give inspiration for a variety of tastes. I also used my fashion expertise to pick out dresses that either on trend right now, will be in the future or are timeless, and they're dresses I think are suitable for wearing on multiple occasions. Unlike the typical wedding day attire, there are no long trains involved.
Cost: These pieces start from £95 for those who want something affordable, and range up to around £1,500 for those who want a special investment piece.
10 Registry Office Wedding Dresses You’ll Wear More Than Once:
1/10
Mini Dresses
Belted Embellished Bouclé Mini Dress
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is the epitome of sophisticated glamour. This short-length version of the Princess of Wales' midi dress features a playful pleated skirt and the brand's classic bouclé jacket upper-half.
2/10
Zenni Dress
Reformation
Timelessness at its finest. I am obsessed with the boat neckline of this ivory dress which looks so elegant. Plus, the fitted waist with an A-Line skirt creates a flattering silhouette. Switch your wedding accessories for colourful sandals heels and a bright blazer on a summer's evening.
3/10
Meredith Strapless Bow Midi Dress
Meshki
Bows are a huge trend for 2024. I love that this oversized bow at the back gives a simple strapless mini an elegant touch. Whether it's for NYE, the red carpet or a special birthday, flirty dress will definitely be coming back out to play.
4/10
Candice Silk Mini Dress
Rixo
A friend of mine is getting married at Chelsea Town Hall in April and has chosen this stunning Rixo dress for her UK ceremony. I love the sixties inspired silhouette plus the ostrich feather hemline to add some glamour without being too dramatic.
5/10
Midi Dresses
Hemingway in Palais De Tokyo
New Arrivals
New Arrivals is one of my favourite labels right now for elevated, glamorous dresses. This halterneck piece is cut to perfect. Not only do I love the contemporary high collar style neck, but it also has pockets.
6/10
Bridal Ophelia Crêpe Midi Dress
Rebecca Vallance
There's nothing I love to wear more for an elegant party dress code than pearls. This stunning Rebecca Vallance dress features dainty pearls dotted all over, plus three bows in the centre. It perfectly combines timelessness with a modern, playful edge.
7/10
Ruffle Stretch-Satin Midi Dress
Sandro
The styling of this dress by the brand already proves is perfect for occasions outside of the registry office. Pair with some white sandal heels or court stilettos for an elegant wedding look.
8/10
Maxi Dresses
Fossil Dress
Georgia Hardinge
Alongside being the perfect dress for balmy wedding day, the playful pleating screams summer holiday chic. I can see the foil-coated chiffon glistening under a Spanish sunset...
The sheer popularity of this particular dress proves that it can be worn for multiple occasions. Taller Marmo's one-shoulder feather dress reached cult-status in 2023, and we're predicting it will be a winner yet again in 2024.
10/10
Julia Crepe Maxi Bridesmaid Dress
Pretty Lavish
I know this dress is designed for bridesmaids, but I think it's wholly appropriate for saying "I Do" in. The champagne colour is the perfect alternative for those who aren't looking for a brilliant white dress. Plus, the folded bandeau silhouette gives this minimalistic maxi some major elegance.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/wish-list/511063/registry-office-wedding-dresses/
| 2024-01-11T16:22:10Z
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It has been a whole year since the release of the Duke of Sussex's tell-all memoir, Spare.
In his own words, Prince Harry, opened up about the impact of his mother Diana's tragic death when he was a young boy, his military career and his complicated relationship with his father, King Charles, and brother, the Prince of Wales.
The father-of-two also used the book to put the record straight about a number of stories in the media over the years, particularly when he married Meghan Markle in 2018.
It had been long been reported that Harry and Meghan had told family and friends that the Duchess was expecting their first child at the wedding of Harry's cousin, Princess Eugenie, on 12 October 2018.
Harry confirmed that had been the case in his memoir, Spare, and explained the reason behind it.
He wrote: "Euge was getting married, to Jack, and we were deliriously happy for them and for ourselves, selfishly, since Jack was one of our favourite people.
"Meg and I were supposed to head off on our first official foreign tour as a married couple, but we delayed the departure several days, so we could be at the wedding.
"Also, the various gatherings connected to the wedding would give us a chance to pull aside family members one by one and tell them our good news."
The Sussexes revealed their happy news to Harry's father, then Prince Charles, "at Windsor, just before a drinks reception for the bride and groom".
Harry added that Charles was "delighted to learn that he was going to be a grandfather for a fourth time".
The Duke and Duchess then told Prince William and Kate after the drinks reception at St George's Hall at Windsor Castle.
"We whispered the news, and Willy smiled and said we must tell Kate. She was across the room, talking to Pippa [Middleton]," Harry wrote. "I said we could do it later, but he insisted. So we went and told Kate and she also gave a big smile and hearty congratulations. They both reacted exactly as I'd hoped - as I'd wished."
Kensington Palace announced Meghan's pregnancy on 15 October 2018 as they touched down in Sydney, Australia for their royal tour – three days after Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding.
Harry and Meghan's firstborn, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, arrived on 6 May 2019 at London's Portland Hospital.
Since then, the Sussexes welcomed daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, on 4 June 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
It was revealed in December that Harry's memoir topped Amazon's Most Sold list of 2023.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511039/why-prince-harry-meghan-markle-announced-pregnancy-princess-eugenie-wedding/
| 2024-01-11T16:22:15Z
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The Prince of Wales has reacted after Mike Tindall revealed his rather cheeky nickname.
Prince William met rugby heroes Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield at Headingley Stadium in Leeds as he returned to public duties on Thursday after his Christmas break.
Mike, who is the husband of William's cousin, Zara, confessed on Rob's podcast last month that he refers to the Prince of Wales as "One Pint Willy because he's not the best of drinkers".
Laughing he added: "It's out there now, sorry sir" while Zara jokes: "You're in so much trouble!"
See what William had to say in the clip below…
During his outing, the Prince of Wales surprised Rob and Kevin by awarding them with their CBEs, which they received in the New Year's Honours List for their incredible efforts to raise awareness of and funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Rob was diagnosed with MND in December 2019, just two years after retiring from his position as scrum half at Leeds Rhinos, for whom he played throughout his entire professional career.
Since his diagnosis Rob has inspired nearly £15 million of fundraising activity, including over £8.5 million raised by his friend and former teammate, Kevin.
The Prince told them: "I have brought a special couple of things up to give you today. I did check with Kevin to make sure that you didn’t want to come to London to receive these. But I have brought your CBEs up here today and I thought I might give them to you, if that’s ok, in your home, Leeds, surrounded by your family and friends. I thought today was a good day to present your CBEs.
"Thank you and congratulations for all the inspirational work you have done, Rob. You’ve been amazing, you really have. Everyone is proud of you and has been following your case and the money you have been raising. You have changed so many people’s lives with MND. We are all so proud of you."
Turning to Kevin, William said: "Huge, huge congregations, you are an inspiration, you really are, thank you. You’ve raised so much. Your brotherly bond and relationship between the two of you has been so amazing to watch. An inspiration to everyone."
Speaking through a computerised speech aide, Rob, 41, said: "I am proud to accept it on behalf of the whole MND community. Days like today allow us to keep a spotlight on the disease and continue to raise awareness and hopefully funds to fight the disease and support those who are living with MND and their families. It was wonderful that His Royal Highness was able to come to Headingley to see us and very much appreciated. It was lovely to talk to him and for him to meet my family."
In 2020, Kevin raised over £2 million as he ran seven marathons in seven days.
Every year since then, Kevin has undertaken endurance challenges, including the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May 2023, when he touched the nation's hearts by carrying Rob across the finish line.
During their meeting, William heard from both men about their fundraising efforts over the past four years, as well as their rugby careers, where they won seven Grand Finals, two Challenge Cup Finals at Wembley, and three World Club titles together.
In addition to supporting a number of charities, including the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, the money raised is also being used to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. The Centre will be a purpose-built facility at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds and will see all the needs of an MND patient and their families met in one building.
The Prince and Princess of Wales spent the festive period at Anmer Hall in Norfolk with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The Waleses and Mike and Zara Tindall and their daughters, Mia and Lena, were among the royals to join King Charles and Queen Camilla at church on Christmas Day in Sandringham.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511071/prince-william-reacts-mike-tindall-cheeky-nickname/
| 2024-01-11T16:22:21Z
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Meghan Markle has worn many a fabulous look over the years. One style that has remained a constant in her wardrobe is the good old-fashioned mini dress. Whether the Duchess is after an angelic white moment or a vampy vixen aesthetic, a mini dress is sure to see her through her previous public engagements and on several occasions on the red carpet. Prince Harry's wife has become an expert at nailing a mini skirt look and working the reliable piece to her advantage.
Take a look at 10 of Meghan's shining moments in mini dresses, they don't disappoint…
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2013
Meghan was spotted at the UK Premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire at Odeon Leicester Square in 2013 wearing a black mini dress that was simple yet elegant. The Duchess' dress was a slinky number with long sleeves, a peplum skirt and a rounded neck. The gold star embellishments around the neck added visual interest to the pared-back look. Meghan epitomised 2013 red carpet style with her gladiator heels and dark smokey eye.
2014
Meghan looked so glam when she attended the seventh day of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. She wore a khaki mini dress in a suede fabric with capped sleeves, a frilled detail on the skirt, and a built-in belt with two gold poppers. The dress featured a rounded neck and she styled the piece with gold strappy heels, oversized gold earrings, and a glossy pink lip.
2014
Meghan stepped out for the NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Upfronts at The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in 2014 wearing another white mini dress, but one with an ethereal twist. The Duchess was seen donning a tweed halterneck dress with a gold embroidered detail that came out like a star from the centre of the dress. She added a gold clutch and a pair of suede open-toe boots to complete the neutral aesthetic.
2015
When Meghan attended the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards at Spring Studios in 2015 she stunned in a totally different mini dress – a high-shine metallic number. The Misha Nonoo blazer dress featured long sleeves and a deep plunging neckline with faux pocket details. Meghan rocked an ultra-nude lip with a pair of black strappy heels and a see-through perspex clutch.
2016
Meghan rocked a vampy red number to ELLE's 6th Annual Women in Television Dinner at Sunset Tower in West Hollywood in 2016. Her textured dress featured a high neck and sleeves to the elbow with puffed shoulder detailing. She paired the dress with pointed-toe black heels, a reflective silver clutch, and a coordinating dark red lip.
2016
In 2016 Meghan attended the Roland Mouret private dinner at Corkin Gallery in Toronto wearing a timeless burgundy mini dress. The off-the-shoulder number, Roland Mouret's Barnabas dress, featured a panel of black satin fabric at the neckline and ruching at the waist. Meghan styled the piece with a pair of gladiator heels, a classic 2016 trend, and a black pillowed clutch. Her hair was flipped to one side for an undone look.
2018
When Meghan visited Courtnay Creative for an event celebrating the city's thriving arts scene in New Zealand in 2018 she switched up her usual mini dress style for a sleeveless blazer dress option. The tuxedo style featured a double-breasted front with nude buttons. The Maggie Marilyn piece was a customised version of the New Zealand designer's 'Leap of Faith' blazer dress. Meghan styled it with nude suede pumps and a stylish updo.
2018
Prince Harry and Meghan attended a gala performance of the musical Hamilton in support of the charity Sentebale at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London in 2018. Megan wowed in a black mini-blazer dress. She upped the ante on the workwear aesthetic by pairing the dress with a pair of black suede pumps and a neat bun.
2019
In 2019 Meghan was seen stepping out after joining a panel discussion, convened by The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, to mark International Women's Day at King's College London wearing a gorgeous mini dress. The then-pregnant Duchess wore the 'Azzura' swirl printed shift dress by Reiss which featured a black and white pattern. Meghan styled the piece with a slim-fit black blazer and a pair of black pointed-toe pumps.
2022
Meghan looked totally angelic at the delayed IGF Reception during day two of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 in 2022 wearing a white mini dress. Her £3,600 Valentino look featured floral cutouts below the neckline for a touch of detail on the otherwise plain dress that was so elegant. The piece featured a rounded neck, three-quarter-length sleeves, and Meghan wore the piece with a pair of brown suede pumps. We love how she wore her hair in loose waves and pushed it over one shoulder.
DISCOVER: I attended an intimate talk with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — here were my takeaways
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/511065/meghan-markle-unforgettable-mini-skirt-moments-prince-harry/
| 2024-01-11T16:30:41Z
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There was no more poignant and symbolic way for Queen Margrethe to demonstrate trust in her son, Crown Prince Frederik, than by leaving the throne to him in the wake of her shock abdication announcement.
During her traditional New Year's TV speech, the queen encouraged the Danish public to welcome her son and his wife, Crown Princess Mary, with the same enthusiasm that she was met with over half a century ago when she ascended to the throne.
She said: "It is my hope that the new King and Queen will be met with the same trust and devotion which have fallen to my lot. They deserve it!"
However, despite this outward display of support and affection, some key moments in recent years (and days!) have sparked speculation that Queen Margrethe's sons are not in fact in her "inner circle".
We look back at some of these telling moments, examining the implications that they have on the relationship between Queen Margrethe and her sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.
She did not tell them about her abdication until three days beforehand
The abdication of Queen Margrethe came as a shock to all of us — even her sons Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim were no exception.
A spokesperson from the royal palace confirmed to Danish newspaper Berlingske on Thursday that the queen informed both of her sons about her decision on 28 December — just three days before she announced her abdication to the rest of the world.
According to Stefan Walters, BACP registered therapist who specialises in trauma and attachment, this bombshell announcement could indicate that Queen Margrethe's sons are not involved in her decision-making process.
"It says to me really that she's got to keep a very small inner circle of people that help her make these big decisions and high-profile affairs, and that inner circle probably doesn't even include her children because it may not be appropriate for them to have a voice in those decisions," he told HELLO!
"It may literally just be her perhaps who makes these massive decisions that are going to impact the country and impact the public interest. So that's a huge pressure and responsibility, isn't it?"
Stefan explained that this is often the case in royal families — for those with a public persona, it makes sense to keep decisions to yourself before sharing them to the people closest to you.
It is possible that Queen Margrethe withheld her decision before it was finalised to avoid any unnecessary hindrances.
"Perhaps her worry was that if she gave them more notice, they might have different ideas or they might want to have a voice in the decision," said Stefan. "They might want to try and influence it somehow. Maybe it was deemed not appropriate for them to be part of that process."
She has stripped Joachim's children of their royal titles
Queen Margrethe evoked an emotional reaction from her son, Prince Joachim, when she ruled on 1 January 2022 that his children — Prince Nikolai, Prince Felix, Prince Henrik and Princess Athena — would have their royal titles removed. From that point onwards, the royal children were to be styled as Count/Countess of Montpezat.
While the Danish Royal Court asserted that this decision was "in line with similar adaptations that other royal houses have implemented in different ways in recent years", this did little to assuage Prince Joachim's shock.
"We are all very sad," he said, speaking on his mother's decision. "It's never fun to see your children being mistreated like that. They themselves find themselves in a situation they do not understand."
He added that he was given just "five days' notice" before the change came into force. "In May, I was presented with a plan, which basically stated that when the children each turned 25, it would happen. Athena turns 11 in January," he said, apparently still reeling from the decision.
Joachim was then asked by the reporter if the decision had any impact on his relationship with his mother. "I don't think I need to elaborate here," he replied.
In response to this encounter between the press and Prince Joachim, the Danish Royal Court issued another statement, acknowledging that emotions were running high in the wake of the dramatic news.
This statement read: "We understand that there are currently many emotions in the game, but we hope that the wishes of the royal family to make the royal house future-proof will be respected."
Prince Joachim will return to Denmark in order to attend the accession of his brother, Crown Prince Frederik. However he will not be joined by his wife, Princess Marie, and their children, who will instead remain in Washington D.C, where Prince Joachim works as a defence industry attaché at the Danish Embassy.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511069/telling-signs-queen-margrethes-sons-crown-prince-frederik-and-prince-joachim-not-in-inner-circle/
| 2024-01-11T16:30:47Z
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ASTANA – Kazakhstan aims to double its national economy to $450 billion by 2029, with international financial institutions projecting economic growth between 3% and 4% this year, reported Kazinform.
The Ministry of National Economy’s forecast for socio-economic development between 2024 and 2028 predicts real economic growth at 5.3% in 2024, rising to 6% by 2028.
The National Bank of Kazakhstan outlines estimates for gross domestic product (GDP) elevation ranging from 3.2-4.2% in 2024 to 5.5-6.5% in 2025 in its November 2023 report on monetary policy.
The adjustments are attributed to the postponement of the Tengiz field expansion project to 2025. Increased internal demand, coupled with substantial government spending, is expected to drive economic growth in 2024.
Economic expectations from analysts
Rasul Rysmambetov, a Kazakh economic and financial expert, offers an optimistic outlook for 2024, emphasizing the government’s need for efficient resource utilization and strategic execution of plans.
“I believe that this year can be favorable if the government manages its budget wisely, avoiding the approach of solving every problem by pouring money into it. It is crucial to address issues through efficient management, not relying solely on financial resources,” said Rysmambetov.
He anticipates a strengthening of the tenge’s value, particularly if the United States dollar weakens due to a decrease in the Federal Reserve’s interest rates and the euro weakens due to the stimulative policy of the European Central Bank.
Rysmambetov also emphasizes the importance of focusing on regional development, highlighting that excessive centralized planning often hinders regional progress.
Сommunal infrastructure modernization, including heating, electricity, water, and land, is a critical priority for the Kazakh regions.
The expert advocates for supporting private sector initiatives on a local scale, underscoring the need to offer incentives to domestic investors with businesses in Kazakhstan. Such support is crucial for fostering job creation and promoting the growth of industries.
Challenges: high inflation
Despite reducing inflation from a high of over 20% in February 2023 to 9.8%, Kazakhstan still faces a challenge.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) advises caution in easing monetary policy until inflation approaches the target level, emphasizing the need to anchor inflation expectations.
High inflation is a shared concern not only for Kazakhstan but also for other Central Asian countries. Inflation consistently exceeds target indicators set by central banks in the region. The volatility of inflation rates is attributed to the substantial presence of food products and imported goods in the consumer basket.
Insights from international institutions
The Asian Development Bank revised its economic forecast for Kazakhstan to 4.5% in a Dec.13 report, driven by increased oil production and robust housing construction. The bank also forecasts a 4.3% economic growth in 2024.
According to the bank’s report, the consolidated index of the central bank’s business activity and the business climate index showed improvement in October, signaling an optimistic outlook within the country’s business community. The government’s 2024 state budget indicates an expected 6.7% rise in total spending compared to 2023, along with a revision in its oil forecast for 2024. However, energy experts express concerns that delays in completing the Tengiz oil field expansion may impact oil production.
The IMF foresees a slowdown in Kazakhstan’s economic growth to 3.1% in 2024, primarily attributing it to delays in the Tengiz oil field expansion.
“In the medium term, non-oil GDP growth will stabilize at around 3.5%, with a gradual decrease in inflation reaching 5% by 2025–2026,” reads the fund’s final statement for 2023.
IMF’s experts identify several potential negative factors, including the prospect of declining oil prices, disruptions in oil exports, and sluggish growth among trading partners. Geopolitical disagreements could further undermine economic activity and investor confidence. Climate risks associated with rapid global decarbonization are also highlighted as potential threats to the economy and financial system.
The IMF statement underscores various risks to economic expansion, including the acceleration of reform implementation, skilled labor migration, foreign firms relocating to Kazakhstan, and the impact of higher oil prices.
In contrast, the World Bank offers a positive outlook, predicting a 4% increase in Kazakhstan’s real GDP for 2024, primarily driven by expansion in the oil extraction sector.
According to an April 2023 economic review by the World Bank, Central Asia is expected to witness enhanced economic growth, reaching 4.8% in 2023 and maintaining an average of 4.7% in both 2024 and 2025, assuming inflation remains under control.
Further global economic insights include the IMF’s anticipation of developing countries experiencing a slowdown in expansion from 4.1% in 2022 to 4% in 2023 and 2024. A decline in global inflation from 8.7% in 2022 to 6.9% in 2023 and 5.8% in 2024 is forecasted, with expectations of core inflation gradually decreasing. However, the IMF suggests that target inflation levels may not be reached until 2025.
The Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan predicts key drivers for the country’s economy in 2024 to be construction (+8%), information and communication (+7%), trade (+6.5%), and transport (+5.6%).
The article was originally published in Kazinform.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/experts-anticipate-positive-outlook-for-kazakhstan-in-2024/
| 2024-01-11T17:28:38Z
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ASTANA – The Italian-Kazakh Cultural Center for Creative Industry will be opened in Kazakhstan this year, said Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan Marco Alberti during a Jan. 10 meeting with Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, reported the ministry’s press service.
Balayeva emphasized that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the development of cooperation in culture and art with European countries.
“Italy is one of the key centers of world art with a long history. Mutual cultural enrichment has a great influence on the rapprochement of our countries. We are interested in developing cooperation in museum affairs, music education, touring activities, restoration of museum exhibits, and advanced training for museum staff,” Balayeva said, emphasizing the importance of educational programs of creative education.
In turn, Alberti reiterated that the first Italian Cultural Institute of Central Asia opened in Almaty last year.
“The institute’s main mission is to popularize the Italian language and culture, attracting attention to new creative talents. In this regard, we are very interested in cooperation with Kazakh universities,” he said.
According to Balayeva, participation in the Venice Biennale 2024 international art exhibition, which will take place from April 20 to Nov. 24, will be an important event for Kazakhstan.
“Along with an exhibition of Kazakh artists’ works, the national pavilion will feature master classes in art. This cultural platform will provide an opportunity for visitors to become better acquainted with the historical and cultural heritage of the country through the creativity and art of Kazakh craftsmen and talents,” Balayeva said.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/italian-kazakh-center-for-creative-industry-to-open-this-year/
| 2024-01-11T17:28:44Z
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ASTANA – Scientists from the Umai International Laboratory for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the Margulan Institute of Archaeology took part in the reconstruction of a historical clothing found in the ruins of the mausoleum on the Talmas-Ata necropolis in the Karagandy Region dating back to the Golden Horde era, reported the Ministry of Science and Higher Education on Jan. 10.
According to the laboratory manager Tatyana Krupa, the archaeological relics found in the Talmas-Ata mausoleum are unique for the international archaeological community.
“Researchers associate the person found in the burial of this mausoleum with family relations with the Bolgan-Ana mausoleum. Chapan (a traditional gown) found there is stored in the laboratory, its conservation has been going on for several years. Last year, at international conferences held at the University of Warsaw (Poland) and the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), my reports were devoted to the study of Golden Horde artifacts on the territory of Kazakhstan and Ukraine. In particular, a separate report in Warsaw was devoted to the chapan found in the Bolgan-Ana mausoleum,” she said.
Another unique artifact found among the materials of the Talmas-Ata mausoleum were men’s boots, which became the starting point in creating an image of the person buried in the Talmas-Ata mausoleum.
“The work to create an exact copy of ancient boots was carried out using techniques of that time, which we studied for this purpose. We plan to carry out conservation of them over time,” she said.
Everything in these boots has been preserved except the heel and sole. On the surviving parts one can see interesting decor, which is very similar to modern Kazakh ornaments. Krupa sees in this the continuity of both technology and clothing traditions of the Golden Horde with the Kazakh dress.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakh-scientists-reconstruct-golden-horde-era-clothing/
| 2024-01-11T17:28:50Z
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ASTANA – The Kazakh government has introduced a package of tax reliefs for 40 types of business activities in the creative industry, reported the Ministry of Culture and Information on Jan. 10.
Entrepreneurs will be exempt from paying corporate income tax, personal income tax, and value added tax. Instead, a single tax worth 2% to 4% of the turnover will be introduced for individual entrepreneurs, as well as 8% for companies. In this regard, the company’s annual turnover should not exceed 2.2 billion tenge (US$4.8 million), and the staff should not exceed 200 people, Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva wrote in a Facebook post on Jan. 10.
Today, nearly 133,200 people are employed in the country’s creative industries. The ministry holds regular meetings with the industry’s representatives to address priorities and challenges, including approaches to creating institutional infrastructure, a Creative Industry Support Fund, and mechanisms for using state property in working with the creative industry, among the most relevant.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakhstan-approves-tax-relief-for-creative-industry/
| 2024-01-11T17:28:56Z
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ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Romania expressed readiness to promote cooperation in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), or Middle Corridor, during talks between Kazakh Deputy Transport Minister Talgat Lastayev and Romanian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Mădălina Lupu, reported the ministry’s press service on Jan. 10.
The sides addressed cooperation in transport, logistics and aviation, and the international route’s development to improve transport links with Europe.
According to Lastayev, as part of Kazakh Transport Minister Marat Karabayev’s upcoming visit to Romania, the sides are expected to agree on the advancement of cooperation within the TITR. He emphasized the importance of Romania’s role in the development of the route, the effective involvement of companies from the two countries and stable ties between cargo carriers.
Lastayev also proposed holding the first meeting of the Joint Commission on International Road Transport in Romania in the first half of the year.
Ambassador Lupu underlined that cooperation within the Middle Corridor is the key to relations between Kazakhstan and Romania.
In 2023, nearly 2.75 million tons of cargo were transported via the TITR, which is 64% more than in 2022.
To develop the route, a Kazakh logistics center in the dry port of Xi’an in China opened last month, and projects have been launched to construct a multimodal terminal in the port of Poti in Georgia and a trade and logistics hub in the Almaty Region.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakhstan-romania-keen-to-explore-middle-corridor-cooperation/
| 2024-01-11T17:29:03Z
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ASTANA – The crime rate in Kazakhstan has decreased by 11% from 157,473 to 140,272 cases, reported Kazakh Prosecutor General’s Office on Jan. 10.
Violent crimes declined by 14.9% from 44,106 to 37,548 cases. Crimes of moderate severity also saw a decrease of 12.6%, with cases falling from 67,340 to 58,874. The less significant decrease, a 4% fall from 22,741 to 21,826 cases, was recorded in crimes of minor offenses.
However, crimes of the highest severity increased by 15.7% from 2,241 to 2,593 cases.
Prosecutors suspended unfounded criminal prosecution against 254 individuals while exercising oversight over investigations. Some 824 people were released from office premises and detention centers.
The number of citizens’ constitutional rights violations in criminal proceedings decreased by 22.7% from 578 to 447 cases. Some 97 people were acquitted by the court.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakhstan-sees-11-drop-in-%D1%81rime-rates/
| 2024-01-11T17:29:09Z
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ASTANA – The Investment Promotion Council (Investment Headquarters) discussed the implementation of the National Digital Investment Platform, aimed at improving the country’s investment attractiveness during a Jan. 11 meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, reported the Prime Minister’s press service.
User-friendly investment platform is supposed to both simplify processes, including government services, and ensure their transparency for all parties – entrepreneurs, representatives of government agencies, financial institutions and the quasi-public sector.
The Kazakh Government prioritizes the digitalization of public services in attracting investment and a new platform is being developed primarily for investors, according to the report.
Sklyar instructed state agencies to accelerate the launch of the platform and add all data on investment projects into the system.
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https://astanatimes.com/2024/01/kazakhstan-to-launch-national-digital-investment-platform-2/
| 2024-01-11T17:29:16Z
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A mere 200 million years ago, the supercontinent of Pangea split apart and created the continents we see on Earth today, separated by vast oceans. It’s easy to think these mighty landmasses are here to stay, but it’s likely that another supercontinent will grace our planet in the future.
It’s very hard to predict what this supercontinent might look like, but scientists suspect that all the continents except Antarctica could join together around the north pole around 200 million years from now, forming the new supercontinent "Amasia".
Alternatively, all the continents might come together around the equator in about 250 million years, a theoretical supercontinent called "Aurica".
Depending on which of these scenarios actually occurs, the global climate of Earth will be very, very different. In 2020, scientists at Columbia University's Earth Institute showed what the climate of potential supercontinents might look like in the deep future. Their study was presented online at the meeting of the American Geophysical Union in December 2020.
Under the Amasia scenario, where the land is gathered at the north pole, the whole planet will enter an Ice Age. The Earth’s current set-up allows heat to transfer from the equator to the poles through winds and ocean currents, but without any land in the way, the heat is not easily transferred to the poles. In turn, the poles would be significantly colder and covered in ice all year round.
Furthermore, the increase in ice sheets would also act a bit like a mirror and reflect sunlight back out of the atmosphere, known as ice-albedo feedback, making the planet even cooler.
With Amasia, "you get a lot more snowfall," Dr Michael Way, lead researcher and a physicist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, an affiliate of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, said in a statement.
"You get ice sheets, and you get this very effective ice-albedo feedback, which tends to lower the temperature of the planet," noted Dr Way.
In the Aurica scenario, it would be a very different picture. The land gathered closer to the equator would absorb the stronger sunlight there, leading to higher temperatures. This effect would also be amplified by the absence of polar ice caps, which reflect heat out of Earth's atmosphere. The result would be a landmass that perhaps looks like the beaches of South America with drier inlands.
The modeling also indicated that liquid water would exist on around 60 percent of Amasia's land, as opposed to 99.8 percent of Aurica's. The researchers say this insight could help to inform astronomers when looking for potentially habitable planets in our galaxy that can harbor liquid water.
An earlier version of this article was published in January 2021.
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https://www.iflscience.com/amasia-and-aurica-behold-the-possible-supercontinents-of-earths-future-72401
| 2024-01-11T17:30:04Z
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Tyrannosaurus rex is arguably the most famous of all the dinosaur species, with starring roles in pretty much every dino movie ever made. However, scientists have identified a new subspecies of Tyrannosaur, Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, older and more primitive but still the same size as a double-decker bus. This new species also helps researchers understand where T. rex and other Tyrannosaurs might have originated from, a question that has puzzled palaeontologists.
The new species was discovered when the team took a closer look at a museum specimen of a 71-73 million-year-old partial skull. The skull was discovered in the Hall Lake Formation, New Mexico, USA in the 1980s and is currently on display at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS).
“[The] skull/jaw was originally described and assigned to T. rex in 1986," Dr Spencer Lucas, one of the authors of the new paper and Curator of Paleontology at NMMNHS, told IFLScience. "Decades later, much has been learned about T. rex through newly discovered fossils. The anatomical differences between the McRae fossil and other T. rex now stand out as likely taxonomic differences, hence the need for reinvestigation”
Close analysis of the skull revealed that not only was it not a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, but it represented a whole new species, now named Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, thought to have lived 71-73 million years ago – around 6-7 million years before T. rex was roaming about. It also sheds light on the idea that tyrannosaurs were living in North America millions of years earlier than palaeolontologists previously thought.
“New Mexicans have always known our state is special, now we know that New Mexico has been a special place for tens of millions of years,” Dr Anthony Fiorillo, Executive Director of NMMNHS, said in a statement seen by IFLScience.
Given that T. rex is so famous, this helped the team identify key subtitle differences between the bones within the skull of a T. rex and the skull of the new species.
“The differences are subtle, but that’s typically the case in closely related species. Evolution slowly causes mutations to build up over millions of years, causing species to look subtly different over time,” said Dr Nick Longrich, a co-author from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, UK.
Dr Lucas told IFLScience that the longer and shallower jaws in the new species suggest that it “likely had less bite force than in a T. rex.” Regardless it was still an impressively large dinosaur, roughly the same size as a T. rex, which measured up to 12 meters (40 feet) from head to tail and 3.6 meters (12 feet) tall. Given the dates of the fossil, it shows that tyrannosaurs grew to a giant size near the end of the Campanian (toward the end of the Cretaceous period). Like its more well-known cousin, both species would have consumed a largely meat-based diet.
Phylogenetic analysis also suggests that the species could be a sister species to the T. rex making it the closest known relative. According to Dr Lucas, it could even be a “plausible ancestor”, though the paper notes not a direct one. The discovery suggests that Tyrannosaurs may have evolved south of an island continent called Laramidia that existed between 100 and 66 million years ago. This island was extremely large and would have stretched from what is now Alaska to Mexico. Towards the end of the Cretaceous period, the team posits, Tyrannosaurus started spreading north, alongside other giant species like Triceratops.
The paper is published in Scientific Reports.
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https://www.iflscience.com/closest-known-relative-of-t-rex-discovered-from-72-million-year-old-skull-72408
| 2024-01-11T17:30:10Z
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Conspiracy theorists are exhausting the Internet once more, with a theory about why NASA is "really" postponing humanity's return to the Moon.
On Tuesday, NASA confirmed that their plan to put humans on the Moon has been delayed once more. Having originally been scheduled for 2024, the space agency pushed it back to 2025 in 2021, but now that date has slipped too.
"Safety is our top priority, and to give Artemis teams more time to work through the challenges with first-time developments, operations, and integration, we're going to give more time on Artemis II and III," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said on Tuesday. "So, what I want to tell you is, we are adjusting our schedule to target Artemis II for September of 2025 and September of 2026 for Artemis III, which will send humans for the first time to the lunar south pole."
This explanation was not good enough for conspiracy theorists, because nothing is. They of course (wrongly) think that the reason why it is taking so long to go to the Moon is because this is the first time NASA has actually attempted it.
The "moon landing is faked" conspiracy is an old one. "Evidence" presented by conspiracy theorists that we didn't make it to the Moon includes the classic "how did the flag wave if there's no wind", to which the answer is "there was a metal pole at the top of the flag".
Meanwhile, evidence presented by the mainstream view that we did go to the Moon includes footage of people on the Moon, mirrors on the Moon that have been targeted with lasers from Earth, and Moon rocks which we returned to Earth from the Moon.
The reason for NASA's delay is what they say it is; an abundance of caution to make sure everyone makes it to the Moon safely. Spaceflight is no trivial thing. Just ask the team behind the doomed Peregrine Lander, currently unable to make it to the Moon and deliver its payloads, which include the DNA of Star Trek creator Gene Rodenberry.
Adding in landing on and then lifting off from the Moon, with a crew on board, does not make any spaceflight easier. NASA may have the knowledge of previous spaceflights, but is working with entirely new rockets and spaceships. As eager as everyone is to get to the lunar surface (AGAIN) and beyond, we'll just have to accept that to do so safely may take us to 2026, or even beyond that.
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https://www.iflscience.com/conspiracy-theorists-have-a-field-day-as-nasa-delays-return-to-the-moon-72406
| 2024-01-11T17:30:16Z
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When we think of galaxies, we often think of bright spiral galaxies full of stars and gas – but some galaxies have very few stars and look quite different. These are known as low-surface-brightness galaxies. They tend to have a lot more dark matter than regular galaxies like our own, and the normal matter they have is usually in the form of gas, with few stars.
Astronomers were conducting a survey of 350 of these galaxies using the Green Bank Telescope (GBT), a world-class radio observatory. when they accidentally spotted an extreme example of this. J0613+52 is located 270 million light-years away and it appears to have no stars. Just a big blob of rotating gas.
“The GBT was accidentally pointed to the wrong coordinates and found this object. It’s a galaxy made only out of gas — it has no visible stars. Stars could be there, we just can’t see them,” Karen O’Neil, senior scientist of the Green Bank Observatory, said in a statement.
The team was using multiple telescopes to study the properties of the 350 galaxies when they stumbled on this unique object. Gas is the fuel to make new stars, but it needs to be close together for gravity to take over and stars to be born. This doesn’t seem to be happening in the case of J0613+52.
“What we do know is that it’s an incredibly gas rich galaxy. It’s not demonstrating star formation like we’d expect, probably because its gas is too diffuse. At the same time, it’s too far from other galaxies for them to help trigger star formation through any encounters. J0613+52 appears to be both undisturbed and underdeveloped. This could be our first discovery of a nearby galaxy made up of primordial gas,” added O’Neil.
This galaxy is truly a fascinating riddle. Researchers believe that it would be important to follow up on this object with deep optical observations to find the stars that might exist in this galaxy. However, the astronomers feel that it would be important to find more objects like this one using radio observatories.
“A full sky survey by an extremely sensitive instrument like the Green Bank Telescope could uncover more of these objects,” O’Neil suggested.
The serendipitous discovery was presented at the 243rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society.
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https://www.iflscience.com/dark-starless-galaxy-discovered-accidentally-by-astronomers-72411
| 2024-01-11T17:30:23Z
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Life on our planet has been going on for several billion years. Young stars have had a privileged position in our search for life elsewhere. After all, it’s easier to compare past and present than to speculate about the future. However, research has shown that we shouldn’t discard older stars as hosts of life-bearing planets, even if the stars have died – although death might not be all that good for life.
A factor that appears to be critical is the stellar wind. The magnetic field of our planet protects us from the stream of particles that constantly comes from the Sun. This is much worse when stars are young and gradually gets better. Research on stars like the Sun, or even older stars, suggests that they tend to have a shift in the strength and complexity of the magnetic field, something that greatly impacts the stellar wind.
Devastating erupting events become less likely as these Sun-like stars age, making it more likely that life can endure around the objects, and even providing better chances for the development of advanced civilizations.
So stars like the Sun or older are good – well, up to a point. Our own star and many like it are destined to become red giants. Once a star has run out of hydrogen in its core, it first compresses itself, igniting helium, and then swells up. It is likely that when the Sun inflates, its outer layer will extend all the way to Earth’s orbit. And even though the density of the plasma would be very low, we have a hunch that being inside a star is not really good for life.
The red giant phase is also characterized by the release of powerful stellar winds, and the heat from the now-large star pushes the habitable zone further out. That might be good news for the moons of the gas giants, but not so much for the rocky planets: Venus and Mercury are gone for sure at this point, and best case scenario, Earth and Mars are scorched. So not super hospitable for life, at least not everywhere.
Researchers were also curious about what happens afterwards. Red giants shed their layers and what remains is the compressed degenerate core. We call this dead star a white dwarf. Without stellar winds and with great stability over billions of years white dwarfs are a great place for life, as long as the planets survived the red giant phase and the life evolved after the white dwarf came to be.
Research shows that the changes from regular star to red giant to white dwarf are too quick for life to adapt unless you have a way to protect and relocate a whole planet. Older stars and white dwarfs should be investigated as potential hosts of life, but it seems unlikely that life can survive uninterrupted on a world as its star changes and evolves.
The new study is published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
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https://www.iflscience.com/death-of-the-sun-will-kill-life-on-earth-but-new-life-might-evolve-again-72418
| 2024-01-11T17:30:29Z
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Human and animal conflict is a touchy subject for many species, whether it is related to loss of habitat, or even the question of whether you should let a moose lick your car. One other aspect of human-animal conflict is the problem of boat strikes, which can injure and even kill many marine species each year. Unfortunately, one humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) might just be the newest victim.
The whale was spotted off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, in December 2023 by Alexander Schmidt Márquez from Apex Ocean Divers. A drone video shared on their Instagram page revealed the extent of the suspected injury. It is currently unknown what caused the damage to the whale’s spine, but a boat strike is considered to be the most likely explanation.
Severe injuries like this one are thought to negatively affect the chances of the whale surviving. A similarly injured fin whale, thought to have scoliosis as the result of either genetics or trauma, was spotted last year struggling to swim off the coast of the city of Cullera, along Spain’s east coast.
"Whales are highly resilient creatures, but severe injuries like this can significantly reduce their chances of survival in the wild," said Stephanie Stack, chief biologist at the Pacific Whale Foundation in a statement sent to Live Science.
One such example of marine mammal resilience despite a variation in morphology is the dolphin with hook-like thumbs, spotted in the Gulf of Corinth, near Greece. Its unusual appearance is highly likely to be caused by genetics, as the change appears on both sides of the animal's fins.
But as research would indicate, this is unlikely to be the case for the injured humpback whale. A global review of vessel collisions carried out in 2020 showed that at least 75 marine species were at risk; as well as whales and dolphins, dugongs, sharks, seals, sea otters, sea turtles, and penguins were all on the list.
"We know that vessel collisions are one of the most significant and widespread threats that whales are facing today," Stack said. "Cases like these are tragic, but we hope they can be used to raise awareness and prevent future deaths."
Other marine mammals like orcas and sea otters have been reclaiming the oceans from watercraft by sinking yachts and stealing surfboards. And when it comes to good whale news, two humpbacks have also been seen making Fibonacci spirals while feeding in Antarctica.
[H/T: LiveScience]
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https://www.iflscience.com/drone-footage-reveals-humpback-whale-with-a-back-injury-off-the-coast-of-mexico-72415
| 2024-01-11T17:30:35Z
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A long-lost species of orchid had scientists scrambling over the summit of Mount Nok on Waigeo – a remote island in West Papua, Indonesia – in the hopes of tracking it down. The successful expedition not only rediscovered the blue beauty Dendrobium azureum, but also stumbled upon a new-to-science species that was bright red.
The blue orchid hadn’t been seen in 80 years, motivating a team joined by Kew orchidologist Dr André Schuiteman to go in search of it in 2020. In their search for D. azureum, they summited the extinct volcano Mount Nok on Waigeo, which is the largest of the four main islands in the Raja Ampat archipelago.
Their efforts were rewarded as the volcanic hunt yielded not one but two orchid discoveries: the blue orchid was alive and well, and they got a second new-to-science species to boot.
The newly discovered orchid species was related to the blue one as a fellow Dendrobium sp. orchid, but instead of azure flowers, it had bright red ones. It was named Dendrobium lancilabium, subspecies wuryae, in honor of Hj. Wury Estu Handayani Ma’ruf Amin for her contributions to the conservation of orchids and other local flora in West Papua province.
It joins nine other orchid subspecies to be named from Indo-China and Southeast Asia since December 2022 by Schuiteman and his local partners. The search for “lost” species like D. azureum is something that scientists worldwide are doing for a host of animal, plant, and fungi species. Success stories in recent times include bioluminescent fairy lanterns and tap-dancing spiders, but finding a lost and new species together is a double win in the context of climate change.
“It is imperative now, more so than ever, that we do everything in our power to go out into the field with our partners and work out which species of plants and fungi we haven't given a scientific description yet,” said Dr Martin Cheek, Senior Research Leader in RBG Kew’s Africa Team in a release sent to IFLScience. “Without doing so, we risk losing these species without ever even knowing they existed.”
“That is not to say the outlook is completely bleak. It is an incredibly exciting time to be a scientist but even as we make these wonderful new discoveries, we must remember that nature is under threat, and we have the power to do something about it.”
See Kew's top 20 new species of 2023.
The study is published in Orchideen Journal.
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https://www.iflscience.com/hunt-for-lost-blue-orchid-on-extinct-volcano-finds-brand-new-fiery-red-species-72403
| 2024-01-11T17:30:41Z
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For the curious (something we always encourage here at IFLScience), there are few places better to look for interesting stories than the Case Reports section of a medical journal. Whether it's the tale of an 8-centimeter (3.1-inch) live worm being pulled from a woman's brain, or a whole new reason to be frightened of sneezing, the annals of medical science can often be stranger than fiction. Such is the case with a new report, about a man who got off comparatively lightly when a malfunctioning nail gun shot a nail straight through his eye and into his brain.
A note of caution before we begin: the images in the paper linked at the end of this article are not for the squeamish.
The report, written by the patient’s medical team at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Malaysia, describes how the 30-year-old had been working on a construction site, operating a pneumatic nail gun without wearing safety goggles. The gun had jammed, and when the man had checked the barrel for malfunctions, it had accidentally discharged into his left eye.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the man was described as being “cooperative and fully oriented” despite his significant wounds, which is more than could be said for some of us if we were in his position. There was very extensive damage and bleeding in his left eye, and he had vision loss on that side. However, it soon became clear that the problems went far beyond his eye.
An X-ray of the man’s skull showed that the nail had penetrated the frontal lobe of his brain, fracturing his eye socket as it went, with evidence of bleeding extending into neighboring brain regions.
The patient underwent emergency surgery to remove the nail, during which the surgeons were able to confirm that the major arteries and the olfactory nerves had thankfully escaped injury. They were also able to go some way to repair the damage to his eye, after which the patient spent some time in intensive care.
“He recovered well during his postoperative period with no neurological deficit,” the team wrote, going on to explain that he was discharged after just five days in hospital. While he was undeniably lucky to not experience any brain damage from the incident, the team did confirm that the man’s vision had unfortunately not returned at their last follow-up a week later. It’s unclear how the man fared after that, since he returned to his home country shortly afterward to continue treatment there.
These types of injuries, called transorbital-penetrating intracranial injuries (TOPI), are thankfully rare, but they have a high mortality rate. When talking about workplace injuries more generally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 18,510 workers experienced eye injuries in 2020 alone, of which just over a third were damage to the eye from foreign objects or equipment.
The authors concluded that this case should serve as a warning about the importance of proper safety procedures in the workplace, emphasizing the need for employers to provide adequate protective equipment to prevent injuries.
From the man who was burned by his high-vis jacket to the welder who ended up with an earful of molten steel, there’s no shortage of workplace accidents in the medical literature. But if you’re tempted to cry off in favor of a day in bed, you might want to familiarize yourself with some of the hazards that can befall you in there too…
The study (which contains graphic images) is published in the journal Cureus.
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https://www.iflscience.com/man-survives-shooting-a-nail-through-his-eye-and-into-his-brain-72404
| 2024-01-11T17:30:45Z
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Fossilized skin from a reptile that lived at least 45 million years before the first dinosaur has been found. Although we know nothing else about the animal it came from, along with seven skin casts of similar age, the record-smashing discovery helps reveal the early evolution of skin.
Skin doesn’t fossilize well, so on the rare occasions we find some where the conditions were so perfect that it it did, the specimen is priceless. The further one goes back in time, the more likely it is that a fossil will have been destroyed by geological processes. Consequently, finding skin from the Paleozoic (539-252 million years ago) is so unlikely few fossil hunters even dream of it.
Yet it happened to a pair of amateur paleontologists, Bill and Julie May, who found part of the skin of a lizard from around 288 million years ago. The find was made in Oklahoma’s Richards Spur limestone cave system. It’s thought the lizard fell into what was already a cave at the time and a combination of low oxygen levels, clay sediments, and oil seepage preserved the skin.
“Every now and then we get an exceptional opportunity to glimpse back into deep time,” said Ethan Mooney, a graduate student at the University of Toronto, in a statement. Mooney had the privilege of being assigned the study of this specimen and other soft tissues from the caves as an undergraduate. “These types of discoveries can really enrich our understanding and perception of these pioneering animals.”
“Animals would have fallen into this cave system during the early Permian and been buried in very fine clay sediments that delayed the decay process,” Mooney added. “But the kicker is that this cave system was also an active oil seepage site during the Permian, and interactions between hydrocarbons in petroleum and tar are likely what allowed this skin to be preserved.”
Even with all this going for it, not much skin survived – less than the size of a fingernail. What did might be considered the skin equivalent of the platypus, combining features associated with wildly different modern species, as well as being a great survivor. Its pebbled surface is reminiscent of crocodile skin, but it also has hinged sections like those seen on snakes and legless lizards.
Although the skin survived, no bones or teeth made it from the unfortunate individual – a testament to how rare fossilization is – so we cannot identify the exact species of lizard. It may well be one that has never been scientifically described.
Although being able to identify the species would add a lot, Mooney says the discovery still shows how ancient aspects of modern reptile skin are. “The epidermis was a critical feature for vertebrate survival on land,” he said. “It's a crucial barrier between the internal body processes and the harsh outer environment.”
The cave system in which the skin was found is the world’s richest source of land-living Paleozoic fossils, with hundreds of thousands of bones preserved by the same unusual combination of factors. Elsewhere in the system impressions in rocks carry the surface shape of ancient skin from several animals, seven of which have been described along with the fossil skin.
Mooney and co-authors describe these casts as revealing “striking variation”, indicating the preserved sample cannot be taken as representative of the era as a whole. Nevertheless, these impressions show that dermal scales, now found only in a few living amphibians, were standard at the time.
One particularly remarkable specimen reported in the same paper is a near-complete skeleton of a lizard-like Captorhinus aguti, accompanied by patterns the authors interpret as records of skin.
The study is published in Current Biology.
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https://www.iflscience.com/oldest-known-fossilized-skin-dates-back-45-million-years-before-first-dinosaurs-72400
| 2024-01-11T17:30:51Z
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Since we found out about energy, right up until the point we found out it violated the laws of physics, people have dreamed of creating a perpetual motion machine. Perpetual motion machines are devices that, once started, could theoretically remain in motion forever without adding any additional energy to them.
Many people have strived to create such a machine, all with zero success. Early designs for such a device include the Perpetuum Mobile of Villard de Honnecourt. This device, proposed between 1225 and 1235, was supposed to sustain the motion of a wheel by attaching weights to it
"For a long time the masters have been discussing how to make the wheel turn on its own," Villard wrote. "Here’s how the thing can be done by a fixed number of mallets or with quicksilver."
The problem was, of course, that the amount of force required to lift the mallets to the top of the arc is more than the wheel gains from those mallets dropping down on the other side. This video demonstrates how it works in practice.
As you can see, rather than delivering free energy forever, it just sort of stops immediately without additional energy (a big push) being put into the system.
Such machines were dismissed instinctively as absurd long before Newton's pesky laws ruled them out.
"Oh, ye seekers after perpetual motion, how many vain chimeras have you pursued?" Leonardo da Vinci supposedly said of those attempting to make such devices. "Go and take your place with the alchemists".
Da Vinci could be accused of playing both sides, as his notebook contained designs for several different perpetual motion machines (though it's unlikely he thought they would work), including a slightly different version of a spinning wheel with weights. It works pretty well, albeit with the constant energy input of a finger.
Perpetual motion machines do not work because they would violate the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The first law – that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in form – means that you cannot get out more energy than you put in, rendering this pursuit useless to anyone hoping to use a perpetual motion machine to generate energy.
If you wanted a device to spin by itself forever, you are also out of luck courtesy of that second law, which states that the entropy of an isolated system increases over time, and that heat always flows "downhill" from hotter to colder regions. In practical terms, it tells us that as energy is transferred and transformed, some of that energy is spread out and "wasted", e.g. through heat loss via friction. As the machine goes around, the system will lose energy as heat and through friction, making even the most well-designed "perpetual motion machine" stop eventually, if not immediately as above.
That doesn't mean that people haven't pretended to have invented machines through the years, with the result that patent offices do not accept claims of perpetual motion machines anymore.
One fun example of a "perpetual motion machine" housed in the Royal Society was created by scientist David Jones under the pseudonym "Daedalus".
The wheel has moved around for decades, though it does require undisclosed adjustments now and then. The machine, made for fun by Jones, of course does violate the laws of physics. Some hidden mechanism, likely concealed within the black boxes on the wheel's spokes or the pipes and boxes beneath it, must provide additional energy to keep the wheel moving. However, the real method is kept secret, and won't be revealed for three decades.
"Many have tried to discern the disguised workings of Daedalus’s perpetual motion machines," Virginia Mills of the Royal Society, which houses the device, wrote of it in 2018. "But I’ve heard that only one person ever suggested the right answer to its creator."
All “explainer” articles are confirmed by fact checkers to be correct at time of publishing. Text, images, and links may be edited, removed, or added to at a later date to keep information current.
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https://www.iflscience.com/perpetual-motion-machines-why-nobody-even-leonardo-da-vinci-can-make-them-work-72376
| 2024-01-11T17:30:57Z
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China's Zhurong rover was the first Chinese mission to land on Mars, exploring one of the Red Planet’s largest impact basins: Utopia Planitia. This area was first visited by Viking 2 in 1976 and thanks to decades of technological advancement, Zhurong has delivered new insights into the planet's make-up. It turns out, the rover found 16 polygonal structures buried beneath the Martian surface.
The formation was discovered 35 meters (115 feet) underground using Zhurong's ground penetratingradar. Scientists believe these polygons were formed by freeze-thaw cycles that led to the formation of cracks in the terrain, which was originally on the surface. As seen in other areas on Mars, sublimation and freezing can carve the terrain in peculiar ways; just look at the so-called spiders on Mars. This process may have been going on for billions of years.
Previous work has focused on the vertical layers of the region, which indicate that there have been several episodic floods that filled the basin, roughly around 3 billion years ago. The new study uncovered what the layers are like horizontally by looking at the radar analysis across the 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles).
Mars used to be a volcanic world: the tallest volcano in the Solar System is on Mars. Some geological activity persists to this day, with marsquakes recorded on the Red Planet by NASA’s InSight.
So, the researchers considered the possibility that the buried structure had a lava origin. On Earth, there are several examples of these, such as the Giant's Causeway. However, there was no evidence of basaltic extrusions where Zhurong had explored. The team is confident that the structures are sedimentary, formed from thermal processes in varying climates.
And that’s an intriguing consequence of this study. If the polygonal structures required freezing-and-thawing events, the climate of ancient Mars ought to have been a lot more variable. Utopia Planitia is at low-to-mid latitudes. The area is 25 degrees north of the Martian equator. But the planet might have had had a higher obliquity, so the region might have experienced wildly different seasons.
The layers indicate more has happened in the past. The polygonal structures were buried in layers of material that look nothing like them. Maybe the wet environment that formed them stopped existing, or some other unknown geological event took place.
“Occurring at low latitudes (∼25° N), the polygonal terrain, which is interpreted as having most likely formed by thermal contraction cracking, makes a compelling case for the high obliquity of early Mars. The subsurface structure with the covering materials overlying the buried palaeo-polygonal terrain suggests that there was a notable palaeoclimatic transformation some time thereafter,” the authors wrote.
The study is published in Nature Astronomy.
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https://www.iflscience.com/strange-polygon-structures-discovered-buried-underneath-the-surface-of-mars-72405
| 2024-01-11T17:31:03Z
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In 2022, an enormous star 16,000 light-years from Earth began mysteriously dimming. After follow-up observations in 2023, a team of astronomers believe they have an explanation.
When they aren't creating green monsters or mysteriously vanishing without a trace, stars are generally pretty reliable constants in the sky. With lifespans of billions of years, you can usually expect to look at a star one day, and then return to it a few weeks, months, or years later and find it with roughly the same brightness and characteristics you observed last time.
But this is the universe, with billions of stars out there to observe, and sometimes it doesn't work like that.
Stars have been spotted dimming, with a variety of explanations. Some light dips are due to exoplanets orbiting the star and obscuring our view of it. This is actually how we search for exoplanets, and dips of this kind are no huge mystery for astronomers.
Stars can also dim when they are about to go supernova. Betelgeuse has been dimming mysteriously on and off for years, with its pulsations suggesting that an explosion is not far off. When it does go supernova, it will be as bright as a full moon. It's not clear when that will happen, and the star isn't helping by throwing off clouds of dust that also dimmed the star from our point of view.
In 2022, RW Cephei presented a dimming mystery of its own. The "cool hypergiant" star is believed by a team at Georgia State University’s CHARA Array to be one of the largest known stars in the Milky Way. In the unlikely event our Sun was replaced by it, its outer layers would go further out than the orbit of Jupiter. Changes to brightness emitted by old stars like this one are usually small, so astronomers were pretty baffled when the star began to dim dramatically, in a similar manner to Betelgeuse.
“We made our first CHARA observations in December 2022, just before the winter weather closure,” Georgia State University astronomer Narsireddy Anugu said in a press release, "but the results were so remarkable we decided to pursue additional observations once the star was accessible again."
The star had lost around a third of its usual brightness over the course of a few years. Observing it over 10 months using the CHARA Array – six telescopes spread across the mountaintop of Mount Wilson, California – the team found that the star wasn't round, and that its appearance changed significantly, as it began to brighten again.
Georgia State University graduate student Katherine Shepard made observations of the star in wavelengths from visible to infrared, finding that the dimming was far greater in the visible spectrum. This suggested to the team that the dimming was caused by an ejection turning to dust.
"We suggest that the maximum light time may have corresponded to a particularly energetic convective upwelling of hot gas that launched a surface mass ejection event," the team wrote in their paper. "This gas is now cooling to the point of dust formation, and the part of the ejected cloud seen in projection against the photosphere causes the darker appearance of the western side of the star. The duration of such dimming events may scale with stellar and dust cloud size, so that the timescale ranges from about a year in smaller Betelgeuse, through several years for RW Cep."
The team suggests that the "Great Dimming" of RW Cep could just be the latest of a series of ejections over the last century.
“This one was special because the cloud was ejected in the direction of Earth," CHARA Director Douglas Gies added, "so we were in the right place to witness the full effects of the cataclysm."
The study is published in The Astronomical Journal.
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https://www.iflscience.com/the-great-dimming-in-2022-one-of-the-largest-stars-in-the-galaxy-started-acting-strangely-72402
| 2024-01-11T17:31:09Z
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Just a few weeks ago, the United States grew in size by 1 million square kilometers (more than 386,000 square miles) – that’s almost twice the area of Spain. The unexpected growth spurt was not the result of strange geological forces, nor the invasion of a foreign land, but the States attempting to lay claim to its surrounding ocean-floor territory.
Continental shelves are an area of seabed that surrounds large landmasses where the sea is relatively shallow compared with the open ocean. Under international law, countries can claim these continental shelves, allowing them to manage and exploit its resources.
As many as 75 countries have defined their Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) limits, which refers to the portion of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles (230 miles) from the coast. Until now, the US has not done this.
On December 19, 2023, the US State Department announced new geographic coordinates defining what they claim to be their ECS area.
Since 2003, US authorities have been collaborating with the NOAA, the US Geological Survey, and 12 other agencies to gather geological data to define the outer limits of their ECS.
In light of this work, the US now claims ECS in seven offshore areas: the Arctic, Atlantic (east coast), Bering Sea, Pacific (west coast), Mariana Islands, and two areas in the Gulf of Mexico. In total, this consumes an area that's 1 million square kilometers (more than 386,000 square miles) in size.
“America is larger than it was yesterday,” Mead Treadwell, a former Alaska lieutenant governor and former chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, said on December 19, reports Alaska Public Media.
“It’s not quite the Louisiana Purchase. It’s not quite the purchase of Alaska, but the new area of land and subsurface resources under the land controlled by the United States is two Californias larger,” he added.
The legality of all this is a bit hazy, Treadwell explains in a post for the Wilson Center. To make the definition official, the US has to submit data and reports to the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the US has not ratified UNCLOS due to complex political disagreements (the agreement has been ratified by 168 states and the European Union).
This leaves some uncertainty around how the proposition will be accepted under international law.
“If somebody came back and said, ‘Your science is bad,’ I think the United States would listen,” Treadwell told the media. “But I don’t think science is bad. I think we’ve had very good science.”
Needless to say, claiming new maritime borders can prove controversial on the international stage. Some of the most significant geopolitical spats in recent times have involved China and its neighbors, like the Philippines and Vietnam, over claims to the South China Sea.
However, the US stands to gain a lot from their recent declaration. The expansion of ocean floor territory in the Arctic Ocean could open up the area for further mining, shipping, and fishing – despite the potential damage it could spark.
It also has implications for the nation’s security and its exercise of power in the world. As Sir Walter Raleigh wrote in 1829: “For whosoever commands the sea, commands the trade; whosoever commands the trade of the world, commands the riches of the world, and consequently the world itself.”
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https://www.iflscience.com/the-united-states-just-grew-by-1-million-kilometers-in-size-72412
| 2024-01-11T17:31:15Z
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Many of us take our passports for granted, but not all are created equal – some will get you into more places than others. But in the first set of rankings for 2024, it turns out there’s not just one that sits atop the rest: there are six.
Those with a passport from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, or Spain can enter a whopping 194 destinations without a prior visa. That’s according to the Henley Passport Index, a reference tool developed using data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). The rankings are updated monthly and include 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations.
The first of this year’s rankings marks a distinct change in trend. Since 2018, either Japan, Singapore, or both have come in at the top position, closely followed by European countries like Germany or Finland. Now, it shares that spot with four European passports, all of which jumped up from 3rd place in 2023.
The top 10 most powerful passports (as of January 11, 2024)
- France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain (194 destinations)
- Finland, South Korea, Sweden (193 destinations)
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands (192 destinations)
- Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom (191 destinations)
- Greece, Malta, Switzerland (190 destinations)
- Australia, Czechia, New Zealand, Poland (189 destinations)
- Canada, Hungary, United States (188 destinations)
- Estonia, Lithuania (187 destinations)
- Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (186 destinations)
- Iceland (185 destinations)
Although the last 19 years of the rankings have seen a general trend towards greater travel freedom, according to Dr Christian H. Kaelin, who chairs Henley & Partners and created the passport index, the global mobility gap between those in the top and bottom spots is becoming increasingly wide.
“The average number of destinations travelers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024,” said Kaelin in a statement. “However, as we enter the new year, the top-ranked countries are now able to travel to a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, which sits at the bottom of the ranking with access to just 28 countries without a visa.”
The latest index rankings are part of a wider analysis of global and regional mobility; the Henley Global Mobility Report, which is published quarterly, uses academic and professional geopolitical analysis to identify the most recent major and emerging trends in mobility.
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https://www.iflscience.com/the-worlds-most-powerful-passports-ranked-in-2024-72416
| 2024-01-11T17:31:21Z
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Their roots might be buried in soil or sand, but as for the rest of a tree, we generally think of it as sticking out quite a lot. However, in the remote and nutrient-poor Kalahari sands of Angola, life works pretty differently: research in the region has uncovered two new tree species that are nearly entirely underground.
One of the newly discovered species, Cochlospermum adjanyae, belongs to a genus of around 16 different species of trees. The vast majority of the plant is buried underground, but the clue to its existence comes in the form of bright yellow flowers visible above the surface, though it was only seen in flower once. C. adjanyae is also named after Adjany Costa, an Angolan biologist and conservationist who won the UN Young Champions of the Earth Africa prize back in 2019.
The second species has been named in a very literal way – Baphia arenicola, which means “growing on sand”. Like C. adjanyae, the only part of the plant that’s visible is its flowers, although they are mostly white, with a small triangle of yellow towards the base. Though B. arenicola is considered a tree, it’s actually a member of the bean family.
It’s not that unusual that either species was found mostly underground; many trees in this region of Angola have as much as 90 percent of their body mass under the surface. It’s a smart adaptation to the arid surroundings, allowing them to access the small amount of moisture that ends up underground.
Both species were discovered by Dr David Goyder, an honorary research associate at Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG), Kew, during a National Geographic Expeditions survey. The survey was part of efforts to improve knowledge of plants in the region. “Plant diversity in Angola is poorly documented with very uneven geographic coverage – much of the eastern half of the country and some northern provinces are largely devoid of georeferenced plant collections,” the authors write in a paper describing the new species.
According to a statement from RBG Kew sent to IFLScience, the newly discovered trees are just two of 74 plants discovered by Kew scientists and partners last year and highlight the importance of field studies in understanding and protecting our planet’s plants.
“It is imperative now, more so than ever, that we do everything in our power to go out into the field with our partners and work out which species of plants and fungi we haven't given a scientific description yet. Without doing so, we risk losing these species without ever even knowing they existed,” said Dr Martin Cheek, senior research leader in RBG Kew’s Africa Team.
Although there’s not enough data to assess the conservation status of C. adjanyae, it’s good news for B. arenicola, which the researchers determined to be in the “Least Concern” group. This likely has something to do with where the trees are found – in a sandy, nutrient-poor environment, which doesn’t exactly encourage the level of human settlement or agricultural development or that could threaten a species.
Speaking of plants discovered in 2023, have you heard of the fiery red orchid that sits atop an Indonesian volcano?
The study is published in the journal PhytoKeys.
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https://www.iflscience.com/two-new-underground-tree-species-discovered-in-kalahari-sands-of-angola-72407
| 2024-01-11T17:31:27Z
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A US district judge has given the green light for the first-ever execution by nitrogen gas asphyxiation to go ahead. The ruling means that Alabama inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith is currently scheduled to be put to death using the new method on January 25, although his attorney has launched an appeal against the decision.
Smith’s legal team argue that he is being used as a guinea pig for an experimental procedure, and that the proposed execution amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, thus rendering it unconstitutional. Under plans put forward by the state of Alabama, a respirator is to be placed over the prisoner’s nose and mouth in order to replace all breathable air with nitrogen gas, ultimately leading to suffocation.
At a court hearing in December, the state attorney general’s office said that the method would “cause unconsciousness within seconds, and cause death within minutes,” the Associated Press reports. In response, Smith’s lawyers have pointed out that the American Veterinary Medical Association advises against nitrogen hypoxia as a form of euthanasia for all mammals except pigs as the procedure is too “distressing”.
However, at a hearing earlier this week, federal judge R. Austin Huffaker ruled that Smith can be executed using the new method. In his report, Huffaker conceded that his decision means that “Smith is not guaranteed a painless death,” but ultimately found that the inmate “has not shown, and the court cannot conclude, the Protocol inflicts both cruel and unusual punishment rendering it constitutionally infirm under the prevailing legal framework.”
Smith was sentenced to death for the 1988 murder of Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett, for which he was paid $1,000 by the victim’s husband. In November 2022, he was the subject of a botched execution attempt, when prison staff spent 100 minutes trying to administer a lethal injection but could not find a vein before the midnight deadline for the capital punishment to be carried out.
Failed executions have become increasingly common in the US since 2010, when the companies that manufacture sodium thiopental stopped supplying the chemical for use in lethal injections. This has led numerous states to seek out new ways of putting prisoners to death, with some turning to the sedative midazolam.
However, the use of midazolam has proved highly controversial and has been blamed for some prisoners appearing to suffer convulsions several minutes after being injected. Seeking out a more effective execution method, the state of Oklahoma became the first to approve nitrogen asphyxiation in 2015.
Mississippi and Alabama soon followed suit, although no prisoner has yet been executed using the method. Unless Smith’s appeal is successful, he will be the first.
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https://www.iflscience.com/us-federal-judge-signs-off-on-first-ever-use-of-new-execution-method-72413
| 2024-01-11T17:31:33Z
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We all love a good joke, but what we find funny is individual to each of us. Or is it? Does our gender influence our sense of humor? According to one new study that identified some similarities (but also some differences) in what men and women find funny, it might not be as ridiculous a question as it sounds.
The findings, published in the appropriately named journal Humor, suggest that “men rate visual jokes more highly than women do, whereas women prefer jokes that involve political commentary or the dynamics of close relationships.” Meanwhile, jokes about the complexities of romantic relationships had both rolling in the aisles.
These observed differences are likely reflective of how we socialize, the study’s authors theorize, rather than being indicative of some biological difference.
To reach these conclusions, the team made use of an exhibition of print cartoons dating from 1930 to 2010 at The Cartoon Museum, London. Data was collected from 3,380 people, who were asked to judge 19 pairs of cartoons and declare their age and gender.
“Cartoons have become a regular feature of our cultural life, both as a vehicle to amuse and as a way of making political and social comments in the form of satire,” the researchers explain of their choice to study them. As such, they represent a way of conveying complex ideas in a simple visual form and “provide us with novel insights into aspects of our psychology that are often difficult to study”.
Each of the participants, who stated their gender as either male or female, had to rate which joke in each pair tickled them more. In general, the more complex jokes were more positively received than those that relied on simpler, more slapstick humor.
Just as in verbal jokes, the number of mindstates – understanding the intentions of a third party, ie “I know what she’s thinking about what he’s saying” – affected the reception to the cartoon. Those with more mindstates were more likely to have people in stitches, but only up to a certain limit, at which point they become too confusing.
A person’s age didn’t significantly affect how funny they found a cartoon, nor did the date of its publication – but the same can’t be said for their gender.
“Of all the results, it is perhaps the gender differences that are the most surprising: we did not anticipate that these would be as large as they are,” they write.
Their findings suggest that, in general, women give higher ratings to a wider range of topics, and are more likely to be bent double by jokes about politics and intimate relationships. Men, on the other hand, preferred slapstick or situational humor, while both were found to have a giggle at jokes about the dynamics of social relationships.
“We argue that these differences in humor preference arise from the remarkable differences in social style of the two sexes,” the study’s lead author Professor Robin Dunbar said in a statement. “This explanation has previously been overlooked because psychologists and others have concentrated on IQ-type differences, which are minimal.”
We wonder how the world’s oldest bar joke would go down.
The study is published in the journal Humor.
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https://www.iflscience.com/what-men-and-women-find-funny-is-there-a-difference-72410
| 2024-01-11T17:31:39Z
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If you’re driving through any Canadian national parks this winter, there is one thing you shouldn’t do, according to Parks Canada: don’t stop to let moose lick your car.
This may sound like a strange instruction, but there is a good reason for it. As the highways through the parks continue to be gritted to prevent ice, the animals are making their way into traffic in order to lick salt from the roads.
In some instances, people are stopping to let the moose lick the salt that has clung to their vehicles' exteriors.
"It does sound very funny… It's OK to laugh at it, as long as people drive responsibly and do what's best for the wildlife," Tracy McKay, with the National Parks Agency, told the CBC.
"Unfortunately, this kind of puts [moose] at risk of being injured or killed if they get hit by a vehicle," she said.
It is understandable that people would want to take the opportunity to get that close to such an incredible animal. Moose are massive. The average female weighs 350 kilograms (771 pounds) and the average male comes in at about 400 kilograms (881 pounds). They can grow up to 3.2 meters (10 feet) in length, and a bull’s antlers can have a span of around 1.8 meters (6 feet).
However, encouraging moose to approach cars can be dangerous for both drivers and the animals. If moose start to associate cars with a potential source of salt, then they are more likely to walk out into traffic and cause accidents, and likely get killed or seriously injured in the process.
But why are they searching for salt? Well, the answer is straightforward and not something that is unique to these animals alone. Moose, like many other herbivores, need sodium and other minerals to maintain their health. Throughout the summer months, they are able to get this from the large variety of greenery they consume, but in winter, things get trickier as food is less varied and less abundant.
This is why road salt is so appealing. It’s convenient and relatively plentiful. Even in instances where sand is used instead of salt, the animals will still lick road surfaces because there are trace amounts available to them.
January and February are also the darkest months, so drivers will have to navigate the roads in low-light conditions, which could make spotting a dark-colored moose all the more challenging.
Ultimately, the advice is simple, McKay added: “If it's safe to keep going without running into the moose, then we would recommend people just try to slowly, carefully drive away. Just try not to let moose lick your car.”
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https://www.iflscience.com/why-you-shouldnt-let-moose-lick-your-car-and-what-to-do-if-one-tries-72409
| 2024-01-11T17:31:45Z
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It Girl
Welcome To The Francesca Scorsese Show
She’s helped her director dad go viral with her hilarious TikToks. But the budding actor and filmmaker has her own stories to tell.
If you’re trying to hit on Francesca Scorsese, here’s a piece of advice: don’t throw on one of her father’s films. Just ask her high school crush, who tried it during a Halloween group hang and brought her affections to a screeching halt. “He put on The Wolf of Wall Street, went ‘ah,’ and put his arm around me. I was like, ‘I literally want to die,’” Scorsese tells me, still cringing at the move all these years later. “My dad was editing the film while I was doing homework on the staircase and all I could hear was sex scenes. I was 10 and mortified. So I was like, ‘This is not sexy or cute.’”
Scorsese — the actor, filmmaker, and youngest daughter of director GOAT Martin — has endured more than her share of well-intentioned but misguided film bros throughout her 24 years on the planet: the male classmates at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts who wouldn’t speak to her but stared at her knowingly from afar; the dudes in her DMs asking if she can pass along their screenplay to her father; or the random guys at bars who have ribbed her for wanting to be a director, inadvertently asking, “Oh, you’re trying to be the next Scorsese?”
Not that she minds the comparison. As we work our way through finger sandwiches and scones at a West Village tea parlor, she lights up while talking about her dad just as often as her phone lights up with texts from him. Scorsese — who has the kind of well-mannered precociousness of a woman who spent much of her childhood at the grown-ups table — and her 81-year-old dad are “totally the same person,” she says, and banter like besties. (She has two older half-sisters from Martin’s previous marriages.) He’s always on standby to help recall movie-history minutia, like midway through tea, when she can’t think of which movie has that “big pearl diving sequence.” “You have the poster!” he texts back, letting her know it’s Wake of the Red Witch.
Their bond is on display in their regularly viral TikToks, which have helped them both connect with new audiences. She brings out a softer, sillier side of the director behind hypermasculine, ultraviolent classics like Raging Bull and Goodfellas, quizzing him about modern slang and teaching him about Letterboxd. His game participation, meanwhile, has highlighted her as a clever creator in her own right, one whose success on the app goes beyond just a knowledge of what’s trending. In her slice-of-life videos and riffs on popular memes, she demonstrates an eye for little details and moments you can’t always teach.
“I find it interesting that you can make almost short films,” she says of the platform’s filmmaking possibilities. “It doesn’t have any ‘story’ behind it, but it’s still visual art.” (If there is a TikTok phenomenon worth a Zola-style adaptation, she thinks it’s Susi’s store-bought-pesto stitches: “They say the most outrageous stories!” she says. “There are so many ideas you can come up with and turn it into a film.”)
“Everyone was always like, ‘You guys need a reality TV show.’”
Many in the industry have come to appreciate Scorsese’s instincts. Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino, who cast her in his 2020 HBO series We Are Who We Are, says “you can see that Francesca has the power of being the center toward which most of the tension gravitates” and that he “can’t wait to do more and more” with her.
Meanwhile, marketing departments are trying to tap into her digital savvy. “I was at an event with my dad and a guy came up to me like, ‘Hi, I’m the head of marketing at Apple. Do you know how well your video is doing? We have to talk to you,’” she says. Soon after, Scorsese found herself on a call with her dad’s PR team, where they strategized about how to use her videos to promote his latest, Killers of the Flower Moon, amid the publicity limitations of the SAG strike. Ultimately, 46% of those who saw the film on opening night were under 35, and Scorsese’s videos probably didn’t hurt. “I love that [TikTok is] bringing younger audiences to my dad’s work,” she says. “They’re making him more relevant to an 11- or 12-year-old on the street.”
Scorsese has been trying to make people laugh her whole life, and her dad has often been right there with her. “My friends would always join us for dinner at my house and they would sit there and essentially it kind of became a comedy show. [My dad and I] would have these crazy conversations that almost turned into skits,” says Scorsese, whose childhood friends still make up her inner circle; she lives with her best friend from growing up, Kikka, just a few blocks away from her parents’ apartment. “Everyone was always like, ‘You guys need a reality TV show,’” she says. “We’d always just love to make my mom laugh.”
Her mother, Helen Morris, is a former book editor who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1990, which profoundly shaped Scorsese’s childhood. “Growing up with an ill parent, I didn’t really go to the park with her,” says Scorsese, growing more serious but not somber — the conversational steadiness of someone who has clearly spent a lot of time thinking about all of this. So she became a cinema buff at an early age. Every Sunday, Martin would have a projectionist come to his office and screen films for the two of them over pizza. (Watching a movie in 70 mil — it does hit different!) It was in those sessions that she found catharsis: coming to understand her mom through the heroines on screen.
“All of the stronger female characters that I admired, I always kind of related to my mother. So I would see them and imagine her having this amazing life,” Scorsese says, pointing to films like 1938’s Bringing Up Baby, which starred Katharine Hepburn as a flighty heiress. Morris “lived in a mansion in Lenox in Massachusetts [growing up] and basically dated royalty, so I always imagined this crazy luxurious lifestyle for her.”
“I love that [TikTok is] bringing younger audiences to my dad’s work. They’re making him more relevant to an 11- or 12-year-old on the street.”
By high school, Scorsese knew she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps. She attended prestigious summer programs at places like the Atlantic Theater Company Acting School and New York Film Academy before being admitted to Tisch, her dad’s alma mater. It was there that she worked on her directorial debut, the short film Fish Out of Water, which follows a daughter reconnecting with her mother after discovering her health was failing. “It's how I cope with things, it's how I dream,” Scorsese says of filmmaking. (Morris made a rare public appearance with Scorsese and Martin when Fish screened at the Tribeca Film Festival.)
As she embarked on her post-collegiate career, Scorsese was wary of how her last name might shape her opportunities. “Of course I get the upper hand with a lot of things — I'm very fortunate,” she acknowledges as we split a slice of Victoria sponge cake. “But the one thing I can do is try to keep myself humble, grounded, and spoil the f*ck out of my friends.”
When she auditioned for We Are Who We Are, she was only asked for her first name. “I had a call with Luca and he was like, ‘I want you to be part of the project,’” she recalls. “I was like, ‘You want me to PA? I can do anything!’ He was like, ‘No, I want you as Britney.’” At first, she was elated. Then she worried Guadagnino might’ve gotten wind of her family tree. “A week later, I got a message from him being like, ‘I had no idea that you were related until I was putting down the first and last names of the actors that I’d cast.’ When that happened, it was one of the first times I was proud of myself.”
“All of the stronger female characters that I admired, I always related to my mother. I would see them and imagine her having this amazing life.”
Guadagnino says choosing her was no-brainer. The character of Britney was originally written as an archetypal vixen, but Scorsese gave her new dimension from the jump. “I saw this tape from this young woman who looked like no one else, who looked human and real and sassy and funny and contradictory and seductive, but also almost unsure of being seductive and yet being very powerful,” he says. “All these shades that I could see in that tape were so invigorating and so full of surprise for me, and made me laugh and made me have fun and made me wish to see more of this wonderful young actor that I didn't know before me.”
When the show finally premiered, Scorsese found herself the subject of a very different kind of discourse: people talking about her body and the bikini her character wears. “I was so vulnerable in it and really nervous to show my body. I was really f*cking scared and a lot of people were calling me a cow,” she says. Similar comments popped up after viewers saw glimpses of her alongside Timothée Chalamet in her father’s highly anticipated Bleu de Chanel commercial. “Being next to Timothée, [people were] just saying horrible things.” That kind of garbage is one of the reasons she’s no longer on Twitter. She goes a little quiet, as if lost in thought, before her usual effervescence pops back through. “Some people were like, ‘It’s nice actually that we get to see a girl more on the plus size side get some representation!’”
That fragrance commercial is one of several collaborations between Scorsese and her dad on the way: They’re co-writing a book for A24 about her film upbringing as well as dreaming up a top-secret long-form project, to say nothing of future TikToks. Some Hollywood starlets in her shoes might try to distance themselves from their family lineages, but now that she’s had some career wins on her own, Scorsese would love to do more with her father. If you have the opportunity to work with one of film's greatest directors and score some quality time with dad, why not make the most of it? “I just try to be the best nepo baby that I can be,” she says.
Top image credit: Nanushka jacket, 7 For All Mankind jeans, Dr. Martens boots
Photographs by Justin J Wee
Styling by Marion B. Kelly II
Hair: Nicole Blais
Makeup: Eric Vosburg
Talent Bookings: Special Projects
Photo Director: Alex Pollack
Editor in Chief: Lauren McCarthy
SVP Fashion: Tiffany Reid
SVP Creative: Karen Hibbert
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https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/francesca-scorsese-it-girl-tiktok-martin-scorsese
| 2024-01-11T17:53:07Z
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Fashion
RAYE Stars In H&M Move’s New Winter Campaign
Featuring luxe athletic wear for the HIIT enthusiast.
H&M Move, the brand’s technical sportswear branch, only launched in 2022, but they’ve already had a slew of superstar athletes, musicians, and cultural figures as ambassadors of the brand, like actress Jane Fonda and choreographer JaQuel Knight. Their latest campaign adds another name to the list: U.K. powerhouse singer and songwriter Raye.
The “Escapism” singer is the face of H&M Move’s January 2024 drop, which features a fresh batch of luxe technical workout wear and athletic gear in serene neutral shades. According to the press release, the latest drop is inspired by HIIT, or high intensity interval training, and is crafted using the brand’s proprietary sweat-wicking fabric DryMove and extra-supportive ShapeMove. It spans menswear, womenswear, and accessories, with prices ranging from $9.99 to $64.99.
Spotlight pieces include a balletcore shrug, a sports unitard, a tech-y cropped black puffer, and a rugged water bottle (because you can never have too many). For the men’s side, Raye is joined by Swedish soccer striker Zlatan Ibrahimović.
“I really believe that movement is for everyone,” says Raye of the new collection in a statement. “It’s about your unique journey and how you move forward in life, both mentally and physically. Being confident in who you are and in your own skin takes time, but through movement it's possible.”
Raye’s H&M Move collection launches Jan. 11 in stores and online. See photos from the campaign below.
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https://www.nylon.com/fashion/raye-hm-move-new-collection-campaign
| 2024-01-11T17:53:13Z
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Culture
Watch Marisa Abela As Amy Winehouse In The First Back To Black Trailer
“I write songs because I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t.”
The first footage from the highly anticipated Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black is officially here.
The Sam Taylor-Johnson-directed film, which has been in development since 2018, stars Industry’s Marisa Abela as Winehouse, capturing her early rise to fame and her seminal record Back to Black. “I don’t write music to be famous,” says Abela as Winehouse in the trailer as the titular song plays. “I write songs because I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t.”
Winehouse caught the public’s attention with heartbreaking, popular songs like “Back to Black” and “Rehab” — along with her signature bouffant and winged liner — in the early ‘00s during which the film is set. “Told from Amy’s perspective, the film is an unapologetic look at the woman behind the phenomenon and the relationship that inspired one of the most legendary albums of all time,” reads Back to Black’s logline.
Starring alongside Abela are Jack O’Connell as Winehouse’s husband, Blake Fielder-Civil; Eddie Marsan as Winehouse’s father, Mitch Winehouse; Juliet Cowan as Winehouse’s mother, Janis Winehouse-Collins; and critically acclaimed British actor Lesley Manville as Winehouse’s grandmother, Cynthia Winehouse.
While Back to Black marks the first biopic about Winehouse since her tragic passing from alcohol poisoning at 27 years old in 2011, the singer has been the subject of multiple documentaries, including 2015’s Oscar-winning Amy and the 2021 BBC TV film Reclaiming Amy.
Back to Black has received support from the Amy Winehouse Estate, Universal Music Group, and Sony Music Publishing, writes Variety. The film will hit theaters May 10 from Focus Features. Watch the trailer below.
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https://www.nylon.com/life/back-to-black-trailer-marisa-abela-amy-winehouse-release-date
| 2024-01-11T17:53:19Z
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Amanda Holden can always be relied on to stun with the most gorgeous outfits and she demonstrated this on Thursday with a stunning look that was perfect foe the time of year, while also carrying her signature daring streak.
Amanda shared a video from inside the Heart Radio building as she headed up to the offices, showcasing her grey knit jumper and skirt, that perfectly matched the clouds over London on the cold January morning. The presenter had paired her dress with a pair of knee-high boots, but as we looked at her sublime footwear, we couldn't help but notice the cheeky thigh-high slit the frock carried.
"It's so cold outside that I feel snug," Amanda enthused as she spoke to her fans about the outfit, and she also couldn't help but point out the slit joking that her followers may have "already seen".
"We love this set on you," enthused one, while a second commented: "Haha!! You are such a legend, and looking gorgeous as always!!" although a third revealed they were more than happy with the winter chill, sharing: "Always got the AC on, not complaining at all."
Meanwhile, a fourth mentioned Amanda's new show with friend Alan Carr as they penned: "Beautiful, loving the new series of Amanda and Alan's Italian job, all I have done is laugh right the way through, dream team you're so funny together."
Amanda has shared some glorious sun-soaked snaps from her time on the show, and last week she wowed as the star caught the sun's rays in a tiny metallic bikini and dipped her feet into water.
The mum-of-two held a glass of aperol as she lounged by the side of the pool, twirling a hand through her blonde locks while looking off into the distance with her pair of sunglasses.
Amanda also shared a clip of herself and Alan discussing what superpowers they'd like to have and once again the mum-of-two knocked it out of the park with her outfit choice, opting for a white crop top and ripped black jeans.
The star celebrated her new series in her caption, as she wrote: "Almost 3 million of you have already watched Series 2 of #ItalianJob over the last 24 hours so I'm raising a glass to celebrate + say THANK YOU.
WOW: Amanda Holden turns heads in skintight glitter catsuit for star-studded night in London
LOOK: Amanda Holden is an absolute goddess in daring skintight dress
"Catch up (or binge watch!) the whole series on @bbciplayer this week or Episode 2 is on BBC1 next Friday. Raising money again for @bbccin & @comicrelief. PS - Another blooper for you here. Please let @chattyman & I know your favourite bits - we love reading all your messages!"
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511074/amanda-holden-risque-thigh-slit-outfit-fans-doing-double-take/
| 2024-01-11T17:54:05Z
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The British royals are a stylish bunch. From glittering red carpet events to royal walkabouts, they never seem to put a foot wrong when it comes to their sartorial selections. But whilst their tiaras, gowns and crowns provide some serious style inspiration, we can't help but swoon over their off-duty looks. Roll on the Barbour, the tweed and the oversized raincoats.
Keep scrolling for the ultimate dose of country chic…
Princess Anne
When it comes to fuss-free royal dressing, Princess Anne knows best. The keen equestrian, 73, has absolutely nailed the art of dressing for the weather, all whilst looking beautifully put together. In 2007, she did just that at the Gatcombe Horse Trials wearing a smart tweed jacket, a classic tartan scarf and a caramel-hued fur hat. Extra points for the nonchalant pose next to the Land Rover Defender!
Princess Diana
Diana's wardrobe is sartorial gold. During her time in the limelight, Prince Harry and Prince William's mother mastered the art of dressing down whilst simultaneously looking every inch the 90s It-Girl. In 1988, the mother-of-two looked effortlessly cool wearing a pair of skinny jeans, brown leather boots and an oversized blazer. For an extra dose of off-duty chic, Diana completed her polo outfit with a navy baseball cap and a pair of gold hoop earrings.
Meghan Markle
The Duchess of Sussex made a strong case for trench coats in 2018 as she stepped out to attend the UK Team Trials for the invictus Games Sydney at the University of Bath. Renowned for nailing the 'quiet luxury' trend, Meghan paired a practical Invictus Games polo top with some figure-hugging skinny jeans and a beautiful olive-green trench coat. Swoon.
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Princess Kate
The Princess of Wales put the pizazz in pizza delivery back in April last year when she was spotted at Dowlais Rugby Club carrying a seven-strong stack of the doughy treats. Proving that nothing can crimp her style, Kate looked as flawless as ever wearing a khaki Barbour jacket, utilitarian jeans and a cosy roll-neck jumper.
Zara Tindall
Equestrian superstar Zara Tindall looked every inch the noughties style queen on the final day of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in 2007. Eschewing her jodhpurs and her riding helmet, Princess Anne's stylish daughter cut a chic figure in a floaty patterned top, white jeans and a tie-front cardigan. In a nod to the 70s, Zara accessorised with a woven headband and a pair of hoop earrings.
Queen Camilla
Even the rain can't put a damper on Queen Camilla's winter wardrobe. She was seen rocking a pair of green Hunter wellies and a navy rainproof coat whilst walking her Jack Russell Terrier near Sandringham in 2008. 10/10 for blending classic country chic with the inevitably less glamorous wet weather gear.
Prince William
The Prince of Wales looked dapper wearing a flat cap at Duchy Home Farm in Gloucestershire back in 2004. Embracing the farm life, William appeared in his element as he confidently posed for photographs wearing a pair of casual blue jeans, a practical khaki coat, some coordinating green wellies and a suave tweed cap.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie
Whilst the stylish royal sisters typically impress with their elegant outfits, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie continue to knock it out of the park when it comes to dressing down. In a post shared to Princess Eugenie's public Instagram account, the sibling duo channelled the average 'girl next door' wearing practical coats and pom-pom beanies.
King Charles
The monarch adores the outdoors, and it's fair to say his wardrobe reflects that. When he's not dressed in suits and robes, King Charles reaches for his cosy woollen coats, his tartan and very occasionally, his kilts… In 1979, the then-Prince Charles wove the flag for all things country chic as he attended The Fernie Hunt Cross Country Team Event. From his waxed Barbour coat to his wooden walking stick and his tweed flat cap, Charles most definitely proved that his outdoor outfits will forever reign supreme.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/510878/royals-rocking-outdoorsy-style-kate-middleton-princess-anne/
| 2024-01-11T17:54:11Z
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