thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-14--Where Meghan And Harry Should Move In Canada To Raise Baby Archie

It’s not yet clear whether the couple will be settling in Meghan’s native US or in Canada, where they’ve just spent a six-week vacation. But just between us, one thing is clearer than crystal: they should definitely, totally, absolutely move to Canada.
Advertisement
In fact, so certain are we that this is the right move, both for the Duke and Duchess and for baby Archie, that we’ve compiled a list of the best cities for them to consider.
Toronto
Meghan and Harry make their official debut as a couple, at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. Karwai Tang via Getty Images
Just as a criminal always returns to the scene of a crime, so too should lovers circle back to where they fell in love ... eventually. And in the case of Meghan and Harry, that story begins in Toronto: the city where they fell head over heels for each other and, of course, where they made their public debut as a couple.
Not to mention all the other perks. The University of Toronto is currently ranked as one of the best schools in the country. Toronto is consistently rated one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over 140 languages spoken and 200-something ethnic groups.
Advertisement
Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in "Suits," which was filmed in Toronto. USA Network via Getty Images
Plus, Meghan lived here for seven years while filming the legal drama Suits which means she could show baby Archie where she got her start, and could even introduce him to some of her her favourite things (chilies from Terroni, dog walks at Trinity Bellwoods, etc.).
And, bonus: Jessica Mulroney, a Canadian fashion stylist who also happens to be Meghan’s best friend, lives in the city, and could baby-watch if the couple ever needed a bit of extra friendly support. Oh, and Drake.
Victoria
It’s no secret that Meghan and Harry are fans of the west cost. As a kid, the duke spent plenty of time on the slopes in Whistler, and he’s returned to British Columbia on several occasions since then. The duchess, too, has been a frequent visitor, and she filmed the movie When Sparks Fly in downtown Langley City back in 2014, before she was a royal.
Advertisement
A young Prince Harry skiing In Whistler, B.C. Julian Parker via Getty Images
Victoria would be the perfect place for baby Archie to grow into a winter sports aficionado, if not the next skiing or snowboarding champ, and the University of British Columbia — like U of T, among the best-rated universities in the nation — is just a couple of hours away.
St. John’s, Newfoundland
It's more than a stone's throw away from their beloved west coast, but St. John's has a secret royal connection. benkrut via Getty Images
It’s a far stretch from the west coast, but St. John’s, Canada’s easternmost city, is known for its old-world charm. It’s a much quieter town than, say, London, and the fresh, clean air isn’t something you’re likely to find in busy urban areas.
Advertisement
St. John’s has plenty of trails for hiking, which we know the couple enjoys, and would probably make great bonding experiences for Meghan and Harry to have with baby Archie. It’s also generally regarded to be one of the safest cities in Canada.
Plus, the province has a connection to the royal family! Sylvana Tomaselli, the Countess of St. Andrews and Queen Elizabeth’s first cousin (once removed), was born in Placentia in 1958.
London, Ontario
The quiet town of London, Ont. could be the nearest (etymological) thing they get to London, England. buzbuzzer via Getty Images
OK, so it’s not exactly the land of palaces, well-preserved castles and centuries-old monarchies they may have grown used to by now, but London, Ontario might be the closest thing the duke and duchess are going to get to a version of their home in the other London. All that’s missing is the accent.
Plus, you can make a case for all the things baby Archie would love there. There’s the London Regional Children’s Museum, where kids can learn about science, art, culture and history. There are plenty of parks. There’s an annual Western Fair for families, and the Boler Mountains are close by— perfect, considering Prince Harry loves winter sports.
Advertisement
Prince Harry lands after he successfully completing a jump from a snow hill in the Swiss Alps in 1999. John Stillwell - PA Images via Getty Images
And it’s a smaller city, so they could have a normal life (whatever that is)!
Sherbrooke, Quebec
Sherbrooke, Que. was rated the best Canadian city to raise a family in by Reader's Digest. Walter Bibikow via Getty Images
Sometimes, you just need to put your faith in the numbers. And what the numbers are saying, or at least what Reader’s Digest has found, is that Sherbrooke, Quebec is the best city in Canada to raise a family.
It would be a fair choice. The region is beautiful, surrounded by mountains and rivers and lakes. It has ski hills, plenty of libraries, quiet green spaces, and an 18-week maternity leave policy that would probably be quite attractive if Meghan wasn’t literally the Duchess of Sussex and hadn’t already withdrawn from some work responsibilities.
Archie looks like a friendly kid who'd make friends easily in a daycare setting, is all we're saying. Pool/Samir Hussein via Getty Images
Advertisement
There’s also Quebec’s oft-discussed daycare model, which, apparently, has been exemplary to many other provinces across the country. If, you know, they decide not to go the nanny route.
Not to mention baby Archie could grow up bilingual. (Is it possible to speak French with a British accent?)
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
What was formerly called the Charlotte Islands might be an extreme move considering how secluded they are, but sometimes, you just need a big change. Jason_V via Getty Images
Maybe they’re tired of the city. Maybe what they want is to raise baby Archie somewhere quiet — a secluded, remote haven away from the heavy air and loud noise of the city streets. Maybe Meghan and Harry finally want to live off the land, given their continued advocacy for the environment. In that case: Haida Gwaii.
Haida Gwaii is a little archipelago just off the northern Pacific coast, and is known as the “Canadian Galápagos” — mostly because of its endemic wildlife and the fact that it bears more biomass per square yard of any place on the planet. It’s perhaps as far off the grid that they can get, and would give baby Archie a chance to grow up without the shuttering cameras and the stress the British tabloids have thus far inspired.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-14--Love Island's Ollie Williams Hinted He Still Had Feelings For Ex Prior To Entering Villa

How Verizon Media and our partners bring you better ad experiences To give you a better overall experience , we @ @ @ @ @ that are more useful to you .
For example , when you search for a @ @ @ @ @ search information and location to show the most relevant cinemas near you .
We also @ @ @ @ @ you ads for similar films you may like in the future .
Like Verizon Media @ @ @ @ @ show you ads that they think match your interests .
Learn more about how Verizon @ @ @ @ @ and how our partners collect and use data .
HuffPost is part of Verizon Media @ @ @ @ @ partners need your consent to access your device and use your data ( including location @ @ @ @ @ , and provide and measure personalised ads .
Verizon Media will also provide you with @ @ @ @ @ .
Learn more .
Select 'OK ' to continue and allow Verizon Media and our @ @ @ @ @ , or select 'Manage options ' to view your choices .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Love Island walker Ollie Williams spoke of his fondness for his ex-girlfriend prior to entering the villa, admitting if she were to have appeared on the show it would have “changed the game”.
On Tuesday, it was announced the 23-year-old Cornish land owner had quit the ITV2 reality series after just three days claiming he “still loved someone else”.
Advertisement
We can now reveal that Ollie hinted he still had feelings for his ex when HuffPost UK interviewed him in South Africa ahead of the series launch.
“I’ve had two long term relationships,” he said. “The first one was a disaster. It was my fault... [he later admitted on the show that he had cheated on her “eight or nine times”]. But I learned from that.”
Ollie Williams has left the Love Island villa ITV
Ollie then revealed that his most recent girlfriend, who he cited as the reason for leaving the Love Island villa, only ended their relationship because of the distance between them.
Advertisement
He explained: “The second [relationship] was really good.
“It ended basically due to distance and we weren’t the right people for each other at that time. I definitely learned my lesson with that first one.”
Asked how he would feel if she walked into the villa as a bombshell arrival, he suggested a reunion could have happened.
“The second [girlfriend] would probably be OK, but it would depend on what she did. That would change the game.
“But the first one would be terrible. That would be a nightmare.”
Ollie had been coupled up with Paige Turley on the show ITV
After reaching the decision to quit the show, Ollie, who was coupled up with Lewis Capaldi’s ex Paige Turley on the show, said in the Beach Hut: “I have to be honest with myself, and everyone, that I do still love someone else… I have to follow my heart in this scenario and it would be wrong for me to ignore these feelings.
Advertisement
“At the end of the day, this is Love Island and it’s about finding love. If I carried on anything with Paige, or any other girl that might come into the villa, it wouldn’t be fair on them.”
News of his departure came after pictures of Ollie posing with dead animals surfaced in the press.
The photos showed the heir to Lanhydrock estate in Cornwall posing next to a dead warthog, water buffalo and giant eland, with the paper claiming he had been promoting his hunting business Cornish Sporting Agency.
Ollie was at the centre of controversy in the press ITV
However, there have been conflicting reports about the nature of the pictures, with an unnamed “source” apparently close to the reality star telling The Sun he “was involved in the culling of sick animals”.
TV watchdog Ofcom confirmed they had received 231 complaints about Ollie’s participation on the show in light of the pictures.
Advertisement
An online petition to remove him from the villa had also hit over 36,000 signatures prior to the announcement of his departure.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-14--Billie Eilish Confirmed To Perform James Bond Theme Song For No Time To Die

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Billie Eilish has confirmed that she’s recording the theme song for the upcoming James Bond film, No Time To Die.
At 18 years old, Billie is the youngest artist to ever write a Bond theme.
After posting a photo of the James Bond logo on her Instagram on Tuesday afternoon, Billie revealed: “’No Time To Die’ JAMES BOND. AND I AM SINGING THE THEME SONG… WHAAT.”
Advertisement
She also posted photos of several former James Bond actresses on her Instagram story, including Britt Eckland and Halle Berry.
Meanwhile, the official James Bond Instagram page posted a picture of Billie, confirming that – as is the case with all of her music – she has co-written the new song with her brother, Finneas.
They said: “The #NoTimeToDie title song will be performed by @billieeilish. Billie has written the song with her brother @finneas and is the youngest artist in history to write and record a James Bond theme song.”
Advertisement
Billie later said in a statement: “It feels crazy to be a part of this in every way. To be able to score the theme song to a film that is part of such a legendary series is a huge honour.
“James Bond is the coolest film franchise ever to exist. I’m still in shock.”
Finneas agreed: “Writing the theme song for a Bond film is something we’ve been dreaming about doing our entire lives.
“There is no more iconic pairing of music and cinema than the likes of Goldfinger and Live And Let Die. We feel so so lucky to play a small role in such a legendary franchise, long live 007.”
Billie Eilish Sara Jaye Weiss/Shutterstock
Advertisement
The last two James Bond themes were recorded by Adele and Sam Smith, both of whom received Oscars for their musical offerings.
The news comes after an amazing 12 months for Billie, which has seen her topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic with her debut solo album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--The Bizarre Theory Why Women Don’t Like Beards – And It’s All To Do With Insects

RobertoDavid via Getty Images
Straight women who don’t fancy men with beards might be put off because of a fear of lice, fleas and other debris – and we’re blaming Roald Dahl’s The Twits.
This bizarre study, by the University of Stirling and University of Queensland, found women who don’t go for beards are also more likely to be repulsed by lice, fleas, ticks and other ectoparasites. And the scientists reckon the link stems from “our evolutionary past”.
Advertisement
“In modern times, with increased grooming and overall better hygiene, this link between hairiness and carrying ectoparasites may no longer exist, but the evolved tendency may still persist,” noted researchers.
But we’re wondering if some of the 919 women surveyed were just scarred from reading about Mr Twit as a child, who famously has a bushy beard full “of disgusting left-over food like sardines, cheese and cornflakes”.
The researchers landed upon their conclusion by asking women to rank the attractiveness of different faces, some bearded, some clean-shaven. Women were also shown images of ectoparasites, such as lice, and quizzed about their level of fear or disgust.
Despite the mind-boggling bug finding, men with beards can breath a sigh of relief. The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, found the hipster beard is still popular with the opposite sex.
Advertisement
When asked to rate the attractiveness of different faces, women still ranked men with beards more highly overall than clean-shaven men.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Marvin And Rochelle Humes Make Unusual Decision To Post More Pics Of Kids On Social Media

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Marvin and Rochelle Humes have revealed they’re going to be sharing more photos of their family on social media from now on.
The celebrity couple, who are parents to Alaia, six, and Valentina, two, said their eldest daughter had asked why her cousins and other family were featured on social media, but not her.
Advertisement
“And to be honest, we don’t really have the answer,” wrote Marvin, in an Instagram post sharing photos of his daughters. “Obviously it was coming from a place of protection but maybe to a fault, let’s face it none of us really have this figured out.
“So here they are our little ladies, they won’t be on here often but thought you might like to meet them.”
Rochelle also made a statement on her own Instagram account, alongside more photos of the family. “I think it would be weird for me to post this without saying anything, but we’ve made the choice to share a bit more of our family,” she wrote, before echoing the same comments as her husband.
Advertisement
At the end of the post, she added: “Please be kind.”
On both Instagram posts, many fans have commented writing how “beautiful” their daughters are.
“I actually feel quite emotional reading that post,” one person wrote. “So so so incredible.” Another commented: “What a wonderful honest post, and it’s great you are listening to your daughter. Thank you for this!”
Rochelle has often shared photos of her daughters where their faces are covered – or posted photos of adorable letters they’ve written her.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Ofcom Confirms Complaints About Love Island's Ollie Had Doubled By The Time He Quit Show

LOADING ERROR LOADING
TV watchdog Ofcom has confirmed that complaints about Love Island contestant Ollie Williams had doubled by the time he left the villa on Tuesday.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Ofcom had received 231 complaints about Ollie, who had been caught up in a press controversy in the lead-up to his Love Island debut.
Advertisement
The Cornish land owner was the subject of a story in The Sun that revealed pictures of him posing with dead animals.
In the photos, the 23-year-old was seen posing next to a dead warthog, water buffalo and giant eland, with the paper claiming he had been promoting his hunting business Cornish Sporting Agency.
Ollie on his first day in the Love Island villa ITV/Shutterstock
However, there have been conflicting reports about the nature of the pictures, with an unnamed “source” apparently close to the reality star also telling The Sun he “was involved in the culling of sick animals”.
Advertisement
Since then, Ollie has left the show of his own accord, claiming he still had feelings for his ex-girlfriend, and that it would be “wrong” for him to stay in the villa.
Following his exit, Ofcom confirmed to Metro that the complaints about Ollie being in the villa had doubled in a matter of days to 467, prior to his exit.
The TV watchdog confirmed that they would assess each of the complaints before deciding whether to take the matter further, as is their standard procedure.
A petition calling for Ollie to be removed from the show had also reached more than 38,000 signatories.
Ollie Williams Joel Anderson/ITV/Shutterstock
Advertisement
HuffPost UK contacted representatives for Love Island around the time of the initial controversy, but they declined to comment.
Explaining his decision to leave the villa, Ollie said: “I have to be honest with myself, and everyone, that I do still love someone else…
“I have to follow my heart in this scenario and it would be wrong for me to ignore these feelings.
“At the end of the day, this is Love Island and it’s about finding love. If I carried on anything with Paige, or any other girl that might come into the villa, it wouldn’t be fair on them.”
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--British-Australian Kylie Moore-Gilbert Begs Australian PM To Help Release Her From Iran Jail

LOADING ERROR LOADING
An imprisoned British-Australian woman has begged Australian prime minister Scott Morrison to help secure her release from an Iran jail.
Cambridge-educated Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who was most recently a lecturer in Islamic Studies at Melbourne University, has been in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison for more than a year, having reportedly been given a 10-year sentence.
Advertisement
“I beg you to act faster to bring this terrible trauma that myself and my family must live through day after day,” Dr Moore-Gilbert wrote in the June 2019 letter that was smuggled out of the prison and published by the Centre for Human Rights in Iran.
Dr Moore-Gilbert also wrote that she had travelled to Iran on a university program and had been doing research interviews.
“Unfortunately, one of my academic colleagues on this program and one of my interview subjects flagged me as suspicious to the Revolutionary Guards,” she said.
She wrote again on Christmas Eve to say she had been kept in solitary confinement for extended periods, had been allowed only one three-minute phone call with her family in nine months and had undertaken five hunger strikes.
Advertisement
“I beg of you, prime minister Morrison, to take immediate action, as my physical and mental health continues to deteriorate with every additional day that I remain imprisoned in these conditions,” she added.
Kylie Moore-Gilbert University of Melbourne
When asked last month by reporters if he was concerned for Dr Moore-Gilbert’s welfare, Morrison said he was, adding: “As I am for any Australian who finds themselves in these types of situations.”
Around the same time Iran’s foreign ministry said it would not “give in to the political and smear campaigns” over the jailing.
The Australian government secured the release of dual British-Australian citizen Jolie King and her Australian boyfriend, Mark Firkin, in early October, some three months after they were arrested in Iran.
Advertisement
Other Britons imprisoned in Evin include Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori who are serving five and 10 year sentences respectively on charges disputed by the British government.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Matt Hancock Hints NHS A&E Waiting Times Could Be Replaced By ‘The Right Targets’

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Health secretary Matt Hancock has hinted that landmark NHS targets could be scrapped following the health service’s worst A&E waiting times since records began.
More than one in five patients were forced to wait for more than four hours for treatment in December.
Advertisement
But Hancock said there was a “problem” with the target as it failed to take into account other improvements.
NHS England figures published last week showed just 79.8% of A&E patients were seen within the specified time, way below the 95% target that was introduced by Tony Blair’s government in 2004.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine said that the dire statistics were proof of a “miserable Christmas” for patients and staff as nearly 100,000 people were forced to wait on trolleys over four hours - and more than 2,000 people waited over 12 hours for a hospital bed.
But when quizzed by BBC Radio 5 Live on whether the Tory government should be judged by NHS targets, Hancock said: “We will be judged by the right targets”.
Advertisement
Asked if that meant “there’s the right targets and the wrong targets?” he replied: “That’s right... because targets have to be clinically appropriate.
“The four-hour target in A&E which is often taken as, and has been in the past, taken as the top way of measuring what’s going on in hospitals.
“The problem with that target is that increasingly people can be treated on the day and able to go home. That is much better for the patient. It’s also better for the NHS and yet the way that that’s counted in the target doesn’t work.
“So it’s far better to have targets that are clinically appropriate, supported by clinicians so we’ve got clinicians looking at that. It’s best if that is led by the doctors.”
NHS England Medical Director Steve Powis is currently leading a review of NHS targets, but ever since David Cameron was PM ministers have long been wary of the political backlash that could follow from being seen to change the goalposts.
Advertisement
SIPA USA/PA Images
Jon Ashworth, Labour’s shadow health secretary, said changing the target would not “magic away the problems in our overcrowded hospitals, with patients left on trolleys in corridors for hours and hours”.
“Any review of targets must be transparent and based on watertight clinical evidence, otherwise patients will think Matt Hancock is trying to move the goalposts to avoid scrutiny of the government’s record,” he said.
“After years of austerity under the Tories, the government’s first priority must be to give the NHS the funding and staff it needs to end the waiting time crisis.”
Dr Katherine Henderson, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “So far seen we’ve seen nothing to indicate that a viable replacement for the four-hour target exists and believe that testing should soon draw to a close.
Advertisement
“Rather than focus on ways around the target, we need to get back to the business of delivering on it.”
Dr Simon Walsh, emergency medicine expert at the British Medical Association, said: “Ultimately, replacing targets does not address the fundamental issues of capacity and resourcing within the NHS/”
Many doctors believe that although the four-hour target can be a blunt instrument, it forces the system to avoid longer waits that can lead to patient harm.
One doctor swiftly accused Hancock of wanting to “bin” the current targets.
Pretty clear here @MattHancock’s ‘plan’ for addressing the dire plight of our overcrowded A&Es *isn’t* the investment in health & social care so urgently needed - but to bin the targets.
How exactly does eradicating evidence & scrutiny help patients, Mr Hancock? https://t.co/PK3OeRbJMC — Rachel Clarke (@doctor_oxford) January 15, 2020
When asked to comment on remarks by former Society for Acute Medicine president Dr Nick Scriven that failure to meet targets has been “normalised” by this government, Hancock disagreed.
Advertisement
“I would challenge this idea that there hasn’t been improvements. There’s been massive improvements in the way that the NHS delivers care for instance, the proportion of people who are now cared for and treated on the same day, and can get home at night instead of having to stay overnight in hospital that proportion has increased.
“This year, 2019, the number of people treated in A&E departments has gone up by over a million.”
Other missed targets include one in six ambulance crews had to queue outside any units more than 13 minutes, 690,000 patients waiting more than 18 weeks for non-urgent surgery, the highest since 2008. Some cancer waiting targets have not been hit since 2016.
Hancock said some of the statistics were “important and which we are gripping” but stressed “people in the NHS are delivering more services to people than ever before”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--The Masked Singer: All The Fan Theories On The Secret Celebrity Identities

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Warning: This article contains speculation and possible spoilers for ITV’s The Masked Singer.
We’ve spent the last seven weeks of The Masked Singer second-guessing the stars behind the elaborate disguises, frantically Googling any clue that sticks out at us, and – shockingly – even shouting “take it off!” along with the studio audience at the end of each episode.
However, we’re sad to say that the first series of TV’s biggest celebrity singing contest (sorry, X Factor) is now almost over, with just three masked contestants left in the competition.
Advertisement
And as the final looms, we still haven’t quite pinned down all of the finalists’ identities, despite a few hunches.
So, as we get ready for the tripe reveal on Saturday night – not to mention finding out which of them has been voted the winner – here’s our ultimate round-up of the three contestants’ identities.
Queen Bee
We’re going to start with the most obvious one, because Queen Bee is very plainly Nicola Roberts (some viewers had worked out before the show even started, just from a short burst of her distinctive singing voice in the ITV advert).
Advertisement
Since then, we’ve only had our suspicions confirmed, as Queen Bee revealed she was really a former talent show winner, who has struggled with confidence issues and shyness in the past.
“But wait”, we hear you ask, “that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s Nicola Roberts, does it?”
Nicola Roberts David M. Benett via Getty Images
Well, as time has gone on, Queen Bee has described herself as an activist and “law-maker” (Nicola previously campaigned to have the required age to use sunbeds raised), and in a later episode referred to having done “silly things to change her appearance”, another probable sunbed reference.
The regal insect also let slip that she’s a descendent of Marie Antoinette – as is Nicola – but still Can’t Speak French.
Really, do we need to spell this one out any further?
Hedgehog
Advertisement
So, Hedgehog we’re a little more unsure about, but a few comments he’s made over the course of the series have led us to believe he’s actually Jason Manford.
First off, Hedgehog has repeatedly hinted at being a comedian, and in addition to his stand-up career, Jason has more recently branched out into musical theatre and even recorded his own album.
Hedgehog also revealed early on that he once had a job that required him to die at 8:30pm every single night, a joke Jason previously made about his stint in a production of the musical Sweeney Todd.
And in the week when the contestants each performed a song that hinted at their true identity, Hedgehog chose an Oasis track, a potential reference to Jason’s own Mancunian background.
Hedgehog also ended one of his VTs with “let’s see what’s coming up on tonight’s show”, a line Jason uses in Sunday Night At The Palladium.
Advertisement
Jason Manford David M. Benett via Getty Images
Other popular theories surrounding Hedgehog have involved musical theatre performer Michael Ball, namely because of the week we saw inside Hedgehog’s “house”, which was littered with bric-a-brac relating to shows Michael has either been in or covered songs from.
This included a Phantom Of The Opera mask, figurines of cats (though this could relate to Jason’s stint in 8 Out Of 10 Cats) and a can of hairspray (again, though, both Michael and Jason have appeared in Hairspray in the past).
Michael Ball Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Then there’s the matter of Hedgehog saying he wanted to “have a ball” on stage, which is either a very on-the-nose hint or a deliberate red herring.
Advertisement
We’ll have to wait and see…
Octopus
First of all, we have to hand it to The Masked Singer, because we are almost at the final, and we’re still not really sure who Octopus is.
So far, she’s hinted at some class of history with Jason Donovan, potential appearances in Emmerdale, The Apprentice and I’m A Celebrity, a modelling past and some class of deal worth a million pounds.
Then, of course, there’s her singing voice, which started off in a classic musical theatre, but has gradually developed into something more operatic as the weeks have rolled on.
Her operatic tones have led many fans to speculate that Octopus is actually Katherine Jenkins, and plenty of clues would appear to confirm this.
Advertisement
She’s done modelling, she hired her house out to appear on The Apprentice, she made a cameo as herself in Emmerdale and she’s confirmed her first crush was Jason Donovan.
Katherine Jenkins Robin Little via Getty Images
Octopus also hinted at being able to speak foreign languages, which Katherine’s opera career has required her to perform in, too.
For some reason, though, we can’t shake the idea that Octopus is actually Myleene Klass.
Myleene Klass Karwai Tang via Getty Images
Myleene, of course, famously appeared on I’m A Celebrity back in 2006, where her co-star was Jason Donovan. She previously signed a multi-million pound deal to model for M&S (Octopus did hint at being a model, too) and appeared briefly in The Apprentice.
Advertisement
And with Myleene being a former Royal Academy Of Music graduate, that would explain her operatic streak, too.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--My Emotionally Abusive Ex Made Me Feel Ashamed To Be Black

HuffPost UK Courtesy of the author
The bar in my home town where my friends and I cut our teeth is unconventional. An antiquated building, the Tram & Social was our place to cavort with men who thought that we were older than we actually were, armed with fake names, low-cut tops and bottles of ‘shit mix’ for the queue.
One night when I was 19, I spotted a guy on the dance floor, who had amassed a crowd around him. Tall, dark hair, blue eyes, tattoos, white – at the time, he was just my type. I went home with someone else that night, but a twist of fate a few months later meant our paths cross again.
Advertisement
Scrolling through Twitter one evening, the anonymous dancer popped up in my suggested follow list. Known for always ’shooting my shot’, I slid into his DMs. After a couple of days of exchanging messages, he asked me out on a date. Within two weeks, we’d slept together, I’d met his family and he’d asked me to be his girlfriend. A month later, as I left to take the train back up to university, he told me he loved me — words that would ignite happiness in 20-year-old me, but should’ve really served as a major red flag.
Over the course of our three-year relationship, the person who was supposed to love and support me instead worked diligently to crush my sense of self-worth. As is usually the case with emotional abuse, it was pernicious and covert — the balance between niceness and nastiness would tip sharply and without warning, and I’d be unjustly blamed for tampering with the scale.
“He’d ask exes for nude photos, and simultaneously tell me how me dressing provocatively embarrassed him”
The time we spent together was fraught with infidelity, vilification and manipulation on his part. He’d ask exes for nude photos, and simultaneously tell me how me dressing provocatively embarrassed him. He once didn’t speak to me for a good few days because I dared to side with his mum in a family argument. He called me a “cunt” and a “selfish bitch” for wanting to spend New Year’s Eve with my best friend. This is typical toxic behaviour from an abuser – but an extra malicious layer developed when the colour of my skin comes into the equation.
Advertisement
As a woman of mixed heritage, I am used to people remarking on my ’exotic’ features. I’m lucky to have thick afro curls sprouting from my head, but it’s been a long journey of self-acceptance to feel comfortable enough to wear my hair naturally. Initially, my ex-boyfriend always made it known how beautiful he thought my blackness was – that is, until he weaponised my ’otherness’ against me. Throwaway remarks about having a “caramel” baby I felt sceptical about, but I thought they were coming from a place of innocence over ignorance.
However, the rest of our time together proved otherwise. To him, the prospect of meeting my dad wasn’t nerve-wracking in the same way others are apprehensive about meeting their partner’s parent. To my ex it was because he was, in his own words, a “big scary black man” – a tired trope that people of colour are all too familiar with.
HuffPost UK Courtesy of the author
Similarly, after claiming he had cheated on me because he’d never been introduced to my family (he conveniently forgot his resistance to meet them), I invited him to my grandma’s house for Easter. On the day we were due to go round for dinner, he cancelled. “I don’t want to go, there will be black people there,” he plainly said to me. After I texted him later to say it had hurt me and I was disappointed, he responded with mockery, then silence. It was as if he saw my black family as beneath him – whereas I consistently made an effort to see his family, meeting mine was a prospect to be balked at. I told my grandmother a white lie; there was no way I could tell her the truth. I felt embarrassed, let down and defeated – I kept offering to open up my life to someone who was so ready to treat me and those I care about with disdain. I routinely had to make excuses for his poor behaviour to those closest to me; I was wilfully living a lie because he had manipulated me so much that I was losing my agency.
Of course, it wasn’t just my family’s blackness that he found so intrinsically repulsive — he detested that aspect of my being, too. I could cope when he said my breasts were too small or when he ridiculed the blue vein that’s so prominent underneath my left eye, but the comments that were tied to my ethnicity cut deeper. As we lay in bed one evening watching Guess Who – ironically, a film about a mixed couple struggling with acceptance – my ex noticed Zoe Saldana, of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, and pointedly asked: “Why is your hair not neat and straight like hers?” Unlike most teenage girls, I was lucky to grow up without feeling insecure about my looks — now, in my 20s, this man’s constant criticism had undermined everything I had once thought of myself. Features that used to make me feel attractive suddenly became sources of shame; he had distorted my own self-perception to the point that I felt unsettled in my own skin.
“Abuse can take many forms within relationships, but it is essential to recognise when racism rears its ugly head”
Co-workers plunging their fingers into our hair or strangers trying to fetishise us over dating apps are sadly commonplace experiences for black women. While we navigate a world rife with micro-aggressions, misogynoir and self-hate within our own community, it is especially damaging when the person you come home to is actively working to undermine you. Abuse can take many forms within relationships, but it is essential to recognise when racism rears its ugly head. Subtle jibes aren’t playful and tender if their intent is to make you feel lesser — you should never have to apologise for who you are or where you come from.
It took years for me to break free, but it began by seeing his comments as a reflection of his own self-hatred rather than anything to do with me. To begin to disentangle yourself from someone else’s toxicity is at once painful yet healing – it is a process of mourning the aspects of yourself that you have lost, but recognising that you have the freedom and self-love within you to grow beyond who you once were.
Advertisement
Being black is an essential part of my identity, and a person who truly loves me will respect and cherish that. I hope that if any other women are reading this and feel that they’re in a similar predicament, that they behave as I did: acknowledge your own black girl magic and do a disappearing act.
Lakeisha Goedluck is a freelance journalist living in Denmark
Have a compelling personal story you want to tell? Find out what we’re looking for here, and pitch us on ukpersonal@huffpost.com
If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you are not in immediate danger, you can contact:
The Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (run in partnership by Women’s Aid and Refuge): 0808 2000 247
In Scotland, contact Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234
In Northern Ireland, contact the 24 hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414
In Wales, contact the 24 hour Life Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Respect helpline (for anyone worried about their own behaviour): 0808 802 0321


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--David Attenborough Warns Humans 'Have Overrun The World' In Trailer For New Film

LOADING ERROR LOADING
The trailer for Sir David Attenborough’s new film A Life On Our Planet, in which the naturalist and national treasure laments the destruction to the earth through climate change, and offers some potential solutions.
In recent years, Sir David has achieved huge success with the nature documentaries Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II, and more recently collaborated with Netflix on the series Our Planet.
Advertisement
For his new project, Sir David is headed for the silver screen, in a new film that will see the 93-year-old reflecting on “defining moments of his lifetime and the devastating changes he has seen”.
The first trailer for David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet was unveiled on Wednesday, and sees the much-loved presenter warn: “I’ve had the most extraordinary life. It is only now that I appreciate how extraordinary.
“The living world is a unique and spectacular marvel, yet the way we humans live on earth is sending it into a decline. Human beings have overrun the world. We’re replacing the wild with the tame.”
Sir David Attenborough in Chernobyl, where he filmed part of his new big-screen documentary Silverback
Advertisement
He adds: “This film is my witness statement and my vision of the future.”
A press release for the film also explains: “The film addresses some of the biggest challenges facing life on our planet, providing a snapshot of global nature loss in a single lifetime.
“With it comes a powerful message of hope for future generations as Attenborough reveals the solutions to help save our planet from disaster.
“His message comes at a critical time, when nature is sounding its alarm for united action.”
David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet will be broadcast in cinemas on 16 April 2020, live from the world premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
It will also be followed by an interview with Sir David, in which he will discuss some of the more pressing issues described in the film.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Meghan Markle's Father Could Testify Against Her In Mail On Sunday Legal Battle

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Meghan Markle’s father could testify against her in her legal battle with the Mail on Sunday, it has been revealed.
The newspaper – and its parent company Associated Newspapers – are accused of unlawfully publishing a letter from the Duchess of Sussex to her father, Thomas Markle.
Advertisement
But the Mail on Sunday will argue the move was justified because there is a “huge and legitimate” public interest in the “personal relationships” of the royal family.
Meanwhile, legal documents – seen by the PA news agency – show that the newspaper will rely on evidence from Thomas Markle, including that he had “a weighty right to tell his version of what had happened between himself and his daughter, including the contents of the letter”.
It means that, if the case goes to court, Meghan and her father could be called to testify against one another.
Advertisement
The news comes as Meghan was spotted in public for the first time since returning to Canada after she and Prince Harry announced their plans to step back as senior members of the royal family.
On Tuesday, the duchess visited a women’s centre in Vancouver to “discuss issues affecting women in the community”.
Why is Meghan Markle taking legal action against the Mail on Sunday?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle PA Wire/PA Images
In February 2019, the Mail on Sunday published extracts of Meghan’s handwritten letter to her estranged father Thomas Markle.
In one extract, published by the newspaper, the duchess wrote: “Your actions have broken my heart into a million pieces – not simply because you have manufactured such unnecessary and unwarranted pain, but by making the choice to not tell the truth as you are puppeteered in this. Something I will never understand.”
Advertisement
Thomas Markle was caught up in controversy in the build-up to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018 after he allegedly staged paparazzi photographs of himself and then began commenting regularly to entertainment website TMZ about his contact with his daughter.
In October 2019, law firm Schillings – which is representing Meghan – filed a High Court claim against the paper alleging misuse of private information, infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018.
Speaking at the time, Harry claimed the alleged unlawful publication of the private letter was done in “an intentionally destructive manner” to “manipulate” readers.
Meghan Markle's father could testify against her in her legal battle against the Mail on Sunday PA Wire/PA Images
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Schillings claimed the “intrusive” publication of the letter was part of Associated Newspapers’ campaign to write “false and deliberately derogatory stories about” Meghan, “as well as her husband”.
Advertisement
But the Mail on Sunday said it would stand by the story and denied editing the letter to change its meaning.
Meanwhile, in its legal defence – as seen by PA – the newspaper claims the duchess “did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy that the contents of the letter were private and would remain so”.
The paper also argues the publication of the letter was in response to a “one-sided” article in People Magazine in February 2019 featuring an interview with five unnamed “close friends” of the duchess which referenced the letter, meaning its existence was in the public domain.
What is the latest with Harry and Meghan and their role in the royal family?
There was a summit at Sandringham about Harry and Meghan's future in the royal family on Monday PA Wire/PA Images
News that Thomas Markle could testify against his daughter comes just two days after members of the royal family held a summit at Sandringham about Harry and Meghan.
Advertisement
It comes after the couple last week revealed plans to step back as “senior members” of the royal family and become “financially independent”.
While it had been reported that Meghan would join the meeting by video call from Canada, it later emerged that Prince Harry put forward their case on his own.
The Queen has now agreed to allow Harry and Meghan to withdraw from their royal duties and begin a “new life” as an “independent” family.
Buckingham Palace also confirmed the Sussexes would begin a “transition period” in which they would split their time between the UK and Canada.
The move has raised questions over the costs of the couple’s security during their time in north America and who would foot the bill.
Advertisement
Harry and Meghan’s personal website had originally said that the couple are classified as “internationally protected people, which mandates this level of security”.
However, The Times revealed on Wednesday, this claim was deleted the next day after questions were raised over the amount of security the couple could expect if they weren’t performing royal duties.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Ian 'H' Watkins Says Dancing On Ice Ofcom Complaints About Same-Sex Pairing Were 'A Dagger In The He

Ian 'H' Watkins Says Dancing On Ice Ofcom Complaints About Same-Sex Pairing Were 'A Dagger In The Heart'

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Ian “H” Watkins has called the homophobic reaction to his same-sex Dancing On Ice performance “a dagger in his heart”, branding those who complained to Ofcom, “bigots”.
Earlier this month, the Steps singer made TV history when he performed the first same-sex skate on the ITV reality show with his professional parter Matt Evers.
Advertisement
The pair’s performance gained a huge wave of support online from the LGBTQ community and beyond, and brought judge John Barrowman to tears, but it also received 16 Ofcom complaints.
Speaking exclusively to HuffPost UK, H said: “The reaction was incredible – a lot of the comments were overwhelmingly supportive, but when people call you hideous names and say things like ‘it’s not natural’ or “you’re a f****t’, all of those awful names, for me, they’re a dagger in my heart.”
Ian "H" Watkins at the Dancing On Ice red carpet launch last year David Fisher/Shutterstock
Referring to the small backlash, he continued: “I think the world has progressed and changed so much, but those kinds of people still exist and will come into contact with my children.
Advertisement
“And those bigots will breed more bigots and we’re bigger and better than that now, as a society. It’s changed so much, but there’s still a small minority that breeds negativity and it’s hideous. ”
H’s dance partner, Matt Evers, brushed off complaints earlier this week, tweeting: “16 out of 5.5 million... the odds are in our favour.”
16 out of 5.5 million... the odds are in our favor. 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/mFs2tvp29I — Matt Evers (@TheMattEvers) January 8, 2020
But H said despite the relatively small volume, it was still hard to hear about the complaints.
“It hurts, because 16 people were offended so much by two guys dancing on ice together – it’s not like we were ripping each other’s clothes off and snogging. It’s crazy!” he said. “I thought what we did was very tasteful, it was strong, it was dynamic.”
The singer knew “there was always going to be a lot of frenzy” around the first same-sex skate, but now that the first performance is out of the way, he is looking forward to focussing on improving his skills.
Advertisement
“I want my skating to do the talking, I want to be treated the same as any other couple who’s on the show – and I think we will be by the judges,” he said, adding that he has “three benchmarks” that he wants to hit.
“The first one was to get the first skate out of the way and represent a whole different community. For the next one, I’d like to push the boundaries a little bit more and do a romantic song and portray it beautifully and delicately and just the same as a heterosexual couple – I want to tell a love story.
“My ultimate goal on the show, if I make it that far, I’d like to see two guys do the Bolero in the final.”
H and skating partner Matt Evers during their first routine of the series Matt Frost/ITV/Shutterstock
However, he acknowledged it’s still too early to be planning for the final stages of the competition.
Advertisement
“My body is tired every day, I’m not a spring chicken, I’m 43 now,” he laughed,
“The things I’m asking my body to do are just insane, but it’s coping. Saying that, it is only week three – we’ve got a long way to go yet.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Stormzy And Naomi Campbell Voice Their Support For ‘Lovely’ Meghan Markle

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Stormzy has hit back at critics of Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, insisting there is no “credible” reason to dislike her.
During an interview with New York radio station Hot 97, the UK rapper said Meghan was a “lovely woman” and suggested criticism aimed at her is rooted in racism.
Advertisement
His comments came after the Sussexes announced their decision to step down as senior royals, with the aim of becoming financially independent and live part of the year in North America.
Stormzy PA Wire/PA Images
Stormzy said: “I ain’t heard her say anything crazy, she just does her thing and they just hate her.
“Someone on Talk Radio the other day, he was like ‘she’s just one of those people that I just look at her and I think…’
“And I was like, na, she’s just black man, get the fuck out of here.”
He added: “If you told someone ‘write a list as to why you hate Meghan Markle’, the list is just rubbish.
Advertisement
“There’s nothing credible to it.”
The Brit Award-winner also revealed he is not “super into the royal family”.
Meanwhile, Naomi Campbell has backed the couple, telling the PA news agency: “I support them whatever.”
Naomi Campbell Kevin Mazur via Getty Images
The supermodel had previously voiced her support for Meghan’s decision to launch legal action against a national newspaper.
She told the Guardian: “When I heard (she was taking legal action), I was like ‘Bravo. Good for her’.”
On Tuesday, Piers Morgan was accused of harbouring a “personal vendetta” against Meghan Markle during a fiery debate on Good Morning Britain.
Advertisement
The royal couple were the topic of conversation between Piers and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, who suggested the treatment of Meghan Markle in the media was symptomatic of racism in the UK.
“Where is this racism that you keep talking about?” Piers demanded. “Where are the ghastly tabloids which you say have been driving this racist agenda against a woman who was lauded and welcomed?”
Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu Rex
Dr Shola then suggested Piers was asking a deliberately “obtuse” question, pointing out that if he’d watched any of her recent interviews, he’d see that she’d given plenty of examples.
“Let me tell you what’s so offensive about this Piers, especially with you. You are a man, privileged to have power and influence and you are using your platform so irresponsibly to spout out this personal vendetta with nasty and vile comments knowing fully well that your words are containing bigotry, misogyny, sexism and racism.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Schoolchildren Injured After Plane Dumps Fuel Over Los Angeles

LOADING ERROR LOADING
A plane over Los Angeles dumped jet fuel while flying above several elementary schools where children were playing, causing minor injuries among dozens of students and staff on Tuesday.
“Shortly after takeoff, Flight 89 from LAX to Shanghai experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return quickly to LAX,” a spokesperson for Delta Air Lines told HuffPost in a statement. “The aircraft landed safely after a release of fuel, which was required as part of normal procedure to reach a safe landing weight.
Advertisement
“We are in touch with Los Angeles World Airports and the LA County Fire Department and share concerns regarding reported minor injuries to adults and children at a school in the area.”
The fuel was discharged over multiple schools in southeastern Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles Unified School District told HuffPost that Park Avenue and 93rd Street Elementary schools in the small city of Cudahy were directly affected by the fuel dump. Tweedy and San Gabriel elementary schools in South Gate, and Graham Elementary School in Florence-Graham were also affected.
An airplane making an emergency landing today at #LAX discharged fuel while flying over our schools. Students and staff may have been sprayed by fuel or inhaled fumes. Paramedics are treating those complaining of skin irritation or breathing problems. Info will be updated. — L.A. Unified (@LASchools) January 14, 2020
“Students and staff were on the playground at the time and may have been sprayed by fuel or inhaled fumes,” a spokesperson for the district told HuffPost. “Schools immediately called paramedics, who are on the scene and are treating anyone who is complaining of skin irritation or breathing problems. Educators are also visiting every classroom to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff.”
Advertisement
The district’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety, as well as school police, are also investigating the effects.
Paramedics assessed 56 children and adults for minor injuries after the fuel dump, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
None of the patients needed to be transported to a hospital, and there were no evacuation orders.
LA County Fire Department inspector Henry Narvaez said the fuel dissipated by the time it reached the ground but that those affected could smell it, according to The Associated Press.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement saying it is “thoroughly investigating the circumstances” behind the fuel dump.
Advertisement
“There are special fuel-dumping procedures for aircraft operating into and out of any major US airport,” the FAA tweeted. “These procedures call for fuel to be dumped over designated unpopulated areas, typically at higher altitudes so the fuel atomizes and disperses before it reaches the ground.”
Footage from the scene showed the plane dumping fuel over the area.
Los Angeles firefighters and paramedics are treating “multiple patients” after an aircraft dumped fuel on an elementary school in Cudahy, California. https://t.co/o1CepbvBGb — Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) January 14, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Rupert Murdoch’s Son Just Went After News Corp’s Coverage Of Climate Change

LOADING ERROR LOADING
James Murdoch, the son of News Corp Chairman Rupert Murdoch, and his wife, Kathryn, unleashed fierce criticism on Tuesday over the handling of climate change and environmental issues by the media titan’s slate of conservative news outlets.
In a statement to The Daily Beast, a spokesperson for the couple said the Murdochs were “disappointed” with what they called “ongoing denial” at both Fox News and the broader News Corp empire, which owns much of the media outlets in Australia. The country is currently fighting a scourge of devastating bushfires that have left at least 28 people dead and scorched more than 15 million acres.
Advertisement
“Kathryn and James’ views on climate are well established and their frustration with some of the News Corp and Fox coverage of the topic is also well known,” the spokesperson told the Beast. “They are particularly disappointed with the ongoing denial among the news outlets in Australia given obvious evidence to the contrary.”
The statement is a rare public rebuke of Rupert Murdoch’s empire from one of his closest family members. News Corp has been accused in recent weeks of trying to downplay Australia’s deadly fire season within the Australian media while promoting misinformation about what has caused the disaster.
James and Kathryn Murdoch said they were "disappointed" with the ongoing "denial" at Rupert Murdoch's media outlets. Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for National Geographic
Scientists and fire officials have called on the Australian government to do more to address climate change as the fires rage on. Climate change doesn’t cause wildfires, but it can exacerbate conditions, experts say. Australia has seen a particularly hot and dry fire season, and 2019 was the country’s hottest and driest year on record.
Advertisement
News Corp has rejected assertions that it’s fuelling climate change denial, telling The New York Times that its coverage “has recognised Australia is having a conversation about climate change and how to respond to it.” The company said, however, that disputed claims of arson, which diminish the role of climate change, were “legitimate stories to report in the public interest.”
Murdoch has said publicly that he is a climate change “skeptic” but not a denier. He also said last year there were no “climate change deniers” working within News Corp.
Rupert Murdoch and News Corp have donated millions of dollars to bushfire recovery efforts, as has his other son, Lachlan.
It’s not the first time the younger Murdoch has criticised the conservative media titan. In September, James Murdoch said there were views aired on Fox News that he “really disagree[s] with.”
“The connective tissue of our society is being manipulated to make us fight with each other, making us the worst versions of ourselves,” James Murdoch told The New Yorker in an interview.
Advertisement
At least 28 people have been killed by a series of wildfires in Australia. Luis Ascui via Getty Images
Kathryn Murdoch has worked for more than a decade on climate issues and has recently taken a more high-profile role in fighting climate change. In an interview with The New York Times in September, she said she had been motivated by the urgency of the global warming crisis to increase her activism and had decided to “switch everything I was doing.”
“I wanted to be able to look my children in the eye and say, ‘I did everything I could,’” she said at the time.
James Murdoch left his role as the CEO of 21st Century Fox early last year after Disney acquired its film and television assets. His brother, Lachlan Murdoch, was chosen to lead what remained as part of the newly minted Fox Corp.
Lachlan Murdoch has repeatedly come to the defence of Fox News. During an interview in 2018, he said he was “not embarrassed” by the network “at all,” saying the cable news channel served a purpose in the US discourse.
Advertisement


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--What Happens To Your Brain And Body When You're Stressed About Money

HuffPost UK
Many of us are stressed out. And, in lots of cases, money is the top cause of that stress.
In fact, a recent survey by Credit Sesame found that 82% of those who struggle with credit card debt experience stress. 40% feel shame. A quarter have even cried over their situation.
But if you’ve ever faced money problems, you know the consequences of all that stress are much more than a few tears. From impaired cognitive functioning to serious diseases, here’s how stressing about money can affect your mind and body.
Advertisement
Francesco Carta fotografo via Getty Images
Your system elicits a “fight-or-flight” response
The body’s fight-or-flight response developed as a survival mechanism, allowing our ancestors to react quickly when faced with an immediate threat. When it kicks in, a flood of stress hormones (such as adrenaline and cortisol) is released to help you either stay and battle whatever adversary is in front of you or high-tail it out of there.
Though you may not have to worry about fending off predators in the wild, modern-day threats, such as a beastly financial problem, can set off the same type of reaction.
“The fight-or-flight response is hard on the body. It drains us,” said Aimee Daramus, a clinical psychologist in Chicago. Daramus said this type of stress can cause muscles to tense up to the point of serious pain. It also impairs the functioning of the immune system, making you more vulnerable to a lot of other illnesses. “It can cause headache and stomachache, even if you don’t consciously feel stressed,” she added.
Advertisement
You start making bad decisions, even though you know better
Even if you consider yourself an intelligent, rational person, your ability to make good choices is impaired by financial stress.
“Under stress, blood flow and electrical activity are reduced in the frontal and prefrontal lobes and increased in the survival parts of the brain, such as the amygdala,” Daramus said. Since these parts of the brain help with skills such as problem-solving, concentration, planning and impulse control, the reduced functioning in those areas can lead to poor decision-making.
When you’re worried or panicked about your financial situation, your decisions become more impulsive and driven by survival. “We act quickly and decisively, but not always as accurately as usual,” Daramus said. For example, you might take out a payday loan, even though you know the fees are equivalent to 300% APR or higher, because it solves your immediate cash-flow problem. Or you might spend money on luxuries that don’t make financial sense because it provides temporary relief from that feeling of stress.
Anxiety, depression and other mental health issues may arise
Considering that money is such an integral part of our lives, constant worry over it can lead to more serious psychological symptoms down the road. “When we are stressed about money, we can become highly anxious and even depressed,” said Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist in California.
Being burdened by large sums of debt, for instance, has been shown to take a major toll on mental health and, in some serious cases, even lead to suicidal thoughts.
Advertisement
A survey by The Ascent of Americans with at least $1,000 in debt found additional troubling links between happiness, fulfilment, self-esteem and financial distress. For instance, 38% of respondents said that their debt burden prevented them from sleeping well at night. Forty-eight percent said their debt negatively affected their optimism, while 47% said their debt negatively affected their self-esteem. Not surprisingly, 97% of respondents believed they would be happier if they didn’t have debt.
Chronic stress leads to serious physical ailments
Short-term stress is undoubtedly hard on the mind and body, but Manly said that chronic stress can lead to more serious and long-lasting harm.
“When adrenaline and cortisol levels are continually elevated, physiological damage occurs. As a result, many of those who suffer from chronic stress have greater rates of heart disease, diabetes, chronic sleep problems and other health issues,” Manly said.
Your risk of substance abuse and addiction increases
Unfortunately, dealing with stress and other health issues related to financial stress is a known risk factor for substance abuse, and those experiencing money problems have increased vulnerability to addiction and relapse.
For example, one study conducted for the School of Public Health at the State University of New York found a direct link between increased financial stress and increased drinking and smoking, especially among older men. A high level of stress has also been found to be a predictor of continued use of opiates, such as heroin. And often, addiction comes with its own financial difficulties, creating a vicious circle of stress and substance abuse.
Advertisement
For those in poverty, the situation is much worse
Though the symptoms of financial stress are very real and can be quite serious, there’s a difference between living paycheck-to-paycheck and living in poverty. And that difference is life-altering for those who live on the wrong side of the poverty line.
“Those who are poverty-stricken suffer from an inability to have their basic needs met,” Manly said. “Humans need access to shelter, food and clothing, and health care. When these basics are not accessible, health definitely suffers.”
Those health consequences can be particularly devastating for children, Daramus added. “Dangerous environments, crowded living situations and malnutrition can cause brain damage that’s tough to fix.” In this situation, the frontal and prefrontal areas never form correctly, which means the child may develop less impulse control, impaired thinking and decision-making, and poor attention and concentration, among other issues.
Don’t let money problems hurt your health
When you’re struggling financially, things can seem hopeless. And the truth is that the solution is rarely simple, especially for those who can barely make ends meet. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t help out there for you.
Try credit counselling: If you’re in over your head financially and don’t know where to start, a credit counsellor can help. Available through nonprofits at little to no cost, credit counselling helps you create a plan for getting your finances back on track. Check out the National Foundation for Credit Counseling to find help near you.
Advertisement
Attend therapy: If you’re experiencing a decline in your mental health due to financial problems and stress, it’s a good idea to work with a therapist who can serve as a sounding board and recommend treatment. There are several ways to make therapy more affordable.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--The Best Healthy Meal Delivery Kits For 2020

LOADING ERROR LOADING
If you’re trying to be healthier and perhaps are struggling to stick with it, or are unsure how to make permanent, sustainable changes in your diet, then consider a recipe box subscription.
The benefits are self-explanatory: they save a trip to the shops, can reduce your food waste and are a chance to improve your cooking.
Advertisement
Now is a great time to venture into the world of recipe boxes, from the veg-heavy to meaty to vegan. There’s even boxes to get kids into cooking.
We’ve trawled through them all to bring you the seven best ones to buy. Eat your heart out.
HuffPost UK Mindful Chef
Mindful Chef sources ingredients from small farms across the UK, ranging from fresh veg to prime meat cuts, for customers to create healthy, budget-friendly meals at home. To encourage you to reduce your sugar intake, its boxes don’t include pasta, bread or white rice. The recipes are mostly based on making the most out of fresh veggies and there are plenty of vegan options to put in your box. Even better, no meal will take you longer than 30 minutes. The more time for eating, the better.
It’s also partnered with One Feeds Two, a charity that works towards eradicating child poverty so for every box sold, Mindful Chef donates a school meal to a child living in poverty. It also encourages customers to return insulation and ice packs that comes with each box to improve its supply chain.
Advertisement
HuffPost UK Simply Cook
If you’re a novice in the kitchen, this is a good one to start with. Simply order your box, which is packed in a compact letter box-sized box with four food kits and step by step instructions. Each recipe takes between 15 to 20 minutes and there’s 100 to choose from, which can be filtered according to your palette and dietary requirements. From beef stroganoff to prawn linguine to halloumi salad, it’s a crowd pleaser, even for the fussiest of eaters.
Start with a £3 trial box, which allows you to choose from 41 varying recipes. That way you can take your time sampling delicious dishes before committing to a subscription.
HuffPost UK Hello Fresh
If you’re short of time with kids or a demanding job, then Hello Fresh is a fuss-free alternative to doing a weekly food shop and struggling home with bags laden with food. With a mix of cuisines from around the world, and the ability to customise your box according to the foods you like and don’t like, recipes are straightforward to follow and tasty to eat. Expect everything from walnut parsley pesto to spiced chicken.
Advertisement
There’s free daytime delivery too and boxes are delivered weekly, so you’ll never go hungry.
HuffPost UK Gousto
Gousto’s variety of recipes allows you to create comforting, home made hearty dishes to feast on, from spicy spaghetti bolognese to squash pad Thai. It’s foodie’s dream. All the meat is 100% British grown and Gousto is careful to provide carefully measured ingredients so there’s almost no food waste when you’re done cooking.
There’s also little preparation and cooking time, with some recipes taking just ten minutes which will make it easier to commit to making delicious dishes a regular at mealtimes.
HuffPost UK Pasta Evangelists
If you’re into your pasta, then get excited. Curate your own recipe box from Pasta Evangelists which include fresh egg pasta and accompanying sauces to cook up a storm. Think truffled mac and cheese, ragù tagliatelle and paccheri with roasted aubergine. There’s no end to the recipes available to cook, thanks to a continuously rotating menu.
Advertisement
All you need to do is select how many portions you’d like each month (the more portions, the more expensive it gets). The box is designed to slot into your letter box, so you don’t have to worry about ever missing a dinner delivery.
HuffPost UK Little Cooks Co
If you’re looking to get your little ones involved in the kitchen, then head to Little Cooks Co. Its monthly boxes are designed to help get them into baking and feature a recipe, as long with dry ingredients with a three-month shelf life. The boxes also include fun accessories like wooden spoons and seed packets too.
All the recipes are designed by a nutritionist, so you can be safe in the knowledge the food will be healthy.
Each box also comes with recipe cards to inspire dinners. There aren’t ingredients for these, however – you’ll have to head to the shop.
Advertisement
Jodi Hinds Photography Box'd Chef
If you’re feeling fancy and want to introduce a bit of fine dining into your meals, Box’d Chef is the one for you. Ditch the cookbooks and go straight to the experts with each recipe designed with tips from Michelin star chefs, so your dinner will have that extra pizzaz.
Each week the menu is different but still delicious, and you can expect dishes such as lightly baked haddock wrapped in rainbow chard leaves, coco beans, burnt lemon dressing and pickled seaweed or roast pork belly with green pepper relish alongside a mustard and chicory salad. Yum.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Off-Duty Secret Service Agent Fatally Shoots Leashed Dog In Brooklyn

LOADING ERROR LOADING
An off-duty Secret Service agent in Brooklyn shot and killed a dog wearing a leash in a Brooklyn neighbourhood on Monday night, the government agency confirmed to HuffPost.
The Secret Service, in a statement to The Daily Beast, initially described the dog as “unleashed.” But a photographer for The New York Daily News snapped a photo shortly after the incident that showed the slain dog ― reportedly a female Belgian Shepherd ― covered by a white sheet with a leash protruding from it.
Advertisement
In a statement to HuffPost on Tuesday, the Secret Service described the dog as “unrestrained and aggressive” but did not use the word “unleashed.”
“As this is an ongoing investigation, the Secret Service will not have further comment,” according to the statement.
Asked to clarify whether the dog was wearing a leash, a Secret Service spokesperson told HuffPost: “Respectfully, we know that the canine was wearing a leash, but there was no owner present at the time of the incident.”
Advertisement
The shooting took place around 10 p.m. in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Windsor Terrace near Prospect Park, reported the Daily News. The agent, who has not been publicly identified, told police that the dog charged at him, reported The New York Times.
“She scared a cop who was walking home,” the dog’s owner said, according to the Daily News. “He shot her and she’s dead.”
Walker Blankenship, the stable master at the Kensington Stable, located across the street from where the incident unfolded, told HuffPost that he heard gunfire followed by people arguing.
“I heard a guy cursing,” said Blankenship. “He said, ‘I can’t believe you let it fucking go off.’”
Blankenship said hearing gunshots in the neighbourhood is “definitely not normal.” He added he was at the scene while police were gathering information about the incident when he saw the dog’s body being put into a white SUV. He described the canine as beige and small to medium-sized.
“It definitely was not big,” he told HuffPost. “Something easily a person could pick up and carry. Certainly under 50 pounds. Probably under 40 pounds.”
Advertisement
“There are a lot of dog owners over here,” he added. “Everybody is really upset.”
The New York Police Department directed a request for comment to the Secret Service. As the Times noted, a 2011 report from the Justice Department found that the majority of officer-involved shooting incidents in the US involved animals, most of which were dogs.
“Violence & lying are becoming so disastrously casual,” Democratic New York City council member Brad Lander tweeted in response to reports that the Secret Service initially claimed that the dog was unleashed.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--A Stranger Confronted Me Over My Parenting. Here’s How I Should Have Responded

HuffPost UK
For the first six months of my daughter’s life, I was on edge, perpetually convinced someone was going to tell me I was a bad father. Even at the pub, I was ready for someone to walk up and tut at how dreadful I was. I expected criticism at every turn, convinced everyone was judging my parenting ability.
It never happened, of course – most people are far too busy to stick their noses into other people’s business, plus my daughter is so adorable that she makes me look good. So I relaxed.
Advertisement
But then, it happened – at Winter Wonderland in London. I took her to the toilet with me, and as we left a man told me how appalling it was. “She shouldn’t be in there. It’s not appropriate,” he said. “But that’s the room the toilets are in,” I replied.
“It’s the men’s toilets,” he hit back, aggressively.
My daughter had accompanied me to the men’s toilets for two reasons: firstly, to use the toilet; and secondly, because she is two – I was hardly going to wander off and leave her on her own. So I said that. “She’s two, man. What should I have done?”
“Just don’t take her in there again,” he said.
At that point, I became extraordinarily angry. It had finally happened: someone had judged my parenting and I didn’t know how to respond. Ending the conversation made me feel like I was agreeing with him, so we went back and forth. I’d been in a good mood that day – and tried to calmly get my point across – but he swore (in front of my toddler) and stormed off.
I was livid for the rest of the day. I rode the ferris wheel with clenched fists, and kept replaying the conversation in my head as I danced to an incredible one-man band with a keytar. Even now, more than two weeks later, thinking about it makes me incandescent with rage.
Advertisement
So what should I have done, or said? Was it normal to be so angry by the situation? “Strangers commenting on your parenting style can be very intrusive as well as upsetting,” acknowledges Siobhan Freegard, mum, parenting expert, and founder of ChannelMum.com.
“Remember, you’re the parent, you set the rules.” - Siobhan Freegard
“By the time you’ve registered ‘did they actually say that?’, the person has gone, and you’re left feeling shocked. Being a parent is tough at the best of times, and when you’re doing your level best to protect and care for your child, of course it’s going to hurt when a stranger still finds reason to criticise you.”
She hits the nail on the head – and I’m not the only one who has suffered, far from it. Research by the parenting site shows 72% have been on the receiving end of some form of unsolicited advice from strangers.
Freegard believes the best approach to take is a calm one. “It’s key to remember that the person commenting may genuinely think they are helping you, or they may just be in a bad mood and unfortunately you’re the person they took it out on,” she says, adding that we can’t control every aspect of our lives, so the best way is to “move on and forget it”.
Advertisement
Or, she advises, simply smile and say, “You’re entitled to your opinion, but we prefer to do things in another way”.
“Remember, you’re the parent, you set the rules so if a stranger goes low, you go high and set the best example to your child,” says Freegard.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--This £12 V-Pillow Gave Me My Best Night's Sleep In Years

Huffington Post UK Honestly it's life-changing
Honestly, it’s life changing is a regular series where we talk about the weird and wonderful possessions we can’t imagine life without. Think of it as an ode to the mundane, bizarre and, sometimes, wholly unnecessary products in our lives.
Advertisement
For as long as I can remember I have always been a bad sleeper, forced into insomnia by poor posture. I’d lie for hours on my front, on my back, awkwardly on my side with one useless arm flopped out over the edge of the mattress, getting increasingly numb until it felt like white noise was spreading up my fingertips.
My mum told me thick, fluffy pillows would help; my partner told me to try just one, flat pillow; and my physio tried to convince me to do away with pillows all together – “Try sleeping with just a towel rolled under your neck,” she said. Comfy, I thought – but it was my mother-in-law who introduced me to the solution.
The big V-pillow is a thing of simple beauty, an object almost mythical in its somnolent powers. Sleeping at my in-laws – where my love affair began, with their his-n-hers V-pillows – was the only time I’d get a decent night’s sleep, despite the fact their guest bed dips so much in the middle that my partner and I would be touching butts all night. With my head nestled in the inner point of the V, I was out quicker than you could say: “Is that your arse or mine?”
Advertisement
Bedroom gadgets are very in right now. Have trouble getting up on dark winter mornings? Get yourself a sunrise alarm. Can’t sleep without the sounds of the rainforest? Google Home’s a good shout. It’s only a matter of time before there’s a mattress that can correctly predict when you’re coming on your period and pop paracetamol and Lindt balls into your mouth every four hours.
But with my beloved V-pillow, we’re taking it back to basics. This pillow does nothing to try and impress and you can pick up a decent one from Dunelm for just £12. It’s almost Big Mac-ian in its allure: cheap, comforting, unassuming. You know what to expect.
Is there a science to its comfort? I have no idea, and I don’t care. It certainly doesn’t act like something scientifically engineered to impress - it just is. It’s not choc-a-bloc with duck feathers or dense with memory foam. All I know is it allows me to sleep on my back without rolling around, cradling my neck and relieving some pressure off my shoulders; and it acts like a body pillow when I sleep on my side, keeping me in place and making use of that redundant, white noise arm.
If, like me, you enjoy diving into a good book before catching your ZZZs (read: making snarky comments on Twitter), then it offers much more support for your back than a janky old regular pillow – like a little bed armchair.
I also hear it’s great for breastfeeding, but I wouldn’t know much about that – the only baby in my bed is me.
Advertisement
All I know is this: we V-sleepers are rare but satisfied breed; a cult of well-rested and slightly smug pillow worshippers, with bodies free of neck ache and shoulder pain. We know what a good night’s sleep is and we’re not afraid to lecture everyone about it. Join our church and pass on the gospel.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--10 Bollywood Films To Watch On Netflix If You’ve Never Seen One Before

When someone asks me ‘which Bollywood film should I watch?’ I rarely reply with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge or Hum Aapke Hain Koun - those classics are reserved for Bollywood connoisseurs; those who understand the culture of poetic serenades, slapstick comedy and secretly fawning over suspiciously awkward actors.
Instead, I list films known for their breakthrough acting, intriguing subject matter and, obviously, banging songs. I want Bollywood to be more than dancing around trees and defying gravity in action movies.
The genre has become a place of mockery, and rightly so at times - there’s a problematic undercurrent that runs through most of Bollywood. But it has also begun to make strides in conversations around homosexuality, menstruation, sex, disabilities and drug abuse.
Advertisement
These films are filled with songs, the production values are substantial and the actors are top-rated legends. This is what Bollywood means now. We shouldn’t dwell on the past, and instead look to the future of Indian cinema.
1. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019)
I never thought I would watch a Bollywood film that portrayed my potential future so accurately. Ek Ladki is one of the first big blockbuster films that centres a lesbian romance. It’s set up as a typical Bollywood narrative - banging songs, dance routines and opens with a wedding.
Starring a shy young girl whose family attempts, as Indian families in Bollywood always do, to marry her off - but there’s a twist. She’s in love with a woman. Real life father and daughter Sonam Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, who both deliver stunning performances, star in this film alongside Rajkummar Rao, the supposed male love interest.
Advertisement
Watching the film with a large group of queer South Asians produced more emotion than I could have imagined, not only because of the recent decriminalisation of homosexuality in India, but also the effects that this story may have on our personal lives.
2. Udta Punjab (2016)
“Did you know there’s a drug abuse crisis in Punjab?” someone once asked me, and as a daughter of Punjabi immigrants, I found myself uncomfortably embarrassed while shaking my head in ignorance. And that’s because it’s not discussed - much like alcohol abuse in Punjabi communities. When this film came out, and faced it head on, I was impressed and intrigued.
When I found out it starred Shahid Kapoor, I was sold. Shahid plays a successful Punjabi musician who is addicted to cocaine, and alongside his story, we meet a young woman who gets caught up in sex trafficking and heroin dealing, played by Alia Bhatt.
These stories are intertwined with a doctor played by Kareena Kapoor and police officer Diljit Dosanjh, giving us the perspective of police corruption and health care professionals. It’s a well rounded film and despite this description, is actually filled with comedy and romance. And, banging tunes.
Advertisement
3. Dangal (2016)
It isn’t as common as it once was, but there’s still disappointment in some families when a girl is born over a boy. In Dangal, Amir Khan plays a former amateur wrestler and now a father of four daughters, who forces two of his daughters into the world of wrestling.
In the first half an hour we see his disappointment when his daughters are born, and he soon realises that their value exceeds his expectations. It’s loosely based on a true story of 2010 Commonwealth Games gold winner Geeta Phogat’s life as a female wrestler from a small village in Punjab.
The film has some of the best high tension sports scenes I’ve seen in a long time, as I was perched on the edge of my sofa screaming “FLIP HER” at my TV, I knew it had me sold. The performances by actors Fatima Sana Shaikh as Geeta Phogat and Sanya Malhotra as Babita Kumari in the latter half of the film gave the story the depth and nuance needed to be a fully formed story about women.
4. Pad Man (2018)
Advertisement
In India, Arunachalam Muruganantham found out his wife was menstruating onto dirty cloths because they couldn’t afford sanitary towels, so he dedicated the rest of his life to create eco and cheap pads accessible to women in poorer areas.
Based on his story, a book and now this film was created to help educate and destigmatise conversations around menstruation. Starring Bollywood legend Akshay Kumar and critically acclaimed actor Radhika Apte, this film explores the relationship women have with menstruation, the shame that is put on them, leading to a lack of education and eventually a breakdown of relationships.
It’s based on a South Indian Tamil man’s low-cost grassroots invention of sanitary pad machines that have since been installed around India. The film is full of music and it’s visually stunning - although there’s an ongoing theme with flowers in bloom, which can be a bit too on the nose.
5. Pink (2016)
Amitabh Bachan plays a lawyer who represents rape victims in Indian court, for a groundbreaking case that introduces the concept of consent. His speech during the trial, where he repeats “no means no” reinforces that no matter who the person is, if they don’t want to partake in sexual activity with you, it is rape.
Advertisement
With phenomenal performances from Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tariang, this film not only delves into the realities of rape culture in India and the issue with the law but also the reality of the pain that causes ongoing trauma.
This film, unlike many of the others on this list, doesn’t have songs and dance to give you breaks from the story and tension. Instead it keeps you on edge throughout. It’s intention is so you don’t let yourself forget the message. “No means no”.
6. Lagaan (2001)
This is the oldest film in the list, nearly 20 years old and I still remember leaving the cinema with my family in awe over what I’d just seen. At the same time I was confused. That was my first introduction into colonialism as a negative time in our history.
In the film, a village that was suffering from a drought couldn’t pay the British Raj their raised taxes, so were challenged to a cricket match - if the village win, they pay nothing, if the British win, they own the land. Amir Khan makes another appearance in this list, as the young man who leads his village through the cricket match.
Advertisement
Lagaan sends a strong message - that we haven’t forgotten our history and despite the power of the British during the Empire’s rule, India had the courage to stand up. Some of the songs in this film are my favourite, such as Radha Kaise Na Jale, which I still attempt to sing drunkenly after too many glasses of wine.
7. Dear Zindagi (2016)
As someone who has just started going to therapy, it’s important to see it portrayed in a Bollywood film. There’s still a stigma attached to discussing your mental health or seeing a therapist and I really believe that a lot of cultures who hide from such things will need access to these services more than anyone.
Starring the Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan as the wise and eclectic therapist, alongside Alia Bhatt, a camera operator who struggles with her mental health. Khan basically is Bollywood in human form, you can’t make a film without him and when you do, it’s an instant hit. Bhatt is a young actor with the talent and knowledge of a seasoned thespian - so much so that there are moments in the film that are so close to home, it has become therapy for me to watch.
8. Queen (2014)
Advertisement
I described this to my partner as “a girl who was jilted at the altar” and then realised there’s not an actual alter and jilted is such a strange word, so I’ve changed it to - “a guy doesn’t turn up at his wedding”, because we need to remember where to put the actual blame. And that’s where the heart of this film lies.
After being abandoned on her wedding day, Rani (played by Kangana Ranuat) goes on her honeymoon and meets a group of travellers. They happen to be all male; a situation she usually never finds herself in and you get to watch her attempt to navigate these situations with a severe lack of grace or understanding. It’s fun, silly, revealing and uncomfortable but more importantly reminds women that they aren’t defined by particular moments in their life that they don’t have control over. They can define it all themselves. Also, London Thumakda is a banger.
9. Haider (2014)
Based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this epic is situated in Kashmir during the conflicts of 1995 and civilian disappearances, all while telling a complex story about mistrust in a family dynamic, revenge and death.
Shahid Kapoor gives the performance of his entire career as Haider, a young man who has returned to Kashmir from university to find out more about his father’s disappearance. We don’t just have Kapoor leading the film; Tabu gives an extraordinary performance as a mother hiding a secret. During the song Bismil, Kapoor reveals his findings about his missing father in what can be described as ‘a dance theatre performance’, which sounds awful but is actually one of my favourite moments in film. A truly mesmerising piece of cinema, with some of the best performances I’ve seen in Bollywood to date.
Advertisement
10. Margarita With A Straw (2015)
I think this might be one of the first films in Bollywood which platforms disabilities and sexuality. The director Shonali Bose came up with the idea when her cousin, who has cerebral palsy, told her she wanted to have sex for her birthday.
Bose included elements of her own life and as a bisexual woman, her sexuality became a big part of the narrative. It was satisfying to see that whilst wanting to give a platform for her cousin’s story, she did so with her own. The film stars able-bodied actor Kalki Koechlin, which when I first heard that, I had concerns. Yet, Bose intentions were to cast an actor with cerebral palsy and unfortunately after a long search couldn’t find any in India.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-14--There Are Demands For Big Ben To Bong For Brexit And People Are Losing The Will To Live

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Brexit has had many twists and turns - but will it be marked with Big Ben’s bongs?
This is the debate occupying the great minds of the political class as 2020 gets into full swing in the UK.
More than three years after the 2016 referendum, the UK will finally leave the EU at the end of January. At 11pm on January 31, to be precise.
Advertisement
Brexiteers such as Nigel Farage will be celebrating and think it is fitting that the bell in Westminster’s Elizabeth Tower - known as Big Ben - should ring out to distinguish this seminal moment in Britain’s history.
But there is a problem. Big Ben is currently not chiming at all due to major restoration works and prime minister Boris Johnson has said the government will not fund a one-off Brexit bong.
It is thought the standalone chimes would cost £500,000 - or £45,454 per bong for the 11 bongs - as Big Ben’s clapper must be temporarily re-installed.
The government have rejected my idea for them to underwrite the cost of Big Ben bonging on Jan 31st.
If they were enthusiastic about celebrating Brexit and not embarrassed by it, they would make this commitment. https://t.co/Lvuj62s7Ml — Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) January 14, 2020
Advertisement
Johnson initially suggested that the Great British public might like to club together to fund the bongs.
He told the BBC in his first big interview of the year/decade: “We are working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong.
“Because as everybody knows Big Ben is being refurbished they seem to have taken the clapper away, so we need to restore the clapper in order to bong Big Ben on Brexit night.
“That is expensive, so we’re looking at whether people can fund it.”
But Downing Street was forced to later admit that there was no specific organised page and take-up of his offer has so far been limited, with various crowdfunding pages struggling to break the £500 mark between them.
There are currently 22 individual crowdfunder pages on GoFundMe to raise funds to ring Big Ben on Jan 31.
Between them, 11 people have donated £485. — Mikey Smith (@mikeysmith) January 14, 2020
Advertisement
Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice suggested the government should fork out for the chimes, because they would “bring the nation together”.
And if snark and outrage were cash, the public would have their bongs for sure, because neither was in short supply.
Richard Tice just said on @LBC that Big Ben bonging for Brexit will ‘bring the nation together’.
What planet are these people on? — Damon Evans (@damocrat) January 14, 2020
Look if listening to the sounds of a hastily-restored clock bell ringing out in a small, non-residential area of London doesn't heal the political divisions in our country, it is hard to say what will. — Stig Abell (@StigAbell) January 14, 2020
There were also some creative suggestions for alternative ways for Big Ben to bong.
Instead of paying a fortune to have Big Ben bong on Brexit night, there are two simple alternatives:
1. Play a recording of Big Ben bongs
2. Everyone celebrating in Parliament Square brings their own bell to ring. Wouldn’t that be more fun? — Julia Hartley-Brewer (@JuliaHB1) January 14, 2020
Advertisement
Why would it cost £500,000 to make Big Ben bong? Can’t I go up there with a loudspeaker? Or just shout BONG at the top of my voice (I’ve got quite a big gob)? — Darren Grimes (@darrengrimes_) January 14, 2020
Why does it cost so much money to ring a bell?? I will do it for a tenner and a nandos. — Rachael Ward (@rachaelwrd) January 14, 2020
Others made some more serious points.
My best mate on whether we should spend £500,000 to make Big Ben bong on Brexit Day:
It's f**** pathetic. They could spend that cash on literally anything else. It would genuinely be more useful if they got a bunch of homeless people and set fire to it so at least they'd be warm. — Femi (@Femi_Sorry) January 14, 2020
Guarantee that the people willing to contribute towards Big Ben going bong for brexit at the cost of £45,454 per bong are the exact same people who look at news of hungry kids across the UK and think “yeah this is sad but I don’t want it solved if it means paying more tax” — James Felton (@JimMFelton) January 14, 2020
EU campaigner James Melville, meanwhile, wanted to use bong-gate to spark pro-EU defiance.
Why don’t we start a crowdfunder to hire the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to play the EU anthem ‘Ode to Joy’ on a boat on the Thames and light up the London Eye with the EU flag at 11pm on January 31st as a touché to the Big Ben bongs for Brexit. pic.twitter.com/x2ulqdZXzr — James Melville (@JamesMelville) January 14, 2020
Advertisement
We believe that this tweet speaks for the silent majority.
OK, could some sensible Brexiteers please stand up and draw a line under this Big Ben madness. — (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) January 14, 2020
There are government plans to mark Britain’s exit from the European Union with festivities on January 31, with specific plans to be unveiled in the coming days
The PM’s official spokesman said there was not a “specific government fund” to meet the costs, but added: “If the public wants Big Ben to bong and the money is raised, then that is great.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-16--How Much Income You'll Need To Spend On Rent Across The UK

CurvaBezier via Getty Images
The amount of income required to cover the cost of renting has increased 16% in the last decade, a lettings agent has said, to an average of 45.5% nationally.
Twenty years ago, the average rent accounted for 28.7% of the average income in England. This was, of course, higher in London where 41.1% of income was required to cover your rent, with the south east (31.2%) and south west (29.4%) also amongst some of the highest of all regions.
Advertisement
Now, rent accounts for 74.8% of the average salary in London, having jumped a third since the year 2000, the research by Benham and Reeves has revealed.
HuffPost UK HuffPost UK
London has seen the most drastic increase over the past 20 years.
The east of England has seen the second largest increase in that time, up 18.7%, while the south east has seen the third largest increase, up 18.6% – and is currently home to the second largest income to rent ratio at 49.8%.
The north east has the smallest increase, of just 7.4% since 2000. People living there will pay around 32% of their income on rent.
Advertisement
Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, said while there’s been plenty of positive changes to the rental market in the last 20 years, one thing this can’t address is the huge demand for rental properties and the resulting increase in the cost of renting as a result.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-15--Love Island: Meet New Boy Bombshells Connagh And Finley

LOADING ERROR LOADING
With the Love Island now down to just four boys following the early exit of Ollie Williams, the villa is in need of some fresh meet.
Step forward Connagh and Finley.
Bosses have confirmed two new lads will be descending on the South African pad tonight, and we can reveal they already have their eyes on some of the Islanders.
Advertisement
Connagh Howard is a 27-year-old model from Cardiff, who describes himself as “goofy, laid-back and compassionate” and says his best feature is his jaw line.
Connagh Howard ITV
Connagh also says that Shaughna Phillips, Sophie Piper and Siannise Fudge are all just his type on paper.
He says: “I like brunettes, a girl with nice eyes, who likes to take care of themselves. I like a girl who can do some sort of sport as I’m into sport. I’m looking for someone I can be myself with.”
Advertisement
Joining him will be 20-year-old Finley Tapp, a recruitment consultant from Milton Keynes who is also a semi-professional footballer for Oxford City.
Finley Tapp ITV
He rates himself as a 9/10 in the looks department, and reckons he will be a “good contender” as he knows he will make friends with the lads already in the villa.
Like Connagh, Finley also fancies Siannise and Sophie, but also has his eye on Paige Turley, who was left single after Ollie’s sudden exit.
Of his ideal woman, he says: “I want a girl who is fun and outgoing and someone who can make me laugh. I don’t have a type looks-wise but obviously you want that initial attraction.”
Advertisement
The pair’s entrance was teased at the end of Wednesday night’s episode, with viewers being introduced to them properly on Thursday.
Wednesday’s show also saw Ollie make his exit, explaining to his fellow Islanders that he was quitting the villa as he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend.
Ollie Williams has left Love Island ITV
His swift departure came at a time when he was at the centre of much controversy, after old photos of him posing with dead animals were unearthed.
This led to hundreds complaining to Ofcom about his participation on the show, while an online petition calling for him to be removed had 38,000 signatories.
Advertisement
However, while many fans suspected the backlash may be the real reason for his departure, a Love Island rep has insisted to Digital Spy that this is not the case.
Bosses insisted Ollie left the villa of his own accord ITV
They said: “Ollie made the decision to leave off his own back and explained his reasons for doing so in his quote.
“He was not made aware whilst he was in the villa of any press stories running around him but as with all Islanders, since leaving the villa he has now been briefed as to what has been written and said about him as part of our duty of care. We will be supporting Ollie as he leaves the villa.”
Love Island continues on Thursday at 9pm on ITV2.
Advertisement