Five Great Reads: ‘Shrinking girl summer', Sharon Stone, and Peter Carey's Ned Kelly
The body positivity movement seems to be dead, and no one is trying to resuscitate it. If previous years had 'Brat summer' and 'hot girl summer', Rose Stokes says we are now living through the northern hemisphere's 'shrinking girl summer'.
Adele, Lizzo, Oprah Winfrey: You name it! Celebrities and, it seems, nearly everyone else have tried weight-loss drugs. Even Stokes did.
Torment and temptation: But for overweight people who choose not to take the jabs, or for whom they don't work, the 'pervasive trend' is making life harder.
How long will it take to read: Seven minutes.
You might remember a few newsletters ago I recommended a story on prepping going mainstream in the UK. Consider this your follow-up: on the Australians dedicating their lives to preparing for the end of civilisation.
Survivalism: Kate Lyons interviews preppers, 'country prepared' people and even a 'bush survivalist' to better understand their methods and motives.
Expert: Australians tend to be more 'practical' preppers (in case of bushfires or other natural disasters, where supplies will eventually come) says Bradley Garrett, a geographer and researcher in preppers.
While in America: Prepping is on the rise in the US amid a second Trump presidency. 'They're much more concerned that help is not going to arrive and you're on your own,' he says.
How long will it take to read: Five and a half minutes.
Before Sharon Stone found out whether she had won an Oscar for her performance in Casino, Francis Ford Coppola told her she wouldn't win. It was at a pre-ceremony party. When she asked why, the Hollywood director replied, 'I didn't win it for The Godfather and Marty didn't win it for Raging Bull and you're not going to win it for Casino,' she tells Simon Hattenstone.
'So that is what I have carried through my life – that I am a big fat loser like Marty and Francis Ford Coppola.' – Sharon Stone
Why Stone never got offered any big roles after that movie or nomination is something that has plagued the actor for the decades since.
'Too good': Her theory as to why is a must read.
How long will it take to read: 10 minutes.
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Peter Carey says his literary muse came to him when he was to standing in front of a Sidney Nolan painting. He was a few years out of school, and there the figure was: Ned Kelly.
Carey might not have known it then, but he would go on 'to make modern poetry from the voice of a hero who was condemned to death' into a Booker-winning masterpiece. And in this read, he shares just how he did it.
Readers' reply: 'It will, and should, give any aspiring author not only pause, but inspiration.'
How long will it take to read: Four and a half minutes.
Apparently Stephen King doesn't like doing interviews very much. Perhaps he did this one because it was led by our wonderful readers. In it, King reveals his sources of inspiration, the colour of fear, knowing when to quit – and why manual labour is invaluable for writers.
His take on Trump? Impeachment is the solution, but 'it's a horror story either way'.
How long will it take to read: Four minutes.
Further reading: 'She's the one that matters': the growing influence of Melania on Donald Trump, by Patrick Wintour, is a final must-read.
If you would like to receive these Five Great Reads to your email inbox every weekend, sign up here. And check out out the full list of our local and international newsletters.
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The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
‘For crying out loud' fume shoppers as chocolate advent calendar ALREADY on shelves at UK supermarket
DESPITE the UK basking in glorious sunshine and with still plenty of time left of August, some shops are sneaking in early Christmas treats. Fed-up shoppers took to social media to name and shame one supermarket after noticing an Advent calendar on its shelves. The shop in the firing line is B&M, after a photo of the Guylian countdown treat was shared on New Foods UK's Facebook. "For crying out loud, it is only August! Some of us haven't had our summer holiday yet," one moaned, adding angry-face emojis. Another pointed out: "The way the chocolate is going in b&m during this heat, I would hate to think what it would be like in Dec!" "It's bloody August!" a third echoed. "Can't we just enjoy summer? We'll have months of this to come," argued a forth. But not everyone was annoyed by the bargain retailers forward thinking. One person tagged her husband and wrote: "Please do not pass by this in B&M without buying me one!!" Another tagged a friend and said: "Get looking early. I'd like one of these please." The £12 calendar is filled with three different flavours of the iconic Belgian chocolates. From December 1 to 24, behind each door is a milk truffle, original seashell, or salted caramel delight. And it's not just Advent calendars that the bargain store is flogging. Another picture of seasonal goodies was shared on Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK Facebook Group. "Festive Chocolate Selection Boxes are BACK at B&M," one shopper wrote. "A few we found whilst in store today, there's lots of other Christmas chocolate to choose from!" But one disappointed customer penned: "We've not even finished summer yet or had Halloween. "I swear Christmas gets earlier and earlier every year, makes you wonder how long these chocolates sit there before we buy and save for Christmas." Another added: "Too soon for Christmas but I'd still scoff them." While it may feel premature to start stocking up on Christmas treats, bargain hunters often bag better deals in the off-season. In fact, one expert has shared why now is the ideal time to buy your festive decorations, and where to buy them. 2 Why B&M is so good for bargains SENIOR Digital Writer, Abby Wilson, who loves a shopping trip to B&M, has shared her thoughts on why the chain is the place to go for bargain buys... WE all love B&M (especially me). It's a one-stop-shop where you can nab all things from gardenware and homeware, to snacks and cleaning supplies. Not only do we love the variety B&M offers (because after all, who can be bothered to go to five different shops anymore?!), but the prices are brilliant too. If you're on a budget, B&M is definitely worth vising - as it's full of cheap bargain buys. Not only will you find affordable items, but B&M is full of dupes too - so if you're after beauty buys without the designer price tag, you'll need to take a trip. Similar to this, the chain are eager to get on trends - so if you see something in H&M Home but are on a budget and can't justify the price, give it a few weeks and you'll probably spot something similar on the shelves in your local B&M.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The latest trend for newlyweds is... renewing your vows! How barely married celeb couples are going down the aisle AGAIN in unusual trend
When most people say 'I do' in front of the altar, they hardly expect that they will be saying it again, but for some celebrities, once is not enough. The trend has been put back in the spotlight recently after LA-based Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham renewed their vows earlier this month after just three years of marriage. It seems as though their lavish £3million ceremony in Florida didn't quite cut if for the lovebirds, who decided to throw a second celebration to reaffirm their love for one another. Their decision may well be in light of the current media storm regarding the couple's relationship with Brooklyn's family, with rumours swirling of an alleged fallout between them and his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. The Beckham family has been thrown into turmoil in recent months as it has been claimed Brooklyn has become increasingly estranged from his famous parents after failing to attend any of his father David's 50th birthday celebrations in May. Despite the alleged tensions, Nicola and Brooklyn aren't the only high-profile couple to publicly share news of their re-commitment to one another. Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham The loved-up couple decided to say 'I do' all over again on August 2 at the heiress family's estate in Westchester County, in what Brooklyn described as 'a really beautiful experience'. The 26-year-old admitted some days after the private ceremony he'd happily do it 'every single day' if he could and it was a 'really cute memory' they'd treasure forever. Nicola, 30, was by his side as they exchanged longer vows than their original wedding, a detail Brooklyn confessed may cause a problem for his already inked tribute. Speaking to People he said: 'It was beautiful. We just wanted a really beautiful experience - a really cute memory. 'To be honest, I could renew my vows every single day with her. I think the most important thing that someone can do is find that person that they're going to spend the rest of their life with. 'It definitely shapes you as a person. It was really, really cute. It was really fun.' The eldest Beckham has his first set of vows tattooed on his arm and now admits he'll have to 'find space' for the new ones. The ceremony was a far cry from their first glitzy bash, with the couple opting for a smaller, more personal event surrounded by their four dogs. Not only were Nicola's family present, they also had key roles to play at the event, with the bride, 30, donning her 70-year-old mother's vintage 1985 bridal gown for the big day, while her father Nelson, 83, was given the key role of officiating. Brooklyn's parents David, 50, and Victoria, 51, and siblings Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, reportedly only found out about their big day after reading about it on a US website, prompting a source to tell the Sun that they were 'heartbroken' over the situation. Nicola wore a blue butterfly themed dress for the after-party, which was attended by the likes of Harvey Weinstein's ex Georgina Chapman and her partner Adrien Brody among a slew of other pals, heavily comprising Nicola's glam squad. Now, sources close to the Beckhams claim the family didn't understand the need for Brooklyn and Nicola to renew their vows just three years after tying the knot in 2022. A source told The Sun: 'They would understand if it was, say, 10 years down the line - maybe even five. But three?! It seems like quite a gratuitous display of obscene wealth. 'Also, if Brooklyn wanted to create a really cute memory, why couldn't he have just let his family know their plans first?' Victoria and David Beckham Much like their eldest son and his wife, Posh and Becks also renewed their vows - nearly two decades ago. The former Spice Girl has previously recounted how David jetted them from London to Paris for a romantic 24 hour minimoon, as she teased: 'That is some crazy James Bond s**t that went down on the plane let me tell you.' Despite first marrying in 1999, David planned a surprise vow renewal in 2006 and only revealed his plans once he had whisked Victoria away on a private plane. She added: 'I genuinely had no idea. It was the most romantic thing that he has ever done.' Victoria also gave details on the special day during an appearance on US talk show Today with Hoda & Jenna, as she explained how she dropped her children off at school and was then whisked away by her husband. 'When we lived in Spain we dropped the kids off at school one morning, I was in a tracksuit, yes I was in a tracksuit,' she joked. 'David said to me "I am going to take you somewhere for the day", so we drive to the airport. We get on a private plane. 'Halfway through the flight David goes into the bathroom and he comes out in a tuxedo, looking so handsome and he says "there's something for you to put on in the bathroom." 'I go into the bathroom and there was a white dress hanging so I put the dress on I put some makeup on and I come out and the plane lands and it lands in London. While Nicola opted to wear her mother's repurposed 1985 vintage wedding dress for her recent ceremony, Victoria opted for scaled-down elegance, wearing a basic white floaty frock. However, perhaps the simple look was down to her 'genuinely having no idea' that David wanted to have another set of nuptials. She added: 'I get off the plane and there is the chauffeur driven car that drove us to our wedding all those years ago when we got married in Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland.' Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber The superstar couple - who tied the knot in 2018 - also opted to reaffirm their love in a private ceremony in 2024, news which was shared in a video announcement of their first pregnancy. The model and businesswoman took to her Instagram to share a moving video of their intimate ceremony held in Hawaii - with a very noticeable bump. In addition to revealing the baby bump, both expectant parents also showcased newly acquired wedding bands. Baldwin's previous wedding bands, a set of pavé diamond circlets, beautifully encircled her oval-cut engagement ring, gracefully contouring its shape. Her latest addition to her jewellery collection is a timeless diamond infinity band, exuding simplicity and elegance. Justin sported a matching band, creating a romantic and coordinated gesture between the couple. Tiffany revealed they were responsible for the couple's Forever bands, which feature a full circle of diamonds. However, her original $600,000 engagement ring has since appeared to have moved to her little finger of her other hand. In the video, Baldwin dons a flowing, lacy white dress as the camera zooms in on her blossoming baby bump, with Justin embracing her from behind and gently resting his hands on her belly. For the occasion, the expectant mother donned an ethereal white lace dress from Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. She complemented the refined ensemble with a custom lace headscarf, elegantly enveloping her hair and delicately winding around her neck. To complete the look with a touch of glamour, she adorned herself with black Saint Laurent sunglasses. The couple's pregnancy arrives almost six years following the couple's courthouse wedding in New York City in September 2018, swiftly following their engagement by only two months. To commemorate their bond, they exchanged vows for a second time a year later in an extravagant wedding ceremony held in South Carolina. Justin and Hailey's special ceremony was led by their pastor Judah Smith. Smith took over as Bieber's pastor after the pop star distanced himself from his previous spiritual guide, Carl Lentz, when it was revealed he'd cheated on his wife, per TMZ. Heidi Klum and Seal The super model and the British singer made a habit of renewing their vows, turning it in to an annual - and themed - tradition. Despite first marrying in 2005 on a beach in Mexico with 40 loved ones present, the pair went on to say their vows to each other seven more times during their marriage. Each event became more elaborate - with one year deemed 'bride and grooms' while another was titled 'white trash' by an outlet at the time. Said ceremony was led by an Elvis impersonator while Klum wore a white lace jumpsuit with braided hair. Seal donned a leather jacket with an American flag painted over it and a mullet wig. Another year saw a Hindu ceremony where Klum wore a traditional red lehenga and their last renewal before their split in 2012, held at Donald Trump 's private club in Palm Beach, Florida, was titled a 'masquerade'. Klum told Redbook back in 2010: 'It's our time – a lovely family time. It's about remembering this moment of love we gave to each other and reinforcing it.' And she said the couple's four children had grown accustomed to the event: 'It's like, "Hey, Mom and Dad love each other and they get married every year."' 'It just keeps you focused. It reminds you why you got married — not that we need any reminding,' Seal told Oprah in a joint interview with his Project Runway host wife. But in 2015, he told Andy Cohen that the renewals were his 'ex-wife's idea' and 'it kind of turned into a little bit of a circus, which I wasn't terribly fond of because, by default, I'm quite a private person.' Klum went on to tell The Sunday Times: 'I thought it would be kind of, like, fun. I thought it would be a fest of love. But you know, that doesn't work either. I tried, you can't say I didn't try!' Beyoncé and Jay-Z The music power couple have also opted for several vowel renewals during their marriage. The pair first renewed their vows four years into their marriage in a 'moving' midnight ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of their wedding in 2008, which was held at Jay-Z's 13,500-sq.-ft. Manhattan penthouse. Two years later, there were reports that they said their vows once more on a family trip to Corsica that coincided with the 'Crazy in Love' singer's 33rd birthday. This ceremony was said to come after rumours of marriage issues and was an attempt to 'wipe the slate clean'. First rumours of cracks began to widen following the 2014 Met Gala, when now infamous footage leaked of an an altercation between Beyoncé's little sister Solange and Jay-Z. Beyoncé's monumental 2016 album Lemonade laid out all her insecurities about unfaithfulness, lamenting 'what a wicked way to treat the girl that loves you', and introducing the phantom of Becky With The Good Hair. Meanwhile Jay-Z's next record 4:44 — dubbed 'the apology album' — seen him admit to womanising, and realising it almost cost him his family. A source told Grazia: 'They were joined on a private beach by Beyoncé's mum Tina, their daughter Blue Ivy and a small group of close friends and recited a new set of vows during a short but very romantic ceremony, which doubled up as a birthday celebration. 'The small wedding party celebrated with drinks and food made by the couple's private chef. Afterwards, they rented a luxury $500,000 a yacht to cruise around Italy, which they have been calling their second honeymoon. 'From now on, they intend to mark the day of the ceremony as their new wedding anniversary and have told friends they are focusing firmly on their future together.' Then again in 2018, the couple appeared to reaffirm their love for each other to mark 10 years of their marriage. Footage was played in at one of their shows for their On The Road II tour which appeared to show the power couple reciting their vows with Beyoncé dressed in white. The theme of the tour — a follow up from their original joint run in 2014 — was 'This Is Real Love', an assured declaration that their marriage is now on Roc solid ground. Hidden among the montage, which was set to their rendition of Forever Young, was a clip of the intimate setting, attended by one-year-old twins Rumi and Sir, as well as older sister, six-year-old Blue Ivy. According to sources, it was 'a very emotional and really spiritual' soirée attended by Destinys Child stars Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams as well as formerly married stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Khloé Kardashian and Lamar Odom One year in to their rocky marriage, the reality TV star and her NBA husband decided to celebrate their anniversary by renewing their vows in 2010. Held in the exact spot where they originally got married, the vows were a surprise to Kardashian as she was 'blindfolded' and brought to the 'romantic' spot. The then-26-year-old wrote on her blog: 'I can only think of one word to describe my anniversary 'Lamar's big surprise (well one of many surprises) was the renewal of our vows! How romantic is that?! Everything was planned perfectly and I could not have been more surprised. 'Malika blindfolded me and brought me to a "secret location", I literally had NO idea where we were going. When we arrived, the car door opened and Lamar took my hand and led me to the spot where we were married one year ago. 'He removed the blindfold and I was just speechless -- I was beyond in shock. I knew he had a few fun surprises up his sleeve but I never could have anticipated this. I have never been more obsessed with my husband.' She added: 'A year ago today I married my best friend. 'I have never been happier, never been so at peace, never been so in love. 'I am a better person because of Lamar. He brings so much laughter, happiness and fun to my life yet he also keeps me calm and grounded.' Despite the sweet gesture, the couple split three years later after constant rumours of Odom's infidelity and substance abuse issues. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel The actress, 43, and the singer, 44, have also partaken in the vowel renewal trend, with a shot of their ceremony shared on their 10th wedding anniversary. The couple first tied the knot back in 2012 in Italy, and share two sons - Silas, 10, and Phineas, five - together. Biel took to Instagram to share share a slew of snaps of her and Timberlake together, including one from the renewal, where she wore a voluminous white dress adorned with a black bow. Justin pulled a funny face in a cream linen suit, while Jessica threw a peace sign, and captioned the shot: 'From our vow renewal this summer - in Italy where it all went down'. Posting to her grid, Jessica wrote: 'Being married to you is the adventure of a lifetime! Run it back, baby. RUN IT BACK. I love you'. The former NSYNC member wrote a sentimental note in the caption: '10 years ain't enough! You make me a better husband and father every day! I love you so much you beautiful human! Run it back!' While on Today with Hoda & Jenna, Biel said: 'It was very intimate. It was very small, a couple of our friends, and we literally barely put this thing together. 'We almost canceled it. We thought, "This is silly, are we going to feel goofy doing this?" And actually it was so moving. I felt like, "Wow, we're going to keep doing this. Look at us!" It felt really nice.' Jessica first started dating Justin in 2007, five years after the bitter collapse of his headline-grabbing relationship with Britney Spears. Justin and Jessica briefly split in 2011 but quickly reunited, and the following year they made it down the aisle in a ceremony in southern Italy. Their marriage, however, fell under searing scrutiny in November 2019 when Justin was spotted at a New Orleans bar holding hands with actress Alisha Wainwright. The pair were enjoying their off-hours from shooting a move called Palmer when the public display of affection occurred. Justin issued an Instagram apology for his 'strong lapse in judgement,' explaining that he 'drank way too much that night and I regret my behaviour.' In January 2020, an Us Weekly source claimed they were in therapy and that Justin was 'trying his hardest to prove himself' to his wife.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Romeo Beckham shares photos of himself with sister Harper on their yacht in St Tropez- amid family feud with estranged brother Brooklyn
Romeo Beckham shared some photos of himself with his sister Harper on Saturday from their family holiday St Tropez. The footballer, 22, gave an insight into their summer jaunt on board their parents' £16 million yacht which took place while Brooklyn was renewing his vows thousands of miles away in the US - with no family in attendance. Romeo, 22, joined his parents David, 50, and Victoria, 51, on the trip as well as siblings Harper, 14, and Cruz, 20. Posing for a photo with his sister, he went shirtless as he posed on his parents boat while Harper sat next to him. Other photos showed Romeo as he got in the driving seat and enjoyed a wakeboarding session. Elsewhere, his brother Brooklyn, 26, and his wife Nicola Peltz, 31, said 'I do' for a second time on August 2 in Westchester County in front of her family, with the Beckham clan nowhere in sight amid their ongoing 'feud'. He did however, spend the week before in the same location with his wife Nicola and his in-laws, but left before the Beckhams arrived. Brooklyn and Nicola, who first wed in 2022, failed to invite any members of Brooklyn's family, with reports David and Victoria heartbreakingly found out about their big day after reading about it on a US website. It's a stark contrast to Nicola's family, who had key roles at the second wedding, with her father Nelson, 83, officiating, wearing her mother Claudia's, 70, vintage wedding gown and letting her parents take centre stage once again at the after party. Brooklyn's family has been in turmoil in recent months as it has been claimed he has become increasingly estranged from his parents after failing to attend any of his father David's 50th birthday celebrations in May. The lack of Beckham presence at Brooklyn's vow renewal is the latest sign Brooklyn and Nicola have washed their hands with his family - with many indications seemingly marking Brooklyn's intentions to quit Brand Beckham for good. The Beckhams were said to be upset by the Peltzes during Brooklyn and Nicola's first wedding in 2022, as they felt they were taking over the wedding. The two families have not reunited since and Nicola has rarely been pictured with the Beckhams. A clear sign Brooklyn and Nicola have washed their hands with his family is that fact that none of the Beckham's were invited to the low-key ceremony. His brother Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz said 'I do' for a second time on August 2 in Westchester County in front of her family, with the Beckham clan nowhere in sight A source told The Sun: 'This was the final kick in the teeth for David and Victoria. Seeing Nelson having such a pivotal role at the ceremony was heartbreaking for David especially. Not one member of the 30-plus extended family knew about the wedding, or were invited.' The source added: 'His grandparents are devastated too as Brooklyn has always been so close to them.' 'It feels cruel and spiteful. This is no longer a game. It has gone beyond all that. This is a family who feel they have lost their precious boy - and see no way back. 'Honestly, they are now questioning why he even wants to keep the 'Beckham' surname - will he revert to Peltz? August 2nd 2025 - is this the day Brooklyn formally declared himself no longer a part of the Beckham family? It certainly feels like it.' Even at their butterfly-themed afterparty, it appears not one of Brooklyn's childhood friends and family was in attendance - making for a glaring signal that Brooklyn has quit both his family and former life altogether. Daily Mail contacted Brooklyn, Nicola and the Beckhams' representatives for comment at the time. Brooklyn's family's feelings towards their vow renewal could suggest why none of his relatives were on the invite list. However, Victoria, David and their children Romeo, Cruz, and Harper, were said to have only found out about Brooklyn's big day after reading about it on a US website.
