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Forbes
29-07-2025
- Forbes
Differences Between Being A Solo Traveler To Independent Traveler
Enjoying the Alhambra in Spain — idea of solo travel has been trending for years, from small groups of single travelers to people traveling totally on their own. Solo rooms, solo discounts, dining bars in restaurants for solo diners-- it keeps on coming as numbers increase. I'm not currently single, but I do have solo bono fides. I've been both divorced and widowed, was a single mom, and then lived alone many of my adult years. And during that time I traveled the world, from Guatemala to Antarctica, on my own. Much of that time was working on guide books, but some of it, was for pure discovery. I embraced solo life long before it was considered cool: talked about it on panels, founded and edited a website called and wrote a book called Solo Traveler: Tales and Tips for Great Trips. The zenith of my singledom probably came in 2009 when I posted 'Why I'm Alone,' a Huffpost piece that went viral -- picked up by Jezebel, CNN and other sites, generating loads of comments and even a parody on a short-lived, snarky platform called Fark. And the very week that the blog extolling my happy single life appeared, I met the man who would become my husband. I did feel a bit like a betrayer, so proud of singledom while secretly falling in love. When my beau wanted to marry me, I struggled mightily, afraid to give up my hard-won solo identity. And giving up solo travel. I adapted to marriage mostly because my husband understands my need for independence and occasional wouldn't have worked otherwise, and he knew it. As wonderful as it is to share sunsets, coconut drinks with two straws and all those romanticized scenarios, there are times I simply seek the solitude of walking for hours on a quiet beach, waves lapping at my feet, and no place to have to be at no particular time. Hiking along a remote beach. When I finished my latest book, a collection of travel tales about the most interesting people places and things I've discovered traveling to over 100 countries, I wasn't surprised to note that almost all of the best tales occurred while I was single. Traveling on my own I was totally open to experience: meeting others, putting myself in challenges I had to figure out alone, dealing with the unexpected in clever ways. But looking at the tales in my book I can see that even when I traveled with a group or with children, or husbands or lovers, I may not have always been a solo traveler, but I was always an independent traveler: open, alert, curious, and ready for anything. Those of us in relationships may have to fight a bit harder to retain the spirit of independence that comes naturally to a solo traveler. We may have to compromise a bit more. But the spirit can remain. And the way to keep that spirit is to continue traveling alone once and awhile, even if it's only for a weekend. At a minimum, when traveling with others you can find time to break away on your own for an afternoon or even an hour or two. Your partner may want to go to the beach and you'd rather go to a museum. Talk about it ahead so that you both understand that it's okay to split and do what you want, then come back together and share your adventures. Enjoying time alone to ponder a 1960 clay sculpture by Peter Voulkos titled 'USA 41' at the National ... More Gallery of Art East Building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Something as simple as a few hours of independent travel can satisfy your need for solitude. Just remember, as in my life, being a solo traveler may come and go, but being an independent traveler can remain forever. For all travel topics, check out my award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane. And subscribe to my new Substack where I write about all things interesting!


Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who was Anne Burrell married to? All on husband Stuart Claxton
Anne Burrel, the beloved host of Worst Cooks in America, tragically died on June 17 at the age of 55. Nearly five weeks after the Food Network star's death, it was revealed that the star chef died by suicide. According to Huffpost, she died from 'an acute intoxication caused by combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine.' Anne Burrell with husband, Stuart Claxton, and stepson, Javier Claxton.(instagram/ Anne Burrell) After her passing last month, among those grieving was her husband of nearly four years, Stuart Claxton. The two got together after an unexpected spark on the dating app Bumble in 2018. Their whirlwind romance led to a heartfelt engagement during the pandemic and a fall wedding in 2021: a story Anne often described as her own fairytale. Who is Stuart Claxton? Stuart Claxton is a seasoned professional in marketing and communications and currently serves as President of Marketing at NextUp, a nonprofit advocating for women in leadership. A graduate of Swansea University ( BA in Spanish and Philosophy) and the University of Stirling (MA in Media Management), Claxton's impressive career includes long tenures at Guinness World Records, TIME, and TlevisaUnivision, the People report added. Despite being married to a high-profile chef, Claxton remained largely private, rarely appearing in the public eye outside of red-carpet events or Anne's Instagram. Yet, their love story was no secret. From Bumble to 'I do' According to People report, the couple first met on Bumble, and as per Burrell, the two instantly connected and knew there was something special between them. By April 2020, while quarantining with Burrel's family in Cazenovia in New York, Claxton proposed to the chef. Their October 2021 wedding was complete with a horse and carriage and a custom Carolina Herrera gown, as Burrell embraced every bit of the moment. The ceremony, which was held in Anne's hometown, was intimate and deeply personal. Claxton's son, Javier, was his best man, and celebrity friend Rachael Ray stood by Anne as a bridesmaid. Also read: Anne Burrell suicide: Officials confirm cause of death; mention at least 4 drugs in report Life in Brooklyn with blended family Anne and Claxton, another E! Online report stated, built their life together in Brooklyn, sharing their home with Javier and two cats, Nancy and Marcia. Though Burrell never had biological children, she embraced her role as a stepmother and often referred to their home as 'my little family'. She shared glimpses of their lives on social media with hashtag '#TheClaxtons', posting about hockey nights, home-cooked meals, and holidays. Anne Burrell's death Anne was pronounced dead at age 55. She was found unresponsive in her home and passed away on July 17. A few weeks later, the New York City medical examiner officially ruled her death a suicide. The cause: acute intoxication from a mixture of diphenhydramine, cetirizine, ethanol, and amphetamine, according to The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly. Authorities noted she had about 100 pills nearby when responders arrived. FAQs: How did Anne Burrell and Stuart Claxton meet? They met on the dating app Bumble in 2018. Did they have children together? Anne had no biological children but was a stepmother to Stuart's son, Javier. What does Stuart Claxton do professionally? Claxton works as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at NextUp, with previous roles at Guinness World Records, TIME, and Univision.


Indian Express
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
When it was ‘harrowing' for Naseeruddin Shah to dance alongside Mithun Chakraborty: ‘Never felt at home, first time I became aware of split personality'
Naseeruddin Shah celebrates his 75th birthday today. The actor is best known for his nuanced performances on stage and being one of the harbingers of parallel cinema in the 1970s. However, Shah has also done a fair bit of work in mainstream Hindi cinema, some of which he's not entirely proud of, as he's confessed multiple times over the years. For instance, the first time Shah had to dance in a film was in Shakti Samanta's 1980 romantic thriller Khwab, alongside Mithun Chakraborty, well known for his impeccable dancing skills. 'Believe me, it was harrowing! The first time I had to dance was next to Mithun Chakraborty, yeah. Enough said,' said the actor. In the interview with Huffpost in 2020, Naseeruddin Shah recalled the tough time he had picking on those dance moves. 'I never felt at home! It was the first time I became aware of a split personality,' said Shah, adding, 'I never felt that way while on the sets of a film with 50 dancers and 500 extras and everybody tittering when you do a step wrong.' The actor recalled 'frantically rehearsing' the dance moves, even before Mithun Chakraborty entered the set, when he tripped and fell. A background dancer came up to him and said, 'Poor boy! This is your first film, isn't it?' Shah apologized to her and others for holding them up, but she encouraged him to try again. 'She was sweet, yeah, but it sank my spirits further,' said Shah. Khwab was definitely not Naseeruddin Shah's first film. He'd already registered his presence with Shyam Benegal's movies like his debut film Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), Bhumika (1977), and Junoon (1979). 'I'd usually be on a shoot with Shyam, Ketan (Mehta), Vidhu (Vinod Chopra), Saeed (Mirza), and Kundan (Shah). We were all friends and it was always a relaxed atmosphere in which we shot those films. I had not been with all of these mainstream guys,' confessed Shah. The actor revealed that he shot for another one of his seminal films, Sai Paranjpye's Sparsh (1980) right after filming for Khwab. 'In fact the money I made from Khwab helped me buy a car. So I drove to Delhi in that car and did Sparsh. The learning here really was the fact that an actor's abilities are just not enough. It's ironic that an actor depends on so many inputs from others. This was the bingo moment for me,' argued Shah. Also Read — Naseeruddin Shah writes on Diljit Dosanjh controversy: I feel no need to prove anything, including my patriotism Naseeruddin Shah used the same argument to defend his varying performances in Shekhar Kapur's 1983 cult relationship drama Masoom and Eshmayeel Shroff's 1982 romantic drama Dil… Akhir Dil Hai, which he shot for at the same time as well. 'I was playing the romantic lead in front of the gorgeous Rakhee and Parveen Babi. I sang songs and was in bed with both of these lovely ladies. I shot half of Dil… Akhir Dil Hai, went to Delhi and shot Masoom, came back and finished the former. It was a continuous journey. And yet you can see the difference in the quality of performance. I look like an absolute novice! Like a guy who does not know the first thing about acting in Dil… Akhir Dil Hai,' said Shah.


Int'l Business Times
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Democratic Senator Walks Back Her Words After Backlash for Suggesting Socialist NYC Candidate Supported 'Global Jihad'
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is walking back explosive comments accusing New York City's newly selected Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, of supporting "global jihad." On June 26, during an appearance on WNYC's "The Brian Lehrer Show," Gillibrand amplified a caller's claims that Mamdani endangered the Jewish community. She repeated unsubstantiated allegations that Mamdani supported "global jihad" and glorified violence against Jews, misrepresenting activist slogans like "globalize the intifada" and mischaracterizing Mamdani's views. "The caller is exactly the New York constituents that I've spoken to that are alarmed. They are alarmed by past public statements. They are alarmed by past positions – particularly references to global jihad," Gillibrand said. "This is a very serious issue, because people that glorify the slaughter of Jews create fear in our communities." A model backstage prior to the presentation of Atsushi Nakashima's Fall-Winter 2023-2024 Women's collection on Sunday AFP Despite being corrected multiple times during the interview, Gillibrand insisted Mamdani's prior statements had created fear. By Friday, facing mounting criticism, Gillibrand's office said she "misspoke," Huffpost reported. The remarks drew sharp condemnation from elected officials. New York City Councilmember Lincoln Restler accused Gillibrand of repeating "divisive Republican fear-mongering," and Sen. Chris Van Hollen called out the "blatant" and "latent" Islamophobia in the response to Mamdani's win. Meanwhile, Mamdani reiterated Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" that he does not use controversial phrases and instead grounds his leadership in universal human rights. Mamdani, a Muslim American and progressive state legislator, won the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor last week, defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a surprise upset. His campaign faced frequent Islamophobic attacks from the right, but the rhetoric escalated after his victory, with accusations now coming from within his own party. Suits were on display at the Fendi show and elsewhere AFP Originally published on Latin Times


Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ruby Wax, 71, tells Paloma Faith she's going to become a death doula - as star opens up on mortality and the tragic death of her good friend Alan Rickman
Ruby Wax revealed she's taking a course in order to become a death doula during an appearance on Paloma Faith's Mad Sad Bad podcast. The American comic, 71, has been candid about preparing for death in recent years, even admitting that the prospect of dying is her 'biggest fear'. 'I think about death at least four times a day and hundreds of times around my birthdays,' she wrote a few years ago in Huffpost. 'At New Year's Eve I'm already writing my epitaph. While everyone around me is popping balloons, I'm thinking I'm one year closer to the end.' Ruby has now opened up on mortality once again, making the revelation that she's planning on becoming a death doula. An end of life doula - or a death doula - is a 'compassionate, trained companion who supports individuals with terminal diagnosis and those close to them'. Offering practical and emotional support, many aspiring doulas undergo rigorous training in order to carry out their duties successfully. Ruby is planning on beginning her training in September. She told Paloma, 43, on the Brit singer's podcast this week: 'When was I last sad? Well I think there's a level of sadness all the time because I'm really aware we're going to die.' Paloma asked: 'Because the world's going to end or because we're mortal?', to which the 71-year-old quipped: 'Because I'm mortal. 'I think about it all the time. In September I've made a reservation - I'm going to become a death doula. 'Yeah, I'm going on a course. First of all, I'm interested in who else is going to be on my course, you know. So, I do a week (of the course) in September.' Over the years the comedian has been very open about both the prospect of death and her struggles with mental health. Ruby has battled depression, and in 2022 admitted that her mental illness had become 'so severe that it's hard to stay alive'. But speaking to Paloma, the 71-year-old affirmed that she's 'numb' and hasn't cried in years. 'I'm an example of numbness,' she said: 'I don't feel anything. 'I don't cry, you can never make me cry. But also I don't throw my head back screaming with laughter. Well, sometimes it cuts through and if someone that I knew died it would probably cut through.' Paloma then asked the American when the last time she cried was, to which she replied: 'When Alan Rickman died (in 2016). 'I thought he had a heart problem, so I was telling people to get him a heart specialist. But his partner said, "No, he's dying". 'And when I heard that I burst, I ran in there and I threw myself on him. I was like an animal, it was wild. 'Another time when my son was leaving for school (University) I turned into a howling animal. I was on all fours howling and he was only going to Southampton, because I knew metaphorically he was gone. I feel like everything's goodbye.' Reflecting on her friendship with Alan Rickman - who played Severus Snape in Harry Potter and died of cancer in 2016 - Ruby remembered the advice he gave her. 'When I used to do comedy and I was trying to please, he used to say "Pull it back. Make people come to you". 'It took a long time but now after 30 years I don't look like I'm hungry on stage. I do have an ego though and I want to be liked by large groups of people.' Indeed, in an exclusive interview with MailOnline in 2021, Ruby actually credited her good friend Alan with 'turning her into a comedian'. She said: 'He was hilarious. He was my mentor and he taught me how to do comedy. I would say he saved me. 'He took a c*** actress and then turned her into a comedian against all odds. He was my protector'. Alan died in January 2016 after battling pancreatic cancer in private. Ruby was only made aware of his illness two weeks before his death. The comedian paid tribute to him, saying: 'All of his friends would say he was the most generous man. I mean, I meet kids now and they say "Alan sent me to drama school and I never even met him". He took a lot of people under his wing - that's real generosity.' Following Alan's death, Ruby has been a vocal advocate and fundraiser for Pancreatic Cancer UK.