Latest news with #Penthouse
LeMonde
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- LeMonde
Young people with disabilities face online fetishization
Since 2019, Em, 24, has regularly received messages from fetishists on Instagram. The feminist disability activist (who used a pseudonym), who was amputated as a teenager and has Proteus syndrome – a rare condition characterized by the overgrowth of bones, skin and other tissues – has identified several such profiles over the years. Some asked Em for photos of their stump and complimented them on their prosthesis. Others treated Em as if they were asexual or "fragile." The Paris region resident was also often followed by accounts named "amputee fans" who liked, commented on all their posts and sent messages. At times, the attention escalated into hypersexualization, accompanied by crude comments such as, "You must have been really fucked to limp like that." While there have been few studies on this phenomenon in France, Pierre Brasseur, a sociologist specializing in disability and sexuality, noted that erotic magazines long featured pornographic representations of people with disabilities. As early as 1972, the magazine Penthouse, for example, published a series of letters from readers who said they were attracted to amputees.
The Age
23-05-2025
- The Age
Ultra-luxury small ship will call Australia home this summer
By design and by capacity, the ship never feels crowded. Passengers gravitate to favourite spaces – the Observation Bar on Deck 10, the pool deck and cabanas, the hot tubs at the aft of Deck 5, the spa serenity zone. The main hub is Seabourn Square, an all-day venue serving coffee, ice-cream and snacks. It's where the guest services and shore excursions teams are located, as well as the library, board games and boutiques. It's an appealing space to gather and socialise, or to simply relax in one of the comfy leather recliners. The stateroom There are 229 suites, all with living areas and bedrooms, which can be separated by a velvet curtain. Almost 90 per cent are Veranda Suites, featuring a balcony and at least 29 square metres of indoor/outdoor space. Ocean View Suites (there are 26) are all on Deck 4, with large windows instead of balconies and a generous amount of indoor space. When cruising in warmer weather, the extra spend for a balcony is worth it. For a bigger splurge, Penthouse, Owner's and Signature suites are akin to upscale apartments. Cream-and-brown interiors look a bit dated, though well-maintained. Two attendants work in tandem to make sure our suite is spotless, the minibar is stocked with our favourite beverages and the marble bathroom has a wide range of full-size Molton Brown toiletries. USB ports on the bedside tables are handy. Power outlets are US-style, so remember to pack an adaptor. The food Meals across all venues are reliably good, with a few excellent stand-outs. Everything is included in the fare; no up-sells, for-fee specialty restaurants or exclusive zones. Don't miss the signature caviar party, when caviar blinis and cocktails are served on the pool deck (or in the surf on Caribbean cruises). Reservations are not required anywhere except in Solis, the Mediterranean fine dining restaurant, where seating is limited. Solis replaces The Grill by Thomas Keller, a former collaboration with the well-known chef. The next day's menus are delivered to suites during evening turndown so that tough choices can be pondered. Will it be a three-course dinner in The Restaurant, the only venue where guests are required to dress up; a more casual meal at The Colonnade, or the ever-popular room service option? If the weather's nice, many will opt for Earth & Ocean, where fresh, inventive dishes are served under the stars. From 6-9pm each night in The Club lounge, sushi and sashimi is made to order. During the two weeks we spend on the ship, menus are never repeated. Wellness The spa offers the usual cruise ship indulgences – facials, wraps, massages, manicures – at high prices that won't surprise frequent cruisers. It's a good idea to book in treatments as soon as you embark. Many guests have on-board credit to spend, and with drinks and meals all included, there aren't so many places to spend it. The focus on holistic wellness is still strong. Acupuncture sessions are available, as well as group yoga, meditation and stretch classes. A well-equipped gym with weights, treadmills and cross-trainers is busy most days. Personal training sessions are available at extra cost. The additional-fee Serene Zone lacks a hydrotherapy pool or hot tub. Better to swim, soak and splash in the pools and tubs on the open decks. Guests with healthy diet goals will find an abundance of salads, fresh proteins, fruit and vegetables available. Special requests are happily accommodated, no fuss. Entertainment The entertainment is designed to suit the interests of well-travelled guests. No magic tricks or awkward stand-up comedy, but there is a talented troupe of six performers who put on Broadway-style shows in the Grand Salon. A house band plays in The Club on Deck 5 every night. In the small casino, there are a few poker machines and tables for card games. A hotly contested trivia competition is well-attended and runs over several days. Shore excursions are not included in the cruise fare. In most ports, a complimentary shuttle bus is provided if the attractions are not in walking distance (Lyttleton port to Christchurch, for example). The Seabourn Conversations series, exclusive to the line, features scholars, chefs and experts in conversation. During our cruise, guests are especially engaged with the presentations by Peter Tesch, former Australian ambassador to Russia and Germany. The crew It's the extraordinary service that really makes this voyage shine. Thirty seconds after I jump into the pool, a waiter appears with my favourite drink. I inquire about a product I'd like to buy from the spa. It's out of stock, but a few days later, I'm told it's been sourced from another ship. It's an art to provide luxury service that's caring and attentive, but never obsequious or intrusive. Hailing from the Philippines, South Africa, Germany and many other places, the crew works well together and clearly benefits from extensive training. The ratio of crew to guests (not far off 1:1) means you never have to wait for assistance or a drink. There are no butlers in penguin suits, but room attendants happy to perform the same tasks (packing assistance or in-room bar replenishment, for example), upon request. The verdict Loading Great fun, great food, great people. A Seabourn voyage is a splurge, but it's good value, with so much included in the fare. I've answered my own question: is 15 days too long to be at sea? It's not long enough. Even before we disembark, I'm looking up future voyages. I'm inspired by an American woman we meet who is staying on the ship for the next four months. Not too big, not too small, Seabourn Quest has everything you need and nothing you don't. The compact, intimate size helps create a cosy village vibe, far from the city-at-sea atmosphere on mega-ships. The details From December 20, 2025, Seabourn Quest will return to Australia for a wave season of voyages exploring Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific. The 15-day Australia and New Zealand itinerary departs Sydney on 20 December. From $15,199 a person, twin share. See Our rating out of five
Sydney Morning Herald
23-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Ultra-luxury small ship will call Australia home this summer
By design and by capacity, the ship never feels crowded. Passengers gravitate to favourite spaces – the Observation Bar on Deck 10, the pool deck and cabanas, the hot tubs at the aft of Deck 5, the spa serenity zone. The main hub is Seabourn Square, an all-day venue serving coffee, ice-cream and snacks. It's where the guest services and shore excursions teams are located, as well as the library, board games and boutiques. It's an appealing space to gather and socialise, or to simply relax in one of the comfy leather recliners. The stateroom There are 229 suites, all with living areas and bedrooms, which can be separated by a velvet curtain. Almost 90 per cent are Veranda Suites, featuring a balcony and at least 29 square metres of indoor/outdoor space. Ocean View Suites (there are 26) are all on Deck 4, with large windows instead of balconies and a generous amount of indoor space. When cruising in warmer weather, the extra spend for a balcony is worth it. For a bigger splurge, Penthouse, Owner's and Signature suites are akin to upscale apartments. Cream-and-brown interiors look a bit dated, though well-maintained. Two attendants work in tandem to make sure our suite is spotless, the minibar is stocked with our favourite beverages and the marble bathroom has a wide range of full-size Molton Brown toiletries. USB ports on the bedside tables are handy. Power outlets are US-style, so remember to pack an adaptor. The food Meals across all venues are reliably good, with a few excellent stand-outs. Everything is included in the fare; no up-sells, for-fee specialty restaurants or exclusive zones. Don't miss the signature caviar party, when caviar blinis and cocktails are served on the pool deck (or in the surf on Caribbean cruises). Reservations are not required anywhere except in Solis, the Mediterranean fine dining restaurant, where seating is limited. Solis replaces The Grill by Thomas Keller, a former collaboration with the well-known chef. The next day's menus are delivered to suites during evening turndown so that tough choices can be pondered. Will it be a three-course dinner in The Restaurant, the only venue where guests are required to dress up; a more casual meal at The Colonnade, or the ever-popular room service option? If the weather's nice, many will opt for Earth & Ocean, where fresh, inventive dishes are served under the stars. From 6-9pm each night in The Club lounge, sushi and sashimi is made to order. During the two weeks we spend on the ship, menus are never repeated. Wellness The spa offers the usual cruise ship indulgences – facials, wraps, massages, manicures – at high prices that won't surprise frequent cruisers. It's a good idea to book in treatments as soon as you embark. Many guests have on-board credit to spend, and with drinks and meals all included, there aren't so many places to spend it. The focus on holistic wellness is still strong. Acupuncture sessions are available, as well as group yoga, meditation and stretch classes. A well-equipped gym with weights, treadmills and cross-trainers is busy most days. Personal training sessions are available at extra cost. The additional-fee Serene Zone lacks a hydrotherapy pool or hot tub. Better to swim, soak and splash in the pools and tubs on the open decks. Guests with healthy diet goals will find an abundance of salads, fresh proteins, fruit and vegetables available. Special requests are happily accommodated, no fuss. Entertainment The entertainment is designed to suit the interests of well-travelled guests. No magic tricks or awkward stand-up comedy, but there is a talented troupe of six performers who put on Broadway-style shows in the Grand Salon. A house band plays in The Club on Deck 5 every night. In the small casino, there are a few poker machines and tables for card games. A hotly contested trivia competition is well-attended and runs over several days. Shore excursions are not included in the cruise fare. In most ports, a complimentary shuttle bus is provided if the attractions are not in walking distance (Lyttleton port to Christchurch, for example). The Seabourn Conversations series, exclusive to the line, features scholars, chefs and experts in conversation. During our cruise, guests are especially engaged with the presentations by Peter Tesch, former Australian ambassador to Russia and Germany. The crew It's the extraordinary service that really makes this voyage shine. Thirty seconds after I jump into the pool, a waiter appears with my favourite drink. I inquire about a product I'd like to buy from the spa. It's out of stock, but a few days later, I'm told it's been sourced from another ship. It's an art to provide luxury service that's caring and attentive, but never obsequious or intrusive. Hailing from the Philippines, South Africa, Germany and many other places, the crew works well together and clearly benefits from extensive training. The ratio of crew to guests (not far off 1:1) means you never have to wait for assistance or a drink. There are no butlers in penguin suits, but room attendants happy to perform the same tasks (packing assistance or in-room bar replenishment, for example), upon request. The verdict Loading Great fun, great food, great people. A Seabourn voyage is a splurge, but it's good value, with so much included in the fare. I've answered my own question: is 15 days too long to be at sea? It's not long enough. Even before we disembark, I'm looking up future voyages. I'm inspired by an American woman we meet who is staying on the ship for the next four months. Not too big, not too small, Seabourn Quest has everything you need and nothing you don't. The compact, intimate size helps create a cosy village vibe, far from the city-at-sea atmosphere on mega-ships. The details From December 20, 2025, Seabourn Quest will return to Australia for a wave season of voyages exploring Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific. The 15-day Australia and New Zealand itinerary departs Sydney on 20 December. From $15,199 a person, twin share. See Our rating out of five
Sydney Morning Herald
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney porn king releases new book lamenting decline of larrikinism
It's been a hot minute since we checked in on colourful Sydney porn king, right-wing tour impresario and CBD favourite Damien Costas. The brash publisher of nudie magazine Penthouse 's Australian spin-off and promoter responsible for bringing conservative culture warriors to these shores has shrugged off years of court battles, cranky creditors and embittered former business partners to turn over a new page as an author. Self-published, of course. Costas' new book, What Happened to the Lucky Country (displaying in title alone, a profound ignorance of what Donald Horne really meant), was released last month. It's basically a lengthy rant about the sheer horror that is modern Australia, where good patriotic characteristics such as larrikinism have been lost to psychological frailty and slavish deference to rules as exemplified by COVID restrictions that happened years ago. And while it hasn't exactly got critics and readers jumping out of their chairs, Costas' book has excited the people that really matter. Sky News bloviator Rowan Dean reckons 'if ever a book demanded a trigger warning, this is it'. And then, there's the foreword by Mark Latham, former Labor leader turned Macquarie Street's resident village idiot, in which he refers to One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts as a 'right-royal dingbat' for believing that United Nations globalists are secretly working to destroy Australia. While lavishing praise on Costas' book, of course. Costas the businessman first burst on the scene as the promoter behind alt-right poster boy Milo Yiannopoulos' 2017 Australian tour. But that was soon followed by a spectacular falling-out between Costas and his co–promoter, celebrity agent Max Markson, over unpaid debts, which brought its share of legal action and media mudslinging. Costas was eventually bankrupted by his former printer, but in 2021, convinced a majority of creditors to vote in favour of having the bankruptcy annulled. Amid all that, there was the matter of Costas' former business partner Sean Dolman jailed after being caught up in Australia's biggest meth bust. With all that behind him, Costas last graced these pages as the man behind British nativist politician Nigel 'Mr Brexit' Farage's 2022 Antipodean tour, and has recently been doing interviews rebranding as a wise survivor of the digital publishing game.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Days of Our Lives Recap: Philip and Kevin Work Together to Steal Dr. Russell's Sepsis Drug
On today's Days of Our Lives recap: Marlena and John's Penthouse: Marlena walks in and notes how good it smells. Tate says he's cooked dinner for Sophia's 18th birthday. Marlena thinks her grandson is very kind as he clearly wants to do right by Sophia. That being said, she thinks they should talk. She worries about Sophia still having feelings for him and cautions him to be careful as his kindness could be misleading. Unless, his feelings for her are the same. Tate says he and Sophia are just friends because he still has feelings for Holly. That being said, he knows things will never work out for them. Marlena says you never know how things might one day work out and brings up her relationship with John. Marlena decides it's time to tell Tate the truth about Johnny and the adoption. She says Johnny was having some feelings that were difficult to suppress and suggested he needs to take care of himself. Marlena worries Tate thinks she undermined the adoption process. Tate says he respects his grandmother's actions as she gave Johnny the correct advice as she always gives him. Tate notes he and Sophia will be going to an adoption agency on their own since she will be eighteen years old. Just then, Sophia arrives and is thrilled by Tate's actions. Marlena decides it's time to head to the office and wishes Sophia a happy birthday before leaving. Tate and Sophia enjoy their dinner when he gets a wee bit queasy. He hopes he cooked the chicken appropriately which makes Sophia thinks he's trying to get out of their date to go to prom. Tate says she's being silly and gives her a flower to commemorate the night they missed. They acknowledge they are in the home stretch of the pregnancy and Tate asks what Mama Choi said when Sophia told her they are still putting the baby up for adoption. She says she hasn't told her but will do so very soon. Titan/DiMera: Xander leaves Dr Frame a message and then speaks with Alex about buying University Hospital. Alex says he put in a good word with Kayla and Xander says he appreciates his good work. Alex talks about second chances and wonders if there is any way Xander might consider the same for Philip. He goes on to offer all kinds of suggestions, including how Victor would have wanted his family to work together. Xander just can't get over his brother's level of betrayal. Further, Xander doesn't trust himself with being around Philip for any length of time. Just then, Paulina arrives with 100% nut free chocolate cake. Xander tells her to cut the crap as he knows she is there to stop him from suing Chanel. Paulina says what Chanel did was an honest mistake and doesn't need to inflict a monetary punishment on her. Xander says Sweet Bits needs to be shut down as it's not the first time those treats have caused chaos. Xander follows up with talking about his bid to buy the hospital and how Abe's board vote could help him immensely. Paulina gets it but notes his DiMera connection via Theo. Paulina says giving Theo a job at Titan/DiMera could totally sway the vote as Abe has been trying to get his son to move home for a long time. Xander plays along and thinks Theo could have a pivotal role at the company. They both decide to do their due diligence as Paulina makes her exit. Salem Inn – Philip's Room: Philip calls Kevin who is about to try and steal the Sepsis drug from Dr Russell's lab. He gives him the go ahead but says to protect himself. University Hospital – Kayla's Office: Stephanie arrives to see her mother. She says Alex and Jada are out of the house and asks her mother to grab dinner and drinks. Kayla turns her down and Stephanie says she will try her father. Kayla says no and Stephanie assumes he is on a case and says she's a bit on edge. Stephanie admits she had an ulterior motive for asking her mother to dinner and goes into putting a good word in for Titan buying the hospital. Just then, Stephanie gets a text from Alex to meet up at Small Bar. Kayla tells her to head out and notes Paulina is throwing a small fundraiser there tomorrow. Stephanie promises to check but before she leaves she asks how she and Alex are doing. Stephanie admits it was a difficult time but they are currently doing quite well. Random Alley: Shawn Douglas and Steve are discussing trying to steal the Sepsis drug. They look at the feed from the lab and Steve explains how he will edit it to erase their presence. Shawn Douglas says they can be quick to get in and get out. Dr Russell's Lab: Kevin enters the lab whilst staying on the phone with Philip. Kevin says there is a hiccup as there isn't a singular dose and he needs to separate things out. He says he will contact Philip when he's done. Outside the lab, Steve and Shawn Douglas are making their plan to break in. They arrive in the lab to find the Sepsis drug gone. Steve says someone was in the lab. Shawn D follows up and says that person clearly took what they were looking for. Shawn D freaks out but Steve says they have to go right now! Random Alley: Kevin escapes with all the samples. Kevin doesn't know what to do and calls Philip. Small Bar: Stephanie arrives to meet Alex who already ordered drinks. She ribs him asking how he is handling two dates in one night. He tells her a bit about the date with Gabi but thinks she didn't feel like she got her money's worth. Stephanie is glad his date ended early and says she greased the wheels with her mother. She goes on to say Kayla thinks it will come down to how Xander and EJ present in front of the board. He goes on to talk about her book and how he wants it published. She gets tickled and says it's nowhere near in a place for public consumption. Stephanie can't believe Alex found an editor. She is still hesitant but he says he wants to support her in the pursuit of her passion. University Hospital – Kayla's Office: Marlena arrives, and they both ask why the other is around so late. Kayla tries to send Marlena to a movie but she says she just can't concentrate. Kayla agrees they both have their minds of their husbands. Marlena takes a seat and asks what's up with Steve. Kayla explains a bit about what's going on and they relate to each other because neither of them feels as if they are in control of anything. They discuss their amazing husbands before complimenting each other on how they support everything. With that, Marlena decides to head out and hopes Kayla will get some rest. Horton Square: Philip runs into Xander who is on the way to see Sarah. As Xander tries to leave, Philip says he misses working with is brother and reminds him what great partners they were. Philip says he loved spending time with Xander as he started seeing him as a brother. Xander isn't buying what he is selling as his 'brother' completely betrayed him. Philip asks Xander to give Sarah his best before quickly making his exit. Endings Tate brings out a cake and sings Happy Birthday to Sophia. Afterwards, he begins to get sick, and she says he is burning up. Tate takes his temp which is 102.4. He doesn't want to risk her getting sick and she says she is good to drive herself home. Tate heads to his bedroom and Sophia sits down with her cake and blows out her candles all alone. Stephanie tells Alex that Jada is out for the night and thinks they can do more recreating of scenes from her dirty book. It takes oh so little convincing for Alex to call for the check. Marlena returns and finds Sophia by herself. She tells her about Tate's illness and Marlena quickly ushers her out the door. Just then, Marlena gets a call from Shane. She begins to cry as she learns they are closing in on John's location. Steve and Shawn Douglas arrive at Kayla's office but say their mission was a bust because someone else took the drug. Xander gets a call from Dr Frame and learns he already spoke to Philip. Kevin tells Philip he took the entire batch of the Sepsis drug as he was about to be caught. Philip thinks he can pull one dose form what he took and return the remainder of the batch. Kevin is on board but then gets a text from Dr Russell who says he is heading back from the conference ASAP. Keep checking back for the latest Days of Our Lives recaps!
