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There’s fierce debate over how burnt you should have your toast

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(Picture: Getty)

We Brits have lots of opinions on breakfast – whether it’s about the anxiety of making someone else’s toast or all the best components of a full English (hash browns are number one, obviously).

And when it comes to the art of making toast, we probably don’t want anyone else to make it for us; lest they should make it too burnt or not enough.

The conversation about what is acceptable and what is essentially just charcoal has broken out on Twitter – not for the first time.

Twitter user Imzy very handily tweeted out a picture of all the different ways one could make their toast, numbering them for easy choosing.

While five and six seemed to be the only natural answer, some very anarchic people chose ones from the burnt range.

Others said it all depended on what they were making, whether it was an egg sandwich or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Even Manchester United footballer Marcos Rojo’s toast preferences were added to the thread, with his choice being more of an eight or nine.

While some said it depends on the type of bread i.e sourdough or a normal loaf, one woman wrote how different meals have different requirements: ‘I use three when making a chicken sandwich but four or five for butter or soft cheese, and six for grilled cheese sandwiches.’

The most popular answer seemed to be six, a light golden colour with white edges, enough to make it toasty but neither too soft nor burned.

Three was also a popular choice.

A very few questionable people voted nine, though they may be joking (we hope).

One thing seemed clear; people were absolutely unmoving in their opinions on toast.

Someone even suggested adding this diagram to dating profile settings: ‘This could be a dating site test. At least you would have that in common’.

Fair enough, it could be a good conversation starter.

Ultimately though, we might just have to accept that no one will quite get our toast just the way we like it (what to put on it or how much butter is a whole other conversation).

Whether you’re a two-er or six-er, we can all agree that toast is the best. Here is an appreciation gif:

While many joked about eating burnt toast, there may be some harmful side effects as over-consumption has been linked to cancer in the past.

The Food Standards Agency brought out guidelines that say we should avoid eating overcooked starchy foods – such as burnt toast or really crispy roast potatoes – in order to reduce our cancer risk.

The move came after a survey found the UK population is frequently eating many foods that contain acrylamide, a dark brown compound found in starchy items, linked to neurological damage.

So, you might want to avoid eating too many burnt toasts.

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This anti-dandruff shampoo from The Body Shop sells every four seconds

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(Picture: The Body Shop)

Famed for its fruity body butters and hemp body care range, The Body Shop has been a beauty store favourite on the British high street for years.

The affordable beauty brand have prided themselves on ethics and a cruelty-free beauty since 1989 and have gone from strength to strength, including their more recent move to Natura, who also owns Aesop.

As a 100% vegetarian beauty brand, all their products are free of any animal-derived ingredients such as honey, beeswax, shellac and lanolin. And over half of The Body Shop’s offering are vegan friendly.

What’s more, the products really do work, so it’s no wonder it’s a beauty brand we always come back to.

So today we’re letting the facts and figures do the talking and sharing with you The Body Shops best-selling products that sell in a matter of seconds.

 

Ginger Anti Dandruff Shampoo

One sold every 4 seconds

Ginger Anti Dandruff Shampoo
(Picture: The Body Shop)

Fight off your flakes and itchy scalp for good with The Body Shop’s best-seller Ginger Anti Dandruff Shampoo.

Blended with potent ginger from Sri Lanka, birch bark, white willow extracts and Community Trade honey, this shampoo treats, moisturises and even adds a shine.

Don’t just take our word for it, the shampoo has been rated five starts online with over 1,400 reviews expressing serious scalp satisfaction.

The Body Shop Ginger Anti Dandruff Shampoo, from £7.50, thebodyshop.com

 

Tea Tree Oil

One sold every 8 seconds

Tea Tree Oil
(Picture: The Body Shop)

Rumour has it that certain Duchess is a fan of The Body Shops Tea Tree Oil (yes, really) and it’s easy to see why.

Tea Tree is antibacterial, antiseptic, soothing and great at helping to battle blemishes, blackheads and oily skin.

And this green bottle is packed with 15,000 organic tea tree leaves, which are sustainably picked by The Body Shop’s Community Trade project in Kenya.

We like to use The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil as a targeted spot treatment by adding a splash to a cotton bud and applying directly to any blemishes to help keep them under control.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, from £8.50, thebodyshop.com

 

Hemp Hand Protector

One sold every 9 seconds

Hemp Hand Protector
(Picture: The Body Shop)

This year The Body Shop are celebrating 21 years of the iconic hemp body care range.

Funnily enough, when they first pioneered the cannabis-infused ingredient, one of their stores was raided in France and there was mass controversy.

But many years on, we’re wacky baccy and can’t get enough of the stuff, as it’s become a must-have for tackling dry, parched and inflamed skin, with one Hemp Hand Protector sold every nine seconds.

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector, from £5, thebodyshop.com

 

Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask

One sold every 15 seconds

Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
(Picture: The Body Shop)

This 100% vegan face mask from The Body Shop is a firm favourite of many beauty bloggers and beauty editors alike.

Thanks to it’s bamboo charcoal, green tea leaves and organic tea tree oil enriched formula, it works wonders drawing out impurities and refining the skins texture.

The best-seller has been dubbed as ‘the best face mask ever’ among hundreds of reviews left by happy customers online.

And here at Metro, we love it’s ability to help decongest the skin without leaving it feeling tight and dry.

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, £17, thebodyshop.com

Drops of Youth Concentrate

One sold every 26 seconds

Drops of Youth Youth Concentrate
(Picture: The Body Shop)

The Body Shops Drops of Youth Concentrate has risen in popularity with one now sold every 26 seconds.

The iconic formula is enriched with Community Trade organic babassu oil from Brazil and three plant stem cells known for their regenerative properties. And hydrates, minimises the appearance of fine lines and protects the skin against harsh environmental factors.

And it’s that good, that The Body Shop have released the new Drops of Youth Sheet Mask (£5), which infuses 70% of a 30ml bottle of the concentrate into your skin for immediate results. Plus, it’s compostable, so once you’re done you can pop it in your compost bin.

Drops of Youth Concentrate, from £26, thebodyshop.com

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Urban Outfitters is selling caps for cats and they’re so adorable

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(Picture: Urban Outftters)

Attention, cat lovers: Urban Outfitters is now selling hats for your cat, and they’re adorable.

Yep, you can now have an actual cat in a hat, as the fashion brand has launched some very cute caps that will look lovely on your kitty.

The teeny caps come in yellow, brown and cream, and you can choose from a yellow duck or teddy bear hats.

The product description says: ‘Delight your kitty cat with this little Rilakkuma-inspired cap that fits right on their noggin as long as they can stand it, for maximised kitten cuteness.

Urban Outfitters Is Selling Caps For Your Cat And It's Cuteness Overload Picture: Urban Outfitters
(Picture: Urban Outftters)

What could be better than a cat in a hat? As a special surprise, we’ll pick out one of three assorted designs just for you!’

The hats, which cost £10, have had five star reviews so far.

One customer wrote: ‘I bought this hat for my two cats and even though they find it slightly uncomfortable they look so cute in it! this also fits my dog who is a Jack Russell so if you want a hat for a small dog it should also fit.

Urban Outfitters Is Selling Caps For Your Cat And It's Cuteness Overload Picture: Urban Outfitters
(Picture: Urban Outftters)

‘Great quality, worth the £10! very soft material, velvety feel to it. You can’t choose what design arrives but I got the yellow ducky and I’ve got to say i’m very pleased.

‘Really cute for any pet lover for a cute and cosy gift xx VERY INSTA WORTHY!!!’

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You could get paid £40 an hour to tutor kids while playing video games

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Intense game. Nice little kid and his granddad sharing a common hobby while being fascinated with video games and battling in a match
(Picture: Getty)

An online tutoring agency is launching a new service where children can be tutored while playing video games, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends and Call of Duty.

Tutors on Tutor House can earn £40 an hour teaching children through this method, after research showed that one hour of video gaming can actually increase the brain’s ability to focus.

Tutors will be expected to teach subjects such as maths, English and languages, while gaming with the child.

The service comes after recent research revealed that expert gamers had ‘more brain activity associated with attention than non-experts’, and that one hour of video gaming can increase the brain’s ability to focus through an improvement in visual selective attention.

Other research shows that 12 to 15-year-old’s consumption of video games has increased from 10.7 hours a week on average in 2013, to 12.2 hours a week in 2017.

Young boy using a virtual reality headset at home
(Picture: Getty)

After discovering this research, Tutor House decided to create a service that takes advantage of the time children spend playing action video games as well as its ability to increase their visual selective attention.

The service will involve a tutor discussing the learning material with their student whilst playing the action video game, in between taking regular breaks to complete the learning material.

And the best part? You can do it from home.

Gaming tutors can deliver this new service remotely through online gaming channels, or in person. In person gaming tuition will cost parents £50 an hour, and remote gaming tuition £40 an hour.

But there are a few things you’ll need to do to land a job: You must have your own console, and the desired game once hired by the parent.

You’ll also have to upload a CV stating your qualification, what subjects you teach and what games and consoles the kids wll have access too. You’ll also need to disclose your gaming ability on your CV – so don’t be saying you’re a professional at Call of Duty if you haven’t got past level one.

If you think this role is for you, you can apply here.

Alex Dyer, founder of Tutor House said: ‘There are loads of children who cannot concentrate in usual teaching environments, however that is normally the only option they’re given.

‘We should always be thinking of new ways to make learning more enjoyable for children and, as kids spend a lot of their free time on video games now, it seemed like a great idea to combine the two.

‘We’re hoping that by offering children a ‘gaming’ tutor, it’ll get them more excited for learning and help their brains function more efficiently, like what this new research suggests. I’m looking forward to seeing what the outcome is!’

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Abandoned airport terminal is transformed into new swanky 60s hotel

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(Picture: David Mitchell/TWA Hotel/Cover Images)

If you were an avid traveller or enjoyed the odd holiday before the year 2001 you might remember the old carrier Trans World Airlines.

Sadly for the aircraft company, it ceased operation that year and the terminal dedicated to it at John F Kennedy had been abandoned for the last 18 years.

But it has recently rebranded as a swanky hotel themed around the swinging 60s.

The airport’s first hotel will pay homage to the former occupant as it has been named TWA.

The project is part of a large-scale renovation project worth $265 million (£199m).

Soon you can stay in one of their 512 guest rooms with views of Manhattan or for the aerophiles, rooms of JFK’s runways as well as TWA’s flight centre.

You can expect a 10,000 square-foot rooftop observation deck with pool, six restaurants and eight bars, and a massive red lounge transformed from check-in desks that’ll make all your Insta pics bang.

Futuristic architecture or navigation lovers will also like the flight theme as the hotel also comes with a museum devoted to the Jet Age, TWA and the modern design movement.

Travelers landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport will soon be able to be transported back to the 1960's with a luxurious new hotel based onsite. The airport's first on-airport hotel will pay homage to the former Trans World Airlines (TWA) which had a terminal based inside the airport. Once one of the country???s largest airlines, it began operations in 1930 and shuttered its doors in 2001; the Flight Center at JFK closed that same year. The expansive space has since been re-purposed into a luxury accommodation aptly called TWA Hotel. The hotel will try to capture the glamour of air travel in the 1960's, when the landmark air terminal opened. The TWA Flight Center was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen and built in 1962 - just as air travel was becoming commonplace for the general public. It features sweeping lines and an airy openness that although vintage, still feels contemporary. Rather than fighting this style, present-day architecture firms Lubrano Ciavarra, INC Architecture & Design, Beyer Blinder Belle, and Stonehill Taylor highlight the mid-century modern look. The architects were careful to keep history alive. The lobby, as well as the business and event center, feature some of the original waiting area seating, while the music of the era - think Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the Beatles - plays overhead on a carefully curated soundtrack. If you want to know more about the Jet Age, the hotel museum has mid-century TWA on display. There are the likes of uniforms, furniture, and travel posters available for view. Beyond the common areas, each guest room is outfitted in this retro-inspired aesthetic. A mixture of textures, including brass, wood paneling, and leather are prominently featured in the room along with accents of red (another nod to TWA). You can even make local or international calls on a rewired rotary phone. But what about the noise? Although a hotel next to a runway might seem loud, there???s no need to worry. Th
(Picture: David Mitchell/TWA Hotel/Cover Images)

Once one of the country’s largest airlines, TWA began operations in 1930 and shut its doors in 2001; the Flight Center at JFK closed that same year.

The expansive space has since been re-purposed to try and capture the glamour of air travel in the 1960s.

The TWA Flight Center was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen and built in 1962 – just as air travel was becoming commonplace for the general public.

Travelers landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport will soon be able to be transported back to the 1960's with a luxurious new hotel based onsite. The airport's first on-airport hotel will pay homage to the former Trans World Airlines (TWA) which had a terminal based inside the airport. Once one of the country???s largest airlines, it began operations in 1930 and shuttered its doors in 2001; the Flight Center at JFK closed that same year. The expansive space has since been re-purposed into a luxury accommodation aptly called TWA Hotel. The hotel will try to capture the glamour of air travel in the 1960's, when the landmark air terminal opened. The TWA Flight Center was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen and built in 1962 - just as air travel was becoming commonplace for the general public. It features sweeping lines and an airy openness that although vintage, still feels contemporary. Rather than fighting this style, present-day architecture firms Lubrano Ciavarra, INC Architecture & Design, Beyer Blinder Belle, and Stonehill Taylor highlight the mid-century modern look. The architects were careful to keep history alive. The lobby, as well as the business and event center, feature some of the original waiting area seating, while the music of the era - think Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the Beatles - plays overhead on a carefully curated soundtrack. If you want to know more about the Jet Age, the hotel museum has mid-century TWA on display. There are the likes of uniforms, furniture, and travel posters available for view. Beyond the common areas, each guest room is outfitted in this retro-inspired aesthetic. A mixture of textures, including brass, wood paneling, and leather are prominently featured in the room along with accents of red (another nod to TWA). You can even make local or international calls on a rewired rotary phone. But what about the noise? Although a hotel next to a runway might seem loud, there???s no need to worry. Th
(Picture: David Mitchell/TWA Hotel/Cover Images)

The lobby features some of the original waiting area seating, while the music of the era –  such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the Beatles – plays in the background.

If you want to know more about the Jet Age, the hotel museum has mid-century TWA on display. You can see the uniforms flight attendants wore, with the furniture and travel posters of the time is available for view.

To add to the retro-inspired aesthetic, you can even make local or international calls on a rewired rotary phone.

Travelers landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport will soon be able to be transported back to the 1960's with a luxurious new hotel based onsite. The airport's first on-airport hotel will pay homage to the former Trans World Airlines (TWA) which had a terminal based inside the airport. Once one of the country???s largest airlines, it began operations in 1930 and shuttered its doors in 2001; the Flight Center at JFK closed that same year. The expansive space has since been re-purposed into a luxury accommodation aptly called TWA Hotel. The hotel will try to capture the glamour of air travel in the 1960's, when the landmark air terminal opened. The TWA Flight Center was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen and built in 1962 - just as air travel was becoming commonplace for the general public. It features sweeping lines and an airy openness that although vintage, still feels contemporary. Rather than fighting this style, present-day architecture firms Lubrano Ciavarra, INC Architecture & Design, Beyer Blinder Belle, and Stonehill Taylor highlight the mid-century modern look. The architects were careful to keep history alive. The lobby, as well as the business and event center, feature some of the original waiting area seating, while the music of the era - think Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the Beatles - plays overhead on a carefully curated soundtrack. If you want to know more about the Jet Age, the hotel museum has mid-century TWA on display. There are the likes of uniforms, furniture, and travel posters available for view. Beyond the common areas, each guest room is outfitted in this retro-inspired aesthetic. A mixture of textures, including brass, wood paneling, and leather are prominently featured in the room along with accents of red (another nod to TWA). You can even make local or international calls on a rewired rotary phone. But what about the noise? Although a hotel next to a runway might seem loud, there???s no need to worry. Th
(Picture: Max Touhey/TWA Hotel/Cover Image)

And don’t worry, you won’t be deafened by the sound of jet planes as rooms have been fitted with a special glass called Fabrica.

You can book a room at the luxury boutique hotel from 15 May 2019 on their website.

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Amazing gadget helps pregnant women shave their legs without bending over

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(Picture: Amazon)

Ah, pregnancy.

The excitement that comes from knowing you have your own little human growing inside of you. The comfiness of the maternity clothes. The pregnancy glow that everyone constantly compliments you on.

However, there’s also the sleepless nights, trying to get comfy with your big bump, the not being able to see your toes in the shower and, of course, the impossibility of shaving your legs.

But one company on Amazon has come to the rescue with a new gadget to help pregnant women shave their legs – if that’s something you’re still bothered about doing.

The Giraffe Razor Extension Handle is a large handle that holds your razor and allows you to shave your legs without having to bend over or get into any uncomfortable positions.

The handle adds 15-20 inches in length to the razor handle, and means you don’t have to bend at the waist at all.

Picture: Amazon Genius tool to help pregnant women shave their legs
(Picture: Amazon)

The gadget accommodates both men’s and women’s razors, and also has a no slip grip with a rubber finish, meaning you don’t need to worry about slipping and having to bend over to pick it up. Amazing.

The pivoting head of the extended razor holder rotates to 30 inches, and a 45 or 90 degree angle, meaning it maximises flexibility when shaving.

So far, the product has received incredible reviews – from both pregnant women and from people with health problems.

One person wrote: ‘This product is AMAZING! Having suffered with a bad back for a few years now shaving in the shower always proved tricky. I find this product has made shaving a breeze, no more bending over in shower so no sore back after shaving. Highly recommend.’

Another person said: ‘It’s a little expensive, but this product has been a lifesaver. I’m only in my 30’s and had a hip replacement and can’t bend past 90 degrees.

Picture: Amazon Genius tool to help pregnant women shave their legs
(Picture: Amazon)

‘This product has allowed me to have nice smooth legs without asking anyone for help. After the first use I wasn’t sure if this was a good buy, but after a few uses I got the hang of it.

‘The handle bends in various positions which makes it easier to reach my calfs [sic] when sitting. I’ve also used several different disposable razors and have not had a problem with them fitting. I would definitely recommend this product.’

One woman who bought the gadget for her daughter wrote: ‘I gifted this to my pregnant daughter and she says it’s amazing! The length is adjustable as well as the tilt of the part that attaches to the razor.’

The razor extender is currently selling on Amazon for £39. Yes, it’s a little expensive but saving yourself the pain is worth it.

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There is now a new Test and Treat service for cystitis at Boots – WITHOUT seeing your GP

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We’ve all been there.

You’re trying to get through each day; navigating sweaty armpits on the train, battling over the food you should have and what you actually want to eat, as you’re being mercilessly reminded every time you spend money by your banking app.

On top of that, deadlines and meetings are piling up, and then you’ve got to rush for the train, or battle in traffic, meet your friends (who appear to have time to still look glam) as you’re counting how many minutes before you have to try to get home for the bedtime story.

And that’s before you even start to tackle the washing or load the dishwasher. Did we forget to walk the dog?

Then life throws you a curveball; you get that burning sensation, and you are running to pee every five seconds.

Cystitis, a type of urinary tract infection (UTI), hits out of nowhere, what do you do next? Do you have to see a doctor? All you want to know is how to make it better.
Well, Boots have come up with a solution to help.

Cystitis is a really common condition that causes discomfort for a lot of women so you’re not alone, even though it feels like it when your pee is burning. Sorry, it turns out downing endless pints of cranberry juice doesn’t help much either. Science, eh? But fear not, it’s usually easy to treat and it just got easier. Which is fine for us to say when we’re not currently sitting crossed-legged in a cold sweat in fear of the next stinging wee. But bear with us.

In selected stores in London and Sheffield, Boots has launched a Cystitis Test & Treat Service, which means if you’re a woman between the ages of 16 to 64, you can get the advice and treatment you need without having to book to see your GP.*

Boots Cystitis diptest
In selected stores in London and Sheffield, Boots have a Cystitis Test & Treat Service for women aged 16-64 to help you in your time of need

Often it can be embarrassing to think about dealing with issues ‘down there’, but this is straightforward and discreet. You can pick up a Dip UTI urine test kit (£9.99) after a short conversation with one of our specially trained pharmacy advisors to check suitability. You will need to download the free accompanying app (compatible smart phone required), follow the instructions and use the test when and where it suits you and then bring the results – which will be shown in the app- back to the in-store  Boots pharmacist.

They can then talk you through the next steps and advise on the treatment, which might include prescription medication which the Boots pharmacist can provide you with, if suitable* to help get you back on track. This part of the service costs £14.99 if prescription medicine is supplied**.

If your symptoms are severe or if you have signs of a possible kidney infection e.g. lower back pain, fever, flu-like symptoms, then you will be advised to see your GP.

 

Signs and symptoms of cystitis

The NHS website includes the following signs and symptoms of cystitis to help you spot the condition and get the help you need.

The main symptoms of cystitis include:

  • pain, burning or stinging when you pee
  • needing to pee more often and urgently than normal
  • urine that's dark, cloudy or strong smelling
  • pain low down in your tummy
  • feeling generally unwell, achy, sick and tired

Read more about the symptoms here, and find advice on when you should visit your GP.

*For women aged 16-64. Private service in selected Boots stores in Sheffield & London, subject to availability. Compatible smartphone required (download free app). Eligibility criteria & charges apply.

Men and children with symptoms of cystitis should always see a doctor.

 **There is no charge for the pharmacist consultation if prescription medication is not supplied.  

For more information about the Boots Cystitis Test & Treat Service and participating stores. Click here.

Victoria’s Secret to close 53 stores as women leave the celebrity model brand

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Victoria’s Secret announced its plans to close 53 stores this year as women ditch the celebrity model brand for startups and superstores.

The lingerie icon’s parent company, L Brands, announced a 7% drop in sales over their last quarter and 40% in the last year – although the company’s flagship brand, Bath and Body Works, continued to do well.

CNN Business cited the company’s failure to produce more custom-fitted bras, as well as its celebrity model advertising strategy, as reasons for the brand’s struggles.

Security officers stand guard outside a store for American lingerie retailer Victoria's Secret at an outdoor shopping street in Beijing, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. American companies in China increasingly worry U.S.-Chinese relations will deteriorate and are "hedging their bets" by delaying investments or moving operations, a business group reported Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Victoria’s Secret announced that it will be closing 53 stores this year because of decreased sales (Picture: AP)

Superstores like Walmart and Best Buy have been doing increased business recently, which points to a waning interest in whether millionaire models wear the brand.

Although a change in strategy appears necessary for the survival of Victoria’s Secret, which has stuck to the same marketing strategy for decades, it may not sit well with consumers.

A painting, believed to be the second version of "Judith Beheading Holofernes" now named the "Lost Caravaggio", by Italian artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, is pictured during a photocall in London on February 28, 2019, following its restoration. - The 400-year-old canvas -- depicting the beheading of an Assyrian general, Holofernes, by Judith from the biblical Book of Judith -- was found in 2014 when the owners of a house near the southwestern city of Toulouse in France, were investigating a leak in the ceiling. It is a burst of violence painted in haunting tones by a Renaissance master worth at least $100 million -- or yet another fake distressing the art world. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images'Lost Caravaggio' worth at least £129,000,000 was deemed worthless by burglars

‘People identify Victoria’s Secret with what it’s been for the last 20 years – very sexy and airbrushed models,’ said investment analyst Janine Stitcher.

‘If they were going to pivot now, I don’t think it would come off as authentic. They don’t have a great option.

Not only is the lingerie brand getting outpaced by superstores, but they are also starting to feel the heat from startups in the industry that feature everyday women as models.

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 08: Elsa Hosk walks the runway during the Fantasy Bra during 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret)
Elsa Hosk walks the runway during the Fantasy Bra during 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 in New York. Consumers seem to be turned off by the celebrity model brand as of late (Picture: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

Startups like Adore Me and Thirdlove have proved that consumers are more compelled to buy their intimate wear from a brand that does not boast unattainable beauty standards – they also sell a wider range of better-fitting bras.

Competative pricing has also played a part in Victoria’s Secret’s decline. Target launched a new underwear brand for women on Monday, which features bras that all cost under $22.  Lululemon and Walmart have followed suit and alluded to plans to reduce pricing.


How much is the Lidl straightening brush and which stores stock it?

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Lidl's GHD straightening brush dupe
These are a Lidl bit like GHDs (Picture: Lidl)

Your eyes do not deceive – Lidl have brought out their own version of a straightening brush.

20th January 2019, Alexandra Palace, London, England; Dafabet Masters Snooker final, Ronnie O'Sullivan versus Judd Trump; Ronnie O'Sullivan plans his shot (photo by Simon West/Action Plus via Getty Images)Ronnie O'Sullivan goes on bizarre Twitter rant about snooker ranking points

The brush looks and works an awful lot like one that GHD have brought out.

There is one very big difference between the two though, and it comes in the shape of the much smaller price tag.

Want to get your hands on one?

First of all, we don’t blame you. Second of all, stick around, because we’ve got what you need to know…

How much is Lidl’s new straightening brush?

Strap yourself in, because Lidl’s model of the brush is only £14.99 to GHD’s £125.

lidl and ghd's straightening brushes
(Picture: Lidl)

That’s a whopping £110 cheaper than what GHD have to offer, even though a lot of the Lidl brush’s specs are the same.

The brush has a similar design to the GHD straightening brush, with added rose gold detailing.

It adds volume and body to the hair while, at the same time, the heated prongs straighten it.

Lidl’s version also features a ceramic heat pad, like the GHD brush, which is adjustable from 120 to 210 degrees – so you can keep your hair healthy by adjusting the heat to a setting that suits you best.

What Lidl stores stock the straightening brush?

Rejoice – all Lidl stores have the straightening brush, known as the Silvercrest Hair Straightening Brush, as long as their stocks last.

This isn’t the first Silvercrest brush to be released by Lidl either.

Last year, they offered a model of the brush for £9.99, and it got some stellar reviews.

Demonstrating it’s use for her viewers, YouTuber Bethany Mew said: ‘My hair looks smooth, and nice, and the only thing that I guess isn’t so good is that you can’t get super close to the curly bits.’

‘But I am super impressed, my hair is straight.

‘And it works – £10! Fabulous.’

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You could get paid £200 to drink cider all day long at a rugby game

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Get paid to taste test Thatchers Cider at Premiership rugby match A group of friends with drinks at a nightclub. Young people are enjoying
(Picture: Getty)

Bath Rugby is looking to pay someone to taste Thatchers Cider at their game with Bristol Bears at Twickenham this year.

They’re going to pay someone £200 for someone to sample the cider to ‘prove it’s perfect’.

Gallagher Premiership team, Bath Rugby has partnered with Thatchers to recruit a cider ‘taste’ officer for its annual event, The Clash, at Twickenham on 6 April.

The job will pay a flat rate of £200 for the day and will involve sampling the Thatchers that is used at The Clash, to confirm its quality is top notch.

To apply for the role, you have to be 18 years or older. Obviously.

You also have to be passionate about cider (we guess this just means it’s your go-to drink on a night out) and have a love for rugby.

No prior experience is required. Apparently. Though we’d suggest you get a good taste for cider, because you’ll be drinking it all day.

With the job, you’ll also get free entry to the event.

(Picture: Getty)

At the event, the new recruit will be sampling the Thatchers used on site before it’s sold to the public, to confirm the taste is to Thatchers’ high level of standard.

Bath Rugby and Thatchers endorses responsible drinking so the candidate will be required to take regular water breaks to re-hydrate, eat and watch parts of the game.

Of course, you won’t be able to drive home after the event, so you best beg your mum to give you a lift.

Game day gates open for pre-match entertainment at 11am, with the game kicking off at 2pm. The ‘taste’ officer will need to arrive at 10:30am and will be on shift for just a few hours, so they can still watch the game. After that they can head to the West Fan Village to enjoy the rest of their evening.

Ben Wells from Bath Rugby said: ‘I can’t think of a better way to come and cheer on the Blue, Black and Whites. To be honest, if I wasn’t working, I’d apply myself!

‘Tickets are selling out fast so fans who want to experience an action-packed day of professional rugby and family fun at the end of the season need to act soon.’

If you’re interested in applying, you can do so through the Bath Rugby website.

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ASOS is selling high visibility builder hoodies that could probably stop traffic

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(Picture: ASOS)

Maybe builders’ attire is underrated. PrettyLittleThing previously sold a high-vis jacket for £45 but it lowkey screamed fashion.

And now ASOS is following suit with its very own take on construction clothes, offering a builder’s hoodie. Yep, these are hoodies just like the orange ones with grey reflecting lighting we’re used to seeing construction workers or security folks wear.

The fashion retailer is selling its Collusion Everyone Together Unisex hoodie with reflective tape for £30. And you know what? It doesn’t look that bad.

But naturally, the online community doesn’t seem to think it’s all that and have joked that if they were to wear the jumper it would make them feel like they’re about to go and build some houses.

Hey, at least you’ll be visible at night if you’re a cyclist. It’s certainly one way to stand out.

People questioned the price of an outfit inspired by builders which could be bought for a much cheaper price on a construction company website.

It’s certainly not the first time ASOS has come out with a controversial creation; earlier this month it revealed a dress which can only be described as resembling a bin bag.

Honestly, save yourself £26 and rummage through your kitchen drawer.

The retailer also showed off a very questionable office wear/fanny pack ensemble that had people raising their eyebrows. And let’s not forget their bra of torment and misery.

In the grand scheme of things, ASOS’s orange hoodies are quite toned down.

But if you think the security look is high fashion, you can check out almost identical garments for about £12 on eBay.

Any builders looking to stock up on a durable high-vis jackets might want to check out safety gear website Arco, though it’s a bit more spenny.

If you like the look of it but want it in a more lowkey colour then bad news, it only comes in orange.

But at least it’s unisex so you and bae can both sport matching looks before you go and build houses together.

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How often should you wash your bra?

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(Picture: Getty)

Wearing my second backless top in two weeks, I realised I haven’t changed my bra, and worry people will notice and brand me a filthy little thing.

This got me wondering, how long does everyone else wear their bras for before they put it in the wash? It seems to be a question asked and answered in various corners of the internet.

Previously we reported that we’re apparently supposed to wash our over-the-shoulder boulders after two washes but that doesn’t seem at all realistic (who’s got that kind of time?)

Most of us, probably, rotate the same ‘good’ bras we’re used to wearing, and wash and wear the same one over long periods of time. But that means the garment quickly loses its elasticity and functionality, meaning we could be damaging our breasts.

We spoke to two bra fit experts who told us how often they recommend we wash them and that the life expectancy of a bra should be no more than a year.

So yeah, might be time to do an old rummage of the delicates drawer.

(Picture: Getty)

Julia Mercer from specialist service Bra Fit tells Metro.co.uk: ‘I would recommend washing after each use as this keeps your bra clean and fresh.

A bra is at its best in its first year of being worn.

‘My top tip on caring for them to help prolong life is reshaping padded bras in your hands when damp which will help to keep its shape.

‘The best temperature for washing is 40 degrees in order for this to be hygienically clean. Store your bra carefully in your lingerie drawer to avoid any bra wire damage.’

Lingerie buyer from Boux Avenue Lisa Annand said it’s all about the individual.

‘How often you should wash your bra depends on the person really, though if you wear it more than once you should rest it between wears,’ she says.

‘You should get machine washable bras to keep it looking its best for longer, bras should be put in a separate lingerie bag to protect them during a wash.

‘And ideally, you should be fitted every six months to make sure you are always wearing the right size that is most suitable and comfortable for you, so I would say that’s a good milestone to go by when considering buying a new bra.’

While some experts recommend washing after every use, we know it’s not always possible. So having looked at various online communities it seems washing a bra after every two to three wears is acceptable, depending on your lifestyle. If you’re not washing them in this time, try to give them a break so bras can regain some of their elasticity.

Basically, just try not to go weeks without your undergarments.

Now, to see how often we should wash our towels

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Influencers slammed for hanging out of a moving train to get a photo for Instagram

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(Picture: explorerssaurus_)

It’s easy to make fun of influencers.

Whether they’re pretending tortillas are pancakes for a sponsored post or spending hours perfecting their strandid, their work requires some slightly out-there activities.

But most influencers’ actions are funny and harmless. This particular action has been accused of being irresponsible and straight up dangerous.

Portuguese travel bloggers Raquel and Miguel, who go by @exploressaurus_ on Instagram and have more than 200,000 followers, have been slammed for hanging out of a moving train in Sri Lanka just to get the perfect picture for the ‘Gram.

Photos show Raquel and Miguel hanging out of a train riding along the tracks of small town Ella. In one, Raquel holds on to the rails with her entire body outside of the train, Miguel kissing her on the forehead. In another, Miguel holds Raquel’s hand so she can lean back.

Now, before you get any ideas of a high-speed train rocketing around the tracks, the couple has clarified that the train they were on was ‘moving supper slow’.

METRO GRAB - taken from the Instagram of @explorerssaurus_ no permission Influencer couple slammed for posing hanging out of a moving train https://www.instagram.com/explorerssaurus_/?hl=en Picture: @explorerssaurus_
(Picture: @explorerssaurus_)

But that doesn’t mean the pose is entirely safe.

The photos show the couple hanging out of the train right over a massive ravine. One wobble and they could have fallen to their deaths.

And perhaps more worryingly, these photos could inspire aspiring Instagrammers to replicate the pose for the same high number of double taps. Someone else might not be riding a slow train, and could start dangling their bodies outside of a speedy carriage, risking serious injury and death.

One person commented: You’d risk your lives just for a picture? Just so you can upload it on social media? Or do you do this because this gives you ‘the rush’? How is this sensible? Anything could’ve happened.’

Another said: ‘I would never promote a picture like this since there are not few people stupid enough to feel encouraged to try and recreate the idea. What you do and the models do is only their own responsibility. But you should see your responsibility for influencing others.

METRO GRAB - taken from the Instagram of @explorerssaurus_ no permission Influencer couple slammed for posing hanging out of a moving train https://www.instagram.com/explorerssaurus_/?hl=en Picture: @explorerssaurus_
(Picture: @explorerssaurus_)

‘It doesn’t matter how slow the train was moving! It’s stupid and dangerous and most importantly you will inspire others to take similar risky and dangerous shots. How do you not understand that?’

Raquel has responded to the backlash, repeating that the train was moving slowly and stating that she doesn’t think the pose ‘is dangerous at all’.

It’s not the first time the couple has taken risks for an Instagram shot. A quick scroll through their profile shows them standing on precarious ledges with massive drops, leaning on balconies, and diving off cliffs backwards.

Meanwhile, we can’t upload a picture of poached eggs without our mum commenting: ‘make sure that’s cooked, don’t want to get sick xxxx’.

Here’s hoping they’ve got decent travel insurance, and are perhaps thinking of hiring a health and safety manager.

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Sex toys on trial: Is Poundland’s Nooky Bonkin’ Bunny Vibrator good enough to get you off?

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(Picture: Poundland/Metro.co.uk)

Nooky’s Bonkin’ Bunny Vibrator is the latest sex toy offering from Poundland, and it only costs one English pound.

Yes, a whole vibrator for £1. But price isn’t everything.

On first appearance, the Bonkin’ Bunny looks like it’s going to give you a wild ride. But the reality is actually a bit of a let down.

You’ll probably cum, because there’s enough clitoral stimulation to make that basically an inevitability – but you’re not going to see God.

I had big hopes for the Bunny – with its fleshy exterior, different buzz-strength settings and cute little rabbit ears. But I have high standards for my solo pleasure sessions, and it just didn’t quite hit the spot. So to speak.

What does it look like?

The Bonkin’ Bunny is pretty intensely phallic. So if you like your sex toys to look like actual penis then you’re in for a treat.

It’s firm but squishy, like an erect cock, and it has a pronounced head that really resembles the tip. The only real differences are the fact that it is aggressively purple, and it has rabbit ears attached to the front.

The ears are super flexible and, I felt, a tad on the flimsy side. I want the ears to be as firm as a finger or a tongue, but these were more like two sad dandelion stalks.

On the bottom – at the base of the vibrator – there is a twisty section, which adjusts the strength of the vibration. Turn it all the way and the device will turn off. That’s also where you unscrew it to insert the single AA battery that it needs.

???JUST IN??? BEAVER TEASER BUZZES ITS WAY ONTO POUNDLAND SHELVES THIS VALENTINE???S DAY Retailer adds the Bonkin??? Bunny to its Nooky sex toy range Ahead of Valentine???s Day (but remember it???s for life not just for VDay), Poundland has added a new sex toy to its range; the Bonkin??? Bunny, inspired by a leading high street retailer???s Rampant Rabbit at a fraction of the price ??? just ??5, versus (up to) ??75. Part of the retailer???s ever-expanding Nooky range, the Bonkin??? Bunny joins the Playful Bullet, Nooky Joy Ring, Nooky Lube and Vibrator Love Ring to complete the joy selection in stores. The retailer launched its Nooky range in 2017 and it now includes over 14 products, including energy-enhancing pills and a pleasure ring, lowering the cost of having adult fun. Poundland???s Bonkin??? Bunny stops customers being shafted by being up to 15 times better value than the Rampant Rabbit, as it buzzes in to help spread affordable joy to the nation. The Bonkin??? Bunny will be available behind the till to customers who ask for ???Justin???, as Poundland blows the roof off taboos and opens up conversations around sex and intimacy. Poundland has recently got the nation talking (including Piers Morgan) with the launch of its ??1 ???placeholder??? engagement Bling Ring, so this new product will come as no shock to the its customers, familiar with having their funny bone(r)s tickled by Poundland. Poundland???s Nooky guru Holley Mobley said: ???We hope customers feel our vibe and love the bunny as much as we do. We???re buzzing to see what they think!??? -ENDS- Poundland Nooky range includes: ??? Bonkin??? Bunny ??? Vibrating Love Ring ??? Joy Ring ??? Pure Water Base Lubricant ??? Pure Men 2-Cap Supplement ??? Finger Fun Stimulator ??? Female Sexual Vitality 2-Cap ??? Playful Bullet For further information, please contact the Poundland PR team on [0203 858 0022] or email [poundland@talkertailor.com] Editor
(Picture: Poundland)

What can you do with it?

It’s your pretty standard buzz-and-penetrate combo really.

So, settle yourself down somewhere comfy, grab your favourite porn stash or conjure up something from your wank bank, and get ready to go to town.

It comes with lube, which is handy because it’s 7.2 inches from tip to base, and it is a rather girthy contraption.

If pure penetration is your jam then you can jump right in, no need to mess around with any buttons. Or if you need the buzz to get you off, just twist the base to feel the vibes.

The idea is that main body of the vibrator will provide pleasure through penetration and the bunny ears will buzz nicely against your clit, bringing you to orgasm.

The different buzz settings mean you can start off slow and build the intensity – or just keep a low-level buzz throughout, depending on what you’re after.

And, in theory, that all sounds great.

What don’t we like about it?

Penetration isn’t really my go-to when it comes to masturbation. I’m not averse to it at all, but I know my orgasms come from clitoral (and nipple) stimulation – so I tend to focus on that for consistant, reliable results.

The Bonkin’ Bunny is way more about penetration, so if that’s what you’re in to then you might find it much more effective than I did.

For me, the vibration is the important part (I mean, it is actually in the name of the device, vibrator), and that’s where the Bunny was lacking.

It buzzed. It certainly buzzed. But it was loud, and juddery at times. Particularly when switching between the buzz strength settings.

I love the idea of having different settings. I like to take my time over masturbation, so the idea of a long, torturous build up before that sweet release is incredibly appealing.

But the settings just don’t deliver.

On the lowest buzz setting, rather than a delicate hum, you get a jerky, irregular wobble. As you move up the strength settings, the buzz kind of lurches and shudders. It’s off-putting and just doesn’t feel great.

When it comes to climaxing, rhythm is key.

I need the vibration to be smooth, consistent and ridiculously stimulating. The only setting where this was the case was at maximum buzz strength. So my dream of a teasing build up never materialised.

And the twisty base mechanism was tricky to handle. You need one hand on the shaft and the other twisting the base – so you don’t have a free hand for your nips (which, as I’ve mentioned, is crucial).

Also, it can be hard to remember which way to twist to increase the buzz and which way to twist to turn it down. You don’t want to find yourself at a critical moment and accidentally turn the vibration off instead of up.

That is, quite literally, a buzz kill.

I mentioned that it was also loud. I wouldn’t want a flatmate or family member in the next room while I was using it. It sounds quite aggressive and very mechanical – which can definitely make you lose focus.

What do we like about it?

It is so ridiculously cheap. It isn’t perfect, but at £1 you can forgive a multitude of sins.

If you like penetration when you masturbate then you will definitely like the Bunny.

The girth coupled with the fleshiness makes it feel really comfortable, as well as feeling pleasantly substantial inside you.

Also, at maximum strength, the vibration is really effective, so if you’re home alone and can put up with the noise, it will definitely get you off.

It’s latex and phtalates-free, which is also great if you have any allergies that you have to consider.

Final thoughts

Despite the clear economic value, the Bunny didn’t live up to expectations – but I know that’s partly down to personal preference.

There just wasn’t enough focus on the nuanced possibilities of vibration stimulation for my liking.

I would rather the additional buzz settings just weren’t an option, because they don’t work in a smooth or enjoyable way. It’s essentially a case of – you get what you pay for.

The lowest buzz setting was just annoying rather than teasing, and I really don’t want to be annoyed when I’m pleasuring myself.

Nooky's Bonkin' Bunny Vibrator

Overall score: 3/5 The vibration issues really let the side down – but also it costs ONE POUND.

Satisfaction: 2/5 Nobody wants to judder their way to orgasm.

Ease of use: 3/5 It’s simple, if a bit on the big side.

Nosiness: 2/5 Way too noisy. Awkward if you have housemates.

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Do not dehumanise me. I am a disabled person and I’m not here to be your fetish

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Sarah Alexander is sick of being fetishised online
I didn’t realise that by posting more photos of me, I’d open myself up to nauseating comments and messages regarding my disability (Photo: Sarah Alexander)

When you put yourself out there online there’s almost an expectation that you’ll be trolled for whatever reason.

There’s always going to be someone that doesn’t agree with what you’ve written, like your Insta photo or agree with your status. Unfortunately it’s a sad reality of internet culture. But when you’re a disabled person and use the internet, the comments go from unkind to extremely creepy.

I’m a wheelchair user and I post a lot of fashion and lifestyle content on my Instagram account. The majority of images include me sat in my powerchair, often with a caption about how my day has been or an affirmation about body positivity.

What I didn’t realise was that by posting more photos of me, I’d open myself up to nauseating comments and messages regarding my disability.

I’m not completely naïve, I knew there’d be the odd ableist remark but not on a daily basis and not to the extent that my boyfriend has to vet my direct message requests to make sure they’re from genuine people and not someone telling me that they’ve never ‘tried a chick in a wheelchair’.

Yes, believe it or not, someone actually commented on one of my pictures, ‘I’ve always wanted to try a chick in a wheelchair.’ My initial reaction upon reading it was, ‘you should be so lucky, mate,’ but when I considered what he’d written, what he’d said on my public Instagram account, when I really unpacked his statement, I felt a bit sick.

Sarah Alexander is a lifestyle blogger
Minimising me to nothing more than my wheelchair is massively ableist (Photo: Sarah Alexander)

Not only was he implying that I was some limited edition flavour of crisps he’d love to taste but he also seemed to believe he was doing me a favour, like I wouldn’t have a say in the matter, that I am just an object to be consumed.

Because how could I, a 32 year old disabled woman that has been in relationships all her adult life, possibly ever find someone to have sex with?

Surely I wait patiently for men online to present themselves to me? Surely I don’t have any other option. He’s doing me a favour, right? What a solider he is, taking one for the team – trying a chick in a wheelchair like some sort of philanthropist.

Minimising me to nothing more than my wheelchair is massively ableist and it’s downright ridiculous to think disabled people can’t find themselves a partner.

Disabled people are sexy; we want love and sex the same as everyone else. We’re not your fetish, we’re not a new toy you can try and discard, we don’t unlock an achievement if you bed us.

We’re people. We have feelings, we have wants and needs just like you, we’re not aliens and we’re not here to be a commodity for you.

The gross comments don’t stop there; I’ve also had a guy tell me he loves me in my wheelchair and can’t wait for my next picture because I turn him on. Now is that okay to say to someone, ever?

I always go by the rule of, ‘if you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it online’ but a lot of people haven’t received that memo and I really wish they would.

I post images online for me, to raise awareness, to spread positivity and start discussions; I do not post images online for men to fantasise over. Do not fetishise me. It makes me feel unnatural, othered, a monster.

I know I’m not, and luckily I am a very confident person but saying this kind of thing to someone who questions themselves could do some real damage.

As well as those vulgar comments, I receive messages pitying me, telling me that I’m a hopeless person, countless crying emojis, and wanting to know my medical history or why I use a wheelchair.

I’m a pretty positive person so I won’t be attending a pity party and I am certainly not hopeless or upset about the cards I’ve been dealt.

However, one thing I will not accept is being made to feel less than anyone else just because of my disability.

Do not dehumanise me. I am a person. I am a disabled person and I’m not here to be your fetish.

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Agender alien wants to give hope to other people who feel different

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Jareth Nebula (PA Real Life/Collect)
Jareth Nebula identifies as an agender alien (Picture: PA Real Life)

Jareth Nebula previously identified as a transgender man. Now they are an agender alien.

Jareth, 33, was assigned female at birth and changed their name and transitioned when they were 29.

Now, they no longer identify as belonging to any human gender, instead believing they are an alien stuck in human form.

Jareth said that in an ideal world people would call them ‘thing’ or ‘it’ rather than using the ‘he’ pronoun. Throughout this article we’ll use the gender neutral ‘they’, as Jareth identifies as agender.

If the name Jareth sounds familiar, that’s because the alien named themself after David Bowie’s character in the 1986 film Labyrinth. The Nebula bit describes a space cloud.

‘After coming out as transgender and believing I had finally found myself, I realised I was wrong – I wasn’t male or female, or even human,’ says Jareth.

‘I don’t think or feel like humans. I can’t really explain it to others – I’m simply otherworldly.

Jareth Nebula after chest surgery (PA Real Life/Collect)
Jareth following top surgery (Picture: PA Real Life)

‘I didn’t feel comfortable as either gender or even anything in between. I know I’m stuck in a human form and that’s how I’m perceived by others – but to me, I’m an alien with no gender.’

Jareth has long felt they didn’t fit in with the crowd, in part because of their diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a chronic condition affecting connective tissue.

EDS causes Jareth to have stretchy skin, leading to the nickname ‘Mr Elastic’ from his doctors, and intense pain.

Jareth says: ‘The condition means I can pop my joints out on purpose, which was a fun party trick when I was a kid.

‘Now I realise why I could do that. My pain in my joints got worse as I got older and I would find it harder to move day to day.

‘I get to a chiropractor once every two weeks and see a physical therapist once a week, as well as smoking medicinal marijuana for the pain – but there is currently no cure for EDS.’

Jareth Nebula (PA Real Life/Collect)
Jareth uses body modification to look as different as possible (Picture: PA Real Life)

In their late 20s, Jareth began to take testosterone injections and had surgery to remove their breasts.

But even during transition, things didn’t feel quite right.

‘I thought being a trans man would solve all of my issues and inner battles with finding out who I was, but I wasn’t as happy as I expected to be,’ says Jareth.

‘I felt like I was trying to fit into someone else’s box. I didn’t want to be constrained – that’s when I discovered what agender was.

‘I’d always been obsessed with aliens, too, and what it means to be extraterrestrial, so the idea of being an agender alien fit perfectly as an identity for me.’

Part of Jareth’s identity is body modifications to appear as unique as possible.

Jareth has a huge circuit board tattooed on their face, does not have nipples following top surgery, shaves off their eyebrows, and has 78 stars tattooed all over their body. They hope to get 333 star tattoos eventually, as three is their lucky number.

Jareth Nebula (PA Real Life/Collect)
(Picture: PA Real Life)

Fashion helps, too. Jareth wears neon, gothic, and pastel clothing inspired by Harajuku style.

Sadly, Jareth’s family does not support their decision to become an alien.

But Jareth hopes that by sharing their story, they’ll give hope to others who feel different.

‘My family still see me as a trans man, because they don’t understand what agender or alien really means,’ says Jareth.

‘I have online friends who support me, but offline is harder. Not everyone understands – but that’s okay. I don’t expect them to get it, I only want acceptance.

‘People treat me like a freak because I’m an alien, but it’s a completely valid thing to call yourself.

‘Who is anyone to tell you who you can or can’t be? If someone wants to identify as anything, even an animal, let them.

‘I feel sorry for people who attack me online. I think they lack empathy and just want to target me, so I deal with it pretty well by brushing it off.

‘I’m happy with who I am and will continue to become more alien-like every day.’

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Otherkins – the ‘trans species’ people who don’t identify as human

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(Picture: Getty)

Otherkins are a group of people who do not identify as human.

The origin and exact definition of otherkins is somewhat nebulous. Some otherkins regard themselves as transspecies, others believe that their identity is genetic, a result of reincarnation, or feel that being otherkin is a religion.

Some otherkins identify with a specific animal, others identify as mythical creatures. Some common otherkin identities include angels, demons, fairies, aliens, cartoon character and sprites.

According to the Twitter account Otherkin FAQ, people who identify with ‘real’ animals, like cats or dogs, are not otherkin but Therians.

The account shares other observations about being Otherkin such as ‘Otherkins know that they are biologically human’ and ‘There is no solid definition of how one can be

Otherkins are believed to have started from an internet community of online elves in the 1990’s.

The University of Cambridge did a deep dive into what it means to be an otherkin, which cites a paper titled Doctors Herding Cats: The Misadventures of Modern Medicine and Psychology with NonhuMan Identities.

The author, Pedro Feijo writes: ‘We have witnessed, in the last half a century, an explosion of politics grounded on new identities, and on their overcoming.

‘People have been experimenting with and transgressing the limits of what it means to be a woman, of what it means to have a gender, a sex, or a sexual orientation.’

‘Across the western world, individuals and collectives are defying our identity as organic beings, in contrast with mechanical ones, and exploring cyborgism. Social movements of trans and disabled people started questioning what it means exactly to be an able body.

‘The neuro-diverse and BIID (Body Integrity Identity Disorder – people who would prefer to be ‘disabled’) have followed in the same footsteps.

‘I thought it would be worth exploring the worlds of those who clash with one central dichotomy: humanity and non-human animality.’

You can read the full article here.

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Disabled woman with brittle bone disease risks her life by doing aerial silks

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Sherise Dreyer, 32, has osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease.

A lack of calcium in her body mean her bones could snap and shatter easily, making all physical activity unsafe – particularly anything that puts her in danger of taking a tumble.

But despite advice from doctors and strangers, Sherise risks her life to be extremely active, doing rockclimbing, running, yoga, and aerial silks.

Yep, aerial silks. The exercise in which you hang from the ceiling and could slip, fall, and – in Sherise’s case – shatter all the bones in your body.

It’s not the safest choice, but Sherise isn’t bothered. She loves a challenge, and her doctors are amazed by not only her determination but her physical strength, which she describes as ‘not normal’.

 Most people think Sherise shouldn’t be doing aerial silks, but she loves it (Picture: Sherise Dreyer/Metro.co.uk)

‘I’m stronger than anyone I have ever met with my type [of osteogenesis imperfecta],’ Sherise tells Metro.co.uk. ‘As I got older, I have gained strength. My calcium levels increased and I haven’t had a fracture in years.’

Sherise has always been active.

Years ago she was a dancer, doing contemporary, ballroom and Latin styles, but quit to focus on academics and her career in marketing.

A sedentary job left her restless and worrying about her fitness and general health. Sherise joined the gym, but it wasn’t for her. Then she tried stretching classes, which she enjoyed, which led her to aerial silks.

Sherise has brittle bone disease, which means her bones can easily break and shatter (Picture: Sherise Dreyer/Metro.co.uk)

Aerial silks is an activity that’s tricky in itself, but Sherise’s disability adds further challenge.

Sherise, who uses a wheelchair, has shorter arms that make it difficult to reach up the silks. Immense strength is required to pull yourself up using just your arms, which she’s built over time.

Plus, she absolutely cannot fall.

‘Taking into account the nature of my disabilty I must also be extra careful; falling is not an option at all,’ Sherise explains. ‘Most people argue I shouldn’t be doing silks at all.’

But Sherise loves a challenge. She refused to give up.

Falling is ‘not an option’ as Sherise risks serious damage (Picture: Sherise Dreyer/Metro.co.uk)

‘Initially, I couldn’t pull myself up at all,’ she says. ‘I thought to myself: how could this even be possible?

‘I severely underestimated the level of strength and fitness that is required to do silks.

‘There is an extreme sense of accomplishment when I master what other people regard as being the basics — knowing that I have overcome a personal challenge or obstacle.

‘I thrive on challenges.’

She’s always been confident in her body and loves a challenge (Picture: Sherise Dreyer/Metro.co.uk)

Sherise has always been confident in her body, but doing aerial silks has strengthened not only her body, but her relationship with it.

‘I am very comfortable in my skin,’ says Sherise. ‘My arms and legs are stronger; so now I manage to pull myself up into my car faster. Since I am short it is a climbing mission to reach anything.

‘[Doing aerial silks has given me] muscle, muscle and more muscle… my biceps are popping like never before.’

Sherise has fallen in love with aerial silks and has no plans to stop. (Picture: Sherise Dreyer/Metro.co.uk)

The mental benefits of exercise are huge, too, and Sherise shares her aerial workouts online to show people how much joy can be found in getting active.

‘When life gets too much mentally training, dancing and being active is a sense of relief and helps ground me,’ says Sherise. ‘Physically I am far fitter and more active than anyone I know with my type.

‘I’m always trying some new fitness challenge, even if it’s just once.’

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MORE: Do not dehumanise me. I am a disabled person and I’m not here to be your fetish

Space NK launching cute beauty bag to support women’s charity Refuge

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Space NK charity beauty bag
(Picture: Space NK / Metro)

It’s always enjoyable treating yourself to new beauty products, right? But it’s even nicer when you know that the brands and stores you love are giving back to charity too.

This March, high street retailer Space NK is partnering with Selfish Mother founder Molly Gunn to create a bespoke Space NK Selfish Mother Beauty Bag to help fundraise for Refuge, a charity that aids women, men and children escaping domestic abuse.

The Space NK Selfish Mother Beauty Bag is packed with best-selling beauty products worth £90, but is priced at £50. From every sale, £5 (+ vat) will be donated to Refuge.

Molly launched her signature MOTHER T-shirt in the summer of 2014 to show solidarity and to raise money for women in war-torn countries. But this collaboration with Space NK is Selfish Mother’s first in beauty and comes as Molly has reached an impressive £1million milestone in donations to charities who are doing incredible work.

(Picture: Space NK)

The grey beauty bag contains an edit of six of Molly’s must-have beauty products worth £90 and there’s not a dud in sight. Inside you’ll find favourites from brands such as Drunk Elephant and By Terry. And a full sized 100% vegan lipstick from beauty brand ILIA.

Chief executive of Refuge, Sandra Horley said: ‘Refuge is delighted to be working with Space NK and Molly Gunn. Domestic abuse is the biggest issue affecting women and children in the UK today; a staggering one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some time in their lives and over 800,000 children in England alone live in homes where domestic violence is taking place.’

‘Thanks to Space NK and Molly, aka Selfish Mother, we can reach many more women who need our life-saving and life-changing services, while raising essential funds for our frontline services. Together we will save and change yet more lives.’

So why not make your next beauty purchase one that gives back too?

The Space NK Selfish Mother Beauty Bag will be available to purchase in-store and online at spacenk.com for £50 from Tuesday 5 March.

Who are Refuge and what do they do?

Refuge opened the world’s first refuge in Chiswick, West London, in 1971. Since then it has grown to become the country’s largest single provider of specialist support to women and children escaping domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence.

On any given day Refuge supports more than 6,000 women and children.

Refuge’s national network of specialist services include: safe emergency accommodation through refuges in secret locations across the country; community-based outreach services; culturally specific services for women from South Asian, African and Caribbean, Eastern European and Vietnamese backgrounds; a modern slavery service; independent advocacy services for women at the highest risk of serious injury and homicide; a range of single point of access services for women, children and men across entire regions; and the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership with Women.

(Registered charity number 277424)

Three best friends pose together in their underwear to celebrate their stoma bags

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(Picture: PA Real Life)

Three women have been pictured posing in their underwear to show off their stoma bags.

Each suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, Sarah Anderson, 25, Beth Gallagher, 24 and Lydia Andrew, 23, have all had part of their digestive system removed and stoma bags fitter.

Boosted by their common bond, they are all now ‘out and proud,’ feeling happy to reveal their stomas in the gym and on the beach.

Sarah, a masters student, who had her stoma bag fitted at 23, said: ‘Meeting Beth and Lydia lifted me up and they helped to reassure me about all my insecurities.

‘I still find it difficult showing my bag off in person. I went to the beach for the first time last year and I knew some people were looking.

‘But now I feel far more prepared to get out in public and head down to a beach or a gym with my bag on show – because I feel now that if someone tries to be negative about my body they are taking on all of us.’

Sarah was 15 when she first started experiencing symptoms of IBD, passing blood every time she went to the toilet.

She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, where the colon and rectum become inflamed.

She was treated for seven years with steroids, to help reduce the inflammation as well as infusions to suppress the immune system.

Her condition worsened over the years, making it difficult to lead a normal life.

Beth (left), Lydia and Sarah (right) (PA Real Life/Collect)
Beth (left), Lydia and Sarah (right) (Picture: PA Real Life)

‘There were days when I couldn’t even leave the house as I was constantly having to go to the toilet,’ she recalled.

‘I remember once, when I was working at Tesco, not being able to make it to the toilet in time which, in such a public place, was totally mortifying.’

Despite the debilitating symptoms that included pain so bad that she twice passed out from it, which turned her into a virtual recluse, for years Sarah fought her doctors’ advice to have a stoma bag fitted.

Finally, in 2016, aged 23, she succumbed when she realised that having her life restricted by her constant trips to the bathroom was worse than any stoma bag could be.

Going under the knife that May at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Sarah had a four-hour long surgery to remove part of the large intestine, leaving her with a stoma – an opening in the abdomen which allows waste to be diverted out of the body and collected in a pouch.

Like Beth and Lydia, having the stoma bag fitted left her feeling isolated and alone, as she did not know anyone who identified with her situation.

She said: ‘It is very isolating to be a young woman with bowel disease as it’s the sort of thing you normally associate with older people.

‘Especially being single it can be pretty tough as you really don’t want to have to go around explaining to every man you sleep with why you have a bag attached to you.

‘I know it’s selfish, as I could be dead without it due to the risk of developing cancer, but I really miss my old body.’

Beth (left), Lydia and Sarah (right) visiting Beth in Sheffield (PA Real Life/Collect)
(Picture: PA Real Life)

Suffering with anxiety and depression as a result of her surgery, Sarah’s mood lifted when she started bonding with women in a similar situation online.

Taking to Instagram one day in a week after her operation, she vented her dislike of her new physique to her 100 followers, saying: ‘It’s one week post op for me and it’s been the hardest week of my entire life.

‘I got my colon removed to reduce my cancer risk and to live without pain but mentally living with an ileostomy isn’t as easy as I thought.

‘Emptying my bag is a dreaded thought and I need help and support to constantly do anything.

‘I know things will get better but this disease and what people suffer needs more awareness.

‘I’m not ashamed of living with this and I never will be.’

The post, which received 89 likes, was spotted by Lydia, a design assistant at an art studio, who had just had similar surgery because of ulcerative colitis.

‘Lydia contacted me out of the blue and said that she was going through a similar situation,’ said Sarah.

‘She said that she respected my brutal honesty, the fact that I told it like it is and didn’t shy away from the reality of how it is to be a young woman living with a stoma. After that, we were pretty much in contact all the time.’

Exchanging their daily concerns about their situation using WhatsApp, Sarah explained how she felt her condition had held her back for years while her friends were getting on in life.

Beth (left), Lydia and Sarah (right) (PA Real Life/Collect)
Beth (left), Lydia and Sarah (right) (Picture: PA Real Life)

She also confided her sadness over a relationship with a man, which she had started a few months after her surgery, but which fell apart due to her anxiousness about the bag.

The support she received from Lydia and the identification they shared was invaluable.

Then, when teaching assistant Beth joined their WhatsApp group conversation at the end of 2017, after Lydia made contact with her over Instagram, they became firm friends.

‘I’m from a small town,’ said Sarah, who describes herself as the ‘wise owl’ of the trio. ‘This meant I didn’t know anyone like me, who was going through the same thing.

‘You can try talking to your best friends about it, and they will try to be as supportive as they can.

‘Really, though, only someone who has had the same thing happen to them can know the true reality of life with a stoma bag.’

But, living in different parts of the UK meant it took a while for the three women to meet in person.

Eventually, after two and a half years of almost daily conversation, they gathered at Beth’s flat over a weekend in January 2019.

‘Before we met up I was a bit nervous – because girls can get bitchy and two’s company, three’s a crowd,’ said Sarah.

‘But it was amazing. It felt like we all had so much to say to one another and we spent hours just sat indoors chatting about everything, from our health to relationships, and everything we’d been through over the years.’

They also fulfilled a plan they had discussed to take a series of photos of themselves posing together in their underwear.

Both Sarah and Beth had previously snapped themselves showing their stoma bags, which they had posted on social media, but they wanted the pictures of the three of them to symbolise their solidarity.

Together, they posed in several photos to show off their bags, all wearing black Calvin Klein underwear.

Beth and Lydia at Beth's home in January (PA Real Life/Collect)
(Picture: PA Real Life)

Sarah said: ‘I’m really not the sort of girl who posts pictures of herself just wearing her knickers.

‘But it felt like we were sending out a strong message, and more than that helping ourselves see that we can still be happy in our own skin despite the bags.

‘I was expecting at least some kind of rude comment or negative backlash. But actually the feedback was so positive, especially from other women, which felt very empowering.’

Now best friends, the girls plan to meet more regularly.

Sarah continued: ‘I don’t want people to look at those pictures we took and just think we’re just some girls who take their clothes off for the camera.

‘The photos show how close we are as friends and, while we may all be quite different people in terms of our personalities, we have become pals for life. I would honestly call these girls my sisters.’

Bethany, who has a fiancé, Michael Saul, 23, an administrator, feels exactly the same.

She said: ‘Before having the stoma operation, I was totally petrified. Even though by that stage I had lost five stone and was going to the toilet 40 times a day, it was terrifying to think, especially as a young woman, that you’d have a bag.

‘When people think of stomas, they don’t think of young women. All of the leaflets I was given by the hospital talked about old people and it felt like I was this strange exception.

‘But meeting the girls really changed my life. When we met, we all had so much to say to each other and couldn’t stop talking. The diahorrea was verbal for once!

‘I felt more comfortable with them than I even do with Michael, because I wasn’t worrying about my bag filling up and them being grossed out by it.’

Lydia, who also has a boyfriend, Jefferson Bunney, 23, an estimator, said: ‘When I had my stoma operation I was in my second year of university and though my friends were really supportive, no one really understands what you are going through.

‘But with Beth and Sarah, I trust their judgement 100%.

‘We aren’t just three girls with stomas who have posted underwear pictures – we are people with a very deep and strong friendship, developed by having all had a pretty rough time. Having them as pals means I don’t feel like I’m coping with this on my own any more.

‘Meeting Beth and Sarah has reaffirmed that we are all attractive women and that having a stoma bag hasn’t changed that one bit.’

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