Nearly half of us are are simply too busy to read more books, a new survey has found.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults by The Reading Agency found that 67% would like to read more often, but 48% said they didn't have the time.
Interestingly, the survey found that people aged between 18 and 24 are most likely to tell fibs about their reading habits. Some 64% of people in this age group said they had either lied about the volume - or type - of books that they had read.
Across all age groups, 26% of people said they would read more if they were given a book recommendation from someone they knew.
The Reading Agency also compiled a list of the 13 books people lie about reading, when in reality they have only seen the film. They are, in order:
1. James Bond books, Ian Fleming
2. Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien
3. The Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis
4. The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown
5. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
6. Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh
7. The Wizard of Oz, L Frank Baum
8. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson
10. The Godfather, Mario Puzo
11. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ken Kesey
12. Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn
13. The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
The survey was published in time for World Book Night 2017 on Sunday, the 23rd of April. "Our aim for World Book Night is to get brilliant books into the hands of people, young and old, who don't read regularly," The Reading Agency said. "On 23 April we want hundreds of thousands of people across the country to pick up a good book, and discover the joy, excitement and comfort that lie waiting for them between the pages."
It’s safe to say that, for most people, being held (by someone you actually like) feels nice. And cuddling doesn’t only feel good — it can actually do good, too.
Research suggests the benefits of cuddling may range from relieving stress to increasing libido to improving communication. All great things, right? The way this works is that cuddling can cause the brain to release both oxytocin (which can make us feel connected to one another while also possibly relieving pain and boosting our immune systems) and dopamine (which is one of the brain's major feel-good chemicals). Plus, cuddling after sex has been shown to lead to more satisfying sex lives and relationships.
Obviously, there are lots of reasons, not all of which are science-backed, that you’d want to cuddle. So why limit yourself to basic spooning?
Ahead, we’ve crafted a bunch of cuddling positions to try (or avoid, depending on your position preferences and/or your cuddling partner). Try these with a romantic partner or a friend — as long as they’re down to cuddle, too, of course.
The Mountain Climber
One person sprawls on the other like Spiderman scaling a skyscraper. This is also a great opportunity to scream, “Please don’t ever leave me!”
The Rom-Com Caress
One of you lays on the other with your head on their chest. This one’s ideal for intense conversations without eye contact and old-fashioned cigarettes-after-sex movie scenes.
The One-Night Stand A light, non-committal “thanks for a good time” embrace, because after all, you did just put your parts in each other's parts.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Tanning Twosome Soak up some z’s in this very chill pose. Even better if you have some glow-in-the-dark star stickers on the ceiling to make it feel like camping.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Standard Spoon
A traditional scoop-from-the-back embrace — it’s cosy, it’s comforting, it’s a classic.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The “I Still Love You”
This is a simple toe-touch — because you’re claustrophobic, or it’s too hot to get wrapped in sweaty skin.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Teaspoon & Ladle
This one is like spooning, except one of you is a very tall person and the other is a much shorter person.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Air-Mattress Mess
This one’s somewhat of a forced cuddle that occurs when the air seeps out of your air mattress and you both sink to the middle.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca
The Escape
This one’s for when a bed hog causes one of you to hang on for dear life on the mattress edge.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Threesome Touch
You plus two other hotties after the best night of your life.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Buddy-Comedy Pose
This butt-to-butt is a favorite among mouth breathers, couples who have been together too long, and fans of buddy comedies.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Walking-Down-The-Aisle Embrace
This one’s great for being arm-in-arm with bae while still taking care of your back.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Hard-On Hug
You know, when one of you has a sleep boner and the other one is trying to avoid it.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Winter Snuggle
Two words: body heat.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Teamwork Tangle
When you need a little space but still want to feel like a power couple.
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
The Be-Careful-Of-The-Baby
For this one, you’ve got a newborn between you and your partner — who will hopefully sleep through the night. (Yeah, right.)
Illustrated by: Paola Delucca.
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When the worlds of dating and astrology collide, you end up in the thorny land of sign compatibility, where astrologers attempt to make sweeping generalisations about which signs are meant to be together (and which are better off steering clear of each other). It goes without saying that compatibility is only formulaic to a point. You like who you like for a whole host of reasons, and it'd be silly to give your S.O.'s sign too much credit.
But that doesn't mean we aren't entitled to our own, very personal opinions of the signs. So we asked the R29 community to share their thoughts on which signs they think they're most (and least) compatible with. And to put it lightly, they did not hold back.
Most of these compatibility theories were based on past experiences or current relationships. And fortunately, most people we heard from said they'd never flat-out turned someone down because of their sign. People may be wary of certain signs, but it seems that astrology will never be the deciding factor for who they ultimately choose to date.
Ahead, check out nine Zodiac sign compatibility theories people swear by, and share you own in the comments.
Name: Tara Sign: Virgo
Most compatible with: "I am most compatible with Taurus women... I myself am a Virgo, moon in Taurus. My mum is a Taurus, and some of my best friends for life are Taurus or have Virgo in their charts. I find that Earth signs gel with me the most — at least they are on my exact level. I also get along with fellow Virgos, too, but sometimes that's too much Virgo to take."
Least compatible with: "Definitely Gemini... I have almost never had a good experience with a Gem so I steer clear. I had a Gem roommate, and she couldn't be more two-faced. One day, she was happy-go-lucky and, within hours, she was giving me the silent treatment. Geminis' two halves are terrifying to me."
Name: Christina Sign: Capricorn
Most compatible with: "Leo — not sure exactly why, but I am able to get along and understand Leos, probably because I have a Leo moon. Leo likes a lot of attention and is the life of the party, so (for me) they are easy to get along with. They also have a good sense of humour and want to make their friends happy. Virgo, too — they're tough/stoic on the outside, but soft on the inside. I can relate to them and find mutual understanding in a friendship with them."
Least compatible with: "Libra and Aquarius. Libra is very indecisive and too preoccupied with being liked by everyone, and I am very strong in my beliefs and decisive, so I get frustrated easily. Aquarius has issues with empathy and just are not good at being there for you, because they are more concerned with their own emotions. Aquarius are clever though, so they can be very funny. Sagittarius, too, because they are all over the place and do their own thing, and I can't be bothered to keep up with their new whims every day."
Name: Paula Sign: Aries
Most compatible with: "I'm a fiery Aries. Like, very fiery. I've found I mesh best with Pisces, a more chill water sign. Although I'm probably a little overwhelming at first, overall, they know how to handle me, and I've had the most palpable chemistry with Pisces in the past."
Least compatible with: "Probably another fire sign — Leo. Whereas Aries typically speak their minds, Leos are more low-key about their assholeness. They're just quiet assholes in my opinion, which is the worst kind of asshole. We just don't mesh. (Sorry if you're a Leo!)"
Name: Jay Sign: Cancer
Most compatible with: "Taurus — generally, the sign twice removed from your own sign is your best match. Taurus and Cancer relationships are all about balance. The strong headedness of the Taurus balances the more emotional Cancer."
Least compatible with: "Aries in particular. Any fire sign in general. Since Cancers are water signs, we are the complete opposites of fire signs. Cancers are laid back and introverted, while fire signs personify everything that water signs are not. "
Name: Jessica Sign: Leo
Most compatible with: "Leo, Aries, Sagittarius — I am a Leo and Leos work well with other fire signs! I have dated three men in my life, one a Sagittarius, one an Aries and my current and longest term boyfriend is a Leo! I think I work with other fire signs, because we are similar types of people. Outgoing, fun, passionate. Not overly emotional."
Least compatible with: "Not sure — probably signs that are more emotional, haha."
Name: Danielle Sign: Gemini
Most compatible with: "I think I get along really well with Sagittariuses — they're my exact opposite in the zodiac. They're a little full of themselves and moody if things aren't precise and going their way, but they are very affectionate friends (but they do expect you do to things for them without reciprocation). For romance compatibility, I'm not too sure. I've dated a Gemini and an Aquarius and currently a Scorpio. Each was/is difficult in their own ways to be with, and other things are easier. I'll like any sign, really."
Least compatible with: "I don't think I'm that good with water signs, like Scorpios or Pisces. They're too emotional and realistic (cough cough my boyfriend, oh the irony). But I'm a Gemini-Cancer cusp, so maybe that Cancer part of me gets on with them fine."
Name: Cory Sign: Scorpio
Most compatible with: "For some reason, I'm really drawn to Geminis. My current partner is one, and my ex before him was also one — they're a day apart! I like that there's a duality and it keeps things fresh. "
Least compatible with: "I tend to get nervous when I hear someone's also a Scorpio, because I know they're just like me, and I'm the worst. But I'm a Scorpio-Libra cusp, so I'm not actually the worst. "
Name: Rebecca Sign: Pisces
Most compatible with: "Cancer! Because they're a water sign and my best friend — who's also my sister — happens to be a Cancer. They tend to be quiet, thoughtful people and very creative. (I'm a Pisces, so this all works out for me!)"
Least compatible with: "Probably Gemini. Er, because that's what my mum is, and I can't handle it."
Name: Sam Sign: Capricorn
Most compatible with: "In my experience, Cancers make fantastic friends and significant others. As a textbook Capricorn, I need a partner who's in touch with their feelings — but won't get all dramatic about them. I feel like Cancers strike that balance between emotionally open and chill. And chillness is a must in my very non-chill Capricorn life."
Least compatible with: "Aquarians. Full stop. I once read something about how Aquarians grow up already believing they're just naturally special — and this self-denying Cap can't get behind that kind of thinking."
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The narrative of Hulu's series The Handmaid's Tale, based on the bestseller by Margaret Atwood, follows a young woman who had a family, a job, and a name of her own, but in a society ruled by a patriarchal regime has been forced to become a handmaid. She is charged with bearing the children of high-ranking officials.
The rendering of such a misogynistic dystopia surely lends itself rather easily to discussions of contemporary feminism, right? Wrong — at least according to the show's stars.
During a panel discussion following the show’s Tribeca Film Festival premiere last night, Elisabeth Moss, who plays series protagonist Offred, hesitated to call the story a feminist one, reports The A.V. Club. "Honestly, for me, it’s not a feminist story. It’s a human story because women’s rights are human rights,” she said, before going on to apply that logic to her past role as Mad Men 's Peggy Olson. “I never intended to play Peggy as a feminist; I never intended to play Offred as a feminist. They’re women, and they are humans."
"Offred’s a wife, a mother, a best friend. She has a job, and she is a person who is not supposed to be a hero," Moss continued. "She falls into it and she kind of does what she has to do to survive to find her daughter. It’s about love, honestly, so much of this story. For me, I never approach anything with any sort of political agenda. I approach it from a very human place, I hope.”
As soon as that "hope" was shared with the packed auditorium, however, Twitter picked it up, batted it around, and summarily dismissed it with a hearty "nope." MTV News' Rachel Handler appeared among the first to question Moss' statements, sharing her surprise in a series of tweets that quickly gained traction.
bizarre Handmaid's Tale panel at Tribeca. Cast stressing over and over again that it's "not a feminist story, it's a human story."
Good Girls Revolt actress Erin Darke quickly joined in, responding to Handler by encouraging people to watch the show and then follow up by "shoot[ing] hulu a tweet that feminism is cool."
Also at this odd Q&A. Show is fantastic and important FEMINIST work PLEASE STILL WATCH IT. Then shoot hulu a tweet that feminism is cool :o) https://t.co/HRf6RvvGKu
While The Handmaid’s Tale has been called a rather prescient piece of feminist fiction by many — Refinery29 included — the author herself has famously resisted any blatant association with feminism. “I didn’t want to become a megaphone for any one particular set of beliefs,” Atwood is quoted as having said in a recent New Yorker profile. That hasn't stopped her from acknowledging her novel's recent resurgence in relevance.
"When I first published that book, at the outset some people were saying, 'Oh, Margaret, how could you suggest that we would ever do such a thing?'" she recently told Time. "I don't hear that so much anymore."
She has, however, heard about this most recent bout of blowback circling the onscreen Offred's offscreen statements, and responded as only a writer could: by offering some helpful edits.
@KarmaLovesGumbo They needed an "only," an "also," and a human rights definition of the F word, imho.
Look down at the floor at a busy train station or airport and often you'll find yourself standing on a speckled concrete floor which, until recently, hadn't commanded much attention from the interiors trendsters.
Terrazzo was originally used for flooring in Italian palazzos, then later in mid-century offices and public spaces due to its extraordinary durability. It is made of stone or resin chips set in concrete, producing a decorative yet inexpensive material.
As we called back in January, though, terrazzo has recently exploded onto the interiors scene with Scandi design-led brands such as HAY and Normann introducing terazzo-themed furniture and accessories, and images of terrazzo-clad kitchens and bathrooms have been appearing on Pinterest daily.
Click through for some excellent ideas about how you can get some in your life. Addio marble, salve terrazzo!
If you're lucky enough to have your own place, terrazzo is beautiful for countertops, to replace the all-time favourite marble. This bespoke kitchen is by Dzek, swoon.
If you're looking for an easy way to introduce the trend, this geometric lamp would sit pretty on any desk or bedside table.
Oliver Bonas Ettore Table Lamp, £28, available at Oliver Bonas
Terrazzo stairs? We can but dream. Might be unrealistic for your shared flat but pop into the Maison Kitsuné boutique in Paris to see this instagrammable staircase IRL.
If there's a little nook in your house which needs a bit of love, try this accent wallpaper.
ENOstudio My Terrazza wallpaper, £66/roll, available at ENOstudio
One of our favourite Danish homeware boutiques, Normann Copenhagen, teamed up with design agency Femmes Régionales on a line of stationery with notions of terrazzo. Probably the first time in 20 years you've wanted to buy a protractor.
Normann Copenhagen Daily Fiction stationery, from £5.70, available at Finnish Design Shop
Wondering how to find some of the real stuff? Diespeker are based in London and stock all different types of terrazzo. Quote depend on the style, size and stock. These bespoke samples are just dreamy.
In case you weren't already dreaming of a rose quartz kitchen... this one with terrazzo surfaces and white fixtures has a firm place on our Pinterest board.
If you've run, or are running, the London Marathon this weekend – or indeed any other marathon around the world – then you'll know one thing to be true: your feet are well and truly buggered.
From the small(ish) issues like blisters to more serious things like plantar fasciitis and stress fractures, running long distances gives your feet a beating.
But you already know that. In fact, you're probably cradling your poor bruised feet in a bag of frozen peas right now as they sob, "WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO US?"
You're going to need a foot fix, stat. So we spoke to Margaret Dabbs, podiatrist and foot expert and creator of Margaret Dabbs, a brand dedicated to hand and foot care, to find out what's to be done about your battered feet.
What sort of footwear should people be wearing immediately after and in the days following the marathon?
Post-marathon your feet will be tender, throbbing and swollen. You may have damaged toenails which will be red and inflamed, and you may have blisters. Post-marathon it is wise to keep the feet bare as much as you can to avoid any additional pressure on the nails and skin. Wear flip-flops and open sandals if you need to go out locally and make sure you do not wear footwear which is tight, uncomfortable or causing irritation, pressure or pain.
Should you resist popping blisters (as hard as that may be)?
If you have a blister which is painful when you walk it will cause excruciating pain... until it is popped. The important thing is that the blister does not become infected and so if you can have this opened and drained professionally, under sterile conditions, then it is advisable to do this. If you must pop it yourself then always drain it at the bottom (to allow the fluid to run down and out) and use a pin or needle which has been cleaned with boiling water beforehand. Clean with warm salt water and apply a clean sterile dressing over the open blister. Keep the blister dry and use a dry antiseptic spray over the site. If the blister is irritated by general footwear use a Compeed blister plaster, as it will make it more comfortable and encourage healing.
Is there anything you can do to numb the pain immediately post-run?
Post-run an icy-cold foot bath can help to reduce inflammation and throbbing and it will also ease painful muscles, damaged nails and will reduce swelling. Bare Feet Cooling Foot Spray, available from M&S, will help to keep the feet cool, and soaking the feet with Margaret Dabbs London Hydrating Foot Soak will relieve puffy, tired and aching feet. Its signature ingredient, emu oil, helps to reduce bone and joint inflammation as well as any swelling of the feet and lower legs, and will hydrate the skin. It is also very relaxing after being on your feet for such a long period of time.
What if parts of your feet have gone numb?
Numbness of the feet can occur when you pound the roads and the feet can become compressed by footwear and socks. Footwear is very important when training long distances, and needs to be correct for your gait and running style and not over-worn as they still need to have a “spring” in them. Trainers need to be half a size bigger as the feet tend to swell. Once you are back home, take off your trainers and socks and exercise your toes by splaying them out and holding in this position for five seconds and then releasing them.
What should you do if you suspect you have a fungal nail infection?
The first sign of a fungal nail infection is discolouration of the nail and an alteration in the nail texture. A damaged nail can be more susceptible to a fungal infection so it can follow trauma, which is why looking after the feet while doing any sort of fitness training is key. The condition is always confirmed with the use of pathology studies and a course of laser nail fungal treatments can be started.
How long, purely for your feet's sake, should you wait before starting to run again after a marathon?
Your body will tell you when you are ready to run again, and everyone is different. It is worth having a small jog three to five days’ post-marathon, if you feel up to it. Pain is the biggest indicator and if you are in pain, don’t force it.
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It looks like there is a new addition to the Kardashian clan, and her name is Katy Perry? That's right. Yesterday Perry took to Instagram to show off her new look – and it is a little bit familiar.
Complete with bleach blonde braids and the caption "Katy Kardashian," she channelled a look that is now as synonymous with the Kardashians as body con dresses and blonde extensions. Though the hairstyle has been linked to the Kardashian-Jenner clan, they have received quite a bit of blowback for cultural appropriation of cornrows. After Katy's brush with cultural appropriation on her IG earlier this week, we're a bit surprised to see her go this route with the hair.
KATY PERRY/INSTAGRAM
According to the pop star, it wasn't 100% the Kardashians who inspired this look. Who could it possibly be then? A more apt question would be, WHAT could it be. Spoiler: You've probably seen it all over your social media feeds this week.
KATY PERRY/INSTAGRAM
Unless you are a devoted follower of Katy Perry's Snapchat, her answer might come as a surprise. Recently, Katy Perry, with a beauty look fit for only the best unicorn princess, decided to share her experience of trying Starbucks' new unicorn frappuccino with her Snapchat followers. This isn't the first time this new drink has inspired a beauty look. There's even a hairstyle that came of the latest Starbucks menu item. Though she was not the biggest fan of the trendy drink, we have the colourful Starbucks concoction to thank for her new look.
No stranger to celebrity-inspired makeovers, Perry recently posted another look-a-like photo to her Instagram. In honor of 4/20, the "Chained To The Rhythm" singer took on the image of none other than Guy Fieri.
KATY PERRY/INSTAGRAM
Included in the nearly one million likes the photo has garnered since being posted are Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner counting themselves as fans. You know your look is good when even one member Kardashian-Jenner clan likes your photo. Further adding her seal approval of Perry's new look, Kim K left a series of fire and kiss face emojis in the comments.
KATY PERRY/INSTAGRAM
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The days of "flying the friendly skies" appear to be long gone, but American Airlines is at least trying to fix the latest flight attendant controversy to go viral.
On Friday, a flight attendant on board American Airlines flight 591 from San Francisco to Dallas heatedly scolded a female passenger travelling alone with two children for attempting to store her buggy in an overhead locker, reports ABC News affiliate WFAA in Dallas. When another male passenger came to the mother's defence, the flight attendant then reportedly got physical, threatening the man who had spoken up on the young mother's behalf before a pilot appeared and attempted to calm down the irate flight attendant.
Passenger Surain Adyanthaya caught the whole altercation on a video, which he later posted to Facebook, and American Airlines wasted no time responding. A mere 20 minutes after the plane touched down in Dallas, airline officials had reviewed the footage, grounded the flight attendant involved, and issued an apology.
To airline PR-personnel of the world: This is how you handle your business.
The moment the hullabaloo began was when a flight attendant forcibly took a buggy away from a female passenger, who Adyanthaya told ABC was from Argentina and travelling alone with her two children. The flight attendant allegedly hit the woman with the stroller and barely missed knocking into the infant when a male passenger came to her defence, asking for the flight attendant's name and calling out, "Hey bud, hey bud, you do that to me, and I'll knock you flat!"
While Adyanthaya's nearly three-minute Facebook video does not show the flight attendant actually taking the buggy, it does capture the young woman stuck in the centre of the incident crying and tearfully asking for the buggy back while chaos erupts around her. That was enough for American, who responded by immediate grounding the flight attendant, upgrading the woman and her children to first class, and issuing an apology.
"We have seen the video and have already started an investigation to obtain the facts," the airline said via statement. "What we see on this video does not reflect our values or how we care for our customers. We are deeply sorry for the pain we have caused this passenger and her family and to any other customers affected by the incident. We are making sure all of her family's needs are being met while she is in our care. After electing to take another flight, we are taking special care of her and her family and upgrading them to first class for the remainder of their international trip."
"The actions of our team member captured here do not appear to reflect patience or empathy, two values necessary for customer care," the statement continued. "In short, we are disappointed by these actions. The American team member has been removed from duty while we immediately investigate this incident."
Marilyn Monroe was rumoured to once have said, "Anybody who likes my house, I’m sure I’ll get along with." Well, another rumour has it that her ghost is still haunting the 2,624-square-foot, Spanish-style Los Angeles home in question — so you might have to get along with her, since she comes with the territory.
The romantic, intimate little bungalow, which sits on a 23,000-square-foot lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, has been through many a renovation since Monroe's tragic death at age 36. Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson , bought the house in 1962 and only lived there for four months before passing away of an alleged drug overdose. But for the short time she was there, reports Variety, she loved the property and "threw herself into making a home for herself. She planted a herb garden and in early 1962 travelled to Mexico to purchase authentic furniture, art, and tapestries for her new home." It was the only home she ever owned.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, built in 1929, is listed with Mercer Vine for $6.9 million (£5.4 million) and has a formal living room with a wood-burning fireplace, as well as a spacious courtyard garden with citrus trees. It retains many of its original charming details, like beamed ceilings, casement windows, and terra cotta tile floors.
See photos of the house where Marilyn lived and died, ahead.
"When you walk the house and grounds, you’re immediately struck by its serenity and warmth," listing agent Lisa Optican told Curbed L.A. "Every owner who has called this property home has been drawn to the same character... The property is romantic, intimate, and private."
Photo: Courtesy of Mercer Vine.
Some outlets have reported that Monroe paid $75,000 (£58,000) for the house, with others saying it was closer to $90,000 (£70,000).
The house is close to the shops and restaurants on San Vicente Boulevard in Los Feliz.
The guest house and pool.
Optican told Curbed L.A. that the house "retains many of the design elements selected by Monroe," like these wooden beams.
The Spanish tile adds charm to the fireplace.
A view from above.
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Sophie Walker (pictured left), the leader of the Women's Equality Party, has announced she will stand against "sexist" MP Philip Davies in the general election.
Terrifyingly, Davies was actually handed a place on parliament's Women and Equalities Committee in December. He has since called for the committee to remove the word "women" from its name.
Walker, who became WEP leader in 2015, said in a statement today: "It is a national embarrassment that he sits on the Women and Equalities Committee. Shipley deserves an MP that will represent the needs and interests of all its constituents, instead of one who spends constituency time on a self-indulgent anti-women campaign."
"Philip Davies’s track record of misogyny should have no place in Parliament," she added.
According to The Guardian, the Green Party and Liberal Democrats could stand aside in Shipley to clear room for Walker in her battle against Davies. However, the local Labour Party is said to be keener on fielding its own candidate than backing Walker's bid to unseat Davies.
Walker told the newspaper: "Philip Davies basically is a sexist misogynist who puts his own ego ahead of his constituents. His anti-equality agenda in Westminster threatens the rights and freedoms not just of women but also people with disabilities, BAME and LGBT+ communities.”
The Women's Equality Party was co-founded in 2015 by journalist Catherine Mayer and TV presenter Sandi Toksvig. If Walker unseats Davies, she will become its first MP.
"Equality for women isn't a women's issue," the party says on its website. "When women fulfill their potential, everyone benefits. Equality means better politics, a more vibrant economy, a workforce that draws on the talents of the whole population and a society at ease with itself."
The general election takes place on the 8th of June. Read Refinery29's handy guide to everything about it here.
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Practical magic is in the air as Wednesday's new moon in Taurus showers the world with its pixie dust. This is 2017's first supermoon, which means la luna is sitting at her closest proximity (or perigee in astrospeak) to planet Earth. As such, we'll all feel a bit more motivated to tackle those Taurean goals — budgeting, organising, and simplifying all the complicated areas of life. But please don't mistake basic for boring. Taurus is also a decadent sign, opting for high quality over excessive quantity. Instead of scooping up piles of this and that, research the best that's out there and buy only one.
On Friday, Venus is on the move, heading into fiery, flamboyant Aries until June 6. If you haven't felt the siren's song of spring hit yet, there may be a fire in the old loins before the weekend is through. This is actually Venus' rare second visit to the Ram's realm in 2017. She first popped by from February 4 to April 2. Trouble is, she also turned retrograde from March 4 to April 15, which snuffed out some of her seductive mojo. Now, the world gets a do-over, pun intended. Aries energy can be impulsive and restless, however, so try not to make any snap decisions in the game of love! You don't want to bolt from a good thing in the heat of the moment — or write someone off too soon.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Break out the sparklers and champagne! On Wednesday, 2017's first supermoon arrives and it happens to be the year's only new moon in Taurus. Consider this your astrological New Year — to the fifth power. These closer-than-usual moonbeams can motivate you to make lasting, positive changes in your life. Not a bad gift, eh? If you’ve weathered painful dramas, you can now leave them in the past. The way to move on? Stop cursing the situation and embrace the lessons and growth it brings. Clean house of commitments you've outgrown and say sayonara to people who have failed to have your back. Then, set some six-month resolutions that are all about you. What dreams do you want to tick off the bucket list by 2017's full moon in Taurus this coming November 4? Go ahead, ask for whatever you want, and make sure there’s a big red bow on top.
If any fake friendships or bad romances make it past the new moon, Friday could bring a second social sweep. Your ruler, warmhearted Venus, slips into your transitional 12th house until June 6. You don't have to cut people off, but set better boundaries. Fair-weather types should not occupy so much time on your calendar, nor should the drama mamas. If you've been a non-stop shoulder for your BFF, point her to a great therapist instead of letting her lean too heavily on you. (Here's how.) If you've let a toxic Tinder date back into your life, swipe left. And give yourself a chance to mourn any breakups instead of rebounding to avoid your feelings. Coupled? A long weekend getaway before June 6 could be a sweet escape, as long as you aren't sweeping important issues under the rug. Discuss!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
Inhale. Exhale. Now repeat, deeply, three times. Wednesday's new moon in Taurus — the first supermoon of 2017 — is lighting up your 12th house of closure and healing. Although new moons bring fresh starts, the 12th house is all about endings. Use this week to honour the transitions in your life and the emotions that come along with the inevitable goodbyes. You know the saying, "When life closes a door, a window opens." As you let go of outmoded situations, you clear space for something better to flow in. It may take a minute for your next adventure to reveal itself, but have faith. And be gentle and kind to yourself while you do so, even if your efforts at a loving farewell were a fail. Download a meditation app or try out a new, quicker modality of yoga that works for your distractible sign. Creativity is catharsis now, too, and this new moon could bring some incredible momentum for your artistic or spiritual passions!
On Friday, a tried-and-true friend could start giving you tingles. Or, you could swoon for someone who you would have sworn last week was so not your type. Thank love planet Venus for this, as she twirls into Aries and your experimental and eccentric 11th house until June 6. If no one's lighting your fire, ask friends to play Cupid. Since the 11th house rules technology, try a new dating app. Don't be cynical, Gem. All you need is one lucky swipe. Already attached? Leave your cosy nest and socialise as a pair. Team up at trivia night, have dinners out, and even plan a weekend away with your squad. The couple that plays together, slays together.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
All hands on deck! Wednesday's new moon in Taurus and your 11th house (a potent supermoon) charges up your activist spirit. Lend your caring energy to a cause: Intersectional women's rights, keeping sanctuary cities safe, protecting the water — all matters that speak to a Cancer. Seek out organisations and community groups. As a bonus, you'll meet likeminded people in the process. Already met your dream team? Kick off a collaborative effort with the magic of these moonbeams. The 11th house rules technology, so developing a website or app could be part of the game plan. The end result could change the world — and that's not hyperbole. Think of key apps that launched the last decade that have transformed how we live life, from Tinder to Spotify to Snapchat. Need to upgrade your devices? Start researching new models, then spring for the right gadget after Mercury snaps out of retrograde on May 3.
On Friday, take all those polished work clothes to the dry cleaner. They'll soon be in heavy wardrobe rotation, as charming Venus dances into your career zone until June 6. Pitch, perform, present — and power lunch! With this planet powering up your charisma, you could sign a deal before you've gotten to the second Powerpoint slide (or finished your salad). Are you projecting "success," Cancer? Image consultant Venus sounds the call for a little rebranding. Dress for the job you want to have. And how about sprucing up your bios and business cards with sleeker fonts and graphics? Venus rules love and a work crush could heat up. Coupled Cancers might even start a joint venture from your love nest.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo July 23 to August 22
Got goals? You wouldn't be a Leo with out them. And thanks to Wednesday's potent new (super)moon in your 10th house of success, you're about to get a gust of strong wind beneath your wings. Instead of scattering in ten directions, focus on the top two to three quests you'd like to nail by the corresponding full moon on November 4. And make sure you're spreading the word about your existing efforts. You could position yourself as the one to watch or even start attracting job offers and attention for a pet project. Finally! The energy from new moons can take up to six months to pan out, so aim for a steady climb. Ultimate success might not come overnight, but keep on pushing and you'll get there. As you ascend the ladder, radar in on key players you want on your side. Build relationships with loyalty and solid work and soon, you’ll be one of the top cats to reckoned with.
Your love tanks may soon be fuelled with "alternative energy" as Venus swoops into Aries and your broad-minded ninth house until June 6. A sexy accent could make you swoon (mon dieu!) or you could be whispering sweet nothings in a new language. A holiday fling could be the mojo-booster you need to ramp up for something a bit more serious. Don't rule out a long-distance relationship without trying. These tips can help you maintain love across the sea. If you’re already paired, plan a couple's holiday before June 6 — maybe over the bank holiday weekend? A little exploring, indulging and taking in sights can set the stage for passion and the honest talks you've been dying to have.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo August 23 to September 22
Throw on your red trench and matching hat. It's time to do your best Carmen Sandiego impression as Wednesday's new (super)moon lands in Taurus and your jet-setting ninth house. The world beckons and it's time to start planning your next exploration. (Maybe one of these affordable, yet unforgettable, locales?) Branch out more on your home turf, too. Mingling multiculturally could bring a powerful new dimension to your life this week. These moonbeams rev up your visionary and venturesome vibes. This is a good time launch a startup (even as a side hustle) or enroll in coursework that can bring you closer to your dream job. These efforts could bloom by the Taurus full moon on November 4. Who knows? By then, you might even be teaching your own workshop or leading a retreat in Costa Rica or Bali.
Your charms will be oh-so-disarming when, on Friday, amorous Venus slinks into Aries and your seductive eighth house until June 6. So much mojo, so little time. Instead of randomly right swiping, become more discerning about who shares your table for two. Anything less than a mind-body-soul connection will be a fail. Already attached? Simplify your schedule to create more space for sexy-time. Have you been wanting to put a ring on it or deepen your bond? There’s an official vibe in the air and you might just see your partner on bended knee before June 6. If Venus’ retrograde spin from March 4 to April 15 mucked up your relationship, you should get back on track now. Clear the air, forgive, and move on!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra September 23 to October 22
Total transformation time has arrived! With 2017's only new moon in Taurus (a charged up supermoon) hitting your alchemical eighth house, you're ready to spring clean all the unworkable parts of your life. Has a certain friendship or relationship felt more like a burden than a joy? Something's gotta give. It might be a breakup or a radical change in the way you do "us." Stay open to creative possibilities — even try long-distance for a while. This new moon highlights your long-term money and investments. Set up a savvier savings plan for yourself where you start tucking away money in mutual funds instead of just putting it all in your current account. Google "compounding interest" and you'll understand why. Got a nest egg? This moon brings momentum for house hunting and you could find that owning a starter apartment is actually less costly than paying rent.
On Friday, relationships get another cosmic current, courtesy of love planet Venus (your ruler). Until June 6, she'll take her second pass of 2017 through Aries and your seventh house of commitments. If the words "I do" make your feet feel like they've just done the ice bucket challenge, it's time to do some inner work. Pairing up doesn't mean being trapped, Libra! Venus already visited Aries from February 3 to April 2, but since she turned retrograde from March 4 to April 15, relationships may have been equal parts rocky and romantic. Now, you get a do-over — or a sequel if the situation pushed you that far apart. If your radar currently has no beeps, use the adventurous Aries energy to check out new scenes and try a different dating app. While you want to play it cool, don't hide the fact that you want something real!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio October 23 to November 21
Your party of one could turn into a sexy twosome this week, Scorpio. Wednesday marks the annual new moon in Taurus, which will activate your seventh house of partnerships. This happens to be the year's first supermoon, which adds extra motivation to find (or celebrate) your other half. Pairing is caring now — whether for business or personal purposes. But don’t go casting for your twin; you won’t find happiness on that road. You’re better off looking for a complementary force, the yang to your mysterious yin. Already taken? Drum up new ways to create magic for you and bae. Your semi-casual connection could turn seriously exclusive this week, or at least start moving that way at a faster clip. Before you take any next steps, make sure you're both on the same page about the future. Spell out duties and compensation if you’re working on anything business related. Clarity will keep the peace.
Have you been stuck in a cycle of unhealthy relationships? Or maybe you just want to stop doing that self-defeating thing over and over again in love. On Friday, heart-centric Venus moving through your sixth house of wellbeing until June 6, helping you break out of bad patterns. Get clear, Scorpio: What would make you feel more secure? You have certain needs — loyalty, words of affirmation, steady communication. But are some of your expectations a little, er, demanding? Work on building up your inner confidence by letting go and allowing your date or S.O. to make a move. Though you may be freaking out inside as you wait for them to text, you'll never build trust unless you let go and see what they're willing to do. If you’re already attached, double down on supporting each other's health and organisational habits. Okay, it’s not the sexiest thing in the world, but wouldn’t it be great to work out together, cook, and fall asleep at the same time? Try it, Scorpio.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius November 22 to December 21
Hold that plank pose, Sagittarius! On Wednesday, the annual new moon in Taurus — a powerful supermoon— heats up your house of work and wellness. After a month of lounging (no judgment!), you'll feel ready to kick up some spring training energy again. Grab a free pass and check out some new fitness studios. Just because you're a Pilates freak doesn't mean you can't mix it up with some dance classes or bouldering. In your zeal, however, you could overdo things. Set manageable goals that are more of a lifestyle shift than a ( gag) diet. Work opportunities could flow in and you'll be inspired to make your daily processes more efficient. Nab new apps and try some lifehacks, but know when it's time to call for backup too. A great assistant or intern could lighten your load.
On Friday, romantic Venus turns up the heat when she dances back into Aries and your passionate fifth house until June 6. This is Venus’ rare second trip to Aries in 2017. She first visited from February 3 to April 2. But thanks to a retrograde from March 4 to April 15, you didn't exactly get to enjoy her vibes. But now, you do! Single Archers, dive back into the dating pool. You'll enjoy the sampler platter for the next five weeks, so no need to commit to anyone too quickly. If you’re already partnered up, dial down the Netflix nights in favour of activity dates and fancy nights on the town. Playful, physical activity can help you burn off some of the drama this Venus cycle may churn up. And while you're at it, splurge on a few glamorous pieces to add to your date night wardrobe.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn December 22 to January 19
Ready for a romantic reboot? Wednesday's new moon in Taurus activates your fifth house of passion, desire, and fertility. This is 2017's first supermoon, which makes its energy a bit stronger than average. Take advantage of the lunar liftoff and set clear intentions and goals for your love life. What and who do you want to manifest? Focus on the next six months and see what magic you can create by the Taurus full moon on November 4. Of course, you also need to meet the universe halfway. Repost your dating profile, go to meetups and trivia nights, and mingle! Coupled Caps could be ready to talk about a serious next step, from engagements to baby-making. You could also rediscover your muse and fall back in love with the creative spirit. Take your talents seriously and you could have a genuine showpiece on your hands by November!
Funnel some of that romantic energy toward your nest on Friday, as decadent Venus heads into Aries and your domestic zone until June 6. Feathering your nest could become an obsession — and while you do, think about ways you can make your space feel a little sexier. (Venus is the love planet, after all.) Add some seductive artwork and set up lots of pillows and soft places for getting frisky. Coupled Capricorns will crave more private time with your other half and home, sweet home will be one of your favourite places to land together. Unattached? Look to the women in your life for potential mate ideas. They may know your type better than you do. Surprise!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius January 20 to February 18
Plug in the slow cooker and burn a little sage. Home is where your heart is as Wednesday’s new moon (a powerful supermoon) in Taurus lights up your domestic fourth house. Freshen up your space with some new decor — or start the hunt for a sweeter place to hang your hat. Finding a new home can take months, especially if you’re buying. But by the corresponding full moon in Taurus on November 4, you should see results. Ready to reboot a relationship with a relative or an important female friend? Schedule some face time (or FaceTime, if you're long distance). You’ll feel the desire for more maternal energy, so make plans with your mum and up the self-nurturing. Stopping to eat a decent lunch and booking a massage are not luxuries. They are necessities!
On Friday, enchanting Venus heads into Aries and your communicative third house until June 6, turning you into an unapologetic flirt. You can't help but bat your lashes when you know you have an audience, but be careful not to step into any drama! Subtly check for rings and make sure this "friend" your amiga has brought along to the party isn't actually her secret crush. Is there a friend who could be more? A platonic pal could reveal a seductive side over the coming five weeks. Keep an open mind. Coupled Aquarians should keep the calendar brimming with playdates. Without variety, you could feel fenced in now.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces February 19 to March 20
Say what? Wednesday's new moon in Taurus — a charged-up supermoon — electrifies your third house of communication. You're already charming and witty, but with this lunar lift, your words pack an even greater punch. If you have a message or talent to share, like writing, blogging, or teaching, this is great news. Not only will you wield the power of the pen but you are poised to reach a wider audience. Find places to publish your work — and maybe turn up at an open-mic night. And a happenstance conversation with a friend could lead to a collaborative project. Today's wild idea can be tomorrow’s genius startup venture. But if you're going to mix business and friendship, clarify roles, responsibilities, and how you'll divvy up profits before you get started. Lay it all out on the table and even draft a contract so your bond stays intact.
Tighten up those purse strings on Friday, as decadent Venus heads into Aries and your budget-conscious second house until June 6. You enjoy the good life, Pisces, and who can blame you? But the instant gratification fix could drain your accounts — and that's money you'd be better off setting aside for more meaningful purchases and your nest egg. If you can’t hold back, create a discretionary spending account for your extra odds and ends. That way, your main account will be untouched by your itchy trigger finger. This might be a good time to sign up for these free money coaching sessions and learn how to better manage your cash. In love, slow down and enjoy some romantic rituals before rushing to hop in the sack. The buildup just makes it hotter.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries March 21 to April 19
Vote with your dollar, Aries — and make every penny count. Wednesday's new moon in Taurus — 2017's first supermoon — lands in your second house of work and income. Finding clever ways to save doesn't mean sacrificing a social life. But maybe make a beer budget (or a champagne one) before you go buying everyone's round? With this new moon in eco-chic Taurus, this is also a good opportunity to switch to more ethical brands. (Download the Good On You app to see how your favourite fashion and beauty companies source their goods.) Give your CV and LinkedIn some polish, too. These moonbeams could magnetise an amazing job offer, even one that comes from within the company you already work for.
On Friday, the greatest love of all is...staring right back at you in the mirror. Radiant, romantic Venus heads into Aries until June 6. Fall madly back in love with the person that matters most: you! This is actually the second time Venus will visit your sign in 2017. The first round was from February 3 to April 2, but thanks to a mojo-dulling retrograde that started on March 4, you didn't get to fully enjoy her gifts. But now, go! Book the massage, sign up for coaching sessions, start pinning hairstyles to try when Mercury snaps out of retrograde on May 3. Confidence-boosters come from loving yourself up, Ram. When you do, you'll magnetise the same from other people. P.S.: With enchanting Venus in your sign, attracting amour is the easy part. Staying interested is another story!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
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A new study explores the phenomenon of "stealthing" — the practice of non-consensually removing a condom during sex — giving a name to an act many people have experienced as extremely violating, but may not have had the words to articulate or explain. The study argues that stealthing is an act of gender-based violence, and it likely violates several civil and criminal laws.
The study, by Alexandra Brodsky for the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law, is an important addition to the literature and conversation about how we define sexual assault, sexual violence, and rape, both colloquially and legally. She interviews victims of stealthing, while also researching the online communities and spaces that advocate for the practice. Unsurprisingly, these communities consist of men — both gay and straight — who believe they have a right to "spread their seed," and who "root their support [for stealthing] in an ideology of male supremacy in which violence is a man’s natural right,” Brodsky told The Huffington Post.
For victims of stealthing, they may experience many of the same traumatic effects that other victims of sexual violence do. But because stealthing is not clearly defined as sexual assault, they may feel confused as to why they're feeling this way. Not having the language to explain what happened can also make it harder to seek support for the trauma.
It is important to be clear that non-consensual condom removal is sexual assault: it forces people into a sexual situation that they were not expecting and did not agree to. In fact, a man in Switzerland was recently convicted of rape for this very act. Wikileaks' Julian Assange was also accused by multiple women of tampering with or non-consensually removing a condom during sex, and UK officials determined there was probable cause for him to be extradited to Sweden to face rape charges.
On top of the shame, confusion, and trauma that victims of stealthing must deal with, they also face all of the potential consequences of unprotected sex, like pregnancy and STIs. One victim in the study called the act of stealthing “rape-adjacent.” Adding to the feelings of shame and confusion can be the fact that the offence was perpetrated by someone the victim had begun having consensual sex with, so the violation occurs in a situation where some level of trust has been established. This is consistent with the statistics regarding rape in general; the majority of rapes (7 in 10, according to RAINN) are perpetrated by someone known to the victim.
In the sexual and domestic violence fields, advocates already have a name for this kind of violence: reproductive coercion. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) defines reproductive coercion as "behaviour [that] includes explicit attempts to impregnate a partner against her will, control outcomes of pregnancy, coerce a partner to have unprotected sex, and interfere with contraceptive methods." This kind of violence often happens within abusive relationships and is another way that abusive partners attempt to gain control over their victims.
The challenge with this kind of sexual violence, however, is how difficult it can be to prosecute, should a victim choose to use the criminal justice system to seek retribution. This is for many of the same reasons that the majority of rapes are not prosecuted — the element of he said, she said makes the burden of proof impossibly high in many cases — but also because there is no clear legal statute that addresses the act of stealth condom removal.
In the Assange case (in which he maintains his innocence), "A lot comes down to what can be proved in court, however," Dr. Sinead Ring of the University of Kent told Broadly. "If it's proved the woman consented to sex with a condom and he changed the circumstances under which she'd consented, it's quite possible he'd be convicted of rape. But a jury would have to determine that he didn't have a reasonable belief in consent and just went ahead and did it anyway."
This is why, in the study, Brodsky concludes that a new statute could be the best course of action. This would not only help victims pursue criminal charges if they choose to, but the clear language can help people understand what happened to them and hopefully receive support in the aftermath of the violation. “One of my goals with the article, and in proposing a new statute, is to provide a vocabulary and create ways for people to talk about what is a really common experience that just is too often dismissed as just ‘bad sex’ instead of ‘violence,'" Brodsky says.
If you have experienced sexual violence of any kind, please visitRape Crisisor call 0808 802 9999.
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However, Rih just may be the patron saint of the platform; an exemplary user who never fails to post enticing images and witty captions that keep followers intrigued.
When Rihanna was banned from Instagram in 2014, she left an unfillable void each time we scrolled by a friend’s image of avocado toast or a snoozy red carpet photo from a celeb.
She’s a spark plug in our feeds.
Though her latest post has left users a bit confused, or in some cases, offended. Rihanna posted a series of four photos (originally designed by Freddie Smithson) with Queen Elizabeth’s head superimposed onto her body, wearing some of her most noted outfits. The captions featured some rather braggadocious lyrics from Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar, and Gucci Mane.
The latter caption, which accompanied a photo of the woman's head known affectionately as Lilibet photoshopped on Rihanna's body clad in her “Queen of Coachella” ensemble, was soon updated.
It first read: “cause u f*** like a 👵🏼 f***, u just a amateur. #gucci”. It seems mama Rih was not a fan of that caption and reached out to her daughter. “UPDATE: Mumz said she won't [sic] too happy bout this post so I had to edit *insert appropriate Gucci Mane lyrics here*” the caption read.
Some users took no issue with the doctored photos.
“Presidents are made fun of all the time. I don't see why it's not okay to do the same to queen. I didn't love Rihanna before, but I do now. Everyone needs the spirit of challenging authorities,” said user Jazmio.
Others, presumably devout supporters of the queen’s legion, were not impressed.
“Whatever the message here, one thing is clear, Rihanna is obviously delusional. My Queen carries herself with poise and elegance. Something Rihanna has never done. I find this disrespectful but expect nothing more from bad girl riri,” said commenter Becky_farnell.
The theme among the captions? Confidence. Was Rih just having a bit of photo-editing fun? Was she still feeling the vibes of Kendrick Lamar’s Coachella performance? Was superimposing the Queen’s head on her body Rih’s way of celebrating her birthday? Hell, maybe she was just feeling herself, per usual and thought she’d share with the masses. Then again, the final photo she posted seemed to say it all, "It's not that deep."
In this business, we go by the rule of threes: if you see one person doing some cool beauty shit, you take note. Two is really when you take notice. But three? Well, that means it's officially a thing. Taraji P. Henson, Rihanna, and Tyra Banks — as well as a whole lot of other celebs — have been seen in faux dreadlocks within the last year, looking like Nubian queens.
Now, of course, I'm not saying that dreadlocks are a trend — far from it! They've practically existed since the beginning of time (no, really). However, there has to be a reason behind these stars trying this style now. Maybe it's because they give you a break from box braids, a protective style that many naturalistas flock towards. Or maybe they give you a break from your typical, labour-intensive hair care routine in general — because truthfully, it gets exhausting! Or maybe they're wearing them simply because they look cool and are a nod to the wave of inclusivity that the industry is experiencing.
Whatever each individual's reasons may be, we're grateful to see the style's versatility on people who are wearing them the right way (ahem, Marc Jacobs). Ahead, watch a tutorial on how to get your own faux locs...and check out all of the other options available, if you're about that #loclife.
Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are sections of hair that are purposely uncombed and unbrushed, celebrity hairstylist Lavette Slater once told R29. The hair eventually becomes matted and knots into itself. Check out our primer on the history of the hairstyle here.
Photo: Via @chescaleigh.
Goddess Locs
If you don't want to commit to dreading your hair, you can give goddess locs (or locks, depending on who you ask) a try. With this process, your real hair is wrapped with synthetic (or sometimes human) hair to create the same effect as real dreads. These typically last up to three months. See how it's done in our video above!
Yarn Locs
Or, if you don't want to use hair, you can wrap your braids with yarn. Many people opt to use coloured string for this variation.
Photo: Via @nix_indamix.
Sisterlocks
Dr. JoAnne Cornwell brought the Sisterlocks method to the masses back in 1993. To form these tiny strands, hair is parted in a grid that forms nearly 400 thin locs, according to Cultured Locs. Unlike rolled dreads, this style is assembled with a special tool — and you don't need wax or gels to create them.
Photo: Via @ceceolisa.
Freeform Dreadlocks
It's all in the name! Freeform dreadlocks — also called organic or neglect dreadlocks — are created by washing the hair and letting it get matted over time. According to Raging Roots Studio, separating the dreads (pulling your hair in individual sections during the growth process) can help create individual dreadlocks...or, you can let your hair clump together organically.
Photo: Via @queenloiseau.
Crochet Dreadlocks
Just like crochet braids, faux single locks are attached to your braids with a crochet hook.
Photo: Via @markele.dejanae.
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Earlier today, a record number of runners took part in the London Marathon.
According to organisers, some 40,382 people attempted the 26.2-mile course around the capital - over 1,000 more than last year.
Kenyan runner Mary Keitany won the women's race, crossing the line in two hours, 17 minutes and one second, the second-fastest time in history. Paula Radcliffe is the only female athlete to have ever run a marathon faster.
But of course, the London Marathon isn't just about elite athletes. Jackie Scully, a 35-year-old breast cancer survivor, completed the gruelling course today after getting married to now-husband Duncan Sloan on the Cutty Sark in Greenwich at 7,30am.
After crossing the finishing line in a little over three hours and 30 minutes, she told the Daily Mail: "This morning, I stood on that start line and I didn’t know if I would even make a mile because of the injuries I’ve been through. I’ve had my leg rebuilt 10 years ago, on top of breast cancer, so I’ve had quite a few hurdles to overcome."
She added: "Crossing that line today, I really feel I’ve made a statement for all those people who think they can't. For all those people who are stuck at the bottom of the stairs and think they can’t climb up, and that means a huge amount to me."
Click through the slideshow on the right for some heartwarming pictures shared on Instagram during the London Marathon.
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In January, ahead of the 13 Reasons Why fandom ,Refinery29 spoke to actor Ross Butler about breaking Asian stereotypes. The baby-faced 26-year-old has carved a niche for himself playing characters previously relegated to white actors. In 2017, it’s insane to think casting directors still struggle with booking non-white actors for the roles of “cocky jock” and “the boy next door.”
In a recent interview with Mashable, Butler, who also stars in a “common” role on Riverdale, gave more insight into how he began booking such roles. It turns out this wasn’t merely a stroke of good luck.
“[After] I started getting auditions and seeing that all the auditions I was getting were these stereotypical roles, that’s when I really first realised that there weren’t any Asian American male role models," Butler told Mashable. "And it occurred to me that that’s what needed to change.”
Butler was born in Virginia to a Chinese-Malaysian mother and a father who is American. The actor’s full name is Ross Fleming Butler. “My full name is Ross Fleming Butler, it’s very British-Irish," Butler said. The Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why star then had an idea, he informed his agent that he no longer wanted to audition for stereotypical “Asian roles.” And surprisingly, it worked. When the 13RW script landed in his lap, he was enticed that the production team required a diverse cast, which included his character, Zach Dempsey.
"[Producer Brian Yorkey] said ‘Yeah, we’re thinking about giving Zach a Chinese middle name, do you think that would fit?' I thought about it and said yeah. I think my mum in the show would have wanted me to have a connection to my Asian roots,” he said.
"I’m a jock, I fit in with my friend group, and I just happen to be Chinese too — and I think that is what most accurately reflects America right now. There’s so many Chinese or Asian Americans that were either born in another country like I was and raised in America, or born in America and raised in America. They’re normal Americans and they just happen to have a different heritage."
Butler’s adamancy about not allowing producers to place him in a box helped catapult the rising star into the big leagues. Broader, layered roles in film and television beget better work. He’s also had roles in Teen Wolf and K.C. Undercover. On the scarce representation of Asian roles on television, he told Refinery29:
"We're a very underrepresented population in Hollywood, but we are the majority population of the world. It's a weird dichotomy that we have here. It's starting to get better and we are starting to see more Asians in roles, but we're not seeing a lot of Asians playing roles [that are] not specifically written for Asians. So when I first started out, I was being sent on auditions for "the geek," "the techie." Let's be honest guys, I don't look like a techie [laughs].
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Writing jokes for President Obama sounds like a little bit of a high pressure gig. You have to deliver lines that would be plausible coming out of the mouth of the leader of the free world, not make too many people too angry, and your boss is literally Barack Obama. Oh, and also be funny. Thanks, that's all.
"It never felt normal to me," Litt said. "Maybe some people were like, 'Ah yeah, this is no big deal.' I never crossed that threshold. The thing that is very, very different about writing jokes for a president is that, the next day, that person is still the president. So if you say something that breaks some taboo or offends somebody, you’re still on the hook for that. Generally speaking, joke writers are not the type to self-censor constantly, but you have to be thinking in that way to write jokes for a president. Or at least to write jokes for President Obama, who cared about that sort of stuff."
He also said that levity was important in dealing with the numerous conspiracy theories Obama faced in office.
"Well, it wasn’t like we had a bingo card, but I do think it was a moment to be like, Really? This is happening? One of [fellow speechwriter] Jon Lovett’s jokes in 2012 was, 'This job has aged me. I look in the mirror and I think, I’m not the strapping young Muslim socialist I used to be.' Lines like that, where you can joke about it rather than vent about it, was a nice sort of release valve."
That's how we got amazing moments like Keegan Michael Key appearing as Obama's anger translator. Watch that appearance below.
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2017 really is the year of turmeric. And the superfood du jour truly is a versatile beast, worming its way into everything from face masks to juices to curries.
As well as providing a spicy zing to edibles, turmeric is a common ingredient in South Asian medicine because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ever the pioneers with food trends, Whole Foods Market has been quick to stock a whole host of turmeric-flavoured products to give you a health boost. These are some of our favourites.
ChicP Carrot, Ginger & Turmeric Hummus, £1.99
Moju Turmeric Cold Pressed Booster, £1.99
Whole Foods Cauliflower And Turmeric Soup, £3.50
Pukka Turmeric Gold Tea, £2.49
James White Turmeric Juice Zinger, £1.40
Jamu Kitchen Turmeric Tamarind Tonic, £3.49
Turmeric Latte Mix, £9.99
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If the sight of tens of thousands of sweaty but exhilarated runners crossing the finish line of the London Marathon yesterday stirred your inner runner into action, then fear not, there are plenty of runs out there for you to get involved in, too.
Read on to find the right run for you, whatever your level.
For the newbies
If this is literally your first foray into running then it might be clichéd, but the Colour Run really is right up your street. You're probably familiar with how it works; each 5k course features five colour stations where Colour Run minions chuck powdered paint at you. By the end you look like you've had an accident in a Skittles factory. You can run competitively if you want (although things do start to get a bit bottlenecked at the colour stations) but equally, you won't look out of place slowing down and walking with the people wearing flip-flops, having a leisurely stroll.
The Colour Run, London, Manchester, Brighton in June, July and September. More detailshere.
Hey, running's not for everyone, and that's totally fine. If doing nothing but running for 10 whole kilometres is the most boring thing you can imagine, then consider Tough Mudder – despite their somewhat laddy branding, loads of women actually take part, too. Kick things off with a Tough Mudder Half, which consists of five miles and 13 obstacles which could include an ice plunge pool (filled with actual ice cubes) and a fun Total Wipeout -type thing called the "Block Ness Monster". Really.
Tough Mudder Half, all over the country, throughout the year. More detailshere.
Because why do your running horizontally when it can be done vertically? Vertical Rush asks you and a team to scale the stairs of London's Tower 42, the City's original skyscraper, in aid of homeless charity Shelter. Sounds doable, right? Well, it's 932 steps to the top of the 42 storeys, where you'll find yourself 600ft up in the air. Not many people are still running by the end.
If you can't wait for Vertical Rush (it's not until March 2018, sadly), then check out Conquer The Tower (proceeds to help young adults with cancer), which takes the same concept and applies it to London's Broadgate Tower. It's 35 storeys and 877 steps – still pretty substantial!
Vertical Rush, Tower 42, London, 8th March 2018. More informationhere. Conquer The Tower, Broadgate Tower, London, 20th May 2017. More informationhere.
Tomorrow, 1,200 people will gather to climb #Tower42, helping to raise around £300,000 for Shelter. Good luck to everyone taking part. pic.twitter.com/y6u7OmkCYl
For those who want to run in beautiful surroundings
It's nice to have something pleasant to look at when you're running, isn't it? Sign up to the Windsor Half Marathon, dubbed (possibly by itself) the "most picturesque half marathon". It takes place in Windsor Great Park which, fair play, is rather tidy and houses a deer park, several gardens and even a waterfall. Even better, as Windsor Castle is visible from the park, it's highly likely that Her Royal Highness will be cheering you on from her bedroom window. Probably.
Windsor Half Marathon, 24th September 2017. More informationhere.
"26.2 miles? I can do that!" you might reckon after watching all sorts of people cross the finish line of the London Marathon. And you know what? I bet, given time to train, you can. Sign up immediately for next year's London Marathon here if you're really inspired, but bear in mind that the odds of getting in are around one in seven. Other options to look at include the Brighton Marathon next April (running in fresh sea air? Yes please) and the Hull Marathon (use as an excuse to go and see what the City of Culture 2017 has on offer) in September. Give the Edinburgh Marathon in May some consideration, too. It takes in views from all around the beautiful city – and offers guaranteed entry to those who don't get into the London Marathon.
Brighton Marathon, 13th-15th April 2018. More informationhere. Hull Marathon, 24th September 2017. More informationhere. Edinburgh Marathon, 28th May 2017, check back for 2018 dates soon. More informationhere.
If you're woman enough to take on an ultra run then you deserve much higher praise than anything we can shower on you here. For those unsure what an "ultra run" is, it's anything longer than the 26.2 miles of a marathon. Ultra runs can even be as long as 1,000 miles over a couple of days! For a non-scary introduction, look up Runstock in Northamptonshire, which sees kids doing 5ks alongside the 50k-ers. Every 5k lap gets you a wristband – with one person last year opting to cover 75k(!), that's a lot of wristbands. Once you've mastered Runstock, start looking at some of the more intense ultra runs that take place all over the globe, from the Peruvian rainforest to the French Alps.
Runstock, Northamptonshire, 10th June 2017. More informationhere.
It shouldn’t take the deaths of 1,129 people to make you stop and think about the value of your clothes and, more importantly, the value of the lives of the people making your clothes. Four years ago today, a factory in Bangladesh collapsed due to inadequate building infrastructure, killing over 1,000 men, women and children, and injuring approximately 2,500 people, predominantly garment workers.
Despite garnering international attention and momentary outrage, four years on, not enough has changed in the substandard working conditions for garment workers around the world, nor has our insatiable appetite for fast fashion abated. Cheap, disposable clothing is more popular than ever in the West, with little thought of the immediate repercussions of overconsumption on the environment and countless human lives.
Research published in November 2016 by Greenpeace Germany revealed just how rapidly the fast fashion industry is growing: Clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2014, with the average person buying 60% more items of clothing each year and keeping them for about half as long as 15 years ago, producing unfathomable quantities of textile waste. The chemicals from textile factories pollute rivers and oceans; these factories also require high levels of energy use while pesticides from cotton-growing contaminate agricultural land. According to Greenpeace, one of fast fashion’s worst culprits is the increasing use of synthetic fibres, particularly polyester, which creates nearly three times more CO2 in its lifecycle than cotton. Found in 60% of clothing, polyester can take decades to degrade, also polluting marine environments with plastic microfibres.
And what about the women, men and oftentimes children making our clothes? The garment industry is, and always has been, one of the most female-dominated fields in the world. According to Fashion Revolution, today, more than 70% of garment workers in China are women, in Bangladesh the number rises to 85%, and in Cambodia it is as high as 90%. Despite making products for some of the most profitable global companies, these workers are labouring in unacceptable conditions for poverty wages and undertaking an excessive amount of overtime. Fashion Revolution's research reveals that in Bangladesh (the second largest exporter of clothes in the world), the minimum wage for garment workers is 5,300 taka (£45) per month, which is nowhere near the 8,900 taka (£75) that is needed to cover a worker’s basic needs, and even further from a living wage. Many garment workers take on between 60 and 140 hours of overtime per week and it is common that they do not receive the overtime pay. Health and safety are frequently neglected, breaks from work are often not permitted, and abuse is rife.
Armed with this knowledge, how can we still shop so voraciously for clothes we don’t need? As a fashion editor it might sound ironic, insincere and sanctimonious for me to urge readers to shop less, or more responsibly. But as a fashion editor I also feel it is my responsibility to educate people on the true cost of fashion, particularly fast fashion. I have spoken previously of my real loathing of shopping, not simply because I find the crowded stores of Oxford Street unbearable and the thudding music blasted out on the shop floor insufferable. But also because, for the past 10 years or so, the notion of cheap clothing and the consequences of buying it and endorsing its production has not appealed to me, and often appalled me. When it comes to a decision between buying lots of poorly made clothes that I quite like, or investing in an item that has been beautifully crafted in an ethical environment, which I can wear for the rest of my life and potentially pass down to my future daughter, the choice is indisputable.
It is frustrating that sustainable fashion isn't already a priority for the most influential people in the industry, from CEOs of massive corporations to designers and the press. It is easy to turn a blind eye to the damage we are causing and, generally, public perception is still that sustainable clothing is uncool, hippyish, overpriced and yet to follow catwalk trends.
Over the course of the next seven days, with a week of themed content focusing on sustainability, I want to make readers aware of the catastrophic impact fast fashion is having on our world and its future. I want to make readers aware of the alternatives, which will not only make you prouder of your wardrobe but, more significantly, better the lives of other women and protect the planet we are on course to destroying.
Thankfully, public figures such as Emma Watson and Livia Firth (who we interview later in the week) have raised awareness of the immense advantages of sustainable fashion and proven that it can be just as directional and aesthetically pleasing as more mainstream options. But this week I also want to celebrate others behind the scenes, working to challenge the industry and change public perception. I hope you enjoy the varied content around the ethics of clothing and sustainable fashion, and I hope you pause before your next online or real life checkout and think about the chain leading back from the contents at the bottom of your basket.
Like this? Check in toFashion Consciencethroughout this week for exclusive interviews, features, photoshoots and more.
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