Voices

The win got them into the Guinness Book of Records, but also a bashing from the likes of Piers Morgan, who didn't win in his category and was only too happy to remind us that Ant has barely been on the telly last year. But then, we knew that. In fact, part of the reason Ant and Dec won this award again is down to Ant's massive fall from grace after a drink-driving conviction and, since, his attempts to rehabilitate. It could be seen as a nod of loyalty to him and to Dec, who soldiered on, and faith in Ant's ability to have a second act. There was plenty of bleating about the fact Ant didn't deserve a win, compared with other TV sorts who have been slaving away all year, but at least it didn't seem to stop people having a good time. Which, by the photographs of the night and the hungover state of people on the actual telly the next day, was a boozy good time. And this, surely, seems to hit a bum note, until you acknowledge that it sums up an attitude to alcohol that isn't exclusive … [Read more...] about Sarah Caden: ‘Celebrity hip flasks and hangovers hit a bum note in a new age of abstinence’

Keeping it cheesily cosy, the Bezos statement went on to say they would "continue [their] shared lives as friends". "We feel incredibly lucky," the statement tweeted by Jeff Bezos continued, "to have found each other and deeply grateful for every one of the years we have been married to each other. If we had known we would separate after 25 years, we would do it all again. We've had such a great life together as a married couple, and we also see wonderful futures ahead, as parents, friends, partners in ventures and projects, and as individuals pursuing ventures and adventures. Though the labels might be different, we remain a family, and we remain cherished friends." To take this at face value, it's a wonderful way to enter the separation process. The Bezos attitude is one to be admired. They don't regret their union or regard it as a failure, even if it is now over. They want to remain friends, no doubt in part, because they have four children together. Sadly, though, it took only a … [Read more...] about Sarah Caden: ‘Bezos split says loving exploration

The site itself is the summation of simplistic genius: a platform which is easily navigated and allows its users to do the heavy lifting when it comes to content creation. Unlike Facebook, which is preferred by an older generation, or Pinterest, one of the fastest growing image-led apps or Twitter, where everyone tells you how stupid they think you are for having an opinion on literally anything, Instagram is the online equivalent to a happy place. Or, at least it’s supposed to be. It gives you a chance to interact with people you never would have otherwise and get inspiration for travel, weddings, fashion, recipes or just about anything else. But you know what else it has? The highest populous of braggarts I have ever come across. Hubris is an affliction a lot of users suffer with year-round, but it becomes an epidemic during the festive period, which we are now, thankfully, finally free of. In the run-up to Christmas, there are the inevitable festive engagements, subsequent … [Read more...] about Caitlin McBride: ‘Instagram used to be a happy place, now it’s smug and insensitive’

Leslie Ann Horgan: 'I'm delighted to present the only end-of-year awards that matter - the 2018 Poppies' Independent.ie The remains of the turkey's been curried, the straggler gifts have been given and on Monday we'll see out the old year, and with it the last of the festive sparkle. Even if you're the type to leave the tree up until Nollaig na mBan, the Christmas magic ends when you're trudging home in high heels and a deluge in the early hours of New Year's Day. Thankfully, we don't have too long to wait before there's a hint of glitter on the horizon - January 6 is also the date for the Golden Globe Awards. https://www.independent.ie/style/voices/leslie-ann-horgan-im-delighted-to-present-the-only-endofyear-awards-that-matter-the-2018-poppies-37661941.html https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/article37661940.ece/a6b2b/AUTOCROP/h342/2018-12-28_sty_46300300_I1.JPG Email The remains of the turkey's been curried, the straggler gifts have been given and on Monday we'll see … [Read more...] about Leslie Ann Horgan: ‘I’m delighted to present the only end-of-year awards that matter

Yet a bizarre irony is afoot. While putting our best (and possibly fake) foot forward has become the norm in real life, the traditional arena of the fantastical and the escapist is coming increasingly under fire for doing what it's done for decades. Magazine covers, model shoots and megabucks ad campaigns have long had aspiration, not to mention a severe reality tweak, as their very cornerstones. Yet thanks to the actions of a handful of body positivity campaigners, celebrities and industry heavyweights, airbrushing has taken on a sinister, seamy reputation. Things have become politicised. People are speaking up about how excessive media airbrushing has shifted the goalposts for every woman, changing the world's already unrealistic beauty standards. 'Aspirational' and 'fantasy' are no longer the beauty biz's buzzwords: 'healthy', 'inclusivity', 'transparency' and 'authenticity' are. We have, say campaigners, guzzled the lie of perfection for too long. The big question, of course, is … [Read more...] about Tanya Sweeney: ‘Most of us are not quite ready to give up on that new and improved version of ourselves Photoshop brings’