Ruby Room

The new celebrity look-a-likes

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-07T12:00:00 00:00

Have these stars deliberately styled themselves on another famous face or is it just a coincidence they share the same hair, makeup and fashion sense? We'll let you be the judge...

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Dear Paula: My husband's 'lovely' exes

Dear Paula — 2009-11-07T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula
I've just discovered my husband has been talking to an ex-girlfriend online behind my back and I'm feeling really hurt and betrayed. I feel very strongly about this because the first few months we were together he told me far too much about the fun he had with his exes, including things I didn't need to hear about his previous sexual exploits.

He also told me an ex was "lovely" while we were cuddled up after being intimate. I'm not the most confident of people anyway and was left feeling completely second best to these women, specially as we never had the kind of fun he described due to him having custody of his kids, which means no social life but hearing repeatedly all about his previous fantastic social life. I was abused as a teen and this has had a huge effect on my life and left me low in confidence, and my husband knows all about this. He also knows how badly his stupid comments about his exes hurt, and that I've battled with this for the past couple of years to try and put the negative thoughts and images out of my head.

He told me he was talking to this woman but when I asked if she was an old flame he lied and told me she was an old friend. I knew something wasn't quite right so I had a look and sure enough, the e-mails they've been exchanging make it clear they were once an item. I confronted him and he said he didn't tell me she was an ex because he knew I'd be upset.

He tells me I'm the love of his life etc but I just can't believe he would do this, knowing how I feel and knowing it would hurt me, like I don't matter as long as he gets to apologise to some old girlfriend, apparently for treating her badly. He's been commenting on the things she used to wear, the weekend away they enjoyed and has remembered her birthday.

He has apologised but I feel so betrayed and disrespected that he would do such a thing in the first place, knowing how I feel and how much it would hurt. He's been doing this while I'm at work, as he stays at home to look after his kids while I'm the bread winner who provides for them all - I feel such a fool.

Dear Paula writes:
Come on now. He's a bit pathetic isn't he? I think your man is the one with issues around self-confidence. He's obviously trying to bolster his ego at your expense which is selfish and immature. None of this stuff he talks about is the slightest reflection on you. This is all about his feelings of inadequacy.

Look at the situation. He is a househusband dependent on you to bring home the bacon, and you have also taken on his children and I'm sure not many women would be willing to step into that situation. The Chinese have a saying, "why do you hate me? I never helped you." I'm not for a moment suggesting that he hates you, but it's possible that he may unconsciously resent the fact that he's very dependent on you and is trying to make himself feel better by painting this Jack the Lad image of himself in order to compete with you.

This is not about other women. You're the one he's with and he may very likely regard you as the love of his life but he does need to learn to keep his mouth shut about his (probably quite ordinary) past relationships. If it was all so great, why didn't he stick with any of them? I think he probably feels emasculated and this is the situation which really needs addressing, as it's very unfair of him to punish you for the way he feels.

I recognise that it can be very difficult to find a job these days and you don't say how old the children are and what level of child-care is required but have you discussed the possibility of him going to out to work? He really needs something to make him feel more equal as he can't use the tactic of trying to make this happen by putting you down. Two people feeling rotten is not a good recipe for a successful marriage.

t might not be advisable to tackle this head-on but if you tell him you're feeling very unhappy and unsure about the relationship surviving because you feel so hurt, he might agree to a third party intervention to help look at how to make things better. Because of your past abuse issues, it's important that you stand up for yourself and refuse to be emotionally abused, as this is what he's doing.

Couple counselling could help ( see www.relate.org.uk ) but if he's not willing to change this situation you may need to think long and hard as to whether you want to stay with a man who is attacking you because of his own inadequacies. After all, a man with three dependent children isn't generally considered much of a catch, whereas you are obviously a giving person, able to support yourself and with no dependents of your own outside of him and his children.

In theory, it would be easy for you to move on, so it's in his interest to knock your confidence as he probably thinks will ensure that you stay with him. You're holding all the cards. Start playing them for your own benefit, make some demands of your own and refuse to accept any more of his poor behaviour.

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Tea can 'reduce heart attack risk'

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-07T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

It seems there may be no end to the wonders of drinking tea. According to new research, Britain's favourite comfort can even lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

And the best news is that, to enjoy the full and "significant health benefits" you'll need to drink eight cuppas every day.The study found that caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee and cocoa have a positive effect on mental function, with alertness, wellbeing and short-term memory all improved.

Dr Carrie Ruxton, a dietician, conducted a review of 47 published studies and discovered that 400mg of caffeine a day (that's eight cups of tea) could give us "key benefits in terms of mental function and heart health".

If you're a regular drinker, you could even benefit from "reduced mortality, a lower risk of heart attack and lower cholesterol."

In fact Dr Ruxton insists that cutting out the caffeine altogether could mean you're missing out.

Dr Catherine Hood, from the Tea Advisory Panel, agreed, telling the Daily Express: "Caffeinated drinks have been unfairly demonised."

Time for another cuppa we think.

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Why it's best to avoid winter dating

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-07T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

As romantic as a crisp, snowy winter wonderland can be, dating in the winter months could be bad news, say experts.

According to a survey by Yahoo, a large number of couples that begin a blossoming romance during the Christmas holidays, won't last until March.Internet dating sites anticipate a 300 per cent increase in traffic as the holiday season approaches and singles search for a new love with whom to share their mistletoe.

In America, it's known as "hiberdating", but it sadly leads to March being dubbed the "break-up season".

Couples counsellor Barbara Greisman, explained to the Telegraph: "Two things are happening.

"First, many of us unconsciously think back to our childhood and associate the post-summer and Christmas holiday time with the misery of returning to school. The simple fact that the days are shorter can also make us gloomier.

"Therefore if we're single around this time, we instinctively look for someone - anyone - to cheer us up, even for the short-term."

She added: "Add Christmas and New Year to the mix - a time which is a complete distortion of real, everyday life - and that's a recipe for total failure. My busiest time for counselling is January through to March."

And Lisa Guennifa, associate director of the Elect Club introduction agency, believes that the beginning of a new year can, in itself, cause problems.

She said: "People believe in fresh starts, and that goes for their relationships, too. They often blame their partners for unhappiness and lack of fulfilment. Changing them means they can change their lives."

Apparently there's also some science involved. According to scientist James Watson, the bright light of summer stimulates something called the pineal gland, which produces sex hormones, making us all feel hot and, well... hot.

Which suggests, there is a solution to "hiberdating"... ever tried a winter sun holiday?

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Food variety 'could make you fat'

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-07T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Food & drink, Health & fitness

If you're keen on picking your way through the breakfast buffet or making the most of the salad bar, you could be adding inches to your waistline.

According to the latest research, eating a lot of different foods plays a trick on your unsuspecting brain.Dubbed the "buffet effect" by scientists, the research revealed that people faced with a large variety of food took, on average, 10 per cent more.

And all this variety tricks the brain into believing the body is eating less than it really is.

Over the course of a year, it could add up to a whopping extra stone and a half in weight.

As part of the study, 150 students at the University of Minnesota were shown a standard portion of identical sweets.

They were then asked to pour the same-sized portion of multi-coloured sweets into a bowl but misjudged the size by around 10 per cent.

A separate test found the group similarly unable to judge the size of different portions of single or multicoloured sweets, consistently underestimating the coloured portion.

Scientists believe that a range of different foods creates a kind of optical illusion, leaving the brain unable to correctly judge the portion size.

Writing in the Journal of Consumer Research, the researchers wrote: "Variety seems to make people unknowingly pour larger servings.

"Given that people typically finish what they serve themselves the findings have potential implications for how much people consumer.

"Identical items naturally consolidate into a single whole, making them seem to occupy a larger area."

They did, however, stress that the healthy eaters among us shouldn't limit themselves to one foodstuff, but to be aware of this unusual trick of the eyes.

So next time you head for the 'all you can eat' restaurant deal, remember your eyes could be bigger than your stomach.

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Celebrity hair: Glam v grunge

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-06T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Celebrity, Picture galleries

Some stars like to tease their tresses into chic coiffures. Others prefer a sexy scruffy style, looking permanently as though they've just enjoyed a particularly passionate rendezvous. See which celebs suit superstyled chignons or rock untamed manes in our gallery...

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The sweet scent of nostalgia

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-06T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

From school dinners to cut grass, a familiar whiff can transport us back to our childhood in an instant.

And it seems there is some scientific basis to the idea that we can smell memories.Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, believe they have discovered how scents from the past are so indelibly etched onto our brains.

The study, reported in the journal Current Biology, involved attempting to mimic the creation of childhood memories via smell.

The 16 adult volunteers were shown a picture of an object as they were exposed to a whiff of either pear or fungus.

Ninety minutes later they were shown the same image with the alternative scent.

Scientists then left a week's gap before testing which of the associations was remembered more strongly by exposing the volunteers to the same smells.

The MRA scans used to monitor the participants' brain activity showed the hippocampus region of the brain "light up" in an unusual way when they were exposed to the first smell from the week before. They did not respond in the same way to the second smell.

Dr Yaara Yeshurun explained: "We found that the first pairing or association between an object and a smell had a distinct signature in the brain."

He added that there was something "particularly special" about early memories of smells.

The bad new? Apparently it's easier to remember the unpleasant smells.

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Beyoncé sports Cheryl's bizarre dress

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-06T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

When Cheryl Cole stepped onto the X Factor stage wearing a dress that incorporated metal tubing, it seemed unlikely that there would be any further sightings of the dress.

But Beyoncé showed what curves could do for the design when she accepted the first of three awards, for Best Song, at the MTV bash in Berlin last night.Where Cheryl's outfit was described by some as resembling bin lids or wheel trims, Beyoncé's David Koma designed dress cut a considerably more flattering figure.

Though not quite up to the many guises of Katy Perry, who hosted the ceremony, Beyoncé managed a fair few changes herself.

Arriving in a full-length pink evening gown, her performance of single Sweet Dreams saw a dramatic change into red corset, stockings and satin gloves.

She later donned a black and gold mini-dress to collect a further two awards for Best Female and Best Video, making a hat-trick on the night.

But as raunchy as the red basque was, it was the little black dress with the metallic detail that had everybody talking.

See more stars snapped in the same frock...

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Burlesque to ballgowns at the MTV awards

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-06T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

As show-stoppers go, we have to admit that Katy Perry's performance as host of the MTV Europe Music Awards last night was one of the best.

The singer managed to top her costume count from last year's show and managed an astonishing 12 changes through the course of the evening.Marking her arrival, Katy looked stunning dressed in a floor-length pink Marchesa gown, but there was burlesque and bizarre to come.

She took to the stage first in a ringmaster style basque, with suspenders and heart-adorned knickers. Many of her costumes were Cabaret-inspired, as befitted an evening in Berlin, and there were basques of all shapes and colours to keep the crowds entertained.

For one appearance, Katy even displayed her feelings for new love Russell Brand, wearing an underwear set complete with garter, in the colours of his football team, West Ham (Rusty, of course, emblazoned across her behind).

But there were also feathery white numbers and midnight blue flapper dresses to be found in Katy's extensive dressing room (a picture of which she posted on her Twitter page), though perhaps the strangest moment of the evening came when she arrived on stage wearing a peach-coloured ballgown.

Not so strange, you might think... but that was before you noticed the huge wholes cut into the flouncy skirt.

Still, it was a magnificent achievement, gracefully and cheekily carried off by Miss Perry.

The question is, what will she do next year?

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Stella takes best-dressed award

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-06T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

As a fashion designer, it is only right that Stella McCartney looks absolutely fabulous at all times.

So she must be relieved to know that her efforts have not gone unnoticed as she was crowned the best-dressed woman of 2009 by Harper's Bazaar yesterday.The mum-of-three has put her own flattering designs to good use, whether popping out to the shops or attending a high-profile fashion bash.

The panel of judges who picked Stella as the winner included designers Roland Mouret, Christopher Kane and Christian Louboutin as well as Guardian columnist Hadley Freeman and Harper's Bazaar editor, Lucy Yeomans.

And Stella's ability to show that her designs work for real life and not just the catwalk, influenced the panel's choice.

Roland Mouret said: "Stella articulates the values of her mother Linda, and creates sexy clothes that women want to wear. She dresses for herself and her husband - I really like that."

Women with a style all of their own were abundant in the list, from quirky Alexa Chung and the always stylish Yasmin Le Bon, right through to artist Tracey Emin and Samantha Cameron.

View the full Best Dressed list in the December issue of Harper's Bazaar.

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Board games on the big screen

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-06T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture

We've all enjoyed a game of Monopoly at Christmas time but how many of us could picture the family favourite as a silver screen hit?

We're guessing not many. But board games are all the rage in Hollywood these days and a number of game inspired movies are already in the pipeline.As unlikely as it sounds, a movie version of Battleship is already in development and a release is expected as early as 2011.

Anyone remember Risk? Well, the game, based on the fight for world domination, is just the latest to be lined up for a big screen adaptation and is being co-produced by none other than Will Smith.

Sony Pictures have acquired the film rights from game maker Hasbro, and Smith's Overbrook Entertainment will co-produce, the suggestion being that he may well eventually star in the film.

A Sony spokesman told the Telegraph: "The strategic thinking and the tactical gambles that players must take in the game are what make Risk a classic, thoroughly engaging game.

"Those elements translated into an action-packed, thrilling story are what will make this a uniquely exciting movie."

It seems Hollywood's latest obsession may have stemmed from the success of films such as Transformers and GI Joe, both based on children's toys.

How Monopoly would work on the big screen is anyone's guess, but Ridley Scott, of Blade Runner fame, is already keen.

The British director is quoted as saying Monopoly: the movie would be a "hysterically amusing and I think rather exciting film."

We're looking forward to it already.

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Breast botox for an extra lift

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-06T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

While we girls have been able to eradicate those fine lines and wrinkles on our faces with just a few relatively painless injections, the chest area has always proved a little more tricky... until now.

That's right ladies, botox for breasts is now available for those bust tightening emergencies.Doctors are already offering the £1,000-a-session 'Breastox' and are hoping that the half hour treatment will be perfect for young mums looking to regain those pre-pregnancy perky breasts.

Sach Mohan, a cosmetic surgeon with Transform, told the Daily Mail: "A young woman who has recently been pregnant might not have very much in her wardrobe that fits.

"But she is under pressure to look good just weeks after giving birth.

"This is another tool in their armoury."

Dr Mohan does, however, recommend waiting at least three months after giving birth before rushing to the clinic.

The 12 injections work by freezing the pectoralis minor chest muscle. This causes other muscles in the back to strengthen giving the bust a lift and smoothing wrinkles.

Gwen Davies, Transform's head of non-surgical treatments, said: "Wrinkles on the chest area are very ageing and a dead giveaway to a lady's age, and sun-worshippers are most likely to suffer deeper set wrinkles.

"Botox is now an accepted form of anti-ageing for the face, but our practitioners are constantly researching new ways it can be used to create a more youthful look on other parts of the body."

The effect of Breastox lasts around three months. But be warned girls... if it's a fuller bosom you're after, then the surgeon's knife is still the only way.

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Mariah takes a trip on TV - and nearly falls out of her dress

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-05T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

Mariah Carey's love of sky-high heels nearly ended in disaster when she tripped while walking on to The Jay Leno show. To make matters worse, the singer nearly fell out of her low-cut dress on national television.

Mariah did her best to laugh off the embarrassing trip, telling the audience: "You know when I tripped, I had choreographed that earlier.

"It was a plan to make Jay nervous that he was going to get sued. This is what happened backstage, my strap came loose," she said, pointing to a wobbly strap on her black stilettos. "This is the cause of the whole thing."

Mariah isn't the only celeb who likes to wear dangerously revealing clothes, as our gallery proves...

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H&M prepare for Jimmy Choo scrum

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-05T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

As the launch of the new Jimmy Choo range at H&M proved, even the celebs are desperate to get their hands on a pair of designer bargains.

But the high street store are having to take action in a bid to prevent shoppers from potential fights as they dash for some killer heels.Shoppers are expected to queue from midnight onwards as the collection goes on sale on Saturday November 14 and H&M have decided that wristbands are the way forward.

Therefore, the first 160 lucky people in line when the selected stores open will receive a wristband before being given ten minutes in the VIP area in groups of 20.

But before you rush for your sleeping bags, each wristband wearer will be allowed to buy only one item per size.

The cheapest pair of shoes are priced at just £49 and even a pair of black thigh-high boots will be selling for just £179.99 - a fraction of the usual £400 price tag.

And with womenswear, menswear and accessories all available at prices starting from £14.99, it might just be worth a night on the pavement.

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Anti-ageing the vampire way

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-05T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

Staying beautiful has always come with a degree of suffering. But the hottest new anti-ageing therapy might even have a few of you running for the hills.

Because S3 Therapy, as it is called, sounds more like something from Count Dracula's castle than a beauty treatment.But beauty treatment it is and though it involves quite a lot of discomfort, it is apparently preferable to those painful peels.

S3 is short for Stimulated Self Serum skin therapy and, according to the Daily Mail, it is already available in the UK via the innovative London-based French cosmetic doctor, Daniel Sister.

Mr Sister draws vials of your very own blood, separates it into the red blood cells, the clear serum and the platelets, adds vitamins and amino acids and voila!... your blood is ready to be injected into your face.

According to Dr Sister, this stimulates DNA repair, helping to heal scars and make your dry and wrinkled skin feel younger naturally.

The therapy starts with blood being taken from your arm - four vials of it, to be precise - before being separated by a centrifuge.

Once the serum is ready it is injected all over the face from hairline to jawline and takes about ten minutes.

But it comes at a price... £500. And the doctors "encourage" a follow-up visit every four to six months.

Now that we think about it, Dracula sounds a little less frightening.

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Eat chocolate to stay wrinkle-free

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-05T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

This is possibly the best news of the whole year. Yes girls, according to the latest research a portion of chocolate each day could actually help to prevent wrinkles.

We have science to thank for this exciting revelation as researchers at the European Dermatology London clinic have discovered that chocolate can protect the skin from the ageing effects of the sun.The bad news for some will be that it only works with dark chocolate that is extremely high in flavanols, an antioxidant that occurs naturally in cocoa beans.

Volunteers in the study who ate dark chocolate were able to tolerate more wrinkle-causing UV light on their skin than those with the milk alternative.

But there's a catch. The choccy bars that you see on the supermarket shelves sadly just won't cut it, as they just don't have enough flavanols.

The researchers said: "The main mechanism is likely to be the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. But conventional chocolate had no such effect."

We are now relying on science to find the solution and create an anti-ageing bar... well, we live in hope.

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Drew goes Posh for premiere

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-05T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

Victoria Beckham's ego must be growing by the day. Her very own dress designs have been seen on the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Elle Macpherson to name but a few.

And now Drew Barrymore has paid the fashion newcomer the ultimate compliment - by appearing on the red carpet wearing a VB dress.The actress was attending last night's premiere of movie Everybody's Fine, along with co-stars Kate Beckinsale and Robert De Niro, but wowed the crowds with her first Victoria Beckham purchase.

Once again, the figure-hugging purple dress showed off Drew's curves to perfection, teamed, of course with towering satin Casadei heels.

But since Victoria herself and singer Katherine Jenkins have also recently been snapped in the dress, Drew added her own personal touch by accessorising with a broach pinned across the dress.

Kate Beckinsale showed off her fabulous pins in a silver strapless J Mendel mini dress, while at the other end of the scale, Samantha Morton seemed to be growing old before her time in a blue jersey dress that looked more suited to the Queen than the red carpet.

Yet again though it was Mrs Beckham that allowed curvy Drew to well and truly steal the limelight. No doubt the celebs will be queuing up for her new up-coming footwear creations.

See more celebs who don't mind being snapped in the same frock...

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Twitterature: The world's greatest books retold through twitter

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-05T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre, Book Club

Have you ever asked yourself, 'What exactly is Hamlet trying to tell me? Why must he mince his words, muse in lyricism and, in short, whack about the shrub?'

No doubt such questions would have been swiftly resolved were the Prince of Denmark a registered user on Twitter.com!

Penguin have put together 75 of the greatest works of western literature, each distilled through the voice of Twitter to its purest essence - saving you the burdensome task of having to read them.

And if you're not much of Twitterer don't worry, the book contains a full glossary of online acronyms and Twitterary terms to aid the amateur.

Here's just a taster...

From Hamlet: WTF IS POLONIUS DOING BEHIND THE CURTAIN???

From Paradise Lost: OH MY GOD I'M IN HELL.

From Dante's Inferno: I'm having a midlife crisis. Lost in the woods. Should have brought my iPhone.

From Macbeth: @LadyMac: THERE'S NOTHING ON YOUR HANDS, YOU'VE WASHED THEM 100 TIMES ALREADY!!

From Oedipus: PARTY IN THEBES!!! Nobody cares I killed that old dude, plus this woman is all over me. Total MILF

Also from Oedipus: MY EYES MY F***ING EYES AGGGGHGHGHGHGHHHH!!!!!! I was totally not expecting that to hurt so much.

From The Great Gatsby: Gatsby is so emo. Who cries about his girlfriend while eating breakfast...IN THE POOL?

From The Hobbit: Got the ring. Man that guy was crazy! Probably not connected to this sweet magic ring, right?

From The Da Vinci Code: HOLY SHIT WE STOLE THE CODEX FOR A LARGE-SCALE CONSPIRACY THAT IS CONVENIENTLY MY AREA OF EXPERTISE!!!

From Harry Potter Books 1-7: Oh man big tournament at my school this year!! PSYCHED! I hope nobody dies this year, and every year as if by clockwork.

Published by Penguin, Twitterature is out on 5th November, priced £6.99. Order your copy now

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Eating too fast could put on pounds

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-05T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

It can be very tempting, particularly when you're dieting, to approach your next meal with gusto.

But if you regularly wolf down your dinner you could be piling on the pounds, say scientists.Researchers at Laiko General Hospital in Athens discovered that guzzling food slows down the release of the "full up" hormone in your belly.

That, in turn, means that you've eaten more food than you need before you're brain has time to tell you enough is enough.

Dr Alexander Kokkinos, the author of the research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, said: "Most of us have heard that eating fast can lead to food overconsumption and obesity, and in fact some observational studies have supported this notion.

"Our study provides a possible explanation for the relationship between speed eating and overeating by showing that the rate at which someone eats may impact the release of gut hormones that signal the brain to stop eating."

The study involved 17 lucky volunteers who ate a test meal of ice cream at different rates.

Those who took the full 30 minutes to eat the ice cream were found to have higher concentrations of hormones PYY and GLP-1, both associated with satiety.

Dr Kokkinos said: "Our findings give some insight into an aspect of modern-day food overconsumption, namely the fact that many people, pressed by demanding working and living conditions, eat faster and in greater amounts than in the past.

"The warning we were given as children that 'wolfing down your food will make you fat' may in fact have a physiological explanation."

So take your time for lunch today guys... your figure will thank you for it.

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Time with pals as good as sex, for the ladies

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-05T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

A good old gossip and a moan about the other half has always been an important part of a woman's daily routine.

But the latest research suggests that for the girls, chatting to their friends is equally as pleasurable as sex.As unlikely as that sounds, it's apparently all down to the endorphins.

Leading psychologist Jennie Trent-Hughes explains: "We have our friends to make us feel good. Nothing releases the old endorphins - natural happy chemicals that you release during sex and other times of elation - like laughing and having a good old-fashioned gossip."

The findings come from research conducted by Bacardi Breezer whose study aimed to discover the impact of friendship on the happiness and well-being of Britain's women.

And there were some other surprises along the way.

Who would have thought, for instance, that the hottest topic amongst the ladies would be money. But our financial situations apparently outweigh the importance of relationships, dieting, shopping and even celebrity gossip.

But while 75% of those surveyed insisted they would trust their best friend with life decisions such as choosing a partner, only 14% were prepared to recommend them for a job in the same workplace, for fear of the relationship turning sour.

Ultimately though, it seems the power of the 'friend-orphins' is our favourite way to relax with 73% confessing that good times with good friends was essential in dealing with the day-to-day grind.

And as Jennie Trent-Hughes says: "A true friend is there to talk to and share with, making us feel lighter in both head and heart."

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Everyone's wearing... statement shoulders

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-04T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion, Picture galleries

The celebs have come out in force with show-stopping shoulders this season. From sharp, structured and severe to fearless, voluminous and architectural, these are the stars who've fallen for autumn's hottest trend...

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New fashion designer project launched

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-04T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Breaking into the world of fashion can be a long, hard road and the competition in Britain these days is fierce.

But a new project that will award £200,000 to support future stars will begin making the journey a little bit easier... for one emerging talent at least.The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund was launched yesterday and aims to provide one British-based designer with £200,000, along with mentoring support to help build their business on the international stage.

The launch is an initiative by the British Fashion Council (BFC) in collaboration with British Vogue magazine and coincides with the BFC's 25th anniversary year.

A similar scheme pioneered by American Vogue's Anna Wintour and the Council of Fashion designers of America, has already helped to launch the careers of Proenza Shouler, Jason Wu and Alexander Wang among others.

Those wishing to apply must be UK-based, have an established business, international stockists and a strong media profile, as well as a clear vision of how the prize money would help them grow a global brand.

A committee of patrons and industry experts will then select a shortlist and the judging will be covered in British Vogue's May 2010 edition.

Harold Tillman, chairman of the BFC, said that though they were "delighted to have raised the financing for the first year of the Fund," more funding was necessary to establish a permanent scheme.

He told the Telegraph: "Designer talent is the lifeblood of the fashion industry. Now is the time for the industry to directly support this talent and sign up to the Fund."

British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, who will chair the judging panel, said: "There are some strong designer businesses based here in the UK and many more emerging design talents. This Fund aims to help our most talented designers to become the global fashion brands of the future."

The closing date for applications is December 2.

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Scientists develop ultimate diet drink

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-04T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

Those of you who have gone down the diet milkshake road to weight loss will know that, despite their nutritional value, they're not always enough to stop you reaching for a chocolate muffin.

Thank heavens, then, for the boffins at the School of Chemical Engineering at Birmingham University.A research team at the university have come up with the ultimate diet drink. And they say it will leave you feeling as if you've munched through a substantial dinner.

Not so appealing is the science bit of it. By converting a starch-like substance called gellan gum (commonly used as a thickener in ice cream and the like) into a liquid, they have created a drink that turns to a gel as it reacts with digestive juices in the stomach.

Over the course of six hours, the almost-no-calorie substance slowly breaks down.

And now the scientists believe that by adding nutrients to the drink, they may have come up with the solution to dieting.

Dr Fotis Spyropoulos told the Telegraph: "We think it is a great idea because it is so simple.

"The solution we designed takes advantage of the body's natural process of digestion to convert itself into a gel that fills you up and then breaks down.

"We are now working on how to get it to release energy slowly so that it not only makes the stomach feel full but also provides energy the body needs."

If the mere sound of it has you reaching a full roast dinner, fear not.

The researchers' ultimate aim is to create a breakfast drink or porridge that will leave you feeling full but still able to eat three meals a day.

Provided those three meals don't include burgers, crisps and chocolate, the pounds will no doubt quickly disappear.

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Make-up goes Gaga

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-04T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

Outlandish costumes, bizarre wigs and unusual stage performances are very much the domain of Lady Gaga.

But the singer is set to expand her showbiz horizons as the new face of beauty giant MAC.Lady Gaga has already received a Stylemaker award this week, in recognition of her use of accessories to influence fashion, but for the MAC campaign, she will be turning her hand to lipstick.

As the face of the 'From Our Lips' campaign, due to launch next February, Lady Gaga will be designing her very own lipstick for the range, along with Cindi Lauper who will also star in the shoot.

She joins a star-studded MAC celebrity line-up that has previously included the likes of Fergie and Mary J Blige.

It is hoped that the MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick will be available early next year and, if you fancy getting some Gaga smackers, the good news is that 100 per cent of the profits go to charity, namely the Aids Fund which has raised over $100 million since 1994.

Whether MAC will have any say in her clothing for the shoot is as yet unknown.

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Return of the pointy bra

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-04T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

If you thought you'd found the perfect, seamless, barely-there bra, then you may be disappointed to find you need to start searching all over again.

Yes, the Jane Russell look is back and along with it, the return of the 1950s-style pointy bra.Originally designed by aircraft designer-turned movie mogul Howard Hughes, the conical bra was developed to make the most of actresses' assets.

And now modern-day fashion designers are leading the renaissance, with the likes of Louise Goldin and Jean Paul Gaultier all revealing a pointier bust in their latest catwalk collections.

John Lewis have already reported a surge in sales of the bras and, with the emphasis on curves, it seems women really are turning away from the boyish figures of the catwalk models.

A spokesperson for the store told the Daily Mail: "Throughout the last century the trend for feminine pointy shaped bras experienced a renaissance following times of a toughened economy, marking a return of unabashed femininity as women seek to have more fun with fashion as a form of escapism."

Sales of the store's best-selling conical bra, the Fantasie Belle, were up by 10 per cent last on the previous week.

Head buyer of lingerie, Helen Spencer said: "We are selling more conical bras this year than last as our customers take influence from designers such as Louise Goldin, Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana who have rediscovered the bra as outerwear in their Spring/Summer '10 collections."

So come on girls... make the most of your assets. A spot of Hollywood glamour might just cheer everyone up.

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Tomatoes leave dieters feeling full

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-04T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Food & drink, Health & fitness

If you're on a diet, the daily search for a low-fat, healthy lunchtime snack can be a minefield.

But worry no more. Rumour has it that the humble tomato could be just what you're looking for.According to new research, if you've got some tomato in your sandwich, you'll be feeling fully satisfied enabling you to resist the snacking urge.

Scientists were investigating the benefits of enriching white bread with fruit and vegetables when they made the discovery.

A small group of women, all of normal weight, were offered cream cheese sandwiches made with either white bread or bread enriched with carrots or tomatoes.

And the tomato bread was deemed the most satisfying.

Dr Julie Lovegrove of Reading University told a nutritional conference in France: "They were given the sandwiches in a random order and we recorded how full they said they were.

"It was a small study, and we can't yet say what the crucial tomato ingredient is, but the results were statistically significant."

It is thought that tomatoes are rich in compounds that help to ease hunger pangs. And we all know, without snacking, dieting would become a whole lot easier.

Who knows... perhaps one day in the future, the BLT may become a diet favourite.

We live in hope.

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Stars step out for Jimmy Choo launch

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-04T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

The name may be synonymous with shoes, but it was the launch of the first Jimmy Choo clothing range for H&M that brought the celebrities out in force.

Paris Hilton, Cat Deeley and Hayden Panettiere were just a few of the big-name celebs at the party in west Hollywood yesterday and all were sporting the label's very first clothing line.There was leather-galore as the A-listers took to the red carpet. Of course, Jimmy Choo boss Tamara Mellon arrived looking effortlessly stylish in an asymmetric leather dress from the collection, while Hayden Panettiere had no concerns about the figure-hugging black leather 'treggings".

"I am in love with these pants," she declared. "Tamara is so brilliant and such a wonderful designer. Her shoes are incredible."

And Paris Hilton, wearing a plunge-neck jumpsuit with pink clutch bag, was also impressed, saying: "I already love H&M but the fact that they are doing Jimmy Choo as well I think is amazing - the purses, the shoes, everything.

"The clothes are so cute. They have so many fabulous things and I can't wait to get the whole collection."

Black is very much the order of the day, but with such a range, from sparkly shift dresses to leather (and not to mention the fabulous killer heels in all manner of styles), there's something for every occasion.

And there's even stuff for the boys.

The Jimmy Choo collection will be available at H&M stores in the UK from Saturday November 14.

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Everyone's wearing... black eye liner

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-03T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

Eyeliner is making a major beauty come back for winter 2009. From queen of retro Amy Winehouse to Dita Von Teese, see which celebrities are falling in (and out) of line...

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Winter skin survival guide

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-03T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

With cold winter months just around the corner, now is the time to keep your skin nourished, hydrated and protected. And while it's tempting to cover up with woolly tights and long sleeves and forget your body underneath, that Christmas party will come around sooner than you think!

Follow our tips to keep your skin in tip-top condition and ready to glow in that LBD...Don't dry out
Central heating zaps moisture from the air and can dry out sensitive winter skin. Try putting a bowl of water by the radiator, or turn the temperature down a little and open a window to allow moisture into the room. Remember to drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated. Herbal teas such as cinnamon, ginger and orange will help stimulate the circulation.

Winter calls for a new moisturiser
A good moisturiser is a must in winter. Look out for the new high tech products that have an oil-free organic silicone base. These 'velvet' moisturisers melt on contact with the skin and form an invisible barrier to prevent water loss. For ultra-dry skins, opt for a heavy weight cream with shea butter or evening primrose oil for extra nourishment.

Get ready to glow
You've splashed out on a gorgeous LBD for the Christmas party, so you'll want gorgeous skin to go with it. If your skin is lacklustre, don't panic - you can put the Brillo pad down and move away from the industrial strength exfoliator!

Putting the glow back into your skin isn't as arduous a task as it sounds, or for that matter, as expensive. Get the spa experience in your own home with The Sanctuary Deluxe Beauty Box from Boots, £35, which looks fantastic and contains everything you need.

Exfoliate like a pro
Aim to exfoliate at least twice a week and use an exfoliating mitt every day during winter months. Remember to rehydrate exfoliated skin with a boost of moisture.

Start by dry body brushing from the toes up. This stimulates lymph flow helping to drain waste from the tissues while at the same time removing dead skin. Apply a blob of exfoliating scrub or salts and massage skin with a damp mitt.

Be careful not to scrub too hard, if skin goes bright red you need to apply less pressure. Rinse off in the shower and follow with a luxurious warm bath with added essential oils to help re-moisturise the skin.

Next, lather on a rich body lotion to help lock in moisture. Body lotions with essential oils are a good choice - look out for lavender, geranium, pachouli oil and ylang ylang, which help to soothe and nourish the skin. Goodworks Good Looking Body Lotion, £8, from Boots is a great budget buy.

Finally, apply a touch of colour in the form of a graduating self tan body lotion for a gorgeous healthy glow.

For added shimmer on the night, treat yourself to the Gok Hey Gorgeous! collection, £40, from Boots.

- See more great offers from Boots this Christmas

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Want to write a novel? Ten ways to get your story started

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-03T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture, Book Club

Do you dream of writing a novel and jacking in the day job but don't know where to begin? Sara Shepard, author of All The Things We Didn't Say, offers her top 10 tips for starting your story...

When starting a new story or novel, some people outline feverishly, planning everything before they've penned a single word. I, on the other hand, just go. But no matter whether you're a meticulous outliner or a haphazard free-writer, you have to start from something. So how do you find inspiration? Here are the top ten things that inspired me...

1. A memory. Write what you know, goes the old adage. Memories are fantastic ways into stories, and I've been fortunate enough to have kept a journal through adolescence, college, and beyond. A lot of the entries are rich with feeling and detail-I have firsthand accounts about disastrous holiday events, memorable family trips, first loves, and embarrassing moments, all of which I can draw from for ideas.

2. A place. My novel, All the Things We Didn't Say, began with several places in mind: the Promenade in Brooklyn, New York and a town in Western Pennsylvania where my parents grew up. I knew I wanted to make something out of both these locations, hopefully merging the two. When I was first working on the book, I went up to a friend's apartment in Brooklyn Heights. It had a roof deck that overlooked the city, and suddenly I knew that this was the apartment that Summer Davis, the main character, lived in. Everything came together, and I was off and writing.3. A person. Stella, Summer's great-aunt in All The Things We Didn't Say, was based on a combination of my grandfather, various aunts, and my mom. Some things in Stella's story were lifted right from their lives-Stella's love of smoking, how she scoffs at prim girls in sweater sets-and other things were based on what I thought the people who inspired her might do if put in the same situation. It was great having real people as a guide for her-not only was it heartwarming to write a character based on people that I know and love, but it gave me a very clear, unwavering picture of Stella in my mind.

4. A song. When I was getting my Master's of Fine Arts in Fiction, we were required to write three short stories each semester. I'm very into music, and sometimes the mood of certain songs, the pace of the notes, or even a certain word was very inspiring. For one story, I used the lyrics the song The Blizzard of '77 by Nada Surf as a jumping-off point.

The song is about a deadly snowstorm in Buffalo, New York, but it ends with the line, "I miss you more than I knew." I interpreted the images and the lyrics into a story about a man training for a marathon in the midst of a chilly winter in New York City; his wife had perished in the World Trade Center disaster a few months before. Very different from the song, but if it hadn't been for the music striking me at the right moment, the story might not have existed.

5. A true story. Ideas are all around us in the news. For my second novel, which I'm still working on, a friend told me in passing about a wrestling coach who was charged with taking part in hazing rituals with his team. It got me thinking about whether or not the coach, an adult, should have known better, which then got me thinking about what kind of person would even allow such a thing, which somehow led into a story about the accused coach's mother, his brother, and his brother's wife. Scandal always makes for good inspiration.

6. A snippet of dialogue. An overheard conversation between two strangers can go a long way. Bored on a bus or a plane? Sitting in a dentist's office, unwittingly listening to the conversation next to you? Writing down speech as it happens is a valuable exercise to in creating realistic dialogue in fiction, and the conversation just might spark an idea. I incorporated quite a few overheard conversations in All The Things We Didn't Say, especially the idle banter Summer hears in doctors' offices.

7. A dream. I often dream that I've hit on the best story idea ever, an idea that is fully outlined and trouble-free and practically writes itself. In the morning, I wake up and don't remember the idea at all. Other times, my dreams are just so strange that I just have to write them down; I've used them here and there in stories. And apparently, lots of other writers-like Franz Kafka, for instance-documented their dreams, too.

8. A reinvention. I've always admired writers who can reinterpret a story that has already been told-like Emma becoming the movie Clueless-or writers who base a story on historical times and even real people-like The Other Boleyn Girl, Becoming Frank, and The Master, just to name a few. Some of the most fascinating stories are those that bear some resemblance to fact; it might be worth mining the past and reimagining it in a story.

9. An author. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. When I started writing seriously, I had no idea what my style was so I simply copied other authors I admired. (Short story writer Raymond Carver was one of my early favorites.) The whole point of writing is to develop a style of your own, but it's sometimes useful to write a passage in a beloved author's style every once in a while-doing so might help pinpoint the author's strengths. And who knows, maybe that exercise will become a story idea.

10. Perseverance. Even if you've hit on the perfect idea, a story won't get off the ground if you don't actually sit down and write it. That means writing a first chapter that gets scrapped. That means writing for a few months and realizing you're going in the wrong direction. That means writing when you don't feel like it. A novel might seem effortless when it's finished, with its glossy cover and pretty typeface, but more than likely, the author has suffered through tons of revisions, hours of heartache, pages of deletions, and a lot of self-doubt. (I know I did.) But don't let that deter you-if you start, maybe you'll get to page two...and three...and even finish. So get going!

Lots of luck!

All The Things We Didn't Say is published by Harper Collins for £5.49

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Mazagan Beach Resort launch - eye witness report

Ruby Slippers — 2009-11-03T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Picture galleries

A-listers were out in force at Saturday's glittering gala opening of the uber luxe Mazagan Beach Resort in Morocco... and we were there to soak up the opulent atmosphere and mingle with the stars. Check out our exclusive eye witness report.

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'Worse movie ever' is cult hit

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-03T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture

When Tommy Wiseau's movie The Room was released six years ago, it was not well thought of to say the least.

According to Variety magazine, at the time of its release audiences were requesting their money back within 30 minutes of the film's opening scene.In fact such comments as "the epitome of wretchedness" and "the Citizen Kane of bad films" eventually led to the label "the worst movie ever made".

Some accolade, we think you'll agree. But Tommy Wiseau will be laughing all the way to the bank if the movie's new armies of fans are to be believed.

For The Room has become something of a cult sensation. Five thousand people have already signed up to its dedicated Facebook page and YouTube recreations are springing up all over the place.

Midnight screenings in Los Angeles enticed thousands to queue up, while a recent showing at the Barbican in London was sold out.

The film tells the story of Johnny, a San Francisco banker played by Wiseau himself, whose fiancée Lisa has an affair with his best friend, though much of the scenery is provided by less than convincing backdrops.

Pointless sub-plots, random and seemingly unnecessary characters, glaring continuity errors and out-of-focus camera work are the trademarks of Wiseau's film, which was originally promoted with the slogan "A film with the passion of Tennessee Williams".

And Wiseau, whose acting has to be seen to be believed, is now mobbed at screenings and insists that the 'errors' in the film are deliberate.

He told the Telegraph: "If you look at Tennessee Williams and others, we are on the same page but sometimes the critics are not on the same page. I wanted to make a movie and bring it to the people. They can be the ones who decide if it's good or not."

And decide they did. As one fan queuing outside a Los Angeles cinema put it: "I don't even know what the film's about but I just know I have to see it before I die."

One more for the list then.

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Gaga wins Stylemaker Award

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-03T07:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

Love them or hate them, Lady Gaga's fashion choices are certainly, erm, different - and now the singer has been awarded the Stylemaker Award, where the Accessories Council honours fashion influencers.

When so many celebs these days look like they were manufactured at the pop star factory, should we be celebrating her originality?

ACE President Karen Giberson said:

"As an artist, she's well-appointed in accessories. Just when you thought you saw everything in originality, there she is again.

"People anticipate what she's going to wear and it's exciting to see accessories as such a meaningful part of someone's wardrobe."

What do you think? Is she a fashion influencer or plain Gaga? Vote in our poll and leave a message below...

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It's good to be grumpy

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-03T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

If you've got up on the wrong side of bed today, here's a little something from the world of science that just might cheer you up.

According to new research, the grouches among us are less gullible and better at making sensible decisions than those happy-go-lucky whistling types.In fact a cheerful demeanour can lead us into all kinds of mistakes by believing anything.

Professor Joseph Forgas, a psychology expert, began studying the effects of our moods in a series of experiments.

And the findings revealed that the Victor Meldrew outlook made for more accurate eyewitness accounts of events, while further experiments backed up the results by confirming that the grumpier we are, the more likely we are to get our problems sorted out.

Writing in the Australian Science Journal, Professor Forgas said: "Whereas positive mood seems to promote creativity, flexibility, co-operation and reliance on mental shortcuts, negative moods trigger more attentive, careful thinking, paying greater attention to the external world.

"A sad person can cope with more demanding situations than a happy one because of the way the brain promotes information processing strategies."

The experiments involved asking volunteers to judge the truth of urban myths having put them in either a good or bad mood with a film, and the grumpy group were less likely to believe the stories.

So the next time a cheery passer-by tells you to "cheer up, it might never happen", you can smile in the knowledge that it's probably more likely to happen to them.

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Tube demands bigger buns for Kelly

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-03T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity

There is much appreciation around the world for Kelly Brook's natural assets. But Transport for London chiefs have insisted it's bigger buns they're after.

The TfL bosses have taken offence to Kelly's latest poster campaign, for West End show Calendar Girls, after deciding that the iced buns covering her considerable chest weren't covering quite enough.Posters featuring the actress holding cherry-topped iced buns to protect her modesty are appearing throughout London's Tube station, but the image has so far been edited three times.

Kelly is due to make her debut in the play today, having replaced Jerry Hall in the role of Celia at the Noel Coward Theatre.

And Kelly's possible nudity has already caused her some worries.

She told the Daily Mail: "A few of the girls in the cast are more game than others to go nude.

"But if I really go for it in getting my clothes off then it will be seen in a totally different context to everyone else - as in 'Kelly gets her kit off again' - so I shall have some cup cakes strategically placed when I go naked on stage."

But in the eyes of Transport for London, those cup cakes just aren't cutting it.

The show's producer David Pugh revealed: "[TfL] are worried about titillating customers," and a TfL spokesman confirmed that they had requested "a few tweaks" to ensure the advert complied with its policy.

Just remember chaps... it's not the size of the buns, it's what you do with them that counts.

Click here to see Kelly's original pose and the 'tweaked' version.

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Celebrity dye job disasters

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-11-02T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Celebrity

Are you thinking of dying your hair? You might want to take a look at these celebrity dye-job disasters first!

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Friendly flattery won't shed pounds

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-02T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness, Sex & relationships

Having received the inevitable answer to the question "does my bum look big in this?" from a husband or partner, many of us will turn instead to our best friend for some sensible, down-to-earth and honest advice.

But think again. A new survey has revealed that our pals aren't always a help when it comes to losing weigh.The survey of 3,000 women for Tanita, in conjunction with National Obesity Week, found that while every woman has two friends that she thinks are overweight, she's unlikely to tell them the truth, as one in five is too afraid of causing upset.

Instead, we girls tend to opt for flattery in a bid to keep the peace.

A brave quarter had plucked up the courage to tell a pal that they should lose weight, but 12 per cent said their friend had been "devastated" by the news while a further 10 per cent had "burst into tears".

Sadly, one in 20 had ended a friendship after being told they were on the chubby side.

A spokesman for the company told the Daily Mail: "This shows girlfriends talk to each other about their bodies, weight issues and dress size on a daily basis. However, whilst girls are comfortable talking about their own weight and criticising themselves, in truth, most girls would not be able to cope with a friend telling them they needed to slim down."

But she added: "Although friendships should be based on trust, honesty and being truthful, we are also supposed to be kind to our friends, and this means being careful about crossing the line.

"There are ways and means of telling a friend they need to lose weight."

But as exercising and dieting together can boost your chances of losing weight, honesty just might be the best policy... so long as you choose your words carefully.

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Pret a Manger's 'fresh' Brazilian chicken

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-02T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Food & drink

Take a trip to your local branch of Pret a Manger and the chances are you'll be made aware of their "fresh ingredients" boasts.

So the news that the high street chain is importing frozen chicken from Brazil, may come as a surprise to some.The meat in the company's "Just Made" range of chicken sandwiches is frozen and then shipped the 6,000 miles to the UK.

At this point, the chicken is defrosted, marinated and poached before being added to your coronation or Caesar salad sandwich.

The firm, which makes £200 million a year, insists that the only reason for choosing South American chicken is animal welfare.

Pret claims that the birds produced in Brazil enjoy better "animal welfare" conditions as compared to those used by rival sandwich makers.

But the revelation comes just a week after it emerged that the chain's "spankingly fresh" sushi was in fact frozen in Chile and shipped to the UK before it made it onto the shelves.

Never mind the misleading advertising issue surrounding the "fresh" ingredients, environmentalists are outraged by the enormous carbon footprint the company is leaving behind.

Yesterday Pret's co-founder Julian Metcalfe insisted that by 2012 the company would be selling only British free-range chicken.

He told the Daily Mail: "People should buy less chicken or buy proper chicken. We have got to move free range by 2012. This is about bigger issues than the word "fresh".

If only his critics agreed.

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Scary! Alex and Jordan vamp it up for Halloween

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-02T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

These days Halloween tends to be a little cuddlier than its origins would suggest. But anyone attending the Bloodlust Ball on Saturday night would have discovered the true horror of Halloween.

While Katie Price vamped it up in PVC, with red leopard-print accessories (including the obligatory devilish tail), it was her cage-fighting boyfriend Alex Reid who supplied the real frights.Having already seen the muscle-bound Reid dressed in a schoolgirl's outfit and squeezed into a gold lamé leotard for Jordan's book launch, we shouldn't really have been surprised.

But there must surely have been audible gasps from onlookers as Alex arrived, with, well... very little to protect his modesty.

Dressed in a tiny bra and g-string, the fishnet smock and knee-high boots left little to the imagination, while the tiny black hat and veil, placed carefully at a jaunty angle merely added to the bizarre effect.

Badly applied make-up in the shape of scarlet lipstick and smoky eyes and a simple choker completed the outfit.

Thankfully, though, Alex did find a place for his cigarettes... his bra.

Attractive, no. Frightening?... most definitely.

Alex and Jordan aren't the only celebs to flash the flesh as our gallery proves...

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Anger written all over the face

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-02T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

We may be regularly told that you can't judge a book by its cover, but new research has thrown a spanner in the works.

Scientists now say that, when it comes to men, aggression or passivity is written all over the face.Previous research revealed that men with broad, chubby faces tended to be more aggressive, and this latest study found that most people are able to spot an angry chap after just a quick split second glance.

Researchers showed 47 volunteers images of different men for a split second. They were then asked to rate how aggressive they seemed on a scale of one to seven.

And the participants were able to closely match both the men's aggression levels and the 'width to height ratio' (how broad the face is).

The Canadian scientists believe that these angry broad faces could be linked to testosterone, which influences adolescent growth and makes for a rounder face.

Published in the journal Psychological Science, the journal concluded: "This indicates differences in face shape may affect personality judgements, which may guide how we respond to individuals."

So if you're an angry man with a wide face, be warned... we can see you coming.

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Lily Allen - Chanel's fashion muse

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-02T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

In describing pop pixie Lily Allen's wardrobe, the word 'chic' is unlikely to spring readily to the lips.

And yet, despite the dinosaur costumes and bizarre onstage outfits, 24-year-old Lily is the latest muse for fashion giant, Chanel.Previous poster girls for the French label include Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Deneuve and Marilyn Monroe, whose sexiness and elegance embodied the iconic Chanel style.

So it is something of a surprise to find that Lily is the latest 'muse' for Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Miss Allen has already performed live as part of Chanel's latest catwalk show at Paris Fashion Week and is set to become the face of their latest offering, the Coco Cocoon bag (see pics shown).

But Lily's previous forays into the fashion world haven't been greatly successful. She recently designed a range of prom dresses for High Street chain New Look, which she teamed with trainers... hardly chic we think you'll agree.

But Mr Lagerfeld clearly sees something in the pop star. Of course, we'll need to see it too if she is to successfully sell the £1,600 bag.

We wait with baited breath.

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The junk food blues

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-02T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

There's yet another blow to junk food lovers today, as doctors warn that a high-fat diet could be getting you down.

In fact all that processed food, greasy burgers and chocolate chip ice cream can make you depressed.Researchers at University College London found that those who regularly indulge in junk food are almost 60 per cent more likely to suffer from depression than those tucking into fresh fruit, veg and fish.

Dr Eric Brunner, one of the researchers, wrote in the British Journal of Psychiatry: "There seem to be various aspects of lifestyle such as taking exercise which also matter, but it appears that diet is playing an independent role."

The study involved data on 3,486 male and female civil servants aged around 55. Each volunteer completed a questionnaire on their eating habits followed by a self-assessment report for depression five years down the line.

Those with the highest consumption of processed food were found to be 58 per cent more likely to be feeling the blues.

Scientists believe that it is the high levels of antioxidants in a healthy diet of fruit and vegetables that protect against mental anguish, while the high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids founds in fish may also help to ward off depression.

As hard as it is to resist the temptation of a quarter pounder with fries, the evidence against our junk food comforts just keeps on mounting up.

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Everyone's wearing...Statement necklaces

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-01T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion, Picture galleries

Make like an A-lister and go collar crazy this season. Deck your neck and decorate your decolletage with a dazzling statement necklace...

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Grumpy old women: Social networking

Betty Boudoir — 2009-11-01T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture, Bizarre

Don't get me wrong, in the beginning I frenziedly signed up to every social networking site from Facebook to Twitter, excited that the world had finally come around to my way of thinking.

Writing something banal on your BFFs 'wall' every month or so, is the perfect way to maintain friendships if you're a lazy girl like me.

But now the damn things seem to have taken over. If I'm not being poked, then I discover someone I've never heard of is 'following' me (which, by the way, is probably the creepiest thing I've ever heard), or I've been challenged to a test whereby I have to remember and name every '80s cartoon made, or my sister-in-law has sent me a pet cow for a virtual farm I never asked for.

Then there are the status updates. Like an omnipresent shrink, we're asked 'what are you thinking?'. Of course anyone with an ounce of self-respect makes something up about attending their weekly fire-eating lesson or making fondue, naked.

But some people, and you know who you are, actually publish every last genuine, dull intricacy of their lives for all to see which is just, you know, depressing.

I am notified by e-mail every minute or so that someone, somewhere, that I may or may not know, wants a piece of me.

My inbox is folding under the pressure but whilst I can no longer take the guilt of not replying to Tweets, posts or graffiti on my 'wall', I cannot bring myself to close the accounts either as, alas, I would then be out of (or free of, depending on how you look at it) the loop.

Sigh. Oh well, I suppose if it's good enough for Stephen Fry...

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Dear Paula: I'm caught between my boyfriend and my dad

Dear Paula — 2009-11-01T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
I'm writing to you and asking for your advice because the two people I would usually go to are the two people this is about. I hope it doesn't sound like a silly problem, but I'm finding it so hard to juggle my boyfriend and my dad.

My dad has a rare muscle wasting disease (plus diabetes) and although I still live at home, he spends a lot of time alone because I split my time between my mum's and my dad's house. (I've just finished studying). He doesn't have a girlfriend and all his family are back in Ireland.
I've been with my boyfriend for nearly five years and love him with all my heart. He knows how hard it is for my dad, and how it breaks my heart to see him try and cope with a downhill situation (my dad drinks when he gets really depressed about his condition, which is bad for his diabetes etc). I'm already preparing for the end of my career before it has even started so I can look after him.

But my boyfriend sometimes is so insensitive - he makes comments about me seeing my dad more than him (which are incorrect) and gets moody if he asks me out or something but I've already made a commitment to see my dad. He says he will try to be more sensitive but it never lasts. I think it is made worse because I've just started working but my boyfriend is still looking for work.

It just feels like a hopeless situation, like I will never be able to get the balance right between my dad, my boyfriend and work. I know I'm feeling sorry for myself right now and that's bad, but I just can't help it. I don't know what to do. Please help.

Dear Paula writes:
It's not reasonable for anyone (including you)to expect you to sacrifice your own life and happiness in this situation. It's clear you feel a huge loyalty to all concerned but you can't be superwoman. you really don't need to be so hard on yourself.

It's OK to feel sorry for yourself as long as you don't let it paralyse you. You could be quite clinical about this and look at the amount of leisure time available to you once work is out of the way and then decide how you can allocate it and plan your time accordingly, letting people know in advance when you will visit, go on a date etc.

Your father is certainly in a hard place and you don't name his condition but it's possible that there is a support organisation which may be able to give you some advice and you could find this on the internet. If you haven't already contacted social services to get an assessment regarding care at home for your dad, I suggest you do so.

He may not want anyone going in but if the option is there, it would be very selfish of him to turn it down in favor of you going in. I think you need to explore some possibilities for getting him out of the house and meeting people rather than him being totally dependent on you.

You may think I'm being unsympathetic about this but you really don't want to find yourself in the situation where you start to resent him. If he can get out (volunteer drivers etc) it will help with his depression and hopefully help cut down the drinking. We're all alive until we're dead and there's no reason why your dad can't have a life. It needs some research and a bit of lateral thinking but it's not impossible.

Could you perhaps get access to a car if you don't have one and you, your dad and your boyfriend have the occasional day out? Your dad should also be getting an allowance for transport (cabs etc) if he is unable to get about unaided.

This situation is not hopeless. The problem is that you have decided it's all down to you to deal with and you've given yourself a task that would daunt the best of us. For good or ill, your dad has his own path in life and you can't rescue him from the bad parts. You need to also live your own life. The most you can do for your dad is to give him support within reason (leaving time for you and your boyfriend) and to find some opportunities for him to get out and maybe get some help at home. If he doesn't want to avail himself of any of these, don't make that your problem.

You need some fun and enjoyment in your own life and you have no need to feel guilty about that. I recommend the regular practice of calming breathing exercises (see www.alendi.co.uk) as they will help bring down your stress levels and allow you to do some creative thinking, rather than having this situation going round and round in your head, going nowhere. (www.relate.org.uk)

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WI swaps jam for gigolos

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-01T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

If you thought the Women's Institute was all jam-making and cake-baking then you may have to rethink your impressions.

These days the WI is seeing something of a revival, with inner-city branches springing up throughout London.And the Fulham branch, the WI's first in London, recently welcomed John, a male escort (and part time tennis coach, we might add), as their guest speaker.

Joanna Hackett, 29, from the Fulham branch, told the Daily Mail: "He approached us and we thought we would grab him with open arms, no pun intended.

"He certainly provoked lots of debate with a lot of questions.

"Some were practical, like, 'Do you always practise safe sex?' and some emotional, like, 'What happens if you really like the person - or if you really don't?'

"It was an extraordinarily well-attended meeting. That's the great thing about the WI - in three quarters of an hour you can hear about something you would never normally know about."

Indeed. But it's not just the Fulham branch that is, well... branching out.

At the newly-formed King's College London WI, you're more likely to learn about sushi and cocktail making than cake and jam.

Founder Laura King, 21, said: "Lots of WIs are old ladies making jam. It's exciting to be saying: 'We're not going to do that, we're going to do cocktail nights.

"We're definitely going to be a funky WI."

Which sounds like another excuse to party to us. But Miss Hackett from Fulham insists: "We like to do some of the old things. They're enjoyable, social and cheaper."

The WI, ladies, is starting to sound like fun.

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The unromantic kissing truth

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-01T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

From first love to lasting love, the kiss is a symbol of romance for many of us.

But it turns out the origins of our keenness for kissing may not be quite as romantic as we thought.Scientists now believe that the kiss may have had a far less alluring purpose - to spread germs.

And we're not talking the common cold. Specifically, indulging in a spot of saliva-swapping may have been the key to healthier offspring, with our male ancestors kindly passing their women a dangerous virus to allow them to build up an immunity.

Cytomegalovirus isn't dangerous to us grown-ups. But if caught while pregnant can kill or harm the unborn child and by passing the virus via saliva, the immunity gained puts an end to such problems.

Researcher Dr Colin Hendrie from the University of Leeds, said: "Female inoculation with a specific male's cytomegalovirus is most efficiently achieved through mouth-to-mouth contact and saliva exchange, particularly where the flow of saliva is from the male to the typically shorter female.

"Kissing the same person for about six months provides optimum protection," he wrote in the journal Medical Hypotheses.

And so, as the romance blossoms and the kisses become more passionate, the lucky lady cuts the chances of infecting her unborn baby.

Whatever the truth, it sounds like a good enough excuse to us.

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Eighties revival hails return of the stripes

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-11-01T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

When it comes to fashion, the Eighties have become the latest inspiration for a host of celebs.

But it's not all fingerless lace gloves and legwarmers... stripes are most definitely in.The Breton top with its navy and white stripes, was first brought to the attention of the fashion world back in the Twenties when Coco Chanel took the stripey French fishermen's style to new levels.

And everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Bridget Bardot made stripes elegant and sexy.

Today, stripes have made a serious return, from high-end fashion to the high street, jersey tops to dresses.

You don't have to go for the full nautical-themed Breton top with high-waisted sailor pants. Skinny jeans and pumps will give you the authentic Chanel vibe, or try your stripes with bold block colours for a more lively approach.

Striped knitwear, T-shirt dresses and the classic navy and white jersey top are everywhere these days.

And the best thing is, with its timeless style, it'll be a wardrobe staple year after year.

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Grumpy old women: Public displays of affection

Betty Boudoir — 2009-10-31T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships, Bizarre

At 7am this morning, after a particularly restless night, I wrenched myself out of bed. Scowling, I pulled my coat over my jimjams, yanked on my Uggs, wrestled with my warped front gate and set off in a seemingly simple mission to buy milk and a newspaper.

I was jolted out of my zombie state however, when I found my morning routine rudely obstructed by what looked like, through my blurred, sleep sodden eyes, a lusty two-headed monster.

On further inspection, the mythological creature turned out to be a twenty-something couple overwhelmed by passion, in the midst of a full tongue sarnie on MY doorstep. If I'd had my breakfast, it would have undoubtedly reappeared.

It's not that I'm unromantic. I am partial to a chick flick, enjoy a candlelit dinner and evenings whispering sweet nothings. Sucking face in public however, whether at an eye-poppingly early hour or even post watershed, is NOT romantic.

No-one enjoys listening to the slurping salivary noises of your kissy wissies, it's not cute and no-one is swooning over the love bubble you have created - we just want to burst it.

There is a time and a place for affection and, to all of you bursting to snog and fumble in my path, just remember how much more exciting it would be if you kept the passion bubbling inside, building anticipation until you fell into a more private nook.

Otherwise, if you like being the subject of voyeurism, check your newspaper's small ads, there are car parks for people like you, you know.

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Dear Paula: He's 30 years older than me

Dear Paula — 2009-10-31T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
I am a 22 year old girl and I was with my past boyfriend who was 21 for about two years. Obviously no one thought twice about this relationship and friends and family accepted it. However this relationship ended and then, six months ago, I met a wonderful man who treats me like a princess.

He helps me with my five year old son, takes me out and loks after me. Basically we seem to be on the same level in that we can talk and talk for hours and never get bored and we both love doing the same things together. Only he's 52, so we have a 30 year age gap. When we started getting to know each other, I knew he was older, but I thought early forties and that's why I continued to see him. When he told me how old he was I was already into deep to do anything about it.

I have told a few friends who think I am being stupid and should just get back with my ex. I haven't yet told my family because my boyfriend is the same age as my mum and I know how she will react. I really don't know what to do. I have really strong feelings for this guy and enjoy spending time with him but I don't want to lose my family and friends.

Dear Paula writes,
They say all's fair in love and war, so maybe this is one of those times when being economical with the truth might be called for. You thought your new man was a lot younger than he is, so he can obviously get away with it. Why not just tell your mum he's older than you but you don't know his age as it's him and not his age that is important to you.

You should be considering what you need and what is important to you. If you stay with this man however, you do have to think about how it might feel to be 40 with a 70 year old partner, the implications for any children involved and the fact that he could die well before you.

I'm bringing this up as you need to be ready for your mother to throw all this at you even if she thinks he's only 20 years older than you. She's obviously (from her point of view) in a no-win situation as she will worry for you and, at the same time, want you to be happy, as you seem to be with this man. I don't think you need to worry too much about your friends. They're not living your life and if they really care about you they'll come round eventually if this relationship lasts.

Having listed some possible disadvantages, if you feel you and your man are really happy and compatible, that can be a hard thing to find and the life experience an older man can bring to a relationship has its pluses. Hopefully he has learned patience and how to care for others and has a breadth of knowledge which makes sharing ideas stimulating. He's presumably also past the stage where he would feel that you having a child inhibits your ability to go out and party.

None of us knows how life will turn out and what the future hold and happiness is a precious thing which shouldn't be passed up lightly. Perhaps you should just go ahead and take what this relationship has to offer and try to impress upon your mother that you don't know where it's all going but that right now it's making you feel happy, special and cared for.(www.relate.org.uk)

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Glamorous ghoul makeover

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-10-31T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

Dressing up for Halloween this year? You'll be a graveyard smash with this gorgeously monstrous makeup mash-up!

"Changing the skin tone colour to gray can actually give a very beautiful look," says MAC senior artist Romero Jennings, who created this wildly cinematic look on Dana, StyleList's assistant editor, in 10 surprisingly simple steps.

Follow along, and you'll be the most glamorous ghoul on the block.

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Could your boss help you lose weight?

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-31T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

From regular abusive texts to Twitter food diaries, dieting has become big business as we search for a way to lose those extra pounds.

But a new gadget from Philips could mean that your boss is kept up to date on your exercise habits.The tiny gadget, called DirectLife, is worn around the neck and measures the user's exercise habits. When it has finished measuring the quantity and intensity of an employee's exercise regime, the information is relayed back to a central computer, enabling employers to keep track of their fitness.

The product is being trialled in some 30 US companies and tests employees on their stair or lift, walk or drive choices.

But why would your boss want to know such things? Well, according to Philips, some 50 per cent of the US population are not getting enough daily exercise and it's costing American companies thousands on health care.

Philips say that the technology will "increase productivity - [and] contain health care costs," while in controlled trials "a significant reduction in absenteeism" was reported.

Don't worry just yet folks - the product is currently only available in the Netherlands and the US.

Let us know what you think. Is this a useful tool or just another step towards a Big Brother culture?

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Victoria to expand fashion line

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-31T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Victoria Beckham has already enjoyed considerable success with her fashion range, with everyone from Carol Vorderman to Jennifer Lopez being spotted wearing items from her VB collection.

But the former Spice Girl is set to expand her fashion empire and is keen to add shoes and handbags to her list of design achievements.The celebrity-spotters amongst you will be well aware of Victoria's gigantic collection of high-end handbags and killer heels, but Mrs Beckham has had enough of advertising for her rivals.

A friend of Posh Spice told The Sun: "Victoria is tired of promoting other brands. If she wears Christian Louboutin or Hermes people go and buy it.

"She thought, 'Why can't I do this with my own line?' Her VB collection has gone down a storm across the celebrity world. If this is repeated with her line of shoes, the range would be worth an absolute fortune."

Rumour has it that hubby David has already offered to build a design workshop for his wife at their Hertfordshire home and, having already silenced the critics with her clothing line, Victoria looks sure to continue her success.

We can't wait.

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Sneezing: a dangerous business

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-31T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

Whether you prefer to suppress it or one who likes to really let go, most of us probably think nothing of the odd sneeze.

But it's a dangerous business, sneezing, and there are problems associated with both of the above choices.The Daily Mail recently told the story of solicitor Victoria Kenny who was left bedridden for two years after a sneeze that ruptured a disc in her spine.

Thankfully the mother-of-three is now back on her feet after pioneering surgery on her spine.

But there are lessons to be learned from Victoria's admittedly extreme sneezing problem.

As germ spreading goes, sneezing is a highly effective weapon with a single commuter sneeze potentially infecting 150 fellow train travellers in just five minutes.

And sneezing injuries are no laughing matter. Professor Adam Carey, a sports injury specialist, told the Mail: "There are two types of sneeze that can cause damage. The first is when a person sneezes violently and the force throws your body out of kilter.

"That's called the whiplash effect - as your head moves forwards and backwards very quickly - and can cause all sorts of muscle strain or bone problems.

"The second type of injury is caused if we try to suppress a sneeze, before letting it out. The suppression causes a massive build-up of pressure in our head, which can cause injuries such as a burst eardrum, tearing blood vessels and muscles in the head, damaging the sinuses and even, in rare cases, brain haemorrhages."

Crikey, sneezing all of a sudden sounds a bit too dangerous. But luckily physiotherapist Sammy Margo has some advice for safe sneezing.

"With sneezing we usually anticipate it, so when you feel a sneeze coming you need to engage your abdominal muscles - that is, hold your tummy in - to withstand the whiplash effect of throwing your head backwards and forwards and so causing injury."

You have been warned.

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Spooky baby!

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-10-30T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

What's more fun than dressing up for Halloween? Dressing up your baby in a cute spider costume of course! Check out our gallery of spooky babies...

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Curry: the world's healthiest meal

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-30T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Food & drink, Health & fitness

There is good news for curry lovers today, as Anglo Indian chef, Gurpareet Bains claims to have created the world's "healthiest meal".

And there is something particularly pleasing about the fact that the nation's favourite meal is finally good for you.But this isn't your average chicken tikka masala. Chicken and blueberry curry with goji berry pilau rice was created by 32-year-old Bains and the inclusion of so many naturally healthy 'superfoods' means this particular curry could even help to fight off cancer.

Each serving contains the nutritional equivalent of 49 portions of spinach, 23 bunches of grapes or nine helpings of broccoli and experts say that it is up to 20 times more nutritious than your average 'healthy' meal.

Mr Bains, a British nutritional therapist and Indian 'superfood' pioneer, insists the curry could help to ward off cancer and other diseases such as Alzheimer's.

"It has long been known that some foods including spices and fruits have exceptional health benefits," he told the Telegraph.

"So combining these two genres of food stuffs seemed logical in any quest to find the world's healthiest meal.

"Thus the curry I have created is brimming with health-beneficial ingredients that could, if eaten regularly, deal a devastating blow to many diseases."

And it surely beats salad any day.

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How music makes us brainier

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-30T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture, Health & fitness

We've long heard rumours that playing Mozart to your unborn child can boost his IQ before he's even entered the world.

But now scientists say that music doesn't just work for the unborn. In fact, playing a musical instrument could make both children and adults brainier.The latest research suggests that regularly tickling the ivories or blowing your own trumpet, can change the shape and power of the brain and could even increase IQ by seven points.

Areas of the brain that control motor skills, hearing, the storing of audio information and memory, were all found to become larger during the learning of a musical instrument and the result could be improved alertness, planning and emotional perception.

Lutz Jäncke, a psychologist at the University of Zurich, told the Telegraph: "Learning to play a musical instrument has definite benefits and can increase IQ by seven points, in both children and adults.

"We found that even in people over the age of 65 after four or five months of playing an instrument for an hour a week there were strong changes in the brain."

"For children especially, we found that learning to play the piano for instance teaches them to be more self-disciplined, more attentive and better at planning. All of these things are very important for academic performance, so can therefore make a child brighter."

Along with an improved ability to learn foreign languages and a greater perception of others' emotions, perhaps your first stop on the dreaded Christmas shop should be the music store.

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Long toes and short legs for speed

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-30T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness, Bizarre

One might imagine that a long-legged stride would propel its lucky owner more quickly in a sprint to the finish line.

But according to science, it is the short-legged, long-toed variety of human that is outrunning their taller counterparts.Researchers at Pennsylvania State University studied the legs of athletes when an American footballer came to them for help increasing his speed.

They also recruited 10 sprinters from the university as well 10 ordinary folk of the same height and weight.

Bizarrely, the sprinters were found to have 12 per cent longer toes and six per cent shorter lower legs than their slower competition.

Dr Stephen Piazza, an expert in kinesiology, explained: "It is all about the start of the sprint. It is then that the race is usually won or lost. Very long toes allow the power from the legs to be transferred to the ground and so increasing acceleration.

"Not only could the sprinter generate more force while accelerating, but their longer toes allowed them to remain in contact with the ground longer during each stride, giving them longer to push against the surface and out perform slower sprinters."

The findings were published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.

As yet, there is no news on the toe-length of Usain Bolt.

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Aniseed balls top childhood candy favourites

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-30T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Food & drink

Those were the days... popping down to the local sweet shop for a quarter of Cola Cubes or a Sherbet Fountain.

But as it turns out, it was the aniseed ball that made the biggest impression and it has topped the list as our favourite childhood treat.And some of our old favourites are due to make a return. Supermarket chain Waitrose are set to begin selling sherbet pips and chocolate mice, along with the now white aniseed balls (no artificial colours or flavourings included).

It is the huge success of the survey to find Britain's favourite childhood confectionery that has brought about the revival of the aniseed ball. Shrimps, lemon bonbons and foam bananas were also found to be firm favourites.

Waitrose confectionery buyer Matthew Jones, told the Daily Mail: "The colour of aniseed balls will certainly raise a few eyebrows with candy connoisseurs.

"However, it is great we are able to bring back these much revered sweets with no artificial colours and flavourings.

We received a fantastic response to our campaign so I think our new retro sweets will be as popular with children today as those who remember tucking into them in decades past."

We'll be heading there shortly for a huge dose of sweet reminiscence.

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Cure snoring for just £3

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-30T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

For anyone who suffers the nightly irritation of a snoring partner, news of a simple cure will be music to their traumatised ears.

But perhaps the best news is that this new cure would cost just £3 - and at that price we're betting there'll be queues around the block.The brain child of Hadi Al-Jassim, an ear, nose and throat specialist from Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust, the anti-snoring injection is being touted as a genuine alternative to painful surgery.

Mr Al-Jassim told the Telegraph: "As everyone knows, snoring can cause major problems for patients and in particular their partners.

"In most cases it's the men who snore and their partners suffer sleep deprivation and at the end of the day you have to keep your partner happy - though women do snore as well.

"It causes all sorts of problems between partners and leads to marital, social and health problems.

"I am delighted with the treatment because, until this, there has been no effective treatment other than surgery."

Called snoreplasty, the treatment involves an injection of sodium tetradecyl into the roof of the mouth (thankfully under local anaesthetic) and takes only two minutes to complete.

The chemical combats snoring by preventing the soft tissue at the back of the mouth from vibrating.

And if you need any more persuasion, Mr Al-Jassim adds: "After the jab, patients go home straight away and eat about an hour later.

"The jab can be given three times a year but some people find one injection lasts them a year."

A peaceful nights sleep for £3 per year? Count us in.

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Curvy Crystal gives Evans sex appeal

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-30T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

As the champion of plus-size girls everywhere it seems only right that Crystal Renn should join forces with another champion of real women.

Modelling the latest collection for high street chain Evans, Crystal has most definitely put the curvy sex appeal into Christmas.This year, those of us who haven't managed or just plain can't be bothered with the size zero culture, Evans will provide the party-season glamour.

These days, plus-size seems to be anything size 10 or over but for Crystal, who was a size 18 when she was spotted in Clinton, Mississippi, it's been a rough road to the top.

Crystal told the Daily Mirror: "They handed me a copy of American Vogue. It was filled with gorgeous, slender women like Gisele.

"They said, 'If you want to do well in this business, you have to lose at least nine inches from your hips.'"

And after a gruelling fitness regime and veg-only diet, the young Crystal managed to lose the weight. But at under seven stone, her 5ft 9in frame began to suffer.

But it is her current healthy and gloriously curvy shape with which she has achieved her greatest success.

Her latest images for Evans are proof that real women are sexy. Everything from flirty dresses to rock chick style is available and Crystal's confidence and generally sexy aura will surely have real women dressing to impress this season.

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Was Winehouse's wardrobe malfunction an 'accident'?

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-10-29T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

No woman is immune from a wardrobe malfunction - not even the celebrities with their armies of personal stylists - but was Amy's recent over exposure an accident or not?

Vote in our poll then click the gallery below for more shocking wardrobe malfunctions...

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How to stand out for Halloween

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-29T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

Halloween is party time for many and the search for a unique and fabulous costume is well and truly on.

But forget the stunningly sexy witch costume you're contemplating... if you really want to stand out (in the bedroom that is), then it's glow-in-the-dark underwear that you need.The brainchild of designer Jan Hawley who runs Luminglow from her home in New South Wales, Australia, the bra and knickers set look like any ordinary underwear by day.

But by night, given a couple of minutes held against a light, they'll be glowing green.

Jan told the Daily Mail: "In this range the underwear is much smaller and sexier. We've called it the Boudoir collection because it's strictly for the bedroom after dark.

"How long does the lace glow for? Well, probably long enough!"

Well quite. It might be a bit of fun, but for Jan it's a full time business. Luminglow underwear is now being sold around the world, including in the USA and Europe.

Strangely, it is Jan's sons that deserve some of the credit.

"After the success of the original collection, my sons started taking a keen interest," she says.

"I took their ideas on board and now we seem to have very tiny knickers and bras that show a lot of cleavage.

"But at the heart of the collection, it's still a bit of a giggle."

And we're guessing there will be more than a few giggling couples in the bedroom this Halloween.

For more information, visit www.glowinthedarklingerie.com.au

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Sagittarians reach for the stars

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-29T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

If you're the type who has already dismissed astrology as a load of old rubbish then the latest research may have you thinking twice.

According to a study of 100 celebrities, past and present, it's the Sagittarians that are reaching for the stars, and they're twice as likely to hit the big time.The study, carried out by the Cartoon Network, revealed that nearly one in five child stars are Sagittarians and Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Scarlett Johansson are just a few of those celebrating their birthdays between November 22 and December 21.

Virgos, Cancerians, Librans and Aquarians were next in line, with each sign managing nine per cent of child stars.

Sagittarians are popularly described as driven, ambitious and broad-minded but at times argumentative and blunt, which may explain they're success in the cut-throat world of showbiz.

And astrologer Jonathan Cainer was not surprised by the results. He told the Daily Mail: "Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of hope, and Sagittarians possess 'have-a-go' personalities.

"The qualities of that sign bestow a lack of inhibition and a natural, exuberant confidence.

"Sagittarian children are particularly bouncy - they have a Tigger-like quality to their character."

Bad news for the Taureans though, who finished last in the survey.

Jonathan added: "If Sagittarians have a Tigger-like quality, Taureans are more likely to have an Eeyore-like quality."

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Opera? Isn't she a chat show host?

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-29T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture

Opera isn't to everyone's taste. Indeed classical music as a whole is seen as the domain of the older generation.

But when the website operamadesimple.com polled some 3,000 Brits on their classical music knowledge, the results exposed some serious misconceptions.The inhabitants of Blackpool betrayed their cultural interests, with more than half believing that opera is the name of an American chat show host, while the residents of Coventry didn't fare much better with one in four convinced that Beethoven was a dog.

On the slightly more bizarre side, one in 10 people from York thought Mozart was a footballer.

Still, Britain does have its classical favourites. Pavarotti, Charlotte Church and Katherine Jenkins were found to be the most popular opera stars (though one in five Bradford locals thought Pavarotti was Scottish).

The poll of 3,000 people also found that almost three quarters of Brits had never seen live opera.

One in three of those surveyed were worried that they wouldn't understand it and more than one in ten were concerned about what to wear.

Dean Cutbill, director for Yorkshire Bank, who sponsor Opera North, told the Telegraph: "Although it seems that Britain's knowledge of opera is quite small, we have found that opera does hold an iconic place in British culture, especially in football.

"We hope through operamadesimple.com more people will give live opera a go and discover all it has to offer."

Judging by the results of this survey, we're not holding our breath.

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Penguin's poems for love

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-10-29T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture, Sex & relationships, Book Club

There's no denying it - winter is well and truly on the way.

While I'm sad to see summer go, I'm looking forward to open fires, fresh winter mornings and snuggling up with a good book, like Penguin's Poems For Love - perfect for warming heart and soul.

Laura Barber, who selected the poems for the book, shares with us her favourites for every occasion...

For the person you secretly adore: William Blake, The Sick Rose

"Accompanied by a deep red rose (de-thorned and preferably not showing signs of mildew) this poem could be the perfect way of revealing your feelings to the one you're infatuated with," says Laura.

O Rose thou art sick.
The invisible worm,
That flies in the night
In the howling storm:

Has found out thy bed
Of crimson joy:
And his dark secret love
Does thy life destroy.

For the person you've only just realised you fancy: Christina G. Rossetti, "I wish I could remember that first day.

"This poem brilliantly captures that feeling of wanting to go back in time to capture and cherish the small scraps of memory that suddenly become significant and special when love has taken you by surprise."

I wish I could remember that first day,
First hour, first moment of your meeting me,
If bright or dim the season, it might be
Summer or Winter for aught I can say;
So unrecorded did it slip away,
So blind was I to see and to foresee,
So dull to mark the budding of my tree
That would not blossom yet for many a May.
If only I could recollect it, such
A day of days! I let it come and go
As traceless as a thaw of bygone snow;
It seemed to mean so little, meant so much;
If only now I could recall that touch,
First touch of hand in hand - Did one but know!

For your unrequited love: Edmund Spenser, from Amoretti, xxx

"There's nothing more tormenting than being swept off your feet by your emotions, only to find that the other person is still standing. This poem expresses that frustration and also holds out a sliver of hope that love might work its magic on your beloved too."

My love is like to ice, and I to fire:
how comes it then that this her cold so great
is not dissolv'd through my so hot desire,
but harder grows the more I her entreat?
Or how comes it that my exceeding heat
is not delayed by her heart frozen cold,
but that I burn much more in boiling sweat,
and feel my flames augmented manifold?
What more miraculous thing may be told
that fire, which all things melt, should harden ice;
and ice, which is congealed with senseless cold,
should kindle fire by wonderful device?
Such is the power of love in gentle mind
that it can alter all the course of kind.

- Click here to buy Penguin's Poems for Love

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Dieting mums lead to anorexic daughters

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-29T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

Losing the baby weight is a long hard road and those mums that do manage it are surely all the better for it.

But according to a new survey, a mother's influence is such that her dieting may lead to an eating disorder for her daughter.The poll of more than 500 teenagers revealed that around 6% of those at an average age of 14 already had an eating disorder, but that figure rose to one in 10 for those who were aware of their mother dieting.

Nearly four out of 10 young girls said that their mother was the biggest influence on their own self-perception, while two-thirds had heard their mum complaining about her own weight.

Shockingly, 51% of the teenage girls surveyed had dieted and almost eight out of 10 were worried about their weight.
And the survey of Sugar magazine readers also revealed an unhappy truth.

One in five said they had been criticised by family members over their weight, and almost one in three confessed that a relative had called them names such as "elephant" or "beast".

Sugar editor Annabel Brog told the Telegraph: "Every single issue of Sugar magazine features fashion modelled by 'regular' girls, with difference body sizes and shapes, to prove all bodies are gorgeous when they're well fed and exercised.

"But it stands to reason that a girl's 'thinheritance' - the attitude to food and body-shape she is exposed to day-after-day in her home - is going to be more powerful than anything we can print in a magazine.

"And of course many girls feel their mums, who typically diet and worry about their own weight, are their greatest influence."

If that isn't a good enough reason to ditch the diet, we don't know what is.

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Agony aunts of yesteryear

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-29T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

Ever wondered whether it's okay for a gentleman to strike up a conversation with a lady in an omnibus?

Or whether joining a young man on his canoe is the done thing? Well, the agony aunts of yesteryear are here to help.And the answer to both questions is a categorical 'no'. These and other important relationship advice, can be found in a fascinating new book that has collated the weird and the wonderful from the world of agony aunts.

From the Swinging Sixties right back to the 18th century, it seems we've always needed a few tips and here are a few of those essential questions answered.

For instance, one reader of The Weekly Magazine wrote in 1859: "Is it proper for a strange gentleman to commence a conversation with a lady he does not know in an omnibus?"

To which the stern reply came: "No gentleman would take such a liberty with a lady whose conduct showed she respected herself. Contemptuous silence is the best reproof for such impertinence."

And things weren't any easier in 1959. One young woman wrote in to the Woman's Sunday Mirror, asking: "My friend says she will never get married but will take a lover as marriage means nothing nowadays. What are your views?"
Simple. "Your friend needs to have her head examined. Tell her it's time she grew up."

But there are some words of wisdom that we should all bear in mind.

'Two young girls' asked the Girl's Companion in 1908: "Is there any harm in a young lady permitting a gentleman whom she met at the seashore, and to whom she has not been formally introduced to see her home?"

And here is just a snippet of the reply: "The handsome, debonair, well-dressed, agreeable young man may be the daring thief who broke into your house last year; or the highwayman who held up your next door neighbour only the month before, leaving him for dead on the pavement from a blow from a concealed, murderous pair of brass knuckles which he usually carries with him.

"Or he may be an escaped madman who has just broken his way out of some insane asylum."

Wise words, ladies, wise words.

Never Kiss A Man in A Canoe by Tanith Carey is available on November 6 priced at £9.99.

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Cindy Crawford 'too healthy' for fashion

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-29T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

She may have been one of the highest paid supermodels of the 1980s, but Cindy Crawford has insisted that she wouldn't succeed in today's size-zero fashion world.

Speaking to a German magazine, the 43-year-old said: "I would not have become a supermodel in 2009. I look too healthy."Cindy's healthy athletic figure was all the rage back in 80s but recent months have seen a number of concerns being raised over the size zero trend.

Her "big breasts, normal thighs and toned upper arms" are no longer what the industry is looking for, says Cindy.

Germany's most popular women's magazine this month gave up on professional models, insisting that it wasted too much time digitally erasing protruding bones.

And the fashion houses have come in for some heavy criticism. Ralph Lauren have now twice been found to have altered images to make models waists smaller, while Karl Lagerfeld accused the size zero critics of being "fat mummies who sit with bags of potato chips".

But Cindy will always be known as one of the original supermodels, and she's more than happy with her figure.

"That's why I like being in my 40s so much. Being at peace with yourself, knowing about your strengths beyond being pretty."

Perhaps the fashion world could take a leaf out of Miss Crawford's book.

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AOL Search gets a makeover

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-10-28T16:00:00 00:00

AOL has been transformed. Like a fairy tale ending our favourite search engine has been transformed from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan.

It's richer, faster and better powered by Google and improved by AOL. Great new features include a 'safe search' option to control and filter search results.

A bold new graphical interface has improved the look and feel and, even better, you'll no longer have to wait ages for pages to load.

Click here to check it out

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Sexy cleavage - dos and don'ts

Betty Boudoir — 2009-10-28T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion, Picture galleries

Check out our tips for dazzling décolletages and see which stars have given great supporting performances or made a complete boob...

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Cool Britannia

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-28T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

From high street to catwalk, British fashion is enjoying a serious revival. And the British Fashion Council's 25th anniversary celebrations made this year's London Fashion Week a star-studded and designer-laden event.

Once again, it's cool to be British and to prove it, a new website is showcasing the very best of British, from high-end designer fashion to interiors. The site, go-british.com, has already launched and is selling the very best of British, from umbrellas to wellies and bone china to dishcloths and is so packed with home-grown goodies that you'll be trawling for hours.

In fact it's packed with all kinds of quirky British brands such as Liberty of London, Lulu Guinness and Aquascutum and there are accessories-galore to match your latest patriotic purchase, not to mention kids and menswear departments.

But right across the board, the Brits are well and truly back on top. Jaeger, John Smedley and high street favourite M&S have all celebrated 125 years and even the supermarkets are bang on trend.

So fly the flag for your country and buy British.

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Are fatty foods making you stupid?

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-28T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

Okay, so we know fatty foods aren't good for us. They can make you lazy, irritable and generally affect your physical health.

But according to new research, it's not just our body that's suffering. That chocolatey mid-morning treat could be slowing you down in more ways than one.According to an Oxford University study, not can a high-fat diet reduce your physical endurance, it can slow down your ability to think clearly within just days.

Funded by the British Heart Foundation, the research revealed that after just nine days of being fed a high-fat diet, rats could manage only 50 per cent of the distance they had previously run on a treadmill.

And when it came to the maze task, they began making mistakes much sooner.

Professor Kieran Clarke, head of the research team, told the Daily Mail: "It shows that high-fat feeding even over short periods of time can markedly affect mind and body."

As well as affecting the efficiency of the heart, high-fat diets are known to lead to a decline in cognitive ability over time, but the researchers were "startled" by the speed of the decline in the rats.

Dr Alan Maryon-David, president of the UK Faculty of Public Health, says it could be down to our ancient hunter-gatherer predecessors.

"A high-fat diet sends a message to the brain that it's a time of plenty, so the neurotransmitters - brain chemicals - tell us that we don't have to be quite so frenetic about finding food. Our huntergatherer instinct is switched off, or at least put on hold," he said.

So just how much junk will slow us down? Professor Clarke explained: "The rat intake translates to a diet of about 3,000 calories a day. Something like going to McDonald's every day for lunch would probably do it.

"If you have a heavy weekend of excess, it's probably a good idea to make up for it with a healthier few days."

That might explain why the Monday workload seems so much heavier.

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Online dating for the beautiful people

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-28T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

Online dating is a tricky business. No matter how attractive the profile sounds, that tall, dark and chiselled guy will more than likely turn out to be a little on the disappointing side.

But then, you probably haven't tried beautifulpeople.com.Originally launched in Denmark, beautifulpeople.com has since opened in several countries including Britain, the USA and Japan. But as of this week it's set to go global.

Applicants to the site must submit a photograph of themselves that is then rated by existing members to decide whether they match up to their high standards.

As attractive as a dating site crammed with 180,000 gorgeous guys and gals sounds, it's worth bearing in mind that only one in five applications is successful.

There has been criticism that a site that excludes the not-so-fair among us is superficial.

Greg Hodge, managing director of the site, disagrees (obviously). He told the Telegraph: "Is it shallow to want to be with someone you're attracted to? If you are in a bar or a club and you are going to approach someone, you'll approach someone you're attracted to. There's nothing shallow in that."

Although technically that would seem like the definition of shallow, Greg continues: "People are fed up wasting time and money meeting unattractive people on the net."

Which we're guessing is true. And for the lucky people who are successful, the promise of "glamorous parties, a jet-set global network" and "potential contracts from top modelling agencies" might be all the encouragement they need.

The question is could you handle the truth? Let us know what you think.

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Muscle bound men lack generosity

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-28T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

When you're searching for your perfect man, many of you will be picturing the muscular toned physique of a testosterone-packed guy.

But if it's surprise gifts, diamonds and lavish anniversary dinners you're after, you better think again.A new study has revealed that high levels of testosterone lead to a distinct lack of generosity.

Researchers at Claremont Graduate University tested the generosity of 25 male students. Each volunteer was given a gel that double their levels of testosterone as well as a placebo cream either a few days before or after the boost.

The students then played a computer game in which they were asked to split $10 with another volunteer.

Each participant played the game both on and off the gel and the rush of testosterone brought on a rather selfish change.

Overall, there was a 27 per cent reduction in generosity, with the average money split offer just $1.57. Given an even more potent variant of the sex hormone, the offer dropped to a paltry $0.55.

Lead researcher Karen Redwine, from Whittier College in California, told New Scientist: "Our broad conclusion is that testosterone causes men essentially to be stingy.

"People are selfish, but they're selfless as well, and it's not understood why the behaviour shifts."

So it might pay to avoid the muscle men girls... the weedier guys just might be all heart.

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It's hip to be square

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-28T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Think of check and the chances are you're visualising Burberry caps and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

But think again. From gingham to tartan, squares are cool again and the celebrities just can't get enough.Yes, check is back and everyone from Cheryl Cole to Gossip Girl Blake Lively are hitting the streets in the season's hottest trend.

Even Burberry, once much maligned for the famous check adopted in no uncertain terms by the 'chavs' of the nation, is coming back with a toned down version of the gingham.

Checked scarves and snoods are cool once again thanks to the fresh young look of Emma Watson's Burberry campaign.

But be warned, fashion lovers... pop to the shops wearing a complete Burberry check ensemble and grannies will be crossing the road to avoid you.

Less is definitely more, so simply accessorise to brighten up a winter outfit.

There's no telling how long it will last, but for the time being square is most definitely hip.

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Junk food as 'addictive as drugs'

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-28T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

Ever wondered why, just half and hour after a delicious meal from a well-known fast food burger chain, you're craving more?

Well it's no surprise, say scientists. According to new research, a junk food diet is almost as addictive as heroin.Foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat will soon have you reaching for more, according to research by neuroscientist Dr Paul Kenny.

And the more you eat, the more you need to eat to feel good as junk becomes a substitute for happiness.

Dr Kenny told the Telegraph: "You lose control. It's the hallmark of addiction.

"This is the most complete evidence to date that suggests obesity and drug addiction have common neuro-biological foundations."

By dividing rats into three groups - one group eating healthily, one group eating restricted amounts of junk food and the third given the freedom to eat unlimited junk - Dr Kenny discovered that those that were set no limits quickly began binge-eating.

And by electronically stimulating the part of the brain that feels pleasure, researchers found that the binge-eating rats needed more and more to feel happy.

So the next time you find yourself reaching for that third slice of cake, remember it'll be more next time round.

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Get ahead - get a hat!

Betty Boudoir — 2009-10-27T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion, Picture galleries

Brrrr! Can you feel that chill in the air? Yep, winter's-a-comin' so, take a tip from the accessory enamoured A-listers and invest in a hot hat to keep you toasty this season...

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Don't party hard - party slow

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-27T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

If you're usual Friday night involves Pinot, pubs and drunken dancing, you may want to think about a change.

And, thanks to a new trend in "slow partying", Saturday mornings may become an altogether more pleasant experience.Yes, it's time to ditch the Red Bull and Vodka crammed nights on the town, and enjoy pillows and chilling.

According to The Times' Ruby Warrington, the Barefoot Doctor's Dub Spirit night in Ibiza is the hottest, or should we say coolest, way to party these days.

"People feel spaced out, relaxed, light-headed and light-hearted," she says, with the outdoor spa event turning into "a nice, chilled, dancey, party-type thing".

Sounds good to us. And journalist Carl Honore, who first published his manifesto In Praise of Slowness five years ago, said: "People are definitely partying more slowly now.

"During the boom, people would cram as many things into their nights out as possible, so that it all became a blur, and then wake up with a hangover, not remembering anything.

"When boom came to bust, it was like the lights going on in a club at the end of the night. We looked around and it wasn't a pretty sight."

Not a pretty sight indeed. So perhaps it's time to forget about hardcore and take a visit to the chill-out room.

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Kids mean happiness (if you're married)

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-27T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Sex & relationships

Sleepless nights, endless nappies and the loss of a regular night out would, to some, sound like a recipe for stress.

But researchers say that bringing a child into your life really does make you happier... if you're married.Scientists at Glasgow University based their findings on the experiences of tens of thousands of British parents and found that babies, far from driving couples over the edge, can strengthen the relationship.

Nearly 90,000 parents were questioned about their life and happiness and their answers revealed that the arrival of a tiny new person made marriages happier.

For serious joy, three children was the optimum, according to the Journal of Happiness Studies.

However, in stark contrast, those couples who were living together but had not tied the knot, found themselves discontented with their lot after the birth of a child.

Researcher Dr Luis Angeles told the Daily Mail: "The fact that people who live as a couple but are not married experience lower levels of life satisfaction with children is worthy of notice.

"It dispels the idea that the positive effect on married individuals is due uniquely to the fact that they can pool resources, such as money and time, to raise children.

"What separates married and unmarried couples is arguably not the possibility of pooling resources for the aim of raising children but the willingness to do so in the first place.

"As a rule, the arrival of a child tends to be seen as a blessing to a married couple and as a problem to an unmarried one or to a single mother."

Perhaps a shot-gun wedding isn't such a bad idea.

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Good clean smell promotes morality

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-27T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

It's an unlikely tool to encourage fair and moral behaviour, but researchers have discovered that just a hint of lemony-freshness in the air "promotes ethical behaviour".

The news will no doubt have workers reaching for the Cif in a bid to reveal a fairer, more generous boss.Researchers at Brigham Young University in Utah began by inviting volunteers to perform a variety of tasks, including a "trust game". While some of the participants worked in an unscented room, the others were treated to the fresh smell of Windex as they worked.

Each subject received $12 which they were told had been sent by an anonymous partner in another room. They were then asked to decide how much of it to keep or return to their partners who had trusted them to divide it fairly.

Those enjoying a lemon-fresh scent gave back an average of $5.33, while the unscented subjects sent only $2.81.

The volunteers were then tested as to whether a clean scent would encourage charitable behaviour, by indicating their interest in donating funds to a worthy campus cause.

Once again, the Windex proved successful and each participant confirmed that they had not noticed the scent in the room.

Co-author Adam Galinsky from Northwestern University, told the Daily Mail: "Basically, our study shows that morality and cleanliness can go hand-in-hand."

And Professor Katie Liljenquist, who led the study, said that the results could have implications for workplaces and stores, saying: "Companies often employ heavy-handed interventions to regulate conduct, but they can be costly or oppressive.

"This is a very simple, unobtrusive way to promote ethical behaviour."

Cleanliness, it seems, really is next to godliness.

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Born to drink

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-27T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

Ever wondered why you're left stumbling home with a broken heel on a Friday night, while your relatively sober pal remains pristine and perky?

Well, it could all be in the genes according to scientists, who have discovered that some are simply programmed to enjoy one too many.Scientists at the University of Colorado have discovered new genes that are linked to parts of the brain dealing with feelings of pleasure and reward.

First tested on rats (as always), they then began studying humans to see whether the genes had a similar effect.

This particular genetic programming gave people greater pleasure from drinking than others, thereby encouraging them to reach for the Pinot more often.

It did not, thankfully, mean that they were more likely to become an alcoholic.

Boris Tabakoff, who led the study, said that while some people who drink moderately tended to lose control and become dependent on alcohol, others, whose genes meant that they were more likely to drink large amounts, were not necessarily more likely to become addicted.

It might be worth bearing in mind, though, that there is a gene that raises the chances of becoming hooked... if you've got both, it could spell serious trouble.

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Images of loved ones ease the pain

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-27T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

When times are tough, many of us will turn to a photograph of our loved ones to cheer us up with memories of happier times.

But as it turns out, these images have a much more powerful effect and can even act as a form of pain relief.Researchers at the University of Los Angeles recruited 28 brave ladies and carried out heat-pain tests, where heat is applied to a tiny patch of the arm until it hurts.

Each woman took part in the test, first holding the hand of their partner who was sitting behind a curtain, then that of a stranger.

They were also asked to look at photos - one of a loved one, one or a stranger or simply the letter 'x' on paper.

The results showed that it was the photos of loved ones, and not holding their hand, that brought on the ability to bear the pain and scientists say that the positive effect of viewing snapshots of partners, parents or children was strong enough to override much of the discomfort.

In fact, the researchers now say that, for patients visiting hospital for painful tests, bringing a photograph along may help them to cope.

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Stella McCartney reveals Gap kidswear collection

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-27T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

Yummy mummies everywhere will be falling over themselves to get to Gap next month... and not for the latest skinny jeans or tailored shirt.

No, this time it's all about the kids as Stella McCartney unveils her new collection of childrenswear for the high street chain.The range will include a whopping 70 designs, created in partnership with GapKids and babyGap, and mum-of-three Stella has been hard at work with the line.

She told WWD: "I guess I tackled it in the same way I would one of my own ready-to-wear collections, but then the challenge was, 'OK, I've got to get into the same mind-set of a kid and what they might like.'

"It's quite a good thing to have kids when you're designing a kids' collection, to be aware that they actually have their own point of view."

And Stella's boys gave the designs a thumbs up, with superhero-printed T-shirts and Jacko-style military jackets sure to bring out their sense of boyish style, while the girls will be jumping up and down to get their hands on the faded silk party dresses and tulle skirts.

Of course, you can count on Stella to be ethically sound, and there's organic cotton and soft cashmere aplenty and not a hint of leather anywhere in the collection.

Get your purses ready mums... the collection goes on sale on 2 November.

Click here for a sneak peak.

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Most-wanted celebrity hair

Betty Boudoir — 2009-10-26T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty, Celebrity, Picture galleries

From ballet buns to Heidi plaits, glamorous up-dos to glossy trailing tresses, see the stars' hairstyles we covet most...

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Dear Paula: My cheating has brought misery

Dear Paula — 2009-10-26T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
About eight months ago I had affair with a local woman. I have been married for seven years and have been with my partner for nearly 11 years and I love her dearly. The woman told me that she was pregnant and I told her that she would have to give it up as I was already married.

She showed up on my door step a few weeks ago and my wife opened the door and she told her that I got her pregnant. My wife could not take it and she was quick on the phone to get the police so that I could be escorted out of our house. I didn't even get a chance to explain to her about this.
I have seen the woman a few times after the last incident when my wife found out about me and her. It's been four weeks since she kicked me out and she has never slept with anyone apart from me as I was her first lover. I love my wife but I think I really hurt her by getting this woman pregnant.

We have two beautiful children together and I want to make it work with her. I don't know what to do because she is saying that she doesn't want to talk to me even when I want to find out how my children are. She doesn't stay at our house and is spending most of her time at her parents. I want her back and would do anything to make her understand how sorry I am. Please help I miss my kids so much and don't want to go through the courts with my wife to see them.

Dear Paula writes:
You really did get the seven year itch didn't you? You say you think you really hurt her by getting the other woman pregnant but the reality is that the pregnancy only compounded the hurt of your betrayal. No-one's perfect and it's a pity that you had to get found out and she had to be hurt in such a spectacular way.

It's very unfortunate for all concerned, as you now also have a responsibility towards the other woman and the unborn child. I can imagine that you may feel very angry at this woman but she didn't get pregnant by herself and it's quite likely that your reaction to her news led to her telling your wife.

Your wife must be profoundly shocked by all this and she's not going to come round easily. She's going to need a lot of time and probably needs the comfort of being with her parents while she's so hurt. For you, missing your children is the price you have to pay, at least for the time being.

Your wife isn't going to care a jot about your feelings right now and won't want to hear from you about how you really love her. She needs to recover from the shock and it's only natural that she may want to make you suffer for the way you've hurt her. She probably doesn't even want to hear your name at the moment. You were her only man which may make the betrayal seem all the more profound to her and you have to take on board the fact that she may never trust you again.

Your best hope is that, in time, she will relent about you seeing the children as they presumably will miss you. I wouldn't advise trying to talk to her. There are no explanations or excuses you could give that will make any difference. It may be better to write to her and tell her that you understand how hurt and upset she is and that you realise she will need a lot of time to come to terms with this (if she ever does).

If you choose this route, I would advise that you accept total responsibility for your behaviour (no explanations, no excuses), let her know that you will do whatever she wants and although you realise she may never forgive you, you don't want the children to also be hurt by the loss of their dad. Don't plead a broken heart or ask for anything for yourself as she won't care right now.

I feel sorry for all of you in this situation but you will need to have patience and suffer in (relative) silence if you want to get anything back but you may have to prepare for the worst. Some people just can't recover from betrayal and it's impossible to predict who they will be. All you can do is let her know you are to prepared to wait and to suffer, and hope that time may soften her.

Your problem is that now there will always be the spectre of another child somewhere in the background. I can't really offer you any comfort or solutions I'm afraid. When such strong emotions are involved it's hard to untangle them, so if and when your wife is prepared to listen to you, you may need a couples counsellor to help you both negotiate your way through this. (www.relate.org.uk)

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Grumpy old women: Weddings

Betty Boudoir — 2009-10-26T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Film & culture, Sex & relationships, Bizarre

I look forward to winter for one reason only - less weddings.

Having just gone through another jam-packed summer of 'big days' and spending out to attend, dress accordingly, get suitably plastered, stay overnight and finance the honeymoon (or, in one case, a deposit for a house!) of a total of eight happy couples, I am not only bitterly poor but deflated.

You only have to watch five minutes of the Living TV reality show, Four Weddings, to learn that these blissful days are now less a chance to celebrate love than to wage competition.

Some unashamedly selfish Bridezillas want THE perfect day and will stop at nothing to get it. You, the guest, should realise that you are just there to make up the numbers and make sure she gets more pressies.

You were given your orders for the day via a ten page invitation booklet that folds out into the shape of a swan and have been told that although 'your presence is present enough' that the lovely couple would appreciate donations towards their honeymoon. In multiples of £100 as the travel agent can't process lesser denominations.

The day itself is usually a miserable affair. You have to 'mingle' (urgh) and spend the entire ceremony looking up from your hymn book, covertly searching out the bar. Having finally located it, it is then a race to see if you can get drunk enough to find the speeches funny and dance with randy Uncle Gordon from your table.

Furthermore, for all of the honeymoons, houses and yachts I've donated to this summer, I have yet to receive one 'thank you' note. Yes, Mr and Mrs so and so, I am aware that you are too busy gushing at one another to think of anyone else, but the party's over and it's not all about you any more so get out your biro and scribble us lowly benefactors a letter of gratitude.

Or better still, an e-mail, then you don't even have to buy a stamp you stingy swines...

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Cindy Crawford quit the catwalk over body insecurity

Ella Esmeralda — 2009-10-26T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebrity, Fashion

Even supermodels are insecure.

Cindy Crawford, the model who ruled the catwalk in the 1990s, says she quit the runway because she didn't want to be compared to all the young beauties with whom she'd be walking.

"I don't want to stand next to a 20-year-old on the runway, even if people say you can still do it. It is like, 'Why would I do that to myself?' It would just make me depressed," she told Hello! magazine.

However, Crawford, 43, told the magazine she is more accepting of her body as she gets older. (You can see why, right.)

"I'm more comfortable with myself in the sense that hey, this is who I am now," she says.

"I guess I appreciate my body for other things - like I was able to give birth to two kids. ... But at the same time, I am aware my body doesn't look the same way it did when I was 23. I actually don't want to feel that pressure."

Crawford is still very much in demand when it comes to ad campaigns (both print and television). In addition to being the face of Omega watches, she has her own home collections, Cindy Crawford Home and Cindy Crawford Style, and skincare line Meaningful Beauty.

She's also continues to appear in editorial spreads for magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Allure.

Though, she admits to being uncertain of how long these gigs will last, according to the magazine.

"At a certain point, they're going to stop asking me to take my clothes off," she tells Hello! "Lying in a baby pool filled with shaving cream is much funnier at 43. Like, 'Oh my god, I can't believe I'm still doing this!' You have to have a sense of humour about it at this point."

Back in the real world, we reckon she has a better body than most women half her age.

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Could this be goodbye to grey?

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-26T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

It all starts with just the odd one, plucked meticulously from your gorgeous locks. But before you know it, a decision has to be made - to dye or not to dye?

Well, if L'Oreal have their way, it could be goodbye to grey as their science experts develop a product to turn back time.The boffins at L'Oreal's research and development HQ believe that they have a product that will return you to your hair's natural colour. Apparently it will involve an oral element, as well as a range of haircare products, but won't be on the market for 10 years.

Patricia Pineau, L'Oreal's Research Communications Director, told the Daily Mail: "Hair is an enigma.

"It is a fibre, a material with physical properties. It is also a living organ that grows, greys and falls out. How can we fight this? Do we need a physical approach or a biological approach?"

And here comes the science bit.

"When hair goes grey, there is a progressive disappearance of the melanocytes from the hair. While there are still melanocytes in the hair, there is still hope that it could be re-pigmented," she said.

It might be 10 years away girls, but with L'Oreal spending vast sums of money (around £581 million last year) on research, anything seems possible.

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The return of 'shabby chic'

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-26T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

You may have thought you'd seen the last of 'shabby chic' but, in the bizarre world of fashion, threadbare is making a return.

But it doesn't mean you can just dig out your old ripped jeans and be done with it. No, this is the designer "homeless" look.Strange as it may seem, the impoverished look is catching on. According to the Daily Mail, online street style blogger The Sartorialist recently featured a "stylish" homeless man on his blog and he's not the only one drawing inspiration from the streets.

Designer Erin Wasson claims her new label RVCA was inspired by the homeless of Venice Beach, whom she praised for being "entrepreneurial on a budget" with their style.

Of course, it's not so simple for the celebrities. The grunge look just won't cut it in the glamorous world of the famous.

But Sienna Miller seems to have found an answer. Following her Broadway debut last week, the gorgeous Sienna stepped into the chilly New York night wearing a ready-ripped, threadbare-looking Balmain dress.

"Homeless chic" it may be, but with a price tag of £14,200, this particular designer trend might just prove a little hard to swallow.

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'Unproductive Monday'

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-26T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

It is unlikely that anyone who works would consider Monday to be a good day and it can take a few more coffees to get up to speed after a lazy weekend.

But this isn't any old Monday - this, according to a new survey, is the "most unproductive day" of the entire year.Yes folks, it seems the changing of the clocks and the prospect of the long, dark evenings ahead is leaving us struggling to deal with the Monday workload and researchers say that productivity will drop by a whopping 50 per cent this week.

The study of 2,000 workers comes courtesy of Promotur, The Canary Island tourism board, and reveals that not only do 52 per cent of workers confess to struggling with their work-load today, 14 per cent claim that last year's 'unproductive Monday' was so bad that they had been hauled before the boss over it.

And for the eight per cent who simply can't cope with the onset of winter, the inevitable sick day seemed the only option.

Dr Christian Jessen, of Channel 4's Embarrassing Illnesses fame, told the Telegraph: "The Winter Blues are no joke.
"They can affect your work performance by making you unable to concentrate and carry out your normal routine, your relationship by affecting your libido and your social life by making you feel irritable and anti-social.

"Feeling low as the nights draw in and the days get shorter is something many people experience, but some will struggle with lack of motivation, tiredness and depression."

And Dr Christian went on to explain that winter is tougher on some than others.

"If you find the winter months tough, particularly during December and January you may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, which causes a low mood caused by the lack of light during winter," he said.

"If these all ring bells then you may be a sufferer and should consider ways you can get more light into your life over winter."

So as long as you get out of the house, it sounds like that 'sick day' isn't such a bad idea after all.

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Dear Paula: Autistic child, unstable mother

Dear Paula — 2009-10-25T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
I am married but have had several affairs. I do love my wife and the children I've had with her (they are both teenagers.)

However, I have a four year old with another woman (not my first transgression but the only child from such.)

My four year old is severly autistic and his mother suffers from severe bi-polar disorder. The idea was that if she ever left her husband, I'd leave my wife (yes, she was married at the time of conception and birth and four years later).

Now, however.. she made up a whole cancer scare and then said her husband wasn't supportive. She needed me. I talked to my wife and she agreed... so i was on my way... till I caught her lying and moving in with another man.

I'm sorry to make this a long story but I'll make it short now. He's my son. What do I do now that I have zero rights, no trust in the mother and an autistic child? I love them both.Dear Paula writes:
You're a grown man and accountable for your actions so I'm afraid that my concern is not for you in this situation but for the child and there are so many questions and concerns raised in my mind by what you write. Is his mother's BPD under control? Is there any service provision made for the child? What has your input been over the past four years and does the mother's husband regard himself as the child's father?

Autistic children really need stability and routine and can react very badly to the unfamiliar. I wonder if the newman has any idea of what he's taking on and how long the situation will last. You really don't have any control over this situation, so I can appreciate your concern but there's not much you can do. Given your status, it's very unlikely that you can involve any agencies to ensure his welfare, unless you feel there is sufficient concern to merit reporting the situation to social services - which any concerned citizen can do.

I don't want to get all moralistic over your behaviour, but what about the wife and children you already have and say you also love? Are you considering their happiness and welfare? You seem to have spread yourself a bit too thin and it looks as though you may be left with nothing. Have you ever considered that you may be addicted to the drama of this situation and the excitement of having affairs?

You certainly seem to have chosen someone very unstable in the mother of your child and, on the face of it, she doesn't seem to be putting his interests first, so it looks like this particular drama will run and run. You're on a roller coaster ride here and it would be a good idea to stop and think about where all this is leading you, what it says about you and whether you need or want to make some personal changes and some real commitments, as all you seem to be doing so far is making a mess.

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Mother and daughter age the same

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-25T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Beauty

If you're a young chap looking forward to marrying a beautiful young bride, then it may pay to take note of the old adage "if you want to know what your wife will look like when she is older, look at her mother".

Experts now say that it's like mother, like daughter when it comes to ageing.A study, conducted by the Lorna Linda University Medical Centre in California, scanned the faces of mothers and daughters and found that the wrinkling and sagging showed a similar pattern.

Apparently the similarity starts to show when the daughter reaches her mid-30s and the sagging and loss of skin elasticity is particularly prominent around the eyes.

The scientists, who presented their findings at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons conference in Seattle, examined 10 sets of similar looking mothers and daughers.

With the help of some hi-tech facial imaging software, they discovered, as they put it, "a consistent pattern of atrophy and regression" (that's sagging and volume loss to you and me), particularly around the tear ducts and lower eyelid.

But before you all rush to the plastic surgeon, take another look at your dear old mum... after all, under the wrinkles, she might still be beautiful.

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Katie's lingerie axed by Asda

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-25T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

She may have just launched her very own style guide, but it looks like Asda customers will not be heading to bookshops any time soon.

Having launched the Katie Price lingerie range just last year, Asda have axed the underwear as they "move on to new projects".Katie and her famously large breasts, posed for last year's launch, boasting that the designs were for "real" women.

But apparently 'real women' weren't interested who are no longer keen on the glamour girl's style ideas.

The store insist they made the decision to drop the range based on customer feedback. A spokesman for Asda told the Daily Mail: "We always listen to our customers and they told us they wanted to see something new from us in the George range.

"It's true that we are no longer going to be stocking Katie Price's lingerie range. There's no hard feelings and we've both moved on to new projects.

"We wish Katie the best of luck in anything she does in the future."

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'Happy pig' aims to cheer up Brits

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-25T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

We've never been known as the happiest of nations, but for one writer Britain's doom and gloom has gone far enough.

So concerned is Giles Andreae, the creator of Purple Ronnie, that "the entire nation has lost the ability to smile", that he has spent £35k in a bid to cheer us up.What with the seemingly everlasting recession, the onset of winter and the stress of our modern lives, Mr Andreae is determined to have us looking on the bright side once again.

And so he has created an animated short film entitled The Pig of Happiness which tells the tale of a pig who is tired of his gloomy pals.

Mr Andreae, who writes under the name of 'Edward Monkton', told the Telegraph: "The entire nation seems to have lost the ability to smile. If my film can make even one person learn to laugh again, then it will have been worth every penny."

The idea sprung to mind during a particularly bad day for Mr Andreae.

"It started when a grumpy postman threw my letters into my hand, followed by a waitress in a coffee bar banging the coffee onto the table in front of me," said Giles.

"Then came a horrendous trip on the tube, when everyone in the entire carriage seems to be in a foul mood. And then a series of meetings where everyone seems to be bad tempered for absolutely no reason.

"I suddenly realised that everyone was like that at the moment because they are understandably afraid about the future. Fear is making everyone aggressive and miserable."

And so, with the help of Geoffrey Palmer who provided the voice-over, Mr Andreae decided to do something about the mood of the nation.

"The role of a writer is to make people stop and think, and so I've decided to spend the money on trying to make people happy again."

Watch the film here and don't forget to let us know if it's cheered you up.

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Chunky hunks to get cosy with

Betty Boudoir — 2009-10-24T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Totty of the week, Picture galleries

The nights are drawing in and there's a distinctly frosty chill in the air...it must be time to snag yourself a beefcake to cuddle up to. Like your lad to have love-handles? Then check out the A-list big boys who keep us warm through the winter and hot under the collar...

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Dear Paula: Secret code worries me

Dear Paula — 2009-10-24T10:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Dear Paula

Dear Paula,
I'm in a relationship with a widower, and he wants me to move in with him. He had a two year relationship with a woman at the other end of the country before we met, but it faded out and she married someone else. The other day, he had a text from her, very affectionate, and since then I've found out they've been e-mailing each other. He says she's just being friendly, but one of his e-mails had what he called 'our' code, which is X XXXX XXX ( I love you), but he won't show me the e-mails she's sent him. He says it's nothing to do with me. What do you think Paula? I really need some advice here.Dear Paula writes:
If he's asking you to make the commitment of moving in with him, I think this situation does have something to do with you. It's obviously making you uncomfortable and so is not the best start for you if you're considering moving in.

It seems to me he may already be taking you for granted as he's offering you a "take me as I am and don't expect me to make any concessions' type of relationship. It's not exactly conducive to your happiness,is it? It seems to me that if his correspondence with this woman is not really important,it shouldn't be any hardship for him to give it up for you.

I'm not generally in favour of partners demanding the kind of exclusivity which means giving up friends but from what you write there seems to be more than just friendship going on here. In my view, he's being selfish and ignoring your feelings and doesn't seem ready to give the kind of commitment he's expecting from you.

I think you should be very careful about surrendering your independence by moving in with him. Why not just keep things on their present footing until you see how things are shaping up for a possible future together and what kind of commitment he's prepared to make?

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Britons have 'five lives'

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-24T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Bizarre

Cats are said to have nine of them and according to a new report, we Brits have five... which isn't quite as useful as it sounds.

No, according to a new mortality report from More Than Life Insurance, the average Britain will manage to cheat death five times during their lifetime.As it turns out, the survey is a little bit on the depressing side. Topping the list of near-death experiences is the potentially fatal car crash, with 40 per cent of those polled claiming to have seen their lives flash before their eyes.

Similarly common were getting struck by lightning (36 per cent), surviving and electric shock (32 per cent) and living through a natural disaster such as earthquake of flood (29 per cent).

Thankfully for many, there are heroes in our midst. Of the 1,000 people surveyed, almost a quarter owed their lives to the bravery of others.

Frighteningly over 14 million of us will step out in front of a bus at some point during our lifetime, only to be saved by brave stranger.

And most put their lucky escapes down to a mysterious guardian angel, with 61 per cent believing that they have been watched over.

An astonishing 49 per cent of the over 60s believe that they have been psychically warned of impending doom with 'gut feelings', visions or unexplainable voices.

A More Than spokesman told the Telegraph: "Many Brits seem to have had a heck of a lot of lucky escapes. The purpose of this report wasn't to scare Brits or get them thinking about their mortality in a morbid way, but at the same time people need to realise they're not infallible.

"Amazingly the study revealed that over one third of Brits never take out life insurance."

So if you haven't, you may want to start adding up the 'lives' you've already used.

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Manolo waves goodbye to platforms

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-24T06:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Fashion

He's the shoe designer of choice for Carrie Bradshaw and her Sex and the City pals, but Manolo Blahnik is waving goodbye to the platform shoe.

And he's by no means feeling a tinge of nostalgia... in fact he's positively radiating relief.At the launch of his spring/summer 2010 collection at Soho House this week, Manolo told the Telegraph: "Yes, yes, yes. No more platforms, please. I'm so glad!"

"Maybe I lost money by not doing them (platforms) when they were in fashion this time. But I don't care. I did them in the 70s. That was enough for me. Never again! I don't like them!"

And judging by his latest collection, it's easy to see why.

Grouped into several categories his new range incorporates elements such as 'Sculpture', using reference points such as the Guggenheim for its semicircles and neutral shades, and 'Equestrian', taking inspiration from the straps and leather of Rubens' horse and rider paintings.

On the fun side, 'Spectacle' draws on the excitement of the Big Top with purple and white checked satin and crepe-de-chine.

But then for Manolo it's all about beauty rather than the clomping platforms of the past.

"Don't talk to me about platforms. I've done it all before. It bores me now. I want shoes to be beautiful, so women walk beautifully. Shoes should be beautiful - Oh, and of course, a little fun also."

And those lucky SATC girls will be getting their hands on all that fun any time now.

Manolo added: "I've sent them lots, but you never know."

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Bright lights could get you down

Ruby Tuesday — 2009-10-24T04:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Health & fitness

The bright lights of the big cities can be all very exciting, enticing party-goers and night owls out into the evening.

But when the city never sleeps, it's our mental health that is suffering as scientists warn that 24-hour lighting is leaving us feeling blue.The fluorescent streets lights that keep us safe at night can affect residents' ability to sleep and psychologists have now confirmed that being unable to reach the solace of the dark can be harmful to the personality.

Researchers at Ohio State University studied the effect of permanent light on mice, while another group were able to escape to a dark tube.

Those that could settle down away from the light showed less evidence of depressive symptoms.

Laura Fonken, who led the study, told the Daily Mail: "The ability to escape light seemed to quell the depressive effects.

"But constant light with no chance of escape increased depressive symptoms."

And co-author Professor Randy Nelson added: "The increasing rate of depressive disorders in humans corresponds with the increasing use of light at night in modern society.

"Many people are now exposed to unnatural light cycles and that may have real consequences for our health."

Let us know what you think. Have you been affected by 24-hours light?

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