3 d. ago Dawn Dusk review – handbag designer deals with grief over murdered sister and dead friend

Not long out of high school, Chelli is finding her way through awful grief for her best friend, and for her sister, but this documentary loses sight of its subjectChicago-based Chelli Look, the subject at the centre of this diffuse documentary, seems like a nice person, with a talent for designing and making minimalist leather handbags. Not long out of high school, the best friend with whom she planned to start a business died in a car accident. Then her elder sister, Megan Henneberg, was murdered in 2007 by her husband Brian, leaving Chelli, her parents, siblings and extended family to deal with the harrowing loss.And yet, no matter how much sympathy you might feel for Chelli and her family’s trauma, or interest you might have in her bagmaking skills, or engagement with her as a person, somehow those core components don’t coalesce to make this feature-length documentary feel vital or even especially necessary. A self-described introvert, Chelli herself is a pretty opaque figure alt...

Events

3 d. ago Hearts reaction: 'Brilliant human', fans choking for heroes and midweek friendly plan after dramatic win

Defender maintains rare scoring run as Jambos soar to top of Premiership

Events

6 d. ago Netanyahu plans to fully occupy Gaza before handing governance to friendly Arab nations

Israeli PM needs security cabinet to approve plan amid opposition from aid agencies and families of hostagesMiddle East crisis – live updatesBenjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel intends to take military control of all of Gaza in defiance of warnings that such a move would lead to countless more Palestinian deaths, further mass displacement and endanger Israeli hostages still held in the territory.Before a security cabinet meeting to discuss Gaza’s future, the Israeli prime minister insisted that Israel does not want to ultimately govern the territory and would hand over that responsibility to friendly Arab nations. Continue reading...

Events

7 d. ago Best budget beauty advent calendars: Early bird bargains revealed

It’s time to start planning ahead with our top picks of budget-friendly beauty advents, both big and small

Economics

1 week ago The moment I knew: moving so far and so fast wasn’t in my character but it just felt right

When Anne Wijdeveld met Ben on New Year’s Eve they began what she thought was a holiday romance. Within weeks she was moving across the globe to be with himFind more stories from The moment I knew seriesIn December 2024 I arrived in Sydney ready for an adventure. A friend was getting married in Australia and I had originally booked the trip with my ex, but when he dropped out after our breakup I decided to go ahead. I was considering quitting my job and moving back to the Netherlands so, even though I didn’t know what my future would look like, I was ready for a holiday. I planned a week with friends in Sydney and Newcastle, a week with a friend travelling up the east coast and a final week on my own.On New Year’s Eve I’d been at an all-day boat party on Sydney Harbour when a friend said she was off to meet an old flame of hers at a fireworks event in Bondi. I remember her telling me he had a nice single brother called Ben and showing me a photo: he had a moustache, was wearing a ta...

Politics

3 w. ago 14 ways to keep your houseplants alive while you’re on holiday (and how to revive them when you get back)

Heading off for summer? From self-watering pots to plant straws, these expert hacks will keep your plants hydrated and happy• Beat the heat: expert tips for keeping cool in hot weatherSummer holidays are a joy for us, but not always such a thrill for our houseplants. Few things are worse than returning home to discover a horticultural graveyard. Plants can survive unsupervised during the winter, but heatwaves, a lack of ventilation, and no one around to water mean summer holidays are a recipe for disaster.But fear not. A bit of planning and the right kit can make all the difference between a happy homecoming and a shrivelled mess. Whether you go full-tech or just trust in a good soak and a friend, there’s a holiday plant-care method for every budget and plant. Regardless of how long you’re going away for, here are some of the best tips and tricks to keep your houseplants alive, hydrated and happy in your absence. Continue reading...

Society

3 w. ago From corner office to crossroads: navigating purpose and identity after retirement | Gaynor Parkin and Dave Winsborough

The ‘messy middle’ that follows the end of a structured work life can be unsettling and isolating – but meaning doesn’t retire when we doThe modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their workA few months into an eagerly planned retirement, Martin described the transition as “a seismic shift”.“I thought I had it all figured out,” he said, the frustration evident in his voice. “I’ve been so looking forward to more time in the garden, picking up the guitar again, getting into a fitness routine and planning trips with friends.” Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago My friends made plans without me – is it OK to invite myself?

New research has shed light on the psychology of ‘self-invitation’, and why people hold back from asking to join others’ plansI’m at the pub with my friend, catching up over drinks, when her friend walks in – let’s call her Clara.Clara mentions the party she’s throwing next weekend. Our mutual friend is counting down the days, but it’s news to me.I’m an adult. Why do I regress under my parents’ roof?I like my own company. But do I spend too much time alone?People say you’ll know – but will I regret not having children? Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago My friends made plans without me – is it weird to invite myself?

New research has shed light on the psychology of ‘self-invitation’, and why people hold back from asking to join others’ plansI’m at the pub with my friend, catching up over drinks, when her friend walks in – let’s call her Clara.Clara mentions the party she’s throwing next weekend. Our mutual friend is counting down the days, but it’s news to me.I’m an adult. Why do I regress under my parents’ roof?I like my own company. But do I spend too much time alone?People say you’ll know – but will I regret not having children? Continue reading...

Politics