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The Afro Tax The Hidden Costs and Long Journeys for Black Hair Care For countless women with Afro and textured hair, a trip to the salon is not a simple matter of convenience. It's an hours-long journey, a calculated expedition that highlights a deep and pervasive inequality within the beauty industry. Across the UK and in many parts of the US, a significant shortage of salons and trained stylists who can properly care for textured hair has left a sizable and growing community feeling underserved and, in many cases, discriminated against.Data reveals the stark reality: in the UK, less than 1% of the country’s 35,000 registered hair salons are equipped to handle Afro and textured hair. This forces women to travel far and wide, often crossing regional boundaries or even countries, to find a stylist they can trust. This is not just a logistical inconvenience; it’s a costly and time-consuming burden. African American women, for example, spend four times more on hair care than their Caucasian counterparts and travel the furthest to find a salon that caters to their hair type. For a service that should be a form of self-care and relaxation, it has become a source of stress, frustration, and significant financial strain.The issue is rooted in a systemic lack of education and representation within the hairdressing industry. Historically, mainstream hairdressing certifications have not required students to learn how to cut, style, and care for Afro hair. This has created a major gap in professional expertise, leaving many stylists unequipped and, in some cases, unwilling to take on clients with textured hair. As a result, many Black women have experienced the humiliation of being turned away from salons, being told their hair is "difficult" or that the salon is not "equipped" to handle it.This struggle has broader social and psychological impacts. Hair is a powerful symbol of identity, and the inability to find professional care can lead to feelings of being an "other." It can affect self esteem and confidence, particularly for children and young people. The "Afro tax," a term used to describe the price discrimination and lack of availability for Afro hair services, is not just a financial burden but a reflection of a wider societal issue.Despite the challenges, there is a growing movement to address this inequality. Advocacy groups are lobbying for legislative change, and new certification standards in the UK now require all hairdressers to learn how to style Afro and textured hair. The rise of independent freelance stylists a
South Africa Overturns Apartheid Era Law Allowing Men to Choose Their Wives' Surnames In a landmark decision, South Africa's highest court has ruled that men can legally take their wives' surnames after marriage, overturning an apartheid-era law that was found to be unconstitutional. The ruling, handed down by the Constitutional Court, effectively puts men and women on an equal legal footing regarding surname changes, a move that has been hailed as a significant victory for gender equality.The case was brought forward by two couples who had been denied the right to either take the wife's surname or to hyphenate their surnames after marriage. The court found that the existing law, the Births and Deaths Registration Act of 1992, amounted to unfair gender discrimination because it only granted women an automatic right to change their surname upon marriage. Men, on the other hand, had to go through a complicated and often unsuccessful process of applying to the Department of Home Affairs to assume their wife’s name.In its judgment, the court noted that the law not only deprived men of their right to choose their family name but also reinforced "patriarchal gender norms" that dictate how women should express their identity. By making the woman's surname relational to her husband's as a default, the law perpetuated an outdated and unequal system. The court has given the South African parliament two years to amend the legislation to comply with the new ruling.This decision marks a significant step forward for a country that has made great strides in enshrining human rights in its constitution. While South Africa was the first in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage, which already granted couples the freedom to choose their surname, this ruling extends that same right to all heterosexual couples. The case underscores a global movement towards more equitable and modern family laws, challenging traditional customs and patriarchal traditions for a more inclusive and just society.
The Cost of Maintaining Luxury Homes Across the world, there are sprawling estates once owned by billionaires that now lie abandoned, a stark reminder of wealth, ambition, and changing fortunes. These mansions, often located in prime locations, reflect the extravagance and taste of their former owners but also reveal the impermanence of material success. From forgotten mansions in the United States to neglected villas in Europe, these properties tell stories of luxury, decline, and sometimes mystery. Many of these abandoned estates were once symbols of opulence. They feature grand architecture, expansive gardens, swimming pools, private theaters, and even personal art galleries. Some were designed by renowned architects or interior designers, making them highly valuable both culturally and historically. Despite their grandeur, economic downturns, legal disputes, or changes in the personal lives of their owners have led to their abandonment, leaving these mansions to deteriorate over time. In some cases, the maintenance of such large properties became unsustainable. The costs associated with staff, taxes, utilities, and repairs can be astronomical, even for billionaires. When estates are left unoccupied, nature and weather take their toll, causing once-magnificent homes to crumble. Inside, original furniture, artworks, and personal belongings may remain untouched, creating an eerie atmosphere of a frozen moment in time. These abandoned mansions often attract urban explorers, photographers, and journalists interested in capturing the juxtaposition of luxury and decay. They serve as cautionary tales about the fleeting nature of wealth and the challenges of maintaining large properties. Some estates are eventually sold, repurposed, or demolished, while others continue to stand as haunting reminders of their past grandeur. Beyond their visual appeal, these properties also raise questions about wealth inequality and social responsibility. While some billionaires abandon estates, many communities nearby struggle with housing, infrastructure, and public resources. The existence of such neglected wealth can prompt discussions on how excess resources might be used more responsibly or sustainably. In conclusion, the abandoned mansions of billionaires are more than just impressive ruins; they are narratives of ambition, excess, and decline. They capture the imagination, highlight the impermanence of material wealth, and reflect broader societal issues. Walking through their empty halls or viewing th
How Miranda July's All Fours Sparked a Cultural Awakening Around Midlife, Desire, and Female Reinvention In a literary world crowded with annual “must-reads,” it’s rare for a novel to not only dominate bestseller lists and book clubs but also permeate pop culture to become a true phenomenon. All Fours, Miranda July’s audacious and intimate exploration of a woman in her mid-40s, has done just that and more. Since its release in spring 2024, the book has ignited fierce discussion, praise, backlash, and a level of cultural resonance comparable to the legacy of Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying. At its core, All Fours is an erotic, existential, and emotionally charged narrative that challenges societal expectations of women in midlife. The unnamed protagonist a semi-famous, 45-year-old Los Angeles-based artist and mother sets out on a solo road trip funded by an unexpected advertising deal. But instead of reaching New York, she stops in Monrovia, where a chance encounter with a younger man, Davey, leads her to impulsively check into a motel. Days turn into weeks, and she spends her entire windfall transforming the room into a faux-Parisian escape, igniting a personal and sexual metamorphosis. This diversion becomes a symbolic detour from convention. Instead of the freedom she initially sought through travel, she begins a more profound internal journey unpacking the complexities of ageing, longing, identity, desire, and perimenopause. A diagnosis of hormonal transition becomes a spark for radical reinvention, with July’s protagonist confronting the idea that a woman’s libido and her sense of purpose should quietly fade with age. A Literary Mirror to the Midlife Moment What makes All Fours groundbreaking is its refusal to sanitize or sentimentalize female midlife. Instead, it dives deep into the chaos, passion, and raw uncertainty that often accompanies this stage. Critics have called it everything from “life-changing” to “hateable.” The New York Times hailed it as “the first great perimenopause novel,” while New York Magazine praised its unapologetic sensuality. The Washington Post even predicted it might “rally a generation of women.” The novel’s cultural ripple effect has been enormous. Women have championed the book with fervor passing it to sisters, mothers, and friends. Meanwhile, July’s media presence has surged. She’s been featured in major interviews, magazine covers, and was recently named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025. A TV adaptation is already in the works, and the book is shortlisted for major a
Heston Blumenthal's Mood Swings Fueled His Genius But Also Brought Darkness "We just wanted a relaxing conversation with our dad and we weren't able to have one," says Jack Blumenthal. "It was horrible. And it was constant." Raw pain is etched on Jack's father's face as he finally realises how his undiagnosed mental illness and erratic manic behaviour hurt the ones he loves the most. In a new documentary, celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal is talking to his son for the first time about how he became impossible to live with."We'd plan it three weeks in advance, getting prepared just to see you for half an hour," says Jack, who now runs a restaurant himself. "And there was nothing I could do to help you." Heston wipes a tear away. "I'm sorry," he says. At the height of his fame in the 2000s, Heston Blumenthal was a culinary icon. Known for bacon-and-egg ice cream, snail porridge, and theatrical dining, he was a big brand worth big bucks. But behind the molecular gastronomy and Michelin stars, his mind was increasingly in turmoil. For years, he thought he was simply wired differently. Heston had long believed his emotional highs and lows were just part of who he was — part of the creative chaos that fueled his culinary genius. In the early years, his imagination ran riot in a positive way, he says. But gradually, the depression worsened. The highs became higher and the lows much darker. He recalls having to lie on the floor to cope during the filming of a cooking programme several years ago. At one point, he felt as though his new ideas were like thousands of sweets falling from the sky and he could only catch a few. But in late 2023, a manic episode escalated into psychosis. Heston was hallucinating guns and had become obsessed with death. He was admitted to hospital for the first time and finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. "How did I get to 57 years-old before I was diagnosed?" he asks. I recently sat down with world-renowned psychiatrist Prof John Geddes to watch the documentary I'd been collaborating on — "Heston: My Life with Bipolar" In the programme there's a clip of Heston being interviewed in 2020 about using robots in the kitchen. He uses surreal, nonsensical metaphors: "I want to put the shadow back into the sunlight, I want to put the inside out back into the outside in… I want to put the being back into the human." Watching the interview, Prof Geddes says it's clear Heston was in the midst of mania at the time. "If I'd seen that then I would have immediately thought, 'That is a sick man'," he says. Th
Leaving Job Not a Solution," Says Mum of Autistic Twins A devoted mother of autistic twins has spoken out about the challenges of balancing work and caregiving, stressing that leaving a job is not always the best solution. She believes that with the right support from workplaces and society, parents can manage both responsibilities effectively. Raising children with autism requires extra care, patience, and financial stability. Many parents struggle with whether to quit their jobs to provide full-time care. However, this mother insists that employment offers financial security, social interaction, and mental well-being—factors crucial for both the parent and the child. She calls for better workplace policies, including flexible hours, remote work options, and childcare support for parents of children with special needs. She also urges society to be more understanding of the difficulties faced by families raising autistic children. Her message is clear: instead of leaving jobs, parents should seek support systems that allow them to balance their careers and caregiving responsibilities.
What Meghan's New Netflix Show Reveals About Her Life and Legacy Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show has garnered widespread attention, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into her life. With this documentary-style series, Meghan reveals the challenges and triumphs of her journey, giving us new insights into her personal and professional experiences. So, what did we learn from Meghan’s highly anticipated Netflix show?Firstly, the show showcases Meghan’s deep commitment to social justice and activism. The Duchess of Sussex uses her platform to address important causes, including gender equality, mental health awareness, and racial justice. Through candid conversations and behind-the-scenes moments, Meghan shares her passion for these issues and the impact she hopes to make in the world.Another key takeaway is Meghan’s struggle with the intense media scrutiny she faced, particularly as a member of the British royal family. The show offers a closer look at the toll this had on her mental well-being, shedding light on the challenges she and her family endured. Meghan's transparency about her struggles resonates with many viewers, as she continues to challenge the narratives that have been spun about her in the press.Additionally, the series offers a look at Meghan’s relationship with her husband, Prince Harry, highlighting their shared values and commitment to creating a positive change in the world. Together, they are working towards a legacy that promotes kindness, compassion, and empowerment.In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s Netflix series not only offers a personal reflection on her life but also sparks important conversations about systemic issues and the power of using one’s platform for change. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to making a difference.
From Battling a Rare Brain Condition to Conquering an Ultramarathon When Mel Sykes, a 42-year-old from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, was diagnosed with a rare brain condition called Chiari malformation, her world changed overnight. The condition, which affects balance, left her unable to walk in a straight line, let alone pursue her passion for long-distance running. Yet, defying all odds, she is now preparing to tackle one of the toughest endurance races in the UK — the 268-mile Spine Race.A Diagnosis That Changed EverythingMel’s journey began with subtle symptoms of double vision, which her general practitioner initially dismissed. However, these symptoms quickly escalated to slurred speech, head tremors, and pins and needles in her face. As her condition worsened, Mel struggled to maintain her full-time job and had to give up driving, eventually stepping away from work altogether.Mel’s breakthrough came when she was referred to a neurosurgery specialist at Leeds General Infirmary. Consultant neurosurgeon Ian Anderson diagnosed her with Chiari malformation, describing her case as one of the most severe he had ever encountered. The condition caused excessive amounts of the cerebellum to press against her spinal cord and brainstem, triggering debilitating symptoms.A Life-Changing SurgeryMel’s treatment progressed rapidly. Just days after her first appointment, she underwent brain surgery. Despite the daunting nature of the procedure, Mel felt a profound sense of relief knowing there was hope for recovery."I was in tears, not from fear, but because I finally had an answer," she recalled.Following surgery, Mel faced a challenging recovery. Initially, even short walks were a struggle. With the support of friends and family, she began to regain her strength, taking small steps that eventually led to slow runs by December 2023.Back on Track: Running Against All OddsIn February 2024, just four months after her operation, Mel completed an 18-mile race a remarkable feat considering the initial prognosis that she might never run again. By mid-2024, her vision returned to normal, and while she occasionally experienced balance issues, her determination remained unshaken.Today, Mel is training for her most ambitious challenge yet: the Spine Race, a grueling ultramarathon stretching 268 miles along the Pennine Way from Edale, Derbyshire, to Kirk Yetholm, Scotland. Set to begin on January 12, 2025, participants have one week to complete this extreme endurance event.Inspiring Others Through Her JourneyMel hopes to use her story to i