Six great reads: tradwives v radwives, hollowed-out London and the last musical genius?

'Like many people, reaching the age of 40 inspired Matt to do some self-reflection. He had achieved many hallmarks of adulthood: a college degree, a career he enjoyed, and two beloved dogs. But he'd never had a relationship, or even a sexual partner.'
Scores of Christian men in the United States have been raised on ideas of abstinence and 'purity' – what, asked Jessica Bateman, does that mean for their sex lives later on?
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The Prince Charles Cinema is beloved by film-lovers and counts the like of Christopher Nolan as a fan. But its future is at risk due to a David v Goliath battle with its billionaire owner. Writes Will Coldwell: 'To many, what was happening to the Prince Charles Cinema was about something bigger than a negotiation over rent. It was about the persistent threat of closure that so many cultural and community spaces in London face, the impact of rampant commercialism on the city's cultural diversity, and the seemingly unchecked power that developers wield.'
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In pop, which equates genius with innovation, recent artists have not pioneered new forms like those from the 60s. Has, asks Rachel Areosti, the digital age sidelined invention and promoted the derivative for ever?
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'Height is often seen as a dealbreaker when it comes to romance, particularly within heterosexual relationships. But when Tinder recently said that it was trialling a feature that allows some premium users to filter potential matches by height, it quickly proved controversial. 'Oh God. They added a height filter,' lamented one Reddit thread, while an X user claimed: 'It's over for short men.''
What is behind the '6ft fixation' in dating – and could it be scuppering the chance of true connection? Leah Harper set out to find out.
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Slick Rick, writes Alexis Petridis, 'remains the rapper's rapper, the most-sampled hip-hop artist in history'. In this brilliant interview the British-born artists explains why it's been more than quarter of a century since his last album and why he was inspired by the production techniques of Alvin and the Chipmunks.
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'For the uninitiated: the tradwife is a married woman, usually conservative and/or Christian, usually white (though not always), of the belief that her place is in the home. She is feminine, usually kempt, often dressed like Betty Draper, but increasingly workout gear in neutral tones too. Though at home, she is not a stay-at-home mother, rather someone who performs as if she is, documenting her life in dizzying, up-close fashion for us to wonder: who's doing the potty training?'
Morwenna Ferrier isn't, she writes, the first wrung-out mother to take umbrage with this sort of performance. But, as the cost of living crisis squeezes, the fantasy of escaping into being a wife and mother becomes more vivid and, for realistic mothers whose life is a delicate balance between task and failure, app-reliance and guilt, maybe we should lean in to the term 'radwife'.
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Daily Mail​

42 minutes ago

• Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Inside the secret tunnels under London where 'Ian Fleming dreamed up James Bond in WWII'

In central London, just off the bustle of High Holborn, there is a nondescript blue door. Commuters who walk past it on their way to Chancery Lane station will note the bright red and yellow signs adorned to it. The warning that 'trespassers will be prosecuted' is perhaps the giveaway that this is not your typical storeroom or building entrance. Instead, as MailOnline's exclusive pictures and video reveal, it is the gateway to a network of tunnels with a fascinating history. James Bond author Ian Fleming is believed to have worked in the sprawling complex in his role in naval intelligence during the Second World War. This labyrinth is thought to have inspired Fleming in his creation of the lair of gadget chief Q for his novels. After the war, the network - which lies around 100feet below the ground - was expanded to house a telephone exchange that routed calls between the Kremlin and the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The complex was later sold to British Telecom (BT) and had a licensed bar installed for workers to relax in. Around 30 years after the site was mothballed, MailOnline was given a tour by current owners The London Tunnels Company, who are in the process of raising around £150million to re-develop the site as a tourist attraction. The development will include the re-opening of the bar, as well as a memorial to the victims of the Blitz and various displays paying homage to Fleming and the world's most famous fictional spy. James Loxton, director of investor relations at the London Tunnels, told MailOnline: 'We are going to create an attraction that is three things in one. 'Firstly, it is a huge immersive experience. Secondly, it will be a selection of permanent and temporary exhibition spaces. 'And thirdly, it will have the world's deepest bar under a capital city.' Planning permission for the project has been granted by Camden Council. The complex - officially known as the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels - was built between 1940 and 1942 and initially intended to be a deep level shelter for Londoners seeking refuge from Nazi bombs. But by the time the network was completed, the threat from bombing raids had largely subsided as Hitler gave up his ambition of forcing Britain to surrender. The initial footprint was two 1,250ft-long tunnels that were just over 18feet in diameter. Had they been used as a shelter, the Kingsway tunnels could have housed around 8,000 people. Instead, the Special Operations Executive (SOE) - created on the orders of Winston Churchill to 'set Europe ablaze' - moved personnel in. Fleming - who closely collaborated with the SOE and other clandestine units - was among the staff who worked down there, according to Mr Loxton. He said: 'He was working in these tunnels from 1944 to 1945 and this is where he came up with the idea of James Bond. 'So you know you see Q in all the Bond movies? He's always working in an underground lair? Well, this is where he got the inspiration.' Fleming's first Bond novel, Casino Royale, was published in 1953. The author is known to drawn significantly on his wartime experiences when writing his books, which were first adapted for the big screen in 1962 film Dr No. After the war, the Kingsway tunnels were used until 1949 by the Public Records Office to store documents on around 15 miles worth of shelving. The complex was then handed over to what was then the state-owned General Post Office, which turned it into a telecommunications hub. The expansion was carried out from 1952 and completed in 1954. Four additional tunnels were built in a north-south direction. Much bigger than the originals, they are around 280 feet long and 24 feet wide. The update means there is space makes to accommodate what is hoped will be nearly 50,000 visitors a week in the complex's new guise as a tourist attraction. As well as the bar area, which is still fitted with tables and chairs from when it was last operational, there is an infirmary and a well that could have provided fresh water had it been needed in the event of a nuclear attack. And occupants were protected by thick metal blast doors, including one that was - according to the stamp on it - repurposed from the Royal Mint. The first transatlantic telephone cable, known as TAT-1, ran between Oban in Argyll and Bute and Clarenville in Newfoundland. The sale to BT went through in 1981. As well as the bar, a canteen, kitchen and games room were installed for workers. The site had largely been mothballed by the early 1990s but was used as part of the Government's top secret Pindar bunker facility until the middle of the decade. In the years since they have been out of use, the tunnels have been broken into by urban explorers, a fact evidenced by graffiti that has been sprayed on walls. BT put the tunnels up for sale in 2007 and they were finally bought by the hedge fund-backed London Tunnels Company for around £10million in 2023. The re-development plans were approved by Camden Council last year.

The Review Geek

an hour ago

• The Review Geek

Poker Face – Season 2 Episode 9 'A New Lease on Death' Recap & Review

Episode 9 The Murder Episode 9 of Poker Face Season 2 begins with an old woman named Anne and her granddaughter Madeline speaking with a lawyer. They live in a comfortable apartment in NYC, which is affordable due to rent control. Anne tells the lawyer she wants to adopt her granddaughter as her daughter. He quickly realises this is to maintain the rent control, which can only be passed down to a spouse or child. Later, when they're leaving the house, Anne stops by a fruit cart where she meets a woman named Kate. Two weeks later, Maddy comes home and walks in on her grandma having sex with Kate. Anne reveals that they are dating and that she's even asked Kate to move in with them. Kate and Maddy don't get on well, and eventually, the latter pays a tattooed man to find more information on Kate. Sometime later, Maddy confronts Kate with proof that she's faking her identity. Her real name is Amelia, she's been to prison, and even has a few warrants out for her arrest. Maddy accuses Kate of simply being after the rent-controlled apartment. She threatens to tell the authorities if Kate doesn't leave Anne immediately. She allows Kate one day to say goodbye to Anne. They have this argument in the laundry room where Kate notices the washing machine shakes during the spin cycle, enough to drop a can of coke sitting on top of it. The next day, she spills some descaler on the floor below the machine and places a bottle of bleach on top of it. She also messes with the lock on the laundry room door. She then tells Maddy to get her laundry while she 'breaks up' with Anne. Maddy goes down and as the spill cycle hits, the washing machine knocks the bleach to the floor. Mixed with the descaler, it creates a gas that ends up killing Maddy. The Investigation Charlie arrives in New York City, telling her radio friend Good Buddy that she's hoping all the lies will become white noise in the city. He tells her to use his NYC apartment in Brooklyn and she heads to the same building where Anne and Maddy stay. The landlord, Otto, catches her but she claims she's here just to water Good Buddy's cactus plants. She then goes to a nearby store run by a man named Abdul. There, she bumps into Kate, who is trying to scam her way into getting free fruit. Back at the apartment, Charlie is forced to hide from Otto and runs into the laundry room, where she meets Maddy. The laundry door locks them inside and Maddy complains that the landlord never fixes it. She uses her bike tools to break them out. Maddy invites her to watch Jeopardy with her grandmother. The tattooed man from earlier joins them and Charlie learns that he's Ricardo, a librarian who is good at research. Charlie then takes up a remote job as a captcha technician. When she returns to the apartment, she sees the place crawling with firefighters. One of them, a fellow resident in the building named Mickey, tells Charlie about the accident in the laundry room. A woman sitting nearby tells Charlie that the descaler and bleach reacted to produce chlorine gas, which killed Maddy. Charlie goes upstairs to give her condolences and is surprised to see Kate open the door to Anne's house. Kate doesn't let her meet Anne. Charlie then comes across Otto, who insists he had fixed the lock on the door. Charlie knows he's telling the truth and they go to the laundry room where Otto points out the door has a new handle, a different model from the one he'd bought. While cleaning Maddy's things, Kate finds the paper with her real identity on it. She notices Ricardo's name, since he accessed the information, and threatens him to keep quiet. Meanwhile, Charlie tries to find out from Abdul if anyone bought the new door handle. He has face blindness, so it takes a while but Charlie eventually realises it was Kate. Charlie heads back to the building and tries to speak to Ricardo about her suspicions about Kate. Before he can say anything, Kate (who was eavesdropping) pulls the fire alarm which forces them all to leave the building. Afterwards, Kate returns and is happy that the apartment is basically hers now. But her bubble bursts when she sees Otto showing a new tenant around. Anne reveals that she's too upset because of losing Maddy and wants to move out of the apartment. Kate is frustrated and tries to pressure Anne into marrying her immediately. She runs out to get the forms and when she's back, Charlie is waiting with Anne. She's told her everything. Anne asks Charlie to step into another room and confronts Kate. Kate tells Anne it's all a lie and asks her to go get her laundry while she deals with Charlie. After Anne leaves, Kate pushes Charlie off the balcony. But thanks to Charlie's good friend Mickey — who had laid out an inflatable platform to catch her — Charlie's absolutely fine. In fact, Anne has seen the whole thing and her lawyer, who was hiding in the apartment, has recorded Kate's attempted murder. In Charlie's words, she's cooked. Poker Face Season 2 Episode 9 ends with Charlie helping Anne pack up her things as the new tenant makes plans for redoing the apartment. The Episode Review Poker Face Season 2 Episode 9 is a fun ride, even if it is a bit more straightforward than some of Poker Face's other episodes. This one has fewer twists and turns compared to even last week's episode, which offers a solid plot twist and unexpected reveal at the end. And there are a few details, like the woman who gives Charlie a free coffee, that aren't tied up in the larger plot. Awkwafina feels a bit underused as well. It's still quite an enjoyable episode, though, particularly with that New York aesthetic and how Charlie meets a firefighter who wanted to be a tap dancer and a woman who used to be a journalist but now peels potatoes outside the building. It's also nice to see that Charlie and Good Buddy are still in touch, although we could use some more information about him. The humour is pretty on brand as well and that one joke about Vague magazine will stay with me for a while. All in all, another solid Charlie Cale adventure. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!

The Sun

an hour ago

• The Sun

I went to London's best rooftop bars – and one felt more like Mykonos than being in the city

Jenna Stevens Published: Invalid Date, NOW that summer is in full swing and the heat is truly turning up, there's one spot like nowhere else to make the most of this weather - the rooftop bar. So I visited some of London 's most popular rooftop bars to see which ones are really worth it 18 Here are five of my favourites to visit if you are in the city this weekend. (Some of them feel like being at a beach club abroad, but for half the price). Magic Gardens, Victoria Flight Club Flight Club in London's Victoria is a buzzing spot for after-work drinks and competitive darts with friends. It's popular for its retro fairground decor and stunningly suave bars, serving everything from craft beers to velvety espresso martinis. It might be best known for its indoor high-energy darts, but take a step outside into their Magic Gardens and you're transported into a dreamy rooftop escape. As soon as I stepped out onto the terrace, I was hit with a vibrant floral explosion. It was a total contrast to the vintage feel of the indoor bar. The Magic Gardens are like a hidden oasis tucked between skyscrapers. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers make for a beautiful escape from the bustle of the surrounding city (and also make for a great Instagram backdrop!) The drinks menu is full of fresh, summery cocktails. The 'Rose-ito' in particular caught my eye. It's a blend of rose-flavoured vodka with fresh lime and mint - the perfect floral refresher to sip in the summer heat. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' 18 18 London Bridge Rooftop Bar In the centre of London, just minutes from Borough Market, is London Bridge Rooftop Bar. This colourful hangout is built for partying and spectacular skyline views. After making my way up a series of stairs (you forget that to visit a rooftop bar, you have to actually climb to the rooftop) I walked out onto a lawn decorated with picnic benches and bold colours. This spot definitely has a party vibe, with booming beats blasting through the speakers and a DJ booth right in the centre. It feels like a mix of city bar and Ibiza beach club, but weirdly it works. Business professionals were flocking in straight from the office, snacking on truffle fries in their suits and sunnies. 18 18 18 18 Think sipping on an Aperol Spritz and biting into a gourmet smash burger, all a stone's throw away from The Shard. The rooftop has DJ performances from 6pm Thursday through Saturday, playing the best in house and garage. They also do a bottomless brunch on Saturdays that tends to sell out. 90 blissful minutes of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol, mimosas and beers with burgers and fries for £40 per person. Given the location, views and vibe, I think it's well worth it. Circe's Rooftop This gorgeous rooftop bar felt less like London and more like Mykonos. After walking up a staircase full of painted clouds and mythical goddess quotes, I stepped out into a world of peachy pink beachfront bliss. With its palm trees, parasols and beach hut bar, why go for a girl's trip to Marbella when you can sip and sunbathe in Waterloo? This beach club style rooftop bar is just minutes' walk from a busy station. But once I arrived, I instantly forgot about where I really was. Less Northern line, more Negronis. 18 18 The rooftop has a truly Mediterranean vibe, offering mezze and small plates to go with your piña colada or kiwi margarita. The small plates are 3 for 2 if you're there before 5pm, and range from spiced kofta lamb skewers to chilli tiger prawns. I could honestly spend all day snacking, sipping and pretending I'm away on holiday. I also couldn't help but notice the espresso martini chocolate flavoured ice cream on the puddings, served with Hotel Chocolat chocolate sauce. 18 18 Frank's Cafe If you're looking for something a little more quirky and artsy, Frank's Cafe in Peckham really took me by surprise. It has a much more urban and industrial feel, an effortlessly cool vibe, and is also the cheapest of the lot. After walking up a hot pink staircase, you step out onto a giant playground. The bar is hidden at the back of a giant rooftop, as you walk by unique art installations that make you feel like you're in Berlin. 18 18 It's a cheap and trendy spot where people gather for toasties, iced cocktails, and to watch the sunset over the London skyline. By night, the rooftop is buzzing with groups sharing jugs of cheap drinks and enjoying food from the grill. Drinks like alcoholic slushies are served in takeaway style cups at wooden benches for that no-frills urban feel. It all felt a bit too cool and concrete for me, but the £5 drinks stole my heart. This quirky spot is a great place for casual drinks with friends, a cheap bite to eat, and some pretty spectacular views over the city. 18 18 Market Halls Victoria Opposite London Victoria station is a bar where street food market hall meets swanky rooftop hangout. You start by choosing your food in the downstairs market hall, where various venders offer a range of affordable eats. Burgers from Black Bear smelled divine, and the ever-popular eggslut was serving their famous breakfast style sandwiches. I grabbed myself a tub of gelato from Badiani, and headed upstairs. 18 18 This rooftop terrace was an absolute suntrap, and the perfect spot to enjoy the street food and soak up some rays. The atmosphere is lively and the music is loud, with many gathered to watch the busy world go by with an ice cold pint. The bar also hold live music events and regularly show football matches, making it a solid spot to meet up and soak up the summer vibes. And three other rooftop bars outside of London Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar, Liverpool Located in Liverpool, Goodness Gracious Roof Garden and Bar can be found on the eighth floor of West Africa House. With views of the city's iconic 'Three Graces' - The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. The bar is open from 12pm till late, Wednesday through to Sunday and has been described by previous visitors as a "real sun trap". 20 Stories, Manchester Over in Manchester, 20 stories is split between a roof terrace, restaurant and cocktail bar. And this summer, the bar has partnered with Aperol for a bespoke Spritz menu. The venue will also host live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Guesthouse No.42, Margate Guesthouse No.42 opened in Margate back in 2023 and in the same year the spot opened their new rooftop terrace bar. The bar features amazing 360 degree views over the beach front and serves a wide range of tipples including local beers and wine. However, it is currently the only rooftop bar in Margate - so could be busy in the summer months.