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Adele called herself a ‘borderline alcoholic’. But is that a real thing?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicole-lee-81635">Nicole Lee</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a> British singer-songwriter Adele says she has quit drinking, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/18/adele-says-she-has-quit-drinking-after-being-a-borderline-alcoholic">describing herself</a> as a “borderline alcoholic” when she was in her 20s. She joins a <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-are-young-people-drinking-less-than-their-parents-generation-did-172225">growing number of people</a> who are trying to quit or reduce their drinking. But what does “borderline alcoholic” mean and is it a real thing? <h2>It’s not all-or-nothing any more</h2> In the <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-alcoholics-anonymous-actually-work-179665">early days</a> of alcohol treatment, people used to think of problems with alcohol as all-or-nothing. They used to believe there was something different about people who had problems with alcohol and those who didn’t. That’s how the idea of the “<a href="https://theconversation.com/is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-an-addictive-personality-184137">addictive personality</a>” came about. But now we think of drinking on a continuum. It goes from not drinking at all to dependent drinking. And people can move up and down that continuum at different points in their lives. The old saying “once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic” doesn’t apply any more. <h2>How much is it OK to drink?</h2> The Australian national alcohol <a href="https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/alcohol">guidelines</a> say healthy men and women should drink no more than ten <a href="https://alcoholthinkagain.com.au/resources-and-tools/standard-drink-tool">standard drinks</a> a week and no more than four a day. So that’s about two to three drinks three to four times a week. <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/alcohol-consumption/latest-release">Most Australians</a> drink within these guidelines. If you drink over those guidelines you are more likely to experience a number of long- and short-term <a href="https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-guidelines-reduce-health-risks-drinking-alcohol">problems</a> including alcohol dependence, cancers, diabetes and heart disease. The risk of problems increases the more you drink and the more frequently you drink. About 25% of Australians drink at <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey-2019/data">risky levels</a> and around 6% drink at such high levels that they would probably be dependent. Daily drinking is associated with dependence. <h2>So when is someone an alcoholic or a borderline alcoholic?</h2> The term “alcoholic” is rarely used by health professionals any more. It can make people believe there is nothing they can do about the problems they might be experiencing. Historically, that’s what the early treatment providers believed in the 1930s and that <a href="https://theconversation.com/alcohol-problems-arent-for-life-and-aa-isnt-the-only-option-8-things-film-and-tv-get-wrong-about-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-180946">myth has continued</a>. But some people find identifying as an “alcoholic” helpful to maintain their goal of quitting drinking. Health professionals have never used the term “borderline alcoholic”. But in describing herself that way Adele is really saying alcohol is having too much of a negative impact on her life, and like many others has decided to do something positive about it by taking a break. <h2>Which terms do we use now?</h2> Now, we tend to talk about “dependence” on a continuum from mild to moderate to severe. We also talk about the range of problems other than dependence that people can experience, which also lie on a continuum. The threshold for whether someone is a problem or dependent drinker is not just how much they drink (although that is important), but also how severe the alcohol-related problems are. Problems with alcohol don’t always correlate with consumption. Some people can drink a moderate amount and have a lot of problems and others can drink a lot and appear not to have many negative consequences. <h2>I’m worried about my drinking. What next?</h2> If you are wondering if you are drinking too much you can <a href="https://hellosundaymorning.org/nib_alcohol_self-assessment/">check online</a> with a free and anonymous assessment. Signs you may have a <a href="https://alcoholtreatmentguidelines.com.au/resources/appendix-3-diagnostic-criteria-for-alcohol-dependence">problem with alcohol</a> include: <ul> <li> having trouble stopping once you start drinking </li> <li> wanting or trying to cut back but slipping up frequently </li> <li> spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking </li> <li> having cravings to drink alcohol, such as if you come home from work and reach straight for a drink </li> <li> dropping the ball at work, study or home because you’ve been drinking, such as not being able to do your work because you’re hungover </li> <li> continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it’s causing problems with your health, friends, work or relationships </li> <li> giving up or reducing social and work activities to drink instead </li> <li> drinking when it’s not safe, such as before driving or swimming. </li> </ul> If you find you aren’t getting the same effects from alcohol as you used to or you need more and more alcohol to get the same effect, you have probably developed a dependence. Sometimes people who are very dependent can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop – strong cravings, nausea, sweating, agitation and anxiety. The more of these signs you have, the more likely you are to be dependent on alcohol. If you have any of these signs, taking a break from alcohol for a few months or longer can help. If you find that’s too hard, you can try sticking within the Australian alcohol guidelines by reducing the number of drinks per occasion and increasing your drink-free days. <h2>There’s help</h2> Sometimes when people experience some of these problems they need a bit of help to keep them on track. You can talk to your GP who can refer you to a psychologist or treatment service. Or you can try self-help options such as the Hello Sunday Morning’s <a href="https://hellosundaymorning.org/daybreak/">Daybreak app</a> (a community of people supporting each other to change their relationship with alcohol). If your problems are more severe, you can try something like <a href="https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au">SMART Recovery</a> (evidence-based group support for alcohol and other drug problems). <hr /> If you are worried about your own or someone else’s alcohol or other drug use, you can contact the National Alcohol and other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free, confidential advice.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/215987/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicole-lee-81635">Nicole Lee</a>, Professor at the National Drug Research Institute (Melbourne), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/adele-called-herself-a-borderline-alcoholic-but-is-that-a-real-thing-215987">original article</a>.

Caring

“A lesson learned”: Uni student lands herself in an overdue book nightmare

A university graduate student received the shock of her academic career when an email arrived in her inbox to inform her she owed her school’s library a whopping $11,900 in overdue book fines. Hannah took to TikTok to share her story, posting a snippet of the horror email, and the news that her library account had amassed a debt of “$11,9000 owed for 119 lost books”. The books had been declared lost, though Hannah was quick to note that she was “still using” each of them, and had every intention of returning them once she was finished with her studies. To drive home the fact that the books were not missing, and instead safely in her scholarly possession, Hannah panned around the various piles of tomes stacked around her home, with a caption reading “the books aren’t lost, I’m just hoarding them until I finish my dissertation.” The email itself explained the books were marked as lost in the library’s system if they exceeded 30 days overdue, and that there was a flat rate of $100 per book in such instances. And according to the library, it was up to each patron to renew their books, and that Hannah “received overdue notices on the following dates prompting you to renew your library books before they are declared lost.” As she explained to The Daily Dot, she had checked out her collection three years prior while she’d been preparing for exams, and confirmed that she had received four reminders to either renew or return the books, but she’d put it off each time. “Then I got the automatic email,” she added, “saying all of the books were marked as lost and my account was charged $100 per book.” Hannah’s woe drew a mixed response from her audience, with some surprised that her library had even let her withdraw that many books in the first place, others unable to wrap their heads around the fact she could have let her situation get so bad, and many quick to defend the librarian, who they declared had only been doing her job. “My library only lets me check out 5 books at a time,” one wrote. “That’s why keeping library books past their due date is considered stealing,” another said, to which Hannah responded to promise her lesson had been learned. “Only 30 days over due??? Damn give a lil more time,” said one, with Hannah informing them that she’d had the books for years by that point. It wasn’t all bad for the budding scholar though, with Hannah explaining in another comment that “it was hunky dory”, as the library had waived her fees as soon as she’d responded to them, and that she’d been allowed to keep all 119 for an additional year. And, as she told another follower, “I’ve never replied to an email faster.” Images: TikTok

Books

Jacinda Ardern distances herself from Harry and Meghan's new documentary

Jacinda Ardern has released a statement distancing herself from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new documentary, saying there was "no communication" with the royal couple. The New Zealand Prime Minister is one of several influential figures appearing in the new series, titled Live to Lead, which features seven world leaders and advocates discussing their work. In a trailer released for the series, which airs on December 31st, Ardern is seen smiling for a press pack and an excerpt of a speech, in which she says, "As leaders we have the keys to create a sense of security and a sense of hope." Harry and Meghan have served as executive producers and the series has been co-produced with the Nelson Mandela foundation. Ardern's office has since released a statement regarding the series, claiming the leader had "no communication" with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for the series, and the footage used is from an interview three years ago. The statement read, "In early March 2019 the prime minister was approached by the Mandela Foundation to participate in a project to develop accessible resources on key attributes of leadership targeted at aspiring young leaders around the world, based off a one-hour interview." "Originally we were advised the outputs would be printed and digital books, short films and audiobooks." "The interview was conducted on November 8, 2019. In March 2020, a short book entitled Jacinda Ardern (I Know This to be True) was published based on the interview." The statement continued, "In March 2021 the Nelson Mandela Foundation advised the prime minister's office they had secured an agreement with Netflix to broadcast the series of interviews, including the 2019 interview with the prime minister." "In May this year the prime minister's office was notified that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would introduce the series; noting this was nearly two and a half years after the interview had been recorded and permission for its use by the Mandela Foundation had already been provided." "All communication throughout has been with the foundation (there has been no communications with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding the project)." News of a new Netflix series by Harry and Meghan came as a surprise, with their divisive docuseries Harry & Meghan having just recently aired to a mixed reception. Also featured in the upcoming series are Ruth Bader Ginsburg who died on September 18, 2020, Gloria Steinem and Greta Thunberg. Image credits: Getty Images

Woman turns herself in after fatal attack on 87-year-old singing coach

A 26-year-old woman has turned herself in to police after admitting to attacking an 87-year-old woman, which led to her death. Lauren Pazienza shoved Barbara Maier Gustern before striking her on the back of the head in an unprompted attack on March 10th in New York City. The NYPD released a picture of the woman wanted for the attack, just days before Lauren turned herself in to authorities. Police identified Pazienza through video and her Metrocard, police sources said. Pazienza covered her face with her hair as she was led by detectives to a car for transport to criminal court, as she refused to answer reporters who asked her about the allegation she pushed Gustern. Following the brutal attack, Barbara was in critical condition until she died from her injuries on March 14th. “Today, at 11:15am, we have lost one of the brightest little flames to ever grace this world,” her grandson wrote on Gustern’s Facebook page. “I ask that you all give me a little time and space, but I want to make time for anyone and everyone who wants to know more about her final moments,” the post said. “Bobbob, I love you, you are and always will be my heart,” it said. “I love you all so much, I could not have made it through these past 5 days without all of your support.” Barbara Maier Gustern, who was a renowned vocal coach and tutored famous students including Blondie singer Debbie Harry, was walking around at night alone when the attack occurred. Her red-headed attacker then ran off, with police saying the attacker crossed the street before pushing Gustern, who suffered a fatal head injury. NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig described it as a “disgusting, disgraceful law offence” committed against a “vulnerable elderly female who is doing nothing but walking down the streets of New York City”. Image credits: NYPD / Facebook

Travel Trouble

How the Queen is protecting herself in style from coronavirus

The Queen is taking stylish measures to protect herself from coronavirus after she was seen wearing white gloves during an investiture ceremony for the first time in decades. The appearance of the gloves was just hours after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out the country’s new action plan to fend off the outbreak of the virus. While the Queen usually wears gloves while out on public engagements, her decision to break the habit of greeting guests and collecting honours is a stylish choice to protect herself from germs. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7834948/queen-body.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8622fd5f1fe843cc987451e39e619c02" /> The Queen can be seen presenting Harry Billinge with an MBE as the D-Day veteran raised £1 for every British soldier who died at Normandy to help fund a memorial. She hasn’t been seen wearing gloves during an investiture ceremony for years, as the last time she was seen wearing white gloves was back in 1954 at a ceremony in Yemen. When asked earlier whether Buckingham Palace is doing anything to protect members of the Royal Family from coronavirus, a spokeswoman told <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1250296/queen-health-latest-queen-coronavirus-uk-outbreak-royal-family-latest-royal-investitures" target="_blank">Express.co.uk</a>: "We are following the Government's advice." As many as 51 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the past few weeks in Britain, but health officials have warned it can be expected that the number of cases will grow in the next few weeks. Boris Johnson spoke about the plan of action for the UK from Downing Street. “The plan does not set out what the government will do; it sets out the things we could do at the right time and on the basis of scientific advice. “I do think this is a national challenge. The potential is there for this to be something that our country has to get through but I’ve got absolutely no doubt we’ve got the resources, health service, we’ve got the expertise to do it. “I’m very confident the British public understands and the British public can see exactly what the balance of risk is. "They are getting very clear advice, a very clear picture of how we all need to behave.”

News

Australian model lands herself in hot water again

A Sudanese-Australian model who narrowly avoided jail time in the US after a drunken rampage on a flight, has been arrested again and this time - has been sitting in an immigration detention center since September. Adau Mornyang, 25, reportedly attacked a male flight attendant, called his colleague a “white trash b” and hit an air host when she was cut off from drinking on a United Airlines flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles in January. The model faced 21 years in jail after being found guilty of assault in March, but narrowly escaped with 100 hours of community service and three years probation. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTLT5V0BgvO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTLT5V0BgvO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Pageant Times (@pageanttimes)</a> on Apr 21, 2017 at 10:58pm PDT </div> </blockquote> However it has been revealed Mornyang had been arrested on September 17 by US immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a surprise ambush. “Adau was shocked, since she knew she never entered the United States illegally nor overstayed her visa,” her sister Maria wrote on a GoFundMe page to raise funds to cover her legal costs. Maria said her sister entered the US with a valid 01 visa that expires on December 26, 2021. “She's not in the country illegally,” she wrote. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed the department is assisting an Australian being held in US detention. “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to an Australian detained in the US. Owing to our privacy obligations we will not provide further comment,” a spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. The GoFundMe page claims ICE agents revoked Mornyang's visa without telling her as pay back for her avoiding a prison sentence. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUQMivNDshw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUQMivNDshw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Black Pageant Queens (@blackpageantqueens)</a> on May 18, 2017 at 5:01pm PDT </div> </blockquote> “This no-jail outcome must've infuriated ICE officials who proceeded (without Adau's knowledge) to revoke her valid visa and subsequently arrested her for being in the country illegally,” Maria wrote. ' “Meanwhile, a judge never ordered that Adau should leave the country. My sister has been in jail for over two months, she's not been given any trial since arrest by ICE nor found guilty of overstaying her visa, just kept in jail indefinitely. “Adau expected that she was going to be deported after her arrest on September 17, 2019 - that didn't happen either.” The 25-year-old, who was born in South Sudan before moving to Australia as a refugee when she was 10, was convicted of felony interference with a flight crew and misdemeanour assault. She was acquitted of a third count of assaulting an air marshal. In March a jury heard Mornyang ordered “several glasses of wine” on the January 21 United Airlines flight. Passengers complained to staff about Mornyang's behaviour around nine hours into the flight. “When the flight attendant approached to assess the situation, Mornyang began to shout at the flight attendant and then slapped him across his face,” the court heard. After she was reportedly cut off from drinking more, she yelled obscenities, struck a flight attendant, had to be handcuffed by an air marshal, refused to leave a toilet and had to be held at the rear of the plane. The flight attendant said he was so shocked after he was assaulted he “could not physically do anything except sit for nearly half an hour to process what had happened to him”. Prosecutors said air marshals had to come out from undercover to help deal with her. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUik6LPlibU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUik6LPlibU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Adau M (@themodeladau)</a> on May 25, 2017 at 8:20pm PDT </div> </blockquote> The former Miss Australia finalist claimed to have no recollection of the commotion. “All I remember was waking up after sleeping for eight hours,” she said in a text message after the incident occurred. The models claims to have mixed two glasses of wine with prescription pills to help her sleep, but flight attendants say it was closer to five or six glasses before she had to be cut off. Mornyang said she “was so confused and begging and pleading for them to tell me what I did. “I was ignored, I was in and out of consciousness, and was later locked up in federal prison still with no memory of what I was arrested for. “This whole alleged slapping is a big shock to me and I cry every night wondering why I have no memory of it. How I could of done it while asleep,” she said. In March, a Los Angeles jury found Mornyang guilty of a felony charge of interference with a flight crew member and a misdemeanour count of assault. Mornyang was required throughout her three-year probation to submit to drug tests and receive counselling for mental health issues. The model was previously a global campaign face for makeup giant Sephora and was a Miss World Victoria top eight state finalist in 2017. Mornyang arrived as a refugee to Australia when she was just ten and used her promising modelling career as a platform to become an outspoken advocate on social issues, particularly any plaguing South Sudanese communities.

Travel Trouble

The breathtaking moment the Queen unveils new portrait of herself

In honour of 100 years of the Royal Air Force Club, Queen Elizabeth has unveiled a new portrait of herself. The painting, which was concealed behind a red curtain, drew gasps from the audience as it was revealed at the anniversary event. Her Majesty looked pleased with the outcome of the image, which shows her sitting in a drawing room in Windsor Castle, wearing a light blue dress with her Launer London handbag sitting beside her. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> The Queen unveils a new portrait that was commissioned to celebrate 100 years of <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRAFClub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRAFClub</a>. Started in February 2018 and set in the White Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, the portrait was painted by Benjamin Sullivan – who won the BP Portrait Award in 2017. <a href="https://t.co/4ZkETFJrPD">pic.twitter.com/4ZkETFJrPD</a> — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1052527258844504064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote> The Queen’s handbags rarely make it into her portraits, however, one appeared in her official 90th birthday photos because Mike and Zara Tindall’s daughter, Mia, was holding it. Reportedly, the 92-year-old monarch owns more than 200 Launer handbags, starting her collection in 1968 when designer Sam Launer first sent her one. During the event at the RAF club, the Queen chatted with guests and admired a new stained glass window feature, which was commissioned to pay tribute to the role women have had in the RAF over the past century. She is also took her gloves off to sign the visitors book, revealing her favourite nail polish colour, Essie Ballet Slippers. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> The portrait includes a number of <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalAirForce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalAirForce</a> elements: the background features a Spitfire from 253 Squadron which the artists grandfather, F/Lt JM Sullivan, flew over Albania during WW2. The image on the right is a portion of ‘Hurricanes in Flight‘ (1944), by Eric Ravilous. <a href="https://t.co/Bn7CgYTUT4">pic.twitter.com/Bn7CgYTUT4</a> — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1052528011906609152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote> The Queen’s relationship with the RAF and the British army is historic. Earlier this month, the former husband of Camilla, Andrew Parker-Bowles, revealed the Queen’s “<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-queen-reveals-the-most-ghastly-day-of-her-life-and-it-s-heartbreaking/">most ghastly</a>” day of her life was on July 20, 1982, when the Irish Republican Army attacked London. "[Queen Elizabeth] said to me it was 'the most ghastly day of my life'," he told The Express.

Art

Outrage as woman “upgrades” herself on flight

When you’re 40,000 feet in the air a little bit of courtesy goes a long way. And while most people seem to share this, there’s always one passenger on a flight who hasn’t received the memo. <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank">News.com.au reports</a> the woman had booked standard seats on her Air Asia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong, but decided to give herself a bit of an upgrade. But premium economy passengers whose seats she took didn’t take too kindly to her actions. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ssijMu9Dy0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Fellow flyer Bruce Lam says she spend “four or five minutes” arguing with the cabin crew before returning to her seat, but kept coming back for the better ones. What are your thoughts?

Travel Trouble

The hilarious moment Meryl Streep fails a quiz about herself

Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel welcomed Meryl Streep to his show this month, to promote her latest film The Post where she co-stars with Tom Hanks. In typical talk show fashion, Kimmel put the actress on the spot as he proposed to quiz her on her record-holding 20 Oscar nominations. Streep thought he was kidding until he started the clock and asked her to name as many of the 20 films as she could in 60 seconds, in order to win a “bonus Oscar”. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0RxhuBwCwMs" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> She got off to a slow start, recalling The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Kramer vs Kramer, Silkwood and Sophie’s Choice before laughing and admitting, ‘See, I can’t remember last Thursday, I can remember the olden days.’” Streep then shouted “Out of Africa!” before her next guess, “A Cry In The Dark, maybe?” which was met with a “No!” from Kimmel. Streep did in fact receive a nomination for the infamous Azaria Chamberlain film, however it seems that Kimmel’s researchers must have gone off a list using the Australian film’s title Evil Angels. Better get your facts straight Jimmy if you’re going to be hosting the Academy Awards this year! The video has gone viral with fans who noted that Streep has had so many nominations that even she can’t remember them all. Want to see the full list of her nominations and wins? Here it is: <ol> <li>The Deer Hunter</li> <li>Kramer vs. Kramer (won Best Supporting Actress)</li> <li>The French Lieutenant’s Woman</li> <li>Sophie’s Choice (won Best Actress)</li> <li>Silkwood</li> <li>Out of Africa</li> <li>Ironweed</li> <li>A Cry in the Dark / Evil Angels</li> <li>Postcards from the Edge</li> <li>The Bridges of Madison County</li> <li>One True Thing</li> <li>Music of the Heart</li> <li>Adaptation</li> <li>The Devil Wears Prada</li> <li>Doubt</li> <li>Julie & Julia</li> <li>The Iron Lady (won Best Actress)</li> <li>August: Osage County</li> <li>Into the Woods</li> <li>Florence Foster Jenkins</li> </ol> Which of Meryl Streep’s films is your favourite? We would love to hear from you in the comments.

Movies

Why Betty White is not slowing down at 95

At 95 years old, Betty White is proving that age is no barrier to health or happiness. Earlier this year, The Golden Girls star shared how excited she was to be celebrating her 95th birthday in January. “I keep thinking, 'Betty, you’re 95 years old,'" she told Yahoo at the time. "I’m so blessed with good health and faculties and I’ve got memories and all that. You can’t really expect that at 95." She joked, "You think you'll fade off into the sunset. Well, the sun sets every night, but I just won't go away." In a previous interview, Betty’s former Hot in Cleveland co-star Wendie Malick joked about Betty’s secret to good health. "Hot dogs and vodka! It’s her secret weapon. I don’t think it’s for everyone — don’t try it at home!" Wendie said. A close friend of Betty revealed to Closer Weekly that the actress enjoys keeping her mind active. “Every single morning she reads the Los Angeles Times cover to cover, along with a couple other newspapers. And she always does at least two full crossword puzzles every day," he said. Betty also has a physical therapist visit her twice a week to lead her through a light exercise regime including a walk around the grounds of her home. "She watches golf on Sundays, and then she’ll call me and say, ‘I’ve been working on my golf swing in the living room and I just can’t get my flat-iron swing right!'" her friend added. Betty’s friend and former housekeeper, Edna McNair, revealed that the actress is looking forward to celebrating many more birthdays in the future. “Last I talked to her we were teasing each other about how long we’re going to live," she said. "We said we want to be like Moses and live to be 120! We're just so glad Betty continues to feel well — and hope she's around for many, many more years to come!"

Mind

3-year-old girl gives herself the cutest pep talk in front of the mirror

A video of three-year-old Audrey giving herself a pep talk in the mirror has gone viral – and it could teach us all a thing or two about self-acceptance. Jamie Rabaut, of Michigan in the US, filmed her adorable daughter Audrey confidently complimenting herself on a variety of attributes, including her smartness, her cuteness, and of course, her absolute perfection. In the video, Audrey says, "I'm cute, I'm cute... I'm cute!" while twirling, jumping and grinning in front of the mirror. When her mum points out on top of being “cute and beautiful” she is also intelligent, Audrey immediately exclaims, "I'm cute and beautiful and smart!" Mum Jamie says that Audrey is such a positive little girl, radiating love wherever she goes. "She compliments people everywhere she goes," Jamie writes. "It's always, 'Excuse me, I like your dress,' 'Your bracelet is SO pretty,' 'Excuse me, ma'am, your hair is beautiful.' She radiates love and positivity and I love that that also reflects upon how she feels about herself." What a beautiful toddler! What’s the cutest thing your grandchild has ever done? Share with us in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/is-it-ever-okay-for-children-to-lie/">Is it ever okay for children to lie?</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/how-to-encourage-kids-to-love-cooking/">5 reasons why it’s important to let kids loose in the kitchen</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/expert-advice-for-coping-with-estranged-adult-children/">Expert advice for coping with estranged adult children</a>

News

Make-up artist can transform herself into anyone

Special FX make-up artist Lucia Pittalis has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry thanks to her ability to perfectly paint cuts, bruises and other special effects on her subjects. But that’s not all she can do. Pittalis has turned to Instagram to show off her genius creations, using herself as the canvas. Take a look at the gallery above and watch as Pittalis transforms herself into the Queen, Jim Morrison, Bette Davis, Gene Wilder and more and tell us in the comments below which is your favourite. <ol> <li>The Queen</li> <li>Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone from The Godfather</li> <li>Jim Morrison</li> <li>Bette Davis in Return from Witch Mountain</li> <li>Gene Wilder as Dr Frankenstein from Young Frankenstein</li> <li>John Belushi as Jake Blues from The Blues Brothers</li> <li>Iggy Pop</li> <li>Keith Richards</li> <li>Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa from Rocky</li> <li>Al Pacino as Tony Montana from Scarface</li> </ol> Images: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucia_pittalis/" target="_blank">Lucia Pittalis/Instagram</a> Related links: <a href="/entertainment/art/2016/07/10-incredible-cakes-inspired-by-art/">10 incredible cakes inspired by art</a> <a href="/entertainment/art/2016/06/8-secret-messages-hidden-in-artworks/">8 secret messages hidden in artworks</a> <a href="/entertainment/art/2016/05/artist-creates-fashion-designs-with-food/">Artist creates incredible fashion designs using food</a>

Art

Lucky passenger has entire plane to herself

During what is generally the busiest time of year for travelling in China, one lucky (depending on how you look at it) woman has boarded a flight, only to realise she’s the only passenger on board. Ms Zhang enjoyed the two-hour flight from Wuhan to Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines, taking pictures and sharing them on China’s social media platform Weibo. <img width="440" height="587" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14978/lucky-passenger-in-text.jpg" alt="Lucky Passenger In Text" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> "The flight that I thought was cancelled still flew," Ms Zhang wrote on Weibo. "I actually got on this plane." The flight had been delayed 10 hours due to snow, and while the rest of the passengers were rerouted or put onto earlier flights, Ms Zhang stayed on the original. “I felt so happy, it was a rare life experience for me... I felt like a rock star," Zhang later told the BBC. Image credit: Weibo / Miffy Cat Related links: <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/funny-way-to-avoid-losing-luggage/">One man’s genius way to avoid losing your luggage</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/what-to-do-when-something-goes-wrong-overseas/">What do I do if something goes wrong overseas?</a> <a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/01/12-daggiest-tourist-photo-poses/">12 daggiest tourist photo poses</a>

Travel Tips

Girl in remission from cancer goes as herself for “Superhero Day”

When it was “Superhero Day” at Josie Kimberlin’s school, she didn’t know what she wanted to wear. But when her mother, Alyssa Butler, suggested she go as herself, Josie loved the idea. Her super power? "Destroying cancer one day at a time", as it says on her cape. You see four-year-old Josie recently went into remission nine months after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Alyssa told Huffington Post: “We were going through her closet the night before and she didn’t really have anything with any kind of superhero stuff on it, so I asked her, 'Do you just want to go as yourself? Because you know you’re mummy’s superhero.’” Alyssa shared pictures of her “Super Josie” on social media to highlight the strength of kids fighting cancer. "There are a lot of kids out there battling cancer and they are heroes," she said. "They’re something." <img width="369" height="656" src="http://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/scalefit_630_noupscale/5633bcf9190000a600b95569.jpeg?cache=WkbkPhUhwO" class="image-component__main-image" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/>

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Outrage as woman “upgrades” herself on flight

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3-year-old girl gives herself the cutest pep talk in front of the mirror

Make-up artist can transform herself into anyone

Lucky passenger has entire plane to herself

Girl in remission from cancer goes as herself for “Superhero Day”