free webpage hit counter

Blogs

‘Saddest cake on the internet’ goes viral after gender reveal for unexpected reason

A MOTHER has gone viral after sharing what people are describing as the “saddest cake on the internet.”

And it’s not because of the ingredients, ridiculous price tag or the slightly lopsided icing, but instead, it is down to what it once stood for.

Woman and child on fence with poem about single motherhood.
Tiktok/@brooke.steadman
A mother has gone viral after posting a snap of a gender reveal cake[/caption]
Partially eaten pink and white layered cake on the grass.
Tiktok/@brooke.steadman
But now, people are hailing it the “saddest cake on the internet” for a very unexpected reason[/caption]

Just days ago, a single mum touched the hearts of millions around the globe, as she symbolised how quickly things can change, leaving many lost for words. 

Posting on social media, Brooke Steadman shared a post of just two images, which told a story in very few words.

The first wholesome snap saw Brooke holding her daughter, who she describes as her “saving grace.” 

The sweet snap was taken during golden hour, and alongside it, the mum-of-one wrote: “I work a 9–5 to provide. I do every bedtime and long night. I protect our peace. And I do it all on my own.”

But in the next image, the mood quickly shifted as the red-haired beauty uploaded an image of her gender reveal cake, which happily declared “it’s a girl.” 

The cake was sliced through the centre with two wine glasses, as per the viral trend.

But only now, the symbol of celebration feels like heartbreak, as Brooke penned: “But there used to be a time…”

While Brooke didn’t immediately confirm exactly what she meant by the subtle cake post, the implication was clear – the man who once dreamed of this future alongside her was no longer there. 

And Brooke later set the record straight, confirming that her daughter’s father walked away from their relationship, leaving both her and their toddler behind.

Brooke’s powerful TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @brooke.steadman, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up a jaw-dropping 8.4 million views. 

It’s also amassed 1.5 million likes, 3,152 comments and 28,000 shares. 

The comment section was taken aback by the gut-punch symbolism, as one user sighed: “It’s crazy how it’s so normalised for men to just be able to walk away from an entire human being they helped create…while women are left no choice but to raise a child on their own.. it happens to so many people.”

I am crying. You are doing so good and you should be so proud

TikTok user

Another added: “Oh I’m absolutely sick.” 

A third explained: “From a daughter of a single mum, she will thank you forever.” 

What’s the Deal with Gender Reveals & Why is Everyone Having Them?

What Is A Gender Reveal?

Gender reveal parties are celebrations where expectant parents announce the sex of their baby in a creative and often dramatic way.

These events have gained significant popularity, especially through social media.

The trend began in the late 2000s and has since exploded in popularity.

The concept was popularised by parents who wanted to share their excitement with family and friends in a memorable and engaging way.

Common Methods:

  • Cakes: Cutting a cake filled with either blue or pink filling.
  • Balloons: Popping a balloon to release colored confetti.
  • Smoke Bombs: Releasing colored smoke.
  • Piñatas: Breaking a piñata to reveal colored candies or confetti.
  • Fireworks: Using fireworks to display blue or pink colors.

Why Are They So Popular?

  1. Social Media Influence: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have amplified the trend, with many parents posting videos and photos that go viral.
  2. Milestone Celebration: It’s an additional way for parents to celebrate a significant milestone during pregnancy.
  3. Creativity: These events offer an outlet for parents to be creative and personalize their announcement.
  4. Community Sharing: They provide an opportunity to include extended family and friends in the pregnancy journey.

Controversies:

  • Safety Concerns: Some gender reveal methods have led to accidents and even wildfires.
  • Environmental Impact: The use of non-biodegradable materials and fireworks can have environmental consequences.
  • Inclusivity: There’s growing awareness and sensitivity towards non-binary and transgender identities, leading to criticism that these events can be exclusionary.

Despite the controversies, gender reveal parties continue to evolve.

Some parents are opting for more eco-friendly and inclusive ways to celebrate, while others are choosing to forgo the tradition altogether.

In summary, gender reveals are a modern trend driven by social media, creativity, and the desire to celebrate milestones.

However, they also come with their share of controversies, prompting some to reconsider how they choose to share their baby news.

Whilst someone else admitted: “Just been staring at this for 40 mins.” 

Not only this, but another user gasped: “Girl I am crying. You are doing so good and you should be so proud.” 

‘I’ve moved past it’

In a follow up video, Brooke addressed the wave of support she had received after posting the short video, as she admitted: “It is the craziest feeling to post a TikTok and have thousands of people in your comment section blame your baby daddy for leaving you, or just being a terrible person. Even though they don’t know him.”

He gave me a great baby. So no hatred towards him

Brooke Steadman

Despite this, she acknowledged: “You’re welcome to not like him all you like. But in case you were curious I’ve forgiven him. I’ve moved past it.”

Her mature, somewhat cheeky response even gave her ex-partner some credit, as she added: “He was pretty, so at least there was that. He gave me a great baby. So no hatred towards him.”

Despite this, she then joked: “But if you find him on the street, [I] probably wouldn’t date him.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

Read More »

Major blow for holidaymakers as Stena Line cut popular route from Ireland as end date nears

STENA Line has announced a popular three-day route is being terminated – following a strategic route review.

The three-day Rosslare to Cherbourg ferry route will be brought to a halt at the end of September. 

Stena Vision ferry sailing on the water.
The route will be terminated at the end of September
Stena Line

The last sailing will depart Cherbourg, France on September 29 and arrive in Rosslare, Wexford on September 30.

The ferry company confirmed their customer service staff will assist those who have already booked travel after September.

And they hope to “keep any inconvenience to a minimum”.

Trade Director, Johan Edelman, said: “Our priority is, as always, the care of our people and customers. 

“We’ve already met with our colleagues and over this period of consultation we will be working with any individual affected to consider all options, including redeployment opportunities. 

“As we work through this change we will continue to support our colleagues at every stage.

“Our customer service team will be helping customers who have booked travel after September to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.”

They firm insisted they will “continue to strengthen its Irish Sea network”. 

Edelman continued: “We have recently announced investments of almost £40 million (€46.7m) in our Liverpool and Belfast terminals, as well as the upgrading of the Fishguard port infrastructure. 

“We will also be increasing capacity across the Irish Sea with two new freight vessels planned for the Belfast – Heysham route and an additional freight vessel for the Dublin – Liverpool route.”

The decision to stop the route was made in a bid to offer “efficient use of the company’s resources”.

It is not known yet whether the route closure will cause any job losses.

Edelman said: “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank our employees, customers and delivery partners over the past 11 years. 

“Our Rosslare – Cherbourg service is one that we will always be proud of, and we will continue to deliver the same high-quality service over the coming months.”

Meanwhile, Stena Line chiefs recently announced that kids can travel for free – until January next year.

However, your trip must be booked before August 31, with the offer applying to kids aged 0 to 15.

Prices start from €175 per car, with one adult, and kids go free.

Use the offer code KIDS when prompted in the booking process online.

Stena Line has around 40 vessels running 20 routes in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, with about 33,300 sailings taking place each year.

Read More »

I paid a hypnotist £950 to ‘cure’ me of my addiction to bad boys – but still ran back to my red flag ex after a 2am text

A DECADE ago, Jana Hocking hit rock bottom.

She woke up with sickening shame at the memory of crying at her ex-boyfriend’s front door, begging him to come out and talk to her.

Woman in yellow dress smiling at camera.
Heartbroken and humiliated, Jana called her mother after her ex told her to ‘f**k off’
Instagram /@jana_hocking
Woman in red dress holding a wine glass and a rose.
INSTAGRAM/Jana Hocking
In total, she forked out over £900 to ‘cure’ her addiction to bad boys[/caption]

They had just broken up – again. Their four-year relationship had been like watching soap opera – explosive arguments galore, passionate reconciliations, cheating, two stints in prison (him, not her), and several family-led interventions begging Jana to leave.

But despite all the anger issues and insane jealousy, she loved him – madly.

However, that night was different, the Daily Mail columnist recently revealed.

Up until them, the couple’s ”usual pattern was fight, sulk, then make-up sex”.

But when she showed up to his house to repeat the same routine – one they had followed so many times – he didn’t come to the door.

Instead, she got a muffled ”f**k off” through the glass, before his mate emerged to break the news that it was officially over.

Heartbroken and humiliated, Jana called her mother, who came over and slept next to her, as she sobbed for hours on end.

While she was relieved the relationship had come to an end, she was worried for her daughter.

”The next morning, she handed me a book on limerence (an unhealthy, involuntary obsession with another person) and gently suggested I see a therapist.”

She read the book and saw the therapist – but the pain didn’t go away and she longed to see her ex-partner.

So when a pal mentioned a hypnotist who had just moved into her office building, Jana didn’t think twice.

”Surely this woman could rewire my brain to stop going for bad boys (spoiler alert: this wasn’t my first rodeo) and finally make me fall for the elusive ‘nice guy‘?” she wondered.

15 Relationship red flags to look out for

Red flags are warning signs that indicate unhealthy or manipulative behaviour. When you encounter relationship red flags, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on the dynamic you really share with that person.

  1. Overly controlling behaviour
  2. Lack of trust
  3. Feeling low self-esteem
  4. Physical, emotional, or mental abuse
  5. Substance abuse
  6. Narcissism
  7. Anger management issues
  8. Codependency
  9. Inability to resolve conflict
  10. Constant jealousy 
  11. Gaslighting
  12. Lack of emotional intelligence
  13. Negatively affecting your relationship with family and friends
  14. Inability to communicate openly
  15. Lack of social connection or friends

For more advice and support, Relate is available: “Whether it’s your relationship with a partner, a child, a family member or anyone else – 
we help everyone to build better relationships.”

In total, the hypnotist reckoned Jana would need four sessions minimum, each one setting her back almost £240.

She was a broke junior producer living off instant noodles, but she was desperate.

Jana raided her savings and paid the hefty £950 upfront.

For the next month, she ‘put Jana under’ once a week, and dug through childhood memories, whilst reframing thought patterns, and implanting healthy boundaries in her brain.

But there was a plot twist – the hypnotist set the boundaries so high, that it’s now been a decade since Jana has had ”a proper boyfriend”.

Before this, she might have overlooked a few red flags. Now, one tiny whiff of toxic traits is enough for Jana to run away as fast as she can.

”I’ve become maddeningly picky. My mother calls it ‘too picky’. I call it finally having standards.”

Sadly, the hypnotist didn’t cure Jana of her attraction to bad boys – but while they still get her going, the singleton no longer dates them.

‘You up?’

Fast-forward to six months after the brutal break-up, Jana received an unexpected text from her ex-boyfriend at 2am.

”You up?” read the text to which Jana tried her hardest to ignore.

”Did the hypnotist fix you yet? Nice guys are fun lol,” he messaged almost 15 minutes later.

”Come over. I’ll behave if you do.”

Like a moth to a flame, Jana booked an Uber and drove straight to his house for one last hurrah. 

But when the red flag ex suggested getting back together the following morning, Jana didn’t feel anything – ”just closure”.

While the hypnotist may not have stopped the singleton from hopping into bed with her ”bad boy ex” she did at least stop her from committing to men like him.

However, there’s a small problem – she may have accidentally stopped her dating full-stop.

More therapy, soul-searching and even a psychic or two – Jana has since tried everything.

But a decade later, it feels like her ”forever man” is not coming after all.

”It turns out there are no quick fixes for heartbreak. No magic wands.

”Just hard lessons, a lot of unsexy self-work, and hopefully one day… a nice guy who still manages to make me feel just the right kind of dangerous.”

Read More »

Barbie Forteza and Jameson Blake Spotted Holding Hands

What is the real score between Barbie Forteza and Jameson Blake? Netizens online noticed that Barbie Forteza and Jameson Blake are holding hands in these photos. What is the real score between them? More than just co-stars? Many people are both thrilled and curious to know the real score between Kapamilya actor Jameson Blake and Kapuso ... Read more

The post Barbie Forteza and Jameson Blake Spotted Holding Hands appeared first on PhilNews.

Read More »

‘I’d go for him’ – RTE pundit & Dublin legend identifies who should replace Dessie Farrell as manager

DUBLIN legend Paul Flynn put forward his ideal candidate for the now vacant Dublin manager job.

Dublin fell victim to a 0-23 to 0-16 loss at the hands of Tyrone to be dumped out of the All-Ireland Championship on Saturday.

Paul Galvin on a television show.
@TheSundayGame
Flynn would like to see Declan Darcy appointed to the role[/caption]
21 June 2025; Dublin manager Dessie Farrell during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship preliminary quarter-final match between Dublin and Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Dessie Farrell won two All-Irelands in his time at the helm
17 September 2017; Dublin manager Jim Gavin with selector Declan Darcy, left, and Jason Sherlock, right, forwards coach, after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Dublin and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Darcy was part of Jim Gavin’s backroom staff during the five-in-a-row

Following the disappointing All-Ireland quarter-final performance, Dublin manager Dessie Farrell stepped down from the role having been at the helm since 2019.

While on The Sunday Game – which you can watch back on the RTÉ Player – Paul Flynn spoke about potential replacements for Farrell.

The six-time All-Ireland winner said: “When Jim (Gavin) left, Dessie had done his apprenticeship it was ready made for him.”

“I think maybe the county board are a bit asleep at the wheel at the moment in relation to just having someone ready made to get in there.

“Obviously there’s potential candidates, Ger Brennan is doing a good job in Louth. But he’s in a current role.

“I think if I was the county board now I’d go hunt Declan Darcy and try get him back into the fold. He was phenomenal when he was with Jim for us.

“But look challenge ahead, even just trying to get squads competing at underage level. There’s a lot of work to be done at Dublin GAA.”

Darcy was a successful Gaelic footballer playing for both Leitrim and Dublin at the highest level.

Famously he captained the Leitrim team that won their second ever Connacht title in 1994 and also captained the U-21 side that won the 1991 Connacht title.

In 1998 Darcy moved to the county of his birth, Dublin where he would win a Dublin and a Leinster senior club championship with St. Brigid’s to add to his four Leitrim Senior Club championships he won with Aughawillian.

Following his retirement Darcy began to look into the world of coaching. In 2009 he joined up with former teammate Jim Gavin to coach the Dublin U-21 team.

After winning a Leinster title with the U-21s the pair linked up again in 2012, this time with the senior team.

Five league titles, seven Leinsters and six All-Ireland wins later the coaches stepped away from the team shorty after completing the famous five in a row feat.

Darcy had short stints coaching three underage sides in Clanna Gael Fontenoy and the Dublin ladies football Under-17 boss before landing a huge role in Leinster Rugby.

He was announced as the Leinster Rugby performance coach in September 2022.

He arrived in an active summer for the province as Andrew Goodman and Sean O’Brien replaced Felipe Contepomi and Denis Leamy as attack coach and contact skills coach.

Nearly three years later he still remains in the role but could be tempted to take over from former teammate Farrell.

DEADLY DESSIE

Flynn, the four time All-Star, paid homage to the departing Dublin boss who has given so much to the county as a player, coach and manager.

He said: “He is a Dublin legend. I think the real Dublin GAA people will really appreciate the job that he did.

“Not only did he win two All-Ireland’s for Dublin, he won a Minor All-Ireland and two under 21s. He cultivated the squad that we had under Jim.

“He’s a true Dublin legend. I think he will really be appreciated in time maybe some people in Dublin didn’t appreciate him.

“It’s unfounded, I think he’s been a phenomenal leader for Dublin and he’ll go down as one of the greats.

“He’s just done such a fantastic job, I just wish him well now and the whole management team will be missed they all did a great job to be fair to them.”

Tyrone legend Peter Canavan was on the panel and was also complimentary of the man who retired from inter-county football the same year as him.

The six time All-Star added: “It’s ironic his last game as a player for Dublin was against Tyrone. I played against him numerous times, he was a warrior on the pitch but a true sportsman.

“Likewise his term as a manager, I think he’s given everything to Dublin. He’s left it all on the pitch. He doesn’t owe anyone anything and Dessie will walk away with his head held very high.”

Read More »

Arson probe launched after ‘petrol bomb’ thrown through window of house with people inside amid dangerous ‘attack’

AN arson probe has been launched after a “petrol bomb” was thrown throw the window of a house with three people inside.

The PSNI are appealing for witnesses and information regarding the report in Coleraine.

At around 1.10am this morning, police received the report of a petrol bomb being thrown at a property.

A second petrol bomb was also ignited by the front door.

Detective Inspector Mark Gingell said: “At around 1.10am this morning, Monday, 30th June, police received a report that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a property in the Lisnablagh Road area of the town.

“Officers attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.

“It appeared that the petrol bomb had been thrown through the living window, smashing it and causing damage inside. A further petrol bomb had ignited beside the front door.

“Three adults were present in the property at the time but, thankfully, no injuries were reported.”

The PSNI is now urging anyone with any information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Mark Gingell continued: “We are treating this attack as arson with intent to endanger life. 

“Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation, particularly anyone with CCTV, dashcam or other relevant footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference 165 of 30/06/24.”

Or, anyone with information can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

Separately, police in Co Down are investigating after the discovery of a woman’s body at a property in the county.

The discovery was made at a property in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee over the weekend.

Police were alerted to an unconscious woman with a serious injury at the house in Donaghadee close to 3pm on Saturday.

Emergency services attended the scene and medical attention was provided, however the woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

MURDER PROBE

The PSNI have confirmed they are investigating all circumstances surrounding the sudden death.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Sarah Montgomery and is currently in custody and being quizzed by members of the PSNI.

The PSNI has confirmed Sarah was pregnant at the time of her death.

The man who has been arrested following the death is being held in police custody and investigators said yesterday he was “assisting with investigations”.

Lisnablagh Road in Coleraine.
Lisnablagh Road in Coleraine
Google

Read More »

Brits to see GRITTERS out on roads for surprising reason this week – despite basking in balmy highs of 34C

FOLLOWING another gloriously hot weekend, Brits might be shocked to see gritters returning to the roads.

With temperatures reaching 34C today, the country has been basking in record-setting temperatures.

Three Central Bedfordshire Council gritter trucks parked in a row.
x.com/@letstalkcentr
Central Bedfordshire Council is sending out gritters during the hot weather[/caption]
Rear view of a salt truck spreading de-icer on a highway.
Getty
Instead of salt, the gritters will deposit crushed stone to protect the roads[/caption]

However, parts of the UK can expect to see gritters on the streets during the week.

While typically associated with snowy weather, this time the gritters are helping to maintain roads during the summer season.

Central Bedfordshire Council announced today that they would be sending gritters out during the hot weather.

This can help to protect roads from surface damage caused by very high road surface temperatures.

Rather than depositing salt on the road, which helps with snow and ice, these gritters will be spreading a fine layer of crushed stone.

It can help to protect the road surface, while providing extra grip for vehicles.

In an announcement on X, the council wrote: “Some parts of Central Bedfordshire are experiencing very high road surface temperatures.

“When this happens, tarmac can begin to soften which may lead to surface damage.

They added: “You might not expect to see gritters in summer, but it’s an important part of looking after our roads during extreme weather conditions.”

Earlier this month, Devon County Council employed a similar tactic to protect its roads.

A spokesperson for the council told the Mid-Devon Advertiser: “Following the warm weather this week, with road surface temperatures surpassing 50C, as a precautionary measure some of our newer road surfaces will receive a dusting down treatment this weekend.

“Please don’t be alarmed if you see our gritters out on the network.”

It comes after a particularly warm weekend that saw Brits out and about enjoying the sunshine.

The Met Office said that some parts of the UK could reach 34C this afternoon – which could be Wimbledon’s hottest opening day ever.

It could break the record set in 2001 of 29.3C,

Temperatures are set to stay high in some locations during a “tropical night” of above 20C.

The scorching weather is set to continue into tomorrow, with highs of 35C predicted.

Writing on social media, the forecaster said: “Tuesday will be another hot day, though the highest temperatures will be more confined to the south east of England where 35C is possible.”

It comes as hundreds of thousands of Glastonbury revellers have started returning home to make the most of the sunshine.

Britain is expected to be hotter than holiday hotspots like Ibiza, where highs of 29C are forecast.

The heat could cause issues for commuters, with Network Rail, Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express advising passengers to check before they travel today and tomorrow.

Sections of the Brighton Main Line in particular could see delays due to speed restrictions being in place.

This is due to the on track temperatures likely to hit 50C.

UK 5 day weather forecast

Today:

Sunny and hot with light winds for England and Wales with isolated heavy showers possible in the afternoon, particularly in northern and eastern England. Cooler and fresher in the northwest with a band of locally heavy rain gradually moving east.

Tonight:

Rain clearing Scotland, but cloud extending across northern England and Wales, bringing a little drizzle at times. Drier and clearer elsewhere. Very warm and muggy in the south and southeast.

Tuesday:

Hot and muggy in the southeast with the odd heavy shower possible. Bright and fresh in the northwest. Elsewhere, rather cloudy with patchy light rain or drizzle over the hills.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Fresher for all, with cloudier skies bringing spells of rain, these sometimes heavy on Wednesday and Friday, but some drier, brighter intervals as well. Temperatures near or slightly above average.

Thousands of ticketless tennis fans queueing in the hot sun on the opening day of Wimbledon.
Alamy
It comes as Wimbledon is set to see it’s hottest opening day with temperatures of 34C[/caption]
Two women sitting on the grass at the Wimbledon Tennis Championship on a hot day; one uses a hand-held fan.
Paul Edwards
Temperatures are set to remain high throughout the next few days[/caption]
Aerial view of Peterborough Lido with many people swimming.
PA
Brits have been making the most of the hot weather at lidos across the country[/caption]

Read More »

What’s REALLY ‘cool’? Key 6 traits revealed by study – and the definition is universal

WHETHER it’s James Bond, Maverick, Billie Eilish or Dolly Parton – we all have a celebrity we admire and some are more popular than others.

Usually if we admire or like someone, we also think of them as ‘cool’. And there’s no doubt it’s one of the best personality compliments you can get.

Daniel Craig as James Bond drinking a martini.
James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, fits all the characteristics of ‘cool’, defined by people around the globe – though perhaps not ‘open’
Not known, clear with picture desk

Even if it’s hard to put your finger on why someone is ‘cool’, science has attempted to do so.

Researchers asked thousands of people across the globe what it means to be cool.

And it turns out, the feeling is universal – most people agree, regardless of their culture.

Asking 6,000 people from countries around the world, scientists found people in at least a dozen countries agreed on the definition.

The study included people from the US, Australia, Chile, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey.

The participants were asked to think of someone who they thought was cool, not cool, good or not good. They then rated the person’s personality and values.

The researchers used the data to explore how cool people differ from uncool people and good people. 

Cool people were perceived to be more:

  1. Extraverted
  2. Hedonistic
  3. Powerful
  4. Adventurous
  5. Open
  6. Autonomous. 

There were some crossovers with what was deemed a ‘good’ person.

Co-lead researcher Dr Caleb Warren, an associate professor of marketing at the University of Arizona, said: “To be seen as cool, someone usually needs to be somewhat likable or admirable, which makes them similar to good people.

“However, cool people often have other traits that aren’t necessarily considered ‘good’ in a moral sense, like being hedonistic and powerful.”

Good people were perceived as more conforming, traditional, secure, warm, agreeable, universalistic, conscientious and calm.

Marvel’s Captain America, for example, or even Harry Potter, may be seen as ‘good’ over ‘cool’.

Co-lead researcher Dr Todd Pezzuti, an associate professor of marketing at the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile, said: “Everyone wants to be cool, or at least avoid the stigma of being uncool, and society needs cool people because they challenge norms, inspire change, and advance culture.

“The concept of coolness started in small, rebellious sub-cultures, including Black jazz musicians in the 1940s and the beatniks in the 1950s.

“As society moves faster and puts more value on creativity and change, cool people are more essential than ever.” 

Only participants who were familiar with the slang meaning of the word “cool” were included in the study, published by the American Psychological Association.   

What are the big 5 personality traits?

The Big Five personality traits, also known as the Five-Factor Model (FFM), are widely recognised dimensions of human personality that help scientists to group people together in studies.

They are used in psychology, career assessments, relationship counselling, and even marketing.

It has previously pinpointed that neuroticism, for example, is more linked to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

The five types are:

  • Conscientiousness: This describes someone who is responsible, careful, and goal- and detail-oriented. They have high impulse control and tend to be organised
  • Agreeableness: This describes a person who is respectful, compassionate, trusting and tries to avoid problems. They tend to be more cooperative and are helpful 
  • Neuroticism: This describes someone who gravitates toward unsettling emotions, such as anxiety and depression. They get upset easily 
  • Openness: This describes a person who is open to new experiences and curious about the world. They are creative and happy to talk about abstract ideas
  • Extraversion or Extroversion: This describes someone who seeks excitement and is active and highly sociable. They are talkative, have a lot of emotional expressiveness and are energised around others

Read More »

Insane Ilia Topuria and Conor McGregor stat emerges after UFC 317 as Spaniard makes history and eyes Paddy Pimblett

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Ilia Topuria celebrating a UFC victory with two championship belts, Image 2 shows Conor McGregor holding two championship belts at Madison Square Garden

AN insane Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria stat has emerged following UFC 317.

Mixed martial arts’ premier promotion’s annual International Fight Week card saw Georgian-born Spaniard Topuria crowned the new king of the lightweights. 

Ilia Topuria (red gloves) fighting Charles Oliveira (blue gloves) in a UFC match.
REUTERS
Ilia Topuria brutally knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to claim the lightweight title[/caption]
Ilia Topuria celebrating a UFC victory with two championship belts.
SHUTTERSTOCK
Topuria became only the tenth two-division champion in UFC history with his demolition of ‘Do Bronx’[/caption]
Ilia Topuria holding two UFC championship belts.
SHUTTERSTOCK
An incredible stat about the Georgian-born Spaniard emerged after the biggest win of his career[/caption]

Topuria, 28, bagged his second UFC title with a blistering first-round knockout of fan favourite Charles Oliveira

The emphatic victory, which he called, saw Topuria become only the tenth two-division champion in the promotion’s history

It also saw him follow in the footsteps of McGregor by winning both the feather and lightweight belts. 

McGregor achieved the feat nearly NINE YEARS AGO at UFC 205, aged 28, four months and ten days old. 

And incredibly, Topuria got his hands on the lightweight title aged 28, four months and 21 days old. 

McGregor has appeared to have kept a close eye on Topuria over the last year, so much so that he’s entertained the prospect of taking on ‘El Matador’. 

And ‘The Notorious’ sent the potential new face of the UFC a congratulatory message after seeing his latest title scalp.

The Irishman wrote on X: “Congrats on winning my old titles, Ilia! 

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

Conor McGregor holding two championship belts at Madison Square Garden.
AP
Ilia Topuria was 11 days older than when he replicated Conor McGregor’s feat of winning both the UFC feather and lightweight titles[/caption]

“He said he’s gonna rest his balls on Paddy’s head too, haha, fair play.

“Good lightweight scrap that one is as well, in my opinion.

“UFC is back? Or still missing something? 

“Three KOs back-to-back-to-back is very good. 

“No one can deny the knockout. I like (the rose).

“Unlucky to Charles also. Styles make fights! You are a tremendous and legendary UFC fighter. Rest up”

Topuria was involved in a heated post-fight octagon face-off with Brit Paddy Pimblett just moments after his destruction of Oliveira. 

The Georgian-born Spaniard SHOVED ‘The Baddy’ after a heated exchange, but security prevented them from engaging in a full-on brawl. 

Ilia Topuria of Spain being interviewed after a UFC match.
GETTY
Ilia Topuria wants to his first defence of the lightweight title to be against Paddy Pimblett[/caption]

Their pair have bad blood dating back to 2021 and Topuria is itching to finally settle the score with the Liverpudlian. 

He said: “Yes, that’s the fight that I want because with Charles it was a little bit of a difficult situation because I really like the guy.

“He’s a really great human being. You can’t hate him.

“You always see him surrounded by his family and friends and teammates.

“He’s an amazing human being, but in the end, I was like, ‘This is competition. I have to do my job and that’s it.’

“But with Paddy, I’m really going to enjoy kicking his a**.”

Read More »

Glastonbury headliner ‘had to use cheat sheet on stage to remember lyrics of most famous songs’

NEIL Young reportedly had to use a cheat sheet during his Glastonbury headline set to remember the lyrics to some of his most famous songs.

Rock legend Neil, 79, is believed to have been seen glancing at a printed song sheet during the final 25 minutes of his 110-minute Pyramid Stage performance on Saturday night.

Neil Young performing at Glastonbury Festival.
Alamy
Neil Young reportedly had to use a cheat sheet during his Glastonbury headline set[/caption]

Audience members say they saw the musician checking the lyrics during renditions of Old Man and Name of Love as the show drew to a close.

One festivalgoer told MailOnline: “You’d think he would know the words by now, he has been singing these songs for years.

“But maybe it’s difficult to play the piano and remember the lyrics.”

Neil – one of the oldest artists ever to headline Glastonbury – performed a set packed with hits including Rockin’ in the Free World and Throw Your Hatred Down.

However, the performance appeared to attract a smaller crowd than previous Saturday night headliners, with some attendees noting that the field in front of the Pyramid Stage was unusually sparse.

One wrote on social media: “So empty at Neil Young,” while another added: Pyramid stage field isn’t even a quarter full by the looks of it.”

The appearance marked his first Glastonbury performance since 2009.

Neil had initially turned down this year’s offer, criticising the BBC’s involvement with the festival and claiming it was “under corporate control”.

Representatives for Neil and Glastonbury have been contacted for comment.

But that wasn’t Neil’s only trouble during the gig.

The Canadian rock veteran also had difficulties with his microphone throughout the set.

He opened his show with Sugar Mountain, saying, ‘Thank you folks,” to the crowd as the song ended.

But those watching it were not impressed, with one person commenting: “Someone tell Neil Young to sing into a microphone.”

A second moaned: “Sound needs turning up like ffs, he’s shredding that axe and you can hardly hear it.”

While a third said:  “Neil young with 48 microphones and none of them able to make his voice sound much beyond a grumble. Glastonbury has had a real hard time with the headliners the last couple of years…”

And a fourth added: “Watched a few minutes of this Neil Young man, this is like the worst thing I’ve ever seen and heard.

“It’s a no from me! Neil Young should not be headlining!Terrible!” raged another. 

The star’s set was shown live on the BBC after the broadcaster had previously said it would not be transmitted live “at the artist’s request”.

Earlier on Saturday, a BBC statement said: “We are delighted to confirm that Neil Young’s headline set from Glastonbury on Saturday will be broadcast live to audiences across the UK on the BBC.”

Neil’s performance was not guaranteed as earlier in the year he  temporarily pulled out of, claiming it is a “corporate turn-off” due to its broadcast deal with the BBC.

He said on his website: “We were told that BBC was now a partner in Glastonbury and wanted us to do a lot of things in a way we were not interested in.

“It seems Glastonbury is now under corporate control and is not the way I remember it being.”

But just days later he did a surprise U-turn, the singer confirmed his slot blaming “an error in the information I received” for him initially turning down the offer.

A statement on his website read: “Due to an error in the information received, I had decided to not play the Glastonbury Festival, which I always have loved.

“Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary and we look forward to playing. Hope to see you there.”

The Sun first reported that the singer was booked to headline Glastonbury, 16 years after he last played on the Pyramid Stage.

Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far

TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far.

Confirmed headliners:

  • The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday.
  • Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return.
  • Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night.
  • On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot.
  • More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy.
  • Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night.
  • Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan.
Neil Young playing an acoustic guitar on stage.
Alamy
The rock legend is believed to have been seen glancing at a printed song sheet[/caption]
Neil Young performing at Glastonbury Festival.
Alamy
At 89, Neil is one of the oldest artists ever to headline Glastonbury[/caption]

Read More »