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The Creative Slump of Adulthood As a child, the author couldn't wait to be an adult, dreaming of an exciting life with exotic pets, bright pink walls, and staying up all night. Now in their mid-30s, adulthood has lost its lustre. While not depressed, there's a sense of going through the motions with predictably dull days: gym, work, cook, clean, collapse on the sofa. The author struggles to identify what they've actually done beyond "computer" and finds attempts to shake up their routine quickly fizzle out. Austin Kleon's Creative Journey Austin Kleon, 42, author of "Steal Like an Artist" and other illustrated guides to creativity, has turned his DIY creative experiments into a career. Starting with a popular blog in the mid-2000s, he demystifies art and makes it accessible to all. His first hit project was fashioning poetry from marked-up newspaper articles, and his viral college talk led to his breakout book. His five books have been translated into over 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies in English alone. The Middle-Aged Creative Crisis Despite his success, Kleon experienced his own creative slump after more than a decade. He felt disconnected from his motivation, questioning why he started doing what he does. This "middle-aged place" and sense of "Well, now what?" led him to apprentice himself to his young children, whose energy, fearlessness, and lightness of touch highlighted what was missing from his creative practice. Don't Call It Art: The New Philosophy Kleon's experiences with his children inspired his sixth book, "Don't Call It Art," which suggests exercises, prompts, and approaches "to create like a kid again." The book took seven years to make and challenges the notion that kids are the antithesis of creative work. Instead, Kleon sees them as "a great catalyst, an energy source that you can plug into." The book focuses on "making stuff, messing around and following your nose" rather than traditional art. Becoming a Beginner Again Kleon's approach differs from structured self-help books like Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way." Instead of a step-by-step course or soul excavation, he offers creative "booster shots" to be devoured and then acted upon. The author's stagnation may stem from the weight of adult awareness and expectations. Kleon challenges adults to return to "explore mode" rather than just "exploit mode," as kids naturally do. The explore mode, he argues, is "the fun part" that requires constant return. The Power of Playful Creation Kleon prescribes "daily playtime" free from digital distractions, equipped with pens, paper, and craft supplies. He suggests sitting for 15-20 minutes daily and allowing boredom to eventually lead to creation. The author attempts this but finds resistance, even with a dedicated space. Kleon explains that feeling silly is actually beneficial, which is why he wears his "ridiculous" apron in his studio - to signal to his brain that it's playtime. Hands-On Creativity To overcome creative blocks, Kleon suggests bypassing the blank page entirely. Inspired by his "blackout poems," the author takes a newspaper and a permanent marker, covering some words while leaving others exposed to transform their meaning. This hands-on approach demonstrates how physical creation can unlock creativity without the pressure of starting from nothing. The Future of Adult Creativity Kleon's philosophy suggests that adults can rediscover creativity by embracing childlike approaches to making and playing. As more people seek meaning and joy in their daily lives beyond work obligations, this accessible, non-intimidating approach to creativity may become increasingly valuable. The future likely holds more integration of play and creativity into adult routines, not as separate activities but as essential components of a fulfilling life.

The Unexpected ArrivalA lone seabird has caused a stir in the nation’s birdwatching community after landing on the Western Australian coast, thousands of kilometres off its usual migratory flight path.The black-headed gull, which usually flies between Europe and Asia, has been spotted in the coastal city of Geraldton.The Rare SightingIt was first reported last Tuesday by a local Facebook group, after a severe storm front battered south-west Western Australia.The unassuming bird has drawn a number of twitchers (keen birdwatchers who will often travel long distances to see a new species), with at least one travelling from the east coast to catch a glimpse of the avian visitor.The Twitchers' Quest“Most people don’t think of birdwatching as being an extreme sport,” Tegan Douglas of Birdlife Australia says. “But the twitcher is kind of the extreme end of enjoying birdwatching as a hobby.For Douglas, news of the black-headed gull was enough to set her on the longest twitch of her life. She coordinated with a friend to carpool the four-hour, almost 400km drive from Perth to Geraldton.Hanging Out with the LocalsDespite being far from home, the black-headed gull is living a remarkably ordinary life on the Geraldton foreshore. Douglas observed it blending in with flocks of local silver gulls, “fossicking for chips” and “just doing regular seagull things”.

The Lead: Xi's Historic Pyongyang VisitChinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Pyongyang, marking a rare state visit to North Korea for a leader who has steadily cut down his travels in recent years. The visit, his first to North Korea in seven years, comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Northeast Asia as China seeks to reassert its influence over its isolated neighbor.The Diplomatic Welcome: A Display of Sino-Korean RelationsAmid a 21-gun salute and the fanfare of a military band playing both countries' national anthems, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were welcomed on Monday at the international airport by North Korean President Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. A cheering crowd dressed in festive attire, including children holding flags, flowers and balloons, welcomed the Chinese leader at Pyongyang's main square. Buildings were wrapped in the Chinese and North Korean flags, underscoring the significance of the visit.The Strategic Context: Evolving Alliances in Northeast AsiaDuring his two-day trip, Xi is expected to hold a summit with Kim. The two leaders met in Beijing just a year ago when China held a military parade to mark 80 years since Japan surrendered unconditionally to the Allied forces. Before his visit, Xi wrote in an editorial that relations between Beijing and Pyongyang were at a "new historical starting point, facing new development opportunities".Traditionally, Beijing played the role of senior partner in the China-North Korea relationship, with Pyongyang heavily dependent on its northwestern neighbor for as much as 95 percent of its trade. However, dynamics have shifted since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, as Pyongyang provided Moscow with critical weapons, artillery and manpower.The Regional Implications: China's Strategic CalculusExperts suggest China is likely seeking to reassert its influence over North Korea to prevent it from leaning too heavily towards Moscow and to acquire technology that would make it militarily stronger. Xi's goal appears to be demonstrating China's leadership role in Northeast Asia in the age of strategic competition with the US.The Economic Dimension: Potential Aid and CooperationThe Chinese leader could offer Kim economic aid packages such as shipments of rice and fertilizers, a resumption of Chinese group tourism to North Korea and joint economic projects, analysts said. These offerings would strengthen economic ties while providing North Korea with resources it needs amid international sanctions.The Future Outlook: Shaping the New Geopolitical LandscapeThis visit signals China's renewed commitment to maintaining its traditional influence in North Korea while adapting to the changing regional dynamics. As the US, China, Russia, and North Korea navigate complex relationships, Xi's diplomatic overture to Pyongyang could reshape the strategic landscape of Northeast Asia for years to come.

The £2.7bn Takeover DealTate & Lyle has agreed to a £2.7bn takeover by its US rival Ingredion, in a deal that could put hundreds of jobs at risk and represents yet another loss for London's struggling stock market. The FTSE 250 business, which makes artificial sweeteners such as Splenda, has agreed to a deal that values it at 615p per share, about 60% above its price before news of a possible takeover emerged.Workforce Reduction and Company BackgroundThe companies said the deal could trigger a "material reduction" in Tate & Lyle's workforce, representing 3%, or about 475 jobs, of the new group's headcount. Any such workforce reduction would be implemented with the aim of combining the strengths and capabilities of both businesses, they said in a joint statement.Tate & Lyle, which is one of the oldest listed companies in the UK, employs just under 5,000 people around the world. About 200 employees are in the UK, most of whom operate from its headquarters in London. Ingredion, which is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, employs about 11,000 people worldwide.Financial Impact of the MergerThe takeover comes at a low point for Tate & Lyle's share price, which, prior to news of the deal, had lost more than half of its value in just five years. Ingredion said its new combined group would generate annual revenue of about $9.9bn (£7.4bn) and make adjusted profits of $1.8bn. Shares in Tate & Lyle rose by as much as 12% to 552p in early trading.London Stock Market Suffers Another BlowThe takeover also represents yet another loss for London's stock market, which has suffered a series of high-profile exits in recent years. Several London-listed companies have agreed to take-private deals this year, including the asset manager Schroders, insurer Beazley and laboratory testing company Intertek.Future Outlook for the Combined EntityThe Tate & Lyle chair, David Hearn, said the company's "next chapter with Ingredion will create a business with even greater potential, greater scale, and increased investment in innovation in support of customers." Jim Zallie, the chair and chief executive of Ingredion, said: "Combining Ingredion and Tate & Lyle's complementary portfolios creates a global leader in ingredient solutions with the expertise and geographic reach to help shape the future of food."

Two separate violent incidents – a stabbing at New York’s Penn Station and a shooting near England’s World Cup base camp in Kansas City – have left nine people injured and intensified security worries as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in three days.Stabbing at New York’s Penn Station Raises Immediate AlarmOn Sunday, six people were wounded in a knife attack inside the bustling Penn Station hub. Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the alleged perpetrator is in custody, while Governor Kathy Hochul called the episode “an act of horrific violence.” The incident prompted the city to cancel an outdoor watch party for the NBA Finals and issue travel advisories around the station.Shooting Near England’s Kansas City Training Site Adds to ConcernsSaturday saw a gunfire incident near the England national team’s base camp at Swope Soccer Village, leaving nine people with non‑life‑threatening injuries. Kansas City police reported that the suspect remains at large, and at least three victims were taken to local hospitals. The shooting occurred roughly 6.5 km from the training facilities, heightening fears for the upcoming matches.Injury Count, Upcoming Matches, and Security ResourcesInjured total: nine (six in New York, three in Kansas City)Key events in the next three days: NBA Finals games at Madison Square Garden, first World Cup match at MetLife Stadium, England’s friendly in OrlandoSecurity assets deployed: Federal agencies, state and local police, AI‑powered cameras, drone‑based net systems, robot‑dog bag scannersProjected attendance: up to seven million visitors across 78 matches in 11 U.S. citiesBroader Impact on Fan Safety and World Cup PerceptionThe twin attacks underscore the challenge of protecting millions of international visitors in a country where mass shootings exceed 400 incidents annually. Public confidence could waver if authorities are perceived as reactive rather than proactive, potentially affecting ticket sales, travel plans, and the overall image of the United States as a safe host.Likely Security Adjustments Ahead of the TournamentOfficials are expected to tighten perimeter controls around stadiums, increase police presence at transit hubs, and expand the use of AI‑driven surveillance. Additional joint operation centers will likely be activated in each host city, and contingency plans for rapid response to violent incidents will be rehearsed in the days leading up to the opening match.

The Legacy of a Hollywood Icon Julie Newmar, the original Catwoman from the 1960s Batman TV series, is celebrating her 92nd birthday. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on her life, career, and experiences as a woman in Hollywood. Early Life and Career Newmar's career as an actor began to wind down about 40 years ago, but she still retains a touch of the grande dame. Her bearing is regal, her platinum hair bouffant, and her movements still elegantly feline, as they were in the role that made her name: the original Catwoman. The Impact of Her Roles Newmar's attributes were often used to cast her as a seductress or an object of desire, lusted after by men and usually wearing fewer clothes than them. However, she also played more progressive roles, such as in the 1961 film The Marriage-Go-Round, where she played an independent-minded young Swedish woman. A Life of Beauty and Care Newmar says that her life is about beauty, not just physical beauty but also beauty in behavior and treatment of others. She has lived in Brentwood, Los Angeles, with her son, John, who has Down's syndrome, for decades. They spend a lot of time in her secret garden, an oasis of greenery around her house. The Future Outlook As Newmar looks back on her life, she reflects on the evolution of her priorities. She says that in her 90s, one has evolved, and big things happen now, and they're more in the metaphysical, they're in the 'what can I do for others?' Because I've already done it for myself.

The Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) has publicly warned that the UK government’s rollout of mandatory bailiff regulation is dragging, leaving millions of debt‑burdened Britons exposed to aggressive and unregulated enforcement practices. ECB Calls Out Government for Stalling Mandatory Bailiff Regulation One year after the Ministry of Justice announced plans to make independent regulation of bailiffs compulsory, Chris Nichols, ECB chief executive, said there is “still no clear plan” and urged immediate action. Announcement made: June 2025 Current status: No statutory requirement for enforcement firms to be authorised by the ECB. Key criticism: Lack of “visible progress” despite a consultation launched on 9 June 2025. £1 bn Annual Revenue and 7 million Enforcement Cases Highlight Industry Scale The bailiff sector is a substantial market: Annual collections exceed £1 bn, largely from unpaid parking, traffic fines, and council tax arrears. More than 7 million cases are sent to enforcement each year, affecting millions of households. Largest operator, Marston Holdings, was forced into a refunds programme after overcharging debtors. Consumer Trust Erodes as Unregulated Bailiffs Continue Aggressive Practices Consumer groups have highlighted a range of concerning behaviours, including: Doorstep aggression and intimidation. Overcharging and illegal clamping of vehicles, even those used by disabled people. Threats to seize “exempt” possessions. Financial‑advice guru Martin Lewis called the lack of an independent regulator “outrageous”, citing widespread distress and bullying. Potential Legislative Push Expected After Growing Public Pressure The Ministry of Justice reiterated its commitment to stronger regulation and promised to announce next steps soon. Analysts predict that mounting public and political pressure could accelerate statutory reforms within the next 12 months. Upcoming milestones: Publication of detailed proposals following the current consultation. Stakeholder sentiment: Broad support from debt charities, the public, and a majority of the enforcement industry for statutory regulation.

The Changing Face of British Childhood Frank Cottrell-Boyce's book, inspired by his time as Waterstones children's laureate, delves into the challenges faced by children in Britain today. The author reflects on his daily walk past a primary school, where he observes children being dropped off and greeted by their teacher, evoking a sense of warmth and welcome. The Alarming State of Literacy Cottrell-Boyce's campaign, 'Reading Rights', aimed to address literacy inequality among children in poverty. He discovered that nearly half of children were arriving at school without being read to, and many had no understanding of how books worked. This led him to argue that 'any crisis is like a barium meal, illuminating the weak spots in the body of the state'. The Impact of Austerity and Poverty The book highlights the devastating effects of austerity and poverty on children's lives. Cottrell-Boyce notes that schools have become a site of security and safety, rather than just education. Teachers are now expected to take on multiple roles, including therapists, nutritionists, and social workers. The author also sheds light on the housing crisis, which has left many children in temporary accommodation, and the shocking reality of 'furniture poverty'. The Power of Reading and Shared Attention Cottrell-Boyce emphasizes the importance of reading to children, not as a moral education, but as a way to create a moment of shared attention and mutual noticing. He argues that this can only happen when children have a stable and secure environment, with familiar routines and furniture such as beds and sofas. A Call to Action The book is a call to action, urging readers to consider the impact of their actions on the next generation. Cottrell-Boyce's writing style is chatty and unguarded, making the case for how British childhood has changed, and why that matters, with trenchancy and heart.

The Student-Led Digital RevolutionSchools banning pupils from having smartphones are commonplace. But what about a school where pupils ban teachers from using their smartphones, and then get their parents to join in? At Holy Family Catholic primary school in west London, teachers are barred from using laptops, monitors or tablets during the school's screen-free Mondays, after an idea that came from the pupils themselves.Yvonne Rutherford, the school's deputy head, said the screen-free days were such a success that they had become monthly events on the school's calendar. But she said the enthusiastic response from parents had been the biggest surprise.The Origins of Screen-Free MondaysThe idea for the screen break came from Sophie Janashia, a year 6 pupil at the state school in Ealing. She wanted her school to hear what children thought about smartphones and devices, and raised the possibility of an entirely screen-free school day with her classmates and teachers."I thought if maybe we could have just one day without screens, across the school so that no one was left out, it could be good for everyone," Sophie said. "It's difficult for parents to get their children off screens. We enjoy using screens but we can spend way too much time on them. It's very important to me because I see people I know spending all their time on screens and it means sometimes we are together but we're not really together."The Community ImpactAfter the first screen-free Monday, some parents sent in photographs of the family activities they did in the evening. "That set off more so that now we get a flood of photos every month, showing what they've been doing instead of screen time: playing cards and reading books, going for walks and doing sport with their children. It's been great to see," Rutherford explained.Students report carrying the screen-free routine into their evenings. Leo said: "At first it was just at school but then my parents joined in, and we started playing games after dinner instead of watching TV. I've got more time left after homework and violin practice."Others said they liked having their parents less distracted by phones at mealtimes, giving them an opportunity for more attention and discussion. "Sometimes when they are using their phone, they say they have to because it's for work, but I don't think it is," said one student.Parental TransformationFabiola Vicente, a parent of a pupil in year 6, said the screen-free days made her more aware of how much time she spent on her phone. "It's a bad habit that crept up on me," she said. She now makes a conscious decision to leave her phone in another room on other days of the week too."My first thought was: what am I going to do if they can't watch TV? But now we are more prepared, we say, OK it's a screen-free day so let's get ready to do something together," Vicente added.Hisae Suzuki, another parent at the school, said her daughter had been "a little bit addicted" to screens so the introduction of screen-free days was "a good reminder – we all knew about it but we didn't do anything about it, we needed a trigger".National Attention and Future OutlookThe initiative has attracted interest from other schools in the area, who have visited Holy Family and spoken to Sophie and her classmates about screen-free days and other aspects such as online safety.The government has taken notice too. Sophie recently took part in a discussion with Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, who is considering plans to ban or restrict social media for under-16s. Kanishka Narayan, the minister for AI and online safety, has also visited the school to speak to Sophie and pupils who act as online safety ambassadors for their peers.As digital device usage continues to rise, particularly among children, the Holy Family model represents a potential blueprint for schools nationwide seeking to balance technology use with real-world connection and healthy boundaries. The student-led approach has proven particularly effective, suggesting that when young people are empowered to shape their own environments, they can create meaningful change that extends beyond the classroom into family homes and communities.