Gunk by Saba Sams: nightclub boss left holding the baby after ex-husband's one-night stand
Today at 21:30
The publishing world loves and thrives on fresh blood, and was especially exhilarated when Saba Spiral Sams, then 25, released Send Nudes, a coolly deadpan collection of 10 short stories.
The slim but punchy collection, published in 2022, featured plenty of knockout one-liners, and covered all kinds of Gen Z preoccupations, from Tinder dating and selfies to miscarriage and shapewear. It marked Sams, who became a mother at 22, as a writer of considerable humanity, and one with plenty to say. With a place on Granta's Best of Young British Novelists in 2023, Sam's debut novel, if and when it appeared, was destined to make a splash.
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The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
David Beckham is left with a huge BALD patch after DIY haircut blunder – and wife Victoria admits ‘it looks terrible'
DAVID Beckham was left with a huge BALD patch after suffering a DIY haircut blunder - with Victoria even admitting 'it looks terrible'. The former Advertisement 5 David Beckham was left with a huge BALD patch after suffering a DIY haircut blunder Credit: Instagram 5 The head of his clippers fell off mid-shave, leaving a glaring bald spot on top of his head Credit: Instagram David had already trimmed most of his hair down to stubble, meaning there was little he could do to hide the exposed patch of skin. His wife Victoria shared a video of the aftermath on Instagram, reacting blunty while showing the uneven crop. She told him: 'It does not look good. I'm going to always be honest with you. It looks terrible.' The style was a throwback to the skinhead look Beckham famously debuted during a Premier League match against Advertisement read more on David Beckham He's returned to it several times over the years, and recently named it his favourite look during an interview with close friend Gary Neville on He said: "I always like the skinhead. I always loved the skinhead, because it was easy and you didn't have to do anything with it.' Away from the jokes and laughter, David and Victoria The Beckham brothers are in the 'Gen Z version of World War Three' after Romeo and Cruz blocked Brooklyn on social media. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive Exclusive The younger boys are accused of turning their backs on Brooklyn for good, and sending the family deeper into crisis. Model Brooklyn, 26, and wife Nicola, 30, are said to be Beckham family wish Harper happy 14th birthday - amid fears Brooklyn will swerve party in family feud A source said: 'Blocking or unfollowing someone on Instagram is like the Gen Z version of World War Three. It's a sad new low. 'But the truth is, Brooklyn has cut out his parents David and Victoria from his life and it's the Advertisement "Even when the family have reached out to Brooklyn they have been ignored. 'He's not had contact for months and it feels clear to them that he doesn't want to make amends.' The feud, which The Sun understands Yesterday it was initially reported that Brooklyn and Nicola had unfollowed Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20. Advertisement But those close to Brooklyn said this was not true. A friend said: 'Brooklyn had no idea until he read about it online. It's possible 'He and Nicola certainly didn't unfollow them or block them — they're as confused as anyone else. 'The first they heard about it was when it was being reported on.' Advertisement The Beckham Family Feud April 2022: Brooklyn marries Nicola Peltz. Wedding Dress Controversy: Rumours begin circulating that there's tension between Nicola and Victoria Beckham after Nicola chooses not to wear a Victoria Beckham-designed wedding gown. Nicola later clarifies in August 2022 (and again in March 2023) that Victoria's atelier couldn't make the dress in time, but reports in May 2025 suggest Victoria actually changed her mind about making the dress. Post-Wedding (2022 onwards): Minimal interaction between Nicola and Victoria on social media, and noticeable absence of Nicola at key Beckham family events. Alleged Wedding "Hijack": In May 2025, a source claimed Victoria "ruined" part of the wedding by allegedly hijacking a dance with Marc Anthony, which was meant for Brooklyn and Nicola. Nicola reportedly ran from the room crying. March 2025: A resurfaced TikTok of Romeo and Cruz mimicking a "baby voice" (which fans associate with Nicola) sparks speculation of sibling shade. April 2025: Brooklyn and Nicola are reportedly absent from Victoria Beckham's 51st birthday celebrations in Miami and her Paris Fashion Week show. May 2025: David Beckham's 50th Birthday Snub: Brooklyn and Nicola are notably absent from David Beckham's 50th birthday celebrations in London, despite being invited. Reports suggest their absence was due to Brooklyn not wanting to be in the same room as Kim Turnbull, the girlfriend of Romeo who had previously been reported to have been dating Brooklyn, who David allegedly opted to have at the party over Nicola. Rumours emerge of a falling out between Brooklyn and his younger brother Romeo, reportedly due to Romeo's new girlfriend, DJ Kim Turnbull, who allegedly had a past connection with Brooklyn. Reports surface that the Beckham parents are "hurt and disappointed" that Brooklyn is "playing no part in family life." Sources claim that tensions between Brooklyn and Nicola and his parents are "definitely not beyond repair." June 2025: Brooklyn and Nicola reportedly enlist a "crisis team" similar to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for "reputation management" due to the growing media scrutiny. Cruz Beckham posts cryptic lyrics on Instagram that some interpret as a swipe at Brooklyn. July 2025: Reports indicate David and Victoria are "desperate" to reconcile with Brooklyn. Brooklyn publicly wishes his sister Harper a happy 14th birthday on Instagram, tagging Nicola, which is seen as a potential "olive branch" and a rare public message to his family amid the rumored rift. Brooklyn UNFOLLOWS his brothers Romeo and Cruz just 24 hours after his birthday message to Harper. Nicola quickly follows suit and also ditches the Beckham bros from her Instagram following. Romeo and Cruz are now also no longer following Brooklyn. Shortly after Brooklyn learned of his brothers' snub, Romeo reposted Justin Bieber's new song Walking Away on his Instagram stories with the caption: 'Yup.' Blocking or unfollowing someone on Instagram is like the Gen Z version of World War Three. It's a sad new low Source A day earlier Brooklyn posted a photo of him, Nicola and sister Those close to Brooklyn Brooklyn had publicly Advertisement Brooklyn's pal insisted: 'Just because he and Nicola love Harper and want to A separate source said: 'Brooklyn was always very close to Romeo and Cruz. They'd stay in touch even as they grew up and started following different career paths and travelling. 'It has been very difficult for David and Victoria to watch their sons grow apart as family means everything to them.' 5 The style was a throwback to the skinhead look Beckham famously debuted during a Premier League match against Leicester City in 2000 Credit: PA Advertisement 5 Dad David with his three sons, from left to right, Romeo, Cruz and Brooklyn Credit: David Dyson - Commissioned by The Sun 5 Parents David and Victoria 'will always be there' for their son Credit: Getty
Irish Times
16 hours ago
- Irish Times
‘Going to concerts is kind of my thing, my hobby': Why Gen Z are paying big for live music
For Kate Henshaw, from Malahide, Dublin, concerts are a guilty pleasure. The 24-year-old estimates that she spends well over €1,000 a year on tickets but believes that they are 'the best night out you can have as a young person in Ireland'. Henshaw is one of Gen Z's Ticketmaster warriors, who count ticket purchases as their 'biggest expense' but worth every cent. The significant spend is not unusual. Irish adults spent an average of €757 on music events in 2024, according to research published last week by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (Imro). READ MORE This figure includes both festivals and individual concerts, accounting not only for the price of tickets but also additional costs incurred such as transport and accommodation. Those in the 25-34 year old age bracket spent the most on live events in total last year, averaging at €849 per person, while those aged 45-54 and 18-24 weren't far behind, at €823 and €811 respectively. There was a notable dip in spending here for 35-44 year olds – €615 on average – which Imro chief executive Victor Finn suggests may be due to social factors such as an increase in 'care responsibilities'.'That tends to be a high expenditure period in people's lives in general,' Mr Finn said. Kate Henshaw (24) at Taylor Swift's Eras tour in 2024 According to her calculations, Henshaw attended 16 gigs last year and a whopping 19 live music events in 2023. She recalls a 30-day concert marathon during summer 2023, which saw her going to nine events. 'I was exhausted.' 'I think they're my biggest expense. I justify it because I buy them so far in advance. Then it feels like they're free,' she said. She estimates she spent a total of almost €1,500 on tickets alone in 2024, 'if I was being truthful with myself'. But she believes 'Irish crowds are unmatched. I think concerts are the best night out you can have as a young person in Ireland.' Being from Dublin certainly comes with its advantages as a music fan, with several large-scale gigs on Henshaw's doorstep. She avoided the crowds attempting to flee Malahide and return to the city centre after Charli XCX's recent performance. 'Public transport could link in better with some of the major events,' Imro chief executive Victor Finn commented. 'They're well flagged in advance so there could be better collaboration here. If there was better transportation I think it could cut down on other costs.' Henshaw has observed a surge in ticket prices since a return to regular scheduling post-pandemic. 'I used to go to quite a lot before Covid and it was so much cheaper.' [ Oasis sell out Croke Park after fans wait hours to buy tickets costing over €400 Opens in new window ] Demand is certainly high, a factor which, coupled with inflation, has driven ticket prices to new levels. 'There's a sort of social shift in experiencing live events and I think that's feeding into live music events as well,' said Finn, noting this demand. He has seen a 'very positive bounceback with live ticket sales' since Covid. 'Was it something to do with people wanting to get out and socialise more after the pandemic? There certainly seemed to be a need for people to get out and enjoy themselves and music has benefited from that.' While admittedly a big spender on music events, Henshaw said VIP tickets are where she draws the line, calling them 'a scam'. 'I have never paid VIP for a gig and I never will. Back in the day VIP used to mean soundchecks and meeting the artists, now it's a gift bag.' [ My three nights at Taylor Swift cost me €47 an hour. Cheaper than therapy Opens in new window ] She points to Taylor Swift's Eras tour VIP package as a recent example. Merchandise bundles included items like postcards, stickers, souvenir tickets and a commemorative tote bag, which doubled if not tripled ticket prices for fans. Henshaw said she paid approximately €200 for her front-standing Eras tour ticket, while a friend who opted for VIP paid almost €700 for an equally good view of the pop star. There are 'only a few' artists, she would pay to see 'over and over again', with Irish singers Hozier and CMAT among the favourites. Johnny Wang (23) a student from Ballsbridge, Dublin is 'not surprised in the slightest' that Irish adults are spending big when it comes to live music. Johnny Wang (23) at Lido Festival in London, June 2025. 'It's such a rip-off in Ireland at the moment. All the big acts people go to, they are going to get rinsed,' said Wang, who spent 'at least' €700 on concert tickets in the last year. 'Big venues are still charging people exorbitant amounts so I'm not surprised in the slightest.' Having attended about 10 gigs in the last 12 months, he says his most expensive purchase was for Lido Festival in London which saw alternative acts such Arca, Jamie xx and Panda Bear take to the stage in Victoria Park in June. General admission started at £75 (€87). Wang enjoys going to smaller gigs, sometimes to support friends such as Child of Prague, who recently performed in the Workman's Club. Tickets for the indie rock band's gig in May cost €12.50. 'I'd love to work in music so I enjoy seeing the technical aspect of performances,' he added. Wang played bass in another young band called Reco, who won a performance slot by popular vote at Trinity College's annual ball in 2023. Aoibhinn Clancy (22), from Dublin, said that gigs most likely 'take up the bulk' of her expenditure as a student who works part-time. Aoibhinn Clancy (22) before seeing Lana del Rey in concert this summer. She estimates that the 14 concert and festival tickets purchased in the last year cost her approximately €1,100, 'which is a lot, but I have never regretted spending money on a concert'. 'I'm someone who really enjoys spending money on an experience and it's for that reason I like the investment and having something to look forward to,' Clancy said. 'I've seen some really cool people in the last year, like, I went to see Elvis Costello with my mam.' Other highlights included Lana Del Rey at both the Aviva in Dublin and Wembley Stadium in London, Charli XCX in Birmingham and at Malahide Castle, and Primavera music festival in Barcelona. 'I think that concerts in Ireland can be quite expensive,' she says. The most Clancy paid for a single concert ticket last year was €150, for Lana Del Rey. 'I would say it was worth it.' With above-average annual spend on live music events, Clancy recognises herself as an outlier. 'I am definitely in the upper echelons of concertgoers among my age group ... Going to concerts is kind of my thing, my hobby.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Gen Z is killing off traditional polite phrases like ‘excuse me' for ‘huh' and ‘what', research reveals
GEN Z is ditching age-old polite phrases like 'excuse me?' and 'pardon?' – swapping them out for blunt alternatives such as 'huh?', 'what?' and 'come again?', new research shows. The study, carried out across the UK, found that 75 per cent of younger Brits think 'pardon?' sounds too formal – with one in ten admitting they never use it at all. 2 Half of Gen Z (51 per cent) often feel too awkward to ask someone to repeat themselves and simply nod along insted Instead, many reach for less traditional responses like 'come again?' (18 per cent), 'eh?' (13 per cent), 'you what?' (11 per cent), and even 'I zoned out' (six per cent) when they haven't heard something properly. Half of Gen Z (51 per cent) often feel too awkward to ask someone to repeat themselves and simply nod along instead – while 81 per cent admit to pretending they've understood when background noise gets in the way. The poll of 2,000 adults was commissioned by Samsung to mark the launch of its new Annika Bizon, from Samsung, said: 'We've all been there – trying to have a chat in a noisy bar or restaurant and ending up none the wiser. Read more on News 'People are constantly battling background noise, and it's not just annoying – it can stop you from really connecting in the moment." The findings revealed that this issue stretches beyond Gen Z, with 74 per cent of adults across all age groups struggling to hear conversations in loud places like pubs and restaurants. Nearly three-quarters (70 per cent) said it makes the whole experience frustrating, with around a third of conversations being disrupted by noise. To cope, 83 per cent regularly fall back on stock phrases to ask for repetition – though many agree it doesn't always solve the problem. Most read in The Sun Two in three believe noisy surroundings make it harder to connect emotionally during chats, while 73 per cent often feel frustrated when they miss important parts of a conversation. And 43 per cent said they'd consider recording moments on their phones – if they knew they could clear the background noise after. Annika added: 'It's no surprise that more people are looking to their tech to help cut through the chaos. 'That's exactly why we developed Audio Eraser – to help people capture clearer sound in the moments that matter.' 2 The poll of 2,000 adults was commissioned by Samsung Credit: Getty
