Latest news with #Laurie
Metro
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
'I was in love with an incarcerated man - now he's my Edinburgh Fringe show'
Laurie Magers is laughing off the two years she spent in love with a man in prison for assault with a deadly weapon – because if she can't joke about it, then it's deeply uncomfortable to talk about. Now 33, the US comedian and TV writer behind shows such as Obliterated and CBS Showcase 2023,is looking back on this unusual turn in her early 20s in the form of an Edinburgh Fringe show. 'When I tell this story to people and do the show, I have trouble sometimes believing that this stuff happened to me,' Laurie admits, speaking to Metro over Zoom from an Edinburgh apartment. Laurie was just 23 when she met Bill (not his real name), who was also in his early 20s, while he was on parole from prison, ankle monitor in tow. After meeting on dating app Plenty of Fish – lol, Laurie reflects – they met up at his house because he wasn't allowed out past his 9pm curfew. 'On the first date I wanted to be really cool so I brought a giant bong over to his house to smoke weed,' Laurie recalls. 'I asked what the crime was and to see his ankle monitor. Assault with a deadly weapon should have scared me off, but it didn't.' They immediately had sex, and for the next two years, the rest was history. 'It wasn't the intriguing badboy thing. I was just very desperate for love and relationships and attention,' she says, adding: 'If anybody was into me, I was into them. It could have been anyone, and it was. He could have been a bad guy, and he was.' Laurie was with Bill for four months while he was on parole, until he got locked up again for a previous charge. When she found out it was a sexual offence, she stayed with him still. 'I had such a strong need to be with somebody that I was willing to accept that about him and explain it away. I believed all of his excuses, and I stayed with him. Now as an adult, I can't believe I did that.' Bill was locked up for six years and Laurie said she would wait for him. But after two years of phone sex, love letters, and visits through glass every weekend, she left him – it had 'fizzled' out. It was also an abusive relationship. 'We had a cute relationship, but he also cheated on me and body shamed me and a lot of other things,' Laurie reflects. 'Looking back at it, it was absolutely an abusive relationship, but at the time, I was really in love with him and just ignoring all of these things,' she says. Bill wanted Laurie to lose weight and made her join a gym. She's bisexual, so they would check women out together. He would point at women smaller than her and say: 'That's what you should look like.' 'There were also some maybe not-so-isolated incidents where there was some physical roughness during sex that was outside of my comfort zone. The consent was foggy,' Laurie says. 'My goal is to give the audience the same emotional whiplash that I felt during the relationship,' she explains. 'Comedy and traumatic dark stuff, they're just so close together,' Laurie says, adding: 'The stuff I did was silly. You have to laugh about it or it will be uncomfortable.' When he was locked up, Bill was the best boyfriend in the world. He was also bored, and Laurie was useful. Laurie once even thought very seriously about smuggling him drugs into prison in her vagina. She would also do things on the outside to sweeten his relationship with powerful inmates, like hand cash around and send messages to their associates. It's an exposing and personal piece of theatre – it's also political, about the US prison system and corruption – but Laurie isn't worried about sharing her story with her audience. 'The part I'm scared of is – in the best case scenario, where everybody in the world sees this – is him finding out about it. That's a little scary to me in the back of my head. But I like telling the story,' she says. How does this experience sit with Laurie after 10 years? 'It was a bad idea, but I don't regret it,' Laurie says, making the point that she got a good story out of it. 'It didn't trauma damage me to the point of no return.' It did, however, contribute to Laurie's insecurities about her body, her lovability, and her ability to trust. While Laurie doesn't really seem fazed throughout our interview, she turns solemn when talking about the good friends looking out for her she lost along the way. More Trending 'I honestly think maybe parts of how bad it was haven't really hit me yet,' she says, explaining: 'I think about it as a story now more than an experience. 'I almost look at it like it happened to someone else. Like, there's a step removed. 'Maybe over the course of this month, those two things will come together, and that would be kind of beautiful.' Do You Accept These Charges? is airing every day at the Edinburgh Fringe in August at Pleasance Courtyard Below at 15.10. Tickets here. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Comedy that made critics 'laugh until it hurts' earns surprise 91% on Rotten Tomatoes MORE: 'I was in Amazon Prime's biggest surprise hit – now you can watch me in a hotel room' MORE: Nostalgic film sequel breaks records on Netflix with 46,700,000 views
Otago Daily Times
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
‘Old Baldy' falls foul of the ominous gender gap
"They booed him." "'Booed who?" Hannah, the bar manager, couldn't help overhearing the banter of her two favourite Boomers, right-wing Laurie and left-wing Les. She paused in her rounding-up of empty glasses and dirty plates to listen. "Luxon, Laurie, the prime minister turned up to the netball final, and the crowd booed him. Since when did New Zealanders start booing their prime ministers at sporting fixtures?" "Oh, come on, Les, your memory's not that bad. Jacinda Ardern wasn't our prime minister that long ago." "And if I recall rightly, Laurie, she received more abuse than any other New Zealand prime minister. But, it was only a certain sort of Kiwi who came after her. And, the hate they had for her was out of all proportion to her actual conduct as their prime minister. There was something quite deranged about Ardern's enemies' animosity. Looking back, I reckon she wasn't vilified on account of who, or what, she actually was, but on account of the huge event she was conflated with — the Covid-19 pandemic." "Spoken like a true Labour man, Les. But, you try running that line on those who were kept from the bedside of a dying parent. Or, the people who lost their jobs because they refused to be injected. Tell it to the retailers who watched their life's work sicken and die. Tell it to the schoolkids fretting alone at home. Truthfully, Les, I think Jacinda's 'actual conduct' merited quite a lot of animosity." "I think you've just proved my point, mate." "Touche Les. But Ardern still isn't the only New Zealand prime minister to have been monstered by her fellow citizens. Have you forgotten the 1984 incident when David Lange was set upon by a mob of Otago cockies? His driver and protection officers had to throw him into the back of the prime-ministerial limousine and power away before the furious farmers could tear the nation's new leader limb-from-limb." "Hell's bells, Laurie, I'd forgotten all about that. It was just after Roger Douglas had announced the abolition of all agricultural subsidies. Some cockies faced economic ruin." "Not happy chappies, Les, that's for sure." "And it reminds me of an even earlier incident — 1977, I think it was — when Rob Muldoon's limousine was dented all to hell by the boots of a dozen or so sturdy Dunedin cops trying to hold back an angry throng of Otago students and trade unionists calling themselves 'The July Front'. The constables had turned their backs to the crowd, linked arms, and, bracing themselves on the prime minister's car, expedited his entry to the Dunedin Town Hall — where the National Party was holding its annual conference." "Let me guess, Les, you were there." "Might have been, Laurie. It was a long time ago. As you say, my memory's not what it was." "Proves my point though, doesn't it? Luxon's very far from the first prime minister to be poorly received by the voting public." "OK, but it also proves my point, Laurie. Ardern, Lange, Muldoon: they all came under fire from aggrieved minorities. Victims of the Covid regulations. Farmers stripped of their state support. Students and unionists venting their left-wing spleens at Rob's Mob. But, being booed by the audience at a netball game? That's a bit different, isn't it? I mean, these were just ordinary Kiwis out for a night of sport. They hadn't come to protest, they'd come to cheer. But, when they saw Old Baldy they just saw red — or, in his case, blue — and started booing. That's got to mean something, surely? "Could mean a lot of things, Les. It could mean the fans were just pissed off at Luxon trying to muscle-in on a sporting fixture which, were he not the prime minister, he'd never dream of attending. Maybe they were annoyed at being used, quite cynically, as the backdrop for yet another National party photo-op." "Yeah, well, when you put it like that." "And, I'll offer you another explanation, Les. It was a netball final." "So?" "So, who follows netball — mostly?" "Women and girls." "Exactly. And who, by a scarily wide margin, favour Labour over National?" "Women and girls!" "Old Baldy, as you call him, was booed by the Gender Gap." "Go it in one, mate", muttered Hannah. ■Chris Trotter is an Auckland writer and commentator.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Pilot's wife says there's one thing tourists wear that airport security absolutely hates
An experienced traveller has issued a warning to those jetting off on holiday – advising against wearing a popular item of clothing through airport security A seasoned traveller has issued a stark warning about wearing a particular garment when going through airport security checks. A pilot's wife, who shares travel wisdom under the moniker Travel Tips by Laurie on Instagram, has cautioned against sporting lengthy or flowing dresses whilst navigating TSA security procedures. Whilst these dresses might appear stunning, they can create a pair of significant issues during your journey, potentially causing delays that could derail your travel plans entirely. Her primary concern centres on technical complications, as she elaborated: "The pocket of air a flowy dress makes COULD cause a dense area to show up that the machine cannot see through.", reports the Mirror US. This scenario can become a proper headache, potentially resulting in additional screening procedures that could leave you stuck in the security queue for ages. Even if you manage to breeze through security without incident, there's still another hazard lurking ahead. Her second warning focused on cleanliness concerns, as Laurie advised: "A flowy dress – in my opinion – should be packed. Then you do not worry about it brushing against a seat in boarding that has pizza sauce stains or spilled coffee stains... or a seat in the airplane lavatory." If you're intending to wear the dress again during your getaway, it's probably wise to keep it safely tucked away in your luggage for hygiene purposes, avoiding any unwanted airport or aircraft grime tagging along on your trip. Laurie's enlightening clip has racked up over 3,700 likes on Instagram, sparking a flurry of comments from viewers. One user recounted their own mishap with the TSA, saying: "Great tip. I did that once and TSA did not like it." Another chimed in with agreement: "I would never wear a dress. Agree." A third shared their own stressful experience: "I feel this, I wore a great maxi dress and while it was so comfortable SO stressful worried about it dragging on yucky things and in the bathroom I stuffed it all into my bra." Yet, some commenters had different takes. An experienced traveller countered: "Totally disagree. We travel extensively and I love a loose travel dress. The airline bathroom are so small... it's so much easier to pull up a dress! My dress has pockets, is travel friendly material and can be layered with jacket or sweater." When it comes to the most suitable attire for plane journeys:. 1. Comfortable layers – Given the unpredictable nature of airplane temperatures, layering allows you to adapt to both the onboard climate and that of your final destination. 2. Breathable and stretchy clothing – To avoid feeling constricted during long hauls, opt for garments like stretchy leggings or jogger-style trousers. 3. Comfortable shoes – Trainers are a stellar choice, offering both comfort and practicality for navigating airports and ensuring safe boarding and alighting. 4. Minimal jewellery – Navigating security checkpoints can be a drawn-out affair if you're adorned with an abundance of jewellery or accessories. To expedite the process and avoid unnecessary fuss, steer clear of anything that might trigger the detectors. 5. Practical accessories – Wear a travel pillow around your neck, keep some compression socks at the ready or bring along a scarf to stave off the chill. These little extras can significantly enhance your comfort during the flight.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Pilot reveals best time to travel if you're an anxious flyer - and which seat to book
A seasoned pilot has shared practical advice for passengers tackling flying anxiety this summer - including the best time to travel and which seat to select. Captain Chris and his wife, Laurie, run their YouTube channel, Travel Tips by Laurie, where they regularly share luggage hacks, airport security advice, holiday outfit ideas, aviation secrets, and more. In a recent video, part of their 'Ask a Pilot' series, Captain Chris, from the US, answered a range of questions sent in from their followers about flying - including how someone can combat nerves whilst taking to the skies. According to the airline captain, early mornings are the best time to fly as the air is generally cooler and less turbulent before the day heats up, especially in summer. This likely reduces the chances of bumps during takeoff and throughout the flight. He also recommends booking seats near the front or over the wings, as they experience less turbulence compared to the rear of the plane. Captain Chris added: 'I realise with a lot of airlines it costs extra to sit up there now, but closer to the airplane you'll feel less of the 'yaw' (a side-to-side motion the back of the tail makes) that an airplane has.' Finally, he urged: 'Ask if you can talk to the pilots and tell them that you're an anxious flyer - a lot of pilots will tell you the forecast and what the rides are going to be like - so don't be shy!' In the comments, one plane passenger wrote: 'I was a nervous flier due to turbulence and Laurie's video really helped me. I would tell the flight attendant that I was a nervous flier and they would check in with me after we hit a patch of turbulence. Meanwhile, a veteran pilot has shared one surprising skill that makes a good captain - and it has nothing to do with flying. Steve Schreiber, 63, from New Orleans, US, has had 26 years of flying experience - including eleven as a captain - which saw him spend a total of 5,860 hours navigating the skies in 60 different aircraft. Also known by his pseudonym Captain Steve online, the former United States Navy officer often shares safety tips on all things flying to his TikTok channel, @captainsteeeve, where he boasts over 370K followers.
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Pilot's wife shares the only two neck pillows she recommends for long flights
Loads of plane passengers use neck pillows to help them feel more comfortable on long flights, especially when trying to sleep. Now a pilot's wife shared the only two she would recommend Many people use a neck pillow on planes, especially during long-haul flights. This travel accessory supports the head, neck and shoulders, providing comfort when sitting upright on a plane. It can also make it easier for passengers to sleep during flights and reduce strain on their head or neck. Those who have flown in economy know it's not the most comfortable as there's limited leg room and unlike business and first class, the seats don't extend to flat, lie-down positions. With this in mind, travellers look for other ways to feel more comfortable. A pilot's wife called Laurie gives lots of travel tips on her Instagram page and she recently shared a post listing her long flight travel essentials from Amazon. Her list . 1. Cabeau neck pillow Laurie's first long flight-must have is a neck pillow from Cabeau and she recommends it for 'long necks' in particular. In the caption of her Instagram post, she explained: 'The velcro straps loop around your headrest so your neck does not fall forward.' Cabeau has been recognised for its range of award-winning neck pillows that are designed for comfort. They can be bought from Amazon from £23.20 to up to £46 depending on the product. 2. Neck pillow by Trtl The travel expert, from Houston in the US, is also a fan of the Trtl Travel Pillow. This is the brand's best selling item and is made from hypoallergenic fabric that is stretched to create a comfortable hammock effect. Trtl boasts on its website that it is 'scientifically proven to help you drift off anywhere, anytime.' The Trtl Travel Pillow is available on Amazon for £60. 3. Heat-monitoring power bank Laurie has a power bank that monitors the heat when she charges her phone on a plane. Some power banks have thermistors, which continuously monitor the battery's temperature and if it detects excessive heat it triggers a protective mechanism that cuts off the circuit to prevent overheating and potential danger. Phones and other electronic devices use lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and possibly cause fires on a plane if damaged or exposed to extreme temperatures, so heat-monitoring power banks can help stop this from happening. 4. Set of three pouches Laurie recommends taking a set of three pouches as part of carry-on luggage on a plane. She uses the large pouch for mid-flight essential items. Travel pouch sets can easily be found online and there are several on Amazon with varying prices. 5. Pill organiser The experienced traveller takes a pill organiser with her on long haul flights to make sure she can easily find the medication she needs. She fills it with AM and PM pills for the long flight. Airlines often advise passengers to pack medication in their hand luggage, especially if they need it during flights. 6. AirPods cord Many passengers listen to music during flights using AirPods but as these are wireless they can fall and get lost, such as on a dark plane. Laurie has a cord to keep her AirPods together in case one falls out of her ear. Amazon sells a magnetic AirPods strap for £5.
