October 08 - 173 Ways To Improve Your Life
The Self-Help industry is insidiously addictive. Acres of books offer simple solutions to make us more balanced, self-actualised, successful, shinier, happier people. Well, the world ain’t as simple as that. Life’s messy, and it takes a lot of plate-spinning to get it right: cultural, emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual, ecological, economic and … retail plates. We think it actually takes 173 things, and we’re proud to present them in all their messy glory. No New Age crystal-bothering, just a big bag of simple, practical, and at times just plain odd ideas and recommendations (cat toilet, anyone? p 71).
Paul O’Grady is a unique figure in TV, he rose from the Vauxhall Tavern through drag superstardom and transitioned into one of the biggest, best-loved mainstream TV stars of his generation without compromising himself one jot. We love him dearly at GT, and were excited to hear he had an autobiography coming out. We sent Rupert Smith – who’s known Paul since year dot – to his London flat to chew over the good old days (p 52).
While Diversity is such a strong buzzword, and official organisations are falling over themselves to ensure they’re seen to be fair, one sector seems to be lagging behind – the Prison Service. Why is it that when gay men are put in prison, they’re punished twice – once for their crime, and again for their sexuality? Sally Howard has written a brilliant piece of investigative journalism for us (p 88).
We have a really exciting shopping event at Wholeman on New Bond St, London (p 107). As well as a discount on all purchases for GT readers, a taster treatment on the night and a goody bag containing a REN product, a Wholeman product and voucher, there will be a fantastic prize worth £1000. Now THAT would improve my life!
Have a great month