Eloise Stark, a DPhil student in psychiatry at the University of Oxford, shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with autism at 27 and the challenges she faced growing up. She discusses her intense special interests, struggles with social rules and bullying during her teenage years, and her initial difficulty with the social aspects of university life. After a traumatic event and a recurrence of mental health issues, she was diagnosed with autism, which led to a path of self-discovery and acceptance. Eloise now embraces her identity, pursues her PhD with passion, and aims to use her experiences to help others with autism.

The article lists the top nine hotels on Waikiki Beach, highlighting their unique features and amenities. Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is noted as the best overall, with a stunning infinity pool and varied dining options. Other hotels mentioned include Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach, ideal for families; Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, known for its historic significance; and Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, which offers luxurious amenities. The article provides insights into what to consider when choosing a hotel, such as location, amenities, activities, budget, and guest reviews.

For the first time in over 1,250 years, women were allowed to participate in Hadaka Matsuri, a significant Shinto festival in Inazawa, Japan. The inclusion of women, who carried offerings to the shrine while fully dressed, comes not from a push for gender equality but as a response to Japan's demographic crisis threatening the continuation of traditional festivals. Japan faces a 'festival crisis' due to an aging population and declining birth rates, with many festivals being suspended or abolished. The article discusses the cultural importance of these festivals, Japan's low ranking in the World Economic Forum's 2023 Gender Gap Report, and the government's efforts to combat depopulation. Local attitudes towards women's participation are mixed, with some skepticism from male participants. The article also highlights the emotional impact on women like Atsuko Tamakoshi, who campaigned for inclusion, and the broader implications for Japanese society's need to adapt to survive.

The article presents a curated list of the 12 best boutique hotels in Rome, highlighting their unique features, amenities, and locations. It emphasizes the personalized service, intimate atmosphere, and stylish decor that distinguish these hotels from larger chains. The piece also provides a buyer's guide for choosing the right boutique hotel, considering factors such as location, design, amenities, budget, and guest reviews. The Residenza Venti Settembre is singled out as the top choice for its luxurious spa and lavish interiors, while other hotels are praised for their historical significance, artful decor, and modern comforts.

The article critiques the cultural impact of television judges like Paul Hollywood, Simon Cowell, and Gordon Ramsay, suggesting they play on 'daddy issues' by being authoritative and emotionally unavailable. It argues that this dynamic reinforces a cultural norm where the approval of such male figures is overly valued. The piece calls for more recognition of female judges like Prue Leith and questions the entertainment value derived from the harsh criticism and rare approval offered by male judges on shows like The Great British Bake-Off.

Brazil's supreme court has ruled that homophobic slurs are punishable by up to five years in prison, a decision that has been welcomed by activists in a country where the LGBTQIA+ community faces significant violence.

Digital nomadism is attracting individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, offering a lifestyle that suits their need for constant change and stimulation. Hannah Dixon and Kit Whelan, both digital nomads, share how this way of life has been freeing and invigorating, especially for those who struggle with the structure of a traditional 9-to-5 job. Psychologist Sonia Jaeger notes that nomadic living can act as 'self-medication' for people with ADHD, providing the flexibility and adventure that align with their traits. While there is no current data on the rates of neurodivergence among digital nomads, efforts are being made to understand this community better.

Paris offers a variety of provocative and sensual cabaret shows, including the world-famous Le Moulin Rouge, the cheeky Crazy Horse, the Vegas-style Lido, the boundary-pushing Le Paradis Latin, the vintage-inspired La Nouvelle Seine, and the drag brunch at Acqua e Farina. Additionally, there are erotic performances at Théâtre ChoChotte, the fantasy-driven Sweet Paradise, and the sexy shower shows at Le Raidd. These shows feature a mix of nudity, storytelling, acrobatics, and audience interaction, with some venues offering experiences tailored to couples and swingers.

Oldyssey, a French non-governmental organization, has modernized the concept of pen pals by pairing language learners with elderly individuals in France for conversations over Skype. The program, known as 'Share Ami', aims to improve language skills and address loneliness among seniors. Participants, such as Warwick University student Millie Jacoby and Oxford University student Charlotte Wilson, have reported positive experiences and language improvement. The organization has created nearly 90 pairings, with a waiting list of students. The initiative also responds to the increased isolation of the elderly, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, by fostering long-distance friendships.

In India's general elections, women voters are poised to play a decisive role, with their turnout expected to surpass that of men for the first time. Naveen Patnaik, the incumbent Chief Minister of Odisha, is popular among women for his policies promoting their empowerment and rural development. The increasing political engagement of women is attributed to improved social status and a 1993 law reserving village governance positions for women. While women's votes are influential, the lack of female candidates and genuine change in daily inequalities remains a concern. Some women, like 23-year-old student Kalpina, express disillusionment with politics' ability to address issues like safety and harassment.

Eloise Stark, a DPhil candidate in Psychiatry at Somerville College, Oxford University, expresses relief over Oxfordshire County Council's reversal of a decision to cut funding to the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership by £1.6 million. Stark shares personal experiences with mental health services, emphasizing the importance of continued and increased funding for mental health organizations like Restore and the Oxfordshire Recovery College. Stark argues that cuts would lead to negative consequences such as increased healthcare costs and advocates for investment in mental health services to build a resilient, happy society.

Oxfordshire County Council has reversed its decision to cut funding to the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership by £1.6 million, a move welcomed by individuals with serious mental illnesses, including the author, Eloise Stark. Stark shares her personal experiences with mental health services, highlighting the essential support provided by organizations like Restore and the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. Despite the reversal, funding challenges persist, and Stark emphasizes the importance of investing in mental health services to prevent serious conditions and build a resilient, happy society.

Paris's art-squat movement, once a vibrant and rebellious community of artists living and creating together in abandoned buildings, has been stifled by political decisions. The City Council's legalization of squats like 59 Rivoli, while initially providing stability, has led to the loss of the squats' communal and creative essence, as living in the spaces is now prohibited and they function solely as workspaces. The government's strategy, including the enactment of the Elan Law by Macron's government, has been to control and neutralize these spaces of dissidence, distinguishing between 'good' and 'bad' squatters. Meanwhile, the aesthetic of squats is being commodified by private investors, as seen with the transformation of La Miroiterie into a commercial venue. Despite these challenges, the spirit of squatting persists, with individuals like Gerard seeking new locations to continue the tradition.

Volunteers, including Mr. Gasquet, search mountain passes for migrants attempting to hike from Italy to France through sub-zero temperatures. The migrants, some ill-equipped for the cold, aim for Montgenèvre, a ski town on the border, seeking better opportunities in France. Mr. Gasquet, who received a call from a group of migrants, helped them to safety by driving them to a shelter where they could warm up, eat, and change into dry clothes. He believes that the responsibility for migration policy lies with politicians, not individuals like himself.

Emilie König, a 33-year-old French woman who joined Islamic extremists in Syria, now seeks to return to France after spending five years there. König, who converted to Islam and became a prominent Islamic State propagandist and recruiter, is currently held in a Syrian prison camp. Her case presents a dilemma for France and other European countries on how to handle returning citizens who were part of the Islamic State, especially considering the challenges of prosecuting them for war crimes and terrorist activities.

Paris is actively transforming its business environment to attract companies and workers relocating due to Brexit. This includes labor law reforms, tax cuts, English-speaking courts, and new international schools. The urgency is driven by the need for financial companies to maintain their EU passporting rights post-Brexit, necessitating a move from London to EU cities like Paris before March 2019.

France is experiencing a butter shortage due to a slump in European dairy production and a surge in global demand. Despite sporadic shortages, the situation has not caused significant disruptions. France consumes more butter per capita than any other country, and the shortage has affected industries reliant on butter, such as bakeries. The government and industry experts have provided differing views on the severity and duration of the shortage. Some consumers have stockpiled butter, potentially exacerbating the issue. The shortage has also been a source of humor and satire in the country.

Frenchwomen Henda Ayari and another unnamed woman have accused Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan of sexual assault in 2012 and 2009, respectively. Ramadan's lawyer denied the first accusation and announced intentions to sue for defamation. These allegations follow similar revelations about Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Thousands protested in France against the new labor code, with President Emmanuel Macron becoming the focal point of criticism. The protests serve as a measure of public response to Macron's sweeping changes since his election victory in May. Macron's popularity has declined, and his comments have been perceived as dismissive towards workers, fueling discontent.

Cuteness, characterized by features such as big eyes and chubby cheeks, is a powerful force that shapes human behavior by attracting attention and sparking rapid brain activity. It involves all senses and can make individuals more compassionate. Babies, designed to be cute, demand attention for survival. This nurturing instinct extends to animals with juvenile features and even inanimate objects. Cuteness activates brain networks associated with emotion, pleasure, empathy, and compassion, particularly in the orbitofrontal cortex. It also triggers slow, sustained brain processing crucial for caregiving and bonding. Understanding cuteness can aid in addressing issues in parent-child bonding, such as postpartum depression or birth defects like cleft lip. Researchers are developing interventions to help caregivers interpret infant signals more effectively, potentially improving treatments for affected families.

Cuteness, characterized by features such as big eyes and chubby cheeks, is a powerful force that shapes human behavior by attracting attention and sparking rapid brain activity. It involves all senses and can make individuals more compassionate. Babies, designed to be cute, can hijack the brain-processing queue, making them difficult to ignore. Cuteness activates brain networks associated with emotion and pleasure, triggering empathy and compassion, and may even boost moral concern, aiding charities in fundraising. Understanding cuteness can also help address issues in parent-child bonding, such as those caused by postpartum depression or congenital conditions like cleft lip.

The article explores the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan, India, known for its elaborately painted havelis (mansions) dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These structures, once a symbol of wealth for the Marwari community who thrived on the Silk Road, are adorned with frescoes depicting mythology, ancestral battles, and the influence of Europeans. However, many havelis are now in disrepair due to neglect and lack of conservation efforts. The article highlights the work of individuals like Ramesh Jangid, who converted his family's haveli into a guesthouse, and Joël Cadiou, whose mother Nadine Le Prince renovated a haveli into a cultural center. Despite the challenges, including threats from the land mafia and damage from monsoon rains, there is a push to preserve these historical structures, with some being repurposed into hotels or schools, reflecting the ongoing impact of globalization on the region.