All posts tagged: brilliant

Autumn is going to be filled with brilliant TV. These are the shows you cannot miss

Autumn is going to be filled with brilliant TV. These are the shows you cannot miss

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Over the hottest British summer since records began, the notion of rain (what is that?), chilly nights, indulgent knitwear and cosying up in front of the telly felt very far away. But the leaves have started to fall from the trees, and the new season is officially here, bringing with it a terrific roster of dramas, comedies and reality TV. There are many televisual treats to choose from in the next three months, from the revamped Strictly to Nigella joining Bake Off, the return of Rivals, and Netflix’s take on two magnificent novels: John Steinbeck’s East of Eden and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It can be hard to narrow it all down to what’s worth watching, so here are 20 highlights to look forward to, selected by The Independent’s culture writers. Saturday Night Live UK season two 12 September, Sky …

September is the real new year: 39 brilliant buys to supercharge school, work and everything in between | Life and style

September is the real new year: 39 brilliant buys to supercharge school, work and everything in between | Life and style

Published by Sam Flores

Shiny shoes. Freshly sharpened pencils. New rucksack. Back-to-school season is here, and even for those of us no longer in full-time education, the energy of this time of year is undeniably one of fresh starts and renewed momentum. A couple of well-chosen items, from a notebook to inspire ideas to a lunch box that might encourage you to bring in your own food, are often all it takes to feel a touch more pulled together after a languorous summer. So whether you’re looking for school kit or your own stuff, here’s our pick of the best back-to-the-grind products for kids, teens and grownups. The best back-to-school buys for everyone Young kids Munchkin kids’ bento box lunch box £22.99 at John Lewis £22.99 at Amazon If your child has ever written off an entire lovingly prepared meal because of a single stray parsley leaf, this is the perfect lunch box. The enticing, rainbow-coloured compartments allow you to serve them separate snacks to power them through maths and beyond. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and comes with stainless …

‘Bold, brilliant, thrilling’: leading authors on the novels every school should teach | Books

‘Bold, brilliant, thrilling’: leading authors on the novels every school should teach | Books

Published by Sam Flores

For the first time ever, we have a British prime minister who studied for an English degree. Not all of his 58 predecessors went to university, but those who did favoured subjects such as history and classics and, more recently, philosophy, politics and economics. Yet reading fiction is a fantastic preparation for life, for understanding people and the times through which we live. Novels encourage empathy, they help you to stand in other people’s shoes, to navigate complicated, sometimes conflicting emotions, they entertain and bring joy. The creative industries contribute some £145.8bn each year to the UK economy; it is our soft superpower. In other words, books matter. Reading matters. However, there has been a marked decline over recent years in the numbers of children reading for pleasure. It’s why the National Literacy Trust designated 2026 the National Year of Reading. Already there has been a shift from a 20-year low in 2025 of 32.7% of eight-to-18-year-olds saying they enjoy reading in their free time up to 36.1%. It’s a start. We are also in …

11 Brilliant Phrases People With High Mental & Emotional Value Usually Say In Casual Conversation

11 Brilliant Phrases People With High Mental & Emotional Value Usually Say In Casual Conversation

Published by Jenni Sidey

It can sometimes be hard to sit down and have genuine conversations with people because we live in a society that values speed and bluntness over respectful and thoughtful communication. With things like social media and the rapid-fire speed of texts and DMs, it can be difficult to actually slow down and enjoy human interaction, and as a result, some people may struggle to show the grace and thoughtfulness needed in certain moments. However, high-value people serve as reminders that there’s nothing wrong with having poise, and it’s the brilliant phrases they often say in casual conversation that leave a lasting impression. People with high mental and emotional value usually say these things casually: 1. ‘I appreciate your perspective’ fizkes / Shutterstock This brilliant phrase not only embraces someone else’s perspective, but it also validates that person, even if you might not necessarily agree with them. It shows the utmost respect for someone’s opinion, and in such a divided world as the one we live in, we could all use a bit more grace and compassion …

Brilliant Bayern ease to 5-1 Bundesliga win over Stuttgart

Brilliant Bayern ease to 5-1 Bundesliga win over Stuttgart

Published by Sam Flores

MUNICH, Aug 28 : Bayern Munich kick-started their Bundesliga title defence with a resounding 5-1 victory over Stuttgart thanks to a sparkling second half display at the Allianz Arena on Friday that showed they have lost none of their potency from last season. Goals from Dayot Upamecano, Michael Olise, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Luis Diaz capped a superb performance from the hosts during which they also missed several other opportunities. It was a mixed night for Stuttgart’s Josha Vagnoman, who scored at both ends having briefly equalised early in the second half, as Bayern extended their unbeaten run in their opening game of the new campaign to 15 matches. Bayern won the Bundesliga title by 16 points last season, scoring a record 122 goals in the process, and there are signs they could be as dominant again as they created chance after chance against the side who finished fourth last term. They took the lead on 21 minutes when Upamecano headed home Joshua Kimmich’s corner from close-range, deftly glancing the ball into the net. Both teams …

Beyoncé Remembers Dolly Parton as ‘Bold and Brilliant’ in Tribute

Beyoncé Remembers Dolly Parton as ‘Bold and Brilliant’ in Tribute

Published by Daniella Wilson

Following the death of Dolly Parton at age 80 on Tuesday, Beyoncé shared a heartfelt tribute to the country icon. The “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” singer took to her website, writing, “Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.” “I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you,” Beyoncé continued. “I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.” Beyoncé collaborated with Parton on her eighth studio album, 2024’s Cowboy Carter, which went on to win the Grammy for best album the following year. On the spoken-word track “Dolly P,” Parton introduces Beyoncé, saying, “Hey, Miss Honey B, it’s Dolly P / You know that hussy with the good hair you sang about? …

11 Clever Phrases Brilliant People Use To Put An Angry Person In Their Place

11 Clever Phrases Brilliant People Use To Put An Angry Person In Their Place

Published by Jenni Sidey

There are several clever phrases mentally and emotionally brilliant people say to put an angry person in their place. Learning how to de-escalate a tense situation requires patience and the ability to see the other perspective, even if you don’t agree with the intensity of their emotions. Anger is a normal emotional reaction that signals something is internally off-balance. While anger in itself isn’t definitively bad, it can manifest in unhealthy and harmful ways.  Mentally and emotionally brilliant people use these phrases casually to deal with an angry person: 1. ‘I see that you’re angry and I want to understand’ LightField Studios / Shutterstock A phrase mentally & emotionally brilliant people say to put an angry person in their place is “I see that you’re angry and I want to understand.” This phrase diffuses the situation and gives the angry person the opportunity to explain why they feel the way they do, which can ultimately lead them toward calmness. Life coach Alex Mathers shared that anger can act as an emotional spotlight. Although anger is …

Netflix’s ‘sensational’ new period drama My Brilliant Career hailed as best show of the year

Netflix’s ‘sensational’ new period drama My Brilliant Career hailed as best show of the year

Published by Daniella Wilson

Netflix has a great track record when it comes to swoonworthy period dramas. From Bridgerton to The Empress, the streaming platform rarely fails to deliver on billowing skirts, steamy romances and sweeping landscapes – and its latest release is shaping up to be another must-watch.  Viewers are loving the new adaptation of coming-of-age classic, My Brilliant Career. Based on Miles Franklin’s 1901 novel, the series follows Sybylla, a sharp-witted aspiring writer in early 20th-century Australia, who refuses to conform to societal expectations. © Ian Routledge/NetflixChristopher Chung and Phillipa Northeast star in My Brilliant Career. If, like me, you’re still searching for your next period drama fix following the end of Bridgerton season four, look no further. Keep reading to find out what viewers and critics have said about the show.  What have viewers and critics said about My Brilliant Career?  Viewers have hailed the series as “sensational” and “one of the best shows of the year”.  Taking to social media, one person penned: “How fantastic is Netflix’s #MyBrilliantCareer. I cannot recommend it highly enough,” while another …

11 Casual Phrases That Expose A Manipulative Person Without Calling Them Out

11 Casual Phrases That Expose A Manipulative Person Without Calling Them Out

Published by Jenni Sidey

Most people can agree they have encountered manipulative people at least once in their lifetime. Whether deceitful bosses or conniving false friends, these folks seem to dedicate themselves to disrupting the lives of others. Sadly, many of them succeed in their endeavors. That said, just because they’re good at it doesn’t mean they always have to win. Believe it or not, some casual phrases expose a manipulative person without calling them out altogether. From telling them to focus on the point to subtly pointing out their hypocrisy, anyone can use these phrases to point out a manipulative person.  People who know how to expose a manipulative person usually say these things casually: 1. ‘It’s interesting how the outcome always seems to benefit you’ fizkes / Shutterstock The first casual phrase that exposes a manipulative person without calling them out is, “It’s interesting how the outcome always seems to benefit you the most.” On the outside, this can sound a bit harsh. After all, indirectly exposing someone’s selfish intentions can quickly turn a situation from zero …