Table of contents for 09-Jan-2020 in Chat

When on a night out with Marco, you can expect to be wined, dined and romanced like never before. But there’s a catch… find out what on p18. Sarah’s marriage was extremely volatile but her final fight with her hubby almost killed her (p6). And when Pat’s daughter celebrated her 25th birthday, they had no idea it would be her last (p10). See off these chilly winter nights with cosy knits (p12) and wholesome grub (p40), plus we’ve got the puzzles we know you love. Have a fab week!…

Bag of tricks My mum taught me a clever way to store re-usable shopping bags – fold them in half twice, then fold them from the bottom upwards, using the handles to stop them unravelling. Deborah Milanowska, Gedling Warm and wonderful Feel chilly after a shower? I always did, so I bought a cheap wooden box and painted it, then covered a piece of foam with a towel as a seat. Now I have a cosy corner to sit and get dry. Mavis Smith, Newcastle upon Tyne N-ice one! Put chopped basil or thyme (or whatever herbs you fancy) in an ice-cube tray, along with melted butter. Then put them in the freezer, and use a cube as needed in your cooking. Mary Hadley, Cradley Heath Tangle tamer… I hung…

It took the jury just 11 hours to convict Sigfredo Garcia of first-degree murder. While the prosecution had sought the death penalty for him, he was jailed for life, with an additional 30 years for conspiracy. However, the jury were unable to achieve a solid verdict for Katherine Magbanua. She remains in jail, charged as co-conspirator, her retrial scheduled for April. As part of the deal he made for testifying against Garcia, Luis Rivera received a reduced sentence of 19 years for second-degree murder, to run concurrently with a previous federal conviction. Despite the questions about the Adelson family’s alleged involvement, no charges have been brought against any of them for any involvement or conspiracy. Attorneys for Daniel Markel’s family said, ‘There is more work to be done to ensure…

Cat Lewington, 28, Frome Staring at my sleeping newborn, I felt tears begin to well. Zachary was just 4 months old and I’d do anything to protect him. But part of me wondered…Was it me he needed protecting from? See, when I’d been pregnant I’d been so excited to meet our son. As I cradled him in the hospital in October 2014, I felt nothing but happiness. But in the months since then, I’d started to feel sad and alone. Even my husband Jack, then 22, had noticed my bad moods. At first I thought it was just the ‘baby blues’. Then I started crying during night feeds. ‘Is there something going on?’ Jack asked. ‘I don’t know,’ I replied. When I spoke to my mum Tina, then 57, she…

Holly Cross, 48, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire June 2016 Look at this gorgeous son of mine. When I took the photo above, earlier today , I was struggling to fight back tears. Because in that moment, the future felt so uncertain for Rupert, 8. My big boy , my first baby. The past few months have felt like being trapped in a nightmare. In September last year , Rupert started suffering from headaches. Me and his dad, T oby, 39, took him to the GP , who eferred him for tests. Then came the bombshell. ‘Rupert has myelodysplasia with monosomy 7 - a rare blood disorder ,' a specialist told us. It was serious. Life threatening. Later, we learned Rupert would need a bone marrow transplant to survive . I wasn't…

Olivia Wood, 33, Chelmsford, Essex As I watched a woman rock her baby in a pram, a lump caught in my throat. She peered in, her face radiating happiness and pride as she babbled away to her little one. I was desperate to have that look of love, longed for it. It was September 2014, and I was on my way to visit the doctor. Me and my partner Graeme, then 30, were desperately trying for a baby. It’d been nine long months since we first started, but nothing was happening. Sitting opposite the doctor, I felt a tear trickle down my face as I told him my woes. But rather than reassure me, the doctor raised his eyebrows. ‘If you want a baby, you’ll have to lose weight,’ he…

Looking from left to right down the supermarket aisle, I quickly tucked a frozen chicken under my baggy coat. It was the summer of 1973 and I was 12. For months, I’d been stealing to help feed me and my three sisters. My mum Vera, then 49, was single and struggling to make ends meet. So I always tried my best to arrive home with food under my coat and sweets filling my pockets. Stealing was wrong. But even to my young mind, hungry children were a far worse thing. Only now, as I strolled out of the shop, someone grabbed me by the shoulder. Security. I’d been caught. The police called social services, who said I needed psychiatric treatment. ‘I was just hungry,’ I pleaded with them as they…

3 apps to...  CUT FOOD WASTE Do your bit and save money too! 1 It's good to share Olio connects people locally, enabling them to share food. So whether you've got spices, sausages or soup you want to give away, you can donate them by uploading the details. If  someone is interested in taking them, they will message you and arrange to collect. You can also use it to look out for things you would like to have from others, olioex.com. 2 Organise and manage If you end up wasting food because you lose track of what's in your cupboards, check out the No Waste app. It lets you build an inventory list for your fridge, freezer and pantry, and you can view the food you have by expiration date…

Roasted potato and salmon  This recipe is packed with protein and carbohydrates, making you less likely to reach for snacks afterwards. SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS COOK 40 MINS • 500g baby new potatoes, halved • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 2tbsp olive oil • 100g pistachios • ¼tsp sea salt • 200g French beans, trimmed, optional • 125g watercress, rocket and spinach mixed salad • 200g hot-smoked salmon, flaked • 200g radishes, trimmed and sliced For the dressing: • 2tbsp virgin olive oil • 1tbsp white wine vinegar • 1tbsp maple syrup • 1tsp Dijon mustard 1 Heat the oven to 220C/Gas 7. Roast the new potatoes with the garlic and oil for 30 mins, until the potatoes are tender and golden. 2 Spread the pistachios on to a…

Aries 21 March-20 April Chances are you’re going to be extremely busy this week, Aries. Don’t forget to have much-needed me time too. Surprising your lover with a gift will go down well. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May It’s party time all the way! Friends and loved ones will adore being around your energetic self. A time to let your hair down and see the New Year in with a bang. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June The days ahead will set the ball rolling and shake things up. A joint endeavour with a partner will work well, too, and it will be all systems go from here on in. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22…

Little Soap Company Eco Warrior Moisturising Shaving Bar, £4, Sainsbury’s With a super-soft lather to rival your favourite foam, swap your normal bottle of shaving gel for this ecofriendly bar. The recyclable box means there’s no plastic packaging either. EOS Lip Balm in Strawberry Peach, £6.50, Tesco Keep chapped, flaking lips at bay with a quick slick of this nourishing balm. Shea butter, coconut and jojoba oils work together to keep the cold out and moisture in. John Frieda Defy Grey Brunette Blending Blow Dry Foam, £6.99, Boots Longer-lasting than a toning shampoo, this heat-activated foam covers pesky greys without making your colour look flat or unnatural. Use after each wash until you build up to the desired shade. We Are Kind Natured Ginseng & Grapefruit Brightening Jelly Face Mask,…

Oscar winner Denzel Washington took the lead in 2007 Hollywood movie American Gangster, a part-fictionalised version of the life story of Frank Lucas. Ridley Scott produced and directed the movie, with Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts. Lucas is depicted in the film as a cunning criminal mastermind, with the plot taking inspiration from tales he'd told - and possibly embellished - over the years. But the accuracy of some scenes was challenged by critics, police and journalists.…

Rude health Struggling to sleep? Have an orgasm, says Dr Sophie Shotter. ‘There is a reason we feel tired post-coitally, and that’s the soothing cocktail of hormones that’s released after we orgasm,’ she explains. ‘As well as melatonin, our body is flooded with oxytocin, the love hormone.’ Swap and see Want to supercharge your cuppa? Steep your tea bag for longer. Tea contains powerful antioxidants, and steeping time increases their release, according to experts from National Tea Day. The longer the steep, the more molecules are released, ensuring you get the most health benefits out of your brew. Are you getting your music five a day? You might be aiming to eat more fruit and veg this year, but according to research commissioned by music streaming service Deezer, getting your…

TERROR ON THE STREETS It was the day before Mother’s Day when two devices, planted in separate litter bins, detonated within minutes of each other in the town of Warrington, Cheshire. Two boys – Tim Parry, 12, and 3-year-old Johnathan Ball – were killed, and more than 50 people were injured in the blast. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) claimed responsibility for the attack but no one has ever been prosecuted for the boys’ murders. KILLER KIDS On 12 February, 2-year-old James Bulger (left) was taken from a shopping centre in Bootle, Liverpool. CCTV footage showed Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, both 10, lead James by the hand to a disused railway station, where they tortured him to death. That November, at Preston Crown Court, the boys, by then…

Stuck in a rut Q All my life, I’ve worked hard, paid my way and helped others. I’m a single mum and find life so rubbish as all I do is look after my two children and my elderly mum. I have a part-time job and after I’ve finished work, and cooked and cleaned and cared for everyone else, there’s no time left for me. Even if I did have time, I wouldn’t have the energy to do anything. I love my family, but feel totally drained. How do I get out of this rut? Jackie, 51 A Bless you, poppet, you’ve no time for you at the moment so you’re going to have to find joy in the little things. Can you squeeze in a relaxing bath, lock yourself…

Pamela Rose, 27, County Durham Rummaging in the toy box, I chucked all the trucks and dinosaurs to one side. Finally, I found what I was looking for. My sister Kayleigh’s Barbie dolls and princess outfits. Then, I played quietly for hours, trying on the pretty satin dresses, combing Barbie’s long, blonde hair. ‘As long as you’re happy,’ my mum Julie, 55, would say. But was I? Even at that young age, I understood that I looked to all the world like a chubby-cheeked, baby- faced little boy. But already I knew that wasn’t quite right. Growing up, I felt so different to other lads in my class. By the time I got to secondary school, I was dying my hair platinum blonde. I was desperate to be like the…

Nina Hoffler, 29 Driving up to the towering gates, I rolled down the window to speak to the guard. ‘I’m here to see Michael Hoffler,’ I stammered. As I approached the doors of the maximum-security prison, my tummy was in knots. It was November 2012 and I was about to see my boyfriend Michael, then 23, for the first time in six years. I was just 16 when I’d first met Michael in October 2006. Took an instant shine to him. I realisedI’d be 38 by the time he was a free man But after meeting up a few more times, he’d gone quiet on me. And I soon got word he’d been arrested for armed robbery, was awaiting trial in prison. I couldn’t believe that this shy, handsome bloke…

The morning of 18 July 2014 was like any other for Daniel Markel. Recently divorced, he shared custody of his two boys, then 5 and 4, with his ex-wife Wendi Adelson. That day, he’d got them up, dropped them at preschool, before running some errands and going to the gym. As he arrived back at his home in Tallahassee, Florida, he chatted on the phone to a friend. But as he pulled into the garage, a stranger followed. Next, two shots rang out. As neighbours approached Daniel’s home, a silver Toyota Prius was spotted speeding from the area. Shards of glass covered the floor, and Daniel was still in the driver’s seat of his car. He’d been shot in the head. He sat, groaning, blood pouring from his wound. Daniel…

Q Have you ever fallen in love with a client? A No, but they've fallen in love with me! In the beginning, it was harder to separate my personal life from the job, but now I do just treat it as work. If clients tell me they love me, I usually recommend they start seeing another escort and let them go. Q Does it make it hard for you to have a personal life? A I had a girlfriend for a while, but I never told her about my part-time job. After six months, I had to decide whether to carry on the relationship or stop escorting. I decided I'd rather do escorting, so maybe she wasn't the one for me. Q What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever been asked…

Why is the doctor not worried..? Q My 6-month-old son has a heart murmur. I’m terrified, but my doctor doesn’t seem bothered. What does it mean? Anya, Bridlington A A murmur is a sound made by blood flowing through your heart. Usually, this flow is silent, and a murmur can mean that there’s a faulty heart valve. A few murmurs, mainly in very ill adults, are audible to the naked ear, but most can only be heard through a stethoscope. A murmur in an adult is likely to mean that something is wrong, but in young children it is much more common, and often normal. Listening to your baby’s murmur will tell your doctor if it’s serious, together with checking for other symptoms, such as breathlessness or a blue colour.…

HOW TO GET INVOLVED… It couldn't be easier. Simply follow the four steps below to get in touch and submit your photos. We can't wait to hear from you! STEP 1 Go online to goodtoknow.co.uk/real STEP 2 Fill in your name and contact information. STEP 3 Upload your photos. Please make sure you follow the instructions on the form carefully. STEP 4 Agree to the Terms & Conditions, and then submit your pics.…

1 Large family gatherings are ideal as you can busy yourself with other relatives and give rude family members a wide berth. Still, be polite, say hello accompanied by a hug, a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. Maintain boundaries and don’t allow yourself to be provoked. 2 If you get into a conversation that makes you feel anxious, change the topic or excuse yourself for a loo break. They’re probably trying to get attention or a reaction, and you don’t have to give either. Talk about what you had for tea last night or the latest episode of EastEnders if need be! 3 Family members know you and how to push your buttons, so find other ways to engage with them and make them feel important. For example,…

I finally got the call that would change my life Mum gave me a serious look. ‘You take no notice, you deserve this,’ she said. She had my back, as usual. And who was I going to listen to? The woman who cared about me more than anyone in the world, or some nameless, faceless trolls? Nowhere in the rules of the competition did it specify that the Face of Sunderland had to be male or female. None of the judges who’d shortlisted me had even noticed I was transgender. Determined to prove the trolls wrong, I wrote a little message. I explained who I was, told the world why I wouldn’t forfeit my place in the contest. I’m proud of the person I am, I posted alongside my social-media…

Coronation Street Will Shona die? Having lost his first wife in a stabbing, is David about to lose his second missus, Shona? After getting caught up in the shoot-out on Christmas Day, Shona’s on life support. This week her husband and family wait with bated breath as the consultant removes her breathing tube. EastEnders What’s wrong with Honey? Honey’s not been herself since she exposed Adam as a love rat and kicked him out of their home. This week, her behaviour leads Billy to suspect that she’s developed an eating disorder. Is he right or is he barking up the wrong tree? Meanwhile, Whitney’s horrified to learn that Leo is setting up a stall in the market. Emmerdale Dawn’s custody plea Dawn is determined to get custody of her son…

QI have naturally fine hair, how can I give it some extra volume? Ann Whiting, 66 A Start with a shampoo that leaves your hair really clean without weighing it down. OGX Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo, £7.99, Superdrug, is just the shampoo for the job, working to rid your locks of grime, gunk and  built-up product residue. Hask Biotin Boost 5-in-1 Leave-in Spray, £6.99, Boots, gives hair the pre-styling boost it needs, instantly puffing out strands as well as using caffeine to wake up your hair follicles and boost growth over time. How you style your hair makes a big difference too. Blow-dry your locks upside down until your hair is around 70% dry, then use a round-barrelled brush (we love Lee Stafford Coco Loco Blow Out Brush,…

Max Factor Miracle Sculpting Wand in Universal, £10.99, Boots The soft cushion applicator makes this a dream to apply (no brush required), while the ‘off’ nozzle means no risk of spilling it in your make-up bag. Burt’s Bees All Aglow Highlighter Stick in Opal, £12.99, Superdrug Shimmery without being too full-on, this is my ultimate go-to when my dull skin needs a little pick-me-up. It blends well over foundation too. Barry M Glass Gloss Illuminating Serum, £7.99, Boots If the idea of a highlighter fills you with fear, try this sheer gloss – there’s not a hint of glitter in sight. Pat on to the ‘high points’ of your face (chin, nose, brow and cheekbones) for a dewy finish.…

Arrogance oozing from every pore, he swaggered through the crowd in a floor-length fur coat and matching hat. A real eye-catching sight. It was a historic night in March 1971. World-famous boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier were due to thrash it out in a match dubbed the ‘fight of the century’ at New York’s Madison Square Garden. He splurged on fast cars and designer clothes But when notorious mob kingpin Frank Lucas made his dramatic entrance into the arena, all eyes were on him. Nicknamed the Original Gangster, Lucas boasted about taking over Harlem, having moved there from North Carolina in the 1940s. ‘I bought Harlem, I owned Harlem, I ran Harlem,’ he’d later brag. As a youngster, he claimed to have seen his cousin murdered by the Ku…