A stay here should lift your spirits – and send you over the edge

Alain de Botton has put theory into practice by offering inspiring properties to rent for short breaks. Fiona Sturges visits the Balancing Barn
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The Essex factor: How Olly Murs went from X Factor reject to pop sensation

He might not have won The X Factor, but that's not stopping Olly Murs, as Fiona Sturges discovers
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A pity for Morgana that first impressions last

It’s good to take risks with new comedy talent on TV, says Fiona Sturges, but Channel 4’s latest starlet has badly misfired
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Meet and greet, hug and strip - charge a fortune

If you have the money, you can buy a photo with Justin Bieber, a cuddle with Peter Andre, dinner and a striptease from Princess Superstar. Fiona Sturges asks why acts are selling themselves
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Elton's Heroes: Brandon Flowers

The unlikely idol with the killer tunes. By Fiona Sturges
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Sick and tired of television's trailer trash

Programme-makers are ruining their shows with lengthy spoilers that give far too much away, says Fiona Sturges
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Stay the night: Merchant Hotel, Belfast

The former financial institution oozes luxury, but it needs better soundproofing, says Fiona Sturges
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Quiet please: rock gig etiquette

Talking loudly at a pop concert these days can get you reprimanded – and don't even think of spilling your beer. Fiona Sturges applauds the new etiquette
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Music biopics: For those about to rock, please don't bother

The sensational storylines are already in place, says Fiona Sturges, so why are biopics of music stars so frequently dreadful?
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Carl Barât - The likely lad cleans up

Carl Barât has an album, an autobiography, and a baby on the way. Fiona Sturges hears how he has turned turmoil into triumph
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How Scroobius Pip and Dan Le Sac went from YouTube to Newsnight

Three years ago they uploaded a £200 video to YouTube. Now Scroobius Pip and Dan Le Sac are asked to discuss the state of the nation on 'Newsnight'. Not bad for a poet and a computer nerd from Essex, says Fiona Sturges
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Janelle Monáe: Meet the new queen of pop

Obama's got her on his iPod, Prince is a fan and she's about to give Lady Gaga a run for her money in the style stakes. Interview by Fiona Sturges
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Music review: Tim Robbins and the Rogues Gallery Band

Getting bums on seats isn't the challenge when you're a hugely successful, silver-haired Hollywood actor living out your teenage dreams. It's keeping them there that's the problem.
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Mark Ronson: 'I didn't make Amy Winehouse's career. She made mine'

He's the world's most fashionable producer and the brains behind the retro-soul that spawned a million imitators. So why, wonders Fiona Sturges, is Mark Ronson so insecure?
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Book review: The Bedwetter by Sarah Silverman

Confronting taboos has been Sarah Silverman's stock-in-trade for the past 15 years. Through her stand-up routines, television shows and film appearances, the US comic has tackled subjects such as Aids, the Holocaust, rape and race with eye-watering directness.
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