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LONDON — With its twinkling Christmas fairy lights and nostalgic array of vintage toys, the window of one London "shop" never fails to enchant passers-by.

A Punch and Judy puppet, old board games, model trains and planes, papier mache masks adorn the window of Number 43, Camden Passage in the north London neighbourhood of Islington.

Would-be shoppers intrigued by the quirky collection immediately start searching for the entrance.

But Number 43 is not a shop and nothing here is for sale -- to the huge disappointment of the excited children who press their noses up against the glass.

The adjacent blue door with its festive wreath remains firmly closed and no one answers the bell.

Sandwiched between a Chipotle Mexican grill and a jewellery store, neighbouring shopkeepers say people are forever asking where the entrance is.

In fact, the property is the former home of Bob Borzello, 88, and the window display is the result of a lifetime obsession with collecting, or "accumulating", as he prefers to call it.

"Everyone comes and says, 'Oh look at that, I wonder when they're open'," his daughter-in-law Belle Benson, 51, who recently took over the displays with her daughter, told AFP.

"People just like it, especially little children," added Borzello.

The property was once home to a poster shop where Borzello and his former wife sold pin-ups of iconic figures like Che Guevara.

Originally from Chicago, the former businessman and tabloid newspaper editor came to London in the 1960s to study at the London School of Economics.

After a short spell back in Chicago he and his now ex-wife returned to settle in London in 1967 and ran the poster shop and a print business from the property.

Accumulator

All along, however, Borzello was "accumulating" his vast collection of items picked up in antique shops and junk sales.

"The fun of it is looking around and finding it... a lot of it is just things I find interesting," he said.

A decade ago Borzello began displaying the items, and the window in the property he still owns is now something of an Islington institution.

The toy collection began with airplane models which are soon to be the subject of another themed display.

As well as toys, Borzello has accumulated lots of souvenir items from the late Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

Other collections include clocks, badges, wedding cake toppers, shop mannequins, his children's old school reports, even his old Covid tests, which he has lined up next to his phone.

The fireplace in Borzello's nearby flat is surrounded by all things green, from glass vases and ornaments to ladies' shoes, hats and necklaces.

He says he thinks he picked up the "collecting gene" from his Italian-American mother and that his children are also collectors in different ways.

"My daughter, she's a 'mudlark' and she's got her whole house filled with things that she's got from the [River] Thames," he said, referring to people who search for treasures on the shores of rivers.

His "minimalist" son, meanwhile, has "gone the other way", although he "picks up everybody else's dying plants and nurses them back to life", making him a collector of a different kind, he said.

Despite his lifelong dislike of throwing anything away, Borzello laughed when Belle revealed she recently found him "slaving over the shredder".

He admitted he was shredding his old love letters so his grandchildren can't read them after his death, although he has insisted on keeping the shreds.

"I just have a hard time getting rid of things," he said.

LONDON — Every Christmas, Brits devour about 800 million mince pies, but moves to jazz up the festive sweet treats made of dried fruit and pastry are stirring anger among purists.

It is the source of some puzzlement to the outside world that British mince pies have not in fact been filled with minced meat for centuries.

Instead, the mincemeat encased in an individual shortcrust pastry pie is a mixture of different dried fruits, chopped apples and spices soaked in spirits such as brandy and rum.

In recent years, however, home cooks and big supermarket chains have begun to experiment, putting their own twist on the pies by adding less traditional ingredients to try to tempt more adventurous palates.

Variations include topping the individual oven-baked pies with glace icing or frangipane, adding chocolate, salted caramel or even custard to the filling -- to the dismay of food writer Felicity Cloake.

"Monstrosities" is how Cloake describes such adaptations, telling AFP mince pies "are not broke and do not need fixing".

It seems palates have become "so jaded these days that we need to ring the changes and have whatever fashionable flavour is currently dominating TikTok in the pies," she said.

She said she wasn't against tweaking recipes, but that the fruit and traditional flavours should always be the star attraction.

'Contemporary twist'

Cloake said her main objections to new recipes were they added overpowering flavours and too much sweetness.

Some of her least favourite inventions included adding chocolate or Speculoos biscuits, or worst of all -- bacon.

Cloake concedes, however, that some innovations can be tasty such as the mince pies produced by London bakery Pophams.

Although she said the Pophams' version "tests" her traditionalist stance it was still "really rather good".

The bakery uses its signature croissant dough for a mince pie filled with classic mincemeat and citrus and ginger-flavoured cream.

It describes it as a blend of "nostalgic flavour with a fresh, contemporary twist".

"We have great respect for the classic shortcrust mince pie, but we believe in the power of innovation -- especially when it creates something so delicious," said creative director Lucy McWhirter.

But some mince pie traditionalists said even careful adaptations were probably "too much".

North London florist Marti Warren, 56, said additions such as chocolate or salted caramel were "my nightmare".

"Mince pies should be traditional. I don't like messing with them because they are great as they are", she said, adding that there was also a "nostalgic" element that brought back memories of "Christmases of the past".

According to Britain's National Archive, a newly discovered 17th century recipe for "minst pyes" included minced meat -- often lamb, but sometimes even beef or pork.

Deep fat fried

Retired American lawyer Andrea Lass agreed that introducing new ingredients turned "something simple and pure into something overdone and contrived".

Having developed a love of mince pies over 40 years living in Britain, she said her key criteria was that there should be a thin crust and a traditional and plentiful filling.

"Don't try to sell me on all crust and no filling because that is like all hat and no cattle as they say in Texas," she said.

With the range of "adapted" mince pies on supermarket shelves seemingly growing every year, Cloake said she was happy to be the person who puts "herself out there" to try to change people's minds.

But she had a word of warning for anyone tempted to try deep fat frying them.

Having experimented with this in the past, she said the result was "quite delicious" but not something she'd repeat.

The filling of shop-bought mince pies becomes so hot when immersed in boiling oil that it is practically "incendiary", she warned.

"Don't attempt this after a glass of sherry!" she joked.

By Jenna Tabba’
Teen Writer

Moving out of your family home and living alone for the first time is kind of a big deal. It’s a mix of excitement and nerves — it’s like a whole new adventure, but also a huge change.

Whether you’re moving to a new city or just a new place, there’s a lot to think about. And while it can feel super overwhelming at times, it’s also an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience life in a whole new way.

Here’s a guide I put together for myself to help me get ready — emotionally, mentally and practically — for living alone and starting university abroad.

I realise that I don’t need to be a gourmet chef, but knowing how to make a few simple meals will save me money and help me stay healthy. I started this year by learning some easy recipes, like pasta, stir-fry, or a simple salad.

I got into the habit of meal prepping so that I’m not eating takeout every night. Bonus: cooking is fun once you get the hang of it!

Cleaning & Organising

Living in a clean and organised space can make a huge difference in how you feel day-to-day. I always create a routine for cleaning and doing laundry. It might sound boring, but keeping my space tidy will helps me feel more in control.

Plus, no one wants to live in a messy space, trust me!

Budgeting

One of the hardest parts of living on your own is managing money. Learning how to budget, pay bills on time, and save for emergencies can be tricky, but it’s super important.

I use budgeting apps and sometimes make a spreadsheet to track my spending. Keeping an eye on your finances will help you avoid surprises when bills are due!

Living away from home can make you feel a little bit lonely or homesick at first — that’s totally normal—I’ve tried it several times during the years as I was growing up in Canada.

But remember, it’s okay to miss your family and friends.

The key is to deal with those feelings in a healthy way so you can move forward

Staying connected

Being away from home doesn’t mean I have to cut ties with everyone. I make time for regular phone calls or video chats with my family and friends

Making your space your own One way

to settle in and feel comfortable in your new home is to personalise it. Hang your favourite photos, put up some posters, or add cozy blankets and pillows.

A familiar item from home can make your new place feel a little less like a stranger’s apartment and more like your space.

Building a new support system

You don’t have to do everything on your own. Try to make new friends in your neighbourhood, or at university. Having people nearby that you can rely on will make you feel less isolated.

Plus, it’s nice to have someone to hang out with when you need a break!

Your solo start

Once you’ve figured out the basics, you can start thinking about the other parts of living on your own — like staying safe, staying healthy and being prepared for anything that comes your way.

Mastering basic repairs

You don’t have to be a handyperson, but learning how to fix small things around your house can save you time and money. I’ve been watch YouTube tutorials to learn how to unclog a drain, fix a leaky faucet, or tighten a loose screw.

These little skills will come in handy, especially when I’m on my own.

Safety first

Make sure your new place is safe. This might mean buying extra locks for your doors or windows or making sure smoke alarms are working.

For me, feeling secure in my space is important and taking a few extra steps to ensure my safety helps me relax and enjoy my independence.

Healthcare preparedness

It’s a good idea to know where the nearest pharmacy and hospital are. Keep a basic first aid kit at home and make sure you have the contact info for your doctor or any other important healthcare providers.

Being prepared for the occasional cut, bruise, or sickness will help you feel more in control.

Before you head out on your own, there’s a lot of stuff you’ll need to make sure you have. Here’s a checklist I’ve put together of things to pack and set up before I leave home:

Important documents: Make sure you have your ID, bank details, health insurance info, and any lease agreements or contracts Household essentials: Don’t forget things like kitchenware, cleaning supplies, bedding, and personal care products Basic tools: Hammer, screwdrivers and a small repair kit are must-haves Emergency contacts: Have a list of important contacts, like family, friends, and emergency services (plumber, electrician, etc.).

Embracing my independence

Living on my own is a huge mil stone. It’s my chance to set my own rules, making my own decisions and handling life on my own terms.

But with great freedom comes great responsibility, so I need to make sure to keep a balance between work, study and fun!

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

PARIS — Designs for six new stained glass windows in fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral were unveiled for the first time on Wednesday, with contemporary French painter Claire Tabouret chosen for a project intended to add a modern flourish to the 12th-century masterpiece.

The idea of replacing the windows in six chapels along the southern side of Notre Dame as part of the Paris monument's overhaul since a devastating 2019 blaze has been criticised by some conservation groups and led to an online petition.

But the Paris diocese and the French state, which is paying four million euros ($4.2 million) for the work, has pushed ahead with the idea of integrating a modern component in the rebuild desired by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Tabouret's final designs, featuring groups of people in prayer and contemplation in hues of turquoise, yellow, pink and red, are unlikely to outrage conservatives or satisfy those hoping for a daring work of modern art.

"I've read about the different opinions of people because I want to understand their arguments and also to take an approach that is open and two-way," Tabouret told a press conference at the cathedral. "I find it a fascinating debate."

She praised the idea of adding "movement to a historic building that is so well loved."

"We need to remain in movement, we need to be confident in our era and show confidence in contemporary artists," she added.

Tabouret, a 43-year-old figurative painter who lives between France and Los Angeles, will work with the specialised French stained-glass manufacturer Simon-Marq.

She beat competition from seven other short-listed artists including conceptual French painter and designer Daniel Buren and France-based Chinese portraiture specialist Yan Pei-Ming.

French architectural conservation group Sites et Monuments intends to launch a legal case seeking to block the installation of the new works.

They will replace windows that escaped unscathed in the 2019 fire and were designed by architect Eugene Viollet-Le-Duc who overhauled the cathedral in the 19th century.

They represent around five percent of the total area of stained glass in the world-renowned tourist attraction, which includes three stunning rose windows over its portals that date back to medieval times.

Notre Dame officially reopened on December 7 in a ceremony attended by world leaders, including incoming US President Donald Trump.

The new stained glass windows are set to be installed at the end of 2026, while the old ones will be taken down and either placed in a museum or in another church or cathedral, Notre-Dame reconstruction project manager Philippe Jost told reporters.

SAN FRANCISCO — Character.AI, once one of Silicon Valley’s most promising AI startups, announced on Thursday new safety measures to protect teenage users as it faces lawsuits alleging its chatbots contributed to youth suicide and self-harm.

The California-based company, founded by former Google engineers, is among several firms offering AI companions — chatbots designed to provide conversation, entertainment and emotional support through human-like interactions.

In a Florida lawsuit filed in October, a mother claimed the platform bears responsibility for her 14-year-old son’s suicide.

The teen, Sewell Setzer III, had formed an intimate relationship with a chatbot based on the “Game of Thrones” character Daenerys Targaryen and mentioned a desire for suicide.

According to the complaint, the bot encouraged his final act, responding “please do, my sweet king” when he said he was “coming home” before taking his life with his stepfather’s weapon.

Character.AI “went to great lengths to engineer 14-year-old Sewell’s harmful dependency on their products, sexually and emotionally abused him, and ultimately failed to offer help or notify his parents when he expressed suicidal ideation”, the suit said.

A separate Texas lawsuit filed on Monday involves two families who allege the platform exposed their children to sexual content and encouraged self-harm.

One case involved a 17-year-old autistic teen who allegedly suffered a mental health crisis after using the platform.

In another example, the lawsuit alleged that a Character.AI encouraged a teen to kill his parents for limiting his screen time.

The platform, which hosts millions of user-created personas ranging from historical figures to abstract concepts, has grown popular among young users seeking emotional support.

Critics say this has led to dangerous dependencies among vulnerable teens.

In response, Character.AI announced it has developed a separate AI model for users under 18, with stricter content filters and more conservative responses.

The platform will now automatically flag suicide-related content and direct users to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

“Our goal is to provide a space that is both engaging and safe for our community,” a company spokesperson said.

The company plans to introduce parental controls in early 2025, allowing oversight of children’s platform usage.

For bots that include descriptions like therapist or doctor, a special note will warn that they do not replace professional advice.

New features also include mandatory break notifications and prominent disclaimers about the artificial nature of the interactions.

Both lawsuits name Character.AI’s founders and Google, an investor in the company.

The founders, Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas Adiwarsana, returned to Google in August as part of a technology licensing agreement with Character.AI.

Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement that Google and Character.AI are completely separate, unrelated companies.

“User safety is a top concern for us, which is why we’ve taken a cautious and responsible approach to developing and rolling out our AI products, with rigorous testing and safety processes,” he added.

PARIS — The record-breaking retreat of Antarctic sea ice in 2023 has led to more frequent storms over newly exposed parts of the Southern Ocean, according to a study published on Wednesday.

Scientists know that the loss of Antarctic sea ice can diminish penguin numbers, cause ice shelves to melt in warmer waters, and impede the Southern Ocean from absorbing carbon dioxide.

But this new research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, explores another consequence: increased heat loss from the ocean to the atmosphere, and an associated rise in storms.

Since 2016 there has been a large-scale reduction in Antarctic sea ice, but nothing like 2023 when a record amount failed to reform over the winter.

For this study, Simon Josey of the UK's National Oceanography Centre and colleagues focussed on three regions that experienced unusually high levels of sea-ice retreat that year.

Using satellite imagery, ocean and atmospheric data, and wind and temperature measurements, they found some newly ice-free areas experienced double the heat loss compared to more stable period before 2015.

This was accompanied by "increases in atmospheric-storm frequency" over previously ice-covered regions, the authors found.

"In the sea-ice-decline regions, the June-July storm frequency has increased by up to 7 days per month in 2023 relative to 1990-2015."

The loss of heat caused by reduced sea ice could have implications for how the ocean circulates and the wider climate system, the study added.

Oceans are a crucial climate regulator and carbon sink, storing more than 90 percent of the excess heat trapped near Earth's surface by greenhouse gas emissions.

In particular, sea-ice retreat could mean changes in how a deeper layer of cold, dense Antarctic bottom water absorbs and stores heat.

The authors said further in-depth analysis of possible climate impacts were needed, including if sea-ice retreat could have even further-reaching consequences.

"Repeated low ice-cover conditions in subsequent winters will strengthen these impacts and are also likely to lead to profound changes further afield, including the tropics and the Northern Hemisphere," it said.

LOS ANGELES, United States — "Moana 2", the Disney sequel about the seafaring adventures of a courageous young Polynesian girl, topped the North American box office again in its third weekend out, taking in $26.6 million, according to industry estimates.

That was roughly half of last weekend's $52 million but still helped push the domestic take of the animated film to $337.5 million, along with $379 million internationally, for overall earnings surpassing $700 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported.

Hawaiian-born Auli'i Cravalho reprises her voice acting role as the titular Moana, who joins up with an unlikely crew to travel the rugged seas of Oceania to break the curse of an evil god. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson also returns to voice the hapless demigod Maui.

Universal's film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Wicked", the first in a two-part series, raked in $22.5 million in its third weekend in theatres, as it surpassed the $500 million mark globally.

Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both received Golden Globes nominations this week, giving the film an extra boost as it gains Oscar steam.

Meanwhile "Kraven the Hunter" placed a distant third, at $11 million, a "very weak opening for a new superhero film", said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

The Spider-Man spinoff, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the title role, suffered from repeated pandemic- and strike-related production delays and cost overruns and has gotten tepid reviews.

Fourth place went to Paramount's "Gladiator II", at $7.8 million. Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen star in Ridley Scott's sequel to his Best Picture Oscar-winning original.

And in fifth was Warner Bros.' anime fantasy "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim", at $4.6 million. Set long before the Peter Jackson "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, it tells the story of King Helm Hammerhand, voiced by Brian Cox, and his family as they fight an army of invaders.

LOS ANGELES, United States — A retired California highway patrolman has stumbled into possession of a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson songs — which the world may never have a chance to hear.

Gregg Musgrove, now a stay-at-home dad, procured the tapes after an associate purchased a storage unit in the city of Van Nuys that contained the recordings, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The unit had once belonged to music producer Bryan Loren -- who also worked with artists including Whitney Houston and Sting -- but whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

Inside were cassette tapes and digital-audio tapes (DAT) of 12 unreleased tracks Jackson had worked on before releasing his Grammy-nominated "Dangerous" album in 1991.

Sadly for Jackson's many fans, an attorney hired by Musgrove to contact the Jackson estate was told that the estate owns the copyright on all of the late singer's musical recordings and compositions, so they cannot be released publicly.

The estate later clarified for the Hollywood Reporter that it holds the master recordings of the recently unearthed songs in its vaults, and that "nothing commercial or otherwise can be done with the DAT copies".

Some of the songs had only been rumoured to exist, while others had been partially leaked, Musgrove told the Hollywood Reporter, but added "a couple aren't even out there in the world".

Some tapes include the voice of Jackson and apparently Loren discussing the songs and the creative process.

"To hear Michael Jackson actually talk and kind of joke back and forth, it was really, really cool," said Musgrove.

The tracks include one titled "Don't Believe It," an apparent reference to rumours about Jackson concerning sexual assault against minors. On another, "Truth on Youth", Jackson appears to engage in a rap duet with LL Cool J.

It was not clear what Musgrove might have paid his associate for the tapes, but he still stands to come out ahead.

He plans to offer the tapes to major auction houses, and buyers are expected to line up.

In 2012, Lady Gaga purchased 55 pieces of Jackson memorabilia -- reportedly including one of his crystal-studded gloves -- while a jacket he wore during his "Bad" tour sold for $240,000.

Dr Said Qabbaah,
Medical Writer &Public Health Expert

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with millions diagnosed worldwide each year.

Like many other health-related topics, prostate cancer comes with a lot of misinformation which can often lead to unnecessary fear, confusion and even delays in seeking appropriate treatment.

It is thus crucial to separate the myths from the facts to gain a better understanding of prostate cancer and how to manage it effectively.

Myth 1: Prostate cancer affects only older men

One of the most widespread myths about prostate cancer is that it only affects older men. While it is true that the risk of prostate cancer increases significantly with age, it is not exclusively a disease of the elderly.

In fact, men as young as 40 can be diagnosed with prostate cancer, particularly those with a family history of the disease or certain genetic factors. Though the incidence does rise considerably in men over 50, peaking around the age of 70 to 75.

It’s therefore vital for all men to be aware of the risk factors of the disease and know about the screening options available, especially if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family.

Myth 2: Prostate cancer always grows slowly

Another common misconception is that prostate cancer progresses slowly and is not immediately life-threatening.

While it is true that many cases of prostate cancer are slow-growing and may not cause significant harm during a man,s lifetime, this is not always the case.

Prostate cancer can, in fact, be aggressive. There are different types of prostate cancer, with their severity depending on the grade (how much the cancer cells resemble normal cells and so how likely they will grow and spread).

Another factor to consider is the stage: cancer size and whether it has spread. High-grade cancers require more immediate and aggressive treatment because of their ability to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body, potentially leading to life-threatening consequences; whereas low-grade cancers can often be managed with active surveillance.

Myth 3: If you don’t have symptoms, you don’t have prostate cancer

Many men believe that if they do not have symptoms, then they do not have prostate cancer. Unfortunately, this myth can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms such as— frequent urination, blood in the urine, or pelvic discomfort appear, the cancer may have already advanced.

Therefore, regular screenings, including the prostatespecific antigen (PSA) test among others, are essential for early detection, particularly for men at higher risk.

Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and overall health outcomes.

Myth 4: A high PSA level always means prostate cancer

The PSA test (a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer) has been the subject of much debate.

Some men believe that a high PSA level definitively indicates prostate cancer, leading to unnecessary anxiety and fear. Some also argue that the test is unreliable and leads to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other non-cancerous conditions such as an enlarged prostate, or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).

Therefore, if a male has a high PSA level, further tests are usually needed to confirm whether prostate cancer is present.

The key is to not rely solely on the PSA test to diagnose or rule out prostate cancer, but use it along with other diagnostic tools, such as a digital rectal examination, imaging and biopsy to make a more accurate diagnosis.

Therefore, while the PSA test itself is not perfect, it is still a valuable tool used for the early detection of prostate cancer.

It,s important not to jump to conclusions based on the PSA level alone.

Myth 5: Prostate cancer is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle

Some men believe that an unhealthy lifestyle, such as a poor diet or lack of exercise, is the main culprit behind prostate cancer.

While lifestyle factors can influence the risk of developing prostate cancer, they are certainly not direct causes, as the link between them and prostate cancer development is quite unclear. 

Genetics, age and race play a more significant role in the risk of developing the disease. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and avoiding smoking, can all help reduce the overall risk of cancer development and improve general health.

A healthy lifestyle is also beneficial for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, as it can support treatment and recovery.

Myth 6: If you have prostate cancer, immediate

surgery is the only option The diagnosis of prostate cancer can be frightening, leading many men to believe that immediate treatment with surgery is necessary.

However, not all prostate cancers require immediate treatment and surgery is certainly not the only effective treatment option.

Some forms of prostate cancer are slow-growing and may never cause symptoms or become life-threatening.

In such cases, active surveillance to ensure that the cancer is not progressing may be the best option, allowing the patient to avoid or delay the potential side effects of unnecessary treatment.

Additionally, there are many other treatment options available for prostate cancer if necessary, depending on the stage and grade of the disease, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preferences.

Treatment options include active surveillance (monitoring the cancer closely and opting for treatment if it progresses), radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

Surgery, specifically radical prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate), is just one of many options.

Each treatment has its own set of advantages and potential side effects, so it’s essential to consider all options and discuss them in detail with a healthcare provider.

Understanding the facts about prostate cancer is essential for making informed decisions about prevention, screening and treatment.

By debunking common myths and replacing them with facts, men can take a proactive approach to their health. Regular screenings, informed discussions with healthcare providers and awareness of personal risk factors are key components in the fight against prostate cancer.

Remember, having the right knowledge and spreading the correct information can ultimately help save lives.

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

NEW YORK — The nearly two-year-long, $2 billion Eras tour shattered records, made history and quite literally triggered earthquakes -- so what could Taylor Swift, the planet's biggest star, possibly do next?

"Taylor Swift just needs to rest, frankly," said Andrew Mall, an ethnomusicologist at Northeastern University.

It's a wholly reasonable sentiment when you look at what the megastar, who turns 35 on Friday, has accomplished, including releasing nine albums in five years alongside a concert feature film.

The career-spanning global odyssey of a tour she just staged was like nothing that came before it: 149 shows across the world that typically clocked in at more than three hours long each.

Eras tour tickets sold for sometimes exorbitant prices and drew in millions of fans, along with many more who didn't get in and were willing to simply sing along from the parking lot.

"I think she can't top it right away," Mall told AFP. "There's just no possible way she can turn around and launch something else that has as large an impact, cultural and economic."

For Kristin Lieb, an expert at Emerson College on pop, gender and branding, the question of what's next isn't even particularly fair.

"The minute you finish a marathon, or the minute you win the World Series, or the minute somebody gets tenure, you know, the first question is, what are you going to do next?" she told AFP.

"I'm starting to make sense of that as a real cultural sickness."

'Up to her' 

But in an industry that's constantly seeking what's young, new or fresh, "what's next" is nevertheless always front of mind.

The Swifties are still waiting on more "Taylor's Version" albums: Since 2021 Swift has been making good on her vow to re-record her first six studio records in a bid to own the rights to them.

She's got two left, "Reputation" and "Taylor Swift".

Swift also has the Grammys in early February to look forward to, with six nominations including three in the most prestigious categories for her latest studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department", her fifth since 2019.

At last year's gala she used her award acceptance speeches to announce that new album -- another surprise up her sleeve would surely delight fans.

But looking past "what's next" is perhaps a larger question: how does an artist define success when they're already a cultural phenomenon, awash in riches and fame?

"The good news for her is, like, she's literally the biggest star in the world, and so that is entirely up to her at this point," said Lieb.

Live albums, a Vegas residency, further extending her incredibly recognizable brand into products? Anything is possible at the House of Swift.

Years ago it was announced she had penned an original screenplay and would be making her feature directorial debut with Searchlight Pictures -- so maybe she now has her sights set on the Oscars.

Swiftie loyalty 

In any case, at this point Swift doesn't necessarily need to keep her fans constantly fed to keep them loyal.

She's fostered a community that is somewhat self-sustaining -- a contemporary, mostly online version of the fan engagement the Grateful Dead pioneered, which saw Deadheads commune in their reverence for the band.

Swifties might honour a request from their beloved to give her time and space, Lieb said -- "I do think that she's cultivated a relationship with them such that they could hear that and respect that."

The Eras tour, Mall pointed out, also bloomed from years of prolific music-making and audience-building -- so she might need time to develop more material before accomplishing another feat of that magnitude, if that's a goal of hers.

And in the mix of everyone else's expectations, Lieb said Swift might want to take a moment to consider what it is she herself wants: "What would be challenging and fulfilling for her?"

Swift does of course have a personal life, famously so: for more than a year she's been very publicly dating NFL star Travis Kelce, and might want simply enjoy herself and the fruits of her labour.

And in the grand scheme of it all, a key question remains: "Do we need Taylor Swift, or does she need us?" said Mall. "I think she doesn't need us, right?"

"And maybe we do her."