Madonna is charging fans £40 for a piece of pink cloth designed to replicate what she wears on her new album cover, Confessions II. The singer, described as unrecognisable from her former self, faces criticism for the price of the item, with questions raised about how much more money she needs.
Lib Dem leader's claim dismissed
At the Liberal Democrat conference, Ed Davey declared himself a candidate to be Prime Minister, a statement met with derision.
GP pay demands criticised
GPs have warned they could work to rule if the government does not meet their pay demands. Critics argue that any doctor working to rule is in the wrong job, noting that only one in five GPs works full time and more than a third work three days a week or less, despite earning six-figure salaries. Adding one extra day for those working three days or less could add the equivalent of 2,000 extra doctors.
Archbishop's award controversy
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, presented an interfaith award to a Muslim cleric who had praised Osama bin Laden and posed next to his wife, who wore a full niqab. This was seen as conflicting with Mullally's pledge to fight global misogyny and the oppression of women.
Burnham's booze ban plan
Andy Burnham's proposal to end the 40-year booze ban on football terraces has been criticised, with references to past pitch invasions, fighting, hospital admissions, and injured police officers. Burnham argues the ban is outdated and discriminatory, but critics point out that cricket and rugby fans never caused the same chaos.
Boots worker suspended
Pharmacy worker Maria Clarke was suspended for racism and given a final written warning after singing the Chicken Banana song at work, a tune with ten billion global views. The decision by Boots Weymouth has been condemned.
Bond markets and Harry's return
Burnham said Britain should be less in hock to bond markets, yet Britain has borrowed £77 billion from those markets since April, including £18 billion in August. Meanwhile, Prince Harry's most notable comment this week was that Archie and Lilibet like Marmite on their crumpets.
Male contraceptive pill and Sheeran critics
The World Health Organisation says a male contraceptive pill could be available in five years, but trust in men taking it is questioned. Nadiya Hussein and Charlotte Church have criticised Ed Sheeran for not using his music as a political platform for Palestine, with Hussein accusing him of crying "white tears" and Church saying he chose money over doing the right thing. Sheeran is advised to ignore the critics and continue singing.
