Boots UK

Netflix drama military drama Boots is based on the true story of gay Marine Greg Cope White

Boots, a military drama on Netflix, follows the journey of gay teenager Cameron Cope (portrayed by Miles Heizer) as he enlists in the Marines corps alongside his best mate, despite the inherent dangers.

The series is set in the harsh environment of the 1990s US Marine Corps, a time when homosexuality was still outlawed in the military. It traces the lives of Cameron and Ray McAffey (played by Liam Oh), the offspring of a decorated Marine, as they become part of a diverse group of recruits.

Together, they form unexpected friendships and discover their true identities while being pushed to their limits.

Netflix commented: “With sharp wit and plenty of heart, Boots is about friendship, resilience, and finding your place in the world – even when that world seems determined to keep you in line or leave you behind.”

Greg Cope White, a former sergeant in the US Marine Corps, served as a writer and executive producer for the series.

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He is an ardent advocate for LGBTQ+ and veteran rights, and has appeared in the PBS docuseries American Veteran and published work in the military journal Zero Dark Thirty.

Reflecting on his journey from his days in the Marine Corps, he posted on Instagram: “At 18, I illegally enlisted in the Marine Corps to find my place as a gay man in the masculine world.

“The book honours my lifelong best friend Dale, who got me through a chaotic childhood, and the Marines who took a chance on me and changed my life.

“And to send a message to others who are bullied: Bullies don’t matter. You do. Hold on.”

Greg completed six years of service with the Marines, achieving the rank of Sergeant, before relocating to New York City to pursue studies in acting and writing.

He eventually settled in Los Angeles, where he secured his breakthrough in writing through employment with Norman Lear.

The Pink Marine website details how joining the Marines represented Greg’s initial struggle, as he “has to cheat to pass the physical and then lie on the enlistment papers about his sexuality”.

The protagonists Cameron and Ray draw inspiration from Greg and his closest mate Dale, with the website outlining the dangers they both faced.

It states: “It’s insanely dangerous for both of them. But as fate would have it, the Few and the Proud turn out to be a bunch of oddballs and eccentrics – and a brotherhood is born.”

Boots is available on Netflix.

The travel experts at Which? have called out the travel health products that are a “waste of money” and have warned consumers against purchasing them ahead of a summer holiday

While many of us enjoy making the most of the good weather next to a pool or beach, jetting off during the summer holidays often costs more than it would if you travelled off-peak.

Whether it’s sticking to hand luggage or bagging a last-minute flight for less than £20, many of us are also conscious of making our money go further when planning a summer holiday, but there are certain items you could be splashing cash on that simply aren’t worthwhile.

There are, however, some things you simply can’t plan for, and that’s falling ill while travelling. Investing in some mosquito repellent to ensure you don’t spend the entire holiday scratching at them, or stockpiling on allergy medicines in local Boots might seem like an essential task to do before travelling, but it could be a waste of time and money depending on what you purchase.

While many of us want to avoid getting sick on holiday, the travel gurus at Which? have revealed the travel health products that are actually a “waste of money”, reports the Express.

In a clip shared on Instagram, the travel specialists highlighted the popular items many of us buy to ensure we feel our best before jetting off, which aren’t entirely essential and could be setting you back more than they’re worth.

Mosquito wristbands

Remembering to reapply repellent can prove tricky whilst on holiday, which explains why numerous holidaymakers opt for wristbands as an alternative. Emitting a combination of components that deter the insects, Which? warned that they’re not actually the most efficient.

Whilst it may shield your wrist or at least the upper portion of your body, the specialists noted: “You’re better off using a spray or lotion with 20% to 50% DEET on all exposed skin.”

Travel sickness bands

If you’re facing a lengthy car journey from the airport to your accommodation, or need to board a ferry, you might splash out on an anti-travel sickness band.

A type of acupressure that’s claimed to ease queasiness and nausea, the experts at Which? said: “The NHS says there’s little scientific evidence that these work and when we put them to the test at a fairground, they didn’t work either.”

Instead, they recommended buying tablets such as Kwells which contain hyoscine, a medication that prevents nausea signals.

Once-a-day sunscreen

Whilst once-a-day sunscreen may appear to be a perfect answer if you forget to reapply it, Which disclosed that they discovered a 74% reduction in protection throughout the day.

It’s safer for your skin to use sunscreen that you can reapply during the day, and you should top it up every two hours.

Branded medicines

Numerous branded medications are frequently pricier than generic alternatives available in supermarkets, despite containing identical ingredients.

Which? recommended that whilst brands such as Piriteze and Clarityn might cost you £11, supermarket alternatives of the allergy treatment typically cost under half the price, and the same principle applies to Immodium.

Search for the active component loperamide hydrochloride, and save cash by switching to an unbranded alternative.

Cheap Holiday Expert Chelsea Dickenson is always on the lookout for destinations where you can get more bang for your buck – and she thinks this city break should be on your radar

Travel guru Chelsea Dickenson is always on the hunt for ways to cut down travel costs, whether that’s finding loopholes in airline baggage fees, sharing packing tips, or swapping popular holiday spots for lesser-known destinations. Chelsea, better known as Cheap Holiday Expert, recently highlighted underrated city breaks that should be on your radar, especially if you’re looking to save a few bob without skimping on the thrill of travel.

Chelsea recently teamed up with Boots to put together ready-made bundles containing all the essentials for festivals, beach trips, and adventures so customers can get everything they need in one go, without having to shell out a small fortune.

Being a lover of a good deal, Chelsea is always scouting for destinations where her money will go further. There’s one European city Chelsea reckons is grossly underrated, despite the country receiving heaps of praise for its coastal spots in recent years.

Speaking to the Express, she said: “So one place I think should be on more people’s radar, it’s really interesting, because Albania has been getting lots more attention, but more for their Riviera…I’m saying their capital Tirana is absolutely gorgeous.”

Nestled in the heart of Albania, the capital city Tirana is surrounded by mountains and hills, including Dajti. The city was established by an Ottoman Albanian general in 1614 and became an independent nation in 1912, nearly three centuries later.

Chelsea praised Tirana as a haven for those who love green spaces, boasting numerous outdoor areas to unwind in during the sunny summer months. She suggested that when the weather is favourable, one should delve into the local cafe and restaurant scene.

Chelsea added: “They have such a brilliant cafe and restaurant culture, so there’s so many outdoor places to sit. I was getting their traditional pastries for I think 45 pence each. So you can eat super affordably.”

The city is brimming with Balkan pastries, with an Albanian local highlighting treats like borek, kadai and baklava. Another speciality to try is kompekaj, akin to the well-loved baklava.

A Tirana local offered some tips on the best culinary spots. Kernace Zgare Fatosi is the go-to for fans of kofta, breads and yoghurt.

For an extra-special experience, they recommend visiting at twilight for a truly magical atmosphere.

If you’re keen to sample some traditional Albanian cuisine, make your way to Restorant GjinoKastra for some authentic pacha – or stew – featuring some surprising ingredients… like sheep head, if that’s your cup of tea. They also suggest trying some Turkish coffee, though be warned that these coffee shops are invariably rammed.

For some cultural exploration and attractions, consider Skanderbeg Square, Kalaja e Tiranes (Tirana Castle), the New Bazaar in Pazari i Ri, and Sofra e Aruit, a bear cafe with bears within arm’s reach.

Chelsea also highlighted the city’s drinking scene, such as Blloku. To savour a tipple whilst soaking up panoramic views of the city, the rooftop at the Xheko Imperial Hotel is “amazing”.

Another perk of visiting Tirana?

The bargain flights. Chelsea flagged up the Albanian capital as one of the rare destinations where you could bag a return flight for roughly £40 during quieter periods.

A flight from London Stansted with Ryanair in September could see you fork out just £15 each way. Chelsea managed to keep costs down, spending only £100 on a three-day, two-night break in the city.

“You know, holidays are getting more expensive,” Chelsea said. “It’s one of those places that you can go and do not have to spend a fortune.”

The ready-to-go bundles will be available on boots.com containing all the essentials for festivals, beach trips, and adventures. The three bundles are £20 each, consisting of five to seven products and with savings of over £10.