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St Andrew's Day marked with fluttering Saltires and Scottish scenery in colourful Google Doodle Major rescue operation under way after police helicopter crashes into packed Clutha Vaults pub in Glasgow 'The only thing she wanted me to perceive is that she is happy': Sister reunited with alleged London 'slave' victim after more than 40 years Lee Rigby murder: Accused man Michael Adebolajo tried to justify Woolwich attack in a scrawled note Owen Paterson, his sceptic brother-in-law, and how Defra went cold on climate change

Minister for Cycling Robert Goodwill road-tests Londons cycle safety The other side of the bitcoin: Virtual currencys reach is still very limited Sex offender Leslie Whiting who breached injunction should be jailed A safe pair of hands? Edwina Currie launches egg safety code David Cameron accused of ceding ground on human rights to boost trade with China Trenton Oldfield interview: The ripples of that Boat Race stunt and how a family could be driven apart Weather wars: Met Office denies predicting three months of exceptionally cold weather amid reports of Britain's 'coldest winter ever' Tories deny seeking Big Six energy price freeze Government's new shared parental leave part of a growing global trend Selling like 'Holiday Hotcakes': Nigella Lawson's unusual social media strategy pays off 'No proof' that Nigella Lawson ever took drugs, Charles Saatchi admits in court 999 caller admits failures in dealing with choking baby call In pictures: Belgian Frigate arrives in London with WWI soil Asda stores witness Black Friday chaos as fights break out over televisions Fears for hunger striker Isa Muazu as he is deported to Nigeria In pictures: Hunterston B nuclear power station will operate until 2023 Berlusconi accused of paying off witnesses in prostitution trial Government says it is NOT backing a price freeze for the Big Six Ian Watkins: Peaches Geldof apologises for naming women claimed to be involved in abuse Argentina threatens jail sentences over Falkland Islands oil operations Ian Watkins: new leads emerge after former Lostprophets frontman's child sex conviction Gravesend man hangs himself after sickness benefits were cut Credit cards were Nigella's idea, Charles Saatchi tells assistants' trial Football match-fixing: Two men remanded in custody over allegations Unarmed. Attacked from behind. Butchered like a joint of meat: Jurors gasp as they are shown footage of Lee Rigby murder Date set for veteran BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall to face rape charges 19 more hospitals to be investigated as part of Savile probe It's sexist! Twitter users deride Samsung Woman of Steel competition Two arrested after man shot outside flats in Crawley Girlguiding report: sexism blamed as three in four girls report low self-esteem Mairead Philpott loses appeal for cut in 17-year sentence for killing six children in house fire Acid victims' families urge action from Tanzanian authorities Revealed: How British Empires dirty secrets went up in smoke in the colonies Michael Chopra reveals footballs gambling problem: 'I signed for Sunderland in order to pay my debts off' Ed Miliband outlines plan to break up Big Six gas and electricity companies and abolish energy regulator Fathers to get newborn maternity rights The real PMQs: David Cameron answers i readers' questions Exclusive: Murdered spy Alexander Litvinenko gave MI6 secret briefings about key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin Andy McSmith's Diary: The Tories new strategy: say Unite and Len McCluskey as often as possible Madeleine McCann disappearance: Public thanked for response after Crimewatch appeal

The thick of it: Is Boris Johnson right when he says that equality is impossible because some people's IQs are too low? Donald Macintyre's Sketch: And now a word from our sponsors spin included New government website to name and shame doctors over who have poor rates of dementia diagnosis Video: 'Miracle' teen comes out of coma Keeping the Litvinenko papers secret will smooth the path of one possible Putin successor David Cameron's 'u-turn on a u-turn' over cigarette packs is attempt to prevent Tories' tobacco firm links from becoming election issue Sisters embezzled almost 700,000 from Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson in globetrotting luxury spending sprees, court told Former Lib Dem minister Chris Huhne foresees 'radical coalition' with Labour and his party Private jet standing by to deport 'close to death' hunger striker Isa Muazu to Nigeria Ian Watkins: Peaches Geldof may face criminal investigation after tweeting names of women claimed to be involved in abuse Stop clowning around! Police urge public to ignore creepy clowns after sightings across UK British kickboxer Lee Aldhouse sentenced to 25 years for murder of US Marine in Thailand 'Unpleasant elitism': Nick Clegg attacks Boris Johnson's defence of greed Merry Black Friday! But are Britons ready to buy into US retailers hype? Video: Lee James in communal area Video: Murderer Lee James says he'll 'f*ck up' disabled man Bijan Ebrahimi for taking photos of him just days before he stabbed him to death Thousands of families reliant on food banks this Christmas English football match-fixing: Former Bolton striker Delroy Facey 'named' among six arrested by police over 'international illegal betting syndicate' Domino's delivery man quits after workers told to only speak English Conman jailed for stabbing Carole Waugh to death Where there's muck there's (virtual) brass: Newport man accidentally throws away hard drive needed to access 4m worth of 'Bitcoins' Lee Rigby murder trial: The four questions posed to potential jurors in case against Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale Former legal high NBOMe set to become Class A substance 'Idiots not terrorists': two cleared of endangering aircraft that had to make emergency landing at Stansted Net migration on rise despite David Cameron's pledge to cut numbers by election Video: Is this the worst parking manoeuvre in history? Transport police hunt hopeless driver who smashed into vehicles in station car park A death foretold: Vigilante Lee James warning to police days before he murdered disabled man Bijan Ebrahimi after he was wrongly outed as paedophile In pictures: PDSA Pet Fit Club helps UK's fattest pets Melanie Sykes cautioned after assaulting husband Jack Cockings Vote online the Speakers plan to revive politics

St Andrew's Day marked with fluttering Saltires and Scottish scenery in

colourful Google Doodle - Home News - UK - The Independent

The middle part of the search engine's logo has been replaced with a Scottish scene showing a loch a fisherman and various landmark structures. Click here to see pictures of more Google Doodles The image also features three fluttering Saltires blowing in the wind. St Andrew, who was a fisherman and one of Jesus disciples, is credited with preaching the word of God across Greece and Asia Minor during the 1st century. He was killed by Romans in the Greek city of Patras. He is said to have been crucified on an X-shaped cross, which would later become the Saltire symbol found in Scotland's flag. St Andrew is also the patron saint of singers, spinsters, maidens, old maids, fishmongers and women seeking to become mothers. Although mostly associated with Scotland St Andrew is also the patron saint of Romania, Russia, Ukraine and Greece. According to legend an angel supposedly told the Greek monk St Rule to take St Andrew's remains to the "ends of the earth". Removing a tooth, arm, bone, knee cap and some fingers the monk left for Scotland. He was, however, shipwrecked off the east coast where he built a chapel to house the relics. The settlement later became known as St Andrews. St Andrew's day is celebrated on the 30th November, and although it is a very old tradition - with national festivals dating back to the reign of Malcolm III (1034 - 1093) - it is only in recent times that the date was given the status of a national holiday. St Andrew's Day was first celebrated as an official bank holiday in Scotland in 2006. The day is also marked in Barbados in celebration of the country's independence. The celebration of St Andrew's day marks the beginning of the Scottish winter festivals. The celebrations culminate with Burns Night on January 25th. Google has marked St Andrew's day with a doodle since 2010.

Major rescue operation under way after police helicopter crashes into packed Clutha Vaults pub in Glasgow - Home News - UK - The Independent
Rescue teams raced to the riverside Clutha Vaults pub, where revellers were enjoying a live music gig, at around 10.30pm on Friday evening amid reports of multiple injuries. Labour's international development spokesman Jim Murphy said: I saw a pile of people clambering out of the pub in the dust. No smoke, no fire, just a huge amount of dust. I got out of my car and just tried to help people. He added that people had formed a human chain to help carry unconscious people out of the pub. I think the buildings only about 18-20 foot tall, so part of the helicopter is sticking out, but most of the helicopter is in the building. Amid suggestions that the helicopter had police markings, the Police Roll of Honour Trust tweeted: Our thoughts are with the crew of Police Scotland SP99 helicopter that has crashed in Glasgow - hoping everyone is alright.

Police confirmed two police officers and one civilian pilot had been on board the helicopter. Mr Murphy, the MP for East Renfrewshire, added: Its a horrible, horrible scene, but well done to the folk who were here. Everyone formed a chain of people from inside the pub to outside, and the fire brigade and everyone were here very quickly." Injured customers were being taken to a nearby Holiday Inn hotel. Eyewitness Wesley Shearer said on Twitter: This is unbelievable. Just spent 20 minutes pulling people out of the bar. Local ska band Esperanza are understood to have been on stage when the helicopter crashed into the roof. Fraser Gibson, who was inside the bar watching the gig, told BBC Scotland: Midway through their set it sounded like a giant explosion. Part of the room was covered in dust. We didnt know what had happened. We froze for a second; there was panic and then people trying to get out the door. A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesman could not confirm any injuries or fatalities. Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "My thoughts are with everyone affected by the helicopter crash in Glasgow - and the emergency services working tonight." First Minister Alex Salmond tweeted: "The emergency services are in full operation. Our thoughts are with everyone involved. Scottish resilience operation now mobilised."

'The only thing she wanted me to perceive is that she is happy': Sister reunited with alleged London 'slave' victim after more than 40 years - Crime UK - The Independent
Kamar Mahtum, 73, had not seen her sister, Aishah Wahab, one of three alleged brainwashing victims, since 1968 but flew in earlier this week after hearing that she had been released from what has been described as a Maoist sect. She said: I cried, first out of relief, but then out of anger and then out of frustration. She asked me, how is mum? and I said, mum is gone. She did not show any emotion at that point. She had tears in her eyes, but I think they were out of respect for me. But I had the sob of my life. The last time I sobbed like that was when I lost my mother in 1994. We could not contact Aishah to let her know because we did not know where she was. Ms Wahab left the property in Brixton alongside two other women, thought to be 57-year-old Josephine Herivel and a 30-year-old known as either Rose or Prem Davies, last month. Police said they were thought to have been held captive with what they called invisible handcuffs. They have warned an investigation and any legal proceedings could run for a year as they try to piece together what happened. Ms Mahtum was speaking to The Daily Telegraph after an emotional meet-up at an undisclosed location in the North of England on Friday. Her sister, four years her junior, was almost unrecognisable from when she last saw her in the 1960s when she was a driven student enthused by politics, Ms Mahtum said, adding that she shied away from talking about what had happened over the 30 years in which she had been missing. When I asked her about what had gone on she just clammed up, Ms Mahtum told the newspaper. The only thing she wanted me to perceive is that she is happy. Each time she said something that made me smile she would say, oh I love your smile. Dont frown, laugh, smile. Ms Wahabs alleged captors, Aravindan Balakrishnan and his wife Chanda Pattni, were also not discussed during the reunion, she said. Ms Mahtum added: She promised that after the investigation was over she would come home. As the rest of her

Ms Mahtum added: She promised that after the investigation was over she would come home. As the rest of her family I want her to come home very, very badly. I want her to know my children. I want my children to know her. Because part of her is me and part of her is in my children and I want them to recognise the similarity and the identity across the generations. I still feel emotional about it. It was a very emotional day, very revealing, but then I was contented that I got what I wanted and I can bring home the beautiful memories. The blood bonds us thickly. Forty years doesnt make much change as far as that is concerned. Mr Balakrishnan and Ms Pattni are due back before police in January.

Lee Rigby murder: Accused man Michael Adebolajo tried to justify Woolwich attack in a scrawled note - Crime - UK - The Independent
Michael Adebolajos letter, scribbled on two pieces of lined A4 paper, was addressed to my beloved children and railed against the countrys political leaders. It says that carnage in Britain is a result of oppression in our towns. He handed the letter to Amanda Donnelly Martin, who was kneeling by the body of the dead soldier, before he charged at police and was shot and injured, the court heard. The letter says fighting Allahs enemies is an obligation. It goes on: Do not spend your days in endless dispute with the cowardly and foolish if [that] will delay you meeting Allahs enemies on the battlefield. Sometimes the cowardly and foolish could be those dearest to you, so be prepared to turn away from them. It adds: If you find yourself curious as to why carnage is reaching your own towns, then know it is simply retaliation for your oppression in our towns. Many of your people are aristocrats that directly benefit from the invasion of our lands without material loss, whereas the average Joe Bloggs, working class man, loses his sons when they are killed by our brothers. When the heat of battle reaches your [underlined] local street its unlikely that any of your so-called politicians will be at risk or caught in the crossfire, so I suggest you remove them. Muslims will trade with you on fair terms but understand that the days of your international armed robbery is drawing to a close. Mr Whittam told the court that Mr Adebolajo made a number of comments after he was shot by police and was detained. I am a Muslim extremist, this may be the only chance you meet one, he told officers, the court heard. Mr Adebolajo a British citizen born in Lewisham also said that your people had gone to Afghanistan where they had raped and killed our women. I am seeking retribution, I wouldnt stoop so low as to rape and kill women, he told them, the court heard. I thank the person who shot me, because it is what Allah would have wanted. I love Allah more than my children.

Owen Paterson, his sceptic brother-in-law, and how Defra went cold on climate change - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Parachuted into the environment job 15 months ago, Owen Paterson should have had at least a dozen hot airs with his chief scientific advisor, Professor Ian Boyd. Previous environment secretaries aimed for about one a month. But in more than a year at Defra, Paterson has held just two meetings with Sir Ian. One Defra adviser described their two hot airs as cursory. The official science-based advice Paterson has received from other academic sources has also been minimal, department insiders suggest. Instead the Environment Secretary, regarded as part of the Torys hard-right countryside squirearchy, is linked to an alternative network of leading climate change sceptics that include Margaret Thatchers former chancellor, Nigel Lawson, his controversial Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF), and arch-sceptic Matt Ridley, the nephew of Lord Lawsons former cabinet colleague, Nicolas Ridley. Matt Ridley also happens to be Patersons brother-in-law.

Lord Lawsons former cabinet colleague, Nicolas Ridley. Matt Ridley also happens to be Patersons brother-in-law. Given David Camerons reported although denied desire to get rid of all this green crap, Patersons arrival at Defra last year is being seen as the beginning of a shift in Government priorities. At the time, Tory MP and environmentalist Zac Goldsmith noted that the appointment was odd, and that if the Conservatives wished to retain their green credentials, then it would have been better to appoint someone who didnt dismiss environmentalism as a left-wing issue. A year on, Goldsmiths view hasnt changed. At his partys conference in Manchester, he joked to a fringe meeting that Paterson had recently said there could be advantages to climate change. Goldsmith said : This is a huge step forward. As far as I know he previously didnt think global warming was happening. Matt Ridley has famously claimed there would be a net global benefit to human or planetary welfare from global warming up until temperatures increased 2.2C from 2009 levels. In step with his brother-in-law, Paterson has stressed the positive rather than the overall negative effects from global warming. He recently said: Remember, for humans, the biggest cause of death is cold in winter, far bigger than heat in summer. Arriving in Manchester he told a fringe meeting some good news in the global warming front, saying that a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had found there was new evidence of really quite modest increases in global temperature s. Given the specific role of Defra to protect the environment and cope with the consequences of climate change, such as flood defences,this sounded optimistic stuff from the IPCC, and a change from previous hard-line red alerts. The fringe audience heard Paterson say: I think the relief of this latest report is that it shows a really quite modest increase, half of which has already happened. They (IPCC) are talking about one to 2.5 degree. what it is saying is something we can adapt to over time and we are very good, as a race, at adapting. The full IPCC report, Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis, is over 2,000 pages, with 14 chapters that includes mathematical analysis of atmosphere and surface observations, carbon cycles, and an evaluation of climate models. To understand the document completely, one might have thought that Paterson, who studied history at Cambridge, would have needed the input of Sir Ian Boyd. Yet with so few meetings between the two and with Paterson also apparently reluctant to consult substantially with the Department for Energy and Climate Changes chief scientific adviser, Professor David McKay questions are being asked about how the ministers view is informed. In a vacuum left by absent expert scientific analysis, Paterson appears willing to trust other sources. A couple of days before the Manchester conference kicked off, Matt Ridley, offered his interpretation of the IPCC report. The Right Honourable Viscount Matthew White Ridley, to give him full title, was recently described in the Wall Street Journal as a confusionist science writer regularly engaged in epic blunder-fests of disinformation. Viscount Ridleys sister, Rose, married Paterson in 1980. Although the two branches of the family are not said to be more than usually close, Defra officials acknowledge that Paterson knows what his brother-in-law is saying on certain subjects. While it is unclear whether Paterson read his brother-in-laws scepticism in full flow in a Times comment piece in September headlined : Global lukewarming need not be catastrophic, the minister repeated what his relative wrote just a few days later in his address to party conference. Ridleys take on the IPCC report noted a 15-year standstill in temperatures; that warming has been slower than

predicted, and that temperature will rise towards the end of this century, one to 2.5 degrees, up to half of which has already happened. Professor Myles Allen from Oxford University, one of the contributing authors of the IPCC report, said Ridleys analysis was not consistent with the report at all. The reports actual prediction, if global systems continue on their current path, points to increases between 2.6 and 4.8 degrees. In any interpretation that cannot be described as modest. Ridleys misreading was mimicked by Lord Lawson, who subsequently claimed a global warming rise of 1.5 degrees was now being predicted by the IPCC. Writing in the Telegraph, Lawson questioned the IPCCs analysis and called them a discredited organisation . Ridley, who acts as an adviser to Lord Lawsons foundation, has a chequered record with scientific theories. After completing a zoology doctorate at Oxford, he wrote articles suggesting the origins of the Aids virus lay in the unforeseen consequences of a polio vaccine administered in the Congo which resulted in a monkey-to-human crossover. It was scientifically plausible, but ultimately wrong. He has been similarly challenged about the acidification of the oceans. Although he promotes himself as scientist, journalist, biologist and businessman, his part in the downfall of Northern Rock is glossed over. As the 5th Viscount Ridley, he owns the 8,500 acre Blagdon Hall estate in Northumberland. His family has held the estate since the 1700s, their wealth built ironically on coal mining. But when he assumed the chairmanship of Northern Rock in 2004 and its 300,000-a-year fee, he had little practical banking experience. When NR collapsed in 2007, Ridley was accused of developing and fostering the business strategy that led to a catastrophic loss of confidence in the bank. He has always claimed that the board was not to blame, and the collapse was a result of the unforeseen credit crunch. Although David Cameron continues to plug his greenest-ever government, Patersons move to Defra was a shock at Westminster. One former government adviser said Either Cameron didnt know of Patersons lack of green credentials, or worse, he knew exactly what he was doing. Its all there on Ridleys blog when he says: Hes my brother-in-law, get over it! In the Commons next week, Patersons credentials as an environment secretary will be tested again. The reworked Energy Bill, after changes forced by the Lords, will be back under the scrutiny of MPS. The opposition benches want greater transparency on what advice Paterson is being given. One Liberal Democrat MP said : Weve got a 1970s narrative here, when we should be looking to 2020 and beyond. The simple solution is for Paterson to open up his departments books and reveal who exactly hes taking advice from. The Independent asked both Mr Patersons special adviser and officials at Defra if he could provide a clear statement on his climate change views, and whether or not he could be described as sceptic. Mr Patersons adviser said : We have no intention of providing The Independent with any information that could be distorted. What The Independent has previously written about what he has said is disgraceful. A history of denial: Patersons opinions Any Questions, Radio 4, 12 June 2013

The climates always been changing ... I think in the Holocene the Arctic melted completely and you can see there were beaches there...The climates been going up and down but the real question which I think everyones trying to address is, Is this influenced by man-made activity in recent years? ... The temperature has not changed in the last 17 years and what I think weve got to be careful of is that there is almost certainly ... some influence by manmade activity but I think weve just got to be rational and make sure the measures that we take to counter it dont actually cause more damage. In response to IPCC report on climate change, 29 September 2013 People get very emotional about this subject and I think we should just accept that the climate has been changing for centuries. Remember that for humans, the biggest cause of death is cold in winter, far bigger than heat in summer. It would also lead to longer growing seasons and you could extend growing a little further north. I think the relief of this latest report is that it shows a really quite modest increase [in temperatures], half of which has already happened. They are talking one to two-and-a-half degrees.

Minister for Cycling Robert Goodwill road-tests Londons cycle safety - Home News - UK - The Independent
Only the two Department of Transport aides cautiously pedalling behind on his hour-long tour of the capital gave any hint that Robert Goodwill MPs journey was in fact a ministerial fact-finding cycle, not a daily commute. Speaking at a debate on cycling safety in Westminster Hall on Tuesday, Mr Goodwill had promised to take his Brompton on a ride from Kings Cross to Westminster on Friday to get a feel for Londons best and worse cycling infrastructure after a month which saw six cyclists killed on the capitals roads, in addition to two other cyclists killed in Yorkshire and Chesire. The Independent wasnt invited, but set off to ride the route and speak to those who cycle the roads every day to see what they think should be the ministers priorities. There was no sign of Mr Goodwill at the start of morning rush-hour at Kings Cross, where a cyclist was killed in 2011. Two Metropolitan Police officers monitoring traffic had seen nothing unusual. They were there as part of Operation Safeway, which in response to cycling deaths has seen 2,500 police officers take to the capitals streets and issue 1,392 fixed penalty notices to drivers and 755 to cyclists in three days. With no sightings of Mr Goodwill at the controversial Bow roundabout where 24-year-old Russian tech entrepreneur Venera Minakhmetova was killed this month The Independent cycled on to the centre of town. Peter Dickinson, 54, who works near the Houses of Parliament said: Tell him to stop local authorities picking on cyclists. We need to enforce the existing laws of the road on all road users, not just cyclists. Annie Rennie, a cyclist in Westminster, agreed. Its impossible, she said. There isnt enough room for proper cycle lanes in London, so we just all have to be responsible for our own safety. Intercepted as he arrived at College Green by the Houses of Parliament, an ever-so-slightly out of breath Mr Goodwill said that his route had been an eye opener and would have been a baptism of fire for someone cycling in the capital for the first time. The minster himself cycles from Waterloo Station to Westminster when he is in Parliament and says he has a passion for cycling. He said: I didnt feel in danger at any time I do cycle in London but I think if I was a London cycling virgin I would have been a little bit nervous possibly. When we came out of Kings Cross, we got on to some quite good segregated routes. But other areas are not so good. Yesterday evening hundreds of cyclists joined a die-in at Transport for London headquarters in Southwark, calling

for Dutch levels of cycling funding and a peak time ban on vehicles, such as HGVs, whose drivers cannot see adjacent roadusers. Mr Goodwill added: Were spending a shedload of money on cycle safety but it needs to be spent intelligently. He promised to cut red tape from Department for Transport tomes governing junctions to make roads more responsive to the needs of cyclists.

The other side of the bitcoin: Virtual currencys reach is still very limited News - Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
But on Saturday the din on the east London thoroughfare will be punctured by hosannas from believers in a future of digital and financial liberation. Investors, academics, political radicals and, of course, internet geeks will gather in Shoreditch for a bitcoin expo. The audience will hear from a host of speakers how the digital medium of exchange is growing in scale and scope. Some will even present the bitcoin as the future of finance, pointing out that it is quicker and more independent than other, conventional, forms of payment. The timing is good. On Wednesday the value of a bitcoin breached $1,000 on an exchange in Japan. The cyber money, created five years ago by a mysterious programmer (or programmers) using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto has been on quite a run. Earlier this month each coin (in reality they are a stream of digital data held on an individuals computer hard drive) was worth just $215. Bitcoin aficionados have the bit, so to speak, clamped tightly in their teeth and they are driving up the value of their favourite money. The authorities are beginning to notice. At a Washington Senate Committee hearing earlier this month the FBI conceded that online, stateless currencies such as the bitcoin are a legitimate financial service. The outgoing chief American central banker, Ben Bernanke, has said that such forms of cyber payment may hold long-term promise. But can this internet money truly become a new global currency, as some of its more zealous supporters claim? Is the bitcoin really the shape of our financial future? It helps to go back to the economics textbooks. They describe three traditional defining features of a viable currency. First, it has to be a practical unit of account. Second, it must be a reliable medium of exchange. Finally, it must be able to serve as a store of value. So how does a bitcoin measure up? Assets and services can certainly be priced in Bitcoins. But its not simple since the value of a bitcoin varies from exchange to exchange. This is because it is still difficult to swap the currency for ordinary cash. The process involves using banks in different countries, which charge varying fees. Is the bitcoin a medium of exchange? Up to a point. They are accepted by a growing number of internet vendors. They are encroaching on the offline world too. One can pay for pizza in the Netherlands with them. In America, hundreds of vendors joined a bitcoin Friday yesterday, selling items from plane tickets to Christmas trees in exchange for the cyber cash. A bitcoin cash machine was installed in Vancouver, Canada, last month. Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic says it will accept them as payment from people booking its forthcoming space flights. But, as of yet, one cannot pay for a copy of The Independent in Bitcoins. You cant pay your taxes in Bitcoins, or use them to buy groceries. For now, at least, the currencys reach is still very limited. Finally, is the bitcoin a store of value? This is the biggest, and perhaps insurmountable, barrier. Devotees of the currency, particularly those on the libertarian right, cherish the fact that there is (or rather will be) a fixed stock of Bitcoins in circulation. The total number is set to top out at around 21 million, thanks to the Nakamoto algorithm that created them. This, we are told, means the bitcoin cannot be debased by corrupted central banks or greedy governments intent on creating ever more cash to finance their own excessive spending. But the currency has, nevertheless, been subject to large fluctuations. In April the value plummeted from $260 to $130 in a matter of hours. This raises the question of how many people will be happy to store their wealth in a currency that can lose half its worth so rapidly.

worth so rapidly. The fixed supply of Bitcoins is also likely to make them unattractive to mainstream finance. What most investors crave is liquidity. Governments and central banks provide that liquidity in times of financial-sector stress. The fact that there is no central bank for the Bitcoin, capable of being a lender of last resort, is likely to put a ceiling on its growth possibilities. Another threat is the dubiousness of some bitcoin users. The traceless cyber currency is, understandably, popular with people who want to evade oversight from the authorities. Bitcoins were used on the Silk Road website, which acted as an anonymous clearing house for guns and drugs, until it was shut down by the authorities. The currency is also said to be popular on the so-called dark net, which, among other things, facilitates the trade of child-abuse imagery. Bitcoin users sometimes claim they are self-sufficient and have bypassed the need for governments. But that selfsufficiency is an exaggeration. The physical computer servers and the telecoms infrastructure that makes the online currency system possible could be relatively easily targeted by states if they were ever to perceive the bitcoin as a facilitator of large-scale money laundering or other crime. Thats another reason to be wary about tying up your wealth in them. The irreversibility of transactions is another danger. Once a bitcoin is spent it cannot be retrieved, even if it has been stolen. A British man who accidentally sent his hard drive to the landfill site lost 4m worth of Bitcoins. People who fail to back up their computers sometimes discover they have lost their money for good. Theres no way of getting it back, no monetary authority to which to appeal. All of that, arguably, makes the bitcoin a rather precarious store of value. Throughout history, economists noticed that when new coins were introduced whose face value was higher than the value of the metal from which they were made, the public tended to stash away the older, more valuable money and to use the new coins for exchange. The bad money tended to drive out the good. This became known as Greshams Law, after the Tudor financier Sir Thomas Gresham. But in the case of the Bitcoin, Greshams axiom could be reversed. The bad elements of this money might end up confining it to the margins. Dont expect that to dampen the enthusiasm on Brick Lane though.

Sex offender Leslie Whiting who breached injunction should be jailed Crime - UK - The Independent
Leslie Whiting, who was convicted in 2009 of grabbing another female a vulnerable teenager in a park and performing a sex act, is accused of making repeated phone calls to the woman and coercing her into visiting his home, in breach of injunctions issued by the Court of Protection. He was made the subject of a series of court orders between 2011 and this January barring him from contacting his former girlfriend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, following evidence that she had suffered domestic violence at their home in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Established six years ago, the Court of Protection is responsible for ruling on behalf of individuals who lack the ability or mental capacity to make informed decisions about their lives. The court has been accused of secrecy and making too many of its decisions behind closed doors. The criticism has prompted an acknowledgement from its senior judge Mr Justice Charles that the court needs to place more of its rulings and proceedings in the public domain. While Court of Protection judges are used to making rulings on difficult subjects to safeguard vulnerable people, it is unusual for it to be asked to consider imprisoning someone for breaching its orders. In proceedings brought by Peterborough City Council, Whiting, 54, is accused of having pestered and coerced his

In proceedings brought by Peterborough City Council, Whiting, 54, is accused of having pestered and coerced his ex-girlfriend, who now lives in local-authority care, into seeing him last year despite an injunction banning him from all communication with her. Mary Lazarus, for the counsel, told the court that the pair had been a couple for three years until 2008 but the relationship then fell apart and Whiting had subsequently been in contempt of court by repeatedly calling the woman and eventually persuading her to visit his home. While the former girlfriend has the capacity to consent to sexual relations, she lacks the ability to work out with whom she should be having such contact, the lawyer added. Whiting has refused to co-operate with the proceedings against him and was not present in court. The judge, Mr Justice Hayden, said he would rule on the case next week but added he expected to criticise the local authority for glaring deficiencies in the way the case against Whiting had been presented.

A safe pair of hands? Edwina Currie launches egg safety code - UK Politics UK - The Independent
Twenty-five years ago, her name was enough to render any poultry farmer splenetic when, by campaigning about the dangers of salmonella, she caused the biggest dip in UK egg consumption since the Second World War. However, her new role as a promoter of the British Lion makes sense since no one has ever made more waves campaigning about safety standards in the egg industry. Anxiety over salmonella came to a head on 3 December 1988 when junior Health minister Ms Currie told ITN News: Most of the egg production in this country, sadly, is now infected with salmonella. Consumers interpreted this as most eggs rather than most egg production. Consumption dropped 50 per cent almost overnight, 400 million eggs were dumped and four million birds culled. Ms Currie became so well known that many people, wrongly, assumed she must be a Cabinet minister. Her comments prompted a furious backlash, with the British Egg Industry Council threatening to sue, and Tory MPs from farming constituencies demanding her resignation. She quit on 16 December, and never returned to government. She was offered a middle ranking post by John Major in 1991, but rejected it. A decade later, she revealed that she and Mr Major were former lovers and she felt betrayed that she was not offered a Cabinet job. After losing her Commons seat in 1997, she carved out a career in radio and as an author of political pot-boilers. She has always defended her role in the salmonella furore. Recently, she said: I was worried that by the following summer, 1989, we would have our hospitals full of seriously ill people, so I went public ... I never said Dont eat eggs. The scientific advice was that they were all right if you cooked them. The following week, six million people did not buy eggs and all hell broke loose. Do I have any regrets? No I dont, because I was more worried about the health of people than of chickens.

David Cameron accused of ceding ground on human rights to boost trade with China - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
The Prime Minister is due to fly to Beijing next week with the one of the largest business delegations ever assembled for a three-day trip to boost economic co-operation. But despite scheduled meetings with both President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, Mr Cameron is not expected to raise directly the issues of Tibet and human right abuses. Instead he will seek to rebuild bridges with Beijing and assuage the Chinese anger that followed his decision last year

Instead he will seek to rebuild bridges with Beijing and assuage the Chinese anger that followed his decision last year to meet the Dalai Lama when he was in London. We have turned a page on the Dalai Lama issue, said a Downing Street source yesterday. This visit is forwardlooking. It is about the future and how we want to shift UK-China relations up a gear. Mr Camerons stance towards China is in stark contrast to the position he took with Sri Lanka during the recent Commonwealth summit at which he said his visit would shine a global spotlight on human rights abuses and is an open recognition that there is an economic and political price to be paid for angering the autocratic Chinese leadership. After Mr Camerons meeting with the Dalai Lama in May last year, Beijing cancelled a planned visit by the Prime Minister and summoned the British ambassador to protest that the meeting had seriously interfered with Chinas internal affairs. Since then the Government has strenuously sought to rebuild ties and banned two ministers from having a private lunch with the Tibetan leader in the summer. But the British position has been condemned by human rights groups, who said the Chinese government was masterminding an escalating crackdown on activists and critics of Mr Xis administration. The Foreign Offices most recent annual report on human rights and democracy listed China as a country of concern. It stated: The use of unlawful and arbitrary measures to target human rights defenders included enforced disappearance; house arrest; restrictions on freedom of movement, communication and association; extrajudicial detention and harassment of family members. Some former diplomats have also questioned the new British approach. Rod Wye, former head of the Asia Research Group at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said that it was important to maintain and protect our values when dealing with China. It should not all be about the good bits, but the bad bits as well. It is important that we speak about our differences, he said. Kerry Brown, an associate fellow at Chatham House and former British diplomat, told the Financial Times: The whole situation has been poorly handled 18 months ago Mr Cameron was the great defender of human rights speaking truth to China and saying the UK will act on principle. Now it seems to be about business and nothing else. Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch, said Mr Cameron had to show he was willing to raise difficult issues with the Chinese. China thinks that a combination of money and threats can ensure the silence of UK politicians. George Osbornes excruciating visit last month was a real humiliation for Britain. Mr Cameron needs to restore our pride. China is not a rock: it does change and it will change its policy on Tibet if world leaders have the courage to hold it to account. Mr Cameron stands up for human rights in Sri Lanka and the right of self-determination in the Falklands. This is his chance to show China and the world that Britain stands up for justice everywhere. A poll commissioned by the campaign group Free Tibet found that nearly 70 per cent of people believe that protecting human rights in Tibet is more important or as important as maintaining good trade relations with China. Mr Camerons stance towards Chinas human rights record is likely to be similar to that of George Osborne. Asked in October, he said: We have to respect the fact that it is a deep and ancient civilisation that is tackling its own problems and going about it in the way it thinks is appropriate. We can point out where we would do things differently, but I think we do need to show some respect for that.

Trenton Oldfield interview: The ripples of that Boat Race stunt and how a

family could be driven apart - Home News - UK - The Independent

Then, in April 2012, he did something that seemed to wipe the slate clean. In the name of protest, he put on a wetsuit, swam out into the middle of the Thames and ruined the Boat Race. The idea was to make a point about the cultural dominance of Oxbridge and the perils of elitism, but that seemed to get lost in the fuss. The consequences were clear enough, though: Oldfields actions earned him seven weeks in prison. Oldfield, 37, is not seen as wicked, exactly, but he is often portrayed as a fool: thoughtless, selfish, helplessly puffedup and vain. He also has a bit of a habit of saying and doing things that make his enemies work easier. A Movemberish moustache worn all year round may not help. He is, accordingly, cautious about describing himself as good. Ive never thought about it that way, he shrugs. You just do that work because thats who you are. Especially coming from a privileged background like I do. What else would I be doing? The question of Trenton Oldfields character is not an abstract one. In fact, it will decide his fate. Earlier this year, the Home Office examined his application for a spousal visa, and ruled that his presence in the country was not conducive to the public good, thereby consigning him to deportation. In 10 days time a tribunal will hear his appeal against that decision. And if the judge agrees with the Home Office, Oldfield will be separated from his British wife and daughter and sent back to Australia. Us being separated Oldfield says, his eyes flicking to his wife, who is feeding their daughter on the sofa next to him. Their little girl is, ironically, one of the few good things to have come out of the whole saga. My daughter wouldnt exist, probably, if it werent for the trial, he says, before suddenly turning bashful as Naik breaks into peals of scandalised laughter. Well, its true! he goes on. You know, the trial, the stress or whatever, the closeness If Oldfield were sent home, his criminal record would mean that his prospects of successfully sponsoring his family for a visa would be slim. At pains though he is to point out that the situation is far worse for others without his access to legal support or publicity, he is nonetheless plainly shell-shocked. When we got the news, I thought, Its a technical error. Theyll find out we have a baby, theyll fix it. But that hasnt happened. Its really big. You only have one life, right? Its not like resitting an exam. You only get one shot. Having previously been advised by Border Agency officials that his case did not meet the threshold for deportation, Oldfield and Naik are braced for the worst. The whole process has taught us not to be optimistic, Naik says. They told him there was nothing to worry about. And then this came. It is a turn of events that has struck others, too, as draconian and, amid the UKs regular complaints about human rights abuses overseas, not without irony. Stephanie Harrison, the QC who will represent Oldfield at his tribunal hearing, points to the much-maligned Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, on the right to family life not of a foreign national but of two British citizens, one of them not born when the offence took place.

The Oxford crew look on as protester Trenton Oldfield swims in the water in April 2012 (Getty) Harrison says: In 20 years, Ive never seen a case of someone with a six-month conviction for a public order offence being tested over the public good. Theres no precedent. If you balance this one instance against his long residence and the positive contribution hes made, and the fact that hes got an established relationship, and a British wife and child, its grossly disproportionate. Rushanara Ali, the couples Labour MP, agrees. He committed his offence, he served his sentence, she says. I dont condone his behaviour. But this will have a really detrimental affect on their right to family life. Their life is here in Britain. The Home Office refused to comment beyond a boilerplate statement that those who come to the UK must abide by our laws. But Harrison wonders if the move may be related to what she deems a pathological obsession with Article 8 on the Governments part. It certainly feeds into their current mania. They used to treat family life as a cornerstone. These are two British people. How can their family life not be worth a candle because their partner is foreign? For a couple accused of selfishness, treachery and a radical disregard for the British way of life, Oldfield and Naik are strikingly well-mannered. When I arrive at their home in a block of council flats, they offer me a smorgasbord of Indian sweets and as much tea as I can drink. They are scrupulously attentive to each other and their baby, and they both speak so softly that sometimes I have to strain to hear. This gentleness seems to sit alongside a kind of deliberate naivety, a refusal to listen to their own words with the ears of a more cynical world: for a couple who have been repeatedly burnt by the media, they are remarkably willing to say things that could result in their ridicule. (I am quite at a loss, for example, when Oldfield tells me the cultural significance of bankers preference for pink shirts in 2006.) Perhaps all this is a survival strategy. I know who I am, Oldfield shrugs. Deepa knows who I am. My daughter will know who I am. I hope in the end the media thing will catch up with who I really am, but its what the people close to me think that matters. The couple met at a political meeting hosted by a mutual friend. Oldfield introduced himself and, not getting anywhere, introduced himself again the next week. Finishing each others sentences as they tell this story, their mutual affection is obvious. All the same, the strain of the past 18 months is visible. Oldfield cant sit still, moving around and in and out of the room as he speaks; both say the demands of a new-born baby mean they could fall asleep anywhere. Does Naik ever resent her husband who did not consult her before his protest swim? She shakes her head. I would support anyone who would peacefully protest against injustice. You werent that supportive on the walk home! Oldfield laughs. Naik looks a bit guilty at the reminder of a tiff. Well, its just taking up so much of our time, she says. We have so much to do. I wish it didnt dominate our lives so much. Oldfield, for his part, struggles with the weight of responsibility for such a potentially cataclysmic split. I feel as if Ive trained a gun sight on my family, he says. Their finances, meanwhile, are in a parlous state. Their income from the small publishing house and festivals business that they left their jobs to run together has fallen since they became so absorbed by the deportation case a bitter irony given that so much has been written about Oldfields privileged status since his famous swim. When he was identified as the protester, many newspaper reports focused on his education at an expensive Australian boarding school and at the LSE, where he took an MSc in contemporary urbanism. Those credentials, it was suggested, rather undermined his anti-elitist beliefs. But in fact, Oldfield transferred out of his school at 16 in disgust at how it was mass-producing yuppies. I dont take anything, he says defensively. My mother paid a library fine so that I could graduate, and thats the only thing since I was a teenager. (Although back in contact now, the family have been more or less estranged for a decade, Oldfield says.) As for the LSE, he went there on a scholarship that paid all his tuition, Naik says. He worked full time to support himself through it. Money is incredibly difficult, Oldfield says. We live a very, very basic life. Weve been disciplined for a long time

Money is incredibly difficult, Oldfield says. We live a very, very basic life. Weve been disciplined for a long time weve had two holidays in seven years. Thats the price of leaving well-paid jobs to do something where we knew we would be together and we knew we would be doing work we were interested in. Anonymous help with the legal fees has, as a result, been essential. Oldfield also has cause to be grateful to the more than 100 people who have written letters testifying to his good character, among them an Old Etonian academic. That, the couple say, has been a humbling experience. You normally only get to hear those things at a funeral, Naik says. Her husband adds: Having previously been in supportive roles of other people, I feel awkward asking people for their support. Its such a curious thing to hear nice things. I know a lot about what the people who hate me think, but I didnt know what the ones who like me would say. What the judge might want them to say, I suggest, is that this is a good man who made one uncharacteristic mistake. At this, though, Oldfield demurs. As he speaks, his wife is trying to soothe their daughter by giving her spoonfuls of mint tea. I cant say that I regret the protest, he says firmly. This idea that I should say that I feel sorry for it because now its affecting my family But its the authorities who did that. And if I say I regret it, what was the point? What would it all have been for?

Weather wars: Met Office denies predicting three months of exceptionally cold weather amid reports of Britain's 'coldest winter ever' - Home News UK - The Independent
A number of newspapers this morning published articles warning of a 'killer three month freeze' that is expected to hit Britain in days. The reports also warned that the winter could be one of the 'worst in history'. The reports cited a Met Office three-month contingency plan that states: Indications are that December will most likely be colder than average. For December-January-February as a whole uncertainty is quite large but below-average temperatures are more likely than above-average." But also quotes forecasters other than the Met Office suggesting that this winter could see record breaking cold weather. In a blog posted today the Met Office sought to distance themselves from the report and explain once again why three month forecasts are not accurate. The furthest afield they can forecast is 30 days - but stressed that if there is any sign of significantly cold weather, they will update the information given to the public accordingly. The Met Office blog post said of its most recent outlook: "Currently it says that after today, we'll see settled weather and fairly normal temperatures into December 1 before the chance of some colder, more changeable weather towards the end of the week. This may last a few days before giving way to milder and unsettled weather. "For the mid to latter part of December, there are indications that temperatures are likely to remain near or slightly below average for the time of year, but otherwise fairly normal conditions for early winter are most likely." In a previous blog the Met Office explained the complexities related to providing detailed forecasts over the longterm. The blog explains that our weather is a "classic example of what is known as a chaotic system" being influenced as it is by a range of tiny factors that could have a huge impact. They quoted one scientist as saying "one flap of a seagull's wings could change the course of weather forever". Hence atmospheric 'chaos' means that long range forecasting is paritcularly difficult. The blog goes on to state: "Speculative forecasts appearing in the media and claiming to accurately and definitively forecast UK weather months ahead are therefore doomed to failure when analysed over a long period of time." Despite various experimental methods aimed at long-term forecasting it remains an inexact art. As for this winter the Met Office is saying that as things stand, December is set to be "fairly normal".

Met Office is saying that as things stand, December is set to be "fairly normal".

Tories deny seeking Big Six energy price freeze - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Downing Street and the Treasury denied the claim but it threw the Government on to the defensive as it finalised a package to cut gas and electricity bills to be announced in George Osbornes autumn statement on Thursday. Ministers hope the reduction will be worth about 50 a year. But industry sources claimed that, in private talks with the big six energy firms, the Government sought assurances that they would not wipe out the benefit by raising their charges. Unless there was an unexpected rise in wholesale energy prices, the sources said, ministers wanted to see charges pegged until mid-2015 after the general election in May that year. That would mean a freeze of about 18 months, very similar to the 20-month freeze offered by Mr Miliband, which the Government has dismissed as a con. The Government blamed the embarrassing setback on a misunderstanding. They said the firms were being asked about the impact of switching some green and social levies from energy bills. David Cameron said: I want to help households and families by giving getting sustainably low energy prices. The only way you can do that is by increasing competition and rolling back the costs of some of the levies on peoples bills. I said thats what we were going to do. That is what were going to do, and I think thats a very positive step forward. He insisted: "Thats worlds away from making a vague promise on something you might do in 20 months time, with no idea about how youre going to do it. Thats a con. What were dealing with is real policy that can make a real difference." But Labour claimed the Government was a shambles because it had no defining purpose other than being in power. Mr Miliband said: What we now know is that while David Cameron has in public been opposing an energy price freeze, in private he has been pleading with the energy companies to get him off the hook. "This is a weak and flailing Prime Minister. What Britain needs is Labour's strong, credible plan that we're publishing today to freeze energy prices until 2017 and reform a broken energy market so it properly works for business and families." Mr Osborne may reduce bills by introducing the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme, which provides free insulation to low income households, over four years rather than two. The warm homes discount, which cuts annual energy bills by 135 for pensioners and vulnerable groups, is likely to be funded from general taxation. He may also bring down the cost of transmitting energy. Angela Knight, chief executive of Energy UK which represents the big six, said the firms only controlled about 20 per cent of the bills consumers face, with the rest down to wholesale costs and levies.

Government's new shared parental leave part of a growing global trend - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
The first is to encourage the greater participation of fathers in caring for their children. The second is to reduce the penalty suffered by women in lost earnings and career prospects as a result of taking long periods away from the workplace. Britain has long occupied the bottom tier of the international league tables for earnings-related post-natal leave along with other English speaking countries, and nations including Russia and Switzerland. Under proposals announced this week, couples will from April have the right to share 50 weeks of leave with two

weeks being reserved for the mother to allow the recovery from birth. Although some employers offer more generous terms, the first 39 weeks will be paid at the statutory minimum either 136.78 or 90 per cent of salary whichever is the lowest. The remainder will be unpaid. Rosalind Bragg of campaign group Maternity Action said that despite the perception that Britain had generous rights for parents it did not compare particularly favourably with many other countries. An effective system of shared parental leave is essential to gender equality. It means that fathers as well as mothers can be primary carers and for both to be able to take extended time out of the work place, she said. The decision to allow mothers and fathers to share their time off is part of a growing international trend towards sharing parenting rights. Many governments are either making time-off transferable between parents or designating specific periods for either the mother or father, according to the latest edition of the International Review of Leave Policies and Related Research 2013. The reports author Professor Peter Moss of the Institute of Education, University of London, said the UK system had been poorly designed in the 1970s and not been effectively reformed. The general picture internationally is that if you are serious about fathers sharing leave there has to be a period for fathers only and it has to be well paid, he said. The Review found wide levels of variability between countries. United States Whilst there is no statutory right to parental leave the federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides for unpaid authorised absence for a number of reasons including child birth and care. However some states, including California and New York provide partial compensation during these periods of approximately half earnings. Norway Generous parental leave provision has helped drive up the number of fathers taking time off around the birth of a child from four per cent in 1997 to 70 per cent today. Parental money may either be taken for 47 weeks at full earnings or for 57 weeks at 80 per cent of earnings, up to the equivalent of around 55,000. Nine weeks are reserved for the mother and 12 for fathers with the rest shared although in practice this is overwhelmingly taken up by female parents. Italy Each parent is entitled to six months non-transferable leave. Total time off is limited to 10 months per family and parents receive 30 per cent of earnings for the period. Mothers are required to take four weeks off before the birth and four months afterwards. Father must take one day off at full salary. Italy has recently introduced a voucher system for new mothers which can be claimed in place of parental leave. Australia Eligible new mothers and fathers can take up to 12 months off work unpaid with a further year off with an employers agreement. Payments are made at the national minimum wage of around 340 a week. Dad and Partner Pay which came into force this year will provide eligible working fathers or partners, including adopting parents and parents in same-sex couples, with a further two weeks of benefits. Japan Woman are entitled to 14 weeks paid at two thirds of their salary although there is no statutory right to paternal leave. Parents are allowed to share time off up to the first 14 months of their childs life. The Government pays 50 per cent of earnings up to 1,358 per month.

Brazil Up to six months maternal leave and a maximum of 10 days paternal leave although this paid at 100 per cent of salary. No parental leave arrangements

Selling like 'Holiday Hotcakes': Nigella Lawson's unusual social media strategy pays off - Crime - UK - The Independent
Comforting recipes are not the conventional weaponry of a celebrity PR war, but the TV cook has reacted to the traducing of her public reputation on the newspaper front pages by tweeting about eggnog, pumpkin and chicken nuggets. Holiday Hotcake was one offering to her half a million followers this week, just as Isleworth Crown Court was hearing claims by her ex-husband Charles Saatchi that she was a habitual criminal who used so much cocaine that he called her Higella. The recipe for the warming, welcoming pud was dedicated to those showing support for #teamnigella. That was a reference to the crucial ingredient in her otherwise low-profile PR strategy.Team Nigella has been a nimble deployment of Ms Lawsons large network of famous friends and army of viewers and readers. I know and adore Nigella and just cant bear the vilification shes getting, commented Twitter heavyweight Stephen Fry, dutifully using the hashtag. Jemima Khan, also using the hashtag, dryly noted that if there was ever a harmful charlie addiction, it was only to Saatchi himself. Comfort food and kind words on social media can only do so much, however. In the press, Ms Lawson has been torn to pieces. Nigella: The Habitual Criminal, reported the front page of the Daily Mail, while The Sun splashed with Higella, quoting the term coined by Mr Saatchi, one of Britains most successful advertising copywriters. The art collector likes to take control of his own PR and enjoys strong connections in the press. Danny Rogers, editor of Campaign magazine and former editor of PR Week, noted the ferocity of the press coverage. The reaction suggests she doesnt have many friends in the tabloids. They seemed to be quick to gun for her and she has been absolutely destroyed over what is just an allegation. She will be hoping for a public backlash against Saatchis apparent aggression, he said. The story has emphasised the impact of a paparazzi photograph and also exposed its limitations. Back in June, when the Sunday People pictured Ms Lawson being held by the throat by Mr Saatchi outside Scotts restaurant in London, the story was of the TV chef as a victim of domestic violence. This week, the press has focused on another photograph from the same set of 355 pictures captured by the picture agency JG Photos. It shows the art collector holding his wifes nose. The photographer, known as Jean-Paul, said that he felt the pictures had new resonance following the drug allegations. When we originally looked at those pictures they showed domestic abuse but its hard to ascertain what was said at that table, he said. Ms Lawson is being advised by her sister Horatia and her long-standing PR manager Mark Hutchinson, who has represented her since 1998. Mr Hutchinson is credited with having played a major role in developing the cooks career as a writer and

broadcaster with her television company making profits of 2.4m in the year to August 2012. But his company Mark Hutchinson Management, which lists JK Rowling and author Andrea Levy as its other key clients, is primarily a literary PR firm, rather than a specialist in crisis communications. When the throttling picture was published, Hutchinson is said to have asked Mr Saatchi to apologise and admit he was ashamed. Instead, Saatchi complained in a statement given to the Mail on Sunday that his wife had been advised to make no public comment defending his reputation. And in court, Saatchi stated that despite the claims in his widely-reported private email to Nigella he had never seen any evidence of his former wife taking drugs. The public spat may have boosted newspaper circulations, but it has helped neither of the protagonists. Alan Edwards, the founder of the Outside Organisation, which has represented both David Bowie and the Beckhams, said: This weeks revelations might engender some sympathy for Saatchi but there are no winners in this battle, especially Nigella, who is more dependent on the support of the public.

'No proof' that Nigella Lawson ever took drugs, Charles Saatchi admits in court - Crime - UK - The Independent
The millionaire art dealer was giving evidence in the trial of two of the then couples former assistants who are accused of embezzlement. Italian sisters Francesca, 35, and Elisabetta Grillo, 41, allegedly spent 685,000 living the high life using company credit cards loaned to them by Mr Saatchi and Miss Lawson, who divorced earlier this year. Mr Saatchi told Isleworth Crown Court: Im utterly bereft that this private email to Nigella has come back to haunt us both. The stories that the Grillos were parading were that Nigella had a severe cocaine habit that stretched back a very long time for the entirety of our marriage. What I was speculating here was that the Grillos would use this as a defence. The Grillos, both of Bayswater, west London, deny the charge against them. The sisters defence is that they were allowed to go on spending sprees in return for keeping Miss Lawsons alleged drug use secret from Mr Saatchi. Responding to defence barrister Anthony Metzer QC, he said: I have never, never seen any evidence of Nigella taking any drug whatsoever I have no proof. Asked if he believed the sisters claims, Mr Saatchi said: I may have believed it but I may have been completely wrong and they may have been deluded. Mr Saatchi told the court that it was his ex-wifes idea to give all five of their personal assistants credit cards. He said Miss Lawson was very cross with him when he told her he had confronted the Grillos about their alleged misuse of his company credit card. He said he thought the pair, who worked for the couple for more than 10 years, had been naughty but wanted to deal with the matter amicably. It was Miss Lawsons idea to call the police, he added. Mr Saatchi said he told the Grillos they could pay the money they owed off while continuing to work for them and living rent-free in a house in Battersea, central London, but his then-wife disagreed. Francesca saw the idea as humiliating, he said. Mr Saatchi told the court: (Francesca) said Id rather go to jail than go to Battersea see you around. Mr Saatchi, who repeatedly had to be told to speak up so the court could hear him, appeared upset when he was about to be handed the photographs of him appearing to throttle Miss Lawson earlier this year while the pair dined at Scotts restaurant in Mayfair. Their publication instigated their divorce.

Referring to the pictures, Mr Saatchi said: I was not gripping, strangling or throttling her. I was holding her head by the neck to make her focus, can we be clear? Pre-empting the net question he added: Was it about her drug use? No. Referring to Miss Lawsons relationship with the Grillos, he told the court: Do I think Nigella was so off her head on drugs she said go and spend what you like? Not for one instant I dont believe for one second she was so addled. After several hours in the witness box, Mr Saatchi said he wished 2013 had never happened and confessed that he was utterly heartbroken that his marriage broke down. When asked if he had adored Miss Lawson during their marriage, he said: I adore Nigella now. I absolutely adore Nigella and Im broken-hearted to have lost her. The case continues.

999 caller admits failures in dealing with choking baby call - Home News - UK - The Independent
Staff at Ramillies Hall private nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Manchester, rang for assistance after nine-month-old Millie Thompson got into breathing difficulties after she was fed shepherd's pie. An inquest into her death heard that North West Ambulance Service employee, Aaliyah Ormerod, made mistakes in how she graded the call last October. Ms Ormerod admitted she did not appreciate the seriousness of the situation and did not stay on the line to monitor Millies condition. In a statement read to the court, Ms Ormerod said she began to ask a series of scripted questions when she received the call. Staff told her the baby was choking, crying, still breathing but was going "a bit purple" and gave her the address of the scene. But Ms Ormerod continued to ask further scripted questions and learned the child was not breathing normally after she had choked. Ms Ormerod ended the call by asking the school to ring back immediately if anything changed. Nursery staff performed first aid on the youngster as they waited for emergency assistance on October 23. An ambulance arrived 10 minutes later but Millie had gone into cardiac arrest and less than an hour later she was pronounced dead at Stepping Hill Hospital. Following a review of the call, Ms Ormerod admitted she had made the "fundamental errors". She stated: "When told the patient was going purple, I did not click this indicated breathing problems." This should have generated a more immediate response and not a continuation of the scripts she followed, she said. She went on: "I should have stayed on the line to monitor the patient's breathing and not exit the call." Explaining that she had suffered a stillbirth herself, she said the thought that her actions could have contributed to a death "has devastated me". She added she considered it an "isolated error" and said she thought the automatic prompting system should be

improved. Ms Ormerod returned to work about six months ago in the same role, although a doctor ruled her medically unfit to give evidence this week at the inquest or in the foreseeable future. Addressing the jury on the opening day of the inquest yesterday, Millies mother Joanne said all she wanted to know was how her "perfectly healthy" daughter did not come home from the nursery. A recording of the 999 phone call was played to the jury. At the end of the call, when the operator says goodbye, she is still being recorded as she says: "Jeez, stop giving me information." South Manchester coroner John Pollard said he expected her employers to take action over that comment. Angela Lee, section manager in the emergency control room, said the call operator should have graded a "red response" of an immediate threat to life. That requires a vehicle response within eight minutes, the inquest heard. Asked why Ms Ormerod had not chosen that option, Ms Lee said: "The call operator did not follow her training and did not identify Millie had ineffective breathing at the start of the call. "The word 'purple' or 'blue' or 'gasping for breath' acts as a trigger for an immediate red response before any more questions are asked." She explained that made no practical difference in this case as to how quickly the ambulance arrived but a rapid response car might have got there one or two minutes sooner. Ms Lee said the operator did not have an explanation as to why she did not stay on the line but said she felt she had been "bombarded with details". Mr Pollard said: "What I cannot understand is there can only be in my mind no more important a call than a baby choking?" The witness said: "I totally agree with you. She should have stayed on the line. It's unacceptable." The coroner suggested: "This was a complete aberration." Ms Lee replied: "Yes." The inquest heard that so far no disciplinary proceedings have been taken against the call operator. The hearing continues next Tuesday. Additional reporting by Press Association.

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Asda stores witness Black Friday chaos as fights break out over televisions Home News - UK - The Independent
As one of the first big retailers to imitate the American tradition, Asda seems to have been particularly affected by the frenzy, with multiple reports of hospitalizations and injuries from Asda stores across the UK. In an Asda store in west Belfast there were claims that heavily pregnant woman had been pushed and shoved and pensioners had been knocked to the ground. A spokesman from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service had confirmed that they were called to the store to attend to a woman with a suspected broken arm.

"It was just a free-for-all. It was frightening," said one woman who witnessed the scenes at the Westwood Centre. "People were getting trailed to the ground. People were arguing with people. Two of my friends were injured." The woman claimed her friend was kicked in the stomach by a shopper trying to take a TV from her. "The other one, who is disabled, was actually kicked to the ground and trampled on and now has a broken arm and is waiting to hear if she is going to need surgery next week," she said. Similar reports have emerged from stores in Liverpool and Bristol, with eyewitnesses reporting in the latter store that a man had to be restrained by security guards after becoming annoyed that he could only buy a single TV. Electronic goods seemed to be the main draw for shoppers, but Asda staff were verbally abused by customers upset by the lack of stock. A spokeswoman for Asda said:"This is the first time Black Friday has been done on this scale in stores across the UK and our customers were eager to take advantage of the great offers available to them. We planned for high demand and the half a million Black Friday products on offer to our customers have been selling quickly since 8am. "Throughout the event, the safety of our customers is of vital importance and to ensure our stores can cope with the extra footfall we have full security teams in our stores and extra colleagues to help assist customers in the aisles."
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Fears for hunger striker Isa Muazu as he is deported to Nigeria - Home News - UK - The Independent
Lawyers for Isa Muazu, 45, said they worked through the night to try to prevent his deportation, but an appeal judge rejected an injunction request in the early hours of this morning. They said they would now consider an out-of-country appeal of behalf of Mr Muazu, whose weight has dropped to just 53 kilos, despite his 5ft 11in height, prompting fears that he will not survive the flight. The Home Office confirmed Mr Muazu left the UK in a private jet this morning, but his lawyers said the department did not comment on his wellbeing. Lord Roberts of Llandudno, who intends to raise the case in the House of Lords next week, said Mr Muazu's life was now in danger. "Isa Muazu's removal from the UK and potential death on a flight or upon arrival in Nigeria is not only a tragedy but an end to the UK's reputation as a country with humane, civilised, just policies and government," the Liberal Democrat said. "(Home Secretary) Theresa May must consider her position and her immigration control policies. "Looking 'tough' on immigration simply must not descend to the low of allowing people to die to score a political point. We urgently need to review the systems of immigration detention, 'fast track' and enforced removal." More than 120 people attended a vigil for Mr Muazu outside the Home Office last night. Organiser Nancy Maller reacted to the news of his deportation by saying it would be the UK immigration system's fault if Mr Muazu died. "This is a precedent setting moment in which the Home Office have failed to listen to pleas of mercy, justice, independent medical experts and legal arguments in order to show that they are tough on immigrants," she said. "In flexing their muscles, they have shown how truly cruel and inhumane this government is." Toufique Hussain, the solicitor from Duncan Lewis who put in the last minute injunctions overnight said Ms May

Toufique Hussain, the solicitor from Duncan Lewis who put in the last minute injunctions overnight said Ms May went to "great lengths" to remove Mr Muazu from the UK, by not allowing him an in-country right of appeal against his asylum refusal and instead hiring a private charter plane to remove Mr Muazu at taxpayers' expense. "We do not know how Mr Muazu is as we lost contact with him late last night," Mr Hussain said. "We fear for his safety now on return but we will be looking at pursuing further appeals if we do make contact with him in Nigeria. He should not have been removed from the UK." Mr Muazu told a Court of Appeal earlier this week that he would rather die than be deported. He first arrived in the UK on a visitor's visa in 2007 but overstayed, saying he faced persecution at the hands of Boko Haram, a hardline Islamist group. His application to remain was refused, and he was detained by the immigration authorities for removal on July 25 this year. Mr Muazu was challenging a ruling by High Court judge Mr Justice Ouseley last week that Ms May was not holding him unlawfully as it was his own decision to refuse food and fluids. However, the judge did say that Mr Muazu should be kept under review after it was argued that his death would defeat the purpose of his detention, which was to hold him pending deportation as an overstayer in the UK. Mr Muazu's appeal against the judge's ruling was dismissed by Lord Justice Lewison, Lord Justice Lloyd Jones and Sir Stanley Burnton. Additional reporting by PA

In pictures: Hunterston B nuclear power station will operate until 2023 - UK News - The Independent
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voices Ian Birrell: According to Thabo Mbeki, Tony Blair wanted to overthrow Robert Mugabe by force News

news Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser News

tech New CEO Marissa Mayer plans to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web Arts & Entertainment

arts + ents Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who - you've seen them all before News

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Berlusconi accused of paying off witnesses in prostitution trial - Home News UK - The Independent
The accusation, just two days after the Italian Senate expelled Berlusconi from Parliament over his tax fraud conviction, came in a written judgement from the trial of three associates who are charged with obtaining prostitutes for the 77-year-old billionaire. Citing testimony and telephone wiretaps, the Milan court said Mr Berlusconi gathered about a dozen young women at his Milan mansion on January 15, 2011 to meet his lawyers after the womens homes were searched as part of a police investigation into the parties. From then on, the judges wrote, these women began receiving 2, 500 euros (2,080) a month from Mr Berlusconi to give false evidence. The women offered unusually identical testimony in court, denying that the parties had sexual overtones. The court said the evidence against Berlusconi and the others implicated had been sent to prosecutors who are expected to open a new investigation into the case. Berlusconi denied any wrongdoing at his own trial and is currently appealing against his conviction of paying for sex with a minor. Additional reporting by AP

Government says it is NOT backing a price freeze for the Big Six - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Shadow energy minister Tom Greatrex claimed the Coalition is now backing a price freeze, despite saying Labours proposal for a 20-month freeze would be impossible to introduce. Mr Greatrex urged an energy minister to attend the Commons to explain the Governments thinking.

Mr Greatrex urged an energy minister to attend the Commons to explain the Governments thinking. It comes after Prime Minister David Cameron derided Labour leader Ed Milibands pledge to end the energy ripoff and freeze bills for 20 months should his party be elected in 2015. Mr Greatrex said the Government must confirm, deny, clarify or muddle this latest shambles on energy policy." Raising a point of order in the Commons, Mr Greatrex told Deputy Speaker Eleanor Laing: "You may be aware there's been extensive media coverage last night and then this morning that the Government, after claiming for several weeks that an energy price freeze is not possible, are now asking companies to freeze their prices." Ms Laing replied: "You know this is not a point of order. You have made your point. If you had wished to put an urgent question before the Commons that could have been considered. Perhaps you will think of that next time you wish to raise a matter in the chamber." The Prime Ministers official spokesman said at a Westminster briefing: The Government has not asked for a price freeze." "The Prime Minister, the Government, other ministers have been clear that we want to see cost pressures going down and not up when it comes to energy bills, we've been very clear about that. "Given that we are looking at rolling back the cost of some of the levies the only surprise would be if we weren't in discussions with the energy companies." Additional reporting by PA

Ian Watkins: Peaches Geldof apologises for naming women claimed to be involved in abuse - Crime - UK - The Independent
The 24-year-old said she assumed the names had been public knowledge before she relayed them to her 166,000 followers. Watkins, former front man of Welsh band Lostprophets, was branded a determined and committed paedophile by a judge at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday. In a dramatic U-turn, he admitted 11 sex offences, including two charges of attempting to rape of a baby. The 36-year-old, from Pontypridd, south Wales, plotted the abuse with the two female co-defendants, who also pleaded guilty to numerous child sex offences. They were both mothers of his victims. As such, they can't be named because all victims of sexual offences have automatic lifetime anonymity. Police have said new leads have emerged in the case, after a flurry of calls triggered by an appeal for unknown victims to come forward. Ms Geldof, daughter of musician Bob Geldof, deleted the offending tweet and posted on Friday: "Half of twitter had tweeted out the names also aside from my (now deleted) tweet. "I deleted my tweets however and apologise for any offence caused as at the time of tweeting had only seen everyone tweeting the names at me so had assumed as they were also up on news websites and the crown courts public file that they had been released for public knowledge. She added that it "makes me sad" that "these women and Watkins will be gettings (sic) three meals a day, a double bed, cable TV etc all funded by the tax payer alongside not being named apparently," before concluding: "Will check my facts before tweeting next time. apologies and lesson learned." The Attorney General's office reiterated that publishing details that can lead to the identification of sex crime victims

The Attorney General's office reiterated that publishing details that can lead to the identification of sex crime victims is a criminal offence. A spokeswoman went on to explain that it was aware of the online posting and the fact that it had been deleted. She said: "Victims of sexual offences have automatic lifetime anonymity and the publication of names or information which can lead to their being identified is a criminal offence. This is a police matter."

Argentina threatens jail sentences over Falkland Islands oil operations Home News - UK - The Independent
Its London embassy announced the Argentine Congress has passed new laws to punish exploration it believes breeches a United Nations resolution. The Foreign Office has argued the activities were wholly legitimate and legal and entirely under the control of the Government of the island - a British overseas territory. A Foreign Office spokesman said: Hydrocarbons activities by any company operating on the continental shelf of the Falkland Islands are regulated by legislation of the Falkland Islands Government, in strict accordance with the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. The UK Government unequivocally supports the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their natural resources for their own economic benefit. Argentine domestic law does not apply to the Falkland Islands or South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, which are UK overseas territories. Islanders voted in March by 1,513 to three to remain a British overseas territory in a referendum but Argentina has since hiked up its claim over the territory at the UN. Buenos Aires has issued repeated written legal notices to firms warning them they face administrative, civil and criminal action for operating off the islands - which Argentina calls Las Malvinas. In a statement, the embassy said the new law provides for prison sentences for the duration of up to 15 years; fines equivalent to the value of 1.5 million barrels of oil; the banning of individuals and companies from operating in Argentina; and the confiscation of equipment and any hydrocarbons that would have been illegally extracted. The Argentine Government has protested against and rejected all of the United Kingdom's attempts to promote and authorize such hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities in the area of the Argentine continental shelf. it said. These attempts are manifestly contrary to Resolution 31/49 of the United Nations General Assembly, which requires the UK and Argentina to refrain from taking decisions that would imply introducing unilateral modifications into the situation of the Malvinas Islands while the sovereignty dispute between the two countries is still pending. Additional reporting by PA

Ian Watkins: new leads emerge after former Lostprophets frontman's child sex conviction - Crime - UK - The Independent
Paedophile rocker Watkins admitted two counts of attempted rape on a baby, on the eve of a contested trial this week. The former Lostprophets frontman's admissions included conspiracy to rape a baby, sexually touching a one-year-old and possessing and making child porn.

The 36-year-old, from Pontypridd, South Wales, plotted the shocking abuse with the two mothers of the babies in a series of text and internet messages. Senior South Wales police vowed to carry on investigating Watkins after his admissions at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday. Detective chief inspector Peter Doyle said the force would "work tirelessly to identify any other victims or witnesses and seek the justice they deserve." He also appealed for anyone who has been "affected" by the Watkins child sex abuse case to make contact. A spokesman for the force said today that it had "received a number of calls as a result of the telephone numbers we published in the appeal". He said he could not give the number of calls received or the information passed to police but they were being followed up by officers. The comments will only add to the growing fear that Watkins's guilty pleas offer only a glimpse of the true extent of his drug-fuelled debauchery. Former girlfriend Joanna Majic, 38, alleged this week that sex predator Watkins had abused hundreds of young victims during years of secret offending. She claimed besotted female fans of the paedophile are hiding the true extent of his offending because they secretly offered their children for abuse. She repeatedly reported Watkins to the police from 2008 onwards but her accusations were not acted on at the time. "I've always said to the police, there's hundreds of victims out there and you're never going to find them because the mothers are in on it," she said in an interview. When police informed her last year that Watkins had been arrested she replied: " 'You're four years too late,' because if they'd have done something in 2008 he never would have done anything." Anyone who has been affected by the Watkins case, or other cases of child abuse, is urged to contact South Wales Police on 029 20634184 or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. PA

Gravesend man hangs himself after sickness benefits were cut - Home News UK - The Independent
Victor Cuff, 59, had been drinking heavily before he hanged himself on 22 May. His body was found in his bedroom by his neighbour Colleen Gobel, who had noted police with concerns she had not seen Mr Cuff all day. Ms Gobel told police he was struggling with depression and had been feeling down after his sickness benefits were cut, the News Shopper reported. Detective Sergeant James Greenidge, of North Kent Police was called to Mr Cuffs property at 6.11pm. He told the inquest: He was lying in bed and it appeared he hanged himself. There was evidence he was drunk. A post-mortem found the alcohol levels in his blood were four times the legal limit for driving and enough to induce a coma.

A verdict of suicide was recorded by Coroner Roger Hatch.

Credit cards were Nigella's idea, Charles Saatchi tells assistants' trial - Crime - UK - The Independent
The millionaire art dealer said he was "very fond" of Italian sisters Francesca and Elisabetta Grillo, who are accused of using the cards to spend more than 685,000 on designer clothes and handbags from Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Vivienne Westwood. They have pleaded not guilty. Asked by prosecutor Jane Carpenter who decided that the defendants should have credit cards, Mr Saatchi said: "My ex-wife, Nigella." The pair divorced earlier this year. Speaking at Isleworth Crown Court, west London, Mr Saatchi said the credit card bills were paid by his company Conarco Partnership - before he reimbursed it from his own personal account. He said the pair were mainly employed for "housekeeping, shopping, doing the laundry, organising everyone in the household." Asked by Ms Carpenter if the defendants did anything related to his own business interests, the art dealer said: "If I wanted something collected and there was nobody else. I think not a great deal of work in that sense."

Former personal assistants to Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson, Elisabetta (left) and Francesca Grillo (right) arriving with an unidentified woman at Isleworth Crown Court in London Saatchi had to repeatedly be asked to raise his voice for everyone in the packed court room to hear. "I'm so sorry," he said. "I have a quiet voice. I'll do you a better effort." He agreed with the prosecution that they accompanied the children on holidays and were permitted to live rent-free, but he did not know if a formal employment contract had ever been signed by the two women. Saatchi recalled a "peculiar" instance one morning when he received a phonecall from a taxi company asking about a booking to Berkshire, when he was not aware of anyone in his household travelling there. "I said 'are you sure you've got this right?' "I said 'what name is it booked under?' And they said 'Grillo'," he told the court. Saatchi said he asked Lawson if Elisabetta, sometimes referred to in court as Lisa, or Francesca, had been sent to do anything for them.

She said they had not, and he said he thought there was "something very peculiar here". He said he telephoned one of the women, but could not be sure which. "She said 'I'm at a polo match'. "I said 'why did you take a taxi out to the country?' "And she said 'I didn't' and then she said 'I took a taxi to Liverpool Street Station'." Saatchi said this was not the sort of journey he would have authorised. The case continues.

Football match-fixing: Two men remanded in custody over allegations - Crime - UK - The Independent
The Crown Prosecution Service's Organised Crime Division is satisfied it is in the public interest to authorise charges of conspiracy to defraud, a spokesman for the National Crime Agency (NCA) said. Sankaran, a 33-year-old Singapore national, and Ganeshan, a 43-year-old with dual UK and Singapore nationality, appeared at Cannock Magistrates' Court in Staffordshire. The NCA said the men, who are alleged to be members of an international illegal betting syndicate based in Singapore, are among six people arrested earlier this week as part of an NCA investigation. A seventh man has since been arrested and he and four others were bailed yesterday pending further inquiries. The charges allege that between November 1 and November 26, "at City of Manchester and elsewhere, the two men conspired together with each other and others to defraud bookmakers by influencing the course of football matches and placing bets thereon". The maximum sentence for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment. It emerged yesterday that a former Premier League footballer is among those held as part of the investigation. The suspects are reported to include three current footballers. Delroy Facey, 33, did not turn up to play for his club Albion Sports as scheduled against Athersley Recreation in the NCEL Premier League on Wednesday night, according to the club's secretary Jaj Singh. Mr Singh said: "He was due to come but didn't turn up. He was named on the subs' bench but was a no show. I have no idea. He's been with us about three months and is a cracking lad." Facey scored two in an 8-1 win over Armthorpe Welfare on Saturday and has scored six goals for Albion Sports this season. The arrests were made following an investigation by the Daily Telegraph during which undercover reporters discussed the possibility of influencing the scores and outcomes of lower-league English games for as little as 50,000. It is not believed that any Premier League sides are involved in the allegations. A Football Association spokesman said: "The FA has been made aware of a number of arrests in relation to an NCA investigation.

"We have worked closely with the authorities in relation to these allegations. The FA will make no further comment at this time due to ongoing investigations." PA Michael Chopra reveals footballs gambling problem: 'I signed for Sunderland in order to pay my debts off' * Football match-fixing: FA urged to fight growing threat of with education

Unarmed. Attacked from behind. Butchered like a joint of meat: Jurors gasp as they are shown footage of Lee Rigby murder - Crime - UK - The Independent
Then he is caught on film, a small figure in the distance walking along Artillery Place. From the footage it is clear he glances at the Vauxhall Tigra coming his way as he crosses the road. But he had turned his back by the time it veers over the central line and accelerates towards him. The 25-year-old is thrown on to the bonnet; the car then disappears off-screen. In a split second the horrifying details of Lee Rigby's death were revealed at the Old Bailey yesterday, leaving the courtroom in silence. The car was just the beginning. Like a "butcher attacking a joint of meat", Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, then set about the unconscious man with a cleaver and knives in a "serious and almost successful" attempt to saw off his head, Richard Whittam QC, prosecuting, told the jury. The attack is hidden from the sight of the camera fixed to the outside of a shop. But two small figures soon come back into shot, dragging the body of the dead 25-year-old into the road where he is dumped as a double-decker bus drives past. "They wanted the members of the public present to see the consequence of what can only be described as their barbarous acts," said Mr Whittam. "They had committed, you may think, a cowardly and callous murder by deliberately attacking an unarmed man in civilian clothes from behind using a vehicle as a weapon. Then they murdered him and mutilated his body with that meat cleaver and knives." The court was told that Mr Adebolajo and Mr Adebowale killed the soldier in retaliation for the British military presence in Muslim countries. As Mr Adebolajo was being taken away after being shot and injured by police, the court was told that he said to paramedics: "I did it for my God." Both Mr Adebolajo - who held a copy of the Koran in the dock - and Mr Adebowale deny murder. The killing and its aftermath - caught on mobile phones and security cameras - was too much for some members of Fusilier Rigby's family. His widow, Rebecca, and his mother Lyn both left in tears before the footage was played. Lee Rigby was killed on 22 May as he returned to barracks in south-east London from the Tower of London, where his regiment has its headquarters. His Army career included tours of duty in Cyprus, Germany and Afghanistan, the court was told. Mr Adebolajo and Mr Adebowale had been driving around the area and had parked up when they spotted the soldier, it was alleged. When they hit Fusilier Rigby they were travelling around 40 mph, the jury of eight women and four men was told. Pictures shown to the jury reveal that the car smashed into a sign at such a speed that its front was destroyed. Fusilier Rigby was thrown off the bonnet and lay motionless two feet away. His eyes were open but he did not move, and he did not make a noise, witnesses told police.

Michael Adebolajo (left) and Michael Adebowale (right) at the Old Bailey (PA) The court heard that Mr Adebolajo, the driver, was seen getting out of the car with a cleaver, Mr Adebowale with a pair of knives. Saraj Miah, who was having a cigarette outside a shop, told the men: "Don't kill him," but they did not listen, the court heard. Amanda Bailey, who was driving past, saw Mr Adebolajo kneel down by Lee Rigby and grab his jaw, the court was told. He is then alleged to have repeatedly hacked at the right side of his neck just below the jawline. Mr Whittam told the jury: "As she put it: 'I was so shocked that all I could do was sit there and stare. He was determined and he wasn't going to stop. He didn't care.'" Ms Bailey told police that she saw the man hack at Fusilier Rigby's neck at least nine times. She drove off and spotted two classes of children from Mulgrave Primary School heading towards the area, and persuaded their teacher to take them away. The car immediately behind her was driven by electrician Thomas Seymour. He "instantly believed" that one of the attackers was "trying to cut the victim's head off", the court was told. Another car pulled up and the two people inside got out to see if they could help, before they realised that Fusilier Rigby was being attacked. James Henegan and Cheralee Armstrong shouted at the men to stop. "They looked up as if neither were there ... and carried on," Mr Whittam said. As Mr Henegan and Ms Armstrong remonstrated with them, one of the men went to the car and pulled a 1920s revolver which he pointed at them. They jumped back into the car and drove a short distance, the court was told. The footage shows another driver setting his hazard lights and starting to get out of the car, before retreating when he realises what is going on. People gathered at the scene, some believing that they were simply attending the aftermath of an accident, the court was told. In scenes of "bravery and decency", one woman, Amanda Donnelly Martin, who was with her daughter, went to the body of Lee Rigby and stroked him to "provide some comfort and humanity to what had unfolded", said Mr Whittam. Another woman engaged Mr Adebolajo in conversation even though he was holding a meat cleaver and his hands were covered in blood, the jury heard. Viki Cave, a trained first aider who was driving nearby, saw Mr Rigby's body and went to help.

The jury was shown CCTV footage of a car running over Fusilier Rigby (Met Police) One of the men was talking about religion and she heard him say something along the lines of: "These soldiers go to our land, kill or bomb our people," the jury was told. She then asked the man: "Are you going to hurt us?" "He replied: 'No the women and children are safe. You need to get back when the police and the soldiers get here,'" Mr Whittam told the court. Mr Adebolajo went over to the crowd and explained the motive for the attack, the court heard. The address, caught on mobile phone, showed an animated Mr Adebolajo declaring that the attack was an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth". He called for the overthrow of the Government. "The law of self-defence does not allow someone to retaliate ... for an attack which is not reasonably necessary to save himself of herself or anybody else, but is tit-for-tat," Mr Whittam told the jury. "Killing to make a political point or to frighten the public, or to put pressure on the Government ... is murder and remains murder whether the Government in question is a good one, a bad one, or a dreadful one." After the attack Mr Adebolajo and Mr Adebowale remained in the area until the arrival of the first police car, which carried an armed response team, the court heard. Further footage shows a man, allegedly Mr Adebolajo, charging across to the car and raising the cleaver above his head. Just as he reaches the driver's open door, he peels away and falls to the ground as he is shot in the bicep. Mr Adebowale, a Muslim convert who has adopted the name Ismael, is then seen holding a gun before he, too, is shot as armed officers jump from the car to confront him. One officer runs back to the patrol car for a medical kit and provides first aid to the fallen Mr Adebowale, who was hit in the abdomen and thigh. The court was told that when paramedics tried to sit Mr Adebolajo up, he said: "Please let me lay here, I don't want anyone to die. I just want the soldiers out of my country." The two men were given pain relief and taken to hospital where they were questioned by police, the court heard. Mr Adebolajo told the officers: "I am a Muslim extremist, this may be the only chance you meet one," the jury heard. In a second interview, the day after the shooting, he claimed that his intention was never to hurt civilians. In a signed statement, Mr Adebolajo says: "We hope that one day Great Britain will replace those corrupt politicians with men or women who truly care about the security of their citizens by withdrawing from affairs of Muslims, including their lands." As well as the murder of Fusilier Rigby, Mr Adebolajo, of Lewisham, and Mr Adebowale, of Greenwich, are both accused of attempting to murder a police officer, and conspiracy to murder a police officer on or before May 22. They have both admitted possession of a gun. The case continues.

Date set for veteran BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall to face rape charges -

Crime - UK - The Independent

The trial, at Preston Crown Court, is expected to last nine days. The 83-year-old appeared at the same court for only five minutes on Friday, speaking only to confirm his name. Hall, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, was a big figure in British broadcasting for half a century, known for his distinctive football summaries on BBC Radio 5 Live. He is alleged to have committed seven counts of rape against one girl between 1976 and 1978 in Manchester, when she was aged between 14 and 16. He is also accused of eight counts of rape and one count of indecent assault against his second alleged victim, aged between 11 or 12 and 15 at the time, between 1976 and 1981, at various locations in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. He was remanded into custody to appear at a plea and case management hearing ahead of the trial, on 28 February.

19 more hospitals to be investigated as part of Savile probe - Crime - UK The Independent

In a written ministerial statement, Mr Hunt said the hospitals will be scrutinised by their local health trusts, with each investigation properly monitored by independent bodies and the final reports delivered next June. The 19 new inquiries are in addition to an initial 13 investigations into hospitals which are believed to have been visited by the disgraced television presenter. Savile is thought to have used his position to abuse vulnerable patients, many of them children. After details of the abuse first emerged, three major investigations were launched at Leeds General Infirmary, Stoke Mandeville Hospital and Broadmoor Hospital. Further investigations were later announced at another 10 hospitals. The 19 additional hospitals under investigation are: :: Barnet General Hospital :: Booth Hall Children's Hospital :: De La Pole Hospital :: Dryburn Hospital :: Hammersmith Hospital :: Leavesden Secure Mental Hospital :: Marsden Hospital :: Maudsley Hospital :: North Manchester General Hospital :: Odstock Hospital :: Pinderfields Hospital :: Prestwich Psychiatric Hospital

:: Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead :: Royal Free Hospital, London :: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle :: Seacroft Hospital, Leeds :: St Mary's Hospital, Carshalton :: Whitby Memorial Hospital :: Wythenshawe Hospital

It's sexist! Twitter users deride Samsung Woman of Steel competition - Home News - UK - The Independent
The Woman of Steel competition, which was first highlighted by campaign group Everyday Sexism yesterday, has provoked outrage on Twitter for its perpetuation of gender stereotypes. The competition, posted on the Samsung Home Appliances USA Facebook page, reads: "We've found some of the most magnificent women out there. Women whose superhuman strengths make them inspirational role models, and whose quick speed and heightened tastes make entertaining look easy." Pictured on the advertisement is an immaculately turned-out young woman, who is clutching a tea cup in an apparent break from household chores. The winner, voted for by the public, will receive her own brand new Samsung kitchen and an honorary dinner party for eight prepared by a local chef. Various Twitter users took to the site to voice their dismay at the company's portrayal of women. Carly Williams tweeted: The definition of a woman of steel is that she makes 'entertaining look easy'???? Seriously @samsung ????? #EverydaySexism Other users also expressed their frustration about the equation of female accomplishment with perfect domesticity. Lucy Sherriff tweeted: Shes posing in her immaculate kitchen. SUCH A ROLE MODEL. Valeska Matziol added: AND you'll also get dinner cooked for you cos FOR ONCE you shouldn't have to... *pukes*. It is not the first time Samsung has found itself in hot water. In March, the New York launch of the Galaxy S4 phone was embroiled in misogyny claims for its portrayal of women in a series of skits, including jokes about them marrying doctors and eating too much cheesecake. The Independent has contacted Samsung for comment, and is awaiting their response.

Two arrested after man shot outside flats in Crawley - Crime - UK - The Independent
The victim will need surgery for a hand injury believed to have been caused by a shotgun in Commonwealth Drive, Crawley, West Sussex, just after 9.30pm yesterday. Two people living in one of the flats, a man aged 38 and a woman of 26, were held on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm but later freed without any further action, Sussex Police said. Detectives said it was a "serious but isolated incident" and it was clear the shooting was not a "random attack".

Police are trying to trace other people in the area when the man was shot. Officers appeared for information about a car, described as an old-style silver or gold-coloured Suzuki Swift, or similar type, which drove away from the scene immediately afterwards. Detective Chief Inspector Dave Wardley-Wilkins, of Sussex Police, said: "This is a serious but isolated incident for the area. We are following active lines of inquiry and it is already clear that this was not a random attack. "Local people are being reassured that there is no current risk to their safety and we are carrying out an intensive investigation to establish what has happened." Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. PA

Girlguiding report: sexism blamed as three in four girls report low self-esteem - Home News - UK - The Independent
The fifth Girls Attitudes Survey suggests that inequality is widespread and that large numbers of girls experience shocking levels of everyday sexism and discrimination at school, on the street, and in their interactions online and with the media. At a time when fears about the early sexualisation and objectification of children are rife, the report found that 87 per cent of 11- 21-year-olds think that women are more judged for their looks than ability and that a third of 7- 21-yearolds are unhappy with the way they look. Almost 1,300 girls between the ages of seven and 21, including those not involved in guiding, took part in the survey, with the majority of interviews conducted online under controlled conditions, as well as some face-to-face interviews. Additional interviews were carried out with young women who were not in education, employment or training, to ensure that this potentially marginalised group was fully represented. Seven out of ten girls over the age of 13 reported experiences of sexual harassment at school or college, including sexual jokes or taunts (51 per cent) and touching (28 per cent), and more than half (54 per cent) of those aged 11 to 21 say they have had negative experiences online. For older girls, aged 16 to 21, this includes having had sexist comments (26 per cent) and threatening things (25 per cent) said about or to them. More worryingly, the report found that young women are being left to navigate this terrifying maze with little support. Just over half (53 per cent) of all the girls questioned think that too much responsibility is placed on young women for their sexual safety and more than a third (38 per cent) of 16- 21-year-olds say that sex education is inadequate. Although the majority (84 per cent) of all girls surveyed feel happy most of the time, this figure is lower than in previous years, particularly among the older age group. 13 per cent of girls class themselves as unhappy, up from just nine per cent in 2012. While over three-quarters of those surveyed rated friends and family support as the most important factors required to do well in life, the respondents also indicated the negative influence of an increasingly body-obsessed media and a lack of good female role models. 63 per cent of 11- 21-years olds say that more female leaders would create a better environment for women. Despite this over half (55 per cent) of girls aspire to be a leader in their chosen job and 70 per cent want to maintain their career after having children. The 16-strong panel of Girlguiding advocates who helped devise the survey, carried out by the research group ChildWise, said that barriers can be broken down by challenging stereotypes and questioning sexist practice and that governments need to champion equality for every individual.

that governments need to champion equality for every individual. Outside responses to the report were mixed. Laura Bates, founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, said: This is an urgent wake-up call. The results closely reflect the huge numbers of entries to the Everyday Sexism Project from girls and young women experiencing sexism and harassment on a regular basis. That three quarters of girls feel sexism affects every area of their lives is a devastatingly sad reality in a modern world where we want our children to grow up believing they can be anything they want to be. Clearly, for girls, sexism is still a major hurdle to that sense of freedom. However, Maria Miller, minister for women and equalities, said: These results are encouraging in that they show so many girls and young women in the UK are highly ambitious and want to get ahead in life; we need to help make sure that their aspirations become reality.

Mairead Philpott loses appeal for cut in 17-year sentence for killing six children in house fire - Crime - UK - The Independent
Mairead Philpott, 32, was jailed alongside her husband Mick at Nottingham Crown in April after being found guilty of the manslaughter of Jade Philpott and her brothers John, Jack, Jesse, Jayden and Duwayne. There was applause from the public gallery as Court of Appeal judges sitting at Nottingham Crown Court dismissed a renewed application by Mairead Philpott to challenge her jail term. In July she lost the first round of a bid to challenge the length of her sentence. A Judicial Office spokeswoman confirmed that Mrs Philpott had her application for permission to appeal against her sentence refused by a single judge considering it on the papers. It was then open to her to make a renewed application. Mick Philpott was jailed for life with a minimum term of 15 years after being branded a "disturbingly dangerous" man. His wife, who is likely to be released after serving half of her 17-year term, took part in a plan to set fire to the couple's home in Victory Road in an effort to frame his former mistress. The children were aged between five and 13. The hearing will also be broadcast - the first time it will have been able to take place outside London since legislation was passed to allow Court of Appeal hearings to be broadcast. Courts Minister Shailesh Vara said: "This is another landmark day for justice, for the first time cameras will be able to live broadcast a court hearing outside of London. "It will give people across the country the opportunity to see and hear the decisions of judges sitting in Nottingham, which is a significant step towards achieving our aim of having an open and transparent justice system. "Justice must be seen to be done and today marks another important step towards opening up the court process to bring justice closer to the public. "However, we will always balance the need to make the justice system more accessible with the needs of victims and witnesses. That is why we will ensure that throughout the court process, they will not be filmed." PA

Acid victims' families urge action from Tanzanian authorities - Home News -

UK - The Independent
Londoners Kirstie Trup and Katie Gee, both 18, were nearing the end of a month-long volunteering holiday teaching English when they were targeted by two men on a moped on 7 August. Their families called on the UK Government to apply more pressure to the Tanzanian authorities. Police in Zanzibar have already interviewed several people, including eyewitnesses, and are believed to have identified a possible culprit. However, Miss Trups father Marc told the BBC's Radio 4 Today programme that there is still confusion over how to get a photograph of the suspect to the young women for identification. He said: "The photograph cannot be sent in the correct format that is acceptable by Interpol, or the British authorities, and as a consequence of that nobody has seen the photo." Doug Morris, the partner of Miss Gee's mother, said: "If the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are as committed to helping to bring these people to justice on behalf of two British citizens, then you would expect them to move hell and high water to do that. "And there just doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency to conclude matters. "If they mean what they say, if it's important for them to find the perpetrators of this attack, this crime, and bring them to justice - as they said at the time - then they should be assisting us in every way that they possibly can. "Everybody is trying to sort of give the impression that they are dealing with this, and we are served platitudes on a bi-weekly basis. "This crime can't go unpunished, for the girls' sake as much as anything else. What sort of message is that, that you can do something horrific, you can do something horrible, and you can get away with it? "We don't want it to drag on and on, we want justice done and we want justice done now." The families said they have no idea why the girls were attacked, as they were behaving respectfully and were dressed modestly, in accordance with the local customs of the predominantly Muslim country. Mr Trup added: "I suspect the Tanzanian authorities don't take the Foreign Office remotely seriously. We want the judicial system to work properly. "I would like to see whoever threw that acid brought to justice. I don't blame the country, I don't blame the religion. I blame the person. He needs to be brought to justice. "Above all, the girls want to know why he did it and we would like to know why he did it. Was it racial, was it a religious thing? We have no idea why this person did it." He said his daughter was now recovering from her injuries: "Kirstie is doing well, she's moved to university. She seems to be progressing well mentally and physically. Kirstie is still having treatment at the local hospital. She has to wear a pressure garment over her burns, which she has to wear 23 hours a day for one whole year. "She goes regularly once a week to hospital for continual physiotherapy on her burns, but she's progressing well physically and mentally she appears to be moving well. She has difficult times." Mr Morris said: "Katie is remarkable. She's very strong mentally and just coping with the process of healing."

Revealed: How British Empires dirty secrets went up in smoke in the colonies - Home News - UK - The Independent

This discreet mission in the closing days of British rule over what became Malaysia was one of hundreds of similar operations. As the sun finally set on the Empire, diplomats scurried to repatriate or destroy hundreds of thousands dirty documents containing evidence that London had decided should never see the light of day. Some 50 years later, the sheer scale of the operation to hide the secrets of British rule overseas including details of atrocities committed during the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya is revealed in documents released today by the National Archives in Kew, west London. The so-called migrated archive details the extraordinary lengths to which the Colonial Office went to withhold information from its former subjects in at least 23 countries and territories in the 1950s and 1960s. Among the documents is a memo from London that required all secret documents held abroad to be vetted by a Special Branch or MI5 liaison officer to ensure that any papers which might embarrass Britain or show racial prejudice or religious bias were destroyed or sent home. The ramifications of the operation to conceal the resulting archive of 8,800 files a closely guarded Whitehall secret until the Government recently lost high-profile court cases are still being felt in compensation claims for victims of atrocities committed under British rule from Kenya to Malaya. Relatives of 24 Malayan rubber plantation workers allegedly murdered by British soldiers in the Malayan village of Batang Kali in 1948 returned to the Court of Appeal this week to try to overturn a ruling that the British government cannot be held responsible for the massacre. Most of the records of the original investigation into the killings were destroyed, most likely during the eight-month period that included the sending of the lorries to Singapore. A memo recording the destruction operation in 1957 notes that the MI5 liaison officer overseeing the operation believed that as a result the risk of compromise and embarrassment [to Britain] is slight. John Halford, of the law firm Bindmans, which is representing the Batang Kali relatives and victims, told The Independent: British officials through the years have been desperate to consign the Batang Kali atrocity to history, despite those who were there as children still being very much alive and driven to seek justice. Known in several former colonies as Operation Legacy, Whitehall set out a list of the types of material it wanted removed, including anything which might embarrass members of the police, military forces, public servants (such as police agents or informers). Once dirty documents had been removed the remaining clean material was passed to a new strata of administrators overseeing independence processes who were deliberately not told about the sifting process. It also ordered the destruction or removal of all papers which are likely to be interpreted, either reasonably or by malice, as indicating racial prejudice or bias. Under the rules, all material marked Top Secret or Secret was either sent back to Britain via the RAF or the navy, or destroyed either by burning or placed in well-weighted crates and sunk in deep and current free water at the maximum practicable distance from shore. Among the documents is a note that officials should carefully control any bonfires of secrets and avoid a situation similar to Indian in 1947 when the local press was filled with reports about the pall of smoke which fell over Delhi at the end of the Raj as British officials burnt their papers. The files show that in the months before Kenya gained independence in December 1963, some 307 boxes of material were sent back to Britain. The evidence remained hidden for five decades until court cases brought on behalf of victims of brutality forced its disclosure last year and a subsequent 20m pay out and apology from the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, this

disclosure last year and a subsequent 20m pay out and apology from the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, this summer.

Michael Chopra reveals footballs gambling problem: 'I signed for Sunderland in order to pay my debts off' - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
Chopra, giving evidence as a witness during a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, claims he was threatened by Scottish loan sharks later in his career as he ran up huge debts and joined Sunderland because the sizeable signing-on fee helped pay off some of the money he owed. He said that during his time with Ipswich the club and the Professional Footballers Association organised a 250,000 loan to do likewise while his father, Minty, also revealed in court yesterday that he had sold his house to pay his sons gambling debts. Chopra told the court he estimated he had lost 2m through gambling. I started gambling when I was about 17, when I first played for Newcastle I was travelling with the first team, said Chopra, who came through the youth ranks at Newcastle to play alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Craig Bellamy. Players would gamble on the bus and I got involved. We would take thousands of pounds on to the bus, anything up to 30,000. It might change hands playing cards on the bus, we would go to the bank before and take out the money. It was part of team bonding. We were playing for real cash, if you were playing for 30,000 you would have it with you at the time. It was another painful day for footballs image as Chopras revelations were followed by the Crown Prosecution Services decision to charge two men as part of an investigation into an international match-fixing ring that is said to have attempted to rig matches in Englands lower leagues. Players unions have called for all involved in the professional game to be better, and compulsorily, educated over match-fixing. Unions have previously raised concerns that accruing huge gambling debts leaves players open to the approaches of match-fixers. There is no suggestion that Chopra has been involved in match-fixing. Gambling remains very much a live issue in the game through players amassing huge debts; breaking betting rules laid down by governing bodies Andros Townsend was suspended last season for breaching regulations; and, most seriously of all, the rise of the illegal betting markets that have led to the mushrooming of match-fixing across Europe over the last decade. Again, there is no suggestion that Townsend has been involved in match-fixing. Chopra, who turns 30 later this month, was deep in debt by the time he joined Ipswich Town in 2011. He said: I had loan sharks turning up at the training ground when I was at Ipswich. They came up to me and asked me for my autograph and said I better get myself into the club and get that money now. They said they knew what car I was driving and they would follow me until I paid them. They said they knew what school my little boy went to and where my parents lived and where I lived in Ipswich. I felt sick that I had put my family in that situation from my gambling. Chopra, now with Blackpool, moved from Cardiff to Sunderland, then newly promoted to the Premier League, in 2007 attracted largely by the signing-on fee he would receive. I was at Cardiff for one year and then I went to Sunderland, he said. I got a signing-on fee and paid my debts off. The main reason I went to Sunderland was to pay my debts off. When you go to the Premier League you earn more money. Chopra was giving evidence at the trial of four men on drugs charges. As part of the case, the prosecution says a sum of 50,000 found in a car was drug money but one of the accused instead claims it was cash to pay-off a loan shark from Liverpool on behalf of Chopra. Earlier this year Chopra said he had voluntarily excluded himself from all betting institutions to help me fight this

illness. That came as part of a statement in response to being charged by the British Horseracing Authority for serious breaches of the rules of racing. Chopra said he could not afford to defend himself and in January he was banned from all racecourses for 10 years after the BHAs investigation into a corrupt network that gambled on horses to lose.

Ed Miliband outlines plan to break up Big Six gas and electricity companies and abolish energy regulator - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
He will spell out how an incoming Labour Government would impose the biggest shake-up of the energy industry since it was privatised in the 1980s. An Energy Bill would be pushed through Parliament during the 20-month period while energy prices were frozen, as Mr Miliband announced in September. In a Green Paper published today, Labour will promise to replace Ofgem, which has been attacked as a toothless tiger, with a new body with real teeth to prevent overcharging. A new Energy Security Board would be set up to keep the lights on and deliver the capacity Britain needs. A Labour government would improve competition and transparency to ensure downward pressure on bills. Power generation companies would be banned from exclusive deals with their retail arms, which critics claim they use to boost charges and disguise profits. New entrants would be allowed into the market to bid openly for pooled supplies and tariffs would be simplified so consumers could compare prices. Labour launched its policy ahead of next weeks Autumn Statement, in which George Osborne will announce plans to cut at least 50 a year from domestic energy bills. Ministers will insist that will deliver real benefits, and claim that Mr Milibands price freeze would not work because firms could raise charges before and after the 20-month period. The Chancellor is expected to implement the Energy Companies Obligation scheme, which provides free insulation to low income households, over four years rather than two as originally planned. The warm homes discount, which cuts annual energy bills by 135 for pensioners and vulnerable groups, is likely to be funded from general taxation. Mr Osborne may also reduce the cost of transmitting energy, which is responsible for 20 per cent of the average 1,340-a-year annual fuel bill. Speaking in Manchester today, Mr Miliband will say: In the past three years it has become clear to everyone but this Government that the energy market is broken. Prices are rising year on year without justification. And Britain is not getting the investment in energy we need. Labour is setting out our plan to make sure gas and electricity is affordable and available for this generation and generations to come. The Labour leader will promise: We will reset the market with real competition and proper regulation so that prices are affordable. We will stop you being ripped off and, together, we will power Britain into the next century. According to Labour, consumers have paid 3.6bn more than they should have and greater competition would have kept costs down for a typical household by more than 100 a year. It claimed the Big Six pay over the odds by up to 40 per cent for the energy they sell on, often through back-door deals between different arms of the same company. Labours tough new regulator would have powers to order firms to pass on wholesale savings to the consumer in lower bills; protect the interest of existing and future consumers and ensure they secured fair value from the market. Labours Energy Security Board would be modelled on the Office for Budget Responsibility, the independent tax and spending watchdog. It would work with the Government, the National Grid and regulator to set out and implement a timetable for building the capacity Britain needs. Ofgem insists it is working to achieve a culture where businesses put energy consumers first and act in line with their obligations. In the past three years, it has completed 14 full-scale investigations, collected more than 35m in penalties and obtained about 6m in redress for customers. * Chris Huhne, the former Liberal Democrat Cabinet minister, has said his party and Labour could form a historic

* Chris Huhne, the former Liberal Democrat Cabinet minister, has said his party and Labour could form a historic radical coalition after the 2015 general election. He dismissed speculation that Nick Clegg would not be able to forge a partnership with Labour in a hung parliament.

Fathers to get newborn maternity rights - Home News - UK - The Independent

Under the proposals, which will take effect in April 2015, parents will be entitled to share existing maternity leave of up to 50 weeks between them and have the right to return to their old jobs at the end of the period. Employees will be able to request the time off in blocks, or split it up across the year, but businesses will be able to insist that all leave is taken at once. The announcement is a significant victory for the Liberal Democrats, who fought off concerted efforts by Conservative Cabinet ministers to water down the proposals. These included the Tory Chairman Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond and the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, all three of whom are said to have argued that the measures put an unnecessary burden on business. The shared parental leave of up to 50 weeks under the new plan does not include an additional two weeks reserved for the mother for recovery after birth. Employees will have to give their employer eight weeks notice of their intention to take shared parental leave, which they can do either before or after their child is born. Employers who offer enhanced maternity leave above the statutory minimum will have to offer the same terms to fathers as mothers. The changes may be of particular financial benefit to families where the mother is in a higher paid job than the father. However, the Government could not explain how its new rules would prevent couples from gaming the system by both claiming the enhanced maternity pay. In addition, all parents of children under 18 will have the right to take up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave per parent per child per year. At the moment this right only exists for parents of children under the age of five. Announcing the changes, which will require legislation, Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, said women should not have to choose between a successful career or having a baby .... We want to create a fairer society that gives parents the flexibility to choose how they share care for their child in the first year. Mr Clegg added: Many businesses already recognise how productive and motivated employees are when theyre given the opportunity to work flexibly, helping them retain talent and boost their competitive edge. This is good for families, good for business and good for our economy.

The real PMQs: David Cameron answers i readers' questions - UK Politics UK - The Independent
A: This is a basic issue of fairness. If you live in private rented accommodation and receive housing benefit, there is no extra funding for empty rooms. The same should apply for social housing. We need to use what we have fairly and properly. Last year, in England alone, there were a quarter of a million households in over-crowded social housing and yet at the same time there were around 400,000 under-occupied households, in some cases a single person in a family home. Its about fairness to the taxpayer too. Housing benefit cost 24bn last year that is 1,000 for every household in the country. Left unreformed that would have spiralled even further. We urgently needed to get a grip and we have. Q: Before you went into politics, what was the worst job you ever had? (Nicola Hadfield) A: The toughest was working night shifts in a parcel warehouse in Newbury but it was very satisfying and I earned

some good money. The worst was a direct-sales job stopping people in the street and asking them to fill out a questionnaire. Door-to-door canvassing, which I love, is much easier. Q: Before the election you said there would be no top-down reform of the NHS. In office, top-down reform of the NHS is precisely what the Government has been doing. Why did you make that pledge? Why have you not stuck to it? (David Blake, Boxgrove) A: I love the NHS and want to safeguard it for generations to come. The most important thing for me is not how our action is perceived, but whether that action is right and all the numbers, projections, evidence on the NHS showed that it had to change if it was to survive. Our population is ageing, treatments are advancing rapidly; we simply couldnt afford to stick with the status quo. So we have done some sensible things like investing more money in the NHS and giving more power to doctors and nurses the people who know their patients best. The changes we made have meant 23,000 fewer administrators and 4,400 more clinical staff. I would say that is cutting bureaucracy, not increasing it. The bottom line is I want an NHS that is there for people, that cares, that is free at the point of use and everything we have done and will do is about achieving that. Q: Can you promise, without caveats, an in/out referendum on the EU in 2017, regardless of what compromises you may negotiate with Brussels? (Martin Lawrence) A: Yes. If I am Prime Minister after the next election the British people will have their say. Q: Why do ministers frequently kick teachers? Wouldnt it be better to work with the profession rather than against it? (Jim Moore) A: I have enormous respect for teachers. And I believe the teachers we have in our schools today are the best ever. To go into a classroom every day and engage young children or teenagers and get them excited about what they are learning is a formidable, hugely important job. Everyone in this Government gets that. We are also absolutely determined to reform our schools to make them best in the world. We dont serve our children not least those from the poorest backgrounds if we stick our heads in the sand about whats gone wrong in education. We urgently needed change, and we are bringing it. Critically, we must attract the very best talent into teaching. That is why we are reforming pay so that schools can reward their best teachers, and why were supporting fantastic programmes like Teach First. We all need to work together in the national endeavour of educating our children: teachers, parents, politicians all of us. Q: The number of malnutrition cases treated by the NHS has nearly doubled, along with diagnoses of rickets. How is this Government intending to reduce the growing health gap between rich and poor groups in Britain? (Jackie DArcy) A : This is something this Government takes extremely seriously. There are a number of immediate things were doing, like giving parents from the poorest families vouchers to spend on milk, fruit, vegetables and vitamins; and increasing the number of health visitors by 50 per cent. Long-term, the plan is about tackling the causes of poverty building an economy where more people can get on; reforming welfare so that it encourages work; improving schools to give every child a decent start in life. Were seeing progress on all these fronts but theres a long way still to go and we have got to push on. Q : As a lifelong Conservative supporter, I have found it increasingly difficult to put forward arguments to my socialist friends as the Government appears to have abandoned the North-east [of England] where I live and work. What plans does the Government have to encourage more investment in the North-east rather than London and the South-east? (Bill Ash) A: I totally reject that far from abandoning the North-east, we are doing everything possible to bring wealth and work to all parts of our country. More than 110,000 apprenticeships have started in the North-east with this Government. Nearly a million people there have seen their taxes cut. And weve had targeted interventions too, like the Regional Growth Fund which has helped create or save more than 65,000 jobs in the North-east.

And there are positive signs of recovery. Nissan is expanding in Sunderland. A massive new train building plant is being built in Newton Aycliffe. Oil rigs are being fabricated on Tyneside as a new wave of North Sea investment takes place. All this is critical to my plan for Britain. I dont want to go back to the old, unbalanced, debt-fuelled economy of before, where the North fell further and further behind we are building a recovery for everyone, so that when there is increasing prosperity we all share in it. Q: Rents are soaring. Why is a rent cap, used in cities such as Berlin, not being debated here? (Daniel OSullivan) A: Because the evidence suggests that rent control simply doesnt work. Its a quick fix that causes further problems above all discouraging investment into housing and house-building. The root of the issue is that not enough homes have been built in this country and thats what were working to fix. Housing starts are up 16 per cent this year. The Build to Rent fund is a 1bn pot which is helping to build homes for private rent. 19.5bn is being invested in affordable homes and were on track to deliver 170,000 of them by 2015. Were also doing a load of other things like relaxing planning rules so that offices can be converted into homes. The fact is that whether its soaring rents or lack of housing, whether its renters or buyers who are hurting, we are seeing the fallout of decades of under-building in our country and we are taking bold, long-term steps to sort that out. Q: Why have energy companies been allowed to raise their prices for gas and electricity by so much? What is the Government going to do to help? (Thomas Hewitt) A: People across our country are sick of rising prices. We get that but we dont believe in offering phoney shortterm fixes that wont actually solve the problem in the long-run. Instead we have been looking forensically about how to get energy bills as low as possible for as long as possible. Already weve legislated to force energy companies to put customers on the best deal for them. Beyond that, we are taking action on two fronts: making the energy market more competitive; and rolling back the cost of government levies. On competition, I want more companies, I want better regulation and I want better deals for consumers. Were carrying out a competition test this year to work out how to achieve that. On levies, we are looking extremely closely at this issue, mindful of how people have been suffering with high energy bills. Q: Why did the Government sell the Royal Mail at a knockdown price? (Steven Flannighan) A : You have to remember that just a few years ago, this business was losing billions and costing the taxpayer a fortune. We believe this was a good offer for Royal Mail. Dont forget the sale happened in the face of considerable opposition with the threat of strikes and a lot of negative publicity. Labour did their best to make a sell harder. Many good investors the kind you want to stick around for a while were quite put off. What is key is that we gave free shares to the 99 per cent of Royal Mail staff who wanted them and the company will now get the investment needed to modernise. Q: Because I find it impossible to forget what Gordon Brown (never mind Tony Blair) did, I really want to vote Conservative. My question is: how can I vote for a party that cuts taxes for the rich (50 per cent rate) and increases the burdens of the poor (the bedroom tax)? (Jean Binnie, Knaresborough) A: We came into Government with a monumental economic mess to sort out. In doing so, we have had to take very difficult decisions but in every single one we have done what is fair, what is right, and what is in the long-term interests of our country. You mention the cut in the top rate of tax. The fact is that if you carry on with a relatively high top-rate, that makes this country a less attractive place for wealth creators and entrepreneurs to be. If they decide to go elsewhere, that means fewer jobs created, less money for the Treasury, and less money to spend on schools, hospitals and growing our economy. These are all the things we took into account when cutting the top rate. Beyond that particular case, the fact is this: the top 1 per cent of income-taxpayers contribute nearly 30 per cent of all income tax and those with the

highest incomes will contribute more to income tax this year than under any year of the previous government. And we have cut taxes on the lowest earners too. By raising the personal allowance to 10,000, were cutting the tax bills of 25 million hardworking people and taking 2 million people out of tax altogether. Above the political noise, these are the facts. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Q: Prime Minister, you and your Coalition Government are very quiet about the advantages of 1) the UK remaining in the EU, and 2) Scotland remaining in the UK. Could you please spell out all the arguments, loud and clear? (Peter Wilkins) A: Being in the EU does bring advantages. Were a trading nation and the single market is vital for investment and jobs. Almost half our exports go to the EU and one in every 10 jobs is linked to the single market. But I also think that Europe needs to change. It needs to be more competitive, more flexible, more outward-looking. And thats what Im working to achieve: weve cut the EU budget for the first time in history, were cutting red tape, weve launched negotiations for an EU-US trade deal that would be worth up to 10bn a year to the UK alone. On Scotland and the UK, my case is clear: we are better, stronger, richer together. We are a family of nations united as one. We share the risks when things go wrong, and share our assets and strengths for the common good of us all. We have achieved so much as a United Kingdom and our future is brighter and more prosperous as a United Kingdom. That is what Ill be arguing for, head, heart and soul until that referendum. Q: Why are we handing 280m a year to India when they can afford to launch spacecraft to Mars? (Lorenzo Frediani) A: We decided to stop providing financial aid to India. This reflects the fact that our relationship is shifting to a new, more modern footing focused increasingly on trade. So we will finish existing projects, but will not provide financial grants after 2015. Q: What are you going to do about the impending arrival of more Eastern European immigrants into the UK (from Romania and Bulgaria) and what steps are you taking to ensure that taxpayers are spared from further economic disruption due to increased resources required from the NHS, housing and welfare? (Julie Thompson) A: I know people are deeply concerned about this and I share those concerns. Thats why, when I became Prime Minister, I extended the time of the transitional controls on Romania and Bulgaria from five years to the maximum seven years. Now that this date is approaching, we are changing the rules so that no one can come to this country and expect to get out-of-work benefits immediately we will not pay them for the first three months. If after three months an EU national needs benefits, they will only be able to claim for a maximum of six months unless they can prove they have a genuine prospect of employment. Were also toughening up the test which migrants who want to claim benefits must undergo. This will include a new minimum earnings threshold, to prove they are working. If they dont pass the test, well cut access to benefits like income support. And newly arrived EU jobseekers will no longer be able to claim housing benefit. All this is sending a clear message to anyone who thinks that Britain might be a soft touch in terms of the benefit we give out. These measures say loud and clear that is not the case. LIFE AS PM Q: In what ways do you feel that being in power has changed you?(David Buckingham, Leamington Spa) A: The biggest difference is that in opposition you say things, in government you do things. Ive made changes longer hours, more structure and a discipline about getting on and making decisions. Others will have to decide how that has changed me!

Q: What have been the main changes to your family life since living in Downing Street? (Sally Henry) A : Moving out of your own home and into No 10 is a bit of a shock, but weve tried to make it as homely as possible. The really good thing about it is being able to pop upstairs and chat with Florence [aged three] shes never lived anywhere else. Q: What is the worst thing about being Prime Minister? (Paul Simmons) A: Its an honour and a privilege to do this job and there isnt a day when you dont feel that. The moment I dread is the arrival of news about losing one of the members of our Armed Forces or police officers. The toughest decisions are about these issues and also the dreadful hostage incidents weve had in recent years. THE FUTURE Q: Im an A-Level student. I find my future hanging by a thread as employment for graduates is decreasing. How will you ensure that graduates (beyond the Russell Group/Oxbridge universities) will have employment based on their academic abilities and skills? Thank you! (Ammarah Adam, Lancashire) A: Im sorry you feel like that but actually I believe you and other students like you have reason to be increasingly confident about your future. Over the past few years weve seen 1.4 million new jobs created in our private sector. After some long and difficult years our economy is turning a corner. That is not happening by accident; its happening because this Government came in with a serious economic plan dealing with our deficit, cutting taxes on businesses, investing in infrastructure, reforming welfare and education and you have my word that we will stick to that plan to keep on creating more good, well-paid, high-skilled jobs for people like you. Q: What advice would you give your own children to prepare them for the future. Which specific industries should they target their efforts into? (Caroline Chilley, Leicester) A: I do rather go on about the importance of school and work, especially English and maths as they are the biggest vaccination against future unemployment. But I also believe you should follow your own star. Q: If there was one thing you would like the UK to achieve in the next 10 years what would it be? (Matthew Guntrip) A: Im going to cheat and give you three, but they all relate to one thing: building a country our children can be proud of: 1. Get back in the black by dealing with our deficit. 2. Get our youth unemployment rate right down to the best in Europe. 3. Move up the international league tables for literacy, numeracy and science that would be one of the best ways to secure our future economic success. What do you think of the Prime Ministers answers? Let us know at i@independent.co.uk

Exclusive: Murdered spy Alexander Litvinenko gave MI6 secret briefings about key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin - Home News - UK - The Independent
MI6 allegedly asked the late spy to provide expert analysis on a four-page confidential Foreign Office report that detailed a visit to London in 2000 by Sergei Ivanov who is now the second most powerful figure in the Kremlin. The diplomatic telegraph known as a DipTel and circulated to British embassies around the world outlined private talks between Mr Ivanov at the time Russias top security adviser and UK intelligence officials in Downing Street, the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Defence. Mr Litvinenkos relationship with British intelligence has been cited as a possible motive for his murder, and the documents provide fresh evidence of potentially close links between MI6 and the former KGB agent and arch-critic of President Putin. Mr Litvinenko fled Russia for Britain in November 2000 and died in 2006.

of President Putin. Mr Litvinenko fled Russia for Britain in November 2000 and died in 2006. At the time of Mr Ivanovs trip, between 30 October and 1 November 2000, London and Moscow were as close as they had been for decades. The visit was described as the first meeting between such senior security officials from Britain and Russia. However, Britains decision to harbour Russian dissidents such as Mr Litvinenko angered President Putin, and relations deteriorated dramatically when the spy was poisoned soon after meeting two fellow former KGB agents at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair. The two spies, Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitry Kovtun, both deny involvement in his death and Russia has angered Whitehall by refusing to extradite them for questioning in the UK. Sir Robert Owen, the coroner investigating Mr Litvinenkos death, was due to publish some secret government documents which may have shed further light on the spys links to MI6 and Russias alleged role in his death. But he was overruled in the High Court on Wednesday after Foreign Secretary William Hague successfully won a judicial review of Sir Roberts decision. Mr Justice Goldring concluded that publishing the documents could cause a risk of significant damage to national security and outweighed the need for a full and proper inquest. The coroner is due to respond to the ruling later today. But the official restrictions on certain information relating to Mr Litvinenko have not prevented the late spys friend Yuri Felshtinsky revealing making more embarrassing claims. In an updated version of Blowing Up Russia, which the Russian academic co-wrote with Mr Litvinenko in 2002, Mr Felstinsky wrote: Among the many documents Alexander gave me in London in the beginning of 2003 was one that shows how close he had become to MI6. It relates to the visit of KGB-FSB general Sergei Ivanov to London. This four-page confidential document about the highly-sensitive visit ... was given to Alexander by MI6 for expert analysis. The Independent has seen the Diptel in question. The Foreign Office memo outlines UK officials thoughts of Mr Ivanov and an analysis of his positions on a range of topics, including global terrorism, Iran, China, and Nato. Diplomats said the 60-year-old was peddling the usual Russian arguments on a range of subjects on which Moscow disagreed with London. The memo says Mr Ivanov gave no ground on Iraq and there was no sign of a new approach to Chechnya. (He) reiterated Russias negative view of Nato and saw little prospect of rapid improvement, it reads. Although he loosened up over dinner, claiming that Russia was not trying to split Nato and implying that part of the problem was the difficulty of bringing the military along. The Foreign Office noted not much give on Iran from Mr Ivanov, who defended present Russian engagement and their involvement in nuclear co-operation with the Islamic republic which was causing consternation in Western circles at the time. During one dinner, a Russian official called Chernov is said to have launched a diatribe about the threat to world security posed by the internet. He depicted the internet as the major global threat over the next 5-10 years, the memo says. Mr Ivanov later described Russian media legislation as one of the most liberal in the world. The memo reveals British officials said Mr Ivanov came over well serious and authoritative, but tinged with humour, although the visit was marked by a rigidity in the more formal meetings and his juniors were not encouraged to speculate. Speaking from his home in the US, Mr Felshtinsky, a Russian historian, said: I do not know what Alex did with this document but he told me it was given to him by MI6. I met Alex with his handler once in Piccadilly. He was a very tall gentleman. Referring to the current legal impasse over the inquest, Mr Felshtinsky said: I do not understand why there is a conspiracy of silence. Everyone knows Alex worked for MI6.

Last year, the inquest into Mr Litvinenkos death heard he was a paid employee of MI6 with a dedicated handler whose pseudonym was Martin. It was also alleged that the spy he was supplying Spanish intelligence with information on Russia mafia activity in Spain. Blowing Up Russia alleges that the 1999 bombings in Moscow that were officially attributed to Chechen terrorists were actually committed by the Russian security services and used by Moscow to justify a war in Chechnya that helped bring Mr Putin to power. In 2007, Mikhail Trepashkin, who conducted an independent review of the 1999 bombings, said his Russian intelligence sources had told him that everyone who was involved in the publication of the book Blowing up Russia will be killed. He also claimed three FSB agents made a trip to Boston to examine the possibility of assassinating Mr Felshtinsky. The Foreign Office declined to comment. Sergei Ivanov: Hostile to the West, close to Putin Sergei Ivanov is a veteran of Russias security establishment and an old friend of President Vladimir Putin. The 60-year-old met Mr Putin in Leningrad, where the two became friends in the local branch of the KGB. He worked in intelligence for 18 years, first in the KGB and then in Russias SVR foreign service, and was once allegedly expelled from Britain for spying activities. Newspaper reports in Russia have claimed he also worked in Kenya with Vasily Kushchenko, the father of Anna Chapman, a Russian spy deported from the United States in 2010. Mr Ivanov is often described as one of key siloviki a group of conservative ex-spies that have prospered under Mr Putin and who are hostile to the West. However, some analysts believe he is more liberal and maintains a political balance between the hawks and doves inside the Kremlin. Former President Boris Yeltsin appointed Mr Ivanov secretary of the Russian Security Council placing him in charge of national security in November 1999. In March 2001, Mr Ivanov became Russias first civilian Defence Minister. Under Mr Putin he served as deputy Prime Minister and was tipped to become the next Russian President in 2008 before losing out to the liberal candidate, Dmitri Medvedev. However, Mr Ivanov became the latters chief-of-staff and remained in his post when Mr Putin regained the presidency in 2012. His oldest son, Alexander, struck and killed a 68-year-old woman while driving in 2005, though a criminal case against him was closed due to lack of evidence. In December 2006, Mr Ivanov reportedly dismissed the importance of Mr Litvinenkos death. He told foreign correspondents in Moscow: For us, Litvinenko was nothing. We didnt care what he said and what he wrote on his deathbed.

Andy McSmith's Diary: The Tories new strategy: say Unite and Len McCluskey as often as possible - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
She was one of the original contenders when the seat became vacant because of Eric Joyces fist-flailing activities in a Commons bar. Another was Karie Murphy, who was backed by the Unite union. Councillor Gow was the one who first alleged that Unite was trying to rig the ballot. She thus helped set in motion events which meant that Christmas came early for the Conservatives. The more times a Tory can mention Unite and Falkirk, the happier they are. In one half-hour long session of Prime Ministers Questions, David Cameron mentioned Unite 10 times and its leader, Len McCluskey, five times.

Ministers Questions, David Cameron mentioned Unite 10 times and its leader, Len McCluskey, five times. On Thursday, The Daily Telegraph website ran a 15 facts you need to know about Falkirk, written by the Tory MP Priti Patel. In the circumstances, Councillor Gow need not be surprised that the party has decided on a shortlist of three, none of whom has had any part in this mess. They are Pam Duncan, a disability rights campaigner, Monica Lennon, a young councillor from Hamilton, and Karen Whitefield, who was a member of the Scottish Parliament for 12 years. Blunt actions Having survived an attempt to get rid of him, Crispin Blunt, the Tory MP for Reigate, is out for retribution. He says that the leading members of the executive of his local party, who declined to readopt him as their candidate for 2015, have lost touch with their members, 80 per cent of whom backed Mr Blunt in a ballot. He has called for the resignations of the chair. Rita Renton, treasurer Richard Coad and president John Mill. They have not yet responded. Ordure, ordure (Part 1) That story in The Sun that David Cameron had told his staff to get rid of all the green crap gave Labour MPs an excuse to say crap in the Commons, which they have seized with gusto. Ed Miliband led the way at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, reading out a tweet which included the hashtag #greencrap. Yesterday, the Labour MP Karl Turner invited the Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, to say what he thought of the phrase. Half an hour later, Bill Esterson asked the leader of the Commons, Andrew Lansley: May we have a debate on what the Prime Minister means by green crap? At this point the Speaker, John Bercow, decided to issue a caution: I think that you were quoting. In those circumstances, the use of such a word is perfectly orderly, but I would not want colleagues to think that it is to be encouraged ordinarily, for it is not. Ordure, ordure (Part 2) But on that subject, the Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson, told MPs earlier in the week: For the first time, we are opening a market for businesses to recycle and re-use waste water as a new water resource. They will also be able to purchase sewage sludge that might otherwise have been sent to landfill for example, for use in anaerobic digestion plants. So they dont just say it: they sell it. Hogwarts must try harder Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre in the Forest of Dean, where J!K Rowling was head girl in 1982, and where her mother worked, and where there was a chemistry teacher on whom Harry Potters tormentor Severus Snape is reputedly modelled, has failed its Ofsted inspection, the Western Daily Press reports. The inspectors report noted that achievement is particularly low in English.

Madeleine McCann disappearance: Public thanked for response after Crimewatch appeal - Crime - UK - The Independent
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood said several holidaymakers who were in Praia da Luz, Portugal in 2007 when the little girl vanished had made contact with his team. British police launched their own investigation into Madeleine's disappearance earlier this year, called Operation Grange, and recently made renewed appeals for information on television in the UK, Holland and Germany. Appearing on the BBC's Crimewatch programme tonight Mr Redwood said: "The media appeals produced a fantastic response from the public in all three countries with a total of 3,500 calls and messages in the UK, 850 to Germany, and 650 in Holland. "Lots of people have called to say they were in Praia da Luz at the time. All of this information has obviously produced a very large volume of work for the Operation Grange team to work through.

"I have been in Faro this week working with police colleagues, and I know the appeal generated a large number of calls to the Portuguese police also. "I'd like to thank the media and the public for their continued assistance in this challenging enquiry." Yesterday Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said British and Portuguese police should join together as one team in their investigations into what happened to Madeleine. The little girl, then aged three, went missing from a holiday apartment where she was sleeping with her two younger siblings as her parents dined nearby with friends. The Portuguese shelved their inquiry into her disappearance in 2008, but last month said that a review had uncovered enough new information to justify reopening the case. The Commissioner said: "One thing we'd like to see in the future is a joint investigation team which comes under the European community. It is a possibility legally, and we're working together at a political level, and at a police and judicial level, to see how we can construct that. "If you're not careful, you end up doing things on an ad-hoc basis, and for us it would be better to have that type of arrangement. So that's what we're trying to get agreement between the two governments and the two police services."

The thick of it: Is Boris Johnson right when he says that equality is impossible because some people's IQs are too low? - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Johnson's wit and mental alacrity are indisputable. He is widely read, well-educated (Eton and Oxford) and a skilled raconteur who can tell a good joke. But there are other ways of describing intelligence that may not seem quite so apt for the accident-prone London Mayor. How many people, for instance, would happily describe him as wise or sensible? And surely he would hardly score above average for emotional intelligence or the ability to empathise with other human beings, especially those less fortunate and privileged than himself. Nick Clegg said yesterday that Johnson displayed "careless elitism" when advocating that more should be done to help the intelligent wealth-creators of society, and that Johnson was being "fairly unpleasant" by talking about people as if they were a breed of dog. What so offended Clegg was Johnson's description of the innate intellectual inequality of humans, especially those "of our species" with the lowest IQ scores. When he delivered the annual Margaret Thatcher lecture on Wednesday evening, Johnson said that humans were far from being equal in "raw ability". "Whatever you may think of the value of IQ tests, it is surely relevant to a conversation about equality that as many as 16 per cent of our species have an IQ below 85, while about 2 per cent have an IQ above 130," Johnson told his audience. But any discussion of IQ tests should consider their value. What are they actually measuring, how well do they do it and what does the end result really mean? Whenever politicians talk about intelligence and IQ, they risk being drawn into a quagmire of controversy going back over half a century. One of the problems is that experts themselves cannot agree on what is meant by intelligence, how to measure it and what that IQ metric actually stands for. Leaving aside the word itself, and all its different connotations of cognitive ability, a universal scientific definition of intelligence does not seem to exist. Indeed, when two dozen prominent psychological theorists were asked to define intelligence in the 1980s, they came up with two dozen somewhat different definitions. Intelligence can also be measured in different ways by a variety of psychometric tests. Some are better at testing

linguistic ability, others are better at judging numeracy or spatial ability. And all tests try with varying degrees of success to overcome cultural biases a test set in Latin, for instance, would hardly be fair on someone who didn't go to Eton. By convention, intelligence tests are scored on a scale in which the mean is set at 100 and about 95 per cent of the population will have an IQ score which falls within two standard deviations of the mean, meaning they will fall between 70 and 130. The bell shape of the resulting curve is probably one of the most famous graphs in psychology. Indeed, the 1994 book The Bell Curve was named after it. It was this book more than any other over the past 20 years that epitomised the bitter rancour over intelligence and IQ. The authors, Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray, argued that IQ was largely determined by a person's genes and upbringing, and was a better predictor of financial income and career success than the socioeconomic status of the individual's parents. Boris Johnson was simply expressing the same kind of deterministic, right-wing ideology. Other academics have shown, however, that IQ is not necessarily fixed in childhood, nor is it accepted that IQ has a strong genetic heritability. One of the strongest correlations of financial and economic success is still the size of your parents' bank account and whether they could afford to send you to a posh school with impeccable social connections.

Donald Macintyre's Sketch: And now a word from our sponsors - spin included - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
This approach has possibilities. To save taxpayers money, parliamentary proceedings could actually be sponsored, like the old US radio shows lovingly parodied in Garrison Keillors A Prairie Home Companion. Every little helps, the minister would announce during a speech on, say, the horsemeat scandal. This debate is brought to you by the countrys leading supermarket chain. If you cant find it at Tesco, you can probably get along without it. On Thursday, public health minister Jane Ellison had a less than easy ride announcing what the polls suggest will be a popular government change of heart: reviving the prospect of mandatory plain packaging for cigarettes before the next general election. She should stand up to the health zealots and nanny state brigade who, if they could, would ban everything and have everything in plain packaging, said ultra-free marketeer Philip Davies. True to his bovver boy image, Davies thought this was such a good point it was worth making at least twice. When Lib Dem John Pugh asked: What exactly is the downside of plain packaging, apart from fewer fags being sold? he growled: A left-wing, nanny state wallah like you would not understand. Davies fellow libertarian David Nuttall feared the Government would similarly decide that selling children sweets in brightly coloured packets contributes to childhood obesity, as if this were such a depraved idea that no one could possibly agree with it. But John Baron, who chairs an all-party group on cancer, declared: The Government have listened and responded a sign of strength, not weakness. Labours public health spokeswoman Luciana Berger accused David Cameron of listening more to his election guru Lynton Crosby and the vested interests of big tobacco than cancer charities and health experts. This last point seemed a bit perverse when ministers appear to have forsaken Crosbys advice. Labour outrage might also have reflected the realisation that an electoral fox was being ruthlessly shot.

New government website to name and shame doctors over who have poor rates of dementia diagnosis - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Under the plans people will be able to put in their postcode and see how good dementia diagnosis is their local area. The website is also designed to show how good individual local authorities are at providing services to dementia patients such as memory clinics.

patients such as memory clinics. But critics accused the Government of passing the blame on to local doctors and politicians for failures in dementia care rather than providing the resources to address the problem which ministers claim is a priority for them. Liz Kendall MP, Labour's Shadow Minister for Care and Older People said: If David Cameron was serious about improving the quality of dementia care, he would not have cut council budgets for older people's social care to the bone. And if Jeremy Hunt was serious about improving transparency, he would be publishing how many 15 minute home visits there are in each area, and how many people with dementia have unnecessarily ended up in hospital or having to go into a care home because they can't get the help they need to stay living in their own homes. Dementia is indeed one of the biggest challenges facing this country - but under David Cameron's watch care for people with dementia is getting worse not better.

Video: 'Miracle' teen comes out of coma - Home News - UK - The Independent
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Keeping the Litvinenko papers secret will smooth the path of one possible Putin successor - Comment - Voices - The Independent
The newly elected President Vladimir Putin saw the UK as a partner and conduit in the European Union and the US, making London the destination for his first Western visit. Tony Blair had signalled support by visiting him in Moscow two weeks before the presidential elections. Britain was the fourth largest foreign investor in Russia, and oligarchs were bringing fortunes into Londongrad. All this would begin to descend into acrimony a few years later with the refusal of the UK to extradite one oligarch, Boris Berezovsky, and the Chechen separatist Akhmed Zakayev. The Russians accused the UK of espionage with the aid of a device hidden in a plastic rock. Then came the polonium murder of Alexander Litvinenko, the Kremlins refusal to hand over suspect Andrei Lugovoi, and diplomatic expulsions. It had made eminent sense for the British to meet Sergei Ivanov in the autumn of 2000, and for Mr Litvinenko to analyse what transpired. The two men had served together in the KGB and its successor FSB, before their careers veered in opposite directions. In 1998 Lieutenant Colonel Litvinenko was among a group of FSB officers who accused their superiors of ordering the assassination of Mr Berezovsky. He was arrested and acquitted twice before fleeing with his family in 2000 to Britain where he was granted asylum. Mr Ivanov, meanwhile, had risen rapidly through the ranks, becoming one of the youngest generals, with Mr Putin making him his deputy in 1998. Mr Litvinenko was to become a consultant to MI6, and his possession of the Foreign Office documents on Mr Ivanovs London visit indicates his work for Britains Intelligence Service began soon after his arrival here. The relationship continued; he was to meet his British handler, Martin, just before his death. On Tuesday the Foreign Secretary won a court ruling which will ensure that documents about Mr Litvinenko will be kept secret on grounds of national security. Mr Ivanovs star, meanwhile, continues to shine. He is now President Putins chief of staff and, according to Moscow watchers, a possible successor.

David Cameron's 'u-turn on a u-turn' over cigarette packs is attempt to prevent Tories' tobacco firm links from becoming election issue - UK Politics UK - The Independent
The Tories had been accused by Labour of pandering to the commercial lobbying interests of their election strategist Lynton Crosby - whose company has links to the industry - when they announced they were backing away from plans to remove branding from cigarette package in July. But in what was effectively a double u-turn ministers said on Thursday that they had now commissioned a rapid review of the effectiveness of the measure by the paediatrician Sir Cyril Chantler to be completed by March.

At the same time, changes will be made to the Children and Families Bill currently going through Parliament so that a ban on branded cigarette packets can be imposed "without delay" if the review concludes it is the right course. If, as expected following its successful role out in Australia, the review finds that plain packaging is effective then the measure is likely to be on the statute book by 2015. This will allow the Conservatives to neutralise Labour attacks that the party is prepared to put the interests of the tobacco lobby ahead of public health. Thursday's move was warmly welcomed by health campaigners but the tobacco companies said it would not have an impact on legal smoking levels and would simply lead to an increase in smuggling and counterfeit products. Labour's shadow health minister Luciana Berger said ministers had been forced into "u-turning on a u-turn". "The minister says we need another review but the Government have already had a review and the evidence is clear for all to see," she said. "Standardised packaging makes cigarettes less attractive to young people. We should be legislating now, not delaying." But the Public Health Minister Jane Ellison insisted that the Government had made clear last July that it was simply taking a "pause", following a public consultation in 2012, to consider the evidence from Australia. Ms Ellison said that there would be no new public consultation and that Sir Cyril's review would have access to the submissions made in the course of last year's consultation. "We will introduce standardised tobacco packaging if, following the review and consideration of the wider issues raised, we are satisfied there are sufficient grounds to proceed," she said. However there was anger among some Conservative MPs who accused the Government of caving in to the "nanny state brigade". "What we expect from Conservative ministers, who believe in individual freedom and individual responsibility, is to stand up to the health zealots and nanny state brigade who would ban everything and have everything in plain packaging if they could do so," said the Tory backbencher Philip Davies said: " But Dr Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said there was "no question" that imposition of plain packaging would save thousands of lives in future. "Stopping cigarettes being marketed to children as a glamorous and desirable accessory is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation," he said. Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, added: "Introducing standardised packs could prevent a generation of young people starting a deadly and highly addictive habit." But British American Tobacco said the evidence from Australia showed that the "experiment" with plain packaging had failed. "There has been no impact on legal tobacco volumes in Australia and the steady decline in tobacco consumption that Australia had experienced in recent years has actually eased, not increased, since the introduction of plain packaging," the company said in a statement. "Instead, the evidence shows that the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products has coincided with an increase in illicit trade."

Sisters embezzled almost 700,000 from Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson

in globe-trotting luxury spending sprees, court told - Crime - UK - The Independent

In a day of proceedings that shed light on the multi-millionaires finances, Mr Saatchis accountant, Rahul Gajjar, said he did not tell the former couple of his suspicions that their personal assistants, Francesca and Elisabetta Grillo, were spending thousands of pounds of their money as he did not want to bother them with trivial matters. Mr Saatchi had a monthly household credit card bill of 100,000, Isleworth Crown Court heard. Mr Gajjar said that in one month alone Francesca Grillo spent 4,700 on return flights to New York, thousands more on opulent hotel stays in London, the Ritz in Paris and Mallorca, a 723 dress from Chlo, a jacket and shoes costing 2,725 from Miu Miu and a Louis Vuitton bag for 2,300. The accountant told the court that in June last year Francesca, 35, had admitted spending another 5,385 in Miu Miu, a subsidiary of Prada, and more than 2,500 on designer clothes and accessories elsewhere all in one day. Elisabetta, 41, had admitted spending almost 5,000 on personal items in the same month, he added, at stores including Harvey Nichols and Liberty. It was a shopping list that went on for so long it prevented Mr Saatchi from giving evidence yesterday as he arrived at the court in his trademark tie-less, buttoned-up white shirt and dark suit expecting to speak in the embezzlement trial. An hour later he left without being able to take the stand. Mr Gajjar, 44, had earlier told the jury that the Grillos regular combined monthly spend of tens of thousands of pounds was a trivial matter that he did not want to bother Mr Saatchi and his then wife with as they were dealing with more important corporate matters. Only when the Grillos combined monthly credit card bill hit 76,000 did alarm bells ring. The three other personal assistants employed by Mr Saatchi had a maximum average spend of 8,000, while the average amount Ms Lawson spent on her card per month was 7,000. Mr Gajjar confronted Francesca Grillo after she spent 65,000 on a company credit card bill in July 2012. The statement ran to 15 pages. He told the court some purchases had been on behalf of the Saatchi and Lawson family, but that Grillo had acknowledged she had spent more than 34,000 on luxury goods for herself. A company taxi account showed 107 personal trips booked by Francesca and 10 by Elisabetta during June 2012. Referring to Francescas spending spree on luxury clothes, Mr Gajjar said: She admitted that they were for her own use, her personal expenditure, which she was slightly apologetic about and vowed to reimburse the company or Charles. Mr Gajjar said both defendants had been given credit cards in Mr Saatchis Conarco Partnership account with Coutts bank to buy items for the household. While Francescas credit limit was 25,000 in June 2008 it rose to 50,000 in February 2010 and to 100,000 in June 2011. He told jurors that the celebrity couple, who divorced earlier this year after pictures were published showing Mr Saatchi holding his wife of 10 years by the throat, agreed that the sisters should continue working for them after the alleged offences came to light. It was suggested that they continued to draw current salaries, with Francesca expected to pay back 1,000 a month and Elisabetta 250. They were also able to live rent-free at a flat owned by Ms Lawson in Battersea, central London, the court heard. But Mr Gajjar said the defendants reacted angrily to this. They felt it tied them to the company for the rest of their lives, he said, adding that the assistants told him they were being treated worse than Filipino slaves. The two sisters are accused of spending 685,000 of the celebrity couples money, which the crown alleges they spent on designer clothes, flights and five-star hotels. The pair, from Bayswater, west London, deny fraud.

spent on designer clothes, flights and five-star hotels. The pair, from Bayswater, west London, deny fraud. Mr Saatchi is due to give evidence in court on Friday.

Former Lib Dem minister Chris Huhne foresees 'radical coalition' with Labour and his party - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Mr Huhne dismissed speculation that Nick Clegg would not be able to forge a partnership with Labour in a hung parliament after serving as Deputy Prime Minister under David Cameron. Ed Miliband has said it would be "difficult" to form a coalition with Mr Clegg but not entirely ruled out the prospect. The former Energy Secretary, who was given an eight-month prison sentence for perverting the course of justice after asking his former wife to take his penalty points for speeding, said there was "common ground" between the Lib Dems and Labour on housing, more green taxes, raising the personal tax allowance beyond 10,000 and foreign policy, particularly Europe. Writing in Juncture, the journal of the IPPR think tank, Mr Huhne said: "The assumption that Nick Clegg, having consolidated a centre-right hold on the Lib Dems, is preparing to deal with the Tories next time is wrong. He is certainly safer as leader than he looked a year ago. Vince Cable did not have a good [party] conference [in September]. But it is Nick who has been making clear overtures to the left of the party." He added: "The DNA of the Liberal Democrats is anti-ConservativeLabour and the Lib Dems' narratives on the economy are going to be fundamentally different in the run-up to the general election, but that is not fatal. It will disguise a potential common agenda around lifting living standards and reducing inequality not just of opportunity but also outcomes, which matters to the Lib Dem left." Many Lib Dems are keen to keep open the option of a deal with Labour. Some fear that their party would be seen as an arm of the Tories if it were to form a second coalition with Mr Cameron's party. But they accept that Mr Clegg would have to be guided by the election result-and talk first to the party which won the most seats. Mr Huhne, who was part of the Lib Dem team which negotiated with both main parties after the 2010 election, said a coalition with Labour was on the cards next time "as long as the votes fall the right way." Revealingly, he said: "As soon as it looks as if the party can only deal with one of its potential partners, its bargaining position in any negotiation is fatally weakened."

Private jet standing by to deport 'close to death' hunger striker Isa Muazu to Nigeria - Home News - UK - The Independent
Isa Muazu's lawyers are making final attempts to prevent his removal on Friday. They argue that Mr Muazu, who is now so thin he has been described as "close to death", is too unwell to fly. Mr Muazu was originally supposed to be flown to Nigeria on a Virgin Atlantic flight on Wednesday, but the booking was scrapped in favour of one for Friday. His new flight number EDC684 is registered with Air Scotland Charter Ltd, an aviation firm whose fleet includes Alan Sugar's private plane. It is not known how much the flight will cost, but a similar aircraft used to deport radical preacher Abu Qatada to Jordan was estimated to cost the Home Office more than 50,000 to hire. Phil Miller, a researcher at Corporate Watch, which discovered the jet booking, said: "The Home Office seem determined to deport Isa Muazu whatever the cost to his life and the public purse, even splashing out on a private jet just to bundle him out of the country." Mr Muazu has been held in detention since he claimed asylum in July, as part of a tougher fast-track system. The 45year-old has been refusing food for most of that time and told The Independent he was willing to die rather than return home.

Describing himself as looking like "a skeleton", Mr Muazu now weighs just 53 kilos, despite being 5 foot 11 tall. A letter signed by leading actors, artists and campaigners was delivered to Home Secretary Theresa May on Thursday demanding she show clemency on his case. The 100 signatories included Juliet Stevenson, Dame Harriet Walter and author Stella Duffy. The letter, which was also signed by human rights organisations including Amnesty and Liberty, says: "Despite compelling medical evidence and in the context of mounting political pressure from cross party parliamentarians, the decision to continue Isa's detention and pursue Isa's deportation contradicts medical advice and shows no regard for the value of his life. We would argue that this goes well beyond a 'hostile environment' and has far reaching consequences for society as a whole." Campaigners held a candlelit vigil outside the Home Office to express concern about his case and the department's apparent hardening in its stance against asylum-seekers. Vigil organiser, Nancy Maller said "It's so important that we stand against this, never before has the Home Office been so bold as to intentionally let someone die in immigration detention or go against all medical advice and force someone out of the country on a stretcher who cannot see and cannot stand because he is so weak" The case that Mr Muazu was being held unlawfully was rejected in the Court of Appeal on Monday. He originally claimed asylum in July, saying that he faced persecution from the hardline Islamist group Boko Haram. His case was fast-tracked and was refused in August, just seven days after his interview. Mr Muazu first arrived in Britain on an ordinary visitors' visa in 2007 but overstayed and says this is because he is frightened to return home. A spokeswoman for Air Charter Scotland said the company had no comment. A spokesman for Alan Sugar said that his jet would not be used in the removal. A spokesman for the Home Office did not deny the department had booked the jet and said: "We do not routinely comment on individual cases".

Ian Watkins: Peaches Geldof may face criminal investigation after tweeting names of women claimed to be involved in abuse - Crime - UK - The Independent
The daughter of Boomtown Rats star Bob Geldof posted the names of two women purported to be involved in the case on social networking site Twitter, but has since removed them. The 24-year-old has over 160,000 followers. The former Lostprophets singer Watkins was branded a determined and committed paedophile by a judge at Cardiff Crown Court after he pleaded guilty on Tuesday to 11 sex offences, including two charges of attempting to rape of a baby in a dramatic change of plea. The 36-year-old, from Pontypridd, south Wales, plotted the abuse with the two female co-defendants, who also pleaded guilty to numerous child sex offences. The Attorney General's Office has warned that sex offence victims have automatic lifetime anonymity and publishing details that can lead to their identification is a criminal offence. A spokeswoman for the Attorney General's Office said: We understand that the names of the co-defendants in the Ian Watkins case were posted online but have now been removed. "As has been previously reported, the co-defendants were the mothers of the victims. Victims of sexual offences have automatic lifetime anonymity and the publication of names or information which

Victims of sexual offences have automatic lifetime anonymity and the publication of names or information which can lead to their being identified is a criminal offence. This is a police matter. A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said the force was preparing a statement on the matter.

Stop clowning around! Police urge public to ignore creepy clowns after sightings across UK - Home News - UK - The Independent
Police have vowed to track down pranksters dressing up as clowns and offer them "strong words of advice" - but added that dressing up as a clown is not actually illegal. The police advice follows sightings in towns across England and one in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. Pictures of a man dressed as a creepy clown and stalking the streets of Northampton went viral earlier this year becoming a global internet sensation. Sightings have since followed in Mansfield, Scunthorpe, Burnley and now King's Lynn. According to the BBC, there have been clown sightings in the market town on Tuesday and Wednesday. Supt Carl Edwards speaking to the BBC said: "Firstly, I'd like to stress that it isn't against the law to dress up as a clown. "Nobody has been assaulted and it appears that the people involved are waiting for a passer-by to be startled by their appearance and run away, and then the clown runs after them for a short distance." "We will be out in the areas where reports have been made to attempt to find those responsible and offer them strong words of advice," he said. Supt Edwards warned that the young or elderly could be worried be any clown encounters and Norfolk police said they were treating the King's Lynn clown activity as "anti-social behaviour being fuelled by reports on social media".

British kickboxer Lee Aldhouse sentenced to 25 years for murder of US Marine in Thailand - Crime - UK - The Independent
Lee Aldhouse, from Birmingham, was found guilty of stabbing to death Dashawn Longfellow on the resort island of Phuket. The court spared Aldhouse a life sentence because he pleaded guilty. Police said that Mr Longfellow, 23, was attacked in his apartment on 14 August 2010, following an earlier fight in a bar, during which he is reported to have got the better of Aldhouse. Aldhouse was a semi-professional kickboxer who fought under the nickname Pitbull. He had been living on-andoff in Phuket, where Mr Longfellow was also studying the sport. Aldhouse was extradited to Thailand in December 2012 after having an appeal turned down by the High Court. It was the first case of extradition of a criminal suspect from Britain to Thailand. He was arrested at Heathrow Airport after fleeing Thailand.

'Unpleasant elitism': Nick Clegg attacks Boris Johnson's defence of greed UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Mr Clegg was referring to a speech the Mayor of London gave at the Centre for Policy Studies annual Margaret Thatcher lecture on Wednesday night, during which he defended the importance of boardroom greed and some measure of inequality as a spur to economic activity. Speaking during his weekly phone-in on LBC, Mr Clegg said: I think these comments reveal a fairly unpleasant,

Speaking during his weekly phone-in on LBC, Mr Clegg said: I think these comments reveal a fairly unpleasant, careless elitism that suggests we should somehow give up on a whole swathe of our fellow citizens. Mr Clegg accused the mayor of talking about people as if they were a breed of dogs and said politicians should be seeking to improve opportunities for all. In his speech, Mr Johnson said that any discussion about equality had to take account of the fact that while 16 per cent of our species had an IQ below 85 while around 2 per cent had an IQ above 130, adding: The harder you shake the pack, the easier it will be for some cornflakes to get to the top. He continued: For one reason or another - boardroom greed or, as I am assured, the natural and God-given talent of boardroom inhabitants - the income gap between the top cornflakes and the bottom cornflakes is getting wider than ever. I stress, I don't believe that economic equality is possible; indeed, some measure of inequality is essential for the spirit of envy and keeping up with the Joneses that is, like greed, a valuable spur to economic activity. And in a reference to Gordon Gekko - the ruthless trader in the Hollywood film Wall Street whose mantra was greed is good - Mr Johnson said greed was a valid motivator. But he said he hoped any boom would be marked by a genuine sense of community and philanthropy. Some analysts believe the speech was an attempt by Mr Johnson, 49, to be seen as the political heir to the former prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

Merry Black Friday! But are Britons ready to buy into US retailers hype? Home News - UK - The Independent
Global retail company Amazon has led the way in seeking to convince the British public that today the day after Americas Thanksgiving Day and the start of the holiday shopping season is the day of the year when we should be purchasing electrical goods. The UK arm of the shopping giant has offered a series of lightning deals on what its publicity team claimed are must-have items, including a rechargeable Braun shaver and a Krups Nespresso Essenza coffee machine. For those Brits unable to purchase today, there is always Black Friday Re-loaded Weekend or else Cyber Monday on 2 December, when many Americans binge on Internet shopping at the end of the Thanksgiving weekend. Its not just Amazon that is using this sales pitch. Big British retailers, such as John Lewis and Asda, are embracing the Black Friday concept. Ed Connolly, buying director for electricals and home technology at John Lewis, said the store had seen a doubling of electrical goods sales on Black Friday last year and was encouraging the idea that theres an event on this day. He said: I think people are referring to it more and more. If you see what people are typing into Google from the UK, I think Black Friday means something to the UK customer. I personally think its here to stay. It is only nine days ago that John Lewis launched its Christmas advert, featuring the voice of Lily Allen, one of a series of blockbuster campaigns from retail giants, which are responding to signs of an upturn in the economy with the biggest frenzy of commercial activity for some years. Asda has also seized on the Black Friday idea. The supermarket chain is owned by the US retail giant Walmart and is promising earth shattering deals as it mimics the sales patter of its parent company. Asda supermarkets will use Walmart logos and marketing messages. Were taking our lead from them and utilising their know how to help create an offer that means Asda shoppers can benefit from incredible savings at a time when they really need us the most, said Andrew Moore, Asdas chief merchandising officer.

But despite the efforts of public relations team to generate hype around Black Friday, PR expert Mark Borkowski expressed doubt that the idea would take hold in the UK, where there is no tradition of Thanksgiving Day. When I first heard of Black Friday I thought it was a collapse in the banking system because thats how it is understood here, he said. The January sales are iconic in the UK and theres a cultural significance to them. The Brits are a nation of bargain hunters and they will see through this flannel. Amazon sees it differently. For days it has been running Black Friday Deals Week and claims that UK shoppers have pocketed millions of pounds of savings in the rush to secure such essential items as the SodaStream Stream Drinksmaker and the Nintendo 3DS Handheld Console. Amazon expects sales on Cyber Monday to peak at 6pm, when shoppers emerge from the workplace to make their purchases.

Video: Lee James in communal area - Crime - UK - The Independent

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voices Ian Birrell: According to Thabo Mbeki, Tony Blair wanted to overthrow Robert Mugabe by force News

news Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser News

tech New CEO Marissa Mayer plans to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web Arts & Entertainment

arts + ents Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who - you've seen them all before

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Video: Murderer Lee James says he'll 'f*ck up' disabled man Bijan Ebrahimi for taking photos of him just days before he stabbed him to death - Crime UK - The Independent
Voices

voices Ian Birrell: According to Thabo Mbeki, Tony Blair wanted to overthrow Robert Mugabe by force News

news Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser News

tech New CEO Marissa Mayer plans to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web Arts & Entertainment

arts + ents Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who - you've seen them all before News

news...if you are a fruit fly

Thousands of families reliant on food banks this Christmas - Home News UK - The Independent
The Trussell Trust says at least 60,000 people, including 20,000 children, will receive help from one of its 400 food banks over the festive period. Thousands more families will be relying on other charities for food. The warning comes after a survey found that a quarter of adults in the UK have either skipped meals, gone without food to feed their family or relied on food help over the last year. Some 40 per cent of UK households say their situation has worsened over the past 12 months while 28 per cent say they have struggled to buy the same amount of food that they did 12 months ago, the poll for Tesco, The Trussell Trust and the charity FareShare found. Among those who have experienced food poverty, 60 per cent say they will go without heating to provide food, according to the poll, which marks the annual Neighbourhood Food Collection event. Chris Mould, the chief executive of The Trussell Trust, said: "The deeply distressing reality for Britain this Christmas is that thousands of families will struggle to put food on the table. We're already meeting parents who are choosing between eating and heating." Earlier this month Frank Field, the Labour MP for Birkenhead, said he feared that food banks would become a permanent part of the "welfare scene". And recently Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, said: "Food banks aren't going to go away any time soon. Prices are rising more than three times faster than wages." The Neighbourhood Food Collection will take place in every Tesco store from 29 November to 1 December.

English football match-fixing: Former Bolton striker Delroy Facey 'named' among six arrested by police over 'international illegal betting syndicate' News & Comment - Football - The Independent
Six people have been arrested by police investigating a suspected international illegal betting syndicate involved in the fixing of English football games. Along with the former Premier League player, three current players were among those detained. A spokesman for the NCA said: "Six men have been arrested across the country as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into alleged football match fixing. The focus of the operation is a suspected international illegal betting syndicate. "The NCA is working closely with the Gambling Commission and the Football Association. This is an active investigation and we are unable to provide further detail at this time."

Facey played just 14 games for Bolton during a time when they were a Premier League club. His spell at the Wanderers, for whom he scored two goals after joining in 2002, was one of 14 different clubs the striker played for over a 16-year career. Among the other sides were West Brom, Bradford, Burnley and Hull City. This month he has been playing for Albion Sports Football Club, a team in the Northern Counties East Football League. It's also reported that he has made moves towards becoming a football agent. Former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce expressed his shock at Facey being linked with the allegations in an interview with the Daily Mail. "I hope Delroy hasnt got involved in something like this," said the current West Ham boss.

Delroy Facey pictured in 2012 playing for Hereford United A Football Association spokesman said it was aware of a number of arrests and had been working closely with the authorities in relation to these allegations. Meanwhile, the Football Conference issued a statement on its official website this morning. It said: "The Football Conference has become aware of a story published today concerning arrests being made over alleged match fixing. "The Football Conference takes all matters relating to the integrity of the game very seriously but it cannot make any comment on today's story as it would be inappropriate to do so." The men were held after an undercover investigation by The Daily Telegraph newspaper. It filmed a meeting in Manchester with an alleged fixer from Singapore who claimed gamblers could make hundreds of thousands of pounds placing bets with companies in Asia. The man reportedly planned to target two matches this month. Explaining how he would ensure players deliver a particular score line, he told an undercover reporter: "In England the cost is very high... usually for the players it is 70,000. "So I talk to them. Double confirm. I also tell them, I tell ... this [is] what I want ... Because simple, I commit myself and they commit. So you tell me how many goals ... Give me at least five... either 3-2, 4-0 or zero, ... for me four is enough."

It is not believed that any Premier League sides are involved in the scandal, but the identities of the clubs affected cannot be disclosed for legal reasons. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that it has liaised with the NCA during their investigation. In one of the Manchester meetings, the alleged fixer explained that the syndicate would use a yellow card at the beginning of the game as signal that the match was fixed. He said: "For example, within the first 10 minutes, I will ask them to take one yellow card. So, one yellow card is about 5,000. "So I say [to the player], okay, in the first 10 minutes I need to see the yellow. If there's no yellow, that's it, I will not pay you anything." In a statement, Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey said the league had not yet been contacted by the police. We understand from media reports that there is an ongoing Police investigation into alleged match fixing in domestic football, the statement said. To date, we have had no contact from the Police regarding this matter. The threat of corruption is something that The Football League and the other football authorities treat with the utmost seriousness. The integrity of our matches and our competitions is the bedrock of the domestic game."

Domino's delivery man quits after workers told to only speak English - Home News - UK - The Independent
Stuart Horton, a delivery driver for the Ashton branch of Dominos Pizza in Preston said a sign had been placed in a staff area warning employees that they could face disciplinary action if they communicated in any other language apart from English while working in the store. The sign read: All staff. Whilst you are working at this store you must speak in English. This if for ease of communication, safety and due to some complaints from staff at other stores. Anybody ignoring this could find disciplinary procedures followed, as it could be seen as a form of workplace bullying/harassment. The word 'English' was underlined twice, written in a different colour and highlighted in its box. Mr Horton said he has friends from countries such as India, Pakistan, Poland and Hungary who also took offence to the sign. He said many of the employees at the branch do not speak English as a first language. He told the Lancashire Evening Post he had reported the incident to Domino's Head Office and the area manager has also agreed to meet with Mr Horton and discuss his concerns. The manager took the staff on in the first place knowing full well their native tongues are from different regions and they are trying to learn English", he told the paper. Some of them have a basic grasp of English but it isnt a problem and there isnt a communication barrier. Everybody speaks English if talking to customers or answering the phone." In a statement, Domino's Pizza said: To ensure a good flow of communication in our stores, the use of a common language is spoken at work to avoid confusion and to create a more welcoming environment.

language is spoken at work to avoid confusion and to create a more welcoming environment. It is also paramount that all safety aspects are adhered to and for this reason a common language is vital. The tone of the poster shown is a little strong and we will be picking this up with the franchisee.

Conman jailed for stabbing Carole Waugh to death - Crime - UK - The Independent
Rakesh Bhayani, 41, was sentenced at the Old Bailey for the murder of Carole Waugh, said to have been a lonely woman who worked as an escort and who believed that he was her friend. A jury convicted Bhayani of the murder yesterday. Ms Waugh, 49, died at her flat, where she lived alone, in Marylebone, central London. Her body was placed in a bag, which was carried to a car. The vehicle was initially stored in a central London car park, then left in a rented garage in New Malden, south London. Police described Bhayani as "a confidence trickster who murdered her with the sole intention of stripping her assets and the belongings she had worked hard for". Sentencing Bhayani, Mr Justice Wilkie said he "ruthlessly targeted" Ms Waugh and "left her body to rot". He said the murder and subsequent dumping of the body was done with "greed, callousness and total lack of any regard" for her. The murder was "arising out of an argument about money", and the judge described Ms Waugh as a "risk-taker and manifestly vulnerable to conmen". He said: "Without a second thought, you calmly and comprehensively set about stealing her identity. "You took steps to ensure her body would not be found for a sufficient time." Mr Justice Wilkie said Bhayani embarked on the complete "asset-stripping of her persona". Ms Waugh's family were in court for the sentencing and heard the murder was "not premeditated or pre-planned". Mr Justice Wilkie sentenced Bhayani to life with a minimum of 27 years in jail. He was also sentenced to six years for perverting the course of justice and six years for conspiracy to defraud - both of which will run concurrently with his life sentence. Co-accused Nicholas Kutner, 48, was jailed for a total of 13 years - seven years for perverting the course of justice by concealing the death, and six years for conspiracy to defraud. As the two men were taken down after the sentencing, they expressed no emotion. Mr Justice Wilkie said Bhayani was the "instigator and chief organiser of the fraud", and said the pair spent Ms Waugh's money on "hotels, casinos and escorts". The court heard earlier that Bhayani had a "deep-seated and unavoidable addiction to gambling". The judge said Kutner was in the flat when Bhayani murdered Ms Waugh and was then "on board with the actions to conceal her death and thwart the investigation" into her murder. He said the concealment of Ms Waugh's body was "a job for two people" and said they were both "motivated by

sheer greed". Referencing the two men's previous convictions, Mr Justice Wilkie said the men had an "appalling record" for offences of dishonesty PA

Where there's muck there's (virtual) brass: Newport man accidentally throws away hard drive needed to access 4m worth of 'Bitcoins' - Home News - UK The Independent
A man from Newport has spoken of his regret after he accidentally threw away a hard drive containing the cryptographic "private key" needed to access nearly 4 million worth of the digital currency Bitcoins. The hard drive was thrown away by its owner James Howells over the summer along with the Dell XPS N1710 laptop it came from. After discarding the equipment, Mr Howells realised it included a digital wallet containing 7,500 Bitcoins which he 'mined' in 2009 at almost no cost. Mr Howells, 28, who lives on Cromwell Road, Newport, had stored the virtual currency on his hard drive when it was worth almost nothing. In 2009 the virtual currency was pretty much unknown outside of tech circles, however, in recent months the value of the digital coins has increased exponentially. In a desperate and so far fruitless attempt to retrieve his virtual treasure Mr Howell visited the Docksway landfill site in Newport but was told it would not be sealed off unless there needed to be a criminal investigation carried out. According to reports Mr Howells was told so much rubbish has since been piled on top the hard drive, which was thrown away in July or August, that it would be almost impossible to find. Mr Howells told the South Wales Argus that the landfill site would be 30 feet in the air when complete. Speaking to The Guardian, who first covered the story after spotting a post on Reddit, Mr Howells said: "You know when you put something in the bin, and in your head, say to yourself 'that's a bad idea'? I really did have that." According to the newspaper, at the time of his discarding the hard drive the virtual currency would have been worth around 500,000 but the value has since risen to beyond 4million.

Lee Rigby murder trial: The four questions posed to potential jurors in case against Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale - Crime - UK - The Independent
A panel of potential jurors gathered in oak-pannelled Court Two of the Old Bailey today, and were asked four questions to determine their ability to try the case. Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, are charged with murdering the Fusilier as he walked back to Woolwich Barracks in south-east London on May 22. They are also each accused of attempting to murder a police officer on the same day, and conspiracy to murder a police officer on or before that day. Mr Justice Sweeney told the potential jurors: " A fair trial is the right of all in this country. To state the obvious, the role of the jury is a vitally important one in ensuring the fulfilment of that right.

"In our crown courts it is the jury consisting of 12 people chosen at random and with no connection with the case who are the judges of the facts and who alone decide on the true verdicts according to the evidence in the case that they are trying. "Sitting in judgment on your fellow citizens is one of the most important duties that any of us can be called upon to perform and once summoned as you have been it is a duty that must be undertaken unless there are compelling reasons that require a potential juror to be excused." He added: "It is an essential part of a fair trial that the jurors who try the case must have no connection with it whether direct or indirect, and must be able to reach true verdicts based on the evidence rather than on any preconceived ideas, beliefs or prejudices." Adebolajo, wearing a black shirt, and Adebowale, in a brown jumper, sat in the dock separated by security guards as the process began. The jurors were asked: * Have you or any person with whom you have regular and close personal contact been in the vicinity of a terrorist incident? * Are you or any person with whom you have regular and close personal contact employed or have been employed by the Armed Forces, Police Force, Prison Service, Security Services or the Crown Prosecution Service? * Is there any reason arising from your beliefs, past or present occupation or any other matter that you feel may inhibit the essential requirement to return true verdicts according to the evidence in this trial? In particular do you or any member of your family or a relative or close friend hold political or religious views of such strength that they might materially influence your consideration of this case? * Is there some other compelling reason requiring you to be excused? Fourteen potential jurors were chosen today, and it is hoped that a final jury of 12 will be selected and sworn in tomorrow, when the prosecution case is expected to open. Mr Justice Sweeney warned the group not to research the case, to try to contact anyone involved with it or to speak about it with family or friends. He told them: "The jurors who try this case must do so impartially, and thus based on only the evidence that those jurors are going to hear in this courtroom and absolutely nothing else." Father-of-one Fusilier Rigby, 25, from Middleton, Greater Manchester, died of multiple cut and stab wounds when he was attacked as he returned to the barracks after spending the day at the Tower of London. Adebolajo, from Romford in Essex, has asked to be known as Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court, while Adebowale, from Greenwich, south-east London, has asked to be called Ismail Ibn Abdullah. PA

Former legal high NBOMe set to become Class A substance - Crime - UK The Independent
NBOMe was subjected to a temporary ban in June, making it illegal for at least 12 months, while further evidence on its impact was gathered. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has recommended that compounds of the drug, seen as an alternative to the hallucinogen LSD, are controlled as class A substances - the most serious category with possession punishable by a jail term of up to seven years.

punishable by a jail term of up to seven years. In addition, the ACMD has recommended that another former legal high subjected to a temporary ban, BenzoFury, once marketed as a legal form of ecstasy, is controlled as a class B substance. NBOMe, known on the street as N-Bomb and Smiley Paper, is a popular club drug mainly bought over the internet. Its effects, which can last six to 10 hours, include euphoria and feelings of love but also confusion, shaking, nausea, insomnia and paranoia, the ACMD said. Surrey Police reported the death of an 18-year old man in February, which is thought to be related to NBOMe although this is awaiting confirmation, while Avon and Somerset Police have reported a death where a 22-year old man drowned after taking the drug. The substance has also been implicated in several deaths in the US and Australia. Earlier this year, seven intoxication cases linked to the drug were identified in hospitals across the north east of England, including two patients who needed intensive care. Evidence from the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca), which was recently taken into the new National Crime Agency (NCA), suggests large amounts of the drug have already arrived in the UK for distribution in blotter and powder form. The substance appears to have arrived via a well-established link to producers of the drug in China, the ACMD said. NBOMe is also potentially a highly profitable drug, the drug advisers said, since a relatively small amount of powder can generate many doses at prices between 2 to 4 - with up to 20 million doses available from just 1kg. Earlier this year, psychology graduate Jennifer Whiteley, 27, died after she took "bombs" of BenzoFury at her family home. BenzoFury is often sold as powder or as tablets, known as pellets, with powder sold at 35 a gram and pellets 10 each. Ten "legal highs" were identified last year for the first time in the UK by a specialist Government system that targets music festivals and tobacco shops. A total of 27 new psychoactive substances - also known as legal highs - have now been detected by the Home Office's Forensic Early Warning System (FEWS) since it was set up in January 2011. Official figures also showed the number of deaths involving legal highs soared by 80% last year to 52, from 29 in 2011. Earlier this year, ACMD chairman Professor Les Iversen warned Britain is being swamped by a "potentially dangerous" influx of new legal highs. And a United Nations report found the UK to be the largest market for legal highs in the European Union. PA

'Idiots not terrorists': two cleared of endangering aircraft that had to make emergency landing at Stansted - Crime - UK - The Independent
Tayyab Subhani, 30, and Mohammed Safdar, 42, were arrested on May 24 after a Boeing 777 heading from Lahore, Pakistan, to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing at Stansted Airport in Essex. It had been claimed Safdar, supported by Subhani, had made threats to kill crew and passengers after an argument

broke out with air stewards at 30,000 feet. But jurors at Chelmsford Crown Court were instructed to find the men, from Nelson in Lancashire, not guilty of endangering an aircraft. Judge Charles Gratwicke described the case as "tenuous and peppered with inconsistencies". He added: "Under the circumstances no jury can properly convict these men." Prosecutor Brian O'Neill said: "In light of the state of the evidence, it has been decided it is no longer appropriate to seek convictions in this case." The two were dubbed "idiots not terrorists" after a series of witnesses told the court that although the men had acted like idiots, they had not heard a bomb threat. Nadeem Sufi, captain of the Pakistan International Airlines flight PK709, originally alerted the authorities to the scare. But he later told the court that, as the severity of the diversion became apparent, he tried to reverse this decision by telling air traffic control the men were "laughing and joking". In statements read outside court, both men said they were relieved that their ordeal was over and they had cleared their names after wrongly being branded terrorists. Solicitor Raza Sakhi said: This is a victory for Mr Safdar, his loved ones and those that knew he was innocent of the allegations he was facing." The court heard that Pakistan International Airlines had released its own internal inquiry, which contradicted evidence given by its staff to police and in court, only when ordered to by the court. Barristers for both men said they did not blame the police or Crown Prosecution Service for the case being brought to court. Peter Rowlands said: "In fairness to the prosecution, it is now common ground that had certain documents held by Pakistan International Airlines been made available from the outset, these two men would not have had to face trial." Speaking for Safdar, Mr Sakhi added: "Due to the misinformation supplied to the UK authorities by members of the crew of flight PK709, the UK was put to considerable expense. "Mr Safdar was wrongly vilified as a terrorist based on the same information. "Mr Safdar was separated from his family and remanded in custody for 73 days as a result of this misinformation." He added that Safdar was grateful to his own legal team, the prosecution and police for eventually "uncovering the truth". "His simple lifestyle has turned into one of the most challenging experiences a person can endure. He wishes to move on with his life and put this terrible ordeal behind him," he said. Biant Bansai, speaking on behalf of Subhani, said: "This case has collapsed after it became clear that witnesses against him had not told the truth. "This brings an end to six months of stress and anxiety for Mr Subhani and the cost to him and his family has been very high. "He's delighted that his name has now been cleared and we will press for a full inquiry as to the conduct of Pakistan International Airlines in this case."

PA

Net migration on rise despite David Cameron's pledge to cut numbers by election - Home News - UK - The Independent
Net migration has risen for the first time for two years. The figures emerged a day after the Prime Minister announced a crackdown on state benefits to Romanians and Bulgarians, who win the right to work in the UK in January. Some 59,000 people came from long-standing European Union members in the 12 months to June, up from 41,000 a year earlier, according to the Office for National Statistics. There were big rises from countries with economic woes including Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece. The difference between the number of people entering and leaving was 182,000, up from 167,000 the previous year, as emigration dropped to its lowest level since 2001. Ministers pointed to a drop in immigration from outside the EU. But the overall rise was a blow to Mr Cameron, who pledged to bring net migration below 100,000 by the 2015 election. Theresa May, the Home Secretary, said the figures show the achievements we have made, but they also show the challenges we still face. She added: It represents an unwelcome increase in net migration in the last year and it is still too high. So it is important to look in detail at the statistics to see why the successive falls in net migration appear to have stopped. Mrs May joined Mr Cameron in demanding reform of the EUs free movement rules. Controversially, she suggested that migrants from poor EU countries could be barred. She said: In future, we must put in place new arrangements to slow full access to each others labour markets until we can be sure it will not lead to mass migration. This could, for example, be achieved by requiring new member states to reach a certain level of income or economic output per head before full free movement is allowed. On Thursday night Mr Cameron told fellow European leaders that they must tackle abuse of free movement and how it works in future. He was speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he was attending a joint summit of EU and former Soviet bloc nations. The Prime Minister was expected to hit back at Laszlo Andor, the EU Social Affairs Commissioner, who warned that the proposed restrictions on Romanians and Bulgarians would turn Britain into the nasty country of Europe. Mr Cameron planned to tell Jose Manuel Barroso, the European Commission President, that Mr Andors behaviour was inappropriate for an official funded by British and European taxpayers. Mr Cameron believes that unelected officials should not dismiss real concerns raised by elected politicians. David Hanson, Labours immigration spokesman, said: "David Cameron and Theresa May are failing to meet their own target. They promised 'no ifs, no buts' that they would meet their target of net migration in the tens of thousands by the election. These figures expose the massive gap between the rhetoric and the reality of Tory immigration policy. Dr Scott Blinder, acting director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said the level of net migration left the Government with a significant hurdle to overcome if it is to reach the tens of thousands target by the end of this parliament."

Video: Is this the worst parking manoeuvre in history? Transport police hunt hopeless driver who smashed into vehicles in station car park - Home News UK - The Independent
CCTV footage, published on YouTube by police, shows the driver of a silver Ford Fiesta slowly reversing from a parking space before seemingly losing control of the vehicle and accelerating into two parked cars.

Police are now hunting the driver involved in the accident, which took place at Olton railway station, Solihull, earlier this month. PC Ali Jama, the officer responsible for investigating the incident said: "We are now two months on from this incident taking place shortly after 1.20pm on Friday, 27 September. "Despite extensive enquiries, officers have yet to trace the driver of the silver Ford which collided with three parked cars before the driver left the scene. "So far, the driver has not reported the incident to police. I am today hoping that someone will recognise the car and/or the driver, and come forward with information which can assist the investigation. "Unfortunately, the CCTV camera did not capture any part of the vehicles registration." Police urged anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.

A death foretold: Vigilante Lee James warning to police days before he murdered disabled man Bijan Ebrahimi after he was wrongly outed as paedophile - Crime - UK - The Independent
Lee James, a father of three young girls, repeatedly stamped on the head of Iranian Bijan Ebrahimi then dragged his dead body one hundred yards and set it alight after an escalating witch-hunt against the innocent man that had seen him branded a "paedo" by a mob outside his front door. The victim filmed his killer storming his house three days before he was killed when James warned that he was going to "f*ck him up" - but it was Mr Ebrahimi who was arrested when police were called to sort out the dispute on a Bristol estate. After police viewed the footage, Mr Ebrahimi was released from custody to return to his small flat while a crowd rounded on the Iranian who cowered inside his home while he was openly, loudly and falsely accused of child abuse by an "out-of-control" mob, a court was told. After killing Mr Ebrahimi in the early hours of July 14 this year, James returned to his home and told his partner that his children - aged four, two and one - would be proud of what he had done. "We've got it sorted," he said. Warning: Video contains content that some might find upsetting James was jailed for life today for what the judge called an act of "murderous injustice". The 24-year-old killer had wrongly claimed that Mr Ebrahimi had been recording his children and fuelled a campaign against the victim known locally as Ben - which resulted in his arrest and alienation. The dead man's family criticised the authorities for failing to protect the vulnerable Mr Ebrahimi who had been burnt out of his previous home during years of racist attacks and harassment. Police accepted there had been a "collective failure" by the authorities who were meant to have protected Mr Ebrahimi. Twenty-four hours before the attack, Mr Ebrahimi emailed the head of the local police team to say that he did not feel safe at home - but the message was not read until after his death. Twelve police and civilian staff have been interviewed by investigators over the case of Ebrahimi, who was cleared after a cancer scare only a week before he was murdered. Bristol city council has launched its own investigation and both inquiries are not expected to end until next year. Mr Ebrahimi had been desperate to leave the home where he had lived for six years and had been recording instances of anti-social behaviour to try to force a move, which included filming James drinking while he was with his children.

children. Police released a video (above) taken by Mr Ebrahimi days before he was killed, showing James threatening to "f*** him up" if he caught him taking pictures of him again. James, who had a history of domestic violence, had openly talked of burning his neighbour's house down after he claimed that the 44-year-old had been filming his children with a sexual motive. James told police that he would "sort it out himself" if they did not act. He told officers that he "wasn't scared of being arrested or going to prison and would do anything to protect his children," said Andrew Langdon, QC, for the prosecution. Police believe Mr Ebrahimi was killed after he emerged in the early hours when he thought he was safe to water his cherished hanging baskets and was spotted by James. The 24-year-old locked his girlfriend and daughters inside the flat while he launched a brutal attack on the 44-year-old Iranian. A witness watching from a nearby house said that she saw him stamping on Mr Ebrahimi's head in a rage and shouting "have some of that", the court was told. With another neighbour, Stephen Norley, 25, James dragged the body away and poured white spirit over the body and set it alight. The body was burnt so badly, that it was unrecognisable to an officer who had met him two days earlier. In a panic, the two men stripped threw away their clothes in an amateurish attempt to hide what they had done. James returned to the house and told his partner: "We sorted him out for you tell the girls I did it for them he's been burnt," Bristol Crown Court heard. "I bet this is about that fucking paedo," he told officers when he was arrested at his home in Capgrave Crescent, Brislington, Bristol. During questioning by police, he accepted that he kicked Mr Ebrahimi four or five times "like a football". "I had so much anger in me, I just wanted him to leave my girls alone," he said. Sentencing him to a minimum of 18 years, Mr Justice Simon told him: "You decided wrongly that he was a paedophile and that this put him outside the law. "You thought you were entitled to take the law into your own hands. What you did had nothing to do with law or justice. The law protects life. This was an act of murderous injustice." The extent of the abuse directed at Mr Ebrahimi emerged as his family revealed he had been trying to move from the area for years. Mr Ebrahimi first came to Britain in 2000, but back problems meant that he was registered disabled. His family said yesterday that he had been subjected to bullying and racism on a daily basis, causing the quietly spoken Mr Ebrahimi to slip into depression. His sister said that she had seen him called "foreigner", coakroach and "Paki" and told to go home many times when she visited his flat. The victim spent his time caring for his flowers and a stray cat. "We hope that nobody else ever has to witness an innocent man being abused, taunted and tortured in the way that Bijan suffered," said his sister Manizhah Moores in a statement. "The question that now must be answered is whether Bijan's death could have been avoided had he been afforded the protection from the authorities he deserved. Lessons must be learned before other vulnerable lives are lost." The police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, said three of the 12 officers had been interviewed under criminal caution because of potential charges against them of misconduct in public office. The three have been suspended. The watchdog is also investigating reports of earlier contacts with Mr Ebrahimi going back a number of years and how they dealt with other agencies. Nick Gargan, the chief constable of Avon and Somerset police, said: "It is clear

how they dealt with other agencies. Nick Gargan, the chief constable of Avon and Somerset police, said: "It is clear that there was a collective failure on the part of statutory agencies and others to protect Mr Ebrahimi." The video confrontation that led to murder A video shot by Bijan Ebrahimi that was released today reveals a terrifying glimpse of the abuse he suffered from the neighbour who would eventually kill him. The footage shows Lee James drinking beer outside Mr Ebrahimis home, his child in a pushchair beside him. It then cuts to James confronting the 44-year-old Iranian inside the house. Still holding the can and a cigarette while jabbing his finger into Mr Ebrahimis chest, James appears to mock his accent, shouting: I come to your fucking house dont take pictures of me then, all right? As a woman standing in the doorway tries to pull him away, he goads Mr Ebrahimi to call the police, saying: How old are you? Im a little boy. Mr Ebrahimi tells him to get out but it only provokes James more as he screams: Take pictures of me again and Ill fuck you up. Mr Ebrahimi did call the police but was himself arrested. He was released and returned home. Three days later he was dead.

In pictures: PDSA Pet Fit Club helps UK's fattest pets - UK - News - The Independent
PDSA Pet Fit Club helps tackle the troubling issue of overweight pets in the UK. PDSA has launched its annual pet slimming competition to find the UKs fattest pets and help them get fit. The charity aims to transform them from obese and unhappy into happier, healthier animals.

Melanie Sykes cautioned after assaulting husband Jack Cockings - Crime UK - The Independent
The 43-year-old spent a night in custody before admitting to the offence and accepting a caution, police said. A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: Police were called approximately 9.45pm on Tuesday 26 November to a residential address in Hampstead following reports of an assault. A 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of common assault and taken to a north London police station. She has since been given a caution for common assault. Sykes husband, Jack Cockings, 27, did not require hospital treatment, police said. A spokesman for Sykes declined to comment. The television presenter, who found fame in adverts for Boddingtons beer in the mid-nineties, married Cockings in May.

Melanie Sykes with husband Jack Cockings (@MsMelanieSykes) The couple met on Twitter in early 2012, and raised eyebrows with their flirty public exchanges. Sykes, a former model, has hosted shows including The Big Breakfast, Today with Des and Mel and Lunch with Gino and Mel. She served as a guest panellist on ITVs Loose Women in 2005 and returned to host the show in 2008. The presenter has two sons aged 11 and nine from her marriage to Italian actor Daniel Caltagirone, which ended in 2009.

Vote online - the Speakers plan to revive politics - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Mr Bercow will call in bosses from Facebook, Apple, Twitter, Google and Microsoft to advise him how technology can assist the expansion of e-democracy over the coming years. He will chair the first-ever Speakers commission on digital democracy, which will examine ways to modernise the system and ensure that Parliament reaches out to the electorate. In a speech on Wednesday night to the Hansard Society, a charity that promotes parliamentary democracy, Mr Bercow said: What we are talking about here is nothing less than a Parliament version 2.0. He said elements might include online voting, e-dialogue between MPs and constituents, and greater scrutiny of laws and government over the web. The Speaker said Britain should learn from Estonia, the first nation to use internet voting. A quarter of Estonians cast online ballots in a national election in 2011 and about half are expected to do so in 2015. He said Estonia was the market leader and its system was well worth investigating.

Speaker John Bercow sees 'e-democracy' as the future (Getty) Estonians can vote on a computer using their national identity card to ensure security, or via mobile phone with a Pin code. Analysis by the London School of Economics found that between 10 and 15 per cent of online voters would probably not have cast ballots without this option, because it made voting faster and cheaper. However, it also concluded that the change had not necessarily boosted turnout.

Party officials in Britain reacted cautiously to the idea. One said: It may happen one day, but not yet. There would be big questions about security. Our system is one of the least corrupt, but there have been a few problems with postal voting and that highlights the potential danger of moving to online. The Speakers commission will start work early next year and draw up a blueprint for action by early 2015 the 750th anniversary of the year Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, founded Parliament, and 800 years since the Magna Carta. Any changes would not be in place for the May 2015 election but Mr Bercow wants the Commons elected in two years time to consider the radical shift. Like the digital world itself, it will be unpredictable, potentially anarchic, he said. It should even be quite fun. The commissions remit will be to embrace the opportunities afforded by the digital world to become more effective in representing the people, making laws and scrutinising the work and performance of government. It should also consider how Parliament can become more relevant to the increasingly diverse population it seeks to serve.

A woman casts her vote in the 2011 Estonian general election (Getty) Mr Bercow admitted that measures such as online voting would require moves to end the digital divide in which 20 per cent of British households do not have internet access. The Berlin wall which undoubtedly exists in this terrain is no longer about age but relates to affluence or the lack of it, he said. A digital democracy should not re-invent the divide in franchise of the 19th century in a new, high-technology form. It has to be universally inclusive and not a narrow geeks nirvana. He said digital democracy could not be a conversation between interest groups and political parties and pledged that his commission would take evidence from outside Zone One of the London Underground network. Mr Bercow said a 21st-century democracy could no longer be about people voting once every four or five years. He argued that e-democracy could help to repair the damage and lack of trust in politicians caused by the scandal over MPs expenses in 2009.

News - World

Postcard from... Kathmandu 11-year-old mentally-ill Chinese boy He Zili lives chained up like a dog

11-year-old mentally-ill Chinese boy He Zili lives chained up like a dog Norway's vertical cemetery idea destined to die Belgian museum faces up to its brutal colonial legacy Ye Htut, last of Burmas 30 Comrades freedom fighters, dies aged 92 The return of Egypts police state Switched at birth, but it took 60 years to discover mistake Video: Footage shows girls twerking on New York subway tracks Dresden cannibal: German police worker obsessed with cannibalism charged with torturing, butchering and eating man he met on fetish website Video: Black Friday chaos in Walmart Black Friday shopping madness kicks off early: In pictures In pictures: Giant Balloons float against NYC's skyline during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 'Mamma mia, how he squealed': Screaming mafia boss Francesco Raccosta 'fed alive to pigs' by rival Calabrian assassins in bloody mob war An image that shows desperation of Syria's hungry? Or just a misunderstood picture on social media? Shot of people skinning lion goes viral More than 80 injured after high-speed Hong Kong ferry hits 'unidentified object' China fighter jets raise tensions in air defence zone row Thai protesters storm army headquarters in growing attempts to topple PM Yingluck Shinawatra Cheryl Cole reaches settlement over US X Factor sacking War of words breaks out in Norway over Morrisseys Nobel Peace gig as singer unforgiven for comparing Anders Behring Breivik massacre to killing animals for fast food Postcard from... Brussels The near future of Iraq is dark: Warning from Muqtada al-Sadr - the Shia cleric whose word is law to millions of his countrymen Ukraine: Cut off from the EU, felled by corruption Muqtada al-Sadr has a peerless record of opposing Saddam Hussein Lawless Libya: The growing list of unsolved murders 'I see new hands': Mexican father Gabriel Granados recovers movement in new limbs after rare double arm transplant Shenzhen airport Terminal Three: Vast, shiny, new - and empty? China's latest temple to aviation opens In pictures: China futuristic Shenzhen Baoan International Airport Bungling would-be-hitmen foiled after accidentally ringing victim by sitting on phone Black Friday hits the UK, but what is it? Thanksgiving 2013: US Google Doodle celebrates traditional holiday In pictures: Thai anti-government protesters continue to occupy government ministries Japanese engineers plan to turn the moon into a giant solar panel station Rudy Giuliani says mafia put $800,000 bounty on his head but ex-New York mayor admits Islamist terrorists scare him more than the mob Thanksgivukkah! Thanksgiving overlaps with Hanukkah as US marks day with travel, parades, shopping and ceremonies Arizona couple 'held three sisters captive' in home

Postcard from... Kathmandu - World - News - The Independent

Postcard from... Kathmandu - World - News - The Independent

From his school on a hill in Nepals capital, Khem Lakai looked down on the messy politics of Kathmandu and wonders when its politicians will stop bickering and start dealing with the countrys dire economy. We send all our young people to labour in menial jobs in the Middle East, he said. If only we could train those people, they could have a future. Almost single-handedly, Mr Lakai, 40, is trying to change that. His award-winning Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality opened in 2007, a year after the end of the devastating civil war that claimed 13,000 lives, and now trains 350 budding chefs and hoteliers a year. His story is an inspiration growing up in a tiny village in northern Nepal that only got its first electricity in 2004, he went to college in Kathmandu, taught himself English in the British Council library and won a place at a Swiss hospitality college. Later, working for the Sheraton in Bahrain, he met hundreds of young Nepalese desperate for work but lacking skills, and decided to return home. He has little faith that last weeks election won by the centrist Nepali Congress will change anything. Parliament still has to write a constitution. Without skills for the young, it means nothing, he warned.

11-year-old mentally-ill Chinese boy He Zili lives chained up like a dog - Asia - World - The Independent
He Zili injured his head when he was one-year-old and started suffering from mental disorders. According to his family, they had no choice but to restrain him on chains as he had a tendency to attack those around him. Young Zili is currently being looked after by his physically disabled grandfather and his intellectually handicapped father after his mother died of cancer.

Chained Zili is looked after by his paralyzed grandfather as his plays outside their home in China He has been seen walking along his village shackled to his father in the eastern coastal province of Zhejiang. He has also been seen chained to a pillar as his home. This is an example of how mental disorders are dealt with in rural China. Statistics released this year by China's National Center for Mental Health revealed that in 2009 100 million Chinese suffered from mental illness, including

National Center for Mental Health revealed that in 2009 100 million Chinese suffered from mental illness, including schizophrenia and paranoid psychosis. The figures indicate that in 2009 1 in 13 Chinese had a mental health problem. Today there are 160 million Chinese suffering from this problem and they have only 1.5 psychiatrists and 2.2 nurses per 100,000 sufferers. Worldwide, there are four psychiatrists and thirteen nurses for every 100,000 people.

Eleven-year-old He Zili sits as he is chained to a pillar at his home in Zhejiang province

Norway's vertical cemetery idea destined to die - Europe - World - The Independent
In a nation where the tradition of wrapping bodies in plastic before burial has left graveyards full, Martin McSherrys idea of stacking coffins in a high-rise tower was praised as a highly original contribution at the Oslo Conference for Nordic Cemeteries and Graveyards, the Norwegian news website The Local reported yesterday. The vertical cemetery, with its open front, will become a significant part of the city and a daily reminder of deaths existence, his proposal read. In time, the citys tallest and largest building will become a grave for all its citizens the citys ever-changing monument. Each religious group would have a different floor of the building, the student of the Royal Danish School of Architecture proposed, with a crane permanently stationed nearby to keep adding to the macabre monument. The idea behind the plan is to provide land to the citys living souls, Mr McSherry wrote. Despite his commendation, Mr McSherrys idea is unlikely to become a reality, despite a clear need in Norway for innovation in the field of burials. For decades after the Second World War, bodies were wrapped in plastic before burial under the misguided view that it was more hygienic. The result was bodies which did not decompose properly, a problem when it came to re-using the graves after 20 years. A person in Norway has the right to a free plot for two decades, but then family members must pay for the space, or give it up for another recently departed soul.

Belgian museum faces up to its brutal colonial legacy - Europe - World - The Independent
The Royal Museum for Central Africa, at Tervuren on the outskirts of Brussels, began life as a temporary exhibition

in 1897. As accounts of mass murder, mutilation and enslavement began emerging from the Congo, which Leopold had been running as his private fiefdom since 1885, the king decided to host a show celebrating his great civilising mission and all the riches it would bring. The exhibition was so successful that it was transformed into the permanent museum which stands today, all its neoclassical flourishes funded by money from the pillaged African nation. But while books such as King Leopolds Ghost have exposed the brutal truth about the colonial occupation, the museum has remained frozen in time. The last time the museum was changed profoundly was in 1957, before the independence of Congo [in 1960], said Guido Gryseels, the director, who is determined finally to haul the museum into the 21st century. Entering the grand rotunda, visitors are greeted with statues of Europeans in gilded robes cradling naked African children, above plaques that extol Belgium for bringing civilisation, security and well-being to the Congo. There is a wall devoted to the thousands of Belgians killed in the country, but barely a word on the millions of Congolese victims. Africans are portrayed as savages in loincloths and brandishing spears, while in almost every room there is a statue of a regal Leopold, including one bust carved entirely from ivory. Belgiums Congolese community has been lobbying the museum for decades to remove or contextualise the exhibits. Mr Gryseels said the turning point came in 2005 when the museum hosted an exhibition directly addressing colonial abuses. Until that time in Belgium, everybody still followed the premise that Belgium had brought civilisation to Africa, he said. Now he feels the nation is ready for a museum reflecting modern Africa. When it reopens in 2017, the focus will be on showcasing the diversity of the continent in zones entitles Man & Society and Landscape & Biodiversity. Visitors will no longer enter through the rotunda where the statues stand. Instead, they will pass through a tunnel explaining the context of the colonial-era exhibits, some of which will remain. We are not going to throw everything out of this museum and just act as if the colonial past never happened, Mr Gryseels said. We will remain a place of memories on the colonial past but, at the same time, we want to become a window on contemporary Africa.

Ye Htut, last of Burmas 30 Comrades freedom fighters, dies aged 92 - Asia - World - The Independent
Tin Oo, the deputy leader of Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, led tributes to the old soldier, who died on Wednesday. He served as a patron of the Patriotic Old Comrades League a group formed by retired army leaders during the peak of the 1988 uprising, Tin Oo said, remembering Ye Htuts guidance for the democratic activists during the uprising against dictatorship in 1988. He shared his experience and gave us advice during the early days. Ye Htut was one of a group of radical Rangoon university students, led and inspired by General Aung San, the father of Aung San Suu Kyi, who travelled to China in 1941 to obtain help from Chinese communist insurgents in forcing the British out of Burma. Instead, they were identified and adopted by Japanese army officers and taken to Tokyo to be indoctrinated with the ideology of Japanese imperialism and moulded into a force that would aid Japan in the projected invasion of South-East Asia. They trained secretly in a camp on the Chinese coast, then in a house in Bangkok. A couple of weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, 25 of them had blood extracted from their arms by syringe and mixed in a bowl from which they all drank, swearing loyalty to each other and to the cause of free Burma, in an ancient Burmese ritual. The 30 young freedom fighters formed the nucleus of the Burmese Independent Army and invaded Burma alongside their Japanese patrons in the spring of 1942, their numbers swelling with Burmese volunteers as they went along. Under the leadership of the maverick Gen Aung San, the nascent army outgrew the Japanese militarys plans and, as the Allies fought their way back into Burma they smartly switched sides, helping British forces to finish the job of

the Allies fought their way back into Burma they smartly switched sides, helping British forces to finish the job of destroying the Japanese remnants. Ye Htut rose to the rank of brigade commander in the new army but the solidarity of the 30 Comrades did not survive Aung Sans assassination in July 1947. Independence from Britain the following year saw a rapid and total breakdown of public order, and Ye Htut joined a communist insurgency against Prime Minister U Nus fragile elected government, which at one point controlled little territory beyond the Rangoon city limits. With his army, paid and remotely controlled from across the border in Maos China, Ye Htut and his communist guerrilla force dug in for nearly two decades in the rugged country around the town of Pegu, north of Rangoon. After the democratic government was toppled in a coup dtat by another of the Comrades, General Ne Win, in 1962, Ye Htut laid down his arms and returned to the capital to serve in Ne Wins newly established Burma Socialist Programme Party, where he became instructor in the military training school. But he eventually fell foul of the notoriously temperamental Ne Win and was purged in 1974. His last reprise came during the uprising against Ne Wins tyranny in 1988, when he and other veterans banded together to fight their old comrade. Tin Oo was elected their leader but later confessed: I knew that I could not lead the entire country We needed a strong leader who could lead the whole show somebody who understood democracy, who had really lived it. That person turned out to be the daughter of their first leader, Aung San. Ye Htuts decision to join forces with the opponents of the military dictatorship had repercussions. His son, Kyaw Kyaw, told The Independent that both Ne Wins Socialist regime and the military clique that replaced it refused to recognise Ye Htut as a legendary member of the 30 Comrades.

The return of Egypts police state - Africa - World - The Independent

The men, some of whom wore masks, reportedly beat Mr Fattah before handcuffing him and whisking him away. His wife said she was slapped around the face after asking to see an arrest warrant. The raid, which took place at about 10pm on Thursday, was a boot-through-the-door operation with all the hallmarks of totalitarian security state. Mr Fattahs crime? Organising a peaceful demonstration through the streets of central Cairo earlier this week. This is Egypt three years into the Arab Spring: a land where even the simple act of spontaneous protest has become illegal. For some of the secular activists who supported the popular coup against the Muslim Brotherhood over the summer, the fate of Alaa Abd El Fattah along with numerous other protesters and critics of the military-backed government has led to a great deal of soul-searching about the direction in which their revolution is now heading. Many enthusiastically welcomed the putsch that ousted Mohamed Morsi, seeing the generals as the only way to rid Egypt of an Islamist government which had become hugely unpopular and stood accused of numerous rights abuses. But five months on, that initial support has morphed into deep wariness among some of those who backed the armys intervention. The thing which brought the secular politicians and the military together was the Muslim Brotherhood, said Dr Khalil al-Anani, a Washington-based expert on Egyptian affairs. They thought that the military was the only force which could stop the Islamists and thats why they supported them. Now because things didnt go down the path they thought it would they are regretting it. Some of them think the military is trying to reproduce the same authoritarian regime that used to exist under Hosni Mubarak. Much of the recent disquiet surrounds the passing of a new law which criminalises unplanned street protests. The legislation drafted by the military-backed interim government and rubber-stamped last week requires protesters to seek police consent if they intend to hold a political demonstration involving more than 10 people. Protest organisers are forced to inform the authorities of the overall theme of any planned rallies, where exactly it is taking place and a record of the organisers names. In addition, the interior ministry still a hated symbol of state oppression and brutality for many revolutionaries will have sweeping powers to cancel demonstrations and designate protest-free zones around public institutions.

It was this new protest law which led to the detention of Alaa Abdel Fattah after a prosecutor issued a warrant for his arrest. Mr Fattah a long-time activist who was once jailed under Hosni Mubaraks regime, and also during the rule of the military council which followed the 2011 revolt had helped to organise this weeks rally against the new legislation. Ahmed al-Hawary, an activist who helped formed the so-called June 30 Front in opposition to Mr Morsi, told The Independent that Egypt was now witnessing the last breath of the fragile coalition between pro-democracy secularists and the military. It was an extremely fragile alliance, he said. We knew the risks. We knew there was a possibility of going where we are heading now. However, he added that nobody regrets the toppling of the Muslim Brotherhood, and that supporting the militarys intervention was our only choice to get rid of what he called the groups brand of Islamic fascism. Dr Hisham Hellyer, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a British defence and security thinktank, said that while it was true that some Egyptian politicians and activists were guilty of naivety in their initial support of the popular coup, it was not completely fair to say that the chickens were now coming home to roost for all involved. I remember many in the political elite and activist circles being clear that they were happy Morsi was gone, but that this was not how they wanted it, he said. They now have to ask themselves, as some in the anti-Morsi camp did back in July: was there another way to bring down Morsi? He added that the complexities of the Egyptian state where the interior ministry and the army often have concurrent, but not precisely the same interests meant that support for the army did not necessarily equate to support for the interior ministry, or for the crackdown. For those who recall the unprecedented wave of street agitation which led to the toppling of Mr Mubarak in January 2011, the recent crackdown against secular activists has provided ample evidence that the balance of power inside Egypt is shifting in favour of the countrys deeply entrenched security apparatus. Such suspicions were heightened following this weeks protests. Dozens of activists were detained during the first of the rallies, including 14 women who were bundled into a van and then driven through the desert before being dumped on an isolated road. They want to terrorise us, said Mona Seif, a prominent activist among the 14 women, who is also the sister of Alaa Abd El Fattah. I think the Interior Minister decided to escalate and tell everyone whose family was killed ... beaten or anything that, I am here, this is how I do business, and if you dont like it, beat your head against the wall. On Wednesday, the general prosecutor announced that 24 people who had been arrested during the protests would be held for further questioning. The protesters stand accused of chanting antagonistic slogans against the state and disturbing traffic. The same day and in a further indication that the authorities are willing to use harsh punishments to crack down on dissent several female Islamists were sentenced to 11 years in jail for taking part in another protest in the coastal city of Alexandria. A total of 21 protesters including seven aged 15 and 16 were convicted after being accused of holding a rally last month to demand Mr Morsis reinstatement. The teenagers were given prison terms until they turned 18, while the rest were given longer sentences. Last night, Egypts interim President, Adly Mansour, said he would issue full pardons to the women in Alexandria. However, the fate of the other convicts remains unknown. Since Mr Morsi was ousted on 3 July, the numerous glimpses of renewed streaks of authoritarianism have been largely directed against Egypts Islamists. The effect of the militarys interference resulted in a paranoid clampdown on anything resembling anti-authoritarian iconoclasm.

This month, a top football player was suspended by his club for mimicking the now famous four-finger symbol of pro-Morsi supporters during a match. Days earlier, an Egyptian kung fu champion was sent home from an international tournament for daring to wear the same symbol on a T-shirt. Yet now it is the previously cowed and quiescent secular activists who have started to agitate against the new regime leading some to warn that such government initiatives as the new controls on protests may end up backfiring. Shady el-Ghazaly Harb, a member of the liberal Dostour Party, told The Independent that the states heavy-handed tactics could lead to secularists and Islamists once again finding common cause together. The Muslim Brotherhood will use their sympathisers to gain more ground in order for them to reach their political goals, he added. Egypts Islamists are already trying to capitalise on the recent backlash from anti-government activists. In a statement, a Brotherhood-led coalition against the interim government criticised what it called the brutal repression of this weeks demonstrations, saying that the youth of the revolution stand united. The groups words were met with a swift rebuttal, however. A message to the Muslim Brotherhood: we will not put our hands in the hands of those who betrayed and hijacked the revolution, said Hossam Moanis, spokesman of one activist group, the Popular Current. Timeline 11 February 2011 President Mubarak steps down after weeks of protests and hands power to the military 19 March Egyptians vote for constitutional amendments sponsored by the military 30 June 2012 Mohamed Morsi is sworn in, having won a presidential election with 51.7 per cent of the vote 12 August Mr Morsi orders top Mubarak-era military leadership to retire 22 November He grants himself more powers, including immunity 25 January 2013 Hundreds of thousands protest against Morsi 3 July The army deposes Mr Morsi. Hundreds of pro-Morsi supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood are killed in the weeks that follow

Switched at birth, but it took 60 years to discover mistake - Asia - World The Independent
He never married. And all the while, his real brothers were being raised with private tutors to guide them through good universities and into successful, white-collar careers. Its the stuff of fairy tale, yet this week it emerged that two 60-year-old Japanese men one born poor, one rich had been switched at birth. The man who grew up underprivileged should have been the eldest of four wealthy brothers, but instead was raised by a woman on welfare who was already struggling to support her older children following her husbands death.

her husbands death. Now, the unnamed man has successfully sued the hospital that made the mix-up in March 1953, when he was mistakenly swapped with the other baby, born 13 minutes later. A Tokyo district court has ordered the social welfare corporation San-Ikukai, which runs the hospital, to pay 38m (227,000) in damages. 32m will go to compensate the man for his financial and emotional hardship, while the remainder will be paid to his biological brothers, who were the first to suspect and investigate the mistake. The three younger siblings from the wealthy family had long noted that their eldest brother, who runs a real estate company, looked nothing like them. They also recalled their mother saying that when he returned from his first bath in hospital, he had been dressed in the wrong clothes. After their parents died, they conducted a DNA test which confirmed their suspicions. They then set about studying hospital records to track down their real brother. The truck driver told reporters this week that when he first heard the truth, I could not believe it. To be honest, I did not want to accept it I might have had a different life. I want [the hospital] to roll back the clock to the day I was born. For several months afterwards, he wept daily, he said. As I saw pictures of my [biological] parents, I wanted to see them alive. I couldnt hold back tears for months every time I saw their pictures. The woman who raised him as her son was born to experience hardship, he said. In her absence, he bears much of the responsibility of caring for his elderly non-biological brothers, one of whom recently suffered a stroke. All four of the wealthy brothers including the man who was raised in his place have reportedly bonded with their lost sibling. The baby-switch case is not isolated, although the fact that it took six decades to be recognised is remarkable. This month it was revealed that two Russian mothers, both named Lyudmila, had been sent home with the wrong babies after they gave birth minutes apart. The baby girls were returned to the correct parents by the hospital 102 days later, but only after the women paid for their own DNA tests to prove the error.

Video: Footage shows girls twerking on New York subway tracks - Americas World - The Independent
The video shows the giggling pair doing the controversial dance move, made famous by pop star Miley Cyrus at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. They both seem oblivious to the dangers of electrocution as they dance near the live line or the possibility of any oncoming trains. At one point the women cover their faces from the camera to hide their identities. Speaking to the New York Post, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority described the incident as 'dumb'. Although it is not know exactly which station the video was filmed at, the MTA believe it is on the 8th Avenue Line. The video which has gone viral has been sent to the police for further investigation.

Dresden cannibal: German police worker obsessed with cannibalism charged with torturing, butchering and eating man he met on fetish website Europe - World - The Independent
The suspect, who is currently only identified as Detlev G, is accused of dismembering a 59-year-old man after body parts were found buried in his garden in the Ore Mountains near Dresden in eastern Germany. According to investigators, the victim who came from the north German city of Hanover was obsessed with the idea of being cannibalised and had taken to the internet to make his fetish known. Officers say the two men met online, chatted about their respective sexual obsessions and then agreed a date to meet up and carry them out. The victim was reported missing in November, leading officers to investigate his disappearance.

disappearance. Speaking at a news conference, Dresden Police Chief Dieter Kroll said: The victim had been fantasising about being killed and eaten by someone else since his youth. Authorities are yet to work out whether the body parts, which were found at the property on Wednesday, can confirm their suspicions that the victim may have been cooked and eaten after being dismembered. Officers revealed that Detlev is a 55-year-old handwriting expert who worked in the forensics department at Saxonys State Office of Criminal Investigations. He is said to have previously been married but recently left his wife for another man. Police say Detlev admitted the crime when police arrived at his home to arrest him, immediately taking officers to where he had buried the victims remains. The case has numerous similarities with that of Bern Brandes a Berlin-based computer programmer who was also obsessed with being eaten. Brandes met cannibal Amin Meiwes on an internet chat room named The Cannibal Caf in 2001, and agreed to be butchered alive before being killed and eaten at his home in eastern Germany. Meiwes was arrested a year later after a research student discovered him posting adverts for new victims online. Investigators searching Meiwes home found a two-hour video tape showing the pair cooking and attempting to eat Brandes severed penis with salt, pepper, wine and garlic, before Brandes was taken to a purpose built slaughter room, repeatedly stabbed in the throat and subsequently dismembered. Meiwes has subsequently expressed regret over his actions, turning to vegetarianism while serving a life sentence in prison. He has also spoken extensively about his fetish in an effort to deter other potential killers, and estimates there could be up 800 active cannibals living in Germany alone.

Video: Black Friday chaos in Walmart - Americas - World - The Independent

Read more: Are Britons ready to buy into Black Friday? The day marks the start of the Christmas shopping season in the US in the countdown to the big day. This year though the chaos started a day early on Thanksgiving when crowds of people rushed to stores to bag bargains. One shopper filmed some of yesterday's madness in a Walmart store on his mobile phone. In the short video people can be seen frantically fighting over items, with one man violently pushing others out of the way before getting into a tug of war with another shopper over a television. The shopper filming the incident was shortly asked to leave the store after capturing the footage. The video is just one of the many instances of the frenetic and irrational behaviour among shoppers in the US. Here is another video taken by a shopper in a Walmart showing two people getting into a tussle in the shop. One of the individuals has to be restrained by two polices officers yet continues to struggle and resist. Video: Black Friday fight in Walmart

Black Friday shopping madness kicks off early: In pictures - Americas World - The Independent
Traditionally, Americans gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by stuffing turkeys and spending time with their families,

Traditionally, Americans gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by stuffing turkeys and spending time with their families, however this year stores were filled with frenzied shoppers. Some argued that shopping on the Thanksgiving Day went against the spirit of the holiday. Click here or on 'view gallery' to see more images

In pictures: Giant Balloons float against NYC's skyline during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Americas - World - The Independent
Across the country, millions of Americans celebrated their Thanksgiving Day and prepared to kick off the official start to the Christmas season. In New York City, tens of thousands of people lining the parade route were not discouraged by freezing temperatures and winds and came to watch the most awaited and spectacular giant balloons parade.

'Mamma mia, how he squealed': Screaming mafia boss Francesco Raccosta 'fed alive to pigs' by rival Calabrian assassins in bloody mob war - Europe World - The Independent
Francesco Raccosta was allegedly murdered as part of a 60-year bloody feud and in direct retaliation for the killing of rival mob boss Domenico Bonarrigo. Bonarrigo was shot three times and killed while driving his car 11 days earlier, according to investigators. Francesco Raccosta went missing in March 2012 but his body has never been found. Prosecutors made an arrest in the case after one of the suspected killers was recorded bragging about the killing during Operazione Erinni, an anti-mafia campaign. Twenty suspects have been arrested as part of the crackdown in southern Italy. According to The Telegraph, during the recording crime boss Simone Pepe, 24, is heard boasting about the killing of Raccosta: It was satisfying to hear him scream...Mamma mia, how he squealed, but I couldnt give a s**t," he says. "Someone said a few bits of him remained at the end of it all, but I couldnt see anything, for me nothing remained at all. I said, wow, how a pig can eat," he added. Raccosta's murder was reportedly one of five carried out in revenge for the killing of boss Domenico Bonarrigo. They are part of an ongoing mafia war between different factions of the so-called 'Ndrangheta'. The issue is over criminal control of territory near the town of Oppido Mamertino and involves a group led by the Raccosta and Ferraro families and another by the Mazzagatti family.

An image that shows desperation of Syria's hungry? Or just a misunderstood picture on social media? Shot of people skinning lion goes viral - Middle East World - The Independent
The picture shows three men next to a dead lion, with one man next to the lion, holding up its head. The image has not been independently verified, but many are reporting they slaughtered the lion from Al-Qarya alShama Zoo, in East Ghouta, for food. It is being circulated as an example of the levels of sheer desperation many have reached in the war-torn capital. The exact circumstances surrounding the animal's death are not known. Some reports claim the men are skinning the dead animal to use its coat for warmth as temperatures drop. Others have suggested the seemingly emaciated animal was already dead. As the Arabic word for lion is 'Assad', there is also conjecture that this a message to the regime.

Last month, a group of Syria clerics issued a fatwa allowing people living in besieged suburbs to eat meat normally forbidden under Islamic law. The Muslim clerics said people could eat cats, dogs and donkeys in a bid to reduce growing hunger in the agricultural belt of Ghouta. They called the move a cry for help to the whole world and warned the living would be forced to eat the dead if the situation were to continue deteriorating. The eastern Ghouta district has been under siege by the Syrian Army for six months and residents have reported food shortages. The area was among other regions in Damascus affected by a chemical weapons attack in August. Over 100 people died in the eastern suburbs on Friday after fierce fighting broke out when Syrian rebels tried to break a month long blockade. According to local and international aid workers, President Assads forces appeared to be trying to starve out residents. This latest bloodshed comes as the Oxford Research Group a think tank says that a total of 11,420 children have now been killed in the conflict.

More than 80 injured after high-speed Hong Kong ferry hits 'unidentified object' - Asia - World - The Independent
The Hong Kong government said at least three of the people on board who were taken to hospital were in a serious condition. The hydrofoil, carrying 107 passengers and 10 crew, struck the object at 1:15 a.m. Friday near Hei Ling Chau, a small island in waters on the western side of Hong Kong. The vessel was later towed to a local terminal, reports said. The Hospital Authority said in a statement that 58 people were discharged while two remained in serious condition and 27 others were stable. Shun Tak Holdings, which owns the TurboJet ferry company, said a "preliminary check revealed no significant damage on the vessel body." The Marine Department said it was investigating the accident, which has not affected sea traffic in the area. The incident comes just over a year after 39 people died and 100 were injured in Hong Kong's biggest maritime tragedy in decades when a commuter ferry collided with a smaller boat. The tragedy in October last year came as a shock to Hong Kong. The southern Chinese city prides itself on safety and efficiency and has one of Asia's most advanced infrastructures and economies, with first-rate public services. Fleets of ferries in the former British colony form the backbone of its transportation network, running frequently to outlying islands, mainland Chinese ports and the nearby Asian gambling hub of Macau. Additional reporting by the Associated Press

China fighter jets raise tensions in air defence zone row - Asia - World - The Independent
The move came days after the US, South Korea and Japan all sent military aircrafts through the airspace, challenging rules Beijing says it has imposed upon the area. Without prior notice, Beijing began demanding on Saturday that passing aircraft identify themselves and accept Chinese instructions or face consequences. But when tested just days later by US B-52 flights - with Washington saying it made no effort to comply with China's rules, and would refuse to do so in the future - Beijing merely noted after the event that it was aware of the flights and taken no further action. China's air force sent the warplanes on normal air patrols in the zone on Thursday, the Xinhua agency reported, citing air force spokesman Shen Jinke. He described the dispatch as "a defensive measure and in line with

international common practices in the Xinhua report. He said: China's air force is on high alert and will take measures to deal with diverse air threats to firmly protect the security of the country's airspace. A patrol also took place when the zone was declared on Saturday. The report did not specify exactly when the flights were sent or whether they had encountered foreign aircraft. The US, Japan and South Korea have said they have sent flights through the zone without encountering any Chinese response since Beijing created the area last week. While China's surprise announcement to create the zone initially raised tensions in the region, analysts say Beijing's motive is not to trigger an aerial confrontation but is a long-term strategy to solidify claims to disputed territory by simply marking the area as its own. China's lack of efforts to stop the foreign flights - including two US B-52s that flew through the zone on Tuesday has been an embarrassment for Beijing. Some Chinese state media outlets yesterday suggested Beijing may have mishandled the events Beijing needs to reform its information release mechanism to win the psychological battles waged by Washington and Tokyo, The Global Times , a nationalist tabloid published by the Communist Party's flagship People's Daily, said. South Korea's military said its planes flew through the zone this week without informing China and with no apparent interference. Japan also said its planes have defied Beijing by been continuing to fly through it after the Chinese announcement, while the Philippines, locked in an increasingly bitter dispute with Beijing over South China Sea islands, said it too would reject China's declaration. The zone is seen primarily as China's latest bid to bolster its claim over a string of uninhabited Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea - known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Beijing has been ratcheting up its sovereignty claims since Tokyo's nationalisation of the islands last year. Additional reporting by agencies

Thai protesters storm army headquarters in growing attempts to topple PM Yingluck Shinawatra - Asia - World - The Independent
The crowd of about 1,200 people broke the padlocked gate at the Royal Thai Army compound and forced their way inside as they called on the military to join their anti-government campaign, said army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd. The compound is next to the United Nation's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Bangkok. "They are now gathering in the courtyard, but they have not entered buildings," Sansern said. "We will make them understand that this is a security area and we will ask them to leave." Yingluck has been reluctant to use force to evict the opposition-led protesters for fear of escalating the country's tense political crisis and sparking bloodshed. Security forces have done little to stop protesters who have spent the week seizing government buildings and camping out at several of them in an effort to force a government shutdown while asking civil servants to join their rally.

rally. The demonstrations that started Sunday have raised fears of fresh political turmoil and instability in Thailand and pose the biggest threat to Yingluck's administration since she came to power in 2011. The protesters accuse Yingluck of serving as a proxy for her billionaire brother Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister who was ousted in a 2006 military coup but retains strong support from the rural majority in Thailand. Protesters branched out to several spots on Friday, with another crowd staging a rally outside the headquarters of Yingluck's ruling Pheu Thai Party, where hundreds of riot police stood guard to prevent them from entering. A separate crowd of more than 1,000 people marched through central Bangkok to the U.S. Embassy to convey the protesters' message that Yingluck's leadership is illegitimate, in response to a statement from Washington that expressed concern about the protests. Crowd sizes peaked Sunday at over 100,000 and have dwindled in recent days to tens of thousands, but organizers have kept each day dramatic by targeting new and different seats of power. Crowds of protesters have occupied the Finance Ministry since Monday and others have remained holed up since Wednesday at a sprawling government complex that houses the Department of Special Investigations, the country's equivalent of the FBI. On Thursday, the demonstrators cut power at Bangkok's police headquarters and asked police to join their side. Yingluck has publicly pleaded for the protesters to stop and asked leaders of the movement to negotiate. "Please call off the protests for the country's peace," Yingluck said Thursday. "I'm begging you." But protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, who resigned as an opposition Democrat Party lawmaker to lead the protests, says he will not negotiate. He says his goal to rid the country of Thaksin's influence and to appoint a new leader chosen by an appointed "people's council." Suthep has called for bigger crowds to join the campaign over the weekend. Thaksin, who lives in Dubai to avoid serving a jail term for a corruption conviction he says was politically motivated, is a highly polarizing figure in Thailand. So much so, that an ill-advised bid to push a general amnesty law through parliament which would have paved the way for his return sparked the latest wave of protests earlier this month. Before Thaksin was toppled in a coup allegedly for corruption, abuse of power and insulting the nation's revered king he won over Thailand's rural underclass by introducing populist policies designed to benefit the poor. His political movement grew to become the most successful in modern Thai history. But his opponents, largely members of the urban middle class and elite, saw him as arrogant and a threat to democracy and their own privileges. The country has been gripped by alternating protests from both sides since 2006. AP

Cheryl Cole reaches settlement over US X Factor sacking - Americas - World - The Independent
But the 30-year-olds broad Geordie bray was too much for US executives plotting the X Factors rise across the Atlantic. And yesterday, more than two years after the former Girls Aloud singer was unceremoniously sacked from the show and replaced with a home-grown presenter, Cole was awarded an undisclosed amount by its producers. Cole, for her part, was confident her accent would not stand in the way of American viewers warming to her.

Speaking to reporters in May 2011 on her first day on the show, she said US viewers can always understand me adding audiences would eventually get used to it. But executives were taking no chances and she was sacked after filming just one episode. Cole subsequently sued the shows producers Blue Orbit for $2.3million (1.4m) for loss of earnings. What little footage of Ms Coles limited screen time to make it to air left critics confused, some did praise her fabulous Geordie accent. According to papers filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Cole was on a pay or play deal where salary is payable, even if he or she is let go. The pop singer claimed not to have received money for expenses, including a $100,000 wardrobe account. A spokesman for Ms Cole said the case had been resulted amicably while Blue Orbit did not comment last night. Coles was not the first North East native to leave US viewers baffled. During Ant and Decs short-lived stint as presenters on the US game show Wanna Bet , filmed in 2007, producers reportedly secured an interpreter to press a button each time he feared Ant or Dec gave an utterance that would baffle audiences. While Cole, Ant and Decs broad Geordie bray may have caused US executives consternation, some British stars have prospered despite their accents in films. Sir Sean Connery is perhaps the most notable. Despite sporting what has been voted the worst movie accent of all time, as Irish cop Jim Malone in 1987s The Untouchables, Connery, the noticeably Scots James Bond, has seen his star continue to rise. Whether playing a Russian sub captain in The Hunt for Red October or even an English King in First Knight and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves viewers are assured Connery will perform with a familiar Highland baritone. Perhaps the X Factors producers were fearful of Coles effect on accents across the US. Studies have showed that Glasgow-based viewers of Eastenders were found to have been picking up Cockney dialect through a steady diet of viewing the goings on at Albert Square.

War of words breaks out in Norway over Morrisseys Nobel Peace gig as singer unforgiven for comparing Anders Behring Breivik massacre to killing animals for fast food - Europe - World - The Independent
The singer has not even opened his mouth on the topic of world peace yet, but in Norway which will host the ceremony on 11 December people have not forgotten his words after the far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 people in Oslo and on Utoya Island in July 2011. A few days after the atrocity, the former Smiths front man entertained fans in Warsaw with a rendition of his anthem to vegetarianism, Meat is Murder. He then declared that the murderous events in Norway were nothing compared to what happens in McDonalds and Kentucky Fried sh*t every day. Morrissey refused to apologise, instead posting a message on a fan website defending his comments and saying that if a person was horrified by the massacre in Norway, they should also feel horror at the murder of any innocent being. So when the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced this week that Morrissey was joining Mary J Blige and James Blunt at the Oslo ceremony, the Norwegian news website The Local suggested optimistically that it was a sign he may have been forgiven. That proved premature. On Wednesday, Norways Aftenposten newspaper ran a comment piece arguing that relatives of Utoya victims and many other Norwegians would find the decision to invite Morrissey incomprehensible. Comments on Twitter and newspaper discussion forums echoed the outrage. Morrissey doesnt deserve to stand on a stage in this country ever again, one reader of The Local wrote. Geir Lundestad, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, defended its decision to put Morrissey on the bill, telling The Independent that free speech was an intrinsic value of the Nobel committee and it would never censure an artist.

The Independent that free speech was an intrinsic value of the Nobel committee and it would never censure an artist. We have had for the Nobel Peace Prize concert several hundred musical stars, and many of them have said things which we as organisers strongly disagree with, he said. But he added: They are not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize they are here to be part of a musical tribute to the peace prize laureate. Morrissey will perform three songs to an audience of 6,000 in Oslos Spektrum Arena as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons picks up the gong. The Norway comment was not the first time that Morrisseys words have landed him in trouble. The Smiths song Suffer Little Children, a haunting tune about the Moors Murders, was criticised by victims of Myra Hindley and Ian Brady for exploiting the crimes. He remains as outspoken as ever. This week he criticised another Nobel Peace Prize winner US President Barack Obama for setting an abysmal example by tucking into turkey for Thanksgiving.

Postcard from... Brussels - World - News - The Independent

Last week, the Royal Museum of Fine Art in Brussels shut the doors to the Rogier van der Weyden exhibition after it had been open to the public for just a month. The exhibition was more than four years in the making and cost "1.5m (1.2m) to stage, with works shipped in from museums all over the world, the Flanders News website reported. But eventually it fell foul to the rain and the damp seeping though the ceiling that was not quite watertight enough to withstand the Brussels weather and repair work to the roof. The museum website said it was a difficult decision to close down the show, but said it was the only way to preserve this exceptional cultural heritage. Museum staff had up until recently battled against the elements to keep the exhibition open, covering the paintings dating back to the 15th century with clear PVC.

The near future of Iraq is dark: Warning from Muqtada al-Sadr - the Shia cleric whose word is law to millions of his countrymen - Middle East - World The Independent
In an interview with The Independent in the holy city of Najaf, 100 miles south-west of Baghdad the first interview Mr Sadr has given face-to-face with a Western journalist for almost 10 years he expressed pessimism about the immediate prospects for Iraq, saying: The near future is dark. Mr Sadr said he is most worried about sectarianism affecting Iraqis at street level, believing that if it spreads among the people it will be difficult to fight. He says he believes that standing against sectarianism has made him lose support among his followers. Mr Sadrs moderate stance is key at a moment when sectarian strife has been increasing in Iraq some 200 Shia were killed in the past week alone. For 40 years, Mr Sadr and religious leaders from his family have set the political trend within the Shia community in Iraq. Their long-term resistance to Saddam Hussein and, later, their opposition to the US-led occupation had a crucial impact. Mr Sadr has remained a leading influence in Iraq after an extraordinary career in which he has often come close to being killed. Several times, it appeared that the political movement he leads, the Sadrist Movement, would be crushed. He was 25 in 1999 when his father, Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr, a revered Shia leader, and Mr Sadrs two brothers were assassinated by Saddam Husseins gunmen in Najaf. He just survived sharing a similar fate, remaining under house arrest in Najaf until 2003 when Saddam was overthrown by the US invasion. He and his followers became the most powerful force in many Shia parts of Iraq as enemies of the old regime, but also opposing the occupation. In

2004, his Mehdi Army fought two savage battles against American troops in Najaf, and in Basra it engaged in a prolonged guerrilla war against the British Army which saw the Mehdi Army take control of the city. The Mehdi Army was seen by the Sunni community as playing a central role in the sectarian murder campaign that reached its height in 2006-7. Mr Sadr says that people infiltrated the Mehdi Army and carried out these killings, adding that if his militiamen were involved in the murder of Sunnis he would be the first person to denounce them. For much of this period, Mr Sadr did not appear to have had full control of forces acting in his name; ultimately he stood them down. At the same time, the Mehdi Army was being driven from its old strongholds in Basra and Sadr City by the US Army and resurgent Iraqi government armed forces. Asked about the status of the Mehdi Army today, Mr Sadr says: It is still there but it is frozen because the occupation is apparently over. If it comes back, they [the Mehdi Army militiamen] will come back. In the past five years, Mr Sadr has rebuilt his movement as one of the main players in Iraqi politics with a programme that is a mixture of Shia religion, populism and Iraqi nationalism. After a strong showing in the general election in 2010, it became part of the present government, with six seats in the cabinet. But Mr Sadr is highly critical of Prime Minister Nouri al-Malikis performance during his two terms in office, accusing his administration of being sectarian, corrupt and incompetent. Speaking of Mr Maliki, with whom his relations are increasingly sour, Mr Sadr said that maybe he is not the only person responsible for what is happening in Iraq, but he is the person in charge. Asked if he expected Mr Maliki to continue as Prime Minister, he said: I expect he is going to run for a third term, but I dont want him to. Mr Sadr said he and other Iraqi leaders had tried to replace him in the past, but Mr Maliki had survived in office because of his support from foreign powers, notably the US and Iran. What is really surprising is that America and Iran should decide on one person, he said. Maliki is strong because he is supported by the United States, Britain and Iran. Mr Sadr is particularly critical of the governments handling of the Sunni minority, which lost power in 2003, implying they had been marginalised and their demands ignored. He thinks that the Iraqi government lost its chance to conciliate Sunni protesters in Iraq who started demonstrating last December, asking for greater civil rights and an end to persecution. My personal opinion is that it is too late now to address these [Sunni] demands when the government, which is seen as a Shia government by the demonstrators, failed to meet their demands, he said. Asked how ordinary Shia, who make up the great majority of the thousand people a month being killed by al-Qaida bombs, should react, Mr Sadr said: They should understand that they are not being attacked by Sunnis. They are being attacked by extremists, they are being attacked by external powers. As Mr Sadr sees it, the problem in Iraq is that Iraqis as a whole are traumatised by almost half a century in which there has been a constant cycle of violence: Saddam, occupation, war after war, first Gulf war, then second Gulf war, then the occupation war, then the resistance this would lead to a change in the psychology of Iraqis. He explained that Iraqis make the mistake of trying to solve one problem by creating a worse one, such as getting the Americans to topple Saddam Hussein but then having the problem of the US occupation. He compared Iraqis to somebody who found a mouse in his house, then he kept a cat, then he wanted to get the cat out of the house so he kept a dog, then to get the dog out of his house he bought an elephant, so he bought a mouse again. Asked about the best way for Iraqis to deal with the mouse, Mr Sadr said: By using neither the cat nor the dog, but instead national unity, rejection of sectarianism, open-mindedness, having open ideas, rejection of extremism. A main theme of Mr Sadrs approach is to bolster Iraq as an independent nation state, able to make decisions in its own interests. Hence his abiding hostility to the American and British occupation, holding this responsible for many of Iraqs present ills. To this day, neither he nor anybody from his movement will meet American or British officials. But he is equally hostile to intervention by Iran in Iraqi affairs saying: We refuse all kinds of interventions from external forces, whether such an intervention was in the interests of Iraqis or against their interests. The destiny of Iraqis should be decided by Iraqis themselves.

Iraqis should be decided by Iraqis themselves. This is a change of stance for a man who was once demonised by the US and Britain as a pawn of Iran. The strength of the Sadrist movement under Mr Sadr and his father and its ability to withstand powerful enemies and shattering defeats owes much to the fact it that it blends Shia revivalism with social activism and Iraqi nationalism. Why are Iraqi government members so ineffective and corrupt? Mr Sadr believes that they compete to take a share of the cake, rather than competing to serve their people Asked why the Kurdistan Regional Government had been more successful in terms of security and economic development than the rest of Iraq, Mr Sadr thought there was less stealing and corruption among the Kurds and maybe because they love their ethnicity and their region. If the government tried to marginalise them, they might ask for independence: Mr Massoud Barzani [the KRG President] told me that if Maliki pushes on me harder, we are going to ask for independence. At the end of the interview Mr Sadr asked me if I was not frightened of interviewing him and would not this make the British Government consider me a terrorist? Secondly, he wondered if the British Government still considered that it had liberated the Iraqi people, and wondered if he should sue the Government on behalf of the casualties caused by the British occupation.

Ukraine: Cut off from the EU, felled by corruption - Europe - World - The Independent
The bride cancelled the wedding last week, in favour of an abusive ex, but last night turned up to the breakfast anyway, to awkwardly sip champagne with the grooms friends. The dinner at the Vilnius Summit in Lithuania last night was supposed to be the occasion on which Ukraines President Viktor Yanukovych signed a historic EU Association Agreement, a significant step towards what many hope is its destiny - full membership of the European Union. Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were both expected to attend. But President Yanukovych announced last week that he wasnt ready to sign the agreement, opting to join Russias Eurasian Customs Union instead, ripping the heart out of what would have been a significant summit, and the climax of years of negotiations. The pressure from Moscow has been intense. First it raised the price of the Russian gas on which Ukraine depends, then banned the import of many Ukrainian items, including its popular luxury chocolates. European leaders put out a joint statement before the dinner, in which they strongly disapproved of Moscows pressure on Ukraine not to sign. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the EU of blackmail. Mrs Merkel, who is expected to have talks with Mr Yanukovych later today, said on arrival at the summit venue in Vilnius, that the door was still open to Ukraine. To extend the wedding analogy, Ukraine has kept its cake, but still has designs on eating it. On rejecting the plan, President Yanukovych said: As soon as we reach a level that is comfortable for us, when it meets our interests, when we agree on normal terms, then we will talk about signing. When this will happen - soon or not so soon - time will tell. I would like that time to come as soon as possible. The public dismay from British officials over the event is real enough, but privately the situation is more complicated. Having Ukraine in the European Union broadens the single market, which in theory is good for British business, but it is well known in Whitehall that broadening the European Union makes it harder to deepen it. The more countries are involved, the harder it is to reach agreement, and as a consequence, less sovereignty is despatched to Brussels. More importantly, Transparency International currently ranks Ukraine 144th of the 176 nations it analyses each year for corruption. Whitehall sources admit that, given the increasingly difficult situation with Russia, it would have been

better to get them in now, and worry about corruption later. Such sentiment will do little to reassure British businesses. Tales of the difficulties faced by business people in the country are not hard to come by. The Globus Shopping Mall in central Kiev is typical of the changing face of Ukraines capital city, packed with the worlds leading luxury brands, all on sale at sky-rocketing prices. And the unpleasant turn of events at the British owned mall at the end of September were nothing if not typical too. According to Leonard Sebastien, a legal officer for London & Regional, the property company that owns the mall, on the night of 22 September, a gang of 50 people in track suits and shaved heads arrived. They seized the guards rooms, and the central control point, and expelled people from their workplaces, and placed groups of bandits to guard at the entrances. The men were there to forcibly re-impose a new CEO on the company, at the instruction of a Kiev court. Despite never formally holding the position, Olena Morris had only stood down from the position, so she claimed, to recover from a mysterious acid attack in 2010, and now she was back. The matter has since required the direct intervention of the British Ambassador, and is to an extent resolved, but not all businesses are so fortunate. Criminality is less commonplace in the country than it was, say, in the notorious 1990s it could hardly not be but every independent inspectorate there is agrees that the country remains dogged by corruption and a lack of transparency that makes it all but impossible to conduct business there in anything approaching a conventional manner. Alexander Lebedev, the financial backer of The Independent and Evening Standard newspapers, has since 2004 been involved in a dispute with the Ukraine authorities after purchasing a 50 per cent stake in the Hotel Ukraine in Kiev. The remaining 50 per cent was to remain state owned, with Mr Lebedev having agreed to fund reconstruction work on the hotel at a cost of up to $150m (91m), as part of a joint venture. In 2005, the joint venture was annulled, and Mr Lebedevs stake expropriated. Despite having won more than 40 court cases over the matter, Mr Lebedevs stake has effectively disappeared. The case is now with the European Court of Human Rights. Russias power to strongarm Ukraine may not last forever. A burgeoning gas market led by fracking, and developments in liquefied natural gas, have to some extent weakened its ability to threaten those dependent on its natural resources. At a conference in Yalta, in the Ukraine, last September, former US President Bill Clinton spoke of how Ukraine could become a bridge between east and west. The country will be in no hurry to choose between the two, if such a choice can be avoided. The agreement hinges on the opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko being allowed to travel to Germany for health treatment, on which significant progress had been made. She is currently serving a seven year jail term for abuse of power and embezzlement, charges that the EU say are an example of selective justice. Mr Lebedevs case is another.

Muqtada al-Sadr has a peerless record of opposing Saddam Hussein Comment - Voices - The Independent
It is a measure of the contradictory nature of the US-led occupation of Iraq that within a year of the 2003 invasion, American officers were saying publicly that their orders were to kill or capture Muqtada, although he came from a clerical dynasty with a record of opposition to Saddam. In theory, the US was nation-building in Iraq. In practice, this turned out to mean that only Iraqi nationalists wholly supportive of US policy were deemed politically acceptable. Muqtada was, and is, always hostile to the occupation. He believes it forced on Iraq a leadership which has stayed in power despite toxic levels of corruption and incompetence. Long before last weekends deal on Irans nuclear power programme, the Americans and Iranians cooperated

uneasily in determining which Iraqis would rule Iraq. Such is the division between Iraqi communities, sects and parties that foreign powers have a measure of control. Perhaps more surprising than Muqtadas personal survival is the persistence of the Sadrist movement, despite savage repression by Saddam followed by war with the Americans and conflict with the present Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. It survives because it has a leadership prepared to be martyred and a mass following among the poor. Nevertheless, Sadrism deeply divides the Iraqi Shia, many of whom see the movement as having a history of sectarian violence that belies its present moderation. It denounces a government of which it somehow remains part while demanding that Mr Maliki be replaced.

Lawless Libya: The growing list of unsolved murders - Africa - World - The Independent
Who killed more than 50 police officers, soldiers and judges here and in the eastern city of Darna this year? Who started the fire that claimed the lives of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and another American at the US diplomatic mission here just over a year ago? Who launched the mortar rounds that killed two CIA contractors that same night? Or who bears responsibility for the 2011 torture and killing of Abdul Fattah Younis, the Gaddafi-era military commander who defected to lead the rebels? Do you live on Mars? asked Hashem Bishr, the hard-line Salafist leader of a powerful Tripoli militia. To understand Libyas unsolved murder mysteries, understand this, Mr Bishr said: Its just not a good time. What he meant is that there are people who know the answers theyre just not willing to share. Tripolis weak authorities have promised to investigate the killings. But until now, there is nobody in detention. Nobody has been charged. And according to our knowledge, no one is being investigated, said Hanan Salah, a Libya researcher for Human Rights Watch. The government, she said, lacks the technical capacity to do so. But there is also a powerful element of fear. More than a year after the deadly attack on the US mission, the port city that was the birthplace of Libyas 2011 revolution has become the epicentre of a shadowy campaign of assassinations and bombings. Most of the killings have targeted police and army personnel, along with a handful of judges and a political activist. The pale truth is that this is a bleeding city a city that has a lot of losses every day, said Fathallah Bin Ali, a Benghazi businessman who allies himself with the federalists, a faction in eastern Libya that is holding the regions oil infrastructure hostage to extract more control from the government. In recent months, mysterious early morning bombings have targeted two courts, a wedding hall and a popular caf. No one was killed. But the intent, residents say, was intimidation. Mohamed al-Bargathi said he has no desire to mend the faade of his once-bustling caf, the Rotana, which was shattered last month by a homemade bomb in a bag left on the front steps. Im afraid theyll just bomb it again, he said. If we knew who did it, we would kill him and reopen. But we dont know who did it. Many here say that Benghazi is a microcosm of Libyas larger struggles. On a normal afternoon, political opponents and rival militia leaders can be seen warily eyeing one another over espressos from across hotel lobbies. The Libyan special forces, resurrected from a force that existed before the revolution, man camouflaged gun-trucks at

central road junctions and participate in a joint-security operations room to manage the citys security. But their Islamist militia rivals have their own security operations room their own bases and, sometimes, their own checkpoints. Depending on whom you ask, just about every armed group around here is guilty of killings, theft and human rights abuses. The Washington Post

'I see new hands': Mexican father Gabriel Granados recovers movement in new limbs after rare double arm transplant - World - News - The Independent
Almost two years later, following a double arm transplant, he has made a successful recovery. Following physiotherapy, Mr Granados has achieved 70 per cent of his movements and is "very independent" when completing his daily activities. He became the first patient in Latin America to receive a double arm transplant when the 53-year-old father of two received the arms of a 34-year-old shooting victim. After a 17-hour operation, Mr Granados was able to have both arms again and feel his hands. "This is wonderful that after being without hands for some time, all of a sudden I see new hands," said Mr Granados, an agent in the financial unit of Mexico City's prosecutors' office.

Gabriel Granados said the transplant was 'terrific' and that he had begun to feel his new hands His arms were badly burned in January 2011 when he received an electrical shock while giving instructions to a group of construction workers building fence. About seventy patients have been already through the same procedures, with almost all of them in China. In Mexico, the waiting list for organ transplant is reaches 18,000, but Mr Granados hopes his story will help inspire others to donate their organs.

Gabriel Granados is seen during his physiotherapy session with a doctor at Mexico City's Nutrition Hospital He said: "We unfortunately don't have the culture or organ donation. "I thought the same, but today I would [donate an organ]. This is the proof that it works." The day of the surgery, in May 2012, Dr Fernando Gabilondo, director of Mexico City's National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, where the surgery took place, said: "This is a very special day for Mexico from a scientific point of view." Additional reporting by Associated Press

Shenzhen airport Terminal Three: Vast, shiny, new - and empty? China's latest temple to aviation opens - Asia - World - The Independent
Yet, despite also winning the plaudits of architects who hail its cathedral-like scale, T3 could prove to be one of the worlds biggest white elephants, judging from overseas airlines appetite for flying to the city, near Hong Kong. As with Heathrow Terminal Five, Shenzhens new facility is experiencing teething problems. The planned Metro rail connection has not yet been extended to the airport. A longer-term concern, however, is the appeal of the airports location to airlines and their passengers. The city, whose name translates as deep drains, is the border town adjacent to the New Territories of Hong Kong. It became a Special Economic Zone in 1980 while Hong Kong was still firmly in British hands. The city has grown rapidly, with a 30-fold increase in population to the present estimate of 11 million. Many are migrant workers from elsewhere in China, employed at hi-tech factories. Apple has two suppliers in the city, producing iPods and Mac books. Among Shenzhens tourist attractions is a former Soviet aircraft carrier (complete with fighter jets) called Minsk World. Another is Dapeng Fortress, a battle site during the 19th-century Opium Wars against the British colonial invaders. Unlike the largest Chinese cities, however, Shenzhen does not allow a visa-free stopover. Shenzhen airports website boasts a wide range of international destinations, including Dubai, Cologne and Sydney. But a trawl of sources, including airline websites and the aviation data specialist, OAG, failed to find any services to or from these airports. Existing links seem to be purely regional, to cities such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with additional

destinations that China regards as domestic in the shape of Lhasa in Tibet and Taiwans capital, Taipei. The sole US destination, Anchorage in Alaska, is served only by the cargo carriers UPS and Federal Express. Neil Taylor, who pioneered travel to the Peoples Republic with his company, Regent Holidays, said: One has to wonder who will fly here from outside China, given the choice of flights to Hong Kong and to Macau, both actively promoted in the UK, both nearby and both visa-free. Shenzhen had its appeal as a small village when China first opened up in the late 1970s, but tour operators will find it hard to promote now.

The highly anticipated new terminal at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, Guangdong, China has opened So what can Britain learn from Chinas newest airport project? Given the differences in how the countries are run, its difficult to say. The terminal, which has just opened, replaces the existing facilities with a structure of dramatic looks and huge capacity. Shenzhen was the first airport project by the Rome-based architects, Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas. Studio Fuksas says basic concept evokes the image of a manta ray and features a striking internal and external double skin honeycomb motif that wraps the structure. From above, it resembles an aircraft complete with wings and a tailplane. Features include stylised white trees that serve as air-conditioning vents. Glass panels punctuate the faade, allowing natural light to filter through. Artificial lighting was provided by an Edinburgh firm, Speirs and Major. China has been developing its transport infrastructure at a phenomenal pace, building new airports and high-speed rail lines across the nation as its economy grows at a huge rate compared to the UK. The state directs big projects, and unlike in Britain, where a third runway at Heathrow has been continually stymied there is little effective local opposition.

The first airport by acclaimed architects Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas it is set to become an iconic landmarkthat will boost the economic development of Shenzhen It may serve as a warning to expanding airports when bigger competitors exist nearby. Shenzhen suffers from the proximity of Hong Kong airport, with which it has a ferry connection. Hong Kong handles twice as many passengers, with far more international destinations. The biggest Chinese cities continue to attract new flights from Europe. Last week the French airline, Aigle Azur, announced a new link from Paris Orly to Beijing. But the expected surge of connections from Europe to large secondary cities in China has not materialised. British Airways this year added a link from Heathrow to Chengdu, but elsewhere momentum has slowed. Finnair has shelved plans to increase services to Xian, while reports in the French press suggest that only heavy subsidies from the local Chinese authorities are sustaining the Air France link between Paris and Wuhan. Le Figaro claimed that the airline was rewarded with a "30,000 subsidy for every flight.

In pictures: China futuristic Shenzhen Baoan International Airport - Asia World - The Independent
Stand-out features of the interior design include stylized white trees that serve as air conditioning vents, and checkin islands, gates and passport-check areas with a stainless steel finish that beautifully reflect the honeycomb patterns from above. Click here or on 'view gallery' to see more images

Bungling would-be-hitmen foiled after accidentally ringing victim by sitting on phone - Americas - World - The Independent
Larry Barnett, a used car dealer from Jonesboro, was reportedly in the process of plotting the murder of his former employee, James Macom, when he accidentally dialled his phone while talking to a hit man. According to reports the two men were discussing the details of the hit, including where Macom lived and why and how he should be killed, when Mr Barnett 'unknowingly made' a phone call to his former employee. During the call, which lasted around an hour and a half, Barnett was allegedly heard telling another man to do whatever it took to kill Mr Macom. At one point Mr Barnett can be heard saying: "I don't care if you have to burn his house to the ground with him in it. I don't care what you have to do, make it look like an accident," local TV KAIT8.com reported. Mr Macom, who said he overheard Barnett give another man directions to his home, alerted the police as the phone call was ongoing realising that he had been dialled unintentionally. Mr Macom was away from his home at the time of the call and police arrived at his home to find an intruder had

Mr Macom was away from his home at the time of the call and police arrived at his home to find an intruder had apparently broken in and started a gas leak. ABC news reported the Macom and Barnett were involved in a long-term dispute over the ownership of a vehicle and unpaid wages. I owe the little son of a b**ch a bunch of money and if hes gone, I dont have to pay for it, Barnett allegedly said to the unknown man ABC reported. He promised to pay $5,000 up front to begin with, according to Macoms police report. Barnett reportedly accidentally dialled the number of his potential victim when looking up his details on his phone before putting it in his back pocket. As well as being charged with conspiracy to commit murder Mr Barnett also faces allegations of forgery.

What is it?
Traditionally, Black Friday marks the beginning of the frenzied Christmas shopping season in the US. Although the actual date is different every year, its always the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving this year, it will be November 29. With retailers across the country slashing their prices, its the busiest shopping day of the year. Hordes of shoppers invade their favourite stores, desperate to make the most of the seemingly impossible deals. Initially, the sales began early on the Friday, with most retailers opening their doors at around six in the morning. But as the years passed, retailers started to open earlier and earlier. First it was pushed back to five in the morning, then to four, and then to all the way back to Thanksgiving Day itself. In recent times, the concept of the Black Friday sales being confined to just one day has been all but abandoned.

Why is it called Black Friday?

The Philadelphia police force coined the term in the 1960s. They were referring to the same day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, which even back then saw a mass of ravenous shoppers descend upon the area. Pedestrians and motorists caused a great deal of congestion, much to the dismay of the police, which led to the Black Friday labelling. An alternative reason relates to accounting. As would be expected, the onslaught of customers leads to a considerable hike in retailers revenue (over $59 billion was spent across the four-day weekend last year). It is therefore said that the period propels retailers to move out of the red and into the black. Thus, Black Friday.

Who gets involved?

Who doesnt. According to the National Retail Federation, up to 140 million people across America will descend en masse on retailers during the weekend and, understandably, there are few shops who would be willing to miss out on such an opportunity. The marketing push from the big firms is monumental many start the campaign weeks in advance. The phenomenon is also spreading to the UK. Admittedly, the British version isnt exactly a mirror image of its American counterpart, but there have been major retailers, including Asda and Amazon, looking to make Black Friday a fixture on the UKs shopping calendar. However, the excitement does occasionally boil over into something decidedly more sinister. In America, there have been outbreaks of violence in the past, including shootings, stabbings, fighting and trampling. In 2008, a Walmart employee was fatally injured in a stampede at a store in New York. Its the most extreme case, but does show how the blind rush for bargains can have tragic consequences.

Thanksgiving 2013: US Google Doodle celebrates traditional holiday - News Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
The traditional holiday is celebrated by millions on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada. Thanksgiving commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1621 and is marked by religious observances and 'giving thanks' as people prepare and eat a meal together. Turkey is usually served alongside winter vegetables, cranberry sauce and pecan or pumpkin pie. According to the US Department of Agriculture more than 45 million turkeys are eaten on this day - a sixth of all turkeys sold in the US year. Click here to see pictures of more Google Doodles The President also 'pardons' two turkeys who are not going to be slaughtered in a slightly more unusual Thanksgiving 'tradition' invented by Ronald Reagan in 1987. In an extremely rare coincidence this year, Thanksgiving overlaps with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, sparking the nickname 'Thanksgivukkah' and adding turkey-shaped menorah to some dinner tables. Video: Thanksgiving 2013 Google Doodle

In pictures: Thai anti-government protesters continue to occupy government ministries - Asia - World - The Independent
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Japanese engineers plan to turn the moon into a giant solar panel station Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
Shimizu, a giant civil engineering and construction firm, plans to install a 'solar belt' around the moon's equator. To be built almost entirely by remote-controlled robots, the Luna Ring would run around the 6,800 mile lunar equator and be 248 miles in width. The solar energy collected would converted and beamed back to earth as microwaves and laser, where it would then be converted into electricity and then potentially supplied to the national grid. Shimizu says the Luna Ring could generate a massive 13,000 terra watts of energy. The Sizewell B nuclear reactor in Suffolk produces 1,198 megawatts (MW).

According to the firm's engineers, the moon's equator is exposed to a steady amount of sun and not subject to some of the weather problems associated with solar energy generation on earth.

Virtually inexhaustible, non-polluting solar energy is the ultimate source of green energy that brings prosperity to nature as well as our lives, says Shimizu. The company plans to have a pilot demonstration by 2020 and for construction to begin by 2035. This is not the first time solar energy generated in space has been mooted as an answer to the earth's dwindling energy resources. NASA has been investigating space-based solar systems for decades. And not everyone is convinced - Prof Werner Hofer, director of the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy at the University of Liverpool, said: Doing this in space is not a good idea because it is fantastically expensive and you probably never recover the energy you have to invest.

Rudy Giuliani says mafia put $800,000 bounty on his head - but ex-New York mayor admits Islamist terrorists scare him more than the mob - Americas World - The Independent
In a light-hearted exchange with Oprah Winfrey, the 69-year-old who before entering politics was a hugely successful anti-mafia lawyer joked that although the initial bounty was close to a million, a second mafiosi later placed a significantly lower $400,000 on his head towards the end of his two-term mayoralty. The conversation took place as part of Winfreys Where Are They Now? show, during which Giuliani admitted he had made many enemies among mafiosi thanks to his high-profile involvement in the mid-80s Mafia Commission Trial. That trial saw eight of Americas most powerful mobsters sent to prison including Genovese crime family front boss Anthony Fat Tony Salerno, and the bosses of the Lucchese and Colombo families - Anthony Tony Ducks Corallo and Carmine The Snake Persico respectively. Speaking of that trial, Giuliani said: I don't think anybody prosecuted more mafia members than I did. Certainly, no one sent them to prison for the lengthy periods of time than I did.

Giuliani during the Mafia Commission Trial in 1986 The Sicilian mafia apparently offered to kill Giuliani in retaliation for the sentences - providing their American couterparts stump up a fee of $800,000. Joking about the later, significantly reduced bounty on his head, which was allegedly placed around the millennium

by a well-known gangster serving 100 years in prison, Giuliani laughed: I kind of felt bad that I went down in value - I started at 800, I went down to 400.

Giuliani pretends to be Vito Corleone during a Godfather-themed skit at the end of his New York mayoralty Despite the threat of contract killers, Giuliani said that it isnt the mafia that keeps him awake at night: his real concern is Islamic extremism. Giuliani was Mayor of New York at the time of the September 11 attacks, rising to international prominence thanks to high-profile appearances from the scene and emotive speeches and interviews in the aftermath. Comparing the threat from terrorists compared to those of the mob, Giuliani said: When we start talking about Islamic extremist terrorism - that worries me more, because they are suicidal. He added: Part of why I didn't worry about the Mafia was because there was a certain rationality to their kind of violence. This other kind of violence is completely irrational violence. Giuliani went on to say he was proud of the way New York coped in the aftermath of the September 11 attack., but admitted that for a long time after he jumped every time he heard a siren.

Giuliani during the September 11 attacks Using New Yorks recent tourism records as an example of the way visitors to the city are no longer excessively anxious about the threat of terrorism, Giuliani said: Fifty million [visited New York last year], which shows you that even though we were attacked, even though there was threats of attacks, people know how to process it correctly. He added: They realize it's a small, small risk in comparison to the wonderful things you can do here.

Thanksgivukkah! Thanksgiving overlaps with Hanukkah as US marks day

Thanksgivukkah! Thanksgiving overlaps with Hanukkah as US marks day with travel, parades, shopping and ceremonies - Americas - World - The Independent
Nose-diving morning temperatures that are expected after a rainy, snowy evening along the East Coast may make for slick conditions during one of the nation's busiest travel times. In New York City, the threat of high winds could ground Snoopy, Sonic the Hedgehog and other giant helium balloons in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. City regulations prohibit them from flying when sustained winds top 23 miles per hour (37 km per hour), and gusts exceed 34 mph (54 kph). The 87th year of the parade has proved to be among its most controversial with rocker musician Joan Jett, who is a vegetarian and animal-rights activist, moved off the South Dakota tourism float - but still in the parade - after cattle ranchers complained. The parade, expected to be viewed by 50 million people on television and some 3 million more along its route through Manhattan, still includes SeaWorld's float despite an outcry over keeping orcas in captivity by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the animal-rights group. In an extremely rare coincidence this year, Thanksgiving overlaps with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, sparking the nickname Thanksgivukkah and adding to some dinner tables a turkey-shaped menorah - called a Menurkey designed by an enterprising 10-year-old boy, Asher Weintraub of New York. In complicated calculations of the Gregorian and Jewish calendars, the two holidays will not fall on the same day again until 2070, according to the Jewish website Chabad.org. In another first, some retailers are opening on Thanksgiving evening to offer the earliest "Black Friday" shopping deals ever. About 140 million people are expected to shop over the four-day weekend, traditionally the start of the holiday shopping season, according to the National Retail Federation. That move has prompted protests and an online petition drive by critics who say it takes workers away from their families on the holiday. With 43 million Americans expected to make trips over the long holiday weekend, according to travel group AAA, a wintry blast of heavy rain, wind and snow across the eastern United States that started on Wednesday snarled roadways and airports. Even after arriving safely, families may find new challenges in the kitchen this holiday. Butterball LLC, for the first time has reported a shortage of large, fresh turkeys and the cause of the deficiency is under investigation, company spokeswoman Megan Downey said in an email message. Perhaps the biggest surprise this Thanksgiving is the upending of two common perceptions about turkeys and men. Butterball conducted research and found 84 per cent of men take part in Thanksgiving meal preparation. More surprising, it found when it comes to cooking the holiday bird and its trimmings, men are more likely than women to ask for directions. Reuters Video: Holocaust survivor meets saviour

Arizona couple 'held three sisters captive' in home - Americas - World - The Independent
Two of the younger siblings, aged 12 and 13, had managed to climb through a window and run to a neighbour's

Two of the younger siblings, aged 12 and 13, had managed to climb through a window and run to a neighbour's house on Tuesday. They claimed their stepfather had kicked in their bedroom door and threatened them with a knife. Police officers then searched the property and found a 17-year-old girl locked in her bedroom. In a news conference, Tucson Police Chief Roberto Villasenor said the girls were malnourished and dirty, and told police they had not bathed for up to six months. The house in which the girls were held had been fitted with round-the-clock video security, he said.

The house the girls were allegedly held captive in by their mother and stepfather "Their movements were controlled - when, where and how they went to the bathroom, when they were fed." Tucson police captain Mike Gilooly told reporters: "They were kept in filthy living conditions separately and told patrol officers that they had not seen each other in almost two years." Villasenor said loud music was constantly played in their bedrooms to conceal any noise they made, and towels were stuffed into ducts and around doors. If the girls were well behaved, the music would be replaced by loud static. The girls' mother had a cell phone with a San Diego telephone number to convince their biological fathers and grandmothers that the family was living in California. Investigators are now examining a journal kept by the eldest sister, detailing more than 18 months of captivity and abuse. Villasenor said the teenager kept the diary in a satchel with a photo of singer Enrique Iglesias throughout her ordeal. She was overjoyed when the photo was returned on Wednesday, which she said was her most prized possession, after police examined the contents of her bag. The girls have been evaluated by doctors and placed under the care of Child Protective Services. Stepfather Fernando Richter, 34, and mother, Sophia Richter, 32, were charged with emotional and physical child abuse and kidnapping. The stepfather is also charged with one count of sexual abuse of a child under 15. The couple have been together for about 10 years and married for three or four years, and there is evidence the girls were held against their will in at least one of the family's former homes, Villasenor said. They made a brief appearance in court on Wednesday. Both parents did not enter a plea.

Additional reporting by Reuters

News - Business

Anthony Hilton: Why should people clean up these messes when theyll be pilloried for it? Goldman Sachs faces more questions over valuation of Royal Mail Hibu shareholders condemn directors for pulling out of a grilling at meeting Market Report: Speedy Hire shares take a dive RBS careless with $2.7bn loan to Formula One City watchdog and taxman tighten the screw on activities at RBS Nikhil Kumar: Going back to its roots is the best way for struggling mobile phones firm BlackBerry Nikhil Kumar: Yahoos new direction since Marissa Mayer took charge to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web is a gamble The other side of the bitcoin: Virtual currencys reach is still very limited Asda stores witness Black Friday chaos as fights break out over televisions Thames Water defends tax liability as first half profits surge Mortgage approvals near 6-year high amid fears of a new housing bubble Bumi investors move closer to Bakrie split-up Vivian Imerman eyes Whyte & Mackay acquisition as Diageo agrees to sell over competition concerns Argentina threatens jail sentences over Falkland Islands oil operations New Lloyds chairman boosts efforts to speed up taxpayers stake sell-off Fat cats getting fatter? Bankers bonus culture lives on as millionaires club tops 2,700 S&P cuts Netherlands top credit rating, upgrades outlook for Spain JD Sports shares jump on better-than-expected sales Former Margaret Thatcher adviser tipped as next Lloyds chairman House prices surged by 6.5% over past year, Nationwide reports David Prosser: SMEs is a damaging piece of jargon that is stopping many firms from fulfilling their potential OUTLOOK: RBS investigators are too tied to the establishment to win victims trust 'Another decade of prejudice' against mid-tier accountants Islamic Gatehouse Bank to aid UK housing crisis Market Report: Bank of England governor Mark Carney's remarks hit housebuilding stocks RBS accuser Lawrence Tomlinson hits out at law firm Clifford Chance appointed to probe banks actions Free agent: Mark Carney is proving his independence on Help to Buy Burberry to appeal Chinese trademark suspension on iconic tartan pattern Bank of England curtails Funding for Lending Scheme amid fears of housing bubble Merry Black Friday! But are Britons ready to buy into US retailers hype? South West Water to freeze bills until 2015 RSA Ireland chief executive quits amid accounting probe Blockbuster axes 182 jobs as it announces plans to shut down 30 stores Thomas Cook flies high as turnaround plan delivers first profit in three years Co-operative Bank loses customers after Paul Flowers scandal Britain's debt problems 'epidemic', warns think tank

Bitcoin Black Friday: US online retailers attempt to stir up an online shopping frenzy Boris Johnson v Gordon Gekko: Guess who said it Npower confirms 1,460 British jobs in outsourcing to India

Anthony Hilton: Why should people clean up these messes when theyll be pilloried for it? - Business Comment - Business - The Independent
The only reason it didnt is because its bankers thought it was too important to be allowed to fail so they put their own heads on the line to create a rescue package to save it one which had to deal with the major risk that they were simply pouring good money after bad. It is, however, in the nature of these things that there was almost no publicity given to the bankers behind the move. Two years on the big banking story is the suite of allegations that Royal Bank of Scotland took advantage of financially weakened companies to force them into bankruptcy and grab their assets, when, with a bit more support, they could have survived. What is really interesting though is that these allegations centre round the RBS division run by Derek Sach. This is the very same man who put his head on the line to save Thomas Cook. I have lunched with Derek Sach a few times so know him a little. I would judge that he is not the financial sectors answer to Mother Teresa but neither is he the devil incarnate. And the allegations even if they subsequently turn out to have some truth need to be seen in the context of what he had to do. He has been one of the leaders in the gigantic task of sorting out the banks bad loans and to salvage what he could. As taxpayers and majority owners of the bank, we should arguably celebrate in his success, not hang him out to dry. On his watch the toxic (or what they prefer to call non-core) loans within RBS have been cut from 258bn to around 40bn. We should pause to think of the financial burden lifted from the bank and thus the taxpayer by this effort. That 218m would be enough to build HST2 from London to Inverness, not just Birmingham. It would get us 50 aircraft carriers, not two. It would pay the entire NHS cost for almost two years or defence spending or education for five years. In a sensible country that would earn him a knighthood. Clearly he is not going to get that but at the very least we should keep a sense of proportion. His department might well have been a bit brutal at times it is hard to see how it could be otherwise given the scale of the task in hand. Innocent people did possibly get hurt and some good companies which might have been saved possibly went to the wall. But this was the biggest economic and financial bust since the 1930s and even then it was not all one way as Thomas Cook and others prove. Given the size of the mess that had to be cleared up the surprise ought to be that there has been so little collateral damage. I would hope Sach does not end up with his head stuck on a pole though once a media frenzy erupts that tends to be the way we do things in this country. But if he does become the scapegoat the latest in a long stream at RBS one might add we really should not be surprised if in future no talented private sector people are willing to come out of the shadows to take on the next big public sector clean-up job. It is not intelligent to clamp down on foreign students When a country is struggling to pay its way in the world an intelligent government puts weight behind the things we are good at so they can grow as much as possible. We have such an advantage in higher education and run second only to the United States in our ability to attract students from overseas to study here. It is good business. Overseas students pay more than UK nationals so keep costs down for them and obviously have additionally to pay their living costs. The Institute for Public Policy Research estimated this week that this is worth 13bn a year to the economy and supports 70,000 jobs. It would take an awful lot of SMEs to generate a similar amount of exports.

David Willetts and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills recognise this and have said he wants to boost these student numbers by a further fifth over the next five years. Unfortunately this cuts no ice with his colleagues in the Tory hierarchy, who are is stepping up the anti-immigrant rhetoric. The result, the IPPR reckons, is that overseas student numbers have fallen by a third under this government, not raised as the education minister would like. So not only is this iniquitous policy destroying our reputation as a civilised country and undercutting the long-term links with those countries fostered when the students return home with their degrees, it is also costing around 4bn a year in lost income. The worst public firm board? You can bank on the answer Tuesday evening I found myself at a dinner in the wonderful surroundings of the National Portrait Gallery for clients and friends of Tulchan, one of the leading City public relations firms. Conversation at my table took an interesting twist when the assembled past and present captains of industry, bankers and Government ministers started comparing notes about which was the worst public company board they ever sat on. Interestingly the same name came up from several of them independently as standing out above all the others for its sheer dysfunctionality. Are you surprised it was a bank?

Goldman Sachs faces more questions over valuation of Royal Mail - Business News - Business - The Independent
On Wednesday, the powerful Business Select Committee thought it had wrapped up its interrogation of ministers and their advisers ahead of a report into whether Royal Mail shares were underpriced when they were first sold last month. Most of the committees MPs believe that the privatisations initial share price of 330p cost the taxpayer hundreds of millions of pounds, as their value shot up straightaway and have consistently traded at more than 540p. However, it is understood that committee chairman Adrian Bailey is close to calling back the banks involved, particularly Goldman Sachs. He wants to challenge why the banks own analysts said on Thursday that Royal Mail shares are probably worth 610p. Earlier this month, Goldman and other banks on the flotation said the privatisation had been an excellent transaction, while business minister Michael Fallon said it was good value for the taxpayer. A committee source said there was a good chance that Goldman would be called back to face the committee.

Hibu shareholders condemn directors for pulling out of a grilling at meeting Business News - Business - The Independent
Barry Dearing, the lawyer for the dissident Hibu Shareholder Group, said: If theyve got nothing to hide why dont they stand up like men and face the people who put them into office? This is Britain. You stand up and be counted. Debt-laden hibus shares were suspended from the stock market in July, leaving shareholders with nothing. Debt-holders are poised to take control in a debt-for-equity swap. But it took until Wednesday of this week for the directors to call in accountants Deloitte and put the firm into administration, days before the long-planned meeting on 4 December. Mr Dearing accused the directors of trying to scupper the meeting. Youve got a company bringing in administrators while its subsidiaries are sending circulars to customers saying were going great guns. Its a

complete rape of an entity. Those close to hibu said they had been planning to go into administration since July and insisted they were not trying to scupper the meeting. The chairman Bob Wigley, the chief executive Mike Pocock and other directors will not attend but Deloitte will answer questions. The directors executive powers are said to have ceased as soon as administrators were appointed.

Market Report: Speedy Hire shares take a dive - Business News - Business The Independent
A 5m balance-sheet black hole at the construction firm led to his resignation, along with the suspension of the finance director of the international division, and the early morning falls continued throughout the day with shares closing down 14p, or 22 per cent, at 50.5p. The company discovered the mis-statement of a number of accounting balances with control mechanisms repeatedly and deliberately circumvented. Overall, the FTSE 100 closed down 4 points at 6,651. As November comes to an end, it means that the blue-chip index has suffered its first monthly fall since August. The biggest faller pulling the market down was credit-rating specialist Experian, down 32p, at 1,127p, following a downgrade by Goldman Sachs, who said the stocks valuation was too high, moving from neutral to sell. Over in the South Atlantic, the Falkland Islands oil explorers suffered following the news that the Argentinian government passed a law making oil exploration in the region punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Falkland Oil and Gas closed down 0.25p at 27p; Desire Petroleum fell by 0.25p to 16p and Rockhopper closed 1.75p behind at 144.5p. The British Foreign Office said the UK unequivocally supports the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their natural resources for their own economic benefit and challenged the legitimacy of the law. There was also mixed news for another oil explorer, Tullow Oil, which found the black stuff in northern Kenya but had to abandon a well in the Norwegian Arctic after it came up dry. Its shares closed up 5p at 869.5p. The two London-listed energy firms in the so-called Big Six were hit by news that the Government is considering asking suppliers to freeze prices until 2015. British Gass owner, Centrica, dropped 3.2p to 338.3p, while SSE fell 22p to 1,327p.

RBS careless with $2.7bn loan to Formula One - Business News - Business The Independent
Giving evidence last week during a trial surrounding CVCs purchase of F1, Donald Mackenzie told the High Court that RBS and the US bank Lehman Brothers lent $2.7bn based on a valuation of the sport by the accountancy giant EY, which he described as ridiculous. Neither CVC nor Mr Mackenzie are parties to the case, which has been brought by German media-rights firm Constantin Medien. It claims that F1s boss, Bernie Ecclestone, and his Bambino family trust, conspired with German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky to undervalue the sport when CVC bought it for $2bn. At the time of the purchase F1s teams were demanding more prize money and threatened to set up a rival series in 2007 on the expiry of the Concorde Agreement, the contract which commits them to race. The threat was averted in

May 2006 when CVC agreed to double the prize money and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the teams. Although the MoU was not legally binding, RBS and Lehman agreed to provide F1 with a loan of $2.7bn on the strength of it. The money was lent in November 2006 and was used to refinance F1s debt. The banks, frankly, were extremely careless because, in their financing offerings to us, they said they wanted a signed Concorde but actually, when it came to completion, they didnt have one. But nevertheless they went ahead, said Mr Mackenzie. The banks were at the height of a banking boom. They didnt read the MOU properly. They didnt quite work out that it wasnt a Concorde and they lent money against something that turned out to be very flimsy. According to Mr Mackenzie, the banks decision to lend the money was only partly dependent on the MoU. The court heard that in August 2006 RBS requested an independent valuation of the business and three months later F1s parent company, Alpha Topco, engaged EY to provide an independent view on the value in connection with the proposed refinancing. The court was told its report valued F1 at $5.9bn and this is at the heart of the trial as Constantins case is that F1 was undervalued when it was sold to CVC earlier in the year. Mr Mackenzie disputed EYs valuation in his evidence to the court and said F1 was worth $3bn. The $5.9bn was a value that the banks provided themselves to Ernst & Young, said Mr Mackenzie. He said EY certainly wrote a document with that value in it but they only did that after they were requested to do so by the banks... They made all sorts of ridiculous assumptions in that document So they got it wrong. RBS and Lehman declined to comment. The case continues.

City watchdog and taxman tighten the screw on activities at RBS - Business News - Business - The Independent
It comes in the wake of Mondays report by Lawrence Tomlinson entrepreneur in residence at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills that alleged GRG had forced viable businesses to go bust with the aim of turning a profit for RBS. Another report by Sir Andrew Large, which was commissioned by RBS, which was published on the same day, also criticised the banks treatment of small businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that although it does not regulate commercial lending the allegations in these reports gave the FCA concerns as to whether RBS has treated customers appropriately, in particular those in financial difficulties. If substantiated, such allegations may also indicate wider concerns in relation to governance and culture within RBS. The watchdog said it would consider taking further action if the findings reveal issues which come within the FCAs remit. It has written to all other relevant banks seeking confirmation that they are satisfied they do not engage in any of the poor practices alleged in the reports. The former chief executive of Torex Retail, Neil Mitchell, who blew the whistle on a fraud at the software company, has supplied HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) with a file on the activities of GRG over the handling of distressed companies tax affairs.

The news comes in the wake of the allegation in Mr Tomlinsons report that evidence has been received that suggests businesses are being directed by the banks not to pay HMRC when in GRG. He characterised the potential losses to the taxpayer as significant. The Independent has learned that Mr Mitchells file has been given to the HMRCs HUMINT or Human Intelligence department by its retail-banking trade sector adviser. A spokesperson for HMRC said they could not comment on the matter. Although RBS is a public company controlled by the taxpayer ,the spokesperson said its tax affairs were private. However, Mr Mitchell said that he was delighted that watchdogs were finally taking action after I first raised this with the Financial Services Authority in 2010 and the FCA on 7th May 2013. It has been characterised as a problem only affecting small businesses and property. But it goes wider than that and includes large, stock market-listed companies employing thousands of people and financing of all assets beyond just property. Mr Mitchell has founded an action group with the aim of launching litigation against RBS on behalf of firms alleging misconduct by GRG. His team are currently in discussions with four firms with a view to pursuing the bank through the courts. He has also passed information on to the Securities & Exchange Commission in the US, where RBS shares are tradable, while the Serious Fraud Office has conducted interviews with businesses affected by GRG In a statement, RBS said: We welcome the FCAs inquiry. As of now, no evidence has been produced that backs the claims of systematic fraud made this week. These claims have done damage to RBSs reputation and threaten to undermine our ability to build trust with customers and to increase lending to businesses in the UK economy. We need to get to the facts as quickly as possible. Thats why we fully support the FCAs work and will carry on with our own investigation. Earlier this week RBS appointed law firm Clifford Chance to conduct a review of its business lending. However, on making the appointment, Ross McEwan, who was appointed chief executive in October, denied the reports central claim that RBS conducted a systematic effort to profit on the back of our customers when they were in financial distress. On tax, RBS told The Independent that it was a businesss role to decide what payments are made and when. A bank spokesperson declined to comment on Mr Mitchells referral to the HMRC or on his plans to launch a legal case.

Nikhil Kumar: Going back to its roots is the best way for struggling mobile phones firm BlackBerry - Business Comment - Business - The Independent
Having abandoned a plan to sell itself, the struggling mobile phones firm has put its future in the hands of the interim chief executive and executive chairman John Chen, the former boss of Sybase, the database specialist. He announced a shake-up of the upper ranks this week, with three top executives stepping down. At Sybase, Mr Chen won plaudits for reviving a business that, when he was brought in, was on its knees. At the time, in the late Nineties, Sybase was cutting its workforce as its stock plummeted in the face of weak sales. Mr Chen came in, stabilised the ship and was quick to notice the opportunity presented by mobile data management. Sybase returned to profitability, and Mr Chen led its sale to SAP for $5.8bn in 2010, more than six times what it was worth when he took over 1998, according to Bloomberg.

His strategy for Blackberry will become clearer when the company announces its quarterly results next month. But, from the announcement about the executive shake-up, it looks as though he will focus on the business buyers that helped the company grow in the first place, instead of going head to head with the likes of Apple and Samsung in their battle for retail customers. BlackBerry... continues, by a significant margin, to be the top provider of trusted and secure mobile device management solutions to enterprise customers around the world, he said, indicating that we might see the firm return to its roots as it tries to salvage its business. Which could be a smart move, because it would free BlackBerry from the pressure of producing the trendiest new handset. Business customers are not going to buy a new device because it looks cool. Instead, if BlackBerry does away with fancy product launches and expensive ad campaigns, and goes back to producing reliable and secure phones that are attractive to companies (even if they arent always attractive to their employees), it might manage to recover. It would still be hard work. But it seems like a better strategy than trying to catch up with Apple and Samsung, both of which are far ahead of BlackBerry. A comScore report this month showed that the most popular smartphone platform among US users was Android (which powers Samsung phones, among others) with a 51.8 per cent market share in the three months to September. Apple was next with 41 per cent. And BlackBerry? 3.8 per cent.

Nikhil Kumar: Yahoos new direction since Marissa Mayer took charge to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web is a gamble - Business Comment - Business - The Independent
The push certainly seems to be working. The websites mobile audience, according to recent remarks by Ms Mayer at a technology conference, has expanded to almost 400 million per month, making Yahoo a major presence on the mobile web. But making the most of new technological trends is only one part of the ex-Google executives plans for Yahoo. And the second part of her strategy was in the headlines days ago, when the website said it had signed up Katie Couric, the US TV anchor, to be its Global Anchor. What that means exactly is not clear. The short announcement on Yahoos website doesnt go into any details about Ms Courics new duties, clarifying only that, starting in early 2014, she will lead a growing team of correspondents at Yahoo News who will cover the worlds most interesting stories and newsmakers. It seems to suggest that Ms Mayer, while she builds up Yahoos mobile know-how, is also trying to develop its capabilities as a content producer, something that might seem like an odd thing to do at a technology company. Ms Courics hiring which couldnt have come cheap, with the star anchor reported to have earned up to $15m (9m) a year when she presented the evening news on CBS comes after Yahoo snapped up David Pogue, the ex-New York Times technology columnist, and Matt Bai, the former chief political correspondent for the New York Times magazine. Why is Ms Mayer trying to turn a technology company into a media business? To begin with, as has been widely noted, part of Ms Mayers challenge in reviving Yahoo is not just attracting new users but keeping them engaged so they keep returning. To use the jargon, this kind of stickiness in websites is highly prized by advertisers. One, and perhaps the most obvious, way of doing this is coming up with a breakthrough product such as, say, Googles search engine, which became everybodys go-to tool for navigating the web. They kept returning, and Google kept growing its advertising business. Wisely, Ms Mayer seems have decided against taking on her exemployer in a fight that Yahoo would probably lose, such is Googles strength when it comes to search. And so, she seems to be adopting a different strategy, inspired perhaps by the success of Netflix. Netflix was just a

video service, marrying its technological know-how with external content. Lately, however, its been producing its own programmes. With Yahoo, Ms Mayer seems to want to do the same by producing editorial content that not only keeps the websites current users engaged but also boosts its audience as, for example, people tune in to watch the latest Katie Couric interview or read Mr Pogues verdict on the newest Apple gadget. It is a risky strategy, building a media business inside a technology company that has lost its edge over the years. Will it work? Well have to wait and see. But it will be interesting to watch it play out.

The other side of the bitcoin: Virtual currencys reach is still very limited News - Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
But on Saturday the din on the east London thoroughfare will be punctured by hosannas from believers in a future of digital and financial liberation. Investors, academics, political radicals and, of course, internet geeks will gather in Shoreditch for a bitcoin expo. The audience will hear from a host of speakers how the digital medium of exchange is growing in scale and scope. Some will even present the bitcoin as the future of finance, pointing out that it is quicker and more independent than other, conventional, forms of payment. The timing is good. On Wednesday the value of a bitcoin breached $1,000 on an exchange in Japan. The cyber money, created five years ago by a mysterious programmer (or programmers) using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto has been on quite a run. Earlier this month each coin (in reality they are a stream of digital data held on an individuals computer hard drive) was worth just $215. Bitcoin aficionados have the bit, so to speak, clamped tightly in their teeth and they are driving up the value of their favourite money. The authorities are beginning to notice. At a Washington Senate Committee hearing earlier this month the FBI conceded that online, stateless currencies such as the bitcoin are a legitimate financial service. The outgoing chief American central banker, Ben Bernanke, has said that such forms of cyber payment may hold long-term promise. But can this internet money truly become a new global currency, as some of its more zealous supporters claim? Is the bitcoin really the shape of our financial future? It helps to go back to the economics textbooks. They describe three traditional defining features of a viable currency. First, it has to be a practical unit of account. Second, it must be a reliable medium of exchange. Finally, it must be able to serve as a store of value. So how does a bitcoin measure up? Assets and services can certainly be priced in Bitcoins. But its not simple since the value of a bitcoin varies from exchange to exchange. This is because it is still difficult to swap the currency for ordinary cash. The process involves using banks in different countries, which charge varying fees. Is the bitcoin a medium of exchange? Up to a point. They are accepted by a growing number of internet vendors. They are encroaching on the offline world too. One can pay for pizza in the Netherlands with them. In America, hundreds of vendors joined a bitcoin Friday yesterday, selling items from plane tickets to Christmas trees in exchange for the cyber cash. A bitcoin cash machine was installed in Vancouver, Canada, last month. Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic says it will accept them as payment from people booking its forthcoming space flights. But, as of yet, one cannot pay for a copy of The Independent in Bitcoins. You cant pay your taxes in Bitcoins, or use them to buy groceries. For now, at least, the currencys reach is still very limited. Finally, is the bitcoin a store of value? This is the biggest, and perhaps insurmountable, barrier. Devotees of the currency, particularly those on the libertarian right, cherish the fact that there is (or rather will be) a fixed stock of Bitcoins in circulation. The total number is set to top out at around 21 million, thanks to the Nakamoto algorithm that created them. This, we are told, means the bitcoin cannot be debased by corrupted central banks or greedy

governments intent on creating ever more cash to finance their own excessive spending. But the currency has, nevertheless, been subject to large fluctuations. In April the value plummeted from $260 to $130 in a matter of hours. This raises the question of how many people will be happy to store their wealth in a currency that can lose half its worth so rapidly. The fixed supply of Bitcoins is also likely to make them unattractive to mainstream finance. What most investors crave is liquidity. Governments and central banks provide that liquidity in times of financial-sector stress. The fact that there is no central bank for the Bitcoin, capable of being a lender of last resort, is likely to put a ceiling on its growth possibilities. Another threat is the dubiousness of some bitcoin users. The traceless cyber currency is, understandably, popular with people who want to evade oversight from the authorities. Bitcoins were used on the Silk Road website, which acted as an anonymous clearing house for guns and drugs, until it was shut down by the authorities. The currency is also said to be popular on the so-called dark net, which, among other things, facilitates the trade of child-abuse imagery. Bitcoin users sometimes claim they are self-sufficient and have bypassed the need for governments. But that selfsufficiency is an exaggeration. The physical computer servers and the telecoms infrastructure that makes the online currency system possible could be relatively easily targeted by states if they were ever to perceive the bitcoin as a facilitator of large-scale money laundering or other crime. Thats another reason to be wary about tying up your wealth in them. The irreversibility of transactions is another danger. Once a bitcoin is spent it cannot be retrieved, even if it has been stolen. A British man who accidentally sent his hard drive to the landfill site lost 4m worth of Bitcoins. People who fail to back up their computers sometimes discover they have lost their money for good. Theres no way of getting it back, no monetary authority to which to appeal. All of that, arguably, makes the bitcoin a rather precarious store of value. Throughout history, economists noticed that when new coins were introduced whose face value was higher than the value of the metal from which they were made, the public tended to stash away the older, more valuable money and to use the new coins for exchange. The bad money tended to drive out the good. This became known as Greshams Law, after the Tudor financier Sir Thomas Gresham. But in the case of the Bitcoin, Greshams axiom could be reversed. The bad elements of this money might end up confining it to the margins. Dont expect that to dampen the enthusiasm on Brick Lane though.

Asda stores witness Black Friday chaos as fights break out over televisions Home News - UK - The Independent
As one of the first big retailers to imitate the American tradition, Asda seems to have been particularly affected by the frenzy, with multiple reports of hospitalizations and injuries from Asda stores across the UK. In an Asda store in west Belfast there were claims that heavily pregnant woman had been pushed and shoved and pensioners had been knocked to the ground. A spokesman from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service had confirmed that they were called to the store to attend to a woman with a suspected broken arm. "It was just a free-for-all. It was frightening," said one woman who witnessed the scenes at the Westwood Centre. "People were getting trailed to the ground. People were arguing with people. Two of my friends were injured." The woman claimed her friend was kicked in the stomach by a shopper trying to take a TV from her. "The other one, who is disabled, was actually kicked to the ground and trampled on and now has a broken arm and is waiting to hear if she is going to need surgery next week," she said. Similar reports have emerged from stores in Liverpool and Bristol, with eyewitnesses reporting in the latter store that a man had to be restrained by security guards after becoming annoyed that he could only buy a single TV.

a man had to be restrained by security guards after becoming annoyed that he could only buy a single TV. Electronic goods seemed to be the main draw for shoppers, but Asda staff were verbally abused by customers upset by the lack of stock. A spokeswoman for Asda said:"This is the first time Black Friday has been done on this scale in stores across the UK and our customers were eager to take advantage of the great offers available to them. We planned for high demand and the half a million Black Friday products on offer to our customers have been selling quickly since 8am. "Throughout the event, the safety of our customers is of vital importance and to ensure our stores can cope with the extra footfall we have full security teams in our stores and extra colleagues to help assist customers in the aisles."
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Thames Water defends tax liability as first half profits surge - Business News - Business - The Independent
The company also handed 50 million to its shareholders who include Australias Macquarie bank and a group of investment funds just weeks after asking its 14 million customers to pay nearly 30 extra on their bills next year. When it asked for the bills hike, Thames Water claimed it had underestimated the costs of projects such as Londons new super-sewer. But the regulator, Ofwat, rejected its demand, and pointed out rival utilities had used the benefit of record low interest rates to invest more and help customers. Thames Water households already pay an average 354 a year annual bill. Next year, it is planning on raising charges by inflation plus 1.4 per cent. By contrast, the owner of South West Water, Pennon, yesterday vowed to freeze prices for the next two years to help its 800,000 customers, and Northern-focused United Utilities said it will not raise prices as much as it is permitted to by Ofwat to help save its customers money. Thames results for the six months to October also reveal the utility has set aside 14.1 million for a possible fine, after Ofwat alleged it had misreported sewage flooding data. However, finance director Stuart Siddall said: Customers are really benefiting from these results. Thames Waters bills are the second-lowest in the sector. We are going to double our customer assistance fund from 2.5 million a year to 5 million for the next four years to help those that are struggling. This is a set of results that is helping Londoners. On the distribution of 50 million to shareholders shortly after requesting Ofwat for a hike in prices, Siddall said that the dividend was not much higher than the average FTSE 100 company. He added: We have to make sure we remain an attractive investment, and can offer a sensible and acceptable return to shareholders and our debt providers. Thames also pointed out it invests 1 billion a year in ageing pipes and sewage infrastructure. But the company which was accused of ripping off the taxpayer after revealing it paid no corporation tax last year when it made 550 million in profits today admitted: We have not paid substantial amounts of corporation tax in recent years, primarily on account of capital allowances which allow us to delay, not avoid, payment of tax. Thames said it contributes around 150 million annually to the public purse in other taxes.

Mortgage approvals near 6-year high amid fears of a new housing bubble Business - News - The Independent

Some 67,701 mortgages worth 10.5 billion were approved for house purchase in October, the highest total since February 2008 when nearly 69,000 were approved. The bank has now taken the first step in applying the brakes to the property market by announcing it is refocusing a lending scheme towards helping small businesses borrow. A mortgage price war broke out after Funding for Lending was launched in August last year and the number on the market has since surged by 40%. The bank's new figures also indicate that as Christmas approaches, people are cautious about taking on more debt with a sharp fall in borrowing on personal loans and overdrafts compared with September. Demand from would-be home buyers is expected to pick up further in the coming months because of the Government's Help to Buy scheme which was extended in October to offer state-backed loans to people with 5 per cent deposits. The bank's figures show that 35,261 remortgaging deals worth 5.3 billion were approved in October, slightly above the six-month average of around 33,800. Matthew Pointon, a property economist at Capital Economics, said the mixed message from the Bank of England in trying to cool the property market, just as expectations are being raised by the new phase of Help to Buy, could have a dampening effect. "There have been some tortuous attempts to explain how all these policies fit together, but the end result is a bit of a mess," he said. "That could in itself serve to confuse potential buyers, and that may hold them back from jumping into the housing market." Household finances are "not strong enough" to support a countrywide house-price boom, Mr Pointon said. The bank's figures also show a sharp drop in growth of consumer credit, made up of lending on credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts. Consumer credit grew by 457 million in October, halving from a 1.1 billion rise the previous month. Borrowing on credit cards grew by 238 million in October, in line with the long-term average, but personal loan and overdraft lending saw a more muted rise of 219 million, falling back from September's five-and-a-half year high of 935 million. Experts suggested that October's figures are a sign that people are still wary of taking on more debt, despite some evidence of increasing confidence in recent months. PA

Bumi investors move closer to Bakrie split-up - Business News - Business The Independent
Executives said they had been convinced the chairman, Samin Tan, had the finances to buy out the Bakries 23.8 per cent stake in Bumi for $223 million (136.6 million). Tan had not met an earlier deadline to prove he had the financial muscle for the deal, but had been granted an extension to today. This is a key part of a multi-layered transaction that will finally resolve ownership issues that have plagued Bumi since the Bakries co-founded the group with financier Nat Rothschild in 2010.

Shareholders will vote on the separation on the week commencing 16 December. Bumi chief executive Nick von Schirnding also plans to give Bumi a fresh start with a name change to Asia Resource Minerals. Mining giant Rio Tinto today said it was stopping production at its Gove alumina refinery in Australia, admitting the plant which employs 1400 workers is no longer viable.

Vivian Imerman eyes Whyte & Mackay acquisition as Diageo agrees to sell over competition concerns - Business News - Business - The Independent
Diageo, which produces Bells, had been accused of controlling too much of the blended Scotch whisky market after it recently bought a 25 per cent stake in United Distillers, which bought Whyte & Mackay from Imerman back in 2007. The company offered to sell the brand and today Imerman said he would take it off Diageos hands. His private-equity firm, Vasari, said in a statement: Whyte & Mackay would make an important addition to the portfolio of spirits and beer businesses in Africa and Asia where Mr Imerman has been concentrating his efforts. He sold the company to United Distillers in 2007 for 595 million, making a 400 million return on his initial investment. A five-year restraint clause was put into the sale, meaning he could not offer to buy the business back over that time. It expired last year. Imerman is best known for his time as chief executive of Del Monte and hit the news earlier this year following his 15 million divorce battle with Lisa Tchenguiz, sister of business tycoons Robert and Vincent.

Argentina threatens jail sentences over Falkland Islands oil operations Home News - UK - The Independent
Its London embassy announced the Argentine Congress has passed new laws to punish exploration it believes breeches a United Nations resolution. The Foreign Office has argued the activities were wholly legitimate and legal and entirely under the control of the Government of the island - a British overseas territory. A Foreign Office spokesman said: Hydrocarbons activities by any company operating on the continental shelf of the Falkland Islands are regulated by legislation of the Falkland Islands Government, in strict accordance with the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. The UK Government unequivocally supports the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their natural resources for their own economic benefit. Argentine domestic law does not apply to the Falkland Islands or South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, which are UK overseas territories. Islanders voted in March by 1,513 to three to remain a British overseas territory in a referendum but Argentina has since hiked up its claim over the territory at the UN. Buenos Aires has issued repeated written legal notices to firms warning them they face administrative, civil and criminal action for operating off the islands - which Argentina calls Las Malvinas. In a statement, the embassy said the new law provides for prison sentences for the duration of up to 15 years; fines

In a statement, the embassy said the new law provides for prison sentences for the duration of up to 15 years; fines equivalent to the value of 1.5 million barrels of oil; the banning of individuals and companies from operating in Argentina; and the confiscation of equipment and any hydrocarbons that would have been illegally extracted. The Argentine Government has protested against and rejected all of the United Kingdom's attempts to promote and authorize such hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities in the area of the Argentine continental shelf. it said. These attempts are manifestly contrary to Resolution 31/49 of the United Nations General Assembly, which requires the UK and Argentina to refrain from taking decisions that would imply introducing unilateral modifications into the situation of the Malvinas Islands while the sovereignty dispute between the two countries is still pending. Additional reporting by PA

New Lloyds chairman boosts efforts to speed up taxpayers stake sell-off Business - News - The Independent
Blackwell, 61, whose appointment is expected to be rubber-stamped by the Treasury and City regulators early next week, will take over from Sir Win Bischoff at, or even before, Lloyds annual meeting next May. The Tory peer, who was head of Prime Minister John Majors policy unit, was a partner at McKinsey and worked at NatWest. He chairs Lloyds subsidiary Scottish Widows and joined the main board of the bank in June 2012. Blackwell was chosen after a near six month search, including external and internal candidates, which was overseen by Lloyds non-executive director Tony Watson and headhunters Odgers Berndston. One senior banker said: Lloyds is in pretty reasonable shape now. The Government has already started selling its shares and this is one case where the City reckons that continuity is a good thing. Blackwell will work closely with chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio on the next three year strategic review. Horta-Osorios first three- year strategy plan was launched in June 2011 and will need to be updated next year, when Lloyds is expected to re-emphasise its position as a primarily UK bank lending to UK consumers and businesses. The Government sold its first 6 per cent stake in Lloyds for 3.2 billion at 75p a share two months ago. This raised hopes the entire stake could be sold by 2015. Lloyds today also promoted its chief risk officer Juan Colombas to its main board. He was one of the executives Horta-Osorio poached from his former bank Santander UK and moved to Lloyds in January 2011. Colombas is one of Lloyds highest paid staff. Last year he collected a 1 million-deferred shares bonus and a longterm incentive plan worth more than 500,000. It is thought that his salary, which will be made public next year, is around 1 million. His promotion, as only the third executive director on the board, emphasises the importance the bank and its largest shareholder place on risk management. Co-operative Bank bondholders had to vote in favour of the banks massive debt for equity swap to close its 1.5 billion balance sheet gap by 4.30pm today. Although the hedge funds that would end up owning 70% of the bank have signed up to vote for the deal, thousands of small retail investors need to back it for it to go through.

Fat cats getting fatter? Bankers bonus culture lives on as millionaires club tops 2,700 - Business News - Business - The Independent
The figure is 12 times more than any other country in the EU, underlining Londons dominance as Europes financial

The figure is 12 times more than any other country in the EU, underlining Londons dominance as Europes financial centre. The total rose by 11 per cent despite strenuous government efforts to curb the damaging bonus culture. The figures, from the European Banking Authority, show thousands of London finance workers still measure their pay and bonuses in millions, five years after the banking crisis that triggered a devastating global recession. They are likely to renew the row over unjustifiable City rewards at a time when millions of workers are seeing their salaries fall in real terms. Across the EU, 3,529 bankers were paid more than "1m of which 2,714 were from the UK. The average for bankers in this category was "2m (1.6m). The figures highlight the clash that British banks will face when new European rules come into force next year limiting bankers bonuses to twice their pay. The rules apply to anyone in banking earning more than "500,000 and are expected to affect as many as 10,000 people in the City of London. Bonuses among the highest earners in todays survey were almost four times their base salary on average. London-based banks have been pushing up base salaries and monthly allowances in order to retain key staff ahead of a year when their bonuses could be cut. Of the British bankers earning more than "1m, 2,188 worked in investment banking, 62 were in retail banking, 198 were in fund management and 266 were in other areas. The European watchdog said that only 212 bankers in Germany earned more than "1m, up by a quarter from 2011. A total of 177 bankers were similarly well rewarded in France and 109 in Italy. Self-regulation does not work and the report illustrates why the European Parliament took the unprecedented step of inserting a hard bonus cap in the absence of action by the industry, Arlene McCarthy, Labour MEP for North-west England, told Bloomberg. The Chancellor George Osborne has filed a formal complaint against Brussels over the bonus cap plans amid fears the move will backfire and drive up salaries. The Treasury began legal action in September, arguing the EU had gone beyond its remit in seeking to regulate bonuses, which it claims had been decided without proper consultation and with no impact assessment. But banks are understood to be planning to sidestep the rules by handing out monthly payments to affected staff. According to the Office for National Statistics, the average weekly bonus in the financial sector was 143 in April a rise of 64.4 per cent compared with April 2012. The dramatic rise came against a background of falls in bonuses over the last year, suggesting recipients had been delaying collecting until the Governments cut in the top rate of income tax came into effect in April.

S&P cuts Netherlands top credit rating, upgrades outlook for Spain - Business News - Business - The Independent
The decision to cut the Dutch from AAA to AA-plus leaves Germany, Luxembourg and Finland as the only countries in the currency bloc with the top credit rating. Meanwhile Spains moves to reform public finances were rewarded with an improved outlook by the agency to

stable from negative, but the decision to cut the Dutch from AAA to AA-plus leaves Germany, Luxembourg and Finland as the only countries in the currency bloc with the top credit rating. S&P took the decision as it said the Netherlands rate of GDP growth per head was persistently lower than that of peers at similarly high levels of economic development. Fitch and Moodys still give the country a triple-A rating. The Dutch have been forced into several rounds of cuts to meet the European Unions target of a 3 per cent deficit for its members. The Dutch economy grew just 0.1 per cent in the third quarter while the eurozone slowed close to stall speed. France slipped back into recession and growth in Germany is also slowing. Spain meanwhile gained more breathing space from international markets today as S&P praised rising exports and harsh economic reforms had improved its prospects as growth returns. Spains benchmark borrowing costs, which soared above 7.5 per cent in the summer of 2012, eased today to 4.1 per cent.

JD Sports shares jump on better-than-expected sales - Business News Business - The Independent
Shares rose 7 per cent as the group also announced like-for-like sales in its sports and fashion divisions for the 42 weeks until November 23 had kept pace with the 5.8 per cent improvement over the first half. The company said that it was "pleased with very recent progress" in its outdoor brands. An upturn in fortunes for the division comes after Millets dragged on the group's soaring profits in the first half following its decision not to scrap the chain. JD had planned to merge the business with Blacks after it bought both brands out of administration but earlier this year changed its mind and decided to keep Millets going, saving a number of stores. In its latest update, the group cautioned that full-year results remained as usual dependent on the Christmas period but that it looked on course "to deliver earnings at least in line with current expectations". Analysts said the statement implied that its loss-making fashion division - which includes the Bank and Scotts brands - continued to lose sales. Bank has been undergoing an overhaul with former Asos executive Gwynn Milligan appointed as chief executive. Half-year figures had shown an improving picture for Scotts, though it was also loss-making. Meanwhile, the JD Sports brand, which recorded a 7.5 per cent improvement in UK and Ireland like-for-like sales in the first half, appears to have continued to make progress. Investec analyst Kate Calvert said: "While Christmas is a very important period, this statement reassures that the core business is performing well and that outdoor is improving." She said the stock looked under-valued, particularly in light of the growth potential internationally and online. Freddie George of Cantor Fitzgerald added: "The trading update in the first 16 weeks of the second half was markedly better than expected." PA

Former Margaret Thatcher adviser tipped as next Lloyds chairman Business News - Business - The Independent

Business News - Business - The Independent

Lord Blackwell will replace outgoing chairman Sir Win Bischoff early next year, according to newspaper reports. The peer is currently chairman of Scottish Widows, a subsidiary of Lloyds. The bank declined to comment on the reports in the Financial Times and the Daily Telegraph. An announcement was said to be expected shortly, pending regulatory approval, after the Lloyds board voted in favour of the appointment. The group is 33 per cent owned by the taxpayer. Cambridge-educated Norman Blackwell served as a Downing Street adviser under Thatcher in the 1980s and headed the Number Ten policy unit in the Major government from 1995 to 1997. He was appointed a life peer in 1997. A former McKinsey partner, he has also held senior positions with Standard Life and retailer Dixons and is a member of the board of right-wing think-tank, the Centre for Policy Studies. He has served on the Lloyds board since June last year. Sir Win was appointed chairman of the bank in September 2009, a year after it had to be bailed out with 20 billion of taxpayers' money. He announced in May that he was to retire. He has overseen the restructuring of the bank in conjunction with chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio, the former UK boss of Santander who took over at Lloyds in 2011. Meanwhile, Juan Colombas, another former Santander executive, who joined Lloyds as chief risk officer in 2011, has been appointed as an executive director with immediate effect. The changes come as the bank prepares for the return of the remainder of its state-owned stake to the private sector, having disposed of a 6 per cent chunk for 3.2 billion in September. PA

House prices surged by 6.5% over past year, Nationwide reports - Business News - Business - The Independent
The building society, which is the UKs second largest mortgage lender, said that the average price of a house or flat in the UK is now 174, 566. Prices have been rising every month for the last year and are up from 5.8 per cent a month ago. The annual increase is the strongest since July 2010, but Nationwide said prices are still around six per cent below an all-time high recorded in late 2007. However, on a monthly basis, prices increased slightly slower than in October, when figures rose by one per cent in one month. Yesterday, the Bank of England took the first step in putting the brakes on the surging property market with its decision to stop Funding for Lending (FLS) for household mortgages. Governor Mark Carney said the FLS incentive was no longer needed amid rising house prices and, from January, it would instead be focused on business lending. Under FLS, banks and building societies have been able to borrow money cheaply on the condition that they lend it out to individuals and businesses, and experts said yesterday that the move could spell the beginning of the end for ultra-cheap mortgage deals. Fears of a looming property bubble have been growing in recent months amid a series of reports suggesting that demand in the housing market far outstrips the growth in the supply of homes.

Land Registry figures released yesterday showed that house prices in London were up by 8.7 per cent year-on-year in October. However, prices in the North East have dropped by 3.1 per cent in the same period. Robert Gardner, Nationwides chief economist, said that that a large part of the uplift in the housing market is down to improvements in the labour market and the brighter economic outlook, which has helped to bolster sentiment amongst potential buyers. He also highlighted the impact that low mortgage rates have had on borrowers' costs. Mr Gardner said: "Mortgage rates have declined significantly from the already low levels prevailing last year. "For example, Bank of England data indicates that the interest rate on two-year fixed-rate mortgages for those with a 10 per cent deposit has fallen from 5.6 per cent to 4.4 per cent over the past 12 months. "For a buyer purchasing the typical UK home over 25 years, this equates to a reduction in monthly payments of around 110 (1,320 per year) at the current average house price." Additional reporting by PA

David Prosser: SMEs is a damaging piece of jargon that is stopping many firms from fulfilling their potential - Business Comment - Business - The Independent
Not surprisingly, this is causing problems, especially for businesses at the larger end of the scale. Here, there is mounting evidence that the fact such firms are routinely lumped together with micro-businesses is making it more difficult for them to fulfil their potential. A new report from Standard & Poors focuses on how the lack of transparency in the SME sector specifically about the very different characteristics of the businesses in it is making it difficult for medium-sized companies to raise money, the credit ratings agency says. Even the banks dont appear to be discriminating. S&P says bank lending to medium-sized companies in the UK is currently contracting 30 times more quickly than in France and five times more quickly than in Germany. This is forcing many medium-sized companies to operate very conservatively. They maintain higher cash balances than larger businesses, S&P suggests, and operate on much tighter leverage ratios. This despite their higher profit margins. Now, one might be tempted to say this is no bad thing and it is certainly the case that businesses should be behaving more prudently than in the days of easy credit. But you can have too much prudence. Businesses that dont invest for future growth, or cant due to a lack of funding, risk stagnating as their rivals, particularly larger businesses with better access to finance, leave them behind. Research just published by Bank of London and the Middle East, suggests mid-market firms are becoming increasingly frustrated. In short, they think that the term SME simply doesnt work. Half of the 318 mid-market businesses surveyed by BLME said they should be treated differently to smaller companies. Three quarters said they deserved more support from the government. And just 13 per cent said they had found the banks more willing to lend to them since the Bank of England launched its funding for lending initiative. More needs to be done to promote the interests of medium-sized companies, as distinct from those of smaller firms, and these businesses have suggestions of their own.

It is increasingly clear that the concept of an SME is not fit for purpose. Its a catch-all piece of jargon that covers such a wide variety of businesses that it has become more or less useless, to the detriment of many of the companies, smaller and larger. Safestyle hopes housing rally will lift float Safestyle is crossing its fingers that the UKs housing market recovery will continue as it unveils a 77m flotation on the Alternative Investment Market, Aims second-biggest IPO of the year. The company installs more replacement double-glazing windows and doors than anyone else in the country and sales have been picking up since confidence returned to the housing sector. That is enabling Safestyle to build on its previous progress, for though sales in the industry have fallen 35 per cent since their peak in 2007, Safestyle has compensated by increasing its market share from 4.4 per cent to 7.5 per cent over the past six years. It hopes more-focused marketing spending will enable it to continue taking business from smaller regional and local operators. Profit before tax last year came in at 7.8m with the company now promising further improvements in operating margins. Safestyle says its strategy of focusing only on doors and windows also means it offers greater predictability on performance. Cameron should sort out his late payers More evidence that David Cameron may need to look closer to home as his crusade to end the injustice of late payments to small businesses continues. While the Prime Minister has promised to consult on how large companies might be forced to pay their small suppliers more promptly, new research suggests that the public sector isnt great at paying up on time either. A poll by technology company Blur Group suggests that 25 per cent of small businesses think the government is the worst offender when it comes to organisations that pay their bills late. The figure isnt as high as the 38 per cent that blame large companies, but it is a significant minority. It is vital that the government acts to ensure that organisations they control dont contribute towards this huge problem, says Blur Group boss Philip Letts. A consultation just isnt enough. If the government were to lead by example, and ensure they pay on time, they would be doing their part to contribute towards a swift economic recovery.

OUTLOOK: RBS investigators are too tied to the establishment to win victims trust - Business Comment - Business - The Independent
But proving its allegations will be no easy ride. Of the hundreds of companies which have contacted him with their complaints, he identified none as most were only speaking on condition of anonymity. Who can blame them? With so little competition in the banking market, publicly exposing the shoddy behaviour of your bank manager could be corporate suicide. So what exactly will Clifford Chances investigators be able to investigate? A lot of businesses with metaphorical cracked heads and broken noses claiming to have fallen down the stairs? The fear of talking to the law firms staff will be exacerbated by the chilling words on their calling cards: Clifford Chance. Few names in the legal world state in bigger capital letters, guardians of big business. From its glittering skyscraper HQ in Londons Canary Wharf to the famous 1m-plus salaries of its partners, Clifford Chance is a

byword for establishment power. Big banks are among its core customers. According to The Lawyer magazine, it acted for both Barclays and RBS on the Libor scandal. Not to mention the British Bankers Association. Only last year RBS handed Clifford Chance the lucrative account to run the internal investigation into the IT fiasco that left millions of customers unable to access their accounts. Whether the firm did a rigorous job or not, only RBS management can know: the report has not yet been made public, pending a probe by regulators. Given such a mighty City reputation, what small businessman whos already been beaten up by his Big Four bank and its Big Four accountant is going to want to open his front door to a Magic Circle lawyer? Those small businesses furious enough to go on the record will, in many cases, be in the middle of legal action against the bank, awaiting decisions and appeals which Clifford Chance cannot prejudge. Other allegations may be true but lacking in evidence, and it is not yet clear if Clifford Chance will have the power to force the disclosure of documents and emails like a litigant would. With less than three months, including the Christmas break, to carry out its work, we should be sceptical. Outsourcing civil servants risks losing a pride in service Owen Paterson has good reason to be worried. The Environment secretary has just written to the Cabinet Office enforcer Francis Maude to express concerns about the ideologically driven (my words, not his) Conservative edict to privatise a large chunk of his department and pack it off to call centres in India. Mr Paterson frets about the damage to morale it will cause as 1,000 or so jobs go abroad. The response, Im sure, from Mr Maude will be along the lines of: Its just boring back office stuff, old boy. I know you want to look good in front of the troops, but really, its not worth the fuss. Actually, though, it is. Among the functions to be offshored by the new contractor, Steria, are human resources and payroll. These staff will, Im informed, be handling all the personal details of Defras 100,000-plus civil servants. Among those, unions claim, could be Mr Paterson himself. Certain security details, such as his addresses in Britain and France, not to mention his bank account, may also be pinging around the new Indian offices. And then there are the personal details of all the thousands of suppliers and farmers that Defra deals with on a daily basis. I do not wish to cast any aspersions on the probity of Defras new contractors in Pune, second biggest city of the state of Maharashtra. And I certainly dont deny they deserve jobs. I just dont understand why we should be sending them fairly critical matters of state to deal with. India does not comply with EU standards of security for cross-border data transfers. And I know whose legal system I would rather be operating under. Ah, you may say, but banks and insurance companies have been operating out of India for donkeys years. Thats true, but many of them have since returned to the UK amid waves of complaints from customers. Why doesnt Whitehall learn from their mistakes rather than repeat them a decade later? The offshoring decision seems to have been deliberately made by the government when it ran the tender: Steria, the French company which won, was awarded it over BT, which had proposed keeping the work in Britain. (Perhaps BT has learned from its own experiences with Indian call centres: an entire Facebook page is dedicated to their dismal customer service.) The government was not always so keen to pursue the offshoring agenda. Mr Maude might like to check his Hansard for current Justice secretary Chris Graylings parliamentary boast a couple of years back that he had blocked a Hewlett-Packard contract at the Department of Work and Pensions from being shipped overseas. We have a job to try to maximise employment in this country he said. There is no doubt that there are parts of government that might benefit from privatisation. But each saving must be

There is no doubt that there are parts of government that might benefit from privatisation. But each saving must be weighed against its price: the fact that the civil service has an ethos of being there to serve their departments, and the country. Transferring civil service posts to private contractors makes them one step removed from that founding principle. Moving them to the other side of the world can surely only distance them further.

'Another decade of prejudice' against mid-tier accountants - Business News Business - The Independent
Simon Michaels told The Independent that BDO and other leading mid-tier auditors, such as Grant Thornton, will need 5-10 years to break the stranglehold of KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, EY and Deloitte have on the listed audit market. They run the numbers of more than 90 per cent of the FTSE 350 and almost the entirety of the blue chip index of Britains 100 biggest quoted companies. However, the Competition Commission last month ordered that FTSE 350 companies put the audit role out to tender every 10 years to help break what are perceived as damagingly cosy relationships with their existing Big Four accountants. Mr Michaels, though, has only targeted increasing BDOs market share in the FTSE 350 from 3 per cent to 5 per cent by 2018. The mid-tier firms believe that directors at leading corporates fear risking their reputations by not appointing one of the major-league accountants. He said: While the Competition Commission has been really helpful in pushing open the door, institutional prejudice is going to take a bit longer to break. Weve experienced that for sure: its the IBM factor, in that nobody ever lost their job for hiring IBM. The European Union is looking to push through its own reforms which could be tougher than domestic regulations but must be confirmed by next year. Mr Michaels said that it would be another piece in the jigsaw should the EU make it mandatory to swap auditors after a set number of years. BDO announced its full-year results today, confirming the groups position as the number five auditor globally ahead of Grant Thornton. Fee income increased by more than 7 per cent to $6.45bn (3.95bn), while UK audit turnover was up 16 per cent to 111m. BDOs figures were boosted by its merger with smaller rival PKF in April, which also led to a 40 per cent increase in staff. Overall British fee income, which included advisory and tax work, was 312m. [Last year] saw us working with brands such as Snow & Rock, Fever Tree, Warner Bros and Christian Louboutin, and with the CBI to champion mid-market businesses as central to the UKs growth, added Mr Michaels. The economic outlook is improving and we need to continue to invest.

Islamic Gatehouse Bank to aid UK housing crisis - Business News - Business The Independent
Shariah-compliant Gatehouse Bank hopes to gain from the big shift in the countrys housing market away from buying to renting, as mortgages have become more scarce and unaffordable and prices have risen out of the grasp of many families. Gatehouse, based in London, has formed a joint venture with the property developer Sigma Capital to leap into the sector. Initially they will build 2,000 new homes in Liverpool and Salford at a cost of about 200m before going on, if the venture proves a success, to build a further 4,600 properties with a further 500m investment. If successful, it would overtake Britains biggest stock market-quoted landlord, Grainger Trust, which has currently got 4,000 homes, mostly in London and the South-east. Grainger recently reported a 24 per cent increase in the value

of its estate. Gatehouse vice president of real estate Scott Nichol said: For us the supply-demand dynamic is absolutely rocksolid. We only see that growing as affordability constraints continue to strengthen. He said the private rented sector was very fragmented, with many mom and pop landlords. Our entrance into the market is to try and bridge the gap between landowners, developers and housebuilders, and the institutional market. Shariah-compliant investments are not allowed to work on the basis of interest or monetary speculation. Surpluses have to be shared by all parties. Gatehouse already has a 1bn property portfolio across the UK and US.

Market Report: Bank of England governor Mark Carney's remarks hit housebuilding stocks - Sharewatch - Business - The Independent
Mr Carney shocked the City with comments that the Funding for Lending scheme will no longer be used to support borrowing for house buying and instead will be redirected at small businesses. Housebuilders share prices collapsed on the news with Persimmon down 6.1 per cent (76p to 1,170p) at the bottom of the benchmark index and builders merchant Travis Perkins 49p weaker at 1,783p. On the mid-tier table, eight of the bottom 12 stocks were builders with Bovis Homes 45.5p weaker at 777p and Taylor Wimpey down 7.1p to 107.4p. But analysts decided the reaction was overblown. Liberum Capitals Charlie Campbell said: The Bank of Englands actions towards FLS dont imply any sudden hostility towards Help to Buy. We therefore see the weakness in shares as a buying opportunity. Despite the housebuilders drag on the market, the FTSE clung on to gains, on slim volumes as the US was closed for Thanksgiving. The FTSE 100 added 5 points to 6,654.47. Top of the table was Rio Tinto up 122p to 3,261p on news of that it will spend less than expected on its planned increase in iron ore production in Australia. Travel agent Thomas Cook flew up 22.5p to 175.7p after reporting a return to operating profit for the first time in three years. There was speculation that German engineering company M&W Group may look again at oil engineering specialist Kentz having walked away in the summer. FTSE 250-listed Kentz spurted 14.5p to 594.5p. Goldman Sachs analysts set a 610p target price on Royal Mail shares, despite the US bank having advised the UK government on setting a much lower offer price of 330p. Royal Mail dipped 10p to 555p. Small-cap computer group Phoenix IT reported a half-year loss and flopped 7p to 137.5p. AIM-listed machine-gun maker Manroy fired off a disappointing update with regard to bid talks and tumbled 10p to 73p. There was a better second half of the year for toy group Character Group and it added 7p to 169p.

RBS accuser Lawrence Tomlinson hits out at law firm Clifford Chance appointed to probe banks actions - Business News - Business - The Independent
Clifford Chance was hired earlier this week by RBS to conduct an internal investigation into the latest damaging allegations that bankers in its turnaround division, the Global Restructuring Group (GRG), purposefully distressed businesses and took their assets away at a discounted price for the banks gain.

RBS said that Clifford Chances review will be conducted on an independent basis, with a team from the law firm that has had no previous dealings with GRG matters. But Lawrence Tomlinson, the author of the report which unearthed RBSs appalling treatment of small businesses, said the decision still amazes him: We know [Clifford Chance] has relationships with some of the small businesses that have made complaints against RBS.There are too many conflicts of interests. Why are they wasting another 1m our money as taxpayers on Clifford Chance? They should have done it themselves. And Mr Tomlinson will tell Ross McEwan, the RBS chief executive, what he thinks when they meet next Monday. The meeting has been in the diary for months before he knew the report was being published. The timing couldnt be better, he said. Now I can tell him that since publication we have had 250 new complaints against GRG specifically. Not all of them have been vetted but even if half of them are true its still huge. If I get time, Ill also say why RBS should be split into three new banks and the RBS name should go its toxic. Cutting the cosy links between bankers and government is another of Mr Tomlinsons ambitions. He says RBS and Lloyds should pull out of the British Bankers Association (BBA), the industry-lobbying group. Why should stateowned banks be employing lobbyists to lobby government when its the tax-payer who own the two banks? Its madness. Do you know what the BBAs response has been to my inquiry? Nothing. Extraordinary isnt it? The industrys lobbyists may have been silent but Mr Tomlinsons website and phone have been inundated with new allegations. Within hours of him posting the report on Monday, he had received 2,000 hits and more than 250 new cases. They are still coming. Ive had hundreds of emails in my post-box (www.tomlinsonreport.com) and new ones are coming in by the minute, he said, picking up his mobile phone to show me. Look, there are another 40 or so in the last few hours. People are trying to contact me in all sorts of ways through friends, acquaintances, even guessing my email. They all tell a similar stories of abuse; in one case a bank closed down a family-owned business. One farmer has had to slaughter his herd of 500 pedigree cattle because they stopped his credit. I can go on and on. What the banks have been doing is shameful. Whats most shocking of all, he said, is the culture of fear that bankers have instilled in the small business owners he has interviewed; fearing either a backlash from their bankers or closure if their cases came to light. Many of the ex-bankers who have come forward providing him with evidence are also frightened of talking out, worried about having their pensions stripped if they are seen to be critical. Banks are not acting like banks anymore. They have become huge conglomerates driven by impossible profit motives. Some relationship managers have their pay based on 15 per cent returns. Anyone knows that its impossible to grow a banks business by more than 1 per cent per annum so that means you get growth either by acquisition or by robbing Peter to pay Paul. Thats whats been happening. An engineer by profession, Mr Tomlinson, 49, stumbled upon these latest revelations by chance after becoming Entrepreneur in Residence at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in March this year. He applied because he wanted to do more to help small businesses get off the ground and kick-start economic growth (hes donated his 10,000 annual fee for a national prize and doesnt claim expenses). Starting businesses is a speciality of his, having employed more than 10,000 people at his Leeds- based LNT Group. He was 23 when he took out his first 526,000 loan from the Midland Bank in Batley to buy the care home owned by his parents. Today, LNT is a mini-conglomerate employing around 2,000 people from building care homes to making deicing liquids for aeroplanes to Ginetta cars.

It was the disconnect between what he kept hearing the bankers saying on TV and in the press about how they are lending to the real economy, and what he was hearing from his thousands of suppliers that he asked BIS if he could look at access to finance. In June I put up a page on LinkedIn which was sent to about 50 people. We asked them to get in contact about their experiences with their banks. They flooded in. A pattern soon emerged with multiple complaints being made about GRG. Its clear that it was being run as a profit centre that undermined its role as a turnaround division. Its inconceivable to me that this was by accident it had to be run like this from the very top. Mr Tomlinson has decent relations with his own banks, which include RBS, Santander, Yorkshire Bank and Bank Leumi. One of LNTs subsidiaries has an outstanding complaint against two RBS individuals. BIS knew about this. Why would I declare that? Its not relevant, he said. He hopes that by unearthing this latest scandal it will be the last from the banks. After PPI, swaps, Libor, this is the final scandal to end all scandals. But its the most important to sort out because its only by growing small businesses that we can revive growth. I do believe some of the banks actions may be criminal. The liabilities for RBS could be enormous if individuals companies were to take action or if criminal action is taken against the bank. Has he put a number on this? I couldnt say but some people estimate it could be billions, he replied. Getting RBS and Lloyds which have 60 per cent of the small and medium-sized enterprise lending market between them to be more competitive is his solution. He wants to see six new banks and strict controls put on banks being allowed to grow by acquisiton.

Free agent: Mark Carney is proving his independence on Help to Buy Editorials - Voices - The Independent
Only this week, Mark Carney, who took over the top job in Threadneedle Street in July, was forced to fend off charges that he was too close to George Osborne from a Labour member of the House of Commons Treasury Committee an allegation that the new Governor said more than mildly offended him. Actions speak louder than words, however. And actions there are. First, at that same select committee hearing, Mr Carney issued a thinly veiled caution about the Governments much-vaunted Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme, pointing out that there has been no marked improvement in the supply of new homes. Given the chorus of warnings including from this newspaper that the Chancellors flagship scheme is simply pumping up Britains already inflated housing market, the Governors comments cannot go unremarked. Yesterday, the Bank went further still, scaling back the Funding for Lending programme. From January, it will apply only to business loans, not to mortgages. Why? Because, although there is no immediate danger of a bubble, it is, in the Governors words, no longer appropriate to have our foot on the accelerator; better to shift it to neutral. Mr Osborne was purportedly party to the decision. But for all the Chancellors supportive comments about shifting the Banks focus to still-flagging business lending, there is no disguising the fact that Mr Carneys aims most certainly do not accord with his own. After all, the whole point of the reckless Help to Buy scheme was to ratchet up house prices, bathing property-owning middle England in a warm glow of rising (if theoretical) wealth in time for the 2015 election. The Governor of the Bank of England appears to have other plans and what a relief that is.

Burberry to appeal Chinese trademark suspension on iconic tartan pattern -

Business News - Business - The Independent

Chinese authorities suspended the protection on Burberry's signature look after the company failed to make specific use of the tartan pattern in the country for three years, according to China's Trademark Office website. The decision will not come into effect until the appeal is heard and it would only affect Burberry's leather goods division. Burberry said it is "confident" that the appeal will be successful and vowed to protect the brand "against those who use its trademarks unlawfully". "The Burberry Check remains a registered trademark exclusively owned by Burberry and no other parties can use the mark without Burberry's proper authorization," the company said. China is a key market for the British luxury giant with the Asia Pacific region accounting for 37 per cent of its retail and wholesale revenue in 2012.

Bank of England curtails Funding for Lending Scheme amid fears of housing bubble - Business News - Business - The Independent
The Bank has announced that the so-called Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS), which has helped to drive the UKs recovery, will no longer cover new housing loans extended by banks from next year. Instead, the FLS from 2014 will focus solely on boosting loans to businesses. Lenders will also have to hold additional capital for each new home loan made, the Bank said, which will make it less profitable for lenders to issue new mortgages. House prices growth has accelerated strongly this year, with average prices presently around 7 per cent higher than a year ago, and still heading upwards. This has stoked concerns among some economists that a new housing bubble is being inflated, which could ultimately result in a destructive bust. Until this week the Bank had seemed relatively relaxed about the state of the housing market in recent weeks, with senior officials repeatedly pointing out that the monthly rate of new mortgage approvals was still low by historical standards. But Threadneedle Street abruptly changed its tune. Risks to financial stability may grow if there are further substantial and rapid increases in house prices and a further build-up of household indebtedness said the Governor, Mark Carney, at a press conference. He added: It is no longer appropriate to have our foot on the accelerator. The package of measures, he said, was collectively significant and necessary to keep the housing market on a sustainable path over the coming years. By acting now in a graduated fashion, authorities are reducing the likelihood that larger interventions will be needed later he said, highlighting Bank research showing that recessions preceded by housing busts tended to be significantly deeper and longer lasting. The Treasury said the decision to curb the subsidies for home lending was taken jointly with Threadneedle Street and insisted that that the mortgage support element of the FLS had now achieved its primary purpose. Yet the government has come under fire from economists for its separate Help to Buy programme, which, from last month, provides a state guarantee for 15 per cent of new mortgages extended by banks. Critics have likened Help to Buy (which will be unaffected by todays changes) to the institutional American government mortgage subsidy infrastructure, known as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which helped to blow up the US housing bubble that burst with catastrophic consequences for the global economy in 2008.

with catastrophic consequences for the global economy in 2008. Ministers have claimed at various times that the Bank of England can cancel Help to Buy. But the central bank confirmed earlier this week that it merely has the power to make recommendations to the Treasury over the scheme rather than a right of veto. Today, Mr Carney said it was still early days for the controversial programme. The FLS, which offers cheap central bank funding to commercial banks provided they pass on cheap loans to homebuyers and businesses, has driven up mortgage lending since it was established in the summer of 2012. But net new lending to small firms has continued to fall steadily over the life span of the scheme. In a letter on the reforms to Mr Carney published today the Chancellor George Osborne said: I am confident that these changes will build on the success of the scheme so far and will continue to support further easing of credit conditions. But Lord Oakeshott, a former Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman who resigned in 2011 over the Treasurys refusal to take a tougher line on bank lending and bonuses, insisted that more was needed to support lending to small firms. If the FLS has been successful on small business lending, how would failure look? he asked. This is a step in the right direction, but we must do more to stop the house price juggernaut and get banks lending again, not gambling on property.

Merry Black Friday! But are Britons ready to buy into US retailers hype? Home News - UK - The Independent
Global retail company Amazon has led the way in seeking to convince the British public that today the day after Americas Thanksgiving Day and the start of the holiday shopping season is the day of the year when we should be purchasing electrical goods. The UK arm of the shopping giant has offered a series of lightning deals on what its publicity team claimed are must-have items, including a rechargeable Braun shaver and a Krups Nespresso Essenza coffee machine. For those Brits unable to purchase today, there is always Black Friday Re-loaded Weekend or else Cyber Monday on 2 December, when many Americans binge on Internet shopping at the end of the Thanksgiving weekend. Its not just Amazon that is using this sales pitch. Big British retailers, such as John Lewis and Asda, are embracing the Black Friday concept. Ed Connolly, buying director for electricals and home technology at John Lewis, said the store had seen a doubling of electrical goods sales on Black Friday last year and was encouraging the idea that theres an event on this day. He said: I think people are referring to it more and more. If you see what people are typing into Google from the UK, I think Black Friday means something to the UK customer. I personally think its here to stay. It is only nine days ago that John Lewis launched its Christmas advert, featuring the voice of Lily Allen, one of a series of blockbuster campaigns from retail giants, which are responding to signs of an upturn in the economy with the biggest frenzy of commercial activity for some years. Asda has also seized on the Black Friday idea. The supermarket chain is owned by the US retail giant Walmart and is promising earth shattering deals as it mimics the sales patter of its parent company. Asda supermarkets will use Walmart logos and marketing messages. Were taking our lead from them and utilising their know how to help create an offer that means Asda shoppers can benefit from incredible savings at a time when they really need us the most, said Andrew Moore, Asdas chief merchandising officer. But despite the efforts of public relations team to generate hype around Black Friday, PR expert Mark Borkowski expressed doubt that the idea would take hold in the UK, where there is no tradition of Thanksgiving Day. When I first heard of Black Friday I thought it was a collapse in the banking system because thats how it is understood here, he said. The January sales are iconic in the UK and theres a cultural significance to them. The Brits are a

nation of bargain hunters and they will see through this flannel. Amazon sees it differently. For days it has been running Black Friday Deals Week and claims that UK shoppers have pocketed millions of pounds of savings in the rush to secure such essential items as the SodaStream Stream Drinksmaker and the Nintendo 3DS Handheld Console. Amazon expects sales on Cyber Monday to peak at 6pm, when shoppers emerge from the workplace to make their purchases.

South West Water to freeze bills until 2015 - Business News - Business - The Independent
Unlike its peers such as Thames Water, Pennon Group, which owns the utility, said that it would hold tariffs at their current rate until April 2016 and then only push through lower-than-inflation rises until 2020. The company made the promise alongside its half-year results, where pre-tax profits rose 3.5 per cent to 110.9 million. Shares in the company rose 7.5p to 645.5p as it raised its dividend by 7.2 per cent to 9.39p Ken Harvey, chairman of Pennon Group, said: The company continues to deliver robust operational performance and improving standards of customer service, notwithstanding the extreme flooding and then the dry summer experienced during the first half of this year. Pennons decision will heap further embarrassment on Thames Water, which made an unprecedented demand to hike Londoners bills by almost 30 next year, which Ofwat rejected. The UKs biggest water company wanted to raise bills, which already stand at an average 354 a year, by 8 per cent next year, claiming it had underestimated the costs of projects such as Londons new super-sewer. Yesterday, Northern-focused United Utilities said it will not raise prices as much as it is permitted to next year to save customers money. Industry regulator Ofwat allowed United Utilities to put through a 1.2 per cent real price rise for 2014-15, but it instead said it will use a 75 million tax rebate to cut the bills increase to no more than inflation

RSA Ireland chief executive quits amid accounting probe - Business News Business - The Independent
In a strongly worded attack likely to crank up the pressure on the companys boss Simon Lee, Philip Smith said: My family and I have been truly traumatized by recent events and I have taken this most difficult of decisions in the best interests of my family. Resigning offers me the opportunity to pursue justice outside the current flawed process, he added. Smith was one of three executives at the insurers Irish business who were suspended earlier this month following the discovery of a black hole in its accounts during a routine internal audit at the firm. The FTSE 100 insurer said that the accounting irregularity was likely to impact its profits by 70 million this year, just days after it had revealed that claims from the St Jude storm and flooding in Canada would also have a negative impact on its results. In a statement, RSA confirmed Smith had resigned and said he would not receive any pay-off.

Blockbuster axes 182 jobs as it announces plans to shut down 30 stores Business News - Business - The Independent
Another 30 shops will be shut over the next few days with the loss of 182 jobs as administrators from Moorfields Corporate Recovery start a phased closure of the entire estate.

Corporate Recovery start a phased closure of the entire estate. It is still hoping for last minute offers for all or parts of the business, but admitted it had not received any "acceptable" bids so far. The closures bring the total so far to just over 100 out of its 264 outlets, with more than 630 retail jobs cut from its 2,000-strong workforce. Joint administrators Simon Thomas and Nick O'Reilly of Moorfields said: "It is unfortunate that we have been unable to secure a buyer to date, and therefore we have had to take the decision to make further store closures. "We are continuing to review the profitability of the portfolio and may have to make further closures over the next couple of weeks." They added more than 30,000 refunds have been made to customers for goods and services not received since Blockbuster went into administration just over two weeks ago for the second time this year. Since its previous rescue from administration by private equity group Gordon Brothers Europe in March, it has suffered poor trading across both rental and retail sales. At the time of its initial collapse in January, Blockbuster had 528 stores in the UK employing 4,190 staff. The brand has also suffered under different ownership in the US, where the axe fell on 300 Blockbuster stores last month, leaving the once-dominant chain with just 50 franchised shops remaining open in the country. PA

Thomas Cook flies high as turnaround plan delivers first profit in three years - Business News - Business - The Independent
Chief executive officer Harriet Green unveiled more plans for her cost-cutting agenda in the hope of improving the business even further, and said that she aims to save 880 million over the next five years. She said: It wasnt a company operating sa one, but as a loose federation of states, so weve had to pull it together and work as one. When she joined the company 16 months ago it was on the brink of collapse, with unsuitable debts and a business that had too many High Street stores with little web integration. Today, operating profits hit 13 million, up from its 170 million loss last year. Pre-tax profits, which include exceptional items, were 158.1 million, up from a 336.8 million loss a year earlier. Sales at the worlds oldest travel agent were up 1.3 per cent to 9.3 billion. Some of the initiatives Green introduced included selling off several brands and shutting dozens of High Street sites, bringing in 60 million. A new phase of improvement will focus on boosting profits through increasing margins, offering more holidays in concept hotels run by the company, and cutting costs through centralised procurement. The company also hopes to draw more people to its website to place orders and saw online sales up to 36 per cent from 34 per cent last year and has a target of half of all sales through the website by 2015.

Co-operative Bank loses customers after Paul Flowers scandal - Business News - Business - The Independent
In a statement to the stock market the bank said: Recent events may have caused some brand and reputational

damage, but it is too early to form a definitive view as to the extent of such damage. These recent events, together with the competitive landscape in which the bank operates, the introduction of sevenday account-switching and the associated increased competitor marketing activity at a time when the bank has been constrained in its ability to undertake its own marketing activity, may be a contributing factor to an increase the bank has seen in the switching out of current accounts. The bank would not reveal how many out of its 1.66 million current accounts it has lost in the last three weeks. Unlike the run on Northern Rock in 2007 which saw savers queuing round the block to withdraw their money, Coop said that its retail deposit base remains broadly stable. The bank said the investigation ordered by the Chancellor and the likelihood of further inquiries by regulators would take up management time and cost it money not already provided for in its business plan. Today is the first deadline for the bail-in which will see hedge fund investors in the banks bond help to plug its 1.5bn balance sheet gap. The bank yesterday tweaked the terms of the bonds for equity swap which will see hedge funds end up owning 57 per cent of the shares. The change were endorsed by the so-called LT2 group of bondholders, the major hedge funds group, which said it is fully supportive of the new management team for the bank led by the recently appointed chairman and chief executive. Early supporters of the plans have until this afternoon to accept the deal to receive the best terms. There is a court hearing for the plan on 2 December and the final dealine for bondholders to vote on its 11 December.

Britain's debt problems 'epidemic', warns think tank - Business News Business - The Independent
That's the conclusion of a major report from government think tank The Smith Institute published today in conjunction with debt charity Step Change. It shows that one in four households has a negative cash position and one in 10 has net debts of more than 5,000. The report - "Tomorrow's Borrowers" - also highlights the growing menace of payday lenders by revealing that the worse off households owe half their debts to high-interest creditors. Lord Wilf Stevenson, chair of the StepChange debt charity, pointed out that "six million people in the UK have problem debt." But things are set to get much worse, according to the report. It warns that the traditional view that having high levels of debt is associated with youth is changing. "Many of tomorrow's borrowers have made no plans for their retirement," it says, concluding that people will accumulate greater debts in early life and take longer to pay them off. It means that by 2025 more older people than ever will be trapped in personal debt. "This presents a serious problem which has negative consequences for individuals and for society as a whole". "Britain is sleepwalking to a more serious debt crisis," warned Paul Hackett of the Smith institute. The Institute called for a "concerted national campaign on a par with the AIDS awareness campaign of the 1980s or the five-a-day fruit and vegetable campaign that began in the 1990s". The campaign should include a generic message that stops debt problems escalating by encouraging people to seek help early and have a plan to repay debt. The report calls for determined action by government and regulators. But it warns that there also needs to be changes in policies affecting where we live and the world of work, as well as

a much bigger effort at improving financial literacy, especially among the young

Bitcoin Black Friday: US online retailers attempt to stir up an online shopping frenzy - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
Bitcoin Black Friday will launch on 29 November with hundreds of merchants selling everything from web hosting to organic beer [offering] special deals to anyone paying in Bitcoin. Bitcoin has so much potential to make the world a fairer and more prosperous place. But it needs our help, read the description from the site. Because Bitcoin challenges such powerful industries, it will face serious political opposition-- especially in the U.S. where those industries are strongest. This amazing new technology will only be politically safe once millions of people rely on it every day. Participating retailers will no doubt be hoping to replicate the frenzied scenes that traditionally accompany the physical Black Friday, where shopping can become so competitive that there is even a Black Friday Death Count, currently recording four deaths and sixty-seven injuries since 2006. In the US the unofficial holiday occurs on the Friday following Thanksgiving and marks the start of the Christmas shopping period. The name originally referred to the point in the calendar at which retailers began to turn a profit (going from the red side of the balance sheet to the black) although modern shopping giants now become profitable much earlier in the year. However, even as the value of the digital currency continues to rocket (it broke through the $1000 mark earlier in the week) the wares available for sale on the Bitcoin Black Friday website are a reminder of its niche appeal unsurprisingly, the likes of Tesco and Argos (well, Walmart and Target - this is the US of course) have yet to get involved.

Boris Johnson v Gordon Gekko: Guess who said it - Business - News - The Independent
Boris Johnson has called for a new generation of Brits to embrace greed and snobbery as a "valuable spur to economic activity" during a speech where the London Mayor paid tribute to Thatcherism. The speech bears some striking similarities to Gordon Gekko's infamous "Greed is Good" tirade in the film Wall Street. Can you guess who said it, Johnson or Gekko? Take our quiz:

Npower confirms 1,460 British jobs in outsourcing to India - Business News Business - The Independent
The company confirmed it would cut nearly 1,460 back office jobs in the UK, or 15% of its staff in this country, and move them to India. It is outsourcing a further 540 British call centre jobs to Capita. The move would see npowers offices in Stock on Trent closing, with the loss of about 550 jobs, with a further roles being cut at one of its three offices in Oldbury. Another 430 positions will be axed at its Rainton Bridge office in Sunderland and a further 80 in Leeds. It comes in the week after npower was named the UKs most-complained about energy provider and was immediately denounced as bad for its customers, who are bracing themselves for a 10.4% price hike on Sunday. Ann Robinson, of the uSwitch price comparison website, said: I am a bit concerned about the quality of service that people will get. Years ago, E.ON outsourced jobs to India but they were forced to bring them back because of the poor service. But npower chief executive Paul Massara insisted that customers would benefit from the move.

This restructure is necessary if we are to deliver the levels of service our customers deserve. All calls would still be answered in the UK. We would have the flexibility to keep call waiting times down during busy periods, and continue to keep costs down so we can keep bills down, he said. By transferring existing npower staff to Capita, they could use the outsoucing groups extra capacity to handle calls at peak times, Massara said. However, GMB Northern Region Senior Organiser Colin Smith disagreed that the restructuring would be good for customer service. GMB will vigorously campaign against the offshoring of jobs to India because it has absolutely nothing to do with customer service and everything to do with cost, he said. The announcement continues a week in which the big six energy providers have been centre stage. Official figures showed on Tuesday that more than 31,000 people had died needlessly during last winters freeze, of which about 10,00 are estimated to have been due to cold homes. Meanwhile, Andrew Wright, the head of the Ofgem energy regulator, told politicians there was a deep mistrust of anything the energy companies do or say.

News - People

True grit: Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser Im A Celebrity 2013: Can Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington survive the cruelty and stress of fame after the jungle? Rachel Riley leaves husband Jamie Gilbert after 16 months of marriage Andy McSmith's Diary: The Tories new strategy: say Unite and Len McCluskey as often as possible Morrissey attacks Barack Obama over 'Thankskilling' turkey slaughter Lewis Collins: The Professionals' Bodie dies at 67 after five-year cancer struggle Justin Bieber ordered to clean up graffiti in Australia Melanie Sykes cautioned after assaulting husband Jack Cockings

True grit: Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser - Profiles - People - The Independent
He turns out to be good company, launching into Hollywood stories with relish, unconcerned about criticising former co-stars ("Kristin Stewart was just awful in Snow White & the Huntsman. She had this big speech to do, and she couldn't act at all") and confidingly matey about his old drinking buddies ("Oliver Reed? Loved him. He once told me, 'I'm growing my own marijuana would you like some?' The two of us sucked at it for an hour. I thought, what the fuck is this grass or grass cuttings?"). When I tell him I'd admired his leather get-up in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, he sighs. "It was the wardrobe mistress Penny Rose's idea. She woke one night and said to herself, 'Of course he's a Biker Pirate!' When I was trekking through the Hawaiian heat, clad in 35 pounds of black leather, I was thinking, 'Thank you, Penny...'." McShane has played a lot of regal roles lately. After half a lifetime playing charming villains scoundrels, rogues, smiley gangsters, iffy antique dealers and the most dangerous saloon landlord in the Old West he's settled into a late career radiating lordly, indeed kingly menace. He was King Brahmwell in Jack the Giant Slayer, a bishop in Pillars of the Earth, the leader of a dwarf gang in Snow White, a king in Kings and Blackbeard in Pirates. Now 71, he is

very busy. He spent this summer in Budapest, making Hercules for MGM with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as the titular superman. Did he enjoy it? "It was fine. Budapest is a very pretty town and I learnt a lot of useful things over the 19 weeks." Like what? "Like chariot training and fighting with an extraordinary weapon with multiple blades, like a very early Swiss Army knife." He plays Amphiaraus in the film ("Part prophet, part seer, part warrior," deadpans McShane, "and all man") and is surrounded by famous British actors: John Hurt, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan. "Johnny and Pete play the bad guys," says McShane. "Rufus Sewell plays Autolycus, which the Americans pronounce 'Oughta-like-us'." It's an American film with an American director, Brett Ratner. Why are all the Brits in it? "We add gravitas," he says simply. "We give it weight. The Americans know there's nothing worse than someone saying, 'Have ya met my brudder Agamemnon?' They prefer to have real actors, who give the impression they know what they're doing."

McShane stars as Al Swearengen in 'Deadwood' In complete contrast, McShane also co-stars in Cuban Fury, coming out on Valentine's Day, a terribly British comedy about a hopeless schlub called Bruce (Nick Frost) who fancies his boss (Rashida Jones) but can't think how to win her heart until he sees her salsa dancing in a pub. Wait a minute he, Bruce himself, used to be a teenage salsa star until some Terrible Thing happened. If he could only get back to salsa match-fitness, he might succeed in parting her from her foundation garments. He hires a long-haired, swarthy salsa teacher called Ron... "I did Cuban Fury because it's got a really good cast," says McShane. "Nick Frost is a comedian who can really act. He's got low-key gravitas. And they'd got Chris O'Dowd and Rory Kinnear, and Rashida Jones you know, Quincy's daughter, she's a gifted comedian and a writer to play the feminine lead." Wasn't a small-scale British comedy infra dig for someone like him, who mostly plays kings and pirates and gangsters in US blockbusters? McShane is unbothered. "What could be nicer? It has a really funny, charming script by Jon Brown, who looks about 12 well everybody nowadays looks about 12. It was the first film directed by James Griffiths, who directed Episodes, that TV thing about Matt LeBlanc ... He's a very smart guy." The film features a trademark McShane shot: the actor's face in scary close-up, regarding the hapless Frost with that dead-eyed stare before which so many losers have quailed over the years. A long way from the crinkly-eyed charm of TV's Lovejoy, it defined the character of Al Swearengen in Deadwood, the HBO series about the South Dakota gold-mining camp that became a town in the 1870s and resisted becoming assimilated by the United States. McShane says his role as the foul-mouthed, homicidal proprietor of the Gem saloon and cathouse, was the best and most complex role he ever had. And it was a role he inhabited with gusto. Had there been issues about his British accent? Had he tried to do a fake-American accent, like Hugh Laurie in House?

McShane looks disdainful. "I always thought that accent was all that House was about. No offence to Hugh, but it sounded like someone hanging on to an American accent. With Deadwood, I did the audition, we did a read-through on the set, I was the only Limey bastard, in front of all these guys. David Milch [the creator] said, 'I'm going to invent some background for why you sound like that'. And I said, 'I'll invent my own accent'. Because [he essays a ludicrous southern-belle fluting] Ahn caint towk lahke in thay-att kinda Murrican ac-saynt." Which is why, although Swearengen is clearly a Limey, he pronounces "cocksucker" as "kacksucker". In case you were wondering. McShane clearly idolises David Milch, who wrote and co-produced the series. "David has a refreshingly direct attitude to acting. I had one scene with the whore, Trixie. Al calls her up to his room, to admonish her for something she's done. Now remember, I'm working here with a woman actor I've met maybe a week before. Anyway, David is there with the director, watching the scene. He looks at me and says, 'Ian, you have to grab her cunt'. I thought, that's not the first directorial thought that springs to mind, is it? But it was absolutely true to the character, and put the actors at ease with each other. He's so direct not like some directors who go round the houses for 20 minutes."

McShane is 71 but shows no signs of slowing down (Kalpesh Lathigra) Milch's working methods were unorthodox he'd give the actors just a few pages to learn, watch to see the outcome, then go away and re-write the scene but McShane took them as signs of genius. "He wrote organically. He wrote from what he learnt from a scene and went forward. His vision of the show was constantly moving forward. David never lost sight of the fact that it was about the beginnings of a country, about lawlessness, passion, power and human beings. He cared so much about the characters' unfolding." Something else that was unusually organic was the set. The cast and crew didn't disappear to hotels each evening. They stayed put, living together on a ranch 30 miles north of Los Angeles, and rose every morning as if they were inhabitants of Deadwood. "Everyone was there together," says McShane, eyes shining. "Writers, editors, riggers, animals we never moved out. You didn't have to be somewhere else every day. You were the village. When we came on set every day, the extras would be there in costume and character, shouting 'Mornin' Al!'." Deadwood aired over three series, 12 episodes each, between April 2004 and August 2006. It was a critical smashhit, and won eight Emmy awards, including Best Actor for McShane. And suddenly it was all over. HBO announced it wouldn't pick up the expiring options of the actors for a fourth season. David Milch said he hoped to make two two-hour TV specials instead of a fourth season, but the project dwindled. It was left to an exasperated McShane to announce, in 2009 on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, "Deadwood is dead!". McShane is able to claim, while still being given starring roles, that he's been in movies for half a century. He was the star in his first film. It happened like this. Born in Blackburn, Lancashire in 1942, the son of a Scottish footballer (who played for Manchester United) Ian breezed into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts after grammar school. There he met John Hurt, who became a lifelong pal. "Johnny and I were best friends at Rada. He was a year ahead of me, and had been cast in The Wild and the Willing. We had the same agent, and Johnny suggested me for the lead in the movie. I met them, they said, 'Can you come for a test?' and I took the day off school. I got a Greenline bus to Uxbridge, to Pinewood Studios, and said, 'I'm here to do a screen test'. Then I took the bus back to school. And they offered me the part the next day. I told the head, 'Sir, I lied, I didn't go to the dentist, I did a screen test'. He said, 'I might not be able to give you your certificate because of that'." He laughs, and briefly looks rather like the cocky young student he played in the film a natural leader, even at 20, and a convincing rebel, who tells the old farts at the bar, "OK, we didn't die in the war we're really sorry

at 20, and a convincing rebel, who tells the old farts at the bar, "OK, we didn't die in the war we're really sorry about that!". Why didn't the film catapult him into rebel stardom? "Because it was J Arthur Rank's attempt to capture the new wave of teenage rebellion," he says. "And they didn't follow through. If only we'd had Karel Reisz or someone in charge."

McShane's first role, in 'The Wild and the Willing' (Rex Features) He was launched, though. TV followed with parts in Armchair Theatre. In 1967, he appeared in London's West End in The Promise by Alexsei Arbuzov, alongside Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. He was in the original cast of Joe Orton's Loot. "It died in Wimbledon," says McShane sadly. "Kenneth Williams was in it, very nervous about being in a straight play by Orton. The first night he came on in a kind of fascist raincoat, looking like a cleaner. The second night he was in a deerstalker like Sherlock Holmes. It was fascinating to watch. He hadn't a clue how to play the part." Speaking of gay matters, I said, is that story about you and Richard Burton true? He laughs. "You mean the scene in Villain [the 1971 movie based on Ronnie Kray and his driver]? Oh yes. I got on very well with Richard. During shooting, we were discussing the upcoming gay love scene. My hair was very different in those days it came down to here. He turned to me and said, 'I'm very glad you're playing this scene, Ian'. I said, 'Thank you Richard'. He said, 'You know why, don't you? Because you remind me of Elizabeth...'." After his early success, McShane happily admits, he went spectacularly off the rails in the 1970s. "I went to live in America in 1975, because I was pretty bored here. I was sick of the black-outs." My God, I said, sympathetically. You mean you were drinking so much... "No!" says McShane, "I mean the power cuts in 1974! There was fuck-all happening in the UK, so I went to America, and got divorced a year later. I've lived there, on and off, from 1975." In London and California he became a party hellraiser, hoovering up drink and anything else available ("I was an equal-opportunities abuser"). He kept acting, though: he specialised in villainy and swashbuckling on film and historical impersonation on TV: in five years he played Christopher Marlowe, Benjamin Disraeli, Judas Iscariot and Prince Rainier of Monaco. His second marriage failed around the time he met Sylvia Kristel, of Emmanuelle fame, on the set of The Fifth Musketeer. "I met her in 1977, we had a crazy year-and-a-half. It was very nice, but mostly fuelled by mountains of... whatever. Then we went our separate ways." He and his third wife, the actress Gwen Humble, have been together since 1980, and live in equanimity in Venice Beach. He has no immediate intention of saying no to movie parts as they roll in. But does he yearn these days for

Beach. He has no immediate intention of saying no to movie parts as they roll in. But does he yearn these days for more nuanced roles than kings, dwarves and pirates? "I enjoy every role I do," says McShane, with sleek satisfaction. "Next year, I'll probably be doing Steven Berkoff's modern gangster version of Agamemnon, which will be good. You set paths for yourself, but as you get older, things change. If Deadwood had gone on another two years, I wouldn't have got as many movies made. You don't know where life takes you." It takes you, I say coldly, into making a ludicrous animation called Kung Fu Panda, where he was the voice of a snow leopard called Tai Lung. How is that an interesting place to end up? "You know how that came about?" asks the indefatigable McShane. "The people at DreamWorks had taken a fiveminute speech of Al Swearengen's and re-done it as an animation from a tiger's mouth. I said, 'How can I say no?'" 'Deadwood' is repeated on CBS Action from Friday at 10pm

Im A Celebrity 2013: Can Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington survive the cruelty and stress of fame after the jungle? - Profiles - People - The Independent
It was the sort of wide-eyed response a mix of awe, naivety and nervous energy that had so endeared an increasingly giddy nation to British sports brightest new arrival. With two gold medals in the 400 and 800 metres freestyle at the Beijing Games, an unknown teenager from Mansfield had achieved more in in a single Olympics than any homegrown swimmer for a century. And we greeted her as gleefully as she did the gold Jimmy Choo shoes presented to her at her homecoming parade. There would be no time for TV Adlington leapt straight back into training for London 2012 but five years on from Beijing she has her wish. Free from the sacrifices of sport after her retirement in February, the 24-year-old is not dancing for votes (she revealed in August that Strictly had turned her down) but doing battle in the Im a Celebrity jungle. And in that programmes harsher light, her crawl from clear water of swimming into the celebrity swamp has appeared fraught. Whether she likes it or not, Adlington has become a case study of a young athlete searching for a second career while displaying a vulnerability in a culture that can be cruel even to champions. She wont know it yet, but the swimmers apparent plight went all the way to the House of Lords on Wednesday. A debate there followed an episode of Im a Celebrity in which Adlington broke down in tears while talking about body image, and about one of her rivals a pneumatic Miss Universe contestant. Its making me very, very insecure that I have to look a certain way, she said. I was an athlete. I wasnt trying to be a model, but pretty much every single week on Twitter I get somebody commenting on the way I look. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the Paralympic champion, despaired of a worrying trend that young women are increasingly put under pressure to conform to look a certain way. Baroness Northover, who speaks about women and equalities for the Government, added: It is enough to make me weep to hear about Rebecca Adlington We should be proud of what shes achieved. Yet the scrutiny has only intensified while a mystery illness excludes the swimmer from Im a Celebritys bushtucker trials. Critics (male, mostly) have taken aim, as if the trials, with their plastic-star rewards, mattered in the case of an athlete with four Olympic medals. Adlingtons journey to the jungle began at the Sherwood swimming baths in Mansfield, since renamed the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre. Her parents, Steve and Kay Adlington, had only wanted their daughters to learn to swim but Rebecca, the youngest of three, quickly emerged as a gifted and fierce competitor, rising fast through the county ranks. Not otherwise sporty or suited to academia, she passed her GCSEs and then devoted her life to swimming with Nottinghamshires elite Nova Centurion squad. By then she was already developing concerns about body image. Weve tried to bring the girls up to believe its about who you are not what you look like, Kay Adlington, 52, said last week. But my daughters always had insecurities about the way she looks. Sharron Davies, the Olympic swimmer turned BBC presenter and reality TV star ( Dancing on Ice, 2010), met Adlington four years before Beijing, when the 15-year-old came second in the 800 metres at the British championships, narrowly missing out on the qualifying time for the 2004 Games. I was amazed by her tenacity and

level-headedness, she recalls. She would never give up. Adlington went back to training and, as Beijing approached, she remained unknown outside the sport, a position Davies says suited an athlete who struggled with nerves. It was a lot easier coming in under the radar whereas in London in 2012 the pressure had become extraordinary, she says. Filled with confidence after her shock 400 metre victory, Adlington smashed the oldest world record in her sport in the 800 and life changed in an instant. But before she could adjust to the fun of fame, it was soon coloured by snide comments on social media and beyond. When Frankie Boyle, a Scottish comedian who has made a career out of being nasty, made a joke on a panel show about Adlingtons appearance, it prompted public outrage, a formal complaint by the swimmer, and a reprimand from the BBC Trust. With each setback, support for Adlington only grew. She employed a psychologist to help regain her focus, and promised to stop reading the comments, good or bad. The approach worked, and in 2011, the swimmer became the world 800-metre champion, arriving in London the following year as one of the faces of Team GB. But time was running out. In an event dominated by youth, 23 was, she admitted after her retirement, pretty old. No longer able to recover as quickly after training sessions, she was being overtaken by a new generation. The two bronze medals she won in London seemed like a disappointment to some, but Adlington has said they became a source of great pride. On the day she retired in February. Adlington launched SwimStars, an awareness and teaching campaign that she hopes will reverse a drop in swimming participation among the very young. She is training as a coach but, as Davies says, after a life of lengths and chlorine, she also loves the the glitz and glamour of fame and did not hesitate to accept the Im a Celebrity invitation. The show hopefully gives me a chance to talk about my vision of teaching kids to swim, she wrote on her website. Adlington perhaps did not account for the priorities of the shows editors, or media lapping up jungle intrigue. But those who know her say it would be wrong to think she regrets her appearance after one tearful episode. Davies sympathises with Adlingtons concerns about body image. When I was young and people wrote nasty things in a paper, it was tomorrows fish and chip paper today it stay with you forever. But, she adds, nobody becomes double Olympic gold medallist unless youre really tough in every single area of life. Shell be fine. Rob Woodhouse has managed Adlingtons since her Beijing breakthrough. Even then she was mature beyond her years as well as being a lovely person, and she still is, he says. And remember shes still 24. She went on the show to have fun and thats what shes doing. Shes shown very clearly this year that shes capable of managing a difference phase of her life and career. If Adlington does return from the jungle feeling burned by the glare of reality TV, she might yet choose to withdraw to her new life as coach, and the home she shares with her fianc, a swimmer called Harry Needs. Davies says she has no huge desire to be in front of camera for ever. In February, Adlington spoke to journalists beside a Derby pool filled with paddling toddlers, where she appeared to suggest relative anonymity may suit her. I love teaching the three- and four-year-olds who didnt have a Scooby-doo who I was, she said. It was so nice they just thought I was another teacher. A Life In Brief Born: Rebecca Adlington, 17 February 1989, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Family: Youngest of three daughters. Parents are businessman Steve, and Kay, a former office manager. Engaged to fellow swimmer Harry Needs. Education: GCSEs at the Brunts School, Mansfield. Career: Began swimming with Sherwood Colliery Swimming Club and swam for Nottinghamshire at county level. Won gold in the 400m and 800m freestyle at 2008 Beijing Olympics. Gold medals followed at European and Commonwealth level. Won two bronze at London 2012. Retired from competitive swimming in 2013.

She says: My vision is that every child in Britain will be able to swim 25m by the time they leave primary school. They say: Her down-to-earth personality and remarkable career achievements have made her a national treasure. Lord Coe

Rachel Riley leaves husband Jamie Gilbert after 16 months of marriage News - TV & Radio - The Independent
The maths expert, who recently starred in Strictly Come Dancing, married university sweetheart Jamie Gilbert last August. A spokeswoman for the star confirmed the pair, who live in Essex, have separated. Riley, who replaced Carol Vorderman on the daytime show, married in front of guests including co-star Nick Hewer. She was the fifth star to be voted off this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing, losing the dance-off to Abbey Clancy. Riley and partner, Pasha Kovalev, were unanimously given the boot by judges after the head-to-head battle with the model who has been touted as one of this year's main contenders. PA

Andy McSmith's Diary: The Tories new strategy: say Unite and Len McCluskey as often as possible - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
She was one of the original contenders when the seat became vacant because of Eric Joyces fist-flailing activities in a Commons bar. Another was Karie Murphy, who was backed by the Unite union. Councillor Gow was the one who first alleged that Unite was trying to rig the ballot. She thus helped set in motion events which meant that Christmas came early for the Conservatives. The more times a Tory can mention Unite and Falkirk, the happier they are. In one half-hour long session of Prime Ministers Questions, David Cameron mentioned Unite 10 times and its leader, Len McCluskey, five times. On Thursday, The Daily Telegraph website ran a 15 facts you need to know about Falkirk, written by the Tory MP Priti Patel. In the circumstances, Councillor Gow need not be surprised that the party has decided on a shortlist of three, none of whom has had any part in this mess. They are Pam Duncan, a disability rights campaigner, Monica Lennon, a young councillor from Hamilton, and Karen Whitefield, who was a member of the Scottish Parliament for 12 years. Blunt actions Having survived an attempt to get rid of him, Crispin Blunt, the Tory MP for Reigate, is out for retribution. He says that the leading members of the executive of his local party, who declined to readopt him as their candidate for 2015, have lost touch with their members, 80 per cent of whom backed Mr Blunt in a ballot. He has called for the resignations of the chair. Rita Renton, treasurer Richard Coad and president John Mill. They have not yet responded. Ordure, ordure (Part 1) That story in The Sun that David Cameron had told his staff to get rid of all the green crap gave Labour MPs an excuse to say crap in the Commons, which they have seized with gusto. Ed Miliband led the way at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, reading out a tweet which included the hashtag #greencrap. Yesterday, the Labour MP Karl Turner invited the Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, to say what he thought of the phrase. Half an hour later, Bill Esterson asked the leader of the Commons, Andrew Lansley: May we have a debate on what the Prime Minister means by green crap? At this point the Speaker, John Bercow, decided to issue a caution: I think that

you were quoting. In those circumstances, the use of such a word is perfectly orderly, but I would not want colleagues to think that it is to be encouraged ordinarily, for it is not. Ordure, ordure (Part 2) But on that subject, the Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson, told MPs earlier in the week: For the first time, we are opening a market for businesses to recycle and re-use waste water as a new water resource. They will also be able to purchase sewage sludge that might otherwise have been sent to landfill for example, for use in anaerobic digestion plants. So they dont just say it: they sell it. Hogwarts must try harder Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre in the Forest of Dean, where J!K Rowling was head girl in 1982, and where her mother worked, and where there was a chemistry teacher on whom Harry Potters tormentor Severus Snape is reputedly modelled, has failed its Ofsted inspection, the Western Daily Press reports. The inspectors report noted that achievement is particularly low in English.

Morrissey attacks Barack Obama over 'Thankskilling' turkey slaughter News - Music - The Independent
Entitled 'Thankskilling', the letter claims that 45 million turkeys are "horrifically abused" over a holiday period that unashamedly "supports torture". The Smiths frontman wrote on his fan website True To You that the Thanksgiving 'turkey pardon' ceremony at the White House is "environmentally irresponsible" and sets an "abysmal example". During the annual tradition, the US president is presented with a live National Thanksgiving Turkey he then spares from the slaughterhouse with a 'presidential pardon'. Thanksgiving turkeys are "dragged through electrified stun baths and then have their throat slits" as "President Obama laughs", Morrissey said. A long time animal advocate, the "Suedehead" singer continued: "As Ingrid Newkirk from PETA points out, turkey 'meat' is one of [America's[ top killers, causing heart attacks and strokes in humans due to saturated animal fats and cholesterol." Morrissey has penned songs about animal rights in the past, singing "the turkey you festively slice is murder do you know how animals die?" in the pro-vegetarian "Meat Is Murder". The turkey pardon took place earlier today after The White House allowed voters to choose which turkey would be spared via a poll posted on Twitter. Popcorn beat Caramel to the honour but Obama pardoned them both "a reprieve from cranberry sauce and stuffing". President Obama: Popcorn, you have a full reprieve from cranberry sauce & stuffing. We wish you well. #TeamPopcorn pic.twitter.com/Qyuj06UMhl m The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 27, 2013 Morrissey is no stranger to verbal tirades. Just last week he engaged with Russell Brand's call for a political revolution in another fan site letter lamenting the "sick face of modern Britain". The singer was revealed earlier this week as one of the artists to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in December, alongside Jake Bugg and Mary J Blige.

Lewis Collins: The Professionals' Bodie dies at 67 after five-year cancer struggle - News - TV & Radio - The Independent

struggle - News - TV & Radio - The Independent

The actor, who is best known for his role as Bodie in 70s TV series The Professionals, died in Los Angeles yesterday after a five-year struggle with cancer. His agent said Collins died peacefully in his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family, and asked for privacy during this very sad time. The Professionals, which propelled Collins and co-star Martin Shaw to stardom, was based around the adventures of a fictional crime-fighting unit called CI5. Its memorable theme tune and action-packed plots made it a huge hit during its run on ITV from 1977 to 1983. Shaw, currently appearing in a West End production of 12 Angry Men, said he was saddened by the news of his costars death. I was very sad to hear today that Lewis has died. We spent a very tough four years together in making The Professionals, and shared in the production of what has become an icon of British Television, he said. "He will be remembered as part of the childhood of so many people, and mourned by his fans. I send my love and condolences to his family, and the great many who will miss him."

Lewis Collins practising stunts for 'Who Dares Wins' (Getty) Collins' other most notable role came in the 1982 film Who Dares Wins, when he played a member of the SAS. Around this time, he auditioned for the role of James Bond, but his audition was reported to be too aggressive. His other TV appearances included Jack the Ripper (1988), Cluedo (1991-2) and The Bill (2002), but he did not achieve the same success brought by The Professionals. Born in May 1946 in Cheshire, Collins worked as a drummer in local bands and as a womens hairdresser before becoming an actor. He went on to train at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and toured with a number of theatre companies before making his West End debut. He is survived by his wife Michelle and their three sons.

Justin Bieber ordered to clean up graffiti in Australia - News - Music - The Independent
The singer painted some images of cartoon characters onto a Gold Coast hotel wall, to the disgust of the local mayor. Mayor Tom Tate said: This eyesore has no place in the city. If thats the example Justin wants to set, its really unfortunate. But at the end of the day itll get cleaned up, whether or not he decides to. The mayor also sent a direct tweet to Bieber, saying: Glad you had a great time on Australias #goldcoast. Hope to see you back soon to clean up your mess. Make me a #belieber.

The local council has ordered the QT Hotel to paint over the graffiti but the hotel defended the pop star's actions. Staff said they wanted to keep the graffiti for fans to enjoy. The piece of artwork will be left for fans to enjoy. We believe it is a wonderful addition to the colourful Gold Coast arts scene, the hotel said in a statement. It added it had given Bieber permission to paint on the wall. The 19-year-old singer was investigated by police for defacing a building with graffiti in Rio de Janeiro earlier this month. The pop singer was visiting the famous beach strip following his Believe world tour shows in Brisbane. The Canadian singer has been at the centre of a number of negative headlines this year, including lashing out at a photographer in London, urinating in a restaurant mop bucket and having to abandon his pet monkey in Germany. With additional reporting from Reuters

Melanie Sykes cautioned after assaulting husband Jack Cockings - Crime UK - The Independent
The 43-year-old spent a night in custody before admitting to the offence and accepting a caution, police said. A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: Police were called approximately 9.45pm on Tuesday 26 November to a residential address in Hampstead following reports of an assault. A 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of common assault and taken to a north London police station. She has since been given a caution for common assault. Sykes husband, Jack Cockings, 27, did not require hospital treatment, police said. A spokesman for Sykes declined to comment. The television presenter, who found fame in adverts for Boddingtons beer in the mid-nineties, married Cockings in May.

Melanie Sykes with husband Jack Cockings (@MsMelanieSykes) The couple met on Twitter in early 2012, and raised eyebrows with their flirty public exchanges. Sykes, a former model, has hosted shows including The Big Breakfast, Today with Des and Mel and Lunch with Gino and Mel.

She served as a guest panellist on ITVs Loose Women in 2005 and returned to host the show in 2008. The presenter has two sons aged 11 and nine from her marriage to Italian actor Daniel Caltagirone, which ended in 2009.

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Video: Crash dummies demonstrate how ski helmets reduce the risk of serious injury In the footsteps of the US: Why next man on Moon will be Chinese Sexual frustration will give you a shorter and more stressful life (if you are a fruit fly) World's oldest prehistoric toilet unearthed in Argentina Comet Ison: Blow for stargazers as 'comet of the century' destroyed by the Sun The key to marital bliss? Use your gut instinct Couples that drink together, stay together Comet Ison: Hope for 'comet of the century' after encounter with the Sun

Video: Crash dummies demonstrate how ski helmets reduce the risk of serious injury - Science - News - The Independent
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voices Ian Birrell: According to Thabo Mbeki, Tony Blair wanted to overthrow Robert Mugabe by force News

news Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser News

tech New CEO Marissa Mayer plans to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web Arts & Entertainment

arts + ents Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who - you've seen them all before News

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In the footsteps of the US: Why next man on Moon will be Chinese - Science News - The Independent
The take-off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province marks the latest stage in Chinas grand ambitions not just to put a man on Moon by the end of the next decade, but to build a permanent lunar base from which it can plan missions to Mars and beyond. While the United States scales back its grand ideals of re-conquering the Moon, China is forging ahead with a bold three-step programme beginning with the robotic exploration of possible landing sites for the first Chinese astronauts to set foot on lunar soil between 2025 and 2030. This launch fits in perfectly with Chinas logical development of its capabilities in space, said science writer and astrophysicist David Whitehouse, author of The Moon A Biography. It is sending astronauts into space to do more complicated things each mission, and each Moon probe builds on the last. They plan to bring them together and its very possible the next person to walk on the Moon could be Chinese in 15 years time, Dr Whitehouse said. It is now 10 years since China sent its first astronaut into space. It quickly followed this up with the first Chinese spacewalk and docking procedure in space. At the same time, it has instigated a progressively more complex set of unmanned lunar missions with increasingly sophisticated probes. Tomorrows launch of the Change-3 lunar probe will be the first to involve a soft landing. The last time anything touched down softly on the Moon was Russias Luna-24 probe in 1976 indicating how lunar exploration has shifted towards more remote orbiting satellites. The probe is targeted to land within a huge volcanic crater known as Sinus Iridum, which means the Bay of Rainbows, on about 14 December. Once it has landed, a small, six-wheeled rover called Yutu, or Jade Rabbit, will be powered up by its solar panels to begin the exploration of the surrounding moonscape. Yutu is designed to roam the lunar surface for at least 90 Earth days three Lunar days covering an area of about five square kilometres. It will send probes beneath the surface as well as taking high-resolution images of the rock, a flat area formed from the molten basalt released by lunar volcanoes several billion years ago.

The journey of the Change-3 probe and its the final landing will be closely monitored by the European Space Agency (ESA), which is cooperating closely with China. ESAs own launch station in Kourou, French Guiana, will immediately start receiving signals from the mission after take-off and it will upload commands to the probe on behalf of the Chinese control centre. Whether for human or robotic missions, international cooperation like this is necessary for the future exploration of planets, moons and asteroids, benefitting everyone, said Thomas Reiter, director of ESAs human spaceflight operations. The cooperation extends to having a team of Chinese engineers stationed at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, said Erik Soerensen, who is in charge of helping to track the mission for China. While were very international at ESOC, hardly anyone speaks Mandarin, so having Chinese colleagues on site will really help in case of any unforeseen problems, Mr Soerensen said. The next unmanned probe, the Change-4, is designed to bring back samples of lunar rock to Earth while the one after that will analyse the impact zone created by the previous landing opening the way to the second, manned phase of the Chinese space programme. When China announced its lunar exploration programme in 2004 it made no secret of the fact that it wanted to follow in Americas footsteps, quite literally, but putting a man on the Moon. But even more ambitious than this, China said that the third and final phase of the programme will include the establishment of a moon base. It was perhaps no accident that China announced this just after President George Bush said in January 2004 that it was time for the US to return to the Moon and to use it as a permanent outpost for a manned mission to Mars. However, the dream of a lunar base was shattered in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2008. In 2010 President Barrack Obama cancelled Nasas Constellation programme to build a new generation of rockets that could send people to the Moon and beyond in a new spaceship called Orion. Nasa was left to pick up the pieces by attempting to attract commercial partners. We are changing the way we do business, fostering a commercial industry that will safely service low Earth orbit so we can focus our energy and resources on sending astronauts to an asteroid and eventually to Mars, it says on the moribund Constellation website. One such mission is a 1kg greenhouse canister that Nasa hopes to land on the Moon in 2015, courtesy of the unmanned Google Lunar X-Prize lander mission, a privately-sponsored space effort. The canister will contain a selection of crop seeds to see how they will germinate and grow under the lunar conditions of intense sunlight, high radiation and low gravity. It will provide valuable data for any future lunar base whoever is the first to build one. Chinas Long March into space 1970: China launches its first satellite, the Dongfanghong 1, which orbits for 26 days and broadcasts the Communist song The East is Red. 1975: First remote-sensing satellite collects data on extra-terrestrial objects. Recovered after three days in orbit. 1999: An unmanned experimental spacecraft, the Shenzhou 1, is launched, the first of several over the next three years to prepare the ground for the first manned missions. 2003: Yang Liwei becomes the first Chinese astronaut in space, travelling aboard the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft. 2007: China launches its first lunar probe, the Change 1, which maps the surface of the Moon during a mission lasting 16 months. 2008: The first Chinese spacewalk takes place on the Shenzhou 7, which is the third manned space mission. Zhai

2008: The first Chinese spacewalk takes place on the Shenzhou 7, which is the third manned space mission. Zhai Zhigang steps out into space 43 years after the first ever spacewalk, by Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov in 1974. 2011: First unmanned space docking, of Shenzhou 8 and Tiangong 1. The module is a prototype of first Chinese space station, planned for 2020. 2012: First manned space docking, involving Chinas first woman in space, Liu Yang.

Sexual frustration will give you a shorter and more stressful life (if you are a fruit fly) - Science - News - The Independent
Scientists made the discovery by genetically modifying male flies to release female sex pheromones. Other males were left nearby and therefore instantly aroused by the pheromones. Some were allowed to mate, but others weren't. The findings, published in the journal Science, show that the sexually frustrated flies' lives were 40 per cent shorter, while those who did mate suffered less stress. Dr Scott Pletcher, Assistant Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology at the University of Michigan, coauthored the research. He told the BBC: "We immediately observed that (the non-mating flies) looked quite sick very soon in the presence of these effeminised males." A brain chemical, neuropeptide F (NPF), appeared to play a big role. NPF levels went up once flies were aroused. It would normally go down again upon mating. But when it stayed high, it caused the stress and apparently the premature deaths. Dr Pletcher went on: "Evolutionarily we hypothesise the animals are making a bet to determine that mating will happen soon. "Those that correctly predict may be in a better position, they either produce more sperm or devote more energy to reproduction in expectation, and this may have some consequences [if they do not mate]."

World's oldest prehistoric toilet unearthed in Argentina - Archaeology Science - The Independent
The dung deposited by rhino-like megaherbivores was clustered together, suggesting for the first time that ancient reptiles shared collective dumping grounds. The communal latrines are now being described as the world's oldest public toilet. Many modern animals defaecate in socially agreed spaces for social and biological reasons, such as to mark territory, as a defence against predators and to prevent intestinal parasite re-infestation. The fossil 'coprolites', which were up to 40cm wide, were discovered in patches across the Chanares Formation in La Rioja province. These dung piles were deposited there by the Dinodontosaurus, an eight-foot-long ancient animal similar to the rhino, common in the Triassic period. The researchers recorded a density of 94 poos per square metre, spread across patches 900 square metres in size and preserved by a sheet of volcanic ash, lead researcher Dr Lucas Fiorelli told the BBC. The study, published in Scientific Reports, could provide more information on diet and diseases. When cracked open they reveal fragments of extinct plants, fungi, and gut parasites, Martin Hechenleitner, a fellow author on the study said. Each poo is a snapshot of an ancient ecosystem - the vegetation and the food chain."

The authors concluded: "This is the first evidence of megaherbivore communal latrines in non-mammal vertebrates, indicating that this mammal-type behaviour was present in distant relatives of mammals, and predates its previous oldest record by 220 Mya."

Comet Ison: Blow for stargazers as 'comet of the century' destroyed by the Sun - Science - News - The Independent
We dont think it survived because we dont see any new dust, Nasas Solar Dynamics Laboratory said. It was hoped that Comet Ison would provide a spectacular sight in the sky next month - but the signs were that it had been burned up on its journey. The comet was due to graze the outer layers of the sun at 6.37pm UK time tonight, approaching as close as 730,000 miles (1,174, 821km) from the star's surface. As it brushed past the Sun, the comet would encounter temperatures of more than 2,700C (4,892F), enough to vaporise rock. If enough of it survived, it promised to be one of the brightest seen this century, but its fate would be decided by its size. At around 1.2 miles (2km) across, it was thought it could be just big enough to avoid being melted away or turned to dust. Even at a greatly reduced size it was hoped it could produce a glorious long tail, visible to the naked eye from the UK from December 1 onwards. Images from Nasa spacecraft showed the comet approaching for its slingshot around the Sun today - but nothing coming out on the other side. US Navy solar researcher Karl Battams said: "Ison probably hasn't survived this journey." Phil Plait, an astronomer who runs the Bad Astronomy blog, agreed, saying: "I don't think the comet made it." However he said it would not be all bad news if the rock broke into pieces, because astronomers might be able to study them and learn more about comets.

The key to marital bliss? Use your gut instinct - Science - News - The Independent
A study of 135 newly-wed couples who were followed over a four-year period found that what people say about their partner is not always what they think deep down - but it is this gut reaction that matters for future marital happiness. The optimism shown by all the couples at the outset of their marriage generally declined over time but the level of growing dissatisfaction with their spouse was directly related to the inner-most feelings at the outset - which they actively suppressed, the scientists found. Those who harboured the most negative gut reaction to their partners after six months of marriage were also the ones who felt the most dissatisfied and unhappy after four years of marriage, according to Professor James McNulty of Florida State University in Tallahassee, who led the study published in the journal Science. "Everyone wants to be in a good marriage and in the beginning many people are able to convince themselves of that at a conscious level," Professor McNulty said. "But these automatic, gut-level responses are less influenced by what people want to think. You can't make yourself have a positive response through a lot of wishful thinking," he said.

have a positive response through a lot of wishful thinking," he said. Measuring gut feelings was not straightforward and the researchers used an established psychological technique for determining someone's subconscious thoughts by measuring the time it took for them to react to photographs of a spouse. The experiment involved flashing a photograph of someone's partner on a computer screen for just one third of a second, followed by a positive word such as "awesome" or "terrific" or a negative word such as "awful" or "terrible. The subjects had to respond to whether the words were positive or negative by pressing a computer key and their reaction times were measured down to thousandths of a second. But it takes longer to respond to negative words if someone's gut feelings toward their spouse also tends to be negative, Professor McNulty said. "It's generally an easy task, but flashing a picture of their spouse makes people faster or slower depending on their automatic attitude towards their spouse," he said. "People who have really positive feelings about their partners are very quick to indicate that words like 'awesome' are positive and very slow to indicate that words like 'awful' are negative words," he added. People with negative gut feelings towards their partner had a harder time overcoming the negative reaction they momentarily felt on seeing their spouse's photograph, which delayed their reaction time to the positive words. Perhaps not surprisingly, this negative gut reaction had little connection to what the couples were saying about their partners. Whether they realised it or not they were supressing their gut feelings, Professor McNulty said. Yet, it was clear that gut reactions were a better predictor of future happiness or dissatisfaction than conscious appraisals of partners at the outset of a marriage, the study found. "The more positive spouses' automatic attitudes were at baseline, the less their marital satisfaction declined over time," the researchers concluded. Professor McNulty said: "I think the findings suggest that people may want to attend a little bit to their gut. If they can sense that their gut is telling them that there is a problem, then they might benefit from exploring that, maybe even with a professional marriage counsellor."

Couples that drink together, stay together - Science - News - The Independent
Surprisingly, if both partners drank equally heavy than their chances of splitting up were no higher than couples that didnt drink at all. Our results indicate that it is the difference between the couples drinking habits, rather than the drinking itself, that leads to marital dissatisfaction, separation and divorce, said Kenneth Leonard, PhD, RIA director and lead author of the study. The researchers found that during the nine year study, couples where only one member drank heavily got divorced 50 per cent of the time. By comparison, the rate of separation for all other couples (when both partners drank, or did not drink, equal amounts) was 30 per cent. Heavy drinking spouses may be more tolerant of negative experiences related to alcohol due to their own drinking habits, said Leonard. Although he also noted that whilst heavy drinkers stayed together, their drinking would certainly affect other aspects of family life: While two heavy drinkers may not divorce, they may create a particularly bad climate for their children. For the purpose of the study heavy drinking was defined as drinking more than six drinks in a night or drinking until intoxicated. The study, which was co-authored by Gregory Homish and Philip Smith, two PhD students from

the university, also took into account other factors that could have affected the marriages, including substance abuse and depression. The researchers also found that divorce rates were slightly higher when the sole heavy drinker was a woman, but that there was not enough evidence to constitute a significant finding. Leonard suggested that this might be because heavy drinking by women goes against perceived gender roles, and therefore might lead to more conflict. The findings will appear in the December issue of the Pscyhology journal and was supported by the USs National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Leonard hopes that the study will be helpful to marriage therapists and mental health practitioners, who can explore whether a difference in drinking habits is causing conflicts between couples seeking help. This research provides solid evidence to bolster the commonplace notion that heavy drinking by one partner can lead to divorce, he said. Although some people might think thats a likely outcome, there was surprisingly little data to back up that claim until now.

Comet Ison: Hope for 'comet of the century' after encounter with the Sun Science - News - The Independent
Comet Ison was due to pass within 730,000 miles of the Suns surface shortly after 6.30pm. It was initially declared dead after it did not re-emerge from behind the sun with the expected brightness. We dont think it survived because we dont see any new dust, Nasas Solar Dynamics Laboratory said. It was hoped that Comet Ison would provide a spectacular sight in the sky in early December. If enough of it had survived, it promised to be one of the brightest seen this century. At around 1.2 miles (2km) across, it was thought it could be just big enough to avoid being melted away by the Sun or turned to dust. Even at a greatly reduced size it was hoped it could produce a glorious long tail, visible to the naked eye from the UK from 1 December onwards. Images from Nasa spacecraft showed the comet approaching for its slingshot around the sun today - but nothing emerging from the other side, suggesting it had been burned up on its journey. However, recent pictures have suggested a brightening of what could be a small part of the comet, according to the BBC. This could continue brightening, or could simply fizzle out. As the comet brushed past the Sun, it would have encountered temperatures of more than 2,700C (4,892F), enough to vaporise rock. Click here for a gallery of images and essential facts about Comet Ison, including tips on how to see it for yourself US Navy solar researcher Karl Battams said: "Ison probably hasn't survived this journey." Phil Plait, an astronomer who runs the Bad Astronomy blog, agreed, saying: "I don't think the comet made it." But it would not be all bad news if it broke into fragments, he said, because astronomers might be able to study them and learn more about comets. Nasa solar physicist Alex Young said it would take a few hours to confirm Ison's demise, but things were not looking good. He said the comet had been expected to appear in images from the Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft at around 5pm British time, but almost four hours later there was "no sign of it whatsoever". He added: "Maybe over the last couple of days it's been breaking up. The nucleus could have been gone a day or so

ago." Astronomer Dr Dan Brown, from Nottingham Trent University, said earlier: "Astronomers around the world are hoping that Ison will become an amazing sight for the naked eye in the first half of December. They are keeping a close eye on it, using some of their solar observatories in space. "People at home can also capture a glimpse if it survives. Just look out for it half an hour before sunrise from December 1 onwards. It will be visible low in the east-south-eastern horizon. "This close encounter with the sun also offers a unique opportunity for astronomers to analyse the composition of a comet. Comets are icy, dusty snowballs - the remains from the formation of our solar system 4.5 billion years ago. "The long tail containing the material frozen in the comet and released through the heat of the sun offers astronomers the chance to identify different elements." The comet was discovered last year by two amateur astronomers using Russia's International Scientific Optical Network (Ison). It was born in the Oort cloud, a shell of scattered icy objects right at the outermost edge of the Solar System. The cloud is nearly a light year from the sun, a quarter of the distance to our nearest neighbouring star, Proxima Centauri. Sometimes a comet is nudged out of the cloud by the gravitational tug of a passing star, and sent on a journey taking millions of years that eventually brings it into the inner Solar System.

News - Media

Selling like 'Holiday Hotcakes': Nigella Lawson's unusual social media strategy pays off Salman Rushdie, Richard Dawkins and Rowan Williams call on newspapers to accept Royal Charter How the Leveson Report stopped the press in its tracks: One year on, the forensic cataloguing of media bullying retains its power to shock

Selling like 'Holiday Hotcakes': Nigella Lawson's unusual social media strategy pays off - Crime - UK - The Independent
Comforting recipes are not the conventional weaponry of a celebrity PR war, but the TV cook has reacted to the traducing of her public reputation on the newspaper front pages by tweeting about eggnog, pumpkin and chicken nuggets. Holiday Hotcake was one offering to her half a million followers this week, just as Isleworth Crown Court was hearing claims by her ex-husband Charles Saatchi that she was a habitual criminal who used so much cocaine that he called her Higella. The recipe for the warming, welcoming pud was dedicated to those showing support for #teamnigella. That was a reference to the crucial ingredient in her otherwise low-profile PR strategy.Team Nigella has been a nimble deployment of Ms Lawsons large network of famous friends and army of viewers and readers. I know and adore Nigella and just cant bear the vilification shes getting, commented Twitter heavyweight Stephen Fry, dutifully using the hashtag. Jemima Khan, also using the hashtag, dryly noted that if there was ever a harmful charlie addiction, it was only to

Saatchi himself. Comfort food and kind words on social media can only do so much, however. In the press, Ms Lawson has been torn to pieces. Nigella: The Habitual Criminal, reported the front page of the Daily Mail, while The Sun splashed with Higella, quoting the term coined by Mr Saatchi, one of Britains most successful advertising copywriters. The art collector likes to take control of his own PR and enjoys strong connections in the press. Danny Rogers, editor of Campaign magazine and former editor of PR Week, noted the ferocity of the press coverage. The reaction suggests she doesnt have many friends in the tabloids. They seemed to be quick to gun for her and she has been absolutely destroyed over what is just an allegation. She will be hoping for a public backlash against Saatchis apparent aggression, he said. The story has emphasised the impact of a paparazzi photograph and also exposed its limitations. Back in June, when the Sunday People pictured Ms Lawson being held by the throat by Mr Saatchi outside Scotts restaurant in London, the story was of the TV chef as a victim of domestic violence. This week, the press has focused on another photograph from the same set of 355 pictures captured by the picture agency JG Photos. It shows the art collector holding his wifes nose. The photographer, known as Jean-Paul, said that he felt the pictures had new resonance following the drug allegations. When we originally looked at those pictures they showed domestic abuse but its hard to ascertain what was said at that table, he said. Ms Lawson is being advised by her sister Horatia and her long-standing PR manager Mark Hutchinson, who has represented her since 1998. Mr Hutchinson is credited with having played a major role in developing the cooks career as a writer and broadcaster with her television company making profits of 2.4m in the year to August 2012. But his company Mark Hutchinson Management, which lists JK Rowling and author Andrea Levy as its other key clients, is primarily a literary PR firm, rather than a specialist in crisis communications. When the throttling picture was published, Hutchinson is said to have asked Mr Saatchi to apologise and admit he was ashamed. Instead, Saatchi complained in a statement given to the Mail on Sunday that his wife had been advised to make no public comment defending his reputation. And in court, Saatchi stated that despite the claims in his widely-reported private email to Nigella he had never seen any evidence of his former wife taking drugs. The public spat may have boosted newspaper circulations, but it has helped neither of the protagonists. Alan Edwards, the founder of the Outside Organisation, which has represented both David Bowie and the Beckhams, said: This weeks revelations might engender some sympathy for Saatchi but there are no winners in this battle, especially Nigella, who is more dependent on the support of the public.

Salman Rushdie, Richard Dawkins and Rowan Williams call on newspapers to accept Royal Charter - Press - Media - The Independent
The petition of high-profile figures has been drawn up by the press reform campaign Hacked Off to put pressure on

newspapers which are close to setting up a new regulator, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. The signatories to the declaration many of whom are from the arts world say newspapers will rise in public esteem if they embrace the Royal Charter. It is our view that this Charter safeguards the press from political interference while also giving vital protection to the vulnerable, the declaration states. The Royal Charter, granted by the Privy Council last month, has been rejected by most newspaper and magazine organisations, raising the likelihood that it will be unrecognised by the publishers that sign up to IPSO. But the supporters of the pro-Charter declaration include a number of senior media figures including the former editor of The Sun, David Yelland. The list includes the authors JK Rowling, Helen Fielding and Monica Ali, the playwrights Sir Tom Stoppard and Sir Alan Ayckbourn, the film directors Sir Alan Parker and Guy Ritchie, and the director of the National Theatre Sir Nicholas Hytner. It also been signed by the sports broadcasters Clare Balding and Gary Lineker. Actor Hugh Grant, a director of Hacked Off, told The Independent: This shows that a legion of serious literary and creative people who really understand free expression is full-square behind the Charter.

How the Leveson Report stopped the press in its tracks: One year on, the forensic cataloguing of media bullying retains its power to shock - Press Media - The Independent
But the report's influence on British life has been out of all proportion to its readership. Not one but two charters for a new press regulator have now been put to the Privy Council. According to the report's critics, its proposals herald the end of more than 300 years of press freedom even though Lord Justice Leveson was at pains to insist that this was not the case. According to its backers, its recommendations are overwhelmingly supported by the public even though it seems unlikely that many people know precisely what they are. In the coming week, national newspapers are under pressure to decide whether to align themselves with the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) the body that the industry has set up in defiance of the Royal Charter backed by all three main political parties or to seek some other response to the threat, if they do not sign up to the Royal Charter, of having to pay potentially ruinous exemplary damages. Yet reading through the report today one is left with the impression not of a remaking of the regulatory landscape but, overwhelmingly, of the misery and distress caused over many years by newspapers' invasion of privacy, even when there was not a shred of public interest.The report gives many examples. Sienna Miller, not knowing that her phone was being hacked, was led falsely to accuse close family members and friends of leaking stories to the press. Max Mosley expressed the belief that the constant, unflattering and unpleasant coverage of him was a contributing factor in the suicide of his son. In a similar case, Margaret Watson set out her conclusion that inaccurate and partial reporting of the murder of her daughter, Diane, contributed significantly to the suicide of her son, Alan, who was unable to cope with the unsubstantiated allegations levelled at his dead sister.

Actress Sienna Miller's phone was hacked (AFP/Getty Images) Then there are the notorious incidents involving the Dowlers, the McCanns and the wrongly arrested Christopher Jefferies. When the Dowlers decided one day to walk home from Walton-on-Thames railway station following the route that their missing daughter, Milly, habitually took, they intended it to be an intensely private moment. But, forewarned, the News of the World had stationed a photographer with a long lens somewhere along the route. The newspaper published a picture the following Sunday: "Face etched with pain, missing Milly's mum softly touches a poster of her girl as she and her hubby retrace her last footsteps." So much for privacy. Of the McCanns, the report observes: "They had become a news item, a commodity, almost a piece of public property where the public's right to know possessed few if any boundaries." The completely innocent Christopher Jefferies told the Inquiry that "the tabloid press had decided that I was guilty of Ms Yeates' murder and seemed determined to persuade the public of my guilt". Editors and journalists in the popular press dare not allow themselves to dwell on the harm that their invasions of privacy can cause. Otherwise they would not be able to do the job they have set themselves. For they serve a large market of newspaper buyers who relish gossip about people in the news whether they are stars of entertainment or sport, or members of the Royal Family, or just ordinary people like the Dowlers or the McCanns, who have got caught up in dreadful events. This is not the serious journalism that these newspapers also do, such as the Mail on Sunday's exposure of Reverend Paul Flowers' performance as chairman of the Co-op Bank, but entertainment. In effect, celebrities become unofficial members of the families of newspaper readers or of their circles of friends. We like to hear about them, and so we ask each other: "Did you see that Charles and Camilla have been to Sri Lanka for some meeting or other?" It is as if Charles were one's uncle or Camilla one's aunt. I did this myself on Wednesday morning when I asked my wife if she had seen what Charles Saatchi had alleged about his former wife, Nigella Lawson. We don't know them, but we think we do. This appetite for gossip is fact. You cannot wish it away. Magazines (and websites) also meet this demand, so that is where newspaper readers would go if newspapers suddenly stopped providing this sort of coverage. In this light, the discovery by journalists of the techniques of phone hacking seemed like a gift. It provided strong stories and didn't seem a terribly wrong thing to be doing. Phone hacking was seen as a brilliant, uncontroversial technique. Except that it wasn't only that. It was illegal, it invaded privacy in a particularly surreptitious manner, and it magnified the hurt and harm that newspapers cause when they write about people's private lives. As the Leveson report relates, the practice suddenly became public by chance. In December 2005, the Royal Household told Scotland Yard that they were concerned that the voicemail messages of the private and personal secretaries to Princes William and Harry had been unlawfully intercepted. Information published by the News of the World in Clive Goodman's column suggested knowledge of the content of voicemail messages left on their mobile phones. The police decided to investigate phone hacking for the first time perhaps because it involved the Royal Family.

Sally and Bob Dowler, the parents of Milly Dowler (EPA) By August 2006, they were in a position to arrest Clive Goodman and Glen Mulcaire, a private investigator who worked for the News of the World. Police searches had generated suspicions that Mr Mulcaire's work was centred on obtaining access to voicemails, mainly for the News of the World in return for substantial cash payments. Mr Goodman and Mr Mulcaire went to trial and were found guilty. They were sentenced to four and six months respectively. Much more might have been discovered implicating the press, but the police operation was prematurely shut down. Scotland Yard pleaded shortage of resources and better things to do. The same thing happened to another line of inquiry. In 2001, the Devon & Cornwall police were investigating an allegation of blackmail in Plymouth. A member of the public had obtained details of the criminal convictions of someone else. It turned out that an officer serving with the same force had accessed the Police National Computer record of the victim. It looked as if he had passed the information on to private investigators working for the alleged blackmailer. As their inquiries progressed, the police discovered a network of investigators, in the main retired police officers, who were sourcing on demand information from police employees or from other agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions. This investigation led to, among others, a particular private investigator, Steve Whittamore. The police searched his premises. In detailed ledgers, they found invoices to journalists setting out what information was sought and the fee. This was also a matter for the Information Commissioner, who is guardian of Data Protection, with powers to prosecute. Inexplicably, however, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) never got as far as even interviewing any journalist to see whether there was a case for bringing criminal charges. A former senior official at the ICO told Lord Justice Leveson why he thought nothing had been done. He said (although others at ICO disputed his interpretation) that the decision "not to pursue any journalist was based solely on fear fear of the power, wealth and influence of the Press and the fear of the backlash that could follow if the press turned against the ICO". There was a third important institution that dropped the baton, the Press Complaints Commission (PCC). Given its role, this was the most serious failure of all. As Leveson observes, there was no reason why the PCC should not have investigated allegations of phone hacking. Indeed, it made two attempts, one in 2007 and another in 2009. In both reports, the PCC concluded that there was no evidence that phone hacking was widespread. And in 2009, observed Leveson, "there was the additional feature of the belittling of those who were contending that hacking was widespread". We have arrived at an important point in the story. As the Leveson Report makes plain, three institutions that might have gripped the scandal of phone hacking at an early stage failed to do so. After Scotland Yard had dealt with Mr Goodman and Mr Mulcaire, it lost interest. The Information Commissioner never got started. And the PCC had a go but missed the point. What explains these failings? The report never quite pins this down, but one explanation is that the press as a whole seemed too powerful to attack. As Leveson puts it: "The press are in a unique position as they carry a very large megaphone; if people cooperate, that megaphone can be used to enhance careers: for those who complain or challenge titles, the megaphone can be used to destroy them."

Unread: the Leveson Inquiry report has been placed on high shelves and forgotten (Getty Images) It is worth noting, in this context, that lawyers bringing claims against News International (publisher of the Sun, the News of the World, The Times and the Sunday Times) were subjected to ongoing surveillance "commissioned with a view to trying to force them to remove themselves from the litigation". Today, however, the once-mighty newspaper industry is a wounded beast. Many journalists are facing criminal charges for corrupt practices of various kinds, including phone hacking. Indeed many of them have suddenly learnt what their victims must have felt: their life and their family's life ruined by the decisions of a seemingly impersonal institution, in this case the criminal justice system, as they pass anxious months waiting to learn whether they will go to trial or not and, if they do, how it will turn out. Moreover, the Press Complaints Commission has been forced to throw in the towel. Lord Black, chair of the body that finances it, told the Inquiry that the existing system had lost the confidence of Parliament, of the public and of the judiciary It had also lost the support of parts of the newspaper and magazine publishing industry. And the Prime Minister, David Cameron, told the House of Commons: "Let's be honest. The Press Complaints Commission has failed. In this case, the hacking case, frankly it was pretty much absent." Lord Justice Leveson recommended that there should be a new press standards body created by the industry, with a new code of conduct. And that body should be backed by legislation, which would create a means to ensure that the regulation was independent and effective. Thus into the field have come two versions of a new regulatory body: the Government's Royal Charter proposal, and a popular press version that dispenses with any element of government participation. Three newspapers have largely stood aside from the wrangling between the Royal Charter proponents and the hands-off-our-press brigade: The Independent, The Guardian and the Financial Times. It is an invidious choice for such newspapers to have to make. The Independent, for example, has struggled for all 27 years of its existence to produce ethical journalism. We have not always succeeded, but we have not hacked phones or harassed people or knowingly used paparazzi photographs or paid witnesses or suborned public officials. We have attempted to abide by our industry's Editor's Code and have acknowledged our failings in print. Leveson's scrutiny of our working practices was (to put it politely) cursory. One of his statements about this newspaper was pasted in from a hoax Wikipedia entry. Yet now, thanks to his report, and the Crimes and Courts Act 2013 enacted to create a mechanism by which Leveson's recommendations could be enforced we, too, are faced with Leveson's Choice. We must decide whether to: wait for a regulatory body to emerge that complies with the Royal Charter (thus offering potential for state interference); defy the three main political parties, sign up to Ipso and risk exemplary damages even arising from correct stories that could put us out of business; or (my preferred option) choose neither route but still face the same ruinous threat.

option) choose neither route but still face the same ruinous threat. One year on, the Leveson Report retains its power to shock with its forensic cataloguing based on the examination of more than 300 witnesses of a culture of media bullying. Yet its most shocking and lasting impact may yet turn out to be the damage it inflicts on the publications that have tried hardest to do the right thing.

News - Education

Nottingham: City where the majority of schools are classed as failing by Ofsted Schools urged to scrap unfair admissions rule for siblings Students occupy University of Sussex campus building for second time A-level reforms threaten moves to persuade more disadvantaged students to go to university, says Ucas chief 'Lost' student loans worth 5bn are written off

Nottingham: City where the majority of schools are classed as failing by Ofsted - Schools - Education - The Independent
Six of Nottinghams nine secondary schools are understood to have been placed in special measures the education watchdogs jargon for schools that are considered to be failing. The condemnation is one of the harshest verdicts that Ofsted has made on an education authoritys schools. Graham Allen, MP for Nottingham North, claimed the inspectorate had mounted a blitzkrieg on the schools which had left dedicated teachers demoralised. Mr Allen accused Ofsted inspectors of being disrespectful and said the inspections had been as crass and crude as a Friday night-fuelled alcohol binge. He said he had learnt about the inspections in an email sent a few weeks after he and the headteachers of the schools had visited Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, to discuss ways of improving their performance. The email said the inspections aimed to find why secondary school pupils in Nottingham had consistently underperformed for several years compared with those in the rest of the East Midlands and nationally. Mr Allen said it had been known for years that the schools had underperformed but one of them, Bulwell, had improved its exam performance this year. What was needed, he argued, was for dedicated teachers to be supported, not demonised. Some of the schools deemed to be failing have become academies under the Governments flagship programme. Eight of the citys secondary schools are understood to have been inspected. Mr Allen said of the inspection process: It is demoralising for incredibly hard-working staff and pupils who deserve better. My schools take pupils well below the national average on entry but are expected to be measured and compete on a level playing field with schools in leafy suburbs nationwide. The schools concerned are understood to have been given details of the impending inspection reports with a view to them being published early in December. Those warned that their teaching standards may be branded inadequate include Djanogly City Academy, Bulwell Academy, Nottingham University Samworth Academy, Hadden Park High School, Big Wood School and Farnborough School.

A spokeswoman for Ofsted said: Ofsted carried out a series of inspections of secondary schools in Nottingham as we had concerns about the poor attainment of pupils. We recognise the challenges the city faces. Our Unseen Children report, published in June, identifies clearly the need for greater support for disadvantaged children to ensure all children regardless of their background receive a good education. A spokesman for Nottingham City Council confirmed that Ofsted had inspected a number of city secondary schools and academies this month and added: We are working with [them] to develop their improvement plans in response to the inspections and will work with Ofsted once the reports are completed and published.

Schools urged to scrap unfair admissions rule for siblings - Education News - Education - The Independent
The intervention last night provoked a hostile response from parents groups, who claim it is impossible for mothers and fathers to deliver two children to different schools on time every morning. The Governments school admission watchdog, Dr Elizabeth Passmore, said the practice is restricting choice for firstborn children of other families. She claims in her second annual report that the issue is exacerbated by the shortage of primary school places in the wake of the current bulge in the birth rate which means schools need to find an extra 256,000 places for pupils next year. Where a primary school, for example, becomes its own admission authority (ie becomes an academy) and the decides to give priority to all siblings whether living in or out of the catchment, there is a danger that first-born or children new to the area will not gain a place at the school, their catchment school, nor will they have priority for any other catchment-area school, she wrote. Objections concerning priority for siblings also relate to younger siblings retaining priority for a popular and oversubscribed school when a family moves a significant distance away from the school resulting in those new to the area, or first-born children being unable to have a place because siblings, wherever they live, retain priority. The advantages for one family of keeping siblings at the same, popular school lead to disadvantages for other families who, in the worst case scenarios, end up with children in different schools, while those from farther away have their highest preference met and attend the same school. Dr Passmore acknowledges that there is no easy solution to the issue. However, she concludes: Solving the need to provide extra places for some children has created a problem for other children. Parents groups reacted with horror to the idea that their children will be taught in different schools in different parts of town if any review of the existing admissions code takes place. Margaret Morrissey, of the parents pressure group Parents Outloud, told The Independent: It will be impossible to get both children to school on time if they are attending schools in different parts of town. It is a nonsense. They dont understand the tears and the pressures this will cause. The issue is one of a number raised in the annual report by Dr Passmore, the Chief Schools Adjudicator, which also criticises schools which refuse a primary school place to pupils because they did not attend the right nursery. Dr Passmore says her office has received more than 20 objections over primaries prioritising reception class places for children who attend approved nurseries.

The practice has been found to be unfair to other local children, the report concludes. A large part of the adjudicators job is to investigate complaints about school admissions and the report says it received 162 objections this year, a 4 per cent increase on the previous year. Dr Passmores report also concludes that a number of schools are failing to consult on their admission policies which are often difficult to find on a schools website. Some schools, it adds, are also trying to avoid admitting certain youngsters, using delaying tactics to avoid taking them in.

Students occupy University of Sussex campus building for second time - News - Student - The Independent
Up to 40 students will go into their fourth day of occupation on Friday - backed by a letter signed by more than 100 academics. The academics, in a letter to The Independent, complain that the university spent 81,812 in legal fees obtaining an injunction against the students the last time the staged an occupation - money that could be put to better use elsewhere. The immediate issue the students are protesting about is the handing over of the catering contract to an outside contractor - which, they say, has led to staff being employed on worse conditions. They are also supporting a national strike by lecturers over a one-per-cent pay offer next week. The university said on Thursday night it was taking legal action to evict the demonstrators again - which would be heard at Brighton County Court next Tuesday. John Duffy, the university's registrar, said the occupation was being staged by the "same minority of students who were involved in occupation earlier this year". "Those undertaking this disruptive activity are a very small number of students out of a community of 15,000 people," he added. In their letter, the academics say: "We consider their actions - and ours next Tuesday - to be part of a broader struggle. " They say they consider the legal fees "unnecessary and misplaced" in that the injunction sought to any unauthorised protest on campus - but failed to do so in practice.

A-level reforms threaten moves to persuade more disadvantaged students to go to university, says Ucas chief - Education News - Education - The Independent
Mary Curnock Cook, chief executive of Ucas, told a conference on Thursday they could have a "detrimental" effect on the number of young people from poorer homes studying academic qualifications. She cited evidence which showed that a growing number of students in state schools were already shunning A-levels and leaning towards studying for a vocational qualifications. In addition, while independent schools still virtually shunned vocational qualifications - only 1.1 per cent of their pupils taking them the figure for state schools was 37.9 per cent. There had been a fivefold-growth since 2004. "We all know about new tougher, more rigorous A-levels and these indeed might be desirable in themselves but I can't help anticipating that a public understanding that A-levels are getting more difficult is likely to increase this big trend towards vocational qualifications that we've seen," she said.

"Given that greater propensity for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds to do vocational qualifications, I believe this might well have a detrimental effect on some of these positive trends we've seen we've seen recently in widening participation and fair access (to universities)." Figures showed the gap between those from poorer homes and the better off going to university had fallen in recent years. Richer pupils were now 2.8 per cent more likely to go compared with 3.2 per cent two years ago. However, they were still 7.2 per cent more likely to get into a Russell Group university (the group represents 24 of the most selective higher education institutions in the country). The figures also showed that - whereas 85 per cent of independent school pupils applying to higher education made applications to the more selective universities this year - the figure for state schools was 48 per cent. On acceptances, the respective figures were 69.6 per cent and 42.4 per cent. She pit forward two reasons for this: on average non-selective state school pupils were three whole grades lower than independent and grammar schools in their A-level results. In addition, only 53.2 per cent of state school pupils had studied the so-called "facilitating subjects" accepted by the most selective universities - compared to 72.4 per cent of independent school pupils. "I think it's quite clear that higher-tariff institutions want to recruit those with academic qualifications such as Alevels," Ms Curnock Cook added. "I think it's worth thinking about - if you have a done a BTEC in health and social care, you are very likely to progress on to a course in higher education in health and social care whereas if you've got three A-levels, you've got a choice of probably literally thousands of different courses to choose from. So it's also a narrower progression route." She said that schools were extremely "patchy" in the advice the gave to pupils over subject choices at A-level. "Some schools are pushing young people into choices that help schools get their performance measures (i.e A-levels considered less hard)rather than doing the best thing for those young people," she said. However, she conceded this could change with the scrapping of the five A* to C grades at GCSE including maths and English performance measure. Ms Curnock Cook also drew attention to the growing disparity between the number of men and women applying for university places - 48 per cent of women were doing so compared to 37 per cent of men. "Women are a third more likely to apply to higher education," she said. "In fact, the situation has got so bad that there are more women in higher education than men applying." Under Mr Gove's A-level reforms, students will no longer take modular exams throughout the year but face an end of two year test of their knowledge instead. Questions will be sharper aimed at encouraging pupils to show thinking skills. The new qualifications are due to be introduced in September 2015. Ministers have insisted the reforms are necessary to prevent grade inflation and ensure A-levels keep their world-class status. Meanwhile, latest figures from Ucas show applications for university next summer are more than 4,000 down on the equivalent figure for last year. Figures show there have been 140,890 applications - compared to 144, 980 this time last year. A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: "It is simply wrong to suggest that disadvantaged pupils cannot cope with academic rigour. "The success of the English Baccalaureate proves that children from all backgrounds can achieve success in academic subjects.

"It does children no favour at all to dumb down exams while their peers in other countries are meeting ever higher expectations."

'Lost' student loans worth 5bn are written off - News - Student - The Independent
The Business Department has lost the employment records, and therefore the earnings, of 368,000 students who took the loans, the study found. It means the Government does not have enough information to determine if these students should be making repayments - under the current system students only repay their loans when they are earning a salary of 21,000. Any outstanding debts are written off after 30 years. The NAO said that in total this group has a debt of 5.3 billion, worth about one sixth of the national. It is probable some of the students are unemployed or have moved overseas or are EU students who have returned home, the study by the spending watchdog said. But the NAO warned that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Student Loans Company, which helps collect payments, are not doing enough to track down the payments. There are around 14,000 former students - with a total debt of 100 million - living overseas who are behind on their repayments. Just 71.5 per cent of those who have left the UK are making regular payments. According to BIS forecasts the total value of outstanding student loans will quadruple from 46 billion to about 200 billion by 2042. The NAO concluded that as the size of the student loan book is expanding, the BIS needs to take a "More energetic and considered approach to ... achieving a high level of collection performance". A BIS spokesperson said: "We are continually improving the collection process for borrowers and we will carefully consider the NAO's recommendations as part of this programme." Shadow Higher Education Minister Liam Byrne said: "Labour has warned ministers time and time again that tripling fees overnight would create huge new debts that lots of students, facing a cost-of-living crisis, couldn't afford to pay back."

News - Obituaries

Nilton Santos: Footballer Michael Ford: Political consultant Lewis Collins: Screen hard man who came to fame in 'The Professionals' but found that Bodie cast a shadow over his career Annette Hill: Aviator who flew 12 different aircraft while performing vital wartime service as an RAF transport pilot Peter Kurzeck: Novelist compared by some to Proust whose work explored the facts of his own life with childlike intensity

Nilton Santos: Footballer - Obituaries - News - The Independent

Nilton Santos, nominated by his incomparable compatriot Pele as one of the 125 greatest living footballers in 2004 and named in the world team of the 20th century by journalists in 1998, complemented his muscular, more down-to-

and named in the world team of the 20th century by journalists in 1998, complemented his muscular, more down-toearth full-back partner perfectly. Endowed with magnificent all-round technique, he was a composed and complete performer who could have excelled in any area of the pitch. Tall and powerful but never a thunderous tackler in the manner of his namesake, he was expert in nicking the ball away from opponents with crisp, beautifully timed challenges and intelligent interceptions, born of his acute positional sense. As a result, he tended to remain injuryfree, unusual for a defender of his vintage. Santos was also a pioneer of the exhilarating overlap in an era when most full-backs ventured forward only rarely. Never were his attacking instincts illustrated more vividly than at Uddevalla in Sweden in the Brazilians opening game of the 1958 World Cup, which ended in a 3-0 win over Austria. After winning the ball deep in his own territory, he carried it to the halfway line, where he passed to Jose Altafini. Then, instead of retreating to his defensive slot as was expected of full-backs at the time, he continued surging forward, accepted a return pass and scored with a powerful shot. As Santos dribbled, his coach Vicente Feola had been close to apoplexy, fearful of the gap being left at the back, and he was heard to shout: Crazy, crazy... Oh, well done! That spectacular manoeuvre fired the imagination of fullbacks the world over, and the game became all the more entertaining as a result. Santos made his initial impact with the Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo, joining from junior football as a 23-year-old attacker in 1948. At first he wasnt thrilled by the suggestion that he should switch to the back line, but he did so and put his inimitable stamp on his fresh role. He became a loyal one-club man, helping to garner serial silverware, including the state championships of 1948, 1957, 1961 and 1962. But it was in the international arena that he made his most indelible mark after collecting the first of his 75 caps in a 5-0 drubbing of Colombia in spring 1949. Soon he became a regular in the yellow No 3 shirt, delighting the fans with his cultured methods, though it was for untypical pugilism that he hit the headlines during the 1954 World Cup finals in Switzerland. Brazils quarter-final clash with the marvellous Hungarians was expected to be a classic, but instead it descended into an undignified scrap, entering folklore as the Battle of Berne. Santos and the Magyars captain Josef Bozsik, who also happened to be a member of his national parliament, were sent off for fighting as the South Americans lost 4-2. The left-back had another day to forget when he captained Brazil in their 4-2 defeat by England at Wembley in May 1956, getting the runaround from the wing wonder Stanley Matthews, but it was a different story two years later in Sweden, when he didnt miss a game on his majestic Pele-inspired teams way to the world crown. His display against the Swedish star winger Kurt Hamrin in the final was hailed as a masterpiece as Brazil won 5-2, the occasion garnished further for Santos by the brilliance of his protg, the right-winger Garrincha. Several years earlier Santos had been nutmegged on the training pitch by an awkward rookie, whom he urged Botafogo to snap up. They did so, the maverick Garrincha hit the heights and the two became close, with the younger man invariably moderating his notoriously wild behaviour when around Santos out of respect for his mentor. That was just one of many insightful interventions in the affairs of club and country by Santos, who was known as The Encyclopedia for his comprehensive knowledge of the game. Come the 1962 finals in Chile, by then deployed in a more central defensive position, he was ever-present again as Brazil retained the Jules Rimet Trophy, beating Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the Santiago final. That was the international swansong of the 37-year-old, who played on for Botafogo until 1964 then took up coaching. His contribution to the game was aptly summed up by Zito, one of his most eminent team-mates, who said: When you played the ball as much as he did, the position didnt really matter ... Nilton Santos wasnt a defender or a full-back. He was just a star, it was as simple as that. Nilton Reis dos Santos, footballer: born Ilha do Governador, near Rio de Janeiro 16 May 1925; played for Botafogo 1948-64; capped 75 times by Brazil 1949-62; died Rio de Janeiro 27 November 2013.

Michael Ford: Political consultant - Obituaries - News - The Independent

A veteran of nine White House campaigns and a senior adviser to several, he was described by Newsweek as having

A veteran of nine White House campaigns and a senior adviser to several, he was described by Newsweek as having an odd blend of boiler-room savvy and cloisterish philosophy. He was admired as a field organiser and for his ability to inspire the young people who do much of the hard work involved in campaigning. During Mondales unsuccessful 1984 race, Ford was field director, advocating dramatic and perhaps high-risk strategies to overcome Ronald Reagan. Among other ideas, he suggested choosing an unexpected running mate. Mondale chose Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman on a major-party presidential ticket. Ford served other presidential candidates, including Birch Bayh in 1976 and Jerry Brown in 1992, and managed more than 100 local, state and national campaigns. The son of a CIA employee, he was drawn to the Democrats in part by the charisma of John F Kennedy. His early career included work for presidential candidates Hubert Humphrey, who lost to Richard Nixon in 1968, and George McGovern, who lost to Nixon in 1972. He was Jerry Springers chief of staff when the talk-show host was mayor of Cincinnati and campaign manager when Springer unsuccessfully ran for Ohio governor in 1982. Michael Ford, political consultant: born Washington, DC 27 June 1948; married firstly Barbara Bison (marriage dissolved),.secondly Sally Schwartz; (one son); died Baltimore 5 November 2013. The Washington Post

Lewis Collins: Screen hard man who came to fame in 'The Professionals' but found that Bodie cast a shadow over his career - Obituaries - News - The Independent
However, the programme attracted up to 18 million viewers and became a part of popular culture, as much for its weaknesses as its popularity. Bodie and Doyle's tyre-screeching, gun-toting antics were parodied in a Two Ronnies sketch, "Tinker Tailor Smiley Doyle", and by the Comic Strip team in The Bullshitters, with Keith Allen as Bonehead and Peter Richardson as Foyle. Some Professionals storylines were, on the surface, ambitious inner-city racism, homophobia, bribery and corruption in government but most of the plots featuring international terrorism, drug trafficking and political intrigue met with a hostile response from TV critics. "Of all the rotten new breed of thuggish cops and secret agents this little gang is the least attractive," wrote one. Collins was second choice to play William Bodie. Anthony Andrews had been picked for the role of the ruthless former mercenary alongside Shaw's hot-headed police detective, Ray Doyle, but was dropped when producers considered the pair looked too similar. (Shaw was cast after Jon Finch turned down the role of Doyle.) Creator Brian Clemens decided on the pairing of Collins and Shaw after recalling their appearance together as villains in a 1977 episode of his previous series, The New Avengers. "Martin had a kind of roughness," said Clemens, "but we tested a lot of people before we eventually settled on Lewis, who was perfect." Of reports that there was friction between the duo, Clemens commented: "Let's say there was a healthy rivalry between them at first, but they became friends." Gordon Jackson was cast as Bodie and Doyle's limping boss, Cowley, and the murders, shootings, explosions and car chases were particularly popular with younger viewers. When Collins tried to prove in real life that he was as much an action hero as his screen alter ego, he took up parachuting only to delay filming by four months after breaking an ankle. Fiction also turned to reality when Collins trained with the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve and gained a Red Beret, but he was rejected by the SAS's TA branch on account of his fame. Shaw wanted out after the first series but was tied to a four-year contract. Concerned that it was hampering his future career, he later vetoed repeat screenings, which meant that Collins and others could not benefit from repeat fees, but he relented on hearing that Jackson's widow was keen on re-runs. Collins did benefit from a few starring roles in films, although he found himself firmly typecast. In Who Dares Wins (1982), he played Captain Peter Skellen, an SAS soldier (he described the SAS as his heroes). The film was inspired

(1982), he played Captain Peter Skellen, an SAS soldier (he described the SAS as his heroes). The film was inspired by the 1980 storming of the Iranian embassy in London but told the story of American and British politicians and military leaders being held hostage at a meeting to discuss the siting of nuclear missiles in Europe. Similar roles followed in Code Name: Wild Geese (1984), Kommando Leopard (1985) and Der Kommander (1988). There was even a brief interview with producer Cubby Broccoli for the role of James Bond, but, Collins reflected, "He found me too aggressive." Television guest roles followed but fizzled out. Collins was born in the Bidston suburb of Birkenhead and named by his father, Bill, a shipwright, pianist and danceband leader, after a jazz musician. He attended the local Grange School, enjoyed karate and judo, played the piano and was a member of Liverpool Central Rifle Club. He drummed in his father's band, the Savoy Swingers, from the age of 13 and joined other bands on leaving school and taking a job as a hairdresser alongside Paul McCartney's brother, Mike. In 1964, after learning to play bass guitar, Collins joined the Mojos, for whom his father was road manager. The group had just enjoyed chart success with three singles and he soon found himself enjoying the high life in London, but they failed to follow up their hits and Collins left in 1966 to join the Robb Storme Group. After window-cleaning, waiting on tables and other jobs, Collins decided to become an actor and trained at LAMDA (1968-71). He then gained repertory experience at Chesterfield's Civic Theatre (1971) and Glasgow's Citizens Theatre (1972). In London he played Albert in David Storey's play The Farm (Royal Court and Mayfair Theatres, 1973). After half a dozen bit parts on television, Collins landed the regular role of Gavin Rumsey, the dashing lodger escaping a broken marriage to live with his friend and friend's wife, in the first three series of the sitcom The Cuckoo Waltz (1975-77). Following The Professionals, he played Colonel Mustard in the game show Cluedo (1991-92) and had occasional guest roles on television. He later moved to the US and studied direction and writing at the University of California Los Angeles Film School and set up a computer business, although he returned to Britain briefly in 2002 for his final screen role, in The Bill. He died after suffering from cancer for five years. ANTHONY HAYWARD Lewis Collins, musician and actor: born Birkenhead, Cheshire 27 May 1946; married 1992 Michelle Larrett (three sons); died Los Angeles 27 November 2013.

Annette Hill: Aviator who flew 12 different aircraft while performing vital wartime service as an RAF transport pilot - Obituaries - News - The Independent
She served for three years among the 160 or so women of many nationalities who ferried military aircraft to RAF airfields wherever they were needed. They had been allowed, despite reluctance from some quarters in the RAF, to do the job, such was Britain's need between 1939 and 1945, with high casualties draining the supply of aviators. The women, like their male ATA counterparts, flew aircraft varying in size from the tiny de Havilland Tiger Moth trainer to mighty Avro Lancaster bombers, and could handle the latest fighters: Hurricanes, Spitfires and Mosquitos. The aircraft were generally factory-new and not yet fitted with instruments or radio. For Mahon, who grew up in a terraced house in Dublin, one of six children of a Post Office official, the wrench from the culture of her childhood was such that for some time at least, she had little contact with her family. "Burn everything British except its coal," her mother had used to say, but that did not stop the former pupil of the Sacred Heart convent (though the name is not remembered with certainty by her family), who had been working for an accountancy firm, from applying to drive ambulances with the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in Ulster. There in the North she heard about the ATA, and the thrill came back to her of a remembered five-shilling joy-ride she had revelled in at the age of 16 back in Dublin. It was during a visit by Sir Alan Cobham's Flying Circus, and the pilot had briefly let her control the aircraft. In 1942, now 24, she put herself forward for the ATA's pilot training, and went on to learn from scratch at the

Elementary Flying Training School at Prestwick in Scotland. Ferry pilots in training had to fly solo after only 12 hours in the air, and during the course were made to stall their aircraft, braving a sudden plummet earthwards, before restoring power. Thereafter Mahon was posted to Prestwick, and as a Class II pilot ferried aircraft for the Fleet Air Arm to the Western Isles and the north of Scotland, regions among the most likely to present a pilot with the deadly scourge of ATA operations banks of cloud reducing visibility to nil. As her experience grew, Mahon came to sing the praises of the Fairey Barracuda, which entered service in 1943 in the North Atlantic and Arctic and which many naval pilots came to dislike. The stubby metal-framed torpedo bomber with its unretractable tail-wheel was to star in the April 1944 raid that damaged the German battleship Tirpitz. Pilots who appreciated the Barracuda's qualities could put it into a spectacular fast dive, and became adept in the use of its powerful trailing-edge wing-flaps. While at Prestwick Mahon used hers for a different sort of combat, when she took her future husband, Dr Maurice Hill, up for a spin, and told him she would drop him out of it if he did not there and then agree to marry her. The couple had met when Mahon fell ill with influenza, and the young medical officer, having examined her, said she ought to get a ticket and go home straight away to recover. "I can't", she replied, "I'd have to go to Dublin," and so he personally tended her for a week in the base's sick bay. They were to marry in 1947 in London. In her wartime career Annette Hill flew 12 different aircraft, and at the end had notched up 475 hours' flying time. When she graduated to the Spitfire, she said, "it was a moment of pure magic mixed liberally with awe, excitement and dread." The dread was part of the job: more than 100 ATA pilots were killed in flying accidents, of whom 15 were women. "You couldn't forget it," Hill said. "You kept thinking of it all the time when you were flying." Nevertheless she flew at times through storms with lightning flashing all around her, and on every journey had nothing to navigate by but landmarks such as roads, rivers, and railway lines, with only brief instructions in a small booklet called Ferry Pilots' Notes, which many fliers stuck in to the top of their boots for speedy reference. Her biggest fright was when, during the five hours' instruction she was allowed with the Spitfire, a leg of the landing gear which had failed to retract during take-off blocked the cooling system, and the cockpit temperature soared. In that situation, said the Notes, pilots should fly round and round but having done so, she saw the fuel had almost run out, and made haste to land, her heart in her mouth. "The instructor sent me straight back up, before I lost my nerve." After the war Hill followed her husband, who as a medical officer with the UK Atomic Energy Authority was posted to Cumbria, and then Caithness, where their three daughters were born. They moved south to Hampshire, and while he rose to become the UKAEA's Chief Medical Officer, she returned to her love of aircraft in 1973 by joining, as a volunteer, the team that ran what would become the annual Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford in Gloucestershire. The Hills' daughter Elizabeth died in 1966, and in 1980 Dr Hill had a stroke, after which Annette Hill cared for him until his death in 1996. ANNE KELENY Annette Elizabeth Mahon, aviator: born Dublin 21 October 1918; married 1947 Maurice Hill (died 1996; two daughters, and one daughter one deceased); died Basingstoke 7 October 2013.

Peter Kurzeck: Novelist compared by some to Proust whose work explored the facts of his own life with childlike intensity - Obituaries - News - The Independent

Born in Bohemia in 1943, he was inspired for the greater part of his work by the events of his own life, in novels like Kein Fruhling ("No spring") and Keiner stirbt (No one dies"). In 2002 he told an audience at the International Literature Festival in Berlin: "At quite an early age, I gave in to the irresistible urge not to forget anything because everything that we cannot remember may be lost forever. If we know nothing of yesterday, yesterday never was, neither was Bohemia, and neither were we." His family moved to Germany as refugees in 1946 and Kurzeck was raised in Staufenberg. He began writing as a young man and had work published in local newspapers and magazine. He became an apprenticeship in a grocer's shop and at 28 became head of personnel for a US army department, but gave it up to write full-time, moving in 1977 to Frankfurt. The literary website andotherstories.org summed up his work: "His books are a flow of memories, sensations and associations. A poetic story unfolds, whether on the subject of his childhood village or the hustle and bustle of a big city. His amazed and bemused dwelling on the details of life, which he does with childlike intensity, is the reason his books burst with a delight in people, places and foods. And yet they are also sad the literary equivalent of the blues." CHRIS MAUME Peter Kurzeck, writer: born Tachau, Bohemia 10 June 1943; died Frankfurt 25 November 2013.

Voices

Letter from the Whitehall Editor: 'Take Out The Trash Day' David Camerons pledge to lead the greenest government ever has never looked more threadbare Why Britain should have invaded Zimbabwe Tales from the Watercooler: Brace for incoming bargains Inside Westminster: U-turns abound, as Osborne the political magpie steals Labours and Lib Dems best tunes The Big Questions: Are we facing a winter health crisis? Should hospitals ban smoking? Letters: Fear of Scottish independence University for women: your chance to spend thousands to be bullied and intimidated by your fellow students When will Britain learn? Immigration from the EU is enormously beneficial to our economy Evan Rachel Wood: So violence is good, but female sexuality is bad? Excess Louis Vuitton baggage in Red Square Sledging is an art, and here are the secrets of it Errors and Omissions: Universally acknowledged truth? Not exactly Classical and pop audiences can mix The Independent's charity auction Like it or not, the Scots and the English are flesh and blood This is your elephant name They're gay, they grieve and they're left-handed: Elephants are just like humans Xbox One vs PlayStation 4: the basics Push dads to share the baby burden Young female victims of gangs don't allow themselves to be used Man about town: I thought I should give cigars a try Hung, poisoned and mutilated alive: our atrocious abuse of elephants

Hung, poisoned and mutilated alive: our atrocious abuse of elephants It's not just Jon Snow who can't take games seriously Deep down I am not a dog person. And here I was, talking to one Carrie is back in cinemas today. But horror is still being let down by films that hate women Moaning, screaming, dying: This is what poaching sounds like An AIDS-free generation is within our reach i Editor's Letter: Thank you for 700 questions Muqtada al-Sadr has a peerless record of opposing Saddam Hussein Boris Johnson is spot on. All bankers have ever cared about is other people's interests Free agent: Mark Carney is proving his independence on Help to Buy Never mind government U-turns, the decision on plain packaging for cigarettes is the right one Letters: Scots have had enough of London rule Keeping the Litvinenko papers secret will smooth the path of one possible Putin successor Berlusconi and Shinawatra: The billionaires who love power more than money If I were young and Scottish, I would vote yes to independence Does newly vegan Al Gore know what hes getting himself into? A petition wants James Arthur dropped from The X Factor. But I can spot a homophobe - and this man isn't one Immigration stats are bad news for the Government, but worse news for Britain Tinder: A lady's guide to the dating app Tinder: A gentleman's guide to the dating app Look to the skies: How the drone revolution could be coming to the US The misery induced by a rogue planning decision in Redbridge Black Friday is another American nightmare Thank you Rebecca Adlington for being brave enough to talk about body confidence Ukraines divide over Europe is not just between East and West, but big business versus the individual Misty the Diplodocus sells for 400,000. A bargain?

Letter from the Whitehall Editor: 'Take Out The Trash Day' - Comment Voices - The Independent
There is a phrase used by political spin doctors that crudely describes how to get bad news out of the way before it becomes more damaging. It was made famous in the American TV series The West Wing in an episode simply called Take Out The Trash Day. That, without question, is what Downing Street is doing today with its announcement that David Cameron will go soft on Chinas human rights record when he visits the country next week. Last year the Prime Minister infuriated Beijing when he met the Dalai Lama and, in the words of one diplomat, put Anglo-Chinese relations into the deep freeze. Now after months of assiduous courtship, relations are back on track and tomorrow Mr Cameron, a clutch of cabinet ministers and more than 100 businessmen will board a plane to China in the largest state delegation to the Middle Kingdom in more 200 years. But this puts Mr Cameron in a bind. He badly wants Chinese investment into Britain and better access to Chinese markets for UK businesses. This simply wont happen if he publicly embarrasses China over Tibet.

At the same time he knows that the travelling press pack will focus on his remarks earlier this month when he justified attending the Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka on the grounds that it would shine a spotlight on the countrys abysmal human rights record. So Downing Street has decided the best course of action is to put out the trash and admit that Britains ethical foreign policy can be a bit less ethical when we want something badly enough. Not very edifying. But its always been thus. i@independent.co.uk

David Camerons pledge to lead the greenest government ever has never looked more threadbare - Editorials - Voices - The Independent
Much is at stake. Ed Milibands commitment to freeze gas and electricity prices if Labour wins in 2015 may be shamelessly populist and economically unsound, but it has succeeded in laying down a challenge that the Coalition has so far failed either to meet or repudiate. Further details announced by the Opposition yesterday, and billed as the sectors biggest shake-up since privatisation, only turned up the heat. A deal with the Big Six is just the latest suggestion as to how David Cameron might spike Labours guns. His partys favourite is still a crimp on the environmental levies added to customers costs. Faced with accusations of profiteering, energy companies point out that nearly 10 per cent of bills is extras such as the Renewables Obligation (for green infrastructure) and the Energy Company Obligation (to insulate the homes of the less well-off). For those who consider climate change at best a secondary concern, and who view ameliorative measures as subordinate to economic growth, pruning such tariffs looks like an easy solution. There is no little evidence that the Prime Minister agrees. Downing Street officials may have denied that Mr Cameron wants to get rid of all this green crap, as is alleged. But there is no doubt that energy bills are at the top of the agenda and environmental levies are sliding rapidly down it. Talk of shifting one or more of them into general taxation has now calmed, only to be replaced by hints that the ECO scheme might be delayed to defray the cost. The Prime Ministers promise of the greenest government ever is, by now, nowhere to be seen. But the steady erosion of environmental priorities did not begin with the furore over energy bills. The Chancellor has long drawn the ire of climate campaigners, not least for his push to water down the commitment to renewable generation in the dogs breakfast Energy Bill now on its way through Parliament. And then there was the decision to appoint Owen Paterson, a known climate-change sceptic, as Environment Secretary. As we report today, Mr Patersons views appear to be unchanged; in his 15 months in the role, he has had almost no contact with his departments chief scientific adviser, and recent remarks to the effect that global warming might have advantages only add to the concern. All of this is bad news for both the environment and for Britains energy sector. This weeks decision to shelve plans for a vast wind farm off the Devon coast may have been largely due to technical factors, but the mixed messages from Government and Opposition alike is no encouragement to investors. It is time for politicians to be honest. Energy prices are high because we need to control our carbon emissions, and there is no responsible alternative.

Why Britain should have invaded Zimbabwe - Comment - Voices - The Independent
These claims have been dismissed mostly as the paranoid ravings of a deluded despot. But now they have been given force by Thabo Mbeki, the former South African President, who claims that Tony Blair suggested their two nations invade Zimbabwe to topple Mugabe. It is hard to imagine British armed forces fighting their way into Harare to oust a man who, for all his many faults, was an elected leader and liberation hero to his people. But given subsequent events, it is worth asking if only in

was an elected leader and liberation hero to his people. But given subsequent events, it is worth asking if only in the interests of counter-factual history whether it would really have been such a bad idea. This may sound an absurd question. But consider the facts. Mbeki said the former British Prime Minister urged him to join a regime-change scheme involving military force shortly after the turn of the century, a period when Zimbabwe was slumping into one of the most catastrophic collapses in modern times. Mugabe had already been in power for two decades by this time, inheriting the richest nation in Africa and wrecking it with his corrupt cronies. Britain, like other Western powers, had ignored the slaughter of 20,000 rival supporters in Matabeleland and indulged him as an ally in the Cold War while he tightened the noose on his nation. But by the start of this millennium Zimbabwe was in a mess and Mugabes misrule could no longer be overlooked. The economy was in freefall, aided by a disastrous intervention in the Congo war, while rivals were eliminated, journalists silenced and dissidents tortured. Meanwhile, the HIV/Aids pandemic had started to rip through the population just as state services were crumbling and donor support was drying up. To distract attention, the campaign of white farm seizures was unleashed, a brutal and short-sighted solution to necessary land reform. It was around this time that Blair once dismissed as a boy in short trousers by Mugabe, who loathed New Labour was allegedly discussing intervention. Nothing happened, of course. But over the next few years Zimbabwe endured the worlds fastest-shrinking economy as the second-worst hyperinflation in history peaking eventually at 231 million per cent, with prices doubling almost every day ravaged the country. People would go to the bank to get blocks of money that was so worthless it would not cover the bus trip home. Prices in stores soared even as shoppers queued to check out. Families spent weekends traipsing across borders to buy basic provisions in neighbouring countries; the Beit Bridge over the Limpopo heaved with heavily laden buses, cars and pedestrians taking food back to a fertile nation once known as the breadbasket of Africa. As the government handed once-thriving farms to supporters, shops were shutting and millions of Zimbabweans were starving. Hospitals were chained closed and medicines unavailable, leaving women to die in childbirth for lack of the most simple treatment. Life expectancy crashed to the worlds lowest just 34 years for women and 37 for men at one stage. Little wonder that an estimated three million people one-quarter of the population fled the country, while unemployment rose to about 90 per cent for those that remained. Mugabe prided himself on Zimbabwe having the highest literacy rates in sub-Saharan Africa. But many of those fleeing were the educated elites frustrated by his regime, and he was content to see potential opponents leave. This was the backdrop to the 2008 election when a weary country voted for Morgan Tsvangirai, only for Mugabes allies to refuse to quit, unleashing horrific political violence in response. Eventually, the warring parties were forced into uneasy coalition by diplomats led by Mbeki, who secretly threatened senior figures with the International Criminal Court. The introduction of the US dollar stabilised the economy and life expectancy has risen although it remains eight years lower than when Mugabe took power and repression remains routine. Most Zimbabweans are still unemployed, poverty is endemic and public services struggle. Even in the prosperous suburbs people rarely have running water. I joked with one man about the green water in his pool when I was there in July; he replied that it was his main supply for bathing and laundry. He washes from a bucket each day. Meanwhile, a gangster government in cahoots with China preaches communism while creaming off vast sums from the nations mineral wealth, especially the worlds biggest diamond mines in Marange. An official source told me that in one year these should have delivered more than 1bn to the state, but only 23m was handed over. After another dubious election victory this year, delivered on the back of anti-British rhetoric, the 89-year-old dictator is pressing ahead with fresh indigenisation policies. Rather than wreck the economy again, however, he is focusing on bakers and beauticians rather than bankers and mine operators let alone the white business people who aid his regime.

These claims of Blairs desire for intervention will fuel the ruling partys paranoia, especially at a time of palpable tensions between two camps fighting to succeed the old man. Blair rapidly denied Mbekis allegation perhaps mindful of how his prime ministership was so disfigured by the foolish invasion of another foreign country a decade ago. But it is worth remembering not all his overseas interventions were so disastrous. In May 2000, as the Zimbabwean meltdown intensified, he sent a small force of British troops to Sierra Leone to shore up successfully a government threatened by vicious militias. It is ludicrous, of course, to contemplate Britain leading an invasion of Zimbabwe just 20 years after it won independence. As Mbeki said, it is not our responsibility to decide who leads the people of an African nation. Equally, it is impossible to determine whether the whisky-drinking Presidents recollection is accurate given the emphatic denial by Blair not that the former Labour leader has always proved the most reliable witness in history. Yet, at the same time, it is impossible not to wonder what would have happened if the South Africans had agreed to lead a military assault to remove the revolting regime that corrodes their neighbouring nation. They called him the crazy old man, after all, according to one leaked diplomatic cable. For if they had sent in troops to that shattered state 13 years ago, would Zimbabwe have endured a far less traumatic time and been in a much better place today?

Tales from the Watercooler: Brace for incoming bargains - Comment - Voices - The Independent
Curiously, though, even the name Black Friday signalling as it does the start of the unholy Christmas shopping assault is oddly paradoxical; a prejorative name for an intrinsically American pastime. The origins of the name are somewhat murky, referring either to the dark parts of the human psyche accessed when we find six other pairs of hands reaching for that last George Foreman grill or the fact that it is the one period of the year when retailers arent in the red. Either way, heed this warning: as we follow America in all things, expect a time when the Boxing Day sales start before you have even sat down to watch the Christmas Day Downton Abbey. Trust me: its coming. The Labour leader had targeted payday lenders in his highly effective campaign on the cost of living crisis. So Mr Osborne was doing what governments do when they are outflanked by the opposition steal their best tunes. There has been no cause for celebration in what has been a messy week for the Government. It also was made a surprise retreat on plain packaging for cigarettes even though David Cameron hates nothing more than a U-turn headline, which smacks of weakness. There was also a last-minute scramble to announce curbs on state benefits for Romanians and Bulgarians when they win the right to work in the UK from 1 January, an important date in the diary since the Coalition was formed. They are like headless chickens in there, one senior Tory reported after a recent visit to Downing Street. Yesterday ministers were in a pickle over energy prices, two months after Mr Miliband pledged to freeze them if Labour wins the election. At the time, Mr Osborne accused the Labour leader of repeating essentially the argument Karl Marx made in Das Kapital. Now the Conservatives have discovered the virtues of intervening in the market, too. First the payday loans cap, then energy companies suggested the Government was seeking something very similar to a price freeze in negotiations about switching some green and social levies from energy bills to general taxation. The job of steadying this wobbly ship will fall to the Chancellor on Thursday when he delivers his Autumn Statement, the second most important event in his calendar after the Budget. He will want the big picture on the economy to dominate but may struggle to shift the spotlight away from energy bills and the cost-of-living ground on which Labour wants to fight. If we try to match every Labour gimmick, we will lose the election, one minister said. We have to show we have

If we try to match every Labour gimmick, we will lose the election, one minister said. We have to show we have a long-term plan for the economy and we are sticking to it. All very well in theory. But in practice, the Tories look as though they cannot resist gimmicks of their own. Mr Osborne will argue that his Plan A is working and point to its three unchanged elements cutting the deficit, ensuring growth and helping business, and doing what he can to help hard-working people cope with living costs. The good news for the Chancellor is that there will finally be some good news: the Office for Budget Responsibility will for the first time revise its projections for growth upwards, rather than downwards. The bad news is that Mr Osborne will have a difficult balancing act. He must resist the temptation to crow and claim victory over his adversary Ed Balls. He needs to play a longer game in his partys interests. Triumphalism about the return to growth would not impress the public, who dont feel good about the economy yet. More importantly, if voters feel the battle on the deficit is won, they might give Labour another chance. There are signs that Mr Cameron has had to rein in Mr Osborne. The job is not done; the past is now, said one Cameroon. So the Chancellor will emphasise that there are more cuts to come after the 2015 election, notably as a result of his proposed cap on welfare spending. Message to voters: Labour would not finish the job only the Tories can. Mr Osbornes problem is that Tory MPs are looking for Christmas pressies. Many in marginal seats are worried that Ukip will take enough votes off them to hand their seat to Labour. They want the Chancellor to start distributing the goodies now, rather than after 2015. When he held his traditional listening meetings with Tory backbenchers ahead of the Autumn Statement, top of their wish-list was to keep down business rates (another issue on which Mr Miliband got in first). Tory MPs want to see a cut in fuel duty as well as a coherent response to Labour on energy prices. But Mr Osborne will not have much money to spare. He has already got to fund the sweeteners announced at the Tory and Liberal Democrat conferences a tax break for married couples and free school meals for all five to sevenyear-olds, which between them will cost more than 1bn. A Santa Claus statement would undermine his job not done message. Some Tories are chomping at the bit for tax cuts for our people middle-income earners dragged into the 40p tax rate, who do not feel rich. These MPs will probably be disappointed. Mr Osborne judges that big tax cuts for this group would play badly with the hard-working people on the basic tax rate, who saw his reduction in the 50p top rate on incomes over 150,000 as proof that the Tories are the party of the rich. Instead, the Chancellor is increasingly attracted by the Liberal Democrats signature policy of increasing the personal allowance, already due to rise to 10,000 a year in April, to take lower-paid people out of the tax net. So attracted, in fact, that he is tempted to portray it as all his own work. Some Tories wonder whether, before the 2015 election, he might even go further than the 10,500 threshold sought by Nick Clegg. Mr Osborne may gain a reputation as something of a political magpie, stealing a policy from Labour here and the Liberal Democrats there. He wont lose sleep over that if it helps the Tories prospects in 2015.

Tory backbenchers have a succession plan? Maybe

Conservative MPs cannot stop obsessing about how long David Cameron should remain leader of their party. Its a sign of how little love there is for him among his backbench troops. A small hardcore of critics has still not given up hope of ousting the Prime Minister by forcing a confidence vote if the Tories come third behind Ukip and Labour in next Mays European elections. Under party rules such a vote would require a request from 46 Tory MPs. If Mr Cameron lost, he could not stand in the ensuring leadership

would require a request from 46 Tory MPs. If Mr Cameron lost, he could not stand in the ensuring leadership election. But there wouldnt be a leadership contest, according to the latest wicked whispers in Toryland. Their plan is to avoid the distraction of a full-scale campaign, taking weeks, by repeating what the Tories did in 2003: when Iain Duncan Smith was dumped, Michael Howard was elected unopposed. It seems mad to even talk about it when Mr Cameron is seen by voters as more popular than his party and as a better prime minister than Mr Miliband. Yet one critic told me darkly: If the party panics, nothing is impossible. So who would be crowned Tory leader this time? Theresa May, my mole replied without a millisecond of hesitation.

The Big Questions: Are we facing a winter health crisis? Should hospitals ban smoking? - Comment - Voices - The Independent
I worked in the NHS for 24 years before entering Parliament, and winter pressures are nothing new. This year, as in previous years, the Secretary of State has had to wield his chequebook to try to soothe the headache. It needs more than a temporary fix. The number of older people with complex long-term conditions is increasing, and with this their medical complexity. Bed capacity on wards is at breaking point and care in the community to allow for safe discharge home is harder to find. The answer, in part, is to prevent avoidable admissions by spending money differently and support more people to remain in their own homes if they suffer a setback. This kind of care not only makes good financial sense but, more importantly, it saves lives. Are GPs overpaid and underused, or are they already at the limits of their capacity? GPs are fairly paid for the work they do. The contract negotiated under Labour in effect allowed them to maintain their income while dropping out-of-hours work altogether. Had the balance of payment between in-hours and out-ofhours work been realistically assessed, we would not be in the position we are today. That said, I dont agree with the general doctor-bashing over this issue. There is a serious and growing shortfall in the numbers of doctors in primary care and very many are working at the limits of capacity. We need to focus on GP recruitment and on broadening the primary care workforce. Should staff and patients be banned from smoking in hospitals? Why not? Personally Id allow vaping with e-cigarettes as I do feel that these are a low-cost way of reducing the harm from smoking. There is no evidence that they are a gateway into smoking and I would not want the EU to pile on expensive regulation without evidence of harm from e-cigarettes. Why is there so much pressure on hospital A&E departments and what can be done about it? Many reasons, mostly the complexity of the patients attending, but the exact reasons depend on several local factors. One of the greatest predictors is the distance you live from your nearest A&E, another is knowledge about the alternatives. Where people are aware of good local GP out-of-hours services they are more likely to use them. In future we will need to make sure that full use is made of services which help to prevent re-attendance such as liaison psychiatry, and reduce the numbers attending such as paramedic ambulances. If they werent full of drunks who had preloaded on ultra-cheap alcohol on weekend nights, that might help too. How worried should we be about gender-based abortions in the UK? The scale of this in the UK is likely to be small, but it is a growing problem internationally and should never be tolerated. It reinforces misogyny and gender violence for clinicians to collude with a view that sons are more valuable than daughters. To further reduce the likelihood of it occurring in the UK, the General Medical Council must set out far clearer guidance because the current lack of consistent guidelines contributes to the difficulty in taking forward prosecutions.

And how worried should we be about cancer waiting lists being manipulated to meet targets? I am concerned about this and about the report we heard at the Health Select Committee that some cancer specialists have sought to use competition law to try to block reconfigurations of specialist services, even where their own are below standard. Clinicians have a duty to put their patients interests above embarrassing data. A statutory duty of candour for NHS hospitals will help. As youre a GP turned MP, what can be done to ensure that politics does not become the preserve of career politicians? It will change only if more people come forward to apply for the job. Keep hammering on the door and dont take no for an answer. Does the UK risk being seen as a nasty country because of David Camerons plan to deny benefits to immigrants from Romania and Bulgaria? No, if anything I suspect other nations will follow suit. That said, language matters and I am appalled at some of the grotesque racial stereotyping of Roma people that we have seen from some quarters over recent weeks. Nick Cleggs proposal for shared leave for parents has been described as a nightmare by businesses. Where should our priorities lie? Women are regularly faced with subtle (and not so subtle) questions about current or future pregnancies at interview. Shared parental leave makes gender-based discrimination more difficult as anyone could be holding the baby. More importantly, those trailblazing men who choose to share more of their childrens care will reap great benefits. It will bring choice and flexibility for couples but will also include a responsibility to give eight weeks notice to help businesses to plan ahead. Whats not to like? As a nation were having less sex than we used to. Does that matter? We should all stop looking at our phones and laptops in bed and look at our partners! Its important to be with the person in the room. Sarah Wollaston is Conservative MP for Totnes, Brixham and the South Hams and a former GP

Letters: Fear of Scottish independence - Letters - Voices - The Independent

The year after, the US will instigate a free-trade agreement with the EU. In desperation, Northern Ireland will solve its centuries-old problem and join a united Ireland. Poor Wales, with nowhere to go, will be stuck with Conservative England, cut adrift in an unfriendly world! At least well have Trident, with submarines parked in the Solent, and our noble bankers to keep us afloat. Peter Johnson Eaton Socon, Cambridgeshire Heartfelt compliments to Mary Dejevsky for her article on Scottish independence (29 November). She has caught not just the essentials of the argument for independence but also the sense of occasion that attended the publication of Scotlands Future. This was a statement by a government with a purpose, about a country with a coherent idea of itself. Perfect! There is not a single Scottish media commentator who has come within a country mile of her perception and optimism. If Scotland does vote for independence, Mary Dejevsky is one Englishwoman who will have no trouble whatever crossing the non-existent border into our brave new world. And her first drink is on me.

Jim Crumley Stirling The message I take away from the White Paper is that life will hardly change which makes me suspect Alex Salmond realises we Scots do not want true independence. Behind the dodgy sums and gross inducements lies a pretendy independence in which Scotland pretends to go it alone but in practice retains most aspects of Britishness. What will change are the symbols of power in the hands of the Dear Leader red carpets, state visits, speeches at the UN, hobnobbing with the planets movers and shakers. Dr John Cameron St Andrews As a Scot living in England for 15 years, I have lost some of my Caledonian fervour, and would generally be of the opinion that independence is not the best option for Scotland. But every so often along come the condescending sneers of, among others, M Finn and Mark Walford (Letters, 29 November), and I remember thats the England that Scotland wants to be divorced from. Colin Dryden Formby, Liverpool Cigarettes have no place near hospitals Last year my father died after spending his last four months in hospital. I visited almost daily. This awful time was made much worse because I had to watch my husband suffer from chest pains, breathlessness leading to coughing and sometimes vomiting just because he wanted to come into the hospital to support me. The reason for this was the invariable huddle of patients, relatives and staff smoking at every entrance to the hospital (Jane Merrick, 27 November). My husband is one of the 5.5 million adults in the UK with asthma. His asthma is triggered by other peoples smoke. From my point of view there is nothing passive about this. I have got used over the years to being unable to enter some pubs, cinemas and shops when with my husband because of this entrance huddle, but you should not have to endure this to get to the hospital. Mandy Dixon Milton Keynes In trying to ward off a possible ban on branded packaging for cigarettes, Forest and the rest of the tobacco-industry lobby are guilty of a crime against logic (Editorial, 29 November). If branded packaging does attract young people to smoking, then surely it should be banned. If it does not, then why bother with it? Either way, attractive branding and packaging are unnecessary. Robert Hall Stone, Staffordshire Shutting away this legal product from over-the-counter sight hasnt worked. Nor will plain packaging but suppose it does, and highly lucrative tobacco revenue slumps as a result? What compulsory taxes will be slapped on nonsmokers to make good the lost tax now voluntarily paid by smokers? Richard Humble

Exeter A discredited theory but not for boris It would be reassuring but futile to believe that people in powerful positions were able to think rationally. Reaganomics and Thatcherism were based on the belief in trickle down whereby if taxes were reduced for the rich and for business then the nations wealth would increase and riches would then trickle down to the poorer to the benefit of everyone (Embrace culture of greed, says Boris Johnson, 28 November) Various analyses from the 1990s on have shown that the opposite happened and continues to happen. The wealth of the richest 1 per cent in the UK has risen by just under 300 per cent since 1979 and that of the bottom 20 per cent by 16 per cent. Wealth over the past 30 years has been trickling up. And yet we still have Boris Johnson arguing for the rich to get richer... Dr S Ian Robertson Milton Keynes Boris Johnson claims that greed is a valid motivator for economic progress. Really? That is why we are in such a fine economic state now, is it? Because of the greed of those in the financial sector prior to the crash? I have clearly misunderstood the whole situation. Keith ONeill Shrewsbury So greed is good once again. Except, of course, when workers or trade unions ask for better wages, whereupon the adjective greedy is used as a term of abuse by the Tories. Pete Dorey Bath, Somerset Energy company profits It used to be said that the military only knew a situation was getting dangerous when Kate Adie arrived from the BBC. I have the same impression when Angela Knight turns up defending the indefensible. David Phillips London SW18 How our privacy was violated Peter Wrights account of the circumstances in which the Daily Mail wrote about my wifes lung cancer is misleading and insensitive (Letters, 28 November). My darling late wife. Sian Busby, never talked about her lung cancer to anyone but our immediate family and very closest friends, because she did not regard it as anyones business but our own. Because she was so upset when the Mail wrote about her illness, she made a point to me of explaining that she had not discussed it with the Mail reporter. And the implication that she talked about her cancer at a party, with the expectation it would be published in a newspaper, is absurd.

As for the celebrity photographer Alan Davidson mentioned in Mr Wrights letter he is my cousin once removed, and not Sians. It is a running joke for us that he snaps us whenever he sees me and my family. There was never any expectation on our part that those photos would be published. My memory of why Sian spoke to the Mail reporter at all is that she was flattered that he seemed to be interested in her latest novel. She was recovering from major surgery and chemotherapy, and to be taken seriously for her work would have been attractive to her. I find it strange that the Daily Mail seeks to defend a crass exposure of very private information, which undid our efforts to protect our boys the youngest of whom was still in primary school from painful questioning by friends and neighbours. The fact that the Mail thought the diary story was upbeat is not relevant. It disclosed something we were desperate to keep out of the press. As I said in my lecture earlier this week, there was no attempt by the Mail to tell us they were planning to write about Sians cancer or ask us if we thought it appropriate. And, as I also pointed out, I would have complained at the time, but Sian urged me not to because she was frail and she was anxious that in some way the Mail would retaliate. Against my instincts, I bit my tongue and kept quiet. I spoke about the incident a few days ago to bolster my argument against state or royal-charter based regulation of the press, by showing that I do not argue this lightly and that I have personal reasons for recognising that press intrusion can be serious and painful. That is why I am saddened that even after all we know about the appalling lapses by newspapers and journalists in recent years, there is still no new and effective system in place to provide timely and appropriate restitution to those unfairly damaged by intrusive or mistaken reporting. I will continue to argue that precious freedoms would be lost if regulation were underwritten by the state, directly or indirectly, but I strongly take the view that self-regulation is only defensible if newspapers respond in a speedy, decent and responsible way to legitimate complaints. Robert Peston London

University for women: your chance to spend thousands to be bullied and intimidated by your fellow students - Comment - Voices - The Independent
If theyre unlucky, they might have been dancing on a night out when a fellow student shoved his hand up their skirt. Or they might have been playing a drinking game when they were forced to join in on the hilarious chant: Women arent people! Women arent people! Or they might have gone to a pub quiz featuring head-scratchers like: Is it still rape if you kill her first? Those last three things all happened apparently at Nottingham, Warwick and another unnamed university. They feature in a new report, Confronting Lad Culture in Higher Education, which was published today by the NUS and makes for bewildering reading. It collates responses from 15 student unions and 39 individuals to its April report called Thats What She Said. It researched lad culture on campus from drunken packs on nights out to sexist, homophobic banter a handy word that instantly indicates the person to avoid in any social situation. Did they need a report? You would hope that this was just a question of isolated idiots, rather than the entire student body. But the report gives many more examples. The girls at Newcastle University who were force-kissed by men on a sports night out. The student who set up a feminist society at Nottingham Trent but had to close its Facebook page after vicious trolling from her fellow students. The Leeds student night called Freshers Violation. It may only be

page after vicious trolling from her fellow students. The Leeds student night called Freshers Violation. It may only be a minority of lads, but it is their banter that shouts the loudest on campus. Todays freshers have it hard. They have to lay out thousands for the privilege of continuing their education, with an ever-diminishing chance of a good job at the end of it. Everyone looks back on their student days with a rosy glow, but I am glad that when I was struggling with essay crises, hangovers and a taste for UK garage, I didnt also have to contend with a Facebook page called Spotted which sends anonymous shout-outs to fat slobs in the library, or Shag at Unis competition to find Britains horniest student (first prize: 500, a crate of alcohol and a years supply of condoms). Or a campus so intimidating that the NUS feels the need to publish a report recommending a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment. That doesnt sound like a fun place to grow into adulthood for anyone male or female. Twitter: @alicevjones

When will Britain learn? Immigration from the EU is enormously beneficial to our economy - Comment - Voices - The Independent
Clearly all this talk of wanting to change the benefit system for new arrivals and reduce access to the UK labour market for EU citizens is a clear admission of what economists have been saying for some time. The Governments pledge to reduce net immigration was bound to fail since, as things stand, one cannot control the movement of people from the rest of the EU. What does not make sense economically is that Labour too is fanning the flames of anti-European prejudice by saying repeatedly it was a mistake not to impose transitional arrangements as other EU countries did on the first eight Eastern European countries to join the EU in 2004. Its true that the number of Poles and others who entered the UK was vastly underestimated, but it was unquestionably good for the UK economy to have the increase in skilled and unskilled labour. Until the crash of 2008, the UK grew faster than its EU partners thanks to allowing a vigorous new labour force into Britain. Yes, any major arrival of foreign incomers causes tensions, as I heard myself on a recent visit to Boston in Lincolnshire to take part in a Question Time debate. But EU workers have allowed sectors to flourish and companies to expand, thus generating more spending and employment in the communities they found themselves in. It is also wrong to accuse EU workers of benefit-scrounging. A recent paper for the Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration argued that over the past decade, we have seen a net fiscal benefit from immigrants from European Economic Area countries. These workers are calculated to have paid more in taxes and contributions than they received in benefits and transfers. Nor does it make sense to blame the foreigners for our current housing shortage. Britain long ago gave up state predictive planning. Even without EU workers, there would have been a major shortage of affordable housing for British citizens. What about the NHS? Far from abusing the health service, many Eastern European men and women now work for the NHS (or in care homes), and the Conservative and Labour critics of EU workers need to ask what other sources there are to look after our ageing society. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility has calculated that migration contributes positively to the sustainability of public finances, and without net migration of at least 140,000 a year, long-term public debt levels would rocket under the pressure to finance long!term social needs. Ministers should beware of falling into a classic trap the lump of labour fallacy, or the belief that there is only a limited number of jobs and that foreigners take them away from us. Extra people create extra demand, and by keeping firms going they create conditions for further investment and recruitment. Employment levels are at their highest ever, while unemployment continues to fall. Lets also not forget that 2.2 million British people live and work on the Continent, and we should be careful before we hang a notice on Britains front door saying No more Europeans wanted. Unlike 2004, all 26 EU member

we hang a notice on Britains front door saying No more Europeans wanted. Unlike 2004, all 26 EU member states in 2014 will open up labour-market access to Bulgarians and Romanians, and these new workers will spread themselves around, with Germany and Austria other likely destinations. The UK has always been in favour of enlargement, which does it credit. But being seen as a nasty country deters investment and growth. The current fear of the foreigner is British politics at its worst. It contributes to a growing populism which obscures the real economic benefits to the UK of being part of the single European market. Vicky Pryces updated book Greekonomics: The Euro Crisis and Why Politicians Dont Get It has just been published in paperback by Biteback Publishing This is a symptom of a society that wants to shame women and put them down for enjoying sex. So the message is that sex sells just as long as its the right kind of sex. More importantly, why did Woods sex scene get the chop but a graphic shoot-out in which people are murdered by having their heads blown off make the cut? Guns are good but groans are bad. La La Lands infamous good taste strikes again.

Cyber Monday? More like Broke Tuesday

Weve had Christmas Advert Saturday, Black Friday, and now Cyber Monday is just around the corner. As the traditional advent calendar is redrawn by big shops with truckloads of gifts to sell, Id like to propose some alternative festive milestones. Broke Tuesday: when you realise you havent booked a train ticket home and only first-class seats remain. Huffy Thursday: when you realise youre not going to get a card from that old schoolfriend after all. And Mince Pie Sunday: the first day of the year you can scoff one without shame. Its tomorrow enjoy. Twitter: @alicevjones

Excess Louis Vuitton baggage in Red Square - Comment - Voices - The Independent
There it was a giant, monogrammed temple to luxury luggage, plonked in the middle of the cobbles where tsars were crowned and coups began, where tanks rolled to celebrate Victory Day and crowds thronged to see Yuri Gagarin return from outer space. Even the most dedicated fashionista would have to admit that a charity exhibition about suitcases does not quite measure up. Now the city authorities have ordered the whole thing be dismantled. Presumably they had to see the branded, twostorey portmanteau in situ before they realised it was not quite in keeping with all the cathedrals and tombs of leaders nearby. In fact, Red Square is a funny old place these days. It is still magical to walk through those toytown red gates and see it open out the unreal domes of St Basils at one end, the Kremlin majestic to the west, GUMs gorgeous faade to the east. But more often than not that view is compromised by a stage for a flashy rock concert, or a car show, or a fashion pop-up, or an ice rink. GUM now sells Dior and Cartier to the elite, not to mention the most expensive cup of coffee in all Russia at its terrace caf. Lenin has been spinning in his mausoleum for some time now: Vuittons trunk will just have sent him whirling that bit faster. Twitter: @alicevjones

Sledging is an art, and here are the secrets of it - Comment - Voices - The Independent
As with all aspects of sport, national character is the first determinant of success. The more refined and well-

mannered the culture, the less accomplished its sledgers. I dont say the corollary follows I am too fond of Australia to put its love of vilification down to something primitive in the countrys psyche but you only have to read Australias national poem, The Bastard from the Bush (Fuck me dead, Im Foreskin Fred, the Bastard from the Bush), to see an essential connection between verbal violence and a remote colonial lifestyle. That said, its important to place sledging in a tradition of insult-flinging to which even the most sophisticated literature owes a debt. Drama, we are told, originates in the sacrificial, propitiatory rituals of ancient communities. We put on a show for the gods and hope they applaud. Poetry originates in the impulse to exchange insults with fellow mortals. Get back to where you come from, thats somewhere in the bush is how the Captain of the Push responds to the challenge to his authority thrown down by Foreskin Fred. May the itching piles torment you, may corns grow on your feet,/ May crabs as big as spiders attack your balls a treat./ Then, when youre down and out, and a hopeless bloody wreck,/ May you slip back through your arsehole, and break your bloody neck. Indistinguishable from the satisfaction of getting your own back, hurling abuse and imagining someone elses suffering is the joy of deploying rhyme and rhythm. We never curse better than we curse in verse. Primary school playgrounds resound with the scurrilous ditties small children make up about one another. My best friend Martin Cartwright couldnt leave the classroom without hearing Farty Marty/ Spoils the party. For years I had to put up with Howardy Cowardy Custard/ Thinks his pants have rusted. And a poor religious boy called Manny was yoked with such tireless invention and horrid ingenuity to fanny that his parents had finally to remove him from the school. Flyting, its called in Scotland where poets would formalise the loathing they felt for each other into a contest of invective strictly governed by the laws of poesy. Come kiss my Erse, was how the 16th-century poet Montgomerie began his assault on the poet Polwart. Kiss the Cunt of the Cow, Polwart retorted in kind. We can perhaps look forward to a resumption of such well-honed hostilities when the campaign for Scottish independence begins in earnest. At carnival time in Trinidad, some of the countrys smartest poets, singers and comedians take to the stage to compete in Extempo War, an off-the-cuff battle of wits in which the grosser they are to one another, the more the audience likes it. Whether the Dozens the game of dissing, snapping and toasting played on the streets of Harlem and St Louis is an offspring of Extempo War I dont know, but it seems likely. It values the same qualities of quickness of wit and coarse discourtesy. Another name for it is Ya Mama unmannerliness to one anothers mothers being part of the fun. You wanna play the dozens, well the dozens is a game, rhymed the comedian George Carlin, But the way I fuck your mother is a goddam shame. Which is a bit ripe even for the Gabba where the Australian captain, Michael Clarke, was heard to say to say to an English player, Get ready for a f****** broken arm. I resort to asterisks, not because Clarke did, but because that was how most of the papers reported it. Myself, I think asterisks make what he said even worse. Clarke himself has a baby face, so his outburst appeared doubly shocking, but some among his team look as though they were born with asterisks in their mouths. What concerns me most about this incident, however, is the placing of the expletive. What Flyters, Extempo Warriors and kids in the school playground all know is that word order matters. Put a fucking where a fucking shouldnt be and you take fatally from the affront. Get ready for a fucking broken arm, doesnt work for two reasons. 1: It doesnt scan. And 2: The epithets misaligned; its not the broken youre meant to be cursing but the arm. I havent played much cricket myself. Table tennis was my game. But I was always careful at the table to be precise when I swore. Attentive to both the music and the meaning, Id have said to my opponent, Get ready for a broken fucking arm. Except that I wouldnt, of course, have said that because its pretty difficult to break someones arm with a celluloid ball measuring 40mm in diameter and weighing 2.7g. This could be the reason so few words are exchanged between players in the course of a game of ping-pong. You look ridiculous issuing threats when you dont have the equipment to carry them out. Or the will, come to that. Somewhere at the back of every table tennis players mind is the knowledge that your opponent is as sad as you are. Why compound the lack of self-esteem that made him a table tennis player in the first place?

Why compound the lack of self-esteem that made him a table tennis player in the first place? So humanity comes into the equation after all. To sledge with style requires a ripe vocabulary, an ear for cadence, a fastidiousness as to the positioning of epithets and respect for your opponent. You want to topple him from high estate to low. You dont want him down and out to start with. Australians dont always get that.

Errors and Omissions: Universally acknowledged truth? Not exactly Comment - Voices - The Independent
Like many such hackneyed quotations, the opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice is often trotted out in contexts that turn its meaning round. This feature about Leona Lewis bringing out a Christmas album seems to accept that the truth about Christmas albums is indeed true. But when Jane Austen wrote It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife, she meant no such thing. The message her reader was to take away was that an unmarried man in possession of a good fortune would have plenty of potential wives after him, whether he wanted one or not; the truth existed only in the minds of the mothers, like Mrs Bennet, of unmarried daughters. But in two centuries of repetition, Austens irony seems to have worn away. Our news story last Saturday on the Lambeth slavery case reported that it could be Britains most enduring incidence of modern-day slavery. That should be incident, not incidence. It is a very common error; I think some people are unaware that incident and incidence are two different words. Both come by way of French from the same Latin root, meaning a falling in. An incident is a single event, something that happens, usually unexpectedly; it could be as small as losing your house key, or as big as the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which precipitated the Vietnam War. Incidence is an abstract concept. It means how widespread or frequent something is. It can often be expressed as a number. The incidence of death on British roads, for instance, is now running at under 2,000 a year. One could speak of the incidence of slavery in modern Britain, but that was not what the writer meant. Students have no right to free speech on campuses, warn vice-chancellors, declared a headline on a news page last Saturday. That wasnt what the story said at all. The vice-chancellors policy document was quoted as follows: Universities have to balance their obligation to secure free speech with their duties to ensure that the law is observed which includes promoting good campus relations and maintaining the safety and security of staff, students and visitors. Some people seem to think that any restriction at all on freedom of speech means there is no right of free speech at all. Not so. A right may be respected but still be trumped on occasions by some other weighty consideration, such as the safety of the public. Never forget the observation of the American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes: The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic. The possibility of closer liaisons between the two genres formed part of a conversation I had with fellow members of a group set up by the Universal Music chief Max Hole to find ways to encourage younger music consumers to try classical recordings and concerts. One member of the group was the brilliant and prolific violinist Nicola Benedetti. She mentioned that she was a good friend of fellow Scottish music star Emeli Sande, the latter of course from the pop end of the spectrum. Why, I wondered, could they not perform on the same bill? Ok, there might need to be a bit of negotiation over who gets top billing, but what an opportunity for Sande fans to witness a charismatic, virtuoso violinist - and for Benedetti fans to see one of todays leading pop stars. Moving on from these two megastars, why must the support act for any rock star always be another pop act? Why not a classical act? Record companies and gig promoters could make this happen so easily. It just takes a little imagination. The thinking among those trying to make classical music more accessible to younger audiences is to have screens and light shows at concerts, and present the performances in a more relaxed environment. Theres nothing wrong with any of that. Looking at the way concerts are presented is a vital part of attracting new audiences to the art form. But

any of that. Looking at the way concerts are presented is a vital part of attracting new audiences to the art form. But how much simpler it would be in terms of accessibility to put pop and classical on the same bill. Yet it virtually never seems to happen. Pop culture and so-called high culture are not meant to mix. But mix they must. Come to that, why must pop shows on TV be exclusively pop shows? Jools Hollands Later, which whizzes from interesting act to interesting act, all doing a couple of numbers each, would be ideal to mix pop and classical. With Holland himself a jazz pianist, and executive producer Marc Cooper a man of eclectic musical taste, its a wonder that this fairly mild venture into music TV experimentation isnt already happening. Its such an opportunity to bring the best of contemporary classical artists to an audience of largely pop and indie music viewers. There is no law of broadcasting that classical music on TV has to begin and end with the Proms, and no law of music that classical should always be compartmentalised and kept apart from pop. From where I stand, its all music.

An awful lot of priggish gig-goers

I felt a little uncomfortable, indeed priggish, when I mentioned here last week that it can be annoying when people talk throughout rock gigs, usually stopping the chat only to push past you to the bar. Well, to judge from your emails there are an awful lot of uncomfortable, priggish gig-goers out there. Many of you seem to share my bafflement that people can buy expensive tickets for a gig and actually stand with their backs to the stage chatting through all of it. I leave the last word to reader Patrick Elliott, who says: There ought to be a sign up outside every gig saying, If youre going to talk to mates all night long stay in the bar.

What does the original Jane Banks have to say?

Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks have done a lot of talking about the late Walt Disney for their film Saving Mr Banks, about the making of Mary Poppins. But Im rather more interested in a short interview in the current issue of Variety with the former English child actress Karen Dotrice, now 58, who at the age of eight played Jane Banks in the original film, and actually knew the movie mogul. She recalls: Uncle Walt... was very enthusiastic and generous. He flew me, my two sisters and my mum over from England. He got us a home up in the canyons with an indoor heated swimming pool and gave me the use of the private plane on the weekends so we could fly to his Santa Barbara ranch. Generous old Uncle Walt. Sounds like a character from one of his own films. d.lister@independent.co.uk twitter.com/davidlister1

The Independent's charity auction - Elephant Campaign - Campaigns - The Independent

All lots are offered subject to The Independent's Terms & Conditions . Also see ebay.co.uk's terms Need assistance? See the ebay help page Lot 1: Damien Hirst Original artwork by Damien Hirst (above) entitled Charity Paper Spins for The Independents Space for Giants Elephant Christmas Campaign - spectacular and specially commissioned for this appeal. Fifty per cent of the proceeds will go to Space for Giants and 50 per cent to the charity Victim. Acrylic on paper, it measures 1 metre x 1 metre (39.4in x 39.4in). Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions Lot 2: Steel lives

Comedian, columnist, historian and wit Mark Steel will perform a stand-up comedy routine in your home or local pub. (Dates depend on availability - and permission of landlord!) Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot

3:

Spice

inviter Feisty Independent columnist, lively debater and enthusiastic amateur chef Yasmin Alibhai-Brown will host an Indian picnic for up to six people in Londons Regents Park, preferably in the warmer months of 2014. Enjoy tales of love, migration and food from one of the nations finest and most provocative writers. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 4: We happy few A letter entitling the bearer to two tickets to see Henry V at the Noel Coward Theatre at a performance of their choice, Monday to Thursday night, up to 15 February 2014, subject to availability - followed by a glass of champagne backstage with Jude Law. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 5: Cripes! The Mayor of London (and potential future prime minister) Boris Johnsons Stash bike helmet, which, like the wearer, has been through plenty of scrapes. Signed by the Mayor himself with Best wishes, its the ideal gift for the cyclist in your life, Tory or not. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 6: Lunch on the House Its the ultimate political guide. Which Coalition partners hate each other? Are we being told the truth about the national debt? And what is it with Theresa May and shoes? Our political editor, Andrew Grice, will take a reader to Westminster for lunch and fill them in on our rulers Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot

7:

Loose

Women Two VIP audience tickets to visit the Loose Women studios at ITV, London (accommodation, transportation etc not included; within six months of the auction date or on mutually agreed date), plus a chance to meet the presenters, including The Independent on Sunday columnist Janet Street-Porter. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 8: Holiday with Giants Eight-day luxury holiday safari in Kenya for two, including opportunities to see the big five, visiting the Space for Giants team to see the critical conservation work they do, and meeting some of their favourite elephants, plus a couple of days of luxury relaxation on the Indian Ocean. Two nights each at Sirikoi, Sosian and Ol Malo and three at Kizingoni. Check out the views via www.sirikoi.com, www.sosian.com, www.olmalo.com and www.kizingonibeach.com. A very special break. (Subject to availability; flights and insurance not included.) Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 9: Foreign field Our Paris correspondent, John Lichfield, will take you on a day tour of the Somme battlefields where 623,000 British and French soldiers were killed or wounded in the First World War. Lunch is included, but not travel. For up to four people. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 10: On the Ball Two can visit the coming force in football BT Sports The Clare Balding Show, plus a behind-the-scenes tour of the BT Sport studio in Stratford, east London, from where the programme is broadcast. (Date to be agreed between the winner and BT; travel not included.) Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 11: A day at the paper Visit The Independent at our offices in Kensington, west London. Marvel at the hum of industry, the thrill of breaking news, the whoosh of deadlines. Come to the morning conference, chat to the columnists, sub-editors and leader writers. And see the first edition before it goes to press. For up to two people. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 12: Lunch with the editor One reader will lunch with The Independents editor, Amol Rajan, at The Ivy, the legendary power brokers restaurant in Londons West End. Over risotto or calfs liver, discuss anything from politics to cricket to the future of journalism. (Travel not included.) Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 13: Shadowing Sindy One reader will get the chance to shadow the editor of The Independent on Sunday, Lisa Markwell, as she puts together her award-winning newspaper. Join her at editorial conferences, talking to writers and the e-production team, and, possibly, lunching with the great and the good. (Travel not included.) Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 14: Beautiful giants A print from David Gulden who has produced arguably the best African wildlife photography ever. The print is one of two powerful images being used in The Independents appeal and is 36in tall and 54in wide with 3in borders and high-end white frames. It is from a numbered edition of 10 and is signed by the photographer. It is taken from his highly acclaimed book, The Centre Cannot Hold. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 15: Beautiful giants - round two A prints from David Gulden who has produced arguably the best African wildlife photography ever. The print is of two bull elephants and is 36in tall and 54in wide with 3in borders and high-end white frames. It is from a numbered edition of 10 and is signed by the photographer. It is taken from his highly acclaimed book, The Centre Cannot Hold. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 16: Help with Giants Space for Giants is offering one intern the rare chance to get involved in its operations on the ground in northern Kenya, both in the office in Nanyuki, and in the field. You will have the chance to get acquainted with its study bulls and the other elephants of Laikipia; and assist in taking an anti-poaching drama performance to local communities. (Visas and personal travel insurance required.) Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 17: Name that tune A VIP night for two at Ronnie Scotts. Come for a champagne reception before a show of your choice at the worldfamous Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club with artistic director James Pearson. You will select the songs to be performed by Ronnie Scotts All Stars to open the evening, watch from the best seats, and enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner and the musical delights of whichever jazz star is performing that evening. (Travel not included.) Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 18: Showbiz party Ever wondered what it might be like to hobnob with society types and celebs from the A-list to the Z-list? Join our gossip columnist, Luke Blackall, as he searches for the best stories and the juiciest gossip... Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 19: Your move Game of chess and a master class with Indy chess expert and English Grandmaster Jon Speelman. The Independents Mr Chess challenges chess fans to an epic duel. He beat Kasparov; can he beat you? (Travel not included.) Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 20: Match Day with the Saracens One of Englands great rugby teams is proud to support Space for Giants work in Africa. The Saracens (www.saracens.com) are offering a special match-day experience, comprising three tickets, match-day mascot, replica shirt, and photograph with the captain and the mascot. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 21: Literary greats Signed copies of celebrated screenwriter and author David Nicholls acclaimed novels (Starter for Ten, The

Signed copies of celebrated screenwriter and author David Nicholls acclaimed novels (Starter for Ten, The Understudy and a lovely boxed hardback of One Day) plus a bound set of signed screenplays (One Day, Starter for Ten and Great Expectations). Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 22: A mountain to climb Our award-winning travel correspondent, Simon Calder, has only one frontier to conquer - the heights of Britain. Here is your opportunity to learn everything about travel and travel journalism - and help him overcome a fear of heights. Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions

Lot 23: Gig to go for Attend a live rock or pop gig, courtesy of The Independent. Enjoy the performance and then help our critic to write a review for publication in the newspaper. (Dates and performance subject to availability.) For two... Bidding starts at 12pm on 2 December See auction terms and conditions HOW TO ENTER A BID Bidding ends at 11am on 12 December 2013. Payment by PayPal only, by 22 December 2013. Each lot carries a minimum reserve price of 100, is for one adult and does not include travel unless otherwise specified and is subject to terms and conditions which can be found at here. The Editors decision is final and bidders must be aware that they cannot give a winning bid to any other person without getting the Editors consent before bidding. For all enquiries, email auction@independent.co.uk Need assistance? See ebay's help page

Like it or not, the Scots and the English are flesh and blood - Comment Voices - The Independent
This anonymous painting was once captioned as a portrait of a lady and her maid. Nonsense, as the briefest glance will tell you. These girls are not just best mates and fellow-conspirators: they are cousins, kinswomen, flesh and blood. The picture used to hang in Kenwood House on the heights of Hampstead in north London. So what do Lady Elizabeth Murray and her cousin not her servant Dido Elizabeth Belle have to do with this weeks debate about Scottish independence and English, or British, identity? Just about everything. Dido Belle was the illegitimate daughter of the Scottish sailor John Lindsay and an enslaved African woman, born in the West Indies. She came to Kenwood as a small child to join the household of the first Earl of Mansfield Lindsays uncle as a companion to Elizabeth, a cousin whom the Mansfields adopted. As an adult, she would go on to manage the Kenwood home farm and (most unusually) help with his confidential correspondence the mighty great!uncle who, as visitors reported, showed the greatest attention to everything she said.

great!uncle who, as visitors reported, showed the greatest attention to everything she said. Earl Mansfield the rebuilder of Kenwood became Lord Chief Justice of England in 1756. He reformed English common and commercial law, laying the foundations for the business rules that make London today such a global hub. In the Somersett case of 1772, Dido Belles great-uncle found no legal basis for the enforcement of slavery in England. In many eyes, he cleared the way for its abolition in the British Empire, and across the world. (In his will, Mansfield not only left Dido a handsome legacy but confirmed her status as a free woman.) But the earl had started life as William Murray of Perth, younger son of a Scottish noble family deeply suspect for its Jacobite loyalties. William went south and made peace with the Hanoverian dynasty (although enemies always accused him of Jacobitism). He shone in his profession even if at Christ Church, Oxford no one could understand his accent changed England, and arguably changed the world. It was Mansfield whom Dr Johnson meant when he told James Boswell Edinburgh advocate turned hagiographer of the archetypal Englishman that Much may be made of a Scotchman, if he be caught young. Yesterday, Kenwood House reopened to the public after a 20-month restoration by its custodians, English Heritage. Perhaps it ought to belong to Historic Scotland instead. After the 1707 Union of Parliaments, and the failure of the 1715 and 1745 rebellions, generations of bright young Scots decided like Murray that the way south led to fortune. Aiming to wind up Boswell, as usual, Johnson declared: The noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees is the high road that leads him to England! From the age of William Murray to that of Gordon Brown and Fred Goodwin, they duly took control of the British commanding heights in politics, law, commerce and culture. Recruited from the feudal musters of clan chieftains, Scots regiments formed the spine of the British Army. The Black Watch, incorporated in 1739, had begun as a patrol of three companies of Campbells along with Frasers, Grants and Munros. Having pacified the insurgent Highlands, these militias pacified the world. The British empire was, to a disproportionate degree, an empire of the Scots diaspora. Whether you visit the 1,600 graves of the Scottish cemetery in Kolkata or call on Jardine Matheson, the original tai-pans of colonial Hong Kong, the British footprint across the world often bears a Scottish stripe. Just listen to the pipe bands of Punjab. These enmeshed and entangled histories lead in no single political direction. Yet it makes sense to remember them at the end of a week in which the Scottish government launched with a thump its 667-page blueprint for Scotlands Future after the positive vote it seeks in the referendum on independence due on 18 September 2014. For the next nine months of fights over the future will also, inevitably, turn into a battle for the past. Elements of bathos accompanied the unveiling of Alex Salmonds mega-manifesto. Post-oil boom Scottish nationalism has gained emotional lift-off from tales hatched in Hollywood rather than Holyrood of shaggy plaidclad warriors who gave a good hiding to those sneery English fops. Now the heirs of the Wallace and the Bruce will vote for independence thanks to a transformational extension of childcare, lower corporation tax, reducing your energy bills by an average of 5 per cent and war cries ready a 50 per cent reduction in air passenger duty. That, sceptics might scoff, will really call the clans up from the glens, dirks flashing and claymores swinging. Supporters of the status quo, beware. This is no fumble but the core of a shrewd strategy. As a riposte to the devo max proposed by unionists, the SNP government has come up with Independence Lite. Lets see if it sells like Irn Bru. Inspect the details of this emollient, even diluted, nationalism and one thing becomes abundantly clear. It embraces, even celebrates, the cross-border world of William Murray or of Gordon Brown. Look at three specific areas of controversy. Scotland, post-independence, will remain a constitutional monarchy, with Elizabeth II great-greatgranddaughter of the Balmoral-haunting Queen Victoria as head of state. And who restored trust in the monarchy on both sides of the border after the disaster of the abdication crisis? Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon of Glamis Castle, the Earl of Strathmores daughter and Queen Mother-to-be. The reborn state will keep the pound as part of a sterling area, sharing fiscal management and the partitioning of debts with the Bank of England. Would that be the Bank of England founded in 1694 in strict accordance with a scheme laid out by William Paterson of Dumfries? Alas, Patersons next big idea, the Darien project for a Scottish colony in Panama, bankrupted his country and so hastened the Union. As for the insistence on access to BBC

favourites after the Scottish Broadcasting Service carves its slice from the licence fee, what would Braveheart have made of that? (For what its worth, no rival Doctor Who can hold a candle to Bathgate-born David Tennant, son of a Moderator of the Church of Scotland.) In any case, the BBC would not boast any assets meriting a scrap were it not for the vision of its dour creator, John Reith of Stonehaven. Lets be clear: you may invoke the giants of the Anglo-Scottish past in aid of either staying together or going it alone. Whats unambiguous in Scotlands Future is its warm enthusiasm for intimate cultural, economic, even spiritual ties. It lauds a continuing social union beyond questions of formal sovereignty, a close special relationship that will evolve into a new, updated partnership of equals. Far from being Year Zero, March 2016 will see all existing laws, including those of the UK, continue to apply unless later amended. So much of the blueprint rests on the assumption of a Loch Ness-like depth of English goodwill. Salmonds manifesto endorses this post-partition kinship with rare fervour. Even passport-free crossings at Berwick will not only affirm the value of a Common Travel Area but bear witness to the social union. Faced with adverse polls and a Munro-sized mountain to climb, the independence camp has resorted to a mystical unionism that transcends the mechanics of political control. Purely administrative unionists should pause before mocking it. Salmond has history on his side not least in the experience of the Scots who conquered England, its institutions and its colonies, without having to forsake other types of affiliation. (Remember that the First Minister, a former RBS economist, cheered on the empire-building Fred Goodwins catastrophic takeover bid for Dutch bank ABN Ambro with a letter that ended, Yours for Scotland, Alex.) Maybe William Murray, Lord Chief Justice of England, stayed a Jacobite all along and regarded his Hanoverian patrons as (in Robert Burnss words) an idiot race, to honour lost. Schooled in the arts, and ruses, of hybrid allegiance, Scots set a pattern for other outsiders who wanted to enjoy the best of both worlds. The soothing policies released this week suggest that independence, as now planned, will raise no fresh fences. At its most utopian, the social union thesis even seeks to liberate the English too. It has no more eloquent champion than Irvine Welsh, whose Trainspotting has just been chosen in a poll as Scotlands best-loved modern novel. For Welsh, political separation could promote the cultural unity that the UK state, in its current form is constantly undermining. He has argued that the idea of the political independence of England and Scotland leading to conflict, hatred and distrust is the mindset of opportunistic fear-mongers and gloomy nationalist fantasists and deeply insulting to the people of both countries. Stirring words. Welsh, though, now lives in Chicago. In the 1980s, he invested speculatively in the London property boom. William Murray would have recognised a kindred spirit in him. Those brave spirits, a diaspora of hope rather than hunger, will continue to move, mix and thrive whatever happens on referendum day. However much they cherish single malt, Scots have for long proved pretty good at blends. Just ask Dido Belle.

This is your elephant name - Voices - The Independent They're gay, they grieve and they're left-handed: Elephants are just like humans - Voices - The Independent
Elephants grieve Anyone who remembers the heart-breaking sight of a mother elephant mourning her baby in David Attenboroughs Africa last year will know that grief is a very real emotion for them. They keep vigil over bodies for days and some of them have even been known to shed tears. Elephants protect the vulnerable We like to think were a charitable lot, and elephants are no different. When threatened by an outsider, the elephant herd will form a circle, enclosing the most vulnerable- the elderly, the sick, the young, on the inside. Lions are one of the biggest threats, and the elephants nearly always stand their ground so that the predator eventually gives up.

Elephants can be gay Same-sex elephants have been known to mount each other and have also been seen kissing- inserting their trunk into the other elephants mouth. Most elephant relationships are fleeting, however, relationships between two male elephants (usually one older and one younger) have been known to last years. Elephants have amazing memories An elephant never forgets? True! Tests on one herd in Africa showed that they could remember the colours and smells of a Masai tribe who had persecuted them, and were frightened and aggressive. By contrast, they showed ambivalence to the colours and scents of the Kamba people, who treat elephants with kindness. Elephants are altruistic The world would be a nicer place if all humans practiced altruism. Elephants go out of their way not to cause harm to others. They have been known to sit with humans they have accidentally injured until they are rescued, and there is a famous story of a worker elephant in India who one day refused to drop logs. When her owner came to inspect, he found it was because there was a sleeping dog lying in the log hole. Elephants can be left-handed Some hipster elephants are left-handed. But its not their great feet that are dominant- its their tusks. They have a preferred tusk for digging up earth and uprooting trees and will only use the other if their tusk-of-choice becomes severely injured. Elephants suffer from the Terrible Twos Young elephants take some reining in! Just like children, they are known for their terrible tantrums, where they throw themselves into the mud and flail wildly until they are exhausted. Today, just 650,000 elephants remain on the planet, and they are in real danger of extinction. By supporting Space For Giants through the Independents Christmas Appeal, we can help ensure that these majestic creatures begin to be treated worldwide with the respect that they deserve.

Xbox One vs PlayStation 4: the basics - IV Drip - Voices - The Independent

The PlayStation 4 hits shops today in the UK, one week after the Xbox One was released. For those who arent gaming aficionados but want to know the differences between the consoles, were here to help with the basics. Which is cheaper? PlayStation 4 at 349, Xbox One is priced at 429. Which looks better? Theyre both black, rectangular boxes. But the PlayStation 4 is less chunky than the Xbox One, and looks slightly sleeker. Both use a matte and gloss finish. Which offers more? The Xbox One comes with its camera, the Kinect 2.0, the PlayStation 4 camera costs 45 extra. With a subscription, PlayStation also offers free games every month, where Xbox One will only offer discounts. Xbox One comes with Skype, but both have Netflix and Lovefilm. Sony are rumoured to be releasing a bundle pack before Christmas,

which will include a PS Vita so you can play games remotely from the TV. How much will it cost to play online? PlayStationPlus costs 39.99 for a one-year subscription and 11.99 for a 90-day subscription. Xbox Live Gold is 39.99 for 12 month subscription, 14.99 for 3 months, or 5.99 for one month. How much will the games cost? There were originally some complaints that some PS4 games were over 60, but now its been announced that crossplatform games will cost the same on both consoles digital stores. Which has the better launch games? Xbox One: Forza Motorsport 5 is the one to beat for racing fanatics, Ryse: Son of Rome shows off an incredible landscape and combat that relies on good timing, and Zoo Tycoon is adorable, as you play as the manager who can get involved with tending to the animals. PlayStation 4: Killzone: Shadow Fall shows off the PS4s graphics, Resogun (free with PlayStation plus) will take you back to days of gaming yore with a modern edge on a Space Invaders style, and Knack is an old-fashioned playable platformer. Who will have the better games in future? PlayStation 4 have confirmed developers Naughty Dog will release an Unchartered game for PS4, plus Octodad: Dadliest Catch (the clue is in the title) will be out next year. Xbox One will release Kinect Sports next year, plus EA and Respawn Entertainments exciting upcoming title Titanfall should be released early 2014. Read more: 10 things you need to know about the Xbox One PlayStation 4 review: Sony has got their swagger back

Push dads to share the baby burden - Comment - Voices - The Independent
Nick Clegg must be feeling pretty chuffed hes finally got the green light to announce that mums and dads can split their time off but remember this was a process that started in 2003 with the right to two weeks leave for new fathers. And it doesnt even kick in until April 2015. But if he thinks Im equally thrilled well, sorry, but Ive got some bad news. Didnt he see the recent TUC survey showing that fewer than 1 per cent of dads are stepping in to fill the void if mums choose to go back after 26 weeks (an option the Government introduced in April 2011)? If Mr Clegg really wants to end the sort of workplace discrimination that makes women over 35 a rarity, he needs to coerce dads into doing their bit. The Swedes have a use-it-or-lose-it approach that means fathers lose two of the potential 14 months on offer to them if they dont take it. (The same two-month rule applies to mums.) The upshot is Swedish bosses have the same risk of their female and male employees needing some time off, which has obvious repercussions when they are thinking of hiring or promoting someone as the (female) head of a Swedish kidswear brand once told me. Bottom line: in Sweden its accepted to prioritise to be with your family because most employers are very open-minded and flexible, she added. But this isnt even all about the mums. Without a little extra pressure, how many dads are going to risk screwing up their career for the sake of a few months at home with a small baby? Because lets be blunt, thats what theyll worry

their career for the sake of a few months at home with a small baby? Because lets be blunt, thats what theyll worry will happen. With good reason, many of my female friends might add. Yet how many dads feel hurt when their little ones run a mile when they try to help with bath time or read them a story on the rare night they have made it home. And again, lets be honest. Giving fathers the legislative balls to stay at home can only be good for their children, their home life, and yes, their partners, who need help to stop British bosses thinking of childcare as womens work.

Young female victims of gangs don't allow themselves to be used - Comment - Voices - The Independent
This week's OCC report highlighted sexual violence among children, and showed girls as young as 11 are victims of punishment rape by gangs. Alison Philips, commenting on ITV This Morning on Tuesday, had a theory: we need to teach girls to have more self-worth. We are talking about girls here who are involved with gangs, she said of the victims, so weve got to get it into some kind of perspective. Perspective consisted of the assumption they were girls probably already in some kind of trouble, though to me, this infers that increased self-esteem instantly provides a force-field against all that is bad and wrong. Such views are far from unique: these are those sorts of girls. Theyve put themselves at risk, allowed themselves to be used. Remember 15-year-old Suzie in Rochdale, forced to have nightly sex with a gang of men yet dismissed for her lifestyle choice by agencies unwilling to intervene? Do we really believe the girls the OCC report describes stepped willingly from a life of opportunity, stability and protection into the clutches of nameless, uncontrollable boys to whom they are in thrall? That they are complicit? The report describes a culture of fear, exploitation, degradation, humiliation and abuse, children exposed to cultural messages perpetuating sexual aggression and ownership. It talks about groups of friends, not only gangs, among whom attacks are happening all over the UK, and about children with limited availability of choice resulting from their social/economic and/or emotional vulnerability. Rather than placing the responsibility on the perpetrators, from whom there may be no escape, the report highlights child protection agencies continuing to describe children as putting themselves at risk. This allows us to blame the girls, tut that they should know better and avoid tricky questions, such as why do we express horror but not surprise that boys act this way? If girls dont have satisfactory levels of self-esteem, why might that be? Do we tell girls who were coerced, threatened or ambushed into unwanted sex how they could have avoided it or do we look at their attackers attitudes, motives and access? Culturally and systemically we lay the blame with the most vulnerable: the girls, especially those kinds of girls. We expect girls to be good, to know better and to stay out of trouble, no matter how challenging their circumstances, or we will hold them responsible. Adult responses to sexual crime perpetuate this view, despite almost 10 per cent of women identifying as victims of non-consensual sex in the recent Natsal report, with perpetrators often found close to home. The boys self-esteem isnt questioned, yet I wonder how many of those boys hate themselves for what theyve done. Who, children themselves, wish life could have been different, not bought into a system which says brutality rules, sex is a right and a weapon, and girls are there to be used. Im going into a primary school soon to talk to children of 10 and 11. Apparently Im there to inspire them (no pressure). I can talk about their value as individuals and how they can learn to express themselves confidently. Is there anything I can say that could stop a gang rape, knowing some there may soon experience it and some perpetrate it, maybe already have? I can try building self-esteem can apparently make all the difference - but until we start addressing the root issues of culture, lack of options and violence against women and girls I suspect little will change.

Man about town: I thought I should give cigars a try - Comment - Voices The Independent

But ever keen for self improvement (or should that be self-damage?), I thought I should give them another try at the Spectator cigar smoker of the year awards. Yes, I hoped to learn a bit more about them, but I was most drawn by the fine opportunities for rubber-necking and the extremely nice looking menu (with wines), which the organisers sent over beforehand. Boisedale Canary Wharf, where it took place, provided the people-watching I had hoped for: captains of industry, the odd film director and the sort of puce-faced chaps whose weekend trousers match their complexions. Oh, and Nancy DellOlio. Ranald Macdonald, the restaurants proprietor played the genial host, while publisher Andrew Neil was MC for the awards ceremony. He played this role like a headmaster to the unruly (or in this case, drunk) pupils, having to plough on as one chap (yes, a red face/trouser type) twice stood to heckle incoherently. Indeed judging from the general volume of the evening, there was no doubting the passion cigar fans have for their Havanas. The shortlist for the main prize was a mix of the great, the good and the godawful, combining (among others) Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alan Greenspan and former West Ham footballer Julian Dicks. In the end the prize went to Simon Le Bon, who looked delighted with both the trophy and the drunken adulation shouting, this could be as good as it gets. It did occur to me though, that perhaps his elation was elevated by the fact that hed just been given a 15,000 Jean Richard watch as part of his award. Afterwards as the assembled brayers rolled into the night, I stood at the bar enjoying the excellent whisky on offer. Le Bon chose to celebrate in a different way, by pouring samples of various different glasses of whisky into one, to make a unique blend, which he proclaimed delicious. Perhaps it is this sort of creative approach to life that wins you awards.

Hung, poisoned and mutilated alive: our atrocious abuse of elephants - Voices - The Independent
We grew up with Dumbo and Babar, singing Nellie The Elephant as we hugged our cuddly Elmer. Yet, close the storybook and the real narrative is brutal. For hundreds of years, the largest land mammal on earth has been persecuted to almost the point of extinction by its greatest enemy- man. Much of their suffering has been due to hunters coveting their ivory tusks. Yet their killers methods are often both creative and cruel. Elephants who are killed for their ivory often die slow, agonising deaths after being shot several times. In Zimbabwe, more than 80 elephants died after poachers poisoned their watering holes with cyanide. One particularly barbarous tactic sees poachers target a baby elephant in order to goad the mother, making it easier to shoot her and remove her tusk. Often, the tusks are removed whilst the elephant is still alive and suffering.

Seized ivory tusks are displayed in Hong Kong Their persecution is nothing new. Elephant ivory trade can be traced back as early as the 14th century BC, but it was during the 17th and 18th centuries that it evolved into a major export. Slaves brought ivory back to Britain to be used for jewellery and piano keys amongst others (there is a wide range of 18th century ivory jewellery on show at The British Museum). Around 1000 tonnes of ivory was brought to Europe at the peak of colonisation. It was after World War Two that the ivory trade evolved to how we know it today. During the 1980s, the ivory trade was unregulated, and as a result, around 700,000 elephants were killed in one decade alone. In 1990, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) decided to impose restrictions on the ivory trade, leading to a ban. Today, poachers across Africa and Asia continue to persecute elephants for their tusks- which now have a value of around 40,000 each. The trade is now particularly large in China and Japan However, sadly for the elephants, several countries including Zimbabwe and South Africa, chose to ignore the ban. Their reasoning for the continuing trade is that revenue from the ivory trade goes towards conservation work. Elephants have also suffered as human attractions, a kind of exotic entertainment for the masses. Shockingly, some British circuses were still using elephants as part of their act as late as 2009. Cruelty has often been a feature of training, with beatings and electric shocks.This mishandling has often lead to tragedy. In 1903, Topsy the elephant was electrocuted in New York after he killed his trainer- who had burnt his trunk with a lit cigar. And in 1919, a young trainer, Red Eldridge was killed by Mary, a circus elephant in Tennessee, after he used a painful hook on her ear. Mary was then publicly executed in front of 2,500 people. She had to be hung twice, after the first attempt only succeeded in breaking her hip. Today, just 650,000 elephants remain on the planet, and they are in real danger of extinction. By supporting Space For Giants through the Independents Christmas Appeal, we can help ensure that these majestic creatures begin to be treated worldwide with the respect that they deserve.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/campaigns/elephant-campaign/

It's not just Jon Snow who can't take games seriously - Comment - Voices The Independent

Games have moved on. We live in an era where the launch of Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are covered in mainstream news. When millions of people are buying them and queuing up at midnight, they could hardly be ignored. But coverage is often skewed in such a way that it attempts to put a distance between those involved in the industry and those who are discussing it. Some in the media delight in announcing how little they know about gaming. After all, games are for kids right? Although, as Snow also asked in his interview with Brooker,: "What are kids?" If kids are aged around 30 with a disposable income that enables them to snap up games now rolling into stores at 60 a pop, then they're high-flying youngsters, thats for sure. This, as it happens, is the profile of the average gamer today which is why discussions about 18-rated games such as Grand Theft Auto V being unsuitable for children are daft. Theyre simply not aimed at kids. Gaming is a pastime that transcends watching television, as it engages the brain in a way that few other forms of entertainment can - combining visuals and sound with the need for physical and mental skills. Today the industry is worth over 1bn to UK GDP. But nevertheless us gamers are treated, on Channel 4 News, to a broadcaster debating whether children are better off going out and enjoying themselves in other ways, and whether adults should know better than to stay inside playing games. Snow admitted he had never played a game himself, not even Pong, so to expect him to somehow appreciate a pastime that has gripped the globe since the late 1970s and which - in more recent years - has become the globe's most financially successful entertainment product was folly. They only had 15 minutes. Furthermore, quite why gaming needs to defend itself is curious. Gaming may be mainstream - the Wii places controllers at the mercy of grandma - but there is still a reluctance to treat them square-on in the way film and music are treated. Snow wouldn't have pulled the film industry apart like he tried to do with gaming last night, nor would he ask what the point of film was. "Why does there have to be a point?" asked Brooker. And he had a point with that one. The industry itself doesn't always help, sometimes casting itself as the underdog unnecessarily. Brooker, with space to elaborate, might have pointed out that 46 per cent of online gamers are women. Given that 700 million play online that is some figure. Gaming is not quite the macho, male hobby many think it is. In some quarters, however, an alienating geek culture still pervades. I know people afraid of picking up a controller who love to play on smartphones. They wouldnt see themselves as gamers, though, and they would also be horrified if someone labelled them so. Its broadcasts like that on Channel 4 News last night which help form those kinds of opinions. We can only hope they change one day soon.

Deep down I am not a dog person. And here I was, talking to one - Comment Voices - The Independent
I had apprehensions about the prospect of working with a dog, of course, and I voiced them to the producer-figures. I got bitten by a Jack Russell in Thetford when I was nine, and I know its not cool to tar them all with the same brush, but I do. I thought I should let them know I was on edge and they arranged for me to meet Dodger and get to know him a bit before filming. Spending time socialising with the dog might make working with him in the cut-and-thrust of a movie set less pressurised, was the thinking. Me, Dodger and one of the producers met for a Chinese the Saturday before filming started. It helped, I think. These things are always awkward, with long silences as the players eye each other up over noodles. I have an ego, Dodger has an ego. I am suspicious of dogs, dogs are suspicious of columnists who also act. But Dodger seemed like a nice enough lad and we had a lot in common. We havent had any formal acting training, we both have beards, and neither of us can use chopsticks. The producer went home, me and Dodge had one more in a slightly quieter bar and then we went our separate ways.

Acting with a dog is tough. Theres a lot of propaganda about how intelligent dogs are, but Im not sure. Dodge was smart enough and I think we shared a lot of affection for one another, but as an actor he was a bloody nightmare. And I say that knowing for a fact he wont read this. He took very little interest in me the whole week, so certainly wont be seeking out my column. The only time he gave me the time of day was when my character was feeding him then his performance suddenly went through the roof. Aside from that, he was impossible; all over the place with his lines and he had a terrible habit of looking incredibly distant right up to the moment we were turning over. Deep down the problem might have been that I am not a dog person. And here I was in a situation where I had to talk to, run with and hold a dog. And because Im not a dog person, I found it difficult to hold Dodger and kept accidentally touching his penis. If youve never done any acting let me tell you, thats a big no-no in this game. The reaction to Dodger on set was illuminating. As an actor with my skillset I am used to a general indifference, but when its thrown into relief by adulation for my co-star it can become demoralising. Bung in the fact that your co-star is a dog and it gets plain depressing. I dont like to blow my own trumpet, but any time our director, Jon, said action, I was all over it like a rash, throwing my arms about, yelling my lines, pouring my life and soul into pretending to be whoever it was the script was suggesting. And down by my shins I had Dodger, listless and sullen, seemingly with no real interest in getting under the skin of the character of Floppy. I swear, half the time he was gazing at the admittedly effervescent make-up girls. And yet on cut thered be a tidal-wave of praise for the little shits acting skills. Dodger this and Dodger that. But thats the game I guess, and he never rubbed my face in it. By the end of the week I think there was a begrudging respect between myself and Dodger. As they called cut on the final scene, and the crew applauded, he appeared to wink at me. He seemed to be saying good job and that felt good. But at the wrap drinks he was distant with me again. Same old story. His handler said he was tired. Still, it doesnt cost anything to be pleasant. As Kimberly Pierces remake of the Stephen King classic Carrie opens in the UK today, I find myself wondering why horror claims so few female directors and so few films with female villains. The ABCs of Death 2 launched a competition in August, searching for the 26th director to be included in their feature length collaboration. According to badassdigest.com only seven of the 78 entries to date have been from female filmmakers. The Carrie remake is both directed by a woman and populated largely by female characters with varied motivations and personalities, none of whom represent the standard Final Girl seen in male-directed, big budget slasher flicks. However, there is a subcategory within horror that substantiates uncomfortable claims of misogyny within the genre. This is a strand of horror that seems to really hate women. It revolves solely around the rape and torture of female characters, with little in the way of plot, script, or motive. Examples of this include The Bunny Game (2012, Adam Rehmeier) where a prostitute is tortured and sexually abused for a grim 76 minutes, Murder Set Pieces (2004, Nick Palumbo) that shows The Photographer hacking his way through a collection of prostitutes, Scrapbook (2000, Eric Stanze) that involves the kidnap, repeated rape and torture of a young woman and August Underground (2001, Fred Vogel) that opens with a nude, bound women who has had her nipple cut off and proceeds to endure having her face smeared with human excrement before she is killed. Im also going to add Lucifer Valentines Slaughtered Vomit Dolls (2006) to this list because, puking fetish awfulness aside, all the women are naked, all the women are prostitutes, and all but one of them (she is required to star in the equally repellent sequels) are murdered by a male character. My point here is not that rape and torture have no place on celluloid or that their inclusion in a film cannot make a legitimate artistic or political statement. Rather, that the films detailed above and those like them, are not saying anything. They seem to merely represent a plotless, pointless mass of ugly misogyny that does nothing to challenge its own sheer unpleasantness. (I guess a plotline or some non-victimised female characters would be too much to ask for.) The Bunny Game is banned from being legally distributed in the UK and the BBFC states that the lack of explanation of the events depicted, and the stylistic treatment, may encourage some viewers to enjoy and share in the man's callousness. It is this indolent lack of explanation and absence of motive that makes me certain that this subgenre of material presents sexual degradation and torture for its own sake. The only questions I came away with post-viewing were regarding who the hell the target audience was supposed to be, and where I could find some

strong soap to wash my eyes with. Far be it from me to use the phrase artistically worthless, but the boot certainly seems to fit. More disturbingly, there are virtually no examples of gender reversal within this subgenre. Female killers are simply not as common as their male counterparts and when they do exist, they seem to at least have some kind of motive or backstory behind them, for example Miserys Annie Wilkes. Even within the rape/revenge category, when the revenge bit occurs and the female protagonist regains agency by torturing and killing those who have wronged her, it is because of her victim status for the first 50/60 minutes of film. It is not random. Moreover, sexual violence in horror films is rarely perpetrated by female characters but no other genre seems to toss around scenes of violent rape enacted on female bodies so frequently. Horror is being let down by these unpleasant fringe elements, by films that are at best sloppy, poorly written and unimaginative, and at worst, revel in violence against female bodies like pigs in shit. Id like to see more female directors being successful in horror and for fans of indie horror to take a stand, through their choices of purchases and downloads, against films that lightly and lazily portray female degradation and powerlessness, in the wake of male violence. They are not welcome. They give the genre a bad name.

My favourite horror films, directed by women:

American Mary (Jen and Sylvia Soska, 2012) - A struggling medical student decides to eschew her course in favour of performing extreme body modifications and niche surgeries. Lashings of gross-out moments and asks some important questions about self-expression, femininity and the status of medical professionals. Trouble Every Day (Claire Denis, 2001) - Cannibalism, desire and obsession. Part of the New French Extremity movement, which boasts some of the cleverest and bloodiest titles in modern horror. In My Skin (Marina de Van, 2002) After suffering a disfiguring accident, a woman becomes obsessed with mutilating her own body. Another New French Extremity film, exploring the disassociation women often feel towards their own physicality. American Pyscho (Mary Harron, 2000) If you havent already seen this adaptation of Brett Easton Ellis horrifying masterpiece, I suggest you do so, and fast! Shallowness, narcissism, pop-culture and murderous rampages all come together in this biting 21st century satire.

Moaning, screaming, dying: This is what poaching sounds like - IV Drip Voices - The Independent
It's a painful listen. To find out more about the Elephant Listening Project and its work, check out Nature magazine's interview with project director Peter Wrege, here.

An AIDS-free generation is within our reach - Comment - Voices - The Independent

One day, children suffering from HIV could be a thing of the past. An AIDS-free generation is within our reach and we are closer than ever before to ensuring that all children are born free from HIV and all those living with the disease can get the treatment they need. Indeed, in the space of just three years, between 2009 and 2012, new HIV infections among children under 14 years old fell by 35 per cent. Ahead of World AIDS Day , UNICEFs new report Children and AIDS: The Sixth Stocktaking Report explores the strides that have been made in the fight against HIV, but also the challenges that still lie ahead. Between 2005 and 2012 more than 850,000 children in low and middle income countries, whose mothers were living with HIV, were born without contracting the disease. These children avoided HIV due to global and national

efforts to make treatment and other services available for pregnant women living with HIV, including life changing improvements to simplify antiretroviral treatments in the form of one pill a day (compared to the previous regimen of up to six pills per day). In high income countries, such as the UK, mother to child transmissions of HIV have been virtually eliminated. Now is the time to see them eliminated in lower income countries too. We have the knowledge, the experience and the tools to achieve this. Indeed, some of the biggest successes we have seen in preventing mother-to-child HIV infections are in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2009 and 2012, improved access to treatment for mothers saw new infections in infants decline by a staggering 76 per cent in Ghana, 58 per cent in Namibia and 55 per cent in Zimbabwe. We are making real waves in eradicating HIV once and for all. With each year that passes, we will see even more children living a life free from HIV. However, every single death from AIDS is a tragedy. And sadly despite the gains made, almost 600 children died from AIDS-related causes every day in 2012. Whats more, in the same year around 260,000 children in low and middle income countries were newly infected with HIV. We can not be complacent efforts still need to be urgently stepped up. The most tragic news coming from the report is that we are letting down young people. Deaths among adolescents are actually increasing, with a rise of 50 percent between 2005 and 2012. Adolescents are too often overlooked in the response to HIV, with discrimination, poverty, inequalities and harsh laws often preventing adolescents from seeking and receiving testing, health care and support. We must ensure that access to testing, counselling and treatment is made available through adolescent-friendly programmes that take into account young peoples needs and offer them a protective and safe environment. Whats more, women and girls must be placed at the centre of our efforts, ensuring they have access to condoms, to protect themselves from HIV in the first place. Those living with the virus need antiretroviral medicines to stay healthy and to avoid passing HIV to their babies during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. We can't afford to think the battle against HIV is won - not yet. But we can win it if the resources, political will and support for mothers and young people is scaled up. Only then will an AIDS free generation really be a realistic vision for the future. For the little baby I met in Uganda, it was sadly too late, but I firmly believe that one day, no child will ever have to experience HIV. David Bull joined the United Nations Childrens Fund as Executive Director of the UK Committee in September 1999.

i Editor's Letter: Thank you for 700 questions - Comment - Voices - The Independent
I spent last Sunday afternoon reading the 700 questions you sent in for David Cameron. A bit of light relief from having to research chemical toilets for next years wedding. (The simple, bucolic party in a field turns out to require much of the infrastructure of a music festival.) Thank you for such a fantastic response - and I apologise for the 680 questions not sent to Downing Street. There were many corkers among them. Those that missed the cut included When are the loopholes in Corporation Tax going to be tightened? (Colin Jones, Brigg, North Lincolnshire), Why do you think the majority of the public has become disenfranchised by the current political system and what are you doing to get them back? (David StanfordBeale, 21, from Reading) and When was the last time you saw porn? (er, thanks, Patrick James). Caroline Barton, an i reader at Newcastle University, wanted to know how Mr Cameron justified student fees of

Caroline Barton, an i reader at Newcastle University, wanted to know how Mr Cameron justified student fees of 9,000 a year when you went through the university system for free. Abby Jan Dharamsey asked: Since you became Prime Minister, how many times have you been economical with the truth to the British people? Barbara Manning, meanwhile, asked if the PM worried that his combative style might turn the public off politics. All good questions - and you can judge for yourself whether the 20 sent to Downing Street made their mark. The exercise had a dual purpose, I guess: 1. allow an informed dialogue between the British Prime Minister and is readers, for the first time. And 2. to make sure that all of you, and the issues you care about - and the National Readership Survey data released this week suggests that there are 568,000 of you reading i every day - are on Downing Streets radar. I mentioned previously: the Leader of HM Opposition, Ed Miliband, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, have also agreed to take questions from is readers. Details to follow soon. i@independent.co.uk Twitter.com: @olyduff

Muqtada al-Sadr has a peerless record of opposing Saddam Hussein Comment - Voices - The Independent
It is a measure of the contradictory nature of the US-led occupation of Iraq that within a year of the 2003 invasion, American officers were saying publicly that their orders were to kill or capture Muqtada, although he came from a clerical dynasty with a record of opposition to Saddam. In theory, the US was nation-building in Iraq. In practice, this turned out to mean that only Iraqi nationalists wholly supportive of US policy were deemed politically acceptable. Muqtada was, and is, always hostile to the occupation. He believes it forced on Iraq a leadership which has stayed in power despite toxic levels of corruption and incompetence. Long before last weekends deal on Irans nuclear power programme, the Americans and Iranians cooperated uneasily in determining which Iraqis would rule Iraq. Such is the division between Iraqi communities, sects and parties that foreign powers have a measure of control. Perhaps more surprising than Muqtadas personal survival is the persistence of the Sadrist movement, despite savage repression by Saddam followed by war with the Americans and conflict with the present Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. It survives because it has a leadership prepared to be martyred and a mass following among the poor. Nevertheless, Sadrism deeply divides the Iraqi Shia, many of whom see the movement as having a history of sectarian violence that belies its present moderation. It denounces a government of which it somehow remains part while demanding that Mr Maliki be replaced.

Boris Johnson is spot on. All bankers have ever cared about is other people's interests - Comment - Voices - The Independent
No matter how much we begged them to be slightly greedy, yelling, Please, bankers, your generosity is damaging the economy, even Jesus accepted the odd bonus to boost growth rates in Galilee, outside board meetings, they wouldnt listen. Instead, people such as Fred Oxfam Goodwin refused to take a penny so lets hope weve learned our lesson. It is the same with energy companies. No wonder there are problems when the chief executives of npower and Centrica refuse to exhibit the tiniest hint of greed. Take SOMETHING, plead the elderly, as they send a fiver for the years heating, but the money is sent straight back with a note saying, This is our treat, along with a selection of quotations from the Dalai Lama on how giving can cleanse the soul.

But now well take Boriss advice and bring our kids up to understand economics. So we can shout at them: WHAT have I told you about being greedy? And theyll whimper: You told me I have to practice it every day. Exactly, we will say proudly, Now DONT share your sweets with your sister. Eat them all yourself, except two, thereby creating a shortage of your product so you can market it at an inflated price to create wealth. Boris was even brave enough to say that the super-rich should surely be hailed like the Stakhanovites of Stalins Russia, who half-killed themselves, in the name of the people, by mining record tonnages of coal. The first thought here must be why has nothing been said up to now about this alarming health and safety record in the hedge-fund industry? Maybe there are whole teams at Goldman Sachs who put their arms up to vote themselves a bonus, dislodged a beam and have been stuck underground for months as the building gave way. The super-rich are due this praise, the Mayor of London said, because they pay 30 per cent of the tax. Unfortunately, they pay it to Monaco and the Isle of Man but Im sure his point is still valid. He was suggesting we should be grateful for the inequality in society, because it enables the rich to earn so much that they can give a bit of this wealth back in tax. According to this theory, the more inequality there is, the better off the poor will be. Mrs Smethurst, a shelf-stacker in Tesco, is a fool to ask for any wages at all, as that money should go to the shareholders who would then pay a couple of quid in tax, making us all better off. But no, instead she took it herself so that she could waste it on kids clothes and cat food. So when the library shuts down you know who to blame Smethurst. And yet, if you put a brick through her window, YOURE the one that gets done. You couldnt make it up. The other point Boris made is that 16 per cent of us have an IQ below 85, and when some people are that thick, inequality is inevitable. To understand the natural link between intelligence and wealth, you have only to look at the programme Made In Chelsea. Here you see young men and women spending their whole lives sipping cocktails and holding parties on boats, clearly as a direct reward for being especially clever. The envious might argue that Chloe Green, for example, enjoys this lifestyle because she is the daughter of Sir Philip Green, who owns Topshop, but look carefully and its obvious it is because she did really well at knowing which triangle came next in an IQ puzzle. Boris himself must have acquired his wealth, such as his 2m house, through intelligence alone, as it is hard to see how his humble background at Eton, or having a father who was a Conservative MEP, can have helped in any way. He was probably spotted on a CCTV camera being intelligent somewhere, and was plucked from the poverty of the Bullingdon Club to become mayor. There is a sort of genius to the comments Boris made, because Gordon Gekko was never meant to be a role model. He was a pathetic baddie. It would be like announcing that London needs more people like Dr Evil, to liberate the entrepreneurial spirit of our businesses. But also it doesnt seem to matter what Boris says; he gets away with it because, even if his personality is appalling, at least hes got one. If only Saddam Hussein had understood this tactic. Instead of looking menacing, he would have ruffled his moustache, come on television and said: Blimey, those Kurds can give you some jip. Anyway, pish and tish to them. I sent in rather more chemical weapons than strictly required, I grant you, but there we are, spilt milk and all that. Still, at least I remembered not to insult the womenfolk of Basra. Always causes a bit of a stir. Then wed all have laughed and Saddam would now be 3/1-on for becoming the next leader of the Conservative Party.

Free agent: Mark Carney is proving his independence on Help to Buy Editorials - Voices - The Independent
Only this week, Mark Carney, who took over the top job in Threadneedle Street in July, was forced to fend off charges that he was too close to George Osborne from a Labour member of the House of Commons Treasury Committee an allegation that the new Governor said more than mildly offended him. Actions speak louder than words, however. And actions there are. First, at that same select committee hearing, Mr Carney issued a thinly veiled caution about the Governments much-vaunted Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme, pointing out that there has been no marked improvement in the supply of new homes. Given the chorus of

warnings including from this newspaper that the Chancellors flagship scheme is simply pumping up Britains already inflated housing market, the Governors comments cannot go unremarked. Yesterday, the Bank went further still, scaling back the Funding for Lending programme. From January, it will apply only to business loans, not to mortgages. Why? Because, although there is no immediate danger of a bubble, it is, in the Governors words, no longer appropriate to have our foot on the accelerator; better to shift it to neutral. Mr Osborne was purportedly party to the decision. But for all the Chancellors supportive comments about shifting the Banks focus to still-flagging business lending, there is no disguising the fact that Mr Carneys aims most certainly do not accord with his own. After all, the whole point of the reckless Help to Buy scheme was to ratchet up house prices, bathing property-owning middle England in a warm glow of rising (if theoretical) wealth in time for the 2015 election. The Governor of the Bank of England appears to have other plans and what a relief that is.

Never mind government U-turns, the decision on plain packaging for cigarettes is the right one - Editorials - Voices - The Independent
When the policy was dropped, in July, it was simply politics. Together with the coalition plan to introduce a minimum per-unit price for alcohol (also, sadly, abandoned), drably standardised cigarette packaging had too strong a whiff of the nanny state for a Prime Minister concerned at the mood in his electoral heartlands. Lynton Crosby, the famously robust strategist brought in to give the flagging Tories some pep, was encouraging Mr Cameron to remove the barnacles from the boat, and what was once a sensible public health measure became state interference and was duly dumped. The move immediately fell foul of doctors and health campaigners, who have fought consistently to have it reinstated. But Mr Camerons political opponents also made hay, claiming the decision as evidence of the Prime Ministers closeness to Big Tobacco. That Mr Crosbys firm Crosby Textor had been engaged to help Philip Morris lobby against the proposal only added to the febrile atmosphere. Now, however, the matter has a different complexion. Once again, it is politics that is forcing the Prime Ministers hand this time in the shape of a looming defeat in the House of Lords, where a cross-party group has tabled an addition to the Children and Families Bill that is all set to be passed. Rather than wait to be worsted in Parliament, the Government announced yesterday a review of the pilot scheme that began in Australia in 2011, to be completed by the end of March. If it is found to be effective, new rules could be in place before 2015. The Governments change of heart is couched in the language of equivocation. Just as the policy was never explicitly withdrawn, so its resurrection is simply that it is now the right time to examine the emerging evidence on its effectiveness. A U-turn is a U-turn, though, however obfuscatory its presentation. Coming as it does in a week in which the Government reversed its position on payday lenders and committed to introducing a cap on loan costs, Mr Cameron can expect another round of flak about weakness from his opponents and commendations of flexibility from his supporters. When it comes to cigarette packaging, the decision notwithstanding its tortuous route is the right one. Those who would argue the contrary talk of rights infringed and smugglers encouraged. Hardly. Any who wish to smoke may still do so; plain packaging simply lessens the marketing appeal, particularly to the impressionable young. Indeed, claims that changing the packaging interferes with smokers enjoyment merely make the argument stronger. Early evidence from Australia indicates that uniform, brown packs leave addicts much more likely to consider kicking the habit. The Independent is all for freedom of choice. But one must know what one is choosing. With cigarettes, dreary boxes and explicit health warnings make that clear. It is a shame about the Prime Ministers prevarications. But at least he got it right in the end.

Letters: Scots have had enough of London rule - Letters - Voices - The Independent

They do more than hint that membership of the European Union should not be taken for granted. All they can actually guarantee is that if Scotland opts to remain within the UK, the Scots can expect more of the same poor government that we have become accustomed to from Westminster. Of the 59 Westminster MPs representing Scottish constituencies, only four voted in favour of the bedroom tax. Disgracefully, 10 Labour MPs did not vote. Does Scotland have the bedroom tax? Of course it does. Does it matter that it doesnt want it? Of course not. Fear of change is the major impediment to an independent Scotland. The Scots actually dont like being governed from London but somehow, the propaganda machine that is the media and the major political parties exert a disproportionate influence on voters. Devolution has shown that Scotland can govern its own future. Given full fiscal powers its chances of succeeding and prospering are no less than that of the UK. Robert Stewart Wilmslow, Cheshire I heard Alex Salmond explain his military isolationist policy with interest. It would seem when the British Army are seeing off some future dictator set on world domination the brave Black Watch (heroes of the Normandy beaches) and the valiant Scots Greys (heroes of Waterloo) will sit champing at the bit and watch events on the BBC. Perhaps, on the other hand, the bravest soldiers in the world will say no to Alex Salmond. Michael Beary London NW3 Could any of your readers enlighten me on why people in Scotland do not have to pay for prescriptions and student fees as we do in England? How is this possible and where is the money coming from? M Finn Hednesford, Staffordshire The Scots made a huge contribution to building the British Empire, and thus the prosperity of the United Kingdom. It seems only right that if they are to leave the UK, they should get to take some of that with them. The obvious way would be for some of the British overseas territories to become Scottish. Perhaps the Falklands and Pitcairn Island? Mark Walford London N12 Clegg saved us from a Tory Government Owen Joness world is a fanciful place. He condemns Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats for backing some Tory policies in coalition, albeit many that stuck in the craw of Cleggs pre-election supporters (28 November). If David Cameron, in the absence of a leftish rainbow multi-party coalition, had formed a minority government in 2010, waiting to be brought down or going to the country that autumn, there would probably be a majority Conservative administration in power until late 2015. Despite all his disdain for the Liberal Democrats in government would Owen Jones have preferred the alternative of a red-meat Tory government? Charles Foster

Charles Foster Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire Confrontation in Downing Street Your correspondent (28 November) who is tired of the Mitchell bleatings is missing a rather large point. Sure, addressing Her Majs Finest with I thought you lot were supposed to fing help us wasnt the brightest, though brushing up against officialdom late at night after a days work might try anyones patience. But to dismiss what followed including a ludicrously long, costly and unsatisfactory investigation as a minor matter is breathtaking. Ian Bartlett East Molesey, Surrey How fortunate for Andrew Mitchell that his altercation with the police has escalated into serious accusations against the officers. This minister ignored a perfectly good exit gate and demanded that the main gates be opened for him. When the police pointed out that this was an unreasonable demand he abused them, using strong language which he has admitted to. That is alarming and unacceptable behaviour from a government minister. John Hade Totnes, Devon Press charter a threat to freedom Roger Schafir is absolutely right in his letter on press regulation (25 November). It is clear that politicians, newspapers and the police were scratching each others backs and allowing a culture of impunity to prevail. Like him, I find supporters of the measure unable to explain clearly why all the press and only the press should be made to pay for this by being regulated. Think of all the times over our recent history maybe the febrile atmosphere during the run-up to the Iraq war or the current spying revelations when a desperate government which is out of its depth would want to silence criticism. We should then ask ourselves whether a parliamentary majority of our often whipped and unprincipled representatives could possibly be found in such circumstances to tighten regulation in the name of the national interest of course. If the answer to that is even as vague as perhaps then we should consider this Royal Charter as an absolute threat to freedom of speech and the thin end of the wedge. In the end the politicians managed to glide across this Rubicon quite easily over a pizza and a few beers in private with lobbyists. For some reason the press werent invited to that, and neither were members of the public. Perhaps this is a sign of enlightened government to come. John Laird Rome No case against plain packaging Why are we having a debate about the compulsory use of plain packaging for tobacco products? If it reduces smoking, then why is it not good? Why wait to see if it works elsewhere in the world? If it might work then it should be tried. Im afraid the marketing

Why wait to see if it works elsewhere in the world? If it might work then it should be tried. Im afraid the marketing and advertising gurus who make money from trying to sway addicts to their employers products will have to find other products to promote. Andrew E Cox Hinckley, Leicestershire Students take a stand against outsourcing Since the evening of Tuesday 26 November 2013, students at the University of Sussex have occupied the first floor of Bramber House. This space was occupied last February and is currently where Chartwells, the company now in charge of outsourced catering services, are operating their offices. In their demands, the students declare their continuing fight against the outsourcing process. They are protesting against the marketisation of higher education exemplified most recently through the selling of the student loan book. Student protests in Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, York, Brighton, London and Manchester, as well as statements by the NUS show widespread discontent. Since 30 October 2013, Occupy Sussex has twice taken action to support us, lecturers and tutors, in our national dispute over fair pay. We consider their actions, and ours next Tuesday 3 December, to be part of a broader struggle. One to defend and move towards a model of education that prioritises and financially secures the teaching-staff relationship that makes our universities so attractive. The injunction obtained in April 2013 against the previous occupation cost the university 81,812 in legal fees. Considering the widespread support for the occupation inside and outside the university, the fact that the injunction banned any unauthorised protest on campus and that it failed to do so in practice, we consider these costs unnecessary and misplaced. We are signing this letter of support to pressure the management to open a dialogue with students and staff over outsourcing, issues of representation, and fair pay. It is important to protect the right to protest at our university and avoid any injunctions that could criminalise protestors and curtail that right for all of us. Prof Gurminder K Bhambra, University of Warwick Prof Charlie Post, Sociology, Borough of Manhattan Community College and the Graduate Center-CUNY Prof Des Freedman, Media and Communications, Goldsmiths, University of London, Secretary Goldsmiths UCU Prof Mario Novelli, Political Economy of Education, University of Sussex Prof John Holmwood, Sociology, University of Nottingham Prof Marie-Bndicte Dembour, Law and Anthropology, University of Brighton Prof Bill Bowring, Law, Birkbeck, University of London Prof Michael Outhwaite, Sociology, University of Newcastle Prof Raphael Salkie, Humanities, University of Brighton Dr Mark Erickson, Reader in Sociology, University of Brighton Dr John Drury, Senior Lecturer in Social Psychology, University of Sussex Dr Benjamin Selwyn, Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Development Studies, University of Sussex Dr Lucy Robinson, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Sussex

Dr Lucy Robinson, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Sussex Dr Reima Ana Maglajlic, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Uni. of Sussex Dr Barry Luckock, Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Social Policy, University of Sussex Dr Benno Teschke, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, University of Sussex Dr Catherine Will, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, University of Sussex Dr Andrew Chitty, Lecturer in Philosophy, University of Sussex Dr Ben Fincham, Senior Lecturer, Sociology, University of Sussex Dr Kenneth Veitch, Lecturer in Law, University of Sussex Dr Kimberley Brayson, Lecturer in Law, University of Sussex Dr Emily Robinson, Lecturer in Politics, University of Sussex Dr Michael Kearney, Lecturer in Law, University of Sussex Dr Kamran Matin, Lecturer in International Relations, University of Sussex Dr William McEvoy, Lecturer in English and Drama, Uni. of Sussex Dr Paul Kirby, Lecturer In International Relations, University of Sussex Dr Anna Stavrianakis, Lecturer in International Relations, University of Sussex Dr Bhabani Shankar Nayak, Lecturer, Glasgow School for Business and Society Dr Alana Lentin, Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Social Analysis, University of Sydney Dr Charlie Masquelier, Lecturer in Sociology, University of Surrey Dr Ruth Charnock, Lecturer in English Literature, University of Lincoln Dr. Rebecca Searle, Lecturer, University of Brighton Dr Doug Haynes - Lecturer in American Literature, University of Sussex Dr Paul O'Connnell, Reader in Law, SOAS, University of London Dr Matt Dawson, Lecturer in Sociology, University of Glasgow Dr Lucy Finchett-Maddock, Lecturer in Law, University of Brighton Dr Nadine El-Enany, Lecturer in Law, Birkbeck, University of London Dr Ben Jones, Lecturer in modern British history, University of East Anglia Dr Tamsin Hinton-Smith, Lecturer in Sociolog, University of Sussex Dr Luke Cooper, Lecturer in International Relations, University of Richmond Dr Jennifer Cooke, Lecturer in English, Loughborough University & Sussex Alumni. Dr Tish Marrable, Lecturer in Social Work, University of Sussex

Dr Tom Hickey, Chair, UCU Coordinating Committee, University of Brighton Dr Jeffery R. Webber, Lecturer, Queens Mary University, London Dr Louise Purbrick, School of Humanities, University of Brighton Dr Synne Laastad-Dyvik, AT International Relations, University of Sussex Dr Cherine Hussein, Research Scholar, Council for British Research in the Levant Dr Maa Pal, AT in Sociology, University of Sussex Dr Chris Kempshall, AT, History, University of Sussex Dr Yuliya Yurchenko, Associate Researcher CGPE (Sussex), Lecturer in International Business (Greenwich) Dr Kerem Nisancioglu, Visiting Lecturer, University of Westminster Dr Shamira A. Meghani, former Tutorial Fellow, School of English (now University of Leeds) Dr Andrei Gomez-Suarez, Research Associate, Centre for Criminology, University of Oxford Dr. Nikolas Funke, University of St. Andrews Dr Joanne Lee, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art, Nottingham Trent University

Kit Eves, Global Studies and University of Sussex Library

Patricia MacManus, Chair of Moulsecoomb UCU at the Uni. of Brighton, UCU NEC Southern Regional Rep

Daniel Watson, AT and Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations, University of Sussex

Pedro Salgado, Dphil candidate, IR department, University of Sussex

Frances Thomson, PhD Candidate, International Relations, University of Sussex

Beatrice Chateauvert-Gagnon, PhD Candidate, University of Sussex

Steffan Wynn-Jones, PhD Candidate, International Relations, University of Sussex

Tom Southerden, PhD Student, Law, University of Sussex

Andrea Brock, PhD Candidate International Relations, University of Sussex

Nancy Turgeon, PhD Candidate International Relations, University of Sussex

Rose Holmes, AT and PhD researcher, Department of History, University of Sussex

Erica Consterdine, AT, PhD student, Department of Politics, University of Sussex

Joseph Ronan, Associate Tutor & PhD Student, School of English, University of Sussex

Phil Homburg, AT Philosophy, University of Sussex

Sam Appleton, AT and PhD Candidate, International Relations, University of Sussex

Richard Weir, AT, Philosophy, University of Sussex

Tanya Kant, PhD student, Media, Music and Film, University of Sussex

Sahil Dutta, AT and PhD Candidate, International Relations, University of Sussex

Shadreck Mwale, PhD Candidate Sociology, University of Sussex

Tom Martin, AT and PhD Candidate, International Relations, University of Sussex

Tim Carter, AT, Politics/Philosophy, University of Sussex

Neil Dooley, AT and PhD Candidate, University of Sussex

Adam Fishwick, PhD Candidate, University of Sussex

Sanjeedah Choudhury, Associate Tutor, Psychology, University of Sussex

Stella Sims, PhD student, Media and Film, University of Sussex

Richard Lane, PhD student, International Relations, University of Sussex

Zac Rowlinson, PhD student, School of English, University of Sussex

Grainne O'Connell, AT, History and International Development, University of Sussex

Luke Walker, Associate Tutor in English, University of Sussex

Rebecca Partos, AT, PhD student, Department of Politics, University of Sussex

Benjamin Litherland AT/PhD student MFM, University of Sussex

Frances Hubbard, PhD student and AT, Department of Media, Film and Music

Ana FitzSimons, PhD Student and Associate Tutor, University of East Anglia

Viviane Lucia Fluck, PhD Student, University of East Anglia

Alex Casper Cline, PhD Candidate, Anglia Ruskin University

Juliette Harkin, PhD Student, University of East Anglia

Birgit Hofstaetter, PhD Candidate Philosophy, University of Brighton

Holly Phillips, PhD Candidate, University of Otago, New Zealand

Andy Lockhart, PhD candidate, Department of Town and Regional Planning, University of Sheffield

Anne Templeton, University of Sussex

Paula Hearsum, University of Brighton

Alice Gibson, Library assistant, University of Sussex

Hannah Elsisi, Alumnus

Keeping the Litvinenko papers secret will smooth the path of one possible Putin successor - Comment - Voices - The Independent
The newly elected President Vladimir Putin saw the UK as a partner and conduit in the European Union and the US, making London the destination for his first Western visit. Tony Blair had signalled support by visiting him in Moscow two weeks before the presidential elections. Britain was the fourth largest foreign investor in Russia, and oligarchs were bringing fortunes into Londongrad. All this would begin to descend into acrimony a few years later with the refusal of the UK to extradite one oligarch, Boris Berezovsky, and the Chechen separatist Akhmed Zakayev. The Russians accused the UK of espionage with the aid of a device hidden in a plastic rock. Then came the polonium murder of Alexander Litvinenko, the Kremlins refusal to hand over suspect Andrei Lugovoi, and diplomatic expulsions. It had made eminent sense for the British to meet Sergei Ivanov in the autumn of 2000, and for Mr Litvinenko to analyse what transpired. The two men had served together in the KGB and its successor FSB, before their careers veered in opposite directions. In 1998 Lieutenant Colonel Litvinenko was among a group of FSB officers who accused their superiors of ordering the assassination of Mr Berezovsky. He was arrested and acquitted twice before fleeing with his family in 2000 to Britain where he was granted asylum. Mr Ivanov, meanwhile, had risen rapidly through the ranks, becoming one of the youngest generals, with Mr Putin making him his deputy in 1998. Mr Litvinenko was to become a consultant to MI6, and his possession of the Foreign Office documents on Mr Ivanovs London visit indicates his work for Britains Intelligence Service began soon after his arrival here. The relationship continued; he was to meet his British handler, Martin, just before his death. On Tuesday the Foreign Secretary won a court ruling which will ensure that documents about Mr Litvinenko will be kept secret on grounds of national security. Mr Ivanovs star, meanwhile, continues to shine. He is now President Putins chief of staff and, according to Moscow watchers, a possible successor.

Berlusconi and Shinawatra: The billionaires who love power more than money - Comment - Voices - The Independent
Both of them fought their way in from the political fringes, earned the lasting enmity of their respective political

establishments, yet remain massively popular. Thaksins Twitter account describes him as the longest-serving democratically-elected Prime Minister in Thailand. Mr Berlusconi can claim the same in Italy. Yet in their contrasting national contexts, both mens careers illustrate the fatally corrosive effect that charismatic billionaires can have on democracy. Of course the democracy has got to be in trouble in the first place, for the billionaire to get his foot in the door. Berlusconis entry point was the meltdown of Italys established political parties in the bribery scandal known as Mani Pulite (Clean Hands). At the time, in the early 1990s, many Italians and not only those on the far left experienced that event as an Italian Spring, a purging of decades of accumulated corruption through the actions of fearless public prosecutors; the shattering of the Christian Democratic party; the flight into exile of Bettino Craxi, the leader of the Socialists: all this seemed just retribution for the many years of corruption and clientelism. But it left a gaping vacuum at the heart of national politics. Presenting himself as the nations saviour, Berlusconi, already a media tycoon and celebrity, leapt in to fill it. Two decades on in which he has been overwhelmingly the most important individual in Italian politics it is clear that from the outset the size of his fortune was the clinching factor in his stunning success. His billions allowed him to whistle up a political party out of nowhere, staffed and managed by the employees of his media empire. The empire in turn gave him the nations most potent soap box. And it was the financial guarantees he was able to provide that persuaded two diametrically opposed political forces, the post-Fascists and the northern secessionists, to forge the most improbable coalition in post-war Europe and enable him to form a government at the first attempt. So he was a political magician, and remains one to this day, still holding millions of otherwise intelligent Italians in thrall to his image. Though out of the Senate now, no-one imagines we have heard the last of him. But if his billions allowed him to scale the citadels of power at a single bound, once he had got inside he was useless. He claims to this day that he entered politics to save the nation, but the less romantic reality is that it was to save his family businesses. Beyond that task, and the even trickier one of keeping out of jail, he had nothing to give his country, politically speaking. He had no mission. He inveighed against Communists, but communism was already a spent force. His buzzword was freedom, but he did nothing to dismantle the empires of vested interest, from the unions to the socalled barons who run the universities to the Mafia gangs that lay waste the south, which had drastically reduced the opportunities for ordinary Italians to fulfil their potential. He presented himself as an icon of aspiration, but the only way he helped others prosper was by cutting tax evaders plenty of slack. Thaksin Shinawatra, who drew his mass support from Thailands rural hinterland, has a better claim than Berlusconi to have been a reforming prime minister. His policies did much to improve the lot of Thailands rural poor, who were his main supporters, while doing nothing to harm the mobile phone and other companies that were the foundation of his fortune. But as with Berlusconi, his financial power gave the political playing field a permanent tilt. Shinawatra has lived outside the country since 2008 but still rules it virtually through his current party, called Pheu Thai. His youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, is Prime Minister now, but it is big brother who still calls the shots, issuing orders via a dozen mobile phones, through social networks and by Skype, and summoning his minions for face-to-face meetings when there are important decisions to take. The huge protests in Thailand this week, which saw his opponents occupy ministries and other government buildings around the country, was in reaction to his sisters attempt to pass an amnesty law that would have brought Thaksin back from exile and restored the large sums confiscated from his family in corruption fines. But the protests are themselves a confession of impotence on the part of the opposition, which knows it cannot defeat Thaksin through the ballot box. There but for the grace of God go we, we may say. In our worst nightmares we might imagine Rupert Murdoch taking British rather than American nationality, forming the Go Britain! party, abolishing the BBCs licence fee, armour-plating his companies against the sort of humiliation they (and he) suffered at the Leveson Inquiry. But then, even if Rupert had fancied his electoral chances, it wasnt necessary to go to such lengths: all he needed

But then, even if Rupert had fancied his electoral chances, it wasnt necessary to go to such lengths: all he needed was a succession of party leaders scared stiff of his newspapers, and willing to bend the knee. It is because in Scotland you can divine a long-standing sense of nationhood and a strong sense of national identity that have flourished under devolution. Some say that Scotland is by now so separate, de facto, that there is no need for full independence; it would make no difference. Or if there were a difference, it would be an increased sense of precariousness and risk, outside the warm security blanket of the UK. I disagree. Scotland is a nation. It has a welldeveloped sense of common purpose and it has a chance to be formally recognised as a nation state. I say: dare to be optimistic. That view was only reinforced when the First Minister, Alex Salmond (with his increasingly impressive deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, beside him), presented the White Paper on independence this week. More than 600 pages that document may be, but it answers many practical questions that Scots might have, including some of the apparently flippant ones, like the detail of television, that could, however subliminally, influence a vote. Contrary to many condescending English comments, this represents a serious programme, and its presentation was equally serious. This was a statement by a government with a purpose, about a country with a coherent idea of itself. Why should Scotland not enjoy full international recognition, take a seat in the UN Security Council and have its own say on regional issues of the day? If I needed any further convincing that Scotland not only can, but should, go it alone, it came from the grudging and simplistic attacks on the day from Alistair Darling. Superficially, Darling is an inspired choice to front the No or Better Together campaign. He breathes gravitas; he survived a spell in a failing government with his reputation intact, even enhanced. When you look at Darling now, though, and you listen to what he says about Scotland, and you hear him saying petulantly, as he did on Monday, that he was angry, very angry about what he insisted was the loose way of the Salmond team with its economic figures, did you believe him? Or did you think, as I instinctively did, that Darling, with his clipped phrases, his mock scorn and his negativity, were the past, and the future was somewhere and someone else? Of course, there are holes in the blueprint for an independent Scotland, but Salmond and his crew have far more going for them that can be set out in mere words. With a population of 5.2 million, around the size of Norway, Scotland is the optimum size for a governable nation which probably comes in somewhere between two million and 10 million. Size, small size that is, offers advantages and those include advantages of administrative costs. When Salmond and his economists say they will improve the social safety net, keep a state pension age lower than elsewhere in the UK, keep higher education free and raise the minimum wage, there is no reason why this should not be possible not least because they are also promising a simplified tax system. Simplification should mean less evasion, less avoidance and leakage to tax havens. Not only that, but Scots might decide, like their Scandinavian cousins, that a certain level of personal taxation was tolerable in return for certain benefits. This should be a national decision. It is not one that Scots can currently make, but the logic of the ways in which they are now separate from England suggests that this is a direction they could take and prosper. And if, as Darling and others have appeared to threaten, an independent Scotland is curtly told by London that it cannot keep the pound, it should not fret, but apply to join the euro which it might be required to do anyway, as a new member of the European Union. You may argue that my vision of an independent Scotland is irresponsible or, at best, idealistic. But in my minds eye there are precedents and not just the established countries of Scandinavia but the Baltic states, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where national flags fly confidently in the streets and the buck stops for national decisions with the national parliament, and people for the most part look not just happy, but at home. This is something that only independence will bring. So I say to Scots, with more than a little envy, Take this opportunity of a lifetime, and run with it.

No one can wear a scarf as well as Mourinho

No one can wear a scarf as well as Mourinho

Let me offer a rare Dejevsky fashion tip, and please accept it in the well-meaning spirit it is intended. What short memories you British men have! The last time Jose Mourinho was managing Chelsea, less than 10 years ago, his way with a long scarf spawned a myriad imitators, to the point where it was no longer stylish any more. Heres a reminder. Some people, mostly Continental Europeans, of whom Mourinho, a Portuguese, is a stellar example, are born with an ability to make a loop with their long scarf, put the other end through it and look modishly cool. Most of humanity isnt born that way, and that includes most Brits. Not a day goes by without my spotting a dozen or more 30-plus gents on the streets of London with their too-short striped scarves knotted la Mourinho. Just leave it to the Special One, OK? Veganism has become something of a badge of honour in the US Gwwore is following such figures as Joan Jett, Brad Pitt, James Cameron, Anne Hathaway and Woody Harrelson. He seems motivated as much by health concerns as animal rights or ecology; when I went vegetarian, I was the classic bleeding-heart liberal. It wasnt that I didnt like meat quite the opposite. It was about the animals, penned and caged in sunless misery, pumped full of drugs, then stun-gunned and slaughtered. My conversion came about thanks to a deer farm in the Highlands. As we were driving past one, my mother wondered what they were being reared for. To be released into the wild, where they might eventually be shot but would lead a decent and noble life and might, indeed, end up dying of old age? Or were they being reared like cattle, destined for a meat hook? The former she could take, but not the latter. That was illogical, I said; she was happy for cows and pigs to be part of a grim industrial process. During the ensuing argument, I realised I was espousing the vegetarian cause, and so followed 20 years of self-denial. It came to an end because I was ground down by living in a family of carnivores. Too many legs of lamb, sides of beef and rashers of bacon eaten in front of me while I tucked into my quornburger or vegetable kiev all nice enough, but without that meat hit. Then came the spicy Thai chicken soup, and I cracked since when I eat meat with the zeal of the reconverted. My ethical position hasnt changed, but I tell myself I have done my stint for the cause so I can live happily ever after as a meat-loving hypocrite. I never took the full plunge into veganism because it seemed too much like hard work. I was happy to do my ethical bit as far as it went without having my dietary choices rule my life. I had a vegan friend who seemed to spend his waking hours calculating how much protein he had had that day, and whether he would need to get some nuts or pulses down him to redress any deficiency. I dont know how much help Al Gore will be getting in his new lifestyle. Will he be opening a can of lentil soup last thing at night because he has not had enough protein? Or will a personal nutritionist have done the sums for him? He may be getting from tips from his old boss Bill Clinton, who calls himself a vegan although he permits himself salmon or eggs once a week for protein and iron purposes. Oh, and he also eats turkey at Thanksgiving just one bite. Whatever you say, Bill.

Those weekend warriors and their little white lies

What did you do last weekend? After running a marathon for charity on Saturday morning, I manned the Samaritans switchboard in the afternoon, then took in a performance of Parsifal in the evening. Sunday was spent white-water rafting, mentoring inner-city youngsters and, er, watching Match of the Day 2. There may be one or two inaccuracies in that account, though the last ones definitely true. If there are, dont blame me. According to a survey by lastminute.com, 2.5 million of us regularly lie about how weve spent our weekends to make them sound more interesting. Frankly, I dont believe it. My friends are aware I know them well enough to see through any claims to have, say, climbed the Munros or gone tombstoning at Angel Falls. The most frequently uttered phrase I hear in response to the question What did you do this weekend? is: Oh, you know, the usual.

Perhaps this confirms another finding in the survey, that too often we get to Sunday evening and feel the past two days have been a letdown. Lastminute.com sells weekend breaks, so its not difficult to guess what its remedy is. But could you ever be pathetic enough to tell fibs about it? Me neither.

A petition wants James Arthur dropped from The X Factor. But I can spot a homophobe - and this man isn't one - Comment - Voices - The Independent
The furore around James began when he called rival rapper Mickey Worthless "a f****** queer", after Mickey released a 'diss track' against the Impossible singer. So far, so irritatingly immature. James soon tweeted an admittedly banal apology ("I assure you homophobia is something I do not believe in. I have many, many gay friends"), but not before former friend and out and proud gay girl Lucy Spraggan got involved, publishing a text correspondence between the pair whereby the true extent of James' warped vocabulary was revealed. Cue James quitting Twitter, cancelling engagements citing 'severe exhaustion' and outraged fans demanding refunds having recently bought his debut album. Of course, it positively screams playground - although given James' candid honesty about his troubled past (he claims to have contemplated suicide) it would be unwise to assume he hasn't taken this career implosion hard. James gatecrashed an interview of mine with boyband Union J (fellow 2012 X Factor alumni) at a festival earlier this year, and joined in our conversation about closeted gay pop stars coming out of the closet, saying he was all for it. His rapport with Union J's only gay member Jaymi Hensley (and myself) was plain to see and this is enough for me to conclude he is not a homophobe (I'm confident I've encountered enough of them to make this call). James is simply not of the same stock as Hazelmary and Peter Bull, who took their plea to prevent gay couples from sharing a bed at their B&B all the way to the Supreme Court (and lost) this week. As indefensible as James' use of the word 'queer' is, it's important we tell the difference. Furthermore, James has admitted he has repeatedly waved offers of media training, for fear of turning into "a robot." He's probably regretting that now - but I've conducted countless interviews with straight stars for gay publications only to hear the same, uninspired lines ("I love my gay fans" they tell me blankly, before a tumbleweed rolls by); as such sometimes I can't help but doubt their authenticity. And I can name more than one superstar diva with a huge queer following and an affinity with god (when it suits her), who tellingly rarely reaches out to the nonheterosexual fans who adore her so. Forever condemning an ill-educated straight person for their disgusting language does not increase acceptance; it creates an infinite divide, at least between that individual and the queer community they may've once respected in their own way. I've encountered straight men that have been guilty of far worse; we talked about it and some of them are now among my longest friends. The fact is, moving forward, we need as many straight allies as we can get (step forward former England rugby player Ben Cohen, who has done more to help the plight of gay people than I ever have), and if we don't believe people like James can open their minds and strive for better, we need to readdress what we're fighting for. Sir Ian McKellen once told me: 'prejudice can always show its ugly face and when it does it should be stamped on very hard indeed'. This is absolutely right - but the punishment directed at James is hysterical (up to and including death threats). He has apologised for his behaviour but it's being drowned out: if a louder, more heartfelt attempt is made I hope the intended recipients truly listen to what he has to say: that would be an example worth setting to kids at school who associate the word 'gay' with 'bad'. There's of course still a need for militancy when it comes to LGBTQ issues - but we need to pick our battles carefully.

Immigration stats are bad news for the Government, but worse news for Britain - Comment - Voices - The Independent
International students are vital to the UK. The Department of Business Innovation and Skills has estimated that they

contribute over 13 billion to the UK economy each year. This vital funding pays for new facilities in university labs and ensures the viability of subjects like maths and engineering. International students generate 70,000 jobs in towns and cities throughout the UK and they build crucial links with emerging economies like China. International education is also a booming global industry. The number of international students grew by 23 per cent between 2005 and 2009 alone. In response, the UKs competitors like Australia, the US and France are streamlining their visa processes and putting together a package to entice globally mobile young people to study in their institutions. Sweeteners include the ability to stay on in the country to gain work experience for a few years or to support themselves by working alongside their studies. But the UK has done the opposite. The UKs post-study work route was closed in 2011. Application requirements have been made more convoluted. Meeting regulations to sponsor international students costs the higher education sector 67 million a year and is forcing providers out. The Government claims that reductions in numbers are a result of tough action against bogus students. But the Home Offices own analysis shows that bogus students only account for a small part of this reduction. Analysis by UKBA in 2010 identified a maximum of 2% of students at institutions with highly trusted sponsor status were potentially non-compliant with their visas (meaning that they were either not studying or not known to have left the country when their visa expired). Abuse was a problem in the past. But there is limited evidence that it has been a problem recently. The Government has made it harder to study in the UK in order to meet their target to reduce net migration from the hundreds to the tens of thousands by 2015. While there is an argument to be had about reducing migration for other reasons, reducing the number of genuine students is directly against the UKs best interests and is causing profound damage to a vital export industry. Todays IPPR report sets out a package of measures to allow the UK to attract the brightest best while remaining strong against immigration abuse and ensuring that students contribute to life in the UK. Through improved work rules, more responsive oversight and greater involvement of BIS in rule setting the UK, can retain its reputation for quality international education. The government should commit to increasing the number of international students studying at British education institutions, because Britain needs them. Jenny Pennington is a Researcher at IPPR Becoming part of the Tinder family takes literally a matter of seconds, as does your decision to like or reject the menu of men you are shown. This is very clever on the part of the creators who have obviously recognised the blatant and inescapable fact that us humans are generally shallow and tend to make our initial judgement based on aesthetics. While it might be nice that Roberto enjoys romcoms and long walks in the rain, realistically most of us girls just want to see what Roberto looks like, and the same, of course, can be said for men. Tinder taps into this less romantic side of us all by allowing you to get chatting to or arrange a date with a guy in less than the time it takes to order a pizza.

Doing away with Tom, Dick and Harry

As the least electronically minded person I know, I managed at first to even struggle with what is really quite a basic app. It took one too many times of swiping to the right before I realised I was liking men unintentionally. Before I knew it I was receiving a message congratulating me that I had now been matched with Peter. Peter being a man whose profile picture seemed to feature him with his cat, and also someone I had wished to swipe past. I received a message from Peter quite promptly enquiring as to what was my favourite dinosaur, a line which neither in a bar nor on Tinder would work any magic for me. Before long I found myself swiping past dozens of men, some of which I realised I was not even looking at as it was all too easy to keep swiping. My thumb seemed to form some sort of swiping spasm and I was soon leaving Tom, Dick and Harry disappearing into Tinder oblivion. Through my intrepid travels of men in a 20 mile radius of myself, I came across some real gems. Before I divulge,

Through my intrepid travels of men in a 20 mile radius of myself, I came across some real gems. Before I divulge, please bare in mind that, like most little girls, I grew up hearing stories about princes on horseback taking princesses off into the sunset, and watching Disney movies where men would either break into sporadic song or fight a giant octopus for your affections. On my swiping travels I came across men on horseback, men with their arms around various women (some of whom seemed to be wives or girlfriends), men with children on their knee, men in cringe-worthy topless selfies, men drinking cocktails in a pool wearing speedos, a man dressed as a batnot batmanbut as a genuine bat, a man in a balaclava, hipster men looking thoughtful and creative, men wearing sunglasses indoors, men doing some topless cooking, gym photos, a few wedding photos, bathroom selfies with loo included, and a goat. My favourite by far was the man who simply chose a plate of curry chips for his profile picture. As a fan of said dish, I immediately clicked like, as we instantly had something in common. After a few days it was safe to derive that Tinder surely has something and someone to suit everyones taste.

Achieving Tinder matrimony

I then began to receive messages, most of which were complete nonsense which in the midst of my midweek exhaustion I was too tired and grumpy to engage with. I did however have a fairly normal conversation with one man who I agreed to meet for a drink. I am neither sorry nor shocked to report that this date will not result in what may be the first Tinder marriage as two sips in I was planning my escape. This man looked about 3 feet shorter than his picture, was missing more teeth than your average pirate and had screen grabbed a picture of me to look at in his phone gallery at his convenience. On top of a bad first impression, we had nothing in common. He had just overcome a drug addiction and was wearing a shirt which his mother had ironed. I iron my own clothes and can barely remember to take my multivitamins everyday. Although this date was not the stuff stars are made of I do not believe that can be said for all Tinder induced dates. The huge amount of users mean odds are at the very least you will make some new friends. Naturally, like all social situations, you will come across people who are only interested in booty calls, but for every one of those there are people genuinely looking to find a partner. Tinder is also extremely location dependent as it works perfectly in London where we are all too busy and important to make any huge sort of effort. It would however be a very different story in a small rural area where you are likely to be swiping past most of your cousins. Dating sites seem to have had a dramatic change of image in the last few years, and have become much more socially acceptable. Tinder in particular has somehow bypassed social snobbery and seems to have taken the place of cool kid in the school of online dating forums. http://lquinn86.blogspot.co.uk/ To check out Tom Peck's gentlemens' guide to Tinder go here: http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/tindera-gentlemans-guide-to-the-revolutionary-dating-app-8970331.html Obviously, its shallow, this seemingly infinite supply of women to positively or negatively appraise in a millisecond. And, men being far more shallow than women, it actually doesnt play to our strengths in the mating ballet. Would Debbie McGee have clicked yes, with only the grinning visage of the millionaire Paul Daniels to go on? I doubt it.

Self projection
Its easy enough to sign up, but there is one giant obstacle. The app is linked with Facebook, so you can only use pictures from your Facebook page. I am horrendously drunk in pretty much all of mine, so have to wait till the dead of night to upload an album of acceptable pictures to Facebook, select them from Tinder, then frantically delete them all before anyone clocks the fact that I am, very obviously, making an online dating profile. Once youre underway, the first thing you notice is that everyone on earth is on here. Former colleagues, mates little sisters, school pals, old flames, everyone. Once, on a Sunday afternoon three years ago, a group of around twenty

sisters, school pals, old flames, everyone. Once, on a Sunday afternoon three years ago, a group of around twenty girls got on my tube carriage dressed as Oompa Loompas and pissed as farts. One of them is on there. I can even see my own trouser leg in the picture. Given there is absolutely no room for jokes whatsoever, just pure physicality, I opt for a collection of snaps that illustrate I might be a faintly interesting person. Me arguing with someone on Sky News, on the BBC Breakfast sofa, my byline photo on a newspaper column, and hanging out with Strictly champion and Olympic medalist Louis Smith. But a colleague informs me that the Sky News one makes me look like a freak. You cant even tell youre on telly. You just look like a grainy idiot with your gob open and the light bouncing off your bald head. I heed the advice and swap the main one to the one of me with Louis Smith and the matches start coming thick and fast. It doesnt occur to me until much later, when someone else points it out, that non-gymnastic fans might imagine they are in fact saying yes not to me but to a quite staggeringly good looking 23-year-old Olympic medal winning gymnast.

Searching for Mrs Right

Occasionally, someone not too shabby looking emerges, pictured by the roadside in a pretty obscure bit of Uganda and you get all excited and want to message them and say, Bloody hell, Ive been there too. Amazing isnt it? But of course, you cant. Youve just got to cross your fingers and hope that at some point in the not too distant future your bald head and saggy chin pops up on her smartphone and shell think Allo, I like the look of that. Except it won't. In that respect (and not only in that respect) Tinder is a giant leap backwards in the boundaries of the possible. Despite having her stare out of the phone at you, a fellow user of a social networking interface, you are divided by an enforced wall of silence. Michelle, 29, in a trilby hat with her arm up the arse of a Bengal tiger seemed genuinely lovely, but I was carrying a tray at the time, pressed the wrong button and thats that, gone forever. Great romances will falter at the fickle vagaries of human psychology too. The could-go-either-way types who come in the middle of a run of decent ones will make the cut. But a 6/10 who gets sandwiched in a horror show will almost certainly be a no and thats no fault of her own. Shallow? Of course it is, but truly, dont hate the player, hate the game. Many of the advantages and opportunities of online life, the app ingeniously bypasses. Infuriatingly, Tinder forces my geographical location to be the centre of my romantic circle. If I want to meet girls from, say, Brixton, I actually have to go there - a concept only my dead grandparents could understand. I grew up in the eastern end of Zone 6 - Towie country - and now live in Whitechapel, which as far as Im concerned sits flush against the edge of my own personal sexual Berlin Wall. Five miles to the west of me are all the glittering delights of London. Five miles east is the desert of suburban crapness from whence I came. Girls who still live there, sorry, but I just do not want to know, and yet I have little choice but to be bombarded with pictures of them all, in their Barratt home kitchens, dressed like a car crash X-Factor audition, ready for a night out in Romford. It is amusing too watching your sphere transform. Logging in at work on Kensington High Street is a distinctly different experience to doing so at home in east London. Sat on the tube home, I imagine my illuminated little circumference moving across London like one of those tracker maps of solar eclipse patterns. As the sun sets on Acton, it rises in Barking.

Reassessing one's standards

Very often, profile pictures will have four or more people in them, including the occasional bloke, but if all of them are acceptable looking you quickly realise it becomes quicker just to say yes, without even bothering to open the other pictures and try and piece together which one it is. One photograph is of some rather nice legs surfing on a surfboard and I've said yes before I've realised I haven't even

looked at its face. On one occasion all that is shown is a very twee, over effected photo of a mojito. That's it. But I quite like mojitos so sod it, why not? Another offers nothing beyond a giant graffito of a rabbit on a wall. On another, all five pictures are of the same two people, in various stages of jollity in various countries. It is, I do not exaggerate, entirely impossible to deduce which is the one you are supposed to be liking. As the saga drags on, you start to say yes to pretty much anything that doesn't have a swastika tattooed on its forehead, and you can't help but think all the hundreds, if not thousands of girls that in your optimistic virginal hours who got dealt a straight red, that you would absolutely definitely say yes to now, but who are alas gone forever. Mainly, it warps the mind. Walks down the high street or journeys on the underground turn into mental games of no, no, no, yes, yes, yes, yes no with everyone you lay eyes on. And real life is decidedly poor by comparison. Once you've gently let down the girl sat opposite you with a mental, sorry love, they actually have the temerity to carry on sitting there, rather than do the decent thing and be sucked into oblivion in an instant and replaced by someone else, hopefully prettier, and who likes Alan Partridge and the Electric Light Orchestra.

Meeting Mrs Right

I met up with three people. One, who runs her own catering company (and, since her pictures were taken, has evidently been getting high on her own supply), arrived claiming to have been really nervous and was consequently so drunk she fell down the stairs into the bar and broke both her stiletto heels. The second was the most awkward hour of my life. A surly, aggressive PA who had been perfectly genial and amusing over text message, but who it transpired was of the view that a date isnt supposed to be a friendly drink and a chat, but rather a gruelling job interview for a receptionists job in a failing company of which she is the CEO. What would you have to offer me that nobody else would? How secure is your chosen career? Where do you want to be in five years time? I dont know, but not sat here. The third was lovely, a buyer for an underwear firm, but it was a Friday night, too much drink got drunk, things happened that shouldnt have happened, and that was the end of it. Will I carry on? Probably not. Im almost 32, and I cant be buggering about, not if I want to have any hair whatsoever in the wedding pictures. By my calculation, it takes around five to ten minutes of genuinely unsettling borderline misogyny just for the privilege of starting a text message chat with someone with whom you are highly unlikely to have anything at all in common. If I ever have another go at online dating, I would be more inclined to plump for one where you can at least pile in with a Hello, how are you?, not just click like, then wait around like nervous cattle, hooves crossed in hopeless expectation, staring across the meat market. To check out Leah Quinn's ladies' guide to Tinder go here: http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/tinder-aladys-guide-to-the-dating-app-8970575.html

Look to the skies: How the drone revolution could be coming to the US Comment - Voices - The Independent
I did say so far. That awful whirring sound you hear is a tiny drone and soon it will be right above you to check you are not cycling through a red light or sleeping with your neighbour's wife. Never mind Big Brother; we need to talk about Big Bird. These days, pilotless aircraft aren't just flying over foreign lands zapping terrorists. Michael Huerta, who runs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), predicts that within five years 7,500 drones will be plying America's airspace. That compares with the 5,000 commercial aircraft in the sky in any usual daytime hour.

I saw my first two weeks ago, during a seminar held in a glass-box meeting space a few storeys up. As part of a documentary project a camera-carrying drone hovered throughout outside the windows. Fortunately nothing went awry. But this summer one drone crashed into the side of a skyscraper in Manhattan and hit the deck. Another filming a bull-run in Virginia injured four when it ploughed into a spectator stand. As usual, the feds are playing catch-up. The FAA two weeks ago released what it called a road map for agreeing the safety rules for drone flights in America. It will designate six test sites around the country where would-be operators will demonstrate what their flying weasels can do and the FAA can decide what those rules should be, like keeping them away from real aircraft. It promises to have it done by September 2015. Until then it is keeping on top of matters approving drone use on a case-by-case basis. Or so it claims. But when you can go on Amazon and buy a Parrot Quadcopter for just $299 (184) a kind of flying spider with four rotors sturdy enough to carry a video or still camera it should be obvious that the FAA can't possibly know who is out there already directing their own private drone missions. More importantly, the 70-page FAA document is nearly all about safety while it pays only lip service to what should be concerning us just as much how the coming swarms will corrupt our privacy even further. It's what we do best, the papers says about keeping drone traffic safe, before adding: It's still to be determined what part of the government will ultimately be responsible for [drone] privacy protection. This is hardly reassuring. There is no point in hoping that the sudden interest in civilian drones will fizzle and die. There are scores of ways in which they will become indispensable to all manner of people. Journalists will use them, for example to get a look at natural disaster or combat zones. Indeed, CNN used drone footage of the cyclone devastation in the Philippines. Anyone trying to survey hard-to-access areas oil companies, search and rescue teams, environmentalists and so on will rush to deploy them. But so will people with more nefarious intentions. Celebrities might want to ponder the matter as the paparazzibrigade realises it can take its game into airspace. Ask Tina Turner whose August wedding in Switzerland was disturbed by an uninvited camera-loaded drone. The possibilities for those who govern us similarly to abuse these sometimes invisible flying-spying-eyes should also make us shudder. What's to prevent all these commercial operators from sharing the vast treasure trove of data that they collect with the government? asks Jennifer Lynch, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an anti-surveillance activist group. Drones present new issues and they include the fact that drones can fly at various altitudes that makes them impossible to see. Most Americans surely didn't know that more than 80 police departments are already using drones to expand their gaze on us until Joe Arpaio, the controversial sheriff of Maricopa County in Arizona, which encompasses Phoenix, blurted last week how badly he wanted one. A place in Russia said I have a fleet of drones, he exclaimed A fleet? I don't even have one yet. But when he does will he use it to chase crooks only or will he indulge in his well-documented habit of harassing members of the Hispanic community who may or may not be in the US legally? A federal court has already ruled his department guilty of illegal discrimination in its efforts to identify and deport anyone without papers. The work of a Peeping Tom got easier with the invention of the ladder and then the long lens. But put them up in the air whether they are perverts, the police or the paparazzi and none of us will dare open our curtains ever again.

The misery induced by a rogue planning decision in Redbridge - Comment Voices - The Independent
Her nightmare began when a private Islamic School, Apex, received permission from Redbridge Council to open for

Her nightmare began when a private Islamic School, Apex, received permission from Redbridge Council to open for business in a converted house in a residential street in Ilford. The school first got the permission in 2008, subject to a condition limiting the number of pupils to 48. It then applied to erect a courtyard extension, including the high brick wall along Mrs Peters boundary. The extension was approved on condition that the courtyard would only be used as a play area for one hour a day. Since opening, however, the school has allegedly ignored these restrictions and Redbridge Council has allegedly taken no action to enforce them. An Ofsted inspection found that the number of pupils doubled to over 100 and neighbours complain that the courtyard is in regular and noisy use , something the school denies, according to the Council. A school governor said: There is an extreme shortage of school places in the borough. We are seeking a retrospective permission to address parental demand and increase the numbers. Peters thought things would get better when her complaint to the Local Govermment Ombudsman was finally upheld this summer. On 14th August Dr Jane Martin found Redbridge Council guilty of maladministration over the way it gave planning permission for the conversion into a school and ordered compensation. The council agreed to instruct the District Valuer to assess the damage to the values of the homes and pay compensation in that sum. Until this week, however, the council has apparently done nothing but obfuscate by seeking an extension of time, which the Ombudsman refused. On the other hand, it is now considering a retrospective planning application made by the school to approve both their increased enrolment numbers and hours of playtime. In her report, the Ombusdman concluded that the assessment of the 2008 planning application was faulty as it made no reference to the impact on neighbours of the 4.15 metre high blank brick wall or the appearance and size of the proposal in relation to the surrounding area. Had it been, she said, the application would have been refused. The Council should pay the complainants any diminution in the value of their properties. The Council has agreed to this recommendation, she said. But not just yet. Local MP Mike Gapes is very angry, as this is one of a long list of similar complaints he is handling. I am increasingly concerned about your failure to deal with unauthorised development and breaches of planning rules, he wrote to the leader of Redbridge Council. It is extremely frustrating for local residents that the council seems unwilling or unable to act to enforce its own decisions. As this article was being written, and over three months after the Ombudsman published her decision and I began questioning them, Redbridge produced this response: The residents concerned are being contacted this week with information about how the Council is taking this issue forward. We are already in contact with the District Valuer and will be asking them to conduct a valuation to assess the compensation payable. In the meanwhile, a second complaint to the Ombudsman has been lodged concerning the councils failure to enforce its conditions regarding the number of pupils and use of the playground. Syrie Peters wonders whether she will live long enough to benefit from the outcome.

Black Friday is another American nightmare - Comment - Voices - The Independent

This simple, brilliantly conceived, image was, for me, a trenchant and thought-provoking comment on one aspect of the particularly complex geo-politics of the world at that time. On the one hand, people in less developed countries cherished the iconography and yearned for the material assets of America, the Hollywood stars, the big cars and the fast food, but on they other they raged against American cultural imperialism and what it had done to their indigenous culture. This latter point seemed, to me, to have a certain amount of validity. I know it's another sign of my advancing age, but I find myself in gathering antipathy towards the stealthily Americanisation of our own culture and society. My anger is not murderous, and my protest is silent, like avoiding Starbucks. And it's complicated by the fact that I love visiting America, I've rarely met an American I didn't like, and I bow to no one in my love of modern American

visiting America, I've rarely met an American I didn't like, and I bow to no one in my love of modern American culture - my life would have been so much poorer without Philip Roth, Larry David and 30Rock (which is, incidentally, the greatest show of its type that has ever been on TV. Bar none). I've only just finished complaining about Hallowe'en. Not that many years ago, we never took any notice of Hallowe'en. Of course, we'd seen the fuss they make of it in the States from the movies, but we concentrated on Bonfire Night, an occasion that was part of British culture and history. Over the past couple of decades, this hierarchy has been dramatically reversed. Hallowe'en has become a big day in our calendar. Shops have a bonanza, it's a party opportunity, and you can't move for trick-or-treaters. Bonfire night is now a much inferior status: after all, there's not been a series of Hollywood films about Guy Fawkes. And now welcome to Black Friday. This is the day after Thanksgiving when the whole of America goes retail crazy, propelled to the shops by all manner of cut price deals. It's a big thing over there, and it's come over here. Many big British stores are today offering substantial Black Friday discounts in an effort to pack the shops. It's so called because it represents the day when many retailers, who trade at a loss for the rest of the year, start going into profit. But it has very different echoes in Britain. Like Black Tuesday, or Black Wednesday, days when billions were wiped off share prices. But mark my words: Black Friday is here to stay, and in years to come, will be a fixture in our lives. The thin, seemingly trivial, end of a very large wedge. I will leave the vacuous Americanisms infecting our everyday language for another time. Oh, I almost forgot. Have a nice day!

Thank you Rebecca Adlington for being brave enough to talk about body confidence - Voices - The Independent
Please don't cry. I want to thank you for being brave enough to talk about your image insecurities. You might already be a world record breaker, a four-time Olympic medallist with an OBE, but that doesn't mean you don't face the same struggles all women do. Your battle for body confidence highlights how perverse society has become. Too many of us believe what our bodies look like is more important than what they can do. When someone like you admits to feeling these pressures, it shows just how damaging our culture has become. It scares me. A recent poll reveals almost half of 11-14 year old girls are opting out of everyday activities such as swimming and speaking up in class because they dont like how they look . If youd been too self-conscious to get in the pool, not only you but the whole world would have missed out. So firstly, to undo the damage of those Twitter trolls, I want to tell you how attractive you are. You are beautiful and have always struck me as funny, warm and caring. When I feel down, I think about what advice I would give a friend in my position. I've seen you want to teach young children how to swim: imagine what you would tell a young girl who felt too insecure to get in the pool. Not only girls who look like Miss Universe who have the right to feel that glorious freedom. Secondly thank you. Too often image issues are shrugged off by people who can help. Women are demonised for even inferring they might deserve to feel good about their body. If we feel under pressure to look good, we must be shallow. If we get upset by insults, we are weak. If we seek reassurance, we are desperate. Amidst all this, our confidence crumbles. But people have to listen when even you are affected by this toxic undercurrent of misogyny, rippling through society and spitting out a sidebar of shame. Tanni Grey-Thompson has now spoken during a debate in the Lords about how body image has become more important than health for many young people, warning that many teenagers would rather be thin than healthy. She added: The reality is that young women are facing pressure from many directions. So I want to thank you Rebecca, because it is time we spoke about how some sections of the media make us feel. Thin is not an ambition. Being sexy is about more than measurements. We need to work with our bodies not against them. Just like you have.

them. Just like you have.

Ukraines divide over Europe is not just between East and West, but big business versus the individual - Comment - Voices - The Independent
Its dark, and freezing cold. The organisers have put up tents and hung banners. Theyre protesting the governments decision to abandon an Association Agreement with the EU, which would have brought Ukraine into the European fold with a comprehensive free trade treaty and greater political integration. A number of policemen stand around, watching wistfully. Suddenly, thirty athletic men in masks and leather jackets descend on the demonstration. They tear down the tents and banners. They assault the speaker and anyone that gets in their way, raining punches and kicks down on protesters they have already knocked over. Equally suddenly, the police are nowhere to be seen. The hooligans continue their dirty work for several minutes before fleeing. Dnipropetrovsk is Ukraines fourth largest city with a population of just over a million. It is a heavy industry powerhouse, manufacturing aircraft, tractors and refrigerators. Most of these will be sold to Russia, still Ukraines largest trading partner. Appalled by the prospect of ceding influence over its former Soviet satellite to Europe, Russia has threatened a trade blockade of Ukraine if it decides to sign the agreement. So for Ukraines eastern businessmen, European integration no longer means gaining a new market, but losing its most important one. And it is these businessmen, with their multi-million dollar fortunes, that hold sway over a government ranked as one of the most corrupt in the world. Indeed, in many cases these businessmen actually are the government. Little wonder then that a suspiciously well-organised gang of thugs could break up a pro-Europe rally under the very noses of the police. For the pro-European demonstrators attacked in Dnipropetrovsk, and the tens of thousands across the country that have braved rain, snow and tear gas everyday this week, Europe is much more than just a market. It means an official commitment to democracy and human rights reform. It means putting a stop to the governments gradual backslide towards authoritarianism. In the run up to Sundays summit at Vilnius, where Ukraine had been expected to sign the Association Agreement, a number of major media outlets have changed hands, and editors and high-profile journalists suddenly sacked. Media watchdogs warn that this is part of a concerted campaign to stifle free speech before Presidential elections in 2015. Earlier this month Ukraines East European Petrol and Energy company purchased Ukrainian Media Holdings, which owns some 50 internet, television and radio brands, in a reported $340 million dollar deal. Soon afterwards there was a mass exodus of editors and journalists from two of their major publications, previously renowned for exposing corruption and criticizing government. According to The Global Post, journalists from one of the publications, Forbes Ukraine, were told they could no longer pursue stories about lawmakers from Yanukovychs ruling Party of Regions. Unlike his less subtle neighbours in Belarus and Azerbaijan, President Yanukovych and his businessman backers have refrained from clamping down on dissent in a brutal and obvious fashion. Rather than banning pro-European demonstrations from Maidan, Kievs main square and birthplace of the 2004 Orange Revolution, they build an enormous Christmas tree and an ice rink there. Rather than shut down media outlets promoting a point of view they disagree with, they buy them. But this will only last as long as Yanukovych still wants to keep the door to Europe open. If that door is shut, we can expect to see far less restraint. And if it is shut during the summit at Vilnius on Friday, it may well be that this weekends demonstrations are not so peaceful.

Misty the Diplodocus sells for 400,000. A bargain? - IV Drip - Voices - The Independent

We ask because yesterday a Diplodocus Longus skeleton - 55ft long and 19ft tall - went under the hammer for close to half a million pounds. To put that in context, you could purchase 90 Diplodoci skeletons - or 4,950ft of bone - for the price of the single most expensive artwork by a currently living artist, Jeff Koon's Orange Balloon Dog, which sold for 35.8m this year. But how much is a Diplodocus worth to you? Take our poll

Environment

Badger cull in Gloucestershire ends with marksmen missing targets

Badger cull in Gloucestershire ends with marksmen missing targets - Nature Environment - The Independent
Last month Natural England, which issues licences for the cull, granted an eight-week extension to the original sixweek trial after marksmen failed to kill enough badgers. The extension was due to run until 18 December but progress had become so slow Natural England decided to abandon it as of noon today. There is no realistic prospect of the cull removing the number of badgers required by the licence. It has been discussed and agreed by Natural England that the cull will end, said a spokesman. The trial was supposed to kill 70 per cent of the local badger population, the mark that scientists had hoped would stamp out the bovine tuberculosis that badgers help to spread between cattle. However, when just 30 per cent of Gloucestershires population were killed in the original period, an extension was granted with a revised target to wipe out 58 per cent of local badgers. However, it quickly became clear that even this reduced target would not be met. The Government is due to announce on Monday the final number killed in the Gloucestershire culling zone. A similar cull pilot in Somerset ended last month after it also failed to meet its target, even after a three-week extension. Despite this, Farming minister George Eustice insisted that the extension to the Somerset cull had been worthwhile, saying it had removed a significant number of badgers which will make a difference to disease control. Many scientists have questioned the effectiveness of the culls, which risk making the bovine TB situation worse if not completed quickly and efficiently. This is because the longer a cull continues, the greater the number of diseased badgers flee to new areas and the larger the number of animals from elsewhere that will colonise the gap left behind. Mark Jones, from Humane Society International (HIS) said he was relieved that at long last some common sense is being applied and the Governments badger cull fiasco will finally be over The policy has suffered a string of embarrassments culminating in Owen Paterson, the Environment Secretary, blaming the animal for moving the goalposts in October.

blaming the animal for moving the goalposts in October. Mr Patersons accusation came after his department admitted it had not hit the original 70 per cent target, in part because it turned out there were far fewer badgers in the area than thought in fact the target exceeded the number of badgers actually living in the zone, making the target impossible to hit. The Government will now assess all of the trial data before deciding how to proceed. Brian May, a leading activist, said: Now that the failure of this whole shameful badger cull shambles can be so clearly seen it must be time to abandon the concept, and get on with the only strategy which can succeed in eradication of bovine TB vaccination of badgers and other wildlife, and prioritisation of work to licence the vaccine for cattle.

Sport - Athletics

Ashling O'Connor: Behind every great athlete is a great coach, but these unsung heroes seldom get the recognition or the cash support they deserve

Ashling O'Connor: Behind every great athlete is a great coach, but these unsung heroes seldom get the recognition - or the cash support - they deserve - Athletics - More Sports - The Independent
Ohuruogu is a household name since winning 400m Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008 and, after retaining her world title in Moscow this year and in so doing breaking the long-standing national record held by Kathy Cook, was this week named on the 10-strong shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year. For his part as her coach, Cowan appointed this year by UK Athletics as its lead sprints coach is also up for a gong. Next week he is nominated for the title of High Performance Coach of the Year at the UK Coaching Awards against Warren Gatland, who led the British & Irish Lions to a historic series victory in Australia, and Anna Mayes, the England netball coach who steered her players to a (comparatively under-mentioned) 3-0 series drubbing of the old sporting enemy. But that is where the similarities end. Ohuruogu will take to the red carpet for a live TV extravaganza watched by 12,000 people at the First Direct Arena in Leeds and millions of others at home. Cowan will take the Tube to the Montcalm Hotel in Londons Marble Arch and a crowd of 300. Coaches are an integral part of Britains unprecedented sporting success but they are still largely anonymous. They deserve much higher appreciation recognition that without them we would not know the names of the sports stars we take delight in watching. It is a slowly changing culture. During the London Olympics, it was hard to interview a victorious British athlete and there were many, if you remember without them gushing with praise for the man or woman who drove them on to win their medal. Read Katherine Graingers sincere autobiography and the characters that emerge as the most influential in a rowing career which happily included a gold medal in London after three silvers are her coaches, most notably Paul Thompson. Sir Dave Brailsford, British Cyclings performance director and the head of Team Sky, has done more than most to raise the public profile. In a straw poll, most people would know who he was helped by the fact that he is instantly recognisable and media-savvy. The same could be said of Sir Clive Woodward, the 2003 Rugby World Cup-

winning coach, although his two immediate predecessors, Geoff Cooke and Jack Rowell, had higher win-loss ratios. Few people would know the name of Peter Keen, the man who set cycling on its path to success before Brailsford and oversaw the delivery of Britains record medal haul in London in his role at UK Sport. I would challenge all of you to pick just one of these out of a line-up: Sonya Ellis (athletics), Matt Price (karate), Nick Walshe (rugby union), Steve Hillman (multi-sports), Claire Morrison (boccia), Stuart Wilkinson (wheelchair and deaf tennis), Brett Ince (womens artistic gymnastics), Tim Lord-Hopkins (tennis), Melissa Reid (swimming, triathlon and surfing), Lynne Booth (netball), Carol Jackson (athletics), Gareth Jones (cricket), Peter Ball (golf), John Gunn (cycling), Helen Smith (netball). They are nominees at the UK Coaching Awards. And then there are the ranks of amateurs, who account for 75 per cent of the estimated one million coaches in the UK. These volunteers are the bedrock of community sport, providing time worth 7.9bn a year, based on the minimum wage of 6.31 an hour, according to a survey published last month by Pitchero, a company that helps amateur clubs build websites. But, given the financial and time pressures of modern life, they are in increasingly short supply and only growing older. Ask any federation chief what is among their biggest worries and they will say the lack of support that is forcing sports clubs to turn people away in droves just at the moment when they should be reaping the London 2012 dividend. Inspired by Jessica Ennis? Well, go to her home track at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield and you will find diggers pulling it down under a cost-saving scheme by the council. A survey this year of nearly 3,000 clubs by the Sport & Recreation Alliance found that a third expect not to have enough coaches to meet rising demand over the next two years. If we are to rely on the goodwill of parents, former athletes and retired professional coaches to keep clubs open, there are things the Government could do to help. A small incentive would be to make volunteers expenses tax deductible. I understand the idea was mooted but didnt make it past ministers. Why not? The cost to the Treasury would be minimal; the impact on volunteers significant. It would make them feel more valued. Coaching is now a serious career, which is progress. This week Brailsford and Jrgen Grbler, the Great Britain rowing coach, became honorary members of UK Sports new Coaching Fellowship, which aims to champion the profession. There is also commercial interest: Gillette has invested 350,000, specifically funding more than 100 amateurs to get coaching qualifications. But much more should be done to help coaches become as celebrated as the athletes they train.

Sport - Cricket

Ashes 2013-14: How Nathan Lyon the former groundsman turned out to be a cut above Graeme Swann Ashes 2013-14: No 6 place remains hanging in the Ballance for England Ashes 2013-14: Former Australia captain Steve Waugh says David Warner 'crossed the line' with Jonathan Trott criticism Ashes 2013-14: Gary Ballance puts his hand up to replace Jonathan Trott as half-century is shining light in yet another batting failure Ashes 2013-14: Tim Bresnans successful Test return lifts spirits for England Ashes 2013-14: Who should be picked for the second Test - Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance or Ben Stokes? Ashes 2013-14: Ben Stokes desperate to impress in Alice Springs

Ashes 2013-14: How Nathan Lyon the former groundsman turned out to be a cut above Graeme Swann - Cricket - Sport - The Independent
The teams are still to assemble in South Australia but already there is a swirl of speculation over the surface that lies in store. Lyon knows the ground all too well but will have no more knowledge of the pitch on which he and Swann will bowl than his fellow off-spinner as the contest will be played on a drop-in wicket. For one and all here is a known unknown. Sheffield Shield games played in Adelaide this season have been on slow, steady surfaces, fuelling talk that England might field two spinners. Australia certainly wont. They will field one front-line spinner and at last Lyon can be certain the job will be his. Amid all the fire and brimstone in Brisbane, Lyons quietly effective performance offered as much encouragement to Michael Clarke and Australias brains trust as any. Clarke and the selectors have seemed slow to be convinced by Lyon, all too ready to look elsewhere, wanting a wild card rather than the steadiness of an unprepossessing offspinner. Xavier Doherty, Ashton Agar and Fawad Ahmed have all caught their eye. In the last year, Lyon has been unceremoniously dumped out of the Test side for Doherty and Agar. Prior to that, when he has played, particularly at home, his role was that of a stock bowler. He has been encouraged to shut up one end, and then accused of not being a wicket-taker. It came to a head against South Africa a year ago in Adelaide he may have cut the grass there but could he cut it as a match-winner? South Africa began the final day on 77 for 4 and Australia seeking a series-clinching victory. The spinning stage was set. The innings ended with the tourists eight down and Lyon having sent down 50 overs and taken 3 for 49. He had been asked to do the wrong thing and he was doing it very well, was how former Aussie spinner Stuart MacGill put it of Lyons perceived defensive role. Ive learnt a fair amount playing a few Tests [in Adelaide], said Lyon this week. Ive learnt a fair amount about my game and what I need to do and what I need to do to get better. Fingers crossed theres a little bit more spin down there and well see how we go. He has come and gone this year. He was dropped for Doherty mid-series in India. He was dropped for Agar for the first Ashes Test in England. Last week Agar was in Perth playing for Western Australia and picking up a fine for his response to having an appeal turned down (perhaps he thought a bit of abuse might hurry his return to the Test side). Lyon kept his cool in Brisbane, and, more significantly, out-bowled Swann. It was the bounce he extracted at The Gabba that proved Lyons most effective weapon, but his ability to turn the ball should not be overlooked his first ball in Test cricket saw him spin one on to Kumar Sangakkaras edge, while in India this year he bowled Sachin Tendulkar through the gate. After victory in Brisbane, it was Lyon who led the traditional singing of Under the Southern Cross. Mike Hussey passed the honour on to Lyon when he retired earlier this year. Hussey had been appointed Lyons mentor by the then Australia coach Tim Nielsen for the spinners first tour in 2011. Hussey, a man who, in terminology to suit a groundsman, calls a spade a spade, liked what he saw. He has long been convinced Lyon has what it takes. Hes not going to be intimidated, explained Hussey recently, and hes willing to stick to what he does, which when he gets it right is just beautiful.

Ashes 2013-14: No 6 place remains hanging in the Ballance for England Cricket - Sport - The Independent
The last official No 6 to score a hundred was Eoin Morgan at Trent Bridge in July 2010, 42 Test matches ago. The

No 6s collective average in that time is 31.09, which might be acceptable if an all-rounder were filling the berth, but in these days of six specialist batsmen, four bowlers and a wicketkeeper it barely cuts it. The opening has been created again by the departure from the Ashes tour of Englands steadfast No 3 Jonathan Trott with a stress-related illness. The strong feeling is that one of the others, probably Joe Root, will move to three, leaving the vacancy lower down. Nine players have been picked at six since Morgan made his hundred. In the improbable setting of Traeger Park, Alice Springs, the latest contenders strutted their stuff on the first day of a two-day game. How they performed against the unsung players who made up the bulk of the Cricket Chairmans XI (and it is difficult to imagine the estimable Wally Edwards burning the midnight oil as he mulled over the selection conundrums) was perhaps not the overriding issue but it was a factor. There was a clue about selectorial thinking in the batting order. The three candidates lined up thus: Gary Ballance at three, Ben Stokes at five, Jonny Bairstow at seven. If it seemed perverse that none of the potential No 6s was actually batting at six, it was of no import. The line-up meant that Ballance was being given first dibs. He was also the most successful of the trio on yet another day of this tour which did not go Englands way. That all three realistic aspirants batted was at least something, but a total of 212 for 7 declared from 78 overs did not represent batting riches for a team so desperately short of Test match runs. The conditions were tricky, in temperatures which approached 40C, but not that tricky. Ballance, portlier than is usual for international batsmen these days, made 55 before being run out in a yes-no interlude with Englands captain for the match, Ian Bell. Stokes scored 28 before clipping firmly off the face of the bat to short leg, where the sharp chance was snaffled. Bairstow was unbeaten on 31 and played busily, as he invariably does. The favourite is 24-year-old Ballance, Zimbabwean born and raised, and a nephew of Dave Houghton, scorer of the countrys highest Test innings. Last summer he was the leading run-scorer in the First Division of the Championship, hitting six first-class hundreds. He is burlier than his uncle, has a biffing back-foot game and ignored being beaten a few times. The word is that he has plenty of important supporters. He needed runs because in three previous innings for England (a one-day international and two of the warm-up games on this tour) he had made a grand total of four runs. A hundred might have been the clincher for him. Its a been a long month working hard in the nets, Ballance said. So just to be able to bat for a few hours out in the middle gives me some confidence, so that if I do get picked I think Ill be ready. Stokes would seem to be his main rival, the places in the batting order probably replicating the pecking order. He unfurled some firm-footed drives in his innings which did not all bring justifiable reward on a well-grassed outfield. There has been rain hereabouts lately. For no publicly announced reason, Bairstow, who started the last Ashes series at No 6, appears to have slipped down the list of desirables. Maybe it is felt that a bottom-handed method and a tendency to aim across the line can take you so far and no farther. England, put into bat, would have preferred more runs, or at least to have lost fewer wickets. In every way, this was a few cricketing planets away from what they confronted in Brisbane last week and what they will face in Adelaide next week. The welcome in Alice Springs could hardly have been warmer or friendlier. The local paper, The Advocate, has produced a special wraparound containing a photograph of Alastair Cook, the England captain, surrounded by admiring local females of all ages. The Chairmans XI (or XII, strictly speaking, since the whole squad is taking part in the match with either bat or ball)

The Chairmans XI (or XII, strictly speaking, since the whole squad is taking part in the match with either bat or ball) have played some, not much, first-class cricket. Simon Mackin of Western Australia, who took two wickets, has played none. Both his victims, Matt Prior and Bell, were caught behind by the 16-year-old wicketkeeper Jake Doran. The second was a sharp chance to Dorans right as the ball died on him. Prior, who is not keeping wicket in this match, made a bustling 19. His lack of runs is becoming a deep concern. It would have been hard to guess it from the affable atmosphere, a small-town big occasion. But there is plenty else for England to worry about as well.

Ashes 2013-14: Former Australia captain Steve Waugh says David Warner 'crossed the line' with Jonathan Trott criticism - Cricket - Sport - The Independent
Trott had a torrid first Ashes Test in Brisbane and after a second-innings dismissal was labelled as being "pretty poor and pretty weak" by Warner. Trott was not the only England batsman to struggle in a match they lost by 381 runs, but he was brought into greater focus by Warner's comments and then when he on Monday flew home to deal with a stress-related illness. Although he has been criticised for what he said, there is no suggestion Warner made the comments in relation to Trott's situation, but Waugh believes you run the risk of being accused if you make personal comments. Speaking to the Sydney Cricket Ground's official website, he said: "I think Dave Warner's comments were out of order. I don't believe you should comment on someone else personally on the opposition. "He can make a generic comment, but I think when you get personal like that, you cross the line on how players treat each other, and the respect they should have. "So I didn't agree with Dave's comments. Having said that, he probably did smell a bit of fear in the England opposition players. "Unfortunately for Jonathan Trott, it was a personal issue, and you don't want to keep going on about that. You just want him to get better and get well. So I think that hopefully has been put behind in that last Test match, and won't be brought up again." There were other issues to arise at the Gabba, including Australia captain Michael Clarke being fined for a comment aimed at England's James Anderson which was picked up by the stump microphone. It has brought the issue of sledging back to the table but Warner's comments aside, Waugh - who made 168 Test appearances in the Baggy Green - does not see too much of an issue. "In the overall scheme of things I don't think there was that much controversy. I think I've seen Test matches like that played every week of the year," he added. "Obviously, when one or two things went through the stump microphones which you're not used to, and it's a bit unfair on the player, that does tend to put a bit of fuel on the fire." Australia have been keen to stress they will maintain their intensity both in terms of their play and their approach, but Waugh has encouraged them to reign it in a little. "I think Australia probably need to be a little bit more clever about the way they're going about things. They're playing well, so they don't need to do so much talking out there now," the 48-year-old said.

Pace bowler Peter Siddle has indicated the chat will continue, though. The Victorian was part of a three-man attack which terrorised England in Queensland and believes an aggressive approach is needed. "It's a battle out on the field and we go about it how we think it will work," he said. "We'll just keep playing hard cricket, we'll keep putting the pressure on them and keep going from there." He also does not think Trott's situation should make his side check their behaviour. "It's disappointing for him (Trott) to be going home, (we) wish him all the best, but we're going out there trying to win Test matches and however we do that, we'll play hard, aggressive cricket," he added. PA

Ashes 2013-14: Gary Ballance puts his hand up to replace Jonathan Trott as half-century is shining light in yet another batting failure - Cricket - Sport The Independent
Ballance hopes to be included in next weeks Second Ashes Test in Adelaide as a replacement for Jonathan Trott, who flew home earlier this week with a stress-related illness. Ballance is fighting for a spot at No 6 with his Yorkshire team-mate Jonny Bairstow and Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes. Against a Chairmans XI attack of only moderate quality, not one of Englands top six managed to impose himself properly in pleasant batting conditions. Captain Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen were rested but the poor form continued in their absence. One reading of Ballances elevation to No3 is that a place in the Test team is his to lose. With Bairstow keeping wicket and made to wait until the fall of the fifth wicket before he batted, it is clear the England management were keen to take a proper look at Ballance. Stokes brisk bowling and aggressive work at the crease would give England greater flexibility, but doubts remain about whether, at this stage of his career, he is proficient enough with ball or bat to play at Test level. Ballance was the only England player to pass 50 as they declared at 212 for seven, an attempt to earn another opportunity to bat in this two-day game. At the close, the Chairmans XI were 16 without loss after 10 overs. The view of one Australian spectator reflected the reality. These Poms arent setting the world on fire, are they? remarked the man in question to his pal as they queued for a hot dog. It was impossible to offer a contradiction. It is hard to judge the significance of Ballances contribution under circumstances that are so different from those which England will face when they travel south. Against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges, and with the atmosphere at Traeger Park similar to a festival day at a county ground, this was as far away from the hostility of the Gabba in Brisbane as it was possible to be. Still, though, the England XI, led by Ian Bell, could not get their act together. Joe Root, a strong contender to take Trotts spot at No3 in Adelaide, opened the innings with Michael Carberry; neither man could make a convincing impression. Carberry had made only six before he chipped to midwicket, and Root chased a wide delivery and was caught in the gully for 22. At that stage, England were 35 for two and, perhaps, suddenly grateful for the weakened attack they were facing. South Australian paceman Kane Richardson and Queensland bowler Alister McDermott were withdrawn from the original squad as both were required by their states for the domestic Sheffield Shield competition Sent in at No3, Ballance took his time to construct his innings, rarely looking troubled against seamers Josh Lalor, Jayde Herrick and Simon Mackin. He was joined by Matt Prior, whose promotion to No4 for this match did not

Jayde Herrick and Simon Mackin. He was joined by Matt Prior, whose promotion to No4 for this match did not signal a change in fortunes. Prior has not made a half-century in Tests since the tour of New Zealand last spring and here, he attacked from the start. One loose cut shot only just cleared cover point before Prior pushed forward to a delivery from Mackin and was caught behind by Jake Doran, the 16-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman included in this squad by Cricket Australia. Prior badly needs runs. He might even be pushed further up the order in the second innings after this latest failure, although it is not as though the others form is much better. Stokes, another contender for the No6 spot next week, had just started to assert himself when he, too, departed. After hitting the off-spin of Ashton Turner for successive fours down the ground, Stokes was superbly caught at short leg off the same bowler, and the wickets kept falling. Ballance reached his fifty before he was run out attempting a single that was never really available, while Bell was undone when Mackin found some extra bounce and was caught behind. It says much about Englands batting display that their highest partnership of the innings was built by the seventhwicket pair of Bairstow and Graeme Swann. No doubt delighted not to have to deal with Mitchell Johnsons shortpitched missiles, Swann went on the attack and made an entertaining 29 from 36 deliveries.

Ashes 2013-14: Tim Bresnans successful Test return lifts spirits for England - Cricket - Sport - The Independent
As the official squad dodged heavy showers in Alice Springs, where the climate normally resembles an inferno, supplying further evidence to the doomsayers that this tour is fated, Bresnan went through his paces for the England Performance Programme. He looked brisk and efficient, two of Bresnans major attributes, and is now fully recovered from the stress fracture in his back which he sustained in the fourth Test of the Ashes series at home in the summer. Bresnan was brought on this tour as a supplementary player, travelling with the squad though not a member of it, while his recovery was monitored. That status is now likely to alter instantly. The tourists wretched endeavours at The Gabba, where they played innocuously for three days, have raised Bresnans stock, which was already operating in a bull market. Recovery, however, does not mean that he has enough cricket in his legs to make a return to the Test team straightaway. It would say as much for Englands predicament as for Bresnans standing were he to be picked for the second Test, which starts in Adelaide next week. Several options for the Adelaide XI are beginning to emerge as the dust starts to settle on the events of the past few days. They have encompassed heavy defeat, the return home of Jonathan Trott with a stress-related illness and all manner of opinions about the sledging war. Retaining the status quo is not an option simply because Trott must be replaced. If Joe Root is moved to No 3, as is increasingly likely, his place at No 6 must be filled. There are three contenders: Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes and Gary Ballance. Although performances in the two-day match against a Cricket Australia Chairmans XI starting on Friday may be taken into consideration, the selection will be largely based on past record and gut instinct. Bairstow is the only one

taken into consideration, the selection will be largely based on past record and gut instinct. Bairstow is the only one of the trio to have played in Tests, which might make him the marginal favourite. But it has not been an entirely joyous experience and Ballance, on his first senior tour, impressed every selector who saw him last summer when he made six Championship hundreds for Yorkshire. Ballance, like Stokes, is a left-handed batsman, which may be a small point in their favour. Stokes is an exciting prospect who, at 22, would seem to have a long Test career ahead of him. He is a genuine all-rounder who bowls at a lively pace and a batsman of the no-nonsense brigade. Asked on Thursday whether he thought of himself as a batsman who bowls or a bowler who bats, Stokes said he was an all-rounder. The last two years my bowlings been the stronger point, I think, he said. But I still feel that the batting is the strong part of my game. But the bowlings improving, which is a bonus. Ive just got to get some solid performances in and some consistency with the bat. Just all-rounder, thatll do. Make of that what you will but it could be tremendous for English cricket if he trains on. In helping Durham win the County Championship this year, Stokes scored 726 runs at 31.57 and took 44 wickets at 26.61, averages which are the right way round for an all-rounder. Whether he is ready to be thrown into the cauldron in a series in which England suddenly find themselves behind will only be known when it happens. But he cannot have been brought along solely with an eye on the future and clearly has a bit about him. He is a New Zealander by birth and came to England as a boy when his father arrived in Cumbria to coach the Workington rugby league team. It is certain Australia would mention his background were he to play in the Test. Stokes said: Yes, it would be pretty obvious, wouldnt it? If it does come up I would just laugh because Im out here playing with the Three Lions. If they decide to get into that Ill get back to them in Geordie slang and they wont understand us. Perhaps Stokes best chance of making his debut is if England opt to play two spinners in Adelaide. It is not a move they could make without seeing how the drop-in pitch looks, but if it would be a gamble it might be a calculated one. Both Sheffield Shield matches to be played at the Adelaide Oval so far this season have been draws, the first highscoring, on pitches that have generally been slow and low. Of the 55 wickets to fall, 30 have been to spin, of the leg, off and left-arm orthodox variety. England will be well aware of that and may presume that their spin is superior to Australias spin. While the match at The Gabba went some way to disproving that, Graeme Swann is a resilient, highly capable soul who will be eager to atone for his shortcomings there and will be emboldened by having taking seven wickets (2 for 70 and 5 for 91) at Adelaide three years ago in Englands crushing victory. Swann and Monty Panesar combined well in India last year but England would prefer the insurance of a third seamer if they go down that route. With Matt Prior in no sort of form they would not put him up to six or Bresnan at seven, which is probably a place too high for him. But Stokes batting at six and being used as third seamer may have its attractions. It would represent a full recovery from his misdemeanours of a year ago. Stokes was sent home from the Performance Programme in Australia for keeping late nights. He had to impress the England coach, Andy Flower, not only with his performances but with the confirmation that he had mended his ways. He said: It was easy because I just looked at the bigger picture, thought, Im in this profession to play at the highest level, so it wasnt hard to go away and make sure I did them things, because if I didnt I probably wouldnt be where I am now. OPTION ONE A N Cook

A N Cook M A Carberry J E Root K P Pietersen I R Bell J M Bairstow/G S Ballance M J Prior T T Bresnan S C J Broad G P Swann J M Anderson OPTION TWO Cook Carberry Root Pietersen Bell B A Stokes Prior Broad Swann Anderson M S Panesar

Ashes 2013-14: Who should be picked for the second Test - Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance or Ben Stokes? - Cricket - Sport - The Independent
Just over a week ago they were about to start the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, buoyed by a victory in their previous warm-up game and seemingly perfectly prepared for anything Australia might throw at them. Now they find themselves trying to recover from one of their most humiliating defeats in recent memory and the loss of one of their most dependable and consistent batsmen. Jonathan Trotts departure from the tour leaves England needing a new number three and with either Joe Root or Ian Bell set to move up to fill the vacancy, the selectors must decide which new man to bring in lower down the order.

With Andy Flower definitively saying that nobody else will be called up to the squad, the battle for the number six slot is essentially a three horse race between Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance and Ben Stokes. Bairstow is the only one of the trio with any Test match experience, having played a dozen times for England since making his debut against the West Indies in 2012, and he is also the oldest although the difference is barely more than a couple of months and at just 24 he can hardly be said to be a grizzled veteran. The fact that Bairstow was in the England side as recently as two Test matches ago might suggest that he is the automatic choice to step into the line up, he is after all familiar with the pressures of the role and has some experience of facing this Australian side. Then again there is an argument that this might be the very reason not to pick him for Adelaide. While there can be no doubting Bairstows talent, and considering his age he could certainly go on to have a successful England career, his record so far has not been great. He is yet to make a Test hundred, although he did make 95 against South Africa last year, but more worryingly, given his relatively short career so far, his technique has seemingly already had two major flaws. At first he seemed particularly susceptible to short pitch bowling and while this is something he has worked on, a greater concern emerged this summer when he looked extremely vulnerable to the straight full ball a fairly major chink for any batsman to have in his armour.

Gary Ballance The other conventional batsman England have available is Gary Ballance, who forced his way onto the tour thanks to a fantastic season with Yorkshire that saw him score 1251 runs, the most in Division One, including five centuries at an average of 62.55. However Ballance is almost completely untested at international level, with just a single ODI cap to his name a four ball duck against Ireland this summer and while the selectors would not have chosen him for the trip if they didnt think he had the ability, the next Test at Adelaide would certainly be a very high pressure situation for him to make his debut. Considering he is yet to post a decent score on the tour so far, the Zimbabwean-born left-hander surely needs an impressive knock in the warm-up game at Alice Springs if he is to force his way into contention.

Ben Stokes The final man in the running for Adelaide is Durhams Ben Stokes, who perhaps could be considered the riskiest pick yet simultaneously could prove to be the most rewarding selection. Since Andrew Flintoffs retirement from cricket, England have been bereft of an all-rounder and while their four-man bowling attack has for the most part proved to be mightily effective, it has at times left them looking a little bit onedimensional. Stokes is supremely talented and while his first-class average of 35.64 is perhaps a little lower than the ideal figure for a number six batsman, he is a potentially devastating hitter of the ball, and with the ability to bowl at a decent speed, he would give Englands bowling attack a welcome boost. He is undoubtedly raw, in February this year he was sent home from an England Lions tour for persistent late-night drinking, although it speaks very highly of his talent that he has managed to work his way back into the good books of the notoriously disciplinarian Andy Flower so quickly. With the warm-up match in Alice Springs starting tonight, it will be interesting to see which of the three can earn the selectors final approval the tested yet somehow uninspiring Bairstow, the uncapped promise of Ballance or another debutant, the potentially explosive Stokes.

Ashes 2013-14: Ben Stokes desperate to impress in Alice Springs - Cricket Sport - The Independent
Jonathan Trott's return home, because of a stress-related illness, means - as one of Joe Root or Ian Bell replace him at number three - a batting position opens up in the middle order for the second Test. Jonny Bairstow, Stokes and Gary Ballance will be the three contenders, all in their early 20s, jostling to join England's Ashes campaign in Adelaide. Stokes, like Ballance uncapped at Test level, has the added advantage of being an all-rounder - a significant factor perhaps, at a venue where the bowlers seem sure to have to work hard for their wickets. He has the opportunity to demonstrate his all-round talents in the two-day match starting at Traeger Park against a CA Chairman's XI on Friday. "Obviously, there's going to be a place up for grabs, and this game does come at a good time for us for the selection reasons," said the 22-year-old.

"There's three guys trying to take the chance to get that spot, and these days are a good chance for one of us to put our hands up and get in there for Adelaide." It is less than 10 months ago that Stokes' England future was beginning to look decidedly dicey, after he and allrounder Matt Coles were sent home from an England Performance Programme tour of Australia for disciplinary reasons. Persistently breaking curfews by staying too long in the bar was the problem then. But Stokes insists he is ready to make the most of his second chance - if it comes in Adelaide. "Definitely - as everyone else will be, who didn't play in the first Test," he said. "Everyone's going to go out there and make sure they put their hand up and prove a point that they want to be out here and be in that second Test match. "Whoever does take that role will definitely have the skills to come in and fill that spot. "If it's not me I'll wish them all the best." England need to put their first-Test defeat behind them to stay in with a realistic chance of winning the Ashes for a fourth successive time. Stokes, meanwhile, is trying to forget his past mistakes too. "I think, when I did get back (from Australia last winter), I set out to put everyone's mind right - making sure that they knew that I did want to play for England and get back into the team. "I think I've done the right things and gone about it the right way. "Here I am today, so it's brilliant." England have yet to announce whether they will rest captain Alastair Cook this week - along with first-choice Test players such as Kevin Pietersen and James Anderson. But they will need to gather as much evidence as possible about who to pick at numbers three and six in Adelaide, as well as working out their best option as third seamer there. Possible England team (v CA Chairman's XI at Traeger Park, starting at 1030, 0100GMT): MA Carberry, IR Bell, JE Root, MJ Prior (Captain), GS Ballance, BA Stokes, JM Bairstow (wkt), GP Swann, ST Finn, MS Panesar, WB Rankin PA

Sport - Football

Tottenham vs Manchester United: Workaholic Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas needs rapid return for his labours Kevin Garside: As good a player as he still is, Ryan Giggs could have been so much more The lost boys: The members of Manchester United's golden generation who missed out on the big time Tricky times for Sam Allardyce and Martin Jol as West Ham fails to cut mustard Neil Warnock: As a manager you have to bend the rules for older players like I did with Clint Hill...but Ryan Giggs just keeps on going Curtis Davies interview: Hull City defender keeps it in context

Curtis Davies interview: Hull City defender keeps it in context Glenn Moore: In todays global market former giants such as Aston Villa and Sunderland will always struggle to live up to past glories Steven Gerrard how I came close to joining Manchester United and Chelsea Manchester United 'target' Everton Ribeiro named Brazil's player of the year Transfer news round-up: Marco Reus linked with Manchester United; Mohamed Salah interested in Chelsea switch; Arsenal look to Seamus Coleman Transfer news: Chelsea and Manchester City to launch summer bid for Sergio Ramos after breakdown in Real Madrid relationship How a Norwegian hairdresser showed Tottenham manager Andre-Villas Boas is not 'immune' from criticism after all Manchester City v Swansea City: Manuel Pellegrini admits his side are working towards improving defensive frailties 'The Happy One? Not anymore' reveals Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer after Jose Mourinho loses his patience with poor form Transfer news: Manchester United will look to strengthen in January, but there are 'no guarantees' of new arrivals warns David Moyes Ryan Giggs shows his age as the Manchester United midfielder recounts 'going out to The Hacienda' nearly 25 years ago Manchester City blow as Matija Nastasic faces three weeks out Cardiff City v Arsenal: Arsene Wenger keen to learn from mistakes made by Manchester City and Manchester United Cardiff City v Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey hailed as a 'fine young man' by Malky Mackay West Ham v Fulham: Martin Jol admits defeats to West Ham and Tottenham could lead to the sack Aston Villa v Sunderland: Paul Lambert unfazed by Christian Benteke drought Transfer news: West Brom insist Shane Long will not be sold in January Everton v Stoke City: Roberto Martinez impressed by more than just Romelu Lukaku's goals Hull City v Liverpool: Keeping Luis Suarez at Anfield is Brendan Rodgers' greatest achievement, claims Steve Bruce Norwich v Crystal Palace: Tony Pulis warns breaches of discipline will not be tolerated Aston Villa v Sunderland: Gus Poyet not worried about bad luck Tottenham v Manchester United: Gylfi Sigurdsson warns United that Spurs are determined to revive season Manchester City v Swansea: Michael Laudrup urges Swans to show no fear Scunthorpe United plea to fans not to wear any 'squirrel attire' ahead of return of former manager Alan Knill after bike crash Ryan Giggs: His career in pictures as the Manchester United legend hits 40 Andy Carroll injury: England striker to return to training with West Ham Aston Villa v Sunderland preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats West Ham United v Fulham preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Football match-fixing: Two men remanded in custody over allegations Cardiff City v Arsenal preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Chelsea v Southampton preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Arsene Wenger 'relaxed' over contract negotiations and insists there is no need to question commitment to Arsenal Manchester City v Swansea City preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Football match-fixing: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger describes allegations as

'absolutely disastrous' Everton v Stoke City preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Stoke defender Robert Huth out for 'a number of weeks', reveals Mark Hughes Hull City v Liverpool preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Newcastle United v West Brom preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Transfer news: Liverpool eyeing Barcelona defender Martin Montoya as Brendan Rodgers aims to strengthen Premier League title assault Norwich City v Crystal Palace preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Sandro v Marouane Fellaini: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United Kevin Mirallas v Steven Nzonzi: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Everton and Stoke City Mark Noble v Scott Parker: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between West Ham United and Fulham Loic Remy v Shane Long: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Newcastle United and West Brom Yannick Sagbo v Martin Skrtel: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Hull City and Liverpool Ashley Westwood v Ki Sung-Yueng: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Aston Villa and Sunderland Pablo Zabaleta v Angel Rangel: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Manchester City and Swansea City Eden Hazard v Adam Lallana: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Chelsea and Southampton Gary Hooper v Dwight Gayle: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Norwich City and Crystal Palace Gary Medel v Mathieu Flamini: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Cardiff City and Arsenal On-loan Liverpool winger Victor Moses still targeting 20 goals this season despite notching just one goal and slipping out of staring line-up Premier League: Aston Villa v Sunderland match preview FA referee Dean Mohareb charged with computer hacking Premier League: Chelsea v Southampton match preview Premier League: Everton v Stoke City match preview Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United match preview Premier League: Newcastle United v West Brom match preview Premier League: Norwich City v Crystal Palace match preview Premier League: Manchester City v Swansea City match preview Premier League: Hull City v Liverpool match preview Chelsea v Southampton: Players can't complain if Jose Mourinho wields the axe, claims Cesar Azpilicueta Cardiff v Arsenal: 'Massive' Aaron Ramsey integral to Arsene Wenger's plans to remain at the top of the Premier League Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis confirms Kevin Phillips will not be expected to continue assistant manager role in order to focus on goals Ryan Giggs at 40: How the Manchester United midfielder did it Michael Chopra reveals footballs gambling problem: 'I signed for Sunderland in order to pay my debts off'

Ryan Giggs at 40: 'I'll stay in bed' birthday boy plans to avoid Manchester United pranks Tromso 0 Tottenham 2 match report: Spurs are ready for Manchester United, says VillasBoas after tight Europa League win Football match-fixing: FA urged to fight growing threat of with education Europa League round-up: Swansea made to wait while Wigan Athletic handed uphill task by Hazard Jnr Europa League - Tromso v Tottenham Hotspur team news: Roberto Soldado starts alone up front, Zeki Fryers given rare start by Andre Villas-Boas Premier League: West Ham v Fulham match preview Premier League: Cardiff City v Arsenal match preview Ryan Giggs 40th birthday: 'I'd be finished by now if I'd left Manchester United' Ryan Giggs is the role model for all the players at Manchester United, says Chris Smalling Gerard Deulofeu eager for Premier League start at Everton after impressing during loan spell from Barcelona Jack Wilshere: Lionel Messi remains the best player in the world, despite the claims of Cristiano Ronaldo Sir Alex Ferguson makes impromptu visit to Manchester United dressing room English football match-fixing: Former Bolton striker Delroy Facey 'named' among six arrested by police over 'international illegal betting syndicate' Jack Wilshere: Of all the Arsenal departures, Cesc Fabregas was the hardest to take Former Tottenham chairman Alan Sugar wants Sir Alex Ferguson to come out of retirement and replace Andre Villas-Boas Mathieu Flamini sleeves row: Lee Dixon backs Arsene Wenger and says club tradition must be respected Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 'I don't need the Ballon d'Or to know I'm the best' Premier League appoint former Team Sky director to help development of home-grown players The managerial sack race - 2013/14 Who needs Cristiano Ronaldo? Gareth Bale hailed as a 'leader' by Spanish press Sean O'Driscoll sacked by Bristol City after just 10 months in charge Everton will not use Leighton Baines lay-off as excuse to open contract talks Samir Nasri calls for improved Manchester City defence Manchester City 4 Viktoria Plzen 2: Joe Hart impresses in Champions League victory Ryan Giggs is 'getting better' with age, suggests Manchester United manager David Moyes Cesar Azpilicueta confident of collective improvement at Chelsea following defeat to Basel Mesut Ozil will get better, claims Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker

Tottenham vs Manchester United: Workaholic Spurs manager Andre VillasBoas needs rapid return for his labours - Premier League - Football - The Independent
In his office on the first floor of the new training ground in Enfield, Villas-Boas and his assistants spend their afternoons in front of computer screens, sifting through data, match footage, and Daniel Sousas opposition scouting reports. In the plush new facility that has the minimalist all-white interior of an ambitious Silicon Valley start-up, the joke is that Villas-Boas has never lost a game on his laptop.

joke is that Villas-Boas has never lost a game on his laptop. He will, of course, bristle at the suggestion that he is an obsessive. The Portuguese hated the way his habit of staying the night at Chelseas training ground was presented as a weakness rather than a strength. But there is no question that his commute back to his home in Knightsbridge starts a lot later in the working day than many managers would consider. Villas-Boas is under pressure, and he is feeling it. After the clubs joint best start to a Premier League season after nine games, Spurs face Manchester United tomorrow at White Hart Lane without a victory in their last three league matches and on the back of a 6-0 bludgeoning by Manchester City. Lose and the visit to struggling Fulham on Wednesday becomes very uncomfortable. Within the club, the partnership of Villas-Boas and Franco Baldini, the former general manager of the England team under Fabio Capello, who oversaw the 110m player expenditure this summer, is crucial. The technical director Baldini has by far the greater experience around football but has never managed. Villas-Boas is a relative newcomer but picks the team. They need each other to be successful. The 36-year-old manager, whose career has been polarised by his extraordinary season in charge of Porto and the disastrous nine months with Chelsea, is liable to worry. Part of Baldinis job is to remind the younger man that criticism is fleeting. That the seven players signed this summer were done after extensive scouting. That football club boards will always want explanations for bad results. That, at Spurs, he is surrounded by friends, not enemies, and that, the club believe, this team will click. For Villas-Boas, the victory over Tromso in the Europa League on Thursday was a release from the pressure, but that insecurity once again raised its head when he had a home fan moved for singing Youre getting sacked in the morning. Baldini did not attend the match in Norway. He has used Spurs midweek European trips to scout all over Europe, ideally without being spotted. But he will be there with Daniel Levy at White Hart Lane tomorrow. He answers to Levy and Joe Lewis, the owner of Spurs parent company Enic, whose presence is felt throughout the club. It is unlikely that Erik Lamela, the clubs record 30m signing, will start against United, having played against City and Tromso, although his form this season has been the biggest sticking point. The Argentine was played out of position on the right wing by Villas-Boas at City and, still not having a grasp of the language, is a shy, quiet figure at the training ground. For Baldini, there has never been any doubt that Lamela is worth the fee paid for him. He was observed by Baldini in virtually every training session and game he took part in over two years at Roma so Spurs feel that their homework has been done in that respect. They have already had tentative inquiries about the Argentine from other major clubs in Europe since they signed him. Lamelas performances in training and his limited appearances in matches City was his first league start have been less convincing. The question being asked is what is his key identity as a player? Is he a goalscorer? Can he go past opponents? As a newcomer to English football he is due a settling-in period, but the concern so far at the training ground is that there has been little raw evidence of what he might flourish into. The Spurs policy of buying players with a sell-on value is evident in the age profile of Lamela, Christian Eriksen, Paulinho, Vlad Chiriches, Nacer Chadli and tienne Capoue. The 28-year-old Roberto Soldado, at a cost of 26m from Valencia, is different. He was a player whom Villas-Boas wanted to sign. Villas-Boas has a tendency to believe the world is against him, a notion that spilled out this week when he said he would take extreme pleasure in suing the newspapers who said he was fighting for his job. He has never really acknowledged how fortunate he has been to land two of English footballs plum positions. Yes, he was very successful at Porto in the 2010-11 season. But the club had won 16 of the previous 26 Portuguese titles. At Chelsea, for all his attempts to break new ground, he made mistakes. He has found out the hard way that football

clubs are strange beasts that need to be shaped and cajoled. Part of the challenge at Tottenham has been keeping him calm rather than having him relive his Chelsea experience and imagining conspiracy everywhere. There are still lingering issues, such as Villas-Boass bad relationship with Emmanuel Adebayor and the future of Jermain Defoe, but now, more than ever, the club are trying to take those problems away from their head coach so he can focus on the team. Last season, he won away at Old Trafford and drew at home although last season he had Gareth Bale. Curiously, the questions asked internally at Spurs are not about the void left by the 85m man. When he was sold, the club knew he could never be replaced. The more pertinent questions were whether Capoue or Paulinho was a better long-term option than Jake Livermore, now on loan at Hull and likely to leave Spurs; how long it would take for Lamela to settle in; or how Villas-Boas would use Soldado, the striker he wanted. For the head coach and the technical director, the goals have always been long-term. As ever, though, in English football, the results are everything.

Kevin Garside: As good a player as he still is, Ryan Giggs could have been so much more - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
None can quibble with the nuts and bolts of a career that might yet notch 1,000 games for his club, a period of plunder that has returned two European Cups, 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups and four League Cups. The question is not what Giggs has done but how much higher he might have risen. Longevity has become part of the Giggs legend, shifting appreciation from his innate ability to respect for his condition and the way he has looked after himself. It is rare in the game for a player to evoke a sense of nostalgia while still on the pitch. And undeniably, fostered by the years of service, there is in the movement of Giggs something deeply iconic. His performance this week at the BayArena in Leverkusen, where he was arguably Uniteds most influential player despite weighty contributions from Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, Shinji Kagawa and Chris Smalling, married vision and experience in a masterclass of footballing productivity. There is no fat on the Giggs bone, no wastage. Every sinewy contribution fed the whole, yielding a profit that stood statistical comparison with any in Uniteds history. Yet with his deployment in deep midfield we perhaps forget what an arresting sight he was darting down the wing as a 17-year-old. Careful husbandry of resources was not part of the model then. It was raw excitement; a conjurer of rare vintage was among us, a game-changer, an era-defining player who might stand at the shoulder of the all-time greats. Giggs scored important goals; as an 18-year-old at Spurs in September 1992 to earn a draw, the winner at QPR, in the Manchester derby and at Leeds, three huge away victories the following season when United won the inaugural Premier League title, their first championship for 26 years. Here was a teenage boy delivering a level of performance and excitement not seen at Old Trafford since George Best a generation before. But by the time he was 25 Giggs, unlike Best, had not grown into the towering world figure that his talent suggested he must become. He had not colonised the global imagination in the manner of Best or todays poster boys Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. There is no Ballon dOr in Giggs locker, no European Footballer of the Year award, as it was in Bests day. Sir Alex Ferguson perceptively spoke about the introvert in Giggs. There have been troubling moments in his private life, an affair with his brothers wife and other indiscretions that appeared out of character but which might have been manifestations of a deeper, personal unease. From tee to green Giggs was peerless, arguably the equal of Messi in terms of natural balance and poise, and with the ball at his feet quicker across the ground than Ronaldo. But when he advanced into the final third, the hardest part of the pitch in which to work, what was automatic in his first flowering became laboured as if a switch had tripped.

the pitch in which to work, what was automatic in his first flowering became laboured as if a switch had tripped. Inexplicably, Giggs appeared unable or unwilling to accept responsibility for his gifts or the ball, choosing to offload with a cross that was often hopeful rather than risk the judgement that comes with failure. This curious shrinking from the challenge was intuited by the crowd and there was a period at Old Trafford when Giggs met with boos. He will end his career with a goal ratio of one in six. Apologists will argue that his principal role was to create from wide positions, not score goals. But this wont do. You are either a special player or you are not. On talent alone Giggs had the tools to leave a global imprint remembered for the matches he took away from the opposition. Yes, there have been some of those in the domestic setting, but not enough for one so blessed. It has taken a retreat from the front line into midfield in his mature years to restore his reputation. Yet he was so much more than a fit bloke who could pick a pass. Giggs career in pictures

The lost boys: The members of Manchester United's golden generation who missed out on the big time - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Raphael Burke Bristol City academy coach What I remember most was the hunger of those lads that made it. It really has to be a burning passion in you if you want to succeed. I have read somewhere Gary [Neville] saying that he gave up his friends because he just wanted to be a footballer. I didnt have the hunger at the time. Its best I am honest about it because otherwise you end up blaming everyone else. Some teenagers just dont have the maturity to realise what they have. David, Nicky, Gary they had the maturity to realise this was a precious chance at United. I left in April 1993 even though I had a year left on my contract. I had been at Lilleshall [the now defunct Football Association school of excellence]. I thought at the time we had a lot of wingers at United. I had been away from home in Bristol for a long time. I asked to leave. After that I worked in an office and then on a fruit and veg stall. I had to get up at 5am to start work you think to yourself, This is the real world! When I watched the 2002 World Cup I had played or trained with most of that England team, either at United or Lilleshall. For the last 12 years I have been coaching. I absolutely love my job. I dont see what happened at United as negative. Im a Christian and I believe that everything happens for a reason. I love helping the next generation. I have coached boys who have gone on to sign professional contracts and play first-team football. I always think, if I can get him beyond what I achieved, then it is job done. I am looking forward to taking my daughter to see the film. She has started playing football and takes an interest in what I did. I tell her that I feel privileged to spend my working days out on a football pitch. Lenny Taylor Electrical labourer I was a sub in the first leg of the 1992 FA Youth Cup final against Crystal Palace and just a squad member in the game at Old Trafford. United made it possible for me to get a medal because I was involved in the semi-final. It meant a lot to me and I have still got it. I was spotted playing in Birmingham by the scout Geoff Watson. He invited me to a mass trial game at Nuneaton for lots of boys. Sir Alex was there! We only played for half an hour each but he picked me out. I did a year as a schoolboy and then, when I left school, a two-year YTS. I was a right-back and a centre-half. When I played fullback they compared me to Paul Parker. That wasnt bad.

Its so amazing to be part of the foundations of what the guys achieved. When we were young it was one for all and all for one. When one went, we all went together and we were just unstoppable. It hadnt been done since the Busby Babes. We knew that Ryan was streets ahead because he was involved a few years before us. Once the other lads started to come through we saw the potential in all of us. There were 20 lads, and lots of them could have gone on to have success. Gary Neville was right-back ahead of me and he has gone on to do United proud. I got a little feeling I wasnt going to be offered a pro deal. You knew deep down. Sir Alex called us into his office. He praised us for what we had done but said, I can only take so many. I went to Port Vale for a trial and then Walsall for a couple of months. I played five years at Solihull Borough but with work it just kind of dwindled away. Im proud to have been part of United. Even though I wasnt there with them as they went on to have success, I felt connected. Colin Telford Head of education at Ireland football coaches association I still remember the first game of one season in the youth team. The ball went out to Becks, who was on the edge of the 18-yard box, about three metres wide. He just wrapped his right foot around it. The ball never rose more than two inches above the ground. It never spun. Straight in. Time felt frozen for a few seconds. At the start it was not like this team was breaking any records. They won the FA Youth Cup in 1992 and that was it. They developed. Becks never stopped practising, free-kick after free-kick. Gary Neville was a really tigerish, aggressive footballer and he carried that through into the first team. They were like that. Every time they went up a level they were able to progress. The way Nicky Butt played in the first team was no different to the way he played in the Under-18s. I remember the first time Paul Scholes turned up, like a wee boy who had got off at the wrong bus stop. At the beginning it was like, Whats he doing here? The first match he started on the bench for the B team, which was then the lowest team at the club. Others progressed differently, Phil Neville was still a schoolboy but playing in the Under-18s team. I grew up in Belfast and was spotted playing for a local club in the Milk Cup over there. I signed two years schoolboy, two years apprentice and two years pro. A few months in I started getting pains in my back and through that great period of winning the cup I was injured. I left about a week before Eric Cantona signed in 1992 and joined Raith Rovers, where Jimmy Nicholl was manager. I had a great relationship with Alex Ferguson. I had been in digs with his son Darren and spent some of my holidays staying at the managers house. He advised me that I would be better getting experience elsewhere.

The six fellow members of FA Youth Cupwinning 'Class of 92' who went on to greater things at United Andy Noone Environmental consultant I went over to The Cliff to take part in the filming for The Class of 92. I have to say, it was absolutely brilliant. I got changed in the same seat I did 20 years ago. It was great seeing all the guys, not just those who have gone on to have such incredible careers. You do wonder what they will be like but it was the same, having a laugh and taking the mick. It was a fantastic day even though I ended it by rupturing my Achilles tendon during the game we played. I did feel a bit like the village idiot but I guess theres no better way of hanging up your boots for good than playing with some of the best United players of all time. I grew up in Salford and joined United at nine. I signed an apprenticeship at 16 and was in all the squads for the 1992 cup run. I was a centre-forward, although I did play in defence for a short period. I was in the team the previous year when we were beaten by Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-final. When we were growing up Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs stood out because, at 14, you could see they would go on to be the main men. Even so, to go on to do what they did probably surprised a lot of people. The dedication and belief all of them had stood out. The day Sir Alex told me I was being released was probably the worst day of my life. Youre there for such a long time it becomes part of your life. They did everything they could to find me a new club. After United, I did 12 months at Bury and played at Mossley, Atherton Laburnum Rovers, Beaconsfield and Salford City. I finished when I was 31. I work in Salford Quays now and I can see Old Trafford from my office window. It always brightens my day. I still support United just as much as I did when I was kid in the youth team. Chris Casper Premier League club support manager for academies We changed the culture. For too long there had been players coming through the system at United who were very good but didnt quite fulfil their potential. It was a professional dressing room and we took it up a notch. I had trained with the first team at Burnley when I was 13 so I had an idea what it looked like. Sometimes I had the mickey taken for being too mature, which was water off a ducks back. Gary Neville was the same, very level-headed. We werent a bunch of angels but we knew what we wanted to be. People used to say we were extra special but if that was the case we wouldnt have lost the 1993 FA Youth Cup final to Leeds, would we? But dont get me wrong, in those two years we were very good. In the second year of our apprenticeships the A team was opened up for all pros to play in. It was really competitive. Even so it was mostly apprentices in that side. We were playing against teams with established pros. Eric Harrison would come in before games and say, Theyve paid you a compliment with the team theyve picked. We won more than we lost. With Scholesy, for instance, it was only at the end of the first year of him being a pro when you really thought,

With Scholesy, for instance, it was only at the end of the first year of him being a pro when you really thought, Blimey, he can play. He was always a good player but then when he was around the first team he was dominating training sessions. I left in 1998. I was 23. I had played for the first team and signed a couple of contracts but it wasnt enough. I needed a career. I went on loan to Reading and while I was down there the deal was done to join them. I left with a real spring in my step. I got injured at 24, which was unfortunate but thats life it happens. I had 10 great years at United.

Tricky times for Sam Allardyce and Martin Jol as West Ham fails to cut mustard - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The mood among the supporters of both London clubs is not one of sweetness and light, and one set, possibly even both, will be glummer by full time. Fulham begin the day below the relegation line, West Ham above it only by dint of a superior goal difference. The loser will be in the bottom three. Last time out Fulham were jeered off amid calls for the head of manager Martin Jol, after losing at home to Swansea. Later that day West Ham were run horribly ragged on their own turf by Chelsea. Their manager Sam Allardyce is secure, at least for the moment. Jol on the other hand accepts that if he does not conjure up points from somewhere, and quickly, his future at Fulham is grim. Last weekend was a particularly dire one for the Dutchman. Swansea scored 10 minutes from the end and the catcalls made for painful listening as he headed for the dressing room. Its unpleasant but it is part of our job, a big part, said Jol. You can be in heaven one moment and two weeks later you get all the criticism. You have to get used to it. At first on Friday Jol shrugged off talk of the personal pressure on him, pointing to his years of experience in topflight football, 600-700 games, he said, as a player and a manager. He spoke about respecting supporters views and how after 12 hours he became determined to bounce back. But it still hurts for those first 12 hours? Jol sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. Yes, he said. Once, when under pressure at Tottenham, Jol gave a colourful interview to Match of the Day in which he described how a cornered cat can produce a leap of surprise. In his time in English football, three years at Tottenham and now in his third season at Fulham, the Dutchman has garnered a reputation for being one of the more cheery presences on the touchline. Before taking the weeks final training session yesterday, it was put to him that he does not seem so jolly these days. There is no reason to be jolly, OK, he replied. Maybe in a couple of weeks I will be jolly good again but first we need wins. If you dont win I am not very jolly. Jolly? Is that the right word? He was assured it was. Five straight defeats and discord in the stands is not a recipe for jollity especially when watched over by a new owner, and it does not usually take much for a new owner to want a new man in the dugout. Shahid Khan, the US-based, Pakistani-born car-parts tycoon, bought Fulham in the summer. With his long hair and impresario-esque moustache, Khan exudes flamboyance but his early months at the club have been anything but. He has spoken of respecting the clubs history, has backed Jols limited spending, and there will be more spent in January. There are plans to expand the ground to 30,000 and, says Khan, become a top-10 club. It may appear a modest aim but right now anyone at Craven Cottage would settle for that. Khan speaks daily to the clubs chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, and regularly to Jol. The manager accepts his future is at immediate risk. If I were on the board now I would be worrying, said Jol. One piece of good news is the probable return of defender Brede Hangeland, who failed to reappear for the second half of Fulhams last win, at Crystal Palace in October, and has not been seen since. Less certain to appear this afternoon is Dimitar Berbatov who has been ill. His goal return has been sickly this season; he has more yellow cards than league goals. On Friday the lack of goals and the number conceded from set pieces were a regular theme for Jol. Rene Meulensteens arrival to assist Jol a couple of weeks ago is designed to address that, and some say provide a

house-trained replacement for the incumbent. That Khan has long promised his manager more coaching help and that Jol himself was crucial in persuading his compatriot to take on another assistants role might suggest otherwise. Jol insists it is going very, very well with Meulensteen. But ask Allardyce how quickly things can change. It was this time three years ago that Allardyce parted company with Blackburn out of the blue. He is safe for the moment at Upton Park, although the need for West Ham to be in the Premier League come moving day to the Olympic Stadium is paramount. It is a big day, a big week for both men and one that needs a capital return for both in midweek Fulham face Tottenham, West Ham take on Palace. None of us expected to be where we are at this stage, but the league table tells the story, said Allardyce. Performances are OK, but its all about results. Its the precious three points youre searching for, thats what makes the difference. It could make a very big difference for Jol. Its nothing about me, its about us, he insisted. I always talk about us. It is a big week because if we win two games we will be fine.

Neil Warnock: As a manager you have to bend the rules for older players like I did with Clint Hill...but Ryan Giggs just keeps on going - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
It is incredible how long he has been at the top. In 1991, when I took Notts County into the top flight, we played United and I decided our only chance was to man-mark every player. Our best man-marker, Chris Short, I told to follow Giggs everywhere. He was like a rash, all over him. If we had a corner Chris would be next to Giggs on the halfway line, holding his shirt. After 20 minutes Giggs came over and said, Can you get this thing off me? or words to that effect. We laughed. We also drew 1-1, United getting a controversial late penalty. Not much changed there, then. Over the years I have had to deal with quite a few players in the latter stages of their career. When I first started in management, because there were no fitness regimes, no masseuses, nutritionists and so on, as a manager you used to think a player was approaching the end when he got to 30 and you had to treat them differently. With all the improvements now it is not unusual for players to go well beyond that, as Ryan has, and the problem is not so much their age, as age-related wear-and-tear injuries. I remember at Sheffield United Keith Curle, who has been my assistant since, had a problem with his right knee. Hed had an operation on it at 16 and the years of playing on it had taken their toll. He couldnt train until the Thursday after a Saturday game. When we had Tuesday night games he did nothing but play the game, then come out on a Friday just to walk through set-pieces. I remember Kevin Blackwell, my coach, saying to me it was no good as he needed to work on the shape on the Thursday and it used to annoy him that he could not have all the back four together. Kevin was so diligent in wanting to cover every angle. I had to remind him that when that whistle went on Saturday Curly was one of the best players on the pitch, often the best, week-in, week-out, and for people like that you have to make an exception. There would be banter from the players when Keith would appear at the side of the pitch watching them train. It didnt help, those times, when he had a cigarette in his mouth! But because he played with a cigar in most of the time on a Saturday, everyone came on board. If you are doing it on the pitch, players will turn a blind eye. Another player who comes to mind is one I signed for Crystal Palace from Stoke in 2007. It was around his 29th birthday and hed started four games in nine months. In his four years at Stoke hed missed many more matches than hed played and I was told, Its no good taking Clint Hill as he wont play more than three games before hes injured. That was like a red rag to a bull to me. I wanted to sign him. However, there was no way he would pass a medical. Simon Jordan, Palaces chairman, met him, realised how determined Clint was to play, and agreed to sign him. It was a risk, as a medical protects a clubs insurance pay-out if a player gets injured.

a risk, as a medical protects a clubs insurance pay-out if a player gets injured. Clint didnt let either of us down. The physio, Nigel Cox, devised a training regime and I sat him down and told him he had to follow it. Every morning he would come in an hour early and do a weights routine to strengthen his knees and ankles. Then he would have a jog before finishing in the physios room with ice all round his ankles. On Tuesdays, if there was no midweek game, he would do half-an-hours training. Then I would tell him, Off you go, time to get the ice bucket. If we had let him, Clint would have trained every day, but he trained like he played, so you could not allow him to train. Players like that want to be in every five-a-side, every running session. They dont want other players to think they are getting away with something. It is that attitude that drives them on. I can honestly say I dont think I have met anyone else as dedicated as Clint, and it paid off. He played almost every game for Palace for two-and-a-half years, then I took him to QPR and he played 44 matches as we got promoted. Once again, Clint was religious in his preparation and rehab. He got himself sent off in his first Premier League game and I sent him on loan to Nottingham Forest, but we had injuries so I recalled him; he started when we beat Chelsea, and he has never looked back. I picked him, my successor Mark Hughes picked him, and his replacement Harry Redknapp made Clint captain. I tried to sign him again, for Leeds, but the chairman said he wouldnt pay good wages for a player well into his 30s. Leeds loss was QPRs gain; Clints 35 now, but still their captain and looks like winning another promotion. The lesson is Dont look at the age, look at whats under the shirt. Wages or success count for nothing with depression I hope Jonathan Trott makes a quick recovery from the illness that forced him to leave the Ashes. I have to say I was not completely taken by surprise. I was watching with William when Trott was hit by a bouncer and the camera zoomed into his face. He had a cold, unusual look. I said to William, Theres something up with him. When Stan Collymore missed games for depression I was one of those who thought, How can you be depressed when on 30,000-40,000 a week? No one can be depressed earning that sort of money. Since then, talking to medical people and others, I have realised the issue is far more complex. My eyes were really opened when I experienced such a situation as manager. It was at Sheffield United and we went on a two-week, long-haul, pre-season tour. After a couple of days the medical people came to me and said I had to let a player go home as he was having mental health issues and they feared he might do something he should not. I spoke to the player and he missed his family and couldnt get a grip of where he was. He felt by staying there he would affect his fitness as he couldnt sleep or eat, and that would affect his pre-season, and that could damage his career. He was worrying himself sick. I let him go home. It was the only decision I could make.

Curtis Davies interview: Hull City defender keeps it in context - Premier League - Football - The Independent
It was the funeral, last week, of Parys Okai, the former professional footballer Davies came through the Luton Town youth ranks with a decade ago, and with whom he had remained in touch. Okai would have been 29 today but news that he was in hospital, in a coma, came in a call to Davies as he prepared for last months Capital One Cup tie at Tottenham. His death came on the day of that game. For any 28-year-old to lose a contemporary provides a chastening sense of mortality, though for Davies it was a reminder of how football chews up and spits out those who do not make the grade. While Davies graduated directly from Lutons first team to a Premier League football career which began at West Bromwich Albion and was furthered at Aston Villa, Okai floated around non-league football. He played for Kettering, St Neots, Hitchin, tried to make a go of things with Australian side City and was certainly not fabulously wealthy when he was suddenly taken ill at a Halloween event in Leicester. His family are currently trying to raise money for a headstone for him. Its the thought that, If I had never made it at any level in football, where would I have been now? Davies reflects of his friends death. What path would I have taken? From our old Luton group, Kevin Foley, whos now at

of his friends death. What path would I have taken? From our old Luton group, Kevin Foley, whos now at Wolves, was also at the funeral, but some of the others were doing all sorts. One of the lads is working with his wife, whos a hair technician. Id get a text from Parys once a month. We played in the Luton youth team together for three years and anyone will tell you that those YTS years are the closest youll ever get to your team-mates. The death in February of another close friend David Wheatley, the 33-year-old son of his former landlady had already accentuated his sense that opportunities are there to be seized in the here and now. To lose two friends within a year puts everything in perspective, says Davies. He is certainly seizing the opportunities life offers. Most 28-year-olds playing at a relatively unfashionable club like his would not retain the smallest kernel of hope about playing for England, though Davies who was called up by Fabio Capello to the 23-man squad for the friendly international against Germany in 2008 does not see it that way. His Hull team-mate Tom Huddlestone yesterday called Roy Hodgsons declaration that he had already decided on the members of his World Cup squad disappointing and Davies shares a little of the sentiment. By common consensus, he has been impressive in his return to the top flight this year after two years in the Championship with Birmingham City, and has not entirely abandoned all hope. There are very good players playing there for England but nothing, I think, head and shoulders above me, he says. Its not like the Rio Ferdinands, John Terrys and Sol Campbells of olds. If, God forbid, there are injuries, he hasnt really looked at anyone else and maybe wont know what they have to offer. Ive no illusion that I should be picked but Id like to think that, if my form was allowing me to come close, then Id like to get a sniff. If Tom [Huddlestone] was in a Tottenham shirt, playing like he is now, hed certainly be in the squad. Even as we talk, in the reception area of Hulls modest Cottenham training base, there is evidence of how far removed from the Premier League high life this actually is. Defender Liam Rosenior is grappling with the complexities of the printer to complete some administrative work. No airs and graces. The 2008 call-up certainly did not daunt Davies. You cant be intimidated by the manager. Youre not going to hide there like a schoolboy, he says. You want him to believe that you are ready for this. The text message from the Football Association to say he was in the 23 was akin to his first selection for the school team. And what subsequently impressed him most about Capello was his meritocracy. From me to John Terry, if someone had done something wrong he wasnt afraid to stop training and say I expect better...

Curtis Davies has impressed for Hull City this season (Getty) Davies did not face the Germans and could have been forgiven for feeling that his moment had past as he took a step

down to rebuild his club career, following the then Villa manager Martin ONeills decision to transfer-list him in 2010, which was followed by the move to Birmingham, who were promptly relegated to the Championship. His involvement in all aspects of St Andrews life did not convey the impression that his third Midlands club was a staging post. It was during that chapter that he became involved in the Saving Lives campaign to encourage more people to undergo HIV testing. One in five people afflicted by it do not and the stigma remains a major deterrent to those who could be tested. Since years ago people have thought its the gay disease. Its not. It is treatable, too, says Davies, whose association with Birmingham Heartlands Hospital consultant Dr Steve Taylor has made him an articulate champion of that cause. Its just trying to get people tested and if they are affected getting them treated as soon as possible. The overwhelming preoccupation is keeping Hull in the Premier League, though. After a promising start, they have one win in five, including the disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend with the afternoon compounded by a fans protest at the controversial decision by Allam to rename the club the Hull City Tigers. A banner was removed and the atmosphere became tense. The ball went out for a throw-in and it all started kicking off and I didnt know if it was fighting, a flare or what, says Davies. A mass banner protest is expected at the KC Stadium tomorrow and Davies sees it from both sides. Fans have been with this club as Hull City FC through thick and thin, but if the chairman didnt own the club I wouldnt be here, he says. His Twitter biography page reveals his attempts to resolve the issue with humour. Pro footballer for a team in Hull Im not sure the name of any more. This weekends challenge of dealing with the strike force which remains Liverpools strongest asset by a distance has not been rendered any easier by the injury problems which have beset Davies fellow central defenders. The former Manchester United youth-team player James Chester, who has impressed, has been injured and Bruces son Alex or Abdoulaye Faye may partner Davies tomorrow. The captains own memories of Liverpool are vivid, though distinctly mixed. The 3-1 win at Anfield with Villa in August 2009 was one of his sweetest football memories, but then there was also the 5-0 defeat at the same stadium five months earlier. Steven Gerrard has always been a relentlessly difficult player to face, but he will never forget the 70-yard pass Xabi Alonso pinged into Djibril Cisss path during the 2-0 away win for Rafael Benitezs team against Davies and West Bromwich in April 2006. It was ridiculous! A joke! There was the difference between me being at Luton, watching them on Match of the Day and actually playing them. The preparations for Suarez are detailed. The only way you can prepare is by watching videos and seeing what runs he makes and what shots he tries, Davies says. But a player like that has more than one trick up his sleeve so you might nullify one threat and find hell pick up something else. You can overthink it. You just have to seize these games by the throat. Perspective in all things. My other life Im a major Mock the Week fan. Ive got 200 channels on my TV but its always the way: therell be nothing on and Ill be there, watching episodes Ive seen 10 times before on Dave. Its the ruthlessness I like, really. But obviously that got cut down a bit when Frankie Boyle left the show. Hes not a lot of peoples cup of tea but I liked him. Im just into comedy. When Im watching a documentary Ill take it seriously but when Im chilling I like to watch the silly shows.

Glenn Moore: In todays global market former giants such as Aston Villa and Sunderland will always struggle to live up to past glories - News & Comment Football - The Independent
Sky Sports News was not, however, even a gleam in the eye of university student John Logie Baird when, a century ago, Aston Villa versus Sunderland was the biggest football match in the land. In a gripping week in April 1913 the teams contested the Double. With six championships and four FA Cups already to their name, Harry Hamptons Villa were the most successful team in the country. But free-spending Sunderland had four titles and Charlie Buchan

Villa were the most successful team in the country. But free-spending Sunderland had four titles and Charlie Buchan in attack. On 19 April 1913, a crowd of 120,000, a gate only exceeded in England by the 1923 FA Cup final, watched Villa beat Sunderland 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Crystal Palace. Four days later 70,000 packed Villa Park to see Sunderland raise themselves to snatch a 1-1 draw that effectively clinched the title. The 100 years since have been a tale of slow decline for both clubs even the ignominy of descending to the third tier interrupted by occasional heights. Sunderland, despite breaking the British transfer record in 1922, 1925 and 1948, have won a single title since, in 1936. They added the FA Cup the next season but the last 76 years have brought home only another FA Cup, albeit sensationally, in 1973. Villa have had more success, but not to the degree their heritage demands. They lifted the FA Cup in 1920 and 1957, but it was not until 1981 that they won their seventh title. While that was swiftly followed by the European Cup, the only subsequent silverware has been two more League Cups, taking their collection to five. It is this history that Paul Lambert was referring to when he described Villa as a bigger club than West Bromwich Albion before their meeting on Monday, and despite Albions recent superior league finishes. Aston Villa is a massive club, he said. I dont think anyone can ever dispute that. Its a club thats won a European Cup, league titles, has a massive fan base and has a bigger stadium. All true, but Brian Moores commentary of Peter Withes goal that heady night in Rotterdam, emblazoned on the North Stand, acts as a daily rebuke as well as a homage. It was the same on Wearside when the 40th anniversary of Wembley 73 was commemorated in May. The warm, fuzzy memories of Jim Montgomerys double save, Ian Porterfields volley and Bob Stokoe running on to embrace his goalkeeper are not much to sustain such a passionate football region. Clubs with rich histories tend to flaunt them, as they should. White Hart Lane is one of several places where a prematch video exalts the glory years. Among the growing band of football statuary are Bobby Robson at Ipswich, Billy Bremner at Elland Road and Bobby Moore at Wembley, all marking increasingly distant triumphs. When he became manager of Derby County, Nigel Clough even arrived at Pride Park to find a photograph of himself as a boy at the club with his father, which must have been disconcerting. Villa and Sunderland are no different. There are photographs and souvenirs everywhere of the golden years. Managers have differing responses to this wallowing in past success. Some believe the weight of history is too onerous for the current generation to bear and remove memorabilia in areas used by their squad. Others hope the images of past glories will inspire the present bearers of the shirt. It is not a new issue. Brian Clough removed pictures of Raich Carter and Steve Bloomer when he arrived at the Baseball Ground. Nor is it restricted to English football. Partly in response to a much shorter history, North American sports often pay the past exaggerated respect, establishing Halls of Fame long before it was fashionable here and retiring shirt numbers. That did not prevent Tim Leiweke from removing photos of former players by the dressing rooms when he became CEO of Toronto Maple Leafs, one of ice hockeys most storied franchises, but one which has not won the Stanley Cup since 1967. It caused a stir, but he was seeking to make the point that the club was no longer selling our history and the current crop of players needed to create their own legacy. The managers and players of Villa and Sunderland are under similar pressure. They, too, are now under American ownership and have in the last few years chewed up a series of decent managers, including Martin ONeill at both clubs. At Villa, Randy Lerner initially tried to break into the elite, spending heavily on players and wages, but having failed to complete the upgrade from Europa League to Champions League he has cut back. Since January 2011, when Darren Bent arrived for 18m a panic buy to stave off relegation, albeit a successful one Lerner has only bought players below 10m, usually ones from lesser overseas leagues, or the lower divisions, who have modest wage demands. Randy has been great but we wont be able to do what you would call a massive signing, said Lambert of the impending transfer window. We wont be able to go out and buy the big players. We have to look at the market, the young lads. We give them an opportunity and, hopefully, they take it.

Ellis Short, at Sunderland, appears to be following a similar path, belatedly reining in spending after forking out large sums on the likes of Asamoah Gyan and Adam Johnson. The problem Lerner and Short share is that a rich history has limited marketing potential in the modern era. A century ago these clubs rose to prominence on the back of huge crowds; the modern economies of Wearside and the West Midlands cannot be milked so readily. But clubs that have done little more than tread water in the top flight for 30 years, at best, have limited leverage in a global market that, Liverpools European Cup fame apart, thinks English football began with the Premier League. Somehow Lambert and Gus Poyet have to square the expectations of a support which has grown up believing their club has a right to challenge for top honours, with financial realities that make this very difficult.

Steven Gerrard - how I came close to joining Manchester United and Chelsea - Premier League - Football - The Independent
In Fergusons best-selling book, My Autobiography, the former manager writes that he never classed Gerrard as an elite player. The England captain has since revealed that Ferguson tried to sign him numerous occasions, including when he was still a schoolboy, and also in 2002/03. "I went on trial at Manchester United when I was 13 and had a letter off them wanting to sign me on a seven-yeardeal," Gerrard told The Clare Balding Show on BT Sport 1. "Im a huge fan of Alex Ferguson and what hes done in the game is fantastic, thats the reason why hes sold that many copies in the first week, I was generally a little bit gutted when I read that, the reaction of the papers, when he said I wasnt a top, top player. But I wont lose sleep over it, everyone is entitled to their opinion. "He tried to sign me in early 2002/03, he tried to sign me again to play for United, I obviously refused, so I cant really take it to heart too much. But Im a bit gutted because Im a big fan of his." Gerrard nearly signed for Chelsea for 32m in 2005 after leading Liverpool to Champions League success, but he says he is delighted that he made the final decision to stay at Anfield, despite the lure of trophies at Stamford Bridge. "They [Chelsea] tried [to complete the move] on two occasions in 2005 and 2006," the 33-year-old said. "I am Liverpool man through and through but I have to admit it did turn my head, because big things were happening at Chelsea. "They were spending huge amounts of money and at Liverpool at the time we were struggling and my relationship with [Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez] was a bit up and down. "I have openly admitted that it did turn my head, but now I can honestly admit from the bottom of my heart the best decision I have made was to stay at the club that I love."

Sir Alex Ferguson criticised Steven Gerrard in his autobiography

Manchester United 'target' Everton Ribeiro named Brazil's player of the year - Transfers - Football - The Independent
The attacking midfielder, who is being watched by Manchester United according to media reports, was Cruzeiro's standout player as they ran away with Brazil's Serie A title. Cruzeiro dominated the end-of-season awards with their coach Marcelo Oliveira claiming the manager of the year prize and four players making the championship's team of the season. Goalkeeper Fabio, central defender Dede, and holding midfielder Nilton, all joined Ribeiro in the side. Second-placed Atletico Paranaense, who lost the Brazilian Cup final to Flamengo on Wednesday, had three players in the team and striker Marcelo was named young player of the year. The coaches and captains of Brazil's 20 first division sides voted, along with top journalists and members of the Brazil international squad who beat Honduras and Chile earlier this month. Team of the season: Fabio (Cruzeiro); Marcos Rocha (Altetico Mineiro), Dede (Cruzeiro), Manoel (Atletico Paranaense), Alex Telles (Gremio); Nilton (Cruzeiro), Elias (Flamengo), Everton Ribeiro (Cruzeiro), Paulo Baier (Atletico Paranaense); Walter (Goias), Ederson (Atletico Paranaense) Manager of the year: Marcelo Oliveira (Cruzeiro) Young player of the year: Marcelo (Atletico Paranaense) Player of the year: Everton Ribeiro (Cruzeiro)

Transfer news round-up: Marco Reus linked with Manchester United; Mohamed Salah interested in Chelsea switch; Arsenal look to Seamus Coleman - Transfers - Football - The Independent
Another day, another midfielder on his way to Manchester United. David Moyes said in today's press conference that United will look to bring someone in, but only if they are the right calibre of player. Marco Reus is certainly in that bracket, and reports suggest scouts from United were sent to watch him in action for Borussia Dortmund recently. The Germany international is believed to have a release clause of 29m. Fresh after scoring his second goal against them this season, Mohamed Salah indicated he would be open to switching sides and joining Chelsea. The Basel winger scored home and away in the Champions League games against the Blues, but has indicated he sees his future away from Switzerland. "I want to play for one of the best teams in the world. My favourites are Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea," he is quoted as saying.

Ramos was sent off in midweek - the 17th time in his Real Madrid career Sergio Ramos has reportedly fallen out with Carlo Ancelotti, leading to speculation the defender could leave the Bernabeu. There would be a host of interested parties if that were the case, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United those immediately linked with the Spain international. Bacary Sagna out of contract in the summer and Carl Jenkinson is yet to silence the doubters who question if he is the man to replace the Frenchman. He may not get a chance if the reports from TuttoMercato are true, because Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is looking to land Everton full-back Seamus Coleman. The attack minded Republic of Ireland international is in his fifth season at Everton after joining from Blackpool.

Transfer news: Chelsea and Manchester City to launch summer bid for Sergio Ramos after breakdown in Real Madrid relationship - Transfers Football - The Independent
Both Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and City boss Manuel Pellegrini have worked with the Spaniard before during their time at the Santiago Bernabeu, with both teams keen on strengthening their defence after struggling early in the season. A move to Stamford Bridge would be an unusual one given the breakdown in the relationship between Ramos and Mourinho last season, leading to the Portuguese leaving Madrid to make a dramatic return to London. Despite their conflicts, Mourinho is said to be confident the two can strike up a workable partnership away from the high-pressure environment that is the La Liga club, although a move to the Premier League is by no means a certainty. As reported by The Independent in the summer, Ramoss defensive team-mate Pepe has been a target of Pellegrinis, although the Chilean is reported to be prepared to make an offer for Ramos should he become available on a permanent deal in the summer. The final nail in the coffin was Ramoss early red card against Galatasaray in Wednesdays 4-1 Champions League victory, where Ancelotti was seen on television shouting he ate your back in Spanish as Ramos left the pitch meaning he let his opposite man get behind him. The dismissal represented the 17th time the versatile defender had seen red in his Real Madrid career, and it seems the club have finally lost patience with the current captain (although Iker Casillas was restored as skipper for the European match) after he brought down striker Umut Bulut when he was clean through on goal. Ancelotti would prefer to deploy Pepe alongside Raphael Varane, although the 20-year-old is currently sidelined with a knee injury meaning Ramos starts in the centre of Reals defence. The Italian boss has looked to deploy Ramos at right-back as well as defensive midfield, and it is this reluctance to start the 27-year-old in his favoured position that has caused Ramos to become unsettled at his lifelong club. His issues with Perez arose before the trouble started with his manager, after the world-record signing of Gareth Bale led to Ramos demanding a pay rise in a new contract. Perez dismissed the demand, with his current "5m deal being affordable for both English sides in the hunt. It is said that neither Perez nor Ramos has attempted to make contact with each other since the breakdown in communications. Ancelotti attempted to play down the dispute following Wednesdays match, claiming: It was simply a tactical

discussion after the match. I think he made a mistake but that doesn't change anything. Making a mistake on the pitch is normal and it is important to understand why. Sergio Ramos is a very important player for this team and everyone knows that. He is fine, he has no problem, he will play tomorrow and hopefully will play well.

How a Norwegian hairdresser showed Tottenham manager Andre-Villas Boas is not 'immune' from criticism after all - Premier League - Football - The Independent
After Spurs 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City on Sunday, Villas-Boas said he grew a thick skin after his brief stint as Chelsea manager, but became riled with a Tromso spectator sitting behind the dug-out on Thursday night, identified as Reidar Stenersen Jr, after he sang a chant that the Portuguese would be 'getting sacked in the morning'. VillasBoas had the 29-year-old removed from the stadium soon after. Speaking to Norwegian newspaper Nordlys, Stenersen, who supports Manchester United, revealed: I first sung after five minutes that he would be 'sacked in the morning' and he looked at me. At the half-time whistle, when it was still 0-0 and I started the same song, he pointed at me and suddenly the security came and threw me out. I know he is under a lot of pressure so I think my words hit him, even though I am only a little guy in little Tromso. He was being a bit petulant. This is the same thing that can be sung by 60,000 at the Emirates Stadium or other grounds. Tromso's head of security, Hans-Thore Hanssen, confirmed that a fan had been moved after Villas-Boas made a complaint to Uefa. "He was asked to move to the other side," Hanssen said. "I was not there when the incident happened so what he may have shouted, I cannot say. But I know that he [Villas-Boas] had spoken to the Uefa inspector who, in turn, spoke to our security. The situation was handled correctly. If there is verbal abuse shouted, the supporter should be spoken to and, in some cases, thrown out. In this type of match, there is greater security. Villas-Boas and his Spurs side take on Manchester United at White Hart Lane on Sunday, and he will be hoping for more proficiency from his team in front of goal. Spurs have had a whopping 207 attempts in the Premier League this season more than any other team, but have only scored nine goals in the division, with under half of their attempts (84) hitting the target. A defeat will see Villas-Boas side clinging on to their place in the top half of the Premier League. They have not been in the bottom half of the division since September 2012.

Manchester City v Swansea City: Manuel Pellegrini admits his side are working towards improving defensive frailties - Premier League - Football The Independent
While City have been hugely impressive in attack this season - scoring 56 goals in all competitions - they have appeared vulnerable at the back at times. Their weaknesses have been most noticeable in the absence of inspirational captain and centre-back Vincent Kompany, who has missed 12 games through injury. Matija Nastasic, Martin Demichelis, Micah Richards and Gael Clichy have also had spells on the sidelines while goalkeeping issues concerning Joe Hart have been well documented.

Concerns were far from the mind in last Sunday's 6-0 thrashing of Tottenham but elements of the performance in the 4-2 defeat of Czech minnows Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday did see them resurface. Pellegrini said: "In the last two game here at home in Champions League, both teams scored two goals. It is too much. "Especially in the last game - Plzen did not just score two goals but they had more chances. "We are working every day in that sense. "I suppose we will continue the same way we did against Tottenham - a very strong team with important players in attack and they didn't have any chances." Pellegrini will hope the imminent return of Kompany will further bolster the back line although the Belgian, who has been out for close to two months, will not feature this weekend. Kompany has now recovered from a thigh problem but is not deemed sufficiently match-fit for Sunday's visit of Swansea in the Barclays Premier League. Nastasic is facing another three weeks out with a calf injury and so Demichelis may again partner Joleon Lescott. Pellegrini said: "Vincent Kompany is fit and he is not ready to play on Sunday but I think next week he will be without any problems. "Nastasic needs more time to recover - I think three weeks more." The injury situation has seen Pellegrini deploy several different central defensive partnerships already this season and Pellegrini admits that has not helped. He said: "One of the reasons must be that we made a lot of changes every week, especially at centre-back. "I think the individual performances in defence are very important. "If you play in attack and you play not so well, it is not so important for the team. "Goalkeepers and centre-backs can make one mistake in a game and maybe the other team score a goal, so the position is different and the injuries we have had is one of the causes." City have scored 22 of their goals in their last four home games, including last week's destruction of Tottenham and a 7-0 rout of Norwich. Pellegrini, who was tasked with improving City's style when he took charge in the summer, has no intention of curbing his team but just wants to get the balance right. He said: "For me the most important thing is to win the next match. "If we can win 1-0, perfect. If we can score eight goals, also perfect. "We are going to try always to be an attacking team but also a balanced team. "If we continue in the same way, I think the fans and all of us are going to be happy." Pellegrini would not confirm whether Hart or Costel Pantilimon would start in goal when he met media to preview the visit of Swansea. Long-time number one Hart returned in place of Pantilimon in midweek after being left out for the five previous fixtures.

The England goalkeeper acquitted himself well to raise the possibility of a regular return. Hart remains central to England's World Cup plans and this issue has commanded much attention. Pellegrini anticipated that continuing and pre-empted questions on the subject by speaking unprompted at his prematch press conference. "Joe Hart, I think he played very, very well the other day," he said as he sat down. "He had a good performance. We trust a lot in him and we will see who will start on Sunday. "This will save a lot of time asking questions!" Hart was not at fault for either of the goals conceded to Plzen and made two good saves in the second half. It remains to be seen whether that proves enough for Pellegrini to fully reinstate him. The Chilean said: "All the players give me a lot of things to think about and that is my job. "When they give good performances, it is very easy. Not difficult, easy." PA

'The Happy One? Not anymore' reveals Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer after Jose Mourinho loses his patience with poor form - Premier League Football - The Independent
Mourinho proclaimed he was a changed man when he returned to Stanford Bridge in the summer, claiming he was more relaxed that his previous spell in charge. However, following the Champions League defeat to Basle on Tuesday night although the result was enough to send them into the last 16 and the fortunate 2-2 draw with West Brom, combined with the 2-0 loss at Newcastle, it seems Mourinho has returned to his darker days. Schwarzer, who joined the Blues on a free transfer in July from Fulham to provide back-up for Peter Cech, has told the Evening Standard that the managers demeanour has changed. He said: The expectations are very high here and that starts first and foremost with the manager. He demands a certain level of performance and consistency and when were not achieving that obviously youre going to know about it. Hes not going to be walking around with a smile on his face and thats understandable. Despite their struggles, Chelsea face Southampton on Sunday sitting just four points behind League leaders Arsenal in the table. Since last lifting the trophy in 2010, Chelsea have tended to reach this stage of the campaign trailing by a much larger margin and defender Branislav Ivanovic believes its a reason to remain positive. He added: We have learned from the last couple of years that we need to try to be at our top level every game. I think the season will be like the last two very long for us. There will be a lot of difficult games and moments but we have to stay strong. Ramires has helped the club finish second, sixth and third since joining from Benfica in 2010 and knows how tough it will be to take the title. The midfielder said: We have the skills to win the Premier League but we have to prove it on the pitch.

Transfer news: Manchester United will look to strengthen in January, but

Transfer news: Manchester United will look to strengthen in January, but there are 'no guarantees' of new arrivals warns David Moyes - Transfers Football - The Independent
Moyes only managed to secure the 27.5million deadline-day purchase of Marouane Fellaini from old club Everton during the summer and there has been general acceptance he will attempt to bolster his United squad at the first opportunity. However, that may not end up being the case. "Only if the right players are available," he said. "They have to be able to fit into our squad. We would like to but there are no guarantees." Moyes attempted to prise left-back Leighton Baines out of Goodison Park without success and his successor as Everton manager, Roberto Martinez, has already said another attempt would be pointless. "If they are determined to hold on to him then he can't be going anywhere," said Moyes. Moyes was giving little away over Nemanja Vidic and Robin van Persie, who both missed the 5-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, stating: "They have got a chance." However, with Wayne Rooney in superb form, the Scot does believe he has an attack to rival any in the Barclays Premier League. "I have been asked this a lot because there are quite a few strike partnerships in the Premier League," he said. "There are some very good centre forwards. "As you would expect, we have got a partnership that can rival any other partnership." United head south to face a Tottenham side on Sunday that is still smarting from their 6-0 hammering at Manchester City last weekend. As Andre Villas-Boas men have also had a trip to northern Norway for their Europa League encounter with Tromso, now may be a good time for the Red Devils to catch the north London outfit. Yet Moyes is wary of reading too much into recent results. "It can vary," he said. "We know that no matter when you play Tottenham Hotspur, it will always be a hard game. "The games against Manchester United have been good. It is one of these things, we are both coming off the back of European games as well. "But we will go down there and try to win the game, as we always do." PA

Ryan Giggs shows his age as the Manchester United midfielder recounts 'going out to The Hacienda' nearly 25 years ago - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
The Manchester United legend has recalled his favourite music tracks of all time, and reflected on nights out at The Hacienda almost 25 years ago. Revealing his chosen playlist in an interview with Spotify, Giggs has spoken of his loves for bands such as the Stone Roses, N.W.A and Maxwell. Having been praised by his former team-mate Gary Neville for his performance in Uniteds 5-0 Champions League

victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night, Giggs has finally showed his age as hes also revealed the tunes that fill the family car on the school run and the film soundtracks that he enjoyed during his own school days Top Gun, Back to the Future and Ghostbusters all feature. "What Ryan is doing now is absolutely incredible, praised Neville. If you didn't know he was Ryan Giggs, you didn't know his age and you just watched the game [against Leverkusen], you could argue he was 25. However, for one of the first times in his career, the 40-year-old has looked a little out-dated when he was asked if there was a year that stands out musically, in which he answered: 1989 or 1990. My memories of that time, going out to the Hacienda and various other clubs and pubs with friends, are really powerful. Its always nice to be taken back instantly to that moment when you hear a certain song from then. Something like Stone Roses Fools Gold or N.W.A.s Straight Outta Compton. The school days were a much lighter affair though, with a number of film soundtracks taking centre stage in the midfielder's early years. Any tracks from those classic 80s movies like Top Gun, Back To The Future, Teen Wolf, Ghostbusters things like Starship and Huey Lewis & The News! said Giggs. The other two I immediately think of are Marvin Gaye singing Aint No Mountain High Enough and Womack & Womacks Teardrops. Having gone on to make his debut for the United first team on March 2, 1991 the number one single at the time was Do the Bartman by The Simpsons Giggs has made a record 626 Premier League appearances, although he doesnt need to worry about becoming the oldest player to grace the top flight just yet, with John Burridges record of playing for rivals Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers in 1995 coming when the goalkeeper was 43 years and 162 days old. So what about today? Giggs explained that he often embarrasses his two daughters on their way to school. There are two we always have on; Adeles Hometown Glory and Carly Rae Jepsens Call Me Maybe, Giggs explained. The other thing that always happens is my daughters tell me off for singing the wrong words to every single song. And finally, his all-time favourite? Its a very, very close one for me, but I think it has to be The Stone Roses. Giggs' playlist in full:

Manchester City blow as Matija Nastasic faces three weeks out - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The Serbia international missed the midweek Champions League clash against Viktoria Plzen after being withdrawn at half-time during last weekend's 6-0 Barclays Premier League thrashing of Tottenham. On the positive side, captain and centre-back Vincent Kompany has recovered from a thigh problem but is not deemed sufficiently match-fit for Sunday's clash with Swansea. Two other injury victims, David Silva and Stevan Jovetic, are pencilled in to face Bayern Munich on December 10 while midfielder Jack Rodwell has overcome his latest niggle. Pellegrini said: "Vincent Kompany is fit and he is not ready to play on Sunday but I think next week he will be without any problems. "Jovetic and Silva - I think they will play against Bayern Munich.

"Nastasic needs more time to recover - I think three weeks more. "Rodwell is fit and can play this Sunday." Pellegrini, speaking at his latest pre-match press conference, would not confirm whether Costel Pantilimon or Joe Hart would start in goal. Long-time number one Hart returned in midweek after being left out for the five previous fixtures, with Romanian Pantilimon taking his place. With Hart central to England's World Cup plans, the issue continues to command much attention and Pellegrini attempted to head off anticipated questions by speaking on the subject unprompted. He said: "Joe Hart, I think he played very, very well the other day. "He had a good performance. We trust a lot in him and we will see who will start on Sunday." Hart was dropped by Pellegrini earlier this month after a series of errors. He was faultless on his return against Plzen and made a couple of good saves in the second half. Pellegrini added: "All the players give me a lot of things to think about and that is my job. "When they give good performances, it is very easy. Not difficult, easy." PA

Cardiff City v Arsenal: Arsene Wenger keen to learn from mistakes made by Manchester City and Manchester United - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The Gunners could move seven points clear at the top of the table if they leave south Wales with a victory something which United failed to do last weekend when Kim Bo-Kyung struck a deserved stoppage-time equaliser while City were beaten 3-2 at the Cardiff City Stadium in August. Wenger, though, knows it will take a focused collective effort to get a positive result against Malky Makay's wellorganised side. "They beat City at home and they played a very good game against Manchester United where possession was 50-50, so that is the challenge for us - to do better than these teams," said Wenger. "We have the warning of their performances against the big teams, so we are in a position where we have a difficult challenge, but also a very exciting challenge because we can do better." Wenger continued: "Cardiff look to have good solidarity, good togetherness and fantastic support as well. "They are all on the same wavelength in the team and are very efficient at home on set-pieces. "Even on Sunday when they were 2-1 down against Man United, many teams could have thought 'okay, it is Man United, we will not come back', but you always had the feeling that they don't give up. "You could feel that they would come back. They have that special attitude and belief in the side - and that makes them dangerous." Wenger will have England full-back Kieran Gibbs available again after illness ruled him out of the midweek Champions League win over Marseille, which all but secured safe passage through to the knockout stages.

The Gunners boss expects his side to continue their momentum and lay down a marker for the likes of City, United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Southampton and Tottenham, all of whom do not play until Sunday. "We have that opportunity we want to grab at the moment," said Wenger, who insisted he remained relaxed about ongoing talks with the club over their offer of a contract extension. "We are in a position where we do not need to look too much at the other results, just at our results, that is a luxury and of course we want to take advantage of that." The performance of Wales international Aaron Ramsey will again be key as he returns to face his former club. Ramsey is enjoying a stand-out campaign, having scored 11 goals for the Gunners. The Caerphilly-born 22-year-old has come a long way since leaving Cardiff as a raw talent in a 5million deal during the summer of 2008 - with Makay describing Ramsey as "one of the best performers in Europe" on current form. Ramsey also had the option to join Manchester United, while Everton were anther interested observer, but after a personal meeting with Wenger at the European Championships in Switzerland, the midfielder decided to instead further his career at Arsenal. "I expect him to continue to improve. He is a young player and of course there is a lot more to come from him," said Wenger. "Aaron Ramsey has no limitations in his improvement and he can be a complete midfielder, efficient defensively, efficient offensively - that is what real football players are." There has been some debate in recent weeks as to who is the Premier League's best striker. Wenger feels the likes of Liverpool's Luis Suarez - a summer transfer target - and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero offer their own talents. However, in 10-goal Olivier Giroud, Wenger is in no doubt he already has a leading frontman of the highest order. "Giroud is among the best, all of them have different qualities," he said. "He is more of an English-type striker - he uses well his body and his link play with others (is good). "His physical presence in the box is massive, especially with the type of team we have, with smaller, technicallymobile players, so to have that kind of presence up front is important." PA

Cardiff City v Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey hailed as a 'fine young man' by Malky Mackay - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Former Bluebird Ramsey returns to Cardiff City Stadium with the Gunners enjoying the best form of his career. The 22-year-old has scored 13 goals for club and country so far this term, marking himself out as a dominant figure in an Arsenal midfield including players of the calibre of Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil and putting the London club four points clear at the top of the table Mackay is not alone in being a keen admirer of Ramsey's talents, but made a request in jest that the playmaker give the club who started his career some respite. Mackay said: "I hope he gets a great reception here and I am pretty sure he will.

"He is a fine young man, I met him a couple of weeks ago when the Welsh squad were here. He popped in and at that point I said to him to make sure that in a couple of weeks' time he goes easy with us. "It's good to see a young British player grasping the nettle at Premier League level and actually being one of the main men at Arsenal. "Sometimes maturity and experience comes at different parts of your career, but the biggest factor as far as he is concerned is the number of games he is getting on a consistent basis and he is beginning to show for club and country what a top young talent he is. "We will deal with him as we deal with most teams and players, we have just got to concentrate on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition." Mackay also outlined his respect for Arsene Wenger and the way the Frenchman remained calm amid talk of a crisis following their opening day defeat to Aston Villa, although the Scot will hope to wipe the smile from his face. "I think that it was funny when you looked at it after the first week - after the Aston Villa game - people were calling for Arsene Wenger's head, saying there was a crisis at Arsenal," said Mackay. "I think since that point he has just sat there with a big smile on his face, because I think he knows his squad and I think he knew what he was doing. He certainly did when he brought Mesut Ozil in. "So I think going forward from there they have got a lot of quality players. He also has got players who have really stepped up to the plate. Look at Ramsey who has really come to the fore this season. It has probably surprised some people, even inside Arsenal, in terms of the way he has grasped the game. That's probably one of the bonuses for Arsenal. "Overall a man that is experienced as him (Wenger) sits and smiles and keeps his own counsel when people want to get hysterical about the job he has done." Mackay has been admirable in the way he has carried out his duties in recent weeks following the loss of his head of recruitment Iain Moody and the uncertainty over his own future given what is understood to be a frosty relationship with owner Vincent Tan. Reports in Turkey have suggested Yilmaz Vural, a Turkish coach who has managed 22 clubs over 27 years, is a potential replacement for Mackay. But the former Watford manager is unconcerned by the speculation. "It does not concern me in the slightest, I have a job to do and I am concentrating on that," he said. "I look after my team, my responsibility is to my team and our supporters. "My players have put in a huge amount of effort for Cardiff City over the last two and a half years. Our late equaliser against Manchester United again showed the fitness levels, character and never-say-die attitude we have. "I am proud of them." PA

West Ham v Fulham: Martin Jol admits defeats to West Ham and Tottenham could lead to the sack - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Fulham play West Ham on Saturday and Tottenham on Wednesday following a desperate run of five defeats in a row which have left them occupying a relegation position in the Barclays Premier League. The Fulham faithful have begun to vent their anger, chanting 'Jol out' during and after matches and players such as

Costa Rican winger Bryan Ruiz have borne the brunt of some lacerating criticism. Jol, whose side have just 10 points from 12 matches, remains confident of escaping his predicament, but said: "You don't have to talk to an owner to be aware of the fact that you need points to get back to a winning culture, to a little bit of stability. "You can lose once or twice but you can't lose four or five times on the trot. That will put you in a bad position. "One win will get us back among others and take the pressure off and then hopefully we could have a good run like last year." Asked if he believed his position as manager was safe, Jol added: "If we win, yeah. If we don't, I don't know. It is always difficult. "If I was on the Board or an owner I would be worrying. "We need wins. Every game is almost a must-win game. That is what I have told everyone. "If you are at a club like Fulham or Stoke or Swansea you always get times when things could go wrong and you have to try to get back to winning ways." Two weeks ago Fulham appointed Rene Meulensteen, who had success with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, to work with Jol as head coach. It has cranked up the pressure even more on Jol, although the Fulham manager insists he welcomed the initiative. "Sometimes you have to change something to get back to winning ways and I thought it was necessary to get someone like him and I think it has paid off in training," Jol said. "Players have responded to it and some have got a new lease of life. "We are not a typical club with problems. There is a good atmosphere and spirit, a good rhythm too in training. I feel we are good enough to get higher up the league." The statistics, however, are worrying. Fulham have scored 11 goals but conceded a hefty 21 and have lost seven of their past 10 Premier League games, conceding 11 goals in their past four matches. On Saturday at Upton Park they might well be boosted by the return from injury of central defender Brede Hangeland but striker Dimitar Berbatov is doubtful after feeling unwell. Jol is anxious to promote a sense of unity to get the fans back on side against a struggling West Ham who are one place above Fulham in the league, courtesy of goal difference. "It's not about me, it is about us," said Jol. "It's a big week because if we could manage to win two games we would be fine. "My message is you have to back the players. If you talk about Berbatov or Bryan Ruiz, they are different they are skilful players, but they are giving 100 per cent, believe me, even though they look a bit different. "I feel it is trust and belief needed by the fans that they will do their best for the club. After the match it does not matter if they boo them off the pitch, or me, but during the game we need support. "There is always pressure and you have to set your targets. We talk about targets with the players. Our target is to get enough points to be over 20 points after Christmas." PA

Aston Villa v Sunderland: Paul Lambert unfazed by Christian Benteke drought - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The powerful Belgian is Villa's top scorer with five goals this season but is currently enduring a barren spell following a recent hip injury. Benteke scored 23 last season in a highly impressive debut campaign in the Barclays Premier League and Lambert believes it is unreasonable to expect his forward to hit those heights every week. "I don't have any concerns whatsoever," said the Scot ahead of Saturday's visit of Sunderland. "Even if he's not scoring he's still a handful, Christian. "He'll come through it. I said to him the other day 'you won't play every single game where you score every single goal'. He'll be fine. I know exactly what he's offering to the team so I don't worry about him. "If you can show me one striker who scores in every game, every minute, then I'll look at it. There's no such thing. I don't have a problem." Lambert added: "I'm not getting involved in comparing him to other strikers. "I know the value he has to me and I'll let other people surmise how Christian Benteke rates." The last time Villa and Sunderland clashed, Lambert's side hammered the Black Cats 6-1 in a crucial victory in the fight against relegation last season. While that victory helped spur Villa onto safety and allowed them to develop into a better side this season, Sunderland have seemingly gone backwards. Paolo Di Canio has been sacked since that humiliating night at Villa Park but his successor Gus Poyet is also finding life tough, with the Wearsiders bottom of the table despite a couple of creditable victories. "I was down there myself last year so I know exactly what it's like," said Lambert. "You have to battle through it. It's not a nice place to be but there's still a long, long way to go. "It's hard to judge because Gus has only been there for a few weeks and you're never quite sure. You don't know the lads he's got there. "They've had a hard start. The last time we played them we won pretty convincingly at that time and everything we hit went in. We're certainly playing well enough to go and win but we'll have to wait and see how Sunderland are." Lambert insists his side have developed nicely in the last year. "It's totally different to this time last season for us," he said. "If you look at the games we've played, our points tally is so much better as is the goals against tally. We're so far ahead of where we were last year." Lambert must decide whether to restore forwards Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andi Weimann to the starting line-up. The pair came on as second-half substitutes in Monday's 2-2 draw with local rivals West Brom after recent injuries, along with midfielder Fabian Delph. All three are available for the Black Cats' visit, as is left-back Antonio Luna after a recent hamstring complaint. PA

Transfer news: West Brom insist Shane Long will not be sold in January Premier League - Football - The Independent
Long came within hours of quitting The Hawthorns in early September after Albion agreed a fee of 6.5million with Hull for the Republic of Ireland star. It is understood Hull tried to renegotiate the deal at the eleventh hour, resulting in Albion pulling the plug. At the time Clarke claims Long had endured "an interrupted start to the season" due to a couple of niggly injuries and international call ups, along with an ongoing contract saga. They are all reasons why Albion were prepared to let Long leave, but with the 26-year-old now back to his best with four goals in his last four matches for club and country, it has become unthinkable any move will be considered when the transfer window re-opens. "If Shane continues to play at the level he is right now the contract issue will sort itself out," said Clarke. "If he's on that level there's no doubt. But are you asking me if I'm selling Shane in January? No, I'm not. "Why would I sell my best, most in-form striker? I don't think Shane will be going anywhere in January. I haven't considered it. "I just want Shane to continue in this run of form. I don't want to spend the next four weeks talking about Shane's contract or whether he's going to be here after January because he will be." Albion currently have an option for next season on Long, who joined West Brom from Reading for 6.5million twoand-a-half years ago. With Long back in the goals and settled again, Clarke is convinced no ill feeling between club and player exists after the failed move to Hull. "I spoke to Shane immediately after it all died down and he assured me he was fine," added Clarke. "He understood - although maybe he didn't want to accept - the logic behind it. "All I could do was assure him he was a big part of my plans and I liked him. "How could I not like what Shane has done since I've been at the club? He's been tremendous for me, tremendous for the club since he came here. "For me it was important to get him back on an even keel and get him playing again, but he was injured when we brought the two players in on deadline day (Stephane Sessegnon and Victor Anichebe). "The team has evolved a little bit without him having the chance to make an impact in the team. Since then he's had to be patient, and he has been. "You can see from his recent performances that not only has he been patient, but he's been working to make sure when his chance came he was ready to take it, and that's credit to him. "We've seen with his performances in the last two games especially what he can bring to the team." Long will undoubtedly spearhead Albion's strikeforce in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash at Newcastle, a side that has shot up the table on the back of three successive victories. Naturally, former Magpies assistant manager Clarke is in no mood to become Newcastle's fourth straight victim. "They've done something that's really difficult to do in the Premier League which is win three games in a row,"

"They've done something that's really difficult to do in the Premier League which is win three games in a row," assessed Clarke. "It happened to us last year when we managed to string together four in a row which rocketed us up into the top four at one stage. "If you can put together a run like that it's good for your confidence and good for your league position. "Newcastle have done that with three really big results for them, so it's up to us to make sure it doesn't become four big ones." Clarke has conceded to having "lots of little doubts" with regard to his squad, without naming names. The only player definitely ruled out is goalkeeper Ben Foster as he continues to recover from a stress fracture to a foot. PA

Everton v Stoke City: Roberto Martinez impressed by more than just Romelu Lukaku's goals - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The Belgium international has struck seven times in 10 league matches and scored his first in three games with two in last weekend's thrilling 3-3 Merseyside derby. Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, had been relatively quiet up to the point where he got Everton back in the match with his first in the 72nd minute, but Martinez said he was happier with the big striker's overall contribution. "It was great to see him scoring goals but I was more pleased with the manner he worked hard for the team," said the Toffees boss. "He was a real trigger for us in the way we stopped Liverpool from playing and he deserves huge credit for that. "He is developing strong relationships with players and you can see Romelu is growing as a footballer week by week. "If he scores goals everyone can be happy but I measure his performance a bit further than on scoring or not scoring. "He is such an intelligent person, he always knows how to behave in every single situation and, yes, he needs to score goals but he has been very level-headed in every single situation he has had at the club." Lukaku's form has ensured fellow forward Nikica Jelavic, who has scored one league goal since December 9, has been restricted to a bit-part player. The Croatia international also seems to have been overtaken in the pecking order by on-loan Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu and that seems to have raised questions about the 28-year-old's immediate future. With his country heading for the World Cup finals in Brazil next summer Jelavic knows he has to play regularly to remain in contention and speculation has suggested he would look for a way out of Goodison Park in January. "It (speculation) doesn't surprise me because obviously Nikica Jelavic is a terrific player to have, he's a goalscorer and you don't get them easily in the game," said Martinez. "Because Croatia have qualified for the World Cup you can imagine he wants to be fresh and ready for it. "From our point of view it is very important he stays with us and he needs to be ready to help the team when the opportunity arises, which could be very soon."

Martinez insists he will, if necessary, only add to his squad when the transfer window opens with midfielder Darron Gibson and striker Arouna Kone (both knee) sidelined by long-term injuries while left-back Leighton Baines could be out until the new year with a broken bone in his foot. "We want to add if the right player and the right character becomes available but it's not a real need," added the Spaniard. "What is important is that after the transfer window we are again stronger than when it opens and that will always be our focus." Everton face Stoke at Goodison on Saturday looking for a return to winning ways after three successive draws. Like the Toffees the Potters, also unbeaten in three games, are undergoing change with a new manager this season but after a slow start Mark Hughes' methods appear to be taking effect. "I think Stoke are starting to show they are starting to be very good, when you have been unbeaten for the time they have it shows they are clicking together," said Martinez. "I think they have kept things that the team was good at in previous seasons and that makes them a strong side who can hurt you in many different ways. "I don't think they have lost anything (in changing their style), they have added and are trying to be a bit more expansive and controlling games a bit more. "Only time will tell but I do feel they have not made a radical change, they have adapted to a new style and whenever you face Stoke you are going to be in for a big game. "We only added one point against Liverpool and we need to keep adding points on a consistent basis. "We are looking forward to turning those draws into three points and making sure we become stronger as the season goes on." PA

Hull City v Liverpool: Keeping Luis Suarez at Anfield is Brendan Rodgers' greatest achievement, claims Steve Bruce - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Bruce will become the latest Barclays Premier League boss to try to shackle the free-scoring Uruguayan on Sunday, a task few have successfully tackled. Suarez scored 23 times in the league last season and has added nine more in just seven appearances this term, helping the Reds to second in the table as a result. But it would all have been very different had he forced through a transfer in the summer, with Arsenal his most public suitors. Rodgers addressed the issue calmly, though, urging fans not to turn on the player while firmly rebuffing all interest in Suarez - even when the Gunners thought they had triggered a release fee of one pound over 40million. That policy is reaping its rewards now and Bruce has praised his opposite number's stance. "I think that was his biggest achievement so far, turning that situation around because it must have been difficult at times," said the Tigers boss. "I think they were adamant that they were holding on to their best player and any club, if they've got aspirations to go

and compete at the top level and win the league, have to keep hold of their best players. "Certainly Suarez is that for Liverpool. "He has proved year in, year out that he's as good a player as there is in the Premier League." On paper Liverpool have the most dangerous front line in the business, with Suarez and strike partner Daniel Sturridge each scoring nine times this season. Their combined tally is three more than Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo of Manchester City and five better than Manchester United's Wayne Rooney-Robin van Persie axis. And Bruce does not think they are flattered by the statistics. "The front two are exceptionally good, as good as you will face," he said. "They've always had top midfield players, Gerrard particularly, but the front two have given them that cutting edge. "They're starting to move in the right direction which is great for Liverpool because for too long they haven't been competing at the top end. "Whether they can sustain it is a question everyone will ask but if you look at the way they play, especially with the front players, they've got as good a chance as anybody. "We'll have to defend well to get anything from them." Bruce's hopes of an unlikely shutout at the KC Stadium are hampered by further disruption to his defence. Ever-present skipper Curtis Davies is expected to play despite a knock to the shin but he is set for another new defensive partner after Paul McShane was ruled out with a hamstring tear. James Chester started the season alongside him before a serious hamstring problem of his own, with Abdoulaye Faye, McShane and even left-back Maynor Figueroa joining Davies in the heart of defence since then. Alex Bruce, the manager's son, looks likely to come in against Liverpool, having started his only league game of the season at Tottenham on October 27. "It's not ideal but it's part and parcel of it. You need a bit of luck in that department and we haven't had it," said Bruce. "McShane is out, Curtis Davies has got a knock too. We've got to make changes and whoever we bring in will have to defend well. "Davies got a knock on the shin, which was pretty nasty, but we expect him to be okay." PA

Norwich v Crystal Palace: Tony Pulis warns breaches of discipline will not be tolerated - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Pulis has told his squad they must appreciate the enviable privileges of professional football, otherwise they will have to look for a new club. The no-nonsense approach is designed as an antidote to modern top-flight excesses, that Pulis believes would be fatal in Palace's battle to beat the Barclays Premier League drop. "There will be no discipline issues while I'm here, hopefully," he said.

"There will be no discipline issues while I'm here, hopefully," he said. "The one thing I've always tried to embrace, at every club I've been at - the most important thing is the club and the team. "The most important thing is for the players to respect the club, to respect the position they are in. "The players have to realise how lucky and fortunate they are and I've told them that. "They are extremely lucky individuals. They've got an opportunity to be financially secure in a job that everybody would die for in this country. "If you can't be dedicated and single-minded in trying to get the best out of your own ability within the group and within the football club, and respect the club and the group, you shouldn't be a professional footballer. "If there are people you don't think fit the group, then you try to get rid of them as quick as you can. "Then it's about getting people who understand what you want, what the group is about, and hopefully adding to what the group already has." Striker Cameron Jerome publicly criticised Pulis after the manager's Stoke departure, and now the pair are reunited at Palace. Jerome's season-long loan from Stoke to Palace is expected to run the course of the campaign, even despite Pulis' arrival in south London. The new Selhurst Park boss brushed off any lingering issues with the 27-year-old. Pulis said: "Cammy called me and had a good chat with me, and there's absolutely no problem. "Cammy played as well I've seen him play when he came on at Hull. "I'm not interested in the 'he said, she said' and it comes back to the old adage of sticks and stones. "I was brought up in the 60s, so people saying things and calling me names, I'll laugh them all off." Palace head to Carrow Road with Pulis keen to play down suggestions he will mirror the aggressive approach he favoured at Stoke. Pulis vowed to install whatever system best suits the Selhurt Park squad. He said: "My philosophy is just to win games, it always has been to recognise the material you've got to work with, and get the best out of what you've got. "You have to win games with what you're given. "When you need to compete for results and a foothold, then you have to do the best you possibly can with what you've got to get results. "That's no disrespect to the players here, that's the reality for clubs who cannot go out and sign whoever they like. "It's not just one battle - we've got 20-odd battles to fight, to try to win the war. "You pick up six points in the Premier League and it's amazing how quickly you can move up the table." Pulis will not just bark the orders for the players to follow without discussion though. Keen to canvas squad opinion on the best route forward, he said: "Everything we've given them this week they've

embraced. "I've opened it up to them as well. I want their contribution as well to what we're trying to achieve and get out of it. "They've played quite a few games in this league so they have an understanding, so it's about how we handle that together." PA

Aston Villa v Sunderland: Gus Poyet not worried about bad luck - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Poyet's three away games in charge since taking over from Paolo Di Canio have yielded three defeats, three own goals and three red cards - although last week's for Wes Brown at Stoke was subsequently rescinded. The Black Cats' luckless displays have been in stark contrast to their home form, which has seen successive wins over Manchester City and Newcastle and implied an ability to steer clear of trouble. Poyet said: "I know that our last three away games were incredible. I try not to think too much about bad luck but when you get so many own goals and sendings-off it makes it difficult. "So far I'm not worried but sometimes when you're down at the bottom and think you're doing well, you get a hammer in the head that brings you back down. "We need to make sure we turn our away form into wins and prove we can get back with the other teams in the mix. All I am asking for is a normal game with no incidents." Poyet's first game in charge saw a 4-0 defeat at Swansea including own goals from Phil Bardsley and Steven Fletcher, and a penalty from Wilfred Bony. A Carlos Cuellar own goal saw the Black Cats slide to defeat at Hull despite battling through the second half with nine men following the dismissals of Lee Cattermole and Andrea Dossena. And the controversial sending-off of Wes Brown hampered Poyet's hopes of getting something out of the game at the Britannia Stadium, although the Uruguayan has accepted the issue is in the past after speaking with referees' chief Mike Riley this week. Brown, Cattermole and Dossena are all available against Villa and Poyet insists that despite the apparent disciplinary issues afflicting his squad, he is loathe to sap their spirit by laying down the law over future indiscretions. Cattermole in particular has now been sent off eight times in his career but is clearly regarded as an important player by Poyet, who is expected to restore him straight back to his starting line-up. Poyet said: "One of the first things a manager says to his players is to stay on the pitch and keep it 11 versus 11. "We need to give it careful attention without forgetting that you need to compete, you need to be strong and you need to tackle. It's a balance and at the moment we can't find the right balance. "I want to have that feeling that we've done everything we can to compete. We need to be stronger and better. I wish we could have played this game earlier in order that we could get last week out of our system." Vito Mannone is expected to retain his place in goal as Keiren Westwood struggles to shake off a knock. Cuellar is ruled out with a hip injury but otherwise Poyet can choose from a fully fit squad. PA

Tottenham v Manchester United: Gylfi Sigurdsson warns United that Spurs

Tottenham v Manchester United: Gylfi Sigurdsson warns United that Spurs are determined to revive season - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Tottenham landed in London on Friday morning having eased the pressure on their manager slightly with a 2-0 Europa League victory over Tromso in bitterly cold conditions. But given that Spurs lost their last two league games - the most recent one being a 6-0 hammering at Manchester City - Villas-Boas has no time to rest, and he will be out on the training field in Enfield on Friday preparing for the visit of a United team buoyed by a 5-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek. Although there were positives to glean from Tottenham's display in the northern reaches of Scandinavia, the reality is that David Moyes' squad is streets ahead of what they came up against at the Alfheim Stadium. Still, the motivation within the Spurs squad remains strong after last weekend's humiliation at the Etihad Stadium. "We were unhappy with what we did last Sunday," Sigurdsson said. "We have talked a lot about what happened, but that is in the past now. "We need to get a good reaction from the squad. I am sure we will be fired up against Manchester United and we are determined to get the three points. "We beat them at Old Trafford and drew with them at home and that can only be a positive thing for us. "They are the team everyone wants to beat." Roberto Soldado failed to test the Tromso goalkeeper during Thursday's win, which guaranteed Spurs top spot in Europa League Group K with one game to spare. But the fact that Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor were left in London suggests Villas-Boas could field his old strike partnership up front for the first time this season on Sunday. Soldado has been in fine form from the penalty spot this term, but he has only scored one goal from open play in the league since his 26million move from Valencia. Sigurdsson has helped fill the void by scoring three times, but most of the others have failed to chip in like they did last term. Only Sunderland and Crystal Palace have worse scoring records in the division so far this season, and Sigurdsson acknowledges Spurs' top-four hopes will suffer unless they address their failings in front of goal. "Our target is to finish in the top four. We are four points off second place now so there is no need to worry yet, even though we need to score more goals than we have been doing in the last few games," he said. "Hopefully we can continue doing what we did against Tromso and score a few goals on Sunday. "We have to make sure we give them a harder game. "We need to bounce back and give the club and fans what they deserve. We need to put on a performance that is more like us and we need to play attacking football, create chances and score goals and I am sure that we will do that on Sunday." If Spurs want to learn how to sharpen their finishing then they should watch a tape of United's win in Germany on Wednesday night. Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Nani and Antonio Valencia all got on the score sheet while Wayne Rooney played a

Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Nani and Antonio Valencia all got on the score sheet while Wayne Rooney played a part in four of the five goals inside the BayArena. Sigurdsson watched most of the game in the comfort of his five-star hotel in Tromso, but he will be on the front line on Sunday if selected. "Some players they have are world-class and we need to stop them, like Rooney among others," he said. "We just have to focus on ourselves and play attacking football." PA

Manchester City v Swansea: Michael Laudrup urges Swans to show no fear Premier League - Football - The Independent
Manuel Pellegrini's side have racked up 41 goals in 10 home games in all competitions during a fearsome run of form on their own patch. The likes of Sergio Aguero, Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas ran amok in the 6-0 demolition of Tottenham last weekend and while Laudrup acknowledges the size of the task facing Swansea, he knows they must not shy away from the challenge. "City are the best home team in the league with 26 goals in six games so we know it will be a tough afternoon, but we can only surprise people there," the Swansea manager said. "Everybody expects City to win by a few goals because they've done that against everybody including Manchester United and Tottenham. "So I think we will go there to do the best we can to get something out of it, and whatever happens we will still present a competitive team. "You can't play with fear in football. There is a lot of respect, you have respect for everybody, the ones on top and at the bottom, but never fear." Laudrup has also urged striker Alvaro Vazquez to make the most of his chance to shine with Wilfried Bony and Michu sidelined by injury. Record signing Bony limped out of Thursday's 1-0 Europa League defeat to Valencia with a hamstring injury which will keep him out for several weeks; the Ivorian will undergo a scan in the coming days to determine the exact extent of the problem. Michu is also unlikely to return from his ankle injury in time for Sunday's game, although he has taken part in some light training as he targets Wednesday's meeting with Newcastle. That means Vazquez, who is on a season-long loan from Getafe and has yet to score for the Swans in 10 appearances, will lead the line. The 22-year-old was denied a goal by an incorrect offside decision against Valencia, as well as having another effort cleared off the line. Laudrup said: "It is true we have injuries to our strikers but we will cope with that. "Alvaro came close against Valencia and now this is his chance, his possibility. "Of course every player wants to play, not because a team-mate is injured but that is part of football. When one goes out another has the chance to go in, that's how it works."

Laudrup also confirmed Wayne Routledge will return from a calf problem against City, while Pablo Hernandez made just his second appearance since September 1 on Thursday. "Well, we still have at least 11 players," joked Laudrup when asked about his selection options for Sunday. "But, to be serious, we lost two players against Valencia but have another two back. "Pablo played for the first time in some weeks and Wayne will be back as well so we will have an 18-man squad as we did against Fulham, just with other names." PA

Scunthorpe United plea to fans not to wear any 'squirrel attire' ahead of return of former manager Alan Knill after bike crash - Football League Football - The Independent
During his time at the helm of the club, Knill suffered a bizarre cycling accident when he collided with a squirrel that sent him flying off his bicycle. While Knill escaped the collision with cuts and bruises, the squirrel was not so lucky, and was sadly declared dead at the scene. Having got caught up in the spokes of Knills bike, the 49-year-old was launched over the handlebars with one witness fearing that he had broken his collarbone and called an ambulance as a result. Looking back on the incident, Knill reflected on the seriousness of the collision that could have cost him his life as well as the squirrel's. It was quite serious at the time, I was flying through the air, Knill said when speaking to the Scunthorpe Telegraph. I came off my bike at 20-whatever miles an hour, an ambulance was called and everything I could have died. I'm worrying every night about football, about this, about that, I could have been dead. The perspective for me was I might not have been having this conversation. [Defeats] happen but it puts a perspective on everything. However, with Knill set to return to his former employers, United have issued a plea for fans not to wear fancy dress squirrel costumes to the game on Saturday.

The culprit? Knill hit a squirrel while riding his bike

One fan sent a tweet to the club asking: Will anyone wearing any 'squirrel attire' be banned from entering the ground on Saturday? Responding through their official club Twitter account, they said: No you won't be banned. However, the club would prefer it if you didn't dress up in 'squirrel attire'. Current caretaker manager Russ Wilcox looks favourite to take the permanent position following the dismissal of Brian Laws last week. Club chairman Peter Swann announced that both Wilcox and youth coach Tony Daws will remain in charge of the first team going into January. With The Iron currently in the play-off positions in sixth, fans wont be going nuts just yet as they continue their attempt at returning to League One at the first time of asking.

Ryan Giggs: His career in pictures as the Manchester United legend hits 40 Premier League - Football - The Independent
13 league titles, four FA Cups, four League Cups, nine Community Shields, two Champions League titles and a Club World Cup success set the Manchester United veteran out as one of the most successful footballers of all-time, although he continues to defy belief as he competes at the top of the game despite his ever-advancing years. In that time, Giggs has also claimed numerous individual awards, as well as club landmarks that sees him hold the most appearances for United of all time - surpassing the record set by one of their greatest ever players, Sir Bobby Charlton. CLICK HERE TO VIEW A GALLERY OF RYAN GIGG'S CAREER WITH MANCHESTER UNITED

Andy Carroll injury: England striker to return to training with West Ham Premier League - Football - The Independent
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce does not expect the 24-year-old England centre-forward to make a playing return before January, saying that the club must heed medical advice and be cautious as the player continues his recovery from a long-term foot problem. The West Ham boss said the club must resist the temptation to rush the former Newcastle and Liverpool striker back into action, in a bid to solve their goals shortage. Allardyce said: "Andy hopefully will be back with us next week to start some training. "We expected him to be back two or three games into the season, and that hasn't happened. "We have to be tentative in our approach to it. "When Andy's fit we've got to get him fit to stay fit. "When he will return, I think that depends on our assessment when he does eventually come back with us. "On a day-to-day basis he can then start to push forward. "Having not played a game since last May, it will take some time to get him into a match-fitness situation. "He's done an awful lot of work, but that doesn't include match fitness, so it will take a while for him to get back up to speed." Allardyce confirmed West Ham have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's vital Barclays Premier League home clash with Fulham.

He admitted his side's shortage of goals has seriously hindered their start to the season and insisted they must start to convert their chances if they are to climb the table. West Ham clash with Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, with Allardyce targeting two quickfire derby victories to ease the pressure around Upton Park. He said: "We're ready for two big games, especially this first one against Fulham. "None of us expected to be where we are at this stage of the season, but the league table tells the story. "Performances are okay for a while, but it's all about results. "In general our performances have been great, but we're not capitalising on our good play and scoring the goals we've needed. "It's the precious three points you're searching for, that's what makes the difference. "You can run with a certain amount of draws but eventually you have to start winning." West Ham and Fulham are locked on 10 points apiece, with Allardyce's side sat just above the Craven Cottage men and one place outside the relegation zone. Allardyce said he still hopes one big victory can transform West Ham's season. He said: "My surprise is that I thought our win against Tottenham would kick us on to a good run of wins. It hasn't happened but we've got to believe we'll start putting away our chances. "We've got to start converting our opportunities. "Against Fulham, both teams are having a struggle at the minute. "We hope we can regain our defensive solidity and maybe exploit a defensive weakness in them, after they have leaked 12 goals in their last four games." PA

Aston Villa v Sunderland preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Aston Villa and Sunderland, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

West Ham United v Fulham preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between West Ham and Fulham, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

Football match-fixing: Two men remanded in custody over allegations - Crime - UK - The Independent
The Crown Prosecution Service's Organised Crime Division is satisfied it is in the public interest to authorise charges of conspiracy to defraud, a spokesman for the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

Sankaran, a 33-year-old Singapore national, and Ganeshan, a 43-year-old with dual UK and Singapore nationality, appeared at Cannock Magistrates' Court in Staffordshire. The NCA said the men, who are alleged to be members of an international illegal betting syndicate based in Singapore, are among six people arrested earlier this week as part of an NCA investigation. A seventh man has since been arrested and he and four others were bailed yesterday pending further inquiries. The charges allege that between November 1 and November 26, "at City of Manchester and elsewhere, the two men conspired together with each other and others to defraud bookmakers by influencing the course of football matches and placing bets thereon". The maximum sentence for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment. It emerged yesterday that a former Premier League footballer is among those held as part of the investigation. The suspects are reported to include three current footballers. Delroy Facey, 33, did not turn up to play for his club Albion Sports as scheduled against Athersley Recreation in the NCEL Premier League on Wednesday night, according to the club's secretary Jaj Singh. Mr Singh said: "He was due to come but didn't turn up. He was named on the subs' bench but was a no show. I have no idea. He's been with us about three months and is a cracking lad." Facey scored two in an 8-1 win over Armthorpe Welfare on Saturday and has scored six goals for Albion Sports this season. The arrests were made following an investigation by the Daily Telegraph during which undercover reporters discussed the possibility of influencing the scores and outcomes of lower-league English games for as little as 50,000. It is not believed that any Premier League sides are involved in the allegations. A Football Association spokesman said: "The FA has been made aware of a number of arrests in relation to an NCA investigation. "We have worked closely with the authorities in relation to these allegations. The FA will make no further comment at this time due to ongoing investigations." PA Michael Chopra reveals footballs gambling problem: 'I signed for Sunderland in order to pay my debts off' * Football match-fixing: FA urged to fight growing threat of with education

Cardiff City v Arsenal preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Cardiff City and Arsenal, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

Chelsea v Southampton preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Chelsea and Southampton, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

Arsene Wenger 'relaxed' over contract negotiations and insists there is no need to question commitment to Arsenal - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The Gunners boss, who turned 64 last month, has been offered terms on an extension to his lucrative 7.5million deal past the end of the season. As yet, though, that remains unsigned, with Wenger insisting now was not the time to focus on anything other than keeping Arsenal top of the Barclays Premier League when they travel to Cardiff on Sunday. When asked by Press Association Sport if the negotiations would be concluded by Christmas, Wenger said: "Why? Do you treat that as a present? "I said many times, that people don't need to question my commitment to this club. "I can just reiterate what I said at the start of the season - I want to feel that I do well, and focus on that." Wenger added: "I am relaxed about the situation. What is important is that the players have the support, to focus on the target which is to do well in every single game." The French coach is now the longest-serving manager in the English top flight and insists his desire for success burns as fierce as ever, with the quest continuing for a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup. "I have been here for 17 years, and I just want to make sure that I deliver to this club what the club is expecting," Wenger said "I decided that at the start of the season because we had a very difficult start, and I want to continue that and do a good job and focus on that. "My commitment is not a problem to this club." Arsenal beat Marseille 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night to all but secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League. Victory at Cardiff on Saturday, when England left-back Kieran Gibbs is set to be available again following illness, could see the Gunners move seven points clear, with their leading rivals all not in action until Sunday. Wenger said: "We have that opportunity we want to grab at the moment. "We are in a position where we do not need to look too much at the other results, just at our results, that is a luxury and of course we want to take advantage of that." PA

Manchester City v Swansea City preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Manchester City and Swansea City, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

Football match-fixing: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger describes allegations as 'absolutely disastrous' - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
Two men will appear in court in Cannock on Friday after being charged with conspiracy to defraud as part of an

Two men will appear in court in Cannock on Friday after being charged with conspiracy to defraud as part of an investigation into alleged football match-fixing. The National Crime Agency said the men, who are alleged to be members of an international illegal betting syndicate based in Singapore, are among six people arrested earlier this week as part of an ongoing investigation. Wenger has first-hand experience of the impact match-fixing can have from his time in charge of Monaco when French champions and 1993 European Cup winners Marseille were found guilty of corruption, relegated and thrown out of European competition by UEFA. The Arsenal manager feels the hard work against such illegal actions must continue in earnest. "Can it be eradicated completely? I am not sure. It is not only a concern for me, it is a shame," Wenger said. "Once you don't know if everyone is genuine out there any more, that is something absolutely disastrous. "I think we absolutely have to fight against that with the strongest severity to get that out of the game. Maybe the lower divisions are a bit more under threat because it is a bit more anonymous, there is less money so it is easier to buy people, but I don't think that exists in the Premier League at all." It is alleged that between November 1 and November 26, Chann Sankaran, a 33-year-old Singapore national, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, a 43-year-old with dual UK and Singapore nationality "at City of Manchester and elsewhere conspired together with each other and others to defraud bookmakers by influencing the course of football matches and placing bets thereon". The maximum sentence for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment. It emerged on Thursday that a former Premier League footballer, Delroy Facey, was among those arrested held as part of the investigation. The suspects are reported to include three current footballers. The arrests were made following an investigation by the Daily Telegraph during which undercover reporters discussed the possibility of influencing the scores and outcomes of lower-league English games for as little as 50,000. It is not believed that any Premier League sides are involved in the allegations. Wenger is confident England generally has a robust approach to such illegal approaches. "I don't believe that in England people fix matches, but we live in an international world and you cannot just stop it at the border any more. It is a new problem that we all face," he said. "I still think that 99.9 per cent, the English game is completely clean. "When you see the happiness of the players when they score goals, even in the lower divisions, the passion of the fans when I was at Barnet for example, I can't believe there is a match-fixing problem in England." Wenger believes direct comparisons between the current issues and those at Marseille cannot be made. "That was much more serious," he said. "It was a period where European football was not clean, for different reasons, but I hope we have that behind us. "Personally, it was one of the most difficult periods in my life, but I think even in France now, the championship is completely clean." Wenger recalled it was a difficult spell in his then fledgling managerial career.

Wenger recalled it was a difficult spell in his then fledgling managerial career. "You know what it is when you're in a job like mine. You worry about every detail, about who to pick for the next game, to prepare the next game, and when you go to the game and you know all that is useless, it is of course a disaster," he said. "I always felt that in the end the game will come clean again and the love for the game from everybody will take over." Wenger added: "In that case, all the rest of the people are responsible for what they do and during all that period I can look back and say I behaved always like I wanted - what other people did is their problem." Stoke manager Mark Hughes added: "I think everybody should be concerned about it. "If people are trying to manipulate the system and have an affect on results, hopefully the safeguards in the system that are built in will catch these people out, because we have to protect this sport we all love. "If there is any inkling that results aren't genuine and have been manipulated then that is a real worry for everybody. I'm sure everybody is working exceptionally hard to make sure these things don't become prevalent." PA

Everton v Stoke City preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Everton and Stoke City, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

Stoke defender Robert Huth out for 'a number of weeks', reveals Mark Hughes - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Huth came off in the second half of Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League win over Sunderland at the Britannia Stadium. And giving an update on the German centre-half's condition on Friday, Hughes said: "Unfortunately Robert Huth has got a problem with his knee. "We hoped that we would be able to manage him through it to be perfectly honest, but it looks like he will have to have an operation on it, so we are going to lose him for a number of weeks." Hughes, who was speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's top-flight trip to Everton, will also be without forward Marko Arnautovic for the game. Hughes said: "Marko pulled up with a hamstring strain, so he is out as well. "We hope to get him back sooner rather than later, but he will be missing." Defender Marc Wilson (hip), midfielder Stephen Ireland (shin) and striker Kenwyne Jones (shoulder) are all expected to be available again after sitting out the Sunderland match. PA

Hull City v Liverpool preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Hull City and Liverpool, see how the sides compare on

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Hull City and Liverpool, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

Newcastle United v West Brom preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Newcastle United and West Brom, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

Transfer news: Liverpool eyeing Barcelona defender Martin Montoya as Brendan Rodgers aims to strengthen Premier League title assault - Transfers - Football - The Independent
Montoya, a Spain Under-21 international, can play in both full-back positions, and his current deal with the Catalan club runs out in the summer. Both the 22-year-old and his agent have spoken of their desire to extend his stay at the Nou Camp, but The Guardian are reporting that Liverpool are keen on negotiating a deal that will see Montoya move to Anfield on a permanent basis in January. He has featured sparingly in the Barcelona first team due to Brazilian Dani Alvess excellent form in recent seasons, and although talks over a new contract have taken place, Rodgers remains hopeful that a deal can be made, with managing director Ian Ayre heading to Barcelona on Thursday to negotiate a transfer fee. Rodgers has identified the full-back positions as specific areas that require strengthening, even though he added four defenders to his squad in the summer through Aly Cissokho, Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Toure and Tiago Ilori. The impressive Merseyside derby performance of 20-year-old Jon Flanagan last weekend doesnt appear to have convinced Rodgers that the side can maintain their Premier League title challenge without bringing in fresh faces, although the possible addition of Montoya could see him deployed on the left after Jose Enrique was ruled out for at least 10 weeks after having surgery on his right knee. That leaves just Cissokho, Flanagan and Glen Johnson as specialist full-backs available to Rodgers, although both Sakho and Toure have played on the left and right respectively during their short time with the club Rodgers started with all four of his centre-back options in the same team in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton back in September.

Norwich City v Crystal Palace preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Norwich City and Crystal Palace, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, see how the sides compare on possession, pass accuracy, tactics and much more.

Sandro v Marouane Fellaini: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United - Premier League Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, see how the

Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, see how the sides' midfielders Sandro and Marouane Fellaini compare.

Kevin Mirallas v Steven Nzonzi: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Everton and Stoke City - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Everton and Stoke City, see how the sides' midfielders Kevin Mirallas and Steven Nzonzi compare.

Mark Noble v Scott Parker: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between West Ham United and Fulham - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between West Ham United and Fulham, see how the sides' midfielders Mark Noble and Scott Parker compare.

Loic Remy v Shane Long: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Newcastle United and West Brom - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Newcastle United and West Brom, see how the sides' strikers Loic Remy and Shane Long compare.

Yannick Sagbo v Martin Skrtel: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Hull City and Liverpool - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Hull City and Liverpool, see how the sides' players Yannick Sagbo and Martin Skrtel compare.

Ashley Westwood v Ki Sung-Yueng: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Aston Villa and Sunderland - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Aston Villa and Sunderland, see how the sides' defenders Ashley Westwood and Ki Sung-Yueng compare.

Pablo Zabaleta v Angel Rangel: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Manchester City and Swansea City - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Manchester City and Swansea City, see how the sides' defenders Pablo Zabaleta and Angel Rangel compare.

Eden Hazard v Adam Lallana: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Chelsea and Southampton - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Chelsea and Southampton, see how the sides' wingers

Eden Hazard and Adam Lallana compare.

Gary Hooper v Dwight Gayle: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Norwich City and Crystal Palace - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Norwich City and Crystal Palace, see how the sides' forwards Gary Hooper and Dwight Gayle compare.

Gary Medel v Mathieu Flamini: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Cardiff City and Arsenal - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League meeting, between Cardiff City and Arsenal, see how the sides' midfielders Gary Medel and Mathieu Flamini compare.

On-loan Liverpool winger Victor Moses still targeting 20 goals this season despite notching just one goal and slipping out of staring line-up - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The Nigeria international scored on his debut for the Reds against Swansea in September soon after completing his temporary move from Chelsea. He has not scored again in a further eight games and with his last three appearances coming as a substitute he needs to get himself back in the side if he is to have a chance of getting close to his projected goal tally. That is even more significant considering Liverpool have only league matches to play until the FA Cup begins for them in January. "I just want to score goals. I wanted to score around 20 goals this season," said the 22-year-old, whose best scoring run was last season when he got 12 while playing league, European and Africa Cup of Nations matches. "We've still got lots of games to go so hopefully I can get up to that target. "I think I've got the ability to do that so I'm looking forward to every game. "When I first came, I was starting. Now, the manager has got a different view and he wants to mix things around a little bit. "I just have to be patient until my time comes. I'll kick on from there and help the team." Liverpool, as a side, are averaging two goals per game with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge having registered nine apiece already. However, the pair cannot be expected to shoulder the burden on their own and contributions need to come from elsewhere within the team. "We can score more goals because we have got two prolific strikers," Moses told LFC TV. "We can score two or three goals in every game because we have got enough quality players to do that. "We've been doing well so far, we just want to keep working hard in training and the games to score as many as we can.

"We've got enough quality players to win games this season. Everyone is working hard together as a team. That's what we need. We've got a good keeper as well, who has been helping us. "We just hope everyone is fit for every game that we play. Hopefully we can win as many games as we can to stay in the top four." Moses has found himself playing both out wide and centrally behind the striker under manager Brendan Rodgers. Having lost his place in the starting line-up the forward, named Nigerian player of the year this week, is happy to play wherever and whenever he can. "Wherever the manager is willing to play me, I'm excited to play there," he added. "I can play out wide, as a striker or anywhere up front, as long as the manager puts me in there to play. I'm ready to do the job for the team. "I'm enjoying it here, it's a massive club. We're doing well at the moment; we just want to keep the momentum going. "I want to keep working hard in training and doing what I'm good at, which is working hard for the team." PA

Premier League: Aston Villa v Sunderland match preview - Premier League Football - The Independent
Both teams are struggling to find consistency but Poyets arrival at the Stadium of Light has improved Sunderlands fortunes and they will see Saturdays clash as a chance for three points. Villas 2-2 draw with West Brom was heavily inspired by Andreas Weimann, Fabian Delph and Gabriel Agbonlahor, who all came on from the bench which could mean changes in the line-up that started that game. Villa are still without Charles NZogbia and Craig Gardner, while Sunderland are relatively injury-free, with the exception of goalkeeper Keiren Westwood. Villa are unbeaten in their last three games in the Premier League but have conceded nine goals in their six home games this season. A win could potentially take them into the top half and would further bridge the gap from the relegation zone. Sunderland are bottom of the Premier League but are only three points from safety, so a victory on Saturday could take them off the foot of the table. Aston Villas Christian Benteke has not scored since the middle of September and will be keen to change that on Saturday afternoon, while no Sunderland player has scored more than three goals this season, highlighting part of the reason why they are bottom of the league. KICK-OFF: 3.00pm PAST THREE MEETINGS Aston Villa 6 (Vlaar, Weimann, Benteke 3, Agbonlahor) Sunderland 1 (Rose), Premier League, April 2013 Sunderland 0 Aston Villa 1 (Agbonlahor), Premier League, November 2012 Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0, Premier League, April 2012 STATS Sunderland only have 1 goal in their last 3 Premier League games, while Aston Villa have 4. Villa have not lost to Sunderland since January 2011, when Phil Bardsley scored the winning goal at Villa Park. The home team has only won this fixture twice in the last 10 meetings in all competitions. ODDS

ODDS Aston Villa: 1.95 Draw: 3.25 Sunderland: 4.2

FA referee Dean Mohareb charged with computer hacking - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
Dean Mohareb, 30, is due to appear at Stockport Magistrates Court next week accused of unauthorised access to computer data and perverting the course of justice. Two other men Liam Cliff, 18, from Manchester, and Vincent Rossi, 46, a referee trainer from Wilmslow will also face charges of perverting the course of justice in connection with the case, Greater Manchester Police confirmed. Mr Mohareb, from Stockport, who has refereed dozens of lower league and cup matches, works in the Football Associations department for developing and training referees. He was removed from officiating matches last year after twice being arrested without charge as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged hacking of a colleagues email accounts. He was suspended earlier this year, but always protested his innocence. An 18-month investigation has looked into a complaint by his former colleague at the FA, Janie Frampton, who claimed both her personal and work email addresses had been accessed without permission. She was the most senior woman in the referee training department at one stage effectively in charge of all of the countrys referees in both the mens and womens game - before being dismissed by the FA following press reports suggesting she had offered Wembley tickets in return for an upgrade on a British Airways flight home from a work trip in Dallas. Ms Frampton, the CEO of Sports Officials UK, denied any wrongdoing and insisted she had not done anything that amounted to gross misconduct in the job. She launched tribunal proceedings against the FA, before reaching an out of court settlement earlier this year. She had worked for the governing body for 10 years. Mr Moharebs role with the FA has seen him give talks to sports clubs about the challenges officials face in the game. In the past, he has talked about how his work was to ensure young referees were not only recruited, but also retained amid the pressures the sports could bring. The three accused are due to appear in court on Thursday.

Premier League: Chelsea v Southampton match preview - Premier League Football - The Independent
Jose Mourinhos side comprehensively beat London rivals West Ham 3-0 last weekend but were undone against Basle in the Champions League on Tuesday. However the Blues still qualified for the knock-out stages despite a limp defeat. Southampton shocked Chelsea last season with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho and his men will be hoping that history doesn't repeat itself on Sunday. Maurico Pochettinos Southampton have performed above par this season and currently lie in fifth position, level on points with Manchester City in fourth.

points with Manchester City in fourth. Saints have only lost twice this season and could move into second place if results go their way this weekend. Ricky Lamberts four goals and three assists this season will mean that the Chelsea defence will have to stick to the England international like glue. KICK-OFF Sunday 16:10 LAST THREE MEETINGS Chelsea 1 (Terry) 2 Southampton (Rodriguez, Lambert), Premier League, Sat 30 March 2013 Chelsea 2 (Ba, Hazard) 2 Southampton (Lambert, Puncheon), Premier League, Wed 16 January 2013 Chelsea 5 (Ba 2, Moses, Ivanovic, Lampard) Southampton 1 (Rodriguez), FA Cup, Sat 5 January 2013 STATS Southampton have only lost twice this season. Ricky Lambert, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez have scored ten goals between them this season. Oscar is Chelseas top goal scorer this season with 5, in comparison striker Fernando Torres has one. ODDS Chelsea win 11/20 Southampton win 5/1 Draw 29/10 TV Live on Sky Sports 1, 16:00

Premier League: Everton v Stoke City match preview - Premier League Football - The Independent
The Toffees have only lost once in the Premier League this season and have only conceded six goals at home. They come off the back of an eventful Merseyside derby draw with Liverpool, where in-form striker Romelu Lukaku popped up with two more goals for the season. Stoke beat bottom club Sunderland last Saturday and have only lost one game in their last five in the Premier League. A win could take Everton into the Champions League places and would take them level on points with their rivals, Liverpool. Stoke are only three points above the relegation zone but a win could take them into the top half of the table. Everton are without Arouna Kone, Leighton Baines and Darron Gibson so there could be a start for Johnny Heitinga or Bryan Oviedo. Kevin Mirallas has been causing teams problems and is working well with his compatriot Lukaku. Stoke Citys Kenwyne Jones, Robert Huth and Marc Wilson are out injured but they have, Peter Crouch and John Walters primed to start. The highly-acclaimed Asmir Begovic will continue in goal for Stoke, with rumours circling that a number of clubs will make a bid for him in January. KICK-OFF: 3.00pm PAST THREE MEETINGS

PAST THREE MEETINGS Everton 1 (Mirallas) Stoke City 0, Premier League, March 2013 Stoke City 1 (Jones), Everton 1 (Shawcross OG), Premier League, December 2012 Stoke City 1 (Jerome), Everton 1 (Crouch OG), Premier League, May 2012 STATS There has not been more than 2 goals in this game since March 2009 when Everton won 3-1 at Goodison Park. Everton and West Brom have drawn the most games in the Premier League this season (6 from 12 games). In the Premier League this season, Stoke City (14) have conceded one less goal than Liverpool (13) and Manchester United (15). ODDS Everton: 1.6 Draw: 3.75 Stoke City: 6.0

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United match preview Premier League - Football - The Independent
The result cast doubts over the future of the aforementioned Vilas-Boas who came out publicly to say the Spurs board and players are fully behind him. Spurs who started the season so well, have had a dip in form of late but a win on Sunday could lift them into the Champions League places. But they will be without play-maker Christan Eriksen who remains side-lined with an ankle injury and could be out for another three weeks. Manchester United on the other hand will be coming into Sundays clash on the back of a hammering of their own. But unlike their opponents they were on the winning side, getting the better of Bayer Leverkusen to the tune of five goals to nil in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. United manager David Moyes called that performance the best we've played in my time here. And the Scot will be hoping for more of the same on Sunday. KICK-OFF Sunday, 12:00pm LAST THREE MEETINGS Tottenham 1 (Dempsey) 1 Man United (van Persie), Premier League Sun 20 January, 2013 Tottenham 3 (Evans og, Bale, Dempsey) 2 Man United (Nani, Kagawa), Premier League, Sat 29 September 2012 Tottenham 1 (Defoe) 3 Man United (Rooney, Young 2), Premier League, Sun 4 March, 2012 STATS

Man United haven't lost in six games in the League. In 152 League games between the two teams, United have come out on top 76 times compared with Tottenhams 36, with 40 draws. Man United haven't lost at White Hart Lane since 2001. ODDS Tottenham win 13/8 Man United win 7/4 Draw 11/5 TV Live on BT Sport 1, 11am

Premier League: Newcastle United v West Brom match preview - Premier League - Football - The Independent
A win on Saturday would lift Alan Pardews side into the Champions League places if results go their way. Loic Remy will once again be the danger man for the Magpies. The French international has scored eight goals in ten Premier League games. Steve Clarkes West Brom side have only won once in their last six games and will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend. Shane Long scored two fantastic goals inside 11 minutes on Monday night, and the Baggies will need the Irishman to put in a similar performance if they are to get the better of their opponents. KICK-OFF Saturday, 5.30pm LAST THREE MEETINGS Newcastle 1 (Gouffran) 1 West Brom (Jones), Saturday 20 April, 2013 Newcastle 2 (Ba, Cisse) 1 West Brom (Lukaku), Sunday 28 October, 2012 Newcastle 3 (Cisse 2, Ben Arfa) 1 West Brom (Long), Sunday 25 March, 2012 STATS The last time these two met in the league, West Brom had 15 corners. Shane long is the Baggies top scorer this season with 3 goals. Tim Krul has only conceded 5 goals since the start of October. ODDS Newcastle win- Evens West Brom win 27/10

Draw 12/5 TV Live on Sky Sports 1, 17:00

Premier League: Norwich City v Crystal Palace match preview - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Palace have got four points from their last two games but are only on seven points and are three points off safety. Norwich have only won one of their last six games and have been shipping goals, only Sunderland have conceded more this season. Norwich have gained all of their points this season at home and Palace have only picked up three points away all season. Crystal Palace have scored the least amount of goals in the Premier League this season and only Dwight Gayle has got more than one (2). Leroy Fer and Gary Hooper both have 3 goals for Norwich and will hope to build on that this weekend, especially as Norwich are without Van Wolfswinkel, Snodgrass, Pilkington, Tettey and Bennett. Murray, Hunt and Guedioura are all sidelined for Palace. Norwich will be favourites, helped by the creative forces of Jonny Howson and Nathan Redmond. Tony Pulis has reiterated that he is at Palace to make a difference and to try and get them out of the relegation zone, and will be hoping to carry on with his positive start on Saturday. Norwich travel to Liverpool next week and Palace host West Ham, so they will both be hoping for a good result going into those games. KICK-OFF: 3.00pm PAST THREE MEETINGS Crystal Palace 0 Norwich City 0, Championship, January 2011 Norwich City 1 (Holt) Crystal Palace 2 (Bennett, Gardner), Championship, October 2010 Crystal Palace 3 (Fonte 2, Butterfield) Norwich City 1 (Doherty), Championship, December 08 STATS The last time these two met in the Premier League was in the 2004/05 season when Crystal Palace came from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni made his Premier League debut in 2004 and didnt play in the league again until the start of this season. These two teams played their first game in 1906 with Norwich winning 4-2. ODDS Norwich City: 1.9 Draw: 3.2 Crystal Palace: 4.5

Premier League: Manchester City v Swansea City match preview - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Despite scoring ten goals in two games, City manager Manuel Pelligrini said that his side needed to tighten up their

defence after conceding twice against Plzen. But City have a 100% record at home in the League this season and have scored 26 goals, so on paper at least Sundays match should be a relatively straightforward one for the Sky Blues. However only one goal has separated the two sides in recent seasons, but Manchester Citys recent goal run could put an end to that statistic. Swansea won on the road to Fulham last weekend and will be looking to replicate that result at the Etihad on Sunday. Swansea Chairman Huw Jenkins said that the game against City was a Great opportunity for us to go out and show what we can do. However the Swans will be without star striker Michu; the Spaniard remains sidelined with an ankle injury. KICK-OFF Sunday, 16:10 LAST THREE MEETINGS Man City 0 0 Swansea, Premier League, Sat 4 May 2013 Man City 1 (Tevez) 0 Swansea, Premier League, Sat 27 October 2012 Man City 0 1 Swansea (Moore), Premier League, Sun 11 March 2012 STATS Only one goal has separated the two sides in the last two seasons. Sergio Aguero is the Premier Leagues top goal scorer, finding the net on ten occasions this season. Pablo Hernandez is expected to return after an injury plagued campaign. ODDS Man City win 3/10 Swansea win 9/1 Draw 4/1 TV Highlights BBC1 22:25

Premier League: Hull City v Liverpool match preview - Premier League Football - The Independent
That game ended in a 3-3 draw but manager Brendan Rogers will be hoping for all three points on Sunday against Steve Bruce's Hull side. Liverpool have been in fine form this season and should be far too strong for Hull who lost against Championship destined Crystal Palace last time out. Luis Suarez is the obvious danger man for the reds; the Uruguayan is second on the Premier Leagues goal scoring

list this season with nine goals, one behind Sergio Aguero. Hull have never gotten the better of their more illustrious opponents in 16 games between the two sides. And that statistic doesn't look like changing any time soon, as the Tigers are only four points above the relegation zone and are two games without a win. Robert Brady will be the main goal-threat for the home side on Sunday. The Republic of Ireland international will be looking to add to his three goals this season. KICK-OFF Sunday, 14:05 LAST THREE MEETINGS Liverpool 0 0 Hull, Premier League, Sun 9 May 2013 Liverpool 6 (Torres 3, Gerrard, Babel 2) 1Hull (Geovanni), Premier League, Sat 26 September 2009 Liverpool 3 (Alonso, Kuyt 2) 1 Hull (Geovanni), Premier League, Sat 25 April 2009 STATS Hull have never beaten Liverpool in 16 attempts Hull have won half of their home games this season, (3) Steven Gerrard has five Premier League assists this season for Liverpool. ODDS Hull win 5/1 Liverpool win 6/10 Draw- 11/4 TV Sky Sports 1, 13:00

Chelsea v Southampton: Players can't complain if Jose Mourinho wields the axe, claims Cesar Azpilicueta - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The Brazilian defender admitted Chelsea manager Mourinho will be well within his rights to make wholesale changes after Tuesday's 1-0 loss. Chelsea host Southampton in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday and Azpilicueta rejected the suggestion players will have any cause for frustration if overlooked. He said: "The manager decides about that (team selection). "Sometimes he makes changes, sometimes more, sometimes less, it depends on how he sees us and the way we have performed. "He is the manager and will try to do the best for our team."

Azpilicueta also refused to accept that fatigue played a part in Chelsea's Champions League loss in Switzerland. "We are a little bit tired, but that's normal," he said. "You can't always play 100 per cent. I feel okay, I finished the game well without any problems. "It's normal when you play every three days that the players feel a little bit more tired. "The most important thing is the mental approach, to forget the tiredness of the body." PA

Cardiff v Arsenal: 'Massive' Aaron Ramsey integral to Arsene Wenger's plans to remain at the top of the Premier League - Premier League - Football The Independent
Wales international Ramsey is enjoying a stand-out campaign, having scored some 11 goals for the Gunners. The Caerphilly-born 22-year-old has come a long way since leaving south Wales as a raw talent in a 5million deal during the summer of 2008 - with Cardiff manager Malky Makay describing Ramsey as "one of the best performers in Europe" on current form. Wenger hopes Ramsey will continue to relish his role at the heartbeat of the side. "Aaron [Ramsey] has first a fantastic engine. I believe his defensive awareness has improved, his defensive qualities have improved and his defensive score is very strong now," Wenger told Arsenal Player. " "After that he has a huge desire to play every single ball. He wins the 50:50s - that was not the case a year ago. "If you let him, he takes the ball at the back, passes to himself in midfield and passes to himself up front because he wants the ball so much. "That is why his presence is so massive in a game." England midfielder Jack Wilshere was himself among the goals as his brace helped sink Marseille 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night to move Wenger's team to within touching distance of the knockout stages. Wilshere needed less than 30 seconds to sweep the home side ahead, clipping home following a swift break down the right, in a display which left a clear impression on his manager. "It demands vision, it demands calmness, it demands quality execution and he had all that in that goal. I would say his [first goal was] absolutely stunning," said Wenger. "I must say I was even surprised by the way he took that goal. That shows his belief in his finishing has gone up a lot." Wenger continued: "We have him and [Aaron] Ramsey who can score now and that's a huge improvement. "Before we had Ramsey, two goals per year and Wilshere, two goals per year. To see them scoring goals is magnificent." Arsenal confirmed some sad news on Thursday, with the announcement former captain and assistant manager Pat Rice was in hospital receiving treatment for cancer. Wenger paid tribute to his close friend, who had been Arsenal's number two since 1996 until retiring at the end of last season.

"Not only do we love him, but of course we are very grateful for what he has done here," said Wenger of the popular 64-year-old former Northern Ireland defender. "We are in touch with him, but I trust his legendary strength to get over it. "I am confident that he still has the fighting spirit he always had to get over it and that he will come out in a successful way." Left-back Kieran Gibbs missed the European tie through illness, but will be in contention again at Cardiff. PA

Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis confirms Kevin Phillips will not be expected to continue assistant manager role in order to focus on goals Premier League - Football - The Independent
Veteran striker Phillips had been installed as assistant to caretaker boss Keith Millen in the wake of Ian Holloway's departure on October 23. But new boss Pulis wants 40-year-old Phillips spearheading Palace's Barclays Premier League survival battle simply by scoring goals. Pulis has confirmed he is looking to shake up Palace's backroom staff. And one of his first moves will be to ask veteran striker Phillips to concentrate on his day job of leading Palace's attack. "I'm hoping Kevin will help us on the pitch never mind off it," he said. "So that's my thought, that Kevin will get involved with that, because he still has a great deal to offer us." Former Stoke manager Pulis met with the Crystal Palace board on Thursday night, to outline his initial plans for change. Pulis intended to seek approval for his ideas before making any approaches for new coaching recruits. Ahead of the meeting, he said: "It's a chance to speak to the board members, go over my first impressions, and talk about what we can do initially to get things moving and make some changes. "I'd like to bring a few people in, but where and when, that will depend on chats with the board of directors. "It's only right to have those discussions there first of all." Palace produced an important 1-0 league victory at Hull last weekend, before Pulis was able to get down to trainingground graft at his new club. Admitting he has worked his players hard this week, he said he will give them time to adjust to his coaching demands. Palace make the trip east to take on Norwich on Saturday, with Pulis expecting a fierce relegation six-pointer. Fully aware his new side face a fight to stay in the top flight, Pulis said he would never have taken the job if he expected to drop into the Championship. He said: "The reason I've joined the football club is to stay in the Premier League.

"If I thought it was a case of going down to come back up I wouldn't have joined. "What we've done on the pitch this week has been difficult for them, but they have all responded brilliantly. "If there's a criticism I've probably tried to get too much into them too quickly. "But their attitude has been first class." PA

Ryan Giggs at 40: How the Manchester United midfielder did it - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
It was supposed to be a PR exercise to promote a DVD which the 37-year-old with 599 league games under his belt, was launching with Sarah Ramsden, the yoga professional who has done so much to aid his longevity. Instead it became an object lesson in Giggs largely unappreciated teak toughness. The idea was he and I would undertake the session together and where less focused players might have joked along with the hopelessness of the interviewer, Giggs was straight-faced serious. Pull up from the obliques, he said, quietly but insistently. And, when we moved into the next series of stretches: You dont need to touch your toes if youre feeling the hamstring. This is the flintiness Gary Neville has always felt is the essential point about Giggs. Neville and Roy Keane joined in sessions with Ramsden at the same time but they dropped off. Giggs, devastated when the latest of the many muscular injuries which had such a debilitating effect on the middle part of his career had ruled him out of Uniteds Champions League tie at Bayern Munich in November 2001, clung to yoga as one of his professional lifelines. Hes still running, 12 years on. Hes got a steely way about him, Giggsy, on and off the pitch, Neville related years later. Hes slight but people know hes not to be messed with. If you can judge a man by his friends then the fact that Giggs was even closer to Paul Ince, than to Nicky Butt, his great partner in wind-ups, certainly tells us something. It has taken something quite exceptional to make the Welshman flinch, down the years. The one moment most of his former United team-mates can remember came on a team-bonding trip to SAS headquarters in Hereford 21 years ago when the helicopter pilot briefly and deliberately cut his engine to simulate some drama. Paul Ince froze and Giggs looked like hed been dead for a fortnight, said a witness to that experience. From all he has written and said about Giggs, it seems Sir Alex Ferguson rated his toughness slightly less than the players. Fergusons new autobiography, which is revealing on this subject, describes how Giggs Bless him! was always the one he selected first when he was dishing out the stick. He has a temper but a slow one, Ferguson said, though thats not quite the view of those who bore witness to the former manager carpeting Giggs after his dismal first-half performance in Juventuss Stadio delle Alpi on the way to a 1-0 defeat which encapsulated Uniteds dreadful autumn of 1996. Neville recalls Giggs biting right back and getting substituted because of it. Fergusons characterisation extends to him viewing Giggs as an introvert. Yet others who observed the Welsh winger at close quarters, emerging as a force at Uniteds Cliff training ground in the early 1990s, describe the inviolable selfconfidence of a teenager who knew precisely where he was going, even then. From the first time I interviewed him, he had an unwavering gaze and held your eye, says David Meek, the former Manchester Evening News sportswriter who chronicled so much of Giggs early progress. For a young footballer, interviews can be unnerving but there was something intent about him fixing you with those dark eyes. I always felt it was a feature of someone confident in himself. Meeks recollection provides a marked contrast to how Arthur Hopcraft, legendary chronicler of football in the 1960s and 1970s, remembered first meeting a diffident young George Best: He bit his lip a lot, and shyly looked at his interviewers breast pocket. Giggs was the one of those two young United prodigies who knew his mind. It is reasonable to make Best the point of comparison. Those who have only watched United for 10 years or so may not

reasonable to make Best the point of comparison. Those who have only watched United for 10 years or so may not fully appreciate what a freak of nature the teenage Giggs was. But Roy Keane saw Giggs, two years younger than him, as light years ahead and Ferguson has no compunction about discussing the George Best comparison in his book. The contrasts between Giggs and Best extend well beyond self-confidence, too. While Bests contribution tragically narrowed to very little, Giggs expanded to a point where, to Fergusons mind, he was trying to do too much. This may have been a product of his unalloyed love of football another Giggs characteristic which Neville discusses in his fine autobiography Red. And, whatever the cause, it did affect his performances. One of the lesser appreciated details about that Giggs goal against Arsenal in the Villa Park FA Cup semi-final replay of 1999 is that the then 25year-old had been consigned to the bench that day, in part because of a dip in form. Ferguson felt that in his attempt to broaden out aspects of his game awareness of space and passing Giggs had forgotten the raw speed, balance, touch and courage which had made him one of the worlds supreme players. In part, the manager blamed himself for this. It is testament to the powers of Fergusons man-management that he had asked Giggs into his office before the Arsenal replay, to talk him through a video he had asked to be put together which showed how the winger was overlooking his prime quality of running at defenders. The real Ryan Giggs should step forward more often, he said at the time. Though Giggs later said that statement perplexed him, the fruits of Fergusons wisdom were certainly harvested that night in the Midlands. The irony was that Giggs later broadened out his game all over again, learning the art of playing central midfield, second striker and even full-back, to extend his United career. There have been other longserving players, but to have done it in his position, with the bravery to take the ball and to keep taking players on, is something special, Neville wrote. Hes been so intelligent, adjusting his game. The hunger for the game which will see Giggs play into a fifth decade is rather an anachronism now. When he started, players could not retire when they wanted because they didnt have the money, says one elite technical director, who was in the Wales coaching set-up when Giggs was progressing through international ranks. The money in the last decade has removed that need to go on and yet here is a multimillionaire, choosing to do so. There are very few in todays elite game who find football such an all-consuming passion like that. Ferguson tells a very good story about an Italian agent ringing him up in the late 1990s, asking what his children did and after hearing the United managers answer declaring: Sell me Giggs and Ill make them rich. He ended the conversation with customary haste. A good decision, that.

Michael Chopra reveals footballs gambling problem: 'I signed for Sunderland in order to pay my debts off' - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
Chopra, giving evidence as a witness during a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, claims he was threatened by Scottish loan sharks later in his career as he ran up huge debts and joined Sunderland because the sizeable signing-on fee helped pay off some of the money he owed. He said that during his time with Ipswich the club and the Professional Footballers Association organised a 250,000 loan to do likewise while his father, Minty, also revealed in court yesterday that he had sold his house to pay his sons gambling debts. Chopra told the court he estimated he had lost 2m through gambling. I started gambling when I was about 17, when I first played for Newcastle I was travelling with the first team, said Chopra, who came through the youth ranks at Newcastle to play alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Craig Bellamy. Players would gamble on the bus and I got involved. We would take thousands of pounds on to the bus, anything up to 30,000. It might change hands playing cards on the bus, we would go to the bank before and take out the money. It was part of team bonding. We were playing for real cash, if you were playing for 30,000 you would have it with you at the time.

It was another painful day for footballs image as Chopras revelations were followed by the Crown Prosecution Services decision to charge two men as part of an investigation into an international match-fixing ring that is said to have attempted to rig matches in Englands lower leagues. Players unions have called for all involved in the professional game to be better, and compulsorily, educated over match-fixing. Unions have previously raised concerns that accruing huge gambling debts leaves players open to the approaches of match-fixers. There is no suggestion that Chopra has been involved in match-fixing. Gambling remains very much a live issue in the game through players amassing huge debts; breaking betting rules laid down by governing bodies Andros Townsend was suspended last season for breaching regulations; and, most seriously of all, the rise of the illegal betting markets that have led to the mushrooming of match-fixing across Europe over the last decade. Again, there is no suggestion that Townsend has been involved in match-fixing. Chopra, who turns 30 later this month, was deep in debt by the time he joined Ipswich Town in 2011. He said: I had loan sharks turning up at the training ground when I was at Ipswich. They came up to me and asked me for my autograph and said I better get myself into the club and get that money now. They said they knew what car I was driving and they would follow me until I paid them. They said they knew what school my little boy went to and where my parents lived and where I lived in Ipswich. I felt sick that I had put my family in that situation from my gambling. Chopra, now with Blackpool, moved from Cardiff to Sunderland, then newly promoted to the Premier League, in 2007 attracted largely by the signing-on fee he would receive. I was at Cardiff for one year and then I went to Sunderland, he said. I got a signing-on fee and paid my debts off. The main reason I went to Sunderland was to pay my debts off. When you go to the Premier League you earn more money. Chopra was giving evidence at the trial of four men on drugs charges. As part of the case, the prosecution says a sum of 50,000 found in a car was drug money but one of the accused instead claims it was cash to pay-off a loan shark from Liverpool on behalf of Chopra. Earlier this year Chopra said he had voluntarily excluded himself from all betting institutions to help me fight this illness. That came as part of a statement in response to being charged by the British Horseracing Authority for serious breaches of the rules of racing. Chopra said he could not afford to defend himself and in January he was banned from all racecourses for 10 years after the BHAs investigation into a corrupt network that gambled on horses to lose.

Ryan Giggs at 40: 'I'll stay in bed' - birthday boy plans to avoid Manchester United pranks - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Ill be glad when it is over, Giggs said on Thursday. It is obviously a milestone but I try not to think about it much and I honestly dont until people remind me. I dont know if the lads are planning anything but Im not going in [to Manchester Uniteds Carrington training ground] just in case. Im going to stay in bed. He will not, of course: it is in large part his dedication to fitness that has enabled Giggs to keep going. Wayne Rooney revealed that, during Uniteds 5-0 filleting of Bayer Lever-kusen on Wednesday, in which Giggs ran the midfield, an opponent asked him: How is Giggs still playing at that age? Rooney admitted he had no idea, but he was sure he would not be playing at 40. Rio Ferdinand said he did not know Giggs secret either, but added: I am going to have to see what he is eating and copy everything that he is doing. He is 40 years old and it is ridiculous to be playing at this level, but he must have been very lucky with his genetics. Im enjoying it, and it helps when you have legs around you, said Giggs. Theres Phil Jones in midfield and the front four [in Leverkusen] were brilliant, a real handful. So that helps.

front four [in Leverkusen] were brilliant, a real handful. So that helps. I tend to enjoy it more in December and January when the games come thick and fast and I can get into a rhythm. Obviously youve got to work hard during the week, put in the performances in training and hopefully you get picked. And when you are picked it is just like when you are younger really, youve got to take your chance. I still get a buzz from matches like Wednesday. Youve got to winning 5-0 away against the team second in the Bundesliga. Uniteds biggest away win in Europes elite competition since the days of the Busby Babes was highly impressive, especially with several key players out. If we play like that we can reach another European final, said Giggs, who has played in four Champions League finals, winning two. He added: We have experience, youth, and speed and quality up front. Chris Smalling, who represents the more youthful side of United, said that Giggs is a role model. He is a cool head in the middle, Smalling said. Despite his age, even in the 90th minute he was still taking on three or four [Leverkusen] players. It is terrific to see such a legend playing amongst us. His pass for Nanis goal at the end just sums him up. He has that incredible vision. He is terrific and an example to everyone. Smalling added that Giggs and Rooney have been key in the way United have hit their straps, first against Cardiff, then in Germany. We are starting to look a real threat from set pieces, which is important because the manager wants us to chip in, Smalling said. We have a few players who can be dangerous in those areas and with the delivery Rooney and Giggs were putting in, we were due.

Tromso 0 Tottenham 2 match report: Spurs are ready for Manchester United, says Villas-Boas after tight Europa League win - European - Football - The Independent
The Portuguese has been under huge pressure following Sundays 6-0 defeat to Manchester City and would have wanted rather more than a low-key Europa League display some 217 miles inside the Arctic Circle. An own goal from Adnan Causevic opened the scoring and Mousa Dembl made it two to ensure Spurs, who had already qualified for the knockout rounds, will finish on top of Group K, but attention immediately turned to White Hart Lane and High Noon on Sunday. Indeed, Villas-Boas had to deal with an interview given by the former Spurs chairman Sir Alan Sugar, in which he claimed that Villas-Boas should be replaced by the now retired Sir Alex Ferguson I think it is pretty fair with the record he has, he will be a pretty good manager in every club in the world, smiled the Portuguese. But he knows that his side will have to improve significantly, particularly after United won 5-0 at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. I watched their game last night. It was a good performance but has no bearing on Sunday, added Villas-Boas. It is important to recognise that we play the champions and they are on a good run that changed their fortunes. With such an impressive performance it can only be good for them. We dont expect an easy match. I suppose that they are the best to play after City but that is what the calendar says. Whoever we play we have to bounce back. The players will be mentally ready. Yet it was a surprise that he backed his team quite so resolutely after a tricky night in the capital of the Arctic. I am very happy for the players to have bounced back from the defeat against Manchester City, he said. Obviously, the opponent we have on Sunday is the biggest that we can have, but in preparation for that game with

this one it was important to get back to winning ways and in a fashion where we looked solid and created lots of chances. I am extremely happy for the performance and result. That was not quite the way many inside this picturesque ground saw it, with Tottenham struggling on what was an artificial pitch that had to be cleared of snow both before the game and again at half-time. Zdenek Ondrasek could have given Tromso the lead after just 33 seconds Spurs conceded to City after only 14 but from then on the visitors took charge without ever looking ready to strike a decisive blow. Nacer Chadli fired over when well placed and Etienne Capoues shot was deflected just wide, but the performance of 26m man Roberto Soldado will again worry Tottenham. The Spaniard did not have a single shot and his frustration was clear when he picked up a booking early in the second half for a poor tackle.

Nacer Chadli reacts after a missed chance (Reuters) That 26m fee could cover Tromsos budget for the next five years, but against a side 157 places below Tottenham in Uefas rankings he failed to make an impression. Yet Villas-Boas defended his man and insisted the goals Spurs have scored just nine in 12 Premier League games, although they have scored 11 in five Europa League group matches will come. At the moment it is not happening for him but he is trying, said the manager. We spoke before the game and he understands that for his confidence it is important to get the ball in the back of the net. He is already on a good goal tally for the game. He needs more, particularly from open play. We are very patient. I think he needs just one goal. It can happen to any striker. They live off the confidence of goals. I will remind you that Tottenham are up there in terms of creating chances. If not first we are second or third. Obviously, the goals have not arrived yet and that is the worrying part for us. It seemed for more than an hour that they would not arrive at all here. But Tottenham got a slice of luck as Vlad Chiriches and Causevic slid in to meet Gylfi Sigurdssons free-kick, the ball bouncing into the net off the latter for an own goal. It was two shortly after when Dembl finished well from the impressive Sigurdssons through ball, and the Belgian should have had a third when he hit the post and fired the rebound wide.

Tromso were gallant yet limited opponents as demonstrated by the fact they have just been relegated from the Norwegian top flight and the visitors should have scored far more. Two did the job, though, as they secured top spot in the group, but a huge improvement is required if they are to get a result on Sunday.

Football match-fixing: FA urged to fight growing threat of with education News & Comment - Football - The Independent
Tony Higgins, who heads the Scottish Professional Footballers Association and is Fifpros lead on match-fixing, believes comprehensive education has to be applied across the game as the problem extends far beyond simply corrupting players alone. Higgins, who is halfway through running an 18-month Fifpro pilot programme exploring how to combat match-fixing, also believes governing bodies have to be prepared to spend more on an issue that has mushroomed from being a Far Eastern problem into an Eastern European one and, over the last few years, reached Western Europe, too. It is a major, major threat, said Higgins. I have been astonished by the level. I have seen many problems that the game has thrown up but this is as dangerous as any because it goes to the fundamentals of sport. In Malaysia it has ruined their whole structure in football because, basically, nobody trusts the results. Football is a global sport so you cannot have pockets where integrity is paramount and other leagues or associations where its not. You have to work to eradicate it across the board. Last night two men, Chann Sankaran, a 33-year-old Singapore national, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, a 43-yearold with dual UK and Singapore nationality, were charged as part of an investigation into alleged match-fixing in lower league football in England. They have been remanded in custody and will appear at Cannock Magistrates Court in Staffordshire today. Earlier this week six people, including the former Premier League player turned agent Delroy Facey, were arrested and yesterday a seventh was arrested and bailed. Higgins believes match-fixing can only be solved by cross-border cooperation by numerous agencies but there remains plenty more the sport itself can do to try to address it, such as following the example of cricket. Since last year players and staff at English counties go through an education programme and have to sign an anti-corruption code before the start of each season. We think the same should be done here, said Higgins. We think it should be compulsory for any player entering the game. It should be compulsory and constantly revisited. We are putting together a generic programme which can be adapted to local circumstances and cultures, and we would want to make that a compulsory element, not only for players but for referees, coaches and officials as well. There have been examples of club officials and administrators being involved in the chain. We think awarenessraising has to be for every section of the game. The Football Association instructed Conference South clubs to remind their players of the betting and integrity rules in March. This came after UK bookmakers stopped taking bets on matches involving lower league clubs where there were integrity concerns. Chris Eaton, Fifas former head of security, believes the FA has been guilty of complacency. It was only a matter of time before the English game was caught up in this global wave of match-fixing in football, said Eaton, now director of sport integrity at the International Centre for Sport Security. But this new disclosure must be put in global context. Governments and football administrations must not react emotionally, but coolly and rationally. Everyone really knew that match-fixing is endemic in football. And, in this case, there is nothing new in terms of the corrupting method, its internationality. What is new is that it shocks a complacent England, the home of the game. The scale of the problem has become baldly apparent in recent years as it has spread into and across Europe, much of it involving Far Eastern criminal syndicates. The most startling claims came earlier this year when Europol

it involving Far Eastern criminal syndicates. The most startling claims came earlier this year when Europol coordinated investigators from across Europe in Operation Veto. Between them they identified more than 350 suspicious matches, including Champions League games, and World Cup and European Championship qualifiers. Most of the fixed games are from Europes lower leagues, where players are not so well paid. Since Europols revelations Dan Tan, a Singaporean alleged to be the mastermind behind a leading gang of fixers, has belatedly been detained in Singapore, while Wilson Raj Perumal, an associate of Dan Tans, was extradited to Hungary to help with investigations there after serving time in prison for match-fixing in Finland. The fixer exposed by the Daily Telegraph claims links with Perumal. Higgins, a former Hibernian player, is overseeing Dont Fix It, a programme funded by Fifpro, Uefa and the European Commission. Uefa has promised to act on the recommendations, which are due next summer. It has to stem from the top Fifa and Uefa have to promote this issue among the governing bodies and the governing bodies have to take far more action, said Higgins. There has to be cross support from all federations and national and international police forces. Nowhere in western Europe should we be complacent I understand there are potential risks in Spain as well in the lower leagues. We have to understand the money in this market is phenomenal and we have to do as much as we can in raising awareness and educating people, not only players but also referees and club officials. The reality is that if we cant get to the head of the serpent there will be another one along to offer money to players or referees or clubs.

Europa League round-up: Swansea made to wait while Wigan Athletic handed uphill task by Hazard Jnr - European - Football - The Independent
Requiring just a point to qualify, Swansea were beaten 1-0 at home by a well-organised Valencia side. Meanwhile, Wigan, who were looking for a win against Belgian team Zulte-Waregem at the DW Stadium to go through, slumped to a 2-1 defeat despite taking an early lead through Leon Barnett. Swansea fell behind to Daniel Parejos 20th-minute strike and then lost striker Wilfried Bony to a worrying hamstring injury. They thought Alvaro Vazquez had levelled just before the break when Diego Alves could not hold Jonjo Shelveys shot and the Spaniard tapped in, but the flag went up despite replays suggesting the two Swansea players were onside. The Welsh clubs night was summed up when Jrmy Mathieu cleared a goalbound effort off the line late on and Angel Rangel limped off. Junior Malandas 88th-minute winner means qualification is now out of Wigans hands. They will now need to beat Maribor in Slovenia in their final group game next month and hope Zulte lose to Rubin Kazan. Barnett opened the scoring in the seventh minute and the hosts had no shortage of opportunities to extend their lead. But they could not take any of them and in the 37th minute goalkeeper Lee Nicholls compounded the error by dropping Thorgan Hazards shot into his own net. Hazard is the younger brother of Chelseas Eden.

Europa League - Tromso v Tottenham Hotspur team news: Roberto Soldado starts alone up front, Zeki Fryers given rare start by Andre Villas-Boas European - Football - The Independent
The Spaniard, a 26m summer arrival from Valencia, has struggled for form this season, scoring just twice since August, but leads the line in the absence of the injured Emmanuel Adebayor and rested Jermain Defoe. Michael Dawson, the only survivor from Sunday's starting line-up, captains the side, with Vlad Chiriches recalled alongside him in central defence. Zeki Fryers and Kyle Naughton line up at full-back, Fryers making his fifth appearance of the season all in the Cups having yet to concede thus far in a Spurs shirt. Brad Friedel makes his sixth appearance of the season, with the veteran American seeking a first clean sheet in four matches.

sixth appearance of the season, with the veteran American seeking a first clean sheet in four matches. Etienne Capoue makes only a second start in three months alongside Mousa Dembele, with Nacer Chadli, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Andros Townsend recalled after surprisingly being left on the bench at the Etihad Stadium completing the midfield. Villas-Boas side require victory to secure top spot in Group K of the Europa League, having already confirmed qualification for the round of 32 with victory over Sherrif Tiraspol earlier this month. Ten first-teamers were left at home by the Portuguese with Sundays Premier League visit of Manchester United in mind. Jan Vertonghen, Lewis Holtby and Erik Lamela were all named on the bench for the match in a snowy Tromso, along with youngsters Jordan Archer, Ryan Fredericks, Kenny McEvoy and Shaquile Coulthirst. Tromso completed their domestic season on 10 November, relegated after finishing second from bottom in the 16team Tippeligaen.

Premier League: West Ham v Fulham match preview - Premier League Football - The Independent
West Ham have only won twice all season and Fulham have lost four games on the bounce, meaning both sides are desperate for a win to take them away from the relegation places. The issue of West Ham playing without a recognised striker has been highlighted a lot this season and this is reflected in their lowly goal total of nine. Fulham have scored 11 but conceded a hefty 21 and have lost seven of their last 10 Premier League games. Theyve conceded 11 goals in their last four games, meaning Martin Jol is inevitably under more pressure to produce results. One bright spark for the Hammers this season has been the breakthrough of Ravel Morrison, and they will hope he can carry on his great form and inspire them to victory at Upton Park. West Ham have a host of injuries including Andy Carroll, Ricardo Vaz Te, Winston Reid and Matt Taylor. Fulham are without Brede Hangeland, Damien Duff and joint top scorer Hugo Rodallega, and will also greatly miss Sascha Riether who is suspended. Both teams could theoretically be in 14 place with a win, which will serve as a big incentive to both sets of players. KICK-OFF: 3.00pm PAST THREE MEETINGS Fulham 3 (Berbatov, Rodallega, OBrien (OG) West Ham 1 (Nolan), Premier League, January 2013 West Ham 3 (Nolan, Reid, Taylor) Fulham 0, Premier League, September 2012 Fulham 1 (Hughes) West Ham 3 (Cole 2, Piquionne), Premier League, December 2010 STATS There have been 22 goals in the last 6 Premier League encounters between these two teams. West Ham have scored the same amount of goals (9), than 9 place Tottenham Hotspur, and Fulham have scored 2 more (11). Both teams have another London derby in their next Premier League game Fulham host Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham travel to Crystal Palace. ODDS West Ham: 1.9 Draw: 3.5

Draw: 3.5 Fulham: 4.0

Premier League: Cardiff City v Arsenal match preview - Premier League Football - The Independent
Cardiff are in 15 place, with 13 points from their 12 games but have picked up eight points from their home games this season. The Welsh side will be in a confident mood after drawing with Manchester United and beating Swansea in their last two home games. Fraizer Campbell is hitting impressive form and caused United problems, so Arsenal will be wary of the danger that Cardiff can pose. Arsenal are pulling away from the chasing pack and could go seven points clear, with Liverpool not playing until Sunday. Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey have scored 21 goals between them in all competitions and are spearheading Arsenals success this season. Arsenal have only lost once in their last 10 Premier League games and will be confident of improving on that on Saturday. The two teams have not played each other in the league since 1962, but did meet in the FA Cup in 2009. Cardiff are without striker Rudy Gestede, and Arsenal are still without Lukas Podolski, Abou Diaby, Rio Miyaichi, Yaya Sanogo and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Theo Walcott has made two substitute appearances in a week and will be in contention to start on Saturday. KICK-OFF: 3.00pm PAST THREE MEETINGS Arsenal 4 (Eduardo 2, Bendtner, Van Persie) Cardiff City 0, FA Cup replay, February 2009 Cardiff City 0 Arsenal 0, FA Cup, January 2009 Arsenal 2 (Pires 2) Cardiff City 1 (Jerome), FA Cup, January 2006 STATS Cardiff City have only won twice in their last 10 Premier League games, whereas Arsenal have 8 wins in the same amount of games. Cardiff Citys Ben Turner has played every minute of every game this season. Arsenal have used 25 different players in the Premier League this season. ODDS Cardiff City: 5.8 Draw: 4.0 Arsenal: 1.57

Ryan Giggs 40th birthday: 'I'd be finished by now if I'd left Manchester United' - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Giggs celebrates his 40th birthday on Friday with talk already starting to turn towards the potential for being offered yet another contract extension in the summer. Should he sign one, it would take his first-team career with the Red Devils to 24 years and, injury permitting, allow him to reach the staggering 1,000 game milestone.

him to reach the staggering 1,000 game milestone. His personal records will almost certainly never be beaten - he has, after all, won as many league titles as Arsenal have managed in their entire history. But it all could have been so different had he ever opted to sever ties with the club where he made his name, as fellow Class of 92 members David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville all did. "If I'd moved from club to club I'd be finished by now," he said. "I'm lucky that I have been at one club, where I am surrounded by good players. I also have a good manager. "I look after myself and try to train every day in order to make myself available for selection. "I enjoy it as much as I can and, of course, try to contribute to the team." Only once, since he made his debut against Everton in 1991 has it appeared possible Giggs would leave. In the wake of a trophyless campaign in 2002, which featured a shattering Champions League semi-final defeat to the same Bayer Leverkusen outfit Giggs played such a significant role in destroying on Wednesday, the Welshman's critics were lining up to take a shot. Always one of the fittest players at Old Trafford, Giggs' increasingly delicate hamstrings were starting to cause concern and at one stage he was even booed by his own supporters. There was talk of a big-money move to Italy and though Giggs has stated before he was never made aware of any interest, it is fair to assume if he had offered any encouragement, there would have been a lengthy queue for his services. It didn't take long for Giggs to emerge from his difficulties. That same 2002-03 season he scored a wonder goal against Juventus in Turin. He also started working those hamstrings with regular yoga sessions, now an accepted method of keeping in shape but at the time something unusual. All this as he was edging towards his 30th birthday. Since then he has won six more titles, a Champions League and the FA Cup. Giggs has been crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year, been voted the best player of the Premier League's first two decades, plus scores more individual honours. "I don't know what the younger lads think of me," said Giggs. "When I was 17 and 18 I thought 31 was ancient. Here I am at 40. "It can be hard sometimes but I am still enjoying it. "As long as that is the case I will carry on." However, in much the same way as Denis Irwin credits Giggs for the effort put in on his behalf for the length of time he spent at United, so the man he played behind so often is happy to share the praise now. "It is a pleasure to play alongside someone like Phil Jones," said Giggs. "He does my running for me. "All I do is try and control it all."

PA

Ryan Giggs is the role model for all the players at Manchester United, says Chris Smalling - Premier League - Football - The Independent
Giggs celebrates his 40th birthday on Friday with United manager David Moyes believing the Welshman is still improving. Certainly his performance in Wednesday night's 5-0 Champions League demolition of Bayer Leverkusen suggests Giggs still has plenty to offer and, should he so wish, he worthy of yet another contract extension at the end of the season. Giggs did not score on Wednesday night. Nor, indeed, could he claim more than one direct assist given Wayne Rooney was responsible for the final pass for the first four United goals. His experience still shone through as he controlled the game at the pace he wished, always seeming to make the right pass. "Ryan is a role model for us all," said Smalling. "He is a cool head in the middle. "Despite his age, even in the 90th minute he was still taking on three or four players. "It is terrific to see such a legend playing amongst us. "His pass for Nani's goal at the end just sums him up. He has that incredible vision. He is terrific and an example to everyone." The biggest issue Moyes has with Giggs right now is when to pick him and when to give him the rest so obviously required. It cannot be easy, especially with Michael Carrick on the sidelines and neither Marouane Fellaini nor Tom Cleverley able to match Giggs' influence in central midfield. Leverkusen boss Sami Hyypia doubtless wishes Moyes had elected to save Giggs' legs in readiness for Sunday's trip to Tottenham given he was responsible for an overall United performance the Finn accepted was far too good for his own side. "We really punished them," said Smalling. "Bayern Munich were the only team to take points off them at their ground in the league this season, which speaks for itself. "But we put them to the sword. "Once we got two goals ahead you could see their heads drop. "They knew they were going to be well beaten because we were not going to let that lead slip." Only once in their entire history have United won an away game in Europe by a greater margin. That 6-0 win in 1957 was at the expense of Irish part-timers Shamrock Rovers, not the team presently second in the Bundesliga/ Remarkably, Leverkusen could still join United in the knockout stages providing Shakhtar Donetsk do not leave Old Trafford with a victory that would deprive Moyes' side of top spot in Group A when the sides meet in a fortnight.

Trafford with a victory that would deprive Moyes' side of top spot in Group A when the sides meet in a fortnight. Not even Sir Alex Ferguson won a European away fixture by five goals. The best he could manage was a 6-2 success against Brondby in Copenhagen during the group stage of the 1999 Treble winning campaign. It could, therefore, turn out to be a significant evening for Moyes, who has still not convinced everyone he is the right man to replace Ferguson. Smalling can look back on the evening with satisfaction too. Criticised by Moyes for conceding the injury-time free-kick from which Cardiff got their shock equaliser on Sunday, the former Fulham man was a far more confident presence at right-back. He even chipped in with a goal, finishing off from close range at the far post, from a cross provided by Rooney. "We have been threatening to do that all season," he said. "There have been a few times when we have gone ahead in games and not got the second that would allow us to kick on to make ourselves a bit more comfortable. "I am quite pleased to get on the scoresheet too. "I have been getting closer and closer over the last few games, although my goal was probably the easiest chance I will ever have. "We are starting to look a real threat from set pieces, which is important because the manager wants us to chip in. "We have a few players who can be dangerous in those areas and with the delivery Rooney and Giggs were putting in, we were due." PA

Gerard Deulofeu eager for Premier League start at Everton after impressing during loan spell from Barcelona - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The Catalan prodigy has made 10 appearances this season but his only two starts have been in the Capital One Cup, which the Toffees exited in September. But after a string of exciting performances coming off the bench, the 19-year-old is at the stage where he wants to be included from the off. Martinez did not expect the teenager to be competing for a place in his starting line-up until the new year as he adapted to a new country but he is now making a strong case. "His progress has been quicker than I expected," said the manager. "His talent is there for everyone to see; he is an exciting footballer and when you see him on the ball you know something is going to happen. "It was always going to be the case adapting to the British style and physicality of the league would take a few months but I never expected him to be ready to play in the league until January or February. "It was a shame we were knocked out of the Capital One Cup because I thought that was a perfect introduction for him into the British game.

him into the British game. "It is safe to say Gerard has exceeded my expectations in terms of how quickly he has adapted and has become someone very important to the side. "He has already played big chunks of games and has had a big impact. "He has surprised us all and he has started to get frustrated to not start a game and that is fantastic." That Barcelona were prepared to allow one of their great hopes to move to Goodison Park for the season was seen as a coup for Martinez. And it appears officials at the Nou Camp are more than satisfied with the progress being made. "There is a different approach when you have young players who have not played in this league and need a period of adaptation," said the Toffees boss. "Barcelona were pleased with that and felt that was what he needed - they think so highly of him they were prepared to accept whatever was needed for him to flourish and become the player we know he can be." Deulofeu had his first taste of a Merseyside derby last weekend when he was the surprise replacement for the injured Leighton Baines five minutes after half-time. Martinez had two defenders on the bench but opted to switch midfielder Gareth Barry to left-back and throw his young attacker into the fray, which corresponded with their best passage of play as they came from 2-1 down to lead 3-2 before Daniel Sturridge's 89th-minute equaliser. It may have been viewed by observers as a bold decision but it undoubtedly contributed to one of the more thrilling cross-city encounters of recent years and served as an example of the mentality Martinez brought to the club after his summer arrival. "We always want to win, and that will never change," said the Toffees boss. "The most important aspect is that the players are not shocked by it. "We work in a certain way so the players are ready for it, and they understand it and everyone is aware of what is expected of each individual to make sure the team is balanced. "They know how to adapt, how to be well-balanced and that mentality of scoring goals and controlling games will always be successful over 10 months of games. "The team is ready to make those sort of changes. They are brave changes but they are controlled changes." Baines could be sidelined for up to six weeks with a broken toe but Everton will not be opening talks over a new contract despite speculation linking Manchester United with another attempt to sign the England international after a failed summer bid. "The injury doesn't change anything," said Martinez. "All our plans have always been the same. We want to have Leighton for the long term and that will never change. "The injury is a set-back but we will use it to regenerate him, to give him a bit of a breather. "It is a period we are going to use in our favour but in terms of his contractual situation it will never change what our thoughts were and our strategy behind the scenes." PA

Jack Wilshere: Lionel Messi remains the best player in the world, despite the claims of Cristiano Ronaldo - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
Lionel Messi has won it four years running, but the Barcelona player is in serious risk of losing the mantel. While he is currently out injured and unable to remind the world of the gifts that have helped deliver three Champions League and six La Liga titles since he emerged on the scene, his competitors are stealing the headlines. Cristiano Ronaldo scored four goals over two legs against Sweden to ensure Portugal qualified for the World Cup, Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues to be consistently brilliant and Franck Ribery has not stopped since leading Bayern Munich's charge to the treble last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo However, despite the claims of the others, Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere insist Messi remains the best. Speaking in a Q&A session on YouTube, the England international revealed he would like to play alongside the Argentina international more than any other before dismissing Ronaldo's claim to be the best in the world. "Some people say Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world, but for me but is still Messi," he said. "He is similar to (Mesut) Ozil in the way he makes it look so easy with the way he glides past players."

Jack Wilshere with Mesut Ozil

Sir Alex Ferguson makes impromptu visit to Manchester United dressing room - European - Football - The Independent
It's reported that following United's 5-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, the former manager went in to the dressing room to congratulate the players. Ferguson was earlier spotted by television cameras in the stands, alongside former chief executive David Gill. The pair, who are now directors at the club, witnessed United record their biggest away victory in Europe since 1964. It is understood Ferguson has been in regular contact with his successor David Moyes since retiring over the summer.

English football match-fixing: Former Bolton striker Delroy Facey 'named' among six arrested by police over 'international illegal betting syndicate' News & Comment - Football - The Independent
Six people have been arrested by police investigating a suspected international illegal betting syndicate involved in the fixing of English football games. Along with the former Premier League player, three current players were among those detained. A spokesman for the NCA said: "Six men have been arrested across the country as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into alleged football match fixing. The focus of the operation is a suspected international illegal betting syndicate. "The NCA is working closely with the Gambling Commission and the Football Association. This is an active investigation and we are unable to provide further detail at this time." Facey played just 14 games for Bolton during a time when they were a Premier League club. His spell at the Wanderers, for whom he scored two goals after joining in 2002, was one of 14 different clubs the striker played for over a 16-year career. Among the other sides were West Brom, Bradford, Burnley and Hull City. This month he has been playing for Albion Sports Football Club, a team in the Northern Counties East Football League. It's also reported that he has made moves towards becoming a football agent. Former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce expressed his shock at Facey being linked with the allegations in an interview with the Daily Mail. "I hope Delroy hasnt got involved in something like this," said the current West Ham boss.

Delroy Facey pictured in 2012 playing for Hereford United A Football Association spokesman said it was aware of a number of arrests and had been working closely with the authorities in relation to these allegations. Meanwhile, the Football Conference issued a statement on its official website this morning. It said: "The Football Conference has become aware of a story published today concerning arrests being made over alleged match fixing. "The Football Conference takes all matters relating to the integrity of the game very seriously but it cannot make any comment on today's story as it would be inappropriate to do so." The men were held after an undercover investigation by The Daily Telegraph newspaper. It filmed a meeting in Manchester with an alleged fixer from Singapore who claimed gamblers could make hundreds of thousands of pounds placing bets with companies in Asia. The man reportedly planned to target two matches this month. Explaining how he would ensure players deliver a particular score line, he told an undercover reporter: "In England the cost is very high... usually for the players it is 70,000. "So I talk to them. Double confirm. I also tell them, I tell ... this [is] what I want ... Because simple, I commit myself and they commit. So you tell me how many goals ... Give me at least five... either 3-2, 4-0 or zero, ... for me four is enough." It is not believed that any Premier League sides are involved in the scandal, but the identities of the clubs affected cannot be disclosed for legal reasons. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that it has liaised with the NCA during their investigation. In one of the Manchester meetings, the alleged fixer explained that the syndicate would use a yellow card at the beginning of the game as signal that the match was fixed. He said: "For example, within the first 10 minutes, I will ask them to take one yellow card. So, one yellow card is about 5,000. "So I say [to the player], okay, in the first 10 minutes I need to see the yellow. If there's no yellow, that's it, I will not pay you anything." In a statement, Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey said the league had not yet been contacted by the police. We understand from media reports that there is an ongoing Police investigation into alleged match fixing in domestic football, the statement said. To date, we have had no contact from the Police regarding this matter. The threat of corruption is something that The Football League and the other football authorities treat with the utmost seriousness.

The integrity of our matches and our competitions is the bedrock of the domestic game."

Jack Wilshere: Of all the Arsenal departures, Cesc Fabregas was the hardest to take - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The England midfielder admitted he was "really upset" when Spanish role model Fabregas swapped Arsenal for Barcelona in 2011. Wilshere believes Arsenal felt the loss of Fabregas more keenly than the departure of Robin Van Persie, even though the Holland striker's goals secured the Barclays Premier League title for Manchester United last term. But 21-year-old Wilshere is confident new recruit Mesut Ozil can fill the void left by the likes of Fabregas and Van Persie's exits. "The one I was really upset about leaving was Fabregas, I learned so much from just watching him," he told Arsenal's official club website. "He's similar to me starting at a young age. "I was the most upset about him leaving. But to arrive I'm excited about Ozil, he's settled in nicely. "His first game away at Sunderland he got an assist and was man of the match. "He plays the Arsenal way and I think there's a lot more to come. "He's so comfortable on the ball, right foot, left foot. "If you look at his stats he runs the most, he makes it look easy but that only masks how hard he works." Wilshere hailed boss Arsene Wenger's "special care" as the driving force behind his blossoming Arsenal and England career. The Stevenage-born playmaker said the long-serving French manager's loyalty even through lean spells of form helps get the best out of Arsenal's young talent. Wilshere said: "He's been the main person in my career: he gave me a chance when I was 16. "He gave me special care, put his arm around me, he picked me out and gave me the chance to train with the first team every day and that helped my career massively, just learning from the way they play. "Sending me on loan to Bolton, learning to play the Premier League way, that was important too. "Some games I didn't play well but he still stuck with me when I made mistakes. If you make mistakes he sticks with you, and that's huge. "I feel like I've been around for a long time now, I should be used to playing week in, week out. "I'm 21 but in football ages I'm a bit older than that. I've got a few years' experience and hopefully that can help me, so I'm looking forward to the next three to four years." Wilshere revealed he would love his two-year old son Archie to play for Arsenal one day, and also confirmed an interest in coaching when his own playing days come to an end. "I'd like to think coaching," he said. "Even yesterday I took a youth session and I like teaching youngsters about football. "That's the only thing I wanted to do growing up.

"I would have been so happy growing up if a professional footballer had come back and given me some advice." PA

Former Tottenham chairman Alan Sugar wants Sir Alex Ferguson to come out of retirement and replace Andre Villas-Boas - Premier League - Football The Independent
Villas-Boas' position as Tottenham manager has come under scrutiny in recent weeks because of a dip in form. Tottenham lost 6-0 at Manchester City on Sunday and Sugar has become bemused with the way the Portuguese has set his team out in recent matches. Sugar's main role in TV show The Apprentice is to fire contestants who are not up to the job, and the successful entrepreneur, who now sits in the House of Lords, clearly feels Villas-Boas has not been up to scratch himself so far. "I've struggled to understand AVB's tactics," Sugar told talkSPORT "You wonder how we are going to get a goal. "Four, five or even six games before [the 6-0 defeat to Manchester City] you couldn't see where the goals were coming from. "The formation that AVB plays, I don't understand at all. I put my hands up, I am no great football expert, but I don't understand it at all." And Sugar would like to see Ferguson replace Villas-Boas. "My dream would be that my good friend Sir Alex Ferguson will get itchy feet in about a year or so and decide he wants to get back into management and maybe bring his wonderful wife down to London and manage our team," Sugar added. "If he comes to watch the game, I will suggest some nice houses for him and his wife to stay in."

Andre Villas-Boas the manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur A 100million summer spending spree raised hopes among the Tottenham faithful, but that hope has given way to fear, especially as a rampant Manchester United team are due at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Sugar added: "(Chairman) Daniel Levy did a very good deal with [Gareth] Bale. He was going, there was nothing he could do about it, and he has given (sporting director) Franco Baldini the money to go out and spend, but I wonder if it is just a case of spending for the sake of spending it. "Maybe we should have sat back a few moments and been a bit selective, a bit like (Arsenal boss) Arsene Wenger."

PA

Mathieu Flamini sleeves row: Lee Dixon backs Arsene Wenger and says club tradition must be respected - Premier League - Football - The Independent
The French midfielder angered his manager by cutting the sleeves off his long-sleeved shirt for his last two appearances for the Gunners. It is tradition at the club that the match-day captain will decide whether the team will wear long or short sleeves for the match. Flamini, who is in his second spell at Arsenal after re-signing in the summer, first cut his sleeves for the 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on 10 November, a decision which riled kit man Vic Akers. The 29-year-old did it again for the 2-0 win Champions League win over Marseilles on Wednesday night, after which Wenger said: I don't like that and he will not do that again. It is a club tradition and I was surprised. We don't want that. Though he has since reportedly backed down, Flamini said afterwards: Ive been playing at the top level for 10 years and I like to wear short sleeves. Former right-back Dixon, who made 619 appearances for the Gunners between 1988 and 2002, admitted that he, like Flamini, preferred to play with short sleeves, but said that respecting club tradition is of paramount importance. I liked to wear short sleeves too, he said. But I wore the same as the captain. Club tradition must remain at all costs. Rodders [captain Tony Adams] used to ask the players to vote. If it was long then I rolled them up.

Mathieu Flamini and his cut sleeves for Manchester United defeat

Lee Dixon (right) and his rolled up sleeves in 2002

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 'I don't need the Ballon d'Or to know I'm the best' European - Football - The Independent
Despite the PSG striker being an outsider to win the Fifa Ballon d'Or - Cristiano Ronaldo, Franck Ribery and Lionel Messi are all ahead of him according to the bookmakers - that hasn't put Ibrahimovic off claiming he is the best footballer there is. Speaking after last night's Champions League game in which PSG beat Olympiakos and Ibrahimovic took his European tally for the season to eight, the striker said: "I don't need the Ballon d'Or to know I'm the best." It has been a fine year for the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker in which he helped PSG claim the Ligue 1 title, put four goals past England and took Sweden to the verge of the World Cup with two goals in their play-off against Portugual. However, it was in that play-off that Ronaldo made his boldest claim to the Fifa Ballon d'Or, scoring all four of Portugal's goals to ensure he and his country will be taking part in next summer's carnival in Brazil. Last night, Real Madrid fans showed their support for Ronaldo winning the award by wearing face masks and unfurling banners during their game against Galatasaray. Ronaldo thanked them on Twitter and is understood to be desperate to be recognised as the best player in the world. But for Ibrahimovic, picking up the award, which will be presented in January, is not so important. "It matters more to some players," he said.

Premier League appoint former Team Sky director to help development of home-grown players - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
Hunt has switched to football from cycling, having previously been the sports director at Team Sky. He will support the Premier League and its clubs in the implementation of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) - the youth development system that was launched at the beginning of last season with the aim of developing more and better home-grown players. "It is clear that the delivery of the Elite Player Performance Plan is a huge priority for the Premier League and for clubs," Hunt said on the Premier League's official website. "I am looking forward to helping at this very exciting time, using the knowledge and skills I have gained from working with some of the top athletes and coaches in cycling, and from being involved in global competitions like the Tour de France and two Olympic Games." Hunt, who coached Great Britain's men to Olympic team pursuit gold at the London 2012 Games, only took up his sports director post with Team Sky in January. Since then, Team Sky rider Chris Froome has won the 2013 Tour de France, following on from his fellow Briton and team-mate Sir Bradley Wiggins' triumph in the event a year earlier.

Hunt was also employed by Team Sky as a race coach in its inaugural season in 2010, dovetailing his work on the road with his coaching position on the track within British Cycling, before focusing on the latter as London 2012 drew near. He worked with the GB women's track endurance team that enjoyed gold medal success at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and, prior to that, in coaching and sports science roles at the Welsh Institute of Sport and University of Bath. Regarding Hunt's new role, Premier League director of youth Ged Roddy said: "The Premier League and the clubs are in the process of developing a world-leading academy system through the implementation of EPPP and the continual assessment and improvement of performance is a hugely important part of that. "Dan Hunt has been closely involved in one the highest performing elite environments in world sport. "He has made significant contributions to the recent successes of Team Sky, and British Cycling at both the London and Beijing Olympic Games. "He has first-hand experience of applying science, psychology, medicine and nutrition to sports development and we look forward to him bringing his skills and experience to the Premier League as we continue our work with clubs." Football Association chairman Greg Dyke believes action is needed to address what he has described as a "frightening trend" of the reduction in the number of English players in the Premier League, and is heading a commission that has the aim of improving the England national team's long-term prospects. The Premier League turned down an offer from Dyke for its chairman Anthony Fry to take up a seat with the group but insists it is part of the commission, engaging with it as a collective. PA

The managerial sack race - 2013/14 - News & Comment - Football - The Independent
With a mix of tetchy chairmen, disgruntled fans and wacky coaching methods conspiring to bring managerial reigns to an end, here, we guide you through the departures since the 2013/14 season kicked off. Click HERE or click 'VIEW GALLERY' to launch our guide.

Who needs Cristiano Ronaldo? Gareth Bale hailed as a 'leader' by Spanish press - Football - Sport - The Independent
In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was out of the 4-1 victory with a leg muscle strain, Madrid-based daily newspaper Marca wrote that Bale was integral to all of Reals attacking in the win, and that the 24-year-old shone at the Bernabeu. The team needed a leader on the pitch and all eyes were on Gareth Bale, Santiago Siguero wrote in Marca. Real was at its best when the Welshman shone. It was Bales second free-kick goal for Madrid since his world record move from Tottenham in the summer, bringing his total up to 11 goals-assists (6 goals-5 assists) from his 12 matches for Real this season. Watch the free-kick below...

Sean O'Driscoll sacked by Bristol City after just 10 months in charge -

Football League - Football - The Independent

The 56-year-old, who had been in charge for just 10 months, leaves Ashton Gate with the team currently 22nd in the Sky Bet League One table, having managed only two wins in 18 matches this season. "We have given the situation as much time as we could to improve but have become increasingly concerned about the club's league position and have decided that a change of head coach will give the club the best possible chance of improving this," vice chairman Jon Lansdown wrote in an email to supporters. "The league table does not lie. We are currently in the relegation zone and have been there for most of the season. This is not acceptable and the board feels that it needs to take action to try and rectify this; we need to move to ensure that results on the pitch keep up with progress off the pitch. "It is vital that we now look to appoint a head coach who buys into our strategy and can help us to continue to grow and develop it successfully. This, of course, includes results on the pitch. "This is an important decision and one which we will take careful consideration and diligence in making." O'Driscoll oversaw just 11 victories during his 40 games at the helm of the Robins as they suffered relegation to League One and then struggled at the foot of the third tier. Having gone 12 league games without a win, O'Driscoll oversaw two wins from three league games heading into November but a defeat to Sheffield United and draws with Tranmere and finally Leyton Orient on Tuesday proved to be his last matches at the helm. John Pemberton will take charge of the first team for Saturday's visit to Preston. PA

Everton will not use Leighton Baines lay-off as excuse to open contract talks Premier League - Football - The Independent
The England left-back has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a broken bone in his right foot but the Toffees boss said the focus in that period will be on the defender's fitness and not his future. Manchester United failed with a bid for the 28-year-old in the summer and speculation remains former Everton manager David Moyes will return with a new offer when the January transfer window opens. Baines has just over 18 months remaining on his current deal but Martinez said they were in no rush to tie him down in the long term. "I think the injury doesn't change anything," said Martinez. "All our plans have always been the same. We want to have Leighton for the long term and that will never change. "The injury is a setback as you can imagine but we will use it to regenerate him, to give him a bit of a breather as he has been playing week in, week out and has had a lot of big demands on him because he's been playing international football also. "It is a period we are going to use in our favour but, in terms of his contractual situation, it will never change what our thoughts were and our strategy behind the scenes." There has been talk of a new deal for full-back Tony Hibbert, who has made just one 66-minute Capital One Cup appearance this season because of a calf injury. However, Martinez said while he wanted to keep the 32-year-old defender, whose contract expires next summer,

there had been no developments. "Tony Hibbert and (fellow academy graduate) Leon Osman are unique characters. They are more than players, they represent the club and give direction to the new players coming in, youngsters and foreigners," said the Spaniard. "Tony is someone I want to have at the club as long as we can. "Another aspect is to see how he is after the injury. All he wants is to focus on his fitness and fight to earn a place in the team. "I didn't think it is the moment to look any further. He is a gem of a person, a special person to have at a football club." Martinez received a lift on the injury front this week with centre-back Antolin Alcaraz, who has yet to make his debut following a summer move from Wigan because of injury, improving his match fitness. "Alcaraz is ready now. We had a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier in the week and he came through that," said the Toffees boss. "Now it is just measuring his match fitness and being able to give him the time he needs to pick up the pace. "He is fully fit, anxious to come back and help the team which is a positive point. "It is important he is fully fit for the Christmas period because we are going to need everyone and Antolin needs to be ready. "What I'm not going to do is push him too early after the spell he had to endure on the sidelines." PA

Samir Nasri calls for improved Manchester City defence - European Football - The Independent
Manager Manuel Pellegrini criticised his side's defending after they laboured to a 4-2 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League. The Czech side caused a number of problems for City at the Etihad Stadium and it took late goals from Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko to secure victory in the Group D encounter. Ultimately it may have mattered little as City had already secured their place in the last 16, but defensive issues - in the continued absence of captain Vincent Kompany - keep recurring. Nasri knows the freescoring attack - which has now rattled in 22 goals in the last four home games - cannot repeatedly come to the side's rescue. The France international, one of City's four goalscorers, said: "We are scoring a lot of goals but we cannot score four goals every game. "We need to improve how we defend as a team. "We conceded two goals. In the last game in the Champions League we conceded two as well and (against) Bayern Munich three. "We need to improve, as a team, how to defend, especially in the Champions League. "Then, if we can continue this form, it will be amazing."

One person who could not be blamed for the goals conceded was Joe Hart, who was restored to the team after games on the bench. The England goalkeeper was dropped earlier this month after a series of errors but made some good saves and, importantly, no mistakes on his return. Pellegrini would not say whether he would keep his place for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash against Swansea or if Costel Pantilimon would come back in. But Nasri feels that competition might be helping Hart. He said: "That's good. In every big club you have competition in your position. "For me Joe Hart had a fine game with fine saves. It is good for him, it is good for his trust and for the whole team." City twice surrendered a lead after a penalty from Sergio Aguero - his 15th goal in 12 appearances - and a Nasri volley had put them ahead. Tomas Horava and Stanislav Tecl scored the Czech side's equalisers but their spirited display was eventually killed off by a tap-in from substitute Negredo and a Dzeko header in the last 12 minutes. Nasri also hit the bar on what was his 100th City appearance, maintaining his superb recent form. The 26-year-old said: "It is good to score, especially as it was my 100th game at Manchester City. "But the most important thing was to win and finish with a win at home in this group stage, and be focused on Sunday's game." The win kept City's hopes of finishing top of their group alive, although they will need to win by at least 3-0 in their last game at Bayern Munich in a fortnight. Key midfielder Yaya Toure will also be suspended for trip after being booked late in the game. Nasri said: "We are going to go there and try to win the game because we want to finish top of the group. "The first objective was to go through the group stage because the last two years we struggled, but now we are going to go there and play without pressure." PA

Manchester City 4 Viktoria Plzen 2: Joe Hart impresses in Champions League victory - European - Football - The Independent
Goals from Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko in the last 12 minutes finished off the spirited Czech minnows as City won 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium in their latest Group D fixture. Plzen had twice come from behind to level with goals from Tomas Horava and Stanislav Tecl after Sergio Aguero, from the penalty spot, and Samir Nasri put City ahead. Goalkeeper Hart, playing his first City game for a month, was not at fault for either of the goals conceded and impressed with some good saves - but the same could not be said for the rest of the defence. Despite goals flowing at the other end - 22 in the last four home games - questions have recurred about the back line throughout the season, particularly with captain Vincent Kompany out injured. Manager Manuel Pellegrini said: "One of the most important things to be an attacking team is to know how to defend

well. Today we did very, very bad. "I am talking about the whole team. I think the whole team must know how to defend." Pellegrini was at least pleased with Hart's performance but would not say whether he would remain in goal for Sunday's Barclays Premier League visit of Swansea. The England number one lost his place earlier this month after a series of errors and had sat out City's previous five games, with Costel Pantilimon playing in his place. Pellegrini said: "I think Joe Hart played very well. "I didn't expect that he would have to work so much during the game but I think this is the match when the other team - including Champions League and Premier League (games) - had the most chances to score. "Today I am not thinking about Premier League. From tomorrow, we will start thinking about who is the best XI to start for the next game, from the goalkeeper to the other players." City's win meant they retained hope of finishing top of Group D, although they will need to beat champions Bayern Munich convincingly in their last game to do so. They made hard work of the victory as, after a bright opening in which Nasri hit the bar, they allowed winless Plzen to ease back into the game. Aguero looked to have banished worries by converting from the spot for his 15th goal in 12 games after a handball by Frantisek Rajtoral, but Horava cancelled it out with a powerful strike. Nasri volleyed City back ahead but again Plzen responded, with a well-worked Tecl goal. Pellegrini said: "I am satisfied because we won the game 4-2 but I don't think we played well. "We didn't play with the intensity and the pace we have been playing with here at home." PA

Ryan Giggs is 'getting better' with age, suggests Manchester United manager David Moyes - European - Football - The Independent
The Manchester United veteran celebrates his 40th birthday on Friday, having made a major contribution to his side's amazing 5-0 Champions League hammering of Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. Already, there is speculation Moyes will be prepared to extend Giggs' career into yet another season. It is not a decision that needs to be made just now - and Moyes is happy to revel in the Welshman's continuing genius. "People mention his age but all you should talk about is his fooball ability," said Moyes. "He is an unbelievable footballer - and you could say he is getting better. "His vision and pass for Nani's goal were fantastic. "He is a wonderful player and I am really fortunate to be working with him. "He will tell us when he has enough, or when he thinks his time is up. But his performances since I came have been excellent."

Though Wayne Rooney did not get his name on the scoresheet, his name was stamped all over United's biggest European away win since 1964. Only once have the Red Devils won by a wider margin on their travels in Europe and they were also the first English side to inflict such a heavy defeat on German opposition in their own country since the Champions League was launched in 1992. Remarkable, Rooney collected the first four assists and was off the pitch when Nani scored United's fifth. It was his cross that provided Antonio Valencia with a first half tap-in and Rooney who then curled over the freekick that was headed into his own net by Emir Spahic as United took command before the break. But the striker was not finished. His close-range shot midway through the second period was too hot for Bernd Leno to hold, allowing Jonny Evans to finish off and then he lobbed a pass to Chris Smalling. Little wonder Moyes said prior to the game he had no intention of tempering the 28-year-old's aggressive instincts. And though the Scot feels Rooney may need a break at some point, it is not going to happen any time soon. "Wayne does not need a rest just now but I will be watching for any sign he does," said Moyes. "We need people in form and fit, so I want to keep him as fresh as I can. "He is one of those players who is probably better playing, but I don't want to find myself losing him for five or six games somewhere in the season." United have now confirmed their place in the last 16, although they still require a point against Shakhtar Donetsk at Old Trafford in a fortnight to secure top spot and avoid a potentially hazardous knockout round draw. PA

Cesar Azpilicueta confident of collective improvement at Chelsea following defeat to Basel - Premier League - Football - The Independent
With nine games next month, December is a time when Chelsea can show their Barclays Premier League title credentials as they bid to win the championship for the first time since 2010. Jose Mourinho has described the period as "only for the braves" and is planning to make regular changes to his side to cope with the congestion. Spain right-back Azpilicueta, who has been deployed at left-back in recent weeks, believes every member of the Chelsea squad can play their part. "We have nine games in December and that's a lot," Azpilicueta said. "We need the whole squad, there are a lot of games and if we are to win trophies, we need everyone. "The most important thing is the next game against Southampton, especially after beating West Ham we need to get three points at home." Sunday's Southampton contest carries additional significance as Mourinho will demand a response from the lacklustre loss at Basle, when Chelsea failed to muster a meaningful shot on goal just a few days after a dominant display at West Ham. "Sometimes it happens," Azpilicueta added. "One day you play really well, three days later really bad.

"Sometimes it happens," Azpilicueta added. "One day you play really well, three days later really bad. "We don't want to have this kind of movement in our performance because it's important to keep your balance, to play well every day. "Sometimes you cannot play very well but the most important thing is to win. "Sometimes we don't keep the level to win every game. For Chelsea that cannot be possible. "Sometimes you can lose for sure, but I think we can play better and have better games." Mourinho was scathing after the 2-0 loss at Newcastle early in November, but refused to criticise his "tired" players following a second defeat to Basle in Champions League Group E. Despite the loss the Blues advanced to the last 16, although they must beat Steaua Bucharest on December 11 to go through as group winners. Azpilicueta was apologetic to the supporters who made the trip to Switzerland. He said: "We didn't want to do this. We tried to do our best and it's true they came from London and a lot of countries to be here and we didn't have our best game. "The only thing I can say is that for the next game we will try to do better and score goals." Azpilicueta believes the mental fatigue must be as carefully managed as the physical tiredness. "It's normal when you play every three days that the players feel a little more tired," he added. "The most important thing is the mental approach, to forget the tiredness of the body." Azpilicueta has impressed since being drafted in at left-back, playing on his 'wrong' flank, in part due to Ashley Cole's niggling rib problem. The Spaniard said: "The most important thing is to think about the team. The manager asked me to play there so I try to do my best. "Everyone in the squad wants to play and help the team." PA

Mesut Ozil will get better, claims Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker Premier League - Football - The Independent
The 25-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Real Madrid in a club-record deal on transfer deadline day, saw his tame first-half penalty saved against Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but then provided the perfect pass for Jack Wilshere to fire in a second goal which all but sealed a place in the knockout stages. Ozil has returned a number of subdued displays since his high-profile move three months ago. However, Mertesacker - who is now an integral part of the defence after initially struggling for consistency after he joined from Werder Bremen in August 2011 - believes the best is still to come from his fellow Germany international. "Mesut has made good progress. He is in good form and you can see that," Mertesacker said. "He was always a threat (against Marseille) and he never gave up after the penalty that he missed. "We are very delighted with him, especially in the transition from defence to offence, when he is always a threat.

"He can play the balls, he is the one who always goes deep all of the time. He is in good form and I think we will see more." Mertesacker added: "Sometimes he looks like his head is going down, but we said at half-time that we do not care (about the missed penalty). We just go on and that is what he did." Ozil's arrival seemed to lift the whole club, with a renewed sense Arsene Wenger's current crop of talent can finally come of age in 2014. The contribution of Ozil within the team, allowing the likes of Wilshere - who scored his first goal against Marseille inside the opening 30 seconds - and Aaron Ramsey more freedom, is not lost on Mertesacker. "Mesut moves well between the lines, so it is always difficult to defend against him," the 6ft 6in defender said. "When the centre-back comes out with him, there is always space for others to go in, so he helps us create more chances. "We are playing well as a team and we should continue that in the Champions League and the Premier League." Arsenal travel to Cardiff on Saturday aiming to consolidate their place at the top of the table. Mertesacker said: "We are on a good run and we are in a good position. We want to keep that." PA

Sport - Motor racing

F1: What might Formula One look like in 2030? F1: Pastor Maldonado replaces Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus F1: Ross Brawn to step down as Mercedes team principal

F1: What might Formula One look like in 2030? - Motor Racing - Sport - The Independent
That's one of the possibilities put forward in a new feature length film that will explore what the pinnacle of motorsport might look like in 2030. Human Ignition, which is being produced in conjunction with the Lotus F1 Team, will feature some of the greatest minds in motorsport and will see some bold claims about the future of the industry. Perhaps the most poignant question of all might be - will anyone else but Sebastian Vettel have won a World Championship by then?

You can watch the trailer below...

F1: Pastor Maldonado replaces Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus - Motor Racing Sport - The Independent
Maldonado replaces Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen at the Enstone-based team, the Venezuelan partnering Romain Grosjean who has been retained for a third season.

Lotus have been forced to move for Maldonado given he continues to be heavily sponsored by Venezuela's stateowned oil and gas giant PDVSA. Although Nico Hulkenberg was team principal Eric Boullier's first choice, that was only on the proviso Lotus tied up a deal for the Quantum Motorsports consortium to take a 35 per cent stake in the team. However, with talks with Quantum Motorsports having failed to reach an agreement as yet, Boullier has had to turn to Maldonado over Hulkenberg, who is set to return to Force India after a year with Sauber. Boullier said: "It is with great pleasure that we can formally confirm that Romain Grosjean will continue with Lotus F1 Team next season. He has really made the most of his tremendous talent over the latter part of the 2013 season and will be a fantastic asset to our 2014 challenge. "Romain will be joined by Pastor Maldonado. It is clear that Pastor has pace and potential - demonstrated by his 2010 GP2 Series title success and then through strong races throughout his career at Williams F1 Team - and we are convinced that we will be able to provide the correct environment to enable him to flourish regularly on track. "With Romain and Pastor I believe Lotus F1 Team will be able to cause quite a few surprises next year." Maldonado joins Lotus after three difficult years at Williams, where the obvious highlight was his surprise victory in the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix. The 28-year-old, who is being replaced by Felipe Massa, earlier this month claimed he was "happy" to be leaving Williams, believing he had delivered more to them than they had done for him. Now Maldonado has the chance to prove himself in a front-running team that finished fourth in this year's constructors' championship. "It is a fantastic opportunity for me to join Lotus F1 Team for 2014," said Maldonado. "It's no secret that I have wanted a change of scene to help push on with my Formula 1 career and Lotus F1 Team offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season. "The regulations and cars will change significantly so it is a very good time for a fresh start. I can't wait to be racing in black and gold." As for Grosjean, the Frenchman has performed superbly over the second half of the season, finishing on the podium four times in five races prior to ending the campaign with an engine blow-out in Brazil on Sunday. Grosjean said: "I am very happy to have official confirmation that I will be continuing to drive for Lotus F1 Team next season. "This past year has been tremendously satisfying for me. We have worked well together, and I know everyone at Enstone is motivated to continue the fight for every last point available." PA

F1: Ross Brawn to step down as Mercedes team principal - Motor Racing Sport - The Independent
Brawn made clear at the start of the year he would only remain in charge if he could be the point of reference. But, after lengthy discussions, the Brackley-based team is now to be run by Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe in their roles as executive director (business) and executive director (technical) respectively. Brawn, who will formally leave the team on December 31, said: "The most important consideration in my decision to

Brawn, who will formally leave the team on December 31, said: "The most important consideration in my decision to step down from the role as team principal was to ensure that the timing was right for the team in order to ensure its future success. "The succession planning process that we have implemented during this year means we are now ready to conduct the transition from my current responsibilities to a new leadership team composed of Toto and Paddy." Non-executive chairman Niki Lauda has tried for months to persuade one of the most successful men in the sport to stay on, especially ahead of the most dramatic change in the regulations for 2014. The V8-powered era came to an end with Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, with Formula One to run turbo-charged 1.6-litre V6 powertrains from next season. Despite that, and on the back of Mercedes' highest finish in the constructors' championship this season since their return to the sport in 2010 with second, Brawn feels compelled to leave.

Believing he departs with the team in good shape, Brawn added: "Mercedes-Benz has invested significantly in both the personnel and infrastructure at Brackley and Brixworth (engines). "Thanks to the one-team approach we have implemented between the two facilities, the team is uniquely positioned to succeed in 2014 and I am proud to have helped lay the foundations for that success. "However, 2014 will mark the beginning of a new era in the sport. "We therefore felt this was the right time to simultaneously begin a new era of team management to ensure the organisation is in the strongest possible competitive position for the years to come. "We can take pride not just in our on-track achievements but also in the organisation we have built at Brackley. "In its different guises over the past six seasons this team has delivered some of the most memorable moments of my career. "Our second place in this season's constructors' championship is an important milestone on the road to championship

success. "I am confident the future will hold just as much success for the team and will take real pride in having played my own part in those achievements." Despite Lauda's efforts to keep Brawn on board, the three-times F1 world champion appreciates he was ultimately powerless to stop him from quitting. "First of all and most importantly, we must say thank you to Ross," Lauda said. "When you consider the step that has been made from finishing fifth in 2012 to the second place that we have secured this season, he has been the architect of this success. "He put the plans in place to recruit key people since early 2011, and the performance this season shows the team is on the right track. "We have had long discussions with Ross about how he could continue with the team, but it is a basic fact you cannot hold somebody back when they have chosen to move on. "Ross has decided this is the right time to hand over the reins to Toto and Paddy and we respect his decision. "Toto and Paddy are the right people to lead our team in 2014 and beyond." Upon the arrival of Lowe from McLaren in the middle of the year, Brawn remarked at the time there would be "a soft handover". It is now clear the past months have represented that phase. Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: "Last winter we restructured the management of our Formula One activities, with the support of Niki. "The first step was to convince Toto to join us (from Williams) to run our Mercedes-Benz motorsport activities and our Formula One company. "The second step was the recruitment of Paddy during 2013. "This gave us a clear succession plan for the time when Ross decided to step down from his current role, and that time has now come. "I have every confidence Toto and Paddy will build on Ross' good work and they possess exactly the balance of skills required to lead our team to world championship success. "I would like to personally thank Ross for the calm authority with which he has led our works team since 2010, for his crucial contribution to our team's development and also for the undoubted share he will have in our future success. "It has been a pleasure working with him over the past four years and I extend all my very best wishes to him for the future." Brawn has appreciably linked with a number of roles, notably with regard to Honda's return to F1 in 2015 when they will supply McLaren with the new powertrain units, along with a position at the FIA. Brawn, who celebrated his 59th birthday on Saturday, has played a part in 16 titles overall - eight drivers' and eight constructors'. Arguably his most defining moment came in 2009 when, with his own team following Honda's exit from F1, he helped Jenson Button claim the world title.

PA

Sport - Racing

Merry King set to bring Hennessy Gold Cup cheer

Merry King set to bring Hennessy Gold Cup cheer - Racing - Sport - The Independent
And still, even with valuable alternative targets in the autumn programme, this is the race for rising staying chasers. Last years winner, Bobs Worth, went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, after proving a leading novice the previous season. More often than not these days, the Hennessy is won by a young horse on the up; all but four of this afternoons 21 runners at Newbury are either six- or seven-year-olds and the vast majority of them are second-season chasers. The trend is bucked occasionally in recent years by the tank that was Denman and by the tough-as-old-boots Carruthers providing hope to the small band of oldies, which includes the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Imperial Commander, who his trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies, insists is still a long way from requiring a bus pass, though rising 13. Lord Windermere, the winner of last seasons RSA Chase at Cheltenham, would appear to boast a perfect profile. Jim Culloty, his trainer, who is most famous for riding Best Mate to three Gold Cup triumphs, is extremely bullish about his chances and no less confident after an enforced late jockey change Dougie Costello deputises for Robbie McNamara, who broke a collarbone yesterday morning. But while the statistic that no Irish-trained horse has won the Hennessy for 33 years might have limited relevance, the ratings-based observation that the most recent RSA Chase was slightly substandard does carry weight. Rocky Creek also appears to fit the Hennessy bill and is understandably among the market leaders in what is always a furious betting heat. With one eye already on this race, his trainer, Paul Nicholls, opted to swerve Cheltenham last March and that resistance to temptation might now be rewarded. But better value may lie further down the handicap in Merry King (3.00 Newbury), who will be attempting to give trainer Jonjo ONeill and rider Richie McLernon their second major November prize following the success of Johns Spirit in the Paddy Power Chase. Merry King is a stamina-laden version of Johns Spirit, now ready to show what he is really made of after displaying abundant promise on carefully chosen missions. Match-fit following an encouraging return at Ascot a month ago, he is set for his breakthrough into the big time. Last years top staying novice hurdler, At Fishers Cross (2.25 Newbury), is generally regarded as heir apparent to the sidelined Big Bucks, but we will know how serious that challenge is after he has taken on a small but select field in the Long Distance Hurdle. Mischievous Milly (1.50 Newbury) showed enough on her recent return to action to suggest she will be hard to beat in the opener, while the unexposed Filbert (3.35 Newbury) will also be sharper for his comeback outing at Ascot earlier this month and is preferred to Tetlami in the two-mile handicap chase. My Tent Or Yours (2.05 Newcastle) and Tony McCoy are the star attractions at Gosforth Park and nothing less than a victory in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle will satisfy connections with eyes already fixed on the Champion Hurdle in

a victory in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle will satisfy connections with eyes already fixed on the Champion Hurdle in March. Nicky Hendersons six-year-old will not be much of a price, but a few quid on Sue Smiths progressive chaser, Vintage Star (2.40 Newcastle) in the Rehearsal Chase should net a decent return. For more information about horseracing, visit Lovetheraces.com

Sport - Rugby Union

Premiership Weekend Preview: Nathan Catts chance to put Exeter under pressure Wales vs Australia: Can Wales end the Aussie Six Nations hoodoo? Jamie Roberts: Wales are long overdue a win against Australia in Six Nations London Irish and England wing Marland Yarde ruled out for up to 14 weeks and could miss entire Six Nations campaign French clubs flinch in latest Heineken Cup twist Rugby World Cup 2015: Organisers urged to reschedule late kick-offs

Premiership Weekend Preview: Nathan Catts chance to put Exeter under pressure - Club Rugby - Rugby Union - The Independent
Bath spent last weekend pushing the Wasps pack from one side of Buckinghamshire to the other, so the decision to stick with Nathan Catt at loose-head prop ahead of the returning Wales front-rower Paul James makes far more sense than some other selection calls at the Recreation Ground this season. Catts career, promising and infuriating in equal measure, may just have turned a corner six days ago. If he delivers a performance of equal stature against stiffer opposition today, who knows where he might end up? With two quality southern hemisphere internationals the Argentina wing Horacio Agulla and the exceptional South African flanker Francois Louw back in the mix, the home side are well capable of preserving their excellent Premiership record against the Devonians. But Exeter are nobodys fools, and with Luke Arscotts return at full-back giving the Chiefs more of a cutting edge behind the scrum, this should be one of the more competitive West Country derbies of the campaign. Newcastle v Harlequins Tomorrow, 2.30pm If you thought the fake blood affair at Harlequins had finally been consigned to the cesspit of rugby history, think again: Dean Richards, the villain of the piece, will be the centre of attention at Kingston Park tomorrow afternoon as he fronts up against his old club for the first time since the dirty tricks scandal of 2009. Not that Richards will be reflecting too much on the sins of the past. He has better things to think about namely, edging his Newcastle side further away from the relegation zone. They are already 11 points clear of Worcester, but the Great Shambling Bear will not feel comfortable until the gap is nearer 20 than 10. Ally Hogg, the most experienced member of the Tyneside pack, makes his 100th appearance for the club, while the Londoners have picked a high-octane unit of Joe Trayfoot, Luke Wallace and Tom Guest in the back row and will not be in the mood to hang about. London Irish v Wasps Today, 3pm The big city rivals, neither of whom actually plays in the big city nowadays, are struggling to stay on top of their own injury lists, but the orthopaedic hassles of established players at least give the new faces a chance to impress. Jimmy Stevens, a hooker from Cornwall who worked his way through the Leicester academy before switching clubs,

replaces the stricken David Paice in the Exiles front row, while Wasps hand the Tongan wing Will Helu a first Premiership start. Helu put a lovely try past Wales at the Millennium Stadium eight days ago. Something similar will improve the mood of David Young, his rugby director at club level, following last weekends pitiful showing against Bath. Saracens v Sale Today, 3pm For reasons best known to themselves, Saracens are offering free entry to todays game in Hendon to anyone dressed as Elvis Presley. It is tempting to suggest there is more chance of discovering the real Elvis living in a garden hut just off the North Circular than of Sale beating the league leaders on their own artificial turf especially as the 2011 champions have found a way of running Alex Goode, Owen Farrell and Charlie Hodgson in the same back division. Worcester v Northampton Today, 3pm Northampton look just a little light outside the scrum, thanks to the enforced absences of Ben Foden, Jamie Elliott, James Wilson and Kahn Fotualii. There again, they have Dylan Hartley, Samu Manoa and Tom Wood back between the shafts up front. Worcester are winless in the Premiership and it is difficult to see how they might put that to rights this afternoon.

Wales vs Australia: Can Wales end the Aussie Six Nations hoodoo? International - Rugby Union - The Independent
This is merely the latest fixture at the Millennium Stadium to fall outside the International Rugby Boards Test window, and while the beleaguered governing body shows no sign of understanding that a non-closing window is nothing more than a bloody great hole, there are a lot of union folk out there players, coaches, investors, sponsors, broadcasters who are growing increasingly exasperated by these annual add-ons. The Welsh Rugby Union will say it needs the cash. So too the Australians, who are implementing salary cuts for players at the top level. Even the mighty All Blacks show for dough at this time of year and have been known to demand seven-figure sums in an effort to keep the wolf from the door. But the sport is not made of money and there will have to be a reality check sooner or later. As one seasoned chronicler of the union code has been known to lament: So they want more dosh? Id like to marry Helen Mirren, but its not going to happen. Yet we plough on for the time being, and while there are more sightings of the Wallabies these days than there are episodes of MasterChef, todays game will at least provide an accurate measure of the balance of rugby power between the northern and southern hemispheres as the build-up to the next World Cup moves up a notch. Should the tourists do enough to retain third place in the official rankings behind New Zealand and South Africa, the message they send out will be loud and clear. Certainly, a Wallaby victory will hurt Wales badly, and as the Six Nations champions are indisputably the best side in Europe on a good day, the pain will be felt more widely especially as the All Blacks and the Springboks have already blazed their way across the continent without suffering a single defeat between them. It may also leave the Red Dragonhood wondering if they will ever beat Australia again. In the summer of last year, Wales lost all three Tests on their tour Down Under by the ridiculously small aggregate margin of 11 points. A little over four months later in Cardiff, they finished second again to a try at the last knockings from Kurtley Beale, deep in overtime. Its probably the hardest defeat Ive ever had to take, said Sam Warburton, the home captain, who has been taught many a tough lesson at the school of hard knocks. Along with many of those who stand alongside him this evening, Warburton now knows what it is to prevail over the men in green and gold albeit in Lions red, as opposed to the Welsh shade. But the flanker knows that if he and his brethren are to be competitive at the global gathering in 2015, where they will have to beat either Australia or England (possibly both) just to make it to the knockout stage, Wales must find a way of matching the ruthlessness of the Lions without help from a Tommy Bowe or a Jonathan Sexton, an Alex Corbisiero or a Sean OBrien.

It is ruthlessness that separates the south from the north right now that and the combination of composure and iron will that makes the Wallabies so dangerous in the closing stages of a tight Test and gives the All Blacks the wherewithal to win matches any other side in the world would surely lose, as they famously did in Dublin six days ago. Wales have plenty of players who offer what international coaches call points of difference, from Alex Cuthbert and George North on the wings to Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau in the back row. What they rarely show is the merciless instinct of the cold-eyed killer. Unless, of course, they are facing England. Alun Wyn Jones, among the most articulate of international second-row forwards as well as one of the most accomplished, acknowledged as much a couple of days ago. Were perfectly capable of beating the Wallabies, so to have lost so narrowly to them on so many occasions its frustrating, if not maddening, he said. When you look at the reasons why, you realise that at the highest level its the little things you dont do that cost you the victory. I suppose you can put it into the category of game management. Whether its chasing a game, as the All Blacks did in Ireland last week, or closing out a game, which is the situation weve found ourselves in on a number of occasions, the big southern hemisphere teams are good at it. Certainly, the New Zealanders have developed a habit of maintaining composure under pressure. The Irish did everything they could have done to win last weeks match after receiving a lot of criticism for their performance against Australia, they responded by playing with real intensity but you just knew at the end that if the All Blacks kept the ball, theyd score. Its something we need to work on: we felt we should have won at least three of those last four games with the Wallabies, but the scoreboard told us we didnt. You only learn how to play with the necessary composure at the important moments by continuing to take on the top sides in the world, by continuing to put yourselves under that pressure. The only way to do it is to do it. Jones fellow Osprey, the outside-half Dan Biggar, admires the swagger of southern hemisphere rugby, but also recognises that when they are under serious heat, the two Antipodean sides in particular take the shortest route from A to B which is not always the most adventurous or imaginative one. What strikes me is that they dont try to do too much with the ball in those pressure situations, he said. They play with a lot of confidence, yes, but also with a lot of discipline. Its somewhere we have to get to if we want to fulfil our potential. A big focus for us at the moment is on not overplaying. In the Welsh camp, there is a strong sense that the gap between north and south is narrowing. But numbers are numbers and facts are facts: the five-year win rate of the Six Nations teams against the three Sanzar countries is a paltry 14 per cent. It is lower still when you remove France from the European side of the equation. Maybe Jones is right: maybe Wales chances of maximising their chances of beating the crme de la crme of the southern hemisphere nations on a regular basis is to play them as regularly as possible. Jack Rowell, the coach who masterminded Baths long dominance of European club rugby, certainly took the more is more approach when he managed England in the mid-1990s, and the World Cup triumph in 2003 proved he had been on to something. But familiarity on the present scale cuts both ways. Australia are the cleverest rugby side around: how else to explain their competitiveness at a time of comparative weakness? Whatever Wales have learnt about the Wallabies over the recent rush of fixtures, it is safe to assume that the Wallabies have learnt every bit as much about Wales. It will be no surprise if todays curtain-down match is as tight as a drum and no one will die of shock if it turns out that the tourists know a little too much for their hosts.

Jamie Roberts: Wales are long overdue a win against Australia in Six Nations - International - Rugby Union - The Independent
Its finally time we got a scalp over a southern hemisphere side. We havent beaten New Zealand, Australia or South Africa since 2008, and thats a long time especially considering the amount of times weve played the Wallabies, them winning our last eight encounters. This is a golden opportunity to beat Australia after a very long season. Theyll be looking to end the season on a

high but the boys will just be focusing on the here and now, and I believe we have the strength in depth to deliver. We have to deliver; its that simple. Warren Gatlands given out a very positive message, backing Wales to win, and thats not just mind games from him. He genuinely believes Wales will win, as do I. As a side weve experienced some big defeats in recent seasons. There have been some tough losses, none more so than against Australia this time last year, actually the last three times weve played them. On each of those occasions weve gone into the final five minutes in contention only to lose the game at the death. Last years loss was particularly galling when Kurt Beale ran that try into the corner with 30 seconds left on the clock. I think thats one of the toughest results Ive ever had to take as a player. I remember speaking to the guys afterwards in the dressing room and we all agreed it was just the most brutal way to lose a match. But all credit to Australia, who fought for the full 80 minutes; theyre the comeback kings, arent they? As a side, you know exactly what youre going to get from them. Put simply, theyre just such a proud sporting nation that they put absolutely everything into winning. Looking back at those Wallaby defeats, weve got the key moments wrong in those games. Hindsight is a wonderful thing you dont know in advance what those key moments are going to be. The players just need to realise the serious consequences from a missed tackle, a kick to touch or whatever. In some ways, theres the Lions factor in this game, with a lot of their players looking to get one back, certainly considering the number of Welsh players that were in the Lions squad. But at the same time, this isnt the Lions, its Wales versus Australia, and the Lions tour has been put on the shelf now; its in the back of our minds. Across the park, Australia are renowned for their attacking prowess. From the first and second phases, as a defensive side you have to be on the money. I know Wales will have spent a lot of time with Shaun Edwards this week working on their defence for that first phase. Theyre very clever with that from the scrum and line-out. Of the attacking threat, youd have to say the biggest comes from Will Genia. Hes shown over the last three or four years that hes consistently one of the best No 9s in world rugby with the way that he dictates the pace of the game, his work rate around the rucks. He certainly did that against the Lions and he was a constant threat. His head-to-head against Mike Phillips will be pivotal, and I know its a battle that Mikes really looking forward to. Mikes played very well this autumn and, for whatever reason, playing against Genia seems to bring out the best in him. So Mike will be looking to make his side tick. The other big threat from the Wallabies is Quade Cooper and its good for the game that hes back in the fold, as every rugby fan knows how much of a threat he can be. The battle of the No 10s with Dan Biggar will again be key in the machinations of this game. Dans got the nod and he has to take responsibility from the kick-off, particularly as he knows that Rhys Priestland is breathing down his neck on the bench and, if it doesnt work, Rhys will be on. Both are incredibly talented players; Ive played with both, and theres not too much between them. I think Rhys is a bit more of a threat with the ball in hand, which will make him an exciting addition from the bench, whereas Dan guides the pack moving forward, has a great kicking game and is strong defensively. In some ways in that back line, its attack versus attack. In the rival backs youve got George North, Alex Cuthbert and Israel Folau and they wont mind me calling all three of them freaks. Its great to have Alex back. OK, it might be a risk putting him back into action in such an intense game after five or six weeks out but hes clearly rehabbed very well. Hes such a deadly finisher and hes grown so much as a player over the last couple of years. His pace is fantastic and, if hes near the try line, hes just so incredibly dangerous. Hes clearly ready to go.

Alongside him in that back three will be Leigh Halfpenny. Its great to see him getting nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. I know all the rugby boys will be voting for him on the night. Well try to get him the win but I see hes up against it with Andy Murray 1-33 with the bookies after his Wimbledon win. Just to be nominated is a fantastic honour for Leigh, and just reward for what hes achieved this year. Knowing Leigh, he wont have given it a moments thought the past few days, such is his focus going into Test- match rugby. Wales will need to lift themselves from last Saturday against Tonga. It wasnt a great spectacle, was it? People might not think of that game as all that important but its vital, with the young guys having got the chance to grow in that international environment, taking one more step towards the World Cup in two years time. Wales have to win this weekend, to end the autumn on a high. I back them to be leading 18-16 with five minutes to go and this time take that to the final whistle. Just a little longer to wait for my return to action Racing Mtros game against Montpellier this weekend I think is just a week too early for me. I have to be patient; theres no point risking it unless Im fully fit. I only started rugby training this week with a first run-out on Monday, and Im not quite there yet. But half of it is mental; you cant really come back unless you completely trust the injury, that you believe the problem has gone. Of course, when you come back from surgery whether its on your ankle, shoulder, wrist or whatever there are going to be moments early on in games when youre thinking about it. I think thats human nature. But Im looking forward to having my moment back on the field of play again. I wouldnt say Im apprehensive, despite being out for 11 weeks as of yesterday. Its been a while and Im excited to be back very soon.

London Irish and England wing Marland Yarde ruled out for up to 14 weeks and could miss entire Six Nations campaign - International - Rugby Union The Independent
Yarde is still in the foothills of his international career, having played one Test against Argentina in the summer and another against the Wallabies at Twickenham earlier this month, but Lancaster has identified him as first-choice material for the home World Cup in 2015. Unfortunately, the 21-year-olds chances of getting some early tournament experience under his belt were wrecked when he suffered the injury on Premiership duty at Leicester last weekend. He requires surgery and is unlikely to play again before mid-March. He therefore joins Manu Tuilagi, the senior outside centre in the country, and Alex Corbisiero, the main man at loose-head prop, on the Six Nations no go list. With the Saracens centre Brad Barritt and two of Leicesters backfive forwards, the lock Geoff Parling and the flanker Tom Croft, also among the long-term injured, it was not been a good few weeks for Lancaster on the personnel front. Ben Foden of Northampton, currently struggling with injury himself, will come under close consideration for the No 11 role when England next take the field, against France in Paris on 1 February. Lancaster may, however, accelerate moves to draft the young Bath full-back Anthony Watson in the senior squad. The head coach sees Watson as a potential wing at the top level.

French clubs flinch in latest Heineken Cup twist - Club Rugby - Rugby Union - The Independent
Twelve of the 14 elite teams in France, together with seven sides from the second-tier Pro 2 division, met at a hotel

Twelve of the 14 elite teams in France, together with seven sides from the second-tier Pro 2 division, met at a hotel near Orly Airport on the outskirts of Paris on Thursday to discuss their next move in the long-running row over how next seasons cross-border campaign would be organised. They had two choices: to continue with plans to quit the Heineken Cup and set up a rival tournament, the Rugby Champions Cup, with their English brethren; or to shelve their boycott plans and recommit themselves to the existing, if heavily revamped, competition. Despite fierce objections from several of the biggest French clubs thought to include the four-time European champions Toulouse and the two Parisian teams, Racing Metro and Stade Franais the vote went the way of the status quo, albeit with a twist. Paul Goze, the chairman of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby and the spokesman for the clubs during this damaging boardroom scrap, was reported as saying that the French contingent would remain in the Heineken Cup for one more transitional year, provided the English clubs could be persuaded to join them and on the condition that the current organising body was disbanded by the end of the 2014-15 season. Quite where this left the argument, none of the key players was remotely sure. Im trying to get more detail on exactly what was agreed, said Mark McCafferty, the chief executive of Premier Rugby, the English clubs umbrella organisation, and a central figure in the move towards setting up a breakaway tournament. My reading on the face of it is that the French now want new structures in place for 2015-16 rather than 2014-15 and are willing to stay where they are during the year of transition, but we need to understand what is meant by transition. What does this mean for the Rugby Champions Cup? Its difficult to say at this stage. We know that the organisers of the existing tournament have agreed to implement improvements to the competition format we demanded at the start of this process, and that they have also accepted the need for a fairer division of monies. We also know, because they said so last week, that they are looking at improving the governance structure. If all that comes together, it could be that the new competition we are proposing will effectively be in place at the end of next season. As things stand at the moment, I cant see how the English clubs will be involved in the Heineken Cup in 2014-15. But this issue is working its way down a long and winding road and there are likely to be more twists and turns before we reach its end. Long-time observers of the club game in France will not be wholly surprised by yesterdays events. The regulatory structures under which the government, the national Olympic association and the governing bodies of the major sports coalesce make it extremely difficult for clubs to act unilaterally and the Top 14 teams united front began to splinter when the French establishment started throwing its weight around. Pierre Camou, the president of the Federation Franaise de Rugby, was said on Thursday night to have used the full court press to force the clubs into a climbdown. While the Premiership contingent were putting a brave face on things, there was little doubt that the news emerging from yesterdays meeting, confused and contradictory as it may have been, was far from welcome. Together with the French clubs, they served notice of their intention to quit the Heineken Cup more than 18 months ago and have repeatedly stated their intention to make good on that decision. They have also declared that all future European matches involving English teams will be broadcast by BT Sport, their new television partners. That broadcasting deal remains the biggest single obstacle in the search for an agreement that will safeguard the future of a European campaign featuring teams from all the major northern hemisphere nations. The Heineken Cup administrators agreed a contract extension with Sky Sports in the summer of last year, much to the annoyance of the English clubs, and are in no mind to renege on it. The poverty-stricken regional teams in Wales Cardiff Blues, Newport-Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets were left in no-mans-land as a result of yesterdays developments. They pledged their support for the Rugby Champions Cup, a tournament that may well turn out to be a dead duck.

Rugby World Cup 2015: Organisers urged to reschedule late kick-offs International - Rugby Union - The Independent
Clive Efford, the Labour MP for Eltham and the partys sport spokesman, on Thursday urged the England 2015

delivery body to revisit the kick-off schedule for the global tournament, which currently has the host nation playing all four pool matches at 8pm an unusually late hour that will inevitably maximise transport hassles for those travelling long distances. I do have sympathy with fans who object to 8pm kick-offs at Twickenham and they should be listened to, Efford said. Clearly, people will find it difficult to get away. If youve been to Twickenham and had to queue to get the train, you know what its like. It will be a very long time before many fans are even on the train, and that cant be right. Its the fans who create the atmosphere. He was far more supportive of the organisers in another respect: their pursuit of legislation aimed at outlawing the unauthorised resale of match tickets. The Government is not in favour of the idea, so Efford has tabled an Early Day Motion in the Commons with the support of almost 30 fellow MPs. If we dont have this protection, organised gangs of touts with all the technology at their disposal will hoover up as many tickets as they can and genuine fans will be exploited, he said.

Sport - Others

Im A Celebrity 2013: Can Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington survive the cruelty and stress of fame after the jungle? Bunce on Boxing: Even the Klitschkos cannot go on for ever could the new, serious Dereck Chisora claim the battered crown?

Im A Celebrity 2013: Can Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington survive the cruelty and stress of fame after the jungle? - Profiles - People - The Independent
It was the sort of wide-eyed response a mix of awe, naivety and nervous energy that had so endeared an increasingly giddy nation to British sports brightest new arrival. With two gold medals in the 400 and 800 metres freestyle at the Beijing Games, an unknown teenager from Mansfield had achieved more in in a single Olympics than any homegrown swimmer for a century. And we greeted her as gleefully as she did the gold Jimmy Choo shoes presented to her at her homecoming parade. There would be no time for TV Adlington leapt straight back into training for London 2012 but five years on from Beijing she has her wish. Free from the sacrifices of sport after her retirement in February, the 24-year-old is not dancing for votes (she revealed in August that Strictly had turned her down) but doing battle in the Im a Celebrity jungle. And in that programmes harsher light, her crawl from clear water of swimming into the celebrity swamp has appeared fraught. Whether she likes it or not, Adlington has become a case study of a young athlete searching for a second career while displaying a vulnerability in a culture that can be cruel even to champions. She wont know it yet, but the swimmers apparent plight went all the way to the House of Lords on Wednesday. A debate there followed an episode of Im a Celebrity in which Adlington broke down in tears while talking about body image, and about one of her rivals a pneumatic Miss Universe contestant. Its making me very, very insecure that I have to look a certain way, she said. I was an athlete. I wasnt trying to be a model, but pretty much every single week on Twitter I get somebody commenting on the way I look. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the Paralympic champion, despaired of a worrying trend that young women are increasingly put under pressure to conform to look a certain way. Baroness Northover, who speaks about women and equalities for the Government, added: It is enough to make me weep to hear about Rebecca Adlington We should be proud of what shes achieved. Yet the scrutiny has only intensified while a mystery illness excludes the swimmer from Im a Celebritys bushtucker trials. Critics (male, mostly) have taken aim, as if the trials, with their

plastic-star rewards, mattered in the case of an athlete with four Olympic medals. Adlingtons journey to the jungle began at the Sherwood swimming baths in Mansfield, since renamed the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre. Her parents, Steve and Kay Adlington, had only wanted their daughters to learn to swim but Rebecca, the youngest of three, quickly emerged as a gifted and fierce competitor, rising fast through the county ranks. Not otherwise sporty or suited to academia, she passed her GCSEs and then devoted her life to swimming with Nottinghamshires elite Nova Centurion squad. By then she was already developing concerns about body image. Weve tried to bring the girls up to believe its about who you are not what you look like, Kay Adlington, 52, said last week. But my daughters always had insecurities about the way she looks. Sharron Davies, the Olympic swimmer turned BBC presenter and reality TV star ( Dancing on Ice, 2010), met Adlington four years before Beijing, when the 15-year-old came second in the 800 metres at the British championships, narrowly missing out on the qualifying time for the 2004 Games. I was amazed by her tenacity and level-headedness, she recalls. She would never give up. Adlington went back to training and, as Beijing approached, she remained unknown outside the sport, a position Davies says suited an athlete who struggled with nerves. It was a lot easier coming in under the radar whereas in London in 2012 the pressure had become extraordinary, she says. Filled with confidence after her shock 400 metre victory, Adlington smashed the oldest world record in her sport in the 800 and life changed in an instant. But before she could adjust to the fun of fame, it was soon coloured by snide comments on social media and beyond. When Frankie Boyle, a Scottish comedian who has made a career out of being nasty, made a joke on a panel show about Adlingtons appearance, it prompted public outrage, a formal complaint by the swimmer, and a reprimand from the BBC Trust. With each setback, support for Adlington only grew. She employed a psychologist to help regain her focus, and promised to stop reading the comments, good or bad. The approach worked, and in 2011, the swimmer became the world 800-metre champion, arriving in London the following year as one of the faces of Team GB. But time was running out. In an event dominated by youth, 23 was, she admitted after her retirement, pretty old. No longer able to recover as quickly after training sessions, she was being overtaken by a new generation. The two bronze medals she won in London seemed like a disappointment to some, but Adlington has said they became a source of great pride. On the day she retired in February. Adlington launched SwimStars, an awareness and teaching campaign that she hopes will reverse a drop in swimming participation among the very young. She is training as a coach but, as Davies says, after a life of lengths and chlorine, she also loves the the glitz and glamour of fame and did not hesitate to accept the Im a Celebrity invitation. The show hopefully gives me a chance to talk about my vision of teaching kids to swim, she wrote on her website. Adlington perhaps did not account for the priorities of the shows editors, or media lapping up jungle intrigue. But those who know her say it would be wrong to think she regrets her appearance after one tearful episode. Davies sympathises with Adlingtons concerns about body image. When I was young and people wrote nasty things in a paper, it was tomorrows fish and chip paper today it stay with you forever. But, she adds, nobody becomes double Olympic gold medallist unless youre really tough in every single area of life. Shell be fine. Rob Woodhouse has managed Adlingtons since her Beijing breakthrough. Even then she was mature beyond her years as well as being a lovely person, and she still is, he says. And remember shes still 24. She went on the show to have fun and thats what shes doing. Shes shown very clearly this year that shes capable of managing a difference phase of her life and career. If Adlington does return from the jungle feeling burned by the glare of reality TV, she might yet choose to withdraw to her new life as coach, and the home she shares with her fianc, a swimmer called Harry Needs. Davies says she has no huge desire to be in front of camera for ever. In February, Adlington spoke to journalists beside a Derby pool filled with paddling toddlers, where she appeared to suggest relative anonymity may suit her. I love teaching the three- and four-year-olds who didnt have a Scooby-doo who I was, she said. It was so nice they just thought I was another teacher.

A Life In Brief Born: Rebecca Adlington, 17 February 1989, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Family: Youngest of three daughters. Parents are businessman Steve, and Kay, a former office manager. Engaged to fellow swimmer Harry Needs. Education: GCSEs at the Brunts School, Mansfield. Career: Began swimming with Sherwood Colliery Swimming Club and swam for Nottinghamshire at county level. Won gold in the 400m and 800m freestyle at 2008 Beijing Olympics. Gold medals followed at European and Commonwealth level. Won two bronze at London 2012. Retired from competitive swimming in 2013. She says: My vision is that every child in Britain will be able to swim 25m by the time they leave primary school. They say: Her down-to-earth personality and remarkable career achievements have made her a national treasure. Lord Coe

Bunce on Boxing: Even the Klitschkos cannot go on for ever - could the new, serious Dereck Chisora claim the battered crown? - Others - More Sports The Independent
Chisora has lost four of his last eight fights, been dropped and hurt, fought like a novice, gained weight and had his licence suspended during two crazy years. He has also slugged his way through torrid rounds, given eccentric interviews and put together enough punches to be regularly compared to the late Joe Frazier. I like to give people some entertainment, get in real fights; its missing from the heavyweight division right now: I bring the fun back, Chisora insisted, holding a straight face for a second until a smile broke through. He also has, it needs to be said, his critics. Tomorrow Chisora, the new slim, focused and fearless version, defends his European heavyweight title for the first time when he meets Pragues Ondrej Pala at the Copper Box, the iconic metal shed on the edge of the 2012 Olympic Park. Pala is the third opponent to be named, a sign now that meeting Chisora is not the smartest career move for any heavyweight with his eye on bigger prizes. It is never easy with Dereck, admitted Don Charles, the fighters devoted trainer. It can be a struggle, it can be frustrating but this Dereck is serious; something has changed and he now realises just how close he is to the title. Charles, it has to be remembered, had his jaw broken in the high-profile post-fight scuffle between David Haye and Chisora in Munich in February last year. The brawl, at the end of Chisoras loss on points to Vitali Klitschko, was resolved in front of 30,000 at Upton Park five months later when Haye legitimately beat Chisora. On that night it looked to me like Charles was in more pain trying to smile than he had been when Haye had cracked his jaw. The elite heavyweight division has never been so confusing, not even during the manic and disgraceful epoch known as the Lost Generation 30 years ago, when the sport blundered, the champions were disgraced and the fans first started to drift away. In the days between Muhammad Alis tragic and protracted exit from boxing in 1980 and the sudden rise of Mike Tyson in 1986 there was chaos; 14 men held a version of the world heavyweight title during a six-year period and 41 world heavyweight title fights took place during the same period. As a reminder of the excess, in the Fifties and Sixties only 47 heavyweight championship fights had taken place and only eight different men held the title. Those guys back then were wild but they could really fight and they all struggled to get the title, Chisora said. The same thing could happen when the Klitschkos retire or just get out of the sport; I cant wait for them to go because when they have gone there will be some great fights. There are a lot of fighters ready to take over.

The Klitschko brothers are certainly getting old in boxing years, with Wladimir at 37 and Vitali turning 43 next year, but they remain as dominant now as they have been for the last decade. However, simple logistics could end their reigns early because they have come close to exhausting the once seemingly endless list of challengers. The brothers have made a combined total of 33 heavyweight title defences and most of their fights have blurred into a vague memory of repeated beatings, often illuminated by either a kitsch entrance or the sudden violent sprawling on the canvas of another battered challenger. Right now Vitali has to decide on his next fight by the start of next week or risk losing his title outside the ropes. Wladimir has earned some grace, having put on an effortless masterclass last month in Moscow to beat Alexander Povetkin, his nearest rival, on a night when a hard fight had been predicted. However, it was one-sided and a reminder of just how good the Klitschko brothers have become during the last 10 years. They look unbeatable at the moment, to tell the truth. The heavyweight division is pathetic right now, claimed Aussie Joe Bugner last Saturday. We had it all when I was fighting; great fights, great characters and men that were not afraid to take a risk or two. Bugner is right in many ways but he would, Im convinced, have a soft spot for Chisora.

Life & Style - Fashion

Not just for Christmas: Don't be a flake - get your festive jumper on early this year and wear it with pride Fury's fashion people: The sartorial genius of Jordan (no, not that one) Design for life: Paul Smith talks classics with a twist, Japanese fans, Britishness - and why he prides himself on still being childlike Dressing table: The best hand creams The 10 best men's fashion gifts for Christmas Burberry to appeal Chinese trademark suspension on iconic tartan pattern

Not just for Christmas: Don't be a flake - get your festive jumper on early this year and wear it with pride - Features - Fashion - The Independent
Snowflake knit 300, Moncler, matchesfashion.com Reindeer Fair isle Christmas Jumper20, newlook.com Red jumper with reindeer 12, George at Asda, 0800 952 0101 Navy intarsia Christmas knit 35, Red Herring, debenhams.co.uk Set design by Kerry Hughes Styled by Emma Akbareian Photograph by Arthur Woodcroft

Fury's fashion people: The sartorial genius of Jordan (no, not that one) Features - Fashion - The Independent
That Jordan was born Pamela Rooke in 1955. But it was her reinvention under the singular moniker of Jordan, beginning at age 14, that sealed her place in fashion history. With tonsured hair and a face spliced up like a Picasso

beginning at age 14, that sealed her place in fashion history. With tonsured hair and a face spliced up like a Picasso painting with eyeshadow and kohl, she became the female embodiment of punk. Her attention-grabbing attire was legendary: when she first walked into Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood's boutique SEX in 1974, she was wearing gold stilettos, a net circle skirt and a bullet bra, with nothing on top. When she wasn't employed on the spot, she reasoned, oddly, that Harrods where she managed to secure a job was the place to hone the art of salesmanship. Jordan commuted to London every day from Seaford, East Sussex. She was brazen, fearless. She wore whatever she wanted. "Her obsession is fashion," stated the New Musical Express in April 1977. They were poking fun, trying to deflate Jordan's obsession with frock over rock. Nevertheless, despite a stint managing Adam and the Ants and a role as Amyl Nitrite in Derek Jarman's 1978 film Jubilee, her impact is restricted to the sphere of appearance. Jordan is punk's figurehead. Today, she breeds Burmese cats in a small village on the coast. Which means that the impression of Jordan we're left with is her Mondrian-marked countenance of the mid-Seventies. That image arrests even today. When Chaos to Couture launched at New York's Met Museum during the summer a celebration of punk's fashion legacy Jordan was centre-stage. A slow-motion video of her was part of an exhibit dubbed 'Clothes For Heroes', an epithet taken from the labels sewn inside clothes from Seditionaries. Heroic is the word for Jordan, who risked harassment in pursuit of her aesthetic. "They once tried to arrest me for being indecently dressed in public," she told the NME, recalling that her outfit at the time consisted of "stilettos, stockings with huge holes, see-through knickers and see-through bra". As the primary female manifestation of the punk movement, it isn't difficult to see Jordan's impact on the fashion world. That Met exhibition was full of it: Jordan's holey mohair versus Rodarte's 21st-century interpretation, her punk coiffure next to Guido Palau's interpretation for Dior. Guess who did it better? In the end, the compare-and-contrast proved that it's all about how you wear it. And no one wore punk's trademark sartorial spit-in-your-face better than Jordan. Alexander Fury is Fashion Editor of The Independent

Design for life: Paul Smith talks classics with a twist, Japanese fans, Britishness - and why he prides himself on still being childlike - Features Fashion - The Independent
We speak about his company, of course his influences, his inspirations, even a little about how his company's run (with Paul very much at the helm, and heavily involved in every aspect). And we speak about the latest exhibition of his work at London's Design Museum Hello, My Name is Paul Smith. He's the first fashion designer to have two exhibitions there the last was in 1995, although Smith is anxious to point out neither should be seen as a retrospective. His initial comment about this one? "Clothes feature... a bit more." In the fashion world, Smith's plain-talking stands out. It's not just the flattened vowels of his native Nottingham if he decided to go off on a pretentious flight of fancy, they would make it sound down-to-earth. But pretension has never been Smith's thing. He founded his eponymous company in 1970, building it around resolutely realistic clothing. "Classic with a twist," is the way he invariably describes it, and has done so for 30 years. "That's a big contributing factor of why I've done well. My experience of working in a shop [he manned a friend's clothing shop, aged 18, before setting up in business by himself], and understanding that most people don't want a jacket with three arms or a spaceship coat! They're very happy to have... it's an overused expression but my expression of classic with a twist is hard to beat," Smith states emphatically, in one of the few instances I get him to talk seams and selvedges. The twist could be a colourful lining, an unusual pattern such as the photo-realistic prints born from Smith's personal passion for photography (he photographed his latest autumn/winter advertising campaign) or something as simple as replacing the colour in an ultra-traditional tweed. Smith offered a Prince of Wales check with > limoncelloyellow instead of the conventional burgundy or blue. "Basically, all very wearable," he says. Smith's approach across the decades has always been a gentle dig in the ribs at the everyman to brighten up his act.

Smith in his first shop, which opened in Nottingham in 1970 Smith's classic with a twist has now become a classic in itself so much so, that perhaps it's difficult to appreciate how arresting his quirkiness was when he first began. Arguably, that came from the fact that Smith wasn't formally design-trained; following a crash and a period in hospital that ended his burgeoning cycling career, aged 17, he fell in with a group of art students, naturally interested in a world that was alien to him. "My bad point or my weak spot is that I have too many ideas, I'm too curious. I'm not posh enough," he says. All of which were what ignited that initial interest in fashion, fostered by art-school chat in a pub in the late Sixties. Of course, Smith tells it like a comedy skit, cracking that he thought the Bauhaus was a housing estate. He credits his then-girlfriend and now wife Pauline, a Royal College of Art alumna, with teaching him the ins and outs of the fashion business. Touchingly, there is also an area of the Design Museum show dedicated to her. "It's very much down to her," he states. "And, as they say, the rest is history." Smith tries to retain the same approach. "I'm still curious today. I always pride myself on being childlike not childish, but childlike." He grins, another joke. "What I mean by that is being curious, asking questions, having a very open mind, a very free mind. I think it was Picasso who said he spent his life trying to paint like a child, because they're so free." Freedom, for Smith, is a prized commodity. His company is still independent despite an impressive turnover of over 200m, which must have luxury-good conglomerates snapping at his heels. Sir Paul (he was knighted in 2000) still owns 60 per cent, and he's involved in almost every aspect. "Nearly everything we do is in this building in Covent Garden, where I'm sitting. We have the shop design team, so tomorrow I'm seeing them for two hours about new projects in the pipeline. Today, I've been with two or three of the different designers. I'm more of a stylist these days, because there are literally too many jobs to do," he says. "I hope I'm not autocratic but I hope I keep my eye on things and direct it in the right way. I'm the only person who sees all the collections."

The Design Museum has recreated Paul Smith's office for its exhibition Smith draws the crowds he proudly relays that the opening Saturday of the latest Design Museum show is "The most visitors they've ever had. Ever. It beat any previous records." He's beaming. In Japan, he's mobbed on the streets by autograph-hunters (see the picture on page 45). He has over 200 shops in the country (to put that in perspective: he has 17 in the UK). It's natural, therefore, to wonder if Smith is the quintessentially English designer, offering fundamentally English clothes to a foreign market eager to snap up a slice of our tradition. It's something that's been hypothesised a few times, and I'm eager to know what he thinks. "I'm confused about Britishness these days," begins Smith. "I'm not sure if it exists any more. When I first started, my very first collection was quite traditional. It had little tweed jackets, but the tweed was in colours that were unexpected. It had little checked shirts in slightly brushed cotton, which could have been seen as a country shirt, and corduroy trousers... but now, you don't really see any British looks." He ponders further, brow furrowed. "I'm not sure whether you'd call Savile Row very British these days... The world's such a small place and we get so much information now. We sell out clothes in 72 countries, so therefore you need Paul Smith fashion rather than a particular Britishness." But, I argue, isn't that Paul Smith approach to fashion that oddness, that 'classic with a twist' in itself British? Plus the fact that, as Brits ourselves, maybe our perception is warped. "That's absolutely true," says Smith, unexpectedly enthusiastic when I'm countering his assertion. But Smith is open to ideas. "I'm very British. I'm quite down-to-earth, very polite, have a sense of humour. My personal character is very British, probably more than the clothes." Then again, Paul Smith the man is intrinsically tied up with Paul Smith the label. It doesn't mean it won't carry on without him Smith is adamant that he wants it to. But it's difficult to extricate the one from the other. Take that Design Museum exhibition. Smith calls it, "A very honest exhibition. It's very passionate, it's very down-to-earth, it's very hands-on". You can't help but wonder if, really, he's just talking about himself, and indeed his clothes. He's a clever man so halfway through, it seems that the same idea clicks in his head. "Hopefully, it's just a reflection of my own personality. Just a normal bloke really. Just getting on with it." Hello, My Name is Paul Smith is at the Design Museum, London SE1 to 9 March, 2014

Dressing table: The best hand creams - Features - Fashion - The Independent
Restoring hand cream 16, Cowshed, cowshedonline.com Smooth Nourishing 3.67, Nivea, Boots nationwide Hand relief 19, Aveda, aveda.co.uk Handrepair 6.49, Garnier, Boots Crme de pistache hand crme 13, Laura Mercier, uk.spacenk.com Intensive hand cream 8.43, Eucerin, Boots

The 10 best men's fashion gifts for Christmas - Fashion & Beauty - IndyBest The Independent
2. Lanvin silk bow tie Christmas is an excuse to wear a daft bow tie. But it doesnt mean it should be indulged. Stay stylish.

70, matchesfashion.com 3. Red stag jumper The obligatory Christmas jumper, mercifully free of scratchy Lurex. 38, topman.com 4. Johnstons of Elgin navy university stripe scarf A Brideshead-ready classic that looks good on every man. 40, liberty.co.uk 5. Animal boxer shorts These boxers are lighthearted but not dim-witted. Reindeer also available. 10, bananarepublic.co.uk 6. Striped socks by Paul Smith The classic go-to gift for dads given a fresh update. 17, matchesfashion.com 7. Saint Laurent Signature Lace-Up Boot From the Permanent collection, these boots are a timeless investment. 590, ysl.com 8. Fair Isle mittens Lets be honest, come 25 December, youll be needing to wrap up warm. 40, fredperry.com 9. Burberry Brit Rhythm A sexy, provocative eau de toilette, dressed up in a checked leather jacket bottle. 57, burberry.com 10. Kenzo X New Era cloud-print twill cap This cap, from Parisian house Kenzo, is streetwise but still fashion-forward. 40, harveynichols.com

Burberry to appeal Chinese trademark suspension on iconic tartan pattern Business News - Business - The Independent
Chinese authorities suspended the protection on Burberry's signature look after the company failed to make specific use of the tartan pattern in the country for three years, according to China's Trademark Office website. The decision will not come into effect until the appeal is heard and it would only affect Burberry's leather goods

division. Burberry said it is "confident" that the appeal will be successful and vowed to protect the brand "against those who use its trademarks unlawfully". "The Burberry Check remains a registered trademark exclusively owned by Burberry and no other parties can use the mark without Burberry's proper authorization," the company said. China is a key market for the British luxury giant with the Asia Pacific region accounting for 37 per cent of its retail and wholesale revenue in 2012.

Life & Style -Food & Drink

Mark Hix recipe: Baked Quails' Eggs, Trotter and Bacon A pub crawl with a great deal of stout Go the whole hog: Mark Hix spends an evening in the kitchen with the master of 'nose to tail' cooking Fergus Henderson How much wasabi should I put on my sushi? Olympic Studios: Restaurant review - The shrimps had a mysterious taste nobody could explain Mark Hix recipe: Crispy pig's cheek and dandelion salad Mark Hix recipe: Pressed pigs' ears Mark Hix recipe: Pig's offal skewers Kitchen delight: 12 best Christmas presents for foodies Samuel Muston: I love the drama of restaurants. After all, the plate's the thing Stars and their pies: From Paul Newman to Angelina Jolie, you're no one in Tinseltown if you don't have your own food or drink brand

Mark Hix recipe: Baked Quails' Eggs, Trotter and Bacon - Recipes - Food & Drink - The Independent
6 quails' eggs 1 pig's trotter 1 large onion, peeled, halved and finely chopped 2ltrs chicken stock 30g lard 200g piece of smoked streaky bacon or pancetta, cut into 1cm cubes 8 shallots, peeled and quartered 8 small cloves of garlic, peeled 1 large head of fennel, trimmed, quartered and thinly sliced The leaves from a few sprigs of thyme 10 sage leaves, finely chopped 2 bay leaves 150ml Madeira 4 large, ripe plum tomatoes, cut into small dice Sea salt and black pepper 2tbsp chopped parsley Put the pig's trotter in a saucepan with the onion and chicken stock, season, bring to the boil and simmer gently with

a lid on for a couple of hours, or until the flesh is soft and coming away from the bone. Remove the trotter and put to one side to cool and continue boiling the stock until it has reduced by two-thirds. Meanwhile, heat the lard in a heavy-based saucepan and cook the bacon on a medium heat until it's nicely browned. Add the shallots, garlic, fennel, bay leaves, thyme and sage and continue cooking for a few minutes until they soften. At this stage there will be a healthy caramelisation on the bottom of the pan. Turn up the heat slightly and add the Madeira, scraping the goodness off the bottom of the pan as you do so. Meanwhile, remove all of the flesh and soft skin from the trotter, discard the bones and cut the remaining flesh into rough 1cm cubes and add to the bacon and shallot mixture with the stock and tomatoes. Continue simmering for about 30 minutes until the mixture has thickened, then season to taste, if necessary, and stir in the parsley. Preheat the oven to 175C/gas mark 4. Ladle your hot trotter mix into ramekins, put the ramekins on a baking tray and carefully crack a quail's egg on to the top and bake in the oven until the eggs have just set.

A pub crawl with a great deal of stout - Features - Food & Drink - The Independent
Each cask had been infused with a different ingredient, so the Exmouth Arms, in Clerkenwell (for example), were offering a cherry-laced beer, while the Euston Tap's had been blended with spiced rum. But porter (for which, also read stout: there is no meaningful difference) can be delicious without the extra help as fans of Amoor, a bitter-chocolate delight, will attest. Beers like this are particularly popular in early winter, as the drizzle sets in and the idea of it ever being summer again seems a wildly romantic notion. Drinkers have plenty of choice. There's everything from session classics like Fuller's London Porter, 2.09, Sainsbury's, to more adventurous treats, such as Thornbridge's St Petersburg, 3.60, realalestore.com, a spicy, peaty 7.4 per-cent sipper, or Gadds' wild-yeast infected Imperial Russian Stout, 12.99, where a touch of sourness complements a fascinating brew. And then there are the historical interpretations, like the recently revived Courage Imperial Russian Stout, 6.59, Amazon now brewed by Wells and Young's in Bedford and one of my favourites, The Kernel's 1890 Export Stout, 2.99, beermerchants.com, an impressively complex ale in whose murky depths you might find dried fruit and coffee. Brews to choose Chocolate lover: Moor Amoor Brewer Justin Hawke is best known for pale ales but this porter demonstrates he is far from a one-trick pony. One for those who like chocolate. 3.89, Beers of Europe Empire building: Thornbridge Saint Petersburg Imperial Russian stout is a style that has carried craft-beer around the world. Full of robust, roasted character. 3.60, realalestore.com Linger liquor: Gadds Imperial Russian Stout, aged with Brett Lambicus This inky, vinous drop is one to savour rather than glug. 12.99, in a pair with Wild Turkey-aged IRS, beer merchants

Go the whole hog: Mark Hix spends an evening in the kitchen with the master of 'nose to tail' cooking Fergus Henderson - Features - Food & Drink - The

Independent
Pork is probably the best-value of all meats and it's all useable, as Fergus shows. With some warning, a decent butcher should be able to get you all the bits used in these recipes. What's more, things like cheeks, trotters and ears can be frozen for affordable future meals. Baked Quails' Eggs, Trotter and Bacon Serves 6 as a starter I thought I hadn't seen this on the St John menu before, but Fergus assures me it's an old friend. 6 quails' eggs 1 pig's trotter 1 large onion, peeled, halved and finely chopped 2ltrs chicken stock 30g lard 200g piece of smoked streaky bacon or pancetta, cut into 1cm cubes 8 shallots, peeled and quartered 8 small cloves of garlic, peeled 1 large head of fennel, trimmed, quartered and thinly sliced The leaves from a few sprigs of thyme 10 sage leaves, finely chopped 2 bay leaves 150ml Madeira 4 large, ripe plum tomatoes, cut into small dice Sea salt and black pepper 2tbsp chopped parsley Put the pig's trotter in a saucepan with the onion and chicken stock, season, bring to the boil and simmer gently with a lid on for a couple of hours, or until the flesh is soft and coming away from the bone. Remove the trotter and put to one side to cool and continue boiling the stock until it has reduced by two-thirds. Meanwhile, heat the lard in a heavy-based saucepan and cook the bacon on a medium heat until it's nicely browned. Add the shallots, garlic, fennel, bay leaves, thyme and sage and continue cooking for a few minutes until they soften. At this stage there will be a healthy caramelisation on the bottom of the pan. Turn up the heat slightly and add the Madeira, scraping the goodness off the bottom of the pan as you do so. Meanwhile, remove all of the flesh and soft skin from the trotter, discard the bones and cut the remaining flesh into rough 1cm cubes and add to the bacon and shallot mixture with the stock and tomatoes. Continue simmering for about 30 minutes until the mixture has thickened, then season to taste, if necessary, and stir in the parsley. Preheat the oven to 175C/gas mark 4. Ladle your hot trotter mix into ramekins, put the ramekins on a baking tray and carefully crack a quail's egg on to the top and bake in the oven until the eggs have just set.

Crispy cheek and dandelion salad with roast pork (Jason Lowe) Crispy pig's cheek and dandelion salad Serves 6-8 A dish that could be accused of being a mere salad, but I see it as a good lunch. It can also be an accompanying salad to roast leg or shoulder of pork. Ask a butcher for pigs' cheeks; you need the skin and fat on, not just the meat. 4 pigs' cheeks 300-400g duck or goose fat 12 shallots, peeled and left whole 12 gloves of garlic, peeled and left whole 4 x 2cm-thick slices of good bread A bunch of dandelion leaves, washed and dried 3tbsp extra-fine capers, rinsed 3tbsp chopped parsley For the vinaigrette 2tbsp white wine or cider vinegar 1tbsp Dijon mustard 2tbsp olive oil 3tbsp rapeseed oil Put your cheeks on a non-reactive baking tray, scatter with handfuls of sea salt and leave overnight in the fridge. Preheat the oven to 175C/gas mark 4. Rinse off the cheeks thoroughly and dry with some kitchen paper. Lay them in a deepish oven dish with the shallots and garlic and cover with duck or goose fat. Cover with foil or a lid and cook them in the oven for approximately 3 hours. Keep an eye on them; they need to be tender but not falling apart. When they are done, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the fat. At this point you could keep the cheeks covered in the fat and allow to cool in the fridge for a rainy day, or proceed by removing them from the fat. Scrape off any excess with your fingers and keep the fat for future use. Preheat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6. Put the pigs' cheeks in a roasting tray on the slices of bread and roast for about 1-1#hours, until crisp. Remove the bread if it's getting too hard as it needs to be used for the croutons. Meanwhile, whisk all of the listed ingredients together for the vinaigrette and season to taste. To serve, cut the cheeks into rough 2cm chunks and toss them with the dandelion, parsley, capers, croutons and vinaigrette and season to taste.

Lunch on a stick: Pig's offal skewers (Jason Lowe) Pig's offal skewers Serves 4 as a starter or more as a party snack Pig's offal is as cheap as you like and hardly gets used, which is a shame. Most butchers would be glad to part with pig's offal these days, I'm sure. You can use a mixture of offal on these little skewers or just one type. 1 pig's kidneys 1 pig's heart 150-200g pig's liver, skinned 3tbsp Dijon mustard 60-70g lard or the pork fat from the cheeks, melted Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper First trim your offal: split the kidneys in half lengthways, remove the sinew and surrounding membrane then chop into rough 1cm cubes. Cut the liver also into rough 1cm cubes. Cut the heart in half, then with the point of a knife, cut away the gathering of tubes and fat from inside the hearts and any exterior fat. Cut the heart into the same sized pieces as the kidneys and liver, removing any tubes and fat as you go, then rinse in cold water to remove any blood and dry on some kitchen paper. Place all of the offal into a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and half the lard, then mix everything together until well coated. Skewer up the offal (wooden kebab skewers are good but metals ones will do, or cocktail sticks if you are making snack-sized ones). Heat the skewered lard in a heavy frying pan or ribbed griddle and cook for a minute or so on each side until well coloured on the outside yet still pink on the inside. Serve with more mustard or whatever takes your fancy... Lunch on a stick!

Pressed pigs' ears - as close as it gets to turning a sow's ear into a silk purse Pressed pigs' ears Serves 8-10 This is as close as it gets to turning a sow's ear into a silk purse says Fergus. One could be forgiven for thinking of ears as rubbery things, not blessed with much culinary potential. Well, think again. Pigs' ears are not expensive so don't be shy; ask your butcher, who should have no problem getting them, as where there are pigs there must be ears. You can use this as a starter sliced, or cut it into cubes and serve it as a snack on sticks with mustard or pickles, such as gherkins. 12-14 pigs' ears, cleaned preferably by your butcher with any remaining hair shaved off with a razor Pigs' trotters, cleaned 2 onions, peeled, halved and roughly chopped 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 2 leeks, cleaned and roughly chopped 2 sticks of celery, washed and roughly chopped 1 head of garlic, halved A bouquet garni Black peppercorns Enough very light chicken stock to cover the above ingredients (about 2 litres) Wash the ears thoroughly and soak in fresh water with a couple of handfuls of salt for a day. Wash the ears off in fresh cold water and cut them in half. Put the ears and trotters in a pan with the stock, all the vegetables and the bouquet garni, bring to the boil and simmer for about 3 hours or until the ears and trotters are tender (if you have a pressure cooker it will take half the time). After the allotted time, carefully take out the ears, making sure they're cool enough to handle. Next, remove any hard cartilage then layer them in a terrine mould or similar-sized rectangular container or bread tin lined with clingfilm. Strain the cooking liquid, discard the vegetables and put the remaining liquid and trotters into a clean pan. Place on the stove top and simmer until reduced to the point where it will yield enough to just cover the ears. Check for seasoning remember it is going to be served cold, which always dulls the flavour. Pour the reduced liquid over the ears, cut a bit of cardboard to fit in your mould, fold the clingfilm over the ears and place the cardboard on top. Apply weights to it tins of tomato and so on allow to cool, then leave in the fridge overnight. Next day, it is ready to eat. To serve, cut into 1cm-thick slices or cubes as in the picture above.

How much wasabi should I put on my sushi? - Features - Food & Drink - The Independent
Personally, I think that if there is a correct amount of wasabi that should be applied to sushi, the sushi chef would not offer a little extra on the side. Food is to be enjoyed. Taste is subjective. If you like ketchup on your sushi instead of wasabi, then enjoy your ketchup-laden sushi (and ignore the others gasping in horror).

It seems to me if sushi rules were so stringent and there was a right or wrong way, options like soy sauce and extra wasabi would be removed from the equation. Garrick Saito, likes food http://qr.ae/GC6tx Wasabi should be added to 'perfection' by the itamae (sushi chef), so you shouldn't need to add any extra wasabi yourself. (Doing this might be frowned upon by the itamae, like salting the food before tasting it.) Although this is often customary in Japan, in Europe extra wasabi is often served on the side for customers to choose the amount themselves. Normally people mix it with the soy to taste. My experience with sushi in Tokyo is that nigirizushi is not served with extra wasabi, but some makizushi is. For example, kappamaki (cucumber roll) is often served with extra wasabi on the side. At places serving kaitenzushi (conveyor-belt sushi) extra wasabi is sometimes available at the counter, like gari and soy. Having said this, I myself add a little bit of wasabi (or wasabi substitute) to the soy. At least when eating sushi outside Japan. As with all food, you should use condiments to your personal taste. Johanna Forsberg, Japanophile & photo enthusiast http://qr.ae/GC6nX The tendency among Japanese people I've observed, both in the USA and in Japan, seems to be to use it more sparingly than most Westerners seem to, and often to not use it at all. Same with soy sauce, for that matter. But it seems to be highly subject to personal taste: I've seen Japanese people (in Japan) douse sushi in so much wasabi as to render the fish undetectable, and I've seen a high-end sushi chef completely remove the little plate of wasabi from the sushi bar when he discovered that his customer was Japanese. Steven Grimm http://qr.ae/GC6t5 Save enough wasabi so that you can load a ridiculous portion on to your last piece of sushi and eat it to impress all your friends. Stephen Mazur http://qr.ae/GC6nZ These answers all come from quora.com, the popular online Q&A service. Ask any question and get real answers from people in the know

Olympic Studios: Restaurant review - The shrimps had a mysterious taste nobody could explain - Reviews - Food & Drink - The Independent
In 1919 it was the Byfield Hall Cinema with tea-house and posh orchestra. In the 1920s it was the howlingly fashionable Barnes Theatre, bringing Chekhov (starring John Gielgud and Charles Laughton) to the stunned

suburbanites of SW13. In the Thirties, Forties and Fifties it was a cinema under various names the Ranelagh, the Plaza, the Vandyke. But in 1966 it hit its most famous incarnation as a recording studio. It was here that roll of drums, show some respect at the back the Rolling Stones recorded Sticky Fingers and Let it Bleed, and were filmed by Jean-Luc Godard laying down "Sympathy for the Devil". The Beatles recorded the original tracks of "All You Need is Love" here, The Who made their masterpiece Who's Next and Led Zeppelin their debut album. It's frankly awe-inspiring to think Jimi Hendrix used to strut around these premises in search of food, drink and less orthodox stimulants, and Madonna and the Spice Girls, though not, obviously, at the same time. Recently it's been re-constituted as a cinema, bar and restaurant. From the outside it looks fantastic they've kept the handsome frontage of the old cinema and inside there's plush seating in the bar. Our matre d' proudly informed us that they've invested in a Dolby Atmos 3D sound system so, if you haven't yet seen the peril-in-space movie Gravity, you know where to come. In restaurant terms, though, it leaves something to be desired. The dcor is sparse-to-brutal, with plain walls done in Elephant's Breath grey, the furniture is canteen-ish, the lighting confined to Stasi-interrogation lamps over individual tables. It's dead cool but scarcely friendly. A gleaming cabinet of copper kettles is the only sop to old-style comfort. This is the place for Sight & Sound readers to discuss Alfonso Cuarn's light filters and gleaming backdrops though they might be distracted by the chef's kitchen table, on which a matre ptissier glumly constructs croissants and pains au chocolat for next morning's drop-in breakfast market. The menu offers mostly familiar comfort food, from home-smoked mackerel to Old Spot pork belly, but includes a selection of made-before-your-eyes quiches and tarts that I haven't seen in a restaurant since the 1980s, and three monster main dishes to share: 'Sutton Hoo Roast Chicken', named after, and presumably resembling, the famous Anglo-Saxon burial ship, a seabass en papillote, baked in (hopefully not Anglo-Saxon) parchment, and the confusingly named 'O'Shea's Irish Angus Cte de Boeuf' which has been hung for 44 days, and will set you back 66. And for the hip young cine-swingers, there are some fabulous sandwiches: salt-beef with gruyre and pickled cabbage, Longhorn cheeseburger (how much classier that sounds than 'cheeseburger') and veal-loin with Stilton butter. On a bitterly cold November night, my celeriac and rosemary soup was creamy and gratifyingly dense, with a sprinkling of parsley and breadcrumbs and a crunch of shallot rings. There's a sweetness at the heart of celeriac that can be off-putting in soup, but this was fine. Angie's deep-fried squid was exemplary, the batter light and crispy, the squid fat and tasty, the garlic mayonnaise not too assertive. I thought the portions were grudging, but that may be just greed talking. When the roast duck with creamed leeks wasn't available, our friendly waiter offered an alternative confit of duck with butter beans and spinach. Inspecting the substitute, I formed the impression that it had been hanging around in an oven for too long, the surface parched and dry. The duck meat within was dark and a little over-intense, the beans were OK, and the combination, with a side-order of mash loaded with butter, was so filling I could hardly finish it. Angie's roast cod with brown shrimp butter was frankly undercooked. Can there be a fashion for fish cooked rare-tomedium? If so I'm not joining it. "I like cod when it's white and flaky, not when it's grey and slimy," she told the waiter, who took it away. After 20 minutes a replacement arrived. It was an improvement, but the tiny shrimps had a mysteriously bitter taste that nobody could explain. We couldn't face a pudding, so weren't able to check out the 'pear and cider soup' with butterscotch ice-cream. It was a rather underwhelming dinner in an establishment that offers a lot to those hungry for audio-visual spectacle and perhaps not enough to those just hungry for a good dinner. Food ** Ambience ** Service *** Olympic Studios, 117-123 Church Road, Barnes, London SW13 (020-8912 5161). About 90 for two, with wine

Mark Hix recipe: Crispy pig's cheek and dandelion salad - Recipes - Food & Drink - The Independent
4 pigs' cheeks 300-400g duck or goose fat 12 shallots, peeled and left whole 12 gloves of garlic, peeled and left whole 4 x 2cm-thick slices of good bread A bunch of dandelion leaves, washed and dried 3tbsp extra-fine capers, rinsed 3tbsp chopped parsley For the vinaigrette 2tbsp white wine or cider vinegar 1tbsp Dijon mustard 2tbsp olive oil 3tbsp rapeseed oil Put your cheeks on a non-reactive baking tray, scatter with handfuls of sea salt and leave overnight in the fridge. Preheat the oven to 175C/gas mark 4. Rinse off the cheeks thoroughly and dry with some kitchen paper. Lay them in a deepish oven dish with the shallots and garlic and cover with duck or goose fat. Cover with foil or a lid and cook them in the oven for approximately 3 hours. Keep an eye on them; they need to be tender but not falling apart. When they are done, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the fat. At this point you could keep the cheeks covered in the fat and allow to cool in the fridge for a rainy day, or proceed by removing them from the fat. Scrape off any excess with your fingers and keep the fat for future use. Preheat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6. Put the pigs' cheeks in a roasting tray on the slices of bread and roast for about 1-1#hours, until crisp. Remove the bread if it's getting too hard as it needs to be used for the croutons. Meanwhile, whisk all of the listed ingredients together for the vinaigrette and season to taste. To serve, cut the cheeks into rough 2cm chunks and toss them with the dandelion, parsley, capers, croutons and vinaigrette and season to taste.

Mark Hix recipe: Pressed pigs' ears - Recipes - Food & Drink - The Independent
One could be forgiven for thinking of ears as rubbery things, not blessed with much culinary potential. Well, think again. Pigs' ears are not expensive so don't be shy; ask your butcher, who should have no problem getting them, as where there are pigs there must be ears. You can use this as a starter sliced, or cut it into cubes and serve it as a snack on sticks with mustard or pickles, such as gherkins. 12-14 pigs' ears, cleaned preferably by your butcher with any remaining hair shaved off with a razor Pigs' trotters, cleaned 2 onions, peeled, halved and roughly chopped 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 2 leeks, cleaned and roughly chopped

2 leeks, cleaned and roughly chopped 2 sticks of celery, washed and roughly chopped 1 head of garlic, halved A bouquet garni Black peppercorns Enough very light chicken stock to cover the above ingredients (about 2 litres) Wash the ears thoroughly and soak in fresh water with a couple of handfuls of salt for a day. Wash the ears off in fresh cold water and cut them in half. Put the ears and trotters in a pan with the stock, all the vegetables and the bouquet garni, bring to the boil and simmer for about 3 hours or until the ears and trotters are tender (if you have a pressure cooker it will take half the time). After the allotted time, carefully take out the ears, making sure they're cool enough to handle. Next, remove any hard cartilage then layer them in a terrine mould or similar-sized rectangular container or bread tin lined with clingfilm. Strain the cooking liquid, discard the vegetables and put the remaining liquid and trotters into a clean pan. Place on the stove top and simmer until reduced to the point where it will yield enough to just cover the ears. Check for seasoning remember it is going to be served cold, which always dulls the flavour. Pour the reduced liquid over the ears, cut a bit of cardboard to fit in your mould, fold the clingfilm over the ears and place the cardboard on top. Apply weights to it tins of tomato and so on allow to cool, then leave in the fridge overnight. Next day, it is ready to eat. To serve, cut into 1cm-thick slices or cubes as in the picture above.

Mark Hix recipe: Pig's offal skewers - Recipes - Food & Drink - The Independent
1 pig's kidneys 1 pig's heart 150-200g pig's liver, skinned 3tbsp Dijon mustard 60-70g lard or the pork fat from the cheeks, melted Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper First trim your offal: split the kidneys in half lengthways, remove the sinew and surrounding membrane then chop into rough 1cm cubes. Cut the liver also into rough 1cm cubes. Cut the heart in half, then with the point of a knife, cut away the gathering of tubes and fat from inside the hearts and any exterior fat. Cut the heart into the same sized pieces as the kidneys and liver, removing any tubes and fat as you go, then rinse in cold water to remove any blood and dry on some kitchen paper. Place all of the offal into a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and half the lard, then mix everything together until well coated. Skewer up the offal (wooden kebab skewers are good but metals ones will do, or cocktail sticks if you are making snack-sized ones). Heat the skewered lard in a heavy frying pan or ribbed griddle and cook for a minute or so on each side until well coloured on the outside yet still pink on the inside. Serve with more mustard or whatever takes your fancy... Lunch on a stick!

Kitchen delight: 12 best Christmas presents for foodies - Food & Drink IndyBest - The Independent

IndyBest - The Independent

Handmade from the very finest Valrhona chocolate, this 12-piece box from the Oxfordshire makers is an absolute delight. 8.95, gorvettandstone.com 2. The Ethicurean Cookbook Ethical cooking doesnt have to be boring, as this 120-recipe paean to the best of seasonal British cooking proves. 25, amazon.co.uk 3. Halen Mn sea salt The sea salt Heston Blumenthal uses at The Fat Duck and Ferran Adria used at El Bulli divine. From 5.25, halenmon.com 4. Valdespino sherry vinegar Sweet, rich and complex, this cask-aged vinegar gives body to even the dullest soups or salads. 5.95, ottolenghi.co.uk 5. Gin Mare It may be expensive, but this botanical-rich Spanish gin makes the zingiest G&Ts around. 32.25, thewhiskyexchange.com 6. NutriBullet This powerful juicer makes short work of even the hardest fruit and veg, giving your fuss-free smoothies in a trice. 99.95, selfridges.com 7. Stainless steel rolling pin The best kitchen cheat: just fill this rolling pin full of water and itll make short work of stubborn pastry. 12, johnlewis.com 8. Tom Dixon pepper grinder Does the designer Tom Dixon ever put a foot wrong? He certainly hasnt with this ice cool pepper grinder. 50 each, selfridges.com 9. Colourworks silicon spatula This flexible spatula which is heat resistant to 260 degree - is just the thing for scooping, flipping, and scraping every last bit of mixture from the pan or bowl. 6.50 each, bhs.co.uk 10. Mini popcorn maker Popcorn is big trend at the moment, and now you can make your own with this clever little machine.

34.99, firebox.com 11. Kusmi Brunch teas This selection box is a fine way to introduce someone to the teas offered by this venerable 140-year-old house. 15, en.kusmitea.com 12. Sage Smart Scoop ice cream maker This Heston Blumenthal-endorsed ice cream maker has 12 settings to make sorbet, gelatos or ice cream with minimum of hassle. 349, lakeland.co.uk

Samuel Muston: I love the drama of restaurants. After all, the plate's the thing - Features - Food & Drink - The Independent
The second was when we entered the dining room, which was low-lit in deepest purple (pictured above) with an electric organ in the middle. Only the bottle of Berrys' Ordinary Claret (yours for 9) was familiar. The theatrics probably come with the territory, though. I was in a room at the top of the Royal Court Theatre in London, after all, at its new dining-experience-cum-play, Gastronauts. Written by Nessah Muthy and April De Angelis, it is a 95-minute meditation on our dysfunctional relationship with food and I loved it so much I wanted to take it home in a doggy bag. Not just because the three-course dinner we were served by the actors as part of the action meant that I didn't have to eat a sandwich before I went in. Nor because it sent up all the bourgeois pretensions people like me propagate (handreared, biodynamic carrot, anyone?) or even that at one point, the actors put on cow masks and brought us out a dish of fried locusts to make a point about food unsustainability. No, I loved it because underpinning it all was the acceptance that restaurants are, in essence, a place of theatre. Of course, some people will argue until they are blue in the gills that this is not the case. Restaurants, they will say, are about savouring the food and supping the wine. A play is about provoking thoughts, entertaining the punters. They are different things. To which I say: you ought to pay more attention to what's going on around you when you're eating your risotto. I love restaurants because I like eating well-prepared, interesting food with nice people. But I like them even more because they allow me to rubberneck and do it for hours. I hate drama in restaurants if I am in some way connected to it, who doesn't? If it is someone in my family having a to-do with the manager over the bill, I want to disappear up my own fundament. But if it is the table in the corner having the ding-dong well, frankly, I can't get enough of it. Restaurants are the natural home of the thesp. Each and every one, from local curry house to Michelin-starred dining room, is a sort of stage set. Places where norms of behaviour are bent and reformed; personalities magnified. They are places of artifice and often conceit. You find all life there. The couple on the first date, the pompous manager, the business-expense luncher, the post-pub lads eating a lamb bhuna. And to watch them is to watch life unfolding; to become a bit actor for a short while in someone else's existence. Who hasn't, after all, waited for the people at the table next to you to get their coats then lent across the coffee and said: "Who was that?"

said: "Who was that?" Gastronauts is successful because it recognises that inquisitive impulse and kicks it all over the dining room to great effect. And it does so with admirably well-catered food, which, in and of itself, is surely reason enough for a visit.

Stars and their pies: From Paul Newman to Angelina Jolie, you're no one in Tinseltown if you don't have your own food or drink brand - Features - Food & Drink - The Independent
In the past couple of weeks alone, the world of food and drink has seen several high-wattage stars hit the news for just that reason. Brangelina's Jolie-Pitt and Perrin Ctes de Provence Ros Miraval might be a bit of a mouthful when you say it out loud, but the 16 bottle was named the finest ros of 2013 by Wine Spectator last week. Then, the former NBA basketball player (and unofficial US diplomatic envoy to North Korea) Dennis Rodman has just launched his own Bad Ass Vodka, which he suggested Barack Obama might use to raise a toast to him and Kim Jong-un. Meanwhile, in the restaurant trade, the former Manchester United teammates Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville have been promoting Caf Football, which opened yesterday in the Westfield shopping centre next to Stratford's Olympic Stadium, while Kelly Brook is fronting Steam & Rye, a new restaurant and whisky bar in the City of London. But what is it that drives famous people to strike out from their principal field of expertise and decide that it's time for something completely different? For the veteran BBC film critic Barry Norman, who boasts his own brand of pickled onions, it was a chance encounter between his grandmother's 19th-century recipe and a marketing executive. "I wasn't there at the time," Norman tells me over the phone. "But I'm told it was like an epiphany, like St Paul on the road to Damascus. He said, 'these are the best pickled onions I've ever tasted. They must be marketed.'"

Award-winning winemakers Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Unfortunately, I can't get Norman to give away any details about the secret family recipe, but not because the 80year-old broadcaster thinks it is his licence to print money. "Nobody's going to get rich out of pickled onions," he says. "It's just a bit of fun, and nice to do something out of left field." It's a similar story to the one behind the most successful celebrity food brand of all time, Newman's Own. The Oscarwinning actor is still better known for playing Butch Cassidy alongside Robert Redford's Sundance Kid, but in 1982 his homemade salad dressing caused quite a stir. The enthusiastic responses he received after giving it to neighbours as a Christmas present prompted him to increase production and create a fully fledged business, giving after-tax profits to charity. Today, five years after Newman's death, its sales continue to contribute to good causes with more than 225m donated to charity. But other, more impulsive, tie-ups between celebrities and food brands have failed to achieve the same longevity, perhaps because they lack the authenticity that gives cachet to Norman's and Newman's products. Mr T's breakfast

cereal, Hulk Hogan's cheeseburgers, Sylvester Stallone's protein bars and David Beckham's fish fingers are no longer available to buy. Except, perhaps, on eBay. It remains to be seen whether Danny DeVito's limoncello, Heidi Klum's Fruit Flirtations, Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt energy drink or Maria Sharapova's Sugarpovas (earlier this year, she considered altering her name to market them) will stand the test of time. "There's no doubt, there have been some catastrophic failures," admits Perry Haydn Taylor, creative director of the branding and marketing consultancy Big Fish. "But celebrity endorsements or celebrity products that are rooted in a genuine belief can work really well." Perhaps paradoxically, it's someone best known for food who Haydn Taylor points to as the prime example of a celebrity with "brand stretch". "Jamie Oliver can apply his philosophy to non-food categories because people know what he believes and what he stands for. They believe in him, his approach, his values they would probably buy a car off him. You already know what Jamie's car would look like, or what his travel company would stand for." Haydn Taylor adds that taking things one step further than merely advertising a product is a "natural progression" and makes sense for someone who doesn't know how long their fame will last. "Brands can squeeze out about 10 per cent extra value through licensing. Think of Marmite, with stationery, clothing, accessories it's another revenue stream. I'm sure there are many celebrities who are very wealthy, but they have a short window of opportunity. So why wouldn't they?" And while it might be tempting for companies to try to ride that wave of notoriety, Haydn Taylor warns that it is no guarantee of commercial success. "When you get celebrities coming out of a show such as I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, suddenly their agents are running around looking for deals. Brands know especially with social media that they will be able to reach their consumers. But they won't get loyalty unless it's a cracking product, or there's a real relationship with the brand."

Barry Norman with his pickles But, as the restaurant business has shown, if the name is big enough, even a hint of their involvement can create a serious buzz. When rumours connected David Beckham with Gordon Ramsay's Union Street Caf before its opening last month, the restaurant reportedly received 2,500 reservations in the first four hours of bookings. "I don't think anyone expected David Beckham to be there serving their food or wine," says Adam Hyman, founder of the restaurant consultancy Code. "But people did book on the basis that he was affiliated with it. I think a lot of people were pissed off when they discovered he had pulled out." "We're in a day and age when celebrity sells. Even if celebrities go to a certain restaurant and it's then reported on online, people want to go to that restaurant and be associated with that glamour."

It seems that anyone who's anyone has been tempted to have a go, from Magic Johnson's investment in TGI Friday to Jon Bon Jovi's community restaurant, JBJ Soul Kitchen. But according to Hyman, some celebrity restaurateurs have done better than others. Robert De Niro, who is a co-founder of Nobu New York, has been successful so far. "He's teamed up with a proper chef and restaurateur," says Hyman, "it doesn't sound like a vanity project. But for others, I'm sure it is. You can entertain your mates there and you will always get the best table in the room, so it's a nice hobby for someone with a lot of money. Although not all of them succeed." Damien Hirst (Pharmacy in Notting Hill), Jensen Button (Victus in Harrogate) and Dermot O'Leary (Fishy Fishy in Poole) are just some of the British celebrity restaurateurs who have suffered closures in recent years. "They usually blame the economic climate," says Hyman, "but I think it is often because they just don't know what they're doing." Following the celebrities' example and citing the challenging economic environment, I decide to eschew a transatlantic trip to Robert De Niro's Nobu in New York. Instead, I conclude my research by indulging in one of Barry Norman's pickled onions. The jar promises that they are "hot and spicy, crisp and crunchy... for the true connoisseur." And while I wouldn't liken the experience to my own, personal Damascene conversion, they do live up to their billing. Seeing Barry's face smiling back at me from the lid, I can't help but think that he, at least, might be on to something.

Life & Style - Health and Families

Iron age: Bodybuilder and champion rower Charles Eugster, 94, isn't the only pensioner to reap the benefits of regular exercise The thick of it: Is Boris Johnson right when he says that equality is impossible because some people's IQs are too low? Smoke signals: Will plain packaging cause cigarette sales to fall or will minimalist designs have a cachet in their own right? New government website to name and shame doctors over who have poor rates of dementia diagnosis

Iron age: Bodybuilder and champion rower Charles Eugster, 94, isn't the only pensioner to reap the benefits of regular exercise - Features - Health & Families - The Independent
If he had any competitors, that is. "The problem is, I'm in the 90-year-old category, and there isn't anybody else," the 94-year-old tells The Independent over the phone from Germany, in between training sessions. "The next youngest person is 85." The Strenflex competition gives competitors points for how they achieve in each event, or percentage of bodyweight lifted, which is calibrated according to the age group the competitor is in. Eugster is hoping to be in the top 10 in the points table. "A couple of years back, I managed to get the highest number of points of any age group," he says. "But I think that was a fluke because it only happened once." Strength is not his only talent. He also competed at the World Masters Rowing regatta in Italy this year, where he entered five races and won five gold medals. He is in training for his next target to run in a 100m race. "I'm probably pretty lousy," he says. "But next year I'll be 95 so I'll be in a higher category!" Eugster's story remains an exception, but comes at a time when more elderly people are being encouraged to take

exercise against a backdrop of an ageing population (by 2021, it's estimated that 19 per cent will be pensioners) and the associated costs. A study published this week by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which looked at nearly 3,500 people over eight years, showed that those who took up four years of regular activity in later life (the average age was 64), were seven times more likely to age healthily. "It suggests that we don't have to have a lifetime of fitness to get benefits in older age it's something that you can pick up later on and still get the benefits," says one of the scientists on the study, Dr Mark Hamer, of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London. But he adds a note of caution: "What we do know about exercise is that the minute you stop exercising, it doesn't matter how much you've done, you do lose the benefit very quickly. So it's really a case of you've just got to keep at it!" The next step, Dr Hamer believes, is looking at the way the public is educated about the benefits and the barriers to old people exercising. One person hoping to encourage more seniors to be physically active is Michael Cain, of Exeter, whose grand-daughters refer to him as "Sportacus Grandpa". Although, at 64, he is 30 years younger than Eugster, he, too, is not letting traditional notions of age stop his ambitions. After starting to go to the gym in his fifties, Cain has just qualified as a gym instructor, specifically to teach the Les Mills Bodypump class. "I'm just generally alarmed at a lot of people of my generation because, one by one, they are falling prey to illnesses, or aches or pains, or physical injuries. And I strongly believe this is because they are taking very sedentary lifestyles now. And it's a downward spiral," he says, but adds that his story has inspired others. "One or two [friends] have actually said, 'We've never been to the gym before, but we're actually going to come to one of your classes'. So even among my small group, I've been quite inspirational." Today, there are a number of sports clubs for "masters" or "veterans" out there, and gyms such as Grace Belgravia in London report that nearly a fifth of their personal training sessions are taken by the over-fifties. But those such as Dr Eugster remain pessimistic for a costly future with a growing ageing population in which obesity and diabetes are on the rise, unless the importance of fitness is realised. "Quite simply, I just want to change the world, that's all," he says, with a laugh.

The thick of it: Is Boris Johnson right when he says that equality is impossible because some people's IQs are too low? - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Johnson's wit and mental alacrity are indisputable. He is widely read, well-educated (Eton and Oxford) and a skilled raconteur who can tell a good joke. But there are other ways of describing intelligence that may not seem quite so apt for the accident-prone London Mayor. How many people, for instance, would happily describe him as wise or sensible? And surely he would hardly score above average for emotional intelligence or the ability to empathise with other human beings, especially those less fortunate and privileged than himself. Nick Clegg said yesterday that Johnson displayed "careless elitism" when advocating that more should be done to help the intelligent wealth-creators of society, and that Johnson was being "fairly unpleasant" by talking about people as if they were a breed of dog. What so offended Clegg was Johnson's description of the innate intellectual inequality of humans, especially those "of our species" with the lowest IQ scores. When he delivered the annual Margaret Thatcher lecture on Wednesday evening, Johnson said that humans were far from being equal in "raw ability". "Whatever you may think of the value of IQ tests, it is surely relevant to a conversation about equality that as many as 16 per cent of our species have an IQ below 85, while about 2 per cent have an IQ above 130," Johnson told his audience.

But any discussion of IQ tests should consider their value. What are they actually measuring, how well do they do it and what does the end result really mean? Whenever politicians talk about intelligence and IQ, they risk being drawn into a quagmire of controversy going back over half a century. One of the problems is that experts themselves cannot agree on what is meant by intelligence, how to measure it and what that IQ metric actually stands for. Leaving aside the word itself, and all its different connotations of cognitive ability, a universal scientific definition of intelligence does not seem to exist. Indeed, when two dozen prominent psychological theorists were asked to define intelligence in the 1980s, they came up with two dozen somewhat different definitions. Intelligence can also be measured in different ways by a variety of psychometric tests. Some are better at testing linguistic ability, others are better at judging numeracy or spatial ability. And all tests try with varying degrees of success to overcome cultural biases a test set in Latin, for instance, would hardly be fair on someone who didn't go to Eton. By convention, intelligence tests are scored on a scale in which the mean is set at 100 and about 95 per cent of the population will have an IQ score which falls within two standard deviations of the mean, meaning they will fall between 70 and 130. The bell shape of the resulting curve is probably one of the most famous graphs in psychology. Indeed, the 1994 book The Bell Curve was named after it. It was this book more than any other over the past 20 years that epitomised the bitter rancour over intelligence and IQ. The authors, Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray, argued that IQ was largely determined by a person's genes and upbringing, and was a better predictor of financial income and career success than the socioeconomic status of the individual's parents. Boris Johnson was simply expressing the same kind of deterministic, right-wing ideology. Other academics have shown, however, that IQ is not necessarily fixed in childhood, nor is it accepted that IQ has a strong genetic heritability. One of the strongest correlations of financial and economic success is still the size of your parents' bank account and whether they could afford to send you to a posh school with impeccable social connections.

Smoke signals: Will plain packaging cause cigarette sales to fall or will minimalist designs have a cachet in their own right? - Features - Health & Families - The Independent
Though all attempts to make cigarettes less appealing should be celebrated, I worry that dressing fags up like forbidden fruit will have the reverse effect to the one intended. If implemented, I envisage plain packaging acquiring a kind of cachet; a kind of outlawed cool that would make it oh-so-appealing to youngsters. After all, it's not that kids are attracted to the brands themselves; it's that they're fixated by the way they're perceived by their peers when wearing, drinking, or eating the branded items. That's why my friend chose to keep her tobacco in an unbranded box. It was cooler. The Government has so far delayed a decision on plain packaged cigarettes, with David Cameron saying in July they wanted more time to see whether the policy had worked in Australia, which introduced plain packaging almost a year ago. A sample of Australian smokers, who were polled in November 2012, before the legislation was rolled out countrywide, showed that smokers who bought unbranded packets were 66 per cent more likely to think the cigarettes inside were of a poorer quality, and were 70 per cent more likely to say they found them less satisfying. Early indications also showed smokers smoking cigarettes from unbranded packaging were 81 per cent more likely to have considered quitting at least once a day during the previous week. Having said that, although in Australia cigarettes are sold without brand logos, the packaging is far from unblemished. Against a greenish brown

background are graphic health warnings and gruesome photographs of smoking-related conditions. In the UK, Cancer Research is urging the Government that no plain means no gain. In March, its executive director of policy and information, Sarah Woolnough, said: "Replacing slick, brightly coloured packs that appeal to children with standard packs displaying prominent health warnings is a vital part of efforts to protect health. Reducing the appeal of cigarettes with plain, standardised packs will give millions of children one less reason to start smoking." But teenagers are faced with a barrage of pictures every day of their favourite celebrities enjoying a cigarette: a photo uploaded to Instagram showing Miley Cyrus with a cigarette drooping provocatively from her lipstick-laden lips; one of the lost boys in One Direction nipping out of rehearsals for a crafty fag; or Kate Moss and her cohorts stumbling out of a Mayfair club, cigs protruding from their puckered lips. Arguably, it's the glamorization of the deadly habit that tempts teenagers into taking up smoking, more so than cigarettes sold in attractive packaging. One photo of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's is enough to make even the most abstinent among us reach for a cigarette holder, and I'm sure we're all guilty of pretending to smoke candy sticks when we were younger, copying nearby adults who were dragging seductively on their ciggies. Of course, that's not to say the young aren't attracted to the designs on cigarette packaging (isn't that the only reason people smoke menthol cigarettes? A green packet! What a novelty!), but let's not do our young people a disservice by thinking them so superficial they will be deterred simply by a lack of pretty colours. These kids are creative. Plain packaged cigarettes might just become the next big thing.

New government website to name and shame doctors over who have poor rates of dementia diagnosis - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Under the plans people will be able to put in their postcode and see how good dementia diagnosis is their local area. The website is also designed to show how good individual local authorities are at providing services to dementia patients such as memory clinics. But critics accused the Government of passing the blame on to local doctors and politicians for failures in dementia care rather than providing the resources to address the problem which ministers claim is a priority for them. Liz Kendall MP, Labour's Shadow Minister for Care and Older People said: If David Cameron was serious about improving the quality of dementia care, he would not have cut council budgets for older people's social care to the bone. And if Jeremy Hunt was serious about improving transparency, he would be publishing how many 15 minute home visits there are in each area, and how many people with dementia have unnecessarily ended up in hospital or having to go into a care home because they can't get the help they need to stay living in their own homes. Dementia is indeed one of the biggest challenges facing this country - but under David Cameron's watch care for people with dementia is getting worse not better.

Life & Style - History

Revealed: How British Empires dirty secrets went up in smoke in the colonies

Revealed: How British Empires dirty secrets went up in smoke in the colonies - Home News - UK - The Independent

This discreet mission in the closing days of British rule over what became Malaysia was one of hundreds of similar operations. As the sun finally set on the Empire, diplomats scurried to repatriate or destroy hundreds of thousands dirty documents containing evidence that London had decided should never see the light of day. Some 50 years later, the sheer scale of the operation to hide the secrets of British rule overseas including details of atrocities committed during the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya is revealed in documents released today by the National Archives in Kew, west London. The so-called migrated archive details the extraordinary lengths to which the Colonial Office went to withhold information from its former subjects in at least 23 countries and territories in the 1950s and 1960s. Among the documents is a memo from London that required all secret documents held abroad to be vetted by a Special Branch or MI5 liaison officer to ensure that any papers which might embarrass Britain or show racial prejudice or religious bias were destroyed or sent home. The ramifications of the operation to conceal the resulting archive of 8,800 files a closely guarded Whitehall secret until the Government recently lost high-profile court cases are still being felt in compensation claims for victims of atrocities committed under British rule from Kenya to Malaya. Relatives of 24 Malayan rubber plantation workers allegedly murdered by British soldiers in the Malayan village of Batang Kali in 1948 returned to the Court of Appeal this week to try to overturn a ruling that the British government cannot be held responsible for the massacre. Most of the records of the original investigation into the killings were destroyed, most likely during the eight-month period that included the sending of the lorries to Singapore. A memo recording the destruction operation in 1957 notes that the MI5 liaison officer overseeing the operation believed that as a result the risk of compromise and embarrassment [to Britain] is slight. John Halford, of the law firm Bindmans, which is representing the Batang Kali relatives and victims, told The Independent: British officials through the years have been desperate to consign the Batang Kali atrocity to history, despite those who were there as children still being very much alive and driven to seek justice. Known in several former colonies as Operation Legacy, Whitehall set out a list of the types of material it wanted removed, including anything which might embarrass members of the police, military forces, public servants (such as police agents or informers). Once dirty documents had been removed the remaining clean material was passed to a new strata of administrators overseeing independence processes who were deliberately not told about the sifting process. It also ordered the destruction or removal of all papers which are likely to be interpreted, either reasonably or by malice, as indicating racial prejudice or bias. Under the rules, all material marked Top Secret or Secret was either sent back to Britain via the RAF or the navy, or destroyed either by burning or placed in well-weighted crates and sunk in deep and current free water at the maximum practicable distance from shore. Among the documents is a note that officials should carefully control any bonfires of secrets and avoid a situation similar to Indian in 1947 when the local press was filled with reports about the pall of smoke which fell over Delhi at the end of the Raj as British officials burnt their papers. The files show that in the months before Kenya gained independence in December 1963, some 307 boxes of material were sent back to Britain. The evidence remained hidden for five decades until court cases brought on behalf of victims of brutality forced its disclosure last year and a subsequent 20m pay out and apology from the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, this

disclosure last year and a subsequent 20m pay out and apology from the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, this summer.

Life & Style - Gadgets & Tech

Nikhil Kumar: Going back to its roots is the best way for struggling mobile phones firm BlackBerry Nikhil Kumar: Yahoos new direction since Marissa Mayer took charge to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web is a gamble The other side of the bitcoin: Virtual currencys reach is still very limited Surface Pro 2 review: Microsoft's tablet hybrid is worth your time, but perhaps not your money In pictures: Lamborghini's 2,500 smartphone Video: 'Destiny - The Law of the Jungle' trailer Video: Trailer for 'Titanfall' PS4 goes on sale in the UK as Sony disables online features Black Friday: UK Apple store sale offers cash discount instead of US gift cards Nasa to grow plants on the moon by 2015: 'If they can thrive, we probably can too' Ashes Cricket 2013 game pulled from sale after fans brand it 'flawed in almost every way' Nokia Lumia 2520 review: Microsoft take note - this is how it's done Video: Call of Duty - Ghosts trailer PS4 review: Sony has got their swagger back with the PlayStation 4 Video: Fable Legends trailer Thanksgiving 2013: US Google Doodle celebrates traditional holiday Tongue piercing allows paralysed to operate wheelchairs from their mouth Japanese engineers plan to turn the moon into a giant solar panel station Where there's muck there's (virtual) brass: Newport man accidentally throws away hard drive needed to access 4m worth of 'Bitcoins' Video: Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball' Chatroulette parody goes viral PS4 UK launch: fans queueing for the last chance to buy Sony console before Christmas PS4 vs Xbox One: Which takes longer to install games? Bitcoin Black Friday: US online retailers attempt to stir up an online shopping frenzy Vote online the Speakers plan to revive politics A funny thing happened on the way to the photocopier: Rhodri Marsden's Twitter followers share cringeworthy work screw-ups

Nikhil Kumar: Going back to its roots is the best way for struggling mobile phones firm BlackBerry - Business Comment - Business - The Independent
Having abandoned a plan to sell itself, the struggling mobile phones firm has put its future in the hands of the interim chief executive and executive chairman John Chen, the former boss of Sybase, the database specialist. He announced a shake-up of the upper ranks this week, with three top executives stepping down. At Sybase, Mr Chen won plaudits for reviving a business that, when he was brought in, was on its knees. At the time, in the late Nineties, Sybase was cutting its workforce as its stock plummeted in the face of weak sales. Mr Chen came in, stabilised the ship and was quick to notice the opportunity presented by mobile data management. Sybase returned to profitability, and Mr Chen led its sale to SAP for $5.8bn in 2010, more than six times what it was

Sybase returned to profitability, and Mr Chen led its sale to SAP for $5.8bn in 2010, more than six times what it was worth when he took over 1998, according to Bloomberg. His strategy for Blackberry will become clearer when the company announces its quarterly results next month. But, from the announcement about the executive shake-up, it looks as though he will focus on the business buyers that helped the company grow in the first place, instead of going head to head with the likes of Apple and Samsung in their battle for retail customers. BlackBerry... continues, by a significant margin, to be the top provider of trusted and secure mobile device management solutions to enterprise customers around the world, he said, indicating that we might see the firm return to its roots as it tries to salvage its business. Which could be a smart move, because it would free BlackBerry from the pressure of producing the trendiest new handset. Business customers are not going to buy a new device because it looks cool. Instead, if BlackBerry does away with fancy product launches and expensive ad campaigns, and goes back to producing reliable and secure phones that are attractive to companies (even if they arent always attractive to their employees), it might manage to recover. It would still be hard work. But it seems like a better strategy than trying to catch up with Apple and Samsung, both of which are far ahead of BlackBerry. A comScore report this month showed that the most popular smartphone platform among US users was Android (which powers Samsung phones, among others) with a 51.8 per cent market share in the three months to September. Apple was next with 41 per cent. And BlackBerry? 3.8 per cent.

Nikhil Kumar: Yahoos new direction since Marissa Mayer took charge to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web is a gamble - Business Comment - Business - The Independent
The push certainly seems to be working. The websites mobile audience, according to recent remarks by Ms Mayer at a technology conference, has expanded to almost 400 million per month, making Yahoo a major presence on the mobile web. But making the most of new technological trends is only one part of the ex-Google executives plans for Yahoo. And the second part of her strategy was in the headlines days ago, when the website said it had signed up Katie Couric, the US TV anchor, to be its Global Anchor. What that means exactly is not clear. The short announcement on Yahoos website doesnt go into any details about Ms Courics new duties, clarifying only that, starting in early 2014, she will lead a growing team of correspondents at Yahoo News who will cover the worlds most interesting stories and newsmakers. It seems to suggest that Ms Mayer, while she builds up Yahoos mobile know-how, is also trying to develop its capabilities as a content producer, something that might seem like an odd thing to do at a technology company. Ms Courics hiring which couldnt have come cheap, with the star anchor reported to have earned up to $15m (9m) a year when she presented the evening news on CBS comes after Yahoo snapped up David Pogue, the ex-New York Times technology columnist, and Matt Bai, the former chief political correspondent for the New York Times magazine. Why is Ms Mayer trying to turn a technology company into a media business? To begin with, as has been widely noted, part of Ms Mayers challenge in reviving Yahoo is not just attracting new users but keeping them engaged so they keep returning. To use the jargon, this kind of stickiness in websites is highly prized by advertisers. One, and perhaps the most obvious, way of doing this is coming up with a breakthrough product such as, say, Googles search engine, which became everybodys go-to tool for navigating the web. They kept returning, and Google kept growing its advertising business. Wisely, Ms Mayer seems have decided against taking on her exemployer in a fight that Yahoo would probably lose, such is Googles strength when it comes to search.

employer in a fight that Yahoo would probably lose, such is Googles strength when it comes to search. And so, she seems to be adopting a different strategy, inspired perhaps by the success of Netflix. Netflix was just a video service, marrying its technological know-how with external content. Lately, however, its been producing its own programmes. With Yahoo, Ms Mayer seems to want to do the same by producing editorial content that not only keeps the websites current users engaged but also boosts its audience as, for example, people tune in to watch the latest Katie Couric interview or read Mr Pogues verdict on the newest Apple gadget. It is a risky strategy, building a media business inside a technology company that has lost its edge over the years. Will it work? Well have to wait and see. But it will be interesting to watch it play out.

The other side of the bitcoin: Virtual currencys reach is still very limited News - Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
But on Saturday the din on the east London thoroughfare will be punctured by hosannas from believers in a future of digital and financial liberation. Investors, academics, political radicals and, of course, internet geeks will gather in Shoreditch for a bitcoin expo. The audience will hear from a host of speakers how the digital medium of exchange is growing in scale and scope. Some will even present the bitcoin as the future of finance, pointing out that it is quicker and more independent than other, conventional, forms of payment. The timing is good. On Wednesday the value of a bitcoin breached $1,000 on an exchange in Japan. The cyber money, created five years ago by a mysterious programmer (or programmers) using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto has been on quite a run. Earlier this month each coin (in reality they are a stream of digital data held on an individuals computer hard drive) was worth just $215. Bitcoin aficionados have the bit, so to speak, clamped tightly in their teeth and they are driving up the value of their favourite money. The authorities are beginning to notice. At a Washington Senate Committee hearing earlier this month the FBI conceded that online, stateless currencies such as the bitcoin are a legitimate financial service. The outgoing chief American central banker, Ben Bernanke, has said that such forms of cyber payment may hold long-term promise. But can this internet money truly become a new global currency, as some of its more zealous supporters claim? Is the bitcoin really the shape of our financial future? It helps to go back to the economics textbooks. They describe three traditional defining features of a viable currency. First, it has to be a practical unit of account. Second, it must be a reliable medium of exchange. Finally, it must be able to serve as a store of value. So how does a bitcoin measure up? Assets and services can certainly be priced in Bitcoins. But its not simple since the value of a bitcoin varies from exchange to exchange. This is because it is still difficult to swap the currency for ordinary cash. The process involves using banks in different countries, which charge varying fees. Is the bitcoin a medium of exchange? Up to a point. They are accepted by a growing number of internet vendors. They are encroaching on the offline world too. One can pay for pizza in the Netherlands with them. In America, hundreds of vendors joined a bitcoin Friday yesterday, selling items from plane tickets to Christmas trees in exchange for the cyber cash. A bitcoin cash machine was installed in Vancouver, Canada, last month. Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic says it will accept them as payment from people booking its forthcoming space flights. But, as of yet, one cannot pay for a copy of The Independent in Bitcoins. You cant pay your taxes in Bitcoins, or use them to buy groceries. For now, at least, the currencys reach is still very limited. Finally, is the bitcoin a store of value? This is the biggest, and perhaps insurmountable, barrier. Devotees of the currency, particularly those on the libertarian right, cherish the fact that there is (or rather will be) a fixed stock of

currency, particularly those on the libertarian right, cherish the fact that there is (or rather will be) a fixed stock of Bitcoins in circulation. The total number is set to top out at around 21 million, thanks to the Nakamoto algorithm that created them. This, we are told, means the bitcoin cannot be debased by corrupted central banks or greedy governments intent on creating ever more cash to finance their own excessive spending. But the currency has, nevertheless, been subject to large fluctuations. In April the value plummeted from $260 to $130 in a matter of hours. This raises the question of how many people will be happy to store their wealth in a currency that can lose half its worth so rapidly. The fixed supply of Bitcoins is also likely to make them unattractive to mainstream finance. What most investors crave is liquidity. Governments and central banks provide that liquidity in times of financial-sector stress. The fact that there is no central bank for the Bitcoin, capable of being a lender of last resort, is likely to put a ceiling on its growth possibilities. Another threat is the dubiousness of some bitcoin users. The traceless cyber currency is, understandably, popular with people who want to evade oversight from the authorities. Bitcoins were used on the Silk Road website, which acted as an anonymous clearing house for guns and drugs, until it was shut down by the authorities. The currency is also said to be popular on the so-called dark net, which, among other things, facilitates the trade of child-abuse imagery. Bitcoin users sometimes claim they are self-sufficient and have bypassed the need for governments. But that selfsufficiency is an exaggeration. The physical computer servers and the telecoms infrastructure that makes the online currency system possible could be relatively easily targeted by states if they were ever to perceive the bitcoin as a facilitator of large-scale money laundering or other crime. Thats another reason to be wary about tying up your wealth in them. The irreversibility of transactions is another danger. Once a bitcoin is spent it cannot be retrieved, even if it has been stolen. A British man who accidentally sent his hard drive to the landfill site lost 4m worth of Bitcoins. People who fail to back up their computers sometimes discover they have lost their money for good. Theres no way of getting it back, no monetary authority to which to appeal. All of that, arguably, makes the bitcoin a rather precarious store of value. Throughout history, economists noticed that when new coins were introduced whose face value was higher than the value of the metal from which they were made, the public tended to stash away the older, more valuable money and to use the new coins for exchange. The bad money tended to drive out the good. This became known as Greshams Law, after the Tudor financier Sir Thomas Gresham. But in the case of the Bitcoin, Greshams axiom could be reversed. The bad elements of this money might end up confining it to the margins. Dont expect that to dampen the enthusiasm on Brick Lane though. The Surface tablet or, tablets rather; the RT and the more expensive Pro weren't best loved by customers, with the original pair essentially laughed out of town when Microsoft claimed they offered the functionality of both a tablet and a laptop. Microsoft are still making the same claims and it's still as difficult a challenge. However, with this update to the Surface line, they're closer than they've ever been before. Whilst broad swathes of the market attempt to be the 7-inch king of entertainment and with Apple positioning the iPad air as a productivity machine of their own, it's worth seeing exactly how far Microsoft have come with the Surface. Note: There are two tiers of Surface devices the more expensive and more powerful Intel-powered Surface Pro 2 and the ARM-powered Surface 2 (previously the Surface RT). The latter uses Windows RT 8.1 (which doesnt support software designed for Windows 7 and earlier) whilst the former uses Windows 8.1 (the 'full fat'version). We do have something to say about the Surface 2 as well though, so read on.

Design and build

Firstly, the Surface Pro 2 is visually identical to its predecessor. Its made from the same Microsoft-patented VaporMG material and still offers a distinctly premium feel (although it also attracts both smudges and nicks). It also has the same port allocation, meaning theres a USB 3.0 connection for your various sticks and drives something the iPad still doesn't offer. Unfortunately, the Pro 2 also has the Pros same weight problem: its 900g and more than half an inch thick. This may not sound like much but its just less than double the size and weight of the new iPad air and it means the Pro 2 never feels like a tablet. You wouldnt take it out on the bus to read ebooks with, though you might if you could grab a table on the train.

The kickstand in the new Surface Pro 2 and Surface 2 can now be set at two different angles - meaning it's possible, but not easy, to use it on your lap. Kickstand and keyboard
On a flat surface is where Microsofts 'hybrid' really comes into its own (though hopefully not where it got its name): attach a keyboard and plonk it on a desk or table and the Surface Pro 2 is a wonderful device. Microsoft have finally upgraded the kickstand so it works in two positions - one of which appropriate for an actual computer - and the keyboard accessories are beautifully designed. Microsoft offers two of them, both of which do duty as a cover and are held into place by a pair of satisfyingly clunky magnets (never underestimate the psychological pleasure of a good clunk).

The Surface Pro 2 with the Type Cover 2 attached. Purple may not be everybody's cover, but Microsoft have done a fantastic job in packing a good keyboard into the Type Cover 2's slim form. There's the 99.99 Touch Cover 2 and the 109.99 Type Cover 2. The Touch Cover is made out of a sort of felt material with a tiny touchpad on the bottom - it's backlit and beuatifully responsive but still feels awkward for long periods of typing. Happily the Type Cover is a perfect complement for th Surface Pro. It's a little thicker than the Touch Cover, sure, but for only 10 more it allows you type happily all day.

Battery and screen

The battery life is one of the most significant areas of improvement for the Surface Pro. The first generation barely lasted for longer than four hours at a time but the new version (with help from a firmware update out earlier this month) easily pushes past the eight hour mark. This means you'll get a full days work out of it and considering how you might use the device (eg, a couple of hours a day during travel) then you might not even need a charger for days at a time.

The screen on the Surface Pro 2 and Surface 2 is 10.6-inches diagonally, with a 1920x1080 resolution. However, you'll have to dial down that battery life if you plan to take full advantage of the Pro 2's gorgeous screen. The 10.6-inch display is full HD with a 1920 x 1080 resolution that offers fantastic viewing angles. And although the screen can feel somewhat letter boxy when browing the web, the slightly flattened ratio is perfect for films.

'Productivity'
This is how Microsoft is really trying to sell the Surface Pro - as a machine that can replace your laptop and offer the same functionality. In terms of specs there's no doubt that the Surface Pro 2 is impressive: there's a fourth generation Intel Haswell i5 powering the thing and you can choose 4GB or 8GB of RAM. Hard drives go from 64GB to 512GB, though there's also 200GB free cloud storage for 2 years.

In pure numbers, the Pro 2 is easily the equal of more equivalent laptops - though at its highest specs (with the keyboard on top) it does end up as pricier than an equivalent laptop from Apple. That will certainly be a sticking point for all but the most partisan users. However, the problem with being productive on the Surface is with the software, not the hardware. Now is not the time for an exhaustive examination of the faults and virtues of Windows 8.1, so to put it simply there's a bit of a learning curve. x When you're just working in a single window it's all good, but as soon as you try any serious multitasking everything just seems that everything takes a couple more steps than you'd like. Microsoft have tried to solve this with more options to switch between windows and split the screen in two, but it's just not enough. This doesn't put it behind its competitors, but it doesn't push it out in front either.

Conclusion
I must confess, I have a bit of a soft spot for the Surface. The look and feel of the device are fantastic and Microsoft throws all the perks it can at you: free cloud storage, free Skype calls, even a very under-publicised but very good adsupported music streaming service, Xbox Music. The hardware is all there too; in terms of design and power, battery life and screen quality. Unfortunately, the price is still a major sticking point. Yes, the Pro 2 'starts' at 719 but once you take into account what actually need it becomes a pricey device. There's the keyboard (829); because the operating system takes up nearly half of a 64GB drive so you'll probably want to bump that up to 128GB storage (909); and you'll need Office if you're going to get any work done (currently discounted from 80 to 60 - so it's now 969). At this point the Surface Pro 2 costs 100 more than an 11-inch MacBook Air with nearly identical specs, and if you're only buying this device for light use then, well, you'll want to look elsewhere. One more thing... However, if you are only looking to get a new tablet for light work - some point and click web browsing, a bit of iPlayer and tapping out some emails - then the Pro 2's little brother, the Surface 2, might actually be a good fit. It gets all the kudos the Pro 2 gets for the quality screen and design build, but is also lighter and thinner. The main problem for the Surface 2 is the lack of a full operating system. Windows RT has no desktop mode and no legacy software. As a compensation it comes with Office (saving you the 60) but you'll still need to get a keyboard to make any use of this. Prices start from 359 for a 32GB device and 439 for 64GB - so this still isn't a cheap device, but it's worth considering rather than instantly discarding as an option. If using Windows RT holds no fear for you (and definitely try before you buy) then the Surface 2 can be as fluid and responsive as you'd want

In pictures: Lamborghini's 2,500 smartphone - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
Unfortunately, when the handset in question sells for 2,500 and comes with the technical specs equivalent to that of phone costing less than 200 then the accolades should, perhaps, be a little more measured. This is the Antares, a limited edition smartphone launched by Lamborghini this week and coming to stores at some point in early 2014. The Antares is in a class by itself, one we refer to as the 'techno-luxury' mobile segment, said Mr Tonino Lamborghini, president of the luxury brand responsible for the phone. Our new phone marries uncompromising Italian design and premium build quality with the high performance people expect from their most important lifestyle accessory.

accessory. Theres no denying that the Antares leather back and angular stainless steel design are eye-catching (although the word garish springs to mind) but Lamborghini has apparently fallen into the same trap that seems to catch out every manufacturer of luxury phones: mediocre innards. The Antares comes with a quad-core 1.5Ghz processor, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory, as well as a full HD 1080p screen and a 13-megapixel rear and 5-megixel front-facing camera specs that could be found in handsets costing less than a tenth of the price. The whole thing is powered by Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and comes in several alluring colour schemes for both men and women. Weve seen handsets similar to this in the past (some offering even more extravagant price tags) and it seems the trend wont be coming to an end any time soon, with Lamborghini promising to release a further series of mobile products aimed at successful independent people searching for a unique identity and luxury items with genuine character and true performance.

Video: 'Destiny - The Law of the Jungle' trailer - Gaming - Gadgets & Tech The Independent
In a universe where humans had spread out and colonised planets in the Solar System, an event known as "the Collapse" saw the mysterious dissolution of these colonies and left mankind teetering on the brink of extinction.

Video: Trailer for 'Titanfall' - Gaming - Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
In Titanfall, players fight in online multiplayer-only matches set on a war-torn planet as mech-style Titans and their pilots. Its action is fast-paced, including abilities to run on walls and hijack mechs, and extended periods between player deaths.

PS4 goes on sale in the UK as Sony disables online features - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
Imran Choudhary was the first Brit to get his hands on the console, telling the BBC "It was always my goal to try and be one of the first people in the country to get hold of a PS4." The launch event in London's Covent Garden was one of the few places where fans could get their hands on a console, with all pre-orders for the PS4 sold out since Christmas. Enthusiastic gamers were served on a first come, first served basis. Amazon have since warned that customers who pre-ordered the PS4 after13 November would not receive the console before Christmas.

The first French customer to get their hands on the PS4 poses with Sony Computer Entertainment President Andrew House (R). Image credit: IAN LANGSDON/EPA The launch was co-ordinated across Europe, following the console's debut in North American markets. Within 24 hours of going on sale in the US and Canada, Sony sold more than one million units of the PS4 - a feat matched by the Xbox One a week later, although Microsoft's launch took in 15 markets in total. Sony is expecting such a triumphant launch for the PS4 that they have even shut down two online features in order to cope with the influx of new players. Mercifully for players, these are only minor features and all the major aspects of online play will be intact. Both the 'What's New' feature (where players see what their friends are doing) and 'Content Information Screen' (which logs friends' progress with games) will be turned off.

The PS4's DualShock 4 controller. Image credit: Sony. Click here to read our review of the PS4 Meanwhile, customers who missed out are being warned to look out for scams, with some websites offering the PS4 in countries where it has yet to be released in quantities of up to 5,000. NetNames, a company specializing in online brand protection, found more than 75,000 suspcious listings for the PS4 and just under 20,000 for the Xbox One. Whilst many retailers will slash their prices to attract bargain hunters in the run up to Christmas, consumers must remain wary of too good to be true offers for the must-have festive gifts," said Haydn Simpson, product director of brand protection at NetNames. "To avoid falling victim to the latest online scams, consumers need to remember that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is."

Black Friday: UK Apple store sale offers cash discount instead of US gift cards - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent

Admittedly, this news only applies to Apples range of shiny playthings, but the savings available from Apples online store - arent to be sniffed at. The iPad Air has been cut from 399 to 368, whilst the iPad mini (without Retina screen unfortunately) has come down from 249 to 234 and the larger-screened iPad 2 from 329 to 304. Computers have also come down in price, with the MacBook Air and iMac both saving 81 to 768 and 1,068 respectively, whilst the MacBook Pro with Retina starts at 1,018 (from 1,099)and the regular Pro is 918 down from 999. This looks pretty good in comparison to the US, where shoppers are tempted with gift cards, but accounting for unfavourable exchange rates, the deals come out about equal. Theres a whole other range of items on sale (including iPods and a bunch of non-Apple accessories and products from the online store) though Apple are warning that the discounted prices are available for today only.
More Black Friday content:

Nasa to grow plants on the moon by 2015: 'If they can thrive, we probably can too' - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
If successful, the Lunar Plant Growth Habitat team will make history by seeding life from Earth on another celestial body for the first time, paving the way for humans to set up more permanent habitation. If we send plants and they thrive, then we probably can, says Nasa. Scientists, contractors and students will work together to create a small 1kg self-contained habitat containing seeds and germination material to send to the moon. To get there Nasa plans to hitchhike, delivering the payload via the Moon Express lander, a commercial spacecraft enrolled in the Google Lunar X Prize. After landing in late 2015, water will be added to the seeds in the module and their growth will be monitored for 510 days and compared to Earth based controls. Seeds will include Arabidopsis, basil, and turnips, said Nasa officials in a press release. The difficulty for the scientists will be encouraging plant growth in the harsh environment of the moon. Partial gravity and lunar radiation will need to be accounted for, although the plants will travel with their own water reservoir and enough air for five days of growth. Cameras and sensors will monitor the plants and send data back to Earth.

A 3D printed model of the habitat. It will contain the seedlings and all the materials they need to germinate, as well as cameras and sensors to send data back to Earth. Photo credit: Hemil Modi.

Nasa has outlined the importance of completing such experiments, noting that thriving plants are needed for life support (food, air, water) for colonists, and that such greenery also provides psychological comfort, as the popularity of the greenhouses in Antarctica and on the Space Station show. Getting the seeds to the moon will be accomplished via the help of the Moon Express lander, a spacecraft being built by the private company Moon Express to compete in the Google Lunar X Prize. The $20 million prize will be awarded to the first team to land a robot on the surface of the Moon, travel 500 meters over the lunar surface, and send images and data back to the Earth, with a deadline of 31 December 2015. The experiment will help Nasa not only to learn more about how plants grow in testing environmental conditions, but will address broader questions about the possibility of establishing human habitats elsewhere in the universe.

A computer illustration of the Moon Express lander. Image credit: Moon Express Can humans live and work on the moon? Not just visit for a few days but stay for decades? A first step in long term presence is to send plants, says Nasa. They carry genetic material that can be damaged by radiation as can that of humans [and] can test the lunar environment for us, acting as a canary in a coal mine. The project is also noteworthy for its relative frugality. Speaking to Forbes's Tarun Wadhwa , planetary scientist Dr. Chris McKay estimated that such a project would have cost $300 million two decades ago, but will only set Nasa back $2 million today. In a move that Wadhwa described as "a brilliant mix of creativity and frugality," Nasa will also be sending duplicate habitats to schools across America, so that children and students can grow and monitor the same plants being sent to the moon. This part of the project kills two birds with one stone: it allows Nasa to crowdsource the control experiments necessary for any scientific investigation, whilst also involving and inspiring a new generation with dreams of planetary exploration.

Basil seedlings, as seen above, will form part of the payload to the moon. Image credit: WillowGardeners / Creative Commons

Ashes Cricket 2013 game pulled from sale after fans brand it 'flawed in almost every way' - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
Fans have described Ashes 2013, which was released on 22 November for PCs, as incomplete, a pile of garbage and flawed in almost every way. The games publishers are currently offering refunds to anyone who bought the title. Ashes 2013 was originally slated to be released earlier in the year to coincide with the English leg of the 2013 series, but was delayed after being declared not worthy of the Ashes name in July. Following its release this month, angry fans have given the game a score of 1.1 on reviews aggregator Metacritic, citing a number of flaws including unfinished character animations, graphics from 1999 and a complete lack of understanding of the fundamentals of the sport. The games publishers, 505 Games, have issued an official apology, blaming the failures of the game on Trickstar Games, the company they contracted to make it. "As most people who have followed the project closely can affirm, the development of Ashes Cricket 2013 has been fraught with challenges almost from the outset, said 505 Games. The chosen developer, even with their many years of cricket game development experience, was unable to overcome the unexpected challenges that the chosen game engine threw up, even with multiple extensions to the development schedule. At the start of the project, 505 Games received all assurances from the developer that the engine was up to the task of creating a dynamic, cutting-edge cricket game for the modern age across multiple platforms, and unfortunately those assurances were found to be misplaced." 505 Games have said that their main priority is to protect the Ashes name and that of the ECB and Cricket Australia, and do what we can to recompense the cricket community." Our deepest apologies, however, are reserved for the fans of cricket and cricket games worldwide. Despite the disappointment of cricketing fans, other internet users have managed to enjoy the game for its surreal gameplay. One commenter on YouTube offered this helpful advice: To any Americans watching this, this is actually a 100% realistic depiction of the game of cricket. (Skip to 9 minutes in the video above to see how fielders deal with a rogue ball)

Nokia Lumia 2520 review: Microsoft take note - this is how it's done -

Nokia Lumia 2520 review: Microsoft take note - this is how it's done Features - Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
True, this is the Windows RT version, so you can only download apps from Microsofts as yet underpopulated store. But it comes with the key Windows program, Office, already loaded. And it has Nokias splendid own-brand apps to help. The Nokia Lumia 2520 comes in a choice of colours: two are gloss, red and white, while the other two are matte finish (black or cyan). All are made from the appealing-to-the-touch polycarbonate finish that Nokia has dressed most of its Lumia smartphones in. The material and the skilfully curved edges combine to create a gadget which feels great in the hand. Although its not as featherweight as the new Apple iPad Air its lighter than last years iPad. This means its comfortable enough in the hand to feel absolutely portable. You wont want to just use this tablet at home. The design is sleekly realised in every way. Apart from the power button and volume rocker on the top edge there are a couple of sockets, including power and headphones and a connector on the base for an optional keyboard. Other than that its beautifully simple. To wake the screen you touch the Windows logo that sits on the front. It pulses and the display lights up, which is a pleasant and intimate feeling. Nokias own apps include its excellent free music streaming program Nokia music and Here maps. Beyond that there is a proficient camera app and Nokia Storyteller which is new. This is a program which turns your photos and videos into stories based on when and where they were taken. Very neatly, when youre looking at a photograph and cant remember where you took it you can zoom out and suddenly the images are revealed on a map its good fun. Theres a simple but effective video capture and editing program as well, called Nokia Video Director. Part of the success of this tablet is the range of superior apps Nokia has provided, and doubtless there will be more to follow. The processor on the Nokia Lumia 2520 is pretty whizzy and means the touchscreen is quickly responsive. The inclusion of the full Microsoft Office suite at your fingertips is very useful. And the Microsoft-owned Skype is right there on the home screen, alongside elegantly designed Microsoft apps such as Bing Food & Drink and Bing Health & Fitness. With so many good-looking apps available its easy to forget that this is not a fully capable computer. But the limitation of installing apps only from the App Store hasnt exactly held back the iPad which has similar prescriptive rules as to what is compatible. The difference is that Apples App Store has 475,000 tablet-optimised apps while here the number is much, much lower, though growing fast. In the world of tablet computers, so completely dominated by the iPad, the Nokia Lumia 2520 is a breath of fresh air. Its competitively priced, with 32 GB of storage and a sim card slot to connect to the 4G network. Priced at just 399, its exclusively available at John Lewis, Nokia has just revealed.

Video: Call of Duty - Ghosts trailer - Features - Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
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PS4 review: Sony has got their swagger back with the PlayStation 4 - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
However, when they released the PlayStation 3 in 2006, sales were underwhelming, and fans were unhappy about the hefty price tag plus, they were a year behind the release of the Xbox 360. Ever since, the battle between Sony and Microsoft has been more pronounced than ever. Today sees the release of the PlayStation 4 in the UK, a mere seven days after the Xbox One. Sony released its nextgen console two weeks ago in North America, and topped one million sales within 24 hours a feat which Microsoft matched (although those figures were spread out between 14 countries). But sales aside, what will the PlayStation 4 offer punters? The good news is that Sony has listened and responded to previous concerns. Their clear focus is on the playing experience, and theyve undercut the Xbox One by 80, pricing their console at 349. Looks wise, the PlayStation 4

has the edge - it is sleeker and less bulky than its rival. Where Microsoft wants to dominate your living room in the entertainment sphere, the PlayStation 4 is all about gaming - but you can still access BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and other apps.

The PS4 interface is slick and offers a range of apps and social functions. Unlike with PlayStation 3, this time you will have to pay for PlayStation Plus to access online multiplayer. But there will be free downloads available every month, including the rightly-commended launch release Resogun, a simple but addictive side-scrolling shoot-em-up in the vein of arcade classic R-Type.

Its easy to set up, and the new DualShock 4 controller feels more comfortable despite packing in new features such as the central touch pad, light sensor, and share button to upload gameplay clips. Impatient gamers will be pleased to hear that while games are being installed (which begins with insertion of the disc), you can begin playing, even if it hasnt finished downloading.

The new DualShock 4 controller: weightier with curved triggers. The camera (45) is not quite as advanced as the Kinect 2.0, which comes with the Xbox One, but its not as integral to gameplay either. One nifty feature Sony has introduced is the ability to switch to remote play on the PS Vita, its handheld gadget - a handy addition if someone is fed up of you hogging the living room television. For a company that is proud to keep the focus on gaming and boasts more raw power than Microsoft, its slightly disappointing to see that Sony havent offered stronger exclusive launch titles, with the exception of sci-fi firstperson-shooter Killzone: Shadow Fall, which looks great. But impatient gamers shouldnt have to wait for long, as there is a much more impressive roster of releases coming over the next six months and beyond, courtesy of Sonys strong support for independent games developers. For those who are undecided on whether to move on to the next

strong support for independent games developers. For those who are undecided on whether to move on to the next gen console immediately, they may wish to consider that for the meanwhile, some of the most exciting titles such as Grand Theft Auto V and Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag are already available on PlayStation 3. With a direct comparison on graphics however, is it worth noting that the latter certainly looks decidedly more vivid on the next gen console.

Killzone: Shadow Fall (above) shows off the system's graphics. Already, the PS4 has seen more success than its predecessor, with a positive reception from fans and critics alike, translating into enviable early sales figures in North America. Only time will tell if the PlayStation 4 can surpass the PlayStation 2 as its best-selling console, but for now, Sony seem to be back in their stride.

Video: Fable Legends trailer - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
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news Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser News

tech New CEO Marissa Mayer plans to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web Arts & Entertainment

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Thanksgiving 2013: US Google Doodle celebrates traditional holiday - News Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
The traditional holiday is celebrated by millions on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada. Thanksgiving commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1621 and is marked by religious observances and 'giving thanks' as people prepare and eat a meal together. Turkey is usually served alongside winter vegetables, cranberry sauce and pecan or pumpkin pie. According to the US Department of Agriculture more than 45 million turkeys are eaten on this day - a sixth of all turkeys sold in the US year. Click here to see pictures of more Google Doodles The President also 'pardons' two turkeys who are not going to be slaughtered in a slightly more unusual Thanksgiving 'tradition' invented by Ronald Reagan in 1987. In an extremely rare coincidence this year, Thanksgiving overlaps with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, sparking the nickname 'Thanksgivukkah' and adding turkey-shaped menorah to some dinner tables. Video: Thanksgiving 2013 Google Doodle

Tongue piercing allows paralysed to operate wheelchairs from their mouth Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
A magnetic tongue piercing acts as a joystick, allowing the wearers to control their wheelchair using their tongue as a joystick.

The device was compared with the current leading assistive technology for the paralyzed known as the sip-and-puff. Compared to this straw-like interface, the piercing was found to be just as accurate and a little bit faster. "It's really powerful because it's so intuitive," said Jason DiSanto, a 39-year-old who was among the first spinal cord injury patients to try get his tongue pierced to put the system through its paces. "The first time I did it, people thought I was driving for, like, years." The research was led by Maysam Ghovanloo, director of Georgia Tech's bionics lab, who oversaw the 11 testers as they used the device to navigate a specially designed obstacle course. The piercing works in tandem with a headset, used to detect the position of the tongue. As the user moves their tongue in the mouth, the headset (and an associated app) then translates these movements into instructions for the wheelchair. Ghovanloo, a biomedical engineer currently working with the Georgia Tech university to commercialise the system, said that he decided to use the tongue as a controller as it is unobstrusive, easy to use and flexible.

Paralyzed patient Jason Disanto pilots a wheelchair using the Tongue Drive System at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Image credit: Reuters. Ghovanloo also noted that moving the tongue did not require any particular concentration and that as our brains dedicate nearly as much cerebral real estate to the tongue as they do our hands, allowing it a particularly expansive range of movements. Dr. Brad Dicianno, a rehabilitation specialist uninvolved with the research from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, commented: For people who have very limited ability to control a power wheelchair, there aren't that many options. There is some interesting promise for this tongue control. The study, reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine, found that all the volunteers in the study preferred the piercing to their regular device, but some individuals had dropped out of the tests, worrying that a piercing wasnt suitable for their profession. DiSanto also noted that the device took some getting used to; taking a week to heal and initially making eating and drinking an unusual experience. Another participant reported that the piercing simply fell out.

Paralyzed patient Jason Disanto's tongue is pierced in order for him to pilot a wheelchair using the Tongue Drive System at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Image credit: Reuters. The researchers though are enthusiastic about the devices potential, and Ghovanloo has outlined plans to expand the softwares functionality, allowing users to also control their TV or lights with a flick of the tongue. Hes also worked to reduce the size of the headset, allowing to work as a dental retainer instead. DiSanto is one of the users that has already signed up to the next round of testing. "Somebody that's in a wheelchair already has a stigma," he said. "If there was something that could be developed to control my wheelchair and the environment around me, to make me more independent without having to have medical devices coming out of my mouth, it would be a huge benefit." Additional reporting by the Associated Press

Japanese engineers plan to turn the moon into a giant solar panel station Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
Shimizu, a giant civil engineering and construction firm, plans to install a 'solar belt' around the moon's equator. To be built almost entirely by remote-controlled robots, the Luna Ring would run around the 6,800 mile lunar equator and be 248 miles in width. The solar energy collected would converted and beamed back to earth as microwaves and laser, where it would then be converted into electricity and then potentially supplied to the national grid. Shimizu says the Luna Ring could generate a massive 13,000 terra watts of energy. The Sizewell B nuclear reactor in Suffolk produces 1,198 megawatts (MW).

According to the firm's engineers, the moon's equator is exposed to a steady amount of sun and not subject to some

of the weather problems associated with solar energy generation on earth. Virtually inexhaustible, non-polluting solar energy is the ultimate source of green energy that brings prosperity to nature as well as our lives, says Shimizu. The company plans to have a pilot demonstration by 2020 and for construction to begin by 2035. This is not the first time solar energy generated in space has been mooted as an answer to the earth's dwindling energy resources. NASA has been investigating space-based solar systems for decades. And not everyone is convinced - Prof Werner Hofer, director of the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy at the University of Liverpool, said: Doing this in space is not a good idea because it is fantastically expensive and you probably never recover the energy you have to invest.

Where there's muck there's (virtual) brass: Newport man accidentally throws away hard drive needed to access 4m worth of 'Bitcoins' - Home News - UK The Independent
A man from Newport has spoken of his regret after he accidentally threw away a hard drive containing the cryptographic "private key" needed to access nearly 4 million worth of the digital currency Bitcoins. The hard drive was thrown away by its owner James Howells over the summer along with the Dell XPS N1710 laptop it came from. After discarding the equipment, Mr Howells realised it included a digital wallet containing 7,500 Bitcoins which he 'mined' in 2009 at almost no cost. Mr Howells, 28, who lives on Cromwell Road, Newport, had stored the virtual currency on his hard drive when it was worth almost nothing. In 2009 the virtual currency was pretty much unknown outside of tech circles, however, in recent months the value of the digital coins has increased exponentially. In a desperate and so far fruitless attempt to retrieve his virtual treasure Mr Howell visited the Docksway landfill site in Newport but was told it would not be sealed off unless there needed to be a criminal investigation carried out. According to reports Mr Howells was told so much rubbish has since been piled on top the hard drive, which was thrown away in July or August, that it would be almost impossible to find. Mr Howells told the South Wales Argus that the landfill site would be 30 feet in the air when complete. Speaking to The Guardian, who first covered the story after spotting a post on Reddit, Mr Howells said: "You know when you put something in the bin, and in your head, say to yourself 'that's a bad idea'? I really did have that." According to the newspaper, at the time of his discarding the hard drive the virtual currency would have been worth around 500,000 but the value has since risen to beyond 4million.

Video: Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball' Chatroulette parody goes viral - News Music - The Independent
Steve Kardynal donned a white pair of Y-fronts and a vest for the spoof in which he mimed along to Cyrus' song while writhing on a homemade wrecking ball - at one point completely naked. He filmed the parody on social video site Chatroulette, where users can talk to random people and switch to another stranger if the conversation dries up. The split screen shows Kardynal's antics on one side and the reaction of users who have stumbled across him on the other.

who have stumbled across him on the other. Users are initially bemused by Kardynal's performance before realising it is a spoof, some even start singing along while they watch him as he seductively licks a hammer and a dumbbell. Chatroulette is notorious for its seedy nature and Kardynal does not disappoint when he rides his improvised wrecking ball without any clothes on, leaving one user looking horrified. His video has gained over 26million views and counting since it was uploaded on YouTube a couple of days ago. The views are nearly as impressive as Cyrus own Vevo record for the original video, the single attracted 19.3million views in the space of 24 hours. Kardynal is known for his Internet parodies, having lampooned Carly Rae Jepsen's hit 'Call Me Maybe' only last year while dressed in a bikini.

PS4 UK launch: fans queueing for the last chance to buy Sony console before Christmas - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
Although Sony has previously said that launch-day pre-orders have been sold out since August, they recently announced that gamers would be able to purchase a limited supply of the console from the PS4 Lounge in Londons Convent Garden. The consoles are thought to be the last available in the UK before Christmas and will be sold on a first come first served basis to customers. "We really wanted to offer some way for people to buy on launch day, and this is a fantastic opportunity for anyone that hasn't already pre-ordered to get their hands on a PS4 on day one," said Fergal Gara, a marketing executive from Sony Computer Entertainment.

"The excitement in the run up to our UK launch has been phenomenal, and we want to thank gamers for their support by giving them the chance to take a PS4 home at the earliest opportunity." Sony has also confirmed the full list of launch titles as well as their prices. All the expected cross-platform titles are there, as well as Sony exclusives like Killzone: Shadow Fall, Contrast and Resogun. Click here to read 'The top 7 launch games for the PS4' Sony will be looking to replicate both the success of their North American launch (during which the console more than one million units in 24 hours) and Microsofts global launch for the Xbox One last week. Following their launch Microsoft also reported that they had sold more than one million consoles in 24 hours and Sony will be hoping to beat this with their second launch. Analysts are currently predicting that the PS4 will outsell the Xbox One in the long run, shifting 49 million consoles to Microsofts 38m over the next five years. Commenting on Sonys launch Martyn Gibbs, the CEO of the retailer Game, noted that pre-orders for the PS4 were four times higher than they were for the PS3, adding that the PS4 launch is going to surpass anything PlayStation has done before.
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PS4 vs Xbox One: Which takes longer to install games? - Gadgets & Tech Life & Style - The Independent
Gamers eager to play on Microsofts next-gen console are apparently having to wait longer than 16 minutes for some

games to be sufficiently installed, whereas for PlayStation 4 owners, its taking less than a minute. The claims are coming from the gaming blog Kotaku, who ran a series of comparisons between the two consoles. Using normal consoles connected to a Wi-Fi delivering speeds of around 9 to 11Mbps, Kotaku timed how long it took from the disc being inserted to when the game was ready to play. For each game tested, the PlayStation 4 clocked in at under a minute, whereas the Xbox One took considerably longer. Kotaku noted that each time a new game was to be installed on the Xbox One, an update needed to be downloaded in order to begin the installation of the game itself. A similar update is required for the PlayStation 4, although this can be done in the background, or just whenever it is needed (i.e. for online play and so on). Microsoft has attempted to remedy the lengthy installation times. On the Xbox support forum, an official support agent under the name of Mister Cerb offered advice: disconnect from the network, turn the console on and off again, then retry the installation without connecting to the network. Once done, gamers can reconnect and download any necessary updates. This isnt the first time Xbox gamers have encountered problems. There have been reports of faulty disc drives on some consoles, although Microsoft has taken steps to make up for this by offering free digital downloads to those affected. As for the PlayStation4, which launches in the UK tomorrow (November 29), theres been the so-called blue light of death to deal with.

Bitcoin Black Friday: US online retailers attempt to stir up an online shopping frenzy - Gadgets & Tech - Life & Style - The Independent
Bitcoin Black Friday will launch on 29 November with hundreds of merchants selling everything from web hosting to organic beer [offering] special deals to anyone paying in Bitcoin. Bitcoin has so much potential to make the world a fairer and more prosperous place. But it needs our help, read the description from the site. Because Bitcoin challenges such powerful industries, it will face serious political opposition-- especially in the U.S. where those industries are strongest. This amazing new technology will only be politically safe once millions of people rely on it every day. Participating retailers will no doubt be hoping to replicate the frenzied scenes that traditionally accompany the physical Black Friday, where shopping can become so competitive that there is even a Black Friday Death Count, currently recording four deaths and sixty-seven injuries since 2006. In the US the unofficial holiday occurs on the Friday following Thanksgiving and marks the start of the Christmas shopping period. The name originally referred to the point in the calendar at which retailers began to turn a profit (going from the red side of the balance sheet to the black) although modern shopping giants now become profitable much earlier in the year. However, even as the value of the digital currency continues to rocket (it broke through the $1000 mark earlier in the week) the wares available for sale on the Bitcoin Black Friday website are a reminder of its niche appeal unsurprisingly, the likes of Tesco and Argos (well, Walmart and Target - this is the US of course) have yet to get involved.

Vote online - the Speakers plan to revive politics - UK Politics - UK - The Independent
Mr Bercow will call in bosses from Facebook, Apple, Twitter, Google and Microsoft to advise him how technology

can assist the expansion of e-democracy over the coming years. He will chair the first-ever Speakers commission on digital democracy, which will examine ways to modernise the system and ensure that Parliament reaches out to the electorate. In a speech on Wednesday night to the Hansard Society, a charity that promotes parliamentary democracy, Mr Bercow said: What we are talking about here is nothing less than a Parliament version 2.0. He said elements might include online voting, e-dialogue between MPs and constituents, and greater scrutiny of laws and government over the web. The Speaker said Britain should learn from Estonia, the first nation to use internet voting. A quarter of Estonians cast online ballots in a national election in 2011 and about half are expected to do so in 2015. He said Estonia was the market leader and its system was well worth investigating.

Speaker John Bercow sees 'e-democracy' as the future (Getty) Estonians can vote on a computer using their national identity card to ensure security, or via mobile phone with a Pin code. Analysis by the London School of Economics found that between 10 and 15 per cent of online voters would probably not have cast ballots without this option, because it made voting faster and cheaper. However, it also concluded that the change had not necessarily boosted turnout. Party officials in Britain reacted cautiously to the idea. One said: It may happen one day, but not yet. There would be big questions about security. Our system is one of the least corrupt, but there have been a few problems with postal voting and that highlights the potential danger of moving to online. The Speakers commission will start work early next year and draw up a blueprint for action by early 2015 the 750th anniversary of the year Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, founded Parliament, and 800 years since the Magna Carta. Any changes would not be in place for the May 2015 election but Mr Bercow wants the Commons elected in two years time to consider the radical shift. Like the digital world itself, it will be unpredictable, potentially anarchic, he said. It should even be quite fun. The commissions remit will be to embrace the opportunities afforded by the digital world to become more effective in representing the people, making laws and scrutinising the work and performance of government. It should also consider how Parliament can become more relevant to the increasingly diverse population it seeks to serve.

A woman casts her vote in the 2011 Estonian general election (Getty) Mr Bercow admitted that measures such as online voting would require moves to end the digital divide in which 20 per cent of British households do not have internet access. The Berlin wall which undoubtedly exists in this terrain is no longer about age but relates to affluence or the lack of it, he said. A digital democracy should not re-invent the divide in franchise of the 19th century in a new, high-technology form. It has to be universally inclusive and not a narrow geeks nirvana. He said digital democracy could not be a conversation between interest groups and political parties and pledged that his commission would take evidence from outside Zone One of the London Underground network. Mr Bercow said a 21st-century democracy could no longer be about people voting once every four or five years. He argued that e-democracy could help to repair the damage and lack of trust in politicians caused by the scandal over MPs expenses in 2009.

A funny thing happened on the way to the photocopier: Rhodri Marsden's Twitter followers share cringeworthy work screw-ups - Features - Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
But we don't just draw the line at sheepish modesty, hell no. Our muted fondness for self-deprecation can extend to joyous celebration of our own glorious failures, whether that's a skewed pride in such historical debacles as Dunkirk or the Charge of the Light Brigade, or recounting a recent story of your failure to fix a lavatory cistern that ends with you unconscious on the lino in a pool of water tinged with the icy blue of a flush freshener. This, according to Debrett's, and contrary to what the rest of the world might think, is behaviour that anthropological research has found to be sexually attractive. I am sporadically useless; feel my sensual power. This is the only reason I can think of for the unbridled enthusiasm with which people can post heartfelt confessions of personal failure on Twitter. It happened on Tuesday. I remembered an incident from my twenties when I worked for a number of eastern European music promoters, with primary responsibility for logistics. We had to transport drum'n' bass star Goldie from London to Sofia, Bulgaria a task which has been made relatively simple thanks to the wonders of aeronautics. But I ballsed up this straightforward operation by sending him in a cab to Heathrow when his flight was leaving from Gatwick. It was a bad day, and a bad memory. But because (according to Debrett's) of my need to appear sexually attractive, I tweeted about it. Now, that may well turn out to be a poor decision when my writing career crashes and burns and I

attempt a triumphant return to the world of tour management, but what I lost in future vocational opportunities I gained in short-term laughs. "I once lost an entire South Korean youth orchestra," replied @MargoJMilne, in a bold and attractive display of massive uselessness. She was not alone. @agladheight described the panic-stricken moment at the Rural Payments agency when 5,000 cattle were sent to the wrong end of the country by mistake. @GinBroguesHats, meanwhile, "Got a summer job in construction knocking houses down. 20 minutes later had hit self in the face with a sledgehammer." The tales of ineptitude came thick and fast, whether it was @RoyMcCarthy's graphic description of taking a bend too quickly on the North Circular and emptying a pallet of Bacardi Breezers across the road, or @AllDesignPrint's tale of emailing a client an image of a monkey riding a dog chasing a goat rather than the funeral order of service they were expecting. "I once mistakenly removed someone's right to get to the front door of the house they owned," confessed legal whizz-kid @Beakmoo, while @freethestone's eagerness to do his job conscientiously had the opposite effect: "First job, first week. Blockbuster. I refused to let a 'strange man' into the shop before opening time. He was the regional manager." Patterns of blundering behaviour became quickly apparent. Numerical ineptitude is rife; @jimsyjampots explained how, on the first day of working as a cashier, she put the wrong code in for a voucher, giving the customer 3bn of credit, while @ben_patio "ordered 100 copies of 100 drawings instead of 1 copy. Watched in horror as 10,000 drawings were delivered to my desk in big boxes". Tales involving unhappy celebrities being dragged into the misery felt particularly triumphant, whether it was @TheAzzo's failure to tell an angry Phil Collins that his 9am phone interview was cancelled ("he got up early") or @ironbalsmcginty picking up a confused Billy Connolly at the crack of dawn and mistakenly taking him to an empty set on the wrong day. Failure to master technology was common; @shoutsatcows described how he sent out 10,000 "how to use our system" leaflets which proudly had a screenshot saying "logged in as Testy McF***Nuts", while @DeLes's story of leaving Skype running on a projector laptop, "allowing a friend in the UK to yell 'hiya' to 190 delegates at UN negotiations in Nairobi", made me give thanks for being human and punch the air with glee. These kind of things are clearly happening all over the world every day; most of the time they're hastily covered up in order to save face, but here on Twitter, we're admitting it. Go us.

Wrong directions: one tweeter confessed to sending 5,000 cattle to the opposite end of the country (Getty Images) I had a feeling that such stories might be drawn out of an initially hesitant but thereafter increasingly confident Twitterverse. There has been previous in this regard. I have been sent stories of bad school assemblies ("Three of us were told we could leave the school choir without repercussions, only to be paraded at assembly as traitors. We were

nine"); job interviews ("I was asked my biggest weakness, I told them it was a 'vague but common feeling of melancholy'"); Valentine's Day experiences ("Dumped by boyfriend, friends got me drunk, ended the night slowdancing with a tramp in a Chicken Cottage in Oxford"); Christmases ("I got a space hopper and my brother was so jealous he stabbed it with a penknife"); and, pre-eminently, bad dates ("Met a bloke for lunch. He told me he didn't like what I was wearing and said I should go home and change"). The 140-character limit presented by Twitter tends to distil anecdotes down to their most concentrated essence; stripped of extraneous detail they become wonderful haikus, all punchline and no preamble. You wonder whether a statutory limit of 140 characters should be imposed upon all anecdotes, online and off. Sure, some of the stories will inevitably end up posing more questions than they answer ("My sister-in-law got the wrong visas for six directors of Warburgs investment bank and they spent the night in a Mexican jail" thanks @robbingham), but somehow I think it's better that way. When these kind of things happen on Twitter, it feels like a couple of hours of the best phone-in radio show imaginable. But this idea of Twitter as a force for temporary good runs slightly contrary to the way it's often depicted. If your life is sufficiently rich in experience and meaning to keep you away from Twitter, and your only knowledge of it is the stuff that gets reported in the media, it would be hard to believe that it is anything other than a cauldron of self-serving dross kept at a rolling boil by narcissists, bullies and hyperventilating One Direction fans. It certainly is that. It is also populated by flouncers, by conclusion jumpers, the exceptionally needy, the loud and the deeply confused (five social-media subsets of which I'm a regular member). It is a minefield strewn with unsatisfactory puns, manufactured outrage, risible royal parody accounts (substituting "one is" for "I am" does not a sustainable joke make), corporate embarrassment and people who repeatedly say that they "need coffee". Oh, and failed Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins. As writer Greg Stekelman said in his final tweet before departing for the relative safety of Facebook: "Twitter is no place for a human being." Yes, Twitter has the capacity to be awful. It continually poses a nagging question to its users: how to avoid as much of the infuriating stuff as possible while still deriving some of its undeniable benefits and there are many, believe it or not. It is a rich resource. It brings information to journalists, readers to writers, cash to fund-raisers, attention to celebrities, viewers to video-makers and a certain amount of diversion and amusement for everyone. But striking that balance as a user by following, unfollowing, filtering and blocking to a point where you can dip into Twitter without immediately wanting to hurl your laptop into a pond that gets more difficult as the service grows. My relentlessly retweeting stories of job screw-ups into people's timelines all day on Tuesday will have proved to be a massive irritant for those who don't share Debrett's view that these anecdotal nuggets wield seductive power. But they do. "I inadvertently forwarded an email chain to our biggest customer with the words 'more from that mad woman' in it" recounted @HellingtonBoot and if you're not feeling gently aroused right now, well, you've failed a primary test of British citizenship.

Arts & Ents - Art

When two become one: Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin's ghostly 'scarti' images In the studio: Cecily Brown, Painter Great Works: Two Drinkers (Deux Buveurs) By Honor Daumier, 1860-4 The 10 Best Christmas presents for arts lovers In pictures: World Photography Organisation student photography competition

When two become one: Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin's ghostly 'scarti' images - Features - Art - The Independent

The book is now out of print, but a new project by the Deutsche Brse Prize-winners revisits some of its imagery. Scarti di avviamento is a term used by Italian printers for paper which is fed through a printing press to clean the ink drums between two prints. The developer can then be left with an image comprised of two different photographs merged together into one image. They look like the hand of a ghostly Photoshop. These scraps are usually tossed aside, but Gigi Giannuzzi, the publisher of Broomberg and Chanarin's work on Ghetto, was wise enough to think otherwise. Before his death last December, Giannuzzi had stored them away for safekeeping. After his death, they were discovered in his files. With characters superimposed over disparate scenes, the results are captivating. It's almost difficult to believe that they're accidental. 'Scarti' by Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin is out now (Trolley, 45)

In the studio: Cecily Brown, Painter - Features - Art - The Independent

It is a lovely airy space, with much evidence of the presence of the four-year-old daughter of her marriage to her architecture-critic husband Nicolai Ouroussoff. Brown was born in 1969 in London; her mother is the writer Shena Mackay and her father is the late art critic David Sylvester. She is that oxymoron, a fashionable painter, with waiting lists of collectors queuing up for her paintings. Brown has just opened a show in LA and is jet-lagged, although she still manages to look the image of the chic artist. She tells me that the works surrounding us are not finished, but are all in various stages. She works on up to 20 paintings at a time, allowing them to dry in between so she can be as gestural as she wants to be when she goes into a work. I have not seen a show of her works for a few years and am surprised by the sheer number of recognisable figures in her paintings. I have always associated Brown with gestural, juicy paint, often reminiscent of Willem de Kooning, an artist whose work she openly admires. Looking around, she admits that the recent works are a departure from the obscured and more thickly applied paintings. I have been looking at Munch and Beckmann. I find as I get more assured of the fact that I can paint, I dont mind if my influences show. I ask about the parallel shift in subject matter and she replies: I felt I had been doing female nudes long enough. As for the notable variety of faces: As Im painting, each face has a library in my mind. I have been teetering back and forth with a narrative recently. With a sea of faces you have to address the face differently, each gives the other permission they can be photographic or cartoony. Brown came to NY after studying at the Slade. She worked as a waitress to make ends meet and then got a job in an animation studio where, during her spare time in the evenings, she made her one and only film, an erotic work that made me blush when I saw it. Brown says that painting a lot takes the pressure off. She tells me that her friend and fellow painter Charline von Heyl gave her the best definition of what painting needs to be: the left-hand corner does not prepare me for the righthand corner. It must always be unpredictable. She points to a large canvas in progress, predominantly blue with a recognisable cavorting goat in the foreground. I am not sure about that work; it came to me too easily.

Great Works: Two Drinkers (Deux Buveurs) By Honor Daumier, 1860-4 Great Works - Art - The Independent
There is so much physical awkwardness in Daumier's figures, so many hulking, slumped, wrenched-awry forms. What is more, the paintings are almost never highly finished. They often look slightly abandoned through sheer vexation. They lack smoothness, nobility, colour. They are aggressively unpretty and often quite dark and muddy. They do not celebrate anything. What is more, for the most part they are disappointingly small in scale. Daumier simply could not manage heroic scale just as he was temperamentally unsuited to heroism.

Here is a desperate scene indeed. When we first look at these two men hunched over a table, we think of Czanne's Card Players. But the two paintings are worlds apart. Czanne's hard-bitten peasants look poised, becalmed, and even statuesque by comparison. We admire that painting as an exercise in the subtle harmonics of colour. It is coolly crafted. There is nothing cool about Daumier. The exchange of gaze is terrible, unnerving, wild, pop-eyed. Bulbous eye stares at bulbous eye. The faces themselves are weirdly lit, in white. They appear stunned, mask-like. Those masks look loose enough to be peelable, to reveal the skull beneath as in that famous scene in Bergman's Hour of the Wolf. What does this strange act of mutual interrogation amount to? We see the bulk of the two bodies clearly enough, but there is also much blurring and smudging of detail; strange, floating patches of what look ectoplasmic globs mar the painting's surface. It ends, at the top, horribly smearily, before the paper on which it has been painted runs out. The paint is unevenly spread about the surface. Frankly, Daumier doesn't much seem to care about such outrageous evidence of imperfection. That is not what he is up to. He doesn't care about being crude. He has never pretended to paint like Ingres. Life is often harsh, crude and savage, and especially for those neighbours of his in the workingclass area of the Ile Saint-Louis where he lived. Much of this aggressive insouciance is highly characteristic of the man. Daumier didn't go for the gloss of academic exactitude which is why he showed so seldom at the Salon. He usually painted from memory, without models. Much of his work seems hole-in-corner, even furtive. This painting is currently on display at the Royal Academy in its excellent show devoted to Daumier's career as painter and satirist. The work is beautifully stage-managed, set deep into a grey niche, so that you have to peer, as if into a cellar or underground bar where the two mad-eyed tipplers are sitting, inelegantly hunched, slumped, self-propped. The confrontation seems dramatic but we also feel that it may not be so at all. It may simply be a truthful rendering of the kind of wild-eyed exaggeration common to two drunks in which case we can feel entitled to laugh at it, harshly. It possesses that degree of enthralling ambiguity. 'Two Drinkers' can be seen at Daumier (1808-79): Visions of Paris, Royal Academy, London W1 (020 7300 8000) to 26 January About the artist Honor Daumier (1808-79) Honor Daumier, the son of a glazier, was born in Marseilles, but moved to Paris at 16 planning to become a dramatist. He became a bailiff's boy, and then began to gain recognition as a lithographer, increasingly savage in his themes he was a staunch republican and occasionally involved himself in street fighting. He died from apoplexy.

The 10 Best Christmas presents for arts lovers - Arts & Books - IndyBest The Independent
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5, vandashop.com 5. Literary brooches Cut-out animals made with pages from books. from 12, theliterarygiftcompany.com 6. The Wicker Man 40th anniversary edition Re-released with a restored final cut, plus interviews. 14.20, amazon.co.uk 7. Everybody Dies tea towel A graphic depiction of how Shakespeare characters meet their end. 12.50, shop.nationaltheatre.org.uk 8. Folio edition of Brave New World Huxleys dystopia gets an Art Deco-style make-over. 27.95, foliosociety.com 9. Ghost Stories for Christmas box set Six-DVD BFI collection of festive chillers. 59.99, filmstore.bfi.org.uk 10. The Phaidon Archive of Graphic Design From typefaces to posters. 70, uk.phaidon.com

In pictures: World Photography Organisation student competition - Art - Arts & Entertainment - The Independent

photography

Eight hotels have been paired with local universities taking part in the WPO Student Focus programme to create unique photography projects inspired by the hotels surroundings. All the finalists will have their work exhibited at Somerset House, London as part of the 2014 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition from 1 -18 May 2013. Click here or on 'view gallery' to see more images

Arts & Ents - Music

N-Dubz rapper 'recovering well' after being kicked in the face by horse Midlake find light after the darkness of losing frontman Tim Smith Napalm Death gig threatens structure of historic De La Warr Pavilion Phosphorescent, gig review- 'rich and powerful' Rebecca Ferguson, Freedom: Album review - 'A heartwarming journey from loss to fulfilment'

fulfilment' X Factor 2013: James Arthur should be banned from show after 'homophobic' rap says petition Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones sing The Everly Brothers The Week in Music: Jessie Ware is still pulling all the strings Morrissey attacks Barack Obama over 'Thankskilling' turkey slaughter Now That's What I Call Music: What are the artists on the first cover doing now? Cate Le Bon, gig review: 'distinctive yet charming' Dan Croll, gig review: 'Exotic is not always best' Neil Finn, gig review: 'He never really takes off Video: Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball' Chatroulette parody goes viral Now that's what I call my 30th birthday! Compilation celebrates three decades of pop Justin Bieber ordered to clean up graffiti in Australia

N-Dubz rapper 'recovering well' after being kicked in the face by horse News - Music - The Independent
The 26-year-old, whose real name is Costadinos Contostavlos, spent a night in hospital after being injured on Wednesday while riding the animal on the grounds of his home in Hertfordshire. The horse was said to have been startled, throwing him off before stamping in his face. Known for his trademark Andean-inspired chullo hats, Dappy found fame in N-Dubz, a hip-hop trio originally from Camden which scored eight top 40 hits in the UK charts. He is recovering well, a spokesman said.

Midlake find light after the darkness of losing frontman Tim Smith - Features - Music - The Independent
Because the Texans much loved second LP The Trials of Van Occupanther (2006), which prepared the ground for the mainstream success of kindred Americana spirits Fleet Foxes, sprang wholly from Smiths hermetic vision. Its pastoral songs were written by him while staring at a painting of a woman; any song which didnt sound like that painting, he explained, was discarded. The sonic palette was drawn from early Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Elton John. Its torturously recorded follow-up The Courage of Others (2010) switched influences to English folk-rock, but Smiths iron control of its content remained. But during two years working on their fourth album, those restrictions squeezed the life from Midlake. Early this year Smith, their undisputed visionary, quit the band. Against all reasonable odds, six months later, a fine new Midlake album, Antiphon, had been recorded from scratch. And in August, guitarist Eric Pulido, now suddenly the singersongwriter too, peered out at the crowd at Waless Green Man festival and yelled with relieved pride: Were from Denton, Texas. And were still Midlake! In that moment and even now I want people to know that yeah, this is still Midlake, and maybe more Midlake than it ever was, Pulido reflects, sitting with drummer McKenzie Smith in a west London hotel bar. I hope I dont have to shout it from a mountain-top but in that moment in a festival, why not? It felt good. Antiphon is a looser and sometimes harder-rocking record than its predecessors, reflecting the band who played their last gig with Smith at 2012s End of the Road festival, when they were more forceful than in the past, and Pulido was already singing at their stage-shy leaders side. Antiphons second song, Provider, acts as a farewell. Provider is about Tim, and my feelings towards him, Pulido says. It basically says to carry on, and that still Im going to defend you and protect you. Even though I dont necessarily agree, I still love you, and support what you want to do. What I hoped was that it was a loving send-off. The collapse of the rest of the bands musical relationship with Smith was protracted and painful. As the sessions for

The collapse of the rest of the bands musical relationship with Smith was protracted and painful. As the sessions for a last album together which now seems unlikely to ever be heard dragged stubbornly on, they tried a Buffalo, Texas studio which had worked for them before, moved to LA, and retreated to Smiths home. But the musical flaw they were trying to fix was within them. Making the new album our friendships were suffering drastically, it was becoming a very negative environment, and it wasnt creative, it wasnt inspiring, McKenzie Smith says. It was really quite the opposite. It was already deteriorating on The Courage of Others. Tim was already setting himself on a different trajectory. Tims favourite thing in the world is to write music, and record. And outside of that, he really had not much interest in doing anything else. Whereas the rest of us were really interested in playing around the world and getting all those experiences that only some people in life are ever afforded. And on this album, we already thought that if or when this ever gets finished, it is the last Midlake record. And that was bitter for all of us. Smiths great strength, his singularity of vision, had become crippled by indecision. Midlake could no longer make the sounds he was hearing in his head, as the atmosphere in the studio became oppressive. Did recording become progressively more wearing, I ask? Because The Courage of Others also saw frustrating, trashed sessions. Progressively wearing is very accurate, McKenzie Smith says, with feeling. Yeah, that was the alternate title to The Courage of Others! Pulido laughs. It got harder and harder. But you felt that that was the MO. Work harder, and youre going to get better. Somewhere along the way, we realised thats not always the case. When Smith finally said he was leaving, the relief was mutual. What McKenzie Smith calls a darkness lifted, and the Antiphon sessions began almost instantly. Tim Smith and the band are great friends again now. But it ended so differently from the way he was feeling when I interviewed him for The Independent in 2006, and he told me: Ive talked to the group about having this Midlake compound, and wed all live out there. It would really be much nicer if we all lived together, went over and borrowed sugar. He concluded wistfully: My time in the band is the happiest Ive ever been. Theres the fantasy, and then theres the reality, McKenzie Smith says, with weary wryness. Wouldnt it be fun if we all owned five farms that surrounded one another, and every morning wed get up and walk down the patio and wave to him, and borrowed a cup of sugar, and then all day long played music, and everything was just a time of merriment and joy. But, you know... I dont think he or we would have enjoyed the reality of it as much, says Pulido. I dont necessarily want to live on a commune with the guys, but I want to embrace what we have more than we have done in the past. Its like, wait, we live in this town together, were friends, we make music together, we own a bar together, and we have a studio, wives, kids. Thats paradise to me, that were living in. It sounds as if theyre all actually closer to that communal ideal now. I agree 100 per cent, McKenzie Smith says. It took Tim leaving for us to rally together, and were closer than we have been for years. Strange, isnt it? Antiphon is out on Bella Union. The single The Old and the Young is out on Monday. The band tour from 20 to 27 February

Napalm Death gig threatens structure of historic De La Warr Pavilion - News - Music - The Independent
The grindcore band, notorious for their brief blasts of detuned guitars and incomprehensible, howling vocals, have been granted permission to stage a performance at the Pavilion which had previously been cancelled by the V&A, due to concerns that the high level of decibels would damage the historic fabric of the London museum. The Bexhill on Sea venue has boldly stepped in tonight (Friday) to host Bustleholme, a live collaboration between Napalm Death and former V&A Ceramics Resident Keith Harrison. The band, will play through a public address system specially made by the ceramicist, using clay to test the power of the sound they can produce.

the sound they can produce. Harrison has built a wooden sound system with 10 speakers he has filled with liquid clay and allowed it to solidify. As the four-man band starts to play, the raw-energy of the sound produced will reverberate inside the clay, causing it to slowly crack, disintegrate and explode, changing the music as it does. The speakers are clad with blue and yellow ceramic tiles based on the group of vivid blue and yellow tiled tower blocks on the Bustleholme Mill Estate, West Bromwich where Harrison was born. Harrison said: Napalm was my band of choice, they really understood the project. We needed a group with a lot of attitude to show the power of sound and the energy it has to destroy. Its interesting to see how electrical power can change material, like clay. It can warm it up, break it down or completely change its state, which means the gig will be both visually and aurally entertaining.

The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea (Getty) The Pavilion, constructed in 1935 and designed by the architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff, suffered minor damage to its foundations when the Metropole hotel adjacent to the building's western side was destroyed by German bombers during the Second World War. Tickets were given away free for the performance, which has sold out. But the Pavilions website warns concertgoers that Grindcore is an extreme version of heavy metal music and will be extremely loud. Napalm Death, once favourites of John Peel, earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the shortest recorded song ever recorded with You Suffer, which clocked in at 1.316 seconds. Formed in 1981, the bands debut album Scum has proved hugely influential in metal circles. They enjoy international recognition and their latest album, Utilitarian, reached No 14 on Billboards US Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart. Bustleholme will be streamed live and audience members are asked to download the Vyclone App to record, upload and share footage from the show instantly as they are watching the performance. http://vyclone.com/

Phosphorescent, gig review- 'rich and powerful' - Reviews - Music - The Independent
The cowboy hat is no surprise, but its accompanied by matching white trousers and bolero jacket, and quite possibly the most sparkly gold shoes that Shepherds Bush Empire has ever seen. Tonights set spans Houcks career, including his sixth studio album Muchacho, which expanded his Americana sound into electronic territory and took the critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter as close to a breakthrough as he has been. The songs are beautifully recreated by his six-piece band. On Tell Me Baby (Have You Had Enough), the sound swells with layers of keys, guitars and percussion into a lush, unified whole.

swells with layers of keys, guitars and percussion into a lush, unified whole. Its followed by a gorgeous Song For Zula, with its hypnotic circling synth riff, made all the more poignant by Houcks worn, cracked vocals, full of emotion. Few singers have such talent for lyrical phrasing. Two songs performed solo further showcase his voice, while on Cocaine Lights he layers vocal upon vocal until the harmonies are rich and powerful. Its impressive. The band return for the melancholic Los Angeles, shifting dynamics effectively through vibrant Hammond organ-esque keys, barely accompanied vocals and a thrilling instrumental build-up. Its heartbreaking, but what sweetness in melancholy delivered like this.

Rebecca Ferguson, Freedom: Album review - 'A heartwarming journey from loss to fulfilment' - Reviews - Music - The Independent
Its the title-track, one of two songs here that include the word freedom in the title, and its clear this is the overriding issue behind all the other songs too, right from the opening stomp-drum chords of I Hope, where she wishes an ex-lover well as she takes a leap into the void: After a time I realised that for me to grow, Ive got to let go. The early part of Freedom is taken up with this break. The melody and background humming of Fake Smile is about getting over a break up, and theres an earthy quality to her delivery that speaks of painful experience. The John Legend duet Bridges finds those crossings finally burned; and the marvellous tribal stomper My Best echoes Nina Simones Aint Got No, I Got Life in its determination to build from the beginning, Ferguson realising Youre at your best when theres nothing else left. From there on, the healing process takes over. Every hurt I will keep, like gold in my pocket, she resolves in Hanging On, the phoenix theme further extended through Wonderful World and Well Be Fine, until I Choose You one of a couple of tracks which seem to take solace in her children finds her fulfilled: I choose happiness, I choose being myself. Its this satisfying emotional arc that gives Freedom much of its power, and raises the album above the level of simply a collection of songs. But the masterstroke may be the decision to open with the ebullient I Hope, which provides the initial charge to get over the early succession of break-up songs, setting up that final pay-off where she faces the world, alone but her own. Download: I Hope; Fake Smile; My Best; Beautiful Design; Freedom

X Factor 2013: James Arthur should be banned from show after 'homophobic' rap says petition - News - Music - The Independent
The 25-year old was crowned winner of the talent competition last year but recently sparked outrage by using a homophobic slur in his lyrics. Facebook petition Drop Homophobe James Arthur from X Factor demands the removal of James Arthur from The X Factor on World AIDS Day and has attracted over 11,000 likes. Some fans have defended Arthur, saying that he should be allowed to perform as he issued an apology after the scandal. The singer wrote on Twitter he was deeply sorry for his use of the word queer, assuring fans that homophobia is something I do not believe in. A statement released by ITV read: Both ITV and the producers of The X Factor would like to make it clear that in no way do we support, condone or share any form of homophobia or discrimination.

Following his comments, James has since apologised last week, making it clear that he did not mean to cause any offence and explaining the context behind his remarks. But fans continued to brand him a homophobe, voicing their anger on Twitter under the hashtag #dropjamesarthur. Arthur faced a public backlash after rapping the words you f**king queer in a song targeted at an unknown musician, Mickey Worthless. The Impossible singer was criticised by fans and celebrities, including comedians Matt Lucas and Frankie Boyle and his fellow 2012 contestant Lucy Spraggan. Lesbian singer Spraggan challenged the stars explicit use of the word before tweeting a series of abusive texts he had sent her. Lucy what are you playing at having digs at me?, one message read. Is it coz youre a gay rights activist you had to say something as extreme as people kill themselves every day over words like queer, are you for real? Arthur then continued his alleged tirade, boasting that his album had sold 10 times more copies than Spraggans and calling her a two faced fickle attention seeker who needs to disappear. Spraggan had the final word, warning her former X Factor rival not to f**k with the gays. James used very offensive and derogatory language on more than one occasion and, when confronted by former friend Lucy Spraggan, showed no sign of remorse, but instead mocked her support of the LGBT community, a post on the Facebook page read. Arthur quit Twitter after the feud and iTunes granted refunds on his debut album. A statement from his management explained that the singer would be taking time off for acute exhaustion. He is, however, scheduled to perform his forthcoming single Recovery on Sundays show.

Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones sing The Everly Brothers - Features - Music - The Independent
In one of the most unlikely pairings in pop , Billie Joe Armstrong from fluorescent pop punks Green Day has teamed up with Norah Jones, the winsome daughter of Ravi Shankar known for her honeyed voice and taste for country and supper-club jazz. Even more surprising, perhaps, is how their voices mesh together. Rather than having male growl contrast with a lighter female reply, Armstrong and Jones create uncannily compatible harmonies, a fine tribute to the Everly Brothers that inspired their album of traditional songs with the wince-inducing title Foreverly. In doing so, they reinvigorate a style of vocal pairing seemingly forgotten in favour of more abrasive juxtapositions. Such call-and-response duos themselves have a long history, sounding all the more dramatic when a gruff bass comes up against an airy alto, though often it is the cutting jibes that are more important, as when Carla Thomas bests Otis Redding on Tramp Likewise, in country, the rough-voiced cowboy regularly gets to flirt, argue, or both, with his other half, nowhere more effectively than Johnny Cash and June Carter in 1967 on Jackson a year before he proposed to her. Such a style has had a huge impact on vocalists down the years, as with The Pogues teaming up with Kirsty MacColl on the deathless Fairytale of New York, though these couplings tended to be one-offs until the Americana and folk revivals encouraged artists to celebrate the form across whole albums. Indeed, one of prolific grunge survivor Lanegans most productive partnerships has been with Campbell, a former member of Belle & Sebastian. They first came together on an EP in 2004 and have since put out three albums, beginning two years later with the Mercuryshortlisted Ballad of the Broken Seas. Another long-running partnership has developed between film actor and now TV star Zooey Deschanel with Portland, Oregon-based singer/songwriter M Ward. Since they first came together as She & Him in 2008, her cuteness and his drier contributions have been heard on a trio of albums up to this years

Volume 3 plus a Christmas collection. Other artists have entered the fray more sparingly, as when The Horrors Faris Badwan joined up with Canadian soprano Rachel Zeffira on the pop-noir of their Cats Eyes outing on the 2011 album of the same name. Such works are a world apart from the smug, self-serving projects where bankable stars, usually past their prime, call in favours from across the music world, leading to erstwhile friends dialling in performances literally, as technology enabled remote interaction in virtual studios. Think Bonos attempted croon on Ive Got You Under My Skin with Frank Sinatra from the latters 1993 Duets album, preceding the U2 frontmans later appearance on Tony Bennetts less hokey 2006 effort, Duets: An American Classic. Not that all such albums lack artistic merit. One of the most enjoyable collaborative works of recent years has been Kate Rusbys 20. That double album featured a range of duets, with contrasting contributions from the likes of Paul Weller and Nic Jones beside more complementary cameos provided by Eddi Reader and Jim Causley. These were a reminder of the importance of close harmonies to folk, a tradition continued in recent years by various permutations of the Waterson/Carthy families, most recently when Eliza Carthy got together with her mum Norma Waterson and Northumberlands Unthanks. Similar sisterly combinations can be heard stateside from the Watson Twins and Secret Sisters. For a male equivalent, you really have to go back to the American brothers whose peak years spanned the late Fifties and early Sixties. The Everlys baritone/tenor combination helped make them two of rocknrolls longest-lasting stars. Their sound continued to resonate as an influence on Simon & Garfunkels stylings, and earlier this year Bonnie Prince Billy and Dawn McCarthy came out with What the Brothers Sang, a tribute to the pair that spanned hits such as So Sad and numbers from their later country period. Now Armstrong and Jones have got in on the act with their own version of the Everlys 1958 album Songs Our Daddy Taught Us, a selection of traditional tunes the siblings knew from childhood that had been popularised by the likes of Gene Autry and Tex Ritter. Anyone familiar with Green Days skate-punk output will be impressed by how well Armstrong gels with his partner on the currently streaming Silver Haired Daddy of Mine or Long Time Gone. It was a call that came out of the blue for Jones as the pair had met at the 2005 Grammy Awards when they contributed to a car-crash rendition of The Beatles Across The Universe with Stevie Wonder and (him again) Bono, among others, though it was Armstrongs wife who suggested Jones when he discovered the original album and first mooted the idea of introducing it to a wider audience. He told Stereogum that working with a female vocalist would give a different flavour. I really wanted to do it with a woman singing because I thought it would take on a different meaning, he said. Maybe broaden the meaning a little bit as compared to hearing the songs being sung by the two brothers. Contemporary RnB, though, appears to have lost the duet habit, whether the harmonious Sam & Dave style or the sassy verse/response sub-genre that Stax Records owned for much of the Sixties. Now singers are happy to guest on tunes by rappers or vice versa with cameos that have little if any connection to the actual track they appear on. If it takes a Californian punk and a fellow Everly Brothers fan to show what they are missing, things have gone very wrong. Billie Joe and Norahs Foreverly is out now

The Week in Music: Jessie Ware is still pulling all the strings - Features Music - The Independent
Where bands not brands call the tune When Hammersmith Apollo became Eventim Apollo in September, it highlighted just how corporate music venues have become. So it's great to see independent venues getting recognition thanks to Independent Venue Week. From 28 January, 18 venues nationwide will host six days of gigs featuring rising talent.

These smaller venues are often where the magic happens. Closer to the performance, you're fully immersed in the music, and you get to see a concert in a venue that cares about both the music it puts on. It's supported by musicians including Radiohead, whose drummer Phil Selway says: "Small venues are the lifeblood of British music. There's a particular kind of excitement when you go to a gig at these venues. They're visceral and intimate." I couldn't agree more. Pixies make it a field of dreams for hipsters Field Day fast became the festival for hip indie acts so it's no surprise that this year it expands to two days from 7 to 8 June at London's Victoria Park. Pixies are headlining on Sunday. Hot ticket Kasabian play a homecoming gig in Leicester in June. Tickets are on sale today.

Morrissey attacks Barack Obama over 'Thankskilling' turkey slaughter News - Music - The Independent
Entitled 'Thankskilling', the letter claims that 45 million turkeys are "horrifically abused" over a holiday period that unashamedly "supports torture". The Smiths frontman wrote on his fan website True To You that the Thanksgiving 'turkey pardon' ceremony at the White House is "environmentally irresponsible" and sets an "abysmal example". During the annual tradition, the US president is presented with a live National Thanksgiving Turkey he then spares from the slaughterhouse with a 'presidential pardon'. Thanksgiving turkeys are "dragged through electrified stun baths and then have their throat slits" as "President Obama laughs", Morrissey said. A long time animal advocate, the "Suedehead" singer continued: "As Ingrid Newkirk from PETA points out, turkey 'meat' is one of [America's[ top killers, causing heart attacks and strokes in humans due to saturated animal fats and cholesterol." Morrissey has penned songs about animal rights in the past, singing "the turkey you festively slice is murder do you know how animals die?" in the pro-vegetarian "Meat Is Murder". The turkey pardon took place earlier today after The White House allowed voters to choose which turkey would be spared via a poll posted on Twitter. Popcorn beat Caramel to the honour but Obama pardoned them both "a reprieve from cranberry sauce and stuffing". President Obama: Popcorn, you have a full reprieve from cranberry sauce & stuffing. We wish you well. #TeamPopcorn pic.twitter.com/Qyuj06UMhl m The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 27, 2013 Morrissey is no stranger to verbal tirades. Just last week he engaged with Russell Brand's call for a political revolution in another fan site letter lamenting the "sick face of modern Britain". The singer was revealed earlier this week as one of the artists to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in December, alongside Jake Bugg and Mary J Blige.

Now That's What I Call Music: What are the artists on the first cover doing now? - Features - Music - The Independent

After a shaky start that saw the 1983 album debut at number seven on the Official Albums Chart, it reached the top slot and returned there on five separate occasions. The four-sided Now 1 included eleven number one singles, from UB40s Red Red Wine and Culture Clubs Karma Chameleon, to Give It Up by KC & the Sunshine Band. Thirteen artists featured on the album sleeve but can you name them? Take a look at what the 1983 stars are doing now: Paul Young "Wherever I Lay My Hat" by this one-time frontman of Kat Kool & the Kool Cats was chosen as the last song on side two of the album. Former teen idol Young, now 57, has released next to no new material since the late 1990s but has joined several 80s revival tours. He appeared on Celebrity Masterchef in 2006 and took part in Hell's Kitchen a year later. Young charted at 151 on the UK Singles Chart in 2010 with a new hit "Come Back" with Chicane and continues to tour to this day. Howard Jones A leading figure in the development of 80s synthpop, Jones' "New Song" was selected for Now 1. After his ten-year contract with Warner Music UK came to an end in the 90s, Jones turned his hand to production, songwriting, running a vegetarian restaurant in New York and starting his own record label Dtox. The 58-year old played a 20th anniversary gig in London in 2003 to commemorate the release of his first single. He has written songs for Sugababes and released a new album, Ordinary Heroes, in 2009. He directs a choir and continues to tour.

'That's All' by Genesis was selected for Now 1 Genesis The British rock band's "That's All" was selected for the first Now album. After undergoing multiple line-up changes since forming in 1967, Genesis announced an indefinite hiatus in 1997. The band reunited for a 20-city European and North American tour in 2007 and were inducted into the Rock and

The band reunited for a 20-city European and North American tour in 2007 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Genesis are now widely believed to have finished their highly successful musical run. Culture Club Culture Club were lucky enough to be picked twice for the first Now, with both "Karma Chameleon" and "Victims" selected for the track list. The 80s pop group dissolved in 1986 but amassed hits worldwide with their reggae influenced new-wave soul. The band enjoyed a brief reunion period between 1998 and 2002 but a proposed tour for December 2006 never took place. Frontman Boy George performed with a three-man Culture Club in late 2011 and has recently announced plans to

bring the band back together for 2014. Culture's Clubs "Victims" and "Karma Chameleon" Limahl The pop singer's "Only For Love" was the fourth track on Now 1. Limahl embarked on a brief solo career after being fired as lead singer of Kajagoogoo in 1983. The one-time star began performing in clubs in the late 90s wearing an orange wig and temporarily reunited with other Kajagoogoo members for shows in 2003 and 2008. Limahl has since made several reality TV appearances including I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2012. He was the second celebrity to leave after politician Nadine Dorries. Rod Stewart Rock singer Rod's "Baby Jane" featured on the first Now compilation. One of the best-selling music artists of all time, Stewart was at his peak from the late 70s through to the 90s. Nowadays he makes multiple TV appearances, performs at special one-off shows and released a new number one album of fresh material, Time, in May 2013.

Rod Stewart's "Baby Jane" made the cut on Now 1 Tracey Ullman A woman of many talents, Ullman found fame as a singer, dancer, actress, comedian, dancer, director and author. She was signed to punk label Stiff Records in 1983 and had six songs in the UK top 100 within two years. Her music career was short-lived and her final hit was "Sunglasses" in 1984. She went on to earn four Emmy awards for her TV series The Tracey Ullman Show, which inspired The Simpsons. In June this year it was announced that Ullman may be joining the film cast of Broadway musical Into The Woods as mother to Jack the Giant Killer. Duran Duran "Is There Something I Should Know" was the second track on Now 1. Duran Duran were a popular yet controversial 80s band, considered as "the prettiest boys in rock". The group has never split up but the line-up has changed several times. The original five members - Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor and Simon Le Bon - reunited in the early 2000s to much excitement from fans. The band are currently working on their 14th studio album with producer Mark Ronson.

"Is There Something I Should Know" by

"Is There Something I Should Know" by Duran Duran features on the 1983 album UB40 Rivalling Culture Club's 'two songs on the first Now 1' achievement, UB40 feature with "Please Don't Make Me Cry" and "Red Red Wine". The British reggae pop band have headlined the Reggae Sunsplash festival in Jamaica and collaborated with a range of artists from Chrissie Hynde to Robert Palmer. UB40 have been touring with various line-ups since their success began and announced a string of UK 2014 dates just weeks ago. Founding member Terence 'Astro' Wilson quit a few days later, claiming the band was making him "miserable". Madness "The Sun and the Rain" is included towards the end of the 1983 compilation. Despite only achieving one number one single with "House of Fun", they spent 214 weeks on the UK Singles Chart during the 80s. After breaking up in September 1986, the band reunited for a Finsbury Park concert in 1992. The show was a huge success and led to multiple further tours. A musical based on Madness songs, Our House, opened in 2002. Madness toured throughout November and December in 2010 and appeared at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace in 2012. Phil Collins The former Genesis singer's "You Can't Hurry Love" opened the first ever Now album. Collins won numerous awards during his solo career and is one of only three recording artists to have sold over 100 million albums globally both as part of a band and solo. The 62-year old announced his intention to retire from music in 2011.

Cate Le Bon, gig review: 'distinctive yet charming' - Reviews - Music - The Independent
Throughout the gig, Le Bon exhibits a bone-dry, low-key humour; she first appears an unsmilingly cool frontwoman, all cheekbones and eyeliner, but by the time shes corpsing during a high-pitched duet with bandmate (and boyfriend) Huw Evans on Falcon Eyed, weve taken her to our hearts. Le Bon's music is a strange patchwork of her distinctive, metallically clanging guitar and mangled organ sounds, clarinet and sax nudging into corners. Live, it's muddier and rockier, the jagged jangle emphasised. If that sounds a bit out-there, its worth stating that Le Bon also knows her way around a tune too. But even on the most accessible numbers from recent album Mug Museum - the rhythm & blues swaggering No God, the positively Ziggy-ish Are You With Me Now? or bouncy opener I Cant Help You - theres a hint of menace; she makes a line like beat me like egg yolks sound both charming and worrisome.

Dan Croll, gig review: 'Exotic is not always best' - Reviews - Music - The Independent
While hardcore fans singing along hint at blog heat, Paul McCartney gave him the thumbs-up at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and after a couple of low-key singles Universal has picked him up for next spring's debut album. Being unashamedly romantic also helps in encouraging gig-inspired engagements. Croll is at his best when his vocals soar over the four-piece band's tricksy Afrobeat rhythms and highlife backing on stand-out number 'Compliment

Your Soul'. Croll's own dancing guitar lines add a hint of Vampire Weekend exoticism to the Grizzly Bear harmonies, though smooth-running melodies ensure such moments remain as instantly digestible as Graceland-era Paul Simon. Hearton-sleeve lyrics allow for an instant rapport, though on more delicate moments his vocals dissolve in a stodgy mix and you miss the Brooklynites' mystique. Yet the closing 'Home' with its comparison between trendy bare floors and parents' carpets, plus a rattling finale, reminds us exotic is not always best.

Neil Finn, gig review: 'He never really takes off - Reviews - Music - The Independent
This is an extremely special occasion, the Crowded House frontman informs us and the singer keeps on insisting there's no better place to be than in this church tonight. It's disputable. The first half of the set is devoted to his introspective new solo album, Dizzy Heights, on which he's assisted by a nine-piece ensemble. Finn's high falsetto (not dissimilar to Jimmy Nail's) delivery is overwrought but the lyrics, in the main, are rather banal and the tempo plodding, particular on Impressions. The looser (I don't know what I'm playing from here on in) second half is an improvement with Finn demonstrating his nimble lyricism and knack for a melody (when he's at his best his recalls Glenn Tilbrook and Squeeze) on Crowded House gems Into Temptation and the evocative Distant Sun. His adoring crowd, who yelp out requests and in one case belt out the first few notes of Blue Hotel, seem satisfied. But as splendid a musician as the New Zealander is, this experience never really takes off.

Video: Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball' Chatroulette parody goes viral - News Music - The Independent
Steve Kardynal donned a white pair of Y-fronts and a vest for the spoof in which he mimed along to Cyrus' song while writhing on a homemade wrecking ball - at one point completely naked. He filmed the parody on social video site Chatroulette, where users can talk to random people and switch to another stranger if the conversation dries up. The split screen shows Kardynal's antics on one side and the reaction of users who have stumbled across him on the other. Users are initially bemused by Kardynal's performance before realising it is a spoof, some even start singing along while they watch him as he seductively licks a hammer and a dumbbell. Chatroulette is notorious for its seedy nature and Kardynal does not disappoint when he rides his improvised wrecking ball without any clothes on, leaving one user looking horrified. His video has gained over 26million views and counting since it was uploaded on YouTube a couple of days ago. The views are nearly as impressive as Cyrus own Vevo record for the original video, the single attracted 19.3million views in the space of 24 hours. Kardynal is known for his Internet parodies, having lampooned Carly Rae Jepsen's hit 'Call Me Maybe' only last year while dressed in a bikini.

Now that's what I call my 30th birthday! Compilation celebrates three decades of pop - News - Music - The Independent
Many music fans will recall with nostalgia giving the debut N ow vinyl a spin when it hit record shops on 28 November 1983. What are the artists on the first album doing now?

Despite digital downloads taking over from cassettes and CDs in the noughties, the iconic compilation is still going strong today. Released last Monday, Now's latest album Now 86 sold over 200,000 copies in its first week to out-perform the rest of the Top 50 compilations put together. But the likes of Duran Duran, Rod Stewart and The Cure from the first Now album have been replaced by contemporary artists spawned from the YouTube generation, including One Direction, Miley Cyrus and Ylvis with their comedy song "The Fox". While the music industry remains in flux as the web's influence on pop culture grows, the Now brand has remained steadfast in its wide-ranging appeal. So much so that last summers Now 85 featuring Robin Thickes "Blurred Lines" and Taylor Swifts "22" became the biggest-selling album of the series, selling 900,000 copies. Its long run has made Now the most successful compilation series ever and the longest-selling branded compilation album in the country. While artist album sales are down 7.2 per cent year-on-year, with singles also suffering,compilations are up 7.7 per cent with 20.6 million copies sold in the UK last year.

The first Now That's What I Call Music was released on 28 November 1983 Viral YouTube videos, music apps and attention-grabbing performances aside, the curation of pop is, it seems, still an art in demand. You can buy every track on iTunes or listen to them on Spotify but people want some guidance and help, said Peter Duckworth, managing director of Now. In an era of downloads, when people said a few years ago that its the end of the compilation because people can now choose their tracks from iTunes, theyve been proved wrong, he told Sky News. If you are faced with 15 million tracks, Now helps you choose. The popularity of Now lies in its ability to capture each age of music as a dynamic whole, without simply presenting those artists considered cool. The inspiration for the Now Thats What I Call Music title came from a 1920's advertisement for Danish Bacon that Richard Branson bought from Dodo's on Portobello Road. The Virgin Records director would make excuses to visit the bric-a-brac shop as he fancied the girl who worked there. The poster, of a chicken singing to an appreciative pig declaring Now, thats what I call music, caught eyes in a meeting to discuss potential names. The pig would then become a mascot of the series. It was a powerful and meaningful statement in its own right and, when abbreviated to Now, gave the ultimate contemporary message, Branson said.

Incidentally, the entrepreneurs wooing tactics were as much of a hit as his Now compilations. He went on to marry Joan Templeman, the lady from the shop.

Justin Bieber ordered to clean up graffiti in Australia - News - Music - The Independent
The singer painted some images of cartoon characters onto a Gold Coast hotel wall, to the disgust of the local mayor. Mayor Tom Tate said: This eyesore has no place in the city. If thats the example Justin wants to set, its really unfortunate. But at the end of the day itll get cleaned up, whether or not he decides to. The mayor also sent a direct tweet to Bieber, saying: Glad you had a great time on Australias #goldcoast. Hope to see you back soon to clean up your mess. Make me a #belieber. The local council has ordered the QT Hotel to paint over the graffiti but the hotel defended the pop star's actions. Staff said they wanted to keep the graffiti for fans to enjoy. The piece of artwork will be left for fans to enjoy. We believe it is a wonderful addition to the colourful Gold Coast arts scene, the hotel said in a statement. It added it had given Bieber permission to paint on the wall. The 19-year-old singer was investigated by police for defacing a building with graffiti in Rio de Janeiro earlier this month. The pop singer was visiting the famous beach strip following his Believe world tour shows in Brisbane. The Canadian singer has been at the centre of a number of negative headlines this year, including lashing out at a photographer in London, urinating in a restaurant mop bucket and having to abandon his pet monkey in Germany. With additional reporting from Reuters

Arts & Ents - Films

The Conversation: Pornography director Anna Arrowsmith on politics, Page 3, and how David Cameron inspired one of her films Film review: Saving Mr Banks (PG) Video: Interview with Bruce Willis and Mary-Louise Parker on 'Red 2' Video: Clip from 'Nebraska' - Remember me? Video: Clip from 'Nebraska' - Having kids Video: Grown Ups 2 trailer Video: 'Inside Llewyn Davis' trailer Why Dane DeHaan's kiss with Daniel Radcliffe isn't the only reason his career is taking off Gary Oldman gives anti-Thanksgiving message to Americans: 'I'm glad you're not British' Dirty Wars: Film review - criminality at the heart of the American system Free Birds 3D: Film review - the plotting simply doesn't stack up Day Of The Flowers: Film review - sparky performances but a mawkish screenplay Jeune Et Jolie: Film review - precious little irony or humour here

Leviathan: Film review - jarring, murky brilliance Carrie: Film review - Chlo Grace Moretz impresses as Stephen King's troubled teen Saving Mr Banks: Film review - a sugar coated, disingenuous marketing exercise for Disney Video: Actor Jonathan Groff on Disney's Frozen Evan Rachel Wood attacks ratings body for cutting cunnilingus scene from new film

The Conversation: Pornography director Anna Arrowsmith on politics, Page 3, and how David Cameron inspired one of her films - Features - Films - The Independent
It was a nice surprise. There were three of us from the sex industry: Brooke Magnanti, who is Belle de Jour, and also Sarah Walker who runs the English Collective of Prostitutes. Three per cent of sex workers; I guess that's a start. You've been on 'Woman's Hour' and 'Newsnight', but it's tended to be defending pornography. Did you see this as a kind of acceptance? Yes, especially as I was part of a panel. There were a couple of things that I wanted to get across: men are just as gendered, they have things they don't have a choice about; and the assumption that if you're interested in gender equality, you're left wing, that feminists are all socialists. How do you find the reception from feminist quarters to your work? We had this debate in the Eighties about pornography, and basically agreed to disagree, until it cropped back up again with the rise of internet porn. The people who are anti-porn shout louder, but there are a lot of women who support me. And if you look at the stats, 33 per cent of all porn consumed online is by women. Do you think Britain is becoming more accepting of porn? You have to look at the context. There's a big campaign that's anti-Page 3 at the moment, one that's anti-lap dancing clubs, one that's trying to take condoms out of saunas in Scotland. Then there's the campaign to make sites have no explicit images available until you put your credit card details in, which is basically saying the industry can't exist. What about children's exposure to pornography. Do you think they need to be protected? There's an academic, Danielle Egan, who found that young people are waiting longer to have sex, when they do they're using a condom, and more often they're in long-term relationships. STDs are at their lowest rates, and rape is at the lowest level since the early Nineties. Do you have one film you're particularly proud of? I did one film called Hug a Hoodie about six years ago, which won loads of awards. That sounds quite political. I wrote it when I was living on a council estate in Bermondsey. We actually called one of the characters Cameron. The day of our launch party, [the PM] came out and said, "I never actually said 'hug a hoodie'". We figured he was totally just pre-empting the film, although I can't prove it. Do you know if your parents have watched your films? I don't know if any of my family have seen my stuff and I never ask. You have certain boundaries. It's how a middleclass family deals with having a pornographer.

You stood as a Lib Dem candidate in the 2010 general election. Any future designs on politics? Well, never say never. But I'm not really party political. The reason I was with the Lib Dems was that I had the same ideals. With this debate about voting apathy, I don't think people aren't political, they're just not party political. They say you shouldn't talk about sex and politics at dinner parties. What does that leave you with? Not much! Although, people know very little about gender, and always seem to be interested, so I tend to talk about that. Biography Anna Arrowsmith is one of Britains leading female pornography directors and stood as the Lib Dem candidate in Gravesham, Kent in the 2010 general election. She is currently completing a PhD in Gender Studies at Sussex University and was part of the BBCs 100 Women conference in October

Film review: Saving Mr Banks (PG) - Reviews - Films - The Independent

Walt Disney Pictures indulges in some self-congratulatory mythologising in this sentimentalised comic account of how avuncular Uncle Walt (Tom Hanks), after 20 years of asking, was finally able to persuade the precious, prim, haughty and hard-up British author PL Travers (Emma Thompson) to grant him the film rights to her Mary Poppins books. Mary Poppins does not sing, she insists, and I wont have her turned into one of your silly cartoons. But, of course, the joke is on her, because Walts film is a timeless family favourite. Thankfully, Thompsons playing of Travers is so deft that we instantly warm to her, and forgive her her snobbery. Furthermore, her scolding of the song-writing Sherman brothers in the writers room is positively Joyce Grenfellian, while the snorting derision with which she greets Walts appraisal of Dick Van Dyke is priceless. All of which jollity makes the repeated flashbacks to Travers formative years as the young child of an alcoholic Irish banker (Colin Farrell) frankly tiresome. We miss the twinkle of Thompson and Hanks in every one of these scenes. And, even worse, they insult the intelligence of both the film viewer and of Mrs Travers, with their implication that her stories were nothing but thinly fictionalised accounts of her own childhood.

Video: Interview with Bruce Willis and Mary-Louise Parker on 'Red 2' Features - Films - The Independent
Voices

voices Ian Birrell: According to Thabo Mbeki, Tony Blair wanted to overthrow Robert Mugabe by force News

news Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser News

tech New CEO Marissa Mayer plans to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web Arts & Entertainment

arts + ents Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who - you've seen them all before News

news...if you are a fruit fly

Video: Clip from 'Nebraska' - Remember me? - Features - Films - The Independent
Voices

voices Ian Birrell: According to Thabo Mbeki, Tony Blair wanted to overthrow Robert Mugabe by force News

news Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser News

tech New CEO Marissa Mayer plans to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web Arts & Entertainment

arts + ents Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who - you've seen them all before News

news...if you are a fruit fly

Video: Clip from 'Nebraska' - Having kids - Features - Films - The Independent
Voices

voices Ian Birrell: According to Thabo Mbeki, Tony Blair wanted to overthrow Robert Mugabe by force News

news Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser News

tech New CEO Marissa Mayer plans to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web Arts & Entertainment

arts + ents Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who - you've seen them all before News

news...if you are a fruit fly

Video: Grown Ups 2 trailer - Features - Films - The Independent

Lenny has relocated back to the town in which he grew up and soon realises that he can try to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, but between old bullies, cops on skis and a group of rowdy local college kids, sometimes crazy follows wherever you go.

Video: 'Inside Llewyn Davis' trailer - Features - Films - The Independent

Inside Llewyn Davis follows a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician.

Why Dane DeHaan's kiss with Daniel Radcliffe isn't the only reason his career is taking off - Features - Films - The Independent
The 27-year-old has already made a huge impression this year alone hes featured (briefly) in Steven Spielbergs Lincoln, played Ryan Goslings grief-stricken son in The Place Beyond The Pines and starred as a roadie in the concert/video hybrid Metallica: Through The Never impressing the bands drummer Lars Ulrich so much, he presciently dubbed him: Everybodys favourite film star 10 years from now. Or maybe five. Id like to still be working 10 years from now that would be great! DeHaan says, when I relay Ulrichs comment. But I cant look that far into the future. He doesnt need to. Next summer, hell line up alongside Andrew Garfield

But I cant look that far into the future. He doesnt need to. Next summer, hell line up alongside Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, playing Peter Parkers old friend Harry Osborn, the character played in the previous Sam Raimi-directed trilogy by James Franco. Were sitting in a half-empty hotel bar, just before the evening rush, DeHaan coolly commanding a corner seat. Hes certainly handsome enough for Hollywood sandy blond hair and magnetic blue eyes that have already drawn comparisons with a young Leonardo DiCaprio. On screen, he makes a vivid impression every time he appears. In 1930s gangster film, Lawless, he was memorable as a rickets-suffering bootlegger; likewise in Chronicle, as the teenager with special powers. But it was HBO drama In Treatment that truly marked DeHaan as one to watch, playing the volatile Jesse, an adopted teen full of anger who has taken to selling prescription drugs and sleeping with older men. Little wonder he had no apprehensions (none whatsoever) when it came to kissing Radcliffe for Kill Your Darlings. Its not a scene about people that are apprehensive about kissing each other. Its a scene about people that finally get to kiss each other. With Radcliffe starring as Allen Ginsberg, Ben Foster as William Burroughs and Jack Huston as Jack Kerouac long before theyd write Howl, Naked Lunch and On The Road DeHaan plays the volatile, virile Lucien Carr. Hes the man behind the curtain, says DeHaan. Hes the one that introduced everyone to each other. Hes the one that was like, Listen, this is what were doing and this is what we stand for. He was the whole catalyst for the Beat poet movement.

Golden boy: Dane DeHaan Set in 1944, and based around a real-life murder that Carr was involved in, the film wisely plays down some of the more extreme elements of his personality. There were stories about him going onto the dock of a ship and sinking it, so he could feel what it was like to be on a sinking ship. Hed go to a restaurant and order the most expensive steak raw just so he could throw it in the waiters face. Or hed be in a bar, drinking wine, and chewing off the glass in his mouth to get a reaction from those around him. Born and raised in Allentown, in what he calls normal upper middle-class suburbia, DeHaan recognised his own past in the story too. I could certainly relate [it] to the time in my life when I went off to college, he says, being around artists for the first time. Studying at North Carolina School of the Arts, it made a huge change from his Pennsylvania childhood, where neither of his parents both white-collar professionals working in technology and business had much interest in the arts. It was during his time in North Carolina that he met actress Anna Wood, now his wife. She briefly featured in Chronicle, after DeHaan suggested the producers consider her when they were searching for an actress, but hes

uncertain about working again with her. Theres something really nice about keeping my professional separate from my private life, and be able to go home she really keeps me feet on the ground and brings me back to reality. And I wouldnt want that to go away. Thats what Id be protective over. Hell surely need that stability next year, when The Amazing Spider-Man hits. He spent six months, on and off, shooting the project longer than hes ever taken on a film. Thats like six Kill Your Darlings ! he laughs. Its luxurious, though. You get to take your time. And the sets blow your mind. You dont need to use that much imagination because they make everything so real. Aside from hanging out with superheroes, hes got a small role in Atom Egoyans upcoming Devils Knot, a drama based around the West Memphis Three the teenagers controversially imprisoned for killing three eight-year-old kids. Then theres Life After Beth, co-starring Aubrey Plaza his first real attempt at comedy. There was something really terrifying about it, he says. But those are the ones I take, the ones Im worried about. DeHaan, it seems, likes to push his own buttons in the run-up to a role. Im scared before every job I take. Thats a main component of why I do things to scare myself and to challenge myself. In many ways, he looks to be heading the same way as Ryan Gosling, his co-star from The Place Beyond The Pines. I would take a career like Ryan Goslings! he grins. Sure why not? He maintains his integrity. Were winding up, when we return to that scene with Daniel Radcliffe. Did he ever break character and double-take, thinking Im kissing Harry Potter? I never had that moment, ever, he says, solemnly. It was always, Im Lucien Carr and I get to kiss Allen Ginsberg and thats a wonderful thing. And what did his wife think? Oh, he winks. She thinks its hot! Kill Your Darlings opens on 6 December

Gary Oldman gives anti-Thanksgiving message to Americans: 'I'm glad you're not British' - News - Films - The Independent
The actor, who gave his speech on US talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live, said he was pleased Americans werent British anymore. Standing in a traditional-looking American home surrounded by a Thanksgiving spread, Oldman said: Hello, Im the Englishman Gary Oldman with a special holiday message for my American friends. This year as you consume your annual feast of Thanksgiving consider this, youre hurting our feelings. Not only did you flee our country to avoid paying taxes you now pay so willingly, you rub our faces in it with a big fat food orgy. We get it, youre thankful to be rid of us, but, guess what? We/ re glad youre not British anymore. The pilgrims were the whiniest sots in historyWell f**k off and good riddance, you bunch of honey boo boos! He then smashes up the feast around him, before saying to camera: God save the Queen. The actor, who has starred in The Dark Knight and Harry Potter, is due to appear in the Robocop remake as Dr Dennett Norton next year.

Dirty Wars: Film review - criminality at the heart of the American system Reviews - Films - The Independent
The film begins with Scahill investigating why two pregnant Afghan women and an Afghan police commander were murdered by US security forces who then tried to conceal their crime.

The trail leads him to a shadowy organization called JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command.) It's at this point that the complexities mount. JSOC organised the Navy Seal raid to kill Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. Its members are portrayed by the mainstream media as latter-day folk heroes. Scahill, though, shows us that they are killers who, as part of the war against terror, have been given licence to operate beyond the law. Dirty Wars doesn't pretend to be balanced or neutral. Its position is one of anger and disbelief at the extra-judicial assassinations of men, women and children, some of them American citizens, who can't be defined as terrorists at all.

Free Birds 3D: Film review - the plotting simply doesn't stack up - Reviews Films - The Independent
Some lively voice work from Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson and colourful set pieces can't conceal the fact that the plotting simply doesn't stack up.

Day Of The Flowers: Film review - sparky performances but a mawkish screenplay - Reviews - Films - The Independent
In Cuba, they have the predictable misadventures. Rapacious locals try to rip them off. They discover disturbing secrets about their parents' experiences in the country in the Seventies. Ballet dancer Acosta, one of the nicer locals they meet, takes a shine to Rosa. The sparky performances from the two leads go some way to atoning for a mawkish screenplay.

Jeune Et Jolie: Film review - precious little irony or humour here - Reviews Films - The Independent
At first, you suspect that Ozon is being satirical or surrealistic making an Adrian Mole-style riposte to Buuel's Belle de Jour in which he can mock the hypocrisy of the middle classes. There is precious little irony or humour here. It is instructive to compare Marine Vacth's vapid performance with those of the infinitely more expressive two leads in Blue Is The Warmest Colour. Whether because of Ozon's direction or her own limited acting style, she shows no emotion about anything. When an elderly client dies during lovemaking or when she is confronted by her bewildered mother, she remains the same utterly impassive presence. The Franoise Hardy songs and chic settings give the film the feel of an upmarket shampoo commercial.

Leviathan: Film review - jarring, murky brilliance - Reviews - Films - The Independent
Using lightweight, waterproof cameras and shooting from the most oblique and intimate angles, they give us a fisheye perspective. The effect is often disturbing (many have called this a "horror" documentary.) The lack of voiceover contextualization and intertitles adds to the eerie quality as fish are caught and skinned to the accompaniment of cacophonous scraping, screeching and clanking on the soundtrack. Castaing-Taylor and Paravel are artists and anthropologists whose work is arguably better suited to galleries than cinemas. Their intentions here are opaque (this isn't the typical eco-doc decrying the excesses of the fishing industry) but what can't be denied is the jarring, murky brilliance of their film-making.

Carrie: Film review - Chlo Grace Moretz impresses as Stephen King's

Carrie: Film review - Chlo Grace Moretz impresses as Stephen King's troubled teen - Reviews - Films - The Independent
Director Kimberly Peirce, better known for indie fare like Boys Don't Cry than for genre movies, doesn't seem like a natural choice of director either. This new Carrie is extremely uneven. Its horror movie elements the Rosemary's Baby-style birth at the beginning, the final reel scenes in which Carrie is wreaking telepathic havoc on her tormentors are done without much conviction. However, as a study of a germ-filled American adolescence in the digital age, the film is probing and effective. The scenes in which Carrie is tormented by schoolmates are especially harrowing. They upload her humiliations on the internet. As played by Chlo Grace Moretz, Carrie is an appealing anti-heroine. She is struggling to cope with the onset of puberty, a creepy and deranged mother (Julianne Moore) and with constant bullying. The film is structured like a classic ugly duckling fairytale. The difference, though, is that its protagonist doesn't blossom forth as a beautiful princess and get her revenge on life that way. Her means of redress are far cruder and more violent.

Saving Mr Banks: Film review - a sugar coated, disingenuous marketing exercise for Disney - Reviews - Films - The Independent
The story of their unlikely and often fraught collaboration on the Hollywood adaptation of Mary Poppins (1964) is told in Saving Mr Banks. There is a very fine performance from Emma Thompson as the prickly, eccentric Travers and yet the film itself still seems sugar coated and disingenuous. Given that the Disney organisation was behind the project, it is hardly surprising that this is an upbeat account of the making of what became one of the studio's biggest commercial and critical hits of the 1960s. The film isn't at all even-handed in its portrayal of its two main characters. Disney himself, as played by Tom Hanks, is the likable, avuncular American everyman type. He is as stubborn in his determination to get the movie made as Travers is in her resolve to stop her novel being bowdlerized on screen. Nonetheless, we're given little sense of what drives him or what his demons are. He is played with considerable charm by Hanks and yet remains a bland, one-dimensional character. (As we've learned, even Disney's real-life chain smoking has been airbrushed out of the story.) Travers, by contrast, is shown to be tormented and contradictory. She is brusque and unkind to the point of obnoxiousness for much of the time but also capable of great generosity. Kelly Marcel's screenplay delves deep into the author's childhood. The biggest surprise is that this tweedy, very English woman living in Chelsea turns out to be an Australian. PL Travers isn't even her real name. In flashbacks dotted through the film, we see her as a child (played by Annie Buckley). She is devoted to her bank manager father Travers Robert Goff (Colin Farrell), who shares her gift for storytelling. He is also an alcoholic whose erratic behaviour threatens the family's livelihood. Goff is sent to a new job in some remote town in the outback where he disgraces himself and is only saved from sacking because his boss takes pity on his daughter. The flashbacks are lyrical and disturbing. They provide a key both to Travers' enigmatic personality and to why she wrote Mary Poppins in the first place. The problem is that they are in a completely different tone to the rest of the film. Director John Lee Hancock enjoys playing up the differences between uptight British society of the early 1960s and the freewheeling world of Hollywood. When Travers first ventures to LA to meet Disney, she is appalled by everything from the smell of the city ("like chlorine and sweat") to the informality of drivers and junior studio execs. Disney's staff members, meanwhile, are terrified by this stern, headmistress-like figure who has landed in their world. There are some funny, well-observed scenes in which Travers sits through script meetings. She is appalled at the

thought of animation and of penguins creeping into the film adaptation. The wisecracking approach of the Sherman brothers (who wrote the music and lyrics for the film) leaves her baffled. All this is true to fact. A South Bank Show documentary, The Real Mary Poppins, included shots of the author's annotated copy of the screenplay with "No!" "No! "No!" emblazoned all over it. Even so, from a Disney perspective, deconstructing Mary Poppins must have seemed a fraught endeavour. They can't have wanted to let the audiences to peer too far behind the curtain. The revelation that the author was exorcising childhood demons by writing her Mary Poppins stories is hardly likely to enhance their enjoyment of the original movie. That is presumably why Saving Mr Banks so frequently pulls its punches. Much of the evidence suggests that Walt Disney and Travers really didn't get on at all. He didn't invite her to the premiere (although she went anyway.) "I never heard her say a good word of it," her adopted son Camillus said of the Disney film. Nonetheless, the film-makers here show this very odd couple sharing cups of tea and even enjoying a day trip to Disneyland together. There are some notable omissions. The contribution of the brilliant British director Robert Stevenson to the success of the film is entirely overlooked. So is Travers' fraught relationship with Camillus. It is Emma Thompson's performance that carries the film. Even when PL Travers is behaving at her most imperious, Thompson is able to hint at her vulnerabilities and to keep the audience's sympathy. At the same time she is jousting with Disney, she has an equally attritional relationship with Ralph (Paul Giamatti), her driver in Hollywood. He is genial and deferential. She treats him with contempt. Gradually, though, as she learns more about his family circumstances, she thaws. We are made very aware of her obsession with her own alcoholic father and her belief that she could somehow "save" him through her storytelling. The film is pulling in two very different directions. On the one hand, Saving Mr Banks (which was developed by BBC Films and has a British producer) is a probing, insightful character study with a very dark undertow. On the other, it is a cheery, upbeat marketing exercise in which the Disney organisation is re-promoting one of its most popular film characters. If the portrayal of Travers was too harsh or Disney himself was shown with too many wrinkles, it would risk damaging the Mary Poppins "brand" and that is something those top execs in the "Mouse House" would never let happen.

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Evan Rachel Wood attacks ratings body for cutting cunnilingus scene from new film - News - Films - The Independent
The scene, which was cut in her forthcoming film Charlie Countryman, sees Wood play a cellist who receives oral sex from Shia LaBeoufs lead character The 26-year-old voiced her anger over the deletion of the scene, writing a number of messages on Twitter to share her disappointment at the Motion Picture Association of Americas decision to censor a womans sexuality once again. The scene where the two main characters make love was altered because someone felt that seeing a man give a woman oral sex made people uncomfortable, but the scenes in which people are murdered by having their heads blown off remained intact and unaltered, she wrote. Wood continued to bemoan a society that wants to shame women and put them down for enjoying sex, especially when (gasp) the man isnt getting off as well. Accept that women are sexual beings, accept that some men like pleasuring women, she said. Accept that women dont just have to be f**ked and say thank you. We are allowed and entitled to enjoy ourselves," she said. The Wrestler actress found it hard to believe the scene would have been cut had the male character been receiving oral sex or had the female been raped. Its time for people to grow up, she wrote.

...We are allowed and entitled to enjoy ourselves. Its time we put our foot down... Evan Rachel Wood (@evanrachelwood) November 28, 2013 LaBeouf will likely support his co-star in her outrage after the trailer for his film Nymphomanic was temporarily removed from YouTube for its sexually intimate moments earlier this month. The online video service reinstated the trailer after users complained. The Motion Picture Association organises the Oscars and acts as a voluntary self-censorship body for the US film industry. Wood and LaBeoufs sex scene in Charlie Countrymen is thought to have been cut to avoid the film being labelled with a restrictive NC-17 (18) rating and suffering profit blows at the box office. Its current rating is R (15) for some brutal violence, language throughout, sexuality/nudity and drug use. Charlie Countryman is due for release in UK cinemas on Valentines Day next year. An NC-17 rating was also given to 2010's Blue Valentine due to a scene in which Ryan Gosling's character performed oral sex on Michelle Williams' lead. The rating was later overturned to an 'R' after director Harvey Weinstein appeared personally before The Motion Picture Association appeal board.

Arts & Ents - TV

True grit: Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser Grace Dent on TV: Legacy, BBC2 The 8 best box sets for Christmas Im A Celebrity 2013: Can Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington survive the cruelty and stress of fame after the jungle? Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who: Why the Christmas TV schedules are always a repeat Sherlock series 3 air date revealed in 'Sherlock Lives' London stunt Rachel Riley leaves husband Jamie Gilbert after 16 months of marriage Cheryl Cole reaches settlement over US X Factor sacking Derren Brown still steals the TV magic show Legacy: TV review - clichs spoil a reds-under-the-bed spy story with shades of le Carr Him & Her: TV review - when it comes to 'observational comedy', this is the real McCoy Lewis Collins: The Professionals' Bodie dies at 67 after five-year cancer struggle Melanie Sykes cautioned after assaulting husband Jack Cockings

True grit: Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser - Profiles - People - The Independent
He turns out to be good company, launching into Hollywood stories with relish, unconcerned about criticising former co-stars ("Kristin Stewart was just awful in Snow White & the Huntsman. She had this big speech to do, and she couldn't act at all") and confidingly matey about his old drinking buddies ("Oliver Reed? Loved him. He once told me, 'I'm growing my own marijuana would you like some?' The two of us sucked at it for an hour. I thought, what the fuck is this grass or grass cuttings?").

When I tell him I'd admired his leather get-up in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, he sighs. "It was the wardrobe mistress Penny Rose's idea. She woke one night and said to herself, 'Of course he's a Biker Pirate!' When I was trekking through the Hawaiian heat, clad in 35 pounds of black leather, I was thinking, 'Thank you, Penny...'." McShane has played a lot of regal roles lately. After half a lifetime playing charming villains scoundrels, rogues, smiley gangsters, iffy antique dealers and the most dangerous saloon landlord in the Old West he's settled into a late career radiating lordly, indeed kingly menace. He was King Brahmwell in Jack the Giant Slayer, a bishop in Pillars of the Earth, the leader of a dwarf gang in Snow White, a king in Kings and Blackbeard in Pirates. Now 71, he is very busy. He spent this summer in Budapest, making Hercules for MGM with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as the titular superman. Did he enjoy it? "It was fine. Budapest is a very pretty town and I learnt a lot of useful things over the 19 weeks." Like what? "Like chariot training and fighting with an extraordinary weapon with multiple blades, like a very early Swiss Army knife." He plays Amphiaraus in the film ("Part prophet, part seer, part warrior," deadpans McShane, "and all man") and is surrounded by famous British actors: John Hurt, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan. "Johnny and Pete play the bad guys," says McShane. "Rufus Sewell plays Autolycus, which the Americans pronounce 'Oughta-like-us'." It's an American film with an American director, Brett Ratner. Why are all the Brits in it? "We add gravitas," he says simply. "We give it weight. The Americans know there's nothing worse than someone saying, 'Have ya met my brudder Agamemnon?' They prefer to have real actors, who give the impression they know what they're doing."

McShane stars as Al Swearengen in 'Deadwood' In complete contrast, McShane also co-stars in Cuban Fury, coming out on Valentine's Day, a terribly British comedy about a hopeless schlub called Bruce (Nick Frost) who fancies his boss (Rashida Jones) but can't think how to win her heart until he sees her salsa dancing in a pub. Wait a minute he, Bruce himself, used to be a teenage salsa star until some Terrible Thing happened. If he could only get back to salsa match-fitness, he might succeed in parting her from her foundation garments. He hires a long-haired, swarthy salsa teacher called Ron... "I did Cuban Fury because it's got a really good cast," says McShane. "Nick Frost is a comedian who can really act. He's got low-key gravitas. And they'd got Chris O'Dowd and Rory Kinnear, and Rashida Jones you know, Quincy's daughter, she's a gifted comedian and a writer to play the feminine lead." Wasn't a small-scale British comedy infra dig for someone like him, who mostly plays kings and pirates and gangsters in US blockbusters? McShane is unbothered. "What could be nicer? It has a really funny, charming script by Jon Brown, who looks about 12 well everybody nowadays looks about 12. It was the first film directed by James Griffiths, who directed Episodes, that TV thing about Matt LeBlanc ... He's a very smart guy."

The film features a trademark McShane shot: the actor's face in scary close-up, regarding the hapless Frost with that dead-eyed stare before which so many losers have quailed over the years. A long way from the crinkly-eyed charm of TV's Lovejoy, it defined the character of Al Swearengen in Deadwood, the HBO series about the South Dakota gold-mining camp that became a town in the 1870s and resisted becoming assimilated by the United States. McShane says his role as the foul-mouthed, homicidal proprietor of the Gem saloon and cathouse, was the best and most complex role he ever had. And it was a role he inhabited with gusto. Had there been issues about his British accent? Had he tried to do a fake-American accent, like Hugh Laurie in House? McShane looks disdainful. "I always thought that accent was all that House was about. No offence to Hugh, but it sounded like someone hanging on to an American accent. With Deadwood, I did the audition, we did a read-through on the set, I was the only Limey bastard, in front of all these guys. David Milch [the creator] said, 'I'm going to invent some background for why you sound like that'. And I said, 'I'll invent my own accent'. Because [he essays a ludicrous southern-belle fluting] Ahn caint towk lahke in thay-att kinda Murrican ac-saynt." Which is why, although Swearengen is clearly a Limey, he pronounces "cocksucker" as "kacksucker". In case you were wondering. McShane clearly idolises David Milch, who wrote and co-produced the series. "David has a refreshingly direct attitude to acting. I had one scene with the whore, Trixie. Al calls her up to his room, to admonish her for something she's done. Now remember, I'm working here with a woman actor I've met maybe a week before. Anyway, David is there with the director, watching the scene. He looks at me and says, 'Ian, you have to grab her cunt'. I thought, that's not the first directorial thought that springs to mind, is it? But it was absolutely true to the character, and put the actors at ease with each other. He's so direct not like some directors who go round the houses for 20 minutes."

McShane is 71 but shows no signs of slowing down (Kalpesh Lathigra) Milch's working methods were unorthodox he'd give the actors just a few pages to learn, watch to see the outcome, then go away and re-write the scene but McShane took them as signs of genius. "He wrote organically. He wrote from what he learnt from a scene and went forward. His vision of the show was constantly moving forward. David never lost sight of the fact that it was about the beginnings of a country, about lawlessness, passion, power and human beings. He cared so much about the characters' unfolding." Something else that was unusually organic was the set. The cast and crew didn't disappear to hotels each evening. They stayed put, living together on a ranch 30 miles north of Los Angeles, and rose every morning as if they were inhabitants of Deadwood. "Everyone was there together," says McShane, eyes shining. "Writers, editors, riggers, animals we never moved out. You didn't have to be somewhere else every day. You were the village. When we came on set every day, the extras would be there in costume and character, shouting 'Mornin' Al!'." Deadwood aired over three series, 12 episodes each, between April 2004 and August 2006. It was a critical smashhit, and won eight Emmy awards, including Best Actor for McShane. And suddenly it was all over. HBO announced it wouldn't pick up the expiring options of the actors for a fourth season. David Milch said he hoped to make two two-hour TV specials instead of a fourth season, but the project dwindled. It was left to an exasperated McShane to announce, in 2009 on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, "Deadwood is dead!". McShane is able to claim, while still being given starring roles, that he's been in movies for half a century. He was the star in his first film. It happened like this. Born in Blackburn, Lancashire in 1942, the son of a Scottish footballer (who played for Manchester United) Ian breezed into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts after grammar school.

There he met John Hurt, who became a lifelong pal. "Johnny and I were best friends at Rada. He was a year ahead of me, and had been cast in The Wild and the Willing. We had the same agent, and Johnny suggested me for the lead in the movie. I met them, they said, 'Can you come for a test?' and I took the day off school. I got a Greenline bus to Uxbridge, to Pinewood Studios, and said, 'I'm here to do a screen test'. Then I took the bus back to school. And they offered me the part the next day. I told the head, 'Sir, I lied, I didn't go to the dentist, I did a screen test'. He said, 'I might not be able to give you your certificate because of that'." He laughs, and briefly looks rather like the cocky young student he played in the film a natural leader, even at 20, and a convincing rebel, who tells the old farts at the bar, "OK, we didn't die in the war we're really sorry about that!". Why didn't the film catapult him into rebel stardom? "Because it was J Arthur Rank's attempt to capture the new wave of teenage rebellion," he says. "And they didn't follow through. If only we'd had Karel Reisz or someone in charge."

McShane's first role, in 'The Wild and the Willing' (Rex Features) He was launched, though. TV followed with parts in Armchair Theatre. In 1967, he appeared in London's West End in The Promise by Alexsei Arbuzov, alongside Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. He was in the original cast of Joe Orton's Loot. "It died in Wimbledon," says McShane sadly. "Kenneth Williams was in it, very nervous about being in a straight play by Orton. The first night he came on in a kind of fascist raincoat, looking like a cleaner. The second night he was in a deerstalker like Sherlock Holmes. It was fascinating to watch. He hadn't a clue how to play the part." Speaking of gay matters, I said, is that story about you and Richard Burton true? He laughs. "You mean the scene in Villain [the 1971 movie based on Ronnie Kray and his driver]? Oh yes. I got on very well with Richard. During shooting, we were discussing the upcoming gay love scene. My hair was very different in those days it came down to here. He turned to me and said, 'I'm very glad you're playing this scene, Ian'. I said, 'Thank you Richard'. He said, 'You know why, don't you? Because you remind me of Elizabeth...'." After his early success, McShane happily admits, he went spectacularly off the rails in the 1970s. "I went to live in America in 1975, because I was pretty bored here. I was sick of the black-outs." My God, I said, sympathetically. You mean you were drinking so much... "No!" says McShane, "I mean the power cuts in 1974! There was fuck-all happening in the UK, so I went to America, and got divorced a year later. I've lived there, on and off, from 1975."

In London and California he became a party hellraiser, hoovering up drink and anything else available ("I was an equal-opportunities abuser"). He kept acting, though: he specialised in villainy and swashbuckling on film and historical impersonation on TV: in five years he played Christopher Marlowe, Benjamin Disraeli, Judas Iscariot and Prince Rainier of Monaco. His second marriage failed around the time he met Sylvia Kristel, of Emmanuelle fame, on the set of The Fifth Musketeer. "I met her in 1977, we had a crazy year-and-a-half. It was very nice, but mostly fuelled by mountains of... whatever. Then we went our separate ways." He and his third wife, the actress Gwen Humble, have been together since 1980, and live in equanimity in Venice Beach. He has no immediate intention of saying no to movie parts as they roll in. But does he yearn these days for more nuanced roles than kings, dwarves and pirates? "I enjoy every role I do," says McShane, with sleek satisfaction. "Next year, I'll probably be doing Steven Berkoff's modern gangster version of Agamemnon, which will be good. You set paths for yourself, but as you get older, things change. If Deadwood had gone on another two years, I wouldn't have got as many movies made. You don't know where life takes you." It takes you, I say coldly, into making a ludicrous animation called Kung Fu Panda, where he was the voice of a snow leopard called Tai Lung. How is that an interesting place to end up? "You know how that came about?" asks the indefatigable McShane. "The people at DreamWorks had taken a fiveminute speech of Al Swearengen's and re-done it as an animation from a tiger's mouth. I said, 'How can I say no?'" 'Deadwood' is repeated on CBS Action from Friday at 10pm

Grace Dent on TV: Legacy, BBC2 - Reviews - TV & Radio - The Independent
Ones heart is heavy for everyone else involved in BBC output during this time who receives no coverage whatsoever, none, and relies on its actors to tweet, Please, please, watch me, please! as their show doesnt even have a trailer because the cash for that was spent on a papier-mch mask for a Dr Who villain that wouldnt even scare a queue of children at Santas grotto. So yes, Legacy on BBC2: a spy thriller. I cannot normally stand spy thrillers. Oh, the sitting for days in dark, fuggy rooms, and the smoking and the mumbling of Russian names and the holding up of photos while shouting, You know this man? and the shagging of pneumatic, wasted prostitutes who will inevitably die with their tits out, before the hero is eventually turned to work for the other side and does the whole thing again with a Russian hat on. No. Cold war? Cold bore more like! Am I right? These are the sort of solid gold jokes I scribbled on my pad during Legacy where the spy Charles (Charlie Cox) gets himself into a terrible pickle with his Russian former uni chum Viktor, while Romola Garai playing spy Anna provided diverting sparkle and a shoulder for Charles to snivel on. I fell asleep during my first viewing of Legacy although in its defence it was warm and dark in the living room and wed reached the section where Charles had been told by the Russian that his own father, now deceased, was a highranking Russian spy, so Charles had gone to question his mother played by Del Boys missus from Only Fools and Horses. Obviously she denied it. But then she would as we were only 25 minutes into a one-and-a-half-hour drama and we still had to fit in some car chases, a dead hooker, Charles shagging Anna, a lot of scenes where Simon Russell Beale does his Monty Python-style simmering fury schtick, and a point when Charlies mother faces up to the truth. I should point out here that everyone in Legacy is rather bloody brilliant. Lovely Geraldine James clomps in at one point being haughty in a twin-set, employing a gait that suggests she has killed many people yet still reserves her worst revenge for shoddy customer service. But there wasnt a great deal for any of them to play with here. Of course one great plus about Legacy was the fact that it was on BBC2 and during the 90 minutes one was staring at it, one wasnt in danger of seeing the John Lewis, Tesco or Marks & Spencer Christmas adverts for the 348th time. All are equally flimsy while masquerading as epic and are being force-fed down viewers throats in the manner of factory foie gras preparation right now. What is this fresh Christmas hell we have all been gifted with? Awful, barely coherent, jarring tat at every ad break. Someone please look me in the eye and tell me what the story arc is of that M&S Wizard of Oz crapfest. And for a bonus point, name one single item it is advertising.

The Tesco advert should just cut to the chase and have a grim reaper sitting at the Christmas dinner table and the tagline, youre all going to be dead one day, enjoy your fucking sprouts. Obviously, the Tesco ad would be more upsetting if the ageing make-up didnt look like it was two parts Tesco value flour and two parts lard propelled at actors faces from six metres away using a Tesco Back To School Helix ruler. And then John Lewis: a bear goes to sleep for a bit and is woken up by a hare. Maybe the bear liked being asleep? Maybe the bear had put himself to bed with mild depression until Christmas Day as it had already sat through David Gandy as the Mad Hatter on every single ad break since 10 November. I dont want to be depressed or have my heart-strings pulled at Christmas, the realities of life do a good enough job. Give me Ant and Dec jumping out of a Christmas pudding while Noddy Holder screams Its Chriiiiiiiiiiiiiistmas and is lost in an Armaggedon-level glitter cannon scenario instead. I finished Legacy on the third viewing by sitting upright all the way through with the radiators off and a cup of coffee. Cold War thrillers make me so sleepy. I should go to John Lewis and buy an alarm clock.

The 8 best box sets for Christmas - Arts & Books - IndyBest - The Independent
2. Parks and Recreation: Seasons 1-3 (15) I think I need to call child services and have Leslie taken away from herself, quips Ann (Rashida Jones) to camera. Please dont. Amy Poehlers confused, unlucky-in-love Leslie is adorable in this excellent US sitcom set in Indiana. How much: 45.10 Where from: play.com 3. Peep Show: Series 1-7 (18) Its still the best thing David Mitchell and Robert Webb have ever been involved in and its probably, along with Father Ted, Channel 4s funniest sitcom. The more radically the duo fail, the more poignant Mark and Jeremys dysfunctional relationship becomes. Its probably time they split up. How much: 41.40 Where from: amazon.co.uk 4. The Returned - Series 1 (18) Its to do with the stillness, the camera angles, the use of mirrors and, of course, the mysterious, mute little boy. The Returned, set in an Alpine village, is terrifying: far subtler and scarier than any of the usual slashers regurgitated by US cinema of late. How much: 22.62 Where from: play.com 5. Merlin: Comp lete Boxset - Series 1-5 (12) Theres much to recommend about this mythical hokum from John Hurts dragon to Katie McGrath deliciously wicked witch but its the droll, sweet love story between Merlin and Arthur that compels in the BBCs excellent fantasy series. How much: 74.99 Where from: amazon.co.uk

6. Girls: Season 1 and 2 (18) Lena Dunham directs, produces, writes, stars and sheds her clothes quite a bit in these tangy adventures of four twentysomething New Yorkers. Its HBO television at its most intoxicating, funny, poignant, original and dangerous. How much: 16.75 Where from: amazon.co.uk 7. Agatha Christies Poirot: The Definitive Collection (15) Savour 25 glorious years-worth of deadly accurate sleuthing and tisanes, concluding with Curtain: Poirots Last Case. David Suchet has been superb as the Belgian detective in this classy series. How much: 89.99 Where from: moviemail.com 8. Horrible Histories: Series 4 (PG) CBBCs wildly inventive, frequently funny and crude sketch show, which has a mission statement of making history look less crap, succeeds in making the past as accessible and enjoyable as possible for children. How much: 6 Where from: amazon.co.uk

Im A Celebrity 2013: Can Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington survive the cruelty and stress of fame after the jungle? - Profiles - People - The Independent
It was the sort of wide-eyed response a mix of awe, naivety and nervous energy that had so endeared an increasingly giddy nation to British sports brightest new arrival. With two gold medals in the 400 and 800 metres freestyle at the Beijing Games, an unknown teenager from Mansfield had achieved more in in a single Olympics than any homegrown swimmer for a century. And we greeted her as gleefully as she did the gold Jimmy Choo shoes presented to her at her homecoming parade. There would be no time for TV Adlington leapt straight back into training for London 2012 but five years on from Beijing she has her wish. Free from the sacrifices of sport after her retirement in February, the 24-year-old is not dancing for votes (she revealed in August that Strictly had turned her down) but doing battle in the Im a Celebrity jungle. And in that programmes harsher light, her crawl from clear water of swimming into the celebrity swamp has appeared fraught. Whether she likes it or not, Adlington has become a case study of a young athlete searching for a second career while displaying a vulnerability in a culture that can be cruel even to champions. She wont know it yet, but the swimmers apparent plight went all the way to the House of Lords on Wednesday. A debate there followed an episode of Im a Celebrity in which Adlington broke down in tears while talking about body image, and about one of her rivals a pneumatic Miss Universe contestant. Its making me very, very insecure that I have to look a certain way, she said. I was an athlete. I wasnt trying to be a model, but pretty much every single week on Twitter I get somebody commenting on the way I look. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the Paralympic champion, despaired of a worrying trend that young women are increasingly put under pressure to conform to look a certain way. Baroness Northover, who speaks about women and equalities for the Government, added: It is enough to make me weep to hear about Rebecca Adlington We should be proud of what shes achieved. Yet the scrutiny has only intensified while a mystery illness excludes the swimmer from Im a Celebritys bushtucker trials. Critics (male, mostly) have taken aim, as if the trials, with their

swimmer from Im a Celebritys bushtucker trials. Critics (male, mostly) have taken aim, as if the trials, with their plastic-star rewards, mattered in the case of an athlete with four Olympic medals. Adlingtons journey to the jungle began at the Sherwood swimming baths in Mansfield, since renamed the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre. Her parents, Steve and Kay Adlington, had only wanted their daughters to learn to swim but Rebecca, the youngest of three, quickly emerged as a gifted and fierce competitor, rising fast through the county ranks. Not otherwise sporty or suited to academia, she passed her GCSEs and then devoted her life to swimming with Nottinghamshires elite Nova Centurion squad. By then she was already developing concerns about body image. Weve tried to bring the girls up to believe its about who you are not what you look like, Kay Adlington, 52, said last week. But my daughters always had insecurities about the way she looks. Sharron Davies, the Olympic swimmer turned BBC presenter and reality TV star ( Dancing on Ice, 2010), met Adlington four years before Beijing, when the 15-year-old came second in the 800 metres at the British championships, narrowly missing out on the qualifying time for the 2004 Games. I was amazed by her tenacity and level-headedness, she recalls. She would never give up. Adlington went back to training and, as Beijing approached, she remained unknown outside the sport, a position Davies says suited an athlete who struggled with nerves. It was a lot easier coming in under the radar whereas in London in 2012 the pressure had become extraordinary, she says. Filled with confidence after her shock 400 metre victory, Adlington smashed the oldest world record in her sport in the 800 and life changed in an instant. But before she could adjust to the fun of fame, it was soon coloured by snide comments on social media and beyond. When Frankie Boyle, a Scottish comedian who has made a career out of being nasty, made a joke on a panel show about Adlingtons appearance, it prompted public outrage, a formal complaint by the swimmer, and a reprimand from the BBC Trust. With each setback, support for Adlington only grew. She employed a psychologist to help regain her focus, and promised to stop reading the comments, good or bad. The approach worked, and in 2011, the swimmer became the world 800-metre champion, arriving in London the following year as one of the faces of Team GB. But time was running out. In an event dominated by youth, 23 was, she admitted after her retirement, pretty old. No longer able to recover as quickly after training sessions, she was being overtaken by a new generation. The two bronze medals she won in London seemed like a disappointment to some, but Adlington has said they became a source of great pride. On the day she retired in February. Adlington launched SwimStars, an awareness and teaching campaign that she hopes will reverse a drop in swimming participation among the very young. She is training as a coach but, as Davies says, after a life of lengths and chlorine, she also loves the the glitz and glamour of fame and did not hesitate to accept the Im a Celebrity invitation. The show hopefully gives me a chance to talk about my vision of teaching kids to swim, she wrote on her website. Adlington perhaps did not account for the priorities of the shows editors, or media lapping up jungle intrigue. But those who know her say it would be wrong to think she regrets her appearance after one tearful episode. Davies sympathises with Adlingtons concerns about body image. When I was young and people wrote nasty things in a paper, it was tomorrows fish and chip paper today it stay with you forever. But, she adds, nobody becomes double Olympic gold medallist unless youre really tough in every single area of life. Shell be fine. Rob Woodhouse has managed Adlingtons since her Beijing breakthrough. Even then she was mature beyond her years as well as being a lovely person, and she still is, he says. And remember shes still 24. She went on the show to have fun and thats what shes doing. Shes shown very clearly this year that shes capable of managing a difference phase of her life and career. If Adlington does return from the jungle feeling burned by the glare of reality TV, she might yet choose to withdraw to her new life as coach, and the home she shares with her fianc, a swimmer called Harry Needs. Davies says she has no huge desire to be in front of camera for ever. In February, Adlington spoke to journalists beside a Derby pool filled with paddling toddlers, where she appeared to suggest relative anonymity may suit her. I love teaching the three- and four-year-olds who didnt have a Scooby-doo who I was, she said. It was so nice they just thought I was another teacher.

A Life In Brief Born: Rebecca Adlington, 17 February 1989, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Family: Youngest of three daughters. Parents are businessman Steve, and Kay, a former office manager. Engaged to fellow swimmer Harry Needs. Education: GCSEs at the Brunts School, Mansfield. Career: Began swimming with Sherwood Colliery Swimming Club and swam for Nottinghamshire at county level. Won gold in the 400m and 800m freestyle at 2008 Beijing Olympics. Gold medals followed at European and Commonwealth level. Won two bronze at London 2012. Retired from competitive swimming in 2013. She says: My vision is that every child in Britain will be able to swim 25m by the time they leave primary school. They say: Her down-to-earth personality and remarkable career achievements have made her a national treasure. Lord Coe

Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who: Why the Christmas TV schedules are always a repeat - Features - TV & Radio - The Independent
Someone should do a family sitcom titled 'Why is all the Christmas telly crap?, the spin doctor tweeted in a moment of festive despondence last year. Its a tradition as old as mince pies and over-indulgence. Each Christmas millions of turkey-sated viewers slump in front of their wide-screens. And each time the groan goes up, this is the worst Xmas telly ever. Ratings for the biggest seasonal treats are beginning to slide. The audience is fragmenting, with box-fresh new gaming consoles and tablet devices competing for a stupefied nations eyeballs. Catch-up services mean even that must-see James Bond premiere is no longer an appointment to view. The BBCs 2013 Christmas schedule, announced this week, featuring a revival of classic sitcom Open All Hours and special episodes of The Great British Bake Off and The Great British Sewing Bee, prompted complaints that it relied too heavily upon unchallenging fare and special editions of tried and tested programmes. But for the broadcasters unveiling their festive wares, the Christmas schedule is the result of months, if not years, of planning to concoct the most family-friendly mix of movies, comedy and drama, drip-feeding new commissions amid old favourites and constructed after close scrutiny of the publics tastes. Christmas schedule planning actually begins two or three years in advance, reveals Dan McGolpin, head of BBC1 scheduling. Dramas take a long time to get to air and blockbuster films are tied in years in advance. Therell be a meeting in January with the genre commissioners and channel controllers where well look at Christmas 2015 and beyond. Were looking for a balance between drama, new family films, new factual programmes and comedy. Well look at where there are gaps. We need to be strong in every area. If viewers dont like what they get, then they only have themselves to blame. We do a lot research into what viewers want to see, Mr McGolpin said. People expect to see the biggest shows at Christmas. Our aim is to offer something for everybody so the licence-fee payer gets value for money. Last Christmas, the number of people watching the Christmas schedule tentpoles - EastEnders and Doctor Who on BBC1 and Downton Abbey on ITV - was down on previous years. But when viewing figures on catch-up services were included, the figures soared, with Downton Abbey, adding 3

million viewers to reach a total of 10 million. This doesnt mean that those sought-after Christmas Day viewers are simply snoring on the sofa. There is a fantastic amount of catch-up viewing now in the weeks later but the nation still gets together on Christmas day and they expect event TV, Mr McGolpin said. The BBC has scheduled two Twitter talking points for Christmas night, to combat post-turkey slumber the arrival of Danny Dyer as the Queen Vics new landlord in EastEnders, typically the highest-rated show on the day and the regeneration of Matt Smith into Peter Capaldi in Doctor Who. Christmas is not the day to launch experimental new drama, Mr McGolpin concedes. But the BBC seeks to nudge new successes into the spotlight, amid fixtures such as the Strictly special, to prevent the schedule becoming sclerotic. The BBC1 sitcom Mrs Browns Boys , which now attracts 15 million viewers, will air on Christmas Day for the first time a real coup, said Mr McGolpin. Because of the huge pool of available viewers, Christmas can be used to test a format revival. Still Open All Hours, in which Sir David Jason reprises his role as Granville, who has now inherited the corner shop from his uncle Arkwright, is effectively a pilot which may result in a series. The BBCs new offerings include PD James Pride and Prejudice sequel, Death Comes to Pemberley, starring Matthew Rhys as Darcy and David Walliams childrens story, Gangsta Granny. The return of Sherlock, where viewers will discover how the sleuth survived a much speculated-upon plunge, will be deployed by BBC1 on New Year to give its January ratings a rocket boost. ITV, due to confirm its holiday schedule next week, is used to taking a pasting in the overnight ratings. But the BBCs commercial rival has the terrestrial premiere of Harry Potter and The Deadly Hallows, Parts 1 and 2, lined up against the BBCs outings for Toy Story 3 and Kung Fu Panda. ITV relies upon its soaps and full-length Downton Abbey special starring Shirley MacLaine and Paul Giamatti on this occasion - to break BBC1s hold over the Christmas most-watched list. But ITV also has new Marple and Midsomer Murders dramas to sprinkle across its schedule. Sky 1 HD has invested in Moonfleet, a two-part family drama starring Ray Winstone as the leader of a band of 17th century smugglers, penned by Life on Mars writer Ashley Pharoah. Winstone told The Independent he hoped Moonfleet would become a future Christmas classic. I think its great to have something new thats a bit fresh for Christmas, the actor said. But sometimes you just want to wrap up in a blanket and watch Im dreaming of a White Christmas with Bing Crosby. For those of us whove lost parents you want those Christmas memories and to have a little cry. Winstone added: If they repeat something you were in, then you get paid for it too. Although shows can now be viewed anytime, Mr McGolpin and his ITV counterpart still seek to avoid direct clashes which annoy viewers. Draft schedules are exchanged in advance of their confirmation so that Call The Midwife doesnt step on Downtons coat-tails. The alternative, for broadcasters who dont wish to expend money and energy chasing festive viewers, is to follow Channel 5s example. Last year, Richard Desmonds channel filled its Christmas evening with three programmes about the haulier Eddie Stobart, none of which made the nations top ten. BBC1 Xmas Day 2012 2.00pm Top of the Pops Christmas Special

3.00pm The Queen 3.10pm Film : Shrek Forever 4.35pm Room on the Broom animation 5.00pm BBC News & Weather 5.15pm Doctor Who The Snowmen 6.15pm Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 7.30pm Call the Midwife 8.45pm EastEnders Christmas 2012 9.45pm The Royle Family BBC 1 Xmas Day 2013 (Expected line-up) Top of the Pops Christmas Special The Queen Film: Toy Story 3 Gangsta Granny BBC News Doctor Who The Time of the Doctor Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special Call The Midwife EastEnders Christmas 2013 Mrs Browns Boys Xmas 2013 highlights Gangsta Granny BBC1 Julia McKenzie, Joanna Lumley, Rob Brydon and Miranda Hart bring to life David Walliams best-selling childrens novel, about a boy who goes to live with his international jewel thief gran. Downton Abbey ITV Shirley MacLaine returns as Coras mother Martha and Sideways star Paul Giamatti makes his Downton debut as her playboy brother in two-hour special, now a seasonal staple. Doctor Who : Time of the Doctor BBC1 Matt Smith makes way for Peter Capaldi in regeneration scene precision-tooled to deliver a Christmas Day viewing peak for BBC1.

Moonfleet Sky 1 Sky gets in on the Xmas blockbuster action with swashbuckling 18th century tale starring Ray Winstone as the leader of a band of smugglers after Blackbeards treasured diamond. Christmas University Challenge BBC2 Rory Bremner, Green party leader Nathalie Bennett, political pundit Mehdi Hasan, radio presenter Fi Glover and shadow Justice minister Dan Jarvis put their reputations on the line in graduates special. Birds of a Feather ITV Fifteen years after hit sitcom was axed by the BBC, Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke reprise their roles on ITV in new series written by original creators Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.

Sherlock series 3 air date revealed in 'Sherlock Lives' London stunt - News TV & Radio - The Independent
Driven around London in a black hearse this morning was a coffin adorned with flowers reading "Sherlock" and the air date of the new episode. The first show of Sherlock series three will reach UK living rooms on New Years Day and is aptly entitled "The Empty Hearse". The BBC has confirmed episode two will be shown on Sunday 5 January and episode three on Sunday 12. News of the publicity stunt began spreading last night when the show's producer Sue Vertue posted a mysterious message: "Keep your eyes peeled in the morning rush hour and pay your respects," she wrote. BBC One has changed its Twitter name to the Sherlock hashtag and starred tweets from fans correctly guessing that "The Empty Hearse" will be broadcast on 1 January 2014. The second season of Sherlock ended earlier this year with the assumed death of Benedict Cumberbatch's lead. Sherlock Holmes fell from the roof of St Bart's Hospital and was laid to rest with a headstone in closing episode "The Reichenbach Fall". The hearse was spotted outside the hospital of Sherlock's supposed demise on Gower Street at 9.30am this morning. Intrigue over what really happened in the season two finale began after a teaser published in August featured Sherlock alive and watching over his own grave as his sidekick John Watson mourns him. It remains to be seen how the sleuth managed to recover from the fall as Sherlock creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have kept the plot a secret. There will be a new villain in the next series as Lars Mikkelson from The Killing has been confirmed to play the "terrifying" Charles Augustus Magnussen.

Rachel Riley leaves husband Jamie Gilbert after 16 months of marriage News - TV & Radio - The Independent
The maths expert, who recently starred in Strictly Come Dancing, married university sweetheart Jamie Gilbert last August. A spokeswoman for the star confirmed the pair, who live in Essex, have separated.

Riley, who replaced Carol Vorderman on the daytime show, married in front of guests including co-star Nick Hewer. She was the fifth star to be voted off this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing, losing the dance-off to Abbey Clancy. Riley and partner, Pasha Kovalev, were unanimously given the boot by judges after the head-to-head battle with the model who has been touted as one of this year's main contenders. PA

Cheryl Cole reaches settlement over US X Factor sacking - Americas - World - The Independent
But the 30-year-olds broad Geordie bray was too much for US executives plotting the X Factors rise across the Atlantic. And yesterday, more than two years after the former Girls Aloud singer was unceremoniously sacked from the show and replaced with a home-grown presenter, Cole was awarded an undisclosed amount by its producers. Cole, for her part, was confident her accent would not stand in the way of American viewers warming to her. Speaking to reporters in May 2011 on her first day on the show, she said US viewers can always understand me adding audiences would eventually get used to it. But executives were taking no chances and she was sacked after filming just one episode. Cole subsequently sued the shows producers Blue Orbit for $2.3million (1.4m) for loss of earnings. What little footage of Ms Coles limited screen time to make it to air left critics confused, some did praise her fabulous Geordie accent. According to papers filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Cole was on a pay or play deal where salary is payable, even if he or she is let go. The pop singer claimed not to have received money for expenses, including a $100,000 wardrobe account. A spokesman for Ms Cole said the case had been resulted amicably while Blue Orbit did not comment last night. Coles was not the first North East native to leave US viewers baffled. During Ant and Decs short-lived stint as presenters on the US game show Wanna Bet , filmed in 2007, producers reportedly secured an interpreter to press a button each time he feared Ant or Dec gave an utterance that would baffle audiences. While Cole, Ant and Decs broad Geordie bray may have caused US executives consternation, some British stars have prospered despite their accents in films. Sir Sean Connery is perhaps the most notable. Despite sporting what has been voted the worst movie accent of all time, as Irish cop Jim Malone in 1987s The Untouchables, Connery, the noticeably Scots James Bond, has seen his star continue to rise. Whether playing a Russian sub captain in The Hunt for Red October or even an English King in First Knight and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves viewers are assured Connery will perform with a familiar Highland baritone. Perhaps the X Factors producers were fearful of Coles effect on accents across the US. Studies have showed that Glasgow-based viewers of Eastenders were found to have been picking up Cockney dialect through a steady diet of viewing the goings on at Albert Square.

Derren Brown still steals the TV magic show - Features - TV & Radio - The Independent
If such an intimate form of illusion is to work on TV, magicians need a big reactions from their live audience. It's all about the look on the stooge's faces and if that face happens to be famous, so much the better. Tricked on ITV2 and

the upcoming TV specials of both Dynamo and David Blaine are all stuffed with celebs. Personally, I prefer to be awed by the magician's illusion, not his contact book, which is why my pick for the most magical time of the year is none of the above; it's Derren Brown: the Great Art Robbery, (12 Dec, Channel 4). In it, Brown attempts to pull off a heist with a crew of OAP accomplices. Any two-bit hack can stage a disappearance, but by making society's overlooked the stars of the show, Brown goes one better: he makes the invisible appear once more. Secret mission for man of the people It's a long time since David Icke had a full-time job in TV, but now he's back albeit on an internet station funded by 300,000 of crowd-sourced donations. The People's Voice promises to "explore as many [views] as possible", but when I switched on this week the only view being explored was Icke's. He was wearing a jumper in an interesting shade of lizard-green, while explaining how "the Government is using your telly to secretly film you". This is certainly one of the more compelling arguments for switching to internet-only broadcast. Catch Up, 450 Legacy, BBC iPlayer His injuries at the end of the last series did look rather fatal, but its still a disappointment to learn that Moriarty (Andrew Scott) wont be returning for series three of Sherlock. The good news is Scott is also brilliant as Russian embassy official and possible KGB agent Victor Koslov in this 70s-set, spy drama. The Real Walter White, Vice.com The coincidence of a real life meth chef who shares the name of Breaking Bads anti-hero is nice hook for this 17minute VICE documentary on how meth amphetamine has impacted one American family. Presenter Gianna Toboni visits the working class town of Bessemer, Alabama, where one Walter White is in recovery for his addiction and waiting trial for his crimes. The real Walt is less given to self-aggrandisement than Remember my name Heisenberg, but he still gets a little twinkle in his eye when he compares his erstwhile trade with the TV show: Ive seen it blue, pink and purple. When its white thats when its perfect Family Guy: Brian in Love, blinkbox.com RIP Brian, a dog, but so much more, who was killed off in last weeks episode of Family Guy. Hell be remembered for his love of dry martinis, great literature and Lois. This last passion transcended the usual fidelity of pet for owner and would cause poor Brian some heart-ache over the years. Its in the fourth episode of the second series that Brian first starts to come to terms with his feelings: Me and Lois? Come on, thats sick! I mean, shes my best friends wife!

New Girl, DVD Tis the season when we suspend our usual blanket ban on any and all Zooey Deschanel screen projects in anticipation of the annual TV showing of Elf, the much-beloved Christmas movie in which she co-stars with Will Ferrell. Consider the recently released DVD box set of New Girl season 2 as an Elf warm up.

The Choir: Sing While You Work, BBC iPlayer Calling all Bruce Springsteen fans, blubbers and British firefighting enthusiasts: even if youre not a fan of The Choir, youll want to catch this particular episode. The formula is the same as every other - choir master Gareth Malone starts a workplace choir from scratch - but this choir at Cheshire Fire Service have a passion for the job like no other, and it really comes through in their music. When they start singing The Rising, a song written to honour the firefighters involved in 9/11, youll be in floods. Its definitely the weepiest episode of the series so far.

Legacy: TV review - clichs spoil a reds-under-the-bed spy story with shades of le Carr - Reviews - TV & Radio - The Independent
Set in 1974 at the height of the crippling industrial unrest that some believed was being orchestrated by Moscow, Legacy was one half creaky reds-under-the-bed spy yarn and one part something rather more interesting. Unfortunately, in a game of halves, it was the potboiler element that dominated. The potentially interesting stuff involved our callow protagonist, Charles Thoroughgood (played by Charlie Cox), a trainee MI6 agent, who discovered that his late father might have been spying for the Soviets, and perhaps Alan Judd's 2001 source novel had the space to go into the psychology of this betrayal. Paula Milne's adaptation had other imperatives, such as getting the blinking story told in 90 minutes. Even so, the suitably restless and washed-out camerawork trumpeted that we were in le Carr territory. And the wardrobe and props department had done their stuff. I particularly liked the wig that turned Geraldine James into Barbara Castle, although the fondue set in the dinner-party scene was a terrible clich. Cox, clad in Harry Palmer's white mackintosh, was watchable, although Andrew Scott speaking with a Russian accent was, I'm afraid, like Andrew Scott speaking in a Russian accent. He played Thoroughgood's former Oxford chum, now a "political officer" at the Soviet embassy whom Thoroughgood had been charged with "turning". The potential love interest was played by Romola Garai from The Hour, playing an unhappily married MI6 colleague, but best of all, as usual (how tiresome for him), was Simon Russell Beale, as Throughgood's bad-tempered boss, even if he was undercut by the script when he invited his protg to lunch in a crowded caf and said: "What I'm about to tell you must not be divulged to anyone." What do they teach them at spy school? I guess I'm just not sure that I entirely saw the point of Legacy beyond the fact that the BBC had decided to have a season of programmes about the Cold War. One that handily includes the definitive Alec Guinness-as-George Smiley adaptations (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy continues on Tuesday nights on BBC4). Perhaps you could look at Legacy as an exercise in Cold War nostalgia, although the only thing it managed to make me feel nostalgic about was Spooks. More contemporary spy stories soon please.

Him & Her: TV review - when it comes to 'observational comedy', this is the real McCoy - Reviews - TV & Radio - The Independent
Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani are taking more of a back seat in this series. Becky quite literally as the longsuffering bridesmaids joined Laura for a limo ride from hell. And if one sequence demonstrated the assurance of Stefan Golaszewski's comedy, it was the one where Laura had her head out of the limo sunroof, abusing passers-by and being ignored by the bridesmaids as they enjoyed a respite from her tyranny by sending text messages. "Observational comedy" is an over-used term, but this was the real McCoy.

Lewis Collins: The Professionals' Bodie dies at 67 after five-year cancer struggle - News - TV & Radio - The Independent
The actor, who is best known for his role as Bodie in 70s TV series The Professionals, died in Los Angeles

The actor, who is best known for his role as Bodie in 70s TV series The Professionals, died in Los Angeles yesterday after a five-year struggle with cancer. His agent said Collins died peacefully in his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family, and asked for privacy during this very sad time. The Professionals, which propelled Collins and co-star Martin Shaw to stardom, was based around the adventures of a fictional crime-fighting unit called CI5. Its memorable theme tune and action-packed plots made it a huge hit during its run on ITV from 1977 to 1983. Shaw, currently appearing in a West End production of 12 Angry Men, said he was saddened by the news of his costars death. I was very sad to hear today that Lewis has died. We spent a very tough four years together in making The Professionals, and shared in the production of what has become an icon of British Television, he said. "He will be remembered as part of the childhood of so many people, and mourned by his fans. I send my love and condolences to his family, and the great many who will miss him."

Lewis Collins practising stunts for 'Who Dares Wins' (Getty) Collins' other most notable role came in the 1982 film Who Dares Wins, when he played a member of the SAS. Around this time, he auditioned for the role of James Bond, but his audition was reported to be too aggressive. His other TV appearances included Jack the Ripper (1988), Cluedo (1991-2) and The Bill (2002), but he did not achieve the same success brought by The Professionals. Born in May 1946 in Cheshire, Collins worked as a drummer in local bands and as a womens hairdresser before becoming an actor. He went on to train at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and toured with a number of theatre companies before making his West End debut. He is survived by his wife Michelle and their three sons.

Melanie Sykes cautioned after assaulting husband Jack Cockings - Crime UK - The Independent
The 43-year-old spent a night in custody before admitting to the offence and accepting a caution, police said. A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: Police were called approximately 9.45pm on Tuesday 26 November to a residential address in Hampstead following reports of an assault. A 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of common assault and taken to a north London police station. She has since been given a caution for common assault. Sykes husband, Jack Cockings, 27, did not require hospital treatment, police said.

A spokesman for Sykes declined to comment. The television presenter, who found fame in adverts for Boddingtons beer in the mid-nineties, married Cockings in May.

Melanie Sykes with husband Jack Cockings (@MsMelanieSykes) The couple met on Twitter in early 2012, and raised eyebrows with their flirty public exchanges. Sykes, a former model, has hosted shows including The Big Breakfast, Today with Des and Mel and Lunch with Gino and Mel. She served as a guest panellist on ITVs Loose Women in 2005 and returned to host the show in 2008. The presenter has two sons aged 11 and nine from her marriage to Italian actor Daniel Caltagirone, which ended in 2009.

Arts & Ents - Theatre and Dance

Mark Morris Dance Group, review Once A Catholic, theatre review: 'The piece invites broad, breezy laughter' JB Shorts 10, Joshua Brooks, Manchester: Theatre review Backstage: No National Theatre top job for Americans, says Kevin Spacey

Mark Morris Dance Group, review - Reviews - Theatre & Dance - The Independent
Now 57, Morris is one of dances major figures. Hes celebrated for his response to music, the juiciness of his dance style and his immediate connection with audiences. Hes very popular in the UK, but its three years since his companys last visit. Across two eclectic programmes, he showed seven works, all UK premieres. The Muir is danced to Beethovens arrangement of Scottish and Irish folk songs, sung by soprano Jennifer France and tenor Zach Finkelstein. The dancers dip and flirt, but the piece loses spontaneity. In Crosswalk, to Weber, dancers rush past each other. Two spin as they pass and a third drops, as if knocked off balance by the crosswind. Morris picks out rhythms with unexpected shimmies, dancers diving into rolls and striding onwards. Socrates is the highlight of Programme A. Saties three-part score is cool and apparently detached. Pianist Colin Fowler plays hypnotic, repeated motifs as Finkelstein sings of Socrates virtues, remembers a walk by the river and describes the philosophers death.

Morris choreography is gestural but not narrative. No single dancer plays Socrates, though several act moments described in the score. Speakers recline or take statuesque poses as other dancers move in pairs, overtaking and circling each other. For the river walk, the cast of fifteen cross the stage, from left to right, like a flow of water, in rippling walks and floating runs. Different groups act out the death of Socrates, forming circles and regrouping. As he dies, the dancers drop one, but shiver with movement on the last note. Steps and performance are as lucid as the music, without histrionics. The restraint becomes moving, something dark and strange beneath the surface. Programme B kicks off with the exuberant Excursions. Six dancers, in bright colours, move in tight formation, with squared elbows or tipped torsos to Barbers bright piano music. A Wooden Tree is delightfully daft. Dressed in plaid shirts and lurid knitwear, the dancers play out the folksy weirdness of Ivor Cutler. As his precise Scottish voice wanders through peculiar domestic incident, they respond with manic precision. They snap into place or whisk each other about like animated but protesting dolls, or swoop through country dance steps with superb comic timing. Jenn and Spencer, named for its dancers Jenn Weddel and Spencer Ramirez, is an intense duet to Henry Cowell. Weddel, a tall, blonde woman, moves with stormy grandeur, matched by Ramirezs direct grace. From striding steps to whirling lifts, the duet gives both dancers a fierce independence. Festival Dance, to a perky piano trio by Hummel, makes a buoyant finale. Dancers walk in and skip in lines, flow and sway into solos and duets. They zigzag through unexpected exits and entrances, then sail joyfully onwards. Until 1 December. Box office 0844 412 4300

Once A Catholic, theatre review: 'The piece invites broad, breezy laughter' Reviews - Theatre & Dance - The Independent
The play itself, though, which follows three girls (all called Mary) through their O Level year, has not worn well. Molly Logan is excellent as the grave, victimised Mary Mooney who has a natural piety but whose innocent questions are interpreted as knowing insubordination by the grotesquely suspicious nuns. The piece invites broad, breezy laughter at the expense of a repressive culture where even wearing tampons is considered self-abuse and where Sean Campion's desk-bashing priest can declare that missing mass is a more heinous sin than wife-murder. It's also sharp about the proprietorial attitude of the Irish towards Christianity. Why didn't Jesus go straight to Dublin? asks Calum Callaghan's gloriously tacky teddy boy. The trouble, though, is that the choppy revue-sketch format emphasises how repetitive and protracted the play is and how inadvertently ironic is its dogged refusal to acknowledge any redeeming features in the cartoon villains. To January 18; 020 7328 1000

JB Shorts 10, Joshua Brooks, Manchester: Theatre review - Reviews Theatre & Dance - The Independent
For writers who are veterans of Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders the festival of six 15-minute playlets in a pub basement offers the chance to be bolder in their drama and more outrageous in their humour. They seize the opportunity with relish. Lisa Holdsworth, currently writing for Midsomer Murders, offers Big Game, a tale of student shagging which twists

through a maze of new sexual morality. A rugby student is dared by his mates to bed the ugliest girl in the bar and then posts pictures of her naked on Facebook as proof of his conquest. Amy Drake is both vulnerable and ferocious as the wronged woman. But Stephen Hoyle's cocky conqueror has some surprisingly interesting lines which slaloms the sympathies of the audience. Interesting writing. At the other end of the scale is Dave Simpsons Blind Date 2. Simpson characteristically oscillates between laughaloud comedy and palpable sentimentality which here achieve a nice balance in the tale of two no-hopers, both dumped on blind dates, who get together. The vignette offers Susan Mcardle, as a hyper giggler, and Will Travis, as a gauche joker, scope for a deal of silly business which is both very funny and rather poignant. Simpson really hits his stride here. The classiest piece of the evening is Peter Kerrys Icarus Descending about a fictional meeting between Mozart and Beethoven in Vienna in 1787. Director Malcolm Raeburn burnishes really polished performances from Phil Minns as a peevish Amadeus confronted by the arrogant self-assurance of the younger man played by Haydn Holden with a Prussian precision (I know he was a Rhinelander really). Kate Coogan is beautifully cool and understated as Wolfies wife Constanza. There are gems elsewhere. Special Relationship by James Quinn looks like a mini-drama about a couple-breaking up but morphs into a satirical political allegory in which it becomes clear that the couple stand for Britain and the United States in the post-Iraq War world. There is some clever writing and several good gags in a sketch which stretches the 15-minute formula as far as it will go. Relate by Diane Whitley (a childrens tv writer) offers a great vehicle for some fine acting from Melissa Sinden as a wife who forces her husband to marriage guidance to discover he is bisexual. And there are amusing moments in the slight opening piece What a Performance by Trevor Suthers. It adds up to an evening of huge variety, pace, brave writing and a lot of laughs. JB Shorts is becoming a salient feature on the Manchester theatre landscape.

Backstage: No National Theatre top job for Americans, says Kevin Spacey Features - Theatre & Dance - The Independent
Spacey has been artistic director of the Old Vic for more than a decade, but says he wasnt among the candidates when the job at the National Theatre up the road came up for grabs last month, eventually going to Nicholas Hytner. First of all, I dont think that they would ever offer it to me. I doubt theyll ever let an American run the National Theatre. That would just be my opinion on that, he told me last week. But second, I dont ever want to run a building again and thats several buildings. Spacey, who was subject to much media criticism when he first took the reins at the Old Vic, has managed to convince both the theatre-going public and its elite of the merits of his stewardship. This month he was presented with the Editors Award at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards for his contribution to British theatre and is full of praise for Hytner. Those individuals that step up and do that job are pretty remarkable, he adds. Its pretty all consuming, particularly if theyre also a director. So theyre going to be taking on the task of putting on productions as well as running a pretty vast institution. But of course were sort of linked, so its great. I think they made a great choice. For now, he says he is looking forward to acting and producing more, but will make a return to the London stage. Its 11 years since I came here, and by the time I leave the Old Vic it will be about 18 years that my association with the Vic has been going on, he says. And yes, I certainly intend to continue doing theatre and I certainly hope that Ill be invited back on the London stage. Walrus is a winner for director In what sounds like the premise for a movie in itself, a fake online advert placed by a Brighton man looking for a

fancy dress-loving housemate has inspired a Hollywood film by director Kevin Smith. Chris Parkinson, a performance poet, placed an ad on Gumtree in which he said he was looking for a housemate to live rent-free, provided that they would wear a Walrus costume two hours a day. The notice went, as is the way, viral, and found its way under the nose of Smith, who has turned the idea into a horror film called Tusk. Kevin emailed me and said: Congratulations, you have made one hell of a freaky movie. Do you want to come and help us make it? said Parkinson. It is based on my original idea but has a bit more of a sinister twist. Combine present shopping with show For those wondering whether to spend Saturday seeing a show or getting Christmas shopping done: we present you with an unusual solution. Cinderella: An Inspirational Fair-Retail will be playing at the Charing Cross Theatre in London on Saturday, but what makes it unusual is it has been put on by online retailer eBay, and the Fairy Godmother (played by Buffy Davis) will be giving advice on what to buy their loved ones. Money raised will go to the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust. Will all online retailers feel the need to put on shows next year?

Arts & Ents - Comedy

The Week in Comedy: A rude welcome to Jane Bussmann's world Monty Python announce five more dates to 2014 reunion

The Week in Comedy: A rude welcome to Jane Bussmann's world - Features Comedy - The Independent
Distinguished Ladies is set in the fertile comic universe of a celebrity gossip rag. The pilot episode stars Bussmann as a journalist with high ideals and her nose in the gutter, Sally Phillips as her appalling editor and Olivia Poulet as her deputy. Morgana Robinson and Kayvan Novak also appear. By any standards, it is a dream cast. The sort you might hope to find on Sky, Channel 4 or the BBC. But Distinguished Ladies has not been made by any of them. Bussmann is doing it herself. Well, almost. There is her collaborator, the film-maker, Naisola Grimwood, and then there is the audience. Bussmann has been reading out scripts to comedy fans around the country for a while now. She plays all of the parts herself and shows the odd, rough clip; tickets are cheap. On Sunday, I heard the first two episodes, about a scoop involving an "up-skirt" shot of Kate Middleton and a charity gala featuring Madonna. It was uncensored, filthy, scurrilous and silly the sort of thing to give a BBC commissioner nightmares. By staying "outside the system", Bussmann will avoid the dreaded red pens of over-cautious television executives, and, she hopes, will make the sitcom she wants to make, and that fans want to see. She records audience reactions on a laptop, and puts them through her "funny-o-meter", or colour-coded spreadsheet. Each time a gag gets a laugh, it gets a colour. "If a joke isn't purple after 7 or 8 readings, we chuck it out," she says. "If you're not making the people in front of you laugh, why go on? Cut it out. We're not blokes, we're not arrogant. We don't think we've got the last word on what's funny. Working from the point that the audience is smarter than us, we go with whatever they like. It's evolved into something that's pretty much written by the audience." It is a method born of bitter experience. Having started out working with Armando Iannucci and Chris Morris (including on the infamous Brass Eye paedophile episode, "the most complained about comedy of all time"), a

decade ago, Bussmann found herself writing pilot after pilot that didn't make it past the "meeting with two men called Jeremy" phase. "The Head of Comedy at an unnamed channel told me the audience was stupid. Then the bloke at the rival channel told me that comedy was dead and no one wanted to laugh any more. I thought, 'If you two are running the show, there's no point'. I booked a one-way ticket to America and didn't come back for 11 years." After a few soul-mangling years working as a showbiz journalist in LA, she flew to Uganda to interview a peacemaker and ended up investigating the warlord Joseph Kony. That became a book, Worst Date Ever. Her further experiences in Africa she currently lives in Mombasa also inspired a stand-up show, about "the poverty industry" called Bono and Geldof Are C*nts. She is now working to get Distinguished Ladies to screens. The current idea is to film it in front of a studio audience then set up an internet channel, in conjunction with a brand (just as Alan Partridge teamed up with Foster's for a web series in 2010, but with more interactive elements). "A successful TV sitcom might get 700,000 viewers. You can get more than that online and people can see it all over the world. We basically want to cut out the middleman. Just have the actors, the writers, the crew and the audience," she says. "You really don't need a TV channel at all." If she's right and her Distinguished Ladies take off, they could change the face of sitcoms for good. Watch the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/80571140 Radio 1 does comedy Its odd that Radio 4 has the stranglehold on radio comedy. Young people like laughing too, BBC. This week, not before time, Radio 1 took note of the stand-up boom and unveiled its first ever comedy show. The Comedy Lounge is a half-hour spot in Phil and Alices Monday night show, at the swear-friendly time of 10.30pm. You can tune in or watch online as the gig streams from the Lolz Lounge (aka the Live Lounge) in front of some trad red curtains and a live audience. The debut guests were Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Carl Donnelly and Tom Rosenthal, who made for a nice mix of laid-back and neurotic. The format was a bit rigid, with the two comedians told to pick a pet gripe and rant for four minutes in a comedy battle. They still got some good laughs in, about mobile phones and breakfast cereal. If future guests are allowed off the leash to do what they do best, be funny without rules, it might just work. What I Watched Beating McEnroe At Ovalhouse Theatre, London. Jamie Woods show/ interactive tennis match about his childhood obsession with Bjorn Borg. Completely bonkers and occasionally very funny, thanks to a game audience. Backchat On BBC3. Jack Whitehalls new chatshow, which he co-hosts with his 73-year old reactionary father, Michael is improbably good value. Anyone who has ever been embarrassed by their parents will snigger along in sympathy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p01kcc1q/Backchat_Episode_1/ Ron Burgundy On Conan OBrien. Will Ferrells absurd anchorman pledges his support to Mayor Rob Ford - in song. Features jazz flute. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhhpz9pKyj8#t=155 www.twitter.com/alicevjones

Monty Python announce five more dates to 2014 reunion - News - Comedy -

The Independent
The comedic group, who last week announced they were making a return to the stage after 30 years, will play the five added dates in July at Londons O2 Arena. The dates will take place on 15, 16, 18, 19 and 20 July, with tickets for the added gigs going on sale on Friday from 10am. The Pythons added four more dates on Monday following the success of their initial one-off gig, which sold out in 43.5 seconds. More than 70,000 tickets for the four shows sold out in 55 minutes when they went on sale earlier this week. John Cleese said the group were touched that so many fans wanted to see such old people perform. The response to our planned reunion has been very, very silly. But, we're all touched that so many fans still want to see such old people perform. So we're delighted to be adding more dates to the run at the O2, he said. The group said they would not rule out the possibility of adding more dates when they announced their one-off gig last week. They said the concert would include some new comedy sketches, but would mostly include familiar material. Eric Idle said fans could expect a little comedy, a lot of pathos, some music and a tiny bit of ancient sex. The concerts will see the John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones return to the stage for the first time in over thirty years. Their last major live show was at the Hollywood Bowl in 1982. Sixth Python Graham Chapman died of cancer in 1989 aged just 48, and nine years later the five remaining members shared a stage at the Aspen Comedy Festival in the US. They said they would miss performing with Chapman but he would have a presence on-screen during the show. Idle said: We've told him we're going on and if there is a God, he'll be turning up.

Arts & Ents - Books

Paperback review: The Guard, By Peter Terrin The Saturday Miscellany: How to skive off work; Arsenal's mascot Gunnersaurus; Isaac Julien's bookshelf The novel cure: Loss of face Interesting object: The speech balloon Books of the year 2013: Comedy Books of the year 2013: Fiction Books of the year 2013: Politics Books of the year 2013: Sport Books of the year 2013: War Books of the year 2013: Art Books of the year 2013: Celebrity Books of the year 2013: Children Books of the year 2013: Essays

Books of the year 2013: Essays Books of the year 2013: Fiction in translation Books of the year 2013: Food Books of the year 2013: Music Books of the year 2013: Poetry Books of the year 2013: Crime Blinding: the Left Wing, By Mircea Cartarescu: Book review - memory and satire meld magically in this Bucharest tale Three unpublished JD Salinger stories leak online

Paperback review: The Guard, By Peter Terrin - Books - Arts & Entertainment - The Independent
Harry and Michel imagine themselves to be supreme professionals of great importance, but the organisation that employs them barely keeps them alive. Things take a turn for the nastier when a third guard is dropped in on them, and the increasingly paranoid Harry decides he must be an enemy agent and sets about interrogating and torturing him.

The Saturday Miscellany: How to skive off work; Arsenal's mascot Gunnersaurus; Isaac Julien's bookshelf - Features - Books - The Independent
By Oscar Quine As the party season looms, it's important to have your skiving skills honed. Tom Hodgkinson, editor of 'The Idler', says duvet days are easy if you know how. "Before the Reformation, you were not allowed to work from Christmas Day to the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January. Take the full 12 days off work and use the excuse that you are a 'pre-Reformation Christian'." 'Tis the time of year for the top-drawer excuses, says Hodgkinson. "The best excuse I ever heard for bunking off was: 'problems at home'. Only the exceptionally hard-hearted could take issue with this." And if there is absolutely no way to get out of work, make sure to maximise on in-office idling time. "Push that lunch break. Just five minutes either side of the hour, which will go unnoticed, gives you a full 10 minutes of extra loafing time." idler.co.uk/academy Rotating column: On Gunnersaurus By Jack Pitt-Brooke As football clubs grow from Saturday afternoon adversaries into competing giants of global entertainment, into real rivals of Apple and Disney, it is only natural that they should each need their own Mickey Mouse. Not just a fictional marketable figurehead football provides its own legends but an adult man in a hot oversized costume, paid in waves per minute. At the vanguard of this, the industry leader is Arsenal's mascot Gunnersaurus. A slimmer, greener 'Barney the Dinosaur', always wearing the latest home shirt, Gunnersaurus is stitched into the fabric of the club. Like a veteran kit man or tea lady, he greets the players as they arrive at games. He has even joined the players for a pre-match minute's silence. Football, after all, is supposed to be fun. Instant ethics

By Ellen E Jones Q. People keep laughing at my hi-tech cycling paraphernalia. Should I give in to their merciless abuse and change my look? A. Don't go changing this is an opportunity for you to practise the useful art of not giving a toss. But don't kid yourself either; you undoubtedly do look a right tit. @MsEllenEJones Micro extract: No bromance 'The sweetness of Barack and Bill's second date didn't spark a flaming romance, however. Obama found hanging out with Clinton wearing, at times exasperating.' From Double Down by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann (WH Allen, 20) Four play: Actors cut from Terrence Malick* films 1. Rachel Weisz, To The Wonder 2. Mickey Rourke, The Thin Red Line 3. Michael Sheen, To The Wonder 4. Bill Pullman, The Thin Red Line * Born today in 1943

The novel cure: Loss of face - Features - Books - The Independent

Cure: Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman Is there anything worse than losing face, especially if you're a teen? To be scorned or mocked by one's peers is tantamount to being cast out from the group. In evolutionary terms, losing face can mean failure to survive. When 11-year-old Harri Opoku comes to live in Peckham from Ghana, he enters a world in which pretty much anything he does is doomed to be wrong. His clothes are secondhand; and, knowing his Brixton market trainers won't cut the mustard, he draws Adidas stripes on them with a marker pen. It doesn't work. His classmates jeer at him, laugh at his trainers, and mimic his accent. "Do you have happiness?" they ask him. "Yes," he replies. "Do you have a penis?" they guffaw. The family live on the ninth floor of an inner-city block, and Harri spends a lot of time talking to a pigeon. The "rat with wings" listens to his questions, and seems to understand his confusion. When a boy from Harri's neighbourhood is knifed to death, his blood staining the stairwell of their estate and his trainers left hanging on the railings to tempt the circling, predatory boys, the pigeon gives Harri the confidence to find out what really happened. His detective work brings him terrifyingly close to boys with a killer attitude. His only salvation is his speed. Because Harri's trainers might not be the right brand, but he can still run faster than anyone else in year seven. Harri's irresistible voice and his heartbreaking experiences show that worse things do happen in life than losing face. When the world shrinks to the size of your peer group and all you can think of is where you come in the pecking order, this novel will hoist you up and give you that broader perspective. 'The Novel Cure, An A-Z of Literary Remedies' (Canongate, 17.99); thenovelcure.com

Interesting object: The speech balloon - Features - Books - The Independent

The Dandy, it says, created "a new kind of picture strip that dispensed with text captions underneath the pictures and used speech balloons for dialogue". As it turns out, The Dandy didn't innovate so much as standardise; the speech balloon has a much longer history, from thigh-slapping medieval speech scrolls ("Ego sum angelus domini at te missus") to smartphone SMS bubbles ("They got no semi-skimmed, is full-fat OK?"). For centuries, artists struggled manfully with ways of codifying the idea of reported speech in graphic form. The manuscript of Das Evangeliar Heinrichs des Lwen, a gospel book dating from around 1175, features characters that appear to be lumbering about carrying cue cards. But within a couple of hundred years the use of speech scrolls, or banderoles, had become standard, emerging incongruously from people's mouths, looking a bit like massive supermarket till receipts and about as difficult to read. Banderoles began to disappear as artists realised that, along with halos and wings, they didn't particularly embody values of realism. But into the 18th and 19th centuries, master caricaturists such as James Gillray and George Cruikshank began using more rounded speech balloons to attribute phrases to Nelson, Napoleon, the royal family and prominent politicians of the day. You could draw a direct line between Gillray's pillorying of George III and the front covers of Private Eye. Allegedly Peter Cook's idea, Private Eye's satirical speech balloons have become immediately recognisable, with famous examples such as George W Bush's countdown to war ("10, 9, 8, 9, 5, 7, 2..."), Rupert Murdoch answering his critics during the phone hacking scandal ("I overhear what you're saying") and President FW De Klerk's reaction to the release of Mandela ("This is a black day for South Africa"). By 1900, American comics had begun to use speech balloons instead of extended text captions (which, according to comic artist Lew Stringer, were deployed in order to convince parents that comics had some literary merit). The Yellow Kid, published in the New York Journal and thought of as the first proper newspaper strip, cemented the speech balloon within the panel, making the comic easier to read and the scene more immediate. Words had become part of the action. "Comic strips are about getting as much information as you can into as small a space as you can," says comic artist Woodrow Phoenix. "All the things that helped you to do that evolved very quickly, within a few years of The Yellow Kid." Today we understand and use all these modern hieroglyphs instinctively: cloud-shaped bubbles to indicate thought, 'Z' to denote sleep, jagged bubbles to indicate screams, '!' for surprise, jagged tails for voices emerging from the radio or television, a light bulb for realisation, a musical note for singing. It's a shorthand that's increasingly useful in this era of texts and tweets but if we can't thank The Dandy for inventing it, we can at least thank them for nicking the idea from the Americans and hauling it across the Atlantic.

Books of the year 2013: Comedy - Features - Books - The Independent

This years pile of booky wooks includes Becoming Johnny Vegas (HarperCollins, 20), a characteristically in-yerface narrative of how Michael Pennington became Johnny Vegas, or how an 11-year-old trainee priest from St Helens wound up passed out in the doorway of an Edinburgh creche, and on the cusp of the big-time. Frankie Boyle: Scotlands Jesus (Harper NonFiction, 20) is less autobiography than one big rant or 19 rants, in chapters headed Royals, Religion, Science. It is bracing stuff but theres a certain hysterical (in both senses) poetry to some attacks. David Beckham really has lived the dream. That weird dream in which youve got a voice like a castrated parrot and youre married to a skeleton. Etc. The pick of the bunch is Rob Delaney: Mother. Wife. Sister. Human. Warrior. Falcon. Yardstick. Turban. Cabbage. (Blackfriars, 8.99). This slim memoir from the LA comedian voted the funniest on Twitter (his best tweets begin each part) is a series of fist-chewingly embarrassing incidents glued together with bodily fluids and jokes. There is bed-wetting, alcoholism, near-death scrapes and rehab. It is mercilessly biological at times, but also very funny, raw and quite tender, like all the best stand-up. Not for the faint-hearted, though.

Also scoring high on the cringe-factor is I Laughed, I Cried, by Viv Groskop (Orion, 11.99) which charts the journalists quest to do 100 comedy gigs in 100 nights. The fact that she was pushing 40 at the time is not coincidental and the book reads like a tear-soaked, sequinned mid-life crisis. It also captures the dowdy grind of the circuit with a painfully clear eye: you can almost feel the sticky carpets and smell the fear. Not to mention the rivalry as when she asks a more established stand-up for some advice after a gig: He was silent for a while then replied, Maybe just be funny? Yowch. For those interested in the Craft, A Good Bullet (Short Books, 9.99) by Freddy Syborn is a self-consciously cerebral attempt to unpick why we laugh at awful things. Syborn is Jack Whitehalls long-time collaborator and cowriter on Bad Education; Whitehalls illustrations pop up to lighten the mood, which gets quite dark at times. Comedy nerds will also enjoy Alan Partridge Alpha Papa: Script (and Scrapped) (HarperCollins, 12.99), the original script of the film with foreword by Steve Coogan. Writers Neil and Rob Gibbons, who co-wrote the bestselling spoof autobiography, I, Partridge, provide footnotes, including how they chose Roachfords Cuddly Toy for the opening credits and the unseen story of DJ Dave Clifton. This years top spoof is Ron Burgundys Let Me Off At The Top! (Century, 16.99), kind of a big deal for Anchorman fans. As well as the story of the San Diego newsmans classy life, there are myths about his hair, juvenile love letters and gossip about Katie Couric. Its impossible not to hear every line of the purplish prose I have over 300 handcrafted shoes of all sizes. I dont give a damn about broccoli in Will Ferrells booming voice. For dipping in and out, Private Eye: A Cartoon History (Private Eye Productions, 25) scores the most laughs per spread with 300 pages of cartoons from the 1960s up to now. More visual gags can be found in The Married Kama Sutra (Sphere, 7.99), probably the worlds least erotic sex manual by the brilliant Simon Rich with illustrations from The New Yorkers Farley Katz. Egghead (Orion, 14.99), the debut poetry collection of the young American comedian Bo Burnham, is like Shel Silversteins Where the Sidewalk Ends, for not-quite grown-ups. And After Liff (Faber, 9.99), a new dictionary by QIs John Lloyd and Jon Canter collates 900 daft definitions based on place names: Dunstable: a retired police officer, and so on. Finally, Jokes Cracked by Lord Aberdeen (The Friday Project, 7.99) is a 1925 rarity renowned as the least funny joke book ever written. Now reprinted, it includes zingers from the dour Scot like, An Irish Censor Recorder on enquiring How many males in this house? received the reply Three of course; breakfast, dinner and tea! Well, its no worse than most cracker jokes, I suppose.

Books of the year 2013: Fiction - Features - Books - The Independent

Elsewhere, big proved beautiful again but in different ways. Eleanor Cattons Man Booker-winning The Luminaries (Granta, 18.99) cunningly designs a mosaic of tales from the New Zealand gold rush so that its span of diverse voices and histories achieves a TV-series quality, with braided, episodic plotlines. Almost as long, but tighter in focus and even richer in texture, Donna Tartts The Goldfinch (Little, Brown, 20) alchemises one little Dutch painting, and one act of shocking violence, into a sumptuous, generous and entirely captivating chronicle of lost love, passing time and the abiding consolations of art. Another wide-screen novel with the gift of intimacy, Michelle de Kretsers Questions of Travel (Allen & Unwin, 12.99) twins parallel lives one Australian, one Sri Lankan into a double narrative that strides over decades and continents to explore the upheavals of our globalised age. That modern traffic of peoples and identities also drives other memorable novels: in Chimamanda Adichies Americanah (Fourth Estate, 20), with its blended notes of satire and romance as Nigerians mutate or dont into Americans; in Taiye Selasis auspicious debut about the turbulent emergence of a transoceanic Afropolitan caste, Ghana Must Go (Viking, 14.99); and in Tash Aws highly topical, sharply observed but affecting portmanteau novel of aspirant Malaysians seeking their fortune in boom-town Shanghai, Five Star Billionaire (Fourth Estate, 18.99). The protean and mutating conflicts of the 21st century challenge novelists to rethink the literature of war and peace. Nadeem Aslam did just that, his humane lyricism stiffened by political insight, in a novel of brothers who bring

succour to the ravaged landscapes of post-9/11 Afghanistan, The Blind Mans Garden (Faber & Faber, 18.99). A gigantic experiment, bracing, thrilling and worthy of a medal for narrative heroism, Richard Houses four-volume The Kills (Picador, 20) plays an epic set of variations on the shadow war for loot and influence behind the chaos of Iraq. The most accomplished novelists can illuminate the present while making their chosen past live, move and talk. In Harvest (Picador, 16.99), Jim Crace leaves the precise era unspecified as he writes, with all his near-hallucinatory skill, about an English village destroyed by the advent of agribusiness. This intensely local story becomes, by the rhythmic majesty and fervour of its writing, a universal one. Another spellbinder in prose, Rupert Thomson with Secrecy (Granta, 16.99) proved that he can evoke the past in this case, gloomy, declining Florence in the 1690s, where an accursed sculptor flees his noble enemies with all the eerie and sinister panache of his contemporary fictions. Other resurrection artists also raise the dead in style. Hannah Kents Burial Rites (Picador, 12.99), a remarkably assured debut, takes a tale of crime and punishment in 1820s Iceland and through it opens a window, lit with harsh brilliance, on to an alien world. In The Breath of Night (Arcadia, 11.99), Michael Arditti returns to the Marcos-era Philippines and, via his radical-priest hero and the later investigation of his deeds, fashions that English rarity: an intelligent and engaging novel of faith. With All the Birds, Singing (Cape, 16.99), Evie Wyld merges into her mysterious tale of a lonely shepherdess a savage Australian back-story that lends a haunting extra dimension to a novel of troubling beauty. Lighter, but far from frothy, Jonathan Coe hits his comic stride again in Expo 58 (Viking, 16.99). His English innocent abroad at the Brussels worlds fair of 1958 focuses a witty, allusive but acute farce of postwar change and its personal fall-out. Robert Harris, as he reliably does, raises the tone and pushed the boundaries of the bestseller lists with a deeply researched but still suspenseful recreation of the Dreyfus case in the voice of Colonel Picquart, the fearless army whistle-blower. An Officer and a Spy (Hutchinson, 18.99) is a wholly admirable novel about a wholly admirable man. As ever, JM Coetzee manages to dodge every category with mesmeric cunning. Does The Childhood of Jesus (Harvill, Secker, 18.99), with its poor, philosophical migrant and his precocious adopted son, count as a religious parable? A political dystopia, or Utopia? A dream-vision about paternity and prophecy? In any case, this limpid, gnomic and surprisingly witty tale will take root in your imagination.

Books of the year 2013: Politics - Features - Books - The Independent

No one is indifferent to Thatcher. There is a proposal before Parliament to add a Margaret Thatcher Day to the nation's calendar, while at this year's TUC annual conference, the bookstall did a brisk trade in "I Still Hate Thatcher" mugs. Moore is with the believers. He does not doubt that Margaret Thatcher's instinctive, stubborn beliefs in self-help, sound money, low taxes and patriotism extricated the UK from near terminal decline. Being a believer, compiling a work that Baroness Thatcher approved but that she would never see, he was able to interview people who would never have spoken so freely to any other chronicler. The result is a serious text enlivened by scores of vignettes and unexpected observations. Alderman Alf Roberts, the father she idolised after he was dead, apparently had a reputation around Grantham for groping women. Her sister, Muriel, described their mother as a "bigoted Methodist". A 17-year-old Jewish girl whom the Roberts family kindly took in so that she could escape Nazi-ruled Austria found their home life so stifling that she soon moved out. When Thatcher first visited America as Leader of the Opposition, her hosts formed the opinion that "she's not the sort of person you would find very agreeable on a one-to-one dinner-date." Yet, love or hate her, she is an intriguing subject. The year also saw publication of two outstanding and starkly different political memoirs. This Boy (Bantam, 16.99) by the former Home Secretary Alan Johnson is one of those "you couldn't make it up" stories, in which a boy, raised

by his single mother in a two-room flat with no bathroom and then by his teenage sister after his mother died young, soared above these early disadvantages. Power Trip (Biteback, 20, by Gordon Brown's disgraced former spin doctor Damian McBride, comes more under the heading "is he making it up?". It purports to be a confessional, in which one chapter opens with the words: "I wasn't always a nasty bastard, but you could argue the signs were there." There is a boastfulness in this selfflagellation, an undertone that says, "you may not like me, but do not underestimate me", and yet McBride writes well and has produced an absorbing account of the dark side of democratic politics. Tony Benn came out with what will be the last in his extraordinary run of political diaries, which began in 1964. A Blaze of Autumn Sunshine (Hutchinson, 20) opens in 2007, when Benn was 82. It is mostly politics, with the occasional touching comment on his being old. "I lay in bed this morning and thought: if I die this morning, what a wonderful way to go," one entry runs. No one from within the Coalition Government has broken ranks to kiss and tell yet, but the year saw the publication o f 5 Days in May (Biteback, 12.99) by Andrew Adonis, which details Adonis's struggle to lure the Liberal Democrats into coalition with Labour. The columnist Matthew D'Ancona has written the first major study of the progress of the coalition so far, In It Together, The Inside Story of the Coalition Government (Viking, 25). It is not as racy as, for instance, Andrew Rawnsley's book about New Labour, either because the participants do not hate each other like the Blairites and Brownites used to, or because they are not telling yet.

Books of the year 2013: Sport - Features - Books - The Independent

As ruthlessly honest is I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Penguin, 8.99, with David Lagercrantz). Telling the Swede's story of his journey from a Malmo ghetto to his current status as one of the best three footballers in the world, it's been compared to Philip Roth's Portnoy's Complaint, and it's a gripping tale from a man who could start a fight in an empty dressing room, who cheerfully admits he plays better when he's angry and likes to store up grudges for years until he can get his revenge. As the saying goes, he takes no prisoners, and his book is all the better for it. The most eagerly awaited British sporting memoir this year has been Alex Ferguson's second stab at the genre, which covers the last phase of his career as manager of Manchester United. As a United fan I loved My Autobiography (Hodder & Stoughton, 25), for all the factual errors that have been pointed out. It does feel at times like an exercise in score-settling which is entertaining in itself. There's no getting even in Harry Redknapp's Always Managing: My Autobiography (Ebury Press, 20); as countless press conferences have demonstrated over the years, he's as ready as ever with the nice line and funny story. There are no satisfactory explanations of the fallings-out with which his career has been dotted, but it's a diverting romp through a colourful and eventful life. For all their professional achievements, neither Ferguson's nor Redknapp's life story can compare with Mo Farah's. Twin Ambitions: My Autobiography (Hodder & Stoughton, 20) recounts his journey from Somalia where he was separated from his twin brother and left the country at the age of eight to London, and double gold at the Olympic Stadium. He's clearly a lovely bloke but he's not afraid of a fight, sometimes with his fists, and his increasing determination to take control of his career makes this book a terrific read. Away from autobiography, perhaps the most fascinating book of the year is David Epstein's The Sports Gene: What Makes the Perfect Athlete (Yellow Jersey, 16.99). The conclusion isn't very surprising: how athletes perform is down to nature and nurture but that's a huge oversimplification, and the journey to that conclusion is absorbing and full of fascinating detail. And unlike some books of this ilk, you don't need a science degree to grasp the arguments. Jamie Reid's Doped: The Real Life Story of the 1960s Racehorse Doping Gang (Racing Post, 20) superbly evokes a lost world of seedy glamour, when spivs, racketeers and glamour pusses rubbed shoulders with aristocratic high-rollers. It would make a fantastic film. Also ripe for the big screen it's already been optioned by Harvey Weinstein, presumably with an eye to making the new Chariots of Fire is Daniel James Brown's wonderful The

Boys in the Boat: An Epic True-Life Journey to the Heart of Hitler's Berlin (Macmillan, 20), which follows the US rowing eight to the 1936 Olympics. Brown focuses on Joe Rantz, abandoned as a boy by his family in the backwoods of Washington state, who fought his way through the Depression to sporting glory. In Spain, footballing glory has always been politically charged with Barcelona flying the Catalonian, anti-Franco flag, Real Madrid the loyalist standard. Sid Lowe's Fear and Loathing in La Liga (Yellow Jersey, 18.99) is effectively a history of modern Spain told through one of world football's most intense rivalries. It conjures up the complex passions of a country whose national team has become not only the best in the world at present, but, some say, the best ever.

Books of the year 2013: War - Features - Books - The Independent

His smiling face appears in Bryan Adams's portraiture collection, Wounded, (Steidl, 48), and there are plenty more moving photographs and true stories in the equally weighty volume of images from the Imperial War Museum's latest collection, The Great War , (Jonathan Cape, 40). Sampling this later photographic narrative, published ahead of next year's First World War centenary, left this reader feeling like Tommy Atkins after one of the Great War's artillery barrages: shell-shocked. Not that the heavier literary munitions aren't without novelty. Deserter by Charles Glass, (Harper, 25) asks us to see Second World War deserters as heroes because some were indeed the same people. Lara Feigel's The Love-charm of Bombs (Bloomsbury, 25), shows the Blitz through the eyes, and other organs, of Graham Greene and various intellectuals liberated by the blackout. 100 Days to Victory by Saul David (Hodder & Stoughton, 20), is one of the few to mention the exploits of Colonel Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, whose 155 Germans and 1,100 Askaris held out in German East Africa (now modern Tanzania) all the way to 1918. More on them would have been welcome. Following the previous examples of Antony Beevor are absorbing accounts of some more familiar episodes absorbing because of, not despite, the harrowing detail. Brian Moynihan's Leningrad Siege and Symphony (Quercus, 25), meanwhile, shows why so many admired the heroism of the Soviet Union, while Warsaw 1944 (Collins, 25) by Alexandra Richie, reminds us why so many despised it in this case the censure revolved around Stalin's refusal to aid the Poles, an act of pure spite, if not evil. The winner of the Orwell Prize, AT Williams, produced a chronicle of evil in today's British army. A Very British Killing (Vintage, 9.99) recounts the death of Baha Mousa, a blameless Iraqi widower who found himself behind the wrong Baghdad hotel reception desk at the wrong time. He died of multiple injuries after being beaten to death by the British. Added to this are revelations about castration of Mau Mau prisoners and the "terror cell" in the Army in Northern Ireland; it seems as if evil has long co-existed alongside the civilised, even in our forces. Which brings us to "The War to Save Civilisation". Max Hastings's magisterial Catastrophe: Europe Goes to War 1914 (Collins, 30) lays out the anti-German case with the force of a well-aimed Stokes mortar: their atrocities in Belgium were as real as their chlorine gas and their greed for imperial power, he suggests. Hastings's effort seems to run a battle of attrition for sales with Field Marshal Jeremy Paxman's sardonic Great Britain's Great War (Penguin 25). Both help to redress the balance of words and glory between the two world wars. Thus, while we all know about the RAF in 1940, the remnants of the Worcestershire Regiment's miraculous resistance to the Germans at Ypres in 1914 probably saved Paris from occupation, and a German victory. Lest we forget A tail-end Charlie of the year was Great War Tommy (Haynes, 21.99) which draws on the irony-free official manuals of the time. Here, some advice on lice: "Underclothes may be scalded. Turn coats, trousers, etc, inside out, and expose these places to as much heat as can be borne before a fire. Petrol or paraffin will also kill lice. If no other means are available, turn the clothing inside out, beat it vigorously, remove and kill the vermin by hand this will, at

means are available, turn the clothing inside out, beat it vigorously, remove and kill the vermin by hand this will, at any rate, mitigate the evil." At any rate too, the best of the year's crop of war narratives encourage us to reflect on how much our troops tried if imperfectly to mitigate all manner of evil.

Books of the year 2013: Art - Features - Books - The Independent

Will what seizes us now be remembered in the future though? Getting to grips with the art of the present is the challenge that Kelly Grovier has set himself in 100 Works That Will Define Our Age (Thames & Hudson, 35). An entire series of anthologies from the Whitechapel Gallery collectively entitled Documents of Contemporary Art (15.95), examines some of the major themes of the art of our day, from the revival of abstraction to the nature of time, bringing together artists and critics in what amounts to a series of vigorous debates. Artists of the present are often busy reinventing the past, as we discover in Michael Petry's Nature Morte (Thames & Hudson, 35), which examines how contemporary artists such as Michael Craig-Martin and Ai Weiwei have breathed new life into the tradition of still-life painting. The Letters of Paul Czanne (Thames & Hudson, 29.95), hard-headed, unfussy, and endlessly curious, rigorously scrutinise the nature of his own life-long commitment to stilllife painting and much else. At this same historical moment, and in this very same physical locality, Vincent van Gogh was fiercely examining a single motif the sunflower and the series of paintings he made in the course of that summer of 1888, are minutely examined in a remarkable book called The Sunflowers are Mine (Frances Lincoln, 25) by the critic Martin Bailey. We hear another great voice of French art in a book devoted to a long-lost conversation between Henri Matisse and the Swiss art critic Pierre Courthion which took place during the German occupation of France. Chatting with Henri Matisse: The Lost 1941 Interview (Tate, 29.99) amounts to a fascinating reassessment of his entire career. Matisse lovers should also not be without a visually ravishing, book-length tour of The Chapel at Vence (Royal Academy Publications, 60) by Marie-Thrse Pulvenis de Sligny. Some of the best art books of the year are often exhibition catalogues, and so it is again with the books that accompany Lucian Freud's show currently running at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Lucian Freud (Prestel, 35), and Peter Doig's recent retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art, Edinburgh, No Foreign Lands (Hatje Cantz Verlag, 35). For those with deep pockets this season, the best titles are undoubtedly Susan Weber and Pat Kirkham's magisterial History of Design Decorative Arts and Material Culture, 1400-2000 (Yale, 50), which is both a stunning visual survey of 600 years of making, and an in-depth look at the evolution of the very idea of design itself, and William Kent: Designing Georgian Britain, edited by Susan Weber (Yale, 60), the story of how a single man created a look for a new dynasty. We are all children at heart, and Quentin Blake's tales of the world of his making are told over two delightfully illustrated volumes entitled Beyond the Page (Tate, 17.99) and Words and Pictures (Tate, 16.99). Western art is unimaginable without the brooding presence of that vain, obsessive, jealous, headstrong genius, Michelangelo. You can read about him at length in a fine new biography by Martin Gayford called Michelangelo His Epic Life (Penguin, 30), a scholarly account with a pleasing lightness of touch.

Books of the year 2013: Celebrity - Features - Books - The Independent

The first part of Angelica Huston's memoir, A Story Lately Told (Simon & Schuster, 16.99) does not enter highoctane Hollywood territory proper, ending in her modelling years. Born into showbusiness her father was the director, John Huston she grew up in remotest Ireland and London, where she attended the local comprehensive. Huston's wit and a vividly captured childhood raises the book above the dross of Hollywood look-backs. Some choose to reveal themselves though investigations into subjects other than themselves. Al Murray describes his childhood through the prism of war films in Watching War Films With My Dad (Century, 16.99). What comes

through is his curious self-effacement, his anorak's passion for "the war" and he gets extra points for challenging Nietzsche's wisdom at the start. Jazz singer, George Melly, also comes at his life askance in Don't Tell Sybil (Atlas, 15) about his love of surrealism, first glimpsed at Stowe in a rude portrait by Magritte, while Damian Barr remembers family breakdown set against Margaret Thatcher's rise in Maggie & Me (Bloomsbury, 14.99) an affecting memoir without clichs. While the fans might have queued round the block for David Jason's My Life (Century, 20), the life story to envy was the latest Bridget Jones book "mashed-up" with Jason's life story. A celebrity memoir on the edge of reason.

Books of the year 2013: Children - Features - Books - The Independent

Adam Britten's Captain Valiant and Me: Return of the Silver Cyborg (Piccadilly, 5.99 paperback) has as its hero young Mark Taylor, also known as Dynamic Boy when he dons the special Astral Guardian uniform that in his opinion makes him look like an "electric bee". Illustrated by Arthur Hamer, there is plenty to laugh at here as the evil computer genius Algernon Pratt finally gets his come-uppance. Philip Reeve's Oliver and the Seawigs (Oxford, 10.99) has its young hero making use of a friendly island that both talks and moves as he searches for his missing explorer parents. Generously illustrated in full comic-book style by Sarah McIntyre, there is excitement as well as good humour here as Oliver beats off an army of greasy, green sea monkeys before leading his suitably humbled parents safely back home. For 10-year-olds or about, Ross Montgomery's Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door (Faber, 6.99 paperback) rattles along at manic speed as its under-sized young hero escapes bullying at school in order to search for his missing father lost somewhere in the Forbidden Lands. Aided by his youthful headmaster the first time this post has been endowed with heroic stature in children's books? the two endure countless adventures before returning to home and safety. Good writing here, though the main plot at times gets out of hand. Not so in Simon Packham's superb Firewallers (Piccadilly, 6.99 paperback). Here, teenage Jess and her mother escape to a remote Scottish island to get away from newshounds anxious for details of their recent family scandal. But the island in question is run by the cultish Dawdlers, who reject all modern technology in favour of living entirely off the land. Teenagers already there, now known as Striplings, seem to be going along with all this until Jess discovers otherwise. Comic and sinister by turns, this story is so good it almost reads itself. Author of the mesmerising Toby Alone , the French novelist Timothe De Fombelle has now come up with yet another utterly distinctive adventure story: Vango: Between Sky and Earth (Walker, 14.99). Expertly translated by Sarah Ardizzone, this tall but continually gripping tale is set in the 1930s in an atmosphere reminiscent of pre-war French cinema at its most romantic. Vango, a youth with a mysterious past, is continually on the run from dark forces linked personally to Joseph Stalin but also involving the Parisian police and Nazi spies. On his side is a group of monks, a Zeppelin captain and his ability to climb up any building he chooses. Satisfyingly long, with a plot that flits between time zones but is always easy to follow, this is simply too good to miss, with a sequel promised next year. Lydia Syson's That Burning Summer (Hot Key Books, 7.99 paperback) is set in the Fens during the summer of 1940. It tells the story of teenage Peggy, who falls in love with a deserting Polish Airman who has lost his nerve. Things nearly turn nasty as a misguided younger brother starts interfering, but the final resolution lives up to this story's consistent excellence. This is only the second novel from an author very much to look out for. Alexia Casale, on the evidence of her fine debut novel The Bone Dragon (Faber, 9.99 paperback), also shows rich promise. Adopted by a loving couple, teenage Evie still cannot face up to the abusive circumstances of her life before. Keeping this part of her world secret makes it tough for all concerned. But at night she finds support from a talking dragon originally carved from one of her ribs, given to her by the hospital following an operation. Evie uses their joint wanderings to solve some of her own half- remembered mysteries. Readers must decide for themselves whether all this is either real or imagined as this densely written story runs its course.

Books of the year 2013: Essays - Features - Books - The Independent

Featuring reviews of authors from Thomas Hardy to Cormac McCarthy, The Fun Stuff (Jonathan Cape, 18.99) displays the steely verve that makes James Wood's criticism thrilling for literature specialists and general readers

alike. Wood believes WG Sebald's novel Austerlitz is about "saving the dead" and the late German's essays on "the awful tenacity", which sustained five writers and one painter whose work he cherished are well-served by Jo Catling's translations in A Place in the Country (Hamish Hamilton, 20). Sebald emigrated to England but Berlin is where Romanian Nobel Laureate Herta Mller has lived and worked since 1987. In Cristina and Her Double (trans. Geoffrey Mulligan; Portobello, 18.99), she explores language, betrayal and "the dark side of the throat" that flourished under the Ceau$escu regime. Deborah Levy recalls childhood under South African apartheid in Things I Don't Want to Know (Notting Hill Editions, 12). This beguiling meditation, which confronts the legacies of both George Orwell and Virginia Woolf, appears in an elegant volume, as does How Literature Saved My Life (Notting Hill Editions, 12), David Shields's gnarly fusion of memoir and avant-garde polemic. Shields is a controversial heir to the tradition of freewheeling selfinquiry, which was invented by Michel de Montaigne in the 16th-century, and a stunning limited edition of the French philosopher's Essays (trans. MA Screech; Penguin, 60) will delight bibliophiles. With contributions from Hilary Mantel, Alan Bennett and many more, Meeting the Devil: A Book of Memoir from the London Review of Books (William Heinemann, 25), is another ideal Christmas gift. "Forgiveness is key," writes Anne Patchett, so excuse her cosy tips on becoming a novelist and enjoy the accounts of love and Nashville life which make This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage (Bloomsbury, 16.99) a wise, funny collection. The subject of distance emotional and geographical brings out the best in Patchett. Aleksandar Hemon travels far in The Book of My Lives (Picador, 20). He claims he has to be coerced in to writing non-fiction but his journey from growing up in Sarajevo to achieving literary success in America, via civil war, football and family tragedy, is described in essays which read like they needed to be written. Avoid his recipe for borscht but savour this important book.

Books of the year 2013: Fiction in translation - Features - Books - The Independent
Cooler, self-mocking, but heartfelt as well as ingenious, Frdric Beigbeder's A French Novel (trans. Frank Wynne; Fourth Estate, 14.99) sees the French enfant terrible take his brief detention after a drugs bust as the cue for a romp, both comic and melancholy, though his own career of excess consumption, and that of postwar France. Mircea Cartarescu from Romania has been pursuing his own extraordinary suite of "auto-fictions". Blinding, the first to appear in English (trans. Sean Cotter; Archipelago, 15.99), asks much from readers as it shifts between tender family history, Ceau$escu-era satire and visionary fantasies that recalls William S Burroughs. Stay with him: epiphanies and beauties abound in this deliriously ambitious work. Closer to conventional fiction, Eugen Ruge draws on three generations of his own family to enrich an involving saga of the East German Communist state and the people who made, and broke, it. In Times of Fading Ligh t (trans Anthea Bell; Faber & Faber, 14.99) is already hailed as Cold War classic. Also rooted in East German memories, Julia Franck's Back to Back (trans. Anthea Bell; Harvill Secker, 16.99) portrays the rise and fall of the state's ideals via the finely observed life of an artist and her children a Jewish sculptor who survives to flourish, at a cost, in the GDR. Spanning a century of Russian history, Mikhail Shishkin's The Light and the Dark (trans. Andrew Bromfield; Quercus, 16.99) mingles love story, wartime epic and, startlingly, even time-travel fantasia in a beautifully wrought epistolary novel that crosses not only space but decades. From China, and rooted in his risky research journeys, Ma Jian's The Dark Road (trans. Flora Drew; Chatto & Windus, 18.99) follows the river-borne escape of fugitives from the one-child policy. An ill-matched couple's flight along anarchic backwaters leads them into a raw, brutal, brilliantly depicted boom-time underworld. Israel supplied two outstanding novels of personal crisis against a backdrop of insecurity. In Sayed Kashua's Exposure (trans. Mitch Ginsburg; Chatto & Windus, 12.99), one uprooted Palestinian an elite lawyer finds his world of privilege turned upside down while a marginal drifter seeks to "pass" as Jewish. Strategies of assimilation and impersonation come under scrutiny in a cleverly interwoven, deeply perceptive intrigue. In Zeruya Shalev's The

Remains of Love (trans. Philip Simpson, 18.99), the bond between a dying kibbutz pioneer and her unsettled son becomes the focus of a story that spans generations of love, hope and grief. Latin America, as so often, has exported treasures to relish. From Brazil, Adriana Lisboa leads a swelling tide of fictional imports with a delightful and evocative road-novel, from Rio to Colorado, about a girl's quest for her roots: Crow Blue (trans. Alison Entrekin; Bloomsbury, 12.99). Works from Argentina have flourished in translation, none more flavoursome than the Three Novels by Cesar Aira (trans. Katherine Silver and Chris Andrews; Hamish Hamilton, 15) that introduced this playful, inventive maverick to UK readers. Fans of both Borges and Bolao, rejoice. Carlos Acosta needs no introduction, but in Pig's Foot (trans. Frank Wynne; Bloomsbury, 12.99), the superstar dancer- writer-actor has brought Cuban country ways to pungent life in a ribald village saga that folds folklore into history in the finest Latin American tradition.

Books of the year 2013: Food - Features - Books - The Independent

It's the way that this reviewer tends to cook a glance at the recipe to get the bare bones, then ditch the book for the pan but this approach is not supported by Rory O'Connell, teacher at the acclaimed Ballymaloe Cookery School near Cork. At the start of Master It (Fourth Estate, 25), he declares, "This is not a 'chuck it in and see how it goes' book Use the best ingredients you can find, get organised and follow the recipe." Though it may irk culinary anarchists, if you pursue O'Connell's four chatty pages on grilled sea bass or three on casserole-roast chicken with watercress, the result should be a small masterpiece. The most handsome cookbook of the year (cover by Michael Craig-Martin) comes from this paper's food writer, but the dishes in The Collection (Quadrlle, 25), Mark Hix's selection of his favourite British recipes, have more to do with robust flavours than aesthetics. Haute cuisine has its place but for my taste there's nothing to beat cow heel and black peas (also known as carlins), scrambled eggs with sea urchin or spiced baked spider crab. The ingredients for these particular dishes may take some finding but if this country were as food-obsessed as the TV schedules suggest, they should be available on every high street. The reason for the dramatic surge of interest in baking is surely as much social or familial as culinary. This is borne out by Rose Prince's The Pocket Bakery (Weidenfeld, 18.99), which stems from a Battersea-based enterprise intended to provide pocket money for her children and, subsequently, a career for her bright but restless son. The visceral appeal of her sourdough variations (which run to 40 pages), duck and pork pie or sweet olive oil bread with grapes is enough to turn any kitchen into a Pocket Bakery. Compared to the steamy world of celebrity confectionary, The Clandestine Cake Club Cookbook by Lynn Hill (Quercus, 20) is a breath of fresh air. The recipes come from "amateur bakers without a hint of competition" and there are no cupcakes ("a small cake's no good for sharing"). Hurrah! Instead, the sliceable delights of rhubarb-and-custard cake, St Paddy's Day Guinness Loaf, Polish apple cake High-flying chefs are prone to giantism in books (if not always in their portions), none more so than Heston Blumenthal, whose modestly-entitled Historic Heston Blumenthal (Bloomsbury, 125) is the size of a pulpit Bible. All but lost among the giant typography, photo-spreads, oversized illustrations and acres of gold pages is a lively vindication of British cookery through 27 dishes between 1390 and 1892. Those who wish to essay the dishes in this edible history should be warned that Blumenthal's recipes require the deeply anachronistic resources of his muchpublicised research kitchen. Pretty much every recipe uses sous-vide. A medieval dish called compost requires a Thermomix. Somewhat inappropriately for a sect dedicated to the simple life, Quaker Pudding (1660) demands a steam-injected oven. For his second book, Ren Redzepi, maestro of Noma in Copenhagen, until recently No 1 in the World's 50 Best Restaurants, has avoided the lure of the monster tome. Instead, A Work in Progress (Phaidon, 39.95) consists of three volumes. In ascending size, they are: Snapshots (highlights include "Test kitchen knife drawer" and "Delicious dead animals"); A Journal ("Brains just fall apart in an unpleasant way"); and Noma Recipes, which includes such treats as fatty fish liver cooked in butter, dried carrots with grass and hay flavours and, of course, bouquet of greens with black ant dressing (Redzepi concedes that you can use "any other ant with a distinct citrus flavour"). With food books increasingly devoted to recipes that are, for reasons of technology, ingredients or complexity, all but

With food books increasingly devoted to recipes that are, for reasons of technology, ingredients or complexity, all but impossible, it seems logical to drop them entirely. This is the course pursued by Nathan Myhrvold, the Microsoft boss-turned-scientific cooking guru, in The Photography of Modernist Cuisine (The Cooking Lab, 80). Huge double-page spreads of miraculously precise close-ups transform a tomato into a bulging red cushion, a sliced carrot into a glowing sun. The dish that apparently involves firing a bullet through several eggs is new to me. Though there are too many gadgets sawn in half, a strategy anticipated by Yoko Ono in the Sixties, flipping through the vast, glowing images is a striking experience. But where's the oyster?

Books of the year 2013: Music - Features - Books - The Independent

Personally, I much preferred Tracey Thorn's acutely observed Bedsit Disco Queen (Virago, 16.99), a vivid memoir of how music helped a young woman find herself in the ferment of post-punk creativity. It's full of unsentimental, unashamed recollections I like the part where she and partner Ben Watt are being chased across the Ponte Vecchio by Florentine fans chanting "Matt Bianco!", and Watt turns round to angrily confront them, "We are NOT fucking Matt Bianco!". But it's better-written than Mozzer's book, and more insightful: early on, Thorn confronts the conundrum of her shyness, noting, "I wanted to be heard without having to be heard or perhaps more specifically, without having to be looked at" an observation sharper than any of Morrissey's florid aperus. Donald Fagen's Eminent Hipsters (Jonathan Cape, 16.99) is an excellent, albeit slim, collection of essays about the Steely Dan singer's formative teenage influences as "a subterranean in gestation with a real nasty case of otherness": hipster DJ/raconteurs like Jean Shepherd and Mort Fega; the ambitious escapism of sci-fi stories by Philip K Dick, AE Van Vogt and Alfred Bester; and jazz, jazz, jazz, soaked up as a child watching Miles, Trane and Mingus at the Village Vanguard. Most impressive of all is "The Cortic-Thalamic Pause: Growing Up Sci-Fi", a scholarly account of the influence of Count Korzybski's philosophy of "General Semantics" on three generations of sci-fi writers and personal-development therapists. The Beatles industry is well-served with three chunky books. The Beatles BBC Archives 1962-1970 by Kevin Howlett (BBC, 45) collates transcripts of interviews, recollections of Auntie's engineers and producers who worked with the Fabs, and a wealth of unseen documents and evocative photos, in a weighty hardback packaged in a facsimile tape-box. Leslie Woodhead's How The Beatles Rocked The Kremlin (Bloomsbury, 12.99) offers a fascinating confirmation that it was pop culture, rather than political culture, that really brought down communism. But the real landmark Beatle-book (in all senses) is All These Years: The Beatles Tune In (Little Brown, 30), the first volume of Mark Lewisohn's definitive biography, a whopping tome that takes nearly 950 pages to get to "Love Me Do". It's an exercise in forensic detail, skilfully applied: you're there with them in the club, the studio, the back room and the bedroom, peering over John and Paul's shoulders as they take their first baby-steps on the road to becoming the world's most successful songwriters, and eating late-night bacon butties in Rory Storm's mum's kitchen. And there's context in abundance, from familial forebears to fellow-travellers: who knew that "Love Me Do" was released the very same day as The Beach Boys' "Surfin' Safari"? Or that that same day, while The Beatles were playing Nuneaton, Dylan was headlining a hootenanny at New York's Town Hall? (The Stones, for their part, were playing to two people in North Cheam). From the microcosmic to the macrocosmic: Bob Stanley's Yeah Yeah Yeah (Faber & Faber, 20) attempts to cram the entire history of Anglo-American pop into 776 pages, through a series of thematic essays outlining individual genres and movements, from the first UK pop chart in 1952 to the cusp of the millennium, when digitisation effectively spelt the end of pop as an artefact obsession. It's well-written, cogently argued, mostly accurate (though Steve Miller is not Canadian), and deliberately provocative, though Stanley's broad-brush approach inevitably leaves gaping holes in some parts of the story, while his innate fan's obsessions mean some obscure contributions are painted in rather greater detail than they merit. But it's his story, so that's fine. Similarly macrocosmic is Jon Wiederhorn and Katherine Turman's Louder Than Hell (Harper Collins, $32.50), the "definitive oral history of metal", which uses the participants' own words to detail the various sub-genre splinters thrash-metal, death-metal, prog-metal, industrial metal, straight-edge, etc. It's useful in illuminating the how and the why of events, and frank in confronting heavy-metal controversies, such as Rob Halford's homosexuality, the murder of former Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott, and the ghastly atrocities of Scandinavian black metal (final score: two suicides, three murders, seven church burnings), which probably reached its nadir when Mayhem guitarist

score: two suicides, three murders, seven church burnings), which probably reached its nadir when Mayhem guitarist Euronymous used a photo of a bandmate's shotgun suicide as an album cover. (Few mourned when Euronymous was subsequently killed by another musician). A similar oral-history approach is employed in Starting At Zero "by" Jimi Hendrix (Bloomsbury 18.99), which uses old interview quotes and letters to create an "autobiography" of sorts, though not in the same sense as Suggs's That Close (Quercus, 20), in which the beloved entertainer shows himself unafraid of sticking his thumbs behind his braces and giving it the full cockney-sparrer. Elsewhere, biographies sprouted in all directions, including William Todd Schulz's Torment Saint: The Life Of Elliott Smith (Bloomsbury, 14.99), a glimpse into the widespread depression of the last two decades; Terry Teachout's thorough Duke Ellington life story, Duke (Robson, 25); Mick Wall's grandiosely-titled Black Sabbath biography Symptom of the Universe (Orion, 20); Paul Rees's dutiful Robert Plant: A Life (Harper Collins, 20); and the first volume of Paul Brannigan and Ian Winwood's Birth School Metallica Death (Faber & Faber, 20). The best was Robert Hilburn's exhaustive Johnny Cash: The Life (W&N, 20), a nearly 700-page examination of the Mount Rushmore of 20th-century American music, which traces the singer's good/bad behavioural dichotomy to the dying words of his brother Jack, fatally injured in a woodworking accident, describing a river leading in one direction to darkness, in the other to light. Compared to that, Brendan Jay Sullivan's Rivington Was Ours (Harper Collins $16.99), a chatty, insider's account of Lady Gaga's rise, seems as trivial as you'd expect. By contrast, John Higgs's The KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band Who Burned a Million Pounds (Phoenix, 9.99) succeeds by ignoring music for much of the story, in favour of the group's philosophical and psycho-geographical underpinnings in discordianism, situationism, art and magic. Sometimes, the music is just a means to an end in their case, a million-quid bonfire that Higgs suggests may be "a magical act that forged the 21st century". Well, maybe...

Books of the year 2013: Poetry - Features - Books - The Independent

WN Herbert's Omnesia (Bloodaxe, 9.95) comes in an Alternative Text and a Remix, either of which could be the most ambitious, wide-ranging and formally accomplished collection of 2013. Herbert is interested in everything, especially the plurality of knowledge, spinning global connections from Newcastle to China and Somaliland, taking on the major forms of ode and elegy, adding satire, comedy and the ancient Scottish tradition of extended insult, as well as modes still undefined. Coleshill (Chatto, 10) finds Fiona Sampson enduring a term of trial, its rural setting made menacing by present threat, old terrors and the larger unravelling of the environment. Dreamlike and blade-sharp, this is an impressively unified work as, in a quite different way, is Michael Symmons Roberts's Forward Prize winner, Drysalter (Cape, 12), 150 poems of 15 lines, combining dazzling elegance and a rare imaginative humility. The metaphysical turn in recent poetry in the UK is emphasized in Rachael Boast's second collection, Pilgrim's Flower (Picador), which recognizes that there are certain states and perceptions that shape the weather of the spirit, which poetry seems uniquely qualified to render. Read Boast's work alongside Helen Mort's Division Street (Chatto, 12), with its sparky energy and the bracing political awareness of her sequence "Scab", and you'll see something of the diversity and ambition that marks our younger poets. Horse Music (Bloodaxe, 8.95) finds Matthew Sweeney's grim, gleeful, unrelenting fantasies in exuberant shape. In "How I Was Made Twenty Years Younger" the speaker blames lengthy impotence on a "witch'" an anti-muse. Unspecified Germanic procedures restore normal service and "two days later I'd a throbbing stonker" and the Albert Hall in which to brandish it. But in Sweeney's world things can, of course, only get worse. The Canadian Karen Solie's The Living Option: Selected Poems (Bloodaxe, 9.95) has enormous wit and invention, making waste and horror seem almost redeemable: "I'm in the middle of my life. I see it/ as through a crowd, from a bad angle, and the show continues". Solie is a farmer's daughter: her poem "Tractor", about the Faustian bargain between farmers and frackers, should be painted on grain silos everywhere.

Books of the year 2013: Crime - Features - Books - The Independent

Such as the pugnacious Denise Mina; as well as being one of the finest practitioners of literary crime, she is also a social commentator of perception and humanity, as The Red Road (Orion, 12.99) reminds us. 14-year-old Rose Wilson, pimped by her boyfriend, compromises her already ignoble life by committing two desperate crimes. Its a brave (or foolhardy) writer who takes up the Conan Doyle baton (uninspiring results abound), but with Dead Mans Land (Simon & Schuster, 12.99) Robert Ryan places Dr John Watson in the perfect setting: with the Royal Army Medical Corps in France as a series of deaths takes place, quite unlike the wholesale slaughter of the trenches. Gordon Ferris is a novelist who goes from strength to strength in a series of pithy, atmospheric and accomplished novels, such as Pilgrim Soul (Atlantic, 7.99), set in 1947. As in its much acclaimed predecessors (notably the two books featuring ex-policeman-turned-journalist Douglas Brodie, The Hanging Shed and Bitter Water ), the vividly realised historical detail is always spot on. Nele Neuhaus locates her betrayal and corruption in a small town in present-day Germany with the engrossing Snow White Must Die (Macmillan, 7.99), while Philip Kerr takes us back into that countrys history with his dogged German sleuth Bernie Gunther involved in complex moral dilemmas, struggling to retain his soul in a malign society; A Man Without Breath (Quercus, 18.99) is customarily excellent. As is Antonio Hills The Good Suicides (Doubleday, 14.99), set in a wintry Barcelona, opening up Spain as another front in the latest foreign crime wave. And almost at the same time that youthful tartan noir exponent Malcolm Mackays gritty yet poetic The Necessary Death of Lewis Winter (Mantle, 14.99) made waves in the world of contemporary crime fiction, another novel had a similar impact in the blockbuster market Terry Hayes ambitious and weighty I Am Pilgrim (Bantam Press, 12.99). But with the word count rapidly ticking down, lets at least namecheck the exuberantly written The Tilted World (Pan, 16.99) by Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly, with its murder and moonshine in the Deep South, and Charles Pallisers gothic period-set Rustication (Norton, 12.99).

Blinding: the Left Wing, By Mircea Cartarescu: Book review - memory and satire meld magically in this Bucharest tale - Reviews - Books - The Independent
But Mircea Cartarescu, born in 1956, would be deeply interested in their fearful fantasies. For conspiracy, paranoia and the search for a perfect foe to shore up our fragile sense of identity count among his abiding themes. That's hardly surprising, for a writer from working-class Bucharest who came of age in the heyday of Ceausescu's dictatorship and its baroque, all-pervasive intelligence agency the Securitate. That local history not only pervades his astonishing sequence of autobiographical fictions. It does much to explain the obsessive quest for patterns, plots and affinities among people who yearn to see "everything connected to everything else in a vast, crystalline conspiracy." Although the first volume of three "wings", Blinding: the Left Wing in this superlative translation by Sean Cotter stands up well alone. Cartarescu demands much as he scrambles memory, satire, fantasy and near-mystical speculation, but amply rewards your commitment. The book functions, first and foremost, as a portrait of the artist as a boy and adolescent an intensely subjective study of the "growth of a poet's mind". Those are Wordsworth's words. Indeed, anyone familiar with Wordsworth's "Immortality" ode may feel curiously at home as Blinding outlines a rapturous theory of one-ness with the universe in which our birth is a forgetting and art a means to recover this union. "You are not from here You have to search for the exit," the priest Fra Armando proclaims in a closing soliloquy that showcases all Cartarescu's gift for phantasmagoric dream sequences. Behind such delirious fantasias, long passages return to solid ground. Stitched into the multi-stranded fabric of Blinding is a tender, mesmerically precise account of a humble Bucharest upbringing and its formative effects: "The me of today englobes the me of yesterday". Prolonged illness and its solitude led little Mircea to dive within his broiling imagination for sustenance. Blinding captures these hospital episodes with devastating force. Meanwhile, the careers of relatives expose the morbid paranoia of the regime.

careers of relatives expose the morbid paranoia of the regime. Above all, Blinding insists that memory can make a world. "The past is everything, the future nothing." From that past which stretches back to encompass all of human history Cartarescu has fashioned a novel of visionary intensity. Bring on the next instalment soon.

Three unpublished JD Salinger stories leak online - News - Books - The Independent
Questions have been raised over the legitimacy of the stories, but Salingers biographer Kenneth Slawenski confirmed to Buzzfeed earlier that they look to be true transcripts of the originals and match my own copies. Paula, Birthday Boy and The Ocean Full of Bowling Balls appeared on Reddit today with a message from the anonymous uploader, who cited the original source as an eBay auction. The latter story is regarded by academics as the authors greatest unpublished work and, as of today, it has only been available to read under supervision at the Princeton library in America. The Ocean Full of Bowling Balls serves as a sort of prequel to The Catcher in the Rye as its protagonist Kenneth Caulfield was developed into Holdens dead brother Allie. The stories had been closely guarded after Salinger reportedly requested they remain unpublished until 50 years after his death. The author died aged 91 in 2010 with much of his work still unpublished. He had retreated from the public eye after The Catcher in the Rye achieved unprecedented global success. Salinger had spoken of the marvellous peace he found in not publishing in his final 1980 interview. When you publish, the world thinks you owe something. If you dont publish, they dont know what youre doing, he said. You can keep it for yourself.

Travel

Travel agenda Simon Calder: Norway pushes the boat out for ferry holidays Room service: A retreat with equal style and substance Barbados: Seduced by 60 years of sunshine The Big Six: Kenyan safari camps Sights and lights in the far north: The Northern Lights in Norway Rough Trade NYC: The vinyl countdown Open Jaw: Where readers write back Traveller's Guide: Skiing in Italy A winter's tale in Bruges My life in travel: Pierre Koffmann Travel challenge Video: Outdoor adventures in Berlin Shenzhen airport Terminal Three: Vast, shiny, new - and empty? China's latest temple to aviation opens

Travel agenda - News & Advice - Travel - The Independent

Travel agenda - News & Advice - Travel - The Independent

2. Capital gains Ryanair has announced 12 new routes from Stansted, the most intriguing of which is to Rabat. While other Moroccan cities such as Marrakech, Fs and Casablanca have long had direct links from the UK, the capital has until now been overlooked. The new link is available to book online, for departures from April 2014. ryanair.com 3. Data roam The photo-sharing website, Pinterest, has added a new "Place Pins" feature. The facility lets you tag your dream destinations on a map and collate restaurant, museum, shopping or hotel recommendations, as you plan your perfect city break. Once there, you can use your smartphone to navigate around, adding your own finds along the way. pinterest.com 4. Lens a hand On Tuesday, Exodus is hosting a photo workshop with tour guide and award-winning photographer Paul Goldstein, with a focus on the wildlife of the Maasai Mara. The talk starts at 7.15pm at London's Royal Institution. Profits from the 16 entry go to Kenyan charity, SAFE. To book, call 0845 863 9601. safekenya.org 5. Layer up If you're heading to the slopes this season, Odlo has a new base-layer collection for ski and snowboarders. The "Muscle Force" range combines muscle support with thermo regulation, to ensure your body maintains a balanced temperature. It comes in men's and women's sizes, with a choice of full-length or cropped tops and bottoms; from 110. odlo.com 6. Tuscan link A new air bridge to the Ponte Vecchio opens on 31 March, when British Airways starts flying from London City to Florence. The four-times-weekly service provides competition for CityJet's existing connection from the Docklands airport, and an alternative to sister-airline Vueling's flights from Heathrow. ba.com 7. Atlantic drift Summer-only non-stop flights to the Azores from Gatwick begin on 5 April next year. The link to Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel, the largest of the islands, operates every Saturday until 18 October, 2014. Fares are steep a minimum of 338 return but the flights save at least three hours compared with one-stop connections in Lisbon. sata.pts 8. Bag transfer Antler has launched a pop-up shop at London's Waterloo station. The British luggage brand will remain in situ on the mezzanine level at Unit 8 until the end of January, with the latest collections, such as the black-or-white Juno range, on sale alongside soft cases, laptop and overnight bags. Ideal for bagging a present before Christmas. antler.co.uk

Simon Calder: Norway pushes the boat out for ferry holidays - News & Advice - Travel - The Independent
Hurtigruten, the marine link that connects Norwegian communities between Bergen and the Russian border, is an excellent example. With daily departures heading north and south between 34 coastal communities, it is both a clockwork testament to endurance and a spectacularly expensive social service. The concept of a daily link from Norway's western flank to the far north was born in 1893 a time when it was a poor nation on the fringes of Europe, rather than one of the wealthiest, as it is today. Excepting the inevitable pauses for war, Hurtigruten has provided a commercial and human lifeline through the decades. The oil boom transformed Norway and its infrastructure. A highway system, augmented by brilliantly engineered bridges and tunnels, unites

Norway and its infrastructure. A highway system, augmented by brilliantly engineered bridges and tunnels, unites many of the coastal settlements that previously were linked only by ferry. Add ferocious competition between domestic airlines and you can see why ferry passenger numbers have dwindled. While the ships conscientiously connect Trondheim with Tromso and Kristiansund with Kirkenes, the average Norwegian is not stepping aboard on a breezy day in November. Last year the enterprise lost the equivalent of 90,000 a day. Even when exceptional items are stripped away from the accounts, each departure in either direction is subsidised to the tune of 18,000. This is where you and I come in. "What we do is significant for the nation," says Hurtigruten's chief executive, Daniel Skjeldam, introducing the shipping line's latest annual report. From his firm's perspective, it is better to sell a berth at a bit above marginal cost (the amount required to accommodate and feed the extra passenger) than to leave it empty. A good way to fill the ships and stem the losses is to lure Brits to the rugged and remote edge of the Earth with the prospect of holidays that, by Norwegian standards, are absurdly cheap. I was tempted, and booked a south-to-north voyage at a price of 759 for each of my family of four. For about the price of three good meals a day in Norway, we got three good meals a day plus six nights in a comfortable cabin and 1,500 miles of travel. Not to mention unlimited use of the swimming pool, sauna and Wi-Fi (though not all at the same time). Adding the flights took the total close to 1,000 each hardly low-budget, but great value for the privilege of exploring Europe's extremes in comfort. I say "exploring" but is "exploiting" a more appropriate term? No, because these vessels will be sailing anyway, come hell or high water. In a sense, we subsidised the Norwegians. But I'm not complaining. I agree with Hurtigruten's boss when he says: "Our guests leave our ships fully aware that their trip has been worth every penny." Go slow via Oslo The northbound journey lasted seven days. Going home, the trip was scheduled to take just six hours. The low-cost airline, Norwegian, promised a simple journey from Kirkenes at the end of the line: just one swift change at Tromso to a Gatwick flight. But soon after I paid for the flights, the airline rescheduled the second component. The incoming flight was moved earlier and no longer connected: convenient for Norwegian but inconvenient for us. The only alternative flight the airline offered involved an extra stop and a long wait in Oslo. Could we be re-booked on SAS, which had a one-stop flight from Kirkenes to Heathrow at the right time? No. So I tried a different tack: since we would be involuntarily in transit in one of the world's most expensive airports for three hours, might Norwegian pay for a coffee and a sandwich? Again, no, with the bizarre explanation that "we're not charging you for changing your flight". Not even Ryanair charges passengers for unilaterally disrupting their travel plans. On the day, the flight from Kirkenes arrived in Tromso 20 minutes early and parked next-gate-but-one to the Gatwick plane. Terrific. We had only cabin baggage. Since we had been through a security check before a domestic flight, no further search was necessary. I told the cabin crew my cunning plan and waited to be given the nod. Nothing happened. We watched the plane leave, and eventually reached Gatwick, via Oslo, seven hours later. The airline told me: "You were not checked in for this Tromso-London flight," adding: "As the UK is not part of Schengen, one has to go through the passport control before one is able to come to the departure gate." On a quiet Saturday afternoon in a small north Norway airport, I think we could have managed it. Skye news At least the unhelpful response from Oslo was written in reasonable English. When Catherine Robertson's easyJet flight from Stansted to Glasgow was four hours late, she had to pay 46 for a night in a hotel before her onward journey to Skye. In response to her request for restitution of the hotel stay, she received a letter somewhat lacking in

literacy from easyJet Customer Services in Luton. It explained the delay was caused by a medical emergency, and added the bizarre comment: "All the passengers on board have to pass through security to confirm that the medical condition are fine." The airline refused Ms Robertson's request for a refund of the extra expense the delay had caused, and suggested instead: "If you require an insurance letter please let me know I can provide you with the nominal charge of GBP 10.00." To translate: "We delayed you; that'll be 10, please."

Room service: A retreat with equal style and substance - Africa - Travel - The Independent
"He plays the story of his life," Shaden El Badaoui, the general manager explains. I couldn't tell you what the story was about (my Arabic isn't too hot) but the tune was tranquil, as though his life's journey had been a smooth one. As it turns out, this can't be said for most of the staff at Fellah. El Badaoui is keen to emphasise the hotel's philanthropic credentials, and explains many of the employees had no job nor even a home before they were employed here. The founder of the hotel, Redha Moali, is a former stockbroker. He was raised by a single mother who had emigrated to Paris from Algeria. They weren't wealthy and Moali received support from the French government to go to university. On his return to North Africa, he was keen to "give something back" and in 2010 he set up an artistic centre around 20 minutes' drive outside Marrakech in the village of Tassoultante. This has since bloomed into Fellah Hotel, which opened in September. The name translates as "peasant"; a slightly uneasy acknowledgment of the hotel's reliance on local staff and produce. However, Moali has taken time to find out if his staff had any special skills and then worked them into the concept. There's a cooking area by the pool called Touko Place, named after the first person that Moali employed and who now cooks grilled food here. The hotel is part of and supports a larger not-for-profit cultural centre, Dar al-Ma'mun. Yoga teachers, artists and academics stay free of charge in return for hosting classes for the guests, translating library books and offering lectures. It was set up with the intention of fostering international contemporary art and culture, as well as supporting local education. A stay at Fellah hotel is quite a different prospect to the bijou riads in Marrakech and opulent palace hotels that surround the city you interact with locals and if you have a skill, you are encouraged to share it with the other guests. Plus there's the added glow that comes from knowing your money is going towards something worthwhile, which staff will be certain to impress on you. There's also a small farm of rabbits, chickens and donkeys as well as a kitchen-garden bursting with mint, verbena, tomatoes and other edible plants. All the food in the restaurant is either grown or reared on the site, or bought from local farmers. The dining room is the hotel's main hub, with outdoor and indoor seating, a large wooden dining table at the centre surrounded by a random assortment of patterned comfy chairs. Food is a less-inspiring mix of tagines, burgers and Italian dishes, but the cocktails are rather more imaginative. The signature verbena cocktail, made with foliage from the garden, tasted far too healthy to be alcoholic. The hotel is still in its infancy, but is already attracting a distinctive crowd of bohemian solo travellers and wellheeled families looking for something a bit different. The kids' club has an emphasis on art and education, with the opportunity to milk cows, make sweets, help with the gardening or even indulge in a spot of yoga. The layout is designed to foster a sense of community, so there are several areas where guests can socialise: by the pool, within the modern villas; even at the large, welcoming reception area where a grand dining table, ready for tea to be laid out for weary arrivals, is your first sight upon entering. Beyond this are views of the Atlas Mountains and the well-kept gardens which surround the property. Narrow stone pathways wind through the villas, with dry, grassy areas of palm trees in between. At night, when the air smells of dust, smoke and farm animals, the paths are lit atmospherically with huge fires in

At night, when the air smells of dust, smoke and farm animals, the paths are lit atmospherically with huge fires in modernist steel drums. Location The Fellah sits between the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech, by the Ourika Valley. It's well placed for excursions into Marrakech. The hotel has a driver, Abdou, who's on hand for excursions. He's a polyglot who'll happily banter in several languages. I opted for a four-hour wander to a Berber village, followed by a trip to a cooperative herbalist in the mountains to buy some argan oil, followed by lunch and a short hike up to a waterfall ("70). Horse-riding in the desert and hot-air ballooning over Marrakech are also available. Comfort The 65 rooms are spread across 10 villas, with four to eight rooms in each, arranged around communal areas including kitchens, living rooms and a pool. You can either book them individually or take over the whole house for larger parties. All the rooms are different, but there's a well-defined modern Moroccan style running throughout: metal sheets cut through with Moroccan zellige tile designs and quirky accessories such as old wireless radios and wooden rocking horses. The bath tub in the zellige-tiled bathroom deserves a special mention capacious and round with high sides, it took an age to fill but was also large enough for three of us to get in and soak our sun-sore skin. A choice of massages is available at the hammam, which also operates as a training school for Thai Wat Po massage techniques. Guests can choose from either a rather brutal Thai massage, or a relaxing one, both good in their own way. Otherwise there's an elderly woman who strips you down and scrubs you with a scouring pad glove until you shed several layers like a snake. Travel essentials Fellah Hotel Km13 route de l'Ourika, Tassoultante, Marrakech, Morocco (00 212 5 25 06 5000; fellah-hotel.com). Rooms **** Value *** Service **** Doubles start at "170, including breakfast

Barbados: Seduced by 60 years of sunshine - Americas - Travel - The Independent

Even before 1953, the island with its timeless tourism triumvirate of sun, sand and sea had been a popular winter destination for those with enough time and money to get there by ocean liner. Suddenly, though, Barbados's tourism potential was unleashed. By December 1987, a twice-weekly winter Concorde service had been launched from Heathrow to add some top-end glitter to the range of travel possibilities. However, the era of faster-than-sound holidaymaking ended with the final supersonic arrival in August 2003, when the aircraft (G-BOAE) was retired. It now forms the centrepiece of the Concorde Experience, adjacent to the terminal at Grantley Adams airport on the southern shore of the island. Visitors to its converted hangar can climb aboard, see where the Queen sat on its maiden flight, and marvel at the surprising lack of space although you would get there from the UK in less than five hours, including a refuelling stop in Shannon, barely half the current journey time. These days, Barbados is also known as a redoubt for the rich and famous. There are the opulent holiday homes belonging to, among others, Tom Selleck, Wayne Rooney and Sir Cliff Richard. And, for those with a budget that stretches to a 1,000-a-night room, the Sandy Lane hotel is probably the place to be.

My base was the luxurious Coral Reef Club, on the so-called Platinum Coast, one of the oldest hotels on the island. Indeed, the development of the resort which is also celebrating its 60th birthday this year has mirrored that of Barbados itself. Budge and Cynthia O'Hara arrived in the 1950s as a newly married British couple and took over the management of the then-fledgling property. Since then it has grown to accommodate an army of regular guests as well as those discovering its charms for the first time. It's now run by the children of the O'Haras and their families. They've preserved the feel of a family hotel even as its reputation and popularity has grown. Set within 12 acres of lush gardens, the hotel comprises 88 rooms, suites and cottages. I was in Codrington, a magnificent suite with a bathroom the size of most hotel rooms and an enormous balcony complete with plunge pool. Wooden balustrades and shuttered windows added a touch of plantation not to say palatial living. Tempting as it was to stay put and let room service come to me, Coral Reef's restaurant is an unmissable treat. It's exquisitely positioned by the sea, with an elaborate menu crammed with fish specialities the tuna was the highlight, amid stiff competition. Then there are the tennis courts, the watersports, a gym and two pools. And the spa, an oasis of comfort and relaxation with a portfolio of treatments that would keep you busy for a month. The "Mojito Magic" body scrub which uses sugar cane, mint and a dash of white rum will certainly leave you with an aroma appropriate for Monday evening cocktails chez Cynthia O'Hara, whose house at the entrance to the resort symbolises the family-run ethos of Coral Reef. Sixty years of development means that Barbados resonates with opportunities for the inquiring tourist. Try Seaduced, a 47ft catamaran which offers a dozen passengers a cruise up the west coast of the island through the clearest blue water you're ever likely to see. There are pauses to see nautical wrecks and to swim with turtles, who do their bit for the tourist trade by sharing the water with snorkellers. Drinks are served on board and the food (courtesy of chef Jan) is excellent. Alternatively, inland and uphill are the extraordinary Hunte's Gardens. These are the work of Anthony Hunte, a Bajan whose beguiling accent carries a whiff of the West Country, from where his ancestors emigrated many generations ago. How on Earth he envisaged that a rubbish tip could one day be transformed into a riot of tropical trees and plants is beyond me, but he did it: and you'll get the full, extraordinary story of how the garden grew from the man himself over a glass of rum on his mercifully cool balcony. Of course, British colonial history in the Caribbean long predates our love affair with Barbados as a holiday destination. Every Sunday, John and Rain Chandler open the doors to their spectacular 17th-century home, Fisherpond Great House. This was once the hub of a large sugar plantation, and retains a feel of Barbados's opulent if brutal colonial past. It's an opportunity for tourists to find out more about the island, and incidentally to discover how tasty unripe bananas can be. Travel north from Fisherpond, through the lush green hillsides which at times seem as British as they are Caribbean, and you'll get to St Nicholas Abbey plantation house. Built in the 1650s, this Jacobean mansion has been preserved to provide a glimpse of how the plantation-owning aristocracy once lived. Sugar cane is still grown there, from which the estate's own rum is distilled. The scenic route back from St Nicholas Abbey takes you along the Atlantic east coast a turbulent contrast from the calm Caribbean side through the town of Bathsheba and its dramatic rock formations. A tour of the Garrison on the south-east corner of the island reveals another side of Barbados's history. This relic of Britain's colonial power has been neglected over the years; the gaudy Hilton hotel towers incongruously above the remains of 17th-century battlements. Today, thanks to the efforts of some dedicated volunteers, this former military headquarters including a vast network of tunnels is slowly being restored, and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site. The absorbing tour begins at George Washington House, where the future president spent two months in 1751 and, the locals like to think, saw the light about America's need for independence from Britain. It is capped by the changing of the guard, when two retired Bajan soldiers standing to attention in full regalia are relieved of their duty. Like so much in the daily life of the island, it's a show that's put on for the tourists. The island achieved its political

independence in 1966. But such is the importance of tourism, and in particular visitors from the UK, that it's never gained independence from British money as became painfully apparent during the downturn. As Derek Braithwaite, a taxi driver born on the island who emigrated to Canada only to feel the pull of his homeland, explains: "Yes, we're feeling the recession. We definitely saw fewer visitors. But look at this island. The pace is slow, the people are friendly, there's very little crime. It's the best place on Earth to be." Back at the Coral Reef Club, cocktail in hand, it's easy to agree with Derek. Sixty years on, the island is still a diamond destination. Happy anniversary, Barbados. Travel essentials Getting there Dan Gledhill travelled with Carrier (0161 492 1354; carrier.co.uk), which offers seven nights at the Coral Reef Club from 1,810pp, with breakfast, transfers and flights from Gatwick. Flights to the island are operated by British Airways (0844 493 0787; ba.com) and Virgin Atlantic (0844 209 7777; virgin-atlantic.com) from Gatwick, with the latter also flying from Manchester. Seeing there Half-day "Lunch & Snorkle" cruises aboard Seaduced are operated by Warren Yatching Barbados (001 246 432 8387; warrenyachtingbarbados.com), from US$125 (83)pp. Hunte's Gardens (001 246 433 3333; huntesgardensbarbados.com). Fisherpond Great House (001 246 266 8752). Sunday buffet: B$120 (37). Nicholas Abbey (001 246 422 5357; stnicholasabbey.com). George Washington House (001 246 228 5461; georgewashingtonbarbados.org). Tours US$10 (6.70). More information visitbarbados.org

The Big Six: Kenyan safari camps - Africa - Travel - The Independent
Kiboko Camp, Lake Naivasha Kiboko opened last year on the shores of Lake Naivasha, at the highest point in Kenya's portion of the Great Rift Valley. Pink flamingos can been seen feeding in the lake, along with 400 other bird species and a sizeable bloat of hungry hippos snorting at the water's edge. There are eight tents to choose from, each with four-poster beds, writing desks, woven rugs and outdoor decks for sinking sundowners. Kiboko Camp, Lake Naivasha (00 254 703 048 000; sunafricahotels.com). Doubles start at US$600 (400), all inclusive with one walking safari. Kempinksi, Olare Orok Kempinski's luxury camp launched this year in the Olare Orok Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The area is known for its big cats, including Acacia the Cheetah and Narasha the Leopard, who are frequently seen around the camp. Happily, you can glimpse them from the safety of your private lodge-like tent, which comes with a vast double bed and en-suite bathroom. Elsewhere, there's a bar, pool and restaurant. Kempinski Camp, Olare Orok (00 254 703 049 000; kempinski.com). Doubles start at US$1,470 (980), full board with game drives.

with game drives. Eagle View, Naboisho Set on a spectacular escarpment in the Naboisho Conservancy, Eagle View offers nine tented suites with stunning views of the savannah. The on-site waterhole allows guests to come within touching distance of incredible wildlife, as predators and their prey come in to feed, while Maasai guides help locate rarer sightings on game drives and walking safaris. Additional excursions include bird walks and the chance to dine beneath the Southern Hemisphere sky. Eagle View, Naboisho (00 254 733 333 909; basecampkenya.com). Doubles start at US$760 (507), full board with game drives. Tortilis Camp, Amboseli If elephants are your thing, consider Amboseli National Park, which is renowned for its strong population. In the south-western corner, you'll find Tortilis, comprising beautiful thatched tents with striking views of Kilimanjaro, the world's highest free-standing mountain. To top-off waking up to such an awe-inspiring view, the camp also includes game drives, walks, sundowners and bush meals as part of the price, plus delicious Italian meals, inspired by the owner's European roots. Tortilis Camp, Amboseli (00 254 20 600 3090; tortilis.com). Doubles start at US$760 (507), all inclusive with games drives. Galdessa Camp, Tsavo East Galdessa sits in the depths of the Tsavo East National Park, with views of the golden Yatta Plateau and the southern bank of the Galana River. Its riverside location means that you'll spot wildlife right on the doorstep, but Galdessa also offers walking safaris and game drives through the rugged landscape. The laid-back lounge and dining room wears its African decor well, while the breezy suites come with elegant muslin-draped beds and river-facing decks. Galdessa, Tsavo East (00 254 40 3202217; galdessa.com). Doubles start at US$400 (267), full board with one walking safari.

Sights and lights in the far north: The Northern Lights in Norway - Europe Travel - The Independent
To maximise the chance of witnessing the spectacle, you need to move closer to one or other end of the world. I don't recommend seeking the Southern Lights. The geography of Antarctica renders access to the promising polar region extremely difficult and expensive. In contrast, to reach the deep north you need do nothing more demanding than step aboard a red, white and black ferry at the harbour in Bergen on any night you like. Every evening, one of the dozen ships in the Hurtigruten ("Fast Route") ferry fleet departs on a six-day voyage to the port of Kirkenes, the last port in Norway before Russia. Its primary purpose is as the nation's lifeline for passengers and freight, but tourists are welcome as financial ballast. Hurtigruten does not hurry. Each ferry plods steadily at about 18 knots (21mph) and calls at 34 ports most of them lonely, windswept communities whose homes huddle around a church. The typical stop lasts half-an-hour. As the gangplank is lowered for passengers, a huge door in the hull opens to reveal a cargo space that can hold anything from cars to pallets-full of Christmas candles. Synchronised fork-lifts speedily offload the essentials for northern communities, and load parcels and produce. There always seems to be a call at dawn or dusk, which I came to call the twilight of the goods. Yet besides being a quotidian component of Scandinavian logistics, the Hurtigruten offers a voyage along a corrugated coast that becomes more extreme with each passing day. The journey into the deep north begins at precisely the latitude of the tip of Shetland, the northernmost outpost of Britain: 60.3 degrees. In summer, sailing from Bergen would be a spectacular departure from one of Europe's most

beautiful harbours; in winter, darkness has long since descended, so passengers busy themselves with discovering the ship. Finnmarken was built, without undue extravagance, a decade ago. The cabins feel like high-spec budget hotel rooms: spotlessly clean and comfortable, with a television and bathroom. There is a scattering of bars, and a shop selling souvenirs and outdoor gear. The most appealing public area, though, is the panoramic lounge giving a wide-screen view of the Norwegian coast and its never-dull weather. It perches above the bridge, commanded by the reassuring Captain Raymond Martinsen. "You need to know all the rocks and the lighthouses 'I need to be one cable from that rock, two cables from that lighthouse'. You shouldn't need a map." The Hurtigruten hybrid, combining public transport with a cruise-like experience, has some strange effects. Many of the northern sights are shrouded in darkness when the ship makes its daily call. On day two in Alesund, the world's northernmost Art Nouveau city, a tour with the sightseeing guide Sidsel Aurdal began long after sunset, and in the rain. She explained how the muscular flourishes of the architecture were bankrolled by Kaiser Wilhelm, who was besotted with the place. But my lasting memory was of the heated public benches where we paused beside the inner harbour. Back on board, it was time for dinner. Tourists are treated to elaborately prepared evening meals, as well as eat-yourweight-in-salmon buffet breakfasts and lunches. In contrast, the coast-hopping locals mostly sit at the sort of caf you might find on a cross-Channel ferry. The Norwegian contingent also endure journeys longer than they would otherwise be because each day is usually punctuated by a long stay at a port to allow sightseeing. Trondheim, the treat for day three, was glorious: the low sun beamed from an icy blue sky to ignite the gold of the wooded hills. Warehouses the colours of oxblood and ivory reflected in the river, while autumn-ripe trees framed the mighty cathedral. The city is Norway's third-biggest (after Oslo and Bergen) and was the birthplace of Hurtigruten, 120 years ago. Trondheim stands three-fifths of the way between the equator and the North Pole. In the southern half of the planet, its latitude would place it on the empty, inhospitable Antarctic peninsula. Yet the benign Gulf Stream makes it not merely habitable but a busy, cheery city whose energy level is boosted by the Hurtigruten's daily delivery of a shoal of tourists keen to explore it. After Trondheim, the mighty cliffs and ranges that have guarded the coastline diminish, leaving a straggle of lowlying islands and eerie moorland. The colour spectrum narrows from autumnal gold to 50 shades of wintry grey. The gloom was lightened by the Arctic Baptism, in which the ship's officers abetted by a crew member dressed as Neptune celebrate the crossing of the invisible line where the sun never rises on midwinter's day. The open-deck ceremony reveals the unusual spectacle of the captain dropping ice cubes down the necks of passengers, who are rewarded with a slug of Scandinavian liqueur that makes your head spin.Or is that a maelstrom? As luck would have it, the Norwegians gave the world that word for a gigantic whirlpool of which the most powerful on Earth passed to starboard shortly afterwards, in a hailstorm. Four times each day, the tide shifts 80 billion gallons of the Atlantic in and out of a fjord, creating cauldrons of water resembling giant jellyfish. You become sensitised to degrees: north and Celsius. The higher the latitude, the lower the temperature though the sea never freezes. For much of the voyage, a fringe of windward isles protects the Hurtigruten from the full force of the Atlantic. But crossing an exposed patch of open sea, such as the stretch from Bodo to the Lofoten Islands, may make you long to be imprisoned by ice rather than at the mercy of the ocean. Sailing out of Bodo, the ocean initially had the reassuring look and inertia of cold steel. Ahead stood the charcoal silhouette of Landegode, a mighty isle of five peaks. Beyond these northern heights, though, a storm was brewing. Captain Martinsen addressed us. "There is a wind of between 8 and 9 from the west. It will not be much worse than this". A little later: "The wind is now Force 10". The good ship Finnmarken rocked and rolled for three hours, coping rather better than many of the passengers. The dining-room staff waited in vain to wait on guests who had lost interest in Arctic delicacies such as smoked reindeer. Halfway through the tempest, while I was pining for the fjords and the shelter they offer, the on-board internet delivered an email: "Save up to 25 per cent on our Early Booking Offer. Book your 2014 holidays now!" With priceless timing, it was from Hurtigruten. The Lofoten archipelago, which scythes out from the far north of Norway, forms a comforting arm to shield the

The Lofoten archipelago, which scythes out from the far north of Norway, forms a comforting arm to shield the northern navigator from the full fury of the ocean. So you glide from one port to the next, collecting polar superlatives as you go. Tromso is home to the northernmost ABC of aquarium, brewery and cathedral. In Hammerfest, the most northerly city in the world, whose travel agency is filled with ads for Mediterranean cruises. At 70 north, yacht-filled bays flanked by outdoor cafs are thin on the ground. Instead, the northern soul is rewarded with possibly the loneliest landscape in Europe. Great heaving slabs of raw rock jostle for the sun, which deigns to hoist itself several degrees above the horizon for a few hours and breathe some brightness into a sky stained by winter. Trees stand like spent matches jabbed into hillsides smothered with snow. This elemental bleakness is best observed from the generously heated outdoor swimming pool, which brings a fresh dimension to the notion of steaming north. The pool and its matching pair of Jacuzzis are named for Aegir the Norse god of the sea. Thank gods that the skies were clear for the final 24 hours of the voyage. The ultimate extended por-of-call was Honningsvag, home to a significant Sami community of indigenous Arctic people and one end of the northernmost public bus in Europe. Daily at noon, route 330 departs from the harbourside for the one-hour journey to North Cape. The return trip costs 50, but by the end of the journey I concluded it was a bargain. The road clambers over high passes and beside frozen lakes, all brilliantly lit by a sun that seems perpetually perched on the horizon. North Cape is Europe's John O'Groats: a location that many people erroneously think is the most extreme point. A more northerly promontory stands a few miles to the west, but the pretender has gained a place on the tourism map by dint of being easily accessible by road. This world's northernmost swizz? No: extreme latitude with altitude. The earth ends abruptly, crumbling into a seething sea intent on claiming more land. Their elemental majesties earth, wind and water revel in their naked power. The setting sun acted as celestial searchlight. A massive metal globe on a concrete plinth provides a photo opportunity, while giant bronze discs mirrored the sun in both senses. Venture due north from North Cape, and the next mainland you encounter is the northern tip of Alaska. Or hop back on bus 330 and go south to the ship for the final stretch around the brow of Norway. Now, were you to ask my advice on seeing the Northern Lights, I would urge you instead to seek out northern sights. The weather both on the edge of the sun and above Scandinavia can be frustratingly fickle. So you should focus on daytime activities in the far north, and treat any apparition of the Aurora Borealis as a welcome extra. The ship's officers had promised from the start to alert everyone if the Northern Lights came out to play. Four nights earlier, there had been a flurry of interest when a turquoise glimmer appeared in the sky above the Co-op in Rorvik. But no announcement was made, and no Norwegians turned up on deck to witness it. Only at 6.15pm on the final night was the first aurora bulletin broadcast. Pandemonium at sea level, just as it was as at 80,000 feet as cosmic particles clashed with the Earth's atmosphere. Everyone stopped dressing for dinner and instead swaddled themselves against the Arctic night. Then we streamed on to deck for a close encounter with nature's neon. A veil of green wafted above the superstructure, fluttered seductively, twirled and swirled through the heavens and then puffed itself into a great, ghostly pillow of plasma that finally melted into outer space. We were on top of the world. Travel essentials Getting there Simon Calder paid 56 for a Gatwick-Bergen flight on easyJet (0843 104 5000; easyJet.com) and 138 for a Kirkenes-Tromso-Oslo-Gatwick flight on Norwegian (0843 3780 888; norwegian.no). Getting around He paid 759pp for the six-day voyage on Hurtigruten (020 3627 2176; hurtigruten.co.uk), including all meals, for a family of four.

More information Visit Norway: visitnorway.com/uk For our latest 48 Hours guide to Bergen, see bit.ly/Bergen48

Rough Trade NYC: The vinyl countdown - Americas - Travel - The Independent
In a world of digital downloads and streaming services, Brooklyn, and in particular the neighbourhoods of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, has become a go-to destination for traditional record stores. Hardcore vinyl fanatics mix with hip tourists searching out new tunes and affordable vintage classics. It's in sharp contrast to the other side of the East River in Manhattan: stores such as Bleecker Bob's Records in Greenwich Village, where Bob Dylan once shopped, are falling off the map as rocketing rents push them out of business. Rough Trade NYC opened its doors on Monday. It was four years in the planning and stalled by Superstorm Sandy, which swept through New York a year ago. It occupies a former HBO prop warehouse. Co-owner Godfroy hopes the vast space will become as much of a destination as Rough Trade East, the Brick Lane institution that opened in London in 2007. "I hope this store will achieve a lot on a local level and become a neighbourhood favourite," he says, scanning the 15,000sq ft room as punters flick through crates of fresh new vinyl. "We're humbled to be here. There are some fantastic record stores nearby. It's a vibrant community and hopefully we can provide a leg up for other shops." After spending an hour scanning the racks and nattering with the staff about buying too much vinyl, I leave the imposing, post-industrial confines of Rough Trade and head out on to the streets of Williamsburg. Bracing myself against a bitter wind blowing in from the East River, I go in search of the vibrant record shops that Godfroy is so enthused about. Striding deeper into Williamsburg, I drop into Earwax Records, just a few blocks east of Rough Trade. It sits on a pretty side street, having just moved around the corner from its former, long-standing location on ultra-trendy Bedford Avenue. Metal blares out from hidden speakers while committed vinyl fans, togged up against the cold, browse through crates of new and used LPs. Pricey, limited-edition box sets line the walls. It's intimate and very different from the bold, brutalist designs of Rough Trade. Earwax has been in Brooklyn for 22 years, long before the borough became the epicentre of hipsterdom and a focal point for the world's best new indie music. The staff are equally enthusiastic here about the community aspect of the area's record shops. The mood is similarly ebullient a 10-minute walk north, in the increasingly hip 'hood of Greenpoint. Permanent Records is a tidy little store with an incredible selection of jazz and soul vinyl, plus seemingly endless racks of second-hand CDs. I get chatting with the manager, Matthew "Milli" Milligan. "There's definitely not competition between any of the record stores around here," he tells me as he prices up a huge pile of vintage LPs. "In the last year or so, a couple of other shops have opened up in the immediate vicinity and now it's starting to feel like more of a scene. We're always referring people to other shops. People are asking 'where can I go?' and we say 'check out Academy, check out Co-Op'. That's how it is around here." After Hoovering up a few vinyl reissues that I've not been able to track down back in London, I follow Milli's tips and press on, first to Academy Annex. This high-ceilinged cathedral to used records has recently made the move to Greenpoint after years in Williamsburg. But it retains its hard-earned reputation as a crate-diggers' hotspot. Row after row of carefully sourced vinyl is quietly rifled through by dedicated shoppers. Each box is broken down into specific genres that only fanatical music fans could dream up: chillwave, Japanese psych and French pop are all catered for. It's Milli's final tip though, that leads me to record-buying nirvana. Co-Op 87, tucked down a quiet residential street, stands out immediately. Plastic boxes, stuffed tight with battered 12-inches, are stacked up outside, loose leaves whipping between them as I ease open the heavy door and adjust my eyes to the gloom inside.

whipping between them as I ease open the heavy door and adjust my eyes to the gloom inside. The place is chock full of vinyl, so much that it's hard to know where to start looking. I make a beeline for the used rock and pop section. Everything from original Led Zeppelin pressings to reissued EPs by local favourites Real Estate are up for grabs. I wander back to Permanent to thank Milli for the tip off. "That's what makes the scene here so great," he says. "We all have our own kind of thing and that makes it worth trying out lots of different places." Travel essentials Getting there Joe Minihane travelled as a guest of Virgin Atlantic (0844 209 7777; virgin-atlantic.com) which flies four times a day from Heathrow to JFK and twice a day to Newark. Shopping there Rough Trade NYC, 64 North 9th Street, Williamsburg (roughtrade.com). Earwax Records, 167 North 9th Street, Williamsburg (001 718 486 3771). Permanent Records, 181 Franklin Street, Greenpoint (001 718 383 4083; permanentrecords.info). Academy Records Annex, 83 Oak Street, Greenpoint (001 718 218 8200). Co-op 87, 87 Guernsey Street, Greenpoint (001 347 463 9997). More information nycgo.com

Open Jaw: Where readers write back - News & Advice - Travel - The Independent
So, people won't need to speak to one another or interact? They can all hide behind their i-Whatevers? Sounds wonderful. "muggerbe" I'm going to replace all the mirrors in the house with round ones to make me happier about cleaning. Susan Hassett Food faux pas Delicious as papas nativas are [the potatoes grown on Chilo Island], it's incredible that a food-based article on Chilo managed to ignore the island's biggest culinary treat, curanto al hoyo: a wonderful mix of seafood, sausage, meat and local dumplings, cooked in a pit covered with giant gunnera leaves. It's quite an experience. "extoox" Back on the up Having been stretchered off one of the Val d'Isere slopes in 1994 and spent three months in plaster with a broken foot, ankle and leg, I know how the writer feels. I went back a year later and had a miserable time; confidence shot to pieces and the harder I tried the worse it became. I didn't ski again until last year in Mribel-Mottaret and had a fabulous time; I'm off to Tignes for Christmas so will watch out for Trolles!

fabulous time; I'm off to Tignes for Christmas so will watch out for Trolles! "rocknroll" If it ain't broke The East Coast line is brilliant and making money. So why reprivatise it? Merryn Somerset Webb

Traveller's Guide: Skiing in Italy - Skiing - Travel - The Independent

"Italy offers excellent value for money, historic resorts, family-run hotels and great food and wine," says Ian Davis, the enthusiastic product and distribution director for Crystal Ski, which operates in 18 Italian resorts. "The snowmaking and grooming is outstanding, there are minimal lift queues and relatively short transfers." Crystal produces an annual survey of ski-holiday trends. According to this year's edition, 15 per cent of all skiing breaks booked by Britons last season were to Italy, making it our third-most-popular destination nation after France and Austria. The main tour operators offer holidays to larger Italian resorts in the north-east and the north-west of the country to the Dolomites and the Alps, respectively. In the Alps, Italy shares Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco with the Chamonix Valley in France and the Matterhorn or Monte Cervino with Zermatt in Switzerland. Yet there are dozens more small ski areas spread along Italy's spine, including weekend resorts for Romans and Neapolitans in the south of the country. There are two ski areas on the volcanic Mount Etna on Sicily and even a few drag lifts on Sardinia (00 39 0784 30083; www.bruncuspina.it). However, it is wrong to think that all Italian resorts are small-scale, traditional centres. Although the French have created more purpose-built resorts and bigger ski regions over the past 50 years, the Fiat car company was responsible for the first specially built centre: Sestriere (00 39 0122 79 94 11; vialattea.it) in 1934. This now sits at the heart of one of the world's largest ski areas, the Milky Way, with 400 kilometres of pistes spilling over the border into France. It was also the main host of the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics the last Winter Games staged in Europe. On the other side of northern Italy, the Dolomites are seen by many as Italy's greatest asset for skiers. The mountains are among the most spectacular anywhere in the skiing world: mighty precipices of pink granite stretching up for thousands of metres, to create a spectacular backdrop to every snapshot. The Fassa Valley, a training ground for Italian Olympians, is one of the best in the region. Cosmos (0871 902 5838; cosmos.co.uk) offers a week in the four-star Astoria Hotel in Canazei in the very off-peak week of 11 January 2014 for 735pp half board, with flights from Manchester. Useful staples such as pizza and pasta make Italian resorts a good choice for families with fussy younger diners. However, that stereotype ends at Alta Badia (00 39 0471 836176; altabadia .org) which has built a reputation as a gourmet heaven under the banner "A Taste for Skiing". The area is home to several Michelin-starred chefs. But rather than hide away in their gourmet restaurants, there is a vast array of culinary-themed on-snow options to consider. They range from high-calibre "powder breakfasts" through to dine-around gourmet lunch passes for multiple mountain huts, as well as local wine-tastings and culinary safaris. Neilson (0844 879 8155; neilson.co.uk) has a week's off-peak half board in the four-star Sport Hotel Panorama in Alta Badia, departing on 4 January, for 1,315pp including flights from Gatwick and transfers. Cross-border skiing With its long border, you can ski into (or out of) Italy at half a dozen places. Along with the Milky Way link, there's a

With its long border, you can ski into (or out of) Italy at half a dozen places. Along with the Milky Way link, there's a second route to France with La Rosire linked to La Thuile (lathuile.net) in the Aosta Valley. It is a popular option for people in search of heli-skiing (which is banned in France) and for kite-skiing on the windy border plateau. Interski (01623 456 333; interski.co.uk) offers a week's fully catered stay at the Chalet Alpina with flights from Gatwick and transfers for 769, departing on 11 January. Alternatively, from Cervinia (00 39 0166 949136; cervinia.it) you can take a lift up to Zermatt (00 41 966 8100; zermatt.ch) in Switzerland, accessing some of the world's biggest lift-served verticals. The lift pass for the joint area also costs substantially less when purchased in euros rather than Swiss francs. Free-riding in Livigno Livigno (00 39 0342 052200; livigno.eu) built a reputation as Italy's alternative to Andorra, thanks to its duty-free status. More recently, it has reinvented itself as a family-friendly choice with three "Family Weeks" and the promise "Kids Go Free" this season. The first child (under 12) accompanied by two paying adults gets free accommodation, ski rental, ski school and ski pass, and a second child goes half price. The dates are not helpful for British families: the weeks start on 18 January, 22 March and 29 March. Livigno is also capitalising on its long season and reliable snow to attract free-riders. Crystal offers a week's B&B at Hotel Caravasc for 409pp, departing Gatwick on 18 January. Ski in southern Italy There are half-a-dozen ski areas within 160km of Rome, in the Apennine mountains. One of the largest and best equipped, Campo Felice (00 39 0862 917 803; campofelice.it), is 120km from the Italian capital and has 30km of runs linked by a dozen lifts. While snowfall can be problematic in a warm year, it averages 80cm each winter and has robust snowmaking. Skiing on Sicily's Mount Etna is problematic because of volcanic activity and lightning strikes. However, two ski centres have battled through the natural disadvantages to run lifts on Europe's most active volcano. Etna Sud (00 39 095 911 158; funiviaetna.com) has a bigger lift-served vertical than Etna Nord (00 39 095 643 094; www .prolocolinguaglossa.it). Ski safaris The Dolomiti Superski region (dolomitisuperski.com) was the world's original giant area pass. More than 40 years ago, the area, which combines a dozen valleys with 1,200km of pistes, began issuing a single lift ticket for all. Today, it takes a quarter of the entire Italian ski market. Most interesting for tourists, though, is that many of the valleys are interconnected. For example, the Badia, Fassa and Gardena valleys are linked around a 40km "hub" of pistes and runs known as the Sella Ronda. This allows for wonderful day trips, skiing from one to the next, always with the aid of ski-lifts. Some experts have estimated that 500km of pistes are connected altogether making it the world's second-biggest ski area, behind France's Trois Valles region. You can make your entire holiday a ski safari. Dolomite Mountains (00 39 0471 840005; dolomitemountains.com) offers the chance to ski from "hut to hut", staying in comfortable mountain rifugios and three-star hotels en route. A week's ski safari from 16 March on half-board, including an accredited guide, lift pass, all local transport and luggage transfers, but excluding flights, costs 2,050pp. Classic Cortina An element of timelessness makes Cortina d'Ampezzo (00 39 0436 869 086; cortina.dolomiti.org) one of the world's great unspoilt ski resorts. The main pedestrian street, Corso Italia, is lined with designer shops and enticing restaurants. There are three main ski areas offering a wide range of terrain, including Olympic downhill race courses dating back to the town's hosting of the Winter Games in 1956, and the marvellous 8km-long Hidden Valley run. You can stay at the exquisite five-star Cristallo (00 39 0436 881 111; cristallo.it), first opened in 1901 and beloved of

Frank Sinatra and Peter Sellers ("1,960 for three nights B&B, from 2 December). Alternatively, and more affordably, Inghams (01483 791114; inghams.co.uk) offers the four-star Chalet Hotel Parc Victoria, a Cortina icon since 1892, for 499pp, departing 11 January, including flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and transfers to the resort. Travel essentials Getting there Besides the tour firms mentioned, Italian ski specialists include family specialists Esprit Ski (01483 371105; espritski.com), Ski2 (01962 713330; ski-2.com), Momentum (020 7371 9111; www.momentumski.co.uk), Thomson (0871 971 0578; thomsonski.co.uk) and Zenith (020 3137 7678; zenithholidays.co.uk). For independent travellers heading to the north-western Italian Alps, the skiers' stalwart, Geneva airport, is closest to some well-known resorts including Courmayeur (aosta-valley.co.uk). Turin is the better bet for Sauze d'Oulx (00 39 0122 850380; comune.sauzedoulx.to.it) and Cervinia, while Milan is the closest option for resorts such as Bormio (00 39 0342 901 451; bormioski.eu). For the Dolomites, the options are more likely to be a drive through the Brenner Pass from Innsbruck or a shorter trip from Verona, while resorts on the southern side of the mountains, including Cortina, are closer to Venice. Many bigger-name Italian resorts provide low-cost shuttle services to connect with flights. Madesimo (00 39 0343 53015; visitmadesimo.it) is offering free weekend transfers from Milan airports during December and January.

A winter's tale in Bruges - Europe - Travel - The Independent

Bruges, with its cobbled streets wound through with canals, could have been designed for hosting Christmas. Its role as a major medieval trading centre in north-western Belgium, with its centre less than 10 miles from the sea, means that its merchants' houses and public squares are now all graciously old and greetings-card pretty. Locals ride bikes through the pretty back streets, and horses and carts are more common than cars in the city centre. Bizarrely, I noticed that there are hardly any litter bins and hardly any litter, either. Perhaps Santa's little helpers spirit it away. The main square of Grote Markt, in the shadow of the spectacular 13th-century bell tower, is the hub of Bruges, never more so than during the festive season. It was only a 10-minute, canal-side stroll from my base, the Hotel de Medici, but a full 15-minute stagger back with shopping bags full of loot. The brave were getting their skates on at surely the prettiest ice rink in the world, while the less athletic were filling their shopping bags with knitwear, slippers, crystals, glass, Christmas ornaments and enough flavours of the gin-like liqueur, jenever, to floor Father Christmas and all his reindeer, too. Those too lazy even for that had taken rinkside seats at one of the little wooden huts that line the square. Touristy food and drink combinations on offer included Irish coffee or Baileys hot chocolate, some rather un-Belgian churros or the cheesy potato combo tartiflette Savoyarde. It's worth comparing the prices and sizes first, though: a braadworst the size of my arm cost "5 at one stall, while a thimbleful of mulled cider was "3.50 at another. The shopping stalls were the first to get going, mid-morning, while the food stalls opened for lunchtime and were still full of the Christmas spirit at 1am on the Christmas market's first Friday night last week. After all that hard work, it was time for another sit down, and Staminee de Garre, a quiet, wood-beamed tavern, is a bar designed for serious sitting down. It also has a serious house beer, Tripel van de Garre, which weighs in at a staggering 11 per cent. Hidden down a tiny alleyway off Breidelstraat, Staminee de Garre doesn't allow standing: if you can't find a table, you'll have to come back later. The house beer is strictly limited to three glasses per person and it's served with cheese to soak up the worst of it. But think twice about taking a seat upstairs unless you can be trusted not to fall down the stairs embarrassingly when you leave. While the Christmas market had provided an atmospheric introduction to festive gift-buying, the streets surrounding the Grote Markt yielded more sophisticated shopping. Facing the square, the kitchen shop Dille & Kamille is a dizzying emporium of things you never knew you needed (tiny mustard spoons, anyone?).

dizzying emporium of things you never knew you needed (tiny mustard spoons, anyone?). At Wollestraat 53, the celebrated bar and beer shop, 2be, has several floors of the most diverse beers you'll ever see. From there, I ambled up the canal from Minnewater Lake, a walk so stunning that I felt like I'd fallen asleep and woken up in a Grimm's fairytale, to get to the chocolate museum and The White Pelican, a year-round Christmas shop in a sparkly white grotto that looks as though Santa's elves had only just left. I ended up in the streets around Wollestraat, so dizzy from the aroma wafting from the doors of the chocolatiers that I accidentally bought several packets of pralines and truffles before I realised what I was doing. It was time for another rest, so I joined the locals outside one of the cafs that surround Grote Markt, wrapped up against the cold, nursing a coffee and watching life on the square warm up. It's cheaper than having dinner at one of the square's restaurants, where they charge "4.50 for a glass of water because "we don't serve tap water in Belgium", but where you'll pay a more bearable "20 for a huge barrel of delicious moules-frites and a romantic view of the wintry square. Here you can survey the Christmassy scene and review your haul, though be careful not to eat all your chocolates and drink all your beer. Still, what's the worst that could happen? Only that you'll have to go back to Bruges for some more. Travel essentials Getting there Katy Guest travelled with Cresta (0871 895 0075; crestaholidays.co.uk; or visit your nearest Thomas Cook or Cooperative Travel), which offers two nights' B&B at the Golden Tulip de Medici Hotel in Bruges, from 169pp, including Eurostar travel from London St Pancras via Brussels. Visiting there The Christmas market runs until 2 January (visitbruges.be).

My life in travel: Pierre Koffmann - News & Advice - Travel - The Independent
First holiday memory? I used to spend all my holidays at my grand-mother's farm in Gascony, south-west France. I have been to more exotic places now, but they were the best holidays, not only when I was young but of my entire life. It was more than 50 years ago, during a more romantic time for farming, so we had to be active and help my grandfather work in the field, or look after the chickens and cows. Favourite place in the British Isles? Scotland. I go twice a year to fish or just to do absolutely nothing. The scenery is just amazing and the food is very good too. You get fantastic langoustine, scallops and beef there. What have you learnt from your travels? If you go to China, Japan, Australia, anywhere in the world, you realise we are all the same. Also, I've learnt that there are only two types of food: good food and bad food. I went to India and never had a bad meal, even in small restaurants. In Cuba too, you find good food everywhere, especially if you go for simple food, which the locals eat. Ideal travelling companion? My partner, Claire. If we go on holidays, we go together. We don't always have similar interests, but that's not the most important thing. It's important to have your own space.

most important thing. It's important to have your own space. Greatest travel luxury? Going to countries with a reputation for good food. I can't imagine going to Senegal, for example, which doesn't have a particularly strong identity in that respect. I may be completely wrong, but I'd prefer to travel to where I can have a languid lunch with a bottle of wine. Holiday reading? Cookery books. Not just recipes, but on the history of food and the people behind the dishes. At the moment, I'm reading Coi by an American chef, Daniel Patterson, which has recipes and a lot of stories about his life, family and friends. Worst travel experience? I've never had one. We went to Cuba and it was fantastic. Some parts were bad, but then the music and cocktails were brilliant. The worst experience was maybe Barcelona, where we were robbed, but again, it's a fantastic city. Best hotel? Raffles in Singapore. It's not too big, the service was brilliant and you get a real sense of Singapore. Everything was very luxurious. As soon as you step inside, you enter another world. Favourite drive? I love driving to relax. If you are stressed, you can go for a little drive and it has a calming effect. I love driving in the Scottish countryside in particular, because beautiful scenery is everywhere. The mountains all around are covered in heather and wildlife. Best meal abroad? I love going to Spain, because the food is always fantastic. Even in the smallest restaurants, you will never be disappointed. If I had to choose one meal, I'd say Claire's pork belly, with roast vegetables, anchovies and quinoa. It's beautiful! Favourite city? Paris. You can walk for hours and there's always something to see, a little shop or a monument. I go once a year and love walking around the neighbourhoods, visiting restaurants and crashing out at the hotel. Where next? I would love to go to Brazil for the Rio Carnival next year. It's so exciting the beautiful music, the samba dancing, the girls you know you'll go there and it'll be fantastic.

Travel challenge - News & Advice - Travel - The Independent

Cresta Holidays - 366 Includes flights from Gatwick, transfers and B&B at the Admiral Hotel. "Ideally situated on the harbour, close to the Queen's Palace and Stroget, one of the main shopping streets, the Admiral exudes rustic charm," says Katie Elson (0871 895 0075; crestaholidays.co.uk). Expedia.co.uk - 238 Includes flights from Stansted and B&B at the Savoy Hotel. Transfers extra. "This budget-friendly hotel is located in the heart of Copenhagen, a few minutes' walk from the Christmas market," says Andy Washington (0800 783 2384;

the heart of Copenhagen, a few minutes' walk from the Christmas market," says Andy Washington (0800 783 2384; expedia.co.uk). easyJet Holidays - 290 Includes flights from Stansted and B&B at the Radisson Blu. Transfers extra. "This is a good quality hotel, furnished in typical Scandinavian style and with great views of the city," says Mandy Round (0843 104 1000; easyjet.com/holidays).

Video: Outdoor adventures in Berlin - Travel - The Independent

A lively music scene, thriving arts districts and the remnants of the Wall Berlin is famed for many things but one that most people dont know about is the citys growing reputation as a hub for urban outdoor culture. Here, Amex Travel Insider Alex Zane meets locals to get a sneak peek into this alternative side to the city and gets into the spirit of adventure by trying some of the Berlins more adrenaline filled pursuits. From jumping from one of Berlin's tallest buildings to riding a bicycle across a high wire. There's an alternative way to explore the German capital.

Shenzhen airport Terminal Three: Vast, shiny, new - and empty? China's latest temple to aviation opens - Asia - World - The Independent
Yet, despite also winning the plaudits of architects who hail its cathedral-like scale, T3 could prove to be one of the worlds biggest white elephants, judging from overseas airlines appetite for flying to the city, near Hong Kong. As with Heathrow Terminal Five, Shenzhens new facility is experiencing teething problems. The planned Metro rail connection has not yet been extended to the airport. A longer-term concern, however, is the appeal of the airports location to airlines and their passengers. The city, whose name translates as deep drains, is the border town adjacent to the New Territories of Hong Kong. It became a Special Economic Zone in 1980 while Hong Kong was still firmly in British hands. The city has grown rapidly, with a 30-fold increase in population to the present estimate of 11 million. Many are migrant workers from elsewhere in China, employed at hi-tech factories. Apple has two suppliers in the city, producing iPods and Mac books. Among Shenzhens tourist attractions is a former Soviet aircraft carrier (complete with fighter jets) called Minsk World. Another is Dapeng Fortress, a battle site during the 19th-century Opium Wars against the British colonial invaders. Unlike the largest Chinese cities, however, Shenzhen does not allow a visa-free stopover. Shenzhen airports website boasts a wide range of international destinations, including Dubai, Cologne and Sydney. But a trawl of sources, including airline websites and the aviation data specialist, OAG, failed to find any services to or from these airports. Existing links seem to be purely regional, to cities such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with additional destinations that China regards as domestic in the shape of Lhasa in Tibet and Taiwans capital, Taipei. The sole US destination, Anchorage in Alaska, is served only by the cargo carriers UPS and Federal Express. Neil Taylor, who pioneered travel to the Peoples Republic with his company, Regent Holidays, said: One has to wonder who will fly here from outside China, given the choice of flights to Hong Kong and to Macau, both actively promoted in the UK, both nearby and both visa-free. Shenzhen had its appeal as a small village when China first opened up in the late 1970s, but tour operators will find it hard to promote now.

The highly anticipated new terminal at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, Guangdong, China has opened So what can Britain learn from Chinas newest airport project? Given the differences in how the countries are run, its difficult to say. The terminal, which has just opened, replaces the existing facilities with a structure of dramatic looks and huge capacity. Shenzhen was the first airport project by the Rome-based architects, Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas. Studio Fuksas says basic concept evokes the image of a manta ray and features a striking internal and external double skin honeycomb motif that wraps the structure. From above, it resembles an aircraft complete with wings and a tailplane. Features include stylised white trees that serve as air-conditioning vents. Glass panels punctuate the faade, allowing natural light to filter through. Artificial lighting was provided by an Edinburgh firm, Speirs and Major. China has been developing its transport infrastructure at a phenomenal pace, building new airports and high-speed rail lines across the nation as its economy grows at a huge rate compared to the UK. The state directs big projects, and unlike in Britain, where a third runway at Heathrow has been continually stymied there is little effective local opposition.

The first airport by acclaimed architects Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas it is set to become an iconic landmarkthat will boost the economic development of

Shenzhen It may serve as a warning to expanding airports when bigger competitors exist nearby. Shenzhen suffers from the proximity of Hong Kong airport, with which it has a ferry connection. Hong Kong handles twice as many passengers, with far more international destinations. The biggest Chinese cities continue to attract new flights from Europe. Last week the French airline, Aigle Azur, announced a new link from Paris Orly to Beijing. But the expected surge of connections from Europe to large secondary cities in China has not materialised. British Airways this year added a link from Heathrow to Chengdu, but elsewhere momentum has slowed. Finnair has shelved plans to increase services to Xian, while reports in the French press suggest that only heavy subsidies from the local Chinese authorities are sustaining the Air France link between Paris and Wuhan. Le Figaro claimed that the airline was rewarded with a "30,000 subsidy for every flight.

Money

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What's the best way to help those about to hit hard times? - Spend & Save Money - The Independent
This is particularly worrying when you consider that a relatively modest 9.3bn was donated in 2011/12 a slump of 1.7bn on the previous year, according to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), which illustrates the problem facing fundraisers. The money is also coming from a limited number of individuals. In fact, the CAF says only 9 per cent of the population account for 66 per cent of charitable activity, which includes donations made and time spent volunteering. As a result, these good causes are using every available weapon in their armoury to attract support, such as social media sites Facebook and Twitter, and coming up with innovative ways to boost their income. One such charity vying for the public's attention is Tree of Hope (treeofhope.org.uk) which provides assistance to the families of sick and disabled children that are trying to raise money for specialist medical surgery, treatment, therapy

and equipment. The organisation, which helps families across the country, recently set up an e-commerce site called Blossom (blossomforchildren.co.uk) which has the tagline, Funky stuff for children with needs, and sells a wide variety of toys, clothing and mobility aids. Jeremy Marris, the chief executive, says the new venture has been a tremendous success, both in terms of making money for the charity and for helping to attract publicity to the work that it has been carrying out for the past two decades. "We noticed a huge gap in the market because although you could buy these things individually, there wasn't one place that stocked them all," he says. "It's now been going three months and has helped give Tree of Hope even more credibility." The CAF has discovered that more people give to charity in November and March than in any other month which happens to coincide with major TV appeals Comic Relief and Children in Need. More than 27 million Britons, 57 per cent of the adult population, gave money during these months, which was three million more than average. In addition, the website JustGiving has identified 21 December as being one of the most charitable days of the year, so with that in mind how can you give a hand to these causes? Here is our eight-point guide to making a difference over the next few weeks. 1. Donate to your local charity shop Clear out your wardrobe and loft to gather any unwanted items to donate. Charity shops are desperate for good quality items and you can find a shop near you by visiting the Charity Retail Association's website (charityretail.org.uk). Make sure that whatever you donate is saleable and not broken, and take it in yourself rather than the charity having to pay for the items to be collected. Particularly in demand will be bags, books, clothing, music, paintings and toys. 2. Send a charity Christmas card Send charity Christmas cards and pay attention to how much money from the sale of each pack goes to the cause itself. While most retailers now accept 10 per cent for charity is an acceptable minimum, there are still some that hand over less. This year the annual Scrooge Award, given by the Charities Advisory Trust to the retailer handing over the least amount, has gone to Asda, with the Trust stating the one charity card in its range gives only 6.6 per cent to charity, and at 60p was one of the most expensive. 3. Buy unusual Christmas presents Stuck for present ideas? Then check out Good Gifts (goodgifts.org), which has a vast array of options. For example, for 10 you can supply footballs to underprivileged children in the UK, or for 26 you can educate a child in Africa for an entire year. Elsewhere, a hamper of necessities and treats for an elderly person can be purchased for only 25, while for those with more to spend, a 700 donation is enough to let a hard-pressed family of four enjoy a week-long holiday by the seaside. 4. Support charity events There are now a number of websites providing links to good causes to which you can donate. Justgiving.com, for example, has helped thousands of individuals to raise millions of pounds for various causes. In addition, share links to your favourite charities and events on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. It takes just a few seconds of

your favourite charities and events on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. It takes just a few seconds of your time but you could be helping attract new supporters. 5. Offer to become a volunteer Money is obviously important to any charity but committing your time can be equally as valuable. This can involve anything from standing outside supermarkets with collection tins, to putting on events. Find out what is going on in your area or log on to TimeBank (timebank.org.uk), the national charity inspiring people to volunteer, in order to see what projects are ongoing that might inspire you to take part. 6. Research charities There is certainly no shortage of worthy causes so you need to research what is already established and decide which charities to support. You can start by asking family and friends or seeing what organisations are operating in your area. Another option is to visit ocalgiving.com, which enables visitors to search local charities and community groups by area, cause and people likely to benefit from any donations that are received. 7. Make a tax-efficient donation Whatever you donate, make sure that it is done tax-efficiently as this can be a massive extra help to your charity of choice. Two of the most effective methods are Gift Aid and Payroll Giving. Your Gift Aid donation is treated as if basic rate income tax has already been deducted by the donor. Charities can then reclaim that tax from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Basic rate tax is 20 per cent, so this means that if you give 10 using Gift Aid, it is worth 12.50 to the charity. You can also give money to charity direct from your pay or company/personal pension using the Payroll Giving scheme. It costs you less because your donation is given to charity from your gross salary before any tax is taken off so you don't pay tax on it. 8. Make a commitment Consider making a regular donation to a favoured charity such as by monthly direct debit or standing order. For example, the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary in Sidley, East Sussex, for example, offers the chance to sponsor one of its residents. The charity, which has been caring for abandoned or neglected animals, including dogs, cats, horses and chickens, for almost 40 years, has put up full details of its offer on its website (barbykeel.btck.co.uk). Rough ride: the flip side of racing FORDS-care, which aims to tackle financial hardship among those injured in the exciting world of oval racing, is one of the latest worthy causes to have become a registered charity. The organisation (fords-care.com) was launched in 2011 to provide support to drivers, track staff and media personnel hurt at any of the 700-plus short-circuit motor racing events that take place every year. And even though the sport, which includes banger, stock car and hot-rod racing, has a good safety record, FORDScare's secretary, Manuela Stento, believes the charity has a big role to play in helping people who are unlucky on the track. "Our charity doesn't pull at the heart strings because it's all about helping somebody who gets injured doing their hobby, but we make a difference to their lives," she says. "If we can help prevent someone's house being repossessed, that's huge for their family."

Amounts paid out vary depending on the individual. Claimants will be expected to provide a sick note and some payslips, after which a decision will be made based on their personal circumstances. This year the charity has paid out 25,000 to 34 drivers and staff, and 46,000 to 67 individuals over the past two and a half years. It turns over about 50,000 a year, but the aim is to double that amount. About a third of this turnover comes from the Oval Racing Council and promoters, with the rest from donations and the proceeds of events held in the season, such as a special race series. Among the innovative ways to raise money was a DVD by documentary film-maker Dan Moth, who went behind the scenes with the notorious Bears banger racing team based in Brighton.

Dummy test sends a warning to skiers - Insurance - Money - The Independent

A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and

sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell

in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Osborne begged: don't hit savers next Thursday - Spend & Save - Money The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House

House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038

A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000.

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Simon Read: Why are we setting 'persuasive' debt collectors on our former students? - Loans & Credit - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118

A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000.

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Our debt problems are close to an epidemic - Loans & Credit - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station.

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096

A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000.

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Money alert: Amazon Christmas boycott - Spend & Save - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742

John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955

A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Simon Read: Government's payday loan cap is far from enough - Loans & Credit - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225

A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816

A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Five questions on: The wrong bank - Spend & Save - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531

A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581

An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000

A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Bargain Hunter: Playmobil plays to the gallery with discounts on its toy range - Spend & Save - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537

A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080

A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000.

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Simon Read: Comparison sites deserve to be investigated - Spend & Save Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube.

A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000.

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Questions of Cash: 'Unusual transaction' wine buy on John Lewis card caused a headache - Spend & Save - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982

A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden

and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Simon Read: Why do so many tradespeople seem to enjoy ripping us off? Spend & Save - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148

A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008

A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Money Insider: Find a cheaper alternative to payday loans - Spend & Save Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411

An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely

views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Derek Pain: Santa could have a new high for the Footsie in his sack - Spend & Save - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894

A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587

Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263

A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

Mark Dampier: Fidelity keeps faith with China after the Bolton bounce-back Spend & Save - Money - The Independent
A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100 A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776

A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940 A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000.

850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950.

Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

I'm not a celebrity get me out of debt! - Money - The Independent

A two-bedroom maisonette set on the top two floors of a period building, close to Kentish Town Tube. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8973059.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131129.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30989857 Take advantage of the extra space provided by former stables and outbuildings at this five-bedroom farmhouse. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8969196.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_20131128.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/26476007 This two-bedroom mews features a mezzanine level leading to a roof terrace.

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8967032.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/indy.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31016376 This three-bedroom Victorian terrace is near to Queens Road Peckham station, Nunhead station. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8965064.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/potd_peckham.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31205225 A three-bedroom stone built Georgian end terrace house with plenty of living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8962173.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bath_potd.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30953805 A five-bedroom modern house with terrace, swimming pool, Zen treehouse and large carp pond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8956604.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/barnet.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29607411 An unexpected gem with four bedrooms, remarkable vaulted reception and a galleried study area http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8954008.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/belsize-park.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30844245 A five-bedroom house in one of Lymington's most sought after tree lined avenues, moments from the marinas and sailing clubs http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8951334.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lymington.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30212682 A grand early 19th century B&B close to the historic harbour, with four en suite bedrooms http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8946705.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/teignmouth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30542531 A six-bedroom Victorian home with three bathrooms, double reception and 93ft garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8948916.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brockley---exey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31002182 A four-bedroom, 17th century home with walled gardens, a landscaped terrace, cellar and open fires http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8938930.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hampshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30317894 A six-bedroom house with five bathrooms and four reception rooms spread over 4,000sq ft of luxury living space http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8942851.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/prince-albert-road.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/18590100

A stunning three double-bedroom apartment with two decked terraces in the exclusive gated community, Bromyard House http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8936677.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/acton600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30846607 A 10-bedroom period, family home amid beautiful surroundings in the centre of the Wentworth Estate in Longcross village http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8932269.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wentworth.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/31023537 A stylish three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and private landscaped garden, moments from Fitzroy Square http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8928966.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fitzrovia.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30796918 A Grade II-listed Elizabethan barn with landscaped gardens, exposed elm beams and four bedrooms, all with lovely views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8926806.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/stowmarket.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29867961 A six-bedroom family home, dating back to 1280 with four reception rooms, barn, swimming pool and tennis courts in Harwell http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8922150.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxfordshire.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30584987 A spacious two-bedroom flat, refurbished to a very high standard with private landscaped garden, close to Kentish Town station http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8924081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/kentish-town.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30670581 An exceptional two-bedroom apartment with balcony and underground parking in the centre of Richmond http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8920606.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/little-green.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30567657 A one-bedroom, luxury, duplex apartment in the grand landmark building, Imperial Hall http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8917310.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/old-street.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30745587 Run a fabulous boutique shop, live above it in a one-bedroom flat and let a second one-bedroom flat that comes part and parcel http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8915506.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/shop.jpg

http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/28876038 A Grade-II listed, thatched cottage in Hundleby village, with five bedrooms, a coach house and three and a half acres http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8912950.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hundleby.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29912383 A spacious two-bedroom flat in the heart of Hoxton Square with wooden floors and roof terrace http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8910777.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/hoxton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30612080 A four-bedroom beachfront home with stunning sea views http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8901536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Pevensey.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29309977 A five-bedroom family home with stunning pool and gym complex set among two acres of land http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8903920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/south-petherton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/11370776 A six-bedroom period house with heated swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom annexe cottage in Townlake, 795,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8899081.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/tavistock.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29318118 A spacious and contemporary two-bedroom flat arranged over three floors, with garden patio close to St George Square, 600,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8896320.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30473902 A one-bedroom flat in a beautiful Regency building opposite the beach in Kemp Town, 190,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8894526.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/brighton.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29284203 A two-bedroom flat with a office studio and a plunge pool in the landscaped garden. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8888897.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29370263 A two-bedroom flat within Clyne Castle in Blackpill. 385,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8886033.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/wales-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29977940

A one-bedroom flat with sea views close to Herne Bay town centre. 135,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8884144.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/herne-bay-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30780096 A two-bedroom flat with London skyline views close to Surrey Quays. 395,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8879536.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/baltic-600.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30382885 A seven-storey tower with three bedrooms and a stunning roof terrace. Guide price: 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8874318.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/AN29386158Ruxley+Tower+wher.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30466982 A three-storey house with five bedrooms and spacious gardens. 525,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8872423.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/swap_20131009.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30445539 A 16-bedroom country pile with nine reception rooms, four self-contained flats and a 13th century Peel Tower. 850,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8866034.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/cumbria.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27970573 A classic six-bedroom Victorian Manse house 10 miles from Edinburgh. 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8864858.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/manse-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30569742 John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool to be sold at auction. Guide price: 150,000-250,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859755.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/lennon-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30518232 A two-bedroom cottage close to Penge West and Penge East stations. 379,950 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8859428.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Penge.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30351148 A six-bedroom detached period property with secluded gardens, ample parking and a double garage in Rye, 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8855952.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sussex1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30203528 A large split-level property with three double-bedrooms and roof terrace, close to Crouch End Broadway, 625,000.

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8853312.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/crouch-end-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30348518 A charming barn conversion in the picturesque Cotswold village of Ilmington with three bedrooms, a detached garage, workshop and beautifully manicured gardens 675,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8851325.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ilmington-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30192816 A three-bedroom new build, ground-floor flat with two bathrooms, close to Bermondsey tube, 445,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849268.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/bermondsey1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30549561 A three-bedroom house in an enviable new development moments from Oxshott High Street, with secluded garden and decked area, 385,000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8849263.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/oxshott-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29497783 A two-bedroom split-level flat with stunning south-west facing roof terrace in the popular Brondesbury Conservation Area, 549,950. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8841581.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/queens-park-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30239186 A charming 16th century, three-bedroom detached house in Bidborough with picturesque garden http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8838682.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/ketn-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29796955 A top-floor one-bedroom flat in the heart of Pimlico with a terrace providing spectacular views over London, 495,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8836962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/pimlico-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30530409 A six-bedroom house, with three reception rooms, 1.5 acres of land and stables, 450,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8835138.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Norfolk-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29617008 A three-bedroom terraced house in the heart of Clapham Old Town with private west-facing roof terrace, 895,000. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8826921.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/clapham1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/29975829 A six-bedroom farmhouse with a barn, annexe and heated pool. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8824401.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/worthing.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/27187072 A two-bedroom cottage close to the town centre and seafront. 189,995. http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8819920.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/whitstable-1024.jpg http://zoopla.homesandproperty.co.uk/for-sale/details/30188351

IndyBest

The 8 best box sets for Christmas Kitchen delight: 12 best Christmas presents for foodies The 10 Best Christmas presents for arts lovers The 10 Best personalised gifts The 10 best men's fashion gifts for Christmas

The 8 best box sets for Christmas - Arts & Books - IndyBest - The Independent
2. Parks and Recreation: Seasons 1-3 (15) I think I need to call child services and have Leslie taken away from herself, quips Ann (Rashida Jones) to camera. Please dont. Amy Poehlers confused, unlucky-in-love Leslie is adorable in this excellent US sitcom set in Indiana. How much: 45.10 Where from: play.com 3. Peep Show: Series 1-7 (18) Its still the best thing David Mitchell and Robert Webb have ever been involved in and its probably, along with Father Ted, Channel 4s funniest sitcom. The more radically the duo fail, the more poignant Mark and Jeremys dysfunctional relationship becomes. Its probably time they split up. How much: 41.40 Where from: amazon.co.uk 4. The Returned - Series 1 (18) Its to do with the stillness, the camera angles, the use of mirrors and, of course, the mysterious, mute little boy. The Returned, set in an Alpine village, is terrifying: far subtler and scarier than any of the usual slashers regurgitated by US cinema of late. How much: 22.62 Where from: play.com 5. Merlin: Comp lete Boxset - Series 1-5 (12)

Theres much to recommend about this mythical hokum from John Hurts dragon to Katie McGrath deliciously wicked witch but its the droll, sweet love story between Merlin and Arthur that compels in the BBCs excellent fantasy series. How much: 74.99 Where from: amazon.co.uk 6. Girls: Season 1 and 2 (18) Lena Dunham directs, produces, writes, stars and sheds her clothes quite a bit in these tangy adventures of four twentysomething New Yorkers. Its HBO television at its most intoxicating, funny, poignant, original and dangerous. How much: 16.75 Where from: amazon.co.uk 7. Agatha Christies Poirot: The Definitive Collection (15) Savour 25 glorious years-worth of deadly accurate sleuthing and tisanes, concluding with Curtain: Poirots Last Case. David Suchet has been superb as the Belgian detective in this classy series. How much: 89.99 Where from: moviemail.com 8. Horrible Histories: Series 4 (PG) CBBCs wildly inventive, frequently funny and crude sketch show, which has a mission statement of making history look less crap, succeeds in making the past as accessible and enjoyable as possible for children. How much: 6 Where from: amazon.co.uk

Kitchen delight: 12 best Christmas presents for foodies - Food & Drink IndyBest - The Independent
Handmade from the very finest Valrhona chocolate, this 12-piece box from the Oxfordshire makers is an absolute delight. 8.95, gorvettandstone.com 2. The Ethicurean Cookbook Ethical cooking doesnt have to be boring, as this 120-recipe paean to the best of seasonal British cooking proves. 25, amazon.co.uk 3. Halen Mn sea salt The sea salt Heston Blumenthal uses at The Fat Duck and Ferran Adria used at El Bulli divine. From 5.25, halenmon.com 4. Valdespino sherry vinegar Sweet, rich and complex, this cask-aged vinegar gives body to even the dullest soups or salads.

Sweet, rich and complex, this cask-aged vinegar gives body to even the dullest soups or salads. 5.95, ottolenghi.co.uk 5. Gin Mare It may be expensive, but this botanical-rich Spanish gin makes the zingiest G&Ts around. 32.25, thewhiskyexchange.com 6. NutriBullet This powerful juicer makes short work of even the hardest fruit and veg, giving your fuss-free smoothies in a trice. 99.95, selfridges.com 7. Stainless steel rolling pin The best kitchen cheat: just fill this rolling pin full of water and itll make short work of stubborn pastry. 12, johnlewis.com 8. Tom Dixon pepper grinder Does the designer Tom Dixon ever put a foot wrong? He certainly hasnt with this ice cool pepper grinder. 50 each, selfridges.com 9. Colourworks silicon spatula This flexible spatula which is heat resistant to 260 degree - is just the thing for scooping, flipping, and scraping every last bit of mixture from the pan or bowl. 6.50 each, bhs.co.uk 10. Mini popcorn maker Popcorn is big trend at the moment, and now you can make your own with this clever little machine. 34.99, firebox.com 11. Kusmi Brunch teas This selection box is a fine way to introduce someone to the teas offered by this venerable 140-year-old house. 15, en.kusmitea.com 12. Sage Smart Scoop ice cream maker This Heston Blumenthal-endorsed ice cream maker has 12 settings to make sorbet, gelatos or ice cream with minimum of hassle. 349, lakeland.co.uk

The 10 Best Christmas presents for arts lovers - Arts & Books - IndyBest The Independent

2. Finger puppets Bust out your voices while waggling Austen, Warhol et al. 5.99, shop.nationaltheatre.org.uk 3. Faber & Faber poetry diary 2014 Plan your year out with rhythm and rhyme. 12.98, Waterstones stores nationwide, faber.co.uk 4. David Bowie tote Go out with a star on your arm. 5, vandashop.com 5. Literary brooches Cut-out animals made with pages from books. from 12, theliterarygiftcompany.com 6. The Wicker Man 40th anniversary edition Re-released with a restored final cut, plus interviews. 14.20, amazon.co.uk 7. Everybody Dies tea towel A graphic depiction of how Shakespeare characters meet their end. 12.50, shop.nationaltheatre.org.uk 8. Folio edition of Brave New World Huxleys dystopia gets an Art Deco-style make-over. 27.95, foliosociety.com 9. Ghost Stories for Christmas box set Six-DVD BFI collection of festive chillers. 59.99, filmstore.bfi.org.uk 10. The Phaidon Archive of Graphic Design From typefaces to posters. 70, uk.phaidon.com

The 10 Best personalised gifts - IndyBest - Extras - The Independent

At the centre of each heart-shaped vintage map is a location that holds a special memory. Choose places from anywhere in the world. You can get other numbers of hearts too.

85, notonthehighstreet.com 2. It's Your Story Send in a photo of the face of the child you want to give the book to and it is incorporated into the illustrations; their name and information about them is worked into the story. Many story types are available and each one includes a message from you at the front. From 12.50, itsyourstory.co.uk 3. Nudo Adopt an Olive Tree Scrumptious olive oils from groves in Le Marche, Italy. With this "adopt a tree" scheme, the recipient gets all the produce from their own tree over the year, beginning with the first cold press extra virgin oil in three big tins and a Nudo recipe book. From 39, nudo-italia.com 4. GLTC Personalised Pencils Available in red, blue, aqua and pink, this box of lead pencils features silver-blocked lettering in a name of your choice, and a matching cardboard box. It's aimed at kids, but the quality is good so many adults will like them too. 11, gltc.co.uk 5. Achkiy Jewellery Achkiy's stunning and affordable pieces are produced by some of Peru's most impoverished communities. Besides their own collection, you can personally design your own one-of-a-kind pieces too. From 50, achkiy.com 6. Your Name in This Novel You and your friends can become the main characters in Romeo and Juliet, Treasure Island, Pride and Prejudice or Robin Hood. You are sent an envelope with everything you need to substitute the names of the lead characters and you can include your own personal message at the front. 20, johnlewis.com 7. Photobox Classic Canvas You can have a photograph printed on pretty much anything these days from carrier bags to phone cases. If that's what you want, Photobox have a wealth of options. We like the classic canvas as a more lasting gift. There are eight sizes available, all currently on special offer. 24.99, photobox.co.uk 8. Hope House Press Leather Journal A great gift for any writer, this elegant journal features black ink on beautiful Italian leather; the paper is high quality, too. 49, notonthehighstreet.com 9. Mothercare Activity Book

This A3 activity book features a child's name of your choice, not just on the front but throughout the 34 pages of puzzles to solve and pictures to colour in. Suitable for two-year-olds and up, there's adding and subtracting, dot-todot, spot the difference and more. 14.99, mothercare.com 10. Mamas & Papas Star This silver-plated ornament has "A Little Christmas Star" engraved on it, but it can also be personalised with a baby or child's name on the back a decoration and keepsake which is cute and affordable too. From 9.95, mamasandpapas.com

The 10 best men's fashion gifts for Christmas - Fashion & Beauty - IndyBest The Independent
2. Lanvin silk bow tie Christmas is an excuse to wear a daft bow tie. But it doesnt mean it should be indulged. Stay stylish. 70, matchesfashion.com 3. Red stag jumper The obligatory Christmas jumper, mercifully free of scratchy Lurex. 38, topman.com 4. Johnstons of Elgin navy university stripe scarf A Brideshead-ready classic that looks good on every man. 40, liberty.co.uk 5. Animal boxer shorts These boxers are lighthearted but not dim-witted. Reindeer also available. 10, bananarepublic.co.uk 6. Striped socks by Paul Smith The classic go-to gift for dads given a fresh update. 17, matchesfashion.com 7. Saint Laurent Signature Lace-Up Boot From the Permanent collection, these boots are a timeless investment. 590, ysl.com 8. Fair Isle mittens Lets be honest, come 25 December, youll be needing to wrap up warm. 40, fredperry.com

9. Burberry Brit Rhythm A sexy, provocative eau de toilette, dressed up in a checked leather jacket bottle. 57, burberry.com 10. Kenzo X New Era cloud-print twill cap This cap, from Parisian house Kenzo, is streetwise but still fashion-forward. 40, harveynichols.com

Table of Contents
The Independent News - UK St Andrew's Day marked with fluttering Saltires and Scottish scenery in colourful Google Doodle Major rescue operation under way after police helicopter crashes into packed Clutha Vaults pub in Glasgow 'The only thing she wanted me to perceive is that she is happy': Sister reunited with alleged London 'slave' victim after more than 40 years Lee Rigby murder: Accused man Michael Adebolajo tried to justify Woolwich attack in a scrawled note Owen Paterson, his sceptic brother-in-law, and how Defra went cold on climate change Minister for Cycling Robert Goodwill road-tests Londons cycle safety The other side of the bitcoin: Virtual currencys reach is still very limited Sex offender Leslie Whiting who breached injunction should be jailed A safe pair of hands? Edwina Currie launches egg safety code David Cameron accused of ceding ground on human rights to boost trade with China Trenton Oldfield interview: The ripples of that Boat Race stunt and how a family could be driven apart Weather wars: Met Office denies predicting three months of exceptionally cold weather amid reports of Britain's 'coldest winter ever' Tories deny seeking Big Six energy price freeze Government's new shared parental leave part of a growing global trend Selling like 'Holiday Hotcakes': Nigella Lawson's unusual social media strategy pays off 'No proof' that Nigella Lawson ever took drugs, Charles Saatchi admits in court 999 caller admits failures in dealing with choking baby call In pictures: Belgian Frigate arrives in London with WWI soil Asda stores witness Black Friday chaos as fights break out over televisions Fears for hunger striker Isa Muazu as he is deported to Nigeria In pictures: Hunterston B nuclear power station will operate until 2023 Berlusconi accused of paying off witnesses in prostitution trial Government says it is NOT backing a price freeze for the Big Six Ian Watkins: Peaches Geldof apologises for naming women claimed to be involved in abuse Argentina threatens jail sentences over Falkland Islands oil operations Ian Watkins: new leads emerge after former Lostprophets frontman's child sex conviction Gravesend man hangs himself after sickness benefits were cut Credit cards were Nigella's idea, Charles Saatchi tells assistants' trial Football match-fixing: Two men remanded in custody over allegations Unarmed. Attacked from behind. Butchered like a joint of meat: Jurors gasp as they are shown footage of Lee Rigby murder Date set for veteran BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall to face rape charges 19 more hospitals to be investigated as part of Savile probe

19 more hospitals to be investigated as part of Savile probe It's sexist! Twitter users deride Samsung Woman of Steel competition Two arrested after man shot outside flats in Crawley Girlguiding report: sexism blamed as three in four girls report low self-esteem Mairead Philpott loses appeal for cut in 17-year sentence for killing six children in house fire Acid victims' families urge action from Tanzanian authorities Revealed: How British Empires dirty secrets went up in smoke in the colonies Michael Chopra reveals footballs gambling problem: 'I signed for Sunderland in order to pay my debts off' Ed Miliband outlines plan to break up Big Six gas and electricity companies and abolish energy regulator Fathers to get newborn maternity rights The real PMQs: David Cameron answers i readers' questions Exclusive: Murdered spy Alexander Litvinenko gave MI6 secret briefings about key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin Andy McSmith's Diary: The Tories new strategy: say Unite and Len McCluskey as often as possible Madeleine McCann disappearance: Public thanked for response after Crimewatch appeal The thick of it: Is Boris Johnson right when he says that equality is impossible because some people's IQs are too low? Donald Macintyre's Sketch: And now a word from our sponsors spin included New government website to name and shame doctors over who have poor rates of dementia diagnosis Video: 'Miracle' teen comes out of coma Keeping the Litvinenko papers secret will smooth the path of one possible Putin successor David Cameron's 'u-turn on a u-turn' over cigarette packs is attempt to prevent Tories' tobacco firm links from becoming election issue Sisters embezzled almost 700,000 from Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson in globe-trotting luxury spending sprees, court told Former Lib Dem minister Chris Huhne foresees 'radical coalition' with Labour and his party Private jet standing by to deport 'close to death' hunger striker Isa Muazu to Nigeria Ian Watkins: Peaches Geldof may face criminal investigation after tweeting names of women claimed to be involved in abuse Stop clowning around! Police urge public to ignore creepy clowns after sightings across UK British kickboxer Lee Aldhouse sentenced to 25 years for murder of US Marine in Thailand 'Unpleasant elitism': Nick Clegg attacks Boris Johnson's defence of greed Merry Black Friday! But are Britons ready to buy into US retailers hype? Video: Lee James in communal area Video: Murderer Lee James says he'll 'f*ck up' disabled man Bijan Ebrahimi for taking photos of him just days before he stabbed him to death Thousands of families reliant on food banks this Christmas English football match-fixing: Former Bolton striker Delroy Facey 'named' among six arrested by police over 'international illegal betting syndicate' Domino's delivery man quits after workers told to only speak English Conman jailed for stabbing Carole Waugh to death Where there's muck there's (virtual) brass: Newport man accidentally throws away hard drive needed to access 4m worth of 'Bitcoins' Lee Rigby murder trial: The four questions posed to potential jurors in case against Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale Former legal high NBOMe set to become Class A substance 'Idiots not terrorists': two cleared of endangering aircraft that had to make emergency landing at Stansted Net migration on rise despite David Cameron's pledge to cut numbers by election Video: Is this the worst parking manoeuvre in history? Transport police hunt hopeless driver who smashed into vehicles in station car park A death foretold: Vigilante Lee James warning to police days before he murdered disabled man Bijan Ebrahimi after he was wrongly outed as paedophile

Ebrahimi after he was wrongly outed as paedophile In pictures: PDSA Pet Fit Club helps UK's fattest pets Melanie Sykes cautioned after assaulting husband Jack Cockings Vote online the Speakers plan to revive politics News - World Postcard from... Kathmandu 11-year-old mentally-ill Chinese boy He Zili lives chained up like a dog Norway's vertical cemetery idea destined to die Belgian museum faces up to its brutal colonial legacy Ye Htut, last of Burmas 30 Comrades freedom fighters, dies aged 92 The return of Egypts police state Switched at birth, but it took 60 years to discover mistake Video: Footage shows girls twerking on New York subway tracks Dresden cannibal: German police worker obsessed with cannibalism charged with torturing, butchering and eating man he met on fetish website Video: Black Friday chaos in Walmart Black Friday shopping madness kicks off early: In pictures In pictures: Giant Balloons float against NYC's skyline during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 'Mamma mia, how he squealed': Screaming mafia boss Francesco Raccosta 'fed alive to pigs' by rival Calabrian assassins in bloody mob war An image that shows desperation of Syria's hungry? Or just a misunderstood picture on social media? Shot of people skinning lion goes viral More than 80 injured after high-speed Hong Kong ferry hits 'unidentified object' China fighter jets raise tensions in air defence zone row Thai protesters storm army headquarters in growing attempts to topple PM Yingluck Shinawatra Cheryl Cole reaches settlement over US X Factor sacking War of words breaks out in Norway over Morrisseys Nobel Peace gig as singer unforgiven for comparing Anders Behring Breivik massacre to killing animals for fast food Postcard from... Brussels The near future of Iraq is dark: Warning from Muqtada al-Sadr - the Shia cleric whose word is law to millions of his countrymen Ukraine: Cut off from the EU, felled by corruption Muqtada al-Sadr has a peerless record of opposing Saddam Hussein Lawless Libya: The growing list of unsolved murders 'I see new hands': Mexican father Gabriel Granados recovers movement in new limbs after rare double arm transplant Shenzhen airport Terminal Three: Vast, shiny, new - and empty? China's latest temple to aviation opens In pictures: China futuristic Shenzhen Baoan International Airport Bungling would-be-hitmen foiled after accidentally ringing victim by sitting on phone Black Friday hits the UK, but what is it? Thanksgiving 2013: US Google Doodle celebrates traditional holiday In pictures: Thai anti-government protesters continue to occupy government ministries Japanese engineers plan to turn the moon into a giant solar panel station Rudy Giuliani says mafia put $800,000 bounty on his head but ex-New York mayor admits Islamist terrorists scare him more than the mob Thanksgivukkah! Thanksgiving overlaps with Hanukkah as US marks day with travel, parades, shopping and ceremonies Arizona couple 'held three sisters captive' in home News - Business Anthony Hilton: Why should people clean up these messes when theyll be pilloried for it? Goldman Sachs faces more questions over valuation of Royal Mail Hibu shareholders condemn directors for pulling out of a grilling at meeting Market Report: Speedy Hire shares take a dive RBS careless with $2.7bn loan to Formula One

RBS careless with $2.7bn loan to Formula One City watchdog and taxman tighten the screw on activities at RBS Nikhil Kumar: Going back to its roots is the best way for struggling mobile phones firm BlackBerry Nikhil Kumar: Yahoos new direction since Marissa Mayer took charge to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web is a gamble The other side of the bitcoin: Virtual currencys reach is still very limited Asda stores witness Black Friday chaos as fights break out over televisions Thames Water defends tax liability as first half profits surge Mortgage approvals near 6-year high amid fears of a new housing bubble Bumi investors move closer to Bakrie split-up Vivian Imerman eyes Whyte & Mackay acquisition as Diageo agrees to sell over competition concerns Argentina threatens jail sentences over Falkland Islands oil operations New Lloyds chairman boosts efforts to speed up taxpayers stake sell-off Fat cats getting fatter? Bankers bonus culture lives on as millionaires club tops 2,700 S&P cuts Netherlands top credit rating, upgrades outlook for Spain JD Sports shares jump on better-than-expected sales Former Margaret Thatcher adviser tipped as next Lloyds chairman House prices surged by 6.5% over past year, Nationwide reports David Prosser: SMEs is a damaging piece of jargon that is stopping many firms from fulfilling their potential OUTLOOK: RBS investigators are too tied to the establishment to win victims trust 'Another decade of prejudice' against mid-tier accountants Islamic Gatehouse Bank to aid UK housing crisis Market Report: Bank of England governor Mark Carney's remarks hit housebuilding stocks RBS accuser Lawrence Tomlinson hits out at law firm Clifford Chance appointed to probe banks actions Free agent: Mark Carney is proving his independence on Help to Buy Burberry to appeal Chinese trademark suspension on iconic tartan pattern Bank of England curtails Funding for Lending Scheme amid fears of housing bubble Merry Black Friday! But are Britons ready to buy into US retailers hype? South West Water to freeze bills until 2015 RSA Ireland chief executive quits amid accounting probe Blockbuster axes 182 jobs as it announces plans to shut down 30 stores Thomas Cook flies high as turnaround plan delivers first profit in three years Co-operative Bank loses customers after Paul Flowers scandal Britain's debt problems 'epidemic', warns think tank Bitcoin Black Friday: US online retailers attempt to stir up an online shopping frenzy Boris Johnson v Gordon Gekko: Guess who said it Npower confirms 1,460 British jobs in outsourcing to India News - People True grit: Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser Im A Celebrity 2013: Can Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington survive the cruelty and stress of fame after the jungle? Rachel Riley leaves husband Jamie Gilbert after 16 months of marriage Andy McSmith's Diary: The Tories new strategy: say Unite and Len McCluskey as often as possible Morrissey attacks Barack Obama over 'Thankskilling' turkey slaughter Lewis Collins: The Professionals' Bodie dies at 67 after five-year cancer struggle Justin Bieber ordered to clean up graffiti in Australia Melanie Sykes cautioned after assaulting husband Jack Cockings News - Science Video: Crash dummies demonstrate how ski helmets reduce the risk of serious injury In the footsteps of the US: Why next man on Moon will be Chinese Sexual frustration will give you a shorter and more stressful life (if you are a fruit fly) World's oldest prehistoric toilet unearthed in Argentina

World's oldest prehistoric toilet unearthed in Argentina Comet Ison: Blow for stargazers as 'comet of the century' destroyed by the Sun The key to marital bliss? Use your gut instinct Couples that drink together, stay together Comet Ison: Hope for 'comet of the century' after encounter with the Sun News - Media Selling like 'Holiday Hotcakes': Nigella Lawson's unusual social media strategy pays off Salman Rushdie, Richard Dawkins and Rowan Williams call on newspapers to accept Royal Charter How the Leveson Report stopped the press in its tracks: One year on, the forensic cataloguing of media bullying retains its power to shock News - Education Nottingham: City where the majority of schools are classed as failing by Ofsted Schools urged to scrap unfair admissions rule for siblings Students occupy University of Sussex campus building for second time A-level reforms threaten moves to persuade more disadvantaged students to go to university, says Ucas chief 'Lost' student loans worth 5bn are written off News - Obituaries Nilton Santos: Footballer Michael Ford: Political consultant Lewis Collins: Screen hard man who came to fame in 'The Professionals' but found that Bodie cast a shadow over his career Annette Hill: Aviator who flew 12 different aircraft while performing vital wartime service as an RAF transport pilot Peter Kurzeck: Novelist compared by some to Proust whose work explored the facts of his own life with childlike intensity Voices Letter from the Whitehall Editor: 'Take Out The Trash Day' David Camerons pledge to lead the greenest government ever has never looked more threadbare Why Britain should have invaded Zimbabwe Tales from the Watercooler: Brace for incoming bargains Inside Westminster: U-turns abound, as Osborne the political magpie steals Labours and Lib Dems best tunes The Big Questions: Are we facing a winter health crisis? Should hospitals ban smoking? Letters: Fear of Scottish independence University for women: your chance to spend thousands to be bullied and intimidated by your fellow students When will Britain learn? Immigration from the EU is enormously beneficial to our economy Evan Rachel Wood: So violence is good, but female sexuality is bad? Excess Louis Vuitton baggage in Red Square Sledging is an art, and here are the secrets of it Errors and Omissions: Universally acknowledged truth? Not exactly Classical and pop audiences can mix The Independent's charity auction Like it or not, the Scots and the English are flesh and blood This is your elephant name They're gay, they grieve and they're left-handed: Elephants are just like humans Xbox One vs PlayStation 4: the basics Push dads to share the baby burden Young female victims of gangs don't allow themselves to be used Man about town: I thought I should give cigars a try Hung, poisoned and mutilated alive: our atrocious abuse of elephants It's not just Jon Snow who can't take games seriously Deep down I am not a dog person. And here I was, talking to one Carrie is back in cinemas today. But horror is still being let down by films that hate women

Carrie is back in cinemas today. But horror is still being let down by films that hate women Moaning, screaming, dying: This is what poaching sounds like An AIDS-free generation is within our reach i Editor's Letter: Thank you for 700 questions Muqtada al-Sadr has a peerless record of opposing Saddam Hussein Boris Johnson is spot on. All bankers have ever cared about is other people's interests Free agent: Mark Carney is proving his independence on Help to Buy Never mind government U-turns, the decision on plain packaging for cigarettes is the right one Letters: Scots have had enough of London rule Keeping the Litvinenko papers secret will smooth the path of one possible Putin successor Berlusconi and Shinawatra: The billionaires who love power more than money If I were young and Scottish, I would vote yes to independence Does newly vegan Al Gore know what hes getting himself into? A petition wants James Arthur dropped from The X Factor. But I can spot a homophobe - and this man isn't one Immigration stats are bad news for the Government, but worse news for Britain Tinder: A lady's guide to the dating app Tinder: A gentleman's guide to the dating app Look to the skies: How the drone revolution could be coming to the US The misery induced by a rogue planning decision in Redbridge Black Friday is another American nightmare Thank you Rebecca Adlington for being brave enough to talk about body confidence Ukraines divide over Europe is not just between East and West, but big business versus the individual Misty the Diplodocus sells for 400,000. A bargain? Environment Badger cull in Gloucestershire ends with marksmen missing targets Sport - Athletics Ashling O'Connor: Behind every great athlete is a great coach, but these unsung heroes seldom get the recognition or the cash support they deserve Sport - Cricket Ashes 2013-14: How Nathan Lyon the former groundsman turned out to be a cut above Graeme Swann Ashes 2013-14: No 6 place remains hanging in the Ballance for England Ashes 2013-14: Former Australia captain Steve Waugh says David Warner 'crossed the line' with Jonathan Trott criticism Ashes 2013-14: Gary Ballance puts his hand up to replace Jonathan Trott as half-century is shining light in yet another batting failure Ashes 2013-14: Tim Bresnans successful Test return lifts spirits for England Ashes 2013-14: Who should be picked for the second Test - Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance or Ben Stokes? Ashes 2013-14: Ben Stokes desperate to impress in Alice Springs Sport - Football Tottenham vs Manchester United: Workaholic Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas needs rapid return for his labours Kevin Garside: As good a player as he still is, Ryan Giggs could have been so much more The lost boys: The members of Manchester United's golden generation who missed out on the big time Tricky times for Sam Allardyce and Martin Jol as West Ham fails to cut mustard Neil Warnock: As a manager you have to bend the rules for older players like I did with Clint Hill...but Ryan Giggs just keeps on going Curtis Davies interview: Hull City defender keeps it in context Glenn Moore: In todays global market former giants such as Aston Villa and Sunderland will always struggle to live up to past glories Steven Gerrard how I came close to joining Manchester United and Chelsea

Steven Gerrard how I came close to joining Manchester United and Chelsea Manchester United 'target' Everton Ribeiro named Brazil's player of the year Transfer news round-up: Marco Reus linked with Manchester United; Mohamed Salah interested in Chelsea switch; Arsenal look to Seamus Coleman Transfer news: Chelsea and Manchester City to launch summer bid for Sergio Ramos after breakdown in Real Madrid relationship How a Norwegian hairdresser showed Tottenham manager Andre-Villas Boas is not 'immune' from criticism after all Manchester City v Swansea City: Manuel Pellegrini admits his side are working towards improving defensive frailties 'The Happy One? Not anymore' reveals Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer after Jose Mourinho loses his patience with poor form Transfer news: Manchester United will look to strengthen in January, but there are 'no guarantees' of new arrivals warns David Moyes Ryan Giggs shows his age as the Manchester United midfielder recounts 'going out to The Hacienda' nearly 25 years ago Manchester City blow as Matija Nastasic faces three weeks out Cardiff City v Arsenal: Arsene Wenger keen to learn from mistakes made by Manchester City and Manchester United Cardiff City v Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey hailed as a 'fine young man' by Malky Mackay West Ham v Fulham: Martin Jol admits defeats to West Ham and Tottenham could lead to the sack Aston Villa v Sunderland: Paul Lambert unfazed by Christian Benteke drought Transfer news: West Brom insist Shane Long will not be sold in January Everton v Stoke City: Roberto Martinez impressed by more than just Romelu Lukaku's goals Hull City v Liverpool: Keeping Luis Suarez at Anfield is Brendan Rodgers' greatest achievement, claims Steve Bruce Norwich v Crystal Palace: Tony Pulis warns breaches of discipline will not be tolerated Aston Villa v Sunderland: Gus Poyet not worried about bad luck Tottenham v Manchester United: Gylfi Sigurdsson warns United that Spurs are determined to revive season Manchester City v Swansea: Michael Laudrup urges Swans to show no fear Scunthorpe United plea to fans not to wear any 'squirrel attire' ahead of return of former manager Alan Knill after bike crash Ryan Giggs: His career in pictures as the Manchester United legend hits 40 Andy Carroll injury: England striker to return to training with West Ham Aston Villa v Sunderland preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats West Ham United v Fulham preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Football match-fixing: Two men remanded in custody over allegations Cardiff City v Arsenal preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Chelsea v Southampton preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Arsene Wenger 'relaxed' over contract negotiations and insists there is no need to question commitment to Arsenal Manchester City v Swansea City preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Football match-fixing: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger describes allegations as 'absolutely disastrous' Everton v Stoke City preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Stoke defender Robert Huth out for 'a number of weeks', reveals Mark Hughes Hull City v Liverpool preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Newcastle United v West Brom preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Transfer news: Liverpool eyeing Barcelona defender Martin Montoya as Brendan Rodgers aims to strengthen Premier League title assault Norwich City v Crystal Palace preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United preview: Team strengths, tactics and stats Sandro v Marouane Fellaini: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United

and Manchester United Kevin Mirallas v Steven Nzonzi: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Everton and Stoke City Mark Noble v Scott Parker: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between West Ham United and Fulham Loic Remy v Shane Long: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Newcastle United and West Brom Yannick Sagbo v Martin Skrtel: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Hull City and Liverpool Ashley Westwood v Ki Sung-Yueng: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Aston Villa and Sunderland Pablo Zabaleta v Angel Rangel: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Manchester City and Swansea City Eden Hazard v Adam Lallana: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Chelsea and Southampton Gary Hooper v Dwight Gayle: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Norwich City and Crystal Palace Gary Medel v Mathieu Flamini: Head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash between Cardiff City and Arsenal On-loan Liverpool winger Victor Moses still targeting 20 goals this season despite notching just one goal and slipping out of staring line-up Premier League: Aston Villa v Sunderland match preview FA referee Dean Mohareb charged with computer hacking Premier League: Chelsea v Southampton match preview Premier League: Everton v Stoke City match preview Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United match preview Premier League: Newcastle United v West Brom match preview Premier League: Norwich City v Crystal Palace match preview Premier League: Manchester City v Swansea City match preview Premier League: Hull City v Liverpool match preview Chelsea v Southampton: Players can't complain if Jose Mourinho wields the axe, claims Cesar Azpilicueta Cardiff v Arsenal: 'Massive' Aaron Ramsey integral to Arsene Wenger's plans to remain at the top of the Premier League Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis confirms Kevin Phillips will not be expected to continue assistant manager role in order to focus on goals Ryan Giggs at 40: How the Manchester United midfielder did it Michael Chopra reveals footballs gambling problem: 'I signed for Sunderland in order to pay my debts off' Ryan Giggs at 40: 'I'll stay in bed' birthday boy plans to avoid Manchester United pranks Tromso 0 Tottenham 2 match report: Spurs are ready for Manchester United, says Villas-Boas after tight Europa League win Football match-fixing: FA urged to fight growing threat of with education Europa League round-up: Swansea made to wait while Wigan Athletic handed uphill task by Hazard Jnr Europa League - Tromso v Tottenham Hotspur team news: Roberto Soldado starts alone up front, Zeki Fryers given rare start by Andre Villas-Boas Premier League: West Ham v Fulham match preview Premier League: Cardiff City v Arsenal match preview Ryan Giggs 40th birthday: 'I'd be finished by now if I'd left Manchester United' Ryan Giggs is the role model for all the players at Manchester United, says Chris Smalling Gerard Deulofeu eager for Premier League start at Everton after impressing during loan spell from Barcelona Jack Wilshere: Lionel Messi remains the best player in the world, despite the claims of Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo Sir Alex Ferguson makes impromptu visit to Manchester United dressing room English football match-fixing: Former Bolton striker Delroy Facey 'named' among six arrested by police over 'international illegal betting syndicate' Jack Wilshere: Of all the Arsenal departures, Cesc Fabregas was the hardest to take Former Tottenham chairman Alan Sugar wants Sir Alex Ferguson to come out of retirement and replace Andre Villas-Boas Mathieu Flamini sleeves row: Lee Dixon backs Arsene Wenger and says club tradition must be respected Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 'I don't need the Ballon d'Or to know I'm the best' Premier League appoint former Team Sky director to help development of home-grown players The managerial sack race - 2013/14 Who needs Cristiano Ronaldo? Gareth Bale hailed as a 'leader' by Spanish press Sean O'Driscoll sacked by Bristol City after just 10 months in charge Everton will not use Leighton Baines lay-off as excuse to open contract talks Samir Nasri calls for improved Manchester City defence Manchester City 4 Viktoria Plzen 2: Joe Hart impresses in Champions League victory Ryan Giggs is 'getting better' with age, suggests Manchester United manager David Moyes Cesar Azpilicueta confident of collective improvement at Chelsea following defeat to Basel Mesut Ozil will get better, claims Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker Sport - Motor racing F1: What might Formula One look like in 2030? F1: Pastor Maldonado replaces Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus F1: Ross Brawn to step down as Mercedes team principal Sport - Racing Merry King set to bring Hennessy Gold Cup cheer Sport - Rugby Union Premiership Weekend Preview: Nathan Catts chance to put Exeter under pressure Wales vs Australia: Can Wales end the Aussie Six Nations hoodoo? Jamie Roberts: Wales are long overdue a win against Australia in Six Nations London Irish and England wing Marland Yarde ruled out for up to 14 weeks and could miss entire Six Nations campaign French clubs flinch in latest Heineken Cup twist Rugby World Cup 2015: Organisers urged to reschedule late kick-offs Sport - Others Im A Celebrity 2013: Can Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington survive the cruelty and stress of fame after the jungle? Bunce on Boxing: Even the Klitschkos cannot go on for ever could the new, serious Dereck Chisora claim the battered crown? Life & Style - Fashion Not just for Christmas: Don't be a flake - get your festive jumper on early this year and wear it with pride Fury's fashion people: The sartorial genius of Jordan (no, not that one) Design for life: Paul Smith talks classics with a twist, Japanese fans, Britishness - and why he prides himself on still being childlike Dressing table: The best hand creams The 10 best men's fashion gifts for Christmas Burberry to appeal Chinese trademark suspension on iconic tartan pattern Life & Style -Food & Drink Mark Hix recipe: Baked Quails' Eggs, Trotter and Bacon A pub crawl with a great deal of stout Go the whole hog: Mark Hix spends an evening in the kitchen with the master of 'nose to tail' cooking Fergus Henderson How much wasabi should I put on my sushi?

Olympic Studios: Restaurant review - The shrimps had a mysterious taste nobody could explain Mark Hix recipe: Crispy pig's cheek and dandelion salad Mark Hix recipe: Pressed pigs' ears Mark Hix recipe: Pig's offal skewers Kitchen delight: 12 best Christmas presents for foodies Samuel Muston: I love the drama of restaurants. After all, the plate's the thing Stars and their pies: From Paul Newman to Angelina Jolie, you're no one in Tinseltown if you don't have your own food or drink brand Life & Style - Health and Families Iron age: Bodybuilder and champion rower Charles Eugster, 94, isn't the only pensioner to reap the benefits of regular exercise The thick of it: Is Boris Johnson right when he says that equality is impossible because some people's IQs are too low? Smoke signals: Will plain packaging cause cigarette sales to fall or will minimalist designs have a cachet in their own right? New government website to name and shame doctors over who have poor rates of dementia diagnosis Life & Style - History Revealed: How British Empires dirty secrets went up in smoke in the colonies Life & Style - Gadgets & Tech Nikhil Kumar: Going back to its roots is the best way for struggling mobile phones firm BlackBerry Nikhil Kumar: Yahoos new direction since Marissa Mayer took charge to revive company by tooling it up for the mobile web is a gamble The other side of the bitcoin: Virtual currencys reach is still very limited Surface Pro 2 review: Microsoft's tablet hybrid is worth your time, but perhaps not your money In pictures: Lamborghini's 2,500 smartphone Video: 'Destiny - The Law of the Jungle' trailer Video: Trailer for 'Titanfall' PS4 goes on sale in the UK as Sony disables online features Black Friday: UK Apple store sale offers cash discount instead of US gift cards Nasa to grow plants on the moon by 2015: 'If they can thrive, we probably can too' Ashes Cricket 2013 game pulled from sale after fans brand it 'flawed in almost every way' Nokia Lumia 2520 review: Microsoft take note - this is how it's done Video: Call of Duty - Ghosts trailer PS4 review: Sony has got their swagger back with the PlayStation 4 Video: Fable Legends trailer Thanksgiving 2013: US Google Doodle celebrates traditional holiday Tongue piercing allows paralysed to operate wheelchairs from their mouth Japanese engineers plan to turn the moon into a giant solar panel station Where there's muck there's (virtual) brass: Newport man accidentally throws away hard drive needed to access 4m worth of 'Bitcoins' Video: Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball' Chatroulette parody goes viral PS4 UK launch: fans queueing for the last chance to buy Sony console before Christmas PS4 vs Xbox One: Which takes longer to install games? Bitcoin Black Friday: US online retailers attempt to stir up an online shopping frenzy Vote online the Speakers plan to revive politics A funny thing happened on the way to the photocopier: Rhodri Marsden's Twitter followers share cringeworthy work screw-ups Arts & Ents - Art When two become one: Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin's ghostly 'scarti' images In the studio: Cecily Brown, Painter Great Works: Two Drinkers (Deux Buveurs) By Honor Daumier, 1860-4 The 10 Best Christmas presents for arts lovers In pictures: World Photography Organisation student photography competition Arts & Ents - Music

N-Dubz rapper 'recovering well' after being kicked in the face by horse Midlake find light after the darkness of losing frontman Tim Smith Napalm Death gig threatens structure of historic De La Warr Pavilion Phosphorescent, gig review- 'rich and powerful' Rebecca Ferguson, Freedom: Album review - 'A heartwarming journey from loss to fulfilment' X Factor 2013: James Arthur should be banned from show after 'homophobic' rap says petition Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones sing The Everly Brothers The Week in Music: Jessie Ware is still pulling all the strings Morrissey attacks Barack Obama over 'Thankskilling' turkey slaughter Now That's What I Call Music: What are the artists on the first cover doing now? Cate Le Bon, gig review: 'distinctive yet charming' Dan Croll, gig review: 'Exotic is not always best' Neil Finn, gig review: 'He never really takes off Video: Miley Cyrus 'Wrecking Ball' Chatroulette parody goes viral Now that's what I call my 30th birthday! Compilation celebrates three decades of pop Justin Bieber ordered to clean up graffiti in Australia Arts & Ents - Films The Conversation: Pornography director Anna Arrowsmith on politics, Page 3, and how David Cameron inspired one of her films Film review: Saving Mr Banks (PG) Video: Interview with Bruce Willis and Mary-Louise Parker on 'Red 2' Video: Clip from 'Nebraska' - Remember me? Video: Clip from 'Nebraska' - Having kids Video: Grown Ups 2 trailer Video: 'Inside Llewyn Davis' trailer Why Dane DeHaan's kiss with Daniel Radcliffe isn't the only reason his career is taking off Gary Oldman gives anti-Thanksgiving message to Americans: 'I'm glad you're not British' Dirty Wars: Film review - criminality at the heart of the American system Free Birds 3D: Film review - the plotting simply doesn't stack up Day Of The Flowers: Film review - sparky performances but a mawkish screenplay Jeune Et Jolie: Film review - precious little irony or humour here Leviathan: Film review - jarring, murky brilliance Carrie: Film review - Chlo Grace Moretz impresses as Stephen King's troubled teen Saving Mr Banks: Film review - a sugar coated, disingenuous marketing exercise for Disney Video: Actor Jonathan Groff on Disney's Frozen Evan Rachel Wood attacks ratings body for cutting cunnilingus scene from new film Arts & Ents - TV True grit: Deadwood star Ian McShane on villainous turns and his days as a Hollywood hellraiser Grace Dent on TV: Legacy, BBC2 The 8 best box sets for Christmas Im A Celebrity 2013: Can Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington survive the cruelty and stress of fame after the jungle? Strictly, EastEnders, Doctor Who: Why the Christmas TV schedules are always a repeat Sherlock series 3 air date revealed in 'Sherlock Lives' London stunt Rachel Riley leaves husband Jamie Gilbert after 16 months of marriage Cheryl Cole reaches settlement over US X Factor sacking Derren Brown still steals the TV magic show Legacy: TV review - clichs spoil a reds-under-the-bed spy story with shades of le Carr Him & Her: TV review - when it comes to 'observational comedy', this is the real McCoy Lewis Collins: The Professionals' Bodie dies at 67 after five-year cancer struggle Melanie Sykes cautioned after assaulting husband Jack Cockings Arts & Ents - Theatre and Dance Mark Morris Dance Group, review Once A Catholic, theatre review: 'The piece invites broad, breezy laughter'

JB Shorts 10, Joshua Brooks, Manchester: Theatre review Backstage: No National Theatre top job for Americans, says Kevin Spacey Arts & Ents - Comedy The Week in Comedy: A rude welcome to Jane Bussmann's world Monty Python announce five more dates to 2014 reunion Arts & Ents - Books Paperback review: The Guard, By Peter Terrin The Saturday Miscellany: How to skive off work; Arsenal's mascot Gunnersaurus; Isaac Julien's bookshelf The novel cure: Loss of face Interesting object: The speech balloon Books of the year 2013: Comedy Books of the year 2013: Fiction Books of the year 2013: Politics Books of the year 2013: Sport Books of the year 2013: War Books of the year 2013: Art Books of the year 2013: Celebrity Books of the year 2013: Children Books of the year 2013: Essays Books of the year 2013: Fiction in translation Books of the year 2013: Food Books of the year 2013: Music Books of the year 2013: Poetry Books of the year 2013: Crime Blinding: the Left Wing, By Mircea Cartarescu: Book review - memory and satire meld magically in this Bucharest tale Three unpublished JD Salinger stories leak online Travel Travel agenda Simon Calder: Norway pushes the boat out for ferry holidays Room service: A retreat with equal style and substance Barbados: Seduced by 60 years of sunshine The Big Six: Kenyan safari camps Sights and lights in the far north: The Northern Lights in Norway Rough Trade NYC: The vinyl countdown Open Jaw: Where readers write back Traveller's Guide: Skiing in Italy A winter's tale in Bruges My life in travel: Pierre Koffmann Travel challenge Video: Outdoor adventures in Berlin Shenzhen airport Terminal Three: Vast, shiny, new - and empty? China's latest temple to aviation opens Money What's the best way to help those about to hit hard times? Dummy test sends a warning to skiers Osborne begged: don't hit savers next Thursday Simon Read: Why are we setting 'persuasive' debt collectors on our former students? Our debt problems are close to an epidemic Money alert: Amazon Christmas boycott Simon Read: Government's payday loan cap is far from enough Five questions on: The wrong bank Bargain Hunter: Playmobil plays to the gallery with discounts on its toy range

Simon Read: Comparison sites deserve to be investigated Questions of Cash: 'Unusual transaction' wine buy on John Lewis card caused a headache Simon Read: Why do so many tradespeople seem to enjoy ripping us off? Money Insider: Find a cheaper alternative to payday loans Derek Pain: Santa could have a new high for the Footsie in his sack Mark Dampier: Fidelity keeps faith with China after the Bolton bounce-back I'm not a celebrity get me out of debt! IndyBest The 8 best box sets for Christmas Kitchen delight: 12 best Christmas presents for foodies The 10 Best Christmas presents for arts lovers The 10 Best personalised gifts The 10 best men's fashion gifts for Christmas