thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Whole roasted duck with orange, garlic and rosemary recipe

Some argue that cooking sous-vide is better , but for me it can not compare to oven-roast or pan-roasted in terms of flavour .
Whole roast duck is a more unusual choice than chicken or beef , because it ’ s not so widely available in supermarkets : but if you can seek out a great quality , whole duck , all you need to do is season it and bung it in the oven .
I bought mine from the Cornish Duck Co , which won the award for best producer at the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the rest of the skin and flesh chopped • Chop the garlic and rosemary together on a board , then add the grated orange zest and chop again .
Place in a bowl , add a good grating of nutmeg along with the salt and some freshly ground black pepper , and mix well .
Spread this all over the duck .
• Stuff the herb sprigs and the orange flesh into the duck cavity .
• Place the duck on a wire rack set over a large oven tray so the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tray ( a tip I learned from Delia Smith – if you don ’ t have a wire rack , then place crumpled foil under the bird and tip away the fat during the cooking process ) .
• Place in the oven for 20 minutes then turn the oven down to 200C/180C fan/Gas 6 and continue to roast for a further hour and a half .
• Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving with buttered hispi cabbage and crushed chestnuts .

Some argue that cooking sous-vide is better, but for me it cannot compare to oven-roast or pan-roasted in terms of flavour. Whole roast duck is a more unusual choice than chicken or beef, because it’s not so widely available in supermarkets: but if you can seek out a great quality, whole duck, all you need to do is season it and bung it in the oven. I bought mine from the Cornish Duck Co, which won the award for best producer at the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2019.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 50 minutes, plus resting
SERVES
six
INGREDIENTS
½ bulb of garlic, peeled
Leaves from 2 sprigs of rosemary
1 orange, zest grated and the rest of the skin and flesh chopped
Grated nutmeg
2 tbsp sea salt
1 whole, oven-ready duck weighing approximately 2kg
A small handful of rosemary and thyme sprigs
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Whole roasted salmon with lemon and herbs recipe

This salmon is surprisingly easy , letting the oven do the work ; just keep it simple and give yourself time .
• Place a large sheet of tin foil ( large enough to wrap the fish loosely ) in a large baking tray .
Drizzle a good glug of olive oil over the foil .
• Place the sliced fennel , garlic , onion and potatoes in a bowl , season well , spread out on the foil , then toss them in the oil .
• Take half of the herbs and chop them roughly .
Grate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the herb mixture .
• Make some slashes though the skin of the salmon and stuff the slashes with the herb mixture .
Slice the zested lemon and stuff the cavity of the fish with the lemon slices and the rest of the herbs .
• Set the fish on the vegetables in the tray , season , then pour in the wine .
Bring up and seal the edges of the foil to make a loose tent around the salmon .
• Roast for 15 minutes then turn the heat down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the roasting for another 30 minutes .
• To check if the salmon is done , use a skewer to pierce the thickest part of the fish , by the head .
Place the skewer to touch your lips – if it is warm , the salmon is cooked .
Return to the oven if not , and cook for a further 10 or 15 minutes .
• Remove from the oven and serve immediately .

This salmon is surprisingly easy, letting the oven do the work; just keep it simple and give yourself time.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour
SERVES
eight
INGREDIENTS
Glug of olive oil
1 fennel bulb, sliced
4 garlic cloves, finely sliced
1 medium white onion, peeled and sliced
14 new potatoes, scrubbed but unpeeled, halved lengthways
½ bunch curly parsley
½ bunch tarragon
½ bunch dill
1 unwaxed lemon
1 x 2.5kg whole salmon, skin on, gutted
125ml white wine
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Buttered roasted onions with thyme recipe

Winter lends itself to dishes you don ’ t have to rush , and if you ’ re doing a roast , just do a couple of side dishes like this fabulously addictive take on roast onions .
• Cut the onions in half horizontally and remove any excess onion skin but leave a few papery layers on them .
• Gently heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan or shallow saucepan ( one that has a lid ) for a minute , then add the butter and allow it to bubble slightly .
• Season the onions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pan .
Cook for 10 minutes to allow them to colour – you want them to turn a nice deep brown .
You will need to move them around , as the heat in the pan may not be even all over .
• When coloured , add another knob of butter and the water , put the lid on , and transfer to the oven .
Cook for 20-30 minutes ( top up the water if necessary ) , or until soft .
• Before serving , remove the skins , sprinkle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any juices from the pan .

Winter lends itself to dishes you don’t have to rush, and if you’re doing a roast, just do a couple of side dishes like this fabulously addictive take on roast onions.
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes
four
Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/Gas 4.
Cut the onions in half horizontally and remove any excess onion skin but leave a few papery layers on them.
Gently heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan or shallow saucepan (one that has a lid) for a minute, then add the butter and allow it to bubble slightly.
Season the onions and place them cut-side down in the pan. Cook for 10 minutes to allow them to colour – you want them to turn a nice deep brown. You will need to move them around, as the heat in the pan may not be even all over.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Over-50s hit by rising car premiums – here's how to beat them

Older motorists are paying ever-increasing insurance premiums while younger drivers pay less – but there are ways for the over-50s to beat the rise .
This group saw the biggest rise in their insurance costs last year , as prices rose 3.3pc to an average of £413 , according to analysts Consumer Intelligence .
Younger drivers either experienced a smaller increase or saw their average premiums fall .
Insurance costs rose by 2.6pc for drivers between the ages of 25 and 49 , to an average of £714 .
Premiums actually fell 1.2pc for motorists under the age of 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bracket continued to pay the most for cover : £1,591 on average .
The reason older drivers are paying more is mostly due to factors outside their control .
Drivers have been getting older as the population ages .
Once motorists reach 70 , statistics show they are more likely to have accidents .
The risk of this has fed into a higher average insurance premium .
There is an increasing number of older drivers on the roads , as public transport has suffered from budget cuts in many rural areas .
Elderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at using the price comparison websites which promote the cheapest premiums and bring down the average .

Older motorists are paying ever-increasing insurance premiums while younger drivers pay less – but there are ways for the over-50s to beat the rise.
This group saw the biggest rise in their insurance costs last year, as prices rose 3.3pc to an average of £413, according to analysts Consumer Intelligence. Younger drivers either experienced a smaller increase or saw their average premiums fall.
Insurance costs rose by 2.6pc for drivers between the ages of 25 and 49, to an average of £714.
Premiums actually fell 1.2pc for motorists under the age of 25 during 2019. However, this age bracket continued to pay the most for cover: £1,591 on average. The reason older drivers are paying more is mostly due to factors outside their control.
Drivers have been getting older as the population ages. Once motorists reach 70, statistics show they are more likely to have accidents. The risk of this has fed into a higher average insurance premium.
There is an increasing number of older drivers on the roads, as public transport has suffered from budget cuts in many rural areas. Elderly drivers also tend to be less proficient at using the price comparison websites which promote the cheapest premiums and bring down the average.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Facebook blames technical error for vulgar translation of Xi Jinping's name

Facebook has apologised for a `` technical error '' that caused Chinese leader Xi Jinping ’ s name to appear as “ Mr S***hole ” in posts on its platform when translated into English from Burmese .
The error came to light on the second day of a visit by the president to the Southeast Asian country , where Mr Xi and Aung San Suu Kyi signed dozens of agreements covering Beijing-backed infrastructure plans .
A statement about the visit published on Suu Kyi ’ s official Facebook page was littered with references to “ Mr S***hole ” when translated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local news journal the Irrawaddy appeared as “ Dinner honors president s***hole ” .
It was not clear how long the issue lasted but Google ’ s translation function did not show the same error .
`` We fixed a technical issue that caused incorrect translations from Burmese to English on Facebook .
This should not have happened and we are taking steps to ensure it doesn ’ t happen again .
We sincerely apologise for the offense this has caused , '' Facebook said in a statement .
The Facebook system did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Burmese database and guessed at the translation , the company said .
Translation tests of similar words that start with `` xi '' and `` shi '' in Burmese also produced `` s***hole '' , it added .

Facebook has apologised for a "technical error" that caused Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s name to appear as “Mr S***hole” in posts on its platform when translated into English from Burmese.
The error came to light on the second day of a visit by the president to the Southeast Asian country, where Mr Xi and Aung San Suu Kyi signed dozens of agreements covering Beijing-backed infrastructure plans.
A statement about the visit published on Suu Kyi’s official Facebook page was littered with references to “Mr S***hole” when translated to English, while a headline in local news journal the Irrawaddy appeared as “Dinner honors president s***hole”.
It was not clear how long the issue lasted but Google’s translation function did not show the same error.
"We fixed a technical issue that caused incorrect translations from Burmese to English on Facebook. This should not have happened and we are taking steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again. We sincerely apologise for the offense this has caused," Facebook said in a statement.
The Facebook system did not have Mr Xi's name in its Burmese database and guessed at the translation, the company said. Translation tests of similar words that start with "xi" and "shi" in Burmese also produced "s***hole", it added.


thetelegraph--2020-01-18--Father fears for daughter taken to Poland by mother in breach of court orders

A British father has been left fearing for his daughter ’ s safety after she disappeared when she was taken to Poland by his estranged partner .
The father says the six-year-old has gone missing with her mother since being abducted and taken out of Britain .
Now he has appealed to the Foreign Office to do more to put pressure on the Polish authorities to find the girl .
The father , who can not be named , has accused the Polish police of refusing to act on orders by the country ’ s own courts to ensure she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears that his daughter , who was born in Suffolk , and went on to attend primary school in Newmarket , is suffering from being uprooted and taken from him .
In August 2018 , her mother - a Polish national who had lived in Britain for 18 years - took her daughter to Poland for a visit and has since kept her there , refusing to return .
The father , from Essex , says he only learnt the pair had left the country in a text from his former partner saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming back to UK .
[ The child ] is safe and happy , I will let you know any further information later ” .

A British father has been left fearing for his daughter’s safety after she disappeared when she was taken to Poland by his estranged partner.
The father says the six-year-old has gone missing with her mother since being abducted and taken out of Britain.
Now he has appealed to the Foreign Office to do more to put pressure on the Polish authorities to find the girl.
The father, who cannot be named, has accused the Polish police of refusing to act on orders by the country’s own courts to ensure she is returned to the UK.
He fears that his daughter, who was born in Suffolk, and went on to attend primary school in Newmarket, is suffering from being uprooted and taken from him.
In August 2018, her mother - a Polish national who had lived in Britain for 18 years - took her daughter to Poland for a visit and has since kept her there, refusing to return.
The father, from Essex, says he only learnt the pair had left the country in a text from his former partner saying: “For now we are not coming back to UK. [The child] is safe and happy, I will let you know any further information later”.


thetelegraph--2020-01-20--Africa's richest woman accused of corruption and siphoning off state assets

Africa ’ s richest woman has been accused of corruption and exploiting her own country ’ s natural resources , after thousands of documents detailing her business interests were leaked to the media .
Isabel dos Santos , who resides in the UK and whose father was the president of Angola , faces allegations of exploiting family connections to secure deals on land , oil and diamonds .
According to the documents , seen by BBC Panorama and the Guardian , she and her husband were allowed to buy up valuable state assets and siphon hundreds of millions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose fortune is estimated at £2bn , says these claims are entirely false and that she is the victim of a witch-hunt led by the Angolan government .
She also wrote on Twitter that the leaked documents were “ fake ” and based on “ false information.
” Ms dos Santos is already under investigation for corruption by the Angolan government , which has frozen her assets in the country .
The documents were obtained by the Platform to Protect Whistle-blowers in Africa and then passed to the International Consortium of Investigative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Ms dos Santos has been exploiting her own country for personal gain , with normal Angolan citizens the victims of her lavish lifestyle .

Africa’s richest woman has been accused of corruption and exploiting her own country’s natural resources, after thousands of documents detailing her business interests were leaked to the media.
Isabel dos Santos, who resides in the UK and whose father was the president of Angola, faces allegations of exploiting family connections to secure deals on land, oil and diamonds.
According to the documents, seen by BBC Panorama and the Guardian, she and her husband were allowed to buy up valuable state assets and siphon hundreds of millions of dollars out of Angola.
Ms dos Santos, whose fortune is estimated at £2bn, says these claims are entirely false and that she is the victim of a witch-hunt led by the Angolan government.
She also wrote on Twitter that the leaked documents were “fake” and based on “false information.”
Ms dos Santos is already under investigation for corruption by the Angolan government, which has frozen her assets in the country.
The documents were obtained by the Platform to Protect Whistle-blowers in Africa and then passed to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
Anti-corruption campaigners responded by claiming that Ms dos Santos has been exploiting her own country for personal gain, with normal Angolan citizens the victims of her lavish lifestyle.


thetelegraph--2020-01-20--Early menopause raises risk of string of chronic conditions

Early menopause triples the chance of women experiencing multiple chronic conditions , such as heart disease and diabetes , in their 60s , a study suggests .
Most women will go through the menopause after 50 , but the new research suggests that those who experience the change at 40 or younger are at far greater risk of illness and should be screened .
Researchers at the University of Queensland followed more than 5,000 women aged 45 to 50 from 1996 until 2016 .
The women reported whether they had been diagnosed with or treated for any of 11 health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diabetes , high blood pressure , heart disease , stroke , arthritis , osteoporosis , asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , depression , anxiety or breast cancer .
Women were considered to have multimorbidity if they had two or more of these conditions .
Some 71 per cent of women with premature menopause had developed multiple chronic illnesses by the age of 60 compared with just 55 per cent of women who experienced menopause at the age of 50-51 .
After the researchers discounted all the other factors which could be responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that early menopause had an even bigger effect , raising the risk by three fold .
Professor Gita Mishra , director of the Centre and senior author of the paper , said : “ Our findings indicate that multimorbidity is common in mid-aged and early-elderly women .
“ Premature menopause is associated with an increased risk of developing multimorbidity , even after adjusting for previous chronic conditions and for possible factors that could affect the results , such as whether or not the women had children , how many , education , body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Early menopause triples the chance of women experiencing multiple chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, in their 60s, a study suggests.
Most women will go through the menopause after 50, but the new research suggests that those who experience the change at 40 or younger are at far greater risk of illness and should be screened.
Researchers at the University of Queensland followed more than 5,000 women aged 45 to 50 from 1996 until 2016.
The women reported whether they had been diagnosed with or treated for any of 11 health problems in the past three years: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, anxiety or breast cancer.
Women were considered to have multimorbidity if they had two or more of these conditions. Some 71 per cent of women with premature menopause had developed multiple chronic illnesses by the age of 60 compared with just 55 per cent of women who experienced menopause at the age of 50-51.
After the researchers discounted all the other factors which could be responsible, such as obesity, they calculated that early menopause had an even bigger effect, raising the risk by three fold.


thetelegraph--2020-01-20--Thousands of rail staff trained in suicide prevention as attempts on railways rise sharply since 201

Thousands of rail staff trained in suicide prevention as attempts on railways rise sharply since 2014

Rail staff prevented more than 2,000 suicides last year , new figures have revealed as the Government urges the public to step in as well .
Thousands of rail staff have been trained in life-saving suicide prevention techniques and their interventions have meant six people were saved for every life lost .
The Department for Transport is now backing a Samaritans campaign which encourages passengers to trust their instincts and help those in need .
Suggestions include sparking up a conversation if they see someone looking isolated , withdrawn or standing alone on a platform without boarding a train .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff had made 2,270 successful interventions in 2018-19 compared to 873 in 2014-15 .
Last year 271 people took their lives on the railways .
Since 2010 , Network Rail said it has had more than 20,000 staff trained by the suicide prevention charity The Samaritains in techniques to help workers to intervene when they see people in distress .
The figures have been released as the Samaritans launches its ‘ Brew Monday ’ campaign today to encourage people to talk more openly about mental health issues .
The campaign is launched today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ , the gloomiest point in the year .
The Samaritans said it trains Network Rail staff on how to identify potentially suicidal people on the railways and then sensitively approach them to start a conversation .
Staff are taught some of the listening techniques the charity 's volunteers use to help people who called its helpline .
In a letter from one suicidal person who was saved by rail staff , they said : “ The fact that someone had noticed me in the state I was in made me burst into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he sat and listened to everything I had to say.
” One member of staff who received the training , Kelly Holyoake , a train dispatcher at a South London Station , saved the life of a man after he dropped a suicide note on the plaftform floor .
She found him standing at the edge of the platform ready to jump when she started talking to him , initially asking him how he was , and then keeping up the conversation until he stood back .
Ms Holyoake said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he told me to stay away .
I moved back and gave it a few minutes which seemed like a lifetime , then I stepped forward again and started talking to him .
“ It was the worst and best day .
I went through all the emotions but I knew I made a difference.
” The Government has now set a target to reduced the number of lives lost on the railways to suicide by 10 percent by 2020-21 .
The Department for Transport said the number of people who took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant there were more than 847,000 minutes - over a year and half - of related delays for passengers and a cost of £68 million to the wider network .
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said : “ Any suicide on our rail network is tragic .
It is the brave efforts of people like Kelly , others in the industry and charities such as Samaritans and Calm which we must recognise .
“ So far , with funding from Network Rail , Samaritans has trained more than 20,000 railway employees in prevention techniques @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must not stop there .
“ Passengers too can help .
Offering a friendly conversation , an opportunity to chat , might be all the difference between suicide and being saved .
”

Rail staff prevented more than 2,000 suicides last year, new figures have revealed as the Government urges the public to step in as well.
Thousands of rail staff have been trained in life-saving suicide prevention techniques and their interventions have meant six people were saved for every life lost.
The Department for Transport is now backing a Samaritans campaign which encourages passengers to trust their instincts and help those in need.
Suggestions include sparking up a conversation if they see someone looking isolated, withdrawn or standing alone on a platform without boarding a train.
The Department for Transport said that rail staff had made 2,270 successful interventions in 2018-19 compared to 873 in 2014-15. Last year 271 people took their lives on the railways.
Since 2010, Network Rail said it has had more than 20,000 staff trained by the suicide prevention charity The Samaritains in techniques to help workers to intervene when they see people in distress.
The figures have been released as the Samaritans launches its ‘Brew Monday’ campaign today to encourage people to talk more openly about mental health issues.
The campaign is launched today as it is designated ‘Blue Monday’, the gloomiest point in the year.
The Samaritans said it trains Network Rail staff on how to identify potentially suicidal people on the railways and then sensitively approach them to start a conversation.


thetelegraph--2020-01-20--Why leaving school and becoming a parent are bad for the waistline

Becoming a parent adds 2.8 lbs ( 1.3kg ) to new mothers but fathers are not affected , new analysis shows .
In fact , gaining weight and becoming less active are an inevitable downside of adulthood that affect most people when they leave school , the University of Cambridge has discovered .
Researchers analysed 19 studies and found that on average activity levels plummet immediately after exiting high school , with men losing 16.4 minutes of moderate-to vigorous exercise each day , and women 6.7 minutes .
It means that in a week , men lose the equivalent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of 150 minutes of exercise a week and women 30 per cent .
Women had the double burden of gaining weight when having a child , with the Body Mass Index ( BMI ) of the average mother increasing by 17 per cent in the five years after having giving birth , compared to women without children .
A woman of average height 5ft 3inches ( 164cm ) who had no children gained around 16.5 lbs ( 7.5kg ) over five to six years , while a mother of the same height @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , equating to increases in BMI of 2.8 versus 3.3 .
There was no similar impact on fathers .
Experts believe the extra pounds were not just the addition of 'baby weight ' which might be expected after giving birth , but also the decline in physical activity of mothers , who often become tied to their home with young children .
They found that physical activity decline in parents versus non-parents , but there was no difference in diet .
“ BMI increases for women over young adulthood , particularly among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kirsten Corder , also from Centre for Diet and Activity Research ( CEDAR ) and the MRC Epidemiology Unit .
“ Interventions aimed at increasing parents ’ activity levels and improving diet could have benefits all round .
“ We need to take a look at the messages given to new parents by health practitioners as previous studies have suggested widespread confusion among new mothers about acceptable pregnancy-related weight gain .
”

Becoming a parent adds 2.8 lbs (1.3kg) to new mothers but fathers are not affected, new analysis shows. In fact, gaining weight and becoming less active are an inevitable downside of adulthood that affect most people when they leave school, the University of Cambridge has discovered.
Researchers analysed 19 studies and found that on average activity levels plummet immediately after exiting high school, with men losing 16.4 minutes of moderate-to vigorous exercise each day, and women 6.7 minutes.
It means that in a week, men lose the equivalent of 76 per cent of the recommended activity level of 150 minutes of exercise a week and women 30 per cent.
Women had the double burden of gaining weight when having a child, with the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the average mother increasing by 17 per cent in the five years after having giving birth, compared to women without children.
A woman of average height 5ft 3inches (164cm) who had no children gained around 16.5 lbs (7.5kg) over five to six years, while a mother of the same height would gain 19.4 lbs (8.8kg), equating to increases in BMI of 2.8 versus 3.3. There was no similar impact on fathers.
Experts believe the extra pounds were not just the addition of 'baby weight' which might be expected after giving birth, but also the decline in physical activity of mothers, who often become tied to their home with young children.


thetelegraph--2020-01-20--Government to redecorate crumbling village halls with new funding scheme to combat lonelines

The government is redecorating crumbling village halls across the country with a scheme aimed at combating loneliness .
Halls in need of repair have already been granted £1.2 million of funding in order to turn them into centres of the community .
Communities are still able to apply for grants of up to £75,000 in order to make improvements to their halls .
These include repairs to roofs , refurbishments to toilets and kitchens and new meeting rooms .
This announcement has been made to mark the beginning of Village Halls Week , commencing today [ Mon ] .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide in rural communities across England , and will involve events at 650 village halls across the country .
Thriving village halls help combat loneliness and become a `` hub for communities to come together '' , the government said .
The over 10,000 halls in the country also provide a space for shops , cafes , pop up pubs , nurseries and doctors .
Defra Rural Affairs Minister Lord Gardiner said : “ Village halls are an essential part of rural life .
I am delighted that our grant scheme is helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halls , and each and every one will make a real difference to their communities .
“ There can be no doubt that village halls are more important and relevant than ever .
Village Halls Week provides a perfect opportunity for people up and down the country to celebrate these wonderful places at the heart of our rural community.
” David Emerson CBE , the chair of Action with Communities in Rural England , said : “ We are delighted to manage the Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund and have been overwhelmed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The impact of the grants are huge and will make a great difference to rural communities .
Village Halls Week is the perfect time to celebrate the new facilities rural communities can now enjoy.
” The announcement comes on the same day of the annual report on the government ’ s Loneliness Strategy , which sets out the approach to tackling loneliness in England .
This strategy includes giving village halls across the country funding to help to increase community cohesion , while reducing isolation and loneliness .

The government is redecorating crumbling village halls across the country with a scheme aimed at combating loneliness.
Halls in need of repair have already been granted £1.2 million of funding in order to turn them into centres of the community.
Communities are still able to apply for grants of up to £75,000 in order to make improvements to their halls.
These include repairs to roofs, refurbishments to toilets and kitchens and new meeting rooms.
This announcement has been made to mark the beginning of Village Halls Week, commencing today [Mon].
The campaign celebrates the services that village halls provide in rural communities across England, and will involve events at 650 village halls across the country.
Thriving village halls help combat loneliness and become a "hub for communities to come together", the government said.
The over 10,000 halls in the country also provide a space for shops, cafes, pop up pubs, nurseries and doctors.
Defra Rural Affairs Minister Lord Gardiner said: “Village halls are an essential part of rural life. I am delighted that our grant scheme is helping to refurbish our nation’s village halls, and each and every one will make a real difference to their communities.
“There can be no doubt that village halls are more important and relevant than ever. Village Halls Week provides a perfect opportunity for people up and down the country to celebrate these wonderful places at the heart of our rural community.”


thetelegraph--2020-01-20--Doctors are replacing the roles that used to be done by priests and barmaids, says the NHS's head of

Doctors are replacing the roles that used to be done by priests and barmaids, says the NHS's head of social prescribing

Time was , we used to turn to the local priest - or barmaid - when we wanted to pour out our woes .
But these days , those seeking solace are more likely to turn to their local doctor , the former head of Britain ’ s GPs has warned .
Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard said people were becoming increasingly isolated , amid the breakdown of local communities .
And she said social media was no substitute for true friendships , warning : “ You can have 1,000 Facebook friends and be desperately lonely.
” Prof Stokes-Lampard has just been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ social prescribing ” - with patients prescribed activities like dancing , gardening and book clubs to boost their wellbeing .
In her first interview since taking up post , the former head of the Royal College of GPs said rising numbers were turning to medics for help , when their main problem was feeling lonely .
“ Whilst our social media world has mushroomed , the people with whom we have meaningful relationships has shrunk , ” she said .
“ We used to have stronger communities.
” Prof Stokes-Lampard said GPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of patients seeking help to tackle social problems .
Around a million patients a week now visit their family doctor because of issues such as anxiety , isolation or depression .
“ Whilst I ’ m a GP , people have walked into my consulting room…with problems that were fundamentally social causing an impact on their physical and mental health , ” she said .

Time was, we used to turn to the local priest - or barmaid - when we wanted to pour out our woes. But these days, those seeking solace are more likely to turn to their local doctor, the former head of Britain’s GPs has warned.
Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard said people were becoming increasingly isolated, amid the breakdown of local communities.
And she said social media was no substitute for true friendships, warning: “You can have 1,000 Facebook friends and be desperately lonely.”
Prof Stokes-Lampard has just been appointed to drive the NHS rollout of “social prescribing” - with patients prescribed activities like dancing, gardening and book clubs to boost their wellbeing.
In her first interview since taking up post, the former head of the Royal College of GPs said rising numbers were turning to medics for help, when their main problem was feeling lonely.
“Whilst our social media world has mushroomed, the people with whom we have meaningful relationships has shrunk,” she said. “We used to have stronger communities.”
Prof Stokes-Lampard said GPs were under growing pressure because of the numbers of patients seeking help to tackle social problems.
Around a million patients a week now visit their family doctor because of issues such as anxiety, isolation or depression.


thetelegraph--2020-01-20--Botched filler complaints double, new figures show, amid concern over 'DIY' online training

Complaints about botched fillers have doubled in the last year , as experts warn against “ celebrity treatment packages ” @ @ @ @ @ Patient complaints about dermal fillers rose from 672 in 2018 to 1,342 in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ , with many of these cases involving teenagers .
Almost half of the complaints lodged @ @ @ @ @ aged 18 to 24 and 63 per cent found their practitioner on social media .
@ @ @ @ @ public figures to advertise “ celebrity ” packages are believed to have driven demand among @ @ @ @ @ , which usually promote a combination of lip and cheek fillers , have been described @ @ @ @ @ young girls as they often display low costs by poorly trained practitioners .

Complaints about botched fillers have doubled in the last year, as experts warn against “celebrity treatment packages” advertised on social media.
Patient complaints about dermal fillers rose from 672 in 2018 to 1,342 in 2019, campaign group Save Face found, with many of these cases involving teenagers.
Almost half of the complaints lodged were reported by young women aged 18 to 24 and 63 per cent found their practitioner on social media.
Instagram accounts using photos of public figures to advertise “celebrity” packages are believed to have driven demand among young women.
The adverts, which usually promote a combination of lip and cheek fillers, have been described as "preying" on young girls as they often display low costs by poorly trained practitioners.


thetelegraph--2020-01-20--Getting lost is biggest cause of car arguments despite sat navs, says AA survey

Getting lost is the biggest cause of car arguments despite the rise of sat nav , an AA survey has found .
More than half of the 17,000 drivers admitted to fighting when either they were driving or somebody else was at the wheel .
While 56 per cent admitted to arguing while in the car , a third said that they argued most about getting lost .
This is despite the revolution in car navigation systems , with sat-navs and smartphones designed to cut down the hours spent pouring over a road map .
Backseat driving also took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent saying it contributed to a row while travelling .
Edmund King , AA Charitable Trust president , said : “ Some people claim today , known as ‘ Blue Monday ’ , is the bleakest day of the year .
Don ’ t let it get to you and affect your mood when driving .
“ Arguing with someone in a confined space is not a pleasant for anyone .
When that space is a car and the argument is about how it ’ s being driven or why you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If you often argue about the same things , such as navigation , then try to plan ahead to mitigate the disagreement – planning your route properly or using a sat nav can help take the pressure off for everyone .
“ If an argument gets out of hand it can be dangerous for the driver .
The best thing to do is pull over when it is safe to do so and wait until things have calmed down before driving again.
” After a blazing row in the car , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they carried on the journey in silence .
Others took more drastic measures , with almost 5 per cent turning the car around , and more worryingly , 100 people deciding to either split up or file for divorce after an argument while driving .

Getting lost is the biggest cause of car arguments despite the rise of sat nav, an AA survey has found.
More than half of the 17,000 drivers admitted to fighting when either they were driving or somebody else was at the wheel.
While 56 per cent admitted to arguing while in the car, a third said that they argued most about getting lost.
This is despite the revolution in car navigation systems, with sat-navs and smartphones designed to cut down the hours spent pouring over a road map.
Backseat driving also took a toll on drivers, with almost 30 per cent saying it contributed to a row while travelling.
Edmund King, AA Charitable Trust president, said: “Some people claim today, known as ‘Blue Monday’, is the bleakest day of the year. Don’t let it get to you and affect your mood when driving.
“Arguing with someone in a confined space is not a pleasant for anyone. When that space is a car and the argument is about how it’s being driven or why you are lost, tensions can rise even faster.
“If you often argue about the same things, such as navigation, then try to plan ahead to mitigate the disagreement – planning your route properly or using a sat nav can help take the pressure off for everyone.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Prince Harry breaks silence on royal split: 'There was no other option'

The Duke of Sussex has described his “ great sadness '' over his split from the Royal Family but said @ @ @ @ @ option.
” In his first personal comments about his decision to step back from public @ @ @ @ @ disappointment with the conclusions reached about his future .
He revealed he had hoped to @ @ @ @ @ the commonwealth , and his military associations without public funding , but added : `` @ @ @ @ @ t possible.
” The heartfelt speech was delivered at a private dinner for Sentebale , @ @ @ @ @ 2006 , in London , barely 24 hours after Buckingham Palace announced that the Duke @ @ @ @ @ to give up their HRH titles and would no longer formally represent the 93-year-old monarch @ @ @ @ @ The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back , @ @ @ @ @ lightly .

The Duke of Sussex has described his “great sadness" over his split from the Royal Family but said he had “no other option.”
In his first personal comments about his decision to step back from public life, the Duke expressed disappointment with the conclusions reached about his future.
He revealed he had hoped to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and his military associations without public funding, but added: "Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.”
The heartfelt speech was delivered at a private dinner for Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006, in London, barely 24 hours after Buckingham Palace announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were to give up their HRH titles and would no longer formally represent the 93-year-old monarch.
He said: "The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Stuart Bingham sees off Ali Carter to win Masters title

Stuart Bingham shrugged off an interruption from the crowd to sink Ali Carter and clinch the second biggest title of his career with victory in the Masters final at Alexandra Palace .
Bingham 's clash with Carter , who was a late replacement in the tournament , was briefly delayed in the fifth frame of the afternoon session due to noises apparently caused by a remote-controlled device which had been planted in the audience .
But the 43-year-old recovered from losing the first four frames of the evening session to secure the biggest win since his 2015 world title with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barely able to pot a ball as he sacrificed a 5-3 advantage to fall 7-5 behind - but he hit back magnificently and a 109 - his first century of the tournament - saw him over the line .
Reflecting on Carter 's stunning start to the evening session , Bingham told BBC Sport : `` The way he came out , I was thinking what to say when I was beaten .
`` I have n't got a clue where that came from .
I 've had about nine hours ' sleep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time he was scoring I was sitting in my chair thinking , 'this is getting really comfy ' . ''

Stuart Bingham shrugged off an interruption from the crowd to sink Ali Carter and clinch the second biggest title of his career with victory in the Masters final at Alexandra Palace.
Bingham's clash with Carter, who was a late replacement in the tournament, was briefly delayed in the fifth frame of the afternoon session due to noises apparently caused by a remote-controlled device which had been planted in the audience.
But the 43-year-old recovered from losing the first four frames of the evening session to secure the biggest win since his 2015 world title with a 10-8 victory.
Bingham had looked barely able to pot a ball as he sacrificed a 5-3 advantage to fall 7-5 behind - but he hit back magnificently and a 109 - his first century of the tournament - saw him over the line.
Reflecting on Carter's stunning start to the evening session, Bingham told BBC Sport: "The way he came out, I was thinking what to say when I was beaten.
"I haven't got a clue where that came from. I've had about nine hours' sleep in the last two days and every time he was scoring I was sitting in my chair thinking, 'this is getting really comfy'."


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Why this deal or no deal was the stark reality of choice for the Sussexes

There was always something paradoxical about Buckingham Palace ’ s insistence that the “ complex ” and “ complicated ” Sussex situation could be resolved in days not weeks .
In the end it took 10 days from the moment the Duke and Duchess dropped their bombshell on January 8 to the Queen effectively granting their decree absolute from ‘ the Firm ’ on Saturday night - a quickie divorce if ever there was one .
In retrospect , the phrase “ these are complicated issues that will take time to work through ” - rushed out in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a new half-in-half-out royal role - now resembles palace code for : “ Ain ’ t never going happen ” .
For what we have witnessed over the past week and a half is less a negotiation and more a mediation between the warring Windsors - once again with the Queen , the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge on one side and Harry and Meghan on the other .
For had there ever really been a chance of making the couple 's ambitious “ Sussex Royal ” plan work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website - the Duchess would have surely been required to dial into last Monday ’ s summit at Sandringham .
That the Sussexes “ did not deem it necessary ” suggests that what was being ironed out was a full separation of powers rather than the “ progressive ” collaboration they had craved .

There was always something paradoxical about Buckingham Palace’s insistence that the “complex” and “complicated” Sussex situation could be resolved in days not weeks.
In the end it took 10 days from the moment the Duke and Duchess dropped their bombshell on January 8 to the Queen effectively granting their decree absolute from ‘the Firm’ on Saturday night - a quickie divorce if ever there was one.
In retrospect, the phrase “these are complicated issues that will take time to work through” - rushed out in response to Harry and Meghan’s sudden demand for a new half-in-half-out royal role - now resembles palace code for: “Ain’t never going happen”.
For what we have witnessed over the past week and a half is less a negotiation and more a mediation between the warring Windsors - once again with the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge on one side and Harry and Meghan on the other.
For had there ever really been a chance of making the couple's ambitious “Sussex Royal” plan work - as per the couple’s website - the Duchess would have surely been required to dial into last Monday’s summit at Sandringham. That the Sussexes “did not deem it necessary” suggests that what was being ironed out was a full separation of powers rather than the “progressive” collaboration they had craved.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Duke of Sussex's speech about Royal Family split, in full

Here is the text of the Duke of Sussex 's remarks about his future made during a speech at a private dinner at the Ivy Chelsea Garden in central London for his charity Sentebale .
`` Good evening , and thank you for being here for Sentebale , a charity me and Prince Seeiso created back in 2006 to honour my mother 's legacy in supporting those affected by HIV and Aids .
`` Before I begin , I must say that I can only imagine what you may have heard or perhaps read over the last few weeks ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear the truth from me , as much as I can share - not as a prince , or a duke , but as Harry , the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years - but with a clearer perspective .
`` The UK is my home and a place that I love .
That will never change .
`` I have grown up feeling support from so many of you , and I watched as you welcomed Meghan with open arms as you saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had hoped for all my life .
Finally , the second son of Diana got hitched , hurray !

Here is the text of the Duke of Sussex's remarks about his future made during a speech at a private dinner at the Ivy Chelsea Garden in central London for his charity Sentebale.
"Good evening, and thank you for being here for Sentebale, a charity me and Prince Seeiso created back in 2006 to honour my mother's legacy in supporting those affected by HIV and Aids.
"Before I begin, I must say that I can only imagine what you may have heard or perhaps read over the last few weeks...
"So, I want you to hear the truth from me, as much as I can share - not as a prince, or a duke, but as Harry, the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years - but with a clearer perspective.
"The UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change.
"I have grown up feeling support from so many of you, and I watched as you welcomed Meghan with open arms as you saw me find the love and happiness that I had hoped for all my life. Finally, the second son of Diana got hitched, hurray!


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Conor Coady urges Wolves not 'to give ourselves mountains to climb' after latest comeback

Conor Coady joked that Wolves were not “ trying to turn football as a game of two halves into an art form ” after they clinched a sensational second-half comeback at St Mary ’ s .
“ We need to start better , we really do .
We are giving goals away too easily and it ’ s something we have to address and work on , ” added the Wolves captain after the 3-2 win at Southampton .
“ We don ’ t want to give ourselves mountains to climb like we did in this match .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some fantastic character.
” Wolves have conceded the first goal 16 times this season – more than any other team – and in all of their past seven games .
It is , then , a testament to their formidable resilience that they have stayed in the top six .
They will need that belief again on Thursday when they host runaway leaders Liverpool at Molineux and will be buoyed by this stirring win against in-form opponents which leaves them even better off in the league than at this stage last season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ catalyst for Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s men and the Mexican is not daunted by the visit of Jurgen Klopp ’ s men , having run them close at Anfield last month .

Conor Coady joked that Wolves were not “trying to turn football as a game of two halves into an art form” after they clinched a sensational second-half comeback at St Mary’s.
“We need to start better, we really do. We are giving goals away too easily and it’s something we have to address and work on,” added the Wolves captain after the 3-2 win at Southampton. “We don’t want to give ourselves mountains to climb like we did in this match. But it’s gone our way by showing some fantastic character.”
Wolves have conceded the first goal 16 times this season – more than any other team – and in all of their past seven games. It is, then, a testament to their formidable resilience that they have stayed in the top six.
They will need that belief again on Thursday when they host runaway leaders Liverpool at Molineux and will be buoyed by this stirring win against in-form opponents which leaves them even better off in the league than at this stage last season.
Two goals from Raul Jimenez were the catalyst for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men and the Mexican is not daunted by the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s men, having run them close at Anfield last month.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Dele Alli: Tottenham can cope without Harry Kane - look at our Champions League run

Tottenham fans must wrack their brains back to life before Harry Kane to remember a time when goals were this hard to summon .
Not since Nov 2013 - five months before his first Premier League strike - have the club previously drawn three blanks on the bounce .
Dele Alli , still finding his feet at Milton Keynes Dons in those days , has never known anything like it .
No wonder , then , that he cited more optimistic times to quell the grumbles following the 0-0 draw at Watford on Saturday - a third match without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kane 's injury .
`` People always have short term memories , '' said Alli , reminding supporters that this team was not so different than the one that had progressed to a Champions League final without their main man .
`` Look at when he got injured last time .
Look what we did without him .
We proved that it 's about the team , not a single player .
Harry is a fantastic player and he would be a miss to anyone . ''
Alli was one of the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gilt-edged chance by heading over from eight yards , but his insistence that Kane 's absence - `` I do n't think it 's an issue '' - is not being felt will fall on deaf ears with Tottenham 's recruitment department .
Brokering will surely intensify this week for a temporary replacement as time runs out in January 's transfer window .
It is perhaps the systems most favoured by Jose Mourinho that illustrate why Kane 's absence is being felt more painfully than during any of the other periods in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tottenham enjoyed the lion 's share of possession on Saturday , but Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min were repeatedly bullied out of possession without a main focal point in attack .
Alli was a frustrated figure when he was replaced by Christian Eriksen , who appears on the verge of completing his long-awaited transfer to Inter Milan .

Tottenham fans must wrack their brains back to life before Harry Kane to remember a time when goals were this hard to summon. Not since Nov 2013 - five months before his first Premier League strike - have the club previously drawn three blanks on the bounce.
Dele Alli, still finding his feet at Milton Keynes Dons in those days, has never known anything like it. No wonder, then, that he cited more optimistic times to quell the grumbles following the 0-0 draw at Watford on Saturday - a third match without a goal in four winless league games since Kane's injury.
"People always have short term memories," said Alli, reminding supporters that this team was not so different than the one that had progressed to a Champions League final without their main man. "Look at when he got injured last time. Look what we did without him. We proved that it's about the team, not a single player. Harry is a fantastic player and he would be a miss to anyone."
Alli was one of the main culprits on Saturday, having missed a gilt-edged chance by heading over from eight yards, but his insistence that Kane's absence - "I don't think it's an issue" - is not being felt will fall on deaf ears with Tottenham's recruitment department. Brokering will surely intensify this week for a temporary replacement as time runs out in January's transfer window.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--West Ham manager David Moyes hopeful of picking up points despite tough run of games

David Moyes has admitted that his West Ham United team face a tough task to pull away from the relegation over the coming weeks as they enter a tough run of fixtures .
Moyes had hoped that the Hammers could secure a crucial victory against Everton ahead of a run which sees them play Leicester City , Liverpool twice and Manchester City in less than three weeks .
West Ham could not beat a below-par Everton after Issa Diop ’ s goal was quickly levelled by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in what was largely an unremarkable match .
Asked about his team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager Moyes said : “ I knew when I took the job that January and into the start of February looked like a tough period , and if we didn ’ t get ourselves away from the bottom , then picking up points this month could be hard .
“ But what ’ s given me a bit of hope is that the results are a bit unsure and you wouldn ’ t know who is going to win at the moment .
So I will go into them hoping that maybe we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win , but that we pick up the points .
”

David Moyes has admitted that his West Ham United team face a tough task to pull away from the relegation over the coming weeks as they enter a tough run of fixtures.
Moyes had hoped that the Hammers could secure a crucial victory against Everton ahead of a run which sees them play Leicester City, Liverpool twice and Manchester City in less than three weeks.
West Ham could not beat a below-par Everton after Issa Diop’s goal was quickly levelled by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in what was largely an unremarkable match.
Asked about his team’s forthcoming run, West Ham manager Moyes said: “I knew when I took the job that January and into the start of February looked like a tough period, and if we didn’t get ourselves away from the bottom, then picking up points this month could be hard.
“But what’s given me a bit of hope is that the results are a bit unsure and you wouldn’t know who is going to win at the moment. So I will go into them hoping that maybe we’re not the ones expected to win, but that we pick up the points.”


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Pep Guardiola warns against expecting defender Aymeric Laporte to solve Man City's defensive problem

Pep Guardiola warns against expecting defender Aymeric Laporte to solve Man City's defensive problems

Pep Guardiola warned that Aymeric Laporte will require time to settle back into his defensive duties but the France international 's return will not come a moment too soon after Manchester City 's latest exhibition of back-line frailties in Saturday 's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace .
Laporte is targeting Sunday 's FA Cup visit from Fulham as his comeback from a four-and-a-half month lay-off with cruciate knee ligament damage and despite his manager 's cautionary words , City will need their best defender to quickly provide that touch of class and confidence to stabilise an error-prone defence .
City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League title defence but Guardiola 's free-scoring side can still redeem their season as they seek to retain the FA and Carabao cups while chasing a history-making Champions League success .
They have the cushion of a 3-1 Carabao Cup semi-final lead against Manchester United going into Wednesday week 's second leg , while Champions League round of 16 clashes with Real Madrid loom in February and March .
`` We can not expect Aymeric to solve all of the problems .
After four or five months he will need time so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it , '' Guardiola said .
Benjamin Mendy , the City left-back , is eager to see his team-mate back , saying : `` He is very important .
The way we play , his left foot is needed so it will be good to have him back central .
I think City will do much better . ''
As the post-mortems began on how City were able to dominate Saturday 's match but , after Sergio Aguero had hit his 250th and 251st goals for the club , still drop points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotlight was directed principally at John Stones .

Pep Guardiola warned that Aymeric Laporte will require time to settle back into his defensive duties but the France international's return will not come a moment too soon after Manchester City's latest exhibition of back-line frailties in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
Laporte is targeting Sunday's FA Cup visit from Fulham as his comeback from a four-and-a-half month lay-off with cruciate knee ligament damage and despite his manager's cautionary words, City will need their best defender to quickly provide that touch of class and confidence to stabilise an error-prone defence.
City's continued defensive malaise has torpedoed their Premier League title defence but Guardiola's free-scoring side can still redeem their season as they seek to retain the FA and Carabao cups while chasing a history-making Champions League success. They have the cushion of a 3-1 Carabao Cup semi-final lead against Manchester United going into Wednesday week's second leg, while Champions League round of 16 clashes with Real Madrid loom in February and March.
"We cannot expect Aymeric to solve all of the problems. After four or five months he will need time so he will not be ready immediately to do it," Guardiola said. Benjamin Mendy, the City left-back, is eager to see his team-mate back, saying: "He is very important. The way we play, his left foot is needed so it will be good to have him back central. I think City will do much better."


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Are Eddie Howe's methods at Bournemouth becoming stale - or is it just a blip?

Eddie Howe suffered a new nadir in the Premier League after losing to bottom club Norwich City and he knows @ @ @ @ @ ’ s next game is against Brighton on Tuesday evening .
Out-of-form striker Callum Wilson @ @ @ @ @ are all “ fighting for the manager ” Howe - but Saturday ’ s 1-0 @ @ @ @ @ that is not enough .
A pertinent question is whether Howe ’ s methods are @ @ @ @ @ is just a blip , influenced by injuries , that can be remedied quickly .
@ @ @ @ @ was that Bournemouth lacked belief and made errors at critical , high-pressure moments .
Captain @ @ @ @ @ eye-catching misjudgement , dramatically handling a shot and being sent off , leading to the @ @ @ @ @ from .

Eddie Howe suffered a new nadir in the Premier League after losing to bottom club Norwich City and he knows how “big” Bournemouth’s next game is against Brighton on Tuesday evening.
Out-of-form striker Callum Wilson said Bournemouth’s players are all “fighting for the manager” Howe - but Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road showed that is not enough.
A pertinent question is whether Howe’s methods are becoming stale or if this is just a blip, influenced by injuries, that can be remedied quickly.
What was clear against Norwich was that Bournemouth lacked belief and made errors at critical, high-pressure moments.
Captain Steve Cook made the most eye-catching misjudgement, dramatically handling a shot and being sent off, leading to the penalty that Teemu Pukki scored from.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--How Dean Smith got Jack Grealish scoring again for Aston Villa

Dean Smith , the Aston Villa head coach , hopes that Mbwana Samatta , the Tanzania forward , will be signed from Genk for £10 million this week , increasing the club ’ s fit and available central striker options to two , with six-goal Anwar El Ghazi the other .
That would take some of the weight off Jack Grealish , who has had to combine the role of leading scorer with those of captain and playmaker , although he has fulfilled it pretty well so far this season .
It helped on Saturday that he was facing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that his fourth goal against them in as many matches was assisted by some very lax defending .
But he has scored nine goals in all competitions this season , including seven in the Premier League , with five assists , the best numbers among all England-qualified midfield players .
And Smith can take some of the credit after tweaking Grealish ’ s positional play following his arrival at Villa Park from Brentford in October 2018 .
“ We were 15 , 16 games into the season and I asked him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Smith said .
“ He said one .
I asked him how many assists .
None .
He needs to be getting into areas where he can score goals .
“ We ’ ve got him higher up the pitch and he ’ s got a good habit now of being a goalscorer .
He ’ s starting to love that feeling of being a goalscorer as well – he wants more .
When somebody wants more , they keep working that little bit harder .
”

Dean Smith, the Aston Villa head coach, hopes that Mbwana Samatta, the Tanzania forward, will be signed from Genk for £10 million this week, increasing the club’s fit and available central striker options to two, with six-goal Anwar El Ghazi the other.
That would take some of the weight off Jack Grealish, who has had to combine the role of leading scorer with those of captain and playmaker, although he has fulfilled it pretty well so far this season. It helped on Saturday that he was facing his favourite opponents, Brighton and Hove Albion, and that his fourth goal against them in as many matches was assisted by some very lax defending.
But he has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, including seven in the Premier League, with five assists, the best numbers among all England-qualified midfield players. And Smith can take some of the credit after tweaking Grealish’s positional play following his arrival at Villa Park from Brentford in October 2018.
“We were 15, 16 games into the season and I asked him how many goals he’d scored,” Smith said. “He said one. I asked him how many assists. None. He needs to be getting into areas where he can score goals.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--The Trial of Christine Keeler, episode 5 review: a poignant performance from James Norton as Stephen

The Trial of Christine Keeler, episode 5 review: a poignant performance from James Norton as Stephen Ward is thrown to the wolves

The fifth episode of The Trial of Christine Keeler ( BBC One ) was full of familiar images .
Christine Keeler and Mandy Rice-Davies in the back of a car on their way to court .
Rice-Davies ( Ellie Bamber ) , in that flamingo pink hat , waving and blowing kisses to the public outside the Old Bailey .
And here was Rice-Davies on the witness box uttering the words that have been ( mis ) quoted ever since : “ Well , he would , wouldn ’ t he ?
” in response to the news that Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The final scenes , though , were familiar in another way .
Dr Stephen Ward , on the eve of his trial verdict for living off immoral earnings , took an overdose from which he would die several days later .
He was played , and played well , by James Norton .
But Ward ’ s death has been portrayed before , in the 1989 film Scandal , by the great John Hurt .
Everything seemed the same : the rolled-up shirt sleeves , the cigarette hanging from the lips , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the facts of Ward ’ s death are immutable .
But the treatment was almost note-for-note , and served as a reminder that this BBC series is not as fresh as it thinks it is .
Scandal put Ward , the society osteopath who was a pivotal figure in the Profumo Affair , at the heart of the story .
The BBC series aims to make Keeler ( Sophie Cookson ) the focus .
Yet throughout it has been Ward who has held the attention .
Perhaps this is down to Norton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little baby ” mentions , which must set some sort of record for most-repeated dialogue ) , or perhaps to the fact that Ward is a far more interesting character than Keeler , his motivations much less clear .
“ All I ever wanted was fun .
For other people to have fun .
Where ’ s the harm in that ?
” he said at one point .
But that was hardly an explanation .
It was easy to feel sympathy for him , but this was a man who introduced young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerably older friends as if he was lending a book from his library , and who had sex with Rice-Davies when she was 16 .

The fifth episode of The Trial of Christine Keeler (BBC One) was full of familiar images. Christine Keeler and Mandy Rice-Davies in the back of a car on their way to court. Rice-Davies (Ellie Bamber), in that flamingo pink hat, waving and blowing kisses to the public outside the Old Bailey. And here was Rice-Davies on the witness box uttering the words that have been (mis)quoted ever since: “Well, he would, wouldn’t he?” in response to the news that Lord Astor had denied ever meeting her.
The final scenes, though, were familiar in another way. Dr Stephen Ward, on the eve of his trial verdict for living off immoral earnings, took an overdose from which he would die several days later. He was played, and played well, by James Norton. But Ward’s death has been portrayed before, in the 1989 film Scandal, by the great John Hurt. Everything seemed the same: the rolled-up shirt sleeves, the cigarette hanging from the lips, the suicide note in voice-over. Of course, the facts of Ward’s death are immutable. But the treatment was almost note-for-note, and served as a reminder that this BBC series is not as fresh as it thinks it is.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--I'm inspired to tackle loneliness by my own family, says minister whose refugee mother spent first C

I'm inspired to tackle loneliness by my own family, says minister whose refugee mother spent first Christmas in UK alone

The Loneliness Minister has revealed that her refugee mother who spent her first Christmas Day in the UK alone in a university library has inspired her in the new role .
Baroness Barran MBE , who has held the newly-created position since last summer , described loneliness as “ a paralysing feeling ” which can affect anyone .
Today , to coincide with ‘ Blue Monday ’ - which has become known as the most depressing day of the year - she is publishing a report looking back at achievements in tackling the issue since the government launched its loneliness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Telegraph in a rare personal interview , she revealed that it is her own family history which drives her in her new role .
Asked why she cared so much about the issue , Baroness Barran , 60 , said : “ I think that all of us , at different points in our lives , have been lonely .
“ And I know in my own family my mother was a refugee in this country during the war and she had a job in the day and at night she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Economics ] to do a degree .
“ I remember , as a child , her telling me about her first Christmas in London during the war where she spent Christmas Day in the LSE library because she did n't know a soul or anybody who she could celebrate Christmas with .

The Loneliness Minister has revealed that her refugee mother who spent her first Christmas Day in the UK alone in a university library has inspired her in the new role.
Baroness Barran MBE, who has held the newly-created position since last summer, described loneliness as “a paralysing feeling” which can affect anyone.
Today, to coincide with ‘Blue Monday’ - which has become known as the most depressing day of the year - she is publishing a report looking back at achievements in tackling the issue since the government launched its loneliness strategy in October 2018.
However speaking to The Telegraph in a rare personal interview, she revealed that it is her own family history which drives her in her new role.
Asked why she cared so much about the issue, Baroness Barran, 60, said: “I think that all of us, at different points in our lives, have been lonely.
“And I know in my own family my mother was a refugee in this country during the war and she had a job in the day and at night she went to the LSE [London School of Economics] to do a degree.
“I remember, as a child, her telling me about her first Christmas in London during the war where she spent Christmas Day in the LSE library because she didn't know a soul or anybody who she could celebrate Christmas with.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Sussexes cannot cash in on royal name and 'uphold the values' of Queen

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex ’ s pledge to “ uphold the values ” of the Queen threatens a collision course with their new found freedom to strike commercial deals .
The Duke and Duchess ’ s decision to resign as ‘ senior ’ Royals and become ‘ financially independent ’ allows them to earn cash to support their new , breakaway life .
They have agreed not to use their HRH titles nor receive public funds .
In a statement issued on Saturday night , Buckingham palace said the “ Sussexes have made clear that everything they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her Majesty ” .
When asked what those values were , aides pointed to seven principles - known as the Nolan Principles - that were established by Lord Nolan as a code of conduct for public figures .
The code , first published in 1995 when John Major was prime minister , includes a promise to be accountable and submit to public scrutiny and make decisions in an “ open and transparent manner ” .
But at the same time , the Duke and Duchess have made clear their desire to be left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the glare of the spotlight , and free to make their own business arrangements .
Branding and public relations experts are divided on how much money the couple can make as they go it alone .
But it also raises questions of conflict over their ability to abide by the Nolan principles in public life - as it appears the Queen thinks they should - while earning enough money to support a lifestyle they have been used to while in the Royal household .

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s pledge to “uphold the values” of the Queen threatens a collision course with their new found freedom to strike commercial deals.
The Duke and Duchess’s decision to resign as ‘senior’ Royals and become ‘financially independent’ allows them to earn cash to support their new, breakaway life.
They have agreed not to use their HRH titles nor receive public funds. In a statement issued on Saturday night, Buckingham palace said the “Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty”.
When asked what those values were, aides pointed to seven principles - known as the Nolan Principles - that were established by Lord Nolan as a code of conduct for public figures.
The code, first published in 1995 when John Major was prime minister, includes a promise to be accountable and submit to public scrutiny and make decisions in an “open and transparent manner”. But at the same time, the Duke and Duchess have made clear their desire to be left alone to live as private citizens, out of the glare of the spotlight, and free to make their own business arrangements.
Branding and public relations experts are divided on how much money the couple can make as they go it alone. But it also raises questions of conflict over their ability to abide by the Nolan principles in public life - as it appears the Queen thinks they should - while earning enough money to support a lifestyle they have been used to while in the Royal household.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Prince Harry barred from wearing military uniform after stepping back from Armed Forces

Harry , Duke of Sussex , will be barred from wearing his military uniform after he agreed to step back @ @ @ @ @ .
Retired service personnel can wear their medals - but not their uniform - at @ @ @ @ @ left the military .
Prince Harry was commissioned in 2006 and left the Army in @ @ @ @ @ operational tours of Afghanistan twice in that time .
In the Army he was known @ @ @ @ @ .
But under the terms of the deal to step away from Royal duties , @ @ @ @ @ military appointments .
The announcement was made by Buckingham Palace on Saturday night .
His @ @ @ @ @ in the military will prevent him wearing uniform at public events such Trooping the Colour @ @ @ @ @ cenotaph .

Harry, Duke of Sussex, will be barred from wearing his military uniform after he agreed to step back from his Armed Forces appointments.
Retired service personnel can wear their medals - but not their uniform - at official engagements once they have left the military.
Prince Harry was commissioned in 2006 and left the Army in 2015, having undergone two operational tours of Afghanistan twice in that time. In the Army he was known as ‘Captain Wales’.
But under the terms of the deal to step away from Royal duties, he will give up all military appointments. The announcement was made by Buckingham Palace on Saturday night.
His resignation from three honorary roles in the military will prevent him wearing uniform at public events such Trooping the Colour and Remembrance Sunday at the cenotaph.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Boris Johnson should negotiate trade deals with individual US states, an ex-trade secretary will say

Boris Johnson should negotiate trade deals with individual US states, an ex-trade secretary will say today

Boris Johnson should negotiate trade deals with individual US states as a backstop while he tries to seal a post-Brexit free trade agreement with America , a former trade secretary will say on Monday .
Liam Fox will point out that four US states - California , Texas , Florida and New York - would be members of the G20 if they were independent nations , and that many deals can be struck with states , rather than the US as a whole .
While tariffs on goods can only be negotiated by Washington , deals on services , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s transatlantic trade , can be sealed on a state level , unlocking billions of pounds of business for the UK economy .
Dr Fox will tell a conference in Geneva that free trade agreements are not “ the only mechanism ” to generate huge volumes of business between countries such as the UK and the US .
He will say that a comprehensive free trade agreement with the US will encounter “ unavoidable difficulties ” because “ the US will , quite correctly , negotiate hard for its own interests ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access for its agricultural products ” .

Britain should negotiate trade deals with individual US states as a backstop while Boris Johnson tries to seal a post-Brexit free trade agreement with America, a former trade secretary will say on Monday.
Liam Fox will point out that four US states - California, Texas, Florida and New York - would be members of the G20 if they were independent nations, and that many deals could be struck with states, rather than the US as a whole.
While tariffs on goods can only be negotiated by Washington, deals on services, which account for the majority of Britain’s transatlantic trade, can be sealed on a state level, unlocking billions of pounds of business for the UK economy.
Dr Fox will tell a conference in Geneva that free trade agreements are not “the only mechanism” to generate huge volumes of business between countries such as the UK and the US.
He will say that a comprehensive free trade agreement with the US will encounter “unavoidable difficulties” because “the US will, quite correctly, negotiate hard for its own interests” and “is likely to focus on better access for its agricultural products”.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--England suffer defeat to world champions New Zealand in Nations Cup opener

Jess Thirlby , England ’ s head coach , insists suffering a comprehensive 16-goal defeat against New Zealand in the first home game of her reign is no major concern , as she looks to “ build a team for the future ” .
Faced with a number of her most senior players taking a rest from international duty , Thirlby used all 12 of her largely inexperienced squad in their Nations Cup opener against the world champions in Nottingham on Sunday .
A scrappy first half saw the Kiwis gain a slender three-goal lead but England ’ s problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deficit growing steadily on the way to a 64-48 defeat .
Although honest about her team ’ s mistakes , Thirlby said the result was not as negative as it might appear .
She said : “ We just ran 12 players out there .
I could be criticised for not rolling subs if I hadn ’ t done that , so I ’ m proud that we did that .
“ We ’ ve actually exposed 27 players to an England senior dress since July and I think that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this cycle .
In the short term , you ’ re damned if you do , damned if you don ’ t .

Jess Thirlby, England’s head coach, insists suffering a comprehensive 16-goal defeat against New Zealand in the first home game of her reign is no major concern, as she looks to “build a team for the future”.
Faced with a number of her most senior players taking a rest from international duty, Thirlby used all 12 of her largely inexperienced squad in their Nations Cup opener against the world champions in Nottingham on Sunday.
A scrappy first half saw the Kiwis gain a slender three-goal lead but England’s problems mounted soon after the break, with the deficit growing steadily on the way to a 64-48 defeat. Although honest about her team’s mistakes, Thirlby said the result was not as negative as it might appear.
She said: “We just ran 12 players out there. I could be criticised for not rolling subs if I hadn’t done that, so I’m proud that we did that.
“We’ve actually exposed 27 players to an England senior dress since July and I think that’s a brilliant stat so early on in this cycle. In the short term, you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Chinese businessman’s plan to turn  manor into a holiday let will destroy sleepy hamlet, say locals

A chinese businessman ’ s plan to turn an Elizabethan manor into a holiday let will see the sleepy hamlet destroyed by ‘ rowdy ’ guests , locals have said .
Residents in the small and picturesque community of Canonteign in Devon are outraged that Liqun Peng wants to make the £4 million family home into a bustling holiday attraction .
The 10-bedroom Canonteign Manor , which is nestled on the edge of Dartmoor , is famed for being where the Charles I fled during the civil war in 1642 .
The Grade I listed building has formal gardens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pool , overlooking the river Teign .
The application , which is expected to be reviewed in the coming weeks by Dartmoor National Park Authority , has spurred locals into action , vowing to make sure things stay in keeping with the area ’ s rural aesthetic .
One objector said : `` We will endeavour to go to all lengths to protect not only our home and way of life - but our largest asset . ''
Another wrote : `` We very strongly feel that it is inappropriate to run the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is located within very close proximity to residential properties in a very peaceful hamlet .
`` The impact on us and others in the vicinity would be significant and unacceptable . ''

A chinese businessman’s plan to turn an Elizabethan manor into a holiday let will see the sleepy hamlet destroyed by ‘rowdy’ guests, locals have said.
Residents in the small and picturesque community of Canonteign in Devon are outraged that Liqun Peng wants to make the £4 million family home into a bustling holiday attraction.
The 10-bedroom Canonteign Manor, which is nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, is famed for being where the Charles I fled during the civil war in 1642.
The Grade I listed building has formal gardens, its own park, orchard and swimming pool, overlooking the river Teign.
The application, which is expected to be reviewed in the coming weeks by Dartmoor National Park Authority, has spurred locals into action, vowing to make sure things stay in keeping with the area’s rural aesthetic.
One objector said: "We will endeavour to go to all lengths to protect not only our home and way of life - but our largest asset."
Another wrote: "We very strongly feel that it is inappropriate to run the manor as a business venture as it is located within very close proximity to residential properties in a very peaceful hamlet.
"The impact on us and others in the vicinity would be significant and unacceptable."


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Man who stabbed 10-year-old boy in front of his mother fled while ‘laughing’

A 10-year-old boy was stabbed in front of his mother before the attacker fled the scene while ‘ laughing.
’ The victim , who reportedly sustained injuries to his neck is being treated at a hospital in Nottingham , is said to be in a stable condition .
He was taken for treatment after a member of the public called emergency services following the attack in Leicester on Saturday afternoon .
His mother , who was present at the incident , sustained no injuries .
Police are looking for information about the man who attacked the young boy around 5:20pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported to have said yesterday [ Sunday ] : “ I was pressing my hand on the hole of his neck to stop all the blood , he was losing so much and I thought he was going to die .
“ It was awful and the images now keep coming in front of my eyes .
I was terrified .
“ I thought I would lose him and all my clothes and his were wet with his blood .
“ The attacker was a stranger , my son didn ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face and head covered with a hoodie .
After stabbing my son he started laughing.
” Police have urged anyone who was present in the area or has information about the attacker to come forward .

A 10-year-old boy was stabbed in front of his mother before the attacker fled the scene while ‘laughing.’
The victim, who reportedly sustained injuries to his neck is being treated at a hospital in Nottingham, is said to be in a stable condition.
He was taken for treatment after a member of the public called emergency services following the attack in Leicester on Saturday afternoon.
His mother, who was present at the incident, sustained no injuries.
Police are looking for information about the man who attacked the young boy around 5:20pm on Belper Street.
His mother was reported to have said yesterday [Sunday]: “I was pressing my hand on the hole of his neck to stop all the blood, he was losing so much and I thought he was going to die.
“It was awful and the images now keep coming in front of my eyes. I was terrified.
“I thought I would lose him and all my clothes and his were wet with his blood.
“The attacker was a stranger, my son didn’t know him, and he had half his face and head covered with a hoodie. After stabbing my son he started laughing.”
Police have urged anyone who was present in the area or has information about the attacker to come forward.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Former Today host Sarah Montague wins £400,000 payout from BBC

Sarah Montague , the former host of BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme , has revealed she won a £400,000 payout in her fight against discrimination at the BBC .
The settlement by the broadcaster is the latest in its dispute with female members of staff , with as many as 120 women bringing forward equal pay cases .
In a statement on Twitter , the presenter said that she felt she had ‘ no option ’ but to talk about her pay after reports surfaced about the size of the payment she received from the BBC .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay and conditions , I was advised that rectifying it all could run into the millions , she said .
“ I chose not to seek such sums from the BBC but I did want some recognition that they had underpaid me .
“ Last year after a long period of stressful negotiations , I accepted a settlement of £400,000 subject to tax and an apology from the BBC for paying me unequally for so many years.
” Ms Montague , who now presents Radio 4 ’ s The World at One , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s internal investigation into unequal pay .
Ms Montague was reportedly ‘ incandescent with rage ’ after discovering that she was paid almost five times less than John Humphrys , her Today co-host for 18 years .

Sarah Montague, the former host of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, has revealed she won a £400,000 payout in her fight against discrimination at the BBC.
The settlement by the broadcaster is the latest in its dispute with female members of staff, with as many as 120 women bringing forward equal pay cases.
In a statement on Twitter, the presenter said that she felt she had ‘no option’ but to talk about her pay after reports surfaced about the size of the payment she received from the BBC.
“When I discovered the disparity in my pay and conditions, I was advised that rectifying it all could run into the millions, she said.
“I chose not to seek such sums from the BBC but I did want some recognition that they had underpaid me.
“Last year after a long period of stressful negotiations, I accepted a settlement of £400,000 subject to tax and an apology from the BBC for paying me unequally for so many years.”
Ms Montague, who now presents Radio 4’s The World at One, received the payment following the BBC’s internal investigation into unequal pay.
Ms Montague was reportedly ‘incandescent with rage’ after discovering that she was paid almost five times less than John Humphrys, her Today co-host for 18 years.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--South Africa's problems mounting on and off the field as they stand on cusp of going 2-1 down agains

South Africa's problems mounting on and off the field as they stand on cusp of going 2-1 down against England

The sight of South Africa ’ s No 3 being unable to play the short ball sums up the crisis engulfing their Test cricket as they stand on the cusp of going 2-1 down against England with problems mounting on and off the field .
Zubayr Hamza has a strong record in domestic cricket and South Africans are brought up on the cut and pull shot , but he has been strokeless against the short ball in this Test .
Hamza will be dropped for the final Test at the Wanderers because it would be cruel to play him on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly if Jofra Archer is back and in harness with Mark Wood , who terrorised him in both innings here .
Hamza averages just 5.3 against balls bowled at back of a length and has only played two pull shots in his five Tests .
It is not that he is scared of the short ball , just unable to play it when bowled at Wood ’ s pace .
It would be grossly unfair to make Hamza the scapegoat for his team ’ s problems given he is only 24 and starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to go away , work on his issues and return a better player .
But with county cricket stealing South Africa ’ s pace bowlers how is he going to learn to improve ?

The sight of South Africa’s No 3 being unable to play the short ball sums up the crisis engulfing their Test cricket as they stand on the cusp of going 2-1 down against England with problems mounting on and off the field.
Zubayr Hamza has a strong record in domestic cricket and South Africans are brought up on the cut and pull shot, but he has been strokeless against the short ball in this Test.
Hamza will be dropped for the final Test at the Wanderers because it would be cruel to play him on the fastest pitch of the series, particularly if Jofra Archer is back and in harness with Mark Wood, who terrorised him in both innings here.
Hamza averages just 5.3 against balls bowled at back of a length and has only played two pull shots in his five Tests. It is not that he is scared of the short ball, just unable to play it when bowled at Wood’s pace.
It would be grossly unfair to make Hamza the scapegoat for his team’s problems given he is only 24 and starting out in his career. He has time to go away, work on his issues and return a better player. But with county cricket stealing South Africa’s pace bowlers how is he going to learn to improve?


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Tens of thousands from Italy's 'sardines' movement demonstrate against Matteo Salvini

Tens of thousands of peaceful protesters from Italy ’ s growing Sardines movement packed into Bologna ’ s biggest city square on Sunday in a final push to stave off Matteo Salvini ’ s populist rise ahead of a crucial regional vote .
The election in Emilia Romagna in northern Italy is considered the mother of all battles for the centre-left Democratic Party , which has held power in the area for more than 70 years .
A win for Mr Salvini 's League party could have serious implications for the survival of the national coalition , an alliance between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We are worried and just hope our sardines are able to reach the hearts of the still undecided , ” said 67-year-old Giovanna Colognesi of Ferrara , whose group hoisted placards of Cupid shooting sardines from his bow as the six-hour music line up of Italian bands kicked off .
The latest polls suggest it will be a close-fought contest , with the Democratic Party ’ s candidate expected to win 45-47 per cent of the vote while the League ’ s centre-right candidate is predicted to take 43-45 per cent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it is confident of winning , and says that even if they do not , a League victory would not bring down the coalition .
“ Emilia-Romagna has been governed by the Left since the end of the Second World War .
If we lose , it could have a psychological effect , for sure .

Tens of thousands of peaceful protesters from Italy’s growing Sardines movement packed into Bologna’s biggest city square on Sunday in a final push to stave off Matteo Salvini’s populist rise ahead of a crucial regional vote.
The election in Emilia Romagna in northern Italy is considered the mother of all battles for the centre-left Democratic Party, which has held power in the area for more than 70 years.
A win for Mr Salvini's League party could have serious implications for the survival of the national coalition, an alliance between Five Star and the Democratic Party. “We are worried and just hope our sardines are able to reach the hearts of the still undecided,” said 67-year-old Giovanna Colognesi of Ferrara, whose group hoisted placards of Cupid shooting sardines from his bow as the six-hour music line up of Italian bands kicked off.
The latest polls suggest it will be a close-fought contest, with the Democratic Party’s candidate expected to win 45-47 per cent of the vote while the League’s centre-right candidate is predicted to take 43-45 per cent.
Outwardly, at least, the government says it is confident of winning, and says that even if they do not, a League victory would not bring down the coalition. “Emilia-Romagna has been governed by the Left since the end of the Second World War. If we lose, it could have a psychological effect, for sure.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--China launches bid to phase out single-use plastics

China is stepping up restrictions on the production , sale and use of single-use plastic products , the state planner said on Sunday , as it seeks to tackle one of the country 's biggest environmental problems .
Vast amounts of untreated plastic waste are buried in landfills or dumped in rivers .
The United Nations has identified single-use plastics as one of the world 's biggest environmental challenges .
The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment , which issued the new policy , said plastic bags will be banned in all of China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 and banned in all cities and towns in 2022 .
Markets selling fresh produce will be exempt from the ban until 2025 .
Other items such as plastic utensils from takeaway food outlets and plastic courier packages will also be phased out .
By end of 2020 , the restaurant industry will be banned from using single-use straws .
By 2025 , towns and cities across China must reduce the consumption of single-use plastic items in the restaurant industry by 30 % .
Some regions and sectors will also face restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although it is not yet clear which geographical areas .
China also banned the import of all plastic waste , and the use of medical plastic waste in the production of plastic .

China is stepping up restrictions on the production, sale and use of single-use plastic products, the state planner said on Sunday, as it seeks to tackle one of the country's biggest environmental problems.
Vast amounts of untreated plastic waste are buried in landfills or dumped in rivers. The United Nations has identified single-use plastics as one of the world's biggest environmental challenges.
The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, which issued the new policy, said plastic bags will be banned in all of China's major cities by the end of 2020 and banned in all cities and towns in 2022. Markets selling fresh produce will be exempt from the ban until 2025.
Other items such as plastic utensils from takeaway food outlets and plastic courier packages will also be phased out.
By end of 2020, the restaurant industry will be banned from using single-use straws. By 2025, towns and cities across China must reduce the consumption of single-use plastic items in the restaurant industry by 30%.
Some regions and sectors will also face restrictions on the production and sale of plastic products, although it is not yet clear which geographical areas.
China also banned the import of all plastic waste, and the use of medical plastic waste in the production of plastic.


thetelegraph--2020-01-19--Houthi rebels kill at least 70 soldiers in Yemen after attack on mosque

Yemen 's president condemned on Sunday an attack by Houthi rebels on a government military camp , as authorities said fatalities had risen to at least 79 troops .
Ballistic missiles smashed into a mosque in the training camp in the central province of Marib late Saturday , wounding 81 others during evening prayers , according to Abdu Abdullah Magli , spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces .
The oil-rich province of Marib lies about 115 kilometers ( 70 miles ) east of the Houthi-controlled capital , Sanaa .
The city is a stronghold of the Saudi-led , U.S.-backed coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack in Marib since the beginning of Yemen 's long-running civil war , marking a military escalation in a rare spot of relative stability .
The U.N. envoy to Yemen delivered a stern warning about the recent spike in military activity across multiple provinces , noting with `` particular concern '' the airstrike that hit the military camp .
`` The hard-earned progress that Yemen has made on de-escalation is very fragile .
Such actions can derail this progress '' , said Martin Griffiths .
President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi described Saturday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` blatant aggression '' that underscored Houthis ' `` lawlessness '' and `` unwillingness '' to make peace , according to Saudi Arabia 's state-run news agency .
He denounced the Houthis as `` a cheap Iranian tool in the region . ''

Yemen's president condemned on Sunday an attack by Houthi rebels on a government military camp, as authorities said fatalities had risen to at least 79 troops.
Ballistic missiles smashed into a mosque in the training camp in the central province of Marib late Saturday, wounding 81 others during evening prayers, according to Abdu Abdullah Magli, spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces.
The oil-rich province of Marib lies about 115 kilometers (70 miles) east of the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa. The city is a stronghold of the Saudi-led, U.S.-backed coalition.
The missile strike was the bloodiest attack in Marib since the beginning of Yemen's long-running civil war, marking a military escalation in a rare spot of relative stability.
The U.N. envoy to Yemen delivered a stern warning about the recent spike in military activity across multiple provinces, noting with "particular concern" the airstrike that hit the military camp.
"The hard-earned progress that Yemen has made on de-escalation is very fragile. Such actions can derail this progress", said Martin Griffiths.
President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi described Saturday's assault on Muslim worshipers as an act of "blatant aggression" that underscored Houthis' "lawlessness" and "unwillingness" to make peace, according to Saudi Arabia's state-run news agency. He denounced the Houthis as "a cheap Iranian tool in the region."