thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Brit Awards nominations 2020: where are all the brilliant women?

It may not spell quite the same diversity disaster as the all-white , mostly-male BAFTA nominations , but last week 's announcement of the 2020 BRIT Awards shortlist still leaves much to be desired .
Across the four categories open to both male and female artists - Group of the Year , New Artist of the Year , Song of the Year and Mastercard Album of the Year - male artists account for 26 nominations , while female artists share just four .
Two of those four nominations are held by the same woman - pop-star Mabel , Neneh Cherry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Artist of the Year and Song of the Year - while the other two include Miley Cyrus ( for a feature with Mark Ronson ) , and Normani for her song Dancing with a Stranger , which she co-wrote with Sam Smith .
Not a single woman can be found in any of the five groups nominated ( Bastille , Bring Me the Horizon , Coldplay , D-Block Europe and Foals ) , nor in the BRIT Awards ’ most important category , Album of the Year ( Dave , Harry Styles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share that honour ) .
At last year ’ s BRITs , the Best Breakthrough Act , Best Group and Best Album were all awarded to men .

South London rappers Stormzy and Dave and pop star Mabel have won the three biggest gongs at the Brit Awards 2020.
Stormzy, who became the first black, British solo artist to headline Glastonbury last summer and won the 2018 Brit Award for Best Album with his debut Gang Signs & Prayer, took home Best Male Solo Artist, beating ex One-Directioner Harry Styles and singer songwriter Lewis Capaldi.
Dave, who has been compared to a UK Kendrick Lamar with his "socially conscious" lyricism, won Best Album of the Year for his debut Psychodrama, which, framed as a therapy session (Psychodrama is a particular form of active therapy given to prisoners), included the song Black, a meditation on what it is to be black and British, and Lesley, about a woman suffering from an abusive relationship.
The album debuted at number one when it was released last March, and won the 2019 Mercury Prize.
Mabel, daughter of Neneh Cherry, was the only UK female musician nominated in the gender neutral categories, and won Best Female Solo Artist, while losing Best New Artist to Lewis Capaldi. Highlighting the heavily male dominated UK charts, Mabel, who released her debut album High Expectations last sumer, was the only British female artist to feature in the top 40 singles in the UK last year.
Meanwhile 18-year-old musician of the moment Billie Eilish, who tonight performed her just-released Bond theme for No Time to Die, became this year's Best International Female, beating Lizzo and Ariana Grande.
Here is the list of nominees and winners in full:
The 2020 Female Solo Artist, in association with Amazon Music
Charli XCX
FKA Twigs
Freya Ridings
Mabel - WINNER
Mahalia
The 2020 Male Solo Artist, in association with Amazon Music
Dave
Harry Styles
Lewis Capaldi
Michael Kiwanuka
Stormzy - WINNER
The 2020 Mastercard Album Of The Year
Dave: Psychodrama - WINNER
Harry Styles: Fine Line
Lewis Capaldi: Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent
Michael Kiwanuka: Kiwanuka
Stormzy: Heavy Is The Head
The 2020 Best New Artist
Aitch
Dave
Lewis Capaldi - WINNER
Mabel
Sam Fender
The 2020 Best Group
Coldplay
Bastille
Bring Me The Horizon
D-Block Europe
Foals - WINNER
The 2020 International Female Solo Artist
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish - WINNER
Camila Cabello
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo
The 2020 International Male Solo Artist
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Post Malone
Tyler, the Creator - WINNER
Dermot Kennedy
The 2020 Song of the Year
AJ Tracey - Ladbroke Grove
Calvin Harris and Rag'n'Bone Man - Giant
Dave feat. Burna Boy - Location
Ed Sheeran feat. Justin Bieber - I Don't Care
Lewis Capaldi - Someone You Loved - WINNER
Mabel - Don't Call Me Up
Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like a Heart
Sam Smith feat. Normani - Dancing With A Stranger
Stormzy - Vossi Bop
Tom Walker - Just You and I
Producer of The Year
Fred again... - WINNER
Rising Star


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Exclusive: Haitian president defends himself against corruption allegations as he begins rule by dec

Exclusive: Haitian president defends himself against corruption allegations as he begins rule by decree

Haiti ’ s president has denied accusations of participating in a $ 2 billion ( £1.5bn ) corruption scheme , as he admitted on the tenth anniversary of the devastating earthquake that his country remains “ in constant crisis ” .
Jovenel Moise on Sunday visited the memorial at the nation ’ s largest mass grave , where tens of thousands of bodies were unceremoniously dumped by diggers .
Over 300,000 people died in the January 12 quake – the worst to hit Haiti in 200 years – and 1.3 million were left homeless .
A decade on from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over $ 13 billion in aid has been allocated to Haiti in the intervening time , of which half has been distributed .
Yet an estimated 35,000 people still live in temporary housing ; annual per capita income remains at $ 800 ; and basic infrastructure of water and electricity is scarce .
Furthermore , Mr Moise , who took power in January 2017 , finds himself with no prime minister , no government , no budget , and , as of Monday no parliament .
Elections to choose new representatives and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so isolated that even his own political party seems against him , he will rule by decree .

Haiti’s president has denied accusations of participating in a $2 billion (£1.5bn) corruption scheme, as he admitted on the tenth anniversary of the devastating earthquake that his country remains “in constant crisis”.
Jovenel Moise on Sunday visited the memorial at the nation’s largest mass grave, where tens of thousands of bodies were unceremoniously dumped by diggers.
Over 300,000 people died in the January 12 quake – the worst to hit Haiti in 200 years – and 1.3 million were left homeless.
A decade on from the disaster, the country remains in ruins. Over $13 billion in aid has been allocated to Haiti in the intervening time, of which half has been distributed.
Yet an estimated 35,000 people still live in temporary housing; annual per capita income remains at $800; and basic infrastructure of water and electricity is scarce.
Furthermore, Mr Moise, who took power in January 2017, finds himself with no prime minister, no government, no budget, and, as of Monday no parliament.
Elections to choose new representatives and senators were never held. From Monday, so isolated that some sources say even his own political party seems against him, he will rule by decree.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Hull KR prop Mose Masoe undergoes surgery after suffering serious spinal injury

Hull KR prop Mose Masoe has undergone spinal surgery , the Super League club have announced .
The 30-year-old Samoa international was taken to hospital after hurting his neck during the opening minutes of his side 's 18-6 defeat in a pre-season trial match at Wakefield on Sunday and Rovers say the injury is serious .
The former St Helens front rower was given oxygen on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher and rushed to hospital in Leeds , where he was operated on overnight .
A statement from the club said : `` Following the injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Wakefield Trinity , the club can confirm Mose has suffered a serious spinal injury and was operated on overnight at Leeds General Hospital .
`` The club will provide further updates as soon as possible.
`` Masoe played in the NRL for Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers before moving to St Helens in 2014 and is in his second full season with Hull KR after helping them gain promotion from the Championship in 2017 .
Rovers also lost second-rower Weller Hauraki , who was captaining the team , with an ankle injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's and he is set to undergo scans to determine the extent of the problem .

Hull KR prop Mose Masoe has undergone spinal surgery, the Super League club have announced.
The 30-year-old Samoa international was taken to hospital after hurting his neck during the opening minutes of his side's 18-6 defeat in a pre-season trial match at Wakefield on Sunday and Rovers say the injury is serious.
The former St Helens front rower was given oxygen on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher and rushed to hospital in Leeds, where he was operated on overnight.
A statement from the club said: "Following the injury to Mose Masoe during yesterday's friendly with Wakefield Trinity, the club can confirm Mose has suffered a serious spinal injury and was operated on overnight at Leeds General Hospital.
"The club will provide further updates as soon as possible. "
Masoe played in the NRL for Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers before moving to St Helens in 2014 and is in his second full season with Hull KR after helping them gain promotion from the Championship in 2017.
Rovers also lost second-rower Weller Hauraki, who was captaining the team, with an ankle injury early in the second half of Sunday's and he is set to undergo scans to determine the extent of the problem.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--'Calm and consistent' Conor McGregor must deliver vintage display to defeat UFC veteran Donald Cerro

'Calm and consistent' Conor McGregor must deliver vintage display to defeat UFC veteran Donald Cerrone

Conor McGregor will put in a 'tactical ' performance on his return to UFC this weekend after 15 months out , according to his coach John Kavanagh .
McGregor will fight American Donald Cerrone here in Las Vegas on Saturday night - only his second contest in four years - and Kavanagh , speaking exclusively to Telegraph Sport , says the Irishman has been calm and consistent in his training camp .
But the truth is that regardless of how McGregor looks , or sounds , it will not be until the bell rings in the cage that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left to give to a fight industry the 31-year-old once brought to the attention of millions .
It has been in the real world that McGregor has become ‘ The Notorious One ’ in recent times , with serious matters swirling around him outside of fighting : battles with the law , old men in public houses , and his reputation .
It was Kavanagh who began training McGregor as a teenager and they rose together , the coach ’ s SBG gym in Dublin gaining fame and acclaim , spawning franchises on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt that McGregor 's fame has dipped , his bank balance has sky-rocketed , and fickle fans deserted the once revered figure .

Conor McGregor will put in a 'tactical' performance on his return to UFC this weekend after 15 months out, according to his coach John Kavanagh. McGregor will fight American Donald Cerrone here in Las Vegas on Saturday night - only his second contest in four years - and Kavanagh, speaking exclusively to Telegraph Sport, says the Irishman has been calm and consistent in his training camp.
But the truth is that regardless of how McGregor looks, or sounds, it will not be until the bell rings in the cage that we will we really know what the Irishman has left to give to a fight industry the 31-year-old once brought to the attention of millions.
It has been in the real world that McGregor has become ‘The Notorious One’ in recent times, with serious matters swirling around him outside of fighting: battles with the law, old men in public houses, and his reputation.
It was Kavanagh who began training McGregor as a teenager and they rose together, the coach’s SBG gym in Dublin gaining fame and acclaim, spawning franchises on a global scale. There is little doubt that McGregor's fame has dipped, his bank balance has sky-rocketed, and fickle fans deserted the once revered figure.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Fewer defenders, lethal finishing and a reinvented James Ward-Prowse: How Ralph Hasenhuttl turned So

Fewer defenders, lethal finishing and a reinvented James Ward-Prowse: How Ralph Hasenhuttl turned Southampton's season around

Southampton 's decision to keep faith with Ralph Hasenhuttl might just be the season 's wisest piece of executive inaction .
Saturday 's victory at Leicester was their sixth in 10 league matches and provided a degree of revenge for the chastening 9-0 home defeat inflicted on them by the same opponents in October .
Although less memorable , Southampton 's loss against Everton at St Mary 's two games later - when they managed just four shots in 90 minutes - saw them bottom out in 19th , three points from safety .
Their resurgence since that dismal day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lenient run of fixtures either : Southampton 's rise has included a draw at Arsenal , away wins at Chelsea and Leicester and a 1-0 success against Tottenham at St Mary 's .
So how have they managed it and what are the tactical keys behind their improvement ?
The numbers show their improvement has substance - and is overdue Some teams are in the relegation places because they are plain dysfunctional , but every season a team or two who should be safely ensconced in mid-table find themselves down there due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variance .
A list of 10 or more clubs are vulnerable to this , especially during the small sample size of a campaign yet to reach Christmas .

Southampton's decision to keep faith with Ralph Hasenhuttl might just be the season's wisest piece of executive inaction.
Saturday's victory at Leicester was their sixth in 10 league matches and provided a degree of revenge for the chastening 9-0 home defeat inflicted on them by the same opponents in October.
Although less memorable, Southampton's loss against Everton at St Mary's two games later - when they managed just four shots in 90 minutes - saw them bottom out in 19th, three points from safety.
Their resurgence since that dismal day has been outstanding and not caused by a lenient run of fixtures either: Southampton's rise has included a draw at Arsenal, away wins at Chelsea and Leicester and a 1-0 success against Tottenham at St Mary's.
So how have they managed it and what are the tactical keys behind their improvement?
The numbers show their improvement has substance - and is overdue
Some teams are in the relegation places because they are plain dysfunctional, but every season a team or two who should be safely ensconced in mid-table find themselves down there due to a combination of misfortune and negative variance. A list of 10 or more clubs are vulnerable to this, especially during the small sample size of a campaign yet to reach Christmas.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--How EU free movement triggered a population crisis in Croatia

European Union freedom of movement rules have triggered a population crisis in Croatia , the last country to join the EU , with hundreds of thousands of Croats moving to Western Europe for higher pay .
“ Croatia suffers a population loss equivalent to losing a small city every year , ” Andrej Plenković , the prime minister , said at a press conference to mark the country holding the rotating presidency of the EU for the first time .
Mr Plenković said the problem was “ essential ” for Croatia , which joined the EU in 2013 .
Freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live , work and study anywhere in the bloc and Croatia also struggles with a falling birth rate .
He hopes that more funding from Brussels and deeper integration with the EU will raise living standards and convince the diaspora to return and stem the brain drain .
If re-elected at the end of this year , Mr Plenković intends to secure Croatia ’ s membership of the single currency and the EU ’ s passport-free Schengen Zone .
According to government figures , almost 40,000 people emigrated in 2018 and 189,074 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population of just 4.2 million people , since it joined the EU .
Last year a group of experts said that the true figure is significantly higher with 230,000 leaving between 2013 and 2016 alone .

European Union freedom of movement rules have triggered a population crisis in Croatia, the last country to join the EU, with hundreds of thousands of Croats moving to Western Europe for higher pay.
“Croatia suffers a population loss equivalent to losing a small city every year,” Andrej Plenković, the prime minister, said at a press conference to mark the country holding the rotating presidency of the EU for the first time.
Mr Plenković said the problem was “essential” for Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013. Freedom of movement rules allow EU citizens to live, work and study anywhere in the bloc and Croatia also struggles with a falling birth rate.
He hopes that more funding from Brussels and deeper integration with the EU will raise living standards and convince the diaspora to return and stem the brain drain. If re-elected at the end of this year, Mr Plenković intends to secure Croatia’s membership of the single currency and the EU’s passport-free Schengen Zone.
According to government figures, almost 40,000 people emigrated in 2018 and 189,074 people have left Croatia, which has a population of just 4.2 million people, since it joined the EU. Last year a group of experts said that the true figure is significantly higher with 230,000 leaving between 2013 and 2016 alone.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Rare volcanic lightning seen as alert issued for Philippines eruption

Red-hot lava gushed out of a Philippine volcano on Monday after a sudden eruption of ash and steam that forced @ @ @ @ @ and shut down Manila 's international airport , offices and schools .
Clouds of ash @ @ @ @ @ ( 62 miles ) north of the Taal volcano , reaching the bustling capital , @ @ @ @ @ shutdown of the country 's main airport with more than 500 flights cancelled so far @ @ @ @ @ reports of casualties or major damage from the eruption that began Sunday .
Police reported @ @ @ @ @ have moved to evacuation centers in the hard-hit province of Batangas and nearby Cavite province @ @ @ @ @ number to swell with hundreds of thousands more being brought out of harm 's way @ @ @ @ @ are likely higher since local authorities are busy helping displaced people before notifying the national @ @ @ @ @ figures .

The Philippines is preparing to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people in the path of an active volcano amid warnings of an “explosive eruption” that could also trigger a deadly tsunami.
More than 24,000 people have already been forced to flee their homes and take shelter in 75 evacuation centres since the Taal volcano suddenly spewed a plume of ash from its crater half a mile into the air on Sunday.
The volcano continued erupting throughout Monday as desperate residents left their homes and possessions behind. Ash blew across Manila, the capital city, closing down schools and offices as traffic came to a halt and hundreds of flights were grounded at the main international airport.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--NFL Divisional play-offs: Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs progress to next week's champions

NFL Divisional play-offs: Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs progress to next week's championship showdowns

They didn ’ t make it easy , but the Green Bay Packers are returning to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 2016 .
It seems unfair to ask whether a team which is just one win from the Super Bowl is actually all that good , but this was another Packers win which raised as many questions as answers .
They led the Seattle Seahawks 21-3 at the half but took their foot off the gas - a hallmark of their season - and allowed the tilt to go down to the wire .
Russell Wilson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , TD , 64 rushing yards ) did his very best to single-handedly overcome poor coaching and a defense which couldn ’ t work out how to stop the Packers ’ offense until the fourth quarter , but in the end the task was too great even for him .
Get that man a massage , his back must be in agony from carrying the Seahawks all season long .
It ’ s hard to decide whether Seattle ’ s biggest crime was failing to utilise Wilson to his full potential until it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on covering Davante Adams .
Adams is pretty much Aaron Rodgers ’ ( 16 of 27 , 243 yards , 2 TDs ) sole weapon in the passing game , and yet the Seahawks continuously refused to double cover him , and allowed him to haul in eight catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns .
No other Packers wide receiver had more than one catch .

Green Bay Packers 28 Seattle Seahawks 23
They didn’t make it easy, but the Green Bay Packers are returning to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 2016.
It seems unfair to ask whether a team which is just one win from the Super Bowl is actually all that good, but this was another Packers win which raised as many questions as answers.
They led the Seattle Seahawks 21-3 at the half but took their foot off the gas - a hallmark of their season - and allowed the tilt to go down to the wire.
Russell Wilson (21 of 31, 277 yards, TD, 64 rushing yards) did his very best to single-handedly overcome poor coaching and a defense which couldn’t work out how to stop the Packers’ offense until the fourth quarter, but in the end the task was too great even for him. Get that man a massage, his back must be in agony from carrying the Seahawks all season long.
It’s hard to decide whether Seattle’s biggest crime was failing to utilise Wilson to his full potential until it was too late, or totally whiffing on covering Davante Adams.
Adams is pretty much Aaron Rodgers’ (16 of 27, 243 yards, 2 TDs) sole weapon in the passing game, and yet the Seahawks continuously refused to double cover him, and allowed him to haul in eight catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns. No other Packers wide receiver had more than one catch.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Think you don't have to file a tax return? Here are five reasons why you might need to

Think you don ’ t need to file a tax return for 2018/19 ?
Perhaps it ’ s time to double check .
Around 750,000 taxpayers miss the Jan 31 deadline each year , often simply because they are unaware they need to file a return .
It ’ s a common misconception that filing always leads to paying extra tax – sometimes it can trigger tax reliefs and refunds .
Have you claimed for your pension contributions ?
Tax relief is available on pension contributions at your highest rate of income tax .
Higher or additional rate taxpayers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief respectively if they are not in a net-pay or salary-sacrifice pension arrangement through their employer but instead make direct pension contributions .
Venture capital schemes , for example the Enterprise Investment Scheme , Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and venture capital trusts , offer valuable income tax and capital gains tax relief to encourage you to invest .
If you have made eligible investments into these schemes you should claim income tax relief on your tax return for the year in which the shares are issued to you .
In some circumstances , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributions back to the previous tax year , which can be beneficial in tax terms .
Independent financial advice should be sought if this is relevant to you .

Think you don’t need to file a tax return for 2018/19? Perhaps it’s time to double check.
Around 750,000 taxpayers miss the Jan 31 deadline each year, often simply because they are unaware they need to file a return. It’s a common misconception that filing always leads to paying extra tax – sometimes it can trigger tax reliefs and refunds.
Have you claimed for your pension contributions?
Tax relief is available on pension contributions at your highest rate of income tax. Higher or additional rate taxpayers can claim an additional 20pc and 25pc tax relief respectively if they are not in a net-pay or salary-sacrifice pension arrangement through their employer but instead make direct pension contributions.
Investments into venture capital schemes
Venture capital schemes, for example the Enterprise Investment Scheme, Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and venture capital trusts, offer valuable income tax and capital gains tax relief to encourage you to invest. If you have made eligible investments into these schemes you should claim income tax relief on your tax return for the year in which the shares are issued to you.
In some circumstances, you can also elect to carry the contributions back to the previous tax year, which can be beneficial in tax terms. Independent financial advice should be sought if this is relevant to you.


thetelegraph--2020-01-12--The original Love Island (and the most popular destination you've never heard of)

Love Island returns for a sixth series tonight .
Previously a summer affair , this dreadful programme will now pervade our lives twice a year .
Heaven help us .
Its reappearance does , however , offer a chance to shine a light on what could reasonably consider itself the original Love Island : Jeju .
This South Korean isle might well be the most popular holiday destination you ’ ve never heard of .
Around 15 million people visit it each year – more than Brazil and Egypt combined – but the vast majority are domestic tourists or Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some distance – the world ’ s busiest air route , with 14.1m passengers flying between the two airports in 2018 .
Unesco-listed , and billed as South Korea ’ s answer to Hawaii , Jeju is pure Instagram gold , and home to dramatic volcanic landscapes , underground caves , hiking trails and scenic beaches .
Halla Mountain , at 1,940m above sea level , is South Korea ’ s highest , while the cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong , or “ Sunrise Peak ” , is particularly spectacular .
It is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ mermaids ” – brave female free-divers who still hunt for seafood .
Such is its beauty , in 2011 Jeju was named among the “ New7Wonders of Nature ” , though there were accusations that its selection was down not just to good looks , but also the readiness of tourism and marketing organisations to stump up cash – including taxpayers ’ money – to support its campaign .
There are also casinos , which help lure travellers from China , and , thanks to the island ’ s self-governing status , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now for the love connection .
Bizarrely , there ’ s also a sex-themed park , Jeju Love Land , which features phallus statues , interactive exhibits on the “ masturbation cycle ” , and other sculptures of humans in flagrante .
Love Land is said to owe its existence to Jeju ’ s long standing popularity as a honeymoon destination .
Young newlyweds would arrive knowing next to nothing about the birds and the bees so some hotel employees offered to share their expertise .
The island soon became an unofficial centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park entirely logical ( this is a family newspaper – for more pictures , you will need Google ) .
But Jeju also has a dark side .
In 1948 and 1949 , the South Korean government brutally put down an attempted uprising on the island .
Villagers , including women and children , were massacred , and as recently as 2008 mass graves were still being uncovered .
Some 30,000 people died as a result of the uprising , with a further 40,000 fleeing to Japan , and the atrocities are remembered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeju ’ s burgeoning popularity has raised fears about “ overtourism ” in recent years .
The island is only 45 miles across , with a population of 700,000 – but South Korea wants it to attract 45 million annual tourists by 2035 .
It is planning to construct a new international airport to help meet that target , but Jeju residents are understandably concerned .
Fancy a trip ?
You can see Jeju on Cunard ’ s nine-night Southern Japan cruise , departing from Yokohama ( Tokyo ) on April 11 , @ @ @ @ @

Love Island returns for a sixth series tonight. Previously a summer affair, this dreadful programme will now pervade our lives twice a year. Heaven help us. Its reappearance does, however, offer a chance to shine a light on what could reasonably consider itself the original Love Island: Jeju.
This South Korean isle might well be the most popular holiday destination you’ve never heard of. Around 15 million people visit it each year – more than Brazil and Egypt combined – but the vast majority are domestic tourists or Chinese. Indeed, Jeju-Seoul is – by some distance – the world’s busiest air route, with 14.1m passengers flying between the two airports in 2018.
So what’s the appeal?
Unesco-listed, and billed as South Korea’s answer to Hawaii, Jeju is pure Instagram gold, and home to dramatic volcanic landscapes, underground caves, hiking trails and scenic beaches.
Halla Mountain, at 1,940m above sea level, is South Korea’s highest, while the cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong, or “Sunrise Peak”, is particularly spectacular. It is also known for its countless orange trees and “mermaids” – brave female free-divers who still hunt for seafood.
15 million visit each year Credit : GETTY
Such is its beauty, in 2011 Jeju was named among the “New7Wonders of Nature”, though there were accusations that its selection was down not just to good looks, but also the readiness of tourism and marketing organisations to stump up cash – including taxpayers’ money – to support its campaign.
There are also casinos, which help lure travellers from China, and, thanks to the island’s self-governing status, anyone can visit without a visa.
Now for the love connection. Bizarrely, there’s also a sex-themed park, Jeju Love Land, which features phallus statues, interactive exhibits on the “masturbation cycle”, and other sculptures of humans in flagrante.
Lessons in love at the strange theme park Credit : GETTY
Love Land is said to owe its existence to Jeju’s long standing popularity as a honeymoon destination. Young newlyweds would arrive knowing next to nothing about the birds and the bees so some hotel employees offered to share their expertise. The island soon became an unofficial centre for sex education, making the theme park entirely logical (this is a family newspaper – for more pictures, you will need Google).
But Jeju also has a dark side. In 1948 and 1949, the South Korean government brutally put down an attempted uprising on the island. Villagers, including women and children, were massacred, and as recently as 2008 mass graves were still being uncovered. Some 30,000 people died as a result of the uprising, with a further 40,000 fleeing to Japan, and the atrocities are remembered at the 4.3 Peace Park memorial.
South Koreans commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Jeju Uprising in 2018 Credit : GETTY
Jeju’s burgeoning popularity has raised fears about “overtourism” in recent years. The island is only 45 miles across, with a population of 700,000 – but South Korea wants it to attract 45 million annual tourists by 2035. It is planning to construct a new international airport to help meet that target, but Jeju residents are understandably concerned.
Fancy a trip? You can see Jeju on Cunard’s nine-night Southern Japan cruise, departing from Yokohama (Tokyo) on April 11, 2020 (cunard.co.uk).


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Primary school applications: Find an undersubscribed, outstanding school near you

Deciding which primary schools to apply for can be a daunting prospect for parents .
You only get one shot @ @ @ @ @ down only the very best schools is a gamble that may or may not pay @ @ @ @ @ of primaries that are given the top Ofsted rating of “ outstanding ” are oversubscribed @ @ @ @ @ 5 applications per place .
But there are 918 “ outstanding ” primaries in England @ @ @ @ @ they have fewer applicants than they did places .
But where in the country are @ @ @ @ @ are near you ?
Enter your postcode below to find out the undersubscribed , outstanding @ @ @ @ @

The latest results are for the 2019 academic year, as league tables based on the classes of 2020 will not be released until January next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Deciding which primary schools to apply for can be a daunting prospect for parents. You only get one shot at applications, and putting down only the very best schools is a gamble that may or may not pay off.
The vast majority of primaries that are given the top Ofsted rating of “outstanding” are oversubscribed, with some attracting nearly 5 applications per place.
But there are 918 “outstanding” primaries in England that are undersubscribed, meaning they have fewer applicants than they did places. But where in the country are they? And which ones are near you? Enter your postcode below to find out the undersubscribed, outstanding schools in your area.
How to find out if schools in your area are oversubscribed
Enter your postcode into our searchable tool above, and you will get a list of all the schools in your area.
You can not only find out which schools in your area are over or undersubscribed, but also see their Ofsted ratings. You'll find out the best but also the most realistic school in your area to apply to, based on 2019's intake.
The data, obtained from the Department for Education through freedom of information requests, compares the number of times a school was listed as a first-preference choice to the number of places offered in 2019.
This presents the most up-to-date figure for the ratio of applications per place at any individual school.
What we found
The best place in the country to live if you want to get your child into a top state primary school is the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Over a quarter (26 per cent) of primaries in the borough which were given the highest Ofsted grade were also undersubscribed the previous year.
Despite being rated as “outstanding” by inspectors, these schools had fewer applicants selecting them as their first choice than the number of places they had available.
Of the 26 primary schools in Kensington and Chelsea, 16 are “outstanding” and seven of these are undersubscribed.
Hackney emerged as the second best borough in the country for getting children into top primaries, which had one in five (21 per cent) of its “outstanding” schools undersubscribed.
Richmond upon Thames came third, followed by Trafford, Gateshead and Windsor and Maindenhead.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--British woman dies in Australia after falling off cliff near Sydney

A British woman has died in Australia after falling off a cliff in Sydney .
Madalyn Davis , 21 , @ @ @ @ @ Bay clifftops , a popular selfie spot for tourists , early on Sunday morning to @ @ @ @ @ .
New South Wales Police said in a statement that emergency services were called at @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the water four hours later .
`` An investigation is underway .
A @ @ @ @ @ the coroner , '' the police statement said .

A British backpacker and social media influencer has died after falling off a cliff known to be a popular selfie spot in Sydney, Australia.
Madalyn Davis, a 21-year-old makeup artist, is believed to have gone to the Diamond Bay cliff tops with seven of her friends on Sunday morning following a party nearby in the wealthy suburb of Vaucluse.
Ms Davis, originally from Lincolnshire, scaled a security fence with her friends to access the more dangerous parts of the 30-metre cliffs near Dover Heights, local media have reported.
Her body was recovered by emergency services from the water below at around 10:30am after an intensive air and water search, New South Wales Police confirmed.
According to family friends, it is unclear whether Davis took the picture herself or if one of her friends did.
The local Waverley Council last year said they were considering increasing ranger patrols and installing more CCTV in the area amid fears that tourists were endangering themselves by climbing over the cliff edge for the perfect picture.
Concerns were raised after a 27-year-old woman fell to her death while posing for a photo in the same location in August.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Quentin Tarantino, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and The Irishman win at the Critics' Choice Awards

Phoebe Waller-Bridge 's prolific awards season continued after Fleabag won big at the Critics ' Choice Awards while Quentin Tarantino @ @ @ @ @ ...
In Hollywood was named best picture .
With less than a month to go @ @ @ @ @ 's love letter to 1960s Los Angeles received a timely boost as it was named @ @ @ @ @ ahead of rivals including The Irishman , 1917 and Marriage Story .
The best director @ @ @ @ @ 's Bong Joon Ho and 1917 's Sam Mendes after Broadcast Film Critics Association voters @ @ @ @ @ Joaquin Phoenix took home best actor for his portrayal of a tortured loner in Joker @ @ @ @ @ actress for playing Judy Garland in biopic Judy .
Brad Pitt won best supporting actor @ @ @ @ @ in Once Upon A Time ...
In Hollywood and Laura Dern won supporting actress for @ @ @ @ @ in Marriage Story .

Phoebe Waller-Bridge's prolific awards season continued after Fleabag won big at the Critics' Choice Awards while Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood was named best picture.
With less than a month to go until the Oscars, Tarantino's love letter to 1960s Los Angeles received a timely boost as it was named the year's best film ahead of rivals including The Irishman, 1917 and Marriage Story.
The best director prize was shared between Parasite's Bong Joon Ho and 1917's Sam Mendes after Broadcast Film Critics Association voters could not split them.
Joaquin Phoenix took home best actor for his portrayal of a tortured loner in Joker while Renee Zellweger won best actress for playing Judy Garland in biopic Judy.
Brad Pitt won best supporting actor for playing an ageing stuntman in Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood and Laura Dern won supporting actress for playing a ruthless divorce lawyer in Marriage Story.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Monday morning news briefing: D-day for the Royal family

If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email , sign up to the Front Page newsletter here .
For two-minute audio updates , try The Briefing - on podcasts , smart speakers and WhatsApp .
Fears Harry will tell all if his plans are thwarted It is the Sandringham showdown .
The Duke of Sussex today comes face to face with the Queen for the first time since he announced plans to walk away from his role , as Her Majesty oversees the family 's crisis summit .
But Buckingham Palace fears that Prince Harry and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations about the family if they do not get what they want .
Victoria Ward explains how the threat of a `` no-holds-barred '' television interview looms large .
Today 's crunch talks - also due to be attended by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge - are expected to last several hours , with Meghan dialling in from Canada .
Aides are understood to have already drawn up a potential blueprint for the couple 's new life in North America .
Camilla Tominey examines the six key items on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Camilla , sign up for our free Your Royal Appointment newsletter .
When Harry hinted at a rift with his brother , many assumed it was just a bump in the road .
Far from it .
It has become increasingly clear that a much deeper , more damaging and even `` poisonous '' schism has taken root .
As the divide threatens to tear the family apart , read the truth about the princely fall-out .
It seems a long five days since the Sussexes announced plans to `` step back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfolded .

If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email, sign up to the Front Page newsletter here. For two-minute audio updates, try The Briefing - on podcasts, smart speakers and WhatsApp.
Fears Harry will tell all if his plans are thwarted
It is the Sandringham showdown. The Duke of Sussex today comes face to face with the Queen for the first time since he announced plans to walk away from his role, as Her Majesty oversees the family's crisis summit. But Buckingham Palace fears that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan could go public with damaging accusations about the family if they do not get what they want. Victoria Ward explains how the threat of a "no-holds-barred" television interview looms large. Today's crunch talks - also due to be attended by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge - are expected to last several hours, with Meghan dialling in from Canada. Aides are understood to have already drawn up a potential blueprint for the couple's new life in North America. Camilla Tominey examines the six key items on the agenda. For exclusive weekly columns from Camilla, sign up for our free Your Royal Appointment newsletter.
When Harry hinted at a rift with his brother, many assumed it was just a bump in the road. Far from it. It has become increasingly clear that a much deeper, more damaging and even "poisonous" schism has taken root. As the divide threatens to tear the family apart, read the truth about the princely fall-out. It seems a long five days since the Sussexes announced plans to "step back". Here is how the crisis unfolded.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Prisoner killed in throat slash attack at privately run jail

A prisoner has died after his throat was slashed at the privately run HMP Thameside in Greenwich , south east London .
The inmate , in his 40s , was attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning , according to the Metropolitan Police .
A man in his late 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder , the force said .
HMP Thameside is a Serco-run facility , which opened in 2012 and holds around 1,200 inmates .
A spokesman from Scotland Yard said : `` Police were called at 02:37hrs on Sunday , 12 January to HMP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered suffering from a slash injury to his throat .
`` The man , aged in his 40s , was pronounced dead at the scene by London Ambulance Service .
`` Officers are working to inform his next of kin .
Formal identification and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course .
`` Officers from the Specialist Crime Command have been informed and enquiries into the circumstances continue . ''
HMP Thameside serves courts in east and south-east London , and has an `` extremely high turnover of prisoners '' with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days '' , according to an inspection report in 2017 .
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke found the prison had a `` had a generally settled and respectful atmosphere '' but noted that `` levels of violence were high '' .

A prison inmate arrested on suspicion of murder after a fellow prisoner died from a cut throat has been released by police as the investigation into the death continues.
Detectives say they are trying to establish if the injuries were the result of an assault or self-inflicted.
The investigation into the death of an inmate at privately-run HMP Thameside in Plumstead, south east London continues.
A Met Police spokesman said: "Police were called at 02.37am on Sunday, January 12 to HMP Thameside in Griffin Manor Way after an inmate was discovered with serious injuries.
"The man, aged in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene by the London Ambulance Service.
His next-of-kin have been informed. Formal identification and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
"A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken into custody and was subsequently released under investigation pending further enquiries.
"Officers are working to establish the full circumstances, including whether the deceased's injuries were self-inflicted or were the result of an assault."
The investigation is being led by the South East Area's Serious and Complex Crime Department.
Support is being provided by the prison operators, SERCO, as well as colleagues from Specialist Crime.


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--What’s on TV tonight: Exposed: The Church’s Darkest Secret, Cold Feet, and more

Sometimes the monsters hide in plain sight .
That ’ s the central message behind this devastating two-part documentary about the crimes of Bishop Peter Ball , who died last year , and the many ways in which the Church of England conspired for decades to cover up his widespread abuse .
The charismatic Ball , who eventually became the Bishop of Gloucester , built a national reputation as a man of simple monastic tastes , all while appearing on television to dispense wisdom and courting friends in high places , including the Prince of Wales .
The reality was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a godly man to court vulnerable young men , even launching a residential scheme in 1977 where young people could “ spend a year with God ” .
It was all a cover for his predatory instincts , allowing him to abuse and manipulate these volunteers , turning their belief in a vocation into a source of shame .
Central to the story is Neil Todd , the teenager who made the first allegations of abuse by Ball back in the 1990s only to find his testimony ignored .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , story that will only get darker in tomorrow ’ s concluding episode , as the scale of the cover-up is revealed .
SH

Wednesday 16 August
Colosseum
BBC Four, 9pm & 9.50pm
All roads lead to Rome as BBC Four celebrates a series devoted to one of the most famous architectural remnants of the ancient world. If eight episodes (boxsetted on iPlayer and previously shown on Sky History) seems too much to devote to a single building, even one as spectacular as the largest amphitheatre of its age, it’s really not. As one contributor says, the Colosseum “is the Roman Empire distilled to its essence… a symbol of conquest, dominance and imperial power”. As such, it enables the producers to dig deep into Roman culture’s wider obsession with violence, and to straddle the whole of the Roman empire at its height, exploring politics, society and power at the time of Vespasian, Domitian and Trajan.
Tonight’s double bill looks first at Roman society’s obsession with gladiators (via an enduringly famous contest between fan favourite Verus and the barbarian Priscus), before tracking back to the building’s construction through the eyes of its master Haterius. For context there’s a repeat of Meet the Romans with Mary Beard, 8pm, beforehand; plus a rerun of the enduringly wonderful I, Claudius, from 10.50pm, preceded by Sir Derek Jacobi Remembers… at 10.35pm. GO
At Home with the Furys
Netflix
Another celebrity-family reality series, this one is focused on Morecambe-based boxer Tyson Fury. With the former heavyweight champion struggling with retirement, his wife Paris, their six children and his Love Island-stars brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Molly-Mae, are among those drawn into the chaos.
The Chosen One
Netflix
Adapted from Mark Millar’s comic American Jesus, a series blending superhero and Second Coming tropes. In Baja, California, 12-year-old Jodie (Bobby Luhnow) finds that he has Jesus-like powers after surviving a freak accident. He can turn water into wine and make the disabled walk – but can he help mankind defeat the antichrist?
Celebrity MasterChef
BBC One, 9pm
In the penultimate heats week, John Torode and Gregg Wallace welcome five more celebrities to the MasterChef kitchen. Putting their taste buds to the test are singers Jamelia and Sam Fox, drag artist Cheryl Hole, American rapper Locksmith and opera singer Wynne Evans.
Kate Garraway’s Life Stories
ITV1, 9pm
Concluding another short but headline-dominating run, Garraway interviews Iranian-British actor, comedian and writer Omid Djalili. During an enlightening chat she hears how his career flourished – from the Edinburgh Fringe and Hollywood films to the theatres of the West End – despite an unpromising start in life that saw him take his A-levels six times and get turned down by 16 drama schools.
The 1970s Supermarket
Channel 5, 9pm
A surprisingly engaging three-parter exploring how a revolution in how people shopped, cooked and ate transformed the British way of life in the Seventies. The entertainment factor gets ramped up through a recreation of trolley-must-haves from the past (Fray Bentos pies, Findus crispy pancakes), ready to be enjoyed (or not) by modern consumers.
Annika
Alibi, 9pm
A trip to Edinburgh beckons for DI Annika Strandhed (Nicola Walker) and her Glasgow-based Marine Homicide Unit when a recently released prisoner is found dead in a cage in the Firth of Forth. A link to Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley holds the key to the investigation but only after Annika shares with Michael (Jamie Sives) something she’s been hiding for years.
The Godfather (1972) ★★★★★
Film4, 9pm
Endlessly quoted and copied, the first instalment of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic mob trilogy is an all-time high watermark of American cinema. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino play American-Italian mafia boss Don Vito and his son and reluctant heir, Michael Corleone, caught up in the struggle for power. The Godfather: Part II follows on Thursday at 9pm, with Part III on Friday at the same time.
Central Intelligence (2016) ★★★
ITV4, 10pm
This meat-and-potatoes buddy comedy about two estranged schoolmates who’ve ended up in jobs against their youthful type drifts into formulaic chaos. Nevertheless, there’s no denying how well the leads take to their task: Dwayne Johnson’s secret agent is ripely self-parodic, while Kevin Hart (as an accountant) makes for a surprisingly good straight man. Amy Ryan and Jason Bateman co-star.
King of New York (1990) ★★★★
Sky Cinema Greats, 10.20pm
Abel Ferrara’s neo-noir gangster film is a stone-cold classic. Ruthless mob boss Frank White (Christopher Walken) is released from prison after a long stint inside and looks to regain control of New York City by taking out rival gangs. When fellow leaders start turning up dead, however, a group of policemen headed by David Caruso’s DI Dennis decide to take the law into their own hands to bring him down.
Thursday 17 August


thetelegraph--2020-01-13--Iran plane crash: British ambassador summoned by Tehran claiming he attended 'illegal rally'

Iran summoned the British ambassador on Sunday after it accused him of `` illegal and inappropriate '' presence at anti-government demonstrations , deepening a diplomatic rift between the countries .
Ambassador Rob Macaire denounced his detention on Saturday , which he said was `` of course illegal '' , saying he had attended a vigil for victims of the Ukrainian Airlines crash , but left as protests broke out .
It came as Iran faced a second day of protests over the downing of the flight by the Iranian military , killing all 176 passengers , and initial denials by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detention of Mr Macaire , which foreign secretary Dominic Raab said risked the country gaining `` pariah status '' .
Hamid Baeidinejad , Iran ’ s ambassador to the UK , suggested Mr Macaire should have heeded his own embassy ’ s warnings to “ not be present in the proximity of political demonstrations in Tehran.
” Iran ’ s deputy foreign minister , Seyed Abbas Araghchi , said Mr Macaire had been arrested as an “ unknown foreigner in an illegal gathering ” and “ 15 min later he was free .
@

Iran summoned the British ambassador on Sunday after it accused him of "illegal and inappropriate" presence at anti-government demonstrations, deepening a diplomatic rift between the countries.
Ambassador Rob Macaire denounced his detention on Saturday, which he said was "of course illegal", saying he had attended a vigil for victims of the Ukrainian Airlines crash, but left as protests broke out.
It came as Iran faced a second day of protests over the downing of the flight by the Iranian military, killing all 176 passengers, and initial denials by the regime.
Iranian officials defended the detention of Mr Macaire, which foreign secretary Dominic Raab said risked the country gaining "pariah status".
Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran’s ambassador to the UK, suggested Mr Macaire should have heeded his own embassy’s warnings to “not be present in the proximity of political demonstrations in Tehran.”
Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said Mr Macaire had been arrested as an “unknown foreigner in an illegal gathering” and “15 min later he was free.”


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--The best Cotswolds spa hotels, from spring water pools to state-of-the-art treatments

Barnsley House is an ultra-chic and immensely relaxing retreat for grown-ups with magnificent gardens and an excellent wellness centre .
@ @ @ @ @ in a cow parsley-fringed dell in the garden and is suffused with the scent of @ @ @ @ @ an appealing range of facilities , from a soothing outdoor hydrotherapy pool to a steam @ @ @ @ @ Treatments are based on Elemis products and the spa team also offers state-of-the-art Caci ( @ @ @ @ @ facials .
There are four acres of greenery including a knot garden and a potager @ @ @ @ @ treatment .
You ’ re very much in rural reaches here yet access is easy @ @ @ @ @ miles from the centre of Cirencester , and is about an hour and half ’ @ @ @ @ @ London and Birmingham .

This splendid country house hotel just across from Cheltenham Racecourse has a wealth of history (spy the musket holes from the Civil War on the front door), a great setting and bags of style. The 61 bedrooms are very much in keeping with the relaxingly rural-chic style of the place – some have stripy wallpaper, others sport chintz and pelmets. A highlight is the dreamy outdoor pool and a large, well-devised spa with a hot tub, sauna, steam room and juice bar. The extensive range of treatments is based on Ila and Monu skincare products made in the Cotswolds and also on Ishga seaweed lotions from the Hebrides.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--Affordable style on South Africa's coast: The best budget hotels in Cape Town

An insider 's guide to the best cheap hotels in Cape Town , featuring the best places to stay for @ @ @ @ @ , comfortable rooms , charming bistros and good city-centre locations .
All prices below are @ @ @ @ @ based on two people sharing .
These prices are subject to change in high season @ @ @ @ @ events .

Sea views, inventive breakfasts and comfortable rooms in Cape Town’s Kalk Bay, near Boulders beach (where you can swim with penguins) and the Constantia winelands – Chartfield Guesthouse is ideal for those who would prefer to swap the city for a laid-back, artsy seaside village, with great restaurant choices a stroll away. Simple, unfussy and comfortable, it's the kind of place that encourages you to take your shoes off and put your feet up. The best rooms have sea views (ask for the deluxe category), of which Impala and Star of the Sea are top picks. But the best room in the house is the Loft, with its own private balcony and lovely Kalk Bay views.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--The best romantic hotels in Seville, including fragrant courtyards and bijou plunge pools

Since the eponymous King Alfonso built it for VIP guests to the 1929 Expo , this grande dame of a @ @ @ @ @ hundred yards from the cathedral , has become synonymous with the ultimate in palatial luxury @ @ @ @ @ Andalusian glamour .
With its minarets , stunning ballroom , sumptuous ceramic tiling and grandiose @ @ @ @ @ is almost as striking as some of the nearby palacios you ’ ll be visiting @ @ @ @ @ a rare treat in the midst of the city , whilst the central Andalusian patio @ @ @ @ @ gardens , make a wonderful oasis from the hustle , bustle and heat beyond .

A city where the sun nearly always shines, where the air is scented with orange blossom, and where fairytale architectural delights abound, it’s hard not to feel your heart sing as you explore Seville’s windy streets and shady plazas with your other half. In these hotels you can enjoy charming rooms and suites with four-poster beds and private terraces, some with their own hot tubs. Pretty plant-filled courtyards are perfect for tapas and Sherry à deux by candlelight. For a seductive stay in Spain's steamy south, here's our pick of the most romantic hotels in Seville.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--The best spa hotels in Miami, including mud baths and CBD oil treatments

A seaside retreat in Sunny Isles Beach , the five-star Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach is all luxury @ @ @ @ @ to one of the city ’ s finest spas , which specialises in “ spa @ @ @ @ @ simple treatments .
These can last up to four hours , and include foot rituals @ @ @ @ @ wraps , massages and facials .
Massages with volcanic stones , salt and oil scrubs @ @ @ @ @ also on the menu .
Amenities include a sauna , steam room , several pools @ @ @ @ @ an 'experience shower ' , and a Himalayan salt wall ( it fills the air @ @ @ @ @ .

The indulgent and luxurious Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau is one of the best in the city. Standout amenities encompass mineral pools, massage-jet showers and eucalyptus steam baths, while a range of treatments, designed to combat stress, include a full body renewal programme. One of the more intriguing treatments is deep massage with CBD oil and lavender, which claims to destress and relieve muscle tension. Rooms have outrageously comfortable beds that feel like sinking into a cloud. With eight dining venues and LIV, one of the hottest nightclubs in Miami, you’ll want for nothing more.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Will air pollution caused by bushfires cancel Australian Open? Key questions answered as smoke disru

Will air pollution caused by bushfires cancel Australian Open? Key questions answered as smoke disrupts qualifiers

Could the tournament be cancelled ?
Unlikely , as Melbourne Park boasts three large stadia with roofs and filtered air-conditioning @ @ @ @ @ eight indoor courts at the National Tennis Centre on the south-eastern side of the site @ @ @ @ @ truly apocalyptic , Plan B is to host matches inside , with supplementary events such @ @ @ @ @ and wheelchairs moved off-site .
• Simon Briggs : my experience of the bushfires How @ @ @ @ @ ?
The air quality index ( AQI ) – which takes into account factors such @ @ @ @ @ of dangerous P2.5 microparticles – climbed above 200 on Tuesday morning , after an easterly @ @ @ @ @ there for most of the day .
This is listed as “ hazardous ” .
@ @ @ @ @ Melbourne ’ s pollution level was the highest in the world .

Could the tournament be cancelled?
Unlikely, as Melbourne Park boasts three large stadia with roofs and filtered air-conditioning systems. And there are eight indoor courts at the National Tennis Centre on the south-eastern side of the site. If the conditions turn truly apocalyptic, Plan B is to host matches inside, with supplementary events such as the juniors, legends and wheelchairs moved off-site.
How bad is the air quality?
The air quality index (AQI) – which takes into account factors such as visibility and the concentration of dangerous PM2.5 microparticles – climbed above 200 on Tuesday morning, after an easterly wind change, and stayed there for most of the day. This is listed as “hazardous”. According to some measurements, Melbourne’s pollution level was the highest in the world.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--UFC 246 Conor McGregor vs Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone: When is the fight, how can I watch and what is ou

UFC 246 Conor McGregor vs Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone: When is the fight, how can I watch and what is our prediction?

What is it ?
Conor McGregor headlines UFC 246 as he makes his eagerly anticipated return to the octagon against American Donald 'Cowboy ' Cerrone .
When is it ?
The official date is Saturday , January 18 but due to the time difference it could be the early hours of Sunday , January 18 before fight fans in the UK and Ireland see McGregor in action .
Where is it ?
The T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas strip .
What time will it start ?
There are 12 fights on the undercard so the main section of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , meaning an early alarm call if you want to watch live .
How can I watch the fight ?
BT Sport are broadcasting the event via their pay-per-view box office channel and it is expected to set UK viewers back £20 ( price to be confirmed ) .
The fight can be purchased by viewers who have a Sky , Virgin or BT TV subscription .
If that does not apply to you , there is the option to set up a BT Sport Box Office online to watch on mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Conor McGregor answered his critics with a blistering knockout of Donald Cerrone - brushing aside 'The Cowboy' in under 40 seconds at UFC 246.
In only his second bout since 2016 - a gap filled by outside-the-cage troubles - the Irishman returned to the Octagon with a bang.
The former two-division champion busted the nose of Cerrone in the fight's first skirmish before finishing him in a first-round TKO.
McGregor had not won since November 2016 when he stopped Eddie Alvarez, the lightweight, to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold two championship belts at the same time. McGregor then fought only his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather in 2017 before losing a one-sided UFC bout to lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.
But last night he leapt on top of the cage wall to celebrate with the thousands of fans in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Iran calls for expulsion of British ambassador to Tehran for alleged role in anti-government protest

Iran calls for expulsion of British ambassador to Tehran for alleged role in anti-government protests

Iran declared the British ambassador to Tehran “ persona non grata ” on Tuesday , calling for him to be expelled for his alleged role in recent anti-government protests .
Iran ’ s judiciary spokesman said Robert Macaire had played a “ provocative role ” when he attended a vigil at the weekend for passengers killed in the passenger jet crash last week , amid ever-worsening tensions between the UK and Iran .
Mr Macaire said he left the vigil as soon as the protests began and was arrested on his way to the embassy , in violation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several hours , before Iran ’ s foreign ministry intervened and arranged for his release .
An effigy of the ambassador , who took up the role two years ago , and a Union Jack flag were burned in Tehran .
“ It is not acceptable for us to see that the British ambassador went outside the embassy and took part in an illegal gathering , filmed it and had a provocative role in its continuation , ” Gholam-Hossein Esmaili , the spokesman for Iran ’ s judiciary , told reporters .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while people ’ s expectations and international regulations necessitate his expulsion .
”

Iran declared the British ambassador to Tehran “persona non grata” on Tuesday, calling for him to be expelled for his alleged role in recent anti-government protests.
Iran’s judiciary spokesman said Robert Macaire had played a “provocative role” when he attended a vigil at the weekend for passengers killed in the passenger jet crash last week, amid ever-worsening tensions between the UK and Iran.
Mr Macaire said he left the vigil as soon as the protests began and was arrested on his way to the embassy, in violation of the Vienna Convention. He was detained for several hours, before Iran’s foreign ministry intervened and arranged for his release.
An effigy of the ambassador, who took up the role two years ago, and a Union Jack flag were burned in Tehran.
“It is not acceptable for us to see that the British ambassador went outside the embassy and took part in an illegal gathering, filmed it and had a provocative role in its continuation,” Gholam-Hossein Esmaili, the spokesman for Iran’s judiciary, told reporters. “This person is persona non grata ... while people’s expectations and international regulations necessitate his expulsion.”


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--David Warner and Aaron Finch hit biggest ever partnership against India in record-breaking Australia

David Warner and Aaron Finch hit biggest ever partnership against India in record-breaking Australia win

Australia openers David Warner and Aaron Finch both hit centuries to back up their bowlers ' inspired display as the touring side handed out a 10-wicket thrashing to India in the opening one-day international on Tuesday .
India , ranked second in ODIs in the world , suffered a mid-innings collapse to be bundled out for 255 in the 50th over of their innings after Australia captain Finch won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three-match series .
Warner and Finch then smashed the Indian bowlers to all corners of the ground , picking up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target with more than 12 overs to spare at the Wankhede Stadium , which overlooks the Arabian Sea .
Left-handed Warner successfully used the decision review system twice to overturn the umpire 's decision on his way to his 18th ODI century , hitting 17 fours and three sixes in his unbeaten knock of 128 .
Finch completed his 16th century in the format , his unbeaten innings of 110 studded with 13 fours and two sixes .
Earlier , left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc , who made his ODI debut in India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wickets to set up Australia 's victory .

Australia openers David Warner and Aaron Finch both hit centuries to back up their bowlers' inspired display as the touring side handed out a 10-wicket thrashing to India in the opening one-day international on Tuesday.
India, ranked second in ODIs in the world, suffered a mid-innings collapse to be bundled out for 255 in the 50th over of their innings after Australia captain Finch won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three-match series.
Warner and Finch then smashed the Indian bowlers to all corners of the ground, picking up boundaries at will to chase down the target with more than 12 overs to spare at the Wankhede Stadium, which overlooks the Arabian Sea.
Left-handed Warner successfully used the decision review system twice to overturn the umpire's decision on his way to his 18th ODI century, hitting 17 fours and three sixes in his unbeaten knock of 128.
Finch completed his 16th century in the format, his unbeaten innings of 110 studded with 13 fours and two sixes.
Earlier, left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who made his ODI debut in India 10 years ago, picked up three wickets to set up Australia's victory.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Gedson Fernandes' loan to Tottenham nears completion with super-agent Jorge Mendes in London to tie

Gedson Fernandes' loan to Tottenham nears completion with super-agent Jorge Mendes in London to tie up deal

The Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes is due to attend Tottenham Hotspur ’ s FA Cup third-round replay against Middlesbrough this evening having been in London to tie up the 18-month loan deal that will bring midfielder Gedson Fernandes to the club .
The 21-year-old Benfica man will arrive on loan with an option to buy in a deal that has been overseen by Mendes , and will offer Spurs the cover in midfield that Jose Mourinho feels they lack following the injury to Moussa Sissoko .
The player undertook his medical on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the game against Middlesbrough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and agent for Mourinho since the beginning of the Spurs coach 's managerial career 20 years ago .
Fernandes missed the start of the season at Benfica with a fractured metatarsal and has only played seven league games this season .
In fact , the midfielder last played 90 minutes at the end of October and since then has made just four appearances of less than an hour in total .
Last season he made 36 appearances in all competitions This season he has fallen out of favour with Benfica manager Bruno Lage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academy graduate .
Given his age and the relative cheapness of the loan fee , around £3.8 million , Spurs and Mourinho see Fernandes as a low-risk , low-cost option to solve an immediate problem .
The player ’ s parents live in the Tottenham area which has also helped convince all sides of its viability .
He was on offer to Premier League clubs this window and a number , including West Ham , had shown interest .

The Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes is due to attend Tottenham Hotspur’s FA Cup third-round replay against Middlesbrough this evening having been in London to tie up the 18-month loan deal that will bring midfielder Gedson Fernandes to the club.
The 21-year-old Benfica man will arrive on loan with an option to buy in a deal that has been overseen by Mendes, and will offer Spurs the cover in midfield that Jose Mourinho feels they lack following the injury to Moussa Sissoko.
The player undertook his medical on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the game against Middlesbrough. Mendes has been a key advisor and agent for Mourinho since the beginning of the Spurs coach's managerial career 20 years ago.
Fernandes missed the start of the season at Benfica with a fractured metatarsal and has only played seven league games this season. In fact, the midfielder last played 90 minutes at the end of October and since then has made just four appearances of less than an hour in total. Last season he made 36 appearances in all competitions This season he has fallen out of favour with Benfica manager Bruno Lage who has been reluctant to pick the academy graduate.
Given his age and the relative cheapness of the loan fee, around £3.8 million, Spurs and Mourinho see Fernandes as a low-risk, low-cost option to solve an immediate problem. The player’s parents live in the Tottenham area which has also helped convince all sides of its viability. He was on offer to Premier League clubs this window and a number, including West Ham, had shown interest.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Nasa says smoke from Australian blazes about to complete a full lap of the world

The smoke from Australia ’ s fires is so vast that fumes from the early weeks of the crisis will @ @ @ @ @ globe and are expected to return to the country ’ s skies from the west @ @ @ @ @ The smoke has billowed into the lower stratosphere , reaching 17.7 kilometres above sea level @ @ @ @ @ towns are struggling with low air quality from bushfire smoke .
Canberra recently surpassed an @ @ @ @ @ – and anything over 200 is considered hazardous .
`` The smoke is expected to @ @ @ @ @ circuit around the globe , '' Nasa , the US space agency , said .
@ @ @ @ @ , the smoke can travel thousands of miles from its source , affecting atmospheric conditions @ @ @ @ @ .

The smoke from Australia’s fires is so vast that fumes from the early weeks of the crisis will survive a journey around the globe and are expected to return to the country’s skies from the west, according to Nasa.
The smoke has billowed into the lower stratosphere, reaching 17.7 kilometres above sea level.
Many Australian cities and towns are struggling with low air quality from bushfire smoke. Canberra recently surpassed an Air Quality Index of 4,500 – and anything over 200 is considered hazardous.
"The smoke is expected to make at least one full circuit around the globe," Nasa, the US space agency, said.
"Once in the stratosphere, the smoke can travel thousands of miles from its source, affecting atmospheric conditions globally," it added.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--An Adriatic city built by the Romans and made for island hopping – an expert guide to Zadar

Zadar has more than 2000 years of history , its ancient Roman roots mixed with monuments to the Venetians , who ruled for several hundred years , and a wealth of art and architecture that embraces fine medieval churches and striking contemporary sculpture .
Beyond the town lie opportunities for outdoor activities on land and sea , along with ferry rides or organised excursions to nearby islands and key national parks .
Until 2014 the smaller cruise ships that could access Zadar docked on the peninsula containing the town ’ s historic core , a stone ’ s throw from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ships dock at the new port at Gaženica , just over three miles ( 5km ) southeast of the town .
Shuttles run to the old town from the dock , usually for €12–15 round-trip .
Taxis should cost around the same one way , but beware that visitors are often overcharged ( €25 ) .
See below for details of buses into town .
Can I walk to any places of interest ?
It is a long and tedious walk from the new cruise dock to the historic centre but once you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is easy to explore on foot .
Navigation on the old town ’ s roughly rectangular peninsula is straightforward , as the streets still mostly conform to the original grid of the Roman settlement , and you are never more than about two minutes from delightful promenade the runs round the peninsula .
To visit the parks and other sights around Zadar you will need to take a tour , take a ferry , use a private taxi or tackle public transport .
Buses from the dock to the old town are cheap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( twice-hourly ) to the bus station and change to service # 2 or # 4 for the old town .
Tickets cost 10kn ( £1.20 ) and are valid for any number of journeys in 50 minutes .

Why go?
Zadar has more than 2000 years of history, its ancient Roman roots mixed with monuments to the Venetians, who ruled for several hundred years, and a wealth of art and architecture that embraces fine medieval churches and striking contemporary sculpture. Beyond the town lie opportunities for outdoor activities on land and sea, along with ferry rides or organised excursions to nearby islands and key national parks.
Cruise port location
Until 2014 the smaller cruise ships that could access Zadar docked on the peninsula containing the town’s historic core, a stone’s throw from the sights. Since then, most ships dock at the new port at Gaženica, just over three miles (5km) southeast of the town. Shuttles run to the old town from the dock, usually for €12–15 round-trip. Taxis should cost around the same one way, but beware that visitors are often overcharged (€25). See below for details of buses into town.
Can I walk to any places of interest?
It is a long and tedious walk from the new cruise dock to the historic centre but once you are in the old town, it is easy to explore on foot. Navigation on the old town’s roughly rectangular peninsula is straightforward, as the streets still mostly conform to the original grid of the Roman settlement, and you are never more than about two minutes from delightful promenade the runs round the peninsula.
Getting around
To visit the parks and other sights around Zadar you will need to take a tour, take a ferry, use a private taxi or tackle public transport. Buses from the dock to the old town are cheap but time-consuming: take bus #9 (twice-hourly) to the bus station and change to service #2 or #4 for the old town. Tickets cost 10kn (£1.20) and are valid for any number of journeys in 50 minutes.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Avalanches kill dozens in Kashmir

Avalanches kill dozens in Kashmir

At least 55 people were killed when avalanches tore through Pakistan-administered Kashmir , bringing the death toll from a severe @ @ @ @ @ Pakistan to more than 130 .
Imran Khan , prime minister , called in troops @ @ @ @ @ avalanches destroyed at least 20 houses .
Britain 's High Commissioner said the UK was @ @ @ @ @ if required .
Afghanistan and Pakistan have been buffeted by heavy snows and rains in @ @ @ @ @ floods and landslides .
At least 93 people have died and another 76 been injured @ @ @ @ @ further 39 were killed in Afghanistan , according to officials in both countries .
Others @ @ @ @

At least 55 people were killed when avalanches tore through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, bringing the death toll from a severe winter weather in Afghanistan and Pakistan to more than 130.
Imran Khan, prime minister, called in troops to help rescue efforts after avalanches destroyed at least 20 houses.
Britain's High Commissioner said the UK was on standby to offer assistance if required.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have been buffeted by heavy snows and rains in recent days, leading to floods and landslides.
At least 93 people have died and another 76 been injured across Pakistan, while a further 39 were killed in Afghanistan, according to officials in both countries. Others are still missing.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--First orca found washed up on coast of Britain in 20 years as scientists say it had plastic in its s

First orca found washed up on coast of Britain in 20 years as scientists say it had plastic in its stomach

The first orca washed up on Britain 's coast in 20 years had plastic in its stomach , scientists have said , as they work to determine the cause of death .
The juvenile male killer whale , approximately 15ft long , became stranded in salt marsh in The Wash on the east coast of England .
It is the first confirmed orca stranding that the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme , of which ZSL is a partner , has investigated in England and Wales since 2001 .
The team found a large fragment of plastic in the first stomach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the stomach was not blocked .
There was no evidence of recent feeding , as its stomachs were largely empty , and it is thought the animal died weeks ago .
ZSL 's Rob Deaville and Matt Perkins collected blubber , liver , muscle and kidney samples from the marine mammal , which was internally mostly intact .
Teeth samples are also being investigated in order to determine the predator 's age .
A spokesperson from ZSL told The Telegraph that this is a rare event `` because there are so few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He added : `` There are two populations of killer whale , you get residents and migatory .
The resident population in the UK is tiny now because the water is highly polluted .

The first orca washed up on Britain's coast in 20 years had plastic in its stomach, scientists have said, as they work to determine the cause of death.
The juvenile male killer whale, approximately 15ft long, became stranded in salt marsh in The Wash on the east coast of England.
It is the first confirmed orca stranding that the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, of which ZSL is a partner, has investigated in England and Wales since 2001.
The team found a large fragment of plastic in the first stomach, though it had not killed the orca as the stomach was not blocked.
There was no evidence of recent feeding, as its stomachs were largely empty, and it is thought the animal died weeks ago.
ZSL's Rob Deaville and Matt Perkins collected blubber, liver, muscle and kidney samples from the marine mammal, which was internally mostly intact.
Teeth samples are also being investigated in order to determine the predator's age.
A spokesperson from ZSL told The Telegraph that this is a rare event "because there are so few orcas; the population has crashed."
He added: "There are two populations of killer whale, you get residents and migatory. The resident population in the UK is tiny now because the water is highly polluted.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--If sport is really going vegan, is it time to get rid of leather cricket balls?

In the devoutly traditionalist world of sport , a very modern trend is creeping into the mainstream .
Veganism - or more specifically for those following a vegan diet this month , Veganuary - is a word increasingly used in the same breath as discussion of sport ( much to the disquiet of the steak pie-eating , match-going fan ) , helped on its way by a fair few extremely prominent advocates .
Plant-munching athletes occupy rarefied places across the sporting stratosphere : Lionel Messi , Novak Djokovic and Lewis Hamilton - all vegans - each have a good claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their respective disciplines , while Virat Kohli , Venus Williams and several players from NFL Superbowl hopefuls the Tennessee Titans all claim to have reaped the benefits of changing their diet .
And beyond the physical improvements these stars say they have enjoyed , there is the ecological argument of plant-based diets having a small carbon footprint - important to bear in mind when Greta Thunberg , as Roger Federer recently discovered , is monitoring our every word .
Football clubs are doing their bit to embrace the vegan revolution .
Tottenham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League clubs to have added to their vegan offering at their stadiums for January ( though it should probably be mentioned here that one of the two vegan options at Selhurst Park is chips , which you 'd have to assume is not a new addition to the menu ) .

Cricket balls have a leather coat which plays a huge role in the game - is there any chance of that changing?
Credit : Getty images


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Boy aged 7 dies after being hit by mini bus

A seven-year-old boy has died after being hit by a council mini bus , police have said .
The primary school pupil , who has not been named , died at the scene about a mile from Osbaston Church in Wales School in Monmouth after the end of the school day on Monday .
On Tuesday , Gwent Police said the mini bus driver , a 45-year-old man from Gloucester , had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and remained in police custody .
A spokeswoman said : `` Emergency services were called at around 3.40pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collision between a minibus and a pedestrian on Hereford Road , A466 , Monmouth .
`` The pedestrian , a seven-year-old boy , sadly died at the scene .
His family are being supported by specially-trained officers .
`` The driver of the minibus , a 45-year-old man from Gloucester , has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving .
He remains in police custody at this time .
`` Officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area around the time of the collision to please contact us . ''
A statement from headteacher Catherine Jones said the school was `` coming to terms '' with the loss of the little boy , who she described as `` lively and always smiling '' .

A seven-year-old boy has died after being hit by a council mini bus, police have said. The primary school pupil, who has not been named, died at the scene about a mile from Osbaston Church in Wales School in Monmouth after the end of the school day on Monday.
On Tuesday, Gwent Police said the mini bus driver, a 45-year-old man from Gloucester, had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and remained in police custody.
A spokeswoman said: "Emergency services were called at around 3.40pm yesterday to reports of a road traffic collision between a minibus and a pedestrian on Hereford Road, A466, Monmouth.
"The pedestrian, a seven-year-old boy, sadly died at the scene. His family are being supported by specially-trained officers.
"The driver of the minibus, a 45-year-old man from Gloucester, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He remains in police custody at this time.
"Officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or if anyone has dash cam footage from the area around the time of the collision to please contact us."
A statement from headteacher Catherine Jones said the school was "coming to terms" with the loss of the little boy, who she described as "lively and always smiling".


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Ireland faces February polls after prime minister calls snap election

Ireland will go to the polls on February 8 after the prime minister called a snap general election .
On @ @ @ @ @ of speculation about the timing of the election when he formally requested that the president @ @ @ @ @ Health , housing , Brexit and climate change are expected to be the main issues @ @ @ @ @ Varadkar had said he preferred a summer election but power has been ebbing away from @ @ @ @ @ past few weeks .
The government is supported by Fianna Fail , the biggest opposition @ @ @ @ @ and supply arrangement but was expected to lose a no confidence motion in the health @ @ @ @ @ administration suffered a series of by-election losses just before Christmas which deprived it of its @ @ @

Ireland will go to the polls on February 8 after the prime minister called a snap general election.
On Tuesday Leo Varadkar ended weeks of speculation about the timing of the election when he formally requested that the president dissolves the current parliament.
Health, housing, Brexit and climate change are expected to be the main issues in the campaign.
Mr Varadkar had said he preferred a summer election but power has been ebbing away from the minority government over the past few weeks.
The government is supported by Fianna Fail, the biggest opposition party, in a confidence and supply arrangement but was expected to lose a no confidence motion in the health minister.
The Fine Gael-led administration suffered a series of by-election losses just before Christmas which deprived it of its working majority.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Around one in five adults were abused as children, first ever ONS analysis finds

Around one in five adults were abused as children , according to the first ever analysis conducted by the official government statistics body .
The research studies emotional , physical and sexual abuse - as well as domestic violence - from threats and belittlement to beatings and rape .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) data estimates that 8.5 million people aged between 18 and 74 were abused or witnessed abuse as children before the age of 16 .
Around 14 % of adults who called one charity helpline last year had not told anyone before .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crime Survey for England and Wales ( CSEW ) , the Department for Education , the Welsh Government , the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ( NSPCC ) and the National Association for People Abused in Childhood ( Napac ) , which runs the helpline .
It aims to provide a better understanding of the scale and nature of the abuse of children .
The survey also estimated that 3.1 million were victims of sexual abuse before the age of 16 ( 2.4 million women and 709,000 men ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 13 adults in this age bracket .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) examined existing data in an attempt to “ provide a more complete picture ” of the scale of child abuse in England and Wales for the first time .

Around one in five adults were abused as children, according to the first ever analysis conducted by the official government statistics body.
The research studies emotional, physical and sexual abuse - as well as domestic violence - from threats and belittlement to beatings and rape.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data estimates that 8.5 million people aged between 18 and 74 were abused or witnessed abuse as children before the age of 16.
Around 14% of adults who called one charity helpline last year had not told anyone before.
The research was compiled using data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), the Department for Education, the Welsh Government, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac), which runs the helpline.
It aims to provide a better understanding of the scale and nature of the abuse of children.
The survey also estimated that 3.1 million were victims of sexual abuse before the age of 16 (2.4 million women and 709,000 men). This is equivalent to about one in 13 adults in this age bracket.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) examined existing data in an attempt to “provide a more complete picture” of the scale of child abuse in England and Wales for the first time.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Women's National Basketball Association announces 'historic' deal including triple-pay increases for

Women's National Basketball Association announces 'historic' deal including triple-pay increases for top players and enhanced family benefits

The Women 's National Basketball Association and its union have announced an eight-year deal that will allow top players to earn more than $ 500,000 ( £384,775 ) while the average annual compensation for players will surpass six figures for the first time .
The deal , which begins this season and runs until 2027 , will pay players an average of $ 130,000 ( £100,041 ) and guarantees them full salaries while on maternity leave .
The agreement also provides enhanced family benefits , travel standards and other health and wellness improvements .
`` I call it historic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The CBA guarantees substantial ( financial ) increases .
The way we are paying these players is different than the past .
The top couple players are tripling ( in pay ) where they were .
Other players are making $ 200,000-300,000 .
The average will be over $ 130,000 .
Everyone gets an increase here . ''
The deal , which must be ratified by owners and players , calls for 50-50 revenue sharing starting in 2021 , based on the league achieving revenue growth targets from broadcast agreements , marketing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was adamant on the 50-50 target , '' Engelbert said .
`` The league and players work together to market this league so we can share revenue with the players .
We have to hit some targets . ''
The salary cap will go up 31 per cent to $ 1.3 million in the first year and another $ 750,000 in prize money for special competitions arrives in 2021 .

The Women's National Basketball Association and its union have announced an eight-year deal that will allow top players to earn more than $500,000 (£384,775) while the average annual compensation for players will surpass six figures for the first time.
The deal, which begins this season and runs until 2027, will pay players an average of $130,000 (£100,041) and guarantees them full salaries while on maternity leave. The agreement also provides enhanced family benefits, travel standards and other health and wellness improvements.
"I call it historic," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. "The CBA guarantees substantial (financial) increases. The way we are paying these players is different than the past. The top couple players are tripling (in pay) where they were. Other players are making $200,000-300,000. The average will be over $130,000. Everyone gets an increase here."
The deal, which must be ratified by owners and players, calls for 50-50 revenue sharing starting in 2021, based on the league achieving revenue growth targets from broadcast agreements, marketing partnerships and licensing deals.
"I was adamant on the 50-50 target," Engelbert said. "The league and players work together to market this league so we can share revenue with the players. We have to hit some targets."
The salary cap will go up 31 per cent to $1.3 million in the first year and another $750,000 in prize money for special competitions arrives in 2021.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--The best men's walking boots

The best men's walking boots

Hiking is a great way to exercise and spend time in nature , but having the right pair of walking boots is crucial – a few blisters and you 'll rue the decision not to splash out on a more comfortable shoe , or not spending longer wearing them in .
There are several aspects to consider when looking for a new pair of walking boots .
Budget , fit , the right boot for the required conditions , material ( leather or fabric ) , waterproofing and sole units are all important elements .
You 'll also need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if made from leather , apply wax , in order to keep them in top condition for years to come .
Good , durable walking boots are n't cheap .
Most of the experts I spoke to believe that around £100-£160 is required to get you a reliable pair that should see you in good stead for years .
You can pay silly money for boots ( especially now that hiking boots are fashionable – see for example Moncler 's £600 pair ) but those featured in this review are all reasonably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is important .
`` Nothing can spoil a holiday or even a day out more than poor or ill-fitting footwear , '' says Chris Nichols , buying manager for footwear and equipment at Cotswold Outdoors and Snow+Rock .
Experts in specialist shops can help you here ; or , if you 're buying online , most retailers offer a grace period so you can try the boots around the house and still return them if not to your liking .

Sizes 8-12 available
Medium light (518g each)
Leather upper, Gore-tex lining
Vibram sole
My main priorities in a new pair of boots are the stitching, overall workmanship and whether they cradle my feet (firm but not vice-like) and support my ankles. They also ideally should be light. Too often you either feel like your foot is in a concrete cast, or that the boots are so flexible they are likely to fall apart after the first 100 miles of walking.
For these reasons my top pick is the unconventional-looking Hokas. Although incredibly sturdy, they are one of the lightest pair of boots you will find at just over 500g.
The height of the Vibram outsole added a good two inches to my modest stature and the layer of rubberised foam makes your feet feel like you are walking on air. While they cradled my feet firmly enough, a friend with wide feet swears by them.
One feature that does feel strange at first is the ‘rockered’ sole - raised at the toe and heel - which means that your foot pivots around the ball of the foot like a rocking chair. But once you get into a rhythm it adds a welcome forward momentum. The boots also have an extra protective rand over the toes and also felt very solid and grippy on icy ground, with excellent traction.
While the lace area is quite wide, there was no leakage when it came to puddles thanks to the Gore-Tex tongue. If I had one minor criticism, it is that the boot’s lace-locking system is a bit fiddly. Overall, the Hoka is an excellent boot for long-distance walks on waymarked trails although I wouldn’t recommend it for scrambling off-piste, where the thick sole and toe were more of a hindrance than a help.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Ursula von der Leyen faces new questions over German government scandal

Ursula von der Leyen , the president of the European Commission , is facing renewed scrutiny over a scandal from her time as German defence minister .
New details have emerged which threaten to drag Ms von der Leyen back into the spotlight in a parliamentary inquiry into the improper awarding of government contracts during her time as minister .
The ministry has reportedly told the inquiry it can not hand over data from Ms von der Leyen ’ s official mobile phone because she personally deleted it before moving to Brussels .
The new details emerged in portions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry that were leaked to several German publications .
If confirmed , they could leave Ms von der Leyen facing renewed questions over how much she knew about the awarding of the contracts .
The new details come after it emerged last month that the defence ministry was unable to hand over data from another of Ms von der Leyen ’ s mobile phones because it had been deleted by a civil servant .
MPs have demanded an explanation of why data was deleted from both mobile phones despite an official defence ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry .
“ This demands explanation .
Once again , no one in the defence ministry is prepared to accept responsibility , ” Tobias Lindner , a Green MP serving on the parliamentary inquiry , told Spiegel magazine .

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, is facing renewed scrutiny over a scandal from her time as German defence minister.
New details have emerged which threaten to drag Ms von der Leyen back into the spotlight in a parliamentary inquiry into the improper awarding of government contracts during her time as minister.
The ministry has reportedly told the inquiry it cannot hand over data from Ms von der Leyen’s official mobile phone because she personally deleted it before moving to Brussels.
The new details emerged in portions of a defence ministry report submitted to the inquiry that were leaked to several German publications.
If confirmed, they could leave Ms von der Leyen facing renewed questions over how much she knew about the awarding of the contracts.
The new details come after it emerged last month that the defence ministry was unable to hand over data from another of Ms von der Leyen’s mobile phones because it had been deleted by a civil servant.
MPs have demanded an explanation of why data was deleted from both mobile phones despite an official defence ministry order that it be preserved for the inquiry.
“This demands explanation. Once again, no one in the defence ministry is prepared to accept responsibility,” Tobias Lindner, a Green MP serving on the parliamentary inquiry, told Spiegel magazine.


thetelegraph--2020-01-14--Catholic Church criticises The New Pope for scene of nuns in nighties dancing beneath crucifix

A scene in The New Pope , a mini-series starring Jude Law and John Malkovich , in which sexy young nuns dance in their nighties beneath a giant fluorescent crucifix , has incurred the wrath of the Catholic Church .
The provocative scene , which was filmed in a former monastery in Venice , was denounced as “ offensive ” by the archbishop of the city , whose official title is patriarch .
Accompanied by flashing strobe lights and club music , around 15 young women gyrate and dance at the base of the crucifix in the opening titles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success of The Young Pope .
The scene is typical of the baroque , theatrical and sexy style of both mini-series , which have been criticised by some Catholics – L'Osservatore Romano , the Vatican newspaper , called The Young Pope “ caustic ” and “ grotesque ” .
It was filmed in a former monastery on the island of San Giorgio in the Venetian lagoon .
“ The scene is offensive and lacks any narrative context that would justify it , ” said Father Gianmatteo Caputo , the patriarch ’ s official @ @ @ @ @ @

A scene in The New Pope, a mini-series starring Jude Law and John Malkovich, in which sexy young nuns dance in their nighties beneath a giant fluorescent crucifix, has incurred the wrath of the Catholic Church.
The provocative scene, which was filmed in a former monastery in Venice, was denounced as “offensive” by the archbishop of the city, whose official title is patriarch.
Accompanied by flashing strobe lights and club music, around 15 young women gyrate and dance at the base of the crucifix in the opening titles of the new series, which follows the success of The Young Pope.
The scene is typical of the baroque, theatrical and sexy style of both mini-series, which have been criticised by some Catholics – L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, called The Young Pope “caustic” and “grotesque”.
It was filmed in a former monastery on the island of San Giorgio in the Venetian lagoon.
“The scene is offensive and lacks any narrative context that would justify it,” said Father Gianmatteo Caputo, the patriarch’s official in charge of cultural heritage.