thetelegraph--2020-01-22--Station vacation: the best hotels near Euston station, including luxury landmarks and funky poshtels

As well as being home to some of London 's must-visit attractions ( the British Library , British Museum and @ @ @ @ @ ) , Euston boasts London 's first intercity train station .
The station first opened @ @ @ @ @ the capital to other major UK cities including Birmingham , Manchester , Liverpool , Glasgow @ @ @ @ @ You can walk from Euston to London Zoo , Covent Garden , Picaddilly Circus and @ @ @ @ @ half an hour , and there 's an inordinate amount of public transport – tubes @ @ @ @ @ bus routes – that can take you further afield .
Whether you 're a digital @ @ @ @ @ hopper en route to catching the Eurostar or Caledonian Sleeper , or simply wanting well-priced @ @ @ @ @ good location , take a look at our pick of the best hotels near Euston @ @

The area of Euston is most well known for the mainline rail station (it first opened in 1837 and now connects the capital to other major UK cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen) and its associated mad dashes to catch a train at the end of a well-lived trip to the capital will be familiar to most. But the excellent rail links isn’t all it has going for it. As well as being home to some of London's must-visit attractions (the British Library, British Museum and the Wellcome Collection for starters), you can easily walk from Euston to London Zoo, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and Camden Market.
Plus you have beautiful Bloomsbury and buzzing Kings Cross right on your doorstep for some of the hottest restaurants and hotels London has to offer. So whether you're planning a business trip or simply wanting well-priced, stylish accommodation in a good location (perhaps with swimming pools, parking or with meeting rooms), here's our pick of the best hotels near Euston station.


thetelegraph--2020-01-22--10 inspiring walks in Devon and Somerset

Is it just me or have the Romantic poets lost their allure for teenagers ?
When I mentioned excitedly to a school group I was guiding around Winchester last September that it was exactly 200 years to the day since Keats took a walk along the River Itchen and wrote the Ode to Autumn , I was met with a wall of indifference .
How very different from my Romantics-obsessed younger self .
In my early 20s I made a life-changing pilgrimage to Porlock on the north coast of Somerset to discover for myself the landscapes that inspired the ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the hills ’ and ‘ caverns measureless to man ’ of Coleridge ’ s Kubla Khan .
I remember wandering along the main street wondering which of the houses belonged to the man ‘ on business from Porlock ’ who disturbed Coleridge from his reverie .
Later , after walking along the beach to Porlock Weir , I joined the coastal footpath that wends its way up the cliff-side and under the cover of dense woodland to Anglo-Saxon Culbone Church , the smallest Parish church in England .
It is certainly one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened my schoolboy copy of Coleridge ’ s poems and declaimed out loud to any squirrels and birds that cared to listen the bard ’ s fantastical tale of ‘ romantic chasms ’ and ‘ incense-bearing trees ’ .
I would love to be able to report a ‘ damsel with a dulcimer ’ materialising out of the woods and offering me the ‘ milk of paradise ’ .
If she did , she stole back my memories along with her magic potion .
Later , I remember being slightly disappointed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacred river ’ which babbles contentedly enough down the cliff-side but would certainly have required a few strong draughts from the poet ’ s opium bottle to convert it into the seething turmoil of the poem .
More rousing were the views over the Bristol Channel when I emerged from the tree-line high above the cliffs and discovered Ash Farm , today a B & B , where the poet composed his immortal fragment .
That walk made me realise that the way we react to the landscape is just as important as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been a zealous walker ever since .
As the first in a series of monthly suggestions for inspirational walks across the UK , with the aim to provide you with 1,000 miles of fabulous trails to uncover over the course of the year , I hope you will enjoy my pick of top walks in Somerset and Devon .
They include several on those two mystical moors , Exmoor and Dartmoor , as well as those along the coast , through river gorges , among woodland and across some of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inspiration for Coleridge ’ s ‘ forests ancient as the hills ’ and ‘ caverns measureless to man ’ .
A walk that passes Ash Farm where Coleridge wrote Kubla Khan and was famously disturbed by the man from Porlock .
The section along the South West Coast Path ( SWCP ) also takes in Culbone Church , an 11th century church surrounded by woodland .
Route : From Porlock Weir take the SWCP west to Silcombe Farm before taking the lane east past Ash Farm to Yearnor Mill Bridge and along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropping down to the start .
As lord and master of the Western Marches , your view from Dunkery Beacon ( 1,703ft ) will take in Dartmoor to the south , the Mendips and Quantocks to the east , and the Brecon Beacons in Wales to the north .
This challenging walk through Dunkery and Horner Wood Nature Reserve will give you a real sense of achievement .
Route : From Horner , follow the west ( right ) bank of the river to the footbridge at Prickslade Combe and up onto Stoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macmillan Way West to the summit .
The route back is more direct , heading south down Horner Hill to the car park .
Gazing out over the coast from its forested motte above the A39 , 13th-century Dunster Castle is a National Trust treasure .
Just to the south is Gallox Bridge , an arched medieval packhorse bridge over the River Avill .
This is a great starting point for a number of possible trails visiting two nearby Iron Age hillforts , Bat ’ s Castle and Black Ball Camp .
Route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ east or west before circling south to King ’ s Hedge Coppice and back to the start .
Permissive paths lead off to both Bat ’ s Castle and Black Ball Camp on Gallox Hill .
This walk combines the ancient oak woodlands along the banks of the East Lyn river , where it meets Farley Water , with the charming town of Lynmouth , and a delightful section of the north Devon coast .
The route also passes both Watersmeet House ( National Trust ) and historic Countisbury Church .
Route : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( A39 ) , take the steep footpath to the river and follow the footpath along the northern bank to Lynmouth .
Head back east along the SWCP to Countisbury and then south back to the start .
Since the 1970s when it was constructed , Wimbleball Lake Reservoir in the far south of Exmoor National Park has become a magnet for watersports and outdoor activities .
The resident wildlife includes red deer , hedgehogs , bats , kestrel , Canada geese and mallard .
The lakeside circuit takes around three hours to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diversion through Hurscombe Nature Reserve at the northern end .
Route : From the western car park head south towards the reservoir dam ( 30 mins ) or north towards Bessom Bridge and follow the lake ’ s edge back to the start .
Castle Drogo was designed by legendary architect Sir Edwin Lutyens , and was the last castle to be built in Britain .
Located just a few miles from the north-east edge of Dartmoor , this walk through the adjacent Teign Gorge is a little-know gem and includes stupendous views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walls .
Route : Start at either Castle Drogo or Fingle Bridge on the River Teign to the east .
Follow the Dartmoor Way along the riverbank and return high above the valley along the Two Moors Way .
Nowhere are the mysterious ritual beliefs of our Neolithic ancestors more evident than on Dartmoor with literally hundreds of stone monuments scattered across this enigmatic landscape .
This walk starts from Postbridge , on the moor , and visits the Grey Wethers and Fernworthy stone circles plus two standing stones and several stone rows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From Postbridge , follow the path north over the moor passing Grey Wethers and then through Fernworthy Forest where there are both stone circles and rows .
Take the return route back south over Hurston Ridge .
Following the valley of the River Dart for 16 miles between Dartmouth and Totnes , the Dart Valley Trail follows pathways on both sides of the river joined by a ferry crossing .
This beguiling section between Kingswear and Greenway passes through woodland above a steam railway before ending at Greenway House , the former family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a National Trust property .
Route : From Kingswear across the water from Dartmouth , follow the footpath north along the estuary , heading inland above the creek at Cart Wood and then north through the oak woodland at Long Wood .
A history lesson awaits at Greenway House , home of both Sir Walter Raleigh and Dame Agatha Christie .
Hill-top meadows , winding country lanes , woodland trails , sandy coves , views over Salcombe harbour , and some of the most stunning coastal walking on the South West Coast Path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t forget to check out the brilliant Millpool Inn at South Pool when you ’ re done .
Route : From East Portlemouth join the SWCP and wander along the edge of Salcombe Harbour to the headland at Limbury Point .
Continue south-east to Prawle Point before following the mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes to Rickham and back to the start .
Like the Munros of Scotland , Dartmoor ’ s more modest granite Tors attract ‘ baggers ’ .
This circuit will get you off to a great start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 156 to go ) .
All have superb views on a clear day over Dartmoor to the Teign Estuary and the dazzling coast .
Route : From Buckland in the Moor head north to both Pil Tor and adjacent Top Tor on Blackslade Down before turning south-east to Rippon Tor .
Next is Buckland Beacon to the south-west followed by the final leg back to Buckland .
This walk combines the chalk and red sandstone cliffs of the oldest ( 200 million years ) section of the Jurassic Coast with some sublime cliff-top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildflowers .
As the longest village in England , Branscombe is a gem , spread out along a country lane winding its way down the side of a valley .
Route : From Branscombe follow the SWCP west to Dunscombe Cliff and then turn inland to Weston .
On the return leg , follow the delightful country lanes to Street and back to Branscombe .

As Telegraph Travel challenges readers to cover 1,000 miles on foot in 2020, Richard Madden reflects on a walk in Coleridge country that changed him, and suggests other routes in the region
Is it just me or have the Romantic poets lost their allure for teenagers? When I mentioned excitedly to a school group I was guiding around Winchester last September that it was exactly 200 years to the day since Keats took a walk along the River Itchen and wrote the Ode to Autumn, I was met with a wall of indifference.
How very different from my Romantics-obsessed younger self. In my early 20s I made a life-changing pilgrimage to Porlock on the north coast of Somerset to discover for myself the landscapes that inspired the ‘sinuous rills’, ‘forests ancient as the hills’ and ‘caverns measureless to man’ of Coleridge’s Kubla Khan.
I remember wandering along the main street wondering which of the houses belonged to the man ‘on business from Porlock’ who disturbed Coleridge from his reverie. Later, after walking along the beach to Porlock Weir, I joined the coastal footpath that wends its way up the cliff-side and under the cover of dense woodland to Anglo-Saxon Culbone Church, the smallest Parish church in England. It is certainly one of the most atmospheric.
Here I opened my schoolboy copy of Coleridge’s poems and declaimed out loud to any squirrels and birds that cared to listen the bard’s fantastical tale of ‘romantic chasms’ and ‘incense-bearing trees’. I would love to be able to report a ‘damsel with a dulcimer’ materialising out of the woods and offering me the ‘milk of paradise’. If she did, she stole back my memories along with her magic potion.
Later, I remember being slightly disappointed with the real-life version of ‘Alph, the sacred river’ which babbles contentedly enough down the cliff-side but would certainly have required a few strong draughts from the poet’s opium bottle to convert it into the seething turmoil of the poem. More rousing were the views over the Bristol Channel when I emerged from the tree-line high above the cliffs and discovered Ash Farm, today a B&B, where the poet composed his immortal fragment.
Culbone Church Credit : getty
That walk made me realise that the way we react to the landscape is just as important as the way it looks, and I have been a zealous walker ever since.
As the first in a series of monthly suggestions for inspirational walks across the UK, with the aim to provide you with 1,000 miles of fabulous trails to uncover over the course of the year, I hope you will enjoy my pick of top walks in Somerset and Devon.
They include several on those two mystical moors, Exmoor and Dartmoor, as well as those along the coast, through river gorges, among woodland and across some of the country’s most unique landscapes.
Kubla Khan circuit
Discover the inspiration for Coleridge’s ‘forests ancient as the hills’ and ‘caverns measureless to man’. A walk that passes Ash Farm where Coleridge wrote Kubla Khan and was famously disturbed by the man from Porlock. The section along the South West Coast Path (SWCP) also takes in Culbone Church, an 11th century church surrounded by woodland.
Distance: 6 miles
Map: OS OL9
Route: From Porlock Weir take the SWCP west to Silcombe Farm before taking the lane east past Ash Farm to Yearnor Mill Bridge and along the top edge of Worthy Wood before dropping down to the start.
Dunkery Beacon
As lord and master of the Western Marches, your view from Dunkery Beacon (1,703ft) will take in Dartmoor to the south, the Mendips and Quantocks to the east, and the Brecon Beacons in Wales to the north. This challenging walk through Dunkery and Horner Wood Nature Reserve will give you a real sense of achievement.
Distance: 11 miles
Map: OS OL9
Route: From Horner, follow the west (right) bank of the river to the footbridge at Prickslade Combe and up onto Stoke Pero Common before heading east along the Macmillan Way West to the summit. The route back is more direct, heading south down Horner Hill to the car park.
Dunkery Beacon Credit : getty • The best hotels in Devon
Dunster Castle
Gazing out over the coast from its forested motte above the A39, 13th-century Dunster Castle is a National Trust treasure. Just to the south is Gallox Bridge, an arched medieval packhorse bridge over the River Avill. This is a great starting point for a number of possible trails visiting two nearby Iron Age hillforts, Bat’s Castle and Black Ball Camp.
Distance: 5 miles
Map: OS OL9
Route: From Gallox Bridge, head either east or west before circling south to King’s Hedge Coppice and back to the start. Permissive paths lead off to both Bat’s Castle and Black Ball Camp on Gallox Hill.
Dunster Castle Credit : GETTY
Watersmeet House
This walk combines the ancient oak woodlands along the banks of the East Lyn river, where it meets Farley Water, with the charming town of Lynmouth, and a delightful section of the north Devon coast. The route also passes both Watersmeet House (National Trust) and historic Countisbury Church.
Distance: 9 miles
Map: OS OL9
Route: From the car park at Watersmeet House (A39), take the steep footpath to the river and follow the footpath along the northern bank to Lynmouth. Head back east along the SWCP to Countisbury and then south back to the start.
This walk features the ancient oak woodlands along the banks of the East Lyn river Credit : getty
Wimbleball Lake Reservoir
Since the 1970s when it was constructed, Wimbleball Lake Reservoir in the far south of Exmoor National Park has become a magnet for watersports and outdoor activities. The resident wildlife includes red deer, hedgehogs, bats, kestrel, Canada geese and mallard. The lakeside circuit takes around three hours to walk, with possible extensions including a diversion through Hurscombe Nature Reserve at the northern end.
Distance: 9 miles
Map: OS OL9
Route: From the western car park head south towards the reservoir dam (30 mins) or north towards Bessom Bridge and follow the lake’s edge back to the start.
Wimbleball Lake Reservoir Credit : GETTY
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo was designed by legendary architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and was the last castle to be built in Britain. Located just a few miles from the north-east edge of Dartmoor, this walk through the adjacent Teign Gorge is a little-know gem and includes stupendous views over the moor from beneath the castle walls.
Distance: 3 miles
Map: OS OL28
Route: Start at either Castle Drogo or Fingle Bridge on the River Teign to the east. Follow the Dartmoor Way along the riverbank and return high above the valley along the Two Moors Way.
Stone circles of Dartmoor
Nowhere are the mysterious ritual beliefs of our Neolithic ancestors more evident than on Dartmoor with literally hundreds of stone monuments scattered across this enigmatic landscape. This walk starts from Postbridge, on the moor, and visits the Grey Wethers and Fernworthy stone circles plus two standing stones and several stone rows on the return leg.
Distance: 10 miles
Map: OS OL28
Route: From Postbridge, follow the path north over the moor passing Grey Wethers and then through Fernworthy Forest where there are both stone circles and rows. Take the return route back south over Hurston Ridge.
One of Dartmoor's stone circles Credit : GETTY • The best dog-friendly hotels in Devon
Dart Valley Trail
Following the valley of the River Dart for 16 miles between Dartmouth and Totnes, the Dart Valley Trail follows pathways on both sides of the river joined by a ferry crossing. This beguiling section between Kingswear and Greenway passes through woodland above a steam railway before ending at Greenway House, the former family home of Agatha Christie that is now a National Trust property.
Distance: 4 miles
Map: OS OL20
Route: From Kingswear across the water from Dartmouth, follow the footpath north along the estuary, heading inland above the creek at Cart Wood and then north through the oak woodland at Long Wood. A history lesson awaits at Greenway House, home of both Sir Walter Raleigh and Dame Agatha Christie.
The River Dart Credit : GETTY
Portlemouth Down
Hill-top meadows, winding country lanes, woodland trails, sandy coves, views over Salcombe harbour, and some of the most stunning coastal walking on the South West Coast Path await you on this path. Don’t forget to check out the brilliant Millpool Inn at South Pool when you’re done.
Distance: 8 miles
Map: OS OL 20
Route: From East Portlemouth join the SWCP and wander along the edge of Salcombe Harbour to the headland at Limbury Point. Continue south-east to Prawle Point before following the mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes to Rickham and back to the start.
Tor baggers delight
Like the Munros of Scotland, Dartmoor’s more modest granite Tors attract ‘baggers’. This circuit will get you off to a great start bagging four with minimum effort (only 156 to go). All have superb views on a clear day over Dartmoor to the Teign Estuary and the dazzling coast.
Distance: 7 miles
Map: OS OL28
Route: From Buckland in the Moor head north to both Pil Tor and adjacent Top Tor on Blackslade Down before turning south-east to Rippon Tor. Next is Buckland Beacon to the south-west followed by the final leg back to Buckland.
The view from Rippon Tor Credit : getty
Branscombe cliffs
This walk combines the chalk and red sandstone cliffs of the oldest (200 million years) section of the Jurassic Coast with some sublime cliff-top woods and steep coastal valleys bursting with wildflowers. As the longest village in England, Branscombe is a gem, spread out along a country lane winding its way down the side of a valley.
Distance: 8 miles
Map: OS 115
Route: From Branscombe follow the SWCP west to Dunscombe Cliff and then turn inland to Weston. On the return leg, follow the delightful country lanes to Street and back to Branscombe.
This is the oldest section of the Jurassic Coast Credit : GETTY • The best holiday cottages in Devon Where to stay Simonsbath House A hotel with adjoining cottages in the heart of Exmoor perfectly located for a walking holiday (from £130 for a twin room per night; simonsbathhouse.co.uk). English Country Cottages An atmospheric country cottage in a beautiful location, this is a great option for a walking holiday (from £229 per night for a cottage for two people; english-country-cottages.co.uk). Ash Farm, Porlock The farm where Coleridge wrote his masterpiece is now a B&B (from £25 pp per night; porlock.co.uk/properties/ash-farm). The Best of Exmoor If you’re looking for more ideas, this locally run website is great for info on where to stay, places to eat, and general information (thebestofexmoor.co.uk). Other great literary walks Walks with a theme at their heart are always compelling. Whatever your passion, from history to famous battlefields, or from architecture to geology, a route that links significant locations, buildings or landscapes, lets the imagination run riot, making past events larger than life and bringing them into sharp, three-dimensional focus. Walks with literary associations in Devon and Somerset include the 51-mile Coleridge Way (visit-exmoor.co.uk/coleridge-way) linking Nether Stowey (where the poet lived) to Lynmouth on the north coast of Devon and The Tarka Trail (tarkatrail.org.uk), a figure-of-eight 180-mile epic following the route taken by Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter along and between the Taw and Torridge rivers. There are also many trails passing through R D Blackmore’s Lorna Doone country on Exmoor. Other literary connections include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Hound of the Baskervilles, Dartmoor) and Dame Agatha Christie (Torquay).
More information at visit-exmoor.co.uk; visitdartmoor.co.uk; visitsouthdevon.co.uk


thetelegraph--2020-01-22--Saudi Crown prince implicated in Jeff Bezos phone hacking, UN report to say

Two UN officials will report that there is enough evidence suggesting that Saudi Arabia had hacked Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ' phone and both the kingdom and the US should investigate , a person familiar with the matter said .
The United Nations ' officials plan a public statement on Wednesday afternoon asserting that they found credible a forensic report commissioned by Bezos ' security team which concluded that his phone probably had been hacked with a tainted video sent from a WhatsApp account belonging to Saudi 's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman .
The report by FTI Consulting concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bezos ’ phone about a month after the video was shared in mid-2018 , the person said , declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the subject .
Outside experts consulted by the UN agreed that while the case was not airtight , the evidence was strong enough to warrant a fuller investigation .
The report is set to worsen relations between the world 's richest man and the kingdom which had soured following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 , who was also a columnist for the @ @ @ @ @ @

United Nations experts have called for an "immediate investigation" by the United States into allegations that the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince was involved in the hacking of Amazon boss Jeff Bezos' phone.
The hacking is alleged to have taken place in May 2018, five months before the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi royal family and a journalist with The Washington Post, which is also owned by Bezos.
UN officials were shown a forensic report commissioned by Bezos' security team which concluded that his phone had probably been hacked with a tainted video sent from a WhatsApp account belonging to Saudi's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The report by FTI Consulting concluded that massive amounts of data began leaving Bezos’ phone about a month after the video was shared in mid-2018, a source said, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the subject.
The UN experts reviewed a 2019 digital forensic analysis of Bezos' phone, which they said was made available to them as UN Special Rapporteurs.


thetelegraph--2020-01-22--Best ski holiday deals for February half-term 2020, and top family resorts to avoid the crowds

Half-term week on the slopes is one of the busiest of the season , especially in big name European ski resorts .
The key week when most UK pupils will be on holiday in 2020 is from Saturday , February 15 .
A few areas have half term the following week , but the majority of school children will be off from February 17-21 .
UK half-term dates notoriously coincide with the French holidays , taken at different times over a four-week period depending on country zone .
The key zone , because it normally leads to the highest number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is zone C , covering Paris .
In 2020 this is February 10-21 , so a week 's overlap with the main UK half term .
Also on holiday from February 17-28 will be zone B , which is northern France , so expect exceptionally busy slopes .
Families looking to book holidays from the weekend of February 22 should not feel too smug though , as this coincides with the bulk of Dutch school holidays as well as the French zone A , which is the south-west and central region .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding a family-friendly resort without the masses ?
One of the best bets , if budget allows , is to go to North America .
As a general rule slopes are far less busy than in Europe and notably so in February , when there are no North American school holidays .
Facilities for children are excellent as is instruction and the snow tends to be plentiful .
However , there are still good options closer to home .
The over-riding advice is to avoid big-name , British favoured high-altitude French resorts such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and La Plagne .
Choosing a holiday in Italy or Austria has the benefit of resort prices tending to be lower than in comparative French destinations ; if price is not an issue then consider Switzerland .
If only France will do , lesser-known , lower altitude destinations will deliver lower prices and , reassuringly , at this time of year snow cover tends to be reliable .
Another option for families with the budget is Scandinavia .
Resorts here are less well-known internationally and so tend to be relatively crowd free .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as husky sled rides and snowmobiling .
Whether they ’ re underrated , high on value or simply less likely to attract crowds , even at peak time , these family-friendly resorts will help keep costs down during February half-term .
Unless stated otherwise , prices are per adult , based on two adults and two children aged two to 12 sharing a family room , half-board for seven nights , including flights and transfers .
Half-term 2020 is almost sold out , so consider thinking ahead to 2021 – some operators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweden ’ s biggest downhill resort , with three separate ski areas strung out beside a frozen lake , and a ski season that goes on well into April thanks to the long hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures later in the season .
It ’ s popular with families who love the off‑slope activities including dog or reindeer sled rides , tobogganing , snowmobiling , skating , curling and ice fishing .
During the ski season EasyJet flies to Östersund , about an hour ’ s drive away , avoiding a change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach this far-northern resort .
In general , Åre ’ s slopes suit beginners and intermediates – most of the runs are green and blue , set among trees on the lower part of the mountain .
The main ski area is above town , while Björnen ( a dedicated ski area for kids ) and Duved are along the valley .
A special piste map highlights fun things and areas of slopes for children , and those aged seven and under get a free lift pass so long as they wear a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up of pretty , coloured wooden buildings and some larger modern additions .
Families often take their children to the lively après sessions as the lifts close , so expect to be dancing next to six year olds – as well as resort mascot Valle the Snowman , who pops up all over Åre to keep children entertained .
While there are few piste challenges for experts , the terrain park in the main ski area has red and black lines of varied kickers , plus a mix of rails , boxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s also open at night , illuminated with colourful LED lighting .
There ’ s another main park with beginner and intermediate features , and a couple of children ’ s parks in Björnen .
Availaibility is very limited for February 2020 's half term , so plan ahead and take advantage of Ski Safari 's early booking offer at the Copperhill Mountain Lodge , Åre 's only five-star hotel .
From £1,307 , with Ski Safari .
The 200km Monterosa ski area is one of the most underrated in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with one small-scale resort in each : Champoluc in the west , Alagna in the east , Gressoney in the centre .
Champoluc is a charming village , with a typically Italian laid-back atmosphere and some decent bars .
The scenery is beautiful and there ’ s a general lack of crowds and traffic in the area .
From the village , a gondola goes up to Crest and the beginner slopes .
From the nearby hamlet of Frachey ( served by a free ski bus ) , a funicular gives direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unspoilt ski area .
Gressoney and Champoluc are suitable for intermediates , while runs out of Alagna hold more challenge for experts .
The slopes are tucked beneath the mighty Monterosa massif , which reaches 4,364m and divides Italy from Switzerland ( Zermatt is on the other side ) .
Child care tends to be limited in Italy because Italian families bring granny and grandpa along to look after the little ones .
A big plus point in Champoluc is the nursery with British nannies , run by tour operator Ski 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for over 20 years and has its own ski school with a mix of British and local English-speaking instructors teaching children from four years old .
The Italian Scuola Sci Champoluc also has a good reputation for teaching both adults and children .
Book one of Champoluc 's last remaining rooms for half term 2020 at the three-star Hotel Villa Anna Maria , in the centre of the village .
From £1,588 for adults and £1,388 for children , excluding flights , including six-day Monterosa lift pass , lunch at mountain restaurants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under 12 , departing 15 February 2020 , with Ski 2 .
The largely car-free resort village at Panorama is very family friendly .
There are two levels linked by a free gondola , and the Upper Village is the best place to stay ; it ’ s close to the main slope lifts and has lots of accommodation with direct access to the snow .
It ’ s based around a skating rink and outdoor hot pool complex , with swimming pools , water slides , hot tubs and a sauna .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged 18 months to five years , with a combination of child care and ski school available for kids aged three and up .
Daily activity programmes are offered and there ’ s a list of babysitters for out-of-hours care .
Panorama mountain has a 1,300m vertical , one of the biggest in North America , and there ’ s terrain to suit all levels .
Near the foot of the mountain , the Discovery Zone has easy-to-use lifts and gentle green runs , ideal for beginners and young families , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piste of the mid-mountain suit intermediates .
For experts , there are two black-run powder bowls accessible from the resort high point of 2,365m , and plenty of gladed tree areas .
A luxurious 12-seater snowca makes it easy to lap the highest terrain .
RK Heliski specialises in taking out first-timers and provides fat skis or snowboards to make powder easier .
A short walk from the slopes , the Upper Village Condos are comfortable , spacious , and residents have free access to the hot pools complex.From £2,247 on a room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest of five French resorts in the 265km Grand Massif ski area , Flaine is all about family-friendly convenience .
Its concrete apartment blocks were designed in the 1960s in Bauhaus style , with outdoor sculptures by Picasso , Vasarely and Dubuffet , so some find it hard to love – but everyone appreciates the ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes .
Flaine Forum is the main part of the resort , based around a big square with an ice rink , a children ’ s sledge run , and the main gondola to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bowling , a driving simulator for ages seven and up , an airbag and tubing .
Above Forum is Flaine Forêt , and lifts run between the two 24/7 .
Both have bars and restaurants serving reasonable food to a largely family clientele .
Two more chalet-style bases , Hameau de Flaine and the Montsoleil apartments , sit just outside the main arena .
The Grand Massif ’ s ski area is nicely varied and big enough to keep even the keenest intermediate happy for a week .
Nearly all the pistes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intermediates best : a few easy cruising blues , but mostly reds with short steep sections .
For experts , there is off piste to be explored with a guide .
But Flaine is dominated by families and first-timers , and has two nursery areas , short green runs and a long gentle blue to move on to .
There are no terrain parks , but the Grand Massif has various fun areas , aimed mainly at children , with bumps , banked turns and trees to negotiate .
The ski-in/ski-out Residence Les @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main gondola in Flaine Forum has a indoor pool , hot tub and sauna .
From £739 for a one-bedroom self-catered apartment sleeping up to four , including ski passes , departing 15 February 2019 , with Sunweb .
Wengen might have been designed for families .
The village is essentially car-free ( with the exception of taxis ) , and at its heart there ’ s a snow-covered meadow that serves as a combined playground and gentle nursery slope .
It shares a ski area with Grindelwald , and most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lovely long red and blue runs under the towering north face of the Eiger .
The village sits on a sunny shelf and is made up of a mix of small chalets and bigger , more institutional-looking hotels .
The main way up the mountain is a cog railway that is easy to use , and also gives access to the village from Lauterbrunnen down in the valley .
The Jungfrau region lift pass covers the slopes of neighbouring Mürren as well as Wengen and Grindelwald .
While Switzerland is generally expensive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reduced for children aged up to 19 .
A six-day Wengen/Grindelwald pass costs 309CHF for adults in 2019/20 .
There are plenty of family-friendly activities on offer , including 50km of toboggan runs .
The most obvious of these is the 4.5km run from Wengernalp down to the train station in town , but there are also long runs from the top of the mountain going in the opposite direction towards Grindelwald .
In the middle of the village there ’ s indoor curling and outdoor skating .
The four-star Hotel Silberhorn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cog railway station , with the nursery slopes not far away .
There are outstanding views from the south-facing rooms , a playroom and spa that ’ s open for children until 5pm .
From £2,299 , departing 15 February 2020 , with Inghams .
Best for little ’ uns If taking young children to the Alps a short transfer and low-risk environment is preferable .
Obergurgl ’ s traditional village is set around a fine church , there ’ s no through traffic , and the ambience is essentially family friendly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ families return every winter , for the low-key atmosphere , traditional hotels and scattering of chalets .
Set at 1,930m , Obergurgl happily obliges with guaranteed snow cover at village level .
The ski area is ideal for beginners and improving intermediates and is linked by lift to higher Hochgurgl .
The more advanced will find challenging runs in nearby Vent and Sölden , both of which are covered by an Obergurgl lift pass , and excellent off piste to explore .
There ’ s a small selection of ski schools in Obergurgl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English .
British family tour operator Esprit runs its own classes for children , and also provides child care for ages between 17 weeks and 12 years .
Weekly lesson packages are available for children aged three to 12 years , priced from £290 ; while six full days of child care costs from £349 .
Chalet Alpenblume is 200m from the nearest piste , and also close to the Festkogl gondola .
From £1,849 , departing 15 February 2020 , with Esprit .
It ’ s hard to believe there are any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ del Sol and Andaluçia ’ s sun-baked hills , but in fact the Sierra Nevada boasts some of Europe ’ s highest peaks .
The Penibético mountains are spectacular enough to rival Granada ’ s incredible Alhambra , in all its Moorish grandeur .
The resort base sits at a snow-sure 2,100m , with slopes going up to 3,330m .
The highest viewpoint on the slopes is Veleta at 3,398m .
From here , on a sunny day , the Mediterranean sparkles in the distance in one direction ; in the other , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two gondola lifts rise from the base to Borreguiles at mid-mountain , the main hub for ski schools and from where a huge nursery area caters for beginners , and lifts fan out across the mountains .
A large self-service restaurant here offers excellent value , while the table-service Alcazaba above it serves high-quality , beautifully presented local fare , including barbecued meat dishes and teen-friendly burgers .
The après scene swaps tartiflette for tapas and paella , and typically doesn ’ t get going until very late .
When it does , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While a day out from Sierra Nevada to Granada is easy enough , it ’ s well worth topping or tailing a ski trip with a night staying in the ancient UNESCO-recognised city , where it ’ s easy to feel further from home than southern Spain .
The three-star GHM Hotel Monachil is located at the foot of the slopes in Sierra Nevada , and has a games room and spa , family rooms sleeping four , and family menus in its Cervino restaurant .
From £1,292 , departing 15 Feburary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for learning the ropes With 75km of slopes above two bases , Høyfjellssenter and Turistsenter , Trysil is the largest ski resort in Norway .
The slopes are less crowded than in the main Alpine resorts – worth knowing when holidays have to be taken at peak holiday times such as half-term .
The majority of hotels here are ski‑in/ski‑out , which is great news for beginners .
Trysil is so convinced of its snow reliability that it guarantees there will be white stuff in the village during high season .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountain ) offers the best part of 360 degrees of runs .
While the resort is definitely best suited to beginners and early intermediates , and has dedicated , closed-off children ’ s ski areas on the slopes , there is some challenging terrain in the Høgegga sector .
There are also four levels of terrain park , from an advanced black line , via red and blue , down to green for small children ( or nervous adults ) .
Trysil is fairly laid back , though there are several good spots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountain , and a decent selection of bars and restaurants at the two village bases .
At Turistsenter , Sindrestua is an unpretentious , friendly coffee shop-cum-bar that encourages après for the whole family ( in contrast with noisier places ) , while Sagbruket near the nursery slopes serves hot chocolate .
The ski-in/ski-out Radisson Blu Mountain Hotel in Høyfjellssenter sits below a network of green runs and has a children ’ s playroom and games room , two on-site restaurants , a bakery and a well-equipped spa .
From £1,167 , B @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Crystal .
Les Menuires , with its prime location in the centre of the 600km Trois Vallées ( 3V ) ski area , has long had an ugly duckling reputation thanks to some monstrous 1960s architecture .
These days , while hardly a swan , it has matured into a pretty presentable drake , but remains underrated and easier on the pocket than 3V big hitters Courchevel , Méribel and Val Thorens .
The village is at 1,850m , and Les Menuires ’ local slopes are great for all standards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ intermediate runs , both on and off piste , in the entire 3V ski area .
The lifts go up to the 2,804m summit of Pointe de La Masse , with superb runs on and off piste that remain uncrowded , even during peak season .
The benign blue Bouquetin run allows enjoyment of the views from the top without the challenges of the more extreme descents on either side .
Lifts towards the rest of the 3V are fast and efficient .
The modern , largely ski-in/ski-out satellites of Reberty and Le @ @ @ @ @ @ @ style , with their own shops and restaurants .
Most accommodation is in self-catering apartments , and nightlife tends to be sedate .
Restaurants such as La Ferme de Reberty do good-value grub for families who want a break from cooking .
Ski Amis has limited availability at its catered , ski-in/ski-out chalet Delfina , which serves three or four course meals on six of the seven nights .
From £929 , excluding travel , with Ski Amis .
Best for pounding pistes as a family It ’ s not difficult to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re prepared to compromise on either the quality or quantity of the slopes .
There are dozens of small villages with loads of charm , but limited terrain and lift systems .
However , Söll has plenty to offer – the extensive SkiWelt area of largely intermediate pistes , plus lots of budget places to stay .
The traditional Tirolean village with its onion-domed church is set in the middle of a wide valley .
The slopes are a kilometre away and best reached by ski bus .
If the SkiWelt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for keen piste-bashing families , the region is directly linked ( by a short bus ride ) through Westendorf and Kirchberg to Kitzbühel .
This adds another 54 lifts and 179km to the tally , though on a separate lift pass .
In town , the Hochsöll gondola takes kids and adults up to the 4km Moon toboggan run , which is floodlit until 10.30pm Wednesday to Saturday evenings .
Söll was once known for its raucous nightlife , and best suits those who come to attack the slopes with gusto or to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years the resort has started attracting families , too , with plenty of accommodation .
The Hotel Tyrol is one of Söll 's top hotels , a short walk from the village centre and opposite a bus stop .
From £1,440 , departing 15 February 2020 , with i-ski.co.uk .

With the Easter break starting this coming weekend, now is the time for skiers, in particular families, who have a holiday booked abroad to ensure they are familiar with all the last remaining Covid procedures for travel and in ski resorts.
While the UK government has scrapped all Covid travel restrictions for returning travellers, the rules remain, and continue to shift, in Europe and further afield. And not always in the right direction.
The good news is the majority of ski destinations have significantly eased requirements at the border and Covid passports have been largely scrapped, but the red tape is different in each destination and varies greatly if you have children in tow.
To avoid getting caught out by this, here is our country-by-country checklist of the Covid regulation requirements needed for your ski trip this Easter.
France
Entry requirements
A week before travel
▢ Ensure all over-16s have received final vaccine dose
72 hours before travel
▢ Unvaccinated 12-17 year olds must take a PCR test, or;
48 hours before travel
▢ Unvaccinated 12-17 year olds must take a lateral flow test
▢ All over-12s must complete ‘sworn statement’
▢ Download documents to prove full vaccination, booster or recovery
The rules in detail
Children under 12 years are exempt from all regulations. To holiday in France, anyone aged 12 years or over must be double-jabbed or show proof of recovery within 180 days of a positive PCR test. If you received your second dose more than 270 days (nine months) ago, you will also need to show evidence of a booster, received at least 14 days previously. Final vaccine doses must be administered seven days before travel. Unvaccinated adults are permitted under specific circumstances, but must quarantine on arrival. Unvaccinated children 12-17 can travel without isolating if accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult, but must test before travel. All travellers over 12 must complete a ‘sworn statement’ that they are not suffering from any Covid symptoms and have not been in contact with confirmed Covid cases in the preceding fortnight.
Covid passports
On March 14, France scrapped its health passport scheme, making life much easier in the nation's ski resorts.
In-resort rules for skiers
Masks
Despite France easing its rules on mask wearing in most settings, high grade FFP2-type masks are advised for everyone over the age of six in indoor lift queues and on enclosed lifts, such as gondolas, but not required while skiing or on open-air chairlifts or drag lifts, or in shops, restaurants or hotels.
Après ski
Nightclubs and bars have reopened and table service is no longer mandatory. Après ski is back in full swing.
Austria
Entry requirements
72 hours before travel
▢ Unvaccinated over-12s must take a Covid PCR test, or;
48 hours before travel
▢ Unvaccinated over-12s must take antigen test 48 hours before
▢ Download documents to prove full vaccination (including booster 180 days after second dose) or recovery
The rules in detail
All travellers must show either proof of full vaccination, recovery from Covid in the past 180 days or a negative test to enter Austria – referred to as 3G status. If showing proof of vaccination, you must demonstrate that you received your second dose or a booster no more than 270 days before arrival. A medical certificate including the date of recovery is needed if proving recovery. PCR test results are valid for 72 hours, antigen test results are valid for 48 hours. Travellers entering Austria with 3G proof do not need to fill in a pre-travel clearance form.Under 12s are exempt from all entry restrictions, all other children must follow the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered or tested) to enter Austria.
Covid passports
On March 5 Austria lifted scrapped its health pass scheme, meaning you no longer need to provide proof of your Covid status to hit the slopes.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Can you spot the beetle hiding in plain sight? Scientists find new camouflage technique

Brightly coloured beetles are not just gaudy to attract a mate , but their shiny surfaces actually work as camouflage @ @ @ @ @ new study has shown .
While male peacocks display colourful feathers to show off , @ @ @ @ @ wings to signal predators they carry a toxin , researchers have found that the gleaming @ @ @ @ @ beetles have a different purpose altogether , concealment .
In a counter-intuitive finding , instead @ @ @ @ @ the researchers say the insect 's iridescent wings act as a form of camouflage , @ @ @ @ @ in plain sight ’ .
Scientists at the University of Bristol carried out two experiments @ @ @ @ @ or dull beetles were more likely to be eaten by birds .
The iridescent beetles @ @ @ @ @ likely to survive against predation by birds compared to non-iridescent beetles .
And when humans @ @ @ @ @ beetles , they only managed to find about 17 per cent of the iridescent beetles @ @ @ @ @ nearly 80 per cent of some of the dull varieties .

Brightly coloured beetles are not just gaudy to attract a mate, but their shiny surfaces actually work as camouflage to deter predators, a new study has shown.
While male peacocks display colourful feathers to show off, and monarch butterflies use their wings to signal predators they carry a toxin, researchers have found that the gleaming, metallic wings of jewel beetles have a different purpose altogether, concealment.
In a counter-intuitive finding, instead of making them conspicuous, the researchers say the insect's iridescent wings act as a form of camouflage, allowing them to ‘hide in plain sight’.
Scientists at the University of Bristol carried out two experiments to find out whether shiny or dull beetles were more likely to be eaten by birds.
The iridescent beetles were more than twice as likely to survive against predation by birds compared to non-iridescent beetles.
And when humans were asked to hunt for beetles, they only managed to find about 17 per cent of the iridescent beetles, as opposed to spotting nearly 80 per cent of some of the dull varieties.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Six Nations 2020 latest odds: England favourites for tournament win after impressive World Cup

The Six Nations 2020 Championship is almost upon us and will once again see England , France , Ireland , Italy , Scotland and Wales go head to head over the course of five rugby-packed weekends .
Wales are the reigning champions .
They won five out of five in 2019 , meaning they also claimed the Grand Slam ( for beating every team ) and Triple Crown ( for beating the other 'Home Nations ' , ie England , Scotland and Ireland ) .
The form book from last year 's tournament can mostly be thrown out , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the respective form of each team reared its head last November : the World Cup in Japan .
England , despite the disappointing final loss , were the side to come out of the tournament with most credit , especially after that emphatic dispatching of New Zealand in the semi-final ; Wales could not get past eventual winners South Africa in the semi-final ; Ireland and France fell at the quarter-finals ; while Scotland and Italy did not progress from a Typhoon Hagibis-hit pool stage .
But how are the Six Nations odds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let 's take a look as the opening round approaches .
Eddie Jones has stuck with a large proportion of his World Cup heroes , while at the same time taking the opportunity to instill some fresh blood into the ranks - with uncapped players making up more than a quarter of his squad .

The Six Nations 2020 Championship has finally arrived. England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales are going head to head over the course of five rugby-packed weekends.
Wales are the reigning champions. They won five out of five in 2019, meaning they also claimed the Grand Slam (for beating every team) and Triple Crown (for beating the other 'Home Nations', ie England, Scotland and Ireland).
The form book from last year's tournament can mostly be thrown out, however, considering a large factor in deciphering the respective form of each team reared its head last November: the World Cup in Japan.
England, despite the disappointing final loss, were the side to come out of the tournament with most credit, especially after that emphatic dispatching of New Zealand in the semi-final; Wales could not get past eventual winners South Africa in the semi-final; Ireland and France fell at the quarter-finals; while Scotland and Italy did not progress from a Typhoon Hagibis-hit pool stage.
However, England fell to France in round one while Wales and Ireland got off to winning starts at home.
How are the Six Nations odds looking for this year's edition? Let's take a look as round two approaches.
Favourites - England 9/4
Despite losing in Paris, England remains favourite for the the title, in part due to the losing bonus-point they picked up away from home.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Sound of a mummy: listen as Ancient Egyptian priest 'speaks' for first time in 3,000 years

When Egyptian priest Nesyamun died more than 3,000 years ago his departing wish was that he be allowed to speak @ @ @ @ @ that he could address the gods , and be granted entry into eternity .
Now @ @ @ @ @ science , the holy man has indeed found his voice after death .
Academics at @ @ @ @ @ London , University of York and Leeds Museum scanned the mummy of Nesyamum , 3D @ @ @ @ @ played soundwaves through it to create an impression of how the priest might have sounded @ @ @ @ @ only noise they ’ ve created is a nondescript bleat , sounding something like ‘ @ @ @ @ @ are hoping to use computer modelling to recreate words and even sentences .

When Egyptian priest Nesyamun died more than 3,000 years ago his departing wish was that he be allowed to speak in the afterlife, so that he could address the gods, and be granted entry into eternity.
Now, with the help of science, the holy man has indeed found his voice after death.
Academics at Royal Holloway, University of London, University of York and Leeds Museum scanned the mummy of Nesyamun, 3D printed his vocal tract then played soundwaves through it to create an impression of how the priest might have sounded.
So far, the only noise they’ve created is a nondescript bleat, sounding something like ‘beh’ but the researchers are hoping to use computer modelling to recreate words and even sentences.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Coronavirus: do airport screenings and face masks work?

The decision to quarantine some 20 million people in three cities in China – including Wuhan , a regional capital @ @ @ @ @ – has triggered both praise and condemnation across the globe .
Some experts argue that @ @ @ @ @ real way to stop a virus spreading further – especially considering upcoming Chinese New Year @ @ @ @ @ millions of people moving across the country and region .
But others say that the @ @ @ @ @ one of the largest quarantines in global history – will only spread panic and drive @ @ @ @ @ quarantines have a questionable track record and can often be counterproductive , ” said Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ at the Center for Global Development and former Obama era director of USAID ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Assistance .
“ A quarantine… will be challenging to enforce , and past precedents suggest @ @ @ @ @ hiding of cases and less voluntary compliance with public health measures .
”

The decision to quarantine at least 50 million people in cities in China – including Wuhan, a regional capital that is larger than London – has triggered both praise and condemnation across the globe.
Some experts argue that restricting travel is the only real way to stop a virus spreading further – especially considering the country celebrated Chinese New Year this weekend. The government estimate that this usually involves three billion trips across the country and region as people travel to meet friends and family.
But other experts say that the draconian intervention – which is one of the largest quarantines in global history – will only spread panic and drive cases underground.
“Involuntary quarantines have a questionable track record and can often be counterproductive,” said Jeremy Konyndyk, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development and former Obama era director of USAID’s Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Chinese New Year 2020: Rats, luck and why you should avoid medicine, laundry and crying children

Chinese New Year is fast approaching – and with it comes a host of superstitions that will apparently dictate how the next 12 months will play out for each of us .
Washing clothes , using scissors and sweeping floors are some of the easier omens to sidestep .
However , parents might find it difficult to dodge crying children and – on the more extreme end of the scale – women might find it difficult to avoid leaving the house all day .
According to Chinese superstition , doing any of these on January 25th – the day Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to bad luck for the entire coming year .
But it isn ’ t all doom and gloom : 2020 is the Year of the Rat , an animal that symbolises wealth and the beginning of a new day .
Here is everything you need to know about the annual celebration , as well as recipes to cook for a delicious family feast and why the Year of the Rat will be more lucky for some than others .
When is Chinese New Year ?
The annual celebration begins on the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feb 20 .
The Chinese year will start on 25 Jan 2020 and end on 11 Feb 2021 , when the Year of the Ox begins .

Chinese New Year starts today – and with it comes a host of superstitions that will apparently dictate how the next 12 months will play out for each of us.
Washing clothes, using scissors and sweeping floors are some of the easier omens to sidestep. However, parents might find it difficult to dodge crying children and – on the more extreme end of the scale – women might find it difficult to avoid leaving the house all day.
According to Chinese superstition, doing any of these on Feb 1 – the day Chinese New Year falls in 2022 – will lead to bad luck for the entire coming year. But it isn’t all doom and gloom as 2022 is the Year of the Tiger, an animal that symbolises strength and being brave.
Here is everything you need to know about the annual celebration, as well as recipes to cook for a delicious family feast.
When is Chinese New Year 2022?
The Chinese year starts on Feb 1 2022 and ends on January 31 2023, when the Year of the Water Rabbit begins.
The new year, also known in China as the Spring Festival, is marked by the lunisolar Chinese calendar; this means the date changes from year to year.
The festivities usually start the day before the new year and continue until the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the new year.
The Chinese zodiac is divided into 12 blocks (or houses) just like its western counterpart, but with the major difference that each house has a time-length of one year instead of one month.
Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac – last year was the Year of the Ox.
Year of the Tiger
People born in the Year of the Tiger are characterised as being brave, competitive and confident. But, on the other hand, they can sometimes be unpredictable, irritable, and overindulgent.
Lucky numbers for people born in the Year of the Tiger are one, three and four, and their lucky colours are blue, grey and orange. Their lucky flowers are cinerarias and anthuriums.
Which Chinese zodiac sign are you?
Your sign is derived from the year you were born in the Chinese lunar calendar.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--13 of the best things to do in Sydney

13 of the best things to do in Sydney

There ’ s no denying that Sydney is a beach town .
From the still waters of the genteel harbour beaches to the rougher surf of coastal beaches like Maroubra , the warmer months are spent stripping off , creaming up and diving in .
But it ’ s not all surf in the Harbour Town .
The city is vast and varied , home to grand museums , boutique galleries , cultural walks , high-end shopping , grungy street art and manicured public parks and gardens .
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Sydney 's best-known sites ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are multiple ways to get to the top .
A twilight climb showcases Sydney in all its sunset glory .
If you 're here in June , try the Vivid Climb .
It ends with a dance-off under the stars on a 1970s-inspired dance floor at the very top .
Insider 's tip : If you 're up for a leisurely exploration of the famed steel structure then take in the three-and-a-half-hour Bridge Climb .
If speed is more your thing , sign up for the Express Climb , with fewer steps @ @ @

There’s no denying that Sydney is a beach town. From the still waters of the genteel harbour beaches to the rougher surf of coastal beaches like Maroubra, the warmer months are spent stripping off, creaming up and diving in.
But it’s not all surf in the Harbour Town. The city is vast and varied, home to grand museums, boutique galleries, cultural walks, high-end shopping, grungy street art and manicured public parks and gardens.
Read on for our expert's recommendations for the best attractions, while are our guides dedicated to Sydney's best hotels, restaurants, bars, nightlife, beaches and shopping, plus what to do for free and how to spend a weekend in Sydney.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--The most amazing things to do in and around Cape Town

You really can ’ t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town .
First , there ’ s the in-your-face beauty of a craggy mountain range that drops precipitously into a glittering sea , its flanks carpeted in greens and delicate florals .
Then there ’ s the pristine white beaches lapped by – it must be said – a chilly Atlantic , their curves defined by giant granite boulders to bake on .
Yet , of course , Cape Town is not just about exploring nature because the city has a cool urban edge too .
It has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most innovative artists and designers and it is now home to the Museum of Contemporary Art Africa , too .
Let Telegraph Travel expert Pippa de Bruyn help you discover the best things to do in Cape Town .
You haven ’ t truly understood the soul of Cape Town until you ’ ve ascended the 500-million year old mountain at its core , and gazed into the blue expanse of ocean and heaven that surround it .
Originally known as Hoerikwaggo , meaning 'Mountain of the Sea ' because it seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountain dominates the Lego-city at its feet .
Insider ’ s tip : It ’ s easiest to ascend by cable car from the City Bowl , but to appreciate the botany , walk up , then take the cable car down .
Plattekloof Gorge , the least strenuous ( 1.5 to two hours ) is also the busiest ; Skeleton Gorge is by far the most scenic but you ’ ll need around five hours and be fairly fit .

You really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town. First, there’s the in-your-face beauty of a craggy mountain range that drops precipitously into a glittering sea, its flanks carpeted in greens and delicate florals. Then there’s the pristine white beaches lapped by – it must be said – a chilly Atlantic, their curves defined by giant granite boulders to bake on.
Yet, of course, Cape Town is not just about exploring nature because the city has a cool urban edge too. It has always been home to some of Africa's most innovative artists and designers and it is now home to the Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, too.
Below our expert helps you discover the best things to do in Cape Town, while for further inspiration see our guides to the city's best hotels and restaurants and how to spend a weekend in Cape Town.
City Bowl
See the city dwarfed
You haven’t truly understood the soul of Cape Town until you’ve ascended the 500-million year old mountain at its core, and gazed into the blue expanse of ocean and heaven that surround it. Originally known as Hoerikwaggo, meaning 'Mountain of the Sea' because it seems to rise directly from the ocean, Table Mountain dominates the Lego-city at its feet.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Convicted rapist is found guilty of machete attack on 'Britain's bravest cop'

A convicted rapist , who had previously been jailed for carrying out a machete attack , has been found guilty @ @ @ @ @ - dubbed `` Britain 's hardest cop '' .
Pc Stuart Outten , 29 , @ @ @ @ @ Rodwan attacked him with a 2ft long blade in August last year .
The officer @ @ @ @ @ white van in Leyton , east London for having no insurance , when the handyman @ @ @ @ @ on him .
Mr Outten managed to Taser Rodwan twice , but suffered deep gashes @ @ @ @ @ fingers and a wound to the arm .
Rodwan , 56 , who has previous @ @ @ @ @ machete attacks , claimed he acted in self defence , telling police : `` My @ @ @ @ @ his life . ''
After deliberating for seven hours at the Old Bailey , Rodwan @ @ @ @ @ with intent to do grievous bodily harm .

A convicted rapist, who was once jailed for nine years for a savage machete attack, has been cleared of attempting to murder a police officer, despite repeatedly hacked at him with a two foot blade.
Muhammad Rodwan, 56, left PC Stuart Outten with horrific injuries when he launched his potentially deadly assault in August last year, only stopping when he was Tasered twice.
On Thursday a jury at the Old Bailey found Rodwan guilty of wounding with intent, but cleared him of the more serious charge of attempted murder and also of possession of an offensive weapon.
Reacting to the verdict with dismay and incredulity, Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said officers were now facing attacks like this on a daily basis.
He said: "Had my colleague PC Stuart Outten not utilised the Taser when he did, he would have received further blows and would not have been able to defend himself. It would have been fatal.
"My colleagues are facing these kinds of incidents on a daily basis from members of the public. This was a ferocious attack on a colleague and I am saddened by the verdict that has come back on this."


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Dog sitter at centre of missing pets row banned from keeping animals for five years

A dog-sitter at the centre of a row over pets which allegedly went missing while in her care has been banned from keeping the animals for five years .
Louise Lawford , who ran Pawford Paws in Sutton Coldfield , West Midlands , admitted an animal welfare offence and three business licensing breaches connected to her now defunct dog-boarding firm .
Mrs Lawford , of Flackwood Road , Birmingham , pleaded guilty to four charges in total after a prosecution brought by Birmingham City Council .
Its investigation was triggered after an incident in June last year , when Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five dogs left in her care , while walking in Hopwas Woods , near Tamworth , Staffordshire .
Missing pets Pablo , Maggie , Charlie , Ralph and Jack became known as the `` Tamworth Five '' , as their owners appealed for information .
However , the court heard a further five charges relating to that alleged incident had been withdrawn .
Explaining in court why , Jonathan Barker , prosecuting , said they had been `` predicated on the defendant 's own explanation that the dogs were lost as she took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's an explanation that the prosecution simply do not accept , '' he added .
Mr Barker said that none of the missing dogs had ever been returned to their owners and their fate remained a mystery .

The pet sitter at the centre of the "Tamworth Five" vanishing dogs mystery was under intense stress at the time as her marriage was breaking down, a court heard, as she was fined more than £3,000 for animal welfare offences.
Louise Lawford, 48, claimed the five dogs she was looking after bolted into Hopwas Woods near Tamworth, Staffordshire, on June 23 last year.
She had been suffering from "extreme emotional and physical stress" at the time as she was separating from her husband, Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard.
The owners of Pablo, Maggie, Charlie, Ralph and Jack appealed for information but they were never found.
Prosecutors did not accept Lawford's account that they ran away but could not prove what happened, so the charges related to this were dropped.
But Lawford, who looked after dogs when their owners went on holiday, pleaded guilty to four unrelated animal welfare offences.
They involved her failing to provide veterinary treatment for a dog's skin infection and three business licensing breaches connected to her now defunct dog-boarding firm, Pawford Paws.
Lawford was ordered to pay a total of £3,496 and banned from owning dogs for five years. This means she will have to give up her elderly rescue Labrador.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Latest snow reports: snow returns to the Alps, but not for long

We are into the fourth week of mostly dry , sunny weather for most of the Alps and Dolomites but it does increasingly look like there 's change on the way this weekend with a front expected to bring 20-40cm of fresh snowfall across the region , refreshing snow cover for the first time this year .
Not that the lack of fresh snow has posed much of a problem for most larger , higher areas as they have plenty of snow lying since before Christmas .
There has been some fresh snow in Europe already , however .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's been snowfall in Scotland and in Scandinavia it has continued and the falls have got heavier .
It 's a different picture over in North America too , here the second week of heavy snow in the west means some areas have now started the year and the decade with over ten feet ( three metres ) of fresh snow .
For the forecast in a specific resort , check our full snow reports and weather alerts sponsored by Inghams .
It has been sunny in France for a third week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the fourth .
Here too though we are expecting a change , from Friday , with moderate snowfall expected through the weekend bringing an expected 20-40cm accumulation through the weekend .
This should greatly refresh the hard-packed snow cover and hopefully provide a little off-piste powder , if the avalanche danger level does not shoot up too high .
In the meantime , on the groomed slopes conditions remain excellent with pretty well everywhere fully open , Montgenevre is posting the country ’ s deepest snow at 2.7 metres ( but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the autumn falls almost everywhere above 1,500m ) .

Two big milestones were reached on either side of the Atlantic this week. Snowfall on higher slopes in the Alps finally took the deepest snowpack in Europe – passing the 4-metre mark in Tignes. While over in California, Mammoth Mountain passed the 8-metre base depth mark on its upper slopes this week, the deepest reported anywhere in the world for several years.
The news is reassuring for the last remaining weeks of the season. Skiers who aim for resorts with terrain above 2,000m in Europe should be able to see out the rest of winter with fine conditions. In western North America, a growing number of resorts plan to keep lifts turning until late spring, even summer.
It has been a week of mixed fortunes in Europe though, much of it dependent on ski area altitude. Fresh snowfall arrived in the Alps as forecast at the weekend but it was rain at times on lower slopes, causing an increasing number of lower-lying areas to announce early closures.
There are similar issues, but less fresh snowfall, in the Pyrenees, and Scottish centres still have just a few runs open for the Easter holidays. Scandinavia continues to look good for April skiing however, with temperatures still quite cool and fresh snow falling at these northerly latitudes.
Use our tool below to find the latest conditions in your favourite resort and read the full forecast below.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--The best budget hotels in Bruges, from historic houses to modern apartments

Nathalie Standaert has been in charge of this hotel for over 20 years , and the personal welcome , attention @ @ @ @ @ of the rooms is very much the product of her dedicated approach .
The building @ @ @ @ @ has a historic feel , with is pretty , step-gabled façades , exposed beams , @ @ @ @ @ but all has been tidily and stylishly renovated , mixing the old with the new @ @ @ @ @ served in a room with a large open log fire in winter .
An agreeable @ @ @ @ @ beside some of the prettiest canals , brings you to the historic centre of Bruges @

Nathalie Standaert has been in charge of this hotel for over 20 years, and the personal welcome, attention to detail and tidy presentation of the rooms is very much the product of her dedicated approach. The building dates to 1650, and has a historic feel, with is pretty, step-gabled façades, exposed beams, tapestries and stone fireplace, but all has been tidily and stylishly renovated, mixing the old with the new. A buffet breakfast is served in a room with a large open log fire in winter. An agreeable walk along cobbled streets, beside some of the prettiest canals, brings you to the historic centre of Bruges.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Prince Charles to say 'hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart' at World Holocaust Foru

Prince Charles to say 'hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart' at World Holocaust Forum

The Prince of Wales will warn that `` hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart '' when he joins world leaders at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau .
Charles has flown to Israel for the commemoration and in a speech will say that `` language is used which turns disagreement into dehumanisation '' and society must remain `` resolute in resisting words and acts of violence '' .
His visit has added significance as the Queen has never made an official visit to Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first day in the Holy Land , the prince will also meet Holocaust survivors and be joined by the UK 's Chief Rabbi , Ephraim Mirvis .
He will deliver his address at the World Holocaust Forum being staged at Yad Vashem , the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem , where guests are expected to include US Vice President Mike Pence , Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron .
The prince has been invited to the major event by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and he will meet the statesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Holy Land .
Charles will say in his speech : `` The lessons of the Holocaust are searingly relevant to this day .
Seventy-five years after the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau , hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart , still tell new lies , adopt new disguises , and still seek new victims .

The Prince of Wales will warn that "hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart" when he joins world leaders at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Charles has flown to Israel for the commemoration and in a speech will say that "language is used which turns disagreement into dehumanisation" and society must remain "resolute in resisting words and acts of violence".
His visit has added significance as the Queen has never made an official visit to Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories during her 67-year reign.
During his first day in the Holy Land, the prince will also meet Holocaust survivors and be joined by the UK's Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis.
He will deliver his address at the World Holocaust Forum being staged at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, where guests are expected to include US Vice President Mike Pence, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The prince has been invited to the major event by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and he will meet the statesman as he begins his two-day visit to the Holy Land.
Charles will say in his speech: "The lessons of the Holocaust are searingly relevant to this day. Seventy-five years after the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart, still tell new lies, adopt new disguises, and still seek new victims.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Ed Woodward and the Glazers are the real reason Manchester United are in disarray - fans must keep u

Ed Woodward and the Glazers are the real reason Manchester United are in disarray - fans must keep up the pressure

Ed Woodward once confessed , somewhat bizarrely , that he kept a photograph of the scoreboard from United ’ s 2-0 defeat at Olympiakos in 2014 as a reminder that the club must never sink so low under his tenure .
Presumably , he can ’ t manoeuvre in his office for keepsakes now as the club , and the mismanagement of the football side , lurch from one farce to the next .
Woodward , of course , spelled out their priorities in one of those absurd investor calls - “ playing performance doesn ’ t really have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the commercial side of the business ” - and it will be the epitaph that follows him when he eventually leaves office .
No other company so obsessed with money and profit would keep such a hapless operator in charge of its “ core business ” .
But Woodward is the figurehead of operations for the Glazer family , the man who oversaw their debt-ridden takeover .
It took all of Fergie ’ s genius to maintain the façade that all was well .
Taking nearly a billion out of the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football matters will eventually come at a cost .
The dislike and distrust of the Glazers never went away .
They have never been welcomed by anyone who studied their practices .
Of course , protests against them grow when results are bad but results are bad for more reasons than simply who currently sits in the dugout .
An average squad , underinvestment , a scatter-gun transfer policy , then not backing two managers in successive transfer windows to give them a fighting chance to compete .
Talk of two or three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what is actually needed .

Ed Woodward's epitaph when he leaves office will be about profit rather than Manchester United's achievements as a football club in his time as CEO
Credit : Martin Rickett/PA


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Portraying Pregnancy, Foundling Museum, review: a moving portrait of women's bravery

We ’ re in the age of the public pregnancy .
Mums-to-be Instagram their ultrasounds , while tabloids zoom in on celebrity stomachs beneath “ Is she , isn ’ t she ?
” headlines .
But as recently as the late 20th century , pregnancy was a visual taboo .
An unseemly proclamation of female sexuality to be airbrushed out of shot .
The portraits of pregnancy that this multifaceted and often moving exhibition brings together , then , are rare .
But they also provide , as curator Karen Hearn puts it , a “ new lens through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women ’ s history ” : 500 years of representation and politics , shifting social conventions and medical advances , female subjugation and empowerment .
Split over two floors , the exhibition begins with early images of the Visitation , including some exquisite 17th-century needlework , and unfolds chronologically .
There ’ s Holbein ’ s delicate chalk portrait of Cecily Heron , her corset loosely unlaced ; and Elizabethan paintings from an intriguing period during which pregnancy portraits became acceptable , probably thanks to public anxiety about the unmarried queen .
Isaac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fashion , depicts a brief 18th-century trend for padding one ’ s stomach , as if with child .
And Annie Leibovitz ’ s watershed 1991 Vanity Faircover of a nude Demi Moore opens the doors for more contemporary works .
Look out for Electra , a typically arresting piece by Jenny Saville , finished for the exhibition .
There are objects scattered among the portraits , too , including a tiny ivory anatomical figure of a pregnant woman , complete with removable organs .

We’re in the age of the public pregnancy. Mums-to-be Instagram their ultrasounds, while tabloids zoom in on celebrity stomachs beneath “Is she, isn’t she?” headlines. But as recently as the late 20th century, pregnancy was a visual taboo. An unseemly proclamation of female sexuality to be airbrushed out of shot.
The portraits of pregnancy that this multifaceted and often moving exhibition brings together, then, are rare. But they also provide, as curator Karen Hearn puts it, a “new lens through which to look at […] women’s history”: 500 years of representation and politics, shifting social conventions and medical advances, female subjugation and empowerment.
Split over two floors, the exhibition begins with early images of the Visitation, including some exquisite 17th-century needlework, and unfolds chronologically. There’s Holbein’s delicate chalk portrait of Cecily Heron, her corset loosely unlaced; and Elizabethan paintings from an intriguing period during which pregnancy portraits became acceptable, probably thanks to public anxiety about the unmarried queen.
Isaac Cruikshank’s satirical etching, Frailties of Fashion, depicts a brief 18th-century trend for padding one’s stomach, as if with child. And Annie Leibovitz’s watershed 1991 Vanity Faircover of a nude Demi Moore opens the doors for more contemporary works.
Look out for Electra, a typically arresting piece by Jenny Saville, finished for the exhibition. There are objects scattered among the portraits, too, including a tiny ivory anatomical figure of a pregnant woman, complete with removable organs.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--12 brilliant things to do in Bristol, from hot air balloons to Banksy's street art

Bristol is bursting with things to do : from trips in the air ( ballooning ) to boat tours around the harbour ; from cutting edge art galleries and theatres and brazen street art to a myriad of museums and numerous diversions for children ; and from brilliant markets and festivals to wondrous feats of engineering .
What 's more , for sports lovers , the city has two football league teams ( City and Rovers ) , a rugby team ( Bristol Bears ) , and is home to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club .
No wonder the poet John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most 'interesting ' city in England .
Here are a dozen ways to get a feel of the place .
The immersive Brunel Museum , marks the greatest achievements of the Victorian engineer , Isambard Kingdom Brunel .
It ’ s hard by one of his most striking creations , the beautifully restored SS Great Britain – make sure to see that as well – and not far from another , Clifton Suspension Bridge .
Rooms examine his life as an engineer , entrepreneur and celebrity , but also his failures ; head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something a bit different .
Insider tip : For those wanting to discover what life was like for sailors on board the SS Great Britain , try the hands-on , climb-the-rigging experience .
It ’ ll test your nerve and head for heights .

Bristol is bursting with things to do: from trips in the air (ballooning) to boat tours around the harbour; from cutting edge art galleries and theatres and brazen street art to a myriad of museums and numerous diversions for children; and from brilliant markets and festivals to wondrous feats of engineering.
What's more, for sports lovers, the city has two football league teams (City and Rovers), a rugby team (Bristol Bears), and is home to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. No wonder the poet John Betjeman once referred to Bristol as the most 'interesting' city in England. Here are a dozen ways to get a feel of the place.
Harbourside
Imagine the magic of Brunel
The immersive Brunel Museum, marks the greatest achievements of the Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It’s hard by one of his most striking creations, the beautifully restored SS Great Britain – make sure to see that as well – and not far from another, Clifton Suspension Bridge. Rooms examine his life as an engineer, entrepreneur and celebrity, but also his failures; head into 'Brunel’s Mind' for something a bit different.
Insider tip: For those wanting to discover what life was like for sailors on board the SS Great Britain, try the hands-on, climb-the-rigging experience. It’ll test your nerve and head for heights.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Spain rejects Morocco's claim on mineral-rich undersea volcano

Spanish politicians have warned Morocco against staking a claim to waters around the Canary Islands , including a massive mineral-rich undersea mountain , after the North African country made a bid for control in the area .
Morroco 's parliament on Wednesday passed legislation declaring its maritime sovereignty over the waters near the Canary Islands , extending its reach to a maximum of 350 nautical miles off the coast of the disputed territory of the Western Sahara , which is occupied by Morocco .
The move conflicts with Spain ’ s own plans to gain jurisdiction over the area around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Tropic Seamount , an extinct volcano believed to be rich in cobalt and rare-earth elements .
“ Not one millimetre of Canary Islands waters will be touched by any other kingdom or country , ” said Ángel Víctor Torres , president of the Canary Islands regional government .
A joint British and Spanish mission to explore the undersea volcano in 2016 concluded that the seamount may contain enough cobalt to make batteries for 277 million electric cars , as well as a huge quantity of tellurium , an element used in solar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arancha González Laya also stated Madrid ’ s firm defence of the waters around the Canary Islands , a Spanish-owned archipelago .
“ We will not accept politics done by faits accomplis or unilateral actions , ” Ms González Laya posted on Twitter , ahead of a planned visit to meet members of the Moroccan government in Rabat on Friday .

Spanish politicians have warned Morocco against staking a claim to waters around the Canary Islands, including a massive mineral-rich undersea mountain, after the North African country made a bid for control in the area.
Morroco's parliament on Wednesday passed legislation declaring its maritime sovereignty over the waters near the Canary Islands, extending its reach to a maximum of 350 nautical miles off the coast of the disputed territory of the Western Sahara, which is occupied by Morocco.
The move conflicts with Spain’s own plans to gain jurisdiction over the area around the Canaries, waters which are home to Tropic Seamount, an extinct volcano believed to be rich in cobalt and rare-earth elements.
“Not one millimetre of Canary Islands waters will be touched by any other kingdom or country,” said Ángel Víctor Torres, president of the Canary Islands regional government.
A joint British and Spanish mission to explore the undersea volcano in 2016 concluded that the seamount may contain enough cobalt to make batteries for 277 million electric cars, as well as a huge quantity of tellurium, an element used in solar panels.
Spain’s foreign minister Arancha González Laya also stated Madrid’s firm defence of the waters around the Canary Islands, a Spanish-owned archipelago.
“We will not accept politics done by faits accomplis or unilateral actions,” Ms González Laya posted on Twitter, ahead of a planned visit to meet members of the Moroccan government in Rabat on Friday.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Russian parliament gives early approval to Putin’s constitutional amendments ahead of referendum

Russia ’ s parliament on Thursday provisionally approved constitutional amendments to reshuffle the country ’ s power structure to offer Vladimir Putin another role to stay in charge beyond 2024 , as authorities said the package would be put to the public vote .
Mr Putin is not eligible to run again but he is widely believed to intend to stay in power .
Thursday ’ s vote at the State Duma came less than a week after Mr Putin announced an array of proposals to amend the constitution that he claims will democratise Russian institutions and give more powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendments as they were submitted by the Kremlin showed that the new president will still remain a powerful figure while Russia will also get a new body , the State Council whose powers have yet to be determined .
Authorities have baffled legal experts by saying that the constitutional changes will be put up to a popular vote after they are approved by parliament and signed into a law .
The vote is likely to be held weeks if not months from now .
The amendments do not affect the first two and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so technically they do not need a popular approval , pro-Kremlin lawmakers said .

Russia’s parliament on Thursday provisionally approved constitutional amendments to reshuffle the country’s power structure to offer Vladimir Putin another role to stay in charge beyond 2024, as authorities said the package would be put to the public vote.
Mr Putin is not eligible to run again but he is widely believed to intend to stay in power.
Thursday’s vote at the State Duma came less than a week after Mr Putin announced an array of proposals to amend the constitution that he claims will democratise Russian institutions and give more powers to the parliament.
However, the amendments as they were submitted by the Kremlin showed that the new president will still remain a powerful figure while Russia will also get a new body, the State Council whose powers have yet to be determined.
Authorities have baffled legal experts by saying that the constitutional changes will be put up to a popular vote after they are approved by parliament and signed into a law. The vote is likely to be held weeks if not months from now.
The amendments do not affect the first two and most fundamental chapters of the constitution, so technically they do not need a popular approval, pro-Kremlin lawmakers said.


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Four people in Scotland admitted over coronavirus fears, as Health Secretary says UK is prepared

Four people are being tested for suspected coronavirus in Scotland , according to the head of infection medicine at the University of Edinburgh .
Professor Jurgen Haas said he believes there will be many more cases from other cities in the UK .
He said three cases are in Edinburgh and the other is believed to be in Glasgow .
Tests are currently being carried out and none of the patients have been confirmed as having the disease .
They all travelled to Scotland from Wuhan , where the outbreak is thought to have originated , within the past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble , a red flag for the virus .
Professor Haas said : `` We have currently three cases of suspected Wuhan coronavirus in Edinburgh and as far as I understand one case in Glasgow . ''
He said the cases emerged overnight , adding : `` The situation will be pretty similar in pretty much all UK cities with a large number of Chinese students .
`` It 's not too surprising .
My suspicious is that there will probably be many more cases in many other cities in the UK .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of have been confirmed . ''

Tests on 14 people in the UK have come back negative but there are checks ongoing on other people, according to the Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty.
The number of cases has jumped to 830 and the death toll has risen to at least 26, with two fatalities now reported outside of Wuhan and 12 cases confirmed globally.
Professor Whitty spoke following the Government's Cobra contingencies committee, which met on Friday to discuss the outbreak of coronavirus.
In a statement he said: "I am working closely with the other UK chief medical officers. "We all agree that the risk to the UK public remains low, but there may well be cases in the UK at some stage.
"We have tried and tested measures in place to respond. The UK is well-prepared for these types of incidents, with excellent readiness against infectious diseases.
"We have global experts monitoring the situation around the clock and have a strong track record of managing new forms of infectious disease.
"The UK has access to some of the best infectious disease and public health experts in the world.
"A public health hub will be set up in Heathrow from today. This consists of clinicians and other public health officials, in addition to existing port health measures."
He added: "We think there's a fair chance we may get some cases over time.
"Of course this depends on whether this continues for a long time, or whether this turns out to be something which is brought under control relatively quickly."
He added: "I think we should definitely see this as a marathon, not a sprint we need to have our entire response based on that principle."
One of those cleared in the UK was Michael Hope, 45, who spent two days in quarantine this week after returning to Newcastle from Wuhan.
He arrived back on Sunday feeling unwell, having been ill since January 4, and after telling his GP in a telephone clinic about his recent return from Wuhan, he was rushed to the city's Royal Victoria Infirmary and put in isolation.
He said: "The care was exceptional.
"It was scary being there but they made me feel quite relaxed.
"They were very human even though they looked like spacemen."
Mr Hope said he felt like the film character ET while he was treated by the masked medics.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the risk to the UK public from the coronavirus "remains low" after chairing the Cobra meeting.
Exiting the Cabinet Office, Mr Hancock said: "We have just held a Cobra meeting on the coronavirus concerns.
"As I made clear to the House yesterday, the clinical advice is that the risk to the public remains low and the chief medical officer will be making a full statement later today."
But the medical director for Public Health England said on Friday morning that it was ‘highly likely’ the virus will come to Britain.
Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme, Dr Paul Cosford said that it was now ‘highly likely’ that the infection would spread to Britain.
“There are no positive cases in the UK as yet, but we will go on testing and those numbers will of course change,” he said.
“I think it's highly likely that we will have cases in the UK, and of course every so often we do get new infections coming from the animal kingdom such as this one.
“We do have a whole range of plans ready to go when that is the case and, and these are being implemented now so our systems are ready to diagnose somebody if they do come to the UK and have this infection, and of course the NHS is prepared to treat people, if they have this infection.”
All the people tested in the UK had visited Wuhan - the Chinese city where the outbreak originated.
Four out five patients tested in Scotland were Chinese nationals.
Dr Cosford added that anyone returning from China who experienced symptoms should avoid ‘pitching up’ at hospitals or their GP, and instead contact NHS 111.
But he said that the majority of people would probably recover if they contracted the virus.
“Coronavirus is a very broad Church of viruses, from the common cold on one hand two sides on the other,” he added.
“The people who have died are large the older people with other illnesses that they've got. And as I say that the majority of people. It does look as if they’re making a full recovery.”
Sir Jeremy Farrar, of the Wellcome Trust, said: “I am alarmed, but there is a big difference between that and panic. If this does take off like in China the pressure on the NHS will be very difficult.”
Private schools may need to make plans for overseas pupils
Private schools may need to make plans for overseas pupils who are unable or unwilling to return home for upcoming holidays due to the coronavirus outbreak, it has been suggested.
While there is "no immediate cause for concern" the situation needs to be closely monitored, independent school groups have said.
Schools should "err on the side of caution" to minimise risks to staff and students, according to guidance issued by the Girls' Schools Association (GSA).
China sends more pupils to UK fee-paying schools than any other country.
Latest figures show that Chinese children made up around one in six of all international students at these schools.
In a statement, the GSA, which represents a group of fee-paying girls' schools, said it is "drawing schools' attention to the advice given by Public Health England concerning the corona virus and travel to China".


thetelegraph--2020-01-23--Portuguese banker named in Isabel dos Santos investigation found dead

A Portuguese banker targeted in an investigation of Angolan former first daughter Isabel dos Santos has been found dead in his Lisbon home after apparently committing suicide , police said on Thursday .
The body of Nuno Ribeiro da Cunha `` was found last evening and all indications point to a suicide '' , a Portuguese police spokesman told AFP .
Mr Da Cunha was cited in the `` Luanda Leaks '' documents that revealed allegations Ms dos Santos had siphoned millions from Angolan state companies into offshore assets during her father 's long rule .
The Portuguese banker worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santos is the main shareholder .
According to Portuguese media reports , Mr da Cunha was the head of private banking at Eurobic and the account manager of Isabel dos Santos .
Ms dos Santos , the daughter of former Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos dubbed `` the princess '' , has been formally charged in Angola with embezzlement and money laundering among other financial crimes .
She will also face charges of influence peddling , misuse of corporate assets and forgery during her tenure as head of the Angolan state oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement that Ms dos Santos - who owns 42.5 per cent of the bank - had taken the decision to `` withdraw '' as a shareholder .

A Portuguese banker who managed accounts allegedly used by Africa’s richest woman to embezzle Angolan state funds has been found dead in his Lisbon flat.
Nuno Ribiero da Cunha was found hanging in the garage of his home on Tuesday evening hours after prosecutors investigating the business dealings of Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of Angola’s former president, said they wanted to question him under caution.
Police in the Portuguese capital said there were strong indications that Mr Ribiero da Cunha, who was 45, had committed suicide. Earlier this month he was found bleeding from several knife wounds to his wrists and stomach by a household employee in one of his holiday homes on the coast south of Lisbon.
The police were still investigating the circumstances of that incident, with both suicide and attempted murder among their hypotheses, and Portuguese newspaper Observador reporting that investigators were “investigating the bank manager’s mobile phone to try to understand if he was being coerced”.
Other Portuguese media quoted sources close to the banker’s family as saying that Mr Ribeiro da Cunha had been depressed recently, and the national director of Portugal’s judicial police force, Luís Neve, said “everything suggests that no third party was involved” in the banker’s death.