theweekuk--2020-10-21--How Starmer’s ‘fair one nation deal’ is whipping up a Conservative rebellion

A Labour motion to be voted on this afternoon appears to have been carefully crafted to put Conservative MPs in northern constituencies on the spot .
Keir Starmer ’ s “ fair one nation deal ” demands that Boris Johnson set a “ clear and fair national criteria for financial support for jobs and businesses ” in areas facing the toughest Covid restrictions , and that “ people faced with hardship who are subject to the Job Retention Scheme extension will receive at least 80 % of their previous incomes ” .
Starmer yesterday accused the PM of treating local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson broke off talks with leaders in Greater Manchester and imposed the maximum Tier 3 limits on the region .
Warning that “ families and businesses will be deeply anxious that they might not be able to make ends meet under the government ’ s wholly inadequate proposals ” , Starmer said “ we need a fair one nation deal that can help us through the second wave ” .
“ I would urge all Conservative MPs , particularly those in areas of the country that are most affected by this , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s hand , ” he added .
The Labour leader ’ s move is widely viewed as a bid to turn the screw on Conservative MPs in northern seats .
Or to put that another way , “ Starmer ’ s motion is a carefully crafted attempt to give red wall Tory MPs a world of pain ” , says Politico London Playbook ’ s Alex Wickham .
As Wickham notes , the motion forces these Tories to choose “ between rebelling against the government or explaining to their constituents why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clearer financial support ” .
His analysis is echoed by Politics.co.uk editor Ian Dunt , who tweeted that the motion is “ designed to cause Tory MPs as much pain as humanely possible ” .
And HuffPost predicts that “ some ‘ red wall Tories ’ could rebel and back the Labour motion ” this afternoon .
An unnamed Labour official told Wickham that “ this is one of those moments during a parliament people remember .
Was the government or my MP on my side : yes or no ?
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the bell rings at 4pm today .
”

A Labour motion to be voted on this afternoon appears to have been carefully crafted to put Conservative MPs in northern constituencies on the spot.
Keir Starmer’s “fair one nation deal” demands that Boris Johnson set a “clear and fair national criteria for financial support for jobs and businesses” in areas facing the toughest Covid restrictions, and that “people faced with hardship who are subject to the Job Retention Scheme extension will receive at least 80% of their previous incomes”.
Starmer yesterday accused the PM of treating local communities “with contempt”, after Johnson broke off talks with leaders in Greater Manchester and imposed the maximum Tier 3 limits on the region.
Warning that “families and businesses will be deeply anxious that they might not be able to make ends meet under the government’s wholly inadequate proposals”, Starmer said “we need a fair one nation deal that can help us through the second wave”.
“I would urge all Conservative MPs, particularly those in areas of the country that are most affected by this, to vote with us tomorrow and force the government’s hand,” he added.
The Labour leader’s move is widely viewed as a bid to turn the screw on Conservative MPs in northern seats. Or to put that another way, “Starmer’s motion is a carefully crafted attempt to give red wall Tory MPs a world of pain”, says Politico London Playbook’s Alex Wickham.
As Wickham notes, the motion forces these Tories to choose “between rebelling against the government or explaining to their constituents why they aren’t voting for better and clearer financial support”.
His analysis is echoed by Politics.co.uk editor Ian Dunt, who tweeted that the motion is “designed to cause Tory MPs as much pain as humanely possible”. And HuffPost predicts that “some ‘red wall Tories’ could rebel and back the Labour motion” this afternoon.
An unnamed Labour official told Wickham that “this is one of those moments during a parliament people remember. Was the government or my MP on my side: yes or no? That is what Tory MPs should be thinking when the bell rings at 4pm today.”


theweekuk--2020-10-21--Transport for London bailout talks hit a crossroad

The future of Transport for London ( TfL ) has reached a critical crossroad as tensions rise between the government and Mayor Sadiq Khan ’ s office .
TfL passenger numbers and revenues have plummeted since Since Covid-19 restrictions were first introduced back in March , triggering pleas for an emergency rescue package to keep services running .
In May , the government granted £1.6bn in funding for the transport authority , which announced on Friday that a last-minute extension of that bailout had been secured to cover another two weeks .
TfL ’ s board is holding a crunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Downing Street to prop up services for the next 18 months .
The BBC says TfL bosses have asked for a £5.7bn package , while the Financial Times puts the figure at £4.9bn .
Talks between the two sides have become “ increasingly acrimonious ” , with ministers are threatening to take “ direct control ” of TfL unless Khan agrees a package of measures in return for rescue funding , says the FT .
According to the London mayor ’ s office , ministers want to “ extend the £15 Congestion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circular roads in 12 months ’ time ” , “ increase fares by more than Retail Prices Index+1 % ” and “ introduce a new council tax precept charge in London for an unspecified amount ” , the BBC reports .
Khan has said he “ can not accept ” the conditions attached to the bailout , warning that Londoners would be hit with a “ triple whammy of higher costs at a time when so many people are already facing hardship ” .
“ The government should be supporting Londoners through this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draconian proposals which will choke off our economic recovery ” , he said .
“ Ministers already forced TfL to bring forward proposals to increase the cost and hours of the congestion charge in May - now they want to expand it to cover four million more Londoners.
” Government figures are growing increasingly frustrated with what one source described as “ Khan ’ s bluster ” , City A.M reports .
The FT has seen a letter sent by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to the mayor earlier this month setting out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in return for any financial rescue package .
The government ’ s support would “ take a different form ” , however , if the two sides fail to strike an H2 deal or if its terms were not met , the minister warned .
“ We will be taking reserve legislative powers allowing us if necessary to direct TfL , ” he said .
“ This would be combined with a further series of short-term funding settlements.
” In a letter of reply on 6 October , Khan turned down the set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in council tax for Londoners would “ place even more reliance on an already broken form of taxation and would be regressive ” .
Increasing fares faster than inflation would be a “ huge economic mistake ” , he wrote , and expanding the congestion zone “ would have a catastrophic effect on the economy of inner London and beyond ” .

The future of Transport for London (TfL) has reached a critical crossroad as tensions rise between the government and Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office.
TfL passenger numbers and revenues have plummeted since Since Covid-19 restrictions were first introduced back in March, triggering pleas for an emergency rescue package to keep services running.
In May, the government granted £1.6bn in funding for the transport authority, which announced on Friday that a last-minute extension of that bailout had been secured to cover another two weeks.
TfL’s board is holding a crunch meeting today as Khan seeks a settlement from Downing Street to prop up services for the next 18 months. The BBC says TfL bosses have asked for a £5.7bn package, while the Financial Times puts the figure at £4.9bn.
‘Triple whammy’
Talks between the two sides have become “increasingly acrimonious”, with ministers are threatening to take “direct control” of TfL unless Khan agrees a package of measures in return for rescue funding, says the FT.
According to the London mayor’s office, ministers want to “extend the £15 Congestion Charge Zone to the North and South circular roads in 12 months’ time”, “increase fares by more than Retail Prices Index+1%” and “introduce a new council tax precept charge in London for an unspecified amount”, the BBC reports.
Khan has said he “cannot accept” the conditions attached to the bailout, warning that Londoners would be hit with a “triple whammy of higher costs at a time when so many people are already facing hardship”.
“The government should be supporting Londoners through this difficult time - not making ill-advised and draconian proposals which will choke off our economic recovery”, he said. “Ministers already forced TfL to bring forward proposals to increase the cost and hours of the congestion charge in May - now they want to expand it to cover four million more Londoners.”
H2 deal
Government figures are growing increasingly frustrated with what one source described as “Khan’s bluster”, City A.M reports.
The FT has seen a letter sent by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to the mayor earlier this month setting out a long list of demands to be met in return for any financial rescue package.
Shapps proposed a six-month funding package - dubbed the “H2 deal” - ahead of a longer-term settlement.
The government’s support would “take a different form”, however, if the two sides fail to strike an H2 deal or if its terms were not met, the minister warned.
“We will be taking reserve legislative powers allowing us if necessary to direct TfL,” he said. “This would be combined with a further series of short-term funding settlements.”
In a letter of reply on 6 October, Khan turned down the set to demands and insisted that a rise in council tax for Londoners would “place even more reliance on an already broken form of taxation and would be regressive”.
Increasing fares faster than inflation would be a “huge economic mistake”, he wrote, and expanding the congestion zone “would have a catastrophic effect on the economy of inner London and beyond”.


theweekuk--2020-10-21--Michael Gove compares Brexit to ‘moving house’ in ‘disastrous’ call with business chiefs

Michael Gove has triggered anger and disbelief by telling UK business leaders that Brexit is on a par with the “ hassle ” of moving house .
During a 20-minute conference call yesterday , the Cabinet Office minister and Boris Johnson warned trade bodies and bosses from 250 leading firms to prepare for a no-deal result from the ongoing negotiations with the EU .
Gove argued that quitting the bloc was “ like moving house , it ’ s a hassle at first but you are upgrading ” .
But many of the bosses who dialled in for the 20-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling the Financial Times ( FT ) that the gain to be had from moving “ depends which house you ’ re buying ” .
Other sources told The Telegraph that the call was “ anodyne ” and “ shocking , embarrassing and not constructive ” .
The event was “ carefully stage-managed ” , with “ just three obviously pre-selected questions ” , an insider said .
A government spokesperson said that Johnson had told the industry chiefs that this “ should be a moment of change and dynamism for the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But business leaders were left disappointed by the “ perfunctory ” conversation , with Johnson failing “ to calm concerns over the lack of certainty or preparation ” , the FT reports .
The prime minister , who spoke for ten minutes , was also criticised for his “ disrespectful ” behaviour in leaving the call early , the paper adds .
“ It felt like an exercise so the government can say it has formally talked to business , ” a source told The Telegraph , adding that it is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have a grasp of detail ” .
Another said : “ It felt like it was to rally business and tell us about the ‘ great opportunities to come ’ from Brexit the government sees .
They didn ’ t use the phrase ‘ sunny uplands of Brexit ’ , but that ’ s what they were saying.
” Adam Marshall , director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce , said that while Downing Street was presenting Brexit “ like it ’ s a routine MOT test ” , for many businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moon landing ” .

Michael Gove has triggered anger and disbelief by telling UK business leaders that Brexit is on a par with the “hassle” of moving house.
During a 20-minute conference call yesterday, the Cabinet Office minister and Boris Johnson warned trade bodies and bosses from 250 leading firms to prepare for a no-deal result from the ongoing negotiations with the EU.
Gove argued that quitting the bloc was “like moving house, it’s a hassle at first but you are upgrading”. But many of the bosses who dialled in for the 20-minute call remain unconvinced, with a source telling the Financial Times (FT) that the gain to be had from moving “depends which house you’re buying”.
Other sources told The Telegraph that the call was “anodyne” and “shocking, embarrassing and not constructive”. The event was “carefully stage-managed”, with “just three obviously pre-selected questions”, an insider said.
A government spokesperson said that Johnson had told the industry chiefs that this “should be a moment of change and dynamism for the UK, providing businesses with fantastic opportunities”.
But business leaders were left disappointed by the “perfunctory” conversation, with Johnson failing “to calm concerns over the lack of certainty or preparation”, the FT reports. The prime minister, who spoke for ten minutes, was also criticised for his “disrespectful” behaviour in leaving the call early, the paper adds.
“It felt like an exercise so the government can say it has formally talked to business,” a source told The Telegraph, adding that it is “incredibly scary” that Johnson “does not have a grasp of detail”.
Another said: “It felt like it was to rally business and tell us about the ‘great opportunities to come’ from Brexit the government sees. They didn’t use the phrase ‘sunny uplands of Brexit’, but that’s what they were saying.”
Adam Marshall, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said that while Downing Street was presenting Brexit “like it’s a routine MOT test”, for many businesses it is “more like co-ordinating a moon landing”.


theweekuk--2020-10-21--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 21 Oct 2020

Donald Trump has admitted that his company has a Chinese bank account , after The New York Times discovered evidence @ @ @ @ @ tax records .
The US president has been critical of US firms doing business in @ @ @ @ @ war between the two countries and accused his Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden of being @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s spokesman said the account was set up “ to explore the potential @ @ @ @ @ ” .

Trump opened Chinese bank account ‘to seek Asian deals’
Donald Trump has admitted that his company has a Chinese bank account, after The New York Times discovered evidence of its existence in leaked tax records. The US president has been critical of US firms doing business in China, sparked a trade war between the two countries and accused his Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden of being too close to Beijing. Trump’s spokesman said the account was set up “to explore the potential for hotel deals in Asia”.


theweekuk--2020-10-21--Face-mask that smells of bacon offers ‘heavenly’ experience

Bacon fans can now have a face-mask that smells of sizzling pork .
The company behind the product said the Black Label Breathable Bacon mask uses the “ the latest in bacon-smell technology ” to give the wearer the experience of smelling a sizzling rasher as they use the coronavirus protection garment .
It promises it will be a “ heavenly aroma ” .
Two young raccoons have broken into a bank in California .
The Peninsula Humane Society says the rascals were found running around inside the Redwood City bank that was closed to the public at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day an animal organisation gets called to deal with a bank break in , but since the bank robbers were masked bandits of the wildlife kind , we were indeed the appropriate responders , ” said a spokesman .
An artist has created a grocery store in which every product is made entirely of plastic .
The store , in New York ’ s Times Square , is stocked with items from fruit to deli meats that are made from discarded , single-use plastics .
The Plastic Bag Store is described as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humorous experience that hopefully encourages a different way of thinking about the foreverness of plastic ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Bacon fans can now have a face-mask that smells of sizzling pork. The company behind the product said the Black Label Breathable Bacon mask uses the “the latest in bacon-smell technology” to give the wearer the experience of smelling a sizzling rasher as they use the coronavirus protection garment. It promises it will be a “heavenly aroma”.
Raccoons break into a bank
Two young raccoons have broken into a bank in California. The Peninsula Humane Society says the rascals were found running around inside the Redwood City bank that was closed to the public at the time. “It’s not every day an animal organisation gets called to deal with a bank break in, but since the bank robbers were masked bandits of the wildlife kind, we were indeed the appropriate responders,” said a spokesman.
Food store’s products made entirely of plastics
An artist has created a grocery store in which every product is made entirely of plastic. The store, in New York’s Times Square, is stocked with items from fruit to deli meats that are made from discarded, single-use plastics. The Plastic Bag Store is described as a “visually rich, tactile, and humorous experience that hopefully encourages a different way of thinking about the foreverness of plastic”.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-10-20--‘Keep on gardening’: David Domoney’s top tips for autumn and winter

Celebrity horticulturalist David Domoney has a message for green-fingered Brits : don ’ t stop gardening during autumn and winter .
Not only do our gardens need continued care in the colder months , but getting outside is also essential for our physical and mental well-being , especially during this time of Covid lockdowns and social distancing .
A campaign to get more of us outdoors is being spearheaded by Domoney , who along with being the resident gardener on ITV ’ s This Morning and co-hosting Love Your Garden alongside Alan Titchmarsh , is also the gardening champion for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with and getting closer to nature is one the best things we as humans can do for our health and well-being , and gardening enables us to do that regularly , ” he says .
And while the shorter days at this time of year can make it harder to get out , gardening is “ a hobby that keeps giving , for 12 months of the year ” , Domoney adds .
“ Over the cooler period , there ’ s no need to stop gardening .
With activities to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you won ’ t be short of things to do.
” Here are his top tips for gardening in autumn and winter… “ As gardeners , we love looking ahead and planning for the flowers and fruits of the following year .
If you ’ ve ever looked at other people ’ s borders in springtime , bursting with blooms and wanted the same , yours can be like that too .
“ So plant some hope for spring , and get the kids involved too , as flower bulbs are really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can then have the joy of watching their own flowers bloom next spring and know they helped to make it happen.
” “ Keep your garden looking glorious in the autumn and winter months with shrubs that provide colourful flowers , foliage and fruit at different times of the year .
With plenty of evergreens in the mix , your garden will have constant structure and plenty of greenery and colour.
” “ Growing your own food to add flavour and nutrition to your dishes doesn ’ t mean you need a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can grow produce all year round , both indoors and outdoors .
“ Your windowsill can be used to grow sprouting mung beans in jars - just soak them in water , drain them and leave them to sprout in a dry jar .
You can also grow cress , basil , chillies and many more inside your home .
In your garden , you can still grow winter crops like kale , perennial spinach and the like , as well as planting onion and garlic.
” “ The season may be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s plenty that can keep the kids busy .
These activities are fun , creative and educational too , so their minds will be working .
“ Making fat-balls as food for birds is a great activity that lets kids get hands-on and make something while learning about wildlife in the garden .
You ’ ll only need a few things to get started : lard , bird seed , a mixing bowl and an old , clean yoghurt pot .
Mix the lard and seeds together to bind them and then use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the mixture .
Use string to tie the pot to a branch and hang it on its side .
In addition , putting up nesting boxes will encourage different species of birds into your garden too , depending on the type of box you choose .
“ For another fun activity , get the kids a magnifying glass and play animal detective , or do a mini-beast hunt .
They can make a tally of the beasts that they see , from millipedes to beetles .
Once they ’ ve spotted them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve found and keep notes on where they found each creature .
“ Let the kids get crafty too , and create animals using plant pots .
Make a spider by painting the pot black , using pipe-cleaners for the legs , and sticking or painting plenty of googly eyes.
” “ Autumn is a great time for getting out and seeing which creatures you can spot .
Get comfy and see which birds are paying your garden a visit .
In the UK , you ’ ll probably see robins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the winter .
Starlings , blue tits , and sparrows may be spotted too .
“ Gathering twigs and leaves together and placing them in your border can also provide a safe and cosy space for small mammals and invertebrates.
” For more gardening tips , see daviddomoney.com

Celebrity horticulturalist David Domoney has a message for green-fingered Brits: don’t stop gardening during autumn and winter.
Not only do our gardens need continued care in the colder months, but getting outside is also essential for our physical and mental well-being, especially during this time of Covid lockdowns and social distancing.
A campaign to get more of us outdoors is being spearheaded by Domoney, who along with being the resident gardener on ITV’s This Morning and co-hosting Love Your Garden alongside Alan Titchmarsh, is also the gardening champion for mental health charity Sane. “Engaging with and getting closer to nature is one the best things we as humans can do for our health and well-being, and gardening enables us to do that regularly,” he says.
And while the shorter days at this time of year can make it harder to get out, gardening is “a hobby that keeps giving, for 12 months of the year”, Domoney adds. “Over the cooler period, there’s no need to stop gardening. With activities to keep the whole family gardening and engaging with nature, you won’t be short of things to do.”
Here are his top tips for gardening in autumn and winter…
Plant colourful bulbs
“As gardeners, we love looking ahead and planning for the flowers and fruits of the following year. If you’ve ever looked at other people’s borders in springtime, bursting with blooms and wanted the same, yours can be like that too.
“So plant some hope for spring, and get the kids involved too, as flower bulbs are really easy to handle and plant and they can then have the joy of watching their own flowers bloom next spring and know they helped to make it happen.”
What to plant: daffodils, tulips, crocus, snowdrops, hyacinths, alliums
Shrubs to add interest
“Keep your garden looking glorious in the autumn and winter months with shrubs that provide colourful flowers, foliage and fruit at different times of the year. With plenty of evergreens in the mix, your garden will have constant structure and plenty of greenery and colour.”
What to plant: skimmia japonica (Japanese skimmia), gaultheria procumbens (checkerberry), viburnum tinus (laurustinus), winter jasmine, winter flowering pansies, winter flowering heather, daphne
Grow your own
“Growing your own food to add flavour and nutrition to your dishes doesn’t mean you need a huge vegetable patch. In fact, you can grow produce all year round, both indoors and outdoors.


theweekuk--2020-10-20--The beagle has landed: Omega unveil Snoopy anniversary watch

Anniversary watches are often geared towards serious fans with a forensic understanding of the legacy of the original model , but Omega is bucking that trend with a cool jubilee edition that has mass appeal .
The Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary features everyone ’ s favourite beagle in a space suit .
And that ’ s not all : Snoopy becomes a canine astronaut within the magical universe of this chronograph .
All will be revealed , but first a little history .
Back in 1960 , as the space race hotted up , Snoopy became America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nasa nominating the cartoon pooch as its official mascot to act as a watchdog during space missions .
In fact , so serious was Snoopy ’ s role that the Apollo 10 lunar module was codenamed “ Snoopy and the Command Module Charlie Brown ” .
The Apollo 10 mission in May 1969 was a dress rehearsal for the moon landing two months later – so you could say that Nasa paid “ Peanuts ” to shoot a rocket into space .
Snoopy ’ s role didn ’ t end there .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the US space agency .
The Silver Snoopy Award , established in 1968 , is a prize given by Nasa to people and companies who have significantly contributed to space exploration by ensuring flight safety and mission success .
It comes in the form of a silver pin lapel - each of which has been flown in space and has a certificate to prove it - decorated with the motif of a skipping Snoopy in a spacesuit .
In 1970 , Omega was honoured with this award in recognition of the brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Apollo 13 mission .
The Omega Speedmaster became known as the Moonwatch when Buzz Aldrin wore his during the legendary 1969 moon landing , but the Speedmaster also played a vital role in saving lives during this mission .
Now , Omega has unveiled a new anniversary Speedmaster featuring an embossed silver rendition of the same skipping Snoopy surrounded by stars on the 9 o ’ clock subdial .
However , the real magic is reserved for the caseback , which serves as a mini screen for a cool animation featuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( applied to the sapphire via a process called micro-structured metallisation ) , a small Earth disk that spins in sync with the small seconds hand , and Snoopy sitting inside a tiny command module ready for take-off .
Fourteen seconds after the chronograph function is actuated , Snoopy flies to the far side of the Moon in a smooth arch thanks to what Omega calls a “ magic hand ” .
The count of 14 is a nod to the role that the original Omega Speedmaster played during the Apollo 13 mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astronauts had to shift the angle of the command module in order to re-enter the Earth ’ s atmosphere and return safely home ; in order to do this , they were told by Mission Control to complete a 14-second engine burn , which they timed with astronaut Jack Swigert ’ s Speedmaster .
It ’ s a lovely detail that shows a real dedication to storytelling in the making of this new timepiece .
The 42mm watch comes with a blue fabric strap and is presented in a special Apollo 13 box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get geeky over the details .
Fans should be sure to look for the iconic “ Dot over Ninety ” on the tachymeter scale and the classic quote , “ Eyes on the Stars ” , which is hidden within the black universe of the caseback .
The Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary costs £8,250 and is available from the end of October ; omegawatches.com

Anniversary watches are often geared towards serious fans with a forensic understanding of the legacy of the original model, but Omega is bucking that trend with a cool jubilee edition that has mass appeal.
The Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary features everyone’s favourite beagle in a space suit. And that’s not all: Snoopy becomes a canine astronaut within the magical universe of this chronograph. All will be revealed, but first a little history.
Back in 1960, as the space race hotted up, Snoopy became America’s official space dog, with Nasa nominating the cartoon pooch as its official mascot to act as a watchdog during space missions. In fact, so serious was Snoopy’s role that the Apollo 10 lunar module was codenamed “Snoopy and the Command Module Charlie Brown”. The Apollo 10 mission in May 1969 was a dress rehearsal for the moon landing two months later – so you could say that Nasa paid “Peanuts” to shoot a rocket into space.
Snoopy’s role didn’t end there. The pup also became a symbol of heroism for the US space agency. The Silver Snoopy Award, established in 1968, is a prize given by Nasa to people and companies who have significantly contributed to space exploration by ensuring flight safety and mission success. It comes in the form of a silver pin lapel - each of which has been flown in space and has a certificate to prove it - decorated with the motif of a skipping Snoopy in a spacesuit.
In 1970, Omega was honoured with this award in recognition of the brand’s contributions to space exploration, including the Apollo 13 mission. The Omega Speedmaster became known as the Moonwatch when Buzz Aldrin wore his during the legendary 1969 moon landing, but the Speedmaster also played a vital role in saving lives during this mission.
Now, Omega has unveiled a new anniversary Speedmaster featuring an embossed silver rendition of the same skipping Snoopy surrounded by stars on the 9 o’clock subdial.
However, the real magic is reserved for the caseback, which serves as a mini screen for a cool animation featuring three cosmic elements: a texturised moon (applied to the sapphire via a process called micro-structured metallisation), a small Earth disk that spins in sync with the small seconds hand, and Snoopy sitting inside a tiny command module ready for take-off.
Fourteen seconds after the chronograph function is actuated, Snoopy flies to the far side of the Moon in a smooth arch thanks to what Omega calls a “magic hand”. The count of 14 is a nod to the role that the original Omega Speedmaster played during the Apollo 13 mission.
During a critical moment, the astronauts had to shift the angle of the command module in order to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and return safely home; in order to do this, they were told by Mission Control to complete a 14-second engine burn, which they timed with astronaut Jack Swigert’s Speedmaster.
It’s a lovely detail that shows a real dedication to storytelling in the making of this new timepiece.
The 42mm watch comes with a blue fabric strap and is presented in a special Apollo 13 box along with a magnifying glass so you can get geeky over the details. Fans should be sure to look for the iconic “Dot over Ninety” on the tachymeter scale and the classic quote, “Eyes on the Stars”, which is hidden within the black universe of the caseback.
The Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary costs £8,250 and is available from the end of October; omegawatches.com


theweekuk--2020-10-21--Coronavirus: how has Isis dealt with the outbreak of Covid-19?

In early March , as coronavirus swept across Europe , Isis issued a surprising message to its members .
Adopting @ @ @ @ @ terror group ’ s al-Naba magazine stopped encouraging attacks on western nations , instead advising @ @ @ @ @ to Europe , which it described as “ the land of the epidemic ” .
@ @ @ @ @ followers to “ put trust in God and seek refuge in Him from illnesses ” @ @ @ @ @ cover the mouth when yawning and sneezing ” and to wash their hands frequently , @ @ @ @ @ traditionally thrive in areas undergoing disruption and chaos .
So how has Isis handled the @ @ @ @ @ has “ followed the outbreak from the beginning of this year , regularly including updates @ @ @ @ @ of the [ al-Naba ] newsletter ” , US-magazine Homeland Security Today ( HST ) @ @

In early March, as coronavirus swept across Europe, Isis issued a surprising message to its members.
Adopting a safety-first approach, the terror group’s al-Naba magazine stopped encouraging attacks on western nations, instead advising its members not to travel to Europe, which it described as “the land of the epidemic”.
The group also told its followers to “put trust in God and seek refuge in Him from illnesses”, but to also “cover the mouth when yawning and sneezing” and to wash their hands frequently, Politico reports. Terror groups traditionally thrive in areas undergoing disruption and chaos. So how has Isis handled the past eight months?
‘Take no terror-risks’
Isis has “followed the outbreak from the beginning of this year, regularly including updates in the news briefs section of the [al-Naba] newsletter”, US-magazine Homeland Security Today (HST) says.
In January, al-Naba reported on a “new virus spread[ing] death and terror in China”, explaining that “communist China is panicking”.
And as the outbreak became more serious, Isis shifted to “criticising the Chinese government for hiding the scope of the coronavirus outbreak”, which HST speculates may have been linked to a fear the virus “could also pose a threat to their members or supporters”.
Al-Naba linked the outbreak to the persecution of Muslims in China, claiming in February that “many Muslims rushed to confirm that this epidemic is a punishment from God Almighty” for China’s abuse of the Uighurs.
The information campaign culminated in the magazine running a “full-page infographic on the back cover” in March, instructing followers that suspect they had the virus to “stay away from areas under Isis control” to fulfil the holy “obligation of taking up the causes of protection from illnesses and avoiding them”, Politico says.
‘Threats and opportunities’
Extremists first saw the pandemic as an opportunity to “launch new attacks, motivate followers and reinforce their credentials as alternative rulers of swathes of unstable countries”, The Guardian says.
However, as the full threat of Covid-19 became more apparent, “the reaction to the pandemic has evolved within extremist organisations”, the paper continues.
For Isis, the deadly virus has “translated into regional opportunity”, allowing the group to “expand upon the rebuilding effort it began last fall and use the coronavirus to spread its own, more violent flavor of destruction and terror”, writes Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, on NBC News.


theweekuk--2020-10-22--The Brexit Biscuit: a shortbread that will split the nation

For a kingdom that is nominally united , Britain has never felt so divided .
And when it comes to politics there ’ s a certain B-word that will always get people choosing sides .
More than three years after the referendum - and endless debates about the pros and cons of Brexit - the UK will officially leave the EU on 31 December .
By then , the only thing holding the country together may be a love of tea and biscuits .
Enter the “ The Brexit Biscuit ” m launched by Political Confectioneries , which aims to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation by combining two classic British institutions - biscuits and satire ” .
Depicting the long-running saga of Brexit , a one-of-a-kind commemorative biscuit tin features the leading characters - including Boris Johnson , Theresa May , Jean-Claude Junker and Nigel Farage - as you ’ ve never seen them before .
Then inside the tin , and wrapped up in an Article 50 package , are 14 all-butter snappable shortbreads designed to split like the nation… 52:48 .
The biscuits , which feature the Union Flag on one half and the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the heart of Lancashire to traditional methods using the finest British ingredients .
The Brexit Biscuits make an ideal gift for friends , family and tea-lovers alike .
And the creators hope that as the Brexit negotiations resume , “ both Boris and Barnier will break a biccy together ” .
£12.95 for the commemorative tin and 14 biscuits ; thebrexitbiscuit.co.uk

For a kingdom that is nominally united, Britain has never felt so divided. And when it comes to politics there’s a certain B-word that will always get people choosing sides.
More than three years after the referendum - and endless debates about the pros and cons of Brexit - the UK will officially leave the EU on 31 December.
By then, the only thing holding the country together may be a love of tea and biscuits.
Enter the “Brexit Biscuit” launched by Political Confectioneries, which aims to “bring a smile to our divided nation by combining two classic British institutions - biscuits and satire”.
Depicting the long-running saga of Brexit, a one-of-a-kind commemorative biscuit tin features the leading characters - including Boris Johnson, Theresa May, Jean-Claude Junker and Nigel Farage - as you’ve never seen them before.
Then inside the tin, and wrapped up in an Article 50 package, are 14 all-butter snappable shortbreads designed to split like the nation… 52:48. The biscuits, which feature the Union Flag on one half and the EU flag on the other, are baked in the heart of Lancashire to traditional methods using the finest British ingredients.
The Brexit Biscuits make an ideal gift for friends, family and tea-lovers alike. And the creators hope that as the Brexit negotiations resume, “both Boris and Barnier will break a biccy together”.
£12.95 for the commemorative tin and 14 biscuits; thebrexitbiscuit.co.uk


theweekuk--2020-10-22--One in four Britons believe in QAnon-linked conspiracy theories, study finds

A movement that has been identified as a terror threat by the FBI after beginning life among Donald Trump ’ s most unhinged supporters is finding fresh support in the UK , according to new research .
The QAnon conspiracy theory emerged from “ a supposed intelligence agent ” known as Q , who “ maintains that Donald Trump is actually a white knight waging a secret war against a powerful cabal of elite Satanist paedophiles using a secret language involving pizzas and harvesting children ’ s blood to create an immortality elixir ” , says Wired .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading .
Of 2,000 people quizzed in a survey commissioned by the charity Hope Not Hate , 5.7 % described themselves as supporters of QAnon .
And “ larger percentages supported broader , linked conspiracies ” , The Guardian reports .
One in four ( 25 % ) of the survey respondents said they believed that “ secret satanic cults exist and include influential elites ” , and 29 % endorsed the idea that “ a single group of people who secretly control events and rule the world together ” .
QAnon ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have spread hand-in-hand with Covid-19 , “ making their way into existing online communities and protest movements ” across Europe , says Politico .
“ If you feel like you ’ re losing control of your life , you ’ re more likely to believe in these conspiracy theories , ” Jonathan Bright , a senior researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute , told the news site .
“ The coronavirus supercharged things.
” Sometimes the link is more direct .
“ In Britain , QAnon ’ s messages and memes have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at street demonstrations against lockdowns , mandatory face coverings and vaccination plans , ” The Guardian reports .
Since the conspiracy encourages a mistrust of other sources of information , its supporters often resist attempts to debunk even the most extreme ideas .
“ Unfortunately , I know first-hand that almost anything you say to them will be dismissed , ignored or rationalised away , ” one former adherent told the New Statesman .

A movement that has been identified as a terror threat by the FBI after beginning life among Donald Trump’s most unhinged supporters is finding fresh support in the UK, according to new research.
The QAnon conspiracy theory emerged from “a supposed intelligence agent” known as Q, who “maintains that Donald Trump is actually a white knight waging a secret war against a powerful cabal of elite Satanist paedophiles using a secret language involving pizzas and harvesting children’s blood to create an immortality elixir”, says Wired.
Now, belief in those claims appears to be spreading. Of 2,000 people quizzed in a survey commissioned by the charity Hope Not Hate, 5.7% described themselves as supporters of QAnon.
And “larger percentages supported broader, linked conspiracies”, The Guardian reports. One in four (25%) of the survey respondents said they believed that “secret satanic cults exist and include influential elites”, and 29% endorsed the idea that “a single group of people who secretly control events and rule the world together”.
QAnon’s “language and ideas” appear to have spread hand-in-hand with Covid-19, “making their way into existing online communities and protest movements” across Europe, says Politico.
“If you feel like you’re losing control of your life, you’re more likely to believe in these conspiracy theories,” Jonathan Bright, a senior researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute, told the news site. “The coronavirus supercharged things.”
Sometimes the link is more direct. “In Britain, QAnon’s messages and memes have increasingly popped up in social media communities and at street demonstrations against lockdowns, mandatory face coverings and vaccination plans,” The Guardian reports.
Since the conspiracy encourages a mistrust of other sources of information, its supporters often resist attempts to debunk even the most extreme ideas.
“Unfortunately, I know first-hand that almost anything you say to them will be dismissed, ignored or rationalised away,” one former adherent told the New Statesman.


theweekuk--2020-10-22--Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal exile: footballing reasons or political?

Mesut Ozil has called out Arsenal’s lack of loyalty after he was left out of the club’s 25-man Premier League squad.
The German playmaker, 32, signed for the Gunners for a then club record £42.4m deal in 2013. He has won three FA Cup winners’ medals during his time at the Emirates Stadium, but his career in north London looks set to come to a sorry end.
As well as being omitted from the Premier League list, the 2014 Fifa World Cup winner is also out of Arsenal’s Europa League squad.
In a statement on social media he said: “I’m really deeply disappointed by the fact that I have not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being.
“Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated.
“I’ve always tried to remain positive from week to week that there’s maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That’s why I kept silent so far.”
Arteta: I’ve failed Ozil
Since joining from Real Madrid, Ozil has scored 44 goals in 254 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, BBC Sport reports. However, he has not featured in the first-team since March and his omission from both squads means he can now only play for the Under-23s until his contract expires next summer.
When asked for a response to Ozil’s statement, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta stressed that the omission from the Premier League and Europa League squads was entirely down to footballing reasons. The Spaniard explained that he was fair in his decision, but admitted he had “failed” with Ozil.
“What I can say from my side is that it is just a football decision,” said Arteta. “My level of communication with him has been really high and we know what to expect with each other.
“Obviously a player of that dimension, with the career he has had, everything that happens around him has a big impact. It has been the case for the last eight years, it is nothing new that is just happening now. A lot of things have happened over these eight years.


theweekuk--2020-10-22--Laptop belonging to Joe Biden’s son linked to FBI money laundering probe

An FBI subpoena seeking Hunter Biden ’ s laptop and hard drive has been linked to a money laundering investigation opened in late 2019 .
The computer triggered a major row last week after ending up in the hands of Donald Trump ’ s lawyer , Rudy Giuliani , who shared its contents with the New York Post .
The laptop contents included an email which allegedly indicated that Joe Biden had been introduced by his son to a top executive at a Ukrainian energy firm months before the then vice-president asked government officials in Ukraine to fire a prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Fox News is reporting that the FBI subpoenaed the laptop and hard drive in relation to an apparently separate probe .
Whether the investigation is directly linked to Hunter Biden is unclear .
The broadcaster says that leaked files relating to the probe include a document labelled as a “ Receipt for Property ” with a “ Case ID ” code that includes the numbers “ 272 ” - the FBI ’ s classification for money laundering .
The document also “ details the bureau ’ s interactions with John Paul Mac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mac Shop in Delaware , says the broadcaster .
Mac Isaac claims that Hunter Biden left his damaged Apple laptop at the store in April 2019 and never returned , nor paid the $ 85 repair bill .
Another document obtained by Fox News was a subpoena sent to Mac Isaac to testify before the US District Court in Delaware last December .
The subpoena reportedly includes “ what appears to be serial numbers for a laptop and hard drive taken into possession ” .
According to the Daily Beast , Mac Isaac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who feared he might be “ murdered ” because he had Biden ’ s laptop .
Asked by reporters this week how the device came into the possession of Trump ’ s lawyer , Mac Isaac said that a “ whole lot of players ” were involved .
Meanwhile , Democratic presidential candidate Biden dismissed the reports about his son business dealings as fiction .
“ This is the same garbage Rudy Giuliani , Trump ’ s henchman .
It ’ s a last-ditch effort in his desperate campaign to smear me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin station WISN-TV .

An FBI subpoena seeking Hunter Biden’s laptop and hard drive has been linked to a money laundering investigation opened in late 2019.
The computer triggered a major row last week after ending up in the hands of Donald Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who shared its contents with the New York Post.
The laptop contents included an email which allegedly indicated that Joe Biden had been introduced by his son to a top executive at a Ukrainian energy firm months before the then vice-president asked government officials in Ukraine to fire a prosecutor who was investigating the company.
Now, Fox News is reporting that the FBI subpoenaed the laptop and hard drive in relation to an apparently separate probe. Whether the investigation is directly linked to Hunter Biden is unclear.
The broadcaster says that leaked files relating to the probe include a document labelled as a “Receipt for Property” with a “Case ID” code that includes the numbers “272” - the FBI’s classification for money laundering.
The document also “details the bureau’s interactions with John Paul Mac Isaac”, the owner of The Mac Shop in Delaware, says the broadcaster. Mac Isaac claims that Hunter Biden left his damaged Apple laptop at the store in April 2019 and never returned, nor paid the $85 repair bill.
Another document obtained by Fox News was a subpoena sent to Mac Isaac to testify before the US District Court in Delaware last December. The subpoena reportedly includes “what appears to be serial numbers for a laptop and hard drive taken into possession”.
According to the Daily Beast, Mac Isaac is “an avid Trump supporter” who feared he might be “murdered” because he had Biden’s laptop. Asked by reporters this week how the device came into the possession of Trump’s lawyer, Mac Isaac said that a “whole lot of players” were involved.
Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidate Biden dismissed the reports about his son business dealings as fiction. “This is the same garbage Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s henchman. It’s a last-ditch effort in his desperate campaign to smear me and my family,” he told local Wisconsin station WISN-TV.


theweekuk--2020-10-22--Find your ‘secret crush’: Facebook joins the dating scene

Facebook is taking on the likes of Tinder and Bumble by rolling out a new feature to help the social media platform ’ s European users find love .
Facebook Dating launched in the US in September last year and was due to arrive in Europe in February .
But the European launch was delayed after “ regulatory concerns ” were raised by Ireland ’ s Data Protection Commissioner , the EU ’ s main watchdog for Facebook and a number of the world ’ s other leading technology firms , Reuters reports .
Prior to yesterday ’ s launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already available in 20 countries , where more than 1.5 billion matches have been made through the feature .
And by “ dipping its toe in the dating pool ” in a total of 32 European countries , Facebook is set to help billions more people find a partner , the Daily Mirror says .
Located within the main Facebook app , Dating is a “ dedicated space to connect with others based on common interests , and find love through what you like ” , according to the company .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Facebook Dating product manager Kate Orseth explains that the feature is an “ opt-in experience ” that allows users to “ choose to create a dating profile , and delete your dating profile at any time without deleting your Facebook account ” .
Users of Dating can also share Stories through Facebook or Instagram , add events , groups and interests to their profiles , and even go on virtual dates over in-app video calls .
And as Orseth ’ s blog post title suggests , Dating has been built with “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forefront ” .
Facebook says that “ we worked with experts in these areas to provide easy access to safety tips and build protections into Facebook Dating , including the ability to report and block anyone , as well as stopping people from sending photos , links , payments or videos in messages .
We won ’ t suggest current Facebook friends as potential matches or notify them that you ’ ve joined Dating.
” One feature in particular within Facebook Dating is grabbing the headlines .
“ Secret Crush ” allows users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people they already know on Facebook and/or Instagram .
Users can select up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers who they may want to date .
And “ if your crush adds you to their Secret Crush list too , it ’ s a match ” , Facebook explains .
However , Secret Crush selections “ will only materialise if both parties match - otherwise the selection remains anonymous ” , Sky News reports .

Facebook is taking on the likes of Tinder and Bumble by rolling out a new feature to help the social media platform’s European users find love.
Facebook Dating launched in the US in September last year and was due to arrive in Europe in February. But the European launch was delayed after “regulatory concerns” were raised by Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner, the EU’s main watchdog for Facebook and a number of the world’s other leading technology firms, Reuters reports.
Prior to yesterday’s launch in Europe, the dating service was already available in 20 countries, where more than 1.5 billion matches have been made through the feature. And by “dipping its toe in the dating pool” in a total of 32 European countries, Facebook is set to help billions more people find a partner, the Daily Mirror says.
‘Privacy at the forefront’
Located within the main Facebook app, Dating is a “dedicated space to connect with others based on common interests, and find love through what you like”, according to the company.
In a blog post titled “privacy matters”, Facebook Dating product manager Kate Orseth explains that the feature is an “opt-in experience” that allows users to “choose to create a dating profile, and delete your dating profile at any time without deleting your Facebook account”.
Users of Dating can also share Stories through Facebook or Instagram, add events, groups and interests to their profiles, and even go on virtual dates over in-app video calls.
And as Orseth’s blog post title suggests, Dating has been built with “safety, security and privacy at the forefront”.
Facebook says that “we worked with experts in these areas to provide easy access to safety tips and build protections into Facebook Dating, including the ability to report and block anyone, as well as stopping people from sending photos, links, payments or videos in messages. We won’t suggest current Facebook friends as potential matches or notify them that you’ve joined Dating.”
Find your ‘secret crush’
One feature in particular within Facebook Dating is grabbing the headlines. “Secret Crush” allows users to “explore potential relationships” with people they already know on Facebook and/or Instagram.
Users can select up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers who they may want to date. And “if your crush adds you to their Secret Crush list too, it’s a match”, Facebook explains.
However, Secret Crush selections “will only materialise if both parties match - otherwise the selection remains anonymous”, Sky News reports.


theweekuk--2020-10-22--DWP planning laws to spy on Universal Credit claimants’ bank accounts

The government is planning to spy on Universal Credit claimant bank accounts in a “ Big Brother ” -style scheme to root out fraud , according to reports .
The Daily Mirror says that the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) is proposing new laws “ to snoop ” on banking data in order to enforce the cap on savings for claiming the payments and reduce fraudulent claims .
People are currently banned from claiming Universal Credit if they or their partner have more than £16,000 in the bank , and payments are reduced for claimants with £6,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commons Work and Pensions Committee yesterday that enforcing the cap is one of the “ biggest challenges ” facing the department and that losses are “ higher than we anticipated ” , with undeclared or unnoticed savings accounted for almost a third of Universal Credit overpayments in 2019-20 .
The issue has become a “ flashpoint ” during the Covid-19 pandemic , with the number of Universal Credit claimants doubling to six million this year , says the newspaper .
DWP Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield told MPs that officials trying to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ putting the onus on them ” .
But the department is also lobbying for legislation that paves the way to obtain “ bulk ” bank account data .
John Paul Marks , the DWP ’ s director general for work and health services , told the committee that having access to more data from banks would be “ fabulous ” .
A “ real-time information type system ” would mean that “ every time you declare you don ’ t have capital , we could see whether or not you actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan has been met with opposition , however .
Labour MP Debbie Abrahams , who sits on the committee , described the proposal as “ very worrying ” .
She said : “ The government having access to social security claimants ' bank accounts smacks of a Big Brother state .
Where could this lead , I wonder ?
”

The government is planning to spy on Universal Credit claimant bank accounts in a “Big Brother”-style scheme to root out fraud, according to reports.
The Daily Mirror says that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is proposing new laws “to snoop” on banking data in order to enforce the cap on savings for claiming the payments and reduce fraudulent claims. People are currently banned from claiming Universal Credit if they or their partner have more than £16,000 in the bank, and payments are reduced for claimants with £6,000 or above.
But DWP officials told the Commons Work and Pensions Committee yesterday that enforcing the cap is one of the “biggest challenges” facing the department and that losses are “higher than we anticipated”, with undeclared or unnoticed savings accounted for almost a third of Universal Credit overpayments in 2019-20.
The issue has become a “flashpoint” during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of Universal Credit claimants doubling to six million this year, says the newspaper.
DWP Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield told MPs that officials trying to make it easier for claimants to declare savings, “putting the onus on them”. But the department is also lobbying for legislation that paves the way to obtain “bulk” bank account data.
John Paul Marks, the DWP’s director general for work and health services, told the committee that having access to more data from banks would be “fabulous”. A “real-time information type system” would mean that “every time you declare you don’t have capital, we could see whether or not you actually did”, he said.
The plan has been met with opposition, however. Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, who sits on the committee, described the proposal as “very worrying”.
She said: “The government having access to social security claimants' bank accounts smacks of a Big Brother state. Where could this lead, I wonder?”


theweekuk--2020-10-22--Brexit deal could be done in fortnight after three phone calls ‘unlock’ talks

A “ significant ” shift in the EU ’ s approach to Brexit trade negotiations has paved the way for a deal to be agreed in as little as a fortnight , Whitehall sources have claimed .
As the EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier told the European Parliament in Brussels yesterday that the new free trade agreement “ was in reach ” , his UK counterpart , Lord David Frost , announced that “ a basis for negotiations ” had been “ re-established ” .
According to Politico , three phone calls between Frost and Barnier led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , being “ unlocked ” .
The first two conversations , on Monday and Tuesday , “ raised hopes , but failed to move things forward in any substantial way ” , “ but a chat on Wednesday lasting almost an hour broke the deadlock ” , the news site says .
As the pound made its biggest gains since March ahead of the resumption of talks in London today , Whitehall sources told The Telegraph that a deal could be agreed in “ two to three weeks ” .
The breakthrough comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over unless the EU fundamentally altered its position .
The prime minister said there was “ no point ” continuing unless the bloc would discuss the legal text of a partnership .
But Barnier “ offered the key ” to unlock the talks with his speech to MEPs on Wednesday prior to his phone conversation with Frost , says Politico .
“ We will seek the necessary compromises on both sides in order to reach an agreement and we will do so right up until the last day until it ’ s possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Parliament .
“ Our doors will remain open until the very end.
” The Telegraph reports that Brussels has gone a step further and “ caved to British conditions ” , but the BBC ’ s Europe editor Katya Adler argues that “ it hasn ’ t really - not in terms of substance ” .
And Downing Street has warned that no-deal is still a possibility , saying that “ significant gaps remain between our positions in the most difficult areas ” .

A “significant” shift in the EU’s approach to Brexit trade negotiations has paved the way for a deal to be agreed in as little as a fortnight, Whitehall sources have claimed.
As the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier told the European Parliament in Brussels yesterday that the new free trade agreement “was in reach”, his UK counterpart, Lord David Frost, announced that “a basis for negotiations” had been “re-established”.
According to Politico, three phone calls between Frost and Barnier led to the talks, which stalled last week, being “unlocked”. The first two conversations, on Monday and Tuesday, “raised hopes, but failed to move things forward in any substantial way”, “but a chat on Wednesday lasting almost an hour broke the deadlock”, the news site says.
As the pound made its biggest gains since March ahead of the resumption of talks in London today, Whitehall sources told The Telegraph that a deal could be agreed in “two to three weeks”.
The breakthrough comes after Boris Johnson last week declared negotiations over unless the EU fundamentally altered its position. The prime minister said there was “no point” continuing unless the bloc would discuss the legal text of a partnership.
But Barnier “offered the key” to unlock the talks with his speech to MEPs on Wednesday prior to his phone conversation with Frost, says Politico.
“We will seek the necessary compromises on both sides in order to reach an agreement and we will do so right up until the last day until it’s possible to do so,” Barnier told the European Parliament. “Our doors will remain open until the very end.”
The Telegraph reports that Brussels has gone a step further and “caved to British conditions”, but the BBC’s Europe editor Katya Adler argues that “it hasn’t really - not in terms of substance”.
And Downing Street has warned that no-deal is still a possibility, saying that “significant gaps remain between our positions in the most difficult areas”.


theweekuk--2020-10-22--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 22 Oct 2020

Pope Francis has offered his support for same-sex civil unions , saying “ homosexual people have a right to be @ @ @ @ @ The Pope continued that the LGBT community “ are children of God and have a @ @ @ @ @ Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it ” .
Father James @ @ @ @ @ has campaigned to build bridges with gays in the Church , said the remarks were @ @ @ @ @ ” .

Pope voices support for same-sex civil unions
Pope Francis has offered his support for same-sex civil unions, saying “homosexual people have a right to be in a family”. The Pope continued that the LGBT community “are children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it”. Father James Martin, a priest who has campaigned to build bridges with gays in the Church, said the remarks were “a major step forward”.


theweekuk--2020-10-22--Televangelist claims God told him Donald Trump will win

The televangelist Pat Robertson claims God has told him Donald Trump will win next month ’ s election .
The multi-millionaire and former US presidential candidate also forecast that there will be at least two attempts on Trump ’ s life and a war against Israel that will be “ put down by God.
” Then an asteroid will end the world , he says .
Miley Cyrus says she was ( probably ) chased by UFOs Miley Cyrus says she was once “ chased down by some sort of UFO ” .
The pop singer said that the encounter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she now can ’ t “ look at the sky the same ” .
Recalling the incident in San Bernardino , she said “ I ’ m pretty sure about what I saw ” .
However , she admits : “ I ’ d also bought weed wax from a guy in a van in front of a taco shop , so it could have been the weed wax.
” Pregnant woman runs mile in under six minutes A woman in California has run a mile in under six minutes while nine months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said her husband , Mike , bet her $ 100 ( £76 ) that she could not run a mile in under eight minutes , and she decided to take on the challenge only one week before her due date .
“ I think pregnancy is a beautiful thing and it ’ s not an injury or a sickness , that you ’ re still really capable , ” she said .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The televangelist Pat Robertson claims God has told him Donald Trump will win next month’s election. The multi-millionaire and former US presidential candidate also forecast that there will be at least two attempts on Trump’s life and a war against Israel that will be “put down by God.” Then an asteroid will end the world, he says.
Miley Cyrus says she was (probably) chased by UFOs
Miley Cyrus says she was once “chased down by some sort of UFO”. The pop singer said that the encounter “fucked me up” and that she now can’t “look at the sky the same”. Recalling the incident in San Bernardino, she said “I’m pretty sure about what I saw”. However, she admits: “I’d also bought weed wax from a guy in a van in front of a taco shop, so it could have been the weed wax.”
Pregnant woman runs mile in under six minutes
A woman in California has run a mile in under six minutes while nine months pregnant. Makenna Myler, 28, said her husband, Mike, bet her $100 (£76) that she could not run a mile in under eight minutes, and she decided to take on the challenge only one week before her due date. “I think pregnancy is a beautiful thing and it’s not an injury or a sickness, that you’re still really capable,” she said.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-10-21--Ben Ainslie on his mission to bring home the ‘Auld Mug’

Few images offer a greater contrast to coronavirus confinement than that of a 75ft racing yacht flying above the waves .
But if the thought of setting sail sounds calming , think again .
Just ask British sailing hero and Rolex testimonee Ben Ainslie to describe the sensation of being aboard Britannia II , the new foiling monohull that he and his Ineos Team UK will be racing in the imminent competitive cycles that precede the 36th America ’ s Cup in New Zealand next March .
“ It ’ s a very unique design of boat .
[ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve seen foiling monohulls of this scale , so it ’ s a bit like being on a fairground rollercoaster , ” Ainslie says of this incredible speed machine , dubbed “ the Flying Beast ” .
“ The biggest sensation is that of the wind on your face , ” he adds .
“ We are doing speeds of up to 70km an hour and then we have about 20km of wind , so that ’ s about 90km of wind across the deck of the boat .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” For spectators , the third regatta of the America ’ s Cup World Series in Auckland , scheduled for December , promises to be an incredible display of agility and grit as the Ineos crew and four other teams - Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team ( Italy ) ; Emirates Team New Zealand ; American Magic ( USA ) ; and Stars & Stripes Team USA — battle it out on the waters of Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf in their AC75 class vessels .
“ The rule of the [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defined geometry of the boat , but then beyond that you are quite open with what you can do , which is the big draw of the America ’ s Cup , because it ’ s a technological race as much as a sailing race , ” says Ainslie .
“ Between the teams , the boats will look very different .
We must therefore keep an eye on the opposition - work out who is performing well , or who isn ’ t and why - while focusing on our own campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible to generate the maximum performance from our boat.
” Ainslie is the most decorated sailor in Olympic history , as well as a four-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year .
His shatterproof ambition has propelled him through various sailing genres while overcoming seemingly insuperable challenges .
And following his superlative solo career , Ainslie tasted glory at the America ’ s Cup in 2013 , when he proved instrumental in leading the Oracle Team USA to victory .
Soon after came more big news , when he formed the Ineos Team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ Auld Mug ” home .
“ The America ’ s Cup started at the Royal Yacht Squadron but has never been won by a British team and the goal for all of us is to change that , ” explains the sailor , who when we speak is about to depart for New Zealand , where he , his wife and their four-year-old daughter will stay until March .
Ainslie ’ s role as a Rolex testimonee makes perfect sense , given the Swiss marque ’ s discerning taste when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honoured with this prestigious family title include motorsport legend Jackie Stewart , tennis ace Roger Federer , golfing great Jack Nicklaus and from the world of sailing , Robin Knox-Johnston , the late Francis Chichester and Bernard Moitessier .
The watchmaker ’ s connection to the sea runs deep .
As well as bringing the world a series of iconic nautical and diving watches , the brand has an affiliation with competitive yacht racing that dates back more than 60 years .
Rolex became the first official watch of the New York Yacht @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced a partnership with SailGP , the annual race series often described as the “ Formula 1 of sailing ” , contested in 50ft foiling catamarans .
Ainslie and his team won their first ever SailGP event title in February in what was season two of the global championship .
Ainslie has to quarantine with his family for 14 days when he arrives in Auckland , but says he can ’ t wait to get then back on the water , after having a very productive summer with his crew .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our training , is very similar to Auckland Harbour - the geography of the surrounding coastline is similar and both places are known for their strong tides , so it ’ s been a great testing ground for us , ” he says .
In practical terms , one of the hardest challenges faced by the team is conforming to the strict weight limits set by the competition .
Equipment accounts for the lion ’ s share of this allowance , leaving the eleven- race crew an average body weight “ allowance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has required the team to follow a demanding fitness regime to stay in shape .
Rolex has also assisted on this front , with a unique sports model for the champion yachtsman .
“ The team at Rolex has been incredibly thoughtful by giving me a titanium Yacht-Master 42 , ” he says .
“ I ’ m extremely honoured to have it , plus , from a performance perspective , every little bit of weight that we can save , helps us to go faster with the boat .
”

Few images offer a greater contrast to coronavirus confinement than that of a 75ft racing yacht flying above the waves. But if the thought of setting sail sounds calming, think again.
Just ask British sailing hero and Rolex testimonee Ben Ainslie to describe the sensation of being aboard Britannia II, the new foiling monohull that he and his Ineos Team UK will be racing in the imminent competitive cycles that precede the 36th America’s Cup in New Zealand next March.
“It’s a very unique design of boat. [The race marks] the first time we’ve seen foiling monohulls of this scale, so it’s a bit like being on a fairground rollercoaster,” Ainslie says of this incredible speed machine, dubbed “the Flying Beast”.
“The biggest sensation is that of the wind on your face,” he adds. “We are doing speeds of up to 70km an hour and then we have about 20km of wind, so that’s about 90km of wind across the deck of the boat. It’s hard to see and to hear people.”
For spectators, the third regatta of the America’s Cup World Series in Auckland, scheduled for December, promises to be an incredible display of agility and grit as the Ineos crew and four other teams - Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (Italy); Emirates Team New Zealand; American Magic (USA); and Stars & Stripes Team USA — battle it out on the waters of Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf in their AC75 class vessels.
“The rule of the [AC75 class] is set around the defined geometry of the boat, but then beyond that you are quite open with what you can do, which is the big draw of the America’s Cup, because it’s a technological race as much as a sailing race,” says Ainslie. “Between the teams, the boats will look very different. We must therefore keep an eye on the opposition - work out who is performing well, or who isn’t and why - while focusing on our own campaign to ensure we are doing absolutely everything possible to generate the maximum performance from our boat.”
Ainslie is the most decorated sailor in Olympic history, as well as a four-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year. His shatterproof ambition has propelled him through various sailing genres while overcoming seemingly insuperable challenges. And following his superlative solo career, Ainslie tasted glory at the America’s Cup in 2013, when he proved instrumental in leading the Oracle Team USA to victory. Soon after came more big news, when he formed the Ineos Team UK, with a mission to bring the “Auld Mug” home.


theweekuk--2020-10-21--Design for life: how transforming your home can make you happier

With more time than ever spent at home due to Covid-19 , increasing numbers of people are searching for ways to upgrade their properties in order to improve their personal and working lives .
Since lockdown , the UK property market has seen an uptick in demand for both bigger houses and more outdoor space .
But many homeowners are improving their living conditions without moving , by transforming the design of their current abode .
Indeed , the impact of the pandemic on how people want to live and work at home has been “ significant ” , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better support their new ways of living , as well as their mental health , happiness and family cohesion ” , according to the findings of a new survey commissioned by the Royal Institute of British Architects ( Riba ) .
The survey of 1,500 UK homeowners found that the majority ( 70 % ) believe the design of their home has affected their mental well-being during the coronavirus crisis .
Some respondents said that spending more time at home had made them more stressed ( 11 % ) , anxious ( 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and that they had found it harder to relax ( 9 % ) and be productive ( 6 % ) .
But 23 % believed that a better-designed home would increase their happiness , with other benefits cited including being able to relax more ( 31 % ) , sleep better ( 17 % ) and live more harmoniously with fellow inhabitants ( 11 % ) .
Commenting on the findings , Eleanor Ratcliffe , an environmental psychologist and lecturer at University of Surrey , said : “ For many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place and an important part of our identity .
Over recent months , our homes have had to become the workplace , school and gym , and yet still be a place to relax and recover from all the everyday stresses and strains - impacting entire households .
“ The research demonstrates that many people realise that their home in its current form does not cater for all these different uses and users.
” Eight out of ten respondents ( 79 % ) in the Riba survey identified one or more changes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the design of their home .
The research found that : - nearly a quarter of homeowners ( 23 % ) would reconfigure their existing spaces - a fifth want to create more space by extending their home - nearly one in ten ( 9 % ) would change their open-plan design to create separate rooms , while 14 % would make their home more open plan - 40 % want more environmental-design features , including increasing the amount of natural daylight , improving the energy-efficiency of their home and adding more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flexible living , such as rooms that can easily be divided - 17 % would create an office space to support working from home - 7 % want to be able to accommodate an extended family including parents , grandparents and grown-up children - 12 % need more personal space .
Riba president Alan Jones said : “ It ’ s clear that the impact of Covid-19 will affect how and where we choose to live for years to come .
For many of us , our homes are our sanctuaries , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are keener than ever to adapt and improve their homes.
” Main image : this house in Manchester was designed by Martin Gibson of GA Studio Architects .
It was the Riba North West Award winner and longlisted for Riba House of the Year in 2016

With more time than ever spent at home due to Covid-19, increasing numbers of people are searching for ways to upgrade their properties in order to improve their personal and working lives.
Since lockdown, the UK property market has seen an uptick in demand for both bigger houses and more outdoor space. But many homeowners are improving their living conditions without moving, by transforming the design of their current abode.
Indeed, the impact of the pandemic on how people want to live and work at home has been “significant”, with UK homeowners increasingly demanding properties that “better support their new ways of living, as well as their mental health, happiness and family cohesion”, according to the findings of a new survey commissioned by the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba).
How design affects us
The survey of 1,500 UK homeowners found that the majority (70%) believe the design of their home has affected their mental well-being during the coronavirus crisis. Some respondents said that spending more time at home had made them more stressed (11%), anxious (10%) and depressed (10%), and that they had found it harder to relax (9%) and be productive (6%).
But 23% believed that a better-designed home would increase their happiness, with other benefits cited including being able to relax more (31%), sleep better (17%) and live more harmoniously with fellow inhabitants (11%).
Commenting on the findings, Eleanor Ratcliffe, an environmental psychologist and lecturer at University of Surrey, said: “For many of us, our home is our favourite place and an important part of our identity. Over recent months, our homes have had to become the workplace, school and gym, and yet still be a place to relax and recover from all the everyday stresses and strains - impacting entire households.
“The research demonstrates that many people realise that their home in its current form does not cater for all these different uses and users.”
Duncan Cottage in Bath by James Grayley Architects (Image: Riba)
Goals for happier homes
Eight out of ten respondents (79%) in the Riba survey identified one or more changes that they’d now like to make to the design of their home. The research found that:
- nearly a quarter of homeowners (23%) would reconfigure their existing spaces- a fifth want to create more space by extending their home- nearly one in ten (9%) would change their open-plan design to create separate rooms, while 14% would make their home more open plan- 40% want more environmental-design features, including increasing the amount of natural daylight, improving the energy-efficiency of their home and adding more sound-proofing - 8% would like more flexible living, such as rooms that can easily be divided- 17% would create an office space to support working from home- 7% want to be able to accommodate an extended family including parents, grandparents and grown-up children- 12% need more personal space.
Riba president Alan Jones said: “It’s clear that the impact of Covid-19 will affect how and where we choose to live for years to come. For many of us, our homes are our sanctuaries, and this research clearly indicates that many people are keener than ever to adapt and improve their homes.”
Main image: this house in Manchester was designed by Martin Gibson of GA Studio Architects. It was the Riba North West Award winner and longlisted for Riba House of the Year in 2016


theweekuk--2020-10-22--Instant Opinion: Tories treated Manchester as ‘callously’ as the miners

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on the Boris vs. Burnham battle The Tories have treated Manchester as callously as they did the miners “ Johnson has promised the pandemic will not lead to austerity : he is not a man renowned for sticking to his words , but the Tories undoubtedly fear having to hike taxes on big businesses ( who form their donor base ) , or affluent older citizens ( their core vote ) to pick up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Britain ’ s miners who were faced down so that other workers could be taught a lesson .
As Manchester ’ s bartenders , bookies and taxi drivers are about to discover , the Conservatives will respond to this pandemic as they do to every crisis : with cold-blooded class warfare.
” on a return to the political frontline “ It was a reminder of Obama 's talent as an orator and skill at framing overarching political arguments that won him two White House terms .
But the former President was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer his aura to other Democratic candidates .
As he spoke it was impossible not to be reminded that it was also in Philadelphia four years ago where he gave a speech urging Americans to choose Hillary Clinton on election eve in which he also took aim at Trump 's policies and temperament .
The next day , Trump defied the polls and pulled off a shock win in Pennsylvania en route to a national victory that was in essence a backlash against Obama 's eight years in office.
” on taking drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could save lives if we change UK laws and sell cocaine and MDMA in regulated pharmacies “ Rather than a nudge and a wink , the sale will come with harm reduction and health advice as part of a holistic system geared towards encouraging less , not more , consumption .
And rather than spending billions policing supply , while every penny of profit goes to a shadow economy , the income from the market can be channelled into the help and support people with drug problems desperately need .
Such a proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although state-run sales of alcohol are normal in Scandinavia , Canada and many other parts of the world ) .
However , making this system work is far less improbable than the unachievable goal of a ‘ drug-free world ’ that remains the explicit objective of the global war on drugs.
” The triumph of China ’ s Covid spin offers a terrifying glimpse of the West ’ s future “ The zeal with which we have swallowed Beijing ’ s guff about the superiority of its draconian approach to pandemics is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of civilisations .
It is chilling that China has exported a deadly virus to the West .
But it is even more scary that China has exported a Chinese model for dealing with it .
Beijing ’ s useful idiots overlook the glaring flaws in the official CCP version of events .
How can China be proof of the effectiveness of lockdowns when it took weeks to close off Wuhan after reports of the virus first surfaced ?
And given that Beijing likely under-reported deaths in its first wave on an industrial scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value China ’ s transformation from the source of ‘ Wuhan flu ’ , to a Covid-zero country zapping isolated cases imported from abroad ?
” on the suffering of migrants Three years later , hundreds of migrant families remain separated “ The most disturbing aspect of this on-going tragedy is that it was brought about intentionally by the Trump administration , whose representatives cared so little about the human implications of their actions that they didn ’ t bother to keep track of which families it was destroying .
All in service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies that , at the most generous , ignores US and international laws and treaties governing how asylum seekers must be treated .
History will not judge this administration lightly for a host of reasons .
But the emotional torture intentionally inflicted on migrant children and their families stands alone as an indictment of Trump ’ s fundamental inhumanity .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Owen Jones in The Guardian
on the Boris vs. Burnham battle
The Tories have treated Manchester as callously as they did the miners
“Johnson has promised the pandemic will not lead to austerity: he is not a man renowned for sticking to his words, but the Tories undoubtedly fear having to hike taxes on big businesses (who form their donor base), or affluent older citizens (their core vote) to pick up the tab. In the 1980s, it was Britain’s miners who were faced down so that other workers could be taught a lesson. As Manchester’s bartenders, bookies and taxi drivers are about to discover, the Conservatives will respond to this pandemic as they do to every crisis: with cold-blooded class warfare.”
2. Stephen Collinson on CNN
on a return to the political frontline
Obama delivers scathing takedown of Trump before final debate
“It was a reminder of Obama's talent as an orator and skill at framing overarching political arguments that won him two White House terms. But the former President was also a singular figure who often struggled to transfer his aura to other Democratic candidates. As he spoke it was impossible not to be reminded that it was also in Philadelphia four years ago where he gave a speech urging Americans to choose Hillary Clinton on election eve in which he also took aim at Trump's policies and temperament. The next day, Trump defied the polls and pulled off a shock win in Pennsylvania en route to a national victory that was in essence a backlash against Obama's eight years in office.”
3. James Nicholls in The i
on taking drugs out of the hands of criminals
We could save lives if we change UK laws and sell cocaine and MDMA in regulated pharmacies
“Rather than a nudge and a wink, the sale will come with harm reduction and health advice as part of a holistic system geared towards encouraging less, not more, consumption. And rather than spending billions policing supply, while every penny of profit goes to a shadow economy, the income from the market can be channelled into the help and support people with drug problems desperately need. Such a proposal may seem far-fetched to some people (although state-run sales of alcohol are normal in Scandinavia, Canada and many other parts of the world). However, making this system work is far less improbable than the unachievable goal of a ‘drug-free world’ that remains the explicit objective of the global war on drugs.”
4. Sherelle Jacobs in The Daily Telegraph
on a method to beat coronavirus
The triumph of China’s Covid spin offers a terrifying glimpse of the West’s future
“The zeal with which we have swallowed Beijing’s guff about the superiority of its draconian approach to pandemics is not a good start to the 21st-century clash of civilisations. It is chilling that China has exported a deadly virus to the West. But it is even more scary that China has exported a Chinese model for dealing with it. Beijing’s useful idiots overlook the glaring flaws in the official CCP version of events. How can China be proof of the effectiveness of lockdowns when it took weeks to close off Wuhan after reports of the virus first surfaced? And given that Beijing likely under-reported deaths in its first wave on an industrial scale, how can we take at face value China’s transformation from the source of ‘Wuhan flu’, to a Covid-zero country zapping isolated cases imported from abroad?”
5. Scott Martelle in the Los Angeles Times
on the suffering of migrants
Three years later, hundreds of migrant families remain separated
“The most disturbing aspect of this on-going tragedy is that it was brought about intentionally by the Trump administration, whose representatives cared so little about the human implications of their actions that they didn’t bother to keep track of which families it was destroying. All in service to a hardline, anti-immigrant set of policies that, at the most generous, ignores US and international laws and treaties governing how asylum seekers must be treated. History will not judge this administration lightly for a host of reasons. But the emotional torture intentionally inflicted on migrant children and their families stands alone as an indictment of Trump’s fundamental inhumanity.”


theweekuk--2020-10-22--US election: why Donald Trump has a secret Chinese bank account

President Donald Trump holds a “ secret ” bank account in China and has paid thousands in local taxes , @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times , which obtained Trump ’ s tax records last month , @ @ @ @ @ 188,561 ( £143,875 ) in Chinese taxes over a two-year period before his election in @ @ @ @ @ in stark contrast to the president ’ s tax payments in the US , with @ @ @ @ @ little as $ 750 ( £572 ) in income taxes in 2016 and 2017 , @ @ @ @ @ unsubstantiated claims ” about Joe Biden ’ s dealings with the global superpower , the @ @ @ @ @ account is controlled by Trump International Hotels Management LLC , and was set up while @ @ @ @ @ licensing deals there from 2013 to 2015 ” , the New York Times reports .

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