theweekuk--2020-12-22--Project Titan: Apple gears up for ‘2024 launch of self-driving car’

Six years after Apple was first rumoured to be making a move into the automotive industry , the tech giant is now thought to be gearing up to launch a self-driving car in 2024 .
The iPhone maker ’ s Project Titan has “ proceeded unevenly since 2014 when it first started to design its own vehicle from scratch ” , Reuters reports .
And in January 2019 , under the new leadership of Doug Field , Tesla ’ s former senior vice-president of engineering , Apple laid off more than 200 employees who were working on its secretive autonomous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the project say the company is now “ moving forward ” and its passenger vehicle could include its “ own breakthrough battery technology ” .
Apple ’ s plans are not public but the sources say that the firm has “ progressed enough that it now aims to build a vehicle for consumers ” .
One of the key elements of the project ’ s strategy is a new battery design that could “ radically ” reduce the cost of batteries and increase the vehicle ’ s range , Reuters adds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ If there is one company on the planet that has the resources to do that , it ’ s probably Apple .
But at the same time , it ’ s not a cellphone.
” Earlier this month Bloomberg reported that Apple has moved its self-driving car unit under the leadership of top artificial intelligence executive John Giannandrea .
He will “ oversee the company ’ s continued work on an autonomous system that could eventually be used in its own car ” .
However , says TechCrunch , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look like , who will be the manufacturing partner or if the self-driving system will be part of the car or offered as a software product to other companies ” .

Six years after Apple was first rumoured to be making a move into the automotive industry, the tech giant is now thought to be gearing up to launch a self-driving car in 2024.
The iPhone maker’s Project Titan has “proceeded unevenly since 2014 when it first started to design its own vehicle from scratch”, Reuters reports. And in January 2019, under the new leadership of Doug Field, Tesla’s former senior vice-president of engineering, Apple laid off more than 200 employees who were working on its secretive autonomous car programme.
However, people familiar with the project say the company is now “moving forward” and its passenger vehicle could include its “own breakthrough battery technology”.
Apple’s plans are not public but the sources say that the firm has “progressed enough that it now aims to build a vehicle for consumers”. One of the key elements of the project’s strategy is a new battery design that could “radically” reduce the cost of batteries and increase the vehicle’s range, Reuters adds.
Someone who worked on Project Titan said: “If there is one company on the planet that has the resources to do that, it’s probably Apple. But at the same time, it’s not a cellphone.”
Earlier this month Bloomberg reported that Apple has moved its self-driving car unit under the leadership of top artificial intelligence executive John Giannandrea. He will “oversee the company’s continued work on an autonomous system that could eventually be used in its own car”.
However, says TechCrunch, it’s “unclear what the vehicle will look like, who will be the manufacturing partner or if the self-driving system will be part of the car or offered as a software product to other companies”.


theweekuk--2020-12-15--Mutant Covid: how dangerous is the new strain of coronavirus?

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theweekuk--2020-12-22--The UK fishing offer raising hopes of a Christmas Brexit deal

A UK counter-offer on fishing rights has raised hopes that the negotiating deadlock may be broken , paving the way for a possible Brexit deal before Christmas .
The proposal was tabled by UK chief negotiator David Frost following a “ difficult period of negotiations ” and is understood to have “ unlock [ ed ] the troubled talks ” after both sides were “ seemingly entrenched ” , The Guardian reports .
EU sources told the paper that “ the British demand for a 60 % reduction in the catch by value in British waters had been reduced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 % reduction that Frost ’ s EU counterpart ” Michel Barnier .
Boris Johnson has also given the green light for a “ five-year phase-in period for the new arrangements ” and “ a compromise also likely on the application of tariffs or export bans on goods where fishing access changes after the phase-in period ” , the paper adds .
The new proposal is understood to “ offer more protection for existing fish quotas and offer a compensation mechanism for reductions after a phased transition ” , The Times reports , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table .
The breakthrough follows the publication of a plan set out by Raoul Ruparel , a former special adviser under Theresa May ’ s premiership , on how future disputes could be settled through arbitration .
Writing on Politico , Ruparel said that “ in a scenario where the EU quota share is reduced from the levels agreed at the end of the transition , an independent arbitration panel would determine the economic cost of that loss to the EU and allow the EU to levy tariffs in other areas beyond fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the overall free-trade agreement will include a termination clause , ” Ruparel added .
“ If in future , the UK attempted to cut the EU ’ s quota share in UK waters too far , the EU would always retain the right to notify termination of the agreement .
”


theweekuk--2020-12-22--Coronavirus: is the UK heading for a New Year national lockdown?


theweekuk--2020-12-22--Tiffany & Co: pioneering diamond traceability

Diamond traceability has become a hot topic in the jewellery industry .
It ’ s not just a matter of gaining consumers ’ trust , it ’ s a matter of protecting human rights and saving lives .
The ability to quickly determine the mine of origin and follow the supply chain or “ journey ” of a gem from procurement to polish , cut and setting , eliminates conflict diamonds from the market , safeguards the livelihoods of a dedicated workforce and minimises the environmental impact of mining operations .
In 2019 , Tiffany & Co became the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of individually registered diamonds of 0.18 carats or larger , thanks to a unique “ T & Co ” serial number .
Imperceptible to the naked eye , this number is etched by laser onto the surface of the stone , providing consumers with the geographic sourcing information specific to the diamond .
In October , the luxury marque went one better by sharing the full craftsmanship journey of its diamonds , including the country where each individually registered stone is cut , polished , and set .
It ’ s a remarkably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to romance , whose reputation for handcrafting exquisite diamond pieces began in 1848 thanks to its namesake founder Charles Lewis Tiffany , dubbed “ The King of Diamonds ” .
Just as he made history in 1878 , when he purchased the celebrated Tiffany Yellow Diamond - a mighty 287.42-carat rough stone that he had cut into a cushion-shape brilliant boasting a remarkable 82 facets - so Tiffany continues to break the mould with pioneering industry firsts .
As well as this diamond craft initiative , it 's important to note that 99 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are hired from local communities .
Today , Tiffany sources 65 % to 75 % of its stones as rough diamonds , which all originate from known mines in countries including Botswana , Canada , Namibia , Russia and South Africa .
But of course , the allure of that little blue box is all down to the craftsmanship of what it carries - and there ’ s much more to a Tiffany sparkle than meet the eye .
Only 0.04 % of the world ’ s gem-grade diamonds meet Tiffany ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and polished , they are meticulously inspected by experts at Tiffany ’ s Gemological Laboratories in the United States .
And one more thing about that famous little blue box : made from sustainably sourced paper with more than 89 % recycled content , it has become an emblem for Tiffany ’ s leadership in sustainable luxury .
The Week spoke to Andy Hart , senior vice president of diamond and jewellery supply at Tiffany & Co , about the company ’ s ground-breaking diamond traceability initiative and unique vertical integration model .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete without an eye-popping high jewellery display , we ’ ve featured some of the marque ’ s most dazzling pieces .
Part of the Extraordinary Tiffany collection , the Golden Star ( below ) is a platinum and 18k yellow gold showstopper featuring more than 70 carats of mix-cut diamonds and culminating in a detachable pear-shaped fancy intense yellow diamond of more than 21 carats .
Tiffany & Co set a precedent with the initiative it launched last year providing information of diamond provenance .
Now the jewellery house has gone one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traceability .
Could you tell me why provenance alone was not enough ?
Disclosing the country where each stone is crafted and set in jewelry marks an industry first .
This follows our 2019 announcement that Tiffany would become the first global luxury jeweller to provide the provenance ( region or countries of origin ) of its individually registered diamonds .
We had always planned to take this transparency to a new level and by sharing the full craftsmanship journey of its diamonds , Tiffany reinforces the brand ’ s commitment to ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its products contributes to the well-being of people and the planet .
Are Tiffany ’ s international workshops specialised in particular techniques ?
Diamonds are expertly cut and polished by Tiffany artisans at our diamond workshops in Botswana , Mauritius , Cambodia and Vietnam .
The former two workshops focus on serialised , individual registered diamonds ( generally 0.18 carats and larger ) for solitaire diamond jewellery including engagement rings .
The latter two workshops focus on smaller melee diamonds such as pavé diamonds for fashion jewellery .
Our workshops in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those diamonds are set .
The Golden Star necklace is truly remarkable .
Could you tell me a little more about the provenance of the stones ?
I know that the main yellow diamond was mined in Botswana but what came first , the design or the diamond ?
Generally , we source gemstones to realise the creative direction of our talented jewellery designers led by chief artistic officer Reed Krakoff .
On occasion , and in the case of the Tiffany Golden Star , we acquire a gemstone that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team will design a magnificent piece of jewellery around it .
The 21 carat fancy intense yellow diamond center stone in the Tiffany Golden Star necklace was sourced from Botswana , cut and polished in Antwerp , and set in the United States .
How has Tiffany & Co helped the local economy in Botswana ?
As a company with a long history of social and environmental responsibility , we believe in respecting the Earth from which our raw precious materials are drawn , and the people who transform those precious metals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our vertical integration , we are able to create a best-in-class environment for the people working in our diamond and jewelry workshops in Botswana and around the world .
This gives us the confidence that our diamonds are made to our exacting standards , and it also supports the economic potential of these regions because we are investing in local communities .
We hire and train local artisans .
We are proud to pay a living wage to skilled workers and provide a safe , welcoming workplace for our employees .
The US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Co. in Botswana in 2019 is more than $ 59m ( £43.9m ) .
This amount includes payments to domestic suppliers for rough diamonds , local partner fees , materials and services , taxes , community donations , training and development , income taxes and payroll and benefit costs related to the facility and local employees .
Is it true that each diamond - more than .18ct - will carry a serial number etched into the stones by laser ?
Correct , we are tracing each individually registered diamond by a unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ etched by laser and invisible to the naked eye .
This information can be found on the Tiffany Diamond Certificate , which certifies the authenticity and integrity of serialised Tiffany diamonds .
This document contains vital statistics related to your diamond , from its grades based on the 4Cs to its provenance information , full craftsmanship journey and its unique laser-inscribed serial number .
This information will also be available from any sales professional at the case line .
What about existing customers ?
Are they able to enquire about the provenance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The origin of some diamonds that pre-date this initiative , known as Tiffany Heritage stones , may have unknown provenance .
However [ they ] were sourced with Tiffany ’ s superlative standards , which exceed the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme requirements for rough diamonds , and for polished stones , are sourced in accordance with Tiffany ’ s Diamond Source Warranty Protocol .
Tiffany Heritage stones make up a nominal percentage ( low single digits ) and are shrinking every day , as we have committed to only source diamonds of known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that high standards are met during the mining process ?
We helped launch the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance ( IRMA ) , and we worked closely with them to put out a groundbreaking new standard that provides the world ’ s first shared definition of leading practices for large-scale mining operations .
The IRMA standard was co-created with mining companies , labour unions , NGOs , affected communities , and businesses that use mined material , such as Tiffany , leading to a credible , rigorous standard .
While Tiffany & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any mines , we work globally to improve the practices of both large- and small-scale mining operations .
In addition to , of course , building traceability within our supply chain , we strive to create change in the mining sector through our standards-setting efforts , philanthropy and advocacy .
We envision a mining sector that operates with sound governance , protects the environment , minimizes its environmental impact , promotes responsible labor practices and a healthy work environment , engages with local communities , and respects the rights and freedoms of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been with the company since 1999 .
You must have seen some incredible pieces during this time .
Do you have any favourites ?
The new Tiffany True cut diamonds are spectacular and the design of the ring and the setting blends perfectly the brilliance of the diamond and the modern look and feel of the ring .
This is an example of our designers and gemologists working together at their best to create beautiful and distinctive diamond jewelry .
Of course my all time favorite is the Tiffany Diamond , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kimberley diamond mine in South Africa in 1877 .
I have had the opportunity to hold it in my hands and examine it close-up and I can tell you the experience is magical .
What other steps towards sustainability is Tiffany & Co taking to ensure a greener footprint ?
To further our commitment to sustainability , we ’ re proud to share that we recently launched a comprehensive set of 2025 Sustainability Goals : a bold roadmap outlining the Company ’ s sustainability priorities for the coming years .
These commitments across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Planet ” are based on the results of a robust assessment of Tiffany ’ s social and environmental impact and opportunities , developed in alignment with the United Nations ’ Sustainable Development Goals .
Looking forward to all we will achieve in the upcoming years guided by these goals .

Diamond traceability has become a hot topic in the jewellery industry. It’s not just a matter of gaining consumers’ trust, it’s a matter of protecting human rights and saving lives. The ability to quickly determine the mine of origin and follow the supply chain or “journey” of a gem from procurement to polish, cut and setting, eliminates conflict diamonds from the market, safeguards the livelihoods of a dedicated workforce and minimises the environmental impact of mining operations. In 2019, Tiffany & Co became the first global luxury jeweller to provide provenance information of individually registered diamonds of 0.18 carats or larger, thanks to a unique “T&Co” serial number. Imperceptible to the naked eye, this number is etched by laser onto the surface of the stone, providing consumers with the geographic sourcing information specific to the diamond. In October, the luxury marque went one better by sharing the full craftsmanship journey of its diamonds, including the country where each individually registered stone is cut, polished, and set. It’s a remarkably transparent initiative for a company so devoted to romance, whose reputation for handcrafting exquisite diamond pieces began in 1848 thanks to its namesake founder Charles Lewis Tiffany, dubbed “The King of Diamonds”. Just as he made history in 1878, when he purchased the celebrated Tiffany Yellow Diamond - a mighty 287.42-carat rough stone that he had cut into a cushion-shape brilliant boasting a remarkable 82 facets - so Tiffany continues to break the mould with pioneering industry firsts. As well as this diamond craft initiative, it's important to note that 99% of Tiffany’s manufacturing workforce are hired from local communities. Today, Tiffany sources 65% to 75% of its stones as rough diamonds, which all originate from known mines in countries including Botswana, Canada, Namibia, Russia and South Africa. But of course, the allure of that little blue box is all down to the craftsmanship of what it carries - and there’s much more to a Tiffany sparkle than meet the eye. Only 0.04% of the world’s gem-grade diamonds meet Tiffany’s exacting standards and once diamonds are cut and polished, they are meticulously inspected by experts at Tiffany’s Gemological Laboratories in the United States. And one more thing about that famous little blue box: made from sustainably sourced paper with more than 89% recycled content, it has become an emblem for Tiffany’s leadership in sustainable luxury. Skip advert
The Week spoke to Andy Hart, senior vice president of diamond and jewellery supply at Tiffany & Co, about the company’s ground-breaking diamond traceability initiative and unique vertical integration model. And because no Tiffany interview would be complete without an eye-popping high jewellery display, we’ve featured some of the marque’s most dazzling pieces. Part of the Extraordinary Tiffany collection, the Golden Star (below) is a platinum and 18k yellow gold showstopper featuring more than 70 carats of mix-cut diamonds and culminating in a detachable pear-shaped fancy intense yellow diamond of more than 21 carats. Tiffany & Co set a precedent with the initiative it launched last year providing information of diamond provenance. Now the jewellery house has gone one step further by providing customers with full traceability. Could you tell me why provenance alone was not enough? Disclosing the country where each stone is crafted and set in jewelry marks an industry first. This follows our 2019 announcement that Tiffany would become the first global luxury jeweller to provide the provenance (region or countries of origin) of its individually registered diamonds. We had always planned to take this transparency to a new level and by sharing the full craftsmanship journey of its diamonds, Tiffany reinforces the brand’s commitment to ensuring that every step in the journey of its products contributes to the well-being of people and the planet. Are Tiffany’s international workshops specialised in particular techniques? Diamonds are expertly cut and polished by Tiffany artisans at our diamond workshops in Botswana, Mauritius, Cambodia and Vietnam. The former two workshops focus on serialised, individual registered diamonds (generally 0.18 carats and larger) for solitaire diamond jewellery including engagement rings. The latter two workshops focus on smaller melee diamonds such as pavé diamonds for fashion jewellery. Our workshops in New York and Kentucky are where jewellery is crafted and those diamonds are set. The Golden Star necklace is truly remarkable. Could you tell me a little more about the provenance of the stones? I know that the main yellow diamond was mined in Botswana but what came first, the design or the diamond? Skip advert Generally, we source gemstones to realise the creative direction of our talented jewellery designers led by chief artistic officer Reed Krakoff. On occasion, and in the case of the Tiffany Golden Star, we acquire a gemstone that’s so rare or unique, the creative team will design a magnificent piece of jewellery around it. The 21 carat fancy intense yellow diamond center stone in the Tiffany Golden Star necklace was sourced from Botswana, cut and polished in Antwerp, and set in the United States. How has Tiffany & Co helped the local economy in Botswana?
As a company with a long history of social and environmental responsibility, we believe in respecting the Earth from which our raw precious materials are drawn, and the people who transform those precious metals and gemstones into beautiful jewels. Because of our vertical integration, we are able to create a best-in-class environment for the people working in our diamond and jewelry workshops in Botswana and around the world. This gives us the confidence that our diamonds are made to our exacting standards, and it also supports the economic potential of these regions because we are investing in local communities. We hire and train local artisans. We are proud to pay a living wage to skilled workers and provide a safe, welcoming workplace for our employees. The US dollar equivalent of beneficiation paid by Tiffany & Co. in Botswana in 2019 is more than $59m (£43.9m). This amount includes payments to domestic suppliers for rough diamonds, local partner fees, materials and services, taxes, community donations, training and development, income taxes and payroll and benefit costs related to the facility and local employees. Is it true that each diamond - more than .18ct - will carry a serial number etched into the stones by laser? Correct, we are tracing each individually registered diamond by a unique “T&Co” serial number etched by laser and invisible to the naked eye. This information can be found on the Tiffany Diamond Certificate, which certifies the authenticity and integrity of serialised Tiffany diamonds. This document contains vital statistics related to your diamond, from its grades based on the 4Cs to its provenance information, full craftsmanship journey and its unique laser-inscribed serial number. This information will also be available from any sales professional at the case line. What about existing customers? Are they able to enquire about the provenance of diamond pieces bought prior to 2019? Skip advert The origin of some diamonds that pre-date this initiative, known as Tiffany Heritage stones, may have unknown provenance. However [they] were sourced with Tiffany’s superlative standards, which exceed the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme requirements for rough diamonds, and for polished stones, are sourced in accordance with Tiffany’s Diamond Source Warranty Protocol. Tiffany Heritage stones make up a nominal percentage (low single digits) and are shrinking every day, as we have committed to only source diamonds of known provenance moving forward. How do you ensure that high standards are met during the mining process?


theweekuk--2020-12-22--Dancing queens: Richard Mille presents the disco collection

It was two years ago that Cécile Guenat , the director of creation and development at the Swiss watchmaking brand Richard Mille , presented her debut collection .
The RM 71-01 was influenced by a combination of modern and traditional design , and was forceful in look .
Now , it goes technicolour .
And takes the verve of 1970s disco , and the glamourous women who became synonymous with it , as inspiration for a new iteration : the new RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman .
“ I always wanted to work with colour , ” says Guenat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an exciting challenge , to transform its black-and-white vocabulary into something totally different.
” In the past , coloured stones had usually been reserved for special editions ; this time they are the central focus and no-holds-barred .
Ten watches span a rainbow-bright palette of exuberant stones : sapphires , tsavorites , rubies , amethysts and , for the first-time at Richard Mille , hematite - which is a silvery black ferric mineral that can be polished to a high lustre .
The contrast effect between all the tones and textures makes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positively mimicking the sequin-strewn and lamé disco fashion of the time , all hyper-realistic , expressive and flashy .
Indeed , that had been the idea - to capture the spirit and freedom of the era ; the rise in club culture and the glamour of Studio 54 , the vibrancy , colour and iconoclasts that came with it .
Each watch is named after a noted name of the culture .
“ These personalities need only a first name to recall their enduring legacies - Bianca , Grace , Carmen , Gloria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jane , Diana , Donna , ” says Guenat , who of course is referring to Jagger , Jones , D ’ Alessio , Gaynor , Picasso , Taylor , Lange , Fonda , Ross and Summer , respectively .
The brand is no stranger to supporting pioneering women and counts Cristie Kerr , one of the most decorated women golfers in history ; Ester Ledecká , the Olympic-winning skier and snowboarder ; and Diana Luna , another top female golfer ; among its friends and partners .
The history of Studio 54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began work on this collection , and she had found herself listening to disco , funk and R & B .
“ This collection is so different from anything we ’ ve done before , ” she says , noting that the Bonbon collection ( 2019 ) had introduced Richard Mille to a more colourful and fun aesthetic .
Limited to seven pieces per model , all watches feature the self-winding in-house CRMT1 tourbillion calibre with a diamond-set oscillating weight .
Bianca channels rock ‘ n ’ roll royalty , set with pink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and paired with a dial plate of tsavorites , peridots , rubies and hematite and pink opal , with an index in diamonds , pink sapphires , peridots and tsavorites .
While Diana ’ s all-star aura is captured with sapphires , rubies and diamonds on the case and crown with a dial plate of rubies , lapis lazuli , white mother of pearl and turquoise and an index in sapphires and rubies .
And Jane , a champion of activism , is cast in sapphires , yellow and pink sapphires , diamonds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rubies , spessartites , yellow sapphires , diamonds , turquoise and opal with the index in diamonds , yellow and pink sapphires and spessartites .
“ The stones themselves proved a considerable challenge , ” says Guenat of a process that took more than six months in research and placement consideration .
Each stone had been specially selected by the director for its symbolic qualities .
But the watch design extends beyond that , too .
There is also a focus on the bracelet element .
Coloured metallic patent leather embossed with understated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clock and geometric emblems at the 6 o ’ clock .
Again , the colour use is compelling , pioneering and empowering .
While , technically , the collection incorporates the Calibre CRMT1 , the eighth in-house movement from Richard Mille , also its first automatic tourbillion movement .

It was two years ago that Cécile Guenat, the director of creation and development at the Swiss watchmaking brand Richard Mille, presented her debut collection.
The RM 71-01 was influenced by a combination of modern and traditional design, and was forceful in look. Now, it goes technicolour. And takes the verve of 1970s disco, and the glamourous women who became synonymous with it, as inspiration for a new iteration: the new RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman.
“I always wanted to work with colour,” says Guenat, “and the Talisman collection template presented an exciting challenge, to transform its black-and-white vocabulary into something totally different.” In the past, coloured stones had usually been reserved for special editions; this time they are the central focus and no-holds-barred.
Ten watches span a rainbow-bright palette of exuberant stones: sapphires, tsavorites, rubies, amethysts and, for the first-time at Richard Mille, hematite - which is a silvery black ferric mineral that can be polished to a high lustre.
The contrast effect between all the tones and textures makes for a discotheque diffusion around the wrist, positively mimicking the sequin-strewn and lamé disco fashion of the time, all hyper-realistic, expressive and flashy. Indeed, that had been the idea - to capture the spirit and freedom of the era; the rise in club culture and the glamour of Studio 54, the vibrancy, colour and iconoclasts that came with it.
Each watch is named after a noted name of the culture. “These personalities need only a first name to recall their enduring legacies - Bianca, Grace, Carmen, Gloria, Paloma, Liz, Jessica, Jane, Diana, Donna,” says Guenat, who of course is referring to Jagger, Jones, D’Alessio, Gaynor, Picasso, Taylor, Lange, Fonda, Ross and Summer, respectively.
The brand is no stranger to supporting pioneering women and counts Cristie Kerr, one of the most decorated women golfers in history; Ester Ledecká, the Olympic-winning skier and snowboarder; and Diana Luna, another top female golfer; among its friends and partners. The history of Studio 54 had immediately appealed to Guenat when she began work on this collection, and she had found herself listening to disco, funk and R&B. “This collection is so different from anything we’ve done before,” she says, noting that the Bonbon collection (2019) had introduced Richard Mille to a more colourful and fun aesthetic.
Limited to seven pieces per model, all watches feature the self-winding in-house CRMT1 tourbillion calibre with a diamond-set oscillating weight. Bianca channels rock ‘n’ roll royalty, set with pink sapphires, tsavorites, peridots and diamonds and paired with a dial plate of tsavorites, peridots, rubies and hematite and pink opal, with an index in diamonds, pink sapphires, peridots and tsavorites.
While Diana’s all-star aura is captured with sapphires, rubies and diamonds on the case and crown with a dial plate of rubies, lapis lazuli, white mother of pearl and turquoise and an index in sapphires and rubies. And Jane, a champion of activism, is cast in sapphires, yellow and pink sapphires, diamonds and spessartites and the dial plate in rubies, spessartites, yellow sapphires, diamonds, turquoise and opal with the index in diamonds, yellow and pink sapphires and spessartites.
“The stones themselves proved a considerable challenge,” says Guenat of a process that took more than six months in research and placement consideration. Each stone had been specially selected by the director for its symbolic qualities. But the watch design extends beyond that, too. There is also a focus on the bracelet element. Coloured metallic patent leather embossed with understated botanical motifs at the 12 o’clock and geometric emblems at the 6 o’clock. Again, the colour use is compelling, pioneering and empowering. While, technically, the collection incorporates the Calibre CRMT1, the eighth in-house movement from Richard Mille, also its first automatic tourbillion movement.


theweekuk--2020-12-22--‘It’s important to have fun in life’: Silvia Venturini Fendi on Chaos collaboration

Silvia Venturini Fendi is a serial collaborator .
In the past , Venturini Fendi , whose grandparents Adele and Edoardo established their eponymous business on Rome ’ s Via del Plebiscito in 1925 , signed up London art ceramist John Booth and Italian creative Nico Vascellari to partner on her menswear collections .
For Venturini Fendi , Sue Tilley - a confidant of performance artist Leigh Bowery and subject of a Lucian Freud portrait that broke fine art auction records when it was sold by Christie ’ s in 2008 - finished whimsical watercolours of everyday items , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manu Atelier : meet the sisters behind the cult handbag brand Earlier this year , the Roman brand unveiled its team-up with Joshua Vides ; at his studio in California , the artist perfected a sketchbook-like finish to Fendi ’ s designs .
To Venturini Fendi , artistic exchanges have long been a pillar of the brand .
“ There has always been a strong vocal chorus around creativity throughout Fendi ’ s history , ” she tells me .
“ For us , sharing this creativity , and collaborations are very much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide a stimulus to dare , to experiment , to free our creativity and push ourselves beyond established limits.
” For her latest alliance , Venturini Fendi looked closer to home .
Unveiled with the brand ’ s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection during Milan Fashion Week this past February , a selection of small tech accessories including phone covers came courtesy of Charlotte Stockdale and Katie Lyall , the twosome behind London-headquartered Chaos .
Seasoned stylists , Stockdale and Lyall have been in the Fendi fold for more than 12 years .
“ Quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I ask what attracts her to working with Fendi .
“ And the heritage of its knowledge with craft .
The colours , the sense of humour .
You can have a sense of humour if your quality is up there.
” It ’ s a maxim that can also be applied to Chaos , the business Stockdale and Lyall launched in 2016 .
The two first met on set many years ago , when Lyall assisted Stockdale on a shoot for British Vogue .
From that first project , their partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelled the world on magazine commissions - today , Lyall recalls a journey on the Trans-Siberian Express and a cruise , during which they nightcap ’ ed days shooting in the liner ’ s karaoke bar - and as prolific consultants to brands including Anya Hindmarch .
It was mutual friends who encouraged them to go into production with their own business .
Chaos ’ initial offering was centred on customisable phone cases and tech accessories , items answering Stockdale and Lyall ’ s personal needs .
“ We couldn ’ t find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lyall explains .
“ And , we had also forever lost our phones .
So even before , when we had Blackberries we would take the back off and tie a ribbon to the inside so you could wear it around your neck .
We wanted to make these kind of zip lanyards.
” A bestselling success , their monogrammed phone cases come enveloped in soft-grain leather sourced in Italy and have been emblazoned with the initials of customers including Fendi 's late artistic director Karl Lagerfeld , Bella Hadid and Victoria Beckham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Chaos ’ s calling cards .
Lyall says : “ Otherwise , we all have the same and that ’ s so weird because we spend so much time [ trying to ] look different to each other but then you are fine to have these generic machines .
We have been tricked into that.
” The two have since expanded their offering ; among other products , they have dreamt up Chaos T-shirts and travel accessories .
A spirited take on luxury goods underscores all .
Chaos luggage tags , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and massive and gorgelina .
You want them because they ’ re just wonderful.
” It ’ s the duo ’ s solution-driven approach to design that attracted Venturini Fendi .
“ The brand has a practical attitude which I like , a charismatic spirit with functional designs that I can really connect with , ” she says .
“ I like products with functionality and mechanisms .
I like the idea of giving a purpose to things , which is what Chaos is all about.
” Much has changed since the original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designs last February .
With “ from the boudoir to the boardroom ” its catchline , the collection comprises strong-shouldered tailoring , two-piece suits and great coats .
These the designer contrasted with shapes , details and fabrications borrowed from lingerie .
Then , Chaos ’ additions struck an equipment-like tone , with Venturini Fendi ’ s muses - models Karen Elson , Liya Kebede and Jacquetta Wheeler among them - suited and accessorised to go out and thrive .
Bella Hadid appeared on the show ’ s curving pink runway in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fendi x Chaos AirPods case and matching lighter holder fitted to a belt fastened tightly around the model ’ s waist .
Both the AirPods case and lighter holder are now available to purchase ; instead of encouraging exploration , both items remind us of the rising importance of technology during homebound months .
Jewel-like in size and use , this season ’ s Fendi x Chaos designs are like semaphore for the accessories of Old Hollywood .
Emblazoned with Fendi ’ s escutcheon-like logo , smartwatch and AirPod cases or phone covers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a high gloss .
There is a tactility to Stockdale and Lyall ’ s creations .
“ People touch my laptop quite a lot !
It ’ s like a pet , I love it , ” Lyall says of her fluffy sheepskin-inlaid laptop cover .
Elsewhere , a phone flip-cover matches soft black nappa leather with a golden metal chain handle that is cool to the touch .
Recalling glamorous evening bags last spotted on the silver screen , a phone pouch is crafted from rippling chainmail .
“ I think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life ; there is a big sense of humour and irony at Fendi , ” says Venturini Fendi .
“ We like to keep a balance between integrity and humour , as fashion has to be inspirational whilst also with purpose.
” Balancing practicality and pleasure , it ’ s a sentiment Stockdale and Lyall share and concretise in designs such as a Fendi x Chaos touchscreen pen , which moonlights as an earring , and a quartet of metal shot glasses transported in a pink leather holder that can be clipped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be for tequila , or ginger shots !
” Lyall exclaims .
“ Either way , it works.
” Back in Rome , Venturini Fendi ponders her many successful collaborations , and their impact on the business her family established three generations ago .
She says : “ There is nothing more inspiring than exploring minds - whether to have a dialogue between art and fashion , or even music and fashion , it brings in another point of view which can be so enriching .
It ’ s always interesting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fendi .
”

Silvia Venturini Fendi is a serial collaborator. In the past, Venturini Fendi, whose grandparents Adele and Edoardo established their eponymous business on Rome’s Via del Plebiscito in 1925, signed up London art ceramist John Booth and Italian creative Nico Vascellari to partner on her menswear collections. For Venturini Fendi, Sue Tilley - a confidant of performance artist Leigh Bowery and subject of a Lucian Freud portrait that broke fine art auction records when it was sold by Christie’s in 2008 - finished whimsical watercolours of everyday items, to be printed on clothing and accessories. Earlier this year, the Roman brand unveiled its team-up with Joshua Vides; at his studio in California, the artist perfected a sketchbook-like finish to Fendi’s designs. To Venturini Fendi, artistic exchanges have long been a pillar of the brand. “There has always been a strong vocal chorus around creativity throughout Fendi’s history,” she tells me. “For us, sharing this creativity, and collaborations are very much part of our DNA. Our collaborations provide a stimulus to dare, to experiment, to free our creativity and push ourselves beyond established limits.” For her latest alliance, Venturini Fendi looked closer to home. Unveiled with the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection during Milan Fashion Week this past February, a selection of small tech accessories including phone covers came courtesy of Charlotte Stockdale and Katie Lyall, the twosome behind London-headquartered Chaos. Seasoned stylists, Stockdale and Lyall have been in the Fendi fold for more than 12 years. “Quality,” is Stockdale’s answer when I ask what attracts her to working with Fendi. “And the heritage of its knowledge with craft. The colours, the sense of humour. You can have a sense of humour if your quality is up there.” It’s a maxim that can also be applied to Chaos, the business Stockdale and Lyall launched in 2016. The two first met on set many years ago, when Lyall assisted Stockdale on a shoot for British Vogue. From that first project, their partnership flourished. Soon, Stockdale and Lyall travelled the world on magazine commissions - today, Lyall recalls a journey on the Trans-Siberian Express and a cruise, during which they nightcap’ed days shooting in the liner’s karaoke bar - and as prolific consultants to brands including Anya Hindmarch. It was mutual friends who encouraged them to go into production with their own business. Skip advert
Chaos’ initial offering was centred on customisable phone cases and tech accessories, items answering Stockdale and Lyall’s personal needs. “We couldn’t find phone cases that we loved,” Lyall explains. “And, we had also forever lost our phones. So even before, when we had Blackberries we would take the back off and tie a ribbon to the inside so you could wear it around your neck. We wanted to make these kind of zip lanyards.” A bestselling success, their monogrammed phone cases come enveloped in soft-grain leather sourced in Italy and have been emblazoned with the initials of customers including Fendi's late artistic director Karl Lagerfeld, Bella Hadid and Victoria Beckham. Customisation has proved to be one of Chaos’s calling cards. Lyall says: “Otherwise, we all have the same and that’s so weird because we spend so much time [trying to] look different to each other but then you are fine to have these generic machines. We have been tricked into that.” The two have since expanded their offering; among other products, they have dreamt up Chaos T-shirts and travel accessories. A spirited take on luxury goods underscores all. Chaos luggage tags, says Stockdale, “[are] fun and massive and gorgelina. You want them because they’re just wonderful.” It’s the duo’s solution-driven approach to design that attracted Venturini Fendi. “The brand has a practical attitude which I like, a charismatic spirit with functional designs that I can really connect with,” she says. “I like products with functionality and mechanisms. I like the idea of giving a purpose to things, which is what Chaos is all about.” Much has changed since the original unveiling of Venturini Fendi’s AW20 designs last February. With “from the boudoir to the boardroom” its catchline, the collection comprises strong-shouldered tailoring, two-piece suits and great coats. These the designer contrasted with shapes, details and fabrications borrowed from lingerie. Then, Chaos’ additions struck an equipment-like tone, with Venturini Fendi’s muses - models Karen Elson, Liya Kebede and Jacquetta Wheeler among them - suited and accessorised to go out and thrive. Bella Hadid appeared on the show’s curving pink runway in a black leather coat, a gold metal Fendi x Chaos AirPods case and matching lighter holder fitted to a belt fastened tightly around the model’s waist. Skip advert Both the AirPods case and lighter holder are now available to purchase; instead of encouraging exploration, both items remind us of the rising importance of technology during homebound months.


theweekuk--2020-12-22--Father Christmas caught in power lines

Father Christmas caught in power lines

A man who dressed as Santa Claus and took to the skies above California with his paraglider had to be rescued after becoming entangled in power lines .
The fire department in Sacramento released a video showing the man dressed as Santa in the pilot ’ s seat of the fan-powered aircraft as it dangled above the street .
After releasing him , they said : “ We made sure Old St Nick will use his reindeer when he sees you later this year.
” An ancient “ crazy beast ” lived alongside dinosaurs on Madagascar 66 million years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mammal was about the size of a modern cat and has amazed experts .
“ It is difficult to imagine that a mammal like Adalatherium could have evolved ; it bends and even breaks a lot of rules , ” said one .
The public has been warned to stay out of sea foam that has appeared on the beaches of northern New South Wales and Queensland because sea snakes and other hazardous material may be hidden in it .
There are 32 species of venomous sea snakes in Australia , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the foam .
“ I think there was half a cow that washed up at the beach , ” Nathan Fife , Gold Coast Lifesaving services supervisor at Surf Lifesaving Australia , said .

A man who dressed as Santa Claus and took to the skies above California with his paraglider had to be rescued after becoming entangled in power lines. The fire department in Sacramento released a video showing the man dressed as Santa in the pilot’s seat of the fan-powered aircraft as it dangled above the street. After releasing him, they said: “We made sure Old St Nick will use his reindeer when he sees you later this year.”
‘Crazy beast’ defied evolution 66m years ago
An ancient “crazy beast” lived alongside dinosaurs on Madagascar 66 million years ago, say researchers. The Adalatherium hui mammal was about the size of a modern cat and has amazed experts. “It is difficult to imagine that a mammal like Adalatherium could have evolved; it bends and even breaks a lot of rules,” said one.
Snakes and dead cows lurk in sea foam
The public has been warned to stay out of sea foam that has appeared on the beaches of northern New South Wales and Queensland because sea snakes and other hazardous material may be hidden in it. There are 32 species of venomous sea snakes in Australia, and they may not be the only horrors lurking in the foam. “I think there was half a cow that washed up at the beach,” Nathan Fife, Gold Coast Lifesaving services supervisor at Surf Lifesaving Australia, said.


theweekuk--2020-12-23--French border closure scuppered by Poland

Britain’s borders reopened last night after France was left isolated within the EU by its decision to stop the flow of goods from the UK.
After “intensive talks” between Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron, an agreement was struck to allow travel across the Channel with “a negative PCR test for the coronavirus, which can take up to 72 hours to give a result”, The Times reports.
However, military personnel and health officials will now be sent to Kent to administer lateral flow tests, which give results in just 20 minutes, to get the thousands of lorry drivers stuck in the 20-mile traffic jam back on the road.
Macron yielded over the border blockade after finding “himself at odds with the European Commission and much of the EU over his decision to ban freight at the weekend”, Politico reports. An EU source told the site the French president came “under pressure from the Polish government and other Eastern European countries with hauliers stuck in Kent who want to get home for Christmas”.
And the French president appears to have backed down over his demand for PCR tests. A government source telling Politico that Johnson was “full of praise” for how Transport Secretary Grant Shapps handled the crisis.
Work is now underway to clear the logjam of hauliers, after the Salvation Army was last night needed to “provide truckers with meals after Kent County Council asked for its help”, Business Insider says.
Robert Jenrick, the communities secretary, told Sky News that it could take “a few days” to test all the drivers before they can travel to France, adding: “I hope that this morning you will see people and HGVs crossing the Channel.”


theweekuk--2020-12-23--Peter Cruddas: PM ennobles ‘disgraced Tory donor’

Peter Cruddas , the businessman and Conservative donor who resigned in 2012 after a cash-for-access scandal , has been ennobled by Boris Johnson - against the advice of the Lords Appointments Commission .
Johnson finds himself “ at the centre of a new cronyism row ” , says the London Evening Standard , after becoming the first prime minister to reject the advice of the honours watchdog since it was set up 20 years ago .
He “ received £50,000 from Mr Cruddas for his campaign to become Conservative leader in 2019 ” , says the BBC .
Cruddas has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party , as well as £1.5 million to the Vote Leave campaign ” , the Evening Standard adds .
Angela Raynor , Labour ’ s deputy leader , said the appointment came as no surprise .
“ After months of revelations about the cronyism at the heart of this government , ” she said , “ it ’ s somehow appropriate the prime minister has chosen to end the year with a peerage to Peter Cruddas.
” Johnson , however , said that “ the most serious accusations ” levelled against Cruddas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ found to be untrue and libellous ” .
The Sunday Times had alleged that he was offering access to David Cameron , who was then prime minister , in return for donations to the Conservative party .
“ Mr Cruddas denied the claim , which was found to be true by the Court of Appeal following a libel case , ” The Daily Telegraph reports .
“ The court found another allegation against Mr Cruddas made by The Sunday Times to be untrue.
” Cruddas received £50,000 in damages from the newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House of Lords and a former Conservative minister , said today ’ s appointments also raise a more “ fundamental concern ” about the size of the second chamber .
Johnson has created 52 new peers since his election victory a year ago , raising its membership to 830 - despite a long-term goal to reduce its size to 600 .
Sir Alistair Graham , a former chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life , told The Telegraph that the Lords had become a “ monstrous ” institution .
Creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , he said , “ particularly when many of the people appointed are close friends , or supporters , or donors of political parties ” .


theweekuk--2020-12-23--Is there a Brexit deal on the hook - or will fishing finally spell no-deal?

Four and a half years after David Cameron resigned on the doorstep of Downing Street , UK and EU negotiators have entered the final days of trade talks .
Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a series of “ secret phone calls ” this week , as negotiators try to thrash out a compromise on the “ outstanding differences on fisheries ” , Politico ’ s London Playbook reports .
Rumours abound about when or whether a deal will be landed .
But as talks go down to the line , the question still remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall apart over fishing quotas worth less than the “ £89 million paid by Manchester United in the summer of 2016 for the preening French midfielder Paul Pogba ” , The Times says .
After a tornado of conflicting briefings yesterday , hope of a deal emerged after RTE ’ s Europe editor Tony Connelly tweeted that Michel Barnier had told EU ambassadors that there had been “ significant progress ” , leading to “ cautious optimism ” in Brussels .
A senior source on the UK side told The Sun that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ” , adding that “ both sides want to be home for Christmas Eve ” , all of which made it sound as if Barnier ’ s 24 December deadline was in reach .
But it ’ s not finalised , according to Eurasia Group analyst Mujtaba Rahman , who later tweeted that Barnier had told European ambassadors that the UK ’ s most recent offer on fishing rights was “ totally unacceptable ” .
Connelly had some of the details , saying that the remaining disagreement concerned the type of fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK offer of the EU handing over 35 % of the value of its catches does not count pelagic species ” , he tweeted , meaning fish like tuna , anchovies and mackerel which live in deeper waters .
Barnier told ambassadors that “ without pelagic fish ... the real offer would mean a 60 % cut to the value of fish caught by European boats ” , The Times reports .
He added : “ Britain has excluded pelagic stocks but most believe the final offer will include them.
” Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prospect of a quick deal , telling Politico ’ s Alex Wickham that “ it is at least as likely that negotiations drag on to next week as it is that a deal is reached today ” .

Four and a half years after David Cameron resigned on the doorstep of Downing Street, UK and EU negotiators have entered the final days of trade talks.
Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a series of “secret phone calls” this week, as negotiators try to thrash out a compromise on the “outstanding differences on fisheries”, Politico’s London Playbook reports.
Rumours abound about when or whether a deal will be landed. But as talks go down to the line, the question still remains as to whether the whole thing will fall apart over fishing quotas worth less than the “£89 million paid by Manchester United in the summer of 2016 for the preening French midfielder Paul Pogba”, The Times says.
Stormy waters
After a tornado of conflicting briefings yesterday, hope of a deal emerged after RTE’s Europe editor Tony Connelly tweeted that Michel Barnier had told EU ambassadors that there had been “significant progress”, leading to “cautious optimism” in Brussels.
A senior source on the UK side told The Sun that “there is a deal on the table now”, adding that “both sides want to be home for Christmas Eve”, all of which made it sound as if Barnier’s 24 December deadline was in reach.
But it’s not finalised, according to Eurasia Group analyst Mujtaba Rahman, who later tweeted that Barnier had told European ambassadors that the UK’s most recent offer on fishing rights was “totally unacceptable”.
Connelly had some of the details, saying that the remaining disagreement concerned the type of fish covered by the concession. “The UK offer of the EU handing over 35% of the value of its catches does not count pelagic species”, he tweeted, meaning fish like tuna, anchovies and mackerel which live in deeper waters.
Barnier told ambassadors that “without pelagic fish... the real offer would mean a 60% cut to the value of fish caught by European boats”, The Times reports. He added: “Britain has excluded pelagic stocks but most believe the final offer will include them.”
Downing Street officials were last night decidedly negative over the prospect of a quick deal, telling Politico’s Alex Wickham that “it is at least as likely that negotiations drag on to next week as it is that a deal is reached today”.


theweekuk--2020-12-22--Home and away: top five most-viewed overseas properties of 2020

International travel has been pretty much non-existent in 2020 , but that ’ s not stopped us from dreaming of life overseas .
Searching for homes abroad has been a popular trend this year and there were five overseas properties which received more attention than most , according to property website Rightmove .
Tim Bannister , Rightmove ’ s director of property , said : “ As many people will appreciate , it ’ s been an unusual 12 months for the overseas market as people have been restricted from flying abroad for much of the year .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in overseas property this year , and in fact there ’ s been an 18 % annual increase in the number of users on our overseas site in 2020 .
So there definitely remains a huge appetite among the British public to view homes overseas .
From a magnificent New York apartment to a palatial Greek mansion , these five properties are pretty special.
” This stunning Californian equestrian ranch , which is on the market for almost $ 40m ( £29.8m ) , beautifully encapsulates all that is great about the Golden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 4,600 acres of gorgeous rolling hills , boasting unparalleled vistas of the natural landscape surrounding it .
To this day , this huge parcel of land remains largely untouched .
A helipad offers a conveniently modern bonus , with access to Los Angeles and beyond , and in between games of tennis or horse riding trails , you can take a dip in the pool and enjoy breath-taking sunset views .
Asking price : $ 39.9m ( £29.8m ) ; rightmove.co.uk Tucked away on the outskirts of Rhodes , this palatial hilltop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views .
The five-bedroom property , decked out in marble flooring , is surrounded by impeccably landscaped grounds and it ’ s the outdoor spaces that really make this home stand out as a tranquil oasis .
Outside you ’ ll find a beautiful infinity pool , and a sprawling decking area complete with palm trees , hammocks and a hot tub .
There ’ s even room for your very own helipad .
Asking price : €2.5m ( £2.28m ) ; rightmove.co.uk Perched on the 74th floor above The Mandarin Oriental Hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartment boasts magical views of Central Park , the Hudson River and the Big Apple below .
The intricately designed property is the epitome of luxury , as it comes with two separate bedroom wings , each one boasting a main suite , as well as a white marble bathroom complete with a soaking tub and large shower .
The stylish , open-plan living spaces are bordered by huge floor to ceiling windows that flood the room with light .
Residents also have access to all of the five-star amenities at the Mandarin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swimming pool , and the exclusive spa .
Guide price : $ 25m ( £18.6m ) ; rightmove.co.uk This beautifully picturesque estate , found on the southwest coast of Mallorca , offers utterly sublime sea views from its ideal location high in the hills of Camp de Mar .
The estate , which was previously owned by German model Claudia Schiffer , is on the market for a whopping €35m ( £31.9m ) and comprises three individual villas , with a total of 12 bedrooms and ten bathrooms .
Some of the dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views , an enormous infinity pool , fitness and spa areas , and lush gardens boasting olive and fruit trees .
Asking price : €35m ( £31.8m ) ; rightmove.co.uk This impressively contemporary waterfront retreat was once a Second World War observation tower strategically positioned to guard Halifax Harbour in Canada .
The spectacular and unique home , now a modern masterpiece of concrete , steel , stone and glass , is nestled in a picture-perfect location where coastal barrens give way to rugged granite cliffs , pounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standout features are an enchanting ocean view infinity pool , a private roof deck with a hot tub , a wood burning fireplace and stylish marble walls .
Guide price US $ 2.85m ( £2.1m ) ; rightmove.co.uk

International travel has been pretty much non-existent in 2020, but that’s not stopped us from dreaming of life overseas.
Searching for homes abroad has been a popular trend this year and there were five overseas properties which received more attention than most, according to property website Rightmove.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property, said: “As many people will appreciate, it’s been an unusual 12 months for the overseas market as people have been restricted from flying abroad for much of the year. However, we’ve still seen enormous interest in overseas property this year, and in fact there’s been an 18% annual increase in the number of users on our overseas site in 2020. So there definitely remains a huge appetite among the British public to view homes overseas. From a magnificent New York apartment to a palatial Greek mansion, these five properties are pretty special.”
Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara County, California, USA
This stunning Californian equestrian ranch, which is on the market for almost $40m (£29.8m), beautifully encapsulates all that is great about the Golden State. Rancho Latigo is nestled deep in 4,600 acres of gorgeous rolling hills, boasting unparalleled vistas of the natural landscape surrounding it. To this day, this huge parcel of land remains largely untouched. A helipad offers a conveniently modern bonus, with access to Los Angeles and beyond, and in between games of tennis or horse riding trails, you can take a dip in the pool and enjoy breath-taking sunset views. Asking price: $39.9m (£29.8m); rightmove.co.uk
Ialysos, Rhodes, Dodecanese islands, Greece
Tucked away on the outskirts of Rhodes, this palatial hilltop Greek mansion comes with phenomenal panoramic sea views. The five-bedroom property, decked out in marble flooring, is surrounded by impeccably landscaped grounds and it’s the outdoor spaces that really make this home stand out as a tranquil oasis. Outside you’ll find a beautiful infinity pool, and a sprawling decking area complete with palm trees, hammocks and a hot tub. There’s even room for your very own helipad. Asking price: €2.5m (£2.28m); rightmove.co.uk
Columbus Circle, New York City, USA
Perched on the 74th floor above The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City, this six-bedroom apartment boasts magical views of Central Park, the Hudson River and the Big Apple below. The intricately designed property is the epitome of luxury, as it comes with two separate bedroom wings, each one boasting a main suite, as well as a white marble bathroom complete with a soaking tub and large shower. The stylish, open-plan living spaces are bordered by huge floor to ceiling windows that flood the room with light. Residents also have access to all of the five-star amenities at the Mandarin, including a 24-hour concierge, 75ft swimming pool, and the exclusive spa. Guide price: $25m (£18.6m); rightmove.co.uk
Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Port d’Andratx, Spain
This beautifully picturesque estate, found on the southwest coast of Mallorca, offers utterly sublime sea views from its ideal location high in the hills of Camp de Mar. The estate, which was previously owned by German model Claudia Schiffer, is on the market for a whopping €35m (£31.9m) and comprises three individual villas, with a total of 12 bedrooms and ten bathrooms. Some of the dream features at this residence include vast terraces to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views, an enormous infinity pool, fitness and spa areas, and lush gardens boasting olive and fruit trees. Asking price: €35m (£31.8m); rightmove.co.uk
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
This impressively contemporary waterfront retreat was once a Second World War observation tower strategically positioned to guard Halifax Harbour in Canada. The spectacular and unique home, now a modern masterpiece of concrete, steel, stone and glass, is nestled in a picture-perfect location where coastal barrens give way to rugged granite cliffs, pounded by the Atlantic surf. Among its standout features are an enchanting ocean view infinity pool, a private roof deck with a hot tub, a wood burning fireplace and stylish marble walls. Guide price US$2.85m (£2.1m); rightmove.co.uk


theweekuk--2020-12-18--The Christmas quiz: answers

The Christmas quiz: answers

All you need to know about everything that matters .

‘The Tories have been too adept at adapting to changing economic conditions’
‘The Tories have been too adept at adapting to changing economic conditions’
‘The Tories have been too adept at adapting to changing economic conditions’
What daily life in Afghanistan looks like under the Taliban


theweekuk--2020-12-18--The Christmas quiz: science and nature

The Christmas quiz: science and nature


theweekuk--2020-12-18--The Christmas quiz: looking back on 2020


theweekuk--2020-12-18--The Christmas quiz: places

The Christmas quiz: places


theweekuk--2020-12-18--The Christmas quiz: film and TV

The Christmas quiz: film and TV


theweekuk--2020-12-18--The Christmas quiz: literature and the arts


theweekuk--2020-12-18--The Christmas quiz: famous Olympians

The Christmas quiz: famous Olympians


theweekuk--2020-12-18--The Christmas quiz: history and politics


theweekuk--2020-12-18--The Christmas quiz: obituaries

The Christmas quiz: obituaries


theweekuk--2020-12-23--F1 2021 season guide: grand prix calendar and driver grid

After equalling Michael Schumacher ’ s all-time record of seven titles Lewis Hamilton will head into the 2021 Formula 1 season looking to make more history on the track .
Hamilton is yet to renew his contract with Mercedes , but the British driver is on the verge of finalising a lucrative new deal with the constructors ’ champions , the London Evening Standard has reported .
The 2020 BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner will again be joined in the Mercedes line-up by Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas , while Ferrari ’ s Charles Leclerc will welcome Carlos Sainz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rookies Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher , Michael ’ s son , will make their F1 debuts for Haas and Yuki Tsunoda has replaced Daniil Kvyat at AlphaTauri .
Other major moves see Sebastian Vettel line up in the Aston Martin team alongside Lance Stroll ; Sergio Perez partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull ; Daniel Ricciardo replace Sainz at McLaren ; and Fernando Alonso return to F1 with Alpine .
There are a record 23 race weekends on the 2021 calendar .
The first grand prix of the season will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March and the last in Abu Dhabi , UAE on 5 December .
The British Grand Prix will take place at Silverstone on 18 July .

The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, held on the speedy track at Austin, Texas, has always been to Lewis Hamilton’s liking, said Rebecca Clancy in The Times: he’s won there five times since 2014. But on Sunday, the seven-time F1 world champion missed a valuable chance to make up ground on Max Verstappen.
A thrilling race ended in a 1.333-second victory for the 24-year-old, who extended his lead in the drivers’ standings from six to 12 points. With five races to go, he looks increasingly likely to end the season as F1 champion.
Yet Hamilton couldn’t have got off to a better start, said Tom Dart in The Guardian. From second on the grid, he overtook Verstappen by diving for the inside on the approach to the first corner, forcing his rival’s Red Bull wide. But after the early drama, “the contest segued into more of a chess match than a slugfest”.
Twice, the Dutchman went in for earlier-than-expected tyre changes, an “undercutting” strategy that enabled him to drive significantly faster than Hamilton in the middle of the 56-lap race: when Hamilton took his second change on lap 37, he was nearly eight seconds off the lead. Once on fresher tyres, he valiantly hunted down Verstappen in the closing stages, aiming to pass him on the final laps. But hard as he pressed, he couldn’t quite get close enough to “try another bold overtaking manoeuvre”.
Ominously for Hamilton, the next two races – in Mexico and Brazil – are at high-altitude venues, said Laurence Edmondson on ESPN. That should favour Verstappen: in recent years, the Honda engine used by Red Bull has performed better at altitude than the one in Hamilton’s Mercedes. The three races after that are in the Middle East, where conditions should be more to Hamilton’s liking. But there’s a very real chance that by the time F1 gets there, Verstappen’s lead will be virtually unsurpassable.
F1 2021 season: five races to go
Mexican Grand Prix
When: 5-7 November 2021
Where: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico
Brazilian Grand Prix
When: 12-14 November 2021
Where: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, São Paulo, Brazil
Qatar Grand Prix
When: 19-21 November 2021
Where: Losail International Circuit, Qatar
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
When: 3-5 December 2021
Where: Jeddah Street Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix


theweekuk--2020-12-23--Passengers and dog leave flight via emergency slide

Two passengers and a service dog exited a flight via the emergency slide as it was preparing for takeoff at @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week .
“ During flight 462 ’ s taxi-out at LaGuardia , a @ @ @ @ @ cabin door and exited the aircraft via the slide , ” a statement from Delta @ @ @ @ @ were later charged with offences , including criminal mischief .
A cinema in the Philippines @ @ @ @ @ to watch films as they bob in socially distanced gondolas .
Gondoliers in striped uniforms @ @ @ @ @ in an outdoor canal to watch films .
Guests bring their own earphones and listen @ @ @ @ @ special radio frequency .
A lorry hauling 20,000 pounds of cheese balls has overturned in @ @ @ @ @ across lanes of traffic .
The Maryland Department of Transportation ’ s State Highway Administration @ @ @ @ @ called in to clean up the cheesy mess .
Two lanes were temporarily closed during @ @ @

Two passengers and a service dog exited a flight via the emergency slide as it was preparing for takeoff at LaGuardia Airport in New York earlier this week. “During flight 462’s taxi-out at LaGuardia, a party of two opened a cabin door and exited the aircraft via the slide,” a statement from Delta said. The two passengers were later charged with offences, including criminal mischief.
Cinema offers gondola screenings
A cinema in the Philippines is offering customers the chance to watch films as they bob in socially distanced gondolas. Gondoliers in striped uniforms steer and position each boat in an outdoor canal to watch films. Guests bring their own earphones and listen to audio broadcast at a special radio frequency.
Truck spills thousands of cheese balls
A lorry hauling 20,000 pounds of cheese balls has overturned in Maryland, spilling the snack across lanes of traffic. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration said a sand truck was called in to clean up the cheesy mess. Two lanes were temporarily closed during the operation.


theweekuk--2020-12-23--Coronavirus: Tier 4 to expand as new strain spreads

Millions of Britons will wake up to a Christmas hangover this weekend as Tier 4 Covid rules are extended to the east and west of London .
The strict measures , which ban household mixing and force restaurants , bars , gyms and hairdressers to close , were announced on Saturday for the area around the capital , in which a new and highly infectious strain of Covid-19 has taken hold .
“ The new variant of the virus is focused in the South East and East of England , but has spread to all corners of the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minute past midnight on Boxing Day , Tier 4 restrictions will apply to Norfolk , Suffolk , Cambridgeshire , Oxfordshire , Sussex , Waverley in Surrey , Hampshire apart from the New Forest and the parts of Essex not already included .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick had said this morning that a decision was imminent .
“ We 've now had time to think again about whether further action is required in other parts of the country , ” he told Sky News .
“ That ’ s the decision the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” According to The Times , ministers “ brought forward the review of rules from 30 December as alarm mounts about the growing infection rate across the country ” .
A record 36,804 people tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday , the largest daily figure recorded yet .
However , the infection rate was almost certainly higher in the spring , when testing was more limited .
Labour leader Keir Starmer , who ordered his MPs to abstain when the tier system was reintroduced earlier this month , said his party would now back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if necessary .
Boris Johnson should act without delay , he added .
“ If you ’ re advised to take tougher action , take it , do it , act with speed , ” he told BBC Breakfast .
“ Do n't be behind the curve again .
”


theweekuk--2020-12-24--Mystic says a ‘dragon’ will take over the planet next year

A blind mystic who predicted the 11 September attacks and the death of Princess Diana has made her 2021 revelations from beyond the grave .
Before she died , Baba Vanga , who was known as the Nostradamus of the Balkans , said that during 2021 a cure for cancer will be found , trains will fly and a “ strong dragon ” will take over the planet .
Interpreters believe the “ strong dragon ” is China .
An airline made a rather fundamental error when it flew passengers to the wrong airport .
Nepali carrier Buddha Air departed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flew to the country 's second-biggest city of Pokhara , instead of the flight 's intended destination , the southern city of Janakpur .
The two cities are about 250 miles apart .
Once the airline realised its error it flew the passengers to the correct city .
A man in Israel has claimed he is “ feeling fine ” after accidentally being injected with five doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at once .
When Uday Azizi arrived at the Shlomo Group Arena in Tel Aviv , the nurse administering the shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine contained up to five doses .
He said : “ Let 's be optimistic about the vaccine , the entire situation , and the new year maybe .
”

A blind mystic who predicted the 11 September attacks and the death of Princess Diana has made her 2021 revelations from beyond the grave. Before she died, Baba Vanga, who was known as the Nostradamus of the Balkans, said that during 2021 a cure for cancer will be found, trains will fly and a “strong dragon” will take over the planet. Interpreters believe the “strong dragon” is China.
Airline flies passengers to the wrong city
An airline made a rather fundamental error when it flew passengers to the wrong airport. Nepali carrier Buddha Air departed from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and flew to the country's second-biggest city of Pokhara, instead of the flight's intended destination, the southern city of Janakpur. The two cities are about 250 miles apart. Once the airline realised its error it flew the passengers to the correct city.
Israeli receives five shots of vaccine
A man in Israel has claimed he is “feeling fine” after accidentally being injected with five doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at once. When Uday Azizi arrived at the Shlomo Group Arena in Tel Aviv, the nurse administering the shot did not realise that each vial of the vaccine contained up to five doses. He said: “Let's be optimistic about the vaccine, the entire situation, and the new year maybe.”


theweekuk--2020-11-25--2020 Quiz of the Year

2020 Quiz of the Year

As the world rang in the new decade a year ago , few would have guessed that the coming 12 months would be dominated by the battle against a virus that would claim more than 1.5 million lives .
Yet by early March , almost every facet of daily life had been turned on its head as Covid-19 spread through communities in countries worldwide .
And the most devastating pandemic since the Spanish flu has provided a backdrop for other global events that in any other year would have commanded the headlines .
To find out how closely you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big news over the past year , take our quiz of the year : Need a reminder of the other events of 2020 ?
In addition to the coronavirus crisis , the UK has faced widespread flooding that affected vast swathes of the country ; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocking the world by “ stepping down ” from royal duties ; and Westminster becoming embroiled in a string of scandals .
And to top it all off , Britain has also been gearing up to formally leave the EU on 31 December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equally turbulent , with Donald Trump beginning what would be his final year in office by almost starting World War Three following the surprise assassination of an Iranian general .
On the political front , after becoming only the third US president in history to be impeached , Trump was aquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate - but subsequently failed to convince voters that he deserved a second term in the White House .
But in true Trump style , the incumbent refused to accept his November loss at the ballot box to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election followed months of unrest triggered by the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police .
Floyd died after an officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest in May , kickstarting one of the largest global protest movements seen in decades .
Warnings about climate change have been another key theme of the year , after one of the largest bushfires in history destroyed tens of million acres of land in Australia .
An unusually intense wildfire season also struck the western US , incinerating land across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With US President-elect Biden pledging to rejoin the Paris climate deal , environmental campaigners are hoping for a brighter future , however .

As the world rang in the new decade a year ago, few would have guessed that the coming 12 months would be dominated by the battle against a virus that would claim more than 1.5 million lives.
Yet by early March, almost every facet of daily life had been turned on its head as Covid-19 spread through communities in countries worldwide.
And the most devastating pandemic since the Spanish flu has provided a backdrop for other global events that in any other year would have commanded the headlines. To find out how closely you’ve been paying attention to all the big news over the past year, take our quiz of the year:
Need a reminder of the other events of 2020?
In addition to the coronavirus crisis, the UK has faced widespread flooding that affected vast swathes of the country; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocking the world by “stepping down” from royal duties; and Westminster becoming embroiled in a string of scandals.
And to top it all off, Britain has also been gearing up to formally leave the EU on 31 December 2020.
Events further afield have been equally turbulent, with Donald Trump beginning what would be his final year in office by almost starting World War Three following the surprise assassination of an Iranian general.
On the political front, after becoming only the third US president in history to be impeached, Trump was aquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate - but subsequently failed to convince voters that he deserved a second term in the White House.
But in true Trump style, the incumbent refused to accept his November loss at the ballot box to his Democratic rival Joe Biden.
The US presidential election followed months of unrest triggered by the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police. Floyd died after an officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest in May, kickstarting one of the largest global protest movements seen in decades.
Warnings about climate change have been another key theme of the year, after one of the largest bushfires in history destroyed tens of million acres of land in Australia. An unusually intense wildfire season also struck the western US, incinerating land across the states of California, Oregon and Washington.
With US President-elect Biden pledging to rejoin the Paris climate deal, environmental campaigners are hoping for a brighter future, however.


theweekuk--2020-11-27--Seven TV shows to watch out for in 2021

Seven TV shows to watch out for in 2021

Viewing figures for TV and streaming services have surged this year as people worldwide tuned in during Covid-19 lockdowns .
Bored Britons spent an average of 40 % of their waking hours watching television at the peak of the coronavirus outbreak , according to an Ofcom report released in August .
The viewing boom saw hit shows such as Tiger King dominating conversations and social media .
So which programmes will we be talking about in 2021 ?
Here are seven of the best new releases to watch in the coming year .
Having been delayed in so-called “ development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , many fans feared season four of the TV adaptation of 1996 black comedy film Fargo would never see the light of day .
But now , more than three years after Ewan McGregor and David Thewlis lit up screens in the third season , the show has returned to US TV and will make its debut in the UK in 2021 , though no exact date has been announced as yet .
Like the previous three seasons , the new episodes are expected to be screened on Channel 4 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show - which features a new story and cast every season - stars Chris Rock and Jessie Buckley and takes place in the 1950s .
According to Culture Whisper , writer/creator Noah Hawley “ dives back in time ” to examine “ a Godfather-like schism between criminal gangs : an Italian-American crime family and the local black mafia ” .
BBC One and Amazon Prime Video have teamed up for this adaptation of Nancy Mitford ’ s 1945 novel of the same name .
Starring Lily James and Emily Beecham , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Fanny as they embark on a trip across Europe in the so-called Roaring Twenties to find romance .
According to Vogue , the show will remain faithful to the original plot of the novel , which will be told in three hour-long episodes .
The cast supporting James and Beecham is “ equally good – with Dominic West and Dolly Wells appearing as Linda ’ s parents ( whom Nancy Mitford based on her own rather severe mother and father ) and Andrew-the-Hot-Priest-Scott as the Radletts ’ wonderfully eccentric neighbour , Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @

When the weather outside is frightful (and can you remember a more frightful June than this one?), snuggling up in front of the TV is the best distraction. Historically, summer can be a slightly uninspiring time for new releases - but this year is definitely breaking the mould.
From Nine Perfect Strangers, the latest series from Big Little Lies writer Liane Moriarty, to The Chair, the much-anticipated Netflix dramedy starring Killing Eve’s Sandra Oh, there’s a lot to look forward to over the next couple of months.
So, we can’t go on holiday and the drizzly weather is more reminiscent of February than June, but at least we have some great telly to look forward to. Here are eight of the best new releases to check out from July until September 2021.
Young Royals (Netflix, 1 July)
Gossip Girl meets The Crown in this new Swedish series which follows the journey of Prince Wilhelm, a troublemaking teenager who enrols at a prestigious boarding school and is quickly forced into making a choice between love and duty. The series is “basically made for binge-watching”, Stylist reports, “as it’s just six episodes. Ideal viewing for a rainy weekend, eh?”
Monsters at Work (Disney+, 7 July)
Monsters at Work, a Monsters Inc spin-off TV series, is coming to Disney+ this July. The story follows an eager young monster called Tylor Tuskmon who graduates top of his class from Monsters University before discovering that scaring is out - but laughter is in. Mindy Kaling and Billy Crystal are among the stars of this new family-friendly show which kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Naomi Osaka (Netflix, 13 July)
Netflix is releasing a new three-part docuseries about Naomi Osaka, the Japanese tennis star who won her first Grand Slam, the US Open in 2018. In a prepared statement released to Variety, Oaska described being able to tell her story as “a rewarding experience”. She added that the docuseries would not “look like a traditional sports documentary”. Osaka made headlines earlier this month when she decided to pull out of the French Open after being fined for refusing to do press conferences.
Schmigadoon! (Apple TV+, 16 July)
If you love a musical comedy, don’t miss Schmigadoon!, a new six-part series parodying iconic musicals from Oklahoma! to Carousel, complete with original songs. Described by co-creator Cinco Paul (Despicable Me) as being “a love letter to Golden Age musicals”, the show follows a couple who discover a town where residents bizarrely act as though they’re living in a 1940s musical. A “Marmite” one for sure.
Cruel Summer (Amazon Prime, 6 August)
This American psychological thriller series coming to Amazon Prime is set in a small, fictional town in Texas. Described as “an unconventional series that takes place over three summers”, the story follows the abduction of a beautiful, popular teen and a “seemingly unrelated” girl who transforms from outlier to the most likeable youngster in town. Jessica Biel is an executive producer. Vulture writer Justin Curto describes the show as a “mysterious, time-hopping, gloriously messy new teen series”.
Mr. Corman (Apple TV+, 6 August)
Multi-talented Joseph Gordon-Levitt has written, directed, produced and stars in this new original, ten-episode series following the story of Josh Corman, “an artist at heart but not by trade”. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Gordon-Levitt described the character of Corman as being “like if I had some different luck and made some different choices”. He added: “Mr. Corman is probably the most distilled expression of myself that I’ve ever managed to achieve.”
First (very) brief glimpse of MR. CORMAN in this trailer for the new year of Apple TV+. It’s been such a dream creating this show. Can’t wait for you all to see more... https://t.co/PhfgHLMiK2 — Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) February 20, 2021
Nine Perfect Strangers (Amazon Prime, 20 August)
The same team that adapted Liane Moriarty’s acclaimed Big Little Lies for the small screen are adapting another of her Sunday Times bestsellers, Nine Perfect Strangers. Moriarty’s novel follows the story of nine strangers (yes, you guessed it), who embark on a luxury retreat cut off from the outside world. Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy star in this much-hyped new drama series.
The Chair (Netflix, 27 August)
Killing Eve’s Sandra Oh stars in this upcoming Netflix dramedy series which follows the first female chair of an English department at the fictional Pembroke University. The cast is “anything but lightweight”, reports Genevieve Koski for Variety, “featuring not only Oh, but also Jay Duplass, Holland Taylor, and Bob Balaban, among others”. The show is made up of six half-hour episodes.