theweekuk--2020-02-24--Sport shorts: ‘racism won’ says Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and Liverpool aim to ‘put things ri

Sport shorts: ‘racism won’ says Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and Liverpool aim to ‘put things right’ after Atletico defeat

Many of today ’ s newspapers carry the comments of Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger after learning that no one was punished for allegedly racially abusing him at Tottenham in December .
The Guardian reports that the Metropolitan Police investigated Rudiger ’ s claims but found “ no evidence to support his complaint ” .
The paper adds that some Tottenham fans have accused the German of lying and booed him when the two sides met at Stamford Bridge on Saturday , a match that the Blues won 2-1 .
“ It ’ s sad , ” Rudiger said of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know why they would .
Maybe it ’ s because I voiced about the racism .
If you boo me because of that then you are poor people .
I am sorry .
This is a sign that we have a very big problem… for me , in this case , racism won.
” 2 .
No panic for England after T20 loss Despite losing their opening ICC Women ’ s T20 World Cup match against South Africa , England captain Heather Knight says the team must not panic .
Speaking after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Match Special : “ We ’ ve got to park it and move on quickly .
“ It ’ s not panic stations - far from it .
It could easily have gone the other way and we know that we ’ ve got a lot more to give .
There are a lot of teams that can win this World Cup .
Every team has match-winners.
” 3 .
Lionesses to open Euro 2021 at Old Trafford With 500 days to go until the 2021 Women ’ s European Championship it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will play in the opening match of the tournament at Old Trafford , home of Manchester United .
Lionesses and Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs said : “ It ’ s incredible .
The whole tournament is exciting for us .
Every time we play at a big stadium , or at Wembley , it ’ s another amazing time for the women ’ s game and for us as players to look forward to.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Patrick Reed often courts controversy for his on-course antics but the American golfer proved his talent yesterday by winning the WGC-Mexico Championship .
After his three late birdies secured a one-shot victory in Mexico , the 29-year-old said : “ I feel like I ’ ve been playing some really solid golf and just haven ’ t quite gotten over that hump to get the W , with losing in a play-off in Hawaii and then feeling like I played some solid golf at Torrey Pines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , I knew we were in a good pattern and I knew all I needed to do was continue to try to improve on my golf game , but at the same time just block out all the noise , no matter what it was.
” It ’ s not just Patrick Reed whose putter was red-hot at the weekend .
University of Mississippi basketball fan Mary Ann Wakefield , 86 , won a car after sinking a 94-foot putt during the Ole Miss Rebels vs. Crimson Tide match on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for @ OleMissMBB .
She walks out with a NEW CAR thanks to our friends at @ CannonMotors !
pic.twitter.com/iZqgA5g73a Liverpool will look to restore their 22-point lead at the top of the Premier League when they face West Ham United at Anfield tonight ( 8pm , live on Sky Sports ) .
The Reds are unbeaten in the league this season with 25 wins and one draw from their 26 matches , but last week they lost 1-0 at Atletico Madrid in the Uefa Champions League .
Boss Jurgen Klopp has urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” after the defeat in Spain .
On the loss he said : “ It ’ s really from sunshine to hardest rain - and that ’ s how it should be .
If you really want to be successful and if you could be successful - what we could have been in that game - then it has to feel really bad and that ’ s how it felt .
“ So yes , we want to put things right , even when it ’ s a different competition.
” Should Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City ’ s record of 18 consecutive Premier League wins set between August and December 2017 .
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised striker Anthony Martial for his role in the team ’ s 3-0 win over Watford yesterday .
French frontman Martial produced a delightful chip to score the second of United ’ s three goals .
The victory moves the Red Devils into fifth spot in the Premier League .
Martial has now scored in his last three games and Solskjaer said of him : “ He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind-blowing skills .
I want more from him and I ’ ll keep at him.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– After finishing fourth on the timesheets at Formula 1 ’ s opening pre-season test in Barcelona Renault ’ s Esteban Ocon predicted that lap records will be broken in 2020 .
The Frenchman said : “ I have never gone that fast in some corners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is definitely exciting because we are going to go faster and faster .
We ’ re probably going to break all the records this year of lap times.
” Pre-season continues this week with three more days of testing starting on Wednesday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain .
F1 pre-season testing : Bottas ’ s flying lap and Ferrari are not as optimistic 9 .
France still on course for grand slam France made it three wins out of three in the Six Nations rugby championship following a superb 27-23 victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Les Bleus are now the only nation in with a chance of winning the grand slam after Ireland suffered their first defeat of this year ’ s tournament , losing 24-12 to England at Twickenham .
Scotland picked up their first win with a 17-0 victory in Rome against Italy .
• None Saturday 7 March : Ireland vs. Italy ( 2.15pm GMT ; live on ITV ) ; England vs. Wales ( 4.45pm GMT ; live on ITV and S4C ) Tyson Fury dominates the front and back pages of today ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas at the weekend .
It ’ s reported that Wilder has 30 days to activate a rematch clause for a third fight against the new WBC champion , but British boxing fans are keen to see Fury and Anthony Joshua step into the ring for a unification bout .
The Sun says “ belt up - we ’ re in for a wild ride ” while the Daily Mirror urges the heavyweight stars and their promoters to “ get it on ” .
America takes it on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominate heavyweight division Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua - it ’ s time to ‘ get it on ’ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Rudiger: racism won
Many of today’s newspapers carry the comments of Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger after learning that no one was punished for allegedly racially abusing him at Tottenham in December.
The Guardian reports that the Metropolitan Police investigated Rudiger’s claims but found “no evidence to support his complaint”.
The paper adds that some Tottenham fans have accused the German of lying and booed him when the two sides met at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, a match that the Blues won 2-1.
“It’s sad,” Rudiger said of the jeers. “I don’t know why they would. Maybe it’s because I voiced about the racism. If you boo me because of that then you are poor people. I am sorry. This is a sign that we have a very big problem… for me, in this case, racism won.”
2. No panic for England after T20 loss
Despite losing their opening ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match against South Africa, England captain Heather Knight says the team must not panic.
Speaking after the six-wicket defeat, Knight told BBC Test Match Special: “We’ve got to park it and move on quickly.
“It’s not panic stations - far from it. It could easily have gone the other way and we know that we’ve got a lot more to give. There are a lot of teams that can win this World Cup. Every team has match-winners.”
3. Lionesses to open Euro 2021 at Old Trafford
With 500 days to go until the 2021 Women’s European Championship it’s been announced that host nation England will play in the opening match of the tournament at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United.
Lionesses and Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs said: “It’s incredible. The whole tournament is exciting for us. Every time we play at a big stadium, or at Wembley, it’s another amazing time for the women’s game and for us as players to look forward to.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. Reed wins WGC-Mexico Championship
Patrick Reed often courts controversy for his on-course antics but the American golfer proved his talent yesterday by winning the WGC-Mexico Championship.
After his three late birdies secured a one-shot victory in Mexico, the 29-year-old said: “I feel like I’ve been playing some really solid golf and just haven’t quite gotten over that hump to get the W, with losing in a play-off in Hawaii and then feeling like I played some solid golf at Torrey Pines.


theweekuk--2020-02-24--Julian Assange extradition: what’s at stake?

Julian Assange ’ s extradition hearing begins today , as his lawyers go head-to-head with legal teams representing US authorities .
The US wants to try the WikiLeaks founder on espionage charges that carry a maximum prison sentence of 175 years over the publication of secret military documents and diplomatic cables .
Labour ’ s shadow chancellor John McDonnell has declared the case “ one of the most important and significant political trials of this generation , if not longer ” .
Assange was arrested in the UK almost ten years ago after Sweden issued an international arrest warrant over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other of molestation - by separate women .
The Australian national , now 48 , denied the charges and claimed sanctuary in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for more than seven years .
He insists the warrant was a ploy to have him extradited to the US for leaking confidential information including atrocities in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars .
Sweden has since dropped the charges , saying that while the evidence was still credible , so much time had passed that witnesses ’ memories of the events had become hazy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 50 weeks in HMP Belmarsh for breaching his bail conditions .
In the same month , he was indicted by the US Justice Department on 17 counts of violating the country ’ s Espionage Act 1917 , which came on top of a previous hacking-related count .
Instead of being released from prison in the UK in September , Assange was kept in jail pending the US extradition hearing to ensure he did not abscond again .
The case begins today at Woolwich Crown Court in southeast London and is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of opening arguments .
A ruling is not expected for several months , with the losing side likely to appeal .
Barrister Jennifer Robinson , from Assange ’ s defence team , describes the “ unprecedented case ” as that of an award-winning journalist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee facing prison “ for publishing truthful information ” .
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme on Monday morning , she said the case raises “ fundamental questions about free speech ” - and asked what message his extradition might send to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and China .
Robinson warned that publications such as The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph , which partnered with WikiLeaks , could also face prosecution in the future , depending on the outcome of the hearing .
The Guardian ’ s Roy Greenslade agrees that prosecution would “ set a terrible precedent ” .
“ The aim is to prevent whistle-blowers from telling the truth and journalists from giving them a platform , ” he says .
In an editorial today , The Telegraph says the case also raises “ questions over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treaty between the UK and the US ” .
The family of Harry Dunn has asked the UK government to block Assange ’ s extradition until the US returns Anne Sacoolas , the diplomat ’ s wife suspected of causing the teenager ’ s death by dangerous driving .
She fled to the US following the collision in Northamptonshire last August , and has claimed diplomatic immunity to avoid extradition .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson “ has conceded that elements of the extradition relationship between Britain and the US are ‘ unbalanced ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of diplomatic immunity is separate ” , says The Telegraph .
But according the newspaper , “ the country may not see it that way if Assange is extradited yet the Dunn family receive no justice ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Daily Mail ’ s Guy Adams says there are a couple of major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although the WikiLeaks founder ’ s supporters insist his exposes are comparable to those of traditional investigative reporters , Adams says : “ Unlike a responsible journalist , he did nothing to check , analyse , or redact the information he obtained before publication.
” The US claims that the lives of US intelligence sources across the world were endangered as a result .
And while a key argument against Assange ’ s extradition is that he will not receive a fair trial in the US , Adams notes that “ America has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world thanks to the First Amendment ” .
Many observers think Assange could be acquitted of the espionage charges if he is extradited , says Adams .
“ That is an outcome that would strengthen rather than weaken Western democracy and empower journalists and others who seek to hold our ruling class to account , ” he concludes .

Julian Assange’s extradition hearing begins today, as his lawyers go head-to-head with legal teams representing US authorities.
The US wants to try the WikiLeaks founder on espionage charges that carry a maximum prison sentence of 175 years over the publication of secret military documents and diplomatic cables.
Labour’s shadow chancellor John McDonnell has declared the case “one of the most important and significant political trials of this generation, if not longer”.
The charges
Assange was arrested in the UK almost ten years ago after Sweden issued an international arrest warrant over two allegations - one of rape and the other of molestation - by separate women.
The Australian national, now 48, denied the charges and claimed sanctuary in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for more than seven years. He insists the warrant was a ploy to have him extradited to the US for leaking confidential information including atrocities in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
Sweden has since dropped the charges, saying that while the evidence was still credible, so much time had passed that witnesses’ memories of the events had become hazy.
In May 2019, Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks in HMP Belmarsh for breaching his bail conditions. In the same month, he was indicted by the US Justice Department on 17 counts of violating the country’s Espionage Act 1917, which came on top of a previous hacking-related count.
Instead of being released from prison in the UK in September, Assange was kept in jail pending the US extradition hearing to ensure he did not abscond again.
The case begins today at Woolwich Crown Court in southeast London and is expected to be adjourned until May following a week of opening arguments. A ruling is not expected for several months, with the losing side likely to appeal.
Press freedoms
Barrister Jennifer Robinson, from Assange’s defence team, describes the “unprecedented case” as that of an award-winning journalist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee facing prison “for publishing truthful information”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Monday morning, she said the case raises “fundamental questions about free speech” - and asked what message his extradition might send to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia and China.


theweekuk--2020-02-24--Behind the Home Office’s ‘civil war’ drama

Boris Johnson has been urged not to sack senior civil servants amid the ongoing deterioration in relations between ministers and public officials – particularly at the Home Office .
Tory sources claim that Johnson ’ s team has lined up a “ shitlist ” of senior mandarins that could soon face the chop , according to The Sunday Telegraph .
The list reportedly includes Sir Tom Scholar , the Treasury permanent secretary , who is seen as being “ offside ” on Brexit .
Scholar previously led David Cameron ’ s attempted renegotiation with the European Union .
Speaking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Foreign Office Peter Ricketts said the latest development in Downing Street ’ s war with the “ establishment ” would “ destabilise ” civil servants , who were doing their best to offer “ impartial advice ” to the government .
Meanwhile , former Brexit secretary David Davis has warned Johnson against organising a “ firing squad ” for civil servants .
During an appearance on the BBC ’ s The Andrew Marr Show , Davis said : “ There are ways of making government work better , there are ways of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it doesn ’ t involve making hitlists , ” says The Independent .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Reports that Downing Street has a number of senior civil servants in its crosshairs follow a string of damaging leaks against Home Secretary Priti Patel .
MPs returned from recess today , but the prime minister ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be dominated by the Home Office civil war ” , says The Telegraph .
Multiple sources told The Times last week that Patel had attempted to remove her permanent secretary , Sir Philip Rutnam , after “ disagreements ” between the pair .
Describing Patel ’ s alleged clashes with Rutnam , a Home Office source told the paper : “ Sir Philip and [ she ] have fundamental disagreements about the rule of law .
He ’ s committed and she isn ’ t .
She ’ s belittled him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaviour outside the rule of law.
” Over the weekend it was reported that one of the Home Office ’ s most senior civil servants on immigration resigned after being made “ uncomfortable ” by Patel ’ s demands .
According to The Guardian , Mick Jones , of the Public and Commercial Services Union ( PCS ) , the largest trade union for Home Office staff , said that Patel ’ s approach to various immigration issues had led to Mark Thomson ’ s resignation as director general of UK Visas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows suggestions that MI5 has been withholding information from the home secretary and accusations that she has a record of bullying staff .
She was accused of creating an “ atmosphere of fear ” in the Home Office by bullying and belittling officials , but Patel has denied all such allegations .
Patel is also said to have been “ livid ” over the claims that MI5 did not trust her or believed she was unable to grasp the subtleties of intelligence briefings .
So inflammatory were the reports that security sources took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are deliberately withholding information , while former environment secretary Theresa Villiers blamed the “ spiteful ” briefings against Patel on sexism .
Home Office minister James Brokenshire described the reports of bullying as “ absolute nonsense ” , telling Sky News : “ Yes , she is demanding , but in that role you have to be because you are dealing with some of the most sensitive , some of the most challenging things that you have to deal with across government .
”

Boris Johnson has been urged not to sack senior civil servants amid the ongoing deterioration in relations between ministers and public officials – particularly at the Home Office.
Tory sources claim that Johnson’s team has lined up a “shitlist” of senior mandarins that could soon face the chop, according to The Sunday Telegraph.
The list reportedly includes Sir Tom Scholar, the Treasury permanent secretary, who is seen as being “offside” on Brexit. Scholar previously led David Cameron’s attempted renegotiation with the European Union.
Speaking to the Financial Times, former head of the Foreign Office Peter Ricketts said the latest development in Downing Street’s war with the “establishment” would “destabilise” civil servants, who were doing their best to offer “impartial advice” to the government.
Meanwhile, former Brexit secretary David Davis has warned Johnson against organising a “firing squad” for civil servants.
During an appearance on the BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show, Davis said: “There are ways of making government work better, there are ways of making the permanent secretaries behave better but it doesn’t involve making hitlists,” says The Independent.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Reports that Downing Street has a number of senior civil servants in its crosshairs follow a string of damaging leaks against Home Secretary Priti Patel.
MPs returned from recess today, but the prime minister’s first briefing of the week “is destined to be dominated by the Home Office civil war”, says The Telegraph.
Multiple sources told The Times last week that Patel had attempted to remove her permanent secretary, Sir Philip Rutnam, after “disagreements” between the pair.
Describing Patel’s alleged clashes with Rutnam, a Home Office source told the paper: “Sir Philip and [she] have fundamental disagreements about the rule of law. He’s committed and she isn’t. She’s belittled him and caused consternation, and she frequently encourages behaviour outside the rule of law.”
Over the weekend it was reported that one of the Home Office’s most senior civil servants on immigration resigned after being made “uncomfortable” by Patel’s demands.
According to The Guardian, Mick Jones, of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), the largest trade union for Home Office staff, said that Patel’s approach to various immigration issues had led to Mark Thomson’s resignation as director general of UK Visas and Immigration and HM Passport Office.
This follows suggestions that MI5 has been withholding information from the home secretary and accusations that she has a record of bullying staff. She was accused of creating an “atmosphere of fear” in the Home Office by bullying and belittling officials, but Patel has denied all such allegations.
Patel is also said to have been “livid” over the claims that MI5 did not trust her or believed she was unable to grasp the subtleties of intelligence briefings.
So inflammatory were the reports that security sources took the unusual step of denying the suggestion that they are deliberately withholding information, while former environment secretary Theresa Villiers blamed the “spiteful” briefings against Patel on sexism.
Home Office minister James Brokenshire described the reports of bullying as “absolute nonsense”, telling Sky News: “Yes, she is demanding, but in that role you have to be because you are dealing with some of the most sensitive, some of the most challenging things that you have to deal with across government.”


theweekuk--2020-02-24--F1: Bottas’s flying lap, Ferrari are not as optimistic and Ocon predicts lap records

After a busy few weeks of car launches the ten Formula 1 teams finally got the chance to take their 2020 challengers on the track at the first pre-season testing session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain .
This week there will be three more days of testing in Barcelona , starting on Wednesday , as the teams and drivers fine-tune their preparations ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 15 March .
Here we take a look at five things we have learned so far from pre-season testing… Reigning constructors ’ champions Mercedes grabbed the headlines last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steering ( DAS ) system .
The BBC reports that Mercedes have been cleared to use DAS in the 2020 campaign but the FIA has confirmed it would not be legal under the new regulations being introduced in 2021 .
A clause in the 2021 rules state : “ The re-alignment of the steered wheels , as defined by the position of the inboard attachment of the relevant suspensions members that remain a fixed distance from each other , must be uniquely defined by a monotonic function of the rotational position of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Go onboard for @ ValtteriBottas ' scorcher on Day 3 of # F1Testing - a lap that put him 0.784s quicker than any of his rivals during the first test pic.twitter.com/Y5Rh2Vfxcv Formula1.com ’ s Lawrence Barretto said Mercedes have looked “ very , very , very good ” in Barcelona .
The Silver Arrows , who have won six successive constructors ’ titles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new W11 .
Valtteri Bottas proved he was the “ flying Finn ” as he recorded the fastest lap of the week - a sensational 1min 15.732secs .
Bottas ’ s team-mate Lewis Hamilton , the reigning world champion , was second on the timesheets .
Described as a downbeat assessment , Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto admitted that he is “ not as optimistic as last year ” .
He added : “ Some of the others are faster than us at the moment .
Looking at the picture at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think we are not as fast.
” The Prancing Horse ’ s new SF1000 seemed “ off the pace ” , says F1i.com , but could Ferrari be holding back their true potential ?
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel said : “ I think right now the target is not to prove the maximum power of the engine , the target is to do as many laps as possible .
“ Ramping up the engine and so on , it ’ s probably not something you want to do in testing and certainly not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the first week , F1Technical.net ’ s Balazs Szabo believes Ferrari are “ in trouble ” after Vettel ’ s car “ suffered an engine problem on the final morning of the first week of testing , forcing the team to make an engine change for the afternoon session ” .
4 .
Russell : no way Williams will be off the pace After their torrid 2019 season Williams Racing are looking for massive improvements .
Speaking at the conclusion of the first pre-season test British driver George Russell is confident that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 .
Russell said : “ There ’ s no way we ’ ll be as far off the pace as we were last year .
Last year on average we were one second behind [ and ] you can say that all the other teams at least have found three tenths – so for us to be fighting we need to have found at least that amount .
“ If we can achieve what we ’ re aiming for then I think it ’ ll be a great job , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we just need to see - [ this week ] will be a better understanding but realistically , Melbourne is the time everybody will know where they stand.
” Who impressed you most during the first week of 2020 testing ?
# F1 # F1Testing pic.twitter.com/gb4MY1UcQ9 Renault ’ s Esteban Ocon secured the fourth-fastest lap on the timesheets behind Mercedes duo Bottas and Hamilton and Alfa Romeo ’ s Kimi Raikkonen .
Commenting on the pace of the new cars , the Frenchman predicts that lap records will be broken in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have never gone that fast in some corners before .
It feels good .
“ It is definitely exciting because we are going to go faster and faster .
We ’ re probably going to break all the records this year of lap times.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

After a busy few weeks of car launches the ten Formula 1 teams finally got the chance to take their 2020 challengers on the track at the first pre-season testing session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.
This week there will be three more days of testing in Barcelona, starting on Wednesday, as the teams and drivers fine-tune their preparations ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 15 March.
Here we take a look at five things we have learned so far from pre-season testing…
1. DAS system causes a stir
Reigning constructors’ champions Mercedes grabbed the headlines last week after unveiling their new Dual Axis Steering (DAS) system.
The BBC reports that Mercedes have been cleared to use DAS in the 2020 campaign but the FIA has confirmed it would not be legal under the new regulations being introduced in 2021.
A clause in the 2021 rules state: “The re-alignment of the steered wheels, as defined by the position of the inboard attachment of the relevant suspensions members that remain a fixed distance from each other, must be uniquely defined by a monotonic function of the rotational position of a single steering wheel.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
One sensational lap 🚀🚀🚀 Go onboard for @ValtteriBottas' scorcher on Day 3 of #F1Testing - a lap that put him 0.784s quicker than any of his rivals during the first test pic.twitter.com/Y5Rh2Vfxcv — Formula 1 (@F1) February 22, 2020
2. Bottas is the flying Finn
Formula1.com’s Lawrence Barretto said Mercedes have looked “very, very, very good” in Barcelona.
The Silver Arrows, who have won six successive constructors’ titles, enjoyed three fruitful days of testing in the new W11.
Valtteri Bottas proved he was the “flying Finn” as he recorded the fastest lap of the week - a sensational 1min 15.732secs. Bottas’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton, the reigning world champion, was second on the timesheets.
3. Are Ferrari holding back?
Described as a downbeat assessment, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto admitted that he is “not as optimistic as last year”. He added: “Some of the others are faster than us at the moment. Looking at the picture at the front comparing it to ourselves, I think we are not as fast.”
The Prancing Horse’s new SF1000 seemed “off the pace”, says F1i.com, but could Ferrari be holding back their true potential?


theweekuk--2020-02-24--What is on Donald Trump’s agenda in India?

India ’ s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rolled out the red carpet for a two-day state visit by Donald Trump that is set to be packed with pomp and circumstance .
After flying into Ahmedabad city with First Lady Melania Trump on Monday morning , the US president was greeted by a cheering crowd of more than 100,000 people at a “ Namaste Trump ” ( “ Hello Trump ” ) rally - designed to mirror the “ Howdy Modi ” event that welcomed the Indian PM during a visit to Texas last September , USA Today reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cricket Stadium in Gujarat , Trump declared that he had travelled 8,000 miles to deliver the message that “ America loves India , America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people ” , according to Time magazine .
But with US-India trade relations under strain and both leaders facing domestic crises , what is at stake as Trump begins his whirlwind tour ?
What is on the agenda ?
NBC News says that Modi had “ promised that adoring , and carefully arranged , crowds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s motorcade moved through Ahmedabad - the home town of both Modi and Mahatma Gandhi .
The US president and first lady are also due to visit the city of Agra , for a trip to the Taj Mahal , before moving on to capital New Delhi , where they will spend the night .
Tuesday ’ s agenda will reportedly include more ceremonial events and a meeting with Indian business leaders as part of a CEO roundtable at the US embassy .
Trump with also meet his Indian counterpart , Ram Nath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– What other functions will the trip serve ?
Trump ’ s visit is “ not just about theatrics ” , with India and the US “ looking at signing pacts in areas of intellectual property rights , defence deals , nuclear power cooperation and homeland security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key moment on the agenda is the expected signing of a $ 2.6bn ( £2bn ) deal for India to buy 24 Seahawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin - a purchase that will “ take the total value of US arms exports to India to nearly $ 20bn [ £15.5bn ] , up from virtually zero two-way defence trade 12 years ago ” , adds the South China Morning Post .
Trump and Modi are also expected to finalise a deal for US energy company Westinghouse to build six nuclear reactors in India .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a show of friendship between two nations .
The two leaders have both pushed nationalistic and isolationist policy agendas during the terms in office , with trade deals becoming a point of contention between Delhi and Washington .
In addition , both leaders have been embroiled in domestic scandals in recent months , and a deepening of ties between the two superpowers could help boost their images on the world stage after a difficult 2019 .
That could prove very welcome to Trump , as he begins his re-election campaign in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , Modi has faced criticism over his poor handling of India ’ s economy , amid rising unemployment , and over his policy on Kashmir and a controversial law that fast-tracks citizenship to non-Muslim religious minorities from three neighbouring countries .
“ It will be a political boost and a good news story for him , ” Tanvi Madan , director of the India Project , told the BBC .
“ He will be seen in visuals standing with the most powerful leader of the world , so to speak .
”

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rolled out the red carpet for a two-day state visit by Donald Trump that is set to be packed with pomp and circumstance.
After flying into Ahmedabad city with First Lady Melania Trump on Monday morning, the US president was greeted by a cheering crowd of more than 100,000 people at a “Namaste Trump” (“Hello Trump”) rally - designed to mirror the “Howdy Modi” event that welcomed the Indian PM during a visit to Texas last September, USA Today reports.
Addressing the crowd at the new Motera Cricket Stadium in Gujarat, Trump declared that he had travelled 8,000 miles to deliver the message that “America loves India, America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people”, according to Time magazine.
But with US-India trade relations under strain and both leaders facing domestic crises, what is at stake as Trump begins his whirlwind tour?
What is on the agenda?
NBC News says that Modi had “promised that adoring, and carefully arranged, crowds” would turn out as Trump’s motorcade moved through Ahmedabad - the home town of both Modi and Mahatma Gandhi.
The US president and first lady are also due to visit the city of Agra, for a trip to the Taj Mahal, before moving on to capital New Delhi, where they will spend the night.
Tuesday’s agenda will reportedly include more ceremonial events and a meeting with Indian business leaders as part of a CEO roundtable at the US embassy.
Trump with also meet his Indian counterpart, Ram Nath Kovind, at the presidential palace, known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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What other functions will the trip serve?
Trump’s visit is “not just about theatrics”, with India and the US “looking at signing pacts in areas of intellectual property rights, defence deals, nuclear power cooperation and homeland security”, says Business Today.
A key moment on the agenda is the expected signing of a $2.6bn (£2bn) deal for India to buy 24 Seahawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin - a purchase that will “take the total value of US arms exports to India to nearly $20bn [£15.5bn], up from virtually zero two-way defence trade 12 years ago”, adds the South China Morning Post.
Trump and Modi are also expected to finalise a deal for US energy company Westinghouse to build six nuclear reactors in India.
The trip serves an equally important function as a show of friendship between two nations. The two leaders have both pushed nationalistic and isolationist policy agendas during the terms in office, with trade deals becoming a point of contention between Delhi and Washington.
In addition, both leaders have been embroiled in domestic scandals in recent months, and a deepening of ties between the two superpowers could help boost their images on the world stage after a difficult 2019. That could prove very welcome to Trump, as he begins his re-election campaign in the wake of a damaging impeachment trial.
Meanwhile, Modi has faced criticism over his poor handling of India’s economy, amid rising unemployment, and over his policy on Kashmir and a controversial law that fast-tracks citizenship to non-Muslim religious minorities from three neighbouring countries.
“It will be a political boost and a good news story for him,” Tanvi Madan, director of the India Project, told the BBC. “He will be seen in visuals standing with the most powerful leader of the world, so to speak.”


theweekuk--2020-02-24--America takes it on the chin as ‘those darn Brits’ dominate boxing’s heavyweight division

Mike Tyson has lavished praise on Tyson Fury after the Gypsy King crushed Deontay Wilder in the Las Vegas rematch at the weekend .
“ Dominant performance champ , Tyson Fury ” , Tyson tweeted , after whom Fury was named by his father in 1988 .
“ Iron Mike ” has made no secret of the fact he ’ s a Fury fan and he was seen celebrating the Englishman ’ s win at ringside .
Not only was it a dominant performance from Fury in taking his opponent ’ s WBC heavyweight belt , it was also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the Alabama Hammer - in seven magnificent rounds at the MGM Grand .
This is amazing % uD83D % uDE06 @ MikeTyson going wild after Tyson Fury 's stoppage win against Deontay Wilder % uD83D % uDE4C # WilderFury2 pic.twitter.com/pbxC4jJ2yi Going into the fight , Wilder had never been beaten , but the hammering he took from Fury was a humiliation that was felt across the whole country .
“ We took it on the chin again , America , ” laments USA Today .
“ From those darn Brits .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the damage ended here.
” It doesn ’ t , of course , said the paper .
Less than three months ago American-Mexican Andy Ruiz was on the wrong end of a pummelling from Watford ’ s own Anthony Joshua , which cost him his WBA ( Super ) , IBF , WBO , and IBO heavyweight belts .
“ Check your own belts , my fellow Americans , because by now the Brits might have those too , ” the paper continued .
Donald Trump couldn ’ t bring himself to acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a Brit , but the United States president did tell reporters outside the White House that it had been a “ great fight ” .
He then mooted the idea of inviting the pair to his place , presumably for a chat and not a rematch .
Quoted by the New York Post , Trump said : “ Maybe we have to bring them both to the White House - I don ’ t know - because that was really a good one .
I think we ’ ll do that.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Who Fury will fight next is the subject of much speculation in the British press with The Sun claiming that if he meets Joshua it could turn into “ boxing ’ s biggest payday ” .
The 30-year-old Joshua has a mandatory fight with Kubrat Pulev but the Sun says that because the Bulgarian shares the same promoter as Fury - Bob Arum - “ it could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could clash in the “ fight of the century ” .
It ’ s expected the pair could share a £77m pot , plus countless lucrative sponsorship deals .
Another of Fury ’ s promoters , Frank Warren , has said he would love to see the pair get it on .
“ I want to see Tyson fight Joshua next , ” he said .
“ That would be the biggest single sporting event to take place in the UK since England winning the World Cup .
You wouldn ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The country would stop to watch it.
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Mike Tyson has lavished praise on Tyson Fury after the Gypsy King crushed Deontay Wilder in the Las Vegas rematch at the weekend.
“Dominant performance champ, Tyson Fury”, Tyson tweeted, after whom Fury was named by his father in 1988.
“Iron Mike” has made no secret of the fact he’s a Fury fan and he was seen celebrating the Englishman’s win at ringside.
Not only was it a dominant performance from Fury in taking his opponent’s WBC heavyweight belt, it was also a devastating one, as he demolished Wilder - the Alabama Hammer - in seven magnificent rounds at the MGM Grand.
This is amazing 😆@MikeTyson going wild after Tyson Fury's stoppage win against Deontay Wilder 🙌 #WilderFury2 pic.twitter.com/pbxC4jJ2yi — Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) February 23, 2020
Those darn Brits...
Going into the fight, Wilder had never been beaten, but the hammering he took from Fury was a humiliation that was felt across the whole country.
“We took it on the chin again, America,” laments USA Today. “From those darn Brits. And this time it hurt bad… if only the damage ended here.”
It doesn’t, of course, said the paper. Less than three months ago American-Mexican Andy Ruiz was on the wrong end of a pummelling from Watford’s own Anthony Joshua, which cost him his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight belts.
“Check your own belts, my fellow Americans, because by now the Brits might have those too,” the paper continued.
White House rematch?
Donald Trump couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge that a fellow American had been outclassed by a Brit, but the United States president did tell reporters outside the White House that it had been a “great fight”.
He then mooted the idea of inviting the pair to his place, presumably for a chat and not a rematch.
Quoted by the New York Post, Trump said: “Maybe we have to bring them both to the White House - I don’t know - because that was really a good one. I think we’ll do that.”
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Show me the money
Who Fury will fight next is the subject of much speculation in the British press with The Sun claiming that if he meets Joshua it could turn into “boxing’s biggest payday”.
The 30-year-old Joshua has a mandatory fight with Kubrat Pulev but the Sun says that because the Bulgarian shares the same promoter as Fury - Bob Arum - “it could be sidestepped” so that the two Brits could clash in the “fight of the century”.
It’s expected the pair could share a £77m pot, plus countless lucrative sponsorship deals.
England expects
Another of Fury’s promoters, Frank Warren, has said he would love to see the pair get it on.
“I want to see Tyson fight Joshua next,” he said. “That would be the biggest single sporting event to take place in the UK since England winning the World Cup. You wouldn’t be able to get a ticket for it. The country would stop to watch it.”
Today’s back pages
Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua - it’s time to ‘get it on’
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theweekuk--2020-02-24--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 24 Feb 2020

The UK has climbed the world ranking of tax havens and is nearing the top 10 most secretive financial systems @ @ @ @ @ ( TJN ) said the UK had become a more desirable place for businesses and @ @ @ @ @ finances from the law , raising serious concerns about Britain ’ s post-Brexit strategy .

Daily portion of fruit and veg ‘cuts stroke risk’
Eating 200g of fruit and vegetables every day may reduce the risk of suffering the most common type of stroke by 13%, according to a new study by an international team. Conversely, a daily portion of 50g of red meat - equivalent to two slices of roast beef - was associated with a 14% increase in the risk of an ischaemic stroke, while consuming 20g of eggs per day raised the risk by 25%.


theweekuk--2020-02-24--Today’s back pages: Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua - it’s time to ‘get it on’

Fury vs. Wilder III or Fury vs. Joshua ?
Tyson Fury dominates the front and back pages of today ’ s newspapers after his stunning victory against Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas at the weekend .
Unbeaten British fighter Fury stopped the American in the seventh round to win the WBC title , The Ring magazine belt and maintain his status as the lineal champion of the heavyweight division .
It ’ s reported that Wilder has 30 days to activate a rematch clause for a third fight against the new champion , but British boxing fans are keen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ring for a unification bout .
The Sun says “ belt up - we ’ re in for a wild ride ” while the Daily Express reports that if WBC holder Fury and WBA , IBF and WBO champ Joshua do line up a super-fight it would be the “ biggest single sporting event in Britain since England won the World Cup in 1966 ” .
When asked about his next opponent “ Gypsy King ” Fury said : “ I ’ ve got another old fella [ Joshua ] across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then that is it then .
It ’ s completed .
Done.
” Speaking for boxing fans across the UK , the Daily Mirror urges the heavyweight stars and their promoters to “ get it on ” .
A superimposed picture of the two fighters was posted on Twitter by broadcaster DAZN USA and Eddie Hearn , Joshua ’ s promoter , also tweeted : “ No need for a third let ’ s go straight to it in the summer !
# undisputed.
” America takes it on the chin as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s heavyweight division ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– England ’ s win over Ireland makes many of the back pages with the papers unanimous that Eddie Jones ’ s side are back on track in the Six Nations .
“ Turbo-charged England back to their best ” is the headline in The Times , while The Daily Telegraph leads with “ redemption day ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his role in steering England to a 24-12 win at Twickenham yesterday , although are the newspapers guilty of hyperbole ?
It was a very poor performance from Ireland with the visitors gifting their opponents two tries in the first half , to trail 17-0 at the break .
But nonetheless they actually out-scored the home side in the second period as they scored a couple of tries of their own , and England ’ s reluctance to push for a fourth try and an offensive bonus point was odd .
Nonetheless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eyes on the prize ” is The Guardian ’ s headline , alongside a photo of a beaming Ford , and the paper claims that England remain in contention for the Six Nations title .
Now second in the table , England are four points adrift of France who are the only unbeaten side after their impressive victory against Wales on Saturday .
The French visit Scotland in a fortnight before finishing their campaign in Paris against Ireland and judging by their form so far in the championship Les Bleus are on course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2010 .
2020 Six Nations guide : round four fixtures , latest table and results Daily Mirror and the Daily Star both quote Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the Norwegian ’ s effusive praise of striker Anthony Martial .
The French frontman produced a delightful chip to score the second of United ’ s three goals in their 3-0 win against Watford yesterday , a victory that moves the Red Devils into fifth spot in the Premier League and within sight of a Champions League place next season .
Martial has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Solskjaer said of him : “ He ’ s had a great week .
Today the mind-blowing skills .
I want more from him and I ’ ll keep at him.
” The Guardian and the Daily Express carry the comments of Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger after learning that no one was punished for allegedly racially abusing him at Tottenham in December .
The Guardian reports that the Metropolitan Police investigated Rudiger ’ s claims but found “ no evidence to support his complaint ” .
The paper adds that some Tottenham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and booed him when the two sides met at Stamford Bridge on Saturday , a match that the Blues won 2-1 .
“ It ’ s sad , ” Rudiger said of the jeers .
“ I don ’ t know why they would .
Maybe it ’ s because I voiced about the racism .
If you boo me because of that then you are poor people .
I am sorry .
This is a sign that we have a very big problem… for me , in this case , racism won.
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Fury vs. Wilder III or Fury vs. Joshua?
Tyson Fury dominates the front and back pages of today’s newspapers after his stunning victory against Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas at the weekend.
Unbeaten British fighter Fury stopped the American in the seventh round to win the WBC title, The Ring magazine belt and maintain his status as the lineal champion of the heavyweight division.
It’s reported that Wilder has 30 days to activate a rematch clause for a third fight against the new champion, but British boxing fans are keen to see Fury and Anthony Joshua step into the ring for a unification bout.
The Sun says “belt up - we’re in for a wild ride” while the Daily Express reports that if WBC holder Fury and WBA, IBF and WBO champ Joshua do line up a super-fight it would be the “biggest single sporting event in Britain since England won the World Cup in 1966”.
When asked about his next opponent “Gypsy King” Fury said: “I’ve got another old fella [Joshua] across the pond who might want a little tickle. Then that is it then. It’s completed. Done.”
Speaking for boxing fans across the UK, the Daily Mirror urges the heavyweight stars and their promoters to “get it on”.
A superimposed picture of the two fighters was posted on Twitter by broadcaster DAZN USA and Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, also tweeted: “No need for a third let’s go straight to it in the summer! #undisputed.”
America takes it on the chin as ‘those darn Brits’ dominate boxing’s heavyweight division
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Awesome England or awful Ireland?
England’s win over Ireland makes many of the back pages with the papers unanimous that Eddie Jones’s side are back on track in the Six Nations.
“Turbo-charged England back to their best” is the headline in The Times, while The Daily Telegraph leads with “redemption day”.
i Sport singles out fly-half George Ford for his role in steering England to a 24-12 win at Twickenham yesterday, although are the newspapers guilty of hyperbole?


theweekuk--2020-02-24--Whitehall seeks HR boss amid growing tensions

The Cabinet Office is advertising for a new civil servant to oversee HR policy for government ministers ’ special advisers as tensions grow between Number 10 and the rest of Whitehall .
The Special Advisers ’ HR Policy Lead role , described as “ high profile and stretching ” , has an annual salary of £60,000 .
The advert says the role is to “ revise and embed a full suite of HR policies , processes and principles ” .
In what appears to be a thinly veiled rebuke to the management style of Boris Johnson ’ s special adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the successful applicant will need to “ create an inclusive working environment where all opinions and challenges are taken into account ” .
A Whitehall source told BuzzFeed News the role has been created in response to concerns within the civil service about the treatment of special advisers by Number 10 , and the belief that the prime minister ’ s team has broken employment law .
BuzzFeed News also reports that special advisers have been in contact with the FDA trade union to discuss their treatment at the hands of Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government advisers by claiming that anyone suffering from “ personal crises ” should leave their jobs , saying their roles were incompatible with personal issues such as bereavement .
The ministry of defence adviser Lynn Davidson criticised Cummings for his “ unkindness ” after he upset special advisers by telling them at a meeting that he would “ see half of you next week ” .
It was also revealed last week that some special advisers have sought counselling due to the stress of their jobs , and others are planning their departures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outspoken critic of the civil service , repeatedly voicing his disdain for Whitehall and Parliament .
In 2014 , after leaving his role as an adviser to Michael Gove at the Department for Education , Cummings said of the civil service : “ Everyone thinks there ’ s some moment , like in a James Bond movie , where you open the door and that ’ s where the really good people are , but there is no door.
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theweekuk--2020-02-24--Israel strikes Gaza and Syria

Israel strikes Gaza and Syria

Israeli aircraft have bombed the Gaza Strip and Syria , killing two people , after earlier rocket fire .
The Israeli Air Force claims it targeted “ Islamic Jihad terror sites ” throughout Gaza and near the Syrian capital , Damascus .
The Guardian says “ the latest tit-for-tat violence ” comes “ ahead of a fresh general election ” .
Earlier , more than 20 rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza , in response to the killing of a Jihadist militant along the Gaza-Israel border .
The Israeli military claims that the strike in the area of Al @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a site where the militant group conducts research and development of weapons , both by adapting them to manufacturing in the Gaza Strip , as well as for manufacturing in Syria .
The Israeli paper Ha ’ artez says the city of Ashkelon has opened public shelters and cancelled public events at community centres .
Police have also bolstered forces in southern Israel , as a response to the bombing of Gaza is expected .
“ The attacks were carried out in response to the attempted terror attack this morning on the perimeter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory , ” a statement from the military read .
“ The IDF will respond to any terror acts of the Islamic Jihad that endanger Israeli civilians and harm its sovereignty .
The IDF views the rocket attack towards Israeli territory with great severity , is prepared and will continue operating as necessary against attempts to harm Israeli civilians.
” Since the Syrian conflict began in 2011 , Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria , mainly targeting government forces as well as allied Iranian forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rarely directly claims responsibility for them .
According to Ynet , Palestinians say Egypt and the UN are attempting to broker a ceasefire that will return calm to the region .
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Israeli aircraft have bombed the Gaza Strip and Syria, killing two people, after earlier rocket fire.
The Israeli Air Force claims it targeted “Islamic Jihad terror sites” throughout Gaza and near the Syrian capital, Damascus. The Guardian says “the latest tit-for-tat violence” comes “ahead of a fresh general election”.
Earlier, more than 20 rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza, in response to the killing of a Jihadist militant along the Gaza-Israel border.
The Israeli military claims that the strike in the area of Al Adleyeh, south of Damascus, targeted a site where the militant group conducts research and development of weapons, both by adapting them to manufacturing in the Gaza Strip, as well as for manufacturing in Syria.
The Israeli paper Ha’artez says the city of Ashkelon has opened public shelters and cancelled public events at community centres. Police have also bolstered forces in southern Israel, as a response to the bombing of Gaza is expected.
“The attacks were carried out in response to the attempted terror attack this morning on the perimeter fence and the launching of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory,” a statement from the military read.
“The IDF will respond to any terror acts of the Islamic Jihad that endanger Israeli civilians and harm its sovereignty. The IDF views the rocket attack towards Israeli territory with great severity, is prepared and will continue operating as necessary against attempts to harm Israeli civilians.”
Since the Syrian conflict began in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting government forces as well as allied Iranian forces and Hezbollah fighters. However, it rarely directly claims responsibility for them.
According to Ynet, Palestinians say Egypt and the UN are attempting to broker a ceasefire that will return calm to the region.
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theweekuk--2020-02-24--Villain in 2017 Asterix comic book was called Coronavirus

A character in an Asterix comic book was named after the coronavirus - three years before the deadly Wuhan outbreak .
In Asterix and the Chariot Race , a masked villain taking part in the titular race was named Coronavirus .
The popular comic book was published in 2017 .
Man from 2050 says we are living in matrix A man who insists he is a cyborg time traveller from 2050 says we are living in a simulation .
“ We are being kept down by a corporation , ” says the man , known as Orrin .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and propaganda to hate ourselves , to divide us based on gender , race , sexuality , identity and preference.
” Swami claims women who cook on period will be reborn as dogs Women who cook while on their period will be reborn as dogs , according to an Indian religious leader .
Krushnaswarup Dasji , a member of Swaminarayan sect of Hindus , has also warned men that they will come back as bullocks if they eat the food made by menstruating women .
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A character in an Asterix comic book was named after the coronavirus - three years before the deadly Wuhan outbreak. In Asterix and the Chariot Race, a masked villain taking part in the titular race was named Coronavirus. The popular comic book was published in 2017.
Man from 2050 says we are living in matrix
A man who insists he is a cyborg time traveller from 2050 says we are living in a simulation. “We are being kept down by a corporation,” says the man, known as Orrin. “They are lying to us through marketing schemes and propaganda to hate ourselves, to divide us based on gender, race, sexuality, identity and preference.”
Swami claims women who cook on period will be reborn as dogs
Women who cook while on their period will be reborn as dogs, according to an Indian religious leader. Krushnaswarup Dasji, a member of Swaminarayan sect of Hindus, has also warned men that they will come back as bullocks if they eat the food made by menstruating women.
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theweekuk--2020-02-24--The Sun reveals £68m loss as Murdoch’s tabloid struggles

Rupert Murdoch ’ s The Sun and Sun on Sunday newspapers revealed this weekend that they lost £68 million in the 12 months leading up to July 2019 , citing declining print sales and continued payouts to settle phone-hacking cases .
News Group Newspapers Ltd , the publisher of The Sun and Sun on Sunday and former publisher of the News of the World , said it had handed £54 million last year to the victims of its phone-hacking malpractice almost a decade ago - including figures such as Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley .
This means that Britain ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its total revenue settling the claims , as the scandal continues to dog them , perhaps most notably in the case of Prince Harry , whose phone-hacking cases against The Sun and The Daily Mirror are ongoing .
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Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Revenue was up on the previous year , rising from £401 million to £420 million , and the loss is less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , reports The Telegraph , “ the losses would have topped £100m had The Sun not benefited from a £40m payment from the Australian gambling operator Tabcorp for pulling out of Sun Bets , a joint venture which failed to challenge established bookmakers.
” The paper also experienced a drop in print sales , with 125,000 fewer sold than in the same period that finished in 2018 .
As a result , says The Guardian , the paper is “ on track to lose ” the title of Britain ’ s best-selling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at some point this year , as its paid circulation heads below 1.1m copies a day.
” The financial results from Murdoch ’ s other ventures were better , however , with Times Newspapers Limited , which publishes The Times and the Sunday Times , registering a £3.8 million profit .
Wireless Group Limited , another Murdoch outfit which counts TalkSPORT and Virgin Radio in its portfolio , achieved a turnover of £46 million , up from £41 million .
“ Murdoch has ramped up his attack on the BBC in recent months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unveiling the launch of talk station Times Radio , which has been mooted as a new rival to Radio 4.
” Times Radio is due for launch later this year , and will be advertisement free , it ’ s aim being to drive subscriptions to the two Times newspapers .

Rupert Murdoch’s The Sun and Sun on Sunday newspapers revealed this weekend that they lost £68 million in the 12 months leading up to July 2019, citing declining print sales and continued payouts to settle phone-hacking cases.
News Group Newspapers Ltd, the publisher of The Sun and Sun on Sunday and former publisher of the News of the World, said it had handed £54 million last year to the victims of its phone-hacking malpractice almost a decade ago - including figures such as Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley.
This means that Britain’s best-selling newspaper is spending an eighth of its total revenue settling the claims, as the scandal continues to dog them, perhaps most notably in the case of Prince Harry, whose phone-hacking cases against The Sun and The Daily Mirror are ongoing.
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Revenue was up on the previous year, rising from £401 million to £420 million, and the loss is less than the previous years’ £91 million.
However, reports The Telegraph, “the losses would have topped £100m had The Sun not benefited from a £40m payment from the Australian gambling operator Tabcorp for pulling out of Sun Bets, a joint venture which failed to challenge established bookmakers.”
The paper also experienced a drop in print sales, with 125,000 fewer sold than in the same period that finished in 2018.
As a result, says The Guardian, the paper is “on track to lose” the title of Britain’s best-selling print publication “to the Daily Mail at some point this year, as its paid circulation heads below 1.1m copies a day.”
The financial results from Murdoch’s other ventures were better, however, with Times Newspapers Limited, which publishes The Times and the Sunday Times, registering a £3.8 million profit.
Wireless Group Limited, another Murdoch outfit which counts TalkSPORT and Virgin Radio in its portfolio, achieved a turnover of £46 million, up from £41 million.
“Murdoch has ramped up his attack on the BBC in recent months,” says City AM, “unveiling the launch of talk station Times Radio, which has been mooted as a new rival to Radio 4.”
Times Radio is due for launch later this year, and will be advertisement free, it’s aim being to drive subscriptions to the two Times newspapers.


theweekuk--2020-02-24--Coronavirus hits Italy as fears of global pandemic rise

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The Italian authorities have put strict measures in place, putting towns across the country’s North on lockdown and closing the Venice Carnival early, as cases of the Wuhan coronavirus disease – Covid-19 – spiked from three reported on Friday to 150 yesterday.
This is the first major European outbreak. Six people are known to have died, and police are patrolling 11 towns, imposing fines on anyone travelling to or from “hotspot” areas.
Emergency measures now apply throughout the country, but the the strictest quarantines have been placed on municipalities in Veneto and Lombardy, where 50,000 people are now locked down.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the implementation of “extraordinary measures” in a bid to counter the outbreak. The quarantine restrictions, he said, could last for weeks.
“We have adopted a decree to protect the health of Italians, which is our priority and which ranks first in the list of constitutional values,” he said, adding that people should “have faith in the political and scientific institutions, which are doing everything possible”.
“We still cannot identify patient zero, so it’s difficult to forecast possible new cases,” said Angelo Borrelli, head of the country’s Civil Protection agency, at a press conference on Sunday. “We are asking basically that everyone who has come from areas stricken by the epidemic to remain under a mandatory house stay.”
As well as the Venice Carnival, locked down areas have seen schools, universities, trade fairs, shops, opera performances, and Serie A football matches closed and cancelled, in what The New York Times calls a “test of whether the virus can be successfully contained in relatively open European societies.”
In these “hotspot” areas, only pharmacies have been allowed to stay open.
“Lombardy is home to Italy’s financial capital Milan, and together with Veneto the two regions account for 30 per cent of the country’s gross domestic output,” notes the Financial Times, pointing out that “any prolonged disruption there is likely to affect the national economy, which is already on the brink of recession.”
The ongoing fashion week in Milan was also affected, with Giorgio Armani showing new designs without a live audience on Sunday - streaming the show on social media instead.


theweekuk--2020-02-24--Is Bernie Sanders unstoppable?

Is Bernie Sanders unstoppable?

Aspiring Democratic president Bernie Sanders , the Senator for Vermont , cemented his place as the race ’ s clear frontrunner over the weekend , sweeping the Nevada caucus on Saturday night .
While the winning margin was indeed wide , it was the nature of his victory that felt just as significant , with the self-described democratic socialist attracting a broad social , multi-racial coalition of immigrants , college students , Hispanic and black voters , and even some moderates - a group that has traditionally balked at his radical policy proposals .
Sanders ’ previous strong showings were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevada was seen a test of his appeal to a broader electorate , one he passed resoundingly .
It remains to be seen if his lead can be cut when , eventually , the more moderate vote is united behind a single candidate , but for now , with that vote split , Sanders looks like the runaway favourite to be the person to confront President Donald Trump in the election this November .
Of those centrist candidates , it seems likely that one of Vice President Joe Biden , South Bend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg - the billionaire media mogul who is a relatively recent entry to the race - will be the last person standing to face Sanders .
Amy Klobuchar , another moderate , seems to have fallen irrevocably behind after her poor showing in Nevada , while Elizabeth Warren , for all her qualities as a speaker and thinker , came in fourth place in Nevada with less than 10 % of the vote , and seems to have fallen behind Sanders as the flagbearer of the party ’ s left .
With 88 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led with 47.1 % of the vote .
Coming in second , Joe Biden scored 21 % , with Buttigieg on 13.7 % , and Warren 9.6 % .
Sanders had done well in the previous states ’ primaries , but “ Nevada was different , ” says The Washington Post .
“ It was a Sanders blowout.
” “ When I look out at an audience like this and I see the diversity and beauty in this audience ...
I have absolute confidence we can create a government based on compassion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not what we have now of greed , corruption and lies , ” said the 78-year-old in his victory speech .
Sanders ’ ascendancy has brought attacks from the centrist candidates , particularly from Mayor Pete Buttigieg : “ Senator Sanders ’ revolution has the tenor of combat , division and polarisation , a vision where whoever wins the day , nothing will change the toxic tone of our politics , ” Buttigieg said in a speech to supporters , urging the wider party to take a “ sober look at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– “ The tight race between Mr Biden and Mr Buttigieg will frustrate those who had hoped the more so-called 'moderate ' Democrats would coalesce around an alternative to Mr Sanders , ” says The Financial Times .
Donald Trump seemed to revel in the division besetting his rivals : Super Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold their votes to decide the Democratic candidate , is now a day of huge importance for the race .
Sanders ’ “ rivals are now running out of time and , with the exception of former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg , ( who has ) the resources required to blunt his momentum , ” says CNN .
“ If Sanders continues to gain steam and support , he could - in as few as 10 days - amass a practically unbreakable delegate lead on Super Tuesday.
” While Sanders ’ broad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commentators continue to predict his firebrand style and radical policy proposals will fail to resonate with the whole country in November , and are concerned that the party may be self-immolating ahead of its crucial bid to oust Trump .
“ The Democratic Party… looks like a derelict ship awaiting capture by a band of pirates , ” writes Ross Douthat in The New York Times .
“ The center-left establishment… seems old , exhausted , promising to mildly reform a status quo that an intense and motivated portion of its base regards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the party actors who don ’ t want to see Sanders nominated are finding… that it ’ s awfully hard to stop a candidate if you can ’ t agree on the alternative.
” If the field of moderates can coalesce quickly , then Sanders ’ path to victory my narrow , but for now , says Nate Silver , writing for FiveThirtyEight , he “ is easily the most likely Democrat to win the nomination .
”


theweekuk--2020-02-24--Instant Opinion: ‘now is the time to defend Julian Assange’

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 need to defend the controversial WikiLeaks founder Now Is The Time To Defend Julian Assange .
Even If You Do n't Like Him “ Assange does not cut a sympathetic figure .
He is easy to dismiss as a hacker , or an anti-US figure , or even as a ‘ Russian stooge ’ , thanks to some of his associates and his willingness to work with the broadcaster Russia Today .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figureheads – and it ’ s in cases exactly like this that our freedoms are challenged .
The current US administration has shown time and again it is willing to bypass or potentially even break laws intended to hold it accountable and make sure government is in the interests of the people.
” Immigrants built Britain .
Now their Conservative children are disowning them “ That is the purpose of this new skills apartheid : it creates an arbitrary way of sifting people into ‘ good migrants ’ and ‘ bad migrants ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can become even more cruel .
There is no good economic justification for it , only a political one .
Alighting on ‘ skills ’ as the arbiter of who is worth admitting is a clever way to give a neutral technocratic veneer to what is fundamentally ideological .
In this regard , it is consistent with Conservative attitudes toward class , work and race .
Under the new immigration rules , there is no use for Javid senior – but his son , who made millions at Deutsche Bank , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market government debt , is absolutely welcome.
” Is It a Pandemic Yet ?
“ As chilling as it is to imagine this scenario , what happened in Wuhan , the Chinese city at the epicenter of the outbreak , will likely play out elsewhere , too .
Hospitals might have to turn away all but the people most seriously ill ; their ability to handle their usual load of patients with heart attacks , critical injuries or cancers may be severely compromised .
In a world ill-prepared for a potentially life-threatening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most effective way to mitigate the pandemic ’ s impact is to focus on supporting health care systems that already are overburdened.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– on how the success of capitalism leads to success for women Left-wing feminism is no ally of women “ It is impossible to separate the advancements of women from the advancements of capitalism if we put aside the ugly path contemporary feminism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lie in the right to vote , to speak our minds , to earn money , to spend money , and to do with our bodies what we deem fit .
[ ... ] Thanks to the wealth accumulated in liberal countries , funding for medicine means pregnancy and giving birth are no longer death sentences .
And women have been given new choices that include where to work , what to buy and who to trade with .
As living standards rise all over the world , women rise up too.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s shock election performance Fine Gael and Fianna Fail must ask ‘ what do we stand for ?
’ “ Having spent a campaign attacking Sinn Fein – a tactic which completely backfired – Fine Gael and Fianna Fail politicians are now continuing that failed approach .
So we know what they ’ re against , but what are they for ?
When Sinn Fein was garnering support in working-class communities , when it was soaking up young , politicised people in universities , when it was getting the vote out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was organising groups of lads to head out and help Repeal canvassers , where were Fine Gael and Fianna Fail ?
Why didn ’ t either party notice this , and think ‘ wow , we better make sure they don ’ t capture our potential voters !
’ Could it be that neither party really cared enough about those demographics ?
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. James Ball on Huffpost
on the need to defend the controversial WikiLeaks founder
Now Is The Time To Defend Julian Assange. Even If You Don't Like Him
“Assange does not cut a sympathetic figure. He is easy to dismiss as a hacker, or an anti-US figure, or even as a ‘Russian stooge’, thanks to some of his associates and his willingness to work with the broadcaster Russia Today. But we do not get to pick our figureheads – and it’s in cases exactly like this that our freedoms are challenged. The current US administration has shown time and again it is willing to bypass or potentially even break laws intended to hold it accountable and make sure government is in the interests of the people.”
2. Nesrine Malik in The Guardian
on the Conservative’s points-based immigration system
Immigrants built Britain. Now their Conservative children are disowning them
“That is the purpose of this new skills apartheid: it creates an arbitrary way of sifting people into ‘good migrants’ and ‘bad migrants’, so that an overtly punitive regime can become even more cruel. There is no good economic justification for it, only a political one. Alighting on ‘skills’ as the arbiter of who is worth admitting is a clever way to give a neutral technocratic veneer to what is fundamentally ideological. In this regard, it is consistent with Conservative attitudes toward class, work and race. Under the new immigration rules, there is no use for Javid senior – but his son, who made millions at Deutsche Bank, where he constructed precarious collateralised loan obligations using emerging market government debt, is absolutely welcome.”
3. Michael T. Osterholm and Mark Olshaker in The New York Times
on the continued spread of the coronavirus
Is It a Pandemic Yet?
“As chilling as it is to imagine this scenario, what happened in Wuhan, the Chinese city at the epicenter of the outbreak, will likely play out elsewhere, too. Hospitals might have to turn away all but the people most seriously ill; their ability to handle their usual load of patients with heart attacks, critical injuries or cancers may be severely compromised. In a world ill-prepared for a potentially life-threatening, easily transmitted disease like Covid-19, the most effective way to mitigate the pandemic’s impact is to focus on supporting health care systems that already are overburdened.”


theweekuk--2020-02-24--The meaning of Lent - and ten popular things to give up in 2020

To many , Shrove Tuesday is little more than a day on which to whip up – and tuck into – a big stack of pancakes .
But while the focus on pancake creations is a modern phenomenon , Shrove Tuesday has for centuries been a day of particular significance in the Christian calendar .
It marks the final day before the start of Lent – a 40-day period defined by spiritual discipline and sacrifice , with many observers opting to give up certain luxuries from their lives for the duration .
So with Lent just around the corner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significance of the observation - along with ten ideas for those looking to give up some of life ’ s cushy comforts .
Lent – originally known in Latin as Quadragesima – is the name of the 40-day period leading up to Holy Thursday , the last Thursday before Good Friday and Easter Sunday .
Historically this period would allow for a 40-day fast – with Sundays excluded – in imitation of the so-called Temptation of Christ .
This biblical narrative , which appears in the Gospels of Matthew , Mark and Luke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John the Baptist , Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the Judaean Desert , during which Satan tried to tempt him .
Jesus is said to have rebuffed these attempts for the duration of the Temptation before returning to public life to begin years of travelling and teaching .
Encyclopaedia Britannica suggests that a period of preparation and fasting has been observed before the Easter festival since apostolic times , though the practice was not formalised until the First Council of Nicaea in AD325 .
Furthermore , while fasting may still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interpretations of the story of Lent , the 20th century marked the gradual relaxation of rules surrounding fasting during the 40-day period .
Instead , Christians now often choose to give up specific pleasures such as sweets , alcohol or social media during Lent as a way to foster simplicity and self-control .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lent is regarded as “ one of the most important times of year for many Christians around the world , particularly those within the Anglican , Catholic and Orthodox traditions ” , adding that it is “ held at a similar level of importance to Advent ” – the build-up to Christmas .
However , while Advent is often associated with celebration and anticipation , Lent is considered a far more solemn observance , commemorating the sacrifices and suffering experienced by Jesus during the Temptation of Christ .
What are some common sacrifices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says that when Lent required a total fast , Shrove Tuesday became known as Pancake Day as it was an “ easy way to use up eggs and butter before Lent began ” .
But while such issues of practicality are less prevalent in modern observations of Lent , this year will once again see Christians “ give up some of their favourite foods or vices this year , from chocolate and crisps to smoking and alcohol ” .
And if you want to partake in this ancient practice of self-discipline and spiritual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things to give up for Lent 2020 : Certain foods : The classic choice for Lenten sacrifice is certain foods , with observances ranging from giving specific items such as chocolate and crisps to broader abstentions such as forfeiting snacking between meals .
Alcohol : As seen during Dry January , people are increasingly looking for excuses to give up alcohol temporarily – or perhaps to kickstart a permanent abstention from alcoholic drinks .
Smoking : With the number of smokers in the UK plummeting year after year , the practice of giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and less common .
However , there are still people using the observance to kick the habit .
Coffee : Country Living suggests that your method of choice when giving up coffee for Lent “ depends on your habit ” , adding : “ Someone might give up the stuff entirely if they sip on home-brewed coffee all day , others might give up the morning ( or mid-afternoon ) caffeine fix from their favourite shop.
” Eating out : Eating out at a restaurant can often seem like the most convenient choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lent could be the perfect reason to not only brush up on your home cooking skills but also save significant amounts of money on food .
Digital devices : Often dubbed a “ digital diet ” , the practice of giving up some degree of digital device interaction is an extremely popular choice for observers of Lent .
Writing in The Telegraph , Anna Hart says that undertaking a digital diet for Lent gave her “ a clearer mind , boosted productivity , increased creativity , reduced stress and more productive days ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of the digital diet involves cutting social media use , which Catholic.org writer Marshall Connolly attests to being “ hard – very hard ” , but adds : “ With less time listening to the noise of social media , I now find I have an easier time tuning in to God .
I need less time to clear my mind before prayer , which is a great thing .
I had no realisation that social media could be such pollution to the spiritual mind.
” Gossip : This one has even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pope himself , who stated in 2019 that Lent is a good time to concentrate on fighting the urge to talk about others and instead trying to correct one ’ s own faults and defects .
“ We all know it usually is easier or more comfortable to notice and condemn the defects and sins of others rather than seeing our own with that kind of clarity , ” Pope Francis said during the Angelus Address in Vatican City last year .
Complaining : A similar pick is to give up complaining , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaining most likely makes you feel bummed out , and it ’ s not fun for your friends and family to listen to either ” .
Sex : While abstention from sex is a key facet of more extreme elements of Catholic doctrine , with priests expected to stay celibate , more moderate followers may also look to use Lent to give up sexual activity temporarily .

According to Christian charity Stewardship , Lent is regarded as “one of the most important times of year for many Christians around the world, particularly those within the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox traditions”, adding that it is “held at a similar level of importance to Advent” – the build-up to Christmas.
Furthermore, while fasting may still be undertaken by followers of more orthodox interpretations of the story of Lent, the 20th century marked the gradual relaxation of rules surrounding fasting during the 40-day period. Instead, Christians now often choose to give up specific pleasures such as sweets, alcohol or social media during Lent as a way to foster simplicity and self-control.
Encyclopaedia Britannica suggests that a period of preparation and fasting has been observed before the Easter festival since apostolic times, though the practice was not formalised until the First Council of Nicaea in AD325.
Historically this period would allow for a 40-day fast – with Sundays excluded – in imitation of the so-called Temptation of Christ. This biblical narrative, which appears in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, tells that after being baptised by John the Baptist, Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the Judaean Desert, during which Satan tried to tempt him. Jesus is said to have rebuffed these attempts for the duration of the Temptation before returning to public life to begin years of travelling and teaching.
Lent – originally known in Latin as Quadragesima – is the name of the 40-day period leading up to Holy Thursday, the last Thursday before Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
So with Lent starting on Wednesday 2 March in 2022, we take a look at the significance of the observation – along with ten ideas for those looking to give up some of life’s cushy comforts.
It marks the final day before the start of Lent – a 40-day period defined by spiritual discipline and sacrifice, with many observers opting to give up certain luxuries from their lives for the duration.
To many, Shrove Tuesday is little more than a day on which to whip up – and tuck into – a big stack of pancakes. But while the focus on pancake creations is a modern phenomenon, Shrove Tuesday has for centuries been a day of particular significance in the Christian calendar.
However, while Advent is often associated with celebration and anticipation, Lent is considered a far more solemn observance, commemorating the sacrifices and suffering experienced by Jesus during the Temptation of Christ.
What are some common sacrifices made during Lent?
The Daily Express said that when Lent required a total fast, Shrove Tuesday became known as Pancake Day as it was an “easy way to use up eggs and butter before Lent began”.
But while such issues of practicality are less prevalent in modern observations of Lent, this year will once again see Christians “give up some of their favourite foods or vices this year, from chocolate and crisps to smoking and alcohol”.
And if you want to partake in this ancient practice of self-discipline and spiritual abstinence, here are ten ideas for things to give up for Lent in 2022:
Certain foods
The classic choice for Lenten sacrifice is certain foods, with observances ranging from giving specific items such as chocolate and crisps to broader abstentions such as forfeiting snacking between meals.
Alcohol
As seen during Dry January, people are increasingly looking for excuses to give up alcohol temporarily – or perhaps to kickstart a permanent abstention from alcoholic drinks.
Smoking
With the number of smokers in the UK plummeting year after year, the practice of giving up cigarettes for Lent is becoming less and less common. However, there are still people using the observance to kick the habit.
Coffee
Country Living suggested that your method of choice when giving up coffee for Lent “depends on your habit”, adding: “Someone might give up the stuff entirely if they sip on home-brewed coffee all day, others might give up the morning (or mid-afternoon) caffeine fix from their favourite shop.”
Eating out
Eating out at a restaurant can often seem like the most convenient choice for people with busy schedules, but Lent could be the perfect reason to not only brush up on your home cooking skills but also save significant amounts of money on food.
Digital devices
Often dubbed a “digital diet”, the practice of giving up some degree of digital device interaction is an extremely popular choice for observers of Lent. Writing in The Telegraph, Anna Hart said that undertaking a digital diet for Lent gave her “a clearer mind, boosted productivity, increased creativity, reduced stress and more productive days”.
Social media
A more specific version of the digital diet involves cutting social media use, which Catholic.org writer Marshall Connolly attests to being “hard – very hard”, but adds: “With less time listening to the noise of social media, I now find I have an easier time tuning in to God. I need less time to clear my mind before prayer, which is a great thing. I had no realisation that social media could be such pollution to the spiritual mind.”
Gossip
This one has even been given the green light by the Pope himself, who stated in 2019 that Lent is a good time to concentrate on fighting the urge to talk about others and instead trying to correct one’s own faults and defects. “We all know it usually is easier or more comfortable to notice and condemn the defects and sins of others rather than seeing our own with that kind of clarity,” Pope Francis said during the Angelus Address in Vatican City.
Complaining
A similar pick is to give up complaining, Aleteia.org said, noting that “endless complaining most likely makes you feel bummed out, and it’s not fun for your friends and family to listen to either”.
Sex
While abstention from sex is a key facet of more extreme elements of Catholic doctrine, with priests expected to stay celibate, more moderate followers may also look to use Lent to give up sexual activity temporarily.