theweekuk--2020-09-03--Inside the Chinese companies vying to produce the world’s first coronavirus vaccine

Mark Greeven , professor of innovation and strategy at the International Institute for Management Development ( IMD ) , on the Chinese effort to vaccinate against coronavirus .
For all its innovative prowess , China has generally lagged other countries in developing vaccines .
But that appears to be changing with the race for a coronavirus vaccine , with Chinese companies potentially even at the forefront .
As often with China , the question is : who are we dealing with ?
Who are the main vaccine developers ?
How far are they in developing a vaccine ?
What is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Chinese state ?
And what is the outlook if China comes up with the vaccine first ?
Of the 32 vaccines that are in human trials around the world , a larger number are from Chinese companies than might have been expected .
The three leading players are Sinovac , CanSino Biologics and Sinopharm .
Sinovac is a NASDAQ-listed company based in Beijing , founded in 2001 .
It is what we call a specialised vaccine developer and has , for instance , developed vaccines for hepatitis A and B , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu .
It was the first company worldwide to get approval for a swine flu vaccine in 2009 .
It is also still the only supplier of an avian flu vaccine .
Sinovac ’ s coronavirus vaccine has entered stage three clinical trials in Brazil and Indonesia , and the company has already prepared a plant for mass vaccine manufacturing in Beijing .
CanSino , the underdog of the three , was founded in 2009 in Tianjin , north-eastern China , by a group of senior professionals from various multinationals .
For instance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passport holder , was global head of development for bacterial vaccines at French pharmaceuticals company Sanofi Pasteur .
The company listed in Hong Kong in March 2019 and in Shanghai in August 2020 .
In 2014 , CanSino became the third pharmaceuticals company to develop a vaccine for Ebola .
In July 2020 , its coronavirus vaccine entered stage three clinical trials , and in August its patent was formally approved in China .
The clinical trials are being done in Saudi Arabia , Mexico and with soldiers from China ’ s People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sinopharm is owned by the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of The State Council ( SASAC ) : the closest a company can get to being part of the central government , and the only pharmaceutical company of that sort in China .
Sinopharm has 150,000 employees and over 1,500 subsidiaries , including six listed companies .
Vaccine development is done through two institutes of Sinopharm subsidiary China National Biotec Group : the Beijing Biological Institute and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products .
The latter was the first institute worldwide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April .
It became the first to enter stage three trials in June in the UAE , and more recently in Peru , Morocco and Argentina .
It is also conducting trials with employees of petroleum conglomerate PetroChina .
The chairman of Sinopharm , Liu Jingzhen , recently predicted that the vaccine would be on the market by December 2020 .
Chinese vaccine developers have faced an unusual problem : too few people are infected with coronavirus in their home country .
This is one of the reasons they have been performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but especially in friendly countries .
Impatient for results , China has also been bypassing its own regulatory process , which helps explain the trials on soldiers and petroleum workers .
Especially in the current climate , many people in the west would probably assume that these companies are all fronts for the Chinese state , but it is not that simple .
True , there is no medical company closer to the government than Sinopharm , but Sinovac was founded as a private enterprise by entrepreneur and leading vaccine scientist Weidong Yin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is SAIF Capital Partners , a major Hong-Kong-based venture capital firm that was spun out of Japan ’ s Softbank.The Chinese state does have an indirect interest in Sinovac through Peking University , which owns an entity called SinoBioWay that has a 13 % stake in the pharmaceuticals company .
The rest of the company belongs to a large variety of small private shareholders and the founder , with the management team still holding over 10 % .
CanSino , meanwhile , has strong links with the Institute of Biology at the Academy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the PLA , through a collaboration with Dr Chen Wei , who was pivotal in developing CanSino ’ s Ebola vaccine , and probably explains CanSino ’ s Covid-19 vaccine trial on soldiers .
Yet in terms of company ownership , there is no link with the state .
CanSino is mainly owned by the founding team and venture capital firms .
Interestingly , the name “ CanSino ” is related to the fact that the founders have lived in Canada for a long time .
Canada is also the first country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the only European or North American country to have shown an interest in a Chinese vaccine .
If China does produce the world ’ s first Covid-19 vaccine , what happens next ?
The Chinese people will presumably be the top priority for inoculation .
After that , the countries that are partners in China ’ s Belt and Road economic initiative are likely to be next in line – especially those that have helped with clinical trials .
Further down the line might be countries that have been less vocal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , such as France , Germany and Switzerland .
But who knows : China has been generous – and political – in providing face masks and ventilator machines to critics as well .
Finally , note that the Chinese don ’ t solely control all their efforts to produce a Covid-19 vaccine .
Fosun Pharma is partnering with Pfizer and Germany ’ s BioNTech in another vaccine initiative – the one Chinese player in an international joint venture .
Fosun is also a shareholder in Oxford Science Innovation , which is invested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hotly tipped AstraZeneca vaccine .
More interesting still , Huawei and Tencent are also investors in VacciTech .
Clearly , it looks like the Chinese are hedging their bets .
Mark Greeven , professor of innovation and strategy at the International Institute for Management Development .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license .
Read the original article .

In 2014, CanSino became the third pharmaceuticals company to develop a vaccine for Ebola . In July 2020, its coronavirus vaccine entered stage three clinical trials, and in August its patent was formally approved in China. The clinical trials are being done in Saudi Arabia , Mexico and with soldiers from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
CanSino , the underdog of the three, was founded in 2009 in Tianjin, north-eastern China, by a group of senior professionals from various multinationals. For instance, Dr Xuefeng Yu, a Canadian passport holder, was global head of development for bacterial vaccines at French pharmaceuticals company Sanofi Pasteur. The company listed in Hong Kong in March 2019 and in Shanghai in August 2020.
It was the first company worldwide to get approval for a swine flu vaccine in 2009. It is also still the only supplier of an avian flu vaccine. Sinovac’s coronavirus vaccine has entered stage three clinical trials in Brazil and Indonesia , and the company has already prepared a plant for mass vaccine manufacturing in Beijing.
Sinovac is a NASDAQ-listed company based in Beijing, founded in 2001. It is what we call a specialised vaccine developer and has, for instance, developed vaccines for hepatitis A and B, seasonal influenza, swine flu and avian flu.
Of the 32 vaccines that are in human trials around the world , a larger number are from Chinese companies than might have been expected. The three leading players are Sinovac, CanSino Biologics and Sinopharm.
As often with China, the question is: who are we dealing with ? Who are the main vaccine developers? How far are they in developing a vaccine? What is their approach? What is the connection to the Chinese state? And what is the outlook if China comes up with the vaccine first?
For all its innovative prowess , China has generally lagged other countries in developing vaccines. But that appears to be changing with the race for a coronavirus vaccine, with Chinese companies potentially even at the forefront.
Mark Greeven, professor of innovation and strategy at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), on the Chinese effort to vaccinate against coronavirus.
Sinopharm is owned by the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of The State Council (SASAC): the closest a company can get to being part of the central government, and the only pharmaceutical company of that sort in China.
Sinopharm has 150,000 employees and over 1,500 subsidiaries, including six listed companies. Vaccine development is done through two institutes of Sinopharm subsidiary China National Biotec Group: the Beijing Biological Institute and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products.
The latter was the first institute worldwide to enter clinical trials for a Covid-19 vaccine in April. It became the first to enter stage three trials in June in the UAE, and more recently in Peru, Morocco and Argentina. It is also conducting trials with employees of petroleum conglomerate PetroChina.
The chairman of Sinopharm, Liu Jingzhen, recently predicted that the vaccine would be on the market by December 2020.
The Chinese approach
Chinese vaccine developers have faced an unusual problem: too few people are infected with coronavirus in their home country.
This is one of the reasons they have been performing clinical trials all over the world, but especially in friendly countries. Impatient for results, China has also been bypassing its own regulatory process, which helps explain the trials on soldiers and petroleum workers.
Especially in the current climate, many people in the west would probably assume that these companies are all fronts for the Chinese state, but it is not that simple. True, there is no medical company closer to the government than Sinopharm, but Sinovac was founded as a private enterprise by entrepreneur and leading vaccine scientist Weidong Yin.
The largest shareholder with 15% is SAIF Capital Partners, a major Hong-Kong-based venture capital firm that was spun out of Japan’s Softbank.The Chinese state does have an indirect interest in Sinovac through Peking University, which owns an entity called SinoBioWay that has a 13% stake in the pharmaceuticals company.
The rest of the company belongs to a large variety of small private shareholders and the founder, with the management team still holding over 10%.
CanSino, meanwhile, has strong links with the Institute of Biology at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, an arm of the PLA, through a collaboration with Dr Chen Wei, who was pivotal in developing CanSino’s Ebola vaccine, and probably explains CanSino’s Covid-19 vaccine trial on soldiers.
Yet in terms of company ownership, there is no link with the state. CanSino is mainly owned by the founding team and venture capital firms. Interestingly, the name “CanSino” is related to the fact that the founders have lived in Canada for a long time.
Canada is also the first country to have ordered vaccines from CanSino, and the only European or North American country to have shown an interest in a Chinese vaccine.
The order of priority
If China does produce the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine, what happens next? The Chinese people will presumably be the top priority for inoculation. After that, the countries that are partners in China’s Belt and Road economic initiative are likely to be next in line – especially those that have helped with clinical trials.
Further down the line might be countries that have been less vocal in the geopolitical war between the US and China, such as France, Germany and Switzerland. But who knows: China has been generous – and political – in providing face masks and ventilator machines to critics as well.
Finally, note that the Chinese don’t solely control all their efforts to produce a Covid-19 vaccine. Fosun Pharma is partnering with Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech in another vaccine initiative – the one Chinese player in an international joint venture.
Fosun is also a shareholder in Oxford Science Innovation, which is invested in VacciTech, the company collaborating on the hotly tipped AstraZeneca vaccine. More interesting still, Huawei and Tencent are also investors in VacciTech. Clearly, it looks like the Chinese are hedging their bets.
Mark Greeven, professor of innovation and strategy at the International Institute for Management Development.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 3 Sep 2020

A ship with 43 crew and nearly 6,000 cattle is missing off the coast of Japan after issuing a distress @ @ @ @ @ The vessel was on its way to the Port of Jingtang in Tangshan , China @ @ @ @ @ of approximately 17 days .
The storm has already killed one person in neighbouring South @ @ @ @ @ to be evacuated from their homes .

Ship with 6,000 cattle missing during typhoon
A ship with 43 crew and nearly 6,000 cattle is missing off the coast of Japan after issuing a distress signal during typhoon Maysak. The vessel was on its way to the Port of Jingtang in Tangshan, China, with an estimated journey of approximately 17 days. The storm has already killed one person in neighbouring South Korea and forced 2,000 others to be evacuated from their homes.


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Body double ‘helped Tupac fake his death’

A conspiracy theorist has claimed there is CCTV evidence that Tupac is still alive .
Rekindling longstanding claims that the American rapper did not die in 1996 , the man says footage from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas shows that there was a body double for Tupac who was part of a plan to fake the rapper ’ s demise .
“ Pac is a very intelligent person so was confusing his enemies if you really do your research , ” said an online commenter .
Some of Abraham Lincoln ’ s hair has gone for auction .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a spokesman at Boston-based RR Auction , comes wrapped in a bloodstained telegram about his 1865 assassination .
The follicles were removed during Lincoln ’ s postmortem examination after he was fatally shot at Ford ’ s Theatre in Washington DC .
Musk says life on Mars will be ‘ glorious ’ for some Elon Musk says human colonisers on Mars will enjoy a “ glorious ” lifestyle even though some of them may die .
The entrepreneur ’ s company , SpaceX , is developing spacecraft which it hopes will one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 people to Mars .
“ Good chance you 'll die , it 's going to be tough going , but it will be pretty glorious if it works out , ” Musk said .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A conspiracy theorist has claimed there is CCTV evidence that Tupac is still alive. Rekindling longstanding claims that the American rapper did not die in 1996, the man says footage from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas shows that there was a body double for Tupac who was part of a plan to fake the rapper’s demise. “Pac is a very intelligent person so was confusing his enemies if you really do your research,” said an online commenter.
Abraham Lincoln’s hair up for auction
Some of Abraham Lincoln’s hair has gone for auction. The lock, described as “bushy” by a spokesman at Boston-based RR Auction, comes wrapped in a bloodstained telegram about his 1865 assassination. The follicles were removed during Lincoln’s postmortem examination after he was fatally shot at Ford’s Theatre in Washington DC.
Musk says life on Mars will be ‘glorious’ for some
Elon Musk says human colonisers on Mars will enjoy a “glorious” lifestyle even though some of them may die. The entrepreneur’s company, SpaceX, is developing spacecraft which it hopes will one day be able to transport up to 100 people to Mars. “Good chance you'll die, it's going to be tough going, but it will be pretty glorious if it works out,” Musk said.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-09-02--How to become a whisky ‘expert’ in just two hours

I was never all that keen on school but then again , none of my classes involved sipping delicious tipples as the main part of the curriculum .
In a happy turn of events , however , my most recent educational activity involved exactly that .
Whisky tasting was the subject matter and our teacher for the evening was Felipe Schrieberg , a judge of the World Whiskies Awards who also writes all things whisky for Forbes .
During our two-hour virtual whisky-tasting masterclass , Schrieberg taught us willing students all about one of the world ’ s most popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or six .
After launching online tastings in April , Schrieberg has collaborated with whisky subscription service The Dram Team to offer a new tasting pack featuring five 25cl drams , one 10ml premium Scotch whisky miniature and tasting notes .
Masterclass bookings need to be made at least a week in advance so that the packs can be delivered to the customer ’ s door by courier .
A Zoom invite is then be sent via email ahead of the two-hour session .
Our masterclass featured the new tasting pack , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American living in London , has hosted more than 100 online tastings for 1,500 guests .
He says : “ One of the joys of whisky is the incredible variety of flavours you can taste and relish .
This selection of phenomenal bottles , featuring both classic and unusual choices , covers that spectrum extremely well.
” The masterclasses offer the opportunity to taste some exceptional bottles while also learning interesting facts about and the history of single malts , single grains , blended malts and blended whiskies .
Having lived and studied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own whisky business , Schrieberg really knows his stuff .
Among the fascinating insights that we picked up during our tasting session was how whiskies matured in sherry-seasoned casks often have tasting hints of Christmas cake , and how peated whiskies have a smoky flavour and finish with a hint of TCP or medicinal antiseptic .
The range of six drams in the tasting pack are varied and a nice blend for a beginner connoisseur .
Starting with the very soft and sweet 40 % Glen Moray and ending with the intense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be tested by the complexity and finish of the different tipples .
From learning the difference between a malt and a blend to finding out how bottles are given their age , this is the perfect class for any aspiring whisky student , or just a fun experience to share with family and friends .
While I enjoy a dram or two at the weekend , I have never considered myself anything of a whisky “ expert ” .
Yet I finished the masterclass feeling that not only had my nose and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain .
When are they held ?
Virtual tastings take place via Zoom four times a week : Thursdays and Fridays 6pm-8pm ; Saturdays 7.30pm-9.30pm ; and Sundays 4pm-6pm .
The Dram Team pack features five 25cl whisky drams and one 10ml premium Scotch whisky miniature ( Octomore Edition 10.1 Aged 5 Years ) .
Tasting notes for each whisky are also included .
How much does it cost ?
The price is £39 for one person or £75 for two ( excluding booking fee ) .
Sign up at www.designmynight.com or for @ @ @ @ @ @

I was never all that keen on school but then again, none of my classes involved sipping delicious tipples as the main part of the curriculum.
In a happy turn of events, however, my most recent educational activity involved exactly that. Whisky tasting was the subject matter and our teacher for the evening was Felipe Schrieberg, a judge of the World Whiskies Awards who also writes all things whisky for Forbes.
During our two-hour virtual whisky-tasting masterclass, Schrieberg taught us willing students all about one of the world’s most popular alcoholic beverages as we enjoyed a dram… or six.
What’s in the tasting packs?
After launching online tastings in April, Schrieberg has collaborated with whisky subscription service The Dram Team to offer a new tasting pack featuring five 25cl drams, one 10ml premium Scotch whisky miniature and tasting notes.
Masterclass bookings need to be made at least a week in advance so that the packs can be delivered to the customer’s door by courier. A Zoom invite is then be sent via email ahead of the two-hour session.
Our masterclass featured the new tasting pack, which comprises the following:
Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish (single malt Scotch whisky, 40%)
Old Pulteney Aged 15 Years (single malt Scotch whisky, 46%)
Balblair Aged 15 Years (single malt Scotch whisky, 46%)
Mackmyra Grönt Te (Swedish single malt whisky, 46.1%)
Aerolite Lyndsay Aged 10 Years (single malt Scotch whisky, 46%)
Octomore Edition 10.1 Aged 5 Years (single malt Scotch whisky, 59.8%)
Schrieberg, an American living in London, has hosted more than 100 online tastings for 1,500 guests. He says: “One of the joys of whisky is the incredible variety of flavours you can taste and relish. This selection of phenomenal bottles, featuring both classic and unusual choices, covers that spectrum extremely well.”
Christmas cake or TCP?
The masterclasses offer the opportunity to taste some exceptional bottles while also learning interesting facts about and the history of single malts, single grains, blended malts and blended whiskies.
Having lived and studied in Scotland for ten years before founding his own whisky business, Schrieberg really knows his stuff. Among the fascinating insights that we picked up during our tasting session was how whiskies matured in sherry-seasoned casks often have tasting hints of Christmas cake, and how peated whiskies have a smoky flavour and finish with a hint of TCP or medicinal antiseptic.
The range of six drams in the tasting pack are varied and a nice blend for a beginner connoisseur. Starting with the very soft and sweet 40% Glen Moray and ending with the intense 59.8% Octomore 10.1, every palate will be tested by the complexity and finish of the different tipples.
The final grade: A*
From learning the difference between a malt and a blend to finding out how bottles are given their age, this is the perfect class for any aspiring whisky student, or just a fun experience to share with family and friends.
While I enjoy a dram or two at the weekend, I have never considered myself anything of a whisky “expert”. Yet I finished the masterclass feeling that not only had my nose and palate had a workout but also my brain.
About the Virtual Whisky Tasting Masterclass
When are they held?
Virtual tastings take place via Zoom four times a week: Thursdays and Fridays 6pm-8pm; Saturdays 7.30pm-9.30pm; and Sundays 4pm-6pm.
What’s included?
The Dram Team pack features five 25cl whisky drams and one 10ml premium Scotch whisky miniature (Octomore Edition 10.1 Aged 5 Years). Tasting notes for each whisky are also included.
How much does it cost?
The price is £39 for one person or £75 for two (excluding booking fee).
How to book a masterclass
Sign up at www.designmynight.com or for more details, see www.virtualwhiskymasterclass.com.


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Hiking the South West Coast Path: a Covid micro adventure

We could all do with a little adventure these days , and sometimes we can find it in our own backyards .
One lesson the pandemic has taught me is that I don ’ t always have to cross deserts and jungles or scale big peaks to escape from the ordinary .
Looking for a real change of environment within reach of London , I was recommended the South West Coast Path , a long-distance trail that runs from from Poole to Minehead .
The full 630 miles wasn ’ t going to be possible in a week , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Plymouth-to-Falmouth leg , 77 miles over four-and-a-half days .
What terrain do you cross ?
The landscape is incredible , with miles of lush English countryside on one side and nothing by the sea on the other .
There are dozens of amazing little coves that you can walk down to and have your own beach for the day .
I have never seen the water so clear in the UK - at times it looked more like the Mediterranean .
The terrain is variable , with flat fields and sandy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At times you will be high on a clifftop - with the most spectacular views of the south coast and its rolling countryside - but what goes up has to come down .
The descent , arguably the hardest part , can take its toll on your knees and hips , especially with a pack on your back .
What level of fitness and experience do you need ?
A good standard level of fitness is required , as you will be walking an average of 15 miles a day over rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting some long hikes in before to allow your body to condition to the miles you will be covering .
This will help decrease your chances of injury .
The coastal path can be deceiving at times , full of ups and downs .
Take your time if you ’ re struggling - there are plenty of spots to regain your breath - and watch where you place your feet at all times .
The ground has lots of loose rock which could lead to a sprained ankle .
However , you don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hill walker to enjoy the coastal path .
Navigation is easy as the path follows the sea , although some experience of weekend hikes and camping would be helpful .
Guides can be hired if you don ’ t feel 100 % confident about doing it on your own , but obviously this adds to the price of the trip .
What equipment do you need ?
First and foremost a good pair of walking boots are essential .
Make sure you give yourself enough time to break them in , ideally at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent rubbing and blisters .
Waterproofs are also vital , even if wet weather is not forecast - it can strike at any time , especially on the coast .
If you are wild camping , a decent tent and sleeping bag will be required - or , if you ’ re like me , a good basha/fly sheet that you can hang up .
Where can you stay ?
Camping is not compulsory : the trek takes you through many little villages and towns with guest houses , pubs and AirBnBs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you will find excellent camping spots in beach coves and woodlands , where you can pitch up and embrace the wilderness .
Just make sure you respect the surroundings and take all your rubbish with you .
I did a bit of both , spending most nights in the great British outdoors , but with a night inside halfway through to freshen up - and another at the end as a reward .

We could all do with a little adventure these days, and sometimes we can find it in our own backyards.
One lesson the pandemic has taught me is that I don’t always have to cross deserts and jungles or scale big peaks to escape from the ordinary.
Why the South West Coast Path?
Looking for a real change of environment within reach of London, I was recommended the South West Coast Path, a long-distance trail that runs from from Poole to Minehead. The full 630 miles wasn’t going to be possible in a week, but a friend and I decided to take on the Plymouth-to-Falmouth leg, 77 miles over four-and-a-half days.
What terrain do you cross?
The landscape is incredible, with miles of lush English countryside on one side and nothing by the sea on the other. There are dozens of amazing little coves that you can walk down to and have your own beach for the day. I have never seen the water so clear in the UK - at times it looked more like the Mediterranean.
The terrain is variable, with flat fields and sandy plains followed unexpectedly by long steep climbs. At times you will be high on a clifftop - with the most spectacular views of the south coast and its rolling countryside - but what goes up has to come down. The descent, arguably the hardest part, can take its toll on your knees and hips, especially with a pack on your back.
What level of fitness and experience do you need?
A good standard level of fitness is required, as you will be walking an average of 15 miles a day over rough and steep ground. I would advise getting some long hikes in before to allow your body to condition to the miles you will be covering. This will help decrease your chances of injury.
The coastal path can be deceiving at times, full of ups and downs. Take your time if you’re struggling - there are plenty of spots to regain your breath - and watch where you place your feet at all times. The ground has lots of loose rock which could lead to a sprained ankle.
However, you don’t need to be a seasoned hill walker to enjoy the coastal path. Navigation is easy as the path follows the sea, although some experience of weekend hikes and camping would be helpful.
Guides can be hired if you don’t feel 100% confident about doing it on your own, but obviously this adds to the price of the trip.
What equipment do you need?
First and foremost a good pair of walking boots are essential. Make sure you give yourself enough time to break them in, ideally at least a month, which will help prevent rubbing and blisters. Waterproofs are also vital, even if wet weather is not forecast - it can strike at any time, especially on the coast. If you are wild camping, a decent tent and sleeping bag will be required - or, if you’re like me, a good basha/fly sheet that you can hang up.
Where can you stay?
Camping is not compulsory: the trek takes you through many little villages and towns with guest houses, pubs and AirBnBs. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you will find excellent camping spots in beach coves and woodlands, where you can pitch up and embrace the wilderness. Just make sure you respect the surroundings and take all your rubbish with you. I did a bit of both, spending most nights in the great British outdoors, but with a night inside halfway through to freshen up - and another at the end as a reward.


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Does a ‘law and order’ election better suit Donald Trump or Joe Biden?

As the US faces the fallout from a series of protests in cities nationwide , voters are preparing to choose whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden should lead the push to restore peace .
Democratic presidential candidate Biden has criticised his Republican rival for backing the use of force against demonstrators , instead opting for a softer pledge to help “ heal ” the country .
But as the unrest continues following the police shooting of a black man in Wisconsin last month , the Biden campaign is adopting a tougher tone .
In a new television advert airing this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Rioting is not protesting .
Looting is not protesting .
And those who do it should be prosecuted.
” So which candidate stands to benefit most through their response to the crisis ahead of what commentators are describing as a “ law and order election ” .
The US has been gripped by racial tensions since the killing of George Floyd in late May .
The fatal shooting sparked Black Lives Matter ( BLM ) protests in cities in both the US and other countries worldwide , with activists calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism .
The protests appeared to be winding down until a fresh wave of anger was triggered by the police shooting of another black man , Jacob Blake , in the Wisconsin city of Kenosha on 23 August .
During the subsequent protests , a white teenager , 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse , was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing two BLM activists .
As the media spotlight shines on Kenosha , the city has now become the unexpected epicentre of both Trump and Biden ’ s campaigns in the run-up to the November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ tactics ?
For the Republican Party , the strategy is obvious : go all-in on a message of “ law and order ” , promising a forceful antidote to the violence , and accuse the Democrats of encouraging lawlessness .
With the Trump administration facing widespread criticism over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic , focusing on the unrest in America is , as former US labour secretary Robert Reich puts it , an easy “ distraction ” .
The sitting president “ kicked his crime-focused re-election strategy into overdrive ” this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during which he branded rioters “ domestic terrorists ” , The San Francisco Chronicle reports .
“ If you look at the black community , they want the police to help them stop crime .
The hispanic community , they want police , ” Trump said before he left for Wisconsin .
“ They don ’ t want crime .
They don ’ t want to be mugged .
They don ’ t want to have any problems , and it ’ s just a shame.
” Biden is also heading to Kenosha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s family .
“ There ’ s been overwhelming requests that I do come , ” Biden told reporters this week .
“ Because what we want to do is we ’ ve got to heal .
We ’ ve got to put things together .
Bring people together .
And so my purpose in going will be to do just that.
” Biden ’ s visit comes amid reports that Trump campaign officials believe that “ images of police grappling with angry protesters ” would “ play to their advantage ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some Democrats have begun worrying about the same thing , and implored Mr Biden to take a stronger stance against the looting and burning of stores and other businesses , ” the news site adds .
Who could benefit most ?
The Republican Party has pushed “ law and order ” candidates multiple times in the past , with Richard Nixon using the slogan in his successful 1968 bid for the White House .
But Vox suggests that campaigning on such a platform is an unusual tactic for Trump , as the incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years ago to restore safety and bring law and order to our streets ” , says the news site , “ today he ’ s a candidate with a record .
A record of rising crime and urban disorder , and a record that makes it clear he has no idea how to make any of it better - and is intervening in several ways to make it worse.
” Given those failures , the Democrats may be on to a winner with Biden ’ s focus on “ the necessity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and police brutality ” , says Geoffrey Kabaservice , director of political studies at the Washington D.C.-based Niskanen Center think tank , in an article for The Guardian .
But the former VP ’ s new tough-on-crime advert may worry some of his supporters , because law and order politics has a “ racial dimension ” , Kabaservice adds .
Biden has long had the backing of ethnic minority voters in the US , with CNN reporting late last month that he had a 71-point lead over Trump in some polls of black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democrat over the finish line if minority turnout is high .
But the Biden camp may consider alienating some black voters with tough language to be a risk worth taking , as he also a considerable lead in most national polls .
According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll , Biden is seven points clear of Trump across the 50 states .
And with 53 % of respondents saying they remain sympathetic to the protesters and their cause , it appears that the Republican Party may be wasting energy - and more crucially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American electorate .

As the US faces the fallout from a series of protests in cities nationwide, voters are preparing to choose whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden should lead the push to restore peace.
Democratic presidential candidate Biden has criticised his Republican rival for backing the use of force against demonstrators, instead opting for a softer pledge to help “heal” the country.
But as the unrest continues following the police shooting of a black man in Wisconsin last month, the Biden campaign is adopting a tougher tone. In a new television advert airing this week, the former vice president says: “Rioting is not protesting. Looting is not protesting. And those who do it should be prosecuted.”
So which candidate stands to benefit most through their response to the crisis ahead of what commentators are describing as a “law and order election”.
What is happening?
The US has been gripped by racial tensions since the killing of George Floyd in late May. The fatal shooting sparked Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests in cities in both the US and other countries worldwide, with activists calling for police reform and an end to systemic racism.
The protests appeared to be winding down until a fresh wave of anger was triggered by the police shooting of another black man, Jacob Blake, in the Wisconsin city of Kenosha on 23 August. During the subsequent protests, a white teenager, 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing two BLM activists.
As the media spotlight shines on Kenosha, the city has now become the unexpected epicentre of both Trump and Biden’s campaigns in the run-up to the November election.
What are the rival parties’ tactics?
For the Republican Party, the strategy is obvious: go all-in on a message of “law and order”, promising a forceful antidote to the violence, and accuse the Democrats of encouraging lawlessness.
With the Trump administration facing widespread criticism over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on the unrest in America is, as former US labour secretary Robert Reich puts it, an easy “distraction”.
The sitting president “kicked his crime-focused re-election strategy into overdrive” this week during a campaign stop in Kenosha during which he branded rioters “domestic terrorists”, The San Francisco Chronicle reports.


theweekuk--2020-09-04--Donald Trump labeled dead US troops ‘suckers’ and ‘losers’, reports claim

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theweekuk--2020-09-04--Instant Opinion: Boris Johnson considers ‘no-deal as better than surrender’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
Johnson sees no-deal as better than surrender “ Perhaps the strongest argument against leaving without a deal , though , is that it wouldn ’ t be the end of the matter .
Britain and EU economies are so interlinked that there would have to be another go at reaching agreement .
The EU could take a hardline approach on border checks to try to force Britain back to the negotiating table .
But those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country can weather the first few months of no deal , then talks might resume in the second half of 2021 and they might be able , from there , to negotiate the Canada-style free trade deal that remains their preferred option .
It is tempting to imagine that all this talk of no deal is just more Brexit theatre ; that the table will be kicked over in one last fight with Brussels , and then a deal will be done at the last with both sides claiming victory .
But Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point.
” Labour ’ s left may feel dejected – but it still has a crucial role to play “ What role exists for the left in the age of Keir Starmer ?
There is one basic fact that should give cause for hope and caution .
Hope , because Starmer owes his landslide victory to many of those who twice voted for his predecessor to be party leader .
They remain , by and large , committed to the core domestic policies associated with Corbyn ’ s tenure as Labour leader .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candidate to become leader , they want them to do well ; but they quickly become aggravated if those on their own side seem to be willing failure ...
The left ’ s focus should surely be on building a broad coalition for policies backed by most of the membership , and indeed millions of voters , including those who rejected Labour last December for reasons other than a passionate attachment to a privatised railway system .
On this , they have a democratic mandate : Starmer won the leadership describing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ and committing to 10 pledges , including hiking tax on the rich and big business , public ownership , abolishing tuition fees , and putting ‘ the green new deal at the heart of everything we do ’ .
” 3 .
Tim Ward , former Australian trade negotiator , in The Daily Telegraph on the controversial former Australian PM Tony Abbott is many things , but a trade expert ?
Don ’ t come the raw prawn , mate !
“ Dear Britain , as an Australian and a trade expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ word with you about Tony Abbott , our erstwhile PM and ( at the time of writing at least ) UK trade envoy in waiting .
To be clear , Abbott and controversy go together like raw prawns and food poisoning , so it ’ s no surprise that UK ministers have found themselves floundering when asked if a ‘ misogynist and homophobe ’ is an appropriate person to represent Britain in trade negotiations or , indeed , any other sphere .
There was a particularly toe-curling moment when Health Secretary Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Sky ’ s Kay Burley by claiming that Abbott was a ‘ trade expert ’ .
It was a pretty poor attempt at a defence , and not just because being a trade expert hasn ’ t ever really been much of a justification for misogyny or homophobia .
No , it was also a bit odd because , while London-born Abbott did serve as Australia ’ s PM for a couple of years , his CV is not , in fact , the CV of a trade expert.
” 4 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the US election nightmare scenario What Will You Do if Trump Doesn ’ t Leave ?
“ If Trump claims a victory that is not rightly his , a few marches in the streets will not be an adequate response .
There may have to be a sustained campaign of civic action , as in Hong Kong and Belarus , to rally the majority that wants to preserve democracy , that isolates those who would undo it .
Two themes would have to feature in such civic action .
The first is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crisis only if most people ’ s love of nation overwhelms the partisan fury that will threaten to envelop us .
The second is the preservation of constitutional order .
Through epic acts of self-discipline , the nonviolent civil rights marchers in the 1960s forced their foes to reveal that if there were to be any violence and anarchy , it would come from the foes .
That ’ s how the movement captured the moral high ground and won the mind of the nation .
The process of mobilizing for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too late , would be a struggle to preserve the order of our civic structure against the myriad foes who talk blithely about tearing down systems , disorder and disruption .
It may be how we rediscover our nation again.
” on the last line of defence against Trump The U.S. military builds a bulwark against Trump “ God bless our troops .
Sometimes that ’ s a throwaway line that politicians put at the end of their speeches .
But at this moment , particularly , I ’ m bursting with admiration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when a sitting president is trying his best to discredit the results of an election he stands to lose and is attempting to dissolve every last bond that holds us together as a people , the troops are saying : No .
This week Military Times came out with a poll of active-duty military finding that 50 percent of them have an unfavorable view of the president ( 42 percent strongly disapprove ) and only 38 percent have a favorable view .
They support Joe Biden over President Trump by four percentage points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a 2016 poll using the same methodology , Trump led Hillary Clinton by nearly 2 to 1 .
Sixty percent of veterans voted for Trump in the election ...
If the worst happens , and Trump loses the election but tries to keep power by force , it ’ s clear that the U.S. military will not help him .
”

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 Forysth in The Times
on EU demands vs. Downing Street’s ambitions
Johnson sees no-deal as better than surrender
“Perhaps the strongest argument against leaving without a deal, though, is that it wouldn’t be the end of the matter. Britain and EU economies are so interlinked that there would have to be another go at reaching agreement. The EU could take a hardline approach on border checks to try to force Britain back to the negotiating table. But those around Johnson are optimistic that if this country can weather the first few months of no deal, then talks might resume in the second half of 2021 and they might be able, from there, to negotiate the Canada-style free trade deal that remains their preferred option. It is tempting to imagine that all this talk of no deal is just more Brexit theatre; that the table will be kicked over in one last fight with Brussels, and then a deal will be done at the last with both sides claiming victory. But Boris Johnson is adamant on the state aid point.”
2. Owen Jones in The Guardian
on a radical break in crisis-stricken Britain
Labour’s left may feel dejected – but it still has a crucial role to play
“What role exists for the left in the age of Keir Starmer? There is one basic fact that should give cause for hope and caution. Hope, because Starmer owes his landslide victory to many of those who twice voted for his predecessor to be party leader. They remain, by and large, committed to the core domestic policies associated with Corbyn’s tenure as Labour leader. Caution, because when someone votes for a candidate to become leader, they want them to do well; but they quickly become aggravated if those on their own side seem to be willing failure... The left’s focus should surely be on building a broad coalition for policies backed by most of the membership, and indeed millions of voters, including those who rejected Labour last December for reasons other than a passionate attachment to a privatised railway system. On this, they have a democratic mandate: Starmer won the leadership describing the 2017 manifesto as ‘our foundational document’ and committing to 10 pledges, including hiking tax on the rich and big business, public ownership, abolishing tuition fees, and putting ‘the green new deal at the heart of everything we do’.”
3. Tim Ward, former Australian trade negotiator, in The Daily Telegraph
on the controversial former Australian PM
Tony Abbott is many things, but a trade expert? Don’t come the raw prawn, mate!
“Dear Britain, as an Australian and a trade expert, I’d like a quiet word with you about Tony Abbott, our erstwhile PM and (at the time of writing at least) UK trade envoy in waiting. To be clear, Abbott and controversy go together like raw prawns and food poisoning, so it’s no surprise that UK ministers have found themselves floundering when asked if a ‘misogynist and homophobe’ is an appropriate person to represent Britain in trade negotiations or, indeed, any other sphere. There was a particularly toe-curling moment when Health Secretary Matt Hancock struggled to bat away that very question from Sky’s Kay Burley by claiming that Abbott was a ‘trade expert’. It was a pretty poor attempt at a defence, and not just because being a trade expert hasn’t ever really been much of a justification for misogyny or homophobia. No, it was also a bit odd because, while London-born Abbott did serve as Australia’s PM for a couple of years, his CV is not, in fact, the CV of a trade expert.”
4. David Brooks in The New York Times
on the US election nightmare scenario
What Will You Do if Trump Doesn’t Leave?
“If Trump claims a victory that is not rightly his, a few marches in the streets will not be an adequate response. There may have to be a sustained campaign of civic action, as in Hong Kong and Belarus, to rally the majority that wants to preserve democracy, that isolates those who would undo it. Two themes would have to feature in such civic action. The first is ardent patriotism. The country survives such a crisis only if most people’s love of nation overwhelms the partisan fury that will threaten to envelop us. The second is the preservation of constitutional order. Through epic acts of self-discipline, the nonviolent civil rights marchers in the 1960s forced their foes to reveal that if there were to be any violence and anarchy, it would come from the foes. That’s how the movement captured the moral high ground and won the mind of the nation. The process of mobilizing for an accurate election outcome, before it is too late, would be a struggle to preserve the order of our civic structure against the myriad foes who talk blithely about tearing down systems, disorder and disruption. It may be how we rediscover our nation again.”
5. Dana Milbank in The Washington Post
on the last line of defence against Trump
The U.S. military builds a bulwark against Trump
“God bless our troops. Sometimes that’s a throwaway line that politicians put at the end of their speeches. But at this moment, particularly, I’m bursting with admiration for our military. At a time when a sitting president is trying his best to discredit the results of an election he stands to lose and is attempting to dissolve every last bond that holds us together as a people, the troops are saying: No. This week Military Times came out with a poll of active-duty military finding that 50 percent of them have an unfavorable view of the president (42 percent strongly disapprove) and only 38 percent have a favorable view. They support Joe Biden over President Trump by four percentage points — an extraordinary edge for a Democrat. In a 2016 poll using the same methodology, Trump led Hillary Clinton by nearly 2 to 1. Sixty percent of veterans voted for Trump in the election... If the worst happens, and Trump loses the election but tries to keep power by force, it’s clear that the U.S. military will not help him.”


theweekuk--2020-09-04--Discrimination in football: ‘shocking’ rise in race hate and homophobic abuse

Kick It Out’s annual report for the 2019-20 football season has revealed a “shocking” increase in the levels of race hate and homophobic abuse.
Data released by the anti-discrimination charity shows that in spite of the season being put on hold due to the coronavirus, abuse around football matches and social media has risen at both professional and grassroots levels.
In the professional game Kick It Out saw a 42% increase in reports of discrimination, up from 313 to 446, while there was also a 53% increase in reported racial abuse, up from 184 to 282. Abuse based on sexual orientation was up by an “alarming” 95%, as the charity received 117 reports compared to 60 last season.
At grassroots level there were 94 reports this season compared to 113 last year, a fall of 14%. However, all grassroots matches from March 2020 onwards were cancelled. Comparing this season to the equivalent period last year, there was an 11% increase in reports.
🚨ANNOUNCEMENT: our latest annual report released today, shows shocking increases in the levels of race hate and homophobic abuse. Read the full story here 👇🏽👇🏾👇🏿https://t.co/02DaaSoxIr pic.twitter.com/Md8oj0y9Af — Kick It Out (@kickitout) September 3, 2020
‘A lurking pernicious threat’
A separate Kick It Out and YouGov poll of 1,000 football fans found that 39% of those surveyed had witnessed or heard an act of discrimination in the last year and 14% had witnessed abuse within the last week alone.
However, around half of those questioned said it was unlikely they’d report racist or homophobic abuse directed at players, coaches or match officials at a football game.
Sanjay Bhandari, chair at Kick It Out, has urged all authorities to share data in order to have a “complete picture” of discrimination issues in the game.
“This year the pandemic and the killing of George Floyd turned the world on its head,” he said.
“Football responded positively with clubs increasing their work in the community and with the players symbolising the demand for greater equality of opportunity, by taking a knee. But beneath the surface, hate and division in society remains a lurking pernicious threat.
“Our reports indicate a steep rise in discrimination reports over the last two years, which reflect the Hate Crime statistics from the Home Office that show marked national increases over the last four years.
“But as our YouGov poll also confirms, we know that reports to Kick It Out are just the tip of the iceberg. We only report what is reported to us. There is no single view across the whole of football.
“We need to aggregate the data across Kick It Out, clubs, law enforcement, governing bodies and others so that we have the complete picture to give us a greater chance of finding better solutions together. We urge those organisations to share data to create better insights.”


theweekuk--2020-09-04--Royal officials to ‘scrutinise’ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s $150m Netflix deal

The Royal Family will cast “ a critical eye ” over a multimillion-dollar deal that Prince Harry and Megan Markle have signed with Netflix , according to a palace source .
The insider told the Daily Mirror that while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had quit royal duties “ with everyone ’ s best wishes ” , the couple had “ agreed any commercial deals would be subject to discussion ” .
“ It goes without saying any deals they are making will be scrutinised by the royal household , ” the source added .
The Sussexes announced earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal , reported to be worth between $ 100m ( £75m ) and $ 150m ( £113m ) , to produce documentaries , docu-series , feature films , scripted shows and children ’ s programmes for streaming giant Netflix .
But “ one concern is how the lucrative career move will look to the British public while the couple are still repaying £2.4m of taxpayer cash lavished on the refurbishment of their Frogmore Cottage home at Windsor ” , according to the newspaper .
The Mail on Sunday reported in May that Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money under a “ rental-plus agreement ” .
The newspaper said the pair were paying “ just shy of £18,000 a month to keep Frogmore as their official British base ” .
Following news of their Netflix deal , Royal expert Ingrid Seward told the Daily Mail that Prince Charles was likely to be “ relieved as they will be off his payroll now , and the British public will be relieved because they can pay back what they owe now on Frogmore Cottage , so it ’ s a win-win situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be feeling a little miffed , according to The Sun .
The paper reports that sources say the Queen was not informed of the deal by the Sussexes before it was announced , and was instead “ told the news by her aides ” .

The Royal Family will cast “a critical eye” over a multimillion-dollar deal that Prince Harry and Megan Markle have signed with Netflix, according to a palace source.
The insider told the Daily Mirror that while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had quit royal duties “with everyone’s best wishes”, the couple had “agreed any commercial deals would be subject to discussion”.
“It goes without saying any deals they are making will be scrutinised by the royal household,” the source added.
The Sussexes announced earlier this week that they have inked a deal, reported to be worth between $100m (£75m) and $150m (£113m), to produce documentaries, docu-series, feature films, scripted shows and children’s programmes for streaming giant Netflix.
But “one concern is how the lucrative career move will look to the British public while the couple are still repaying £2.4m of taxpayer cash lavished on the refurbishment of their Frogmore Cottage home at Windsor”, according to the newspaper.
The Mail on Sunday reported in May that Harry and Meghan had agreed to pay back the money under a “rental-plus agreement”. The newspaper said the pair were paying “just shy of £18,000 a month to keep Frogmore as their official British base”.
Following news of their Netflix deal, Royal expert Ingrid Seward told the Daily Mail that Prince Charles was likely to be “relieved as they will be off his payroll now, and the British public will be relieved because they can pay back what they owe now on Frogmore Cottage, so it’s a win-win situation”.
However, other Royals may be feeling a little miffed, according to The Sun. The paper reports that sources say the Queen was not informed of the deal by the Sussexes before it was announced, and was instead “told the news by her aides”.


theweekuk--2020-09-04--End of an era in F1: Williams family depart the Williams Racing team

A new chapter will begin for the Williams Racing Formula 1 team after this weekend ’ s Italian Grand Prix .
It has been confirmed that following the sale of the British team to Dorilton Capital , the Williams family will depart F1 after 43 years and 79 races .
Sunday ’ s grand prix at Monza will be the final one for Sir Frank Williams and Claire Williams .
The family have been at the helm since their first race on 8 May 1977 at the Circuito de Jarama in Spain .
Under their ownership the team have gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken 128 pole positions and lifted nine F1 constructors ’ championships and seven drivers ’ world championships .
George Russell and Nicholas Latifi currently line up for the Grove-based team and drive the FW43 in the 2020 championship .
British driver Russell tweeted : “ I wouldn ’ t be where I am today without Frank and Claire .
They gave me my shot in F1 , like they have done for so many drivers , engineers , mechanics and countless others over the years .
Thank you for everything .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Williams name.
” The recent sale of Williams Grand Prix Engineering to US-based investment firm Dorilton Capital ensures the long-term future of the team in F1 .
Claire Williams , the deputy team principal , said the change of ownership was a timely point for the family to exit the sport .
She said : “ With the future of the team now secured , this feels like the appropriate time for us to step away from the sport .
“ As a family , we have always prioritised Williams .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the strategic review process and we believe now is the right time to hand over the reins and give the new owners the opportunity to take the team into the future .
“ We have been in this sport for more than four decades .
We are incredibly proud of our track record and the legacy we leave behind .
We have always been in it for the love of it , for the pure pleasure of going motor racing , so this is not a decision that we have taken lightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family.
” She added : “ On behalf of Frank and the Williams family , I would like to say how incredibly grateful and humbled we are for the support we have enjoyed over the years , from our friends in the paddock to the many fans around the world .
“ But mostly , we would like to thank our team .
People who have worked at Williams in the past and present .
They are the true warriors of this team and have made it what it is and we wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our life for so long and now it ’ s time for a new chapter in our lives to begin.
” Williams Grand Prix Engineering has confirmed that Matthew Savage , Darren Fultz and James Matthews will make up the company ’ s new board of directors following Dorilton Capital ’ s acquisition of the team that was announced on 21 August .
Savage is chairman of Dorilton Capital while fellow co-founder Fultz became CEO in 2018 .
Matthews is the CEO of Eden Rock Group , an investment advisory firm headquartered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racing driver and the co-founders of Eden Rock have a background in motorsports spanning more than 30 years .
A statement said : “ The new board recognises and appreciates the importance of retaining Williams ’ heritage and culture and will continue to work with the senior management to leverage its capabilities to return it to racing competitively.
” Savage added : “ We are proud to carry the Williams name into the next exciting phase for the sport and we thank Sir Frank , Claire and the Williams family for the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand .
”

A new chapter will begin for the Williams Racing Formula 1 team after this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
It has been confirmed that following the sale of the British team to Dorilton Capital, the Williams family will depart F1 after 43 years and 79 races. Sunday’s grand prix at Monza will be the final one for Sir Frank Williams and Claire Williams.
The family have been at the helm since their first race on 8 May 1977 at the Circuito de Jarama in Spain. Under their ownership the team have gone on to win 114 grand prix, taken 128 pole positions and lifted nine F1 constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ world championships.
George Russell and Nicholas Latifi currently line up for the Grove-based team and drive the FW43 in the 2020 championship.
British driver Russell tweeted: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Frank and Claire. They gave me my shot in F1, like they have done for so many drivers, engineers, mechanics and countless others over the years. Thank you for everything. We’ll keep driving like hell to honour the Williams name.”
Right time to leave F1
The recent sale of Williams Grand Prix Engineering to US-based investment firm Dorilton Capital ensures the long-term future of the team in F1.
Claire Williams, the deputy team principal, said the change of ownership was a timely point for the family to exit the sport. She said: “With the future of the team now secured, this feels like the appropriate time for us to step away from the sport.
“As a family, we have always prioritised Williams. We have demonstrated that by our recent actions with the strategic review process and we believe now is the right time to hand over the reins and give the new owners the opportunity to take the team into the future.
“We have been in this sport for more than four decades. We are incredibly proud of our track record and the legacy we leave behind. We have always been in it for the love of it, for the pure pleasure of going motor racing, so this is not a decision that we have taken lightly but after much reflection and as a family.”


theweekuk--2020-09-04--How much coronavirus does it take to make us ill?

Growing evidence suggests that the amount of coronavirus with which people are infected determines how ill they become with Covid-19 , according to scientists .
Analysis of multiple research projects also suggests that the “ amount of virus you are initially exposed to makes a difference to the chances of catching the bug ” , The Telegraph ’ s global health security editor Paul Nuki reports .
The theory has “ important implications not just for epidemiological modelling but how we assess our own risk and behaviours ” , he adds .
So how much coronavirus does it take to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to determine the dose required to make someone ill in sterile laboratory conditions , the science behind coronavirus infection is far less clear cut in the outside world .
Indeed , “ a precise answer is impossible , because it ’ s difficult to capture the moment of infection ” , says The New York Times ( NYT ) .
“ Scientists are studying ferrets , hamsters and mice for clues but , of course , it wouldn ’ t be ethical for scientists to expose people to different doses of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ milder cold viruses.
” However , researchers can look at patterns in other common respiratory viruses , such as influenza and other coronaviruses , to try to get an accurate picture of the size of the so-called “ infectious dose ” - the average number of viral particles needed to establish an infection - for Covid-19 .
The newspaper reports that for Sars , which is also a type of coronavirus , the estimated infectious dose “ is just a few hundred particles ” , while for Mers , the dose is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of particles ” .
While the size of the infectious dose for Covid-19 remains unknown , “ given how rapidly the disease is spreading , it is likely to be relatively low ” , the New Scientist suggests .
But as Columbia University virologist Angela Rasmussen points outs , “ the truth is , we really just don ’ t know ” .
“ I don ’ t think we can make anything better than an educated guess , ” she told the NYT .
Does the amount of virus impact how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dose “ is the spark that gets that fire going ” , the “ viral load ” is a “ measure of how bright the fire is burning in an individual ” , Edward Parker , a research fellow in systems biology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , told the New Scientist .
As the magazine explains , “ if you have a high viral load , you are more likely to infect other people , because you may be shedding more virus particles .
However , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t necessarily follow that a higher viral load will lead to more severe symptoms.
” However , we do know “ for some diseases that the dose of virus a person is exposed to will directly correlate with how severe the disease is ” , writes Sarah L. Caddy , a clinical research fellow in viral immunology at the University of Cambridge , in an article on The Conversation .
Caddy cites a 2015 study by US researchers who found that that the higher the dose of the influenza virus given to healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the jury is still out when it comes to Covid-19 .
A recent analysis of hospital patients who tested positive for the coronavirus found a significant difference in viral loads between those who survived and those who died .
The scientists behind the study , outlined in a newly published paper in The Lancet , concluded that viral load at diagnosis is an “ independent predictor of mortality in a large hospitalised cohort ” .
However , that finding is at odds with those of an investigation earlier this year by health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the areas of Europe hit hardest by the pandemic .
The medics “ looked at more than 5,000 infected people and found no difference in viral load between those with symptoms and those without ” , the New Scientist reports .
How can contact with the virus be minimised ?
Until scientists have a clear answer to the conundrum of whether a high viral load increases the severity of Covid-19 , practical measures “ should probably be steered by the principle of keeping interactions fleeting rather than intense ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This “ may translate , as the government wants , into people having greater confidence in returning to the office and other well-ventilated environments , assuming they are well spaced ” , he continues .
“ In the home , in contrast , you should probably distance more , especially if someone has the virus.
” And “ masks and handwashing are the obvious go-to in more crowded environments ” .
Scientists have also emphasised the importance of observing the two-metre rule .
“ The point of social distancing is that by standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or cough out the virus , it likely means fewer virus particles reach you and then you get infected with a lower dose , ” Professor Wendy Barclay , head of the department of infectious disease at Imperial College London , advised back in March .


theweekuk--2020-09-04--HS2: work starts on controversial £100bn high-speed rail line

Construction of the much-delayed High Speed 2 ( HS2 ) rail project is finally kicking off from today .
The controversial rail line linking London , Birmingham , Manchester and Leeds is expected to cost £106bn and to take up to 20 years to complete , The Guardian reports .
Boris Johnson says the project will create 22,000 jobs and “ fire up economic growth ” .
“ HS2 is at the heart of our plans to build back better , ” added the prime minister , who was expected to attend a “ shovels in the ground ” event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project .
“ As the spine of our country ’ s transport network , the project will be vital in boosting connectivity between our towns and cities .
“ But HS2 ’ s transformational potential goes even further .
By creating hundreds of apprenticeships and thousands of skilled jobs , HS2 will fire up economic growth and help to rebalance opportunity across this country for years to come.
” What is the HS2 route ?
The high-speed line will provide fast and frequent connections between eight of the UK ’ s largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Manchester , Liverpool , Sheffield , Edinburgh and Glasgow .
The first phase will connect London to the west Midlands and is due to be completed between 2029 and 2033 .
The second phase , which will be split into two parts , will connect the west Midlands to Crewe , Leeds and Manchester is due to be completed between 2035 and 2040 .
HS2 services will also be provided to Glasgow and Edinburgh on the existing West Coast and East Coast mainline networks .
Sky News reports that “ the aim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in each direction to and from London - at speeds of up to 224mph - compared to between two and six an hour on Europe ’ s high-speed railways ” .
Why is HS2 so controversial ?
Critics have hit out at the government over the spiralling costs , delays and negative environmental impact of HS2 .
In January , the National Audit Office warned that the project was over budget and behind schedule because the complexity and risks of the multibillion pound project had been underestimated .
When the rail link was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost was £37.5bn , with that estimate rising to £56bn by 2015 .
But the government ’ s official review into HS2 warned that the project was likely to cost in excess of £100bn .
The Stop HS2 pressure group says opposition to the project is continuing to increase , owning to the “ poor economic case , the dire effects on the environment , and the multiple better ways of spending the money earmarked for HS2 ” .
And while 22,000 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ rather less keen to mention that HS2 is projected to permanently displace almost that many jobs ” , the group adds .
Stop HS2 campaign manager Joe Rukin said : “ Trying to spin HS2 as a job creation scheme is beyond desperate .
Creating 22,000 jobs works out at almost £2m just to create a single job.
” However , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has disputed those figures .
Appearing to the BBC ’ s Breakfast programme this week , he said : “ I can ’ t see how there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier to get about this country is somehow going to destroy jobs , quite the opposite in fact .
“ It ’ s clearly going to make the economy level up .
Find those left behind areas , that have found themselves too disconnected before and join it together .
”

Construction of the much-delayed High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project is finally kicking off from today.
The controversial rail line linking London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds is expected to cost £106bn and to take up to 20 years to complete, The Guardian reports.
Boris Johnson says the project will create 22,000 jobs and “fire up economic growth”.
“HS2 is at the heart of our plans to build back better,” added the prime minister, who was expected to attend a “shovels in the ground” event today to mark the official launch of the project.
“As the spine of our country’s transport network, the project will be vital in boosting connectivity between our towns and cities.
“But HS2’s transformational potential goes even further. By creating hundreds of apprenticeships and thousands of skilled jobs, HS2 will fire up economic growth and help to rebalance opportunity across this country for years to come.”
What is the HS2 route?
The high-speed line will provide fast and frequent connections between eight of the UK’s largest cities: Birmingham, London, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The first phase will connect London to the west Midlands and is due to be completed between 2029 and 2033. The second phase, which will be split into two parts, will connect the west Midlands to Crewe, Leeds and Manchester is due to be completed between 2035 and 2040.
HS2 services will also be provided to Glasgow and Edinburgh on the existing West Coast and East Coast mainline networks.
Sky News reports that “the aim is to run 18 trains an hour in each direction to and from London - at speeds of up to 224mph - compared to between two and six an hour on Europe’s high-speed railways”.
Why is HS2 so controversial?
Critics have hit out at the government over the spiralling costs, delays and negative environmental impact of HS2.
In January, the National Audit Office warned that the project was over budget and behind schedule because the complexity and risks of the multibillion pound project had been underestimated.
When the rail link was first proposed in 2009, the projected cost was £37.5bn, with that estimate rising to £56bn by 2015. But the government’s official review into HS2 warned that the project was likely to cost in excess of £100bn.
Dispute over job numbers
The Stop HS2 pressure group says opposition to the project is continuing to increase, owning to the “poor economic case, the dire effects on the environment, and the multiple better ways of spending the money earmarked for HS2”.
And while 22,000 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of the rail line, the government is “rather less keen to mention that HS2 is projected to permanently displace almost that many jobs”, the group adds.
Stop HS2 campaign manager Joe Rukin said: “Trying to spin HS2 as a job creation scheme is beyond desperate. Creating 22,000 jobs works out at almost £2m just to create a single job.”
However, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has disputed those figures. Appearing to the BBC’s Breakfast programme this week, he said: “I can’t see how there’s an argument that making it easier to get about this country is somehow going to destroy jobs, quite the opposite in fact.
“It’s clearly going to make the economy level up. Find those left behind areas, that have found themselves too disconnected before and join it together.”


theweekuk--2020-09-04--New BBC chief warns of Twitter crackdown amid plans for slimmed-down broadcaster

BBC journalists who want to carry out “ partisan campaigns ” on social media should hand in their notice , the broadcaster ’ s new director-general said yesterday .
Tim Davie “ used a speech on just his third day in the job to crack down on ‘ political bias ’ and warn staff who broke impartiality rules that they were not wanted at the corporation ” , The Telegraph reports .
“ If you want to be an opinionated columnist or a partisan campaigner on social media then that is a valid choice , but you should not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told his employees .
His speech was met with a “ deafening silence by BBC staff , many of whom seem to have taken a recent sabbatical from social media ” , says The Guardian columnist Jane Martinson .
Although Davie “ didn ’ t name names ” , Martinson continues , “ some of the corporation ’ s most prolific tweeters – such as its media editor , Amol Rajan , and political editor , Laura Kuenssberg – have been very quiet on the platform recently ” .
The broadcaster ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs purge , after admitting staff numbers had increased over the past three years , and called for a 20 % cut in programme-making to improve quality ” , adds The Telegraph .
According to Martinson , the speech “ was a pitch to outsiders – and it had to be ” .
“ With a hostile government and a difficult market , the BBC needs all of its licence fee payers if it is to survive , ” she adds .
“ Not just the young , not just in London , @ @ @ @ @ @

BBC journalists who want to carry out “partisan campaigns” on social media should hand in their notice, the broadcaster’s new director-general said yesterday.
Tim Davie “used a speech on just his third day in the job to crack down on ‘political bias’ and warn staff who broke impartiality rules that they were not wanted at the corporation”, The Telegraph reports.
“If you want to be an opinionated columnist or a partisan campaigner on social media then that is a valid choice, but you should not be working at the BBC,” Davie told his employees.
His speech was met with a “deafening silence by BBC staff, many of whom seem to have taken a recent sabbatical from social media”, says The Guardian columnist Jane Martinson.
Although Davie “didn’t name names”, Martinson continues, “some of the corporation’s most prolific tweeters – such as its media editor, Amol Rajan, and political editor, Laura Kuenssberg – have been very quiet on the platform recently”.
The broadcaster’s new boss also warned of a “jobs purge, after admitting staff numbers had increased over the past three years, and called for a 20% cut in programme-making to improve quality”, adds The Telegraph.
According to Martinson, the speech “was a pitch to outsiders – and it had to be”.
“With a hostile government and a difficult market, the BBC needs all of its licence fee payers if it is to survive,” she adds. “Not just the young, not just in London, not just the rich.”


theweekuk--2020-09-04--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 4 Sep 2020

A last-minute rush to take advantage of the government ’ s “ eat out to help out ” offer brouight @ @ @ @ @ meals claimed to more than 100 million .
Having exceeded expectations , the scheme will @ @ @ @ @ £500m set aside by Chancellor Rishi Sunak .
He said : “ I want to @ @ @ @ @ owners to waiters , chefs and diners , for embracing it and helping drive our @ @ @ @

‘Eat out to help out’ exceeds expectations with 100m meals
A last-minute rush to take advantage of the government’s “eat out to help out” offer brouight the total number of discount meals claimed to more than 100 million. Having exceeded expectations, the scheme will now cost more than the £500m set aside by Chancellor Rishi Sunak. He said: “I want to thank everyone, from restaurant owners to waiters, chefs and diners, for embracing it and helping drive our economic recovery.”


theweekuk--2020-09-04--Flat-earthers quarantined after trying to find end of the world

A pair of Flat-Earthers in Italy have been quarantined after trying to find the end of the world .
The man and woman set sail in search of Lampedusa , an island between Sicily and North Africa , to prove there is an end to the world .
A doctor at the Ministry of Health said : “ The funny thing is that they orient themselves with the compass , an instrument that works on the basis of terrestrial magnetism , a principle that they , as Flat-Earthers , should reject.
” Man drinks pints of his own urine daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven pints of his own urine every day .
Jan Schunemann , 26 , from Hamburg , also uses a syringe to ingest it through his ears and rubs it on his skin .
He says the therapy method , known as Shivambu Kalpa , is “ the perfect medicine since it is full of everything that the human body needs .
It is also free for every human being ” .
The world ’ s oldest couple , Julio Mora and Waldramina Quinteros , have been awarded the Guinness World Record in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ecuador , he is 110 and she is 104 .
Their marriage , which has lasted 79 years so far , has produced : four surviving children , 11 grandchildren , 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A pair of Flat-Earthers in Italy have been quarantined after trying to find the end of the world. The man and woman set sail in search of Lampedusa, an island between Sicily and North Africa, to prove there is an end to the world. A doctor at the Ministry of Health said: “The funny thing is that they orient themselves with the compass, an instrument that works on the basis of terrestrial magnetism, a principle that they, as Flat-Earthers, should reject.”
Man drinks pints of his own urine daily
A man in Germany drinks up to seven pints of his own urine every day. Jan Schunemann, 26, from Hamburg, also uses a syringe to ingest it through his ears and rubs it on his skin. He says the therapy method, known as Shivambu Kalpa, is “the perfect medicine since it is full of everything that the human body needs. It is also free for every human being”.
World's oldest couple crowned
The world’s oldest couple, Julio Mora and Waldramina Quinteros, have been awarded the Guinness World Record in recognition of their longevity. Both from Ecuador, he is 110 and she is 104. Their marriage, which has lasted 79 years so far, has produced: four surviving children, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-09-03--The Week Unwrapped podcast: Singing dogs, African plastic and Covid tech

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To get six free issues of The Week magazine and a moleskine notebook visit theweek.co.uk/offer and enter promo code : POD25 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In this week ’ s episode , we discuss : Major oil companies are lobbying the US to pressure Kenya to change its world-leading stance against plastic waste , according to environmentalists who fear the African continent will be used as a dumping ground .
The request from the American Chemistry Council comes as the US and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So could securing the agreement carry a steep environmental cost ?
This week Samsung unveiled its Galaxy Z Fold 2 , one of several highly-anticipated foldable phones released recently .
But despite the fanfare , sales of foldable devices are way down , in part due to lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic .
How else will coronavirus influence our gadget consumption in the near future ?
This week the New Guinea singing dog made its voice heard once again .
A cousin of the dingo famous for its haunting polyphonic howling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extinct in the wild .
But a new study shows that this fascinating creature , regarded as an evolutionary “ missing link ” , is alive and well in the highlands of New Guinea .
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player , Spotify , Apple podcasts , SoundCloud or wherever you get you get your podcasts .

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––To get six free issues of The Week magazine and a moleskine notebook visit theweek.co.uk/offer and enter promo code: POD25–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
In this week’s episode, we discuss:
African plastics
Major oil companies are lobbying the US to pressure Kenya to change its world-leading stance against plastic waste, according to environmentalists who fear the African continent will be used as a dumping ground. The request from the American Chemistry Council comes as the US and Kenya negotiate a historic trade deal. So could securing the agreement carry a steep environmental cost?
Coronavirus gadgets
This week Samsung unveiled its Galaxy Z Fold 2, one of several highly-anticipated foldable phones released recently. But despite the fanfare, sales of foldable devices are way down, in part due to lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic. How else will coronavirus influence our gadget consumption in the near future?
Singing dogs
This week the New Guinea singing dog made its voice heard once again. A cousin of the dingo famous for its haunting polyphonic howling, it was thought to have gone extinct in the wild. But a new study shows that this fascinating creature, regarded as an evolutionary “missing link”, is alive and well in the highlands of New Guinea.
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player, Spotify, Apple podcasts, SoundCloud or wherever you get you get your podcasts.


theweekuk--2020-09-03--New Rolls-Royce Ghost: introducing the minimalist Roller

When Rolls-Royce ’ s design team was given the brief for the all-new Ghost the objective was clear : create something minimalist , pure yet unmistakably a Roller .
Minimalism is not often associated with Rolls-Royce , but the British car maker says the look of the 2021 Ghost rejects “ superficial expressions of wealth ” and has an “ evolved appreciation of luxury ” .
Described by Rolls-Royce as “ post opulence ” , this is characterised by reduction , substance and a design which must be “ limited , intelligent and unobtrusive ” .
Over its ten-year lifespan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghost has become the most successful model in the marque ’ s 116-year history .
The only components carried over from the first Goodwood Ghost to the new model are the Spirit of Ecstasy and umbrellas .
Everything else was designed , crafted and engineered “ from the ground up ” , says Torsten Müller-Ötvös , CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars .
“ The result is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet , ” he added .
“ It distils the pillars of our brand into a beautiful , minimalist , yet highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our Ghost clients ’ needs and perfectly in tune with the times.
” With a starting price of £208,000 excluding taxes , you ’ ll still need a “ bulging wallet to buy the thing ” , says Top Gear .
“ That ’ s before you go anywhere near the options list .
But remember , it ’ s for those who don ’ t want to show off ” .
Rolls-Royce further developed the 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine in response to client feedback asking for near-instant torque and near-silent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horsepower and 627lb ft of torque to the all-wheel steer , all-wheel drivetrain .
According to the manufacturer , it will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and have a top speed of 155 mph .
Although creating a “ pure and detoxifying environment ” was one of the greatest challenges in Rolls-Royce ’ s history , the new Ghost is the most technologically advanced motor car the company has ever produced .
• None LED and laser headlights with more than 600m of illuminated range , vision assist , including day- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doors which now electrically open as well as close

When Rolls-Royce’s design team was given the brief for the all-new Ghost the objective was clear: create something minimalist, pure yet unmistakably a Roller.
Minimalism is not often associated with Rolls-Royce, but the British car maker says the look of the 2021 Ghost rejects “superficial expressions of wealth” and has an “evolved appreciation of luxury”.
Described by Rolls-Royce as “post opulence”, this is characterised by reduction, substance and a design which must be “limited, intelligent and unobtrusive”.
Over its ten-year lifespan, which began in 2009, the Ghost has become the most successful model in the marque’s 116-year history. The only components carried over from the first Goodwood Ghost to the new model are the Spirit of Ecstasy and umbrellas.
Everything else was designed, crafted and engineered “from the ground up”, says Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
“The result is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet,” he added. “It distils the pillars of our brand into a beautiful, minimalist, yet highly complex product that is perfectly in harmony with our Ghost clients’ needs and perfectly in tune with the times.”
The cost
With a starting price of £208,000 excluding taxes, you’ll still need a “bulging wallet to buy the thing”, says Top Gear. “That’s before you go anywhere near the options list. But remember, it’s for those who don’t want to show off”.
The engine
Rolls-Royce further developed the 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine in response to client feedback asking for near-instant torque and near-silent running. The hallmark V12 delivers 563 horsepower and 627lb ft of torque to the all-wheel steer, all-wheel drivetrain. According to the manufacturer, it will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and have a top speed of 155 mph.
The tech
Although creating a “pure and detoxifying environment” was one of the greatest challenges in Rolls-Royce’s history, the new Ghost is the most technologically advanced motor car the company has ever produced.
The equipment list includes:
LED and laser headlights with more than 600m of illuminated range, vision assist, including day- and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning
Alertness assistant
A four-camera system with panoramic view, all-round visibility and helicopter view
Active cruise control
Collision warnings and cross-traffic warning
Lane departure and lane change warning
A 7x3 high-resolution head-up display
Wi-Fi hotspot
Self-park
Latest navigation and entertainment systems
Doors which now electrically open as well as close
New Ghost: in pictures


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Quiz of The Week: 29 August - 4 September


theweekuk--2020-09-04--Villa One, One&Only Desaru Coast: a hidden gem at Malaysia’s newest resort

When the One & Only Desaru Coast opens its doors this weekend it will mark the unveiling of Malaysia ’ s newest ultra-luxury tourism offering .
Located on the south-eastern shoreline of the country , One & Only ’ s first resort in Asia is a spectacular tropical retreat positioned between lush rainforests and a private 1.5km white sand beach .
Facing the ocean or wrapped by the jungle , the resort has a collection of 42 junior suites and two expansive two-bedroom grand suites .
Each boasts private plunge pools , abundant indoor and outdoor living spaces , decadent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if it ’ s exclusivity and privacy that you ’ re after at One & Only Desaru Coast then there ’ s only one place you should book : Villa One .
Here we look at what Villa One has to offer and the resort ’ s design story .
The secluded Villa One takes luxury and privacy to another level .
Interiors are large , spacious and deftly finished with Malaysian details .
Offering 1,500m2 of space and set apart from the main resort , the two-storey residence has four bedrooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courtyard garden .
Its master bedroom features generous dressing space and en-suite bathroom with shower and stand-alone bath , Traveller Made reports , while the three guest rooms have en-suites and terraces .
Guests seeking ultimate relaxation can enjoy their own private spa treatment room , a private 27m swimming pool and direct access to the beach .
At one with nature Designed by the award-winning Kerry Hill Architects , One & Only Desaru Coast showcases the region ’ s architectural heritage with a modern interpretation of the traditional Malaysian “ kampung ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local landscapes - beach and jungle - played a huge part in the resort ’ s planning .
Design Anthology reports it is “ vast , rigorously slick and features an abundance of arrow-straight walkways , sand-hued stone walls , and terraces ” .
The team at Kerry Hill Architects were keen to preserve as much of the original vegetation as they could at One & Only Desaru Coast .
Justin Hill , director at Kerry Hill Architects , said : “ From an environmental standpoint , we wanted to be as respectful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a priority in our master planning , from minimising tree loss to keeping the site as clean as possible during construction.
” Project co-leader Angelo Kriziotis says the team “ resolved to retain as much of the strip of natural beach foliage as possible and to create a sheltered zone between the resort and the coastline ” .
He added : “ When walking on the beach , the resort is almost entirely hidden by the canopy of coastal vegetation .
There ’ s a real sense of being at one with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One & Only Desaru Coast start from £7,940 per night ( based on four people sharing ) ; see oneandonlyresorts.com In pictures : Villa One at One & Only Desaru Coast

When the One&Only Desaru Coast opens its doors this weekend it will mark the unveiling of Malaysia’s newest ultra-luxury tourism offering.
Located on the south-eastern shoreline of the country, One&Only’s first resort in Asia is a spectacular tropical retreat positioned between lush rainforests and a private 1.5km white sand beach.
Facing the ocean or wrapped by the jungle, the resort has a collection of 42 junior suites and two expansive two-bedroom grand suites. Each boasts private plunge pools, abundant indoor and outdoor living spaces, decadent bathrooms and Malaysian-inspired design features.
However, if it’s exclusivity and privacy that you’re after at One&Only Desaru Coast then there’s only one place you should book: Villa One.
Here we look at what Villa One has to offer and the resort’s design story.
Luxury and relaxation
The secluded Villa One takes luxury and privacy to another level. Interiors are large, spacious and deftly finished with Malaysian details.
Offering 1,500m2 of space and set apart from the main resort, the two-storey residence has four bedrooms, a home office and a central courtyard garden.
Its master bedroom features generous dressing space and en-suite bathroom with shower and stand-alone bath, Traveller Made reports, while the three guest rooms have en-suites and terraces.
Guests seeking ultimate relaxation can enjoy their own private spa treatment room, a private 27m swimming pool and direct access to the beach.
At one with nature
Designed by the award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, One&Only Desaru Coast showcases the region’s architectural heritage with a modern interpretation of the traditional Malaysian “kampung” or village.
Malay traditions and the local landscapes - beach and jungle - played a huge part in the resort’s planning. Design Anthology reports it is “vast, rigorously slick and features an abundance of arrow-straight walkways, sand-hued stone walls, and terraces”.
The team at Kerry Hill Architects were keen to preserve as much of the original vegetation as they could at One&Only Desaru Coast.
Justin Hill, director at Kerry Hill Architects, said: “From an environmental standpoint, we wanted to be as respectful to nature as we could. This was a priority in our master planning, from minimising tree loss to keeping the site as clean as possible during construction.”
Project co-leader Angelo Kriziotis says the team “resolved to retain as much of the strip of natural beach foliage as possible and to create a sheltered zone between the resort and the coastline”.
He added: “When walking on the beach, the resort is almost entirely hidden by the canopy of coastal vegetation. There’s a real sense of being at one with nature.”
Bookings for Villa One at One&Only Desaru Coast start from £7,940 per night (based on four people sharing); see oneandonlyresorts.com
In pictures: Villa One at One&Only Desaru Coast


theweekuk--2020-09-04--Donald Trump called dead US troops ‘suckers’ and ‘losers’, sources claim

Donald Trump has been accused of disparaging US soldiers killed in combat as “ losers ” and “ suckers ” during a visit to a military cemetery .
At least four sources have told The Atlantic that the president made the comments prior to a scheduled First World War memorial event at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery , near Paris , in November 2018 .
Trump cancelled the appearance at the last minute , blaming “ bad weather ” .
However , insiders told the US magazine that he decided to pull out after asking his entourage : “ Why should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s filled with losers.
” In a separate conversation during the trip to France , Trump is also alleged to have said that US marines who lost their lives at the Battle of Belleau Wood - a key Allied victory in the War - were “ suckers ” for getting killed .
The Associated Press news agency reports that “ a senior Defence Department official with first-hand knowledge of events and a senior US Marine Corps officer who was told about Trump ’ s comments confirmed some of the remarks ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have made similar comments back on US soil .
“ Trump has been , for the duration of his presidency , fixated on staging military parades , but only of a certain sort , ” says The Atlantic .
During a 2018 White House planning meeting for such an event , he reportedly asked his aides not to include amputee veterans in the procession , arguing that “ nobody wants to see that ” .
Trump has dismissed the reports as “ totally false ” .
Calling The Atlantic a “ terrible magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , he asked : “ What animal would say such a thing ?
” True or not , the allegations are the latest in a string of rows relating to Trump ’ s alleged comments on military matters .
As The Independent reports , he “ ran into trouble over a 2017 call of condolence he made to Myeshia Johnson ” , whose husband Sergeant La David Johnson was killed in Niger by Islamic militants .
The newly widowed woman said that the president “ could not remember her husband ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew what he signed up for ” .
Two years earlier , Trump had sparked anger by saying that Arizona senator and former prisoner of war John McCain was “ not a war hero ” , adding : “ He ’ s a war hero because he was captured .
I like people who weren ’ t captured.
” According to The Atlantic , when McCain died , in August 2018 , Trump told his senior staff : “ We ’ re not going to support that loser ’ s funeral .
”