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[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-28T08:50:05 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Police hope to have a section of the M20 open again by lunchtime after a footbridge came crashing down on top of vehicles on the busy motorway. A motorcyclist, aged in his 50s, was rushed to hospital after the bridge collapsed on the motorway in Kent after it was hit by a lorry on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Emergency services raced to the scene between junctions three and four after the structure collapsed shortly after noon on Saturday. The lorry driver was also treated for shock. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fm20-bridge-collapse-motorway-remains-closed-after-footbridge-crashed-down-on-top-of-vehicles-a3331276.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/15/m20bridgecollapse.jpg | en | null | M20 bridge collapse: Motorway remains closed after bridge crashed down on top of vehicles | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Police hope to have a section of the M20 open again by lunchtime after a footbridge came crashing down on top of vehicles on the busy motorway.
A motorcyclist, aged in his 50s, was rushed to hospital after the bridge collapsed on the motorway in Kent after it was hit by a lorry on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Emergency services raced to the scene between junctions three and four after the structure collapsed shortly after noon on Saturday. The lorry driver was also treated for shock.
The 170 tonne bridge came down when a digger being transported on the back of a lorry crashed into it, Kent Police and Highways England said.
Aftermath: The crash scene on the M20 (PA)
A major incident was declared on the main route to the Channel Tunnel and the Port of Dover, with images on social media showing remains of the footbridge and damaged vehicles on the carriageway.
Alex Magaisa was driving past the lorry involved just as the bridge collapsed, with his wife and two young sons in the car. They were on their way to Gatwick Airport to catch a flight to Belfast to see family for the bank holiday weekend.
The University of Kent lecturer, 41, said: "My instinct was just to drive through. My wife saw the bridge falling and there was a big noise. I had to manoeuvre through the debris.
"We stopped afterwards for about 30 minutes, and there was another car with a family behind us. Luckily no-one seemed to have been hurt.
A lorry is reported to have struck the bridge shortly after lunchtime on Saturday (PA)
"It was a big shock. It's only just starting to sink in now what might have happened. We were right in the line of fire and we could have been crushed."
Highways England said that the part of the M20 between junctions two and four will remain closed until at least noon on Sunday, with crews working through the night to clean up the scene.
The adjoining M26, which was closed eastbound between the M25 junction 25 and the M20 J3 to "assist management of traffic" following the incident, is also likely to stay closed until the area is completely cleared.
Andy Sunnucks, 24, who also saw the incident, said: "We were about 15 cars back on the same carriageway as the collision.
The bridge collapsed onto cars between junctions 3 and 4 (Twitter / @Tweet1MoreTime)
"It looked like a lorry had jackknifed, and I could see half the bridge was missing. We went to have a look and the back end of the lorry was in pieces."
The graphic designer, a passenger travelling from Maidstone to Sevenoaks, said: "The motorcyclist was laying down underneath his bike."
An estimated 13 million drivers are expected to take to the road for a holiday or an outing between Friday and Monday, according to the AA.
Saturday was expected to be the busiest single day for motorists embarking on leisure journeys, with 10 million drivers predicted to be getting behind the wheel. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/m20-bridge-collapse-motorway-remains-closed-after-footbridge-crashed-down-on-top-of-vehicles-a3331276.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/4291eac718c7fd332bd59df269e7c305797f1e7449d7aa0d056451e9aa3734f5.json |
[
"Lizzie Edmonds"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:48 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Sprinter Jonnie Peacock has said ParalympicsGB are “pumped up” and ready to get more medals than in London thanks to the country’s “astronomical” success in Rio. The current Paralympic champion in the T44 100m sprint said Team GB have given the Paralympic team a boost and the athletes were ready to emulate their success. Speaking days before he travelled to Brazil for the 2016 Games, the 23-year-old said: “The medal table speaks for itself. It is an astronomical achievement. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Frio-2016-paralympics-team-gbs-astronomical-success-has-got-us-pumped-up-says-jonnie-peacock-a3330626.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/13/peacock2608.jpg | en | null | Rio 2016 Paralympics: Team GB's 'astronomical success' has got us pumped up, says Jonnie Peacock | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Sprinter Jonnie Peacock has said ParalympicsGB are “pumped up” and ready to get more medals than in London thanks to the country’s “astronomical” success in Rio.
The current Paralympic champion in the T44 100m sprint said Team GB have given the Paralympic team a boost and the athletes were ready to emulate their success.
Speaking days before he travelled to Brazil for the 2016 Games, the 23-year-old said: “The medal table speaks for itself. It is an astronomical achievement.
“When you see the gymnasts and the track cycling, these people are pulling it out of the bag. They are not looking at barriers any more, just getting medals. It gets you pumped up and excited. Now we want a piece of that. Team GB’s success will ensure that athletes go in there with confidence. We want to emulate that success. We want to be just as good, if not better.”
Peacock, who had his right leg amputated below the knee aged five after suffering from meningitis, predicted ParalympicsGB, who start their campaign in Rio de Janeiro on September 7, could take home more medals than in London.
“We [ParalympicsGB] are always proud of what we can achieve. We have a strong team and a chance of winning lots of medals. Especially off the back of 2012, as a home games always brings through new talent.
“I am excited to see how well we can do. We want to keep accelerating and carrying on the success so far. Nothing is out of reach.”
He added: “I know the athletics team is strong. You have to be able to medal just to make the team nowadays — that’s how high the standard is.”
Peacock said there was more pressure on him to perform in Rio — admitting he “didn’t know what he was doing” at London 2012.
In Pictures: Team GB return home from Rio 2016 glory
17 show all In Pictures: Team GB return home from Rio 2016 glory
1/17 Team GB athletes pose after arriving home at Heathrow Airport Chris Gorman
2/17 Britain's double gold medal winning gymnast Max Whitlock (L) and Britain's gold medal winning boxer Nicola Adams wave from the top of the steps as members of the the British Olympic Team arrive back from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Justin Tallis/ AFP/Getty Images
3/17 The gold-tipped Boeing 747 bringing Britain's Olympic athletes home, flies a Union flag as it arrives back from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Justin Tallis/ AFP/Getty Images
4/17 Team GB Swimmer and gold medallist Adam Peaty leaves the aeroplane with fellow gold medallist and rower Helen Glover after arriving home at Heathrow Airport Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
5/17 Helen Glover tweets an image of a Max Whitlock Team GB Gymnast balancing inside flightBA2016 https://twitter.com/Helenglovergb/status/768006590813331457 Helen Glover
6/17 Great Britain's Tom Daley wears his bronze medal as he arrives at Heathrow Terminal 5 Steve Parsons/PA
7/17 Olympic Windsurfer Nick Dempsey tweets 'Mine's the red one!!' in the baggage hall at Heathrow Nick Dempsey
8/17 Nicola Adams and Max Whitlock of Great Britain pose with their medals during the Team GB flight back from Rio Alex Livesey/Getty Images
9/17 Team GB Athletes celebrate landing at Heathrow Sky News
10/17 Great Britain's Louis Smith with his silver medal at Heathrow Terminal 5 Steve Parsons/PA
11/17 Members of the the British Olympic Team pose for a photograph with their medals after they arrive back from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Justin Tallis/ AFP/Getty Images
12/17 Team GB Gymnast and gold medallist Max Whitlock waits to leave the aeroplane with flight attendants after arriving home at Heathrow Airport Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
13/17 Members of the the British Olympic Team take photographs with their medals after they arrive back from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Justin Tallis/ AFP/Getty Images
14/17 Members of the Great Britain Women's Hockey team during the Team GB flght back from Rio on British Airways flight BA2016 Alex Livesey/Getty Images
15/17 Team GB Athletes landing at Heathrow Sky News
16/17 Team GB Superfans welcome home our Olympians at Heathrow @TeamGB
17/17 Nicola Adams poses with her gold medal during the Team GB flight back from Rio on British Airways flight BA2016 Alex Livesey/Getty Images
The Loughborough-based sprinter said: “I was naive. I had no idea what I was doing and I didn’t care about the pressure. This time, it’s very different. People know about me and I am the reigning champion.”
When asked if he could get gold again, he said: “All I can ask for is a personal best. I know I will be difficult to beat if I do a personal best.”
Peacock was speaking as an ambassador for the World ParaAthletics Championships, which takes place in the former Olympic stadium from July 14 to 23 next year. The IAAF World Championships, also in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will follow from August 4 to 13.
Peacock said that having both contests in the same stadium was a “huge step forward” and that it would be a “dream” to compete in London again: “Nothing would beat going back to the stadium where it began for me. All being well I will be there and I’m excited to see what I am capable of.”
The race is on for tickets to the IAAF World Championships and World ParaAthletics Championships in London in 2017. The ticket application window closes on 29 August 2016. Don’t miss out! Get yours now: tickets.london2017athletics.com | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rio-2016-paralympics-team-gbs-astronomical-success-has-got-us-pumped-up-says-jonnie-peacock-a3330626.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/38da3f5e4ae015ef13a4788760a6506aa39a2cd2979599e91459d269421144f1.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-28T16:50:07 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | A man has been rushed to hospital after a fire broke out in a house in Streatham. Ten fire fighters battled to bring the blaze under control, after the property in Valley Road caught alight just before 1.30pm today. The air ambulance landed on a nearby football field, as paramedics from London Ambulance Service raced to the scene. A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said it took firefighters just over an hour and fifteen minutes to extinguish the fire. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fman-rushed-to-hospital-after-fire-breaks-out-in-house-in-streatham-a3331481.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/17/valleyrd.jpg | en | null | Man rushed to hospital after fire breaks out in house in Streatham | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A man has been rushed to hospital after a fire broke out in a house in Streatham.
Ten fire fighters battled to bring the blaze under control, after the property in Valley Road caught alight just before 1.30pm today.
The air ambulance landed on a nearby football field, as paramedics from London Ambulance Service raced to the scene.
A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said it took firefighters just over an hour and fifteen minutes to extinguish the fire.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said a police cordon was put in place at the scene, while traffic in the area was diverted.
He said the man treated at the scene for smoke inhalation before being taken to hospital.
Transport for London tweeted to say that the route 315 bus had been diverted as a result of the fire. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/man-rushed-to-hospital-after-fire-breaks-out-in-house-in-streatham-a3331481.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/2aa5501fd56d4d221023a913fd4d79f45aa77cf793e64b74880e2e7d6aa91c9d.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-28T08:50:01 | null | 2016-05-21T00:00:00 | Detectives believe churchgoers could hold vital clues to the whereabouts of a vulnerable teenager who is believed to be in London, it was revealed today. Moses John and his mother Pauline Watson disappeared from their home in Northamptonshire in the summer of 2015 and are thought to be in the capital. In May, a judge based in the Family Division of the High Court in London made a public appeal for help. Mr Justice Keehan said Moses was 14, had special educational needs and had been at the centre of the family court litigation. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fmoses-john-fresh-appeal-to-london-churches-in-search-for-missing-teenager-a3331266.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/05/21/12/mosesjohn1.jpg | en | null | Moses John: Fresh appeal to London churches in search for missing teenager | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Detectives believe churchgoers could hold vital clues to the whereabouts of a vulnerable teenager who is believed to be in London, it was revealed today.
Moses John and his mother Pauline Watson disappeared from their home in Northamptonshire in the summer of 2015 and are thought to be in the capital.
In May, a judge based in the Family Division of the High Court in London made a public appeal for help.
Mr Justice Keehan said Moses was 14, had special educational needs and had been at the centre of the family court litigation.
The judge said he was gravely concerned and said it was imperative that Moses was found.
Mother of Moses John Pauline Watson (Northamptonshire County Council/PA Wire)
Police now say it is likely that Ms Watson, who is in her 40s, has attended a church - and they want church ministers or members of congregations to come forward if they have information.
Officers say Moses is black and about 5ft 9in tall. His mother is also black and around 5ft 7in.
They say Ms Watson is from Jamaica and is thought to have links to areas of London including Croydon, Islington, Merton, Sutton, Southwark and Lambeth.
"It is likely that Moses' mother has attended church services," said Detective Sergeant Nickie Deeks, who works for Northamptonshire Police.
"It may even be that she has asked a clergyman for help or advice."
Detective Sergeant Deeks added: "We would urge all clergymen, church ministers and churchgoers - particularly in the London area - to think very carefully about whether they might have seen or had contact with Moses or his mother.
"They may have been faces in a congregation, they may have been at church events, they may have needed help.
"We would urge anyone who thinks that they might have any information to please get in touch. It is vitally important that Moses is found."
Mr Justice Keehan had said in May that Moses was vulnerable and that he was gravely concerned for his welfare.
Social workers say they have concerns about the way Moses' mother has behaved towards the youngster.
They say she is thought to have mental health difficulties and has spoken of how she "hates" Moses and considers him a disappointment.
Additional reporting by Press Association. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/moses-john-fresh-appeal-to-london-churches-in-search-for-missing-teenager-a3331266.html | en | 2016-05-21T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/518378e5f0a5af33b9ab5211585bdb6e2006989fa633856cf77ba65b3233a31b.json |
[
"Archie Rhind-Tutt"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:44 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Bayern Munich want to sign Serge Gnabry from Arsenal on a permanent deal. They are expected to make a late move for the 21-year-old and plan to immediately loan him out to Werder Bremen. But Arsene Wenger is reluctant to sell and the player, who had an unsuccessful loan spell with West Brom last season, would have to force through a move. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Farsenal-transfer-news-serge-gnabry-must-force-gunners-exit-to-seal-bayern-munich-move-a3332136.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/10/gnabry3008.jpg | en | null | Arsenal transfer news: Serge Gnabry must force Gunners exit to seal Bayern Munich move | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Bayern Munich want to sign Serge Gnabry from Arsenal on a permanent deal.
They are expected to make a late move for the 21-year-old and plan to immediately loan him out to Werder Bremen.
But Arsene Wenger is reluctant to sell and the player, who had an unsuccessful loan spell with West Brom last season, would have to force through a move.
Gnabry has made only 19 first-team appearances for Arsenal and has just returned from the Rio 2016 Olympics, where he won a silver medal with Germany.
Earlier this month, Wenger said: "I want to keep Serge Gnabry and extend his contract,' Wenger said at his press conference on Thursday.
"I think we stood by him. He went to West Brom, didn't play, we had to rebuild his confidence. I allowed him to go to the Olympics to help Germany."
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*All trading involves risk. Only risk capital you’re prepared to lose | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-transfer-news-serge-gnabry-must-force-gunners-exit-to-seal-bayern-munich-move-a3332136.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c35eb57985a7f66dbadc88b9493b46ea38cf7adc692bd5802d806f5ebafe3747.json |
[
"Fiona Simpson"
] | 2016-08-30T20:51:07 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | A car has burst in to flames in north-east London. Smoke billowed across the A12 in Leyton after the car set on fire following a crash. One person was treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to a north London hospital by ambulance crews | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Ftransport%2Fcar-bursts-in-to-flames-after-crash-in-northeast-london-a3332866.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/21/leytoncrash.jpg | en | null | Leyton fire: Car bursts in to flames after crash in north-east London | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A car has burst in to flames in north-east London.
Smoke billowed across the A12 in Leyton after the car set on fire following a crash.
One person was treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to a north London hospital by ambulance crews
We've left the RTC on #A12 #Leyton, thanks to drivers who moved aside for us. Smoke from the fire seen in this video pic.twitter.com/GRP8Je0oho — ChrisHawkswell, EP07 (@LAS_TacAdvisor) August 30, 2016
— TfL Traffic News (@TfLTrafficNews) August 30, 2016
Two fire engines were called to the scene just before 8pm this evening and the road was part-closed for just over an hour.
Car blaze: A car burst in to flames on the A12 at Leyton (Twitter/@LauraF7x)
Dramatic images have emerged of the burnt-out vehicle blocking the road as traffic queued for miles while emergency services dealt with the blaze.
London Ambulance Service thanked drivers who “moved aside” for crews. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/car-bursts-in-to-flames-after-crash-in-northeast-london-a3332866.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/231202997fc9d888085fec197b0ccde36180b0301804119c27095873897b7d1c.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-30T12:50:56 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Gene Wilder’s family have revealed the touching moment before he died. The acting icon, who died at the age of 83 at his home in Stamford, Connecticut earlier this month, was surrounded by friends and family. In a statement, his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman detailed his final moments, saying that they had been ‘holding hands’ and listening to Ella Fitzgerald. “He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember,” he said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Fgene-wilder-s-family-reveal-touching-final-moments-he-passed-holding-our-hands-a3332461.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/21/wilder01.jpg | en | null | Gene Wilder’s family reveal touching final moments: ‘He passed holding our hands’ | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Gene Wilder’s family have revealed the touching moment before he died.
The acting icon, who died at the age of 83 at his home in Stamford, Connecticut earlier this month, was surrounded by friends and family.
In a statement, his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman detailed his final moments, saying that they had been ‘holding hands’ and listening to Ella Fitzgerald.
“He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember,” he said.
“As our hands clutched and he performed one last breath the music speaker, which was set to random, began to blare out one of his favorites: Ella Fitzgerald.
“There is a picture of he and Ella meeting at a London bistro some years ago that are among each our cherished possessions.”
He continued: “She was singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow as he was taken away.”
Wilder’s family announced the news of his death on Monday, following a three-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Gene Wilder's most iconic film roles
A family statement read: “It is with indescribable sadness and blues, but with spiritual gratitude for the life lived that I announce the passing of husband, parent, and universal artist Gene Wilder, at his home in Stamford Connecticut. It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him.
“The cause was complications from Alzheimer’s disease, with which he co-existed for the last three years.”
Gene Wilder - In pictures
16 show all Gene Wilder - In pictures
1/16 Gene Wilder in 1979 Rex
2/16 Gene Wilder with the Oompa-Loompas in Charloe and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
3/16 Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor go 'Stir Crazy' in 1980
4/16 Zero Mostel with Gene Wilder in The Producers
5/16 Gene Wildee (Citation Reader) at the 1978 BAFTA Awards Rex
6/16 Kelly Lebrock and Gene Wilder in The Woman in Red
7/16 Gene Wilder with Wife Karen Boyer in 2010 Rex
8/16 Gene Wilder with Teri Garr operating on the monster in Young Frankenstein in 1974
9/16 Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder in Blazing Saddles (1974)
10/16 Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder in Silver Streak
11/16 Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks at the Opening Night of the play 'Young Frankenstein' in New York, America in 2007 Rex
12/16 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Smarter Brother' starring Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman in 1975
13/16 Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder star in Another You (1981)
14/16 Gene Wilder in The Frisco Kid
15/16 Gene Wilder in 'The Lady in Question' (1999) ITV
16/16 Gene Wilder on Parkinson in 2007 Rex
Tributes from fans and fellow actors poured in following news of Wilder’s death on Monday.
Mel Brooks, who Wilder collaborated with on many occasions, tweeted: “Gene Wilder-One of the truly great talents of our time.
"He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship." | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/gene-wilder-s-family-reveal-touching-final-moments-he-passed-holding-our-hands-a3332461.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e5dd031ed25e17a5dc3daaaa80b1b9b6c9aa318f46bc6b8be4cd45788db48c89.json |
[
"David Ellis"
] | 2016-08-26T13:15:14 | null | 2015-12-16T00:00:00 | The Notting Hill Carnival is set to return for its 50th raucous weekend. As Europe’s biggest street party, it’s a spectacular of Caribbean culture, with a cacophony of Calypso music, steel bands and Sound Systems. It’s noisy, busy, a blur of food and sound and colour, and can be a little overwhelming for some – but do it right, and it’ll make a weekend to remember. After all, it’s a London institution for a reason. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Fattractions%2Fnotting-hill-carnival-2016-dates-map-tube-stations-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know-a3326546.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/12/16/11/nottinghillcarnival15a.jpg | en | null | Notting Hill Carnival 2016: Dates, map, tube stations and everything else you need to know | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The Notting Hill Carnival is set to return for its 50th raucous weekend. As Europe’s biggest street party, it’s a spectacular of Caribbean culture, with a cacophony of Calypso music, steel bands and Sound Systems.
It’s noisy, busy, a blur of food and sound and colour, and can be a little overwhelming for some – but do it right, and it’ll make a weekend to remember. After all, it’s a London institution for a reason.
Read everything you need to know about what's on here.
When is the carnival?
Sunday August 28 and Bank Holiday Monday, August 29.
If you’re planning on bringing the children, head down on the Sunday, which is billed as the Family Day and is quieter than Monday, which tends to get extremely crowded.
Where is it?
With thanks to thenottinghillcarnival.com for the map.
No surprises here, it's in Notting Hill. The map above details exactly where – use the key below for details.
Blue line – Carnival route
Black line – Traffic exclusion zone
Blue marker – Sound system
Yellow marker – Pub/bar
Green tent – Lost and found
How do I get there?
Given the carnival’s popularity, with pedestrians swarming the area, a number of roads are closed and the surrounding areas are expected to be heavily congested.
Driving
Those who can avoid driving around the Notting Hill area should.
Roads closed are:
Westbourne Park Road, between Great Western Road and Ladbroke Grove
Elgin Crescent Kensington Park Road, between Westbourne Grove and Elgin Crescent
Cambridge Gardens, between St Marks Road and Ladbroke Grove.
These will be shut between 2am Sunday August 28 and 5am, Tuesday August 29. There will also be lane restrictions on Great Western Road.
The boundaries for the closures are Harrow Road in the north, Notting Hill Gate in the south, Clarendon Road in the west and Queensway in the east.
Happy times: the Carribean spirit comes to Notting Hill this weekend
The Tube
The Underground is set to be the best way to get to the area, though be prepared to walk a little way to get to the Carnival itself as a number of stations will be closed:
Ladbroke Grove will be closed on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday
Latimer Road will be closed after 11.30pm on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday
Notting Hill Gate will be exit-only on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday between 11am and 9pm, and both the Circle and District lines will not stop, meaning it will only be accessible by the Central line
Westbourne Park will be exit-only between 11am and 6pm, and will close at 11.30pm on Sunday, and will remain closed throughout and Bank Holiday Monday
Royal Oak will be exit-only from 11am on Sunday, and will close at 6pm, and remain closed on Bank Holiday Monday TfL advise that some stations will be left open to help with congestion, meaning it won’t be possible to tap out.
TfL say they will refund any overcharges that occur as a result after the Carnival is over.
Queensway, Bayswater, Holland Park, Warwick Avenue, Paddington, High Street Kensington, Holland Park, Queen’s Park and Shepherd’s Bush are all nearby and within walking distance of the weekend’s events.
Carnival times: Sunday is more family friendly (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Buses
For full details, see the TfL website. In short, many bus services will be disrupted and some will terminate earlier, because of the road closures. Still, they will be laying on extra services day and night to to and from the Carnival, but expect them to be crowded.
Notting Hill Carnival in pictures
11 show all Notting Hill Carnival in pictures
1/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 A dancer smiles as she soaks up the atmosphere Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
2/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 A dancer shows off her brightly-coloured costume Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
3/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 Revellers enjoy the Notting Hill Carnival's family day Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
4/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 Drummers at the 2015 Notting Hill Carnival Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
5/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 Dancers from Kinetika Bloco summer school rehearse before the start of the parade Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
6/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 Dancers perform during the Notting Hill Carnival 2015 family day parade Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
7/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 Party-goers and police officers share a laugh at Notting Hill Carnival family day parade in Ladbroke Grove Catherine Wylie/PA Wire
8/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 A young reveller on a carnival float tricycle Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
9/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 A dancer during the Notting Hill Carnival 2015 Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
10/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 A performer is pretty in pink during the carnival parade Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
11/11 Notting Hill Carnival 2015 Carnival-goers take a selfie during the Notting Hill Carnival Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
Cycling
Grabbing a Sadiq cycle might seem like a clever way to get around the lack of public transport, but besides all the pedestrians to dodge, docking stations will be few and far between.
From 9pm on Saturday evening until 7am on Tuesday, would-be cyclists won’t be able to park or retrieve a bike from:
All Saints Road
All Saints Church
Portobello
Blenheim Crescent
Chepstow Villas
Gloucester Terrace
Hereford Road
Lansdowne Walk
Ladbroke Grove
Central Notting Hill Gate Station
Pembridge Villas
St Marks Road
Turquoise Island
Westbourne Park Road
For more information, visit thenottinghillcarnival.com and tfl.gov.uk
Notting Hill Carnival in numbers
London Live (Freeview 8, YouView 8, Sky 117 and Virgin 159) will be live from Notting Hill on Sunday August 28 and Monday August 29, 4-6pm.
Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout | http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/attractions/notting-hill-carnival-2016-dates-map-tube-stations-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know-a3326546.html | en | 2015-12-16T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/a1a5d211aa719dc80cc8217d1e02a99d018eeacc8207dded129d256609682794.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-30T14:51:01 | null | 2016-07-19T00:00:00 | Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Loic Remy on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea. The former QPR and Newcastle striker has found himself out of favour at Stamford Bridge and started just three games last season. Despite drawing interest from clubs in Europe Remy had long favoured a move that allowed him to remain in London and has now put pen to paper on a deal at Selhurst Park. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fcrystal-palace-transfer-news-chelseas-loic-remy-joins-eagles-on-seasonlong-loan-deal-a3332526.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/19/10/loicremy1907.jpg | en | null | Crystal Palace transfer news: Chelsea's Loic Remy joins Eagles on season-long loan deal | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Loic Remy on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
The former QPR and Newcastle striker has found himself out of favour at Stamford Bridge and started just three games last season.
Despite drawing interest from clubs in Europe Remy had long favoured a move that allowed him to remain in London and has now put pen to paper on a deal at Selhurst Park.
“This is a very good chance for me and a big opportunity,” Remy said. “It was very important to know Alan Pardew as he is a very good manager and I am happy to be here.”
Palace boss Pardew added: “Loic has been a target of mine throughout this transfer window and I’m delighted the deal has been done. I brought him to Newcastle so I know what he is capable of and I am convinced he will be a quality addition to our squad as we evolve.
“Loic has international and Champions League experience as well as being a Premier League title winner and is the latest example of the high calibre of players we have brought into the club during this transfer window.”
Remy will provide Alan Pardew with much-needed variety in attacking areas, capable of playing alongside record signing Christian Benteke in a front two and providing an alternative from the bench.
The 29-year-old scored 12 goals in 47 appearances for the Blues, winning a Premier League title and League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-transfer-news-chelseas-loic-remy-joins-eagles-on-seasonlong-loan-deal-a3332526.html | en | 2016-07-19T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/4c2b681fe2f34aa3f374f845ad87790c2616dfa463af914fe07571373beef61d.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:50:56 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | When President François Hollande declared that France was at war with Islamic State he stated that the nation’s democracy was at risk and that citizens should stand united “because our unity is our strength”. But is France in danger of putting such unity at risk? When we witness four armed officers ordering a woman to undress on a public beach, one must ask how this helps promote national unity, which by definition must include people of all faiths and of no faith? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fcomment%2Fletters%2Fletters-to-the-editor-france-s-burkini-ban-is-so-divisive-a3332741.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/25/13/burkiniprotest2508e.jpg | en | null | Letters to the editor: France’s burkini ban is so divisive | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | When President François Hollande declared that France was at war with Islamic State he stated that the nation’s democracy was at risk and that citizens should stand united “because our unity is our strength”.
But is France in danger of putting such unity at risk? When we witness four armed officers ordering a woman to undress on a public beach, one must ask how this helps promote national unity, which by definition must include people of all faiths and of no faith?
The burkini is not an Islamic item of clothing but a modern-day invention for ladies who wish to cover themselves for whatever reason. It may even be seen as a political statement but the French government’s reaction will do little to tackle extremism.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has spoken out against the ban, saying that positive change can only come about through “shared values and integration”. Politicians, rightly, should be focusing on social stability, better education and working alongside communities to improve national security and eradicate extremism. They should be breaking down barriers — not encouraging exclusion.
Meliha Hayat, Ahmadiyya Muslims Community UK
Sadiq Khan should try to avoid interfering in the judicial politics of France and laws that are set by its courts, especially as Britain has just voted to leave the EU.
As Mayor of London his remit is to deliver the pledges that he campaigned for and for which he won the most recent mayoral election, rather than comment on what clothes women should or should not wear. Fashion is better managed by London Fashion Week, not City Hall.
Taymour Abousaada
I read Navida Sayed’s comments regarding the burkini [Letters, August 25] and I couldn’t agree more with her. I am at a loss to comprehend why anyone would want to ban the burkini. Surely it should be up to the ladies who wear them to decide what is appropriate attire for the beach?
Banning this garment is certainly not the way to tackle security concerns in France and I think it is unhealthy to link the two.
Natalie Gowers
It is hypocritical of Sadiq Khan to say “don’t tell women what to wear” [August 25] when he has banned adverts that show women wearing bikinis from the Tube.
The Mayor should not tell women or anyone else what to wear on the beach or have the authority to ban these adverts. He should give us back our right to decide if an advert is offensive and, if so, we will go through the independent body regulating the UK advertising industry — the Advertising Standards Authority. That is what it is there for.
Alison Sorrell
HGV operators are working on safety
I agree with recent comments by Val Shawcross, Deputy Mayor for Transport, which recognised that improving sightlines for HGV drivers is a major element in reducing the vulnerability of cyclists and pedestrians. But the reality is that City Hall is well aware that both HGV operators and manufacturers are on the case and have long stepped up to the mark in recent years.
In my view the Mayor perceives the logistics industry as low-hanging fruit with his proposed safety requirements. His efforts could be better utilised in other areas that require his urgent attention because our industry, manufacturers and Transport for London have been working tirelessly over the past five years. This is evident from the reduction in the number of collisions.
There are still too many cyclist deaths in the capital but the number is decreasing and the 13 cyclists killed in 2015 was the lowest figure on record. One cyclist death is too many but, as far as the haulage industry is concerned, change is well under way.
Jacqueline O’Donovan, managing director, O’Donovan Waste Disposal
Young jobless in London need help
London is a city of great culture, enterprise and innovation, yet many disadvantaged young people are being left behind. Youth unemployment in London is 18 per cent, compared with the UK average of 13.7 per cent, and according to the London Poverty Profile, four in 10 children in London live in poverty.
Finding work can be a significant challenge for many young people. A lack of support or not having the right skills are barriers that many have to overcome. The Prince’s Trust is working to provide young people with opportunities. Disadvantaged young people are falling further away from the jobs market and it is crucial that communities and organisations work together to deliver the right support for them.
Dermot Finch, south region director, The Prince’s Trust
A lesson from our Olympic athletes
We have just enjoyed a very successful Olympics in Rio where many of our athletes performed beyond expectations. They deserve our praise, as do the family members who have helped and supported them from young ages.
Now that it is likely high standards can be maintained, I suggest that we look at focusing our attention on education. If a few hours each week improves physical skills, a similar number of hours of structured coaching or teaching will surely improve the understanding of science, languages, music or maths.
John Douce
Brexit could benefit creative industries
As the dust settles after the Brexit Leave vote I am happy to see that the creative industries are not suffering as badly as predicted. Despite worries that London would lose its attractiveness to young creatives, business is booming.
Let’s not forget the capital is — and has always been — a cultural and creative hub. As Munira Mirza pointed out [Comment, August 23], we are ready for a truly global future, and going forward we should focus on the opportunities that Brexit has given us, not the drawbacks.
Tom Roberts, managing director, Tribal Worldwide London | http://www.standard.co.uk/comment/letters/letters-to-the-editor-france-s-burkini-ban-is-so-divisive-a3332741.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/53ee39c35177070289daad05ba4a87e07d1f54dd0c5b5e5c367e3cc6ec8619f5.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-29T14:50:27 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Shkodran Mustafi has revealed he was easily convinced to make the £35million move from Valencia to Arsenal. The 24-year-old, who sought the advice of Mesut Ozil before agreeing to the move, is expected to be officially unveiled on Tuesday after completing a medical with the club. And the Germany international says Arsenal's playing style persuaded him to swap La Liga for the Premier League. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fshkodran-mustafi-to-arsenal-gunners-playing-style-convinced-defender-to-make-35m-transfer-a3331731.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/14/mustafi2908.jpg | en | null | Arsenal transfer news: Shkodran Mustafi reveals playing style convinced him to make £35m move | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Shkodran Mustafi has revealed he was easily convinced to make the £35million move from Valencia to Arsenal.
The 24-year-old, who sought the advice of Mesut Ozil before agreeing to the move, is expected to be officially unveiled on Tuesday after completing a medical with the club.
And the Germany international says Arsenal's playing style persuaded him to swap La Liga for the Premier League.
“I have always loved Arsenal, I like how they play here, it is not typical English," he told Sky Sports Germany.
“The game here is more like in Spain and with the German national team, keeping the ball on the grass, so it was easy to convince me.”
Mustafi is expected to be announced alongside Lucas Perez, who will join for £17million from Deportivo La Coruña.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said on Saturday: “They will integrate into the team now and we will help them join squad. We had to work very hard to get signings done. We have not got any plans for anyone else now.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/shkodran-mustafi-to-arsenal-gunners-playing-style-convinced-defender-to-make-35m-transfer-a3331731.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/405a6fc491171dc8fb51d8dd91f45e4d417c60b15a08d1b19d26de8d040a69cf.json |
[
"Sam Long"
] | 2016-08-30T20:51:12 | null | 2016-07-18T00:00:00 | Georges-Kevin Nkoudou appears to have confirmed his move to Tottenham on Twitter this evening. Standard Sport understands the 21-year-old has been training with Spurs this week - and has already passed a medical - but his move has been held up due to an impending takeover at Marseille. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fgeorgeskevin-nkoudou-appears-to-confirm-tottenham-move-with-to-dare-is-to-do-tweet-a3332861.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/18/15/georges-kevin-nkoudou.jpg | en | null | Tottenham transfer news: Georges-Kevin Nkoudou appears to confirm Spurs move on Twitter | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Georges-Kevin Nkoudou appears to have confirmed his move to Tottenham on Twitter this evening.
Standard Sport understands the 21-year-old has been training with Spurs this week - and has already passed a medical - but his move has been held up due to an impending takeover at Marseille.
But the France Under-21 international, who was photographed in Spurs training kit earlier in the week, has posted a message on his official account citing Tottenham's club motto of 'To dare is to do' as official confirmation of the transfer edges closer.
Nkoudou is set to represent Tottenham's third major signing of the summer, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to have a busy transfer deadline day as he targets up to three new arrivals at White Hart Lane.
Nacer Chadli and Ryan Mason have both left N17 in recent days, with Spurs likely to need to bring in new additions as they prepare to battle for silverware on four fronts this season. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/georgeskevin-nkoudou-appears-to-confirm-tottenham-move-with-to-dare-is-to-do-tweet-a3332861.html | en | 2016-07-18T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/bf53fd7656e4fb4514247f290defc0b205a132bc90bbfb4bca901915581908fd.json |
[
"Chloe Chaplain"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:05 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | A London teenager has been charged with murder after a man was killed in a knife attack outside an off-licence in Birmingham. Samuel Simret, 26, was stabbed to death outside RK Wines in Newtown on Tuesday. Now 19-year-old Alexander Habte from Highgate has been accused of murder and detained by West Midlands Police. Police investigating the attack said the victim was a local man and confirmed he had died from a single stab wound. Habte, of Conybere Street in north London is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk%2Flondon-teen-from-highgate-charged-with-murder-after-knife-attack-outside-offlicence-in-birmingham-a3331336.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/11/rkwines-birmingham.png | en | null | London teen from Highgate charged with murder after knife attack outside off-licence in Birmingham | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A London teenager has been charged with murder after a man was killed in a knife attack outside an off-licence in Birmingham.
Samuel Simret, 26, was stabbed to death outside RK Wines in Newtown on Tuesday.
Now 19-year-old Alexander Habte from Highgate has been accused of murder and detained by West Midlands Police.
Police investigating the attack said the victim was a local man and confirmed he had died from a single stab wound.
Habte, of Conybere Street in north London is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Detective Paul Joyce, said: “Clearly the decision to charge a man over the murder is a significant development − however we are still trying to piece together the circumstances that led up to the incident.
"I would urge anyone with information who has yet to contact police, or any witnesses, to call my team on the 101 number." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/london-teen-from-highgate-charged-with-murder-after-knife-attack-outside-offlicence-in-birmingham-a3331336.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/82ce8d231c2cb191639366e4ba468e0128120523cc56a513f5723823b37c582d.json |
[
"Tom Allnutt"
] | 2016-08-31T06:51:08 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Andy Murray never had to leave first gear as the British number one began his US Open campaign with an emphatic victory over Lukas Rosol. Murray is arguably favourite in New York to claim his fourth grand slam title and the Scot justified the tag, thrashing Rosol 6-3 6-2 6-2. He will now face world number 45 Marcel Granollers in round two after the Spaniard had earlier beaten Argentina's Juan Monaco in straight sets. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ftennis%2Fus-open-2016-andy-murray-beats-lukas-rosol-in-straight-sets-inside-two-hours-a3332916.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/06/andymurray3108.jpg | en | null | US Open 2016: Andy Murray beats Lukas Rosol in straight sets inside two hours | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Andy Murray never had to leave first gear as the British number one began his US Open campaign with an emphatic victory over Lukas Rosol.
Murray is arguably favourite in New York to claim his fourth grand slam title and the Scot justified the tag, thrashing Rosol 6-3 6-2 6-2.
He will now face world number 45 Marcel Granollers in round two after the Spaniard had earlier beaten Argentina's Juan Monaco in straight sets.
Murray's progress also means Britain will have five players in the second round at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 1987, with Kyle Edmund, Dan Evans, Johanna Konta and Naomi Broady having also made it through.
Novak Djokovic's injury-hampered win over Jerzy Janowicz on Monday has only fanned the hype around Murray's challenge, but the level of expectation does not seem to be weighing heavy on the world number two.
He did not have to defend a single break point against Rosol, while capitalising on five himself, and made only 17 unforced errors during the contest.
"I served very well. I don't think I had any break points against me so that was good," Murray said on court afterwards.
"I used good variation on the second serve as well, which is important against someone going for big returns.
"It was a tough start to the match. He had a few chances early on but once I got a break up I started to relax and played well."
Rosol is best known for his shock Wimbledon defeat of Rafael Nadal in 2012, but that has been his only success against top-five ranked players now in 15 attempts.
The straight-talking Czech did raise eyebrows in Munich last year when he bumped into Murray at a change of ends, prompting the Scot to tell his opponent: "No-one likes you on the tour, everyone hates you."
Those hoping for a re-run, however, would have left disappointed as Murray coasted through a rather sleepy contest in Arthur Ashe Stadium, during which the favourite was in complete control throughout.
Granollers, ranked 45th in the world, is likely to offer a sterner test.
"He plays different to a lot of players now, he likes to come forward a lot, he's got great hands and has good feel up at the net," Murray said of his next opponent.
"He doesn't give you much rhythm so hopefully I'll play a good match."
Rosol was eager to come forward as he rushed the net on the very first point and, on the second, lured Murray in with a drop-shot and punched away the volley.
His daring, however, too often strayed into recklessness as Murray grabbed a break at 3-2 before sealing the set in 43 minutes after a Rosol forehand flew long.
US Open Tennis 2016 - In pictures
12 show all US Open Tennis 2016 - In pictures
1/12 Great Britain's Kyle Edmund KO's France's Richard Gasquet Kena Betancur/AFP/Getty Images
2/12 Madison Keys tries to kick a tennis ball during her match against Alison Riske in the first round of the US Open Darron Cummings/AP
3/12 Serbia's Novak Djokovichits a return to Poland's Jerzy Janowicz Andrew Gombert/EPA
4/12 Great Britain's Johanna Konta returns a shot to Bethanie Mattek-Sands Al Bello/Getty Images
5/12 USA's Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the US hits a return to Johanna Konta John G Mabanglo/EPA
6/12 Andy Murray hits a shot during a practice session Chris Trotman/Getty Images
7/12 An official stands waiting for a fallen display board to be fixed inside Court 17 Seth Wenig/AP
8/12 Spotlights dance around Arthur Ashe Stadium during the opening ceremony for the US Open Alex Brandon/AP
9/12 Croatia's Marin Cilic returns a shot to Brazil's Rogerio Dutra Silva Seth Wenig/AP
10/12 Puerto Rico's Monica Puig hits a return to China's Saisai Zheng Jason Szenes/EPA
11/12 Spain's Rafael Nadareacts after defeating Denis Istomin Alex Brandon/AP
12/12 Polona Hercog of Slovenia hits the ball against Angelique Kerber of Germany during their 2016 US Open Women's Singles match Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Images
Murray broke again at the start of the second set and then twice to lead 4-0, as the 29-year-old began to enjoy himself, flicking away a backhand smash in the midst of a swivelling pirouette.
Rosol did get on the board eventually but a booming serve put him two sets down with no signs of recovery in sight.
Perhaps the point of the night came at the start of the third as each traded a series of heavy blows from the back, only for Murray to suddenly change tack with a sumptuously irretrievable drop-shot.
The Briton lashed his racket into the court after missing a forehand at 3-2 but there was no need for frustration as two more breaks wrapped up a routine victory in one hour and 52 minutes. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/us-open-2016-andy-murray-beats-lukas-rosol-in-straight-sets-inside-two-hours-a3332916.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b55965b35379980ed5f3b20450d645555cd26269baf6f28f9858597bfbcb5c0b.json |
[
"Tom Allnutt"
] | 2016-08-30T06:51:00 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Johanna Konta began her US Open campaign with the minimum of fuss as she sailed past Bethanie Mattek-Sands and into round two. Konta was the second women's match in the tournament's freshly built Grandstand arena, although there were few fans to watch as the British number one overcame Mattek-Sands 6-3 6-3. She will now face Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova, a Wimbledon semi-finalist six years ago, for a place in the third round. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ftennis%2Fus-open-2016-johanna-konta-cruises-past-bethanie-matteksands-to-book-second-round-spot-a3331911.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/06/konta3008.jpg | en | null | US Open 2016: Johanna Konta cruises past Bethanie Mattek-Sands to book second round spot | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Johanna Konta began her US Open campaign with the minimum of fuss as she sailed past Bethanie Mattek-Sands and into round two.
Konta was the second women's match in the tournament's freshly built Grandstand arena, although there were few fans to watch as the British number one overcame Mattek-Sands 6-3 6-3.
She will now face Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova, a Wimbledon semi-finalist six years ago, for a place in the third round.
As Phil Collins could be heard nearby, ushering in the new US dollars 150million roof to a packed-out Arthur Ashe Stadium, Konta quietly demolished her opponent, who was celebrating a mixed doubles Olympic gold medal only two weeks ago.
Konta admitted afterwards to being a fan of Collins and was disappointed to be out of ear-shot.
"I was hoping I could hear him, but not clear enough," Konta said. "I do like him."
Back on court, Mattek-Sands was a tricky proposition, crafty from the back and cool at the net, but Konta's return was too consistent and her baseline game too strong.
"Every first round is where you need to find your feet, get into the rhythm of the tournament, and grand slams are that a much more exciting so I think I did a good thing with that," Konta said.
"I think with Bethanie, the more emotion, the more tension that comes into a match, the better she plays, the more inspired she plays.
"It was important to make it as business-like as possible."
Flushing Meadows was where Konta enjoyed her breakthrough run 12 months ago, reaching the fourth round when she had previously managed just one grand slam victory in her whole career.
She has shot up the rankings since, from 97th to 16th, and a semi-final at the Australian Open in January has many predicting a renewed challenge on the hard courts here.
"It's definitely never easy coming out for a first round of a slam especially against Bethanie, coming off a gold medal," Konta said.
"I knew she would be inspired and feed off the atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who stayed and supported us.
"It's pretty exciting to play in here, it's a shame we weren't the first, but it's pretty special, the whole venue."
Konta started with an ace before Mattek-Sands framed a return into the stands, the ball bouncing through three empty rows before eventually being retrieved.
A break for 2-1 put the Briton in command and she was happy to meet Mattek-Sands' varied game head on, once luring her opponent in with a drop-shot before volleying into an empty court.
Two sumptuous returns were enough to break again and seal the opening set, and she pulled ahead in the second too, another break putting her 3-1 in front.
Mattek-Sands served and volleyed in a bid to turn the tide and she threatened a comeback, opening up three break points at 4-2.
Konta, however, saved them all and then served out, a backhand winner sealing a convincing victory in one hour and 22 minutes.
Pironkova, under-rated at 71 in the world, will offer a sterner test but, in this form, the Briton will be confident of going through.
"She's a great player, been highly ranked," Konta said. "Her tennis level is very, very good. She has a lot of experience. In terms of specifics, I'll have to talk to my coach." | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/us-open-2016-johanna-konta-cruises-past-bethanie-matteksands-to-book-second-round-spot-a3331911.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c943c4ccad68a969139ad6af72618b4b8a88cc5e401299d5c184e47fbf9d0c4e.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:53 | null | 2016-02-17T00:00:00 | David Luiz and Tottenham target Moussa Sissoko are favourites to join Chelsea on the final day of the transfer window. The Blues are locked in talks with PSG over a sensational swoop for former defender Luiz and saw a £32million bid for the Brazilian rejected on Tuesday evening. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fchelsea-transfer-news-david-luiz-and-tottenham-target-moussa-sissoko-favourites-to-join-blues-a3333546.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/17/16/Luiz.jpg | en | null | Chelsea transfer news: David Luiz and Tottenham target Moussa Sissoko favourites to join Blues | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | David Luiz and Tottenham target Moussa Sissoko are favourites to join Chelsea on the final day of the transfer window.
The Blues are locked in talks with PSG over a sensational swoop for former defender Luiz and saw a £32million bid for the Brazilian rejected on Tuesday evening.
PSG were this morning reluctant to sell, but Luiz is keen on a return to Stamford Bridge. It is thought Chelsea, who sold the defender for £50million two years ago, will have to significantly increase their opening offer to get him back at Stamford Bridge.
Nonetheless, Luiz remains the most likely incoming once the anticipated deal for Marcos Alonso goes through and is priced at just 5/4 to be posing with the Chelsea shirt before 11pm.
But will he be joined at Stamford Bridge by Tottenham target Sissoko? Spurs have seen an initial £16million bid for the Newcastle man rejected and are unlikely to do business unless the Championship club lower their valuation.
And reports in France on Wednesday claimed Chelsea are hoping to hijack the transfer as the odds on him moving to west London tumbled.
Check out the full list of players most likely to join Chelsea and accompanying odds (BetVictor) below.
David Luiz 5/4
Moussa Sissoko 7/4
Edison Cavani 6/1
Leonardo Bonucci 6/1
Romelu Lukaku 10/1
Daniel Sturridge 12/1
Click here to place a bet | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-transfer-news-david-luiz-and-tottenham-target-moussa-sissoko-favourites-to-join-blues-a3333546.html | en | 2016-02-17T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/013ac8e246734c3b1d3b79d68a77dfa07e71100a1a56f941c5838f5ae7f80bf5.json |
[
"Kai Price",
"Amanda Nelson"
] | 2016-08-26T14:50:34 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | It's safe to say that velvet is having a bit of a moment. We've seen this luxurious fabric revived and become a firm favourite with interior designers around the world. It can easily be used throughout the home to add a touch of elegance yet still achieve a modern look. We like mixing it with a muted colour palette, marble and clean metals for that sleek Scandinavian aesthetic. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Fdesign%2Fhow-to-bring-the-velvet-trend-into-your-home-a3330651.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/14/blanca_pressimg_7496-copy.jpg | en | null | How to bring the velvet trend into your home | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | It's safe to say that velvet is having a bit of a moment. We've seen this luxurious fabric revived and become a firm favourite with interior designers around the world. It can easily be used throughout the home to add a touch of elegance yet still achieve a modern look. We like mixing it with a muted colour palette, marble and clean metals for that sleek Scandinavian aesthetic.
The key to making velvet work is to not over do it - which can be hard when you see all the great velvet furniture available at the moment. This rich and tactile fabric works best as a accent point and, when done right, will give your home a luxurious feel.
To make a statement go for a velvet sofa in deep jewel tones such as midnight blue, olive green or plum. We recommend going for blues and greens to avoid the boudoir feel and achieve a more contemporary look.
If a new sofa is not on the cards, velvet curtains are a great way to go. Try adding them to a living room or bedroom for a warm homely feel. The heavy texture is perfect for framing your windows and creating a wonderful silhouette. Another huge plus with velvet curtains - they'll keep drafts at bay throughout the winter months.
The most simple, and cheapest, way to bring velvet into your home is by adding it as a detail. A upholstered chair, ottoman or simply some beautiful cushions will do the trick. Mixing velvet with other fabrics and materials such as linen, cotton or wool will keep things looking current.
Kai Price and Amanda Nelson are the founders of e-boutique attpynta.com. Follow them on Instagram for further interiors inspiration here. | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/design/how-to-bring-the-velvet-trend-into-your-home-a3330651.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/94852174d7668bd4aea7c5d8d57a1d61ac5ad6e49ff0a66256a37e2ca7e49686.json |
[
"Sebastian Mann"
] | 2016-08-26T18:49:37 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Police have arrested five men in the West Midlands on suspicion of terrorism offences. An army bomb disposal team was called to the Lee Bank area of Birmingham as a precaution following the arrests in the city and in Stoke-on-Trent. The men were detained on Friday by counter terrorism detectives on suspicion of commissioning, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism, West Midlands Police said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Farmy-bomb-disposal-team-called-after-string-of-terror-arrests-a3330881.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/19/policecordon.jpg | en | null | Army bomb squad called as police make string of terror arrests | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Police have arrested five men in the West Midlands on suspicion of terrorism offences.
An army bomb disposal team was called to the Lee Bank area of Birmingham as a precaution following the arrests in the city and in Stoke-on-Trent.
The men were detained on Friday by counter terrorism detectives on suspicion of commissioning, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism, West Midlands Police said.
Two men, aged 32 and 37, were held in Stoke, two others aged 18 and 24 were arrested at their homes in Birmingham and another man aged 28 was detained at a different area of the Birmingham.
A spokesman said: "Police are searching a number of properties in the Stoke and Birmingham areas as part of the investigation; these searches are on-going.
"The arrests were intelligence-led and part of an on-going investigation." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/army-bomb-disposal-team-called-after-string-of-terror-arrests-a3330881.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/86762707271404c069ff2da450afe41b9cedf84ec02a1a181b338763bb70cfe3.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-29T10:50:17 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Beyoncé was the big winner at this year’s MTV VMAs, picking up an impressive eight awards. The pop superstar, who received a Moonman in categories including Video of the Year and Best Female Video, is now the most awarded musician in the event’s history. Breaking Madonna’s record during Sunday night’s ceremony, the 34-year-old now has 24 VMAs to her name. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fmtv-vmas-2016-beyonc-makes-history-with-record-win-as-kanye-west-goes-on-rambling-speech-a3331681.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/11/beyoncevmas.jpg | en | null | MTV VMAs 2016: Beyoncé makes history with record win as Kanye West goes on rambling speech | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Beyoncé was the big winner at this year’s MTV VMAs, picking up an impressive eight awards.
The pop superstar, who received a Moonman in categories including Video of the Year and Best Female Video, is now the most awarded musician in the event’s history.
Breaking Madonna’s record during Sunday night’s ceremony, the 34-year-old now has 24 VMAs to her name.
Queen Bey’s visual album Lemonade won the award for Breakthrough Long Form Video while Formation picked up prizes for Best Direction, Best Choreography and the evening’s top prize Video of the Year.
Proving that 2016 is well and truly her year, the musician also performed an epic 16-minute set during the show, singing a medley of hits from Lemonade.
Paying tribute to husband Jay Z and daughter Blue Ivy, Beyonce told the crowd:
“First of all I'd like to thank my beautiful daughter and my incredible husband for all of their support.”
While he missed out on picking up any awards, Kanye West made a lengthy and slightly rambling on-stage speech before introducing his brand new video.
(Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Referencing his feud with Taylor Swift and mentioning wife Kim Kardashian and ex-girlfriend Amber Rose, West said:
“I am Kanye West and it feels really great to say that - especially this year. I came here to present my new video but before I do that I'm going to talk.
“Now later tonight Famous' might lose to Beyoncé but I can't be mad. I'm always wishing for Beyoncé to win so…”
Speaking about his Famous video, he continued: “I mean, I put Ray J in there bro! This is fame, bro! Like, I see you Amber.
“My wife is a G! Not a lot of people’s wives would let them say that.
“We came over in the same boat, now we're all in the same bed. Well, maybe different boats, but, if you think about last week, there was 22 people murdered in Chicago.
“People come up to me like, ''Man, that's right, take Taylor down,'' - Bro, I love all of y’all. That’s why I called her.”
Other big winners on the night included Calvin Harris who won Best Make Video for This is What You Came For and Drake who picked up Best Hip Hop Video for Hotline Bling.
DNCE were named Best New Artist while David Bowie picked up a posthumous prize for Best Art Direction on Backstar. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/mtv-vmas-2016-beyonc-makes-history-with-record-win-as-kanye-west-goes-on-rambling-speech-a3331681.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/27e4a7a9f8bca11480ba978c509498043fa6e5d10cc3bc9c6decac48aab5c8b4.json |
[
"Barry Millington"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:12 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Intended as a summation of his life’s work, the composition of Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony was interrupted by his death. The three existing movements seem to enact nothing less than a titanic life-and-death struggle and that was certainly how it was projected in this shattering performance by the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester under Philippe Jordan. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Farts%2Fproms-2016-gustav-mahler-youth-orchestrajordan-review-shattering-lifeanddeath-struggle-a3333501.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/12/gmjo-orchestra.jpg | en | null | Proms 2016, Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra/Jordan, review: Shattering life-and-death struggle | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Intended as a summation of his life’s work, the composition of Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony was interrupted by his death. The three existing movements seem to enact nothing less than a titanic life-and-death struggle and that was certainly how it was projected in this shattering performance by the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester under Philippe Jordan.
The highly talented members of this elite youth orchestra, founded 30 years ago by Claudio Abbado, might have looked too young to be confronting such grave issues, but with Jordan urging them to bend every sinew, their playing blazed with an intensity that would be hard for even the most seasoned orchestra to emulate. The grinding dissonances at the climax of the first movement proved to be but a harbinger of the searing anguish that erupts towards the end of the final Adagio, and these players dug in as though their lives depended on it. In between, the pounding fusillades of the Scherzo ricocheted thrillingly round the hall.
Given the chamber-scale forces required, Bach’s Cantata No 82, Ich Habe Genug, was an unexpected companion piece, even if the work is similarly a reflection on mortality. With Christian Gerhaher as a wonderfully eloquent soloist, the choice was entirely vindicated.
The BBC Proms (bbc.co.uk/proms) continue until September 10
Highlights of the BBC Proms 2016 – in pictures
7 show all Highlights of the BBC Proms 2016 – in pictures
1/7 Composer Charlotte Bray Michael Wickham
2/7 Conductor Antonio Pappano Musacchio & Ianniello
3/7 Pianist Martha Argerich Adriano Heitman
4/7 Conductor Daniel Barenboim Chris Christodoulou
5/7 Conductor Sir Simon Rattle Chris Christodoulou
6/7 Soprano Karita Mattila Marica Rosengard
7/7 A David Bowie tribute concert
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout | http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/arts/proms-2016-gustav-mahler-youth-orchestrajordan-review-shattering-lifeanddeath-struggle-a3333501.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/5dbeb1bb0b23c8f46eba39d09db2fb1a2507ab6880cc48d1666acf374980efa1.json |
[
"Tom Powell"
] | 2016-08-30T08:51:12 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Female tourists in India have been warned not to wear dresses or skirts by the country’s culture minister. Speaking about India’s official safety advice for women, Mahesh Sharma also advised against going out alone in small towns at night and said women should photograph the number plate of any cars they travel in. His comments have been widely criticised in India, where the government has been often accused of blaming women and not the perpetrators of crimes in the wake of several high-profile attacks and gang-rapes in recent years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Findian-culture-minister-slammed-for-telling-female-tourists-not-to-wear-dresses-a3331961.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/08/mahaltourism3008a.jpg | en | null | Indian culture minister slammed for telling female tourists not to wear dresses | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Female tourists in India have been warned not to wear dresses or skirts by the country’s culture minister.
Speaking about India’s official safety advice for women, Mahesh Sharma also advised against going out alone in small towns at night and said women should photograph the number plate of any cars they travel in.
His comments have been widely criticised in India, where the government has been often accused of blaming women and not the perpetrators of crimes in the wake of several high-profile attacks and gang-rapes in recent years.
Mr Sharma's remarks were made during a speech about a welcome kit available at airports for foreign tourists arriving in India, including advice for women.
He said: “In that kit they are given dos and don’ts. These are very small things like, they should not venture out alone at night in small places, or wear skirts, and they should click the photo of the vehicle number plate whenever they travel and send it to friends.
“For their own safety, women foreign tourists should not wear short dresses and skirts, Indian culture is different from the western.”
However, he later clarified that the he was talking about “religious places”.
He added: “We have not given any specific instructions regarding what they should wear or not wear. We are asking them to take precaution while going out at night.”
“I am a father of two daughters...I would never tell women what they should wear or not." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/indian-culture-minister-slammed-for-telling-female-tourists-not-to-wear-dresses-a3331961.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b570b3a8682166ce99906442e73bdd0aac1ecc2806b8413e3375c2b6976e9c71.json |
[
"Kate Lough"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:06 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | Known as the Emerald Isle, there’s a lot more to Ireland than Guinness and pubs. Rolling green hills, a wild Atlantic coastline, endless magical castles and buzzing cities make it an alluring destination for any traveller. It’s a land that has inspired authors and poets from CS Lewis to Yeats and provided the dramatic and breathtaking scenery for many a film from Star Wars to Harry Potter. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Ftravel%2F10-reasons-why-you-should-visit-ireland-in-2016-a3329561.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/25/16/g0024631-cliffs-of-moher.jpg | en | null | 10 reasons why you should visit Ireland in 2016 | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Known as the Emerald Isle, there’s a lot more to Ireland than Guinness and pubs.
Rolling green hills, a wild Atlantic coastline, endless magical castles and buzzing cities make it an alluring destination for any traveller.
It’s a land that has inspired authors and poets from CS Lewis to Yeats and provided the dramatic and breathtaking scenery for many a film from Star Wars to Harry Potter.
Foodies will find a new flavour in Ireland with chefs making the most of its seafood bounty; party animals will be more than sated by its endless festivals and pub culture and sporty types can get stuck into everything from surfing and kayaking to hiking and biking.
If you're after an injection or urban culture, you’ve got lively Dublin and continental Cork to explore – where history, architecture, art and fun will be at your fingertips.
Click through our gallery above to see why you’ll have a right old craic in Ireland – it’s the whole shebang.
Follow Kate on Twitter @kate_lough and Instagram @kateloughtravel | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/10-reasons-why-you-should-visit-ireland-in-2016-a3329561.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/0b91802bfcb4a67ddeee1a2f68ae189ecf28242911bcd59b2e157b2cd0a257cc.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T10:52:20 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | With her Swiss summer hiking holiday over, Theresa May got straight back into London culture. Last night she was at the Albert Hall for the BBC Proms. On the Teutonic programme were Bach’s Cantata No 82 and Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony, performed by Vienna’s Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester. May and her husband Philip enjoyed the concert from the BBC’s box. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondoners-diary%2Flondoners-diary-may-appreciates-teutonic-tone-at-the-bbc-proms-a3333351.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/11/gettyimages-588663592.jpg | en | null | Theresa May appreciates Teutonic tone at the BBC Proms | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | With her Swiss summer hiking holiday over, Theresa May got straight back into London culture. Last night she was at the Albert Hall for the BBC Proms. On the Teutonic programme were Bach’s Cantata No 82 and Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony, performed by Vienna’s Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester. May and her husband Philip enjoyed the concert from the BBC’s box.
Downing Street has not commented on whether the Prime Minister was a guest of the corporation and director- general Tony Hall. However, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the visit, telling The Londoner that “we are delighted that the Prime Minister found time in her busy schedule to visit the Proms last night”.
It’s an interesting move in the image stakes. While Smiths-loving David Cameron might have been advised by his spin team that the Proms didn’t fit his brand, the new PM is more comfortable with the concert series, which is aimed at a popular audience.
And Mrs May follows in a cultured line of politicians at the Proms. George Osborne visited as Chancellor in 2012 — he was spotted singing along to Rule, Britannia and You’ll Never Walk Alone with the BBC’s Nick Robinson. John Major and his wife Norma were also keen visitors, as PM and afterwards. Norma Major is something of a classical music expert, having penned the authorised biography of soprano Joan Sutherland.
May has a broad taste in music. As well as Mozart and Elgar, her 2014 Desert Island Discs also included Walk Like a Man by Frankie Valli. At least she and Angela Merkel will have a good conversation opener: the German Chancellor enjoys seeing the Berlin Philharmonic and visiting Bayreuth.
-----
Sprightly 81-year-old shadow leader of the house Paul Flynn suggested yesterday that MPs’ expenses should be replaced with an automatic payment, saying filling in the forms was an “unnecessary chore”. Lib-Dem Tom Brake was quick on the attack. “With this kind of cloudy thinking we would call for Paul Flynn to resign from the shadow cabinet — but that’s not as big a thing as it used to be.” Let no one say the Lib-Dems lack wit.
US Embassy staff crease up at cricket
The US Embassy may be moving to Nine Elms, closer to The Oval, but that doesn’t mean the Yanks have a grasp on our most civilised sport. The US ambassador Matthew Barzun has just shared a video of his staff trying to decipher the game’s slang, and it’s rather a sticky wicket.
“Is ‘duck’ what you do when the ball is coming straight for your head?” asks one man on the YouTube video, before wondering if “Howzat” is how we Brits say “How did that go?” in a New York accent.
They do agree, though, that “stumped” “describes the feeling of an American trying to understand cricket”. No balls all round.
Jamie and Cillian in the wars
Jamie Dornan and Cillian Murphy were at the BFI Southbank last night for a screening of their new movie Anthropoid alongside co-star Anna Geislerova and her fellow model and actress Eva Herzigova. Dornan, fresh from flogging his co-star in the new Fifty Shades movie, arrived on the arm of his wife Amelia Warner. Filmed in Prague, Anthropoid is about the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich in 1942 by Czech partisans. Murphy has just finished filming another war movie, Dunkirk, alongside One Direction’s Harry Styles. “I’m attracted to a good story, not exclusively to World War II movies,” he insisted.
McEwan’s bid for Bad Sex glory
A unique crack at the prize at this year’s Literary Review Bad Sex in Fiction from Ian McEwan. Previous star nominees have included carnally challenged efforts from Tony Blair and Morrissey, but McEwan has taken a unique approach. In his new novel, Nutshell, all the sex scenes are observed by a foetus from within the womb. Certainly gains kudos for originality.
The book is inspired by Hamlet, with the baby’s mother, Trudy, plotting with her lover Claude to kill her husband, Claude’s brother John. After their plan gains traction, murder proves to be an aphrodisiac.
“Claude crouches by my mother and might already be naked,” the baby explains, listening in. “I hear his breath on her neck. He’s undressing her, to date a peak of sensual generosity unscaled by him. ‘Careful,’ Trudy says. ‘Those buttons are pearls.’ He grunts in reply. His fingers are inexpert, working solely for his own needs. Something of his or hers lands on the bedroom floor. A shoe, or trousers with heavy belt. She’s writhing strangely. Impatience. He issues a command in the form of a second grunt. I’m cowering.”
The foetus displays a remarkable, and amphibious, grasp of vocabulary. “Like a mating toad, he clasps himself against her back. On her, now in her, and deep,” McEwan writes. “A glutinous drowning, like something pedantic crawling through a swamp.”
Whatever happened to lobster and champagne?
-----
With 1,000 miles between us, it’s easy to forget that Gibraltar is part of our fine nation. But along with London, its residents voted to remain in the EU. Are we more natural allies than previously thought? Perhaps. According to a list of received gifts, Sadiq Khan was given a crystal in the shape of the Rock of Gibraltar by the territory’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo. Stronger together, and all that.
Trudie shows her style
A new project for Trudie Styler. The wife of singer Sting has been busy behind the scenes of Hollywood for years, producing films such as Still Alice and Filth. But her new project may cement her status as a heavy-hitter.
Yesterday Variety reported that Maven Pictures, co-founded by Styler, is to make The Ripper, a drama about the friendship between late fashion designer Alexander McQueen and the late Isabella Blow. The pair became friends when Blow saw his graduate collection and bought the lot.
McQueen is proving a rich seam: last year the St James Theatre staged a play called McQueen about his life. And Styler’s film career is blooming. She is making her debut as director with the high-school film Freak Show, which is out soon. She’s yet to respond to The Londoner’s queries for more details.
-----
Stats of the day: a YouGov poll on Corbyn versus Smith within Labour shows that 57 per cent of men are pro-Jezza, and 67 per cent of women. The Bernie Sanders Effect? | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/londoners-diary-may-appreciates-teutonic-tone-at-the-bbc-proms-a3333351.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/01eee8cbd95722182736e93986197f355732ac77b2c7a85d755b17eebbbd3bf0.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-31T08:51:21 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Nick Kyrgios was again left raging at officials despite recording a comfortable straight-sets win over Britain's Aljaz Bedene at the US Open. Kyrgios experienced few problems beating British number two Bedene 6-4 6-4 6-4, but the Australian had a number of grievances against the line judges and refused to shake umpire Ali Nili's hand at the end. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ftennis%2Fus-open-2016-nick-kyrgios-rages-with-officials-as-he-brushes-past-brit-aljaz-bedene-a3332971.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/08/usopenkyrgios3108.jpg | en | null | Nick Kyrgios rages with officials as he brushes past Brit Aljaz Bedene at US Open 2016 | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Nick Kyrgios was again left raging at officials despite recording a comfortable straight-sets win over Britain's Aljaz Bedene at the US Open.
Kyrgios experienced few problems beating British number two Bedene 6-4 6-4 6-4, but the Australian had a number of grievances against the line judges and refused to shake umpire Ali Nili's hand at the end.
Bedene was unable to join his four compatriots Kyle Edmund, Dan Evans, Johanna Konta and Naomi Broady in round two. Kyrgios will now face Argentina's Horacio Zeballos.
The Old Grandstand court had only just witnessed Bernard Tomic making lewd remarks to a heckling spectator and Kyrgios began in controversial fashion too.
In the very first game he was handed a code violation by umpire Alli after he smacked a ball away in frustration and almost hit a line judge.
Nili suggested Kyrgios had over-reacted and the Australian responded, saying: "You're giving me a code violation for hitting the ball too hard? I've heard it all now."
The 21-year-old stormed into a 3-0 lead but when serving for the set at 5-4, called on a trainer to attend to a troublesome right hip.
"I had to stop practice today," Kyrgios told the physio. "It's getting worse."
The injury did not seem to hamper his performance, as he served out the set with an ace, but frustration was never far away.
At the start of the second set, he stumbled into a line judge while chasing a ball, before saying: "Why doesn't he move? He can see I'm running there."
US Open Tennis 2016 - In pictures
23 show all US Open Tennis 2016 - In pictures
1/23 Andy Murray celebrates defeating Lukas Rosol Andy Lyons/Getty Images
2/23 Naomi Broady hits a return to Laura Robson Peter Foley/EPA
3/23 Daniel Evans on court with Rajeev Ram Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
4/23 Laura Robson on the run vs Naomi Broady Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
5/23 Juan Martin del Potro shines brright playing Diego Schwartzman Elsa/Getty Images
6/23 Serena Williams in actin against Ekaterina Makarova Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
7/23 Nick Kyrgios is tended to by the trainer against Aljaz Bedene Andy Lyons/Getty Images
8/23 Ana Ivanovic returns a shot to Denisa Allertova Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
9/23 Alexander Zverev serves to Daniel Brands Andres Kudacki/AP
10/23 Venus Williams reaches out for a volley against Kateryna Kozlova Frank Franklin II/AP
11/23 Great Britain's Kyle Edmund KO's France's Richard Gasquet Kena Betancur/AFP/Getty Images
12/23 Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates after defeating Bernard Tomic of Australia in his first round Men's Singles match Andy Lyons/Getty Images
13/23 Madison Keys tries to kick a tennis ball during her match against Alison Riske in the first round of the US Open Darron Cummings/AP
14/23 Serbia's Novak Djokovichits a return to Poland's Jerzy Janowicz Andrew Gombert/EPA
15/23 Great Britain's Johanna Konta returns a shot to Bethanie Mattek-Sands Al Bello/Getty Images
16/23 USA's Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the US hits a return to Johanna Konta John G Mabanglo/EPA
17/23 Andy Murray hits a shot during a practice session Chris Trotman/Getty Images
18/23 An official stands waiting for a fallen display board to be fixed inside Court 17 Seth Wenig/AP
19/23 Spotlights dance around Arthur Ashe Stadium during the opening ceremony for the US Open Alex Brandon/AP
20/23 Croatia's Marin Cilic returns a shot to Brazil's Rogerio Dutra Silva Seth Wenig/AP
21/23 Puerto Rico's Monica Puig hits a return to China's Saisai Zheng Jason Szenes/EPA
22/23 Spain's Rafael Nadareacts after defeating Denis Istomin Alex Brandon/AP
23/23 Polona Hercog of Slovenia hits the ball against Angelique Kerber of Germany during their 2016 US Open Women's Singles match Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Images
Bedene was struggling to keep pace with his opponent's superior power and penetration as two further breaks in sets two and three were enough for Kyrgios to seal victory.
In the final game, however, umpire Nili had intervened to call a net-chord on Kyrgios' serve, which infuriated the youngster, who then refused to shake the official's hand.
"You have one job, you just have one job," Kyrgios said as he departed the court.
Bedene, who was born in Slovenia but moved to Hertfordshire in 2008, had hoped to capitalise on his opponent's wavering concentration, but left disappointed.
This was his third first-round defeat in four major tournaments this year. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/us-open-2016-nick-kyrgios-rages-with-officials-as-he-brushes-past-brit-aljaz-bedene-a3332971.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/00f0765ca2205d4607552b20a9e74c4db414afa3736abab6bbd15017338d5abc.json |
[
"Emma Powell"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:37 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Newzoids impressionist Debra Stephenson has joked she will take “no responsibility” if Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman take offence at being mocked. The presenting duo are among 50 new famous faces who have been transformed into puppets to be lambasted for a new series of ITV’s satirical sketch show - but Stephenson said Daly may be shocked at her “cheeky” puppet. Speaking to Standard Online about offending the TV personality, Stephenson said: “Especially with Tess it’s a little bit cheeky. I take no responsibility. We read what we’re given. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Fnewzoids-jon-culshaw-and-debra-stephenson-take-no-responsibility-for-offending-strictlys-tess-daly-a3333331.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/11/newzoidsgrab.jpg | en | null | Newzoids’ Jon Culshaw and Debra Stephenson take ’no responsibility’ for offending Strictly's Tess Daly | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Newzoids impressionist Debra Stephenson has joked she will take “no responsibility” if Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman take offence at being mocked.
The presenting duo are among 50 new famous faces who have been transformed into puppets to be lambasted for a new series of ITV’s satirical sketch show - but Stephenson said Daly may be shocked at her “cheeky” puppet.
Speaking to Standard Online about offending the TV personality, Stephenson said: “Especially with Tess it’s a little bit cheeky. I take no responsibility. We read what we’re given.
“It’s tough for us because we don’t have any control over the material. I’m like ‘don’t shoot the messenger’. Sometimes I think ‘oh no I can’t do that’ but it’s just fiction.”
The current political landscape - which saw Labour Shadow Cabinet members resign en masse, David Cameron step down and Britain leave the EU - has also proved tough for Stephenson and her co-star Jon Culshaw, who are hoping that things remain stable throughout the new series.
“You hope when the show is in the can the news stays still for long enough not to scupper the entire show,” Culshaw said. “With Dead Ringers recently, all the leadership contests were powering on and people were resigning left right and centre and comedy writers were writing things in real time.”
He continued: “It’s been nice to have the likes of David Cameron and George Osborne step back. It’s generic poshness with Cameron and a slight undertone of simmering evil with Osborne. They’re a bit bland. It’s good to have Teresa May 2.1 come through – a little bit more steely.”
Newzoids 2016
19 show all Newzoids 2016
1/19 Chris Evans ITV
2/19 Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby and Rylan Clarke Neal ITV
3/19 Donald Trump ITV
4/19 Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge ITV
5/19 Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdich ITV
6/19 Theresa May ITV
7/19 Jeremy Corbyn
8/19 Judge Rinder ITV
9/19 Rylan Clark-Neal ITV
10/19 Princess Charlotte ITV
11/19 Prince George ITV
12/19 Sharon Osbourne ITV
13/19 Louis Walsh ITV
14/19 Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn ITV
15/19 Adele ITV
16/19 Simon Cowell ITV
17/19 Nicole Scherzinger ITV
18/19 John Torrode ITV
19/19 Danny Dyer and Phil Mitchell ITV
May’s puppet has been given “a new Dorothy Perkins frock with leopard pockets and pearls” while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s is like a “furry Basil Brush” with a “wobbly head and a temper that seems at any moment it will explode”.
Stephenson has also given US presidential candidate Hilary Clinton a fiery personality and depicted her as a person who “might get very angry when she’s at home”.
Adele gets the Newzoids treatment (ITV)
Speaking of the decision to make some puppets angry, Culshaw said: “Secret fiery tempers is an interesting area to play around with. It takes you into a pantomimic stretch of things which is evocative of Spitting Image. It brings out a sense of the unseen.”
Other new additions to the series include Donald Trump – whose hair is a sinister cat – Adele, Judge Rinder, Zayn Malik, Bear Grylls, Princess Charlotte and Steve McFadden - whose bald head doubles up as a sprouting potato.
Despite the cruel cutting jibes, Culshaw said some famous faces are more offended if they’re not recreated in puppet form.
“Usually people are more bothered if they’re not showed,” he said. “There were times walking around the BBC where you might get approached by someone from the news channel who you don’t recognise and they go: ‘I’ve been giving you nuances are you going to have me in the show?’”
Newzoids returns to ITV at 9:15pm on September 3.
Follow @emmapowell2210 and @StandardEnts, or like us on Facebook for more entertainment news. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/newzoids-jon-culshaw-and-debra-stephenson-take-no-responsibility-for-offending-strictlys-tess-daly-a3333331.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ffdc5cd2b13c42a9fb4d849631e593ad33bb31fa9690725d07e28894008a2bcf.json |
[
"Phil Blanche"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:36 | null | 2016-02-09T00:00:00 | Swansea are in talks with Enner Valencia over a loan deal for the West Ham forward. The Ecuador striker joined Mexican club Pachuca for £12million in 2014 and has made nearly 70 appearances for the London club. But the 26-year-old has slipped down the Hammers' pecking order following the summer arrivals of Simone Zaza, Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwest-ham-transfer-news-swansea-city-in-talks-over-enner-valencia-loan-deal-a3333496.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/09/21/10Valencia0902.jpg | en | null | Enner Valencia to Swansea City: West Ham striker in talks over loan move | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Swansea are in talks with Enner Valencia over a loan deal for the West Ham forward.
The Ecuador striker joined Mexican club Pachuca for £12million in 2014 and has made nearly 70 appearances for the London club.
But the 26-year-old has slipped down the Hammers' pecking order following the summer arrivals of Simone Zaza, Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri.
Ahead of centre-back Alfie Mawson's move from Barnsley on Tuesday, Swans boss Francesco Guidolin had declared his squad would be complete following the addition of a central defender.
But Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins raised the prospect of "one or two loans" on Tuesday night, and it is understood that Valencia has headed to south Wales for talks.
"It's not always great to get things done last minute, but we'll see what comes," Jenkins told BBC Wales Sport after Swansea's 3-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon last night.
"We've done quite a lot of our business and if one or two things come our way - one or two loans to add - we would look at that."
The arrival of Valencia would further boost a forward line which already includes Spain World Cup winner Fernando Llorente and Borja Baston.
Llorente joined from Sevilla for around £5million, while Borja made a club record £15.5million switch from Atletico Madrid but has yet to play because of injury. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-transfer-news-swansea-city-in-talks-over-enner-valencia-loan-deal-a3333496.html | en | 2016-02-09T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/5a8aa588cbaa196b2151f452c3cba00c06b1c023c8fd9be0a2b83f218fdd03d5.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-31T08:51:29 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Coldplay have paid tribute to the late Gene Wilder by performing a rendition of Pure Imagination. The British band chose to remember the Willy Wonka star by playing one of the film’s most famous songs while on stage in Denver on Monday. Chris Martin, who regularly performs tributes to Prince and David Bowie, played an acoustic cover of the dream-like track. Following the concert, one fan wrote on Twitter: “It was magical. So glad I was there to see it.” | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Fcoldplay-pay-tribute-to-gene-wilder-with-rendition-of-pure-imagination-a3332941.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/07/chrismartin31.jpg | en | null | Coldplay pay Gene Wilder tribute with Pure Imagination rendition in Denver | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Coldplay have paid tribute to the late Gene Wilder by performing a rendition of Pure Imagination.
The British band chose to remember the Willy Wonka star by playing one of the film’s most famous songs while on stage in Denver on Monday.
Chris Martin, who regularly performs tributes to Prince and David Bowie, played an acoustic cover of the dream-like track.
Following the concert, one fan wrote on Twitter: “It was magical. So glad I was there to see it.”
Another wrote: “Say what you want about @coldplay but they know how to bash out a heartwarming tribute.”
A number of famous friends and fans have spoken out on social media following the death of the iconic star at the age of 83.
Mel Brooks, who Wilder collaborated with on many occasions, tweeted: “Gene Wilder-One of the truly great talents of our time.
“He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship."
In a world of pure imagination... R42 pic.twitter.com/R2KD3kA0RK — Coldplay (@coldplay) August 30, 2016
Jim Carrey said: “Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven he has a Golden Ticket.”
On Monday, Wilder’s family confirmed that he had died earlier that month following a three year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
In a statement, his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman detailed his final moments, saying that they had been ‘holding hands’ and listening to Ella Fitzgerald.
“He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember,” he said. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/coldplay-pay-tribute-to-gene-wilder-with-rendition-of-pure-imagination-a3332941.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/47bd6fb10c607a5ab26d9c1f3e7c63dd10276a50309b6829d48a53d189b57450.json |
[
"Russell Lynch"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:36 | null | 2016-07-17T00:00:00 | Let’s hope Liam Fox, our new international trade Secretary, doesn’t get his fingers burnt with boasts over the number of foreign firms ready to splash out over here. Fox, an avowed Brexiteer, says the UK “continues to be the place to do business” after figures from his department showed 2213 investments made in the year to March, an 11% rise on the previous year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2Frussell-lynch-liam-fox-shouldn-t-count-his-chickens-over-foreign-investment-a3332456.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/17/09/liam-fox.jpg | en | null | Russell Lynch: Liam Fox shouldn’t count his chickens over foreign investment | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Let’s hope Liam Fox, our new international trade Secretary, doesn’t get his fingers burnt with boasts over the number of foreign firms ready to splash out over here.
Fox, an avowed Brexiteer, says the UK “continues to be the place to do business” after figures from his department showed 2213 investments made in the year to March, an 11% rise on the previous year.
Up to a point, Lord Copper. The obvious caveat is that these investments were made nearly three months before the Brexit vote, and their value is also unknown. It’s premature to use them as evidence for the country’s continued attraction as a home for foreign cash. And for all Fox’s comments that we’ve “broadened our reach with emerging markets”, the fact is that the US still accounted for more than a quarter of those investments.
The pound’s slide since the referendum certainly increases our appeal to foreigners, as SoftBank’s £24 billion swoop for ARM Holdings shows.
But those “10% off” signs are mightily offset by more than two years of uncertainty ahead when Theresa May finally gets around to triggering Article 50 and the formal process of leaving the EU begins.
Doubt over the exact form of our exit is all but certain to damage business confidence when the negotiations begin to find a messy compromise which limits freedom of movement as well as our access to the EU’s single market.
But hundreds of the high-growth “gazelle” companies surveyed by private-equity firm ECI have put that very access to the single market at the top of their list.
Even though they’re still willing to invest in their businesses, they’re desperate to keep hiring EU workers and also worried about a downturn.
One of them, Emma-Jane Packe, managing director of the Supper Club networking group for entrepreneurs, says “our members are most concerned about declining inward investment”.
We’ll know more in a few months’ time. In the meantime, Fox should ponder Packe’s words carefully.
Careful, Carolyn...
CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn says the Government should take the bankers “off the naughty step” to ward off post-Brexit rivals to the City and “send a signal that a chapter of [crisis] is over”.
But her words reminded me of then-Barclays boss Bob Diamond’s famous pronouncement in 2011 “that the period of remorse and apology for banks… needs to be over” — just before another tide of ordure from Libor and forex rigging engulfed the industry and Diamond himself lost his job. Perhaps Fairbairn shouldn’t have tempted fate again… | http://www.standard.co.uk/business/russell-lynch-liam-fox-shouldn-t-count-his-chickens-over-foreign-investment-a3332456.html | en | 2016-07-17T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/6c3dbb2e0fc2daa285f8433d8bb76645cb11c167964020908c6080ffcdf48ddb.json |
[
"Rashid Razaq"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:25 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | The London Bridge area could be set to emerge as the capital’s most cutting-edge cultural quarter with the opening of a new underground theatre. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Ftheatre%2Fcar-park-theatre-blazes-trail-for-london-bridge-cultural-quarter-a3333221.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/10/car-park-theatre.jpg | en | null | Car park theatre blazes trail for London Bridge cultural quarter | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | 1/15 The Yard Artistic Director Jay Miller converted a disused warehouse in Queen’s Yard, Hackney Wick, into a 110-seater fully raked ampitheatre, and filled it with vibrant new writing. The small venue, created with recycled materials, has punched above its weight ever since; Alexander Zeldin’s extraordinary play on zero-hour workers, Beyond Caring, began life there before going to the National Theatre, and they have recently collaborated with the Young Vic, Royal Court, and High Tide Festivals. It also regularly holds readings of drafts in developments and scratch nights for artists to test out new work.
yardtheatre.co.uk
2/15 Bush Theatre The Bush Theatre in Shepherd’s Bush began life in 1972; it first lived above a pub that held only 80 people, but in 2010 moved to an old public library building. This space is currently being developed and this year the theatre presents a season in different locations across the Uxbridge Road. They have a proud history of presenting new writing from voices that have gone on to dominate the theatre scene, including James Graham, Nick Payne, and Jack Thorne.
bushtheatre.co.uk
3/15 Finborough Theatre The Finborough, a 50-seater above a pub in Earl’s Court, is a great champion for new writing, but it also puts on a number of rarely seen plays, like RC Sherriff’s The White Carnation and JB Priestley’s Cornelius. A number of playwrights associated with the building have won the Pearson Award including Laura Wade, Anders Lustgarten and James Graham, so it’s a great place for spotting upcoming new talent.
finboroughtheatre.co.uk
Matt Freestone
4/15 Orange Tree Theatre Under Artistic Director Paul Miller, who was appointed in 2014, Richmond’s Orange Tree has had something of a shake-up. They had a huge hit with Alistair MacDowell’s Pomona, which brought in new audiences and transferred to the National Theatre and the Royal Exchange. Alongside new writing they have presented revivals from writers as DH Lawrence, Doris Lessing, and Terence Rattigan.
orangetreetheatre.co.uk
5/15 Arcola Theatre The Arcola in Dalston has two theatre spaces and plays host to a number of emerging theatre companies. It has an impressive roster of people who have previously worked there, including Frank McGuinness, Max Stafford-Clark, and Alecky Blythe. As well as hosting new writing, they hold an opera festival every year; Grimeborn is now in its 10th year and runs for seven weeks.
6/15 Lyric Hammersmith The Lyric is over 125 years old but it definitely isn’t showing its age. They’ve had a number of hits transfer to the West End, including Bugsy Malone and Ghost Stories, but they’ve also been home to a number of adventurous works that people don’t shut up about, including Simon Stephens’ Three Kingdoms and a series of shows by the Secret Theatre company.
lyric.co.uk
7/15 Camden People's Theatre Camden People’s Theatre is a small theatre a few minutes away from Warren Street that has shown huge dedication to developing and supporting new artists. This year they staged a sit-in in their front window, with people using them as living spaces - it was part of Whose London Is It Anyway?, a festival exploring the changing capital city. Since 2013, their Calm Down Dear Festival has presented a packed programme of feminist performance.
cptheatre.co.uk
8/15 Gate Theatre The Gate Theatre lives above the Prince Albert pub in Notting Hill, where it has been presenting theatre in its 75-seat venue since 1979. It counts Stephen Daldry, Erica Whyman and Carrie Cracknell amongst its previous artistic directors, and pretty much anyone who is anyone has worked there at some stage of their career.
gatetheatre.co.uk
9/15 Southwark Playhouse The Southwark Playhouse began life in 1993, with a disused workshop being turned into a flexible theatre space. With two performance spaces, they put on a vast spread of work, from musicals to new plays, in the last year producing an all-female Cyrano de Bergerac, and a show about the Beastie Boys (which itself transferred from Camden People's Theatre).
southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
10/15 Ovalhouse Ovalhouse provides a space for new artists to develop work and offers an eclectic programme of experimental performance, as well as having a commitment to participation work and getting young people involved with the theatre. Its roots go back to the 1930s and numerous important cultural figures have started their careers there, from David Hare to Stella Duffy. In 2018 they move from their home in Kennington a mile and a half down the road to Brixton, where they hope to attract new audiences.
11/15 Shoreditch Town Hall This Grade II building became an independent arts venue in 2004, and has a number of different spaces including the huge Assembly Hall and basement space The Ditch. As well as hosting productions they curate their own artistic programme and present ground-breaking works like Action Hero’s Hoke’s Bluff and Alice Birch’s Revolt She Said, Revolt Again.
shoreditchtownhall.com
12/15 Tricycle Theatre The Tricycle in Kilburn is the starting place for a number of plays that have gone on to have a massive life in recent years: The Father starring Kenneth Cranham, Red Velvet starring Adrian Lester, and Moira Buffini’s Handbagged. They also put on work from their young company, and there’s a cinema too if your prefer your entertainment beneath a veil of celluloid.
tricycle.co.uk
13/15 Theatre503 The Theatre503 is above The Latchmere pub in Battersea, and offers more new writing opportunities than anywhere else in the country. They have a year-round open submission policy and believe it’s a crucial way to keep the industry open to new writers. They have a writing prize offering an unproduced writer a chance to be a part of their main season, and ensure they programme productions from writers from the 80s and 90s who have been overlooked. Their track record is excellent, with a lot of their shows transferring to bigger venues.
theatre503.com
14/15 Rose Theatre Kingston It’s worth making the journey to the Rose. It opened in 2008 and was modelled on the original Elizabethan theatre that lived on London’s bankside. It hosts work from theatre companies such as the RSC as well as producing its own work, and can attract the best. This year Maxine Peake’s comedy Beryl, about Leeds-born cyclist Beryl Burton, achieved acclaim there, and later this year John Malkovich will direct his first play, Good Canary.
rosetheatrekingston.org | http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/car-park-theatre-blazes-trail-for-london-bridge-cultural-quarter-a3333221.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/fb5e683c288619ef211f2f2b535f1efd6b7abe90da8b5374d64c2a1f2cc0b689.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-28T16:50:06 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | The M20 has partially reopened more than 24 hours after a footbridge collapsed, sparking hours of traffic chaos on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Traffic can now use the eastbound carriageway of the Kent motorway, Highways England said, after a stretch between junctions one and four was cleared following yesterday's accident, which saw the structure stuck by a digger being transported on the back of a lorry. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk%2Fm20-bridge-collapse-motorway-partially-reopens-after-footbridge-debris-is-cleared-a3331486.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/15/an105399265the-scene-on-the.jpg | en | null | M20 bridge collapse: Motorway partially reopens after footbridge debris is cleared | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The M20 has partially reopened more than 24 hours after a footbridge collapsed, sparking hours of traffic chaos on one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Traffic can now use the eastbound carriageway of the Kent motorway, Highways England said, after a stretch between junctions one and four was cleared following yesterday's accident, which saw the structure stuck by a digger being transported on the back of a lorry.
The reopening was several hours later than planned, and Highways England said the westbound carriageway of the motorway, which links London with the Channel Tunnel and the Port of Dover, was still closed.
The incident happened at lunchtime yesterday,
This page is being updated. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/m20-bridge-collapse-motorway-partially-reopens-after-footbridge-debris-is-cleared-a3331486.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/5971e6f8da4516358259c86f7bd79019b03f96f8d0daffb825e64193603ec7b5.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-31T14:51:15 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Tottenham are looking to complete three deadline day deals as Mauricio Pochettino works to the wire to bolster his squad. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and goalkeeper Pau Lopez are poised to complete moves, while Spurs have seen an offer close to £16million for Moussa Sissoko knocked back. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftottenham-transfer-news-isco-and-moussa-sissoko-favourites-to-join-spurs-on-deadline-day-a3333576.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/13/isco-real-madrid.jpg | en | null | Tottenham transfer news: Isco and Moussa Sissoko favourites to join Spurs on deadline day | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Tottenham are looking to complete three deadline day deals as Mauricio Pochettino works to the wire to bolster his squad.
Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and goalkeeper Pau Lopez are poised to complete moves, while Spurs have seen an offer close to £16million for Moussa Sissoko knocked back.
A deal will only be done if Newcastle significantly lower their demands, but the France international remains the favourite to be ushered through the doors at Hostpur Way later today.
Sissoko is currently 11/10 to join Tottenham having been given permission to leave the France camp should he need to be in place to conclude a move away from St. James's park.
And Real Madrid's Isco is your next best bet. Spurs are reportedly still monitoring the midfielder's situation and could yet seal a loan deal.
The 24-year-old is 4/1 to move to White Hart Lane ahead of team-mate Karim Benzema, who is 14/1.
Check out the full list of players most likely to join Tottenham and accompanying odds (BetVictor) below.
Moussa Sissoko 11/10
Isco 4/1
Karim Benzema 14/1
Saido Berahino 16/1
Troy Deeney 16/1
Ryan Sessegnon 16/1
Click here to place a bet | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-transfer-news-isco-and-moussa-sissoko-favourites-to-join-spurs-on-deadline-day-a3333576.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c2655dc2d87be79e55e00298a669c0c445710d88d5f9c4b1e24b6357761705fa.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-26T14:50:31 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Watford manager Walter Mazzarri might not start with any of his new signings against Arsenal on Saturday. Daryl Janmaat arrived on Wednesday from Newcastle for £7.5million, shortly after last week’s recruitment of Younes Kaboul and club-record signing Roberto Pereyra. But Mazzarri was sufficiently impressed by his existing players’ performances in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Chelsea to consider giving that line-up another chance. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwatford-vs-arsenal-team-news-daryl-janmaat-younes-kaboul-and-roberto-pereyra-face-wait-for-debuts-a3330646.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/14/watford2608.jpg | en | null | Watford vs Arsenal team news: Daryl Janmaat, Younes Kaboul and Roberto Pereyra face wait for debuts | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Watford manager Walter Mazzarri might not start with any of his new signings against Arsenal on Saturday.
Daryl Janmaat arrived on Wednesday from Newcastle for £7.5million, shortly after last week’s recruitment of Younes Kaboul and club-record signing Roberto Pereyra.
But Mazzarri was sufficiently impressed by his existing players’ performances in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Chelsea to consider giving that line-up another chance.
“I need to evaluate the new signings,” he said. “They have just arrived and I need to be sure they know what they need to do. And I want to start from the good things we did against Chelsea. It’s nearly impossible that all three will start.”
Mazzarri, who is still pursuing his first victory as Watford manager, would not be drawn on the future of Matej Vydra, who is reportedly a target for Derby. “I have a little input in (his future) but it’s the club who decides,” he said. “I would like to concentrate on that after the game with Arsenal. It all depends on what happens in the next five days.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/watford-vs-arsenal-team-news-daryl-janmaat-younes-kaboul-and-roberto-pereyra-face-wait-for-debuts-a3330646.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/cf8f2287aa6bc4702730fa898048cc588fe0e2a7ce2e87d11170d678f27fea7a.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-27T14:49:55 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | A man has been rushed to hospital after he was injured on a south London industrial estate. The incident happened just after 1.30pm yesterday, on Laker Industrial Estate in Sydenham. The air ambulance was scrambled to the scene and landed nearby. Details of the incident and of the man's condition were not immediately available. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Police were called to Laker Industrial Estate in Sydenham by London Ambulance Service at approximately 1.38pm on August 26, to reports of man injured. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fman-rushed-to-hospital-after-accident-on-industrial-estate-a3331091.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/15/airambsyd.jpg | en | null | Man rushed to hospital after accident on industrial estate | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A man has been rushed to hospital after he was injured on a south London industrial estate.
The incident happened just after 1.30pm yesterday, on Laker Industrial Estate in Sydenham.
The air ambulance was scrambled to the scene and landed nearby.
Details of the incident and of the man's condition were not immediately available.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Police were called to Laker Industrial Estate in Sydenham by London Ambulance Service at approximately 1.38pm on August 26, to reports of man injured.
"The man was taken to hospital."
The incident has been passed to the Health and Safety Executive, which has been approached for comment. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/man-rushed-to-hospital-after-accident-on-industrial-estate-a3331091.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f4715f20c6c8abafb29448cbd150960ac2694469fecdf5d6a568731f0d7ed3e2.json |
[
"Lizzie Edmonds"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:57 | null | 2016-08-12T00:00:00 | Londoners were continuing to enjoy a mini heatwave today with the capital set to be hotter than Barcelona. As temperatures were expected to reach a high of 27C - above the 24C due to be seen in the Spanish city - forecasters predicted London will bask in sunshine and warm conditions until the end of the week. Billy Payne from MeteoGroup said: “London will be pleasant and warm with lots of sunshine. Today could be highs of 27C locally. These are above average temperatures for the end of August.” | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Flondon-weather-27c-heat-to-make-the-capital-hotter-than-barcelona-a3332096.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/12/10/hotweather1208a.jpg | en | null | London weather: 27C heat to make the capital hotter than Barcelona | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Londoners were continuing to enjoy a mini heatwave today with the capital set to be hotter than Barcelona.
As temperatures were expected to reach a high of 27C - above the 24C due to be seen in the Spanish city - forecasters predicted London will bask in sunshine and warm conditions until the end of the week.
Billy Payne from MeteoGroup said: “London will be pleasant and warm with lots of sunshine. Today could be highs of 27C locally. These are above average temperatures for the end of August.”
He added: “Tomorrow will be warm still, at about 25C. The sunny conditions will continue until Friday at least, though temperatures will begin to slide down to about 23C. There might be some isolated showers. But on the whole, Londoners can look forward to very pleasant weather this week.”
Experts said the warm conditions were due to a flow of hot air sweeping up from Continent and Africa.
Exacta Weather’s James Madden said: “This will bring consistent temperatures in at least the mid 20Cs in parts of the south and 30C or more isn’t out of the question in places.”
Alex Burkill from the Met Office added: “We are seeing hotter weather coming in from the south to create the above average temperatures. Usually at the end of August, we would see temperatures of about 21C in London.”
The news comes after last week saw the hottest day of the year so far recorded in Gravesend, Kent. Temperatures reached 33.9 in the Thames Estuary town on August 24.
Robin Bilney, a spokesman for the capital’s eight Royal Parks, said they were expecting a wealth of visitors in coming days.
He added: “Our parks tend to be busiest when the weather is good... The Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park and the boating lakes are particularly popular for people enjoying the sun.”
However, forecasters have warned conditions at the weekend may be a bit more unpredictable if Britain is hit by the tail end of Hurricane Gaston - which is currently building up across the Atlantic. The storm has been hitting the US coast with 90mph winds, but its track is still uncertain.
Mr Burkill from the Met Office said a “front from the West” would see temperatures drop to about 22C by Friday. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-weather-27c-heat-to-make-the-capital-hotter-than-barcelona-a3332096.html | en | 2016-08-12T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ab696c3e09ed4430c8d66474f55255744bdeea12037c74cf7c5a585e6726dbb8.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-26T22:49:32 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Three men have been convicted for their role in the theft of fire-fighting equipment worth more than £100,000 from fire stations across London and the south-east. Jermaine Okakpu, 26, Jack Edwards, 20, and Luke Sixsmith-Hughes, 22, targeted up to 24 fire stations in a crime spree throughout August and September last year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fgang-stole-100000-of-firefighting-equipment-from-across-london-a3330941.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/22/edwards.jpg | en | null | Gang stole £100,000 of fire-fighting equipment from across London | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Three men have been convicted for their role in the theft of fire-fighting equipment worth more than £100,000 from fire stations across London and the south-east.
Jermaine Okakpu, 26, Jack Edwards, 20, and Luke Sixsmith-Hughes, 22, targeted up to 24 fire stations in a crime spree throughout August and September last year.
They broke into fire stations in Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Haringey, Enfield and Lewisham, as well as one station in Dartford, Kent and stole high-value equipment including thermal imaging cameras, fire service uniform and radios.
Police believe the men were selling the stolen equipment overseas.
After an intelligence-led police operation, Edwards and Sixsmith-Hughes were arrested in a vehicle in Silvertown in Newham on September 15.
A battery for a thermal imaging camera, stolen the same day from a fire station in Lewisham, was found inside the vehicle.
Police then linked the two men to burglaries at 24 fire stations, with some stations broken into more than once.
Jailed: Luke Sixsmith-Hughes, 22, of Driffield Road, E3 (Metropolitan Police)
Both Sixsmith-Hughes and Edwards admitted their involvement in all of the offences.
Police later identified Okakpu, of Evelyn Road, E16, as another player in the conspiracy, and he was arrested on September 24, before admitting his involvement in eight burglaries.
On January 22, Sixsmith-Hughes, of Driffield Road, E3, and Edwards, of Sark Walk, E16, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary, and both were jailed for three years on February 19.
On July 14, Okakpu pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court to conspiracy to commit burglary, and he was today sentenced to two years in jail, suspended for 21 months.
Okakpu was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service.
Detective Sergeant Robert Walls, from Havering CID, said: "Those involved showed a total disregard for the potential impact these losses could have had on the fire service's ability to respond to fires and other critical incidents.
"The most frequently stolen items - thermal imaging cameras - are used by the fire brigade to locate trapped persons and to stop fires spreading.
"I have no doubt that the quick detention of those involved and the effective partnership work between the police and fire service enabled us to secure the overwhelming evidence that left the men with no alternative than to admit their guilt."
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson added: “I’d like to thank our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police for their hard work in securing this conviction.
"This was life saving equipment that was stolen and its theft could potentially have had an impact on our ability to respond to Londoners in need of our help. I sincerely hope that the sentences handed down deter anyone else from attempting to break into our fire stations.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/gang-stole-100000-of-firefighting-equipment-from-across-london-a3330941.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/1bea37e087927806a59add28c0ccf0ccad792dc2a8ef3b023962383801df2bbf.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:51:09 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Jeremy Corbyn this morning made a big announcement at Newspeak House in Shoreditch: his digital democracy manifesto. But hang on, doesn’t some of it sound rather familiar? Indeed, any Brussels-watchers will have been ticking off the boxes. First up was the Labour leader’s promise on high-speed broadband. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondoners-diary%2Flondoners-diary-jezza-finally-gets-with-the-eu-s-digital-program-a3332331.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/11/corbyn.jpg | en | null | Jeremy Corbyn finally gets with the EU’s digital program | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Jeremy Corbyn this morning made a big announcement at Newspeak House in Shoreditch: his digital democracy manifesto. But hang on, doesn’t some of it sound rather familiar? Indeed, any Brussels-watchers will have been ticking off the boxes. First up was the Labour leader’s promise on high-speed broadband. “We will deliver high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity,” Corbyn’s team announced, “for every household, company and organisation in Britain from inner-city neighbourhoods to the remotest rural community.” Great news. It was also great news when the EU Commission proposed it in 2010 in its Digital Agenda. “Fast broadband is digital oxygen, essential for Europe’s prosperity and well-being,” Neelie Kroes, vice-president of the European Commission for the Digital Agenda said at the time.Then there is Corbyn’s idea for an Open Knowledge Library, a “free-to-use online hub of learning resources for the National Education Service” his idea for an NHS of education. Was it perhaps inspired by Europeana, the collaborative database of art and educational resources, a conglomerate of museums and galleries?
And what about his “coding for all” proposal for publicly funded software and hardware to help teach programming? A shame they can’t use the resources of the EU’s All You Need Is (C<3de) public-learning program, which launched in March 2015. It is always smart to adopt and adapt the intelligent ideas of others. But perhaps, if Corbyn considers the EU’s plans so impressive, he should have put a little more effort into... Anyway, that moment has passed.
---
Members’ clubs Soho House and the Groucho went on location over the bank holiday weekend, as the private clubs set up bars at Jamie Oliver’s The Big Feastival in the Cotswolds. Mike and Zara Tindall, Simon Pegg and Naomie Harris held court in both bars. So which bar won? The decision came from on high: after the main stage was repeatedly struck by lightning, Soho Farmhouse was forced to close temporarily for safety reasons. Groucho won that round.
Gene was even great at the Tate
Farewell Gene Wilder, star of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and The Producers. Wilder enjoyed the finer arts as well as comedy. A Guardian reader who worked at the Tate in the 1990s recalls Wilder visiting its Turner Study Room. Wilder spoke to an attendant called Catherine, who asked for his autograph.
“On leaving the room Wilder and his friend explored new areas of the gallery,” the reader writes. “Since the attendants rotate their positions, he unexpectedly saw Catherine again up ahead. Whereupon, to the astonishment of other visitors, he yelled: “Catherine!! How are you? You don’t write, you don’t phone...!”
Clara’s new carnival barnet
JERK chicken and cans of Red Stripe galore yesterday, as Converse marked Notting Hill Carnival with a colourful party at Ladbroke Grove’s Dock Kitchen. Guests included chef Tess Ward and model Sarah Macklin, inset above, while Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo, above, embraced the good weather in hotpants and a new hairstyle to join an all-female line up of DJs including Moxie and Amy Becker. But Amfo’s afro led to an unusual chat-up line: she tweeted that a fellow carnival-goer had beckoned her over with, “Eh, Macy Grey, lemme chat to you for a minute.”
--
WITH its sex scenes and swearing, Fleabag, a new BBC comedy by writer and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is its most risqué programme in ages. But will it get an unexpectedly young audience? The latest episode is on the iPlayer but so is an episode of Jackanory featuring Helen Stephens’s novel Fleabag, about a homeless dog. Thank heaven for parental controls.
Dog days of the Edinburgh Fringe
UP TO Edinburgh for the end of the annual Fringe festival. Among the gems in the line-up were comic Geoff Norcott. He staged a show, Conswervative [sic] about being the only “out” Tory on the circuit. Reviewers noted that he was a brave man to do this among comedians and Scots. Much braver than one recent audience member sitting in the front row. At a point in the show where the punter was asked if he might vote Tory, he shyly muttered “Maybe.” Turns out the man in question was Sheridan Westlake. As one of Theresa May’s top spads, recipient of an OBE in Cameron’s honours list for services to the former PM and one of the Telegraph’s 100-most influential Right-wingers, one would hope he’d upgrade that “maybe” to a “yes”. Later in the show, when Norcott made up a story suggesting that in post-truth politics Tories could make stuff up, Westlake went in for a high-five.But even more barking is the news that Alan Cumming, in town with his award-winning cabaret show, had Nicola Sturgeon in his audience and took his dog Lala to meet her afterwards. “Nicola is actually terrified of dogs,” he told The Scotsman. “I didn’t know they were her kryptonite. But she actually said that because Lala is very lovely and very soothing, it was the first dog she had ever felt safe with.” Will he try it on Merkel next?
Is it jewel-purpose TV?
ITV’s Victoria is a jewel in TV’s crown. And just as the show debuted on Sunday night the Government placed a temporary export ban on Queen Victoria’s wedding coronet — whose owner had applied to sell the piece abroad. The coronet was designed by Prince Albert for the pair’s nuptials in 1840.The Londoner asked culture minister Matt Hancock whether he had seen the programme. “Of course I watched it,” he told us. “Great jewels.” But there was no connection between the show and blocking the coronet’s move. “The timing was serendipitous,” he said.Perhaps Hancock was thinking of another powerful woman — Theresa May said her favourite word was “serendipity” in a magazine interview at the weekend. Some guys have all the luck.
--
Tipple of the day: as EU Leavers campaign to bring back imperial measurements, The Londoner looks forward to no longer having to order a bothersome 568ml at the bar. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/londoners-diary-jezza-finally-gets-with-the-eu-s-digital-program-a3332331.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/4a09136642cf17e0f5e2d595881cca1af4e95c97b515a804403ef2d2bd7b58b3.json |
[
"Robin De Peyer"
] | 2016-08-29T14:50:30 | null | 2016-02-15T00:00:00 | An alleged serial killer dubbed China's 'Jack the Ripper' has been caught by police. Married father-of-two Gao Chengyong is accused of raping and murdering 11 female victims aged as young as eight over a 14-year period. China's Ministry of Public Security said he admitted to the killings in the north of the country between 1988 and 2002. The 52-year-old is believed to have targeted young women dressed in red, following them home before raping and killing them. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fserial-killer-dubbed-chinas-jack-the-ripper-arrested-after-horrific-14year-spree-a3331716.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/15/14/handcuffs1502a.jpg | en | null | Serial killer dubbed China's 'Jack the Ripper' arrested after horrific '14-year spree' | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | An alleged serial killer dubbed China's 'Jack the Ripper' has been caught by police.
Married father-of-two Gao Chengyong is accused of raping and murdering 11 female victims aged as young as eight over a 14-year period.
China's Ministry of Public Security said he admitted to the killings in the north of the country between 1988 and 2002.
The 52-year-old is believed to have targeted young women dressed in red, following them home before raping and killing them.
It is alleged that he cut their throats and mutilated their bodies in the brutal murders.
Police said in 2004 they were looking for a suspect with a "sexual perversion" who "hates women".
"He's reclusive and unsociable, but patient," they added.
Gao was arrested at a grocery store he runs with his wife after police offered a £23,000 reward and re-examined DNA using new technology.
His arrest came after a DNA test when his uncle was arrested for a minor crime, China Daily reported. The DNA sample showed the alleged killings must have been committed by a relative.
The man's first alleged killing took place in May 1988 - the year his first son was born - when a 23-year-old woman was found in the city of Baiyin. She had been stabbed 23 times.
Chinese media said Gao also cut off parts of his victims' reproductive organs. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/serial-killer-dubbed-chinas-jack-the-ripper-arrested-after-horrific-14year-spree-a3331716.html | en | 2016-02-15T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/2aad9d47e7117862da7a732b9595cfc38c433f958e54e7861541dbd0703d8018.json |
[
"David Gardner In Los Angeles"
] | 2016-08-31T10:52:03 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | A former beauty queen has claimed she was afraid for her life when singer Chris Brown allegedly pointed a gun at her in a “terrifying” confrontation that led to a 10-hour stand-off with police. Model Baylee Curran, 24, said she was in a hot tub at the R&B star’s estate in Los Angeles when she saw a man selling pieces of jewellery inside the house. She claimed she went in and was admiring a diamond cross when Brown, 27, flew into a violent rage. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Fchris-brown-pointed-gun-in-my-face-says-beauty-queen-baylee-curran-as-singer-is-held-for-assault-a3333311.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/11/9bayleecurran3108a.jpg | en | null | Chris Brown pointed gun in my face, says beauty queen Baylee Curran | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A former beauty queen has claimed she was afraid for her life when singer Chris Brown allegedly pointed a gun at her in a “terrifying” confrontation that led to a 10-hour stand-off with police.
Model Baylee Curran, 24, said she was in a hot tub at the R&B star’s estate in Los Angeles when she saw a man selling pieces of jewellery inside the house.
She claimed she went in and was admiring a diamond cross when Brown, 27, flew into a violent rage.
“Chris went crazy, yelling at me, ‘Don’t f***ing touch the jewellery’,” she said. “Then he took out his gun and said, ‘Get the f*** out of the house’.”
“I’m not sure where he got the gun. It looked to me like he took it from his side. Then it was in my face and it was terrifying. My adrenaline was pumping, of course. I was afraid for my life.
“He’d been acting a bit strange before that. Maybe he was under the influence and just went off his rocker.”
The contestant in this year’s Miss California fled screaming from the estate and called police from a neighbour’s home at about 3am yesterday.
Ms Curran said she hid under a vehicle after one of the singer’s entourage drove after her.
Police arrived at the property shortly afterwards but nobody answered the door and it was hours before they got a warrant to search for the weapon allegedly brandished.
Stand-off: Chris Brown's LA home (KABC-TV/AP)
Officers finally entered the residence shortly after 1pm and Brown was later taken into custody. He was subsequently released.
The Look At Me Now chart-topper was last night arrested on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon, an offence carrying a possible four-year prison sentence and £8,000 fine.
His lawyer reportedly tweeted that the claims were “demonstrably false”.
The singer is forbidden to own a firearm because of his guilty plea to an earlier assault case involving his ex-girlfriend, pop singer Rihanna.
Los Angeles Police would not say if officers found a weapon at the property and would not comment on reports that Brown threw a bag containing a gun and drugs out of a window.
Earlier, the star posted a series of profanity-filled videos on his Instagram account while refusing to let waiting police officers into his property.
He accused the police of having over-reacted, saying: “All these motherf***ing helicopter choppers is around.
Police outside Chris Brown's £3 million mansion (AP)
“I’m way too tired to be dealing with this bull****. Every three months you come up with something.
“What’s gonna be next? At the same time when I call the police for stalkers endangering my life, they don’t come ’til the next day.
“Let somebody make a f***ed-up allegation about me and oh yeah the whole f***ing swat team.”
Ms Curran, who claimed she had partied with Brown in the past, said she had gone to his house for a music video audition and to discuss some future projects.
She alleged that when she tried to leave, the singer’s associates tried to make her sign a non-disclosure agreement but she refused.
Brown has had several brushes with the law — beginning with his conviction for assaulting Rihanna in February 2009, for which he was given probation and a community service order.
He spent almost three months in prison for violating his probation after allegedly hitting a man in 2014. Then in June he was accused of being in a fracas at the Cannes Film Festival. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/chris-brown-pointed-gun-in-my-face-says-beauty-queen-baylee-curran-as-singer-is-held-for-assault-a3333311.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/fe77beaa52b3a4afe15d7fcbd338b22a308826cb64e5b712582200f5f3551e2c.json |
[
"Ben Travis"
] | 2016-08-30T08:51:22 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Taylor Swift was conspicuously absent from the MTV VMA Awards this year – but it turns out she had more pressing matters to attend to. The pop star appeared in Nashville after being called for jury duty on Monday morning. The Shake It Off singer was shortly dismissed from the case – an aggravated rape and kidnapping – after saying she could not be impartial in a case involving sexual assault. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Ftaylor-swift-excused-from-jury-duty-in-nashville-and-poses-for-selfies-with-jurors-a3331971.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/08/swiftjury3008a.jpg | en | null | Taylor Swift excused from jury duty in Nashville and poses for selfies with jurors | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Taylor Swift was conspicuously absent from the MTV VMA Awards this year – but it turns out she had more pressing matters to attend to.
The pop star appeared in Nashville after being called for jury duty on Monday morning.
The Shake It Off singer was shortly dismissed from the case – an aggravated rape and kidnapping – after saying she could not be impartial in a case involving sexual assault.
Speaking to the Guardian, Ken Whitehouse, a spokesman for the Davidson County district attorney general’s office, said: “She asked to be left off out of concern for an upcoming trial in Denver where she was – she used the term – ‘groped’ by a fan at a meet-and-greet.”
Swift has offered to serve as a jury member on another case in the future, and took the time to pose for selfies with other potential jurors at the hearing.
Taylor inside doing Jury Duty in Nashville earlier today. pic.twitter.com/OV0govxfEr — Taylor Swift Updates (@TSwiftPR) August 29, 2016
“She’s really a nice girl,” Nashville resident Michael Washington told The Tennesean.
“She didn’t have a problem with taking pictures. If she didn’t want to be there, she didn’t act like it. She was just doing her civic duty. Very sweet.”
The singer, whose latest album 1989 earned her major global success, inadvertently fuelled the rumour-mill over her VMA non-attendance, with some speculating that it was due to her ongoing feud with Kanye West.
Taylor Swift's Fourth of July celebrations 2016
7 show all Taylor Swift's Fourth of July celebrations 2016
1/7 Loved up Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston make their Instagram debut Brittany Maack/ Instagram
2/7 Girls just want to have fun Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne and Taylor Swift take to the water slide Cara Delevingne/ Instagram
3/7 Say cheese Karlie Kloss and Taylor Swift are snapped at the end of the water slide Taylor Swift/ Instagram
4/7 Ready, set...GO Karlie Kloss and Taylor Swift dive down the giant inflatable slide Taylor Swift/ Instagram
5/7 Patriotic Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne and Taylor Swift show off their patriotism Taylor Swift/ Instagram
6/7 Hold on tight Taylor Swift holds on to Tom Hiddleston as they speed down a water slide Cara Delevingne/ Instagram
7/7 Celebrations Taylor Swift and Ruby Rose try to hold on to the American flag Taylor Swift/ Instagram
However, a source told The Independent that Swift had no plans to attend as she did not have any videos nominated in the awards,
Swift’s VMA acceptance speech for Best Female Video in 2009 was famously interrupted by West, who took to the stage and claimed that Beyoncé should have won instead for Single Ladies. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/taylor-swift-excused-from-jury-duty-in-nashville-and-poses-for-selfies-with-jurors-a3331971.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/7ae4e6a62d2231228bf047fd6da49d7ce1085b41280039c255e64735fd6250cb.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-30T20:51:02 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | This year’s batch of Strictly Come Dancing contestants donned their sequins, feathers and tuxedos for the launch of the brand new series. But poor Laura Whitmore, 31, found herself in a rather awkward twirl with Ed Balls, 49, as they walked down the red carpet at Elstree Studios on Tuesday night. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Fstrictly-come-dancing-2016-laura-whitmore-and-ed-balls-struggle-with-an-awkward-twirl-at-red-carpet-a3332841.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/20/strictly-launch2.jpg | en | null | Strictly Come Dancing 2016: Laura Whitmore and Ed Balls struggle with an awkward twirl at red carpet launch | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | This year’s batch of Strictly Come Dancing contestants donned their sequins, feathers and tuxedos for the launch of the brand new series.
But poor Laura Whitmore, 31, found herself in a rather awkward twirl with Ed Balls, 49, as they walked down the red carpet at Elstree Studios on Tuesday night.
Proving that he might still have a little way to go before he lifts that Glitterball Trophy, the former Shadow Chancellor tried and failed to do an over-the-shoulder move with the MTV presenter.
Clearly seeing the funny side, the pair both burst into giggles as they carried on their strut for the cameras and the waiting crowds.
Anastacia was paired with Ore Oduba for their red carpet debut, with the US singer stopping to do a shimmy for the cameras.
Will Young looked dapper in a grey suit for his big entrance, with Louise Redknapp and Naga Muchetty on each arm.
Leslie Joseph looked cosy with Judge Rinder, holding on tightly to each other as their names were called.
Model Daisy Lowe, who looked glamorous in a sheer red dress, was accompanied by British Olympian Greg Rutherford, who is fresh from Rio.
Laura Whitmore and Ed Balls attempt some more moves (David Fisher/REX )
The four judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Len Goodman enjoyed their last red carpet launch as a foursome, before Goodman steps down from his role next year.
Balls, who was the first contestant to be announced earlier this month, has admitted to being nervous about hitting the dance floor.
This year's full line-up (David Fisher/REX )
Last week he wrote on Facebook: “Just had my first day on the BBC set doing some introductory filming for the Strictly launch show.
“Everyone was really friendly, but it was all a bit stressful - even despite the glitter ! Can't wait to get on with it now..”
The professional dancers returning for 2016 include Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole, Kevin and Karen Clifton, Pasha Kovalev, Aljaž Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice, Natalie Lowe, Joanne Clifton, Janette Manrara and Oti Mabuse.
Strictly Come Dancing starts on BBC One on Saturday September 3. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/strictly-come-dancing-2016-laura-whitmore-and-ed-balls-struggle-with-an-awkward-twirl-at-red-carpet-a3332841.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c679053632db48974611edc98aeda62b18deadcf53d27d4d2d7ab130247877b6.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-30T20:51:06 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Arsenal have completed the signing of Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi. The 24-year-old German centre-back has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates for a fee believed to be around £35million and is expected to immediately feature in Arsene Wenger’s first-team plans as Arsenal battle an injury crisis in defence. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fshkodran-mustafi-signs-for-arsenal-gunners-complete-deal-to-bring-in-german-international-defender-a3317796.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/21/mustafi-arsenal.jpg | en | null | Shkodran Mustafi signs for Arsenal: Gunners complete deal to bring in German international defender | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Arsenal have completed the signing of Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi.
The 24-year-old German centre-back has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates for a fee believed to be around £35million and is expected to immediately feature in Arsene Wenger’s first-team plans as Arsenal battle an injury crisis in defence.
Fellow German Per Mertesacker has been ruled out for a period of four to five months after undergoing knee surgery early in pre-season, whilst Gabriel suffered an ankle injury in a friendly with Manchester City that could keep him on the sidelines for another month.
Mustafi, who can also play at right-back, already has 12 caps for the German national team and was part of the victorious World Cup squad in 2014. He also featured at Euro 2016, scoring the opener in his country’s 2-0 win over Ukraine in Lille.
Wenger said of Mustafi's arrival: “He is at the right age. He has good experience.
"He is a very focused player who can play with the ball as well. We have taken a great player but have prepared well for the future.”
Mustafi's arrival follows the confirmation that Calum Chambers has joined Middlesbrough on a season-long loan deal in order to receive regular game time.
The Germany international represents Arsenal's second signing of the day after Lucas Perez's arrival was confirmed earlier this afternoon. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/shkodran-mustafi-signs-for-arsenal-gunners-complete-deal-to-bring-in-german-international-defender-a3317796.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/4f101c3580d72eef4e17760388421c3bb13d53635ccca3eefc62d68b6ade4c77.json |
[
"Francesca Gillett"
] | 2016-08-31T08:51:05 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Police are hunting a man after two teenage girls were sexually assaulted on their way home from school in north London. A 13-year-old was subjected to an assault by a man as he walked past her as she walked home from school on July 20 in Enfield. Police said aman “walked past the girl and without talking to her sexually assaulted her and kept walking” on Silver Street, near to the junction with Tanners End Lane. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fpolice-hunt-man-after-schoolgirls-sexually-assaulted-in-north-london-a3333036.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/09/image-1.jpg | en | null | Police hunt man after schoolgirls sexually assaulted in north London | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Police are hunting a man after two teenage girls were sexually assaulted on their way home from school in north London.
A 13-year-old was subjected to an assault by a man as he walked past her as she walked home from school on July 20 in Enfield.
Police said aman “walked past the girl and without talking to her sexually assaulted her and kept walking” on Silver Street, near to the junction with Tanners End Lane.
Just minutes later, at around 4pm, the man allegedly did the same thing to a 14-year-old girl who was also walking home from school.
Detectives said the man they are looking for is white, around 5ft 8ins and of medium build. He has short black hair and stubble and was wearing a grey t-shirt, dark body warmer and bright red trousers.
DI Chris Rixon from Enfield CID, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have been carrying out extensive enquiries to identify this man who we want to speak to in connection with this investigation.
"That has included a significant trawl and search of CCTV in the local area and we have now issued this still to ask the public for their help.
Enfield: Silver Street, near to the junction with Tanners End Lane, where the assaults happened. (Google Streetview)
“If you recognise this man or have any information that could help us identify him then please get in contact with us.
"At this stage we have no information to suggest there are any other incidents, but I'd ask anyone else that something similar has happened to report it so it can be investigated." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/police-hunt-man-after-schoolgirls-sexually-assaulted-in-north-london-a3333036.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/851486336fbbdc96baf797aa3dd0b0fbe5a0bbf1c61923f19d5ecd072308c805.json |
[
"Giuseppe Muro"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:05 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Loic Remy is due at the Crystal Palace training ground this morning to finalise his season-long loan move from Chelsea. The deal is expected to be officially announced later today. Palace have an option to make the move for Remy permanent next summer. Alan Pardew has been targeting another striker following the £27million signing of Christian Benteke and made Remy his main target. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fcrystal-palace-transfer-news-loic-remy-to-complete-palace-move-today-as-alan-pardew-targets-james-a3332351.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/11/loicremy3008.jpg | en | null | Chelsea transfer news: Loic Remy to complete Crystal Palace loan move today | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Loic Remy is due at the Crystal Palace training ground this morning to finalise his season-long loan move from Chelsea.
The deal is expected to be officially announced later today.
Palace have an option to make the move for Remy permanent next summer.
Alan Pardew has been targeting another striker following the £27million signing of Christian Benteke and made Remy his main target.
The 29-year-old has failed to convince Antonio Conte of his worth at Chelsea and has been left out of the Blues squad for their first four games of the season.
Standard Sport revealed earlier this month that Remy, who worked with Pardew at Newcastle, wanted to stay in London.
Palace are also targeting a central midfielder and are interested in James McCarthy from Everton.
Palace remain adamant Wilfried Zaha will not be sold and intend to reject any further offers from Tottenham.
Spurs had a £14million bid turned down last week and Palace chairman Steve Parish has made it clear the 23-year-old winger is not for sale.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old striker Freddie Ladapo has joined Oldham on loan until January. Sullay Kaikai, 21, is set for a loan move to a club in the Championship. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-transfer-news-loic-remy-to-complete-palace-move-today-as-alan-pardew-targets-james-a3332351.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f6d74add5a42b421d894f639d54fe5d3255dab767099cccdac18f80a185da799.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:15:12 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | “I love the Notting Hill Carnival; I still remember the first time I went 17 years ago when I moved here from Barbados. Everyone looked so happy and dressed up for the street party; I can remember the music and the smell from the jerk-chicken grills. For that moment I was transported back to the Caribbean. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Ffoodanddrink%2Fcreate-your-own-carnival-a3328481.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/24/12/img-20150817-203736.jpg | en | null | Create your own carnival | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | “I love the Notting Hill Carnival; I still remember the first time I went 17 years ago when I moved here from Barbados.
Everyone looked so happy and dressed up for the street party; I can remember the music and the smell from the jerk-chicken grills. For that moment I was transported back to the Caribbean.
I run a regular supper club, Pop Up Barbados, serving dishes that are inspired by both my upbringing in Barbados, but also the flavours and cuisines of my travels in Europe. At home we’d use home-grown herbs and meat reared by a friend or neighbour, but in London I use the freshest organic produce I can find.
If I were going to create my own carnival, food would be small dishes that are easy to serve and eat. My fish cakes are great served bite-sized, filled roti and patties are great for eating as you stroll, and of course you can’t resist jerk chicken. I always try and save room for something sweet, too: coconut bread or rum cake.”
Barrie Gunning runs regular supper clubs in London, for dates visit popup barbados.com
Bajan fish cakes
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
• 200g salted cod, pre-soaked overnight
• Quarter bunch of thyme
• Quarter bunch of parsley
• 1 onion
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers
• Salt
• Self-raising flour
• Oil for frying
Method
Rinse cod of excess salt and break down into small pieces in a large bowl. Finely chop the herbs and add to the bowl. Add flour and salt to taste. Mix batter thoroughly. Spoon out ping pong ball-sized amounts of batter and cook in batches in very hot oil until light brown, this should take about four minutes. Remove and place on kitchen roll to absorb excess oil and serve once cool.
For your chance to win a £100 Sainsbury's voucher, send us a picture of your carnival inspired dish.
Enter here
Visit Sainsburys.co.uk/worldfoods and enter your postcode to see the full range of African and Caribbean products | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/foodanddrink/create-your-own-carnival-a3328481.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e0e8fe9e93280d91457af9353e2c50d0e6eabaa5b2ba5f790da31e7811e3ac3b.json |
[
"Clare Hutchison"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:24 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | When Gary Elden arrived in the City in the Eighties, he couldn’t have been further from the pinstripe-suited, pinkie ring-sporting stereotype the insurance industry had become known for. Instead, he boasted Jamaican heritage, a Camberwell council-estate upbringing and an education from the university of life rather than the Russell Group. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2Fgary-elden-the-ibizaclubbing-boss-of-recruiter-sthree-lured-from-a-london-council-estate-into-the-a3330276.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/10/garyelden-interview.jpg | en | null | Gary Elden: The Ibiza-clubbing boss of recruiter SThree lured from a London council estate into the City high life | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | When Gary Elden arrived in the City in the Eighties, he couldn’t have been further from the pinstripe-suited, pinkie ring-sporting stereotype the insurance industry had become known for. Instead, he boasted Jamaican heritage, a Camberwell council-estate upbringing and an education from the university of life rather than the Russell Group.
Where he felt he stood out most was in the bar, not the boardroom. “My friends were mainly black so we used to drink things like rum and coke. I remember going to the pub and asking for a Malibu and pineapple, and they looked at me like I was mad.”
Elden, now chief executive of global recruitment company SThree, eventually developed a liking for lager but could never quite get a taste for bitter.
He was, however, hooked on life in the Square Mile — hardly a surprise, given what it took to get him there. As a teenager, he faced the disruptions of life in SE5, and his teachers’ apathy.
“It was a rough area — there were iron gates on doors, urine in lifts, graffiti everywhere, killings. I remember glue sniffers… the National Front parading past where I lived. My school was a mad school, very ethnically divided. I was in all the top classes and captained all my sports teams. But no teacher ever said to me ‘you can be somebody’.”
"I wanted to work in an office. You’re in a suit, your hands are clean. You earn lots of money."
Elden’s father, one of the first black Londoners to drive a black cab, suggested he learn a trade and be self-employed. But “I wanted to work for a bank, to work in an office. It always looked good. You’re in a suit, your hands are clean. You earn lots of money”.
At 16, he joined a Camden architecture practice. His meagre £3200-a-year job caused bewilderment back home. “I was surrounded by a lot of entrepreneurs — but entrepreneurs in an illegal way — so I didn’t ever want to go that route because the idea of being incarcerated scared me. I kept thinking ‘It’ll come, it’ll come’.” (He was right: last year, his pay packet was worth £1.3 million.)
Next, he sought a foot in the financial-services door. About 120 applications, 28 interviews and many rejections later, he got a job in insurance as a claims technician.
“It introduced me to a different world and I loved it. But I got an opportunity to go broking as well and still noticed there was a divide. I decided I needed to get into a job where what I put in was what I got out.”
Inspiration came during a house hunt when he eyed his estate agent’s Golf convertible. He picked up the Yellow Pages — “I was quite shallow back then” — and landed an interview and then a job at a franchise of Winkworth. Everything clicked and he became one of the chain’s youngest-ever managers.
In around 1990, a BMW caught his eye at a wedding. The owner worked in IT recruitment. With phone directory again in hand, he found Computer Futures, SThree’s precursor, and a new profession — the “one thing I can remember being the best at”. Lessons from founders Simon Arber and Bill Bottriell, who respectively taught him discipline and entrepreneurial flair, softened the blow of a pay cut and the loss of his prized company car.
Within five years, he had launched Huxley Associates, SThree’s first banking recruitment operation. It was named after Brave New World author Aldous Huxley because it sounded “old school, conservative and middle class”.A decade later, Elden was strategy chief before moving across the pond to grow the US business, which now accounts for 20% of profits.
He got the keys to the boss’s office in the company’s Monument headquarters three years ago. Wearing an open-necked shirt and surrounded by pictures of his heroes Muhammad Ali and Pele, the shaven-headed 48-year-old is clearly at home. He has a casual air for a chief executive, and you can easily make out the south London tones as he jokes with colleagues.
He’s also remarkably at ease considering the Brexit spanner that was lodged in the works of UK recruitment. He had already warned of tough conditions in banking and finance as clients put off hiring decisions in the run-up to the vote. SThree’s share price is down by almost a quarter so far this year.
“In the short term, Brexit will have an impact but it’s not going to be as bad as the banking crisis of 2008,” he says. “That was the worst market I have ever seen and we rode that pretty well, so I think we can ride this out.”
Despite Elden’s confidence and what he describes as “decisive” action from Prime Minister Theresa May, he is pushing through a productivity initiative, including heavy investment in technology, to ensure utmost efficiency.
'Decisive': Elden is pleased with swift action taken by Prime Minister Theresa May (PA)
He has also ruled out expansion into more countries or industries and will instead redeploy resources away from shrinking sectors or markets to brighter prospects such as fintech, life sciences, Germany and the US.
But he is convinced SThree has two aces up its sleeve. There’s its service: staff are no longer judged solely on bills but on a “net promoter score”, which measures what extra effort has been made for clients. “If you’re a superstar on bills but on the way have caused so much collateral damage, that’s not good enough,” he explains.
Then there is the “intrapreneurship” programme, created by Arber and Bottriell, which gives budding stars a chance to invest in a business they run or set up. One employee moved from Holland to San Francisco to establish a life sciences business and another opened its doors in Boston. It solves a major industry problem — retention.
“You don’t have to leave us if you’ve got an entrepreneurial itch. You’ve got your own business effectively, with the support and scale we can offer you, so you can take it to a level higher than you could on your own. We’ve created quite a few millionaires.”
Elden is also leading a cultural overhaul of the company, focusing on inclusion not diversity. “The big thing was gender, then disability — it always seems to be what’s on trend. Let’s have an inclusive environment where backgrounds don’t matter, you judge people for what they are.”
Essentials Car: Sold his “tacky” car after scratching the wheels and reversing into posts driving to work. But his wife has a Tesla Model X on order. School: Archbishop Michael Ramsey, Camberwell. Left at 16 Best business trip: Tokyo — “It’s like a different planet”
As well as training and mentoring, the make-up of teams will be examined, as will the way SThree celebrates success. There may still be company “super trips” to Las Vegas but they won’t revolve around clubbing. Ultimately, the whole establishment needs to change. “Is there still institutional racism in this country? Of course. Is there still classism? Of course. I still think the way MPs and government do some things makes people feel isolated.”
Should he decide to shred his trusty Yellow Pages, Elden is likely to do something involving charity work. He is already on the board of the Powerlist Foundation, which runs a leadership programme for high-potential young people from underprivileged backgrounds. He’s proud of it, and hungry to grow the scheme further.
That doesn’t mean he has no time for fun: “I work hard and I know how to go out and play as well.” He has a full-on family life — a son and two stepdaughters from a previous marriage and two daughters with current wife Victoria, whom he met at SThree. He has an Arsenal season ticket, though he’s itching for Arsene Wenger to go.
He claims to be “too old” for clubbing in London, but you might find him in West End restaurants such as Novikov or Lima. Ibiza is a different story — he has a house there and loves open-air club Ushuaïa.
Elden’s permanent home is still in south London, but with an SW10 postcode — he barely recognises Camberwell and Brixton, and rarely goes back.
He seems more than content with his current lot, but could another flash car lure him away?
“I don’t drive at the moment. The District and Circle line is my transport from Gloucester Road straight to the office.”
Looks like his dream of City life is still alive and well. | http://www.standard.co.uk/business/gary-elden-the-ibizaclubbing-boss-of-recruiter-sthree-lured-from-a-london-council-estate-into-the-a3330276.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/5ab4e9949abad950d53b03d7da6e5a57adaa9f61146217d4bd91da740836fe95.json |
[
"Sam Long"
] | 2016-08-30T16:51:38 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | The injury problems that have plagued the start of Dimitri Payet's season at West Ham have been "solved", according to France manager Didier Deschamps. Payet has been restricted to just 24 minutes of Premier League football this season, with his ongoing absence contributing to a disappointing run of results for Slaven Bilic's side. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwest-ham-midfielder-dimitri-payets-injury-issues-are-solved-claims-france-boss-didier-deschamps-a3332606.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/15/dimitri-payet.jpg | en | null | West Ham injury news: Dimitri Payet's psychical problems are 'solved', says France boss Didier Deschamps | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The injury problems that have plagued the start of Dimitri Payet's season at West Ham have been "solved", according to France manager Didier Deschamps.
Payet has been restricted to just 24 minutes of Premier League football this season, with his ongoing absence contributing to a disappointing run of results for Slaven Bilic's side.
The 29-year-old was not included in the Hammers' matchday squad against Manchester City at the weekend, which saw sections of the club's fanbase pining for the return of their talisman.
Payet's inclusion in Les Bleus' squad for the current international break, despite his failure to appear for West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, raised eyebrows in east London but Deschamps is adamant the midfielder has overcome his injury problems.
"The way he started this season is a little complicated. He started later and had some little issues physically speaking. But today it is solved," Deschamps explained.
"I'm going to deal with him especially during this time with the group because he didn't start any games with his club."
France face Italy in an international friendly on Thursday night before starting their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign against Belarus five days later.
West Ham are not in action again until they face Watford at the London Stadium on September 10, with Bilic recently admitting Payet's return from injury has the potential to "totally change" his side.
Payet was a leading light for his nation at Euro 2016 and scored three goals en route to the final, where the host nation lost out to Portugal.
Deschamps has challenged his countryman to continue to provide similarly consistent performances in the future after fading during the latter stages of the tournament this summer.
"Dimitri had a great season last year. He had a great Euros - he performed well and was a decisive player at first.
"After playing so many games in a row we saw that he wasn't really used to it and started to become a little tired towards the end of the competition.
"He, however, started to become more consistent and has to keep that level," Deschamps insisted. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-midfielder-dimitri-payets-injury-issues-are-solved-claims-france-boss-didier-deschamps-a3332606.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/85ec0c7729a24cdc25e4f1c4fdccd7c74edf3cb74e115309861b8632f985dd12.json |
[
"Tony Palmer"
] | 2016-08-31T10:52:46 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | A millionaire businessman launched a road rage attack on a retired insurance broker in the driveway of the pensioner’s £1.3 million London home. Iain Catleugh Hutchinson, 51, vaulted a garden gate and chased the 66-year-old around his parked car, punching him at least six times, before pushing him to the pavement and running away, a court heard. Footage of the attack in the front garden of Jeremy Lyons’s home on a private road in Battersea was captured on CCTV played to Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fmillionaire-businessman-admits-driveway-road-rage-attack-on-pensioner-66-a3333086.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/09/rr1.jpg | en | null | Millionaire businessman admits driveway road rage attack on pensioner, 66 | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A millionaire businessman launched a road rage attack on a retired insurance broker in the driveway of the pensioner’s £1.3 million London home.
Iain Catleugh Hutchinson, 51, vaulted a garden gate and chased the 66-year-old around his parked car, punching him at least six times, before pushing him to the pavement and running away, a court heard.
Footage of the attack in the front garden of Jeremy Lyons’s home on a private road in Battersea was captured on CCTV played to Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
Hutchinson, who lives in a £3 million riverside penthouse in Battersea Church Road, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.
The victim was chased around his parked car and thrown to the ground
The property developer and owner of clockmaker Dent - which built Big Ben’s original chimes - was walking near his home when he stepped out in front of Mr Lyons’ car as he turned into his gated estate at 2pm on May 29.
Jackie Hughes, prosecuting, said Mr Lyons had to brake suddenly to avoid the defendant, who had stepped out into the road. She said: “They both looked at each other for a couple of seconds.
The attack happened after Hutchinson stepped out in front of Mr Lyons' vehicle
“He saw the defendant, Mr Hutchinson, mouth the word: ‘C***.’”
CCTV footage shows Hutchinson confront bespectacled Mr Lyons after he got out of his car.
Grabbing the victim with his left hand he aimed a flurry of blows as the terrified pensioner circled his vehicle in a bid to escape.
Hutchinson dragged him to the ground off-camera and then left the scene, as Mr Lyons stumbled back to his feet to raise the alarm with a neighbour.
Ian Hutchinson is the owner of clockmaker Dent - which built Big Ben’s original chimes
The victim suffered a cut to his left elbow, left ring finger, bruising to his left leg, plus pain to his back and neck.
He told police: “The incident left me shocked and scared. I have been attacked in my front garden and now I’m worried about going out of my house in case he is there again.
“My glasses were also damaged,” added Mr Lyons, who had a CT scan before the incident for two bulging discs in his spine.
“I told him I had a bad back and he continued the onslaught.”
Victim: Jeremy Lyons
Mr Lyons, who worked at Lloyds for twenty-five years as a reinsurer, drove himself to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital at the 3am the following morning and has received injections for back spasms since the assault.
Hutchinson claimed none of his six punches connected and denied kicking Mr Lyons, telling the court he pleaded guilty because he admits dragging him to the ground, causing the injuries.
Mr Lyons told the Standard: "I have a bad back, which previously needed two operations and the last thing I needed was him punching me.”
He added that the attack left him in agony and unable to walk for two weeks.
Mr Lyons said he was still at a loss for a motive for the attack.
He said: “I stopped right in front of him and he nearly walked into my car. I looked him in the eye as if to say: ‘You were lucky.’ It’s not my fault he’s walked off the edge of the pavement.”
District Judge James Henderson said: “This is a sustained attack on a victim in his own front garden.
“The defendant chased the victim all around the houses as he tried to get away and the victim says there were kicks.”
Hutchinson was committed to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for sentencing on a date to be fixed.
He has been banned by the police from entering Whistlers Avenue, interfering with witnesses or otherwise obstructing justice. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/millionaire-businessman-admits-driveway-road-rage-attack-on-pensioner-66-a3333086.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/340d5277556eb62dd36af594817f02e526ae95995031deba773c76e64f0417ba.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-26T16:49:48 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | A British backpacker today told of his devastation after being caught up in a knife rampage in Australia which ended in his friend being stabbed to death. Chris Porter, from Kent, has been discharged from hospital after reportedly damaging both ankles when he jumped from a second-storey window to flee the knifeman. Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, from Wirksworth, Derbyshire, was killed in the attack at the Shelley's Backpackers accommodation in the Home Hill area of Queensland on Tuesday night. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fmia-ayliffechung-british-backpacker-hurt-fleeing-australia-knife-rampage-devastated-by-friends-death-a3330771.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/24/07/mia2.jpg | en | null | Mia Ayliffe-Chung: British backpacker hurt fleeing Australia knife rampage 'devastated' by friend's death | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A British backpacker today told of his devastation after being caught up in a knife rampage in Australia which ended in his friend being stabbed to death.
Chris Porter, from Kent, has been discharged from hospital after reportedly damaging both ankles when he jumped from a second-storey window to flee the knifeman.
Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, from Wirksworth, Derbyshire, was killed in the attack at the Shelley's Backpackers accommodation in the Home Hill area of Queensland on Tuesday night.
A 30-year-old British man, named by police as Tom Jackson, was admitted to hospital with critical head injuries, while a 46-year-old local man suffered non-life threatening injuries.
In a Facebook posting, Mr Porter said: "I'm truly devastated and heartbroken about what has happened and I'm still in shock.
Backpacking tour: Mia Ayliffe-Chung had been travelling through Australia
"Never thought I'd be heading back through that airport without Mia. I'd appreciate if everyone just gave me some time to myself for a while and I will get through all my inbox gradually."
Smail Ayad, 29, has been charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of serious animal cruelty and 12 counts of serious assault.
Police are investigating reports that the Frenchman had an unrequited romantic interest or an "obsession" with Miss Ayliffe-Chung.
The aftermath of the knife attack in Australia
Superintendent Ray Rohweder, of Queensland Police, also said there was an indication that Ayad had taken cannabis on Tuesday evening.
Police have confirmed he shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the attack but said there is no indication that radicalisation or political motives were involved.
Mr Rohweder said there were a "number of concerns in relation to both officer and public safety" after the suspect allegedly attacked a number of officers.
The 12 serious assaults he has been charged with are in relation to 12 separate police officers. Ayad has had access to legal representation and the French consulate and has declined to be interviewed.
A post-mortem examination found Miss Ayliffe-Chung died from multiple stab wounds.
Additional reporting by Press Association. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/mia-ayliffechung-british-backpacker-hurt-fleeing-australia-knife-rampage-devastated-by-friends-death-a3330771.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f3a3652e08cdd85558fd87ff4872de97fc329a02e1c76e8105aaab1e514f7c8a.json |
[
"Robin De Peyer"
] | 2016-08-29T16:50:27 | null | 2016-08-04T00:00:00 | Police officers should be allowed to have tattoos on their faces, necks and hands, a national organisation has said. The Police Federation, which represents 124,000 officers, said a ban on visible tattoos hampers the recruitment process. Among the forces to have banned officers from having visible tattoos is it Metropolitan Police, which has blocked them since 2012. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk%2Fpolice-officers-should-be-allowed-to-have-tattoos-on-their-faces-a3331771.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/04/10/ts1.jpg | en | null | Police officers 'should be allowed to have tattoos on their faces' | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Police officers should be allowed to have tattoos on their faces, necks and hands, a national organisation has said.
The Police Federation, which represents 124,000 officers, said a ban on visible tattoos hampers the recruitment process.
Among the forces to have banned officers from having visible tattoos is it Metropolitan Police, which has blocked them since 2012.
However, the federation's Ch Insp Vicki Martin told BBC 5 Live: "There's a lot of women are now having very small tattoos on their neck, and if you've got a woman that's got a small heart tattooed behind her ear, it's something that you probably wouldn't even notice.
"So why are we just saying that we're not even going to look at your application, because that might be a very talented individual that we would want in the service."
The Home Office says candidates with visible tattoos or piercings on their faces "may be eligible" to join the police.
Ch Insp Martin said of the guidance: "The issue we've got is a number of forces are interpreting it differently and some are becoming very strict and I think it's actually becoming a bar to some really good people joining the service."
She added that high profile people often have visible tattoos, citing former Prime Minister David Cameron's wife Samantha, who has a small tattoo on her foot which can sometimes be seen when she attends official functions.
The federation said: "We are calling for a modern, consistent national approach to tattoos to be adopted across the police service. [The federation] believes that if the police service truly wants to embrace diversity and widen the talent pool it recruits from, then forces need to be more open-minded, so communities have a police service that reflects today's society." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/police-officers-should-be-allowed-to-have-tattoos-on-their-faces-a3331771.html | en | 2016-08-04T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/034ee26d68b5ef55b1ade0bf2652f4a3aef808e73e3821ff8455482f3b443034.json |
[
"Fiona Simpson"
] | 2016-08-30T16:51:40 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | A banker died of a suspected brain haemorrhage after he was punched by a thug as his friends chatted to a group of women following a night out. Oliver Dearlove was found unconscious in leafy Blackheath, in south-east London, at 12.45am on Sunday following the “senseless and tragic” attack. The 30-year-old, who worked as a relationship manager at private bank Duncan Lawrie in Belgravia and previously worked for royal bank Coutt’s, had enjoyed a night out with university friends before he was killed. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Foliver-dearlove-death-banker-died-of-a-suspected-brain-haemorrhage-after-single-punch-attack-a3332586.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/15/dearlove.jpg | en | null | Oliver Dearlove death: Banker died of a suspected brain haemorrhage after single punch attack | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A banker died of a suspected brain haemorrhage after he was punched by a thug as his friends chatted to a group of women following a night out.
Oliver Dearlove was found unconscious in leafy Blackheath, in south-east London, at 12.45am on Sunday following the “senseless and tragic” attack.
The 30-year-old, who worked as a relationship manager at private bank Duncan Lawrie in Belgravia and previously worked for royal bank Coutt’s, had enjoyed a night out with university friends before he was killed.
Police today issued a fresh appeal for information in relation to Mr Oliver's death as they reviewed CCTV footage leading up the attack.
Detectives believe the group left O’Neill’s bar in Montpelier Vale before walking to Tranquil Vale to catch pre-booked taxis.
The group got chatting to a group of four women shortly before a suspect walked up to Mr Dearlove and hit him, Scotland Yard said.
He collapsed and later died in hospital of a brain haemorrhage, a post-mortem held at Greenwich mortuary found yesterday.
The man is believed to have fled in the direction of the heath.
Police have launched a murder investigation in to the death of Mr Dearlove who was described by his mother Joy Wright as the “perfect son”.
Killed: Oliver Dearlove, 30 (LinkedIn)
She said: “He worked hard, he was the perfect son. We can’t believe what’s happened. We’re all in a state of shock.”
The grieving mum added that Mr Dearlove had been planning to buy a house and start a family with his girlfriend Claire Wheatley.
He had texted his partner to tell her he loved her just two hours before the attack.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Watling has urged who saw anything or who could help identify the man involved to come forward.
Planning to start a family: Oliver Dearlove and girlfriend Claire Wheatley
He said: “We are also undertaking significant CCTV enquiries from Blackheath Village and the surrounding areas to establish if the suspect has been captured on CCTV, and help us to identify him as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, I would encourage the man to come forward and speak to me about the events of Sunday night.
“I would like to thank everybody who has come forward so far, but would like to appeal once again to anyone who was in Blackheath Village that evening and saw the suspect assault Oliver or saw him leaving the area afterwards to come forward.
“Oliver’s family, his girlfriend and friends have been left devastated by his death and deserve to know what happened to him. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, contact the police.”
Police are asking people to call the Incident Room on 020 8721 4205 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/oliver-dearlove-death-banker-died-of-a-suspected-brain-haemorrhage-after-single-punch-attack-a3332586.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/82fc0b716e59e039de1997f16140b2408acb9c119f5203f8dc75978501efa82a.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-31T08:51:25 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Chelsea target Marcos Alonso has followed the club on Twitter ahead of his anticipated deadline day arrival at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have lodged a £23million bid for the Fiorentina star as Antonio Conte steps up his attempts to bolster the backline in the final hours of the summer window. It is understood that offer is just £1million short of the Serie A club's valuation and a deal is expected to be struck on Wednesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmarcos-alonso-to-chelsea-fiorentina-fullback-follows-blues-on-twitter-ahead-of-23m-move-a3332991.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/08/alonsotwitter3108.jpg | en | null | Chelsea transfer news: Marcos Alonso follows Blues on Twitter ahead of £23m move | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Chelsea target Marcos Alonso has followed the club on Twitter ahead of his anticipated deadline day arrival at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have lodged a £23million bid for the Fiorentina star as Antonio Conte steps up his attempts to bolster the backline in the final hours of the summer window.
It is understood that offer is just £1million short of the Serie A club's valuation and a deal is expected to be struck on Wednesday.
But Alonso has dropped a massive hint that negotiations have already reached a conclusion as he followed Chelsea on Twitter late on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old's arrival is expected to be the first of a possible three as Conte plots a £50million spree on deadline day. The Italian has found transfer negotations frustrating during the opening weeks of his Chelsea career, but breakthroughs are expected on Wednesday with a centre-half the priority.
Alonso's arrival follows the departure of left-back Baba Rahman to Schalke on loan earlier this month. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marcos-alonso-to-chelsea-fiorentina-fullback-follows-blues-on-twitter-ahead-of-23m-move-a3332991.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/3b9748d04ee51fb702b85a5df50d8358f55e9219757b46b9f288f0c59f629861.json |
[
"Sebastian Mann"
] | 2016-08-30T08:50:58 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | An armed stand-off in a quiet seafront village between police and a 72-year-old man has entered its third day. Firearms officers surrounded the property in Harbour Road, Pagham, West Sussex, after receiving reports at around 4.10pm on Sunday that the pensioner had a gun and was using threatening behaviour. Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor, of Sussex Police, described the siege as a "little disconcerting and frustrating" for residents. Officers have cordoned off the property and closed the road. Emergency services remain on stand-by. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fpagham-siege-involving-gunwielding-pensioner-enters-third-day-a3331991.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/08/paghamnew.jpg | en | null | Pagham: Siege involving ‘gun-wielding’ pensioner enters third day | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | An armed stand-off in a quiet seafront village between police and a 72-year-old man has entered its third day.
Firearms officers surrounded the property in Harbour Road, Pagham, West Sussex, after receiving reports at around 4.10pm on Sunday that the pensioner had a gun and was using threatening behaviour.
Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor, of Sussex Police, described the siege as a "little disconcerting and frustrating" for residents.
Officers have cordoned off the property and closed the road. Emergency services remain on stand-by.
Stand-off: A child plays football in the foreground as police point weapons at the house (PA)
Mr Honnor said: "I appreciate this must be a little disconcerting and frustrating for local residents, having a continued large police presence outside their homes.
"The safety of the local community is paramount and we are doing all we can to resolve this ongoing incident in a controlled way.
"The road closure and cordons remain in place but residents are still free to come and go as and when they need to with police support.
"We would once again like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding."
A woman who was known to the man had also been in the house, but she left soon after police arrived and is safe and well. There have been no reports of injuries.
Harbour Road is on a dirt track between the seafront and a nature reserve.
Landscape gardener Trevor Hawkins, 54, said he could see four police officers from his home, which has been taped off as part of the cordon.
He said: "Down this street, on the whole, everybody is quite friendly and says good morning so for something like this to happen is totally out of the ordinary."
He said police are "all out at the nature reserve at the back so it is quite a big thing". | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/pagham-siege-involving-gunwielding-pensioner-enters-third-day-a3331991.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e4b3a7240d725c039d3835d3940f6a3f56d18fca99eeab34ff18d658e44cfbc3.json |
[
"Declan Warrington"
] | 2016-08-27T16:49:46 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Crystal Palace earned a valuable 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Bournemouth after a comeback inspired by substitute Wilfried Zaha. Palace's preparations for this fixture had been undermined by Zaha asking manager Alan Pardew for a transfer to Tottenham and concluded with him being named on the substitute's bench. His second-half introduction transformed their performance and led to Scott Dann's equalising goal, however, earning them their first point from their third league fixture of the season after Joshua King had given Bournemouth the lead. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fcrystal-palace-1-bournemouth-1-scott-dann-rescues-alan-pardew-as-wilfried-zaha-inspires-eagles-a3331146.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/17/scott_dann.jpg | en | null | Crystal Palace 1 Bournemouth 1: Scott Dann rescues Alan Pardew as Wilfried Zaha inspires Eagles | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Crystal Palace earned a valuable 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Bournemouth after a comeback inspired by substitute Wilfried Zaha.
Palace's preparations for this fixture had been undermined by Zaha asking manager Alan Pardew for a transfer to Tottenham and concluded with him being named on the substitute's bench.
His second-half introduction transformed their performance and led to Scott Dann's equalising goal, however, earning them their first point from their third league fixture of the season after Joshua King had given Bournemouth the lead.
The £27million club-record signing Christian Benteke may have been recruited to add the goals his new team had been missing but it was his half-hearted defending that led to Bournemouth's 11th-minute opening goal.
His casual clearance from Andrew Surman's free-kick only went as far as Harry Arter, who looped a pass to King from where the forward classily chested the ball down before finishing across the face of goal and inside the far left post.
Palace's goalscoring threat has been so minimal for much of 2016 that if a goal is conceded it often feels as though victory is already beyond them, and even more so they have to take the chances that come their way.
Just four minutes had passed when an outstanding one was presented. Referee Mike Dean harshly awarded a penalty when Charlie Daniels made slight contact with Benteke in the area, but instead of bringing his team level Yohan Cabaye watched as Artur Boruc dived to his right to save.
Palace remained unconvincing, and were fortunate Bournemouth did not score again before half-time. After playing a one-two with Jordon Ibe, Callum Wilson went one-on-one with goalkeeper Steve Mandanda but saw his hurried shot smothered clear when he should have scored.
Switching from 4-4-2 - perhaps forced on them by the unsettled Zaha's selection on the bench - to 4-3-3 in the second half, Palace significantly improved.
First Dann's header was cleared off the line by Arter. Then Cabaye's corner fell to Connor Wickham in space in the area but the striker instead struck beyond the bar.
In pursuit of a much-needed goal, Pardew in the 66th minute brought on Zaha for Wickham and Chung-yong Lee for James McArthur, and the winger's arrival lifted both his team and the crowd, whose warm reception showed no anger at this week's events.
Zaha's width, speed and belief on the right wing stretched Bournemouth's defence, creating several chances. Jason Puncheon had already shot over the crossbar when Zaha combined with Andros Townsend to play in Lee, who similarly shot over.
From another Zaha cross Townsend struck the side netting as Benteke went down and watched his claims for a penalty dismissed.
With five minutes remaining, the winger again broke down the right and again sent a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Lee's shot was impressively saved by Boruc, and Joel Ward threatened with the rebound, but again Bournemouth resisted.
The overdue, equalising goal finally came in the third minute of stoppage time. Amid further pressure, Puncheon crossed to Dann, and the club captain responded by powerfully heading into the back of the net to provide them with a much-needed lift. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-1-bournemouth-1-scott-dann-rescues-alan-pardew-as-wilfried-zaha-inspires-eagles-a3331146.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/57cf773575ca6457caf5738365a70e43bbb62cf8e5ba2367c5f6334becda6b1c.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-26T14:49:33 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | An elderly woman died after she was hit by a lorry in a busy shopping street in west London today. Shoppers looked on in horror as the 85-year-old pedestrian was killed when she was hit by the HGV in Southall. Paramedics battled to save her but she was pronounced dead at the scene at The Broadway. Emergency services were called to the crash at the junction with Herbert Road at 11.05am. London’s Air Ambulance was also scrambled to the scene. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fsouthall-crash-elderly-woman-dies-after-being-hit-by-lorry-in-busy-shopping-street-a3330671.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/14/southallcrash.jpg | en | null | Southall crash: Elderly woman dies after being hit by lorry in busy shopping street | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | An elderly woman died after she was hit by a lorry in a busy shopping street in west London today.
Shoppers looked on in horror as the 85-year-old pedestrian was killed when she was hit by the HGV in Southall.
Paramedics battled to save her but she was pronounced dead at the scene at The Broadway.
Emergency services were called to the crash at the junction with Herbert Road at 11.05am.
London’s Air Ambulance was also scrambled to the scene.
On Twitter, witnesses described seeing a huge police cordon in place and a large emergency services presence in the area.
One user Puja K said: “The whole of broadway is sealed off, police everywhere. Someone was knocked over by a bus/car and died I've heard.”
The whole of broadway is sealed off, police everywhere. Someone was knocked over by a bus/car and died I've heard. ☹️ #southall #news — Puja K (@Puja_K1) August 26, 2016
Jags Sanghera tweeted: “Serious incident on Southall Broadway - avoid.”
Serious incident on Southall Broadway _ avoid. pic.twitter.com/tnsGStjvpK — Jags Sanghera (@SangheraJags) August 26, 2016
Scotland Yard said the woman’s next of kin have been informed and that the lorry driver stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their enquiries.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We sent an ambulance crew, a single responder in a car, an incident response officer and an emergency responder to the scene alongside London’s Air Ambulance.
"The first of our medics arrived at the scene in under five minutes.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at the Serous Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8991 9555. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/southall-crash-elderly-woman-dies-after-being-hit-by-lorry-in-busy-shopping-street-a3330671.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ceaaae866a4427b2de15f2b257f6103a5f321c77532b9290870865673deb7727.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-26T16:49:31 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Australian footballer Nic Naitanui today told how he was left with “hurt heart” after a mother “blacked up” her child in a backfired tribute to him. The AFL player called for better education about race after the mother put her son in a “blackface” costume to look like his idol for his school’s book week. She sparked an outcry after writing a lengthy post about her son’s costume on Facebook. Naitanui, who is of Fijian heritage, said he did not believe the mother intended harm when she decide to paint her primary school aged son’s skin brown. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Faustralian-footballer-nic-naitanui-left-with-hurt-heart-after-childs-backfired-blackface-tribute-a3330741.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/15/nicnaitanui.jpg | en | null | Australian footballer Nic Naitanui left with 'hurt heart' after child's backfired 'blackface' tribute | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Australian footballer Nic Naitanui today told how he was left with “hurt heart” after a mother “blacked up” her child in a backfired tribute to him.
The AFL player called for better education about race after the mother put her son in a “blackface” costume to look like his idol for his school’s book week.
She sparked an outcry after writing a lengthy post about her son’s costume on Facebook.
Naitanui, who is of Fijian heritage, said he did not believe the mother intended harm when she decide to paint her primary school aged son’s skin brown.
“Honestly, I’ve encouraged this mistake in the past but I’m now educated of its origins, let’s grow together,” the Eagles ruckman posted on Twitter on Friday.
Honestly I've encouraged this mistake in the past but I'm now educated of its origins.lets grow together #BookWeek pic.twitter.com/syvDibeWSS — Nic Naitanui (@RealNaitanui) August 25, 2016
“It’s a shame racism coexists in an environment where our children should be nurtured not tortured because they are unaware of the painful historical significance of “blackface” has had previously on the oppressed.”
The boy’s mother had earlier described the incident as a “parenting win” and a “queening moment” but later deleted the message from Facebook.
“I NEED to share my absolute QUEENING moment,” the mother had said in the original post.
A mother has drawn strong criticism for painting her son brown for a book week costume (Facebook)
“My son had book week parade today. He wanted to go as his idol Nic Naitanui from the west coast Eagles.
"I was a little worried about painting him. (So many politically correct extremists these days) he is pastey [sic] white and if I just sent him in a wig and footy gear, no one would tell who he was.
“So I grew a set of balls and painted my boy brown and he looked fanf******tastic.”
The post ended: “Parenting win! I’m celebrating by having a wine before 12pm...”
The message was removed once it had drawn widespread attention and criticism. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/australian-footballer-nic-naitanui-left-with-hurt-heart-after-childs-backfired-blackface-tribute-a3330741.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/83b85e42ccaa78fca9dd47c7ec6d330e385f0b02b7c33fcbd33a82ca70c47f7d.json |
[
"Francesca Gillett"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:09 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | A young recruitment consultant died after an altercation in a minicab in the City on Friday night, police said. Thomas Hulme, 23, was praised as a “beautiful big brother” by his sister Lucy after his death following a night out with friends on Friday. He had been travelling for less than half a mile with four other passengers when the driver stopped the car and police were called to an alleged altercation. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Frecruitment-worker-thomas-hulme-dies-after-altercation-in-a-minicab-in-the-city-a3333506.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/12/thomas-hulne.jpg | en | null | Recruitment worker Thomas Hulme dies after altercation in minicab in the City | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A young recruitment consultant died after an altercation in a minicab in the City on Friday night, police said.
Thomas Hulme, 23, was praised as a “beautiful big brother” by his sister Lucy after his death following a night out with friends on Friday.
He had been travelling for less than half a mile with four other passengers when the driver stopped the car and police were called to an alleged altercation.
Mr Hulme was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead the following evening after the incident at Farringdon Street near the junction with Old Seacoal Lane, at around 11.20pm.
Detectives from the City of London Police now want to speak to anyone who may have seen what happened when the minicab stopped.
Mr Hulme’s sister, Lucy Hulme, paid tribute to her brother on Facebook.
“Rest in peace to my beautiful big brother. Love you so so much forever," she said.
Almost 100 people have commented on her post – which shows a photo of her and her brother as children - sending their condolences to Mr Hulme’s family and calling the news “devastating” and “horrific”.
Scene: The junction of Old Seacoal Lane and Farringdon Street, near to where the minicab stopped. (Google Streetview)
Frankie Jackson-Spence said: “So shocked and sorry to hear this, thinking of you and your family.”
Lucy Emma added: “Thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. Will never forget all those silly pranks Tom used to play on us many a happy weekend at yours in the Moorlands days. All my love.”
And Gabs Gill wrote: “Absolutely adored this boy, always will”.
Police arrested one of the passengers on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He was later charged with manslaughter.
Alexander Bruce Thomson, 32, of Broomwood Road, Wandsworth, appeared at Westminster Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He has since been remanded in custody and is next due to appear in court at the Old Bailey on September 26.
Anyone with information should contact the City of London Police on 0207 601 2222 or call Crimestoppers, which is completely anonymous, on 0800 555 111. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/recruitment-worker-thomas-hulme-dies-after-altercation-in-a-minicab-in-the-city-a3333506.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/d6a05e542dee14c4e556684f950966bea29e51e93def89a4b9f40687702b0321.json |
[
"Richard Godwin"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:51 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | It says a lot about Frank Ocean that he calls on Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar for his second studio album — and sort of throws them away on backing vocals. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fstayingin%2Fmusic%2Ffrank-ocean-blonde-review-screams-selfassurance-a3330316.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/11/frank-ocean.jpg | en | null | Frank Ocean - Blonde review: 'screams self-assurance’ | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | It says a lot about Frank Ocean that he calls on Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar for his second studio album — and sort of throws them away on backing vocals.
For everything about Blonde, the R&B wunderkind’s follow-up to the masterly Channel Orange (2012) screams self-assurance: the slow-burn social media campaign, the accompanying visual album Endless, the Apple Music exclusive, the sprawling length, the Blond/Blonde title confusion (mirroring his own sexual ambivalence), the sureness with which he establishes intimacy.
“I’m not in love, but I’ll make love to you,” he croons (through heavy vocoder) on the lead single Nikes. Ocean’s soundscapes are easy to drown in: tempos rarely rise above 90BPM, rhythm tracks rarely intrude (the gorgeous Brian Wilson-esque melody of Ivy is just backed by lo-fi guitar), and the mood is introspective to the point of solipsistic.
And yet his ruminations on loves lost, childhood anguish and his own bisexuality ultimately provide comfort, partly because he’s so absorbing a lyricist (“Dreaming a thought that could dream about a thought that could think of the dreamer in the thought”?!), partly because his music is always looking outwards.
It may lack a certain focus and go on a little, but there are gorgeous depths if you care to delve: the Beatles steal on White Ferrari, the churchy organs of Solo, the redemptive final act of Seigfried: “In the dark, I’d do anything for you.”
(Def Jam) | http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/music/frank-ocean-blonde-review-screams-selfassurance-a3330316.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ab5e6049878de2eed89c81e8875cc159941e797cc0216b522bfb9ec2a650f96c.json |
[
"Sophia Sleigh"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:31 | null | 2016-03-04T00:00:00 | Passengers on the Thames cable car will be able drink alcohol and party into the night at 300ft, under new plans to revive Boris Johnson’s struggling transport link. London transport bosses have applied for a licence to sell alcohol to passengers arriving for their ten minute trips on the Emirates Air Line, which spans the river between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fthames-cable-bar-plans-to-serve-alcohol-on-boris-johnsons-emirates-air-line-a3333146.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/03/04/09/emiratescablecar0403a.jpg | en | null | Thames cable bar: transport chiefs' plan to serve alcohol on the Emirates Air Line | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Passengers on the Thames cable car will be able drink alcohol and party into the night at 300ft, under new plans to revive Boris Johnson’s struggling transport link.
London transport bosses have applied for a licence to sell alcohol to passengers arriving for their ten minute trips on the Emirates Air Line, which spans the river between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.
Under the proposals, champagne could be served from 10am to 1.30am every day from bars on platforms at each end of the 300ft-high crossing, which was launched by the former Conservative Mayor in June 2012 ahead of the Olympics.
As well as serving alcohol the licence would allow the showing of films, play live music and host events such as karaoke and disco nights at the south terminal next to the O2.
The Thames cable car in action
Boris Johnson riding the cable car during its launch (Getty)
The move comes after figures released this month show that the £60 million “white elephant” link is used by just over 4,000 people a day despite having capacity to ferry 2,500 passengers an hour in its 34 gondolas.
Docklands Light Railway submitted the latest application on behalf of Transport for London which has been under pressure to increase useage of the line, particularly among Londoners.
A number of other London attractions already have licences to serve fizz, including the London Eye, where a ticket including a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne costs £31.95.
At the View from the Shard platform entry for two and a flute of Lansons champagne from Britain’s highest champagne bar each costs £81.90.
But critics have warned the scheme will turn the cable car link into a “West End nightclub in the sky” that will bring misery to local residents, particularly on the north side of the river.
The Met’s licensing officers in both Newham and Greenwich have threatened to oppose the scheme, which comes before councillors at committee meetings next week, unless strict conditions governing security, CCTV cameras and staff training are agreed.
They have also demanded alcohol is only drunk inside the terminal buildings and capsules, and that empty glasses and bottles are cleared away when customers have left cars at the end of their journey.
Neighbours slammed the idea as “desperate”, raising concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour and the prospect of drunk people falling from the pods.
It comes eight years after Mr Johnson banned alcohol from the entire TfL network of Tubes, trams, buses and the DLR.
Robert Leftwich, who lives near the Royal Docks terminal in Newham, wrote: “The very idea of encouraging the sale of alcohol on the cable car reeks of utter stupidity and desperation.
“Is it really sensible to allow inebriated people to ‘fly’ 300ft up in the air, with doors on the cabins? Inevitably at some point someone will try to make a jump for the river below.
“This application seems simply a desperate idea to try and rescue what has unfortunately become a non-profitable white elephant.”
Dr David Wilson said it demonstrated “an egregious disregard” for the welfare of children, public safety and the prevention of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Trevor Jones and Joanne Roughton, who live in an apartment near Royal Docks, said: “The proposals will lead to people becoming drunk in a residential area, fighting and acts of damage, drugs and potential sexual acts in and around our home.”
Tony Vaughan also objected, saying: “The music will probably be the usual cretinous cacophony. We don’t want roaring stag nights and shrieking hen parties, particularly not in the early hours.
“I’m 69 and will be in hell soon enough. I don’t want a foretaste.”
Jenny Brice added: “We purchased our apartment in a residential area and did not expect it to be turned into an entertainment venue up until 1.30pm. The cable car was built as a means of transport not an entertainment venue.”
London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon said: “It seems that those running the cable car have the vision to run it like an expensive West End night club experience.
“Instead of providing some expensive tickets involving glasses of champagne for a few people the cable car should be run for the many as an affordable form of transport across the Thames.
“The Thames cable car was in large part funded by the taxpayer and its original purpose was to ensure daily trips across the Thames could be made by the widest range of people.
“It is time the Mayor of London finally got to grips with these issues and decided what the future of the cable car really is.”
Sadiq Khan threatened to shut the line down during his mayoral campaign, branding it an “expensive vanity project” which cost the capital £5 million a year in subsidies.
He has since stepped back from the threat after TfL pointed out ending the contract before 2021 would cost £20million in penalties and loss of sponsorship.
A decision on the bid will be made by Greenwich Council on September 5. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/thames-cable-bar-plans-to-serve-alcohol-on-boris-johnsons-emirates-air-line-a3333146.html | en | 2016-03-04T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/4f6c8099537cb1c054c7b109159bb858b10f544bbec3ef9c9a3e8901043796a7.json |
[
"David Ellis"
] | 2016-08-26T14:50:36 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Shackfuyu is the sort of place that has people queuing up outside before it even opens. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Frestaurants%2Flondon-brunch-breakdown-shackfuyu-soho-a3330526.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/12/shackfuyu-brunch-breakdown.jpg | en | null | London brunch breakdown: Shackfuyu, Soho | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Shackfuyu is the sort of place that has people queuing up outside before it even opens.
It’s Sunday, midday, and by rights, people should be still be laying in bed wrestling with a hangover – but this place was a hit when it launched as a pop-up and won everybody over for a second time when it opened as a permanent site in late 2015. It’s become a firm Soho favourite, and unlike some of the more recent openings in the area, they didn’t even have to kill off an old institution to claim their space. In the evenings, it’s boozy and buzzing, while in the day, it’s a little calmer, somewhere to bring friends and give in to your gluttonous side.
What’s on the menu: Brunch works simply here: there’s choice, but you’re ordering two small plates, one big one, and then pudding follows. The trick is not to get too territorial: order to share, divide and conquer. Some offerings, like the buttermilk fried chicken bun, don’t really suit this, but are delicious and a must, so take a knife and split before taking a bite, or you’ll not want to play fair.
The aubergine, sticky with miso, sweet and warming, is a must: plate after plate of this melting vegetable of could have arrived and we’d have made no protest. Flavours here are both interesting and easy – a hard thing to pull off – but they’re big and bright too, with lots of salt and spice: it would be easy to overwhelm your palette. Instead, take it easy, have something simple to let the star dishes shine. The grilled sweetcorn is a perfect backseat side.
For the ‘main’, there are sharing choices, like trout with yuzu miso, or the excellent short rib. They've plumped for USDA – why?! – but it's slow cooked, so has more flavour than this insipid incarnation of beef usually does. It’s the sort of thing that you’re happy to share, but you’d be even happier if your friend were too full and couldn’t possibly face another bite.
Heavenly: the miso aubergine
Elsewhere, there’s seabass, flat iron steak, a mixed mushroom and chilli hot stone rice and a chilled chilli ramen, which happily comes either vegetarian or not.
Not everything is a hit: the green tea waffle is so-so, and while the kinako french toast is lovely – the only pudding they do, almost famous – the matcha-flavoured soft serve ice-cream it comes with uninspiring and a little bitter, which seems a rather unpleasant way to finish what is, from start to finish, a masterclass in comfort food. Still, forget that: drink the bottomless pineapple sake and congratulate yourself on picking such a splendid spot for brunch.
Completely bottomless brunches in London
9 show all Completely bottomless brunches in London
1/9 Kurobuta Marble Arch Sushi, sashimi and steak all feature on the cooked-as-it-goes Kurobuta buffet, as does build-your-own ramen and fried chicken. Unlimited beer, wine and brunch punch, plus one cocktail on arrival, is thrown in for £45 a head. W2, kurobuta-london.com
W2, kurobuta-london.com 2/9 Cookbook Café Glorious tables laden with endless amounts of pastries, meat, sushi, salads, fruit and yoghurt are backed up by freshly cooked eggs any way, waffles and pancakes. Bellinis and prosecco are bottomless, along with tea and coffee. All in a light and airy setting within Park Lane’s Intercontinental Hotel, for £52 per person and less for under 17s. W1, cookbookcafe.co.uk
W1, cookbookcafe.co.uk 3/9 Maze Gordon Ramsay’s Maze in Mayfair is dialing up the decadence with their Sunday brunch offering. Guests will be treated to unlimited fizz and Japanese dishes plus an abundance of sushi — including tuna tartare, salmon nigiri and California rolls. It’s limited to an hour-and-a-half, but that’s plenty of time to make sure you get your £40’s worth. W1, gordonramsayrestaurants.com/maze
W1, gordonramsayrestaurants.com/maze 4/9 Flesh & Buns The Sunday brunch at Flesh & Buns (also available on Bank Holiday Mondays) includes a cocktail on arrival, chips, dips and edamame, unlimited hot and cold dishes, buns, and — last but not least — bottomless prosecco and wine. It’s all in for £46 a head. WC2, bonedaddies.com/flesh-and-buns
WC2, bonedaddies.com/flesh-and-buns 5/9 Big Easy Barbecue breakfast is a great way to start the day. Big Easy Canary Wharf’s ‘Big Pig Gig’ offers limitless supplies from a menu that includes North Carolina chopped pork, pit-smoked chicken and St Louis pork ribs. Beer, wine and prosecco is also bottomless and included in the £29.50 price tag. E14, bigeasy.co.uk
E14, bigeasy.co.uk 6/9 Gaucho At Gaucho’s Electric Brunch, diners can order as many dishes as they like from a menu of both Argentine and brunch classics — and then keep coming back for more. That means as much steak, eggs Benedict, avo on toast and oven-baked chorizo as you can muster. Drinks are just as free-flowing, with Bloody Marys, Argentine sparkling wine and a morning cocktail all bottomless. It’s all-inclusive for £45. Various locations, read our full review
Various locations, read our full review 7/9 KuPP Scandi brunch means unlimited smorgasbord top-ups as well as bottomless aquavit cocktails (risky!), Bloody Marys and Czech Pilsner Krusovice beer dispensed direct from the tank. Offerings include Norwegian gravlax, smoked pork meatballs and pickled veg. It’s £30 per person, but kids eat free. W2, kupp.co
W2, kupp.co 8/9 OXBO Bankside Buffet tables heave with seasonal salads, fruits and cured meats, while freshly made waffles, eggs and pancakes are all at hand. Opt for the limitless prosecco option and wash down helping after helping with bottomless bubbles. There’s live acoustic music, too. £40 per person. SE1, oxbobankside.co.uk
SE1, oxbobankside.co.uk 9/9 Great Exhibition You choose just one main dish as part of the brunch at this East Dulwich pub, but it comes with limitless Bloody Marys, mimosas, tea, coffee, toast and jam, which means the whole thing ends up being effectively bottomless. Dishes include eggs Benedict, pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, pumpkin fritters and a Full English (or a veggie version). It costs £25 all in. SE22, greatexhibition.pub
Where is it? Head to Soho’s heart, Old Compton St, where Shackfuyu sits opposite the original Ed’s Diner. And while, from the outside, it looks like a handful of seats, venture in. It’s not quite a tardis, but it’s not too far off.
Who’s behind it? ‘Japanese soul food’ masters Bone Daddies, founded by top (ex-Nobu) chef Ross Shonhan.
When can I try it out? Sundays, midday until 4.30pm
Cheque out: £29, and an extra £10 buys unlimited Prosecco. A tenner seems a hefty extra.
Book it: bonedaddies.com
Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square
Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout | http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/restaurants/london-brunch-breakdown-shackfuyu-soho-a3330526.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/9bfca55550ca0eee7dbf33facc31c497682e54f08c4c005e4254d46c8546c86c.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-28T20:50:11 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | A man and a woman are facing jail after taking part in a violent assault that left a vulnerable man fighting for his life. The victim, a 28-year-old man with learning difficulties, was stabbed in the stomach and hand after he refused demands to hand over money and to sell drugs. Michael Nkrumah, 20, of Thornton Heath, Croydon was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent on Wednesday, after a 19-day trial at Blackfriars Crown Court. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fpair-facing-jail-after-vulnerable-man-was-stabbed-in-his-own-home-after-he-refused-to-sell-drugs-for-a3331541.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/19/nkrumah.jpg | en | null | Pair facing jail after vulnerable man was stabbed in his own home for refusing to sell drugs | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A man and a woman are facing jail after taking part in a violent assault that left a vulnerable man fighting for his life.
The victim, a 28-year-old man with learning difficulties, was stabbed in the stomach and hand after he refused demands to hand over money and to sell drugs.
Michael Nkrumah, 20, of Thornton Heath, Croydon was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent on Wednesday, after a 19-day trial at Blackfriars Crown Court.
The victim's ex-girlfriend, Shaniqua Pettifor, 23, of Kennington Park Road, Southwark had previously pleaded guilty to causing assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Croydon Crown Court.
Blackfriars Crown Court heard that the victim had been in a relationship with Pettifor for a number of weeks prior to the assault, after they met when they struck up a conversation in the street.
The attack happened on December 28, when Pettifor visited the victim's flat in Camberwell, along with Nkrumah and three other unknown men.
They demanded money from the victim and told him he would have to sell drugs for them.
The victim refused their demands, and in response Pettifor produced a knife and stabbed him on the hand causing a cut to his thumb.
Pleaded guilty: Shaniqua Pettifor (Metropolitan Police)
Nkrumah then also produced a knife and stabbed the victim in the stomach.
The suspects ran from the property, leaving the victim with a stab wound so severe it had perforated his bowel.
Despite his extensive wounds, the victim was able to call his mother, who in turn called an ambulance, and he managed to make his way to his mother's home nearby.
He was taken to hospital with injuries so severe he needed a life-saving emergency operation.
Detectives from Southwark borough launched an immediate investigation, and Nkrumah was arrested on December 31 and charged the day after.
Pettifor was arrested on December 30, and subsequently charged on Monday, February 1.
The other three suspects have not yet been identified.
Nkrumah and Pettifor are both due to be sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on Friday.
Detective Constable Sophie Lugar-Mawson, of Southwark CID, said: "This was a vile attack on a vulnerable man.
"These people sought to exploit and manipulate him by taking his money and demanding he sell drugs for them.
"When he refused they carried out a vicious attack that could have taken his life had it not been for the tremendous work by the responding officers, paramedics and A&E staff.
"The team at Southwark CID and I are glad the two people responsible for directly committing such a horrendous attack have been brought to justice.
"It is important those who are vulnerable are protected and criminals who seek to exploit them face the consequences of their actions." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/pair-facing-jail-after-vulnerable-man-was-stabbed-in-his-own-home-after-he-refused-to-sell-drugs-for-a3331541.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/11a74c06f0c21868856f3fb209855f8d705e53521b63de8f6272634a4eb9e04b.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-27T14:49:52 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Stunned motorists today told of their shock after a footbridge came crashing down on top of vehicles on a busy motorway. A motorcyclist, aged in his 50s, was rushed to hospital after the bridge collapsed on the M20 in Kent this afternoon after it was hit by a lorry on one of the busiest travel days of the year. Emergency services raced to the scene between junctions three and four after the structure collapsed shortly after midday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fm20-bridge-collapse-motorists-describe-moment-footbridge-crashes-own-on-top-of-vehicles-in-kent-a3331096.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/13/m20lorry.jpg | en | null | M20 bridge collapse: Motorists describe moment footbridge crashes own on top of vehicles in Kent | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Stunned motorists today told of their shock after a footbridge came crashing down on top of vehicles on a busy motorway.
A motorcyclist, aged in his 50s, was rushed to hospital after the bridge collapsed on the M20 in Kent this afternoon after it was hit by a lorry on one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Emergency services raced to the scene between junctions three and four after the structure collapsed shortly after midday.
Witnesses described hearing a “huge crash” as the bridge came down and seeing motorists getting out of their cars and running towards the wreckage to find out if anybody was hurt.
A lorry is reported to have struck the bridge shortly after midday (Twitter '/ Abi Fai Chang (@JeffChangx)
Alex T Magaisa was driving past the lorry involved just as the bridge collapsed, with his wife and two young sons in the car. They were on their way to Gatwick Airport to catch a flight to Belfast to see family for the bank holiday weekend.
He said: "My instinct was just to drive through. My wife saw the bridge falling and there was a big noise. I had to manoeuvre through the debris.
"We stopped afterwards for about 30 minutes, and there was another car with a family behind us. Luckily no-one seemed to have been hurt.
The bridge collapsed onto cars between junctions 3 and 4 (Twitter / @Tweet1MoreTime)
"It was a big shock. It's only just starting to sink in now what might have happened. We were right in the line of fire and we could have been crushed."
Andy Sunnucks, 24, said: "We are about 15 cars back on the same carriageway as the collision.
"We were driving on the road and came to a standstill. People were getting out of their cars and running towards the bridge. All I could see was the wreckage."
The graphic designer, a passenger travelling from Maidstone to Sevenoaks, said: "It looked like a lorry had jackknifed, and I could see half the bridge was missing. We went to have a look and the back end of the lorry was in pieces.
"The motorcyclist was laying down underneath his bike.
Traffic jam: Cars have been brought to a standstill on the M20
"We heard a guy in front of us talking and he said he didn't even see it even though the crash happened just in front of him."
Mr Magaisa, 41, a lecturer at University of Kent, has been reassuring his concerned students over social media that he and his family are safe and tweeted: "Crazy things happen. One minute all is smooth, but things can change in second.
"That M20 bridge could easily have fallen right on top of us."
A major incident was declared on the motorway, which is the main route to the Channel Tunnel and the Port of Dover.
A Kent Police spokesman said: "It is believed a lorry collided with a pedestrian bridge which has collapsed on to the carriageway below.
"Officers are in attendance along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
"Police are treating this as a major incident and the M20 has been closed in both directions to allow this incident to be dealt with. Traffic will be heavier than usual."
The motorcyclist was taken to hospital with suspected broken ribs. His injuries are not through to be life-threatening.
Highways England confirmed that the M26 in Kent had been closed eastbound between the M25 junction 25 and the M20 J3 to "assist management of traffic" following the incident. Its website advises drivers travelling clockwise on the M15 to Dover to continue on the M25 and use junction J2 to join the A2 and M2. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/m20-bridge-collapse-motorists-describe-moment-footbridge-crashes-own-on-top-of-vehicles-in-kent-a3331096.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/fd988b6d0e57a5cd63f5fe78b9a4283cbd69ed0e4fb804e124da37d3185c04b6.json |
[
"Joni Blyth"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:13 | null | 2016-07-07T00:00:00 | Classic British sitcom Porridge is back – but not as you know it. Fletch is back to revel in the little victories in a new one-off special with a 21st Century twist. It’s not Norman Fletcher this time around, but Nigel – his grandson. Kevin Bishop takes up the mantle of ‘Fletch’ this time around, although his crimes are a far cry from Norman’s. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fstayingin%2Ftvfilm%2Fporridge-2016-kevin-bishops-nigel-fletcher-heads-to-prison-in-oneoff-revival-of-classic-bbc-sitcom-a3330791.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/07/11/porridge-1.jpg | en | null | Porridge 2016: Kevin Bishop's Fletch heads to prison in one-off revival of classic BBC sitcom | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Classic British sitcom Porridge is back – but not as you know it.
Fletch is back to revel in the little victories in a new one-off special with a 21st Century twist.
It’s not Norman Fletcher this time around, but Nigel – his grandson.
Kevin Bishop takes up the mantle of ‘Fletch’ this time around, although his crimes are a far cry from Norman’s.
Serving five years for ‘hacking’, expect a hefty haul of technobabble as Fletch uses his skills and trademark charm to score a win against the system.
Catastrophe’s Mark Bonnar serves as a worthy adversary for our hero as the brittle Officer Meekie, and plays off well against Bishop and Dominic Coleman’s Officer Braithwaite.
The series was a launching point for several classic comedians of the 20th century, and a seminal display of Ronnie Barker’s talent.
BBC sitcom revivals 2016
6 show all BBC sitcom revivals 2016
1/6 Steptoe and Son BBC/Alan Peebles
2/6 Young Hyacinth BBC/Colin Hutton
3/6 Hancock's Half Hour BBC/Alan Peebles
4/6 Are You Being Served? New faces: the cast of the 2016 one-off Are You Being Served? reboot BBC/Kieron McCarron
5/6 Till Death Do Us Part BBC/Alan Peebles
6/6 Porridge BBC/Scott Kershaw
While this fresh serving of Porridge is new on the face of it, it’s still old under the hood – with the original creators back in the clink once again.
Both Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais have returned to pen this revival, bringing along the warmth, wit, and prison lingo that was a staple of the original three-series run.
Porridge: The Original TV Series
7 show all Porridge: The Original TV Series
1/7 Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher with Mackay in Porridge (1979) BBC
2/7 Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher with Richard Beckinsale as Godber in Porridge (Series 1) BBC
3/7 Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale and Fulton Mackay shooting the television series 'Porridge'
4/7 Porridge with Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher BBC
5/7 Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletche during filming of the feature length film 'Porridge'in Chelmsford surrounded by real prison officers
6/7 Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletche filming the christmas edition of Porridge with Richard Beckinsale as Godber and Brian Wilde (1979) Associated Newspapers
7/7 Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher starring in the 1976 Christmas special of the classic comedy set inside 'Slade' prison BBC
Just one of many planned sitcom reboots on the BBC this year, marking 60 years of TV comedy, this Porridge special will hopefully appease fans that have been waiting for a revival since a mockumentary follow-up in 2003.
Sunday, BBC One, 9.30pm | http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/porridge-2016-kevin-bishops-nigel-fletcher-heads-to-prison-in-oneoff-revival-of-classic-bbc-sitcom-a3330791.html | en | 2016-07-07T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/04730979255b708c0e25902967e05b0fbeec6e0793cacd2a9c0eee69848353d9.json |
[
"Tom Collomosse"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:38 | null | 2016-07-15T00:00:00 | England were expected to name virtually a full-strength squad for the one-off Twenty20 international against Pakistan next Wednesday but could rest key players for the one-day series in Bangladesh in October. Joe Root, Moeen Ali and Alex Hales were all expected to be included in the squad for next week’s match at Old Trafford, while both Ben Stokes and Mark Wood were poised to return. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fengland-to-rest-key-men-for-odi-series-in-bangladesh-a3333466.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/15/14/moeenali1507.jpg | en | null | England to rest key men for ODI series in Bangladesh | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | England were expected to name virtually a full-strength squad for the one-off Twenty20 international against Pakistan next Wednesday but could rest key players for the one-day series in Bangladesh in October.
Joe Root, Moeen Ali and Alex Hales were all expected to be included in the squad for next week’s match at Old Trafford, while both Ben Stokes and Mark Wood were poised to return.
That means there would be no place for Ben Duckett, while Liam Dawson, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan and James Vince were also believed to have missed out.
Root, Moeen and Hales were rested for the T20 match against Sri Lanka in July but should all face Pakistan.
Standard Sport understands, however, that Root and Moeen — along with Chris Woakes — are likely to be left out of the squad for the three one-day internationals in Bangladesh in October. The trio are due to be given a breather before the Tests in Bangladesh and India. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-to-rest-key-men-for-odi-series-in-bangladesh-a3333466.html | en | 2016-07-15T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e44dee1b38e46114e9705ab1ff4e618d914e3980aa2c7f383651fde537fd1168.json |
[
"Tom Collomosse"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:17 | null | 2016-02-21T00:00:00 | Both Heung-Min Son and Kevin Wimmer are now likely to remain at Tottenham, even though it was thought that both could leave. Wolfsburg were interested in taking Son, bought for £22million from Bayer Leverkusen only a year ago, back to the Bundesliga but did not match Spurs’ valuation of the South Korea forward. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftottenham-transfer-news-heungmin-son-and-kevin-wimmer-set-to-remain-with-spurs-on-deadline-day-a3333261.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/21/16/4KevinWimmer2102_0.jpg | en | null | Tottenham transfer news: Heung-Min Son and Kevin Wimmer set to remain with Spurs on deadline day | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Both Heung-Min Son and Kevin Wimmer are now likely to remain at Tottenham, even though it was thought that both could leave.
Wolfsburg were interested in taking Son, bought for £22million from Bayer Leverkusen only a year ago, back to the Bundesliga but did not match Spurs’ valuation of the South Korea forward.
Wimmer appears to have slipped down the pecking order during the early part of the campaign – he was not even on the bench against Liverpool as youngster Cameron Carter-Vickers was preferred. But Pochettino needs defensive options with his club involved in four competitions, including the Champions League, this season and looks set to retain the Austrian as a fall-back option.
Meanwhile, reports in Germany linked Schalke forward Max Meyer with a £32million move to White Hart Lane but that was considered highly unlikely with so little time remaining before the window closed.
Spurs are pursuing Newcastle's Moussa Sissoko, but are unwilling to meet the club's £30million valuation. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-transfer-news-heungmin-son-and-kevin-wimmer-set-to-remain-with-spurs-on-deadline-day-a3333261.html | en | 2016-02-21T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/8ac2c7b20ce2cc9fd4c1e5bf99a579a742ffd059a73b82b5767ac0d001220df1.json |
[
"Melisha Kaur"
] | 2016-08-30T16:51:06 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | With so much to remember and pack, moving to university can be pretty stressful. Once you’ve got your toiletries, kitchenware and clothing sorted, you ought to pick yourself some stylish new bedding to make your new room feel homely. From bold geometric prints to minimalist white, we’ve selected seven budget-friendly options to suit all tastes. 1. Anorak Kissing Stags Duvet Cover Set | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshopping%2Fesbest%2Fhome-design%2Fthe-best-bedding-sets-under-40-a2944011.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/17/anorakkissingstagsbedding.jpg | en | null | The best bedding sets under £40 | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | With so much to remember and pack, moving to university can be pretty stressful.
Once you’ve got your toiletries, kitchenware and clothing sorted, you ought to pick yourself some stylish new bedding to make your new room feel homely.
From bold geometric prints to minimalist white, we’ve selected seven budget-friendly options to suit all tastes.
1. Anorak Kissing Stags Duvet Cover Set
These quirky covers feature a popular design that has been used on all sorts of homeware including mugs, bath mats and towels. The black-and-cream linen works well with most colour schemes and will bring plenty of character into your sleeping quarters.
£18, IWOOT, Buy it now
2. M&S Frances Floral Bedset
With its gorgeous floral design, the Isla Print bedding set is just what you need to make a subtle statement in your bedroom. Team the covers with a few white cushions to add a pretty and elegant feel to your space.
From £31.60, M&S, Buy it now
3. John Lewis Chinese Blossom Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
These oriental-style covers from John Lewis ought to bring a fresh feel into any den. Available in three colours including the minty ‘Duck Egg’, the chic set features a Chinese blossom embroidered detail on both the pillow cases and duvet cover.
From £29, John Lewis, Buy it now
4. Geometric Core Duvet Set
Jazzing up your space just got a whole lot easier. Featuring hues of teal, white and yellow, the retro-inspired design of this striking linen will brighten up plain-looking rooms in no time and it has a similar reverse print.
From £17, Very, Buy it now
5. Minimalist White Double Bed Duvet Set
If you’re opting for a simple bedroom style, then this relaxed duvet set is just right for you. Made with luxe Polycotton fabric, the soft touch of these covers ought to make you feel like you’re sleeping on a big fluffy cloud.
£19.54, Argos, Buy it now
6. Home Collection Basics Aqua 'Maddison' bedding set
A simple way to refresh your room for the new season, this chic aqua bedding set has been designed with chevron stripes and is crafted from a gentle blend of cotton and polyester. The single duvet set is complete with 1 pillowcase. Also suitable for tumble drying.
From £25, Debenhams, Buy it now
7. Malin Rund Multicolour Quilt cover and 2 pillowcases
Those moving into a minimalist room can give it a style boost with this multicolour bedding set, which is made from pure cotton. It’s available in three sizes and is machine washable up to 60 degrees.
From £15, Ikea, Buy it now
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ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. | http://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/home-design/the-best-bedding-sets-under-40-a2944011.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/a17fd0f09c3fc56c576efbb93df603b148cfd47d63b15d0516d0e02a5def5913.json |
[
"Miranda Thompson"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:11 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Where is it? Yaletown, downtown Vancouver, where the roads slope down from towering skyscrapers to green parks and False Creek marina. Chichi and buzzing - think cafes with crowds spilling onto the sidewalks and cool bars - it’s where Vancouver’s most stylish residents want to see and be seen. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Ftravel%2Fopus-vancouver-hotel-review-a3333456.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/12/yaletown-view-mainland.jpg | en | null | Opus Vancouver - hotel review | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Where is it?
Yaletown, downtown Vancouver, where the roads slope down from towering skyscrapers to green parks and False Creek marina. Chichi and buzzing - think cafes with crowds spilling onto the sidewalks and cool bars - it’s where Vancouver’s most stylish residents want to see and be seen.
Style
A vibrant, 96-room, Soho-style boutique hotel that manages to be effortlessly cool and endlessly welcoming all at once. ‘We wanted to make it feel like your best friend’s flipped you the keys to their condo’ explains General Manager Nick. And they don’t stint on the personal touches: the hotel’s Lifestyle Concierge service was expressly created to match guests to rooms according to their personality.
The cocktail bar
There are five options, ranging from ‘enlightened rock star’ to ‘food critic’, and along with rooms designed to match your designated character, the concierge service also provides personalised recommendations. We found ourselves within the cranberry walls chez ‘Mike’ - the New York-based doctor who’s into fitness, dancing and dogs, likes his seafood dining and ‘premiere’ lounges, and, according to the in-room iPod, has a penchant for Lenny Kravitz and Kings of Leon. FYI, when local resident Pamela Anderson pitches up (and yes, we did spot her downtown), she always plumps for film actress/PETA activist Dede and her faux-fur boudoir-style (wonder where they got that idea from?). Otherwise, it’s a modern, industrial feel, with the biggest en-suite bathrooms I’ve ever come across, and crucially for such a busy location, quiet, too.
A bedroom
Don’t miss the nightclub-esque bathrooms below the hotel lobby which broadcast CCTV-style coverage of the main bar above the washbasins (and don’t worry, viewing isn’t reverse-streamed…).
Facilities
Work up a sweat with a view in the in-house gym; the street views offer some of the best people-watching around. And being matched with your lifestyle concierge is certainly a telling experience.
Extra curricular
Jump on a water taxi from False Creek and it’s a skip and a hop to Granville Island, home to the famous food market which groans with gastronomic delights, or if you’re feeling a little more energetic, why not give water sports a go? We tried our hand at paddle boarding with Ecomarine Paddlesport Centre: a two hour-trip dodges the water traffic and takes you inland up the watery inlet with both instruction and informative local knowledge from a guide - and a constant eye out for the harbour seals that patrol the waters.
If you want to head further inland (and have a head for heights), jump on a shuttle heading to the North Shore. The eye-boggling (and stomach-quaking) Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a walk on the wild side with a 70-foot-high suspension bridge strung across a gorge and tree-top viewing platforms and trails. Get in there first thing or as twilight falls for minimal crowds (it’s somewhat of a tourist trap) and a less harried atmosphere.
Further up the road is Grouse Mountain, Vancouver’s local ski resort, where either you can jump on the cable car and zoom up the mountain (prime your panoramic shots en route), or take the Grouse Grind, a 2.9 kilometre hike. At the top, we enjoyed the locally-renowned lumberjack show (who’d have thought wood would be so funny?) and sneaking a peek at Grinder and Coola, the rescued grizzly bears who live in a reservation in the resort’s centre.
La Pentola
Food and drink
With its huge windows and cosy surroundings, the adjacent Italian-style La Pentola is an excellent option for breakfast (go for the three-egg omelette or the waffle topped with bacon and blueberries), lunch and dinner. In the lounge OPUS bar does a deluxe continental breakfast buffet with house-cured charcuterie, and a generously timed happy hour - an excellent place to kick back with a paper and a cocktail after a long day exploring the city.
Cocktail hour
Make the most of your surroundings and check out the local bar scene in Yaletown: try Rodney’s for a nautical night with ‘hot’ bartenders or Parlour for upscale cocktails and craft beers, one of Vancouver’s drinks du jour.
Which room?
Go for a suite with skyscraper views
A deluxe suite
Best for?
Stylish city living - thoughtful home comforts make it a break from the bustle that surrounds the grand hotels downtown, but OPUS doesn’t compromise on luxury.
Any downsides?
The quirky style might not be to everyone’s taste.
vancouver.opushotel.com | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/opus-vancouver-hotel-review-a3333456.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/694cae07b384ebc61f981d9353067b8130792cab7fb54f0b845fee118ac4793e.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:50 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | This is the first picture of a London schoolboy killed when a devastating earthquake hit central Italy. Marcos Burnett, 14, died after the 6.2 magnitude quake struck on Wednesday along with family friends Maria and William Henniker-Gotley. The trio were killed when the villa they were staying in the tiny hamlet of Sommati collapsed in the early hours ofthe morning. Their devastated families have paid tribute to “the tireless work of the Italian rescue workers and hospital staff". | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fpictured-london-schoolboy-14-killed-in-italian-earthquake-a3330616.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/13/marcosburnett.jpg | en | null | First picture of London schoolboy Marcos Burnett, 14, killed in Italian earthquake | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | This is the first picture of a London schoolboy killed when a devastating earthquake hit central Italy.
Marcos Burnett, 14, died after the 6.2 magnitude quake struck on Wednesday along with family friends Maria and William Henniker-Gotley.
The trio were killed when the villa they were staying in the tiny hamlet of Sommati collapsed in the early hours ofthe morning.
Their devastated families have paid tribute to “the tireless work of the Italian rescue workers and hospital staff".
Maria and Will Henniker-Gotley, who died in the Amatrice earthquake in Italy
A statement from their families said: "It is with sadness that we can confirm the deaths of Maria, 51, and Will, 55, Henniker-Gotley and Marcos Burnett, 14, in the earthquake in Amatrice, Italy on 24 July.
"Their families have paid tribute to the tireless work of the Italian rescue workers and hospital staff and expressed their gratitude for the love and support they have received from the Italian people.
"Their thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the earthquake."
Marcos' parents, Anne-Louise and Simon Burnett, are believed to have been injured in the quake.
The children of Mr and Mrs Henniker-Gotley, believed to be aged 12 and 14, also survived but their condition is unknown.
This page is being updated. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/pictured-london-schoolboy-14-killed-in-italian-earthquake-a3330616.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/493d1af480dda6a46faf70bd878c5877c02d414fbabe908fb2932290f4994811.json |
[
"Ben Luke"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:44 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | In an act of economic alchemy, in the mid-19th century, bird shit was turned to gold. Guano, the accumulated excrement of seabirds, became a lucrative fertiliser, much in demand by European agriculturalists and on American plantations. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Farts%2Fdinh-q-le-the-colony-exhibition-review-beauty-shines-amid-dung-and-drones-in-this-dark-history-of-a-a3333391.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/11/the-colony-review.jpg | en | null | Dinh Q Lê: The Colony, exhibition review - Beauty shines amid dung and drones in this dark history of a hidden gold rush | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | In an act of economic alchemy, in the mid-19th century, bird shit was turned to gold. Guano, the accumulated excrement of seabirds, became a lucrative fertiliser, much in demand by European agriculturalists and on American plantations.
The Vietnamese artist Dinh Q Lê’s extraordinary three-screen video installation, on the site of a former Peckham cinema, returns to the scene of a contested guano-rush location. The uninhabited Chincha islands off the Peruvian coast prompted a war between Spain and its former colonies Peru and Chile in the 1860s. Lê’s installation uses the Chinchas to obliquely evoke China’s aggression in the South China Sea today.
Britain’s role in the Chinchas was shameful: our merchants exploited Chinese bonded labour in mining the guano, forcing them to work in terrible conditions. Animations of the workers’ shadowy ghosts occasionally appear amid the dramatic island landscape and in the now derelict prison-like workers’ dormitories that Lê captures. He also documents, with drones and standard land-based cameras, the 21st-century workers shovelling shit today. The process of guano gathering has changed little since the 19th century. It looks medieval — the dung is hacked at and then gathered into huge sacks by hand and sent down chutes to wooden platforms, where it is piled into great towers and walls that resemble stone fortresses.
Yet the work is not without occasional beauty, like the sublime, sweeping drone footage of the thousands of Peruvian boobies who provide the dung. They sit on circular nests before stretching their wings and taking flight.
Latest exhibition reviews
11 show all Latest exhibition reviews
1/11 William Eggleston: Portraits ★★★★★ 'Not just a great photographer but a great artist'
Read our review
Eggleston Artistic Trust
2/11 Ragnar Kjartansson ★★★★ 'He has made the fusion of the sublime and the ridiculous a very rich territory'
Read our review
Elisabet Davidsdottir
3/11 Georgia O'Keeffe ★★★ 'She pioneered a new way of seeing things in the world'
Read our review
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum/ DACS
4/11 The Ethics of Dust ★★★★★ 'It is an ephemeral monument composed from trapped particles of soot'
Read our review
Marcus J Leith
5/11 David Hockney, 82 Portraits and One Still Life ★★★ 'Hockney’s handling of paint is direct and jittery, which is attractive, and the energy is nice'
Read our review
Christopher Sturman, courtesy of Esquire
6/11 Under the Same Sun: Art from Latin America today ★★★ 'Whimsy and subversion make a real statement'
Read our review
7/11 Mary Heilmann: Looking at Pictures ★★★★ 'Heilmann’s work has a light touch but the work carries real authority'
Read our review
Mary Heilmann
8/11 The Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition 2016 ★★ 'Not a patch on last year'
Read our review
Peter Mallet/Blain Southern/Sue Webster
9/11 Winifred Knights ★★★★ 'Winifred Knights may not be a major name, but this exhibition shows she produced some compelling pieces'
Read our review
The Estate of Winifred Knights
10/11 Bhupen Kharkhar, You Can't Please All ★★★ 'It’s India, but not as you know it'
Read our review
PABLO BARTHOLOMEW
11/11 Mona Hatoum ★★★★★ 'Striking, seductive and hard-hitting'
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Dylan Martinez/Reuters
The birds represent the centuries-old natural cycles of the Chinchas, before the islands witnessed a bleaker human history conjured so oppressively by Lê.
Until October 9, Artangel at 133 Rye Lane, (020 7713 1400; artangel.org.uk/thecolony)
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout | http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/arts/dinh-q-le-the-colony-exhibition-review-beauty-shines-amid-dung-and-drones-in-this-dark-history-of-a-a3333391.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/5c2624fa23f97bec872a2af8e245df0f095d3af70fd4a4cea5d7da996010396c.json |
[
"Tom Collomosse"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:26 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | England assistant coach Paul Farbrace is a prime candidate to succeed Jason Gillespie as Yorkshire coach. The county champions are looking for a replacement for Gillespie after the Australian announced he would leave Headingley after five seasons in the post. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fengland-on-alert-with-yorkshire-set-to-target-paul-farbrace-to-succeed-jason-gillespie-a3332121.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/10/paulfarbrace3008.jpg | en | null | England on alert with Yorkshire set to target Paul Farbrace to succeed Jason Gillespie | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | England assistant coach Paul Farbrace is a prime candidate to succeed Jason Gillespie as Yorkshire coach.
The county champions are looking for a replacement for Gillespie after the Australian announced he would leave Headingley after five seasons in the post.
Farbrace was on duty here today as England chased the victory that would deliver a series win over Pakistan with two of the five 50-over matches still to play.
But the highly rated Farbrace is virtually certain to be sought out by Yorkshire when they step up the process at the end of the season.
Farbrace was Second XI coach at Yorkshire from 2012-13, when he worked with a number of the players who are now in the county’s First XI.
Impressive Gloucestershire coach Richard Dawson is thought to be another name in the frame.
Whether Farbrace would want to return to the first-class game is a moot point — as is whether Yorkshire could afford him.
He is held in high esteem by the England players and his CV is impressive. Working alongside Trevor Bayliss, Farbrace helped Sri Lanka become one of the best limited-overs teams in the world over a number of years. Then, as head coach, Farbrace guided Sri Lanka to world T20 glory in 2014.
He signed a contract later that year to work as Peter Moores’s England assistant and when Moores was replaced by Bayliss, Farbrace retained his post.
England's class of 2011 vs Cook's current crop
8 show all England's class of 2011 vs Cook's current crop
1/8 OPENER: Andrew Strauss v Alex Hales No contest here: Strauss made 21 Test hundreds, was an outstanding leader and formed a fine partnership with Cook. Hales went into this Test still looking for his maiden century, and with everything to prove. Strauss, not Cook, would be captain. Verdict: Strauss
2/8 NUMBER THREE: Jonathan Trott v Joe Root Trott's relentless style provided the platform for the strokemakers below him and he was a key man. He is edged out by Root, however, who has the talent to become one of the best England batsmen to have played the game. Verdict: Root
3/8 MIDDLE-ORDER BATSMAN: Kevin Pietersen v James Vince Vince might be easier to manage in the dressing room but he will never come close to KP. Pietersen captured the imagination like few England players of recent times and at his best, he could destroy the opposition in a session, regardless of the quality of their bowling attack. Verdict: Pietersen
4/8 MIDDLE-ORDER BATSMAN: Ian Bell v Gary Ballance Bell was dropped last winter but might, just might, be recalled for the forthcoming tour of India - possibly in place of Ballance. Bell's three hundreds in the 2013 Ashes were the difference between the teams and while Ballance has shown considerable promise at Test level, there are doubts whether he can prosper long-term. Verdict: Bell
5/8 MIDDLE-ORDER BATSMAN: Eoin Morgan v Ben Stokes Morgan was picked for Test cricket thanks to his spectacular limited-overs form and cool head, but he never got to grips with it, averaging 30 in his 16 matches. Stokes, on the other hand, is a match-winner with bat and ball, a brilliant fielder and the heartbeat of Cook's 2016 team. Verdict: Stokes
6/8 WICKETKEEPER: Matt Prior v Jonny Bairstow If we judge them on batting alone, it is a close contest as Bairstow has rich potential and is improving. With the gloves, though, Prior was far superior, turning himself into a top-class ‘keeper. Bairstow has a long way to go to reach that standard and may never do so. Verdict: Prior
7/8 THIRD SEAMER: Tim Bresnan v Chris Woakes Bresnan was dependable with the ball, solid with the bat – an underrated cricketer. Before this summer, he would have been in ahead of Woakes. But Woakes has exploded as a Test player, taking 31 wickets at less than 16 apiece and averaging nearly 47 with the bat this summer. He should be a mainstay of this team for some years. Verdict: Woakes
8/8 SPINNER: Graeme Swann v Moeen Ali A harsh comparison really, but a necessary one as it shows just how much England miss a top-class slow bowler. Swann could attack and defend was probably the best of his time. Moeen is trying to learn his trade in the toughest circumstances. Perhaps the older man could help the younger. Verdict: Swann
Yorkshire may have to make a financial effort to secure Farbrace as salaries in the county game are not as high as with the wealthiest international teams.
But if there was willingness on both sides to make the move, it is likely a compromise could be reached.
England managing director Andrew Strauss knows the importance of Farbrace among the squad and would doubtless be reluctant to lose him, especially with tours of Bangladesh and India this autumn and winter and the Champions Trophy — which takes place on home soil — next summer.
Yorkshire are expected to take their time over the appointment, with the immediate focus to deliver the county’s third successive County Championship.
Gillespie will return to Australia at the end of the season and resume his coaching role with Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash T20 tournament.
Thereafter, his availability is likely to attract interest from Indian Premier League franchises. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-on-alert-with-yorkshire-set-to-target-paul-farbrace-to-succeed-jason-gillespie-a3332121.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/34d689336b352d094ec97e2fa13c925548bfe4323dc712aed7bf7a4cd054be63.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-27T18:49:58 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | A man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was attacked in a minicab as he made his way home from a night out. Detectives from the City of London Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the incident, which happened at about 11.20pm last night. The 23-year-old man got into the car near Farringdon station with four other passengers following a night out, and the car took them through the City of London. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fman-fighting-for-life-after-he-was-attacked-inside-a-minicab-a3331166.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/17/farringdon.jpg | en | null | Man fighting for life after he was 'attacked inside a minicab' | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was attacked in a minicab as he made his way home from a night out.
Detectives from the City of London Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the incident, which happened at about 11.20pm last night.
The 23-year-old man got into the car near Farringdon station with four other passengers following a night out, and the car took them through the City of London.
As the cab drove along Farringdon Street it is believed the victim was assaulted while inside the vehicle, police said.
The driver stopped the cab near to the bus stop close to the junction with Old Seacol Lane, just north of Ludgate Circus, and emergency services were called.
Police and paramedics raced to the scene, and the victim was taken to hospital, where he currently remains in a critical condition.
The man's next of kin have been informed.
Officers arrested one of the other passengers at the scene on suspicion of GBH.
The 32-year-old man currently remains in police custody, and no other arrests have been made at this time.
It is believed the victim and the other passengers inside the cab were all known to each other.
Detectives are urging any witnesses or anyone with information who may have been in Farringdon Street at the time the cab stopped to get in touch with them.
Detective Inspector Kazim Toprak, from the City of London Police said: “We want to hear from anybody who might have been in Farringdon Street and who may have seen what happened as the cab pulled up and stopped.
"There may have been people waiting at the bus stops nearby to Old Seacol Lane, which is not far from Ludgate Circus.
"We’re keen to establish the full circumstances which have led to a young man being critically ill in hospital, so please get in touch with any information you may have.”
Anyone with information should contact the City of London Police on 0207 601 2222 or call Crimestoppers, which is completely anonymous, on 0800 555 111. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/man-fighting-for-life-after-he-was-attacked-inside-a-minicab-a3331166.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/62482832c25ccab4636c152cc7ebb2608b7d748b734f0479d124199b99946552.json |
[
"Sam Long"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:05 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Slaven Bilic has confirmed that he expects West Ham to complete the signing of Juventus striker Simone Zaza today. The Hammers have made no secret of their desire to significantly bolster their front line this summer and have been forced into the market again following injuries to Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fslaven-bilic-confirms-west-ham-very-likely-to-sign-simone-zaza-today-a3330211.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/10/simone-zaza.jpg | en | null | West Ham transfer news: Simone Zaza will join Hammers today, says Slaven Bilic | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Slaven Bilic has confirmed that he expects West Ham to complete the signing of Juventus striker Simone Zaza today.
The Hammers have made no secret of their desire to significantly bolster their front line this summer and have been forced into the market again following injuries to Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew.
Bilic's side crashed out of the Europa League with a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu on Thursday night, which highlighted the need for further recruits.
Standard Sport understands a deal for Zaza is set to be worth close to £25m but the 25-year-old could initially arrive on loan before the weekend.
"With the Zaza situation, it looks very likely to happen and should happen today.
"As far as I know the deal is agreed between clubs," said Bilic.
"It's very positive and is a boost. We've been trying for a long time now to get a top-quality striker and he was always mentioned."
Zaza scored five goals in 19 Serie A appearances last season and also featured for Italy at Euro 2016, where he missed a penalty as Antonio Conte's side crashed out in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Bilic is reluctant to bring in too many new additions up front before the deadline as he is adamant he will not be short of numbers once he has a fully fit squad to choose from.
"With strikers, we are short now because of injuries but those players will come back - some of them very soon.
"Andre Ayew is due back at the end of November, so there is no point in adding too many players in that position," he added.
West Ham face Manchester Cit on Sunday with Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri vying to lead the Hammers' line at the Etihad Stadium. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/slaven-bilic-confirms-west-ham-very-likely-to-sign-simone-zaza-today-a3330211.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/437bca0aaa4ff4992c6767f9f69b0869d291f1da718605080025bf93a324164b.json |
[
"Jonathan Prynn"
] | 2016-08-31T10:52:04 | null | 2016-01-27T00:00:00 | A desperate shortage of homes on the market has prevented a post-Brexit-vote slump in property prices over the summer, a survey shows. Average prices across Britain grew by 0.6 per cent in August to £206,145 — a 5.6 per cent increase on the same month last year, according to latest figures from mortgage lender Nationwide. The building society’s chief economist Robert Gardner that said that the pick-up was “somewhat at odds” with signs of a slowdown in demand from nervous buyers since the June 23 referendum. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk%2Fchronic-housing-shortage-prevents-postbrexit-property-price-slump-a3333286.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/01/27/09/Houseprices-development.jpg | en | null | Chronic housing shortage prevents post-Brexit property price slump | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A desperate shortage of homes on the market has prevented a post-Brexit-vote slump in property prices over the summer, a survey shows.
Average prices across Britain grew by 0.6 per cent in August to £206,145 — a 5.6 per cent increase on the same month last year, according to latest figures from mortgage lender Nationwide.
The building society’s chief economist Robert Gardner that said that the pick-up was “somewhat at odds” with signs of a slowdown in demand from nervous buyers since the June 23 referendum.
But he added: “Surveyors report that instructions to sell have also declined and the stock of properties on the market remains close to 30-year lows. That helps to explain why the pace of house price growth has remained broadly stable.”
North London estate agent Jeremy Leaf said: “While the increase in prices in August is encouraging and a little surprising, when you look behind the figures it becomes apparent that most of it is based on shortage of stock, which we are also finding on the ground.
“It is important to try to concentrate more on the level of transactions rather than house price moments, which can give a false sense of security.
“We are finding that an appetite to get on with buying and selling from those returning from holiday has been encouraging lately, and we hope that continues into the autumn. People are negotiating very hard to make deals that are being done happen.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/chronic-housing-shortage-prevents-postbrexit-property-price-slump-a3333286.html | en | 2016-01-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e66c84b8398a9158be98e7ccd2442187795d21f366bafee48fec5d17244cb570.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-27T14:49:50 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Tottenham defender Danny Rose praised goalkeeper Michel Vorm following the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at White Hart Lane. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fdanny-rose-hails-outstanding-michel-vorm-as-tottenham-goalkeeper-stars-in-11-draw-with-liverpool-a3331101.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/15/michel_vorm.jpg | en | null | Tottenham 1 Liverpool 1: Danny Rose hails 'outstanding' Michel Vorm as Spurs goalkeeper stars in draw | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Tottenham defender Danny Rose praised goalkeeper Michel Vorm following the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at White Hart Lane.
The Dutchman, in for the injured Hugo Lloris, pulled off a stunning early save to deny Philippe Coutinho and then reacted quickly on two occasions to pull off perfectly-timed slide tackles to take the ball away from Sadio Mane as he raced clear.
Rose, who scored Spurs' equaliser after James Milner had fired Liverpool ahead from the penalty spot, felt a draw "was a fair result", before hailing Vorm.
"To be fair, in the first half Michel Vorm has been our man of the match. He's made some great saves, he's come off his line well and I thought we played a lot better second half," Rose told Sky Sports 1.
"We've got two outstanding sweeper-keepers at the club and when Hugo is not playing it's great to have a second goalkeeper who can come in and do the job exactly like Hugo."
Commenting on his goal, Rose added: "I took a gamble, I didn't want to go forward too much because the pace of Mane is frightening but I managed to get in at the back post and to be honest I think I shanked the goal but they all count and I'm glad that it went in." | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/danny-rose-hails-outstanding-michel-vorm-as-tottenham-goalkeeper-stars-in-11-draw-with-liverpool-a3331101.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/a36be20c78e6cfe2a3e75c5506d5a666a8bc56ebddb8d41586495990071499f1.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-27T14:49:45 | null | 2016-03-16T00:00:00 | A young man has died after he collapsed at the Creamfields Festival, police said today. The 26-year-old, from Cornwall, was found collapsed at the dance music festival near Warrington on Friday night. Paramedics battled to save him after he was discovered shortly before midnight but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His cause of death is not yet known, Cheshire Police said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk%2Fcreamfields-festival-death-young-man-found-dead-at-music-festival-a3331076.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/03/16/17/creamfields.jpg | en | null | Creamfields Festival death: Man, 26, dies after collapsing at music festival | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A young man has died after he collapsed at the Creamfields Festival, police said today.
The 26-year-old, from Cornwall, was found collapsed at the dance music festival near Warrington on Friday night.
Paramedics battled to save him after he was discovered shortly before midnight but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His cause of death is not yet known, Cheshire Police said.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.
The tragedy prompted a warning to revellers to stay safe at the festival and on the dangers of illegal drugs.
A spokesman for Cheshire Police force said: “Cheshire Police are reminding people attending Creamfields that we want them to have a great time, but do so safely.
“Officers continue to take positive action against those who risk others’ lives by attempting to bring illegal drugs onto site.
“The constabulary wants to remind people that drug supply at Creamfields will not be tolerated, and officers will take robust action where necessary.
“Last night, we were notified following concerns for a man in one of the campsites and, sadly, a 26-year-old man from the Cornwall area passed away."
Tens of thousands of people from across the country head to the site for the event each year.
The annual festival, taking place from August 25 to 28, is hosting’s dance music’s biggest names including Calvin Harris, Avicii and Fatboy Slim. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/creamfields-festival-death-young-man-found-dead-at-music-festival-a3331076.html | en | 2016-03-16T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/08da5825807156d884b05120a6bb92a02687d252fcd100fdaf8165a08b5eb334.json |
[
"Alex Lawson"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:18 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Peter Stringfellow is dejectedly staring up at a 10-foot-high, naked golden angel that looks out over his leopard-print-drenched club. “She’s just too big,” he laments, countenancing a move for the striking sculpture from the shutting-down Angels to his eponymous Covent Garden club. “We’ll have to cut her here,” he says, pointing at its midriff. I raise an eyebrow. “It’s a bid sad, she was made specifically to fit in here.” | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2Fentrepreneurs-king-of-clubs-peter-stringfellow-is-still-wearing-his-crown-at-75-a3332431.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/10/peterstringfellow.jpg | en | null | Entrepreneurs: King of clubs Peter Stringfellow is still wearing his crown at 75 | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Peter Stringfellow is dejectedly staring up at a 10-foot-high, naked golden angel that looks out over his leopard-print-drenched club. “She’s just too big,” he laments, countenancing a move for the striking sculpture from the shutting-down Angels to his eponymous Covent Garden club. “We’ll have to cut her here,” he says, pointing at its midriff. I raise an eyebrow. “It’s a bid sad, she was made specifically to fit in here.”
After a decade on Wardour Street, Britain’s best-known gentlemen’s club impresario is leaving. Offered a deal with which he’s “very happy”, he’s sold the lease on the sprawling, two-floor Soho club to landlord Freshwater, which is overhauling the area to make the most of Crossrail’s arrival.
It will leave the club boss, who has opened (and closed) nightclubs across the world over the last five decades, with just his flagship, Stringfellows, from which he can entertain celebrities and host scantily-clad dancers.
“I want to move my crowd from here to Stringfellows — it’s in its own league in the girl business,” he tells me, cooped up among the moving boxes in a downstairs office at Angels. Bizarrely, balloons with big ‘3’s on them bob around — his young daughter Rosebella has just had her birthday party among the club’s poles and thrones.
It’s a fitting scene for a cartoonish figure who divides opinion. To some, his discipline — making money from getting women to take their clothes off — is abhorrent. “Of course I’m a feminist, my whole life has been around the beauty of women.” His long-serving PA, Pat Jay, bursts into laughter. “What are you laughing at? I am not a chauvinist!” he chuckles.
Stringfellows Founded: 1997 Staff: 130 Turnover: £8 million (2014) Business idol: “Sir Richard Branson and Richard Caring are both clever, great businessmen.”
To others, he’s the cheery Yorkshire face of entrepreneurship who has become an establishment figure — he beams as he shows me framed photos of him with the Queen, Princess Diana and Boris Johnson.
The club move has come at a good time for Stringfellow. With late licensing for bars denting the nightclub market, investing in one flagship venue makes sense.
Turnover at Angels was flat at £3 million with losses of £354,731 in 2014, while Stringfellows Restaurants, the company behind original club, brought in £8 million with similar-sized losses in 2014.
Brexit has yet to take effect although more deals are being done in his booths while the pound is weak. “The Americans have a smile on their face,” says the Remainer.
His dancers earn “between zilch and £4000 a night” depending on how many private dances they can elicit from the financiers and tourists who come through the door.
But the 75-year-old — who beat lung cancer in 2008 — says he’s not slowing down.
A virtual reality club you can visit via a headset and a franchised chain of “glamour bars” are among a plethora of plans, though none are nailed down. “Up until now, I haven’t really used ‘Stringfellows’ as a brand name so I’m going to do that. We’re going to bring out a lingerie range on the internet by Christmas and maybe we’ll find somewhere in central London to sell it as a flagship.” He’ll even branch into casinos if they’re allowed to host strippers.
The nightclub owner (he insists he’s not shrewd enough to be dubbed a “businessman”) admits his peers are all “retired on a boat” but he enjoys life, heading in from leafy Gerrards Cross when it suits, strolling up to celebs, saying “Hi, I’m Peter, I own the place”.
After decades of debauchery and adultery, he says his main focus is family. “I told [32-year-old ballerina wife] Bella, ‘if you wake up one morning and you want someone else, not me, then so be it, we’re finished. And vice versa’. That was our pact.” With a gulp, he adds that his daughter “can be anyone she wants to be”, including an erotic dancer, but he wants her to be a scientist.
He excitedly plays me Take That’s Greatest Day, aired at the couple’s Barbados wedding. It’s a far cry from the Beatles, The Who and Jimi Hendrix, whom he put on in his days as a music promoter, starting out in Sixties Sheffield.
He opened in London in 1980 and made waves in the late Nineties, battling for a licence for a premium strip-club experience. Padding through the Leopard Room, Angels’ VIP lounge which has a dance floor where the punters can party with his staff, you see how Stringfellow has carefully combined Soho’s reputation as the capital of sex, London’s ability to attract high-rolling tourists and his clients’ desire to live like a celebrity.
He coaches his dancers on the psychology of dealing with punters: “I teach them about handling rejection if a man refuses a dance. Of course, it’s not real rejection because the man would crawl over broken glass in the real world to get them. The club is a man’s world but women control it and I own it.”
The empire may be smaller, but that power remains. | http://www.standard.co.uk/business/entrepreneurs-king-of-clubs-peter-stringfellow-is-still-wearing-his-crown-at-75-a3332431.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/4c8e0a8d0fc49975d2e349ccf0dc10c9d0d08b0160534c2d1bab3578940bd6a3.json |
[
"Fay Maschler"
] | 2016-08-31T10:52:41 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Above the bar on the left as you walk in is a large reproduction of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’s painting La Grande Odalisque. With a languid sidelong glance over her right shoulder avoiding the gaze of the observer, an elongated graceful back, peacock fan held to no particular discreet effect alongside her naked form, the 19th-century concubine might just be hoping for the arrival of a long-awaited glass of Ricard. It sets the style for the second restaurant from the Alary brothers, who brought us Blanchette in Soho. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Frestaurants%2Ffay-maschler-reviews-blanchette-east-a-french-summer-by-way-of-brick-lane-a3333101.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/10/blanchette-east.jpg | en | null | Fay Maschler reviews Blanchette East: A French summer by way of Brick Lane | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Above the bar on the left as you walk in is a large reproduction of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’s painting La Grande Odalisque. With a languid sidelong glance over her right shoulder avoiding the gaze of the observer, an elongated graceful back, peacock fan held to no particular discreet effect alongside her naked form, the 19th-century concubine might just be hoping for the arrival of a long-awaited glass of Ricard. It sets the style for the second restaurant from the Alary brothers, who brought us Blanchette in Soho.
Maxime, Malik — who compiles the music tapes — and Yannis name the restaurants after their mother and, who knows, maybe base the interiors decorated with brocante finds, gilt-framed flyblown mirrors and period lighting on the decor of the house in which they grew up.
This second Blanchette, arguably acknowledging the overriding culinary ethos of Brick Lane, directs the French menu southwards, encompassing some of the herbs, spices and recipes of the Maghreb.
Agreeably modest prices for dishes, small plates, division by main ingredients — we don’t need to be educated about the sharing concept. We’d be more amazed to find the menu divided into that antique notion of the three-course meal. In fact we’d probably storm out and head for the Cereal Killer Café for a bowl of Chokella.
A small table for three in the main part of the evening-crowded dining room needs precision in the serving and clearing of a copious array of items — and interchangeably beautiful blondes deftly provide it.
Worthy of its own tape of chaabi music: Lamb tangine (Adrian Lourie)
Snacks all priced under £5 — smoked ham hock and parsley terrine served with sauce gribiche, merguez sausage rolls with the crafty cleverness of harissa mayonnaise and cheese beignets with onion confit that is a witchy, dark, sticky mess — delight and also surprise with their clarity and distinction.
Figuring that Charcuterie and Cheese will merit praise for purchasing rather than cooking we move straight to Fish, first monkfish with smoked aubergine puree and chermoula courgette. A ruffian species, often quite antagonistic to eating, this monkfish is succulent, even managing to flesh out the old restaurant fable that in its inexpensive days cunning chefs would breadcrumb or batter it and sell it as scampi. Whole baby tomatoes rolled in hot oil until their skins are blistered and peeling away plus the potent sludge of aubergine add to a dynamic assembly.
The empty plate is whisked away quickly followed by slices of peppered rare tuna served with a scoop of avocado spiked with chilli and lime and a neat coil of shaved cucumber.
Lamb tagine with apricot, almonds and lebna (yoghurt cheese) deserves its own tape of chaabi music but unfortunately the restaurant’s low ceiling and a large party — an aberration but done as a favour in their new neighbourhood, Yannis later tells us — drowns out any possibility of hearing music and renders conversation almost impossible.
Succulent: Monkfish with smoked aubergine (Adrian Lourie)
I return for lunch another day in the hope — rewarded — of relative quiet and to try the whole roasted baby chicken with Sarlardaise potatoes and tarragon jus. A mention here for executive chef (for both restaurants) Tam Storror — a chap with a long stint at Bibendum on his CV — who obviously understands the irresistible lure of the simplicity of just sleek potatoes and garlic fried in duck or goose fat.
The spuds Sarlardaise are comme il faut and the tarragon-imbued juices beautiful but a puny poussin (served for two) is too much of a wimp to do them justice. Quail with gem lettuce, smoked cheese, chopped hazelnuts and grapes works better as a joyful gathering.
Keen to try other North African dishes one of us happily makes baked Moroccan eggs with peppers and flatbread the choice of main course from the set lunch menu, but that gets off to a dull start with a green bean salad made with creaky beans barely cooked or conceivably not cooked at all. From the à la carte, saffron couscous with tabbouleh and pomegranate yoghurt is bliss.
Desserts maintain the vivacity and impetus that marks this venue as a really interesting opening, even if it is the second album. Blackcurrant financier, an almond-flavoured sponge, served with white wine sabayon is a perfect ending to an intricate but not over-elaborate menu scheme. Suckers for beaten and baked egg whites could opt for chilled peach and saffron soup with coconut macaroon or wild strawberry vacherin.
The drinks list is strong on aperitifs and cocktails with a fair number of the predominantly French wines offered also by glass and half-litre carafe. If the sun still has his hat on when you visit, why not succumb to some rosé? The Domaine de Rousset Les Bambines from Provence (£8.75/£25/£35) possesses that captivating pale onion-skin colour that signifies a South of France summer. Even in Brick Lane.
204 Brick Lane, E1 (020 7729 7939, blanchettebricklane.co.uk). Open daily noon-11pm (9pm Sun). Set lunch £15/£19.50 for two/three courses. A la carte, a meal for two with wine, about £100 including 12.5 per cent service.
@Fay_Maschler
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout | http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/restaurants/fay-maschler-reviews-blanchette-east-a-french-summer-by-way-of-brick-lane-a3333101.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/25558343a3b5ce6e55f7317880c1a865803f36264f9c8fe2fae337b7fb55a9e1.json |
[
"Richard Godwin"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:54 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | I've been reading up on the Apocalypse, usually a reliable source of escapism in the summer months. Every generation dreams it will be the last, and such dreams are ultimately reassuring: what could be more flattering than to discover that you and all your pets and classmates were the ones who mattered all along? But I must admit, the latest hot takes on the imminent destruction of humanity aren’t quite taking the edge off. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fcomment%2Fcomment%2Frichard-godwin-anthropocene-angst-could-be-the-end-of-us-all-a3333436.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/12/aistill.jpg | en | null | Richard Godwin: Anthropocene angst could be the end of us all | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | I've been reading up on the Apocalypse, usually a reliable source of escapism in the summer months. Every generation dreams it will be the last, and such dreams are ultimately reassuring: what could be more flattering than to discover that you and all your pets and classmates were the ones who mattered all along? But I must admit, the latest hot takes on the imminent destruction of humanity aren’t quite taking the edge off.
Over at the 35th International Geological Congress in South Africa a group of scientists are arguing that humankind has entered a brand new epoch — the Anthropocene — as distinct from the temperate Holocene, which gave rise to all that we hold dear about 11,500 years ago. In the Anthropocene (dating back to the first plutonium bomb tests in the 1950s) it’s humans, not gods or asteroids or tectonic plates, who have the greatest impact on the Earth’s biosphere. If we carry on destroying habitats, burning carbon and forgetting to bring our own bags to the supermarket, we will bring about its destruction.
Which is not to say that the Anthropocene is a dead loss; it’s just that the only way out seems equally terrifying. In his fascinating new book Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, the Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari correlates recent technological and political movements to imagine a near-future in which humans control our own evolution. (He dates the Anthropocene to the emergence of humans 70,000 years ago, by the way, and points out that Stone Age man wasn’t much better than Facebook man.)
Harari believes artificial intelligence (AI) and biotech are developing at such a pace that 21st-century humans will soon transcend our corporeal limitations and acquire divine powers. “The train of progress is again pulling out of the station — and this will probably be the last train ever to leave the station called Homo sapiens,” he writes. Alarmingly however, “to get a seat on this train, you need to understand 21st-century technology, and in particular the powers of biotechnology and computer algorithms”.
It certainly puts Jeremy Corbyn’s battle with Virgin Trains into perspective. But Harari takes it a step further. Soon we will not only abandon the algorithmically illiterate but the entire philosophy of humanism that has shaped post-Enlightenment politics, since we won’t necessarily be born equal any more. The elect will become one with all the data of the universe; those left behind will face obsolescence or extinction. If you still use Hotmail, you’re livestock, basically.
It’s a convincing thesis. As soon as such technology becomes available it’s naïve to imagine we won’t use it. It also seems likely that swathes of humanity will become economically useless. And aren’t upgraded/optimised humans already emerging? See: Kim Kardashian’s bottom, antidepressants, gym culture, sleep apps, sex-reassignment surgery, the astonishing popularity of tattoos.
All the same, like most visions of the future it says more about our anxious and unequal present. Anthropocene angst — a feeling of being implicated but powerless — is itself a symptom of a culture that puts too much emphasis on individual choice. And the idea that man might create a digital god to save us is surely the ultimate narcissist fantasy.
We may face unprecedented challenges, but for the moment the unglamorous machinery of collective organisation, the rule of law and good governance look the best ways to meet them.
Ireland stands up to EU on taxing matters
The really surprising thing about the European Commission’s ruling that Apple Inc owes the people of Ireland about €13 billion? It’s surely not the revelation that the American technology giant is rapacious, avaricious and hypocritical — everyone knows that! It’s that the Irish government is spending taxpayers’ money challenging the decision.
“This is necessary to defend the integrity of our tax system; to provide tax certainty to business; and to challenge the encroachment of EU state-aid rules into the sovereign member state competence of taxation,” explained Irish finance minister Michael Noonan.
Maybe he has to say that? Maybe he has to pretend that the cash would do more good in Apple’s Caribbean bank accounts than put to work creating new Irish homes and hospitals? Or maybe he really does see Ireland’s future as a tax haven. Either way, it highlights what a robust European legislature can do to challenge the supposedly unchallengeable.
Plain words about Victoria
Was Queen Victoria fit? It would suit ITV’s ratings if she were. For the young Queen (I was about to write “young Victorian”) is the subject of a piece of Downton Abbey-esque escapist drama. To justify the pulchritude of its lead actress, Jenna Coleman, the case must be made that she wasn’t a horrendous battle-axe for the entire duration of her reign. Because, you know, it would have been awful to have been ruled by an ugly woman.
A N Wilson has argued that she had a tremendous sense of humour. Daisy Goodwin declares that she and Albert were a “very sexy couple” who had lots of “fun in bed”. I’m more inclined to trust the Standard’s late art critic, Brian Sewell, who once examined the case over a series of portraits and concluded that she was always a “plain pudding”; a photograph of 1854 “tells in profile slightly lost, a truth about her nose and chin that no painter ever dared reveal... Poor Albert!”
The glory of Glyndebourne
I had the chance to go to Glyndebourne for the first time last week, where the excllent Robin Ticciati was conducting Berlioz’s romcom Béatrice et Bénédict. I was braced against all signs of poshness. But when everyone is dressed more or less the same — black tie — it has the equalising effect of school uniform.
The sun-dappled grounds, the picnicking break, the retirement pace of it all restored a little faith in the English summertime. We may have the Anthropocene to blame, but it’s been a glory this year, just when it’s needed to be. | http://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/richard-godwin-anthropocene-angst-could-be-the-end-of-us-all-a3333436.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/a1b7e6a1a97416188b3dcfe69823dee1e33e1f63d57fdce5c563db5606ec3233.json |
[
"Fiona Mountford"
] | 2016-08-31T10:53:02 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | One of the biggest theatrical mysteries of recent times concerns the distinctly sniffy West End reception afforded in 2014 to the new musical of hit Brit film Made in Dagenham. With catchy tunes, a strong narrative and feisty female protagonists fleshing out a based-on-a-true-story series of events that reshaped workers’ rights in Britain, it should have been a sure-fire success. And yet it wasn’t. Conspiracy theories abound, but what this joyous revival proves is what many of us knew all along: it’s a great night’s entertainment. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Ftheatre%2Fmade-in-dagenham-theatre-review-underrated-show-gets-a-joyous-revival-a3333131.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/10/made-in-dagenham.jpg | en | null | Made in Dagenham, theatre review: Underrated show gets a joyous revival | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | One of the biggest theatrical mysteries of recent times concerns the distinctly sniffy West End reception afforded in 2014 to the new musical of hit Brit film Made in Dagenham.
With catchy tunes, a strong narrative and feisty female protagonists fleshing out a based-on-a-true-story series of events that reshaped workers’ rights in Britain, it should have been a sure-fire success. And yet it wasn’t. Conspiracy theories abound, but what this joyous revival proves is what many of us knew all along: it’s a great night’s entertainment.
How apt that it is the hard-working but under-funded Queen’s, in a co-production with the New Wolsey, Ipswich, to stage the first revival, given its proximity to the piece’s setting at the Ford Dagenham car plant. There Rita O’Grady (Daniella Bowen) becomes a reluctant spokesperson for equal pay, after the female Ford workers are summarily reclassified as “unskilled”. Her fight, tentative at first but supported by comradely camaraderie from voluble colleagues, takes her all the way to Westminster, to the bemusement of her unassuming husband.
Douglas Rintoul’s lovely, lively production, staged with a charismatic group of actor-musicians on a sensibly spare set, bubbles with ebullient good humour, but isn’t afraid to let the bad times have their moments too. It’s wonderful to see not one but two older actresses given space to flourish: Angela Bain is a hoot as Rita’s sharp-tongued colleague Beryl and Claire Machin has fun as Barbara Castle.
I urge you to take the District line to take a look.
Until September 17, Queen’s Hornchurch (01708 443333, queens-theatre.co.uk)
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout | http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/made-in-dagenham-theatre-review-underrated-show-gets-a-joyous-revival-a3333131.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/fd79b29787d806bc1084269d45f74a76e8fa6a9c72a22be758cc39ab7f3ac122.json |
[
"Tom Collomosse"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:23 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Ossie Ardiles says that Tottenham will fancy their chances of reaching the Champions League last 16 after avoiding one of the European powerhouses in the group stage. Spurs missed Barcelona, Bayern Munich and holders Real Madrid as they were drawn with CSKA Moscow, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco in Group E yesterday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftottenham-champions-league-group-pochettino-will-be-confident-of-knockout-spot-after-avoiding-a3330586.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/12/garethbale2608.jpg | en | null | Tottenham Champions League group: Pochettino will be confident of knockout spot after avoiding European giants - Ossie Ardiles | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Ossie Ardiles says that Tottenham will fancy their chances of reaching the Champions League last 16 after avoiding one of the European powerhouses in the group stage.
Spurs missed Barcelona, Bayern Munich and holders Real Madrid as they were drawn with CSKA Moscow, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco in Group E yesterday.
CSKA Moscow were arguably the weakest of the top seeds and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will also be relieved to avoid Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund from pot two.
Bayer Leverkusen finished third in the Bundlesliga last season, 28 points behind Bayern Munich, while Monaco were drawn from the bottom seeds.
Tottenham great Ardiles believes Spurs will be confident of qualifying from their group.
“I am sure Mauricio will be pleased with the draw,” he said. “At this stage you want the easiest possible draw. We do not have one of the three teams who are well ahead of the rest — Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich — so he will be happy.
In pictures: Tottenham in training at Wembley
11 show all In pictures: Tottenham in training at Wembley
1/11 Toby Alderweireld gets his head up and looks for a pass. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
2/11 Tottenham's players get to grips with the hallowed Wembley turf. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
3/11 Mauricio Pochettino barks out instructions to his players. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
4/11 Tottenham's first-team squad is put through their paces underneath the famous Wembley arch. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
5/11 Christian Eriksen skips past the challenge of Kevin Wimmer. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
6/11 Joshua Onomah looks to impress on the ball. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
7/11 Ryan Mason knocks the ball long in baking conditions at Wembley. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
8/11 Mauricio Pochettino has still got it. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
9/11 Tottenham's players take part in a running drill at Wembley. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
10/11 Eric Dier encourages his teammates. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
11/11 Time to cool down. The Spurs player have a well-deserved water break. Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
“CSKA Moscow are Russian champions but they were maybe the weakest team in pot one. Leverkusen are nowhere near the same level as Bayern but the German teams are always tough. The Monaco games will be good.
“It is very important to go through as group winners to avoid the other group winners in the next round, but the main thing is to go through — and I believe we can finish in the top two.”
Tottenham, back in the Champions League for the first time since 2010-11, will play their home matches at Wembley, with the capacity of White Hart Lane reduced as work continues on their new stadium.
#THFC Wembley Champions League dates
Monaco: 14 September
Leverkusen: 2 November
CSKA Moscow: 7 December#UCLdrawhttps://t.co/FneQGjIwMb — Standard Sport (@standardsport) August 25, 2016
Spurs start their group campaign with a game at Wembley against Monaco, who finished third in Ligue 1 last season, on September 14.
Ardiles, who famously played at the old Wembley in Spurs’ 1981 FA Cup triumph, is adamant his former team will not suffer playing at the national stadium, despite unfamiliar surroundings.
“No,” he said. “All the boys are used to playing in big games and in big stadiums, so that will not be a problem. It will be great for Spurs to play at Wembley. It has always been a good stadium for us and we have a lot of happy memories there. I think the pitch will suit us because we are a young, physical team with a lot of power. I have no fear at all about playing at Wembley.”
Ossie Ardiles was speaking at a community event in Brent where Tottenham Hotspur will be delivering a variety of activity as the club plays its Champions League matches at Wembley. For more information go to: tottenhamhotspur.com/wembley/community | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-champions-league-group-pochettino-will-be-confident-of-knockout-spot-after-avoiding-a3330586.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/08f5e142fc46c25d52a0044aa54b7f880810f0e0c2be76934caacc1d4d192249.json |
[
"Sebastian Mann"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:35 | null | 2016-07-12T00:00:00 | Sixteen people have been injured after a Heathrow-bound passenger jet hit severe turbulence and was forced to make an emergency landing. Passengers on the United Airlines flight from Houston, Texas, to Heathrow, were taken to hospital in Shannon, Ireland, after the plane touched down at the city's airport in the early hours of this morning. It came after the aircraft experienced “severe and unexpected turbulence”, the airline said. One passenger reported the flight "plunging 4,000 feet" over the Atlantic during the ordeal. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Ftransport%2Fshannon-airport-emergency-landing-16-taken-to-hospital-after-severe-turbulence-hits-londonbound-a3333296.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/12/11/unitedplane1207a1.jpg | en | null | Shannon Airport emergency landing: 16 taken to hospital after 'severe turbulence' | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Sixteen people have been injured after a Heathrow-bound passenger jet hit severe turbulence and was forced to make an emergency landing.
Passengers on the United Airlines flight from Houston, Texas, to Heathrow, were taken to hospital in Shannon, Ireland, after the plane touched down at the city's airport in the early hours of this morning.
It came after the aircraft experienced “severe and unexpected turbulence”, the airline said.
One passenger reported the flight "plunging 4,000 feet" over the Atlantic during the ordeal.
Fourteen of the injured were passengers. Two were crew members.
Altogether there were 220 people on board the Boeing 767-300 including 13 crew.
In a statement, United Airlines said: “United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880 which experienced severe and unexpected turbulence during a flight from Houston to London Heathrow today.
“The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel.
“14 customers and two flight attendants have been taken to a local hospital.
“We wish these passengers and crew a quick recovery from their injuries,”
This page is being updated | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/shannon-airport-emergency-landing-16-taken-to-hospital-after-severe-turbulence-hits-londonbound-a3333296.html | en | 2016-07-12T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/463342fb83c23ba61537a7d6ccdb877a25caa43acfcbfff6a3ae30f19488c9c0.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-26T18:50:39 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | This is the moment a teenage killer fled the scene after stabbing a man to death in broad daylight in an east London park. Kaleb Amponsah, 18, of Robertson Road, Newham, was yesterday found guilty at the Old Bailey of killing Ade Afariogun by stabbing him in the stomach in front of his horrified friends. Today, Amponsah appeared for sentencing at the same court today, when he was jailed for 22 years. On Friday, January 29, the 27-year-old victim was in Plaistow Park with three female friends. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fjailed-teen-who-knifed-man-to-death-in-east-london-park-in-broad-daylight-a3330846.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/17/amponsah.jpg | en | null | Jailed: Teen who knifed man to death in east London park in broad daylight | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | This is the moment a teenage killer fled the scene after stabbing a man to death in broad daylight in an east London park.
Kaleb Amponsah, 18, of Robertson Road, Newham, was yesterday found guilty at the Old Bailey of killing Ade Afariogun by stabbing him in the stomach in front of his horrified friends.
Today, Amponsah appeared for sentencing at the same court today, when he was jailed for 22 years.
On Friday, January 29, the 27-year-old victim was in Plaistow Park with three female friends.
Whilst there, they noticed Amponsah repeatedly ride his bike past the group, and stare aggressively at the victim.
Shortly before 1.15pm, just as Mr Afariogun was leaving the park, Amponsah pulled up his bike in front of him and started an argument with him.
A scuffle followed, and punches were thrown between the two.
The victim's friend attempted to intervene by pulling Amponsah away, but he produced a large knife from his waistband, and stabbed the victim in his stomach twice.
The attack was so brutal that Mr Afariogun sustained a 12cm wound to his abdomen.
He was rushed to Royal London Hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died during the early hours of Monday, February 1.
Amponsah fled the park following the stabbing, leaving his victim bleeding on the ground.
Jailed: Kaleb Amponsah, 18, has been locked up for 22 years (Metropolitan Police)
However, in his haste he left behind his bike and mobile phone, and detectives were able to retrieve his DNA from both.
After leaving the park, Amponsah called a friend and went straight to his house, which was just a few streets away from the murder scene, and waited there for less than 20 minutes before getting a taxi to drop him off near his home.
He then went home to change his clothes, before taking a second taxi to a friend's house, where he spent the remainder of the afternoon.
Victim: Ade Afariogun had turned his life around (Metropolitan Police)
Amponsah was arrested his home on February, 5, and when officers searched the house they discovered clothing worn by the killer, as well as a large knife hidden in the mattress in his bedroom.
Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Perry Benton said: "Five months after the original charge, Amponsah admitted being responsible for the fatal stabbing but claimed he had acted in self-defence after the victim attacked him.
"Thankfully the jury saw through this unlikely scenario, recognising this for the needless and cold-blooded murder it was.
"The park where this took place is well used by a wide range of borough residents and the local community should feel reassured that this type of attack is an extremely rare occurrence.
"Ade was in the park with friends when he was killed for reasons that we have been unable to ascertain. He was well loved by his family and friends, who miss him very much."
Three other teenagers arrested in connection with the incident were released with no further action. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/jailed-teen-who-knifed-man-to-death-in-east-london-park-in-broad-daylight-a3330846.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f7c6b695d1e8638412c0d355eb1a074f8985c2154ed4b04091c7de095f094e6c.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-31T10:52:56 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Mark Hamill has filmed himself shaving off his beard after finishing filming on Star Wars: Episode 8. The US actor, who returns as Luke Skywalker in the brand new film, posted a clip of himself using a razor to get rid of his facial hair on Tuesday. Saying goodbye to the beard that he’s kept throughout filming on The Force Awakens and Episode 8, Hamill wrote: “Haven't seen my chin since May '15, so #FarewellFacialFur & #ByeByeBeard.” | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Fmark-hamill-films-himself-shaving-off-his-beard-as-he-confirms-appearance-in-star-wars-episode-9-a3333231.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/10/hamillbeard2.jpg | en | null | Mark Hamill shaves off his beard on video as he confirms Star Wars: Episode 9 appearance | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Mark Hamill has filmed himself shaving off his beard after finishing filming on Star Wars: Episode 8.
The US actor, who returns as Luke Skywalker in the brand new film, posted a clip of himself using a razor to get rid of his facial hair on Tuesday.
Saying goodbye to the beard that he’s kept throughout filming on The Force Awakens and Episode 8, Hamill wrote:
“Haven't seen my chin since May '15, so #FarewellFacialFur & #ByeByeBeard.”
The star also hinted that he would be appearing in the forthcoming Episode 9, adding: “(at least til #EpisodeIX).”
Details of Episode 8 have been kept tightly under wraps, with scripts shredded on a daily basis during filming.
Speaking at a recent Star Wars event, Hamill said: “It can be really annoying and intrusive. You get call sheets [on set] and everybody’s got a number. You look at the call sheet and you’re like ‘I love 22’s work, she’s twice as good as 11’.
“They’re not doing it to annoy you. It’s just they want the surprise to be in the movie theatres, not on the internet. That’s what it is. You don’t want to know what you’re getting for your birthday.”
Hamill is gearing up to host brand new show Pop Culture Quest, in which he visits passionate fans and their memorabilia collections.
Speaking about the show recently, he said: “It seemed to me that [the show] would be the perfect extension of my hobby, without having to collect the physical items.
“'This will give me the license to go and look at other people’s collections. Even if it’s not something I collect specifically, there’s a likeminded camaraderie that you have with other collectors.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/mark-hamill-films-himself-shaving-off-his-beard-as-he-confirms-appearance-in-star-wars-episode-9-a3333231.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/bd63b0be407812e2c7108856ca3abccb9eb92ea318389b1852a9ec56488d5595.json |
[
"Tom Collomosse"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:06 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | As Premier League clubs spend close to £1billion this summer in search of instant gratification, Mauricio Pochettino is chasing trophies at Tottenham by following the example of Barcelona. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftottenhams-mauricio-pochettino-following-barcelona-blueprint-for-success-as-he-rejects-bigspending-a3330426.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/11/mauriciopochettino2608.jpg | en | null | Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino following Barcelona blueprint for success as he rejects big-spending approach | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | As Premier League clubs spend close to £1billion this summer in search of instant gratification, Mauricio Pochettino is chasing trophies at Tottenham by following the example of Barcelona.
The record £5.1bn television deal has enabled English clubs to spread their wings in the transfer market. According to financial analyst Deloitte, top-flight sides have already spent a record £880m in this window — already £10m more than the total expenditure 12 months ago.
Ahead of tomorrow’s game against Liverpool, Tottenham are still seeking to improve their squad after signing Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama in the close season and bidding £14m for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
But Pochettino is interested in more than spending alone. Having worked for 11 years in Catalonia as a player and coach with Espanyol, Pochettino was able to study closely the ideas of prestigious city rivals Barcelona.
While Barca will pay large fees for the finest players, the core of their best recent teams was developed in the La Masia Academy.
Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta all passed through the ‘cantera’ – the Spanish term for youth system — as did Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, although the latter was bought back from Manchester United. The six have won multiple titles and all but Messi have won the World Cup.
While such talented players are rare, Pochettino believes deeply in the principle. When he arrived at Spurs at the start of the 2014-15 campaign, he quickly gave an opportunity to Ryan Mason, a homegrown midfielder who had been overlooked by other managers. Fellow youth-team players Harry Kane and Nabil Bentaleb also flourished that season, with Kane growing into one of the most proficient forwards in Europe. Though Bentaleb has left and Mason is expected to follow, Pochettino has his eye on the next generation.
There may be more opportunities this season for Josh Onomah, an attacking midfielder, and Cameron Carter-Vickers, a defender. Another attacking midfielder, Marcus Edwards, caught the eye on the pre-season trip to Australia, while midfielder Harry Winks is another highly regarded.
Asked by Standard Sport about the importance of maintaining his club’s identity in an era of unprecedented spending, Pochettino said: “It is very important for us to continue. We only need time. There are a lot of examples and the best one, I think we all agree, was Barcelona.
“They brought through a lot of good players from the academy and they became some of the best players in the world. It is a good example for us.
“Perhaps it is different here as we have a different way of working, and it is important to create our own philosophy, but we continue to believe in young talent. As we always try to bring young talent from the academy, you keep your identity. Tottenham are different from other clubs and for that reason we need to keep bringing players from the academy.”
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: In pictures
7 show all Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: In pictures
1/7 Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Victor Wanyama heads Tottenham's winner late on (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
2/7 Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Ledley and Ward marshal Tottenham summer signing Wanyama Getty Images
3/7 Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Pardew and Pochettino share a word ahead of kick-off AFP/Getty Images
4/7 Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Lee is brought down by Rose in the first period Getty Images
5/7 Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Hennessey is alert tothe danger as Janssen springs beyond the Palace defence Getty Images
6/7 Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Vertonghen keeps tabs on Palace midfield man Puncheon Getty Images
7/7 Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Former Tottenham star Townsend on his first return to White Hart Lane AFP/Getty Images
There is an equally useful purpose to this policy. Even if an academy product does not establish himself, relative success in the first team elevates his transfer value.
If certain conditions are met, Schalke will pay about £17m for Bentaleb next summer. Andros Townsend was sold to Newcastle for £12m. Chairman Daniel Levy is hopeful of generating about £10m for Mason. Alex Pritchard joined Norwich for £8m before this campaign. Levy will try for a similar fee for Tom Carroll.
If all five deals go through, Spurs will collect nearly £60m for players who cost very little. Spurs have no plans to sell Kane but Levy could name his price. Danny Rose, persuaded to leave Leeds for Spurs as a 16-year-old, also has a high value. It is an effective way for a club to sustain itself.
Pochettino’s preference, of course, is for youngsters to stay the course. He added: “We have good examples like Cameron, Harry Winks, Marcus Edwards, Josh Onomah, Luke Amos, Will Miller, Kaziah Sterling.
“Why shouldn’t we believe that one day they are all in the first team and maybe we will get big success with them? This is always important. We have great potential in the academy and we are all excited for the future.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenhams-mauricio-pochettino-following-barcelona-blueprint-for-success-as-he-rejects-bigspending-a3330426.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/3a892e0365d47f24ed82c3ee6110d71c0c4f717456d514f5edbf8d6ddbf3d635.json |
[
"Vaishali Bhardwaj"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:17 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Chelsea are investigating the use of live streaming social network app Periscope during matches after part of the club's EFL Cup second-round tie on Tuesday was broadcast by a fan. The Blues hosted League One side Bristol Rovers at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening, but the match was not shown on TV as Sky Sports chose to show Liverpool's game against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium instead. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fchelsea-investigating-use-of-periscope-after-fan-broadcasts-efl-cup-tie-live-despite-tv-blackout-a3330281.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/10/stamford-bridge.jpg | en | null | Chelsea investigating use of Periscope after fan broadcasts EFL Cup tie live despite TV blackout | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Chelsea are investigating the use of live streaming social network app Periscope during matches after part of the club's EFL Cup second-round tie on Tuesday was broadcast by a fan.
The Blues hosted League One side Bristol Rovers at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening, but the match was not shown on TV as Sky Sports chose to show Liverpool's game against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium instead.
Fans who were not at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's Cup game against Rovers were still able to watch the first 35 minutes, however, after a supporter inside the stadium live streamed it via Periscope.
The broadcast - which, at one point, had 45,000 viewers - showed Michy Batshuayi and Victor Moses scoring for the home side before Peter Hartley's 35th-minute strike for Rovers was also shown.
The stream was subsequently stopped before the half-time break, but Standard Sport understands Chelsea are looking into the issue of fans live streaming games via Periscope and other social network platforms following the incident.
One problem Chelsea and other clubs will face in potentially trying to clamp down on live broadcasts of games by fans, though, is how to identify those supporters using their phones to stream matches from stadiums.
The EFL Cup and Football League already have procedures in place to identify and take down offending broadcasts but, in a statement to Standard Sport, they urged fans not to continue live streaming matches to avoid possible sanctions such as stadium bans.
The EFL Cup and Football League said: "As a rights holder we understand that this is incredibly difficult to police given the continued advances in new technology and their availability to the public. However, we are taking a number of steps to address this.
"Firstly, we partner with Net Result who deal directly with the platform on such issues. After the identification of an infringement, a request is submitted to remove the offending content otherwise there is the potential for further action.
Chelsea's summer search for a central defender
9 show all Chelsea's summer search for a central defender
1/9 Leonardo Bonucci Antonio Conte earmarked Bonucci as one of his top transfer targets earlier in the summer after working alongside the 28-year-old while with Juventus and the Italian national side.
The defender initially hinted that he was considering his future, but committed to a new five-year deal with Juve in July to end Chelsea's pursuit. VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images
2/9 John Stones Everton rejected four Chelsea offers for John Stones last summer and the Blues intended to reignite thier interest in a bid to finally tempt him away from Goodison Park.
But Antonio Conte was reluctant to match Manchester City's offer and the England international joined Pep Guardiola's side for a record fee in the region of £50million in August.
3/9 Kostas Manolas Chelsea made a fresh enquiry for Kostas Manolas earlier in the summer as a cheaper alternative to John Stones and a long-term replacement for captain John Terry.
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti last month warned the 25-year-old is not for sale and reports later claimed Barcelona had secured the first option to sign Manolas as part of the deal which saw Thomas Vermaelen move to Serie A. Paolo Bruno/Getty Images
4/9 Marquinhos Chelsea held talks with Paris St Germain over Brazil defender Marquinhos earlier in the summer.
The 22-year-old was also on Jose Mourinho's Chelsea wishlist last summer, but he signed a new long-term deal in Paris last year and the Blues have yet to take their interest beyond initial discussions.
5/9 Jose Gimenez Atletico Madrid's Gimenez was a a target for Chelsea last summer when it is understood he was actually wanted ahead of John Stones, who was the subject of four Chelsea bods.
The Blues again earmarked Gimenez as a target earlier this year, but didn't act on their interest. CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images
6/9 Kalidou Koulibaly The defender has emerged as Chelsea's top target as others have fallen away, but Napoli have attempted to keep Koulibaly with a new contract offer which includes the verbal agreement to sell in 12 months.
The Blues are considering meeting their £60m asking price this summer and Koulibaly is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, but the Serie A club are proving tough negotiators. (Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
7/9 Victor Lindelof Chelsea remain hopeful a deal can be struck for Koulibaly, but Lindelof has been lined up as a back-up option to strengthen central defence if their pursuit fails.
Their hope to sign the Sweden international is complicated by the fact they are unwilling to meet the £25m release clause in his contract.Chelsea remain hopeful a deal can be struck for Koulibaly, but Lindelof has been lined up as a back-up option to strengthen central defence if their pursuit fails.
Their hope to sign the Sweden international is complicated by the fact they are unwilling to meet the £25m release clause in his contract. FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images
8/9 Alessio Romagnoli Chelsea also turned to AC Milan's Romagnoli as an alternative to Koulibaly.
But Antonio Conte was again dealt another blow as Milan rejected a £30million Chelsea bid before drawing up a new deal for the 21-year-old to as they stepped up their efforts to knock away interest. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
9/9 Nikola Maksimovic Naploi have been in talks with Torino over Nikola Maksimovic since the start of the year, but he has also drawn interest from Chelsea.
Torino director of sport Gianluca Petrachi confirmed a big, Premier League club want Maksimovic, hinting that their financial clout put them in pole position for the defender. Getty Images
"The fan issue is more complicated but we urge fans attending matches not to ‘periscope’ or use other similar means such as Facebook Live to stream matches live as by doing so they contravene the ground regulations in which they agreed to on purchase of their ticket.
"This could result in a supporter being ejected and in certain cases facing a stadium ban.
"Policing supporters in this area is obviously an issue for the venue owner but we are working with our clubs to offer them guidance on what fans can and cannot do whilst attending EFL matches."
Periscope, which has grown rapidly in popularity since being launched by Twitter a year ago, allows users to live stream events via their mobile phones.
Viewers are not required to log in before watching broadcasts, making following live events easy and simple for users.
Chelsea's next match in the EFL Cup will be away to Premier League champions Leicester City on Tuesday 20 September, which is due to be shown live on Sky Sports. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-investigating-use-of-periscope-after-fan-broadcasts-efl-cup-tie-live-despite-tv-blackout-a3330281.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/951873a468163cc938adb15e3339cfb8761b16c54fd0546cf109e44d0f7925d3.json |
[
"Mark Chandler"
] | 2016-08-29T16:50:30 | null | 2015-09-01T00:00:00 | A family of five, including three children, have been found dead at a house in Ireland. Police said the discovery was made at Ballyjamesduff in County Cavan today. Investigators found a man in his 40s, his wife, aged in her 30s, and their three sons aged 13, 11 and six. A spokesman for Garda, the country's police service, said: "The Garda investigation is ongoing but at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths." | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fireland-family-of-five-including-three-children-found-dead-in-house-a3331781.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/09/01/10/PoliceTape0109a.jpg | en | null | Ireland family of five, including three children, found dead in house | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A family of five, including three children, have been found dead at a house in Ireland.
Police said the discovery was made at Ballyjamesduff in County Cavan today.
Investigators found a man in his 40s, his wife, aged in her 30s, and their three sons aged 13, 11 and six.
A spokesman for Garda, the country's police service, said: "The Garda investigation is ongoing but at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths."
Councillor Paddy Smith, told Independent.ie the whole area was shocked by the deaths.
He said: “Everyone is shocked.
“If there is five people dead, it’s tragic, no matter what."
This page is being updated. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/ireland-family-of-five-including-three-children-found-dead-in-house-a3331781.html | en | 2015-09-01T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b71ddc01e71b69d9e8d55478cf5ac3133f7b492fe0d8220bf98996a0adcc49bd.json |
[
"Francesca Gillett"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:22 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Ex-French president Nicolas Sarkozy has called for a nationwide burkini ban after launching his campaign to return to office. The former French president, who announced on Tuesday he would be running for the top job again in France’s elections next year, took a hard line on the controversial burkini debate. Several seaside towns in south-east France have already banned the full-body swimwear, arguing it breaks the country’s law on secularism. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fnicolas-sarkozy-calls-for-nationwide-burkini-ban-in-france-a3330376.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/11/an105318615epa05510049-form.jpg | en | null | Nicolas Sarkozy calls for nationwide burkini ban in France | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Ex-French president Nicolas Sarkozy has called for a nationwide burkini ban after launching his campaign to return to office.
The former French president, who announced on Tuesday he would be running for the top job again in France’s elections next year, took a hard line on the controversial burkini debate.
Several seaside towns in south-east France have already banned the full-body swimwear, arguing it breaks the country’s law on secularism.
Nice became the latest town to introduce a ban and pictures emerged this week of armed police on a beach apparently forcing a woman in a headscarf to remove clothing.
Mr Sarkozy said if he was re-elected, there would be a complete ban on burkinis across France. He said he refused to let the swimwear “impose itself in French beaches and swimming pools”.
At a rally this week the 61-year-old said he wanted to “guarantee the safety of France and of every French person” and “re-establish the authority of the state”.
He told crowds: “There must be a law to ban it throughout the republic’s territory.”
On Thursday a ‘Wear What You Want’ demonstration was held outside the French embassy in London in a bid to force the French government to repeal the “oppressive” ban.
Both Muslim and non-Muslim women donned burkinis, bikinis and swimsuits and sat outside the Knightsbridge embassy.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also waded into the row, as he travelled to Paris to discuss community integration and condemn the ban. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/nicolas-sarkozy-calls-for-nationwide-burkini-ban-in-france-a3330376.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/9b0754575a5011e5070c1ae0e95e70a6821c609e6c7da39322abda27de44294b.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-30T18:51:12 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Melanie Chisholm has spoken out about her decision not to be part of the Spice Girls reunion. The 42-year-old singer, who will not be joining Emma Bunton, Mel B and Geri Halliwell to mark the group’s 20th anniversary, has said that something didn’t ‘feel right’. In an essay published in Love Magazine, she wrote: “Truth be told, earlier this year, after several face-to-face meetings with the girls, I made the difficult decision not to be part of a proposed reunion with Emma, Geri and Melanie. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Fmel-c-reveals-why-she-backed-out-of-spice-girls-reunion-i-had-to-follow-my-gut-a3332771.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/18/melcreunion.jpg | en | null | Mel C reveals why she backed out of Spice Girls reunion: ‘I had to follow my gut’ | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Melanie Chisholm has spoken out about her decision not to be part of the Spice Girls reunion.
The 42-year-old singer, who will not be joining Emma Bunton, Mel B and Geri Halliwell to mark the group’s 20th anniversary, has said that something didn’t ‘feel right’.
In an essay published in Love Magazine, she wrote: “Truth be told, earlier this year, after several face-to-face meetings with the girls, I made the difficult decision not to be part of a proposed reunion with Emma, Geri and Melanie.
“Victoria had already bowed out, understandably with the demands of her fashion label and her rather large family.”
She continued: “The hardest part for me was letting people down, the girls, the fans, civilisation?! Unfortunately something didn’t feel quite right and I had to follow my gut.'
Suggesting that some things are better left in the past, the former Sporty Spice added:
“'Is it a new rule that bands have to reform? Why can’t we just be remembered for our incredible achievements in the nineties?'
The singer went on to say that she felt the group went out on a high with their performance at the 2012 London Olympics.
Spice Girls - In pictures
40 show all Spice Girls - In pictures
1/40 Viva Forever The Spice Girls - Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Victoria Beckham AT 'Viva Forever!' Spice Girls musical launch in 2012
2/40 Spice Up Your Life The Spice Girls officially launch Channel Five at Marble Arch in 1997 Rex
3/40 Reuniting Victoria Beckham, Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Melanie Brown pose for a photocall at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich ahead of their news conference on June 28, 2007 in London Getty Images
4/40 Doppelgangers The Spice Girls with their wax doubles at The Rock Circus In The West End, London in 1999 Jeremy Selwyn
5/40 Summer ball The Spice Girls at Capital Radio Summer Jam, Clapham Common in 1996 Rex
6/40 Patriotic Geri Halliwell at The Brit Awards in 1997 wearing her famous Union Jack dress Rex
7/40 Movie stars Spice Girls 'Spice World' Los Angeles Premiere in 1998 Rex
8/40 Going for gold The Spice Girls performing at The 2012 London Olympic Games, Closing Ceremony Rex
9/40 Charitable Spice Girls pose for Comic Relief Red Nose Day Launch in 1997 Rex
10/40 Iconic Auction of outfits owned by Geri Halliwell. Her Spice Girls memorabilia auctioned at Sotheby's. All proceed's for The Sargent Cancer Care For Children in 1998 David Crump/Daily Mail
11/40 Onset The girls filming Spice Girls: Spice World Spice Productions
12/40 Undercover Ginger and Baby Spice star in Spice Girls: Spice World Spice Productions
13/40 On tour British pop band, The Spice Girls, perform the first concert of the UK leg of their world tour at the O2 Arena, 15 December 2007 AFP/Getty Images
14/40 Flying high The Spice Girls pose after naming a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 plane "Spice One" in their honor at Los Angeles International Airport, 12 December 2007 AFP/Getty Images
15/40 Model looks The Spice Girls, Emma Burton, Melanie Chisholm, Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham (L to R) perform during the Victoria's Secret fashion show at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, 15 November 2007 AFP/Getty Images
16/40 West End debut Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Melanie Brown attend the press night of 'Viva Forever', a musical based on the music of The Spice Girls at Piccadilly Theatre on December 11, 2012 in London Stuart Wilson/Getty Images
17/40 Selfie stick The Spice Girls: Victoria Bekcham, Melanie Chisholm, Emman Bunton, Melanie Brown and Geri Halliwell
18/40 Stage stars Spice Girls - Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Victoria Beckham during 'Viva Forever!' musical press night at The Piccadilly Theatre, London, Britain
19/40 Throwback The Spice Girls: Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice), Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) Victoria Adams (Posh Spice) Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) and Melanie Brown (Scary Spice)
20/40 Girl power The Spice Girls in Spice World (1997)
21/40 London calling Geri Halliwell of the Spice Girls performs during the first date of their 17-date residency, part of their reunion world tour Getty Images
22/40 Raising money The Spice Girls raise money for Children in Need
23/40 First reunion The Spice Girls reunited in 2007 Jeremy Selwyn
24/40 Fashionable flare The Spice Girls at 12th Annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Kodak Theatre, Los Angeles in 2007
25/40 Best looks Sporty, Baby, Scary, Ginger and Posh sing as The Spice Girls Fiona Hanson/PA
26/40 Spice and Vinegar Gary Lineker with the Spice Girls promote Walkers Crisps with limited edition Spice Girls range
27/40 Mini me's The Spice Girls Dolls hit the market in 1997 Rex
28/40 Risque Victoria Beckham (Adams) and Geri Halliwell perform with The Spice Girls in Dublin in 1999 Rex
29/40 One down British pop band The Spice Girls. Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham), Sporty Spice (Melanie Chisholm), Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) and Scary Spice (Melanie Brown) Virgin Records
30/40 BRIT Awards The Spice Girls perform at The Brit Awards in 2000 and win an award for thier outstanding contribution to British music
31/40 Back stage snaps The Spice Girls take a twitter snap at Olympic Games London 2012 Closing Ceremony.
32/40 Charming the royals Geri Halliwell of the Spice Girls greets Prince Charles at the Prince's Trust Charity Concert Gala at the Manchester Opera House Rex
33/40 The Spice Girls World Tour Melanie Chisholm, Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Brown perform The Spice Girls World Tour in 2008 Rex
34/40 The Spice Girls at The MTV Europe Awards The Spice Girls at The MTV Europe Awards in Sweden IN 2000 Rex
35/40 Award winners The Spice Girls at The Brit Awards in 1998 Rex
36/40 Collecting gongs The Spice Girls at The Brit Awards in 1997 Rex
37/40 With her majesty Queen Elizabeth II meeting Emma Bunton, Victoria Adams, Mel C, Geri Halliwell, Mel B of The Spice Girls at The Royal Variety Performance in 1997 Rex
38/40 Film debut The Spice Girls take center stage in their feature film debut, the Columbia Pictures Presentation of 'Spice World' in 1997 Getty Images
39/40 Meeting Mandela Spice Girls Mel B and Geri Halliwell meet Nelson Mandela in 1997 as part of the British Royal tour in 1997 Rex
40/40 Pepsi promotions The Spice Girls promote Pepsi in 1997 Rex
“Didn't we reach a peak with the Olympics? There's a lot to be said for bowing out on a high note.
"For me the absolute pinnacle of my Spice existence was being watched by a billion people around the globe belting out Spice Up Your Life on top of a black cab at the 2012 London Olympics.”
Emma, Mel and Geri recently teased a comeback and are reportedly keen to embark on an international tour. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/mel-c-reveals-why-she-backed-out-of-spice-girls-reunion-i-had-to-follow-my-gut-a3332771.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b8c1aaf9d7905d184d86cccc05a46b18a9cd808b015b7a4bf22a3e61885492f2.json |
[
"Sebastian Mann"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:43 | null | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | The capital may be the powerhouse of the UK economy but other cities are closing the gap, a new report shows. London remains Britain's most prosperous region with more millionaires than anywhere else and robust economic growth, according to research by high street bank Barclays. But other cities including Bristol, Cambridge and Manchester saw faster house price rises and a boom for small businesses – while in the capital overall earnings fell by a per cent. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Flondon-most-prosperous-uk-city-but-others-closing-the-gap-report-finds-a3332086.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/08/08/londonskyline0808b.jpg | en | null | London ‘most prosperous UK city’ but others closing the gap, report finds | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The capital may be the powerhouse of the UK economy but other cities are closing the gap, a new report shows.
London remains Britain's most prosperous region with more millionaires than anywhere else and robust economic growth, according to research by high street bank Barclays.
But other cities including Bristol, Cambridge and Manchester saw faster house price rises and a boom for small businesses – while in the capital overall earnings fell by a per cent.
The findings come in Barclays’ UK Prosperity Map 2016 Index, which calculates regional scores based on an array of factors such as gross domestic product (GDP), house prices, charitable giving and working hours.
London tops the list when classed as a region and a city. Reading, Cambridge and Bristol are the next best performing cities, according to the index.
The most prosperous Cities in the UK 1 London 0.91 2 Reading 0.75 3 Cambridge 0.56 4 Bristol 0.44 5 Leeds 0.43 6 Cardiff 0.32 7 Birmingham 0.26 8 Manchester 0.26 9 Liverpool 0.15 10 Newcastle 0.11 Figures show the Prosperity Index score for each city
Bristol and Cambridge have become "increasingly attractive areas to live and work," with house prices rising 13 per cent and 14 per cent respectively in the 12 months to April, the report finds.
In London, property prices grew 11 per cent over the same period.
Manchester, Cardiff and Sheffield saw some of the strongest turnover amongst small and medium sized businesses - up 15 per cent, 12 per cent and 11 per cent respectively – while London lagged behind with a growth rate of just seven per cent.
The capital was also outpaced by other parts of the country on the measure of GDP per capita, a metric of economic growth, ranking joint bottom with the North East with a rate of eight per cent.
The West Midlands saw a significant larger boost of 11.5 per cent while the East of England notched up 11.4 per cent.
According to the findings, the whole of the UK is performing well despite volatility in the global economy.
Barclays’ chief executive, wealth, entrepreneurs and business banking, Akshaya Bhargava said: “It is very encouraging to see the upward trajectory for prosperity in the UK continuing despite recent global volatility – both in terms of hard economic measures, as well as more behavioural aspects of prosperity, such as exam results or philanthropic giving.
“It is particularly reassuring to see that there is strong activity throughout the whole of the UK – be it house price growth in Bristol and Cambridge outpacing that in London; Scotland registering the highest increase in household wealth; or rises in SME turnover coming from Manchester, Sheffield and Cardiff.”
Mapped: A graphic showing how the UK's regions fare on the index (Barclays)
Paul Swinney, principal economist at think tank Centre for Cities, said: “While it is encouraging to see some cities comparing favourably to London and the South East on some of the key measures in the Prosperity Index, it is important to remember that there is still some way to go to ensure that everyone in the UK can enjoy equal levels of prosperity.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-most-prosperous-uk-city-but-others-closing-the-gap-report-finds-a3332086.html | en | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f9d46ad892ce5207bf331deb742ec552ece3f80b8baa44148d9b9a01922d41d2.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-26T16:49:28 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Highly-coveted Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa seems set to sign for Inter Milan having arrived in the Italian city ahead of a move worth a reported £21.4million. The Brazilian striker has been a target for Chelsea during the summer window and has also been linked to Leicester. However it appears that Inter Milan will get their hands on the forward, nicknamed ‘Gabigol’ for his impressive goalscoring feats at Santos. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fchelsea-transfer-news-blues-target-gabriel-barbosa-set-for-inter-milan-move-as-brazilian-flies-into-a3330836.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/17/gabrielbarbosa.jpg | en | null | Chelsea transfer news: Blues target Gabriel Barbosa set for Inter Milan move as Brazilian flies into Italy | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Highly-coveted Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa seems set to sign for Inter Milan having arrived in the Italian city ahead of a move worth a reported £21.4million.
The Brazilian striker has been a target for Chelsea during the summer window and has also been linked to Leicester.
However it appears that Inter Milan will get their hands on the forward, nicknamed ‘Gabigol’ for his impressive goalscoring feats at Santos.
Chelsea have already missed out on several targets in attacking and defensive areas. Romelu Lukaku had been the Blues first choice but Everton have stood firm and demanded £75m for the Belgian international. A similar price tag also put the club off Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata.
Antonio Conte has admitted he has been frustrated by his failure to recruit the players he wants to bring in at Chelsea, in particular having found his pursuit of £60m-rated Kalidou Koulibaly difficult to conclude.
“With this market, it’s very difficult to believe in something,” Conte said. “I have some targets.
Chelsea's summer search for a central defender
9 show all Chelsea's summer search for a central defender
1/9 Leonardo Bonucci Antonio Conte earmarked Bonucci as one of his top transfer targets earlier in the summer after working alongside the 28-year-old while with Juventus and the Italian national side.
The defender initially hinted that he was considering his future, but committed to a new five-year deal with Juve in July to end Chelsea's pursuit. VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images
2/9 John Stones Everton rejected four Chelsea offers for John Stones last summer and the Blues intended to reignite thier interest in a bid to finally tempt him away from Goodison Park.
But Antonio Conte was reluctant to match Manchester City's offer and the England international joined Pep Guardiola's side for a record fee in the region of £50million in August.
3/9 Kostas Manolas Chelsea made a fresh enquiry for Kostas Manolas earlier in the summer as a cheaper alternative to John Stones and a long-term replacement for captain John Terry.
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti last month warned the 25-year-old is not for sale and reports later claimed Barcelona had secured the first option to sign Manolas as part of the deal which saw Thomas Vermaelen move to Serie A. Paolo Bruno/Getty Images
4/9 Marquinhos Chelsea held talks with Paris St Germain over Brazil defender Marquinhos earlier in the summer.
The 22-year-old was also on Jose Mourinho's Chelsea wishlist last summer, but he signed a new long-term deal in Paris last year and the Blues have yet to take their interest beyond initial discussions.
5/9 Jose Gimenez Atletico Madrid's Gimenez was a a target for Chelsea last summer when it is understood he was actually wanted ahead of John Stones, who was the subject of four Chelsea bods.
The Blues again earmarked Gimenez as a target earlier this year, but didn't act on their interest. CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images
6/9 Kalidou Koulibaly The defender has emerged as Chelsea's top target as others have fallen away, but Napoli have attempted to keep Koulibaly with a new contract offer which includes the verbal agreement to sell in 12 months.
The Blues are considering meeting their £60m asking price this summer and Koulibaly is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, but the Serie A club are proving tough negotiators. (Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
7/9 Victor Lindelof Chelsea remain hopeful a deal can be struck for Koulibaly, but Lindelof has been lined up as a back-up option to strengthen central defence if their pursuit fails.
Their hope to sign the Sweden international is complicated by the fact they are unwilling to meet the £25m release clause in his contract.Chelsea remain hopeful a deal can be struck for Koulibaly, but Lindelof has been lined up as a back-up option to strengthen central defence if their pursuit fails.
Their hope to sign the Sweden international is complicated by the fact they are unwilling to meet the £25m release clause in his contract. FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images
8/9 Alessio Romagnoli Chelsea also turned to AC Milan's Romagnoli as an alternative to Koulibaly.
But Antonio Conte was again dealt another blow as Milan rejected a £30million Chelsea bid before drawing up a new deal for the 21-year-old to as they stepped up their efforts to knock away interest. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
9/9 Nikola Maksimovic Naploi have been in talks with Torino over Nikola Maksimovic since the start of the year, but he has also drawn interest from Chelsea.
Torino director of sport Gianluca Petrachi confirmed a big, Premier League club want Maksimovic, hinting that their financial clout put them in pole position for the defender. Getty Images
“These targets will be very difficult to buy. But now we have a game against Burnley which is more important than the market.
“[By the end of the window] I hope to have some more players than now.”
Barbosa will also be joined at Inter by Euro 2016 winner Joao Mario, who could set back the Italian side’s new Chinese owners £38.4m.
The 19-year-old was part of the Brazil squad that won their country’s first gold medal in football at the Rio Olympics, scoring twice in the tournament. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-transfer-news-blues-target-gabriel-barbosa-set-for-inter-milan-move-as-brazilian-flies-into-a3330836.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/cbf331c75f6e17fa82f197de256a822bfc6e326fff6485c10245890e8ae2789b.json |
[
"Kate Lough"
] | 2016-08-31T14:51:34 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Gray Malin is a fine art photographer based in Los Angeles who has amassed nearly 200k followers on his travel-themed Instagram account. He is most famous for his aerial shots of landscapes and beaches all around the world from Bondi to Cape Town. Here, the viral Instagrammer shares his top tips for getting that perfect travel picture: | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Fgray-malins-top-tips-for-how-to-take-the-best-travel-photos-for-instagram-a3333401.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/14/lemeridien-graymalin-1.jpg | en | null | Gray Malin's top tips for how to take the best Instagram travel photos | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Gray Malin is a fine art photographer based in Los Angeles who has amassed nearly 200k followers on his travel-themed Instagram account. He is most famous for his aerial shots of landscapes and beaches all around the world from Bondi to Cape Town.
Here, the viral Instagrammer shares his top tips for getting that perfect travel picture:
Always put a piece of yourself in the photograph
If you’re standing in front of the most beautiful, idyllic vacation spot and you are trying to make it even more special and memorable, my biggest tip is to insert piece of yourself into the photograph.
I’m a creature of habit, so I often like to extend my arm with a cocktail, place my favourite camera in the shot or even cross my feet and show them.
From past experience, I’ve found that inserting yourself into the frames makes people more attached to the photo emotively – and it’s this that helps you master the ultimate travel photograph.
Take as many pictures as you can
If you’re addicted to Instagram, take as many images on your phone as you can. Snap away until you’re completely happy – don’t be embarrassed to take your time.
Play with angles and look at how light improves a shot. It might be that the best frame is actually behind you.
If you are able to take two or three, do that. I swear your Instagram will get better right away. Take a moment, get what you want – even if you’re with a friend who is patiently waiting for you.
Beaches by Gray Malin - In pictures
9 show all Beaches by Gray Malin - In pictures
1/9 Starmint Umbrellas Rimini, Italy © 2016 Gray Malin/graymalin.com
2/9 Neon Umbrellas Barcelona, Spain © 2016 Gray Malin/graymalin.com
3/9 Joatinga Beach Rio de Janeiro, Brazil © 2016 Gray Malin/graymalin.com
4/9 Coogee Wave Sydney, Australia © 2016 Gray Malin/graymalin.com
5/9 Ipanema Beach Umbrellas Rio de Janeiro, Brazil © 2016 Gray Malin/graymalin.com
6/9 La Fontelina Capri, Italy © 2016 Gray Malin/graymalin.com
7/9 The Strand Vertical Santa Monica, USA © 2016 Gray Malin/graymalin.com
8/9 Camps Bay Heart Diptych Cape Town, South Africa © 2016 Gray Malin/graymalin.com
9/9 Perfect coffee table fodder Beaches, by Gray Malin © 2016 Gray Malin/graymalin.com
Don’t use filters
I disagree with filters and thinking you can improve an image by using them. People rely on post editing and image altering too much – I find it kind of obnoxious especially since the world offers such amazing landscapes – all ready to be shot.
Gray Malin has collaborated with Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts to showcase the third instalment of Follow Me, a multi-faceted global art partnership; lemeridienfollowme.com
Follow us on Twitter @eslifeandstyle | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/gray-malins-top-tips-for-how-to-take-the-best-travel-photos-for-instagram-a3333401.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/3ca1a3f3f378e2abdcdc43d2abfe1df24c09f55246856365788bd9aadff21e68.json |
[
"Liz Connor"
] | 2016-08-27T06:49:42 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | These days, to qualify as a Notting Hill resident you’ll need to have a six-figure salary, marry a property tycoon or be fortunate enough to be born into a prominent dynasty - which is not surprising, considering that the neighbourhood’s stucco-fronted townhouses come with a hefty multi-million pound price tag. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Flondon-life%2F31-brilliant-black-and-white-pictures-which-show-notting-hill-life-over-the-past-100-years-a3330556.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/23/15/yearsnottinghill2208z.jpg | en | null | 31 brilliant black and white pictures which show Notting Hill life over the past 100 years | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | These days, to qualify as a Notting Hill resident you’ll need to have a six-figure salary, marry a property tycoon or be fortunate enough to be born into a prominent dynasty - which is not surprising, considering that the neighbourhood’s stucco-fronted townhouses come with a hefty multi-million pound price tag.
The area's transition from farmland to Whole Foods mecca and Foxton’s top earner is a tale of slums, bohemia and inevitable million pound gentrification - and this gallery of photographs shows just how it happened.
In the early 19th century, the area was home to potters and pig farmers, a rural expanse of land that was overturned in the 1820s by the wealthy Ladbroke family who redeveloped the area into a fashionable suburb of the capital with streets of large houses and private garden squares.
The impressive five-storey houses were a lure for the very richest Londoners, many of whom left the well-heeled streets of Mayfair and Belgravia for fashionable W11.
It’s hard to believe now, but after the Second World War, the area fell into disrepair after significant bombing, and the postcode’s handsome pillar-porched houses were divided into flats.
In the postwar period the name ‘Notting Hill’ evoked a down-at-heel area of cheap lodgings, and slums, epitomised by the famous racketeering landlord Peter Rachman. At the same time, the Windrush generation of immigrants from the Caribbean settled locally in the area, provoking London’s first race riots.
In the wake of the violence, the local community set up Notting Hill Carnival to celebrate London’s multicultural communities, which - as you can see in the gallery - has long been one of the most vibrant dates in the capital’s calendar.
During the 60s, Notting Hill began to reinvent itself - the small pocket of West London that had once evoked memories of night mobs and multi-occupied houses became a place where arty Chelsea ex-pats who couldn’t afford the rising rents flocked to. There were late-night speakeasy bars on every street, record shops to pick up the latest 12”s and vintage bargains to be snapped up at Portobello Road market, where fashionable young things lined the streets on a Saturday afternoon.
By the late 20th century, cool had moved on, and the poor and struggling artists had been turfed out by celebrities and politicians - you were more likely to see Kate Moss and Sienna Miller shopping for vintage Afghan coats or the famous Tory ‘Notting Hill set' nipping out for coffee, than hungover art students and penniless renters. And of course, in 1999 Richard Curtis' film Notting Hill and the famous blue door put the area firmly on the map.
These days, you’d have to have the wage of Adele and Damon Albarn (both current Notting Hill residents) to be able to buy your own patch of land in Notting Hill, but there’s no denying that if you look past the Starbucks and Lamborghinis, it’s still one of the most culturally vibrant parts of Central London.
Click on the gallery above to see Notting Hill through the years.
Follow us on Twitter: @eslifeandstyle | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/31-brilliant-black-and-white-pictures-which-show-notting-hill-life-over-the-past-100-years-a3330556.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/557fde3a3c93e5da3fee41ec93be8df86afddd5790c08809ae56480e2e8ef139.json |
[
"Sam Long"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:07 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | West Ham travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday with memories of their Europa League failure fresh in their minds. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmanchester-city-vs-west-ham-prediction-team-news-live-tv-form-guide-key-players-and-betting-odds-a3331306.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/14/slaven-bilic.jpg | en | null | Manchester City vs West Ham: Prediction, team news, live, TV, form guide, key players and betting odds | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | West Ham travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday with memories of their Europa League failure fresh in their minds.
But Slaven Bilic's side cannot feel sorry for themselves when they take on Pep Guardiola's side or they could be in for a long afternoon.
City are yet to click into full gear under the Spaniard and will not need a second invitation to put the Hammers to the sword if the visitors are not at the races.
The Etihad Stadium was the scene for one of West Ham's most important victories last season and they could do with another inspired performance this time around as the optimism that swelled over the summer has already begun to stall after an uninspiring start to the season.
West Ham vs Astra Giurgiu
12 show all West Ham vs Astra Giurgiu
1/12 Michail Antonio goes close for West Ham, but somehow misses from close range West Ham United via Getty Images
2/12 Slaven Bilic looks downcast as West Ham crash out to Astra Giurgiu at home Getty Images
3/12 Filipe Teixeira celebrates a well-taken goal with his team-mates Getty Images
4/12 Silviu Lung was in inspired form for Astra as he made multiple saves to deny West Ham West Ham United via Getty Images
5/12 Michail Antonio battles for the ball Getty Images
6/12 Slaven Bilic looks on as West Ham trail Getty Images
7/12 A fine night for Europa League action Getty Images
8/12 Michail Antonio chases down Astra Getty Images
9/12 What a view of London Stadium Getty Images
10/12 West Ham fans arrive for a vital Europa League tie Getty Images
11/12 The scene is set for West Ham vs Astra Getty Images
12/12 A stunning night in east London Getty Images
Date, time and venue
West Ham face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday August 28. Kick-off is at 16:00.
Where and when to watch
The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1. Coverage starts at 15:30. Alternatively, you can follow the action on Standard Sport's blog.
Form guide
City have come flying out of the blocks this season and are one of just four Premier League sides to boast an unblemished record after two games.
Guardiola's side have also successfully navigated a Champions League qualifying round, despite not having all of their players firing on all cylinders.
West Ham have not been able to achieve a similar feat. The Europa League has come too soon and, with a mounting injury crisis to contend with, Bilic's side have failed to make the group stages for a second season in a row.
The Hammers are 12th after last week's narrow victory over Bournemouth and are facing a tricky trio of fixtures against Watford, West Brom and Southampton after the trip to City.
One to watch
Dimitri Payet
The Frenchman may not yet be passed fit but his return would be a huge boost for West Ham.
They have been crying out for creativity in attack during his absence.
However, Bilic will remain wary of throwing Payet in before he is fully fit because if the midfielder aggravates his injury he could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
But, as things stand, it seems even a half-fit Payet would be the most likely candidate to provide the sprinkling of inspiration West Ham need.
BILIC: "Mark Noble should be all right. We are training this morning. With Payet and Lanzini we'll also know tomorrow. Maybe one of them." — West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) August 26, 2016
Sergio Aguero
The Argentina striker has started the season in blistering form.
Not even two missed penalties could knock the 28-year-old off his stride and he now has three Premier League goals to his name already.
Aguero is now top of the goalscoring charts as a result and, if he avoids injury, it's difficult not to see him staying there.
West Ham's defenders will need to be on top form to keep him quiet.
Team news and probable line ups
New signing Claudio Bravo is fit but Guardiola has confirmed the Chilean will not play this weekend.
Willy Caballero will start in goal as a result, with Joe Hart appearing to be destined for an exit.
City have no other injury concerns as Kelechi Iheanacho has recovered from the knock he picked up against Steaua in midweek.
Raheem Sterling is brimming with confidence and is expected to start on the right flank while Nolito is set to start on the other flank, with both Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva operating in the middle.
Manchester City XI: Caballero; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Stones, Kolarov; Fernandinho; Sterling, De Bruyne, Silva, Nolito; Aguero.
Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew are both sidelined, which has left Bilic short of options up front.
Enner Valencia, Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri are set to battle it out for one starting spot in a 4-2-3-1 system.
Mark Noble missed Thursday's clash with Astra but is expected to return alongside Cheikhou Kouyate in the centre of the park.
The Hammers hope at least one of Manuel Lanzini and Payet will be available while Gokhan Tore is likely to retain his place on the right flank, despite an underwhelming performance in midweek.
West Ham possible XI: Adrian; Byram, Collins, Reid, Masuaku; Noble, Kouyate; Tore, Payet, Antonio; Valencia.
What they're saying
Pep Guardiola: “No injuries from midweek. Kelechi was almost nothing so it was a scare but he’s fine. Everybody’s fit and ready - we trained with 30 players today.
“If Joe stays here with the other goalkeepers, he’ll be treated like the other players.
"For Willy, Angus and Joe, if they stay we will find the best solution for them and for us. They all need to play, the situation is not easy but we’ll find the best solution.”
Slaven Bilic: “I watched that game last year and it was a massive win for West Ham. Hopefully we can go up there and repeat it.
“I am loving my time here and the players, staff and fans have made me feel very welcome. I cannot wait to show the West Ham fans what I can do.
“I have settled in really well and cannot wait to play more games.”
Prediction
Betting odds (via 888sport)
Manchester City: 3/10
West Ham: 10/1
Draw: 51/10
Over 2.5 goals: 6/5
Under 2.5 goals: 7/10
Click here to place a bet. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-city-vs-west-ham-prediction-team-news-live-tv-form-guide-key-players-and-betting-odds-a3331306.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/00b9f8f9c320414754760704bae109489a38c3089855638a7d7c92ae5be5e25b.json |
[
"Sebastian Mann"
] | 2016-08-29T08:50:19 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Thousands of revellers are to descend on Notting Hill today after the first day of Carnival was marred by violence. The Grande Finale comes after more than 100 people were arrested and five men or boys were stabbed in four knife attacks on Sunday as revellers enjoyed the annual street party’s “Children’s Day”. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fnotting-hill-carnival-thousands-expected-for-grande-finale-after-five-stabbings-and-100-arrests-on-a3331616.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/08/nottinghill1.jpg | en | null | Notting Hill Carnival: Thousands expected for Grande Finale after five stabbings and 100 arrests on first day | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Thousands of revellers are to descend on Notting Hill today after the first day of Carnival was marred by violence.
The Grande Finale comes after more than 100 people were arrested and five men or boys were stabbed in four knife attacks on Sunday as revellers enjoyed the annual street party’s “Children’s Day”.
After one assault in Wornington Road, a 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital with critical injuries before being declared stable. A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of GBH, police said.
Altogether there were 105 arrests on the first day of the event, including 74 for alleged drugs offences, 24 for possession of a blade and four sexual offences, a Scotland Yard spokeswoman said.
London will bask in sunshine for the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival (Getty)
According to the London Ambulance Service, a total of 411 patients were treated including 74 who were taken to hospital.
Notting Hill Carnival 2016
Bank Holiday Monday’s festivities will mark the Grand Finale of the west London event's 50th anniversary, which has this year hosted 60 bands and 38 sound systems.
Police presence: Officers on patrol on Sunday (Isabel Infantes/PA Wire)
On Sunday, families gathered in fancy dress and face paint to watch the parades dedicated especially to children.
Simo Lagnawi, from Morocco, attracted a large crowd as he performed along the streets with his band Gnawa London.
A woman twerks in the crowd amid the festivities (Isabel Infantes/PA Wire)
He said: "The origin of our music is in slavery. It's very powerful. We go everywhere we can to play our music and show what it's about.
"We always have a great time wherever we play."
Annuar Aziz, a businessman from Malaysia, stumbled upon the event by accident with his wife and four young children while on holiday.
He said: "It's excellent. We are loving the free spirit of everyone and we have all been dancing.
"We didn't even know it was happening," Mr Aziz, 41 explained.
"We just arrived to London after visiting the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh.
"We heard the music from where we are staying in Bayswater and just followed the sound."
A heavy police presence will continue into Monday as the Met has introduced advanced security measures, including a facial recognition system. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/notting-hill-carnival-thousands-expected-for-grande-finale-after-five-stabbings-and-100-arrests-on-a3331616.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/7d4f44a861fd0bb396dcf64af0c9f6e01c9dc4a91cacfa191bd94de77223e5dc.json |
[
"Sam Long"
] | 2016-08-29T14:50:37 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Arsene Wenger expects Arsenal to see a "different" Theo Walcott this season. Walcott struggled for form last season and a lack of game time at the Emirates Stadium saw the 27-year-old miss out on a place in England's Euro 2016 squad. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Farsene-wenger-arsenal-will-get-a-different-theo-walcott-this-season-a3331736.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/14/theo-walcott.jpg | en | null | Arsene Wenger: Arsenal will get a 'different' Theo Walcott this season | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Arsene Wenger expects Arsenal to see a "different" Theo Walcott this season.
Walcott struggled for form last season and a lack of game time at the Emirates Stadium saw the 27-year-old miss out on a place in England's Euro 2016 squad.
But the forward has played 90 minutes in all three of Arsenal's opening Premier League games this term and appears to be reaping the benefits of a quiet summer, having forced his way back into the international fold under Sam Allardyce.
Walcott set up Alexis Sanchez in the Gunners' comfortable 3-1 victory over Watford at the weekend and Wenger has backed Walcott to continue to be a key figure - if he avoids injury.
“I said before the season started that we will get a different Theo Walcott this year," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.
“Can he maintain that focus, that desire and that fighting attitude? Then he will have a great season.
“I hope he has no setback because he is an intelligent player, he is focused and has a great desire to prove his critics wrong and he’s on a good way," the Frenchman added.
Not all of Arsenal's players have hit the ground running this season, with several players still building on their fitness after featuring in the latter stages of Euro 2016.
But Wenger is delighted with the progress that his side has made and believes when he has a fully fit squad to choose from the Gunners will be a force to be reckoned with.
“We cannot maintain it completely physically yet for 90 minutes but overall I could see there was some potential in the team, some fluency.
“Defensively we had a good game as well and I believe when everybody is on board physically for 90 minutes, we have a strong team.”
Arsenal are currently eight in the Premier League table and are not in action until they host Southampton on September 10. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsene-wenger-arsenal-will-get-a-different-theo-walcott-this-season-a3331736.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/4df83e4d1cf573f1fe5cdd34782598d3ab20f5edc220b95b160142fa5efb2d05.json |
[
"Tom Dutton"
] | 2016-08-30T12:50:59 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Crystal Palace have been told to meet Genoa's £8.5m asking price for Tomas Rincon. Alan Pardew hopes to replace Mile Jedinak, who left for Aston Villa earlier this month, before the transfer window closes on Wednesday and has reportedly tabled an offer of £6.8million for Rincon. But Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has warned Palace they must meet Rincon's asking price if they hope to seal a deal for the Venezuela captain. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fcrystal-palace-transfer-news-eagles-told-to-pay-85m-for-tomas-rincon-as-genoa-line-up-hernanes-a3332476.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/13/tomasrincon3008.jpg | en | null | Crystal Palace transfer news: Eagles told to pay £8.5m for Tomas Rincon as Genoa line up Hernanes | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Crystal Palace have been told to meet Genoa's £8.5m asking price for Tomas Rincon.
Alan Pardew hopes to replace Mile Jedinak, who left for Aston Villa earlier this month, before the transfer window closes on Wednesday and has reportedly tabled an offer of £6.8million for Rincon.
But Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has warned Palace they must meet Rincon's asking price if they hope to seal a deal for the Venezuela captain.
Asked about a possible deal to bring Hernanes in on loan from Juventus, Preziosi told reporters the deal hinged on Palace's pursuit of Rincon.
“Hernanes?” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“If Crystal Palace agree to our request of €10m for Rincon, then we have a tentative agreement with Juventus for Hernanes on loan.”
Meanwhile, Loic Remy is expected to complete his season-long loan move from Chelsea on Tuesday. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-transfer-news-eagles-told-to-pay-85m-for-tomas-rincon-as-genoa-line-up-hernanes-a3332476.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ecbaa09355879044b205678d36b468ce61f4956ec3a1ee5da83198edc4369c9f.json |
[
"Chloe Chaplain"
] | 2016-08-27T08:49:44 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Tributes have poured in for the three Londoners killed in an earthquake that devastated central Italy and left 281 dead. Schoolboy Marcos Burnett, 14, and married couple Maria and Will Henniker-Gotley died following the 6.2 magnitude quake that struck on Wednesday morning. Marcos’ headteacher at Wetherby School in Marylebone told The Times he would be missed described the boy as "utterly charming, personable and engaging". | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Ftributes-pour-out-for-the-three-londoners-killed-in-earthquake-in-italy-a3330966.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/13/marcosburnett.jpg | en | null | Tributes pour in for the three Londoners killed in earthquake in Italy | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Tributes have poured in for the three Londoners killed in an earthquake that devastated central Italy and left 281 dead.
Schoolboy Marcos Burnett, 14, and married couple Maria and Will Henniker-Gotley died following the 6.2 magnitude quake that struck on Wednesday morning.
Marcos’ headteacher at Wetherby School in Marylebone told The Times he would be missed described the boy as "utterly charming, personable and engaging".
The neighbours of Mr and Mrs Henniker-Gotley, from Stockwell, said they could not take in the “terrible news” and described the couple as “really lovely, warm and friendly” people.
Lovely family: Neighbours of Mr and Mrs Henniker-Gotley paid tribute to the couple
One neighbour said: "It's so awful. I knew them all very well. They were lovely. They were a lovely family. It's very hard to take in.
"They were very warm and friendly, extremely good neighbours. It's just so awful to think of their children."
Mrs Henniker-Gotley, 51, was a finance manager at The Prince's Foundation for Children & the Arts in Bethnal Green while her husband, 55, is thought to have worked as an IT consultant.
Jeremy Newton, the charity's chief executive, described her as "totally dedicated, meticulous and professional".
Funeral service: A woman caresses a flower upon the coffin of her relative before the mass funeral in Ascoli Piceno, Italy. (EPA)
He said: "The whole team is shocked and saddened by the news of her death and that of her husband Will, who was also a staunch supporter of our work."
The three victims' devastated families have paid tribute to "the tireless work of the Italian rescue workers and hospital staff".
A joint statement from their families issued by the Foreign Office said: "It is with sadness that we can confirm the deaths of Maria, 51, and Will, 55, Henniker-Gotley and Marcos Burnett, 14, in the earthquake in Amatrice, Italy on August 24.
"Their families have paid tribute to the tireless work of the Italian rescue workers and hospital staff and expressed their gratitude for the love and support they have received from the Italian people.
Totally flattened: Much of historic Amatrice has been reduced to dust (AP)
"Their thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the earthquake."
It is believed Mr and Mrs Henniker-Gotley owned a property in Sommati, a village about 1.3 miles (2km) from Amatrice and their two children, believed to be aged 12 and 14, survived.
Marcos and his family were staying with the Henniker-Gotleys. His parents, Anne-Louise and Simon Burnett, were both taken to hospital and their daughter also survived.
A neighbour told The Daily Telegraph how he rushed out in the middle of the night to try to rescue those trapped under the rubble with the light of his mobile phone.
Bruno Formicola, 50, said that having "heard cries for help in English from underneath," he managed to rescue two teenagers.
Death toll: 281 people have been killed
"Then there was a big aftershock and we had to wait. We started again, even though it was very dangerous as we were afraid the wall would collapse," he said.
A state of emergency has been declared in the areas affected and aftershocks have continued to strike, including one of a preliminary magnitude of 4.7 on Friday morning.
Charities and celebrtities have offered their support to Italian authorities and The Queen made a donation to the British Red Cross to support the Italian Red Cross.
Cornwall-based charity Shelterbox sent a team over to Italy to assist with setting up accommodation for those displaced by the earthquake.
Search: Rescuers worked tirelessley to pull people trapped in the rubble. (AP)
Jamie Oliver also announced that for a month £2 from each Pasta Amatriciana dish sold at his restaurant will be sent to help relief efforts.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Thursday that a number of Britons had been "affected" by the earthquake.
He said extra staff had been sent to the region to help provide support to Britons, while the Government has offered "any assistance that we can" to the Italian authorities. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/tributes-pour-out-for-the-three-londoners-killed-in-earthquake-in-italy-a3330966.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/5dc5c2538fe2d5d7237403e66eaffc2b53bd1de49b18641ae2c59f610dc86529.json |
[
"Nick Goodway"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:57 | null | 2015-11-16T00:00:00 | An unexpected rise in house prices in August and an upturn in consumer confidence today added to the sense that the Brexit vote at the end of June has yet to derail the UK economy. House prices rose 0.6% this month, according to Nationwide, when analysts had been predicting a fall of between 1% and 2%. That pushed the annual increase from 5.2% in July to 5.6% in August. Consumer confidence, which suffered its biggest drop for 26 years in July, recovered somewhat in August with GfK’s barometer rising five points from -12 to -7. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2Fhouse-price-leap-defies-fears-of-referendum-downturn-in-property-market-a3333326.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/11/16/11/Houseprices-forsalesigns.jpg | en | null | House price leap defies fears of referendum downturn in property market | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | An unexpected rise in house prices in August and an upturn in consumer confidence today added to the sense that the Brexit vote at the end of June has yet to derail the UK economy.
House prices rose 0.6% this month, according to Nationwide, when analysts had been predicting a fall of between 1% and 2%. That pushed the annual increase from 5.2% in July to 5.6% in August.
Consumer confidence, which suffered its biggest drop for 26 years in July, recovered somewhat in August with GfK’s barometer rising five points from -12 to -7.
Official data this month have already shown strong retail sales and a rise in employment since the Brexit vote.
But the Bank of England reported this week that the number of mortgage approvals made to home buyers fell to its lowest level for 18 months in July, in a sign that the vote to leave the EU had a cooling effect on the housing market.
Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “The pick-up in price growth is somewhat at odds with signs that housing market activity has slowed in recent months.
“However, the decline in demand appears to have been matched by weakness on the supply side of the market. Surveyors report that instructions to sell have also declined and the stock of properties on the market remains close to 30-year lows.
“This helps to explain why the pace of house price growth has remained broadly stable.”
Gardner said the Bank of England’s decision to lower the base rate to 0.25% will provide an immediate benefit to many mortgage borrowers, who will see their repayments become cheaper.
However, he added, “for most the boost will be fairly modest”, with the typical saving from the base rate cut being around £15 per month.
“It’s important not to hang too much significance on one or two bits of data because it’s still very early days,” said Laith Khalaf, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. “Judging the economic impact of Brexit right now is a bit like predicting the winner of the Premier League based on who’s at the top of the table after the first couple of games.”
Howard Archer, economist at IHS Global Insight, said: “Housing market activity is likely to be limited over the coming months and prices will weaken as prolonged uncertainty following the UK’s vote to leave the EU constrains consumer confidence and willingness to engage in major transactions, and also hampers economic activity.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/business/house-price-leap-defies-fears-of-referendum-downturn-in-property-market-a3333326.html | en | 2015-11-16T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e8be94e2fe43187e07e624ac920d13373bead11133817921213313c8e1f673a7.json |
[
"Liz Connor"
] | 2016-08-30T16:51:08 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Smokers who have swapped cigarettes in place of e-cigarettes in a bid to quit might want to consider going cold turkey on both, as scientists have warned that vaping could pose the same risks to the heart as smoking. Findings presented at the European Society for Cardiology congress in Rome revealed that in a typical vaping session, electronic cigarettes caused similar damage to the main artery in the heart as a packet of cigarettes | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Fhealth%2F5-simple-ways-to-give-up-vaping-and-smoking-a3332651.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/16/vaping.jpg | en | null | 5 simple ways to give up vaping and smoking | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Smokers who have swapped cigarettes in place of e-cigarettes in a bid to quit might want to consider going cold turkey on both, as scientists have warned that vaping could pose the same risks to the heart as smoking.
Findings presented at the European Society for Cardiology congress in Rome revealed that in a typical vaping session, electronic cigarettes caused similar damage to the main artery in the heart as a packet of cigarettes
With researchers now advising smokers against the long-term use of vaping, there’s never been a better time to kick the habit for good.
Of course, anyone who has tried to give up in the past will know that stopping smoking is not easy.
But if you’re really committed to successfully saying goodbye to cigarettes, you can make small and inexpensive changes to your lifestyle that may help you resist the temptation to smoke.
Here are six to try today:
Make a plan to quite smoking
Set a date to give up smoking completely, and then stick to it. This way you’ll have time to prepare to give up without losing your motivation to quit. Most people find that the ‘not even a drag’ method helps keep bad habits at bay. This means not succumbing to having small drags of other people’s cigarettes or e-cigarettes at times of temptation.
Change your diet
Many smokers enjoy a cigarette in the evening after dinner, but being particular about the foods you eat might stop you scrambling for a lighter after you’ve cleared your place. A US study revealed that some foods, including meat, make cigarettes more satisfying. Others, including cheese, fruit and vegetables, can actually make cigarettes taste less appetising.
Changing your routines at mealtimes can help too. If you usually light up in the evening, keep yourself busy by washing the dishes or going for a walk after dinner.
Change your drink
Love smoking a cigarette with your coffee? In the same study, it was revealed that fizzy drinks, alcohol and caffeine can also make cigarettes taste better. So instead of loading up on Coca Cola and cups of tea, try sticking to water and juice instead.
Start exercising
Scientific studies have proven that exercise - even a five-minute walk - can cut down your nicotine cravings and may even help your brain to produce anti-craving chemicals.
London's best gyms
13 show all London's best gyms
1/13 1Rebel The inspiration for the the gym came from New York City. Press
2/13 1Rebel The industrial chic changing rooms are super stylish Press
3/13 KX The changing rooms have a steam room, sauna and plunge pools, and provide complimentary robes, towels and slippers Press
4/13 KX KX says don't be afraid of lifting heavy Press
5/13 Core Collective The changing room offers fluffy two-metre towels and Bamford toiletries to complete the experience. Press
6/13 Core Collective Pedal your way to a fitter body Press
7/13 Gymbox GYMBOX is redesigning fitness Press
8/13 Embody Fitness A luxury Olympic-standard personal training facility Press
9/13 Embody Fitness A before and after photograph after embarking on their training programme Press
10/13 Frame Owners, Joan and Pip hated the gym, but loved being active. They decided to create the answer to their problems Press
11/13 Yogasphere Yogasphere provide all mats
12/13 Barry's Bootcamp The reception area of their London East location Press
13/13 Barry's Bootcamp The run of state of the art treadmills in the basement gym Press
Keep your hands and mouth busy
If you haven’t already considered it, nicotine replacement therapy could increase your chance of success by double. There are patches, tablets, lozenges, gum and nasal sprays available that can help to wean you off nicotine gradually.
If you usually smoke when you’re out, try putting your drink in the hand that usually holds an e-cigarette, and drink from a straw to keep your mouth busy.
Keep a fund of all the money you’ve saved from smoking and spend it on something special
If you manage to stick to your quit plan, you’ll soon notice how much money you're saving.
Keep your smoking funds aside to treat yourself to something special as a reward for your diligence - whether that’s a holiday or a shopping splurge. You’ll soon realise how much extra cash you have at your disposal when you're not funding your vaping habit.
For more advice on quitting smoking, visit nhs.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @eslifeandstyle | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/health/5-simple-ways-to-give-up-vaping-and-smoking-a3332651.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/97084d6631118e603c54dbc3dccd66c6e393998e854d4b1433d371af0c060b1d.json |
[
"Giuseppe Muro"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:05 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Crystal Palace have told Tottenham that Wilfried Zaha is not for sale and described their bid of around £14million for the winger as “ridiculous”. Palace rejected an offer of £12m plus £2m in add-ons and have dismissed the offer as derisory. Tottenham are thought to be considering a second bid but Palace have made it clear Zaha is not leaving. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftottenham-transfer-news-wilfried-zaha-is-part-of-crystal-palaces-future-confirms-alan-pardew-a3330366.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/11/wilfzaha2608.jpg | en | null | Tottenham transfer news: Wilfried Zaha is part of Crystal Palace's future, confirms Alan Pardew | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Crystal Palace have told Tottenham that Wilfried Zaha is not for sale and described their bid of around £14million for the winger as “ridiculous”.
Palace rejected an offer of £12m plus £2m in add-ons and have dismissed the offer as derisory.
Tottenham are thought to be considering a second bid but Palace have made it clear Zaha is not leaving.
Palace intend to turn down any further approaches and are determined to hold on to the 23-year-old.
Zaha spoke to Alan Pardew at the club’s training ground yesterday when he asked to leave but Palace insist his long-term future is at Selhurst Park.
Palace chairman Steve Parish last night told Tottenham that Zaha is going nowhere and Pardew today stressed he is staying.
Parish said: “We had a bid from Spurs but £12m is a ridiculous bid. I can’t imagine they are really serious. There is no chance whatsoever of Wilfried Zaha leaving in this transfer window. I can absolutely reassure every Palace fan he is an integral part of our plans.
“We have told Spurs there is no point bidding for him because he is going nowhere — 100 per cent guaranteed.
“He is not going anywhere. It does not matter what they bid.
Crystal Palace vs Blackpool
6 show all Crystal Palace vs Blackpool
1/6 Christian Benteke asks for the ball as Crystal Palace lead in the first half against Blackpool Getty Images
2/6 James Tomkins to the rescue for Palace Getty Images
3/6 Christian Benteke looks on as Palace wear down Blackpool Getty Images
4/6 Christian Benteke getting back to match fitness Getty Images
5/6 Jason Puncheon in action early on for Crystal Palace vs Blackpool Christopher Lee/Getty Images
6/6 Christian Benteke warms up for his first Crystal Palace start Getty Images
“He will not leave the football club in this transfer window. We are not going to sell him.”
Zaha has a contract with Palace until 2020 so the club are in a strong position if Spurs return with another offer before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.
Palace sold Yannick Bolasie to Everton for £25m last week and are reluctant to lose Zaha, their player of the year, as well.
Parish added: “I was told that the manager there [Mauricio Pochettino] thinks he is the next [Cristiano] Ronaldo. Well, I would like to get the next Ronaldo for £12m.
“We do not have to sell to Tottenham. I do not understand why, a week before the end of the transfer window, when you have had all summer you make a bid. Imagine if we did sell him. Then what are we meant to do? What player have we got in place?”
Pardew this morning confirmed he spoke to Zaha yesterday when he told him Palace are reluctant to sell.
“Wilf came to see me and said he believed there was some interest from Tottenham and may he go,” said the Palace manager.
“The chairman has put the full stop on that deal and that is the right thing for us. He is a favourite with the fans here and we are very keen to keep him. The chairman’s statement says it all about how we feel. The chairman has made his position clear and I will stand behind that.
“It is natural for players to understand if there is a bid from another club. I have had that many times in my career. I had this position with Yohan Cabaye [at Newcastle] one year.
“You have ups and downs with players, I have got no problem with Wilf whatsoever. He is very much our player of the year and a player I want to take forward with this team.”
Palace are thought to be in the process of renegotiating Zaha’s contract as they look to convince him his long-term future is at the club.
Zaha, who had his most consistent season in the Premier League last term, is on £35,000 a week at Palace and is seeking improved terms.
Christian Benteke is on around £120,000 a week following his £27m move from Liverpool, while Yohan Cabaye is on £100,000 a week and other members of the Palace squad are on more than Zaha.
Pardew will assess Zaha today before deciding whether he is in the right frame of mind to face Bournemouth tomorrow in a big game at the bottom of the table.
Both teams have lost their first two matches and Pardew knows that it is important Palace do not go into the upcoming international break pointless.
Wayne Hennessey is struggling with a slight injury so Steve Mandanda, who joined from Marseille this summer, is likely to start in goal.
Pardew has confirmed Palace are interested in Chelsea striker Loic Remy with the club looking to make a couple more signings before the transfer window shuts. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-transfer-news-wilfried-zaha-is-part-of-crystal-palaces-future-confirms-alan-pardew-a3330366.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/5f7e5cfa955d3a78531b0ca354fd2090a5da19f65a70ed5ab5303e1ba4f58e35.json |
[
"Fiona Simpson"
] | 2016-08-30T18:51:09 | null | 2013-10-02T00:00:00 | MPs have received identical death threats showing a picture of a beheaded person, it has been revealed. At least 24 MPs from various parties have reported being sent an email in recent days which said they and their families would be killed along with the graphic image. Former Labour frontbencher Chris Bryant revealed the horror and said he had received “five or six” similar messages this year. "In the last year there has been a slew of these, I've received five or six so far this year," Mr Bryant told the Press Association. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fmps-receive-identical-death-threats-and-picture-of-beheaded-person-over-email-a3332731.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2013/10/02/13/Chris Bryant.jpg | en | null | MPs 'receive identical death threats and picture of beheaded person' over email | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | MPs have received identical death threats showing a picture of a beheaded person, it has been revealed.
At least 24 MPs from various parties have reported being sent an email in recent days which said they and their families would be killed along with the graphic image.
Former Labour frontbencher Chris Bryant revealed the horror and said he had received “five or six” similar messages this year.
"In the last year there has been a slew of these, I've received five or six so far this year," Mr Bryant told the Press Association.
"It is difficult to know how seriously to take them, but when they mention your family, you have to take them seriously."
Mr Bryant said concern had increased after the death of Labour MP Jo Cox.
"It seems that women MPs, ethnic minority MPs and gay MPs get targeted the most," Mr Bryant said.
The Welsh MP, who is a vocal critic of Jeremy Corbyn, said there was no suggestion the death threats had anything to do with the Labour leadership contest.
However, he did claim that Mr Corbyn had not done enough to stamp out a general problem with cyber-bullying within the Labour Party.
"I think Jeremy has been very slow to take a clear line on this," Mr Bryant claimed.
The Rhondda MP said the Labour leader's "digital democracy" strategy launched today was at least ten years out of date, as it did not strengthen anti-bullying procedures on social media.
Mr Corbyn insisted Labour had strict anti-bullying rules when he was asked why there was no specific reference to combating online trolling in the digital agenda policy paper. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/mps-receive-identical-death-threats-and-picture-of-beheaded-person-over-email-a3332731.html | en | 2013-10-02T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/10bd8c05d7d8032dfad087b620df66d18c89543f60b7d8c75b8a592af0198c7f.json |
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