authors list | date_download timestamp[s] | date_modify null | date_publish timestamp[s] | description stringlengths 1 5.93k ⌀ | filename stringlengths 33 1.45k | image_url stringlengths 23 353 | language stringclasses 21
values | localpath null | title stringlengths 2 200 ⌀ | title_page null | title_rss null | source_domain stringlengths 6 40 | maintext stringlengths 68 80.7k ⌀ | url stringlengths 20 1.44k | fasttext_language stringclasses 1
value | date_publish_final timestamp[s] | path stringlengths 76 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
[
"Phoebe Luckhurst"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:35 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Benjamin Clementine is captivating company. The Mercury Prize-winner speaks in fits and starts, choosing his words with the precision of the genius. Sometimes he gesticulates gracefully like a composer, sometimes he is very still. He deliberates over his arguments, eyes trained on the table, fingers swirling patterns on the tabletop like a fidgety child, And then, suddenly he is staring intensely and talking earnestly. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Fmusic%2Fbenjamin-clementine-interview-there-are-things-that-need-to-be-said-i-think-it-s-my-obligation-to-a3332336.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/11/benjamin-clementine.jpg | en | null | Benjamin Clementine, interview: There are things that need to be said - I think it’s my obligation to say them | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Benjamin Clementine is captivating company. The Mercury Prize-winner speaks in fits and starts, choosing his words with the precision of the genius. Sometimes he gesticulates gracefully like a composer, sometimes he is very still. He deliberates over his arguments, eyes trained on the table, fingers swirling patterns on the tabletop like a fidgety child, And then, suddenly he is staring intensely and talking earnestly.
“I personally don’t know what nerves are,” he says, hushed, when we meet at an upmarket greasy spoon in St John’s Wood. “I don’t get scared when I’m going to play music. But I think something maybe my fears are buried into my songs. Because I’m singing them. So they’re buried under it… Do you know what I mean?”
Not entirely, but that’s part of his brand. At 27, singer-songwriter Clementine is the modern Renaissance man: the inscrutable, prodigious talent with no formal musical training who was discovered busking on the Paris Metro.
He grew up in Edmonton on the outskirts of north London, the youngest of five children born to strict parents. He failed all but one GCSE (English literature). Aged 16, he fell out with his family and went to live with a friend in Camden. They fell out too and at 19 he bought a one-way ticket to Paris.
He moved there with £60 and was periodically homeless for four years, gigging and busking. Eventually he was discovered by an enraptured agent and returned to London where he got a deal with EMI and released his album At Least for Now. Less than a year later he had won the Mercury.
It’s an extraordinary story, and he is an extraordinary presence: 6ft 3in and lanky, with dramatically sculpted cheekbones. He turns up wearing a suit without a shirt underneath — he must, surely, be aware of the effect.
'There are things that need to be said…and I think it’s my obligation to say them'
He is also enchanting to listen to. His vowels veer from RP to Edmonton, his voice is deep and emotive. He flexes it across the key changes of brooding songs, and his performances seem raw and uncontrived — he plays without shoes, for example. Though maybe that is contrived, it’s hard to tell. He remains an unknown quantity.
Partly that’s because he’s a reluctant self-publicist. It is hard to draw him on anything — indeed, it’s quite hard to hear him, for he speaks in a whisper. He must repeat his order (a hot chocolate without whipped cream) for the waitress four times.
Before he arrives, his publicist tells me that he has just returned from America, where he played four sell-out shows in New York and performed on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (typical audience: four million). On the other hand, when I suggest Clementine tells me about America, he replies, “well it certainly is different”.
He prefers to let his work speak for him, he admits later. But he is proud of the Mercury win. “When I was a kid I remember seeing Michael Jackson,” he starts. “I thought he was an alien. You don’t grow up to be like Michael Jackson. I’m not saying I’m Michael Jackson” — he laughs — “but Mercury Prizes are for aliens, basically. So I was very chuffed that I got nominated, and then I won.”
He is currently recording more music, working long hours in a studio near where we meet. He will perform at the Standard’s Progress 1000 event at the Science Museum next week — this prospect raises a broad smile.
And he is writing. We will have to wait for these songs, but someone seeking a more quotidian insight into Clementine’s mind should study his Twitter feed, where he sometimes shares short poems. In June, he wrote one about Brexit: “To vote or not to vote/To care or not to care/To fear or not to fear/All to kiss a mocking fool” (hashtagged #WriteAPoem AboutBrexit). Is he political?
“I would describe myself as outspoken,” he says, carefully. “Not political. Outspoken about what I want to say. There are things that need to be said…and I think it’s my obligation to say them.”
After spending the summer in America, does he have anything to say about Donald Trump? He demurs (“I’m not American”) before offering a gnomic response. “If you want to wear the power of man, give him love, If you want to measure his height in follies, let him rule. That’s what I’d say.”
I later discover these are lyrics from his song At Least for Now. He might claim not to be political but he has a politician’s knack for talking without really answering the question.But he laughs goodnaturedly while he does so.
'I appreciate my city very much. When I go to America and Europe and I tell everyone I’m from London, I’m proud'
I ask him about the situation in France, his home for years: he’d travelled from Paris to London the morning of the attacks on the Bataclan theatre in November.
“As soon as it started I had friends from Paris texting me,” he remembers. “I looked at the television and there it was. I thought it was a Hollywood movie. The streets that these things happened on, I know them all so well. When it hits home… It can happen in America, Africa, Australia, but when it hits the place you know… It certainly wakes you up.”
For now, he is based in London. “I appreciate my city very much. When I go to America and Europe and I tell everyone I’m from London, I’m proud.”
Clementine strikes me as a deep thinker, though his formal education is patchy. He was badly bullied, and school was a “nightmare”. “It haunts me,” he says, quietly. He met one of his bullies in Edmonton relatively recently. “He was just smiling,” he says, astonished. “It was weird. You’re old men now, and he’s managed to move on. While you still see what he did to you when you were a kid.”
He tells me he discovered a piano in his history classroom, which was next door to the headmistress’s office. On the fourth day of practising his headmistress came out. “I got up, I was very scared,” he says, pausing for effect. “She said, ‘That was great, Benjamin’. I was very pleased! The next day I was so excited, opened the history classroom door, the piano was still there, sat down...” He pauses again, waiting for the crescendo. “The piano was locked.” He laughs uproariously.
As a child he hung out in music shops on Denmark Street to try to learn how to read music. “I got myself some books with my pocket money but I couldn’t read them. So I just kept on playing by ear.”
He still considers studying music formally. “But it would both help and not help, I think.” He pauses for a long time, then starts slowly. “Because my inability to read has led me to portals of new discovery. And I think if I do study — this might not be true — but if I do get that insight, then I might miss something.
“I know some theoretical aspects of piano,” he continues. “Theory concerning the keys. That’s not studying music. Studying music involves a lot of mathematics and a lot of exercises of memory. Or you’ve got to be able to be like somebody, to play like somebody, to play Mozart’s music the way he played it and how he intended it. You’ve got to make it perfect, and that’s not what I want to do. Although it is beautiful.”
He adds, “technically, I’m rubbish”. Perhaps he is, though he might be teasing again. It’s always hard to tell.
@phoebeluckhurst
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout | http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/benjamin-clementine-interview-there-are-things-that-need-to-be-said-i-think-it-s-my-obligation-to-a3332336.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/9cdf9823297815f7195e42d5c838f20d209654462bdd716f7f86e10dbd8ac87e.json |
[
"Joe Murphy"
] | 2016-08-30T08:51:04 | null | 2016-06-02T00:00:00 | A key legacy of the London Olympics has begun to take shape as 20,000 new homes are given planning permission in boroughs around the site of the 2012 Games. Government figures say that developers are on course to meet a target of 24,000 new properties in east London at sites where regeneration was triggered by the Olympics. Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said more than a third will be classed as affordable and many are due to be built on former wasteland that was cleaned up. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fplanning-permission-for-20000-new-homes-in-boroughs-around-olympic-park-a3332001.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/06/02/10/velodrome0206a3_0.jpg | en | null | Planning permission for 20,000 new homes in boroughs around Olympic Park | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A key legacy of the London Olympics has begun to take shape as 20,000 new homes are given planning permission in boroughs around the site of the 2012 Games.
Government figures say that developers are on course to meet a target of 24,000 new properties in east London at sites where regeneration was triggered by the Olympics.
Housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said more than a third will be classed as affordable and many are due to be built on former wasteland that was cleaned up.
“The Olympics are still providing enormous benefits long after the London Games have finished,” said the MP for Croydon Central.
“Our Olympics provided a remarkable legacy and, importantly for the capital, one that continues to deliver tens of thousands of homes.” Ministers want more towns and cities to copy how the London Games were used as a catalyst for housing, so that other sporting and cultural events can be harnessed in future.
The first wave of 6,000 new residents moved into the former Athletes Village at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, converted into 2,800 homes along with a new school and health centre.
Another 828 homes on the site are nearing completion.
The London Legacy Development Corporation was tasked with spreading the benefits across six boroughs around the park, including cleaning wasteland and improving community facilities to foster development.
LLDC chief executive David Goldstone said: “There are some exciting housing developments coming forward in the next few years.”
The population in the six boroughs — Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Greenwich, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest — has swelled by nearly 100,000, including 60,000 working-age people.@JoeMurphyLondon | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/planning-permission-for-20000-new-homes-in-boroughs-around-olympic-park-a3332001.html | en | 2016-06-02T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/381ca4e08249c6686386fdddde3918bbad300df156c517ef5138b5dabd963966.json |
[
"David Ellis"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:02 | null | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | The Notting Hill carnival is celebrating its 50th birthday this Bank Holiday weekend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Fattractions%2Fnotting-hill-carnival-2016-parade-details-family-day-highlights-and-things-to-do-a3330136.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/22/18/notting-hill-carnival-2.jpg | en | null | Notting Hill Carnival 2016: Parade details, family day, highlights and things to do | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The Notting Hill carnival is celebrating its 50th birthday this Bank Holiday weekend.
More than two million Londoners are set to descend on west London, policed by 9,000 of the Met’s finest, to enjoy a weekend that celebrates Caribbean culture, music, food and drink. By the end of the weekend, London’s economy will be £93million for the richer, 15,000 costumes will have shimmied during the parade and a hangover-inducing 25,000 bottles of rum will have been polished off. It is a weekend of impressive numbers: only Rio has a bigger carnival and Notting Hill is the most popular street party in Europe. It’s come along way from its Trinidadian roots.
What to bring
Remember it's not a serious weekend, it's a carnival: come to have a good time and you most likely will. Still, it gets busy and sweaty, so being at least a little prepared helps.
Take a bottle of water to stay hydrated: lots of shops shut-up, and those which don’t sell out.
Pack napkins, hand sanitizer, or both: sticky hands makes for a sour afternoon.]
A jumper, or a hoody: once the sun is done, it can get icy. An alcohol jacket only goes so far.
What's on
Saturday August 27
Things officially begin late on Saturday. Head down to Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park on Bosworth Road, where, from 6pm until 10pm, they’ll be hosting Panorama. It’s a free, family friendly, open-air evening of steel band performances.
The show must go on: rain won't damped the party mood (Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)
Sunday August 28 (Family Day)
The next morning, the early risers of Notting Hill will lead Jouvert from 6am. It’s the first parade of the carnival, with steel bands, riddim bands and African drummers. It begins and ends at Canal way in Ladbroke Grove, coming to a halt around 9am.
Sunday is the more family friendly day, with the highlight being the Children’s Parade, which has most of the costumes, Sound Systems and steel bands of its bigger sister on Monday. Things begin at 10am and run until around 8.30pm.
Over in Powis Square, the World Music Stage boasts calypso and soca performances from the Association of British Calypsonians.
Monday August 29
For anyone wanting the true carnival experience, head west on Monday, which features the main parade and grand finale. Food stands will be sizzling, Sound Systems will be blaring, dancers will be dancing and their costumes will be dazzling. The parade itself is 3.5 miles long, and follows the route in the map below, starting off at 10am and running until 8.30pm, though sometimes those in high spirits keep things rolling on later.
There are a number of after-parties, listed here.
As with Sunday, Powis Square will host the World Music Stage.
Across the weekend
Elsewhere, there are around 38 static Sound Systems. These are, arguably, the heart and soul of the Carnival, and some have been running almost forty years. These are where the parties really get going, but you’ll need to get to one before 3pm, when most become intolerably busy.
Otherwise, there are 10 steel pan bands ringing out throughout the two days, and 70 stages showcasing various talent from across London.
Notting Hill Carnival over the years - In pictures
30 show all Notting Hill Carnival over the years - In pictures
1/30 1972 Charlie Gillett/Redferns
2/30 1975 Richard Braine/PYMCA/Rex
3/30 1976 Hulton Archive/Getty Images
4/30 1977 Associated Newspaper
5/30 1977 Daily Mail
6/30 1978 Frank Barratt/Getty Images
7/30 1978 Bill Johnson/Associated Newspapers
8/30 1978 Frank Barratt/Evening Standard
9/30 1980 Stuart Nicol/Evening Standard
10/30 1980 Evening Standard
11/30 1980 Evening Standard
12/30 1983 Peter Anderson/PYMCA/Rex
13/30 1984 John Minihan/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
14/30 1994 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
15/30 1994 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
16/30 1995 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
17/30 2001 Oli Scarff/Getty Images
18/30 2003 Scott Barbour/Getty Images
19/30 2004 Graeme Robertson/Getty Images
20/30 2005 Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images
21/30 2005 Chris Jackson/Getty Images
22/30 2006 Miles Willis/Getty Images
23/30 2006 Miles Willis/Getty Images
24/30 2006 Miles Willis/Getty Images
25/30 2006 Chris Jackson/Getty Images
26/30 2007 Chris Jackson/Getty Images
27/30 2009 Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
28/30 2012 Oli Scarff/Getty Images
29/30 2015 Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
30/30 2015 Daniel C Sims/Getty Images
Food and drink
With more than 300 food stalls, you won’t go hungry. The perception of carnival food being all jerk chicken isn’t exactly true, but isn’t exactly untrue either: five tons of the stuff were shifted last year. Still, if you can, wander around – you’ll find curried goat, rice and peas, fried plantain (a must), spicy Jamaican patties and Caribbean dumplings.
Drinks wise, Red Stripe is naturally the go-to, and after than, rum. Guinness Punch is a must-try: despite the obvious Irish heritage, it’s stuff of carnival legend: Guiness packed full of spice, and sometimes milk, and sometimes rum.
Coconut water is hard to beat for refreshment, and there’s a certain novelty to carrying around a coconut with a straw in it.
Parties
There are plenty of parties on across London cashing in on the Notting Hill theme. The Hip Hop Karaoke Carnival Special at Camden’s recently refurbished Jazz Cafe gets our vote for the Sunday evening, to warm up for the celebrations on Monday, and if you're looking for an after party, have a read of these picks.
For more information, visit thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com
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-parade-details-family-day-highlights-and-things-to-do-a3330136.html | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/14f3e4f5e27ec9339d7e7bfe850c77bfd6468367daf055c7758817e28503d73c.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-26T20:49:27 | null | 2016-06-30T00:00:00 | A jilted lover who falsely accused her ex-boyfriend of a catalogue of serious crimes while harrassing his new partners has been locked up for five years. Sandra Danevska, 38, of Winslow Road, Hammersmith was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court today to five years in prison, and was slapped with a restraining order. During her vendetta, Danevska sent 134 bogus online reports, leading to 170 police reports being created. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fjailed-jilted-lover-who-falsely-accused-her-ex-of-rape-stabbings-and-acid-attacks-a3330916.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/06/30/16/sandra-danevska.jpg | en | null | Jailed: Jilted lover who falsely accused her ex of rape, stabbings and acid attacks | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A jilted lover who falsely accused her ex-boyfriend of a catalogue of serious crimes while harrassing his new partners has been locked up for five years.
Sandra Danevska, 38, of Winslow Road, Hammersmith was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court today to five years in prison, and was slapped with a restraining order.
During her vendetta, Danevska sent 134 bogus online reports, leading to 170 police reports being created.
She falsely implicated her ex-boyfriend as a suspect for rape, acid attacks and stabbings, and she also subjected the two women he went on to date to a traumatic online campaign.
Danevska was found guilty on Wednesday, June 29 following a trial at the same court of three counts of stalking involving serious alarm or distress.
She was also convicted of two counts of perverting the course of justice.
The court heard that Danevska had dated her former boyfriend for a few weeks about ten years ago, and had another brief relationship with him in 2013 before he said he wanted to go back to simply being friends.
Danevska then subjected the 45-year-old man, and his two subsequent partners, women aged 34 and 37, to repeated stalking and harassment.
She set up bogus social media profiles and fake email addresses in her ex-boyfriend's name to send threatening and malicious messages to other people, and used different mobiles to make silent calls and send text messages to him.
In 2014, Danevska began sending him almost daily emails from unknown accounts commenting on things he had done during the day, leading him to fear he was being followed.
She created 134 hoax online crime reports using the details of 60 different people to implicate him as a suspect in crimes, with police visiting him 42 times at home and ten times at work in response.
Among the many bogus allegations were claims that various made-up victims had been stabbed, raped or had acid thrown in their faces.
A woman who went out with Danevska's former boyfriend in 2010 also became the target of her campaign, receiving numerous threatening and malicious text messages and emails.
Danevska set up several social media accounts and email addresses in her name, which were used to send threatening messages to other people.
She also targeted another of his girlfriend's, who he had dated between October 2012 and October 2013.
Police visited her at home a number of times responding to crime reports that had supposedly been created by her.
She also received numerous malicious messages that were from Danevska usinf various social media accounts, some of which commented on her movements during the day.
A police investigation into the harassment began in 2011, but Danevska had covered her tracks so well that she could not be identified.
It was only in 2015 that a series of bogus social media profiles were traced to various addresses where Danevska had been employed as a nanny.
Police obtained a warrant to search her home in May 2015, and seized SIM cards, computer equipment and a diary in which she had written down he ex-boyfriend's movements.
In September 2015, she was charged with the offences.
Detective Constable Dean Puzey, of Hammersmith and Fulham CID, said: "This woman's actions caused her victims unimaginable distress and the sentence reflects the serious nature of her offending.
"Danevska stalked multiple victims and used social media and the police crime reporting system to make their lives intolerable. Her ex-boyfriend, an entirely innocent man, found himself a suspect for rape, stabbings and acid attacks - the impact on his life in particular was horrendous.
"Her actions also caused a massive waste of police time. Throughout Danevska's campaign, 17 of London's 32 boroughs responded to bogus reports of crime as a result of her malicious calls; her vendetta was a huge drain on police resources.
"Thankfully cases of multiple stalking are very rare and, despite all her efforts to avoid detection, we have finally been able to bring her to justice." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/jailed-jilted-lover-who-falsely-accused-her-ex-of-rape-stabbings-and-acid-attacks-a3330916.html | en | 2016-06-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/9f1e8287576da5dae06653fd5a368cc7e85f85de8c20e74e4029997f9ba5c95f.json |
[
"Slaven Bilic"
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:51 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | When people talk about a team managed by Pep Guardiola, the first thing that comes to mind is the passing — or what many have called tiki-taka. The main characteristic of his teams, though, is energy — especially when they lose the ball. That is the first thing he addresses at a club. There was certainly evidence of that when Manchester City played Steaua Bucharest in Romania, where Steaua were very open. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fslaven-bilic-west-ham-would-sign-manchester-citys-sergio-aguero-if-we-had-limitless-funds-a3330186.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/10/sergioaguero2608.jpg | en | null | Slaven Bilic: West Ham would sign Manchester City's Sergio Aguero if we had limitless funds | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | When people talk about a team managed by Pep Guardiola, the first thing that comes to mind is the passing — or what many have called tiki-taka.
The main characteristic of his teams, though, is energy — especially when they lose the ball. That is the first thing he addresses at a club.
There was certainly evidence of that when Manchester City played Steaua Bucharest in Romania, where Steaua were very open.
I haven’t seen the whole of City’s matches against Sunderland and Stoke yet, because we were busy with the match against Astra, but I plan to watch the videos of both.
Of course, because of Guardiola’s reputation, some people expected those games to be one-sided. But from the highlights I saw, they weren’t, despite the 4-1 scoreline at Stoke.
To be fair, it wasn’t always a cruise for him at Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga either. It certainly wasn’t a jolly-up.
I was wrong about Manchester City when I said halfway through last season that I thought they would go on and win the title. I thought they would do it for Manuel Pelligrini.
Now is a good time for Guardiola to be at the club because City didn’t win the title last year. Now the players’ attitude is: “We have to win it this season.” It is also a good time for Manchester United, another club to have invested heavily.
In fact, three things have happened to both those clubs to make people think it will be their year.
Firstly, they both have new managers, both massive names who have attracted top players. Secondly, City and United are not afraid to spend fortunes. And finally, both clubs have dipped in form recently, so it is time to wake up and go again.
Add history and tradition, either long term or recent, and you can see why, for me, they are the top contenders this season, together with Chelsea.
That opinion is not based on the first two games of the season — I would have said the same before it began. Last season, though, we took four points off both United and City and we take confidence from that. I remember all the games well and particularly the away match against City, where the second half was like the Alamo but we held out.
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
At home we played very well but that little man Sergio Aguero scored twice against us while Enner Valencia got both the goals for us.
If we had limitless funds and could buy any player, I would say that it would be Aguero without a doubt When you look at him, you start with 25 goals against his name and add at least five more if he stays fit for the whole season. All clubs are hoping, looking and praying to find a player like him — and he does it with such style and ease.
Is it a good time to play City this Sunday? From the point of view that we played last night and we still have players out injured, no, it isn’t.
On the other hand, their players are still getting used to the way Guardiola wants them to play — their team is not yet the finished article.
Andy always gives his best
I want to say a few words about Andy Carroll. I said after the Bournemouth game that we can’t rely on him but that is because he is unavailable through injury.
As a person I have rarely come across anyone as honest. In terms of his character he is ultra-reliable.
There are some players who you look at in the dressing room before a game and you are not sure if he is going to give his best, if he is fully motivated.
With Andy (left) you have no worries on that score. You know he is going to give everything. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/slaven-bilic-west-ham-would-sign-manchester-citys-sergio-aguero-if-we-had-limitless-funds-a3330186.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/eb343ba0562848ff78f83f1cd14cac218048129e5338aed98abc9493e4de5dea.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:00:52 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | FELLOWS at the Royal Geographical Society waited with bated breath at the news that their beloved expeditions — an annual, society-funded adventure — would be returning after 20 years. The event was once the highlight of the society’s calendar, and many were itching to get going. Would a ticket to the wilds of Peru be required? A boat to Antarctica? Alas, their hearts sank when Migrants on the Margins, a geopolitical project, was announced. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondoners-diary%2Flondoners-diaryrgs-members-bemoan-awfully-small-adventure-a3330196.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/10/queen-geographical-society.jpg | en | null | Londoner's Diary:RGS members bemoan awfully small adventure | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | FELLOWS at the Royal Geographical Society waited with bated breath at the news that their beloved expeditions — an annual, society-funded adventure — would be returning after 20 years. The event was once the highlight of the society’s calendar, and many were itching to get going. Would a ticket to the wilds of Peru be required? A boat to Antarctica? Alas, their hearts sank when Migrants on the Margins, a geopolitical project, was announced.
Cue complaints that Dr Rita Gardner, the RGS’s director since 1996, hasn’t got the point. The annual expedition was scrapped back then and in its stead were improved grants for researchers on smaller projects. The move towards human geography has caused lively debates over the intervening 20 years. Fellows, who pay £104 for annual membership, had hoped this new in-house expedition might mark the return to the good old days. But studying migrants wasn’t what they had in mind. “While doubtless a worthy and valuable exercise,” explorer and Fellow Robin Hanbury-Tenison sighed, “it is not clear if any actual field work will be undertaken, and it is not what I would call an expedition in the RGS tradition, let alone exploration in any sense.”A long-standing fellow, who has made significant benevolent donations to the society, grouched: “It’s nothing to do with nostalgia. Since the RGS merged with the Institute of British Geographers 20 years ago, that has caused a change to the ethos and the nature of the society as it was intended.”
The RGS has yet to come back with a comment, presumably because many of them are still on their own annual August expeditions to the South of France.
--
Some brutish hacks dubbed Theresa May “deeply unhip” after she said she’d choose Frankie Valli’s Walk Like a Man as a track on Desert Island Discs. Now the 82-year-old Italian-American singer, who is due to perform at the BBC Proms in Hyde Park, says he’s delighted. “That’s fantastic,” he tells the Telegraph. “I’ve played at the White House. Now I’ve got a fan in the House of Commons.” She may not be down with the kids but at least she’s not asking us to call her Terry baby.
Stephanie knows she’s daddy’s girl
As the BBC’s economics editor, Stephanie Flanders was widely heralded as “the thinking man’s crumpet” — not a label she was ever comfortable with. Writing in a Meet the Locals bulletin put out by Hammersmith & Fulham council, Flanders — who is now J P Morgan’s chief market strategist — revealed: “Every so often I catch myself in the mirror and think, ‘Gosh that’s my father’. It’s nice, but it’s funny the way we all grow into becoming our parents.”
It is not such an undistinguished look: her father was Michael Flanders, half of singing duo Flanders and Swann.
Bianca’s night at the ballet
Prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova, pictured above right, danced Her Name Was Carmen, a dance version of Bizet’s opera, set in the fraught landscape of a refugee camp, in its first London performance last night. After the show at the Coliseum she greeted Bianca Jagger, centre, and her granddaughter Assisi Jackson, left. They had plenty to talk about: Jagger is head of her own human-rights foundation, and Kolesnikova worked with Oxfam to conduct visits to refugee camps in Macedonia and Serbia last year. “I had seen the reports on TV,” she said, “the movie-like images of people travelling with their children on the roads of Europe but until I got there it was hard to imagine it was real.”
--
TV presenter Ruth Langsford gave an improptu belly dance at the wedding of Nazaneen Ghaffar, the Sky weather presenter colleague of her husband, Eamonn Holmes. “It was extraordinary,” a guest tells The Londoner. “There was a professional belly dancer who was doing her thing, when suddenly Ruth joined in. I saw Eamonn’s head sink into his hands.”
Elia begets two more spoof tales
Camden Town was a melting pot of bright young things and cutting-edge artists last night, particularly at The Cob Gallery, which hosted the launch of two new books from artist Miriam Elia, We Learn at Home and We Go Out. Elia who is not far off giving birth, made the most of her baby shower with a difference and showed off her efforts, a pair of satirical children’s books that utilise an old-fashioned visual style. Eagle-eyed readers may be able to decipher the message that Elia displays on one of her pages.
‘“This is my baby,’ says Jane” in We Learn at Home, holding a doll up to her mother. “‘It is the end of your career,’ says Mummy.”Written in collaboration with her brother Ezra, they follow the first book We Go to the Gallery. Originally released as a parody of Ladybird titles, a division of Penguin, the publishing house did not take imitation as flattery, forcing Elia to rebrand. Penguin Random House has since released hugely bestselling similar versions such as The Hipster and the forthcoming The Student. Lest we forget the publishing battle, there’s a reference to it in Elia’s new imprint Dung Beetle. “‘I want to borrow a Ladybird book,’ says Susan,” in We Go Out. “‘Ladybird is a sub- division of an evil mega-corporation who screw over artists and sell watered-down rubbish to the general public,’ says Mummy.” Over to you, Penguin.
Tom’s a repeat offender
It shouldn’t happen to a theatre legend but even the greats of the London stage had their troubles in their early days. With the Edinburgh Fringe still in full swing, some of the country’s big names are feeling nostalgic. “The RSC had a version of my script of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead,” recalls Sir Tom Stoppard, pictured, in this month’s BA High Life. “But the budget they had disappeared. So they sent my play to these students at the Oxford Playhouse, who wanted to take something to the Fringe.”
It was lucky he popped into rehearsals. “My visit was timely because there were some mistakes in the typed-out script. Two of the pages were repeated and the students, very touchingly, thought that was part of the play’s mystery and were faithfully rehearsing them.”
--
Advice of the day from Ann Widdecombe to new Strictly star Ed Balls: “I refused hair-pieces and false eyelashes, but I don’t suppose they will offer you those.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/londoners-diaryrgs-members-bemoan-awfully-small-adventure-a3330196.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/0c454feace2e4cf7e30ba730af6a5d0bebccdb2f1cf5a611ded4bb7e554bed5f.json |
[
"Jonathan Prynn",
"Martin Bentham"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:41 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | The building giant behind The Shard has put up notices on construction sites warning Pokémon Go players not to enter in their obsessive pursuit of digital “virtual creatures”. Construction firm Mace is so concerned about the risk of accidents involving the hit smartphone game that it has placed warning on site hoardings including “Wild Pokémon not permitted on this site” and “No playing Pokémon Go beyond this point”. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Ftechandgadgets%2Fpok-mon-go-players-warned-not-to-enter-shard-construction-site-after-dozens-of-trespass-incidents-a3332391.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/12/pokemon2.jpg | en | null | Pokémon Go players warned not to enter Shard construction site | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The building giant behind The Shard has put up notices on construction sites warning Pokémon Go players not to enter in their obsessive pursuit of digital “virtual creatures”.
Construction firm Mace is so concerned about the risk of accidents involving the hit smartphone game that it has placed warning on site hoardings including “Wild Pokémon not permitted on this site” and “No playing Pokémon Go beyond this point”.
Dozens of instances of players trespassing on potentially dangerous sites have been recorded since Pokémon Go — a smartphone version of the Nintendo game that first became a craze in the Nineties — was launched last month.
Pokémon Go, which has already been downloaded more than 100 million times, involves players finding and catching “pocket monsters” in thousands of real world locations.
However, some of the interactive locations used in the game are now construction sites.
Popular game: Pokemon Go (Reuters)
A tweet by one player said: “Tonight I got so lost playing Pokémon Go that I ended up in a restricted construction area and couldn’t find my way out.”
Contractor Bam — which was involved in the regeneration of King’s Cross — told Building magazine it has also posted warnings and notices on some of its sites to deter Pokémon Go players entering, adding “there is additional vigilance about Pokémon Go”.
Network Rail has emailed a warning to staff, highlighting “safety concerns” about the game being played close to live tracks and level crossings. Contractors’ trade body Build UK has also voiced its concerns, urging members to keep site boundaries secure.
Earlier this month it was reported that a relatively rare Pokémon creature called a Clefairy temporarily appeared on the Battersea Power Station site, although this was denied by the developer.
Niantic, the game’s developer, frequently alerts players not to trespass. A typical warning reads: “Do not enter dangerous areas while playing Pokémon Go.”
Last year there were 35 deaths and around 65,000 injuries on construction sites, according to the Health and Safety Executive.
It comes as Scotland Yard warned Pokémon Go players to be vigilant following a mini-crime spree affecting Londoners targeted by criminals while playing the game in public.
The alert was prompted by figures showing 11 crimes connected to the popular game in a period of just over three weeks. They include several cases in which Pokémon players had their phones snatched by a moped rider.
The offences are on top of a more recent incident in which three robbers, one carrying a silver handgun, forced three teenagers playing Pokémon Go in Whittington Park in Islington to hand over their smartphones.
Steven George-Hilley, director of technology at the Parliament Street think tank, which obtained the figures, said: “Unfortunately, location-based augmented reality gaming often means users ignore personal security risks. These figures should serve as a wake-up call for consumers to remain vigilant when enjoying mobile games.”
Some 290 incidents were recorded by forces across England and Wales since Pokémon Go’s UK launch, according to data released to the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/techandgadgets/pok-mon-go-players-warned-not-to-enter-shard-construction-site-after-dozens-of-trespass-incidents-a3332391.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/d32a3509b1c3c562083a1b8f5b5e0cc9b95bbfc30e0249c548c7cb530175729a.json |
[
"Clare Hutchison"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:18 | null | 2015-08-28T00:00:00 | The chairman of the company behind Frankie & Benny’s has issued a mea culpa — admitting it had overpriced food that left customers dissatisfied, as she shut 33 of its worst-performing sites. Debbie Hewitt admitted The Restaurant Group had scored a string of “own goals” that turned diners off at a time when the company, which also owns Garfunkel’s and Joe’s Kitchen, has been vying for business with fast-growing rivals like Nando’s, Byron and Turtle Bay. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2Fthe-restaurant-group-admits-its-food-was-too-pricey-as-it-shuts-33-sites-a3330301.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/08/28/09/Frankie-and-Bennys.jpg | en | null | The Restaurant Group admits its food was too pricey as it shuts 33 sites | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The chairman of the company behind Frankie & Benny’s has issued a mea culpa — admitting it had overpriced food that left customers dissatisfied, as she shut 33 of its worst-performing sites.
Debbie Hewitt admitted The Restaurant Group had scored a string of “own goals” that turned diners off at a time when the company, which also owns Garfunkel’s and Joe’s Kitchen, has been vying for business with fast-growing rivals like Nando’s, Byron and Turtle Bay.
Hewitt, who ousted chief executive Danny Breithaupt this month, said a failure to road-test new “authentic” menus meant crowd-pleaser dishes like chicken parmigiana had been mistakenly removed at Frankie & Benny’s. Significant price increases, at times above those across the rest of the market, and ending fixed-price lunch offers also flopped, driving away price-conscious customers.
“Disappointingly, the problems are a result of our own internal decision making. Frankie & Benny’s was run very instinctively. The business did not use customer insight as extensively as you might have hoped,” she said.
The Restaurant Group’s like-for-like sales slipped 3.9% in the six months to July 3 and it swung to a first-half pre-tax loss of £22.5 million.
Closing the 33 underperforming locations, which include 14 Frankie & Benny’s and one Garfunkel’s, and writing down the value of 29 others will cost £59.1 million.
Hewitt insisted the company remained on track to meet earlier guidance of full-year profit of between £74 million and £80 million before exceptional costs and maintains the dividend of 6.8p a share.
“All of those own goals are fixable. We’ve got the right focus now and the right team. The things that are in our control I am very confident about,” she said. Shares in the company rose 26.4p, or more than 6%, to 434.2p.
Former Paddy Power boss Andy McCue is set to join The Restaurant Group next month. He will be responsible for a review of the group’s other brands.
He was brought in after a torrid period that saw the company issue its first profit warning for more than a decade in April and the departure of finance chief Stephen Critoph.
Speculation of a private-equity swoop has been rife but Hewitt said today no approaches had been made.
She added that the retail parks its branches tend to call home, where footfall has been declining as more shoppers go online, were not as a big a concern as previously thought.
“Generally our locations work for us,” she said. “The brand remains relevant and popular.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/business/the-restaurant-group-admits-its-food-was-too-pricey-as-it-shuts-33-sites-a3330301.html | en | 2015-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/2cbfd9108625e5da98a60293b5f047b3528b000a9aa9d99b0b86e18e7a1af50f.json |
[
"Lucy Tobin"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:55 | null | 2014-12-18T00:00:00 | AstraZeneca today coughed up $5.5 million (£4.2 million) to settle a highly embarrassing foreign bribery probe, amid claims that the British pharma giant faked conferences and offered gifts to local doctors in Russia and China who bought its drugs. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2Fastrazeneca-takes-6m-hit-after-faking-conferences-to-bribe-doctors-a3333166.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2014/12/18/11/astrazeneca.jpg | en | null | AstraZeneca takes $6m hit after 'faking conferences' to bribe doctors | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | AstraZeneca today coughed up $5.5 million (£4.2 million) to settle a highly embarrassing foreign bribery probe, amid claims that the British pharma giant faked conferences and offered gifts to local doctors in Russia and China who bought its drugs.
Britain’s number two drugmaker — one of the biggest international pharma firms in China, with 45,000 staff — falsely recorded improper payments in China and Russia as bona fide business expenses, the US Securities and Exchange Commission said. Some bribery allegations go back as far as 2005, with AstraZeneca said to have made “improper payments of gifts, conference support, travel, cash and other benefits” mainly to Chinese and Russian state medical workers “to reward or influence” their purchases of its drugs.
The SEC claims AstraZeneca set up bank accounts in doctors’ names, hired a “collusive travel vendor” who submitted fake or inflated invoices to generate cash to funnel money, and “totally fabricated” conferences to pay out speaker fees despite there being “no meeting date, venue, [nor] subject”.
Some employees at AstraZeneca in China also paid cash to local officials to reduce or avoid local fines, and even created written charts and schedules about predicted or actual bribe payments, the SEC said.
These were either offered to individual doctors, or to particular hospitals or medical departments, “with the expectation that the [medical staff] would increase purchases of Astra’s products during the corresponding period, or favourably influence the inclusion of [Astra’s] products on formulary or reimbursement drug listings,” according to the SEC.
AstraZeneca, which co-operated with the probe, neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing. It said the US Justice Department has, meanwhile, closed a related foreign bribery investigation. “We are pleased to have resolution of these matters,” the company said.
The US watchdog said AstraZeneca had tackled problems with its compliance and fired some staff involved. | http://www.standard.co.uk/business/astrazeneca-takes-6m-hit-after-faking-conferences-to-bribe-doctors-a3333166.html | en | 2014-12-18T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/604d9b2bc8617244bef090b44c2723168f6099c234036db9ae288af8a1672439.json |
[
"Ken Dyer"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:02 | null | 2016-04-15T00:00:00 | Strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia could still be on their way out of West Ham as the club look to bring in Wilfried Bony on loan from Manchester City. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwest-ham-transfer-news-hammers-still-want-wilfried-bony-with-enner-valencia-and-diafra-sakho-to-make-a3332356.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/04/15/13/wilfriedbony1504a.jpg | en | null | Wilfried Bony to West Ham: Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho to make way for Manchester City striker | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia could still be on their way out of West Ham as the club look to bring in Wilfried Bony on loan from Manchester City.
Senegalese international Sakho looked to be going to West Brom in a £16million deal earlier in the summer but failed a medical. West Brom remain desperate to improve their squad, however, and could come back with a cut-price offer before the transfer window closes tomorrow night.
Sakho, who put in a transfer request earlier in the close season, is recovering from injury and has yet to figure in any of West Ham’s matches although manager Slaven Bilic said: “He is our player and when he is ready, he will be playing for us.”
West Ham are also willing to listen to offers for Valencia but only if they seal a deal to sign Bony on loan, with Championship clubs Aston Villa and Norwich poised to make late bids for the Ecuadorian international. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-transfer-news-hammers-still-want-wilfried-bony-with-enner-valencia-and-diafra-sakho-to-make-a3332356.html | en | 2016-04-15T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/340be406dc45b6e13029484f97677599b5c62312231c48f87d03aa75ea544847.json |
[
"Robin De Peyer"
] | 2016-08-29T08:50:21 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | London will bask in glorious sunshine and warm temperatures on the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival. The Met Office said temperatures could reach 24C in the south-east before peaking at up to 26C on Tuesday. The capital will enjoy the warmest temperatures of anywhere in the country as low winds help a feeling of warmth. Met Office operational meteorologist Martin Bowles said: "Monday is looking like a good day. "Most people are going to have dry weather with plenty of sunshine conducive to enjoying the Bank Holiday outside. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Flondon-weather-capital-to-bask-in-sunshine-and-warm-temperatures-on-bank-holiday-monday-a3331601.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/07/carnival.jpg | en | null | London weather: Capital to bask in sunshine and warm temperatures on Bank Holiday Monday | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | London will bask in glorious sunshine and warm temperatures on the final day of the Notting Hill Carnival.
The Met Office said temperatures could reach 24C in the south-east before peaking at up to 26C on Tuesday.
The capital will enjoy the warmest temperatures of anywhere in the country as low winds help a feeling of warmth.
Met Office operational meteorologist Martin Bowles said: "Monday is looking like a good day.
"Most people are going to have dry weather with plenty of sunshine conducive to enjoying the Bank Holiday outside.
Notting Hill Carnival 2016 - In pictures
11 show all Notting Hill Carnival 2016 - In pictures
1/11 Revellers take part in the Children's Day parade after a paint fight party EPA
2/11 Revellers take part in the Children's Day parade EPA/WILL OLIVER
3/11 Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
4/11 Revellers take part in the Children's Day parade after a paint fight party EPA/WILL OLIVER
5/11 Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
6/11 Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
7/11 Revellers enjoy the Notting Hill Carnival after joining a paint fight party in the early morning Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
8/11 Performers dressed in flamboyant costumes for the Children's Day parade EPA/WILL OLIVER
9/11 Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
10/11 Police Officers during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
11/11 Revellers enjoy a paint fight party Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
"The rest of the week is also looking quite good.”
But forecasters said the weather may turn later in the week.
Hurricane Gaston is brewing in the far west of the Atlantic and moving towards the UK.
"Hurricane Gaston's exact track or even approximate track is not really known at the moment.
"It is getting closer to us but it is unlikely to affect us.
"If it does, it will just feel like a wet and windy autumn day which is normal as meteorological autumn starts on September 1." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-weather-capital-to-bask-in-sunshine-and-warm-temperatures-on-bank-holiday-monday-a3331601.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/d441f1656c1c33f5dd884559ec5ac13d1de901032cbe021ea8ee7cf58c672817.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-27T16:49:58 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Arsenal secured their first win of the Premier League season in style, defeating Watford 3-1 at Vicarage Road. Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil netted for the Gunners in an impressive away display that kick-started a faltering start to the season. Standard Sport's James Benge assesses the key talking points from the Vicarage Road derby... | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Farsenal-analysis-arsene-wengers-side-look-deadly-without-a-striker-and-shkodran-mustafi-will-do-well-a3331136.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/15/arsenal_celebration_vs_watford.jpg | en | null | Watford 1 Arsenal 3 analysis: Arsene Wenger's side look deadly without a striker, and Shkodran Mustafi will do well to dislodge Rob Holding | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Arsenal secured their first win of the Premier League season in style, defeating Watford 3-1 at Vicarage Road.
Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil netted for the Gunners in an impressive away display that kick-started a faltering start to the season.
Standard Sport's James Benge assesses the key talking points from the Vicarage Road derby...
Mustafi will do well to dislodge Holding
At £35million Shkodran Mustafi looks set to be the third most expensive centre-back in history but don’t expect him to immediately dislodge a player who was relegated from the Championship just a few months ago.
Holding faced another gruelling examination in the form of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo but emerged with his burgeoning reputation further improved. The physicality of Watford’s captain was nothing the youngster couldn’t deal with – indeed on several occasions he was the victor of their aerial tussles.
As for Ighalo, the tone was set early on when he whipped the ball of the Nigerian on a dangerous sally down the left. If this is Holding’s last start for a while at least the 20-year-old can rest assured he did all he could to make his case to Arsene Wenger.
Santi Cazorla is back where he belongs
Whether or not he is Arsenal’s best midfielder could be the subject of intense debate but Cazorla’s key role in the team’s dynamics cannot be doubted. From the moment he hobbled off against Norwich last season Wenger’s side lost their mojo, now that the Spaniard is back to full fitness Arsenal are singing once more.
Aided by the energetic Granit Xhaka he gave Arsenal control and incision, whilst both displayed plenty of energy in the tackle. For all the talk of Wenger’s multitudinous options in central areas the likes of Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey must play very well indeed to wrestle a place from these two.
Strikerless Arsenal look their most deadly yet
The Alexis Sanchez as centre forward experiment was deemed to have failed over the first two games of the season but perhaps it was just that the supporting cast weren’t quite clicking. Today they found a way of making their front four better than the already impressive sum of their parts.
Sanchez in particular looked freed from his positional responsibilities, slipping out to the left and dragging Sebastian Prodl and Younes Kaboul with him. That left space for Mesut Ozil to burst into – just as Wenger has long wanted him to. Elsewhere Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla were flitting into whatever position they could find, leaving Watford’s back three chasing shadows.
This new system reached its pinnacle on Arsenal’s third, where Cazorla and Sanchez doubled up on the left, the latter delivering a cross for Ozil to head home.
Theo Walcott is rediscovering his confidence
The England winger will always be a largely peripheral presence in this Arsenal side, because that is his job. He can’t replicate the one-touch passing of Ozil, Cazorla and Xhaka but today Walcott had the cutting edge that he is all too often missing.
His cross for Sanchez’s goal was just what was required – it may have been his only telling contribution but the timing of the goal knocked the stuffing out of Watford. By contrast it brought the best out of Walcott, who went close both with a snap volley and an impudent chip as confidence flowed through him.
Mazzarri needs to play the players who make his system work
Daryl Janmaat is a high-quality full-back capable of covering an entire flank. Roberto Pererya is just the sort of schemer who can link Deeney and Ighalo with the rest of the side. Both were on the bench at kick-off today.
In their place Mazzarri named Nordin Amrabat, a dangerous wide forward scarcely equipped to deal with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mesut Ozil, and Etienne Capoue. The latter may possess a high-quality engine but he does not have the guile to prise a defence like Arsenal’s apart.
New signings they may be but Pererya in particular has had over a week to work with the squad, why was it he not deemed ready for the start but could be thrown on the break with the game effectively over. It was the same for Janmaat. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-analysis-arsene-wengers-side-look-deadly-without-a-striker-and-shkodran-mustafi-will-do-well-a3331136.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/9dc0b476be42ee8f522f0e27fb1ec14e423a1df16d6c205eb34d73b8df5148f2.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T08:49:43 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Kent police are hunting for a man after two pensioners were tortured with boiling water during a horrific two-hour burglary. In the shocking raid the couple were allegedly tied up in their own home in London Road, Halstead, beaten and scalded with hot water, leaving them hospitalised. Investigating officers have now released a picture of Drew Harris, 26, who they would like to speak to in connection with the incident on April 26. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fkent-police-hunt-man-in-connection-with-horrific-boiling-water-torture-burglary-a3330971.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/09/drew-morris2.jpg | en | null | Kent police hunt man in connection with horrific boiling water torture burglary | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Kent police are hunting for a man after two pensioners were tortured with boiling water during a horrific two-hour burglary.
In the shocking raid the couple were allegedly tied up in their own home in London Road, Halstead, beaten and scalded with hot water, leaving them hospitalised.
Investigating officers have now released a picture of Drew Harris, 26, who they would like to speak to in connection with the incident on April 26.
Officers have advised members of the public to not approach Mr Morris who is believed to have links with Kent, Essex, London and Surrey.
Police appeal: Officers have advised members of the public to not approach Drew Morris (Kent Police)
Kacey Adams, 33, of Covert Road, Hainault, Ilford and Daniel Wallace, 32 and of no fixed address have both been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm, two counts of false imprisonment and aggravated burglary in connection with the incident.
Both men are currently remanded into custody, pending future court dates.
Anyone with any information about Mr Morris’ whereabouts is asked to contact Kent Police by calling 999 or101. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/kent-police-hunt-man-in-connection-with-horrific-boiling-water-torture-burglary-a3330971.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/dabbd839bbe1467c56ad1ed30b7bbc2b363756af420223fa844d4ebf42fdcf82.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:53 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | It’s never been fun selling to the supermarkets. Just when you think you’ve built up a decent relationship with the buyers, they’re moved on and you get another bunch of young shavers on your case, trying to make a name for themselves by squeezing you for more price cuts. But now is as bad as it’s been since the Tesco shenanigans in the bad old days. The reason? That brilliant decision of the British people, including a fair number of my staff, to vote for Brexit. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2Fconfessions-from-the-city-the-supermarket-supplier-a3330436.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/11/shoppingbasket.jpg | en | null | Confessions from the City: The supermarket supplier | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | It’s never been fun selling to the supermarkets. Just when you think you’ve built up a decent relationship with the buyers, they’re moved on and you get another bunch of young shavers on your case, trying to make a name for themselves by squeezing you for more price cuts.
But now is as bad as it’s been since the Tesco shenanigans in the bad old days. The reason? That brilliant decision of the British people, including a fair number of my staff, to vote for Brexit.
You see, we import freshly-made foods entirely from the eurozone, paying for them in sterling, and sell entirely to supermarkets in the UK in pounds and pence. So since that bloody Friday when the referendum result came in, our orders have been costing us an average of 10% more, thanks to the pound’s collapse.
Sure, you can hedge your currency risk, and we’re hedged up to November. But it doesn’t make up all the shortfall, and no economist I’ve read reckons sterling’s going to come roaring back any time soon.
Try telling that to the supermarkets. Tell them you need to pass on the currency hit and they just refuse to take it.
The good news is that I’ve discovered something positive about getting older. These aggressive little squirts might try to play hardball, but I’ve been in the business long enough to know when to call their bluff.
One such arrogant specimen whined at me a couple of weeks back when I said we were going to have put up our prices by 10%: “If you don’t change your minds, we’re switching supplier.”
Thing is, I play golf with his other suppliers, and I know we’re all in the same bloody Brexit boat.
“OK,” I respond sweetly. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.” A few days later (hee-hee!) the same buyer sends me an email agreeing to our new terms.
Having said that, there are less-specialist products we buy from the Continent that our rivals can get in the UK. The quality’s not as good as ours but the buyers don’t care, so we’re kissing goodbye to those contracts. That means two of my lads are likely to lose their jobs.
People always assume Tesco is the worst to deal with. But since the scandal two years ago, it’s been among the better-behaved.
Worse, though, in my view, is Aldi. That’s a shame because it used to be among the fairest. I’ve learned over the years you should pity the most aggressive buyers. If they’re nasty, it usually means their stores are under pressure and they’re worried about their job. So, is Aldi having a stinker dealing with Brexit? | http://www.standard.co.uk/business/confessions-from-the-city-the-supermarket-supplier-a3330436.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/04f914b01c16d8ff8b51dd4b7049d15e0603c5bbafa787c7a724c1fb9b27ea8f.json |
[
"Francesca Gillett"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:56 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | A police officer has apologised after being criticised after posting a selfie as motorists were stuck in 19-mile queues. The M5 motorway ground to a hault on Thursday when a woman threatened to jump off a bridge above it. Sergeant Harry Tangye, a traffic officer from Devon and Cornwall Police, posted a message saying "sorry guys and girls" alongside a picture of himself looking out over the queues near Wellington. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fpolice-officer-apologises-as-motorway-tailback-selfie-sparks-anger-a3330106.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/09/police-selfie.jpg | en | null | Police officer apologises as motorway tailback selfie sparks anger | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A police officer has apologised after being criticised after posting a selfie as motorists were stuck in 19-mile queues.
The M5 motorway ground to a hault on Thursday when a woman threatened to jump off a bridge above it.
Sergeant Harry Tangye, a traffic officer from Devon and Cornwall Police, posted a message saying "sorry guys and girls" alongside a picture of himself looking out over the queues near Wellington.
He was called to the motorway between junctions 26 and 27 near Wellington after reports of a woman threatening to throw herself from the bridge.
Drivers were delayed for hours with some even walking their dogs and playing rugby as police negotiated with the woman, 25, for several hours before bringing her to safety.
But some found Sgt Tangye’s tweet insensitive.
Ross Honnor, an on-call firefighter, said on Twitter: “And you were that concerned with the situation you thought that a selfie would help?”
@DC_ARVSgt and you were that concerned with the situation you thought that a selfie would help ? — Ross Honnor (@honnor3113) August 25, 2016
Sgt Tangye replied with an apology. He said: “My official twitter page updates police issues daily. Sorry you felt it was inappropriate.”
@honnor3113 I My official twitter page updates Police issues daily. Sorry you felt it was inappropriate. — Sgt Harry Tangye (@DC_ARVSgt) August 25, 2016
But Mr Honnor smoothed things over when he apologised to the under-fire police officer and said he was just "sightly puzzled" by the selfie method.
Later yesterday evening, around five hours after the original tweet, Sgt Tangye said: "Well it's been going too well for too long. Busy RTC day. Apologies for any offence. None meant"
Many Twitter users leapt to Sgt Tangye’s defence saying there was "nothing wrong" with the tweet and there was no need to apologise.
@DC_ARVSgt Never apologise for what you do Harry, you make a difference in this tops turvy world. Respect. — Cheshire Girl (@Dl95Ches) August 25, 2016
@DC_ARVSgt would sooner know what the problem is than be just hanging around wondering what's going ob — Tina Ratcliffe (@TinaRat_) August 25, 2016
Nigel Green said the tweet was "perfectly good police/public/media relations" while Mark Twist said the police sergeant showed great compassion."
@DC_ARVSgt Just seen the nonsense about this tweet. Glad to hear the person is safe and hopefully getting the care they desperately need — Emma (@Mookii) August 25, 2016
The incident shut the road at about 11am on Thursday morning causing 19 mile tailbacks which meant many motorists had a delayed start to their bank holiday weekend.
In a statement Avon and Somerset Police apologised for the delay and said the woman was "safe and well" ut was arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. Sgt Tangye said she was given healthcare support.
For confidential support on mental health call the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or attend a local Samaritans branch. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/police-officer-apologises-as-motorway-tailback-selfie-sparks-anger-a3330106.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e5f596263c3f6d6431deffc2a901be59a294b2a80a8937ff531cca9c64ef390a.json |
[
"Robin De Peyer"
] | 2016-08-29T08:50:25 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | A young woman sought to enhance her reputation by offering media outlets a more flattering picture than her police mugshot. Amy Sharp, 18, was sought by police after escaping from a correctional centre in Sydney, Australia. Alongside a statement warning the public that she was at large, police also issued two pictures of her in custody. In the images, she is seen with a morose expression and a blanket draped around her shoulders. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fyoung-woman-offers-media-a-more-flattering-photo-after-police-mugshot-issued-a3331611.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/08/amy2.jpg | en | null | Young woman offers media a more flattering photo after police mugshot issued | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A young woman sought to enhance her reputation by offering media outlets a more flattering picture than her police mugshot.
Amy Sharp, 18, was sought by police after escaping from a correctional centre in Sydney, Australia.
Alongside a statement warning the public that she was at large, police also issued two pictures of her in custody.
In the images, she is seen with a morose expression and a blanket draped around her shoulders.
More flattering: the picture Amy Sharp asked to be used (Facebook)
Both pictures were shared to the Facebook account of 7 News Sydney.
And within minutes, the channel got an unexpected reply from Ms Sharp, who shared a picture of herself and wrote: "can you use this photo, please and thank you. Yours Truly, Amy Sharp xx".
Request: the message sent by Amy Sharp
The comment received more than 60,000 'likes'.
Sharp was later arrested not far from where she escaped and has since been charged with escaping lawful custody as well as an outstanding warrant, the Guardian reported. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/young-woman-offers-media-a-more-flattering-photo-after-police-mugshot-issued-a3331611.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/944137e8dd017fd636f95a92111e5b87998b593581e02c2d04f80b347fc48a45.json |
[
"Dan Jones"
] | 2016-08-30T08:51:10 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Digging through boxes as we cleared out the house, my wife found a glossy A4 booklet, one hundred pages long. A rugby programme. To be precise, her programme from the Second Test between the All Blacks and the British & Irish Lions, from Saturday, July 2, 2005. Most things we pulled from boxes this weekend went into the big red skip out on the drive; but not this. It now sits in front of me as I write, a beautiful scrap of sporting history. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Frugby%2Fdan-jones-british-and-irish-lions-2017-schedule-is-a-mess-but-rugby-should-always-have-a-place-for-a3331986.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/08/gavinhenson3008-0.jpg | en | null | British and Irish Lions 2017 schedule is a mess but rugby should always have a place for them | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Digging through boxes as we cleared out the house, my wife found a glossy A4 booklet, one hundred pages long. A rugby programme. To be precise, her programme from the Second Test between the All Blacks and the British & Irish Lions, from Saturday, July 2, 2005.
Most things we pulled from boxes this weekend went into the big red skip out on the drive; but not this. It now sits in front of me as I write, a beautiful scrap of sporting history.
It’s proof, among other things, that, yes, Gavin Henson really was once a Lions inside-centre. But it is also a timely reminder that Lions tours to New Zealand are rare. Special. And even if they are almost always unsuccessful (1971 excepted), they remain the sporting equivalent of the Madagascar Palm: that peculiar plant which blooms, on average, once in every one hundred years.
We ought to cherish them, nurture them, stop the bloody traffic for them when they happen.
The 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand, however, just seems to strike some people as annoying. The schedule for next year’s tour was released yesterday, listing 10 games over 35 days.
Leading Aviva Premiership coaches immediately attacked, complaining that the tour begins only a week after the conclusion of the domestic season. That will almost certainly mean players setting off in two groups, playing too much rugby during what might otherwise be down-time and spreading themselves perilously thin.
Wasps’ director of rugby Dai Young — a one-time Lion himself — said that 10 games was too many and that it was “dull” scheduling. Saracens’ director of rugby Mark McCall said the schedule was “ludicrous”, but that “no one talks about it because it’s the Lions and the Lions are special”. The implication here is that the Lions are not as special as they think, and that they are taking a liberty with their touring plans.
They are not. The 2017 Lions tour follows almost exactly the same schedule as did the tour in 2005. It begins with a warm-up match on the first Saturday in June, followed by four big provincial games and a match against New Zealand Maori. The three Tests against the All Blacks fall on consecutive Saturdays, beginning with the last weekend of June. In 2005, the Lions played 11 matches on tour. This time there will be one fewer, owing to the lack of a midweek match between the Second and Third Tests.
So the Lions are doing nothing in 2017 that they did not do 12 years ago. What has changed is that club rugby has expanded to fill the month of May.
Compare once again the dates in 2005: then, the Premiership final was played on May 14, a full three weeks before the Lions’ first tour match. The Heineken Cup Final was on Sunday, May 22, but it was an all-French affair between Stade Francais and Toulouse, and of the Lions only Gareth Thomas started the game.
That extra preparation time was not enough to spare Sir Clive Woodward’s Lions a 3-0 beasting. But at least they could prepare to die. Next year they will barely have time to fart in trepidation.
None of this, of course, can now be fixed and 2017 can already be written down as a mess for all concerned.
Partly this is because the Lions are victims of the slow-burn row between clubs and unions about how the rugby world should arrange its international calendar after 2019 to permit a fruitful marriage between domestic seasons and Test matches. This is in turn connected directly to the real and serious issues of player welfare in this biceps-busting professional age, where rugby often resembles 80 minutes of mutually-assured destruction.
The calculus, really, is simple. There is too much rugby and not enough time. No one would invent the sport’s calendar as it now stands. For that matter, no one would now invent the Lions, either. But that does not justify treating the Lions as an annoying archaism, whittling away in the hope that one day they are reduced to nothingness.
The Lions are special, which is precisely why we should talk about them, as long and as loud as we can.
Lewis is way, way ahead
“What? Seriously?” Nico Rosberg’s words on learning Lewis Hamilton had finished third after starting from the back of the grid at the Belgian GP sum up everything Hamilton is doing right now. He’s so hot behind the wheel it’s sometimes hard to believe what we’re watching. Yes, Hamilton had some luck with the way the race unfolded but there’s no one now better able to exploit good fortune. He’s the best driver in the world by a mile. Yes, seriously.
Sam’s not being rash
Sam Allardyce has been taking early pelters for his decision to ask Marcus Rashford to play for the Under-21s and clock international game time, rather than sitting on the bench and coming on for a few minutes, as he has been doing for Manchester United. It’s not hard to understand: Allardyce wants England players who are playing and isn’t interested in hyperbole. In an age of not-so-great English expectation, there’s nothing at all wrong with that.
Tourists on sticky wicket
You have to feel for England’s cricketers who are being asked — however sensitively and gently and non-judgmentally — whether they want to tour Bangladesh. No one can enjoy weighing sporting ambition against their safety and I do not envy any of them in having to make the choice. The only thing worth wishing for is that all the players are genuinely allowed to make the decision they are happiest with, and that the tour passes off peacefully and successfully.
Frimpong’s ‘dench’ mark
Emmanuel Frimpong played his first game for Russian side Arsenal Tula with 'dench' on the back of his shirt. pic.twitter.com/YW4zyXERFM — Dream Team (@dreamteamfc) August 29, 2016
I’ve maintained an interest for years now in the career of former Arsenal starlet and amusing grime herbert Emmanuel ‘Stay Dench’ Frimpong and it’s too late to give up. Very pleasing, therefore, to see that Frimpong is staying true to himself at his new Russian club, Arsenal Tula, and has ‘Dench’ on the back of his shirt instead of his name. He has, quite literally, stayed Dench, just like he said he would. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/dan-jones-british-and-irish-lions-2017-schedule-is-a-mess-but-rugby-should-always-have-a-place-for-a3331986.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f692d84e388f8bc6cb2282112a733e3f6d501e7a3b424636ea117b52e17aad8d.json |
[
"Robin De Peyer"
] | 2016-08-29T14:50:29 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | More than 300 reindeer have been killed by a lightning strike in a freak natural disaster in Norway. The animals' carcasses were seen strewn across a mouintain plateau in eerie images released after the strike. The Norwegian Environment Agency said a total of 323 animal were killed in the lightning storm on Friday. Seventy calves were among the dead. Agency spokesman Kjartan Knutsen said it is not uncommon for reindeer or other wildlife to be killed by lightning strikes, "but we have not heard about such numbers before." | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fmore-than-300-reindeer-killed-by-lightning-strike-in-freak-disaster-a3331741.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/14/reindeer.jpg | en | null | More than 300 reindeer killed by lightning strike in freak disaster | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | More than 300 reindeer have been killed by a lightning strike in a freak natural disaster in Norway.
The animals' carcasses were seen strewn across a mouintain plateau in eerie images released after the strike.
The Norwegian Environment Agency said a total of 323 animal were killed in the lightning storm on Friday. Seventy calves were among the dead.
Agency spokesman Kjartan Knutsen said it is not uncommon for reindeer or other wildlife to be killed by lightning strikes, "but we have not heard about such numbers before."
Some of the bodies of the dead reindeer in Norway (AFP/Getty)
He said reindeer tend to stay very close to each other in bad weather, which could explain how so many were killed at once.
The aftermath of the deadly strike (EPA)
Thousands of reindeer migrate across the barren Hardanangervidda plateau as the seasons change.
Authorities are now working to decide on what to do with the animals, which would normally be left as they are in order for nature to take its course. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/more-than-300-reindeer-killed-by-lightning-strike-in-freak-disaster-a3331741.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ad5c4ff1bd162547780eb06c9930ea20ff08b8a97e18393fe987f7ecae2ca4b0.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-28T14:50:13 | null | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | West Ham fans were fearing for the future of Dimitri Payet after Slaven Bilic's team for the Premier League clash with Manchester City was announced on Sunday. Payet, who has been nursing a minor injury, had been expected to return to the squad, but Bilic revealed on Friday both he and Manuel Lanzini were 'big question marks'. “Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, we’re going to know more on Saturday," the West Ham boss said on Friday, | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwest-hams-dimitri-payet-is-leaving-hammers-fans-react-as-star-is-left-out-against-manchester-city-a3331441.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/08/10/slaven-bilic-dimitri-payet-west-ham.jpg | en | null | 'West Ham's Dimitri Payet is leaving' - Hammers fans react to star's absence from Manchester City squad | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | West Ham fans were fearing for the future of Dimitri Payet after Slaven Bilic's team for the Premier League clash with Manchester City was announced on Sunday.
Payet, who has been nursing a minor injury, had been expected to return to the squad, but Bilic revealed on Friday both he and Manuel Lanzini were 'big question marks'.
“Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, we’re going to know more on Saturday," the West Ham boss said on Friday,
"Maybe one of them will be in the squad for Sunday’s game [against Manchester City].
"We still have one training session, but the situation is that after this game we have a couple of weeks and the temptation is not to play them because is it worth the risk?"
And Payet was indeed left out as Lanzini made the bench for the trip to City, prompting Hammers fans take to Twitter to raise their concerns given Payet's inclusion in France's squad for the forthcoming international break.
Check out their reactions below
@jsullivanwhu seems strange, #Payet suffered injury that wasn't reported immediately,still not named on bench but in French squad #ForSale? — John Brittaine (@Hammertime4u) August 28, 2016
And no update on Payet still not playing @BroadcastMoose I told you he was going.. — Sam Harris (@samuelmharris) August 28, 2016
Praying that Payet still has an injury from the Chelsea game and that he's not leaving — junior Gilz (@fin_gilmour) August 28, 2016
Is Payet actually leaving West Ham or is still an injury?! — Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) August 28, 2016 | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-hams-dimitri-payet-is-leaving-hammers-fans-react-as-star-is-left-out-against-manchester-city-a3331441.html | en | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ad5c2c21e542ee2feb32beacd12f03509844fb7113560a341e382ce288f32eb8.json |
[
"Melisha Kaur"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:18 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | If you’re part of the beauty-obsessed bunch who want to be first to know about the hottest new hair, makeup and skincare releases, then it’s time to sign up for a monthly beauty box. These special little packages contain the latest cosmetics worth knowing about in full-size and sample versions, so you can spend less time wandering up and down the cosmetic isles and more time pampering yourself at home. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshopping%2Fesbest%2Ffashion-beauty%2Fbest-beauty-subscription-boxes-uk-monthly-makeup-look-fantastic-a3330486.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/12/birchbox.jpg | en | null | The best beauty subscription boxes | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | If you’re part of the beauty-obsessed bunch who want to be first to know about the hottest new hair, makeup and skincare releases, then it’s time to sign up for a monthly beauty box.
These special little packages contain the latest cosmetics worth knowing about in full-size and sample versions, so you can spend less time wandering up and down the cosmetic isles and more time pampering yourself at home.
Whether you’re in search of the prettiest nail polishes of the season, a skincare brand with a difference or a new signature scent, there are plenty of beauty subscription box services to suit different needs and budgets.
Here’s our guide to the best ones.
1. Birchbox
Birchbox, the UK's very first beauty subscription box, packs the essentials you didn’t know you needed into a pretty-looking parcel and sends it your way. Subscribers can look forward to brands such as Tarte Cosmetics, Essie, Stila and Philip Kingsley. The package can also be personalised to suit your skin type, hair type and beauty style.
From £10 per month, Birchbox, Buy it now
2. Glossybox
This charming pink box is something we can see arriving at the home of Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods. Not only do you receive five must-have products, but there are also tips and tricks from the Glossybox beauty experts. Expect brands like MUA, Clarins, Maybelline and Nails Inc. Finished with a hand-tied ribbon, it makes a perfect gift for yourself or someone special.
From £10 per month, Glossybox, Buy it now
3. Look Fantastic Beauty Box
With six products worth up to £50, Look Fantastic’s Beauty Box is a real bang-for-your-buck option that doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. It’s beautifully packaged and offers skin, hair and makeup products from brands including Benefit, Eve Lom and Bloom and Blossom. The celebration editions, such as the Best of British box (pictured), feature special designs, premium items and an extra little treat like an Elle Magazine issue.
From £11.25 per month, Look Fantastic, Buy it now
4. LoveLula Beauty Box
If you prefer your cosmetics to be made with only the purest ingredients, then this is the one for you. Ideal for those with sensitive skin types, it includes a mixture of sample, trial and full-size products from premium organic brands such as REN Skincare, Zoya, EcoTools and Dr. Hauschka. The packaging isn’t the most extravagant, but it gets the job done and is totally recyclable.
From £12.50 per month, LoveLula, Buy it now
5. Nailbox
Here’s the box that every mani-addict needs in their life. Nailbox aims to fuel your obsession by sending 3-4 hot shades of the season each month, with popular nail polish brands like Rimmel, Nails Inc, Orly and Essie. There’s also a useful tool or treatment in every package such as a cuticle nipper, nail scissors and top coat.
From £13.50 per month, Nailbox, Buy it now
6. The Perfume Society Discovery Box
Finding your perfect scent just got easier with The Perfume Society’s monthly Discovery Box. This generous package, which can be bought as a one-off, is filled with samples of the latest perfumes from brands including Miu Miu, Prada and Jimmy Choo. Subscribers are also treated to sample-sized skincare extras like moisturiser. One of our favourite parts is the helpful smelling notes for each scent.
From £12.50 per month, The Perfume Society, Buy it now
7. Love Me Beauty
If you know what kind of products you’re after, then the Love Me Beauty box is your best bet. It’s slightly different from the others in our edit, as it provides the option to pick what items you’d like in your box and most of these come in full size. Choose from a wide variety of tailored product recommendations from brands like Nuxe, Lord & Berry and Murad.
From £10 per month, Love Me Beauty, Buy it now
VERDICT: While natural beauty lovers are best suited to LoveLula and the mani-obsessed can feed their addition with Nailbox, our top choice would have to be the Look Fantastic Beauty Box. Its value of £50 and Instagrammable packaging makes it a steal at just £11.25 per month.
Follow us on Twitter @ESLifeandStyle and on Facebook
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/fashion-beauty/best-beauty-subscription-boxes-uk-monthly-makeup-look-fantastic-a3330486.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/7807899b2e444dabf99bb0212f4bb950c33045cd09ccf93f53c0fe1e8a61c753.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-30T14:51:08 | null | 2016-08-13T00:00:00 | Werder Bremen have confirmed that they are in talks with Arsenal over bringing in Serge Gnabry, but insist Bayern Munich will have no input into the deal. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Farsenal-transfer-news-werder-bremen-intend-to-sign-serge-gnabry-without-bayern-munich-influence-a3332571.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/13/21/serge-gnabry.jpg | en | null | Serge Gnabry to Bayern Munich: Werder Bremen intend to sign Arsenal winger without Bavarian 'influence' | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Werder Bremen have confirmed that they are in talks with Arsenal over bringing in Serge Gnabry, but insist Bayern Munich will have no input into the deal.
It was reported earlier today that Bayern were plotting a shock swoop for the German youth international, with the intention of subsequently loaning him on to Werder.
Gnabry, whose contract at Arsenal expires at the end of the season, has attracted the interest of several Bundesliga sides after his exploits at the Olympics. The 21-year-old scored six goals for the eventual silver medallists.
But Bremen are confident that they will get their man, and sporting director Frank Baumann insisted they wouldn’t need Bayern’s help to get him.
“Serge Gnabry would like to play for us,” he told a press conference. “Talks with Arsenal are going well.
“Bayern Munich have no influence on a potential transfer… We’ve agreed terms with the player and we’re confident that the transfer will go ahead.
“If the Gnabry deal doesn’t go through, which I don’t expect to happen, we won’t be doing any more business.
“We have basically reached an agreement with Arsenal, but nothing is signed yet.”
Arsene Wenger said two weeks ago that he hopes to extend Gnabry’s deal at the Emirates and he is unlikely to sanction a departure unless a sizeable fee is offered.
Joel Campbell was sent on loan to Sporting partly to free up a squad space for Gnabry, who first rose to prominence at just 18 years of age, making nine league appearances in the 2013/14 season. A severe injury hampered the youngster’s progress whilst a loan spell at West Brom last season yielded just six minutes of Premier League action. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-transfer-news-werder-bremen-intend-to-sign-serge-gnabry-without-bayern-munich-influence-a3332571.html | en | 2016-08-13T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/14be8bad90e058bda43aea8d6c17e35a7c9661787589e8abe24575c6f96150f2.json |
[
"Ben Olins",
"Jane Smillie"
] | 2016-08-26T16:49:34 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Harlow’s public art There are 84 pieces of public art dotted across this post-war Essex new town. An early Barbara Hepworth is positioned on a housing estate, Lynn Chadwick’s Trigon in a shopping precinct and Elizabeth Frink’s Boar stands in a pool in front of the civic centre, inside which is Henry Moore’s Harlow Family Group. A map of Harlow’s sculpture can be downloaded from visitessex.com – or pick one up at The Gibberd Gallery. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Ftravel%2F10-of-the-best-day-trips-within-an-hour-of-london-a3330161.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/12/an105138162a-spectacular-vi.jpg | en | null | 10 of the best day trips within an hour of London | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Harlow’s public art
There are 84 pieces of public art dotted across this post-war Essex new town. An early Barbara Hepworth is positioned on a housing estate, Lynn Chadwick’s Trigon in a shopping precinct and Elizabeth Frink’s Boar stands in a pool in front of the civic centre, inside which is Henry Moore’s Harlow Family Group.
A map of Harlow’s sculpture can be downloaded from visitessex.com – or pick one up at The Gibberd Gallery.
Civic Centre, the Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex (01279 446404; gibberdgallery.co.uk).
Get there: Trains run from Liverpool Street to Harlow Town (30 minutes).
Box Hill
In the Surrey Hills, on the North Downs, this is an idyllic spot for kite-flying, butterfly-spotting, woodland walks and picnics (as in Jane Austen’s Emma, “everybody had a burst of admiration on first arriving” at Box Hill). It’s also a place to spot wild box trees, more commonly seen as manicured hedges. And there’s Olympic-level cycling too on the Zig Zag Road, which was considered the most gruelling stage of the London 2012 road race cycling event.
Get there: Trains run from Waterloo to Box Hill and Westhumble (60 minutes).
Hatfield House
Much more than just a house (vast, Jacobean), it’s also a palace (substantial, Tudor), gardens (large) and park (huge). Hatfield House is the “new” part, completed in 1611 by Robert Cecil, first Earl of Salisbury, whose heirs still live a short walk away in the Old Palace, where Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood.
The House contains the Virgin Queen’s Rainbow portrait and other items associated with her, while tucked away behind the Old Palace are a restaurant and shops.
Hatfield, Hertfordshire (01707 287010; hatfield-house.co.uk).
Get there: Trains run from King’s Cross to Hatfield (25 minutes).
Cambridge
The river Cam (VisitEngland/Iain Lewis)
A day spent aimlessly in this charming city is not one that’s wasted. Its modest scale makes it eminently walkable, which means it’s easy to admire lovely college buildings before wending your way to the waters of the Cam.
Elsewhere, there’s year-round appeal at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, with plenty to see in the glasshouses and in the wider garden, where seasonal trails guide visitors to the best displays. Within the Fitzwilliam Museum, a monumental neo-classical structure, you’ll find Egyptian relics, illuminated manuscripts, weaponry and paintings, while admirers of the age of adventure will be thrilled by the Polar Museum, which vividly illustrates the misery endured by Scott, Shackleton and those who later trod in their icy footsteps.
Get there: Trains run from King’s Cross to Cambridge (50 minutes).
Bekonscot Model Village
The world’s oldest model village, opened in the late 1920s, still seems redolent of more innocent times. There are no binge-drinkers, nor out-of-town shopping centres; instead the visitor follows a path that passes village greens and thriving high streets, farms, grand houses, a zoo — there’s even a fire brigade extinguishing a blaze in a thatched roof. A tiny railway is dwarfed by shrubs that line the track; another larger railway transports visitors around the village’s perimeter.
Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire (01494 672919; bekonscot.co.uk).
Get there: Trains run from Marylebone to Beaconsfield (30 minutes).
Leigh-on-Sea
Leigh-onSea
Living in the shadow of Southend has been good to Leigh. With crowds drawn to its larger neighbour, this small estuary town has been able to keep its focus on sailing and fishing. This is best seen in the pubs, restaurants, fish and chip shops and cockle sheds of Old Leigh, the charming seafront side of town.
A few hundred metres up steep hills and steps is The Broadway, the town’s main area for shopping and eating — try The Sand Bar for keenly priced local seafood. The Cappuccino Café and Bakery has a name that requires no further description, save that both aspects are excellent. Atelier Gallery displays an interesting mix of mid-century furniture at fair prices and exhibitions of painting, sculpture and printmaking.
Get there: Trains run from Fenchurch Street to Leigh-on-Sea (40 minutes).
Chislehurst Caves
Guided tours of this 22ft network of manmade tunnels are enjoyably amateurish, making fun theatre of the dank and dark environment. The emphasis is on supernatural speculation, but the Caves’ real history — wartime refuge, rock’n’roll venue in the 1960s and ’70s, and a chalk and flint mine from at least the 13th century — is every bit as fascinating. The tunnels are quite spacious, but claustrophobics may wish to give it a miss. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Caveside Close, Old Hill, Chislehurst, Ken (020 8467 3264; chislehurst-caves.co.uk).
Get there: Trains run from Charing Cross to Chislehurst (35 minutes).
Higgins Bedford
The Higgins Bedford museum (Neil McAllister/Alamy)
Formed from the Victorian home of the Higgins family and the brewery that made their fortune, Higgins Bedford is an ambitious project that’s not entirely satisfactory in its implementation, but the works on show make it worth travelling to.
The collections encompass fine and decorative art, social history and archaeology. Perhaps of most interest to out-of-town visitors are the significant holdings of work by Edward Bawden and William Burges, the latter a 19th-century architect and designer. The Sleeping Beauty Bed and Zodiac Settle, wildly exotic painted furniture designed for Burges’s own use, are particularly startling in their extravagance.
Castle Lane, Bedford, Bedfordshire (01234 718618; thehigginsbedford.org.uk).
Get there: Trains run from St Pancras to Bedford (35 minutes), a 20-minute walk away.
Bookham Common
Bookham Common in Surrey (National Trust Images/Joe Cornish)
These substantial ancient commons are home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Purple Emperor butterfly. There are trails for walkers and cyclists that take into account differing energy levels, guiding the visitor through marshes, woodland, glades and past ponds.
Get there: Trains run from Waterloo to Bookham (50 minutes).
Battlesbridge Antiques Centre
If the hunt gives you as much pleasure as the catch, head to this village, which has around 80 dealers in antiques and collectables. With so much to look at, the promise of treasure is always there and perseverance — plus a bit of luck — usually pays off. The mid-20th century is best represented, with furniture, clothes, records and homewares, but you’ll find older items too. On Sundays, the small motorbike museum is well worth the £1 admission fee.
The Old Granary, Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge, Essex (01268 769000; battlesbridge.com).
Get there: Trains run from Liverpool Street to Battlesbridge (45 minutes).
This is an edited extract from How to Get Out of London Without Really Trying, published by Herb Lester Associates, £10 | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/10-of-the-best-day-trips-within-an-hour-of-london-a3330161.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/155c4165a3918f972317ab8820c3115ef529515e85ff4a003ba6ace71851c59b.json |
[
"Tom Collomosse"
] | 2016-08-30T18:51:03 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Alex Hales posted the highest one-day international score by an England batsman as the team broke the world record in this format on a remarkable day at Trent Bridge. Hales has struggled in Test cricket this summer, failing to make a century in seven matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but he put those difficulties behind him to inspire England to 444 for three – the best total in the history of 50-over cricket. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fengland-vs-pakistan-alex-hales-hits-171-as-hosts-set-new-odi-record-a3332736.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/18/alex-hales.jpg | en | null | England vs Pakistan: Alex Hales hits 171 as hosts set new ODI record | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Alex Hales posted the highest one-day international score by an England batsman as the team broke the world record in this format on a remarkable day at Trent Bridge.
Hales has struggled in Test cricket this summer, failing to make a century in seven matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but he put those difficulties behind him to inspire England to 444 for three – the best total in the history of 50-over cricket.
With England leading the five-match series 2-0, Hales quickly launched into the untidy Pakistan bowling. He was eventually out for 171 – one ball after he had broken Robin Smith’s 23-year-old record – compiled from 122 deliveries, including 22 fours and four sixes.
Hales’ effort was supported by Joe Root, who made 85 from 86 deliveries, and Jos Buttler, who made 90 from 51 balls. Buttler reached 50 from just 22 deliveries – the quickest by an England player – after taking 25 from a single over from Shoaib Malik, including four sixes. Eoin Morgan bludgeoned 57 not out from 27.
Hales had substantial luck in his innings but he will argue he deserved it. He might have sensed it would be his day, indeed, when his first runs – a four through the covers – were aided by some dreadful fielding. It set the tone, as Pakistan were a rabble throughout the England innings.
When he had made 59, Hales breathed a sigh of relief after a top-edge fell between three fielders close to third man. On 72, Hales drilled the ball into the hands of deep backward square-leg – only to be reprieved because Wahab Riaz had bowled a no-ball.
The century was celebrated extravagantly, as Hales bellowed his celebration and raced halfway back to the pavilion. The 150 mark came and went and when he was eventually out, lbw to Hasan Ali, he appeared on target for a double-hundred.
Root fell soon afterwards, caught behind off the left-arm spin of Mohammad Nawaz, but this was his fifth half-century in succession in the 50-over game.
Eoin Morgan – who claimed a 24-ball fifty – and Buttler soon regained the initiative, with the latter’s innings containing seven sixes and seven fours.
Look how @josbuttler secured history for this brilliant England team #getinthere https://t.co/7DzrRlUcdf — England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2016
The pair added 161 from only 12 overs for the fourth wicket as England sailed past the record, leaving Pakistan needing an improbable 445 for victory.
It was miserable for Pakistan. Like Hales, Buttler was given a life when Wahab overstepped again, this time when the batsman had 75. Wahab conceded 110 runs from his 10 overs, the second-most expensive figures in one-day history.
The team record arrived from the final delivery when Buttler pounded a four off Hasan Ali over extra-cover, to loud cheers. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-vs-pakistan-alex-hales-hits-171-as-hosts-set-new-odi-record-a3332736.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/6bb15fb2f263ced73191c4e00e07e5c484d376d67a48e1eb6c4d8d0108b21df5.json |
[
"Vaishali Bhardwaj"
] | 2016-08-27T20:50:19 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Burnley boss Sean Dyche has admitted the gulf in class between his side and Chelsea contributed to the Clarets' 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Superb first half goals from Eden Hazard and Willian and a late Victor Moses strike brought Burnley crashing back down following their morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the league last weekend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fchelsea-were-too-strong-for-burnley-in-30-win-admits-clarets-boss-sean-dyche-a3331226.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/20/dyche.jpg | en | null | Chelsea 3-0 Burnley: Blues were 'too strong' in 3-0 win, admits Clarets boss Sean Dyche | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Burnley boss Sean Dyche has admitted the gulf in class between his side and Chelsea contributed to the Clarets' 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Superb first half goals from Eden Hazard and Willian and a late Victor Moses strike brought Burnley crashing back down following their morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the league last weekend.
Dyche admitted after his side's comprehensive defeat in west London on Saturday that Chelsea were just too strong for his team, and admitted his players had perhaps been distracted by their famous win against Jurgen Klopp's side last week.
"First half was probably as poor as we've been in a year, I think, but against a very strong group," Dyche said.
"You don't have to look much behind the subs they brought on to realise how strong they are. There's a huge gulf between where we are as a club and this club, but when the whistle blows, you want to be ready to perform, and we weren't.
"We didn't perform well at all in the first half, and you simply can't do that. Add in some really poor decisions against a really strong side, and you're going to be in trouble, and we were."
Speaking to BBC Sport, he added: "Our lads got sucked in from the result [against Liverpool] a little bit last week, thought you can come here [but] it's a different stadium."
Dyche was also asked about the impact of new Chelsea coach Antonio Conte on the club's improved form this season, which has seen the Blues enjoy a 100 per cent record in the Premier League so far this term.
Dyche had used Conte as an example before the season began of a foreign coach whose vigorous fitness methods would be accepted in England but said he would instead be labelled a "dinosaur" if he employed similar training regimes.
Conte dismissed those comments on Friday and, when Dyche was asked about the Italian's early success at Chelsea so far, he said: "The difference the manager has made is they have five men at the back and then five at the front.
"And [N'Golo] Kante who covered every single area of the pitch." | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-were-too-strong-for-burnley-in-30-win-admits-clarets-boss-sean-dyche-a3331226.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/928a2fd6f0dafaa791d2ae793185096efb043edb4c64dd0bf1a34f6747c549c1.json |
[
"Ben Morgan"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:34 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | The Mayor of Dover was at the centre of a storm today after being caught on camera snorting a white substance inside a toilet cubicle. Footage posted online shows Neil Rix telling a man to close the door behind him before snorting the substance. Mr Rix tells the unidentified man: “Don’t let anyone come... shut that door.” He adds: “Don’t want anyone seeing councillor Rix doing this.” In the 67-second clip posted on YouTube, Mr Rix says: “You see what’s there?” The man replies: “Yeah, you do the big one,” and Mr Rix adds: “Are you sure?” | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk%2Fmayor-of-dover-filmed-snorting-white-substance-in-toilet-cubicle-a3333381.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/11/mayor1.jpg | en | null | Mayor of Dover filmed snorting white substance in toilet cubicle | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The Mayor of Dover was at the centre of a storm today after being caught on camera snorting a white substance inside a toilet cubicle.
Footage posted online shows Neil Rix telling a man to close the door behind him before snorting the substance.
Mr Rix tells the unidentified man: “Don’t let anyone come... shut that door.” He adds: “Don’t want anyone seeing councillor Rix doing this.”
In the 67-second clip posted on YouTube, Mr Rix says: “You see what’s there?”
The man replies: “Yeah, you do the big one,” and Mr Rix adds: “Are you sure?”
Mr Rix told the Press Association he was drunk, the victim of a blackmail plot and had been coerced when the incident was filmed around six years ago, but he insisted he would not step down as mayor of Dover.
He said: “I just feel I have let down my family but I will get over it. I have had a lot of support from friends and family, people that know me.”
He said he was not a drug user, insisting he was “dead against” drug taking, and he was not sure what type of substance he snorted or where it was filmed.
He said: “I have never done it before. I was drunk. What happened happened. I don’t know what it was I was putting up my nose. It could have been sherbet for all I know.”
He admitted it was him in the footage but insisted it was not a resigning issue.
Asked whether he would be quitting, he said: “No, I’m not at all. I’m not standing down.”
He said he had been told the name of the man who had filmed and released the footage.
Born and bred in Dover, Mr Rix was made mayor of the town in May. He is the youngest of 11 brothers and sisters, and founded a scaffolding and demolition firm.
In his first speech as mayor, he said his top priority was to encourage local employers to invest more in the town and increase involvement in community life.
In front of a 200-strong gathering of local people and dignitaries, he said: “This is a huge honour and I am determined to work my hardest and do my very best for the town.”
In a statement, Dover Town Council said: “We are aware of a video being posted on YouTube of Neil Rix, town mayor of Dover.
“The video and the circumstances in which it has been posted are ambiguous. We will not allow the current speculation to stand in the way of the work of the mayor and Dover Town Council.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/mayor-of-dover-filmed-snorting-white-substance-in-toilet-cubicle-a3333381.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c28913efaf5de426612986e94b2ada12f1fc5f06b2d993fe57bd422021d34004.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:22 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | Hundreds of thousands of revellers are expected to descend on Notting Hill Carnival today as police vow to crackdown on crime at the festival. Two million people will flock to the area for the annual carnival in west London - which is the world's second biggest after Rio de Janeiro's. Today’s “family day” aimed at entertaining younger festival-goers will be followed by the main parade tomorrow. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fnotting-hill-carnival-2016-police-vow-crackdown-on-crime-as-thousands-set-to-descend-on-festival-a3331286.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/25/16/nottinghillcarnivalyears03.jpg | en | null | Notting Hill Carnival 2016: Thousands set to descend on festival as police vow crime crackdown | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Hundreds of thousands of revellers are expected to descend on Notting Hill Carnival today as police vow to crackdown on crime at the festival.
Two million people will flock to the area for the annual carnival in west London - which is the world's second biggest after Rio de Janeiro's.
Today’s “family day” aimed at entertaining younger festival-goers will be followed by the main parade tomorrow.
Ahead of the weekend, some residents demanded that organisers move the festival elsewhere as they boarded up their homes and prepared to leave London ahead of the street party.
Those living near the procession route said they were fed up with the “hassle” of spending hundreds of pounds protecting their homes and gardens each year.
Police officers with special skills for recognising the faces of offenders will be monitoring Notting Hill Carnival in a crackdown on crime.
The "super-recognisers" will be inside a CCTV control room seeking out both offenders committing crimes and anyone with bail conditions which ought to stop them from attending the event.
It is one of a number of measures the Met will be taking to ensure visitors from all over the country can stay safe and enjoy themselves during the carnival, which will be marking its 50th anniversary on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
Sunday will start at 10.30am with the colourful parade for Children's Day, and Monday will be the traditional Grand Finale.
Businesses board up shop fronts ahead of Notting Hill Carnival
The force will also be trialling a facial recognition system to help identify wanted offenders, by using cameras which scan the faces of those passing by and flag up potential matches against a database of custody images.
London's "threat level" has been set at "severe" for some time now and the police are urging all those planning to attend the carnival to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.
Over the last week, police have arrested 215 people they believe planned to use the carnival as a cover for committing crime or violence. More than 200 search warrants were also made.
Notting Hill Carnival over the years - In pictures
30 show all Notting Hill Carnival over the years - In pictures
1/30 1972 Charlie Gillett/Redferns
2/30 1975 Richard Braine/PYMCA/Rex
3/30 1976 Hulton Archive/Getty Images
4/30 1977 Associated Newspaper
5/30 1977 Daily Mail
6/30 1978 Frank Barratt/Getty Images
7/30 1978 Bill Johnson/Associated Newspapers
8/30 1978 Frank Barratt/Evening Standard
9/30 1980 Stuart Nicol/Evening Standard
10/30 1980 Evening Standard
11/30 1980 Evening Standard
12/30 1983 Peter Anderson/PYMCA/Rex
13/30 1984 John Minihan/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
14/30 1994 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
15/30 1994 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
16/30 1995 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
17/30 2001 Oli Scarff/Getty Images
18/30 2003 Scott Barbour/Getty Images
19/30 2004 Graeme Robertson/Getty Images
20/30 2005 Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images
21/30 2005 Chris Jackson/Getty Images
22/30 2006 Miles Willis/Getty Images
23/30 2006 Miles Willis/Getty Images
24/30 2006 Miles Willis/Getty Images
25/30 2006 Chris Jackson/Getty Images
26/30 2007 Chris Jackson/Getty Images
27/30 2009 Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
28/30 2012 Oli Scarff/Getty Images
29/30 2015 Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
30/30 2015 Daniel C Sims/Getty Images
Although the arrests were mostly for drugs-related offences, officers have also taken six firearms and 50 rounds of ammunition, as well as a number of knives and machetes from the streets. Three motor vehicles and £30,000 were also seized.
Superintendent Robyn Williams said: "This weekend is the highlight of the year, not only for the Caribbean community, but also for many visitors from London and the rest of the country.
"The Met has worked hard to ensure that Carnival is a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone who attends and I would ask all carnival-goers to enjoy this family event and make sure that you follow officers' and stewards' instructions."
Police have also asked people to be on the lookout for a missing teenager, who they believe may attend the carnival;
Missing: Veronica Sbircea
Veronica Sbircea, 15, was last seen around Brixton Road in south London on the afternoon of Thursday July 28.
Veronica, who sometimes goes by the name of Rachel, went missing from Kettering, Northamptonshire, but is originally from London. She is described as white, 5ft and with long straight black hair and brown eyes.
Detective Inspector Stuart Hitchon of Northants Police said: "It's very concerning that for someone who is very active on social media and was seen on public transport several times in the 24 hours before she went missing, there is absolutely nothing since. This clear absence of any activity is very worrying and we really need her to make contact." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/notting-hill-carnival-2016-police-vow-crackdown-on-crime-as-thousands-set-to-descend-on-festival-a3331286.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/d312d68cf3a93b504e09deacd3abf720068de8f61f9b126cf6a46e0c22e6669d.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:02 | null | 2016-07-26T00:00:00 | Sam Allardyce is prepared to fall out with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho or any other manager when it comes to getting the players he wants for his England team. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fsam-allardyce-prepared-to-fall-out-with-manchester-uniteds-jose-mourinho-over-callups-a3331301.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/26/10/allardyce2607.jpg | en | null | Sam Allardyce prepared to fall out with Manchester United's Jose Mourinho over call-ups | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Sam Allardyce is prepared to fall out with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho or any other manager when it comes to getting the players he wants for his England team.
Allardyce - who took over from Roy Hodgson this summer - will name his first England squad on Sunday evening, and is expected to include United left-back Luke Shaw, who is back in form after missing almost all of last season through injury.
Mourinho might be keen to let the 21-year-old rest, but Allardyce is not concerned.
"I will speak to Jose," he said in several national newspapers. "We've got on well together, but when you're having a conversation with an international manager, we all know the difficulties of the past.
"So, I'm not saying we won't have a fall-out now and again because we're both passionate about what we do. There may be a time when it gets a bit sticky, when he doesn't agree with me or I don't agree with him. Hopefully that's miles away."
While Shaw is line for a recall, there are several other question marks over Allardyce's squad.
Phil Jagielka, Danny Drinkwater and Andros Townsend could all return, while Jermain Defoe - who worked with Allardyce at Sunderland last season - is under consideration.
Joe Hart will be included but, after being dropped by Manchester City, is not guaranteed to play.
"Obviously Joe's not playing, Jack Butland is injured and there's only Fraser (Forster) who's playing at Southampton on a regular basis," Allardyce said of his goalkeepers. "That's a bit of a dilemma."
Allardyce also revealed he had looked into including Frenchman Steven N'Zonzi in his England squad, but learned the Sevilla midfielder - linked with Leicester - is not eligible.
Allardyce signed N'Zonzi for Blackburn in 2009 and was approached by the player's father, who wanted to know if his six years in England with Rovers and Stoke opened the door.
The England hopefuls under the microscope
15 show all The England hopefuls under the microscope
1/15 Theo Walcott Arsenal’s infuriating wideman-cum-striker was left out of Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad with good reason after so much under-achievement. That said, his pace might have provided an out-ball as the team struggled for creativity in France. But Theo is so erratic. He missed a penalty then scored within 68 seconds against Liverpool in Arsenal’s first game when he started on the right. But then he frustrated the travelling fans yet again in the dull goalless draw against Leicester. Allardyce might think he can get the best out of him – then again he might think he’s had enough chances already. Arsenal FC via Getty Images
2/15 John Terry Big Sam has quite sensibly floated the idea of luring Terry back to international football. It is believed the 35-year-old will resist any overtures to concentrate on his Chelsea career after being granted a one-year deal earlier in the summer. He’d love to win another 12 months too so you can see the thinking. But oh how desperately England have missed Terry’s defensive strength and anticipation and his big character. Euro 2016 might have been a different story if he had been around and Russia hadn’t claimed their damaging late equaliser. Would be a great influence on John Stones, too. AFP/Getty Images
3/15 Wayne Rooney That cross for Zlatan Ibrahimovich’s opening headed goal against Southampton for Manchester United at Old Trafford was an early season reminder of Rooney’s class. Allardyce hasn’t yet announced whether he will retain the England captaincy but his praise for Rooney has been effusive since he took on the England job. Without doubt, he remains England’s most intelligent footballer as well as the nation’s most successful goalscorer. And he will surely benefit now from coming under Jose Mourinho’s wing. OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images
4/15 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain A serious knee injury last February and another setback in May ended all hope of Oxlade-Chamberlain making it to the Euros. He probabaly wouldn’t have made it, anyway. Like his club-mate Walcott, injuries and inconsistency remain the key themes of his career. Came on as a sub to score Arsenal’s second in the 4-3 home defeat by Liverpool and was then taken off after 78 minutes at Leicester – an indication perhaps that he still needs match sharpness after his long lay-off. Not one this time for Big Sam unless he does something sensational at Watford. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
5/15 Andros Townsend He has been feeling his way in gently to his new surroundings at Crystal Palace but has yet to make a major impact as his new side have lost both their Premier League matches. But he has long-range goals within him and he has delivered at times for England. Worth more of a punt out wide for Allardyce than north London rival Walcott. AFP/Getty Images
6/15 Jermain Defoe He is 33 now but you wonder if he will ever stop scoring goals. Sunderland have recognised how his livewire talent endures by this summer awarding him a new contract that takes him up until 2019. Allardyce will recognise that ability, of course. Defoe scored 15 league goals as Big Sam kept the Wearsiders up last season, including the winner against Chelsea in May which hoisted them out of the bottom three. Scored at Manchester City this season so yet again, his ratio so far is one in two. If Allardyce wants insurance on the bench in case things get tricky in any qualifying ties, Defoe is the man. Getty Images
7/15 Mark Noble The West Ham midfielder says he learned a lot about the skills of captaincy by studying his former team-mate, Kevin Nolan – who of course, is has been one of Big Sam’s stalwart servants. Allardyce will know all about Noble’s consistency, strength of spirit and tenacity, anyway after his four years in charge at Upton Park when Noble cemented his place as one of the club’s greatest crowd favourites. Some think his game lacks the sparkle required for international football. What? That is not England’s concern just now. The basics are, however. Allardyce wants to get rid of England’s culture of under-achievement and such a recognisably responsible player as Noble can help make that happen. A new face in the squad would help declare the new era, too. Michael Regan/Getty Images
8/15 Danny Drinkwater A new five-year deal at Leicester has ended Tottenham’s interest. But both those facts prove Drinkwater’s standing in the game after he won three caps under Roy Hodgson. As it turned out, it was Drinkwater’s good fortune not to be tarnished by the debacle in France after he missed out on the squad for the Euros. Allardyce will love his consistency and will also appreciate the fact that he is settled and happy enough in his club career to have signed his new deal. England have been under-achievers. Drinkwater was among the Premier League’s greatest over-achievers. That is the mentality Big Sam is looking for. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
9/15 John Stones After his £47 million to Manchester City from Everton, commentators have already noted that 22-year-old Stones appears to have grown in stature and confidence under Pep Guardiola. This is exactly what England require in central defence after the problems which have undone them at the past two tournaments. Now he will benefit from playing in the Champions League group stages, too, which will surely impress Allardyce. England need a commanding new figure at the back and the time to start moulding Stones into that role has arrived. Getty Images
10/15 Jamie Vardy He has yet to get off the mark in Leicester’s Premier League defence, But he scored a goal from his own text book in the defeat by Manchester United in the Community Sield match at Wembley. The jury is still out on whether he is a 'real' international-type goalscorer, but he scored in the All-British clash against Wales at the Euros – and against Slovakia and Iceland the service was so poor its unfair to judge him on those games. Allardyce will like his tough-mindedness, his sharp predatory intincts and his pace. It would cause a huge stir if he was discarded from the new boss’s first squad. And he won’t be. Getty Images
11/15 Joe Hart/Fraser Forster/Jack Butland England duty will be a welcome break from trouble and strife for Joe Hart after he discovered so abruptly that he has no future at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. Allardyce has made it plain he will stand by him, which is the correct act. If the manager wants the team to be stronger, he must show this kind of strength himself. It will be a concern if Hart is sidelined for a long period. But conversely, a move might freshen him up after he came under fire at the Euros. Meanwhile, Fraser Forster is assured of game time at Southampton while Stoke' s Jack Butland is yet to play this season after hurting an ankle in pre-season only five months after suffering a similar injury which kept him out of the Euros. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
12/15 Harry Kane Harry Kane has yet to get off the mark this season but such a start has proven no problem for him previously. In a Spurs shirt, his spirit seems undimmed and Allardyce will surely see him as one if the good soldiers of his group. If he can get some service to him while on England duty then Kane is highly capable if putting the Euros behind him. AFP/Getty Images
13/15 Dele Alli Lost his place in Spurs starting line up against Palace last weekend so that Mario Pochettino could accommodate both strikers Kane and Vincent Janssen. That will worry the England boss if it continues. He will require Alli's guile even if there was no sign of it at the Euros. Adam Holt (Reuters)
14/15 Luke Shaw The left-back has started all three major games for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho, which is a ringing endorsement and places him at the core of what looks like being a hugely impressive defensive line-up at Old Trafford. Allardyce will be keen to involve him after much of last season was curtailed by injury. That means a challenge to Danny Rose, the left-back partner of the Spurs full back duo liked by Roy Hodgson, along with Kyke Walker. Man Utd via Getty Images
15/15 Ross Barkley The playmaker has vented his frustrations at being one of only two outfield players not used at Euro 2016. Could his drive and energy have opened up England's sterile midfield? The 22-year-old has started the season well and spoken warmly of the fresh demands being made on him by new Goodison boss Ronald Koeman. Getty Images
The Football Association contacted FIFA, but was told N'Zonzi's one cap for France Under-21s ruled him out.
"We did have a call, and it would have been of interest for me," Allardyce said. "We did explore it, but it was impossible, and it's dead now."
James Milner called time on his England career after Euro 2016, but Allardyce revealed the Liverpool man remains available to him in an emergency.
"James has said he will always be there for us if we want him," he said. "He can't continue to keep traipsing all over Europe without playing.
"But he will always be there to step in if we need him, if there is a crisis with injuries or suspensions. That is great from my point of view."
Allardyce will be naming his first squad ahead of next weekend's opening World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, England's only match of this international break after a planned friendly with Croatia was cancelled.
"Let's face it, the last thing the players needed was a friendly," Allardyce said. "The last thing I needed in my first get-together was to have to think about a friendly at Wembley and then only have two days after that to prepare for Slovakia away." | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/sam-allardyce-prepared-to-fall-out-with-manchester-uniteds-jose-mourinho-over-callups-a3331301.html | en | 2016-07-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/19f734f4a24139a36c2548b58b3d9c3f25ea56582a49476e6658c0e313729520.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-31T08:51:22 | null | 2015-11-11T00:00:00 | Iconic game show The Crystal Maze is reportedly set for a TV comeback this year. More than two decades after the last series of the show aired, Channel 4 are thought to be in talks to revive the format for a one-off special. While host Richard O’Brien was synonymous with the much-loved programme, David Tennant is rumoured to be taking over for the comeback show, which will air as part of Stand Up To Cancer in October. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fstayingin%2Ftvfilm%2Fthe-crystal-maze-set-for-tv-comeback-with-david-tennant-tipped-as-host-a3332996.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/11/11/15/davidtennatradio1111a.jpg | en | null | The Crystal Maze set for TV comeback with David Tennant tipped as host | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Iconic game show The Crystal Maze is reportedly set for a TV comeback this year.
More than two decades after the last series of the show aired, Channel 4 are thought to be in talks to revive the format for a one-off special.
While host Richard O’Brien was synonymous with the much-loved programme, David Tennant is rumoured to be taking over for the comeback show, which will air as part of Stand Up To Cancer in October.
According to The Sun, Channel 4 producers are keen to revamp the fan favourite with a view to it returning for a full series.
“Even two decades after it last aired, there are very few shows that have been as magical and action-packed as The Crystal Maze,” said a source.
“Channel 4 are hoping to tap into that nostalgia and believe viewers will jump at the chance to finally take on the show’s adventurous challenges themselves.”
The British game show originally aired in the UK between 1990 and 1995 with one series per year.
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
Rocky Horror Show creator O’Brien hosted the first four series of the programme and was replaced by Ed Tudor-Pole for the final two.
The series famously featured four different ‘zones’, each of which were set in different time periods and on different planets.
Evening Standard Online has contacted Channel 4 for comment. | http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/the-crystal-maze-set-for-tv-comeback-with-david-tennant-tipped-as-host-a3332996.html | en | 2015-11-11T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f4c246ef7f4c689b3cd48236243d4bbb640e24c124980097df9895c356e2bb48.json |
[
"Joni Blyth"
] | 2016-08-31T14:51:26 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | The revivals are coming in thick and fast this year, with fan favourites from every decade returning to our screens. While some of this year’s BBC comedy revivals haven’t struck a chord with new audiences, recent announcements of Crystal Maze and Blankety Blank specials have got fans excited. On the whole the game show seems to have fallen out of fashion, faltering against reality juggernauts and snarky quiz shows. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fstayingin%2Ftvfilm%2Fthe-eight-game-shows-that-need-a-comeback-a3333621.html.json | en | null | Eight game shows that should make a comeback: from Blind Date to Supermarket Sweep | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The revivals are coming in thick and fast this year, with fan favourites from every decade returning to our screens.
While some of this year’s BBC comedy revivals haven’t struck a chord with new audiences, recent announcements of Crystal Maze and Blankety Blank specials have got fans excited.
On the whole the game show seems to have fallen out of fashion, faltering against reality juggernauts and snarky quiz shows.
Despite this, the buzz around these reboots suggests that many viewers are ready to delve back into the ‘80s and ‘90s and relieve the glory days of the British game show – and we know exactly what they should bring back next.
From the wonderful to the ridiculous, here are the seven shows that we think deserve another chance in the spotlight.
Blind Date
Dating game shows have survived into the 00s in the form of Take Me Out, but everything about Blind Date – the sets, the clothes, the holidays – harks back to a simpler age.
Legend: Who could fill the shoes of the great Cilla Black? (ITV/Rex)
Before the love lift, Fernandos, and Paddy McGuinness, there was Scouse legend Cilla Black, ‘our Graham’, and a gloriously simple no-frills format. Would it work without Cilla? Who knows – just don’t let Keith Lemon near it.
Get Your Own Back
Messy Masterpiece: More shows should involve a hefty helping of gunge (BBC)
If you had beef to settle in the Nineties, there was one way to do it – get Dave Benson Phillips on the case.
With the prospect of humiliating your nearest and dearest, this CBBC favourite deserved a wider audience – and frankly, there’s not enough gunge on TV nowadays.
Big Break
Foul Ball: Jim Davidson has regularly come under fire for offensive remarks (BBC)
Everyone was a winner on this snooker-based ‘90s hit, as contestants teamed up with pros to answer riddles and tackle trick shots.
While controversial comedian Jim Davidson could easily be replaced with a friendlier face, bringing snooker legend John Virgo back to deliver his deadpan catchphrase “Pot as many balls as you can,” is a must.
The Price is Right
Make or Break: Contestants spin the wheel in the Showcase Showdown (ITV/Rex)
This ITV classic has been hosted by every legend imaginable, from Leslie Crowther’s original run to Brucey’s definitive version 10 years later.
While the iconic price-guessing game show has changed over the years, this makes it a great choice to receive a 21st century update.
Maybe it’s time for the British public to ‘Come on Down!’ once more.
Scrapheap Challenge
Comfy commentators: Robert Llewellyn and Cathy Rogers watch from the scrapheap throne (Channel 4)
After the BBC’s successful Robot Wars revival this year, there’s never been a better time to head back to the scrapheap.
Robert Llewellyn might be busy championing electric cars, but I’m sure he could take some time out to resurrect this Channel 4 classic.
Who knows, maybe they could give a new series an environmental slant – although solar-powered gadgets might not appeal to petrol head fans of the original run.
Supermarket Sweep
Trollies at the ready: Dale and his tan ready to hit the aisles (ITV/Rex)
Online shopping might be taking over, but fear not – we’ve got a perfect use for those closing supermarkets.
Host Dale Winton already brought the show back for a revival in 2007, but we can’t go another decade without another chance to go wild in the aisles.
The Interceptor
Helping Hand: Annabel Croft guides contestants to safety from the Interceptor (ITV/Rex)
If you’ve ever watched Hunted and thought that it would be a lot more interesting with the Terminator on the case, look no further than this slice of ‘80s magic.
The only thing scarier than fleeing a team of spies across the country is fleeing an angry Scot wearing a leather duster and making demented bird noises - all while he ‘zaps’ at you with his wrist-mounted laser cannon.
With just a few minor tweaks the Interceptor could be back on the prowl this century, perhaps sporting updated weaponry like a Glaswegian Iron Man. | http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/the-eight-game-shows-that-need-a-comeback-a3333621.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/9d24d794b968091b8a44848795d92c5c43bc0574d48f6ed5abfcc2c03d4de964.json | |
[
"Tom Doyle"
] | 2016-08-28T12:50:09 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Mauricio Pochettino has slammed the timing of the upcoming international break, suggesting it is 'crazy' that Tottenham will lose the core of their squad so soon after the start of the new Premier League season. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftottenham-coach-mauricio-pochettino-criticises-crazy-international-break-a3331361.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/12/mauricio_pochettino.jpg | en | null | Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino criticises 'crazy' international break | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | 1/15 Theo Walcott Arsenal’s infuriating wideman-cum-striker was left out of Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad with good reason after so much under-achievement. That said, his pace might have provided an out-ball as the team struggled for creativity in France. But Theo is so erratic. He missed a penalty then scored within 68 seconds against Liverpool in Arsenal’s first game when he started on the right. But then he frustrated the travelling fans yet again in the dull goalless draw against Leicester. Allardyce might think he can get the best out of him – then again he might think he’s had enough chances already. Arsenal FC via Getty Images
2/15 John Terry Big Sam has quite sensibly floated the idea of luring Terry back to international football. It is believed the 35-year-old will resist any overtures to concentrate on his Chelsea career after being granted a one-year deal earlier in the summer. He’d love to win another 12 months too so you can see the thinking. But oh how desperately England have missed Terry’s defensive strength and anticipation and his big character. Euro 2016 might have been a different story if he had been around and Russia hadn’t claimed their damaging late equaliser. Would be a great influence on John Stones, too. AFP/Getty Images
3/15 Wayne Rooney That cross for Zlatan Ibrahimovich’s opening headed goal against Southampton for Manchester United at Old Trafford was an early season reminder of Rooney’s class. Allardyce hasn’t yet announced whether he will retain the England captaincy but his praise for Rooney has been effusive since he took on the England job. Without doubt, he remains England’s most intelligent footballer as well as the nation’s most successful goalscorer. And he will surely benefit now from coming under Jose Mourinho’s wing. OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images
4/15 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain A serious knee injury last February and another setback in May ended all hope of Oxlade-Chamberlain making it to the Euros. He probabaly wouldn’t have made it, anyway. Like his club-mate Walcott, injuries and inconsistency remain the key themes of his career. Came on as a sub to score Arsenal’s second in the 4-3 home defeat by Liverpool and was then taken off after 78 minutes at Leicester – an indication perhaps that he still needs match sharpness after his long lay-off. Not one this time for Big Sam unless he does something sensational at Watford. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
5/15 Andros Townsend He has been feeling his way in gently to his new surroundings at Crystal Palace but has yet to make a major impact as his new side have lost both their Premier League matches. But he has long-range goals within him and he has delivered at times for England. Worth more of a punt out wide for Allardyce than north London rival Walcott. AFP/Getty Images
6/15 Jermain Defoe He is 33 now but you wonder if he will ever stop scoring goals. Sunderland have recognised how his livewire talent endures by this summer awarding him a new contract that takes him up until 2019. Allardyce will recognise that ability, of course. Defoe scored 15 league goals as Big Sam kept the Wearsiders up last season, including the winner against Chelsea in May which hoisted them out of the bottom three. Scored at Manchester City this season so yet again, his ratio so far is one in two. If Allardyce wants insurance on the bench in case things get tricky in any qualifying ties, Defoe is the man. Getty Images
7/15 Mark Noble The West Ham midfielder says he learned a lot about the skills of captaincy by studying his former team-mate, Kevin Nolan – who of course, is has been one of Big Sam’s stalwart servants. Allardyce will know all about Noble’s consistency, strength of spirit and tenacity, anyway after his four years in charge at Upton Park when Noble cemented his place as one of the club’s greatest crowd favourites. Some think his game lacks the sparkle required for international football. What? That is not England’s concern just now. The basics are, however. Allardyce wants to get rid of England’s culture of under-achievement and such a recognisably responsible player as Noble can help make that happen. A new face in the squad would help declare the new era, too. Michael Regan/Getty Images
8/15 Danny Drinkwater A new five-year deal at Leicester has ended Tottenham’s interest. But both those facts prove Drinkwater’s standing in the game after he won three caps under Roy Hodgson. As it turned out, it was Drinkwater’s good fortune not to be tarnished by the debacle in France after he missed out on the squad for the Euros. Allardyce will love his consistency and will also appreciate the fact that he is settled and happy enough in his club career to have signed his new deal. England have been under-achievers. Drinkwater was among the Premier League’s greatest over-achievers. That is the mentality Big Sam is looking for. David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
9/15 John Stones After his £47 million to Manchester City from Everton, commentators have already noted that 22-year-old Stones appears to have grown in stature and confidence under Pep Guardiola. This is exactly what England require in central defence after the problems which have undone them at the past two tournaments. Now he will benefit from playing in the Champions League group stages, too, which will surely impress Allardyce. England need a commanding new figure at the back and the time to start moulding Stones into that role has arrived. Getty Images
10/15 Jamie Vardy He has yet to get off the mark in Leicester’s Premier League defence, But he scored a goal from his own text book in the defeat by Manchester United in the Community Sield match at Wembley. The jury is still out on whether he is a 'real' international-type goalscorer, but he scored in the All-British clash against Wales at the Euros – and against Slovakia and Iceland the service was so poor its unfair to judge him on those games. Allardyce will like his tough-mindedness, his sharp predatory intincts and his pace. It would cause a huge stir if he was discarded from the new boss’s first squad. And he won’t be. Getty Images
11/15 Joe Hart/Fraser Forster/Jack Butland England duty will be a welcome break from trouble and strife for Joe Hart after he discovered so abruptly that he has no future at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. Allardyce has made it plain he will stand by him, which is the correct act. If the manager wants the team to be stronger, he must show this kind of strength himself. It will be a concern if Hart is sidelined for a long period. But conversely, a move might freshen him up after he came under fire at the Euros. Meanwhile, Fraser Forster is assured of game time at Southampton while Stoke' s Jack Butland is yet to play this season after hurting an ankle in pre-season only five months after suffering a similar injury which kept him out of the Euros. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
12/15 Harry Kane Harry Kane has yet to get off the mark this season but such a start has proven no problem for him previously. In a Spurs shirt, his spirit seems undimmed and Allardyce will surely see him as one if the good soldiers of his group. If he can get some service to him while on England duty then Kane is highly capable if putting the Euros behind him. AFP/Getty Images
13/15 Dele Alli Lost his place in Spurs starting line up against Palace last weekend so that Mario Pochettino could accommodate both strikers Kane and Vincent Janssen. That will worry the England boss if it continues. He will require Alli's guile even if there was no sign of it at the Euros. Adam Holt (Reuters)
14/15 Luke Shaw The left-back has started all three major games for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho, which is a ringing endorsement and places him at the core of what looks like being a hugely impressive defensive line-up at Old Trafford. Allardyce will be keen to involve him after much of last season was curtailed by injury. That means a challenge to Danny Rose, the left-back partner of the Spurs full back duo liked by Roy Hodgson, along with Kyke Walker. Man Utd via Getty Images | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-coach-mauricio-pochettino-criticises-crazy-international-break-a3331361.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e6ae87b0c3162a2cd4ad4044cf060f7b930f2e07dcf8dfbada097180b47ab6f7.json |
[
"Tom Doyle"
] | 2016-08-28T14:50:18 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | West Ham travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday with memories of their Europa League failure fresh in their minds. 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. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmanchester-city-vs-west-ham-live-team-news-latest-score-and-goal-updates-a3331396.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/14/man_city_west_ham.jpg | en | null | Manchester City vs West Ham live: Latest score and goal updates as Dimitri Payet misses Premier League clash | 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 was the scene for one of West Ham's most important victories last season, and they could do with another inspired performance as the optimism that swelled over the summer has begun to stall after an uninspiring start to the new campaign.
Follow all the action on Standard Sport's live blog!
Can't see the live blog? Click here to view our desktop site.
What they said
Pep Guardiola: “No injuries from midweek. Kelechi [Iheanacho] 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 [Hart] stays here with the other goalkeepers, he’ll be treated like the other players.
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.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-city-vs-west-ham-live-team-news-latest-score-and-goal-updates-a3331396.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e464ba72f74571782e51d1e28e8758d3b7dbdca742530058241d5814f9900c2e.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:12 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | A major search-and-rescue operation has been launched for a swimmer missing at Camber Sands just days after five men died there. The RNLI, police and coastguards are involved in the operation at the popular holiday spot, near Rye in East Sussex, an RNLI spokeswoman said. On Wednesday, friends from London, all aged in their teens or 20s, died at the beach. The tragedy prompted authorities to deploy lifeguards on the normally unpatrolled seafront for the busy Bank Holiday weekend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fcamber-sands-major-search-launched-for-swimming-missing-in-sea-a3331331.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/25/06/camber.jpg | en | null | Camber Sands: Major search launched for swimmer missing in sea days after five died in beach tragedy | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A major search-and-rescue operation has been launched for a swimmer missing at Camber Sands just days after five men died there.
The RNLI, police and coastguards are involved in the operation at the popular holiday spot, near Rye in East Sussex, an RNLI spokeswoman said.
On Wednesday, friends from London, all aged in their teens or 20s, died at the beach.
The tragedy prompted authorities to deploy lifeguards on the normally unpatrolled seafront for the busy Bank Holiday weekend.
A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "A member of the public has contacted police and the coastguard at Camber Sands after seeing an abandoned pair of flip-flops next to the sea.
"A female was seen diving into the sea at this location. Officers at the scene are doing coastal checks to see if there are any persons in the sea having difficulty."
Up to six RNLI lifeguards were due to be on duty at Camber Sands over the weekend, plus a team giving safety information to beach-goers between Saturday and Monday.
Last Wednesday, Kobi Nathan, 22, died trying to rescue his 18-year-old brother Ken after the group got into difficulty in the sea on a day trip to the popular beach near Rye, east Sussex.
It is believed they were playing football on a sandbank when Ken and friend Inthushan Sriskantharasa, 23, got stuck in quicksand below the water.
Kobi, with friends Kurushanth Srithavarajah, 27, and Nitharsan Ravi, 22, all from south east London, swam over to free them but became caught in rising waters and then dragged out by a powerful rip-tide.
Shocked holidaymakers pulled three of the friends to the shore shortly after 2pm on Wednesday but despite the desperate attempts of medics they were pronounced dead 15 minutes later.
The bodies of the two other victims were discovered at around 8pm when the tide went out on the seven-mile beach where thousands of holidaymakers had spent the hottest day of the year.
Relatives of some of the men criticised the lack of lifeguards at Camber and suggested they may have stood a chance of survival if the beach had been manned.
Mr Ravi's family said they felt "very angry" at the lack of response from the authorities following the death of another man, Brazilian Gustavo Silva Da Cruz, 19, at Camber last month.
A spokesman for Rother District Council said that, despite there being no lifeguards, there were summer patrols to advise people of potential dangers.
This page is being updated. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/camber-sands-major-search-launched-for-swimming-missing-in-sea-a3331331.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/bb7deceac6db6e6bbd037c5d6e1d9ac8cb5182eb1a2c6925899e18f3621a3e99.json |
[
"Chris Jones"
] | 2016-08-31T08:51:07 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | London Irish start their bid for an immediate return to the Aviva Premiership against Doncaster on Saturday knowing they could be ground sharing with Brentford at a new stadium by the 2019-20 season. Irish have confirmed discussions have been held about sharing the 20,000-capacity stadium which would replace Brentford’s current Griffin Park home. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Flondon-irish-in-talks-to-ground-share-with-brentford-at-new-stadium-by-201920-season-a3333051.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/09/londonirishtraining3108.jpg | en | null | London Irish in talks to ground share with Brentford at new stadium by 2019-20 season | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | London Irish start their bid for an immediate return to the Aviva Premiership against Doncaster on Saturday knowing they could be ground sharing with Brentford at a new stadium by the 2019-20 season.
Irish have confirmed discussions have been held about sharing the 20,000-capacity stadium which would replace Brentford’s current Griffin Park home.
Irish have a long-term deal to play at the Madejski Stadium in Reading, but the club has been seeking a new stadium in south-west London.
They said in a statement: “Brentford’s vision is to have a new 20,000-seat stadium for both football and rugby, subject to the relevant planning permission. Over a number of years, the project team has held discussions with several rugby clubs, one of which is London Irish.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/london-irish-in-talks-to-ground-share-with-brentford-at-new-stadium-by-201920-season-a3333051.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/299dc9d907a4ddd3c92ee906c7da89d9e7031096c7c424af6e9a2b91ae58b4c7.json |
[
"Beverley Hicks"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:35 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Queso Fundido translates to ‘molten’ or ‘melted’ cheese. The original Mexican recipe is flambéed, so we have added a little beer as a nod to the original. Cheese lovers…prepare to enter cheese Nirvana! Ingredients (serves 6) 100g chorizo, finely diced ½ sweet white onion, finely diced 1 small orange pepper, seeded and finely diced 1 teaspoon ground garlic 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano Half bottle of beer 200g mature cheddar, grated | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Ffoodanddrink%2Fhow-to-make-a-mexican-cheese-fondue-a3332156.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/10/queso-fundido.jpg | en | null | How to make a Mexican cheese fondue | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Queso Fundido translates to ‘molten’ or ‘melted’ cheese. The original Mexican recipe is flambéed, so we have added a little beer as a nod to the original. Cheese lovers…prepare to enter cheese Nirvana!
Ingredients (serves 6)
100g chorizo, finely diced
½ sweet white onion, finely diced
1 small orange pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 teaspoon ground garlic
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
Half bottle of beer
200g mature cheddar, grated
150g gruyere, grated
100g Monterey Jack, grated
150g cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapeños
Large handful of grated mozzarella cheese
Sprinkle of ground cumin
Sprinkle of sweet smoked paprika
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon coriander, chopped
Tortilla chips to serve
Mexican cheese fondue (Beverley Hicks)
Method
Preheat your oven to 400F/200C/Gas 6.
In a large sauce pan, over a medium heat, cook the chorizo until it begins to render it’s ruby oils, about 1-2 minutes. Remove to a plate lined with kitchen towels to soak up any excess oil.
Pour away the excess fat from the pan then add the onion, pepper, ground garlic and oregano and cook over a medium-high heat until the vegetables are soft and golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.Transfer the vegetable mixture to a bowl and return the saucepan to the heat.
Add the beer, stirring constantly to deglaze the pan of the browned bits of vegetables and chorizo, simmer for about a minute. Add each of the cheeses, one at a time, and whisk after each addition until the mixture is smooth. Add the cream cheese and continue stirring until completely combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
To build your dip, pour 1/4 of the cheese mixture into a medium-sized ovenproof dish. Add half the chorizo, another 1/4 of cheese sauce, then as much of the vegetable mixture as you want. Sprinkle over the jalapeños. Add another ¼ of cheese sauce, the rest of the chorizo, then drizzle over the last of the cheese sauce. Sprinkle over one large handful of mozzarella cheese and dust the top lightly with cumin and smoked sweet paprika.
Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the mozzarella cheese topping has melted and the sauce is bubbling.
Remove from the oven, top with the chopped tomatoes, sprinkle over the coriander and serve immediately with tortilla chips.
Find more of Beverley's recipes here. Follow her on Instagram @thelittlechelseakitchen for more inspiration. | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/foodanddrink/how-to-make-a-mexican-cheese-fondue-a3332156.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ca7498ea7528e5a3c429bd21a2d1e7391e6bf123c16ee4729e4a2688263c7de0.json |
[
"Frank Thorne In Sydney"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:06 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | A tourist today told of her miracle survival in the New Zealand wilderness for a month after her partner plunged to his death on a walking holiday. Czech national Pavlina Pizova, 33, broke down in tears today following her remarkable rescue, describing how a dream trip to ramble along the famous Routeburn track turned to tragedy and a battle for survival. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fnew-zealand-tourist-describes-monthlong-wilderness-survival-battle-after-partner-dies-on-hike-a3330066.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/08/pavlinapizova.jpg | en | null | Tourist describes month-long New Zealand wilderness survival battle after partner dies on hike | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A tourist today told of her miracle survival in the New Zealand wilderness for a month after her partner plunged to his death on a walking holiday.
Czech national Pavlina Pizova, 33, broke down in tears today following her remarkable rescue, describing how a dream trip to ramble along the famous Routeburn track turned to tragedy and a battle for survival.
After watching her partner, Ondrej Petr, 27, slip and die in a freak accident, Ms Pizova spent two freezing nights in the open before stumbling across a locked warden’s hut in the Fiordland National Park in the South Island. She broke in and prayed for rescue.
Finally, she used ashes to make an “H” help sign in the snow, and fashioned snow shoes with sticks during the ordeal.
For the next four weeks she existed on meagre supplies of food she found inside, firewood and gas left behind by department of conservation workers.
She frantically tried to operate the hut radio but could not understand the English instructions.
Police said extreme and severe conditions, including heavy snow and the risk of avalanche, along with her minor injuries - frostbite and possible hypothermia - prevented Ms Pizova from walking to safety.
No other hikers passed through the area and the track was officially closed for winter.
Survival: Pavlina Pizova sought shelter in a remote hut (AFP/Getty Images)
The alarm to find the missing couple was only raised this week by the Czech consulate when relatives in their homeland began a social media campaign to find them.
Earlier Ms Pizova told how she helplessly watched her partner die after he slipped and fell, then found herself stranded in the remote South Island hut for nearly a month.
Ms Pizova’s partner died after the pair fell from the track when they got lost. Mr Petr got stuck and died about July 27. His body was recovered this morning.
She said: “After his death it took me another two nights out in the open before I reached the safety of the hut.
“The recent heavy snows meant I was walking through waist-deep snow and because all track markers were covered, I had to find my own way. During this time I got extremely cold, exhausted and my feet were frozen.”
Looking pale and exhausted, Pizova thanked her rescuers and described how she could see avalanches outside the warden’s hut at Lake Mackenzie, and knew she was stuck.
Ms Pizova described the ordeal as “harrowing” and her partner falling and dying was a “tragic accident”.
Because of her health and the weather, she thought it was best to “stay in a safe place”.
“I made a few attempts to leave the hut but because of the weather and my physical conditions, it discouraged me from doing so.”
She took the opportunity to send safety messages to “anyone travelling in the New Zealand mountains”.
“We made a few mistakes with not leaving our intentions with somebody and not carrying a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) and underestimating the conditions of the track,” she said. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/new-zealand-tourist-describes-monthlong-wilderness-survival-battle-after-partner-dies-on-hike-a3330066.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b65ac3fb51cdbdd3a42fab95bca8d1e7827f64021a796e4959fadef45356d05d.json |
[
"Sebastian Mann"
] | 2016-08-27T06:49:44 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | A bizarre pop-up bar stocking bottled seawater is set to open in south London next month. The temporary venue, the first of its kind, will launch at Pop Brixton on September 8 as part of an RNLI safety drive following a tragic spate of deaths on UK coastlines. With the goal of raising awareness about the dangers of swimming in the sea, pop-up shop The Bottle promises to offer 10 different regional varieties of seawater including "Cornish Surf" and "Thames Wash". | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Frnli-opening-a-popup-seawater-bar-in-brixton-a3329766.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/14/rnli.jpg | en | null | RNLI opening pop-up seawater bar in Brixton | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A bizarre pop-up bar stocking bottled seawater is set to open in south London next month.
The temporary venue, the first of its kind, will launch at Pop Brixton on September 8 as part of an RNLI safety drive following a tragic spate of deaths on UK coastlines.
With the goal of raising awareness about the dangers of swimming in the sea, pop-up shop The Bottle promises to offer 10 different regional varieties of seawater including "Cornish Surf" and "Thames Wash".
The strange product won't be on sale but instead carries stark warnings on its label about the specific risks of the coastlines it was sourced from.
For example "Cornish Surf" will warn: "Infused with rip currents, surging waves and slippery rocks, this water can create dangerous swimming conditions.
"If swallowed, Cornish Surf can cause blood pressure to rise, putting strain on the heart and leading to cardiac arrest even in the young and healthy."
RNLI Thames operations manager Neil Withers said: "It’s a striking way to catch the eye of young Londoners and interest them in the challenge.
"It’s also a way for us to showcase the bottle - the courage - of our volunteer lifeboat crew members who brave extreme conditions day-in day-out and rescue an average 22 people per day."
Instead of bottled water, free mineral water will be handed out at the pop-up venue as part of the RNLI's drive to urge people to raise funds for the charity through the H2Only challenge - which asks participants to gain sponsorship to drink only water for 10 days.
Sign up by visiting h2only.org.uk. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/rnli-opening-a-popup-seawater-bar-in-brixton-a3329766.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/749803d2dad259f417fc171b61e8602ef8dcb461d2030818b0de46da2e81eecc.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-28T06:50:00 | null | 2016-02-25T00:00:00 | Parents in London have seen private school fees soar by 25 per cent in the past five years. Those wanting to have their children educated privately now face a bill of almost £160,000 amid the rising cost of fees in recent years. The average cost of a private school education for a day pupil who started reception in 2003 and left after sixth form in 2016 is £156,653, according to research by Lloyds Bank Private Banking. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Feducation%2Flondon-private-school-fees-soar-by-25-in-just-five-years-a3331236.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/25/08/schoolpupils.jpg | en | null | London private school fees soar by 25% in just five years | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Parents in London have seen private school fees soar by 25 per cent in the past five years.
Those wanting to have their children educated privately now face a bill of almost £160,000 amid the rising cost of fees in recent years.
The average cost of a private school education for a day pupil who started reception in 2003 and left after sixth form in 2016 is £156,653, according to research by Lloyds Bank Private Banking.
Annual fees have almost doubled in that time, with the average cost of sending a child to private school for a year rocketing from £7,308 in 2003 to £13,341 today, a rise of 83 per cent.
The research, based on data from the Independent Schools Council and the Office for National Statistics, showed that private schooling in London was the most expensive in Britain, costing £179,145 to educate children from the age of five until they are 18.
In London, school fees have almost doubled since 2003, rising 97 per cent from £8,016 to £15,828 today, compared to the lowest increase over the same period in the West Midlands, a rise of 66 per cent from £6,984 to £11,580.
Costs have risen far more than average earnings, putting an enormous strain on families who want to choose private education for their children.
Nationally, school fees rocketed by an average of 21 per cent over the last five years, up from £10,983 in 2011 - an increase that is 8 per cent above inflation.
The steep hike means that the £13,341 school fee accounts for almost 40 per cent of the average full time earnings of £34,545, a marked change from in 2003 when fees amounted for 28 per cent of earnings.
Despite the increasing financial burden on families, pupil numbers at private schools remain largely unchanged over the last five years.
Those going to senior school - between the ages of 11 and 16 - have fallen by 3 per cent, but numbers going to private sixth forms have grown by 10 per cent, and those at junior schools have gone up by 6 per cent.
Sarah Deaves, private banking director at Lloyds Bank, said: "All parents want the best for their children and a good education is no exception.
"A place at a private school is a huge financial commitment, almost an eye-watering £157,000 for just one child, from reception to finishing the sixth form as a day pupil.
"With average annual fees at £13,341 per child and the compulsory school leaving age now 18 years, many families may well feel some strain.
"It has, therefore, become increasingly important that parents, and sometimes grandparents, plan their finances as early as possible if they want a private school education for their children."
There is help available for parents, with around 160,000 children getting assistance for their fees - almost a third of all pupils at fee-paying schools, not just day pupils - that is worth more than £850 million a year.
The vast majority of this assistance, 85 per cent, comes from schools themselves. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/education/london-private-school-fees-soar-by-25-in-just-five-years-a3331236.html | en | 2016-02-25T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/9d7efb29fed913267374203403a28a22821baf8bcce4491c7b67128d63ef4302.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-30T18:51:05 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Arsene Wenger believes Lucas Perez has all the qualities to succeed in the Premier League, despite admitting that Arsenal's £17million summer signing is a 'gamble'. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Farsenal-transfer-news-arsene-wenger-admits-lucas-perez-is-a-gamble-but-backs-striker-to-surprise-a3332786.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/14/lucasperezarsenal2.jpg | en | null | Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger admits Lucas Perez is a 'gamble', but backs striker to 'surprise' Gunners fans | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Arsene Wenger believes Lucas Perez has all the qualities to succeed in the Premier League, despite admitting that Arsenal's £17million summer signing is a 'gamble'.
Arsenal signed the 27-year-old from Deportivo La Coruna a little over a day before the summer transfer window shuts, having originally turned down the chance to sign the striker earlier in the window to pursue the likes of Jamie Vardy, Gonzalo Higuain and Alexandre Lacazette.
Wenger was forced to defend himself from accusations that his £52million double swoop for Lucas and Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, who is set to be announced as an Arsenal player in the next 24 hours, constituted 'panic buying' after the Gunners had missed out on several primary targets.
Despite initially passing up the chance to sign Lucas, Wenger is now confident that the forward can be a key player for the Gunners this season.
"I’m happy because I believe he has the qualities to integrate into our team very well," Wenger told Arsenal's official website. "He’s not only a goalscorer, he’s a guy who combines well with partners, who can give a final ball and makes good runs.
"I think people will be a little bit surprised maybe, because nobody knows him very well. He has travelled a bit across Europe.
"He’s a late developer in this position because he has always played on the flanks. He’s got a good eye for goal and had an outstanding season last year in a team that didn’t create too many chances.
"I’m confident. He has pace, good technical levels, is a good finisher and he has the ingredients to be a success.
"It’s always a little bit of a gamble to come from one country to another, with different challenges, but I believe it was a gamble worth taking. I’m excited about that."
Lucas said of his move to Arsenal: "I was really happy and flattered when I heard about Arsenal’s interest. I was very hopeful to get the chance to come here.
"There was some contact when the transfer window opened. As always in football, clubs have to evaluate what they need, but they showed interest when they got in contact.
"Things happened more quickly towards the end of the window so it could be made official." | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-transfer-news-arsene-wenger-admits-lucas-perez-is-a-gamble-but-backs-striker-to-surprise-a3332786.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/536806dc7f9e4431d9918dea163bcec61247cbcb3d9824636c6c6d216475f0d9.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-31T08:51:26 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Presenter Rav Wilding is suing the makers of ITV’s diving show Splash after suffering ‘life-changing’ injures. The former Crimewatch host, 38, has claimed that an injury he sustained while training for the reality show, made by TwoFour, has ‘derailed’ his career. Wilding underwent surgery after snapping the hamstring tendons in his left leg and was forced to re-enter hospital on New Year’s Day in 2014 after suffering a pulmonary embolism. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Frav-wilding-sues-makers-of-itv-s-splash-after-suffering-lifechanging-injury-a3332981.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/08/ravwilding3108e.jpg | en | null | Rav Wilding sues makers of ITV’s Splash after suffering ‘life-changing’ injury | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Presenter Rav Wilding is suing the makers of ITV’s diving show Splash after suffering ‘life-changing’ injures.
The former Crimewatch host, 38, has claimed that an injury he sustained while training for the reality show, made by TwoFour, has ‘derailed’ his career.
Wilding underwent surgery after snapping the hamstring tendons in his left leg and was forced to re-enter hospital on New Year’s Day in 2014 after suffering a pulmonary embolism.
The former policeman now claims that he has been left with one leg shorter than the other and cannot walk or stand without pain.
Wilding suffered the injuries while performing a somersault dive during his third training session and never appeared on the 2013 series of the show.
He said: “I’m still in pain every day. It has turned my world upside down.”
The presenter also claimed that the injury forced him to cancel his wedding and has left him with hardly any work opportunities.
“It breaks my heart that Jill (Morgan) and I had to cancel our wedding,” he said.
(Irwin Mitchell/PA)
“I have been in a few things here and there, but the active physical work is no longer possible.
“I used to get active jobs based on my fitness, but now I can’t do those things, the opportunities aren’t really there any more, so it’s changed the entire course of my career.
Tom Daley on Splash
“I used to play rugby every week, go running, and, having been in the army and a police officer in the past, my fitness was pretty high.”
Lauren Hurney, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Sadly Rav appears to have been let down during his training for Splash!.
“He has been left with a life-changing injury which has already had a profound effect on his career, relationship and finances. We have written to Twofour and are currently awaiting a response.”
ITV announced that Splash had been cancelled back in 2014 after just two series.
Evening Standard Online has contacted TwoFour and ITV for comment. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/rav-wilding-sues-makers-of-itv-s-splash-after-suffering-lifechanging-injury-a3332981.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/24dc0b650e631e40daf4ad0617d5dc763fa1d9213c83633bb516fa03cd43199e.json |
[
"Joe Murphy"
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:56 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | The River Thames is becoming polluted with microplastics that are finding their way into oysters and other foods, a new study has found. Around 59 per cent of the Thames foreshore was found to be tainted by minute particles of plastic in the annual Thames 21 survey of the tidal river from Teddington to the estuary. Some 35,000 particles were identified in samples, adding to what the group called “a global microplastics crisis”. The findings coincide with MPs calling for a ban on microbeads used in facial scrubs, toothpastes and other beauty products. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Friver-thames-polluted-with-microplastics-that-are-finding-way-into-foods-study-finds-a3330076.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/08/riverthames.jpg | en | null | River Thames 'polluted with microplastics that are finding way into foods', study finds | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The River Thames is becoming polluted with microplastics that are finding their way into oysters and other foods, a new study has found.
Around 59 per cent of the Thames foreshore was found to be tainted by minute particles of plastic in the annual Thames 21 survey of the tidal river from Teddington to the estuary.
Some 35,000 particles were identified in samples, adding to what the group called “a global microplastics crisis”.
The findings coincide with MPs calling for a ban on microbeads used in facial scrubs, toothpastes and other beauty products.
Mary Creagh, chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, said the evidence of plastic pollution in the Thames was “deeply worrying”.
“Pieces of plastic will be carried downstream and will be eaten by oysters in the Thames estuary,” she said.
“If you eat six oysters, you’ve probably consumed 50 particles of microplastics, which have been washed down the sinks of homes in London and carried downstream.”
Cosmetic microbeads make up less than 4 percent of microplastics entering oceans. Particles found in the Thames included broken down food and drink containers. Other sources of the problem include synthetic fibres from clothing. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/river-thames-polluted-with-microplastics-that-are-finding-way-into-foods-study-finds-a3330076.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/145a5119e26628120d17ad0fe9d6b6c6cd93d01a8571c73347e1c992c714199b.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-27T18:49:49 | null | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | Nedum Onouha scored the only goal of a tight game at the DW Stadium that saw QPR edge out Wigan in the Sky Bet Championship. The big centre-half slammed home from 20 yards at the start of the second half and then played his part as the Rangers rearguard contained everything Wigan could throw at them. It was Rangers who had the first sight sight of goal inside five minutes but Yeni Ngbakoto's effort was straight at Adam Bogdan. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwigan-0-qpr-1-nedum-onouha-earns-important-championship-win-a3331186.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/17/21/jimmyfloyd.jpg | en | null | Wigan 0 QPR 1: Nedum Onouha earns important Championship win | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Nedum Onouha scored the only goal of a tight game at the DW Stadium that saw QPR edge out Wigan in the Sky Bet Championship.
The big centre-half slammed home from 20 yards at the start of the second half and then played his part as the Rangers rearguard contained everything Wigan could throw at them.
It was Rangers who had the first sight sight of goal inside five minutes but Yeni Ngbakoto's effort was straight at Adam Bogdan.
The Wigan goalkeeper was required again moments later when he had to race off his line to clear an under-hit backpass from Jake Buxton with Ngbakoto sniffing around.
Michael Jacobs was getting plenty of joy down the Wigan left and he almost found Will Grigg in the centre with one left-footed cross.
Rangers had another sight of goal when Tjaronn Cherry was given time and space midway inside the Wigan half.
However, his shot was always too high and Bogdan was able to let it go over.
Sebastian Polter headed wide of Bogdan's goal as half-time approached but credit Wigan for raising their game before the interval.
They had the ball in the net after 39 minutes when Luke Garbutt's cross was headed home cleverly at the far post by Craig Morgan, only for the goal to be chalked off for offside.
Then, in the three added minutes, Nick Powell was penalised for a foul in the process of slotting home from inside the six-yard box.
Rangers would have been the happier to hear the half-time whistle and they made the most of their break by taking the lead within three minutes of the restart.
The Wigan backline couldn't clear their lines from a free-kick and Onouha smashed home from the edge of the box for his second goal of the season.
Wigan's response was to throw on Yanic Wildschut and they were almost level on the hour mark.
Jacobs' cross from the right went all the way through the box to Garbutt on the far post and his left-foot shot was brilliantly saved at full stretch by Alex Smithies.
It was almost game over when Jordan Cousins manufactured a shooting chance for himself on the edge of the Wigan box, only for Jake Buxton to throw himself in the way of the ball.
Wigan sent on Jordi Gomez for his second 'debut' and Craig Davies in the final quarter but still the Rangers rearguard were holding out.
Max Power fired wide as full-time approached but Wigan knew it wasn't to be their day when Grigg headed just over and then bundled the ball just wide in stoppage time. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/wigan-0-qpr-1-nedum-onouha-earns-important-championship-win-a3331186.html | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/74edd415db97899f9168611bb6433337a7a4a8136fd7c3b8732ca767eea56091.json |
[
"Joni Blyth"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:01 | null | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | As the BBC’s classic sitcom season kicks off, comedy fans are once again being asked - Are You Being Served? While things have changed in the clink for the Porridge revival, it’s business as usual in Grace Brothers’ Department store – or is it? Its 1988, 10 years after the original series, and Young Mr Grace – now Matthew Horne, playing the Grandson of Harold Bennett’s stingy store owner - is looking to mix things up on the shop floor, and drag the business into the present. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fstayingin%2Ftvfilm%2Fare-you-being-served-2016-reboot-brings-mr-humphries-and-mr-rumbold-back-to-grace-brothers-a3330841.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/08/14/are-you-being-served.jpg | en | null | Are You Being Served 2016 reboot brings Mr Humphries and Mr Rumbold back to Grace Brothers | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | As the BBC’s classic sitcom season kicks off, comedy fans are once again being asked - Are You Being Served?
While things have changed in the clink for the Porridge revival, it’s business as usual in Grace Brothers’ Department store – or is it?
Its 1988, 10 years after the original series, and Young Mr Grace – now Matthew Horne, playing the Grandson of Harold Bennett’s stingy store owner - is looking to mix things up on the shop floor, and drag the business into the present.
This means Mr Rumbold getting used to a new ‘high-tech’ Amstrad computer, while down on the first floor young newcomer Mr Conway butts heads with the stuffy old guard.
After the sad loss of the series creators Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, Benidorm’s Derren Litten takes over writing duties, leaving no stone unturned in the search for fresh innuendo.
W1A’s Jason Watkins puts in an admirable turn as shop assistant and gay icon Mr Humphries, and his triumphant cry of ‘I’m free!’ will certainly warm the hearts of longtime fans .
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
Mr Rumbold is the glue that holds this special together, as Justin Edwards gives an understated performance that stands out while everyone else hams it up.
Honouring 60 years of British Comedy, this is another fun blast from the past in the BBC’s revival series – you’ll be singing the classic theme song around the house for weeks.
Sunday, BBC One, 9pm | http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/are-you-being-served-2016-reboot-brings-mr-humphries-and-mr-rumbold-back-to-grace-brothers-a3330841.html | en | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/d25c9943bc84213dea79473c4f5f1dde844745ccc05c10512b13fd40f68b2293.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-30T14:51:09 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | Chelsea manager Antonio Conte could spend in excess of £50million in the final hours of the summer transfer window. The Italian has already spent more than £60million since arriving at Stamford Bridge, bringing in Michy Batshuayi, N'Golo Kante and Eduardo. Strengthening the defence remains Conte's priority. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fchelsea-transfer-news-defence-is-antonio-contes-main-priority-but-blues-need-a-striker-too-a3332566.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/23/21/antonio_conte_2.jpg | en | null | Chelsea transfer news: Defence is Antonio Conte's main priority but Blues need a striker too | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Chelsea manager Antonio Conte could spend in excess of £50million in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
The Italian has already spent more than £60million since arriving at Stamford Bridge, bringing in Michy Batshuayi, N'Golo Kante and Eduardo.
Strengthening the defence remains Conte's priority.
Indeed, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic suffered a drop in form last term, while John Terry is on a one-year deal and Kurt Zouma is not expected to return to first-team action until Christmas.
But failed moves for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli have frustrated Conte during the early part of his Chelsea reign and his anguish over inflated fees has been evident.
The 47-year-old said: "The club and I are working very hard every day to find the right solution in transfer market because we all know that this transfer market is very crazy."
But what does the final day of the window have in store for Chelsea? Watch our video at the top of this article to find out. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-transfer-news-defence-is-antonio-contes-main-priority-but-blues-need-a-striker-too-a3332566.html | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f592115ce6153716be89d119e9c89a2385b5535d8691245084246e0f52420596.json |
[
"Joni Blyth"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:10 | null | 2016-07-22T00:00:00 | From the Euros to the Olympics, Summer 2016 has been one of competition, with countries and competitors facing off on every track and in every ring imaginable. However the most ferocious battle is still to come: the Robot Wars final, a vicious knockout where only the strongest and bravest have a hope of surviving. The last five weeks have seen tough competition, with only one machine from each week making the final. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fstayingin%2Ftvfilm%2Frobot-wars-2016-will-apollo-shockwave-tr2-pulsar-or-carbide-win-the-final-a3330691.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/22/17/robot-wars-2016.jpg | en | null | Robot Wars 2016: will Apollo, Shockwave, TR2, Pulsar, or Carbide win the final? | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | From the Euros to the Olympics, Summer 2016 has been one of competition, with countries and competitors facing off on every track and in every ring imaginable.
However the most ferocious battle is still to come: the Robot Wars final, a vicious knockout where only the strongest and bravest have a hope of surviving.
The last five weeks have seen tough competition, with only one machine from each week making the final.
These remaining robots will now face off against each other for the ultimate title, alongside one wildcard robot chosen by the elite judges from the runners up.
Here are the ‘bots you’ll be watching in the finals.
1) Apollo
Apollo made quite the impression in the third heat, not only taking out its competition using its powerful flipper, but even upturning the deadly house robots that crossed its path.
Apollo flips an unfortunate robot in the final seconds of battle (BBC)
Sporting a gas-powered launcher capable of delivering 5-tonnes of oomph to send foes flying, Apollo shocked the arena by upending even the mighty Matilda to deliver robot collector Dave and his team through to the final.
2) Shockwave
Cybernetics PHD Will looked to the future of mobile tech when designing Shockwave, building a modular system that allows them to swap out weapons on the fly.
Shockwave takes on the House Robots - good luck with that! (BBC)
This should prove a useful tactical advantage in the final, while an impressive top speed of 20mph makes Shockwave one of the fastest finalists.
3) TR2
Another flipping robot – a common weapon among the finalists – TR2 combines speed with strength, and 15 year old captain Alex relies on his precision driving skills to outmanoeuvre any enemies.
TR2 sends a competitor flying across the arena (BBC)
In case their flipper is outmatched by the other finalists, a rear-mounted axe should keep them ahead of the competition.
4) Pulsar
Pulsar cut an oily swathe through contestants in its heat, including classic robots like lethal lobster Thermidor 2 and the deadly Infernal Contraption.
Pulsar faces off against doomed crustacean sensation Thermidor 2 (BBC)
Pulsar’s ‘Single Tooth’ Drum spins 140 times a second, and has proved useful for shredding wheels and flipping any robot it sinks its teeth into.
5) Carbide
While Carbide is one of the slowest finalists, this mini armoured tank boasts a spinning bar which shredded its competitors in the first week.
Carbide goes up against show legend Behemoth (BBC)
Designed by engineers for Rolls Royce and Cadburys, Carbide even made short work of the legendary Robot Wars veteran Behemoth to earn its place in the final.
Robot Wars 2016: the re-designed house bots
6 show all Robot Wars 2016: the re-designed house bots
1/6 They're back Dara O Briain and Angela Scanlon present a brand new series of Robot Wars on BBC Two BBC/Mentorn Media Scotland/Alan Peebles
2/6 Sir Killalot Has a rotating lance, jaws which open to 70cm, hydraulic claws, and super-strong armour BBC/Mentorn Media Scotland/Alan Peebles
3/6 Dead Metal Has a 45 centimetre circular saw and CO2-driven pincers BBC/Mentorn Media Scotland/Alan Peebles
4/6 Matilda Has pneumatic flippers at the from, a head that can lift 1.5 tonnes, and a vertical flywheel weapon BBC/Mentorn Media Scotland/Alan Peebles
5/6 Shunt Has a CO2-powered titanium axe and a ramming plough BBC/Mentorn Media Scotland/Alan Peebles
6/6 Fearsome foursome The house bots have been re-designed for 2016 BBC/Mentorn Media Scotland/Alan Peebles
The Robot Wars final will likely go down as 2016’s most vicious battle – until the US General Election, that is.
BBC Two, Sunday at 9pm | http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/robot-wars-2016-will-apollo-shockwave-tr2-pulsar-or-carbide-win-the-final-a3330691.html | en | 2016-07-22T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/75e2c55aee99e2d2ded4e415949f82e5aa294a505af2147d5b0578337b3b5760.json |
[
"Sam Long"
] | 2016-08-29T20:50:38 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi has insisted he is "learning from the best" after Thierry Henry took his first session as part of Belgium's coaching staff. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fchelsea-striker-michy-batshuayi-learning-from-the-best-as-arsenal-legend-thierry-henry-starts-a3331866.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/20/henry-batshuayi.jpg | en | null | Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi 'learning from the best' as Arsenal legend Thierry Henry starts Belgium coaching role | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi has insisted he is "learning from the best" after Thierry Henry took his first session as part of Belgium's coaching staff.
The Arsenal legend was handed the role by Roberto Martinez in a shock appointment last week, having turned down the chance to take charge of the Gunners' Under-18 side on a permanent basis earlier this summer.
Belgium's squad has assembled for the first time since Martinez replaced Marc Wilmots as Red Devils boss and Henry has wasted little time passing his knowledge onto the nation's strikers.
Batshuayi is one of four forwards to be included in the squad, along with Divock Origi, Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke, and listened intently during a session with Henry.
Not sure I ever listened to my parents like this #Titi #LearnFromTheBest pic.twitter.com/kG3QV5xhLm — Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) August 29, 2016
Batshuayi has made a promising start to his career with the Blues, scoring three goals in four appearances for Antonio Conte's side, and will be keen to continue his rich vein of form while on international duty.
Belgium were knocked out of Euro 2016 in the quarter-finals and Henry is adamant the team are capable of "making history" given the talent within their squad.
Martinez's side have been drawn in a World Cup 2018 qualifying group alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Estonia, Cyprus and Gibralatar and will be overwhelming favourites to finish in top spot
Belgium face Spain in a friendly on Thursday before starting their qualifying campaign away at Cyprus on September 6. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-striker-michy-batshuayi-learning-from-the-best-as-arsenal-legend-thierry-henry-starts-a3331866.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c2544679f4cc157109d8203e8055a4610d3d2604a0ce8496456de1fac55b4d8f.json |
[
"Joni Blyth"
] | 2016-08-30T16:50:55 | null | 2016-08-15T00:00:00 | Things are only getting worse for Ross Poldark - Aidan Turner has revealed that he was injured on set during filming of the hit BBC series. While Ross Poldark might be in real pain after [spoiler alert] losing his daughter and finding himself arrested for murder at the end of the last series, Turner is the one in over his head after a freak sea accident on set. Turner and co-star Eleanor Tomlinson were filming off the Cornish coast when a freak wave surprised everyone involved. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fstayingin%2Ftvfilm%2Fpoldark-s-aidan-turner-injured-by-freak-wave-while-filming-second-series-a3332671.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/15/12/poldark-series-2-2.jpg | en | null | Poldark’s Aidan Turner injured by freak wave while filming second series | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Things are only getting worse for Ross Poldark - Aidan Turner has revealed that he was injured on set during filming of the hit BBC series.
While Ross Poldark might be in real pain after [spoiler alert] losing his daughter and finding himself arrested for murder at the end of the last series, Turner is the one in over his head after a freak sea accident on set.
Turner and co-star Eleanor Tomlinson were filming off the Cornish coast when a freak wave surprised everyone involved.
“We were filming me lifting Demelza out of a boat in the actual sea,” Turner told the Radio Times.
“This huge wave picked up the boat and slammed it into my head.”
While Turner has received acclaim for his portrayal of the Cornish heartthrob, off-screen it sounds like Ross isn’t quite as macho in a crisis.
“I dropped her in the water – not very Ross Poldark.”
It sounds like Turner wasn’t seriously hurt by the injury, although one cameraman involved in the incident did receive a nasty concussion while shooting underwater.
Poldark returns to BBC One on Sunday, going head to head with ITV’s new drama Victoria.
Victoria swept through all the competition this bank holiday weekend, leaving the BBC’s slew of comedy revivals in the dust as it premiered in back-to-back episodes.
We’ll see more of Ross Poldark – and his legendary abs – on Sunday at 9pm. | http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/poldark-s-aidan-turner-injured-by-freak-wave-while-filming-second-series-a3332671.html | en | 2016-08-15T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c0f6bc86264c5bb575bdf3ef745b0843a20e51b32b3c927a4ec5e76e28759906.json |
[
"Tom Allnutt"
] | 2016-08-30T06:51:03 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Novak Djokovic brushed off concerns about his fitness after the defending champion battled past Jerzy Janowicz in the first round of the US Open. Djokovic had to call for a medical time-out just five games into the contest inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, when a trainer massaged the upper part of his right arm. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ftennis%2Fus-open-2016-novak-djokovic-overcomes-injury-scare-to-seal-fourset-win-over-jerzy-janowicz-a3331926.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/06/djokovic3008.jpg | en | null | Novak Djokovic overcomes injury scare to win US Open 2016 first round match | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Novak Djokovic brushed off concerns about his fitness after the defending champion battled past Jerzy Janowicz in the first round of the US Open.
Djokovic had to call for a medical time-out just five games into the contest inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, when a trainer massaged the upper part of his right arm.
The Serbian, who has admitted an injury to his left wrist has also not healed, looked uncomfortable throughout but he did enough to beat Janowicz 6-3 5-7 6-2 6-1.
He now faces Czech Jiri Vesely in round two and after the match the world number one was reluctant to discuss his physical issues.
"It's getting better and better each day," Djokovic said. "I'm glad that I'm experiencing that. So hopefully as the tournament progresses, I'll reach my peak."
On calling for the medical time-out, he said: "It was just prevention. It's all good."
Janowicz was too careless to capitalise on any weakness in his opponent's armour but Djokovic will have to survive tougher tests if he is to win his 13th grand slam title in New York.
Vesely can be a dangerous opponent while Marin Cilic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and John Isner all lie in his quarter.
"To be honest, I take it day by day. That's what I feel at the moment," Djokovic said.
"It's good, as I said, just to finish the match. I'm pleased that as the match progressed I was feeling better and better.
"Tomorrow is a new day. I hope that I'll feel overall good so I'm able to perform at my best for the next match."
Rafael Nadal is a potential foe in the semi-finals and he appeared far less troubled by his own wrist injury as he cruised past Denis Istomin 6-1 6-4 6-2.
The Spaniard will now face Andreas Seppi in the second round at Flushing Meadows after the Italian overcame Frenchman Stephane Robert.
Nadal played with his troublesome left wrist heavily bandaged and, while he seemed unrestricted, hitting 14 of his 21 winners off the forehand, the 30-year-old said he still lacks confidence on that side.
"I am hitting very well the backhand, but it's true that the forehand I need time. I need confidence and I need to keep practicing the forehand," Nadal said.
"It's not easy to go two months and a half out of competition in the middle of the season without hitting a forehand. I need to have the confidence again with my wrist.
"That is coming, because I feel the wrist much better, and every day feel that the wrist is a little bit better. That's very important thing for me. The most important thing."
Elsewhere on Monday, John Isner won an epic all-American clash with the talented 18-year-old Frances Tiafoe. Isner came from two sets down to triumph 3-6 4-6 7-6 (7/5) 6-2 7-6 (7/3).
Milos Raonic, Cilic, Gael Monfils and Tsonga are also safely through. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/us-open-2016-novak-djokovic-overcomes-injury-scare-to-seal-fourset-win-over-jerzy-janowicz-a3331926.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/6b00f08207e693e9c224613930f8d3adbc2f82b9f59cfeea6b6d226aaca057e2.json |
[
"Joanna Bourke"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:23 | null | 2016-07-21T00:00:00 | Brits with a penchant for buying expensive luggage helped offset the impact of terrorist attacks rocking Europe, Samsonite said earlier. The high-end luggage brand, whose products are sold in House of Fraser and Harrods, saw UK sales jump 8% in the six months to June 30. The label has found favour with stars including actress and model Jessica Alba. Samsonite’s wares include £1295 carry-on bags and £79 laptop cases. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2Fbrits-snapping-up-expensive-luggage-boosts-sales-at-luxury-firm-samsonite-a3332366.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/21/10/heathrow2107a2_0.jpg | en | null | Samsonsite sales boosted as Brits snap up expensive luggage | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Brits with a penchant for buying expensive luggage helped offset the impact of terrorist attacks rocking Europe, Samsonite said earlier.
The high-end luggage brand, whose products are sold in House of Fraser and Harrods, saw UK sales jump 8% in the six months to June 30.
The label has found favour with stars including actress and model Jessica Alba.
Samsonite’s wares include £1295 carry-on bags and £79 laptop cases.
The strong performance, coupled with growth in Italy and Spain, helped European sales to climb 8.6% to $268.8 million (£205 million).
Its revenue jump came despite sales in France plummeting 7.8% as “negative impacts from the recent terrorist attacks”, hit trading.
Unfavourable currencies and investment in expansion following the $1.8 billion acquisition of rival Tumi hit first-half profits, down 12.7% to $82.4 million.
Chairman Tim Parker said: "Despite the challenging trading conditions, our top lines showed steady growth, which is testament to the resilence of the business model."
He added that the firm made good progress in growing its online division. | http://www.standard.co.uk/business/brits-snapping-up-expensive-luggage-boosts-sales-at-luxury-firm-samsonite-a3332366.html | en | 2016-07-21T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/0d4a185f867870f0141f1b292fce37819afa2b6602a98bb93862ad72a249d914.json |
[
"Declan Warrington"
] | 2016-08-29T08:50:22 | null | 2016-03-10T00:00:00 | Alan Pardew expects Crystal Palace to recruit "one or two" more players before the conclusion of the summer transfer window. The manager has made little secret of his desire to sign another striker to follow the £27million Christian Benteke and remains interested in Chelsea's Loic Remy, who he managed at Newcastle. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fcrystal-palace-transfer-news-loic-remy-on-hit-list-as-alan-pardew-vows-to-make-one-or-two-additions-a3331626.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/03/10/12/remy1003a.jpg | en | null | Chelsea transfer news: Loic Remy on Crystal Palace hitlist as Alan Pardew targets late deals | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Alan Pardew expects Crystal Palace to recruit "one or two" more players before the conclusion of the summer transfer window.
The manager has made little secret of his desire to sign another striker to follow the £27million Christian Benteke and remains interested in Chelsea's Loic Remy, who he managed at Newcastle.
He has also already strengthened with a new goalkeeper, defender and winger in Steve Mandanda, James Tomkins and Andros Townsend, twice breaking the club's transfer record for the latter and then Benteke.
The departure of Mile Jedinak for Aston Villa has, however, left Pardew without a ball-winning defensive midfielder, and asked of his plans before Wednesday's deadline, he said: "You can rest assured that one or two are coming in.
"We're not really close on anyone at the moment. We were close; it's gone away a little bit, so that's the world we're in at the moment. Everybody's jostling, but it will all happen.
"Just perhaps a bit of common sense here from agents, chief executives, and then we'll be okay."
Wilfried Zaha, who as a substitute inspired Palace's recovery from a goal down in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, on Thursday asked to be allowed to join Tottenham.
Palace rejected an offer of £12million for the forward with both Pardew and chairman Steve Parish saying they expected him to stay, and the manager added: "The chairman made (Palace's stance on Zaha) very clear and I hope that's true."
Pardew was also asked about being booed off by Palace's supporters at half-time while they trailed 1-0, as he also was at the final whistle when they lost by the same scoreline two weeks ago to West Brom.
"Forget what Palace fans think of me," he said. "The ones who didn't see me play here are the new fans. I'm Crystal Palace; it's my team, it hurts me that my team would play like that if it was me as manager or somebody else.
"It was a hell of a responsibility on me in the second half to make sure that we never dish that out again but I'm making changes and I have to kind of cut through (that) and feel for the players a little bit." | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-transfer-news-loic-remy-on-hit-list-as-alan-pardew-vows-to-make-one-or-two-additions-a3331626.html | en | 2016-03-10T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/2362774d3455fc9039cdb601ebc9912000c3efcb633f2afe567837e527493196.json |
[
"Fiona Simpson"
] | 2016-08-29T22:50:38 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Two party-goers gave a police officer a cheeky performance as they twerked up against him at Notting Hill Carnival. The two women, dressed in bright tops and tiny hot pants, jiggled their backsides at the uniformed Metropolitan Police officer as he cast his eye over yesterday’s children’s day parade. The fun-loving ladies could be seen grinning at each other as they pinned him up against black railings and performed the saucy dance move. Thankfully, he saw the funny side and laughed along with the dancers, fanned himself with his hat and mopped his brow. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fnotting-hill-carnival-2016-moment-cheeky-revellers-twerk-against-metropolitan-police-officer-a3331901.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/22/twerkingcop.jpg | en | null | Notting Hill Carnival 2016: Moment cheeky revellers 'twerk' against Metropolitan Police officer | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Two party-goers gave a police officer a cheeky performance as they twerked up against him at Notting Hill Carnival.
The two women, dressed in bright tops and tiny hot pants, jiggled their backsides at the uniformed Metropolitan Police officer as he cast his eye over yesterday’s children’s day parade.
The fun-loving ladies could be seen grinning at each other as they pinned him up against black railings and performed the saucy dance move.
Thankfully, he saw the funny side and laughed along with the dancers, fanned himself with his hat and mopped his brow.
Crowds cheered and one bystander waved a Jamaican flag behind the bearded cop.
Danielle Crossley, 19, recorded the hilarious clip and told the Mirror: "Even police officers need to have a little fun now and again. He looked a little but uncomfortable.
"But well done to him, he joined in with the spirit of the carnival and everybody enjoyed the moment."
Notting Hill Carnival 2016 - In pictures
18 show all Notting Hill Carnival 2016 - In pictures
1/18 Street festival: Thousands of people headed to Notting Hill for the second day of the carnival Getty
2/18 Snap: Performers in identical blue outfits pose for the cameras Getty
3/18 Big turnout: Hundreds lined the streets for the procession Getty
4/18 Caribbean culture: A woman dances her way down the street in the final day of the carnival Getty
5/18 Festival of colour: A performer dances in front of the crowds during the Grande Finale on Monday PA
6/18 Drummers filled the streets as Monday's event got into full swing PA
7/18 Police presence is high following complaints about security last year PA
8/18 Revellers take part in the Children's Day parade after a paint fight party EPA
9/18 Revellers take part in the Children's Day parade EPA/WILL OLIVER
10/18 Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
11/18 Revellers take part in the Children's Day parade after a paint fight party EPA/WILL OLIVER
12/18 Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
13/18 Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
14/18 Revellers enjoy the Notting Hill Carnival after joining a paint fight party in the early morning Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
15/18 Performers dressed in flamboyant costumes for the Children's Day parade EPA/WILL OLIVER
16/18 Dancers perform during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
17/18 Police Officers during the Children's Day parade Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
18/18 Revellers enjoy a paint fight party Isabel Infantes/PA Wire
The police officer was not the only member of the emergency services to get in to the festival spirit.
London Ambulance Service also shared a video of a paramedic, known only as Leeroy, dancing around and blowing a whistle during his Bank Holiday shift.
Paramedic Leroy getting in to the carnival spirit! #NottingHillCarnival pic.twitter.com/utBR9L5Yc2 — ChrisHawkswell, EP07 (@LAS_TacAdvisor) August 29, 2016
Thousands of people descended on the second day of the annual festival after the first was marred with violence.
Five people were knifed in four separate attacks yesterday.
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.
Shortly afterwards, a 20-year-old was knifed in Portobello Road while two boys, aged 16 and 15, were stabbed at Ladbroke Grove.
Over the two days over 400 people were arrested and over 600 treated by medics.
Police seized 60 knives and 11 officers were assaulted. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/notting-hill-carnival-2016-moment-cheeky-revellers-twerk-against-metropolitan-police-officer-a3331901.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b1925491320e039066329e9a6a2dd86738a8c8e95b66557e7da89154cfecf2ed.json |
[
"Tom Doyle"
] | 2016-08-28T20:50:16 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Sam Allardyce has revealed that Michail Antonio's first England call-up is the result of his 'outstanding' form for West Ham after a journey from non-league football to the international game. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fengland-squad-announcement-sam-allardyce-picked-michail-antonio-for-outstanding-west-ham-form-a3331546.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/19/michail-antonio.jpg | en | null | England squad announcement: Sam Allardyce picked Michail Antonio for 'outstanding' West Ham form | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Sam Allardyce has revealed that Michail Antonio's first England call-up is the result of his 'outstanding' form for West Ham after a journey from non-league football to the international game.
Antonio began his career and Tooting & Mitcham United, working his way up through the divisions before being signed by West Ham from Nottingham Forest last summer.
The winger has impressed in both an advanced position and more recently in a right wing-back role for Slaven Bilic's Hammers, scoring eight goals in his first Premier League campaign.
Antonio scored a header in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Manchester City - his eighth since the start of the 2015/16 campaign to set a current Premier League record - and former West Ham boss Allardyce told the FA that the player's determination and talent made the call-up an easy decision.
Allardyce said: "I think it's outstanding form, I think his first introduction to the Premier League last year... this is another lad with a great journey, a fantastic journey that he's been on from non-league to now an international call-up.
"I think that last year's impact on West Ham was only overshadowed by [Dimitri] Payet, I think he scored nine (eight) goals in his first season.
"He's a terrific athlete, a really good crosser, and a goal-scorer from wide positions so that's the thinking behind it and an introduction to the squad based on his performances over last season and the start of this season
"So I'm looking forward to him coming and I'm looking forward to meeting everybody, and hopefully we will have a good few days' preparation and get to know each other on the basis that we will try and go and win at Slovakia."
The challenges facing Sam Allardyce as England manager
6 show all The challenges facing Sam Allardyce as England manager
1/6 The challenges facing Sam Allardyce as England manager... OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images
2/6 GETTING THE TEAM TO PLAY WITH SELF-BELIEF The entire side froze on the big occasion as England were beaten by Iceland in France. The same players who entertain millions around the world in the Premier League every week could not even pass to team-mates or control the football.
Martin Glenn, chief executive of the Football Association, stressed the need for the new appointment to be able to “inspire people”, a skill Allardyce has demonstrated — albeit without lifting a major trophy.
His man-management will be put to the test but if the 61-year-old gets the players to overcome the fear factor, he has won half the battle. Lars Baron/Getty Images
3/6 ESTABLISH A SETTLED SIDE AND STYLE OF PLAY The players have been hindered by the indecisiveness of previous bosses. Constant chopping and changing of players and formations only encourages confusion.
One of Roy Hodgson’s main failings was that he never seemed to know his best side. The look of the team at major tournaments bore little resemblance to the one deployed in qualification and Hodgson’s predecessor, Fabio Capello, was guilty of that, too.
Allardyce’s priority is to make sure England book their place at the 2018 World Cup but it is vital that he uses any friendlies to come up with an established game-plan that he hopes to use in Russia and stick with it. VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images
4/6 FIGURE OUT WAYNE ROONEY’S BEST ROLE Many will argue after another disappointing tournament that Rooney should no longer be involved at all. But the 30-year-old’s experience is still very useful.
Rooney showed enough quality on the ball during the group phase at Euro 2016 to suggest he still has something to offer at this level. The question remains where best to exploit it. Given Rooney’s lack of pace and the plethora of striking options, playing him up front would be surprising.
However, the same argument could be had for keeping him in midfield, where he was used in France.
Allardyce must decide whether to retain him as captain. One suspects he will, which means a place for him in the first XI has to be found. VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images
5/6 GET THE FANS ONSIDE Allardyce has been associated with long-ball football and a large section of supporters will not welcome his arrival with much enthusiasm.
A lack of trophies on his CV will also lead to question marks over his abilities at the highest level.
Obviously, his only answer is to win in style and that will not happen overnight. But it’s vital he gets off to a good start to the World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins against Slovakia on September 4. Julian Finney/Getty Images
6/6 MAKE THE MOST OF THE YOUNGSTERS The senior side may be having problems but England are thriving in the younger age groups.
In May, the Under-21s won the Toulon tournament, while the Under-19s are in the semi-finals of the European Championships.
If Allardyce wants to stay in the job long-term, he must take advantage of the young talent clearly emerging. Alex Livesey/Getty Images
England squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)
Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/england-squad-announcement-sam-allardyce-picked-michail-antonio-for-outstanding-west-ham-form-a3331546.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/5430e15c6d1539b72fd3d9f1553a7f7cbaffae187c62df486c4a1b7ba3574eb9.json |
[
"Ben Travis"
] | 2016-08-30T08:51:06 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Natalie Cassidy has given birth to a daughter, she revealed on social media over the weekend. The EastEnders actress just welcomed her second child, revealing her name as Joanie Elizabeth Cassidy-Humphreys in a photo posted on Twitter. Introducing the new arrival, Cassidy wrote: “@cameramarc and I introduce Joanie Elizabeth Cassidy-Humphreys... We are all so in love!” Joanie Elizabeth is Cassidy’s first child with her fiancé Marc Humphreys. She also has a five year-old daughter Eliza with former partner Adam Cottrell. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Feastenders-natalie-cassidy-gives-birth-to-baby-girl-joanie-elizabeth-with-fianc-marc-humphreys-a3331951.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/07/nataliecsasidybaby3008a.jpg | en | null | EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy gives birth to baby girl Joanie Elizabeth | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Natalie Cassidy has given birth to a daughter, she revealed on social media over the weekend.
The EastEnders actress just welcomed her second child, revealing her name as Joanie Elizabeth Cassidy-Humphreys in a photo posted on Twitter.
Introducing the new arrival, Cassidy wrote: “@cameramarc and I introduce Joanie Elizabeth Cassidy-Humphreys... We are all so in love!”
Joanie Elizabeth is Cassidy’s first child with her fiancé Marc Humphreys. She also has a five year-old daughter Eliza with former partner Adam Cottrell.
The 33 year-old first revealed her pregnancy on Twitter in February.
“Evening all... Time to let everybody know that @cameramarc and I are having a baby in the summer,” she wrote. “The three musketeers become four.”
EastEnders - Best Villains
8 show all EastEnders - Best Villains
1/8 Janine Butcher What hasn't Janine done? Walford's Queen of Evil has spread rumours about Jamie Mitchell's bedroom antics, blackmailed Ian Beale, pushed her blubbering husband Barry off of a cliff, and stabbed herself in an attempt to frame Stacey Slater for attempted murder.
2/8 Dirty Den Watts Den is Walford's original baddie. He was so keen to retain the title that he even came 'back from the dead' to continue his villainous ways. He served up divorce papers to his first wife Angie on Christmas Day but failed to escape from his second wife Chrissie who thumped him on the head with a doorstop.
3/8 Stella Crawford Poor Ben Mitchell was subjected to months of abuse from Stella Crawford. The lawyer bullied the boy and even manipulated him into convincing his father Phil Mitchell to get down on one knee and pop the question. As with all EastEnders villains, Stella never did get her happy ever after and met her grizzly end after being confronted by Phil on their wedding day before throwing herself off of a building.
4/8 Archie Mitchell No one seemed to escape Archie’s dastardly actions. He stole the Queen Vic from his fiance Peggy Mitchell, devised schemes to control his family, blackmailed Ian Beale and raped Stacey Slater. After narrowly escaping being buried alive by Phil Mitchell, he was whacked over the head with the famous Queen Vic bust.
5/8 Trevor Morgan Unfortunately for Little Mo there was no end to Trevor’s wicked ways. He pushed her face into the Christmas dinner and forced her to eat the remains off of the carpet, isolated her from her family, burned her hand with an iron, raped her as punishment for attending her sister Lynne Hobbs's wedding, and tried to frame her for attempted murder.
6/8 Steve Owen Steve killed Saskia by thumping her with an ashtray before burying her in Epping Forest and proceeding to frame Matthew. Despite his villainous traits he did manage to fit in one good deed. He passed baby Louise (who he planned to take to America with Lisa) to her father Phil Mitchell seconds before his car exploded.
7/8 Nasty Nick Cotton Nasty Nick's devilish ways are endless. He beat up and killed Reg Cox who was found dead in the show's first episode. He claimed to be a born again Christian but then attempted to kill his "Ma" Dot - twice, murdered Eddie Royle, tried to con Dot by fooling her into thinking he had AIDS and was responsible for the death of DCI Emma Summerhayes after tampering with the brakes in Roxy's car.
8/8 Andy Hunter He was a member of organised crime gang, The Firm, so there was to be no curbing his gangster ways. He conned his way into bed with Kat Slater and split her up from Alfie. But after two years of torturing Walford residents, he was killed by archenemy Johnny Allen who threw him off of a motorway bridge.
Cassidy’s pregnancy had recently been causing confusion among EastEnders fans, with the show making little attempt to hide the actress’ bump.
Some viewers couldn’t work out whether it was part of the character’s current plot, with one asking: “Is Sonia [sic] pregnant or is natalie cassidy?”
is sonia pregnant or is natalie cassidy? cos if natalie is pregnant they arent covering it up very well lol #eastenders — Soph (@soph01984) August 26, 2016
Are we expected to ignore the fact that Sonya is quite obviously heavily pregnant #EastEnders — eileen cumiskey (@eileencum55) June 16, 2016
Is Sonya pregant in #eastenders — Dee Kelly (@therealdeekelly) August 28, 2016
Cassidy and Humphreys got engaged in October 2015, with their loved ones "thrilled" by the news.
A source said: "Family and friends are thrilled for Natalie and have been buying gifts for them to celebrate." | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/eastenders-natalie-cassidy-gives-birth-to-baby-girl-joanie-elizabeth-with-fianc-marc-humphreys-a3331951.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/d7c087d206748f6e6ccb193c15917b471dd8e69e2f2023dc34d09adb8a48ba2a.json |
[
"Tom Dutton"
] | 2016-08-28T18:50:14 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Standard Sport assesses the key performances from West Ham's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Etihad Stadium. Michail Antoinio should not play at right-back There were raised eyebrows when Slaven Bilic named Michail Antonio at right wing-back as part of his five-man defence for the trip to Manchester City. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwest-ham-analysis-michail-antonio-shouldnt-play-rightback-and-gokhan-tore-struggles-as-hammer-miss-a3331491.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/17/slaven_bilic_celebration.jpg | en | null | West Ham analysis: Michail Antonio isn't a right-back and Gokhan Tore struggles as Hammers miss Dimitri Payet | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Standard Sport assesses the key performances from West Ham's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.
Michail Antoinio should not play at right-back
There were raised eyebrows when Slaven Bilic named Michail Antonio at right wing-back as part of his five-man defence for the trip to Manchester City.
Indeed, even David Sullivan was encouraging the West Ham boss to play Antonio in an advanced role earlier this week. "I want to pay special tribute to Michail Antonio, it was great to see him playing in a more attacking position and he stole all the headlines with his late winner," said Sullivan after last week's win over Bournemouth.
Whether a subtle hint or a genuine assessment, Sullivan's words did little to impact Bilic as Antonio started in defence despite his apparent struggles at full-back and he was quickly exposed as David Silva and Nolito combined down the left to set up Raheem Sterling's opener.The 26-year-old was let-off later in the first half when Kevin De Bruyne fired wide after being caught napping further up-field.
And Bilic was eventually wise to his struggles, introducing Sam Byram for Gokhan Tore after the break as Antonio pushed up. The Hammer then made his mark less than 15 minutes after the reshuffle as West Ham fought for a route back into the game.
Ashley Fletcher shows glimpses he can star
The former Manchester United star and Red Devils fan was intent on denting the Pep Guardiola title challenge and was handed the opportunity to do so - his full West Ham debut - after impressing in the discouraging defeat to Astra Giurgiu on Thursday.
The 20-year-old was among the two to emerge with credit from the Europa League horror show and showed signs he can shine at London Stadium again on Sunday. He was always going to have little chance to impress spearheading a West Ham team set on camping in their own half against Guardiola's title train, but he twice found space in the first period as West Ham carved openings on the counter.
He was over-zealous with a lunge on City goalkeeper Willy Caballero in the second half, earning a booking, but again showed the desire to find space in the final third playing off a midfield that was offering very little.
Gökhan Töre is struggling to settle at West Ham
Gokhan Tore has had a difficult start to life at West Ham. Injury disrupted his pre-season, but Slaven Bilic has stuck by the his loan signing despite a sequence of indifferent displays.
He looked short of confidence on the ball and, with City monopolising possession, did little to retain the ball and draw team-mates into the game. While Antonio struggled at right-back, he was offered little help from 24-year-old Tore down the West Ham right as Silva and Nolito ran riot in the first period.
His selection ahead of Antonio in the forward role was a surprise with Sam Byram impressing at right-back when called upon in the early season and Bilic's decision to sacrifice Tore at half-time, pushing Antonio forward, came too late. Byram, meanwhile, immediately did a better job of showing the City attack away from danger.
West Ham desperately missing Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini
Dimitri Payet's failure to make the squad prompted questions about his West Ham future after he was named in Didier Deschamps's 24-man selection for France's forthcoming friendlies.
In his absence, Mark Noble appeared the only man in the West Ham midfield with a touch of invention as Arthur Masuaku regularly conceded possession cheaply, while Enner Valencia was a mere passenger before being sacrificed for Manuel Lanzini.
Masuaka was later on hand to tee-up Antonio as he hauled the Hammers back into the game, while Manuel Lanzini was subsequently introduced, but West Ham were always going to struggle pulling off a repeat of last season's shock win at City with the three-man midfield which started proceedings.
Set pieces a concern
Cheikhou Kouyate watched on as Manchester City danced around West Ham in the first period with a passing masterclass and should also take a portion of the blame for Fernandinho's second.
The 31-year-old rose unmarked as City mounted what proved to be an unassailable lead and had Fernandinho not nodded Guardiola's men two in front, the light blue shorts were queueing up to do the job.
Granted, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a pin-point cross, but Bilic will be frustrated to see so many runs go untracked in a move which ultimately cost West Ham a point. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-analysis-michail-antonio-shouldnt-play-rightback-and-gokhan-tore-struggles-as-hammer-miss-a3331491.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/87d1e5e6ed82588f370e7c34aeebdd7bbc1f75d613a5b659eb2d8bdafa037286.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-30T14:51:02 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed the Ligue 1 club rejected a £43million bid from West Ham for Alexandre Lacazette this summer. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan outlined the club's intention to sign a 20-goal-a-season striker at the beginning of the transfer window, but their drawn-out search has proved furstrating. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwest-ham-transfer-news-hammers-tabled-43m-alexandre-lacazette-bid-confirms-lyon-president-a3332556.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/14/lacazette3008.jpg | en | null | West Ham transfer news: Hammers tabled £43m Alexandre Lacazette bid, confirms Lyon president | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed the Ligue 1 club rejected a £43million bid from West Ham for Alexandre Lacazette this summer.
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan outlined the club's intention to sign a 20-goal-a-season striker at the beginning of the transfer window, but their drawn-out search has proved furstrating.
Attempts to sign Lacazette, Jamie Vardy, Carlos Tevez and Carlos Bacca failed as Andrew Ayew, Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri arrived at London Stadium.
Arsenal were also in the hunt for Lacazette, submitting a £30million bid for the France international, but Aulas has revealed West Ham were among the clubs to table a significantly higher offer for the 25-year-old.
He told French broadcaster SFR Sport: "We've refused an offer of 50 million euros [£43m] from West Ham for Alexandre Lacazette. We've even turned down more for him."
Lacazette scored 21 goals in 34 starts in the French league last term and has already hit six in three games this term. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-transfer-news-hammers-tabled-43m-alexandre-lacazette-bid-confirms-lyon-president-a3332556.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/9d12aee1dcd09a5af4354707a878fdbca1ff852d6b66197dbc31a91171f1f872.json |
[
"Giuseppe Muro"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:28 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Joe Hart is in Italy today to complete his season-long loan to Torino. The goalkeeper was given permission by the FA to leave the England squad and fly to Turin for a medical before sealing his switch from Manchester City. Hart has decided to leave the Etihad after losing his No1 position under new boss Pep Guardiola. The 29-year-old has dropped to third choice following the arrival of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona and wants to play regularly. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fengland-goalkeeper-joe-hart-jets-to-italy-to-complete-torino-loan-move-as-manchester-city-sanction-a3332396.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/12/joehart3008.jpg | en | null | England goalkeeper Joe Hart jets to Italy to complete Torino loan move as Manchester City sanction exit | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Joe Hart is in Italy today to complete his season-long loan to Torino.
The goalkeeper was given permission by the FA to leave the England squad and fly to Turin for a medical before sealing his switch from Manchester City.
Hart has decided to leave the Etihad after losing his No1 position under new boss Pep Guardiola.
The 29-year-old has dropped to third choice following the arrival of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona and wants to play regularly.
Willy Caballero has started all of City’s Premier League games this season.
Hart was also wanted by Sunderland but feels a temporary move to Italy is best for his career.
Torino are seventh in Serie A with three points from their opening two games. They finished 12th last season, so are not in Europe. Hart could make his debut against Atalanta on September 11.
Hart’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, confirmed the move was imminent.
"Yes, Joe Hart will play for Torino," Barnett told Tuttosport. "It is done. The goalkeeper said yes to the club and now Manchester City has given its green light."
When does the transfer window shut across Europe? Touch the graphic to find out | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/england-goalkeeper-joe-hart-jets-to-italy-to-complete-torino-loan-move-as-manchester-city-sanction-a3332396.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e5107d046dddf7bb024d709bceea8efddc46ff63870fa2ff4ab22fa4127a61ac.json |
[
"Hamish Shephard"
] | 2016-08-30T14:51:25 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Got an upcoming stag do to plan but not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking for something more sedate or a wild night out - best men, take note, we’ve got a whole host of suggestions for you… | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Flondon-life%2F6-types-of-stag-do-you-can-have-in-london-a3332481.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/13/michael-wells-photography.jpg | en | null | 6 types of stag do you can have in London | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Got an upcoming stag do to plan but not sure where to start?
Whether you’re looking for something more sedate or a wild night out - best men, take note, we’ve got a whole host of suggestions for you…
1. The lucky stag
Fancy a Vegas-style affair closer to home? Try your luck at London’s hippest casino, The Hippodrome, in Leicester Square. At the UK’s largest casino, you can take a gamble on the slot machines, play your hand at poker, and even enjoy a spot of theatre. When the tension gets a bit too much - indulge in the ultimate dinner at Heliot Steak House. You can spend your winnings on an epic feast teamed with the best American beers.
hippodromecasino.com
2. The whisky-enthusiast stag
Think you know your bourbon from your Tennessee whisky? However experienced you are in sampling the finer spirits, a whisky tasting stag do is sure to be a hit. A number of popular bars, including Golden Arrow, at Pullman London St Pancras, boast monthly tasting sessions. If you can’t make a special event, why not organise a whisky crawl of your own? Visit top spots including The Whisky Bar at The Athenaeum, which boasts more than 300 whiskies, and Boisdale Canary Wharf, home to more than 400 varieties of the grain-based liquor.
pullmanhotels.com
(R J H Photography)
3. The adrenaline-seeking stag
Forget the traditional action-packed sports of quad biking and rally car driving. With a white water rafting adventure, you can take your stag do to the next level with an action-packed day that’s guaranteed to thrill. Take a trip to Lee Valley White Water Centre, in nearby Hertfordshire, for the best in water adventures. Home to Canoe Slalom during the London 2012 Games, you’re sure to have a day to remember.
gowhitewater.co.uk
Wedding venues near London
14 show all Wedding venues near London
1/14 Stoke Park Buckinghamshire Stoke Park is an institution about 45 minutes west of London. It has been used in incredible films from Layer Cake to James Bond and is ideal for a couple who are looking for the most exclusive and elegant of wedding celebrations. But, of course, pretending to be Daniel Craig on your wedding day doesn’t come cheap! Bridebook
Stoke Park is an institution about 45 minutes west of London. It has been used in incredible films from Layer Cake to James Bond and is ideal for a couple who are looking for the most exclusive and elegant of wedding celebrations. But, of course, pretending to be Daniel Craig on your wedding day doesn’t come cheap! 2/14 Hedsor House Buckinghamshire Hedsor House is a Georgian mansion overlooking the River Thames in leafy Buckinghamshire, just 35 minutes west of London. This jaw-dropping location is one of the most prized exclusive-use wedding venues in the Southeast and has seen a wealth of leading men through its doors from Johnny Depp, Tom Hardy and Brad Pitt... and soon me! Bridebook
Hedsor House is a Georgian mansion overlooking the River Thames in leafy Buckinghamshire, just 35 minutes west of London. This jaw-dropping location is one of the most prized exclusive-use wedding venues in the Southeast and has seen a wealth of leading men through its doors from Johnny Depp, Tom Hardy and Brad Pitt... and soon me! 3/14 Nonsuch Mansion Surrey Nonsuch describes itself as a ‘Georgian Gem’ and I can’t argue with that! There are beautiful manicured grounds, an impressive facade and a boutique style interior that is bound to impress. They also don’t believe in ‘packages’ so every wedding is planned specifically to you. Bridebook
Nonsuch describes itself as a ‘Georgian Gem’ and I can’t argue with that! There are beautiful manicured grounds, an impressive facade and a boutique style interior that is bound to impress. They also don’t believe in ‘packages’ so every wedding is planned specifically to you. 4/14 Henry Moore Foundation Hertfordshire If you would rather your countryside wedding with a touch of festival then I can’t think of anywhere better than the Henry Moore Foundation’s set up in Hertfordshire. This beautiful barn and tent combination is the epitome of beautiful boho and is a great wedding venue for those who love the outdoors. Bridebook
If you would rather your countryside wedding with a touch of festival then I can’t think of anywhere better than the Henry Moore Foundation’s set up in Hertfordshire. This beautiful barn and tent combination is the epitome of beautiful boho and is a great wedding venue for those who love the outdoors. 5/14 Maylands Golf Club Essex Maylands Golf Club in Romford is a fully licensed wedding venue and can host up to 180 for a reception. There’s a large veranda with views over the course so you can get your hit of green you hoped for in a countryside wedding. Bridebook
Maylands Golf Club in Romford is a fully licensed wedding venue and can host up to 180 for a reception. There’s a large veranda with views over the course so you can get your hit of green you hoped for in a countryside wedding. 6/14 Leez Priory Essex This impressive Tudor Mansion has 26 years of experiences putting on weddings, so you know you’re in safe hands! There are 15 exquisite bedrooms for the bridal party to stay in too meaning that you can relax in the morning playing king and queen of the manor! Bridebook
This impressive Tudor Mansion has 26 years of experiences putting on weddings, so you know you’re in safe hands! There are 15 exquisite bedrooms for the bridal party to stay in too meaning that you can relax in the morning playing king and queen of the manor! 7/14 Gardens of the Rose Hertfordshire This intimate wedding venue just north of London caters for up to 50 guests. It’s all about the beauty of nature here, with perfectly maintained gardens which create a picture perfect background oozing with romance. Bridebook
This intimate wedding venue just north of London caters for up to 50 guests. It’s all about the beauty of nature here, with perfectly maintained gardens which create a picture perfect background oozing with romance. 8/14 Cain Manor Surrey Whether you are looking for fire-side country house charm in winter, or beautifully kept gardens in summer - Cain Manor really can deliver it all. This fairytale venue on the border of Surrey and Hampshire, run by the excellent Bijou team, will be sure to make your dream wedding a reality. Cain Hall
Whether you are looking for fire-side country house charm in winter, or beautifully kept gardens in summer - Cain Manor really can deliver it all. This fairytale venue on the border of Surrey and Hampshire, run by the excellent Bijou team, will be sure to make your dream wedding a reality. 9/14 Froyle Park Hampshire This Jacobean manor house in North Hampshire is brimming with character and just a hop skip and a jump from south London. Whether it’s photographs in the grounds or drinks in the refurbished hall - you’re bound to find something to love here. Bridebook
This Jacobean manor house in North Hampshire is brimming with character and just a hop skip and a jump from south London. Whether it’s photographs in the grounds or drinks in the refurbished hall - you’re bound to find something to love here. 10/14 London Shenley Club Essex The Shenley Club is a versatile wedding venue that can accommodate intimate weddings or grander parties. The quintessentially British exterior is a great backdrop for celebrating your big day, and within the M25 too. Bridebook
The Shenley Club is a versatile wedding venue that can accommodate intimate weddings or grander parties. The quintessentially British exterior is a great backdrop for celebrating your big day, and within the M25 too. 11/14 Farnham Castle Surrey A beautiful mix of contemporary and traditional blend perfectly in this postcard property. Wed in the Chapel, feast in the Great Hall and dance the night away like a true king and queen. There are 32 bedrooms on site too, in case the court needs to rest! Bridebook
A beautiful mix of contemporary and traditional blend perfectly in this postcard property. Wed in the Chapel, feast in the Great Hall and dance the night away like a true king and queen. There are 32 bedrooms on site too, in case the court needs to rest! 12/14 Gaynes Park Essex For a real grown-up farm-feel this little beauty spot in Essex is a winning wedding venue. Whether you wanted an outside or inside ceremony, Gaynes Park can do either and then the renovated barn is the perfect place to cut loose at the reception. Bridebook
For a real grown-up farm-feel this little beauty spot in Essex is a winning wedding venue. Whether you wanted an outside or inside ceremony, Gaynes Park can do either and then the renovated barn is the perfect place to cut loose at the reception. 13/14 Great Fosters Surrey This sprawling Surrey spot is great for a large party, and for people flying in from abroad. There are a whopping 43 bedrooms and capacity to seat 220 for dinner. The grounds are perfect for unique wedding photographs with a Japanese bridge and a Saxon moat! Bridebook
This sprawling Surrey spot is great for a large party, and for people flying in from abroad. There are a whopping 43 bedrooms and capacity to seat 220 for dinner. The grounds are perfect for unique wedding photographs with a Japanese bridge and a Saxon moat! 14/14 Chiltern Open Air Musuem Buckinghamshire This unique wedding venue comprises of over 30 beautifully refurbished country buildings and is the ideal location for someone looking a rustic wedding full of countryside magic. The site can host the reception and/or the ceremony and can accommodate 80 for a seated meal. Bridebook
4. The country-loving stag
Get yourselves down to the countryside for some fun and fresh air with a country pursuits adventure. Test your reflexes in the competitive sport of clay shooting; get back to basics with old school archery, and release your inner warrior with axe throwing. Southern Pursuits, located near Gatwick Airport, offers a whole host of exciting and unique activities that are sure to satisfy the countryman in you.
southernpursuits.co.uk
(Ross Hurley)
5. The sporting stag
If you’re looking for a sporting event that all your party can enjoy, opt for golf. Laid-back and sociable, golf promises just about the right amount of action while ensuring you’ve still got enough energy for partying at night. Practise your swing at one of London’s high-tech golf facilities, Urban Golf. You can test your skills on more than 60 of the world’s most famous courses, all before relaxing in the licensed lounge. Best of all, you can forget all the rules here.
urbangolf.co.uk
6. The Man vs. Food stag
For a chilled out, low-key party, take a trip to one of the top restaurants in the city for a real-life Man vs. Food challenge. While there are several eateries to choose from, one of our favourites is Red Dog Saloon, which boasts not one but two epic challenges. See if you can join the Wall of Fame by completing the Hot Wings Challenge or Devastator Burger Challenge. If you can handle it, why not sample the other popular American favourites on the menu too? Pro tip: Don’t attempt to go out on the town after completing this challenge. The results won’t be pretty!
reddogsaloon.co.uk
Just married Hamish Shephard is the founder of free online wedding planner Bridebook.co.uk. His ES column, ‘Groom with a View’, gives fuss-free, practical advice to make wedding planning as enjoyable as it should be. | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/6-types-of-stag-do-you-can-have-in-london-a3332481.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/e72c260b2f56765a690bc5c55262f4cda2913f07daaa0aebbf0fc58d0a6183c4.json |
[
"Benedict Moore-Bridger"
] | 2016-08-31T10:53:01 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | An “outstanding” primary school in Tottenham is being investigated for allegedly falsifying children’s SATs results, the Standard can reveal. Harris Primary Academy Coleraine Park allegedly doctored the test results to make them appear better than they would have been. Parents were made aware there may have been malpractice when the results were not included in the children’s end-of-year report. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Ftottenham-primary-school-under-investigation-for-falsifying-sats-results-a3333126.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/10/jt.jpg | en | null | Tottenham primary school under investigation for ‘falsifying SATs results’ | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | An “outstanding” primary school in Tottenham is being investigated for allegedly falsifying children’s SATs results, the Standard can reveal.
Harris Primary Academy Coleraine Park allegedly doctored the test results to make them appear better than they would have been.
Parents were made aware there may have been malpractice when the results were not included in the children’s end-of-year report.
A source said: “The school is under investigation for falsifying the year six SATs results. This is very damaging. It raises questions about the achievements of the school.”
The source added: “This is just the latest in a string of issues. The turnover of staff is very high.”
One parent, who asked not to be named, said: “We transferred our children into this school because of its great results, but now that seems to be in doubt. Staff are leaving mid-term... the atmosphere is not good for staff or pupils.”
A Standards and Testing Agency spokesman said: “We are currently investigating an allegation of maladministration at Harris Primary Academy Coleraine Park, Tottenham. We cannot comment further while the investigation is ongoing.”
The primary is part of the Harris Federation, a group of 37 academies set up by Lord Harris of Peckham. Its chief executive is Sir Daniel Moynihan, whose salary was revealed earlier this year to be £400,000.
Lord Harris is said to be a “huge supporter” of principal Joanne Taylor, who has been credited with bringing about “rapid improvement” in the quality of education at the school, which opened in 2012 after 10 years as a “failing” local authority school.
She graduated in education from London Metropolitan University in 1993 and joined the school in December 2013, stating that she wanted to “drive rapid and sustained improvement”.
Last year she won an education business award for outstanding progress and the school was rated by the Department for Education as the top sponsored primary academy in the country for academic progress made by pupils between the ages of seven and 11.
A Harris Federation spokeswoman said: “It would be wholly unfair on staff at the school to pre-judge the outcome of an investigation that has not yet concluded. However, if any evidence of malpractice at the academy is found, we would treat this extremely seriously.”
She added that Mrs Taylor would not be commenting.
A spokeswoman for Lord Harris said he was on a cruise holiday and could not be reached for comment. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/tottenham-primary-school-under-investigation-for-falsifying-sats-results-a3333126.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/bd5139fdceffb1f454627ba25f5ac7f8a1dcc793f8dda85d886bbe23f0c2b14e.json |
[
"Mark Chandler"
] | 2016-08-30T20:50:57 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Police have surrounded the LA home of Chris Brown today after a woman called 911 asking for help. Singer Brown, 27, denied any wrongdoing, writing on Instagram he had woken up to find police outside and they would need a warrant to enter the property in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. Lieutenant Chris Ramirez of the Los Angeles Police Department said: "This morning, around 3am, officers responded to a radio call for a woman requiring assistance. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Fchris-browns-house-surrounded-by-police-after-woman-dials-911-a3332871.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/21/chrisbrownlapd-1.jpg | en | null | Chris Brown's house surrounded by police after woman dials 911 | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Police have surrounded the LA home of Chris Brown today after a woman called 911 asking for help.
Singer Brown, 27, denied any wrongdoing, writing on Instagram he had woken up to find police outside and they would need a warrant to enter the property in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley.
Lieutenant Chris Ramirez of the Los Angeles Police Department said: "This morning, around 3am, officers responded to a radio call for a woman requiring assistance.
"The incident involved the residence of Mr Chris Brown, where officers responded and met with that person.
Ramirez said the LAPD's robbery-homicide division would lead the investigation and interview any potential witnesses.
Denial: Chris Brown (Scott Roth/Invision/AP)
Website TMZ said the apparent stand-off outside Brown's home was triggered by an unnamed woman who had been a guest at the house on Monday night, and who told police she had a gun pulled on her. The woman has since left the house, TMZ said.
TMZ showed live-streamed images of police and fire vehicles stationed outside Brown's home and reported that his attorney, Mark Geragos, had also gone to the scene.
He said on an Instagram video: "I don't sleep half the damn night I just wake up to all these ... helicopters, choppers is around, police out there at the gate.
"What I do care about is you are defacing my name and my character and integrity," he added, saying he had done nothing wrong and criticising police actions.
He added: "I don't care y'all going to stay playing with me like I'm the villain out here, like I'm going crazy ... good luck when you get the warrant or whatever you need to do.
"You're going to walk right up in here and you're going to see nothing you idiots." | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/chris-browns-house-surrounded-by-police-after-woman-dials-911-a3332871.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c0a8151b4179cc3160917b039aa5c374c1f0b96b341c84e71e320a7ecf770801.json |
[
"Victoria Stewart"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:24 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | What links a frozen s’more, a chocolate-chip cookie shot and a DKA? They are all inventions of New York pastry chef Dominique Ansel, known to many as the creator of the Cronut, that magic, gooey, flaky croissant-doughnut hybrid which he thought up — and later trademarked after it became an internet sensation in 2013. Now, two years after his first visit to London, Ansel has decided to open his first bakery here, launching in Belgravia in late September. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fgoingout%2Frestaurants%2Fsugar-rush-a3333426.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/12/dominique-ansell.jpg | en | null | Meet cronut creator Dominique Ansel, the man whose pastries sold for $2,000 | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | What links a frozen s’more, a chocolate-chip cookie shot and a DKA? They are all inventions of New York pastry chef Dominique Ansel, known to many as the creator of the Cronut, that magic, gooey, flaky croissant-doughnut hybrid which he thought up — and later trademarked after it became an internet sensation in 2013.
Now, two years after his first visit to London, Ansel has decided to open his first bakery here, launching in Belgravia in late September.
“I grew up not that far away in France but it wasn’t until I lived in New York that I had a chance to visit London — and I loved it right away,” he explains when we meet during one of his recent trips, on which he is accompanied by his partner and business partner Amy Ma, whom he met 10 years ago.
“There is this energy in New York that I really love, and the pace and the people and so many things were the same as London,” he continues. “But of course it’s different — I think London is a lot more charming, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
He has inspired spin-off creations around the world (ever heard of the cro-dough or dosant?) and his good looks combined with 270,000 Instagram followers mean there is a permanent queue outside his NY bakery. So you’d think, perhaps, that Ansel could be a twerp. Instead he is gentle, thoughtful and disbelieving of his success.
He also owns the Dominique Ansel Kitchen in New York, plus an outlet in Japan. The Belgravia bakery will be bigger than his New York original, and “of course” the Cronut will feature, alongside some special London confections.
London, he thinks, “is so rich with so many different cultures, so it’s important to look at the food scene as a whole, how people eat and what they eat”.
The new menu will include a Welsh rarebit croissant with a beer béchamel which Ansel says “came out well — it’s good for breakfast”, as well as a banoffee paella, “because Spanish cuisine is really well-represented in London and I wanted to build a banoffee pie inside a paella pan on top of caramelised bananas”, and a caramelised millefeuille dosa.
“I love Indian cuisine and I’ve always been fascinated by how thin and delicate the dosa is,” he says. “But this one’s going to take a little while to develop.” He smiles.
The Cronut, meanwhile, is still going strong. Its development took three months which “was just like another pastry really. I developed the recipe until I was happy with it, and the first day it was just like any other launch — I made 35.”
Hole in one: the cronut inspires fandom (Vicki Couchman)
But two days after a blogger’s article attracted 140,000 website links in one afternoon Ansel walked up to find 150 people queuing outside the bakery. He remembers the pastries “were selling on the black market for like $2,000”, and how he raised $100,000 for just 24 in a charity auction. “It went mad. I didn’t get it. It had travelled the world in just a few days.”
Now his New York bakery makes 400-500 Cronuts a day, and there is a queue before it opens at 8am — everyone, regardless of fame or fortune, must get in line. Fortunately, those in the queue are given fresh madeleines, or hot chocolate in winter. “It’s important for me to be hospitable,” he says.
The fans are zealous. Two named their daughter Madeleine after the queue treats, a couple got engaged in the queue and a dedicated Instagrammer named her account after the creation (@cronutgirl). When Ansel threw a birthday party for the Cronut in May this year @cronutgirl was one of more than 100 who attended and who sang Happy Birthday to the pastry.
Ansel says he hasn’t tried any of the London Cronut spin-offs, although he loves St John Bakery’s doughnuts. He wants to experiment more himself. “I don’t want our creation to kill our creativity. The Cronut is a great pastry, but it’s not it.”
London's best bakeries and cake shops
37 show all London's best bakeries and cake shops
1/37 Scandinavian Kitchen Much like their design and brooding crime dramas, Scandi baking is becoming more popular in London by the day and the Scandinavian Kitchen is one of the best examples. Their soft, sticky cinnamon buns are my favourite in all of London - order the blueberry, oat and spelt muffin titled ‘studmuffin’, purely for the name. 61 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PP; scandikitchen.co.uk
61 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PP; scandikitchen.co.uk 2/37 Violet Cakes This unassuming shop front on Wilton Way hides a charming little café with an open kitchen and big-table shared seating area upstairs, run by Californian Claire Ptak. Icings on their vanilla cupcakes change with the seasons; expect rhubarb at the moment, Fragola grapes in the autumn (apparently Claire’s favourite) and summer fruits in – you’ve guessed it – the summer. The chocolate cake with salted caramel icing is divine and a year-round favourite and I’m told that the cinnamon buns are so popular they sell out by lunch. 47 Wilton Way, E8 3ED; violetcakes.com
47 Wilton Way, E8 3ED; violetcakes.com 3/37 Fleet River Bakery As well as serving an ever popular weekend brunch and doling out quiches and sandwiches to the hungry lunchtime crowds, this Fleet River Bakery has a heavily-loaded counter of cakes and bakes. The brownies are a firm favourite, as is the chocolate Guinness cake when they have it, but don't miss the Hummingbird – coconut, banana and pineapple cake with a cream cheese icing – which was sweet-but-not-too-sweet in that dangerous way that means you could eat it all day. 71 Lincolns Inn Fields, WC2A 3JF; fleetriverbakery.com
71 Lincolns Inn Fields, WC2A 3JF; fleetriverbakery.com 4/37 St John Bakery The St John group may supply bread to trendy food destinations like Caravan in King’s Cross and do a darn good Welsh rarebit, but it’s their doughnuts we’re really interested in. Pop down to the bakery room under the railway arches at Maltby Street market for white brick walls, a stainless steel bar and – most importantly – a brilliant seasonal jam doughnut (cross your fingers for rhubarb). Ingredients are sourced from independent suppliers, including dairy from Neal’s Yard just down the road. 41 Maltby Street, SE1 3PA; stjohngroup.com
41 Maltby Street, SE1 3PA; stjohngroup.com 5/37 Marc Patisserie This Selfridge’s boutique sits at the highest point of London’s high-end sweet scene. It’s run by Marlon Abela who is chairman of MARC restaurants (including restaurants The Greenhouse and Umu) and specialises in patisserie, macarons and chocolates. The eclairs are a highlight — in flavours such as English breakfast tea, banoffee, cassis and elderflower. Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB; marcpatisserie.com
Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB; marcpatisserie.com 6/37 Victoria Yum This Netil Market whips up an array of cakes which are moist, rich and gooey without crossing into sickly territory. Layer cakes include courgette, pistachio and lime; banana and salted caramel; and stout, dark chocolate and blackcurrant varieties. The red velvet cupcakes are also worth a try, while for those with special dietary requirements there are numerous options including the chocolate, avocado and fresh berry cake which is free from dairy and eggs. Netil Market, Westgate Street, E8 3RL; victoriayum.com
Netil Market, Westgate Street, E8 3RL; victoriayum.com 7/37 Nordic Bakery Another Scandinavian import, the Nordic Bakery does a different sort of cinnamon bun to the Scandinavian Kitchen: denser with thinner layers of dough and shaped like a pain au chocolat, but still delicious. Pair one with a strong coffee, a paper and the dark wood and pared-down Scandi-style of the Soho branch and you’ve got some great fika material. If it’s a nice day, take it to go and find a place to perch in Golden Square outside. 14A Golden Square, W1F 9JG; nordicbakery.com
14A Golden Square, W1F 9JG; nordicbakery.com 8/37 Outsider Tart Outsider Tart was started by a couple of guys from New York who missed authentic American home-baking. The brownies are downright sinful - try the chocolate cherry cheesecake one and the Alabama fudge bar (brownie with pecans and toasted marshmallow) - before moving on to the rum and raisin blondie with chocolate chips and butterscotch. We defy you not to leave in a complete food coma. They also sell biscuits and “pupcakes” for your dog, if you’re so inclined. 83 Chiswick High Road, W4 2EF; outsidertart.com
83 Chiswick High Road, W4 2EF; outsidertart.com 9/37 Orée This plush Chelsea café offers an excellent range of freshly baked viennoiserie and patisserie along with artisan breads and breakfast and lunch dishes. Top pickings include delicate cannelés with creamy custard centres, financiers and dense but dreamy kugelhofs. 275-277 Fulham Road, SW10 9PZ; oree.co.uk
275-277 Fulham Road, SW10 9PZ; oree.co.uk 10/37 Old Post Office Bakery This humble old-school bakery is a local Clapham gem and one of the first to go all-organic in South London. The date and walnut bread is that perfect balance of sweet and savoury that makes it great for a grab-and-go breakfast, or, on a sunny weekend, pick up a couple of hot pain au chocolat and eat them as you amble along to the common. 76 Landor Road, SW9 9PH; oldpostofficebakery.co.uk
76 Landor Road, SW9 9PH; oldpostofficebakery.co.uk 11/37 Cocomaya Cocomaya is much more warm and cosy than its seductive sister chocolatier next door, which is perhaps surprising given the backgrounds of its founders (an ex-Agent Provocateur owner, a fashion designer and the former head of concept at Liberty). They do a great changing selection of crodoughs – including tiramisu, meringue and pistachio – and a smashing flourless chocolate cake that’s almost mousse-like. 12 Connaught Street, W2 2AF; cocomaya.co.uk
12 Connaught Street, W2 2AF; cocomaya.co.uk 12/37 Bea's Cake Boutique Bea’s of Bloomsbury is well-known for its afternoon teas, but it also does a mean selection of individual treats. It's a great fan of the cake hybrid – there’s the townie (tart-brownie) and the duffin (the donut-muffin that they won a legal battle against Starbucks over) – and the raspberry chocolate layer cake and the peanut butter jelly slice are both divine. There are soon to be six Bea's across London, so it's not just Bloomsbury that's in on the act. beasofbloomsbury.com
beasofbloomsbury.com 13/37 Maison Bertaux Maison Bertaux claims to be the oldest patisserie in London (established in 1871), and with no way to verify that we’re inclined to trust them – the old-school till certainly supports it. If nothing else, it’s certainly a Soho institution, partly because it hasn’t followed the lead of many other successful bakeries and gone corporate, and partly because the patisserie is just so good. The almond and apricot cake is lovely, as are the cheesecake and eclairs. 28 Greek Street, W1D 5DF; maisonbertaux.com
28 Greek Street, W1D 5DF; maisonbertaux.com 14/37 La Patisserie Des Reves This one translates as ‘the patisserie of dreams’ – pretty big boots to fill, but this first London outpost for the Parisian patisserie chain doesn’t disappoint. The decor is clean and modern, with a clever cake dome pulley system (you’ll just have to go to understand) and the fare is excellent. Try a red fruit charlotte (lime sponge, matcha tea, vanilla cream, raspberry mouse and fresh compote), a cafe doux (nut biscuit, coffee-flavoured croustillant and mousseline, covered in nutty streusel) – both seasonal – or the year-round Paris-Brest, filled with praline cream. 43 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HE; lapatisseriedesreves.com
43 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HE; lapatisseriedesreves.com 15/37 Comptoir Gourmand Finish your Maltby Street tour a few doors down from St John at Comptoir Gourmand. Grab some French patisserie with a beautifully tart tarte au citron, pistachio financier or a perfect chocolate eclair. Aussies in England will appreciate the Laminations – Victoria sponge dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut. 98 Druid Street, SE1 2HQ; comptoirgourmand.co.uk
98 Druid Street, SE1 2HQ; comptoirgourmand.co.uk 16/37 Ottolenghi The array of cakes and desserts displayed in the windows of Ottolenghi delis across town is awe-inspiring. You can’t really go wrong with the cakes, which change daily, but if you can get it go for a passion fruit meringue tart and the cheesecakes are perfection – we enjoyed a salted caramel and hazelnut one. The Spitalfields location is the biggest Ottolenghi venue. ottolenghi.co.uk
ottolenghi.co.uk 17/37 Crumbs and Doilies Somehow, in London's cupcake-saturated market, Crumbs and Doilies has built up a cult following. Owned by Jemma Wilson (known on YouTube to her 670,000+ followers as CupcakeJemma), this bakery in foodie haven Kingly Court is decked out in clean white and blue and has a giant rotating menu of 50-60 flavours. The choice is overwhelming but we love Mexican hot choc, buttered popcorn and chocolate Guinness. 1 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW; crumbsanddoilies.co.uk
1 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW; crumbsanddoilies.co.uk 18/37 Lily Vanilli If you find icing-heavy cupcakes too sickly, Lily Vanilli is your cake holy grail: savoury and sweet are balanced perfectly to create complex flavours, not just an immediate sugar hit. Think pear, thyme and olive oil mini-loaves and grapefruit and polenta layer cake. Tucked away in a gorgeous little courtyard behind Columbia Road flower market, the bakery has bare brick and white tile walls, a fab ‘Vanilli’s’ lightbulb sign and a wooden counter laden with treats. Only open Sundays. 6 The Courtyard, Ezra St, E2 7RH; lilyvanilli.com
6 The Courtyard, Ezra St, E2 7RH; lilyvanilli.com 19/37 E5 Bakehouse Head to the E5 Bakehouse under the railway arches at London Fields for a changing menu of cakes, tarts and patisserie, from brownies and perfectly-formed raspberry financiers to classic eccles cakes and crème brulee tarts. The seating area is small and, between the open kitchen and trains running overhead, a little noisy, but in a typically east London bustling way. And the pecan pie is – and I’m only slightly exaggerating – the best I’ve tasted this side of the Atlantic. Arch 395, Mentmore Terrace, E8 3PH; e5bakehouse.com
Arch 395, Mentmore Terrace, E8 3PH; e5bakehouse.com 20/37 Bageriet Another Scandi bakery to add to the list, this one hails from Sweden. The white and pale wood interior is clean and understated but it is tiny so be prepared to queue, particularly for semlor and kanelbulle. For something less predictable, try a vanilla sugar pretzel or mazarintarta – a shortbread crust tart filled with almond paste and, at Bageriet, topped with white icing. 24 Rose Street, WC2E 9EA; bageriet.co.uk
24 Rose Street, WC2E 9EA; bageriet.co.uk 21/37 Kooky Bakes This food market regular prides itself on small-batch baking and the quality of its cakes reflects this. Must-order cupcakes are the malted chocolate, rocky road and the blueberry and blackberry ‘black and blue’ (I will resist making a ‘the dress’ joke). If you’re not full already, finish up with an incredible S’mores brownie. Saturdays at Brockley Market, SE4 1UT; kookybakes.com
Saturdays at Brockley Market, SE4 1UT; kookybakes.com 22/37 Gail's Bakery You can find Gail’s in numerous different locations, but the King’s Road one makes the list simply for its classic black shop front that reminds us of a Victorian apothecary. Its cinnamon buns are a little crispier than the traditional soft dough kanelbulle but still delicious, and their chocolate pecan brownies are possibly the best in London. 209 King’s Road, SW3 5ED; gailsbread.co.uk
209 King’s Road, SW3 5ED; gailsbread.co.uk 23/37 Bad Brownie It may not be a sit-in bakery, but Bad Brownie’s market stall at Maltby Street is a definite cake destination. Brownie flavours range from the traditional (triple chocolate, salted caramel, peanut butter) to the more creative (rose, raspberry and pistachio, ginger crunch). You’ll struggle to commit to one flavour, so we suggest you take a tasting box home. weekends at Maltby Street Market, SE1 2HQ; badbrownie.co.uk Tavi Ionescu
weekends at Maltby Street Market, SE1 2HQ; badbrownie.co.uk 24/37 Hummingbird Bakery No cake guide would be complete without mentioning Hummingbird, one of the first big-name cupcake cafes in London after the cupcake craze travelled across the pond from the Magnolia Bakery in New York (thanks, in part, to Sex and the City). Fare is properly American, from whoopie pies to Mississippi mud pie, via some very brightly coloured icing, and the classic carrot cake is legendary. There are six branches across London, but the original Notting Hill one remains the best. 133 Portobello Road, W11 2DY; hummingbirdbakery.com
133 Portobello Road, W11 2DY; hummingbirdbakery.com 25/37 Biscuiteers The shelves and shelves of perfectly-piped biscuit wonders at The Biscuiteers boutique incite a sort of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-esque wonder. Its huge range of themed tins make great gifts for any occasion and you can have a go at icing your own at the ‘icing cafe’. 194 Kensington Park Road, W11 2ES; biscuiteers.com
194 Kensington Park Road, W11 2ES; biscuiteers.com 26/37 Balthazar Boulangerie Stepping into this little gem (found next to the restaurant), with its brushed gold walls, mosaic tiled floors and eclectic soundtrack of blues and jazz feels like simultaneously stepping back in time and travelling to Paris. Highlights are the galettes: the best-selling apple and hazelnut and the seasonal rhubarb and custard both go down a treat. 4-6 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ; balthazarlondon.com
4-6 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ; balthazarlondon.com 27/37 Bake-a-Boo This unashamedly-kitsch and very pink tea shop in West Hampstead is the place to go for all kinds of dietary requirements. You’ll find wheat-, gluten-, dairy-, egg- and sugar-free treats so no one misses out and the fireplace and picture-lined walls make it feel homely; a great place for a relaxed spot of afternoon tea and a giggle. 86 Mill Lane, NW6 1NL; bake-a-boo.com Xanthe Berkeley
86 Mill Lane, NW6 1NL; bake-a-boo.com 28/37 Betty Blythe Tea Room Betty Blythe’s is the ultimate bunting and mismatched vintage crockery destination for a Twenties-inspired afternoon tea. The tea room is nostalgia-filled with pretty French-style furniture, jars of old school sweets and a counter heaped with cakes and too many varieties of tea to count. Its afternoon tea menu includes classics like cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, scones with all the works, a selection of the day’s cakes and Earl Grey tea – and there’s even a dressing up box downstairs so you can do it in 1920s flapper style. 73 Blythe Road, W14 0HP; bettyblythe.co.uk
73 Blythe Road, W14 0HP; bettyblythe.co.uk 29/37 BB Bakery The clean white brick of the BB Bakery shopfront is continued inside with a classy and simple exterior; afternoon tea here feels a bit like being at a smart hotel, except more relaxed. The menu includes scones, fruit tarts, macarons and seasonal cakes, all of which are excellently made. For a bit of novelty, it also does afternoon tea aboard a sightseeing bus; the skill involved in serving while turning corners is apparently quite remarkable. 6-7 Chandos Place, WC2N 4HU; bbbakery.co.uk
6-7 Chandos Place, WC2N 4HU; bbbakery.co.uk 30/37 Ms Cupcake Vegans rejoice, Ms Cupcake is London’s first completely vegan bakery; no slightly sad-looking single vegan options here. And there’s a flavour range bigger than most standard cupcake shops: raspberry cheesecake, Ferrero Rocher, green tea, tiramisu, chocolate strawberry, rhubarb custard – the list goes on. Be warned: the seating, while covered, is outside, so you might want to get it to go if it's a bit nippy. 408 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF; mscupcake.co.uk
408 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF; mscupcake.co.uk 31/37 Rinkoff's Rinkoffs is a family bakery that's been in Whitechapel since 1911 and remains gladly untouched by the spread of east London cool. Don’t be put off by the modest approach (single storey plus dated awning), the ‘Crodoughs’ are worth travelling for. With raspberry, toffee apple crumble, Oreo cheesecake, salted caramel pistachio and s’mores (Nutella and marshmallow fluff), you’re going to get serious FOMO whatever you choose, so we suggest you make it a box of six to go. 224 Jubilee Street, E1 3BS; rinkoffbakery.co.uk
224 Jubilee Street, E1 3BS; rinkoffbakery.co.uk 32/37 Kipferl Scandi baking may be big in London, but Austrian, less so. Kipferl is technically a restaurant (complete with wood panelling, industrial lighting and an entire page of the menu dedicated to wurst) but the cakes are authentic and delicious. This is the best place in the capital to sample the beautifully glossy Sachertorte of Great British Bake Off technical challenge fame. 95 Golborne Road, W10 5NL; kipferl.co.uk
95 Golborne Road, W10 5NL; kipferl.co.uk 33/37 Ayres the Bakers Ayres is a properly traditional family bakery, complete with 1950s-style brown tile floors and glass counters, selling almost every kind of cake, bread and pastry that you can imagine. Master baker Vincent’s cronuts are supposedly some of the best (and best value) in London and rumour has it that after opening doors at 6am they’re all gone an hour later. 131-33 Evelina Road, SE15 3HB; ayresbakery.com
131-33 Evelina Road, SE15 3HB; ayresbakery.com 34/37 Peggy Porschen Parlour Peggy Porschen seems to spend most her time making bespoke creations for the rich and famous, but the lesser among us can get a slice of the action at her café in Belgravia. Her cakes are perfectly uniform and they pack a great flavour punch, too. Try the Tipsy Orange Truffle cake: orange and Cointreau sponge with marmalade and chocolate ganache. The shop is very pretty in pink (inside and out), but hey, if it’s good enough for Kate Moss’s wedding cake, it’s good enough for us. 116 Ebury Street, SW1W 9QQ; peggyporschen.com
116 Ebury Street, SW1W 9QQ; peggyporschen.com 35/37 Konditor and Cook This mini-chain has been baking on this site in Waterloo since 1993 (pre-Jubilee line, would you believe) and the sheer popularity of the cakes speaks for themselves. Those that have gained a cult following include the Whiskey Bomb (chocolate, orange and whiskey), the Curly Whirly cake (chocolate and vanilla sponge with cream cheese frosting and a wily of chocolate icing) and Magic Cakes – gorgeous little lemon sponge cakes covered in marzipann and fondant (and nothing like pot brownies we promise). 22 Cornwall Road, SE1 8TW; konditorandcook.com
22 Cornwall Road, SE1 8TW; konditorandcook.com 36/37 Dum Dum Donutterie The dynamic doughnuts at this store are sprayed in oil and then baked (the method is patented) so you’ll feel marginally less guilty when you eat three in a row. The most popular is the Zebra (layered plain and chocolate croissant dough, filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with dark chocolate) and owner Paul, who previously worked at Dunkin Donuts, tells me that a little-too-late customer once paid £5 to the person in front of him in the queue who got the last one. The banoffee doughnut (banana, custard, Dulce de Leche) and the simple pistachio and white chocolate are also delicious. Unit 31 Box Park, 2-4 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6GY; dumdums.co.uk
Unit 31 Box Park, 2-4 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6GY; dumdums.co.uk 37/37 Cake Boy Cafe If you’re a fan of hunky French patissier Eric Lanlard from his Channel 4 show Baking Mad (and, really, who isn’t?), his Cake Boy cafe is well worth a trip south of the river. Decor is bold and modern – no twee florals here – with black walls and hot pink and orange details and the patisserie is creative. You’ll have to book onto one of the cafe’s classes to have a chance of meeting the man himself, though. Kingfisher House, Juniper Drive, SW18 1TX; cake-boy.co.uk
Indeed, the queue-worthy pastry mash-ups sometimes distract from the fact that Ansel is a hugely skilled craftsman. He grew up north of Paris (“with not very much”) and started cooking during military service before getting a job at the Fauchon bakery. He later became head of pastry for Daniel Boulud’s flagship three-Michelin-starred French restaurant, Daniel, in New York.
Introducing his prodigy’s recipe book, Boulud wrote: “I am pleased that Dominique has continued to represent the DNA of French patisserie while embracing a true New York je ne sais quoi.”
'Food to me is very much about emotions. It’s the way to connect with people.'
He insists he doesn’t feel pressured to top the Cronut. He has other bestsellers — the cookie shot also has its own queue from 3pm — and says “if you’re afraid of failing, you’ll be afraid of quitting. Creating for me is really fun. It’s really not pressure. My team are afraid that their ideas aren’t good enough. But we’ve learned to criticise ourselves in a good way, so that if someone has an idea, we talk about it.
“Food to me is very much about emotions,” he continues. “It’s the way to connect with people. The first thing I do when we have a new pastry is to watch people eating them, just to see their emotions.”
Does the serial inventor ever switch off? “I wish I had time for hobbies!” he says. “I did run the New York marathon a few years ago, although I just had knee surgery.”
He also says he works out “a little. But also I’m on my feet all day long… I don’t get much sleep. I usually wake up at 4am or 5am and go to bed at midnight. And I talk to Japan every day. I will do the same with London.”
He’s not worried that Brexit could kibosh his London plans, and doesn’t think politics “would affect the opening of a small bakery. We’re still on track with the opening. It’s not fine dining. It’s a bakery. Anyone can buy something: it’s a lot more accessible.”
As for trends, he says quietly: “I don’t follow them. I like to lead them.”
dominiqueansellondon.com
@vicstewart
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout | http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/restaurants/sugar-rush-a3333426.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c04491be6b0207d4ff0fee9e76edd0d2c6c3736f038ac063ba80225810b3bccd.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-28T14:50:19 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | A teenage would-be suicide bomber has attacked a church in Indonesia during Sunday Mass, injuring a priest with an axe before being restrained, police said. The 18-year-old assailant left a bench and ran toward the priest at the altar, but a bomb in his backpack failed to detonate, said national police spokesman Maj. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar. The man managed to take an axe from his rucksack, which only burned without exploding, and attacked the Rev. Albert Pandiangan, causing a slight injury to the 60-year-old priest's hand, Amar said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Findonesia-church-attack-wouldbe-suicide-bomber-with-backpack-full-of-explosives-injures-priest-with-a3331426.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/15/indonesiachuch1.jpg | en | null | Indonesia church attack: would-be suicide bomber with backpack full of explosives injures priest with an axe | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A teenage would-be suicide bomber has attacked a church in Indonesia during Sunday Mass, injuring a priest with an axe before being restrained, police said.
The 18-year-old assailant left a bench and ran toward the priest at the altar, but a bomb in his backpack failed to detonate, said national police spokesman Maj. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar.
The man managed to take an axe from his rucksack, which only burned without exploding, and attacked the Rev. Albert Pandiangan, causing a slight injury to the 60-year-old priest's hand, Amar said.
The teenager was restrained by members of the congregation until police arrived.
Officers said the motive for the attack at the Roman Catholic St. Yoseph Church in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province, was not clear, but the perpetrator carried a symbol indicating support for the Islamic State group.
Bombing attempt: An Indonesian plainclothes policeman detains a terrorist suspect (EPA/DEDI SINUHAJI)
Police were interrogating the man, who told them he was not working alone, but did not provide details of any accomplices.
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, has carried out a sustained crackdown on militant networks since the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/indonesia-church-attack-wouldbe-suicide-bomber-with-backpack-full-of-explosives-injures-priest-with-a3331426.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c8102fc240a1136d7ae1bf604405a158a5c5573ae2deda5c35d21459ab4da385.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:43 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Lily Allen has insisted that she’s ‘absolutely fine’ after being pictured collapsing at Notting Hill Carnival. The 31-year-old, who was snapped being carried home over the shoulder of rumoured boyfriend MC Meridian Dan, has admitted that she’s a ‘lightweight’. Speaking out about the pictures published in The Sun newspaper, pop star Allen reassured fan on her Twitter account on Monday. “Truth is I’m just a lightweight, I had 2 cans of strongbow on an empty stomach,” she wrote. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fcelebrity-news%2Flily-allen-insists-she-s-absolutely-fine-after-collapsing-at-notting-hill-carnival-i-m-just-a3332376.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/12/lilycarnival.jpg | en | null | Lily Allen is ‘absolutely fine’ after collapsing at Notting Hill Carnival 2016 | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Lily Allen has insisted that she’s ‘absolutely fine’ after being pictured collapsing at Notting Hill Carnival.
The 31-year-old, who was snapped being carried home over the shoulder of rumoured boyfriend MC Meridian Dan, has admitted that she’s a ‘lightweight’.
Speaking out about the pictures published in The Sun newspaper, pop star Allen reassured fan on her Twitter account on Monday.
“Truth is I’m just a lightweight, I had 2 cans of strongbow on an empty stomach,” she wrote.
“I’m here now and I’m absolutely fine,” she told her concerned followers.
Responding to a follower who asked her whether getting ‘paralytic’ was fun, she wrote:
“No,but dancing to music you love surrounded by people you love is.I just can't handle my booze.”
Allen also shared a photo of herself having fun at the carnival, under the caption: “Nothing to see here.”
Truth is I'm just a lightweight, I had 2 cans of strongbow on an empty stomach. I'm here now and I'm absolutely fine pic.twitter.com/nz8XFg1bTZ — Pokemom (@lilyallen) August 29, 2016
Nothing to see here pic.twitter.com/4nrwkHXSBj — Pokemom (@lilyallen) August 29, 2016
The pictures appeared to show Allen drinking cans of beer and from a bottle of whisky as she watched Dan and friend Seb Chew perform a set.
She was later carried away from the crowds by her friends after collapsing by the side of the stage.
Notting Hill Carnival montage - London Live
Last week Allen reassured her Twitter followers that she was safe after returning from Umbria in Italy days before an earthquake hit.
“Yes my family are all in Umbria, but they are fine. Thank you for your concern,” she wrote on Wednesday.
“Had to leave my family holiday in Umbria early to come home for a funeral. Such sad scenes but feeling blessed that my lot are all ok x,” she added. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/lily-allen-insists-she-s-absolutely-fine-after-collapsing-at-notting-hill-carnival-i-m-just-a3332376.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ef4bfd6fc4315edb48c0203fadc12657db1a9c3a03966fee1739b18bc85e5a6b.json |
[
"Joni Blyth"
] | 2016-08-26T18:50:33 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Channel 4’s new documentary The God Terrorist poses a controversial question: can extremism ever be a force for good? The film explores John Harris’ infamous act of defiance against apartheid, and its consequences then and now. In 1964, Harris walked into the ‘whites only’ section of Johannesburg’s central train station and dropped off a suitcase bomb, The resulting explosion killed 77 yr old Ethel Rhys and seriously injured others, including Rhys’ granddaughter Glynnis, 12. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fstayingin%2Ftvfilm%2Fthe-good-terrorist-channel-4-documentary-looks-at-john-harris-attack-in-johannesburg-a3330371.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/11/good-terrorist-channel-4.jpg | en | null | The Good Terrorist: Channel 4 documentary looks at John Harris attack in Johannesburg | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Channel 4’s new documentary The God Terrorist poses a controversial question: can extremism ever be a force for good?
The film explores John Harris’ infamous act of defiance against apartheid, and its consequences then and now.
In 1964, Harris walked into the ‘whites only’ section of Johannesburg’s central train station and dropped off a suitcase bomb,
The resulting explosion killed 77 yr old Ethel Rhys and seriously injured others, including Rhys’ granddaughter Glynnis, 12.
Harris was a prominent activist and member of the African Resistance Movement, and nine months after the explosion he became the only white man executed for a crime against apartheid.
This eye-opening film shines a light onto the escalating actions of the AFM to take down apartheid through sabotage.
The filmmakers pair uncovered footage with the testimony of Harris’ family, friends and victims, as his son David travels to Johannesburg to reconcile his own family history.
We also follow David as he wrestles with his father’s actions, and finally meets Glynnis, who was left scarred by the events at the station.
Channel 4, Saturday, 9pm | http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/the-good-terrorist-channel-4-documentary-looks-at-john-harris-attack-in-johannesburg-a3330371.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/07afe1eedd62d6db505b63b3808b82f241259af4d051d832a8364bc5e86dd8cc.json |
[
"James Olley"
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:30 | null | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | Arsene Wenger today confirmed Arsenal are unlikely to make any further additions following the arrivals of Lucas Perez and Skhodran Mustafi. The Gunners are closing in on a £52million double swoop for the pair, while Mustafi's impending arrival will have a knock-on effect for Calum Chambers. The 21-year-old started the opening day defeat to Liverpool but was dropped for last weekend’s draw at Leicester and now faces a spell away from the club. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Farsenal-transfer-news-lucas-perez-and-skhodran-mustafi-the-final-arrivals-with-calum-chambers-set-a3330296.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/08/15/calumchambers.jpg | en | null | Arsenal transfer news: Lucas Perez and Skhodran Mustafi the final arrivals with Calum Chambers set for loan exit | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Arsene Wenger today confirmed Arsenal are unlikely to make any further additions following the arrivals of Lucas Perez and Skhodran Mustafi.
The Gunners are closing in on a £52million double swoop for the pair, while Mustafi's impending arrival will have a knock-on effect for Calum Chambers.
The 21-year-old started the opening day defeat to Liverpool but was dropped for last weekend’s draw at Leicester and now faces a spell away from the club.
Arsene Wenger on PSG and Champion's League
“Does it affect his future? No,” said Wenger. “The fact that he could go out somewhere and play? Yes. I don’t think [any other players will leave]. With Joel Campbell going out [on loan to Sporting Lisbon], Calum Chambers maybe will go on loan somewhere. It will be alright.”
Arsenal face Watford at Vicarage Road tomorrow and Wenger suggested Mesut Ozil is more likely to start than Olivier Giroud as the pair continue to recover from their exertions at Euro 2016.
They also know now the identity of their Champions League opponents after yesterday’s draw with Paris St Germain, FC Basel and PFC Ludogorets Razgrad also lining up in Group A.
“Because we are in pot two, we got what we basically expected,” he said. “Maybe Paris Saint-Germain is the favourite, but we want to qualify of course and if possible finish first in the group. We start in Paris, so that will be a very interesting test.
Arsenal's Champions League group
“At the moment, we don’t know a lot about Ludogorets and Basel, if you look at their record against English teams, you become cautious. They’ve done extremely well against Chelsea, against Manchester, and I believe we have to be on our toes and prepare very well.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-transfer-news-lucas-perez-and-skhodran-mustafi-the-final-arrivals-with-calum-chambers-set-a3330296.html | en | 2016-08-08T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/ee440df2d40cb031db28cac060f8d78ae3e260297088853dc63d7572ff163f54.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-30T08:51:24 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Lucas Perez arrived in London on Monday as he prepares to join up with his new Arsenal team-mates following the announcement of his £17million move from Deportivo La Coruna. Arsenal moved swiftly to secure the Spanish forward amid interest from Everton last week and are expected to confirm deals for both Lucas and German international Shkodran Mustafi for £35m in the coming 48 hours. The deals look set to take Arsene Wenger’s summer spending to beyond £90m. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Flucas-perez-touches-down-in-london-as-arsenal-prepare-to-announce-52m-double-deal-a3331981.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/08/lucasperezairport.jpg | en | null | Arsenal transfer news: Lucas Perez touches down in London as Gunners prepare to announce £52m double deal | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Lucas Perez arrived in London on Monday as he prepares to join up with his new Arsenal team-mates following the announcement of his £17million move from Deportivo La Coruna.
Arsenal moved swiftly to secure the Spanish forward amid interest from Everton last week and are expected to confirm deals for both Lucas and German international Shkodran Mustafi for £35m in the coming 48 hours. The deals look set to take Arsene Wenger’s summer spending to beyond £90m.
Whilst Mustafi is with Joachim Low’s German squad Lucas will join his new side at their London Colney training base and could undertake his first session today, having flown into Heathrow yesterday afternoon.
Lucas had been in London on Friday to undergo his medical examination, he since flew back to Spain to say his farewells in Galicia. He returned to the capital earlier this week, with Arsenal fans spotting him in the airport and posting pictures on social media.
Lucas Perez at London Heathrow. Set to be announced tomorrow #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/aasTrU6u5S — Bruce Archer (@Bruce_Archer89) August 29, 2016
In his final full campaign at the Riazor Lucas scored 17 goals in La Liga, his best ever league tally in a season.
Though Lucas was far from Wenger’s first-choice target in the transfer window the Arsenal manager remains confident that he has acquired a high-quality forward who he likened to Jamie Vardy – the striker the Gunners initially moved for in June.
Watford vs Arsenal - analysis
5 show all Watford vs Arsenal - analysis
1/5 Mustafi will do well to dislodge Holding At £35million Shkodran Mustafi looks set to be the third most expensive centre-back in history but don’t expect him to immediately dislodge a player who was relegated from the Championship just a few months ago.
Holding faced another gruelling examination in the form of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo but emerged with his burgeoning reputation further improved. The physicality of Watford’s captain was nothing the youngster couldn’t deal with – indeed on several occasions he was the victor of their aerial tussles.
As for Ighalo, the tone was set early on when he whipped the ball of the Nigerian on a dangerous sally down the left. If this is Holding’s last start for a while at least the 20-year-old can rest assured he did all he could to make his case to Arsene Wenger. Getty Images
2/5 Santi Cazorla is back where he belongs Whether or not he is Arsenal’s best midfielder could be the subject of intense debate but Cazorla’s key role in the team’s dynamics cannot be doubted. From the moment he hobbled off against Norwich last season Wenger’s side lost their mojo, now that the Spaniard is back to full fitness Arsenal are singing once more.
Aided by the energetic Granit Xhaka he gave Arsenal control and incision, whilst both displayed plenty of energy in the tackle. For all the talk of Wenger’s multitudinous options in central areas the likes of Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey must play very well indeed to wrestle a place from these two. AFP/Getty Images
3/5 Strikerless Arsenal look their most deadly yet The Alexis Sanchez as centre forward experiment was deemed to have failed over the first two games of the season but perhaps it was just that the supporting cast weren’t quite clicking. Today they found a way of making their front four better than the already impressive sum of their parts.
Sanchez in particular looked freed from his positional responsibilities, slipping out to the left and dragging Sebastian Prodl and Younes Kaboul with him. That left space for Mesut Ozil to burst into – just as Wenger has long wanted him to. Elsewhere Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla were flitting into whatever position they could find, leaving Watford’s back three chasing shadows.
This new system reached its pinnacle on Arsenal’s third, where Cazorla and Sanchez doubled up on the left, the latter delivering a cross for Ozil to head home. Getty Images
4/5 Theo Walcott is rediscovering his confidence The England winger will always be a largely peripheral presence in this Arsenal side, because that is his job. He can’t replicate the one-touch passing of Ozil, Cazorla and Xhaka but today Walcott had the cutting edge that he is all too often missing.
His cross for Sanchez’s goal was just what was required – it may have been his only telling contribution but the timing of the goal knocked the stuffing out of Watford. By contrast it brought the best out of Walcott, who went close both with a snap volley and an impudent chip as confidence flowed through him. Christopher Lee/Getty Images
5/5 Mazzarri needs to use the players who make his system work Daryl Janmaat is a high-quality full-back capable of covering an entire flank. Roberto Pereyra is just the sort of schemer who can link Deeney and Ighalo with the rest of the side. Both were on the bench at kick-off today.
In their place Mazzarri named Nordin Amrabat, a dangerous wide forward scarcely equipped to deal with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mesut Ozil, and Etienne Capoue. The latter may possess a high-quality engine but he does not have the guile to prise a defence like Arsenal’s apart.
New signings they may be but Pereyra in particular has had over a week to work with the squad, why was it he not deemed ready for the start but could be thrown on the break with the game effectively over. It was the same for Janmaat. AFP/Getty Images
“He is a late developer, he played in a different position,” Wenger said. “He moved centrally in a successful way.
“I think he has good link-up qualities, good finishing qualities. Let's see if we can finish the job.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/lucas-perez-touches-down-in-london-as-arsenal-prepare-to-announce-52m-double-deal-a3331981.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f82f18e29c6a6af0a1b9e7d5ead3236d7a7c539e4304db7c02e38b5d57f2e40a.json |
[
"James Olley"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:39 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Michail Antonio today admitted England manager Sam Allardyce has taken a risk by calling him into his first international squad but vowed to prove his doubters wrong. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwest-hams-michail-antonio-admits-sam-allardyce-has-taken-risk-with-england-callup-a3332416.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/12/michailantonio3008.jpg | en | null | West Ham's Michail Antonio admits Sam Allardyce has taken risk with England call-up | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Michail Antonio today admitted England manager Sam Allardyce has taken a risk by calling him into his first international squad but vowed to prove his doubters wrong.
The 26-year-old was a surprise inclusion in Allardyce’s 23-man selection for Sunday’s opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Slovakia having only played 29 Premier League games since joining West Ham from Nottingham Forest for £7million in September 2015.
Antonio began his career at non-League Tooting & Mitcham in 2007 and joined Reading a year later but his career stalled at the Madejski Stadium, triggering a series of loan spells at Cheltenham, Southampton, Colchester and Sheffield Wednesday.
The midfielder continued to pursue a career at the highest level and even turned down an approach from Jamaica in March in the belief he would one day represent England, having been born in Wandsworth in 1990.
And he said: “To pick someone like me from my background, it is a risk but the gaffer has shown belief in me and now I have got to show it to the world. One thing I have always believed in is to never give up.
“Always have belief in yourself that you can achieve things. Anything is possible in life. Once I reach one target, I always search for another and I went from non-League to Reading.
“I kept going out on loan because I wasn’t getting much time at Reading. Then I went to Sheffield Wednesday and then Nottingham Forest and I managed to get to West Ham, where I always wanted to be — the Premier League.
“Then I said to myself, ‘Become an international’. Now I’ve done that, I’ve got to set myself a new target now.”
'I’ve worked my way from non-league to where I am now, I am just so happy'
Top work, @Michailantonio! #WHUFC⚒ pic.twitter.com/rzwuTmZiCg — Standard Sport (@standardsport) August 28, 2016
Antonio only learned of his call-up after speaking to one of West Ham’s medical staff in the wake of Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Manchester City, where he scored the visitors’ only goal.
“It has been very emotional, especially when I found out [I was in the squad],” he said. “It has always been a boyhood dream to play for England and the opportunity now by being called up is breathtaking.
“I did an interview at the end of the game and I came in and the physio went over to me and said, ‘You’ve been called up.’ I said, ‘Ha, funny’. He said, ‘No, seriously.’ I said, ‘Good banter’ but I looked at him for a good 30 seconds and he looked at me.
Manchester City vs West Ham
23 show all Manchester City vs West Ham
1/23 Raheem Sterling celebrates after making the points safe in injury time (Getty)
2/23 Michail Antonio leaps for yet another headed goal West Ham United via Getty Images
3/23 Slaven Bilic reacts as Michail Antonio scores Getty Images
4/23 Michail Antonio heads home to give the Hammers hope at 2-1 Getty Images
5/23 Raheem Sterling celebrates his opening goal AFP/Getty Images
6/23 Tough times for West Ham and Slaven Bilic AFP/Getty Images
7/23 Fernandinho reacs after heading home City's second AFP/Getty Images
8/23 Fernandinho nods home City's second goal Getty Images
9/23 Pep Guardiola wants more from City AFP/Getty Images
10/23 Winston Reid tries and fails to outmuscle Sergio Aguero Getty Images
11/23 Too easy for Pep Guardiola early on AFP/Getty Images
12/23 West Ham's Gokhan Tore in action in the first period (Getty)
13/23 Raheem Sterlinf came up with the early Man City opener Getty Images
14/23 Slaven Bilic and Pep Guardiola ready for battle AFP/Getty Images
15/23 Mark Noble puts his team through their paces Getty Images
16/23 West Ham face a test against Man City West Ham United via Getty Images
17/23 Joe Hart again missed out for City as Willy Caballero started in goal Getty Images
18/23 David Silva and John Stones prepare for the clash AFP/Getty Images
19/23 A pristine pitch at the Etihad West Ham United via Getty Images
20/23 The Etihad is ready for West Ham Getty Images
21/23 Mark Noble's kit set out ready for the West Ham captain West Ham United via Getty Images
22/23 It's not exactly like Manchester needs more water on the pitch... West Ham United via Getty Images
23/23 The away dressing room is prepped West Ham United via Getty Images
“I wasn’t sure I could take him seriously but he showed me a piece of paper [confirming the call-up] and after that I started welling up inside. All I wanted to do was call my missus. Obviously she didn’t pick up…”
After joining up with the squad, Antonio told FATV: “I walked up to the gaffer and thanked him. He said there was no need to because I had worked hard. He told me to now see if I could do it as an international player.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-hams-michail-antonio-admits-sam-allardyce-has-taken-risk-with-england-callup-a3332416.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b6ee9755fe0c9309ba9d50a8f2e3089e7f5bf5c25f3c2a886b4c687ba5240d67.json |
[
"Ben Travis"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:09 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Ever since Downton Abbey came to an end last year – constantly-rumoured feature film notwithstanding – audiences in the UK and abroad have been waiting for a successor to the period drama throne. Arise, Victoria – a lavish new series delving into the early years of Queen Victoria’s infamous reign. With a stellar cast, impressive production values, and literally decades of history to pillage, Sunday nights just got cosy again. Here’s what you need to know. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fstayingin%2Ftvfilm%2Fvictoria-itv-cast-locations-and-four-other-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-period-drama-a3330801.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/17/victoria-itv-2.jpg | en | null | Victoria, ITV: cast, locations, and four other things you need to know about the period drama | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Ever since Downton Abbey came to an end last year – constantly-rumoured feature film notwithstanding – audiences in the UK and abroad have been waiting for a successor to the period drama throne.
Arise, Victoria – a lavish new series delving into the early years of Queen Victoria’s infamous reign.
With a stellar cast, impressive production values, and literally decades of history to pillage, Sunday nights just got cosy again.
Here’s what you need to know.
1) Jenna Coleman takes the lead role
Fresh from travelling through time and space with Doctor Who, Jenna Coleman has taken on the role of the queen who reigned for 65 years.
The series concerns an 18 year-old Victoria as she ascends to the throne, and the start of her relationship with (soon-to-be-Prince) Albert, played by Tom Hughes.
There’s also her close friendship with Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, here portrayed by Rufus Sewell, with the pair’s bond quickly becoming a source of gossip.
Victoria - ITV trailer
2) Don’t expect Albert to pop up straight away
Calm down, Rufus Sewell fans – you’ll have to wait until Episode 3 for the man who will be Victoria’s husband down the line.
With the pair notably having a passionate and love-filled romance – this was no awkward arranged coupling – it’ll definitely be worth the wait.
3) It cost millions to make
Hey, telling the story of the royals isn’t cheap. The series reportedly cost £10 million to make eight episodes, and you see a lot of that money on-screen.
The sets and costumes are, of course, dazzling – though they’re not all as expensive as they look.
“[Michael Howells, Production Designer] spent a lot of money on very expensive chandeliers from Croatia,” Coleman told The Telegraph. “But in order to counteract that, he’s driven up to Scotland and got 22,000 seashells for free, and bought swords from the pound shop, all sprayed in gold.”
ITV's Victoria Premiere
10 show all ITV's Victoria Premiere
1/10 Leading lady Jenna Coleman arrives for the premiere screening of ITV's Victoria at The Orangery Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
2/10 Sophie Cookson joins Adrian Schiller who plays Penge, the Household Steward Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
3/10 Rising star Margaret Clunie plays the Duchess of Sutherland Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
4/10 Husband and wife Tom Hughes and Jenna Coleman play Prince Albert and Queen Victoria in the drama Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
5/10 Duchess Nichola McAuliffe plays the Duchess of Cumberland Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
6/10 Lady in red Nell Hudson turns heads in a revealing red dress Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
7/10 Suitably dressed Peter Bowles dresses for the occasion in a black suit Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
8/10 In support World War Z actress Aggy K Adams steps out to support the cast Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
9/10 Up and coming Tommy Lawrence-Knight plays Brodie the hall boy Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
10/10 Joining the cast Eve Myles of Torchwood fame Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
4) It’s going up against Aidan Turner’s torso
Put your fan-fiction notepads away – you’re not about to see Queen Victoria nip off to Cornwall for a bit of sweaty scything.
Victoria and Poldark are going head-to-head in a less literal sense – as of September, the Sunday 9pm slot will see the two shows vie for an audience.
Poldark has the advantage of a massive fanbase thanks to its acclaimed first series – but Victoria will be two episodes in by the time Turner returns.
5) It was mostly filmed in Yorkshire
Recreating the opulence of royalty was achieved by a mix of locations and studio shoots.
Lots of Victoria was filmed in Yorkshire, with various sections shot in Harewood House in Leeds – doubling up for both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace.
Beverly Minster, also in Yorkshire, was used as Westminster Abbey and St James’ Palace for the hugely impressive coronation and wedding scenes.
On the red carpet at the premiere of new television drama Victoria.
6) The opening episode is feature-length
If you’re planning your tea breaks for the first episode already, be aware that it’s a 90-minutes opener on Sunday August 28.
Also make sure you’re tuning in for the second episode on Monday August 29 – an extra treat on the Bank Holiday.
ITV, Sunday, 9pm | http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/victoria-itv-cast-locations-and-four-other-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-period-drama-a3330801.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/d0c2608375d4f9ff3760685fa3e9ba58ffb46e7d521b16e41816ad31ec0ae253.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-31T06:51:09 | null | 2015-12-23T00:00:00 | West Ham have already completed much of their transfer business, but remain on the lookout for futher additions following a spate of injuries. The Hammers smashed their record fee with the £20.5m purchase of Andre Ayew from Swansea, but a thigh injury in the Premier League opener against Chelsea will keep him out of first-team action until the end of the year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwest-ham-transfer-news-and-gossip-live-hammers-target-wilfried-bony-and-micah-richards-as-enner-a3332936.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/12/23/14/bony.jpg | en | null | West Ham transfer news and gossip live: Wilfried Bony and Micah Richards targets as Enner Valencia heads for exit | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | West Ham have already completed much of their transfer business, but remain on the lookout for futher additions following a spate of injuries.
The Hammers smashed their record fee with the £20.5m purchase of Andre Ayew from Swansea, but a thigh injury in the Premier League opener against Chelsea will keep him out of first-team action until the end of the year.
Simone Zaza has since arrived on loan to boost a strikeforce also missing Andy Carroll through injury, while a late deal for Wilfried Bony remains on the cards.
Incomings won't necessary be at the forefront of Hammers' fans minds as the clock ticks towards 11pm, however, as the future of star man Dimitri Payet continues snatch column inches in the final hours of the window.
Scroll down for deadline day rumours and West Ham gossip...
West Ham are continuing talks over a season-long loan move for Micah Richards, according to The Telegraph.
The Aston Villa m,an will be handed an opportunity to return to the Premier League with talks continuing on the final day of the transfer window. Villa are keen to let Richards go to lower their wage bill as the club attempt to complete their resahpe following relegation the the Championship and SLaven BIlic sees Richardfs as defensive cover.
Meanwhile, Swansea look set to win the race for Enner Valencia following a late enquiry from West Brom.
The Daily Mail report that Valencia, who started Sunday's defeat to Manchester City at Etihad Stadium opened talks with the Swans on the eve of transfer deadline day in a move which could see West Ham complete their swoop for Bony.
Keep up to date with our transfer deadline day live blog!
Done deals
In: Toni Martinez (Valencia, und.), Havard Nordtveit (Borussia Monchengladbach, free), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia, free), Gokhan Tore (Besiktas, loan), Ashley Fletcher (Manchester United, und.), Arthur Masuaku (Olympiakos, und.), Andre Ayew (Swansea, £20.5m), Jonathan Calleri (Deportivo Maldonado, loan), Simone Zaza (Juventus, loan), Edimilson Fernandes (FC SIon, £5.5m)
Out: Joey O'Brien (released), Elliot Lee (released), James Tomkins (Crystal Palace, £10m) | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-transfer-news-and-gossip-live-hammers-target-wilfried-bony-and-micah-richards-as-enner-a3332936.html | en | 2015-12-23T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/6189cc5d2cd9c91d0f6919e6922e958e6f1573239476265c4988d81aede252d5.json |
[
"Michael Howie"
] | 2016-08-30T08:50:52 | null | 2014-04-16T00:00:00 | Two senior North Korean officials were executed with an anti-aircraft gun in early August on the orders of Kim Jong-un, South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo newspaper has reported. Ri Yong Jin, a senior official in the education ministry, was arrested for dozing off during a meeting with Kim and charged with corruption before being killed, the paper said. Former Agriculture Minister Hwang Min was purged over a proposed project seen as a direct challenge to Kim’s leadership, it said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fnorth-korean-officials-executed-with-antiaircraft-gun-a3332011.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2014/04/16/13/1604kimjongun.jpg | en | null | North Korean officials 'executed with anti-aircraft gun' | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Two senior North Korean officials were executed with an anti-aircraft gun in early August on the orders of Kim Jong-un, South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo newspaper has reported.
Ri Yong Jin, a senior official in the education ministry, was arrested for dozing off during a meeting with Kim and charged with corruption before being killed, the paper said.
Former Agriculture Minister Hwang Min was purged over a proposed project seen as a direct challenge to Kim’s leadership, it said.
If true, it would mark the first executions ordered by Kim from outside his party or the military, the paper said.
A spokesman at South Korea’s Unification Ministry said he couldn’t immediately confirm the JoongAng report. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/north-korean-officials-executed-with-antiaircraft-gun-a3332011.html | en | 2014-04-16T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/bd7d25079917f9c68fdeeedacacb5d69743ce989dbb658fd7d51f5140975a597.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-30T16:51:43 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | The 2016/17 Premier League season has already begun, but the drama is only beginning with transfer deadline day fast approaching. Clubs have had since July 1 to bring in new recruits, but with Copa America, Euro 2016 and the Olympics all drawing players away at different times this summer, the race for last-minute deals looks set to be a little more frantic than usual. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-deadline-day-2016-live-news-rumours-gossip-when-does-the-window-close-across-europe-a3332631.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/14/transferday3108a.jpg | en | null | Transfer deadline day summer 2016: Live, transfer news, transfer rumours, transfer gossip, when does the transfer window close across Europe | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The 2016/17 Premier League season has already begun, but the drama is only beginning with transfer deadline day fast approaching.
Clubs have had since July 1 to bring in new recruits, but with Copa America, Euro 2016 and the Olympics all drawing players away at different times this summer, the race for last-minute deals looks set to be a little more frantic than usual.
The Premier League is well on course to set a new spending record for the 2016 window, but none of the managers of the six London-based top-flight clubs would realistically be fully happy with their business if the window slammed shut right now.
With Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Watford all still heavily involved in the market, Standard Sport brings you all you need to know about transfer deadline day...
When is transfer deadline day?
Deadline day for the summer transfer window is on August 31, 2016.
You can keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and gossip on our Facebook page and our live deadline day blog.
When does the window close?
The transfer window shuts for England on August 31 at 23:00 BST.
See the graphic below for a run-down of every European transfer window.
Is there a loan window?
Clubs will have to get used to wrapping up their loan deals at the same time as any other business as the emergency loan window - in use until last season - is no longer an option.
How much will be spent?
Paul Pogba's world-record transfer back to Manchester United has boosted spending in the 2016 window, with clubs already pending close to £900million.
With clubs eagerly awaiting the increased revenues from the bumper 2016-19 British TV rights deal, the £1billion barrier is likely to be broken should the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham land their intended targets.
Who do London's Premier League clubs still need?
Watch our videos below for a run-down of what to expect on deadline day...
Arsenal
In: Lucas Perez (Deportivo, £17m), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia, £35m), Granit Xhaka (Borussia Monchengladbach, £34m), Takuma Asano (Hiroshima Sanfrecce, und.), Rob Holding (Bolton, und.), Kelechi Nwakali (Diamond Football Academy, und.)
Out: Mikel Arteta (released), Tomas Rosicky (released), Mathieu Flamini (released), Isaac Hayden (Und.), Dan Crowley, (Loan) Jon Toral (Loan) Granada, Wellington Silva (Und.), Wojciech Szczesny (Roma) Loan, Joel Campbell (Sporting) Loan
Chelsea
In: Michy Batshuayi (Marseille, £34m), N'Golo Kante (Leicester, £32m)
Out: Lewis Baker (Vitesse Arnhem, loan), Nathan Ake (Bournemouth, loan), Jeremie Boga (Granada, loan), Tomas Kalas (Fulham, loan), Kasey Palmer (Huddersfield Town, loan), Alex Kiwomya (Crewe ), Mohamed Salah (Roma, und.), Tammy Abraham (Bristol City, loan), Bertrand Traore (Ajax, loan), Danilo Pantic (Excelsior, loan), Izzy Brown (Rotherham United, loan), Jamal Blackman (Wycombe, loan), Alex Davey (Crawley Town) Loan, Jordan Houghton (Doncaster Rovers, loan), Patrick Bamford (Burnley, loan), Loic Remy (Crystal Palace, loan)
Tottenham
Mauricio Pochettino has spoken of wanting as many as three more additions to his Spurs squad following the arrivals of Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen, but says they must suit the club's 'philosophy.'
In: Victor Wanyama (Southampton, und.), Vincent Janssen (AZ Alkmaar, und.)
Out: Filip Lesniak (Slovan Liberec, loan), Grant Ward (Ipswich Town, und.), Federico Fazio (Roma, loan), Alex Pritchard (Norwich City, und.), Dominic Ball (Rotherham United, und.), Nabil Bentaleb (Schalke, loan), Nacer Chadli (West Brom, £13m)
Tottenham transfer window.MP4
West Ham
In: Toni Martinez (Valencia, und.), Havard Nordtveit (Borussia Monchengladbach, free), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia, free), Gokhan Tore (Besiktas, loan), Ashley Fletcher (Manchester United, und.), Arthur Masuaku (Olympiakos, und.), Andre Ayew (Swansea, £20.5m), Jonathan Calleri (Deportivo Maldonado, loan), Simone Zaza (Juventus, loan), Edimilson Fernandes (FC SIon, £5.5m)
Out: Joey O'Brien (released), Elliot Lee (released), James Tomkins (Crystal Palace, £10m)
Crystal Palace
In: Andros Townsend (Newcastle United, £13m), Steve Mandanda (Marseille, und.), James Tomkins (West Ham, £10m), Christian Benteke (Liverpool, £27m), Loic Remy (Chelsea, loan)
Out: Emmanuel Adebayor (released), Marouane Chamakh (released), Brede Hangeland (released), Adrian Mariappa (released), Patrick McCarthy (released), Dwight Gayle (Newcastle, £10m), Jake Gray (Luton Town, free), Alex McCarthy (Southampton, und.), Jerome Binnom-Williams (Peterborough United), Yannick Bolasie (Everton, und.), Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa, und.)
Watford
The Hornets have shocked their fans with some impressive summer business - notably the arrival of Roberto Pereyra from Juventus - but are searching for defensive reinforcements with Newcastle's Daryl Janmaat a possibility.
In: Jerome Sinclair (Liverpool, und.), Christian Kabasele (Genk, und.), Isaac Success (Granada, und.), Juan Camilo Zuniga (Napoli, loan), Brice Dja Djedje (Marseille), Younes Kaboul (Sunderland), Roberto Pereyra (Juventus)
Out: Joel Ekstrand (released), Gabriele Angella (Udinese), George Byers (Swansea, free), Jose Manuel Jurado (Espanyol, und.), Almen Abdi (Sheffield Wednesday, und.), Daniel Pudil (Sheffield Wednesday, und.), Steven Berghuis (Feyenoord, loan), Mario Suarez (Valencia, loan) | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-deadline-day-2016-live-news-rumours-gossip-when-does-the-window-close-across-europe-a3332631.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/98a9df5cbf3062323755eecb74053b89927e6c7859e3d9a5669ed89e366a0a9b.json |
[
"Beverley Hicks"
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:46 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | This hearty bowl of soup is bursting with goodness. Make your own jerk seasoning at home, stored in an airtight container it will last for up to six months and is great with all meats, vegetables, stews and soups. Ingredients (serves 4) For the jerk seasoning 1 tablespoon of onion powder 1 tablespoon of garlic powder 1/2 tablespoon of ground ginger 1 tablespoon of dried thyme ½ nutmeg, grated on a fine Microplane 1 teaspoon of freshly ground white pepper 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Ffoodanddrink%2Fhow-to-make-jerk-spiced-chicken-and-vegetable-soup-for-notting-hill-carnival-a3330171.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/10/jerk-spiced-chicken-vegeta.jpg | en | null | How to make Jerk spiced chicken and vegetable soup for Notting Hill Carnival | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | This hearty bowl of soup is bursting with goodness. Make your own jerk seasoning at home, stored in an airtight container it will last for up to six months and is great with all meats, vegetables, stews and soups.
Ingredients (serves 4)
For the jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon of onion powder
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon of ground ginger
1 tablespoon of dried thyme
½ nutmeg, grated on a fine Microplane
1 teaspoon of freshly ground white pepper
1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon of ground all spice
1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
For the soup
1 onion, finely diced
3 fat garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato puree
½ red pepper, deseeded and finely diced
½ green pepper, deseeded and finely diced
½ yellow pepper, deseeded and finely diced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 corn on the cob
400g cooked chicken, chopped
Large handful of spinach, finely chopped
Himalayan pink salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Notting Hill Carnival over the years - In pictures
30 show all Notting Hill Carnival over the years - In pictures
1/30 1972 Charlie Gillett/Redferns
2/30 1975 Richard Braine/PYMCA/Rex
3/30 1976 Hulton Archive/Getty Images
4/30 1977 Associated Newspaper
5/30 1977 Daily Mail
6/30 1978 Frank Barratt/Getty Images
7/30 1978 Bill Johnson/Associated Newspapers
8/30 1978 Frank Barratt/Evening Standard
9/30 1980 Stuart Nicol/Evening Standard
10/30 1980 Evening Standard
11/30 1980 Evening Standard
12/30 1983 Peter Anderson/PYMCA/Rex
13/30 1984 John Minihan/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
14/30 1994 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
15/30 1994 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
16/30 1995 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
17/30 2001 Oli Scarff/Getty Images
18/30 2003 Scott Barbour/Getty Images
19/30 2004 Graeme Robertson/Getty Images
20/30 2005 Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images
21/30 2005 Chris Jackson/Getty Images
22/30 2006 Miles Willis/Getty Images
23/30 2006 Miles Willis/Getty Images
24/30 2006 Miles Willis/Getty Images
25/30 2006 Chris Jackson/Getty Images
26/30 2007 Chris Jackson/Getty Images
27/30 2009 Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
28/30 2012 Oli Scarff/Getty Images
29/30 2015 Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
30/30 2015 Daniel C Sims/Getty Images
Method
To make the jerk seasoning
Tip all the seasoning ingredients into a large pestle and mortar and grind to a fine powder. Store in a sealed jar for up to six months.
To make the soup
Heat the oil in a large saucepan on a medium heat and tip in the onions and garlic. Sauté for around 5 minutes until soft.
Add the tomato puree, diced peppers and a tablespoon (or more) of your jerk seasoning mix and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Tip in the potato and carrot and stir well in. Pour in the stock and sprinkle over the oregano and thyme.
Cut each corn into 4 or 5 pieces and give them a quick rinse before adding to the saucepan.
Add the chicken, bring the soup to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Just before serving add the chopped spinach and stir through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Ladle into warmed bowls and serve with crusty bread or a bowl of fluffy white rice.
Notting Hill pensioners remember how the carnival first began
Find more of Beverley's recipes here. Follow her on Instagram @thelittlechelseakitchen for more inspiration. | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/foodanddrink/how-to-make-jerk-spiced-chicken-and-vegetable-soup-for-notting-hill-carnival-a3330171.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b866239094cc0f0adbda82b86538457d023570b120c8ddf7e15924c62d11d474.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-26T18:50:28 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | A man has died in hospital after he was found lying on the pavement outside a block of flats in Southwark in the middle of the afternoon. Detectives have issued an urgent appeal for information after the 25-year-old man was found unresponsive outside the flats in Penrose Street just after 3pm yesterday. The man had been involved in an altercation in the street with a group of men before he died, police believe. Police and paramedics were called and the man was taken to a south London hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fman-dies-after-being-found-unresponsive-on-the-pavement-in-the-middle-of-the-afternoon-a3330861.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/18/penrosest.jpg | en | null | Man dies after being found unresponsive on the pavement in the middle of the afternoon | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A man has died in hospital after he was found lying on the pavement outside a block of flats in Southwark in the middle of the afternoon.
Detectives have issued an urgent appeal for information after the 25-year-old man was found unresponsive outside the flats in Penrose Street just after 3pm yesterday.
The man had been involved in an altercation in the street with a group of men before he died, police believe.
Police and paramedics were called and the man was taken to a south London hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
Formal identification has yet to take place, but the man's next of kin have been informed of his death.
A post-mortem examination was due to take place today, and police said the death is being treated as unexplained at the current time.
The investigation into the circumstances of the man's death is being led by the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC), and extra patrols of officers have been deployed to the area.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Jones, from the Met's HMCC, said: "We believe there was an altercation of some sort involving a group of men and the 25-year-old who died, in the Penrose Street area in the time leading up to 3pm yesterday, Thursday, August 25.
"We are extremely keen to talk to anyone who either took part in this altercation, or who witnessed such an incident.
"Any piece of information, however small, might be vital to us - so we would urge any members of the public who can help to please come forward and contact us."
Anyone with information should call the incident room number on 020 8345 3734 or via 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 500 111. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/man-dies-after-being-found-unresponsive-on-the-pavement-in-the-middle-of-the-afternoon-a3330861.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/1efc5b48232a29ab78476e724fc737a3074bea7dade45b83d91735b8890bb738.json |
[
"Tom Doyle"
] | 2016-08-28T18:50:11 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Sam Allardyce has named his first England squad since beiung appointed as the Three Lions' new manager, with West Ham's Michail Antonio earning his first ever call-up and Wayne Rooney being selected as a midfielder. England face Slovakia in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifying fixture on September 4, with Allardyce deciding to reward Antonio's impressive performances for the Hammers with a call-up in midfield. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fengland-squad-announcement-sam-allardyce-calls-up-west-hams-michail-antonio-with-wayne-rooney-listed-a3331536.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/17/michail_antonio_west_ham_goal.jpg | en | null | England squad announcement: Sam Allardyce calls up West Ham's Michail Antonio with Wayne Rooney listed as midfielder | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Sam Allardyce has named his first England squad since beiung appointed as the Three Lions' new manager, with West Ham's Michail Antonio earning his first ever call-up and Wayne Rooney being selected as a midfielder.
England face Slovakia in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifying fixture on September 4, with Allardyce deciding to reward Antonio's impressive performances for the Hammers with a call-up in midfield.
Allardyce refused to confirm whether Rooney would continue as captain earlier in the week, and there is no mention of whether the Manchester United skipper will continue to wear the England armband.
Allardyce had said before the announcement that he is prepared to fall out with United boss Jose Mourinho or any other manager when it comes to getting the players he wants for his England team.
"I will speak to Jose [regarding Luke Shaw]," he told several national newspapers. "We've got on well together, but when you're having a conversation with an international manager, we all know the difficulties of the past.
"So, I'm not saying we won't have a fall-out now and again because we're both passionate about what we do. There may be a time when it gets a bit sticky, when he doesn't agree with me or I don't agree with him. Hopefully that's miles away."
England squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)
Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/england-squad-announcement-sam-allardyce-calls-up-west-hams-michail-antonio-with-wayne-rooney-listed-a3331536.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/7337c9e076eee93377b7a44554bec855aaa138745bcba83cce5f142a3d1b31b3.json |
[
"Emma Mccarthy"
] | 2016-08-30T12:50:55 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Blame athleisure. Ever since it became acceptable to wear track pants and leggings everywhere we went — regardless of whether there was any question of a gym being involved — we’ve worn nothing else. And can you blame us? When given free rein to wear stretch Lycra and drawstring waists, AND still be considered totes on trend, why would we choose to wear anything else? But don’t get too comfortable — Spandex isn’t going to cut it in the office by the time autumn rolls around. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Ffashion%2Fsmarten-up-your-act-how-to-wear-trousers-in-the-office-this-autumn-a3332341.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/12/womentrousertrend.jpg | en | null | Smarten up your act: how to wear trousers in the office this autumn | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Blame athleisure. Ever since it became acceptable to wear track pants and leggings everywhere we went — regardless of whether there was any question of a gym being involved — we’ve worn nothing else. And can you blame us? When given free rein to wear stretch Lycra and drawstring waists, AND still be considered totes on trend, why would we choose to wear anything else? But don’t get too comfortable — Spandex isn’t going to cut it in the office by the time autumn rolls around.
Instead, fashion has ordained that now is the time to smarten up your act in the trouser department. But that’s not to say that we haven’t learnt a thing or two from our love affair with activewear. From extra-wide slacks to expandable waist-ties, bossing it at work — and in the style stakes — doesn’t mean giving up on comfort. Here are five trends we don’t mind swapping our trackies for.
Tied up at work
Following seasons of drawstring waistbands slopping slovenly around our hips, the focus is back on the waist this autumn. Thankfully, for those who have become accustomed to the comfort said drawstrings provide, these tie-front wrap trousers from Isabel Marant offer an easy transition. Part Samurai warrior, part boardroom exec with her finger on the fashion pulse, we’re relying on Marant’s Radley trews to see us through our drawstring addiction. Largely because you can loosen the ties when you’ve had a big lunch. Team with a crisp white blouse and boots that mean business. (£460, 29 Bruton Street, W1)
Speak volumes
While we’re on the subject of pushing the smart/slouchy envelope, now is also a good time to talk about puddle flares. So named for their capacity to pool satisfyingly around your shoes (and for the obvious hazards surrounding a sudden downpour), generous volume is key to cracking this trend. As is opting for a cut a few inches longer than your dry cleaners would recommend. Among the most covetable on offer this season are these rose quartz satin beauties by Elizabeth and James, which also provide a decidedly non-sugary way to wear Elle Woods’s (and the fashion pack’s) favourite colour in the office. NB: they also come in black if you’ve not yet joined the pro-pink party. Add a slim-cut jacket and plain white tee to slouch in style. (£320, from a selection from matchesfashion.com)
Split shift
Keeping the focus firmly on the bottom line this season, split-hem flares are also set to be a thing. And again, we have athleisure to thank. A step on from zippy track pants (worn unzipped to the top for full Nineties plaudits, obvs), a split-hem is the smartest way to update your look for autumn. The satisfyingly swishy flap also offers ample It-boot flashing opportunities. Whistles’ wool plaid creations are just dreamy — and a far more office-appropriate solution than a pair of adidas three-stripes. (£250, whistles.com)
£250, whistles.com
Skills under your belt
Further proof that the waist is where it’s at this season lies in the return of the wide belt, as seen on these super-high tailored trousers from Finery. They’re a bit classic Eighties power- dressing — in the best possible way — but brought bang up to date with the additional of a statement slash-neck shirt. They’re also surprisingly comfy, thanks to their hands-in-pocket nonchalance, and super-flattering. Matching colour and fabric is key, so opt for a style with the belt already attached to save yourself the hassle. (£69, finerylondon.com)
Turn up early
If the prospect of a trouser shape intentionally designed to stroke the pavement fills your sensible side with dread, there is another, more user-friendly way to give the illusion of length — and that’s with an extra-deep turn-up. As an antidote to seasons of cropped culottes and elasticated trackie cuffs, turn-up hems provide a way to go wide without having to ditch your trainers. Adopt the trend now to stay one step ahead and opt for at least five inches or more of excess fabric, otherwise don’t bother turning up at all. (£90, topshop.com)
@standardfashion | http://www.standard.co.uk/fashion/smarten-up-your-act-how-to-wear-trousers-in-the-office-this-autumn-a3332341.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/cac8a7d9338c52da8103df2a5541fc124a0c90f41a3a613a9a52058c370a3b13.json |
[
"Michael Howie"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:31 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | The Italian town at the centre of last week’s devastating earthquake was today preparing to lay to rest more than 200 victims as the families of three Britons killed in the disaster mourn their loved ones. Thousands were expected to gather amid the ruins in the central hilltop town of Amatrice when a mass state funeral is held this evening. It will take place on the edge of Amatrice’s obliterated medieval centre in the grounds of a Catholic retreat for the elderly. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fitalian-town-hit-by-earthquake-holds-mass-funeral-for-over-200-victims-a3332151.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/10/24gotley3008a.jpg | en | null | Italian town hit by earthquake holds mass funeral for over 200 victims | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The Italian town at the centre of last week’s devastating earthquake was today preparing to lay to rest more than 200 victims as the families of three Britons killed in the disaster mourn their loved ones.
Thousands were expected to gather amid the ruins in the central hilltop town of Amatrice when a mass state funeral is held this evening.
It will take place on the edge of Amatrice’s obliterated medieval centre in the grounds of a Catholic retreat for the elderly.
Construction crews worked through the night to build a tent complex to host the funeral after residents denounced the government’s original plan to hold it in an airport hangar.
Young victim: Marylebone student Marcos Burnett had arrived for a week’s holiday
Authorities had intended to stage the service for more than two-thirds of the 292 who died in Wednesday’s quake in the provincial capital of Rieti and let survivors watch it on TV.
Among those who died were 14-year-old Marcos Burnett and Maria and Will Henniker-Gotley, all from London. Friends of Mr and Mrs Henniker-Gotley, from Stockwell, today told how they were apparently found in bed in each other’s arms.
Consultant Mr Henniker-Gotley, 55, and his charity worker wife, 51, were at their holiday home in the hamlet of Sommati when it was destroyed in seconds.
Marcos, their son Jack’s best friend, who went to Wetherby School in Marylebone, had arrived for a week’s holiday with his family 13 hours earlier. His parents, Anne-Louise and Simon Burnett, were both taken to hospital and their daughter also survived.
Barbara Digiacomo, 43, who knew Mr and Mrs Henniker-Gotley well and has a holiday home near their property, said: “I heard they were found hugging. I don’t think they had the chance to realise [what was happening].”
Italian authorities said the magnitude-6.2 quake was the equivalent of 20,000 atomic bombs detonating at its epicentre. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/italian-town-hit-by-earthquake-holds-mass-funeral-for-over-200-victims-a3332151.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/304820a8372c111d0d5216668d1658cef6623b86807cbd5442d4a524b56b1c83.json |
[
"Tom Powell"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:29 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | A volcanic eruption in Iceland could be imminent after two earthquakes struck in rapid succession. The Katla volcano, one of the largest in Iceland, was rocked by two earthquakes of magnitude 4.2 and 4.5 this weekend. It typically erupts every 80 years but was last active in 1918, almost a century ago. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fkatla-volcano-in-icleand-could-erupt-after-double-earthquake-a3332406.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/12/katlavolcano3008a.jpg | en | null | Katla volcano in Iceland rocked by earthquakes | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A volcanic eruption in Iceland could be imminent after two earthquakes struck in rapid succession.
The Katla volcano, one of the largest in Iceland, was rocked by two earthquakes of magnitude 4.2 and 4.5 this weekend.
It typically erupts every 80 years but was last active in 1918, almost a century ago.
The remote North Atlantic country hit headlines in April 2010 when ash from the erupting Eyjafjallajokul volcano grounded flights across Europe for days.
Travel chaos ensued and left millions stranded at airports unable to travel home, including families and teachers on holiday during the school Easter break.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office has not yet changed the alert status for Katla from “normal” as no tremors have been recorded.
Katla has experienced various earthquake swarms over the last 10 years, but none as large as this weekend’s since 1977.
Gunnar Gudmundsson, a geophysicist, said that authorities are monitoring the situation and described it as "a little bit unusual", but said there's "no sign" of an eruption. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/katla-volcano-in-icleand-could-erupt-after-double-earthquake-a3332406.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c88602a36f93e2ee2a079aa6c8facbdd892d85b8c27b0a3458565aaddcaa58ed.json |
[
"Sebastian Mann"
] | 2016-08-29T08:50:15 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Police arrested a man after he allegedly poured highly corrosive acid into a lubricant dispenser at a gay venue in Australia. Security are said to have stopped the 62-year-old as he added hydrocloric acid into the machine at "gay and bi social club" Aarows in north-west Sydney. They were alerted after alarms fitted following similar incidents of tampering sounded. The suspect was charged with offences including administering a poison with intent to injure or cause pain. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fman-put-hydrocloric-acid-in-lubricant-dispenser-at-gay-club-a3331631.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/09/rainbow.jpg | en | null | Man 'put hydrocloric acid in lube at gay sex club' | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Police arrested a man after he allegedly poured highly corrosive acid into a lubricant dispenser at a gay venue in Australia.
Security are said to have stopped the 62-year-old as he added hydrocloric acid into the machine at "gay and bi social club" Aarows in north-west Sydney.
They were alerted after alarms fitted following similar incidents of tampering sounded.
The suspect was charged with offences including administering a poison with intent to injure or cause pain.
Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper said detectives had not established any motive but there was "no indication of hate motivation".
The suspect was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in court on 20 September.
A club-goer told the Australian network ABC he thought it was a "sick" thing to do.
Asked about the suspect's motive, he added: "It could be anything really. People are perverted".
On the Aarows club website, a description reads: "Aarows has now long been established as Sydney’s premier health, recreation & social centre where safe sex is permitted regardless of gender." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/man-put-hydrocloric-acid-in-lubricant-dispenser-at-gay-club-a3331631.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/f2666676cde2774e4b3c14c32d414a71e7377a87e45d1809f49d9c55ca79c5c5.json |
[
"Sebastian Mann"
] | 2016-08-29T10:50:30 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Armed police have locked down a village in West Sussex amid a stand-off with a 72-year-old man who is thought to have a gun. Officers were called nearly 18 hours ago – shortly after 4pm on Sunday - to a house in Harbour Road, Pagham, West Sussex, after reports a pensioner was armed and using threatening behaviour. Sussex Police negotiators and armed cops remain on the scene, with the siege continuing as they try to make contact with the man. Emergency services are on stand-by. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fpagham-armed-police-in-standoff-with-gunwielding-pensioner-at-house-in-west-sussex-a3331646.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/11/pagham1.jpg | en | null | Pagham: Armed police in stand-off with ‘gun-wielding’ pensioner at house in West Sussex | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Armed police have locked down a village in West Sussex amid a stand-off with a 72-year-old man who is thought to have a gun.
Officers were called nearly 18 hours ago – shortly after 4pm on Sunday - to a house in Harbour Road, Pagham, West Sussex, after reports a pensioner was armed and using threatening behaviour.
Sussex Police negotiators and armed cops remain on the scene, with the siege continuing as they try to make contact with the man.
Emergency services are on stand-by.
Detective Superintendent Nick Sloan said: "The safety of the local community is our utmost priority.
"Local residents in Harbour Road have been advised to stay inside, but should they wish to or need to leave their properties, we will be able to facilitate this with police support.
"Communication continues with the lone man in the house and we hope to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible."
A woman known to the man was also in the house but she left soon after police arrived and is safe and well.
There have been no reports of injuries. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/pagham-armed-police-in-standoff-with-gunwielding-pensioner-at-house-in-west-sussex-a3331646.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/c13210da1d6e65f32f5d870206a6241df680d4f88e48cbac35366d77fbace46d.json |
[
"Robin De Peyer"
] | 2016-08-30T06:50:53 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | A British man who was left critically injured trying to save a fellow backpacker who died in an alleged knife attack has lost his fight for life. Thomas Jackson, 30, spent a week in hospital after allegedly being stabbed in the eye, face and torso when he went to the aid of Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, at an Australian hostel. The alleged attacker Smail Ayad, 29, now faces a second charge of murder having already been charged over Ms Ayliffe-Chung's death during the alleged attack at Shelley’s Backpackers hostel in Queensland last Tuesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fthomas-jackson-british-man-who-tried-to-save-backpackers-life-during-knife-attack-dies-a3331916.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/06/jackson.jpg | en | null | Thomas Jackson: British man who tried to save backpacker's life during knife attack dies | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A British man who was left critically injured trying to save a fellow backpacker who died in an alleged knife attack has lost his fight for life.
Thomas Jackson, 30, spent a week in hospital after allegedly being stabbed in the eye, face and torso when he went to the aid of Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, at an Australian hostel.
The alleged attacker Smail Ayad, 29, now faces a second charge of murder having already been charged over Ms Ayliffe-Chung's death during the alleged attack at Shelley’s Backpackers hostel in Queensland last Tuesday.
A spokesman for Queensland Police said: "Police can confirm 30-year-old British man Thomas Jackson, critically injured in an alleged knife attack at Home Hill on August 23, has today passed away in the Townsville Hospital."
Stabbed to death: Mia Ayliffe-Chung (Facebook)
Mr Jackson, a freelance journalist from Cheshire, was visited by his father Les as he remained on life support after the attack.
Superintendent Ray Rohweder last week praised Mr Jackson for his "selfless" courage.
He said: "There is no doubt Mr Jackson attempted to render aid to Mia.
“His subsequent actions were absolutely fantastic and I have no doubt that his actions on that day, as selfless, completely selfless as they were, led to the injuries that he now has.”
In a statement on Sundaty, Les Jackson said he was "immensely proud" of his son.
"His actions in response to this horrific attack only add to that sense of pride," he said.
Ayad is also said to have killed a dog and injured 12 police following the attack. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/thomas-jackson-british-man-who-tried-to-save-backpackers-life-during-knife-attack-dies-a3331916.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/fb9faa861b42bfbe8798e9312f5ee618b99b81422360c06cf211efebc45c33ee.json |
[
"Hatty Collier"
] | 2016-08-28T14:50:15 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Motorways workers are still battling to reopen a section of the M20 after a 170 tonne footbridge came crashing down on top of vehicles on the carriageway. Clean-up teams had hoped to have a section of the M20 open again by lunchtime but it has now been delayed until at least 6pm, Highways England said. The bridge came down between junctions three and four shortly after noon on Saturday when a digger being transported on the back of a lorry collided with it. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Ftransport%2Fm20-bridge-collapse-motorway-shut-until-evening-as-workers-battle-to-clean-up-footbridge-crash-a3331386.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/14/m20crash.jpg | en | null | M20 bridge collapse: Motorway shut until evening as workers battle to clean up footbridge crash | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Motorways workers are still battling to reopen a section of the M20 after a 170 tonne footbridge came crashing down on top of vehicles on the carriageway.
Clean-up teams had hoped to have a section of the M20 open again by lunchtime but it has now been delayed until at least 6pm, Highways England said.
The bridge came down between junctions three and four shortly after noon on Saturday when a digger being transported on the back of a lorry collided with it.
A motorcyclist, aged in his 50s, was taken to hospital in Tunbridge Wells with suspected broken ribs following the incident while the driver of the lorry was treated for shock at the scene.
Aftermath: Motorway workers at the scene of the crash (PA)
The road was expected to reopen by lunchtime on Sunday, although that has since been put back.
#M20 #Kent J1 - J4. Crews are in the process of removing remaining bridge structure from the carriageway. pic.twitter.com/nA31StQaYI — Highways England (@HighwaysSEAST) August 28, 2016
Stuart Thompson, a Highways England spokesman, said: "We have worked overnight and removed part of the structure on the London-bound carriageway.
"We had hoped to reopen by lunchtime. Having done some of these assessments we needed to do more safety work before we reopen it.
"We will look to get it open again as soon as possible.
"We are look at this evening, hopefully earlier, although we are reluctant to put a time on it.
"It is a very, very complex situation. There are lots of different things needed to be done and we needed to be confident it is safe before we reopen it." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/m20-bridge-collapse-motorway-shut-until-evening-as-workers-battle-to-clean-up-footbridge-crash-a3331386.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/579702833ccceb11338083a3d5ceed9f3576f97816dc59783220a50d23ead0d4.json |
[
"Sebastian Mann"
] | 2016-08-30T12:51:31 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Several top government officials have been ordered to retire after the ruler of Dubai made a surprise spot-check of their offices but found no-one at work. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid turned up at government buildings on Sunday – a normal working day in the United Arab Emirates – but found the desks of some of his most senior officials abandoned for the day. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fleader-of-dubai-finds-empty-desks-in-surprise-inspection-of-government-offices-a3332311.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/11/sheikh.jpg | en | null | Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid forces top officials to 'retire' | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Several top government officials have been ordered to retire after the ruler of Dubai made a surprise spot-check of their offices but found no-one at work.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid turned up at government buildings on Sunday – a normal working day in the United Arab Emirates – but found the desks of some of his most senior officials abandoned for the day.
In footage shared on social media by the government, the Sheikh is seen wandering alone around a plush office with leather desk chairs and pictures of himself on the walls. He briefly peruses a book in the empty office as there was no-one there for him to talk to.
On Instagram the post was captioned: “Mohammed bin Rashid on a field tour to government departments in Dubai.”
A video posted by Khalifa Saeed (@khalifasaeed) on Aug 27, 2016 at 9:52pm PDT
He visited the Dubai Municipality, Department of Land and Property and the Department of Economic Development at about 7.30am and in each case found absent senior officials.
As a result of his surprise visits, nine high-powered government employees were ordered to retire.
Director-general of Dubai’s government media office told Bloomberg: “He certainly wanted to send a message.
“Timeliness starts at the top and we won’t go after employees when their bosses aren’t there.’’ | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/leader-of-dubai-finds-empty-desks-in-surprise-inspection-of-government-offices-a3332311.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/cf0dc749f922b0b598ac8e328a17e40cb7cd2adbfecc1e1e0987ab946b622dde.json |
[
"Mallika Basu"
] | 2016-08-31T10:52:50 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Crisp on the outside, soft and succulent on the inside, Tandoori Chicken is the mainstay of Punjabi cooking, with its roots firmly in the Mughal era. This dish gets its name from the tandoor, a charcoal oven with clay walls that cooks flatbreads, skewered ingredients and portions of meat with precision and flavour. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Ffoodanddrink%2Ftandoori-chicken-a-recipe-from-indian-cook-mallika-basu-a3333031.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/09/tandoori-chicken.jpg | en | null | Tandoori chicken: a recipe from Indian cook Mallika Basu | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Crisp on the outside, soft and succulent on the inside, Tandoori Chicken is the mainstay of Punjabi cooking, with its roots firmly in the Mughal era. This dish gets its name from the tandoor, a charcoal oven with clay walls that cooks flatbreads, skewered ingredients and portions of meat with precision and flavour.
In my home, no summer is complete without mounds of these being served up, with the prerequisite sliced raw onion rings and lemon wedges. In the wettest of British summers, simply keep the oven handy and remember to factor in plenty of time for marinating and preparation. I’ve served mine here with a raw chard and onion salad softened first with a lime and coriander dressing. You can try this the traditional way too, opting for warm naan and an ice cold cucumber and mint raita.
Ingredients (feeds 2)
• 2 x 250gm chicken leg quarters
• 4 fat garlic cloves
• 1 inch ginger
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder/ paprika
• Half tsp turmeric powder
• 60gm full fat natural yogurt
• Salt to taste
• Juice of half a lime
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Butter/ghee to serve
Method
Skin the chicken, make three parallel sideways slits – two on the thigh and on the leg – and place in a rectangular dish.
Peel the ginger, garlic and finely grate into a small mixing bowl. Add the spice powders, the yoghurt, half the lime juice and stir into a smooth paste. Mix salt in to your taste now.
Next, smother the chicken leg portions with this marinade making sure they are well coated. Then seal the dish with cling film and chill until you’re ready to eat. I would recommend a marinade time of at least four hours.
Take the marinating chicken out of the fridge and bring it to room temperature before you’re ready to eat. Mix together the remaining lime juice and oil, using this to baste the chicken every ten minutes as it cooks on a charcoal BBQ. They will take 10 minutes first in the hottest part of the BBQ, then a good half an hour to get charred and cooked through on the cooler edges. But make sure you open one up and check that the chicken juices run clear (not pink) before feeding people!
Alternatively, you can oven roast these. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C and line a shallow baking tray with foil placing an oven shelf on top. Place the chicken directly on the shelf, positioning the lined tray underneath to catch the dripping juices. Cook for 10 minutes, flip and cook for another 10. Then turn them over again, basting with the lime and oil mixture. Cook for ten minutes, then turn over, baste and finish off with another 15 minutes of cooking. You can use the juices that have dripped onto the tray to baste the chicken too as it is full of flavour.
Leave the chicken in the oven for another five minutes, with the heat turned off while you prepare your serving platter. Brush with a little butter or ghee to serve these. Tandoori chicken is also lovely the next day as the spices get to work their magic for a bit longer.
Mallika Basu is a London-based food writer, cookbook author and cookery personality; quickindiancooking.com. Follow her on Twitter @MallikaBasu_ and find more of her recipes for the Evening Standard here. | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/foodanddrink/tandoori-chicken-a-recipe-from-indian-cook-mallika-basu-a3333031.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b59cc946635833cf8f1fe6534e061dd6f26bf01aee3fb972c8e6fd4b58102a96.json |
[
"Tom Powell"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:11 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Victoria Coach Station has been evacuated as police investigate reports of a suspect package. Crowds of passengers were seen being led out of the station at around 11:20 this morning. Passersby have claimed on social media that the evacuation is due to a suspect package found within the coach station. The Met police are in attendance and people are being kept away from the station exterior. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fvictoria-coach-station-evacuated-as-police-investigate-suspect-package-a3333366.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/11/victoriacoachstation3108a.jpg | en | null | Victoria Coach Station evacuated as police investigate 'suspect package' | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Victoria Coach Station has been evacuated as police investigate reports of a suspect package.
Crowds of passengers were seen being led out of the station at around 11:20 this morning.
Passersby have claimed on social media that the evacuation is due to a suspect package found within the coach station.
The Met police are in attendance and people are being kept away from the station exterior.
Victoria Coach station seems to have been evacuated pic.twitter.com/amsJQYUiYy — Michael Standen (@MichaelStanden2) August 31, 2016
Victoria Bus Station's hasty evacuation over suspected bomb scare pic.twitter.com/Fp9h3iLbaS — Amy Elizabeth Hill (@amyehillx) August 31, 2016
This story is being updated. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/victoria-coach-station-evacuated-as-police-investigate-suspect-package-a3333366.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/2b050de4e3e9c5e33e6944520d47c04bc57a1d13d29f9dcc0693d3b4e9920795.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-26T20:49:22 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | Slaven Bilic is weighing up whether to gamble on the fitness of Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini as he looks to discover a winning formula to defeat Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmanchester-city-vs-west-ham-team-news-slaven-bilic-tempted-to-leave-out-dimitri-payet-and-manuel-a3330936.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/19/08/dimitripayet1908.jpg | en | null | Manchester City vs West Ham team news: Slaven Bilic tempted to leave out Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Slaven Bilic is weighing up whether to gamble on the fitness of Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini as he looks to discover a winning formula to defeat Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
West Ham have been without both of their key creative fulcrums for the start of the season and, further shorn of captain Mark Noble, thoroughly lacked incision and guile as they lost 1-0 to Astra Giurgiu, ending their participation in the Europa League.
Payet has been sidelined with a knock and has not started a match since returning from Euro 2016 whilst Lanzini has not featured at all this season after injuring his knee on international duty.
Bilic may need all the help he can get on Sunday, when he takes on a Manchester City who have won all of their first four games under their new manager Guardiola. But the West Ham manager will consider calling on the French and Argentine stars for the trip to the Etihad, where Noble should also be available.
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
“Mark Noble should be all right,” he said. “After training we’re going to know more about whether he’s going to be available for Sunday.
“Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, we’re going to know more on Saturday. Maybe one of them will be in the squad for Sunday’s game. We still have one training session, but the situation is that after this game we have a couple of weeks and the temptation is not to play them because is it worth the risk?
“Of course if there is no risk, of course we would pick them, but there is a big question-mark. Only if there is no risk are we going to use them, and then only one of them.”
Last September West Ham claimed a memorable victory at the Etihad, Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho striking as Bilic saw his side claim the scalp of a third major power inside the opening six league games of the season.
Yet City already seem to be a tougher opponent this season, with Guardiola having invested heavily to bring in the likes of John Stones, Nolito and Leroy Sane.
Bilic acknowledged that Guardiola had made improvements to the way his side play but is in no doubt West Ham can return from Manchester on Sunday with the same result they claimed last season.
“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t do it this season. We know it’s a big challenge, not only regarding our injury situation, but we are hoping and our whole plan is to have a good game and to get something out of it.
“Pep has new tactics which are a little bit different than last year’s and they’re not very common tactics, with the full-backs playing with the ball in areas that are not normal. We can live with that because it’s far away from the goal, but we have to stop them being free with time and space in front and in our box.
“It’s going to be hard, of course. They’ve shown already they are top-class players and they’ve gelled. They were the most impressive in their Champions League game against Steaua in Bucharest, but what gives us hope is that Sunderland made it hard for them and so did Stoke – the result was 4-1 but it was not that easy and the game was very even for a long period.
“Man City were Man City last year and we can do it again.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-city-vs-west-ham-team-news-slaven-bilic-tempted-to-leave-out-dimitri-payet-and-manuel-a3330936.html | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/8c3564288fc49523128bd1dff6beb321410dba6d37dccf62a7a293bfa91e454a.json |
[
"Nick Curtis"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:40 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | From the top of BBC TV Centre’s East Tower in White City — the building where Blue Peter and Play School were made — you can see the future of London. The buildings below, once a monocultural fortress for Auntie Beeb, will soon become a mini-metropolis of 950 apartments, a new club and 50-room hotel from Soho House (complete with rooftop pool), as well as three refurbished TV studios and offices for BBC Worldwide and 300,000 other “creatives”. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Flondon-life%2Fwhite-city-how-soho-house-the-bbc-and-the-london-creatives-are-helping-w12-get-its-mojo-back-a3330206.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/26/10/whitecity1.jpg | en | null | White City: how Soho House, the BBC and the London creatives are helping W12 get its mojo back | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | From the top of BBC TV Centre’s East Tower in White City — the building where Blue Peter and Play School were made — you can see the future of London. The buildings below, once a monocultural fortress for Auntie Beeb, will soon become a mini-metropolis of 950 apartments, a new club and 50-room hotel from Soho House (complete with rooftop pool), as well as three refurbished TV studios and offices for BBC Worldwide and 300,000 other “creatives”.
Further north are the modern offices of BBC Digital, and beyond them Old Oak Common, itself set to become a mini-city once Crossrail arrives. The world’s largest “co-living” space, The Collective, opened there in May, offering 551 minimal, serviced living spaces around shared communal areas as an alternative to traditional rental models.
On the other side of Wood Lane, the mind-bogglingly vast, 25-acre, £3 billion new campus where Imperial College plans to “invent the future through science and engineering and medicine” — as Professor David Gann, Vice President (Innovation) puts it — stretches north beyond the A40. To the east, the new phase of Westfield shopping centre — already one of the top five tourist destinations in London, with 28 million visitors a year — is under construction, and a site occupied by M&S warehouses is to become 1,480 new homes by developer St James.
Out of sight, beyond the A3220, are the headquarters of early White City adopters such as Mario Testino, Stella McCartney and Monsoon. To the south lie the huge new developments at Earl’s Court and Chelsea Harbour. Dalston can do one, and Hackney can hack off — west is best again, and W12 in particular has got its mojo back.
One of the reasons for this is geographical. While most brownfield or redundant industrial land is in south or east London, there was a swathe of backland (railway yards, storage facilities, power stations) stretching from Chelsea Creek up to Old Oak, following an old river course. This area is generously shot through with transport: the A40 and M4, a cluster of Tube and bus stations giving quick access to the West End, easy links to Heathrow and now Crossrail landing at Old Oak.
“Holland Park and Notting Hill are next to us, nice parts of Hammersmith are next to us,” says Paul Monaghan of AHMM Architects, which is helming the TV Centre development. “There are two Tube stations and the most successful shopping centre in Europe. It’s amazing it’s taken so long for this area to take off.”
Soho House’s Nick Jones says: “I feel strongly that the whole area will pop and change dramatically over the next few years. Just like Shoreditch used to be, White City was thought of as quite dodgy, but it’s changed. And when a building like the TV Centre becomes available, it’s hard to turn it down.”
White City and Shepherd’s Bush are full of texture and history. Not just the TV Centre and lost iconic buildings like Lime Grove Studios, White City Stadium (home to the 1908 London Olympics) and the vast 1920s Pavilion Cinema (which was hit by a flying bomb and is now the upmarket Dorsett hotel). There’s music venues Bush Hall and the 02 Shepherds Bush Empire, and the Bush Theatre, which is undergoing a major upgrade.
Gigs on your doorstep: the Bush Theatre is undergoing a major upgrade
The area also has a mix of cultures and incomes, the kind that stops London becoming a divided city like Paris. “The Uxbridge Road is the most diverse in Europe in terms of languages spoken,” says the Bush Theatre’s artistic director, Madani Younis. “Turn right outside our door and you have Westfield. Turn left and you can buy food from just about anywhere in the world for about £5. Other people are realising what Shepherd’s Bush people know: that this was always a cool part of the city.”
Younis says the new developers seem keen to avoid the “Christopher Columbus” effect — laying claim to an area without regard to, and usually to the detriment of, the existing community. David Gann says the new Imperial campus will get away from the “ivory tower” concept of an isolated academic establishment and be open not only to innovators, medical professionals and tech start-ups but also to local schools and residents. Even the new Westfield extension looks more porous and less slab-like than the initial building, with routes through railway arches and new open spaces.
Alistair Shaw of Stanhope, which owns and is developing TV Centre with Mitsui Fudosan and AIMCo, says the fact that the scheme will have residents, Soho House guests, workers and a continuing “24/7” BBC presence will prevent it becoming “soulless at night” like some other developments. He stresses that Stanhope has reached out to local schools and the Bush Theatre, put on food festivals on the car park roof and buzzy events in the studios, such as the Evening Standard Film Awards and Marc Ronson’s album launch.
Pergola: W12's rooftop street food destination
The site will certainly be more open than in the BBC days, with landscaped gardens replacing the service road around the central, listed Helios building, aka the “doughnut”, of TV Centre. There’ll be a Cowshed Active gym — run by Soho House but open to everyone — beneath the statue of the eponymous sun god that stands slap bang in the middle of it. And unlike the schemes at Old Oak or Earl’s Court, which have 10 or 20 years to reach completion, the refurbished TV studios will be up and running again next year, with the first apartments ready by 2018. “The whole scheme could be entirely built in four to five years,” says Paul Monaghan.
The 950 apartments here will be out of the reach of the millennials that the Collective hopes to target, with prices starting at £650,000 and rising much higher in the Helios building and the 22-storey edifice that will replace the East Tower. But Shaw points out that these are about half the price of equivalent flats in Notting Hill and two-thirds that of units in the Battersea Power Station development. He is adamant they will be lived in, rather than stagnate as investment properties. “We know the people who have bought here are going to live here because we know them: our lawyers bought a flat, Soho House members have bought flats, BBC employees have bought flats...”
Inside the luxury flats at the converted Helios building
The interior designer Sophie Ashby, whose clients include the aristo-actress Gabriella Wilde as well as burger joint Patty & Bun, has also bought a flat in TV Centre with her boyfriend, fashion designer Charlie Casely-Hayford. “I rent in Notting Hill so this was a way of getting on the property ladder in the next-best place, Shepherd’s Bush,” she says. “The apartment I’ve bought is in the Helios building, it has polished floors, Crittall windows and there is history and soul and character to the architecture. I’ve always liked west London. In east London you have to subscribe more to a lifestyle. Here you can be anyone and just enjoy the lovely restaurants and shops and parks. I make the most of London and so does Charlie, and Shepherd’s Bush is strategically placed for that.”
Perhaps it was natural that, after years of focus on the strenuous trendiness of east London, the city’s collective gaze should swing back west. “We are really excited about west London,” says James Scott of The Collective. “Shepherd’s Bush, North Kensington, Cricklewood and Brent Cross are geographically well placed with fantastic transport links and many of the fundamentals that places like Shoreditch had 10 years ago. There are already cool things happening in Acton and around Wormwood Scrubs and Ealing Studios.”
David Gann points out that there were innovative tech companies along the M4 corridor long before they started popping up in Old Street, and that White City is close to Imperial’s Kensington base and the hospitals where it has research departments.
“But it’s a wrong-headed view to talk about east v west,” he adds. “This is about creating the most for London. Our core academic work is going to be out there [at White City] and that will bring hundreds and thousands of talented people who are keen on developing next-generation solutions, new medical interventions, new data science stuff, tackling issues of climate, environment, health care and anti-microbial resistance.
“For the past 15-20 years people have talked about the King’s Cross development, which has been truly magnificent: what’s happening at White City, with us as one of the huge anchor developers, is on the same scale and over the next 10 to 15 years is going to transform that part of London.”
Follow Nick Curtis on Twitter: @nickcurtis | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/white-city-how-soho-house-the-bbc-and-the-london-creatives-are-helping-w12-get-its-mojo-back-a3330206.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/0c3638c4ff890c61811fe83f0141c32406aca67b50f81993202cc0dd42f2a271.json |
[
"Chloe Chaplain"
] | 2016-08-28T12:50:08 | null | 2016-07-12T00:00:00 | Two pilots accused of being drunk as they prepared to fly a passenger plane from Scotland to the US have been arrested. The two men, aged 35 and 45, sparked concerns as the United Airline plane carrying 141 passengers from Glasgow to Newark was due to take off on Saturday. Police said they were arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and are expected to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday. The flight eventually took off on Saturday evening with a new crew on board and the two men have been removed from United Airlines service. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Funited-airlines-pilots-arrested-after-being-allegedly-too-drunk-to-fly-from-scotland-to-us-a3331351.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/12/11/unitedplane1207a1.jpg | en | null | United Airlines pilots arrested after being allegedly 'too drunk to fly' from Scotland to US | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Two pilots accused of being drunk as they prepared to fly a passenger plane from Scotland to the US have been arrested.
The two men, aged 35 and 45, sparked concerns as the United Airline plane carrying 141 passengers from Glasgow to Newark was due to take off on Saturday.
Police said they were arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and are expected to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday.
The flight eventually took off on Saturday evening with a new crew on board and the two men have been removed from United Airlines service.
Too drunk: The pilots were arrested at Glasgow airport as the plane was due to take off (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police Scotland can confirm that two men aged 35 and 45 have been arrested and are presently detained in police custody in connection with alleged offences under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, Section 93."
Section 93 refers to carrying out pilot function or activity while exceeding the prescribed limit of alcohol.
A spokesman for Glasgow Airport added: "We are aware of the police incident yesterday involving two pilots."
The incident follows the appearance in court last month of two Canadian pilots charged with being drunk as they prepared to fly a passenger jet from Scotland to Toronto
Jean-Francois Perreault, 39, and Imran Zafar Syed, 37, were arrested on Monday July 18 before they were due to take off on the Air Transat flight from Glasgow Airport.
The men were remanded in custody when they first appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court, also charged under section 93 of the same Act.
At a second hearing at the same court they were granted bail on condition they surrender their passports.
Section 93 of the Railway and Transport Safety Act states: "A person commits an offence if he performs an aviation function at a time when the proportion of alcohol in his breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit, or he carries out an activity which is ancillary to an aviation function at a time when the proportion of alcohol in his breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit."
For pilots, the limit of alcohol in the case of breath is nine microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres, according to the Act.
A spokesman for United Airlines said: "The two pilots have been removed from service and their flying duties.
"We are co-operating with the authorities and will conduct our own investigation as well. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/united-airlines-pilots-arrested-after-being-allegedly-too-drunk-to-fly-from-scotland-to-us-a3331351.html | en | 2016-07-12T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/8c02385570b12472f1901a3ae4e699da660cac115974dc96adbb78c7c6179ead.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-28T10:50:03 | null | 2016-03-10T00:00:00 | Simone Zaza has completed his move to West Ham, the Italian striker arriving from Juventus on an initial season-long loan with a view to a £20million permanent deal. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwest-ham-transfer-news-simone-zaza-completes-move-from-juventus-a3330696.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/03/10/15/SimoneZaza1003.jpg | en | null | West Ham transfer news: Simone Zaza completes season-long loan move from Juventus | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Simone Zaza has completed his move to West Ham, the Italian striker arriving from Juventus on an initial season-long loan with a view to a £20million permanent deal.
That would make the Italian international West Ham’s equal-record signing. Slaven Bilic has already broken his transfer ceiling once this summer, paying Swansea £20m for Andre Ayew and it has partially been down to an injury to the Ghanaian international that the Hammers have returned to the market.
Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Ayew all face periods on the sidelines and Zaza will be expected to lead the West Ham line throughout the season.
After completing his move, Zaza told West Ham's official website: “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me including the fans and everyone at the Club. I wanted to start a new experience and I feel this is the right choice for me.
“I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the new Stadium with a different shirt. It is a beautiful stadium and I felt the warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why I wanted to join the Club.
“I want to become a better player and I know I can do that at West Ham. Unfortunately we could not qualify for the Europa League, but I am hoping I can help the Club do that next season.”
Over three seasons in Serie A Zaza scored 25 goals for Sassuolo and Juventus, helping to fire the former side to its best ever league campaign.
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
However his £12m move to the Italian champions rarely got off the ground. Zaza made just 24 appearances for Juventus last season but did display an impressive goal tally, finding the back of the net every 133 minutes on average. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-transfer-news-simone-zaza-completes-move-from-juventus-a3330696.html | en | 2016-03-10T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/03a7106362716887935d898dae880187436ced9bf9cbc86c645c000f8e2b3e73.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-31T08:51:03 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | Moussa Sissoko has left the France squad as he looks to complete his Newcastle exit, with Tottenham among the leading contenders for his signature. The midfielder has emerged as a Spurs target in the closing days of the window despite the hefty £35million asking price placed on him by his Championship club. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftottenham-transfer-news-moussa-sissoko-leaves-france-squad-to-finalise-move-amid-spurs-interest-a3333011.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/09/moussasissoko3108.jpg | en | null | Tottenham transfer news: Moussa Sissoko leaves France squad to finalise move amid Spurs interest | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Moussa Sissoko has left the France squad as he looks to complete his Newcastle exit, with Tottenham among the leading contenders for his signature.
The midfielder has emerged as a Spurs target in the closing days of the window despite the hefty £35million asking price placed on him by his Championship club.
Sissoko has not figured in Rafa Benitez’s starting line-up in any of Newcastle’s opening games this season and has also been linked with Real Madrid, however Spurs have emerged as an interested party in recent days.
It appears unlikely that Tottenham will choose to offer a fee approaching Newcastle’s asking price but Didier Deschamps has given Sissoko permission to depart the squad’s training camp in order to “finalise his transfer”.
Spurs are expected to be among the busiest sides in the closing hours of the transfer window – both Pau Lopez and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou are set to sign before the 11pm deadline and Pochettino hopes to add an attacker. It appears that may well be Sissoko. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-transfer-news-moussa-sissoko-leaves-france-squad-to-finalise-move-amid-spurs-interest-a3333011.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/4f64252eb076957f10332c2007c314ebe6699e45dc50e299c134ed3e9e8d9e6c.json |
[
"Robin De Peyer"
] | 2016-08-29T10:50:34 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Heart disease is better treated with a Mediterranean-style diet than cholesterol-lowering drugs, research shows. A study found those who had a diet rich in vegetables, nuts, fish and oils were a third less likely to die early, compared with those who ate larger quantities of red meat, such as beef, and butter. Speaking at a global conference on heart disease in Rome, Italy, leading heart disease expert Professor Giovanni de Gaetano said: "So far research has focused on the general population, which is mainly composed of healthy people. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2Fmediterraneanstyle-diet-is-key-to-stopping-heart-disease-a3331661.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/29/10/fish.jpg | en | null | Mediterranean-style diet is key to stopping heart disease | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Heart disease is better treated with a Mediterranean-style diet than cholesterol-lowering drugs, research shows.
A study found those who had a diet rich in vegetables, nuts, fish and oils were a third less likely to die early, compared with those who ate larger quantities of red meat, such as beef, and butter.
Speaking at a global conference on heart disease in Rome, Italy, leading heart disease expert Professor Giovanni de Gaetano said: "So far research has focused on the general population, which is mainly composed of healthy people.
"What happens to people who have already suffered from cardiovascular disease?
"Is the Mediterranean diet optimal for them too?"
The conference was told those who ate mainly along Mediterranean lines were 37 per cent less likely to die during the study than those who were furthest from this dietary pattern.
Previously, cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins were believed to be the most effective method of combating heart disease, the leading cause of death in the UK.
Statins are said to help reduce major heart problems by around 24 per cent.
They are the most widely-prescribed drug in the UK, with at least seven million users costing the NHS £285 million a year.
According to the latest figures from the British Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease causes more than a quarter (27 per cent) of all deaths in the UK - around 155,000 deaths each year - an average of 425 people each day or one death every three minutes. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/mediterraneanstyle-diet-is-key-to-stopping-heart-disease-a3331661.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/fe0a85f84de96fb38021d3ecda7e865184c4b35b96f79162ed52e288117644d8.json |
[
"Hannah Al-Othman"
] | 2016-08-28T06:50:02 | null | 2016-07-08T00:00:00 | More than 1,000 rapes and sexual assaults have taken place at schools and nurseries across London in the past four years, it can be revealed. Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show 83 rapes alleged to have taken place in schools or nurseries in London were reported to police. This was coupled with 921 other sexual assaults that were also reported as taking place in schools and nurseries – meaning 1,004 sex attacks in total were recorded by police. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Frevealed-more-than-1000-rapes-and-sex-assaults-at-london-schools-in-just-four-years-a3330726.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/08/09/ofsted0807a1.jpg | en | null | Revealed: More than 1,000 rapes and sex assaults at London schools in just four years | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | More than 1,000 rapes and sexual assaults have taken place at schools and nurseries across London in the past four years, it can be revealed.
Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show 83 rapes alleged to have taken place in schools or nurseries in London were reported to police.
This was coupled with 921 other sexual assaults that were also reported as taking place in schools and nurseries – meaning 1,004 sex attacks in total were recorded by police.
Of the rape allegations, more than 15 per cent were reported in the borough of Croydon, where 13 rapes were recorded.
There were also eight rapes reported in Haringey and a further seven in Lewisham over the period spanning four school years.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman stressed that although the crimes had taken place in schools, the victims were not neccessarily pupils.
They could also be parents, teachers, caretakers, or even trespassers, police said.
The spokesman added that some crimes that happened just outside a school building, or within the vicinity of a school, could also be included in the data.
Police said they were unable to break the information down by school year, or provide any information on the age or gender of the victims, as this may lead to victims being identified.
As well as the 83 rapes, police received reports of more than 900 other sexual assaults at London schools and nurseries.
Of these, the highest number was Lewisham, where 50 assaults took place, followed by Greenwich, which saw 46 reports, and Newham and Lambeth where there were 45 apiece.
In response to the figures, an NSPCC spokesman said: “Schools should be safe places where pupils can fulfil their potential, so it’s disturbing that so many children have been victims of sexual crimes.
“These figures should be a wake up call to all schools to review their safeguarding procedures and ensure all pupils feel able to speak out and seek help whenever they need it.
“And all children need to be educated about what sexual abuse is and how to get help immediately if they or someone they know has suffered an attack at school.”
A Department for Education spokesman said that sexual offences take into account a large range of incidents, including things like sexting.
He added: “Incidents of crime in schools are very rare. Any offence, however, must be reported to the police. No young person should feel unsafe or suffer harassment in any circumstance.
“We regularly issue safeguarding guidance to schools and Ofsted checks that schools have robust procedures in place to ensure the safety of children as part of its inspections." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/revealed-more-than-1000-rapes-and-sex-assaults-at-london-schools-in-just-four-years-a3330726.html | en | 2016-07-08T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/8bbbf204fbd8b16a2b0c939219d8d94285a882d61bee3fd1dbb71b62c9794f45.json |
[
"James Benge"
] | 2016-08-30T14:50:54 | null | 2016-06-18T00:00:00 | Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has rejoined his boyhood club Sparta Prague. Rosicky departed the Emirates last summer after 10 years at Arsenal to a guard of honour from his team-mates, many of whom wore No.7 shirts to commemorate their former colleague. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fformer-arsenal-midfielder-tomas-rosicky-rejoins-boyhood-club-sparta-prague-a3332531.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/06/18/17/tomas_rosicky.jpg | en | null | Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky rejoins boyhood club Sparta Prague | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has rejoined his boyhood club Sparta Prague.
Rosicky departed the Emirates last summer after 10 years at Arsenal to a guard of honour from his team-mates, many of whom wore No.7 shirts to commemorate their former colleague.
Arsene Wenger gave Rosicky permission to continue training with Arsenal as he looked to maintain fitness ahead of the new season but “the little Mozart” will now return to his homeland in what is likely to be the final move of his career.
The Czech international, 35, came through the Sparta youth academy before making his debut in 1998, following in the footsteps of his father Jiri Rosicky, who spent over a decade at the club in the 1960s and 1970s.
The players are out - and are wearing 'Rosicky 7' shirts. Watch the lap of appreciation LIVE https://t.co/8ngvs5jbvb https://t.co/jwSqMcODT3 — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 15, 2016
Posting on their official website Sparta made plain how delighted they were to be reunited with Rosicky, who has signed a two year deal: “It finally happened!
“Tomáš Rosický returns to his club after successful spells in Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal!
“‘Rosa’ joined the team on Tuesday afternoon, after speaking to media and trained with his new teammates for the first time.”
Speaking at a press conference Rosicky said: “I'm not coming here just to play. I'm coming here to win.
“I'm starting to train with the team now, which is what I need right now.”
Rosicky made 247 appearances for Arsenal between 2006 and 2016 but too often his promise was curtailed by injuries.
He missed the entire 2008-09 season with a damaged hamstring tendon whilst Rosicky’s final match for the club ended in distressing circumstances, the midfielder limping off after picking up a thigh injury moments into his comeback from another serious blow. | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/former-arsenal-midfielder-tomas-rosicky-rejoins-boyhood-club-sparta-prague-a3332531.html | en | 2016-06-18T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/d988bc335cb4e2f5222485eedadcd632e57be7f981a74ea11e321a6c197f3bce.json |
[
"Lizzie Edmonds"
] | 2016-08-31T10:52:59 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Police today confirmed they are investigating after a motorist was filmed launching a foul-mouthed attack on broadcaster Jeremy Vine as he cycled through London. Scotland Yard said officers were looking into a report made by the broadcaster after Vine posted the video to warn other road users about the “dangerous” driver. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fpolice-confirm-investigation-launched-after-bbcs-jeremy-vine-shares-road-rage-video-a3333056.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/14/woman1.jpg | en | null | Jeremy Vine: Police investigate BBC Radio 2 host's 'road rage' video | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Police today confirmed they are investigating after a motorist was filmed launching a foul-mouthed attack on broadcaster Jeremy Vine as he cycled through London.
Scotland Yard said officers were looking into a report made by the broadcaster after Vine posted the video to warn other road users about the “dangerous” driver.
The footage shows the Radio 2 presenter riding home on Friday down a narrow street in Kensington. A black Vauxhall closes the gap behind him as the driver beeps the horn.
When Vine stops, she shouts: “Why would you do that?” before climbing out of her car screaming: “Move your bike. Get the f*** out of the road” and then apparently kicking his bike.
Jeremy Vine posted footage of the woman's foul-mouthed rant at him
She says: “I could be done for murder” and “You lot piss me off” before getting back in to her car and eventually passing Vine after driving very close to the cyclist.
Row: The car gets very close to Vine's bicycle when he stops suddenly in front of the driver (Jeremy Vine)
At a junction, the driver again gets out of the vehicle and appears to warn Vine she will “knock him out” after she sees him taking a picture of her vehicle.
Bike row: Jeremy Vine (BBC)
Vine then alleges she made the shape of a gun with her hand, to which the journalist replies: “Wow. A gun. It’s not appropriate.” The woman then drives off.
Posting the video, he said: “I hate to overload our hard-working London police with footage from my commute, but I feel the person you see on the tape will at some point hurt someone very badly - either with her car or in a direct personal assault.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/police-confirm-investigation-launched-after-bbcs-jeremy-vine-shares-road-rage-video-a3333056.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/3b650eb196a3970e450dd38552280210ddbd45c640279218c5b4ee4484f044e8.json |
[
"Francesca Gillett"
] | 2016-08-31T10:51:24 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | A pink cockatoo thought to be the world's oldest has died at a US zoo aged 83. Cookie, who has lived at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago since he was one year old, is a Major Mitchell cockatoo and thought to be the oldest bird of its kind in captivity. Staff at Chicago Zoological Society said they are mourning the death of Cookie, who was one of the zoo’s “most beloved and well-known animals”. Since 2009 Cookie had been in retirement away from public exhibits and “enjoying his golden years” with his keepers. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fworlds-oldest-pink-cockatoo-dies-aged-83-a3333301.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/11/12795277-10154074883489170-4493846232802960562-n-0.jpg | en | null | 'World's oldest' pink cockatoo dies aged 83 | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A pink cockatoo thought to be the world's oldest has died at a US zoo aged 83.
Cookie, who has lived at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago since he was one year old, is a Major Mitchell cockatoo and thought to be the oldest bird of its kind in captivity.
Staff at Chicago Zoological Society said they are mourning the death of Cookie, who was one of the zoo’s “most beloved and well-known animals”.
Since 2009 Cookie had been in retirement away from public exhibits and “enjoying his golden years” with his keepers.
Geriatric: Cookie the pink cockatoo celebrating his 83rd birthday in June this year. (Brookfield Zoo, Facebook.)
Brookfield Zoo said Cookie, who died on Saturday, had been certified by Guinness World Records in 2014 as being the oldest living parrot.
He was the zoo’s oldest animal and the only remaining member of their original animal collection which dates back to 1934.
In a statement the zoo said: “Over the years, Cookie’s popularity grew and he touched many people’s lives. He received many cards, letters, toys, and pictures from admirers around the world.
“Cookie will be sorely missed by staff and visitors alike.”
Staff said Cookie, who lived on a seed-only diet for 40 years before his species was better understood, even inspired a “holy man and healer” from India to set up a parrot sanctuary after a pilgrimage to the zoo.
A fundraising campaign has now been set up in memory of Cookie, with all donations going toward animal care. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/worlds-oldest-pink-cockatoo-dies-aged-83-a3333301.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/61e88477efc7a727913f97718e9ff4f92268dd5058008037e33dc3543a538108.json |
[
"Standard Sport"
] | 2016-08-27T16:49:55 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was relieved that a risky second-half approach paid off against Liverpool as Spurs fought back to earn a 1-1 draw on Saturday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmauricio-pochettino-delighted-as-risky-tottenham-tactics-paid-off-vs-liverpool-a3331126.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/12/mauricio_pochettino_jurgen_klopp.jpg | en | null | Tottenham 1 Liverpool 1: Mauricio Pochettino delighted as 'risky' Spurs tactics paid off | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was relieved that a risky second-half approach paid off against Liverpool as Spurs fought back to earn a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
James Milner, playing in the unfamiliar position of full-back for Liverpool, rifled home the opener from the penalty spot before Sadio Mane unjustly had a goal disallowed for off-side as the Reds pushed for a second.
Spurs were in danger of being over-run as the visitors created a series of chances, but they struck back through Danny Rose in the second half and finished the stronger team.
Pochettino insisted after the game that Kyle Walker's substitution in the 28th minute - due to illness - had a significant impact on his tactics, with Vicent Janssen being brought on as Spurs converted to a 4-4-2 formation.
"I think we started well," Pochettino told reporters. "After 15 minutes we had a problem with Kyle Walker who was sick. We had to change a bit our plan and started to play with two strikers.
"And it was true that at half-time it was a deserved 1-0 to Liverpool and the second half we raised our performance levels.
"We played not well but better - we competed a lot, which is important so I am pleased.
"It is true we wanted to play a little bit long but we started to make some mistakes. We knew Liverpool are a team that like to run into space.
"But then we had the problem with Walker and we had to take more risks in the second half. They had chances to win the match but we played much better.
"The effort was fantastic and the character we showed. When you play a team who like to play on the counter attack you must take some risks. In the end a draw was a fair result."
Jurgen Klopp was disappointed his side's first-half dominance didn't result in more than just a point, saying: "I still feel a little bit disappointed when we play like this because we could have won the game. We made one mistake in and around the goal for their goal.
(AFP/Getty Images)
"We had chances and even one in the 92nd minute. This game showed again what we can do and how we can play.
"I wish we could have won it. We have to accept the point and that's not a problem because it's Tottenham.
"It feels worst now than the last time we were here last season. Simon Mignolet saved our lives then, now he had one brilliant save. Michel Vorm saved them a few times.
"Of course the players know they should score. Tottenham is not a game you win by four or five goals.
(Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I)
"They are a good defensive team so it's very difficult to create one chance, but we had a few.
"That's a good sign and it's something we take for our future. In the end we have to accept the result."
When told Adam Lallana was not offside for Mane's goal, Klopp replied: "Oh my God! What can I say? It was a wonderful goal. Brilliant play. What can I say, it's not too good, but it happened." | http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/mauricio-pochettino-delighted-as-risky-tottenham-tactics-paid-off-vs-liverpool-a3331126.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/b462a772b33a48993b61ca39898c61fc488591eaf11c7ed4ebdaf8eaca24bc93.json |
[
"David Gardner"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:32 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | Hillary Clinton has launched a scathing attack on Nigel Farage after the former UKIP leader spoke at a rally for her White House rival Donald Trump. The Democrat presidential candidate branded Mr Farage as “one of Britain’s most prominent right wing leaders” and accused him of being aligned to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr Farage spoke at a rally for outspoken Republican nominee Donald Trump in Mississippi on Wednesday, drawing parallels between the EU referendum campaign and the property billionaire’s White House bid. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fhillary-clinton-launches-scathing-attack-on-right-wing-nigel-farage-a3330346.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/25/06/nigelfaragedonaldtrump2.jpg | en | null | Hillary Clinton launches scathing attack on Nigel Farage after Trump rally appearance | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Hillary Clinton has launched a scathing attack on Nigel Farage after the former UKIP leader spoke at a rally for her White House rival Donald Trump.
The Democrat presidential candidate branded Mr Farage as “one of Britain’s most prominent right wing leaders” and accused him of being aligned to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr Farage spoke at a rally for outspoken Republican nominee Donald Trump in Mississippi on Wednesday, drawing parallels between the EU referendum campaign and the property billionaire’s White House bid.
“If I was an American citizen I wouldn’t vote for Hillary Clinton if you paid me,” he told the cheering pro-Trump crowd.
Hitting back: Hillary Clinton's accused Nigel Farage of having alliances with Russian (Getty)
The remark clearly irked the former First Lady, who singled out Farage in a speech in Reno, Nevada yesterday, claiming he stirred up anti-immigrant feelings to help win June’s Brexit vote.
“Just yesterday, one of Britain’s most prominent right-wing leaders, a man named Nigel Farage, who stoked anti-immigrant sentiments to win the referendum, to have Britain leave the European Union, campaigned with Donald Trump in Mississippi,” she said.
“Farage has called for a bar on the children of legal immigrants from public schools and health services, has said women, and I quote, are ‘worth less than men’, and supports scrapping laws that prevent employers discriminating based on race.
“That’s who Donald Trump wants by his side when he’s addressing an audience of American voters. And the grand godfather of this global brand of extreme nationalism is Russian President Vladimir Putin.”
Support: Donald Trump greets Nigel Farage on stage (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
She continued: “In fact, Farage regularly appears on Russian propaganda programmes.
"Now he’s standing on the same stage as the Republican nominee. This is part of a broader story: The rising tide of hard-line right-wing nationalism around the world.”
Mr Farage hit back last night, saying Mrs Clinton was “running scared.”
“Her attacks on me are completely baseless,” he told Bretbart London.
“She sounds rather like Bob Geldof and can’t accept Brexit. Perhaps Mrs Clinton should spend more time speaking to normal, working people in her country than trying to attack me using dodgy half-quotes,” he added.
In her Nevada speech, Mrs Clinton sought to link Mr Trump with the extreme right movement, saying he espoused “a steady stream of bigotry” and claiming: “This is someone who retweets white supremacists.”
At a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, Mr Trump said Mrs Clinton was accusing his supporters “of being racists, which we’re not.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/hillary-clinton-launches-scathing-attack-on-right-wing-nigel-farage-a3330346.html | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/d37cbfe29b2f67a06c870f7213a452615f45dfc03b81fcfd0d42f7b0ec6704d3.json |
[
"Susannah Butter"
] | 2016-08-31T10:52:09 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | According to Westminster insiders, surviving the Home Office is a mark of Theresa May’s steel. MP Frank Field says: “Nobody survives the Home Office as Theresa May has unharmed. That in itself is exceptional.” Field attributes a significant part of this feat to the team around the Prime Minister, particularly her current joint chiefs of staff, Fiona Hill and Nick Timothy. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Flondon-life%2Ftheresa-mays-secret-weapon-superadvisors-fiona-hill-and-nick-timothy-a3333076.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/31/10/fionalhill3108a.jpg | en | null | Theresa May's secret weapons are her advisors Fiona Hill and Nick Timothy | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | According to Westminster insiders, surviving the Home Office is a mark of Theresa May’s steel. MP Frank Field says: “Nobody survives the Home Office as Theresa May has unharmed. That in itself is exceptional.” Field attributes a significant part of this feat to the team around the Prime Minister, particularly her current joint chiefs of staff, Fiona Hill and Nick Timothy.
“Fi and Nick” as they are known, have worked with May since her days in the Home Office and are said to be key to shaping her vision for the country. One insider says “they deliver for May on her own terms” and another adds that she has licensed them to fight her battles for her. So who are this pair and how far does their influence stretch?
Field, who worked with May and Hill on the campaign to stop modern slavery, calls Hill “a class act”: “Fiona and Nick’s greatest success was navigating the political swamp when they were in the Home Office. Any false move and one of the Osborne crocodiles would have them and accuse them of building up a campaign. They also have a track record of being brilliant at running an efficient office and making sure May is briefed. It’s a technical thing but it meant May didn’t have to worry about communications. Now they are in No 10 it will have to be raised to an even higher standard.”
When May moved into No 10 she gave a stirring speech about the injustices facing “ordinary working families”. It won her widespread popularity, even among Labour Party members. This reference was significant, and it was influenced by Hill and Timothy.
“They fit the mould of the normal people that the Prime Minister talks about,” says George Pascoe-Watson, senior partner at Portland Communications and the former political editor of The Sun.
He met Hill 15 years ago when she was an editor at Sky News. “Fi went to a not particularly remarkable school on the west coast of Scotland and has no airs or graces. That she’s a woman is neither here nor there — she’s just a professional.”
Field adds: “People know that Fiona is not someone you mess around with. She is like a good teacher in control of a class. She doesn’t have to be abrasive but people know to respect her.”
She is good at “gut feeling and reaction to political issues, while Nick is doing some of the blue-sky thinking. She will contribute but is much more involved in making sure no crocodile gets hold of the PM.”
Pascoe-Watson calls May’s team “a great yin and yang”. “Fi is not a policy wonk, she’s a media expert by trade, although she is so trusted by Theresa that she does have input in policy. She’s about making sure that Theresa’s agenda is met and that she is well served by the people around her.”
Timothy, age 36, is a proud Birmingham boy who joined the Conservative Party because Labour threatened to close his grammar school. He’s pragmatic to the core — he chose Sheffield University because it wasn’t too expensive. A political insider sums him up as “one of those Tories who’d describe themselves as ‘one-nation Conservatives’, priding themselves on knowing and experiencing life outside the M25”.
He is “full of policy ideas”, according to Damian Green, the new Work and Pensions Secretary, supported Brexit, is hard-line on immigration and believes in a small state, as he wrote about for the blog Conservative Home.
PM Theresa May (AP)
Neither Hill nor Timothy’s rise has been without obstacle. In 2014 Hill was forced to resign from the Home Office after leaking a briefing from May suggesting that the then education secretary Michael Gove had failed to act over alleged extremist Muslim plots to take over state schools in Birmingham. Field says that Hill was “trying to defend her political master”.
In his book, Against the Grain, former minister of state at the Home Office Norman Baker says: “Fiona reflected her boss’s mood, magnified. She was also upset with Gove, who had referred publicly to her relationship with Charles Farr.”
Theresa May's new cabinet
24 show all Theresa May's new cabinet
1/24 Philip Hammond British Chancellor of the Exchequer Jack Taylor/Getty
2/24 Amber Rudd Home Secretary Lauren Hurley/PA
3/24 Boris Johnson Foreign Secretary Lauren Hurley/PA
4/24 Jeremy Hunt Health Secretary Dominic Lipinski/PA
5/24 Justine Greening Education Secretary Paul Hackett/Reuters
6/24 Michael Fallon Defence Secretary DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty
7/24 Liz Truss Justice Secretary Dominic Lipinski/PA
8/24 Chris Grayling Transport Secretary Dominic Lipinski/PA
9/24 Karen Bradley Culture Secretary Dan Kitwood/Getty
10/24 David Davis Exiting the European Union Secretary (Brexit Minister) Niklas Halle'n/AFP/Getty
11/24 Andrea Leadsom Environment Secretary Dominic Lipinski/PA
12/24 Liam Fox International Trade Secretary Steve Parsons/PA
13/24 Alun Cairns Welsh Secretary Andrew Matthews/PA
14/24 Sajid Javid Communities Secretary Dan Kitwood/Getty
15/24 Priti Patel International Development Secretary Andrew Matthews/PA
16/24 Greg Clark Business, Energy And Industrial Strategy Secretary Dan Kitwood/Getty
17/24 James Brokenshire Northern Ireland Secretary Andrew Matthews/PA
18/24 Patrick McLoughlin Tory Party chairman and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Dominic Lipinski/PA
19/24 Damian Green Work and Pensions Secretary Dan Kitwood/Getty
20/24 Baroness Natalie Evans Leader of the House of Lords Dominic Lipinski/PA
21/24 Gavin Williamson Chief Whip Paul Hackett/Reuters
22/24 Jeremy Wright Remains Attorney General
23/24 David Gauke Chief Secretary to the Treasury
24/24 David Mundell Remains Scottish Secretary
Farr is a former spy chief who ran the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism in the Home Office. Hill and Farr were together for two years after her divorce from TV exec Tim Cunningham, whom she met when they both worked at Sky. After leaving the Home Office Hill had a stint in lobbying as a director of Lexington Communications but stayed in touch with May.
Despite this incident Timothy is regarded as the more fractious and outspoken of the two. Baker says: “Nick expresses his real views as opposed to being tight-lipped. He was abrasive with No 10 when he was in the Home Office, which didn’t help, and so he didn’t think he’d get there. Of course he is delighted now that he has.”
The other big preoccupation in Timothy’s life is Aston Villa, and he says: “Following football when it’s your local team teaches you an important lesson, which is that sometimes, things just don’t get any better.” He is also “evangelical about Graham Greene” because he writes about humanity and religion.
Hill knows about sport too. She started out as a football writer on the Scottish Daily Record. “It was not an easy gig,” says Pascoe-Watson. “It speaks of her resilience and no-nonsense approach. I don’t think she was remotely interested in football but there was money in it.”
She went from there to The Scotsman and then Sky. Pascoe-Watson says: “She came to party conference and she got politics straight away. She discovered that she could make a difference and liked it. As a committed Conservative she wanted a policy role where she could play a part. She’s originally a press officer so knows about how the person she works for can be promoted in a successful way.”
He adds: “I don’t think Fi misses journalism for a second. She’s in a fascinating world where she can have direct impact at the very top, and getting things done is what makes her tick.”
A career in front-line politics is not Hill’s “gig”, according to Pascoe-Watson. “She’s not interested in building her own profile or being a minister. She’s only interested in what’s best for Theresa, which makes her attractive and trustworthy. Blair had Anji Hunter and in a sense they are similar because they are achievers who cut through the nonsense. In that job you don’t have time to think about the future.” Field agrees: “All her thoughts are on making a success of this job and the government’s legacy on Brexit and social programmes.”
May is aware that her team are from a background that she wants to appeal to, and she heeds their advice. Hill’s Scottish connection is expected to play a part in May’s commitment to the Union, while Timothy’s family in Birmingham means that industry in the Midlands will not be ignored.
The PM fosters a culture of hard work, which suits these two “grafters with bags of energy”, says Pascoe-Watson.
“May isn’t interested in building a large network of fans and supporters. She is very practical in the sense of being interested in getting things done — and that suits Fi down to the ground. They are similar in that sense. My hunch is that they are not the types to pop champagne bottles and allow themselves a little dance. This is a more focused, businesslike approach — less showy.”
A political insider who knows Timothy says this works for him too: “I suspect he has some impatience with the shmoozy/networky side of things. My impression is he is someone who has never wanted to be popular in political circles or to work the champagne and canapé circuit. Instead he is very committed and serious about the potential of politics to change things for the better.”
Theresa May's finest footwear - in pictures
30 show all Theresa May's finest footwear - in pictures
1/30 November 4, 2014 Wearing leopard print kitten-heel courts as she leaves Downing Street after attending cabinet Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
2/30 October 5, 2009 Wearing red and black snakeskin courts on the stage as they address delegates at the Conservative Party Conference Christopher Furlong/Getty
3/30 October 5, 2004 Wearing powder blue and black floral patterned ballet pumps as she arrives at the Bournemouth International Conference Center Jim Watson/AFP/Getty
4/30 December 9, 2010 Wearing knee-high red suede boot as she leaves a cabinet meeting in Downing Street Matthew Lloyd/Getty
5/30 November 5, 2013 Wearing over-the-knee patent boots as she arrives on Horse Guards in central London during the visit of South Korean President Park Geun-Hye Sean Dempsey/AFP/Getty
6/30 June 27, 2016 Wearing pointed leopard print courts to a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street Leon Neal/AFP/Getty
7/30 May 3, 2011 Wearing patent powder blue court shoes as she arrives in Downing Street to attend a Cabinet meeting Oli Scarff/Getty
8/30 October 9, 2012 Wearing pointed leopard print courts with a burgundy print insert to deliver her speech to delegates during the third day of the annual Conservative Party Conference Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty
9/30 October 16, 2012 Wearing pointed leopard print courts as she arrives at Number 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting Oli Scarff/Getty
10/30 February 5, 2013 Wearing over-the-knee patent boots as she walks into Downing Street to attend a security meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
11/30 March 17, 2014 Wearing black lace up patent brogues with diamond studs as she launches HMC Protector Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
12/30 June 5, 2013 Wearing pointed black patent sling backs as she attends the preview party for The Royal Academy Of Arts Summer Exhibition Tim P. Whitby/Getty
13/30 June 23, 2013 Wearing Union Jack emblazoned trainers as she presents medals during the third day of the 2013 Samsung World Rowing Cup II at Eton Dorney
14/30 September 30, 2013 Wearing black lace up patent brogues with diamond studs as she delivers her speech in the main hall on the second day of the Conservative Party Conference Oli Scarff/Getty
15/30 June 10, 2014 Wearing snakeskin kitten-heel courts as she arrives for a cabinet meeting in Downing Street Carl Court/AFP/Getty
16/30 June 11, 2014 Wearing patent red flats with pink bow detailing as she leaves the Royal United Services Institute Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
17/30 September 30, 2014 Wearing navy suede courts with a chunky heel as she addresses the Conservative Party Conference Matt Cardy/Getty
18/30 March 3, 2015 Wearing over-the-knee patent boots as she arrives for a Ceremonial Welcome for the President of Mexico Leon Neal/AFP/Getty
19/30 May 21, 2015 Wearing gold studded black flats as she and David Cameron are accompanied by immigration enforcement officers into a home in Southall in London following an early morning raid on the property that yielded three arrests of illegal immigrants Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty
20/30 July 8, 2015 Wearing black pointed flats with a red and pink kiss print as she leaves 10 Downing Street Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
21/30 October 6, 2015 Wearing black suede courts with a chunky heel on the third day of the annual Conservative party conference Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty
22/30 October 7, 2015 Wearing red, yellow and turquoise printed courts as she arrives for the fourth and final day of the Conservative Party Conference Christopher Furlong/Getty
23/30 March 22, 2016 Wearing black suede shoe boots with a leopard print insert as she leaves 10 Downing Street Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty
24/30 July 12, 2016 Wearing leopard print pointed flats as she leaves after attending a Cabinet meeting at Downing Street Carl Court/Getty
25/30 December 15, 2004 Wearing calf-length suede boots in plum as she arrives at the 'Woman's Own Children Of Courage Award' at Westminster Abbey MJ Kim/Getty
26/30 September 30, 2007 Wearing yellow and black patterned wellies during the 124th annual Conservative Party Conference at the Winter Gardens Christopher Furlong/Getty
27/30 November 8, 2007 Wearing black pointed courts with silver ankle strap as she arrives at the Woman Of The Future Awards Jo Hale/Getty
28/30 April 26, 2009 Wearing open-toe leopard print flats to speak at the Conservative Party Spring Forum Matt Cardy/Getty
29/30 June 15, 2010 Wearing a patent red wedge as she arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting in Downing Street Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
30/30 July 6, 2010 Wearing rainbow striped pointed pumps as she arrives in Downing Street Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
Field recalls: “After the Modern Slavery Act was passed Mrs May took me out to supper to thank me. It was the most brilliant proper behaviour and good manners. We had a lovely time but I was anxious that it shouldn’t become too much of a social occasion because I knew that she had a mega amount of security work to do when she went back. If you are working like that there are clearly limits to being a great social animal. It’s likely she will expect that of her staff too.”
Timothy and Hill’s own relationship is one of close collaboration. Another source says that they share a wicked sense of humour and can find funny sides to most things, which could be key to political survival in a stressful job.
Follow Susannah Butter on Twitter: @susannahbutter | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/theresa-mays-secret-weapon-superadvisors-fiona-hill-and-nick-timothy-a3333076.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/1e09b64e24abdde666159e6fc51dc07c953404e20f170aa397cd24ade8fa25e6.json |
[
"Chloe Chaplain"
] | 2016-08-27T10:49:44 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Two best friends broke down crying after being told they were switched at birth and grew up living with each other’s biological families. Canadians David Tait and Leon Swanson, both 41, were born three days apart in January 1975 and both raised in the same remote region north of Winnipeg. After suspicions aroused that the pair may have been growing up in the wrong families they decided to do a DNA test. Now the men, who are the second case of babies swapped at the Norway House Indian Hospital, say they want answers as to how it happened. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fbest-friends-swapped-at-birth-break-down-as-they-find-out-they-were-raised-by-each-others-parents-a3331006.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/27/11/babies-hospital.jpg | en | null | Best friends, swapped at birth, break down as they find out they were raised by each other's parents | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | Two best friends broke down crying after being told they were switched at birth and grew up living with each other’s biological families.
Canadians David Tait and Leon Swanson, both 41, were born three days apart in January 1975 and both raised in the same remote region north of Winnipeg.
After suspicions aroused that the pair may have been growing up in the wrong families they decided to do a DNA test.
Now the men, who are the second case of babies swapped at the Norway House Indian Hospital, say they want answers as to how it happened.
At a press conference aired on CBC, Mr Tait said “we want answers, they want answers”
He cried as he told the media: “We don’t have words to say. I’m confused I guess and upset. Stuff like this should never have happened. Fourty years gone - I’m angry.”
Whilst a tearful and shell-shocked Mr Swanson added “I don’t know what to say”.
The men have lived with a suspicion they had been switched at birth for a number of decades due to the fact they both resembled each other’s families.
“I think when we were about 20 years old people started teasing us about being switched,” Mr Swanson explained.
Norway House was reportedly the main "birthing centre" of northern Manitoba and the indigenous communities that live there because it was the only hospital in the area in the 1970s.
Last November, Luke Monias and Norman Barkman from Garden Hill First Nation came forward after DNA results confirmed they were not the biological children of their parents.
They were born in 1975, five months after Swanson and Tate, at the same hospital.
This prompted Mr Tait and Mr Swanson to do their own test which led them to discover that Charlotte Mason, who is believed to be David Tait's birth mother, has raised Leon Swanson and Francis Tait, believed to be Mr Swanson's birth mother, raised Mr Tait.
Eric Robinson, a former member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, was speaking on behalf of the pair.
He said: “The first time could be discounted as a mistake. A second time in my view is a criminal activity.
"What happened here is lives were stolen," he added.
"You can't describe it as anything less than that."
Canada’s federal Health Minister Jane Philpott released a statement Friday announcing that an investigation will be undertaken into the switch. | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/best-friends-swapped-at-birth-break-down-as-they-find-out-they-were-raised-by-each-others-parents-a3331006.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/a3e94fa8af5e758244cbdbef65d1f2a66149dee75dc65aa25b5742f8a9c0ae83.json |
[
"Rebecca Pearson"
] | 2016-08-30T16:51:01 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | I’m stressed, I’m knackered and I have deadlines looming, so I’ve come to a Seen on Screen dance class to sashay my troubles away. On arriving I’m rather intimidated to hear that Beyoncé week, as those are some pretty spectacular stilettos to try and fill. Can my two, DM-clad left feet keep up? The Class ‘Diva’ class is all about channelling your inner pop-Goddess, learning a fairly simple routine at beginner level to a contemporary pop song. Today, it’s a Beyoncé mash-up. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Flifestyle%2Fhealth%2Funleash-your-inner-diva-at-seen-on-screen-fitness-in-london-a3332676.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/30/17/seenonscreen-shot07-414.jpg | en | null | Unleash your inner diva at Seen on Screen Fitness in London | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | I’m stressed, I’m knackered and I have deadlines looming, so I’ve come to a Seen on Screen dance class to sashay my troubles away. On arriving I’m rather intimidated to hear that Beyoncé week, as those are some pretty spectacular stilettos to try and fill. Can my two, DM-clad left feet keep up?
The Class
‘Diva’ class is all about channelling your inner pop-Goddess, learning a fairly simple routine at beginner level to a contemporary pop song. Today, it’s a Beyoncé mash-up.
What it involves
‘Diva’ is set in the absolutely stunning Rambert Building on the Southbank, with natural light streaming in onto the enormous dancefloor. I have been devotedly attending STRUTbeat since my glowing review a few weeks ago, so I’m less intimidated by dance classes now. If you’ve never been to one before and feel too scared to give it a go, then let me share with you what I’ve learned, from one Dad-dancer to another...
1) No one is looking at you. Everyone is just looking at the teacher or their own reflection.
2) There is usually a simple introduction that everyone picks up and a few key poses throughout, so try and nail those and you’re half way there.
3) Keep attending classes and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll improve. If I can do it, anyone can...
20 Instagrams for fitness motivation
20 show all 20 Instagrams for fitness motivation
1/20 Fitness on Toast London-based Swedish blogger Faya Nilsson combines fitness, fashion and nutrition - and works out in style.
2/20 Yoga Girl Rachel Brathen is a Swedish yoga teacher living in Aruba. Part yoga inspiration, part travel porn, her Instagram will quickly become one of your favourites.
3/20 Tracy Anderson Want to get a bod like Gwyneth or J-Lo? Trainer to the stars Tracy Anderson shares tips and tricks on her Instagram feed.
4/20 Hannah Bronfman The DJ and model is also a fitness fiend. If her beautiful, energetic photos don't inspire you, we don't know what will.
5/20 Amanda Bisk This Australian former pole vaulter and yogi has legs for days. Often found upside down on a beach.
6/20 Ballet Beautiful Mary Helen Bowers helped train Natalie Portman for Black Swan. Her gorgeous Instagram and and ballet fitness classes are perfect motivation for anyone wanting to build long, lean dancer muscles.
7/20 Two Bad Bodies Whether they're jumping rope or lifting weights, these uni friends prove that working out with a buddy is much more fun than going it alone.
8/20 Nicole Winhoffer This self-described "fitness artist" is also Madonna's trainer. Nicole will turn your workout into a work of art.
9/20 Lunges and Lycra If you're a girl who likes sweating, fitness and the odd nip of gin, girls next door Charlotte and Emma will see you through.
10/20 Joe Wicks Filled with healthy eating posts and inspiring before-and-afters, Joe Wicks's blog is truly motivational.
11/20 Jen Selter This NYC fitness guru has over six million followers! She's also widely considered among the fitspo crowd to have the best butt on Instagram (Kim who?).
12/20 Base Body Babes These sisters and personal trainers look like they're having so much fun, you'll be running to the gym in no time.
13/20 Natalie Uhling The Under Armour trainer's lifestyle and fitness blog shows that tough can be pretty, too.
14/20 Patrick Beach Strong yoga poses in cool places. Worth following for the beard alone.
15/20 Lorna Jane Active This Aussie fitness gear company's Instagram is full of inspiring women and beautiful gym clothes.
16/20 My Name is Jessamyn Jessamyn calls herself a "yoga enthusiast and fat femme", and her amazing poses prove that size doesn't matter.
17/20 Marie Purvis The professional Nike trainer never seems to be without a smile on her face. If you're feeling a bit lacklustre ahead of your workout, her positivity and playfulness are absolutely infectious.
18/20 Richard Tidmarsh This pro's intense gym workouts will get you buff, fast. Also, he's Millie Mackintosh's trainer.
19/20 Tone It Up Follow gorgeous fitness duo Karena and Katrina and get bikini ready in no time.
20/20 Kayla Itsines This girl's abs of steel will have you running to the gym to do some crunches and sit-ups.
Today, we start with a warm-up and a short, intense ab workout. We get right into the routine and the first section is pretty simple even by my standards – we power pose, strut around our imaginary stage, each time for a generous count of 8. It means that Bonnie, our instructor, can encourage us to put in our own Beyoncé flair and really relish sashaying to our audience (Wembley Arena today). Everyone in the class is clearly loving it and I can feel all those deadline fears evaporating as I get a bit more confident and dramatic with each go.
It does get more complex and fast paced after this: there’s a lot of coordination required as well as energy for all those slut drops, spins and stanky legs and I often find myself looking like a bit of a confused line dancer who’s walked into the wrong class. My twerk looks ridiculous - following Bonnie’s direction to alternate bending each knee just makes me look like a cold 7 year old who needs a wee. And as for my twerking on all fours, the less said about that the better. But of course I couldn’t care less because I am having such a blast the entire time and don’t want the class to end. We all gladly forgo water breaks to give the routine just one more try – something I’ve never seen happen in Legs, Bums and Tums.
The Verdict
Diva is a fantastic class for beginners who want to get into dance. You’ll definitely manage to pick up a few of the moves and find yourself aerobically jumping around throughout, burning up to 550 calories for the hour’s session. It’s great that the same routine is repeated over a couple of weeks, meaning everyone really gets to master the moves and throw themselves into it all without worrying about what bit comes next, working up even more of a sweat.
This dance class has that magic combo: we’re using our brains, we’re getting our hearts pumping and we’re unleashing our Sasha Fierces. It makes me leave uplifted, out of breath and glowing with a sense of achievement (not to mention perspiration) - how all exercise should be.
The Diva class is £15 for 1 hour. For other classes and workshops head to seenonscreenfitness.com
Rebecca Pearson is a model and freelance fitness writer. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccapearson and Instagram @1rebeccapearson | http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/health/unleash-your-inner-diva-at-seen-on-screen-fitness-in-london-a3332676.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/116ef3d0b7867b0fd2634b30cd6566bd32eb849681a1513637ec8a47fccd5550.json |
[
"Jennifer Ruby"
] | 2016-08-28T12:50:03 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | The MTV VMAs might be all about celebrating the best music videos of the year, but its also the annual arena for pop feuds, meltdowns and shock announcements. Just as well known for its drama as it is for its Moonmen, the likes of Kanye West, Madonna and Miley Cyrus have all used the ceremony to shock audiences and catch their fellow pop stars publicly off guard. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fshowbiz%2Fmtv-vmas-kanye-west-taylor-swift-and-britney-spears-the-most-memorable-moments-of-the-noughties-a3331366.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/28/13/taylorkanye2009.jpg | en | null | MTV VMAs: Kanye West, Taylor Swift and Britney Spears - the most memorable moments of the noughties | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | The MTV VMAs might be all about celebrating the best music videos of the year, but its also the annual arena for pop feuds, meltdowns and shock announcements.
Just as well known for its drama as it is for its Moonmen, the likes of Kanye West, Madonna and Miley Cyrus have all used the ceremony to shock audiences and catch their fellow pop stars publicly off guard.
This year has certainly been an interesting one for music videos; Beyonce’s visual album Lemonade laid bare her relationship with husband Jay Z and Kanye angered half of Hollywood by filming naked waxworks of celebrities for Famous.
As music fans gear up for the most action-packed awards ceremony of the year on Sunday, we take a look back at the most memorable VMA moments of the noughties.
1) Britney and Madonna kiss on stage (2003)
The power pop trio Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Madonna were a force to be reckoned with when they dueted on stage back in 2003.
But while the audience and viewers were left surprised by the raunchy performance of Like of Virgin in front of Madonna’s six-year-old daughter Lourdes, no one was prepared for the full on kiss they shared mid-show.
(Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
The best part was an awkward cutaway to Spear’s recent ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake, who looked distinctly unimpressed by the whole situation.
2) Britney’s lacklustre Gimme More performance (2007)
Britney was a VMA regular in the early noughties, but her 2007 performance of single Gimme More left fans and fellow pop stars confused.
At the age of just 25, the pop star was going through a divorce, had been to rehab and had two young children.
The ill-timed performance saw Britney mime along to the song and perform distinctly lacklustre dance moves in what was supposed to be her big comeback.
The Princess of Pop will return to perform at this year’s VMAs after almost a decade.
3) Kanye West vs Taylor Swift (2009)
One of the most infamous VMA moments of all-time kicked off a pop star feud that continues to this very day.
When Taylor Swift was just a young country singer and not a towering pop world powerhouse, she was unceremoniously interrupted mid-acceptance speech by a raging Kanye West.
Believing that Beyoncé should have won the award for Best Female Video instead of Taylor, Kanye famously grabbed the mic from her hand and told the crowd:
“Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I’ll let you finish, but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time.”
The pair later made up and promptly fell out again this year over lyrics in Kanye’s song Famous, in which he credited his VMA antics for propelling Taylor into the limelight.
4) Lady Gaga’s meat dress (2010)
(Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
For many stars, the VMAs are an opportunity to dress up in revealing, provocative and sometimes unusual outfits.
Lady Gaga took that to a whole new level in 2010, arriving on the red carpet wearing an outfit made enitrely of raw meat.
Not only did the singer have on a raw beef dress and shoes but she also had a single steak resting on the top of her head.
Explaining the look to Ellen DeGeneres, she said: “If we don’t stand up for what we believe in and if we don’t fight for our rights, pretty soon we’re going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones.”
5) Beyonce announces pregnancy live on stage (2011)
She’s one of the most famous women in the world but when Beyonce has big news, she always announces it on her own terms.
Instead of letting the press or her fans reveal news of her pregnancy back in 2011, the superstar decided to use the VMAs as the platform for her big announcement .
After her performance of Love on Top, the singer unbuttoned her jacket and rubbed her stomach while looking at husband Jay Z in the audience.
6) Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke perform Blurred Lines (2013)
Twitter backlash: Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)
With its questionably sexist lyrics but undeniably catchy beat, Blurred Lines was the summer hit of 2013.
But when a 36-year-old Robin Thicke performed a rather sexual routine with a 20-year-old Miley Cyrus at the VMA Awards, the audience and viewers had their hands over their eyes.
Complete with a large foam finger and a nude latex bikini, Cyrus twerked her heart out, cementing her status as the bad girl of pop.
7) Kanye West’s Vanguard Award speech (2015)
Not only was Kanye introduced by Taylor Swift at last year’s VMAs, but he also announced some rather surprising political ambitions.
Describing the rapper as her ‘friend’ as she presented him with the Vanguard Award, Swift poked fun at the infamous on-stage incident of 2009.
After a long speech about artists and freedom, Kanye told the crowd: “As you probably could have guessed by this moment, I have decided in 2020, to run for president.”
The musician has been given four minutes of uncensored airtime at this year’s ceremony, so what will happen is anyone’s guess.
Taylor has confirmed that she will not be attending. | http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/mtv-vmas-kanye-west-taylor-swift-and-britney-spears-the-most-memorable-moments-of-the-noughties-a3331366.html | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/73afa74e3afdd51a2109aaf358fdda341bf0f415f7c15a354faeca508821c0bf.json |
[
"Chloe Chaplain"
] | 2016-08-28T14:50:21 | null | 2016-08-21T00:00:00 | A 17-year-old who collapsed after taking drugs at Leeds Festival has died and two other teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of drug offences. The boy was rushed to hospital on Saturday in a critical condition and underwent emergency treatment but was pronounced dead shortly after midnight. Festival staff alerted police and two 17-year-old boys were arrested in the Greater Manchester area and are being questioned by police. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Ftwo-teens-held-by-police-after-drug-death-at-leeds-festival-a3331421.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/08/21/19/hylands.gif | en | null | Two teens held by police after drug death at Leeds Festival | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | A 17-year-old who collapsed after taking drugs at Leeds Festival has died and two other teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of drug offences.
The boy was rushed to hospital on Saturday in a critical condition and underwent emergency treatment but was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.
Festival staff alerted police and two 17-year-old boys were arrested in the Greater Manchester area and are being questioned by police.
Chief Superintendent Keith Gilert, Leeds Festival's police commander, said: "Our thoughts are naturally with the family of the young man at this time.
"They were made aware of the incident by officers as soon as possible and were assisted to attend the hospital as quickly as possible.
“We will continue to support them through this difficult time.
"We are currently investigating the death and how he obtained the substance he took.
"Two males, aged 17, have been arrested in the Greater Manchester area on suspicion of drugs offences and are currently in custody.
"At this time the indications are that the man consumed drugs immediately before he collapsed."
Mr Gilert warned festival-goers about the dangers of taking illegal drugs following the death of the teenager.
He said: "In partnership with the organisers, Festival Republic, we will continue to take action against those who risk the lives of others by supplying drugs.
"Anyone who has any concerns for either themselves or others at the festival should contact festival site or security staff or seek medical assistance." | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/two-teens-held-by-police-after-drug-death-at-leeds-festival-a3331421.html | en | 2016-08-21T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/094c04f29cbdb612f91847e9f556f7c0a4da7f22e2cc552481648783d9c58bbd.json |
[
"Joe Murphy"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:17 | null | 2016-07-13T00:00:00 | David Cameron faced a new storm after it was revealed he gave aides massive pay rises of up to 24 per cent while preaching austerity to the nation. His government capped pay rises across the public sector at just one per cent, saying the country could not afford to give more. In Downing Street, however, he dished out increases of up to £18,000 a head to political advisers, known as spads, according to an analysis by Civil Service World magazine. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fdavid-cameron-gave-shameful-rises-of-up-to-24-to-aides-a3332266.html.json | http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/07/13/10/davidcameron1307a.jpg | en | null | David Cameron gave ‘shameful’ pay rises of up to 24% to aides | null | null | www.standard.co.uk | David Cameron faced a new storm after it was revealed he gave aides massive pay rises of up to 24 per cent while preaching austerity to the nation.
His government capped pay rises across the public sector at just one per cent, saying the country could not afford to give more.
In Downing Street, however, he dished out increases of up to £18,000 a head to political advisers, known as spads, according to an analysis by Civil Service World magazine.
Many of the same aides then received extra severance money that went beyond their contracts when Mr Cameron quit and received honours in his controversial resignation list.
The analysis found that awards included:
Adam Atashzai, an adviser, had his salary raised by 24 per cent from less than £58,200 in 2014 to £72,000 in 2015. He was awarded an MBE in Mr Cameron’s resignation honours list.
Daniel Korski, former deputy director of the No 10 policy unit, had a 16 per cent pay increase from £80,000 in 2014 to £93,000 in 2015.
Ameet Gill, former director of strategy, and Liz Sugg, former head of operations at No 10, received rises of 23 per cent, sending their salaries from £80,000 in 2014 to £98,000 in 2015. Ms Sugg was given a life peerage.
Political adviser Kate Marley went from being on Pay Band 1 in 2014, which is capped at £54,121, to earning £65,000 in 2015, an increase of at least 20 per cent.
Special adviser Nick Seddon, who was awarded an MBE, had an 11 per cent pay rise last year to £88,000.
The rises were branded “shameful” by taxpayer groups and unions. John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be shocked at the size of these increases at a time of necessary spending restraint.
“While spads can help ministers implement their decisions, it’s important to strike a balance.”
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, which represents senior officials, told the magazine: “It would seem hypocrisy knows no bounds from a prime minister who preached pay restraint and austerity to public servants and the public, whilst at the same time awarding double-digit pay rises.”
The revelations come a month after it emerged that Mr Cameron ignored concerns by civil service chief executive John Manzoni and handed his staff an extra £282,000 in severance pay after his resignation.
Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services union, told the magazine: “We believe that every civil servant deserves a decent pay rise. It is frankly shameful that David Cameron thinks that this should just apply to his close circle.”
A Cabinet Office spokeswoman said: “Decisions about special adviser salaries take into account various factors, including the level of responsibility associated with a particular role and the background and experience of the individual concerned.
“These increases, which were agreed by the then prime minister, reflected changes to the scope and range of responsibility in the roles of a number of special advisers following their reappointment after the 2015 general election.” | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron-gave-shameful-rises-of-up-to-24-to-aides-a3332266.html | en | 2016-07-13T00:00:00 | www.standard.co.uk/5539008ed7e1a604a0606525ba79a6a6527548bd11216c4e1cee2ccb4df0fb1f.json |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.