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IN BRIEF: Actor Ryan O'Neal dies aged 82
IN BRIEF: Writer, poet and actor, Benjamin Zephaniah dies aged 65
TODAY IS: Pastry Day
TODAY IS: Techno Day
TODAY IS: National Christmas Card Day
FEATURED WRITERS
Artis-Ann 
The Three-Legged Stool: More Confessions Of A Forty-Something F**k Up By Alexandra Potter
arts
Nathan Lane
Wines For The Festive Season
lifestyle
Ian Garner
New Holgate A New Boutique Hotel
travel
Phil Hopkins
Ancient German Christmas Market Open For Business
travel
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LATEST
What Is Holding Back Development Of Medicines And Pharmaceutical Drugs?
My younger brother died with a brain tumour at the age of 33. Twenty years after his death, the same treatments are being offered to people with his type of tumour: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, all of which may delay the inevitable, but at a cost. I’m not unusual; most people know or love someone who suffers from a common disease for which there is no cure. In fact, compared with most people, I’ve probably got off lightly so far.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
food and drink
Wines For The Festive Season
Nathan Lane
Wine Correspondent
Image by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay
Your intrepid wine reporter has taken some criticism in recent times that the wines reviewed are too expensive. And that is why we’re heading to Berry Bros and Rudd this month, one of the oldest and most respected wine merchants in the world. The family-owned British wine and spirits company Berry Bros.
1:03 AM 9th December 2023
nature
Waxwing Winters
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust 
Wildlife Correspondents
Waxwing at Flamborough Head © James Davies
Every winter, millions of birds travel to the UK to escape the harsher weather that sets in at their breeding grounds. Families of whooper swans fly down from Iceland, thrushes and finches flee the forests of Northern Europe, and ducks from across the continent fill our wetlands. But there is one bird whose arrival is more eagerly anticipated than any other: the waxwing.
1:02 AM 9th December 2023
Books
The Three-Legged Stool: More Confessions Of A Forty-Something F**k Up By Alexandra Potter
Artis-Ann 
Features Writer
Have you noticed what a perfect world we live in? Well, according to social media at least, where everyone seems to enjoy the ideal existence.
1:03 AM 9th December 2023
family
How Christmas Is Celebrated Around The World
Jan Harris
Deputy Group Editor
Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
Christmas is fast approaching, and here we reveal the unique ways that the festive season is celebrated around the world.   Language and culture company Busuu have researched what unusual and traditional celebrations take place across the globe for Christmas day.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
cars
A Car Lover’s Weekend To Remember
Andy Harris
Motoring and Property Editor
Ferrari Roma
My love of cars does not stem from my parents, one of whom never passed a driving test and the other had given up driving before I was born. Obsessed from an early age, one of my enduring memories was my annual visit to the Earl’s Court Motor Show. My patient father would find a cosy corner, unfurl his copy of the Guardian and puff away on his pipe.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
business
Sell The Problem You Solve, Not The Solution!
Ian Garner
Business Writer
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Is selling an art or a science? Selling is a complex process that involves both art and science. Some people believe that selling is an art, while others believe that it is a science. However, it is important to note that both art and science are essential components of selling and that successful salespeople use both to their advantage.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
travel
Ancient German Christmas Market Open For Business
Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
Leipzig Christmas Market
As temperatures drop and snow flurries abound, attention turns to all things Christmassy including the plethora of festive Euro markets, not forgetting Leipzig’s in Germany. The Leipzig Christmas Market, which dates back to 1458, making it the second oldest Christmas market in Germany after Dresden’s Striezelmarkt in the capital of Saxony, runs until 23 December.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
Books
Poem Of the Week: Union Jack By Khadijah Ibrahim
Steve Whitaker
Literary Editor
Union Jack Mum always said she should have gone back home when Rivers of Blood ran deep in the current of Enoch Powell’s hate …the River Tiber foaming with much blood… an urgent encouragement of re-emigration… Send them back: load the ship with chocolate smiles, send them back before the blacks take the whip hand… No blacks, no dogs, no Irish! One down a million to go!
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
food and drink
Slingsby Christmas Cocktails
Jan Harris
Deputy Group Editor
The in-house mixologist at Slingsby Gin has created a series of fabulous festive cocktail recipes for Christmas and the upcoming party season. Slingsby Gin uses 24 botanicals to create its award-winning product, which is the only gin to feature grapefruit as the leading and only citrus ingredient as its base.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
UK
New Holgate A New Boutique Hotel
Ian Garner
Business Writer
All Photos: ©Steph Simmons https://www.stephsimmonsphotography.co.uk/
Our business writer, Ian Garner, and his wife, Sally, recently spent a very enjoyable night at New Holgate, a luxury boutique hotel that recently opened in York. Sally and I decided to visit York to enjoy the Christmas Market, one of the best in Europe, with over seventy-five alpine chalets decorating Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square.
1:02 AM 9th December 2023
Film
Silver Screen Weekly - What's Coming Up At The Cinema From Friday 8th December 2023
Jack Bottomley
Media Correspondent
Our film critic and media correspondent has been looking and trawling the new releases. Here's what you can see on the big screen this week.
1:00 AM 8th December 2023
family
Some Christmas Traditions In The UK
Jan Harris
Deputy Group Editor
Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash
Christmas in the UK is celebrated by families together, normally watching each other open presents. The custom of giving presents to each other reflects the wise men and their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus. It is also the time about 2000 years ago when God gave the world - Jesus.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
Review
Albums: Gregory Porter – Christmas Wish
Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
Following in the footsteps of other jazz greats, Gregory Porter has released his first Christmas-themed album.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
family
Are You A Lover Of Cranberry Sauce?
Photo by Elena Leya on Unsplash
New research by meal box delivery company, HelloFresh, shows that cranberry sauce is one of the UK’s least favourite Christmas dinner staples. The survey showed that only 1% of Brits named the festive staple as their favourite trimming. While hailed as a Christmas lunch tradition, in fact cranberry sauce is an unlikely import from the American Thanksgiving Dinner.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
food and drink
How To Create The Perfect Charcuterie Board This Christmas
As Christmas approaches and the party season begins, HelloFresh have revealed a tell-all guide on how to create the perfect charcuterie board for your buffet table. The guide also features new research on the UK’s favourite foods to feature on charcuterie boards.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
Opinion
Market Analysis: Tui & British American Tobacco
Tui: Single Platform for Bookings and Effective Pricing Strategy Ensure Outperformance; Integration of Musement Segment into Every Business Aspect Offers Exciting Opportunities for Cross-Selling. BAT (British American Tobacco): BAT's strategy of focusing on sales volumes and offering value is a response to the market reality; Potential new regulations could benefit major tobacco companies; Sales can be boosted by entering new markets or offering new price incentives
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
family
How To Make Packing For A Family Christmas Trip Stress-Free
Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash
With the Christmas holidays fast approaching many families may be getting ready to visit relatives or even take a trip abroad. To help you stay organised and maximise suitcase space, while packing enough outfits for all the festivities, M&S Kidswear have revealed 6 fool-proof packing tips to help the whole family travel like a pro.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
business
Christmas Spotlight: Doug Main
Yet again for 2023, we’re bringing back our popular festive spotlight — featuring businesspeople from across the north. On each day of advent, we’ll be quizzing a notable name with 10 quickfire questions, covering the past year and their plans for the festive season. And they’re only allowed one word answers… Next up it’s Doug Main, creative director at The Bigger Boat…
1:01 AM 9th December 2023
food and drink
How To: Turn Rogue Christmas Ingredients Into Killer Cocktails
Photo by Helena Yankovska on Unsplash
Want to know how you can turn rogue Christmas drinks like eggnog and Advocaat into killer cocktails? We’ve got you covered with these three delightfully festive Christmas cocktails.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
business
A Day In The Life: The UK’s First Female Wool Grader
Amy-Jo Barton
With a rich history dating back over 70 years, British Wool prides itself in supporting farming and agricultural as well as providing local jobs throughout the UK. The body, which represents 35,0000 sheep farmers in the UK, has recently employed its first ever female Wool Grader, based at its HQ in Bradford.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
Health
Coping With Christmas Stress & Anxiety
Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash
Christmas is what is called a known stressor and whilst it will be lots of fun, it can also be challenging. The festive period is for sure a celebration, though for many it is a complex time, but mental health expert Noel McDermott is here to reassure the nation that it’s okay to feel like this and it is to be expected.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
food and drink
What Is The Nation's Favourite Party Food Item?
Photo by Cara Grobbelaar on Unsplash
Online searches in the UK for ‘Christmas party food’ have soared 142% in the past month;New search data reveals the UK’s favourite savoury party food item to help Brits serve the most enjoyable Christmas buffet this year; Quiche, potato salad and cheese boards are the top favourite items to be served at a buffet.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
family
Only 1 In 3 Can Find The Naughty ‘Elves On The Shelf’ Amid The Festive Chaos!
In the build-up to Christmas, families typically adopt an ‘elf on the shelf’ to keep a watchful eye over the kids and check whether they should be on the naughty or the nice list. However, a tricky new brainteaser from BonusFinder UK challenges readers to find the elves that AREN’T on their best behaviour.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
lifestyle
12 Ways To Beat The Festive Parcel Pantomime
Tech-enabled, carbon-neutral courier Packfleet has compiled its 12 tips to make sure Christmas doesn’t arrive late for gift givers and receivers this year. They include tips on packaging, parcel delivery and insider advice on how to get those all important packages delivered where you want, when you want and in one piece this Christmas.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
lifestyle
Drivers Warned Of £2,500 Fine If They Do THIS To Their Car This Christmas
From decorating their car with twinkling lights to getting behind the wheel in a festive costume, there are certain seasonal activities that drivers may not be aware could get them in trouble this Christmas.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
family
A Paws Before Presents
Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
Annually throughout the UK, many of us get swept up in the festive spirit and succumb to the temptation of giving pets as gifts. While it's widely known that pet abandonment peaks in the New Year, the general public remains unaware of the full extent of the issue in the post-pandemic era.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
family
Do You Love Or Hate These Christmas Songs?
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
For offices worldwide, December marks the time of the year when it’s acceptable to play Christmas music on the work speaker. But a new study by CSGOLuck reveals which tracks might hamper or boost your productivity. Spotify research has found that music between 50 and 80 beats per minute puts your brain into an 'alpha state’, rendering you more relaxed, focused, and receptive.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
food and drink
Christmas Drinking Quiz – How Much Is Too Much?
Image by Christian Dorn from Pixabay
As the holiday season approaches, the festive atmosphere and celebrations can erode people's awareness of the risks associated with heavy drinking. Experts suggest it is imperative to be aware of your drinking patterns and to understand the associated risks of altered drinking habits at social and interpersonal levels.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
UK
The UK’s Best Christmas Road Trips For 2023 Unveiled
As the festive season approaches and the UK’s streets are decked with lights and decorations, families across the nation are setting off on road trips to see the festive scenes. But with so many festivities to choose from, it can be hard to know which area to visit first.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
Interview
From Eastenders To York Nina Wadia Talks About Her Pantomime Role
NIna Wadia
Growing up in India and Hong Kong, EastEnders and Goodness Gracious Me star Nina Wadia didn’t have the chance to see that peculiarly British form of Christmas theatre called pantomime. No wonder she was taken aback when she auditioned for what became her first job after drama school – a pantomime version of Robin Hood at Theatre Royal Stratford East.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
lifestyle
Five Top Tips To Buy Your First Home At A New-Build Development In Yorkshire
Barratt Homes and David Wilson Yorkshire East supports first time buyers in Yorkshire with its top tips on purchasing a new-build home as more first-time buyers are looking to take their first steps on the housing ladder.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
family
The Most Searched-For Sleep Issues In The UK
Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash
A recent study has highlighted the sleep issues the UK public is most concerned about, according to their online search habits.
1:00 AM 9th December 2023
Festivals
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Announces Bestselling Author As 2024 Programming Chair
Harrogate International Festivals has announced that international bestselling novelist Ruth Ware will be taking the reins as Festival Programming Chair in 2024, when the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, returns with a world class line-up of authors and special guests.
8:52 AM 8th December 2023
news
Mortgage Holders Worried About Repossessions
Homeowners are increasingly researching into mortgage repossessions online, signalling that many are worried about falling behind on their payments. The research comes from specialist property lending experts, Octane Capital, which measured the number of google searches of specific terms that took place over the course of the month.
1:00 AM 8th December 2023
news
It’s The Most Deadly Time Of Year
Research by Final Duties, one of the UK’s probate brokers, reveals that more people died in the week leading up to Christmas compared to any other week of the year in 2022, with December also accounting for another of 2022’s most deadly weeks of the year.
1:15 AM 7th December 2023
news
Tooth Fairy Tax - 99% Increase In The Price Paid Per Tooth From One Generation To The Next
The latest research by finance company RIFT, has revealed that UK parents have seen a 99% increase in Tooth Fairy tax, as the current price paid per tooth has climbed by almost £1 from one generation to the next.
1:00 AM 7th December 2023
news
Northern Branches Out With New GPS Technology To Successfully Battle Autumn Leaf Fall
This image shows the GPS tracking of a trains route through Guiseley
New GPS tracking on Northern trains has been used successfully to make autumn conditions even safer by flagging leaf fall hotspots. Fallen leaves can cause significant disruption to the network. Leaves stick to damp rails and passing trains compress them into a smooth, slippery layer, reducing trains’ grip. This can cause delays to services, which lead to disruption for passengers.
2:52 PM 6th December 2023
news
How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint When Shopping Online This Christmas
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Every time you visit a website, carbon is produced from the huge data centres around the world that power the Internet and all its data. These data centres use huge amounts of energy and often require a lot of water to stop them overheating. As more of the global population goes online, the world's energy requirements also increase.
2:27 PM 6th December 2023
news
Show Your Support For Lymphoma Action This Christmas
Dear Editor, Christmas is a time of giving, and this year we are asking people to make a difference and show their support for people affected by lymphoma, the UK’s fifth most common cancer. It’s never easy for anyone to find out they have lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. But being diagnosed at this time of year, with all the upcoming celebrations, can make it even harder.
1:26 PM 6th December 2023
lifestyle
Bushtucker Brainteaser: Spot The Cockroaches In Under 60 Seconds
Our beloved jungle TV show, I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! is well and truly back in full swing, delivering a mix of drama, laughter, and anticipation that has captivated audiences from the start.
1:00 AM 6th December 2023
news
Almost Two-Thirds Of Parents Feel Pressured To Spend Above Their Means At Christmas
40% of UK adults are concerned about being able to afford Christmas spending this year, rising to half of parents (52%) with young children under the age of 18; Over a quarter (29%) of parents with young children have already borrowed or intend to do so to cover the cost of Christmas this year, leaving many susceptible to loan fee fraud; Faced with this rising risk, the FCA sets out a 3-step loan fraud checklist to help consumers protect themselves; The FCA has also partnered with Debt Free Advice – a debt advice coalition led by Toynbee Hall, to help support those who are struggling with debt
1:00 AM 6th December 2023
news
Sellers Look To Get Ahead Before Christmas And The Boxing Day Bounce
The latest research from eXp UK, the platform for personal estate agents, has revealed that there has been a 46% increase in the number of new homes hitting the market for sale across Britain when compared to the start of the year, as sellers look to get ahead of the competition before the Christmas break.
1:00 AM 6th December 2023
news
Treaty Signed To Strengthen UK-Rwanda Migration Partnership
New internationally recognised Treaty addresses Supreme Court findings on safety of Rwandan partnership.
5:57 PM 5th December 2023
news
Northern’s New Timetable Takes Effect This Sunday
Train timetables across the North of England will change on Sunday (10 December) along with the rest of the National Rail network. The timetable change comes at the end of a period of industrial action by ASLEF, which culminates this Friday (8 December) when Northern will be unable to run any of its 2,500 daily services.
10:39 AM 5th December 2023
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