Far-right surges to early lead in French elections; elderly man dies in Achill quad bike crash – The Irish Times

A recent survey by DFS in the UK found that being late was the biggest guest offense during the festive season, with 47% of respondents agreeing. Other annoyances included guests not bringing a drink (41%) and not taking off their shoes (33%). Body language expert Adrianne Carter advised arriving on time, bringing a drink to show appreciation, and asking about removing shoes. Only 11% of hosts would be bothered by guests being underdressed, as the...

King Charles visited the 'Curated Makers Christmas Market' at Battersea Power Station, describing it as "wonderful" and meeting with market traders and local politicians. He chatted with Rita Kelly, a former administrative assistant at the Power Station, and her daughter Stephanie, before speaking with the CEO of the King’s Trust and Megan Jones, the founder of the Curated Market. The King interacted with stallholders, received gifts for the Queen, and unveiled a plaque before heading...

In a conversation with former boiler repair company owner Myles Robinson, it was confirmed that tap water is indeed colder in winter due to dropping temperatures in water sources and pipes. The cooling effect is more pronounced in pipes running through unheated spaces, leading to the perception of colder water. Conversely, in summer, heat can warm up the water in pipes. Robinson suggests checking pipe insulation to prevent freezing and maintain water temperature. Full Article

A team of researchers led by Conor McCarthy found that the impact of high-profile international football tournaments on the environment is worsening despite commitments to 'zero emissions' strategies. The 34-year study, involving 895 matches from 1990 to 2024, revealed that FIFA's decisions to co-host tournaments across multiple countries have led to increased emissions due to extensive team travel. The study recommended hosting group stages in single cities or regions to reduce carbon emissions, with the...

Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch have engaged in a playful disagreement over sandwiches, with Badenoch stating that she does not consider them to be "real food" and prefers steak for lunch. Starmer, on the other hand, is content with a sandwich lunch and celebrates it as a British institution. The debate took a political turn when Badenoch criticized Starmer for not prioritizing farmers' concerns over inheritance tax changes, prompting a response from the Prime Minister's...

Waterloo Road fans were thrilled to learn that Jason Merrells will be returning for the next series in February 2025 as a guest star, reprising his role as head teacher Jack Rimmer from the original cast. Jack will now be back as a counselor to assist new head Dame Stella Drake, marking a significant plot twist that has excited both old and new fans of the show. The return of Jason's character has brought explosive...