The lost ancient practice of communal sleep
Getty Images Until the mid-19th Century, it was completely normal to share a bed with friends, colleagues and even total strangers. How did people cope? And why did we stop? In 1187, a medieval prince slipped into his grand wooden bed, accompanied by a new companion. With a thick mane of auburn hair and strapping […]
Adam Griggs appointed Ireland Women’s coach until the end of the Six Nations
IRFU high performance director David Nucifora said the Irish governing body had received a “huge response” to the job advertisement. “Adam has developed into an outstanding coach since arriving in Ireland in 2009 and has coached at schools, club and inter-provincial level,” said Nucifora. “He has good knowledge of the women’s game in Ireland having […]
Jobs lost as oil services firm AFS Technologies goes into receivership
An Aberdeen oil services firm has gone into receivership with the loss of 17 jobs. Receivers for Aberdeen Fluid System (AFS) Technologies said the company, based at the ABZ Business Park in Dyce, was suffering from cash flow problems and rising costs. It is a supplier of small bore tubing systems, and technology and services […]
French President Emmanuel Macron vows to name new PM within days
French President Emmanuel Macron said he will name a new prime minister “in the coming days”, after Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday. He rejected calls to stand down in the wake of the government’s collapse, saying he would see his five-year mandate through until it ends in 2027. […]
Food costs rise as farmers struggle
Getty Images Farmers across Wales are concerned with the rising costs, with some “struggling to pay bills” Farmers have said they are struggling to absorb rising costs as food prices for consumers continue to climb. NFU Cymru, which represents many farmers and growers in Wales, said fertiliser costs had doubled in a year, leaving some […]
Olympian praises Manx talent ahead of sports awards
BBC Amy Williams could not attend the 2020 event because of the pandemic Celebrating sporting success is “a really magical thing” for athletes, the guest of honour at the Isle of Man Sports Awards has said. Amy Williams MBE won gold in the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver competing in the skeleton event. The British […]
Alibaba begins new era as founder departs
Getty Images Alibaba chairman Jack Ma is due to step down from the e-commerce giant on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for the firm. He co-founded Alibaba in 1999 and it has become one of the world’s biggest internet firms. Mr Ma’s success and colourful style has made him one of China’s most […]
EU law bans goods linked to destruction of trees
Getty Images The European Union has agreed a new law that would ban the import of products linked to deforestation. Household goods such as coffee, chocolate, and some furniture will have to pass strict checks to ensure forests weren’t damaged to create them. Environmental group Greenpeace called it a breakthrough, but some countries said the […]
The Pixar short that tackles office ‘bro’ culture
Pixar Animation Studios Purl tries desperately to fit in – creator Kristen Lester says the reason women are balls of yarn in the film is so they can morph identities (Credit: Pixar Animation Studios) A new animated film highlights the need for inclusion at work. Called Purl, it was released on 4 February and has […]
Happy Valley creator says TV soaps have become unbelievable
Duncan McGlynn/Shutterstock Wainwright picked up the best drama prize for Happy Valley at the Edinburgh TV Awards Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright has said TV soap storylines have become more “crazy and unbelievable” because they have so many episodes to fill and an “obsession with youth”. Wainwright cut her teeth writing on Coronation Street in […]