'Big Brother' database cancelled

Nigel Morris and Robert Verkaik: Plan to store details of every phone call and email 'kicked into long grass' after furore

Hanging out with Mr Hefner: Attended to by six bunnies who featured as Playmate of the Month in the Playboy Club, Chicago, 1960

Meet Hugh Hefner: he's a Bunny Guy

Jaci Stephen talks to the man behind Playboy and asks why does he describe himself as a romantic?

More People Articles

The Crime Exchange: The trials of 'Baltimore's Boris'

In the latest instalment of our crime reporter's job-swap Mark Hughes looks at the combustible relationship between politicians and the police force.

Pupils can indulge in a big breakfast before starting lessons at 10am.

To sleep, perchance to get better grades

A Tyneside school is giving pupils a lie-in, in the hope it improves their concentration in lessons.

Dr Neil Stanley: Sleep and success are likely bedfellows

The options are to double up in Afghanistan or leave

Dominic Lawson: At a risk of sounding callous, the number of casualties is actually small for a war.

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Korean navies clash ahead of Obama visit new

North and South Korea's navies clashed briefly in the Yellow Sea today, just ahead of a visit to Asia this week by US President Barack Obama, in an incident that left a northern vessel damaged.

KP is back. But will he get a hero's welcome?

As England's biggest talent (and ego) arrives in South Africa, Stephen Brenkley gauges the mood of the dressing room, from a side that won the Ashes without him

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Hit & Run: Holding out for a hamster

I'm in the toy department of Boots on High Street Kensington and I'm holding a picture of a robotic hamster. "Do you have this?" I shout at a sales assistant. "I must have this. There are only 46 days left until Christmas," I explain desperately. I'm after a Go Go Pet, this Christmas's must-have toy, a cuddly hamster comes in a range of colours (including snow white and, erm, brown) and boasts names like Num Nums and Mr Squiggles. The Go Go Hamster responds to a touch with squeaks or by randomly running around. According to Jon Diver, managing director of Character Group, the hamsters' UK distributor, sales here have been "incredible" and in the US they each spend as little as 30 seconds on shelves. It's easy to see why: at £9.99 and unbearably cute – not to mention significantly less messy than a real hamster – the loveable fuzz balls appeal to adults and children alike. So how hard is it to get hold of one?

Lou Reed: Photographer

As frontman with the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed epitomised the rock'n'roll lifestyle. But a book of his photographs reveals a quieter, more reflective figure. He tells Hannah Duguid what inspired him

Small businesses, recession-busters

Being adaptable and agile, and avoiding dependency on a small number of corporate customers, has been vital for small businesses during the credit crunch, says Roger Trapp

Turing play stays on website indefinitely

The pioneering internet audio drama about the death of the Enigma code-breaker Alan Turing, is to remain available indefinitely on The Independent website.

Pandemic? What flu pandemic?

First we were told swine flu could kill 65,000 Britons. Now the death toll is unlikely to top 1,000

Path to good health, less pollution is the sidewalk: report

US pressure groups joined forces Monday to urge authorities to spend more to improve Americans' health and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Michael McCarthy: Minor languages, major importance

Scientists develop apple that won't rot

Disease-resistant variety of fruit can be kept out of the fridge for a fortnight without going off

'Slumdog Millionaire' actress Freida Pinto was recently seen wearing the classic Winona court shoe made by Rupert Sanderson. The shoe can be bought off the shelf or made to order at 10 times the shop price

Bespoke boom: Demand surges for handmade shoes

More women are happy to fork out several thousand pounds for footwear that is a cut above your run-of-the-mill designer heels

Haud mea culpa, domina!

Latin makes a comeback in state primary schools.

Ex BP boss in spotlight

Lady Tumim: Campaigner fearless of authority in her efforts to reform charity law

Lady Tumim, who died suddenly last Thursday, was a formidable public campaigner for changes in the management of charities and reform of the law respecting charities, but she was also an ebullient, vivacious and fun-loving person who enhanced and enriched the lives of her friends and family.