http://www.independent.co.uk/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/whether-it-was-viral-or-word-of-mouth-it-was-always-based-on-the-content-1817994.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/whether-it-was-viral-or-word-of-mouth-it-was-always-based-on-the-content-1817994.html <p> <i>Adam L Penenberg's book </i>Viral Loop <i>examines the spread of "virals" - ads, films and emails that get forwarded by so many poeple that they become global phenomenoms - and how they have become the business model for some of today's most celebrated companies. </i></p> <p> <i>Here, Adam intervews James Hong, a co-founder of 'HotOrNot', one of the first viral phenomenoms.</i> </p> Features Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:21 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/private-viewing-pick-of-the-property-market-1683875.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/private-viewing-pick-of-the-property-market-1683875.html ]]> Property Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:08 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/wideranging-financial-overhaul-proposed-for-us-1818073.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/wideranging-financial-overhaul-proposed-for-us-1818073.html <p> The chairman of the US Senate Banking Committee introduced a financial regulation reform bill yesterday that leaps beyond earlier proposals, calling for new government agencies on financial stability, bank supervision and financial consumer protection. </p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/afghan-war-is-bad-for-security-voters-say-1818207.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/afghan-war-is-bad-for-security-voters-say-1818207.html ]]> <p>The main justification offered by the Government for keeping troops in Afghanistan is rejected by the majority of British people, a new opinion poll for <i>The Independent</i> shows today. Four out of five of those questioned do not believe that British involvement in the conflict, with its rising toll of casualties, is keeping the streets of Britain safe from terrorist attacks. </p> Home News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/armistice-day-the-great-war-and-the-words-we-mustnt-forget-1818092.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/armistice-day-the-great-war-and-the-words-we-mustnt-forget-1818092.html ]]> <p>Why has the Great War of 1914-18 remained so central to our lives? The Second World War produced its crops of names, easy to remember, like punctuation marks: Dunkirk, the fall of France, the Battle of Britain, el-Alamein, Stalingrad, Normandy, Dresden, Hiroshima. But somehow those earlier 1914-18 slaughters, their geographical location so scarred into our historical conscience, are wounds that will not close. Or wounds whose terrible consequences cannot be erased. Ypres, Verdun, the Somme have a doom-like quality that have fully retained their semantic origins. The very name of the Somme has an assonance which still fills us with despair. Just as Passchendaele seems to include the very word "passion" in English and French, the Somme is like "sombre", the funereal mood of the graveyard.</p> World Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-accept-the-facts-ndash-and-end-this-futile-war-on-drugs-1818167.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-accept-the-facts-ndash-and-end-this-futile-war-on-drugs-1818167.html ]]> <p>The proponents of the "war on drugs" are well-intentioned people who believe they are saving people from the nightmare of drug addiction and making the world safer. But this self-image has turned into a faith – and like all faiths, it can only be maintained by cultivating a deliberate blindness to the evidence.</p> Johann Hari Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/us-wants-to-guard-pakistans-nuclear-arsenal-1818225.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/us-wants-to-guard-pakistans-nuclear-arsenal-1818225.html ]]> <p>Pakistan's military has angrily insisted that its nuclear weapons arsenal is safely protected and denounced claims that it is secretly negotiating with the United States to allow teams of American specialists to provide added security in the event of a crisis.</p> Asia Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/big-society-is-the-solution-to-poverty-declares-cameron-1818209.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/big-society-is-the-solution-to-poverty-declares-cameron-1818209.html <p>The Conservatives will replace Labour's "big government" with a "big society" which would be more effective at tackling poverty, David Cameron pledged last night.</p> UK Politics Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/gambling-on-the-property-market-1818090.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/gambling-on-the-property-market-1818090.html ]]> <p>What a difference a few months make. It was just early summer when house prices were in freefall and estate agents and developers going bust. But now price indices are rising and agents are reporting a shortage of homes on sale. </p> Property Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/discussing-the-disabled-readers--views-1818094.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/discussing-the-disabled-readers--views-1818094.html ]]> <p> <b>This shouldn't be acceptable</b> </p> Features Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/last-nights-television--when-a-mothers-love-is-not-enough-bbc1-james-mays-toy-stories-bbc2-john-sergeant-on-the-tourist-trail-itv1-1818096.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/last-nights-television--when-a-mothers-love-is-not-enough-bbc1-james-mays-toy-stories-bbc2-john-sergeant-on-the-tourist-trail-itv1-1818096.html Reviews Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/going-viral-how-business-caught-the-bug-1818098.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/going-viral-how-business-caught-the-bug-1818098.html ]]> <p>If all you knew of viral culture was a brief clip of an overweight child pretending to be a Jedi knight in his garage, or another of a pair of men in lab coats recreating the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas with Diet Coke and Mentos, then you could be forgiven for thinking that going viral was a matter of sheer chance – that nobody could predict what would flourish on the internet, and what would be choked off at the root. </p> Features Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/gadget-of-the-week--electronic-rock-guitar-shirt-16318-1818100.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/gadget-of-the-week--electronic-rock-guitar-shirt-16318-1818100.html ]]> <p> Take one part band T-shirt, two parts <i>Rock Band</i>, add a splash of air guitar and you get this, an electric guitar housed in the cotton confines of a T-shirt. There's a mini amp attached to the hem and once it's turned on, all the sartorial strummer needs to do is hit the buttons on the neck – each represents a major chord. They're all recorded from a real electric guitar, and by using the magnetic pick that the shirt comes with you can try playing your favourite rock anthems, or creating something new. No need to ask how loud the amp goes up to (11, duh) but rest assured – the electrical components can be removed so you can wash the T-shirt between gigs. Phew. <a href="http://Thinkgeek.com">Thinkgeek.com</a> </p> Features Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/denman-hits-stride-with-renewed-sheen-1818115.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/denman-hits-stride-with-renewed-sheen-1818115.html ]]> <p>It says a lot for the jump racing faithful that more than usual of them turned out at the top of a rainswept Devon hill on a chilly, gloomy midweek afternoon just to watch a horse not compete in a race. The draw was Denman, brought along to Exeter for a day out by trainer Paul Nicholls ahead of his seasonal comeback in the Hennessy Gold Cup 17 days hence at Newbury.</p> Racing Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/pontings-scratch-side-leave-india-to-lick-their-wounds-1818114.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/pontings-scratch-side-leave-india-to-lick-their-wounds-1818114.html ]]> <p>The last time England had the temerity to win the Ashes it sparked an Australian backlash so savage the next series was done and dusted in fewer than 15 days. Less than three months after Ricky Ponting handed over the urn again and a year ahead of England's next trip Down Under, the green and gold shoots of recovery are already visible. Today they play the last of their seven-match one-day series in India with victory already secure, and that follows their crushing one-day victory in England and an assured march to the Champions Trophy. </p> Cricket Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/dire-england-selfdestruct-and-slip-back-to-the-depths-1818113.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/dire-england-selfdestruct-and-slip-back-to-the-depths-1818113.html ]]> <p>Too much change all at once can have a disorienting effect on the soul. So in a small way it was almost comforting that normal service on tour was resumed yesterday.</p> Cricket Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/the-scarpetta-factor-by-patricia-cornwell-1818106.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/the-scarpetta-factor-by-patricia-cornwell-1818106.html <p>When interviewed by this newspaper, Patricia Cornwell demonstrated the qualities that have put her in pole position in crime fiction: a fierce intelligence and a determination to be the best at what she does – both characteristics of her forensic pathologist, Kay Scarpetta. But Cornwell shares another characteristic of her heroine's, which undercuts her rather fearsome reputation: a certain vulnerability. When asked about the pretenders whose books are routinely straplined with the phrase "the next Patricia Cornwell", she replied plaintively, "I want to be the next Patricia Cornwell!... I want to be one of those young guns again." </p> Reviews Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/van-goghs-letters-the-artist-speaks-van-gogh-museum-amsterdam-1818105.html http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/van-goghs-letters-the-artist-speaks-van-gogh-museum-amsterdam-1818105.html ]]> <p>This is a show of words and images because Vincent van Gogh was adept in both forms. He left more than 800 letters, which have been newly translated and re-published in six fully illustrated volumes, and he made about 900 paintings during his short lifespan, of 37 years. </p> New Articles Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/the-cinematic-orchestra-the-roundhouse-london-1818104.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/the-cinematic-orchestra-the-roundhouse-london-1818104.html <p>The Cinematic Orchestra defy classification. Is it jazz? Electronica? Hip-hop or trip-hop? Or movie soundtrack music? What is obvious, though, is that the shape-shifting outfit formed by John Swinscoe in the late 1990s does not lack musical conviction. Which other band could perform an hour-long instrumental accompaniment to an 80-year-old silent Soviet movie and be confident of a capacity crowd?</p> Reviews Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/architecting-the-pit-barbican-london-1818103.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/architecting-the-pit-barbican-london-1818103.html ]]> <p>I correctly reckoned that I was going to love Architecting from the second I saw the name of the US troupe that has devised this piece (developed under the aegis of the National Theatre of Scotland). They call themselves the Theatre of the Emerging American Moment (TEAM). It was the word "emerging" that made me fall for them. We are constantly told that theatre is the medium of the present tense, but this company refines that notion with terrific insight and flair. They know that the present never really arrives and that all we can do is travel hopefully within our consciousness, which is a constantly shifting mix of retrospection, hopes for – and anxieties and fantasies about – the future and a kind of squinting look at the liminal overlap between the two. What emerges in this marvellous (sometimes messy, but always stimulating) collaborative show underlines how sharply TEAM understand that theatre is like a magnified version of the eye of the needle through which this complex weave of consciousness is threaded. And they demonstrate this wisdom in the wit, verve and pained insight with which they bring past, present and future in a glorious mélange of jumble and judicious ordering onto the stage at the same time.</p> Reviews Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/lifestyle-gurus-odes-to-recovery-1818102.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/lifestyle-gurus-odes-to-recovery-1818102.html ]]> <p><b>UNDERSTANDING OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER: BILL DRUMMOND</b></p> Features Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/live-aid-for-video-games-1818101.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/live-aid-for-video-games-1818101.html ]]> <p>When you think about it, it's a slightly odd concept. There's a tragedy somewhere in the world so what do we do? Roll up our sleeves, get out there and start mucking in with a relief effort? Or go out and buy some music? The charity single – and in turn, the charity concert, has proved to be an easy way for the public to donate to worthy causes while extending their musical horizons. </p> Features Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-stays-upbeat-after-johnson-rues-awful-run-1818124.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-stays-upbeat-after-johnson-rues-awful-run-1818124.html <p>Liverpool began the process of regrouping yesterday amid a mounting sense of crisis at Anfield. Monday night's fortunate draw with Birmingham saw two more players added to a rapidly expanding injury list and left manager Rafael Benitez calling for "realism" and Glen Johnson describing recent events as "awful." Rarely can an international break have been more welcome. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/england-suffer-from-an-image-problem-claims-jordaan-1818123.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/england-suffer-from-an-image-problem-claims-jordaan-1818123.html ]]> <p>If England's stumbling bid to host the 2018 World Cup is to succeed they have to translate the country's standing as the "biggest football brand" in the world into telling influence where it matters most, according to Danny Jordaan, the chief executive of South Africa 2010.</p> International Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/world-cup-roundup-real-prevail-over-injured-ronaldo-1818122.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/world-cup-roundup-real-prevail-over-injured-ronaldo-1818122.html ]]> <p>There is club versus country and then there is Real Madrid versus country. The row between the Spanish giants and Portugal over the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo concluded yesterday emphatically in the former's favour with the winger being ruled out of both legs of his country's World Cup play-off against Bosnia.</p> International Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/my-clubbing-nights-are-behind-me-vows-crouch-1818121.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/my-clubbing-nights-are-behind-me-vows-crouch-1818121.html ]]> <p>Peter Crouch was an easy target for the opportunist photographer who happened to be dancing in a club alongside England's 6ft 7in striker as he let his hair down after Tottenham's win over Portsmouth on 17 October. One sanctimonious Daily Mail back-page later and Crouch was obliged to promise yesterday that he would not be caught out on any more late nights out.</p> International Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/battle-lines-drawn-as-egypt-try-to-lift-the-curse-of-the-pharaohs-1818120.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/battle-lines-drawn-as-egypt-try-to-lift-the-curse-of-the-pharaohs-1818120.html ]]> <p>As World Cup qualifying draws to a close around the globe in the next seven days, you will be hard pressed to find a more ill-willed, bad-blooded and potentially explosive denouement to any campaign than the one likely to unfold when Egypt face Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday afternoon. </p> International Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-targets-glorious-end-to-best-year-1818119.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/murray-targets-glorious-end-to-best-year-1818119.html ]]> <p>With six titles already under his belt this year – more than any other player – Andy Murray insists he is under no pressure going into the final three weeks of the most successful season of his career. Here at this week's Paris Masters, where he plays his first match tonight against James Blake, the Scot's principal aim is simply to get in some more matches following the recent six-week break he was forced to take after injuring his left wrist.</p> Tennis Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rowntree-digs-deep-to-prop-up-ailing-pack-1818118.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rowntree-digs-deep-to-prop-up-ailing-pack-1818118.html ]]> <p>Graham Rowntree, the England scrummaging coach, is one of life's natural optimists, but after casting an old front-rower's eye over the wreckage of the red-rose army's best-laid plans in the set-piece department yesterday, even he decided that bleak irony was the only appropriate response. "I'm next in line," he said, with a weak smile, "so it'll be me who's playing if the money's right." And after Rowntree? Rumour has it that Jeff Probyn, Gareth Chilcott and Fran Cotton are being sounded out for this season's Six Nations Championship.</p> International Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/smith-keeps-faith-with-youthful-backs-1818117.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/smith-keeps-faith-with-youthful-backs-1818117.html ]]> <p>England's youngest half-back combination in living memory are both set to hold their places for Saturday's Four Nations final against Australia in Leeds.</p> Rugby League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/james-lawton-soviet-conflict-1818116.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/james-lawton-soviet-conflict-1818116.html ]]> <p>In its own forlorn way it is a relic now of an unimaginable time, almost as much as the Berlin Wall whose fall signalled its collapse. But then if you happened to be in the upstate New York town of Lake Placid in 1980 you would never forget both the awe and the hatred provoked by the Soviet Union sports system.</p> Others Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/simon-carr/the-sketch-hes-forgotten-the-first-rule-of-leadership-indifference-1818213.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/simon-carr/the-sketch-hes-forgotten-the-first-rule-of-leadership-indifference-1818213.html <p>They have strong stomachs in the lobby. I'm not sure I can go through another one of those press conferences.</p> Simon Carr Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/i-understand-the-pain-of-losing-a-child-says-brown-1818212.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/i-understand-the-pain-of-losing-a-child-says-brown-1818212.html ]]> <p>Jacqui Janes, whose son was killed in Afghanistan, last night accepted an apology from Gordon Brown over "insulting" mistakes he made in a handwritten letter of condolence. The bereaved mother drew a line under the row when she said she was satisfied with the Prime Minister's sincerity.</p> Home News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/three-more-government-drugs-advisers-quit-1818211.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/three-more-government-drugs-advisers-quit-1818211.html <p>Alan Johnson failed in an attempt to defuse the damaging row between the Government and Britain's top scientists after three more of his drugs advisers resigned last night.</p> UK Politics Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/suspect-who-bought-a-new-face-to-evade-justice-is-held-1818210.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/suspect-who-bought-a-new-face-to-evade-justice-is-held-1818210.html ]]> <p>With his surgically altered features obscured by sunglasses and a face mask, Tatsuya Ichihashi must have thought he would easily slip unnoticed on to the ferry docked in Osaka. For nearly three years, he had evaded capture in one of the most intensive manhunts in Japanese history to find the killer of the British teacher Lindsay Hawker.</p> Asia Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/tim-blackman-this-familys-ordeal-is-far-from-over-1818208.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/tim-blackman-this-familys-ordeal-is-far-from-over-1818208.html <p>The Hawker family have shown fantastic strength of will in getting to this day. The arrest of Tatsuya Ichihashi is something they have worked hard for and I'm happy to see that their efforts have been rewarded.</p> Commentators Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/edgar-lee-last-survivor-of-an-heroic-1942-attack-on-the-luftwaffe-by-six-swordfish-biplanes-1818181.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/edgar-lee-last-survivor-of-an-heroic-1942-attack-on-the-luftwaffe-by-six-swordfish-biplanes-1818181.html ]]> <p>On 12 February 1942 six obsolete Swordfish biplanes flew against the strongest force Hitler ever put to sea – two battleships, a heavy cruiser and powerful escorts afloat and in the air. All six Swordfish were shot down. Edgar Lee was a 19-year-old observer/navigator in one of the Swordfish and was one of only five men rescued from 18. He was the last survivor of the action, and the only man to escape unhurt.</p> Obituaries Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/malcolm-laycock-broadcaster-who-parted-company-with-the-bbc-in-a-row-over-the-age-of-radio-2s-target-audience-1818180.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/malcolm-laycock-broadcaster-who-parted-company-with-the-bbc-in-a-row-over-the-age-of-radio-2s-target-audience-1818180.html ]]> <p>By employing cutting-edge presenters, sometimes with disastrous consequences, BBC Radio 2 has been modernising its output. It wants to be seen as a trendy station for the mid-twenties and above. Generally, this has been effective, making it "the most listened to radio station in the UK", but many long-time favourites have been axed. In July this year, Malcolm Laycock's celebration of pre-war dance band music, Sunday Night At 10, was removed from the schedules, and he was replaced by a rather more contemporary look at swing music from Clare Teal.</p> Obituaries Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/gladys-gillem-wrestling-heel-1818179.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/gladys-gillem-wrestling-heel-1818179.html ]]> <p>Gladys "Killem" Gillem, who has died aged 89, spent her professional wrestling career as a heel, but not just any heel. Gillem was, more often than not, the designated loser for the popular "girls" champion Mildred Burke, arguably the only drawing card in the 1940s for women's wrestling, which was otherwise presented as a novelty, like midget wrestling. Gillem spent nearly a decade as Burke's top opponent partly because, lacking Burke's glamour, she played the bigger and stronger heel well, and was athletic enough to put Burke's wrestling over; but also because, for most of that time, she was the main, but not only, mistress of Billy Wolfe, who controlled women's wrestling and was also married to Burke. This odd triangle belied Burke's image as an all-American wife as well as wrestler.</p> Obituaries Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-a-massacre-that-may-or-may-not-be-art-1818178.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-a-massacre-that-may-or-may-not-be-art-1818178.html <p>A few months ago the Spanish film-maker Guillermo Del Toro, the director of Pan's Labyrinth, gave an interview to Wired magazine in which he predicted that "in the next 10 years there will be an earthshaking Citizen Kane of games".</p> Thomas Sutcliffe Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/david-cameron-we-will-tackle-poverty-by-building-strong-community-ties-1818177.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/david-cameron-we-will-tackle-poverty-by-building-strong-community-ties-1818177.html <p>Social entrepreneurs and community activists already exist, they want to do more, and we will help them do it. But the big society also needs the engagement of that significant percentage of the population who have no record of getting involved – or a desire to do so. The big society demands mass engagement: a broad culture of responsibility, mutuality and obligation. </p> Commentators Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/the-big-question-are-higher-topup-fees-the-only-way-to-fund-our-universities-properly-1818176.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/the-big-question-are-higher-topup-fees-the-only-way-to-fund-our-universities-properly-1818176.html Education News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/mark-steel/mark-steel-you-almost-have-to-feel-sorry-for-gordon-brown-1818175.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/mark-steel/mark-steel-you-almost-have-to-feel-sorry-for-gordon-brown-1818175.html <p>Now Gordon Brown's got the Sun against him, so every morning he gets up to see whether he's on their front page for losing everyone's money, or deliberately driving a caravan over a disabled child's tortoise or sneezing phlegm over the Crown Jewels or whatever they say he's done that day.</p> Mark Steel Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-i-woke-up-and-it-was-a-different-world-1818174.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-i-woke-up-and-it-was-a-different-world-1818174.html <p>Fog, thick fog: an infinity of the stuff; murky endlessness that felt for a moment that it might crack like a huge egg and separate into pools of fluffy white mists and a golden yolk of sunshine. But it didn't. By noon the day had merely staggered towards a state of fine fizzing drizzle and given up on itself. From dawn to dusk it was as grey as an old towel.</p> Alex James Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/carola-long-when-musthave-means-muststeal-1818173.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/carola-long-when-musthave-means-muststeal-1818173.html <p>When the recession struck, our collective taste for luxury was meant to come to an abrupt end. No more "It" bags, miracle £200 moisturisers and TVs with screens the size of garage doors. That kind of madness was over for those who could once afford it, and no longer something to aspire to for everyone else. </p> Commentators Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/letters/letters-care-of-disabled-children-1818172.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/letters/letters-care-of-disabled-children-1818172.html <p>Your heartbreaking article by Tussie Myerson (10 November) exposes so many of the inadequacies in our social and health services, and also in our general attitude to the care of the severely disabled.</p> Letters Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-a-fitting-tribute-1818171.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-a-fitting-tribute-1818171.html <p>The repatriation of the bodies of six UK soldiers, five of them shot by a trainee policeman in Helmand Province, was always going to prompt a particular outpouring of emotion. Even taking into account the special circumstances, however, the huge number of people who lined the streets of Wootton Bassett yesterday to salute the fallen troops was mightily impressive. They stood silent, eight and nine deep, respectful and determined, undeterred by the cold and wet as the cortege passed on its way. </p> Leading Articles Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-hard-cases-and-good-law-1818170.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-hard-cases-and-good-law-1818170.html <p>The sad case of Baby RB, which has been argued to and fro before the High Court, ended summarily yesterday when the one-year-old boy's father accepted the hospital's case for withdrawing life support. This unexpected development had two immediate effects. The doctors are now within their rights to halt life support, so as to allow the severely disabled child – as the hospital put it – "a peaceful, calm and dignified death". And the judge will not have to reach a decision – although he hinted what it would have been when he said that the outcome was, in his view, "inevitable".</p> Leading Articles Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-an-attractive-destination-but-an-unclear-journey-1818169.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-an-attractive-destination-but-an-unclear-journey-1818169.html <p>David Cameron certainly paints an attractive picture of his revolution. In a speech yesterday he described what he wants his "big society" to look like. A host of public services will be in the hands of innovative charities, social entrepreneurs and grassroots organisations. These will be franchised and funded by the state, but not run by it. Such a shift would result in the inefficiencies of the sclerotic public sector melting away. And deprivation levels would fall as the poor would be increasingly liberated by this new framework of support to fulfil their economic potential.</p> Leading Articles Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/hamish-mcrae/hamish-mcrae-weve-no-choice-but-to-keep-inflating-1818168.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/hamish-mcrae/hamish-mcrae-weve-no-choice-but-to-keep-inflating-1818168.html <p>Have they merely created another bubble? The huge effort by this and other governments to pump up the economy seems to have checked the economic decline. It has certainly helped global share prices recover and seems, here in the UK at least, to have helped house prices bottom out. </p> Hamish McRae Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/city-warn-mischief-makers-over-robinho-transfer-claim-1818127.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/city-warn-mischief-makers-over-robinho-transfer-claim-1818127.html ]]> <p>The Manchester City executive chairman Garry Cook warned Robinho's representatives against "mischief making" last night after another day of intrigue surrounding the player's future threatened to derail an important trip here to parade the club in front of its Abu Dhabi owners. </p> Transfers Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/redknapp-says-old-firm-would-be-welcome-in-english-league-1818126.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/redknapp-says-old-firm-would-be-welcome-in-english-league-1818126.html <p>Tottenham's Harry Redknapp yesterday became the latest Premier League manager to voice support for the Old Firm joining England's top division. David Moyes of Everton has already endorsed a plan to include Celtic and Rangers while Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill has said he would "certainly support the idea". </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-on-a-mission-to-fulfil-hosts-big-dream-1818125.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-on-a-mission-to-fulfil-hosts-big-dream-1818125.html ]]> <p>it was not so much the sight of Mark Hughes explaining the finer points of his side's training session to a group of Arabs in flowing traditional thobes which caught the eye here last night, as the seating laid out for a few of the dignitaries to view the whole business. Two dining chairs and a table laid out with starched linen cloth were positioned on the touchline of the pitch where Robinho, Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy raced around under brilliant floodlights in the warmth of the evening, amid the manicured grounds of the seven-star Emirates Palace hotel. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/drunk-united-airlines-pilot-charged-1818329.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/drunk-united-airlines-pilot-charged-1818329.html <p>A pilot was charged tonight after being arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of being drunk, police said.</p> Home News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/german-keeper-enke-dies-after-being-hit-by-express-train-1818312.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/german-keeper-enke-dies-after-being-hit-by-express-train-1818312.html ]]> <p>German football was in shock after it was confirmed that the national team goalkeeper Robert Enke was killed in an incident at a railway level crossing yesterday. </p> European Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/goulding-accused-of-drunken-outburst-1818311.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/goulding-accused-of-drunken-outburst-1818311.html <p>Bobbie Goulding's future as the France coach is in jeopardy after allegations of drunken incidents at an event this week.</p> Rugby League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/market-report-barclays-and-hsbc-report-mixed-fortunes-1818248.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/market-report-barclays-and-hsbc-report-mixed-fortunes-1818248.html <p>It was a tale of two banks for the blue chips yesterday as Barclays and HSBC issued updates – but one was far, far better than the other, and had dramatic results on the market.</p> Sharewatch Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/investment-column-stars-are-aligning-for-babcocks-shares-1818247.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/investment-column-stars-are-aligning-for-babcocks-shares-1818247.html <p><b>Our view:</b> Buy</p> Sharewatch Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/lowcarbon-energy-sources-need-105trn-investment-warns-iea-1818246.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/lowcarbon-energy-sources-need-105trn-investment-warns-iea-1818246.html <p>The world's energy systems will need an extra $10.5 trillion (£6.3trn) in investment between now and 2030 to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and avoid "irreparable damage to the planet", the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned yesterday.</p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/eib-sets-up-163700m-fund-to-help-onshore-wind-farms-1818245.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/eib-sets-up-163700m-fund-to-help-onshore-wind-farms-1818245.html <p>The European Investment Bank (EIB) has opened a £700m fund to tackle the lack of finance for the UK's onshore wind farm developers.</p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/vodafone-to-double-its-cost-cutting-target-to-pound2bn-1818244.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/vodafone-to-double-its-cost-cutting-target-to-pound2bn-1818244.html <p>Vodafone is preparing to double its cost-cutting drive to £2bn as it battles against the economic slump and fierce competition and looks to hit the acquisition trail in 2012. </p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/when-will-the-new-bubbles-burst-1818243.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/when-will-the-new-bubbles-burst-1818243.html <p>Anyone looking at the world through the bubbly prism of the financial markets would conclude that not only has the recession ended but that we are on the brink of a stonking boom. Most of the world's stock markets are up about 50 per cent on the meltdown levels of March, and are up on the year; commodity prices are also hitting new peaks and, in the case of gold, an all-time high of over $1,100 an ounce; even the commercial property sector is enjoying a surge. Credit default swap spreads and other measures of risk aversion are at levels not seen since before the collapse of Lehman Brothers last October; the corporate bond markets are issuing paper; banks have got rights issues away; the Kraft-Cadburys fight shows that M&A activity is also back; and other measures of growth, trade and investor optimism such as the Baltic dry index are pushing higher. </p> Business Analysis & Features Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/transatlantic-row-over-oracles-sun-takeover-1818242.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/transatlantic-row-over-oracles-sun-takeover-1818242.html <p>Monopoly watchdogs on either side of the Atlantic are at loggerheads over Oracle's planned $7.8bn (£4.7bn) takeover of rival Sun Microsystems after Europe branded US criticism as "unusual".</p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/imperial-tobacco-names-alison-cooper-as-ceo-designate-1818241.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/imperial-tobacco-names-alison-cooper-as-ceo-designate-1818241.html <p>The chief executive of Imperial Tobacco is to step down after 37 years at the cigarette maker, as it posted sharply higher pre-tax profits. Alison Cooper, its chief operating officer, will take over in May from Gareth Davis, who has been at the helm for 14 years. </p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/threshers-franchisees-are-determined-to-resist-transfer-to-new-first-quench-owner-1818240.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/threshers-franchisees-are-determined-to-resist-transfer-to-new-first-quench-owner-1818240.html <p>The majority of Threshers' franchisees have told the administrators of First Quench Retailing (FQR), the off-licence chain's owner, that they plan to resist any attempt to force them into a sale to a purchaser of the business. </p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/james-moore-more-needed-for-vodafone-to-be-throned-1818239.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/james-moore-more-needed-for-vodafone-to-be-throned-1818239.html <p><b>Outlook</b> There's something not quite right about describing Vodafone, that British corporate titan, as a straggler. But that's exactly what it will be when the merger of T Mobile and Orange completes, at least in its home market where it will drop from second to third place in the rankings. </p> Business Comment Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/james-moore-those-ratings-agencies-can-still-bite-hard-1818238.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/james-moore-those-ratings-agencies-can-still-bite-hard-1818238.html <p><b>Outlook</b> In the world of ratings agencies there is a very definite hierarchy. Standard & Poor's sits at the top of the tree, a branch or two above Moody's. Fitch occupies third place and, as a result of this, it has often proved rather more willing to say rather more interesting things than the others. This is probably because it knows they won't have quite the same impact, so there is less risk. That wasn't the case yesterday, however, when Fitch warned that of all the major economies, Britain's prized AAA credit rating was most at risk of a downgrade. </p> Business Comment Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/lloyds-banking-group-faces-battle-with-unions-over-5000-more-job-cuts-1818237.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/lloyds-banking-group-faces-battle-with-unions-over-5000-more-job-cuts-1818237.html <p>Unions reacted with fury yesterday after Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) announced another round of job cuts. </p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/inm-strikes-restructuring-deal-with-bondholders-1818236.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/inm-strikes-restructuring-deal-with-bondholders-1818236.html <p>Independent News & Media, the publisher of <i>The Independent</i> and <i>The Independent on Sunday</i>, last night struck a deal with bondholders that will see creditors swap €123m (£110m) worth of debt for a 46 per cent equity stake in the company.</p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/business-diary-woman-complains-horse-is-too-ill-to-ride-1818235.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/business-diary-woman-complains-horse-is-too-ill-to-ride-1818235.html <p>Faulty washing machines and toys feature prominently in customer complaints, but a sick horse is a new one on us. Nonetheless, the UK European Consumer Centre, which is two-years-old on Saturday, highlighted the case of a UK woman who was miffed at finding out that the £3,000 horse she bought from a Swedish trader suffering from a medical condition that prevented it from being ridden. The ECC's UK arm took up the case and a mediation body eventually ruled in her favour. The horse was sent back to the trader and the woman was reimbursed £3,000 plus damages. Neight a bad result. </p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/barclays-pays-dividend-again-as-hsbc-says-worst-is-over-1818234.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/barclays-pays-dividend-again-as-hsbc-says-worst-is-over-1818234.html <p>Barclays Bank plans to resume paying dividends to shareholders after a 15-month break after both it and its rival HSBC said yesterday that the worst of the credit crunch was over. </p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/pound-under-new-attack-as-agency-says-it-will-cut-uks-credit-rating-1818233.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/pound-under-new-attack-as-agency-says-it-will-cut-uks-credit-rating-1818233.html <p>The pound's value against the dollar tumbled yesterday when a leading credit ratings agency suggested that Britain might lose its cherished AAA status because it was the "potentially most at risk" of the major economies. </p> Business News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/king-of-tonga-bows-to-history-as-democracy-comes-ashore-1818232.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/king-of-tonga-bows-to-history-as-democracy-comes-ashore-1818232.html ]]> <p>The eccentric, monocle-wearing King of Tonga, who has ruled his small Pacific island kingdom with the sort of absolute authority familiar to Louis XIV but in short supply in recent times, is to relinquish his powers. And the man himself is said to be all for it. </p> Australasia Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/seattles-teenage-jesse-james-1818231.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/seattles-teenage-jesse-james-1818231.html ]]> <p>Victims call him a one-man crime wave who ought to be in prison. Fans say he's a misunderstood folk hero in the grand tradition of Robin Hood, Huckleberry Finn, and Jesse James. To police near Seattle, who are once more on his elusive tail, Colton Harris-Moore can be summed up in two words: most wanted. </p> Americas Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dc-sniper-loses-last-hope-of-reprieve-1818230.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dc-sniper-loses-last-hope-of-reprieve-1818230.html ]]> <p>The state of Virginia was preparing last night to execute one of the two men found guilty of carrying out the series of sniper attacks around Washington DC seven years ago that spread fear through the region and ended only when 10 people were already dead.</p> Americas Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/north-and-south-korea-clash-on-the-high-seas-1818229.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/north-and-south-korea-clash-on-the-high-seas-1818229.html ]]> <p>A badly damaged North Korean patrol ship retreated in flames yesterday after a skirmish with a South Korean vessel – the first naval clash between the two nations in seven years.</p> Asia Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/will-the-lights-go-out-on-south-africas-world-cup-1818228.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/will-the-lights-go-out-on-south-africas-world-cup-1818228.html ]]> <p>An ugly race row has left South Africa's national power company leaderless and is threatening to turn the lights out in the country only nine months before it is due to host the World Cup.</p> Africa Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/thai-fury-as-thaksin-starts-cambodian-job-1818227.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/thai-fury-as-thaksin-starts-cambodian-job-1818227.html <p>The Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, wanted at home for a conviction on corruption charges, arrived in Cambodia yesterday to take up a government job offer that has set off a diplomatic row with Bangkok.</p> Asia Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/bear-stearns-fund-managers-found-not-guilty-1818226.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/bear-stearns-fund-managers-found-not-guilty-1818226.html <p>In a huge setback for government prosecutors, a jury in New York City last night acquitted two former hedge-fund managers with Bear Stearns of lying to clients about the safety of their money even when they themselves allegedly saw disaster around the corner because of the imploding sub-prime mortgage market.</p> Americas Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/pandora/pandora-former-sun-editor-to-pen-parable-of-booze-1818224.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/pandora/pandora-former-sun-editor-to-pen-parable-of-booze-1818224.html ]]> <p>David Yelland, the former Sun editor turned high-flying publicist, is to try his hand at fiction. He has announced his intention to publish a children's novel, telling the tale of a boy with an alcoholic father. </p> Pandora Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johnny-vegas-imitation-is-flattery-try-telling-that-to-the-fraud-squad-1818223.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johnny-vegas-imitation-is-flattery-try-telling-that-to-the-fraud-squad-1818223.html <p>A man walks into a bar. Millions do so on a daily basis. So the crossover of that theme is inevitable. But the twist you put on that as a writer or comedian is uniquely your own. It's the product of countless hours of creative torment and basically your bread and butter. </p> Commentators Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/news/plagiarism-is-no-laughing-matter-for-comedians-1818222.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/news/plagiarism-is-no-laughing-matter-for-comedians-1818222.html ]]> <p>Why did the comedian lose his rag? Because he was sick of people stealing his jokes and posting them on the internet. An up-and-coming British comic has become involved in a spat with a comedy website after realising that the reason some of his gags were falling flat was that many people in his audience had already read them online.</p> News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/plan-for-dna-database-to-hold-profiles-for-6-years-1818221.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/plan-for-dna-database-to-hold-profiles-for-6-years-1818221.html <p>Thousands of innocent people will have their DNA details retained on a national database for up to six years, the Home Office will announce today. </p> Home News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mark-hughes-in-baltimore-wire-star-joins-real-fight-against-crime-1818220.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mark-hughes-in-baltimore-wire-star-joins-real-fight-against-crime-1818220.html ]]> <p>Mason puts his hand up to speak. He stands up and then repeats words he has said many times before: "My name is Mason and I am an addict." We are in a ramshackle building behind a supermarket at the corner of Park Heights Avenue and Cold Spring Lane in West Baltimore, the headquarters of the I Can't We Can drug rehabilitation programme. </p> Americas Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/justin-fenton-in-lambeth-keeping-children-out-of-the-gangs-clutches-1818219.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/justin-fenton-in-lambeth-keeping-children-out-of-the-gangs-clutches-1818219.html ]]> <p>Just off Coldharbour Lane in south London's Lambeth neighborhood, a group of men stand around at the mouth of an alley, close to a 10-foot-high steel gate being manned by three people. </p> Crime Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/news/luella-bartley-is-latest-fashion-victim-of-recession-1818218.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/news/luella-bartley-is-latest-fashion-victim-of-recession-1818218.html ]]> <p>Luella Bartley, the Warwick-shire-born designer integral to the recent rejuvenation of British fashion, has become a surprise victim of the recession. Her eponymous label has been forced out of business after one of its main suppliers closed.</p> News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/dr-roddy-odonnell-sometimes-doing-more-leads-to-more-misery-1818217.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/dr-roddy-odonnell-sometimes-doing-more-leads-to-more-misery-1818217.html <p>Paediatric intensive care is an environment cloistered and away from normal experience. Few children and their families suffer the misfortune and enormous burden that comes with being there. Parents acutely feel the loss of control that comes from not being able to undertake the normal cares that their child needs. It's a stew of anxiety and awkward politeness with people a family doesn't know. A team of strangers undertakes to protect their child's life, to make them better. That is supposed to be the deal isn't it? But parents at the bedside can see that intensive care is invasive and unpleasant. The experience can drive a wedge between the most devoted couples. </p> Commentators Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/father-gives-up-fight-to-keep-baby-alive-1818216.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/father-gives-up-fight-to-keep-baby-alive-1818216.html <p>A seriously ill baby, whose parents disagreed about his medical care, will have his ventilator switched off after the father withdrew his objection to allow doctors to end his son's life.</p> Home News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/decision-day-looms-for-obamas-troop-dilemma-1818215.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/decision-day-looms-for-obamas-troop-dilemma-1818215.html ]]> <p>President Barack Obama will take final soundings this morning from his top military and foreign policy aides on a new strategy for Afghanistan that is expected to include a significant increase in the number of American troops on the ground, although their deployment may only be gradual. Some irritation has been expressed from inside the White House over repeated leaks suggesting Mr Obama has already decided to come close to meeting the request for 40,000 more soldiers sent to him almost three months ago by his commander there, General Stanley McChrystal. Robert Gibbs, the White House spokesman, told reporters that three separate options will be on the table at the meeting this morning. </p> Americas Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/view-from-wootton-bassett-its-like-losing-a-brother-ndash-everyone-is-crushed-1818214.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/view-from-wootton-bassett-its-like-losing-a-brother-ndash-everyone-is-crushed-1818214.html ]]> <p>The empty scarlet ceremonial tunic of a Grenadier guardsman hung from a post above the crowd massed in Wootton Bassett yesterday. As the church bells began tolling, thousands fell silent. Only the agonised sobbing of one woman could be heard.</p> Home News Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/game-of-the-week--call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-1633499-ndash-1635499-pc-ps3-xbox-1818099.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/game-of-the-week--call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-1633499-ndash-1635499-pc-ps3-xbox-1818099.html ]]> <p>Leaked footage. Politicians up in arms over violent content. Huge pre-orders and a no-holds-barred red carpet launch event. <i>Modern Warfare 2</i> is one of the most hyped games of all time but why not forget the furore and find out for yourself what all the fuss is about. Yes, some of the levels push the boundaries of what some might find acceptable, but this is an unashamedly adult depiction of war. Yes, the price is high, but shop cleverly and you should be able to bag a bargain. The action is unsurpassed and, while proficient FPS fans will rattle through <I>MW2</I> at a brisk pace, there's plenty to keep you coming back for more. </p> Gaming Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/rhodri-marsden-what-do-i-need-to-do-to-turn-my-living-room-into-a-media-hub-1818097.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/rhodri-marsden-what-do-i-need-to-do-to-turn-my-living-room-into-a-media-hub-1818097.html <p>The idea of a computer forming the hub of our living rooms was considered the stuff of madman's dreams not so long ago, along with the idea that we might push badly executed ballroom dancing to the top of the television ratings. But the already blurry line between the telly and the computer is disappearing; unless your TV has the word "Bush" embossed on the front and its buttons go "ker-thunk" when you change channel, you can introduce your computer to it – they'll get along famously. An old laptop with a knackered screen, a Mac mini or a new netbook can all sit unobtrusively under the TV, allowing you to watch stuff from BBC iPlayer or 4OD while sitting on your sofa rather than perched on a distinctly un-orthopaedic office chair. Stick all your MP3s on there, run a cable to your stereo and you have your ideal jukebox; install Orb, and your MP3 collection is suddenly streamable to any other computer with an internet connection, should you find yourself either stuck in the spare room with swine flu, or bored out of your skull in a Travelodge in Ipswich. Add Spotify, and said jukebox expands by six million tracks. Add a Freeview USB stick, and your TV suddenly looks completely indistinguishable from a computer monitor. </p> Features Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/hit-and-run/hit--run-red-carpets-and-mint-cake-1818095.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/hit-and-run/hit--run-red-carpets-and-mint-cake-1818095.html ]]> <p>If there were a device that could measure toughness – an adrenalin radar scanning the planet for nutters in harnesses – hardcore hotspots would probably include the Himalayas and the Alps. But the sick-ometer (as in "dude, that was like the sickest jump ever") is at risk of blowing up over a grey corner of northern England later this month when some of the world's greatest daredevils gather for the Kendal Mountain Festival.</p> Hit & Run Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-i-could-be-verne-troyers-tall-girlfriend-but-he-likes-women-over-6ft-too-1818093.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-i-could-be-verne-troyers-tall-girlfriend-but-he-likes-women-over-6ft-too-1818093.html <p>You don't hear any references to midgets for years, and then three come along together.</p> Columnists Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/sam-dunn-whats-the-best-way-to-use-the-bank-of-mum-and-dad-1818091.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/sam-dunn-whats-the-best-way-to-use-the-bank-of-mum-and-dad-1818091.html <p><b>Question: I'm keen to buy a flat in Bristol but need financial help from my parents. Are there still any special deals allowing my father to be a joint signatory with me for a new residential mortgage? Or would it be easier for me to simply take his offer of help with a deposit. </b><i>CS, by email</i></p> Property Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000