Tag Archives: February 2024

The Economist Magazine – February 24, 2024 Preview

Is Europe ready?

The Economist Magazine (February 22, 2024): The latest issue features ‘Is Europe Ready’ – Russian aggression and American wavering reveal just how ill-equipped the continent is…

Is Europe ready to defend itself?

Russian aggression and American wavering reveal just how ill-equipped the continent is

Russia is becoming more dangerous, America is less reliable and Europe remains unprepared. The problem is simply put, but the scale of its solution is hard to comprehend. The security arrangements based on nato that emerged from the second world war—and have prevented a third—are so much part of Europe’s fabric that remaking them will be an immense task. European leaders urgently need to jettison their post-Soviet complacency. That means raising defence spending to a level not seen in decades, restoring Europe’s neglected military traditions, restructuring its arms industries and preparing for a possible war. The work has barely begun.

A memo to the chancellor

Pre-budget thoughts for Jeremy Hunt from a fictitious Treasury adviser

The Trump trials explained

The flimsiest of the cases is set to go first, and all face delays

Why sanctions disappoint

There is no substitute for military aid to Ukraine

Middle ages, misunderstood

There was more to the period than violence, superstition and ignorance, argues a new book

The growing peril of national conservatism

It’s dangerous and it’s spreading. Liberals need to find a way to stop it

Europe must hurry to defend itself against Russia—and Donald Trump

The ex-president’s invitation to Vladimir Putin to attack American allies is an assault on NATO. Ultimately, that is bad for America

Research: New Scientist Magazine – Feb 24, 2024

New Scientist Default Image

New Scientist Magazine (February 22, 2024): This issue features ‘The Human Brain’ – How it works, why it fails and the secrets to using it better…

New evidence finally reveals how male and female brains really differ

The strange truth about why thinking hard makes you feel exhausted

Why the brain’s microbiome could hold the key to curing Alzheimer’s

Supercommunicators review: Learning how to change deeply held beliefs

Are you truly healthy? These new tests provide the ultimate check-up

How we will discover the mysterious origins of life once and for all

With privacy concerns rising, can we teach AI chatbots to forget?

Politics: How Poland Is Changing Itself & Europe

The Globalist (February 22, 2024): Broadcast live from the Polish capital to assess the state of the fast-changing nation. We discuss the role that Poland has played in the diplomatic arena, take a look at Warsaw’s green ambitions with architect Marlena Happach and talk about the future of the media industry with voices from Polityka Insight and ‘Gazeta Wyborcza’.

Plus: Polish hospitality with Puro hotel.

The New York Times — Thursday, Feb 22, 2024

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Biden Mulling Plan That Could Restrict Asylum Claims at the Border

The action under consideration could prevent people from making asylum claims during border crossing surges. The White House says it is far from a decision on the matter.

Arizona Refuses to Send Murder Suspect to New York Over Bragg’s Policies

The Maricopa County attorney in Arizona said she would fight to keep a man who authorities believe bludgeoned a woman to death in a New York City hotel.

In Latin America, Guards Don’t Control Prisons, Gangs Do

Intended to fight crime, Latin American prisons have instead become safe havens and recruitment centers for gangs, fueling a surge in violence.

Where Hostage Families and Supporters Gather, for Solace and Protest

A plaza in Tel Aviv has become a home away from home. “If I don’t know what to do, I come here,” one relative said.

Health: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) Explained

The Independent (February 21, 2024): Studies show that the average British person consumes more than half of their calories from ultra-processed foods. Their consumption can cause extreme health issues and early deaths, putting a massive strain on health services across the world.

An evaluation of global dietary guidelines highlights the need for clearer warnings on what common foods fall under the ‘UPF’ banner. Some of them may surprise you. Today, Decomplicated examines what exactly defines ultra-processed foods, the impact they have on both society and the environment, and what can you do to minimize your consumption of them.

Previews: Country Life Magazine – Feb 21, 2024

Country Life Magazine – February 21, 2024: The ‘The Fine Arts Issue’ – Artists who say it with flowers and the AI debate; Wig law, daffodils and how does your hedgerow grow?….

Artificial art

With the technology powering artificial intelligence advancing so rapidly, what can artists do to protect their original work?

Blooming marvellous

Michael Prodger examines how flowers have inspired artists for centuries, from the ancient Egyptians up to the present day

On a wig and a prayer

The periwigs that were a 17th-century status symbol are still a mainstay of our legal system, as Agnes Stamp discovers

Hedge of eternity

They have long been used to contain cattle or define boundaries, but hedges can be beautiful, too, argues Charles Quest-Ritson

Trumpet majors

Alan Titchmarsh takes a wander with Wordsworth as he dreams of spring daffodils ‘fluttering and dancing in the breeze’

Norman Foster’s favourite painting

The architect falls under the spell of a gritty, but humorous work

All in a day’s work

Jamie Blackett is ready to man the barricades to scupper plans for an unwanted national park

Brothers in art

John Goodall applauds the restoration of Leighton House in London, which formed the hub of a 19th-century celebrity circle

Man of the world

Mary Miers follows the globe-trotting Sir John Lavery from Ireland to Africa and beyond

Follow your art

An inspiring oil painting was at the centre of a heist with a happy ending, reveals Carla Passino

Where be dragons?

A protective force in China and Wales, but a symbol of greed and evil in England: Lucien de Guise delves into dragon lore

The good stuff

Hetty Lintell celebrates the best of the Art Deco era with earrings old and new, but always modern

Is this London’s most exquisite hotel room?

The astonishing King’s Lodge suite at The Connaught is fit for a monarch, finds Rosie Paterson

Interiors

Amelia Thorpe shares the very best of London Design Week

A seed of an idea

Tilly Ware meets the wild-seed pioneer ‘nurturing the future’

A tower of thorns

Ben Lerwill finds the salt of the earth on the coast of Scotland

Kitchen garden cook

Melanie Johnson on rhubarb

Love and marriage

A real-life couple are in harmony on stage, finds Michael Billington

Arts/Books: Times Literary Supplement – Feb 23, 2024

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Times Literary Supplement (February 21, 2024): The latest issue features ‘The Unknown Leader’ – Fintan O’Toole looks for clues in a biography of Keir Starmer; Zelensky on the ropes; Ukraine’s rock star poet; Habermas and social media and The novel of the Year?….

News: G20 Meeting In Brazil, Burkina Faso-Mali-Niger Create New Alliance

The Globalist (February 21, 2024): G20 foreign ministers gather in Rio de Janeiro as a diplomatic spat engulfs Brazil and Israel. Then: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger juntas confirm their commitment to form a new tri-state confederation, the Philippines conducts joint air patrols with the US and we hear from Portugal’s foreign minister, João Cravinho on Ukraine and Israel.

Plus: the commercial airport set to open on Italy’s Amalfi Coast this summer.

The New York Times — Wednesday, Feb 21, 2024

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U.S. Vetoes Security Council Cease-Fire Resolution

The United States said the resolution could have disrupted its negotiations to free hostages and secure a temporary cease-fire, but its vote drew outcry from many diplomats and aid workers.

Supreme Court Won’t Hear New Case on Race and School Admissions

The decision, along with an order this month declining to block West Point’s admissions program, suggests that most justices are not eager to immediately explore the limits of its ruling from June.

Strongmen Find New Ways to Abuse Interpol, Despite Years of Fixes

The international police organization has toughened oversight of its protocols, which autocrats have used to pursue dissidents. But the autocrats have adapted.

Wife, Protector and Now Political Heir: Yulia Navalnaya Rallies Russians

The wife of Russia’s most famous opposition leader long shunned the spotlight, but his death in prison may make that impossible. “I have no right to give up,” she said.

News: Israel Sets Rafah Invasion Date, Russia’s Lavrov Tours Venezuela

The Globalist (February 20, 2024): Israel’s war cabinet sets a date for the ground invasion of Rafah, while Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, continues his Latin American tour in Venezuela. Sweden’s defence minister, Pål Jonson, tells us about his country’s path to Nato.

Plus: the EU’s mission to protect vessels against Houthi attacks, turmoil at Austrian property company Signa and a round-up of fashion news.