55 minutes ago ‘It was to make bank managers less uptight’: the toy that put Newton’s law on executive desks

The eccentric British design firm behind Ballrace, the bestselling shiny 1970s Newton’s cradle, is celebrated in a new bookSir Isaac Newton was a genius of science, but for many Britons of a certain age he is also fondly remembered for lending his name to a classic executive toy. In the 1970s, the steel five-ball Newton’s cradle became a must-have accessory in offices and homes, ushering in a fad for kinetic games and magnetic puzzles.Now a new book, Loncraine Broxton: Innovations & Executive Toys 1969-1997, published this month, tells the story of the eccentric British company that created these toys as the side hustle of an award-winning film director and an archaeologist. Continue reading...

Society

55 minutes ago How Nasa’s Artemis Accords are laying the ground for global space cooperation

Space’s agency has expanded its diplomatic reach in recent months, signing 12 of 45 signatories since JanuaryIt was a simple pledge made amid the excitement of a landmark moment in space exploration: “We go together,” Bill Nelson, the head of Nasa, promised the world as the agency prepared to launch Artemis 1, its first moon-capable rocket in more than half a century.Now, nearly two years on from that successful uncrewed mission, and as the US – despite delays – edges ever closer to placing humans on the lunar surface for the first time since 1972, the resonance of Nelson’s message has become clear. Continue reading...

Technology

1 hour ago 'World's oldest paper boy' finally retires at the age of 82 after seven decades in the job as there's 'nothing else to achieve'

Joe Wardman, 82, took over the family business with his mother following his father's death in 1964, running it until his retirement in 2011, working seven days a week.

Politics

1 hour ago Debt will overshadow IMF gathering as World Bank boss pleads for poorest countries

In Washington, finance ministers will face pressure for action to reduce their own debt and offer more resources to poorer nationsDebt, and why governments need to reduce it, will top the agenda at this week’s annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington.Finance ministers and central bank governors from around the world will gather in the US capital alongside thinktank and charity bosses to discuss the state of the global economy and its ability to generate a higher standard of living. Continue reading...

Economics

2 hours ago Parents warned of ‘persistent symptoms’ that could point to most common childhood cancer

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, also known as ALL, is one of the most common types of childhood cancers particularly for children aged 10 and under, according to Mayo Clinic specialists

Events

2 hours ago Storm Ashley barrels into Britain bringing 80mph winds and pounding rain as Met Office issues weather alerts and dozens of flood warnings issued

The country is battening down the hatches and preparing for the first named storm of the season which is 'likely' to bring with it a threat of injuries and danger to life.

Events

4 hours ago Liam Payne is honoured in memoriam at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees ceremony

The former One Direction star fell to his death from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, aged just 31.

Politics

4 hours ago Jenna Ortega inspires a 'soft goth' fashion revival: Here's how to style the trend from £18

With Halloween right around the corner, it's time to get into the spirit and what better way than to try out the 'soft goth' trend that has had a recent resurgence thanks to Jenna Ortega

Economics

4 hours ago Best climbing helmets for men and women to protect against falling rocks or debris

Hardshell climbing helmets, soft shell options and hybrid designs

Politics

4 hours ago Kamala Harris has a problem with men. Will misogyny cost her the election? | Simon Tisdall

After a rousing start to her campaign, the Democratic candidate is flatlining in the polls, and sexism could swing the vote in Donald Trump’s favourWill the unsurprising yet significant fact that Kamala Harris is a woman decisively tip the knife-edge US election in Donald Trump’s favour? Democrat jitters grow as the campaign enters its final two weeks. Polls predict a dead heat nationally. Trump is edging ahead in key battleground states. Misogyny, hidden and pernicious, may make a crucial difference.It’s frankly incredible that Trump, a convicted crook, cheat and sexual predator, is still in the race – and alarming that likeable, uninspiring Harris has not already sewn it up. Each day brings more wild Trump bombast about mass deportations, “enemies within” or pet-eating Haiti...

Politics