32 h. ago ‘We got upset, then we got angry’: the couple who took on one of the UK’s biggest cold

When clients started getting random calls about making personal injury claims, Jan and Michael Reed set out to discover who was stealing data from their family-run garageMichael and Jan Reed can remember the moment their family business received its first indelible blow. It was 2015 and three of their regular customers were standing in the reception of their accident repair centre in County Durham. It had been a busy period and, unusually, all three had come to collect their cars at the same time.One had got a call from an accident management company trying to persuade him to make a personal injury claim. Unusually, the caller knew the make and model of the car and the date of the accident. The second man said the same had happened to him. By the time the third customer confirmed he had also got the cold call, the three of them were pulling out their phones. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago ‘Like an academic’: private papers reveal John le Carré’s attention to detail

Exclusive: Oxford’s Bodleian libraries to put archive items on display for first time, celebrating spy author’s ‘tradecraft’The extent of John le Carré’s meticulous research and attention to detail are among insights into his working methods that will be revealed when the master of spy thrillers’ private archive goes on display for the first time this autumn.His classic cold war-era espionage novels have sold tens of millions of copies worldwide and inspired acclaimed films and television adaptations.John le Carré: Tradecraft opens at the Weston library, Bodleian libraries, on 1 October, running until 6 April 2026. An accompanying book, Tradecraft: Writers on John le Carré, will be released by Bodleian Library Publishing. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Freeman bags two tries as dominant Lions impress against Queensland Reds

Queensland Reds 12-52 British & Irish LionsElliot Daly forced off after taking a painful blowLet’s just say that a stiffer examination awaits the British & Irish Lions when their long-awaited Test series against Australia kicks off at this venue in just over a fortnight. The Queensland Reds had their moments in the first half but were put away with something to spare by an increasingly dominant visiting side.The Lions did blow hot and cold at times, still clearly striving for the all-important little connections that make such a massive difference at this level. But in Maro Itoje they had a captain clearly determined to lead from the front and a couple of tries for his England teammate Tommy Freeman helped the men in red rack up eight tries. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago I've started throwing a cup of cold water over my husband every time he keeps to his lazy bathroom habits

Most mornings, the unidentified woman steps in her shower expecting the water to come from the bath tap and heat up there but, as she told Reddit, she is instead met with a spray of cold water.

Politics

3 w. ago Ten times your cold might actually be something more serious

A blocked nose may just be something innocuous, but some doctors claim it could also be a sign of some underlying health issues

Politics

last month ‘Normal’ Cole Palmer assumes control of Chelsea’s attack from No 10

Modest 23-year-old still does not understand the fuss around him as he prepares to face Flamengo in the Club World CupCole Palmer sees himself as a normal kid. Strangers watch him with something close to fascination, though. What’s going on beneath the chilled exterior? The shrugging demeanour adds to the mystique. Kids copy the Chelsea attacker’s “cold” celebration. Interviewers walk away amused but bemused after spending time with him. What’s the story with those answers? Why are they all so short and sweet?The Philadelphia sun is beating down when Palmer mooches over for a quick chat at Subaru Park, where Chelsea are training before facing Flamengo in their second game at the Club World Cup on Friday. So, Cole, can you tell us why you walked out wearing a mask when the team plane landed in the US last week? Are you ill? Enzo Maresca, your manager, thinks you were playing a trick on everyone. Continue reading...

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