Scientists make huge Mars breakthrough with biggest clue yet red planet was once habitable

Science and Health

A tiny grain from a Martian meteorite known as Black Beauty suggests Mars may have been capable of supporting life.Researchers in Australia have uncovered what they said may be the oldest direct evidence of ancient hot water activity on the red planet.The scientists said the find shows Mars may have been habitable at some point.Their study, published in the journal Science Advances, involved the analysis of a 4.45 billion-year-old grain of zircon from the Martian meteorite NWA7034, called Black Beauty.The research team led by scientists at Curtin University, Perth, found geochemical “fingerprints” of water-rich fluids.Study co-author Dr Aaron Cavosie of Curtin’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences said the discovery opened up new avenues to understanding ancient Martian hydrothermal systems and the planet’s habitability in the past.Dr Cavosie explained researchers used nano-scale geochemistry to detect elemental evidence of hot water on Mars billions of years ago.He added: “Hydrothermal systems were essential for the development of life on Earth and our findings suggest Mars also had water, a key ingredient for habitable environments, during the earliest history of crust formation.”Using nano-scale imaging and spectroscopy, scientists identified elements in the zircon grain, including iron, aluminium, yttrium and sodium.These elements were added as the zircon formed 4.45 billion years ago, suggesting water was present during early Martian magma activity.Dr Carvosie said the study showed even though Mars’ crust endured “massive” meteorite impacts, causing major surface upheaval, water was present during the early Pre-Noachian period, before about 4.1 billion years ago.He added that a 2022 Curtin study of the same zircon grain found it had been “shocked” by a meteorite impact, marking it as the first and only known shocked zircon from Mars.The expert said: “This new study takes us a step further in understanding early Mars, by way of identifying tell-tale signs of water-rich fluids from when the grain formed, providing geochemical markers of water in the oldest known Martian crust.”

Gatwick airport security scare wrecks travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers

Travel

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreTens of thousands of passengers will wake up on Saturday where they did not intend to be after a security scare forced the evacuation of a large part of London Gatwick airport.At 8.20am on Friday, staff at South Terminal discovered a “suspected prohibited item” in a passenger’s cabin baggage. By 10.55am, police had ordered a security cordon and the evacuation of the building and adjacent railway station.At the world’s busiest single-runway airport, plans began to unravel immediately for many who were due to take off.Those who had already checked in and passed through security were able to remain “airside”, and many flights departed with fewer passengers than planned.But other passengers were ordered to leave the building. Some sought shelter from bitterly cold weather in car parks while others walked to North Terminal – about 15 minutes away.Check-in at South Terminal was suspended for more than four hours.North Terminal – the main base for easyJet, Emirates and Tui – continued to operate but many passengers faced severe problems reaching the airport. Gatwick has the UK’s busiest airport railway station, with over 50,000 passengers using it on an average day; while trains continued to run through it, they could not stop during the security alert.Thameslink trains added an extra stop at Horley, a small commuter station in Surrey, from which passengers could walk to North Terminal in 30 minutes – or pay a reported £30 for a two-mile journey.Eve and Alessandro, a couple from south London, were booked on Ryanair’s lunchtime flight to Alicante. They arrived at another nearby station, Three Bridges, and took a taxi to the only part of the airport they could access, North Terminal.“We’ve been waiting here for hours and our flight just keeps being pushed back,” Eve told The Independent.Their flight eventually left about three hours behind schedule.Meanwhile thousands of bewildered passengers were arriving by air at North Terminal. Arriving planes could park at South Terminal gates, but from there they needed to be bussed to the North Terminal for processing. Once through and in International Arrivals, they discovered there were very few onward travel options.Bomb disposal officers “made the package safe” and “two people who were detained … have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys,” Sussex Police said.Finally, at 2.45pm, South Terminal was cleared to be reopened. But before departing passengers could be allowed back in, security staff and UK Border Force needed to be back in their positions.The travelling public were allowed back in shortly after 3pm, at which point long queues built up at check-in and service desks – with disconsolate travellers learning that theirs were among the 80-plus flights that had been cancelled – many on British Airways, but with Vueling, Wizz Air and Ryanair also grounding planes.Nadira, a British Airways passenger to Malta, learnt at around 3pm that her flight was cancelled and she would be travelling on Saturday instead.“Everything has been badly handled, with no idea what’s going on,” she said. “Terrible communication.”Once again the lack of slack in the system in the UK’s aviation infrastructure has been exposed – while the airlines will pick up a bill for several million pounds in passenger care costs and lost revenue.

Inspiring adult learners; Casey concedes; Small business owners gather | Morning roundup

Business News

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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.

The Philadelphia School District’s Educational Options Program lets adults who dropped out years earlier take standard high school classes — literature, history, algebra, the whole gamut — and eventually graduate. Not by passing GED tests, but with a genuine diploma.The city is unusual in offering a full-fledged, free high school program for adults. BP’s Meir Rinde spoke to some of them about their paths away from, and toward, diploma. It’s a little “Friday Feel Good.” Continue reading… 

Kate Gillen, a teacher at South Philadelphia High School (center), teaches “Death of Salesman” to adult Educational Options Program students. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Despite having nearly 30,000 business applications from 2022 to 2023, Philadelphia is a relatively difficult city in which to start and maintain a business. Small business owners often need grants and other investments to get started, as well as help with financial and risk management planning. That’s why 100+ creative entrepreneurs and helpful professionals gathered at WHYY for a Bridging Blocks event focused on learning how to navigate these hurdles and connect with fellow aspiring small business owners. Continue reading…

WHYY reporter Brisa Luzzi Castro introduced the speakers and moderator to the eventgoers. (Kiersten Tate/Billy Penn)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Democrat Bob Casey conceded to Republican David McCormick in Pa. Senate contest that required a recount due to the tight race. [AP]
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• Pa.’s largest education union braces for a second Trump administration’s planned changes that could impact 1.7 million students. [WHYY] 

• Addiction treatment in Pa. prisons is improving, a new report shows, but experts say significant gaps remain. [WHYY] 

• Council member Rue Landau introduced a resolution to review possible safeguards for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized groups in Philly, in preparation for a second Trump presidency. A hearing will be held on the issue. [PGN/WHYY] 

• Philly has started a new task force to extinguish trash fires in Kensington while also helping the people who start them for warmth find a place to sleep. [WHYY] 

• 20 regional theater companies have embraced the arrival of “rush” ticket seller TKTS to the Independence Visitor Center, where discounted tickets are available up to 72 hours in advance of performances. [WHYY] 
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• Lily Fischer, co-founder and head baker at Fishtown’s Cake Life Bake Shop, emerged victorious on “Cookie, Cupcake, Cake” competition on Hulu. [PhillyVoice]

MAYOR WATCH

The Mayor will join:

The Urban Affairs Coalition, state and local elected officials and leaders to celebrate UAC’s collective impact over the last 55 years, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. (9 a.m.)Governor Shapiro, and state and local leaders to make a major announcement, at Frankford Transportation Center, 5223 Frankford Ave. (11 a.m.)City officials to announce the opening of Neighborhood Community Action Centers throughout the City, at Logan Public Library, 1333 Wagner Ave. (12:30 p.m.)GrubHub for a day of community service, Serving the City, aimed at providing hot meals to local students and families, at Cramp Elementary School, 3449 N. Mascher St. (3 p.m.)Community members at former Mayor Michael Nutter’s portrait unveiling. at City Hall (6 p.m.)

ON THE CALENDAR

🎶 Friday to Sunday, Nov. 22 to 24: Symphonie fantastiqueFrench composer Hector Berlioz was going to follow his family into medicine, but music called, and he answered. An innovative composer in his heyday, his work is now appreciated as the groundbreaking music it was. Listen to his work at the Philadelphia Orchestra. $25 to $121 tickets.

🏃 Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 23-24: Philadelphia Marathon and Other RunsThe Philadelphia Marathon includes four races, from a kids run, to the full 26.2-miler. Learn when and where to watch, and what to avoid.  
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😋 Saturday, Nov. 23: Gamelan Gita Santi Concert & Indonesian Food Pop-UpThis collaboration between Gapura Philadelphia and Modero&Co kicks off with a Food Pop-up at 12 p.m., then a concert at 3 p.m. at the PAX Center at Wolf and S. 18th Street. Free. (12 to 5 p.m.) 

🎄 Saturday, Nov. 23: Chestnut Hill Circle of TreesChestnut Hill’s seasonal celebration features Santa, the Woodmere Art Museum’s holiday exhibits, hot chocolate, cider, cookies and kid’s goodie bags, plus a holiday lighting ceremony! FREE, but donations welcome of a new, unwrapped toy or children’s book. (5:30 p.m.)

✨ Saturday to Sunday, Nov. 23-24: Holiday Art Star Craft BazaarUp to 80 craft vendors selling handmade goods perfect for holiday gift giving, plus food by local bakers and cooks, at Rivers Casino. Make your own crafts, too! Grab a tote bag and enter the raffle! $3 adults; Free for children under 12. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 

🎨 Sunday, Nov. 24: Free Museum Day at PAFAExplore PAFA’s exhibits “Philadelphia Revealed: Unpacking the Attic” and “Making Strange: Sacred Imagery and the Self” during this free day of educational fun. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

🎭 Monday, Nov. 25: MusiCoLab New Works Showcase XIIDiscover the original work of six local musical theater writing teams in this 12th  Showcase Series, held at the Proscenium Theater at The Drake. $21.40 tickets. (7 p.m.) 
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Catch up on the previous week

Recovery Science Makes New Discoveries, Promising Athletes More Success

Science and Health

The world of sports and fitness is a competitive one with athletes trying to gain an edge in any way they can. Social media stars are always looking for ways to improve their ability to recover after a strenuous training session or competition match. Previously, the best advice was simple to rest, but that may soon be changing. New breakthroughs in recovery science are altering the game, offering new strategies sportspeople can use to boost their ability to bounce back to peak performance. “The level of new technology coming down the pipeline is extraordinary,”  says Running Reviews, a website that provides detailed information on sports products. “We’re seeing things that weren’t imaginable just a decade ago becoming mainstream, thanks primarily to advances in exercise science.”
Currently, industry insiders are impressed by gadgets, like compression boots. These are popular among runners who get through hundreds of miles per month, and are essential for long-distance running training. 
“Compression boots work by using changeable air pressure to inflate and deflate across the leg. The idea is to create a rippling effect that pushes on the blood vessels inside the leg, encouraging them to return spent blood back to the heart,” Running Reviews explains. “The ultimate goal is to reduce muscle soreness, cut down on swelling, and speed up recovery times to improve circulation.”
Compression boots aren’t dangerous when used correctly. However, industry analysts say it is always wise to consult with healthcare professionals before using them. Some medical conditions may present a risk. 
Of course, compression boots aren’t the only gadget being driven by recovery science to help athletes return to the field sooner. All sorts of new technologies are on the rise. 
Cryotherapy is one such approach that is seeing more interest from the healthcare and sports professions. Breakthroughs in various clinics and labs are permitting more targeted and effective approaches tailored to individual bodies. Devices allow their owners to change settings for more targeted cooling, reducing inflammation and boosting circulation higher than baseline. 
“Cryotherapy has the advantage of being safe and effective while co-opting the body’s natural immunological response,” says Running Reviews. “Whenever you cool tissues, you immediately douse the inflammation, which could be helpful for people with more extreme responses to training stimuli.”
Light therapy is also presenting recovery breakthroughs on similar lines. So-called photobiomodulation has found that using red and infrared wavelengths accelerate tissue repair and reduce muscle soreness more effectively. 
It works similarly to the red light therapy found in many spas and beauty clinics. Shining light in specific wavelengths appears to enhance the skin, causing a favorable response. However, the same is true of muscle tissue and circulation, allowing more reparatory factors and nutrients to reach affected sites. 
“It’s no wonder the popularity of home-based infrared systems is exploding in recent years,” Running Reviews explains. “Real science now backs up claims that were once purely the realm of fiction and hear-say.”
The digital revolution is also playing a role in recovery, promising athletes more success in the future. These devices are helping to qualify the exercise process in ways that weren’t possible before. 
The fact that big tech names, like Apple, are putting their might behind wearable recovery trackers means that solutions are becoming increasingly potent. Wristwatches can track numerous variables including heart rate variability, sleep quality, and blood metrics to determine likely recovery times after prolonged exercise sessions. These then feed data into smartphones and companion apps, describing progress and fitness in more detail. 
Many recovery plans are AI-driven, taking device data and using it to plot an optimal course for individuals. Machine learning is usually better able to crunch the numbers and develop compelling and realistic plans than individuals trying to estimate their personal fitness levels. Again, this technology can create bespoke recovery schedules and nutrition plans to assist in the particular issues users face unique to them. 
Medicine itself could also offer athletes more success by reducing recovery times. Regenerative techniques offer a bright future for anyone who finds it challenging to minimize the effect of training on their body. 
“Platelet-rich plasma is one of the most promising areas of this field today,” says Running Reviews. “Clinics inject stem cells from the patients’ body into target tissues, causing them to behave more youthfully over time. This approach then allows muscles and joints to recover faster, allowing strength athletes to get back to the gym sooner.”
Those with injuries can also benefit. Using PRP and stem cells allows tissues to re-form in the right place and amount. 
The research going into the future is also tantalizing for many young athletes. Companies and researchers are promising incredible new technologies that will make life even better for those interested in sports. 
For example, we’re likely to see a growth of mental health tools to help athletes make it through challenging periods in their professional life. Devices are offering mindfulness and biofeedback to allow sporting professionals to maximize their recovery periods and ensure that their minds aren’t releasing cortisol.
Environment-based recovery is also seeing more popularity. Sports personalities know that changing their surroundings can have a profound impact on their bodies and cellular health. 
For example, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generating interest. Research shows that it is one of the most potent recovery environments, helping close-to-death dogs return to a normal state of health. 
Many athletes are also prioritizing time in nature, going to lakes, mountains, and rivers to feel a sense of tranquility. This sensation changes the hormonal makeup of the body, prioritizing rest and repair over fight or flight. 
In summary, recovery is no longer something that is taking a backseat role in an athlete’s success. In fact, many now view it as just as critical as training sessions. Getting it right reduces the risk of burnout and allows sports personalities and enthusiasts to continue doing what they love long-term.
“Science is showing us that it is possible to change the recovery process for the better,” says Running Reviews. “It is just a matter of athletes educating themselves and getting the proper information.
–
This post brought to you by Atif Sharif
Photo by nappy on Pexels

Leon Thomas Breaks Down His ‘Science’ of Hit-Making — and What His Latest Grammy Win for SZA Taught Him (Exclusive)

Science and Health

Leon Thomas released his sophomore album, Mutt, on Sept. 27.The Grammy-winning songwriter has since been touring the U.S. on his first sold-out string of solo shows”It’s a beautiful thing to be here now,” Thomas tells PEOPLE of the current moment in his career
For Leon Thomas, there’s a “science” to crafting great music. Just as he jokes there’s a “science” to conducting interviews mid-haircut.

While backstage at his sold-out gig at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in his home turf of Brooklyn, the 31-year-old R&B hit-maker couldn’t help but laugh about squeezing together two parts of his schedule in order to make things work — a quick haircut he needed ahead of some on-camera appearances the next day, and his interview with PEOPLE.

Thomas’ pre-show schedule adjustment only makes sense for someone whose career is taking off the way his has in recent years. While the multi-hyphenate has been a familiar face in Hollywood since his breakthrough work on Nickelodeon and a fixture in the music industry with his production and writing credits for the likes of Drake, Ariana Grande and SZA, his latest chapter is proving that he’s just as capable of dishing solo hits and commanding rooms of fans with a guitar and live band. And, from the look of his latest sold-out shows, the music is clearly resonating.

“The most interesting part of that science [of writing] is that you don’t have to play by the rules of what everybody else is doing,” Thomas tells PEOPLE in the venue’s greenroom on Nov. 13. “You can stand on your own two feet and dare to be different. And it may take a second, but people usually pick up that frequency of freedom.”

Leon Thomas.
 Raymond Alva

As he promotes his sophomore album Mutt, released in September, Thomas is now performing to fans across the U.S. on his own, and they’re showing out for him in numbers he hasn’t seen before.

“After the shows, I definitely have those exhale moments that are just so beautiful, seeing sold-out crowds and people enjoy the music and really identify with it. It’s something I dreamt of, something I have on my wall,” he says. “It’s a beautiful thing to be here now..”

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While the singer-songwriter has a long history of working behind-the-scenes and lending his talents to others’ projects, he says he’s become “comfortable” on stage solo, especially in Brooklyn. After all, growing up in Park Slope, he attended several local concert series with his family, and even caught a glimpse of a six-song Prince set at the age of 12. “It was s— like that that really helped me understand it and want to hit the stage, prepared and ready to go,” Thomas says of Prince, who he saw again years later at The Forum in Los Angeles. “He’s definitely my hero. I wish I could have met him.”

He may not have gotten the chance to rub shoulders with Prince, but Thomas’ list of collaborators (including people he refers to as “actual legends”) seems to grow longer each time he releases new solo material. Beyond Ariana Grande’s “Nasty,” Giveon’s “For Tonight” and Drake’s “Pipe Down,” Thomas notably co-produced SZA’s “Snooze” and earned the Grammy Award for best R&B song in 2024 as a result.

That trophy is now sitting in a cabinet in his home as a reminder of how far he’s come. “I really do my best not to let that get too in my head because it’s so much work to do,” Thomas says. “And it is a blessing to be up there [at the Grammys] representing SZA. But I’d really love to be up there as an artist one day. So I’m working hard.”

Leon Thomas.
 Raymond Alva

Awards mean a lot to Thomas, but he tells PEOPLE he’s keeping his current focus on “building a community” of fans with his solo material — something he’s continuing to do with Mutt.

The project, partly inspired by “psychedelic-sounding records” of the ’60s and ’70s, is a product of Thomas’s overall listening habits, relationship status changes and, in a sense, his dog. It also marks his first solo offering since the Grammy victory and his second album while signed to Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records / Motown.

“I’m trying to create that psychedelic feeling in R&B and it’s a really tough thing because the genre is pretty iron clad,” he says. “They like certain colors, certain vibes, certain things, but I’m doing my best to dare to be different.”

During the two-year process behind the album — which he ultimately started while wrapping up his 2023 project Electric Dusk — Thomas soundtracked his life with music from the Alchemist, Madlib, Freddie Gibbs and Griselda, while also diving into some Black Sabbath and Roy Ayers during the latter half of the creative process. He’s also been just as big on documentaries in recent years, including a documentary on the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But Thomas, while starting to record footage of his own journey, has a “theory” about keeping cameras around his orbit too much as his career progresses.

“It’s almost like quantum physics,” he says. “When eyes are watching, the molecule changes and I think the same is for making music. You might show off a little bit more. And I think it’s not about showing off, it’s about being vulnerable and real and honest and getting a genuine product. A lot of my sessions, I’m in a room by myself with ideas from people all over the world and I’m putting it together, but I need that solitude to do my thing.”

Whether or not fans will get to see some of Thomas’ behind-the-scenes process in the future, Mutt alone already showcases his songwriting at his most vulnerable. And fans are connecting with it. The title track has cracked 16 million streams on Spotify, has grown legs on TikTok by soundtracking nearly 20,000 videos and leads fans into an album that features a mighty string of collaborations, from the Wale-featuring “Feelings on Silent” to “Far Fetched” featuring Thomas’ pal Ty Dolla $ign.

The album title itself is thanks in part to Thomas’ own mutt: his German Shepherd and Husky mix, Terry. The pup was a gift from his ex-girlfriend, and while Thomas says he “represented the deterioration of that whole situation,” he’s enjoying seeing the dog’s personality as time goes on.

“I’ve been so busy with things, he’s not super trained, but he’s a good kid. I love my dog. A whole lot,” Thomas says, before sharing that he indeed sees a bit of himself in Terry.

He adds: “I’m a free spirit. I want to do what I want to do. He’s a good dog. He doesn’t always do the right thing, but he does have good intentions.”

Mutt — the album, not the dog — marks what Thomas is calling just “one chapter” in a career that’s sure to see more homecomings in the future. As he explains, he hopes people from “every walk of life” can resonate.

“It may not be the most PG album I’ve ever done, but I think there’s elements for different demographics, just knowing that I needed something for the young people and something for the real R&B heads, the OGs, the lovers of vintage funk and the real singers,” he says of his target audience. “Sometimes you try to guess what people would want from you, but I’m glad that I’m in a position where I could just honestly be myself and it worked out.”

“It’s really soundtrack music, so I’m just hoping people fall in love to it. Heal from breakups to it. If we can continue to build together, this will just be one chapter of many in a long series of books.”

Mutt is now available via Motown / EZMNY Records.

Why was Jamie Oliver’s children’s book taken off shelves?

Arts & Culture, Books

Photo by Rocket Weijers/Getty Images for Royal Caribbean

Like every other British celebrity, Jamie Oliver has been busy writing children’s books. His first, Billy and the Giant Adventure, came out last year. It follows a child called Billy and a bunch of his friends who find a secret wood full of fairies and strange creatures that need their help – that kind of thing. The second, Billy and the Epic Escape, came out in May. You can’t buy it any more, though. Last week the publisher, Penguin, recalled all copies from sale worldwide, due to its portrayal of First Nation Australians.

Oliver, a man with few connections to Australia, had no particular reason to set himself up for this failure. And for Penguin to pulp every copy of the book, in all countries, it seems like he has failed on a grand scale. The book has been condemned by groups such as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation for “trivialising” the “complex and painful histories” of real children who were forcibly removed from First Nation families, for implying that such families are neglectful of their children and money-grubbing, and for perpetuating stereotypes of First Nations people as possessing mystical abilities, such as mind-reading. Oliver and Penguin apologised for what the publisher described as “publishing standards” that “fell short”.

What? How did a TV chef from Essex manage to step on this particular rake? What’s Jamie Oliver written a book about First Nation Australians for? What on Earth has he written to prompt a publisher to wipe it from sale? And is Jamie Oliver any good at writing children’s books, aside from its, er, apparent accidental racism?

Getting my hands on Billy and the Epic Escape wasn’t easy. Book pulping moves fast. Canny hawkers have listed signed “first edition” (last edition?) copies for sale for upwards of £100 online. I also, curiously, found I could read it online in German, a language I don’t speak.

Eventually I found a hard copy, for the somewhat unreasonable sum of £45, on eBay. The plot of Billy and the Epic Escape is that four children – Billy, Jimmy, Anna and Andy – are able to travel to a secret woodland world where there are gardens tended by giants called Growers. The Growers turn out to be children from all over the world, who were kidnapped to tend gardens that supply food to a dystopian city which we don’t learn much about. An evil ginger woman with magical powers called “Scary Red” oversees them, in exchange for a potion that keeps her looking young forever which she takes every 24 hours. There is also a source of infinite energy in this world that she wants to get her hands on, and the children have to stop her.

As this summary might suggest, the book is not very good. Young minds haven’t lost out by this book not making it into their hands. There’s too much going on, the characters all speak in the same way, the world-building is patchy and unsatisfying, and the dialogue deals mostly in thudding exposition and moral lessons delivered with all the subtlety of a punch in the mouth. The children are always coming out with phrases you might find on inspirational Instagram posts, such as “I know that pain can be the greatest teacher” and “looking after each other is what friends do”. Many, many children’s books are better written and more nuanced.

But the thing that is especially bonkers about this whole debacle is that First Nation Australians are not remotely integral to the book’s plot. Halfway through, the villain realises she needs to kidnap a new child to become a Grower, and decides to visit the “Borolama community” in Alice Springs, or Mparntwe, in Australia. “First Nations children seem to be more connected with nature – so their gardens produce not just quantity, but quality,” she says to herself. When she gets there, she poses as a charity worker giving funds to community growing projects and, by dangling the promise of such funds, convinces a First Nations woman to leave her alone with a child called Ruby, who she then drugs and kidnaps. Ruby, it turns out, has an inherent understanding of the magical world she finds herself in, and a connection to nature’s power, which in the book is called “the Rhythm”. “‘Ever since I was a little girl, I was always able to feel what people were thinking,’ she explains, ‘And I can feel it even more with plants and animals. My mum always told me that’s the indigenous way.’” During her brief time in the book, Ruby is presented as an eerily mature, flatly angelic font of ancient wisdom due to her indigenous background. “‘Look after the Rhythm, and the Rhythm will look after you,’ said Ruby.”

It clangs. Oliver does not have the writing ability to pull off a nuanced portrayal of (I fear) anybody at a register appropriate for children. Why would he? He is a chef.

That said, and far be it from me to pity a man much richer and more successful than I will ever be, reading the book made me feel just a little sorry for him. There are flashes of the thing Jamie Oliver really knows and cares about amid all the inept fantasy world-building: food. One of the giants cooks a “grisotto”: “I cut a pumpkin in half and put it on the fire so the outside burns, but the inside goes sweet and soft. Then I stir that through grains from the edge of the garden. Oh, I think I might even still have a bit of salted cheese in the shed.” At one point, one of the kids pushes a “handful of squished Garibaldis under the tiny space beneath the door” to feed someone stuck inside a room. Andy shows another child how keeping a toastie between his bum cheeks provides just enough body heat to melt the cheese. And at the back, there are recipes linked to the book like “Bilfred’s garden soup” and “Andy’s special cheese toastie” (minus the bum cheeks).

All this is endearing, and reads like it was written by someone who understands what they’re writing about. Books are best when they’re written by someone with specific passion and talent. Children’s writing should be a profession in its own right, not something that rich and famous people do in their spare time. Instead, we have supermarket rows of mediocre books authored by stars that stores feel confident will sell on the basis of parental name recognition, rather than because children might actually find them compelling. The whole circus degrades the quality of the literature that is most readily available to kids.

Oliver said he was “devastated” to have caused hurt, and that it was “never [his] intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue”. I’m sure it wasn’t. But this was a can of worms he didn’t need to open, and shouldn’t have. One small mercy, though. Perhaps this will be a lesson to the small number of remaining celebrities who have not authored a children’s book. Stick to what you’re good at.

[See also: The dismal world of David Walliams]

Topics in this article :
Children’s books

Abans Environmental Services secures prime spot in Sri Lanka’s premier business directory for 2024/25

Business News

SLT-Services Chief Officer – Digital Services Upul Manchanayake (second from left) presents the latest Rainbow Pages Business Directory to Abans Environmental Services Managing Director Phiroze Pestonjee (third from right) at the contract signing ceremony, joined by Abans Head of Branding and Communications Vipula Gunaratne and SLT-Services representatives

Abans Environmental Services Ltd. (AES), the leader in janitorial and related services in Sri Lanka, has strengthened its position as a key advertiser in the upcoming release of Rainbow Pages, the National Business Directory 2024/25, presented by the SLT-Mobitel Group. As one of the top clients of the National Business Directory, Abans Environmental Services Ltd recognises the value and potential of this comprehensive marketing platform.Established in 1985, Abans Environmental Services (Pvt) Ltd has solely focused on providing customers with services of the highest standard. The company emphasizes administering smart sanitation solutions with a high degree of professionalism, setting new standards for cleaning services across the country.Scheduled for release by the end of the year, Rainbow Pages, the National Business Directory 2024/25, promises to be the most updated and extensive business directory in Sri Lanka. Under the contract, Abans Environmental Services Ltd. will enjoy a range of online and offline advertising options and potential marketing solutions tailored to their needs, including digital marketing strategies, web solutions, e-commerce, shopping cart, and content development services.Managed by Sri Lanka Telecom (Services) Ltd., (SLT-Services), a subsidiary of the SLT-Mobitel Group, Rainbow Pages, the National Business Directory, caters to Micro, Small, and Medium Businesses (MSMBs), offering various advertising formats such as online, eBook, call centre, and printed book options. This directory is renowned for its comprehensive coverage, featuring over 10,000 daily online searches and 6,000+ business listings across diverse sectors, including government institutions and places of worship.One of the standout features of the Rainbow Pages Directory is its provision of verified contact details, enhancing the local search experience for users. Additionally, listed businesses benefit from search engine optimisation (SEO), enabling them to maximise their online visibility and reach. Furthermore, the directory provides eligibility for government tenders, opening up new opportunities for growth and development.SLT-Services, with its focus on digital marketing and web development solutions, is poised to deliver exceptional value to its clients. For more information about Rainbow Pages, the National Business Directory, and its advertising options, interested parties can visit www.rainbowpages.lk or contact the hotline at 011 239 9399.

Consulate General in Karachi facilitates visit of Pakistan business delegation to Sri Lanka

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The Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Forum (PSLBF), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Karachi, organised the visit of a Pakistan business delegation to Sri Lanka from 28 to 31 October. The visit of the 18-member delegation, representing 15 companies from export, import, and investment sectors was aimed at strengthening business relations between the private sectors of both countries.The program in Colombo was facilitated by the Sri Lanka Pakistan Business Council (SLPBC), which hosted a Pakistan Business Forum on 29 October at Hilton Colombo Residencies. During the forum, key strategies to promote bilateral trade and investments were discussed, including leveraging free trade agreements and streamlining trade processes.The event was attended by Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, Jagath Abeywarna, SLPBC President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, and Council members, PSLBF President Muhammad Rehan, along with other private sector representatives. Following the forum, a B2B session was held to facilitate direct interaction and networking among private sector companies from both countries.A key highlight of the visit was the courtesy call paid on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at her office. During this meeting, discussions focused on increasing collaboration between the private sectors of Sri Lanka and Pakistan to further enhance trade relations between the two countries. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Secretary to the Prime Minister, G. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce M.M. Nayeemudeen and, Acting Director General (South Asia and SAARC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Niluka Kadurugamuwa.The delegation also engaged in productive discussions with Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusuf and High Commissioner of Pakistan in Colombo, Major General (R) Faheem Ul Aziz.Throughout the visit, the delegation expressed interest in fostering partnerships in sectors such as automobile components, rubber products, agricultural goods, and electrical and electronics. Additionally, they explored the possibility of partnerships in the services sector, while establishing valuable business contacts that will play a significant role in enhancing bilateral trade and investment collaborations between the two countries.

Protect your business from cyberattacks with insurance

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Cyberattacks make big news because they often lose businesses big money.Take, for instance, the CDK cyberattack earlier this year. The dealership software provider went down for nearly a month and lost dealerships more than $1 billion, according to Anderson Economic Group.Insurance policies can help cover some of a loss — if they’re written properly.What does insurance cover?Rex Benfield, executive vice president of Paladin Business Consulting, a vendor-neutral technology company, says most insurance policies come down to what you want to cover.Cyber policies can help protect businesses against losses resulting from a cyberattack. They can include coverage for data breaches, attacks on data held by vendors and other third parties, cyberattacks at home and abroad, terrorist attacks and more, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says. Optional coverage may include features such as lawsuit defense and breach hotlines.[RELATED: Best practices for distributors to reduce cyberattacks]“The biggest thing in looking for a cybersecurity policy is what exactly you’re wanting to cover,” Benfield says. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.”Nikki Ingram, AVP head of cyber risk services for Zurich Resilience Solutions and SpearTip and keynote speaker at the 2024 Successful Dealer Award Summit, says the good news is there’s some overlap in deciding what coverage you need with formulating the general requirements for a security program.“A big thing with insurance, and it also goes with cyber management in general, is to have a formal, documented plan,” Ingram says. “It doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be complicated.”[DOWNLOADABLE: Sample Incident Response Policy]Your insurance broker can not only help you decide what coverage you need, but also help set up a plan to show you did your due diligence, having the governance piece in your coverage plan and documented to the best of your ability.“Most are quite happy to work with you,” Ingram says.Finding coverageBenfield approaches the same problem from the company’s perspective, helping his clients find what the company needs to have, wants to have and what they can do without, before tackling the underwriting process on behalf of his client.He says some applications can be several pages long and the insurers themselves are “kind of picky,” with terms and conditions that must be met before underwriting can take place.That’s part of the due diligence Ingram spoke of.She says there are two kinds of policies available: First-party coverage and third-party coverage. First-party coverage protects a business’s data, the FTC says, including costs such as legal counsel, recovery and replacement of lost or stolen data, customer notification and call center services, lost income, crisis management and public relations services, extortion and fraud, forensic services, and any fines or fees related to the incident.Third-party coverage protects a business if a third party brings claims against it. This covers things such as payments made to customers affected by the breach, claims and settlement expenses related to disputes or lawsuits, defamation losses or losses related to copyright or trademark infringement, costs for litigation and responding to regulatory inquiries, accounting costs and more, the FTC says.Ingram says business owners should, of course, always read over the policies to fully understand what they cover and what they don’t. Typically, she says, policies do not cover any activity related to prior breaches or technology system improvements, even if they improve system security.[DOWNLOADABLE: Sample Security Awareness and Training Policy]Speaking of reading terms and conditions, Ingram says to carefully scour those of any third-party solutions you use for backups.“I’m a big supporter of technology and leveraging where possible, but are you doing due diligence so it helps you and doesn’t hinder you,” Ingram says. She advises policyholders to read those terms so they know their data is safe.Take advantage of servicesIngram says some insurers may also offer value-added services to help business owners sort through what can seem like an overwhelming amount of information. Zurich, for example, will do things such as offer a complementary incident response workshop or a 30-day cloud monitoring service.Brokers also are more than happy to help businesses improve their security and adjust premiums as they go.Benfield says some business may need to put certain services in place to become insurable, and those practices also can improve their security. These include employee training, vulnerability testing, penetration testing and response plans. He recommends vulnerability testing be done monthly or quarterly and penetration testing done every six months to annually.[DOWNLOADABLE: Sample Cyber Incident Response Plan]“You may have started one premium, but as you mature your cybersecurity program, carriers can quote you more competitively,” Ingram says.Even if businesses don’t think they need coverage, Ingram encourages them to consider the bigger picture. Imagine a threat actor, she says, and what they’re likely to go after. Can they monetize any information directly from your business or can they use it as a launchpad to bigger companies you work with? An example would be getting customer information from hacked systems and sending invoices, pretending to be the hacked business, and collecting customers’ money.“You’ll see a lot of cyber policies that may have some other elements,” Ingram says. “Work with your broker on understanding what exactly is your need and coverage.”