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Racing to Witness the 2017 Great American EclipseOn 21 August 2017 at 1:27 pm, the author and her husband fled a parking lot in Nashville, Tennessee, to catch the fleeting moment of totality during the Great American Eclipse. After a frantic drive, they positioned themselves on a hilltop park, using a solar telescope and eclipse glasses to safely observe the moon’s silhouette covering the sun. Numbers Behind the Eclipse ExperienceDuration of totality: roughly 50 seconds before clouds obscured the view.2017 eclipse path: crossed the United States from Oregon to South Carolina.2024 eclipse in Mazatlán, Mexico: over four minutes of totality during a solar‑maximum corona.Future eclipses booked: Spain on 12 August 2026 and 2 August 2027 (the longest eclipse of the century, >6 minutes). Personal and Cultural Reverberations of TotalityThe sudden twilight, the visible corona, and the hushed silence of birds created a profound emotional response, moving the author to tears. She reflects on humanity’s long‑standing fascination with eclipses as omens and the power of predicting them. The experience reshaped her identity, prompting her to label herself an “eclipse hunter” and to seek further celestial events. Looking Forward: The Next Eclipse HuntsFollowing the 2024 Mexican eclipse, the astronomer has already booked trips to Spain for the eclipses on 12 August 2026 and 2 August 2027. The latter promises a six‑minute totality, a rare alignment that she anticipates will deepen her lifelong fascination with these cosmic spectacles.

The LeadRobert Smith, a distinguished pharmacologist and professor at St Mary's medical school in London (now part of Imperial College), has died aged 92. His groundbreaking work on how genetic variations affect drug responses helped shape the field of personalized medicine.The Discovery of Debrisoquine PolymorphismBob became well known for his role in the discovery of "debrisoquine polymorphism." In 1975, as one of five volunteer researchers who took debrisoquine, a blood pressure medication, he was the only one to suffer adverse effects (hypotension) and collapse. This led to the discovery of a genetic polymorphism where certain individuals cannot break down specific drugs efficiently. While Bob described this as an "accident waiting to happen," it positioned him at the forefront of pharmacogenetics.Awards and RecognitionSmith's contributions to pharmacology were formally recognized when he became the first recipient of the Paton prize in 1998 for his work in understanding how genes affect drug response. His academic achievements included becoming professor of pharmacology in 1978 and serving as deputy dean of the medical school from 1980-88.Impact on Medicine and SportsSmith's research fundamentally changed how medical professionals understand drug responses, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches. Beyond human medicine, he applied these principles to horse racing, chairing the UK Horserace Scientific Advisory Committee (1979-99) and its pan-European equivalent (1992-2005). He also served as a director of the Horseracing Forensic Laboratory in Newmarket during the 1990s, helping shape anti-doping protocols.Enduring LegacySmith never fully retired, continuing his research as emeritus professor until publishing his last paper in 2020. His legacy extends beyond scientific contributions to include the principles, warmth, kindness and generosity he embodied throughout his career. His work continues to influence pharmacology and personalized medicine, ensuring his impact will be felt for generations to come.

The Art Revolution That Started in a Car Park It's hard to imagine now, but there was a time when rooftop bars weren't really a thing. A time before pop-ups and contemporary outdoor sculpture parks. A time even, if you can bear to think of it, before immersive art. Way back in 2007, there was none of that – the UK was an experiential art wasteland. And then Bold Tendencies showed up, chucked a whole load of sculptures in a multi-storey Peckham car park, painted a staircase bright pink, built a cocktail bar on the roof, and changed everything. Two Decades of Transformative Art Now going into its 20th summer season, Bold Tendencies is celebrating two decades of sometimes sun-drenched, often windswept and drizzly arts programming. In that time, it has welcomed more than 3 million visitors into its concrete edifice behind Peckhamplex cinema, commissioned dozens of new artworks, hosted countless recitals and performances, built an auditorium and a concert hall, and drawn the roadmap for countless art experiences that have come in its wake. The Artistic Legacy And the art's not been too bad, either. Anthea Hamilton built a doorway to heaven through a man's splayed legs in 2010. Jess Flood-Paddock parked Del Boy's three-wheeled van on the roof in 2011. James Bridle flew a black balloon filled with wifi routers from the roof in 2014. Adam Farah-Saad installed a decorative retro water fountain in 2024. There have been piles of raw pigment, fluttering flags, wobbly walkways, heads on spikes. Almost all newly commissioned, and all free to see. Transforming the Cultural Landscape You can't overstate just how different, not only Peckham was in 2007, but the whole cultural landscape of the country. This was years before the likes of The Vinyl Factory or Frameless, and long before the Hayward and Tate were racing to the bottom to find the most TikTok-ready, Instagram-friendly exhibitions possible. The only large-scale sculptural commissions around back then were the fourth plinth and the Tate's annual Turbine Hall and Duveen projects. There wasn't really anywhere else to see new sculptural work by young artists. The Peckham Effect There also wasn't a lot going on in Peckham at the time. But what the area did have was a handful of project spaces, a single dive bar called Bar Story, seriously cheap rents and – thanks to being squeezed between Camberwell College of Arts and Goldsmiths – a lot of artists. Combined with a relative sense of isolation in the days before the London Overground, it boasted a fairly unique set of circumstances. "I found it to be a place of great possibility," says Barry. "And it still feels like that." The Visionary Behind the Movement Barry had been putting on exhibitions in a semi-derelict house on nearby Lyndhurst Way, and struck up a relationship with the people responsible for property in Southwark council. The council realised that artists could act as caretakers of empty, derelict buildings awaiting redevelopment, and Barry figured that those buildings could be used for art exhibitions. It's a model still followed today by other cultural charities, one that some consider the forward battalion in a wave of gentrification that has engulfed the city ever since. The Future of Public Art "Part of our responsibility in doing a project like this is to offer up the joy of feeling welcome to as many people as possible," says Hannah Barry, the driving force behind Bold Tendencies and owner of Peckham's longstanding Hannah Barry Gallery. "People come here for all sorts of different reasons and they may stay for a short time or stay for a long time. What matters is that they're curious enough to come." As Bold Tendencies enters its third decade, it continues to push boundaries and redefine what public art can be, proving that sometimes the most revolutionary ideas come from the most unexpected places.

The Impact of the Middle East Crisis on Holiday PlansThe Middle East crisis, now in its 11th week, has resulted in higher fuel prices for drivers and prompted fears of jet fuel shortages, rising air fares, and cancelled flights. Given the uncertain outlook, prospect of higher travel costs, and potential disruption, many people have changed their holiday plans.Changing Travel Plans Due to UncertaintyRaffaele Brancati, 77, from Wiltshire, delayed making a holiday booking to Italy or Sicily due to the geopolitical situation. He and his wife, Linda, 78, are now considering a break in the UK or travelling by train via Eurostar.Opting for Train Travel to Avoid DisruptionsDanie Jones, a senior administrator from East Anglia, and her husband initially planned to drive to Rotterdam and Munich but have decided to travel by train due to rising costs and uncertainty. They have also cancelled their annual trip to Gdańsk owing to the risk of disruption.Overland Travel to Avoid Flight CancellationsPhil and Alison Cantor from rural north Essex have decided to travel overland to Norway to avoid any flight delays or cancellations that could derail their non-refundable dream holiday. They are now embracing the change and calling it their 'race across the world'.Railway Journey with No Driving StressAsh, 33, from London, was planning a driving and camping holiday in the Alsace region of France but the rising fuel costs prompted a rethink. They are now looking forward to a railway journey with no driving stress, having found an affordable and efficient way to travel by rail.

The Tech Diplomacy Mission to BeijingPresident Donald Trump is embarking on a high-stakes visit to China this week, accompanied by an impressive delegation of American tech industry leaders. The guest list reads like a who's who of Silicon Valley and corporate America, suggesting that technology will be a central focus of discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, though potentially following any developments regarding the situation in Iran.A-List of Tech Titans Joining the Presidential DelegationThe presidential delegation includes some of the most influential figures in American technology. Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Meta's recently appointed president Dina Powell McCormick, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins, and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon are all confirmed to join the president.The Notable Absence of Jensen HuangSurprisingly absent from the delegation is Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia - the world's most important chip manufacturer. Huang, who has close ties to Trump, previously criticized US limitations on chip sales to China in an April interview, expressing concern that a "loser mentality" could cost America its edge in AI. His absence suggests that a major semiconductor deal may be less likely, though an announcement from Micron remains possible.Cook's Diplomatic Role and Apple's China SuccessTrump's inclusion of Tim Cook likely reflects a desire for a familiar face in high-stakes negotiations. Apple's iPhone 17 has proven enormously successful in China, driving the company's quarterly earnings to record highs. Despite moving some manufacturing to India and Vietnam, Apple still produces most of its products in China. In announcing his retirement, Apple highlighted Cook's diplomatic skills, noting that his future responsibilities would include dealing with world leaders, suggesting such diplomatic visits may become a regular feature of his post-Apple career.Following the Middle East Model for Tech DealsWhether Trump's China visit will replicate the flurry of tech deals that emerged from his May 2025 Middle East trip remains to be seen. The president is showcasing America's top business leaders - products of his hands-off approach to fostering technological innovation - while his administration simultaneously appears to be taking cues from China's more stringent approach to AI governance.US Embracing China's AI Regulatory FrameworkChina's AI laws require companies to submit their models to Beijing for review on both security and political sensitivity grounds, prohibiting content that the government finds objectionable. In a similar move, the White House is increasing its involvement with American frontier AI labs. Trump is reportedly considering an executive order that would require AI companies to submit their newest models for White House review. The administration has already announced deals with major players including Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and xAI for national security reviews of their latest releases through the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) at the Department of Commerce.Pentagon's Standoff with AnthropicThe relationship between the Pentagon and AI startup Anthropic continues to face challenges in court, as the startup expresses concerns about military applications of its technology while the Pentagon has designated the company as a supply chain risk. Vice President JD Vance has requested that Anthropic not expand access to its powerful cybersecurity-focused model Mythos beyond its initial list of partners, according to the Wall Street Journal, highlighting the growing tensions between AI innovation and national security concerns.

Fans who purchased the premium “hand‑signed” edition of Liza Minnelli’s memoir Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! are demanding refunds after discovering the signatures appear to be machine‑generated, raising doubts about the authenticity of celebrity‑signed collectibles. Fans Accuse Liza Minnelli Memoir of Autopen Signatures Copies marketed worldwide as “hand‑signed collectibles” were sold for up to $250 (£185). Buyers like Gareth Brown noted the uniformity of the signatures and, after comparing photographs, concluded the marks were unnaturally identical. Justin Steffman, CEO of authentication service AutographCOA, confirmed that the examined examples show no evidence of a human hand. Signature questioned by fans using tracing‑paper overlays. Publisher Grand Central Publishing and UK partner Hodder declined comment. Previous celebrity autopen scandals include Bob Dylan ($599 copies) and Sinéad O’Connor (stamp‑signed memoir). Financial Stakes: Autograph Market Valued Over $25 bn The global autograph market is estimated at more than $25 bn, driven by collectors willing to pay premiums for perceived rarity. The Liza Minnelli case involves premium editions priced at $250, illustrating the high‑margin nature of signed memorabilia. Premium edition price: $250 / £185. Typical collector‑grade signed books can command several hundred dollars. Recent scandals have eroded confidence, potentially affecting future sales volumes. Implications for Publishing and Collectibles Industry Publishers face reputational risk when authenticity claims are disputed. The lack of response from Grand Central Publishing and Hodder may prompt tighter verification protocols and clearer disclosure of signing methods. Potential legal exposure for false advertising. Increased demand for third‑party authentication services. Shift toward digital certificates of authenticity as a safeguard. Future of Signed Merchandise and Consumer Trust Analysts predict that collectors will become more skeptical, demanding transparent provenance for signed items. Publishers may adopt blockchain‑based tracking or partner with reputable authentication firms to restore confidence. Short‑term: Refund requests and possible class‑action suits. Mid‑term: Adoption of verifiable digital signatures. Long‑term: A more regulated market with higher consumer trust.

The Hantavirus Outbreak on the Cruise Ship A United States citizen who was on the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius cruise ship is the latest to test positive for the virus while a French traveller has developed symptoms as the ship is being evacuated and passengers are returning to their home countries. Evacuations and Testing Passengers began flying home on military and government planes after the ship anchored near Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, on Sunday. At least eight people who were on board the ship had earlier been confirmed or were suspected of having contracted the hantavirus. Three people have died while at least one person is in intensive care. The Investigation into the Outbreak Health officials are racing to determine where and how the outbreak may have started. The trail has led investigators to Argentina, from which the MV Hondius departed on April 1. The current outbreak is linked to the Andes strain, which is endemic in rural parts of South America. It is the only form known to spread between humans. Possible Sources of the Virus Local media in Argentina reported that the couple had visited a landfill site in Ushuaia, a popular tourist spot in southern Argentina’s Patagonia region, in search of a rare bird. There has been speculation that one person in the couple could have been exposed to rodent droppings there. However, local health officials in Ushuaia said this is unlikely, telling reporters that the area has not recorded a hantavirus case since 1996. The Impact on Passengers and Crew Planes flying out of Tenerife carried passengers from more than 20 countries. Spanish passengers were the first to be evacuated to a military hospital in Madrid while Norway sent an ambulance plane for its citizens. At least one of the 17 American passengers evacuated has tested positive for the virus but was not showing symptoms, US health officials said.

British households are bracing for a renewed cost‑of‑living squeeze as confidence in the economy hits its lowest level since autumn 2023, according to a new PwC survey.Survey Shows Sharp Drop in UK Consumer ConfidenceThe quarterly PwC survey, which tracks spending intentions and perceived financial health, recorded a confidence score of -13 in April, down from -1 in January. The score is the lowest since autumn 2023 and mirrors a rapid three‑month dip—the fastest since June 2022.Numbers Reveal Deepening Financial StrainAlmost 90% of the 2,068 respondents said they were concerned about the cost of living.80% plan to cut back spending in the next three months.Those who intend to drive less to save on fuel rose from 12% to 24% since January.Inflation measured by the CPI rose to 3.3% in March, up from 3% in February, above the Bank of England’s 2% target.Job vacancies fell for the 30th consecutive month, while permanent staff appointments dropped sharply in April.Confidence about household finances fell across all age groups, with a 20% decline in the share of under‑35s feeling financially healthy and a 9% rise in those reporting bill‑paying difficulties.Broader Economic Implications Amid Middle East ConflictThe dip in confidence coincides with heightened uncertainty from the ongoing Middle East war, which the Bank of England says will make higher inflation “unavoidable” by pushing up fuel, food and energy prices. Parallel surveys from GfK and US data show similar confidence slumps, underscoring a global ripple effect.Consumer‑facing sectors such as hospitality are hoping the summer World Cup will provide a temporary boost, while the jet‑fuel crisis may spur domestic staycations as international flights become cost‑prohibitive.What the Future May Hold for UK HouseholdsAnalysts expect sentiment to worsen before any relief, as energy and food costs remain elevated. If inflation stays above the Bank’s target, further monetary tightening could be delayed, leaving households to rely on behavioural adjustments—reduced travel, lower discretionary spend, and greater use of flexible work arrangements.Policymakers will need to balance inflation control with targeted support for the most vulnerable groups to prevent a deeper plunge in consumer spending and employment.

The Horror Crash That Ended Jay Vine's Giro d'ItaliaAustralian cycling star Jay Vine has suffered a broken elbow and concussion in a horror crash during the Giro d'Italia, forcing him to abandon the race. The UAE Team Emirates rider, who has endured 23 spills in his five-year career, was fortunate to avoid more serious injuries according to his team and wife.Details of the High-Speed CrashThe 30-year-old Vine was involved in a third serious crash in just 13 days of racing when he was brought down by teammate Marc Soler's slipping front wheel with 22km remaining in Saturday's stage. The high-speed crash occurred on a soaking right-hand turn, causing multiple riders to career into a roadside barrier."Unfortunately, we were badly affected by the crash on stage two yesterday," Dr Adrian Rotunno, UAE Team Emirates' medical director, said. "Jay Vine suffered a concussion and an elbow fracture. Marc Soler has a pelvic fracture. At this stage, neither should require surgery."Team leader Adam Yates also abandoned the race after suffering heavy abrasions and a laceration to his left ear, with delayed concussive symptoms appearing after initial clearance.Team Devastated but RelievedUAE Team Emirates, considered the peloton's most powerful outfit, was left decimated by the crash with three of their key members forced to abandon the race. The team expressed relief that the injuries, while serious, were not more life-threatening."Yesterday was honestly really scary," Bre Vine, Jay's wife, wrote on Instagram. "But the main thing is Jay is OK. Considering how bad that crash was, he's been relatively lucky to come away without anything more serious.""Unfortunately in this sport you can do everything right, be in the right position, and still end up on the ground," she added, highlighting the unpredictable dangers of professional cycling.Implications for the Giro d'ItaliaThe crash has significantly weakened one of the pre-race favorites for the overall classification. With Vine, Soler, and Yates all out of contention, UAE Team Emirates faces an uphill battle in the remaining stages of the race.The Giro arrives at its Italian home on Tuesday, following Monday's rest day, with stage four's 138-km ride from Catanzaro to Cosenza. The absence of three key riders from one of the strongest teams will undoubtedly affect the dynamics of the race.Recovery Road Ahead for VineDespite the severity of his injuries, Vine faces a positive recovery prognosis as he will not require surgery. The Australian will now focus on rehabilitation as he travels home to continue his recovery under medical supervision.This latest crash adds another chapter to Vine's accident-filled career, which has seen him endure 23 spills in his five years as a professional cyclist. His resilience will be tested as he works to return to competitive form following this latest setback.