Reading enjoys a lockdown renaissance - but small bookshops are still struggling

Whether it is fiction, crime or the classics, reading is enjoying a renaissance in lockdown.

Hong Kong tensions end winning streak for global stock markets - business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, amid heightened tensions between the US and China over Hong Kong China pledges to ‘support’ Hong Kong’s police as US warned not to interfere UK says it will extend Hongkongers’ visa rights if China pursues security laws 9.19am BST The final reading of Italy’s Q1 economic growth has been revised lower from -4.8% to -5.4%, compared to a year earlier.

Steve Bell on Donald Trump's social media threat – cartoon

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Coronavirus: Why we're using llamas and 'nanobody' technology to help fight the pandemic

Our aim is to generate llama nanobodies that bind to proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, writes Gary Stephens, from the University of Reading

Lady Gaga’s collaboration with BLACKPINK Sour Candy drops a day before Chromatica release

We were only just recovering from Lady Gaga’s stormer of a collaboration with Ariana Grande. But now we’ve been hit by Gaga’s song with BLACKPINK, and we’re shook all over again. Sour Candy, the popstar’s collaboration with the K-pop girlband, features on Gaga’s new album Chromatica, and a day before the album’s release, the audio for the song was dropped on Tidal and Gaga’s YouTube channel. Gaga also shared the video on Twitter, with a graphic reading: ‘LADY GAGA WITH BLACKPINK.’ Lyrics: ‘Sour candy, so sweet till I get a little angry’, and it’s a song that just makes us want to go to the club. (Too bad they’re all closed.) The dance banger samples What They Say by Maya Jane Coles, which was previously heard in Katy Perry’s Swish Swish and Girls Like by Tinie Tempah and Zara Larsson.  And there’s some signature BLACKPINK flair on the track, with Jisoo singing in Korean.

Steve Bell on England's track-and-trace strategy – cartoon

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League One: University of Reading experts predict 'final table' without coronavirus

How would League One have ended without coronavirus? Experts at University of Reading predict the 'final table'.

Hong Kong ramps up security ahead of controversial bill reading

Protesters were urged to disrupt proceedings in an attempt to derail the bill's second reading.

Hong Kong on edge before National Anthem Bill: Live updates

Riot police surround Hong Kong's legislature as protest threat looms over second reading of controversial bill.

Tenet Director Christopher Nolan Reveals That His Film's Plane Crash Is Very Real

Christopher Nolan is a director who is given a lot of leeway over the projects he's allowed to make within the Hollywood studio system, and the latest news about his upcoming movie, Tenet, serves as a great example of this. In the latest cover story for Total Film magazine (as summarized on Gamesradar), for a scene involving a plane crashing into a hangar--which is alluded to in the film's second trailer--Nolan decided that the best way to get the stunt on film was to simply buy a Boeing 747 and then crash it. Nolan says in the interview that he originally "planned to do it using miniatures and set-piece builds and a combination of visual effects and all the rest," but once he calculated costs, he decided that it would "be more efficient" to buy and crash a real plane on camera. Continue Reading at GameSpot

Steve Bell on Dominic Cummings’ press conference — cartoon

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Frequent flyer reveals what it's like to fly business from Heathrow to NYC during Covid-19 crisis

A frequent flyer live-blogged his business class trip from Heathrow to New York via Amsterdam to 'demystify what it's actually like out there during Covid-19' - and it makes for fascinating reading.

Reading: Championship club’s first-team players agree wage deferral

Reading's first-team players agree to defer "a substantial percentage" of their wages for three months.

Brian May 'feels like he died and went to his own funeral' as he discusses aftermath of heart attack

The Queen guitarist, 72, returned to social media on Tuesday to thank fans for their support and well-wishes after revealing he had a heart attack, as he likened the messages to reading funeral tributes.

Singapore warns of worst economic contraction since independence

Singapore's embattled economy could shrink by as much as seven percent this year, which would be the worst reading since independence, with the government saying Tuesday the coronavirus pandemic had throttled the key export sector.

Tuesday briefing: 'I don't regret what I did'

Cummings digs in at extraordinary press conference … dementia gene linked to Covid-19 risk … and living through pandemic in an iron lung Hello, Warren Murray here and you are not breaching any guidelines by reading this – but make sure it’s on your own device, or one recently sanitised.

Loader to leave Reading with PL clubs on alert

Wolves are among a number of Premier League clubs considering a move for Danny Loader, who is to leave Reading when his contract expires next month.

Dominic Cummings blames media for public anger over his lockdown trip to Durham

Boris Johnson's top aide says he understands why people reading press accounts of his actions would be furious

Summer reading extravaganza: Get two months of Kindle Unlimited for free

Plus, our picks for the 10 best beach reads, but act fast—this is a limited-time offer.

Ben Jennings on Dominic Cummings' roaming charge – cartoon

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‘Arsonists’ burn down Mississippi church that fought coronavirus lockdown – and write sickening message in the car park

A MISSISSIPPI church that fought the coronavirus lockdown was burned to the ground – and a message reading “bet you stay home now you hypokrites” was found in the parking lot.

Recommended Reading: COVID-19 and AI health care

COVID-19 will accelerate the AI health care revolutionKai-Fu Lee, WiredThe coronavirus pandemic will cause us to rethink major aspects of everyday life around the world, but it may also expedite the use of artificial intelligence in health care.

Man killed in crash after police pursuit in Reading

Two men, aged 27 and 31, are arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Celebrity fortune teller reveals how to read your own palm from home

Exlusive: Celebrity fortune teller Chris Riley, 25, from Essex, revealed the secret to reading your palm at home, and shared the meaning behind a short life line and the creases at the side of your fist.

Books to broaden your horizons, by Hilary Mantel, Simon Schama, Lisa Taddeo and more

If you currently feel confined, reading can open up new worlds.

Coronavirus Poems to the Editor: ‘Death Too Wears a Mask’

Many people are finding comfort in reading and writing poetry during these difficult times.

The best fitness trackers you can buy

The fitness tracker isn’t dead, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably one of the people keeping these little devices alive.

Celeste Ng: 'I couldn't finish Knausgård's My Struggle. Time is finite'

The Little Fires Everywhere author on rereading Arundhati Roy once a year, and her love for Agatha Christie The book I am currently readingOn Immunity by Eula Biss.

Where I Work: Tom, the church minister leading his congregation over Zoom

'I always finish the day with reading the Bible.'

Coinbase CEO Suggests Dodging ‘Mean, Snarky’ Media

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is one of many crypto executives who prefers writing a blog to answering questions from mainstream journalists. Coinbase chief executive Brian Armstrong says that company leaders are increasingly opting to avoid mainstream journalists by speaking directly to audiences on unmediated social media platforms. “Our customers are on YouTube/podcasts/social media — not reading mainstream media,” asserted Armstrong in a May 22 Twitter thread, adding that companies are now “able to control their own distribution channels” in the current media landscape. Publishing to our own blog/twitter/YouTube lets us say what is on our mind and talk to our customers — not get one quote in an otherwise balanced (or sometimes outright mean/snarky) article. Crypto exchange CEO avoids traditional media Armstrong added the disclaimer that “there are high-quality journalists out there, and journalism fulfills an important role in society”.  However, Armstrong believes that the best strategy is to build relationships with 3-5 “respected traditional journalists “and then spend [the] majority of time on modern channels.” “Going on a national TV program might drive (literally) 100 visitors to your website,” he added, contrasting that with 10,000 hits from a tech publication — suggesting he hasn’t given up entirely on specialist reporters.    Crypto CEOs weigh in Armstrong’s post elicited responses from numerous crypto executives offering their view on navigating the contemporary media landscape. Catherine Coley, the CEO of Binance.US, said: “I actually believe in the press and how important it is.

After nationwide backlash, a school board rescinded its vote to scratch 5 books off high school curriculums

An Alaska school board that fell under the national spotlight after removing five books off high school reading lists has rescinded its vote.

Caught bangers to rights: Policeman is kicked out of the force after stealing fry-up breakfasts

PC Jamie Larman took the meals at a training centre near Reading, Berkshire, despite knowing he wasn't allowed them.

Volunteers Recite The Names Of Thousands Of Coronavirus Victims In Online Vigil

The 24-hour marathon reading, organized by clergy and community activists, seeks to humanize COVID-19's death toll.

Steve Bell on the little engines that couldn't – cartoon

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Masked woman disgusts fellow passengers with 'gross' habit on train

The woman, wearing a mask covering, was seen in the lounge position across two train seats at a table booth - before entering complete relaxation mode while reading her iPad

Mississippi Governor Pranked Into Reading NSFW Name During Ceremony For Grads

A ceremony honoring students caused snickers when Gov.

NHS remains 'unprotected' in future trade deal wit Donald Trump's government

The Trade Bill 2019-2021, which is where the Government outlines how the UK would implement and police new deals, has reached its second reading in Parliament

Steve Bell on Johnson, Hancock and protecting care homes — cartoon

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Beyond Daniel Defoe: the real journals of the plague year

For all its power, Defoe’s account of the great plague was not firsthand, and there’s much to be learned from genuine witnesses If reading Daniel Defoe’s A Journal of the Plague Year has made you want to hear more from the people who witnessed the events of 1665 and 1666, you’re in luck.

My Quarantine Routine: Roberta, sewing and reading while she is fuloughed

'I am trying to make the most out of this time despite feeling lonely sometimes.'

Former Tory minister calls for 'phased approach' to ending free movement after Brexit transition

Remarks come as long-delayed immigration bill passes second reading in Commons

Taika Waititi Leads Celebrity Reading Of James And The Giant Peach

Following the news earlier this month that the first book in the Harry Potter series will be read by a series of famous stars over the next few months, another classic children's book is getting the celebrity treatment.

Babysitter who had sex with boy, 13, and had his baby jailed for 30 months

Nursery worker Leah Cordice, now 20, had been out drinking for an evening before going into the victim's room and begging him for sex, Reading Crown Court heard

Meryl Streep and Chris Hemsworth among stars to join Taika Waititi for Roald Dahl charity reading

Academy award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi has enlisted some celebrity friends to help him retell a very special story.

Tories accused of hypocrisy over key workers with immigration bill

Labour has branded the new legislation ‘a threat to the national interest’ The shadow home secretary has accused the government of “rank hypocrisy” for closing the door to low-skilled immigration while cheering NHS workers. As home secretary Priti Patel prepares to bring the immigration bill to the House of Commons for its second reading on Monday, Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to her urging her to “think again”.

League Two: University of Reading experts predict how table would have looked

How would League Two have ended without coronavirus? Experts at the University of Reading predict the 'final table'.

Police arrest activists as anti-lockdown protesters gather in Hyde Park

Masses people have gathered in Hyde Park, including the brother of Jeremy Corbyn, to protest against the coronavirus lockdown while brandishing signs reading 'I will not be masked.'

Little things people are doing while socially distanced

We saw flyovers by the Blue Angels, the Obamas reading to people online, and a socially distant table for one in Sweden.

Coronavirus: Mask wearing 'risks isolating' deaf people

People who rely on lip-reading and expressions will struggle to communicate, a charity says.

'I should have stopped them' - Note left at slain Ahmaud Arbery's memorial

The family of Ahmaud Arbery, the black jogger whose fatal shooting in Georgia triggered a national outcry, appealed on Thursday for any new witness to the killing to step forward after a note reading "I should have stopped them" was found on his memorial.

Steve Bell on people attending A&E during Covid-19 crisis — cartoon

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Blockchain Bites: Capitalizing on Enterprise Blockchain and Reading Coin Metrics

Today at Consensus: Distributed you'll hear from IBM, EY and ING Bank executives on enterprise blockchain profitability and Nic Carter on coin metrics.

How Killing Eve's Villanelle was inspired by The Tigress

The writer of the novels behind the hit TV series, Luke Jennings, said he had drawn inspiration from Riaño after reading about the female assassin in Spanish newspapers.

Cold War nuclear tests made it rain more in the UK - here's why

Nuclear bombs tested during the Cold War were responsible for torrents of rainfall over the UK in the 1960s, according to new research from the University of Reading.

CoinDesk 50: Why Bitcoin Is Still King

Bitcoin is the reason why we're writing these words and you’re reading them now.

Mum decorates her new home with pages from her late grandmother’s books

'They look nice and we have some good reading material whilst in the bathroom.'

Germany's coronavirus reproduction rate dips below critical threshold

The reproduction rate for the coronavirus pandemic in Germany fell below the critical threshold of 1 to an estimated 0.94 on Tuesday after a 1.07 reading on Monday, the Robert Koch Institute for public health and disease control said.

Steve Bell on Boris Johnson's coronavirus roadmap – cartoon

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Reading and Leeds Festivals are latest summer events to be cancelled due to coronavirus crisis 

Reading and Leeds Festivals are latest summer events to be cancelled due to coronavirus crisis. 

Reading and Leeds festival called off until 2021

The festivals, featuring Stormzy, are the latest big music events to be called off due to Covid-19.

Reading and Leeds festival cancelled due to coronavirus

Ticket-holders will be given a choice between a refund and entry next year

Sam Branson calls it 'an honour' to take part in Sarah Ferguson's Fergie and Friends

Sir Richard Branson's son Sam, 35, said it was 'an honour' to join in with the Duchess of York's, 61, storytime series Fergie and Friends as he shared a clip while reading a book 'about being human'.

Kerry Katona signs up to adult subscription site OnlyFans: ‘Now I’m in control’

Kerry is following a new business path (Picture: Instagram/kerrykatona7)Kerry Katona has signed up to OnlyFans to be ‘in control’ of her own glamour shoots. OnlyFans is a social media platform where fans can subscribe to content from creators, often of the adult variety, and has become a phenomenon, even being name-dropped by Beyonce on the Savage Remix.  And Kerry, 39, has jumped on the bandwagon, signing up to share sexy pictures with her fans for $24.99 (£20) a month. The former Atomic Kitten shared a glamorous picture of herself on Instagram, wearing black lingerie, and wrote: ‘Finally got round to signing up to @onlyfansofficial❕Looking forward to getting started.’ The post teased ‘exclusive content and more’, with Kerry linking to her account in her bio. Kerry’s announcement split opinion in the comments section, with a number of comments criticising her decision to apparently post explicit pictures on OnlyFans. https://www.instagram.com/p/CADUX1oFduR/ One person wrote: ‘Really genuinely thought you were better than that’, with another calling the business move an ‘all time low’. However, most of Kerry’s fans supported her decision, with one message reading: ‘Not everyone on Onlyfans gets their bits out.

Susanna Reid furious as she’s accused of not reading government’s plan by Edwina Currie in blazing row on GMB

Confused by the government's 50-page plan? Edwina Currie makes sense of it all...

‘Orphan Black’ Cast To Reunite For Two-Episode Virtual Table Read

The cast of BBC America's Orphan Black will reunite for a two-episode table reading timed to Mental Health Awareness in May and International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

Martin Rowson on Boris Johnson's 'stay alert' slogan — cartoon

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Tips, links and suggestions: what are you reading this week?

Your space to discuss the books you are reading and what you think of them Are you on Instagram? Then you can be featured here by tagging your books-related posts with #GuardianBooks Scroll down for our favourite literary links Read more Tips, links and suggestions blogs Welcome to this week’s blogpost.

Nicola Jennings on Boris Johnson's new coronavirus strategy – cartoon

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Sarah Ferguson posts a make-up free snap before giving a VERY animated reading of a children's book

Treating her fans to multiple posts in a day, the Duchess of York, 60, read Paddington and the Tutti Frutti Rainbow by Michael Bond and shared a second video of Richard Branson's son Sam singing.

Recommended Reading: Facebook's new content oversight board

We are a new board overseeing Facebook.

How Agatha Christie, Frederick Douglass and Albert Camus are getting us through this

What are we reading right now to make it through? Short answer: everything.

Andy Serkis’ gets 650,000 people tuning in to his live reading of The Hobbit: ‘I’m truly humbled’

Go Andy!

Gollum star Andy Serkis raises £280,000 after mammoth 'Hobbitathon' reading

Andy Serkis has raised more than £280,000 for charity after completing a live, continuous reading of The Hobbit.

James Monroe review: a timely reminder of the Era of Good Feelings

A life of the fifth president makes interesting reading, not least for his warnings about foreign influence in the White House Why read a biography of James Monroe, the fifth American president? Related: Every Drop of Blood review: how Lincoln's Second Inaugural bound America's wounds Continue reading...

Stephen Collins on baking bread during lockdown – cartoon

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Berger & Wyse on flatulence in the solar system – cartoon

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Tell us what you're reading right now

All of us have lost the world as we knew it, says Tess Taylor.

Prince Charles reads King George VI's VE Day diary entry in sweet tribute to grandfather

PRINCE CHARLES joined the VE Day celebrations with a very personal homage to his own grandfather King George VI by reading the former monarch's own account of the historic event.

Martin Rowson on the sombre side of VE Day – cartoon

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Andy Serkis Has Been Live-Reading ‘The Hobbit’ For Hours

Gollum himself is giving the live performance to rule them all.

UK coronavirus live: Britain marks VE Day anniversary under lockdown

75th anniversary marked with pared-down events, ahead of Boris Johnson’s ‘roadmap’ to ease lockdown restrictions UK lockdown could be ‘unpoliceable’ this weekend, police warn Once again a battle-scarred Britain must find a new role in the world VE Day 75th anniversary – live updates Coronavirus – latest global updates See all our coronavirus coverage 9.49am BST Andy Serkis continuous live reading of The Hobbit starting online at 10am, has already raised £100,000 for charity. The Gollum actor will read JRR Tolkien’s 1937 novel from start to end.

Here’s how to get cashback on new books, so you can earn as you read

READING is one of the many ways Brits are keeping occupied during lockdown.

Steve Bell on the coronavirus crisis in UK care homes — cartoon

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Google's learn-to-read app is now available in 180 countries

Last year, the company released an Android app called Bolo to help kids in India learn to read.