Singing to Trees to Make Good Cider: An Ancient English Ritual Is Back

The centuries-old tradition of wassailing is making a comeback in rural England, with rituals and revelry meant to chase away evil spirits and the winter blues.

Topics

Maths and English skills ditched for adult apprentices

The Department for Education says rule change means 10,000 more courses could be completed every year.
BBC News - 1d
UK apprentices will not need maths or English qualifications

New rules aim to plug skills gaps in key industries and drive economic growth
Financial Times - 2d
Who is singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl?

The most high-profile pregame performance is the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." For Super Bowl LIX, New Orleans native Jon Batiste will do the honors.
The Hill - 3d
He's back, baby! ESPN's Dick Vitale makes return to commentating following 4th bout with cancer

He’s back, baby
ABC News - 4d
Rediscovered, a young English novelist’s warning of the Nazi threat

Crooked Cross, Sally Carson’s ‘electrifying masterpiece’ from 1934, to be republished. Sally Carson was not an oracle or a prophet, just a young woman from Dorset, born in 1901. Yet she foresaw a ...
The Guardian - 5d
Directors’ Deals: US deal sparks Fever-Tree buying

Share price rises 20 per cent as the tie-up is announced
Financial Times - 5d
Humpback Whales Sing the Way Humans Speak

The animals’ complex songs share structural patterns with human language that may make them easier for whales to learn, a new study suggests.
The New York Times - 6d
Colman Domingo on the profound power and poignance of 'Sing Sing'

The actor says he's never before put so much of himself into a role. How could he not? His co-stars once actually lived in that world.
Los Angeles Times - Feb. 6
Ancient DNA Points to Origins of Indo-European Language

A new study claims to have identified the first speakers of Indo-European language, which gave rise to English, Sanskrit and hundreds of others.
The New York Times - Feb. 5

More from The New York Times

Live Updates: European Allies Insist That U.S. Talks With Russia Include Ukraine

At a NATO meeting in Brussels, defense ministers’ comments appeared to reflect concerns that President Trump and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia might sideline Ukraine in talks to end the war.
The New York Times - 25m
The Fiercest Fighting of the Ukraine War May Be in Russia

The Times interviewed Russian soldiers who said they face a brutal fight to dislodge determined Ukrainian forces from a sliver of Russian land. Trapped civilians fear catastrophe.
The New York Times - 13h
How Venezuela Helps Feed the Violence in Colombia

After finding refuge and building power in Venezuela, a decades-old rebel group has waged the worst violence in Colombia in a generation, setting off troubling regional tensions.
The New York Times - 23h
Modi Hopes a White House Visit Will Keep India Out of Trump’s Sights

India is acutely aware that trade and immigration issues are a potential double whammy. But it believes it can preserve growing ties.
The New York Times - 1d
Myanmar Refugees’ Dreams of Living in America Dashed by Trump Orders

President Trump’s moves to pause refugee resettlement, freeze foreign aid and suspend funds to promote democracy have added more chaos to one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises.
The New York Times - 12h

More in World

European stocks rise after Trump signals Ukraine peace talks

Crude oil and gas prices fall as traders look to possible end to three-year war
Financial Times - 12m
Senate expected to vote on RFK’s bid to be health secretary – US politics live

Vaccine sceptic likely to face early vote after wavering Republicans said they would support appointment. Donald Trump said he plans to unveil reciprocal tariffs on Thursday but gave no other ...
The Guardian - 23m
Live Updates: European Allies Insist That U.S. Talks With Russia Include Ukraine

At a NATO meeting in Brussels, defense ministers’ comments appeared to reflect concerns that President Trump and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia might sideline Ukraine in talks to end the war.
The New York Times - 25m
Hamas confirms it is committed to Gaza ceasefire and will release hostages as planned – Middle East crisis live

Group says it will stick to agreed timeframe to release hostages following threats from Israel it would resume war if they were not freed. Hamas has confirmed its commitment to continue ...
The Guardian - 27m
The #Resistance is no more. But a quieter fightback to Trump 2.0 is growing | Jon Allsop

There’s no sign of the mass protests of his first term – but Democrats are building a less flashy politics of opposition. In January 2017, the day after Donald Trump was first inaugurated as US ...
The Guardian - 40m