Neal Baker
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Foreign Editor @TheSun neal.baker@the-sun.co.uk
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Articles by Neal Baker
Business students and academic libraries: A national study of business student library perceptions via the MISO survey
Nearly 20% of American undergraduate students major in business. While there are many surveys about business student library behaviors, much of the existing literature is at the individual institution level. Using the Measuring Information Services Outcomes Survey (MISO), the authors conducted a large, quantitative analysis of undergraduates’ perceived importance of academic library services. This study represents 10 years of data from 81 separate institutions and 46,364 respondents.
Review of Place of Cool Waters
Ndirangu Githaiga Bon Esprit Books (Aug 9, 2022) (262pp) 978-1-73504-174-2 Clarion Rating: 3 out of 5 Establishing keen senses of both its locations and its heroes’ fates, Place of Cool Waters follows two men on coming-of-age odysseys. Two stories converge in Ndirangu Githaiga’s novel Place of Cool Waters as two young men gather their strength in the face of unpredictable events. Qadir is a Somali orphan living in Nairobi, Kenya. He struggles to apply his passions in an unforgiving job market.
Review of Acts of a Dubious Nature
A Collection of Short Stories Tony Canino Stone Cold Press Softcover (170pp) 979-898580420-1 Clarion Rating: 4 out of 5 Refined and unpretentious, these short stories are directed by possibilities and filled with distinctive characters. Tony Canino’s collection Acts of a Dubious Nature comprises ten diverse and character-driven short stories. Ranging from stony realism to outlandish comedy, they cover eternal secrets, episodes of moral ambiguity, and a golf-related faux pas.
Coravin event leaves tasters stumped
11th June, 2015 by Neal Baker A tasting hosted by Coravin, the innovative wine dispenser, in London last week saw MWs and tasters unable to identify wine that had been accessed by the device nine months earlier. (L-R) Greg Lambrecht, founder of Coravin, and Charles Curtis MW (Photo: Coravin) Of the 25 people in attendance, only three were able to identify the wine that Coravin had tapped into months ago. The company claims these three tasters likely had just luck on their side.
Fake big-brand wine on the rise
14th July, 2014 by Neal Baker It has been revealed that as many as one in five bottles of wine stocked in independent corner shops in England could be fake, following the release of information on police raids to tackle the organised crime.
Trump vs Biden second debate cancelled after President rejects virtual formet
The second debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was reportedly cancelled on Friday night US time after the president vowed he wouldn’t take part in a virtual event. The Commission on Presidential Debates, which organises the showdowns, scrapped the event planned for next Thursday, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Top 10 weird ways to open a bottle
8th August, 2014 by Neal Baker Slideshow : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next Page → You have a bottle of wine / beer / bubbly. You are without anything that one might consider a vaguely useful opening tool. What do you do? With our helpful collection of irreverent ways to get rid of that tricky closure standing between you and your drink of choice, you’ll never again be left wanting. So go ahead and scroll through our top 10 weird ways to open a bottle… Slideshow : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next Page →
Guys' Grooming Guide: Austin Barbershops, Spas and Products to Help Men Look Their Best
Barbershops Need a trim? A shave? A style? These Austin classics won’t let you down. Shed Barber and Supply How often can you walk into a business and expect to come out restyled from head to toe? Shed Barber and Supply conducts a triple venture, dealing cuts, clothes and excellent vibes. So, if you’re about to overhaul your look, this should be your first stop. And not to be overlooked is a special ingredient in Shed’s formula—keeping their stores stocked with favorites from Austin Beerworks.
Jennifer Lopez stuns fans in red gym outfit
Jennifer Lopez showed off her incredible figure in a skin-tight gym outfit as she went for a pre-Christmas workout on Tuesday. The pop diva, 50, flashed her rock-hard abs and flaunted her stunning curves in the red latex sports bra and leggings. She was spotted leaving her local gym in Miami, Florida, alongside fiance Alex Rodriguez, 44, The Sun reports. JLo was then pictured climbing into her Porsche sports car – which was an identical match for her bright red sportswear.
Boy, 3, found dead in pool of vomit after being bashed by foster mum
A boy was found dead in a pool of his own vomit after being beaten by his foster mother, police say. Chasity Alcosiba, 45, was this week charged with second-degree murder over the death of three-year-old Fabian Garcia in Hawaii, The Sun reports. Horrified first responders found little Fabian facedown on his bed at Alcosiba’s home on July 25, 2017. He was rushed to North Hawaii Community Hospital but was pronounced dead less than an hour later.
The Who's Pete Townshend: Child porn arrest saved my life
The Who's Pete Townshend has said his child abuse pics arrest saved his life — as it led him to discover he had bowel cancer. Guitarist Townshend, 74, admitted using his credit card to access a sick website in 2003, although he downloaded no images. He was given a police caution and put on the Sex Offenders Register for five years — claiming he was only trying to prove banks were complicit with vile online pedophile networks.
Princess Diana: Mourning ‘got out of hand’, says Elton John
Elton John believes the “mourning got out of hand” after his friend Princess Diana’s tragic death. The superstar singer insists the global scale of public grief was not “what she would have wanted”, The Sun reports. Writing in his memoirs, serialised by the Daily Mail, Elton also reveals he has never since listened to his performance of Candle In The Wind. He performed an adapted version of the heart-wrenching song at Diana’s historic funeral that became synonymous with her death.
Emily Ratajkowski sparks pregnancy rumors with cryptic 'mom and dad' Instagram post
Emily Ratajkowski last night sparked pregnancy rumours with a cryptic Instagram pic alongside her husband Sebastian Bear-McClard. The model, 28, uploaded a vintage-style snap on her @emrata account of her and Seb with the mysterious caption: "Mom and Dad." It sent fans wild with speculation as they bombarded the comments section with questions about a possible baby on the way.
Emily Ratajkowski sparks pregnancy rumors with cryptic ‘mom and dad’ Instagram post
Emily Ratajkowski last night sparked pregnancy rumours with a cryptic Instagram pic alongside her husband Sebastian Bear-McClard.
Bahamas shark attack victim Jordan Lindsey tried to save herself before fatal bite
By Neal Baker, The Sun August 8, 2019 | 4:30pm A woman mauled to death by sharks tried to swim away with one arm after her other was ripped off – before her leg was torn away too. Jordan Lindsey, 21, was snorkelling in the Bahamas when she was attacked by tiger sharks in front of her horrified mom Kami in June. Distraught dad Michael has told how she desperately tried to escape after most of her right arm was bitten off by the vicious predators – who also ripped off her leg.
Bahamas shark victim Jordan Lindsey tried to swim to safety with one arm - before leg was ripped off too
A WOMAN mauled to death by sharks tried to swim away with one arm after her other was ripped off - before her leg was torn away too. Jordan Lindsey, 21, was snorkelling in the Bahamas when she was attacked by tiger sharks in front of her horrified mum Kami in June. media_cameraJordan Lindsey was on holiday with her parents and snorkelling off Rose Island when she was attacked by tiger sharks.
Thousands vow to ‘storm the Bermuda Triangle’ as new event goes viral
By Neal Baker, The Sun July 19, 2019 | 12:54pm More than 18,000 people have signed up to storm the Bermuda Triangle after a viral plot to overwhelm Area 51.
Idris Elba reportedly rushes off stage to help woman having a seizure during his play
Idris Elba rushed off stage to help a woman who had a seizure during his new play on Wednesday. Heroic Idris, 46, leaped to help theatre-goer Amanda Billington after she collapsed at Upper Campfield Market Hall in Manchester. The actor - favorite to become the next James Bond - was among worried audience members and staff checking on her as she regained consciousness.
Couple charged after baby dies from heroin and cocaine overdose
By Neal Baker, The Sun June 27, 2019 | 4:33pm A newborn baby girl died of an overdose after her parents let her have heroin and cocaine, police say. Eugene Chandler, 27, and Shaleigh Brumfield, 26, were charged on Tuesday over the death of their two-month-old daughter Marleigh Chandler. Their arrests come seven months after cops found Marleigh’s lifeless body at the couple’s home in Danville, Virginia.
Joker prints hilarious wine descriptions
11th March, 2015 by Neal Baker Slideshow : 1 2 3 4 5 Next Page → When you’re looking for a wine that’s just right, sometimes the conventional wine descriptions – like “dry”, “sweet” or “fruity” – don’t help very much. These tasting notes, however, hit the nail on the head. The brainchild of comedian Jeff Wysaski, “Obvious Plant” is a unique and hilarious subversion of the typical, everyday signage that we encounter in shops and public places.
Caregiver filmed abusing 101-year-old dementia patient gets 8 months in jail
By Neal Baker, The Sun June 21, 2019 | 4:09pm An evil caregiver who was secretly filmed abusing and slapping a 101-year-old dementia patient has been jailed for eight months. Ashikiah Reid, 36, was caught on camera roughly cleaning the elderly woman’s face with a flannel and slapping her hands and arms. In the shocking video, the victim can be heard shouting out in pain as Reid man-handles her on August 2 and 4 last year.
Isabell Elena Raducanu murder in Costa Blanca: Woman beheaded
A pregnant mother was found naked and beheaded in her apartment in the Spanish town of Xativa on Tuesday. The body of Isabell Elena Raducanu, 36, was found naked and decapitated in bed, about 70 kilometres from Valencia. The Romanian woman was six months pregnant by live-in boyfriend Juan Vicente, who found her body, The Sun reports He said he he returned home just after 4pm to find the horrific scene — with Ms Raducanu lying lifeless on the bed in their Costa Blanca apartment.
Bumble hiring person to travel the world and go on dates for a year
Shutterstock Dating app Bumble is looking for a singleton to travel the world going on dates. The app is hiring a “Global Connector Bee” to test out its matchmaking service across the globe. And the lucky employee will be paid to fly as far-flung as Australia and the US for a year to meet fellow eligible singles. Bumble say they are looking for “adventurous and creative” person for the position Part of the job will be to document their globe-trotting journey on blogs and social media.
World’s smallest McDonald’s wasn’t built for humans
By Neal Baker, The Sun May 23, 2019 | 9:52am This is the world’s smallest McDonald’s – which is too tiny for humans to use. The mini McD’s is actually a hive crafted to house thousands of honey bees. Despite its diminutive dimensions, the restaurant has been expertly crafted to include a scaled down version of every aspect of a McDonald’s branch. It even comes complete with little branded parasols on the dining patio, a Drive-Thru hatch and the all-important Golden Arches sign.
ABORTION ROW Alabama votes to BAN nearly all abortions
ALABAMA lawmakers last night passed a near-total ban on abortions - including in cases of rape and incest - while threatening to jail doctors who carry them out for LIFE. State governor Kay Ivey, a Republican, will make the final decision on whether to enact the controversial law after local senators voted in favour by 25 to six.
Airline passengers could soon be weighed to save fuel
Air passengers could be weighed before they board flights as a sneaky way to cut fuel costs and emissions. Discreet “pressure pads” could be used as passengers pass through the airport — with data then used to determine how much fuel is needed per flight. Talks are underway between British-based firm Fuel Matrix and several long-haul airlines in the UK over implementing the system. Weighing could take place as passengers check in or leave their luggage at self-service bag drops.
Pope: Anyone who ‘discards’ gay people ‘doesn’t have a human heart’
By Neal Baker, The Sun April 19, 2019 | 1:58pm Pope Francis has said anyone who “discards” gay people “doesn’t have a human heart.” The pontiff’s surprise comments – which go against the beliefs of many Catholics – were made in a BBC show due to air on Friday night. British comedian Stephen Amos, who is gay, said he was “floored” by Pope Francis’ words – which moved him to tears.
How International Space Station astronauts are celebrating Easter
By Neal Baker, The Sun April 18, 2019 | 1:36pm Enlarge Image The Northrop Grumman Antares rocket, with Cygnus resupply spacecraft onboard, launches from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Getty Images Even astronauts need to do a “big shop” for the Easter holidays. A grocery rocket filled with festive treats blasted off bound for the International Space Station April 17. As many as 800 meals are tucked away on the capsule which took off from Wallops Island, Virginia on Wednesday.
Amazon employees are listening to you through Alexa devices
By Neal Baker, The Sun April 11, 2019 | 1:45am Amazon is listening to customers through Alexa devices – with employees recording thousands of clips including a woman singing in the shower and a sex assault, it emerged last night. Full-time workers and contractors at the online retail giant reportedly sift through as many as 1,000 recordings per shift – and even share “amusing” clips between themselves.
Nigerian government claims people are ordering pizza from London
By Neal Baker, The Sun April 1, 2019 | 3:01pm Fast food fans in Nigeria are ordering pizza from the UK and flying them 4,000 miles to Nigeria on British Airways flights, the country’s government has sensationally claimed. Minister of agriculture Audu Ogbeh said that Nigerians are “using their cellphones to import pizza from London.” It’s led to jokes online, with Twitter-users asking the airline if it’s are operating an international pizza delivery service.
Hannah Power: Woman raped and dumped half-naked at Morzine
A British skier has told of her holiday rape hell at the hands of three abductors in the French Alps who dumped her half-naked in the snow. Brave Hannah Power was lost on a night out in the resort of Morzine when she was picked up by the strangers - who assured her they were friends with her pal. she was raped by one of the brutes as the others stood outside smoking.
Girl who pushed her friend off 60ft bridge jailed for only 2 days
A teen who shoved her 16-year-old friend off a 18m bridge leaving her with punctured lungs and six broken ribs will spend two days in jail, a judge ruled yesterday. Tearful Taylor Smith, 19, was led from court in Vancouver, Washington, in cuffs after being sentenced over the August 2018 push that left her friend Jordan Holgerson with severe injuries, reports The Sun.
Google might be developing smart shoes to warn if you're 'getting fat’
(iStock) Google is reportedly taking another giant step in its mission to take over people's lives - by developing "smart" shoes that can warn the wearer if they are getting fat. The search engine's health division Verily is said to be designing footwear embedded with sensors that can tell how much the user weighs and monitor their activity.
Google may be developing ‘smart shoes’ that warn when you’re getting fat
By Neal Baker, The Sun February 8, 2019 | 12:10pm Google is reportedly taking another giant step in its mission to take over people’s lives – by developing “smart” shoes that can warn the wearer if they are getting fat. The search engine’s health division Verily is said to be designing footwear embedded with sensors that can tell how much the user weighs and monitor their activity.
No Deal Brexit: Plans to evacuate royal family revealed in event of riots
Camera IconLONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Queen Elizabeth II attends the formal opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the ballroom at Buckingham Palace on April 19, 2018, in London, England. (Photo by Yui Mok-WPA Pool/Getty Images)Picture: Getty Images Public servants in the UK have reportedly drawn up plans to evacuate the royal family from London to top secret locations if a No Deal Brexit sparks riots.
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip: No Deal Brexit evacuation plan revealed
Public servants in the UK have reportedly drawn up plans to evacuate the royal family from London to top secret locations if a No Deal Brexit sparks riots. Government workers have been accused of taking “Project Fear” to extraordinary new heights after the alleged plot to ship the Queen and other royals out of the capital emerged. It features among government contingency planners’ list of “worst case” scenarios, according to the Mail On Sunday.
Topshop fined $810,000 after display unit falls, fractures girl’s skull
Topshop’s owners were fined £450,000 ($A811,000) after a 10-year-old girl suffered a fractured skull when a piece of store furniture fell on her head. The schoolgirl, now 12 who cannot be named, was with her mum at a branch shopping centre in Glasgow, Scotland, when a queue barrier she swung on fell on her. media_cameraThe piece of furniture wasn’t supposed to be in this store and wasn’t fitted to the floor properly.
Astronomers confused by ’empty trash bag object’ orbiting Earth
By Neal Baker, The Sun January 30, 2019 | 2:44pm Astronomers are baffled by a mysterious piece of space rubbish orbiting the Earth in an unusual way. The piece of debris spotted as close as 370 miles from the Earth’s surface, is thought to be what is known as an “empty trash bag object.” It’s believed to be a remnant from a rocket launch — but experts can’t figure out which spaceship it came from.
Astronaut accidentally dialed 911 from space station
January 4, 2019 | 11:01am An astronaut has told how he accidentally rang 911 from space — sending security teams at NASA’s Houston base into a frenzy. André Kuipers missed a number when making a call through headquarters back on Earth — and ended up connecting to US emergency services. The astronomical blunder sparked panic at the Johnson Space Center in Texas and a security team was scrambled to the room where the call was put through.
Astronaut sparks panic after accidentally dialing 911 from space sending NASA into a frenzy
This YouTube screen grab shows Earth as viewed from the International Space Station. (ESA/International Space Station) An astronaut has told how he accidentally rang 911 from space - sending security teams at NASA's Houston base into a frenzy. André Kuipers missed out a number when making a call through HQ back on Earth - and ended up connecting to US emergency services.
The Women's March Drives Austinites to the Capitol Steps
In case you missed it, the recent midterm elections were game-changing. The country saw a record number of women running for office, leading to a remarkable tally of firsts among those elected to congressional and gubernatorial positions. At the same moment, the election season was marked by a visible increase in diversity in several respects, sometimes in the least likely of places. To some, the sudden defiance of precedent may not have seemed so surprising at all.
Paul McCartney does lunch in style on controversial billionaire’s yacht in St. Barts
December 29, 2018 | 10:07am Paul McCartney Splash News Splash News Splash News Ad 3 View Slideshow Paul McCartney enjoyed a spot of lunch on Roman Abramovich’s luxury yacht yesterday while on a post-Christmas holiday with his family. The Beatles legend was snapped hopping aboard a vessel on his way to a meal with Chelsea owner Abramovich – who is reportedly banned from entering the UK – in the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy.
Texas mom gives birth to giant baby, breaking hospital record
December 29, 2018 | 11:55am A mom has been left staggered after giving birth to a 14-pound, 13-ounce baby — setting a new hospital record. Jennifer Medlock said nobody expected her chubby bundle of joy — named Ali — to be so heavy. The tot was born on Dec. 12 at Arlington Memorial Hospital in Texas. A spokesperson for Texas Health resources confirmed to USA Today that 21-inch tall Ali is the heaviest baby born ever born there.
Meghan Markle’s half-sister begs for her to end rift with dad
December 23, 2018 | 2:53pm Meghan Markle‘s half-sister has penned an emotional Christmas card begging her to “end the rift with Dad” — warning he could die in the next year. Samantha Markle sent the heartbreaking note in a desperate bid to reunite the family before it is too late. She fears their father Thomas – who has suffered from debilitating heart problems — may not live until next Christmas.
'Avengers,' 'Captain America' star Hayley Atwell nude photos hacked: report
Hayley Atwell (Getty) Hackers claim to have posted naked photos of Hollywood star Hayley Atwell online. The British actress, 36, is apparently shown in a nude "selfie" shot on a seedy website that features leaked celebrity snaps. Other comments on the sick site are too graphic to print. Atwell shot to global stardom as Agent Peggy Carter in Marvel’s "Captain America" franchise.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry: Samantha Markle makes desperate plea
Meghan Markle’s sister has penned an emotional Christmas card begging her to “end the rift with Dad” - warning he could die in the next year. Samantha Markle sent the heartbreaking note in a desperate bid to reunite the family before it is too late. She fears their father Thomas - who has suffered from debilitating heart problems - may not live until next Christmas. media_cameraSamantha Markle has called on the Duchess of Sussex to “end the rift with Dad”.
Samantha Markle begs Meghan to ‘end the rift’ with their father Thomas
Meghan Markle’s sister has penned an emotional Christmas card begging her to “end the rift with Dad” - warning he could die in the next year. Samantha Markle sent the heartbreaking note in a desperate bid to reunite the family before it is too late. She fears their father Thomas - who has suffered from debilitating heart problems - may not live until next Christmas.
Take A Trip Down Jazz Memory Lane with Austin Symphony Orchestra's Ella & Louis
This month, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is taking a break from the usual goings-on of the concert hall to take a trip down jazz memory lane. On Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th, Peter Bay and company will bring “Ella & Louis” to the Palmer Events Center, a retrospective look at the beloved and historical collaboration between Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Their individual musical careers spanned decades and touched countless listeners and peers.
Making Africa: A Continent of Contemporary Design Art Pick
The Blanton’s ongoing exhibition “Making Africa: A Continent of Contemporary Design” is a remarkable traveling showcase organized by the Vitra Design Museum and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. It gives a look into art, film, photography, architecture, fashion and other forms of creation coming from a long list of African countries, where artists and makers are shaped more and more by new economic growth and their placement amid the globalizing force of the information age.
WhatsApp’s geeky ‘new update’ will change the dating game forever
File photo: The WhatsApp messaging application is seen on a phone screen August 3, 2017. (REUTERS/Thomas White) WhatsApp could be launching a new update that is set to make awkward number-swapping with your crush a thing of the past. Clever software is reportedly being developed that will allow users to instantly share their contact details — without even having to press a button or tap a touchscreen.
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