Submarines, Starlink and the “Cold Space War”: UK security jitters; Venezuela hunger strike, trans debate warning, Mayfair attack, Banton’s 63, plus Kent pub-walk, healthy fruits, Feb. 15 birthdays and a “dangerous” road row

Feb. 15 birthdays
Jane Seymour turns 75, Alex Borstein turns 55. Hollywood continues its proud tradition of being shocked that time is, in fact, linear.
WTO milestone leadership appointment (Feb. 15, 2021)
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a U.S.-trained Nigerian economist, was appointed director-general of the World Trade Organization, becoming the first woman and first African to lead it. History was made, and somewhere a committee tried to schedule a meeting to discuss how to feel about it.
Kent countryside circular walk, pub-to-pub sanity loop
A hearty circular walk in Kent starts and ends at a cosy village pub, winding through countryside and featuring a notable landmark along the way. Exercise, fresh air, and a reward at the finish line: the rare British plan that actually makes sense.
Cass report author warns children “weaponised” in trans debate
Dr Hilary Cass said children have been “weaponised” in the trans debate, arguing that extreme voices have helped drive distress for young people. The adults in the room, once again, are mostly trying to locate the room.
England’s Tom Banton calls unbeaten 63 a breakthrough
Tom Banton described his unbeaten 63 against Scotland as a breakthrough innings for England, crediting greater maturity and a more settled approach. The glamorous sporting revelation here is that calm helps.
Venezuela families begin hunger strike for political prisoners
Ten relatives in Venezuela began a hunger strike demanding release of the remaining 33 political prisoners held at Zona 7, after 17 detainees were freed on Saturday. They are continuing protests and pressing for an amnesty law.
Former Nottingham Forest owner attacked in Mayfair home
Fawaz Al-Hawasi, a 57-year-old Kuwaiti businessman and former owner of Nottingham Forest, said masked intruders entered his £10 million Mayfair home, ransacked it while he slept, and stabbed him in the hand, with a neck injury also reported. Police said injuries were not life-threatening, the investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear what was stolen.
UK urged to expand submarine force amid growing undersea threats
Witnesses told the House of Commons Defence Committee the UK should significantly increase its submarine force as undersea threats rise and uncrewed tech gets cheaper. Submergence Group CEO Brett Phaneuf floated “100% more submarines,” with autonomous systems helping offset cost and delay, warning low-cost underwater drones could harass shipping, disrupt trade, and threaten critical infrastructure. Other experts stressed integration and concepts of operation, noting the undersea domain has long been underfunded despite rising strategic importance.
“Cold Space War”, Ukraine, Starlink, and Europe’s linked security
Ukraine and SpaceX reportedly found a way to block Russian forces from using Starlink, prompting angry reactions from Russian propagandists that also targeted Palantir. Separately, Russian spacecraft intercepted communications from two European satellites, underscoring how tightly US and European space and security interests are tied together.
Beyond apples, other fruits with major health benefits
This looks at fruits besides apples that offer strong health benefits, explaining how advantages differ and highlighting several top choices. Nature’s original multivitamins, now with more variety and less smugness.
Medway residents call for resurfacing of “dangerous” road
Residents in Medway say their street is in poor condition and are urging the council to resurface what they describe as a dangerous road. Basic infrastructure should not require a grassroots campaign, but here we all are.