News

A prisoner has enlisted the help of an unusual source at a Brazilian prison to smuggle in contraband. A white cat was caught crossing the main prison gate with everything needed for an escape taped to its body.

Guards at the jail in Arapiraca city, on the east coast of Brazil, were alerted when they noticed the unusual sight. The cat had strapped to it a mobile phone and charger, earphones, drills, batteries, a memory card and several small files.

A spokesman for the prison has since been quoted by a local paper, saying: "It's tough to find out who's responsible for the action as the cat doesn't speak". However, it appears the cat's name has been cleared after the feline was taken to a nearby animal centre, unharmed after its role in such a daring plot. 

Brazilian prisons are notoriously tough, forcing visitors to come up with more and more ingenious ways to make their lives that little bit easier.

Chances are you've got some free time at the moment over the university holidays. And what is the best way to spend spare time? By watching YouTube videos of course. Here we've gathered together some of the very best Christmassy videos the internet has to offer. Sit back and enjoy.

A Very Modern Nativity

Ever wondered how the Nativity story would play out in today's world of social media, mobile phones, emails and Amazon? Well wonder no more, as the charming video below shows you just that.

On Wednesday (12th December) Theresa May- the British Home Secretary, made a speech about the changes to immigration and the visa system that she and the government have brought in over the last few years. A large part of the speech focussed on international students and the restrictions that have been introduced on student visas. Here we have the important parts regarding foreign students word by word:  

"We have always been clear that we want Britain to attract the brightest and best talent from around the world - the top academics, brightest students, the best businessmen, investors, skilled workers and entrepreneurs who will contribute to our society, our economy and our way of life."

...

"I also want to build on the principle of appealing to exceptionally talented people, so I intend to add a further 1,000 places a year for MBA graduates who want to stay in Britain and start up businesses."

Fighting Abuse

"We changed student visas to make sure that while we still attract the brightest and the best, and we still protect our world-class education establishments, we eradicate abuse from the system."

...

Yesterday Twitter unveiled the top trends of 2012 in the UK. Some of the results are exactly what you'd expect, whilst others are pretty surprising. Here we have the full run down:

Top Ten Trending Issues

1. NHS
2. Syria
3. #Assange
4. Prince Harry
5. Samantha Brick
6. #NHS
7. Afghanistan
8. VAT
9. Leveson
10. Rebekah Brooks

People love to use Twitter to ‘debate' issues (/push their opinion forward). Various issues have dominated the headlines in 2012, often for weeks on end. From the ongoing farce that is the Julian Assange situation, to the challenges to the NHS, to ridiculous articles appearing in the Daily Mail (Samantha Brick we're looking at you).

With Christmas just two weeks away you should be in a festive mood by now. To help celebrate this time of year, loads of attractions and events pop up around London. Here we round up some of the very best Christmassy things going on this year.

Christmas Markets

There is nothing quite like a good Christmas market to get you in the spirit. There are the smells of the delicious food and drink, brass bands playing all the old favourites and loads of last-minute, unusual gifts. There are great markets all over London, but there are some that really stand out.

Covent Garden at Christmas is always nice, and the Christmas market based around the piazza is one of the highlights (plus there is a giant Lego advent calendar and reindeer petting!). Centring around the Southbank Centre, there is a huge market stretching along the Thames. The traditionally German themed market has a wide selection of gifts and toys, as well as choirs singing carols, whilst the Real Food Market has all the amazing meats, cheeses and mulled wine you could want.

If you're looking for something a little bit different, then the Camden Lock Night Market is perfect, offering vintage items, fashion, arts, crafts and home ware, all in the typical Camden style.