A resident in Motherwell was horrified upon discovering a burned body lying opposite their home, initially mistaken for an animal carcass. The body was found early by a young woman who was distraught. Emergency services, including fire crews and police, responded to the scene on Margaret Drive. Forensic experts examined the area, and officers collected potential evidence. The site, known as a drinking spot, was cordoned off for investigation. Police Scotland is treating the death as unexplained and is conducting door-to-door inquiries to establish the full circumstances.

The charred remains of a man were found on a football pitch in Motherwell, Lanarkshire. Police were alerted on Saturday morning and are treating the death as unexplained. An onlooker described the distress of discovering the body, which appeared to have been set on fire. The area is known as a drinking spot, and the body was found near boulders outlining the pitch. Forensic experts and detectives are investigating, and graphic images of the remains have circulated on social media. The police are conducting door-to-door enquiries and have collected evidence, including two 5L bottles found nearby. The public has been asked to provide any information they may have.

Dee Wylie, a 49-year-old former veterinary receptionist, was found dead in her flat in Melrose, Scottish Borders, hours after being seen at a local pub. Her death is being treated as unexplained by Police Scotland, and a significant police presence was noted in the area as investigations continued. Tributes describe her as a precious, beautiful, and caring person, with her family expressing profound grief and loss.

George Orwell, born Eric Blair in India, became a renowned writer known for his critical works on social injustice and totalitarianism. Despite financial hardships, he attended Eton on scholarship but later joined the Indian Imperial Police in Burma. His experiences as a colonial officer and living in poverty in London and Paris inspired his early works, including 'Burmese Days' and 'Down and Out in London and Paris.' Orwell's commitment to fighting fascism led him to the Spanish Civil War, where he was injured. His later works, 'Animal Farm' and '1984,' cemented his legacy as a significant literary figure, critiquing Soviet Russia and envisioning dystopian futures. Orwell's life was marked by his dedication to exposing social and political injustices, even as he battled illness.

Scottish gangster Robert Kelbie, known for his ties to mob boss Daniel Kinahan, flaunts a showbiz lifestyle, socializing with celebrities like Tyson Fury and Noel Gallagher. Despite a history of criminal activities, including a mortgage fraud conviction and surviving assassination attempts, Kelbie showcases his glamorous life on social media. He has been seen at high-profile events, such as boxing matches and concerts, and has connections with the Lyons family crime clan in Glasgow. MTK Global, a boxing promotions firm linked to Kinahan, closed after the US placed a bounty on Kinahan, who is now believed to be in Dubai.

The article recounts a road trip through Turkmenistan, highlighting the country's eccentricities and the author's experiences with a local driver named Burat. The journey includes visits to the Tolkuchka bazaar, the remote village of Jerbent, and the fiery Darvaza crater. The author also encounters the culture and hospitality of desert people, tastes local dishes, and observes the impact of former president Niyazov's and current president Berdimuhamedov's peculiar policies on the country, such as the ban on black cars in the capital, Ashgabat.

The article describes a journey through the Russian Far East, highlighting the region's history, culture, and architecture. It begins with the Dormition and Transfiguration cathedrals in Khabarovsk, then moves to Birobidzhan, the administrative center of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast, characterized as a Hebrew Disneyland. The writer recounts experiences with locals, the thriving market, and the frozen landscape. The journey concludes in Vladivostok, a cosmopolitan city with a significant naval base, detailing its historical significance, cultural landmarks, and the author's personal observations. The article also mentions Eleanor Pray, an American photographer whose letters provide a valuable record of early 20th-century Vladivostok.

The article narrates a road trip through Tajikistan's Pamir Mountains, describing the rugged terrain, the Pamir Highway, and the cultural encounters along the way. The journey starts from the capital, Dushanbe, and traverses through the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, highlighting the contrast between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The traveler experiences local hospitality, navigates challenging roads, and observes the influence of historical events on the region. The trip concludes with a transition from the harsh conditions of Tajikistan to the smoother roads of Kyrgyzstan.

The article describes a journey to Kashgar, a city in Xinjiang, China, highlighting its cultural and geographical distance from Beijing. It discusses the local complaints about Beijing time, heavy police presence, and internet restrictions, while also noting improvements such as better roads and infrastructure. The old town's architecture, used as a film location for 'The Kite Runner', and the modernization efforts are mentioned. The travel narrative continues along the Karakoram Highway, describing the landscape, roadworks, and a stay in Kyrgyz yurts by Karakul Lake. The trek includes encounters with local Kyrgyz villagers and the ascent to Muztagh Ata base camp. The article concludes with a reflection on the peaceful aspects of China's 'Wild West'.

The article discusses the phenomenon of people vanishing without a trace, highlighting the cases of D.B. Cooper, who hijacked a plane in 1971 and disappeared after parachuting out, and Frederick Valentich, a pilot who vanished over the Bass Strait in 1978 after reporting a strange aircraft. It also mentions the mystery of the Marie Celeste, a merchant sailing ship found deserted at sea in 1872.

Hong Kong offers scuba-diving opportunities despite not being as pristine as tropical destinations. Dive shops provide PADI-certified courses, with options ranging from a one-day Discover Scuba Diving course to the more comprehensive Open Water Diving Course. While visibility and marine life have been affected by pollution and overfishing, the situation is improving. Popular diving spots include Sai Kung and Sharp Island, with some clubs organizing weekend dives. Tips for beginners include choosing a PADI-certified course, wearing casual clothes, and ensuring comfort with swimming.

Mount Fuji, located 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, is Japan's highest mountain and a popular climbing destination, with around 200,000 people reaching the summit each summer. Despite being an active volcano, it last erupted in 1707 and is closely monitored. The climb is challenging, and climbers are advised to take precautions, dress appropriately, and be prepared for cold temperatures and bright sunlight at the summit. The article offers tips for a safe climb, including bringing warm clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a torch, and suggests climbing early in the season or watching the sunset to avoid crowds.

Ho Chi Minh, originally named Nguyen Sinh Cung, was born in Vietnam during French colonial rule. Influenced by his father, he opposed the French from a young age. After leaving studies due to protests, he traveled the world, learning several languages. Ho lived in various countries, including the United States and England, and became a founding member of the French Communist Party. He was involved with the Communist movement in Russia and China, and after being arrested in Hong Kong, he returned to Europe. Ho later became an adviser for the Chinese Communist Party. At 50, he returned to Vietnam, leading to the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and becoming its president. He led Vietnam through wars with France and the US until his death in 1969, not living to see the fall of Saigon in 1975, which was later renamed Ho Chi Minh City in his honor.

Emmeline Pankhurst, born Emmeline Goulden, was influenced by her politically active parents and became a supporter of women's suffrage at a young age. She married Richard Pankhurst, a barrister 24 years her senior, and they had five children. Emmeline was deeply involved in the suffragette movement, forming the Women’s Franchise League and later the Women’s Social and Political Union. Despite internal disputes and confrontations, including arrests and hunger strikes, Pankhurst persevered in her activism. Her efforts contributed to women over 30 gaining the vote in 1918 after World War I.

Albert Einstein, after World War II, advocated for a world government to prevent atomic bomb control by individual countries. He declined the Israeli presidency in 1952 but supported the establishment of Israel post-war. Despite early speech difficulties, Einstein excelled in certain subjects. He failed his first university entrance exam but was admitted after completing secondary school. Unable to secure a teaching job, he worked at the Swiss Patent Office, where he made significant theoretical physics breakthroughs. His 'miracle year' was 1905, when he published papers on light and introduced the General Theory of Relativity. Einstein won the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics for his work on light, not relativity. Fleeing Nazi Germany, he renounced his citizenship and moved to the U.S., where he alerted President Roosevelt about the potential of atomic bombs, later regretting his involvement. The article includes a section for vocabulary learning and a true/false quiz about Einstein's life.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are energy-efficient but have issues like mercury content and light quality. Despite their longer lifespan, they can be affected by electrical surges and frequent switching. Environmentalists see non-toxic LED lighting as the future, which, although currently expensive, is expected to become more affordable and last significantly longer than traditional bulbs.

Margaret Thatcher, originally Margaret Roberts, was born to a principled, politically active father and won a scholarship to Oxford University to study chemistry. She entered politics through the Conservative Party and became the youngest woman to run for a Conservative seat. Despite initial setbacks, she became a Member of Parliament, rose through the ranks, and eventually became the Education Minister. Thatcher became known as the 'Iron Lady' and implemented policies that privatized national industries, reduced the power of labor unions, and opposed European Union integration. She served as the British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, during which she was re-elected twice, led Britain during the Falklands War, and played a role in the Gulf War before resigning. Thatcher was the longest-serving British leader of the 20th century.

Jeans, an American classic, have European origins dating back at least 200 years. Levi Strauss, a German immigrant, and Jacob Davis, a tailor, patented riveted blue jeans in 1873. Jeans became a symbol of youth rebellion after James Dean wore them in the 1955 film 'Rebel Without a Cause.' Habitat for Humanity is recycling denim for insulation in eco-friendly homes for Hurricane Katrina survivors.

Bo Xilai's crackdown on gangs in Chongqing, which led to the downfall of a police chief and numerous officials, has thrilled the public who are wary of widespread corruption. Many hope Bo will ascend to a senior party position in 2012. Currently in Beijing for the People's National Congress, Bo is celebrated as a selfless upholder of justice, with his anti-corruption efforts possibly enjoying support from the party leadership, including President Hu Jintao.

An increasing number of young people raised and educated overseas are returning to Hong Kong, drawn by its vibrant culture and opportunities. Carrie Tse Kae-wing, with a psychology degree from Canada, is pursuing dentistry at the University of Hong Kong, appreciating its hands-on approach. Andy Yan, who moved to Canada at eight, returned for a master's in E-commerce, valuing the shorter program duration and the connected, fast-paced lifestyle. Rhoda Lai Yan-wing, born in Toronto, is studying human resources and is adapting to the culture, taking tai chi and Chinese lessons. These individuals represent a trend of returnees seeking to reconnect with their roots and take advantage of Hong Kong's educational offerings.