Care for sick orphaned seal pups

A year ago, the worst storm surges in more than 60 years left the UK's east coast severely battered. The storms coincided with grey seal pupping season, which happens in early December. Dozens of the young animals were separated from their mothers in the strong seas. The problem, though, is not just weather - the centre is seeing increasing numbers of sick common seals (all but three of the current residents) but cannot pinpoint the reason.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30329782

Improve your memory

Memorizing, pairing words, quizzing, testing...tried them all?

The only effective way to learn is to practice retrieving items from memory, not trying to cement them in there by further study, say researchers.

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20141202-hack-your-memory-learn-faster

Women-only clubs

Most women live in the work/home rut. Women too need a place to get away, to be themselves and, well, just to let their hair down and, well, to just chill. On the other side, a great support network also build up.

These clubs could give women everywhere an idea of how to form their own little women-only clubs.

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/03/business/womens-only-private-members-clubs/index.html?hpt=hp_c5

Move over Scotland

Rich, deep, and mysterious. A smell both fresh and musty at the same time. And your curiosity is piqued.

The Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013, made by beverage giant Suntory, took home top honors in Jim Murray's "Whisky Bible". The whisky guru referred to it as "near indescribable genius." Scotch didn't even make the top three.

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/01/travel/japan-suntory-whisky-bible-award-winner/index.html?hpt=hp_bn6

Japan's humble 'comfort food'

UNESCO, the U.N. cultural organization, has added traditional Japanese cuisine, or "washoku," into its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. "'Wa' means Japanese, 'shoku' means 'to eat' or 'meal' or anything food-related," explains cooking instructor and "washoku" enthusiast Reiko Yoshikawa. For Japanese, food is associated with many things. "First of all, it means happiness, the gathering, of being together," Yoshikawa says. "Nutrition, in a sense, is also very important and also the appreciation to nature."

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/12/world/asia/japan-on-the-road-food/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

The hunger for honest content

Turkey’s young population is embracing social media. Its popularity is driven by a demand for honest content with a personal touch.

Tuba Unsal, actress, model and accessories designer, is the poster girl for Turkey's online generation. Tuba doesn't have staged-managed social media accounts – it’s simply her life in pictures, honestly portrayed. It is this honesty that gives her such massive appeal.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20141201-the-face-of-an-online-generation

Australia grieves

It is remarkable - and there's a huge lesson to be learnt in this - how the whole nation grieves young Phillip Hughes. There aren't enough words to express what a remarkable person and cricketer he was.

At the same time it is truly, truly amazing how at this painful time, the people have not forgotten or sidelined Sean Abbott, but have enclosed him in a circle of love. No blame here - they just want him to know that they are all with him as he gets through this traumatic time.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141201/jsp/sports/story_19109057.jsp#.VH1feTGUcX8