Birmingham Post life and leisure

Our World: The season of the sprout is upon us Dec 18 2012

LOVE them or hate them, Brussel sprouts are a long-standing Christmas tradition. Environment reporter Mary Griffin visits one of Warwickshire's last remaining sprout farms - and finds the cost of this year's Christmas dinner could be on the rise.Read

Mouth-watering festive presents - cookery and recipe books for Christmas Dec 14 2012

It's been the year of the bake off but there are plenty of other gift ideas among the plethora of books published by food writers. Richard McComb and Sarah Probert choose at some of the best.Read

Biographer finds the unexpected on a journey with Tolkien Dec 14 2012

As The Hobbit film is released this week, Graham Young looks at a new biography of J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous author who grew up in Birmingham.Read

Get the festive spirit - the best whisky for Christmas Dec 14 2012

Birmingham whisky enthusiasts Jon Bryant and Mike Down pick their top ten drams for Christmas.Read

Philosopher set thinking on betrayal Dec 14 2012

In the second part of his account, Chris Upton looks at the life of one of Europe's greatest philosophers who took uneasy sanctuary in Staffordshire after fleeing France.Read

Let there be light at Eastside City Park in Birmingham Dec 07 2012

Graham Young visits city's 'central' park' to find out about its sparkling new look.Read

The best regional produce for your Christmas table - Part 1: Bakeries, sweets, chocolate, liqueurs, beers and wine Dec 07 2012

Part one of Richard McComb's guide to the best regional produce available for the Christmas table. Read

The best regional produce for your Christmas table - Part 2: Fish, meat, cheese, soft drinks, ice cream, preserves Dec 07 2012

Part two of Richard McComb's guide to the best regional produce available for the Christmas table. Read

French radical set his thinking on settling here Dec 07 2012

One of the 18th century's most renowned philosophers once resided in Staffordshire. Chris Upton explores this controversial character.Read

Charles Grigg's 22 years as cartoonist for The Dandy comic Nov 30 2012

The Dandy comic will mark its 75th anniversary by moving entirely online. Justine Halifax takes a look back at its heyday with the family of the artist who drew its main characters.Read

The amazing life of Birmingham-born cinema pioneer Oscar Deutsch Nov 30 2012

Ronnie Deutsch tells Graham Young what it was like being the son of the man who founded the Odeon cinema chain. Read

Herefordshire celebrates artisan food and traditional English drinks Nov 23 2012

Artisan food and traditional English drinks form a holy alliance in Hereford, writes Food Critic Richard McComb.Read

Sir Bernard Zissman aiming to make a movie on Israel visionary Theodor Herzl Nov 23 2012

Former Lord Mayor of Birmingham Sir Bernard Zissman tells Graham Young about his plans to make a film he hopes will be as inspiring as Schindler's List.Read

Why Birmingham is the best city in the world to retire to Nov 22 2012

When Graham Stroud retired from his high-powered job with the European Commission, the world was his oyster.Read

Feeling feminine again with Michelle Usher's Belovely clothing range Nov 16 2012

A new fashion label is helping to give women back their confidence breast cancer surgery. Zoe Chamberlain reports.Read

On the trail of a great 'lost' abbey Nov 16 2012

Holy cow! Prayers beside a farmhouse are keepign alive the memory of important abbey. Chris Upton reports.Read

Footpaths are in danger due to cutbacks Nov 16 2012

Footpaths are in danger of falling into disrepair following council cutbacks. Mary Griffin meets campaigners fighting to save them.Read

Crafty way to ensure success is nailed on Nov 16 2012

Already flaunted on the fingers of Kelly Osbourne, the world’s most expensive manicure, Azature’s black diamond polish, will set you back a whopping £160,000 a bottle. Selfridges sells both the 267 carat pot, plus a more affordable £17 version.Read

New baking hero Paul Hollywood is raising temperatures Nov 09 2012

The Great British Bake Off has made a star of Paul Hollywood, but he is determined to stay true to his baking roots. Diana Pilkington meets the breadmaking heartthrob.Read

Bompas and Parr latest installation set to a-maze Nov 02 2012

Known for their weird and wacky installations, Harry Parr of artistic duo Bompas and Parr tells Mary Griffin about their nose for the unusual.Read

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