Ed Balls and his take on the autumn budget statement - here. The question is, does he have an alternative that is based on economic fundamentals? The answer seems to be no. His answer is mostly politics - very little economics.

A Russian spy and honey-trap in the news here. Here for more, interviews with defendant and link to judgement. On Panorama here. Independent - here.

How similar is this (Ms) 'Katia' (Zatuliveter)  to A N Miller's 'Katya'  in 'Snowdrops'?

Stalin's daughter dies.- Here

Regions (UK) and how they work in relation to their financial centre (London) - here

The Jews of Baghdad - here.

Does middle-age exist as a clearly distinctive period of life? If yes what is it? David Bainbridge gives his answer here.

What to be - an aid-worker or banker?

Banker, is more ethical choice. Listen here.

And their website http://eightythousand.org.

Europe's debt crisis (from The Economist) here.

Governement Debt dynamics (from The Economist) here.

Report from Afganistan here.

Lower pitch voices work better when the speaker wants to persuade - here.

There are 7 billion people in the world. What number are you? Find out using this calculator on the BBC.