15 December, 2023

Hello. In today’s email, we delve into the BBC archive to hear the moment King Edward VIII shocked the world by announcing his abdication. As Poor Things is tipped for Oscar glory, we speak to actor Mark Ruffalo about the film’s raunchy scenes. And, do you use gelatine in the kitchen? We have a piece exploring why the ingredient always makes a comeback. ESSENTIAL FEATURES The moment King Edward VIII announced his abdication A royal crisis 87 years on: Listen to BBC clips of the King’s broadcast abdicating the throne for love. Read more We tried eating only local food in London and LA Two BBC journalists put their stomachs on the line in the name of sustainability. Here’s how they fared. Read more > The Greek island known for nudity Gavdos has been a bohemian destination since the 1960s, but can its anything-goes culture survive? Read more > Poor Things: Are raunchy scenes what they seem? The BBC speaks to actor Mark Ruffalo about the nudity and raunchy scenes in this Oscar-tipped Victorian fantasy. Read more > Gelatine: The ingredient with the wonder wobble Making holiday dishes? Why this unlikely staple ingredient always seems to make a comeback. Read more > ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS Cancelling debt to protect the planet How nations are beginning to swap debt for action on climate and conservation. Read more > How China's buses shaped the EV revolution Inside how the country’s widespread network is influencing the world’s uptake in electric vehicles. Read more > US Supreme Court considers abortion pill case The most significant US reproductive rights case after the court overturned Roe v Wade, ending a nationwide right to abortion. Read more > ESSENTIAL WATCHLIST Sweden's electric-powered ferry that can fly Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Stockholm’s latest mode of water transport between its islands. Watch now > Sperm whale 'dangerously close' to shore Experts warned against these swimmers approaching a whale that strayed into shallow water in Australia. Watch now > The remarkable story behind a mythical city The dream of El Dorado was all wishful thinking. Discover how the myth of the lost city of gold developed. Watch now > ESSENTIAL LISTENING Just One Thing - Cold Therapy with Michael Mosley Harness the power of the cold this winter.