One of the writers for hit BBC Wales series Torchwood will be speaking at a festival in Wales this week. Here Cath Tregenna shares some behind-the-scenes secrets with Emily Lambert

"With a series like EastEnders or Casualty you are sent the story bible. Although you do write entire episodes with EastEnders, it has been pre-planned by the production team and they know what they want to happen.

Housemates enter 'size zero' debate

Jay received a grilling from Nathan and Victor about the fashion industry's stance towards dangerously skinny 'size zero' models."In your industry it's a real contradiction," said Nathan, "because some people say size zero is a 'disorder', but some other people love it. I want to know what side you're on.""This is going to be a long conversation," sighed the designer. "The size zero trend started because of a haute couture society - real big women who wanted to see skinny women thinking 'if I buy a dress I will look like that'. It's a real confidence thing."Nathan then replied: "Whenever you ask a guy on the street if they like curves...""They always say curves," interjected Calista.Jay agreed, but clarified his professional stance: "I think on a runway it's better if clothes hang on a model.

Give bitter radicchio a tasty spin

A member of the chicory family, radicchio's vibrant burgundy-and-white leaves have a sharp flavor and a pleasing crunch. Refreshingly bitter, radicchio is downright delicious when combined with sour, sweet, salty or rich food. Its sturdy texture takes well to searing, roasting or grilling, which softens it and can mellow its intense flavor. Each of these recipes will bring out a different aspect of radicchio's flavor.

Congress exhibits less outrage at $3 a gasoline two years after that ...

WASHINGTON | When gasoline prices first hit $3 a gallon in 2005, irate lawmakers quickly assembled top oil executives for a public grilling.Pump prices are again above $3, yet the outcry from Congress is barely a whimper by comparison -- even after this week's warning from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke that oil near $100 a barrel is a serious economic threat.The change in tone since Nov. 9, 2005 -- when Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., castigated oil executives for reaping multimillion-dollar bonuses while "working people struggle" -- reflects an altered landscape in terms of energy economics and politics, analysts said.-- The American public is more accustomed to high prices, despite the financial pinch.-- Oil industry profits are retreating from year-ago levels as the soaring cost of crude crimps refining revenue.-- The outrage many Democrats expressed back then over high energy prices has been tempered by the fact that their party now controls Congress, making finger pointing more difficult.-- Plus, lawmakers have their hands full with a worsening housing crisis, a four and a half year old war in Iraq, and spending bills that have yet to be completed.Geoffrey Styles, managing director of Virginia-based energy consulting firm GSW Strategy Group LLC, ascribes the relatively tame reaction in Washington these days to "price fatigue.""If (gas) hits $3.50 a gallon, then I think you'll see ...

Peppadew™, Pistachio and Cranberry Couscous with Melting Goat’s ...

1 Put the Sweet Piquanté Peppers, couscous and cranberries into a large bowl and add the hot stock, allowing it to soak in and swell the couscous for about 10 minutes.