Francis Fukuyama did say, as Edward Luce points out, that liberal democracy might end up as the caretaker of the museum of human history (Books, September 21). But his real prediction was that “the end of history” might be the beginning of something else: “Is not the man who is completely satisfied by nothing more than universal and equal recognition something less than a full human being, indeed, an object of contempt, a ‘last man’ with neither striving nor aspiration? . . . And might not the fear of becoming contemptible ‘last men’ lead men to assert themselves in new and unforeseen ways, even to the point of becoming once again bestial ‘first men’ engaged in bloody prestige battles, this time with modern weapons?”.

Fukuyama, perhaps more frequently criticised than read today, displayed imaginative prescience of the highest order already in 1992.

Andreas Wesemann
London N1, UK

A MAJOR supermarket is set to make a change to 53 of its stores ahead of a nationwide expansion next month.

Iceland has partnered with the food delivery service Deliveroo as part of the latest expansion of its rapid delivery offer.

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And the frozen food retailer is now offering the service at 53 of its UK stores.

Under the plan, the supermarket chain will expand to its 800 Iceland and Food Warehouse stores by the end of October.

More than 3,000 Iceland products are understood to be available to buy through Deliveroo.

You can nab Iceland’s full range of essentials, frozen and fresh groceries from the click of a button.

Iceland says shoppers will be able to receive their orders within 25 minutes under the new partnership.

Products from the retailer’s brand connections such as Greggs and Myprotein are also available to order.

Amazon Prime customers in Manchester and London can also have Iceland food delivered through its third-party deal with Amazon.

Iceland and Food Warehouses already offer deliveries through Just Eat and Uber Eats and also offer a next day and same day delivery service itself.

Justin Addison, Iceland Foods international and partnerships director said: “We’re dedicated to making sure our customers can enjoy our innovative, value-driven range of products, no matter where they are.

“This past year has been a real moment of growth for Iceland and The Food Warehouse, and we’re thrilled to add Deliveroo to our list of partners.

“More customers across the UK will now be able to easily access their favourite Iceland products from the comfort of their own homes.”

Suzy McClintock, Deliveroo VP of new verticals added: “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Iceland, bringing thousands of fantastic products to customers across the UK in as little as 25 minutes.

“As demand for convenient grocery delivery grows, this partnership means even more households can access their Iceland favourites quickly and easily via our app, including thousands of great value products.”

It comes as Iceland revealed its Christmas 2024 range and it includes a pigs in blankets Yorkshire pudding.

The big day is still a while away, but it’s always good to plan ahead for the merry season.

Luckily, Iceland has unveiled its Christmas menu which will be available in stores and online from November 12.

The items will also be available to buy at Iceland’s The Food Warehouse.

Iceland‘s menu this year offers customers everything they’ll need for Christmas lunch or dinner, but there are some quirky items included as well in case you’re after something a bit different.

Shoppers will be able to feast on mini fish, chip and ketchup sarnies, prawn tacos and an unbelievable XXL pigs in blankets Yorkshire pudding.

The supermarket is also launching battered lobster tails, mini garlic and herb kievs and even some exclusive brand items like Harry Ramsden’s battered mini sausages.

Also returning are familiar favourites such as the turkey crown, mince pies, Christmas pudding and of course all the trimmings like roast potatoes and veg.

Those who want to feast on the exclusive brand’s range like Galaxy, TGI Fridays and Harry Ramsden’s can do so with the mix-and-match deals like three items for £10.

Iceland’s head of development David Lennox said: “We’ve focused on perfecting the classics and making them the best and most delicious yet, as well as offering our customers a range of innovative and affordable new Christmas products which are sure to delight everyone at the dinner table.

“Iceland has some extra special products on offer this festive season.”

How to save money on your food shop

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year:

Odd boxes – plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price.

Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30.

Sainsbury’s also sells £2 “Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me” fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash.

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Food waste apps – food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public.

Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio.

Too Good to Go’s app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount.

Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses.

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Yellow sticker bargains – yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap.

But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here.

Super cheap bargains – sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they’ve found on the cheap, including food finds.

“Downshift” – you will almost always save money going for a supermarket’s own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands.

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The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as “downshifting” and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop.

TURKEY’S third biggest city, Izmir, sees temperatures hovering around 25C well into autumn.

Combining culture and coastline, it is the perfect place to get your fix of sunshine.

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Top that off with fabulous food and you’ve got an epic city break.

WHY SHOULD I VISIT?

OFTEN overlooked in favour of the capital, Istanbul, or other coastal towns such as Bodrum, Marmaris or Kusadasi, Izmir is something of a hidden gem.

It’s the gateway to the pretty Cesme peninsula, which juts out into the Aegean and is dotted with beautiful beaches (try Tekke, a stretch popular with families, near a string of hotels and apartments, or Alaçatı Körfezi, a shallow, protected bay which offers jet skis, banana boats, and windsurfing).

And if you love food, you are in luck. Fish and seafood restaurants line the waterfront, known as the Kordon, while you can taste a variety of snacks in the city’s bustling Kemeralti bazaar.

Most sights are within easy distance from each other, but there’s an efficient public transport system, including bus and underground.

The Bilet 35 ticket can be bought for two, three, five or ten journeys, starting from just nine lira (20p).

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

IZMIR’S centre has several must-sees, all within walking distance of each other.

Start by strolling the picturesque Kordon, where you will see ferries regularly crossing the bay, and pass by Konak Pier, which was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel. Here you will find several retail stores, as well as a handful of bars and restaurants.

Beyond this is Konak Square, known for the distinctive marble and stone Clock Tower in its centre which dates back to 1901.

From here you can lose yourself in the maze of streets that make up the Kemeralti Bazaar.

Stalls sell everything from clothing to fruit and vegetables, and you will find plenty of souvenirs to take home, from glass tea sets to baklava and lokum (Turkish delight).

Don’t miss a swift ride up 56m to the top of the city’s “Asansör” — the word means elevator, and this one, which was first built in 1907, used to be powered by steam, like the one in Lisbon. You will get a fantastic view of the city from the top (free).

ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?

IT’S not in Izmir, but while you’re there, a trip to the ancient site of Ephesus is a must (£33pp, muze.gov.tr).

Less than 90 minutes’ drive away, the old city dates back to 10,000BC, and at various points, was ruled by the Greeks, the Romans, and the Ottomans.

Today you can still see what’s left of its inhabitants’ elaborate houses complete with mosaic floors, temples to gods and goddesses, and even a set of open-air, marble-topped public loos.

Pose for pictures next to the impressive 56ft-high remains of the Library of Celsus. Measuring 2,000 sq ft inside, it was one of the largest libraries in the Greco-Roman world.

You will also want to snap some of the dozens of cats who consider this site their home.

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WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

IF you are just looking for a snack, Kemeralti Bazaar has simple cafes which specialise in cheap and tasty fish sandwiches — a local favourite.

And look out for those selling kumru, a hearty, local sausage, cheese and pepper roll.

You will also find street carts offering midye dolma, cooked mussels stuffed with rice and herbs, and served cold.

For more traditional Turkish food, try affordable Konyali Alsancak for kebabs and lahmacun (Turkish pizza made with mincemeat).

Or for a more romantic setting, Adabeyi on Konak Pier offers the chance to dine on anything from calamari to grilled sea bass as you watch the sun set.

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I FANCY A DRINK

FOR a tipple with a stunning outlook, head to the Skyfire bar and restaurant on the eighth floor of the Renaissance hotel, which offers a panoramic view across the Aegean.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

THE Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir is a smart, contemporary hotel close to the waterfront, featuring cool artwork and sculptures dotted around the grounds.

Or the nearby cosy Renaissance Izmir has rooms decorated with vintage, black and white photos of the city.

There are many factors to consider when buying a home, and evaluating factors like cost of living, crime rate, climate change, local issues and property taxes can help you save money.

Whether you’re saving to buy a house, waiting for mortgage rates to fall or planning a big move in the next few years, researching the market now can help you decide where to invest later.

Check Out: 8 Places Where Houses Are Suddenly Major Bargains

Read More: How To Get Rich in Real Estate Starting with Just $1,000

“While no one can predict the market with absolute certainty, the patterns we’re seeing now offer some valuable clues,” said Yawar Charlie, estates director of Aaron Kirman Group at Christie’s International Real Estate and cast member of CNBC’s “Listing Impossible.”

Based on current market trends, GOBankingRates spoke with experts who shared which states to avoid buying property in the next five years and why.

Earning passive income doesn’t need to be difficult. You can start this week.

California

Stunning scenery, a vibrant culture and near-perfect weather make California so appealing, but the affordability is an issue.

“As a real estate broker in Los Angeles, I’ve observed some trends that suggest certain states might become less attractive for homebuyers over the next five years,” Charlie told us.

“It’s not just the high cost of living here that’s a problem. The state also struggles with issues like wildfires and droughts, which can make homeownership even more challenging and expensive,” he explained.

“Additionally, the tech boom, especially in areas like the Bay Area, has driven housing prices to astronomical levels, pushing many to seek refuge in more affordable states.”

Rachel Stringer, a Realtor at Raleigh Realty, added, “Demand continues to outpace supply, keeping inventory tight drastically.

“This supply crunch, coupled with slow wage growth, raises affordability concerns over time,” she explained. “As costs rise faster than incomes, keeping up with mortgage payments could become increasingly difficult.”

Explore More: 5 Types of Homes That Will Plummet in Value in 2024

Florida

For many retirees, Florida is a sunny paradise, but one bad storm can quickly make things a nightmare.

“The state’s location makes it extremely vulnerable to hurricanes and rising sea levels driven by climate change,” Stringer told us. “Serious considerations include rebuilding costs, disruptions and escalating insurance premiums due to storm damage. Coastal properties may lose substantial value if they become uninhabitable due to rising sea levels.”

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Illinois

Known for its big cities and expansive farmlands, Illinois is a major manufacturing center for food, chemicals, rubber products and more.

According to Charlie, though, the state is in trouble:

“Illinois, and specifically Chicago, faces significant financial woes,” he said. “The state has some of the highest property taxes in the country, and Chicago is grappling with a high crime rate and budget deficits, leading to cuts in essential services and increased taxes. These financial strains make it difficult for residents to justify staying when they could find a safer and more financially stable environment elsewhere.”

Louisiana

With its reputation for good times, delicious food and rich culture, Louisiana is a state people enjoy. However, according to Tony Mariotti, founder of RubyHome, you might want to rethink real estate investments there.

“Louisiana is highly susceptible to climate change impacts, such as hurricanes and flooding. These risks can lead to higher insurance costs and potential property damage,” he said.

“The state also struggles with lower job growth and economic diversification, making it less attractive for long-term investments. Infrastructure issues add to the challenges of property ownership here.”

New Jersey

New Jersey is another East Coast state you might steer clear of when buying property.

“Besides the high property taxes, New Jersey is dealing with an exodus of major corporations, which impacts job availability,” Charlie explained. “The state also has some of the highest health insurance premiums in the country, adding another layer of financial stress for residents. Furthermore, the congestion and traffic, especially for those commuting into New York City, can be a daily frustration.”

New York

Another infamously high-priced state is New York, which Charlie revealed has major issues beyond the cost factor.

“Beyond the high property taxes and cost of living in New York City, there’s also the matter of aging infrastructure,” he noted. “The subway system, for example, has been notorious for delays and breakdowns, making daily commutes a headache. Plus, the pandemic has shifted many jobs to remote work, reducing the need to live in or near the city and prompting many to relocate to suburban or even rural areas.”

West Virginia

West Virginia is known as a coal country, but the industry is declining, which has  “economically devastated many parts,” Stringer said. “As jobs dry up, the population drains in these small towns, leaving little demand for housing. Homeowners may struggle to find buyers willing to pay a fair price.”

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Worst States To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Real Estate Agents

Camilla Cavendish’s article “It’s not you — parenting really is becoming more stressful” (Opinion, FT.com, September 7) left me feeling disheartened. Yes, parenting can be incredibly stressful, all-consuming and downright difficult at times. In the months after childbirth the constant tiredness and disappearance of one’s social life are universal for any new parent.

And yet, as children grow up and become young adults themselves, I would wager that the vast majority of parents would see parenthood as one of, if not the most life-affirming, heartwarming and rewarding periods of their lives. Notwithstanding the setbacks that are almost inevitable along the path towards adulthood, little if anything can give a parent more joy than seeing their child learn, develop and grow up. Parents don’t need books telling them how to be a parent. They need to ensure that their children have time to play with their peers, time with their parents and also time alone.

In the UK, Kirstie Allsopp, a television presenter, found herself in the news recently, having been reported to social services for allowing her teenage son to go inter-railing. Any parents who spent time on social media debating this might care to consider whether that time could have been spent better with their children.

And finally, I dispute the assertion that “modern parenting is performative, and competitive”. Only if you let that be the case.

Parents should lead by example and turn off the social media to which Cavendish refers a number of times in her article. Who knows — that might even answer the question in her final sentence as to why parents, as distinct from non-parents, now spend less time with their friends.

Jeremy Pennant
Hambledon, Hampshire, UK