In BIG PICTURE NEWS, we see what Trump's doing re Iran, Venezuela, his defence industry and on the domestic front whilst NATO allies fret about Greenland silence, how Russia could get through, the EU's demand for a "Farage clause" and whether the government's pub U-turn could work. In BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS, UK business confidence weakens while companies approach a tipping point, we see the Christmas scorecard but employment stalls. In TECH NEWS, Google introduces new shopping ads and Burnham backs Aussie-style social media bans. In M&A NEWS,healthcare companies look set for a deal bonanza and Merck is in talks to buy Revolution Medicines. AND FINALLY, I bring you some amazing cleaver skills!