1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell makes ‘blackout’ admission about Desmond Bane scuffle
Midway through the third quarter, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Donovan Mitchell attacked the rim with his signature explosiveness, a blur of power and precision. He cut hard to his right, attempting a swift between-the-legs dribble. But then, things didn’t go according to plan. The ball slipped from his grasp, skipping erratically across the hardwood as the […]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Jimmy Butler takes subtle jab at Heat amid early Warriors success
The Jimmy Butler experiment on the Golden State Warriors may be working out better than most people thought, and they’re probably playing some of their best basketball this season. There’s no doubt that Butler is a winner, but he seems to be in a situation where he enjoys playing, and he’s fitting in well. After […]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on NFL rumors: Giants, Browns, Steelers, Raiders among Matthew Stafford trade suitors
The NFL offseason is heating up, and the Los Angeles Rams are stunningly open to a trade involving quarterback Matthew Stafford. On Sunday, the Rams cleared Stafford’s agent to start speaking to other teams about a potential marriage ahead of the 2025 season. In the wake of that news, plenty of quarterback-needy teams around the […]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Armed police swarm Scots street following reports of ‘man with weapon’
ARMED cops have descended on a Scottish street following reports of a man allegedly being spotted with a weapon.
Specialist officers swooped on the Smithton area of Inverness, in the Highlands, this morning.
PAPolice locked down the area after the alarm was raised at 11.35am[/caption]
Police raced to the scene after the alarm was raised at around 11.35am.
The force launched a probe into the alleged incident after they received reports of a man carrying a blunt weapon.
He was allegedly causing a disturbance at Smithton Park and was later traced to a nearby flat.
Scores of officers were spotted in the area this afternoon, and half a dozen police vehicles were seen parked on the road.
They were seen alongside numerous officers who were holding guns and dressed in black.
Photos from the scene show numerous armed officers gathering outside flats in the area.
The area has been locked down as the force investigates the incident.
The street has been sealed off from the public with blue tape blocking access to a block of flats.
Cops have confirmed that a 39-year-old man, who was traced to the flat, has now been arrested in connection with the alleged incident.
Officers added that enquiries are currently ongoing.
A statement from the force said: ” Around 11.35am on Monday, 24 February, 2025, we were called to a report of a man with a blunt weapon causing a disturbance on Smithton Park, Inverness.
“Officers attended and the 39-year-old man was traced to a flat nearby.
“He has been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.”
NorthpixArmed police swopped on the street in the Smithton area of Inverness this morning[/caption]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on I pull my kids out of school as soon as they can read & write – who needs maths when you have a calculator?
A TRAVELLER has revealed how she pulled her kids out of school as soon as they could read and write – sending them straight to work to earn money.
Cassayanne Clark, from Kent, dubbed school a waste of time and revealed that she doesn’t want her three children to be “slaves to society.”
instagram/insta@official_cassyanne___A traveller mum has revealed why she has pulled her kids out of school[/caption]
instagram/insta@official_cassyanne___Cassayanne Clark believes that school is like a ‘box’[/caption]
She only wants her children in school until they can read and writeinstagram/insta@official_cassyanne___
She took her eight-year-old Bug and nine-year-old Bunny out of education so they wouldn’t be “trapped in a box for 18 years.”
Speaking on a documentary made by Storyful about her daughter Bunny, she said: “Bunny is creative and has got an imagination.”
“School is a box. She’s been told you’re not good at maths, so you need to do more maths. Why?
“If she’s not good at it, OK she’s not good at it. In this day and age, you’ve got calculators.”
She continues: “The same goes for Johnny when he is born. He will go into education until he can read, write and do basic core things, have a social life, then he will be pulled out.
“The children are going to have a lovely life, do whatever they want.
“To trolls that have a lot to say, stop scrolling through social media and having something to say about a woman, that’s pregnant, that’s got two children and trying to better their life. It is just pathetic really.”
Cassyanne currently owns a six-figure business and pays £500 a month for two hours of private tutoring.
She revealed that her children enjoy spending their time horseback riding as well as spending quality time with their grandmother who teaches them how to cook.
Speaking previously to The Sun, Cassayanne revealed how her kids are also treated to eyelash extensions and acrylic nail sets.
“I pay £500 a month for home tutoring; they do two hours on a Monday covering all their core subjects, then I pay for their hobbies like horse-riding,” she explained.
“They do cooking lessons with my mum once a week, she used to be a chef. She teaches them all different way to cook eggs for example.
“They do chores around the house to earn money. And now with their little brother they will learn how to sort him out. They’re learning domestic and life skills too.”
Despite the backlash, Cassayanne is adamant she will “never raise her children to be dossers”.
instagram/insta@official_cassyanne___She is a mum-of-three children[/caption]
She continued: “In the travelling community the girls would traditionally be housewives, I don’t even want girls to be that. I want them to flourish and have businesses.
“I want them to be entrepreneurs, I don’t want them to sit working nine to five jobs to pay for someone else’s life when they could be a CEO.
“I’m a presidential marketing director of a multimillion pound franchise that’s world wide. I’ve also got a six-figure aesthetics company and training academy.
“My kids get one-on-one tuition but people are very closed minded.”
A closer look at gypsy traditions
HERE we take a look at some of the traditions many gypsies follow...
Family-Centric Living: The family is the cornerstone of Romani life, with extended families often living close to one another. Elders are highly respected and play a crucial role in decision-making and maintaining cultural traditions.
Nomadic Heritage: Many Gypsy communities maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving seasonally to find work or attend cultural gatherings. This tradition is deeply rooted in their history and identity.
Distinctive Décor: Romani homes, whether they are caravans or fixed abodes, are often brightly decorated with vibrant colours and intricate patterns. These decorations reflect their rich cultural heritage and love for beauty.
Communal Gatherings: Social gatherings are a significant part of Gypsy life. Celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals, are grand affairs involving music, dance, and feasting, often stretching over several days.
Spiritual Practices: Many Gypsy families incorporate a blend of Christian beliefs and traditional spiritual practices. Homes may feature religious icons and amulets believed to offer protection and bring good fortune.
Craftsmanship and Artistry: Romani people are renowned for their craftsmanship, particularly in metalwork, woodwork, and textiles. These skills are often passed down through generations and are a source of both pride and livelihood.
Hospitality: Hospitality is a valued tradition. Guests are treated with great respect and generosity, often being offered the best food and drink available as a sign of honour and goodwill.
Sharing Stories: Storytelling is a vital part of Romani culture, preserving history, morals, and lessons through generations. Elders often share tales that are both entertaining and educational.
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on NFL rumors: Cam Ward not among 3 QBs who will definitely be throwing at Combine
As NFL Draft season heats up, we get more and more data points about some of the top prospects on the board. Plenty of those questions will be filled at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis during the last week of February and the beginning of March. One of the most scrutinized position groups of […]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Zelensky warns Putin’s eyeing FIVE other European countries for invasion if he isn’t stopped dead in Ukraine
VOLODYMYR Zelensky has warned that Vladimir Putin is eyeing five other European countries for invasion.
The Ukrainian has suggested at a press conference marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion that if despot Vlad isn’t stopped five European nations will be on his mind.
ReutersRussian soldiers could cross the border into five European countries, Volodymyr Zelensky has warned[/caption]
EPARussia is growing its army to 2.4million people[/caption]
Zuma PressZelensky was with European leaders in Ukraine on Monday for the third anniversary of Putin’s invasion[/caption]
In particular, the five countries Zelensky has warned about are Eastern European states that all have “Russian roots”, Russian populations, or were part of the Soviet Union or its sphere.
He said Putin could use those populations as a pretext for invasion – like he had with Crimea.
Zelensky named Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia, and Moldova as those nations potentially being eyed by the Russian.
He said: “When you have Russian speaking people, or their roots, or their families… it’s our history… then you are at risk.
“At the very beginning, they said that they are not occupying our territories… that they are defending Russian-speaking people.
“If we will fall down… I think all such countries who I mentioned have this risk because of Russian policy, because their view of the Russian world.”
Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, and parts of Poland were all within the Russian Empire – while Latvia, Estonia, and Moldova were in the Soviet Union.
Slovakia, meanwhile, was a communist country in the Warsaw Pact and its people are ethnically Slavic like Russians.
Russia has long seen itself as the protector of Slavic peoples – while Putin has explicitly said he wants to rebuild the Russian Empire.
Ukraine now has the largest and most experience army in Europe with a million troops under arms.
As of September, Putin ordered the size of the Russian armed forces to be expanded to 2.4million people it is currently thought to be around 1.5million.
But, what could hamper any potential Russian invasion of a European nation is four of the five countries Putin mentioned are in Nato while the other, Moldova, has defence deals with the EU.
Secondly, Putin’s army has had tens of thousands of tanks and armoured vehicles destroyed by Ukraine.
The country has also pioneered the use of drone technology.
APA Ukrainian serviceman stands amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha[/caption]
ReutersUkrainian soldiers at Hostomel Airport after defending it from a Russian attack[/caption]
Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia, and Moldova would all be able to learn from Ukraine and stand up to a much larger force.
Zelensky’s comments come during a meeting with world leaders on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of his country.
Some 30 have even gone to Kyiv, like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and even Boris Johnson.
Zelensky said: “Nobody in the world believes the Russian lies about our country and our people, even those who became Russia’s ally.
“Russia’s strategic target is Europe, the European way of life and the future of Europe.
“And the future of Europe cannot be decided without Europe.”
East2WestRussian helicopters fly into Hostomel Airport as they tried to take it at the beginning of the war[/caption]
ReutersMilitary trucks crossing into Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast from Crimea[/caption]
Trudeau addressed President Zelensky, praising his remarkable personal bravery, resilience, and resolve.
He said: “You continue to inspire me and tens of millions of my fellow citizens back home in Canada.”
Sir Keir Starmer has, meanwhile, announced a tranche of new sanction against Russia’s elite as he wants to force Putin into making concessions during peace negotiations.
Zelensky hailed Ukrainians for their “bravery and sacrifice” in an emotional video tribute to his nation on Monday morning.
APUkrainian soldiers fire a US-supplied Javelin missile system[/caption]
Peter JordanEU country Estonia borders Russia[/caption]
The valiant leader shared a patriotic clip of his courageous soldiers fighting the invading Russians and civilians pulling together to mark the third anniversary of the invasion.
US President Donald Trump slammed Zelensky for being a “dictator” and that he wasn’t important enough to attend peace negotiations.
The hard-nosed negotiating strategy has thrown Europe into crisis as the continent realises it can’t rely on the US to defend it from Russia.
Ukrainian soldiers fire an artillery gunAPUkrainian soldiers of the 43rd Artillery Brigade fire a howitzer[/caption]
Trump has demanded £400bn for “equalisation”, the US Congress thinks the US has only backed Ukraine with up to £137bn.
The dispute over the deal has led to a feud between the leaders with Trump slamming Zelensky as a “dictator” and sidelined him by starting peace discussions with Russia.
Trump also said the leader of Ukraine was “not very important” to be in meetings about peace – despite Ukraine having been invaded.
Zelensky shouted at Trump’s envoy in a blast so furious it left the official trembling and could be heard through a door, a report claims.
An “angry” Zelensky blasted US treasury secretary Scott Bessent in a closed-door meeting about the deal in Kyiv on February 12, the Financial Times reports.
The envoy had demanded brave Zelensky sign over much of his country’s wealth then and there.
But Zelensky’s gravelly, enraged voice could be heard through the gilded doors the meeting was held behind as he shot back.
Who could replace Zelensky?
Names have begun to emerge as to who could replace Zelensky if he were to resign.
Valery Zaluzhny – The Iron General
Zaluzhny led the defence of Kyiv at the start of the war when Russia sent its special forces to their death at Hostomel Airport. Russia then tried to take Kyiv from the north by sending an Army from Belarus.
But the Iron General Zeluzhny is known for thinking outside of the box and has built a cult status in Ukraine.
He is currently the country’s ambassador to London.
Vitali Klitschko – The Champion Boxer
Klitschko is currently mayor of Kyiv and, standing at 6ft 7in, the former world boxing champion would be a heavyweight contender.
The boxer has led the city through daily bombardments by Russian drones and has become a powerful symbol of the city’s defence joining the territorial defence forces.
Like Zelensky, Klitschko would be a strong pro-European leader that Vladimir Putin would hate.
Viktor Medvedchuk – Putin’s Man
Ukrainian oligarch Medvedchuk is the godfather to Putin’s youngest daughter.
He was an important interlocutor between Moscow and Kyiv and backs a pro-Russian political party with several television stations he owns.
In 2021, he was arrested on suspicion of supporting Russian separatists – with the oligarch denying any wrongdoing.
The move is said to have infuriated Putin and was seen as one of the possible reasons he launched his invasion.
AFPZelensky has said he could stand down if Ukraine could join Nato[/caption]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on ‘Breathtaking’ Scots beach named among best in UK
A BREATHTAKING Scottish beach with incredible dunes and gorgeous sunsets has been named among the best to visit across the UK during the winter.
There are several wonderful beaches across Scotland that are famed for their crystal clear waters and white Caribbean sands.
GettyOne Scottish beach was named among the best 11 in Britain to visit during the winter[/caption]
So it’s no wonder that many receive nationwide attention for their beauty.
And now a recent study has revealed that one has been ranked among the top eleven coastal locations across Britain during the colder months.
Many of us still love to visit locations where there is beautiful scenery even when it’s cold outside.
And a trip to the beach can be mesmerising in the winter when it’s quieter and the sun sets earlier.
So in a bid to help, experts at Country Living compiled the list by considering locations with silky soft sand, stunning landscapes and crashing waves.
They also looked at where has the best places to stay nearby for a weekend break.
The UK’s beaches boast another level of stirring beauty in winter… the off-season months are a great opportunity to get coast all to yourself
Experts at Country Living
The travel experts say: “The UK’s beaches boast another level of stirring beauty in winter – not to mention the fact the off-season months are a great opportunity to get the wild and wind-beaten coast all to yourself.
“But where are Britain’s best winter beaches for a wave-crashingly scenic escape?
“Turn your collars up to the wind, wrap up warm and explore silky sands, rugged coastlines, clifftop views, wildlife-rich rock pools and picturesque coastal paths – all with the added drama and atmospheric beauty of unpredictable weather.
“There’s also nothing like the promise of a post-walk local ale or warming hot chocolate at a cosy old pub to enhance the trip.”
And coming in at number ten on the rankings is Machir Bay in Islay, near the small community at Kilchoman.
It is a stunning two-mile stretch of soft sand surrounded by dunes that is popular with tourists and locals alike for its gorgeous sunsets.
Describing the beach, Country Living says: “Head to Scotland’s whisky island for a winter-warming break with a difference.
“Islay boasts no less than nine distilleries to warm your cockles after a stroll on the breathtakingly beautiful beach at Machir Bay.
“Enjoy windswept walks on the dune-backed fine sand and clifftop nature reserves before thawing out with a wee dram in front of a roaring fire. Ferries run from Oban or Kennacraig.”
For a place nearby to stay for a weekend break, the experts suggest visiting Machrie Hotel & Golf Links.
They said that the hotel is “a great blend of country-contemporary and cosy accommodation.”
It’s not the first time that Machir Bay has been singled out for being among the best beaches in the UK.
Full list of Britain’s best winter beaches
HERE is the full list of the top 11 best winter beaches across the UK.
Durdle Door – Lulworth, Dorset
Robin Hood’s Bay – North Yorkshire
Bamburgh Beach – Northumberland
Looe Beach – Cornwall
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Rhossili Bay – Gower Peninsula, Wales
Gyllyngvase Beach – Falmouth, Cornwall
Southwold – Suffolk
Camber Sands – East Sussex
Machir Bay – Isle of Islay, Scotland
Harbour Cove – Padstow, Cornwall
Experts at Condé Nast Traveler hailed it for being among the 56 best coastal spots in Britain in a recent study.
They looked at the best sandy spots as well as where there was the clearestwater to compile their list.
Condé Nast Traveler experts said: “Islay, known as ‘Queen of the Hebrides,’ is famous for its single malt whisky (there are eight distilleries on the tiny isle); but it’s also outlined by 130 miles of rambling coastline.
“Take a walk along the green, boggy flatlands, pass the iconic stone Celtic Cross of Kilchoman and you’ll come to Machir, one of the fairest stretches of sand of them all.
“It’s got a simple but perennially pleasing beauty: more than a mile of white-sand shoreline and a well-deserved reputation for stunning sunsets.
“Hike down to the south end and you’ll also come across a crumbling Iron Age fort hidden amongst the coastal crags.”
AlamyMachir Bay, on the Isle of Islay, impressed the experts[/caption]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on I’m a beauty writer and Medik8’s new anti-ageing serum has transformed my fine lines
MEDIK8 has earned its spot as one of the best-loved luxury skincare brands on the market.
Using science to back up its claims, Medik8’s products have secured a cult following that include celebrities and dermatologists, and I can confirm its latest release is a game-changer.
Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Serum blurred my pores and minimised my fine lines
Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Advanced MP launched in January, as an anti-ageing serum that uses patented Mini Proteins to minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
The brand doesn’t hold back on the bold claims, stating proven results in as little as 10 minutes.
I have several of Medik8’s products already in my skincare routine, so I was eager to try the brand’s latest innovation.
Retailing for £79, it’s definitely not the cheapest, but is it worth the price tag?
The second in line of Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Serums, the product is designed to offer a “filler-like effect with ease”.
While the brand’s original Liquid Peptides Serum works to combat early signs of ageing, the Advanced version has upped the ante by tackling even deep-set wrinkles.
The Advanced AP serum also includes 13 age-defying peptides (the original used 10), and it uses the world’s first Mini-Proteins.
What is the science behind it?
Botox is a protein, which needs to be injected into the skin due to its larger size.
Medik8’s Mini Proteins are small enough to penetrate the skin without injecting, targeting the formation of wrinkles at the foundation.
The Expression Line Mini Protein helps to relax expression lines, while the Growth Factor Mini Protein works to support collagen and hyaluronic acid levels to leave the skin looking smoother and firmer.
It’s recommended the serum is applied after cleansing and before any other products (including retinol).
I’ve been using the Medik8 serum for almost a month
First impressions, I was pleasantly surprised at how the serum glided across the skin without feeling heavy or sticky.
My dry skin doesn’t usually respond well when I apply serums before my make-up, but as the lightweight texture absorbs so quickly, I had no issues with using it in the AM and PM.
I’ve now been using the Advanced Peptides Serum for almost four weeks, and I can definitely see results.
While I don’t have deep-set wrinkles, I do have fine lines on my forehead which look noticeably less visible.
I can’t say I noticed changes after 10 minutes, but after a few uses my skin was looking brighter.
The serum has also made a huge difference to the pores on my forehead, and I hadn’t even noticed how much they had shrunk until comparing the before an after photos.
Medik8’s latest innovation doesn’t come cheap, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re looking for a product that actually works to minimise pores and smooth fine lines – that doesn’t involve a needle.
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Debenhams sale: get 70% off and a further 20% off home, fashion, beauty and tech
Getty
FASHION fans should head down to Debenhams pronto as the sale has just become even bigger.
There’s now up to 75% off thousands of products, with an extra 25% discount on many. What’s more, there’s currently free next day and express delivery!
AlamySave when shopping Debenhams huge sale[/caption]
Simply add the code FREEDEL at checkout to benefit.
Discover masses of great discounts across the Debenhams website with unmissable brands for men and women, as well as beauty and home deals too.
Whether you’re a Wallis woman, go crazy for Boohoo or simply love Dorothy Perkins you’re in luck as many brands are offering their own deals within the sale.
There’s also discount codes available on certain products saving you even more cash, such as EXTRA20 for an additional 20% off and BEAUTY5, which will get you another 5% off selected beauty and skincare.
Browse the sale to find impressive savings on everything from womenswear and watches to soft furnishings and humidifiers.
EverAu Australia Lark Slippers, £37.49 (were £129) – buy here
Trespass Keynote Anti Pilling 1/4 Zip Fleece Top, £14.44 (was £34.99) – buy here
What are the additional codes for extra discounts?
Debenhams extra discount codes are:
BEAUTY5 for an extra 5% off make-up, skincare and fragrance
EXTRA20 for an extra 20% off fashion
FREEDEL for free express and next day delivery
When does the Debenhams sale finish?
As far as we can see, there’s no end date for the current Debenhams sale so we’re guessing it will go on for a few weeks yet.
However, if you want to take advantage of the extra discounts you better be quick as there’s times on the retailer’s website that state the extra 5% off beauty and extra 20% off fashion finish tomorrow.
Can you return Debenhams sale items?
Yes, any items bought in the sale can be returned withing 28 days for a refund.
However there are exceptions. The retailer will not accept returns on beauty, skincare, pierced jewellery, vitamins and other supplements if the product seal has been broken.
Swimwear and lingerie will only be accepted for refund if the hygiene seals have not been removed.
Shoes and clothing should be returned unworn with all labels still attached.
While homewares, bedding and computer software must all be in their original packaging and unopened.