2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Panthers tell 10-year veteran they’re parting ways
The Carolina Panthers are beginning to take shape under head coach Dave Canales. Carolina finished the 2024 season with a 5-12 record, three games better than the 2023 season. The Panthers dealt with some early-season controversy, including the polarizing benching of QB Bryce Young. Despite this, the Panthers rallied to win four of their last […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Nuggets vs. Pacers prediction, odds, pick – 2/24/2025
We’re back for another betting prediction and pick as we head to the Midwest for this initial meeting between two teams for the first time this season. The Denver Nuggets (37-20) will visit the Indiana Pacers (32-23) in an exciting matchup on Monday’s slate of action. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with a Nuggets-Pacers prediction and […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Star of LeBron James’ new team sounds off on his impact
Recently, NBA legend and current Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James launched an E1 Series powerboat racing team, which includes Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings. The former. had high praise for the Lakers star. Speaking to TMZ, Wyatt praised James for his involvement in the series. Given his stature, there will be eyes on anything he […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Crowd reactions to Celtics’ Jaylen Brown failing to identify star musicians are priceless
The Boston Celtics continued their season-long stretch of dominance over the New York Knicks on Sunday, coasting to a 118-105 victory over one of their top rivals in the Eastern Conference. Jaylen Brown had another solid game for the C’s, but what wasn’t as solid was his performance in a game that saw if he […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Dodgers’ Mookie Betts sheds light on latest position change to shortstop
The Los Angeles Dodgers have impossibly high expectations. After a historic postseason and another high-spending offseason, it is World Series or bust for Los Angeles. The move that started this spending spree was a trade for Red Sox superstar Mookie Betts. Two World Series titles later, the future Hall of Famer is starting the season […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Who could replace Zelensky if he resigns in war deal? From boxer Klitschko to ‘Iron General’ & millionaire Putin stooge
VOLODYMYR Zelensky’s potential successors could be preparing their campaigns to be the leader of Ukraine.
That’s left ambitious Ukrainians rubbing their hands at the thought of being taking the top job – but who could fill the very large shoes left by Zelensky?
Vitali Klitschko – Heavyweight champion
ReutersKyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko visits the site of a Russian missile strike[/caption]
The 6ft 7in giant has led the capital through constant Russian bombing, was a key figure in the Euromaidan protests, and has been in office since all the way back since 2008.
With a 47-2 boxing record, he is 8-2 on elections he has fought.
Klitschko has also shown ambition to lead the country and was set to run for President in 2014 before he dropped out and endorsed Petro Poroshenko.
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.
Valery Zaluzhny – The Iron General
Valery Zaluzhny is known for defending Kyiv
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 – who is known for thinking outside of the box – was able to beat Putin’s best troops by outfoxing them.
Doing so, he built a cult status in Ukraine and is currently the country’s ambassador to London.
Viktor Medvedchuk – Putin’s Man
ReutersRussian President Vladimir Putin with Viktor Medvedchuk in 2019[/caption]
Not all those running for President could be pro-European.
Ukrainian oligarch Viktor 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.
He was stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship and traded to Russia, but Putin could insist he is allowed to contest the election as part of a peace deal.
Moscow could then back Medvedchuk with unlimited money and get its propaganda troll farms in behind the oligarch.
Kyrylo Budanov – Ukraine’s top spy
GettyKyrylo Budanov is the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence[/caption]
Ukraine’s military intelligence chief has been instrumental in keeping Kyiv one step ahead of Moscow.
Kyrylo Budanov has been able to get Ukrainian agents inside Russia who have then been able to sabotage key oil pipelines and train routes.
Just 39 years old, the spy boss has also been ruthless in fooling Russians to carry out attacks on their own country.
Budanov has also run his own information trickery – which could make him the perfect politician.
In 2023, he speculated that Putin could even be dead after photos showed the tyrant with a different-looking chin.
Petro Poroshenko – Former President
ReutersUkraine’s President Petro Poroshenko delivers a speech in 2019[/caption]
Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and billionaire chocolatier led the country between 2014 and 2019
He came to power following the Euromaidan protests and ran the country following Putin’s first invasion in 2014.
Last year, he said he would run for president again, but only after there was peace in the country.
Poroshenko has remained in the public eye visiting troops on the front line, organising donations, and doing press interviews as the war has gone on.
Kommersant Photo / PolarisVolodymyr Zelensky voting for himself in 2019[/caption]
AFPZelensky has said he could stand down if Ukraine could join Nato[/caption]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Major broadband and mobile provider with 18.3million customers to hike bills up to £36 in weeks
A MAJOR broadband and mobile provider is to hike bills by up to £36 in a matter of weeks.
A number of Vodafone‘s 18.3million customers will see prices increase come April.
ReutersVodafone will increase products[/caption]
The price hike comes as part of the firm’s annual mid-contract price rise, which meansbillswill go up automatically for many customers.
It follows similar increases from Sky, BT and EE with some providers hiking bills by as much as 13%.
If you signed your Vodafone contract before, July 2 2024 your price rise will be based on December’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) which hit 2.5%.
There will also be an additional 3.9% increase set by the company.
Now for customers whose contracts started before July 2nd 2024 their average broadband contract will increase by £22.73 to £378.
Meanwhile for customers whose contracts started after July 2 2024 their annual bill will rise by £36 to £391.
Vodafone mobile customers – who started their contract before July 2 2024 – will see their £284.40 yearly bill rise by £15.90 to £264.
While those who started after, excluding Vodafone Basic customers, will see their bill rise by £21.60 to £270.
The new pricing system follows anOfcomcrackdown on mid-contract price rises that catch customers out.
As of January 15, providers have banned from doing this in percentage terms and now have to include an exact pounds and pence figure in your contract – but this will still mean customers have to pay extra.
Vodafonesaid back in June 2024 that it would no longer apply these price hikes for consumers and some small businesses.
However, the change will only affect new customers of those renewing a contract with the telecom provider after this date.
For instance, customers who sign a contract in August 2024 will have their bills adjusted in April 2025 and and then again in April 2026 by a predetermined amount.
This works out as:
From £1 more per month for mobile services
£3 more per month for broadband
Vodafone has previously said that price increases will not be applied to customers identified as financially vulnerable or those on social tariffs.
This includes customers on Vodafone’s social broadband tariff dubbed “Vodafone Essentials”.
Pay-as-you-go users won’t be affected by the change as they aren’t signed up to a fixed contract.
OTHER PROVIDERS ALSO HIKING PRICES
Vodafone is not the only broadband and mobile firm hiking bills for customers.
For example, BT which also owns EE and Plusnet, said that from March 2025, the price of mobile contracts will rise by £1.50 a month (SIM-only) or £4 (handset plans).
Broadband tariffs will go up by £3 a month and £2 for TV.
But, the provider has assured vulnerable customers on BT Home Essentials contracts that they will be exempt from any price rises.
For those who took out a deal before this, a 6.4% rise will apply (3.9% and December’s inflation rate, which was 2.5%).
Plusnet will also increase its broadband price by £3 per month from the end of March for contracts taken out after July 11, 2024.
For contracts started prior to this date, a 6.4% hike will apply.
While the new Ofcom rules require providers to specify future price rises in pounds and pence upfront, it only applies if they are linked to inflation.
Sky’s are not, so it can go ahead with a percentage increase.
For example, if you currently pay £39 per month for Sky TV, Netflix, and Full Fibre 150 broadband, your bill will increase by £2.42, bringing the total to £41.42 a month.
The same rises will apply to NOW Broadband, which is owned by Sky.
If you’re on a broadband and mobile social tariff, you won’t see an increase to your bills because Sky and Now has frozen its tariffs.
But don’t just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you’re currently paying.
Take a look at your minutes and texts, as well as your data usage, to find out which deal is best for you.
For example, if you’re a heavy internet user, it’s worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don’t have to spend extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
In the weeks before your contract is up, use comparison sites to familiarise yourself with what deals are available.
It’s a known fact that new customers always get the best deals.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, allowances and provider.
This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
However, if you don’t want to switch and are happy with the service you’re getting under your current provider – haggle for a better deal.
You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract rather than rolling on to the tariff you’re given after your deal.
If you need to speak to a company on the phone, be sure to catch them at the right time.
Make some time to negotiate with your provider in the morning.
This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer through on the phone, and the rep won’t have worked tirelessly through previous calls which may have affected their stress levels.
It pays to be polite when getting through to someone on the phone, as representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers.
Knowing what other offers are on the market can help you to make a case for yourself to your provider.
If your provider won’t haggle, you can always threaten to leave.
Companies don’t want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you.
It’s also worth investigating social tariffs. These deals have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Tragedy as woman and two dogs killed after fire rips through home
A WOMAN and two dogs were killed after a fire ripped through a Scots home.
Emergency crews raced to the property on Balnagowan Road in Selkirk, Borders, at around 5.30am on Saturday.
Jessie Dahill, 73, and two dogs were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Cops say the blaze is not thought to be suspicious following a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.30am on Saturday, 22 February, 2025, officers were made aware of a fire at a property on Balnagowan Road in Selkirk.
“Emergency services attended and Jessie Dahill, 73, and two dogs were pronounced dead at the scene.
“Following a joint investigation between Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, the fire is not thought to be suspicious.
“Enquiries are ongoing and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Exactly why your brain won’t shut up at night – and the quick and simple way to shush it
EVER feel ready to keel over from tiredness, only for your thoughts to start racing as soon as your head meets the pillow?
As your brain bounces from one topic to the next – the email or text you forgot to reply to, a conversation you handled badly, an embarrassing encounter from five years ago – it can feel impossible to shut it up so you can get some much needed sleep.
GettyPlagued by a cycle of negative thoughts as soon as your head hits the pillow? This is called rumination[/caption]
According to psychologists, this cyclone of repetitive negative thoughts and excessive worry is called rumination or mental perturbance.
For many of us, this pattern of thinking – dwelling on mistakes, negative feelings and distress – is not even conscious.
Psychologists say it can impact your mental health and also intensify symptoms if you already live with depression or anxiety.
But it can happen to anyone, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or like life isn’t quite going your way.
If your brain starts going at 100 miles per hour when you’re desperately trying to snooze, there might be a way to tame your errant thoughts.
Called ‘cognitive shuffling’, it involves visualising random images to help you drift off.
It sounds deceptively simple, but psychologistDr Luc Beaudoinsays it mimics what your brain does naturally when you’re drifting off and you’re not quite conscious but not asleep either – a picture show of unrelated images that slowly lull you to sleep.
“We want your brain to be thinking different things because as you naturally fall asleep, that’s what the brain does,” the adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University in Canada told BBC Science Focus.
It may also help get your spiralling thoughts in check, giving them some structure, so you won’t stray to thinking about stressful topics – like your mortgage.
The hack has recently made its rounds on social media.
While many trends that cycle through TikTok and Instagram aren’t the most legit, withsome users claimthe mental exercise helps distract them from stressful thoughts keeping them awake.
Here’s how it works, according to Dr Beaudoin.
He told BBC Science Focus: “It basically gets you to imagine things one after another.
“One way to do that is to pick a word, any word, like the word ‘piano’.
GettyCognitive shuffling similar to counting sheep but less repetitive[/caption]
“Now, imagine a piano for five to six seconds, maybe touching it or playing it, even if you don’t know how.
“Then, we’re going to spell the word piano and for each letter, we’re going to come up with as many associations with each letter as we can.”
So for ‘piano’, you’d try and think of as many words starting with the latter ‘P’ as you can – parakeet, pilot, pumpkin, powder puff, pooch, and so on.
Dwell on each image for a few seconds and imagine yourself interacting with it before moving onto the next, until you run our of words starting with ‘P’.
The best sleep routine and environment
Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment...
A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night’s sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene.
Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it.
This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality.
As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in.
Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen.
Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too.
The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave.
If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains.
Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn’t work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out.
In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen.
Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you!
Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night’s sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
After that, go through words starting with ‘I’, then ‘A’.
Hopefully you won’t make it all the way to ‘O’, as the idea is that you’ll fall asleep long before you get to the end.
At a glance, cognitive shuffling technique may sound similar to the concept of counting sheep’.
But Dr Beaudoin said focusing on the same object over and over might be too repetitive and precise, preventing your mind from truly resting.
He told Women’s Healththat hefirst came up with the concept as an undergraduate student studying cognitive psychology in 1989.
He was struggling with insomnia and claimed the method helped him, but he didn’t become formally studying the cognitive shuffling technique as a researcher until about 2009.
The technique is one part of a broader theory of sleep onset that Dr Beaudoin has developed, called ‘somnolent information processing’.
The idea describes a kind of control system for sending yourself to sleep and lists factors that help smooth this process as well as some that hinder it.
Dr Beaudoin has run a number of pilot tests on cognitive shuffling, but wants do more research in comparing the technique with other cognitive strategies used to help people get to sleep.
“We’ve had encouraging results, but we need to do more studies,” he told Science Focus.
“And it’s important to emphasise that no cognitive treatment, including the cognitive shuffle, is expected to be used in isolation.”
Making sure you’re following other science-backed recommendations for better sleep is also important, he added.
No amount of shuffling will undo the effects a coffee or heavy meal right before bed, the psychologist noted.
Experts also told Women’s Health that cognitive shuffling remains a theory, not a proven practice, and that more research needs to be done on it
Cognitive shuffling Dos and Don'ts
Here are some pointers to give the technique a go yourself:
DO set yourself some guidelines to ensure that you don’t go off daydreaming up a whole story. Try thinking of all the words you can that start with the same letter before switching to another.
DON’T just think of a word, visualise it. Fully imagine the piano, how it feels and sounds, rather than just picturing the word to slow your brain down a bit.
DO make yourself the star of the show. Visualise yourself playing and touching the piano.
DO know when to ask for help. If you regularly have trouble sleeping, experts say it may be time to put the technique to bed and call in a doctor.
