Lady Gaga surprises U2 Las Vegas crowd with Shallow duet
Lady Gaga was the special guest during U2's latest Las Vegas show.
2023-10-26 17:23
David Hunter: Appeal against Cyprus manslaughter verdict begins
David Hunter was convicted of the manslaughter of his ill wife but could be tried again for murder.
2023-10-26 16:24
First ever Florida Man games will feature beer belly wrestling and 'evading arrest' obstacle course
It ain’t the Olympics, but a group of Floridians plan to host competitions themed according to the collective antics of the beer-loving, gator-possessing, rap-sheet heavy, mullet-wearing social media phenomenon known as “Florida Man.”
2023-10-26 16:24
Fatima Whitbread supporting new fostering campaign, as research finds ‘misconceptions put people off’
Misconceptions including being single or too old are said to be putting people off fostering at a time of dire need for more carers, as Olympian Fatima Whitbread and poet Lemn Sissay front a new recruitment campaign. Radio presenter Pandora Christie has also joined efforts to get more people to consider fostering, as the trio – who all had experience living in care as children – shared photographs of their younger selves in support of the campaign. The National Fostering Group (NFG), which describes itself as the largest network of independent fostering agencies in the UK, said its research had shown thousands of carers are needed across Great Britain. Sissay, who has previously detailed his experiences in the British care system, said fostering or adoption is “the greatest thing a human being can do for another”, while Whitbread, who grew up in children’s homes, said it is “a unique chance to make a real difference to a child’s life”. The NFG described the care system as being “at a critical point” and said information it had received from 128 local authority fostering agencies in England, Scotland and Wales suggested almost two thirds of those had seen a rise in young people going into care in the last 12 months and an estimated 10,500 foster carers are now “urgently needed across the country”. But its polling of 2,000 adults suggested less than a fifth (14%)of people would consider fostering – a figure the NFG said could be higher if certain misconceptions were not held. More than a third (34%) of people felt they were too old to foster – with most of those who said this in the 65-plus age bracket, but 18% aged between 55 and 64 and 11% aged 45 to 54, the NFG said. Other reasons included already having their own children (13%), being single (13%), working (11%) and being disabled (9%), it added. Steve Christie, chief executive of the NFG said: “Many people perceive there to be barriers to becoming a foster carer that simply aren’t true. “We will consider people regardless of age, marital status, gender, sexuality, disability or employment status. “Anyone who has room in their home and their heart could be a foster carer, and most of our foster carers say that fostering is the best thing they have ever done.” Backing the campaign, Olympic javelin champion Whitbread said: “Foster carers offer children and young people a safe, loving and nurturing home when they can’t live with their birth families. This means they have a unique chance to make a real difference to a child’s life.” Heart radio presenter Christie, who went into foster care aged nine, said: “Foster parents are fundamental in creating a safe home environment and support system for children and young people who find themselves needing care. “The amount of futures they help to change and the difference foster parents can make to a child’s life is indescribable.” Sissay, who wrote about his time in care in his autobiography, My Name Is Why, said: “A child will test you emotionally, spiritually, financially, throughout your life, so to foster or adopt a child is the greatest thing a human being can do for another.” For more information on fostering, visit www.nfa.co.uk. Read More 5 key coat trends to complete your autumn/winter wardrobe 12 ways to weave some woodland wonder into your home Hibernation mode: 5 small self-care adjustments to make before the clocks change 13 possible cancer symptoms you should get checked out Neglecting women’s health at work could cost UK economy £20.2bn a year – analysis Nearly three-quarters of mothers feel invisible, study suggests
2023-10-26 16:15
5 key coat trends to complete your autumn/winter wardrobe
The cornerstone of one’s winter wardrobe, a coat is an essential purchase if you’re looking to update your look for the new season. On the AW23 catwalks, designers delivered exceptional outerwear, with everything from tailored cuts and muted tones to bold hues and glamorous animal prints. These are the runway trends to know about now, and where to shop them on the high street… 1. Black magic The latest iteration of the continuing ‘quiet luxury’ trend, black tailored coats were all over the runways, from Givenchy (oversized) and The Row (double-breasted), to Dolce and Gabbana (nipped in at the waist). The ultimate outerwear investment piece, a long, black coat in a classic cut made with high-quality fabric will – if you look after it carefully – last you a lifetime. Mango Double-breasted Wool Coat Black, £179.99; 100% Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, £119.99; Leather Boots with Tall Leg, £199.99. Lucy Sparks Black Waist Tie Women’s Coat With Deep Pockets and Shawl Lapel, £53; (other items, stylist’s own), SilkFred. Joe Browns Black Fur Trim Coat, £130; Black High Neck Embellished Long Sleeve Top, £21.60 (was £24); Nobody’s Child Mila Midi Skirt, £45; Square Toe Leather Boots, £75, JD Williams 2. Lipstick brights At the other end of the style spectrum, coats in brilliantly bright lipstick shades popped up repeatedly, from fuchsia at Gucci and raspberry pink at Max Mara, to scarlet at Valentino and Bally. If you’re looking for a statement staple this winter, ruby red is an elegant option, while a hot pink coat will brighten up any outfit. Star by Julien Macdonald Pink Cape Belted Coat, £119; Eyelet PU Ponte Leggings, £42, Freemans. Monsoon Bobbie Boucle Coat Red, £150; Cutwork Floral Embroidered Top Black, £70; Lara Wide Leg Jean Blue, £80; (shoes, stylist’s own). 3. Luxe leopard Take a walk on the wild side with an animal print coat, as seen at Stella McCartney, Ganni and Dolce & Gabbana. From lightweight leopard print coats perfect for layering over chunky knits, to thick furry jackets that work with everything from jeans to party dresses, a roar-some coat is a surprisingly versatile option. Roman Tan Premium Animal Print Faux Fur Coat, £89. Issy London Lena Leopard Faux Fur Jacket, £219. 4. Trench coats The timeless trench coat is having a high-fashion moment this season, with appearances on the catwalks at Chloé, Dries Van Noten and (of course) Burberry, the brand that invented the style. A longline trench in stone or camel will serve you well from autumn through to spring when teamed with cosy accessories – add leather gloves, over-the-knee boots and a cross-body bag for an effortlessly chic look. Albaray Belted Trench Coat, £165; Blue White Stripe Organic Cotton Shirt, £79; 90’s Straight Leg Jeans, £79. Paisie Faux Fur Collar Coat, £188 5. Quiet quilting Taking over from power puffers, lightweight quilted jackets are the trendiest way to wrap up warm this winter, according to Hermès, Chloé and Max Mara. Muted tones rules when it comes to this fashion-meets-function trend – think khaki, forest green and beige. La Redoute Recycled Padded Jacket in Slim Fit, £65; (other items, stylist’s own). George Green Quilted Parka Coat, £35, Asda. Read More 12 ways to weave some woodland wonder into your home Hibernation mode: 5 small self-care adjustments to make before the clocks change 13 possible cancer symptoms you should get checked out Neglecting women’s health at work could cost UK economy £20.2bn a year – analysis Nearly three-quarters of mothers feel invisible, study suggests The best ways to work-out in 22 minutes – as study finds this is magic number for offsetting ‘negative impact of sitting’
2023-10-26 15:58
Man dies after his e-scooter is struck by a van
A man in his 50s has died after his e-scooter was struck by a van in County Sligo.
2023-10-26 15:30
Christine McVie’s estate sells her stake in Fleetwood Mac's hits
Christine McVie’s estate has sold a stake in her music catalogue, including Fleetwood Mac's hits.
2023-10-26 15:28
Freelance director reveals why he cast John Cena in comedy role: 'He was perfect right away!'
Pierre Morel thinks John Cena has "amazing" versatility as an actor as he hailed the wresting legend for his performance in 'Freelance'.
2023-10-26 15:27
Shingles explained as Holly Willoughby takes time off from This Morning
Holly Willoughby has announced that she “may not” be c-hosting ITV’s This Morning in the coming week due to contracting shingles. The 42-year-old TV presenter wrote on her Instagram Story on Sunday (16 April): “Hi, just to let you know, I may be away for the rest of the week as I have shingles.” “I’ll be back as soon as I’m better. Huge love,” she added. Shingles can be a very painful experience that affects around one in four adults in their lifetime. The infection, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which also causes chickenpox. The virus is extremely common, with more than 90 per cent of the world’s population having it. It is usually contracted when people get chickenpox as children, but the virus does not go away, instead, it will lay dormant in the body’s nervous system for years. For about a third of people who get the virus, it will reactivate some years later and cause shingles. Here is everything you need to know about the symptoms of shingles and how to treat it: What are the symptoms? A person who gets shingles will experience a painful rash that can occur anywhere on the body. Early signs of shingles could be a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, a headache or feeling generally unwell. According to the NHS, the rash usually looks like “a single stripe of blisters that wraps around the left side or right side of your torso”. They appear as blotches on the skin that become itchy blisters, which can break and ooze fluid. The rash can be red, but this can be harder to see on brown or black skin. The rash can also appear on your face, eyes and genitals. If it appears around your eyes, it can affect your sight or hearing and make it hard to move one side of your face. According to the Mayo Clinic, if left untreated, the infection can lead to permanent eye damage. After a few days, the blisters will dry out and become scabs. If a rash appears on both the left and right side of the body, it is unlikely to be shingles. How is it treated? Shingles can take up to four weeks to heal, but can have more severe consequences in older people above the age of 50. If the symptoms are not serious, patients can take paracetamol to ease the pain and use a cool compress on the rash several times a day to soothe it. It is also recommended that you keep the area with the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection and wear loose-fitting clothing. But there are some situations in which it is recommended you contact your GP or call 111. Due to the heightened risk in older people, you should seek help if you are aged 50 or older. People with a weakened immune system should also contact the health service, as well as those who have a rash that is widespread and painful, or has appeared near an eye. Are shingles contagious? Shingles are not contagious and you cannot spread them. However, if you come into contact with someone who has not had chickenpox and has not been vaccinated against chickenpox, they could catch chickenpox from you. The NHS recommends you avoid being around pregnant people who have not had chickenpox before, people with a weakened immune system, and babies that are less than a month old. Is there a vaccine against shingles? Yes, but it is only available on the NHS to people in their 70s. Shingles can be fatal for around one in 1,000 over-70s who develop it. The vaccine injection only needs to be given once. However, some people who cannot have the routine vaccine for health reasons will need two doses. Getting the vaccine will reduce your risk of getting shingles, and if you do get it, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter. If you already had shingles, you can still get the vaccine to protect yourself against developing it again. You may have to wait up to one year after you have recovered from the illness before you can get the vaccine. Read More Five signs of sepsis you need to know and act on immediately EuroMillions winner burned through £40m by spending £100K a week Tech entrepreneur, 45, spends $2m a year on reverse ageing to achieve body of an 18 year old: ‘Horrifying’ Shingles symptoms, what causes it and how to treat the virus When do the clocks go back in the UK this year? Hibernation mode: 5 small self-care adjustments to make before the clocks change
2023-10-26 15:26
12 ways to weave some woodland wonder into your home
From woodland walks to winter terraces, the shorter days and longer evenings make you want to come home to a warm winter glow, earthy tones and forest green furnishings. Along with cosy textiles and ambient candlelight, the starting point is often a themed tablescape before thoughts turn to an inviting sofa with statement scatter cushions to sink into. Here’s how to embrace the natural world with forest green homewares and rustic accents… 1. Burleigh Tableware: Green Asiatic Pheasants Collection, Green Asiatic Pheasants 17.5cm Plate, £22; Green Regal Peacock Collection, Green Regal Peacock Mini Tankard Jug, (160ml), £36; rest of items from a selection, Burleigh. A flight of fancy brings the outdoors in with green pheasants and peacocks teamed with natural linens, seasonal décor and crystal stemware as clear as a calm stream. 2. Woodland Creatures Oven Gloves, £30, Cherith Harrison. With hearty casseroles and comfort food at the top of winter warmer menus, a practical pair of oven gloves takes on a whole new light with woodland wildlife enriching mealtimes. 3. Green Acorn Lidded Mug, £15, National Trust. Sweater weather is all about cupping your hands round a warming mug of cocoa, with a cute lid to keep it piping hot. 4. Living County Fabric 4-Seater Split Sofa Scatter Back, Rodeo Tan/Win Chk Choc/Pan Bge/Sta Bge – Fabric, £1,199, SCS. When you want to luxe up your life – and living room – a new sofa can be a game-changer. Think warm tones to lift your space, complemented by stud detailing, hardwood feet and co-ordinating cushions to up the comfort level. 5. Rustic Metal Reindeer Tea Light Holders, £16 each, Marquis & Dawe. Taking inspiration from a Highland lodge, these tea light holders set the scene with two similar designs… one features a small village house nestled amongst the tall pines. 6. Foxgloves! Lampshade, £65, Mountain & Molehill. With the clocks going back and shorter days on the horizon, lighting can make the biggest impact… providing the perfect centrepiece for country-style décor. 7. Orla Kiely Larch Fabric Medium Sofa, £1,399 (was £1,729), rest of items from a selection, Barker And Stonehouse. Orla Kiely’s leaf-on-stem designs always hit the right note, and this sofa in a solid fir green solves the styling dilemma of how to mix-and-match your furniture… the chic, clean lines and satisfyingly soft cushioning make this an investment buy that goes with everything. 8. Pheasant Wool Cushion, £43, JJ Textile. An easy foundation piece for creating a cohesive country living look, this pheasant cushion loves an accent chair. 9. Woodland Walks Candle, £21, (180g), Woodland Walks Diffuser, £30, Sophie Allport. A sure-fire way to recreate the earthy scents of woods and moss is to scent surround with candles and diffusers to bring the outside in. 10. Matcha Bouquet, Medium Letterbox, £42, Cult Furniture. This mixed bouquet of eucalyptus and rich green foliage channels a biophilic theme, and will lift a forgotten corner or sideboard. 11. Check Printed Fleece Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, £16 – £27, Chevron Faux Fur Throw, £40, rest of items from a selection, Dunelm. Team a cosy fleece in café au lait colours with moss green and moody mauve, topped with a faux fur throw… and you’ll be ready to snuggle up and slumber. 12. Luxe Faux Fur Throw Olive, £65, Walton & Co. Another easy styling tool: take this luxe olive faux fur throw and drape it over an armchair to cosy up your world with nature’s favourite shade. Read More Hibernation mode: 5 small self-care adjustments to make before the clocks change 13 possible cancer symptoms you should get checked out Neglecting women’s health at work could cost UK economy £20.2bn a year – analysis Nearly three-quarters of mothers feel invisible, study suggests The best ways to work-out in 22 minutes – as study finds this is magic number for offsetting ‘negative impact of sitting’ What crops will we be growing in the future, as climate change alters the landscape?
2023-10-26 15:20
Shingles symptoms, what causes it and how to treat the virus
Shingles can be a very painful experience that affects around one in four adults in their lifetime. The infection, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which also causes chickenpox. The virus is extremely common, with more than 90 per cent of the world’s population having it. It is usually contracted when people get chickenpox as children, but the virus does not go away, instead, it will lay dormant in the body’s nervous system for years. For about a third of people who get the virus, it will reactivate some years later and cause shingles. Here is everything you need to know about the symptoms of shingles and how to treat it: What are the symptoms? A person who gets shingles will experience a painful rash that can occur anywhere on the body. Early signs of shingles could be a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, a headache or feeling generally unwell. According to the NHS, the rash usually looks like “a single stripe of blisters that wraps around the left side or right side of your torso”. They appear as blotches on the skin that become itchy blisters, which can break and ooze fluid. The rash can be red, but this can be harder to see on brown or black skin. The rash can also appear on your face, eyes and genitals. If it appears around your eyes, it can affect your sight or hearing and make it hard to move one side of your face. According to the Mayo Clinic, if left untreated, the infection can lead to permanent eye damage. After a few days, the blisters will dry out and become scabs. If a rash appears on both the left and right side of the body, it is unlikely to be shingles. How is it treated? Shingles can take up to four weeks to heal, but can have more severe consequences in older people above the age of 50. If the symptoms are not serious, patients can take paracetamol to ease the pain and use a cool compress on the rash several times a day to soothe it. It is also recommended that you keep the area with the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection and wear loose-fitting clothing. But there are some situations in which it is recommended you contact your GP or call 111. Due to the heightened risk in older people, you should seek help if you are aged 50 or older. People with a weakened immune system should also contact the health service, as well as those who have a rash that is widespread and painful, or has appeared near an eye. Are shingles contagious? Shingles are not contagious and you cannot spread them. However, if you come into contact with someone who has not had chickenpox and has not been vaccinated against chickenpox, they could catch chickenpox from you. The NHS recommends you avoid being around pregnant people who have not had chickenpox before, people with a weakened immune system, and babies that are less than a month old. Is there a vaccine against shingles? Yes, but it is only available on the NHS to people in their 70s. Shingles can be fatal for around one in 1,000 over-70s who develop it. The vaccine injection only needs to be given once. However, some people who cannot have the routine vaccine for health reasons will need two doses. Getting the vaccine will reduce your risk of getting shingles, and if you do get it, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter. If you already had shingles, you can still get the vaccine to protect yourself against developing it again. You may have to wait up to one year after you have recovered from the illness before you can get the vaccine. Read More When do the clocks go back in the UK this year? Hibernation mode: 5 small self-care adjustments to make before the clocks change Want to be a useful man? Arnold Schwarzenegger is here to tell you how When do the clocks go back in the UK this year? Hibernation mode: 5 small self-care adjustments to make before the clocks change Want to be a useful man? Arnold Schwarzenegger is here to tell you how
2023-10-26 15:18
PwC Australia spin-off Scyne Advisory cuts 78 jobs
By Lewis Jackson SYDNEY PwC Australia said on Thursday that dozens of staff who had been set to
2023-10-26 14:55