7 days agoTelevision GenreComments Off on Greece Extra 5 Afternoon Results: Saturday, 14 September 2024
The latest Greece Extra 5 Afternoon results are out, following the draw on Saturday, 14 September 2024. Greece Extra 5 Afternoon Results The winning numbers for today’s Greece Extra 5 Afternoon draw, held at 14:00, are as follows: Pending… Next Greece Extra 5 Draw The next Greece Extra 5 draw will be held later today, […]
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Infinix Launches XPad LTE Tablet With 7000mAh Battery
Infinix has entered the tablet market with the launch of its first device, the XPad. This sleek tablet boasts a slim, 7.6mm metal unibody construction and weighs 496g, making it both stylish and portable. At the heart of the XPad is an expansive 11-inch FHD+ display, offering a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and a crisp …
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Outrage as Remi Tinubu spends ₦701 Million on foreign trips in three months
Some Nigerians have expressed outrage after the Federal Government spent approximately ₦701 million to fund foreign trips of the country’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, in three months. A recent report by Gov Spend showed that the Tinubu-led administration over the last three months paid ₦700,707,532 for the First Lady’s foreign trips to five countries, including …
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Naira strengthens to N1,546.41 at the I&E window as Dangote refinery prepares for petrol distribution
The exchange rate between the naira and the US dollar appreciated to N1,546.41 at the official Investor and Exporter (I&E) window on Friday, September 13, 2024, amid reports that the Dangote refinery is set to begin petrol distribution on Sunday. The gain marks a 6.3% increase from the previous day’s rate of N1,649.76, as the …
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Full list of banks closing branches for good next week – including Lloyds and TSB
FOUR major high street banks are closing nearly 20 branches for good next week in a blow for households.
Halifax, Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and TSB are shutting 18 sites across the UK between them, according to the latest data from ATM provider LINK.
18 bank branches are closing across the UK next week[/caption]
Halifax is to permanently close two branches in England while Lloyds is shuttering six across the country.
RBS is closing three branches in Scotland while TSB is closing seven locations across England, Scotland and Wales.
Banks and building societies have shut around 6,000 branches since 2015 — at a rate of 54 each month — to almost half the number of branches that existed a decade ago.
Since 2022, almost 1,500 branch closures have been announced, according to data from LINK.
Here is the list of bank branches closing next week, and their final opening dates:
Halifax
54/56 High Street, Hailsham, England – September 19
122-26 High Street, Uckfield, England – September 18
Lloyds
Market Street, Hailsham, England – September 19
122-126 High Street, Uckfield, England – September 18
36-38 Church Road, Burgess Hill, England – September 17
5/6 Market Place, Hertford, England – September 17
11-13 Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, England – September 16
3 King Street, Saffron Walden, England – September 16
RBS
30 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, Scotland – September 19
18 Tay Walk, Cumbernauld, Scotland – September 18
2139 Paisley Road West, Cardonald, Scotland – September 17
TSB
25 Cheap Street, Frome, England – September 19
30 Drysdale Street, Alloa, Scotland – September 19
104 West Road, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England – September 18
7-8 General Rees Square, Cwmbran, Wales – September 18
40 High Street, Leven, Scotland – September 18
5 Blue Street, Camarthan, Wales – September 17
59 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, Scotland – September 17
Why are bank branches closing?
The latest data from the British Banking Association (BBA) from 1986 to 2012 and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) from 2012 to 2023 reveals that the number of bank branches in operation in the UK fell from 14,689 in 1986 to 5,745 in 2023 – a loss of 8,944.
Over the same period, the number of building society branches in operation plummeted from 6,954 to 1,925.
The loss of bank branches across high streets has been attributed to banking customers’ changing habits and the onset of online banking.
However, the mass closure of banks has led to fears those without access to computers, phones and transport, like the elderly, are being left behind.
In 2021, then chair of the House of Commons Treasury Committee, Mel Stride, wrote to several high street banks about branch closures.
In a letter response from the chief executive of Barclays UK, Matt Hammerstein said “profound technological changes” had seen the need for physical branches “experience a sustained fall”.
TSB Bank also said at the time that over 90% of its transactions were done digitally and over 67% of its customers used mobile, online or telephone banking.
People like David Elkins, 82, a retired service engineer from Calne, Wilts, who saw his HSBC branch close in 2023 and had to travel ten miles to the next nearest.
He has a kidney issue and needs frequent dialysis, making it impractical. Banking hubs are emerging as a solution to address the gaps left by widespread closures – but there are not enough of them.
There are plans for 146 of these, but so far there are only 60. You can use one of the Post Office’s 11,635 branches to perform basic banking tasks, but they don’t allow you to open or close accounts for example.
What to do if your local bank branch is closing
If a recent bank or building society closure has left you without one nearby, you have some alternatives.
You can carry out most basic banking tasks at your nearest Post Office, although you won’t be able to apply for a loan or open a new bank account there.
You can find your nearest Post Office branch by using the locator tool on its website.
Some banks offer a mobile banking service – a bus that comes to your area offering services you can usually get at a physical branch.
Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.
It’s worth contacting your bank to see what services they have available, and when they might next be in your area.
If you’re thinking about giving online banking a go, comparison website Uswitch has a useful guide on all the need to knows.
You could also switch your current account to a bank or building society that has branches closer to you.
You can switch current accounts for free, in most cases, through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Amazon slashes little-known but ‘efficient’ laptop from £450 to £230 – delighted shoppers call it ‘excellent value’
I’VE spotted an impressive price drop on a laptop brand that could easily be missed.
The Jumper 15.6-inch S7-Hi Laptop has dropped from £449.99 to £229.99, and tech fans have been left impressed.
Amazon has slashed the cost of the Jumper 15.6” Laptop[/caption]
With so many manufacturers and models on offer, it’s not always easy to know which laptop is right for both your needs and your budget.
Luckily for tech lovers looking for a new laptop, I’ve limbered up my shopping muscles and found a fantastic offer at Amazon.
The Jumper S7-Hi Laptop has received a hefty 49% discount, meaning shoppers can now bag a new laptop for just shy of £230.
It boasts a 15.6-inch Full HD display ideal for crunching spreadsheets or more enjoyable persuits like streaming a movie.
It also boasts an ultra-thin design, with the laptop weighing just 3.6 lbs; a pretty impressive feat for a laptop of this size.
This makes this particular product a perfect option for anyone who needs to stay online while on the move.
Under the hood, it comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD, which I’d expect to see on a device of this class, and will handle those day to day tasks with ease.
Shoppers appear just as impressed as I am, with the laptop receiving a solid 4.3-star rating from Amazon customers.
One user who described the device as ‘efficient’ wrote: ‘This laptop performs well overall, making it ideal for daily work and study.
‘The 15.6-inch Full HD display offers clear visuals, whether you’re working on documents, browsing the web, or watching videos, providing a comfortable viewing experience.’
Elsewhere on the Amazon website, a second shopper dubbed it ‘excellent value’, adding: ‘I bought this laptop for everyday use for browsing the internet and playing browser-based games.
‘I am very impressed with how stylish it looks, and the build quality is certainly on par with well-established rivals.
‘This model comes with a silicone protective cover for the keyboard which is a nice touch that other brands do not provide as standard.’
A third reviewer noted: ‘This was on special offer when purchased and having never heard of Jumper it was a leap of faith.
‘What an excellent purchase it has turned out to be, my daughter thinks it’s the best thing since sliced bread, very powerful and so quick, the perfect laptop for a hardworking student.’
In a nice touch, shoppers will also benefit from a one-year pre-installed Office 365 subscription in addition to that saving over £200.
That means you can access software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote at no extra cost for 12 months.
Last week I also covered an offer on a little-known laptop that customers are calling a ‘must-buy’, and that’s not all.
Discover more top deals and savings at your favourite tech retailers by heading to Sun Vouchers. Sun Vouchers is the one-stop shop where you can find hundreds of discount codes for top chains including Currys, Argos, AliExpress, Dyson and more.
We’re always searching to get you the hottest tech deals, so you can score the best prices around.
Check out our tech shopping hub for a roundup of our top picks.
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on ‘I want Giovanni back on Strictly,’ admits judge Anton Du Beke as he breaks silence on BBC probe into his best friend
ANTON Du Beke breaks his silence on the Strictly scandal after his best friend Giovanni Pernice was axed.
The Strictly judge addressed professional dancer Giovanni’s axe after a former contestant branded him “abusive, cruel and mean.”
Anton was asked if he would like to see his friend back on the show after he was axed[/caption]
The judge breaks his silence on the bad press[/caption]
The friends toured the UK together[/caption]
Amanda complained to the BBC that she has suffered five weeks of inappropriate behaviour[/caption]
“I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
“I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get.
“But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.”
The Sun TV Mag asked Anton if he would like to see Giovanni back on the BBC talent show.
He said: “I’d like to see him back of course, but we’ll enjoy Aljaz, and his new efforts on the show this year, and we’ll move forward.
“We get a whole new bunch of celebrities, and we go on from there.”
Addressing the scandal, Anton added: “It’s one of those situations where I sort of feel like I’m on the outside looking in, because it’s about stuff that of which I’m not involved in, any more.
“So I’m not part of the…. but it’s, you know, you don’t. You Never want any bad press, if you like, or anybody to say anything negative about the thing that you love.
“So I feel sad but I’m sort of waiting it… I’ve been waiting for it to sort of get through this part and then get on with the new show.
“Really, I think we’ve, I think there’s been a sort of period of time now that we’ve been waiting for the new show to start so we can, we can get on with the good stuff, really.
“Yeah, you never, you never want anything unpleasant to be said about the thing you so it’s been, it’s been unfortunate, and I hope it, I hope we have, hope we have a great series.
“You’re always disappointed if somebody doesn’t have a good time.
Strictly's full scandal so far
Strictly Come Dancing's scandal has been growing over the past few months, with several major players speaking out about what went on. Here are the key moments of what's happened so far
17th May: Giovanni becomes the centre of an official investigation after three former partners – believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh – make complaints to the BBC.
13th July:Graziano Di Prima is axed from Strictly for “gross misconduct” after footage of his treatment of Zara McDermott is brought to the attention of the BBC.
Graziano quickly broke his silence, apologising for his behaviour in a statement and saying he “deeply regrets it”, adding his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected his training regime.”
16th July: Zara McDermott speaks out publicly for first time. She states while the production team were “amazing to work with”, she found the rehearsal room “completely different”, confirming there’s footage of “certain situations”.
21st July: Paralympian Will Bayley, who has limb condition arthrogryposis, revealed he was encouraged to leap from a table during a dance routine, despite fears. The stunt caused an injury that forced him to withdraw from the show.
23rd July: Celebrity agent Melanie Blake claims she was sexually assaulted by an unnamed pro dancer while backstage on the show, and claims she witnessed ageism, rudeness and a rough treatment to the point of injury.
23rd July: BBC boss Tim Davie breaks his silence on the ongoing allegations against Strictly, saying he is ‘deeply sorry’, adding: “Hundreds of people, be they pros, contestants or crew have been part of it and had a brilliant experience.
“At the same time if someone thinks there was something wrong or they want to talk about their experience then of course we want them to raise that with us. Be in no doubt we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate.”
24th July: Strictly 2023 star Krishnan Guru-Murthy holds a bombshell interview with Amanda Abbington on Channel 4 news, where she claims she was bullied, with some of the ‘humilation being of a sexual nature’.
11th August: Just as the investigation was expected to conclude, Amanda made a dramatic intervention. Giovanni was on the brink of being cleared until Amanda handed in more text messages.
A source said: “They’ve also looked at his BBC contract and believe there are grounds to sue.”
Meanwhile, the BBC also delayed releasing the findings of the probe into Giovanni Pernice. The Sun revealed that the results of the three-month investigation were unlikely to be announced in August.
“And you know, you wish, you wish that they did, but it’s sort of one of those things, isn’t it? And then you just, you hope that, you know, 99% of people did have a great time. And you focus on that.”
The BBC released a statement saying: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
“While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established and robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”
A Beeb source told The Sun: “They moved very quickly in this situation and have offered Zara support she needs.
“It’s a shock for everyone involved.”
2024 contestant, Toyah Willcox, has opened up about the extreme measures taken to keep the show’s celebs safe this year.
The singer-songwriter, 66, said “I feel safe with this team.
“We have a psychologist with us all day, an amazing celeb producer, stunning press team… it’s a long time since I have felt this well looked after.
“What I mean by this is touring demands a level of complete independence, I do my own make up, carry my costumes etc, here in Strictly world they want us celebs to know they are here to support us 360 degrees.”
Series 22 of Strictly Come Dancing launches on September 14.
Graziano Di Prima was axed over allegations of physical and verbal behaviour towards his former dance partner Zara McDermott[/caption]
Toyah Willcox has opened up about the extreme measures taken to keep the show’s celebs safe this year[/caption]
The 2024 series of the show launches this Saturday[/caption]
7 days agoWorld LeaksComments Off on Want abs like Taylor Momsen and Rita Ora? Celeb PT shares workout she gives her clients – and Jennifer Aniston is a fan
CELEBS love to flaunt their abs.
And who can blame them, when they look as chiselled as Taylor Momsen or Rita Ora, who showed off their incredible physiques this week.
Rita Ora posted this photo in August, showing off her defined abs[/caption]
Similarly, Taylor Momsen wore this daring look which bared her tight abs[/caption]
The owner of Roar Fitness gyms has trained Piers Morgan, Pixie Lott and Sheridan Smith among others[/caption]
A personal trainer familiar with celebrities and their tight schedules is Sarah Lindsay, a three-time Winter Olympian and the owner of Roar Fitness gyms in London and Dubai.
Sarah knows a thing or two about keeping workouts effective and snappy – and has today shared an ab routine she always gives her clients using five key exercises.
And Jennifer Aniston would be a fan – this week her trainer posted a video showing Jen during an intense session that appeared to focus on core moves such as bird dog and side plank.
The workout is suitable for beginners, but equally, as a fitness professional, Sarah still uses them within her training programs herself.
It doesn’t need a gym or equipment and can be made harder or easier, depending on your level of fitness.
The workout will tone the ‘six pack’ but also strengthen core muscles, making everyday movement easier.
Sarah says: “The reps will depend on current strength and ability.
“The first time you do the workout- use it as a benchmark to see how many reps you can do with good form.
“Note them down then simply work on increasing the reps as you adapt and get stronger.”
Alternatively, you could do each exercise for 30 seconds with a 30 second rest in between.
High plank shoulder taps
From a plank position, tap alternating shoulders[/caption]
Get into a high plank position with your wrists underneath your shoulders.
Your body should be in a straight line and be sure to keep your gaze down to the floor.
Engage your core and keep your body as still as possible as you take your left hand and tap your right shoulder.
Slowly return the left hand to the ground, then take your right hand and tap your left shoulder. Keep alternating hands.
Side plank knee drive
This move is a little more advanced but definitely worth a try.
Get into a forearm side plank. Your left elbow and forearm should be on the floor, your legs should be stacked one on top of the other and your right hand can be placed on your top hip for support.
If you prefer, you can stay in this side plank position, otherwise, bend your top knee and drive it up towards your chest.
Pause, then straighten it back out to the start position.
Struggling? Drop the knee of your bottom leg down to the floor.
Side plank start position[/caption]
Raise the knee of the leg on top to your chest[/caption]
Bird dog
Get onto all fours, with your knees directly under your hips and your wrists under your shoulders.
Slowly lengthen your left leg out behind you whilst simultaneously reaching your right arm straight in front of you.
All the while, keep your spine flat and torso as still as possible.
Make sure your gaze stays down and your spine and neck stay in alignment.
Next, return your arm and leg to the start, before repeating the same movement with your right leg and left arm.
Alternate raising the arm and leg of opposite sides – it’s an ab killer to keep the spine and hips neutral![/caption]
Dead bug
The opposite of bird dog is dead bug, where the movement is essentially reversed as you lie on your back instead of being on all fours.
Bend your knees so they are at a right angle above the ground and lift your arms up straight above you, or straighten your arms and place your hands on your thighs.
Then, extend your left arm straight behind you so your arm hovers just above the ground, and straighten your right leg, so it also hovers the ground.
Dead bug start position[/caption]
Lower the opposite arm to leg while keeping the core tight[/caption]
Hollow hold
Although this move requires no actual movement, it keeps your abs muscles under tension, which in turn helps them to pop!
Lie back on the ground with arms overhead.
Then, lift your head and shoulders off the floor, keeping your arms up straight past your ears, and also lift your legs off the ground.
Stay here for as long as you can, staying as still as possible.
The hollow hold which keeps ab muscles under tension[/caption]
Sarah Lindsay training with broadcaster and Sun columnist Piers Morgan[/caption]
She’s been a trainer of Pixie Lott, too[/caption]
I can't see my abs, what am I doing wrong?
If you’ve been hitting the treadmill day in, day out, but you still can’t see your abs muscles popping, it’s time to look at a number of factors that contribute to your tummy and abs.
Calorie deficit
No matter how many ab workouts you do, you may not see the results if you are carrying a lot of extra weight.
While it’s still worth doing ab and core workouts, lose body fat by focusing on eating a calorie deficit, which is when you eat less calories than you are burning.
You can use a calculator such as https://tdeecalculator.net/ to figure out how many calories to eat based on your goals and how much activity you do.
Sarah says: “Everyone has abs but having visible abs purely comes down to how much body fat you have on your stomach.
“Cardio can help achieve a calorie deficit which can help you lose body fat but I don’t believe cardio alone is the best method of getting and staying leaner.”
Nutrition
Sarah says that nutrition plays a much larger role – ‘abs are made in the kitchen’, as the saying goes.
When it comes to what you should be eating, Sarah says that no foods in particular are bad for abs.
“Focus on the quality of your food to optimise health, as a healthy well functioning body will achieve goals faster,” she says.
It’s wise to eat enough so you can perform well at work and during your workouts; a balanced plate of wholesome carbs, proteins and fats is ideal.
Try Greek yoghurt with berries and oats for breakfast, a chicken salad with rice and greens for lunch, and fish, vegetables and potatoes or something similar for dinner.
Weight training
It’s also key to include weight training into your week as well as specific core training workouts, such as the one above.
Sarah says: “The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate which means you burn more calories at rest.
“This effectively means you can eat more (which means more nutrients) and not gain body fat.”
Plus, Sarah adds that the core is also hugely challenged in most weight training moves.
“For example I would argue that a back squat is as much of a core exercise for most people as it is a leg exercise,” she says.
If you’re new to weight training, start by using just your bodyweight and work up from there.