THE English Open 2024 is rolling on at speed – and there are some thrilling fifth round ties taking place today!
Defending champion Judd Trump secured his spot in the last 16 after beating fellow Englishman Matthew Selt 4-1 and will face Fan Zhengyi.
John Higgins also progressed with a 4-1 win over David Gilbert, to set up a clash with world No 3 Mark Allen, while former world champion Luca Brecel crashed out following a narrow 4-3 defeat to Pang Junxu.
On Tuesday night, Ronnie O’Sullivan was eliminated after he suffered a shock defeat to He Guoqiang – who is now advanced to the last 16 as well.
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Follow ALL the action from the English Open 2024 with our live blog below…
POKÉMON Go is what everyone thinks of when it comes to mobile games.
While many have tried to take its crown, it stands tall as one of the most popular games of all time.
Even Pokémon itself has tried to recreate this success with other mobile titles like Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon Café Remix, and even Pokémon Sleep.
All of these have been successful in their own way, but are nowhere near the peaks of Niantic’s game.
The Pokémon Company is now giving it another go with TCG Pocket, a digital version of one of Pokémon’s strongest revenue generators, the trading cards.
A mobile version of the TCG is actually already available. However, this is for those who already know how to play the game.
TCG Pocket aims to bridge the gap between those who just like pretty pictures, and those who spend their Sundays shuffling decks.
The Pokémon trading cards have a gacha element to them, as you open packs to try and pull the prettiest (and most valuable) cards.
TCG Pocket not only allows you to open packs without the financial investment, but it’s made the cards prettier than ever before.
Even if you don’t get any ‘pulls’, opening packs of cards is simply satisfying, and you get that realistic feel as you swipe your finger across the screen.
Ultimately, after more than two decades, The Pokémon Company and Creatures Inc. know what it takes to keep people pulling, opening and swiping, and soon it’ll be more accessible than ever.
The packs are rendered in 3D and you can rotate them so you get that tactile feeling of opening real packs.
And the cards themselves have never looked more convincing, with 226 cards available when the game launches on October 30.
The twist is that there are now immersive cards that will let you enter the picture like a living scene, letting you feel the cards come alive in a way they can’t in real life.
TCG Live packs are half the size of their real-life counterparts, with just five cards each, but you can pick up two free packs a day when you log in.
Under the pack opening is a simpler version of the tabletop game, where you use a 20-card deck over the usual 60.
Prize cards are removed in favour of a points system, and you only need three points to win.
You’ll still get one point per regular Pokémon you knock out, and two for a Pokémon EX though.
Benches only hold three ‘mons instead of five, and there are no energy cards, meaning the decks are less complex overall.
You can play matches against the AI, or with other players locally or online. You can even get your deck to do the work for you if you don’t feel like playing.
While it feels like a great way to introduce new players to the game, the microtransactions and multiple in-game currencies already feel like a cause for concern.
There’s something called a special shop ticket that lets you buy accessories, such as custom card sleeves and playmats, and there’s also an event shop ticket letting you buy limited-time cosmetics.
The emblem ticket currency, meanwhile, lets you buy fancy new emblems for your profile, while ‘shine dust’ is obtained by trading in duplicate cards.
There’s also wonder stamina, which recovers over time, and governs how often you can use your wonder pick to open a pack and choose one of its cards, placed face down, to keep forever.
Wonder hourglasses can speed up wonder stamina recovery, and you can also use a rewind watch to take your wonder pick again.
And of course there is a premium pass to let you pull three packs a day instead of two.
Overall, it just feels intensely gamified and it’s clear that every tool in mobile developers’ arsenals has been used to keep you playing and ultimately paying.
Pokémon TCG Pocket certainly seems promising for those who find the regular game too complex and we’re sure that people will have fun playing.
But if you’re a parent you might want to watch out for your kids getting sucked in by the monetisation.
Pokémon TCG Pocket launches on iOS and Android Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
If you want to read more about Pokémon, check out the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Violet seven-star tera raid.
Get the lowdown on more of the latest Nintendo Switch releases from our expert reviewers.
For Xbox Series X and PS5 reviews, check out our full game reviews section.
HIGH street giant Next has warned of possible store closures after losing a landmark legal case over equal pay.
The retailer is planning to appeal against the decision last month that saw more than 3,500 former and current workers at the group win their pay claim after a six-year legal battle.
An employment tribunal ruled that Next failed to demonstrate that the lower basic wage paid to sales consultants compared with warehouse operatives was not the result of sex discrimination.
Next – which is led by chief executive Lord Wolfson – cautioned that while it is confident of winning its appeal, if it did not, it could be forced to shut shops due to soaring costs.
In its half-year results, the group said: “In the possible (but unlikely) event we lose this case on appeal, there will be a financial cost to the group and its ongoing future operating costs.”
It added: “Each of our stores is treated as a business in its own right, and must remain individually profitable if they are to open in the first place and continue trading at lease renewal.
“Inevitably some of our stores will no longer be viable if this ruling is upheld on appeal.
“Materially increasing store operating costs will result in more shops being closed when their leases expire, and will materially impede our ability to open new stores going forward.”
The firm also said that the case could have an impact on the “viability of our warehouse operation” if it cannot increase pay for workers at the sites.
“If, for many people, warehouse work is less attractive than work in stores… how can a warehouse attract the number of employees it needs?” the group said.
The company said its legal team was “very confident of our grounds for appeal”, but stressed the process may not conclude for at least a year.
Last month’s ruling marked the first equal pay claim of its type against a national retailer to secure a win and is seen opening the gates to more.
Around 60,000 Asda workers are also pursuing a similar claim, which has now reached an employment tribunal after being launched 10 years ago.
Next’s comments come as the group upped its annual profit outlook for the second time in less than two months and said prices of its ranges would fall over autumn and winter.
The chain reported a 7.1% jump in underlying pre-tax profits to £452 million for the six months to July 27 as total group sales lifted 8%.
It said UK sales rose by just 1%, dragged lower by its Next brand ranges, which saw sales fall as much as 7.4% in June because of poor demand for seasonal collections amid the cooler early summer weather.
But overseas sales surged 23% in the first half, and the firm also said UK trading since the half-year was “materially” better than expected as the weather improved over August.
Next reported a 6.9% rise in full price sales over the first six weeks of the second half so far and it now expects sales over the year to rise 4% overall, with UK retail growth of 5% in the third quarter.
The firm upped its full-year profit guidance by £15 million to £995 million, which would mark an 8.4% rise on 2023-24.
The group also offered some cheer for under-pressure consumers as it said prices were being cut further for its autumn and winter ranges, down 0.3% after a 1% fall in the first six months.
SHOPPERS are rushing to Home Bargains to grab a Christmas essential that was sold out quickly last year.
Home Bargains has brought back its popular Grinch pyjama range to mark the arrival of the Christmas season.
The green and red options also feature an image of the cartoon Grinch on the front, who is pictured smirking and wearing a Santa’s hat and scarf.
Prices range from £6 to £9 and they are available in Home Bargains’ 555 stores across the UK.
To find your nearest store, scroll to the bottom of the website and use the Store Finder tool.
A bargain hunter on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains Facebook page posted a picture of the range – with hundreds of shoppers commenting.
One said: “We need to get these”, while another added: “I know two little people who would love these”.
As always we recommend that you shop around to compare the best price, as there’s plenty of new Christmas deals popping up with winter just around the corner.
By scouting the best prices now, you can save the risk of any panic spending later on.
To compare deals quickly and effectively, use the Sort By toggle on retailers websites and select prices “lowest first”.
We scoured shops online to find more options for Christmas PJs.
When we shopped around, we found that a similar style onesie to the classic green design is stocked in Sports Direct for £6.99 – meaning almost a £1 bargain on this item.
Asda are also selling their Grinch Christmas Baby Sleepsuits for £7, as well as Grinch Snuggle Hoodies for £12 – perfect for keeping cosy this winter.
Similar pyjamas selling in the Asda Grinch range are £10 for all age groups, meaning up to a 30% save in Home Bargains.
More budget-friendly Christmas children’s pyjamas are being stocked in Primark this winter, such as its Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Christmas Pyjamas for £7.50.
However, despite being renowned for its cheap nightwear collections, Primark is stocking their own Grinch set for £12 – meaning a huge save on the Home Bargains range.
When searching online, we found that the long sleeve, collared design actually mirrors the upmarket Avery Row Winter Ski pyjamas selling for £36.00.
Therefore you could consider this Home Bargain offer as a fantastic dupe, saving you at least £28 which you could be splashing elsewhere.
For the same price of £9, Peacocks also offer a button-up style kids pyjama set in Christmas Red Check, and Sainsbury’s Tu have a cream & red reindeer design.
Once again, this is a good reminder that it is always useful to shop around online before making your purchase.
Some say it’s never too early for Christmas, and there are many reasons why.
For example, decorating your home can improve your mood by release dopamine, the feel-good hormone in your brain.
If you’re an early-bird shopper, shops stocking Christmas items may help you prepare, and cut the cost across several months.
You can also look out for bargains across several shopping events – for example, end of summer sale’s or Black Friday.
One of the best things about the festive season is eating lots of delicious seasonal meals and treats – enjoying your favourite beverages and tipples.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
PENISES come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and most men tend to be pretty well acquainted with how their penis looks.
The appearance of your member probably won’t change much throughout your life – though it might temporarily appear smaller when you’re chilly.
But sometimes penises do shrink for reasons that have nothing to do with the cold – and it may be permanent.
According superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click, Abbas Kanani, the shrinking and reduction of size in your penis is known as penile atrophy.
“If you’ve ever noticed your manhood appears smaller than usual, it can be hard to accept,” he says.
Penile atrophy can happen for a number of reasons, including due to medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, how much you exercise and the inevitable fact of ageing.
Here we go through seven key reasons why your penis may be looking smaller.
Your body goes through many changes as you naturally age, some of which impact sexual function.
Your penis is one body part when you might start to see a change as the years go by.
“As men get older, blood flow reduces and penile tissues receive less oxygen and essential nutrients,” Abbas explains.
“When this happens over a prolonged period of time it can lead to tissue damage and atrophy.
“Blood flow issues also cause the tissues to lose elasticity, making it more challenging to stretch and maintain your penis’ normal length and girth size.”
Another side effect of reduced blood flow could be an “increase in collagen, which can lead to fibrosis, the thickening and scarring of tissue”, the pharmacist adds.
“This can reduce the overall size and elasticity of your penis.”
Hormones can also affect the look of your penis.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for male sexual health, which tends to decline as you age.
According to Abbas: “Testosterone preserves your penis’ structure, the function of smooth muscle and connective tissue.
“When these are no longer being maintained because of a decline in hormones, shrinkage can happen over time.”
Aside from a difference in size, you may also notice your erections becoming less frequent or weaker as testosterone levels wane.
“This means that your penis is no longer benefiting from the stretching effect that helps to maintain its size and elasticity, which can lead to a gradual decrease in penile size,” Abbas says.
Smoking can decimate your body in a number of ways and your penis is yet another part that can suffer.
“There are chemicals found in cigarettes, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, which cause blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow,” Abbas notes.
“They also decrease the production and availability of nitric oxide, which is vital for the dilation of blood vessels and the initiation of erection.”
Yep, you heard right – smoking can also affect your ability to hold and maintain an erection, as it increases your risk of erectile dysfunction.
According to Abbas, it can mean your penis is not stretched and oxygenated on a regular basis, which can lead to overall shrinkage.
Peyronie’s disease is a condition that causes your penis to curve when it’s erect.
It typically affects men over 40, but younger men can also get it.
Abbas explains: “Fibrous plaques form within the penis and this can prevent the penis from expanding evenly, causing it to painfully bend, during an erection.
“If this happens over time, the penis can shorten typically where the plaque is situated on the penis”.
Though penises are the subject of much contemplation, certain myths around them reign rampant – from shoe size reflecting the size of your member, to creams and oils being able to make it larger.
On top of this, it can often feel taboo or embarrassing to ask questions about your private parts.
GP and author Dr Philippa Kaye answers burning questions you might have about your nether regions.
What is the average penis size?
The average size of a penis is approximately 9cm when flaccid/soft and about 13cm when erect.
Does your shoe size reflect your penis size?
No.
A study looking at the penises of over 100 men of varying ages looked at shoe size and penis length and found no correlation between the two.
Why is the penis shaped like a mushroom?
So, there is a ridge between the top of the shaft of the penis and the glans, which is shaped rather like a mushroom.
One theory as to why this is is known as the ‘semen displacement theory’, which suggests that the shape of this ridge essentially scoops out and removes any sperm left behind in the vagina by a previous partner, who might be a genetic rival evolution-wise.
Can you break your penis?
There are no bones in the penis, but you can still break it.
During an erection there are spongy tissues called corpus cavernosum, which fill with blood to make the penis erect.
If there is a trauma, often a violent twisting or bending motion when the penis is erect, then part of the covering of the corpus cavernosum called the tunica abulginea can burst, leading to bleeding into the penis and a very painful swelling.
It is rare and tends to occur during sex, often when a partner is on top.
Read more on penis facts and fiction here.
The condition can lead to a loss of elasticity in the penis when it’s both erect and flaccid, which can make shrinkage of your member worse.
According to the NHS, symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include:
If you have Peyronie’s disease, your skin may also be thicker and less flexible in other parts of your body, such as in your hands and feet.
If you’ve been prescribed medications, it’s important to continue taking them.
But some can take an effect on the size of your penis over time, Abbas says.
“Regular erections are important for the health of your penis because they increase blood flow and oxygenation of the tissues,” the pharmacist explains.
“Some medications, such as hormonal and hair loss treatments, antidepressants and high blood tablets can impede on hormonal balance, blood flow and nerve function, contributing to penile atrophy.
“Some drugs also suppress the production or reduce the conversion of testosterone and impact blood flow to the penile tissue.”
Whether you have diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer, these chronic conditions may make a mark on your penis.
For diabetes sufferers, blood flow can be an issue.
“Blood vessel damage caused by high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes impair the supply of blood to the penis,” Abbas says.
“As a result, tissues can become deprived of oxygen and nutrients causing shrinkage.
“Cardiovascular disease causes plaque to build up in the arteries and restricts blood flow around the body, including the penis causing it to appear shorter in length.
“In chronic cases, atrophy can become permanent”.
Both diabetes and cardiovascular disease can increase your risk of experiencing erection issues.
Men with prostate cancer may also notice a change in penis size, as radiation therapy has been linked to shrinkage.
A small study found that patients undergoing prostate cancer treatment saw a gradual decrease in the length of their penis when stretched.
Finally, your weight and levels of exercise can both affect your todger.
“Poor circulation and hormonal imbalances can occur if you do not exercise enough or are overweight,” Abbas says.
“Not only is this bad for your overall health and well-being, it can also directly affect your ability to get or maintain an erection and your body’s ability to produce enough sex hormones.
“Physical activity helps to boost circulation an maintain healthy testosterone levels.”
Though it can be concerning to see your member shrink before your eyes, Abbas says it can be managed with the right approach.
“One of the most noticeable signs and symptoms is a reduction in length and girth, but you may also notice a loss of elasticity leaving your penis feeling stiff even when not erect,” he says.
“You may also have weaker erections, decreased sensations when stimulated or changes in appearance of your penis such as wrinkling, curving or indentation.
“Men should book an appointment with their GP if they think they may be experiencing penile atrophy, so you can be correctly diagnosed and offered the most appropriate treatment.”
During heavy rains on September 17, 2024 the City of Newton experienced a discharge of an estimated 4,125 gallons of untreated wastewater at 1369 McKay Road, adjacent to the Clark…
More on Wastewater Discharge Reported in Newton available on WHKY.
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