Обожнюєте виноград, але не вистачає ні сил, ні бажання з ним возитися? Тоді просто треба обрати один з 4 популярних сортів, які можуть рости практично без участі господаря. Хто б міг подумати, що вирощування винограду може бути таким же простим, як догляд за помідорами на грядці? Виявляється, серед усього розмаїття сортів є дуже невибагливі, але […]

Можна більше не купляти готові укорінювачі. Є рецепт саморобного, з яким живці проростають вдвічі швидше. Квітникарі поділилися ним, щоб всі могли ним користуватися. З чого складається укорінювач Потрібно кілька інгредієнтів, які є в вільному доступі. Принаймні знайти їх не становить проблеми: сік алое; мед; зола. Для приготування розчину потрібно 0,5 скл. води. В неї додайте […]

Man United coach Ruben Amorim feels he can succeed where so many have failed as he seeks to lead the English giants back to where they believe they belong.

The good ol' days.

POKÉMON TCG Pocket has been out for even a month, but already it’s started its four events.

In addition to the multiplayer and solo battle events, The Pokémon Company is adding a new type of event.

The Pokémon Company

Not all Fire-type cards will be highlighted during the event, like Moltres EX, Charizard EX and Centiscorch are not part of the prize pool[/caption]

For one week from Friday, November 22, until Thursday, November 28, 2024, TCG Pocket is holding a Fire Pokémon Mass Outbreak event.

A lot of the event surrounds Wonder Picks, and there is a chance to grab free Fire-type cards from Bonus Picks, without using any stamina.

Here are the cards you can collect via your free Wonder Picks:

The Pokémon Company

There are a number of different cards you can pick out at no cost[/caption]

• Charmander 
• Charmeleon
• Ponyta 
• Rapidash 
• Vulpix
• Ninetales 
• Magmar 
• Heatmor
• Blaine
• Pack Hourglass
• Wonder Hourglass
• Shop Ticket 

There are also rare Wonder Picks, appearing at random, which include cards like Arcanine EX and Charizard and cost three stamina each.

Here are the cards you can find during the event in Rare Picks:

• Arcanine EX
• Charizard 
• Moltres
• Ninetales 
• Rapidash 
• Charmeleon 
• Blaine 

Aside from these, there are also mission rewards for collecting Fire-type cards, and for completing Wonder Picks.

Here are all the rewards you can pick up this week:

The Pokémon Company

There are also numerous rewards that can be picked up during the event[/caption]

• Wonder Pick 3 times — Wonder Hourglass x1, Shop Ticket x1 
• Wonder Pick 5 times — Wonder Hourglass x3, Shop Ticket x3 
• Collect 5 Fire-type cards — Wonder Hourglass x2, Shop Ticket x3 
• Collect 10 Fire-type cards — Wonder Hourglass x3, Shop Ticket x5 
• Collect 15 Fire-type cards — Wonder Hourglass x4, Shop Ticket x7
• Collect 1 Arcanine EX card — Wonder Hourglass x1, Shop Ticket x1 

All Wonder Picks count towards the Wonder Pick missions, whether that’s the free bonus picks as part of the events, rare picks, or just regular picks.

As for the Fire-type cards, you can get these from Wonder Picks or via your regular booster pack openings.

However, any cards you owned before the event started won’t count, including the rare Arcanine EX.

The final part of the event is that you can pick up exclusive flair for your Arcanine EX cards.

The Yellow Circles Flair can be attached to your one- or two-star Arcanine EX cards, though you will have to exchange one of these cards in order to grab it.

There are rumours that a new solo battle event featuring Venusaur EX will be available soon, so the Mass Outbreaks are a great way to prepare.

If you want to read more about the game, check out how to grab a free immersive art Mew in TCG Pocket.

APPLE has issued a surprise update to millions of iPhones – but some owners are saying it’s killing battery life.

Importantly, even if you’re worried about battery life, you should still download it anyway.

The Sun / Apple

A new software update appears to be draining battery life – but don’t worry, that’s totally normal[/caption]

Earlier this week, Apple rolled out the new iOS 18.1.1 update.

Apple revealed that it was an “important” security update that fixed two dangerous bugs.

These bugs potentially allowed crooks to compromise your iPhone from afar – and may have been exploited.

Now users have taken to Reddit to complain about the update’s effect on battery life.

One said: “So far the draining is not fixed for me.”

Another said: “The battery on my Pro Max is awful.”

One added that “my battery drain made it worse than before”, while another said: “I just need the battery drain fixed. It’s awful right now.”

That might sound like scary stuff, but it’s not unexpected.

WHY YOU SHOULD INSTALL THE LATEST IOS UPDATE

Firstly, this is an important update, so even if you’re concerned about iPhone battery life, it’s too dangerous to ignore.

Security updates are one of the best defences against being hacked.

Apple closes these security holes so that cybercriminals can’t take advantage of them.

So if you don’t update to fix these known bugs, you’re far likelier to become a target of crooks.

Secondly, it’s perfectly normal for your iPhone to have worse battery life in the days after an iOS update.

That’s because your iPhone takes some time to adjust with the new software (like reindexing data on your handset).

Apple

Try using Low Power Mode if you’re really struggling with battery life[/caption]

Usually battery life returns to normal after a few days.

Thirdly, you’ll often find that apps release updates in the days following iOS upgrades.

These app upgrades happening in the background can also drain battery life.

Both of those strains on battery life are inevitable, so it’s worth just taking the plunge and updating – otherwise your security is at risk.

TRICKS TO IMPROVE BATTERY LIFE

One way to help yourself is to try to reduce battery life drain yourself.

For instance, Apple recommends not constantly quitting your apps – contrary to popular belief.

“When your recently used apps appear, the apps aren’t open, but they’re in standby mode to help you navigate and multitask,” Apple said.

Having to fully restart apps that you’ve swiped closed can actually be worse for battery life.

You should also avoid letting your iPhone get too hot.

This can have a permanent impact on battery life – so keep it out of direct sunlight.

One great tip is to head into your iPhone’s battery settings.

From there, you’ll be able to see a list of apps draining your battery life – including how much juice is being used in the background.

If you think some apps are using way too much battery life, considering deleting them.

Or at the very least, limit their background activity so they’re not constantly using up your charge.

If you’re very worried about battery life, you can also activate Low Power Mode.

You’ll find this in the Battery section of your Settings app – or you can add it to the Control Centre.

It’s also possible to turn it on using Siri.

Low Power Mode limits the performance of your iPhone, boosting its battery life.

And it’ll automatically turn off once your iPhone hits 80% charge.

You’ll know that Low Power Mode is active because the battery icon on your iPhone’s status bar will turn yellow.

WINTER weather can affect your health in many ways, from dry skin and dry eyes to a runny nose and achy joints.

But some of the symptoms associated with colder temperatures could also be linked to a cancer, a doctor has warned.

Getty

Fatigue is common during the winter months, but can also be a symptom of cancer[/caption]

Getty

Drenching night sweats is a symptom most commonly linked to lymphomas[/caption]

Feeling cold is common in winter, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.

Chills aren’t specifically a symptom you can develop with cancers.

But where cancers, especially blood cancers, affect the immune system, infections can more easily develop and cause chills, said Dr Joel Newman, Consultant Haematologist at Nuffield Health.

Related to this, Dr Newman added: “Sometimes in the winter we see ‘drenching night sweats’.

“These can be a symptom of some blood cancers like lymphomas, but of course, can also happen if you put on the winter duvet a bit too soon and you over-heat.”

Chills are often a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like fever

Dr Newman explained: “The chills relating to infections can make you shake uncontrollably and can make you feel like you just can’t get warm, even if you are in a warm environment.”

But with night sweats from lymphomas, these characteristically just happen at night time and not during the day.

Dr Newman said: “These are different as they are usually drenching to the point that you can feel both the bed/duvet/covers, any clothes or pyjamas worn can also become drenched.”

Another symptom caused by cold weather but could also signal cancer is fatigue.

In cold weather you require more energy to keep your body warm, which can cause fatigue as your body works harder.

Also, if you don’t eat enough this can also cause fatigue.

But extreme fatigue that doesn’t get better with rest can be an early sign of cancer.

Extreme fatigue that doesn’t get better with rest can be an early sign of cancer.

Cancer uses your body’s nutrients to grow and advance, so those nutrients are no longer replenishing your body.

This nutrient theft can make you feel extremely tired.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two, said Dr Newman.

He advised: “Usually, those experiencing ‘normal’ fatigue will see an improvement with rest and recuperation, whereas fatigue
which are caused by cancers won’t.”

When should you see a GP?

If you’re ever concerned about any symptoms you’ are’re experiencing, then your GP can help work out if they’re worrying or not, said Dr Newman.

He added: “In regards to cancer specifically, other symptoms to look out for are unexplained weight loss, a persistent cough or changes in bowel habits/blood loss.

“Do not ignore these symptoms and speak to your GP.”

HEADING out on her daily morning run, in the quiet tree-lined suburb of her family home, student Anabel Segura had no sense that she was in danger.

But two men were lying in wait in the affluent area of La Moraleja, Madrid, Spain, and watching her every move. 

Wikipedia

Anabel was a 22-year-old student when she was kidnapped[/caption]

Libertad Digital

Emilio Muñoz Guadix was one of the two men who snatched her[/caption]

Minutes later, the sinister pair snatched the 22-year-old in broad daylight, holding her at knifepoint and bundling her into a white van.

It was the beginning of one of Spain’s most horrifying and drawn-out kidnapping cases, gripping the nation for years to come. 

The investigation would lead police on a desperate hunt. The truth, when it came, was worse than anyone imagined.

Now, over 30 years on, the full recordings from the kidnappers are being aired on a new Netflix documentary series, 900 Days Without Anabel.

Across three episodes, the story of Anabel’s abduction is told through key police who worked her case, alongside members of her community and journalists. 

Agonizing wait

At the spot where Anabel was taken, on April 12th 1993, police found only a few scattered belongings left behind in the struggle.

“Where the van had been parked, a Walkman, a white T-shirt, and a young woman’s sweater were found,” Juan J.B., a key member of the police investigation, tells documentary-makers.

The only eyewitness was a school gardener. But without a license plate or solid leads, the case began as a dead end.

Police scoured thousands of white van registrations and kept a 24-hour watch on the Segura family home, hoping for a breakthrough.

For the family, the wait was agonizing.

Netflix

The investigators tracked thousands of white vans[/caption]

Wikipedia

La Moraleja Urbanization is an affluent neighbourhood[/caption]

“It became an obsession for us to find Anabel, wherever she was,” says Jaime Barrado, head of the national police’s kidnapping group. “Finding someone with the information at hand was harder than finding a needle in a haystack. It was a nightmare the family were going through.”

A Chilling Call

Two days after Anabel’s disappearance, her kidnappers finally made contact.

Her father, José Segura, a wealthy businessman, had enlisted the help of his friend, senior lawyer Rafael Escuredo, to act as a mediator. Police tapped the family’s phone, listening in on every word.

Speaking to Rafael, a cold voice warned: “She is fine for now. She’s not lacking anything. Her safety is up to you.”

The demand was staggering -150 million pesetas, the equivalent of nearly £1.6million. 

The kidnappers instructed Rafael to put the cash in a gym bag and await further instructions.

“If you fail, or we find out you involved the police, your daughter will suffer,” the caller threatened.

For José, even as a wealthy man, the sum was an immense burden to pull together but he didn’t hesitate.

Netflix

The family received a sinister recording[/caption]

Police bungle

Eight days after the abduction, Rafael made the drop-off under a motorway bridge. The bag was stuffed with the full ransom.

Police were stationed around the area in camouflaged cars. But a helicopter flying overhead alerted the kidnappers that they were being watched.

“They didn’t show up because of the police,” says Barrado. “No one wanted to say it, but it was clear. We didn’t know if Anabel was OK. It was devastating.”

Two weeks later, the kidnappers called again, furious.

“We don’t want a repeat of what happened two weeks ago, you understand? Police, helicopters—you won’t have another chance,” they said.

A second ransom attempt was arranged. This time, the bag of money was left by the side of a road. Yet again, the kidnappers failed to collect it.

“It was constant anxiety and unease,” said dad José. “Above all, the feeling of helplessness. There was nothing we could do but wait, day and night for the phone to ring.”

Plea to ‘Mum and Dad’

In June 1993, 71 days after Anabel’s abduction, her parents were given a glimmer of hope when the kidnappers sent a cassette tape in the post.

On it was a trembling voice: “Hi Mum and Dad, it’s June 22nd. I just want to tell you I’m OK, all things considered. They’re not treating me badly, but I really want to be home with you, and I miss you all a lot.”

The tape also carried a chilling threat: “If all our demands aren’t met in the delivery of the ransom, thirty days after receiving this tape, we will execute her. I repeat, if the demands aren’t met she will be executed.”

The family clung to the hope that Anabel was still alive. But her father, José, wasn’t convinced.

“After listening to the recording, José, without letting his wife, who was crying at the time, speak, immediately said: ‘That’s not Anabel,’” recalls Barrado.

The hunt goes cold

The kidnappers went silent. Months passed without any news.

By September, over 150 days after Anabel’s disappearance, protests had erupted on the streets. Thousands marched, demanding justice for Anabel.

“Most people didn’t see it as just another kidnapping,” said Juan Carlos Cuesta, deputy chief of the national police kidnapping squad. “They saw it as their own family had been taken.”

Desperate for a lead, police visited every prison in Spain, playing the recordings to see if anyone recognized the voice. They appealed to the public for help.

By November 1993, police released the kidnapper’s voice to the media.

They received over 30,000 calls. From those, 1,600 were deemed credible.

But by April 1995, the second anniversary of her kidnapping, there were no arrests;

In a TV plea, a tearful Jose said: “I am willing to do whatever it takes to bring Anabel back to us and my family feels the same way.

“Whether within the law, or if need be outside the law. All we want is to have Anabel back.”

The Voice of Evil

A final breakthrough came when of the callers – a resident in Toledo – told the police: “That is Candi’s voice, the plumber of my town”.

The information led them to plumber Cándido ‘Candi’ Ortiz and, through their investigations his childhood friend Emilio Monas Guadix, a 35-year-old delivery driver with a history of violence.

Police discovered Guadix had worked with his brother Alfonso, who had fallen out with him. They persuaded Alfonso to speak to Emilio’s wife, Felisa García.

Libertad Digital

Emilio Munoz Guadix was jailed for the crime[/caption]

It was Felisa who delivered the devastating truth.

“She admitted she had pretended to be Anabel in the proof-of-life tape,” recalled Cuesta. “Then she told us, ‘They killed Anabel. Anabel is dead.’”

Felisa also implicated her husband and his accomplice Ortiz in the murder.

A Chilling Confession

On September 19, 1995 – 899 days after Anabel disappeared – police arrested Emilio and Cándido in a well-coordinated sting operation.

Cándido broke down immediately. “I knew this was going to happen,” he said. “Believe me or not, I was waiting for you to catch me. I couldn’t live with it anymore. We killed her. We buried her in a place nearby, but you’ll never find her.”

A day later, Emilio led investigators to Anabel’s shallow grave at an abandoned brick factory in Toledo, around 70km south of Madrid, where they had taken her after her abduction.

She had been killed just six and a half hours later after attempting to escape her captures. The men confessed they had no secure place to hold her and panicked, strangling her before burying her nearby.

Just ‘ a deal’

At their trial, Emilio showed no remorse, chillingly referring to the kidnapping as “a deal.”

Both men were sentenced to 43.5 years in prison. Felisa, who impersonated Anabel, also faced additional charges.

The nation mourned Anabel’s death. Protests and public outrage continued for months.

In her memory, a cultural center was established in Alcobendas, Anabel’s neighbourhood in Madrid. The Centro Cultural Anabel Segura still stands today, a place for hope and healing in her honor.

But the pain of her loss remains.

“She was a wonderful girl and honestly, because of the police investigation I had to do something I never would have wanted to do,” said Jose, after her body was found.

“But I’m glad I did. I read her diary and she was even better than I thought she was.”

LaSexta

Guadix was sentenced to 43 years[/caption]

When Dwayne Johnson dropped a clever reference to Bruce Willis’ $143M blockbuster in Red One, fans couldn’t help but wonder. Was it a genius move, tapping into the glory of Willis’ iconic films, or simply a nostalgic wink to draw in those ‘90s vibes?  Either way, Johnson’s quick wink to Willis’ iconic role got people […]

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