free web page counters admin – Page 302 – Koko Cafe

admin

Centre completes auction of 3 coal blocks, to yield annual revenue of Rs 2,710 crore

New Delhi, Nov 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Coal Ministry executed the mining agreements for three coal blocks with successful bidders on Friday. The event marked the successful auctions of 104 coal blocks till date, since the...

The post Centre completes auction of 3 coal blocks, to yield annual revenue of Rs 2,710 crore appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Read More »

Kia показала недорогого суперника Toyota RAV4 з яскравим дизайном

Новий кросовер Kia показали офіційно як недорогого суперника Toyota RAV4 та інших подібних моделі інших виробників. На боці корейського автомобіля – яскравий дизайн та сучасність. Кросовер Kia Sportage, напевно, знову стане дуже популярною машиною з новим дизайном. Традиційно корейська компанія сміливо експериментує з виглядом своїх машин навіть у рамках рестайлінгу. Все саме так і сталося. Новий Kia […]

Read More »

Американці назвали найнебезпечніші автомобілі

Американці назвали найнебезпечніші автомобілі Аналітики iSeeCars.com вивчили дані системи FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) Національного управління безпеки дорожнього руху США, щоб визначити найнебезпечніші автомобілі на дорогах країни. У дослідженні аналізували транспортні засоби модельних років 2018–2022, які мали щонайменше один смертельний випадок. Результати опублікували на офіційному сайті. Згідно з дослідженням, моделі автомобілів, у яких смертельні аварії […]

Read More »

I’m A Celeb’s Maura Higgins looks unrecognisable in unearthed bikini snap before Love Island fame

I’M A Celebrity’s Maura Higgins looks unrecognisable in an unearthed bikini snap before her Love Island fame.

Maura, 33, who shot to stardom during the 2019 series of Love Island, has undergone a remarkable transformation since entering the public eye.

Lilli Forberg / Lipstick Syndication
Maura Higgins looks unrecognisable in an unearthed bikini snap[/caption]

However, the Irish beauty has been candid about her approach to cosmetic enhancements.

One unearthed photo from 2011 shows Maura, then 21, with a completely different look compared to these days.

The future reality star still looked gorgeous as she posed against a white background in a purple bikini.

She also sported a collection of bracelets and suggestively tugged at her bikini bottoms.

Speaking to MailOnline, Maura previously addressed rumors about having cosmetic work done.

She said in 2021, “I got my lips done three months after coming out of Love Island, and lip fillers last five to six months. I haven’t had anything done since then; I just let it dissolve.

“But people still assume I’ve had my lips done, Botox. People are even saying I’ve had my nose done when I’ve not actually had any work.”

She explained, “I had braces on for a long time, and since my teeth have moved, they’ve actually pushed my lips out slightly. I feel like I don’t need it. If I were to get my lips done now with my straight teeth, it just wouldn’t be a good look.”

Last night, I’m A Celeb star Maura was joined by Reverend Richard Coles as they headed straight into Snake Rock before being given a secret mission.

The companion camp has been transformed into the Jungle Junkyard, with the pair having been given a two-ring hob.

But although it has a hob, it also contains overgrown greenery, rusty corrugated metal, and of course, zero luxury.

And it’s safe to say that Maura is less than impressed by the living conditions she is faced with after leaving an opulent hotel, with the reality star firing expletives in a huge rant.

‘THIS CAMP SUCKS’

“It’s not liveable, we have nothing, this camp sucks,” she fumed after seeing the camp for the first time.

She then added, “I’m going to ask Richard to say a prayer for us tonight because I’m gonna need one.”

Then, Maura added, “We’ve definitely got the sh*t camp, so thanks for that. Jesus Christ. I tell you I saw this on a movie, there’s a trick to doing this.

“Guys this is not livable, this is not livable. This camp sucks.”

Meanwhile, Reverend Coles, compared his new abode to some bins, admitting, how he once “fell asleep by some bins outside Amnesia night club in Ibiza”.

Speaking about his bin stint, Rev Coles said, “I don’t remember much about it, but it’s that level.”

I'm A Celeb 2024 - late entries

MAURA Higgins is a late entry to I'm A Celeb 2024. Yet who is joining her?

2019 Love Island star Maura, 33, will be a late entry to the jungle line-up.

She will head into the I’m A Celeb camp, along with the Reverend Richard Coles, 62.

The duo will join the likes of Coleen RooneyBarry McGuigan and Danny Jones in Ant and Dec’s jungle camp a week into this year’s star-spangled series. 

Yet initially the duo will have their own private base – and a secret mission – before heading into the main compound Down Under.

Maura has already described the jungle as “hell.”

Meanwhile Richard, who has starred on Strictly, has confessed his biggest “fear.”

NOT EVERYTHING IS AS IT SEEMS

But not everything is as it seems, and they are encouraged to take a look around. 

Then, the Jungle Junkyard car came down to reveal a luxurious double bed so that the pair could sleep in luxury.

Also revealed to the duo was a container reveals a hidden large sofa and a cargo box that opened with a large bathtub with bubbles, bath salts, and hot water.

A red chest then opened to reveal a gas cooker and a hidden fridge door opens, stocked with fruit smoothies and a fruit platter. 

Ant and Dec then explained to the pair that over the next few days, Maura and Rev Coles will have to complete a series of missions in order to win food.

And to be successful overall, they were told that they had to convince the celebs in the main camp that they were roughing it in the Jungle Junkyard.

“I’m a great liar,” Maura boasted, while Richard weighed in with: “I’m gonna learn fast!”

Brian Roberts - Commissioned by The Sun
She has undergone a remarkable transformation since entering the public eye[/caption]
The Irish beauty has been candid about her approach to cosmetic enhancements
Getty

Read More »

Pokémon Go developer uses its unwitting players’ data to train its latest AI

POKÉMON Go is one of the most popular mobile games in the world, and with a huge player base, it collects a lot of data.

While Niantic promises to protect any personal data such as your name, email, or social media accounts, the same cannot be said for location and AR data.

Niantic
Pokémon Go encourages people to go out and explore the world[/caption]
Niantic
That includes using AR to scan landmarks like Pokéstops[/caption]
Niantic
And all that data is used to train AI models[/caption]

Niantic’s privacy policy has long explained to Pokémon Go users that the app collects and uses their location data.

In fact, there is no way to turn this location data sharing off and still be an active player of the game.

Pokémon Go even collects your data while you’re not using the app as long as your phone is turned on.

However, this is the first time that Niantic has been transparent about what it is using this location and AR data for.

Niantic explained in a blog post: “The LGM [Large Geospatial Model] will enable computers not only to perceive and understand physical spaces.

“But also to interact with them in new ways, forming a critical component of AR glasses and fields beyond, including robotics, content creation and autonomous systems.

“As we move from phones to wearable technology linked to the real world, spatial intelligence will become the world’s future operating system.”

This is a lot of technobabble, but what it essentially means is that Niantic is using the data to train an AI that it can then sell to third parties.

Niantic explains that it plans for the AI to be used with autonomous systems, which could be something like a self-driving car.

In particular, when players use AR to see or catch Pokémon out in the wild, the camera is recording the world around them.

This could help autonomous vehicles to see bumps in the road, or where specific paths narrow.

While Niantic doesn’t mention the use of its model for military or law enforcement, it also has implications here.

AR used to record inside people’s homes and close-ups of certain landmarks can help identify areas that are usually unavailable via other recording devices like CCTV.

Whatever the data is being used for, it has huge implications for technology moving forward.

Pokémon Sold

As technology improves, people don’t realise how popular their data is or what it can be used for.

People are being tracked more closely than ever before through their smart devices, and via voice recognition software like Siri.

Most people claim they care about their privacy, yet they unwittingly allow companies to collect their data in a variety of ways for a simpler life.

We hope that education on this use of data improves in the future so people better understand just how their information is used.

If you want to read more about Pokémon, check out how you can grab a shiny Rayquaza in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Read More »

I was orphaned and adopted at three and didn’t find my siblings for decades reveals Only Child’s Gregor Fisher

GREGOR Fisher has opened up about being orphaned and adopted at three after his mother died – and that he didn’t find his siblings for decades.

Only Child star Gregor was born in a village near Stirling in 1953 and his mother Kit McKenzie had two other children, but she had a heart problem and died when the actor was three.

a man wearing a black shirt and a white jacket smiles for the camera
Alamy
Gregor was adopted after his mother died when he was only three[/caption]
a man in a suit is pointing at the camera
Handout
He is probably best known for his character Rab C Nesbitt[/caption]
two men standing next to each other with one wearing glasses
BBC
He plays the role of Ken in the new comedy show Only Child[/caption]

Gregor and his two sisters were split up – against his mum’s wishes – and he was adopted by Jim and Ellen Fisher.

However, Ellen died and Jim’s sister Cis took him to a place near Barrhead to live with her and her family instead.

He had a loving family with his mother Cis and it wasn’t until he was 18 that he discovered that he had a sister called Maureen – and to his surprise – other relatives.

In his memoir called The Boy From Nowhere, written with journalist Melanie Reid, Gregor went on a journey to find out the truth about his origins and to discover what happened to his birth mother.

In an interview with The Scotsman about his new comedy series, Only Child, which he stars alongside Greg McHugh from The A Word. Gregor revealed how his upbringing affected him.

When asked if it meant he looked for stability in his life he replied: “Yes. It’s not a conscious thing, but family is important to me. I suppose you always attract the things you need.”

“Sometimes the things you get are maybe not the things you want but you probably need them, in a lesson from the universe. You think why does this keep happening?

“Maybe you haven’t progressed Gregor, maybe because you haven’t learnt the bloody lesson boy!”  

When prompted to explain what lessons he had learnt over the years Gregor replied: ““Ahhhhh, I knew that was coming. I think acceptance and to not take things too seriously.

“Not get so bloody wound up about things, and accept there are things you can do very little about.

“It’s a buggeration but there’s nothing you can do about it. And to be grateful, because there’s a lot to be grateful for.”

The Rab C. Nesbitt star then explained how he went into acting because he enjoyed pretending to be someone else and added: “I find that increasingly interesting now I’m an old boy. I just find it great fun and very engaging.

“I can remember as a child getting dressed up in bed sheets, and building a camp underneath the kitchen table and inviting my mother into my tent in the middle of the desert.” 

In his new show Only Child, subjects like grief and pensioners losing the plot don’t sound like a barrel of laughs, but they’re handled beautifully.

Gregor explained: “We avoided mawkish. We’re not making a documentary. It’s a half-hour amusement so we held back on that and played the reality of it.

Best BBC comedies

We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.

Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) – Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.

Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) – The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters’, in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.

Blackadder (1983 – 1989) – Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time

Absolutely Fabulous (1992 – 2012) – Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina ‘Eddie’ Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay ‘hip’. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.

Little Britain (2003 – 2006) – The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!

The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) – A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line ‘Am I bovvered?’. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous ‘Nan’, Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.

Gavin and Stacey (2007 – Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.

“I hope in these scenes where life and death get talked about, or whatever it is being talked about, we play the truth and move on.”

As well as Gregor and his co-star Greg, Only Child has appearances from Amy Lennox, Stuart Bowman, Clare Barrett, Robin Laing and Paul Rattray, with Jennifer Saunders as the voice of Richard’s acting agent.

Gregor plays Ken, a 71-year-old, strong-willed technophobe living in the north-east coast of Scotland, who has recently lost his wife.

His son, Richard has a part in a daytime drama until his agent casually tells him the show’s over, while he’s back in Scotland visiting Ken, who’s struggling.

Soon Richard’s battling bank call centres for hours about his dad’s forgotten passwords and diffusing tension with Ken’s neighbours.

But could being stuck with dad at least lead to romance for Richard? 

three people singing in front of a sign that says guinness
BBC
Gregor enjoys acting because it means he can pretend to be someone else[/caption]

Only Child starts tonight at 9.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Read More »

Is I’m A Celeb on ITV on Saturdays?

I’M a Celebrity is back on our screens for a new series, with Ant and Dec at the helm.

Fans of the show – which for the 24th series has an impressive line-up – have been wondering whether the show airs every evening. Here’s what you need to know.

Rex
Ant and Dec host I’m A Celebrity[/caption]

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here airs at 9pm on ITV every evening from Sunday to Friday, and 9:30pm Saturdays.

This series the show’s 24th began on Sunday, November 17, 2024.

Missed episodes are available on catch-up on ITVX.

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who have hosted since the show started in 2002, are hosting.

Weekend viewing

Fans of the show can watch a new episode of the show every Saturday and Sunday.

Unlike other ITV reality shows like Love Island and Big Brother which air a “best bits” episode on a Saturday, I’m A Celebrity gives fans a full week of viewing.

The action kicks off at 9pm on Saturday and Sunday on ITV.

The I’m A Celebrity final

ITV are yet to reveal when the season finale will air, but the show normally airs for three weeks

The I’m a Celebrity final usually airs on a Sunday episode, when the King or Queen of the Jungle is crowned.

In 2023, former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson scooped the crown, making him the reigning King of the Jungle.

He said: “Oh my God. I’m really overwhelmed.

“I didn’t think I was even going to be invited on the show. I don’t know what to say.

“Oh my God. I’m so grateful, thank you so much. I’ve dreamt of doing this show for years and years.

“You’ve made a boy’s dream come true. Thank you.”

I'm A Celebrity 2024

i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year..

Coleen Rooney – Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney, has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever.

Tulisa – The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year’s I’m A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal.

Alan Halsall – The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities.

Melvin Odoom – The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet – the Aussie jungle.

GK Barry – The UK’s biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers.

Dean McCullough – A rising star amongst this year’s bunch of celebs, Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live.

Oti Mabuse – The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

Danny Jones – The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle, after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he’s now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice, along with bandmate Tom Fletcher.

Jane Moore – The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge – having recently split from her husband. It will be Jane’s first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past.

Barry McGuigan – Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer. He told The Late Late Show in 2021: “She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache.”

Maura Higgins – The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard. Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year.

Rev. Richard Coles – Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity, and he’s ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star, said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: “Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth.”

Read More »

Irish shoppers ‘lack trust’ in Black Friday sales as consumers prepare to splash €431 & ‘vulnerable’ group revealed

OVER two third of Irish shoppers “lack trust” in Black Friday sales, it has been revealed.

And the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has revealed that younger shoppers are set to be the most vulnerable when it comes to fake deals.

a crowded store with a sign that says early birds
It is expected that spending will increase to an average of €431 compared to €343 in 2023
Getty Images - Getty
a store front with a sign that says black friday weekend
Shoppers are being warned of potential scams during the sales event
Getty Images - Getty

Black Friday deals are set to begin on Friday, November 29, with Cyber Monday discounts on December 2.

In a recent survey, the CCPC found that young people are least likely to carry out research into price decreases ahead of the sales – and they are the most likely group to spend money during Black Friday.

The report found that 45 per cent of respondents who made an unplanned purchase last year ended up regretting it afterwards.

This year, it is predicted that 36 per cent of the population will cash out on discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, a major drop compared to the 45 per cent of shopper last year.

The report also found that just under a third of shoppers, at 30 percent, trust that the prices given by retailers are genuine.

Despite the amount of shoppers prepping for the big day dropping, it is expected that spending will increase to an average of €431 compared to €343 in 2023.

Speaking of the new findings, Grainne Griffin, Director of Communications at the CCPC, said one in three shoppers use this time to get started on their Christmas shopping.

She said: “We know that time bound discounts and special offers can really tempt consumers into making purchases that they wouldn’t usually make.

“While numbers are down, over 1 in 3 consumers are planning on shopping in the upcoming Black Friday sales, with most of them making a start on their Christmas shopping.

“We strongly encourage consumers to plan before they shop, create a list, stick to a budget, and check companies’ returns policies.

“Consumers should also take particular care when shopping online, making sure they buy from well established businesses based in Ireland or elsewhere in the EU.”

She also noted that there are “strong legal requirements” businesses must follow when displaying discounts.

This means they must be “genuine and clearly show the consumer the prior price”.

This should be displayed online or in store as the “recommended retail price” or RRP, and it cannot legally be used to mislead customers into believing a product has been discounted.

AVOIDING BLACK FRIDAY SCAMS

IRISH consumers are being urged to stay vigilant when shopping over Black Friday weekend, especially when it comes to online purchases.

Online scams tend to increase in the lead-up to events like this due to larger audiences searching for savings.

It is important to ensure you are taking the best steps in order to protect yourself when it comes to online scammers.

Fake websites

Popular websites are often the main target of these scammers, with fake but convincing websites being set up to lure customers.

When shopping online, ensure the website you’re using has “https” at the beginning of the URL as it makes sure your card details and personal data are secure.

As an extra step, if you have an account with the retailer, be logged in. If you don’t, consider making one as this will confirm the website is legitimate.

Fake emails and texts

Phishing comes in the form of fake emails and texts where scammers impersonate retailers into claiming they are giving great deals.

These messages often send links to fraudulent websites that are designed to entice customers and take their money.

Always ensure the website is secure before using and in some cases, these site will have misspellings or grammatical errors in the link. If this happens, do not use the site.

Social media scams

Be aware of fake giveaways, offers and competitions on socials media platforms, especially those leading to a link where you can claim a prize or discount codes.

If a website requires details from you in order to access a voucher or offer, it is most likely fraudulent.

Fake order confirmation

Watch out for confirmation emails on orders you have not purchased. These can often look legitimate but with closer inspection will gave misspellings.

They often don’t address you buy name and will ask for urgent action in dealing with an issue on the order.

If this happens, ignore the email.

Shopping on open Wifi

Public Wi-Fi networks can lack safety protocols and can be exploited by scammers.

They can, at times, access your bank details without your knowledge when shopping online through them.

Ensure you are always using a secure network or mobile data when making online purchases.

When it comes to younger shoppers ranging from 15 to 24-years-old, the CCPC said they are much more likely to “trust advertised discounts, and less likely to do research about prices”.

This leads many to become “vulnerable to fake discounts”.

When surveyed, it found that among these consumers, credit card payments are far less likely, with 84 per cent opting for debit payments and being more likely to use cash.

Griffin added: “Consumers can’t shop around unless prices are clear, accurate and easy to compare.

“While we encourage all consumers to be mindful of sales prices, traders have a duty to ensure their prices are displayed clearly and reflect honest and genuine discounts.

“The CCPC will not allow businesses to mislead consumers into thinking that they are getting a better deal than they actually are.”

Under consumer law, all retailers are required to show the prior price of any discounted item.

Discounts must also be based on this prior price, such as an amount or the percentage it is reduced.

a woman walks past a black friday event sign
All retailers are required to show the prior price of any discounted item
Getty Images - Getty

Read More »