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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.

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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 […]

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire

More and more Americans are complaining about dating amid inflation, so what's a cash-strapped singleton to do?

0 Якщо ви помітили будь-які зміни в нігтях поряд з іншими симптомами раку, такими як втрата ваги та втома, вам слід звернутися до лікаря. Виявлення ознак раку якомога раніше може означати різницю між виживанням хвороби чи ні. Хоча є деякі загальні симптоми захворювання, які можуть виникати незалежно від форми раку, інші є більш специфічними. За […]

ONE in four adults have been talked into investing in stocks and shares by a mate in the pub.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 61% have been given financial advice by friends over a beer in their local, despite 75% recognising it’s the worst place to get money advice.

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Many Brit adults admitted acting on financial advice heard in the pub[/caption]

Many have also acted on the advice received in their local boozer.

The survey found that 21% had put money into cryptocurrencies on the word of friends, 18% had avoided financial products, 17% had applied for credit card and 14% placed a bet.

However, a savvier 41% said they had refused to take on board the financial guidance of their friends, with 26% preferring to do their own research.

Nearly a fifth 19% said they didn’t feel they had the knowledge to dish out such advice, but only 16% look to the opinions of professionals instead.

Helen McGinty, head of finance advice distribution at Skipton Building Society, which commissioned the research, said: “Everyone seems to have a friend who is always ready to share their ‘brilliant’ money-saving tip or investment ideas.

“And when it comes to your finances, some conversations are really worth having, but whilst it can be great to chat about finances informally with your friends, making decisions about your money is a big deal, so it’s always wise to do your own research and to seek advice from a qualified professional.”

The research went on to find 73% find unsolicited financial advice “annoying” – with 23% of these ranking cryptocurrency counsel as the most irritating.

Nearly one in five (18%) have been wound up after receiving pointers on their spending habits, while 17% are fed up with hearing about stocks to put their cash into.

Almost all those asked (96%) said it’s important to fact check any financial advice from someone with qualification before actioning it.

But, 10% admitted they don’t know where to start with seeking financial advice.

Helen McGinty added: “Whether you’re looking to save for your future, don’t know how to make the most of your savings or even considering investing, every financial decision big or small deserves careful research.

“There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what qualified financial advice is and what it actually involves, and we know this can stop people from seeking the help they need.”

“We believe everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation, should have access to valuable advice to make informed choices and to enable you to make the most of your money.”

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

A MISSING persons appeal has been launched for a teenager in Co Laois amid garda concerns for his welfare.

Calum Kavanagh was reported missing from Ballylinan in Co Laois on Tuesday – when temperatures across the country dropped to freezing.

An Garda Siochana

Calum Kavanagh has been missing from Co Laois since Tuesday[/caption]

Gardai have since launched a search for the young boy and issued a major appeal to the public for help in locating him.

The 15-year-old is described as being 5 ft 10 inches in height with brown hair and brown eyes.

He was wearing a black jacket, grey tracksuit and grey runners when last seen.

Gardai have said they are concerned for Calum’s welfare.

Anyone with information has been urged to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 15-year-old Calum Kavanagh who is reported missing from Ballylinan, Co Laois, since Tuesday, November 19.

“Calum is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height with a slim build, brown hair and brown eyes.

“When last seen, Calum was wearing a black jacket, grey tracksuit and grey runners.

“Gardai are concerned for his welfare.

“Anyone with any information on Calum’s whereabouts is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”

Meanwhile, Gardai have renewed an appeal for a second missing teen who was last seen almost a week ago.

Gardai are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 15-year-old Chloe McDonagh.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 15-year-old Chloe McDonagh who is missing from Navan, Co Meath since Tuesday, November 19.

“Chloe is described as being approximately 5 feet 5 inches in height, with a slim build. She has long blonde hair and blue eyes.

“It is unknown what Chloe was wearing when she went missing.

“Gardai are concerned for her welfare.

“Anyone with any information on Chloe’s whereabouts is asked to contact Navan Garda Station on 046 903 6100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”

PRINCE William is surely frightened by the Windsor security breach and will be asking questions, an expert claims.

The Sun’s veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards said the Waleses “must be quite worried” after masked raiders struck on the Windsor Castle estate.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales were believed to be in residence at the time[/caption]

Alamy

Masked raiders struck on the Windsor Castle estate[/caption]

Doug Seeburg

Fleeing thieves used a stolen truck to smash their way through a Windsor Castle security gate[/caption]

Arthur Edwards / The Sun

The Sun’s Arthur Edwards has covered the royals for nearly 50 years[/caption]

As we exclusively reported this week, the two men scaled a 6ft fence at night to steal farm vehicles as William, wife Princess Kate and their kids slept at home nearby.

They then used a stolen truck to ram a security gate as they fled.

A source said: “They must have been watching Windsor Castle for a while.”

Mr Edwards – who has covered the Royal Family for nearly 50 years – told The Sun’s Royal Show yesterday the incident is “just incredible”.

He described the estate as “vast”, but added: “They must be quite worried. I bet they’ve been burning the midnight oil trying to sort that one out.”

Mr Edwards, 84, said, on the other hand, “nothing’s perfect” in terms of the Firm’s security.

He referred to how intruder Michael Fagan broke into the late Queen’s bedroom at Buckingham Palace in 1982.

“That was all because events fell into place, one was going on duty, one was going off duty and he just walked into the room,” the photographer said. “It’s going to happen.”

But, nevertheless, he said the recent break-in was “frightening”, adding: “I’m sure William would have been quite concerned.”

Mr Edwards went on to say: “It is very important to keep the Royal Family safe and I imagine William probably had some questions to ask, but they just went for the vehicles, not to harm anybody.

“I imagine they wouldn’t have got too close to the house anyway.”

He added that “it’s very well-policed” with “so much security”.

The two masked men drove off in a pick-up and on a quad bike that were stored in a barn.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were not in residence.

But the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 42, were believed to be at Adelaide Cottage with George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Louis.

It is five minutes away and the family are regularly seen using the wrecked gate — the nearest exit to their home.

News of the break-in comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed armed police were removed from Windsor Castle’s two main public entrances, though gun cops are still thought to patrol the grounds.

RAID

The raiders struck at Shaw Farm, a working farm inside the castle’s security zone.

A source said: “They would have to have known the vehicles were stored there before they broke in and known when was the best time to get and escape without being caught.

“So they must have been watching Windsor Castle for a while.

“There are alarms at Windsor Castle but the first time anyone knew there was a break-in was when they crashed through the security barrier at Shaw Farm Gate exit.

“The barrier has needed to be replaced as it was so badly damaged.

“It was a Sunday night on a school week so the young princes and princess would have been tucked in bed at Adelaide Cottage, just around the corner but still in the grounds.”

William and Kate moved to the Cottage in the summer of 2022.

During Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, the procession to Windsor Castle began from the Shaw Farm gate.

The decision to remove armed police from it and the other main entrance for the public and tradespeople was said to be down to a shortage of qualified officers.

It was also to soothe tourists nervous about gun-toting cops.

Armed police now appear only at the front of the castle at the Changing of The Guard ceremonies.

Last night a spokesman for Thames Valley Police confirmed: “At around 11.45pm on Sunday October 13, we received a report of burglary at a property on Crown Estate land near to the A308 in Windsor.

“Offenders entered a farm building and made off with a black Isuzu pick-up and a red quad bike. They then made off towards the Old Windsor/Datchet area.

“No arrests have been made at this stage and an investigation is ongoing.”

The King was in Scotland during the raid and it is believed Camilla was at a spa in India ahead of the couple’s tour of Australia and Samoa.

A spokesman for the Prince and Princess of Wales declined to comment.

Previous Windsor Castle security scares include one on Christmas Day 2021, when an intruder armed with a crossbow climbed a fence and claimed he wanted to kill the Queen.

Jaswant Singh Chail, 23, was jailed for nine years for treason.

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William is thought to be concerned by the incident[/caption]

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The royals, including the late Queen and Prince Philip, at Windsor[/caption]