Shohei Ohtani is the best player in MLB right now. He hits at an elite level, can steal bases and is expected to return to pitching in 2025. Former Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia received the opportunity to witness Ohtani’s greatness early in the two-way phenom’s career, as Scioscia was Ohtani’s first MLB manager. […]
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The New York Giants 2-8 record has been one that their fanbase would like to forget about. After the Giants benched Daniel Jones, it seems they’re waving the white flag, but some have proposed that Justin Fields replace Jones after this season. In light of the potential move, there are plenty of factors involved. For […]
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The serene town of Amersham witnessed an emotional farewell on Wednesday as family, friends, and former bandmates gathered at St. Mary’s Church to honor Liam Payne. The British singer, who passed away at 31 while in Argentina, was remembered for his talent, humor, and resilience, CNN reports. Outside the church, white roses and candles adorned […]
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The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season has not gone as expected and over halfway through the season, things are officially off the rails. Whether it was poor play from the jump or a string of bad injuries, it’s all but over for them going forward this year. In their most recent loss to the Houston Texans, […]
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After firing head coach Robert Saleh, the New York Jets decided to clean house and relieve Joe Douglas of his general manager duties. While Bill Belichick would be a flashy hire to help turn the Jets around, that plan doesn’t appear to be in New York’s cards. If Aaron Rodgers was locked in as the […]
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2 Зустрічайте лауреатку премії «Еммі» Синтію Еріво у ролі Ельфаби – зеленошкірої чаклунки-вигнанниці, та володарку мультиплатинової премії «Ґреммі», суперзірку світового масштабу Аріану Ґранде у ролі молодої та амбітної Ґлінди. Неймовірна історія кохання, суперництва та магії, що розкриє неповторний світ Країни Оз! Разом з улюбленими героями у неймовірну подорож Смарагдовим Містом відправляються українські зірки дубляжу, серед […]
GETTING bitten by a mosquito can ruin any holiday – especially if the bites flare up and get infected.
They’re sore and itchy and can stop you from really enjoying yourself when you’re meant to be having a break away.
Luckily, one travel expert has revealed how we can avoid getting bitten by the annoying mozzies – and it’s not just about wearing repellents.
Luxury travel agent Leanne Rees, who runs her own firm Luxury Travel by Leanne, has lifted the lid on the four steps we can take to mosquito-proof our holidays.
Leanne has over 24 years of experience in the industry and helps holidaymakers save time and money by creating bespoke, unforgettable journeys and experiences.
And she explained that she found that her four-step method was the best way to prevent mosquito bites “after years of trial and error.”
Not only that but if you happen to be bitten, her secret tips can actually keep the swelling and itching to a minimum to make sure you can stay pain-free.
Speaking exclusively to The Scottish Sun, Leanne said: “Nothing ruins a dreamy getaway faster than pesky mosquito bites. Here are a few of my favourite ways to keep those bugs at bay so you can enjoy every moment.
After years of trial and error, I’ve finally nailed the perfect mosquito-defense routine… these tried-and-tested tips will make all the difference
Leanne Rees
“After years of trial and error (and too many holidays with itchy bites), I’ve finally nailed the perfect mosquito-defense routine.
“Gone are the days of slathering on sticky DEET that peels off your nail polish and leaves you feeling uncomfortable.
“Now I rely on lightweight, non-sticky options that actually work, so I can enjoy my time outdoors without the bites or the hassle.
“Trust me, these tried-and-tested tips (which I used in Sri Lanka earlier this year) will keep you almost bite-free and make all the difference for a comfortable, relaxing trip.”
Most of us only start thinking about mosquito bites when we actually reach our holiday destination.
But Leanne has revealed that we should really be preparing for them weeks in advance.
The travel guru explained: “Start taking an antihistamine daily about four weeks before your trip.
“While it won’t prevent bites, it will make a big difference by reducing the itching and swelling if you do get bitten.
“It means you can stay comfortable and itch-free on tour travels”.
The second step in Leanne’s method involves taking Vitamin B in the days leading up to your holiday.
And the expert said there is a unique reason why this works to repel mosquitos.
She said: “Take a Vitamin B complex, including B1 (thiamine), daily before your trip.
“Vitamin B1 produces a subtle scent on your skin that mosquitos find unpleasant, making you less attractive to them.
“While it won’t stop all bites, it can help reduce the number of pesky mosquito attacks during your holiday.”
Leanne suggests picking up a bottle of Soffell Mosquito Repellent before your holiday to repel the annoying bugs.
A 70ml bottle of the spray costs just £6.50 to buy from Amazon and lasts a long time.
The expert advises: “While you’re away, apply Soffell Mosquito Repellent regularly.
“Made in Thailand, this repellent is a top choice that provides long-lasting protection against mosquitos, even in tropical destinations.
“It is known for being highly effective without the heavy, sticky feeling of some other repellents, keeping you bite-free and comfortable all day”.
LEANNE is known for creating the perfect, personalised itinerary for any trip, saving holidaygoers time and money as she plans their dream getaway.
The travel guru often shared glimpses into different destinations on her social media pages including Instagram and Facebook.
She says: “Take advantage of my 24 years of experience for more top tips like these, plus personalised recommendations and itineraries tailored just for you.
“Save time and let me handle all the details.
“As a preferred agent, you may also receive exclusive benefits and extras.
“Get in touch to start planning your next unforgettable adventure”.
A tried and true classic that Leanne says everyone should have in their case is a bottle of Avon’s Skin So Soft.
Currently on offer for just £3.67 for a 150ml bottle at Superdrug, the travel expert says it’s perfect for keeping your skin healthy while keeping mosquitos away.
She said: “Avon’s Skin So Sof is another great choice, thanks to its citronella content, which naturally repels mosquitos.
“This classic product creates a protective barrier on your skin, keeping bugs away without the harsh chemicals of traditional repellents.
“Plus it leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturised, perfect for staying comfortable while enjoying your holiday, all the while keeping the mosquitos at bay.
“I used this over Soffell and didn’t have any issues.”
KEVIN Flick is the son of the guitarist behind one of the most iconic movie themes of all time: James Bond.
His father, Vic Flick, sadly passed away on November 14, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Kevin’s dad Vic worked with composer Monty Norman to create the Bond theme in 1962.
Vic used a 1939 English Clifford Essex paragon Deluxe guitar to play the tune.
Monty said that he knew the tune embodied the secret agent when he made the final decision to have Vic play the theme with an electric guitar.
The composer said: “His sexiness, his mystery, his ruthlessness – it’s all there in a few notes.”
Reportedly, Vic was paid just £6 to rearrange the theme which was first featured in Dr No.
The guitarist performed on several other 007 tracks, including Shirley Bassey’s song Goldfinger.
Kevin announced that his father passed away on social media.
He told fans that his father had died at the age of 87 and had been battling Alzheimer’s disease.
He posted: “With great sadness my mother – Vic’s wife Judith, his grandchild Tyler and I must announce that my father Vic Flick passed away peacefully last Thursday and so ending his battle with Alzeihmer’s.
“In lieu of flowers, donations to the charities St Judes and Alzeihmer’s (sic) are welcomed.
“Further details of arrangements are to follow.
“Victor Harold Flick, 14th May 1937 – 14th November 2024.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments with tributes to the guitarist.
Kevin is the son of Vic and his wife Judith Mary.
The couple married on May 19, 1960, and had two children. Son Kevin studied at both the University of Southampton and London University, Queen Mary College.
He also worked at Flicks Software from 1998 until 2012.
Vic was born on May 14, 1937, in Surrey.
He became known for composing some big hits including Hit and Miss, a theme song for the TV show Juke Box Jury.
Outside of his work on TV and on the Bond theme, Flick worked with Dusty Springfield, Nancy Sinatra and Cliff Richard.
He played the guitar on Downtown by Petula Clark, Ringo’s Theme (This Boy) by the Beatles and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Englebert Humperdinck.
Vic also played guitar on Tom Jones’ hits What’s New Pussycat? and It’s Not Unusual.
Vic’s guitar work earned him a lifetime achievement award from the National Guitar Museum, who described him as “one of the world’s great guitarists” in 2013.
RUBEN AMORIM has sparked a lot of excitement before he has even taken charge of his first game as Manchester United manager.
The two-time league winner with Sporting Lisbon saw his team beat Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League before departing at the start of the international break to take over at Old Trafford.
The 39-year-old has drawn many similarities to ex-Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho, particularly in his demeanour.
This is something which SunSport revealed has left stars “blown away” even before he took his first training session at Carrington with stars who are not on international duty.
However, to add to the excitement before the Portuguese tactician makes his bow on Sunday against Ipswich, the club released a video of him taking training that has gone viral on social media.
But we actually don’t need a video to know what players will benefit and who may find themselves out in the cold.
Throughout his career so far at Casa Pia, Braga and Sporting, Amorim has favoured a 3-4-3 shape with two so-called No 10s rather than wingers.
Below, we consider which three players are likely to benefit from the new tactical approach and which three players will find playing time hard to come by under Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes joined Man Utd from Sporting in January 2020 only months before Amorim arrived in Lisbon, and has been a talismanic figure at Old Trafford since.
The 30-year-old has made no secret of the fact he still considers himself a fan of the Portuguese club.
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This means that out of all of the squad at United, he is the one who probably best understands what Amorim is all about from a tactical point of view.
When Amorim was first announced as the new coach at United there was an immediate sense that Fernandes would be one of the players most at threat from a tactical perspective.
After all, he does not fit as one of two deeper midfielders and there was an initial understanding that Amorim favoured wingers as the main support for the main striker.
Instead, given Amorim prefers to use two narrow 10s behind the striker who have freedom to drift and move, this suddenly feels like the perfect role for Fernandes to fill at United.
A free role in the final third of the pitch is where Fernandes has thrived since arriving in England, with his maverick approach to attacking too unpredictable for defenders to read.
We fully expect to see Fernandes continue to be one of the most important attacking players at United going forward.
If Fernandes is likely to benefit from an understanding of Amorim’s game mode, then arguably Manuel Ugarte has an even bigger benefit in that he previously played for Amorim in Lisbon.
He made the initial move to Paris Saint-Germain following his time in Portugal and then moved to United this summer after struggling to adapt to life in Ligue 1 – though still had the most tackles per 90 from anyone in the league with at least 900 minutes played.
Amorim has a clear preference for playing a two-man double pivot in the midfield with two players who are combative but comfortable covering a lot of ground.
This is essentially the perfect role for Ugarte who is not the most progressive passer or most attacking of midfielders.
Instead, he is at his best when working to break up play and cover space before playing it simply when he does take possession of the ball.
Ugarte has shown more of what he can do paired with Casemiro in a two-man midfield under Ruud van Nistelrooy, and more of the same can be expected doing forward as he will likely become the key midfielder enforcer for United under Amorim.
While the more central positions the two most advanced midfielders will take under Amorim will be beneficial to the likes of Fernandes, it is less clear how this will affect Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Antony and Marcus Rashford.
The aforementioned training video appeared to show Rashford leading the attack as a central striker in a training drill.
With neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee really impressing so far this season, the positioning of Rashford as a true No 9 may be a move of genius.
While Rashford is not the most comfortable when playing with his back to goal and looking to link the play and bring others into the game, he is dangerous with his movement when looking to make runs to attack space in behind.
WHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.
Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.
But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.
Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.
He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers.
The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.
And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.
Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.
Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.
United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”
And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.
For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.
This is the role that we are likely to see for Rashford under Amorim.
At Sporting, we saw Viktor Gyokeres score an incredible number of goals under Amorim playing as a striker who wants to pull on the shoulder of the last defender and make runs beyond to attack space.
Rashford is likely to have a similar profile as the main striker which may allow him to fully realise his potential and become a key attacking player at United.
Being reinvented as a central striker with two close 10s to support him may see Rashford regain his form in front of goal.
This one may come as something of a surprise given the fact Zirkzee only moved to United this summer from Bologna.
Zirkzee is a forward who is very much more comfortable when dropping into deeper positions to support in the midfield and link the play in deeper areas.
In this regard, he is almost the exact opposite to Rashford or Hojlund who are more aggressive attacking players.
Zirkzee has struggled to fully establish himself as an attacking player at United so far this season, with just one goal to his name on his debut against Fulham.
Indeed, there has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about the possibility of Zirkzee making a move back to Serie A on loan.
For the attacking shape and system under Amorim to work fully he needs a more aggressive striker who will play on the shoulder of the last defender and threaten to attack space behind the defensive line with space.
With Rashford and Hojlund playing as central strikers it is likely Zirkzee will struggle for game time in that position going forward under Amorim.
Although, given Amorim is known to be flexible with the players at his disposal, and may see fit to retrofit Zirkzee as one of his two No10s in an effort to get the best out of him.
For this choice we could have gone with either Christian Eriksen or Casemiro.
Both are midfielders that are coming closer to the end of their careers than the start and neither are well known, at this stage in their career at least, for their mobility in central areas.
The tactical system used by Amorim will often see the two central midfielders outnumbered centrally.
Consequently, they will be expected to cover a great deal of space in both the defensive and attacking phases of the game to compensate for this.
This means that the likes of Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo – who showed strong defensive stats before his injury this season – will be more suited to the style of play and the system than Eriksen.
The Dane is still a good passer who can progress the play, break lines and bring value in the final third when breaking down teams playing in a deeper block.
The issue is that the two more advanced midfielders will come inside and play in the areas Erkisen would typically look to occupy as he moved forward.
Therefore, Eriksen will likely struggle to force his way into the team regularly, with Casemiro likely to be the first backup to Mainoo and Ugarte as the two midfielders.
With the change of system and game model under Amorim we will see a change in expectations and profiles of the players that will thrive under the Portuguese coach.
This could mean a high profile player at United will struggle to get regular game time and nail down a specific role across the rest of the season.
That player is Alejandro Garnacho.
The 20-year-old winger has three goals and one assist in the league this season.
But he is much more suited to a more traditional winger role where he is free to play in space and look to stretch opposition defences with his pace.
Under Amorim, as we have already touched upon, the likes of Bruno Fernandes fit the profile of advanced and attacking midfielders.
But Garnacho is more of an individual player than one who looks to connect and combine with teammates.
While Garnacho is likely to be tried in this role we believe that it is unlikely that he will be effective given that he wants to play on the shoulder of the defenders to make runs to attack space, and this is the role of the striker under Amorim.
There is an argument that Garnacho could also be used as wing-back but we do not believe that he would be strong here given his lack of defensive instincts.
We believe that under Amorim it is likely that Garnacho will be played in the first instance but given his specific profile we believe that he is likely to drop out of the starting team in the short to medium term.
At this stage of their career at United, it is likely Amorim and his coaching staff will be painstakingly assessing the squad to decide which players fit what they are looking to do.
It will be interesting to see whether Amorim can conjure up any surprises for stars who could become a key part of his system.
The Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 2022
2022-23:
Antony, (Ajax) £86m
Casemiro, (Real Madrid) £70m
Lisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46m
Tyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13m
Christian Eriksen, (Brentford) free
Martin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loan
Wout Weghorst, (Burnley) loan
Jack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loan
Marcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan
2023-24:
Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72m
Mason Mount, (Chelsea) £60m
Andre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47m
Sofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loan
Altay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3m
Jonny Evans, (Leicester) free
Sergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan
2024-25:
Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52m
Manuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50m
Matthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45m
Joshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5m
Noussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m