Apparently, a “not so” highly intelligent squirrel was caught stealing food inside a BnQ Norwich store for the ultimate heist.
How nuts is that?
It happened on a saturday night when a burglar alarm was triggered which called out Norwich police to the crime scene at Norwich BnQ.
The first question the officer asked was “How many nuts can a squirrel fit in his mouth?”
I guess this is the equivalent of a human robber having a big bag with a dollar sign on it.
The squirrel was photographed near a barbecue grill at Norwich BnQ before it successfully fled the scene of the crime.
Did he at least wear a black mask to hide his identity? Well according to the footage, he didn’t wear anything to conceal his identity.
Want to know what’s even more nutty?
It turns out that the Norwich BnQ thief was the ex star of the Alvin and the Chipmunks successful film franchise.
He was currently not working on any films due to his addiction of stealing nuts and other crime related endeavours.
His agent and manager Mr Walshe, 39, fired him due to his destructive habits.
Walsh said,
“I believe all this Hollywood success got to his head. He is paranoid of the alleged nut shortage that will come”.
Alvin now lives a life of crime stealing from other chipmunks and breaking into DIY stores for supplies.
Alvin stated,
“I am preparing for the nut shortage that will inevitably happen. Inflation prices are out of control which will affect the supply chain. I need to support my family. If it means I have to steal, then so be it.”
Findings:
Some species of squirrels can fly which is why they were never able to capture Alvin.
His ability to fly away is unmatched for killer police drones.
Alvin is still on the loose. There is a bounty on alvin.
Whoever finds and captures him will be rewarded 88 nuts, a lifetime supply of peanut butter, and the ultimate cure for peanut allergies, all tax free.
Be advised that he lies, he might be flying over your very own eyes.
With the curtain closed on another summer of women’s international football, attention turns back towards the men’s World Cup, but not before the recent tournament, which saw the Lionesses win their first major trophy under Sarina Wiegman, gets some recognition. It was an exciting month of action in England, with a range of stadia and crowds from across the continent coming together to continue breaking down barriers for the sport.
There was plenty of drama across the competition, culminating with the showpiece event at Wembley, where a sell-out crowd packed into the capital — a refreshing sight considering the tournament had been postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. With thousands in attendance throughout the month-long festival of football and lots to unpack when placing a summer football accumulator, let’s take a look at some of the most entertaining games from across the Women’s Euros.
France 5-1 Italy
The Women’s Euros is renowned for it’s high-scoring games, and this year was no exception as we saw an abundance of goals in the group stages. England might have thrashed Norway 8-0 but the highlight was France, who led Italy 5-0 before half-time in a game many thought could have ended in double figures! The Azzuri pulled a consolation goal back but France laid down a marker here and went on to reach the semi-finals.
Germany 4-0 Denmark
While the Germans might have fallen short in their quest for another European title, their group stage game with Denmark, a rematch of their quarter-final in the 2017 tournament, ended with a 4-0 thrashing which served to remind fans how they were once the dominant force in the women’s game.
The Danes might have caused an upset in Rotterdam, ending Germany’s 23-year unbeaten run, but Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side were emphatic this time around, putting the Scandinavians to the sword at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Netherlands 3-2 Portugal
Former holders the Netherlands caused something of an upset when they lifted the trophy on home soil five years ago, perhaps simply down to the stranglehold Germany had on the competition. But their defence got off to a great start when they went 2-0 up against Portugal in the group stage after 16 minutes. However, Francisco Neto’s side battled valiantly to draw level two minutes into the second half. Despite piling on the pressure, the Dutch caught them on the break, with Danielle van de Donk’s goal on the hour mark enough to secure three points with a well-timed header.
England 1-1 Germany (2-1 AET)
The moment that could potentially change the course of women’s football in England, Chloe Kelly’s scrappy goal was hardly the winner she would have dreamt of scoring along Wembley Way as a girl, but the Lionesses will always remember her name after she sent the capital into delirium in extra time to put her side ahead against Germany.
England had initially taken the lead through Ella Toone but the Germans equalised with a well-timed run and finish from Bayern Munich’s Lina Magull. Wiegman remained composed in the dugout and the second the ball found the back of the net in the 110th minute you knew the trophy was bound for the Trafalgar Square parade, as captain Leah Williamson hoisted it in the air in front of 87,000.
With the current cost of living crisis and the looming energy crisis that will be bearing down come winter, many people are rightly worried about paying their bills this year. But as costs soar, everyday people are wanting to know what they can do to cut the size of their bills and be more efficient at home.
Which is why we’ve put together a few tips you can use to get a jump on your utility bills this year, of course none of these will be ‘do-it-all’ solutions, but they should hopefully slim your utility bills down a bit, so you’re not feeling so hard hit.
Insulate Your Home To Keep Warmth In
When you think of high utility bills, your mind probably jumps straight to your heating bill, they’re often the most expensive utility bill we have and this year, the price of heating has increased at a scary rate. The best way to cut your utility bill is to insulate your home, this will mean that your home holds heat in more efficiently, which will allow you to use your heating less to stay warm.
Depending on your budget, there are a few things you can do. With a big budget you could fully insulate the walls in your home, or swap old windows out for more efficient double glazing, but unfortunately these are expensive projects. So, if you’re on a tight budget, doing things like installing thermal blinds on your windows, blocking off draughts and keeping internal doors closed will help improve how well your home retains heat.
Be Smarter When Cleaning With Appliances
Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are incredibly convenient for day to day life, they take chores that no-one really enjoys and does them automatically. But one downside in using these cleaning appliances daily is that they aren’t incredibly efficient when it comes to water use and energy spent heating the water.
No-one is saying that you should wash all of your clothes by hand, or wash up by hand every day, but if costs are starting to squeeze you, being a bit smarter with your usage can help you. Firstly, for both dishwashers & washing machines, avoid doing ‘half-loads’ as you’ll use more water & energy than needed; also, when using your washing machine, run it on a lower temperature, a wash at 30°c will be cheaper and just as effective as washing at 50°c most of the time.
Use Smart Tech To Avoid ‘Stand-By’ Power Usage
Did you know, that even when you turn some electronic appliances like TVs, computers and games consoles, they will still use your electricity, even though you’ve turned them off? While one device using electricity on standby isn’t a big issue, if you have multiple appliances secretly stealing energy from you, it can be a problem.
There’s an easy solution and an easy techy solution to this problem. The easy solution is to unplug your devices from the wall when you’re finished using them, this will stop them silently siphoning your electricity, but can be a bit of a pain when plugs are hidden behind furniture.
The easy techie solution, is to install ‘smart plugs’ in your home, these plugs can be fully turned off remotely when you’re not using your devices, meaning you can avoid wasted electricity without having to pull your TV unit away from the wall every time you want to turn it off.
Have you ever dreamt of escaping your day-to-day life whenever you like, and visit your home-away-from-home for a well-needed rest?
Or perhaps to have somewhere luxurious to crash after you’ve embarked on your latest adventure in some of the UK’s greatest holiday hotspots?
Well, it’s time to make your dream a reality because we’ve comprised a checklist to help you find the best holiday home for your budget, so you and your family can get away any time you like.
Read on to find out more.
The types of holiday home
There are two main types of holiday homes you can own — a holiday lodge and a static caravan, both coming in varying shapes and sizes.
Holiday lodge
A lodge tends to be the more high-end option, which can be beneficial if you’re thinking of subletting, as they are generally more sought after throughout the year.
There are various grades of lodges available with different luxurious, fully-furnished modern designs, so you can easily find the one that best suits your taste.
They usually have spacious interiors and come with all the latest fittings and fixtures, with options for hot tubs and dog-friendly accommodation as well – perfect for the entire family.
Static caravan
Static caravans can be a great option when you’re just starting out as a holiday home owner. There are many sizes and styles available to help you find one which suits all your family’s needs.
Make sure to take into consideration the number of bedrooms you’ll need, and depending on your budget, you could even think about additional features like bathrooms, central heating, or double glazing.
Not only can you purchase a fully or half-furnished caravan, but much like lodges, they can be pet friendly.
And the top of the range ones might even feature a hot tub!
Buying
There are many positives to purchasing your very own holiday home.
You can visit any time you like, with the potential of saving money in the long-run on family holidays, all whilst exploring some of the greatest sights the UK has to offer.
Some of the best perks, along with the things you’ll need to consider, include:
Annual fees
When you buy holiday homes with Away Resorts, as an example of a holiday park operator, your pitch fees could be frozen for a number of years. With Away Resorts for instance, this will be for the next three years.
So, you don’t have to worry about the extra cost until you’re in full swing of reaping all the rewards from your home-away-from-home.
Despite this, you’ll want to bear in mind that fees can vary depending on whether you opt for a lodge or a caravan.
There will also be charges from the local authorities for things such as water, gas and electricity, as well as the need for insurance, any upkeep, and possibly entertainment subscriptions.
You’ll want to keep all this in mind when budgeting for your dream holiday home adventure.
Pre-owned vs brand-new
Something else to consider when buying a holiday home is whether you’d like to purchase pre-owned or brand-new.
Pre-owned holiday homes can provide you with all the benefits and flexibility of living your staycation dreams for a much more affordable price.
But, if you want a shiny-new property which exceeds your expectations, complete with all the latest designs, furnishings and fittings, a brand-new holiday home will tick all the boxes.
Buy to let
Owning a holiday home can be a great investment.
Whether it’s saving money in the long-run on family holidays, or subletting your property to help with the running costs, you could find many benefits of purchasing a holiday home than you initially thought.
Some holiday parks might offer certain services which can help you with your buy-to-let venture, including providing managed lettings services or a fixed return on your investment.
Location
Finally, perhaps one of the most important things to consider when picking the best holiday home for your needs, is the location.
This can affect your budget as certain homes might be more expensive when located in tourist destinations, such as Cornwall.
So, you might want to find somewhere which balances your dream location with a more affordable area.
On the other hand, if you’re hoping to sublet your home, you might find you can charge more competitive rates in a desirable location.
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It’s clear there’s a lot to consider when picking the best holiday home for your budget-friendly family getaway.
If you’re hoping to make a longer-term investment, with the potential of sub-letting, a lodge might see the best returns.
But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly home-away-from-home from the get go, a caravan may be the way forward.
Either way, you can now take your first steps towards discovering your dream holiday home adventure.
The UK is home to a thriving gaming scene. With millions of slot game lovers in the country, there are plenty of variations that you can play. While cartoon and TV shows have been inspirations for slots, sports-themed slots are on the rise in the country.
iGaming software providers have capitalised on sports events and integrated them into slots. This brings you an incredible touch of realism, thrill, adrenaline, and the best game experience. This article covers some of the best sports slots to play in the UK, and the pros and cons of each.
Football Star from Microgaming
Developed by Microgaming, Football Star is among the most iconic sports-based slot games. It has five reels and three rows, allowing 243 ways to win.
The game also boasts quality 3D visuals, state-of-the-art mechanics, and features to keep you engaged for hours. When playing, you can take advantage of stacked Wilds, free spins with multipliers, and collapsing reels. Some of its unique features include:
Payout of 96.5%
243 ways to win
Multiple Wilds
Free Spins
Fun gameplay
Scudamore’s Super Stakes from NetEnt
Scudamore’s Super Stakes is an excellent choice for horse racing fans. The game is based on Peter Scudamore’s life and features five reels, three rows, and 20 fixed bet lines.
You will encounter Random Wilds, Peter’s Classic Cup, and an incredible bet slips feature when playing. Like most slots, the bet line wins pay from the left reel to the right side. Only the highest win per bet line will be paid.
Players will enjoy:
Payout of 96.11% (96.99% with side bets)
An interactive and immersive gameplay
Free spins
75X multipliers
Hot Shots from iSoftBet
Hot Shots is an iSoftBet sports slot based on the World Cup. However, the game incorporates some comedic aspects, replacing the players in the field with animals such as bulls, foxes, chickens, and bears.
The football pitch is a forest clearing where the animals are strategically situated. It has a light-hearted theme with expansive symbols to make your gaming experience worthwhile.
Besides its highly comedic atmosphere and gameplay, the game allows players a high payout. It is a uniquely crafted game. Here is more on the game:
Free spins
243 ways to win on five reels
Expanding Wilds
An exciting theme, design, and graphics
Payout of 97.1%
Cricket Star by Microgaming
The cricket-themed game by Microgaming is one of a kind. It is well customised with cricket-inspired symbols and a large stadium for the backdrop of the reels. Besides the unique theme and features, the slot has five reels, giving you 243 ways to win from the paylines and combinations.
When playing, gamblers get two bonus features on the offer free spins and special ‘Wild Wickets’. Microgaming prides itself in making its games mobile compatible.
As such, gamblers can enjoy this game on their devices regardless of the operating systems. While playing, the graphics and effects are just as excellent as the desktop layout. Its special features include:
Payout of 96.42%
Free spins bonuses
243 ways to win
Unique cricket theme
Mobile friendly
Football Glory by Yggdrasil
If you love football, then you’ll love Football Glory by Yggdrasil. It is a slot game based on the World Cup and features some of the world’s top football stars. You can play it for free or for real money, and you’ll be able to win big thanks to the game’s high RTP feature.
Football Glory also has other great features, like an auto spin function that will entertain you as you await the next match to start and a wild symbol that can help you score big wins. With five reels, four rows, and 25 fixed paylines, gamblers stand great chances of winning. The game’s other exciting features include:
Payout of 96.1%
Free spins
Superstar Mode Activation
Random sticky wild reel
Logically set
Ice Hockey by Playtech
Ice Hockey is among the most renowned sports in the world, and there’s no better way to celebrate this than by playing some great sports slots from Playtech. This slot features five reels, three rows, and 15 paylines, making it perfect for anyone who loves a bit of action.
As well as being fun to play, Ice Hockey also has a lot of features that make it one of the best sports slots on the market. Several bonus rounds can be triggered by landing specific combinations on the payline.
Furthermore, if you get three or more hockey sticks on a payline at once, you’ll trigger a special bonus game that will give you a huge chance of winning. Here is more to enjoy in the game;
Payout of 95.26%
Free spins
Bonus icons
Unique layout
Conclusion
Sports slots are some of the most popular slot games in the world. Whether you’re a dedicated sports fan looking to play slots that pay out based on your knowledge of your favourite teams and players, or you’re just looking for a break from more traditional slot games, sports slots are an excellent way to do so. Apart from the modern game design and visual effects, the sports slots are something to look forward to.
For small businesses around the world, cybersecurity has become a bigger issue than ever before. No matter what your small business offers or the industry that you operate in, there’s no guarantee that any business in today’s world is going to be safe from cyberattacks and hacking.
While the news is more likely to cover hacks and data breaches on big companies, the truth is that small businesses are often bigger targets. Hackers know that small companies are more likely to lack the resources to put strong security measures in place, or even worse, small business owners still don’t think that a cyberattack is worth worrying about.
However, cyberattacks on small businesses are becoming more commonplace than ever. Some of the biggest risks that smaller companies face today include:
Ransomware
While they might not be the most common type of cyberattack, ransomware attacks are certainly worth being aware of and prepared for. Any business could be brought to its knees by a ransomware attack, which holds data hostage until a fee is paid, with no guarantee that the data will be restored, or not leaked after the payment is made.
Malicious software is used by cybercriminals to take your business’s data hostage, and there is a real threat of a big data breach and a massive hit to your brand reputation in this situation. The cybercriminals will usually demand that a set amount of money is paid, often via cryptocurrency or another anonymous payment option.
While ransomware might not be the first cybersecurity threat that comes to mind, it’s good to ensure that you’re ready for it should it happen to you. Texaport can offer IT support and cybersecurity measures to protect your business from ransomware and prevent it from getting to this point. Along with cybersecurity support, Texaport offers a range of expert IT services including an IT helpdesk, managed IT support, and more.
Data Breaches
These days, you can’t run any kind of business without collecting some kind of data. Even if you don’t collect much customer data, chances are that you have employee data on file if you hire a team to work for you. Most businesses need to collect customer data including names, email addresses, and more to work on building good relationships with their customers and for marketing purposes.
However, once you start collecting any amount of data for your business, your company is at a higher risk of a cyberattack. Even if you don’t hold a huge amount of data, the risk is still there. In fact, hackers often go for smaller datasets as they assume that these will not be as heavily protected as larger data collections.
No matter what kind of small business you run, keeping your data well-protected is key. Encrypted storage, strong passwords, and restricted access to data are some of the basics that every business needs when it comes to customer data protection. Only store the customer data that you actually need – storing data that you’re not going to use only puts you at a higher risk of a breach.
Social Engineering
Social engineering is a cunning type of scam that plays on the vulnerability of humans to access data and commit theft or fraud. Phishing attacks are a common type of social engineering attack that small businesses in particular are at high-risk.
For example, an employee might receive an email that appears to be from a manager, asking them to log in to an account or remind them of a password. Once the employee engages with or replies to the email, they are actually providing the hacker with this sensitive and vital information, ultimately leading to a data breach or theft of company finances, information, or more.
Phishing is getting more and more sophisticated as hackers design emails and other messages to look like they come from a trusted source. Because of this, it’s important to ensure that all employees in your company are trained on what to look out for, and vigilant against this kind of attack no matter how reliable a source might seem.
Mistakes and Errors
For many small businesses that suffer the impact of cybercrime, the main reason behind an attack is all down to small mistakes and errors. Human error is often relied on by hackers and cybercriminals to get into restricted data and cause a breach. For example, employees that are not using strong passwords are unwittingly putting your small business at risk.
Some business owners might not even realise that using their child’s name or the business name as a password is a serious problem. Or employees might jot down customer information in a notepad that is left in the office overnight, leaving sensitive customer data at risk in the event of a break-in. To combat these issues, strong cybersecurity education and training are a must.
For small businesses today, protection from cybercrime is a top priority. Understanding the most common risks and how to avoid them is essential for any small business owner.
Is it raining frogs and blood? Probably not. But it’s about to get much darker in Britain, figuratively and literally. Whilst it might feel like the apocalypse is already happening, we haven’t seen anything yet.
With Boris Johnson stepping down, it’s only a matter of time before England’s entire electrical grid goes with him. After years of single-handedly generating the energy needed to power the entire City of London (explaining his iconic electrified flock of seagulls haircut), the resigning PM said enough is enough. Mr Johnson has retracted his commitment to being the UK’s sole power generator.
The Cost of Electricity in the UK
It might be time to invest in portable power stations UK. Otherwise, you may find yourself house hopping through the post-electric wasteland without the ability to access your phone and read important articles like this one.
As Bloomberg reported on July 25th, the city of London spent a record high £9,724.54 per Megawatt hour to keep the city powered. That’s 5,000% higher than usual, and all to avoid a potential blackout.
Some experts have blamed the rising temperatures due to the climate crisis. But government insiders we spoke to privately dismissed those allegations as a liberal spectacle and linked the near blackout directly to Johnson’s recent resignation.
What Boris Johnson’s Cabinet Had to Do with the Current Crisis
For some, the recent crisis is unrelated to the climate crisis or surging temperatures. They view Johnson as the single factor contributing to the electricity crisis and the crumbling infrastructure. The lack of investment in new green technology has irked many a Parliamentary figure.
Whilst some lay the blame squarely at Johnson’s feet, others say the amount of electricity purchased to avoid the blackout was minuscule. They believe purchasing it from across the channel in Belgium at the aforementioned astronomical price was the only solution to balance the power in the wake of Johnson’s catastrophic resignation and prevent a city-wide blackout that could last days if not weeks.
This crisis is hardly the only one to plague Johnson’s administration. Criticised for his rule-flouting quarantine parties and the recent sex scandal involving alleged groper and personal ally Christopher Pincher, Johnson stepped down from his position as Prime Minister on July 7th. He leaves a legacy of isolating nationalism, greater electricity uncertainty, and even more remarkable hair. Johnson’s accomplishments may not be enough to help the country recover from dependence on him for its energy needs.
What’s Next for the Nation?
As yet, no side of Parliament seems ready to address what many government leaders have labelled behind closed doors as the “true energy crisis.” With the Conservatives rushing to replace Johnson before month’s end, many believe the recent power blackout is merely a preview of what’s to come.
Final Thoughts
The future of the UK and its energy grid look bleak in Boris Johnson’s wake. Will the UK find an alternate energy source or return to the Stone Age? Only time will tell how dark our future will grow.
Although the game of golf has been a relevant sport for hundreds of years, clubs across the country have reported seeing a sudden increase in new players, suggesting a resurgence in popularity. With this increase comes new trends on the golf course that we’ve been seeing take place in 2022. Here we’ll tell you what trends we expect to stick around in 2023!
Fashion
The rise of fashion-forward golf attire is one of the most significant changes that won’t go out of style anytime soon. With many people preferring athleisure wear more than ever, golf wear is no longer limited to country clubs and instead incorporates street and work wear designs.
Consumers want athletic yet chic and casual clothing that mixes function and style. You can shop for quality apparel and gear online at sites like Stitchgolf.com and get it delivered to your door. Chic golf style means you can look the part at the office and on the course.
Covid-19 Regulations
So far, we’ve already seen changes in how clubs operate as we all learn to navigate the world through a global pandemic. Businesses everywhere have adopted safety guidelines to meet new cleanliness standards to help their patrons feel safe.
While golf has the advantage of being played outside, clubs are no exception. We predict that the days of contactless pay, sanitizing stations, and digital score cards are here to stay.
More Women and Younger Golfers
Another notable change in golf is the consistent growth in participation of female and young golfers. Dominated mainly by male golfers in the past, this new crowd brings golf a more inclusive and diverse feel.
As businesses appeal to these demographics more, they will continue to invite fresh faces to enjoy the sport. The move toward inclusivity has been a long time coming for this sport, and it’s a welcome change.
Healthier Food Options
As health becomes more important than ever, many adults are choosing healthier food options. Country clubs and resorts are starting to fall in line with this trend by offering more nutrition-focused food and drinks.
Right now, you’re more likely to see this change with the increase in spiked seltzers and craft beers. However, we predict that more menus will begin to accommodate these preferences in the next year.
Membership Fees
The high cost of living in recent years has some golfers rethinking their memberships, causing a decrease in revenue for some clubs. With younger participants becoming more interested in the sport, clubs could benefit from catering to more budgets.
With demand increasing, it’s hard to say how this will affect prices in the coming years, but we hope to see clubs be mindful of this in 2023.
Final Thoughts
With more people wanting to spend more time in the open air and care for their physical and mental well-being, we believe this is only the beginning of this increase in new golfers. Although we can never really know what the future holds for the sport, these are our predictions for what’s to come in the new year.
