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Is backing Ipswich Town a good bet this season?

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ITFC ground

With one of the largest budgets and, on paper at least, best squads, you would think Ipswich Town would be promotion favourites in the English League One this season.

Punters have good reason to be cautious, however. Last season, the first after Ipswich were relegated from the Championship, they were tipped to go straight back up – but finished woefully short in 11th place.

This year, just like last, they have got off to a great start, currently sitting second in the table on goal difference after ten games. But supporters and bettors know what happened before and fear another collapse in form.

Successful sports betting is not about placing bets with your heart; it’s about using your head to ensure you make sensible decisions. Sports betting sites like 20bet offer a wide range of sporting matches to bet on, and a chance to profit.

You must study the form, look to see if there are any historical peculiarities with the fixture – perhaps a weaker team is a bogey team against one particular opponent. Then follow the latest news to check that injuries or suspensions will not affect the result. If one team has lost their star striker to injury, will that affect your judgment of who to back?

Ipswich conundrum

So, back to Ipswich. A team that on paper should cruise each game. The Suffolk club is seemingly invincible at home, at least according to the results. So far, Ipswich have played five and won five at Portman Road, although those who have watched report, for the last two games at least, an unconvincing performance.

It’s away from home that Ipswich’s worries seem to appear. Last season’s collapse under manager Paul Lambert, suggests a fragility in the team. When the side goes behind, or under pressure, the tempo drops. Town have played five away games this season, winning just two (drawing one and losing two). A long injury list has not helped matters.

Fans have also noted how Ipswich seemingly win against the mid or lower table sides in League 1 but struggle against the bigger sides that would be fighting them for a promotion place. Indeed, they have lost away to Doncaster and Lincoln City, both teams that were in the top six at the time.

Coming up is a massive away day at Sunderland, the other perceived “big dog” in League One. The Black Cats currently sit sixth in the table. But their home record of two wins, one draw and a surprise defeat to Portsmouth suggests Ipswich might fancy their chances, even with their own shaky away record.

Starved of success

Perhaps the sensible bet for the Sunderland vs Ipswich game would be a draw, and most bookies are offering odds of around 3.50 for that to happen.

Ipswich fans have been starved of success since days when they were playing in the Championship, fighting to get into the Premier League. Years of stagnation – they were the club with the longest stay in the Championship – led to inevitable relegation after then-manager Mick McCarthy left, followed by an ill-fated short stint in the hot seat from Paul Hurst.

Paul Lambert took over but was unable to prevent the club from dropping into the third tier of English football for the first time in nearly 60 years.

Desperate to return to winning ways, long-suffering fans, including famous Ipswich supporter Ed Sheeran continue to believe the corner has been turned. As such, many will back their team to win at the bookies, even if the form suggests another option is more profitable.

As we said earlier, it’s always better to bet with your head, rather than your heart.

One way around this – and it applies to a supporter of any team – is to make use of the in-play betting markets. Rather than backing Ipswich to win before kick-off and hoping for the best, let the game unfold and then make an in-play bet.

If Town have gone ahead, you might fancy them to go all the way and bet on them to finish the job, which is far less risky. Or if they are grimly holding on 0-0 and the other team look threatening, why not swallow your pride and bet on a loss. At least if they do go on to lose, you will have won some money to make you feel a little better.

As ever, it’s all about betting sensibly as the adverts in the UK tell us regularly: “When the fun stops, stop.”

Only one more lockdown until Christmas, everyone cheers

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Cheering because there is only one more lockdown before Christmas

Britain was getting excited today after waking up to find there is now only one more lockdown until Christmas.

People were hardly able to contain themselves as they realised the countdown to the joyous festivities is getting real.

They hope Monday’s announcement of another national lockdown will signal the last, final push to Christmas.

Excited mum Lorraine Fisher, 34, from Felixstowe, said: “Not so long ago there were several lockdowns until Christmas. Now, before you know it, there is only one.

“Time is flying. I must sort out my early Christmas presents before it’s too late.”

However, local scrooge Steve Walshe said: “I don’t see why anyone is excited for Christmas at all.

“This lockdown will go on for months, and if more than six people can sit down to celebrate Christmas Day together, I’m a mongoose.”

Use your pumpkins to feed starving kids this half-term, insists Government

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use halloween pumpkins to feed starving children

The Government has buckled under the pressure of the free kids’ meals debate by suggesting we donate our Halloween pumpkins to starving children.

Downing Street wants all pumpkins sent immediately to food banks so that youngsters unable to eat can feast instead on pumpkin soup, pie – and tasty pumpkin fennel and Taleggio galette.

A Government minister leaked the new announcement hours ahead of a speech by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“Imagine if these millions of pumpkins, with their appetising and versatile orange flesh, were available to feed all the starving children?” the minister said.

“Surely Marcus Rashford can’t complain about that?

“But, no, everyone will waste money on a silly carving while the kid down the road wastes away.”

Child health campaigner Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “This is the most ridiculous thing the Government has come up with yet.”

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The most popular land-based casinos captured by the film industry

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The Bellagio in Las Vegas, scenes of Ocean's 11
The Bellagio in Las Vegas, scenes of Ocean’s 11

Casinos have always captured a part of our imagination as humans. There is something very alluring to the way land-based casinos look and feel – and it’s not just about gambling.

The ability to play casino games for real money is a big part of the equation. Still, most people would agree that land-based casinos offer a distinctive experience apart from online gambling, for example. And the movie industry has taken notice of this – as there are many movies that feature some of the most glamorous real-world casinos. Below you will find our list of the most popular casinos captured by the film industry.

Riviera Casino in Los Angeles – in Casino (1995)

If you haven’t watched Casino (1995) yet and haven’t witnessed Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone in their prime – then you have missed out a lot. And not only that, but Scorsese, as the director of the film, managed to capture all the splendor of the Riviera Casino in LA. Even the casino extras are real people who had really come to gamble there when the movie was shot – and this gives Casino an authentic feel. The entire floor of the casino is awe-inspiring, with hundreds of tables and slots at which gamblers enjoy playing. It’s a must-see. Just dress appropriately and you are ready to go.

Stardust Resort and Casino in Las Vegas – in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

This movie is a bit of a hard pill to swallow for many people – it’s about psychedelics and drugs. However, if you wish to witness a truly gorgeous real land-based casino atmosphere, then you could do a lot worse. The casino in question is the notorious Stardust Resort and Casino, with all its splendor and one of a kind atmosphere that you could find nowhere else in the world. Regrettably, this casino was demolished in 2008.

Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas – in Hangover (2009)

This is by now a classic movie about a few friends that have a few drinks in Vegas, and then things go under from there – as they try to remember what they have been doing the previous night. A part of this movie is shot in the real-world casino Caesar’s Palace. This one is very popular among gamblers due to the many games that are available to play. Also, its architecture is unique in that it tries (and succeeds) to evoke the era of the great Roman Empire.

Bellagio in Las Vegas – in Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

This is one of the most popular heist franchises to this date – and it also features one of the most popular casinos in the entire world – the Bellagio. If you want to witness some of the world’s best actors like Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and George Clooney – then you should watch Ocean’s Eleven. The Bellagio is at its finest – with all the people that come to chase their dreams and the vibrant atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else.

These were some of the most popular movies that feature the most popular real land-based casinos in the world. If you can’t visit the casinos yourself, then you should watch these movies as their directors really did an amazing job in capturing all the parts that make these casinos so spectacular.

And the fact that these casinos are featured in these movies is undoubtedly one of the main reasons these movies have gotten so popular. This list can go on, as new casinos that inspire movie directors are all around the world. For example, there are so many Egypt-themed casinos that could probably become a new top-rated movie location. Take your pick – you will have a fantastic time seeing any one of these movies.

Turkeys urge Brits to abandon lavish Christmas plans

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Turkeys have announced that it is too much of a COVID risk for Britons to enjoy extravagant Christmas celebrations this year.

They have issued a formal statement urging the Government to uphold the rule of six, even on Christmas Day.

Chief Turkey of Great Britain, Lorraine Fisher, 34, insisted that turkeys were thinking only of the long-term health implications for humans.

Reading a prepared statement from the steps of her free-range hut in Norfolk, she said: “It is time for everyone to make a sacrifice.

“A sacrifice that for once does not involve a turkey.

“Large family gatherings at Christmas will be super spreader events. It is imperative that only six people at a time meet up for Christmas dinner.

“This will have two big benefits. Firstly, you will not kill off your parents and grandparents by giving them coronavirus.

“Secondly, there will be no point ordering a turkey from the butcher for just six people.

“You can buy a small chicken or a modest gammon instead.”

The news was met with ridicule by the UK Chicken Federation. A spokeschicken clucked: “Give us a break. It’s the one time of year we can relax.”

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8 ways to stop the spread of pathogens on the manufacturing floor

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The recent COVID crisis exposed a lot of holes in our system, but it really brought to light how poor our basic hygiene was. People are now more conscious than ever of how viruses spread and circulate, and are taking the steps necessary whether to correct the situation, whether it’s voluntarily or by force.

Still, areas like manufacturing have specific challenges they have to address. This is why they need to take special precautions to prevent the spread of viruses and other pathogens, not only to their employees but their merchandise as well. Here are the steps you need to take to limit the spread of pathogens on the manufacturing floor.

Issue employees with both face mask and shields

If you want to offer minimal protection to your employees while simultaneously showing that you don’t care and significantly increase the chances for outbreaks, simply issue them with surgical masks and nothing more. However, you of course want to go at least one step further and give them face shields as well. These are inexpensive, reusable, and your employees will appreciate that you’re taking the precautions to help them.

Teach your employees

You want to make sure that your employees know the basics about viruses. This is for them to understand the importance of safety measures. For instance, it’s important for them to understand that face masks are there to protect others, not them. This will prevent them from removing them when they think no one is looking and engaging in dangerous contact with others.

You want to remind them of the importance of cleaning their hands and keeping surfaces clean. You also want to make things easy for them by adding surface disinfectant wipes dispensers in critical areas. If you want to find surface disinfectant wipes at a good price, we suggest you check out Galleon Supplies. They have all sorts of wipes in different formats that you could spread around the shop floor and the office. They also offer the opportunity to buy them in bulk if you have a large operation and want to limit costs.

Limit seating spaces

You might have no choice but to limit the number of seating spaces inside. This means spacing out break rooms or eliminating them altogether. On the other hand, you want to create strategic seating and lounging areas outside. However, while the virus has more difficulty spreading outside, still makes sure to respect social distancing rules. Also, encourage your employees to go outside during breaks.

Add reminders

You want to remind your employees at every corner about the different procedures. Invest in signage and make sure that cleaning areas are clearly identified. Make sure to remind them of cleaning procedures and the most important procedures to follow, like keeping a distance of at least 2 meters and wearing masks at all times when inside the facility.

Manage leave

Another thing you have to pay special attention to is people coming back from their holidays. You have to make sure that they’re in top shape before they come in, so you could consider adding some additional days to make sure that they don’t show any symptoms. While asymptomatic people can still spread the virus, this is the best you can do to reduce the risks.

Invest in better heating and ventilation

Evidence shows that good air quality has a direct impact on the spread of pathogens. Dry air is also said to benefit the spread of the virus and makes for a better environment for it to survive. This means that you will have to make the air quality in your plant a priority if it isn’t already.

Rethink your business around social distancing

Depending on your operation, you may not have the floor space to meet social distancing guidelines, and you might have to rethink it to meet them. For instance, you may have to reorganise shifts so you have fewer people on the floor. This also means that you’ll either have to deal with a drop in production or find ways to do more with less.

Physical barriers are also essential. Plexiglass dividers can be used on shared work desks and PVC curtains can also be used to both surround work areas and allow protection and visibility at the same time. Make sure that each work area is properly aerated. Putting in additional fans will make sure that you always get some air movement and replacement, which is essential in stopping the spread of airborne pathogens.

Change your cleaning routine

You cannot afford to be lax when it comes to cleaning and you will need to increase the frequency and intensity of your routine. Make sure that communal and high contact areas are paid extra attention. Hire professional help if needed. You also have to make sure that vans and shuttle buses are disinfected if you’re using any.

These are all tips you’ll need to use if you want to limit the spread of the virus on your shop floor. This requires education and the support of everyone on your team, so make sure that they’re all on board and that you constantly keep them updated.

Does German submarine found at Ipswich prove Hitler invaded?

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german submarine Ipswich

German U-Boat drying out at Ipswich (Photo: Nigel Cox under CC BY-SA 2.0)

EXCLUSIVE
By Doug Trench, Defence Editor

A World War Two German submarine discovered submerged at Ipswich docks raises the intriguing possibility that Hitler’s Nazi war machine DID manage a small-scale invasion of Britain.

The U-Boat was found with its hull intact during routine dredging operations at Ipswich’s busy Waterfront last week. It has now been hauled out of the water and placed near Stoke Quay while investigators piece together what happened to it.

The Suffolk Gazette has learned there was no human remains on board the Type IX U-Boat, meaning its 50 crew escaped death when it sank – or deliberately scuttled it before slipping unseen into Ipswich town centre.

If true, it would be the only record of Hitler’s Nazi forces setting foot on British land – forcing history books to be rewritten.

And it raises many questions that military historians will now try to answer: Where did the U-Boat crew go? What were their orders? And were they the only German submarine crew to land in Britain in the early 1940s?

Military expert Colonel Lorraine Fisher, 34, who advises the history faculty at Cambridge University, said: “This is an incredible find, but one that raises so many questions.

“It is possible the U-Boat, a Type IX that would normally operate long distance in the Atlantic shipping lanes, was diverted up the River Orwell to take out merchant shipping at Ipswich docks. There were still torpedos aboard.

“Perhaps something went wrong and the crew had to abandon ship? But early analysis shows the submarine is intact, raising the possibility that the crew simply used it to get right into the heart of a major English town, before sending it to the bottom.

“Why Hitler’s henchmen wanted to do that is not clear. Maybe they were an advanced expeditionary force instructed to prepare behind enemy lines for a full-scale invasion, or perhaps they were simply spies destined to investigate wartime movements in East Anglia – a hotbed of military activity – and report back to Berlin.

“However, we can rule out that Hans Up, the German soldier found alive in a forest near Woodbridge last year, was one of the crew.”

Colonel Fisher said military historians, working closely with colleagues in Germany, would likely be able to piece together when the U-Boat sank at Ipswich, and match that to records of accompanying orders.

Only then will we know if Hitler’s Nazi Germany did, after all, land German forces in Britain.

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When is White Cat Day? implores white cat

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Bryan wants to know when White Cat Day is
Bryan wants to know when White Cat Day is

A white cat is furious it is Black Cat Day today – and demands to know when White Cat Day will be held.

Bryan, a white cat from Ipswich, said: “All I’ve heard today is people celebrating Black Cat Day.

“What about white cats? We matter, too. All cats matter.

“People are cooing about black cats’ velvety fur; how they bring good luck and are intelligent.

“Bollocks to that.

“They are smug, self-important tossers who couldn’t care less about white cats like me.”

Bryan has spoken to other cats in his neighbourhood today, and all agree black cats need to be put in their place.

“Let’s just say they shouldn’t go out on their own later on,” Bryan said.

However, cat expert Lorraine Fisher, 34, said it was absolutely fine to celebrate black cats.

She said: “They have something of a bad reputation among some people, usually because of some superstition or other.

“But black cats are perfectly harmless – unless you trip over them in the dark.”

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