Mandatory Credit: Photo by Colorsport/Shutterstock (3118059a)
Stan Bowles (QPR) Queens Park Rangers v Tottenham Hotspur 8/11/1975 QPR 0 Spurs 0
Sport
Stanley Bowles was an English professional footballer known for his skills as a forward.
Born: December 24, 1948, Collyhurst, England
Died: February 24, 2024, Manchester, England
In the 70s and 80s he gained a reputation as one of the game’s great mavericks. He made 315 appearances for QPR and scored 97 goals for the Loftus Road club. He spent just over seven years at QPR, playing a central role in arguably the club’s greatest-ever team becoming a QPR folk hero in the process.
Here is the SUFFOLK GAZETTE’s unique tribute to him in Haiku form…
Understanding why we procrastinate with games is the first step towards overcoming this hurdle. Games offer immediate satisfaction and a sense of achievement that studying doesn’t always provide in the short term. It’s easy to see why the instant gratification of gaming is tempting over the long-term rewards of studying. But fear not; transitioning from procrastination to productivity is entirely possible, and we’re here to guide you through it!
Now, let’s be real: balancing gaming and studying doesn’t mean you have to quit gaming cold turkey. It’s about managing your time effectively so you can enjoy both without sacrificing your academic performance.
And when the going gets tough, remember there are resources out there designed to help. For instance, a coursework service online can be a lifesaver when you’re crunched for time, allowing you to delegate some tasks so you can focus on studying without the lingering thought of unfinished assignments. Let’s now explore the topic in much more detail!
Understanding the Impact of Gaming on Studies
First things first, acknowledging the impact excessive gaming can have on your studies is crucial. It can lead to procrastination, decreased academic performance, and even affect your sleep and health.
Recognizing these potential consequences can motivate you to implement changes and find a better balance.
Creating a Balanced Schedule
The key to overcoming gaming distractions is creating a schedule that includes both study and game time. This doesn’t mean squeezing in study sessions only when you’re not gaming.
Instead, prioritize your study time and treat gaming as a reward for completing your academic tasks. This approach not only enhances your productivity but also makes gaming more enjoyable, as it becomes a well-earned break.
Setting Realistic Goals
Set daily or weekly goals for both your academic and gaming activities. For instance, decide on the chapters you need to cover before you can play your game. Setting realistic and achievable goals for your study sessions can provide a clear structure and something to look forward to once you accomplish them.
Leveraging Technology Wisely
In an era where technology can be both a tool and a distraction, use it wisely to your advantage. There are numerous apps designed to help manage your time effectively, block distractions, and keep you focused on your studies. Use these tools to minimize gaming distractions during study times.
While gaming is a fun reward, relying solely on it can be problematic. Explore other forms of rewards for your study achievements, such as hanging out with friends, watching a movie, or indulging in your favorite treat. Diversifying your rewards can reduce the overreliance on gaming as the only source of pleasure.
Engaging in Productive Breaks
Breaks are essential, but make them productive. Instead of jumping into a game during every break, consider short walks, stretching, or meditation. These activities can rejuvenate your mind and body, preparing you for more effective study sessions without the risk of getting sucked into hours of gaming.
Your environment plays a significant role in your productivity. Create a study space that is free from gaming distractions. If you study on your computer, log out of gaming accounts, or even use a different device for studying, if possible. Having a designated study area can signal your brain that it’s time to focus on academics.
Reflecting on Your Gaming Habits
Take time to reflect on your gaming habits. Understanding why you game and when you’re most likely to game instead of study can help you identify patterns and triggers. Awareness is the first step towards change, and recognizing these moments can help you make conscious decisions to choose to study over gaming when it counts.
Remember, it’s okay to seek support if gaming is significantly impacting your studies. Whether it’s talking to friends, family, or professionals, getting advice and support can provide new perspectives and strategies to manage your gaming habits and academic responsibilities more effectively.
Prioritizing Tasks Effectively
Start by prioritizing your tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Break down larger assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and allocate specific time slots for each. This approach prevents procrastination and ensures that you make steady progress toward your academic goals.
Implementing the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves working in focused intervals, typically 25 minutes, followed by short breaks. Incorporating this technique into your study routine can help you stay focused and productive while allowing for short gaming breaks in between study sessions. Use a timer or a Pomodoro app to track your work intervals and breaks effectively.
Just as you schedule study sessions, create a gaming schedule to allocate specific time slots for gaming. Treat these gaming sessions as rewards for completing your study goals rather than distractions from them. By setting designated gaming times, you can enjoy gaming guilt-free while ensuring that it doesn’t interfere with your academic commitments.
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help you stay grounded and focused amidst gaming distractions.
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, especially before study sessions, to clear your mind and enhance concentration. Mindfulness also helps cultivate self-awareness, allowing you to recognize when gaming becomes a distraction and refocus on your studies.
Final Thoughts
Overcoming gaming distractions to focus on your studies is about finding a healthy balance that works for you. It’s not about eliminating gaming from your life but rather about prioritizing and managing your time effectively. By setting realistic goals, creating a balanced schedule, and using gaming as a reward, you can enhance your productivity and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Remember, it’s all about moderation and making conscious choices that support your academic success without sacrificing what you love. And when things get overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out for help, whether it’s from friends, family, or an online service.
Here’s to overcoming procrastination and embracing a productive, balanced life. Let the games begin – after studying, of course!
BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK – Enigmatic street artist Banksy has unleashed his latest masterpiece. Raising eyebrows and sparking controversy among the art elite.
Political Correspondent: Polly Ticks
The renowned provocateur, typically known for his subtle, stencilled social commentaries. He has this time around, taken a bold political stance with a sprawling message that reads, somewhat offensively. “Rishi Sunak is a rat-faced cunt.” Ahem.
Toilet humour
The piece, a departure from Banksy’s usual graphic depictions of relatable, everyday scenarios. Banksy has split the art world and provoked an outraged Conservative Party. Critics, normally in awe of Banksy’s ability to communicate complex ideas through visual storytelling. They have been quick to label the work as “not his best.”
One prominent art critic remarked, “Banksy’s brilliance has always lain in his ability to encapsulate the human experience. This, however, seems more like a drunken rant, daubed on a shithouse door than a profound and considered piece of art.”
Banksy’s boldness
The controversial slogan, painted in large letters across a nondescript corrugated iron fence, has ignited a debate on the intersection of art and politics. While Banksy’s fans argue that the piece is a powerful statement against disconnected political figures, others question the artist’s departure from his usual subtle style.
Pothole art avenger ‘Wanksy’ is targeting the streets of Suffolk after his successful campaign in the north of England.https://t.co/3uwyxGL1DB
Now the big question looms: Will this latest creation be stealthily liberated by an entrepreneurial thief looking to cash in on the elusive artist’s work. Or will it face the mundane fate of being washed away by the local council’s zealous graffiti removal squad?
Empty spray can
With a general election looming, political commentators are debating whether Banksy has found a way to deliver hard-hitting party political slogans that could affect the election outcome or simply run out of ideas.
Suffolk Council pledges to DOUBLE parking line restrictions
LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK – Suffolk’s Liberal Democrat-led council has unveiled it’s ‘quadruple yellow line’ campaign in Lowestoft, Suffolk. The new campaign is an upgrade to the usual DUOBLE parking line.
Norfolk Reporter: Ian Bred
In a stroke of bureaucratic brilliance that has left even the most sceptical critics of environmentalism applauding.
The brainchild of Sir Ed Davy, leader of the Liberal Democrats and a stalwart advocate for environmentalism. The quadruple yellow line initiative has been hailed as “pure genius” by its proponents including left-wing do-gooders, Greenpeace and even environmental cabbage patch kid, Greta Thunberg. The concept? Painting four yellow lines on a stretch of residential road measuring a mere 80cm in width to deter illegal parking.
Council fills potholes with bedding plants.
The growing number of potholes on Suffolk’s roads will be filled with attractive bedding plants in a new initiative by the county council.https://t.co/pXUZQabch5
“Well done, Ed!” exclaimed supporters, echoing their praise across social media platforms. Sir Ed himself, in an exclusive interview with THE SUFFOLK GAZETTE, shared insights into the campaign’s success, citing a significant reduction in illegal parking by vehicles in the area ranging from articulated lorries, milk floats, refuse trucks and even taxiing passenger airliners.
“Previously, this stretch of road was a free-for-all, with vehicles of all shapes and sizes taking advantage of the lax parking regulations,” explained Sir Ed, his trademark disingenuousness shining through. “But thanks to the quadruple yellow lines – a doubling of existing restrictions, we’ve put an end to this chaos and restored order to our streets.”
Double parking line VS Quadruple lines
Locals in Lowestoft have greeted the quadruple yellow line (an upgrade to double parking line) campaign with jubilation, hailing Sir Ed and the Liberal Democrats for their proactive stance on tackling parking woes in the community. “Hooray! Well done Sir Ed, and the Liberal Democrats!” cheered residents, relieved to reclaim their sidewalks and curb space from the clutches of illegal parkers.
As quadruple yellow lines continue to proliferate across Suffolk’s roadways, one thing is abundantly clear: when it comes to creative solutions for everyday problems, the Liberal Democrats are leading the charge, four yellow lines at a time.
NB. Mellifluous current affairs expert and resident of Suffolk, Jeremy Paxman, wasn’t available for comment.
BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK – A new coach company has rolled into Bury St Edmunds, with a name that’s as bold as it is brash: “Fucker Coaches.”
Consumer Correspondent: Colin Allcabs
While seemingly designed to provoke outrage and offence, the origins of this crude appellation trace back to a sordid tale of betrayal and revenge.
The saga begins with two former partners, Sean O’Flannagan and Daniel O’Crackerty, Irish immigrants and stalwarts of the transport scene since the dawn of the ’70s. Together, they steered their shared company, Whippet Coaches, to success, ferrying passengers far and wide on school trips and mystery tours.
However, the wheels came off their partnership when Sean unearthed a scandalous secret: Daniel had been engaged in a long-standing affair with his wife, Margaret, dating back to the mid-’80s. Incensed by this betrayal of both professional and personal trust, Sean threw in the towel and vowed to strike out on his own.
Dublin profits
In a fit of spiteful creativity, Sean vowed to exact his revenge by launching a rival coach company that would serve as a constant reminder of Daniel’s transgressions. And thus, “Fucker Coaches”, which is now doing twice the business of Whippet, was born, a testament to the bitter feud that tore apart two once-close colleagues.
Despite the eyebrow-raising name, Sean insists that “Fucker Coaches” is more than just a crude jab at his former partner—it’s a symbol of resilience and defiance in the face of betrayal. “Y’know it’s not about givin’ people a right shock,” Sean remarked with a wry grin, “it’s about showin’ the whole world that even when loife decides to toss ya a curveball, you can still be standin’ tall at the end of the day, ready to give it a good kick in the arse!”
In a spectacle more akin to a medieval jousting tournament than a football match, Porto’s fiery Dragons last night incinerated Arsenal’s hopes in a scorching first-leg clash at the Estádio do Dragão in Portugal.
Date 21/02/2024 – CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16
FC Porto 3
Arsenal 1
Mario (13 ‘minutes)
HT 2-0
Martinelli (78′ minutes)
Varela (34′ minutes)
Mario (58 ‘minutes)
The drama unfolded from the get-go as Porto’s striker, Joao Mario, ignited the stadium with a blistering goal in the 13th minute, sending the Gunners’ defence scrambling like startled rabbits. But Arsenal, determined not to be left licking their wounds, fought back ferociously, with David Raya Martin nearly levelling the score with a thunderous strike that rattled the woodwork.
However, it was Porto’s talismanic Argentinian midfielder, Alan Varela, who truly set the pitch ablaze with a mesmerizing solo run that left the Gunners’ defense in ashes before slotting home in the 34th minute, doubling Porto’s lead and sending the home crowd into delirium.
Arsenal’s woes compounded in the second half as Porto continued their relentless assault, with Mario adding insult to injury with another scorching goal in the 58th minute, leaving Arsenal’s hopes of a comeback in tatters.
Despite a late consolation goal from Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli in the 78th minute, it was too little, too late as Porto emerged victorious with a commanding 3-1 lead, leaving Arsenal’s Champions League aspirations hanging by a thread.
Arsenal will have to come from behind to progress to the quarter-finals when the second leg comes around on March 12. After the game, Gunners’ Coach, Mikel Arteta told the SUFFOLK GAZETTE “Looking back at what happened, it’s completely unbelievable.”
SUFFOLK, UK – Suffolk Council has announced plans to follow in the footsteps of London Mayor Sadiq Khan by giving traditional local landmarks a cultural makeover.
Political Correspondent: Polly Ticks
The decision, which has left some residents clutching their maps in confusion, sees streets across the county undergo a radical transformation in nomenclature.
Among the casualties of this linguistic revolution are once-beloved thoroughfares such as “Hollytree Lane”, which has been rechristened as “Dogpoo Lane”. “It really captures the essence of the community,” remarked one sarcastic local, dodging piles of dog crap that blight the once pleasant path.
But the renaming frenzy doesn’t stop there. “Grove Avenue”, once a picturesque boulevard, has been stripped of its dignity and reborn as “Crap Street” perhaps in recognition of the litter strewn from one end of it to the other.
Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory
“Victoria Road”, a name steeped in regal history, has been relegated to “Defeat Crescent”, a name that perfectly captures the mood in Britain in 2024. “It’s a triumph for diversity!” exclaimed a jubilant council member. As they ceremoniously tore down the old street sign. And let’s not forget Mill Lane, a name redolent of quaint industry and bucolic charm.
It now finds itself in the throes of globalization as it transforms into the more contemporary “McDonalds Way.” “I know. It’s a sign of the times,” remarked local historian, Graeme Drawbridge, with more than a hint of resignation.
More welcoming
The Labour leader of Suffolk Council defended the decision, arguing that the new names reflect “the strength of Britain’s diverse multicultural society” and “the decolonization of Britain’s cities and towns.
Making the UK a more welcoming and recognizable place for people choosing to make their lives here.” Critics, however, remain unconvinced, with many questioning whether renaming streets, at a cost of £4 million is the most pressing issue facing the county.
As residents grapple with the sudden upheaval of their familiar surroundings, one thing is certain: Suffolk will never be the same again. Whether these new names will stand the test of time or become mere footnotes in the annals of municipal folly remains to be seen.
For now, the county finds itself in the grip of a seemingly unstoppable cultural revolution, which, in the opinion of many, stinks like dog poo.
SUFFOLK, UK – In a bid to tackle climate change and improve road safety, County Councils across the UK. Including those in Suffolk, have taken drastic measures by slashing the speed limit in residential areas to a snail’s pace of 7 miles per hour.
Norfolk Reporter: Ian Bred
The move, hailed by some as a revolutionary step towards greener and safer streets, has left many motorists grinding their gearsticks in frustration.
Significant danger
Critics of the new speed limits have been quick to voice their concerns, arguing that the restrictions will do more harm than good. They point out that driving at such a sluggish pace not only increases fuel consumption due to the constant need for clutch control and pedal pumping.
Also poses significant dangers on the road. With motorists’ attention fixated on their speedometers to ensure compliance with the draconian limits, there’s a real risk of overlooking potential hazards and obstacles ahead.
Residents in affected areas have expressed frustration and disbelief at the absurdity of the new speed limits, likening the experience of driving at 7 mph to watching paint dry or waiting for grass to grow. Some have even resorted to taking alternative routes to avoid the painfully slow crawl through their own neighbourhoods.
Inconvenience
County Council officials, however, remain steadfast in their commitment to the green agenda and road safety targets, dismissing criticisms as mere resistance to progress. They argue that the benefits of reduced emissions and enhanced pedestrian safety far outweigh any inconvenience caused by the dawdling pace of travel.
As motorists reluctantly adjust to life in the slow lane, the debate over the efficacy of these extreme measures rages on, leaving many wondering if County Councils have taken their evangelical quest for a greener future a step too far.
