A strategically placed signpost reading ‘twatt,’ complete with a perfectly pointed arrow guiding tourists to the destination.
By Ian Bred, Norfolk Correspondent
SOMEWHERE, SUFFOLK – resourceful rural housewife, Mildred Miggins, has taken the matter of her feckless husband’s alcoholism into her own hands. To ensure the perpetually inebriated fool finds his way home after late nights at the local pub.
The ingenious sign, strategically positioned at the crossroads where her husband’s stumbling adventures often lead him. He has revolutionized late-night rescue missions. Villagers now gather to witness the daily spectacle of Mr. Miggins, a self-proclaimed pub philosopher. Also embracing his newfound sense of direction. “It’s like GPS for drunks!” quipped one amused bystander.
Twitter Twatt
The ‘twatt’ sign, inspired by Mildred’s most endearing nickname for her insufferable husband, has turned into a social media sensation. Mildred’s Twitter account (@TwattSignTrailblazer) boasts thousands of followers. With locals and tourists alike eager to witness the spectacle and share their own humorous tales of drunken navigation mishaps.
Even local businesses have joined in on the fun, offering ‘Twatt Tours’ that guide participants on a tipsy journey through the most notable fields of the region. Pubs now serve ‘Miggins Twatt’, a pint of ale specifically designed to induce the same amount of disorientation regularly experienced by original twatt, Mr Miggins.
While the ‘twatt’ sign has undoubtedly improved domestic harmony and sparked an unexpected tourism boom, its true impact lies in its ability to remind us all that love, laughter, and a dash of sarcasm can truly light the way, even on the most winding, alcohol-fuelled paths.
For many of us, stress is a common side effect of daily life, stemming from both our professional and personal lives. Although a small amount of stress is normal and actually be helpful for tackling problems effectively, it can become debilitating if it becomes overwhelming or more long-term. Recognising the symptoms of stress and learning effective management techniques are essential for maintaining your overall well-being. This article will delve into various stress symptoms and provide practical strategies, with a focus on how stress can contribute to different health conditions both mentally and physically.
Physical Signs Of Stress
The physical manifestations of stress often manifest as unmistakable signals from your body, urging you to take notice and take action. Tension may grip your temples in the form of persistent headaches, a clear sign of the strain your mind is under. Muscles in your neck and shoulders may tighten.
Fatigue can increase, leaving you weary and drained, an undeniable sign that stress is taking its toll. Your body’s immune system may weaken, rendering you more susceptible to illnesses and infections, highlighting the direct impact of stress on your overall well-being. Sleep disruptions, an accelerated heart rate, or even gastrointestinal distress can be tangible indicators that stress is affecting you physically.
Clenched jaws and teeth grinding can also be habits you start to develop. Understanding the signs of stress in your body can be an incredibly useful insight into the effects stress is having on you and when you need to take measures to combat it. You can reduce stress and boost physical and mental well-being through methods such as exercise, proper sleep, and self-care.
Emotional Symptoms
Emotional signs of stress manifest in a range of feelings and behaviours, providing insight into the profound impact stress can have on an individual’s well-being. These signals are a useful insight into the way our mind is working and help us to take measures to boost mental health.
One common emotional sign is heightened irritability or mood swings, where individuals may become easily agitated or reactive to minor triggers. Anxiety and excessive worry can also take centre stage, causing racing thoughts and a constant sense of unease. Individuals may experience a loss of interest or pleasure in activities they once enjoyed, coupled with a feeling of detachment from friends and family. As stress mounts, emotional signs may escalate into feelings of isolation, loneliness, or even depression. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, are further emotional manifestations of stress.
By recognising these emotional cues, individuals can proactively seek support, employ stress-reduction techniques, and prioritise self-care to restore emotional equilibrium and overall well-being.
Health Conditions Caused By Stress
Very often, intense or long-term periods of stress can cause health conditions to begin or flare up. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common conditions that can be caused by stress, and how you can manage them with different treatments.
Eczema And Dermatitis
Eczema and dermatitis, two closely related skin conditions, can be aggravated or even triggered by stress, which just goes to show the close link between psychological well-being and skin health.
Stress-induced hormonal fluctuations and immune system dysregulation can lead to inflammatory responses in the skin, exacerbating eczema and dermatitis symptoms. Eczema, characterised by red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin, can worsen due to stress-related factors like increased production of cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone.
Stress weakens the skin’s natural barrier, allowing allergens and irritants to penetrate more easily, intensifying eczema flare-ups. Emotional stress can also prompt individuals to scratch affected areas, further worsening the condition. Dermatitis, encompassing various forms such as contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis, can similarly be influenced by stress.
Stress weakens the immune system’s ability to regulate inflammation, potentially leading to heightened skin reactions to irritants. Additionally, stress-induced changes in sebum production can contribute to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, characterised by scaly, oily patches.
Treatment
Addressing stress as part of eczema and dermatitis management is crucial. Practicing stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the impact of stress on these skin conditions.
Collaborative efforts between dermatologists and mental health professionals can provide comprehensive care, emphasising the vital connection between emotional well-being and skin health. Using medications such as hydrocortisone cream are often prescribed as a treatments for eczema by your GP or dermatologist.
Alopecia
Alopecia, the distressing condition characterised by hair loss, can be significantly influenced by stress, highlighting the close link between psychological factors and physiological responses within the body.
Stress-induced hair loss occurs when a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle and shed. Chronic stress disrupts the body’s hormonal balance, triggering an overproduction of cortisol and other stress-related hormones.
These hormonal fluctuations can impact the hair follicles, leading to a temporary disruption in the normal hair growth process. Individuals experiencing stress-induced alopecia may notice excessive shedding, thinning hair, and even bald patches.
Treatment
Managing stress is a vital component of addressing stress-induced alopecia. Incorporating stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help restore hormonal balance and promote healthier hair growth. Seeking support from mental health professionals can aid in developing effective coping mechanisms, ultimately contributing to the restoration of both emotional well-being and hair health.
Insomnia
Insomnia, a common sleep disorder, often finds its roots intertwined with stress, revealing the profound impact that psychological and emotional well-being can have on our ability to rest. Stress-induced insomnia occurs when heightened levels of stress disrupt the delicate balance of sleep-regulating mechanisms in the body. Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to a state of alertness, making it difficult for individuals to unwind and fall asleep. Racing thoughts, worry, and anxiety can further perpetuate this cycle, keeping the mind active even during bedtime.
Stress-induced insomnia can manifest in various forms, including difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or experiencing early morning awakenings. Sleep quality is compromised, leaving individuals feeling fatigued and groggy during the day.
Treatment
Addressing stress as a key component of insomnia management is crucial. Adopting relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help soothe the nervous system and promote more restful sleep.
Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a conducive sleep environment also play important roles in combating stress-related insomnia. By tackling the underlying stressors and fostering healthier sleep patterns, individuals can pave the way for improved sleep quality and overall well-being.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues, often a silent casualty of stress, underscore the intricate connection between the mind and body. Stress triggers the “fight or flight” response, diverting resources away from digestion.
This can lead to a range of GI problems, including stomach-aches, cramps, and bloating. Stress hormones can also influence gut motility, potentially causing diarrhoea or constipation. Moreover, stress disrupts the delicate balance of gut microbiota, which play a crucial role in digestion and immune function. This imbalance may contribute to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Stress-induced behaviours, such as overeating or poor dietary choices, can compound these issues.
Treatment
Recognising the impact of stress on the gut is essential for comprehensive well-being. Incorporating stress management techniques, a balanced diet, and regular exercise can help alleviate GI distress.
Consulting with healthcare professionals can provide tailored strategies to mitigate stress’s toll on the digestive system, promoting both mental and gut health.
IPSWICH, SUFFOLK – In a masterclass of drunk driving, an inebriated workman managed to defy the laws of physics by launching a Cat TH407c Telehandler off a flatbed truck onto a parked Opel Vectra – causing it to catch fire.
By Hugh Dunnett, Crime Correspondent
The driver, Brian Scragg, 56, who clearly fancied himself as a modern-day Evel Knievel. Took the concept of “crash and burn” to new heights – or rather, depths – of incompetence.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the tipsy Telehandler handler.had apparently mistaken the industrial machine for a Formula 1 car.after a particularly spirited round of tequila shots in a local boozer.
With a level of coordination that could only be rivaled by a newborn giraffe on roller skates. Our hero revved the Telehandler’s engine, screamed “Watch out below!”.for dramatic effect, and promptly toppled the massive 9-tonne piece of machinery over the side onto the parked car.
Bewildered
Meanwhile, Philip Tin, a hapless local resident visiting a nearby dry cleaners. Could only watch in bewildered horror. As his beloved Opel Vectra was treated (like the shirts he was collecting) to an unexpected pressing. Witnesses say he muttered something that sounded suspiciously like, “It’s OK, I’m with the AA.”
Police were quick to arrive on the scene, armed with breathalyzers and a hearty appreciation for the laws of irony. Driver, Scragg, whose blood alcohol content was reportedly higher than his IQ. He faced charges ranging from reckless driving to flying low without a proper license.
As the Telehandler was hoisted back onto the flatbed truck with the grace of a drunken elephant on a tightrope. One could only marvel at the ingenious new ways that people find to make insurance adjusters cry.
Save a door Dali
Mr. Tin is said to be seeking to auction the squashed,.burned-out Opel as a modern art installation (less one door which he intends to retain as a keepsake.)
As sports betting continues to gain traction as a favored form of entertainment worldwide, its economic impact is becoming increasingly evident. The surge in the number of people engaging in sports betting has contributed significantly to the growth of the global sports betting market.
According to statistics from Statista, the market’s value has been on a steady rise, showcasing the economic potential of this burgeoning industry. The surge is connected to the large variety of available apps like the Betway app, as well as an improving connectivity, making sports betting accessible at any time.
The booming sports betting market
The global sports betting market has experienced substantial growth in recent years. As of 2021, the market was valued at 194.63 billion USD, a big increase from the previous year’s 173 billion USD in 2020, and experts predict this figure to continue this upward trajectory in the foreseeable future.
The widespread adoption of online betting platforms has played a pivotal role in driving the market’s expansion. These digital platforms offer unparalleled convenience, allowing enthusiasts to place bets on their favorite sports events at any time, from anywhere in the world. This accessibility has democratized sports betting, attracting a more extensive and diverse customer base.
Contributing factors to economic growth
Several factors contribute to the economic impact of sports betting on a global scale. Firstly, the flourishing industry has led to the creation of numerous jobs worldwide. From software developers and data analysts to customer service representatives and marketing professionals, the industry offers employment opportunities across various sectors.
Since sports betting is legalized in more jurisdictions, governments are benefiting from increased tax revenue. Taxation on betting revenues contributes to national budgets and helps fund public services and initiatives.
Travels and sponsorships
Major sports events and tournaments attract throngs of spectators and betting enthusiasts. As visitors flock to these events, the tourism and hospitality sectors experience a boost in business, leading to increased revenue and job opportunities.
Furthermore, the sports betting industry is a significant player in advertising and sponsorships. Sports betting companies often sponsor sporting events and teams, injecting funds into the sports industry and creating revenue opportunities for athletes and organizations. Lastly, the growth of the online sports betting market has spurred technological advancements. The development of cutting-edge betting platforms and innovative payment solutions has had a positive impact on the digital economy.
The surge in the number of people engaging in sports betting worldwide has led to a significant economic impact on both local and global levels. The resulting economic benefits include job creation, increased tax revenue and contributions to various sectors, such as tourism, advertising and hospitality.
SUFFOLK – 82-year-old grandmother, Betty Fisher, affectionately known as ‘Knitty Betty’ among her social circles. She has taken it upon herself to knit and fit a bespoke cover for her daughter Lorraine Fisher’s prized possession—a £150,000 Lamborghini Urus.
Wrinkled twinkle
Betty, a retired apple polisher with a passion for needlework. She reportedly embarked on this unusual endeavor after seeing her own car, a 2012 Ford Fiesta, covered in bird poo. “I couldn’t bear the thought of Lorraine’s precious investment being subjected to bird droppings, pollen, or, heaven forbid, a potential hailstorm,” she quipped with a twinkle in her eye.
The knit-covered Lamborghini
Witnesses report that Betty’s knitting skills defied all expectations,.creating a cozy, yellow, cable knit cocoon in lambswool that enveloped the supercar in what could only be described as ‘automotive couture.’ The streets became abuzz with admiration, as pedestrians and fellow motorists marveled at the spectacle of the eccentric, yet undeniably pragmatic, vehicular accessory.
When asked about the motivations behind her endeavor, Betty’s response was a textbook example of unassuming wisdom: “Well, dear, Lorraine’s always been a bit particular about her things, and I thought to myself, what’s a Lamborghini cover but a big, fancy kettle cozy?”
Glamorous granny
The Lamborghini company’s reaction remains to be seen,.but rumors suggest that a new line of ‘Grandma Chic’ car accessories might just be on the horizon. As for Betty Fisher, she’s gone back to her rocking chair with a satisfied grin, content in the knowledge that she has single-handedly elevated car customization to a whole new level – one stitch at a time.
LUCKY SLAP, SUFFOLK – Hordes of tourists are descending upon the quaint hamlet of Lucky Slap in Suffolk, England. Hoping to unlock the enigmatic secrets that supposedly lie in wait for unsuspecting visitors.
By Ian Bred, Norfolk Correspondent
With its population of just 150 residents, Lucky Slap has miraculously transformed into a must-see destination for the intrepid traveler seeking the Midas Touch.
Bell end
Speculations about the village’s newfound appeal range from rumors of hidden treasure troves. Under cobblestone streets to tales of resident leprechauns granting wishes to visitors. Even the local pigeon population has been touted as possessing psychic powers that reveal winning lottery numbers.
The Mayor of Lucky Slap, Ian Bell, commented, “I can’t quite put my finger on it,.but Lucky Slap has always been the epicenter of, well, nothing much at all, really. We’re like the little train station at the end of the line Yet. Here we are, knee-deep in tourists hunting for lottery-predicting pigeons.”
Extraordinary whiff
Local businesses, unaccustomed to more than a handful of patrons at any given time, are struggling to keep up with the sudden demand for souvenirs featuring the village’s infamous name. One entrepreneur has even started selling “Lucky Slap Mystery Dirt” bottled up with an authentic whiff of rural air, promising visitors a taste of the extraordinary.
Residents, bemused by the sudden influx of tourists, have taken it upon themselves to welcome the curious visitors with open arms. One enterprising resident has even set up a “Mystical Pebble Emporium,” offering pebbles that allegedly hold the wisdom of ancient gnomes. Another is offering guided tours of the most famous hedges in the village, affectionately dubbed the “Labyrinth of Lucky Lushness.”
Wrong end of the stick
However, not all visitors to the mysterious destination have left fully satisfied. According to her Trip Advisor review, Marjorie Skank, 52, traveled all the way from Birmingham for what she described as “Plenty of slap and loads of tickle,” but left only having been offered ‘serendipi-tea’, and ‘fortunate French stick’ from the local tea shop.
Online casinos make the laws and regulations around which ones you can and can’t use more confusing. People in the UK tend to assume that if an operator is based in a country other than their own, like Ireland, then they aren’t able to use their services. In fact, this is not entirely true. There are a lot of complicated factors to answering this question, though, so today we’re going to dive in to everything you need to know about using Irish online casinos when betting from the UK.
Let’s get started.
UKGC licensed sites
Betting operators in the UK are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. If you want to offer legal, above board services for any kind of gambling in the UK, you must be licensed by the UKGC. So, any operator running legal services in the UK is licensed—but the UKGC does not exclusively give licenses to domestic operators.
If an Irish operator wished to offer their services to UK customers, then they can do so by obtaining a license from the UKGC. With well over 2,000 licensed operators approved by the UKGC, there’s a huge mix of both domestic and internationally based operators. So, if you are looking at in Irish site for betting, casino games, or any other kind of gambling, all you need to know to check if you can legally use them is to see if they are licensed by the UKGC.
The company itself may be based in Ireland, but they can still obtain a UKGC license to offer services in the UK, as seen with the likes of LeoVegas casino. Typically, they will have to establish some presence in the UK for business purposes, and will have offices in the UK. For any number of reasons, though, like popularity and reputation, these operators may continue to advertise themselves as an Irish company to attract UK customers.
There are many aspects of betting operation that are covered by the UKGC. The simplest and most important, of course, is the simple fact that they can operate at all. However, it also covers advertising, what offers and bonuses their customers can get, and much more.
Let’s look now to non-licensed sites.
Non-licensed sites
In Ireland, operators must obtain a license from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, or the GRAI for short. This is a relatively new statutory body, and indeed Irish law has not really provided licenses for casinos and casino-style games. That is changing now, though, as online operators can now offer services to residents of Ireland.
However, if a company is licensed by the GRAI, this only means they can operate legally in Ireland. It does not give them the right to offer services to UK customers. Even if an operator has a GRAI license, they must still obtain a separate UKGC license in order to offer any service whatsoever to UK residents.
Indeed, if an Irish online casino does not have a UKGC license, then they cannot even legally advertise to you. They must have a license for this privilege, too. So, if you are being advertised to by an Irish operator who does not have a UKGC license, then they are doing so illegally.
The UKGC maintains a comprehensive list of all operators which are licensed to operate in the UK. While most Irish online casinos will feature their license proudly and prominently on their website, if you’re unsure you can always check this directory on the official UKGC site to be sure they are licensed to operate.
With all that said, which sites can you use to bet on?
Which can I use?
Again, the simple answer is that you can use any site that is licensed by the UKGC. There is no legal online casino operating in the UK which does not have a license from the UKGC. You can easily check whether a site is licensed on the UKGC website.
The confusion largely comes from the fact that when an Irish operator gains a UKGC license, they effectively become a UK operator with an Irish parent company. A separate entity, more or less, must be established to run the operator’s services in the UK. A betting operator may establish themselves and become very popular in one country then want to expand their services. They then continue to advertise as though they were Irish to build on their reputation. As long as they have a UK license, you’re fine to use them no matter who they are!
So, the simple answer is this: if the site you are looking at is licensed by the UKGC, as well as the equivalent Irish authority, then you are able to use them no problem. However, if they do not have a license to operate in the UK, then they cannot even legally advertise there, much less take on domestic customers. If you’re ever in any doubt, review the official UKGC list of licensed operators.
Having finished with a 14-3 record in the regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles headed into last year’s playoffs with confidence.
Winning the NFC Conference Championship with a staggering 31-7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, they met their match in the Super Bowl.
Falling to a 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles came ever so close and will look at this upcoming season as one to prove a point and for some of their star players to take the next step.
The NFL Week 1 odds have them as one of the top candidates going into the season once again, just behind the inspiring Chiefs once again who are looking to keep their run going under the leadership of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
What they can improve on?
Defending the run is where the Eagles need to most improve going into the new season. Nick Sirianni heads into this third season as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles looking to keep the dominance his offense had but improve the defensive weaknesses they sometimes showed.
Sirianni tried to address this during the season by adding Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph, but they still couldn’t turn things around.
What helped was that the Eagles offense was so strong that teams were often coming from behind when facing the Eagles and forced to throw and chase yards. This saw their secondary pick up huge numbers, and teams will have to figure out a way to really test if this run defense has been improved, as going through the air isn’t an easy task, even if Eagles will be without C.J. Gardner-Johnson who caught six interceptions last season.
New Players
In free agency the Philadelphia Eagles lost several starters like C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps but recruited well and added depth in positions of need.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota provides a strong backup presence to leader Jalen Hurts. While Hurst may be the clear starter in this field, adding Mariota provides a like for like backup in some ways. Both can throw and use their feet and this will ensure the style of play and offense does not need to shift so much if Hurst misses time again this season.
Terrell Edmunds was brought in from Pittsburgh Steelers and played 15 games last season, registering 70 tackles, five passes defended, two sacks and three tackles for loss. His durability and quality will see him no doubt starting a strong safety alongside Reed Blankenship at free safety on the defense.
Running back Rashad Penny offers great value on a one-year deal to support D’Andre Sift who will be the week 1 starter.
Another on defense was Nicholas Morrow who arrived from Chicago Bears. He played every game last season and as on the field for every one of the Bear’s defensive snaps (1,086).
Being durable and versatile in the linebacker role, Morrow adds to the depth and intensity this group can bring in 2023.
In the NFL Draft, the Eagles picked up Jalen Carter, a Defensive Tackle from Georgia, and was one of the top recruits in the country. A former basketball player, he is quick on his feet for someone who can bench press 395-points, he will be a valuable addition to the defensive unit in Philadelphia and a plug and play starter.
What will go for them this year?
The continuity. Most of their offensive stars are back and ready to go. They have an enviable receiver group with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith ready to compete with most groups around the league.
When you have a quarterback like Hurts who can throw so well but also be a weapon on the ground, this only makes it tougher for opposing defenses to read and set up. The speed at which they can hit an opponent makes them tough to cover and this will no doubt continue into the 2023 season.
What could go against them?
The focus on stopping the run and changes in the defense again will have to be a wait and see for Sirianni. Will his new additions be able to pick up the roles quickly and can Jalen Carter adapt right away to the competition in the NFL?
D’Andre Swift has stood out in camp as the starter at running back, but he has not hit double digits in touchdowns in his three years as an NFL player. He started just four games in both of his last two seasons with the Detroit Lions before arriving in Philadelphia so it will be interesting to see where he is at with his new side come week one.
All in all though, this is a tough and exciting team who will be looking to overturn the disappointments of last season’s Super Bowl and go out and win it this year.
