The “greatest car salesman in the world,” according to his followers on social media, Doug Townson, has stepped out to comfort admirers who have been alarmed by rumors that he has passed away. Over the weekend, Doug Townson’s obituary went viral and terrified followers when the salesman from Watson, Louisiana shared it on social media. […]
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WITH MILLIONS of great stories already out there, it can be difficult to narrow it down to a select few but, by inputting a few details, this clever ‘book-u-lator’ will do the hard work for you.
It comes as the top 40 books every child should read before they’re four was revealed – including The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr, and the Michael Rosen classic – We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
Busy Bees has created the tool to support parents as it marks the launch of its new curriculum, Bee Curious, which is scientifically designed to ignite a lifelong love of learning through play and storytelling.
The study of 2,000 parents with preschool aged children found The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell and Elmer by David McKee are also among the stories children should read by the time they start school.
Gill Jones MBE, group chief quality officer at Busy Bees, said: “Storytelling is crucial for children’s development, helping them to learn about the world around them and build important communication skills.
“Our expertly developed curriculum is based on the latest scientific research, with a key element being learning from stories and vocabulary, as well as other increasingly important subjects such as mathematics to help prepare young minds for school and give them the best start possible.
“We hope the tool offers those looking for inspiration some ideas for different books to read with their little ones, outside of the classics.”
Reading is clearly a part of the routine for many parents, with six in 10 reading to their child at least once a day and bedtime the most popular time for stories (46 per cent).
Four in 10 (39 per cent) parents typically read both during the day and before bed.
On average, parents spend 21 minutes reading to their child each day with nearly all of them saying they enjoy this time (97 per cent).
As many as 98 per cent think reading is important to do before children start school to support their development.
More than half (52 per cent) agreed reading to their child from a young age helps expand their vocabulary.
A further three in 10 believe it improves concentration and 25 per cent said it helps build a strong bond between parents and child.
Repetition is important for language development and almost three quarters (72 per cent) say their son or daughter has a favourite book they want to read on repeat.
While 27 per cent see the funny side of this strong preference, nearly half (49 per cent) have owned up to missing words or even skipping pages to speed up the bedtime routine.
The OnePoll.com study also found that 58 per cent of parents have a list of books they want their little one to enjoy, but 36 per cent will let their child choose which story to read.
But 35 per cent admitted they lack inspiration when it comes to choosing new books for their child, with parents’ book choices strongly influenced by the tales they read themselves when they were young (62 per cent).
While 45 per cent will go to their local library to find something new, almost a third (31 per cent) rely on their child’s nursery or childminder for advice.
Gill Jones MBE, for the childcare provider, which is searching for the nation’s best bedtime storyteller to win £1,000 and a donation of the top 40 books to a local library of their choice, added: “The results from this research show just how important storytelling is during children’s early years and beyond, with parents understanding the vital role it plays in early development.
“The new curriculum brings together 40 years of experience, global best practice and the latest scientific research on areas that lead to better life outcomes to give children a head start for school.
“All of our early years educators have been expertly trained to support children’s individual development, allowing them to provide quality, playful teaching.”
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have flagged concerns about Arsenal’s use of the ‘dark arts’ last season.
And clubs might just do the same again after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal’s apparent gamesmanship was the talk of the top flight last year.
Coaching staff and analysts across the division openly and frequently discussed the ‘dark arts’ from the Gunners among themselves.
Arsenal were on the receiving end of heavy criticism after their trip to Newcastle and Wolves in 2023 and when Brighton gained momentum in the Seagulls’ defeat last December – to name but a few.
Mikel Arteta’s side were again accused of using delaying tactics as they aimed to hold onto their 2-1 lead in the second half at the Eithad.
Arsenal were down to 10 men after Leandro Trossard was booked for kicking the ball away in the eighth minute of first half stoppage time.
Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly also received a yellow card while on the touchline at 65 minutes – half-an-hour before making his Prem debut.
The 17-year-old was cautioned after walking behind David Raya‘s goal shortly before the keeper went down with cramp ahead of goal kick.
The Mail report cites the PGMOL revealed the midfielder was cautioned for “showing a lack of respect for the game”.
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Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville claimed on commentary: “There is no doubt that is a tactic.”
Several other stars went down with curious injuries such as cramp – but they were forced into working hard to stop Man City scoring.
Arsenal retreated into a low block to frustrate the hosts.
But sub John Stones equalised for City with almost the last kick of the game in the 98th minute.
Tempers boiled over in the aftermath, with Erling Haaland seen arguing with Gabriel Jesus, and Bernardo Silva had plenty to infer when he said Liverpool had always faced City “head on”.
SunSport reported this week that Arsenal have wasted the most time on average so far this season.
The data looked at when the game stops for corners, free-kicks, goal kicks, kick-offs, penalties, drop balls and throw-ins.
And the Gunners take an average of 33.5 seconds each time – the joint-longest in the league alongside Aston Villa.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Arteta said: “We have already moved on and are ready to battle again.”
NOVEMBER might feel a little far off, but it’s the perfect time to snag a deal on Apple’s previous flagship once the Black Friday offers drop.
If you’re thinking about an upgrade, this is your go-to guide for all those iPhone 15 Black Friday deals and we’ve rounded up what to expect below.
Apple iPhone 15, £699 £681
With Apple rolling out its shiny new iPhone 16, prices on older models, like last year’s star, the iPhone 15, are starting to drop.
And while Black Friday still has a few months to go, it’s the biggest sale event of the year and the perfect time to snag a great deal.
Retailers love to cash in on the sale, slashing prices throughout November, but Apple’s usually not one of them.
So, if you’re hoping to save on an iPhone 15, you’ll need to shop elsewhere, which is where we come in.
We’ll be tracking the best deals as they drop, so keep reading to find out where to score big savings on the iPhone 15 this Black Friday.
You can already pick up a modest saving on the iPhone 15 at Amazon, where it has been dropped to just £681, and expect that to drop further.
In the meantime, we’ve taken a look back at the offers available on last year’s former flagship, the iPhone 14, to give you a taste of what’s to come this year.
November 29 is the date to know, but you can expect deals to land throughout the month, with the best reserved for the big day.
The sale always falls on the day after Thanksgiving, as per the American tradition.
But while it may have begun over in the States, Black Friday has snowballed into one of the biggest events across the world, including in the UK.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our guide to the meaning behind Black Friday.
For more details on the wider sale, and what retailers to expect, head to our ‘When is Black Friday?‘ explainer.
Apple doesn’t tend to discount its tech, and the brand doesn’t join in Black Friday shenanigans.
So third-party retailers are your best bet, and often where you’ll find the biggest discounts on Apple products during the sale period.
The likes of Argos, Amazon, John Lewis and Currys will almost certainly have offers to jump on, as well as the mobile phone network providers.
We’ll handle the hard work for you by updating this page with the best discounts as soon as they drop. So, keep checking back to snap a bargain.
Apple iPhone 15, £699 £681
Last year, there were dozens upon dozens of deals on the iPhone 14 for Black Friday across different retailers: be it SIM-free discounts or pay monthly offers.
We’re expecting a similar story for the iPhone 15 this year, which remains an impressive choice that stands up to the newer iPhone 16 series.
When it comes to Apple we can count on the latest all-singing Apple handset released in September to knock prices down on older models.
So if you’re not fussed about having the absolute latest features, then it’s a great time to pick up a bargain on the iPhone 15, which will continue to be supported by Apple until at least 2028.
In 2023, we saw a bunch of amazing deals on Apple’s iPhone 14, and things will likely follow a similar blueprint for the iPhone 15 this year.
For a taste of what you can expect on SIM-free and pay-monthly deals across the retailers, here are a few of our favourite deals from last year:
Cyber Monday comes three days after Black Friday, falling on Monday, December 2.
Back when Black Friday was a bigger brick-and-mortar event, Cyber Monday had been reserved for an exclusive online-only event.
These days things have moved on and the day is more of an extension to the month-long event, with pretty similar deals across the board.
That’s not to say there are no surprises, but where iPhones are concerned, the deals will only last as long as the stock does, so with hot ticket items like this, it pays to snag them early.
To learn more about the last shopping event on the calendar, head to our when is Cyber Monday? explainer.
Apple offers free standard shipping for all online orders in the UK. Typically, standard delivery takes about 1-3 business days.
That said if you’re shopping for a bargain, you likely won’t be shopping there. So the shipping costs will vary from retailer to retailer.
To avoid any surprises, check your chosen retailer’s shipping costs prior to checking out.
If you are shopping with Apple directly, there are a few types of discounts offered.
First are its education discounts for students, teachers, and educational staff, available through its education store.
This typically includes savings on Macs, iPads and accessories, along with free Apple Music subscriptions and discounts on AppleCare.
There’s also a trade-in programme which allows you to trade in eligible devices for credit towards a new purchase or an Apple Store Gift Card.
Plus you can check out the certified refurbished products page, which features discounted items that have been tested and come with a full warranty – often making them a cost-effective option.
Apple iPhone 15, £699 £681
Seeing as Apple is one of the most well-known brands worldwide, all major network providers in the UK will be selling the smartphone.
If, on the other hand, you’re just looking for the device without a SIM, you can also expect to find it on major retailer sites.
If you want to land yourself the best deal possible, ensure you have a look at more than one site
WE are well into the new school year, and with Christmas approaching, households are facing increasing costs daily.
However, a number of Government schemes could give households a major income boost.
They allow people to save on heating, childcare, refurbishments and education.
Here we take a look at current schemes that can save you thousands.
The Fuel Allowance will be paid to thousands of Irish households from September 23 until April in a bid to aid with the cost of heating bills.
During the 2023/2024 period for the Fuel Allowance, around 411,000 households in Ireland benefited from this scheme.
The social welfare scheme is paid in weekly instalments of €33 or can be paid in two lump sum payments of €462.
There are certain eligibility requirements for the payment for people under 70 including living alone or living with specific people or getting a qualifying means payment.
And people who are over 70 do not need to meet these criteria to qualify.
To get the Fuel Allowance, you must either live alone or with people in certain categories.
It has been reported that a Budget 2025 announcement may lower the qualifying age for the fuel allowance from 70 to 66.
Parents or guardians of children under 16 can avail of the €140 payment a month for each child.
You can also get Child Benefit for children aged 16, 17 and 18 if they are in full-time education or full-time training, or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
Child benefit is usually paid on the first Tuesday of every month.
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys revealed that a repeat of last year’s double child benefit payment is set to be one of the main discussions ahead of the budget.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance helps families with the cost of school uniforms and shoes of up to €285.
But the September 30 deadline to apply is fast approaching.
Parents can apply if your children are aged four to 17 on September 30 of the year of your application.
Or if they are aged 18 to 22 and returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of the year you have applied.
Your children must be residents of Ireland.
Foster children do not qualify for the payment due to the Foster Care Allowance.
Children aged four to 11 receive a rate of payment of €160.
While those aged 12 to 22 receive a payment of €285.
The National Childcare Scheme’s subsidy, which can be used with any childcare provider who is participating and it paid directly to them, has been increased.
The minimum rate for the National Childcare Scheme subsidies increased from €1.40 to €2.14 per hour since September 2, 2024.
Available for those 66 years old and over, the state pension is not means tested.
And you can get it even if you have other income, such as an occupational pension.
It is expected that Budget 2025 will see an increase once again given to the weekly pension.
The amount given was increased by €12 last year and it has been hinted that the same could be the case this year.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers funding to help refurbish any vacant or derelict homes.
This grant can also be used to renovate any vacant and derelict properties that have not been previously listed as residential homes.
But it must be noted that this only applies if the non-residential properties were used for commercial or public use and have planning permission to now be used residentially.
The grant is given if you are refurbishing the property in order to live there or rent it out.
In this scheme, you can apply for up to €50,000 when it comes to renovating any vacant property, or €70,000 if the property is derelict.
It has been reported that Budget 2025 will announce a cash boost in addition to lump sum payments for certain social welfare programs that will be made in October.
The Christmas Bonus is an extra payment for people who receive a long-term social welfare payment.
A senior Government source told the Irish Examiner that the cash boosts would be paid out in October after the Budget’s announcement.
The Student Grant Scheme is the main financial support scheme for students studying full-time courses in Ireland and abroad.
Student Grants are set to increase by €615 for all non-adjacent rates and by 10 per cent for adjacent rates in Budget 2025.
There is also changes to the postgraduate tuition fee grant which will increase by €1,000 for students in the 2023/2024 academic year.
And students who qualify for the Free Fees Scheme will see the Student Contribution reduced by €1,000 in the 2023/2024 academic year. Those who have already paid will receive a refund.
From this month the income threshold to qualify for the 100 per cent Student Contribution will increase to €55,924.
By ADAM HIGGINS, Political Correspondent
Taoiseach Simon Harris back in May said Ireland is not yet out of the woods when it comes to the cost-of-living crisis as he signalled there will be more one-off Budget bonuses.
He said: “In the coming Budget, we must ensure we provide the extra funding required to keep pace with the expanding population and a cost-of-living and welfare package that protects the most vulnerable.
“Income tax bands and credits must again be properly indexed so that people do not drift into the higher rate band of income tax.”
In recent years, the Government has handed out extra social welfare payments for people availing of supports.
And Harris said the Government knows that “a strong economy has to translate into tangible benefits for our people.”
He added: “Right now, I know people are still hurting.
“Cost of living increases have left them feeling their personal finances are insecure and might not withstand any further shocks. We need to give them a sense of security that the Government get this.”
Former Finance Minister Michael McGrath previously told how workers will cash in on major tax breaks as part of the Coalition’s last Budget.
Speaking at the Fianna Fail Ard Dheis in Dublin back in April, the Cork TD boasted about how this Government has reduced income taxes and cut the USC rate for the first time in five years.
He said his next Budget will target carers, pensioners, families and people with disabilities — a signal he plans to increase social welfare payments.
He also revealed Budget 2025 will include a major income tax package that will see workers keep more of their hard-earned cash.
He said: “In this autumn’s Budget, we will again have a substantial income tax package. This is vital for individuals and families, but it is also important for our economy that Ireland has a competitive personal tax system.”
THE body of a man who died in mysterious circumstances over 40 years ago is being exhumed today.
Patrick Nugent was working at a private party hosting around 60 guests at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in Co Clare in February of 1984 when he was killed.
The 23-year-old, who was the banquet manager of the venue, was found with serious injuries after he was assaulted in the carpark of The Barn at around 4am on the 11th of February.
Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford told Newstalk that most people left the event and had gone home when one member of staff “heard a loud bang”.
Clifford explained: “They went out and Pat Nugent was on the ground, looking very distressed and seriously injured.
“He said to one of the staff, ‘He clocked me’ – but he didn’t say who he was referencing.”
Patrick was provided with first aid at the scene and was subsequently transferred by Ambulance to Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick.
He died as a result of injuries sustained during the incident.
His death at the time was investigated at Shannon Garda Station assisted by the ‘Investigation Section’ from the Technical Bureau, Garda Headquarters.
In 1985, William Ryan, who was head chef with Aer Rianta at Shannon Airport, was charged with the manslaughter of Patrick and with dangerous driving, but acquitted and cleared of any criminal charges in connection with the fatality. Mr Ryan is now deceased.
To date no other person has been charged in relation to the death of Patrick.
Gardai commenced a new investigation into the circumstances of Patrick’s death in 2022, telling how they are “very aware” that the Nugent family have been forced to live with the loss of the young man and “uncertainty around the circumstances” of his death for the last four decades.
An exhumation of Patrick’s remains has commenced this morning to allow a new State Post Mortem examination to take place.
And Gardai have posed three key questions that they believe may be vital to their cold case review of the killing.
The first key question posed by Gardai surrounds the group of guests who attended the party at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park that night.
Speaking today, Inspector David Finnerty said: “The primary focus of this investigation is the victim, Patrick Nugent and his family.
“Patrick’s family deserve to know, and to bring closure to what happened to Patrick on the night of the 10th/ 11th February 1984?
“I want to speak to any person who has any knowledge of the events that took place at The Barn, Bunratty Castle on the night of the 10th/ 11th February 1984.
“The investigation is focused on all those who attended the party on the night as either a guest or a member of staff.”
Patrick was working at the 40th wedding anniversary party for William and Chrissy Ryan in Bunratty at the time of his death.
The event was attended by around 60 guests, including two off-duty gardai.
He was found with serious injuries in the yard outside the venue at 4am shortly after he went out to help the party host – Mr Ryan who was charged in 1985 before being acquitted – bring gifts to his car.
An inquest into Patrick’s death heard from a staff member who said they were “absolutely certain” that the 23-year-old’s dying words were that he had been assaulted, or that a man had “clocked him”.
Gardai are in the process of interviewing surviving witnesses who attended the party but Inspector Finnerty would not confirm the number of interviews scheduled, citing operational matters.
Gardai have urged anyone who may recall any details of the evening that they did not share previously to come forward.
Inspector David Finnerty said: “Do you now recall something that previously you were unable to share with the investigation?”
He added: “There may still be persons, who have information on Patricks death, either at the time or subsequently, and who haven’t yet spoken to Gardai, or may have spoken to Gardai but were not in a position to tell everything that they know; I am appealing to those persons, 40 years later, to please come forward and speak to the investigation team.”
“I would urge person(s) with information in relation to the death of Patrick Nugent to contact the Incident Room at Shannon Garda Station on (061)-365900, the Garda confidential number (1800) 666 111 or any member of An Garda Siochana at any Garda Station.”
“I finally appeal to any person who may have information relative to Patricks death not to assume we know and/or that it has limited value.
“Let us make that decision. I cannot reiterate that enough.”
A Garda appeal online adds: “Do you have any information in your possession that may assist with establishing the circumstances surrounding the death of Patrick?
“You may not have been able to unburden yourself until now – but with the passage of time, or a change in personal circumstances, you may have information which you were unable to share previously. We want to assure you we will treat you with compassion and sensitivity.”
Gardai have also urged anyone who can assist in the investigation that may have photographs taken at the event or may know someone who attended that night to come forward.
He asked: “Are you a family member or friend of anyone who attended the party? You may be able to assist the investigation?
“Do you have photographs which were taken on the night?”
Gardai are hoping that advances in investigation methods, a new post-mortem examination and fresh interviews will bring new information to light.
This new investigation team have been gathering, reviewing and re-examining all available material and are “utilising advances” in modern day investigative techniques.
The original scene at The Barn has been re-examined by a Forensic Collision Investigator.
A Garda statement said: “It is hoped that with advances in technology and investigative techniques will progress this investigation 40years later.”
Any new photographs or evidence from witnesses or those who may know witnesses that attended the event could be vital in piecing together the information Gardai have gathered.
GARDAI have established a timeline of events on the night Patrick died.
Approximately 60 invited guests attended the party which was held in a building known as ‘The Barn’ on the grounds of Bunratty Folk Park.
Some of the guests parked their cars in a courtyard located directly opposite to ‘The Barn’ while others utilised the public carpark located outside the Folk Park.
A buffet meal was served on the night and entertainment was provided by a local band. At approximately 3am on 11th February 1984 the band stopped playing and guests began to leave.
At approximately 4am, Patrick Nugent assisted William Ryan in bringing anniversary gifts out to William Ryan’s car which was parked in the courtyard outside ‘The Barn’.
A short time later, some guests were still in the function room of ‘The Barn’ and some members of staff who were in the kitchen area of ‘The Barn’ heard a noise outside.
A number of guests and staff members went the short distance from the Function Room and the kitchen to the courtyard area.
They observed Patrick Nugent lying at the entrance door which leads to the courtyard. He had received injuries from which he later died.
A Coroners Inquest took place in October 1985. The Jury returned a verdict of accidental death but attached a rider which included “the Jury are far from satisfied as to the circumstances under which Patrick Nugent sustained the injuries which caused his death.
“Accordingly, the Jury requests the Minister for Justice to have the matter further investigated.”
In 2014 the Government established an Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) which included the death of Patrick Nugent.
The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) recommended the establishment of a special inquiry under the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
In 2017 the Government appointed Judge Patrick Clyne to carry out this inquiry. Judge Clyne reported to the Minister for Justice in 2020.
The report was sent to the Garda Commissioner and in 2022 the Garda Commissioner directed a fresh investigation into the circumstances of the death of Patrick.
Patrick’s family have always believed that he died violently amid allegations it was not investigated adequately and there was a cover up.
Earlier this year on the 29th January 2024, in advance of the 40th anniversary of the death of Patrick Nugent, An Garda Siochana, with Patrick’s brothers John and Martin, made a fresh appeal for information on Crimecall.
Whoever said “life begins at 60” must have had someone like Joan Vassos in mind! At 61, the star of The Golden Bachelorette is ready to dive into an exciting new chapter in her quest for love. After facing a heart-wrenching loss when her husband of 32 years passed away from cancer in 2021, she […]
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