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The World Bank should reconsider its mega dam project in Tajikistan

On December 17 the World Bank is set to vote on financing the Rogun mega dam project in Tajikistan. If the vote passes, it would make one of the wildest dreams of the Tajik regime come true. The $5bn Rogun project has been in development since the mid-1970s as a solution for the chronic energy […]

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I Tried Universal Studios’ $7 ‘Harry Potter’ Pumpkin Pasty Treat

The holidays are still going strong in the Wizarding World. On Nov. 29, Universal Studios Hollywood began its seasonal celebrations, which includes the return of the Frog Choir, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle light show, and hot Butterbeer. This year, Universal also added a Pumpkin Pasty to the Three Broomsticks menu. Before, the […]

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I’m Obsessed With This Chic Waterproof Jewelry — & They’re Practically Giving It Away

I adore jewelry, and I’m also busy — so I lean towards versatile pieces that, once on, I never take off. Which is why women-owned brand Lover’s Tempo is just my speed — many of its best-selling pieces are waterproof. Waterproof. And, just in time for the holidays the brand is launching a series of […]

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My family voted for Trump. How can we talk about politics without ruining the holidays?

Your Mileage May Vary is an advice column offering you a new framework for thinking through your ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions. This unconventional column is based on value pluralism — the idea that each of us has multiple values that are equally valid but that often conflict with each other. Here is a Vox reader’s […]

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Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury spark reunion rumours as they’re spotted on a family day out

Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have sparked reunion rumours as they were spotted on a family day out with their daughter Bambi. It’s the first time the former couple have been pictured together since their shock split in August. RELATED: Molly-Mae starts the Christmas celebrations for her first year as a single mum Are Molly-Mae […]

The post Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury spark reunion rumours as they’re spotted on a family day out appeared first on RollerCoaster.

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Strictly pro Aljaz sparks concern in final as fans spot him ‘sweating and out of breath’

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have been left concerned after show pro Aljaz Skorjanec looked “so sweaty and tired” after his routine with Tasha Ghouri.

The dancer, who returned to the BBC One series for this series after quitting two years earlier, was left “knackered” according to fans.

Aljaz Škorjanec and his partner appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left fearing for Aljaz Skorjanec following the show final[/caption]
Aljaz Skorjanec appearing concerned and out of breath on Strictly Come Dancing.
BBC
Fans suggested he was ‘sweating’ and knackered after each routine[/caption]
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec dancing on Strictly Come Dancing.
PA
Aljazand Tash started out by revisiting their stunning Couple’s Choice routine[/caption]

They called out the Slovenian dad-of-one, 34, after his opening Strictly Come Dancing Couple’s Choice routine with the Love Island alum, 26, during Saturday’s final.

As he appeared out of breath during the chat with host Tess Daly, 55, and placed his hand on his chest, fans took to social media to comment.

One wrote on Reddit: “Aljaz’s Christmas gift from Janette will be an inhaler and a gym membership.”

Another bluntly mused on X: “Aljaz is knackered.”

One put: “I’M CRYING AT ALJAZ ALWAYS SO SWEATING AND TIRED AFTER EACH PERFORMANCE POOR GUY HAVE TO DO IT FOR 3 TIMES TONIGHT.”

A Strictly fan then suggested: “He needs to be in better shape for next season,” as one mused: “Aljaz being completely done and out of breath after the dance and Tasha basically chilling will never not make me laugh.”

One show viewer then put: “Actually, all jokes aside, is he really okay?

“Because he’s sweating something awful. Far more than normal, I think?”

DOUBLE TAKE

It isn’t the first time fans have expressed concern over the TV star.

They begged him to get “checked out” after a routine earlier in the season.

At the time, his heavy breathing was being picked up by the microphone he was wearing.

It caused alarm for some Strictly viewers watching at home, with one tweeting on X: “Aljaz you need to get checked out for that shortness of breath, love.”

It was no wonder Aljaz was out of breath after such an energetic routine in Icons Week, and some viewers saw a more humorous and somewhat cheeky side to the handsome dancer’s loud noises.

All your Strictly Come Dancing winners

Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.

Here is a full list of who has been lucky enough to win the famous Glitterball Trophy:

One wrote: “Sound people not turning Aljaz mic off and just the constant heavy breathing has sent me.”

Meanwhile, others called out one key flaw between the pairing that had nothing to do with the intense routines.

One expert exclusively told The Sun their partnership lacked chemistry – and merely contained “professional respect.”

Aljaz Skorjanec appearing concerned and sweaty on Strictly Come Dancing.
BBC
Strictly fans noted how the dad of one struggled to speak after their first routine on Saturday’[/caption]
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec dancing on Strictly Come Dancing.
PA
Experts have said the pair lacked chemistry – and oozed ‘personal respect’ instead[/caption]

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Budgeting mum transforms Poundland buys into enviable Christmas presents with £1 charity shop bargain

Woman tying a red ribbon on a Christmas gift.
Getty

GIVING gifts over the festive period doesn’t need to break the bank.

Money-saving mum Rosie Henshaw has proved just that with her savvy hack – and all her gifts still look super luxurious.

Woman holding two Christmas gift baskets filled with snacks and chocolates.
Credit: Rosie Henshaw/YouTube
The mum had fun cinema snack buckets for next to nothing[/caption]
Woman holding a gift basket of Poundland items transformed into expensive-looking presents.
Credit: Rosie Henshaw/YouTube
You’d never know the entire hamper cost a fiver[/caption]

After a trip to Poundland, Rosie had plenty of gifts to give out to family and friends for Christmas.

The only problem was that the presents didn’t exactly look high-end.

She took to YouTube to explain exactly how she transformed them into luxurious presents that anyone would be happy to receive.

“This is something you can do last minute; go and get these bits, wrap them up like this, and they will be beautiful gifts, and you won’t have to spend a lot,” she said.

SPRUCE UP A CANDLE

The first item the mum picked up in Poundland was a large candle for £4, but because it didn’t come in a box like some more luxurious brands do, she decided to spruce it up a bit.

“Something like this can look a bit naff,” she said.

Using off cuts of old fabric, which you can get at your local haberdashery, and ribbon from Amazon, Rosie made the gift look like something she’d spent a fortune on.

Rather than using wrapping paper, she wrapped the candle in the fabric and added a lush velvet ribbon on top.

It’s also key to take off any labels, minus safety stickers, because that will give the gift a more homemade look and feel – plus it doesn’t let anyone know it’s from Poundland.

You could gift the candle on it’s own, or add it to a larger hamper using other Poundland products, she explained.

DIY A HAMPER

Premade gift hampers can end up costing hundreds of pounds – not exactly budget friendly stuff.

But Rosie explained how anyone can make their own with a few cheap buys.

She suggested getting a basket from a local charity shop or in stores like Home Bargains or B&M for a couple of quid.

Then pad it out with some paper or fabric, then place the products on top, making sure to organise them all to sit nicely in the basket.

Rosie used a two pots of body butter for £1.50 each, and a bath bomb for £1 in the basket, meaning she only spend £4 on the entire thing.

“No way are you ever going to know this is £4 from the pound shop, ever, in a million years.

“It looks really, really cute, and even if you have to buy the basket from the pound shop for £1.50, that’s a £5.50 gift, so it’s still not breaking the bank,” Rosie said.

FOR THE FOODIE FRIEND

If you’ve got a friend who loves a little snack, making them a food hamper is a great shout.

The mum started with two popcorn buckets, which she picked up for £1, then filled each one with a bag of popcorn, chocolate and other snacks – delicious.

And if you want to really push the boat out, you could add something like a voucher to the cinema to the popcorn bucket so they’ve got a good excuse to indulge in the treats.

You could do this with any nice treats as well, not just popcorn.

A make your own hot chocolate hamper, for example, could include the chocolate powder, a nice mug, marshmallows, and some other chocolatey treats.

“It’s not just going to add to the piles of stuff they don’t use and don’t want,” Rosie added.

After sharing her ideas on YouTube other money-saving mums praised her clever ideas.

One said: “You have given me a great idea for my friend’s daughter, thank you!”

And a second raved: “Great ideas and not too pricey, perfect.”

Woman tying a red ribbon on a Christmas gift.
Getty
Christmas gifts don’t have to cost a fortune to look posh[/caption]

How to save money on Christmas shopping

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.

Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.

Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.

Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.

Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.

Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.

Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.

Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.

They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.

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N-Dubz’ Fazer gives fans Tulisa Contoslavlos update after her I’m A Celebrity final snub and surprise Coming Out cameo

MUCH mystery has surrounded the state of mind of I’m a Celebrity’s Tulisa Contoslavlos, after she became “overwhelmed” and snubbed the show’s final.

The N-Dubz singer who was the third star voted out of the jungle, jetted back to the UK early, instead of standing by to watch winner Danny Jones being crowned King, as is expected.

A woman crying and covering her mouth with her hand.
Not known, clear with picture desk
Tulisa’s mental health has been a cause for concern after she left the jungle early[/caption]
Rapper Fazer, aka Richard Rawson, at a Brit Awards after-party.
Getty
Her old bandmate Fazer has spoken out, insisting that she’s just fine[/caption]

The 36-year-old also deleted all traces of her I’m a Celebrity experience from her social media, in a move that left many of her fans concerned.

Insiders claim that she left Australia after struggling with her mental health, while other sources suggest that she fell out with her social media team who’d taken charge of her account while she was in the jungle.

But now her former bandmate, Richard Rawson, known by the stage Fazer, 37, insists that his old friend is just fine.

He said: “’She’s good. She’s happy, she’s happy to be home. She’s getting ready for Christmas,  ordering her turkey and stuff so all good.”

Former hip hop star Fazer who is now a dad of four, confessed he switched off as soon as Tulisa left the jungle, but felt she came across favorably on the reality show.

He told the Mail Online: “There was no need for me to be watching this anymore. Now my band member’s not in it anymore it’s not gonna interest me as much!”

“I think she held herself well and she came across really genuine, which was really nice to see because I feel like the public managed to see that as well.”

“They saw her as her authentic self, not a perception of what they may have had in their heads.”

During her time in the jungle, Tulisa’s appearance was criticized by trolls, who hadn’t realised that she suffered form the neurological condition, Bells Palsy, which causes temporary facial paralysis.

The condition which affected her over a twelve year period, caused the star to resort to facial fillers, to help even out the change in her appearance.

But Fazer muses that trolls are simply a side effect of fame.  He says:

People are always gonna say something,’ he mused. ‘People that haven’t had something like that wouldn’t understand anyway.

‘All credit to her for speaking about it and giving her truth. I respect that.’ 

Hip hop trio N-Dubz consisted of Tulisa, her cousin Dappy and his friend Fazer.

They formed as teenagers in 2007 and won the MOBO award that year for best newcomers.

Their debut album, Uncle B went double platinum which sparked four UK top 40 singles.

But despite having retired from the spotlight, Fazer who dated Tulisa from 2010-2012, insists he would not be tempted by any offers to enter the jungle himself.

‘I’m from London,’ he laughs. ‘I don’t like spiders or creepy crawlies. I’m not for eating any of these weird things.

‘I saw Melvin and Oti put in those helmets and they threw these massive spiders in and even just watching it set me off. I was like, no, no, no, no! 

‘I think the only show I would do is with Bear Grylls because it’s a bit more gritty and reality driven.

Indeed despite fleeing Australia, Tulisa made a surprise cameo in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Coming Out show, where she appeared via video message.

In the clip, she said: “Hello everybody, I am so proud of you all, you all absolutely smashed it.

“Go and eat into oblivion!

“I am sorry I can’t be there, I love you lots and see you soon!”

Tulisa and a male contestant walking in the jungle.
Not known, clear with picture desk
Tulisa came across as genuine and authentic during her time on the show[/caption]
Fazer, Tulisa, and Dappy of N-Dubz at Kiss FM.
Getty
Tulisa and her bandmembers in 2022 after reunion tour[/caption]
Dappy, Tulisa, and Fazer of N-Dubz in costume.
Getty
The trio attend the Kiss FM Haunted house party in 2022[/caption]

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Riddle over woman murdered after getting off a bus when she discovered pub owner’s affair & her body’s never been found

A 22-YEAR-old woman was killed just yards from her home after she discovered a pub owner’s illicit affair.

But the riddle continues 36 years on because Helen McCourt’s body was never discovered.

Photo of Helen McCourt.
PA:Press Association
Helen McCourt’s (pictured) body was never discovered[/caption]
Black and white photo of Ian Simms at St Helens Magistrates Court.
PA
Murderer Ian Simms was jailed for 20 years over Helen’s death[/caption]
Marie McCourt holding a framed photo of her murdered daughter, Helen McCourt, at a parole hearing.
PA:Press Association
Helen’s mum Marie has spent decades campaigning to stop murderers from leaving jail without disclosing the location of victims’ bodies[/caption]

Ian Simms, the 31-year-old landlord of the George and Dragon pub in Billinge, Merseyside, was jailed for life in 1989.

Her case led to a landmark conviction based on DNA evidence, despite her body never being found.

Despite overwhelming proof including Helen’s blood, hair, and an earring found in Simms’ flat and car, he never confessed or disclosed what he did with her body.

Just two days before she went missing Helen got into a heated argument with a woman in Simms’ pub.

The then 31-year-old landlord Simms was married at the time with two young children.

It was said he had repeatedly made sexual advances towards Helen, and had moved in his 21-year-old lover.

It was thought he suspected Helen of gossiping about his secret affair.

After the row, Simms banned Helen from the pub, swore at her and told others how much he hated her.

On February 9, 1988, Helen called her mum before leaving work to ask her to make an early dinner.

Helen was last seen stepping off a bus near her home at 5.15pm.

The short walk home would take her past the pub.

A man leaving another bus told how he heard a loud, abruptly stopped scream coming from the pub.

Helen was never seen again.

A bin liner containing Helen’s clothing was later found on a riverbank, along with Simms’ bloodstained jumper.

Fibres and DNA evidence matched Simms and Helen, and a blood fingerprint on his staircase sealed his guilt.

Simms maintained his innocence until his death in June 2022, taking the secret of Helen’s whereabouts to his grave.

SEARCH FOR ANSWERS

Helen’s disappearance devastated her family, particularly her mother, Marie, 79, who has spent the last 36 years searching for answers.

For decades, she searched for her daughter’s body and campaigned tirelessly to ensure other families wouldn’t suffer the same torment.

In 2015, Marie launched a campaign for a new law, later dubbed Helen’s law, to stop convicted murderers who withhold information about their victims’ whereabouts from being eligible for parole.

Helen’s Law, officially titled the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act, became law in 2020.

It requires the Parole Board to consider whether prisoners have disclosed the location of their victims’ remains when deciding on their release.

She was handed an MBE, and named in the New Year Honours List in 2022.

She said at the time: “I wanted to make things better for families. My husband John has been absolutely monumental for me.”

Before this case, many believed that without a body, there could be no conviction. The popular assumption was that if someone hid the body, they could escape justice

David WilsonProfessor and criminologist

But for Marie, the fight isn’t over.

She continues to hope for the day her daughter is found and finally laid to rest.

David Wilson, a professor and criminologist, told The Sun Helen’s case was ground breaking.

It was one of the first “no body” convictions in the UK.

He said: “Before this case, many believed that without a body, there could be no conviction.

“The popular assumption was that if someone hid the body, they could escape justice.

“Helen’s Law was introduced to challenge this belief, showing that a conviction could be secured based on substantial evidence, even without a body.”

David claimed murderers often revel in the pain they cause families by not revealing the location of their victims.

He added: “Many offenders refuse to admit guilt, taking the location of their victim’s body to the grave.

“It’s about power and control. But even without a body, the family has the right to know the truth.”

Helen’s Law has gone on to help other desperate families.

Danielle Jones disappeared aged 15 in June 2001. Her body was never found.

Stuart Campbell was convicted of her murder in 2002.

Danielle’s mother, Linda, does not want Campbell released until he reveals where her daughter’s body is.

Suzanne Pilley, a 38-year-old bookkeeper from Edinburgh, went missing in 2010.

Her former partner, David Gilroy, was convicted of her murder in 2012, despite her body never being found.

Merseyside Police told The Sun: “Merseyside Police continues to work with Helen’s family to try to identify the location of her body, and we of course welcome any new information.

“We remain committed to investigating all information which may help in the recovery of Helen’s body, and bring her family some closure after all these years.”

Anyone with information can contact @MerPolCC, call Merseyside Police’s Major Crime Unit on 0151 777 8618 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Key forensic evidence linked him to the crime:

Helen’s blood, hair and an earring were found in Simms’ flat and car.

A bin liner containing Helen’s clothing and Simms’ bloodstained jumper was found on a riverbank.

Fibres and DNA evidence matched both Helen and Simms.

A blood fingerprint on Simms’ staircase sealed his guilt.

Marie McCourt, mother of murder victim Helen McCourt, giving evidence at a parole hearing.
Maverick Photography
Simms, who has never revealed the location of the body of his murder victim ‘met the test for release’[/caption]
A woman stands in her garage next to a painting by the murderer of her daughter.
Mirrorpix
An artwork painted by killer Simms[/caption]

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Dillian Whyte vs Ebenezer Tetteh: Start time, TV channel, live stream and undercard for Gibraltar show

DILLIAN WHYTE is returning to the boxing ring with a test against Ghanaian heavyweight Ebenezer Tetteh TONIGHT!

The bout is taking take place in Gibraltar – in the same venue where Whyte avenged his loss in the brutal rematch against Alexander Povetkin in 2021.

a man sitting at a table with a sign that says dillian white
Getty
Dillian Whyte is back in the ring for his second fight of the year[/caption]

Whyte, 36, said he is relishing getting back to action as he looks to get back amongst the heavyweight title scene.

The Body Snatcher told Sky Sports: “I’m good, I’m happy. It’s good to be back in that positive light and potentially be back in the mix against the big heavyweights.

“I’ve missed it. I’ve had some time off but now I realise how much I miss being involved in the big fights.

“We’re going against a decent guy. He’s got a 23-1 record. He’s only lost to Daniel Dubois so I’ve got to take it serious, and I’ve got to train and prepare myself, mentally and physically.

“I’ve been off for a while and he’s had a few fights since then and look what Dubois did to Anthony Joshua. Now he’s world champion, so you can’t take someone like that lightly.”

Whyte (30-3) was last in action in March with a points win over Christian Hammer in Dublin, while Tetteh’s record stands at 23-1 with the sole defeat against Daniel Dubois at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019.

two boxers in a ring with one wearing shorts that say ' irish ' on them
Dillian Whyte in his last contest against Christian Hammer in March
Sportsfile
a referee watches two boxers fight with one wearing a pair of boxing gloves that say ' arnold ' on them
Reuters
Ebenezer Tetteh’s only defeat came against Daniel Dubois in 2019[/caption]

When is Dillian Whyte vs Ebenezer Tetteh?

Dillian Whyte vs Ebenezer Tetteh takes place TONIGHT, Sunday, December 15.

The ring walk times for the main event are expected around 10pm GMT.

The Europa Point Sports Complex in Gibraltar plays host.

How can I watch Dillian Whyte vs Ebenezer Tetteh?

Dillian Whyte vs Ebenezer Tetteh will be broadcast live on DAZN.

The event is not a PPV and is part of the usual DAZN subscription.

a woman stands next to a boxer wearing a gypsy king jacket
Getty
Dillian Whyte is on a two-fight winning streak since losing to Tyson Fury at Wembley in April 2022[/caption]

Who is on the undercard?

MAIN EVENT: Dillian Whyte vs Ebenezer Tetteh (ten rounds, heavyweight)

Thomas Carty vs Mika Mielonen

Mike Perez vs Israel Duffus

Sedem Ama vs Ester Konecna

Jermaine Dhliwayo vs Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira

Nikoloz Sekhniashvili vs Omir Rodriguez

Cathal Crowley vs Ramiro Blanco

Jermain Dhliwayo vs TBA

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