Month: April 2019

Red Cross announces aid delivery to Venezuela as White House warns Russia over troop deployment

Posted on by pirhi

The Red Cross has announced that it plans next month to bring aid to 650,000 Venezuelan people, attempting to push through the blockade imposed by President Nicolas Maduro and alleviate immense suffering.

Francesco Rocca, the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said on Friday that his organisation would bring in supplies, handing them out to those most in need.

He insisted that his aid delivery was not partisan, and would be distributed fairly. Mr Maduro’s government will only issue help to those with a "carnet de patria" – an agreement swearing allegiance to his government.

Mr Rocca said the Red Cross must be allowed to work without "interference from anyone".

"The distribution has to be neutral," he added.

Mr Maduro has not yet responded to the announcement.

As the Red Cross were unveiling their plan, he was preparing to welcome a plane full of Chinese aid, arriving at the main Caracas airport.

Aid standoff on Venezuela border

His rival for the presidency, Juan Guaido, also announced at the same time that he, too, would be bringing aid into the country – but did not specify how. A previous attempt, on February 23, ended in failure with the aid going up in flames and four people dying.

"In the next hours, in the next days, we’ll be receiving important medical aid to contain this tragedy," said Mr Guaido.

He said that Venezuelans should stay vigilant to make sure the aid is not diverted for "corrupt" purposes.

Elliot Abrams, US president Donald Trump’s envoy to Venezuela, welcomed the Red Cross’ announcement, noting it was the first time such an agreement had been reached.

“We think this is great," he said, speaking at the state department. "Because our problem so far has been that the regime politicises the aid, only giving it to people who have the ‘carnet de patria’.

“The United States would be very happy to give some of our aid towards this.

“I think the international community is ready and anxious to do more to help the people in Venezuela.”

Soldiers unleash tear gas during trouble at Venezuela border, in pictures

Mr Abrams also warned Russia to stop supporting Mr Maduro, who is clinging to power after his re-election last year in a vote widely deemed fraudulent.

At the weekend two Russian air force planes carrying nearly 100 military personnel landed at the country’s main international airport. Mr Abrams said the US believes they are there to repair damaged Soviet-made S300 missile systems, which were knocked out in the blackouts that have plagued the country since early March. 

He said Russia should not underestimate US resolve to see Mr Guaido installed as the Venezuelan leader.

"We have options, and it would be a mistake for the Russians to think they have a free hand," he said.

Mr Trump earlier this week said "Russia has to get out" of Venezuela and said "all options" were open to force Russia to do so.

His national security adviser John Bolton issued a second warning on Friday in a strongly worded formal statement.

"We strongly caution actors external to the Western Hemisphere against deploying military assets to Venezuela, or elsewhere in the Hemisphere, with the intent of establishing or expanding military operations," he said.

"We will consider such provocative actions as a direct threat to international peace and security in the region. We will continue to defend and protect the interests of the United States, and those of our partners in the Western Hemisphere."

 

Psych evaluations & strict code of conduct: Pope offers ‘concrete’ steps to fight sexual abuse

Posted on by pirhi

Pope Francis has proposed a list of 21 initiatives he believes will stall the erosion of trust in the Catholic Church which has been plagued by numerous sexual abuse scandals and accusations of trying to sweep them under the rug.

Trying to apply maximum pressure to convince the clergy to confront the issue, the Pope opened a landmark summit on ‘The Protection of Minors in the Church’ by presenting a “practical handbook” which should serve as “a simple starting point” for the Vatican to overcome its sexual abuse crisis.

“The holy People of God look to us, and expect from us not simple and predictable condemnations, but concrete and effective measures to be undertaken,” Francis stressed Thursday in the Vatican, as nearly 200 clerics began debating ways to respond to the emergency.

The so-called Reflection Points, formulated by the various Episcopal Commissions and Conferences, seek to create specific rules for those wishing to enter the priesthood to make sure the candidates achieve “spiritual and psychosexual maturity” prior to being ordained into celibate service to God, through “psychological evaluations.”

Clergy found guilty of sexual abuse of minors must “leave” the public ministry, one of the points’ demands, while another proposal calls for the creation of “mandatory codes of conduct” to define the “appropriate boundaries” in personal relationships.

Among other ideas there’s a proposal to establish “specific protocols” for handling accusations against bishops and allowing lay specialists to participate in abuse investigations.

In an effort to better serve the interests of minors, the pontiff also urged an amendment to the Code of Canon Law, raising the minimum age of marriage from 14 to 16.

Parishes across the world are also being asked to set up an anonymous hotline to report abuse cases, while also encouraging the congregation to spread awareness about the “causes and consequences” of sexual crimes.

The Pope’s document does not have binding power and was distributed on the first day of the conference so that the conversation among bishops can get rolling. Whether or not the “concrete” steps Francis has called for will be reflected at the conclusion of the historic summit is yet to be seen.

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Texas’ McFalls Tabbed Head Coach of Dallas Charge

Posted on by pirhi

Dallas, TX – The Dallas Charge are pleased to announce the signing of the team’s first head coach, Olympic gold medalist and current University of Texas assistant coach Jennifer McFalls. A native of Grand Prairie, Texas, McFalls went on to a Hall of Fame career at Texas A&M, an Olympic gold medal in the 2000 Games, and coaching stints in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area before spending the last five years with the Longhorns. McFalls brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to the professional level and Dallas Charge organization.

“The addition of coach McFalls cannot be understated. Her level of experience is difficult to come by. She is a quality person who understands our objectives and will amplify them on the field, in the dugout, and in the community. We are so pleased and proud to have her helping lead the organization,” said Charge General Manager and NFCA Board of Directors Travel Ball representative Kevin Shelton.

McFalls, who is a member of the NFCA, is currently in her fifth season with the University of Texas. Under her guidance, the Longhorns had three players selected to the All-Big 12 Defensive Team in 2014. She helped lead Texas to the 2013 Women’s College World Series (WCWS), their first trip back to the WCWS since 2006. Further, she has helped the Longhorns to three consecutive NCAA Regional appearances from 2011-2013.

“I am thankful to have the support from the University of Texas and Coach Connie Clark to coach in the NPF this summer. Everyone is excited about Texas getting a professional team and continuing the growth of softball. Coach Clark and Corrie Hill have really helped me develop as a coach so I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the Dallas Charge,” said McFalls.

The Charge’s first head coach has strong roots in the Dallas area. McFalls grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas, a suburb southwest of Dallas, where the city has named a softball complex Jennifer McFalls Park in her honor. The idea of returning to Dallas to help grow the sport was very appealing.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to coach the first NPF team in Dallas.  I had tremendous support growing up here playing the game, and now I am excited to continue helping the sport develop at the professional level.  It’s been amazing to see the growth of fastpitch softball in Texas. I am excited for the fans to see the level of talent that these ladies will bring,” said McFalls.

Following a career at South Grand Prairie High School, McFalls was an NFCA All-American shortstop and led the Aggies in batting average, hits, total bases and slugging percentage in all four seasons of her career. McFalls was named A&M’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1994 and elected in the Texas A&M Hall of Fame in 2001. She graduated from A&M with a degree in kinesiology.

After college, McFalls was a member of the U.S. National Team from 1994-2000. She scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning in the US’s 2-1 victory over Japan in the gold medal game in 2000. She also spent 2001 playing in the Women’s Professional Softball League (WPSL) exhibition tour.

As a coach, McFalls began her career as an assistant at her alma mater, Texas A&M, from 1995-1997 and at the University of Oklahoma in 1998. She then spent seven years in the Dallas area as an Assistant Athletic Director and Head Softball coach at the Hockaday School from 2003-2005 and Midlothian High School from 2006-2010.

McFalls said she is also looking forward to working with Charge General Manager Kevin Shelton. “I am really looking forward to working with Kevin Shelton.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and his knowledge of the game. He has spent many years building the grassroots of our sport so I know he will make this a positive experience for the both the fans and the players.”

The Dallas Charge inaugural season kicks off at home on June 3, 2015 against the Pennsylvania Rebellion. For more information about the Dallas Charge, visit the team website www.dallascharge.com or call the front office at 724-CHARGE1 (724-242-7431).You can also follow the Charge on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

— Courtesy of the NPF

 

Daily Deals: Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle for £15, PS4 Gold Wireless Headset under £50, Now TV 2 Month Entertainment Pass under £4

Posted on by pirhi
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Looking to get a TV for your gaming? Find the best 4K TVs for Gaming here.

Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle for £15

That’s probably the cheapest price for this game it has ever been. Get your hands on Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle for just £14.99 at Nintendo Official UK Store.

  • Mario and Rabbids Kingdom Battle at Nintendo Official UK Store – was £29.99, now £14.99

Alternative Deal:

  • Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate & Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle at Currys PC World – was £91.98, now £79.99

New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe with Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Keyring

If you are after Super Mario Deluxe, you can get a complementary Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe keyring at ShopTo.

  • New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe and Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Keyring at ShopTo – was £59.99, now £38.86

PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset under £50

Looking for a new gaming headset? ShopTo lowered the price of PlayStation Gold wireless headset, which means you can now get it for under £50.

  • PlayStation Gold Bluetooth headset in White at ShopTo – was £79.99, now £49.85
  • PlayStation Gold Bluetooth headset in Black at ShopTo – was £79.99, now £49.85

Now TV Entertainment Pass for 2 Months under £4

Now TV Entertainment Pass gives you access to 11 entertainment channels, over 150 box sets on demand and exclusive TV shows that you wouldn’t get on the Freeview Play box set, on a rolling monthly basis. Get a 2-month pass for just £3.68 when you Facebook Like CDKeys for 3% off.

  • NOW TV Entertainment 2 month pass at CDKeys – was £5.99, now £3.68 when you Facebook Like CDKeys for 3% off.

Nintendo Switch Console for £229.99

Get the Switch for the best price with this deal at Very.co.uk. This offer is valid for existing and current customers, but you will have to open up a credit account at Very.co.uk. Use code NKMKE at the checkout to qualify for the offer and make sure to read T&Cs below.

  • Nintendo Switch Blue Neon/Red Neon at Very.co.uk – was £279.99, now £229.99

Alternative Deals:

  • Xbox One X Forza Horizon 4 and Forza 7 1TB Console Bundle with Red Dead Redemption 2 at Very.co.uk – was £499.99, now £359.99 w/ code NKMKE
  • Xbox One X Battlefield Special Edition 1TB Console Bundle with Red Dead Redemption 2 at Very.co.uk – was £489.99, now £359.99 w/ code NKMKE
  • Xbox One X Console + 3M GP and 3m Live White SE and Red Dead Redemption 2 at Very.co.uk – was £409.99, now £359.99 w/ code NKMKE

Editor’s Notes: You will need to buy an eligible electrical item on 12 months Buy Now Pay Later. All eligible products are contained within the offer page. (Offer will not be valid if you choose 6 or 9 months Buy Now Pay later). By entering NKMKE in the promo code box at checkout your item will be put on 12 months Buy Now Pay Later automatically. We’ll then credit £50 back to your account by 31st January 2019 or the dispatch date, whichever is later. They’ll email you when we have applied the credit to your account.

50% off Xbox Game Pass for 12 Months

Gain access to over 100 titles like Seas of Thieves and State of Decay 2 for an entire year for a discounted price. You can now get it from Amazon at just half price.

  • Xbox Game Pass 12 Month Membership (download code) at Amazon – was £95.98, now £47.99

Alternative Deals:

  • Xbox Live Gold 12-month membership (Xbox One/360, Digital) at CDKeys – was £39.99, now £32.97 when you Facebook Like CDKeys for 3% off.
  • Xbox Live Gold 3-month membership with £10 free credit at Amazon – was £24.99, now £14.99
  • Xbox Game Pass 3 Month Membership Xbox One Download Code – £15.99

Save 70% off 1 Year McAfee Total Protection

Save over £60 on a 1-year subscription of McAfee Total Protection anti-virus software starting from today up until 27th December. The single licence software will provide protection for all your devices (iOS, Windows, Android) and on 5 devices.

  • 1-year antivirus subscription at McAfee – was £89.99, now £26.99

Best Christmas VPN Deal: Watch American Netflix in the UK

PureVPN for £1.04 per Month

This Christmas deal makes PureVPN the cheapest VPN that is compatible with Netflix. At just ~£1.04 per month (on top of your current Netflix monthly payments), you can get PureVPN and watch American Netflix content in the UK. For more information, check out IGN’s guide on how to use a VPN for Netflix.

  • Get PureVPN 5-year subscription deal – ~ £1.04 per month or £12.48 billed annually (88% off)

Xbox One X with Six Games under £400

Snag an Xbox One X console with six incredible games at Currys PC World for just £399.99 with code 200001766590927.

  • Xbox One X with Fallout 76, Red Dead Redemption 2, Forza Horizon 4, Forza Motorsport 7, Project Cars 2 and Tekken 7 at Currys PC World – was £569.95, now £399.99

Alternative Deals:

  • Xbox One Overwatch, Mafia III, Project Cars 2 & Tekken 7 bundle at Currys PC World – was £91.96, now £39.99
  • Xbox One X with LIVE Gold Membership, Forza Horizon 4, Forza Motorsport 7, Tekken 7, Red Dead Redemption 2, Fallout 76 and Project Cars 2 bundle – was £611.94, now £420.00
  • Xbox One X, Fallout 76, Red Dead Redemption 2, Tekken 7 and Project Cars 2 bundle – was £546.96, now £399.99

PS4 Pro Red Dead Redemption 2 for £314.99

Get a PS4 Pro bundle with the hottest game this year for just £314.99 when you sign up for a Very.co.uk credit account and use code MJWNU at the checkout to save 10%. This code will only work for new customers who sign up for Very.co.uk credit account*. This works out to be the cheapest deal currently available, but we have also listed deals by other retailers below.

  • PlayStation 4 Pro Red Dead Redemption 2 at Very.co.uk – was £399.99, now £314.99 w/ code MJWNU
  • PlayStation 4 Pro Red Dead Redemption 2 at Amazon – was £399.99, now £380.00
  • PlayStation 4 Pro Red Dead Redemption 2 at GAME – was £399.99, now £349.99

Editor’s Notes: You need to apply for Very.co.uk credit card, which is interest free for 3 months. Credit provided, subject to credit and account status, by Shop Direct Finance Company Limited. If you can’t get the promo code working, get in touch with Very customer service team and provide the offer URL and they should apply the savings to your account manually.

£17 off Logitech G703 Lightspeed Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse

Logitech G’s wireless mice produce a 1 ms report rate, and even outperform many wired gaming mice. That is thanks to Logitech G’s Lightspeed wireless connection. You can now get Logitech G703 gaming mouse for just £72.99 at Currys PC World.

  • Logitech G703 Wireless Gaming Mouse at Currys PC World – was £89.99, now £72.99
  • Logitech G603 Wireless Gaming Mouse at Currys PC World – was £62.99, now £58.99 
  • Logitech G903 Wireless Gaming Mouse at Currys PC World – £104.99
  • Logitech G613 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard at Currys PC World – £99.99

Best Deals from Amazon’s Christmas Sale

Find the best hand-picked deals from Amazon’s Last Minute Christmas Deals Sale below.

You can check a products price history for Amazon on CamelCamelCamel which is a price tracker that will show you the highest, average and lowest price of an item.

Available for today only

 

  • All-new Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Smart speaker with Alexa Charcoal Fabric at Amazon – was £49.99, now £29.99
  • Echo Plus (1st Gen) With built-in smart home hub (Black) with Philips Hue White E27 Edison screw light bulb – was £154.98, now £89.99
  • Amazon Echo (2nd Gen) Smart speaker with Alexa Heather Grey Fabric – was £89.99, now £54.99
  • Amazon Echo Spot smart speaker – was £119.99, now £89.99
  • Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote Streaming Media Player – was £39.99, now £24.99
  • All-New Echo Show (2nd Gen), Black with Philips Hue White Bulb E27 – was £234.98, now £169.99
  • Ring Video Doorbell 2 – was £179.00, now £149.00
  • Fire HD 10 Tablet with Alexa Hands-Free – was £149.99, now £109.99
  • All-New Fire HD 8 Tablet – was £79.99, now £59.99
  • All-New Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet – was £129.99, now £99.99
  • Fire 7 Tablet – was £59.99, now £44.99
  • Xbox Game Pass 3 Month Membership Xbox One Download Code – £15.99
  • Fallout 76 Standard Edition | Xbox One – Download Code – £39.99
  • Fallout 76: Tricentennial Edition – £49.99
  • Sonos One Voice Controlled Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa Built In (Black) – was £199.00, now £179.00
  • Ultimate Ears Megaboom McLaren Bluetooth/Wireless Speaker – was £249.00, now £89.00
  • Razer Blade Pro 17-Inch 4K-Touch Gaming Laptop (Black) – was £4,199.99, now £3,499.99
  • MSI GV62 8RE 15.6-Inch FHD Laptop – was £1,299.99, now £999.99
  • Fitbit Unisex Ionic Smartwatch – was £279.99, now £189.00
  • Nespresso EN550.BM Lattissima Touch Automatic Coffee Machine – was £279.99, now £149.00

Amazon promotions

  • Offers on PlayStation consoles
  • Offers on Xbox One consoles
  • Save up to 20% off laptops
  • Up to 20% off TVs from LG, Panasonic, Hisense and more
  • Up to 25% off FM London
  • Up to 20% off PC Monitors including Asus, LG, AOC and more

PlayStation VR (PSVR) Mega Pack with Five Games under £210

Snag a PSVR starter bundle packed with five incredible games for just under £210 at ShopTo and experience the world of Virtual Reality.

  • PlayStation VR (PSVR) Mega Pack with Astro Bot, Doom, Wipeout, Elder Scrolls V and VR Worlds at ShopTo – was £229.99, now £209.86

Alternative Deals:

  • Sony PlayStation VR (PSVR) V4, camera, VR Worlds and Astro Bot at Currys PC World – was £249.99, now £179.86

Save £20 off TV’s over £299 at AO

Planning to upgrade your television before Christmas? You can snag £20 off at AO when you buy a TV that’s over £299. Use code 20OFFTV to qualify for the offer.

  • Get this deal here

Editor’s Notes: Subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Discount codes can only be redeemed on ao.com. Discount only applies to TV’s over £299 and excludes all sound, phones and computing. Only one code can be redeemed per transaction. If you’re returning part of an order that’s had a discount code applied, your refund will be for the full amount minus the discount applied. Codes cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or discounts.

The Best Broadband Deals in December

If you’re in the market for a broadband deal, whether it is superfast fibre. brodband and TV bundles or just standard broadband, then check the best Christmas offers on them below:

  • Compare the best Broadband deals using our comparison site
  • NOW Broadband: Fab Fibre and Anytime Calls 3 (36MB average speed) with £50 voucher (Argos, John Lewis, Tesco) – £23.50 per month for 12 months, £9.99 setup cost.
  • Sky Broadband Unlimited (11 MB average speed) – £18.00 per month for 18 months, £9.95 setup cost.
  • Virgin Media VIP TV Bundle (362MB average speed) with £75 Amazon voucher – £89.00 per month for 12 months, £25.00 setup cost.

PlayStation 4 Wireless Onyx Controller under £30

Game in style with PS4 wireless Onyx controller in black. You can now save 25% off this controller at GAME.

  • PlayStation 4 Wireless Onyx controller at GAME – was £39.95, now £29.99

Own an Xbox One console?

Check out the deals for Xbox One enhanced wired controllers below:

  • Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One – Cosmos Nebula at Argos – was £24.99, now £17.99
  • Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One – Solar Fade at Argos – was £24.99, now £17.99

Save 15% off Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! Nintendo Switch

This game brings the experience of a classic Pokemon RPG to Nintendo Switch with beautiful HD graphics and gameplay that is easily approachable for newcomers to the series. Buy it for under £35 at Amazon to arrive before Christmas.

  • Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! (Nintendo Switch) at Amazon – was £40.95, now £34.99

£60 off Cozmo Robot by Anki

The Anki Cozmo is palm-sized robot that’s perfect if you’re looking for a late Christmas present. The super-cute bot can recognise faces, do tricks, hum songs and more, and will bring a smile to the face of anyone who plays with it.

  • Cozmo Robot by Anki – A fun, interactive toy robot, perfect for kids at Amazon – was £179.99, now £119.99

Anki 000-00069 Cozmo Base Kit-Collectors Edition under £130

The Anki Vector is Cozmo’s slightly bigger brother, capable of doing much of what its little sibling can do, but it also responds to voice commands and doesn’t need to be tethered to an app.

  • Anki 000-00069 Cozmo Base Kit-Collectors Edition at Amazon – was £179.99, now £129.99

 

Marshall Major II Bluetooth Headphones under £50

Experience hassle-free wireless music on the move with the Marshall Major II Bluetooth headphones, now discounted to just £49.99.

  • Marshall Major II Bluetooth headphones at Currys PC World – was £99.99, now £49.99

12 Months of PS Plus for £38.60

Get the best deal for your PS Plus subscription; A 12-month subscription is now available to purchase for just £38.60 at CDKeys. Also, make sure to check out other PlayStation Plus deals for 12-month, 3-month and 1-month subscriptions below.

  • PlayStation Plus (12 Month Subscription) at CDKeys – £38.60 when you Facebook Like CDKeys for 3% off. (This is £48.85 at Amazon)
  • PlayStation Plus (3 Month Subscription) at CDKeys – £17.45 when you Facebook Like CDKeys for 3% off.
  • PlayStation Plus (1 Month Subscription) at CDKeys – £6.59 when you Facebook Like CDKeys for 3% off.

Nvidia Shield 4K Media Streaming Device, Controller and £10 Steam Credit under £148.02

Enjoy the smoothest streaming of hundreds of PC quality games with the next generation of GeForce. This bundle also includes a controller and a £10 Stream wallet card.

  • Nvidia Shield 4K Media streaming device 16GB, controller and £10 Steam wallet card bundle – was £189.99, now £148.02

£80 off JVC 55-Inch Smart 4K Ultra HD HDR LED TV

Grab a 55-inch 4K TV by JVC for just £369 at Currys PC World. It’s a great price for this TV.

  • JVC LT-55C870 55″ Smart 4K Ultra HD HDR LED TV at Currys PC World – was £449.00, now £369.00
  • Philips 75″ 4K Ultra HD Smart TV with HDR Plus (2018 Model) – was £2,500.00, now £1,999.00
  • Philips 65″ 4K Ultra HD Smart TV with HDR Plus (2018 Model) – was £800.00, now £699.00
  • Hisense 65″ 4K Ultra HD HDR Smart TV (2018 Model) – was £699.00, now £579.00
  • TCL 50″ 4K Ultra HD HDR TV (2018 Model) – was £499.00, now £399.00
  • TCL 43″ 4K Ultra HD HDR TV (2018 Model) – was £499.00, now £339.00
  • Toshiba 32″ HD Ready Smart TV with Freeview Play and Built In DVD Player (2018 Model) – was £269.00, now £229.00

Get Amazon Music Unlimited for 99p per Month

3 Months of Amazon Music Unlimited for 99p (usually £23.97)

Amazon Music Unlimited is usually £9.99 a month, or £7.99 a month if you’re an Amazon Prime member, which means you’ll be saving a load of money with this Amazon Black Friday deal. Amazon Music Unlimited has 40 million songs in its arsenal, with new releases everyday from today’s most popular artists. By nature, the streaming service is compatible with Amazon’s smart speaker devices.

  • Get 3 Months of Amazon Music Unlimited for 99p. This is a limited time offer. The promotional offer of 3 months for £0.99 is valid from November 15, 2018 through January 2, 2019 and redeemable towards an Amazon Music Unlimited Individual Monthly Plan.

The below are all market-leading prices:

Gaming Laptop Deals

  • ASUS TUF Gaming FX504GM i5 1060 Gaming Laptop – was £1,219.95, now £799.98
  • MSI GL62MVR 7RFX 1060 Gaming Laptop – was £919.97, now £799.98
  • MSI GE73 Raider RGB 8RE-061UK 1060 Gaming Laptop – was £1663.43, now £1,399.98

Gaming Desktop Deal

  • Intel Hades Canyon i7 VEGA VR Gaming Machine – was £882.98, now £838.50

Gaming Monitor Deals

  • Element Gaming 27″ QHD 144hz 1ms Gaming Monitor – was £269.99, now £229.95
  • Asus VP28UQG 28″ 4K UHD 1ms Gaming Monitor – was £319.98, now £289.86

 

Free Samsung Duo Wireless Charger with Selected Samsung Smart Watches

Get a free Samsung Due wireless charger (worth £89) when you buy a selected Samsung smart watch at Argos. You can also claim Samsung cashback up until 24th December and a free £10 Argos voucher with this purchase.

  • Samsung Galaxy 46mm Smart Watch with Samsung Duo wireless charger at Argos – was £388.99, now £299.00

£35 PSN Card for £29.97 with Code

Electronic First currently offer the best price for a £35 PlayStation Store Network card, especially when you Facebook like their page and redeem your unique promo code that will help you save a further 3% off.

  • £35 PSN Card at Electronic First – was £35.00, now £29.97 when you Facebook like Electronic First for 3% off.

The Best Deals from Carphone Warehouse

If you are looking to upgrade to a new handset for Black Friday prices, you can still get a good deal at Carphone Warehouse, as they continue dropping prices on the most popular phones. Get one of the new handsets below or head straight to Carphone Warehouse website for more deals.

  • Samsung Galaxy S9 – O2 Network, 15GB data, unlimited minutes, unlimited texts – £0.00 upfront, £34.00 per month with £100 Cashback. Get this deal here.
  • Apple iPhone 8 – O2 Network, 30GB data, unlimited minutes, unlimited texts – £0.00 upfront, £38.00 per month. Get this deal here.
  • Apple iPhone XR – O2 Network,00GB data, unlimited minutes, unlimited texts – £9.99 upfront, £49.00 per month. Get this deal here.
  • Apple iPhone XS – O2 Network, 100GB data, unlimited minutes, unlimited texts – £129.99 upfront, £79.99 per month. Get this deal here.

Save up to 57% off Norton Security Antivirus

Get Norton Antivirus for great value during Black Friday, The Norton Security Deluxe antivirus package will provide protection for up to 5 devices against viruses and ransomware, as well as encrypt the data you send and receive on public WiFi. It is now reduced from £69.99 to £29.99.

  • Norton Security Standard Antivirus (1 Year, 1 Device) – was £49.99, now £24.99
  • Norton Security Deluxe Antivirus (1 Year, 5 Devices) – was £69.99, now £29.99
  • Norton Security Deluxe with Free Norton Security VPN (5 Devices) – was £89.98, now £29.99
  • Norton Security Premium Antivirus (1 Year, 10 Devices) – was £79.99, now £39.99

Donald Trump declares ‘complete exoneration’ as Robert Mueller finds no collusion with Russia

Posted on by pirhi

Donald Trump and his aides did not collude with Russia in the 2016 election campaign, special counsel Robert Mueller concluded in his report, according to a summary from the US attorney general. 

Mr Mueller also did not find that Mr Trump obstructed justice in his alleged attempts to thwart the investigation, instead choosing not to reach a conclusion and simply presenting the evidence. 

The US attorney general and his deputy – two Trump appointees – then decided there was not enough proof to charge the US president with obstruction of justice. 

Mr Mueller also decided to recommend no further indictments and has no sealed indictments waiting to be made public, meaning he will not bring any more charges now his probe is complete.

The findings amount to a major victory for Mr Trump after 22 months of Mr Mueller’s investigation and triggered celebration from the White House and leading Republicans. 

In his first reaction Mr Trump said: "It’s complete exoneration. No collusion, no obstruction."

The president said it was "a shame" that the country and his presidency had to go through the investigation and called it an "illegal take down that failed". 

Mr Trump also appeared to call for an investigation into the Mueller probe itself and how it began. 

Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, said: “The findings of the Department of Justice are a total and complete exoneration of the President of the United States.”

Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator close to Mr Trump, tweeted: “Good day for the rule of law. Great day for President Trump and his team. 

“No collusion and no obstruction. The cloud hanging over President Trump has been removed by this report.”

However Democrats are demanding that Mr Mueller’s full confidential report be published and that all the underlying documents be handed to Congress so they can be reviewed.

The topline findings from Mr Mueller’s report were contained in a four-page summary written by William Barr, the US attorney general. 

The summary was submitted to senior congressmen and released to the public on Sunday afternoon, giving the first insight into what Mr Mueller had concluded. 

In the summary, Mr Mueller is quoted saying: “[T]he investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities."

Elsewhere Mr Mueller is quoted saying: "The evidence does not establish that the President was involved in an underlying crime related to Russian election interference".

That finding was effectively a victory for the US president, who has been saying constantly during the two years since he entered the White House that there had been “no collusion”. 

As well as clearing Mr Trump and his campaign of conspiring with the Kremlin, Mr Mueller’s report also dealt with the allegations that the US president had obstructed justice by hampering the investigation. 

Mr Mueller did not reach a decision on whether Mr Trump had obstructed justice – meaning it was not a total victory for the president – instead deciding not to come to a conclusion.

Mr Barr’s summary cites Mr Mueller referencing “difficult issues” of law and fact – a likely nod to Department of Justice guidelines that say a sitting president cannot be indicted. 

The summary of the report quotes Mr Mueller saying of obstruction of justice: “While this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him".

Given Mr Mueller decided not to make a decision on obstruction of justice but instead just hand over evidence, the Justice Department’s leaders was left to made a determination.

Mr Barr and Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, decided there was not enough evidence to conclude that Mr Trump had acted with “corrupt intent”, and therefore decided he had not obstructed justice. 

The summary did make passing reference to evidence of potential obstruction of justice by Mr Trump that has not yet featured in public reporting and which Mr Mueller looked at, but gave no more details.

The findings left the president and his allies delighted. 

Mr Trump said: “It was a complete and total exoneration.  It’s a shame that our country had to go through this. To be honest, it’s a shame that your president has had to go through this.”

The president also hinted that he wants somebody – possibly Republicans in Congress – to investigate the Mueller probe itself, which he believes should never have been created. 

“This was an illegal take down that failed.  And hopefully, somebody is going to be looking at the other side,” Mr Trump said. 

Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to Mr Trump, said in a public message to the president: “Today you won the 2016 election all over again. And got a gift for the 2020 election.”

Democrats found themselves in a politically uncomfortable position, being asked during TV interviews whether they agreed there was no collusion and whether they trusted Mr Mueller – a man whose integrity they had repeatedly trumpeted in public. 

Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, the two most senior Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate respectively, demanded the full report be published. 

“Attorney general Barr’s letter raises as many questions as it answers,” the pair said in a joint statement. 

“The fact that special counsel Mueller’s report does not exonerate the president on a charge as serious as obstruction of justice demonstrates how urgent it is that the full report and underlying documentation be made public without any further delay.  

“Given Mr Barr’s public record of bias against the special counsel’s inquiry, he is not a neutral observer and is not in a position to make objective determinations about the report.”

Mr Barr said in his summary letter that he planned to release parts of Mr Mueller’s report, but it remains to be seen how much will be made public. 

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A Hug Keeps Negative Emotions At Bay After Conflict: Study

Posted on by pirhi

We’re all for hugs-based studies.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University interviewed 404 adult men and women every night for 14 consecutive days, asking about their daily conflicts, daily hugs, and their positive and negative moods.

Most individuals reported experiencing conflict at least one day of the study and receiving a hug at least one day during the study.

The findings, published online in the journal PLOS ONE, suggested that receiving a hug on a day when a participant also experienced conflict with someone was associated with a decrease in negative emotions.

The effect of receiving a hug also appeared to last, with those who were hugged still showing less negative emotions the next day.

The researchers suggest that hugs may buffer against the negative changes in mood that can be brought on by conflict and may be a simple, yet effective method of providing support to men and women experiencing distress as a result of conflict.

Previous research has already suggested that those who engage more frequently in interpersonal touch, such as hugging or holding hands, may benefit from improved relationships with others as well as a boost in individual well-being.

However, past studies on this topic are limited as they have mainly focused on the role of touch in romantic relationships.

“This research is in its early stages. We still have questions about when, how, and for whom hugs are most helpful. However, our study suggests that consensual hugs might be useful for showing support to somebody enduring relationship conflict,” commented lead author Michael Murphy.

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Faster than SOUND? Passenger plane nearly breaks milestone barrier thanks to ‘MONSTER TAILWIND’

Posted on by pirhi

A Virgin Atlantic flight from Los Angeles to London has left aviation enthusiasts awestruck after the routine commute reached a jaw-dropping 801 mph (1,289kph) – nearly breaking the sound barrier – due to a powerful jet stream.

The Boeing 787-9 twin jet was passing over Pennsylvania when it crossed paths with a conspicuously vigorous jet stream – fast flowing, narrow air currents in the atmosphere.

At 35,000 feet (almost 11km), the aircraft was propelled forward by Mother Nature at a whopping 801mph (1,289kph). Not too shabby for a plane which has a cruising speed of 561mph (903 kph). Thanks to the helpful boost, the Virgin Atlantic flight arrived in London a full 48 minutes early.

The flight – which may have set a Dreamliner speed record – immediately caught the attention of Twitter, with even aviation industry insiders expressing their amazement.

“Never ever seen this kind of tailwind in my life as a commercial pilot,” wrote Peter James, whose Twitter bio lists him as a jet captain with 25 years of experience.

A transportation correspondent for CBS News also joined the chorus of impressed observers, noting that the plane’s extraordinary speed was thanks to “MONSTER TAILWIND.”

Others noted that there were other large planes in the vicinity which were likely hoping to capitalize on the natural speed boost – perhaps in a bid to save fuel.

Despite the passenger plane’s incredible speed, it still failed to break the sound barrier. As multiple Twitter pundits and articles pointed out, ground speed is not the same as air speed. Since airspeed is the difference between ground speed and wind speed, the plane failed to exceed the speed of sound.

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NPF Announces Expansion Team in Texas for 2015 Season

Posted on by pirhi

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) announced on January 8 the addition of a fifth affiliate team to compete in league action beginning with the 2015 season. The new team will be based in the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), TX area and will be known as the Dallas Charge. The Charge joins the existing affiliate teams of the NPF–Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Pennsylvania Rebellion, and USSSA Florida Pride. The Charge become the first NPF franchise to be based in Texas since the Texas Thunder [located in Houston] left for Rockford, Illinois in the 2007 season.

 

 

“The League is thrilled with this announcement,” said NPF Commissioner, Cheri Kempf. “With increased attendance in all markets in 2014, along with the sheer volume of our television coverage, we realize expansion will naturally happen, but to be able to permeate into one of the nation’s hotbeds for fastpitch softball makes this addition really special.”

The DFW metroplex area is home to one of the largest and most active youth softball communities in the country. The Charge has designated two home locations to maximize attendance opportunities for a broad and diverse fan base in the DFW area: the Ballfields at Craig Ranch in McKinney and an additional facility, to be named later, in the Arlington area.

The Dallas Charge will rely on the experience of General Manager, Kevin Shelton as the team works on assembling a roster along with all other logistical details involved with the operation of a professional sports team. Shelton has vast experience in team and organizational operations through many years heading the Texas Glory youth program which was founded in ;May, 2000. In addition to that, Shelton was heavily involved with a former professional performance tour for several seasons.

“It’s an extremely exciting opportunity for women’s fastpitch and the entire DFW area,” commented Shelton. “The NPF is growing and we are pleased to be a part of that growth to provide these gifted women a chance to compete in the sport they love as professionals. North Texas has a vibrant fastpitch community. I am confident that our entire area will benefit from a professional women’s fastpitch team’s presence.”

Assisting Shelton on developing the new franchise is marketing consultant and NPF veteran Jami Lobpries. Lobpries will aid with business development and marketing strategy for the Charge. Lobpries was a four-year veteran of the NPF (2009-2012) after completing her eligibility at Texas A&M University in 2008. The Wharton, Texas native then went on to finish her Ph.D. at Texas A&M concentrating on sports marketing and branding in women’s sports.

“Adding a team in Texas is a huge step towards growth in professional softball and the sport in general,” said Lobpries. “As a former NPF player and someone passionate about our sport, it’s exciting to help build a new organization in my home state and be a part of growing the game.”

Beyond featuring some of the world’s best softball talent, it is the plan of the Charge to be committed to involvement in the DFW community. In a city that features some of the world’s most famous sport brands, the Charge will offer the community, especially young girls and women, an opportunity to watch female athletes compete at the highest level.

“The idea behind the name Charge was a commitment to being trailblazers in professional sports and women’s sports. Leading the charge means we want to lead the charge in growing the sport of softball as well as the NPF, and lead a charge in the community,” Lobpries said. “There will be a commitment from the entire organization to providing an entertaining environment at games and providing positive role models in the local community.”

The Dallas Charge will begin play as the NPF season opens in June of 2015. More information about the Charge including their home schedule, announcement of coaching staff and roster additions will be released in the coming months. Follow the Charge on the team’s website www.dallascharge.com and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

For more information and questions about the Charge, contact us at [email protected] or call 724-CHARGE1 (724-242-7431).

About the Dallas Charge
The Dallas Charge will begin competition in the National Pro Fastpitch league in 2015. The Charge will provide elite softball players the opportunity to pursue a professional career and inspire the next generation of professionals. Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the Charge organization and its players are committed to demonstrating leadership in community involvement, entertainment, and professionalism. Follow the Charge at www.dallascharge.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About National Pro Fastpitch
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball and has been since 2002.

Sweet deal? Woman calls police, complains she was sold BROWN SUGAR instead of COCAINE

Posted on by pirhi

Police in Northern Ireland were left baffled after a woman reported that she was scammed by a local drug dealer who sold her two grams of brown sugar instead of cocaine for £200 ($260).

A transcript of a bizarre phone conversation with the would-be drug user emerged on the Facebook page of a police station in Craigavon, Northern Ireland on Friday. While the caller refused to provide a statement, police grasped the opportunity to deliver a message for all those who have been “scammed by your dealer and would like pay back.”

“We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – drug dealers care about NOTHING other than lining their own pockets,” the police said.

A rather outlandish story provoked a flood of comments online with most people making fun out the bizarre incident. “Nothing beats a sugar high,” someone wrote, while another joked that “it was a sweet deal.”

“What is the world coming to when we can’t trust our friendly neighborhood drug dealer?” someone wondered sarcastically. One cheeky user even managed to incorporate a joke about Brexit. “Is that what looms after Brexit? £200 for 2 grams of sugar?” he asked.

It is unclear whether the person who sold sugar instead of cocaine or the buyer will be prosecuted. One netizen suggested that the dealer may be charged with “profit by deception.” The female would-be drug user was given “appropriate advice and guidance,” the police told local media.

The maximum penalty for drug possession in UK is seven years in prison, while a drug producer or a dealer could face life imprisonment.

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Kevin Hart Steps Down as 2019 Oscars Host

Posted on by pirhi

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart has stepped down as host of the 2019 Academy Awards following fresh controversy stemming from a collection of derogatory tweets the comedian posted during 2009 and 2010.

“So, I just got a call from the Academy and that call basically said, ‘Kevin: apologize for your tweets of old or we’re going to have to move on and find another host,’” explained Hart in a statement via Instagram. “I’m talking about the tweets from 2009 and 2010.”

The comedian initially opted to “pass” on the apology, explaining he had already “addressed this several times.”

“The same energy that went into finding those old tweets could be the same energy put into finding the response to the questions that have been asked years after years, after years,” continued Hart. “We feed internet trolls and we reward them. I’m not going to do it, man.”

Hart has subsequently issued an apology via Twitter though is still stepping down from hosting duties, claiming he does not want to be a distraction.

“I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past,” wrote Hart.

Hart was confirmed as the 2019 Oscars host just days ago and was poised to be the latest in a long line of comedians to perform the gig.

The 91st annual Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 24, 2019.

Luke is Games Editor at IGN’s Sydney office. You can find him on Twitter every few days @MrLukeReilly.