4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Human-like robot housekeepers could be cleaning, tidying and cooking within a decade
ROBOT housekeepers could be a reality within a decade, say experts.
Human-like machines will use artificial intelligence to learn how to clean, tidy and even prepare food.
AlamyRobot housekeepers could be a reality within a decade, using AI to clean, tidy and even prepare food, experts say[/caption]
The first models are expected to cost the same as a family car — from around £16,000 to £40,000.
Engineers at the world-leading Massachusetts Institute of Technology believe humanoid machines would make sense as “homes have been built and arranged around the human body”.
Computer scientist Prof Pulkit Agrawal said: “In terms of things to do, it could be checking doors are locked, fetching a newspaper, putting laundry in and out of the machine.
“It could be arranging things in your kitchen and your bedroom, putting things in a dishwasher — maybe even chopping vegetables.
We need these physical tasks done but don’t like to do them.
“My guess is this could be available in the next five to ten years.”
Teams at the US institute are already working on pressure-sensitive fingers so robots can “feel” the force they apply and not crush everything they grab.
They are also developing AI brains that adapt to different ways of doing chores in changing situations, like dishes left in different places or put in different cupboards.
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4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Hospitality bosses slam plans to introduce compulsory tourist tax across England
Hospitality bosses have slammed plans to introduce a tourist tax across England.
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, this week suggested that an existing optional fee in some Manchester city centre hotels should be replaced with a compulsory charge for visitors.
AlamyKate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, fears the Manchester mayor’s call for a tourist tax would be another blow to Britain’s battered tourism industry[/caption]
Mr Burnham said he was pushing for the Government to introduce a “proper levy”, as European hotspots such as Spain’s Barcelona and Italy’s Venice have done.
But Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, fears it would be another blow to Britain’s battered tourism industry.
She said: “This isn’t just about overseas visitors, it would mean extra charges for people staying in budget places including Travelodges, Premier Inns and seaside caravans.
“The risk is the industry is taxed out of existence.”
Manchester raised £2.8million last year from its city visitor charge of £1 in certain city centre hotels. Members of the Manchester Business Improvement District vote on how funds are used locally.
But a national levy would mean the Government would decide how funds are raised and spent.
Ms Nicholls told The Sun that last month James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, had written to confirm there were no plans for an England-wide levy.
But she fears the Treasury could row-back on that promise because of stretched public finances.
Food sales up
Retail sales stormed ahead of expectations in January, fuelled by Brits spending more on food.
Official figures showed volumes rose 1.7 per cent compared to a 0.6 per cent slip in December.
But sales at non-food stores fell 1.3 per cent as cautious consumers cut back on clothes and big-ticket items.
Original sold
Discount chain The Original Factory Shop has been sold to retail investors Modella Capital.
The firm, which also owns Hobbycraft, has snapped up the 180 shops and 1,800 employees after 17 years of being owned by private equity firm Duke Street. The latest accounts for TOFS showed it was making a £1.7million loss.
Good week
Good times for Jeff Bezos’ Amazon, it has taken creative control of the James Bond franchiseAFP
Boss Jeff Bezos after Amazon MGM took creative control of the long-running James Bond franchise this week.
Bad week
Anglo American chief Duncan Wanblad won’t be enjoying his week after £2.4billion write-down of De BeersGetty
Anglo American chief Duncan Wanblad, following a hefty $3.1billion (£2.4billion) write-down of De Beers.
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4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Horse racing tips: ‘He stays well and is on a very fair mark’ – Templegate’s 16-1 NAP has a big chance at Newcastle
TEMPLEGATE tackles a cracking Saturday of racing looking for winners to boost the bank ahead of Cheltenham.
Back a horse by clicking their odds below.
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BODHISATTVA (2.10 Newcastle, nap)
This eight-year-old was only just getting started at the end of 3m7f when second in the Edinburgh National last time. His capable rider takes off a valuable 5lb and he’ll just keep going when the others are running on fumes. All ground comes the same to him and the handicapper has been very fair in leaving his mark alone.
HYLAND (3.35 Kempton, nb)
He ran well in a Grade 1 at Kempton over Christmas. That built nicely on his back-to-back victories at Cheltenham where he saw out this three-mile trip strongly when landing a Listed prize in November. Nico De Boinville can keep things simple near the front and deliver another victory.
DILIGENT HARRY (2.40 Southwell, treble)
He took this race 12 months ago and has been laid out for it again by trainer Clive Cox. He should take a big step forward from his comeback fourth behind Marshman at Lingfield earlier this month.
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4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Death In Paradise fans gobsmacked by plot twist ‘no one saw coming’ after new series slammed
DEATH in Paradise viewers were left gobsmacked by a plot twist ‘no one saw coming’ amid criticism for the new series.
The BBCcrime drama’s latest episode took DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his team to Ambrose Distillery.
BBCDeath In Paradise episode shocked fans with a big swerve[/caption]
BBCDistillery owner Patrick Ambrose was murdered[/caption]
BBCMervin and Naomi cracked the case – but with a twist[/caption]
Owner Patrick Ambrose (Ansu Kabia) was poisoned while drinking a glass of rum.
His sudden death came as he’d been on the verge of selling up the distillery.
But a major plot twist revealed the dead man was, in fact, not Patrick Ambrose at all.
He was instead a criminal impostor named Sampson – who’d stolen Patrick’s identity almost two decades ago.
The real Patrick’s sister, Cora (Madeline Appiah), was unmasked as the murderer in the end.
Cora knew Sampson was an impostor – as she’d also killed the real Patrick, back in 2007.
She had found out her brother raped Janelle Dulice (Michelle Asante) that same evening – which the police team uncovered in their investigation.
Viewers were stunned by the plot twist, sharing their surprise on social media.
One wrote: “For those who guessed the ice was the clue congrats you were right.
“The imposter twist, i think no one saw coming #deathinparadise.”
Another added: “She killed the real Patrick, then 18 years later she killed imposter!Patrick.”
While a third said: “None of us could have worked that out, their was no clues until the reveal, surprised us all. #deathinparadise.”
A fourth remarked: “Oooh, didn’t see that coming! #DeathInParadise.”
As a fifth penned: “Well nobody could see that one coming whatsoever, right out of left field. #deathinparadise.”
Even long-time fans have been left wondering how much the show has left to give.
In the story, Commissioner Selywn Patterson (Don Warrington) – a staple since the beginning – is being phased out due “budget cuts”.
Timeline of Death In Paradise Detectives
Death In Paradise started in 2011 and has welcomed four detectives so far to the island.
These are all of the actors who have played the lead detective in the hit BBC series so far:
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole – Actor Ben played the first ever detective from seasons 1 to 2, and then returned as a guest star in the third and tenth series.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Next up My Family star took on the role for three years from series 3 to 6.
Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney. Father Ted star Ardal was a fan favourite and was the detective for three seasons from series 6 to 9.
Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker. The actor started in 2019 and is the longest-running star to have the detective role. He was on the show for four seasons from 9 to 13.
One person wrote on X: “They can’t just get rid of Selwyn as the commissioner in death in paradise what will he do?”
Another said: “I like the new guy, Mervin, on Death in Paradise. Hoping they won’t get rid of the commissioner. I adore Selwyn Patterson.”
A third posted: “If they remove the Excellent role of #CommissionerSelwyn, #DeathInParadise will no longer be a show worth watching. It will be Trash.”
Death in Paradise continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
BBCCora killed both her brother and the man impersonating him[/caption]
BBCThe impostor had realised Cora was on to him[/caption]
PAFans are worried about Commissioner Patterson’s future on the show[/caption]
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Watch the excruciatingly awkward moment Towie’s Diags and Jodie come face to face after shock split
TOWIE’S James ‘Diags’ Bennewith and Jodie Wells come face to face in excruciatingly awkward scenes from the show’s upcoming series.
The 33-year-olds, who haven’t seen each other since their breakup, meet in a retro American-style diner, and the tension between them is undeniable.
ITVTOWIE’S James ‘Diags’ Bennewith and Jodie Wells come face to face in excruciatingly awkward scenes from the show’s upcoming series[/caption]
ITVThey meet in a retro American-style diner, and the tension between them is undeniable[/caption]
ITVAs Jodie approaches Diags, she sweetly plants a brief kiss on his cheek[/caption]
As Jodie approaches Diags, she sweetly plants a brief kiss on his cheek, but it’s clear from the start that the encounter is far from comfortable.
“Hi. You ok?” Jodie awkwardly opens the conversation.
To which Diags responds, “Yeah, you good?”
The uncomfortable atmosphere continues as Diags awkwardly mentions, “I got you a drink,” handing her a fruit bubble tea.
“I was worried you were going to get a milkshake,” Jodie admits, adding, “No, I know you don’t like milkshakes.”
The awkwardness doesn’t end there, as Diags asks, “How you been?” with Jodie responding, “Good. How have you been?”
Diags, clearly not at his best, sighs and admits, “Well, not great, but, yeah.”
It’s clear that both are struggling to find their footing, but Jodie adds, “It’s good that we’re here, though, because we need to, like, actually talk.”
But we were told that Diags and Jodie had decided to call it quits for good, despite the mum-of-one gearing up to relocate with her son to Essex.
A source said: “The pair have been desperately trying to make things work, but just couldn’t keep things on track and have decided to split.
“There was a big disagreement over moving in together, but in the end it wasn’t just that.
“They hadn’t been getting on for a while and they were very different people.”
Just the week before, they sparked rumours of rift when eagle-eyed fans noticed the pair has unfollowed each other on social media.
Jodie even went as far as removing all traces of Diags from her Instagram account.
She also seemingly took a swipe at the Towie star when she posted a video to TikTok that fans have called “shady”.
In the video, which has been viewed over a quarter of million times, the TV star can be seen lip-syncing to the words: “It’s because your son is a f*****g p***y.”
Many fans believed she was referring to Diags.
The pair have had fans hooked on their relationship from the start.
Meeting when Jodie was an extra in the reality TV show in 2023, Diags asked her and her son to move in with him the following summer.
Speaking to OK! Magazine at the time, Jodie said: “I like where James lives now. I would like somewhere a little bit more quiet. A bit more countryside.
“Somewhere, you feel like it would be quite a nice place to bring up a child, and I feel like it could be good for James as well.
Jodie and Diags' relationship timeline
JODIE Wells and Diags' relationship has been a whirlwind since they first met on Towie in 2023.
From making things official to facing tensions over exes, their love story has played out both on and off screen.
After a rocky breakup at the end of 2024, The Sun confirmed in February 2025 that the pair had rekindled their romance.
Let’s take a look at their rocky relationship timeline as we confirm their reunion.
October 2023 Jodie Wells joins Towie and sparks fly between her and Diags.
December 2023 The couple makes their relationship official, sharing their romance with fans.
March 2024 Jodie becomes a full-time cast member during the Bali trip, deepening her involvement in the show and her relationship with Diags.
July 2024 Jodie collaborates with Diags’ ex, Demi Sims, modeling for Demi’s clothing brand, Racing Against Humans.
September 2024 The couple faces challenges when Diags sends a message to ex-flame Elma Pazar, causing tension.
December 2024 Plans to move in together are halted as Diags and Jodie unfollow each other on social media, and Jodie removes photos of Diags from her profiles, sparking breakup rumours.
January 2025 The Sun confirms they have split after two years together.
February 2025 The Sun reveals they have rekindled their romance.
“It’s bringing him away slightly from the party lifestyle and to think about more of a family lifestyle.”
While he admitted it was a joke that “wasn’t funny”, Diags, who is one of Towie’s longest running cast members, said: “There couldn’t have been a worse person to send that message to.”
Jodie was quoted as saying at the time: “He’s just an idiot – he has a drink and he just thinks all of his jokes are funny, and they’re not.”
“I don’t think there was anything behind it. I just think he was just trying to be funny. But it’s a joke at my expense.”
More recently, the pair spent Christmas and New Year apart, sparking further speculation their relationship was on the decline.
The Sun revealed last month how they had broken upInstagramThey first got together in 2023Instagram
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Horror as person dies in car fire on popular beach near remote seaside village
A PERSON has been confirmed dead in a horror car fire at a popular seaside spot.
Cops confirmed a person has tragically died in a car fire in the village of Ynyslas, Aberystwyth, on Wednesday evening.
AlamyA person has been confirmed dead in a car fire[/caption]
Mid and West Wales Fire Service rushed to the scene at around 7.30pm to tackle the blaze and cops arrived after 8pm.
Response teams were aimed at a vehicle that was “well alight.”
The fire crew used a hose reel jet, a breathing apparatus set, and a thermal imaging camera to put out the fire.
When Dyfed-Powys Police arrived, a car was found on fire and the occupant was confirmed to have died.
A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire Service said: “At 7.26pm the crew from Aberystwyth Fire Station was called to an incident at Ynyslas in Aberystwyth.
“The crew responded to one vehicle that was well alight.
“Crew members utilised one hose reel jet, one breathing apparatus set and one thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire.
“Sadly the vehicle’s one occupant was confirmed to have died.”
Cops said there doesn’t seem to be suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
A spokesman for the force said: “Dyfed-Powys Police were called by Mid and West Wales Fire Service just after 8pm on Wednesday, February 19 to a fire at Ynyslas, Aberystwyth.
“Upon attendance a car was located on fire and sadly the occupant was confirmed to have died.
“A joint investigation with MWWFS has commenced but there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances at this time. Their next of kin have been informed.”
AlamyThe fire occured on a beach in Ynyslas in Aberystwyth on Wednesday evening.[/caption]
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Couple believe they were destined to marry — after making spooky discovery
A COUPLE believe they were destined to wed — as they have consecutive birth certificate numbers.
Chris and Julia Miles said they could not believe their eyes when they spotted the coincidence eight years into their marriage.
Doug SeeburgChris and Julia Miles are convinced they were meant to be after discovering their birth certificates have consecutive numbers[/caption]
Doug SeeburgThe numbers on the birth certificate suggest both sets of parents must have been at the register office at the same time on February 27, 1975[/caption]
Doug SeeburgThe couple’s moment of ‘destiny’ at their wedding in 2002[/caption]
They put the paperwork side-by-side and saw Chris’s number was 081419, and Julia’s 081420.
It meant their parents must have been at the register office at the same time on February 27, 1975.
Electrician Chris said: “When we saw the certificates I was like, ‘Bloody hell!’. It shows it was fate from the day we were born.
“We believe this is totally unique to the world. We will have been next to each other in the registry office waiting room.”
Both were born at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital — Julie on February 23, 1975, and Chris on the 26th.
“Eighteen years later their paths crossed again when they fell in love at first sight at an Oxford pub.
They bought a home together in 1999, wed in 2002 and have sons Ben, 20, and Harry, 14.
They clocked the certificate coincidence when sorting paperwork in 2010.
Today, the couple, who still live in Oxford, are holding a huge party for their 50th birthdays.
Chris added: “We’ll take the certificates to display on the way in.
“Our parents don’t remember seeing each other when they registered us, but they must have been sat together in the waiting room, and in front of the same registrar. It’s just bonkers.”
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