The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the playoffs for the fifth straight year after winning the NFC South. They will host the Washington Commanders on Sunday night in a primetime playoff matchup. After beating the Philadelphia Eagles on Wild Card Weekend last year, expectations are high. Mike Evans is the key to a Buccaneers victory […]
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The Pittsburgh Penguins had a horrid start to the 2024-25 NHL season. And it caused some frustrations within the organization. At one point, the Penguins were frustrated with star defenseman Erik Karlsson, as well. However, things have since turned around. So much so that the Penguins are competing for a playoff spot in the Eastern […]
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Ben Simmons’ first extended absence of the 2024-25 season will continue Wednesday vs. the Detroit Pistons. The Brooklyn Nets ruled out the three-time All-Star for his third-straight game due to lower back injury management. He has also experienced calf soreness relating to his back in the last week. Before his absence, Simmons saw an increased […]
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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ uphill battle against the Baltimore Ravens in this Saturday’s Wild Card round just got a little steeper. Two key veterans—defensive lineman Cam Heyward and kicker Chris Boswell—missed practice Wednesday due to illness, casting doubt on their availability for the crucial playoff clash (per Steelers’ Dale Lolley). The Steelers (10-7), who tumbles into […]
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It’s the NBA matchup everyone has been looking forward to: The Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA’s No. 1 team, host the Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA’s No. 2 team. In their last outing, the Cavs showcased an “appropriate fear” while dismantling the Charlotte Hornets. The Thunder, meanwhile, stunned the Boston Celtics, further staking their claim as […]
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A CLEVER parrot realised something was wrong when a burglar entered his owner’s home — and swooped into action.
Monk parakeet Steve, who weighs just five ounces, bravely repeatedly dive-bombed the intruder.
Steve’s crime-fighting act, worthy of author Agatha Christie’s sleuth Hercule Poirot, put the thief into such a flap he fled empty-handed.
Yesterday, Steve’s praises were sung by owner Lynsey Williamson, 41, who had been at home with ten-year-old daughter — also called Agatha.
Lynsey said: “If we were here alone, who knows what could have happened.”
Steve was out of his cage to exercise when his squawking raised the alarm.
Customer service worker Lynsey ran into the living room of her ground-floor flat in Manchester.
She said: “Steve was dive-bombing the intruder relentlessly. His feathers were flying everywhere.
“We were all scared. My daughter was crying. I feel blessed that Steve was there to save the day.
She added: “The guy clearly panicked and thankfully he didn’t notice a bag of Euros for a holiday. He muttered something about walking into the wrong house, which I didn’t believe for a second.
“The bird just had this instinct. He knew that this man shouldn’t be there.
“He is able to tell him apart from a visitor — that’s what’s incredible. I just want people to know how clever birds are.”
Police are investigating the attempted burglary.
Poirot is a fictional Belgian detective who featured in 33 of Christie’s novels, two plays and 51 short stories published between 1920 and 1975.
He was played in movies by the likes of Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, Kenneth Branagh and David Suchet — who also portrayed him in a hit ITV show from 1989 to 2013.
BRITS are being urged to check if their cold symptoms are a sign of something more sinister this winter.
Headaches, shortness of breath and fatigue can potentially be signs of carbon monoxide exposure.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if breathed in.
It can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal, which are commonly used during the winter months.
And it can lead to serious health complications, such as cardiac arrest, brain damage, and even death.
But new research has revealed only a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits recognise the symptoms of CO poisoning.
According to the findings by Gas Safe Register, over half of Brits (54 per cent) incorrectly identified nasal congestion and fever as potential signs of CO poisoning – two of the symptoms that are unlikely to occur when exposed to the deadly gas.
The company has partnered with Dr Punam Krishan to raise awareness of the key differences between symptoms of CO poisoning and colds at the height of the cold and flu season, as, according to the research, January is the month when people are most prone to suffering from seasonal viruses.
The research also found people across the country consume a combined 5.4 billion medicinal tablets every winter to help treat cold and flu symptoms.
More than half (54 per cent) admitted their medication sometimes failed to provide relief, which could suggest exposure to CO, which no amount of over-the-counter pills can treat.
Over three quarters (76 per cent) of respondents said they try to self-manage cold and flu symptoms before seeking medical advice, while nearly two thirds (63 per cent) would stay warm indoors with the central heating on and windows closed – contrary to potentially lifesaving health and safety advice to seek fresh air if experiencing a CO leak.
Recent data has highlighted that UK household exposures are estimated to be seven times higher than the figures currently reported, partially because CO cannot be seen, tasted or smelt which makes it notoriously hard to detect.
Symptoms of CO poisoning can often be mild and easily mistaken for common illnesses like a cold or flu, yet a third (33 per cent) of respondents assumed they would feel severely unwell if they were exposed to a carbon monoxide leak.
Dr Punam Krishan, who is helping to educate the nation about CO poisoning during the peak cold and flu season, said: “Each year, 4,000 people across the UK attend A&E due to carbon monoxide poisoning, yet awareness of ‘the silent killer’ remains far too low.
“As a doctor, I’ve seen patients suffering from CO poisoning who were completely unaware of the symptoms until they came into contact with health services, which could have been avoided by following preventative guidance.
“The overlap between symptoms of a CO leak and a common cold – such as headaches, fatigue and dizziness – makes it easy to mistake one for the other, especially during this peak time for seasonal illnesses.
“However, it’s important to remember that while some symptoms may overlap, nasal congestion and fever are not typically associated with CO poisoning, which can help distinguish the two.”
The research found that the lack of knowledge about symptoms of CO poisoning was particularly prevalent in younger generations – 94 per cent of 18-24-year-olds didn’t associate the overlapping cold and flu symptoms with CO poisoning, with knowledge increasing slightly to 89 per cent for 25-34-year-olds.
Common household appliances used for heating and cooking can produce carbon monoxide if they’re not installed properly, are faulty, or poorly maintained.
Appliances that can cause carbon monoxide include:
If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning:
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from happening:
Source: NHS
Ensuring gas appliances are safety checked and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer is one of the most important steps that can be taken to minimise the risk of a potential CO leak. Yet, nearly a third (28 per cent) of 18-24-year-olds have not had their gas appliances safety checked in the past year – making them the least likely age group to have carried out this essential maintenance.
More widely, when it comes to the nation’s gas safety habits, nearly a fifth (16 per cent) did not have an audible CO alarm in their house or were unsure if they did.
In a similar trend, almost a quarter (23 per cent) were either unsure or had not had their gas appliances safety checked and serviced in the past year.
Jonathan Palmer, Standards and Training Manager at Gas Safe Register, said: “As we approach the height of the cold and flu season, we are issuing a call for anyone who starts feeling under the weather to ‘Check Your Cold’ – think twice about symptoms and ensure they’re not a sign of something more sinister.
“But alongside familiarising yourself with the symptoms of CO poisoning, the first line of defence to prevent a carbon monoxide leak should always be to have your gas appliances in the home safety checked on an annual basis. A Gas Safe registered engineer will carry out an inspection and ensure your appliances are operating safely and efficiently as part of a check, and can detect early signs of wear and tear which could become a more serious problem later down the line if left unaddressed.
“Alongside this, it’s important to get clued-up on the warning signs of a faulty gas appliance which can include black sooty stains or floppy yellow flames on a cooker specifically. With our appliances running much more over the winter period to keep our homes warm, it’s even more important that we ensure they are running efficiently and safely.”
Gas Safe Register and Dr Punam Krishan shared their tips.
Do you know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue are all potential warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Although similar to symptoms of other common ailments – such as cold, flu or Covid – you should not have a fever or nasal congestion with CO poisoning.
Do your symptoms improve when you are out of the house and in fresh air?
If a CO leak is present in the home, you are likely to notice your symptoms become worse when spending more time indoors without sufficient ventilation.
Are your symptoms progressively getting worse?
No amount of rest or over-the-counter medicine will improve your symptoms if you are suffering with carbon monoxide poisoning. You should start to feel better if you have cold and flu after around one week. If your symptoms continue to get worse, seek medical advice.
Are multiple people in your household experiencing similar symptoms?
If multiple people in your household are also experiencing headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue – this could be a warning sign of CO poisoning.
Do you own a CO alarm?
An audible CO alarm will detect exposure to the dangerous gas and alert you to it. Test your alarm monthly, as you would do with a smoke alarm, to make sure it is working properly.
What to do if you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get some fresh air and leave the house as quickly as possible. See a doctor and if you are very unwell call 999 for an ambulance. The National Gas Emergency Helpline is also available 24/7 on 0800 111 999.
Gas appliances should be safety checked and serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer every year. To find a local Gas Safe registered engineer in your area and for further essential gas safety tips, visit http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/
IPHONE users will never have to worry about low battery again thanks to a quirky new toaster-like gadget that instantly provides a power boost.
Irish startup Swippitt has invented the Instant Power System (IPS), which doubles the lifespan of your phone’s battery in just two seconds.
The device doesn’t blast your handset with a power shot.
Instead, it uses a bespoke Swippitt Link phone case which has a smart battery tucked away inside it.
When you slot your iPhone into the Hub the tech cleverly swaps out the case’s integrated battery with a fully charged one, providing you with an instant extra external charge.
The Swippitt Hub holds five battery packs inside.
It means there’s no need for any wires or wireless charging stations that require you to wait around.
The idea could be a life-saver for phones on the verge of dying and with little time to charge just before heading out.
Swippitt is launching for iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models first.
But it will expand to support Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy later in 2025.
The Sun got a taster of the gadget at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a major tech event held in Las Vegas every year.
“We’re thrilled to unveil Swippitt at CES,” said Swippitt boss Padraic Connolly.
“We’ve created a user-friendly, simple to use, fast, and sustainable way to keep phones powered, solving one of the biggest frustrations for cellphone users.
“Swippitt is the first Instant Power System of its kind, and we believe it will make a huge difference in people’s lives.
“This technology will change how people think about battery management and help lead the way towards a smarter, simpler path to power cellphones.”
The Swippitt app also has advanced options such as battery stats and family safety features.
However, the product doesn’t come cheap, with the hub costing $450 (£364) for the hub and $120 (£97) per phone case.
Here's what you need to know
Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun