https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/21/wellcome-trust-sells-stakes-in-large-oil-and-mining-companies?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

The 2nd quarter final. Get your predictions in by 7.30pm for the 8pm kick-off.
Good luck

Caught the 2nd half of this episode of 101 East on the Al Jazeera channel last night. They revealed that a high number of scam phonecalls come from scammers working from high rise office blocks in Cambodia. They are called Cyber Scam Compounds. The building themselves are owned by top Cambodian businessmen, some with government connections. They rent them to Chinese businessmen and then turn a blind eye to what is going on. They then recruit people from both countries with fake job adverts, but when they arrive in Cambodia they realise it was all a lie, and are forced to work for the scammers.
The person with the accent phoning pretending to be from the bank is being forced to do it. They are held prisoner in the blocks.
Cambodia is the most corrupt country in Asia.
The programme will probably be repeated, and it should be on Al Jazeera catch up soon.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMN9qDLp3/?k=1

The first of the quarter finals of the Women's Euros. Get your predictions in by 7.30pm for the 8pm kick off
Good luck.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMN95mPMh/?k=1

I just signed the petition "Act fast to properly tackle fraud" and wanted to ask if you could add your name too.


https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/act-fast-to-properly-tackle-fraud?share=d730a244-810a-454a-8bc0-22d11ba97336&source=&utm_campaign=blast2022-07-15&utm_source=

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62232071

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/russia-should-nuke-england-but-not-harm-scotland-or-wales-say-putin-propagandists/ar-AAZKqv4?ocid=msedgntphdr&cvid=502f122502d4447b8be0fac1024619cc

I used to do a lot of travelling on business and accumulated just over 200,000 Virgin airmiles.
I think it's unlikely that I'll do much flying in the future so I'm looking for ways to cash them in.
Virgin allow you to cash them in for experience days but there's not a lot on offer that I like the look of.
I could cash them in at Greggs but there's a limit to how many sausage rolls I can eat.
I could cash them in for wine but I'd have to pay shipping costs so it's not a good rate of return.
I can covert Virgin miles to Nectar points by going via IHG and Avio accounts which would get me about £320.
Do any of you know of more cost effective ways to convert the miles into cash?

Not a good prospect for kiddies and young people.
Me ? Too much water under the bridge to bother.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/environment/the-terrifying-truth-britain-s-a-hothouse-but-one-day-40c-will-seem-cool/ar-AAZGF8N?bncnt=BroadcastNews_TopStories&ocid=UCPNC2&cvid=a24a6edcf6444d6d8e5c5fb254629b4d

This morning I got a text message from
07874 219806

It said I had been in contact with someone with covid and had to order a pcr test

It gave me a link that looked like the NHS/ government website

When I clicked on it , it said the test was mandatory and although the test was free I would be charged 99p for postage .

This alerted me and I then googled the phone number. It said it was a personal number in a block by Telefonica.

It also said that several people had looked it up and calls from it had been reported today 18th July believed to be a scam. People who did not have the nhs track and trace app or had turned it off having received it .

I have blocked the number

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/petrol-will-be-10-a-tank-cheaper-within-a-fortnight-aa-says/ar-AAZHi0O?ocid=msedgntphdr&cvid=f2653916042f4643b9dffe45754419a2

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-first-picture-woman-mauled-27503063

I cant believe what I'm seeing. Got young lads walking past the house in heavy jeans, and thick hoodies with the hood up. Not just one, but a few of them going about their day. 😂 Not all together in a group but singly. Don't they know they can take them off.

We think it's hot. Just looked up Baghdad and it's 46-47 every day for next fortnight.

The final matches from Group D with Belgium playing Italy in the other game. France are already through, Iceland need a win to make sure . Get your predictions in by 7.30pm for the 8pm kick-off.
Good luck

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11022953/Long-lost-bison-roam-Kent-today-new-rewilding-project-Canterbury.html

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/17/why-fake-grass-is-far-from-green-in-ways-you-might-not-guess?CMP=share_btn_fb&fbclid=IwAR2ioItyGO5KIdBoVG14KIYMaPbDME5OxkUvE6ZHIzhEbeoW05ozo6fJBjA

If you wondered why the country is in such a mess, this may help. It's a long read, but worth the effort. It reads like the plot of a dystopian novel. The reason why no one supported by Steve Baker should become Prime Minister.
I hope Kier Starmer reads it.
https://medium.com/@cormack.lawson/charter-cities-the-real-reason-for-brexit-and-the-bigger-picture-4de80dbb69fb

Why they come

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-61982532

https://twitter.com/ajplus/status/838888368339472384

Just wanted to say for everyone to stay safe in this period until Wednesday. Keep an eye on each other and vulnerable people and pets. Be sensible and avoid exertion. Fill up empty water bottles in case there is any disruption in water supply. And drink enough!! 💖

The final matches in Group C. Sweden and Portugal being played at the same time. Switzerland need the win, Netherland need a draw. Get your predictions in by 4.30pm for the 5pm kick-off
Good luck

What else will we see

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62176576

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62195005

https://news.sky.com/video/ukraine-war-12653078

Let’s not lose touch with what’s happening

Bad lip reading

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNmKr4SD/?k=1

The final matches of Group B with Finland v Germany playing at the same time. This is the match to see who plays England in the quarter-final. Spain just need a draw, Denmark need the win. Get your predictions in by 7.30pm for the 8pm kick off.
Good luck

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-62175556

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62178505

The final match of their group. England have already qualified, Northern Ireland are already eliminated, so a lot of the reserve players will probably get pitch time tonight. Even the black ones. Get your predictions in by 7.30pm for the 8pm kick off.
Good luck

Or so we were told 😂

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNapurcs/?k=1

https://twitter.com/jasemonkey/status/1546771063786414080

Can you believe the BBC have put a downer on the England lionesses 8-0 win over Norway by complaining that every player was white. The presenter was moaning about the lack of diversity.
Honestly BBC, to find the best England team the manager picks the best players. What colour they are doesn't come into it.

https://www.mylondon.news/lifestyle/travel/gatwick-live-updates-airport-runs-24491793

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62153251

I'm so glad it's not snowing imagine shovelling snow in this heat 🔥🔥

Not looking good for the Brits who fought for Ukraine.
Mercenaries ? The entire French Foreign Legion are mercenaries as are all non-Brits serving with the British armed forces.
Mercenary = A professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/vladimir-putin-s-puppets-preparing-execution-site-for-captured-brits/ar-AAZyPhN?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=69114284d5254d99ed48a7da0f100945

This is the later of today's matches. The earlier one is italy v Iceland. Could be a high scoring game or maybe not. Get your predictions in by 7.30pm for the 8pm kick off
Good luck

Is it worth going to Turkey for dental treatment, particularly full sets of crowns.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-62100044

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/david-beckham-stalker-victoria-harper-restraining-order-b2121448.html

https://inews.co.uk/news/science/july-2022-full-moon-tonight-when-buck-supermoon-1739690

First public parole hearing

https://news.sky.com/story/charles-bronson-britains-most-notorious-prisoner-sends-voice-note-to-sky-news-after-begging-for-free-pardon-12650976

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2022/jul/13/conservative-leadership-race-penny-mordaunt-rishi-sunak-liz-truss-uk-politics-latest-live?page=with:block-62cecb228f0813fe76dde0cf

So the new Chancellor of the Exchequer is unsurprisingly out of the running, along with Jeremy Hunt.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/covid-death-toll-uk-today-b2122034.html

I sent in meter readings as usual over a week ago but still haven't had an energy bill.
Perhaps the prospect of this meeting and what was agreed about showing how direct debits are calculated etc has made my provider (Shell Energy) focus harder on revising how they work out the incomprehensible bills that they've been sending me this year.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/07/energy-suppliers-commit-to-offer-more-help-for-consumers-this-wi/

This is the later of todays matches. Earlier Sweden and Switzerland are playing. Portugal didn't qualify for these Euros but as the best placed non-qualifiers they were chosen to take the place of the banned Russia team. Get your predictions in by 7.30pm for the 8pm kick off
Good luck

Revealed: Full list of BBC on-air stars earning over £150,000 - with Gary Lineker, Zoe Ball and Alan Shearer in the lead
Here is a full list of BBC on-air salaries for 2021/22 above £150,000, as published in the BBC annual report.

The list is ranked by salary band, starting with the highest.

The equivalent salary band for 2020/21 is shown in brackets, with a description of the year-on-year change.

1 Gary Lineker £1,350,000-1,354,999 (down from £1,360,000-£1,364,999)

2 Zoe Ball £980,000-£984,999 (down from £1,130,000-£1,134,999)

3 Alan Shearer £450,000-£454,999 (up from £390,000-£394,999)

= Steve Wright £450,000-£454,999 (down from £465,000-£469,999)

5 Stephen Nolan £415,000-£419,999 (up from £405,000-£409,999)

6 Fiona Bruce £410,000-£414,999 (up from £405,000-£409,999)

= Huw Edwards £410,000-£414,999 (down from £425,000-£429,999)

8 Vanessa Feltz £400,000-£404,999 (up from £390,000-£394,999)

= Scott Mills £400,000-£404,999 (up from £375,000-£379,999)

10 Greg James £390,000-£394,999 (up from £310,000-£314,999)

11 Ken Bruce £385,000-£389,999 (up from £365,000-£369,999)

12 Lauren Laverne £380,000-£384,999 (down from £395,000-£399,999)

13 Naga Munchetty £365,000-£369,999 (up from £255,000-£259,999)

14 George Alagiah £325,000-£329,999 (no change)

= Emily Maitlis £325,000-£329,999 (no change)

= Amol Rajan £325,000-£329,999 (up from £240,000-£244,999)

17 Sophie Raworth £305,000-£309,999 (up from £280,000-£284,999)

18 Nicky Campbell £295,000-£299,999 (no change)

19 Jeremy Vine £290,000-£294,999 (down from £295,000-£299,999)

20 Jason Mohammad £285,000-£289,999 (up from £270,000-£274,999)

21 Sara Cox £275,000-£279,999 (up from £270,000-£274,999)

= Mishal Husain £275,000-£279,999 (no change)

23 Evan Davis £270,000-£274,999 (no change)

= Nick Robinson £270,000-£274,999 (no change)

25 Andrew Marr £265,000-£269,999 (down from £335,000-£339,999)

= Jo Whiley £265,000-£269,999 (down from £275,000-£279,999)

27 Laura Kuenssberg £260,000-£264,999 (no change)

28 Martha Kearney £255,000-£259,999 (up from £250,000-£254,999)

= Clive Myrie £255,000-£259,999 (up from £205,000-£209,999)

= Justin Webb £255,000-£259,999 (no change)

31 Mark Chapman £250,000-£254,999 (no change)

32 Sarah Montague £245,000-£249,999 (no change)

= Kirsty Wark £245,000-£249,999 (up from £210,000-£214,999)

34 Victoria Derbyshire £240,000-£244,999 (up from £170,000-£174,999)

= Faisal Islam £240,000-£244,999 (up from £205,000-£209,999)

36 Jeremy Bowen £230,000-£234,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

37 Jon Sopel £225,000-£229,999 (down from £230,000-£234,999)

= Michael Vaughan £225,000-£229,999 (up from £175,000-£179,999)

39 Jermaine Jenas £220,000-£224,999 (up from £195,000-£199,999)

= Dan Walker £220,000-£224,999 (down from £295,000-£299,999)

41 Katya Adler £215,000-£219,999 (down from £220,000-£224,999)

= Emma Barnett £215,000-£219,999 (down from £240,000-£244,999)

= Mary Berry £215,000-£219,999 (no change)

44 Fergal Keane £210,000-£214,999 (up from £205,000-£209,999)

= Trevor Nelson £210,000-£214,999 (down from £230,000-£234,999)

46 Clare Balding £205,000-£209,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

= Simon Jack £205,000-£209,999 (up from £190,000-£194,999)

48 Reeta Chakrabarti £200,000-£204,999 (up from £175,000-£179,999)

= Gabby Logan £200,000-£204,999 (up from £165,000-£169,999)

= Micah Richards £200,000-£204,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

= Louis Theroux £200,000-£204,999 (no change)

52 Alex Scott £195,000-£199,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

53 Mark Easton £190,000-£194,999 (no change)

= Sarah Smith £190,000-£194,999 (up from £185,000-£189,999)

= Charlie Stayt £190,000-£194,999 (no change)

56 Sue Barker £185,000-£189,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

57 Rachel Burden £180,000-£184,999 (down from £205,000-£209,999)

= John McEnroe £180,000-£184,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

59 Jonathan Agnew £175,000-£179,999 (no change)

= Stephen Sackur £175,000-£179,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

61 Ben Brown £170,000-£174,999 (no change)

62 Harpreet Bhullar £160,000-£164,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

= Orla Guerin £160,000-£164,999 (no change)

= Colin Murray £160,000-£164,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

65 Clara Amfo £155,000-£159,999 (down from £165,000-£169,999)

= Joanna Gosling £155,000-£159,999 (no change)

= Isa Guha £155,000-£159,999 (up from £150,000-£154,999)

= Chris Sutton £155,000-£159,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

= Claudia Winkleman £155,000-£159,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

70 Nihal Arthanayake £150,000-£154,999 (no change)

= Lyse Doucet £150,000-£154,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

= Steve Lamacq £150,000-£154,999 (down from £155,000-£159,999)

= Tony Livesey £150,000-£154,999 (not listed in 2020/21)

= Carolyn Quinn £150,00