Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez Reveal Twins’ Genders

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez Reveal Twins’ Genders

Football Icon Prepares to Expand Family with a Boy and a Girl

Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez have shared exciting news about the twins they are expecting, revealing they will welcome a boy and a girl next year.

The 36-year-old football star posted a heartwarming video on Instagram, where his four older children popped balloons filled with pink and blue confetti, confirming the genders of the twins. The clip, captioned with the words “Where life begins and love never ends. #blessed”, delighted Ronaldo’s 360 million followers.

The couple initially announced the pregnancy in October with a photo of themselves holding a sonogram while smiling together in bed. At the time, Ronaldo expressed his joy, writing, “Delighted to announce we are expecting twins. Our hearts are full of love – we can’t wait to meet you. #Blessed.”

Ronaldo and Rodriguez, who have been in a relationship since 2016 after meeting in a Gucci store in Madrid where she worked, are already parents to three-year-old Alana Martina. Ronaldo also has 11-year-old Cristiano Jr and four-year-old twins Eva Maria and Mateo, born via surrogate.

The athlete became a father for the first time in 2010, choosing not to disclose the identity of Cristiano Jr’s mother in line with their agreement. His second set of twins arrived in June 2017, just months before Alana Martina was born in November that year.

Ronaldo has spoken openly about his deep bond with Rodriguez. In a past interview with Piers Morgan, he described her as a significant support in his life, saying, “Geo has helped me so much. She’s the mum of my kids, and I’m so passionate for her.”

When asked about marriage, Ronaldo hinted at the possibility, sharing, “One day, for sure. It’s my mum’s dream as well.”

The couple’s growing family has delighted fans worldwide, as they prepare to welcome the new additions in the coming year.

Johnson Faces Criticism Amid Calls for Caution Over Holiday Socialising

Johnson Faces Criticism Amid Calls for Caution Over Holiday Socialising

Business Leaders and MPs React to Warnings as Omicron Cases Surge Across the UK

Boris Johnson has come under fire from Conservative MPs and business leaders following advice from his chief medical officer, urging the public to limit social interactions as the UK recorded over 88,000 Covid-19 cases in a single day – the highest since the pandemic began.

While rejecting accusations of a “lockdown by stealth,” the Prime Minister encouraged caution during the festive season, stating that “people should think about their activities” to avoid infection and isolation over Christmas. Johnson reiterated the importance of the booster vaccination campaign, calling it the fastest path back to normalcy.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak cut short a US trip to meet with business leaders concerned about the economic fallout from the Omicron variant. Pubs and restaurants, already facing challenges, are expressing fears of severe losses during what should be a busy holiday period.

Meanwhile, Wales announced stricter post-Christmas measures starting December 27, including the closure of nightclubs and reinstating two-metre social distancing rules in workplaces. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned that further restrictions on high-risk settings might become inevitable due to the rapid spread of Omicron outpacing the booster campaign.

Despite government reassurances, frustration has mounted. In Parliament, Winchester MP Steve Brine criticised Professor Chris Whitty’s advice, accusing it of effectively imposing a lockdown on the hospitality industry without legal clarity or additional financial support. Music industry leaders echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as a “lockdown by stealth” that jeopardises live events and livelihoods.

Adding to the wave of cancellations, the Queen called off her traditional pre-Christmas family gathering, citing caution to avoid disrupting holiday plans for attendees. London hospitals reported a 26% increase in Covid-19 patients within a week, and five Premier League matches scheduled for the weekend were also postponed.

While Professor Whitty emphasised prioritising essential gatherings over the festive period, he clarified that his advice was not legally binding. “This is about helping people make informed choices,” he said, a sentiment Johnson echoed while maintaining that the situation remains vastly different due to widespread vaccination.

As tensions grow between government officials, health advisers, and industries, the challenge lies in balancing public health priorities with economic sustainability during a precarious holiday season.

Breaking the Silence: Rethinking Porn and Sex Education

Breaking the Silence: Rethinking Porn and Sex Education

Why Open Conversations Are the Key to Changing Perspectives on Sex and Pornography

Billie Eilish recently sparked a vital discussion by candidly sharing her negative experiences with pornography. The singer described its impact on her early understanding of sex, saying, “I think porn is a disgrace… It destroyed my brain.” Her frustrations highlight broader societal issues, including the lack of open conversations about sex in real life.

While Eilish’s criticism points to the harm caused by mainstream, male-centric pornography, it’s crucial to recognise that not all porn is the same. The current landscape includes diverse, innovative work by female, queer, and non-binary creators. However, these voices are often overshadowed by dominant platforms like Pornhub, controlled by conglomerates such as MindGeek.

The real issue, however, extends beyond pornography itself. Society’s reluctance to discuss sex openly leaves young people to rely on porn as their primary source of information, often to their detriment. Cindy Gallop, founder of MakeLoveNotPorn (MLNP), argues for a new approach. MLNP, a user-generated platform promoting “real-world sex,” aims to provide an alternative perspective, celebrating consensual and authentic sexual experiences.

Gallop explains, “If porn is the Hollywood movie, MLNP is the documentary.” Designed with rigorous curation, the platform ensures that every submission is reviewed to maintain safety and uphold positive sexual values. Despite its success in reshaping attitudes, MLNP faces barriers from traditional and digital advertising platforms, which reject its content under policies excluding “adult material.”

For younger audiences, the conversation must begin at home. Parents are encouraged to discuss sex and porn in age-appropriate ways, emphasising that what children may see online isn’t reflective of reality. By fostering an environment where children feel safe discussing these topics, parents can help mitigate the potentially harmful effects of early exposure to explicit content.

Eilish’s openness underscores the urgent need for education that prioritises real-life understanding over unrealistic media portrayals. By normalising honest discussions about sex, society can guide younger generations toward healthier attitudes and relationships. The challenge, however, lies in breaking down the stigma surrounding these conversations and supporting initiatives that aim to shift cultural narratives.

Majority of Care Home Staff Yet to Receive Booster Vaccine

Majority of Care Home Staff Yet to Receive Booster Vaccine

Concerns Rise as Omicron Spreads Rapidly Across England

Nearly two-thirds of care home staff across England have not received their Covid-19 booster vaccine, with the situation worsening in London, where Omicron is believed to be the dominant strain. According to NHS England data up to December 12, only 34.3% of staff in older adult care homes have had their booster, dropping further to just 24.7% in the capital.

For care home residents, 79.4% have received their third dose, leaving over 65,000 individuals without recorded booster vaccinations. Among younger adult care homes, the figures are similarly concerning: 63.9% of residents and 30.1% of staff have been boosted, with over 60,000 staff and nearly 13,000 residents yet to be recorded.

Domiciliary care providers face an even greater challenge, as 78.3% of staff remain unrecorded as having received their booster dose.

Eligibility for the booster requires a gap of at least three months from the second dose. Additionally, individuals who recently tested positive for Covid-19 must wait 28 days before getting boosted.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on the nation to “get boosted now” in an effort to slow the rapid spread of Omicron. The figures, based on reports from the majority of care homes and care providers, may understate booster uptake due to delays in reporting or unknown vaccination statuses, NHS England explained.

The urgency of increasing booster coverage comes as the UK government intensifies its efforts to combat Omicron’s spread, with care home staff vaccination rates highlighted as a critical area for improvement.

Britons Endure Lengthy Queues as Booster Programme Expands

Britons Endure Lengthy Queues as Booster Programme Expands

High Demand for Third Jabs Leads to Hours-Long Waits Across the Country

Hundreds of people across the UK faced extended queues to receive their Covid-19 booster jab on the first day of the expanded vaccination rollout. Chaos ensued as lateral flow tests ran out on the government website and the NHS booking system struggled to cope with the surge in demand.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the acceleration of the booster campaign, aiming to offer all adults a third dose by the end of December — a month earlier than initially planned.

At St Thomas’ Vaccination Centre in Westminster, waiting times reached six hours, with queues wrapping around the building. The hospital trust urged the public to anticipate delays due to the “high demand” for walk-in appointments.

Arthur, 36, who queued at St Thomas’, expressed frustration, saying: “I work nearby in Mayfair and I’m searching for another site. The wait here is just too long, but I want to get this done to return to normal life.”

Ria Burke, a 25-year-old operations manager, said, “This is the first day my age group can get the booster. I live close by and want to protect my family this Christmas. It’s my third jab, and I’ve been waiting since last night’s announcement by the prime minister.”

In Sevenoaks, Kent, residents at a local pharmacy faced a three-hour queue, while Essentials Pharmacy in Covent Garden reported hour-and-a-half waits. Grace Whiley, 26, shared her urgency, saying, “I’m pregnant and want to be as protected as possible. It’s a last-minute decision since I work nearby, but I need this done.”

To support the rollout, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed the deployment of 600 armed forces personnel to assist the NHS. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Sajid Javid warned of a “phenomenal” spread of the Omicron variant, stressing that the UK faces a race between vaccinations and infections.

During a visit to a vaccination centre, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “The idea that Omicron is a milder version needs to be dismissed. It’s spreading at an extraordinary speed. The best defence is to ensure everyone gets boosted.”

Gameweek 17: Smart FPL Transfers Amid Fixture Chaos

Gameweek 17: Smart FPL Transfers Amid Fixture Chaos

Top Picks and Strategies as Covid Disruptions Threaten the Premier League Schedule

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers face a challenging gameweek 17 as fixture uncertainties caused by Covid-19 loom. The deadline for transfers and captain selections is 6pm GMT today, leaving little time to navigate potential disruptions, such as Tottenham’s uncertain match against Leicester and Manchester United’s postponed clash with Brentford.

To avoid risks, FPL players may choose to steer clear of teams impacted by cancellations. However, there are still valuable options available for a strong points haul if selections are made wisely.

Here are eight standout picks for this gameweek:

Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace, £6.1m): After scoring twice against Everton, Gallagher will face Southampton, a team struggling defensively. The Crystal Palace midfielder looks ready to continue his form.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool, £8.1m): A captaincy contender, Alexander-Arnold is consistent, rarely scoring below two points. Liverpool’s match against Newcastle on Thursday is a prime opportunity.

Kyle Walker (Man City, £5.5m): Pep Guardiola’s rotations often cause hesitation, but Walker is likely to start due to Joao Cancelo’s suspension. He could add to his impressive tally of clean sheets, assists, and goals against Leeds.

Jose Sa (Wolves, £5.1m): Wolves’ goalkeeper leads the bonus points system and faces Brighton away. With a strong defensive record, he is an excellent pick.

Mason Mount (Chelsea, £7.6m): Mount is in exceptional form, with three goals and two assists in his last three matches. Even when Chelsea underperform, Mount delivers.

Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal, £8.3m): Despite a modest season, Lacazette thrives against West Ham, scoring in their last three meetings. With Aubameyang sidelined, he’s a solid choice.

Chris Wood (Burnley, £6.7m): Wood will face Watford, the only team without a clean sheet this season. A relegation scrap could be just what Burnley needs to capitalise.

Diogo Jota (Liverpool, £8m): Likely to start against Newcastle after resting last weekend, Jota offers great attacking potential. With Klopp’s rotation choices becoming clearer, Jota stands out as a reliable pick.

Choose wisely, and this gameweek could still bring big rewards despite the ongoing uncertainty.

Car Vanishes Over Niagara Falls After Dramatic Rescue Attempt

Car Vanishes Over Niagara Falls After Dramatic Rescue Attempt

Vehicle Disappears in Waterfalls Following Tragic Incident, Say State Park Officials

A car that was partially submerged near the edge of Niagara Falls after a daring rescue last week has gone over the falls and is no longer visible from the shore, state park officials reported.

Last Wednesday, a U.S. Coast Guard swimmer descended by cable from a hovering helicopter to rescue a woman trapped inside the car. Tragically, the woman did not survive, and authorities believe she may have intentionally driven into the river.

The car was last seen in the turbulent waters above the American Falls on Saturday night, during heavy winds and rising water levels. By Sunday morning, as water levels receded, the vehicle had disappeared from sight, according to a statement from the state parks department.

Due to the mist and rocks at the base of the falls, the car remains out of view.

“State Parks will continue monitoring for any visible debris or environmental impact,” the department stated. “If the vehicle is spotted, we will evaluate potential removal options.”

Pep Guardiola Stays Silent on Haaland Speculation, Focuses on City’s Winter Challenges

Pep Guardiola Stays Silent on Haaland Speculation, Focuses on City’s Winter Challenges

Guardiola highlights the demanding Premier League schedule and Wolves’ defensive strength

Pep Guardiola has declined to comment on rumours linking Erling Haaland to Manchester City amid increasing speculation surrounding the striker’s potential departure from Borussia Dortmund next summer.

The 21-year-old Norwegian forward, whose contract reportedly includes a £64 million release clause, has been connected to top clubs like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City. Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, recently fuelled rumours, stating there is a “big chance” his client could move at the season’s end. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Haaland’s father, Alf Inge Haaland, played for City in the early 2000s.

However, Guardiola dismissed the topic during a press conference, stating:
“Next question. Don’t ask me about that—I’m not going to answer.”

The Manchester City manager instead focused on his team’s upcoming match against Wolves, a side that has proven difficult to score against, conceding just 13 Premier League goals this season. Guardiola acknowledged the challenges posed by Bruno Lage’s team, which has struggled offensively with only 12 goals but remains competitive due to its defensive discipline.

“We’ve seen their games. The balance between goals conceded and goals scored is very stable,” Guardiola said. “It’s a team that doesn’t concede much but doesn’t score much either. Matches against Wolves are always tight because of their quality.”

City currently sit in a strong position in the Premier League, and Guardiola emphasised his satisfaction with the festive schedule, despite its physical demands on players.

“It’s historic, playing in winter during this period,” he said. “Every year there are conversations about the schedule, but nothing changes. We adapt, adjust, and hope players stay fit. The squad continues to excel, pushing their limits to meet the demands of the game.”

Manchester City’s clash with Wolves will test their ability to sustain their momentum as the Premier League’s congested winter fixture list intensifies.

Top 10 Winter Bedding Sets for Ultimate Comfort

Top 10 Winter Bedding Sets for Ultimate Comfort

Transform Your Bed into a Warm Retreat This Cold Season

As temperatures drop, winter invites us to embrace the comforts of the season. While summer days are behind us, winter offers its own joys—hot chocolate, cosy blankets, and perhaps the best excuse of all: staying in bed longer. To make the most of those chilly nights, now is the perfect time to upgrade your bedding and create a warm, inviting space.

When selecting the ideal bedding for winter, fabric choice is key. Natural materials like cotton, linen, and bamboo are versatile for year-round use due to their moisture-wicking properties, ideal for those who prefer layering. For individuals who feel the cold more intensely, brushed cotton or fleece materials provide the perfect solution, delivering extra warmth and softness.

A quick bedding refresh also offers an easy way to update your bedroom decor. Rich, warm tones like burgundy and navy are classic winter picks, but neutral shades with textured finishes can achieve a similar cosy vibe.

How We Tested
To ensure the best recommendations, each bedding set was rigorously tested for warmth, quality, washability, and value. The true test? We slept on them to assess their comfort firsthand. Below are our top picks for winter bedding in 2021 (prices listed for UK double sizes unless otherwise specified):

Best Overall: French Bedroom Company Amortie luxury quilted bed linen set (£110)
Best Patterned: William Morris sunflower bedding in saffron (£115)
Best Bundle: Bedfolk relaxed cotton bedding bundle (£109)
Best No-Iron Set: Beddable dark green bedding set (£109)
Best Faux Fur: Silentnight faux fur duvet cover set (£30)
Best Festive Theme: Sophie Allport home for Christmas bedding set (£68)
Best for Hot Sleepers: The White Company single row cord Egyptian cotton duvet cover (£60)
Best Fleece Option: Fusion ribbed teddy fleece duvet cover set (£35)
Best Affordable Choice: Habitat folktale ink floral bedding (£32)
Best for Luxury Look: Quinn plush velvet duvet cover and pillowcase set (£65)
This winter, invest in bedding that ensures restful, warm nights while adding a stylish touch to your bedroom.

Unseasonably Warm Weekend Forecasted for London, While Scotland Braces for Severe Winds

Unseasonably Warm Weekend Forecasted for London, While Scotland Braces for Severe Winds

High Winds Threaten Scotland Following a Brief Mild Spell Across the UK

The UK is set to experience an unusual mix of weather as warm tropical air from Spain ushers in a brief mild spell, while the far north braces for strong winds and potential damage.

The Met Office has predicted temperatures as high as 13°C in London by Monday, with double-digit temperatures expected throughout the week. However, a yellow weather warning has been issued for Scotland, where winds of up to 90 mph could cause structural damage and pose risks to public safety on Sunday and Monday.

Despite the mild conditions forecasted for much of the country, winter’s grip isn’t far off. Meteorologists have highlighted an increased likelihood of frost and fog over the Christmas and New Year period. “Unsettled weather patterns are anticipated, particularly in the northwest, where stronger winds and occasional rain may occur,” the Met Office noted. “Temperatures will vary, with milder conditions in the north and colder spells in the south, where frost is most probable.”

The upcoming weather comes shortly after Storm Barra brought heavy rain and strong winds earlier in the week, leading to widespread power outages and transport delays, particularly in Wales and the southwest of England. A yellow weather warning from Storm Barra remains in place for these areas until 6 pm on Wednesday.

As Londoners prepare to enjoy a rare warm spell in December, residents in Scotland are urged to take precautions and monitor weather updates closely as the high winds approach.