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Duncan James from Blue has opened up about his favorite songs, sharing a personal playlist that reveals a lot about his musical tastes and experiences. The song he inexplicably knows all the lyrics to is Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis, which he even sent as his audition tape to join Blue.James also shared his go-to karaoke song, It's Raining Men by Geri Halliwell, which he sang at his 30th birthday party. Interestingly, Geri Halliwell herself walked in during the performance and joined James' mum on stage.Other notable songs on his playlist include Sadeness (Part I) by Enigma, his first single purchase, which his friend bought for him at Woolworths. James also confessed that Fantasy Island by Tight Fit was the first song he fell in love with, likely due to his crush on a guy in a zebra print headband from the music video.James also talked about the song that makes him cry, My Life Is Going On by Cecilia Krull, from the Spanish Netflix series La Casa De Papel (Money Heist). On a lighter note, he shared his least favorite song to have sex to, One Love by Blue, which he found creepy.The song that changed James' life was All Rise, which became a worldwide hit and started Bluemania. He also revealed his favorite song to play at a party, Defying Gravity from Wicked, which gets him dancing on tables.On a more sentimental note, James shared the song he can no longer listen to, Meu Abrigo (My Shelter) by Melim, which reminds him of his ex. He also confessed to secretly liking Doctor Jones by Aqua, despite pretending to hate it. Finally, the song he'd like played at his funeral is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, which he believes is one of the greatest songs ever written.

When Corentin Roudaut arrived in Paris a decade ago, he swapped his student‑era bike for a car, daunted by the city’s traffic and lack of cyclist protection. After a protected lane opened on Boulevard Voltaire in the 11th arrondissement, he reclaimed his two‑wheel commute and now volunteers with the cycling advocacy group Paris en Selle, witnessing a city that has shed its car‑centric image.Roudaut notes that the shift “started slowly but really accelerated in the last ten years,” with a growing network of bike routes that is becoming safe and nearly complete in many districts.Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s 12‑year agenda reshaped Paris’s urban fabric. Since taking office in 2014, her administration planted 155,000 trees, created several hundred kilometres of segregated bike lanes, pedestrianised 300 school streets, and banned cars from the banks of the Seine. Former parking spaces have been turned into green plazas and café terraces, reducing the risk of children being hit while walking to school.As Hidalgo departs on Sunday, her legacy is touted as a blueprint for progressive European cities, especially as some national governments retreat from green initiatives.Nevertheless, the reforms have sparked pushback. Motorists object to the loss of road space, and recent referendums on higher parking charges for SUVs and further school‑street pedestrianisation suffered low voter turnouts. Right‑wing mayoral candidate Rachida Dati described the new public‑space regime as “anxiety‑inducing,” though she stopped short of promising a reversal.In a candid interview, Hidalgo described the Seine‑bank pedestrianisation as “a tough battle” that, once won, left residents reluctant to revert to car traffic. She highlighted a generation of children who have never known cars on those riverbanks, prompting awe‑filled reactions from visitors.Urban scholars attribute the rapid change to Paris’s tight administrative boundaries, which limit suburban influence on city transport decisions, and to groundwork laid by previous mayors. Yet they stress that political courage was essential to implement measures that inconvenienced drivers while delivering social and environmental benefits.Environmental epidemiologist Audrey de Nazelle of Imperial College London, a Paris native, praised the transformation as “fabulous” and warned that many cities lack the bravery to pursue similar legacies.A recent report placed Paris among 19 global cities that cut two major toxic air pollutants between 2010 and 2024. While Brussels and Warsaw saw faster declines in fine‑particle matter, London outpaced Paris in reducing nitrogen‑dioxide levels.By contrast, Berlin—despite opening a new inner‑city motorway and scrapping 30 km/h speed limits on key streets—still records a higher share of cyclists than Paris.Transport researcher Giulio Mattioli argues that Paris simply needed to add bike lanes to unlock latent demand, noting that the city started from a lower baseline but quickly caught up with peers.However, the transformation remains uneven. The extensive suburbs continue to be dominated by cars, hemmed in by the 35 km Boulevard Périphérique ring road. Analyst Jean‑Louis Missika of think‑tank Terra Nova stresses that “as long as this motorway encircles Paris, the Greater Paris metropolis will remain an administrative construct devoid of urban reality.” He calls for dismantling or repurposing the ring road to achieve a truly post‑car metropolis.

Cambodia has taken a significant step in its fight against cybercrime by approving a new law targeting scam centers accused of defrauding foreigners of billions of dollars. The law, which aims to enhance the country's 'cleaning operation' against these illicit operations, imposes punishments of two to five years in prison and fines of up to $125,000 for those convicted of online scams.The legislation, which will now go to Cambodia's king for a final signature, also outlines penalties for money laundering, gathering victims' data, or recruiting scammers. Ringleaders of scam centers that engage in human trafficking, detentions, and torture will face prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines of up to $500,000.The passage of the law comes amid widespread condemnation from rights groups and sanctions by governments around the world, with Cambodia accused of being a hotbed of cyberscams. The US Department of State has previously stated that 'official complicity, including at senior levels, inhibited effective law enforcement action against trafficking crimes' in Cambodia, which has denied these allegations.The new law is seen as a significant effort by Cambodia to combat the rise of online fraud, romance, and cryptocurrency scams. Several countries have enacted anti-cyberscam laws to address this issue, with con artists in Singapore facing 24 strokes of the cane in serious cases.Justice Minister Keut Rith emphasized that the law is 'strict like the fishing net' and aims to ensure that online scams do not return to Cambodia. The law is expected to send a strong message to cyberscammers that Cambodia is not a place to conduct scams, and it will serve the interests of the Cambodian nation and people.

On a sun‑lit picnic beside Canberra’s Molonglo River, a tartan blanket, a bottle of wine, crusty baguette, cheese and a daring chicken‑and‑grape salad from a gourmet magazine marked the beginning of a romance that would be defined by food.Their shared appetite for culinary experimentation quickly turned into a series of kitchen showdowns—debates over meat doneness, oven temperatures, seasoning ratios and the eternal butter‑vs‑oil dilemma. While the clashes were frequent, the meals they produced together often became celebrated triumphs.Over the years, their lives were chronicled in the spines of recipe books and the aromas of countless dinners. From the quest for the perfect loaf to the fiery sting of chilies that left a lasting impression, each dish mapped the highs and lows of their partnership.He gravitated toward savoury mains; she honed a talent for desserts. Their culinary quirks—her habit of returning leftovers to the fridge, his ritual of swaddling roasted meat in tea towels—added both friction and flavor to their shared table.Even after their separation, the couple’s kitchen remains a shared space. A well‑worn ceramic baking tray, scarred by years of roasting turkeys, chickens and lamb, still serves as the foundation for gravy‑making and other culinary rituals during holiday gatherings.One of his most enduring contributions is a dish they call Pasta Dimanche. Born from a pantry raid on a Sunday night, the pasta blends diced capsicum, carrot, purple onion, garlic, celery, parsley and tomato with a tin of tuna, cracked pepper, salt and a splash of Tabasco and green chilli sauce. The result is a vibrant, summery plate that celebrates colour, texture and the surprise harmony of warm and crisp.Recipe: Pasta Dimanche (Serves 4)Ingredients:1 red onion, finely chopped1 carrot, finely diced3 garlic cloves, finely chopped1 yellow capsicum, finely chopped1 green capsicum, finely chopped1 red capsicum, finely chopped1 cup finely chopped parsley370 g tin tuna, drained1 tsp Tabasco1 tsp green TabascoDried pasta of choice (to serve)Method:1. Toss the vegetables, garlic, parsley and tuna in a large bowl; season with Tabasco, salt and pepper.2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.3. Divide pasta among four bowls, top with the tuna‑vegetable mix, and serve.Despite their split, they continue to exchange food news, recipe links from the New York Times, and tips on premium ingredients—proving that a shared love of cooking can outlast even the most intimate of relationships.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that naturally occur in the body, acting as hormones such as insulin, oxytocin and vasopressin, or as fragments released during protein digestion.In recent years, a wave of interest has turned these molecules into purported therapeutic agents for everything from weight loss to anti‑ageing and tissue repair. Prescription drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are synthetic peptides that have undergone rigorous clinical testing and are approved for specific medical uses.However, a large portion of the market consists of unregulated, experimental peptides sold for self‑administration. These products often bypass the strict approval processes required for medicines, raising serious safety concerns.Who is using these products? Initially confined to a niche of powerlifters and bodybuilders in the 2010s, the audience has expanded dramatically. Influential figures such as podcaster Joe Rogan have promoted combinations like the “Wolverine stack” (BPC‑157 and TB‑500) for injury recovery, while other compounds—CJC‑1295, MK‑677, ipamorelin, and GHK‑Cu—are marketed for muscle growth and anti‑ageing. Social media platforms are now flooded with instructions on purchasing and injecting these substances.Scientific backing is scant. Reviews of the literature reveal that most experimental peptides have only been tested in animal or cell models. For example, BPC‑157 shows promise for tendon and muscle repair in pre‑clinical studies, but no randomized human trials have validated these effects. Similarly, TB‑4 and its synthetic analogue TB‑500 have demonstrated limited blood‑vessel formation in laboratory settings, yet human data are absent and both are listed as prohibited substances by the World Anti‑Doping Agency.Researchers also highlight a critical knowledge gap: dosage, frequency and treatment duration remain undefined, making self‑administration a gamble.Legal landscape in the UK is clear that peptides not classified as medicines fall outside the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) remit. If a seller makes medicinal claims, the product must hold a marketing authorisation under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. The MHRA warns that labeling items as “research use only” does not shield vendors from enforcement when evidence shows the products are intended for human consumption.Health risks are multi‑fold. Experts caution that benefits observed in animal studies do not guarantee safety in humans. Contamination with harmful impurities or bacterial endotoxins can trigger severe reactions, including septic shock. Injecting excess natural peptides may disrupt the body’s tightly regulated hormonal balance, potentially affecting multiple physiological pathways.There is also theoretical concern that augmenting peptide levels could accelerate tumour growth, as some cancers over‑express certain peptide pathways. While no direct cases have been documented, the possibility underscores the need for caution.Additional dangers include improper injection techniques (e.g., air embolism), unknown interactions with existing medications, and the lack of systematic monitoring of long‑term effects. As one researcher put it, “If something goes wrong, users may never notice until irreversible damage has occurred.”

Even before the season began, the fixture list hinted that March would become a turning point for Newcastle United. A run to the Champions League quarter‑finals and a victory in the Tyne‑Wear derby could have silenced many critics, while a third Carabao Cup final would have forced the derby’s postponement. In the Champions League round‑of‑16, Newcastle appeared stronger at home against Barcelona, only to be undone by a late penalty. The away leg saw them threaten early on, but a second‑half collapse resulted in a 7‑2 defeat, widening the perceived gap between the sides. The derby itself illustrated the team’s frailties. Newcastle led at halftime and struck the post, yet they finished with the fifth‑worst second‑half record in the Premier League. Sunderland equalised through Brian Brobbey, fed by a simple Granit Xhaka pass, exploiting the space that Newcastle’s midfield surrendered late in the game. These setbacks have sparked serious speculation about manager Eddie Howe’s future. Chief executive David Hopkinson offered no clear endorsement, stating only that “we’ll talk about the future when it’s time,” a comment that many interpreted as a warning. Howe arrived in November 2021, a month after the Saudi‑led acquisition of the club, and quickly guided Newcastle into the modern era: two Champions League qualifications, a historic Carabao Cup triumph – the first domestic trophy in 70 years – and a generally steady league performance. Until last season, there was little talk of his dismissal. However, the current crisis is less about tactics than about recruitment. With no sporting director, Howe’s nephew Andy Howe and scout Steve Nickson oversaw most signings last summer, a structure that has drawn criticism. The sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool was widely regarded as mishandled. The club allowed the protracted saga to dominate the window, missing an opportunity to maximise the fee and reinvest in squad depth, or to negotiate a swap that could have brought Hugo Ekitiké to Newcastle. Summer acquisitions have added little stability. While Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento are rumored to be on their way out, Yoane Wissa suffered an early injury and new signing Nick Woltemade arrived without a clear role. Of the incoming players, only Malick Thiaw has made a noticeable impact. Consequently, the squad lacks the depth required for simultaneous Champions League commitments, a Carabao Cup semi‑final run, and a fifth‑round FA Cup tie. The fatigue evident in many second‑half performances is therefore unsurprising. Underlying these on‑field issues are broader structural problems. Dan Ashworth’s departure for Manchester United left a void that successor Paul Mitchell could not fill; his exit after clashes with ownership – and reportedly with Howe over player conditioning – created a leadership vacuum. Ross Wilson, appointed sporting director in October with Howe’s blessing, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding a fragmented recruitment process. Financial pressures add another layer of complexity. The recent sale of the stadium to a club subsidiary, coupled with a looming UEFA fine for 2025, has strained resources. While the Champions League revenue and the Isak transfer may alleviate some of the strain, the shift to an “unanchored” squad‑cost ratio favours owners with deep pockets, leaving the club’s commitment from the Public Investment Fund uncertain amid broader Saudi retrenchment. Notably, discussions of a new stadium have been absent for almost a year. Hopkinson’s description of Newcastle as a “trading club” appears realistic, yet his remarks also hint at an upcoming exodus of players such as Tonali, Gordon and Livramento. Even if the broader economic climate softens, the likely absence of Champions League football next season could further limit Newcastle’s ability to attract top talent. Ultimately, the core issue is governance. While Howe’s tactical acumen may improve without the demands of European competition, the club’s ambition to become a modern, well‑structured organisation may require a change in leadership. His departure could be the catalyst needed for a comprehensive cultural and structural overhaul.

The UK medicines regulator has opened an inquiry into a growing number of clinics that sell injectable peptides while promoting them as cures for everything from ageing to injury recovery. The investigation, disclosed by the Guardian, focuses on whether these businesses are breaching the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 by making unauthorised medicinal claims. Interest in peptide‑based treatments has surged in recent years, driven by social‑media influencers, some healthcare professionals, and direct‑to‑consumer marketers. Yet the scientific foundation for most of these claims is weak, with the bulk of research confined to animal models or cell‑culture studies. According to an MHRA spokesperson, any clinic that advertises a peptide as having therapeutic benefits must treat the product as a medicine, which triggers a comprehensive regulatory framework. "If clinics offering peptide injections make medicinal claims for those treatments, the products will be considered medicines and subject to regulation," the agency warned, adding that it will act against any identified breaches. Guardian reporters identified several high‑ranking Google search results that list peptides such as Cortexin (promoted for neuroprotection), BPC‑157 (claimed to aid tissue repair), and Thymosin Alpha (advertised to boost immunity). After being contacted, one clinic removed the statements from its website. Another clinic, while acknowledging the limited human evidence, continued to market seven specific peptides, providing price lists (£350 per month for a single peptide, £450 for two) and offering delivery via vials, syringes, or pre‑filled pens for an additional fee. During a free consultation, a clinician highlighted the experimental nature of the products, noting the absence of large‑scale, randomised clinical trials and recommending a break of four to eight weeks between treatment cycles to mitigate unknown risks. The clinician suggested BPC‑157 for post‑exercise recovery, describing it as a facilitator of cellular repair and blood flow, but warned against its use in smokers or individuals with a family history of cancer due to potential angiogenic effects. The second peptide discussed was MOTS‑C, portrayed as a mitochondrial enhancer that could improve stress resilience, lower insulin resistance, and reduce visceral fat by boosting cellular energy production (ATP). The MHRA confirmed it is reviewing whether the clinician’s statements constitute medicinal claims. The clinic defended its approach, emphasizing that it clearly informs clients that the peptides are not licensed medicines and that the evidence base is largely pre‑clinical. In a broader statement, Lynda Scammell, head of borderline products at the MHRA, explained that peptide products may be marketed as cosmetics, supplements, or medicines, and each case is assessed on its intended use, pharmacological effect, and supporting evidence. She added, "We disregard claims that products are for ‘research purposes’ if it is clear that such claims are being used as an attempt to avoid medicines regulations." Peptides are short chains of amino acids, some of which occur naturally (e.g., insulin). While synthetic peptide analogues like semaglutide and tirzepatide have secured approval for weight‑loss treatments, many of the compounds promoted by these clinics remain experimental and lack the rigorous safety and efficacy testing required for medicinal products.

In what can only be described as a humiliating exit, Liverpool were beaten 4‑0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter‑final, a result that has thrown the future of manager Arne Slot into further doubt.The Etihad crowd watched City dominate from the first whistle, with Erling Haaland completing a hat‑trick by the 57th minute. The Norwegian’s third came from open play after a series of defensive lapses, sealing a comprehensive victory that left Liverpool supporters emptying the upper tiers of the South Stand.Liverpool’s own chances were squandered. Mohamed Salah missed a late penalty, a rare misfire that underscored his waning influence. Earlier, Virgil van Dijk conceded his fourth penalty of the season – a stark contrast to the single penalty he had given up in his previous 319 Premier League appearances for the club.Mid‑fielder Dominik Szoboszlai offered a blunt self‑assessment after the match, stating, “The fighting spirit wasn’t there enough, the mentality wasn’t there enough. None of us were there to be honest as much as we could.” His words captured the collective lack of resolve that defined Liverpool’s performance.Beyond the immediate disappointment, the defeat raises the stakes for Slot’s upcoming Champions League quarter‑final first leg against Paris Saint‑Germain. With Liverpool still carrying the Premier League’s highest wage bill, the club’s hierarchy and fans will be watching closely to see whether the team can salvage the season or face a deeper crisis.The match exposed systemic issues: a static defense that allowed City’s left‑back Antoine Semenyo and striker Erling Haaland to exploit gaps, a goalkeeper positioning that appeared indecisive, and a general absence of leadership on the pitch. As the season progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Slot, whose tenure now hinges on a single chance to revive Liverpool’s dwindling fortunes.

Leeds United travel to West Ham for an FA Cup quarter‑final that both clubs would prefer to avoid, yet manager Daniel Farke is clear about his priorities. With an MA in economics and a diploma in sporting directorship, he stresses that Premier League survival is the club’s "bread and butter" and must come first.Off the pitch, the German‑born coach unwinds by immersing himself in literary fiction, counting Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude among his favourites.Farke’s dual role as a tactician and a storyteller raises the question of whether he can engineer a season that delivers both survival and cup glory. A successful double could make it hard for the Elland Road hierarchy to deny him the new contract he desires."I’m a big believer in cup competitions," Farke said, emphasizing that Leeds will approach the West Ham tie "very, very seriously". He added that the squad will start strong unless a player shows a physical issue, in which case they will be protected.The risk of fielding a first‑choice XI against a relegation rival mirrors the 2013 Wigan experience, when the club won the FA Cup but suffered relegation three days later – a bittersweet double that highlighted the fine line between triumph and disaster.Leeds have failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches, drawing four, a run that has stalled momentum. A victory could act as a catalyst to change the narrative as the season draws to a close.Injury concerns loom over striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, who is undergoing a hamstring scan. The England international, who netted seven goals in six games at the end of 2025, has managed only two league goals this season. A fit Calvert‑Lewin could revive Leeds’ hopes of reaching their first FA Cup semi‑final since 1987 and keep his World Cup aspirations alive.The goalkeeping position also remains unsettled. After losing his starting spot to Karl Darlow, Lucas Perri has featured solely in the FA Cup this year, leaving the decision on who starts for the West Ham tie open.Financial pressures add urgency to Farke’s decisions. Leeds’ latest accounts reveal a £49.2 million pre‑tax loss for the year ending June 2025, and a costly stadium expansion project that would be jeopardised by relegation. This backdrop explains the psychological blow of a 1‑0 loss to an under‑strength Sunderland side earlier in the month.Farke believes a deep FA Cup run could erase lingering self‑doubt. "If we secure Premier League survival and go further in the FA Cup, we can write a special chapter for this club," he said, urging his squad to seize the chance to make history.