A FORMER supermarket worker has shared his list of the top five items to buy in the Christmas sales – and it’s “not all food”. Alasdair Baker has shared his expert advice on everything from yellow sticker bargains to budgeting like a pro. Advertisement 3 A former supermarket worker has shared his list of the top five items to buy in the Christmas sales Credit: Getty - Contributor The dad-of-two from Aldershot, Hampshire, who used to work at Morrisons, is already getting ready to nab deals during the festive interim period. He estimates to have saved around £750 this year and aims for the same in 2025. And he’s more than happy to share his secrets to getting the most for your buck – including the best items to purchase now, what to avoid and which supermarket he favours most and why. CHRISTMAS GOODS While most people might want to avoid any more festive purchases, this is actually the perfect time to plan for Crimbo 2025. Advertisement read more in money BEAT THE BLOAT From fatigue to wind and constipation - how to beat the post-Christmas bloat SUN SAVERS Three ways to make the most of your unwanted Christmas presents Alasdair said: “Take advantage of any Christmas-themed reductions, first and foremost. “Look for discounted decorations, wrapping paper, Christmas crackers, Christmas cards and anything else you might normally spend money on in December. “These types of things don’t have a shelf life and will be perfect for next Christmas." He also said that his Christmas crackers for this year had been bought for under £1 just after last year's festivities. Advertisement Most read in Money RUNNING DRY Fears supermarket Guinness shortage could mean NO supplies for New Year’s Eve 'SAD NEWS' 'Genuinely gutted' cry locals as popular Scots eatery announces sudden closure SHOP SHOCK Iconic British high street chain forced to close ANOTHER store after 34 years Exclusive PAY BOOST 20 highest paying jobs in 2025 & you don't need a degree - you could earn £77k Alasdair added: “I’ve already seen Christmas cards priced between 10p and 50p in a supermarket convenience store, wrapping paper for 20p a roll. “Set a budget for this type of thing, as it is, after all, an ‘unnecessary expense’ as you don't need these things now. Tips to bag a bargain Here Anita Naik, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, shares her tips to bag a bargain today. Stock up and freeze: Many festive items, like meats, breads, hard cheeses, and even desserts, can be frozen for later use. This way, you’ll stretch your savings into the New Year. Get creative: Yellow sticker shopping can inspire inventive and seasonal meals. Use discounted ingredients to whip up something new and exciting for the family. Ask for further reductions: If you spot something you want, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member if it’s likely to be marked down again soon. Skip the stigma: There’s no shame in scoring a deal! Shopping smarter allows you to splurge on higher-quality items that might not usually fit your budget. Seasonal specials: Look out for markdowns on Christmas-specific items like turkeys, party platters, and festive sweets. These often carry the biggest discounts on Christmas Eve – alongside fresh foods like fruit, veg, and dairy. “I've bought a load of cheap Santa pasta, reduced from £2 to 20p, and that’ll be used for my kid's dinners; he doesn't care if he’s eating Santa pasta in March.” SUPERMARKET OWN BRAND CLOTHES Alasdair explained how there are "loads of reductions on clothing in supermarkets at the moment" which means it's a good time to grab great deals - including on children's wear. Advertisement He said: “[On the festive side], I’ll be buying a size up on Christmas jumper for my son, ready for Christmas 2025, and on things such as socks and pyjamas, when they are reduced so much, it doesn't matter if you're wearing Santa socks in July – if they're cheap and comfortable, then that's what matters.” GIFT SETS Alasdair bought coffee sets last year in the sale, which contained coffee, travel cups and chocolates. As it turned out, it worked out "cheaper to buy the gift set" due to its incredible discount instead of buying the coffee straight from the shelf. Other sets will be on offer too, which "make sense to buy over buying those products separately". Advertisement Alasdair added: “If buying with the intention of gifting, again, if you are on a strict budget, buying gift sets now for next year might not be financially viable, as they are ‘unnecessary expenses’ but if you can afford that extra expenditure, then it will save you money next year.” FOOD, FOOD, FOOD It appears to be an obvious, but there are many yellow sticker bargains to grab after Christmas. 3 Alasdair recommends looking for great loyalty card discounts for items Credit: Getty Alasdair said: "Although a lot of these deals have now gone, there are still deals to be had in the lead up to New Year and also just after. Advertisement “You're going to find supermarkets clearing out Christmas-specific food for the coming week or so." You should therefore "look out for yellow sticker discounts" on things like ready meals. This is because there are apparently “normally much less of these sold in the lead-up to Christmas, as many people who might normally be buying these have switched for festive food choices or are meeting up with others for meals and not cooking for themselves, and so the sales of the convenience ready meals drop down." And keep an eye out for discounted "healthier foods" as these also apparently sell less well at Christmas. Advertisement Alasdair added: “In the New Year, expect to find reduced-price NYE-themed items such as party food; this can be frozen and makes ‘interesting meals’ later on.” FOODS FOR THE FREEZER Alasdair recommends looking for great loyalty card discounts for items that can be frozen for coming months – even if you don’t fancy those dishes right now. He said: “Think about things like seasonal veg and meats (often at great prices that won’t be about in January when actually we all need those prices). “Cut up larger pieces of meat or fish into smaller bits and freeze for use at a later date. Advertisement “If you find cheap veg, and it's still around, par-cook it and freeze it, or make soup with it for cheap lunches.” WHAT TO AVOID IN THE SALES You’ll know best what you need in your fridge but as for money-savings, Alasdair has some top tips on goods that might not be the bargain you think. He said: “Party food is an expensive thing to be buying right now. “Yes, there may be buy-two-get-one-free type deals, but when you look at what you're buying, and what it’s costing you per kilo, then it's pretty eye-watering. Advertisement 3 Alasdair explained how there are 'loads of reductions on clothing in supermarkets at the moment' Credit: Getty “If you want to buy convenience foods, look for similar items in the everyday product ranges, over the dedicated party food ranges, both fresh and frozen. “You’ll often find it cheaper, and if you have a bit of time on your hands, make your own party food." WHICH SUPERMARKET IS BEST? Unsurprisingly, given he used to work there, Alasdair favours Morrisons for their reductions this year – which is his “first place to check”. Advertisement But he also recommends looking away from the big giants and visitinig “smaller convenience stores”, which people often forget about. He added: “Don't forget about other retailers too; I was out and about this Christmas and didn't get to shop for yellow stickers, which troubled my brain but on Christmas Eve I went on to the Amazon Fresh site and managed to grab two frozen turkeys for £5 each, with £20 off, which is a fab deal. “They are coming today (27 Dec) and they’ll be sat in the freezer waiting for either Christmas or maybe Easter.” As a final piece of advice, Alasdair urges people not to forget to use loyalty cards and cashback apps to save money. Advertisement He said: The savings will add up. “I’m suggesting people take up my cashback challenge in 2025, which is to use cashback services like TopCashback and Quidco and gift card services like JamDoughnut to try and grab cashback on everything they buy or pretty much everything. Read more on the Scottish Sun 'DISGUSTING' Festive fly-tippers slammed for dumping mountains of rubbish at Scots Asda GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ “If you adopt the cashback way of life – [as in] always look for a way of grabbing cashback on what you are buying, for the whole year – I think you’ll easily save enough to pay for all your Christmas food and likely a chunk of your gifts as well, and all for just buying what you were going to buy anyway. “Its a no-brainer.” Advertisement 5 Money-saving tips for autumn/winter 1. Draught-proof your home It takes time and money to heat up your home, so it’s important that you do as much as you can to keep in the warmth. Close your doors and windows, and fill any gaps with a draught excluder. 2. Dial down your thermostat According to Energy UK, turning down your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, and save you around £85 per year. Plus, if you don’t have a thermostat, installing one could save up to £70 per year! 3. Move furniture around Make sure not big, bulky furniture like sofas are blocking radiators. 4. Wash clothes on a lower temp and add an extra spin Unless it's bedding, towels or really dirty items, dial down the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees, and do a double spin to remove excess water. 5. Heat the person not the home There's not point heating up a room that no one is sitting in, so be mindful about which radiators are on.
The tech world is on the brink of a seismic shift, and artificial intelligence is at the helm. This isn’t the age of robots; it’s a cutting-edge revolution reshaping our lives, industries, and financial landscapes. If ever there was a perfect time to invest in AI, it’s now! AI’s growth isn’t just about steady progress; it’s about a potential leap akin to the internet boom. From healthcare innovations predicting diseases to finance-driven by unparalleled intelligence, AI promises to transform every sector. Early movers could witness unprecedented returns as AI sets to weave itself into the fabric of everyday business. Noteworthy is the opportunity lying with nimble startups, comparable to the nascent days of Amazon or Google, where the daring few who invested early saw outstanding rewards. These startups, with their novel ideas and potential to dominate new sectors, offer enticing prospects for those ready to invest before these companies become household names. Moreover, AI’s disruption holds the promise of wiping out outdated practices. Traditional industries must adapt or risk obsolescence as AI provides the tools for increased efficiency and innovation. Investors focusing on AI are backing not just products but a dynamic future. The time for spectatorship is over. Engage directly with the AI investing revolution and potentially enhance your portfolio in ways unimaginable. Unlock insights with expert guidance, and allow your financial strategies to flourish with this transformative technology. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines – engage, invest, and prepare for a thrilling financial journey! The AI Investment Boom: Seize the Moment and Transform Your Financial Future The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, with groundbreaking advancements poised to reshape industries and everyday life. As this technological revolution unfolds, investors are presented with unprecedented opportunities to capitalize on AI’s transformative potential. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newcomer, understanding the intricate aspects of AI investing can set you on a path toward significant financial returns. Insights and Innovations AI’s pervasive impact is not limited to technological efficiencies; it is catalyzing innovations across various sectors. Here are some key developments: – Healthcare Advancements : AI-powered tools are becoming indispensable in healthcare, from predictive diagnostics to personalized treatment plans. These innovations offer new avenues for investment in medical technology startups poised for growth. – Financial Sector Transformation : AI is revolutionizing finance through intelligent algorithms that enhance trading accuracy, risk management, and customer service. Companies leveraging AI to foster smarter financial services present engaging investment opportunities. Market Analysis and Trends In terms of market dynamics, AI presents a burgeoning arena for growth: – Startups vs. Established Corporations : The dichotomy between investing in nimble startups and established tech giants is stark. While startups may offer innovative solutions and higher potential returns, established companies provide relative stability and infrastructural prowess. – Global AI Adoption : AI technologies are gaining traction worldwide, with countries investing heavily in AI research and infrastructure. This global expansion suggests a robust, long-term growth potential for AI investments. Investment Options and Strategies For those considering diving into AI investment, several strategies can be deployed to harness the sector’s potential: – Equity Investments : Buying stocks of companies leading in AI innovation or planning robust AI deployments in their operations. – AI-focused Venture Capital Funds : Investing in funds dedicated to identifying and nurturing AI startups, providing a diversified approach to sector investment. – Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) : Choosing AI-specific ETFs that aggregate a variety of AI-related equities, thereby spreading risk across multiple entities. Potential Challenges and Considerations While the prospects are promising, it’s crucial to be aware of potential challenges: – Regulatory Environment : As AI integrates deeply into critical sectors, regulatory scrutiny may increase, potentially affecting company operations and profitability. – Ethical Concerns : Investor vigilance regarding ethical implications and societal impact is necessary, as AI raises questions around privacy, employment, and data security. Predictions and Future Directions Analysts, experts, and market leaders foresee tremendous growth in AI applications and investments. Future trends include even more integrated AI systems, autonomous industry developments, and expanded AI capabilities in day-to-day applications. This trajectory suggests a landscape ripe for strategic, forward-thinking investment approaches. For those looking to ride the wave of this technological evolution, consider aligning with expert insights and strategies to optimize your investment portfolio. Engaging with AI today not only fortifies financial strategies but also heralds an era of dynamic industry transformation. To learn more about AI and investment opportunities, explore resources and expert insights from leading financial services and technology advisory firms.
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By Nia Williams Nov 27 - Canada's environment minister warned on Wednesday that oil and gas companies would be breaking federal laws if they withheld emissions data, after Alberta's premier said the province was considering measures to block a proposed emissions cap. Alberta premier Danielle Smith on Tuesday said her government intends to put forward a motion in the provincial legislature that would allow it to launch a legal challenge to Ottawa's proposed oil and gas emissions cap. Canada's main oil and gas province is also considering looking at other steps to undermine the cap if it becomes law, such as restricting entry into oil and gas facilities in Alberta and access to emissions data. "If companies stop reporting to the federal government they would be in violation of federal laws, something I certainly wouldn't advise to any large companies," federal environment minister Steven Guilbeault told reporters in Ottawa. The latest spat between Smith's conservative government in Alberta and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals highlights the province's staunch opposition to a policy aimed at cutting emissions from Canada's highest-polluting industry. It also shows how even if Trudeau's government manages to win a federal election next year, the oil and gas emissions cap will face further opposition. Polls currently show the Liberals are on track to lose badly and the opposition Conservative Party has said it would scrap the policy if elected. The proposed cap would force producers to cut oil and gas emissions 35% below 2019 levels by 2030, and Ottawa says the target can be met using existing technology. But Alberta argues the cap would force companies to cut production by at least 1 million barrels per day, nearly a quarter of the province's total oil output. While Alberta is entitled to challenge federal legislation through the courts, the other measures proposed by the province would be unconstitutional if the oil and gas emissions cap becomes law, said Emmett Macfarlane, a professor of political science at the University of Waterloo. "Banning federal officials from entering facilities or trying to block disclosure of information regarding emissions ... that is unconstitutional nonsense if the federal government is acting within its authority," Macfarlane said. "In any conflict between federal and provincial law, federal law wins out." This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is “alert” and conscious after being taken off the field on a stretcher during the team's 1-0 win at Southampton in the on Thursday, manager Julen Lopetegui said. The game was delayed for around eight minutes as Fabianski received treatment on the field at St Mary's Stadium. The 39-year-old Polish goalkeeper was hurt in a collision from a corner and was replaced by Alphonse Areola in the 36th minute. Southampton 'keeper Aaron Ramsdale had run the length of the field to check on Fabianski amid worrying scenes. Fabianski was then greeted by applause as he was taken off with an oxygen mask on, but did not need to go to the hospital. “He had one big knock around the head, around the neck and he was not very sure about his actions. Fortunately the news is he is talking, he is alert, he is conscious,” Lopetegui said. “I talk with him. The doctors say that he feels better and well. I am positive with him. He showed he more or less recovered his sense. I am not afraid. We feared but now he is better and it is a positive feeling because we were very worried.” West Ham, which also saw defender Max Kilman go off in the first half, scored through Jarrod Bowen in the 59th. ___ AP soccer: The Associated Press
As science continues its evolution, discoveries and technologies can act like a master key that open doors leading to novel advancements. Artificial intelligence is one such key, making innovations possible by solving complex problems, automating tasks and enabling research that would have been impossible, or very time-consuming, without it. Mohammad Hosseini But do we want to do research on all topics, and shall we try the AI master key on every door? To explore this question, let’s consider the use of AI by genomics experts as an example. In recent years, genomics experts have added unbelievable depth to what we know about the world and ourselves. For example, genetics researchers have revealed facts about when certain animals and plants were domesticated. In another example, researchers used DNA from 30,000-year-old permafrost to create fertile samples of a plant called narrow-leafed campion. Importantly, genetic engineering has facilitated extraordinary advances in the treatment of complicated conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia. Thanks to AI, we are witnessing a dramatic increase in the pace and scalability of genomic exploration. But given the risks and possible consequences of AI use in science, should we rush headlong into using AI in all kinds of projects? One relevant example is research on Neanderthals, our closest relatives, who lived about 40,000 years ago. Neanderthals have been studied for several years now through genetic investigation of their fossils and their DNA. Genetic engineering can potentially use ancient DNA and genome editing methods to re-create a Neanderthal or aspects of a Neanderthal’s genetics and physiology. To do this, scientists could start by figuring out the DNA sequence of a Neanderthal by comparing it with the DNA of modern humans, because they are closely related. Then, scientists could use the gene-editing tool known as CRISPR to swap out parts of human DNA with Neanderthal DNA. This process would require a lot of trial and error and might not succeed soon. But based on what we know about genetics, if something is possible, AI can help make it happen faster, cheaper and with less effort. Scientists are excited about these developments because they could facilitate new discoveries and open up many research opportunities in genetic research. With or without AI, research on Neanderthals will proceed. But the extraordinary power of AI could give the final push to these discoveries and facilitate this kind of resurrection. At that point, the scientific community must develop norms and guidelines about how to treat these resurrected beings with dispositions very similar to humans. We would need to carefully consider their rights and well-being almost in the same way as when humans are involved and not as research subjects or artifacts of scientific curiosity. These ethical issues are discussed in more detail in a new paper published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence. A more holistic question to consider is: Should we prioritize the use of resource-intensive AI, researchers’ time and public funds to resurrect extinct beings? Or should we invest these resources into conserving species that are critically endangered today to prevent biodiversity from more degradation? Hosseini is an assistant professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He wrote this for The Chicago Tribune . Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!As science continues its evolution, discoveries and technologies can act like a master key that open doors leading to novel advancements. Artificial intelligence is one such key, making innovations possible by solving complex problems, automating tasks and enabling research that would have been impossible, or very time-consuming, without it. Mohammad Hosseini But do we want to do research on all topics, and shall we try the AI master key on every door? To explore this question, let’s consider the use of AI by genomics experts as an example. In recent years, genomics experts have added unbelievable depth to what we know about the world and ourselves. For example, genetics researchers have revealed facts about when certain animals and plants were domesticated. In another example, researchers used DNA from 30,000-year-old permafrost to create fertile samples of a plant called narrow-leafed campion. Importantly, genetic engineering has facilitated extraordinary advances in the treatment of complicated conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia. Thanks to AI, we are witnessing a dramatic increase in the pace and scalability of genomic exploration. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts But given the risks and possible consequences of AI use in science, should we rush headlong into using AI in all kinds of projects? One relevant example is research on Neanderthals, our closest relatives, who lived about 40,000 years ago. Neanderthals have been studied for several years now through genetic investigation of their fossils and their DNA. Genetic engineering can potentially use ancient DNA and genome editing methods to re-create a Neanderthal or aspects of a Neanderthal’s genetics and physiology. To do this, scientists could start by figuring out the DNA sequence of a Neanderthal by comparing it with the DNA of modern humans, because they are closely related. Then, scientists could use the gene-editing tool known as CRISPR to swap out parts of human DNA with Neanderthal DNA. This process would require a lot of trial and error and might not succeed soon. But based on what we know about genetics, if something is possible, AI can help make it happen faster, cheaper and with less effort. Scientists are excited about these developments because they could facilitate new discoveries and open up many research opportunities in genetic research. With or without AI, research on Neanderthals will proceed. But the extraordinary power of AI could give the final push to these discoveries and facilitate this kind of resurrection. At that point, the scientific community must develop norms and guidelines about how to treat these resurrected beings with dispositions very similar to humans. We would need to carefully consider their rights and well-being almost in the same way as when humans are involved and not as research subjects or artifacts of scientific curiosity. These ethical issues are discussed in more detail in a new paper published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence. A more holistic question to consider is: Should we prioritize the use of resource-intensive AI, researchers’ time and public funds to resurrect extinct beings? Or should we invest these resources into conserving species that are critically endangered today to prevent biodiversity from more degradation?