Former Argentina striker Carlos Tevez has been hospitalised with chest pains, although his club Independiente say initial tests have shown little cause for alarm.
Tevez, who took over as coach of Independiente in August 2023, was taken to hospital in the Buenos Aires suburb of San Isidro after feeling unwell.
A club statement read: “Our coach, Carlos Tevez, entered the La Trinidad Sanatorium in San Isidro with chest pain. They carried out the corresponding studies and they were satisfactory.
“Tomorrow they will continue with a series of exams scheduled in advance as part of a general check-up that is usually carried out.”
A second statement followed up by stating: “Carlos Tevez will be hospitalised as a precaution until the corresponding studies are completed.”
Tevez, 40, enjoyed a glittering playing career with spells at Boca Juniors, Corinthians, West Ham, Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus and Shanghai Shenhua. He won 76 caps for Argentina.
The ever constant development of technology has overturned the way advertising is done. Long gone are the years when companies mainly used billboards to make consumers aware of their products and services. The latter, in fact, have long since been joined by LED displays, that is, special technological devices that allow high-resolution images to be reproduced.
Companies are constantly on the lookout for tools capable of attracting as many customers as possible in order to conquer ever larger market shares than their competitors. Among the various tools useful in this regard, there are certainly these cutting-edge advertising tools that combine technology and efficiency, such as the LED display Macropix, a well-known and established brand in the industry.
What are LED displays?
LED screens are innovative displays composed of several panels that are placed next to each other, creating a seamless surface, a kind of wall. These screens are very flexible, and can reach very large sizes, up to a hundred square metres, making them extremely versatile.
Images are reproduced using LED technology, i.e. light-emitting diodes that form individual pixels. The use of LEDs allows for high brightness and faithful colour reproduction, ensuring a remarkable visual impact even in very bright environments and from considerable distances.
Application of LED displays
LED screens are applied in many contexts other than advertising. For example, they are used to display important information in crowded places such as stations and airports, be it regarding traffic conditions, weather forecasts, arrivals and departures, and much more.
During big events such as concerts, shows and matches, LED screens allow spectators far away from the stage or the field to fully enjoy the experience, offering a clear and detailed view for all.
An often underestimated use of these displays is in the arts. These displays enable creative visual installations. By virtue of their high performance, these displays allow images to be reproduced in high resolution, which makes them extremely useful in these contexts as well.
Different types of LED displays
It is possible to distinguish between two types of LED screens: the indoor and the outdoor models, which differ according to their characteristics and their area of application.
The first ones are mainly installed inside offices, shops and, more generally, in indoor locations, to communicate with customers or to provide special information. Indoor screens are not particularly bright but focus more on resolution, to reproduce images faithfully.
On the contrary, outdoor screens, as their very name suggests, are installed outdoors and offer optimal visibility even at long distances. Therefore, the resolution of these screens is generally lower than that of indoor models, but the brightness is very high. Furthermore, outdoor screens are constructed with special materials and coatings in order to withstand external weather conditions such as snow, rain or particularly strong sun.
Homeowners in the UK who have invested in garden improvements are experiencing more substantial increases in property values than those from extensions or new kitchens, according to industry experts.
A study by the Post Office Money Survey reveals that landscaping your garden could enhance your property’s value by up to 77 per cent, a greater return than that from extensions or swimming pools. The study also found that among home improvements, garden landscaping and kitchen renovations are likely to yield the greatest return on investment, increasing property value by 25% to 75% for investments ranging from £2,750 to £7,500.
The initial research, conducted six years ago, focused on the mid-range market price of a three-bedroom semi-detached home throughout the UK, identifying garden landscaping as the most valuable addition. It proved to be the most economical upgrade for sellers, offering the highest return on investment compared to other home improvement options. A new kitchen could lead to a 25 per cent increase in property value, an extension could add 37 per cent, and a wet room only seven per cent.
Trudi Lovell, Marketing Manager at Bannister Hall Plants Nurseries and Landscaping Supplies in Higher Walton, Preston, said: “Our consumer trends data supports that garden landscaping continues to be a significant growth area with homeowners, especially with the increase in property demand and the prolific housebuilding we have seen over the last few years. Bannister Hall has seen a sales surge in both natural stone and porcelain paving, as well as sales growth in other areas such as plants, turf, topsoil, aggregates and even in garden-lighting products.”
Other research supporting the financial rewards from improving your garden comes from Foxtons estate agents, which reveals that simply having a garden will generally increase a property’s value by 20 per cent. Moreover, 72 per cent of house buyers were prepared to pay more for a property with a garden, according to Foxtons. Similarly, data by Rightmove revealed that access to a garden was a priority for over 60 per cent of buyers searching for a new home.
Bannister Hall CEO, Jon C Hollywood says: “As the North West’s largest single source supplier of plants and landscaping materials, these research findings are clearly a win-win for landscaping suppliers, landscaping professionals and homeowners alike. In fact, in March we were thrilled to win another commercial contract to supply plants and landscaping materials to one of the UK’s best-known major property developers who are actively building sites across the region.”
“Sourced from a variety of UK industries, the above research clearly indicates that many UK homeowners who have invested in landscaping garden improvements have benefitted from a quantifiable increase in the saleable value of their property.”
An obscure rule regarding number plates could result in drivers facing penalties up to £1,000, with associated crimes escalating by as much as 318% throughout the UK.
Number plates are crucial for vehicle identification, allowing for the unique tracking, storage, and processing of vehicle data. The DVLA mandates stringent rules for number plate display.
Primary violations include not displaying or deliberately removing number plates. Additional offences consist of manipulating the arrangement of letters and numbers and masking certain characters.
Plates4Less submitted a Freedom of Information request to most of the police forces across the UK to find out how often number plate offences are committed, establish if there is a trend and find out what is being done to combat these issues.
The shocking statistics showed that some areas have confirmed they have seen a huge increase in all number plate violations, such as an increase of 318% in the Greater Manchester area (between 2019-2022), which of course is extremely concerning to motorists. Number plate violations reported include “not displaying a front or rear plate”, “obscuring the registration mark” and “failure to conform to number plate regulations”.
West Mercia statistics show that the numbers for “Drive a vehicle when the registration mark fails to conform with regulations” went up by 18% from 230 in 2021, to 271 in 2022.
Whilst not all areas are affected equally by number plate violations there seems to be a growing trend for motorists in major UK cities failing to display a front number plate.
Merseyside saw increases of 18% regarding vehicles “failing to display a front number plate”. Merseyside is not alone with Humberside, Wiltshire & Essex having also seen rises in the levels of motorists failing to display their front number plate.
However, not all areas have reported an increase. For example, West Midlands recorded 57 instances of driving without a front number plate in 2021, and only 34 in 2022. Similarly, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s figures for this crime have been dropping since 2020. This could indicate crimes dropping, or just less drivers getting caught.
With an increased reliance on Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to police our roads, experts at www.Plates4Less.co.uk say that they expect to see more policing of number plate regulations.
Why do cars have no front number plates and do rules apply to ‘supercars’?
Some drivers will intentionally remove front plates, or refuse to get them, because they worry about ruining the aerodynamic aesthetic of their vehicles. This is more commonplace with drivers of supercars.
This has been an ongoing issue for many years. In 2018, the Daily Mail reported that “Dozens of wealthy owners living in the most exclusive areas of London have dispensed with plates on their Lamborghinis and Ferraris.”
Antony Clark, an expert at Plates4Less, made the point that these cases seem to be on the rise with police forces across the UK posting about it daily.
He said: “In the case of Supercars, the rules do still apply to them but it seems that a monetary fine is not a deterrent. These consequences are not harsh enough to people who can afford such expensive cars.
“If we want to see a decrease in number plate crime, authorities might need to consider alternatives, such as points on a licence or detaining vehicles.”
While DVLA are able to enforce up to a £1,000 fine, smaller fines and requests that the criminal simply change their plates are far more common, which may be contributing to the spread of number plate crime in the UK.
How to know if your number plate is breaking the law?
Legally, a driver needs to ensure their vehicle is road legal before driving, and this includes checking the number plates. It is not a defence to say that the plate was on the car when you purchased it from its previous owner, as you could be fined for failing to fix the issue.
If you are driving with a second-hand vehicle and therefore plate, or even just sharing a vehicle, then it’s worth checking your number plate legality. Even if you got your plate from a reputable local dealership, your car recently passed an MOT, or it is a work vehicle, it could still be breaking the law as many dealers and testers are not stringent with the law.
Antony added: “Don’t risk a £1000 fine, check your number plate is valid before the next time that you drive.”
According to the Government rules: “Number plates (also known as licence plates) must show your registration number correctly. You cannot rearrange letters or numbers, or alter them so that they’re hard to read.”
To help drivers avoid being fined by the police for breaching number plate rules, www.Plates4Less.co.uk have developed a number plate checklist. It outlines the most commonly broken rules associated with number plates and allows drivers to be sure they are not unknowingly committing an offence. To find out more, visit www.plates4less.co.uk/is-my-number-plate-legal.
Warrington author Louisa Herridge has launched a collaborative book “If I Could Tell Her” which has knocked four Sunday Times bestselling books off the top spots in their relevant categories in Amazon for Kindle.
The books in question are: Women & Power by Mary Beard, You’re not the Problem by Katie McKenna & Helen Villiers and The Devil you Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry by Dr Gwen Adshead – which was also a Sunday Times, New Statesman and Irish Times book of the year.
Herridge’s new offering is also beating bestselling self-help book of all time in the UK, The Chimp Paradox by professor Steve Peters.
“If I Could Tell Her” features six other female entrepreneurs – Sophie Allen, Katie Mc, Indie Moon, Amanda Bettridge, Stacey Withington and Kate Brindley. They share their courage and strength collectively to inspire others to reframe and leave behind past challenges.
The book contains honest accounts which reveal the positivity and growth that can be found in trauma and adversity and are not about changing the past but being grateful for the lessons learned.
The five categories in Amazon Kindle “If I could tell her” is now number one in include –
Emotions and feelings
Psychoanalysis
Theory of psychoanalysis
Violence against women
Parenting emotions and feelings
Louisa Herridge (pictured) the Storytelling for Success coach, is a three-times best-selling author and TEDx speaker. She is a passionate and empowering coach who inspires and supports women to find their own power and success through their story in business, books and beyond.
She said: “Running a book collaboration for me isn’t just about hitting number one, it is about bringing together women, creating beautiful relationships, holding hands, space and hearts so that these women can tap into their past and tell it with confidence, pride and passion.”
“Each author has written her chapter to inspire people to see that none of us are alone in our adversity and we all have the inner strength and resilience to heal and grow. No matter how many times we are knocked down, we can get back up and these real-life experiences of lives lived with blood, sweat and tears will help you to see how anyone can change their thinking to live a life filled with hope and happiness.”
Louisa and fellow entrepreneur Jo Wildsmith are the co-founders of The Publishing Pod, who have brought this book to life.
Jo said:“At ‘The Publishing Pod’ we combine our talents to enable stories to be told and published with passion and precision and we are hugely grateful to the incredible women who have collaborated with us to create this.”
Louisa’s story within the book is named ‘Your story is your superpower’. The other stories within the book explore the themes of childhood trauma, domestic abuse, grief, anxiety, cancer battles, people pleasing, self-sabotage, self-acceptance and self love.
If I Could Tell Her, is available now via Amazon for £0.99 on Kindle and £11.99 in paperback.
Your brand is the embodiment of your company’s reputation, values, and the trust you’ve built with your customers. A registered trademark acts as a legal shield, safeguarding that brand identity and ensuring you reap the rewards of your hard work. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of trademark registration, empowering you to understand its significance, navigate the process with confidence, and maximize the benefits for your business.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark (also sometimes referred to as a trade mark or brand mark) is a recognizable sign or symbol that distinguishes your source of goods or services from others. It can be a word, phrase, logo, design, sound, or even a combination of these elements.
Here are some key characteristics of trademarks:
Distinctive: A trademark must be sufficiently unique to avoid confusion with existing brands in the marketplace. Generic terms or descriptive phrases typically cannot be trademarked.
Used in Commerce: Your trademark must be actively used in the commercial sphere to identify your goods or services.
Legally Protected: Registering your trademark with the appropriate government agency grants you exclusive rights to its use within a specific category of goods or services.
Brand Protection: A registered trademark acts as a legal shield, deterring others from using similar marks that could confuse consumers and dilute your brand value.
Customer Trust: A recognizable trademark signifies quality, consistency, and reliability, fostering trust and loyalty among customers.
Competitive Advantage: A strong trademark can become a valuable asset, differentiating your brand and potentially increasing brand value.
Marketing Tool: Trademarks are powerful marketing tools, allowing you to build brand awareness and recognition.
The Trademark Registration Process: Demystifying the Steps
The process for registering a trademark involves several key stages:
Trademark Search: Conducting a thorough trademark search is crucial. This helps ensure your chosen mark is available for registration and doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks. Online databases and professional trademark search firms can assist with this search.
Selection and Application: Choose a distinctive and suitable trademark that aligns with your brand identity and target audience. File an application with the relevant government agency (typically the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the US).
Examination and Approval: The trademark office will examine your application for compliance with legal requirements. This process may involve responses, clarifications, or potential rejections.
Registration and Maintenance: Upon successful examination, your trademark will be registered, granting you exclusive rights. Maintaining your trademark typically involves periodic renewal fees.
Additional Considerations: Key Pointers for Success
Trademark Classes: Trademarks are registered for specific classes of goods or services. Understanding these classifications is essential when filing your application.
Common Law vs. Registered Trademarks: Even without formal registration, you may have some common law trademark rights based on prior use. However, registration offers significantly greater legal protection and clarity of ownership.
International Trademarks: For global protection, consider registering your trademark in each country where you intend to operate.
Enforcement: Trademark infringement occurs when someone uses a confusingly similar mark. Registered trademark holders can take legal action against infringers to protect their rights.
The Future of Trademarks: Embracing Evolving Trends
The landscape of trademarks is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and the ever-expanding online marketplace. Here are some key trends to be aware of:
Rise of Social Media Trademarks: With social media playing a prominent role in brand building, trademarks are increasingly encompassing non-traditional elements like sounds, hashtags, and even emojis.
Domain Name Protection: Domain names are often the first point of contact for consumers searching for a brand online. Protecting your trademark through domain name registration is crucial in the digital age.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence: AI-powered tools are emerging to assist with trademark search and monitoring, helping businesses identify potential conflicts and enforce their rights more effectively.
By staying informed about these trends and adapting their trademark strategies accordingly, businesses can continue to leverage the power of trademarks in a dynamic and competitive global marketplace.
Conclusion: Building a Strong Brand Legacy
Investing in trademark registration is not just about legal protection; it’s about safeguarding the very essence of your brand. A strong trademark empowers you to communicate your brand values, differentiate yourself from competitors, and build lasting relationships with your customers. As you embark on your brand-building journey, remember that a well-protected trademark is a cornerstone for building a strong brand legacy and securing long-term success.
Manchester United winger Antony has defended himself over a photo which appeared to show the Brazil international goading Coventry City’s players while his team-mates were celebrating victory in Sunday’s epic FA Cup semi-final between the sides.
In the picture, which has been widely circulated on social media and led to criticism of Antony and United, the 24-year-old appears to react to Rasmus Hojlund’s decisive spot kick by taunting his crestfallen Coventry counterparts, who recovered from 3-0 behind with 19 minutes of normal time remaining and had a fourth goal ruled out shortly before extra time end.
“Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final,” Antony wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “We [wanted] this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved [it].
“The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, [have] reacted to the provocations in a natural defence of my club.”
Antony did not provide more specific information about the incident he was referring to, but United manager Erik ten Hag said earlier on Tuesday that the celebration from his £86 million signing in 2022 was related to defender Harry Maguire.
Man United v Coventry: Antony ‘should not do it’
“Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire?” asked Ten Hag. “He was provoked – that’s why this was a reaction.
“You haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it. I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and others.”
The eighth-placed team in the Championship had taken the lead in the shootout after United midfielder Casemiro’s penalty was saved.
🗣️ Wesley Sneijder: “Antony should be absolutely embarrassed for what he did. He should have walked straight off the pitch instead of doing that.
Callum O’Hare’s penalty was saved by Andre Onana and Ben Sheaf sent his effort over the crossbar as the Premier League side came back to set up a second consecutive final against Manchester City.
Former Aston Villa and England forward Gabriel Agbonlahor is said to have been particularly scathing of Antony, who is United’s second-most expensive signing of all time but has not scored in 29 appearances across the Premier League and Uefa Champions League this season.
“Is this guy the most shameless flop ever to grace our beautiful league?” Agbonlahor was quoted as saying by the Coventry Telegraph.
“Shame on you, Antony – you wouldn’t even start for Coventry, you prat.”
Inflatables for advertising have revolutionized the way brands capture attention and leave a lasting impression on their target audience. From towering replicas to whimsical characters, custom inflatables offer a unique and eye-catching way to showcase your brand message. In today’s competitive market, standing out is paramount, and inflatable advertising presents an opportunity to do just that. Let’s delve into the world of inflatable advertising and explore how it can be a game-changer for your brand.
The allure of inflatables lies in their ability to command attention. Whether strategically placed at events, festivals, or storefronts, these larger-than-life creations demand to be noticed. Picture a giant inflatable replica of your product towering over a trade show floor, drawing attendees like moths to a flame. The sheer scale and novelty of inflatables make them irresistible to onlookers, ensuring that your brand remains top of mind long after the event concludes.
One of the key advantages of inflatable advertising is its versatility. From custom shapes and sizes to vibrant colours and intricate designs, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking to promote a new product launch, create buzz around a special event, or simply enhance brand visibility, inflatables offer a creative canvas to bring your vision to life. Moreover, inflatables are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to suit your brand’s unique identity and messaging.
In addition to their visual impact, inflatables are also incredibly practical from a marketing perspective. Unlike traditional advertising mediums such as billboards or print ads, inflatables offer portability and ease of setup. This means that you can quickly deploy them at various locations to reach different target demographics, maximizing your brand’s exposure and engagement. Furthermore, inflatables are durable and weather-resistant, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
One of the most compelling aspects of inflatable advertising is its ability to foster brand engagement. Unlike passive forms of advertising, such as TV commercials or banner ads, inflatables invite interaction and participation from audiences. Whether it’s snapping photos with a larger-than-life mascot or exploring a branded inflatable structure, consumers are more likely to form positive associations with your brand when they have an immersive experience. This experiential aspect of inflatable advertising fosters deeper connections with your target audience, driving brand loyalty and advocacy.
Moreover, inflatable advertising offers excellent return on investment (ROI) for brands of all sizes. Compared to traditional forms of advertising, inflatables typically require a lower upfront investment while delivering higher visibility and engagement. Whether you’re a startup looking to make a splash in the market or an established brand seeking to revitalize your marketing efforts, inflatables offer a cost-effective solution to elevate your brand presence and drive business growth.
In conclusion, harnessing the power of inflatables for advertising presents a myriad of opportunities for brands to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace. From their ability to captivate audiences with their sheer size and novelty to their versatility and practicality, inflatables offer a compelling platform to amplify your brand message and drive meaningful engagement. Whether you’re looking to make a memorable impression at a trade show, festival, or retail space, custom inflatables are sure to leave a lasting impact on your target audience. So why wait? Embrace the power of inflatables and unlock new possibilities for your brand’s success.
A furious Erik ten Hag has hit out at the criticism of Manchester United which followed their FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City, calling it “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”.
United teed up a second successive FA Cup final clash with Manchester City on Sunday, beating Coventry 4-2 on penalties at the end of a classic tie which finished 3-3 after 120 minutes, but pundits and fans have been unforgiving regarding their performance.
The Red Devils squandered a 3-0 lead and were only saved from a humiliating 4-3 defeat by the most marginal of offside calls in the last minute of extra time, as Victor Torp’s potential winner was chalked off.
Former United captain Roy Keane said Ten Hag’s players looked “embarrassed to win” the game, adding that the Red Devils’ current team is “hard to like”.
Speaking at a press conference to preview Wednesday’s Premier League game against Sheffield United, Ten Hag hit back at what he perceived as overly negative media coverage.
“We let them back in [to the game] far too easily.”
Asked if there was a hint of embarrassment about the way United beat Coventry, Ten Hag said: “No. Absolutely not.
“You made enough with the question; ‘is it embarrassing?’ No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. It is the comments.
“Top-level football is about results, we made it to a final and we deserved it, not only on this game but also the other games.
“We lost control for 20 minutes, we also had bad luck, then it’s 3-2 and 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, that’s clear.
“Our penalties were very good and we made it to the final, it is a huge achievement. Twice in two years, that is magnificent. For me as a manager, it’s four cup finals in four years.
“The comments are a disgrace.”
Ten Hag was also asked about Antony’s celebrations, after the winger was roundly criticised for cupping his ears to Coventry’s players at the end of the shoot-out.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand is among those to have taken aim at Antony’s actions, but Ten Hag insists the Brazilian was provoked by Coventry’s players.
Neal Maupay has poked fun at Manchester United winger Antony for taunting Coventry City’s players in the aftermath of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win, saying: “Not even I would do this”.
United surrendered a 3-0 lead against second-tier opponents at Wembley Stadium and almost lost an incredible tie 4-3 in the dying moments of extra time, only for Victor Torp’s potential winner to be disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
The Red Devils then triumphed 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out, during which Antony – who came on a second-half substitute with United 3-0 up – did not step up to the spot.
While most United players celebrated in a muted fashion following their almighty scare, Antony turned around to the Coventry players and cupped his ears after Rasmus Hojlund scored the winning penalty.
Antony’s celebrations – and United’s overall performance – have attracted widespread criticism, with club legend Roy Keane saying the Red Devils’ current team is “hard to like”.
Brentford striker Maupay waded into the debate on Tuesday, as someone with plenty of form for getting under the skin of opposition players.
Maupay memorably copied James Maddison’s goal celebration after scoring against Tottenham in January, while he was also involved in a heated altercation with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez earlier this season.
However, he says he would not have gone as far as Antony did.
Replying to a video of the Brazilian’s celebrations on X, formerly known as Twitter, Maupay wrote: “Just for the record, not even I would do this”, with a laughing emoji accompanying his message.
Antony has come in for criticism amid a difficult second campaign at Old Trafford, failing to score a single goal and only supplying one assist in 25 Premier League appearances in 2023-24.
