As a dog owner, I’m perhaps biased on the subject of whether to bring a dog into the office. That said, as the owner of the business, I needed to make sure it was okay with my team to bring a dog into our working environment. I didn’t want him to be too much of a distraction (actually, he’s one big distraction). When the company moved from Barnsley to Doncaster and into larger premises, it was the perfect time to introduce Arrow, my golden retriever, to the rest of the team. They’d met him a couple of times before, but this was the first time he’d spent the day with us at work. Luckily, I’m also a dog trainer; Arrow is well-behaved, and I’ve got to say, I was one proud dad that day. Office Dog Arrow He came in and said hello to everyone, then when I asked him to ‘go to bed’ he laid in his basket next to me and fell asleep. To be honest, it's probably one of the best company decisions I’ve made, as everyone loves him. He makes sure everyone is feeling good; if someone feels a little down, he picks up his favourite ‘Angry Bird’ toy and takes it to them. He’s truly earned his title of ‘Chief Cuddle Officer’ and lives up to it each day. The worry of whether he’d be too much of a distraction soon disappeared - all he does is waddle towards everyone to say hello, his tail wagging, and then he finds a place in the office (usually in the middle, where he can be the centre of attention) and just relaxes with his toys. I’m pretty sure that I can speak on behalf of my team and say that there’s a void in the office on the days he's not there (he's a popular dog, he regularly visits friends). Everyone is more productive and happier when he’s with us at work. He encourages us to have small breaks regularly - breaks that completely take us away from our screens. In terms of clients, they all adore him. More often than not clients say hello to him before me. He’s a great guard dog (only if intruders are deterred by the threat of being licked from head to toe!) and, in terms of marketing, he’s been amazing. He’s appeared in a lot of our adverts and even a couple of our clients. He was born to be on stage. So, should you have a dog in the office? As long as they’re well-behaved, I don’t think there are any negatives around bringing your pooch to work. The joy Arrow gives to us all is more than anything I can provide as the business’s owner. Thankfully, I can pay Arrow in biscuits, cuddles and W.A.L.K.I.E.S (never say that word in the office, unless you want to go on one). A dog-friendly office is a much nicer environment to work in. I don’t have to worry about Arrow being home alone, nor do I have to rush home at lunchtime to take him for a walk!

There's been some talk lately about a proposed vape tax that the government is considering announcing in the upcoming budget. Reports suggest that ministers are mulling over the idea, with estimates suggesting it could generate approximately £40 million in public funds, earmarked for services such as the NHS. Vape Tax The rationale behind this proposed tax stems from a notable decline in tobacco consumption. Over recent years, an increasing number of smokers have been transitioning to vaping, viewing it as either a means to quit smoking altogether or as a more economical and cleaner alternative. As a result, tobacco tax revenues have been on the decline. Data from studies conducted in 2021 reveal a decline in smoking prevalence, with approximately 5.6 to 6.6 million adults still smoking. In contrast, the popularity of vaping has been on the rise, with an estimated 3.1 to 3.2 million adults using e-cigarettes. However, the proportion of non-smokers taking up vaping remains minimal, with only around 0.6% to 0.7% of adults who have never smoked adopting this habit. Smoking v Vaping Despite concerns, vaping is generally perceived as a less harmful alternative to smoking, exposing users to fewer toxins. However, there's a pertinent question: Could imposing a vape tax deter smokers from switching to a potentially less harmful option? Vaping serves as one of the primary methods individuals employ to cease smoking, even endorsed by healthcare authorities like the NHS. Thus, some worry that taxing vaping might impede smoking cessation efforts. On the other hand, the government sees the vape tax as a means to offset the declining revenues from tobacco taxes. The projected £40 million in revenue could be allocated to bolster various public services, including healthcare. Ultimately, the decision to implement a vape tax involves a delicate balancing act, weighing potential financial gains against potential impacts on public health and smoking cessation efforts.

A hashtag is a way of categorizing your content so that it can be found under a specific topic, event, theme, or conversation. Hashtags effectively gather together all types of content with the same ‘label’. Your hashtag must always start with the hashtag symbol #, and they won’t work if you start adding spaces, punctuation or symbols. It’s worth doing a little research to ensure you’re using relevant and specific hashtags for your content. So, why should your business use hashtags? Your business can create its very own branded hashtags. This is useful when you wish to access UGC (User Generated Content). It makes it easy to find content that mentions you and your business, content that you can also share. Hashtags can lead to increased engagement on your posts and can boost your brand's visibility - through likes, comments, and shares. They can also help you summarise your social media post so that your audience knows which topic you’re talking about. This is good when you have a character limit, as you can save vital space by giving context to your post with a simple hashtag. How do you find the right hashtags? Now you know why you should be using hashtags, it’s time to find the best hashtags for you. One of the easiest ways to find relevant and effective hashtags is to monitor social media influencers who have an affinity with your topic - see what hashtags they’re using. If you’re searching on Instagram for a hashtag, the app will show you hashtags that are relevant to the one you’re searching for. This can help you build an archive of related hashtags that you can refer back to. Hashtags can also highlight news/trends and tell you what people are talking about. It’s then possible to ‘piggyback’ on these current news affairs or trends with relevant content. You can also purchase software that finds and analyses hashtags for you, so you don't have to do the hard work, which is perfect if you don’t have the time. How many hashtags should you use on social media? This depends on which social media platform you're using. X (Twitter) - They recommend using no more than 1-2 hashtags, but there is no limit as long as you stay within your character limit. Facebook - Just like Twitter, Facebook recommends sticking to 1-2 hashtags. Instagram - There’s a limit of 30 hashtags for your Instagram feed and up to 10 in your stories. They recommend using between 5-10 on your feed posts. YouTube - They limit the user to 15 hashtags, but advise that you use 2-3 hashtags in your posts. LinkedIn - LinkedIn recommends using 1-2 hashtags on your posts. Now you know how to use hashtags and how many to include, you’re ready to increase reach and engagement across your social media profiles.

In the fast-paced, competitive market of today, businesses must remain relevant. This requires continuous adaptation to meet evolving customer needs. An effective strategy to stay competitive is revitalizing your brand, which is much more than a logo – it's the complete customer experience. This article, courtesy of In the Know Magazine, offers powerful strategies to refresh your brand, enhancing its appeal to both existing and potential customers. Fine-Tune Brand Messaging Messaging serves as the backbone of your brand. Updated, clear, and compelling messaging communicates your company's mission, vision, and values to your target audience. A clear message is like a beacon, helping prospective customers understand what you stand for and why they should choose you. Keeping your messaging up to date ensures that you connect with your audience in a way that is both meaningful and relevant. Establishing Core Company Brand Values Every strong brand is rooted in a set of core values. These values not only guide internal decision-making but also resonate deeply with your customer base. Clearly defined core values provide an anchor for your brand's identity, ensuring consistency throughout the refresh process. The emphasis on core values helps your customers relate to your brand on a deeper level, enhancing loyalty and credibility. Social Media as a Branding Tool In the digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for reaching and engaging with a vast audience. Different platforms offer unique opportunities to target specific demographics, enriching your marketing mix. The immediacy of social media allows you to shape and control the narrative around your refreshed brand, transforming perception in real time. Website Revamp for Brand Enhancement Your website often serves as a digital storefront, creating first impressions that can make or break your brand's image. Updating your website with a fresh design and relevant content not only enhances user experience but also boosts your credibility. A well-designed, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading website can significantly elevate your brand image in the digital landscape. Update Your Advertising Methods Leveraging new marketing avenues plays a pivotal role in broadcasting your brand's transformation. Embracing fresh forms of advertising allows your revamped identity to reach wider audiences with renewed vigor. Consider diversifying your approach by harnessing the power of social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and experiential marketing events. Craft an Effective Newsletter Creating a visually appealing newsletter offers numerous advantages, especially when you're rebranding. A well-designed newsletter serves as an effective platform for communicating your brand story, mission, and product or service offerings to both existing and potential customers. And if you format your newsletter as a PDF, it’ll be easier to combine images and text, and then send it out to potential customers. If you run into any formatting issues, here’s a tool that can help you rotate PDF documents in seconds, should you need to work in landscape instead of portrait mode. This can significantly streamline the formatting process, ensuring that your newsletter aligns perfectly with your refreshed brand identity. Leverage Public Relations for Brand Amplification Public relations should not be an afterthought in your rebranding exercise. Garnering media attention can provide that much-needed third-party validation for your refreshed brand. A well-executed PR strategy can significantly amplify your brand message, reaching corners of your target market that other channels might not be able to penetrate. Partnerships with influencers can add a layer of credibility and reach to your PR efforts. Incentivize Customer Input Customer feedback can provide invaluable insights during the brand refresh process. Encouraging this feedback through incentives like gift cards can be extremely effective. Leveraging a gift card API automates the reward process, making it seamless and scalable. That way, you can simplify and enhance the feedback collection, using the data to refine your branding strategies. A brand refresh is a strategic move aimed at keeping your company relevant and engaging in today's dynamic market. From refining your messaging and defining core values to leveraging digital platforms and utilizing mobile advertising, each step in this guide offers a practical way to rejuvenate your brand. If you're looking to invigorate your business and fortify its market position, there's no better time to embark on this revitalization journey with these effective tips in mind.

Madame Web The most recent addition to Sony’s Spiderverse franchise, Madame Web, was released in theatres last week and breaking records. It’s just that those records are records that no studio would want having been broken. Despite its midweek release around Valentine's Day, the film only managed to accrue around $11 million between Friday and Sunday, marking it as the lowest-grossing opening in the entire SSU. The projected 6-day total of $24 million falls even further below the franchise's previous low point, set by "Morbius" with an opening of $39 million. But why is it that the majority of films that Sony has released as part of this Spiderverse have flopped at the box office? Superhero Fatigue The most optimistic option for Sony is that these recent flops in their Spider-Man Universe are just a general fatigue from audiences for superhero-related content. Superhero Fatigue refers to a decline in audience interest and enthusiasm for superhero films, particularly within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and other superhero franchises. This decline is attributed to various factors, including oversaturation of the market with superhero content, perceived brand dilution due to an excessive number of releases and tie-ins, lack of coherence and focus in storytelling, and mismanagement of properties by studios like Sony and DC. A Lack of a Titular Character Whilst Superhero Fatigue could explain the lack of enthusiasm for this film, however, that doesn’t explain why other Superhero films have had great box office success this year such as Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 and Sony’s own Spider-Man: Across the Multiverse. Why is it that one film from the same producers could be a box office success yet they have seemingly made a flop with both Madame Web and last year's Morbius? Well, could the answer be in the fact that the Spider-Man Universe that Sony is creating, lacks Spider-Man? Whilst all the characters are from the Spider-Man comics and appear as villains or allies in his rose gallery, the films are lacking in one element and that is Spider-Man is not part of the cinematic films that Sony is making. Due to contracts and deals made in the 2010s, Sony licensed the ability to use Spider-Man as an on-screen character to Disney who used it in successful and critically acclaimed feature films such as Captain America Civil War, Spider-Man Homecoming, and Avengers Infinity War. However, because of this deal, the films this iteration of Spider-Man has appeared in are all a part of the MCU, which has nothing to do with the Sony-produced Spider-Man Universe, meaning these films lack the main character of the story they’re all trying to tell. This has led to confusion from fans and could have also caused a lack of interest in seeing anything a part of this Sony-created Universe as they won’t get to see Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in them. Mismanagement of a Franchise Whilst both of these explain why someone would have little to no interest in going into these films, they don’t explain the one glaring factor. None of these films have been well received by critics or by a large portion of the general audience. Madame Web currently sits at 13% on the critic review site Rotten Tomatoes, a website that correlates film critics' reviews into one easy-to-read score, along with Morbius sits at a cool 15% from 283 critic reviews, and Venom sits at 30%. Could it just be that these movies are just… not very good? Could the answer to why these films continue to flop be that Sony has struggled to find a suitable person to fulfil the “Kevin Feige” role of a film producer? The main reason the Marvel films proved to be a success was primarily because they were all following the vision and endgame of Kevin Feige’s plan. Whilst he brought in both established and emerging directors to lead directing the solo films but ensured that they all worked towards the same ending goal he had planned since the first Iron Man film was released back in 2008. Maybe Sony’s mistake is not having someone in this role who is capable of the job. This is something that DC have realised they need and recently apportioned James Gunn, director of the Guardians of the Galaxy films and the hit TV Show Peacemaker, to CEO of DC Studios to hopefully emulate the same success that Marvel had during the 2010s. In conclusion, Sony's Spiderverse franchise continues to face challenges at the box office for several reasons. Superhero fatigue, the absence of Spider-Man, mismanagement of the franchise, and lack of creative leadership have all contributed to the underperformance of films like "Madame Web" and "Morbius." While other superhero films have found success, Sony's offerings have struggled to resonate with audiences and critics alike. To revitalise the franchise, Sony may need to address these issues by introducing stronger storytelling, incorporating beloved characters like Spider-Man, and establishing clear creative leadership. Only then can they hope to regain momentum and recapture the excitement of audiences for their Spiderverse universe.

As speculation arises about the potential release of the PS6, questions about the console's lifespan and the pace of technological advancement in the gaming industry come to the forefront. Join me as we embark on a detailed exploration of the history of gaming consoles, unravelling the intricate tapestry of each era and the innovations that have shaped our gaming experiences. Where I can I will present the cost of the machine in £, if not it'll be in $ The Birth of Home Gaming Console: Magnavox Odyssey (1972) Release Year: 1972 Estimated Cost: $100, equivalent to about $699 in 2022 Games Released: Approximately 28 games Our voyage begins in 1972 with the Magnavox Odyssey, the pioneer of home gaming. Costing around $100, this groundbreaking console introduced gamers to simple delights like Pong and Table Tennis. With approximately 28 games available, it laid the foundation for the gaming industry we know today. Atari 2600: The Iconic Cartridge Era (1977) Release Year: 1977 Estimated Cost: £199, equivalent to over £1000 in 2022 Games Released: Over 500 games Fast forward to 1977, and the Atari 2600 enters the stage. Priced at £199, it boasted a library of over 500 games, setting the standard for cartridge-based systems. Classics like Space Invaders and Pac-Man captured the hearts of gamers, solidifying the role of consoles in living rooms worldwide. Nintendo Takes the Lead: NES and SNES (1985, 1990) NES Release Year: 1985 (North America) NES Estimated Cost: £179, equivalent to about £400 in 2022 SNES Release Year: 1990 (North America) SNES Estimated Cost: £150, equivalent to about £320in 2022 NES Games Released: Over 700 games SNES Games Released: Over 700 games In 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emerged, bringing iconic franchises like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. Priced at £179, the NES dominated the market. Its successor, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), continued the legacy in 1990 with hits like Super Mario World and Zelda: A Link to the Past. The 3D Revolution: PlayStation and Nintendo 64 (1994, 1996) PlayStation Release Year: 1994 PlayStation Estimated Cost: £299, equivalent to over £550 in 2022 Nintendo 64 Release Year: 1996 Nintendo 64 Estimated Cost: £320, equivalent to over £600 in 2022 PlayStation Games Released: Over 7,000 games Nintendo 64 Games Released: Over 300 games Sony entered the scene in 1994 with the PlayStation, costing £299. Boasting a game library of over 7,000 titles, it revolutionized gaming with CD-ROMs and memorable franchises. Nintendo followed suit in 1996 with the Nintendo 64, introducing 3D graphics and classics like Super Mario 64. Sega's Swan Song: Dreamcast (1998) Release Year: 1998 (Japan), 1999 (North America) Estimated Cost: £199, equivalent to about £340 in 2022 Games Released: Around 700 games In 1998, Sega released the Dreamcast, featuring online gaming and titles like Sonic Adventure. Despite its innovations, the Dreamcast marked Sega's exit from the console race, leaving room for competitors like Sony and Microsoft. The Multimedia Experience: PS2, Xbox, and GameCube (2000, 2001) PS2 Release Year: 2000 (North America) PS2 Estimated Cost: £299 (£500 in 2022) Xbox Release Year: 2001 Xbox Estimated Cost: £299 (£500 in 2022) GameCube Release Year: 2001 GameCube Estimated Cost: £129 (£210 in 2022) PS2 Games Released: Over 3,800 games Xbox Games Released: Over 1,200 games GameCube Games Released: Over 600 games Enter the 2000s, where the PlayStation 2 dominated with over 3,800 games and a £299 price tag. Microsoft's Xbox debuted in 2001, focusing on online gaming and featuring franchises like Halo. Nintendo's GameCube, while not as successful, contributed with classics like Super Smash Bros. Melee. Motion Controls and Online Gaming: Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 (2006) Wii Release Year: 2006 Wii Estimated Cost: £179 PS3 Release Year: 2006 (North America, Japan), 2007 (Europe) PS3 Estimated Cost: £425 (20GB model) Xbox 360 Release Year: 2005 Xbox 360 Estimated Cost: £279 (Core System) Wii Games Released: Over 1,500 games PS3 Games Released: Over 1,400 games Xbox 360 Games Released: Over 1,200 games Nintendo disrupted the market in 2006 with the Wii, introducing motion controls and appealing to a broader audience. Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360 emphasized online gaming and multimedia features, setting the stage for the evolving gaming landscape. Next-Gen Powerhouses: PS4, Xbox One, and Switch (2013, 2017) PS4 Release Year: 2013 PS4 Estimated Cost: £349 Xbox One Release Year: 2013 Xbox One Estimated Cost: £429 (Day One Edition) Switch Release Year: 2017 Switch Estimated Cost: £279 PS4 Games Released: Over 4,000 games Xbox One Games Released: Over 2,000 games Switch Games Released: Expanding Library Sony's PlayStation 4 (2013) continued the success of its predecessor, while Microsoft's Xbox One focused on multimedia features. In 2017, Nintendo's Switch offered a hybrid experience, seamlessly transitioning from home to portable gaming. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S: A New Era (2020) PS5 Release Year: 2020 PS5 Estimated Cost: £389 (Digital Edition), £479 (Standard Edition) Xbox Series X/S Release Year: 2020 Xbox Series X/S Estimated Cost: £249 (Series S), £449 (Series X) PS5 Games Released: Expanding Library Xbox Series X/S Games Released: Expanding Library The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S arrived in 2020, showcasing high-performance hardware and subscription services. As we speculate about the PS6, it raises questions about the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry. Are shorter console cycles the new norm, or will the PS5 and Series X/S usher in a more extended era of gaming innovation? From the humble beginnings of the Magnavox Odyssey to the high-tech realms of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, each gaming console has left an indelible mark on the industry. The evolution of technology, changing consumer preferences, and global events continue to shape the trajectory of gaming consoles. As we eagerly anticipate the future, one thing remains certain – the history of gaming consoles is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of interactive entertainment.

Why Young People Don’t Want to Fight for the Country? Tensions around the world seem to be at their highest in my lifetime. Yes, there was still conflict when I was younger such as in Iraq, but there wasn’t the same fear of war on a global scale. All this unrest, and our country's apparent lack of manpower within its military, has led to rumours of a possible return to national service. Youth Perspective on National Service Do I think conscription making a return would be a good thing? I’m quite torn in truth. For the country, a return would make complete sense. If our military doesn’t have enough men to defend itself then we have a serious problem. A return of conscription would most likely involve myself directly and this is where I start to see issues. As a 22-year-old I’m arguably in prime fitness with regards to age so would likely receive a call-up but we are in modern times and choice is a right many of us are familiar with. Lots of people my age feel no real pride in our country. In truth, what reason does a young person have to be patriotic to the country? We’ve had zero help from our government, there’s little potential in our economy right now and many of us will never be able to afford to own a house. When the country gives little to us, why should we give back to it? The counterargument is I believe that if national service was already a thing I probably would have more love towards my country. If I was 22 in the 1950s I would have already served in the armed forces for 18 months. I believe had I done this I would be a lot more patriotic to my country, especially having served alongside other people your age which would build a sense of camaraderie. There are plenty of countries around the world that still have mandatory service. Most Scandinavian countries still require it as do Austria and Switzerland so it's not like conscription is an outdated concept, more just one that is out of favour in most places. A Lasting Source of Allegiance It's not like love for our country is completely absent within young people, it's just not maybe directly for the country. Take sport for example, when England is playing in football tournaments there is plenty of support for the country. We all don our shirts, sing the national anthem, and paint our faces with the flag of St. George but after the tournament, that sense of patriotism dies down pretty quickly. Outside of sport, there isn’t anything to be prideful of. We are a very divided country. That divide is everywhere to see, politically things are very conflicted right now. Economically the divide between rich and poor is massive. There’s even the North-South divide within our country that divides it even further. With all this division is it a surprise that we have a lack of people wanting to fight for the country? Addressing the Challenge Ahead Ultimately if war did develop close to home I do believe people would fight but I also believe many would refuse to. The only real love everybody has is for their family. There isn’t even a local community spirit never mind that on a national scale. Despite this, I want to make it clear I have nothing but the highest respect for anybody who has served our country. Our troops are something we can be proud of. Our Special Forces are the best in the world bar none and that is something we can be extremely proud of. We just don’t champion them as much as other countries like the United States. Over in the States, the Star Spangled Banner is everywhere. The national anthem is sung before every sporting event. Here in the UK unless a national team is playing or it's a Cup Final you simply won’t hear the anthem. The BBC used to play the anthem at the end of the day after programming had ended but since most BBC channels run around the clock this doesn’t happen anymore. It's a real issue the country faces, there’s a lack of pride in our country and thus, at least in my opinion, a lack of people who want to serve the country. It's just another issue on a growing list the next government needs to address.

This week, news of King Charles's recent cancer diagnosis has sparked conversations about the future of the British monarchy. With the diagnosis caught early, the question lingers: could Prince William find himself ascending the throne sooner than expected? Delving into the intricacies of royal ascension is like unravelling a captivating saga, and I'm here to guide you through it. So, buckle up as we embark on a journey to explore the fascinating world of British Royal Succession, understanding its nuances, and uncovering the recent changes that shape its path. 1. Primogeniture and Its Historical Significance: Primogeniture, derived from Latin, translates to "firstborn," a principle deeply embedded in the fabric of royal succession. Historically, this practice aimed to bring order to the line of inheritance, ensuring a clear and uncontested path for the eldest child to ascend the throne. The concept echoes through centuries, portraying a visual narrative of a lineage where the firstborn son stands poised to carry the weight of the crown. 2. Male-Preference Cognatic Primogeniture: Now, let's take a step back into an era where gender played a defining role in succession. Male-Preference Cognatic Primogeniture, an age-old tradition, accorded preference to male heirs over their female counterparts. This meant that even if an elder sister was born before her younger brother, the throne awaited him. The dynamics of royal succession were influenced not only by birth order but also by the gender of the heirs, creating a hierarchy within the royal family. 3. The Succession to the Crown Act 2013: A Modern Shift: The turning point in the royal succession narrative comes in the form of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. This legislative milestone marks a departure from centuries-old norms by dismantling the gender biases entrenched in the system. With absolute primogeniture now in play, the eldest child, whether a prince or a princess, takes centre stage. The Act is a testament to the monarchy's adaptability, aligning itself with contemporary principles of equality and fairness. 4. Direct Descendants and Extended Family: Navigating the family tree of the British monarchy reveals a dynamic interplay of direct descendants and extended family members. The direct line includes children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, forming the core branch of the royal genealogy. Beyond this direct line, siblings of the reigning monarch and their descendants add complexity to the succession hierarchy. This intricate web of familial connections ensures a robust and comprehensive order of succession, balancing direct lineage with broader family ties. 5. Marriage and Religion: Legal Changes in the Succession Rules: In the realm of royal marriages, the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 introduces significant shifts. Previously, marriage required the monarch's approval, and marrying a Catholic could alter one's position in the line of succession. The Act, however, liberates royal hearts, allowing love to blossom without the need for regal consent. It also eliminates the disqualification for marrying a Catholic, emphasizing personal choice over religious affiliations in matters of the heart. 6. Parliamentary Approval and Constitutional Dynamics: Behind the scenes of royal succession, the political stage takes centre focus. Any substantial changes to the rules of succession demand the scrutiny and approval of the United Kingdom's Parliament. This democratic safeguard ensures that alterations to the constitutional framework of the monarchy are subject to thorough debate and democratic approval. It adds a layer of checks and balances, highlighting the intersection of tradition and modern governance within the royal framework. As we navigate the twists and turns of the British royal succession, it's clear that the monarchy is a dynamic institution, blending tradition with the demands of the times. With King Charles's health in the spotlight, the question of succession takes on a new relevance. The journey from primogeniture to absolute primogeniture tells a tale of adaptation, progress, and a monarchy evolving to reflect the values of the world it serves. So, join me as we uncover the secrets and stories behind the regal path that winds through the heart of the British monarchy.

With nightclub chain PRYZM closing down most of its venues, is this the beginning of the end for the UK’s night scene or is this simply a new era? Last year I genuinely believed that UK Nightlife for most UK cities was close to dying and there was certainly some truth to that. Many venues were either downsizing or closing down completely due to high rent, lack of income and lack of staff. Whilst this is still the case, I’ve noticed a trend of many new venues opening up and being successful in addition to smaller clubs expanding. The lockdowns were brutal for nightclubs up and down the country. There was no way for these places to generate income but there was still expensive rent to pay. These clubs are in prime city centre locations and tend to be large plots too so understandably the rent isn’t cheap. Many larger venues were forced to close down and whilst some have returned many haven’t. Take one of Sheffield’s largest clubs CODE. It used to be packed out most nights but after not making money for a prolonged period they had no choice but to close. Whilst they’ve returned on the odd night for Halloween or freshers there’s been no sign of a permanent return. I don’t believe this is due to a lack of customers. If anything I’ve noticed nights out becoming busier than previously, I believe that those going on a night out are looking for something different than the previous generation may have enjoyed. The big clubs playing cheesy pop hits just aren’t appealing to people anymore. People don’t tend to enjoy staying in one venue, they want to “crawl” between different smaller venues, each with their charms and quirks for a collective night out. I’ve noticed a lot of these smaller venues having started opening more nights of the week and many have even expanded. The smaller clubs also allow for promoters to rent the club out to put on their nights making the promotion the main event rather than the venue. It means the clubs don’t have to cater to a specific genre, they can just focus on creating a nice venue and then rent the club out to promote the theme of the night accordingly. A great example of this is one of Newcastle’s most popular clubs TupTup Palace. It's by no means the biggest club in the city by size but probably is by popularity. The club opens every night apart from Mondays, every event is busy including Sundays. With each night being slightly different you’ll find some people will prefer a Wednesday to a Tuesday. This is perfect for TupTup as whilst they won’t have the same people attending each night they will have the same weekly visitors. Having that loyal customer base who will most likely attend their favourite night every week means the club is constantly getting heads through the door, selling tickets and drinks which leads to the most important thing; turning a profit. Does this mean large clubs can’t exist anymore? Far from it, they’ve just had to evolve. There must now be a greater selling point than a “large club that plays pop music”. This is where raves come in. I don’t mean raves like in the 90s. These are organised nights where a lineup of popular DJs will each perform a set. The draw for the customer comes in a similar way to how a concert works. This is one of a few chances you will get to see your favourite artist so lots of people will want tickets to this one chance they have to see their favourite DJ in the city. The Warehouse Project in Manchester is a great example of this. They use the huge old train shed at Depot Mayfield to create events with incredibly popular DJs. The line-ups will be different every weekend with different genres catered to. One night may be Drum and Bass with the next being Techno. Both are incredibly popular but don’t tend to be liked by the same people. When compared to how large clubs would have used an unknown DJ to play cheesy pop, these are well-renowned DJs with massive followings of fans desperate to see their sets. This gets people through the door, buying tickets and drinks which of course leads to profit. Whilst many clubs have sadly closed their doors this, at least in my opinion, is due to them not evolving with the times. The UK night scene is still very much alive and active just not in the way it once was.

Tesco is an instantly recognisable brand in the UK. Whilst it might not be the most popular supermarket chain, it's certainly the biggest. Whether you choose to shop at their smaller local stores, their massive supermarkets or you prefer to shop online and have your groceries delivered, there’s one thing you’ll need. A Clubcard. Without Tesco’s loyalty card, you’ll find yourself spending so much more than you would have had you signed up to Clubcard. It's incredibly easy to do, especially now you can use the app, negating the need for a physical card. The question many people have is why does it allow for such large discounts. Many people on social media are quite sceptical, some say it's a disgrace how expensive items can be without the Clubcard discount. So why not just sign up? Well for many it's a case of privacy. The reason Tesco wants you to own a Clubcard comes down to data. You may instantly think Tesco simply wants to sell your data but it might not be in the way you first think. This isn’t about selling your name, address and content details. In truth that isn’t very useful to Tesco, especially when the open register has that information already. It's a much more useful collection of data, about your shopping habits. To a Supermarket, knowing what you buy, how much of it and how often is incredibly valuable information. They can see the different shopping habits in different areas of the country and target certain promotions in certain areas. They can tailor the rewards they offer you based on what you purchase to entice you to spend more money. For example, if you buy a certain brand of biscuits every week but the price increases and you choose not to purchase them anymore, they could give you a personalised offer one week in an attempt to get you to purchase that item once again. Some people aren’t very comfortable with Tesco doing this and so will choose to not join the Clubcard loyalty scheme. Tesco is aware of this and so will increase the normal prices of items to try and convince you to join Clubcard. If you want to shop online either for click-and-collect or home delivery you have to have a Clubcard. Especially during the pandemic, this must have meant an uptake in people signing up for Clubcard meaning Tesco gained even more data on shopping habits from even more people. Whilst privacy is an understandable reason to not sign up for Clubcard, you really shouldn’t be too worried. The UK has some of the strictest data protection laws in the world. Anyone who is even remotely involved in handling data will shudder at the sound of GDPR but it's there for a reason. Tesco doesn’t sell your data. They only use it in-house. Your data is connected to you but it's not benefiting anyone other than Tesco and possibly yourself depending on the discounts received. They can see what items are frequently bought together and arrange the aisles accordingly. They can see that you may be more likely to buy one item one week and another item the next but not in the same transaction so tailor your personal discounts week by week. They can see if you prefer to shop at the little or larger stores and build stores in areas of the country based on that data. They can even use it in their banking division to gain a better understanding of you and give discounts on things like car insurance if you are seen as a more trustworthy customer. The main thing to remember with Clubcard is whilst yes it is collecting your data, it's not being sold outside of Tesco. You will never be worse off as a customer by having one, it will only ever give you discounts. For Tesco, it's essentially a win-win situation. Tesco makes more money by having a greater understanding of how to run their stores and the customer saves money by having discounts that are personalised rather than blanket discounts that cannot be offered on certain products due to the profit they would lose. In truth there's no reason to not have one, your data will be safe thanks to the strong data protection laws in this country.

Netflix has secured exclusive streaming rights for WWE Raw, the renowned weekly pro wrestling show, starting from next year. This move comes as part of a strategic decision by TKO, the company formed through the merger of WWE and UFC. For the past 31 years, WWE Raw has been a staple on broadcast TV worldwide, but this shift to a streaming platform signals a significant change in the way fans will access the show. Professional wrestling has a rich history and a unique setup that has captivated audiences for decades. The sport's evolution from regional competitions to a global entertainment phenomenon has been marked by iconic figures, dramatic storylines, and memorable moments. The WWE, in particular, has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of professional wrestling. The WWE Raw program, with its tradition of live broadcasts, has amassed a remarkable 1,600 episodes since its inception, becoming a must-watch for fans eager to stay abreast of the latest wrestling storylines. Boasting an impressive viewership of 17.5 million weekly in the US and a global social media following of 1 billion, WWE has solidified its status as a powerhouse in the world of sports entertainment. TKO's decision to make WWE Raw exclusive to Netflix will initially impact audiences in the USA, Canada, UK, and Latin America, with plans to expand to other countries in the future. This streaming deal encompasses all weekly WWE shows, live events, and pay-per-view specials, including marquee events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble. Nick Khan, WWE President, expressed confidence in Netflix as the long-term home for Raw, citing the streaming giant as an ideal fit for the show's devoted and expanding fan base. The details of whether this exclusive streaming content will be included as part of the standard Netflix subscription remain undisclosed. In a noteworthy development, Dwayne Johnson, the superstar wrestler-turned-actor, has joined TKO as a director. As part of this collaboration, Johnson has acquired ownership of "The Rock" trademark, a name synonymous with his wrestling and entertainment career. This unprecedented move has sparked speculation about a potential return to the wrestling ring for Johnson, especially following his surprise appearance on Raw earlier in the month. In a statement, Johnson expressed his excitement about being on the TKO Board of Directors and taking ownership of his iconic in-ring name, "The Rock." This move marks a significant milestone in Johnson's career, signalling a full-circle moment that has reignited anticipation among fans about the possibility of witnessing him back in action in the wrestling world.

On March 14, 1974, McDonald's made its grand entrance into the United Kingdom, opening its inaugural store in Woolwich, South East London. This marked the genesis of a culinary revolution that would soon captivate the taste buds of millions across the nation. Over the years, McDonald's has evolved into an integral part of the UK's food culture, offering a menu that resonates with the diverse tastes of its customers. As we fast forward to February 7, 2024, McDonald's continues to be a beacon of familiarity. The upcoming menu additions promise to build on this rich history, bringing fresh flavours and fan favourites to the forefront. And, to add an extra layer of excitement, an iconic item is making a comeback, ready to rekindle the fond memories associated with McDonald's since that very first store in Woolwich. A Nostalgic Return and Sweet Surprises Now, let's talk about those delectable menu items with prices that are set to steal the spotlight. The dessert section is getting a delightful upgrade with the introduction of the Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie, a heavenly combination priced at £1.99. For chocolate aficionados, the KitKat Ruby Chocolate McFlurry and KitKat Milk Chocolate McFlurry are sure to be a match made in dessert heaven, priced at £2.19 and £1.59, respectively. Burgers, Bites, and Breakfast Wrap Bliss But the excitement doesn't end there. Brace yourselves for the triumphant return of the Big Tasty and Big Tasty with Bacon, indulgent experiences that capture the essence of McDonald's signature taste. These burgers are priced at £7.69 and £8.49, respectively. And for those who savour the cheesy delights, the Mozzarella Dippers with Salsa are back, ready to be enjoyed in portions of three for £2.39 or as a share box of nine for £6.49. And then, there's the iconic Breakfast wrap. Removed briefly during the challenges of 2020, this beloved item is making a comeback to grace mornings with its delicious combination of a pork sausage patty, free-range egg, bacon, potato rosti, and cheese, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The Breakfast wrap has woven its way into the hearts of McDonald's enthusiasts, and its return is nothing short of a breakfast bliss revival. It's available for £4.39 on its own or £5.89 as a meal. A Limited-Time Feast These exciting additions are not here to stay indefinitely. Act fast because they will only be available until March 12th. Whether you're a long-time McDonald's aficionado or a newcomer looking to embark on a culinary adventure, these limited-time offerings with their respective prices are a must-try. As we celebrate the return of these iconic items and welcome the new additions with open arms, let's raise a McFlurry-filled toast to the journey that started in Woolwich and continues to bring joy to millions across the UK. McDonald's, here's to many more years of golden moments and unforgettable flavours!