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‘I’ve kept my new Whisper Fan turned on all the time to keep me cool through the heatwave’

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Meghan, a writer of shopping, has been surviving the high temperatures in this heatwave with her new Whisper fan, which she raves about because it’s so quiet I can use it anywhere during the day or night without even realizing it.

‘I’ve kept my Whisper Fan on all the time to keep me cool through the heatwave’(Image: Meghan Coon)

We are all looking for ways to stay cool as the heatwave continues, especially as summer draws near. If you can open windows, make sure there is a breeze inside, but a fan is probably the best way to keep your room cool and comfortable. And I have one in my possession that might be my all-time favorite fan.

The lack of variety in terms of speed and airflow, and the limited noise output that limits how much and when you can use them, are two of the biggest issues with fans. Both of those problems are eliminated by my new Duux Whisper Flex 2 fan. This intelligent fan offers a wide range of fan speeds and positions, promising a whisper-quiet sound that makes it ideal for leaving at night and during the day. Additionally, it comes with voice control, a remote control, and an app, which means you can alter the fan settings without even entering the room.

READ MORE: Spring sale prices for Skechers slip-on trainers with anti-sweat foot cooling technology are under £45.

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Meghan Coon's Whisper Flex 2 Fan
Meghan’s Whisper Flex 2 Fan is currently on sale on Amazon(Image: Meghan Coon)

I’ve kept this impressively quiet fan running since it arrived. Since the heatwave seems to be here to stay for a while, this fan has been a lifesaver throughout the day and night. For those wondering, the setup of this fan could not be easier. The parts are conveniently labelled to help during the construction, and the instructions provided are simple and easy to follow. I had mine put together in under ten minutes.

The standout feature of this fan, which has so many amazing features to discuss, was the almost unheard, low sound it makes while running. The more sound is created, of course, but it’s so minimal that I’ve managed to sleep with it running at a high setting while it’s still on. This fan has the perfect airflow at a remarkablely low volume, with no annoying rattling or whirring noises.

There is a designated sleep setting that works best for those (like me) who prefer to go to bed in the dark when it comes to sleeping with this beauty on. There is no extra light keeping you awake when the fan’s base’s light-up touchpad is set to sleep mode, which means that the fan can be dimmed and turned off. With the remote and the app, you can set up a timer so your fan doesn’t turn on continuously throughout the night. This is ideal for those who like to sleep cool but don’t need it all night.

As I’ve mentioned already, this top-notch fan has WiFi connectivity and is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can control the fan using your voice or take advantage of the handy and super easy to set up Duux smart app, that lets you adjust the fan’s speed, oscillation and set that timer. For those who don’t want to download the app or don’t have access to Google Home or Alexa, the fan does come armed with a simple remote control, as well as the intuitive touch panel, which lets you control your fan just as easily.

Meghan Coon Whisper Flex 2 Fan remote
Meghan’s smart fan can be controlled by a remote or via Duux’s app(Image: Meghan Coon)

The Whisper Flex 2 standing fan has three speed options to choose from, which is handy during this spring heatwave because some days days have been chilly and others have been chilly, and it also has a natural wind mode. Multiple oscillation presets on the Whisper Flex 2 allow you to precisely control airflow throughout the room, ensuring you can choose the ideal setting. You can easily aim the breeze at your bed, desk, sofa, etc. with the vertical oscillation setting of 45° and 90°, and the horizontal oscillation can switch between 30°, 60°, or 90°.

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The versatility of this flexible fan allows it to easily switch between a 54 cm desk/table fan and a 92 cm floor-standing fan, making it easily a transition from your office to your bedroom. It’s incredibly light and maneuverable, making it easy to move the fan from one room to another without any issues. Plus, it has a handy handle feature on the back of the fan, making it even easier to carry.

‘This is the year of the underdog – and I love it!’

Crystal Palace, then Newcastle. I remarked on BBC One following Saturday’s FA Cup final that 2025 is the year of the underdog, and I adore it!

I was there myself only a few weeks ago when Newcastle won the Carabao Cup final, so I am aware of how Palace fans felt after watching their side defeat Manchester City.

I had waited my entire life to see my team bring home a significant trophy, just like they did. This is their first piece of silverware in the palace’s history, and Palace supporters can tell how important it is to them, right away when I’m co-commentating at Wembley.

They shook their team off right away, reminding me of the fans who cheered their side every time they went to the ground. They essentially drowned out the City’s supporters throughout the majority of the game, and I experienced every emotion along with them throughout the entire 90 minutes and even afterwards.

When the board went up and there was 10 minutes of stoppage time, you could see the agony on their faces, and when I looked around I saw everyone holding their hands in the same stadium as I did when I watched Liverpool play the final game.

When the celebrations were just beginning, I witnessed both the joy and the tears afterwards. On Sunday and Monday, many of them will have sore heads, and I have no regrets about it.

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I know I did when it came to finally getting Newcastle’s chance to win something, so they should absolutely make the most of it.

When a team lifts a trophy, what do you do next? However, the only thing Palace should be anticipating right now is Tuesday’s home game against Wolves because there is going to be a heck of a party at Selhurst Park, aside from enjoying European football for the first time next season.

Because they have some very talented players who other clubs might try to sign, they will have to decide whether to sell them or keep them in the summer.

“Palace won every battle,” according to legend.

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The Palace players gave such impressive individual performances, and I thought they were also the better team. They gave everything to get their victory, and they deserved it.

They all put their bodies on the line, whether it was blocking shots, crossing the line, or passing. Two, three, or even four men were thrown in the air in desperation, doing everything in their power to stop City, which was admirable to watch.

In the end, Palace appeared to have won every tackle, and it was getting better from all those close calls that ultimately led to the team getting over the line.

I don’t believe you can attribute any one thing to Palace’s victory, but they did have that work and a game that worked: they were content to let City have the ball, defend deep, and then attempt to hit them on the break.

When Erling Haaland ran out of the first half, they decided not to send off goalkeeper Dean Henderson for his handball outside his box, which is a constant requirement for success.

I’m surprised Haaland didn’t give up a penalty.

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When City consider what they could have done differently on Saturday, they will be thinking a lot about who and what should have been given.

I was surprised that Erling Haaland decided to award a penalty in an FA Cup final despite Pep Guardiola pretty much saying in his post-match interview that it was the players’ responsibility to sort it out.

Haaland has already missed three penalties this season and is just recovering from an injury, but he has managed to score 30 goals overall. Every time I step in his shoes, I pay the penalty.

Hearing Henderson speak after the game made the situation even more fascinating. He claimed he didn’t know the direction he was going from the spot if Haaland had taken it despite the fact that he was obviously aware of where Marmoush was going to place his penalty.

City obviously had a great opportunity to level up, but I don’t believe they did enough after that to earn a lot of money.

Before the game was over, Nico O’Reilly had a decent chance, and he could have scored sooner, but he instead chose to cut back on his left foot and was crowded out.

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On Tuesday, City will host a second cup final.

Due to Tuesday’s enormous Premier League game against Bournemouth, City must move past this disappointment quickly.

They really need to win it because they are currently in sixth place and out of the Champions League positions. In essence, it’s another cup final for them.

Regardless of whether they finish in the top five or not, I can see Pep’s squad experiencing significant player turnover over the summer.

We are aware that Jack Grealish is leaving, but Guardiola preferred to start him off the bench when he was desperate for a goal against Palace, as opposed to sending him on.

There are potential changes, and there must be them, really. Although this City team has been incredible, they have come to an end of their dominance and require some freshmen to challenge for the title once more.

Even if they invest a lot and add a few players, I’m not sure if they can return to the heights that Guardiola led them to during the previous few seasons as the nation’s top team.

However, it is absolutely necessary to make things better. With two games left, and without a trophy for the first time since 2016-17, they have already set a very poor season, given the heights they have reached.

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The ex-Arsenal man scoring goals for fun at Monaco

Images courtesy of Getty
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There is a player on the Gunners’ books who is now one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers as Arsenal approaches the end of the season without a trophy or a recognized striker.

Since moving to Monaco in January after initially leaving north London for Sturm Graz for about £4 million including add-ons last summer, Mika Biereth has scored 13 goals in 15 Ligue 1 games.

The 22-year-old made his first senior cap for Denmark by winning three hat-tricks in just his first 10 games for Monaco in February.

Since Biereth arrived at Stade Louis II, only Kylian Mbappe, age 18, has scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues.

Makeshift forward Mikel Merino, who had five goals in the same period, was Arsenal’s top league goal scorer.

Biereth, who never made a first-team appearance for the Gunners, tells BBC Sport, “I’m happy to find myself at Monaco and enjoying myself in life and football and everything is working really well.”

“I wouldn’t say that my career path has been the most predictable or intuitive.” There has been a lot of moving, visiting many different locations, and interacting with many different cultures, in my opinion.

Journey of Biereth to Monaco

When he caught the attention of scouts at Arsenal, Biereth scored goals for Fulham at the youth level.

In recent years, the Gunners have changed their academy recruitment strategy, focusing more on the signings of young players like Biereth and Tommy Setford, both of whom recently joined from Ajax.

Although the highly regarded Setford is a signing for the academy, Biereth was one of the club’s first signings in the 2021 class when he signed in 2021, while the 19-year-old has been training with the first team since he arrived and made his Carabao Cup debut earlier this year.

Along with his goal-scoring prowess, what Arsenal really liked about Biereth, who was born in London but also qualifies for Denmark, England, Germany, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, was his personality and traits.

However, Biereth joined when Mikel Arteta had established Arsenal’s possession-based approach, and the transition to the first team was challenging for a young forward who describes himself as an “old-fashioned striker.”

With the recent injury crisis facing Arsenal, Biereth would never have had a chance, which would have only made things worse for him.

He scored two goals in 13 games for Dutch top-flight RKC Waalwijk in 2022 before moving to Scotland with Motherwell the following year, where he added six goals and five assists in 11 league starts. He did so on loan to RKC Waalwijk in the following year.

Before Biereth permanently joined Sturm Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga last summer, he scored 14 goals in 25 games, two of which were in the Champions League. He then took a second loan spell at what he refers to as “the next level.”

Since making his Nations League debut for Denmark in March, his goalscoring exploits have been unparalleled since his arrival at Monaco.

I’m a fairly straightforward striker, but I’m a little too sappy in terms of not being particularly concerned about build-up play, looking pretty, and appearing in too many YouTube highlights, he says.

I do what I’m supposed to do, score goals, and do my job as effectively as possible.

Arsenal is not the “end all” of Arsenal.

Mika Biereth celebratesImages courtesy of Getty

Biereth says he was always in conversation with the club about getting loaned out, getting experience, and then returning to the building to see how things turn out, and that he is happy that he made the decision to test himself on loan at senior level while at Arsenal.

There was a feeling that there was no real opportunity, he adds when I was loaned out and returned to the building.

“I’m not one of those people who just wants to kick a ball around with the under-21s and hope for a few chances in training,” I said.

It is believed that Biereth’s decision to leave Arsenal had worked out for everyone, even though he might not have had the opportunity to do so at first-team level.

Arsenal believes Biereth received a solid football education and a strong profile, which allows an academy player to excel in senior football, another sign of success for young players, even if they don’t advance to Arsenal.

It demonstrated Biereth’s ability to excel at the highest level, and his Sturm Graz experience made him a desirable prospect for Monaco.

You believe that playing for Arsenal is the be all and end all, he says.

This season, could he have helped Arsenal?

Mika Biereth playing for DenmarkImages courtesy of Getty

Would Biereth have had the opportunity to play under Arteta and, in the end, have scored the goals to prolong Arsenal’s lead in the Premier League title race, Biereth might ask himself?

“Yes, I believe that a small number of people are thinking that as well. Biereth explains that is exactly how football plays.

“When I was there, I didn’t really feel like I had a chance,” he said. I didn’t want to wait around and wait for a lucky outcome. I think I’ve done that in some ways, and I think I should just go out and prove myself.

Football is a strange sport, and you can always imagine what would happen if you didn’t do it.

What if I stayed and what if I thought about it is the way I think about things? We have just secured Champions League football for the following season because I’m playing really well here in Monaco and I’m really happy.

With Gabriel Jesus already sidelined for the season and Kai Havertz missing after winning 5-1 over Manchester City in February, Arsenal has only won four of their 12 Premier League games.

In that time, Biereth outperformed any other Arsenal player and scored more goals than any of his former teammates.

Despite circumstances, he might have had an opportunity to play for Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal would have entered the transfer market this summer in search of a new striker.

It’s unbelievable that, despite playing for one of the bigger teams in the Dutch league just two seasons ago, I couldn’t get a kick. However, “football really changes quickly.”

Next year, he will compete for Monaco in the Champions League while attempting to win the World Cup with Denmark.

“I’m really proud to move to a team in the top five league and then start playing well here,” Biereth says.

“It was a proud moment for both my family and myself because of the recognition,” the official said.

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Keep house plants and greenhouses automatically irrigated with solar-powered set

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This solar-powered set is the best option if you’re looking for a way to keep your balcony, home, or greenhouse plants automatically watered without lifting a finger.

Keep house plants and greenhouses automatically irrigated with solar-powered set(Image: Debenhams)

An automatic irrigation system is necessary if you want to keep your plants watered at home or without lifting a finger. This Gardena irrigation set, which is solar-powered and has a settable timer, is ideal for keeping your balcony, house, conservatory, or greenhouse plants watered without having to be close by.

This irrigation system only needs a nearby water source, such as a bucket, and direct sunlight because it is designed with a solar-powered battery, which eliminates the need for cables or extension leads to have it plugged in.

One of these Amazon items can be purchased for less than the price of one of these AquaBloom solar-powered irrigation sets. You’ll need to rush to get yours before it’s gone, because this stock is currently running very low at the time of writing. You can also purchase the same item at Argos or Debenhams.

READ MORE: Spring sale prices for Skechers slip-on trainers with anti-sweat foot cooling technology are under £45.

READ MORE: Electric handheld pressure washer “affordably cleans gardens” is discounted by £70 on sale.

GARDENA Solar-Powered Irrigation AquaBloom Set
The AquaBloom set is a complete ready-to-use irrigation system(Image: Debenhams)

When you’re not there, the AquaBloom system waters and cares for your tub plants, greenhouses, or home-grown herbs as needed all year long.

You’ll only need a water bucket close to your plants to set up the helpful system, which doesn’t need a power outlet or a water tap in your garden or terrace. A 3-in-1 main unit, which includes a pump that draws water, a control unit to set the irrigation schedule, and a solar panel that supplies the included rechargeable batteries, complete the AquaBloom set.

This Aquabloom irrigation system includes pressure-compensation drippers, fourteen pre-defined watering schedules, and other features that allow you to manage the watering of up to 20 plants. Additionally, it makes use of the Aquabloom’s versatile and practical placement, which allows for either planting pot mounting or standing next to it. Just make sure you place the control unit in a sunny location so that it can recharge throughout the day.

It’s simple and without tools to install AquaBloom. With this irrigation set, you can enjoy your balcony, terrace, or home with gorgeous, well-maintained plants and flowers all year long without having to worry about them going without water when you’re not there.

This irrigation set has nearly 2k positive reviews from satisfied Amazon customers who can’t stop rave about it, and it costs $94.98 at Debenhams, $86.23 on Amazon, or £125 at Argos.

One customer remarks, “I have a small domestic polytunnel without mains electricity or water at the end of the garden.” My watering can won’t let me use it, but I can usually use it to travel back and forth. However, since we were away for a week in extremely hot weather, I needed a remedy. This has been a really effective implementation so far. I glued a garden fork in the border and attached the solar pump to the handle for various reasons, but it was impossible to find a place to put it. The in-flow tube was placed next to 20 vegetable plants that had been planted in a soil border and were inserted into a water tank outside the polytunnel door. Although I’m not very handy, it’s really simple to set up and stress-free as long as you can use a pair of scissors. Although I may need to re-do the configuration because I had to cut the tubing according to particular plant spacings, Gardena sell replacement/standalone drip irrigation tubing.

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Another beams, “I’m so happy with my new garden waterer. The big test was when we took a week-long vacation and had to leave my beloved tomatoes, which I had raised from seed. The tomatoes were bigger and the soil was lovely and moist when we arrived home, so I wasn’t concerned. I anticipate using it frequently.

Mexican Navy ship crashes into New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, 19 injured

At least 19 people have been hurt in the collision between a sailing ship from the Mexican Navy and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, including four who are in critical condition, according to officials.

On Saturday, the incident occurred.

The ship’s top three masts collide with the iconic structure, which connects Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York City, according to online videos that have been posted.

As they crash into the bridge deck, the masts can be seen snapping and partially collapsing.

As onlookers ran away from the shore, the ship, which was carrying a gigantic green, white, and red Mexican flag, then veered toward the river’s edge.

On the damaged masts’ rigging, sailors can be seen aft.

The 142-year-old bridge was spared significant damage, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who claimed 19 people were seriously hurt in the collision.

The collision’s cause is being looked into.

When the vessel struck the bridge and one of its masts snapped, Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press that they were outside to watch the sunset. Someone was dangling from high on the ship, they observed as they looked closer.

We were able to zoom in on our phone and discovered a person dangling from the harness from the top for at least 15 minutes before they could save them, Katz said.

They claimed they witnessed two people being escorted into smaller boats while on stretchers from the ship.

The Cuauhtemoc, a training ship for the academy, was allegedly damaged in a collision with the Brooklyn Bridge, which prevented it from continuing its journey, according to the Mexican Navy in a post on X.

The naval and local authorities, who were assisting, were also reviewing the status of personnel and supplies.

The Mexican government’s ambassador to the US and officials from the Mexican consulate in New York were in contact with local authorities, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but injuries were not mentioned in the statement.

A nearly 1,600-foot (490-meter) main span supported by two masonry towers is the Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883.

Today’s horoscope for May 18 as Virgo will receive some unexpected news from their partner

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One star sign is shown that their families will be more harmonious together in today’s horoscope for May 18 while another is informed that stress will affect their emotions.

Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)

One star sign will hear some unanticipated news from their partner on May 18th.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

You’ve gotten sick of talking about a particular goal without doing anything about it. You’ll schedule your time differently to allow you to concentrate on this goal. A practical approach to putting ideas into practice is what you need. You will have a fantastic opportunity.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

Although it took longer than originally intended, you finally have the opportunity to implement your plans. In the end, this will enable a more secure and comfortable life in the future. Take a moment to reflect on what you accomplished tonight.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your mood may be a little down, which is unusual for you. You’ve been left uneasy by something that happened to a friend or neighbor. Even though this is the last thing you want to think about at the moment, you are under pressure to handle a challenging responsibility.

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Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

As you gather to laugh and discuss upcoming plans, there is a wonderful sense of family unity. The future seems more predictable right now. This evening, you might have some special guests. You’ll shine, too.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

You’ve been aiming for the realization of a dream you’ve had for yourself. Don’t forget to take time for your loved ones while participating in various personal and social projects. You must keep them informed of what has been going on.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Unexpected news will be shared by your partner very soon. You can learn some valuable tips about a new job opportunity from a casual conversation with a coworker. Later, pay attention to family issues to avoid offending an older relative.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

People you had trusted to fulfill the promises they made deceived you. You now have a significant responsibility. Create a list and tick off each item as you go through it. Whether in a romantic or social setting, the evening appears to be more enjoyable.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Your life is currently being affected significantly by your closest and dearest. You might experience high feelings when you’re forming a new relationship. To maximize the creative ideas of a friend, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and keep your plans flexible.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

You’ll be surprised at things that other people overlook. You might wonder how someone who is typically watchful and attentive missed something right in front of their eyes. Choose the path of adventure when faced with the choice to explore new possibilities or to stick to the norm.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

You’ll be engaged in group and social activities. As the day progresses, the pace accelerates, and it might feel overwhelming. Watch how much money you spend, as your busy social life could start to drain your resources.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

When a conflicting friend seems determined to do the opposite, you sense that you have the responsibility to maintain harmony in the environment. When you’re irritated with someone, it’s difficult to paint on a fake smile. You’ll feel pressure on your emotions, but you’ll also enjoy some quiet time in the future.

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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

You’ll receive some extra money to help you with your future plans. This will indicate to you that despite what some people claim, the universe still supports your ideas and that a break from your daily routine is in order.

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