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Harry Potter fans have started a petition to save aa wizarding game that is closing down at the end of the month.

Disappointed Harry Potter fans have started a petition to prevent a game based on the famous wizard from closing down.

Gaming app Harry Potter: Magic Awakened is set to shut down for food for users in Europe, America and Oceania.

But it will still be available for players in Asia, including Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, as well as other select Asia and MENA territories.

The game is no longer available to download but those already with the game will be able to continue playing until it closes down for good on October 29.

As part of the game, players can spend their own money to boost their profile and get add ons and many fans have said they’re gutted that the game is closing, especially after investing time and money into it.

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In response, some keen Potterheads have started a petition to save the Magic Awakened game.

Hon Change.orgthose who started the petition, said: “We, the undersigned, are passionate players of Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, a beloved mobile game that has brought immense joy and excitement to its community.

“With recent news of WB Games’ decision to shut down the servers for this game, we, the dedicated players of the WB servers, are deeply concerned about the future of a game that has become a cherished part of our lives.

“Harry Potter: Magic Awakened” has not only captivated us with its magical world and engaging gameplay but has also fostered a vibrant and dedicated community of players who have invested significant time and resources into the game.

“The news of its closure is met with great disappointment, as it means losing access to a beloved hobby and community.”

As a response, the petitioners have asked NetEase Games, which developed the game, to consider acquiring the servers for the game, meaning they will be able to continue playing it in other countries.

They added: “By acquiring the servers for Harry Potter: Magic Awakened NetEase Games would not only preserve the hard work and dedication of the game’s developers but also honor the commitment of its global player base.

“We believe that with NetEase Games at the helm, the game can continue to thrive and evolve, providing countless more hours of enjoyment and community engagement.”

Upon hearing the news that they have just weeks left to play the game, many fans shared their disappointment on Reddit.

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One shared their anger that they had spent money on the game, only to see it go: “Just saw this. All my money wasted. This is insane. I’m so angry right now.”

While someone else said: “Well, this may have been the shortest-lived mobile game I’ve ever played.

“I can’t say I’m terribly surprised, with how obvious it’s been that players have been disappearing left and right, but it’s a shame.”

Tired, hot, thirsty children – sound familiar to any parents tackling theme parks in Orlando’s humid heat? If so, these tips could save you a fortune and keep the little ones happy

Any parent who has holidayed in Orlando, Florida will know – the heat is not for the faint-hearted, especially for the little ones in your family.

Humidity and temperatures as high as 40 degrees in summer mean mums and dads find a massive chunk of their holiday spending money being spent on drinks and iced treats, and over a two-week holiday, this can certainly add up.

I have two tips that can save you a fortune. If you head to Universal Orlando Resort, you can benefit from a refillable cup that will set you back around $27.99 per person. What I realized quickly is that these cups are huge—and a whole family doesn’t need their own one. We bought two for a family of five, saving nearly $100.

Also, if you plan to visit the parks for more than one day, you can reactivate the card in the morning for a much cheaper cost for a full day’s worth of drinks.

You can refill your cup in numerous locations around the park at Freestyle machines offering a huge selection of soft drinks. The chip beneath the cup reactivates every 10 minutes, so by the time the whole family has had their fill and cooled down, you’re almost ready to fill again if you need to.

It also makes perfect parenting sense when it comes to making the most of your theme park day. Lockers are small for rides and having just two makes it far easier to get on and off rides without five giant cups to contend with, and you can reduce waste by not throwing away lots before the next ride or show.

Remember, too, that the Freestyle machines offer free water, so if you bring along your own bottle for the day, you can fill up and hydrate as often as you need to.

We also found a hidden gem on our travels that will help you tick lots of boxes on your dream trip, from picture-perfect snaps to cooling down and resting tired legs.

For families looking for a pitstop with picturesque views and a free drink with a twist, head to Springfield’s Duff Brewery. Located at the back of the park between Men in Black and the Animal actors show, this Simpsons-themed land has a treat in store for weary, tired families – and it’s free!

Head to the left of the bar, and you’ll spot, behind the bar pillar, a huge water cooler filled with fresh, ice-cold water and slices of lemon and lime. This simple drink is a welcome sight halfway around the park and perfect for kids who are tired of sweet, fizzy drinks.

It’s also a treat for us parents. Grab a cold Duff beer (you are in Springfield, after all) and head to the back of the bar. Head down just a few steps and you’ll find yourself transported to a much more relaxed area. Quiet tables, plenty of seating and no hustle and bustle, its ideal for resting tired feet and hitting that reset button.

The best partthough, is the uninterrupted views over the lagoon. From here, you can see all around the park, from across Transformers to over by Kings Cross, where holidaymakers make their way into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. It’s magical, the perfect picture spot for those family frames back home, and a budget-friendly way to cool down.

Dementia is a broad category encompassing various syndromes associated with the ongoing decline in brain functioning

You might have assumed that all brains are roughly the same size. But scientists suggest this isn’t always the case – in fact, the shape of our brain could potentially help detect early signs of dementia.

New research from the University of California explored this concept, analyzing over 2,600 brain scans of adults aged 30 to 97. Remarkably, they observed that ‘uneven shaping’ was particularly prominent in older adults experiencing cognitive decline, which could indicate new markers for identifying dementia risk.

Senior author Niels Janssen explained: “Most studies of brain aging focus on how much tissue is lost in different regions. What we found is that the overall shape of the brain shifts in systematic ways, and those shifts are closely tied to whether someone shows cognitive impairment.”

Dementia is a broad category encompassing various syndromes associated with the ongoing decline in brain functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, accounting for about 60 to 70% of cases, according to the World Health Organisation.

In the fresh analyses, scientists observed that older adults experiencing cognitive decline showed greater expansion in the ‘inferior and anterior parts of the brain’, while the ‘superior and posterior regions’ contracted inward. Adults with ‘poorer reasoning’ skills were also frequently noted to have ‘more pronounced posterior compression’, referring to something pressing upon the back.

However, according to the team, one of the study’s most striking implications was understanding the ‘potential impact of shape changes with age on the entorhinal cortex’. This specifically describes a small but crucial memory base located in the brain.

The study indicates that these shape alterations might physically push this vulnerable area closer to the rigid base of the skull. The entorhinal cortex is also among the initial regions where tau, a harmful protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease, starts to accumulate.

Co-author Dr Michael Yassa also explained: “This could help explain why the entorhinal cortex is ground zero of Alzheimer’s pathology. If the aging brain is gradually shifting in a way that squeezes this fragile region against a rigid boundary, it may create the perfect storm for damage to take root.

“Understanding that process gives us a whole new way to think about the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease and the possibility of early detection.” Overall, scientists think that gaining a better understanding of how brain shape changes could assist in understanding the mechanisms of risks, even during the earliest stages of the disease.

Dr. Yassa continued: “We’re just beginning to unlock how brain geometry shapes disease. But this research shows that the answers may be hiding in plain sight – in the shape of the brain itself.”

Key symptoms of dementia

While signs of dementia can vary depending on the type, common symptoms during its onset may include:

• Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
• Being confused about time and place
• Mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused about the correct change when shopping
• Memory loss

The NHS encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical advice. Its guidance reads: “Although there is no cure for dementia at the moment, an early diagnosis means its progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.

“A diagnosis helps people with dementia get the right treatment and support. It can also help them, and the people close to them, to prepare for the future.”

For more information, head to the NHS website.

A busy mum was left reeling when her ‘ungrateful’ husband moaned about her Christmas dinner in just a few words after she’d spent hours preparing the meal in the kitchen whilst looking after their children

Cooking the Christmas dinner is no mean feat, but one woman was left horrified at how her husband described her efforts.

The most important part of Christmas Day is arguably the dinner, and after all the time and effort it takes, no cook wants to get it wrong. So to hear someone insulting your creation can be pretty deflating.

The woman, who wished not to disclose her name, explained how she had spent most of the day preparing the meal while her husband was working, on top of looking after their children until he was home. Yet despite all of her hard work, all she received were complaints, with one savage remark in particular.

READ MORE: Woman in hysterics at ‘disgusting’ way her friend washes up after dinner

Her husband proceeded to tell her their roast beef was “tough as old boots” and reminded him of a shoe. Seething with his remarks, the mum took to Mumsnet to post an anonymous rant after his comment, and said he kept telling his family about it as well.

She wrote: “We have small children and I spend the morning and afternoon running between the kitchen and the living room cooking, playing with the kids, opening presents, building toys and cleaning and cooking a big Christmas dinner.

“Main was a huge turkey crown which was beautiful, everyone enjoyed it. All fresh veg, homemade cauliflower cheese, Yorkshires, all the trimmings etc. Beef was an extra (small joint) but not the main event.” She explained in the post that she had to text her husband asking for help cooking the beef as she’d never done it before due to mostly having a vegetarian diet.

Asking him how long to cook it for, she claimed he replied, “Just guess”, so she did. The online post further detailed: “Served up the dinner and he moaned and moaned about how the beef was like an old boot and he could barely cut through it. It was very tough. Told him to leave it and just eat the turkey.”

However, she said he made it worse when his family came over in the evening and asked how the dinner was. “All he could mention was the beef being like old boots, and our kids laughed along. His Mum then offered to teach me how to cook beef,” she claimed, adding that he also kept commenting on how much she’d fork out for the turkey.

The post concluded: “Felt like I was in the kitchen for several hours prepping, cooking and cleaning. I was exhausted when he came home,” and asked if she was being unreasonable after he left her “very embarrassed” when he mentioned it to his whole family and “it sounded like the whole of my dinner was s*** when it was only one of many other dishes.”

People were quick to defend her, and called her husband ungrateful for all her hard work. One Mumsnet user wrote: “I wouldn’t be lifting a finger next year to cater for the ungrateful swine. Cook the food you enjoy and leave the meat on the shelf,” while another added: “Ungratefulness. Complaining. Jokes at your expense. Why are you doing this to yourself for someone who takes all of your hard work for granted?”

However one contradicted this and said: “You obviously have access to the internet so could have googled how to cook beef? You admit it was awful and if he’s making some jokes about it so what just let it go over your head I think you are blowing this out of proportion.”

Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]

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It comes as energy bills are set to rise again this winter, with the Ofgem price cap rising from £1,720 a year to £1,755

OVO is giving away free energy-saving products as part of a £56 million support package for this winter.

This includes free electric blankets, smart sockets, and home efficiency kits. Other support available from OVO includes free energy upgrades, such as loft insulation, or a new boiler or heat pump.

There is also enhanced financial support for those who are struggling, such as direct debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans.

The support from OVO is technically on offer all year round, but applications for enhanced winter support will open in October. OVO has provided £190 million in support since 2022 and assisted 42,000 customers last year.

David Buttress, CEO of OVO, said: “We’re providing support to those who need it most by working together with our charity partners and committing our largest ever customer support package.

“But this isn’t a long term solution. We need to make the energy system work better for everyone. That starts with targeted support in the form of a social tariff – no one can be, or no one needs to be left behind.”

David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign Director, said: “At the Warm Welcome Campaign we believe it’s vital that people can access the support they need in a place where they feel comfortable and safe, and that’s why we’re so pleased to be working closely with OVO again this winter.

“Through our partnership we will be helping our Warm Welcome Spaces across the country become places where people can receive meaningful practical support to help get them through the hardest months of the year.”

Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange debt charity, said: “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with OVO, which will provide much needed support to customers struggling with energy bills throughout the colder months.

“We know the past few years have been challenging for households facing significant cost of living pressures. OVO’s Extra Support will help thousands of people access advice and support with energy arrears and wider financial difficulties. We look forward to working closely with OVO on this important initiative.”

It comes as energy bills are set to rise again this winter. The Ofgem price cap will rise from £1,720 a year to £1,755 a year on October 1. These figures are how much the typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit can expect to pay for energy.

New polling from OVO reveals that 91% of people are worried about their bills this winter, with 7 in 10 (71%) saying they are even more concerned than last year.

The Spice Girl said this product left her hair ‘shiny’ and added: “It feels amazing”

Spice Girls’ Emma Bunton, aka Baby Spice, has shared the results of a beauty product she used on her hair, which she says left her locks feeling ‘shiny’ and also ‘smells amazing’.

The singer and radio presenter, 49, shared a video with her Instagram followers in October 2020, saying a hair mask – the Give Me Cosmetics Argan Oil & Coconut Oil Hair Mask – she had used was a ‘saviour’. And now, shoppers can get the same product as part of a huge discounted bundle sale for Black Friday.

The product in question is from Give Me Cosmeticswho are offering up to 50% off everythingas of November 3, for their Black Friday event which includes ‘two viral bundles’. Among the products included in The Full Haircare Set (Argan and Coconut Oil) which is worth £67.93 and being offered for £21.99 as part of the Give Me Black Friday Takeover, is the hair mask, alongside a shampoo and conditioner, detangling hair brush, heat defense spray, hair repair cream and hair serum.

The hair mask, which shoppers can effectively get for £3.14 as part of this bundle, was used by Emma previously, who said of the Give Me Cosmetics product: “It’s a hair mask, and it’s been a savior, because it’s been a bit hard, hasn’t it, during lockdown, there’s no salons open, having to look after my own hair, with two kids. But this takes 20 minutes, so I’m going to go and give my hair a little wash now, and I’ll be back in a second.”

Returning with wet hair, she applied the mask saying it was “just brilliant, it’s easy”, and she brushed it evenly through her blonde locks.

Black Friday Takeover from Give Me Cosmetics

£34.99

£21.99

Give Me Cosmetics

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Give Me Cosmetics is offering 50% on products for Black Friday, including two viral bundles and theirs Haircare Bundles (pictured here).

She added: “And that’s it, 20 minutes. It’s made from argan oil and coconut oil, so it smells divine.” She then went on to show her Instagram followers the results saying: “Voila, it’s done. And look, it’s shiny, and it feels amazing. So, so good. So it’s a hair mask. It’s Give Me Cosmetics, and I’m ready for anything now.”

According to the brand, Argan Oil helps smooth and soften locks, while Coconut Oil is for strength and shine. They say the hair mask is good for dry or colored hair and can be used once a week. To use it, there are three steps which include shampoo and conditioning (they recommend a double shampoo), apply the mask and leave it for 10-15 minutes, and finally, rinse it off and style hair.

Additionally, as part of the Give Me Cosmetics reductions, the viral Black Friday Bundle has “become the hero deal of the season”, the brand says. It includes nine full-sized products worth £81.91, with a guaranteed shampoo, conditioner and lip oil. The brand also explains that the bundle changes every week, so shoppers can get a different combination every time for £21.99, working out to roughly £2.44 per product and saving beauty fans nearly £60 too.

Another option is the Christmas Mystery Box which has eight full-sized products worth over £66, and includes a guaranteed shampoo, conditioner and lip oil plus five extra mystery favourites, the brand says, and costs £23.99.

Elsewhere, the full haircare sets have been reduced to £19.99, from £34.99, and they come in Coconut and Argan Oil, Coconut and Aloe Vera (which the brand says is sulphate and silicone free) and Mango and Passionfruit, which includes the shampoo and conditioner, hair mask, exfoliating hair brush, heat defense spray and hair serum.

Their Mango and Passionfruit shampoo and conditioner set is paraben-free, and both contain nutrients like provitamins B5, which the brand says can help increase hair strand elasticity, while the heat defense spray can protect heat-styled hair from temperatures up to 230° they say.

According to Give Me Cosmetics, their price deals offer shoppers “premium quality products” that will not “punish your purse”, and they say this Black Friday event is their ‘biggest event yet’. They also point out that the bundles are limited editions and once they are sold out, they are sold out.

For shoppers wanting something fruity, the Umberto Giannini Banana & Coconut Dream Gift Set is £15 from Boots. This detangler also repairs and restores shine, the brand says, and shoppers will also get a detangling brush.

On LookFantastic, the Christophe Robin Dreamy Volume Ritual set is £44. This three-step regimen is intended to help those with fine hair add some volume and lift. Shoppers get a Cleansing Volumising Paste, a Delicate Volumising Conditioner and an Instant Volumising Leave-In Mist, all rose scented.

Shoppers have left plenty of feedback on their purchases online, with one person saying of their argan and coconut hair bundle: “Fabulous products & they smell divine. I bought this as a gift for my niece & she just loves them. I got a different set for my other niece & she loves them too. Gorgeous.”

It has been transformative, one shopper claimed, adding: “Best shampoo I have ever used. One year of using this shampoo and my hair is everything. I have a combination of brown and blonde hair with greasy scalp but flaky and no more. My hair is clean for a week. Scalp scrub, two shampoo rinses and conditioner once and a week and the finish blow dry makes my hair sleek and smooth and everyone compliments it asking who’s done your hair. I love it. Hair goals.”

A third customer said: “My hair is damaged/dry/fine this product makes it feel wonderful and smells gorgeous. Love it.”

One shopper had some feedback on the Mango & Passion Fruit Full Haircare Set, saying: “Read lots of reviews about this shampoo and as a result, was eager to try it in an attempt to tackle my fine, lack luster hair (courtesy of the menopause). Bought alongside the matching conditioner. It smells amazing and feels lovely on my hair but, despite making my hair feel soft, it hasn’t really tackled the issue of my fine, thinning hair. That said, maybe I haven’t been using it long enough yet.”

Someone else said simply: “Smells lush.”

Enjoy a ‘cloud-like’ display next spring with this large, ‘elegant, soft-pink’ cherry blossom tree that won’t break the bank with its budget-friendly price tag of £35

Cherry blossom trees are a coveted accessory for any garden, border, or patio. Thanks to their graceful bouquet of pastel pinks and whites, which arrives suddenly during the spring, they drop stunning petals like snowflakes and are an eye-catching addition to any outdoor space.

But if you’d been worrying that these trees are a costly investment to your garden, fret not, as this refined specimen is currently up for grabs for £34.99 at Gardening Express.

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The Prunus ‘Pandora’, or cherry blossom, is a graceful and refined tree that looks beautiful in smaller gardens or on elegant avenues. Blooming in early spring, this gorgeous tree bursts into soft blush-pink single flowers that fade to near-white as they mature, creating a delicate, cloud-like canopy. The flowers emerge just before the fresh green foliage, which later takes on warm golden and orange tones in autumn, adding a seasonal charm through most of the year.

Boasting an upright, vase-shaped habit, the Pandora cherry tree is ideal for narrow spaces or formal planting, whether you keep it in a planter or add it straight to the garden. This head-turning tree thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and bathes in full sun.

That said, this tree is both hardy and low-maintenance, making it an easy plant to add to any space without the need for difficult care. You can prune it lightly in summer to maintain its neat form or let it grow freely into a wilder, unique shape.

Adding character and a vibrant display to your yard, patio or borders, this cherry blossom tree is set to keep a stunning array of shades from spring to autumn, ensuring your garden is full of color through most of the year. And what’s more, this tree comes with the affordable price tag of £34.99, making it a wallet-friendly and beautiful choice.

If you’re on the hunt for alternative cherry blossom trees, check out this Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ Cherry Blossom Tree, which retails for £24.99 at You Garden. Over on Amazon, this Cheal’s Weeping Pink Flowering Cherry Tree is available for £59.99, while B&Q offers this Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Tree for £44.99.

Dr Monika Sharma shared one of her go-to breakfasts that’s ideal for the days you’re short on time

A GP has revealed the “lazy girl breakfast” she swears by for busy mornings. Dr Monika Sharma, an NHS doctor and content creator who posts on TikTok as @lifewithdoctormon shared her recommendation in a recent post.

Dr Monika told viewers: “Okay, so we’ve established that I’m pretty lazy when it comes to cooking and anything to do with prepping food. But if there is one thing I do prep, then it’s my breakfast. It’s the meal that I look forward to the most.

“Like, I am genuinely excited to wake up and eat breakfast. Also, because I believe that if you start your day on the right foot, then the rest of your day will go okay, sort of. And also because I am always rushing out the door, so even if I don’t have time to eat breakfast, I can grab it and eat it at work.

“So, here is my lazy girl breakfast, packed full of protein and fiber that can be chopped and changed in flavor and toppings, just how you like it, to keep you fueled for your mornings.”

In the caption, Dr. Monika shared her recipe, adding that the breakfast “takes less than five minutes to make.”

The ingredients

• Approximately 40g of oats
• Approximately 15g of chia seeds
• 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
• 2 tbsp of yogurt
• Approximately 1 cup of liquid (water/milk)
• Toppings of your choice

The GP wrote: “You want it to be runny-ish before you put it in the fridge to let the chia soak it all up.” As for toppings, she said you could use nuts, seeds, fruit, honey, nut butter, or anything else you might enjoy.

Dr. Monika’s video received over 9,000 views and 200 likes. Explaining the health benefits associated with oats, Healthline said: “Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease.” Adding oats to your breakfast could also help you feel fuller for longer because of the fiber content.

Maggie Michalczyk, a registered dietitian, told Eating Well: “Having oats for breakfast or incorporated into different foods as meals and snacks is a great way to give the meal more staying power and help you feel fuller for longer.”

There are also health benefits associated with chia seeds. Healthline said: “Chia seeds contain large amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, some protein, and many essential minerals and antioxidants. They may help improve digestive health, lower blood pressure, and improve blood sugar control.”

“Chia seeds contain 5 grams of protein per one-ounce serving — a similar amount to other seeds but more than most cereals and grains. Studies show that high protein intake is associated with increased fullness after meals and reduced food intake,” adds Healthline. “Due to their soluble fiber content, chia seeds slow down the digestive process, leading to increased fullness and decreased food intake.”

The new 74 plates will soon be seen on the streets of the UK but new data shows that the younger generation are not as confident as their older counterparts when it comes to buying new cars

A new driving change will be hitting the UK within weeks with motorists urged to prepare for it.

The arrival of the new 74 plates is fast approaching, with drivers across the nation encouraged to swot up on the incoming regulations before they hit the road. Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, issued a heads-up about the imminent September 1 changes: “It is clear that, while living in a world where so much information is at your fingertips, the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming.

“Helping to plug the generation gap with valuable motoring knowledge that will enable them to navigate their driving journey with independence and confidence is therefore crucial.” He said older driver confidence appears to be far less influenced by what is being published by users “through these prominent online platforms, at just two percent of respondents in this generational group”.

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Research indicates that when it comes to picking the right fuel type for their next car, a whopping 84 percent of older drivers have the edge over the youngsters. Meanwhile, social media rumors are wreaking havoc on the decision-making confidence of young motorists when shopping for cars.

A significant amount of drivers – around one in 10 – reckons ‘fake news’ on the web is troubling, reports Birmingham Live. A vast 84 percent of young drivers confess they wouldn’t fancy haggling on car prices with a dealer, and 25 percent of Gen Z motorists are asking for better guidance on how to navigate the car buying minefield.

A fifth of respondents admitted they needed assistance in locating a reliable retailer, a sentiment echoed by their older counterparts. Additionally, a third of younger drivers complained that cars were becoming too complex to understand. Similarly, a fifth expressed the need for help in finding a trustworthy retailer.