You can get a free Hulu subscription with Spotify, but only if youre a college student heres what you need to know – Business Insider

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captionTo get Hulu with Spotify, youll need to be a college student.sourceShutterstock

Spotify occasionally runs promotional deals, which make a subscription to the music service more attractive to subscribers.

In the summer of 2019, for a limited time, Spotify Premium subscribers could get a Hulu subscription at no additional cost. That offer expired in June, and its no longer possible to sign up for this combination plan.

Instead, its now possible for students to get both Hulu and Showtime included in their Spotify Premium subscription. However, there are a number of caveats to the deal that you should keep in mind.

If youre eligible for a Spotify Premium for Students subscription, you can get Spotify, Hulus ad-supported plan, and Showtime for $4.99 per month.

To get the deal, apply for Spotify Premium for Students.

To qualify for the deal, you need to be enrolled at a US Title IV accredited college or university, and above the age of 18, according to Spotify. Youll need to log in to apply for the deal using your college or universitys portal, or upload a proof of enrollment when completing the online form. This can be a student ID, transcript, or enrollment letter.

Also, in order to get the Hulu and Showtime subscriptions included, you need to meet these criteria:

For more details on how youll be billed and when, you should check out Spotifys official page on the Student deal.

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You can get a free Hulu subscription with Spotify, but only if youre a college student heres what you need to know - Business Insider

Tumblr is launching a new group messaging feature built with fans in mind – The Verge

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Tumblr is launching a new group messaging feature that will allow different fandoms on the site to chat more easily with each other instead of replying on re-blogs.

The group chats are public spaces, meaning that anyone can find and read them, though only approved members can send messages. People should notice a new group chat icon in the upper right-hand corner of Tumblrs app starting today.

Group chats arent meant for private DM sessions with Tumblr pals. The idea is to give people in niche communities a chance to create dedicated spaces to talk about their interests that are more immediate and interactive than simply re-blogging someone elses post. Whether its memes or therapy or BoJack Horseman, this allows a larger body of people to find a hub where they can talk about their favorite thing.

There are some essential differences between Tumblr group chats and similar features like Facebook groups. Messages within the group chats disappear after 24 hours, and theres a maximum occupancy of 100 people. Although any group chat is discoverable via search, people have to request permission to join. Non-members can preview what the group chat looks like, but they cant actively participate in any conversation without being given permission.

Tumblr product manager Scott Oltrogge told The Verge that user safety was a top priority for the team when they started exploring the idea. Full control over chat membership is given to the group owner. All members of the group have the ability to report users who may use hateful or abusive language, but only the group owner can kick a person out.

I can remove messages, and I can remove users as I see fit, Oltrogge said. If I wanted to remove that users message, I can if it was inappropriate. I can also remove that user completely if theyre not behaving in the way I want.

In an effort to ensure that disturbing material isnt shared within the groups, Tumblr also wont allow users to upload their own media. That includes photos and GIFs. They can use the GIF options built into Tumblr within the group chats, but thats it. Tumblr isnt instituting any new privacy or usage policies around group chats, but Oltrogge reiterated that people must be 13 years old to use the site, and sharing adult content isnt allowed.

There isnt any way to make the group chats private, Oltrogge said. The teams goal was to make really open and community focused experiences, he added. If people want to have private one-on-one conversations, they can still initiate those via Tumblrs direct messaging feature.

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A Love Letter to "Jeopardy!," the World’s Best Game Show – Popdust

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For my fellow introverts who don't care for sports but still love to yell profanities at their TV, this is fantastic news. Now, you can watch educators face off in the Teacher's Tournament. You can play along with Buzzy Cohen, the charming nine-game streaker dubbed "Mr. Personality" by host Alex Trebek. You can recall your own brace-faced awkwardness during the Teens Tournament, and feel an extra confidence boost when you actually know more correct answers than usual (until you remember these clues are written for literal children and you are in your mid-20s). The long-running trivia show has held a similarly ceaseless presence in my young life, from my mom watching new episodes after picking me up from elementary school, to the bartenders I worked with in college playing episodes on the restaurant television mounted between shelves of tequila. Now, I'm a full-fledged adult with a full-time job and a dwindling attention span. Jeopardy! hits the spot for the short bursts of entertainment my mind craves at the end of a long day of making content for the internet.

If Twitter is any indication, I'm not alone. "You guys very old episodes of Jeopardy is on Netflix so there goes my weekend," tweeted My Favorite Murder co-host Georgia Hardstark. "Petition for Netflix to remove Friends and upload every single season of Jeopardy," @gabrielledrolet proposed. User @smileandconquer announced "I'm 'watching Jeopardy on Netflix' years old," to which I say, I think we're all "watching Jeopardy! on Netflix" years old if we want to be.

The older I get, however, the more anxious I become, and the more often existential dread looms over my head. But, thankfully, Jeopardy! serves as a great distraction from all the things that make the world feel big and scary to me, serving up just the right blend of mind-numbing leisure with thought-provoking clues that make me say "I have no idea what that is." The show's rigid structure keeps each episode feeling familiar and easy-to-followwhich is to say, it's one of the few things in life I can depend on to be predictablebut with its constant rotation of categories and contestants, I never get bored: there's always the potential to unearth a topic I'm unusually well-versed in, such as, say, "America's Got Talent Season 5 Contestants" (I made that one up). Anyway, Jeopardy! is the best game show in the world, and even amid the countless streaming services available now, I would be totally happy with one dedicated entirely to Jeopardy!'s 8,000-plus episodes. For now, though, Netflix's allocation should suffice.

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The many benefits of TikTok – The Butler Collegian

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Graphic courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

KARLI SCOTT | OPINION COLUMNIST | kmscott@butler.edu

Although it is embarrassing to admit that I frequent the app commonly known for manufacturing the infamous e-boys and VSCO girls, TikTok does tend to be my go-to form of entertainment on those bored Thursday nights when I have nothing better to do.

Being as most TikTok videos are 15 seconds or less, the app provides a fast and casual viewing experience for the distracted minds of todays youth. TikTok acts as an escape from the typical pressures of social media, as there is no requirement for being or looking perfect while making TikToks.

I, along with many other TikTok users, enjoy the simplicity of the app. Tara Poindexter, a first-year biology and French major, admires the spontaneous creative process behind TikTok making.

I feel like its definitely more casual, Poindexter said. You can put anything on TikTok.

All there is to it is hitting record for a few seconds and pressing upload no excessive editing, quirky captions or insecurities expected. Some people may choose to do creative transitions or fun text inserts, but most use the simple and straight-forward tools built into the app. Producing a high-quality TikTok is not crucial, as the only people you personally know who will be seeing it are close friends with whom you have entrusted with your username. That is, unless your video is good enough to make it to the For You page.

The For You page, better described as the Wild West of the internet, recommends suitable videos to the user. I dont intend to fall into the rabbit hole of endlessly scrolling through the For You page every night, but it often happens nevertheless.

When first downloading the app, it takes a bit of an adjustment period for the algorithm to understand the users humor, interests and preferences. This is the toughest hurdle to jump over for new TikTok users, as they are often discouraged by the uncomfortable amount of cringey lip-syncing or awkward comedy skits.

Since TikTok was formerly named Musical.ly, the two versions of the app still blur together every now and again. Musical.ly now has the legacy of being the more embarrassing, less evolved version of TikTok. Musical.ly was filled with many more music-based videos focused on lip-syncing and dancing, while TikTok is more so considered a comedy app than anything else.

TikTok videos go viral with relative ease, even some filmed right here on Butlers campus. Erin Giesler, a first-year psychology major, filmed a TikTok in Irvington House with her visiting friend about asking to borrow a hoodie. The brief video, posted on her friends account, now has over 1.6 million views and 455.2k likes.

I didnt even realize it had a million views, Giesler said in reference to the TikTok.

It is absolutely mind-boggling to think about the fact that it is possible to go viral and not even know it, but anything is possible on the platform. TikTok fame is subjectively easy to come by, with many clips gaining attention only a few hours after being uploaded. There are so many normal, everyday people who become TikTok influencers in a matter of days.

Saying that TikTok is Vine 2 is very controversial, but I believe it wholeheartedly. Many protectors of Vines legacy would scoff at the statement. They would be offended by the suggestion that something anything could come close to the greatness of Vine. To that, I say that TikTok, too, provides a haven of good times and laughter. The number of niches on TikTok are endless. From catchy dances to college-related comedy to outfit inspiration to anime, there is something for everybody.

I do understand hesitations in trusting the app in light of current events. There have been privacy concerns as of late regarding the speculation of the China-based owners censoring content and exercising surveillance through TikTok. Similarly to the Facebook privacy issues, TikTok is now under a lot of scrutiny. The company has denied the accusations and claims all data collected on US citizens remains in the US. This problem does not bother me nor most of TikToks young audience as internet privacy is not one of the younger generations biggest concerns. We have been desensitized to internet safety issues having grown up with them, and the entertainment value of TikTok often outweighs the risks.

To all those TikTok skeptics out there whose only second thoughts are that it is just some childish app not worth downloading, I would advise that you give it a go. It is the perfect guilty pleasure for the trendy and modern technology user. The app provides a form of entertainment unique from all others that is not to be overlooked.

TikTok surpasses the bounds of traditional social media and provides us all with a space for creativity, community and laughter. It is the perfect space to let your metaphorical hair down and forget your strife.

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Goodness and humor celebrated as Sesame Street turns 50 – Wilkes Barre Times-Leader

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October 13, 2019

EXETER For nearly a century, Barber Ford of Exeter has been a fixture of the Pittston-area business community.

Closing in on the 100-year mark, the dealership is making a new name for itself as one of the premier commercial truck centers in a large area of the state, a move designed to take advantage of a strong economy in which there is growing need for heavy equipment.

Fords motto is we own work, and were trying to do the same thing, Sales Manager Dustin Iacovazzi said during an interview at the Wyoming Avenue business last week.

Barber Ford began ramping up its commercial vehicle business about three years ago, Iacovazzi said, and now has one of the largest inventories between Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia region.

Formally designated a Ford Commercial Vehicle Center, Barber added a truck facility in 2017, together with more technicians and specialized equipment, to service the new lines they are now carrying.

These moves have paid off.

Our economy is good, people are building again, people are working on their houses, people are doing yardwork, landscaping, people are spending money again, Iacovazzi said. All these contractors who are coming in are guys who havent bought a truck in 10 years, five years, theyve been making due.

But the past year was good for them, this year is good for them, he added. Theyre able to upgrade their equipment.

Customers range from small contractors and handymen to large fleet operators, including municipalities, government agencies and schools, Iacovazzi said, and Barber is a supplier for COSTARS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanias cooperative purchasing program.

While its roots are firmly planted in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Barber is finding sales sales success well beyond the region and the state.

As Iacovazzi explained, the average consumer will search in a 50-mile radius of their home when buying a vehicle, but the average commercial customer will search in a 500-mile radius or sometimes beyond.

Were shipping trucks to Texas, were working on a deal right now with a guy in Wyoming, he said.

A century of service

What is now Barber Ford began in Pittston in 1920 as a dealership for Willys and Dort vehicles, General Manager Matt DePrimo said.

Many may remember the Willys name for its later assocation with Jeep production during World War II. Dort Motor Cars, on the other hand, enjoyed a brief heyday around World War I before the company faded from the scene in the 1920s.

Barber became a Ford dealership in 1932, DePrimo said, and has remained so ever since. The company relocated to its current location in Exeter in 1950.

It also remains a family business, now in its third generation.

DePrimo, who is one of the owners, said he has been with the company, founded by his wifes uncle, for 36 years.

The fourth generation, my daughter, is with us part-time right now, he added.

Between its Exeter and Hazleton locations the latter opened in 1999 Barber employs about 80 people, DePrimo said.

The commercial trucks are a whole new business direction that weve taken, DePrimo said. Its been very successful for us.

A large variety

While the average motorist might not notice the difference, commercial trucks come in a wide variety of types, sizes and designs, and Barber prides itself on carrying the spectrum.

Were stocking a little bit of everything so that the customer can come in and buy a vehicle right now. They dont have to wait four months, six months, Iacovazzi said. We have the truck in stock, ready to go. And if we dont have it, we have the vehicles that we are able to upfit them and get them on the road in a short period of time.

What does that include?

Barbers offerings cover trucks with plows, dump trucks, hook lifts, trucks with interchangeable bodies, even a selection of used trucks.

They have over 120 chassis cab and super duty trucks in stock, Iacovazzi said, as well as medium-duty trucks, 650s/750s, transit vans and cargo vans.

We deal with probably over a dozen different vendors to supply us with bodies, and like I said, we have a lot of bodies and different trucks in stock. Theres probably 15 different dump trucks you can choose from. Were your one-stop shop, he added.

For this story, Iacovazzi posed with a flashy black and chrome dump truck outside the dealership. The shiny vehicle helps illustrate just how specialized and different commercial trucks can be, he explained.

That is an F650, a medium-duty truck. It would be something a township, municipality, or construction excavator would have. Thats a highly optioned one, Iacovazzi said.

Everybody thinks of a dump truck just being a dump truck, but its so much more, he added. We are able to customize the truck and build exactly what you want. And there is a truck that was built exactly to what that persons specs were.

Im a truck guy

As Barber prepares to mark its 100th anniversary in 2020, Iacovazzi is himself closing in on 20 years in the car business.

He has been with Iacovazzi since 2009, and previously worked as sales manager.

This started to roll, and as it started to get going, we transitioned me into this position, he said. Im a truck guy. So it was just a natural transition.

Iacovazzi started as the sole commercial truck person, with Melinda Christison added to the team and a third person possibly coming in the near future.

Were just going after a market that is underdeveloped, he said.

Dustin Iacovazzi, sales manager of Barber Ford in Exeter, is seen with a Ford F650 medium-duty dump truck outside the Wyoming Avenue dealership last week. Everybody thinks of a dump truck just being a dump truck, but its so much more, he said. We are able to customize the truck and build exactly what you want.

Barber Ford finds success in growing commercial truck line

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World Class Scuba Diving Abounds Off the US Virgin Islands – St, Thomas Source

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A scuba boat moors. (Source photo by Dave MacVean)Courtnie Robenelt leads scuba divers at Wreck Cove, Buck Island. (Source photo by Dave MacVean)

Scuba diving around the U.S. Virgin Islands offers visitors and locals an opportunity to explore some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Since the invention of a safe and reliable Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, which gave the world the acronym scuba, the Virgin Islands have been a chosen destination because of the clear tropical seas, safe dive sites and beautiful coral reefs.

The V.I. Economic Development Authority boasts that scuba diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is easy and accessible, and offers an array of experiences for everyone.

Over a dozen established companies, spread over the major islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, provide locals and visitors with everything from training, equipment and boats, to professional dive masters and guides. Experienced divers can see rock walls and deep wrecks, all covered with an array of coral and fish. First time scuba divers, after just a few hours of training, can swim weightlessly through the colorful life found on the reefs.

Some of the best dive sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands surround two small uninhabited islands, both named Buck Island. There is Buck Island Reef National Monument, located less than two miles north of St. Croix. There is also Buck Island south of St. Thomas, which has a National Wildlife Refuge. Both islands are short boat rides from the major islands, and are serviced by multiple snorkel and scuba tour companies on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.

And because the U.S. Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States, youll enjoy the added safety of diving within U.S. waters. This means that all dive boats are inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and captains are USCG-certified, highlights the VIEDA website.

Most Virgin Island scuba shops recognize the international scuba certifications by PADI, SSI and NAUI, and offer a full range of instruction. Some of the local beaches, such as Coki Beach and Secret Harbor, are so calm that underwater instruction can be done in the sea instead of a swimming pool. PADI offers scuba certifications for divers as young as 10 years old, and Discover Scuba Diving, which teaches the skills needed by an uncertified diver to safely go down to depths of 40 feet with a dive master.

Most local shops offer a full range of certifications, from junior divers to advanced, and visitors can do the book work online before they arrive. After some classroom reviews, they can begin open water instruction with scuba equipment as soon as they arrive.

I love the fact that unlike all the other dive spots on Earth, in the Virgin Islands, even on the stormiest days, we can tuck in behind some of the smaller islands and find great diving, said Courtnie Robenolt, head instructor at Aqua Action Dive Center on St. Thomas. I worked in the Florida Keys and in Baja Mexico and we lost many days to bad weather.

Aqua Action operates two boats from Secret Harbor. They also offer instruction and guided dives directly from the beach.

Another established shop on the islands is St. Croix Ultimate Blue Water Adventures. When asked if they offer boats to scuba dive nearby Buck Island, shop owner Molly Buckley said, Yes, we do this in conjunction with Caribbean Sea Adventures, who operates a fleet of snorkel boats to Buck Island. We utilize their boat and captain and our dive crew and gear. We have two custom dive boats and [we] dive all of the moored dive sites along St. Croixs north and west shores.

On St. John, scuba divers have access to great beach diving, as well as local shops offering boat trips. Low Key Watersports offers PADI certified instruction, and boat dives to over a dozen great scuba spots around St. John, Little St. James and Buck Islands.

All of the local dive boats utilize mooring balls placed around the most beautiful reefs to prevent anchors from damaging coral. This network of floats and lines are maintained by volunteer scuba divers, often professionals who work for competing businesses. After the hurricanes of 2017, the local shops coordinated repairs to damaged and lost moorings. Calf and Cow Rock, one of the most popular sites south of St. Thomas, now has all five mooring balls back in place. Busy days will see multiple boats launching divers into what Robenolt describes as the dive site Walt Disney would have designed.

The history of scuba diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands begins soon after Emile Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau perfected a device that was safe, reliable and easy to use. The Aqua-lung was first sold in France in 1946, and in 1947 the U.S. Navy began an Underwater Demolition Team training program housed at Submarine base at Crown Bay on St. Thomas.

The calm and clear waters as well as the absence of strong currents made the St. Thomas base an ideal training facility. New techniques and new equipment were tested and proven, according to Mark Wenner of Caribbean Discourse.

In the early 1960s, before NASA built huge swimming pools to train astronauts, the original Mercury Seven were trained scuba diving in Shipwreck Cove, Buck Island and St. Thomas. The U.S. Navy placed the Tektite habitat in Great Lameshur Bay, St. John in 1969. That year, four aquanauts spent a record 58 days living underwater, studying various aspects of the ecology of coral reef fishes.

An important remnant of the early NASA and Navy scuba diving programs was a hyperbaric chamber brought to St. John, allowing divers at risk of decompression sickness, or the bends, to be treated safely. In 1984, Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas refurbished the discarded chamber and put it back into service.

So far in 2019, our year has been pretty average. We have treated seven cases of the bends so far. It has really helped those in need, said Steve Prosterman, UVI Dive Safety Officer, who has also been working with the chamber since 1985. We have very few customers who have been tourists divers.

Prosterman credits good training of recreational scuba divers for keeping those numbers low, as a majority of cases come from commercial divers.

A critical new development for local scuba businesses is Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, first spotted at the west end of St. Thomas in December 2018, after ravishing the reefs off Florida since 2014. The disease is killing beautiful coral, including so-called brain and pillar corals. According to Robenolt, the disease is a problem.

Packet Rock, Armandos Paradise, Navy Barges and everything west end has it bad! Its really sad, Robenolt said. It has not yet hit Buck Island nor our east end, Cow/Calf etc. Thank goodness, but I went to a meeting about it recently and got some interesting info as to how to keep it from spreading.

UVI is taking the lead combating the disease with a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. Scientists think simple practices such as rinsing equipment with fresh water and letting it dry, especially when traveling to new destinations, can help prevent the disease from spreading farther.

For now, the diverse and healthy ecosystems found in the U.S. Virgin Islands continue to attract great numbers of scuba divers. Many local dive sites havetautological names: the Ledges of Little St. James, the Wall of St. Croix, Wreck Cove, Champagne Cork and Dive Flag Rock. The tropical seas and volcanic geology have created coral reefs that impress well-traveled divers as well as beginners. Scuba diving in these waters blends a rich history, an industry founded on safety and education and conditions that invite scuba divers year round.

As the PADI travel website says, diving here features incredible walls, wrecks and reefs. All islands feature soft, white sand beaches and warm turquoise water. The diversity of the U.S. Virgin Islands means that divers are sure to find the island that fits their vacation dreams and diving desires.

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Family seeks information after woman’s body discovered in Merritt Island – Florida Today

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Crimeline accepts tips and offers rewards to tipsters - while protecting your privacy. Call 1-800-423-8477. GINNY BEAGAN/FLORIDA TODAY Wochit

JMeisha Gant, 19, was a hard worker who graduated early from high school and set her mind to serve her country by enlisting into the Army this month.

But instead of celebrating the move, family members will gather for a funeral this week to pay final tributeto the Merritt Island resident whose body was found in the apartment she shared with her mother and brother, according to a family member and authorities.

More: Army veteran's treatment in Brevard jail violated sheriff's office policies

More: Former state Sen. Michael Haridopolos involved in fatal crash on Pineda Causeway in Brevard County

One of the last photos of her, taken in the week before her death, showed her smiling broadly and staring squarely ahead.

"I'm hurting because no mother should go through this. She was a special child," Audrey Hughey said, "I'm her mother. She was surely loved by her family."

Hughey says that she will talk about the case sometime in the future, but she's waiting for more information from the sheriff's office.

"Her death did have an impact on the community," Hughey said.

The Brevard County Sheriffs Office is the agency investigating her death,but so far has not confirmed a body was recovered ordescribed anydetails about the case, including whether foul play is suspected or whetheranyone was being sought for questioning. Tod Goodyear, spokesman for the sheriff's office, did not respond to requests for information in the case.

The sheriff issued the following statement. While Sheriff Wayne Ivey and the Brevard County Sheriffs Office are always willing to answer questions for our many credible news source partners, we do not under any circumstances respond to questions from the Florida Today as we do not consider them to be a credible news source. Our agency is however more than willing to fulfill any public record requests from the Florida Today that is in compliance with Florida State Statute 119. Should you have a Public Record request for our agency please email your request to records@bcso.us so that a member of our team can process your request.

Residents in the complex said deputies and crime scene investigators wereat the complexlast week in the 200 block of Ligustrum Avenue, just east of Courtenay Parkway across from Merritt Island High School.

Investigators questioned residents in and around the apartments about the woman. Relatives also were questioned. Residents said they saw deputieson the first floorof the concrete block building searching for possible fingerprints and other evidence earlier this week.

Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641, jdgallop@floridatoday.com and Twitter @JDGallop

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Family seeks information after woman's body discovered in Merritt Island - Florida Today

Love Island’s Lucie Donlan almost spills out of her dress as she joins beau Joe at ITV Palooza – Mirror Online

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Love Island star Lucie Donlan was in danger of revealing a little too much as she slipped into a busty dress at ITV's glitzy Palooza in London at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, tonight.

The surfer chick, 21, wowed in a sizzling fishtail gown with a keyhole neckline, which gave a daring flash at her ample cleavage.

The telly star was nearly showing off more than she bargained for in her risqu black gown which had a plunging center feature.

It appeared the star nearly suffered a wardrobe malfunction after she was snapped adjusting herself in the not-so-forgiving outfit.

Regardless of the near wardrobe mishap, Lucie continued to showcase her incredible hourglass figure in the figure hugging dress as she posed up a storm on the red carpet.

The beauty screamed sexiness as she wore her blonde locks in a tousled wet style and rocked an edgy make-up look with smoky eyeshadow.

The reality star was joined by her handsome beau Joe Garratt who looked dapper at the event in a smart black tux.

The smitten pair joined the likes of Vicky Pattison , Gemma Collins and Ferne McCann at the glamorous London event.

While the 2019 Love Island squad was in full force with Maura Higgins , Amber Gill, Amy Hart and Tommy Fury all dazzling on the red carpet.

Lucie revealed back in September that she and Joe had never split up after the Love Island villa, and had been secretly dating.

Theirs wasn't a smooth path to romance though, as other boys and girls in the villa threw spanners in the works.

On Day One, Lucie chose to couple up with the sandwich maker without a second thought.

After Curtis Pritchard and Tommy Fury rocked up though, second-place winning Tommy chose to couple up with the surfer babe.

She coupled up with Joe again, but before he was dumped from the island, he incurred the wrath of fans by telling her she shouldn't be spending so much time with Tommy.

He wanted her to be putting her time into friendships with the girls instead, which didn't go down well and had him branded controlling and manipulative.

Still, after Lucie was dumped alongside Casa Amor beau George, she seemed to find the spark with Joe again and the couple are still going strong!

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Lorraine cackles tension between Love Island Amy Hart and Curtis Pritchard – Metro.co.uk

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Lorraine Kelly cackled as she picked up one some tension between Love Island stars Amy Hart and Curtis Pritchard.

Amy and Curtis were at the centre of one of the most shocking Love Island splits ever way back in June this year, with the former air hostess admitting she had to see a therapist as a result.

Curtis swiftly moved on with Maura Higgins, whose relationship is just one of two from the series to remain intact. Molly Mae Hague and Tommy Fury are also still as strong as ever, which she feels pretty smug about.

However, Amy and Curtis who have been respectively amicable in recent months were reunited at the red carpet for last nights ITV Palooza where Lorraine sensed some bad blood.

I need to ask you something later actually, its a secret, Amy told Curtis, chuckling.

But Lorraine whose show will be moved to 9am to replace axed The Jeremy Kyle Show saw something else.

They styled it out quite well but there was a little tension, she quipped.

Regardless, Amy will be moving on and trying her luck at another dating show, Celebs Go Dating, alongside Scary Spice Mel B and This Morning hero Alison Hammond.

The 27-year-old recently laughed off reports she was dating 48-year-old Toby Anstis, joking: Hes the same age as my mum.

Lorraine airs weekdays at 8.30am on ITV. Love Island returns to ITV in January 2020.

If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.

MORE: Love Islands Jourdan Riane refuses to date another celebrity after hurtful Danny Williams split

MORE: Spice Girl Mel B joins Love Islands Amy Hart and signs up to Celebs Go Dating

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Mother of 4 killed in head-on collision on Hawaii Island – KHON2

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Friends and family of Cassandra LynnEllis, also known as Cassie, are grieving after she was killed in a head-oncrash Sunday afternoon.

The 35-year-old mother of four was onher way to the beach when police say a black Jeep Renegade SUV crashed into herHonda Pilot.

Police say the crash happened on QueenKaahumanu Highway around 2:10 p.m. near the 90 mile marker.

Police say a 25-year-old Kamuela man wasdriving the Renegade when he passed a vehicle and struck Ellis car.

Two of her daughters, Taylor (15), andTrinity (10), were in the car. Taylors best friend Kawena Haserot (15) wasalso in the car.

Both Taylor and Kawena were taken toKona Hospital and later transported to Queens Medical Center on Oahu incritical condition.

Taylor and Trinitys father, DannyCampogan, said it was an airbag that saved Trinitys life. She was taken to KonaHospital and released.

Cassie was also taken to Kona Hospitalwhere she was pronounced dead at 8:26 p.m.

I know the car caught on fire andeverybody inside was unconscious, said Laurel Haserot, Kawenas mother. Therewere some aunties and uncles that stopped for the accident and I thank God forthem because they started pulling the girls out, breaking the windows with fireextinguishers, and getting the girls outotherwise they would be deadtoo.

Both Haserot and Campogan said their daughtersdont remember much of the crash.

And both suffered severe injuries andmight not be able to do the activities they love to do ever again.

Campogan said his daughter had a hole onthe side of her head. Doctors took a skin graph from her leg to make up for theskin on her head. She received more than 100 stitches and had bleeding in herhead.

She was excelling at everything, shehad the option to graduate a year early, her dad said.

Its only this morning that I told herthat her mom didnt make it, and that was probably the heaviest situation inthis whole thing, Campogan said.

Ellis also leaves behind a 2-year-olddaughter, Lucy.

Shes asking for her mommy and allI could tell her is, Shes sleeping, and that was yesterday and I dont knowwhat Im going to tell her today, said Lucys father and Ellis boyfriend JohnLim Jr.

Kawenas mother Laurel said her daughtermay not be able to swim ever again because she has a broken femur.

Where the accident happened is a notoriously deadly stretch of road, Haserot said. There are some blind hills and people are in a rush to get into town or to get to the airport and theyre not looking where theyre going and apparently this guy was also under the influence of something and unfortunately tragedy happened.

Friends and family say Ellis was abeautiful person inside and out and they are devastated someone who police saywas under the influence of an intoxicant took her away.

Her aunt, Joann Schaan wrote the following to KHON2:

Cassandra Lynn is a beautiful soul. Her happiness and sense of humor could light up any situation. She is the only child of Laura Bjur Matzen and Jim Ellis. She has lived in Hawaii (Kailua Kona) for almost 20 years and considers herself a true Hawaiian.

She has four beautiful daughters who are the delight of her life, Taylor, Lana, Trinity, and Lucy. She spent the first several years in Hawaii learning from the School of Hard Knocks. She took herself down to rock bottom and then lifted herself and her family out of the pit and has become a successful entrepreneur of Two Chicks Cleaning along with her best friends Leilani Alcain and Alicia Brunette.

She hangs with a great bunch of people who are her friends and they all provide mutual sober support. She has focused on loving life clean and serene and it has been a beautiful experience to see her blossom into such an intelligent loving woman.

This is a tragedy of epic proportions for her children and us and it certainly was not worth those last few drinks or hits or whatever her murderer had taken.

Policesay the driver of the Jeep Renegade was injured in the collision and was takento Kona Community Hospital for treatment.

Thedriver was later arrested for Negligent Homicide, operating a vehicle under theinfluence of an intoxicant, Reckless Driving, three counts of NegligentInjury.

He waslater released pending further investigation.

Policebelieve that speed and drugs are factors in the collision.

Ellis family is angry because Ellis did so much to try and keep children away from the drugs.

Cassie had a fishing tournament she facilitatedevery year, Keiki Come First Tournament, where it was kids against drugs andevery year they would hold a fishing tournament on small boats and every yearshe was the facilitator, explained Campogan.

Im really not happy that guy is outwalking the streets right now. My daughter is in the hospital for days, herfriend is in the hospital for days, her mom is never going to live again andthis guy is out living his life again, said Haserot.

Campogan said a memorial was put inplace at the scene of the crash. His 13 and 10-year-old daughter went to put upa cross for their mother.

The family is pleading for people to think twice before getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

That driver ruined our lives, and its wrong. We need to all be better than that, said Campogan.

Read more from the original source:

Mother of 4 killed in head-on collision on Hawaii Island - KHON2

You can buy this tiny island near Mackinac for $850K – MLive.com

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An aerial view of Dollar Island, which includes a cottage, boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. (Courtesy of Lon Lehman)

CEDARVILLE, MI - A small island in Lake Huron that once sold for $1 is going for a lot more now that it appears as a small but ornate castle in the center of a very large mote.

Dollar Island is in the Les Cheneaux chain of 36 islands. The government oncesold it for $1, historians say. Now, it could be yours for$850,000. It was listedin late August.

In 1913, the 0.6-acre island had a windmill and cabin. In the past 100 years, the seasonal home thats accessible by boat has been enhanced into a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage surrounded by views of Lake Huron and neighboring islands.

The little wooden castle complete with a turret and tree room is surrounded by features that make use of the waterfront location, including a three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck, docks, a gazebo accessible by a small bridge and a waterfront kissing booth.

An aerial view of Les Cheneaux Islands in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The 36-island chain includes Dollar Island. (Courtesy of Lon Lehman)

Dollar Island is centered in Snows Channel betweenCedarville and Marquette Island.It is about 4 miles by boatfromdowntown Cedarville launch rampthru a protected waterway.TheLes Cheneaux islands are northeast of Mackinac Island.

Although the island is listed as seasonal, it is accessible by snowmobile when the ice is this thick enough in the winter, said realtor Brenda DeRosha, of Coldwell Banker Schmidt in Cedarville.

We have had a lot of people calling about it, she said. A lot of people have gone by it and theyre interested to see. We still have a boat in the water and it can still be shown up until the ice comes.

A view of the turret and its wrap-around balcony that's part of the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes a boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. (Courtesy of John Griffin)

The cottage features a white wooden exterior with green details and a red roof. Its 1.5 stories with 1,612 square feet.

A tree grows through the roof and rivals the height of elaborate turret. The tree can be viewed inside the home through a window into the tree room.

The tall turret includes a wrap-around balcony with red and green detailing.

The interior of the home is set off by pine walls, cupboards, doors and archways. The floors are hardwood. The living room includes a stone fireplace with a pine mantel.

Nearly every room of the house provides access to the outdoors or solarium, which is home to an extra dining area and a hot tub. A bathroom that connects to the solarium includes a sauna.

The kissing booth is a covered seating area facing out to the water - a perfect spot for a stargazing. The gazebo is accessible through a door off the kitchen, and then across an arched bridge; it's set up with a four-top table.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind island, the listing says.

Continue scrolling to see photos of the property. Find the listing here.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a gazebo settled on a boulder off Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the waterfront "kissing booth" on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the kitchen at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, three-stall boat house, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of Lon Lehman

An aerial view of Dollar Island, which includes a cottage, boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a bedroom at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. The cottage has three bedrooms.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the kitchen at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the doors to the washer and dryer closet off the living room at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the three-stall boathouse on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a bedroom at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. The cottage has three bedrooms.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the dining room at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view into the "tree room" where a tree grows up through the roof of the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of one of two bathrooms at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the bathroom sauna and door to the hot tub in the solarium at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the solarium that includes a hot tub at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of one of two bathrooms at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a small grassy area on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the exterior of the solarium at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view inside a gazebo settled on a boulder off Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the three-stall boathouse on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree. One of the stalls has a removable floor to transform it into a workshop.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view into the "tree room" where a tree grows up through the roof of the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, three-stall boathouse, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the triple water filtration system that pulls water from Lake Huron for use on Dollar Island, which includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the turret and its wrap-around balcony that's part of the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes a boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the stone fireplace and pine mantel in the living room in the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the front porch at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes a three-stall boathouse, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of one of two bathrooms at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the kitchen at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the workshop inside one of three boathouse stalls on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the washer and dryer in a closet off the living room at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of boat dock that features a hammock on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a seating area in the solarium at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the workshop inside one of three boathouse stalls on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a deck on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of a covered entrance into the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the workshop inside one of three boathouse stalls on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the dock that wraps around the three-stall boathouse on Dollar Island, which also includes a cottage, on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the kitchen at the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Courtesy of John Griffin

A view of the deck that wraps around the cottage on Dollar Island, which also includes an on-water gazebo, docks, wrap-around deck and an in-home tree.

Read the rest here:

You can buy this tiny island near Mackinac for $850K - MLive.com

‘The Curse of Oak Island’: This Theory About the Buried Treasure Makes So Much Sense – Showbiz Cheat Sheet

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Fans cant stop watching The Curse of Oak Island on The History Channel. The series follows Rick and Marty Lagina as they try to unlock a 200-year-old mystery and discover the treasure thats rumored to be buried on the island. With a combination of cutting edge technology, determination, and ingenuity, the Lagina brothers seem closer than ever to finally finding the buried treasure they seek.

The search so far has been expensive and dangerous plus, theLaginas havent found the treasure trove they know is buried somewhere on OakIsland. But now with the premiere of Season 7, we have so much to look forwardto. I think the audience is going to be amazed anda bit stunned, as we were, by the discoveries, Rick said in the teaser.

And theres one theory about the buried treasure that fans are saying makes a lot of sense. Could it be the missing piece to solve the mystery?

The main issue that prevents the Lagina brothers from finding the treasure is they only have vague theories about where its hidden. If they had a treasure map with an X to mark the exact location to dig, they would have found the hidden riches years ago. But now one researcher and historian says he has an idea how to help them pinpoint where to dig next.

James McQuiston visited the island in June and while he was there, he formulated a very compelling theory about the buried treasure. According to him, the fortune could have been hidden there by the Scots, who arrived to establish a settlement in the 1600s.

In a sense its all circumstantial, but its based on actual documents that still exist, McQuinston explained about his theory. Thats whats different with mine. If someone hand-writes something, who knows when it was actually written? Mine is based on actual documents that exist.

Theres more than one theory about who buried the treasureon Oak Island and why. But McQuinstons idea makes a lot of sense, and he explainshow he was filmed during his June visit to the island for about 10 hours, thoughhes unsure how much of the footage will make it onto Season 7.

And as for his theory? McQuinston is so flattered to beconsidered one of the most plausible suggestions. I was thrilled I made number six. Of course, in my mind, it shouldhave been number one, he said, as reported by usnews.com.

Even though McQuinston doesntknow for sure exactly what will happen during Season 7 of The Curse of OakIsland, hes confident that the Laginas are on the verge of a majordiscovery.

When I was talkingto Rick (Lagina) this year, he said they have data points from two differentsources, and if its what we think they are, youre going to be back up here.Its neat to hear, but nothing like putting me in suspense, McQuinstonsaid.

Does that mean his theoryabout the Scots is right? Well find out soon enough!

Catch episodes of TheCurse of Oak Island on Tuesday nights on The History Channel.

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'The Curse of Oak Island': This Theory About the Buried Treasure Makes So Much Sense - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Watch: Rock Island holds panel discussion on what recreational marijuana will look like for the city – WQAD Moline

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ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- Starting in 2020, recreational marijuana will be legal in Illinois. In an effort to help answer questions and clear up confusion, the City of Rock Island held a panel discussion.

The panel consisted of experts from human resources, law enforcement, medicine, government and the cannabis business. The Rock Island Library and the Rock Island Community and Economic Development Department hosted,

"There is obviously some concern about the negative impacts of it," Rock Island planning and redevelopment administrator Mile Brainard said. "But, there are a lot of positive things to think about it too. Including diversification of the economy, jobs, and of course some tax revenue."

According to panelist, current Illinois medical dispensaries get the first set of licenses for recreational use. Brainard says this means individual businesses probably won't be able to get their license for the first six months to one year.

"Nothing will happen immediately," Brainard said. "In the first year or two, we may only see one or two dispensaries open up. We think that there won't actually be that much of an impact in the first few years."

People were able to ask questions about drug testing, driving impairment, and taxes.

The panel didn't have all the answers though, explaining that many things aren't established in the legislature.

"There are a lot of details that are a little confusing," Brainard said. "There's been disagreements about what certain parts of the act means."

Watch the full question and answer with the panel below.

"The Pot Panel: Cannabis Legalization Q & A" is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 at the Rock Island Downtown Library.

Can't see the stream? Tap here.

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Watch: Rock Island holds panel discussion on what recreational marijuana will look like for the city - WQAD Moline

Vancouver Island teacher suspended for inappropriate comments – Vancouver Sun

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Teacher Joshua Laurin said he wanted to use one of his students to beat two other students to death and injure a thirdGetty images

A substitute teacher on Vancouver Island has been disciplined by the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation for inappropriate comments made during a Grade 8 field trip.

Joshua Frederick Roland Laurin was employed as a teacher on-call at a Campbell River school last November when he was overheard saying he didnt like his job or being around kids during a field trip with Grade 8 students.

Laurin also said he wanted to use one of his students to beat two other students to death and injure a third.

According to the agreed statement of facts in the commissioners ruling, Laurin then told the students back in class that if he was going to die the following day he would want to hurt students as he wouldnt then get into any trouble.

Some students who heard these comments described them as weird and reported feeling shocked by them, although they thought that Laurin was joking, the ruling said.

After the incident, School District 79 (Campbell River) issued Laurin a letter of discipline and suspended him from its TOC list from Dec. 3-21.

He was also required to complete a course on reinforcing professional boundaries.

The commissioner for regulation considered the previous discipline and handed Laurin an additional one-day suspension.

Laurin failed to appreciate howhis comments might be interpreted by students, the commissioner said in the ruling.

sbrown@postmedia.com

twitter.com/browniescott

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Vancouver Island teacher suspended for inappropriate comments - Vancouver Sun

How Greece is tackling overtourism, the migrant crisis and the fallout from Thomas Cook’s failure – The Telegraph

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In the past few years, due to factors that were beyond Greeces control, cruising has seen a slight drop from its previous peaks, he said.

As a result, it can be stated that our destinations do not currently face an issue of excessive cruising flows. Having said that, as the area picks up and Greece enters again the calendar of the big cruise ships, we need to ensure that the management of the flow is done in such a way that does not create temporary problems.

After being in the job for only two months, Theoharis faced his first challenge in the collapse of Thomas Cook. We feel confident the long-term effects will be minimised, he said, adding that destinations hit by the operators collapse, such as Skiathos and Zakynthos, will be subject to additional promotion.

His next big challenge in terms of the UK, will be Brexit, the effects of which he said have been exaggerated. He said when there is clarity next year this should lift most psychological barriers and have a positive effect, if any on British travellers visiting Greece.

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How Greece is tackling overtourism, the migrant crisis and the fallout from Thomas Cook's failure - The Telegraph

Love Island and Rugby World Cup boosts ITV – The Guardian

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The Rugby World Cup and dating show Love Island helped bolster viewing figures and advertising revenue at ITV over the past three months.

The chief executive, Carolyn McCall, whose strategy is to build ITV into a digitally led media and entertainment company said on-screen and online viewing had performed well.

Highlights included four of the five highest-rating new dramas this year and the Rugby World Cup, when the audience for the South Africa v England final peaked at 12.8 million.

The broadcaster said it had also reached its target of 30 million registered users of its ITV Hub before its target date.

The companys shares have risen 30% in the past three months as improving advertising trends and demand for new programming, particularly in the US, have bolstered the business. They closed up 1.7% at 138p on Tuesday, though they are still down on their 155p peak of a year ago and 275p four years ago.

Advertising revenue was up 1% in the third quarter, despite Brexit uncertainty forcing companies to adopt a cautious approach to spending.

The final quarter is expected to be either flat or up 1%, after falling 5% in the first half of the year.

The ITV Studios business, McCall said, was enjoying a very strong second half delivery schedule with ITV America benefiting from the US version of Love Island and other popular programming.

ITV has built up its studios production business in recent years to reduce its reliance on fluctuating advertising trends, while McCall, a former chief executive of easyJet and the Guardian Media Group, is also developing digital offerings to help the broadcaster compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon.

She said the recent launch of BritBox, a streaming service that includes content from the ITV and BBC archives, had been successful and a distribution deal with BT and EE had been agreed.

ITV had a strong schedule for the coming months, McCall said, including Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, England qualifiers for the Euro 2020 football championship and the return of Saturday Night Takeaway and Liar.

Richard Hunter, the head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: ITV is swimming against a strong current but is making some steady progress.

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Love Island and Rugby World Cup boosts ITV - The Guardian

Two arrests after probe into tobacco smuggling from Cook Islands – RNZ

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Two people have been arrested after investigations into a family-based tobacco smuggling syndicate in Auckland.

Customs Investigations manager Bruce Berry said officers intercepted 79.6kg of tobacco. Photo: 123RF

Customs started looking into the case earlier this year and found that the family was manipulating travellers to illegally bring tobacco into New Zealand from the Cook Islands.

Customs Investigations manager Bruce Berry said officers intercepted 79.6kg of tobacco and $113,422 in evaded taxes.

"We saw a spike in interceptions of... people identified travelling with tobacco about 18 months ago," he said.

Mr Berry said a 34-year-old man was arrested at Auckland Airport on Tuesday after returning from Rarotonga.

His mother, who is 52 years old, was arrested this morning after executed search warrants.

The pair are believed to be linked to organised crime in Auckland.

"This was a systemic fraud where they were utilising friends and family travelling from Rarotonga," said Mr Berry.

"Criminals or opportunists may assume Customs isn't concerned about travellers who try to smuggle undeclared tobacco, but that's not true - we have a team that specifically targets the organisers of cross-border revenue fraud."

Mr Berry said New Zealand Customs worked closely with the Cook Islands Customs Service and the Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit in this case.

He said further arrests were likely.

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Two arrests after probe into tobacco smuggling from Cook Islands - RNZ

Volcanic eruption creates new island in Tongan archipelago – The Guardian

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An undersea volcanic eruption in the Tongan archipelago has sunk one island and created another one that is three times larger, according to a report by geologists released on Thursday.

Taaniela Kula, of the Tonga Geological Service, said the new island is estimated to be about 100 metres wide and 400 metres long, and is situated about 120 metres west of its now-submerged predecessor, Lateiki island.

The upheaval followed an 18-day undersea eruption last month in an area prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The new island lies between Kao and Late in the Pacific island nations northern Haapai group of islands.

Tonga sits on the notorious Ring of Fire, an area of frequent seismic activity in the Pacific ocean and which is responsible for about 90% of the worlds earthquakes.

In late 2014 the eruption of an undersea volcano created another Tongan island that is now home to plants and birdlife.

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Volcanic eruption creates new island in Tongan archipelago - The Guardian

The Cynthia Taylu Conversation We All Missed On Love Island Australia – HuffPost Australia

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Channel Nine Love Island Australia contestant Cynthia Taylu.

With continuous 24/7 footage and only just over an hour of screen time per episode, plenty of Love Island content this season never made it to air.

One example was a conversation between fan favourite Cynthia Taylu and co-star Phoebe Thompson, in which the contestants spoke about their cultural heritage and connection with hair.

Me and Cynthia actually had a conversation about black womens hair in the villa but they obviously didnt air that, Phoebe told HuffPost Australia.

The 28-year-old, whose father is Jamaican and mother is English and German, said she spoke about her hair journey with Cynthia, who was born in Liberia, west Africa.

My hair is naturally really curly. When I was younger I relaxed my hair and I even said when I was in there [the villa], Id love to shave my head and grow my natural hair out, she said.

Channel Nine Love Island Australia's Cynthia Taylu and Phoebe Thompson.

But I think its also really important to not judge a woman or specifically black women on how they want to style their hair. If you want it to be natural, then absolutely.

A girl should never be ashamed of her natural hair but then also you shouldnt shun black women or say that they dont like who they are because they want to have straight hair or wear a weave. Its really just up to the person and what they want to do.

Cynthias the first black contestant to appear on the Australian version of Love Island.

The 23-year-old model from Brisbane has been vocal about the challenges shes faced with her Afro-textured hair, admitting showing her natural hair leaves her feeling vulnerable as its letting the world know who I really am, and stripping off the layers is confronting.

Cynthia arrived at the Fiji filming location sporting shiny brown locks with a bold front fringe a very different look to her naturally curly black hair which shes presented in a previous blog post.

Growing up in Australia, I always envied my Caucasian friends hair the texture, the length, and the ease of maintaining their hair, she wrote forAscension magazinein 2017.

Cynthia initially came to Australia at age seven with her biological father before moving in with her aunt, and it was during her schooling when she experimented more with her hair. She wore her hair braided with extensions or clip-ins up until high school, before wearing a full set of weave or relaxing her natural hair, which involves chemical straightening.

Extensions were always the easier option, and from a young age I associated long hair with beauty. I couldnt see the beauty of my natural hair; it was like a rebellious child I could never quite tame, she wrote.

This Thursday marks the Love Island Australia finale, and the remaining couples in the villa are Cynthia Taylu and Aaron Shaw, Anna McEvoy and Josh Packham, and Cartier Surjan and Matt Zukowski.

Love Island Australias finale week continues on Wednesday and Thursday on Channel Nine.

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The Cynthia Taylu Conversation We All Missed On Love Island Australia - HuffPost Australia

In memoriam: The victims of progress – Observer Online

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In last weeks column What is Religion?, what seemed like a thoughtful, intelligent exploration of what it means to be religious, how modern Catholics fit into society and what increasing secularization means for Christians today, ended up being a list of ways religious Americans have been victimized and persecuted by the left. I believe it took real courage for the author to begin with an interesting premise ripe for exploration (what religions decline means for society) and end with a completely unrelated idea. I love a twist ending.

So, because of the bold new ideas brought forth by What is Religion? last week, I believe it would be a fitting tribute to honor the victims of todays greatest villain: progress.

First, we pay homage to marriage, brutally murdered in 2015 by the Supreme Court when same-sex marriage was legalized. As last weeks author wrote, traditional Christians are now the heretics for preaching that marriage is a sacramental union between a man and a woman, which makes our first tribute somewhat special in that we honor two victims: marriage and traditional Catholics. We must remember who the persecuted are here: the traditional Catholics who are being forced to live in a society where people can marry whomever they please. Its chaos!

We continue along the same vein for our second remembrance, cake shop owners and wedding vendors, who not only are forced to see gay people get married, but also are forced to treat them like they would normal people and provide services when the gays patronize their business. Like last weeks author wrote, Bake that cake, bigot, says the state, and the state is not very polite! Here, too, we find a second victim: traditional Christians, who are being forced to relinquish their traditional beliefs in the face of unrelenting progress. Look no further than a few months ago, when a Christian wedding vendor was mercilessly attacked online after refusing to allow an interracial couple to marry on her premises, and this was after she cited her Christian beliefs! Does free exercise mean anything anymore?

We move next to eulogize the white man, yet another victim of this war on tradition. I can think of no better example than the one last weeks author used when he wrote that Beto ORourke had apologized for simply being a white male. Though I can find no evidence of ORourke apologizing for being a white man, I have no doubt in my mind that it happened.

Im sure I dont need to explain to the reader how the white man has been victimized by liberals today. Look to Brett Kavanaugh, whose life was ruined by an accusation of sexual assault, and who has nothing to look forward to anymore aside from a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. Devastating. Now direct your attention towards Louis C.K. Ever heard of him? I doubt it since the liberals canceled him over his mistreatment of women. The poor guy only has 18 more shows this year, only 12 of which are sold out. Congress is also a good example. Only 60% of the House and 71% of the Senate are white men, and this number continues to decrease. The power that white men have held unquestioningly in our society is beginning to slip away, and once more we know the culprit: Progress strikes again. Pour one out for the white man.

Our final victim is truth. This may seem abstract, but bear with me, as last weeks author said it when he discussed the history of discrimination towards minorities: It is clear to me that contemporary liberalism exaggerates this legacy to an absurdly false degree, such that practical Catholics who maintain the Churchs beautiful teachings on life, marriage and sexuality are somehow responsible for centuries of dead queers. I am again in complete agreement with the author. Aside from the occasional historical blip, like the burning alive of homosexuals during the Inquisition, the worst thing Catholics have done to queer people is say things they may not want to hear. Sure, in 1976 Pope Paul VI said that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered and can in no case be approved of. And, yes, in 1986 Pope Benedict XVI said, Although the particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin, it is a more or less strong tendency toward an intrinsic moral evil.

But these are just words. Its true that every instance of LGBT victimization (including physical and verbal abuse) increases, on average, the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times, but if we start blaming Catholics and their complete and utter rejection of gay people throughout history for some of the issues they face today, where would we stop?

Its clear liberals killed the truth of history and exaggerate legacies of discrimination, and they continue to wage war on everything else we hold dear. Once again we see that traditional Christians are the victims of this heretical religion of liberalism. Im sure it wont be long until leftists get their hands on something really important, and we lose another warrior in the fight against progress. Will women become priests? Will blackface be illegal? I shudder to think.

Progress is a mass murderer, and it has claimed countless victims over the years, but there is still something left to protect. Last weeks author hit the nail on the head when he said that traditional Christianity in the West is quite ill, as only 70.6% of Americans are Christian, and Christianity is only the most popular religion in the world by half a billion. Its clear progress is attempting to stamp out Christianity just like it did our previous victims, and we cannot allow that to happen.

So, we must avoid progress at all costs, lest we allow it to take away the things we hold dear. I call upon each of you to bury your heads in the sand. Cover your ears! Refuse to learn from history! Hide yourselves in places where everyone thinks like you! This is the only way we can turn back the tide of progress, and we cannot afford to lose this fight. Godspeed.

Mary Szromba is a senior majoring in philosophy and political science, and shes never been wrong about anything in her entire life. Questions, comments and anonymous love letters can be directed to [emailprotected] or @_murrrrrr on Twitter.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

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In memoriam: The victims of progress - Observer Online