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Day rapper Professor Jay gave up on life and was ready to die

Tanzanian legendary hip hop artist Joseph Haule aka Profesa Jay was on a long campaign trail when he was forced to cut it short after suddenly feeling weak. On January 24, 2022, while at home after taking a few days off from campaigning, his wife rushed him to Lugalo Military Hospital in critical condition. After initial tests in Lugalo, he was quickly transferred to Muhimbili National Hospital as his situation deteriorated, where he was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The former Member of Parliament for Mikumi Constituency fought for his life as he spent 462 days in the hospital in critical condition. When Professor Jay was taken ill, he was grappling with a variety of health issues ranging from high blood pressure, COVID-19, lung complications as well and kidney problems that necessitated dialysis. For more than a year, Professor Jay says he relied on tubes inserted into his body through the nose and mouth to breathe, feed, and excrete while he remained unconscious for the better part of the course of his treatment. "When I was taken to Muhimbili, the doctors spent an hour using a defibrillator and other machines to revive my heart rhythm, which had stopped," Professor Jay recalls. "My lungs were filled with fluid and my kidneys were filled with kidney stones. I could barely breathe. I was fed through tubes inserted into my nose, while the waste from my body was expelled through my mouth," the rapper adds. But that didn't prove to be a permanent solution, so his throat had to be surgically opened - a suggestion his family objected to. "My family was not ready for this decision as I depend on my voice for my livelihood, but the doctors said at that moment nothing else mattered but saving my life and if they refused, then I would die because the surgery was needed to remove the waste that was accumulating in my body," the singer continues. Professor Jay, who insists he is lucky to be alive, says he spent 127 days in intensive care. "I had lost all hope of ever living again. At that time, I was sure I was going to die. For me, it was a question of when, not if. One day I woke up and wanted to end the suffering, so I pulled the dialysis tubes out of my body to the amazement of the doctors. I was ready to die." He reveals. He was later flown to India for further treatment, where he was hospitalized for another 162 days before returning home to spe

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Map reveals best curry house in Britain – is your local on the list of 20?

THE first curry house opened in the UK back in 1810, and since then it has become an important part of British culture.

Today, there are over 12,000 curry restaurants across the nation, but which venues come out on top?

The British Indian Food Guide has named the top 20 Indian restaurants from across the United Kingdom.

Coming in at number one is Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar in Newcastle Gateshead.

The venue has been praised for its varied menu including Lobster and Mango and Darjeeling Lamb Cutlets,

“Raval is a testament to how Indian cuisine is constantly evolving while staying true to its roots,” the guide read.

Up next is Quilon, a Michelin-starred restaurant in London.

The posh curry house has been praised for its dishes including pan-seared scallops with mango tokku and halibut fish curry with a coconut and raw mango sauce.

In third was Benares Restaurant & Bar in London.

The venue has been rewarded for its blend of British and Indian cuisines and also for focusing on seasonal vegetables.

Up next on the list is Dishoom in Manchester.

Dishes like black daal, house chai, and pau bhaji, helped this venue earn spot four on the list.

A few miles away in Leeds, Tharavadu has been crowned the fifth-best place for a curry in the UK.

The restaurant specialises in southern Indian dishes, including seafood curries and dosa.

The guide read: “Their use of authentic spices and traditional cooking techniques makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience regional Indian flavours.”

You can check out the rest of the list below:

  • Tamarind – London
  • Kanishka – London
  • Asha’s – Birmingham
  • Swadish – Glasgow
  • Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food – Edinburgh
  • Purple Poppadom – Cardiff
  • Mowgli Street Food – Liverpool
  • Veeraswamy – London
  • Masala Junction – Nottingham
  • Urban Choola – Sheffield
  • Mumtaz – Bradford
  • The Chilli Pickle – Brighton
  • Darjeeling Express – London
  • Tamatanga – Leicester
  • Kachori – London

Phil Shaw, marketing director at the British Indian Good Food Guide, said: “Indian restaurants are no longer just places for a night out—they’re cultural landmarks, representing the diversity and vibrancy of British food culture.”

Best places to eat in the UK

There are still plenty of other top restaurants in the UK which are worth trying out.

Uber Eats reached its shortlist for the coveted Restaurant of the Year title, which includes three burger joints and a Caribbean “shack”.

One of this year’s finalists is Soho Tavern, a gastropub in Park Road, Birmingham.

In the cosy interior, punters can enjoy British-Indian classics in front of a sports match.

Another Indian eatery, Urban Tandoor in Clifton, Bristol, also makes the list with its authentic curries.

Meanwhile, two fried chicken shops, in Whitechapel, Liverpool and Nottingham, were selected – with the Nashville Cluck popular for its buttermilk tenders.

You can check out the full list here.

Top curry restaurants in the UK

  • Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar – Newcastle Gateshead
  • Quilon – London
  • Benares Restaurant & Bar – London
  • Dishoom – Manchester
  • Tharavadu – Leeds
  • Tamarind – London
  • Kanishka – London
  • Asha’s – Birmingham
  • Swadish – Glasgow
  • Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food – Edinburgh
  • Purple Poppadom – Cardiff
  • Mowgli Street Food – Liverpool
  • Veeraswamy – London
  • Masala Junction – Nottingham
  • Urban Choola – Sheffield
  • Mumtaz – Bradford
  • The Chilli Pickle – Brighton
  • Darjeeling Express – London
  • Tamatanga – Leicester
  • Kachori – London

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Why has Tommy Robinson been jailed for 18 months? Contempt of Court explained

TOMMY Robinson has been jailed for 18 months after showing a film containing slurs about a Syrian refugee.

The 41-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court today after breaching a 2021 High Court order barring him from repeating false claims about a then-schoolboy.

a man in a suit is giving a thumbs up
AFP
Tommy Robinson was jailed for 18 months today[/caption]
a drawing of two men by elizabeth cook
PA
He admitted wrongdoing during the court hearing[/caption]
a man holding a piece of paper in front of a microphone that says nps
AP
The activist breached a 2021 High Court order barring him from repeating false claims[/caption]
Rex
Hundreds of his supporters protested in central London on Saturday[/caption]

Far-right activist Robinson was accused of being in contempt of court over having “published, caused, authorised or procured” a film titled Silenced, which contained the libellous allegations.

The Solicitor General said he “knowingly” breached the order on four occasions.

WHY WAS TOMMY ROBINSON JAILED?

Robinson breached a 2021 High Court order barring him from repeating false claims about then-schoolboy Jamal Hijazi, who successfully sued him for libel.

The Solicitor General issued the first contempt claim against Robinson in June this year, claiming he “knowingly” breached the order on four occasions.

In court today, Robinson admitted the charges.

Lawyers previously told a judge that the breaches included Robinson having “published, caused, authorised or procured” a film titled Silenced, which contained the libellous allegations, in May last year.

The second claim was issued in August, concerning six further breaches, including playing the film to a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in central London earlier this year, which lawyers for the Solicitor General told an earlier hearing was a “flagrant” breach of the court order.

Aidan Eardley KC, for the Solicitor General, said the film was viewed “very extensively”, including being seen by 2.2 million people after being reposted by Andrew Tate.

And, he said in written submissions that by the time the second claim was issued, it “had received 44m views on X alone”.

He claimed that all of the paragraphs of the injunction were breached “at one point or another” by the film.

The sentence for contempt of court can be up to two years imprisonment at the Crown Court or one month at the magistrates’ court.

WHAT IS CONTEMPT OF COURT?

Contempt of court is a legal term that describes behaviour that interferes with the justice process or risks unfairly influencing a court case, according to Gov.uk.

Disobeying a court order

This could include a litigant breaking a freezing order, a protester entering land that’s prohibited by an injunction, or someone breaching the terms of an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI). 

Interfering with court proceedings

This could include disrupting a hearing, abusing court staff or witnesses, or shouting out in court. 

Making unauthorised recordings

This could include making or publishing an audio recording of court proceedings without the court’s permission.

Publicly commenting on a court case

This could include social media posts or online news articles that could prejudice the course of justice.

Taking photos or videos in court

It’s usually a criminal offense to take photos or videos in a court room, the court building, or its precincts, or to publish such photographs or videos.

WHAT IS SILENCED?

Silenced is a film which contains the false and libellous allegations about Mr Hijazi which Robinson was banned from repeating.

Sasha Wass KC, for Robinson, told the court that the film’s production was funded by Infowars, a company run by American Alex Jones, who has claimed that the 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre was a hoax.

The activist played the film to a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in central London.

It also remains pinned to the top of Robinson’s profile on social media site X, while he also repeated the claims in three interviews between February and June 2023.

Mr Eardley said the film was viewed “very extensively”, including being seen by 2.2 million people after being reposted by Andrew Tate.

And, he said in written submissions that by the time the second claim was issued, it “had received 44m views on X alone”.

He claimed that all of the paragraphs of the injunction were breached “at one point or another” by the film.

Mr Eardley said in written submissions that the court “can be sure that the defendant was responsible for the publication of the film” and “also intended that it should be shared as widely as possible via other channels”.

a man in a black vest is pointing at something
Reuters
Robinson arriving at Folkestone Police Station on Friday[/caption]
a man is walking out of the folkestone police station
Reuters
He claimed he had been ordered to hand himself in[/caption]

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Racing calendar is an utter mess – here’s my plan for fixing it all

MORE than ever this past weekend shouted loud and clear just how chaotic and out of control British racing is with the beginning and ending of the Flat and jumps seasons.

The all-weather action is mainly to blame for the modern day mayhem.

a group of people watching a race with a sign that says sky bet
Getty
It was great to have racing back at Cheltenham but the action was diluted up against the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster[/caption]

Artificial racing does, of course, take place 12 months a year in the UK.

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Since that happened, people have not been concerned about the crucial factor that makes Britain so different to most other countries in the world – the fact we have two top class codes of racing.

Of course there will always be an overlap. But the last 48 hours has really shown why things need to change.

The problem of course is we have no leadership at the BHA, and even if we did some other group would throw their toys out the pram to any new plans.

The trade newspaper went crazy for Cheltenham on Saturday. But it was a far from quality card and there’s no doubt that Hotazhell’s Futurity at Doncaster was the big race of the day.

But that was a mess as well due to the ground, and the same can constantly be said about Champions Day at Ascot.

How crazy to have Cheltenham and Doncaster on at the same time?

I would suggest the Flat season should end with Doncaster’s Group 1 juvenile highlight, and the November Handicap run on the same card but clearly renamed the October Handicap.

That’s it. All of it shifted forward a bit.

Then the jumps comes into play. The whole of the start of the jumps proper would be restructured, taking in the Persian War meeting at Chepstow and then Cheltenham.

There is no need for Flat racing on turf into November. None. Many fixtures will be lost to the weather in any case.

I don’t want to ruin the Pattern. There is no need. But someone with an ounce of brain just sort out what is so obviously an utter mess.

While we are at it, what the hell were the apprentice jockeys doing at Catterick on Champions Day?

I mean how thick are people in racing?

You have a day to crown champions, and the champions are not there. Yep, that makes sense.

So simple to avoid as well.

Essentially, there should be only one Flat meeting on Champions Day in the UK. Sorted.

But if you struggle with that concept then you just say that on Champions Day the only meeting that counts towards any jockeys’ championship is at Ascot.

Stop the nonsense someone please before I pop. Arghhhhhhhh.

Meanwhile… Later today the draw will be made for this week’s Breeders’ Cup. The draw is a big deal. Huge.

You might be thinking no it’s not Matt. No interest. In that case you are a banana.

Or you might be saying to yourselves I can’t get into the Breeders’ Cup and Flat horses because the fixture list has decided I should be thinking about jumps racing and I’m all confused.

I get that. But be strong.

I love the Breeders’ Cup draw. The crowds gasps and moans when a big gun gets shafted, and some horses go from having a great chance to nearly none. And vice versa.

Where will City of Troy be plotted in the Classic?

And what about the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint? Will Bradsell and Big Evs be apart smashing out together, and if they are will that set it up for the closing Believing or Starlust or Star of Mystery?

The Breeders’ Cup Mile has three monster weapons in 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech, star filly Porta Fortuna and the brilliant Foret heroine Ramatuelle. The draw will be crucial for them as well.

And will Frankie Dettori and Emily Upjohn be drawn out wide in the Turf against the super tough Rebel’s Romance?

The draw at the Breeders’ Cup decides winners.

Bring it on. Yeeehaaa!

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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The 4 best supplements for penis health – to help reduce risk of sex-destroying condition

IT CAN feel like there’s a lot riding on being able get an erection, so having trouble performing can leave men feeling pretty deflated.

Erectile dysfunction – when you have difficulty getting or staying hard – is more common than you think.

a man is holding a glass of water and a pill in his hand
Corbis
Taking four key supplements may lower your risk of erectile dysfunction, a GP says[/caption] a poster showing the common causes of ed

Most men over the age of 40 will have difficulty maintaining an erection at some point or other.

In many cases, lack of sleep, stress or a few too many drinks might be the cause – but frequent bedroom woes might have their roots in common conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

If you’re suffering from ED, the NHS first advises you make a few lifestyle changes that could help.

Being overweight can up your risk of the condition so it’s worth trying to lose a few pounds if you’re having issues in the bedroom, as well as trying to exercise daily and switching to a healthier diet.

As stress and anxiety are also common culprits for ED, looking into ways to reduce them may have an effect too.

It’s also advised you quit smoking and limit your drinking.

You should see a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if you keep getting problems with your erection.

But if you want to go the extra mile to lower your risk ED, you can look down the supplement route.

Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said some supplements could help men improve their wellbeing and reduce the risk of this common condition.

“Overall, there’s a vast variety of supplements offering differing benefits for men – including lowering their risk of erectile dysfunction.

“However, when taking supplements, of any kind, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly and reduce alcohol or smoking – as these two activities can increase the risk of ED,” he noted.

“For further, more tailored advice on the most suitable supplements on an individual basis, people may find visiting their GP useful.

“This can provide clarity of any potential health risks and ensure individuals receive the most suitable supplements or additional treatments.”

Dr Grant said various supplements may help lower men’s risk of experiencing ED in the first place.

“These supplements have been proven to boost blood flow and genital function, helping men achieve and maintain an erection for longer periods,” the GP claimed.

“Let’s take a look at these key supplements and how they may help reduce men’s ED risk.”

He suggested four key supplements men could use.

1. L-arginine

First on Dr Grant’s list of supplements men could try to lower the risk of ED was L-arginine.

The GP said : “L-arginine is an amino acid found in various foods – including red meat, fish and dairy – but it can also be taken separately, as a supplement, to boost intake. 

“It’s effective at managing men’s risk of ED as it relaxes blood vessels, dilating them and making it easier for blood to reach the penis.

“This can enhance men’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection, helping protect against the condition.”

You can nab a bottle of L-arginine capsules for £3.60 at Holland and Barrett.

2. Ginseng

Another blood flow-boosting supplement in Ginseng, according to Dr Grant.

“Ginseng, extracted from the Panax plant, is another great supplement, helping lower men’s risk of ED,” he said.

“The supplement has many benefits, including improving focus and boosting the immune system – however, it can also improve blood flow and reduce stress, two key factors for negating the risk of ED,” Dr Grant claimed.

“By increasing blood flow to the penis, men can enjoy sexual encounters without interference.

“Ginseng is a herbal supplement that can provide much-needed relief from ED while helping those without the condition avoid it.”

A pack of 60 ginseng tablets will cost you £7 at Boots.

3. Zinc

Zinc was Dr Grant’s third suggestion.

“The importance of zinc for male sexual function cannot be undermined,” he said.

“The mineral is required for maintaining healthy testosterone levels and a lack of zinc can lead to problems with libido and general sexual function.”

What is erectile dysfunction?

ERECTILE dysfunction - also known as impotence - is very common, especially in men over 40.

Erectile dysfunction is when you are either:

  • Unable to get an erection
  • Unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex

Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up.

Sometimes you might also have low sex drive.

It’s not usually the sign of something serious but you should speak to a GP about it, especially if it’s causing you distress.

Possible causes include stress, tiredness, having too much booze, as well as some medicines.

But if your ED is persistent, it might be caused by:

  • High blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Hormone problems

According to the GP, loading up on zinc may also help improve blood flow, which is tantamount to healthy erections.

“The vital mineral can be found in foods such as beef, cooked lobster and pumpkin seeds, but supplements are a great way of attaining zinc too,” Dr Grant went on.

“Vitamins such as Zarbee’s Immune Support (120ml) include several key nutrients, including zinc.”

Zarbee’s Adult Immune Support will cost you £4.74 at Boots.

4. Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dr Grant’s final supplement recommendation was was dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

This is a natural chemical compound produced in the body’s adrenal glands, the GP said.

“It’s a key source of testosterone and required to maintain sexual function, so supplementing when testosterone levels are depleted is an effective way of reducing men’s ED risk.”

He cited an American study from 2018, which found that low levels of DHEA were associated with a higher risk of the condition.

What are the physical causes of erectile dysfunction?

There are four main types of physical condition that can cause impotence in men:

  • Vasculogenic disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes affect the flow of blood to your penis and cause erectile dysfunction.
  • Neurogenic conditions, which affect the nerves and include disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, are also responsible.
  • A hormonal disorder, affecting your hormones, is another example of a physical problem that can lead to impotence.
  • An anatomical condition is something that affects the tissue or structure of the penis and is the fourth physical cause. Old age is also commonly associated with impotence.

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Lapland UK: Everything you need to know for a day of festive family fun

LAPLAND UK is an immersive adventure the whole family can enjoy and you don’t have to fly Scandinavia for the pleasure.

Families can expect plenty of festive fun on this incredible day out to the home of Father Christmas.

Here is everything you need to know about Lapland UK
Here is everything you need to know about Lapland UK

Lapland UK can be found in Ascot, Berkshire, and lets kids live out their Christmas dreams with Santa and his team of helpers.

Each child — known as Small Folk — receives a personalised invitation from Santa sealed with wax in a presentation box.

Infants under 12 months will receive an Elflet card inviting them to join your Small Folk on their adventure to Lapland.

On arrival guests are presented with their own “Elf Passport” to give them permission to travel along the elven pathways and through a magical door.

They also get the chance to convert money into “jingle” currency, which they are able to spend at the park.

And they will receive a husky toy to take home and look after.

Once inside Small Folk will be treated to a 90-minute show of immersive theatre, with interactive performers.

There will also be a visit to the toy factory where youngsters get to help the elves, Whittle, Conker and Wish, build toys.

Then they can visit the “Mother Christmas” Kitchen where they can enjoy gingerbread decorating classes.

A toy is then given to parents secretly in time for Christmas, as well as an apron they get to wear when they make gingerbread in the kitchen.

In addition to all of that, guests get to meet huskies and reindeer before the children are treated to an audience with the big man himself, Father Christmas.

There is also an ice skating rink, cafes, a post office and sweet shop, while further festive treats can be found in Pumpernickel’s restaurant.

The whole tour takes around four hours and is perfect for Christmas-loving adults and children of all ages.

A framed picture with Saint Nick is also included.

santa claus is reading a book called good night
Children will be enchanted by this incredible Father Christmas experiences
Alamy

Opening times

Lapland UK is open in the run up to Christmas Day.

This popular immersive festive experience runs from November 9, until December 24, 2024. 

This gives revellers plenty of time to enjoy this yuletide day out.

The cost of Lapland

Tickets start from £59pp, plus a booking fee, and cost the same for both adults and children.

The top end tickets will set you back £149.

Complimentary tickets are available for babies under 12 months.

Bookings have a limit of eight people per group.

How to get tickets

All bookings for Lapland UK 2024 must be made online via their website.

Tickets went on sale in March 2024, and unfortunately have now sold out.

Cancellations may become available, so people are encouraged to sign up to the mailing list for information.

Families get to go on a tour of the Santa’s workshop
Alamy

Lapland UK reviews

Families have praised the experience for being inclusive of both parents and kids.

One woman wrote: “This is the only place in the UK on par with Disney Florida magic.”

Someone else wrote: “I didn’t think I would say this (I’m not easily impressed) but it was worth every penny none of us will forget this experience in a hurry.”

While a third added: “We got lucky with the weather and enjoyed our second time at Lapland UK. It was truly magical, however the queuing part for Santa and at the end when you collect your photos was long.”

Celebrities are also fans, with Holly Willoughby spotted there in 2019.

Other famous faces to have visited include David Beckham, Idris Elba, Peter Andre and Liv Tyler.

The Sun visited Lapland UK – follow this link to see what you can expect from the experience.

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