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When Kayleigh Davies, a seasoned valuer at the auction platform Auctionet, examined the base of a vase marketed as a genuine Lalique piece, she immediately recognised the deception. The word “Lalique” had been crudely engraved onto the bottom, a trick the seller hoped would inflate the price.Davies rejected the item, noting that without the fraudulent engraving it would have been a saleable piece. Her experience underscores a growing problem: traditional antique scams are being amplified by the reach of internet marketplaces.Typical red flagsFraudsters often disguise flaws—such as restored cracks or repainted toy cars—while claiming pristine condition. Even high‑value items like original‑packaged Star Wars figures can be misrepresented by placing cheap replicas in authentic‑looking boxes.Other warning signs include unexplained scuffs on glassware, suspiciously perfect finishes on aged objects, and a lack of clear provenance for autographs. Davies advises buyers to ask probing questions; a dishonest seller is likely to become evasive or refuse further details.Electrical collectibles, such as vintage lamps, pose additional hazards, as faulty wiring can lead to fire risks.Consumer safeguardsPlatforms like eBay enforce strict policies against counterfeit goods and offer a “money‑back guarantee” that protects purchasers when items do not match their listings.In the UK, Citizens Advice confirms that buyers have a legal right to a refund for fake products. If a seller refuses, shoppers can:Initiate a chargeback through their bank if they paid by debit card or used a credit card for purchases under £100.File a Section 75 claim for credit‑card purchases over £100, shifting liability to the card issuer.Suspected fraud can also be reported to the national Report Fraud centre, and to local Trading Standards via Citizens Advice.By staying vigilant, demanding documentation, and leveraging consumer‑rights mechanisms, buyers can reduce the risk of falling victim to counterfeit antiques and collectibles.

Duncan James from Blue has opened up about his favorite songs, sharing a personal playlist that reveals a lot about his musical tastes and experiences. The song he inexplicably knows all the lyrics to is Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis, which he even sent as his audition tape to join Blue.James also shared his go-to karaoke song, It's Raining Men by Geri Halliwell, which he sang at his 30th birthday party. Interestingly, Geri Halliwell herself walked in during the performance and joined James' mum on stage.Other notable songs on his playlist include Sadeness (Part I) by Enigma, his first single purchase, which his friend bought for him at Woolworths. James also confessed that Fantasy Island by Tight Fit was the first song he fell in love with, likely due to his crush on a guy in a zebra print headband from the music video.James also talked about the song that makes him cry, My Life Is Going On by Cecilia Krull, from the Spanish Netflix series La Casa De Papel (Money Heist). On a lighter note, he shared his least favorite song to have sex to, One Love by Blue, which he found creepy.The song that changed James' life was All Rise, which became a worldwide hit and started Bluemania. He also revealed his favorite song to play at a party, Defying Gravity from Wicked, which gets him dancing on tables.On a more sentimental note, James shared the song he can no longer listen to, Meu Abrigo (My Shelter) by Melim, which reminds him of his ex. He also confessed to secretly liking Doctor Jones by Aqua, despite pretending to hate it. Finally, the song he'd like played at his funeral is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, which he believes is one of the greatest songs ever written.

NASA has unveiled the first photographs taken from inside the Artemis II Orion spacecraft, where a crew of four astronauts is currently circling the Moon. The images, released on Friday, were captured by mission commander Reid Wiseman through the capsule’s window, revealing a cloud‑shrouded Earth rising beyond the spacecraft. A second shot displays the full globe, complete with shimmering oceans and a faint green aurora, emphasizing the planet’s fragility from deep space. At mid‑morning on Friday, the crew was approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) from Earth and had another 160,000 miles (258,000 km) to travel before reaching the Moon, a milestone expected on Monday. The team—three Americans and one Canadian—will orbit the Moon in the Orion capsule before looping back to Earth without landing. The spacecraft entered its lunar trajectory after firing its main engine on Thursday night. Mission specialist Christina Koch, the first woman to travel around the Moon, told ABC News, "I knew that is what we would see, but nothing prepares you for the breathtaking view of our home planet lit up by day and the Moon’s glow at night." She added that the crew is eager to experience similar vistas of the Moon and the eventual return home. The mission is now on its third day of a planned ten‑day flight. On day six, the Orion will make its closest approach to the lunar surface, passing 4,000‑6,000 miles (6,450‑9,650 km) above the Moon. After circling the far side—the first human deep‑space journey of this magnitude in over five decades—the crew will use lunar gravity to set a course back to Earth, with a splashdown slated for April 11 at 00:06 GMT (8:06 p.m. ET on April 10) in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego. Astronaut Victor Glover reflected on the emotional impact of seeing Earth from space, saying, "From up here, you look amazing. Homo sapiens is all of us—no matter where you’re from or what you look like. We’re all one people." He called the mission a true "moonshot" that demonstrates what humanity can achieve when differences are set aside. The released images not only showcase the technical success of Artemis II but also serve as a powerful reminder of our shared planetary identity as the crew prepares for the historic lunar flyby.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has condemned a drone strike that hit Al Jabalain Hospital in Sudan’s White Nile State, killing 10 people, among them seven medical staff members. The attack, which struck an operating theatre and a maternity ward, occurred during a children’s immunisation campaign, heightening the humanitarian outcry.MSF’s Sudan emergencies chief, Esperanza Santos, said the assault was “unacceptable” and noted that several of the deceased had previously worked with the organisation. She added that the strike represents a grave violation of medical neutrality.While the perpetrators have not been officially confirmed, MSF’s statement attributes the strike to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a claim echoed by Sudanese officials. On Friday, Khalid Aleisir, Sudan’s minister of culture, information, antiquities and tourism, called for the RSF to be designated a terrorist organisation and for its members to face prosecution.The incident follows a series of attacks on Sudan’s health infrastructure since the war erupted in April 2023. In a separate incident the same day, a medical supply depot in Rabak, the capital of White Nile State, was also hit. According to the World Health Organization, more than 200 attacks have targeted health facilities since the conflict began, underscoring a systematic pattern of violence against civilians.Local rights group Emergency Lawyers highlighted that recurring drone strikes across South Kordofan, Blue Nile, and the Darfur regions have displaced thousands, further straining an already fragile health system. The Sudan Doctors Network described the Al Jabalain strike as a “deliberate assault on health facilities and unarmed civilians,” warning that such actions exacerbate the nation’s deteriorating medical capacity.International observers note that the targeting of hospitals not only violates international humanitarian law but also hampers efforts to control disease outbreaks and provide essential care to vulnerable populations. The growing body of evidence may prompt renewed calls for accountability and stronger protective measures for health workers in conflict zones.

On a sun‑lit picnic beside Canberra’s Molonglo River, a tartan blanket, a bottle of wine, crusty baguette, cheese and a daring chicken‑and‑grape salad from a gourmet magazine marked the beginning of a romance that would be defined by food.Their shared appetite for culinary experimentation quickly turned into a series of kitchen showdowns—debates over meat doneness, oven temperatures, seasoning ratios and the eternal butter‑vs‑oil dilemma. While the clashes were frequent, the meals they produced together often became celebrated triumphs.Over the years, their lives were chronicled in the spines of recipe books and the aromas of countless dinners. From the quest for the perfect loaf to the fiery sting of chilies that left a lasting impression, each dish mapped the highs and lows of their partnership.He gravitated toward savoury mains; she honed a talent for desserts. Their culinary quirks—her habit of returning leftovers to the fridge, his ritual of swaddling roasted meat in tea towels—added both friction and flavor to their shared table.Even after their separation, the couple’s kitchen remains a shared space. A well‑worn ceramic baking tray, scarred by years of roasting turkeys, chickens and lamb, still serves as the foundation for gravy‑making and other culinary rituals during holiday gatherings.One of his most enduring contributions is a dish they call Pasta Dimanche. Born from a pantry raid on a Sunday night, the pasta blends diced capsicum, carrot, purple onion, garlic, celery, parsley and tomato with a tin of tuna, cracked pepper, salt and a splash of Tabasco and green chilli sauce. The result is a vibrant, summery plate that celebrates colour, texture and the surprise harmony of warm and crisp.Recipe: Pasta Dimanche (Serves 4)Ingredients:1 red onion, finely chopped1 carrot, finely diced3 garlic cloves, finely chopped1 yellow capsicum, finely chopped1 green capsicum, finely chopped1 red capsicum, finely chopped1 cup finely chopped parsley370 g tin tuna, drained1 tsp Tabasco1 tsp green TabascoDried pasta of choice (to serve)Method:1. Toss the vegetables, garlic, parsley and tuna in a large bowl; season with Tabasco, salt and pepper.2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.3. Divide pasta among four bowls, top with the tuna‑vegetable mix, and serve.Despite their split, they continue to exchange food news, recipe links from the New York Times, and tips on premium ingredients—proving that a shared love of cooking can outlast even the most intimate of relationships.

In Lebanon, the war with Israel has severely impacted the traditional funeral process. Normally, the deceased are given a final procession through their hometown before burial. However, due to Israel's expanding ground invasion in south Lebanon, families are being forced to abandon these customs.In Tyre, temporary graves have been established with brief epitaphs marking the deceased. The burials are conducted using a special Islamic rite called wadiaa, which allows for the casket, but not the body, to be exhumed later. This practice is usually reserved for exceptional circumstances like war.Rabih Koubaissi, who oversees burials in Tyre, noted that people have an emotional attachment to burying their loved ones in their ancestral land, reflecting their sense of belonging and heritage. The brutality of war has made it impossible to follow traditional washing and preparation of bodies, sometimes only collecting pieces of bodies for burial.Families face the heartbreaking reality of having to bury their loved ones twice. The Israeli military's plan to occupy areas south of the Litani River indefinitely raises fears that reburials may not be possible for months or even years. This situation has left the deceased with few visitors, as most families have been forced to leave Tyre due to increased attacks.Hecham Reda, a medic, expressed his fear of not being able to rebury his friend Hadi back home, reflecting the anxiety many people from south Lebanon are experiencing. Koubaissi finds it difficult to comfort grieving families, trying to convey sympathy without revealing the harsh realities of the situation.

Daniel Peretz, the Southampton goalkeeper on loan from Bayern Munich, has expressed his pride in representing Israel during a tumultuous period marked by war and geopolitical conflict. With his family in Tel Aviv, Peretz shares the challenges of balancing his international duties with the safety concerns of his loved ones.Peretz's excitement about facing Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals is palpable, but he also acknowledges the gravity of the situation in Israel. His family adheres to air raid sirens by heading to bunkers and safe rooms, a routine that has become all too familiar. Despite the distance, Peretz stays connected with his family, ensuring they are safe and focused on their instructions.When asked about playing for Israel being bittersweet, Peretz notes that the only bitter aspect is not qualifying for the World Cup and not playing at home. Israel's home games have been held in Hungary for the past three years, but Peretz hopes for a future where they can play at home with their fans.Peretz is known for his positive outlook and has a close relationship with his idol, Manuel Neuer. He recalls his first encounter with Neuer, feeling nervous but inspired. Peretz also shares his experiences with Harry Kane's penalty techniques, noting that saving one in 10 against Kane is a good statistic.As Southampton prepares to face Arsenal, Peretz emphasizes that while they have respect for their opponents, they are not afraid. He believes that if anyone doubts their abilities, they shouldn't participate. With a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions, Peretz and his team are confident in their abilities.Peretz's future at Southampton is also a topic of discussion, with a £7m buy option in place. He is open to staying but acknowledges that promotion to the Premier League could impact his decision. For now, he is focused on finishing the season strongly.

Analysts say that more than two years of relentless campaigns against Gaza, the Houthis, Lebanon and now Iran have reshaped Israel’s politics, economy and social fabric.Washington, rather than Jerusalem, is likely to decide the ultimate outcome of the conflict that Israeli leaders describe as an “existential battle” with Tehran.According to the Bank of Israel, the cumulative cost of these wars has reached 352 billion shekels (about $112 bn), which translates to roughly 300 million shekels ($96 m) per day. The financial pressure is compounded by the International Court of Justice hearing credible genocide accusations and the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for the prime minister and a former defence minister.Domestically, Israelis endure frequent air‑raid alerts and school closures, while many families juggle work and shelter duties. Yet a poll by the Israel Democracy Institute in late March showed that 78 % of Jewish Israelis still support continuing the war, even as a majority doubt that Washington and Israeli planners have fully grasped Tehran’s capabilities.Political commentator Dahlia Scheindlin told Al Jazeera that a “graveness” has settled over the population, noting a grim determination to press on despite exhaustion.Israel’s right‑wing coalition, led by figures such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir and ultra‑Orthodox Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has pushed through a controversial death‑penalty law targeting Palestinians and approved a record $271 bn budget. The budget allocates substantial funds to ultra‑Orthodox and settler communities, a move described by critics as an attempt to shore up Prime Minister Netanyahu’s waning support.Internationally, the United Nations, European Union and several Muslim‑majority states have condemned the new death‑penalty legislation, though Israel has so far avoided direct sanctions.Economists warn that the war’s fiscal impact extends beyond defence spending. A Le Monde analysis highlighted rising defence outlays, lost productivity from reservist mobilisation, and dampened consumer activity. While temporary tax cuts have mitigated fuel‑price spikes caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, political economist Shir Hever cautions that Israel’s reliance on imported fuel means any relief is short‑lived.Hever likens the current economic trajectory to that of a “totalitarian state,” where military expenses are pursued arbitrarily, ignoring broader economic stability.Ultimately, the war’s duration may hinge more on U.S. policy than Israeli strategy. When asked by Newsmax about progress toward its goals, Prime Minister Netanyahu could only claim the effort was “halfway” achieved.

Italy’s national team confirmed that head coach Gennaro Gattuso has left his post "by mutual consent" after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America.The Italian Football Federation issued a statement on Friday, thanking Gattuso for his "dedication and passion" during the nine months he oversaw the side.Italy’s hopes were dashed on Tuesday when a penalty‑shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoff ended their tournament aspirations.In his farewell note, Gattuso wrote, "With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we set for ourselves, I consider my time in charge of the national team to be over." He added that the Azzurri shirt is "the most precious asset in football," and that an immediate technical review was warranted.Appointed in June on a one‑year contract, Gattuso replaced Luciano Spalletti after Italy’s 3‑0 opening defeat to Norway. Under Gattuso, Italy won five consecutive group matches, but Norway’s superior goal difference forced a playoff route.Historically, Italy has stumbled at the playoff stage for the past two World Cups, losing to Sweden and North Macedonia. This campaign seemed promising after a 2‑0 semifinal victory over Northern Ireland, yet the team surrendered a 1‑0 lead in the Bosnia match and ultimately fell in the shootout.The coaching change follows a turbulent week for Italian football leadership: federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned, and former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stepped down as the national team’s delegation chief.Analysts note that Gattuso’s exit underscores the pressure on Italy to restore its status among Europe’s elite. The federation now faces the task of appointing a successor capable of rebuilding a squad that has missed three consecutive World Cups.