The annual Coventry City Vintage Fans Club gathering drew over 1,000 devoted supporters.
By Our Football Staff
Most of whom were nostalgic for the club’s 1980s heyday. The attendees, primarily bald and proudly sporting “dad bods,” came together to celebrate the rich, if somewhat sporadically successful, history of their beloved Sky Blues.
The scene was a sight to behold, with the crowd resembling a reunion of extras from an 80s cop drama, now retired but still fervently debating the finer points of that glorious 1987 FA Cup final.
Coventry City fans
Coventry City’s most significant achievement, a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, was the subject of countless retellings, each more embellished than the last. “It’s like we won the World Cup,” remarked one attendee, conveniently forgetting that Coventry’s trophy cabinet hasn’t exactly been overburdened since.
Kit car
Amidst the reminiscing, there were also those who waxed lyrical about the club’s 34-year stint in the top flight, from 1967 to 2001 – a period marked by the team’s uncanny ability to flirt with relegation but never fully commit. “We were the Houdinis of football,” joked another fan, likely referring to Coventry’s miraculous escapes rather than any actual magic on the pitch.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly a drone photograph capturing the car park, a sea of vehicles adorned with Coventry’s iconic 1970s strip. The image, which has since gone viral among the Sky Blues faithful, perfectly encapsulates the enduring passion of the club’s supporters – a passion that has survived relegations, financial crises, and the passage of time.
As the day wrapped up, one thing was clear: while Coventry City’s trophy count may be modest, the dedication of its fans is nothing short of legendary.
WOBBLY WALL, BROKEN BRITAIN – Keir Starmer’s promise to “rebuild Britain brick by brick” has taken a rather wobbly turn.
By Our Political Correspondent: Polly Ticks
When he moved into Downing Street following Labour’s 2024 election victory, Starmer assured the nation that his government would restore trust and security for millions. His speech outside No. 10, reminiscent of Tony Blair’s 1997 victory, was full of bold declarations about fighting for the people and reversing years of neglect.
However, this grand plan is already showing some cracks. Rather than a sturdy foundation, Starmer’s ambitious rebuild is beginning to resemble a shaky brick wall, patched up with questionable materials. His first major policy move – cutting the Winter Fuel Payment to plug a spurious £22 billion budget ‘black hole’ – has caused uproar, particularly from Labour’s own MPs. The internal revolt, with 17 MPs signing a motion against the cut, has been a stark reminder that not all Labour bricks are laid in line.
Crumbling prison walls
Starmer’s decision has also stirred controversy outside Westminster, with critics accusing him of shielding the wealthiest while leaving pensioners out in the cold. Add to this mix a scandal involving early releases of domestic abuse offenders – an unfortunate “brick that slipped out of place” – and the cracks in the Labour project are starting to show.
Then there’s the small matter of elitism accusations. It seems that Starmer, the supposed champion of the working class, has been accepting rather fancy gifts, leading to grumbles about “building with gold bricks” instead of focusing on the concrete needs of everyday Brits.
As Starmer’s political construction crew tries to prop up the shaky structure, one can’t help but wonder: is this rebuild going to collapse before the second floor is even finished?
If you’re looking to buy WoW gold securely and want a shortcut to boost your gold stash, you can find a reliable source here. However, many players enjoy the challenge of making gold through in-game professions. In this guide, we’ll explore the best professions for gold making in WoW, examining both gathering and crafting options to help you maximize your earnings in the retail version of the game.
Why Professions Are Essential for Gold Making
Professions in World of Warcraft offer a reliable way to make gold. Whether through crafting valuable items or gathering high-demand materials, WoW gold making professions allow players to supplement their income and enhance their characters. Each profession has its unique strengths, and the key is finding the right ones that suit both the current market trends and your playstyle. Here, we break down the top five most profitable WoW professions to help you succeed in the WoW gold market.
1. Herbalism – Gathering the Power of Nature
One of the WoW best gathering professions is Herbalism. Known for its high yield in new expansions, Herbalism offers excellent WoW herbalism gold making potential. With Herbalism, players can collect herbs in demand for crafting professions, particularly Alchemy and Inscription. Certain zones are ideal WoW gold farming spots for herbs, where players can gather materials to sell in the auction house or trade with others.
In addition, pairing Herbalism with Alchemy allows players to create potions and flasks, which are always in demand, especially during raid tiers. This combination not only adds value but also offers the flexibility to sell crafted items or raw herbs, maximizing your gold-making potential.
2. Mining – Profits from the Earth’s Riches
Mining is another excellent gathering profession and ranks highly among WoW gold making professions. Mining nodes are scattered throughout Azeroth and the newer expansion zones, making this profession easy to level up. With WoW mining profits, players gather ores and gems used in various crafting professions like Blacksmithing, Jewelcrafting, and Engineering. Demand for ores is consistent, as many players need materials for leveling their crafting skills or creating valuable items.
If you’re looking to farm WoW gold solo, Mining pairs well with Blacksmithing for additional profit potential. Some of the most valuable ores are in high-level zones, and demand spikes with each new content update, making Mining one of the most consistently profitable WoW professions.
3. Skinning – Turning Beasts into Profits
For players who prefer solo gameplay and grinding, Skinning is an ideal choice. Skinning is another WoW best gathering profession that allows players to earn gold by collecting leather, scales, and hides from beasts. WoW skinning for gold is particularly popular due to the minimal effort required—you can skin creatures you defeat while questing or farming in high-density areas.
Leather is a core material for Leatherworking, and high-tier leather materials fetch a good price in the auction house. Players specializing in Skinning can earn gold steadily, especially in zones where rare beasts or high-level creatures spawn. It’s an easy and reliable profession to generate income, making it a top choice for farming WoW gold solo.
4. Blacksmithing – Crafting Weapons and Armor for Profit
If you’re more interested in crafting, Blacksmithing is one of the WoW crafting professions for gold that can be incredibly profitable. Blacksmithing allows players to craft high-demand items like weapons, armor, and specialized gear enhancements. These crafted items are especially sought after in the endgame, where players look for powerful gear to increase their characters’ stats.
Pairing Blacksmithing with Mining ensures a steady supply of materials while maximizing WoW blacksmithing for profits. As demand for crafted gear grows, particularly in the first months of new expansions, Blacksmithing can be one of the most profitable WoW professions. Blacksmiths can craft rare items and sell high-tier gear enhancements, which often sell at a premium, contributing significantly to your gold-making strategies.
5. Alchemy – Profits in Potions and Flasks
Alchemy stands out as a top profession for players looking to profit from consumables. Potions, flasks, and elixirs are in high demand, especially during raid seasons when players require buffs for tougher encounters. WoW alchemy profits can be substantial, as consumable items are consistently in demand.
Alchemy is even more effective when paired with Herbalism, as it allows players to gather their ingredients and eliminate the cost of buying herbs. Alchemists can craft popular potions and flasks, and rare recipes can result in items that sell for a high price. The flexibility of Alchemy as a crafting profession for gold makes it one of the best professions for gold making in WoW.
Honorable Mentions: Tailoring and Enchanting
Though not in the top five, WoW tailoring gold making and WoW enchanting gold making are worth mentioning. Tailoring provides materials for cloth armor, which can be profitable during certain expansions. Meanwhile, Enchanting offers a steady income through enchantments, which are always in demand. Pairing Enchanting with Tailoring creates an efficient combo, allowing you to disenchant unwanted gear for materials and craft profitable items.
Tips for Maximizing Profits with Professions
To make the most of your chosen profession, consider these additional tips:
Use Addons: Addons like TradeSkillMaster (TSM) are invaluable for optimizing crafting and gathering profits. They provide insights into market trends, helping you focus on the most profitable WoW gold making professions.
Diversify: Diversifying your methods by gathering, crafting, and selling consumables in the auction house helps you adapt to market fluctuations.
Stay Informed: Follow the latest updates and expansions, as they affect the WoW gold market and influence demand for different materials.
Conclusion
Professions in WoW are more than just a way to enhance gameplay—they offer a significant source of income for dedicated players. From gathering valuable herbs and ores to crafting in-demand gear and consumables, professions provide flexibility and profit potential, especially when chosen wisely. Each profession has its strengths, but combining gathering and crafting can often yield the highest rewards.
Whether you’re aiming for WoW blacksmithing for profits, prefer wow skinning for gold, or want the consistent earnings of WoW herbalism gold making, there’s a profession to suit every player’s style and objectives. For those who may not have the time to commit to in-game farming, opting to buy WoW gold remains a viable option, especially through trusted sources.
With the right strategies, even the most casual players can find ways to earn gold and enjoy everything World of Warcraft has to offer.
Tech never stands still, and 2025 promises to be another groundbreaking year. From smarter AI assistants to flexible displays and eco-friendly designs, smartphone manufacturers are driving innovations to transform how we interact with our devices.
94% of Brits already own one and rack up almost 4 hours of screen time per day. However, we could see smartphones become even more integrated into our lives. Here’s a round-up of what to expect in the next 12 months.
More artificial intelligence (AI)
AI will continue to be a key theme of smartphone innovation in 2025. LLM-powered voice assistants should make existing applications such as Apple’s Siri more natural, while Google’s Gemini has merged with Android, Apple’s main rival.
More subtle AI-powered evolutions will include battery and storage optimisation and enhanced camera functionality. It may also help deliver real-time language translation during calls and messages, easing communication even further.
Evolving displays
Manufacturers will also push boundaries with their screen designs. Foldable phones will become more practical, while rollable displays – where the screen expands or retracts based on your needs –could give you a tablet experience when required.
You’ll also see advancements in display quality, including higher refresh rates and better high dynamic range (HDR) support. Eye health is another priority; expect adaptive brightness and colour temperature settings that reduce strain.
Enhanced connectivity
5G has been around for years now, but 2025 should see it move closer to fulfilling its potential. Faster, more reliable networks across the UK will unlock new possibilities, from cloud gaming to lag-free video calls.
Plus, as increasing devices in your life connect to the internet, your smartphone will act as the hub, seamlessly managing everything from your smart home to wearables.
Sustainable materials and designs
E-waste has become a serious problem for our environment, with millions of electronic devices discarded every year. Smartphone brands are stepping up by using more sustainable practices throughout their product lifecycles, including manufacturing from recycled materials.
We’ll hopefully see modular designs become widespread too, allowing you to replace parts like the battery or camera instead of buying a whole new phone.
Advances in mobile gaming
Even though mobile gaming overtook consoles in popularity years ago, new smartphones will offer experiences closer to them than ever before. Hardware improvements including improved displays and graphics processing units (GPUs) are on their way, promising lifelike visuals.
Casual gaming such as mobile slots will also thrive as developers take advantage of this power to create better looking interactive experiences. Cloud gaming, meanwhile, will grow more viable thanks to faster connectivity and powerful processors, enabling you to stream major titles without downloading.
Are you due an upgrade? With these innovations and many more on the way, your next device could blow your current handset out of the water.
WASHINGTON, U.S. – In a turnaround quicker than the U.S. election result, social media enthusiasts who spent recent days in feverish debate over Daniel Barlow’s towering 6′ 2″ frame have abruptly abandoned their obsession.
By Our Political Correspondent: Polly Ticks
The son of British pop icon Gary Barlow was, until very recently, the focus of intense scrutiny. As online users across platforms marveled at his height, noting with fascination the incongruity between Gary’s modest stature and his son’s lofty 6′ 2″ build. As with many viral internet fixations, however, this one was doomed to have an ephemerally short lifespan.
Take that!
The height-focused fervor took a swift detour when, like a beacon of internet-ready spectacle. 6′ 7″ Barron Trump appeared beside a positively dwarfed Nigel Farage in a recent photograph. The visual contrast proved irresistible.
Within minutes, social media feeds flooded with astonished observations, memes, and the inevitable armchair anthropological analyses of how Barron, the teenage son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, came to be so statuesque.
Online commentators, who only hours prior had passionately dissected everything from Daniel Barlow’s diet to his exercise routine. Immediately pivoted to comparing heights, arm spans, and the merits of an “authentically imposing presence” in today’s youth. “It’s not just height; it’s stature!” commented one Twitter user, summarizing what has somehow become a global topic of discourse.
Experts on internet culture, taking it all in stride, noted that this latest shift is perfectly on brand for the ever-fickle netizenry. “Today, it’s Daniel Barlow; tomorrow, it’s Barron Trump,” observed one analyst dryly. “By next week, it’ll probably be back to what a complete dick Keie Starmer is.”
LONDON AIRPORT, ROYAL DOCKS, LONDON – President elect, Donald Trump’s campaign has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) accusing the UK’s Labour Party activists of “foreign interference” in the election.
Bu Our Political Correspondent: Polly Ticks
The complaint claims British Labour activists made “illegal contributions” by volunteering for Harris-Walz campaign. — An accusation that’s drawn as many chuckles as it has scrutiny.
Back in the UK, the Labour activists who’d eagerly crossed the Atlantic to “make a difference” returned to an awkward homecoming. Instead of hero’s welcomes, they were greeted with a mixture of bemusement and snarky reception. With some UK tabloids dubbing them “circus clowns” for “betting on the wrong horse.”
According to sources, these well-meaning but misguided Labourites now find themselves explaining away their contributions to what locals jokingly call “a sideshow performance” that did little more than drum up media fodder for Trump’s campaign.
Egg on face
Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister and Labour leader, has done his best to play down the fiasco. He is citing the Labour tradition of volunteering for US campaigns in a “personal capacity.” He brushed off questions about diplomatic fallout, casually referencing a “lovely dinner” with Trump at Trump Tower. “Trump had the steak, I had the humble pie but ended up with egg on my face,”. He quipped to the SUFFOLK GAZETTE, adding that their “good relationship” remains intact.
Labour’s LinkedIn post, rallying volunteers with promises of free housing, sparked Trump’s allegations of foul play. The post, since deleted, had nearly 100 hopefuls signed up before plans went awry. Adding fuel to the fire, Labour’s head of operations Sofia Patel promised volunteers that “we will sort your housing,” which Trump’s team interpreted as suspiciously close to in-kind contributions.
As the activists reintegrate into UK life, some joke they’re now pros at sofa-surfing. If nothing else—a fitting skill for an adventure that may best be remembered as a well-intentioned yet ultimately humilating episode in transatlantic politics.
As 2024 nears its end, now is the perfect time to consider your plans for next year. Where do you want to travel? What hobbies do you want to commit more time to? How can you make better use of your money?
The last question is something this article can help with. Read on for some smart financial tips that should help you do more with your money in 2025.
Keep an eye on changing interest rates
Interest rates don’t really matter to me, do they? Think again. They impact everything from your savings and debt to new loans and mortgages. The official Bank Rate (which influences all other interest rates) is set by the Bank of England. It’s been much higher than usual since the pandemic, peaking at 5.25%.
But recent signs are positive and we saw the first drop in interest rates since the end of 2021 in August 2024. All being well, interest rates should continue to drop over the coming months and years.
What does this mean for you? Falling interest rates mean saving becomes less attractive and lending money becomes more affordable. This could be good news if you’re looking to buy your first home or remortgage your existing one. The interest charged on personal or business loans may also come down, potentially opening new possibilities for you in 2025.
Use expected interest rate changes to plan the best path for your money, whether that’s saving, investing or borrowing.
Make better use of fintech
Technology is changing the financial industry in the UK and around the world. You won’t see many of the developments directly, but there are plenty of ways to incorporate fintech into your day-to-day life.
Most digital banking apps offer a range of features such as forecasted balances, remote card freezing and in-built budgeting tools to help you stay on top of your monthly finances. If you haven’t already, explore what your bank has to offer and use it as best as you can.
It may also be worth exploring other fintech avenues such as blockchain, digital currencies and user-friendly investment platforms. Stock trading has never been more accessible with the latest apps, websites and platforms giving you all the tools needed to get started with investing.
Find ways to diversify your income
Times are still tough for many people and the government has warned that the looming October budget will necessarily continue this trend. In a fragile economy like this, finding ways to increase and diversify your income is crucial.
Having different income sources means you’re less reliant on one. Should the worst happen, you’ll find it easier to stay afloat. But how can you make more money? The answer is out there – you just need to be creative and put your thinking cap on.
Doing more in your current job could be the way forward, or it might be a case of starting a side hustle, getting a second job or investing in things that provide passive income. Find the method that works for you and commit.
PAKEFIELD, SUFFOLK – Pakefield’s self-styled inventor, Jeffrey Schlepp, 58, has once again graced the world with his innovative brilliance. This time, Schlepp has unveiled the Cocktus, a “green-energy-powered” robot poised to challenge Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. And by poised, we mean barely upright.
By Our Consumer Correspondent: Colin Allcabs
Schlepp, best known for his baffling contraptions like the Aeronautical Auto-Flying Car Plane (a flying car powered by strawberry-flavored milk) and the tragically low-budget Solarcar (a 1997 Vauxhall Astra towing six rusty solar panels), has once again broken new ground—or at least stumbled across it.
The Cocktus, an apparent homage to both nature and awkwardness, combines the bottom half of a discarded shop mannequin, some well-worn trainers, and a sale-bargain cactus from Homebase. This Frankensteinian masterpiece flails across the floor with a gait reminiscent of Wallace from Wallace and Gromit in the “wrong trousers.” Its pièce de résistance? A 6-inch cactus dangling between its legs, waving limply like an underwhelming flag of eco-innovation.
Scientifically unproven
Powering the Cocktus is what Schlepp calls “nature’s fuel”—chlorophyll, painstakingly extracted from cactus spikes. “It’s green, it’s sustainable, and it’s got… a donger,” Schlepp said at the unveiling held in his garden shed.
Unlike Tesla’s sleek, AI-powered Optimus, Schlepp has a more modest market in mind: green-fingered widows. He hopes to partner with Homebase to sell the Cocktus as a “gardening aid.” Hmmm. The exact gardening applications remain unclear, but Schlepp insists it will “revolutionise how lonely people enjoy their leisure time.”
Green Energy Robot vs Tesla
Critics have called the Cocktus a “prickly embarrassment,” but Schlepp remains undeterred. “It’s not just a robot; it’s a statement,” he declared, before hastily clarifying, “A statement about green energy, recycling and lonely hearts.”
Whether the Cocktus will dethrone Tesla’s Optimus remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: regrettably, Jeffrey Schlepp’s genius knows no bounds.
