Latest news with #ChristopherSmith
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Last phase of 265-home development at Eye Airfield approved
The last phase of a major 265-home development at a former airfield has been unanimously backed by councillors. On Wednesday, Mid Suffolk District Council discussed plans submitted by Persimmon Homes for the second and final phase of the development on land south of Eye Airfield in council granted outline planning consent for the whole project in 2018 for up to 280 homes, before giving reserved matters permission for its first phase in 2022.A single objection was received for the latest phase, citing concerns over a lack of community consultation and overdevelopment, which added to the 55 objections received after the initial submission. The second phase decision was initially deferred by councillors in April, so changes to the plans could be made. The amendments included alterations to the design, the materials, the layout, the scale of two plots and the number of street trees, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported. Christopher Smith, senior planner at Persimmon, said the company believed the development was of a high quality following the said concerns had been adequately addressed and recommended the plans for approval, subject to conditions which included making homes future-proofed for the installation of solar final phase will see 53 homes built that were considered "affordable". Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Why we've stayed over 1,000 nights at the same luxury resort chain in the last nine years - and how we afford it
While most travellers dream of a week-long escape to the Caribbean, one couple has taken their love for luxury to another level. Christopher and Tracey Smith, a retired couple from Southampton, have spent 1,000 nights at Sandals, an all-inclusive resort chain, in the last nine years. The couple, aged 57 and 56, have no children - so love the adults-only resort for that reason. And they marked their milestone holiday earlier this year at Sandals Regency La Toc in St Lucia - a resort they've visited an astounding 24 times - where they were treated to a 'very, very special' VIP-style celebration arranged by the staff. Chris and Tracey's love affair with Sandals began in 2006 at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica - a destination they still consider their favourite despite tallying a total of 90 stays across 13 Sandals properties. Tracey said: 'I think our heart is always there. They've recently gone through some refurbishments, which have improved the rooms massively, and they've got a great choice of 16 restaurants and bars.' According to Chris, it's also Jamaica's 'heavenly' landscape, rhythmic dancehall music and 'world's best' Kentucky Friend Chicken that makes the pair so fond of the Caribbean nation. From snorkeling and kayaking, to tubing and horse racing, the couple insist they never tire of the activities and amenities on offer at Sandals, and they experience something new each time. Prices at Sandals can range from around £1399 per person for a 7-night stay at Sandals South Coast to upwards of £2,729 per person for a 7-night stay at Royal Curaçao. So how do Tracey and Chris afford to take up to four Sandals holidays a year? 'Smart booking', claims Tracey. She adds: 'If you book a hotel stay whilst you're on resort, you actually get between 10 and 12 per cent discount off of the cheapest price online. 'But also, every time you stay, you earn points. And again, as you go through the loyalty programme, you get more points per pound spent. And they just reduce that off of your balance. So it's just being smart with it really.' Chris, an avid scuba diver, adds: 'When you break down what you actually get in terms of the Sandals experience. So, the premium drinks, the restaurants, the water sports, the scuba diving... it's all included. 'It'll probably cost me $132 a single dive. Add that into a normal holiday. It does work out value for money.' But Chris and Tracey's love of Sandals extends beyond pristine breaches and luxury amenities. They actively volunteer with the Sandals Foundation whenever they're away, having participated in school reading sessions, beach cleanups, and provided Christmas meals for the homeless. And they claim what keeps them returning is the people. Tracey says: 'Sandals have not just invested in their guests, but they've invested their staff as well. 'We've seen lots of their staff grow, progress through roles and move around the islands, and that's one of the reasons we return, it is to catch up with people that we've come to know. Chris adds: 'When you're on the resort, managers or senior people are always walking around interacting with guests, and they want to know how your vacation is going. 'It is a luxury vacation, and they want to make sure you leave with a positive experience.' That's clear from the celebration they were thrown in St Lucia to celebrate their 1,000th night. They were met at the airport by the general manager, James, who presented them with a bouquet of flowers, as well as a crowd of '20 to 30' singing, dancing staff outside the terminal, waving flags. 'It was like a diplomat's welcome,' recalls Tracey. But that wasn't it. When they got to the St Lucia resort, over 100 employees lined up in custom t-shirts bearing the couple's faces, standing under a massive 'Welcome Home, Chris and Tracey' banner. But now, with more than 90 Sandals holidays behind them, the Smiths show no signs of slowing down. They've already scheduled three more trips this year - including a twin-centre stay in Barbados and Saint Vincent in June, a return to Ochi Beach in September, and even a 2026 trip already in the works. And Tracey hints: 'We haven't done Grenada yet, so we're looking forward to trying that and maybe building that into another return trip next year as well.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Sox News & Links: We've got beef between Walker Buehler and Francisco Lindor!
Walker Buehler's ejection on Tuesday night was not ideal for multiple reasons. A team that used four relievers on Monday night had to use all four of the same relievers on Tuesday, and then some. Justin Wilson, Greg Weissert, Justin Slaten, and Aroldis Chapman all threw zeroes on the board on back-to-back days. If that means the team is shorthanded going for the sweep on Garrett Crochet Day, it was worth it to ensure a series win against the Mets. Buehler took to Twitter to express his appreciation, with Francisco Lindor catching some strays for celebrating his ejection from second base. Alex Cora got an early exit moments later, which led to his destruction of the bullpen phone, a phone that has a storied history in Red Sox ejection lore. Rob Bradford discusses that here, as well as Tanner Houck's home run celebration that followed. Advertisement (Rob Bradford, WEEI) Marcelo Mayer described playing second base as feeling 'normal and natural,' and hitting coach Doug Clark said, 'I think we're talking moments away' from a call-up. With internal options working out at first base, we should see some reinforcements coming up soon. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe) Speaking of Mayer, a couple of major leaguer comparisons are in Christopher Smith's prospect roundup. He also has updates the Garcia brothers; Jhostynxon homered in his triple-A debut and Johanfran returned from a year hiatus with a knee injury. (Christopher Smith, Mass Live) Juan Soto was 'impressed' by the presentation the Red Sox gave him in the offseason before choosing to go another direction. 'They really were right there. They were at the top of the list.' Advertisement As the recent We Tried winners (in a landslide), it's no surprise to see how hard they tried. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic) More from
Motor 1
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Ram 1500 RHO Is An Amazing Everyday Supertruck: Review
Quick Specs 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Engine Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-Six Transmission Eight-Speed Automatic Output 540 Horsepower / 521 Pound-Feet Efficiency 14 City / 16 Highway / 15 Combined As Tested Price $88,100 Pros: Fast & Smooth, Rugged & Refined, Rides Like Buttered Memory Foam Cons: Turbo Lag, Busy Interior, Poor Exhaust Tuning Ram 1500 RHO: Don't Call It A TRX Lite Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Let's clear the air. The Ram 1500 RHO is not a TRX. Yes, it looks largely the same, and it has the same bonkers jump-happy suspension, but the high-output, twin-turbocharged inline-six engine fused with the long-travel suspension gives this truck a personality all its own. This is no TRX replacement, either. That truck with its Hemi Hellcat engine wanted to party all day and do keg stands every night. Meanwhile, the RHO is like a rock star out of rehab, trying to build a better life on the straight and narrow. Both trucks enjoy getting wild, but the RHO will take better care of you in the long run, so long as its demons are kept at bay. Engine, Drivetrain, Horsepower: No Hemi? No Problem Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Everyone knows about the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine by now. It makes 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque in the RHO—identical to other Ram 1500 trims that offer the high-output I-6. It certainly doesn't sound like the Hellcat-powered TRX, and with 162 fewer hp, it doesn't go like one either. But the RHO isn't slow by any means. I managed to rip to 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds, according to the RHO's onboard Performance Pages. More importantly, I managed to make my 86-year-old mother nauseous from a hard launch. Though to be fair, she does suffer from vertigo. Sorry, Mom. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a silent partner in the background, executing shifts without undue lag or haste. You can engage manual mode by pulling the shift stalk to the left, activating the steering wheel-mounted paddles, which are supremely easy to use. Moreover, the transmission won't automatically upshift if you get carried away on a dusty back road. It sends all power to all four wheels through an electronically managed four-wheel drive system. Interior, Technology, Infotainment: Everything You Want & More Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Ram doesn't skimp when it comes to tech in the RHO. You'll find a 12.0-inch portrait-oriented center touchscreen standard, with a 14.4-inch screen optional. No matter which you choose, they're brimming with apps, configurable widgets, and for the speed freaks out there, the RHO gets Performance Pages that track stuff like 60-foot times and quarter-mile speeds. A dedicated passenger display is also optional, but every truck has a 12.3-inch driver display. And yes, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are included. As you might imagine, the driver and center displays are widely customizable. It's all part of Ram's fifth-generation Uconnect system that manages everything from vehicle settings to navigation, over-the-air updates, and phone connectivity. And while there are all kinds of settings to flip through digitally, Ram still fills the 1500 (RHO included) with buttons and knobs for common-use items. For highway traveling, the RHO is available with Ram's Hands-Free Active Driving Assist. Similar to Ford BlueCruise or GM's SuperCruise, it allows drivers to go hands-free on approved roads. Provided the left lane is clear, manually activating the turn signal will initiate a hands-free pass, and it's pretty intuitive. However, the RHO tended to wander between the lines while driving. And it monitors the driver like a hawk. If my gaze wandered for even a few seconds, the system buzzed and told me to face front. Design: Satisfyingly Bold Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 The RHO could easily pass for a TRX if it didn't have RHO branding on the bed. It has the same wide stance with flared fenders—wide enough to require amber clearance lights mounted in the truck's sizable hood scoop. It bites the ground with 18-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires and a choice of standard aluminum or beadlock-capable wheels. You can only get the RHO as a Crew Cab truck with the short 5-foot 7-inch bed, which fills up surprisingly quickly when you're hauling something as simple as two 54-inch lawn mower decks. All Rams received minor changes for 2025, largely related to revamped lights and slightly resized grilles. The RHO's front and rear fascias are trim-exclusive, and it all combines to exude a properly muscular vibe. Moreover, Ram pulls it off without looking silly or overdone. The truck's proportions are very satisfying, and you can even have the bold RHO branding on the bed removed if you so choose. The tough exterior actually blends well with the RHO's upscale greenhouse. You'll find plenty of leather and soft-touch surfaces amid the digital screens. Alcantara and chrome are scattered about, but the interior is a very busy place. Between the litany of physical control and the pages of settings on the center screen, it can get pretty overwhelming. I still wasn't familiar with everything after a week and hundreds of miles behind the wheel. Managing Editor Jeff Perez felt the same way after his stint in the truck , and I couldn't agree more. Driving Impressions: Awesome Everywhere All At Once Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 With all this in mind, I now present my thesis: The Ram 1500 RHO could be the best half-ton truck on the market right now. The big suspension (13.0 inches of travel in front, 14.0 inches at the rear) absorbs ruts, potholes, bumps, massive potholes, and miles of miserable patchwork on Michigan highways. Everything that works in the dirt makes this an even better daily driver. And I didn't just goof around on some local two-lane roads near my house. The RHO's first mission in my care was a 400-mile round-trip to pick up a new 54-inch mower deck, all done at highway speeds. I wasn't the least bit fatigued after six hours of driving; the RHO's seats were supportive and cozy without being too stiff, and those knobby Goodyear tires weren't nearly as noisy as I expected. Make no mistake, there is some tire noise at speed. But it's not remotely intrusive in the quiet cabin, even hustling along at Michigan's maximum 75-mph speed limit. And if it does become bothersome, it's easily masked by some low-volume music. Just don't play any Guns & Roses. This is a recovering rockstar, after all. Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 The suspension just sucks up everything. I used the Auto drive mode for the journey, which automatically adjusts settings depending on road and driving conditions. It kept the big truck remarkably poised through the sharp 45-mph corners on I-196 leaving Grand Rapids, and an hour later, it conquered broken stretches us US-31 with nary a shudder. As for the engine, the Hurricane is pure butter. It doesn't shake the truck—not at start-up, or idle, or under throttle getting on the highway. It doesn't vibrate or reverberate through the cabin at speed. You don't feel it in the wheel or the floor. It just goes, and if you lay into the throttle, it really goes. I would prefer a bit more low-end power. There's a bit of turbo lag, and it could benefit from better exhaust tuning. It's not bad, but Ram engineers try to make it sound like a deep V-8. The dual exhaust outlets are comically large for a 3.0-liter engine, even one with two turbochargers. When cold, this engine bellows with a noisy rattle that reminds me of a clapped-out 1990s Pontiac Grand Prix with a straight-piped 3800. At least the RHO settles into a decent six-pot rasp when it's warm, but it could be so much better if engineers stop trying to make it sound like a Hemi. Fuel Economy: Don't Ask Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Losing two cylinders over the TRX doesn't help at the pump. The RHO's official mileage rating is just 15 combined mpg, and after approximately 650 miles (most on the highway) I'm confident in saying that's accurate. I averaged right around 16 mpg during my week with the truck, including just a handful of full-throttle launches. And when it's time to tank up, the high-output engine needs expensive premium fuel. Payload & Towing: An Acceptable Compromise Photo by: Christopher Smith / Motor1 Having a longer bed option would make the RHO a bit more practical for a truck, but you can still do all kinds of truck stuff here. The bed is rated for 1,520 pounds—less than other Ram 1500 trims, but that's the price you pay for a truck that can safely land after jumping three feet in the air. Towing capacity is also a bit less at 8,380 pounds, but that's still plenty for towing a modest boat or a 30-foot camper trailer. Pricing & Verdict: Worth Selling A Kidney For 21 Source: Christopher Smith / Motor1 The Ram 1500 RHO pulls off something I never thought possible. I'm not a truck guy, but I absolutely want this one. It's comfortable to drive anywhere, and with the onboard cameras, it's easy to maneuver. The interior is spacious, more than enough for five adults. It can haul big stuff in the bed and tow bigger stuff with ease. Even the standard version is packed with tech. And when you want to listen to Guns & Roses, the RHO doesn't think twice about ditching rehab for an epic weekend romp. It's also the cheapest way to get the high-output Hurricane in a Ram, with a starting price of $72,090. That's still a truckload of cash, but it's almost $10,000 less than the F-150 Raptor—a truck that has almost 100 fewer hp. And if you peruse dealerships right now, Ram's employee pricing initiative and other incentives have these starting temptingly close to $60,000. Not that I've been checking RHO prices. Well, maybe a little. Competitors: Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Ford F-150 Raptor Toyota Tundra TRD Pro 2025 Ram 1500 RHO FAQs Is the Ram 1500 RHO the same as the TRX? The Ram 1500 RHO is nearly the same as the TRX, but there are some notable differences. The biggest is the engine, which is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six instead of the Hellcat V-8 in the TRX. Both trucks have a wide stance with muscular styling and long-travel suspension, but the RHO is a bit lighter and the suspension has a bit more travel. How much horsepower does the Ram 1500 RHO have? The Ram 1500 RHO uses the high-output version of the twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine, making 540 horsepower. How fast is the Ram 1500 RHO, 0-60 and in the quarter-mile? According to Ram, the 1500 RHO can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds and turn a quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds. Does the Ram 1500 RHO have a Hemi V-8? No, the only engine offered in the Ram 1500 RHO is the twin-turbocharged, high-output 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. How Much Does The Ram 1500 RHO Cost? The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO starts at $69,995, not including a $2,095 destination charge. That raises the starting price to $72,090. 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Engine Twin-Turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-Six Output 540 Horsepower / 521 Pound-Feet Transmission Eight-Speed Automatic Drive Type Four-Wheel Drive Seating Capacity 5 Speed 0-60 MPH 4.6 Seconds Efficiency 14 City / 16 Highway / 15 Combined Weight 6,200 Pounds (est.) Ground clearance Ground Clearance Towing 8,380 Pounds Base Price $72,090 As-Tested Price $88,100 Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? 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Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cannes: ‘The Creep' Reboot Sells for U.K. (Exclusive)
True Brit Entertainment has picked up U.K. and Irish rights to The Creep, director Christopher Smith's reimagining of his 2004 horror cult classic. Top Boy's Jasmine Jobson, Wicked actor Andy Nyman, and U.K. rapper Aitch, in his acting debut, co-star in the Gen Z Creep update. More from The Hollywood Reporter Diane Kruger Goes Home to Reteam With Fatih Akin for 'Amrum': "We Bring Out the Best in Each Other" Angelina Jolie Delivers Humanitarian Message at Chopard Dinner in Front of Quentin Tarantino, Cannes Jury: "None of Us Are Naive" Lynne Ramsay, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson Toast 'Die, My Love' at Cannes Dinner Hosted by The Hollywood Reporter and Longines The original film follows a woman (Run Lola Run star Franke Potente) locked in the London Underground overnight. She later finds herself being stalked by a hideously deformed killer living in the sewers below. In the new film, Jobson plays Chloe, a struggling artist and former drug mule who gets pulled into doing one final job: Running drugs across London for an old contact, the elusive Mads. Carrying a holdall of narcotics and an envelope of cash, Chloe boards the last train on the London Underground, only to find herself trapped in a nightmare. A masked killer slaughters her fellow passengers in a blood-soaked frenzy, and Chloe barely escapes, fleeing into a labyrinth of tunnels. Captured by this grotesquely deformed psychopath, she's thrown into a makeshift prison with other terrified captives. With the help of sharp-witted rapper Natter G and the resourceful Nina, she leads a desperate fight through a nightmarish maze. Nyman plays Dave, a captive well acquainted with the Creep's modus operandi, while Brit award-winner Aitch is Natter G, a famous rapper with keenly honed survival instincts. The Creep is set to begin shooting in London this fall. The producers of the original film, Julie Baines and Jason Newmark, are back for the reboot, being produced by Baines' Dan Films and Newmark's Newscope Films. Jonathan Taylor of Dan Films and Laurie Cook of Newscope will also produce. The original Creep cinematographer Danny Cohen and the production designer from the first film, John Frankish are also on board for the new movie. Peter Watson and Gabrielle Stewart will executive produce together with True Brit founder and CEO Zygi Kamasa. HanWay Films, which represented sales on the original film, is handling worldwide sales. The Creep was developed with funding from HanWay's new development fund that helps late-stage projects get over the line. HanWay Film's Nicole Mackey and Katie Ellen negotiated the deal with True Brit Entertainment's Nick Manzi. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
