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Metro
a day ago
- General
- Metro
A customer revolt in Asda could be coming for Aldi, Tesco and M&S
There has long since been a distaste for self-checkouts and it shows (Picture: Getty Images Europe) As Debi Evans stood in the checkout queue at Asda, she captured a silent protest. Despite the self-service and Scan&Go checkouts being completely empty, every single customer waited to be served at one of the two tills manned by staff. The queues were so long, in fact, they disappeared back into their aisles – it was a revolt against technology. 'Well done to everyone who decided to wait patiently and queue like I did,' Debi, an NHS retiree from Truro, said on X. 'And, as a bonus, I had some lovely conversations with others whilst I waited. Win win.' She added the hashtag #TakeBackControl and branded supermarket tech a 'digital prison' in a defiant move against self-checkouts, which have been implemented by major supermarkets. But it's not that she hates this technology or struggles to use it, she simply wants balance. 'Many people prefer to use manned checkouts, I don't have anything against self-checkouts because I understand some people are on a time crunch, all I'm asking for is a balance of as many self-service tills as there are self-service,' Debi tells Metro. 'Every time I've used self service I've had to call someone to help or something hasn't scanned – there's always a problem with it, so I prefer to queue.' Her post on X hit more than 3.6 million views, and many agreed with 67-year-old Debi. 'If a shop I go into only has self serve and refuses to put on a checkout, I leave my groceries behind and walk out,' wrote one. 'Supermarkets forgot old people still shop there they have no desire in using self checkouts,' added another. One even called for a boycott of self-service tills while others also encouraged Debi to pay in cash, in response to a lot of self-serve tills being card only. Scan&Go tills in Asda were totally empty while the queues for the manned tills were long (Picture: @DebiEvansMatron) People queued patiently for a staff member (Picture: @DebiEvansMatron) But some slammed Debi for being old and not moving with the times. 'I was completely shocked,' she says. 'People just want to see a cashier at the end of a checkout.' 'I respect the youngsters for wanting to get in and out quickly and use their tech,' Debi adds. 'But what I'm saying is just have the choice, and please consider other people.' She feels that self-service tills are 'wiping out' a sense of community and human contact, something which some people depend on if they're lonely. Other supermarkets are under pressure But the Cornwall local isn't the only one doing something about tech in supermarkets. In February this year the Bridgewater Senior Citizens Forum claimed self-service tills were 'alienating' shoppers in the Somerset town. The group formed a leaflet campaign targeting the supermarkets in town –Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, M&S, Food Warehouse, Aldi and Lidl – to highlight the 'disadvantages of using self-checkouts' to shoppers upon entering the store. 'We want shopping to be a social experience,' Glen Burrows, co-chair of the forum, told The Grocer. 'There's an assumption that because you're an elderly person you are somehow incapable of using self-checkouts.' She explained it wasn't about being 'anti-tech' but rather more choice should be offered in supermarkets for human interaction. Self-checkouts are a divisive feature in supermarkets (Picture: Getty Images) In 2022, a petition to ban self-service checkouts completely in an effort to save jobs was rejected by the government because 'decisions about using self-service check-out machines are operational decisions for individual businesses'. Self-service tills with conveyor belts were met with distaste from M&S customers, when a wider roll out was announced in 2024. In a post on X, David Oliver wrote that he was disappointed by the changes at the M&S branch he regularly buys his lunch from, adding that he usually chats to the 'long-serving' staff on his daily visits. 'Went today and they have automated all the checkouts,' he wrote. 'Staff now only there to supervise self-checkout users. Sad to see.' Anne Bradley added: 'Never use them in supermarkets, would rather queue for half an hour.' And Craig Skayman agreed, writing: 'I refuse to use self service checkouts until I have to.' Booths are leading the charge While our major supermarket chains have embraced the Big-Brother style surveillance at sometimes temperamental self-checkouts, there's one grocer bucking the trend. Booths has 26 stores in the north of England. (Picture: Kevin Walsh / Alamy Stock Photo) In November 2023, Booths embarked on a mission to remove self-checkout tills from the majority of its 26 stores. According to its director, this move has led to a rise in customer satisfaction, a reduction in theft, less shrinkage, and other benefits. Murray was also 'absolutely convinced' that Booths had seen an uptick in custom due to the coverage surrounding the move. 'At the time, it was very much that our customers were telling us they didn't really like them', Murray said. While the move was predominantly made with customer experience in mind, a reduction in theft was also described as a 'happy consequence', as so-called 'middle-class' shoplifters incorrectly scanning, weighing, or simply avoiding paying for goods had been a rising problem. Morrisons confessed it had gone 'too far' with self-checkouts in 2024 and has since been reducing its self-service lanes. In mid-2024, Asda also promised more manned tills. Debi, hopes her viral X post will help create some real change, replicating her local Aldi which has no self-serve checkouts at all (and no queues). 'Just listen to the customers,' Debi implores supermarkets. 'Read the room and bring back human contact.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ Arrow MORE: The untold stories of the UK's corner shops and why we should celebrate them Arrow MORE: Secret camera footage exposes 'botched killings of lame piglets' at fattening farm Arrow MORE: I tried to 'beat' the Tesco meal deal — and left the supermarket with change
Toronto Sun
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
10 songs to memorialize Ozzy Osbourne, the great Black Sabbath frontman
The English icon's idiosyncratic, throaty voice launched generations of metalheads Published Jul 23, 2025 • 3 minute read Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath performs during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony at Alexander Stadium on August 8, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. Photo by Alex Pantling / Getty Images Europe Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account NEW YORK — There are pioneering music figures, and then there is Ozzy Osbourne, the larger-than-life frontman of Black Sabbath, whose personal mythology is eclipsed only by the strength and immortality of his songs. A godfather and force of heavy metal, Osbourne died Tuesday at 76, just weeks after his last performance. The English icon's idiosyncratic, throaty voice launched generations of metalheads, both through his work at the reins of Black Sabbath and in his solo career. Across his repertoire, there are songs with total global ubiquity and lesser-known innovations with his unique, spooky aesthetic quality. To celebrate Osbourne's life and legacy, we've selected just a few songs that made the man, from timeless tunes to a few left-of-center selections. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read on and then listen to all of the tracks on our Spotify playlist. 1970: 'Iron Man,' Black Sabbath It would be a challenge to name a more immediately recognizable guitar riff than the one that launches Black Sabbath's 1970 megahit 'Iron Man.' It transcends the metal genre — an all-timer heard around the world and in guitar stores everywhere. 1970: 'War Pigs,' Black Sabbath One of the great Vietnam War protest songs, Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs' is a rare moment where hippies and metalheads can agree: 'Politicians hide themselves away / They only started the war / Why should they go out to fight?' Osbourne sings in the bridge. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Osbourne's heaviest performances are at least partially indebted to Black Sabbath's bassist and lyricist Terry 'Geezer' Butler, and there is perhaps no better example than 'Children of the Grave,' the single from the band's 1971 album, 'Master of Reality.' 'Must the world live in the shadow of atomic fear?' Osbourne embodies Butler's words, a sonic fist lifted in the air. 'Can they win the fight for peace or will they disappear?' 1973: 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,' Black Sabbath Black Sabbath were in a creative rut in the time period leading up to 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,' the opening track from their 1973 album of the same name. It's almost hard to believe now _ the song features one of their best-known riffs, and its chorus features some truly ascendant vocals. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Would the world know what a vibraslap sounds like without the immediately recognizable introduction to Osbourne's first solo single, 'Crazy Train?' To call it a classic is almost a disservice _ it is an addicting tune, complete with chugging guitars and Cold War-era fears. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Another classic cut from Osbourne's debut solo album, 'Blizzard Of Ozz' — released one year after Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath for his legendary excesses, — the arena rock anthem 'Mr. Crowley' pays tribute to the famed English occultist Aleister Crowley and features Deep Purple's Don Airey on keyboard. 1981: 'Diary of a Madman,' Ozzy Osbourne The title track and coda of Osbourne's second solo studio album, 'Diary of a Madman,' runs over six minutes long, features big strings and a choir so theatrical it sounds like they're scoring a medieval war film. He wanted big, he wanted dramatic, and he nailed it. 1991: 'Mama, I'm Coming Home,' Ozzy Osbourne It wouldn't be inaccurate to call 'Mama, I'm Coming Home' a beautiful-sounding song. It's unlike anything on this list, a power ballad featuring lyrics written by the late Motörhead frontman Lemmy and a welcomed deviation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. When Black Sabbath comes to mind, most fans jump to an unimpeachable run of albums released in the '70s and early '80s. But 'I,' a cut from Black Sabbath's too often overlooked 16th studio album, 'Dehumanizer,' is worth your ear. And not only because it is the first Sabbath album to feature singer Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny Appice since 1981's 'Mob Rules,' though that's an obvious plus. 2019: 'Take What You Want,' Post Malone with Ozzy Osbourne and Travis Scott Late in life Ozzy Osbourne was generous with his time and talent, often collaborating with younger performers who idolized the metal legend. One such example is Post Malone's 'Take What You Want,' which also features the rapper Travis Scott. Osbourne gives the song a necessary gothic edge — validating the otherwise balladic song's use of a sprightly guitar solo. Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances. Canada Sunshine Girls Olympics Columnists Sunshine Girls
Irish Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Harry Potter actress Emma Watson banned from driving for speeding
Actress Emma Watson and a Harry Potter co-star have been banned from driving at the same court. Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the film franchise, drove her blue Audi at 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford, on the evening of July 31 last year. The 35-year-old, who has been studying at the University of Oxford, was banned for six months and made to pay a total of £1,044 (€1,205) at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. READ MORE: Oasis in Dublin: Ticket resale details and everything you need to know READ MORE: 'Creepy' Conor McGregor behaving like nude pics and mystery women scandals 'never happened' Watson's lawyer Mark Haslam, told the court that she is a student, adding: 'She is in a position to pay the fine.' Separately, Zoe Wanamaker, who starred in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone in 2001 as teacher Madam Hooch, was caught speeding on August 7, 2024, on the M4 in Newbury, Berkshire. Zoe Wanamaker (Image: Getty Images Europe) The 76-year-old drove her blue Volvo at 46mph in a 40mph limit, the court heard. She was also fined £1,044 and banned for six months. Wanamaker's lawyer Duncan Jones said that she was not asking for 'special treatment' and accepted the fine. Both Watson and Wanamaker had nine points on their licences before the speeding incidents occurred. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week District Judge Arvind Sharma, sentencing, endorsed three more points on their licences, meaning they are both disqualified for six months from now. Neither attended their short hearings. The Sun reported that Watson was filmed bargaining with tow-truck drivers when they hauled her Audi onto a flatbed in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, in February last year. For the latest breaking news and top stories from the Irish Mirror, visit our homepage
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Martin Kemp and son Roman sparked complaints from neighbour who issued ‘demand'
Martin Kemp and son Roman sparked complaints from neighbour who issued 'demand' EastEnders icon Martin Kemp and The One Show star Roman Kemp have filmed Celebrity Gogglebox together for six years, but Roman says the show sparked a row with his neighbour Martin and Roman Kemp sparked "complaints" from a neighbour when filming Gogglebox (Image: Getty Images Europe ) Roman Kemp says an angry neighbour 'demanded' cash after he began filming Celebrity Gogglebox in his flat with his dad, Martin Kemp. The One Show star Roman, 32, and 63-year-old Martin started working on the hit Channel 4 show six years ago. When they made their debut on the show they recorded from Roman's flat. But on a recent episode of his You About? podcast with Tom Grennan, Roman revealed one of his neighbours objected to them using the property. Roman claims the angry neighbour even bought a guitar and an amplifier in a bid to interrupt the filming of the show. At one point he says the individual even went to Channel 4's headquarters and demanded to speak to production bosses. Roman explained: 'We shot it at my flat for a long time in the beginning. I used to have a neighbour downstairs…that person would try and delay filming to another level, just hated the fact that, it was my property, but hated the fact that stuff was going on. 'We weren't even loud but they just didn't like the fact there was television around it. They would buy a guitar and an amp and just be playing it as loud as possible during filming. Martin and Roman Kemp began filming Gogglebox in Roman's flat (Image: Channel 4 ) Article continues below 'They even went to Studio Lambert, who are the production company. This neighbour of mine walked to Channel 4 and demanded to see Mr Lambert because they demanded payment due to ear and sound assault.' It prompted Martin and Roman to swap filming to a specially selected 'show home'. Eventually however, former EastEnders star Martin agreed to let the producers use an annexe at his Hertfordshire property. Martin however insisted that producers 'stay in a van' outside of the property. Roman continued: 'My parents live in a really nice place where they have like a second home thing, like an annexe, to the right of the house that has a living room and a TV. 'My dad was like, 'Okay, look, you can shoot the show here, but everyone's got to wait outside in a van'. So they're all outside in the van, they wire all the cables, and my dad's like, 'You're not coming in for lunch, you're having your lunch in the van or outside, or whatever'.' On one occasion however, Roman says one of the producers had to ask whether they could use Martin's toilet. He recalled: 'All of a sudden one of the producers knocks on the door and literally pokes his head around the door because he knew he's not allowed to come in. Roman and Martin Kemp (Image: Davefor Sony ) Article continues below 'He pokes his head around the corner and says, 'Mr Kemp, Martin, is there any chance I could use your toilet?' And my dad was like, 'Course mate, don't be silly, come in, you never have to ask to use the toilet'. 'He points to him where the toilet is, it's like 10 feet away, so the bloke goes over there, and only guys will understand this. To have another guy say this to you, is like power play. 'My dad looked at this bloke and said, 'Yeah, course mate use the toilet'. Second he got to the door, he looked at him and said, 'Sit down though'.'
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Former Sky News host Dermot Murnaghan diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer
Former Sky News host Dermot Murnaghan diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer The broadcaster, 67, who spent more than 15 years at the news channel before his departure in 2023, said he is "responding positively" to treatment in a post to X on Monday. He is supported by his family, alongside fans commenting under his original post discussing the diagnosis (Image: Getty Images Europe ) Former Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan has announced his diagnosis with stage four prostate cancer. The broadcaster, 67, who spent more than 15 years at the news channel before his departure in 2023, said he is "responding positively" to treatment in a post to X on Monday. "Some personal news... I've been diagnosed with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer", he said. "I'm fortunate to have a simply outstanding medical team looking after me, who I can't thank enough – they are administering the best possible care with expertise, compassion and sensitivity. "I'm responding positively to their excellent treatment, and feeling well." Stage four prostate cancer can mean that the cancer has spread into different parts of the body including nearby body organs, such as the back passage or bladder, nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body outside the pelvis, such as the bones, lungs or liver, according to the Cancer Research UK website. Article continues below "I'm blessed to be fortified by the monumental love and support of my wife, family and close friends", Murnaghan said. "Needless to say my message to all men over 50, in high risk groups, or displaying symptoms, is get yourself tested and campaign for routine prostate screening by the NHS." He also said that he is aiming to take part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride in September which will raise awareness and funds for cancer charities across the UK. The Olympian announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer in October 2024. The Tour de 4 ride, which will begin and end at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow on September 7, aims to change the perception of people living with stage four cancer. NHS guidance says men over the age of 50 are at highest risk of developing prostate cancer, but Sir Chris wants to help men get screened earlier. About one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the charity Prostate Cancer UK, and the disease often has no symptoms in its earlier stages. Murnaghan presents true crime documentary series Killer Britain and the podcast Legends Of News. Before joining Sky News, Murnaghan presented ITV's News At Ten and the BBC Ten O'Clock News – now known as BBC News At Ten – as well as Channel 4 News. Article continues below Murnaghan also hosted the BBC's quiz programme Eggheads and presented Sky News At Ten and talk show Murnaghan before his last role at the channel as a newsreader on Sky News Tonight. During his time, he covered big events such as the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the 2019 general election, the funeral of Prince Philip and the 2020 US presidential election.
