Shay Given close to completing Liverpool switch

Liverpool are closing in on signing their second goalkeeper of the summer as a deal for Aston Villa’s Shay Given nears completion.

The Irish stopper has been overtaken as the Villans’ no.1 by Brad Guzan over the past year and is now set to act as back-up for Simon Mignolet, who moved to Anfield earlier this summer.

The former Newcastle goalkeeper still has three years remaining on his Aston Villa contact and remains one of the highest earners in Paul Lambert’s young side, meaning Villans owner Randy Lerner would be keen to let Given depart.

He has also been linked with a host of loan moves this summer, with the likes of Doncaster Rovers – who have since signed Ross Turnbull – interested in his signature.

Panda Parents peer at newest addition "Yuan Zai"

High Five? Anybody?

Proud panda father Tuan Tuan and mother Yuan Yuan have been keeping a watch over their newborn cub ‘Yuan Zai’ at Taipei Zoo in Taiwan.

They could see the youngster, who was given her nickname because she resembles a rice ball, has inherited its father’s narrow black ring on its back and, like its mother, the new arrival’s middle and third finger are merged together.

The eager parents have been kept away from their new daughter so far because she is currently being kept in isolation.

Tuan Tuan & Yuan Yuan eagerly awaiting their daughter

But the adult pandas are allowed to view Yuan Zai periodically from a window on the side of her room.

She won’t be allowed to be viewed by the public for another six months and is still currently in an incubator.

Zoo keepers said the panda cub, which weighs 243.4 grams, was doing well and growing every day.

The cub was born on July 6 after Yuan Yuan was artificially inseminated.

Yuan Zai will receive an official name in the upcoming months.

Any ideas? Leave your comment in the box below!

Blur to release brand new album 2013.

Blur are raring to get back in the studio to work on new material, with front man Damon Albarn saying the new material will be released, but only once he's released his solo album.

The Wall Street Journal claims he confirmed the album in an interview, but that it will not be released just yet.

The news appeared after Albarn hinted earlier this year that the band were cooking up some brand new material. Amazing news for all your die-hard Blur fans!

Albarn has most recently been working on his own album with XL Records boss Richard Russell. He recently said ‘We worked together on the Bobby Womack record, and really enjoyed working together. He’s done spectacularly well as a music mogul, but I think he wants to focus his energy on producing records.

‘Making a solo record can be such a disaster, so I thought if we’re going to make a record with my name on it, I should get someone to really produce it – take that responsibility away from myself.’

Albarn is currently in New York promoting his musical 'Monkey: Journey To The West'. Speaking of the show and his various other musical projects, he also spoke more of his new solo album. He said: "You can hear a lot, what's going on. It's quite intimate."

Check out a recent clip from his set in Coachella here...

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa premiere to be held in Norwich and London

The premiere of Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa will be held in Norwich before heading to London, it has been announced.

The red carpet bash will take place on Wednesday, July 24 in the character’s home town.

The hapless radio DJ, played by Steve Coogan, will greet fans at Anglia Square before boarding a helicopter to get to London in time for the evening premiere in Leicester Square.

Coogan speaking as Partridge said: ‘You can imagine how hurt and litigious I felt when people said I was planning to debut my movie in London instead of Norwich, or that I’d allowed my head to be turned by the prospect of big city fame.

‘Any suggestion I’ve hastily cobbled together the lunchtime Norwich screening in response to a local Twitter campaign will be met with the full force of the law.’

The news comes after a Facebook campaign attracted 7,100 followers to the cause of returning Alan to his rightful town.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa is set for release in UK cinemas on August 7. 

Asimo - Honda's latest creation!

Say Hello, or Konichiwa, to Asimo, the impressive Robot created by Honda.

The walking, talking android works at the Miraikan Science Museum, Japan, as a guide. Unfortunately his first day on the job didn't quite go to plan…

The robust little fella is unable, at present, to detect any human body language and will only answer to questions if you raise your hand.

Unfortunately, as visitors were constantly taking pictures with their smartphones, this only confused Asimo who, rather than posing for the crowd, repeatedly asked: ‘Who wants to ask Asimo a question?’

As you can imagine, this glitch was quite embarrassing for Honda and poor Asimo, who has no voice recognition software and can only respond to pre-set questions selected from a touch-panel device.

So, although very impressive, Satoshi Shigemi, Honda’s robotics technology chief is still working to expand Asimo’s features and develop him into a truly masterful machine, rather than a paranoid android.


See his full features to date on our video below, plus, more inspiring tech videos on our YouTube channel.

Enjoyed our post? See more Gadget related posts here.

Magician Dynamo takes the bus – on a gravity-defying ride

Clearly, walking on water isn’t enough of a challenge for mind-blowing magician Dynamo.

The master of levitation has done the seemingly impossible again… this time by walking on air while holding the side of the upper deck of a bus.

Dynamo pulled off his latest stunt today as the number 543 bus, seemingly with open-mouthed passengers on the top deck, travelled through London.

The 30-year-old TV illusionist looked utterly at ease with only his hand placed on the bus roof to stop him falling into the traffic below.

Shoppers and tourists could barely believe their eyes as he passed alongside the Houses of Parliament before crossing Westminster Bridge.

‘The reaction of the public as I was travelling was incredible. It was great to see so many people taking in the excitement,’ said the Yorkshire-born conjurer.

His act was part of a promotional launch for soft drinks giant Pepsi Max.

The company’s British marketing director Sebastian Micozzi said: ‘I think you could see from the reaction of people on the route what an incredible piece of magic this was.’

The illusionist is probably best known for his documentary show Dynamo: Magician Impossible and for walking on the River Thames in 2011.

Other tricks in his repertoire include transporting a mobile phone into a glass beer bottle and bringing paper butterflies to life.

A new series of Dynamo’s Pepsi Max-sponsored magic show starts on July 11 on Watch with an online premiere airing on July 4.

Eating chocolate could stop you getting sunburn?

First it had health benefits, now it's got skin benefits too! How can we avoid temptation now?

There we were, all proud of ourselves for avoiding chocolate for the last few days (that bag of Galaxy bubbles doesn't count) and then we hear this latest news...that chocolate not only improves your mood, it also acts like a mild sunscreen. It's basically a health food then, right?

German researchers set up a trial where 24 women had to add cocoa to their breakfasts every day for three months. Half of the women drank hot cocoa that was rich in flavonoids, a natural plant-based antioxidant, and the other half drank cocoa that had little or no flavonoid. The volunteers skin was tested against UV light before and after the trial.

The results were striking. The skin of the women who had drunk the antioxidant-rich cocoa did not redden as much as the women who had drunk the alternative. They also reported smoother and moister skin than the others. 

       

Rio Ferdinand: we will win the title for Moyes

RIO FERDINAND has warned Manchester United’s rivals: We are desperate to win the title again for our new boss.

The veteran defender said: “To win the league under David Moyes would be phenomenal.

“Last season was one of the best when we won title No 20 but this could go beyond that.

“To win it at the first attempt with a new man in charge would be something special.”

Ferdinand is staying on at United despite Alex Ferguson leaving.

And he is convinced the Premier League champions will be as strong as ever next season with Moyes at the helm.

The former England centre-back, 34, added: “Moyes is a real football man and an honest guy.

“His hard working ethic reflects the man himself and he obviously wants success. We’ve got a great chance with this manager.

“Every year when we have the end-of-season party we are thinking about the next season and what we are going to do.

“We always talk about improving on the previous season. That was no different this year just because the manager has changed.”

Ferdinand has also told top players round the world that if Moyes wants to sign them they should seize the chance of going to Old Trafford.

He said: “If United come in for you, you take it."

“Even if you are a great player you become a better one at this club. Cristiano Ronaldo became the best player in the world having come from Sporting Lisbon.

“The likes of Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Andy Cole all became great players at United. With this platform you cannot believe anyone would ever turn it down.

“We are well paid, of course, but it’s more important for me to be at a club which enjoys success, and historically is the greatest in the world, than to earn a bit extra somewhere else.

“I could have left United for more money but that’s never stimulated me. I’ve had the greatest stage here.

“If you have ambition your aim has to be to make a name for yourself at a top club. Money should not be the over-riding factor.

“As a player aged between say 23 and 27 that is what you should be looking at. It shows you are going somewhere and want to win trophies.”

But Ferdinand hopes returning Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho will not be back on the trophy trail anytime soon.

He said: “As a fan it’s good to see personalities like Mourinho coming into our league.

“But, hopefully, he can wait till I’ve retired before he wins anything at all.”

Mumford and Sons bassist Ted Dwane to have surgery for blood clot on brain...

Folk-rock band Mumford and Sons have postponed three US gigs after bassist Ted Dwane was taken to hospital with a blood clot on his brain.

A statement from the band said the musician had been "feeling unwell for a few days" and was receiving emergency treatment in hospital.

It said: "The scans revealed a blood clot on the surface of his brain that requires an operation. Ted is receiving excellent care and we are being assured that he will recover quickly from surgery."

The four-piece band shot to fame with their debut album, Sigh No More, which was shortlisted for the 2010 Mercury Prize. It's follow-up, Babel, went to number one in the UK and the US.

They said the shows would be rescheduled as soon as possible. For the sake of all festival goers, lets hope that he recovers in time for Glastonbury.

Don't forget to join us on our social channels, take your pick...

Manchester 10k Run

Well, it was a great day at the Manchester 10k Run this year. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was buzzing and somebody as dressed as Justin Bieber - everything you need!

We're all really proud to have raised £4,000 for our charity, and everybody who competed finished with a time to be proud of. Here we all our showing off our medals (well, those who remembered to bring them!)

Bayern are crowned Champions of Europe...

It was the last thing Jupp Heynckes said but it was a warning of intent.

The German may be handing over the reins of power to Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich yet as far as Heynckes is concerned, he views himself as the architect.

Heynckes knows that no side has retained the Champions League since UEFA restructured the European Cup more than 20 years ago.

No team, though, has taken on the world’s most in-demand coach the summer after conquering the continent with a brand of power football that was all-consuming and captivating.

It, you suspect, they are more than likely to get even better. The Barcelona era was impressive. The Bayern era, though, may surpass it. We will see in Lisbon next May!

Be a champion and check out our TheDirectTree.com social sites...

"What a beautiful site"

Hey guys. TheDirectTree.com is happy to announce that our new website is alive and kicking - with a couple of small updates to come, of course.

As you can see from the image below, there are two search engines including business search and offer search.

Business Search: Select your preffered town/postcode and search for anything you wish! Take a look here and see for yourself.

Offer Search: Select your preffered town/postcode and select from a range of offer categories, and hit search. That simple. All the latest, greatest UK and local deals for you to browse. Doesn't get much better hey? Start you search here.

Plus, we're expecting our brand new application to be released in June. 

You can download it for both Apple and Android devices, so you can search for the best businesses and exclusive UK offers wherever you are!

But for now, take a look at our brand spanking new website, and find the best businesses and offers when you need them in your life!

'Appy Days!

Find the best UK businesses and offers on the go with our super-duper, slick, simple to use app.

Our re-vamp is coming very soon, and let me tell you, it looks fantastic! Wherever you are, you can simply find the best businesses in your area absolutely FREE.

Along with the most exclusive UK offers - we'll tell you about them first. Choose from a range of categories including Womens/Mens Fashion, Gifts & Gadgets, Home & Garden, Health & Beauty, Food & Drink plus many, many more.

Once it's live and ready to use, you'll be the first to know!

In the meantime, visit us on facebook, twitter, google+ or pinterest

Amazing Marrakesh Getaway!

Live the life of luxury for four days for less than that must-have hand bag you bought last month  or that ticket to the Champion League Final you've got burning a hole in your pocket.

Las Palmeras is a traditional Moroccan guesthouse where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful culture and eat Moroccan Lamb, Tajines and Cous Cous till your heart's content.

This five star accommodation is 45% off and you can fly from Manchester, Gatwick or Luton. 

For more information on this stunning offer, please visit our website.

Perhaps Another Bank Holiday Getaway?

Follow @TheDirectTreeUK

This amazing offer is unmissable for all those in dire need of a relaxing break away from the monotony of every day life. Not wanting to spend lots on a swish break away? Well then look no further!

We are now offering you a two night stay at our award winning 4* Doubletree Hilton Hotel at Sheffield Park as well as two free tickets to the scenic Chatsworth House & Gardens. This amazing deal will only set you back a tiny £89 per person.

      

So what are you waiting for? Full details are right here.

Everybody Loves Kung-Fu Fighting...

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Always admired Bruce Lee's awesome martial arts skills? Is Rush Hour your favourite film? Want to impersonate Jackie Chan's amazing moves?

Well now thanks to Crawley Kung Fu Schools you can learn this ancient craft for free! We are offering all those curious about Kung Fu a 30 day free trial where you can attend our classes and work with our skilled instructors in any of our numerous centres.

It's a quick and simple process - and it starts here.

Chocoholic? Read on...

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At Say It With Brownies we believe there is no better way to a chocolate lover's heart than through their stomach.

No matter the occasion, you can write a personal gift card so your loved one knows exactly how you feel. This yummy gift is a wonderful way of saying Happy Birthday, Thank You, or simply showing some Love.

To gain the voucher code, click here.

Are you more Gordon Brown than Gordon Ramsey?

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Not a big fan of slaving over a hot stove all night?

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, throwing a dinner party or just wanting to have a quiet night in, we have some delicious gourmet dishes ready prepared for you, with just the bare minimum of cooking required.

Find out more here...

Join The Graze Craze!

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We all get bored and resort to visiting the cupboard and seeing what tasty treat can entertain us for a few minutes. The problem is, bad snacking habits can take their toll on our waistlines and our health.

At wellbeinginfo.com you can pick up your first Graze box for free and receive your second half price with our promotional code RFQCF79B

Tasty and cheap! Find out more here.