Latest news with #Bane
Wales Online
15-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
I stopped breathing more than 20 times every night - one change improved everything
I stopped breathing more than 20 times every night - one change improved everything Struggling with sleep can make your whole day a lot more difficult I used to stop breathing more than 20 times a night then something changed my life (Image: Ian Craig ) There are few things more important to your overall wellbeing than getting a good night's sleep. And nothing brings that into sharper focus than failing to achieve it. It's something I've had problems with all my adult life — I dread to think how many hours I've spent staring at the ceiling into the wee small hours, completely unable to nod off despite being really tired. And when I eventually do manage to drift off, when my alarm goes off just a few hours later I feel no better than I did when I tucked myself in, and spend the rest of the day in a barely-conscious haze. I had a boss once who used to say there was little point in asking me to do something before midday. As for solutions, you name it, I've tried it. I can highly recommend an hour of non-screen time before bed, but having a nightcap before turning in only makes it harder to get up the next morning in my experience. After years of struggling I finally decided enough was enough and asked my GP to refer me to my local health board's sleep team. It took five years to get an appointment (the small matter of a global pandemic might have played a part in that) but I finally got to see a specialist late last year. My lovely partner had told me I sometimes stop breathing when I'm asleep, and the health board's sleep team told me I'd stopped breathing no fewer than 22 times the night I was monitored, a condition known as sleep apnoea. That sounds like a lot — and obviously it's not ideal — but apparently that's actually considered fairly mid-range when it comes to sleep apnoea. People with severe cases can stop breathing 30 times or more in a single night. Article continues below I'd heard about CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, but to the best of my knowledge I'd never actually seen one. It was a bit of a surprise then to be presented with a surprisingly modern-looking piece of kit - a sleek black box roughly the size of a breadbin, with a long hose attached to a silicon mask. The machine fits nicely on my bedside table (Image: Ian Craig ) The machine works by keeping your airways open by feeding pressurised air through the mask. The steady stream of air means your airways stay open and you don't stop breathing. On putting the mask on for the first time, my first thought was that I looked a bit like Bane from Batman film The Dark Knight Rises. Sadly I don't look like Tom Hardy when I take it off. Nobody cared who I was until I put on the mask (Image: Ian Craig ) There are quite a few settings on the machine to adjust, but ultimately it's really as simple as pressing a button to turn it on and off again when you wake up. I'm supposed to use it whenever I sleep, including if it's just a little afternoon nap — and it's surprising how quickly I got used to it. I expected I'd struggle to sleep with a mask strapped tightly to my face, but really I barely notice it. The only really jarring thing is if I wake up while it's on full blast and blowing a jet of pressurised air into my lungs — but there's a button on the machine to get it to release the pressure when that happens. It's also nowhere near as loud as I expected. I'd anticipated something in the region of a jet engine next to my bed, but it's really not even as loud as a desk fan. That is, unless you take the mask off or the hose out while it's turned on, upon which it makes an alarmingly vicious sucking noise. Lesson learned. It also has an optional compartment on the side which you can fill with about a mug-worth of boiled water, which keeps moisture in the air in blows into your lungs. There's also a handy app I can use to see how well I've slept each night, and it even sends data directly to the health board's sleep team. The wonders of modern technology. There's also an app I can use to monitor my breathing (Image: Ian Craig ) But there's no getting away from the fact that it's not the most elegant piece of machinery in the world. With a mask strapped to my face with a long hose trailing from it, I can't help but be reminded of that bit in Alien when a face-hugger creature attaches itself to John Hurt. Thankfully my long-suffering partner claims not to mind. But six months on, do I feel any different? To be honest: not really. I still wake up feeling barely rested — but the number of times I stop breathing in an average night is down from more than 20 to only two or three, which can only be a good thing. I'm told I'll have a follow-up appointment in two years, so perhaps I'll feel differently then. What is sleep apnoea? Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts when you sleep, the NHS says. Common symptoms include waking up a lot, loud snoring, and making gasping, snorting, or choking noises. During the day it can make you feel very tired and struggle to concentrate. Article continues below Without treatment it can lead to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, and also increases the risk of having a stroke. There are also risks associated with tiredness, such as losing concentration while driving. Causes involve obesity, smoking and drinking alcohol, having a large neck, and suffering with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. It is also more common in older people. If you think you may be suffering with sleep apnoea, speak to your GP, who will be able to refer you to your local health board's sleep team.
New York Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Activist's conviction for Hillary Clinton memes tossed by appeals courts
A social media influencer who was sentenced to seven months behind bars two years ago for posting anti-Hillary Clinton memes federal prosecutors deemed election interference for misleading voters had his conviction overturned. Douglass Mackey, 36, posted satirical memes of a fake ad in 2016 falsely indicating voters could stay home and simply text 'Hillary' to a phone number instead of showing up at the polls. But a three-judge panel for the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit concluded that prosecutors failed to prove Mackey was knowingly partaking in a broader conspiracy to hoodwink voters. Advertisement 'The case has been remanded to the district court with orders to immediately dismiss. Hallelujah!' Mackey later cheered on X. 4 Many of the memes bore Clinton campaign logos and fine print at the bottom to look authentic. @DougMackeyCase/X Advertisement 4 Douglass Mackey praised the appeals court's decision. @DougMackeyCase/X Mackey had initially been sentenced in October 2023, but was out on bail amid an appeal. His 2016 meme, which was posted shortly before the election, told voters to 'Avoid the line' and 'Vote from home' by texting a phone number. At the time, Mackey made the post via an alias, 'Ricky Vaughn.' Notably, his account at the time featured a man wearing a MAGA hat and a Bane mask. Prosecutors claimed some 4,900 unique phone numbers texted the number in the meme. Advertisement Twitter, as it was then called, eventually shut down his account, and he had garnered a spot on MIT's top 150 influencers of that election cycle. Mackey posted multiple memes that federal prosecutors in Brooklyn cited in the case, accusing him of attempting to suppress votes. Some of the memes included bogus claims that they had been paid for by the Clinton campaign. Some of the memes deployed the 'Vote from home' line but targeted specific blocs of voters, such as Latinos and African-Americans. 4 Federal prosecutors had been cheered by some Democrats for their 'groundbreaking prosecution.' Getty Images Advertisement The 36-year-old was accused of conspiring with other social media users in various chat rooms to chart ways to push President Trump's message, prosecutors said. However, the panel on the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit was unconvinced. 'The mere fact that Mackey posted the memes, even assuming that he did so with the intent to injure other citizens in the exercise of their right to vote, is not enough, standing alone, to prove a violation of Section 241,' Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston wrote in the majority opinion, referring to the statute defining conspiracy against rights. 'The government was obligated to show that Mackey knowingly entered into an agreement with other people to pursue that objective,' the panel added. 'This, the government failed to do.' Judges on the panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit unanimously decided to overturn the charges and sent the case back to the district court with instructions to acquit Mackey. 4 The 2016 election marked the beginning of the more than decade-long Trump era of American politics. Bloomberg via Getty Images 'Its primary evidence of agreement, apart from the memes themselves, consisted of exchanges among the participants in several private Twitter message groups—exchanges the government argued showed the intent of the participants to interfere with others' exercise of their right to vote,' the judges noted. 'Yet the government failed to offer sufficient evidence that Mackey even viewed—let alone participated in—any of these exchanges,' they added, noting 'the government's remaining circumstantial evidence cannot alone establish Mackey's knowing agreement.'
Fox Sports
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Bucks, Clippers Among Best Fits For Suns Star Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal's hours in the desert appear numbered. In the wake of the Phoenix Suns trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, numerous reports have indicated that Beal and the franchise are nearing a buyout, with the three-time All-Star having two seasons remaining on a five-year, $251 million deal. Beal is coming off a discouraging season. He was moved to the bench midseason in a campaign that saw the Suns miss the playoffs and Beal appear in just 53 games; the 53-game mark is tied for the most games that Beal has appeared in across a single season in each of the last four seasons. At the same time, the 33-year-old remains a bucket-getter. He can play in isolation, score off the dribble and still be an at least tertiary source of offense for a contending team. Plus, signing Beal for a near-league minimum deal is an appealing, low-risk-high-reward option for any team. And with that, here are the three best destinations for Beal if and when he's bought out by the Suns. 3. Memphis Grizzlies Memphis traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for, most notably, four unprotected first-round picks. An opening now exists in its wing rotation, which is where Beal comes into play. Beal could either start next to Ja Morant, giving the Grizzlies a vibrant offensive backcourt with two aggressive scorers, or be the team's leading scorer off the bench as their sixth man. Either scenario gives the Grizzlies somebody who helps fill the offensive production that Bane's departure vacates. From the Grizzlies' perspective, part of the rationale behind trading Bane was so they could extend star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. (five-year, $240 million deal), have the financial flexibility to re-sign Santi Aldama (three-year, $52.5 million deal) and bring in former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (three-year, $28 million deal). Memphis bringing in Beal would continue to build depth and load up a proven roster in a stacked Western Conference. All that said, the Grizzlies may feel that having the combination of Jerome, Jaylen Wells and Scotty Pippen Jr., among others, gives them the backcourt depth that's needed and any of those players making a jump would fill the role that Beal would likely serve, anyway: being a starting-caliber scorer off the bench. 2. LA Clippers He could've come off the bench before the move, but with the Clippers trading Norman Powell – who averaged a career-high 21.8 points per game last season – in a three-team trade earlier this week, Beal can slide right into his place in head coach Tyronn Lue's rotation. The Clippers were one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals last season. Kawhi Leonard is 34. James Harden will be 36 when the 2025-26 NBA season begins. Of course, both players are still high-impact players, as Leonard remains an electric scorer and two-way demon and Harden is one of the best ball-handlers and shooters in the sport. Beal would give the Clippers another viable scoring option and is a tremendous replacement for Powell, who's an attacking scorer. As part of the aforementioned three-team trade, the Clippers acquired forward John Collins, a bouncy player who hits the boards at a high level and can score in a variety of ways. Essentially going from Powell to both Collins and Beal would be a win value-wise for LA and fits the franchise's win-now mentality. The finances aren't an issue and neither is Beal's potential fit with the Clippers. What could stop the two sides from joining forces, though, is the Clippers feeling that an impactful move should come in the form of somebody who's in or just entering their prime, as opposed to somebody in Beal's position, who has been held back by injuries like Leonard and could continue the negative health trend for LA, rather than buck it. 1. Milwaukee Bucks The Bucks are a mess. They were just bounced out of the playoffs in Round 1 for a third consecutive year, waived star point guard Damian Lillard after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the postseason, signed former Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal, and the NBA world remains on standby for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade request. But that alarm still has not been sounded, so the Bucks remain a team in the hunt, and Beal fits the bill for their operation. With Lillard officially gone, the Bucks have an enormous scoring void to fill. Turner gives them perimeter shooting and interior defense, but Beal would give the Bucks needed isolation scoring and — when available — is the most proven scorer on the open market. Beal, who would immediately be Milwaukee's No. 2 scorer, is somebody who can handle the rock and take the ball out of Antetokounmpo's hands, avoiding a situation where the latter has to play hero ball for the majority of next season. Plus, with Beal's well-rounded offensive skill set in the fold, the Bucks' starting five begins to take shape as a legitimate unit to build with, which also includes the uber-confident Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis. There's zero risk in a short-term deal with Beal from Milwaukee's standpoint. Worst-case scenario, the Bucks have another quick playoff exit, Antetokounmpo requests a trade, and they lose Beal to free agency. All they'd be investing in Beal is a low-level contract. The Bucks need an impact scorer, and Beal would probably revel in the chance to be a primary scoring option once again. Beal and the Bucks need each other. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Basketball Association Phoenix Suns Bradley Beal recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: Nick Wright predicts Austin Reaves' trade value after Desmond Bane deal
The post Lakers rumors: Nick Wright predicts Austin Reaves' trade value after Desmond Bane deal appeared first on ClutchPoints. In the wake of Desmond Bane's blockbuster trade to the Orlando Magic, sports analyst Nick Wright has raised questions about how the deal could reset the trade market for players like Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Advertisement On the latest episode of What's Wright? with Nick Wright, the FOX Sports host evaluated whether the Lakers could use Reaves in a multi-team trade to address their ongoing need at center, using Bane's trade package as a benchmark. 'If Desmond Bane is worth four first rounders,' Wright said, 'then is the Lakers real path to getting a center a three-team trade where Utah doesn't want Austin Reaves because they don't want to compete yet… but you flip Austin Reaves to a team that does want him and has a bunch of picks. Those picks go to Utah and Walker Kessler goes to the Lakers.' Wright continued, proposing a framework that puts Reaves' value just below Bane's, but ahead of many other non-All-Star level contributors. Advertisement 'If Desmond Bane's worth four first round picks, is Austin Reaves worth three and a half first round picks?' Wright asked. 'If Mikal Bridges goes for five firsts and Bane goes for four firsts then the price of controlled quality top-50, but not top-25 players has been set.' Lakers may leverage Austin Reaves' value after blockbuster Desmond Bane trade reshapes market Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Lakers have long been linked to potential center upgrades, and Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz has emerged as a frequent trade target. A 7-footer known for his rim protection and rebounding, Kessler fits the mold of a starting-caliber big man that the Lakers reportedly want to pair with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Advertisement Reaves, 27, is coming off a career-best season in his fourth year with the Lakers. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while playing 34.9 minutes per game across 73 appearances. He shot 46% from the field and 37.7% from three, continuing to build on the breakout stretch he had in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Reaves is under contract for $13.9 million for the 2025–26 season and holds a player option for the 2026–27 season worth $14.8 million. His production, age, and team-friendly contract have made him a valuable asset in trade discussions as the Lakers weigh roster changes following another early playoff exit. The Desmond Bane deal, which sent the 26-year-old guard to Orlando in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap, has recalibrated expectations for the value of high-level role players and borderline stars. Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc. The parallels in production and role between Bane and Reaves have prompted speculation over whether the Lakers could now explore Reaves' trade value in a more aggressive pursuit of roster upgrades. Advertisement As the offseason continues, Reaves' name is likely to remain a topic of conversation among executives and analysts alike. Related: Lakers rumors: How new owner will be 'valuable resource' for LeBron James Related: Sources: Why Lakers rivals hoped Jeanie Buss would never sell franchise
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Desmond Bane Caught on Video Reacting to Thunder's NBA Championship
Desmond Bane Caught on Video Reacting to Thunder's NBA Championship originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Orlando Magic star Desmond Bane traveled to watch Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. Bane, who was just traded to the Magic by the Memphis Grizzlies, will play with Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Advertisement So far, Bane's trade was the most significant acquisition by the Magic following their elimination in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. Many believe that the 6-foot-5 shooting guard will elevate the Magic on both ends. One of the main concerns of Orlando was outside shooting. Having Bane in the lineup solves their number one concern, giving the forward tandem of Banchero and Wagner a third option. Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane warms up before the game against the Orlando Watters-Imagn Images On Sunday, the Thunder came out victorious over the Pacers and won the NBA championship. Eagle-eyed fans witnessed that Bane attended the game and was filmed while OKC released the confetti, as fans started throwing the championship celebration. Advertisement Bane remained calm, observing the situation, while the fans around him were enjoying the moment. The NBA Finals lasted seven games as the Pacers kept on putting up a fight. However, they suffered an unfortunate setback when Tyrese Haliburton went down with a torn right Achilles injury. Bane is looking forward to playing for his new team. He'll serve as one of the more experienced players on the team. He's been in four playoff appearances and was one of the best performers for the Memphis team in the postseason. In his four playoff appearances, he's averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 39.6% shooting from deep. During the 2025 playoffs, Bane didn't have the best performance as he averaged 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 21.9% shooting from long range. Advertisement Related: Magic Predicted to Land NBA Starter Looking for 'Pay Raise' to Join Desmond Bane This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
