Latest news with #JoshWilliams
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cornish firm unveils new system for buying and selling trading cards online
A Cornish tech startup is launching groundbreaking technology to transform how trading cards like Pokémon are bought and sold online. based in Falmouth, has published new sales data suggesting its sellers are earning up to 25 per cent more than they would on eBay, a claim it attributes to its unique 3D card imaging. The trading card hobby resurged in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a 20-year nostalgia cycle for franchises such as Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and other popular series born around the turn of the millennium. based in Falmouth, has published new sales data suggesting its sellers are earning up to 25 per cent more than they would on eBay, a claim it attributes to its unique 3D card imaging (Image: While things cooled off post-pandemic, the hobby is now experiencing another boom, with experts forecasting more than £2.7 billion in growth by 2030. Headlines are often dominated by seven-figure sales for "grail cards." According to Josh Williams and John Brame, the co-founder and director of these tales almost always centre on graded cards — those that have been professionally appraised and sealed in a protective case. "But for every graded card sold, there are around eight ungraded or 'raw' cards changing hands," they explained. Co-founder Josh added: 'It comes down to the inherent risk of buying something where condition is such a pivotal factor in its value. "Unless you're lucky enough to live near a big card shop or regular card show, you're likely buying on eBay or other peer-to-peer online marketplaces." "These platforms are great for buying a plethora of things, but for trading cards, where you want to really scrutinise the photos to find all the minute scratches and dinks before making a purchase decision, we thought something more specialised was needed. There seemed to be an enormous gap in the market.' Josh Williams (L) and John Brame (R), the co-founder and director of (Image: John Brame – the director of – said: 'Following our frustrations buying cards online, Josh and I spent over two years coming up with a way to effectively 3D image cards in very high resolution. 'We placed this technology at the heart of a new marketplace – launched last summer – specifically for ungraded cards, where potential buyers can rotate a card around in our 3D viewer, see how light plays on its surface and easily spot any value-defining defects'. Long-awaited demolition of former care home in Helston is finally happening Major upgrade to security at Newquay Airport means big change on liquid rules Fears granting chicken shop alcohol licence will exacerbate problem behaviour He added: 'We're also consignment-based, which allows us to provide a quality-controlled marketplace, with consistent imagery, categorisation and – very importantly these days – no fakes'. Now Ungraded has published performance data that pits them directly against eBay, their biggest competitor. Performance numbers are based on the platform's auction hammer prices from the last 90 days compared to average eBay sale figures of equivalent cards in the same condition bracket. Ungraded has published performance data that pits them directly against eBay, their biggest competitor (Image: It takes seller fees – Ungraded has none other than a 50p per card processing fee – and costs, such as postage and packaging, into account and suggests that on average, Ungraded's sellers are making up to 25 per cent more than they would have selling the same cards on eBay. 'We've had a nerve-wracking wait while we gathered sufficient sales data and also got legal guidance to help us present it in a fair and objective way' said Josh. 'It was worth the wait, though. Our theory that we should see strong sale prices due to the confidence our imaging gives buyers is, thankfully, proving to be correct." The trading card hobby resurged in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a 20-year nostalgia cycle for franchises such as Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and other popular series born around the turn of the millennium (Image: The platform also offers buyers the means to buy cards, hold them in Ungraded's storage, and relist them once the market prices have moved favourably. John explained: 'We recently opened up relisting and it's quickly becoming a big part of the business, particularly with new releases, which see a lot of price volatility. Not only is this great for the business, but it introduces a really fun way to use the site for people who enjoy playing the market.' To find out more about Ungraded, visit
The Herald Scotland
06-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Dorset bay among UK's best hidden beaches to avoid crowds
Mupe Bay was featured in the list from holiday home site Simply Sea Views, which pulled together some lesser-known spots. While you are likely to avoid many people at these places, they might also not be the most convenient to reach. Josh Williams, Founder of Simply Sea Views, said: 'Coastal over-tourism is a real issue, so we're seeing travellers actively seek quieter, more meaningful experiences. "These hidden gems are for those who want to experience a calm coastal retreat without having to travel hundreds of miles overseas to do so. "The UK offers some stunning locations for holidaymakers to enjoy, and when the sun is shining, it is difficult to beat the naturally beautiful locations along our British coastline.' Why is Mupe Bay among the UK's best hidden beaches? Mupe Bay is quite close to a far more popular spot in Lulworth Cove, but has some restrictions in getting to it To access the beach, you'll need to cross Ministry of Defence land at Lulworth Range, so you'll need to check it's actually open. You can check firing times on the Government website here, but if the red flags are not flying on a weekend, you can use the paths. It is recommended to stick to these paths and not touch anything on the way. In terms of further instructions, the Beach Guide adds: "To get to Mupe Bay involves a some degree of walking and a bit of a climb/scrabble down the cliff path. "Perhaps the most direct route is to park up by the church in Lulworth village, but you can walk around the coast from Lulworth Cove (around 2 miles)." Discussing Mupe Bay, Simply Sea Views wrote: "Hidden behind military ranges and open only on select days, Mupe Bay lies beyond the famous Lulworth Cove. "When the red flags are down, a rugged path reveals a dramatic cove where limestone cliffs and sea stacks meet crashing shoreline. Recommended reading: "It's a proper adventure to get there, but one that rewards you with silence, and some of the Jurassic Coast's most striking scenery." According to the Beach Guide, the beach is mainly rocks and shingle at high tide, but an expanse of sand is revealed at low tide. It adds: "Low water also uncovers Mupe Ledge, a flat rocky area that is full of rockpools."
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
4 top tips for keeping cats and dogs cool in the heatwave
The UK has seen soaring temperatures recently, with Scotland seeing a peak of 28.9C in Drumnadrochit on the shore of Loch Ness on June 20. Charterhall in the Scottish Borders and Aboyne in Aberdeenshire hit 28.7C, while Edinburgh reached 28.4C, ahead of Glasgow on 27.3C on Scotland's hottest day of the year so far, according to the BBC. Down south, many spots have seen temperatures soar past 30C, with highs of 35C expected this week. Yesterday, Monday, June 30, Heathrow hit 33.1C, a huge jump from Scotland's 'Hawaii of the North', the Isle of Tiree, which topped out at just 13.7C. But with piping temperatures across the country, our pets can seriously suffer. In fact, one in seven dogs treated for heatstroke will die, so it's vital to keep your cat or dog as cool as possible in high temperatures. With this in mind, experts at Dog Friendly Retreats and Healthy Pets have shared their top tips for keeping your furry friends cool in the summer heat. Josh Williams, founder of Dog Friendly Retreats, says: "Many [pet] owners, especially on busy summer days are surprised at how quickly heatstroke can develop, and by the time symptoms are visible, it's often already serious. Prevention is far safer and more effective than treatment.' Here is their advice for keeping both dogs and cats cool in the heat to prevent the development of heatstroke. Avoid walking dogs at the hottest points of the day To reduce the risk of heatstroke in dogs, owners are strongly advised to avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 11am and 4pm. Early morning or evening walks are safer and dogs should never be left in parked cars or enclosed spaces, even with windows cracked, as internal temperatures can rise to fatal levels within minutes. Outdoor cats should also be kept inside during these hottest hours. Use the 7 second rule for hot patios and pavements Garden surfaces such as patios, decking, and artificial grass can also become dangerously hot and burn a dog or cat's paw pads. A useful test is to press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws. Keep pets hydrated and shaded Pets should have continuous access to clean, fresh water and shaded areas throughout the day. Cooling mats, damp towels, and fans can all help regulate their body temperature. Those shopping for a cooling mat may consider the pecute Dog Cooling Mat which comes in a variety of sizes and is widely popular with shoppers. The mats currently have over 17,800 ratings and the medium edition (65cm by 50cm) is currently retailing for £25.42. Alternatively, pet owners may consider the Rosewood Chillax cool Pad for £20 on Argos. Keep their food and water chilled Adding ice cubes to your pet's water can help keep it cooler for longer during a heatwave. If your dog or cat eats wet food, you can also refrigerate it before their mealtimes. Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs and cats Early symptoms of heatstroke in cats include panting, restlessness, agitation, and pacing. In dogs, symptoms can include: Excessive panting and drooling Bright red or pale gums Vomiting or diarrhoea Disorientation or confusion Staggering, shaking or collapse Seizures in extreme cases Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio lawmaker wants to create penalties for hospitals that don't cooperate with ICE
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A recently introduced Ohio bill is seeking to strip hospitals of state grants and Medicaid funding if they refuse to let ICE agents inside their facilities. House Bill 281, introduced by Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) in May, would require any hospital receiving funding through state grants or Medicaid reimbursements to allow ICE agents entry to make an arrest pursuant to a lawful warrant, interview someone or collect evidence. If a hospital denies an ICE agent entry, any funding from state grants would be revoked. Additionally, if the hospital is a Medicaid provider, the state Department of Medicaid would suspend its agreement with the establishment. 'HB 281 contains the changes necessary for Ohio to keep up with the increased illegal immigration we have seen in the past few years, and the current administration's attempts to curtail it using ICE and similar agencies,' Williams said at the bill's first hearing last week. The legislation comes after President Donald Trump rescinded a policy in January that limited ICE's ability to make arrests at 'sensitive locations,' such as houses of worship, schools and hospitals. Across the United States, ICE agents are already generally permitted to enter public areas of hospitals, such as waiting rooms. Health centers are also legally required to let agents enter private areas, including patient rooms, if they have the appropriate warrant. If hospitals interfere with such actions, they could face criminal charges. The main change HB 281 would make to current law in Ohio is the proposed punishments hospitals could face, according to Gary Daniels, a legislative director with the American Civil Liberties Union. He said the bill would benefit from some 'much needed' clarification, as if its intention is to ensure Ohio hospitals comply with ICE enforcement actions, it is 'unnecessary' since that is already required under federal law. Williams said at the bill's first hearing that the legislation would help ensure Medicaid funds are used for those who 'follow the law' and pay for such services. He said the medical treatment of individuals who are in the country illegally causes a 'massive strain' on taxpayer dollars, citing data from the Congressional Budget Office, which found state and federal governments spent almost $27 billion on Medicaid services from 2017 to 2023 on those who are ineligible for the program due on their immigration status. A study from the nonprofit research organization Kaiser Family Foundation stated the $27 billion represents less than 1% of overall Medicaid spending during that time period. The legislation would also require each hospital in the state to adopt written policies establishing procedures to comply with the measure. The Ohio Nurses Association has come out against the bill, claiming lawmakers should focus on other crises state hospitals face regarding chronic understaffing and workplace violence, rather than 'weaponizing' the healthcare system. 'We need safe, well-established protocols to handle law enforcement – not chaotic, politically motivated mandates that turn care spaces into zones of surveillance and fear,' a spokesperson said. 'This legislation would cause real harm to patients and health professionals alike.' HB 281 has been referred to the House's Public Safety Committee, where it awaits input from residents. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Post
27-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Ohio's proposed ‘Natural Family Month' faces backlash from LGBTQ parents
Over two dozen Ohio lawmakers are pushing a bill that designates the weeks between Mother's Day and Father's Day as 'Natural Family Month,' sparking backlash from some LGBTQ families, according to reports. State Reps. Beth Lear and Josh Williams, both Republicans, said they introduced House Bill 262 to celebrate families and emphasize their critical role in society, at a time when marriages and birth rates are declining. Advertisement 'At a time when marriage is trending downward and young couples are often choosing to remain childless, it's important for the State of Ohio to make a statement that marriage and families are the cornerstone of civil society, and absolutely imperative if we want to maintain a healthy and stable Republic,' Rep. Lear said in a press release. 'With America facing declining birth rates and a shrinking population, we can no longer afford to ignore the foundational role that strong families play in sustaining our future,' Rep. Williams also said in a statement. 'H.B. 262 is about more than policy—it's about promoting the economic and social stability that comes from raising children in healthy, two-parent households. We must use every tool at our disposal to support the families that are building the next generation of Americans,' he added. 5 Ohio lawmakers are pushing a bill that designates the weeks between Mother's Day and Father's Day as 'Natural Family Month,' sparking backlash from some LGBTQ families, according to reports. NDABCREATIVITY – Advertisement The bill does not define what makes a 'natural' family, but Williams told NBC News the bill is intended to 'promote natural families—meaning a man, a woman, and their children—as a way to encourage higher birth rates.' Birth rates in the U.S. fell to a historic low in 2023, according to a report by the CDC published last year. The CDC recently reported that birth rates increased by 1% in 2023, which 'drove a less than 1% increase in the general fertility rate.' 5 State Reps. Beth Lear and Josh Williams, both Republicans, said they introduced House Bill 262 to celebrate families at a time when marriages and birth rates are declining. Louis-Photo – Advertisement Some marriage rates have also experienced a downward shift over the past few decades. The Pew Research Center reported that the number of 40-year-olds in the U.S. who have never been married reached a record high in 2021. But the bill was criticized by the LGBTQ community, according to reports by WLWT5 and NBC News. Ohio resident Vanessa Melendez, who identifies as lesbian, is a married mother of two who lives with her wife, adopted daughter, and stepson from a previous marriage, in College Hill. 5 But the bill was criticized by the LGBTQ community, according to reports. AP Advertisement Melendez hit the Ohio lawmakers for using the word 'natural' in their pro-family bill, saying it excludes families like hers, and others who have adopted, conceived through IVF, or are raising children without a partner. 'The elephant in the room on how they've positioned it is on the word 'natural,'' Melendez told WLWT5. 'And I think that what they're saying is if there's only one way to be a natural family, and that's entirely not true.' 'They're really coming after it at a very narrow, exclusionary way, and they're only giving a description of one type of family,' Melendez added. 'We don't want to take away from that one type of family, but there are so many other kinds of families.' 5 LGBTQ parents have criticized the proposed bill. (JLco) Julia Amaral – Williams defended the bill to NBC News, saying the bill is not meant to be discriminatory but is intended to support the family structure that's 'most directly tied to the creation and raising of children.' 'By that same logic that all families should be celebrated,' Williams also told WLWT5. 'You could go then to June and say we shouldn't have Pride Month because all sexual orientation should be celebrated, not just those that are alternative to the mainstream.' 5 The 2022 LGBTQ Pride Parade in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio on June 25, 2022. Williams, who is Black, was raised by a single mother, grew up in poverty, and experienced homelessness, and argued that fatherlessness has had negative effects on the Black community. Advertisement 'And we know the statistics that show that that results in a higher rate of poverty, a higher rate of dropping out of school, a higher rate, a higher rate of being on public assistance, a higher rate of engaging in criminal conduct,' he told WLWT5. Williams and Lear did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment.
