Tesco has begun introducing AI technology to some of its self-checkout stations, prompting amused comparisons from customers to football’s (VAR) system. The new setup includes overhead cameras designed to detect when items are not properly scanned, replaying the moment on screen to alert shoppers.
While some customers found the technology amusing, others criticised it as excessive, with a few stating they would avoid using self-checkouts altogether.
This move follows a sharp rise in shoplifting across the UK, which reached record levels in 2024. According to the Office for National Statistics, police in England and Wales recorded 516,971 shoplifting offences last year—a 20% increase. However, figures from the British Retail Consortium indicate the problem is even worse, with 20.4 million incidents reported by retailers in the year up to last September—an increase of 3.7 million—resulting in losses of around £2 billion.
Big business seems to be addicted to technology to save money but it seems to end up costing them and us more money. It’s about time they learned that whist advances in technology have their place in society there are some areas where only a human will do. Instead of treating us all like criminals they should employ more staff and actually give us some customer service. It’ll be cheaper in the long run.
A nature reserve in Essex has been recognized as one of England’s highest-rated hidden gems.
According to data from Millets, Norsey Wood in Billericay ranks as the sixth best-rated nature reserve in the country.
Designated both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an ancient monument, Norsey Wood spans 165 acres and boasts over 400 years of history along with diverse wildlife.
Basildon Council purchased the site in 1976, protecting it from potential housing development.
Today, the woodland enjoys a 4.7-star rating on TripAdvisor and attracts approximately 60,000 visitors annually.
Also on today’s show –
Billy Joel has cancelled all forthcoming tour dates after being diagnosed with a rare brain condition.
Birthdays
1944 – Gladys Knight, American singer-songwriter and actress
1945 – John Fogerty, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Together with Doug Clifford, Stu Cook, and his brother Tom Fogerty, he founded the swamp rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), for which he was the lead singer, lead guitarist, and principal songwriter.
1968 – Kylie Minogue, Australian singer-songwriter, producer, and actress
Martin’s Choice – my song choice for this week features someone I introduced you to a while back,
Mario Biondi was born in Catania Italy in 1971. An Italian singer and composer who blends, jazz, soul, and rhythm and blues into a unique style. His deep voice and passion for soul are influenced by vocalists like Al Jarreau, Lou Rawls, and Isaac Hayes. Biondi’s breakthrough came in 2004 with the single “This Is What You Are”, the song has become a classic which to this day will still be heard at Soul music events.
The song I have chosen is a cover version of a song by Boz Scaggs called lowdown released originally in the late 70s.
This version of the song is sung By Mario Biondi in collaboration with the great Uk band Incognito and also features the fantastic American Jazz singer Chaka Khan. So with this song we have three for the price of one! Two amazing singers and one of the best Soul Jazz & Funk bands providing the groove!
You can listen to the show here –
One 2 Three
Bob Simpson
