2 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Watch moment Russian fighter jet crashes after WING fell off during air raid mission on Ukraine
THIS is the dramatic moment a wing falls off a £15 million Russian warplane during a frontline mission over Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
The pilot miraculously cheated death by ejecting before the Su-25 aircraft came tumbling to the ground.
East2WestAn attack aircraft begins to spin uncontrollably over Ukraine’s Soledar city[/caption]
East2WestWhite smoke and flames are seen as the warplane falls to the ground[/caption]
East2WestPictured: the fighter pilot under a parachute (circled), the warplane engulfed in flames and the aircraft’s detached right wing (black object on right)[/caption]
In the shocking video, the doomed warplane is seen spiralling out of control as it plummets from the sky over the Ukrainian city of Soledar.
The Russian aircraft’s right wing appears to have detached.
Flames engulf the warplane as it falls to the ground, crashing into a field.
A fighter pilot is visible descending under a parachute, having ejected moments.
It was initially assumed the Su-25 had been shot down.
Ukrainian media claimed the aircraft may have been downed by “friendly fire” – an unguided missile from its partner plane.
Others suggested the cause may have been heat trap flares and possible missiles from the Su-25.
But the absence of a large explosion – typically expected in the case of a direct missile strike – has led experts on both sides to propose a different theory.
Russia’s Su-25 fleet is outdated – with each aircraft averaging over 40 years old – and has experienced multiple technical failures in the past, as reported by the Kyiv Post.
The pilot was reportedly rescued by Russian forces on the ground while under fire from Ukrainian drones.
An Mi-8 helicopter arrived at the crash site and evacuated him.
Russian Telegram channel Fighterbomber cited “destruction of the wing” as the cause of the crash.
“The pilot is in the hospital with a broken arm,” the channel wrote.
It added: “A commission will investigate what went wrong and determine who is to blame.”
The visible “missiles” may be unignited heat trap flares designed to distract heat-seeking missiles away from the aircraft’s engines, according to some sources.
Ukraine has not made an official statement about the incident.
UkrainianMilitarniymedia outlet ruled out the possibilities of friendly fire and an exploding missile.
The channel said: “The third possible reason is a defect in the aircraft’s power structure that arose due to prolonged intensive use of the aircraft in combat operations or a manufacturing defect.
“This hypothesis is supported by the fact that the wing broke off at the moment of the turn, when it is subjected to the greatest loads.
“Another indirect confirmation may be that the operation of Russian attack aircraft, whose average age reaches 40 years, is associated with a significant number of emergency situations.”
Ukrainian war analyst Yury Butusov backed this theory, saying: “At first it seems that it was shot down by its own pilot, the pilot of another aircraft.
“However, when viewed in slow motion, one can conclude that the Su-25’s wing failed due to excessive overload and exhaustion of the attack aircraft’s resources.”
The Su-25 is a Soviet, twin-engine, single-seat aircraft developed by Sukhoi in the late 1970s.
2 days agoNew York StateComments Off on BBC Radio 2 icon Jo Whiley explains why her kids will ‘never be nepo babies’ despite her huge career success
BBC RADIO 2 icon Jo Whiley has explained why her kids will “never be nepo babies,” despite her huge career success.
The highly successful 59-year-old radio star has been a host since 1993 and presented her own show on BBCRadio 1 from 2001-2009.
GettyBBC Radio 2 icon Jo Whiley has explained why her kids will “never be nepo babies,” despite her huge career success[/caption]
GettyThe star has enjoyed a very successful career across radio and television[/caption]
GettyJo and Steve and two of their children[/caption]
And over the course of her booming career, Jo has met and interviewed some huge names, even introducing her kids to some “very, very cool people” – from the actors playing Doctor Who to Liam Gallagher, and more.
The star married music executive Steve Morton in July 1991, and together they share their four kids – their eldest daughter India was born the year they were married before an eight-year gap for the birth of son Jude.
The couple also share son Cassius and daughter Coco Lux.
But despite their musical connections and fame, Jo insists her four children will “never be nepo babies.”
Speaking alongside a new campaign with The Rail Industry, Jo told The Sun: “My kids will never be nepo babies. They are very determined never ever to make it because I’m their mum.
“It really horrifies them – the thought that anybody would ever employ them because of what I do. So they’re so determined to get jobs and do work on their own merits, and they will never take advantage of me at all.”
Jo added: “They’ll never ever use my name to get somewhere.”
Jo says it’s actually her who ends up introducing her children to popular artists and modern music, as opposed to the other way around.
“It works both ways for us, it really does,” she said, adding: “Coco really loves Lorde, and I’ve interviewed her in the past.
“But also I’ve introduced them all to the likes of The Killers, Lorde, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish and beabadoobee. Just some amazing women, sensational females at the moment who are just slaying, and my 16 year old absolutely adores them all and I’ve loved being on the journey with her.
“The people I’ve interviewed over the years are now part of my kids’ lives, but they’ve introduced me to other artists who’ve come through as well.”
And Jo’s passion for music isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
The DJ, who is often found in the booth at her 90s anthem gigs, turns 60 next month on 4th July, but she has no plans to slow down her career.
“I’ve done so much over my career but I want to keep on keeping on, and playing music to people. I’m doing so much of what I enjoy at the moment, and I want to keep going with it.”
But Jo hasn’t always been her confident self, able to interview huge music legends at the drop of a hat.
In fact, the DJ admits she often feels out of her comfort zone, and will have to channel other famous faces to gain confidence at her gigs.
Jo said she still gets starstruck if big Hollywood actors are next up for an interview with her – and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo in particular left her
She shared: “Whenever I have to learn lines to walk out on stage and say something, that’s my least confident moment because I just have a terrible memory.
“I watch people on TV and I just think, ‘how do they know what to say?’ I always get really, really scared before I have to go out and deliver lines in front of an audience.
“When I was doing my nineties anthem shows or walking out onto a stage, it’s just not naturally me, you know.
“I’m much happier just talking to people on a 1 to 1 basis, so I kind of had to learn to act, and that’s what I did.”
She continued: “Now I think who am I going to channel and become a different person when I’m having to be confident. I think, what would Beyonce do? Or Michelle Obama for some reason. I think she’s invincible, and I, I think, right, how would Michelle deal with this?
“I think a lot of performers are the same – you just become another person. I go out there and I have some swagger, but I didn’t have that for a long time. I think seeing people’s faces and seeing how happy they were made me think, right, just get your act together and go out there and give these people a good time.”
Now, as well as juggling her bustling career, Jo, who says she’d love to own a flower shop in her part time, is hot on her fitness and recently took part in a triathlon, with another coming up in September.
She’s also very content in her 34 year marriage to music executive Steve Morton, and says the key to their happy marriage is “still having fun together.”
And away from her work duties, Jo has been on another musical journey recently, after teaming up with the rail industry to help promote a new study that has analysed the lyrics of every UK hit song since 1960 (songs that made the top 100 in any given year), finding that Camden is featured more times than anywhere else.
Jo has been to various locations on her musical tour, from the likes of Taylor Swift’s ‘Black Dog’ pub in Vauxhall to The Smiths’ ‘Cemetery Gates’ in Manchester.
Talking about getting involved in the campaign, Jo said: “Because I’ve travelled around so much throughout my career, going to different music venues all around the country, I know the places where people live and grow up and where you experience music is really, really important. So joining this campaign was a natural fit.
“It makes sense to shout about various locations that inspired different songs, whether it’s the Black Dog Pub in Vauxhall where Taylor Swift sang about, or Elton John’s song written on the roof on Denmark Street in Soho, because there’s that infamous line, ‘I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss’ and it’s like, ‘oh I can actually go.’
Jo Whiley has worked with National Rail to release a new series of audio guides exploring the connections between artists and the towns and cities that inspired them. You can find the guides on nationalrail.co.uk or Spotify.
GettyJo said her kids would ‘never use her name’ to get a job[/caption]
GettyThe star is a mum-of-four[/caption]
InstagramJo has been on another musical journey recently, after teaming up with the rail industry to help promote a new study[/caption]
InstagramThe study has analysed the lyrics of every UK hit song since 1960[/caption]
2 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Spanish tourist hotspot ‘to ban 24-hour bars’ as it brings in strict curfew
A POPULAR holiday hotspot in Spain will reportedly ban 24-hours bars as it introduces a strict curfew.
Brits jetting to Alicante will be disappointed to learn that they have to end their nights out early.
AlamyAlicante will reportedly introduce a new curfew forcing businesses to close early[/caption]
Holidaymakers flock to Spain for the hot weather, beautiful beaches and a fun night life.
Although Spaniards are known for their late dinners and partying till the early morning hours, it might not be the case anymore.
Alicante, a port city in Costa Blanca, is implementing a new curfew due to the noise complaints, according to the Olive Press.
Businesses will now be forced to close at 12.30am on weekdays and 1am on weekends.
Nightclubs and other night entertainment venues will also shut their doors earlier than before.
On weekdays, patrons will be asked to leave at 1am and on weekends parties will be cut short at 3am.
The crackdown on noise will be most severe in Old Town and the city centre close to Calle Castaño, also known as Acoustically Saturated Zones (ZAS).
Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in these impacted areas will also be prohibited from obtaining new licenses or permits in addition to the revised schedule.
This also holds true for any other location where tourist traffic can become unmanageable, like cafés, food and drink stands, newspapers, event spaces, and karaoke bars.
Even establishments that work around the clock will be forced to close their doors between 12.30am to 7am.
During these hours, local police is expected to patrol the streets to reinforce the curfew rules and check that restaurant terraces are neatly packed up.
But the curfew will reportedly ease up around Christmas and New Year time with the exact hours yet to be confirmed by the local council.
The new restrictions come as 18million tourists passed through the Alicante-Elche airport last summer.
A whopping 5million visitors picked Alicante as their vacation destination last year.
Spain has introduced a number of strict rules across the country as it battles overcrowding while resorts are packed with tourists.
Hundreds take to the streets in high foot traffic areas, airports and major landmarks to demonstrate against overtourism,blaming holidaymakersfor spiralling prices, housing shortages, overcrowded city centres and environmental issues.
Anti-tourist measures sweeping hotspots
A WAVE of anti-tourist measures are being implemented across Europe to curb mass tourism in popular holiday hotspots.
Overcrowding has become the main problem in many sunny destinations, with authorities trying to find a solution to keep tourists and locals happy.
Earlier this year Venice became the first city in the world to charge an entry fee for holidaymakers after it started charging day-trippers €5 (£4.30) if visiting the historical Italian centre.
Meanwhile, San Sebastián in the north of Spain, limited the maximum number of people on guided visits to 25 to avoid congestion, noise, nuisance and overcrowding.
Benidorm has introduced time restrictions, as swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am could cost a whopping £1,000.
The Canary Islands are also considering adopting measures to regulate the number of visitors – and charge tourists a daily tax.
Greece has already enforced a tourist tax during the high season (from March to October) with visitors expected to pay from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night, depending on the booked accommodation.
Officials in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia want to introduce a fee for travellers to remind people to be courteous during their trips.
2 days agoNew York StateComments Off on I couldn’t afford a new patio, so used a 10p hack to transform it with flowers – it’s so colourful & stops weeds growing
A new patio in the UK typically costs between £80-£150 per square meter, but it depends on the materials and layout.
So a typical homeowner could end up paying a few hundred, to thousands to get a new one.
Amy on Facebook didn’t have that kind of money to sort her patio out.
FACEBOOKAmy’s patio slabs after sowing flower seeds[/caption]
Posting in the Facebook group Garden Makeover Ideas On A Budget, she said: “On a very tight budget, I couldn’t stretch to funding a new patio.
“So, last year, I bought some ground covering seeds and planted them between some of my wonky pavers.
“I’m thrilled with how they now look but, the amount of bees that have been collecting the nectar from them is incredible. I’m so pleased.”
She added a photograph of the results, showing her wonky patio slabs covered with gorgeous purple, white and blue flowers.
As for what flowers she sowed, replying to a comment, Amy said: “Mixed ground cover,” and said it “will bring new life to your garden/patio”.
She “added a little sand to the compost” which she was advised to do so by her local garden centre because “the sand stabilises the wonky pavers”.
Her post has received 11,000 likes so far and hundreds of comments.
One replied: “I absolutely love this idea! I have a horrible concrete area that I cover with benches and pots! Also have an old paved area all sunken forever taking out the weeds in between! Thank you for the great idea x.”
Someone else wrote: “I think that looks lovely & far nicer than a new boring patio, it looks how nature would have intended it to look with plants tumbling out if cracks & crevices.”
One comment read: “It looks so pretty! Love your solution and how nice that it’s attracted pollinators too.”
Another said they make a great replacement for pesky weeds: “Oh I love this. I’m going to pulled out those weeds and put in seeds.”
Someone else was keen to know if any weeds grew amongst her flowers. They asked: “That looks lovely. Do you have any problems with weeds pushing through too?”
Amy replied: “I have had a couple yes, but by and large, the flowers are winning the ‘cosy’ and limited space.”
GettyClose up of wood sorrel growing tenaciously in concrete cracks. Symbolic of resilience and beauty[/caption]
How to grow flowers between your patio slabs
1. Clean the area
Remove any weeds or debris from the cracks between your patio slabs. A weeding tool or a stiff brush can help with this.
Make sure the holes are at least six inches deep to help roots develop.
2. Fill with soil and compost
Use a mix of soil and compost to fill the cracks.
3. Choose your plants
Opt for low-growing, spreading plants that can tolerate foot traffic.
Some good choices are: thyme, chamomile, creeping speedwell, dwarf mondo grass, daisies.
4. Plant
If using seeds, mix them with a little compost and sand and push them into the cracks.
For plug plants, carefully remove and gently plant them into the cracks. Fill any surrounding gaps with compost.
5. Water
Water the seeds thoroughly and continue to water regularly, especially during dry spells, until the plants are established.
June gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.
Stake out leggy perennials
With all the dramatic weather we’ve been having, it’s definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.
Picking out the slugs and snails
Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them.
Pick elderflower heads
You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter.
Get on top of weeds
It’s around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing – or just the traditional ‘on your knees with a hand fork’. Try and avoid chemicals – remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place.
Up the mowing
You’ll need to mow your lawn weekly now – if you’ve got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them.
Check on your tomatoes
Your tomato plants will need attention – water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots.
Chelsea Chop
There’s still time for the Chelsea Chop – plants like Rudbeckia’s, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.
Sort out your tulips
If you can be bothered and have space – lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring.
Deadheading your roses
Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves – which will ensure more flowers for longer.
Enjoy your space
Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space – it’s great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
2 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Forgotten XI of players you didn’t realise were playing Club World Cup including ex-Man Utd, Chelsea & Real Madrid stars
THE CLUB WORLD CUP is fast approaching as teams prepare to do battle in the US this month.
AFPThe Club World Cup is just around the corner and forgotten stars are ready to make their mark[/caption]
AFPThe newly-expanded 32-team tournament takes place in the US[/caption]
The first-ever edition of the new Club World Cup format will take place in the US.
But there are a host of other big-name teams from around the world.
And as a result, there are numerous star players turning out — including those who have vanished from recent memory…
ReutersFormer Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris will be hoping to make an impact[/caption]
AFPHe will turn out for LAFC, who play Chelsea in their group opener[/caption]
GK: HUGO LLORIS (LAFC)
Tottenham’s former captain, 38, joined LAFC at the start of 2024 and has already cemented his place as a fan favourite.
Lloris has clocked up 67 appearances in that short time, hot on the heels of his 447 outings in London.
The World Cup-winning stopper has even landed a trophy in the City of Angels, scooping the US Open Cup in September.
And after helping LAFC win a playoff to replace Club Leon, Lloris will be between the sticks for the Group D opener against Chelsea on June 16.
But his presence is sure to reignite the Blues’ capital rivalry with Spurs.
CB: SERGIO RAMOS (MONTERREY)
Having led Real Madrid to four Club World Cups in the past, Ramos will be feeling confident he can help Mexican side Monterrey get far this summer.
The centre-back is already captaining the team just four months after joining following spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla.
But at 39 years of age, Ramos has shown he has still got what it takes to boss a defence.
And he will need to be at his best to help Monterrey get past Inter Milan and River Plate in Group E.
GettyEx-Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos is in town[/caption]
GettyHe is now captain of Mexican side Monterrey[/caption]
CB: THIAGO SILVA (FLUMINENSE)
Once a Chelsea icon, always a Chelsea icon.
Even at 40 years old, Silva would still likely walk back into the Blues’ XI.
Instead, he is king of the hill at Fluminense, saving them from relegation in his first season.
And Silva’s know-how should help the Brazilians get out of a group which includes German giants Borussia Dortmund.
GettyThiago Silva became an icon at Chelsea[/caption]
AlamyThe veteran is starring for Fluminense[/caption]
CB: NICOLAS OTAMENDI (BENFICA)
A two-time Premier League winner with Man City, Otamendi has gone on to win more trophies since leaving the Etihad.
Having now completed five seasons at Benfica, the 37-year-old has a Portuguese league title to boot.
And he even played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022.
Otamendi is just one of several big forgotten names playing at Benfica, who are in a tough group with Bayern Munich and Boca Juniors.
ReutersNicolas Otamendi has won plenty since leaving Man City[/caption]
GettyHe has spent five seasons at Benfica[/caption]
RWB: JOAO CANCELO (AL-HILAL)
Once regarded as the best full-back in world football, Cancelo’s fall from grace was swift after starring at giants including Inter Milan, Juventus, Man City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
He is now playing in Saudi Arabia, earning a fortune with moneybags Al-Hilal.
At the age of 31, Cancelo is still playing in his prime years.
And he will be looking to inflict damage when Al-Hilal come up against reigning champions Real Madrid in Group H.
GettyJoao Cancelo will be hoping to upstage old side Man City[/caption]
GettyThe right-back plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia[/caption]
CM: ANDER HERRERA (BOCA JUNIORS)
It’s been six years since Herrera, 35, lit up Old Trafford in a Manchester United shirt.
His tenacity in midfield endeared him to supporters while raking in FOUR trophies including the FA Cup and Europa League.
After playing for PSG and a second spell at Athletic Bilbao, Herrera now finds himself in Argentina with Boca Juniors.
But just six appearances in all competitions since his January switch means Herrera may not be guaranteed a starting spot in the US.
Getty - ContributorAnder Herrera won four trophies at Man Utd[/caption]
GettyHe joined Argentine side Boca Juniors in January[/caption]
CM: RUBEN NEVES (AL-HILAL)
Why he was not snapped up by a fellow Premier League club while at Wolves remains a mystery.
Neves, 28, is only entering his prime now and continues to be a key player for Portugal.
Yet he finds himself playing in Saudi with Al-Hilal, completing a shock move two years ago before leading them to a Treble last season.
Neves would still walk into most European squads and could attract interest with some strong Club World Cup performances — but that’s only if he wants to leave the riches of the Middle East.
GettyRuben Neves was a star man at Wolves[/caption]
GettyHe has spent two years at Al-Hilal[/caption]
LWB: ALEX TELLES (BOTAFOGO)
A miserable time at Manchester United saw Telles, 32, fail to live up to the hype as one of Europe’s best left-footers.
After winning trophies galore at Galatasaray and Porto, he left Old Trafford empty-handed after just two years.
But he has enjoyed plenty of success since then, winning trophies at Sevilla, Al-Nassr and now Botafogo.
The Brazilian champs are coming in with a host of experienced homegrown talents and Telles’ deadly free-kicks are likely to cause some damage.
AFPIt didn’t work out for Alex Telles at Man Utd[/caption]
GettyHe has helped Botafogo win the Brazilian title[/caption]
CAM: ANGEL DI MARIA (BENFICA)
Man United’s flop winger is returning to boyhood Argentina club Rosario Central this summer — but only after he leads out Benfica for the final time at the Club World Cup.
Ignoring his duff sole season in the north west, Di Maria’s record means he will go down as one of football’s most talented and decorated wingers ever.
His two years at Benfica have not yielded any trophies, however.
And Di Maria, 37, will be desperate to make amends before leaving Europe for good.
GettyAngel Di Maria’s struggles at Man Utd are well documented[/caption]
GettyHe is leaving Benfica for Rosario Central after the Club World Cup[/caption]
ST: EDINSON CAVANI (BOCA JUNIORS)
Another former United player, Cavani will feel he did not do himself justice during his two seasons in England.
Having also struggled at Valencia, the 38-year-old is now leading the way for Argentine giants Boca Juniors
20 goals in 39 games last year showed Cavani still has an eye for goal.
And although his pace may have gone, the experienced Uruguayan’s sheer physicality and clever movement will surely see him in the mix for the Golden Boot.
PAEdinson Cavani had a mixed two years at Man Utd[/caption]
AFPHe now bangs in goals for Boca Juniors[/caption]
ST: OLIVIER GIROUD (LAFC)
Last but not least, Giroud will face off against old side Chelsea later this month.
His extra-time assist helped LAFC book their place at the tournament ahead of Club America.
Giroud has already become a talisman for his Californian side, preferring the role of creator to goalscorer.
And his cunning know-how could help the experienced poacher nick a goal when he faces off against a young Blues defence.
GettyOlivier Giroud will face old side Chelsea in the group stage[/caption]
GettyHe helped LAFC qualify for the tournament with a last-gasp assist[/caption]
