4 days agoBlogsComments Off on ‘Do not touch’ – Health alert issued over seagulls & other wild sea birds as pet owners urged to ‘keep dogs on lead’
HEALTH chiefs have warned of the danger of touching sick or dead wild birds – over risks of bird flu.
In recent weeks, groups of dead wild sea birds have been discovered off the west coast of Ireland.
A strain of Avian Influenza is circulating in sea birdsOwen Humphreys/PA WireThe cases of bird flu detected in wild birds following surveillance testingucdirelandeu.maps.arcgis.com
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre said avian influenza is a type of influenza that mainly affects wild birds and poultry.
But it can also occasionally infect some mammals and humans.
Officials at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine warned of the disease today.
They said: “Avian Influenza Bird flu is circulating in sea birds.
“Do not pick up or touch sick or dead wild birds, and keep your pets away from them.
“If you find a sick or dead wild bird, you can report it using the Avian Influenza Wild Bird reporting App.”
The HSE is echoing advice from the department “not to touch or handle” any sick or dead wild birds.
While there are many strains of HPAI viruses, the H5N1 virus is considered the “most serious” for both birds and humans.
There have been almost 1,000 human cases of H5N1, half of whom have died, since 2003.
The HSPC said it is “very unusual” for people to catch bird flu but it can happen.
They said: “Currently, it is hard to catch avian influenza from a bird or animal, and there is no evidence that it can be passed between people, but if the virus mutates (changes) this may happen in the future.”
HSPC Advice
Why it's important to prevent people getting H5N1:
It can – rarely – produce serious disease in people
Mixing of avian influenza and seasonal flu in a person could allow the virus to mutate and become better at spreading between people
If a person is infected with HPAI, it could be passed from people to Irish poultry flocks leading to severe disease among birds.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heyden told RTE that flocks of dead birds were discovered in some counties.
He said: “In the past three weeks, there have been a number of reports of groups of dead wild sea birds washing up on shorelines in counties Kerry, Clare and Galway.
“In two instances, a wild sea bird which washed up on a beach tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus, with one case in Kerry and one in Galway.”
If a person picks up or handles infected, sick or dead wild birds, they will be monitored for a period of 10 days.
They may be offered antiviral medication and vaccination if they are considered to be at risk.
The public is being urged to report any sick or dead wild birdsDepartment of Agriculture, Food and the MarineMinister Heydon said flocks of dead birds were found in Kerry, Clare and GalwayBrian Lawless/PA Wire
4 days agoBlogsComments Off on Rarely seen celeb son calls his famous mum to prove they’re related – but can you guess who his Hollywood parent is?
THE SON of a rarely-seen celeb called his famous mum to prove they’re related in a hilarious video.
13-year-old Aleph, left YouTube star Marlon LuGu, 23, stunned when he suddenly called his Oscar-winning mum on FaceTime.
YouTubeThe son of a rarely-seen celeb called his famous mum to prove they’re related in a hilarious video[/caption]
Natalie Portman, 44, usually keeps her family life private while living in Paris with Aleph and eight-year-old Amalia, who she shares with her ex-husband Benjamin Millepied, 48.
While out in the French capital, Aleph approached Swedish star Marlon who was filming content, and casually dropped a surprising fact.
He asked, “You know Star Wars? Padmé Amidala? Well, that’s my mom.”
Then he cheekily added, “Can you give a shoutout to my mom?”
To back up his claim, Aleph pulled out family photos from his phone.
Marlon, clearly taken aback, asked, “That’s your mom?!” to which Aleph confidently replied, “Yeah, that’s my mom.”
Taking full advantage of the moment, Marlon asked Aleph to call Natalie herself.
Moments later, the actress appeared on screen as Aleph said, “Mom, do you want to say hi to Marlon?”
Natalie, who was getting her hair done at the time, greeted the YouTuber warmly: “Hi, I’m sorry for disturbing you, I just want to say hi real quick.”
Marlon replied, “Nice to meet you,” adding, “I’m here with your son real quick, we’re about to play a little football.”
Natalie wished them well despite not being able to hear much, saying, “But I hope you’re having a great day.”
After some small talk, she said goodbye with a friendly, “Have a good one.”
Sharing the story with his 395,000 subscribers, Marlon admitted he was blown away.
“When I was growing up and watched Star Wars really heavily, she was my biggest crush,” he said.
“Very beautiful woman. Very good son. I just want to respectfully say that. That’s insane.”
She met Benjamin — a dancer and director — on the set of 2010 film Black Swan.
He choreographed the ballet-themed movie, for which Natalie won a Best Actress Oscar.
The couple married in 2012 and have two kids.
Israel-born American actress Natalie filed for divorce in 2023, and it was finalised earlier this year in France, where the couple lived together.
And Natalie, who made her acting debut aged 12 in Leon, revealed this year that Rihanna shared some kind words to help her through her divorce.
The Star Wars actress met the 36-year-old for the first time at Paris Fashion Week in January and, after fangirling together, the singer told Natalie something that created a “formative moment.”
In the clip, caught on camera, Natalie, 43, told Rihanna, “I love you” who in return, received the reply, “I am a f**king fan.”
The Black Swan star continued, “I’m gonna faint. I’m gonna black out.
“I love you and I listen to your music all the time… You’re just such a queen. Thank you,” Natalie continued to praise the Fenty founder.
On Monday, Natalie told Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show that Rihanna had called her “one of the hottest b****** in Hollywood.
“I think every woman going through a divorce should get to have Rihanna say to her that she’s a bad b****,” she said.
Jimmy then got to his feet and gave her loud applause.
After they showed the clip of her with Rihanna, Natalie said, “It was exactly what I needed.
“It was a formative moment in my life,” she added.
YouTubeIt’s Natalie Portman![/caption]
YouTube13-year-old Aleph, left YouTube star Marlon LuGu stunned when he suddenly called his Oscar-winning mum on FaceTime[/caption]
GettyNatalie usually keeps her family life private while living in Paris[/caption]
AFPShe shares two children with director Benjamin Millepied[/caption]
4 days agoBlogsComments Off on Elderly man injured in Chanthaburi market altercation
In Chanthaburi province, a 61 year old man was seriously injured in a physical altercation with a younger man, reportedly about 30 years old. The incident occurred on June 29 in front of a market along Phakdi Ramphai Canal Road in Mueang district. The younger man was seen arguing and shouting at the older man …
4 days agoBlogsComments Off on PNOC inks deal for solar power integration in 2 MMDA facilities
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has secured the procurement of solar power systems for its office and facility projects through a partnership with the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC). Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday, the MMDA and PNOC will collaborate on integrating solar power systems into MMDA facilities
TIKTOK/@jades.mum.lifeMum-of-three Jade came under fire after she told social media users her boys stayed at home during the hottest day of the year so far[/caption]
TIKTOK/@jades.mum.lifeShe claimed her children had fainted before when it’s been too hot[/caption]
During what’s been the hottest day of the year so far, Jade said that while her opinion was ”unpopular”, the weather was simply ”unbearable”.
Although even Jade’s friends have dubbed her ”too soft” for letting her three boys stay at home, her kids have allegedly suffered from the heatwave before.
Explaining herself, Jade said: ”Some schools still don’t let the children have their water bottles on the table, so they’re not going to be keeping hydrated.
”There is one fan – sometimes no fans – in the whole classroom.
”And twice now I’ve been called up by the school during the summer heatwave period where my children have gone faint because they’re that hot.”
According to the mum, who’s since garnered a mixed bag of responses, there are 30 children in each classroom.
”I don’t think it’s unreasonable but I’m being called soft.
”I don’t think that’s soft – I think that’s smart.”
They stated: ”This is because school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential, and hot weather can usually be managed safely.
”School leaders should make sure they take any steps necessary to make sure children are safe and comfortable.”
When it comes to clothing, ”schools could consider relaxing uniform rules during hot weather to make sure pupils are comfortable”.
The experts advise that children should ”wear loose, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool and sunhats with wide brims”.
Teachers should also encourage children to take off their blazers and jumpers.
How to keep cool in hot weather
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS...
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
When outdoors, children should be encouraged to stay in the shade as much as possible.
Sunscreen with high sun protection factors should be used to protect skin.
Uploaded less than 24 hours ago, the video, posted under the username @jades.mum.life, has already taken the internet by storm.
Amassing Jade close to 82k views and almost 2,000 likes, the clip has also sparked a fierce debate, with many disagreeing with the mum’s approach.
‘Parents are way too soft’
One critic said: ”Reasons like this should be why we get fined.”
Someone else thought: ”Parents are way too soft on their kids nowadays, that’s why we’ve got a bunch of brats roaming the street with knives and no respect.”
A third chimed in: ”Any excuse to keep them off school these days.”
”Personally I think we’re snowflake generation, we all went to school when we had heatwaves no fans just got on with it!” a viewer added.
Meanwhile, a supportive viewer hit back at the critics, saying: ”This is not a BIT of heat. It’s unbearable.
”You were able to keep them off and I think you were right to do so.”
A fellow mum shared her opinion, writing: ”My daughter got heatstroke, no laughing matter, you did good keeping them off.”
”As a TA, with no air conditioning, you made the right decision, no learning happened today. The children were too uncomfortable to concentrate and so were the adults,” a teacher’s assistant chimed in.
4 days agoBlogsComments Off on I helped Princess Eugenie with her summer glow up – the salty water trick which ensured she looked so good at Ascot
PRINCESS Eugenie was the picture of elegance at Royal Ascot, despite the sweltering heat.
The woman behind her glowing and radiant appearance is society nutritionist Gabriela Peacock, who also counts Princess Beatrice, Jodie Kidd and Billie Piper, among her A-list clients.
GettyPrincess Eugenie looked sensational at Royal Ascot[/caption]
PAPrincess Eugenie turned heads in a striking red outfit on day five of Royal Ascot[/caption]
GettyThe royal mum-of-two looked radiant for the famous racing event[/caption]
GettyPrincess Eugenie in 2019[/caption]
2016 David M. BenettGabriela is the go-to for nutrition for the York sisters[/caption]
Fans were quick to comment on the royal’s impeccable Ascot looks, with one saying: “Princess Eugenie looks so lovely”, and another added: “Absolutely beautiful.”
With summer upon us, many people want to look and feel their best for the beach, weddings or holidays.
Gabriela has revealed there are some easy steps everyone from royalty to the public can take to achieve this.
Gabriela, 45, who is godmother to Beatrice’s three-year-old daughter Sienna, told Fabulous: “As a nutritionist working with everyone from royalty to red carpet regulars, my philosophy is all about realistic wellness.
“That means supporting your skin, energy, and mood through smart nutrition, simple lifestyle tweaks, and a little science-backed supplementation.
“No crash diets, no overtraining — just small changes that create long-term glow.
“Here’s how I help my clients achieve their ultimate summer glow-up — and how you can too…”
1. NUTRITION
Gabriela shared an example summer menu which will help you feel your best…
Breakfast
Glow Bowl: Try Greek yoghurt or kefir with mixed berries (especially blueberries + strawberries), a tablespoon of chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of manuka honey.
Gabriela explained: “Why? Antioxidants for skin protection, probiotics for gut health, and omega-3s for a dewy, hydrated glow.
“Hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumbers and coconut water is the way to really help support the skin health to keep it plump and moisturised.”
Lunch
Salmon & Avocado Salad: Grilled salmon on a bed of spinach, rocket, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
The nutritionist explained: “This is rich in collagen-boosting protein, healthy fats, and vitamin C for skin elasticity and radiance.”
Dinner
Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Roasted Veg: Courgette, peppers, and carrots with garlic and turmeric.
She added: “This has lean protein for hair and nail health, fibre for detoxification, and turmeric to reduce inflammation.”
GettyPrincess Beatrice also looked radiant at the famous racecourse this month[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialGabriela advised adding collagen-boosting salmon into your diet[/caption]
2. FOOD TO AVOID
It can be hard to turn down sweet treats in hot weather, but Gabriela said if possible you should avoid excess sugar during the summer.
She explained: “It can contribute to dull skin and breakouts particularly when the weather is hotter like it is now.”
Too much caffeine was also a no go as this can “really dehydrate the skin and as a result reduce that glowy dewy skin.”
And finally highly processed foods should be ditched as they are often “low in nutrients and high in inflammatory oils.”
GettyA-list nutritionist Gabriela Peacock, who has worked with Princess Beatrice, shared how you can get a royal glow-up this summer[/caption]
3. UNPLUG FROM STRESS
Feeling good and looking good go hand in hand and Gabriela said she advises her royal clients to make it a priority to unplug from screens where possible.
She explained: “Get outside every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes, and stick to a regular sleep routine.
“These simple habits help regulate your nervous system, which in turn supports everything from hormone balance to skin clarity.
“Stress can easily show up on your face, whether through dullness, breakouts or sensitivity, so I always encourage my clients to create space in their day for proper rest and mental recovery.
“Whether it’s reading, meditating, or just having a quiet cup of tea, finding moments of peace amidst the chaos is essential for glowing-up.”
GettyGabriela has also worked with model Jodie Kidd[/caption]
4. ADD SALT TO WATER
Most people underestimate how quickly dehydration can affect their energy, skin and focus – but it can be easy to fix.
Gabriela shared: “My trick is to add a pinch of sea salt or electrolytes to my water for better absorption.
“Electrolyte sachets are super convenient to travel with too. I also switch out one coffee for herbal tea or fruit-infused water. Small changes, big difference.”
5. PICK FUN FITNESS
You don’t need to spend hours in the gym to feel fit and strong, according to the royal nutritionist.
She shared: “I always recommend my clients to opt for a physical activity that they enjoy, so that it doesn’t feel like a chore or punishment.
“Whether that’s Pilates, yoga, strength training or a brisk walk – keep it short and effective.
“The goal is consistency, not exhaustion.
“It’s also so hot in London at the moment so anything quick, easy and light you can do is enough!
“I try to walk after meals, take the stairs when I can, stretch while watching TV, or even use small hand weights when sat in long car journeys.”
6. TAKE SUPPLEMENTS
Gabriela advised boosting your health with supplements like RadiantMe – which is a daily sachet formulated to support healthy skin, energy and vitality.
She shared: “It supports healthy skin, hair, and nails, and is such a simple way to get those essential skin-loving vitamins and minerals in one quick daily drink.
“It’s my secret weapon for staying consistent when life is full on – plus it tastes amazing too!”
Royal-favourite nutritionist Gabriela Peacock shares tips for getting 'beach ready' in a week
4 days agoBlogsComments Off on Man City Club World Cup KO to Al-Hilal is embarrassment to Premier League but full price of exit may emerge next season
THE global shock was seismic.
As was the embarrassment to the Premier League’s pretensions of superiority.
But the bigger price of Manchester City’s humiliating Club World Cup exit at the hands of Saudi outfit Al-Hilal may only start to be paid in six weeks’ time.
GettyPep Guardiola was left scratching his head after the Club World Cup exit[/caption]
GettyThe Cityzens were shocked as they lost to Saudi outfit Al-Hilal[/caption]
Pep Guardiola and his squad of superstars were left licking their wounds, physical and mental, in Orlando.
Forget the claims that Fifa’s latest bauble is a Mickey Mouse competition – losing to a collection of Prem discards and unknowns will be a kick in the proverbials.
Forget Fifa President Gianni Infantino’s claim that “the new era of club football has definitely started”.
But the reality is that, as far as City were concerned, this was supposed to be a showcase for their rebirth, not a public dunking.
After all, remember, it was only a month ago that City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak talked up the tournament, vowing: “This is a very, very serious competition. The whole world will be watching this.
“We’re going to give it our best shot. We’re going there to win it.”
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
So much for that. A disappointment all the greater for the club’s Abu Dhabi owners given the nationality of their conquerors.
And while the failure to get beyond the last 16 comes with a £37m consolation prize in terms of City’s cash windfall they will be back home as Chelsea carry the Prem flag into the latter stages, the Blues’ own path to New York opened up as City are no longer their prospective semi-final opponents.
Yet the more serious cost may be to Guardiola’s plans for the new season which opens next month – and potentially a pressing need for MORE spending.
In that end-of-season review from Abu Dhabi, Khaldoon spoke about the players City had signed in January, talking about the changes as a “regeneration” – one that continued through to the eve of their departure to the USA.
That unprecedented-by City’s standards-winter window saw the arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez, while the post-season splurge brought Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cheki and Tijjani Reijnders.
The combined outlay: £281m and counting.
AlamyCity have bought out over a quarter of a billion on new talent in the last six months[/caption]
AlamyBut they could not get the job done against the Saudi team[/caption]
Yet while Egyptian striker Marmoush hit the ground running, with seven Prem goals after his arrival from Frankfurt, it is hard to claim any of the other January signings really stood out.
Cherki did score in the Club World Cup, yet only started the opener against Wydad Casablanca, and Ait-Nouri and Reijnders made more encouraging openings to their City career.
But Ait-Nouri and Reijnders were the only two of the seven trusted to start against Al-Hilal, as Guardiola put more kilometres on the straining limbs of 34-year-old Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, 30.
Reis did not feature after the Wydad game while Gonzalez played an hour against no-hopers Al-Ain.
The demands of a long season, plus the extra five and a half weeks – and 11,000 extra air miles – will take their toll, especially with City now having a shortened summer break before they have to step up preparation for their season opener at Wolves on August 16.
City fans believe that it will all be different next season with the return to full fitness of Rodri.
In the absence of the Spanish midfield lynchpin, Guardiola’s side were all at sea, far too often last term.
But last night in Orlando, with Rodri – admittedly still working his way back after that long lay-off – on just eight minutes into the second half, it was a familiar tale.
City creating chances, lots of them, but not taking enough.
Across the 120 minutes, they had 30 shots, 16 of which were on target, repelled by Morocco’s 2022 World Cup keeper hero Yassine Bounou.
Yet just as so often last term, horribly, horribly vulnerable on turnovers, caught cold at the back, a mess in front of Ederson.
Guardiola will hope, with his fingers firmly crossed, that it was part tiredness, part a lack of real desire for a tournament that only existed in the imagination of Infantino until three years ago, part bad luck.
But physically and mentally, City’s players will turn up for the start of next season still carrying the baggage of the season that only ended in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
And without the guiding light of the departed Kevin de Bruyne, too.
You can bet your bottom dollar that Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta, in particular, are absolutely delighted.
Club World Cup 2025 Guide
SOME of the world’s biggest clubs are in action at this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States!
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane are showcasing their skills to packed crowds across the US.
4 days agoBlogsComments Off on Broke British dad busted smuggling £100k cannabis from Thailand
A cash-strapped dad who feared for his life tried to smuggle £100,000-worth (around 4.47 million baht) of cannabis from Thailand — but his secret haul was busted by airport officers. Jason Horne, a 24 year old dad from Rycroft Avenue, Dringhouses in York, northeast England, narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence after admitting he tried …
4 days agoBlogsComments Off on Terrifying vids show flash floods surging through Italian towns leaving at least one dead & dozens trapped after storm
TERRIFYING footage shows flash floods ripping through towns in northwestern Italy.
Franco Chiaffrino, a 70-year-old fruit seller, was killed after he was hit by a torrent of water while getting out of his van in an alpine town, local media reported.
X/Centro Meteo PiemonteFlash floods in northwestern Italy left one dead and over a dozen trapped[/caption]
Bardonecchia flooded after heavy rains on MondayX/@vigilidelfuocoHeavy rains burst the banks of the Frejus waterwayX/@vigilidelfuoco
Shocking videos showed churning black water surging down the waterway.
Torrential rain caused the Frejus waterway to break its banks – unleashing a violent flood across the region.
Rescuers are seen looking on helplessly as entire streets are flooded in the mudwaters.
Residents were warned by the mayor to stay in their homes and avoid driving.
Firefighters rescued at least 10 people trapped in buildings by the floods, along with a few people stuck in their cars, local media reported.
Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region, said on social media: “Today a water bomb hit the town of Bardonecchia suddenly, causing damage and unfortunately a victim.”
The 70-year-old resident was killed in Bardonecchia – a resort town 56 miles west of Turin, which hosted snowboarding events during the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Cirio added: “We are increasingly faced with emergency situations due to weather events that we used to call exceptional but are now more and more frequent.”
A similar disaster struck Bardonecchia in 2023 after heavy rains caused two streams, including the Frejus, to overflow.
A major landslide swept away cars and debris, but no casualties were reported.
The heavy rains in northwestern Italy come as extreme weather has gripped much of Europe – from thunderstorms in the continent’s central countries to scorching heat in the Mediterranean.
In France, at least two people – including a child – died after a violent storm caused flash floods in Paris last week.
According to Lightning Maps, a weather-tracking website, more than 39,000 lightning strikes were recorded across France.
Over 100,000 homes were left in the dark after power lines were ripped down and metro stations were turned into indoor rivers.
X/@mirocaleThe Frejus also overflowed in August 2023[/caption]
X/Centro Meteo PiemonteStreets were submerged in dirty water[/caption]
Heavy storms also swept across large parts of Germany over the weekend, hitting regions including Saxony, Thuringia, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Lightning strikes also caused fires, including one at a horse farm in Keltern, German Bavarian newspaper Münchner Merkur reports.
In Austria, a supercell storm whipped through towns, shattering windows, flooding streets and causing nearly £8m worth of damage to agriculture.
The hardest-hit regions were reportedly Styria, Tyrol, and Lower Austria.
Meanwhile, Greece, Spain and Italy are in the grip of a heatwave, with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
Another wildfire broke out that same day on coastal area of Palaia Fokaia, south of Athens.
A motorway in northern Italy was closed on Thursday as temperatures caused roads to melt, local media reports.
A freak build-up of heat in the North Atlantic is believed to be driving the unusually high temperatures sweeping across Europe – well above the seasonal average.
Scientists say that climate change is fuelling extreme weather events.
Wildfires raged for three days on the Greek island of Chios