The Winds of Winter is taking way too long to be published, but George R.R. Martin gave us clues about what to expect in the upcoming novel through The Forsaken chapter that he released years ago. It was told from the perspective of Aeron Greyjoy, the brother of Euron Greyjoy. What we could take from […]
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With the world full of dragons, sorcerers, and some epic narratives, few titles would be able to challenge The Witcher 4. However, it seems like an unexpected rival has arrived from a popular studio Pearl Abyss, known for its MMORPGs, and is now taking a swing at single-player RPGs. Enter Crimson Desert, a title that […]
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Mumbai, Feb 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday deplored the statement made by Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe statement at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan...
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Kochi, Feb 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kochi Zonal Office on Monday has informed that they have successfully restituted properties amounting to Rs 89.75 lakh to six people who had paid to the...
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VOLODYMYR Zelensky has warned that Vladimir Putin is eyeing five other European countries for invasion.
The Ukrainian has suggested at a press conference marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion that if despot Vlad isn’t stopped five European nations will be on his mind.
In particular, the five countries Zelensky has warned about are Eastern European states that all have “Russian roots”, Russian populations, or were part of the Soviet Union or its sphere.
He said Putin could use those populations as a pretext for invasion – like he had with Crimea.
Zelensky named Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia, and Moldova as those nations potentially being eyed by the Russian.
He said: “When you have Russian speaking people, or their roots, or their families… it’s our history… then you are at risk.
“At the very beginning, they said that they are not occupying our territories… that they are defending Russian-speaking people.
“If we will fall down… I think all such countries who I mentioned have this risk because of Russian policy, because their view of the Russian world.”
Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, and parts of Poland were all within the Russian Empire – while Latvia, Estonia, and Moldova were in the Soviet Union.
Slovakia, meanwhile, was a communist country in the Warsaw Pact and its people are ethnically Slavic like Russians.
Russia has long seen itself as the protector of Slavic peoples – while Putin has explicitly said he wants to rebuild the Russian Empire.
Ukraine now has the largest and most experience army in Europe with a million troops under arms.
As of September, Putin ordered the size of the Russian armed forces to be expanded to 2.4million people it is currently thought to be around 1.5million.
But, what could hamper any potential Russian invasion of a European nation is four of the five countries Putin mentioned are in Nato while the other, Moldova, has defence deals with the EU.
Secondly, Putin’s army has had tens of thousands of tanks and armoured vehicles destroyed by Ukraine.
The country has also pioneered the use of drone technology.
Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia, and Moldova would all be able to learn from Ukraine and stand up to a much larger force.
Zelensky’s comments come during a meeting with world leaders on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of his country.
Some 30 have even gone to Kyiv, like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and even Boris Johnson.
Zelensky said: “Nobody in the world believes the Russian lies about our country and our people, even those who became Russia’s ally.
“Russia’s strategic target is Europe, the European way of life and the future of Europe.
“And the future of Europe cannot be decided without Europe.”
Trudeau addressed President Zelensky, praising his remarkable personal bravery, resilience, and resolve.
He said: “You continue to inspire me and tens of millions of my fellow citizens back home in Canada.”
Sir Keir Starmer has, meanwhile, announced a tranche of new sanction against Russia’s elite as he wants to force Putin into making concessions during peace negotiations.
Zelensky hailed Ukrainians for their “bravery and sacrifice” in an emotional video tribute to his nation on Monday morning.
The valiant leader shared a patriotic clip of his courageous soldiers fighting the invading Russians and civilians pulling together to mark the third anniversary of the invasion.
Set to stirring music, Zelensky shared footage of fearless Ukrainian troops fighting over the course of the three years and thanked them.
The clip also shows civilians protesting against Russia, doctors in surgery, and firefighters in bombed-out buildings.
Zelensky’s touching clip comes after he said he would step down as his country’s leader in exchange for peace or Nato membership.
US President Donald Trump slammed Zelensky for being a “dictator” and that he wasn’t important enough to attend peace negotiations.
The hard-nosed negotiating strategy has thrown Europe into crisis as the continent realises it can’t rely on the US to defend it from Russia.
Trump has demanded £400bn for “equalisation”, the US Congress thinks the US has only backed Ukraine with up to £137bn.
The dispute over the deal has led to a feud between the leaders with Trump slamming Zelensky as a “dictator” and sidelined him by starting peace discussions with Russia.
Trump also said the leader of Ukraine was “not very important” to be in meetings about peace – despite Ukraine having been invaded.
Zelensky shouted at Trump’s envoy in a blast so furious it left the official trembling and could be heard through a door, a report claims.
An “angry” Zelensky blasted US treasury secretary Scott Bessent in a closed-door meeting about the deal in Kyiv on February 12, the Financial Times reports.
The envoy had demanded brave Zelensky sign over much of his country’s wealth then and there.
But Zelensky’s gravelly, enraged voice could be heard through the gilded doors the meeting was held behind as he shot back.
Names have begun to emerge as to who could replace Zelensky if he were to resign.
Valery Zaluzhny – The Iron General
Zaluzhny led the defence of Kyiv at the start of the war when Russia sent its special forces to their death at Hostomel Airport. Russia then tried to take Kyiv from the north by sending an Army from Belarus.
But the Iron General Zeluzhny is known for thinking outside of the box and has built a cult status in Ukraine.
He is currently the country’s ambassador to London.
Vitali Klitschko – The Champion Boxer
Klitschko is currently mayor of Kyiv and, standing at 6ft 7in, the former world boxing champion would be a heavyweight contender.
The boxer has led the city through daily bombardments by Russian drones and has become a powerful symbol of the city’s defence joining the territorial defence forces.
Like Zelensky, Klitschko would be a strong pro-European leader that Vladimir Putin would hate.
Viktor Medvedchuk – Putin’s Man
Ukrainian oligarch Medvedchuk is the godfather to Putin’s youngest daughter.
He was an important interlocutor between Moscow and Kyiv and backs a pro-Russian political party with several television stations he owns.
In 2021, he was arrested on suspicion of supporting Russian separatists – with the oligarch denying any wrongdoing.
The move is said to have infuriated Putin and was seen as one of the possible reasons he launched his invasion.
A BREATHTAKING Scottish beach with incredible dunes and gorgeous sunsets has been named among the best to visit across the UK during the winter.
There are several wonderful beaches across Scotland that are famed for their crystal clear waters and white Caribbean sands.
So it’s no wonder that many receive nationwide attention for their beauty.
And now a recent study has revealed that one has been ranked among the top eleven coastal locations across Britain during the colder months.
Many of us still love to visit locations where there is beautiful scenery even when it’s cold outside.
And a trip to the beach can be mesmerising in the winter when it’s quieter and the sun sets earlier.
So in a bid to help, experts at Country Living compiled the list by considering locations with silky soft sand, stunning landscapes and crashing waves.
They also looked at where has the best places to stay nearby for a weekend break.
The UK’s beaches boast another level of stirring beauty in winter… the off-season months are a great opportunity to get coast all to yourself
Experts at Country Living
The travel experts say: “The UK’s beaches boast another level of stirring beauty in winter – not to mention the fact the off-season months are a great opportunity to get the wild and wind-beaten coast all to yourself.
“But where are Britain’s best winter beaches for a wave-crashingly scenic escape?
“Turn your collars up to the wind, wrap up warm and explore silky sands, rugged coastlines, clifftop views, wildlife-rich rock pools and picturesque coastal paths – all with the added drama and atmospheric beauty of unpredictable weather.
“There’s also nothing like the promise of a post-walk local ale or warming hot chocolate at a cosy old pub to enhance the trip.”
And coming in at number ten on the rankings is Machir Bay in Islay, near the small community at Kilchoman.
It is a stunning two-mile stretch of soft sand surrounded by dunes that is popular with tourists and locals alike for its gorgeous sunsets.
Describing the beach, Country Living says: “Head to Scotland’s whisky island for a winter-warming break with a difference.
“Islay boasts no less than nine distilleries to warm your cockles after a stroll on the breathtakingly beautiful beach at Machir Bay.
“Enjoy windswept walks on the dune-backed fine sand and clifftop nature reserves before thawing out with a wee dram in front of a roaring fire. Ferries run from Oban or Kennacraig.”
For a place nearby to stay for a weekend break, the experts suggest visiting Machrie Hotel & Golf Links.
They said that the hotel is “a great blend of country-contemporary and cosy accommodation.”
It’s not the first time that Machir Bay has been singled out for being among the best beaches in the UK.
HERE is the full list of the top 11 best winter beaches across the UK.
Experts at Condé Nast Traveler hailed it for being among the 56 best coastal spots in Britain in a recent study.
They looked at the best sandy spots as well as where there was the clearest water to compile their list.
Condé Nast Traveler experts said: “Islay, known as ‘Queen of the Hebrides,’ is famous for its single malt whisky (there are eight distilleries on the tiny isle); but it’s also outlined by 130 miles of rambling coastline.
“Take a walk along the green, boggy flatlands, pass the iconic stone Celtic Cross of Kilchoman and you’ll come to Machir, one of the fairest stretches of sand of them all.
“It’s got a simple but perennially pleasing beauty: more than a mile of white-sand shoreline and a well-deserved reputation for stunning sunsets.
“Hike down to the south end and you’ll also come across a crumbling Iron Age fort hidden amongst the coastal crags.”
MEDIK8 has earned its spot as one of the best-loved luxury skincare brands on the market.
Using science to back up its claims, Medik8’s products have secured a cult following that include celebrities and dermatologists, and I can confirm its latest release is a game-changer.
Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Advanced MP launched in January, as an anti-ageing serum that uses patented Mini Proteins to minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
The brand doesn’t hold back on the bold claims, stating proven results in as little as 10 minutes.
I have several of Medik8’s products already in my skincare routine, so I was eager to try the brand’s latest innovation.
Retailing for £79, it’s definitely not the cheapest, but is it worth the price tag?
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP, £79
The second in line of Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Serums, the product is designed to offer a “filler-like effect with ease”.
While the brand’s original Liquid Peptides Serum works to combat early signs of ageing, the Advanced version has upped the ante by tackling even deep-set wrinkles.
The Advanced AP serum also includes 13 age-defying peptides (the original used 10), and it uses the world’s first Mini-Proteins.
What is the science behind it?
Botox is a protein, which needs to be injected into the skin due to its larger size.
Medik8’s Mini Proteins are small enough to penetrate the skin without injecting, targeting the formation of wrinkles at the foundation.
The Expression Line Mini Protein helps to relax expression lines, while the Growth Factor Mini Protein works to support collagen and hyaluronic acid levels to leave the skin looking smoother and firmer.
It’s recommended the serum is applied after cleansing and before any other products (including retinol).
First impressions, I was pleasantly surprised at how the serum glided across the skin without feeling heavy or sticky.
My dry skin doesn’t usually respond well when I apply serums before my make-up, but as the lightweight texture absorbs so quickly, I had no issues with using it in the AM and PM.
I’ve now been using the Advanced Peptides Serum for almost four weeks, and I can definitely see results.
While I don’t have deep-set wrinkles, I do have fine lines on my forehead which look noticeably less visible.
I can’t say I noticed changes after 10 minutes, but after a few uses my skin was looking brighter.
The serum has also made a huge difference to the pores on my forehead, and I hadn’t even noticed how much they had shrunk until comparing the before an after photos.
Medik8’s latest innovation doesn’t come cheap, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re looking for a product that actually works to minimise pores and smooth fine lines – that doesn’t involve a needle.
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