5 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on ‘Fabulous fit’ fashionistas say about M&S’ ‘super comfortable’ leopard print jeans that they ‘can wear with anything’
NO LONGER the go-to store for gran fashion, in recent years M&S has become the place to nab the latest highstreet trends.
Must-have items regularly sell-out with fans rushing to get their hands on the department store’s designer dupes and fashion forward pieces.
M&SShoppers are racing to get their hands on M&S animal print jeans[/caption]
M&SThe jeans are fitted with five pockets giving the wearer plenty of storage[/caption]
And the latest item to send fans into a frenzy is a pair of leopard print jeans that shoppers are praising for their versatility and comfort.
While once reserved for the wardrobe of Kat Slater, leopard print can now be found in every fashionista’s wardrobe so it’s no wonder these jeans are proving popular.
The pure cotton jeans are fitted with a wide leg style, with an on-trend high waistline making them both a comfy and stylish choice.
They also feature five pockets giving the girl-on-the-go plenty of places to store phones, bank cards, wallets, you name it.
Coming in at £45, they are a little pricier than M&S other denim choices but according to shoppers they are well worth the price having amassed almost exclusively five star reviews.
Sharing their review, one shopper wrote: “Fabulous fit. Feel absolutely luxurious on. So pleased with my purchase.”
“Saw these recommended and have never been brave rough,” wrote another shopper.
“But these are basically a neutral and seen much more expensive pairs elsewhere (sic).
“Super comfy decent denim which is perfect for colder temperatures.”
A third happy customer added: “Love them!! Amazing quality and have had lovely comments.”
Last month, fashion fans were rushing to pick up the retailer’s £30 wide-leg trousers described as “great quality” and “smart for work”.
Featuring an elasticated waist and an adjustable drawstring fastening, the comfortable design and stylish fit is why they’re a hit.
The trousers come in regular, short, long and petite options, with five colourways that are ideal for everyday and formal wear.
If M&S’ new-in leather jacket is anything like the bestselling trousers, it’s likely that sizes will be selling out rapidly.
M&SAt £45 they are more of an investment piece but shoppers say they are worth the cost[/caption]
M&SThe trousers have received almost exclusively five star reviews[/caption]
Fashion tips to make you look rich
Fashion Tips to Elevate Your Look
Invest in Classic Pieces –Quality Over Quantity: Prioritise well-made, timeless items like a tailored blazer, a little black dress, or a crisp white shirt.
Neutral Colors: Opt for neutral shades such as black, white, beige, and navy, which are versatile and exude sophistication.
Accessorize Wisely
Statement Pieces: Invest in a few high-quality accessories like a designer handbag, a classic watch, or elegant jewelry. Minimalist Approach: Less is more. Choose one or two standout accessories to avoid looking cluttered.
Tailoring is Key
Perfect Fit: Tailored clothing can make even affordable items look high-end. Ensure your clothes fit perfectly by having them altered if necessary.
Maintain Your Wardrobe
Iron and Steam: Wrinkled clothes can ruin an outfit. Keep your garments wrinkle-free with regular ironing or steaming. Proper Care: Follow care instructions to keep your clothes looking new. Dry clean when necessary and store items properly.
Footwear Matters
Quality Shoes: Invest in a few pairs of high-quality shoes. Classic pumps, loafers, and sleek boots can elevate any outfit. Conditioning: Keep your shoes in good condition by cleaning and polishing them regularly.
Monochrome Outfits
Single Color Palette: Dressing in one color or varying shades of a single color can make you look polished and put-together.
Attention to Detail
Grooming: Well-groomed hair, nails, and skin are crucial. A polished appearance starts with personal care. Subtle Makeup: Opt for a natural makeup look that enhances your features without overpowering them.
Layering
Sophisticated Layers: Layering can add depth and interest to your outfit. Think blazers over blouses, or sweaters over shirts.
Confidence is Key
Own Your Look: Confidence can make any outfit look more expensive. Stand tall and wear your clothes with pride.
By incorporating these tips into your fashion routine, you can effortlessly achieve a luxurious and sophisticated look without breaking the bank.
Monica paired the jeans with the Savida city girl cardigan, a black and white number that’s been a massive hit among shoppers.
It’s available in burgundy or ivory, and comes in sizes XXS up to XXL – and it’s priced at €25.
THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
5 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Shocking scenes as ace defies team orders, is confronted by team-mates, scores penalty but then gets hooked IMMEDIATELY
UDINESE star Lorenzo Lucca alienated his team-mates last night by insisting on taking a penalty over their designated taker.
And despite converting the first-half spot kick, Lucca was hooked by his manager just moments later.
Serie ALorenzo Lucca was determined to take Udinese’s penalty[/caption]
Serie ALucca’s stubbornness prompted a frustrated reaction[/caption]
GettyThe striker was booked during the incident[/caption]
The Italian side were taking on Lecce in Serie A.
When they were awarded a penalty shortly after the half hour, a bizarre scene followed.
Captain and designated taker Florian Thauvin was ready to take the spot kick.
But Lucca, 24, refused to give the French World Cup winner the ball.
Several of his team-mates, including former Manchester United and Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, angrily pleaded with Lucca to back down.
The striker did not, however, and was even booked during the unusual incident.
When his team-mates finally relented, Lucca made no mistake in converting the penalty.
But his colleagues, still fuming, did not celebrate with him.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
SplashLucca, 24, went on to convert the penalty[/caption]
RexThe Italy international was substituted just minutes later[/caption]
In the 36th minute, manager Kosta Runjaic hooked Lucca off and replaced him with Iker Bravo.
The forward looked miffed as he exited the pitch.
And after Udinese’s eventual 1-0 win, he could be seen not smiling as the team took a celebratory picture together.
After the match, Runjaic told DAZN: “We have clear hierarchies with penalty kicks.
“I didn’t like the discussion, they were talking for a long time, he made the decision independently and I preferred to take him off the pitch after he took the penalty anyway, which he shot very well.
“It is also not the first time that two players on a team have argued over who gets to take a set-piece. We will definitely talk about this during the week.
“I made this choice because I don’t like those who don’t respect the rules, so I had to take measures. However, this will all be solved in training and we will focus on our next match.”
Lucca, who was capped by Italy for the first time last year, has taken six penalties across his senior career, scoring three and missing three.
Thauvin, meanwhile, has scored 13 spot kicks, missing six.
X @Udinese_1896Lucca, in the middle of the photo at the back, did not smile for a celebratory post-match picture[/caption]
5 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Cops race to horror crash between ambulance and pedestrian on Scots road
COPS have locked down a road after a horror crash between an ambulance and a pedestrian.
The alarm was raised in the early hours of this morning as officers raced to the A96 in Elgin.
Pictures show a police van with blue lights guarding the crash site.
The condition of the pedestrian and driver is currently unknown.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “The A96 in Elgin is closed between Reiket Lane and St Andrews Drive following a collision involving an ambulance and a pedestrian at around 3.30am on Saturday, 22 February, 2025.
“Officers remain at the scene and diversions are in place.”
Elsewhere a busy Scots train route has been shut down due to a landslip.
Network Rail Scotland announced the closure of the West Coast Main Line – one of the country’s busier train routes – while they assess the damage.
Specialist engineers have been called out to the site between Carstairs and Lockerbie to determine the repairs needed to re-open the line.
A statement from Network Rail Scotland said: “We’ve had to close the West Coast Main Line between Carstairs and Lockerbie, due to reports of a possible landslip near Beattock.
“Our engineers are heading to site now to assess any damage caused and repairs needed.”
Shortly afterwards, the first image of the chaos was released, showing dirt, tree branches, and other debris strewn across the middle of the tracks.
The debris appears to have slid down the hill to the side of the track, leaving behind a gaping hole.
A later statement from Network Rail confirmed that the line remains closed in both directions while ‘specialist geotechnical engineers’ assess the situation.
The disruption has already led to multiple delays and cancellations across major services running through Lockerbie.
Already, services running to Glasgow Central, and Manchester Airport later in the day have been axed, with no fixed timeline on the repairs.
5 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Gogglebox fans threaten to ‘turn off’ after TV show makes them feel ‘uncomfortable’
GOGGLEBOX fans confessed they “turned off” the most recent episode of the series following “weird” scenes.
Viewers of the Channel 4 staple, which airs on a Friday night, flicked off a segment which even the show stars branded “pervy.”
Channel 4Gogglebox fans have ‘turned off’ the hit series amid ‘uncomfortable’ scenes[/caption]
Channel 4Gogglebox stalwart Giles called out the ‘pervy’ scenes as he chatted to wife Mary about the goings-on[/caption]
YouTubeWhite Lotus’ third season featured a full-frontal nude scene – which left some Gogglebox viewers ‘turning off’[/caption]
It came as the Gogglebox panel returned to the show to discuss the latest antics on the small screen.
After analysing the goings-on in Celebrity Bear Hunt, Gladiators and The Apprentice to name a few, talk turned to the latest instalment of The White Lotus.
The hit HBO series has made a comeback with its third season – with a plotline centred on a full-frontal nude scene and incest storyline.
In the new series, Patrick Schwarzenegger – who plays the role of Saxon – flashes viewers in a segment where his bum is in full view.
Saxon was then in bed in a hotel room when he speculated about his sister and if she’d had sex yet.
He then he turned to his brother Lochlan and asked what kind of explicit stuff he was into.
The scenes caused shock among the Gogglebox panel, with Giles telling his wife Mary: “So far, so pervy.”
Star Jake then told twin Harry: “I have never done this by the way!” referring to Saxon’s naked bathroom antics.
Pete then got stuck into the analysis and joked: “Something happens to people when they stop in hotels.”
He added to sister Sophie: “It doesn’t matter if it is a budget one or an expensive one, there has been many a night when I have heard it through the walls.
“I put two shortbreads in my ears!”
Yet fans were less than impressed at the airing of the segment on the hit show.
One took to X to put: “Why does #Gogglebox always end with the weird stuff.
“Turned off for the last five minutes.
Gogglebox stars Stephen and Daniel's relationship timeline
Hairdressing duo Stephen Webb and Daniel Lustig got engaged back in 2016 and married two years later.
The couple co-own a hair salon and live in a £575,000 property on Brighton’s sought after seafront.
At the time of the engagement, Stephen appeared on Gogglebox alongside his ex-boyfriend Chris Ashby-Steed.
In 2019, Daniel made his Gogglebox debut and was immediately a big hit.
Chris, who is now in a happy relationship with husband Tony, spoke publicly about how the show affected his mental health.
Just last year Daniel and Stephen shocked Gogglebox fans when they announced they were leaving the programme. Daniel had been part of the show since its launch in 2013.
Their departure opened up a new world of opportunity for the duo and it was soon announced that Stephen would take part in Dancing on Ice. But disaster struck and injury ruled him out before the live shows.
There were further gasps of shock in April when we revealed the pair had split up. They vowed to remain friends and looked to be true to their word, sharing a smiley picture the following day with Stephen’s mum on the seafront.
“White Lotus is a no-go for me, sorry.”
Another mused: “Gogglebox has just made me put a line through watching the white lotus.
It came after the spin-off has boasted six instalments so far.
And it has now been confirmed that this summer will see the return of the star-filled show where well know faces will settle onto couches, arm chairs and celebrity thrones for a seventh time.
Names have not been confirmed but series six was a debut year for Annie Mac, Sara Cox andRio Ferdinandso viewers will be keen to see if any new characters will be introduced this year.
Series seven was revealed as part of an announcement on a raft of confirmed Channel 4 titles for the spring and summer schedules.
These include a Stand Up to Cancer celebrity Bake Off, Series six of The Handmaids Tale, comedy-Disability Benefits staring Rosie Jones and a new dating/reality format called Virgin Island.
YouTubeGogglebox viewers slammed the ‘weird stuff’ aired at the end of the episode[/caption]
YouTubeIt came as Patrick Schwarzenegger and the rest of the cast returned for season three of the HBO show[/caption]
5 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on The best high street ski-wear as ASOS, Zara and H&M launch snow sports ranges… & it will save you hundreds
SKIING has always been known as the snow sport that you need to save for.
Costs of flights, accommodation, ski hire, ski pass and buckets full of raclette and wine soon add up.
Stars like Kendall Jenner have influenced high street ski sales
But there is a way to make your alpine trip a whole lot cheaper, without skimping on the Apres style.
With cheaper European ski resorts like Borovets in Bulgaria becoming increasingly popular with Brit travellers, ski holidays are becoming more affordable.
And the high street is reacting too, with fashion giants like Zara, H&M and ASOS all launching extremely stylish ski ranges this winter – and at prices .
While kitting yourself out in ski-wear from traditional Alpine active-wear stores can cost upwards of £500 for the full kit, it’s now much easier to get hold of stylish and practical pieces for much less than £100.
Starting from the bottom up, the right ski socks are key for ultimate comfort. Bearing in mind you’ll be wearing ski boots for most of the day, you want something warm and padded.
H&M’s Drymove ski socks at £12.99 are a great bet.
It’s worth getting at least one pair from a proper sports shop and FALKE have some amazing offers at the moment, like the SK4 advanced socks which are £26.60.
Next up it’s thermals. You want light weight and breathable, like the Peter Storm thermal pants, £19, from Go Outdoors.
And as someone who is always running cold, I recommend taking a few options. I wear these M&S Heatgen thermal fleeces most of the winter and they are great for skiing too.
I also loved the sustainable slim fit base layer tops from BAM. The Jazzy prints are perfect for a sunny apres session and the fabric is as soft as a babygro.
Next up, salopettes – or ski trousers, to the non-skier.
Known for not being the most flattering part of your ski wardrobe, salopettes can be hard to want to spend money on.
But having tried on a LOT of different brands, I can guarantee you won’t find a nicer fit than these Vista Salopettes from TOG24.
I was amazed at how nice the fit of these was. They aren’t bulky at all and they are extremely easy to move in, which is useful for me as I do have multiple falls most days when skiing.
At £77, they are an absolute bargain.
TOG24’s ski jackets are also amazing quality and some of the nicer colours I’ve seen.
You won’t find a better option that the Panorama jacket, £105, which looks even better with their APRES bobble hat, £18.
Another key thing to look for is an easy-access ski pass pocket – the last thing you want to be doing is fiddling around taking your gloves off in -1c to get it out.
If you’re looking for an even cheaper option, Decathlon’s Ski Jacket 500 is a stylist fit and comes in a range of colours for £89.99.
The best budget option I found was the Mountain Warehouse Moon II jacket which is only £39 and comes in an array of colours to help you stand out on the slopes.
Speaking of gloves, there is nothing more essential for when you start speeding down those runs than making sure you can still feel your fingers…
Decathlon have a great range of cheap gloves that are guaranteed to keep you warm even in extreme white outs.
Roxy, the women’s sportswear brand, have perhaps the best one at just £21. It’s the kind of thing you’ll wear all winter in the UK, as well as it being a key component of your ski kit.
Another way to save money is to buy a ski accessories bundle. Mountain Warehouse – who know what they are doing when it comes to keeping warm in the mountains – have a great three piece set of hat, ski scarf and gloves for just £19.99.
Another way to cut costs on clothes is by buying an all in one. While you’ll still need the base layers, a Zara and H&M have some amazingly stylish one pieces that will have you looking flyer than Kendall Jenner on the slopes.
Their skisuit is a steal at only £119, and it has all the technical stuff you need, like being windproof and water resistant. It’s also got a lovely fleecy lining to keep you snug.
Lastly, ski goggles. I only once made the mistake of not taking them and immediately had to spend several hundred pounds on a pair in the resort as I was unable to see.
My favourite are the Rosewood Snowboard Goggles from Roxy, which are on offer for £105 at present, but if you want something cheaper, H&M’s snow sunglasses are a great buy for £14.99.
GettyUnfortunately he hasn’t been able to snag the Argentine’s jersey as of yet[/caption]
ReutersHe revealed how Messi actually stares at the opposition defenders rather than focusing on where the ball is[/caption]
Williams earned three caps for the Boys in Green between 2018-2019
But Williams saw how Messi is just on another level — because of the special focus he gave to the Irishman.
The former Bristol City, Blackburn Rovers and LA Galaxy man told SunSport: “He was more just watching us.
“Say if the ball was on the other side of the pitch, he’s just watching when we moved.
“I’ve never seen a striker doing it before. So he was watching how far we’d go to the left when the ball was there, how far to the right . . . that kind of thing.
“So he knew what he was going to do before the ball came to him.
“There was one time when the ball was on the left and Alba had the ball and Messi’s just looking at me, and I’m thinking, ‘Why does he keep looking at me?’
“But he’s seen how far I’ve moved over.
“So when Alba whipped the ball into him, he’s played it first time around the corner to Suarez — inch-perfect through the gap because he’s seen I didn’t move over far enough. Jesus, the levels, it’s crazy.
“I was lucky enough to play against him five times last year.
“But just that first game, looking at him in the tunnel was a bit surreal.
“Growing up watching him, playing for Tramore and then you’re playing against the best player to ever play the game. It was a proud moment — one of my best in football.”
And Williams got the upper hand over the course of the season.
He continued: “Yeah, we played them five times, we beat them 3-1 at our place and then 2-2 at theirs in the regular season.
“In the play-offs, we lost 2-1 there, won 2-1 at our place and then won 3-2 in their place.
“I asked him for his shirt after that game and he said, ‘Yeah — inside’. “But I think he was p***ed off and it just didn’t happen. I did get Busquets’ jersey last year.”
NEW SEASON CHANGES
Atlanta’s play-off run ended in the next round — effectively the last eight of the competition — having squeezed into the post-season by finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference.
That has led to changes over the close season ahead of the big kick-off tonight, when Atlanta host Montreal.
The club sacked former Mexico midfielder Gonzalo Pineda last June, with assistant coach Rob Valentino taking the reins for the rest of the season.
Former Celtic boss Ronny Deila was unveiled as manager in December and the arrival of former Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron and Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath — for a record $22million — is a major statement of intent.
Williams added: “The expectation is high this year and we’re looking to win it.
“We’ve just signed Almiron and Emmanuel Latte Lath and Mateusz Klich.
“It’s funny. I think people in Europe sometimes don’t realise the standard of it here.
“You only notice it when you’re here. It’s very under-rated.
“At Atlanta, our average attendance is 45,000. At Blackburn when I was there, the average was 17,000.
“It shows how big it is. You go to Nashville, where it is a football-only stadium, and they fill out every game, the same in Austin.
“Last year, we sold $50m worth of talent, we sold our left-back, Caleb Riley, to Chelsea for $9m, we sold Thiago Almada to Lyon for $24m.
“It’s crazy how big it is and I have players in Ireland and England texting me saying, ‘What do you think? Do you think I could go over?’
“And I’m like, ‘I don’t know, it’s tough to come over after 30’.
“It’s harder than you think, you cannot come over here at 35 to retire.
“I have the same agent as Kevin Long, who joined Montreal last year.
“We played them and I asked what he thought and he said it’s tougher than he thought.
“It’s especially like that for defenders as the DP players — the players who aren’t in salary cap — are mostly attackers. They’re the ones they spend millions on.
“So you’ve got Messi, Suarez, Christian Benteke, Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Bernardeschi — really high-quality internationals.”
BRILLIANT DECISION
Williams, 32, believes that moving to the US at 28 was one of the best decisions of his career, having started at Aston Villa before spells with the Robins and Rovers.
He explained: “I’d always thought about it. Because my dad lived here, every summer I used to go to Atlanta because that’s where my dad lived.
“And over the years I’d go on holidays here with my wife, I’d go to California, we’d been to Vegas a few times.
“So when LA Galaxy came in for me when I was at Blackburn, I thought it would be perfect.
“At the time, I’d played a lot of games in England in League One and the Championship. I wanted something new.
“Covid had happened and we were in lockdown and then Galaxy came in and I thought, ‘What an opportunity, I used to go there on holidays’. I’ve never regretted it.”
After two seasons in California, he was traded to DC United, where he worked under Wayne Rooney.
But when the former Manchester United hitman left, Williams was keen to move on.
GEORGIA ON HIS MIND
He weighed up his options in England before Atlanta swooped and took him to the Mercedes Benz Stadium.
He is now settled in Georgia, with America his home.
Williams said: “I wouldn’t say never ever, but I don’t think I’ll move back to Ireland. The weather affects me a lot. I like the sun.
“I’ve two girls now as well and the lifestyle here is a bit different.
“I want them to be outside playing constantly. We go home as much as we can too.”
But Williams realises regular trips to Dublin for Ireland games are a thing of the past — and are unlikely to return under Heimir Hallgrimsson.
He was called up by Stephen Kenny but a positive Covid test after the Euro 2020 play-off with Slovakia meant he missed the chance to add to his appearances.
NO IRISH RECALL
Williams does not think Hallgrimsson will be calling him any time soon.
He said: “The Ireland centre-backs are quality. I’m not as good as them.
“I can’t say I’m better than Dara O’Shea, who is in the Premier League.
“John Egan isn’t even in the squad and he was the best centre-back when I was there.
“Now you’ve Nathan Collins, Jake O’Brien, Andrew Omobamidele. It’s just the position.
“It’s probably the hardest position in the Ireland team to get into.”
Could he do a job at left-back? He smiled: “No, not anymore. I won two of my caps at left-back but can’t get up and down the pitch like I used to.
“I do wonder could I have won more and maybe there were a few occasions.
“Stephen Kenny wanted me in a squad afterwards in 2021 but I got injured. And it was a bit unlucky how my last camp ended.
“It was a killer as I was playing good football and we had Wales at home. But I was the only player who got Covid and I had to isolate for two weeks.
“Two of the other centre-backs got injured so I would have played. I was gutted. It was a s*** way to finish, being in quarantine for two weeks.
“Those caps were some of my proudest moments. I would have been happy with one so to win three was special.”
6 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Trump to appoint General ‘Razin’ who vowed ‘I’ll kill for you’ to lead US military in sweeping purge of ‘woke’ Pentagon
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has appointed General Dan “Razin” Caine to lead the US military in a sweeping shake-up aimed at gutting “woke” influence in the Pentagon.
Caine, who once told Trump, ” I’ll kill for you, sir,” is set to replace four-star fighter pilot General Charles “CQ” Brown, who has led the Joint Chiefs since 2023.
af.milGeneral Dan ‘Razin’ Caine has been appointed as the new Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman[/caption]
SplashTrump praised Gen. Caine as a “warfighter”[/caption]
GettyGen Caine was a key architect of the U.S. military’s rapid offensive against ISIS[/caption]
Trump made the announcement Friday night, hailing Cane as a “warfighter” and a key figure in the “complete annihilation” of the ISIS caliphate.
“General Caine is an accomplished pilot, national security expert, successful entrepreneur, and a ‘warfighter’ with significant interagency and special operations experience,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Don’s newly appointed defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, also threw his full support behind Caine, calling him “exactly the leader we need to meet the moment.”
PENTAGON PURGE UNDERWAY
The shake-up doesn’t stop with Brown’s firing.
Hegseth is also seeking replacements for the Chief of Naval Operations and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, along with key legal positions in the Judge Advocates General Corps.
Hegseth has been an outspoken critic of the military’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, which he says have weakened U.S. forces.
Before taking office, he blasted Brown in his book The War of Warriors, claiming he was promoted for his politics rather than his military expertise.
“You think C.Q. Brown will think intuitively about external threats and internal readiness? No chance,” Hegseth wrote.
“He built his generalship dutifully pursuing the radical positions of left-wing politicians, who in turn rewarded him with promotions.”
Hegseth has also criticized Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the current Chief of Naval Operations, questioning her combat experience and mocking her master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.
AFPTop US military officer General Charles “CQ” Brown has now been replaced less than two years into his four-year term as chairman[/caption]
ReutersTrump’s team has plans to gut “woke” influence in the Pentagon through a major shake-up[/caption]
WINNING TRUMP OVER
Trump and Caine’s relationship dates back to Iraq in 2019, when the Air Force officer reportedly impressed the Republican strongman with his aggressive approach to military operations.
At last year’s CPAC conference, Trump recounted how Caine had once pledged his loyalty, saying: “I love you, sir. I think you’re great, sir. I’ll kill for you, sir.”
The moment, according to Trump, was sealed when Caine donned a MAGA hat — despite military rules barring active-duty personnel from wearing political gear.
Caine, who has logged over 2,800 flight hours in the F-16, including more than 100 in combat, was a key architect of the U.S. military’s rapid offensive against ISIS during Trump’s first term.
“It was done in record-setting time, a matter of weeks,” Trump wrote.
“Many so-called military ‘geniuses’ said it would take years to defeat ISIS. General Caine, on the other hand, said it could be done quickly, and he delivered.”
Despite his record, Trump said Caine was “passed over for promotion by Sleepy Joe Biden.”
“But not anymore!” Trump declared.
CIA/YoutubeGeneral Caine has logged over 2,800 flight hours in the F-16, including more than 100 in combat[/caption]
Gen Caine has also been praised by Trump for his aggressive approach to military operationsAFP
“Alongside Secretary Pete Hegseth, General Caine and our military will restore peace through strength, put America First, and rebuild our military.”
Trump and Hegseth did offer a parting nod to Brown, despite their sharp criticism of his leadership.
“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” Trump wrote.
“He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family.”
Hegseth echoed the sentiment, saying Brown “served with distinction in a career spanning four decades of honorable service.”
Donald Trump's appointees
AS of February 2025, President Donald Trump has appointed several key figures to his administration:
‘First Buddy’: Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, serving as an advisor and head of government cost-cutting team known as DOGE.
Secretary of State: Marco Rubio, unanimously confirmed by the Senate.
Secretary of Defense: Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and vocal critic of military Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental attorney and vaccine sceptic.
Secretary of the Treasury: Scott Bessent, an investment manager and the first openly gay person to hold this position.
Attorney General: Pam Bondi, former Attorney General of Florida.
Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S. Representative from Hawaii.
Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Kash Patel, a former National Security Council official.
Secretary of Homeland Security: Kristi Noem, former Governor of South Dakota.
6 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on I was drunk or hungover for 20 years – my ‘fun boozing career’ downing Prosecco PINTS left me with one deep regret
IT’S Friday night and Toni Jones is downing pints of Prosecco.
And this happens every week – at least it was until January 1, 2024, when Toni decided enough was enough.
Toni Jones was a big binge drinker until she made some huge changes in her lifeToni JonesThe 47-year-old has been sober for more than a year and doesn’t ever see herself drinking againToni Jones
She then challenged herself to stay sober for 365 days – and she’s never felt better.
“I wanted to free myself from alcohol,” the 47-year-old, from Norfolk, says.
“And it’s the best thing I have ever done.”
Toni, founder of The Shelf Help Club, discovered the booze buzz as a teenager and was instantly hooked.
She spent years partying hard, regularly waking up having forgotten last night’s antics.
“I was drunk or hungover for at least 20 years,” she says.
“I was born to a disinterested and alcoholic dad, who was estranged by the time I was in my late 20s.
“He’d escaped to Thailand to drink himself to death by my early 30s.
“I started binge drinking in high school as a way to self-medicate through messy family stuff – plus I came of age in the ladette era.
“I developed a very toxic relationship with alcohol.
“But I was unable to give up binge drinking for a long time – even when I started to understand how much it was hurting me mentally and physically.
“Sometimes it was fun. But usually I would push it past the ‘fun’ zone and instead use it as a way to literally ‘get out of my head’, using my stressful job as an excuse.”
Drinking daily
At the time Toni worked in the media industry, which she says only made her drinking worse.
“Being drunk and then hungover was very much part of the social landscape, so I would often be drinking daily,” she says.
“I was usually out with other people who were also drinking to excess regularly, so it didn’t seem dangerous – though I know now it was.
“A lot of the events we attended hosted free bars, and we would drink whatever was going – usually awful warm wine.”
But the beverage she could never say no to was Prosecco.
“As a baby Gen Xer, it was my favourite,” Toni adds. “The local pub near our office served it in pints!
“I also loved skinny b****es (vodka, lime and soda), and all kinds of pretentious cocktails.
“I never seemed to realise that expensive drinks were still going to give me a hangover.”
It wasn’t until her late 30s that Toni even noticed the impact it was having on her.
‘Sozzled’ before check-in
Aside from after-work drinks, Toni also loved getting hammered on holiday.
She says: “Drinking while travelling used to be a no-brainer for me, often starting at the airport.
“On occasion, like while on a hen do to Ibiza, before the flight we’d get sozzled on mini bottles of wine in the airport hotel so that the 6am EasyJet departure time wouldn’t be too painful.
“Unsurprisingly, it was a horrible flight and I wasn’t able to properly enjoy the weekend.
“Until 2024, any time I had flown long haul I would reach immigration already hungover (and majorly dehydrated), willing the passport queues to disappear so that I could just fall into bed, instead of enjoying the new city I was in.
“We spent one New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong, full on partying ahead of flying to a health retreat in Thailand in early January.
“At check-in in Koh Samui, the staff were visibly grimacing at the state of us.
“This kind of retox:detox very much summed up my relationship with alcohol (and myself) – I was all ‘party hard, work hard and repeat’.”
‘Dry-tripping’
As part of her new sober adventure, Toni went on several zero-alcohol trips last year (often call dry-trips), including one to Miami – a destination known for its alcohol-fuelled nightlife.
But this holiday was a turning point, which made her realise she simply didn’t need booze to have a good time.
She also loved getting hammered on holidayToni JonesWhile boozing was once an integral part of any holiday, Toni now loves ‘dry-tripping’Toni Jones‘I developed a very toxic relationship with alcohol,’ Toni saysToni Jones
“Previously, I have always drunk alcohol on holidays, seeing it as an integral part of any trip – starting with airport beers then having Bloody Marys on the plane,” she says.
“But this all changed when I went to Miami – somewhere I’ve visited several times before, with my husband and also friends.
“It has a reputation as being a party city, and previously I have embraced that side of it.
I asked the hotel to remove the mini bar from my room and stayed away from bars as much as I could
Toni Jones
“But this time, I arrived sober and left feeling great, after swapping late nights and cocktails for early mornings and juices.
“It was a really different holiday experience and made me realise that time off in the sunshine is something to celebrate, and doesn’t need booze to make it better.”
Resisting ‘trigger’ temptation
Not that it’s all been easy, and Toni admits she’s had to work hard at times to stay on the right track.
She says: “A holiday for me is full of triggers to drink, so I had to do a bit of planning to make sure I could avoid as many of them as possible.
“I asked the hotel to remove the mini bar from my room and stayed away from bars as much as I could.
“We went for glamorous breakfasts and brunches instead of dinners, and I made sure that I had a couple of ‘go-to’ alcoholic-free drink choices – ‘AF’ beer, root beer, and iced coffee.
“One of the biggest challenges was being poolside and hearing the sound of cocktail shakers.
“Also, it was difficult to resist happy hour offers and the groups of loud, tipsy friends hanging out on the boardwalk.
“However, Miami is a pretty expensive destination, so not drinking saved me hundreds of dollars which worked out in my favour.
Now I sleep like a baby, wake up without an alarm, and literally (annoyingly for my husband) jump out of bed excited for the new day
Toni Jones
“After not drinking, I felt truly relaxed and rejuvenated – like you’re supposed to when you come back from a holiday.
“I really enjoyed the long days and early nights, feeling energised and positive, and I was able to get over jet lag pretty quickly.
“I also had the mental space to spend time making exciting plans for when I got home.
“And not drinking alcohol on a long-haul flight was a huge revelation. The benefits were truly worth it.”
As part of her sober venture, Toni went on several zero-alcohol tripsToni JonesHer ‘fun’ looks a little bit different these daysToni JonesToni estimates she saved at least £2,500 by not drinking in 2024Toni Jones
Booze-free benefits
Since going sober, Toni has seen improvements in every aspect of her life.
“I do get a lot of comments on my general ‘glow’ – my healthy skin and bright eyes and an aura of contentment and calm,” she says.
“Money-wise, I’d say I’ve saved at least £200 a month – so about £2,500, when you take into account bottles of wine in the supermarket and rounds of drinks on nights out.”
But the single best thing to come out of giving booze up? Sleep!
“Mornings are amazing now,” Toni says.
“I used to dread them. But now I sleep like a baby, wake up without an alarm, and literally (annoyingly for my husband) jump out of bed excited for the new day.”
“Looking back on my drinking ‘career’ I feel sad about all the missed opportunities,” she adds.
“I run my own business and I feel like I could’ve started working on my dream life and job much, much sooner if I’d given myself the headspace and clarity.
“I’ve also lost a lot of cash – I have spent so much money on nothing – and I mistreated myself for years.
“But my biggest regret is the amount of time that I wasn’t properly present; for friends, family, life experiences, and myself.
“I can see now that the drunk or hungover version of me is not how I want to show up in the world.”
Living a ‘happy, sober life’
Alcohol consumption is declining in the UK.
In 2011, the Health Survey for England found 54 per cent of adults drank booze at least once a week.
But years later in 2022, that number dropped to 48 per cent.
Today, around 20 per cent of the population don’t drink at all, according to Alcohol Change.
So while decades ago, people may have quizzed you on why you were drinking lemonade not beer in the pub, it’s now much more accepted.
Removing alcohol from my life is the best thing I could have done for my mental and physical health
Toni Jones
“The only negative or judgemental comments I’ve received have been from people I don’t know,” Toni says.
“Anyone who knows me has been majorly supportive – if a little incredulous – and because I am getting on with my life and doing pretty much everything I used to do.
“Lots of them are seeing the benefits and understanding you don’t need to become a hermit or identify as being ‘in recovery’ to live a happy, sober life.
“Lots of people are interested in if or when I’m going to start drinking again (plot spoiler: I don’t think I am), but I welcome the comments and to ask anyone who’s interested in why I’m not drinking, why they are?”
Toni's top tips
“If you’re serious about quitting drinking, even for a bit, get clear on your ‘why’ and then set yourself a goal,” Toni Jones says.
“For example, commit to Dry January or Sober October instead of simply saying, ‘I really should drink less at the weekend’, which is too vague and non-committal.
“Treating it as an experiment with a limited timeframe (vs ‘one day at a time’ for the rest of your life) makes it less overwhelming.
“Once you’ve reached the deadline you’ll probably find that you’re liking your new sober self too much to stop.
“I’ve been trying non-drinking stints on and off for nine years so it has definitely been a process, but deciding on this one-year challenge has been brilliant because from January 1, 2024, I became a non-drinker and booze was no longer an option for me for at least one year.
“I did things to help the transition, like stocking up on alcohol-free drinks and getting rid of booze in the house.
“I also read a lot of ‘quit lit’ and addiction memoirs, and I’ve been keeping a journal, recording how I’m feeling, the biggest triggers, and sober wins each month.
“When you set yourself a challenge, be it one, six or 12 months, tell everyone – including the internet.
“This kind of accountability is really motivating, and you’ll be amazed by how many people you’ll inspire by being open about it.
“Challenge yourself to do everything sober at least once, be it a wedding, hen do, work do, Friday night out, or whatever.
“Once you’ve done it, you’ll see that the world keeps turning, and you’ll also probably really enjoy how you feel the morning after, so be likely to be motivated to do it again.
“Mornings are your new friends!”
Free from alcohol
Toni, an avid traveller working with Omio, adds: “I’ve been thinking about, and attempting, short stints of alcohol-free living for almost 10 years.
“Since I interviewed the founders of an organisation called Club Soda back in 2015 and started learning more about the idea of ‘mindful drinking’, it inspired me to look at my drinking habits.
“Over the last decade, I’ve also been on a personal journey of healing and self-development, finally admitting to myself that removing alcohol from my life would be the best thing I could do for my mental and physical health.
“I felt like 12 months was a good time to start to free myself from alcohol and create new healthy habits, as well as to try everything sober at least once, including holidays.
“The saying that ‘you don’t need a drink to have’ is 100 per cent true, although sometimes that fun just looks a little bit different.
“On this holiday I made different choices, such as going for a swim in the ocean versus getting drunk at a rooftop bar.
“And – as my friend Jack says – not drinking is only boring if you have boring friends, so if you want to keep having fun then plan interesting things with great people.”
Toni swapped late nights and cocktails for early mornings and juicesToni JonesThe biggest benefit has been she now sleeps like a baby and loves morningsToni JonesToni Jones‘Not drinking is only boring if you have boring friends,’ Toni says[/caption]
Her dad was a ‘disinterested alcoholic’Toni JonesToni, from Norfolk, says she feels sad about all the opportunities she missed because of alcoholToni Jones‘After not drinking, I felt truly relaxed and rejuvenated,’ she saysToni Jones
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