6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on The winter sunshine spot with 20C temps, magical Christmas market, festive parade & 3 hour Ryanair flights from €24.99
TAKE a look at the winter sunshine spot with 20C temps, magical Christmas market, festive parade & 3 hour Ryanair flights from €24.99.
Marbella is a stunning city located in Spain’s Costa del Sol region.
Marbella is a stunning city in SpainGetty Images - GettyIt’s known for its breathtaking beachesGetty Images - GettyThe city turns into a festive paradise each Christmas with markets and paradesGetty Images - Getty
Marbella enjoys sunny winters with temperatures often reaching 20°C, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warmth during the holiday season.
Known for its stunning coastline and Mediterranean charm, Marbella offers tourists a blend of luxury and sun – the perfect mix for those escaping Ireland’s cold winter.
This stunning resort city is also famous for its glamorous marina, golden beaches and elegant old town – making it a desirable destination for holidaymakers all year long.
And with Malaga Airport only a 30 minute drive away, Ryanair has flights from Dublin starting at only €24.99 this December.
Marbella is home to iconic landmarks like the historic Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress that offers breathtaking views along with the stunning Old Town known for its cobblestone streets.
For those seeking the festive spirit, Marbella’s Plaza de los Naranjos comes alive during the holiday season, adorned with Christmas lights and decorations that create a magical atmosphere.
Marbella’s coastline also boasts stunning beaches like Playa de la Fontanilla and Playa de Cabopino, famous for their soft white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Nature lovers will love the nearby Sierra Blanca Mountains, where scenic hikes and tranquil walks offer a peaceful retreat from the city.
For history enthusiasts there’s lots of museums such as the Museo del Grabado, where they can explore centuries of local art, and the Bonsai Museum which celebrates the region’s horticultural heritage.
Marbella is also known as a cultural hub with venues like the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella hosting world-class performances and art galleries displaying classical Spanish works.
No visit to Marbella is complete without savouring its world-famous cuisine.
From dishes like pescaito frito to delicious tapas, Marbella’s food scene is a treat for the senses and a perfect way to enjoy the festive season.
The town is also home to a vibrant nightlife, with beach clubs and pubs offering live music performances, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for visitors.
As Christmas approaches, Marbella transforms into a festive paradise, with Christmas markets offering handcrafted gifts and sweet – all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Mediterranean.
Festive paradise
A highlight of the season is the Christmas tree in Marbella’s central square, where visitors can enjoy performances and celebrations that capture the festive spirit of Spain.
For those seeking adventure, the nearby mountains provides loads of opportunities for outdoor sports, from hiking and running to rock climbing.
Families will love the holiday decorations and light displays that brighten up Marbella’s streets, making it an ideal destination for kids this winter.
The town also hosts several holiday events, such as flamenco performances and a festive parade, adding to the holiday atmosphere throughout December.
Marbella is easily accessible from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, with regular flights from major European cities – including Dublin.
Don’t miss the chance to explore this Mediterranean gem in winter.
The city is a must-visit for those looking to escape the winter weatherGetty Images - Getty
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on RTE star Jennifer Zamparelli poses for rare snap with kids as they step out on red carpet for premiere
RTE star Jennifer Zamparelli posed for a rare snap with her kids as they stepped out on the red carpet together.
The Dancing With The Stars host and her husband Lauterio share two kids – daughter Florence and son Enzo.
Jennifer Zamparelli brought her children Enzo and Florence to see Wicked yesterday Brian McEvoyKaren Koster and her daughter Eve went to the Dublin premiere Brian McEvoyAlan Hughes and Karl Broderick got pictured together at the event Brian McEvoy
Jen decided to spend some quality time with her little ones as she brought them as her plus ones to a Wicked premiere last night.
The star-studded affair was held at the Light House Cinema in Dublin.
The former 2FM host stepped out in style wearing a black mini dress, black leather coat, black opaque tights and black boots.
Florence looked adorable wearing a pink dress with a Wicked merch jumper over it and matched her mum wearing black tights and boots.
While little Enzo wore black trousers, trendy black trainers and a green baseball jacket.
The family huddled in smiling from ear-to-ear on the green carpet together before heading into watch the highly-anticipated production.
After watching the film, Jen took to her Instagram Stories to rave about how “amazing” it is.
She said: “Can we talk about Wicked just for a second? I went to see it last night, there was a family screening, thanks Universal, thank you so much.
“And it was glorious. I absolutely loved it. I’m a huge Wicked fan.
“I have to say, there was a few surprises in there, and two people I really wanted to see in the film but I didn’t think were going to be in the film made an appearance, and it was amazing.
“Also, every time Cynthia sings, I cry. I don’t know what it is about that woman’s voice, she just gets me. She just gets me.
“Ariana was amazing. I did think she could have gone a little more, a little extra on the comedy, but that’s just very small.
“Her singing was spectacular, that woman’s rage is out of this world.”
Karen Koster also attended the premiere and brought her daughter Eve.
‘WICKED NIGHT OUT’
The Virgin Media star went on-theme wearing a green velvet long-sleeve gown.
Karen’s six-year-old matched her in a sparkly green maxi dress and silver ballet pumps.
The popular presenter wrapped her arms around Eve for a quick photo together.
Karen posted the snap on social media and said she “loved the picture of Eve”.
She gushed: “Thanks Universal for a Wicked night out! We loved it!
“Fans won’t be disappointed.”
‘STUNNING’
Karen’s friends and fans all loved the post and raced to the comment section with compliments.
Rose wrote: “Gorgeous mum and daughter.”
Matt said: “Lovely.”
Mandy commented: “Fab.”
Ireland AM star Alan Hughes and his hubby Karl Broderick also enjoyed the night out.
The 61-year-old wore a green zip-up jacket to represent Wicked’s Elphaba, while Karl wore a pink polo top for Glinda.
Karl shared the picture of them posing together on Instagram and explained: “You had to wear green or pink to the premiere of Wicked. What a mind blowing film.
“Visually stunning… lots of laugh out loud moments and Ariana Grande was born to play Galinda… (the Ga is silent!!!!).”
One follower complimented the couple saying: “Looking great you two.”
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Captain Tom’s daughter STILL cashing in on dad’s legacy by using him to flog £3.5k ‘life-coaching’ sessions
THE daughter of Captain Tom Moore is STILL cashing in on his legacy – by using him to sell £3,500 life-coaching packages.
Hannah Ingram-Moore, 54, and husband Colin, 67, were blasted by a report today for pocketing a fortune on the back of Tom’s inspirational NHS fundraising.
GettyCaptain Sir Tom Moore raised millions for the NHS[/caption]
PAHannah Ingram-Moore was today blasted by a Charity Commission report[/caption]
GettyMs Ingram-Moore is still cashing in on her late dad’s legacy[/caption]
But despite shamelessly marring his legacy, Ms Ingram-Moore is offering to help sort others’ lives out and achieve their “goals, objectives, and vision”.
Courses start with a £50 30-minute consultation followed by packages starting from £1,450 or £3,500 to provide “intuitive guidance” to “aid you in your journey”.
She writes: “ Hannah can help you move past the challenges you’re facing in your life and achieve the goals that have felt out of reach.
“She does this by listening intently, helping you see things in new ways, and providing you with practical tools and advice.
“Break through your blocks, fears and limiting beliefs. Address these with Hannah in sessions to start building your positive and successful future.
“Payment is required at the beginning of each agreed programme.”
COMMENT: Captain Tom Moore would be ashamed of his daughter’s obscene greed
THE SUN SAYS...
CAPTAIN Tom Moore led a life of unblemished selflessness.
He would be ashamed of his daughter’s obscene greed.
The public-spirited World War Two veteran became a national hero during Covid by raising almost £40million for the NHS with a sponsored walk aged 99.
But it was perhaps fortunate Sir Tom never lived to see Hannah Ingram-Moore and husband Colin plunder his philanthropy as a get-rich-quick scheme.
The pair sickeningly pocketed vast sums, cashing in on his memory and giving next to nothing to the charity they set up in his name, as a Charity Commission probe confirms.
Hannah paid herself a lavish salary and built a spa.
What an appalling end to the most uplifting story of that bleak Covid era.
If the Ingram-Moores have a shred of decency they will hand every last remaining Pound to the charity a duped public thought it was funding.
HannahIngramMoore.com was still promoted her services using Captain Tom’s image, with Ms Ingram-Moore shamelessly taking credit for his words.
She wrote: “I was suddenly immersed in the world of authorship. I sat and listened to my father telling his story, crafting his words, and creating joy for every age group.”
According to her website, Ms Ingram-Moore is also planning to publish her own book to tell her “side of the story” claiming people stop her in the street to ask for one.
She wrote: “The book is for everyone that asked and for those that want to hear the firsthand story of life with Captain Tom, including the highs and lows.
“I am days away from completing that book and it will be on the bookshelves shortly.”
A Charity Commission report found the family plunder Captain Tom’s memory for their own benefit – pocketing a £1.5million book advance then giving none to his charity.
The report revealed that Ingram-Moore, blocked from paying herself a £150,000 salary as charity CEO – took £85,000 and reimbursed her firm with £80,000 in costs from the foundation.
The couple hoodwinked the public by promising royalties to the charity from its merchandise website.
It found the Ingram-Moores carried out repeated instances of misconduct.
These include:
“disingenuous” statements from Mrs Ingram-Moore about not being offered a six-figure sum to become the charity’s CEO
a misleading implication that donations from book sales would be made to the foundation
no evidence to support Mrs Ingram-Moore’s claims she attended an awards ceremony in a personal capacity, for which she was paid £18,000
The couple used the foundation’s name in an initial planning application for an illegal spa pool block at their home
Instead buyers were redirected to external sites where no commission to good causes was collected.
And they gave the charity £8,900 from a Capt Tom gin from profits thought to be well over £100,000.
Much of the money is thought to have been ploughed into an illegal luxury spa that had built in their garden using the Captain Tom Foundation charity name.
The couple have been banned from being trustees of charities – while the Captain Tom Foundation has even hinted it may take “action” to get back funds that should have been donated.
‘SELECTIVE STORYTELLING’
Incredibly, the Ingram-Moores whinged they had been treated “unfairly and unjustly” by the Charity Commission, accusing the watchdog of “selective storytelling”.
They said the two-year inquiry had taken a “serious toll” on the family’s health and described the process as “excessive”, adding that the charities watchdog had a “predetermined agenda”.
“True accountability demands transparency, not selective storytelling,” the statement said, adding that they “never took a penny” from public donations.
Much of the book money was spent on an illegal spa block opposite the family’s £1.2million padShe is offering courses starting from £1,450 or £3,500 to provide ‘intuitive guidance’She also appears to take credit for Captain Tom’s writing
How Captain Sir Tom Moore rose to fame & his daughter's controversies
March 2020– D-Day veteran Captain Tom Moore walks 100 laps around his Bedfordshire garden before his 100th birthday, raising £30million for the NHS during the first lockdown.
April 2020 – Captain Tom reaches No. 1 in the charts with his cover of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. He receives 100,000 cards for his 100th birthday, which is marked with a Battle of Britain flypast. A train is named after him.
July 2020 – Captain Tom is knighted by the Queen in a special private ceremony at Windsor Castle.
September 2020 – Hannah Ingram-Moore launches the Captain Tom Foundation to combat loneliness.
December 2020 – Drones swarm into the shape of Captain Tom’s face at the New Year’s Eve firework display in London.
February 2021 – Captain Sir Tom Moore dies after catching covid-19.
February 2022 – The Charity Commission launches a probe into the Captain Tom foundation after it paid £50,000 to companies run by Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband Colin.
July 2023 – The foundation stops accepting donations. Planning chiefs order Hannah to tear down an unauthorised spa at her Bedfordshire home. The building had been approved to be used “in connection with the Captain Tom Foundation and its charitable objectives”. But a larger building with a spa pool was built instead and was denied retrospective planning permission. Hannah appeals.
September 2023 – accounts reveal Hannah received more than £70,000 to head the foundation.
October 2023 – Hannah loses her appeal and is ordered to demolish the spa and restore the garden to its original condition.
January 2023 – Demolition work begins
November 2024 – Charity Commission report released
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6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on ICBM was ‘NEW type of weapon’, Zelensky warns as Russia calls UK ‘participant in war’ & Starmer blasts ‘reckless’ Putin
RUSSIA used a terrifying new type of weapon in its suspected intercontinental ballistic missile strike against Ukraine, Ukrainian president Zelensky has warned.
Ukrainian president Zelensky addresses the nation after Russia’s attackFootage appeared to show missiles raining down on the city of DniproExplosions ring out in Dnipro during the Russian attack
Kyiv Air Force said today that Russia had launched an ICBM at the city of Dnipro in the early hours of the morning.
If firmed up, it marks the first time the nuclear-capable missile has ever been used as part of an ongoing conflict.
Zelensky, speaking from his office today in a video posted online, said the attack had “all the characteristics… speed, altitude… of an intercontinental ballistic missile”.
He added: “It is obvious that Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground.
“Expert examinations are underway. It is obvious that Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground.”
And UK PM Keir Starmer blasted depot Putin for his “reckless and escalatory behaviour” after the suspected ICBM strike.
He warned that such a move would take the war to another level, calling claims of their use “deeply concerning”.
Starmer’s official spokesperson said: “If true, clearly, this would be another example of depraved, reckless and escalatory behaviour from Russia.”
ICBMs are designed to carry nuclear warheads and have a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres, or 3,400 miles.
The advanced technology is expensive, and possibly used to send a message of intimidation after Kyiv fired a slew of long-range Western missiles at Russia this week.
Sources and experts told AFP it was “obvious” the missile that struck Ukraine did not carry a nuclear charge, bolstering arguments that it was launched for a symbolic, political effect.
Zelensky accused Putin of doing “anything to prevent his neighbour from escaping his grasp” as the war rapidly approaches its third year mark.
“Today, our crazy neighbour has once again shown who he really is and how he despises dignity, freedom and human life in general. And how afraid he is,” the hero premier said.
Video purported to show strikes above Dnipro in Ukraine early this morning
The Ukrainian air force released a statement about the attack on Dnipro – saying Russia had used a variety of missiles including some cruise rockets dropped by fighter jets.
“In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation,” they said.
Putin’s Kremlin refused to confirm whether or not it launched an ICBM, instead claiming to be doing everything possible to stop nuclear escalation.
Asked whether Moscow fired the missile, which can hit targets thousands of kilometres away, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he had “nothing to say on this topic”.
The overnight blitz was Russia’s revenge for Ukraine’s successful double-tap strikes this week – using Western long-range missiles.
Moscow’s ambassador to the UK accused Britain of being “directly involved” in the Ukraine war after the Storm Shadow strike against targets deep inside Russia.
Andrei Kelin told Sky News: “Britain and the UK is now directly involved in this war, because this firing cannot happen without Nato staff, British staff as well.”
Moscow warned for months that the use of Western long-range missiles by Ukraine would mark a major escalation.
In September, a snarling Putin said it would “mean that Nato countries are at war with Russia”.
And on Tuesday the rattled despot double down, approving a new nuclear doctrine just hours after the ATACMS strike.
A house in Dnipro was set on fire in the missile blitz
The new policy allows Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states and Russia said the move should be seen as a warning to the West.
Putin’s propagandist puppets blasted threats against the US and UK on TV – with top Kremlin lap-dog Dmitry Peskov swearing that the use of Western non-nuclear missiles by Ukraine’s armies could spark a nuclear response.
She could be seen answering a call in the middle of the televised conference.
The conversation was overheard via her mic – with a presumably senior diplomat saying: “Masha [Maria], ballistic missile strikes on Yuzhmash [defence plant in Dnipro].
“The Westerners are talking about it now. Don’t comment at all.”
She also slammed the opening of a new US ballistic missile defence base in Redzikowo, a village in Poland.
Zakharova said it had been added to a “list of priority targets for potential destruction which, if necessary, can be executed with a wide range of advanced weapons”.
The EU has said Russia’s reported ICBM attack, if confirmed, would mark a “clear escalation” by Putin.
The UK meanwhile said the strike would be “reckless and escalatory”.
Defence Sec John Healey went a step further, telling the UK Defence Committee that Russia may have been hearing up to launch a ballistic missile for months.
In crunch talks today he said: “there are unconfirmed media reports today of Russia firing a new ballistic missile into Ukraine which we know they have been preparing for months”.
“The front line is now less stable than at any time since the early days of the full scale Russian invasion in 2022,” he said.
“We have seen in recent weeks a very clear escalation from Putin and his forces.
“They have stepped up attacks on the energy system in Ukraine ahead of winter, they have stepped up attacks on civilian centres killing children, they have deployed at least 10,000 North Korean troops to the battle front line.
“While the Ukrainian actions on the battlefield speak for themselves, be in no doubt that UK Government is stepping up our support for Ukraine, determined to continue doubling down our support for Ukraine.”
A Russian Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile firing at Plesetsk testing fieldAn explosion in Ukraine amid Russia’s revenge blitz
Russia’s attack came after Ukraine fired Storm Shadow missiles on Wednesday (pictured)
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Eerie moment mysterious ‘UFO’ is caught on live TV as bizarre orb zooms past New York skyline in chopper cam footage
NEW Yorkers have been left baffled after what looks like an orb-shaped object was caught on camera flying over the city.
The unusual object was captured on film by a television helicopter which was rolling its cameras at the time.
A bizarre object was spotted on the camera of a local news chopper in New YorkFOX 5 New YorkThe mysterious orb-shaped object appeared to whizz past the Hudson winnerFOX 5 New YorkFOX 5 New YorkThe object appeared to turn blue as it got closer to the chopper[/caption]
In the short clip, a small object whizzes over the Hudson River and past Lower Manhattan.
Initially, the UFO-like object appeared to be white or even translucent but as it got closer to the chopper and arced away from it, it appeared to turn blue and opaque.
The speed it appears to move is much faster than anything else in the clip or anything you would expect to be flying that low.
Of course, as viewers begin to speculate what the object is, attention has turned to the idea that it is an object not of this world.
On Facebook one viewer wrote: “I used to see one time around Hudson River. And exactly that colour.
“Appeared and disappeared like alternating.”
“Alien invasion before January 20,” another said, noting the date of Donald Trump‘s inauguration into the White House.
One just simply posted an alien emoji.
But, others, including UFO experts, have started doubting this theory.
Avi Loeb, a theoretical physician, cosmologist and Harvard professor believes the so-called flying orb is part of the camera.
He told the New York Post: “This is most likely an optical artefact from the helicopter glass in front of the camera.
“Namely a bright spot from the reflection of sunlight as the camera gradually changes its orientation relative to the sun and the ground.
“But even if it was a real object, the apparent speed is of an order the speed of sound and not extraordinary.”
This is a theory many other viewers of the video came up with.
FAMOUS UFO INCIDENTS
The ‘Night of the UFOs’ is among many famous unexplained encounters with strange objects in the sky that have happened down the years.
Perhaps the most striking was a video known as the ‘Tic-Tac’ – which showed an unidentified object being pursued by fighter planes.
While flying off the coast of California 2004, two pilots from the USS Nimitz on a routine training mission spotted an object “shaped like a 40ft Tic Tac sweet”.
Then in 2005, a veteran pilot of an F/A – 18 fighter aircraft witnessed a raft of strange objects in the sky during a training exercise off the coast of Florida.
The two videos were sensationally released by the Pentagon in 2017.
Tragically the pursuit of UFOs has also claimed lives, notably that of US Air Force Captain Thomas Mantell.
He died after being sent to chase a mysterious object in his fighter aircraft in 1948.
Other encounters with the air force include a claim that UFOs disabled weapons at a nuclear base.
Captain Robert Salas said the bizarre incident unfolded in 1967 while he was the on-duty commander of a secret underground launch control facility at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base.
US forces based in Britain also had an encounter with a strange glowing in the sky in Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk.
Two airmen, Staff Sgt Jim Penniston and Airman John Burroughs, claim they got so close to a triangular craft they actually touched it.
Earlier this year, US military documents were released showing how a warship was shadowed by two “ball of light” UFOs deepening the mystery around the case.
“A helicopter with blue water, blue sky and glass buildings reflecting off of it,” one wrote on Facebook.
“Lens flare zooming past NYC accidentally caught on film by local news chopper,” another said on X.
Others claimed it could have been a drone or a balloon.
“Maybe somebody’s private drone was made to look like something else,” one viewer suggested.
“That makes the most sense if it’s not a balloon.”
A representative from the local news channel that filmed the clip told the Post that they do not know when the footage was recorded but confirmed it had not been edited.
Another source from the news outlet claimed that it was a drone that appeared to be moving at high speeds due to that of the chopper.
FOX 5 New YorkThe local news station could not confirm when the chopper footage was taken but did state that no edits had been made to the clip[/caption]
