Tag: Europe

  • Growing Concerns of Conflict Escalation at Black Sea

    By Davide Donateo

    I want to begin by clarifying that in this case, I do not have access to privileged information. The conclusions I am about to share are based solely on my experience, public news, and publicly accessible sources. So, there is no reason for the reader to attribute this information to secret or hidden sources, as it comes directly from my analysis.

    However, in recent days, during a meeting between peace advocates and influential international actors in the field of geopolitics, there has been a growing tension. This tension has been fueled by the concern that, if Ukraine does not agree to a peace proposal or, at the very least, a de-escalation of the conflict, significant events may occur in the Black Sea.

    Certainly, at this moment, a dangerous game of accusation and suspicion is underway, revolving around the hypothesis of a possible “false flag” operation. On one hand, British intelligence advanced the idea last week, publishing an alarming report, that the Russians may be behind a “false flag” operation in the Black Sea, suggesting that they could deploy sea mines against civilian ships and falsely attribute the responsibility for the attacks to Ukraine. According to the British report, this move could increase pressure on the Ukrainian economy.

    On the other hand, it is interesting to note that the Russians, in turn, seem to harbor suspicions of a possible “false flag” operation orchestrated by the United States during Operation Sea Breeze 23.3 in the Black Sea. This suggests that both sides are considering the possibility that the other side may seek to use a provocative event to justify further military actions or to blame the enemy.

    Already in July of last year, the U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) reported warnings from the United States that Russia could use sea mines to blow up a ship and attribute the attack to Ukraine. Ambassador Michael Carpenter at the time stated that Russia could use such an incident, known as a false flag attack, to justify further attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea.

    Two warning signals, one from British intelligence and the other from the United States, shed light on the situation in the Black Sea. Considering the modus operandi of intelligence agencies from these countries (serial deceivers), we could conclude that their warnings may conceal exactly the opposite of what is officially stated.

    Currently, there is an ongoing military operation in the Black Sea, specifically a naval exercise scheduled from September 11th to September 15th, “Sea Breeze 23.3.” A multinational naval exercise that took place precisely in Constanta, Romania. This exercise involved military personnel and naval forces from various countries, including the United States, Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, France, Great Britain, and Turkey.

    Concerns arise that this exercise could be used as cover for a “false flag” event orchestrated by the United States. To support this concern, I refer to past events such as the Nord Stream pipeline incident during Operation BALTOPS, where the U.S. Navy was accused of placing explosives on the pipeline and then blowing up the Nord Stream pipeline. This had serious consequences for the German industry and significantly weakened Germany.

    Throughout history, false flags have often been used by the United States to maintain their power, conceal evidence, or justify military actions. These tactics have also been used to bypass constitutional limitations in times of crisis and initiate military conflicts by blaming the enemy.

    Operation Sea Breeze 23 may have been used to provoke Russia or justify an attack by the United States. It is not difficult for me to even hypothesize the possibility that the United States, if necessary, may launch a nuclear attack on its own naval assets in the Black Sea, blaming Russia for such an attack as a pretext for a nuclear war.

    To cover up an orchestrated attack from the West, it is not even out of the question that such an event could take place using Russian materials to prevent the identification of the origin of a potential nuclear device through the analysis of radioactive isotopes.

    We must remain extremely vigilant. In the event that (and especially IF) something erupts, whether it is a nuclear conflict or otherwise, it will mark the beginning of World War III.

    Article by Davide Donateo – Publisher at News Academy Italia – Intelligence For Freedom

  • Hospital probed for corporate manslaughter after Lucy Letby murders

    …Lucy Letby was sentenced to a whole life order after being found guilty of the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six other at Countess of Chester Hospital

    Police have launched a corporate manslaughter investigation at Countess of Chester Hospital after former nurse Lucy Letby was convicted of the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six others.

    Letby, 33, was sentenced to a whole life order after she was convicted of the heinous crimes in August. The murders took place on the neonatal unit of the hospital, between 2015 and 2016.

    It has now been confirmed that Cheshire Constabulary is undertaking an investigation into corporate manslaughter at Countess of Chester Hospital.

    Detective Superintendent Simon Blackwell said: “The investigation will focus on the indictment period of the charges for Lucy Letby, from June 2015 to June 2016, and consider areas including senior leadership and decision making to determine whether any criminality has taken place.

    “At this stage we are not investigating any individuals in relation to gross negligence manslaughter.

    “The investigation is in the very early stages and we are unable to go into any further details or answer specific questions at this time.

    “We recognise that this investigation will have a significant impact on a number of different stakeholders including the families in this case and we are continuing to work alongside and support them during this process.

    “You will be notified of any further updates in due course.”

    Source: Halifax Courier

  • There are only two genders – British Prime Minister

    There are only two genders – British Prime Minister

    By Frank Ulom

    British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has said there are only two genders, male (man) and female (woman).

    In a session at Manchester on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Sunak said it is common sense for one to know that a man is a man and a woman is a woman.

    He said: “Patients should know when hospitals are talking about men or women…

    “…and we shouldn’t get bullied into believing that ‘people can be any sex they want to be’, they can’t.

    “A man is a man, and a woman is a woman, that’s just common sense.”

    READ ALSO: There’s a Huge Partisan Gap Between Republicans and Democrats Who Plan to Get Covid ‘Boosters’

    The Prime Minister said the Conservative Party is investing in children and has done a lot for families.

    “We’re going to change this country and that means ‘life means life’…that shouldn’t be a controversial position.

    “The vast majority of hardworking people agree with it, and it all shouldn’t be controversial for parents to know what their children are being taught in school, about relationships…

    “We should also never be afraid to talk about the thing that matters most in most of us; family.

    “Whenever you want to talk about family, someone whispers, ‘Is that why he is the Prime Minister?’

    “You will be accused of promoting a one-sided view but in this Conservative Party, the party that legislated for ‘same sex’ marriage and is investing record amounts in child care, we know that what matters is the love cascade down the generations,” Sunak said.

    WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW

  • British soldiers in Ukraine would be legitimate target for Russia

    British soldiers in Ukraine would be legitimate target for Russia

    By Lucas Leiroz

    UK’s new defense secretary, Grant Shapps, is already involved in controversy, publicly proposing escalations in the Ukrainian conflict. During an interview to a Western media outlet, Shapps revealed that he plans to send British soldiers to Ukrainian territory, where they are expected to train Kiev’s troops. The case generated a Russian reaction and a failed attempt at clarification by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

    The newly appointed secretary stated that there are plans for the British training program for Ukrainian soldiers to be conducted inside the Ukrainian territory. Furthermore, he said that British production of weapons and military equipment for Kiev could also be relocated to Ukraine, mainly in the west of the country, where the damage from the conflict is not so significant.

    “I was talking today about eventually getting the training brought closer and actually into Ukraine as well (…) Particularly in the west of the country, I think the opportunity now is to bring more things ‘in country’, and not just training… but also we’re seeing BAE [an UK defense firm], for example, move into manufacturing ‘in country’, for example. (…) I’m keen to see other British [military] companies do their bit as well by doing the same thing. So I think there will be a move to get more training and production in the country”, he told The Telegraph’s journalists.

    READ ALSO: GOP resists more funding for Ukraine

    In the interview, Shapps also claimed to have spoken with President Vladimir Zelensky and other Ukrainian state officials about the possibility of British Royal Navy assisting Ukrainian “civilian” vessels, protecting commercial ships from attacks launched by Russian armed forces. He did not clarify how this “help” would be possible, but his words suggest that the British Navy could use direct deterrent methods against Russia, which sounds like a serious threat.

    Obviously, all the measures suggested by Shapps will significantly escalate the conflict if they are actually implemented. British soldiers on Ukrainian soil would be a legitimate target for Russian attacks, even if their role on the battlefield is only to instruct Ukrainian troops, without directly participating in the fighting. All foreign military personnel working on Kiev’s side in Ukraine are legitimate targets, regardless of their role.

    In the same sense, British weapons factories would also certainly be targeted by Russian artillery. Enemy military infrastructure will always be a target for Moscow, which is why British defense companies planning to move to Ukraine must be aware that their facilities will be at great risk due to the high-precision strikes regularly carried out by the Russian armed forces.

    As far as vessels are concerned, the situation seems even more delicate. Russia decided to neutralize all Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea because Moscow’s intelligence discovered that many allegedly civilian vessels were carrying weapons and ammunition hidden in containers of grain and food items. This is a strategic decision by the Russian authorities and no country is able to prevent these attacks from occurring. If the British Navy becomes involved in hostilities in the Black Sea to “protect” Ukrainian ships, the consequences could be disastrous, as Moscow will not accept any type of Western direct “deterrence” within the special operation zone.

    Russian authorities commented on the case, emphasizing the consequences of Shapps’ plans. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev even observed on how this could lead to World War III, as the Russians would be forced to attack NATO military personnel – no longer as mercenaries, but as UK’s official troops.

    So, reacting to comments on the topic, the day following Shapps’ irresponsible statements, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a declaration trying to “clarify” the situation. He said that no UK instructors will be sent to Ukraine now, asserting that Shapps only meant that “it might well be possible one day in the future for us to do some of that training in Ukraine.”

    “But that’s something for the long term, not the here and now, there are no British soldiers that will be sent to fight in the current conflict. That’s not what’s happening,” he explained.

    Sunak however failed to clarify how the British Navy could play a more active role in “protecting” Ukrainian ships, as promised by Shapps. It appears that Sunak just tried to minimize the public impact of Shapps’ irresponsible words, but, in practice, the Prime Minister’s “clarification” was not enough to ease tensions and rule out the possibility of escalation.

    Also, by stating that British soldiers could go to Ukraine “in the future”, Sunak is also making it clear that the UK will continue to promote a bellicose policy in Ukraine. One of the objectives of the Russian operation is to make Ukraine a neutral country after the demilitarization process is completed. Obviously, a neutral country cannot receive NATO troops to train its soldiers, so Sunak is just making it clear that London will not cooperate for peace at any time.

    In reaction to this, it remains for the Russians not only to seek absolute victory through military means, but also to liberate even more territories, preventing Ukraine from returning to being a NATO occupation zone after the end of hostilities. For Moscow, the absence of NATO troops in Ukraine is an existential and non-negotiable condition, which is why all necessary measures to achieve this objective will be taken.

    Lucas Leiroz, journalist, researcher at the Center for Geostrategic Studies, geopolitical consultant.

    Source: InfoBrics

  • Harry Redknapp’s Latest Premier League Predictions

    Harry Redknapp’s Latest Premier League Predictions

    BetVictor Brand Ambassador Harry Redknapp is here to give us his predictions ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action.

    He’s expecting big wins for Man Utd and Newcastle, along with three points for Spurs in their huge clash against Liverpool.

    Harry Redknapp’s Premier League Predictions:

    • Aston Villa vs. Brighton (Draw – 2-2)
    • Bournemouth vs. Arsenal (Arsenal to win 2-0)
    • Everton vs. Luton (Everton to win 2-0)
    • Man United vs. Palace (Man United to win 3-0)
    • Newcastle vs. Burnley (Newcastle to win 3-0)
    • West Ham vs. Sheffield United (West Ham to win 2-0)
    • Tottenham vs. Liverpool (Tottenham to win 3-1)
    • Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford (Forest to win 2-1)
    • Fulham vs. Chelsea (Chelsea to win 2-1)
    • Wolves vs. Man City (Man City to win 4-0)

    Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton

    “Nice lunchtime game to start the weekend here. Both sides lost in the cup during the week but they’ve been in some good form in the league. Villa got a great win at the Bridge last week and Brighton have won three in a row.

    I really can’t separate them, they’ll be goals though, Brighton haven’t kept a clean sheet all season. 2-2. “

    One to watch– “There’s a lot of good players on show here but after the winner last week, I’m looking forward to seeing Ollie Watkins here.”

    Bournemouth 0-2 Arsenal

    “Bournemouth have been hard to beat at home and got a good point against Chelsea here a few weeks ago. I worry where the goals will come from though, they aren’t high scoring.

    It’s a big couple of weeks for Arsenal. Dropped points last week in the North London derby means that they need the three points here.

    I can see Bournemouth making things awkward for Arsenal but I just can’t see how they can hurt them. 2-0 to the Arsenal.“

    One to watch– “Odegaard’s creativity and quality in the final third will unlock what will be a resolute Bournemouth defence.”

    Everton 2-0 Luton

    “I think Everton have turned the corner. I don’t think they’ve been bad all season, but they haven’t been taking chances. Calvert-Lewin is finding the net again though and I like the pairing of Tarkowski and the young lad Branthwaite at the back, he looks a good player.

    I was glad to see Luton get a point last week, but I worry where the next one will come. You can’t ever accuse this side of lacking heart; they just don’t quite have the quality at this level.

    I think Everton will win this one quite comfortably. “

    One to watch– “Calvert-Lewin has a couple of goals in the last week, Everton are a different side with this lad in form.“

    Man United 3-0 Palace

    “It’s been a difficult few weeks for United but they’ve won two in a row in all competitions and more importantly, a clean sheet in both. They cruised to the win over Palace in midweek in the cup, I think we’ll see similar here.

    Roy’s not got it easy at the minute, there’s plenty of injuries in his side. I’m sure he’d love to have Michael Olise fit but he’ll have to make do with what he’s got.

    I can’t see Palace going to Old Trafford and getting something. 3-0 to United.”

    One to watch– “Mason Mount was excellent in the cup game during the week, I think he’s beginning to settle in his new side.“

    Newcastle 3-0 Burnley

    “What a week it’s been for Eddie Howe’s side. 8-0 over Sheffield United and 1-0 over City, I’m not sure what the better win is! They’ll enter this game with so much belief and confidence.

    Burnley are having a tough time in the league; they just don’t score enough. Vincent Kompany likes his side to keep the ball and play good football but it’s difficult at this level with these players.

    I can only see this as an easy win for Newcastle.”

    One to watch– “I could pick all sorts of players for Newcastle at the minute but I’m going with Anthony Gordon. I like the enthusiasm and energy that this lad plays with, I love watching him with the ball at his feet.“

    Wolves 0-4 Man City

    “Wolves have a bit of threat about them going forward but they leak far too many goals for my liking. They’ve had some tough games to start the season though, they should pick up some points in the next few weeks.

    City got put out of the cup during the week but if Pep was to be honest, I don’t think he’ll be all that bothered. They’ve made such a strong start to the league; I don’t see anyone stopping them this season again.

    I like Gary O’Neill so I don’t like saying this, but I think Wolves could get heavily beat here.”

    One to watch– “Doku is so exciting when he gets the ball. This lad is so quick, so direct and he’s got every skill in the book. He looks a nightmare to play against!”

    West Ham 2-0 Sheffield United

    “I think we’ll see a good performance here from West Ham. I like the look of all the new signings and can see the Hammers getting better and better as the season goes on. They got beat at Anfield last week but that can happen to any side.

    I don’t know what to expect from Sheffield United this week. Last week was a complete disaster and they can’t afford another heavy defeat, they’ve got to worry about their goal difference already.

    I don’t think Sheffield United will concede loads here. These are professional players we’re talking about; these lads have pride and will want to show some character. West Ham will still win this easily though”.

    One to watch– “From the glimpses of Kudus that I’ve seen, I think he could be a top player. This could be the game that he really announces himself to that West Ham faithful.”

    Tottenham 3-1 Liverpool

    “I can’t wait for this one. I’ve loved what I’ve seen from Spurs this season. I had a feeling the Spurs fans would take to big Ange but I didn’t think it would be this quick. They showed so much character against Arsenal last week, they would have lost that game in previous seasons.

    Liverpool have won five in a row, I really like what I’m seeing from them. This squad looks revitalised, they’ve done some good business in the summer. Don’t ask me to pronounce his name but Szoboszlai looks like a top, top player to me! What a fantastic goal that was against Leicester, it was like watching Steven Gerrard.

    I’m picking Spurs here though. The club seems revitalised, I’m saying 3-1”.

    One to watch– “James Maddison has been one of the league’s best players. I’ve always liked the lad and I’m delighted he’s silenced some of his doubters”.

    Forest 2-1 Brentford

    “Difficult one to predict. Forest have had some tough fixtures of late, but they’ve given a good account of themselves and should have another decent season. They’ve competed well in every game this season and have a good home record.

    Brentford are going through a difficult spell at the minute. They’ve had some injuries and the squad is really getting stretched. They’ve got a good manager though; they’ll turn things around.

    I’m picking Forest though. It’s not an easy ground to go to and I think they’ll edge an even game”.

    One to watch– “Gibbs-White is always the key man for Forest for me, he’s a lovely footballer. He’s got that final pass that not many players have.”

    Fulham 1-2 Chelsea

    “Last up, a West London derby between Fulham and Chelsea. Fulham haven’t been scoring a lot, but they’ve been solid at the back and have clean sheets in their last two league games.

    Chelsea still look like a work in progress to me. They’ve got some tough fixtures coming up, so they really need to improve fast. It wasn’t a great performance but that was a good win over Brighton in the cup, that’s something to build on.

    It will be a close one at the Cottage but I’m going for Chelsea. Poch needs a win in the league, and he’ll get one here, 2-1”.

    One to watch– “Cole Palmer caught my eye during the week in the cup and I think he’ll play a big part here. The young lad has a lovely left foot and a real eye for a pass too”.

  • Nagorno-Karabakh separatist Republic ceases to exist

    Nagorno-Karabakh separatist Republic ceases to exist

    By Lucas Leiroz

    The history of the breakaway Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) appears to be coming to an end. After the humiliation suffered by the local people with yet another military defeat by Azerbaijani troops, the local government opted for the dissolution of the secessionist state, dissolving public institutions and handing over the local territory to Azerbaijani forces.

    On September 28, Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan issued a decree to end the state’s existence by January. In an official statement it was literally said that “the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) ceases to exist”. Regarding the local people, it is said that ethnic Armenian citizens must “familiarize themselves with the conditions of reintegration offered by the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

    The measure was taken “in connection with the current difficult military-political situation” and aims to save the lives of local citizens amid the growing process of ethnic cleansing promoted by Azerbaijani troops. To cease hostilities once and for all and guarantee conditions of coexistence between Armenians and Azeris, the authorities decided to give up political separatism, concluding a definitive process of capitulation.

    As a region with an ethnic Armenian majority within the Azerbaijani territory, since 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh has struggled for international recognition. Seen by the global community as part of Azerbaijan, the Republic has only been officially recognized by other similarly separatist governments. However, relations with Armenia have guaranteed some level of stability for the region over the decades, avoiding direct conflicts with Baku.

    This situation began to change radically in 2018, when Armenia experienced a pro-Western color revolution. The result of the local regime change was the rise of the current prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, whose policies focused on reducing ties with Russia and moving closer to Western powers. With Moscow being the side most interested in maintaining peace in the Caucasus, the worsening of relations between both countries could have no other end than catastrophe.

    In 2020, Armenia/Artsakh and Azerbaijan had a new military confrontation in which the Armenian forces were defeated, and there has been a strong regional security crisis since then. Victorious in the war, Baku increased its anti-Armenian policies several times in the following years, including by imposing a blockade on humanitarian aid to Artsakh between 2022 and 2023.

    The deterioration of local security reached an extreme point when earlier in September the Azerbaijani government ordered the start of an “anti-terrorist operation” with the alleged aim of neutralizing Armenian military facilities in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The strikes killed dozens of ethnic Armenian civilians, but even so Yerevan cowardly refused to protect its people, claiming to have no troops in Artsakh and demanding military action against Baku from Russian peacekeepers.

    Since 2020, Moscow has maintained peacekeepers in Artsakh under the terms of the trilateral agreement that ended hostilities that year. These troops, however, are few in number and their work is focused on peaceful and non-violent operations, such as rescue, demining and humanitarian aid. The Russians are not allowed to act militarily against either side in the conflict, which is why Pashinyan’s claims that it would be “Russian responsibility” to prevent the Baku operation are absolutely unfounded.

    The Armenian government also requested Western help but did not receive any security guarantee – which was already expected, since the best scenario for Western interests is precisely chaos in the Caucasus. So, without any international support, the defense forces of Nagorno-Karabakh became absolutely incapable of protecting their claimed territory, leaving no option other than military and political capitulation.

    Obviously, the decision to end the existence of the Republic was not accepted by all local politicians and separatist activists. For example, Artak Beglaryan, a former state minister and human rights ombudsman of Artsakh, said in social media: “Artsakh President’s decree on dissolving the Republic is illegal & illegitimate: 1. No President has the power to dissolve the Republic formed by the people with referendum; 2. That decree was signed as a result of Azerbaijani harsh aggression & threat of force. It’s null & void.”

    From a legal point of view, this type of argument can be valid. Obviously, it is not a president’s right to dissolve an entire state by decree. But the particular case of Artsakh must be analyzed carefully, as it is a non-recognized separatist republic, and therefore does not have a conventional legal state structure.

    Furthermore, even if “invalid”, Shahramanyan’s decision only admits the reality of Artsakh’s current situation. The Azeris already control the territory and if there is resistance on the part of the Armenians there will be greater chances of hostilities escalating. So, in practice, the government’s decision works as a conciliatory attempt to peacefully reintegrate the Armenian people into Azerbaijan and stop ethnic cleansing by Baku.

    The problem is that this is unlikely to work in long term. Azerbaijan is a Turkish proxy and Ankara has expansionist interests in the Caucasus that will not be limited to the retaking of Nagorno-Karabakh. Indeed, there is a great possibility of Baku carrying out raids against Armenia’s undisputed territory in the future.

    NATO’s objective is to place as many troops as possible close to the Russian border, which is why a Turkish incursion against Armenia would be “useful” for the West as it could “legitimize” the sending of forces under the excuse of “peacekeeping” – resulting in practice in the mere division of the Caucasus between Turkish and Western NATO forces. Only a responsible policy of friendship and military cooperation with Moscow will be able to avoid this.

    Lucas Leiroz is journalist, researcher at the Center for Geostrategic Studies, geopolitical consultant.

  • Harry Porter’s Albus Dumbledore, Michael Gambon Dies at 82

    Harry Porter’s Albus Dumbledore, Michael Gambon Dies at 82

    …he never had any qualifications

    By Frank Ulom

    Sir Michael Gambon, one of the star actors of the Harry Porter film series is dead, THE PARADISE NEWS learned.

    Gambon who played Prof. Albus Dumbledore in the famous Harry Porter film series died on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the age of 82.

    According to reports, the Irish-born actor died in hospital after a bout of pneumonia.

    “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love,” a statement on behalf of his wife, Lady Gambon, and son, Fergus, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, said.

    The Great Gambon, as he’s fondly called has been mourned by Harry Porter co-stars, including Daniel Radcliff who played Harry Porter, who said: “brilliant, effortless actor…loved his job but never seemed defined by it.”

    Another, Emma Watson, thanked Sir Gambon for “showing us what it looks like to wear greatness lightly.”

    Harry Porter writer, JK Rowling described Gambon as a “wonderful man” and “outstanding actor.”

    Gambon has won several awards including BAFTA but he never had any qualifications.

    Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore in Harry Porter Film Series

    According to Wikipedia, Michael John Gambon was born in the Cabra suburb of Dublin on 19 October 1940. His mother, Mary (née Hoare), was a seamstress, while his father, Edward Gambon, was an engineering operative during World War II.

    His father decided to seek work in the rebuilding of London, and moved the family to Mornington Crescent in London’s Camden borough when Gambon was six.

    His father arranged for him to be made a British citizen, a decision that would later allow him to receive a substantive (rather than honorary) knighthood.

    Brought up as a strict Catholic, he attended St. Aloysius Boys’ School in Somers Town and served at the altar. He then matriculated to St Aloysius’ College in Highgate, whose former pupils include actor Peter Sellers. He later moved to North End, Kent, where he attended Crayford Secondary School but left with no qualifications at the age of 15.

    He then gained an apprenticeship as a toolmaker with Vickers-Armstrong. By the time he was 21, he was a qualified engineering technician. He kept the job for a further year, acquiring a lifelong passion for collecting antique guns, clocks, watches and classic cars.

    At age 24, Gambon wrote a letter to Micheál Mac Liammóir, the Irish theatre impresario who ran Dublin’s Gate Theatre, accompanied by a CV describing a rich and wholly imaginary theatre career: he was taken on.

    Gambon appeared in many productions of works by William Shakespeare such as Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth and Coriolanus. Gambon was nominated for thirteen Olivier Awards, winning three times for A Chorus of Disapproval (1985), A View from the Bridge (1987), and Man of the Moment (1990). In 1997, Gambon made his Broadway debut in David Hare’s Skylight, earning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play nomination.

    Gambon made his film debut in Othello (1965). His other notable films include The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989), The Wings of the Dove (1997), The Insider (1999), Gosford Park (2001), Amazing Grace (2006), The King’s Speech (2010), Quartet (2012), and Victoria & Abdul (2017). Gambon also appeared in the Wes Anderson films The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) and Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009). Gambon enhanced his stardom through his role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series from 2004 to 2011, replacing Richard Harris following his death in 2002.

    For his work on television, he received four BAFTA Awards for The Singing Detective (1986), Wives and Daughters (1999), Longitude (2000), and Perfect Strangers (2001). He also received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Path to War (2002) and Emma (2009). Gambon’s other notable projects include Cranford (2007) and The Casual Vacancy (2015). In 2017, he received the Irish Film & Television Academy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2020, he was listed at No. 27 on The Irish Times’ list of Ireland’s greatest film actors.

  • New horizons of the 1950s explored in book

    New horizons of the 1950s explored in book

    The possibilities of the 1950s are explored in a new book written by an academic from the University of Chester.

    Dr Stephen F. Kelly, Visiting Professor in Journalism at the University, is the author of the recently published Recollections of the 1950s: Home, Family and New Horizons (The History Press) which is available to buy
    here.

    Dr Stephen F. Kelly

    The 1950s saw a major shift in the lifestyles of many people living in Britain. Levels of employment rose to new heights and the shops featured white consumer goods for the first time. Homes welcomed their first televisions and rock ‘n’ roll was born.

    Other significant developments during the post-war decade included the National Health Service providing free healthcare to the nation, families enjoying going on holidays and Queen Elizabeth II being crowned.

    The book includes interviews with former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock and footballers Bobby Charlton, Wilf McGuiness and Terry Venables. The book includes chapters on schooldays, TV and radio, trips to the seaside and the music and fashion from this exciting decade of change as the world emerged from the shadow of the Second World War.

    Lord Kinnock also provides a foreword for the book.

    Stephen, from Birkenhead, is the author of more than 20 books written mainly about sport and sporting personalities. He has an extensive career in both television and newspapers.

    He said: “I grew up in Birkenhead in the 1950s. It was a defining era, the beginning of a new Elizabethan age. For the first time ever there was full employment, economic growth and optimism. Young people were beginning to make their voices heard and Britain stood on the brink of change.

    “I hope my book captures some of this although it’s important to add that not everything was wonderful. Women often didn’t have careers, getting a divorce was difficult and equal rights for gay people were non-existent.

    “It’s important that we hear the voices of ordinary people. What the era was really like for them in their daily lives. And that is what I’ve set out to do.”

  • Lecture explores the role of science in understanding team sports

    Lecture explores the role of science in understanding team sports

    How science helps the understanding of elite sporting performance in rugby will be examined in a free public lecture at the University of Chester.

    Professor Jamie Highton, from the
    Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, will deliver his inaugural lecture, titled Science in Team Sports: A Case Study in Rugby League, on Wednesday, October 18 in room 017 in the Anna Sutton Building on the University’s Exton Park site.

    Leaning on over a decade of research from the Applied Sports Science Research Group at Chester, this lecture will overview the ways
    sports science has (and hasn’t) helped the understanding of elite sporting performance in rugby league, with a particular focus on the physiological demands of the sport.

    Jamie teaches in the areas of Sport and Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Research Methods on
    the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Chester.

    His research is focused on multiple-sprint sport exercise (with a particular focus on rugby), fatigue, pacing, nutritional interventions and the reliability and validity of measures in sport and exercise sciences.

    READ A

    Jamie has worked as a consultant to a Super League Rugby League club, acted as an external examiner for several sports performance programmes and regularly examines PhDs and reviews papers on sports performance.

    His research as part of the Applied Sports Science Research Group has been cited more than 2000 times.

    He has also contributed to several chapters on the science of rugby in textbooks, the latest of which was for The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Sport and Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines.

    Tickets are free but must be booked in advance HERE.

    The lecture can be attended in person or online. Tea and coffee will be served in the foyer from 6pm with the lecture beginning at 6.30pm.

  • VIDEO: Canadians Troll Zelensky While Leaving Royal York Hotel After Visit with Justin Trudeau

    VIDEO: Canadians Troll Zelensky While Leaving Royal York Hotel After Visit with Justin Trudeau

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky got the red carpet treatment during his recent visit to the West to implore formerly democratic governments to turn over billions of dollars more in funding for the Ukraine War quagmire.

    But not everyone was a fan, as was on full display when Zelensky and his globalist sidekick Justin Trudeau exited the Royal York Hotel in Toronto on Friday night.

    Among the choice epithets hurled at Zelensky:

    “F*** you… you little b****,” protesters could be heard shouting.

    “Kiss my unvaccinated a**.”

    “Get out of our country, Zelenskyy! Pay for your own f***ing war!”

    Zelenskyy was in Canada to deliver a speech to call on Canadian Parliament to continue to support the war in Ukraine.

    “Moscow must lose once and for all. And it will lose,” Zelenskyy said during his speech.

    The growing animus is indicative of mounting public frustration with a protracted war effort that has stalled, while Western leaders continue to press for more funding of the foreign effort.

    The New York Post reported that Zelensky had on Thursday attended an event arranged by J.P. Morgan Chase with some of the world’s richest elites.

    Earlier in the week, Zelensky had toured the U.S. capitol, where he was denied a Joint Address to Congress, but delivered his pitch for more war funding to the U.S. Senate and to the United Nations General Assembly.

    Zelensky’s appearance also touches a raw nerve with Americans who are about to see their government shut down over Ukraine War funding and other defense spending issues. Speaker Kevin McCarthy has backtracked on his pledge to make the Ukraine spending a stand-alone bill, thus roiling his already fraught relations with his Republican colleagues.

    There is also heightened concern that the stubborn refusal to come to the peace table could thrust the world into a war between nuclear powers. Russian state media on Saturday issued a number of alarming reports suggesting that the proxy conflict between NATO and Russia over Ukraine is becoming increasingly direct. Russian Armed Forces report killing German soldiers who were manning a Leopard tank that was turned over to the Ukraine War cause, as well as a targeted strike against an American-made MRAV armored vehicle.