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EXCLUSIVE A Place In The Sun star Scarlette Douglas reveals she was meant to be on fatal plane crash that killed 228 people including her close friend

EXCLUSIVE A Place In The Sun star Scarlette Douglas reveals she was meant to be on fatal plane crash that killed 228 people including her close friend

Daily Mail​13 hours ago

As a presenter of TV show A Place in The Sun for seven years, air travel was part of the job for Scarlette Douglas.
But the star, 38, told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden that she 'hates flying' for a heartbreaking reason.
Scarlette revealed she was meant to be on a doomed Air France flight which tragically crashed and killed more than 200 people - including her close friend.
'I lost a really good friend of mine in the Air France crash from Brazil to France,' she said at the Taste of London Food Festival opening party in Regent's Park.
'The scary thing was I was supposed to be on that flight. She had booked it.'
Flight 447 from Rio de Janeiro to Paris crashed into the Atlantic on June 1, 2009, killing 228 people.
Scarlette couldn't take the flight because of a job she had in Hollywood.
The fatal crash occurred when three pilots panicked and failed to deal with faulty equipment during a storm.
A 2023 ruling acquitted Air France and Airbus of 'involuntary manslaughter' following the crash.
During the investigation, it emerged that two of the pilots fell asleep, one after the other, when they were supposed to be in charge of the plane.
Flight recordings from the cockpit of the flight revealed the pilots' last conversation before the aeroplane crashed.
One pilot said: 'We've lost our speeds. I don't know what's happening.'
The automatic pilot disconnected, leaving the three pilots on board in charge.
Among the victims were Graham Gardner, a 52-year-old oil worker from Gourock, Renfrewshire, and Arthur Coakley, 61, an engineer from Whitby in North Yorkshire.
Eleven-year-old Alexander Bjoroy, a boarder at Clifton College in Bristol, also died in the crash, along with PR executive Neil Warrior, who was 48.
Eithne Walls, 29, had been working at the Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin and was on a trip to Brazil with friends.
One couple on the flight, a young doctor and lawyer, had married only the day before. After a wedding reception in a Rio nightclub, they had boarded the plane to begin their honeymoon.
In 2010, a BBC2 documentary, Lost: The Mystery Of Flight 447, brought together leading aviation experts to conduct a forensic investigation into the crash.

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BTS is back - but K-pop has changed
BTS is back - but K-pop has changed

BBC News

time36 minutes ago

  • BBC News

BTS is back - but K-pop has changed

"I missed them so much," says Stephanie Prado, a die-hard BTS fan who has been desperately waiting for the group to reunite after a two-and-a-half-year love for the boy band inspired her to move from Brazil to South Korea - so it was no surprise that she turned up last Friday for "BTS Festa", a big party held every year near Seoul on the group's time she has spent waiting, has moved "both slowly and really quickly", Stephanie says, waving an ARMY bomb, the official lightstick used by BTS fans, who call themselves the her is a huge sculpture of the lightstick, a must-have in the K-pop year's event is special because a reunion is finally around the corner. The countdown peaked last week, when four of the seven members, RM, V, Jimin and Jung Kook, completed their military service. And the wait ends on Saturday when the last of them, Suga, is discharged."I hope they rest now," Stephanie says, before adding, "but of course I also want albums, concerts, everything".The 18 months in the military that are mandatory for all South Korean men forced the world's most successful boy band in recent years to hit pause in 2022. Now they are returning, some say, to a K-pop industry that is quite different to the one they knew: faced with stalled album sales, shaken by scandals and increasingly scrutinised over the excessive pressure its puts on absence of a leading band, industry watchers say, was deeply felt."Without BTS, a core pillar was missing," says Kim Young-dae, music critic and author of BTS: The Review. "There have been concerns recently that K-pop is losing momentum. True or not, BTS could change that perception." The ARMY awaits There are no plans yet for all seven members to appear together, but that didn't stop the ARMY from gathering early on a humid morning in long, restless queue stretched to the subway station an hour before the gates for the BTS Festa opened. The snippets of English, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish alongside Korean, threw off a local walking past who asked, "Why are there so many foreigners here?" Inside were more queues - some people were hopping with excitement and others were sobbing after entering the so-called voice zone, a phone booth where you could listen to BTS members' messages. About half of the fans the BBC spoke to teared up talking about how much they missed BTS."It felt like the 18 months lasted forever," said Vuyo Matiwane, a South African who had been visiting BTS-themed venues in Seoul, like their favourite restaurant. "I was crying at every location - it was so emotional."And then she watched the livestream of them being discharged, which was "overwhelming".Being surrounded by all things BTS made a trip half-way across the world worth it, says Fara Ala, who travelled from the Netherlands: "Breathing the same air, drinking the same water, eating the same food as BTS - that's enough for ARMY. If you ask other ARMY, they'd say the same." South Korean military service is a major test for male celebrities, many of whom have to enlist at the peak of their success. In the past, it has proved fatal for some is believed to have staggered it so that all seven members were missing from action for no more than six months. J-Hope, who was discharged last October, has since wrapped up a solo world tour. But the so-called curse can be hard to break. For one, the loyalty of fans could wane as new groups debut almost every week, competing for their attention. Returning idols also face a tough transition because a military stint and a touch of maturity could dampen the essence of K-pop appeal: youthful if anyone can break the curse, it's BTS, Mr Kim of them announced solo projects in the past two and half years, he explains, without hurting their popularity as a group: "It feels like their military hiatus passed by naturally. Their return feels smooth." The shift in K-pop Still, the industry beyond the ARMY can pose a BTS was on a break, the other K-pop sensation, Blackpink, has not dropped an album since September 2022, opting instead for solo releases. These were the leaders of K-pop's third they have been succeeded by fourth and fifth generations that have brought fresh style to the genre. The newer acts - which debuted after 2018 - lack a standout name like BTS because K-pop has become more diverse than ever. The result is a range of very popular and experimental groups. "Most people my age like fourth generation idols these days," says a 13-year-old fan of girl group IVE."Some still like third generation groups, but for teens, BTS kind of feels like they belong to an older generation. A lot of new idols debuted while BTS was away, and they have become popular."But the biggest challenge to BTS's superstar status is what some see as a slowdown in from concerts remains strong, but album sales - a key market metric - have been declining since a peak in 2023. The slump coincides with when BTS and Blackpink were not releasing Korean pop culture critic Park Hee Ah agrees that K-pop went through "some difficult times" while BTS was have also been several controversies, such as the headline-making dispute between hit girl group NewJeans and their agency, allegations of mistreatment by all-powerful agencies and harassment of stars by fans and trolls."Album sales started to drop, and some problems - like questions about companies doing the right thing - came up," Ms Park said. Because of all of this, she adds, we did see more "deeper problems in the K-pop industry". That's also why so many are looking forward to BTS's return, hoping it will bring renewed energy - and maybe even a path forward for the industry."Their return will help people focus on Korea's music scene again," Ms Park says, adding that a BTS reunion is great not just for their fans but also for Korean soft eyes are now on the band's next song. "I will quickly make an album and return to the stage," RM, the group's leader, said on the day he was a new group album may not come until early next year because J-Hope still has domestic concerts scheduled, and Jin is set to hold concerts for fans across the world over the next few months. It's also possible Suga, who landed in controversy after he was caught drunk-driving a scooter last year, may want to lie low for a little millions of fans like Stephanie though, simply knowing BTS is back together is enough - for now."It'll feel like nothing ever changed. The kings are back."

EXCLUSIVE Living Nostradamus predicts Jordon Hudson and Bill Belichick's relationship will be over within TWO YEARS
EXCLUSIVE Living Nostradamus predicts Jordon Hudson and Bill Belichick's relationship will be over within TWO YEARS

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Living Nostradamus predicts Jordon Hudson and Bill Belichick's relationship will be over within TWO YEARS

A psychic who has successfully predicted numerous world events has made a serious projection about the future of Bill Belichick 's relationship with Jordon Hudson - and their alleged engagement. Belichick, 73, has been dating Hudson, 24, since 2023, but their relationship has made headlines in recent months - especially after she steamrolled his interview on CBS Sunday Morning in April. She caused shockwaves throughout America after she pushed back on a question that journalist Tony Dokoupil had asked the former New England Patriot's coach while they were talking about his new book. Dokoupil asked him how the two met, to which Hudson sharply replied, 'We're not talking about that.' Adding to the drama, a shocking report from the New York Times last month claimed that Hudson had told 'at least one person' that she is engaged to be married to Belichick. Their relationship seems to be going strong - for now, at least - as psychic Athos Salomé, 38, from Brazil, issued a stark warning for the pair. Salomé, who is often referred to as the 'Living Nostradamus,' told the Daily Mail that he believes their romance won't make it past 2027. He is called the 'Living Nostradamus' due to his numerous accurate predictions - including his forecasting of the coronavirus pandemic, Queen Elizabeth II's death and the Microsoft global outage. Salomé told the Daily Mail exclusively that he foresees their relationship 'consisting of three distinct phases, peaking in 2026, and gradually dissolving by 2027.' 'There will be no explosive breakup. The bond will quietly fade away, like a spiritual contract that has run its course,' the clairvoyant claimed. He also said he doesn't see the two of them ever making it down the aisle, noting that he predicts a 'formal marriage' will not occur. They will not have children together, either, per the psychic. Salomé said he believes what 'unites' the couple together right now is a 'vibrational pact,' adding, 'Jordon seeks learning and projection; Belichick, emotional rejuvenation.' But what about that 'engagement' ring? 'There is a symbolic commitment between them, perhaps materialized by a ring, but without any intention of public consecration,' Salomé claimed. 'It is an energetic exchange, not a traditional union.' 'They are temporary karmic companions,' he claimed. 'They are together to learn, not to stay. It is a reflection, not a fusion. Functional, but not spiritual.' However, as of right now, it looks like Hudson is still scouting out some potential wedding locales. She's following multiple wedding-related Instagram accounts from her public-facing page, @jordon. According to screenshots obtained by Hudson is following the Instagram account for The Breakers Hotel weddings in Palm Beach, Florida, as well as Boston Weddings by Boston Magazine, a page that shares the 'ultimate guide to New England celebrations.' The Breakers Hotel, a luxury resort near Mar-a-Lago that can cost thousands of dollars per night during peak snowbird season, offers a venue that can fit up to 500 people. The hotel's Instagram account for weddings showcases the various events that they throw, sharing pictures of brides' dresses, catering, and decorations. It's a luxe getaway that hosted the 2015 wedding of Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello. The hotspot has multiple locations on its property where you can tie the knot, too, including its Ocean Lawn overlooking the Atlantic, or its 6,100 square foot Mediterranean Ballroom, which was modeled after the 'loggias of Italian villas.' However, you can't get married there without spending a pretty penny. Per Party Slate, a minimum wedding spend at The Breakers is $50,000. Vergara's wedding at the locale reportedly cost $4 million. It's unclear if this is the venue that Hudson and Belichick will choose for their alleged upcoming nuptials, but it certainly seems like the bride-to-be is looking into it - or at least taking some inspiration from the opulent hotel. Belichick owns a condo in Jupiter, Florida, per People - only a mere few miles away from the Palm Beach hotel. Speculation about the couple's relationship has been rife for months, ever since Daily Mail exclusively photographed Hudson at a New Orleans dinner during Super Bowl week with a rock on her left finger. The coach also notably changed his boat's name from 'VIII Rings' to 'I + VIII Rings.' Belichick has won eight Super Bowls as a defensive coordinator and head coach in New York and New England, respectively).

Grand Palais rises from the ashes ‘to rival Eiffel Tower'
Grand Palais rises from the ashes ‘to rival Eiffel Tower'

Times

time3 hours ago

  • Times

Grand Palais rises from the ashes ‘to rival Eiffel Tower'

When the Grand Palais was built for the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition, it had the second most spectacular glass roof in the world, according to Didier Fusillier, its current chairman. According to him, the most spectacular was in London's Crystal Palace, which had been built 49 years earlier for the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park before being moved to the southeast of the capital. Yet the Crystal Palace burnt down in 1936, its name living on through the local football club and leaving Paris's Grand Palais as a uniquely spectacular edifice with nothing to match it. For decades, the French did not pay much attention to the Grand Palais, which was eclipsed by another Parisian monument built for a Universal Exhibition — Gustave Eiffel's 1889 structure. 'That's because the Grand Palais is horizontal and the Eiffel Tower is vertical and you can see it from further away,' said Fusillier, 66, by way of explanation. Now he believes visions are about to change. The Grand Palais has undergone a €466 million renovation that promoters believe will turn it into an attraction to rival the Eiffel Tower. Fusillier says visitors 'will not get over it' when they see the 35m-high glass roof over an edifice that is the size of ten football pitches and open for free to the public for the first time in its history. Officials have high hopes for the project. They say it will help to regenerate the once illustrious but now much denigrated surrounding neighbourhood and notably the Champs Élysées, an avenue that most Parisians view as unappealing. A further aim is to provide a counterpoint to the prevailing mood of miserabilism in France with 'fun' exhibitions in the Grand Palais. Fusillier said he wanted to renew the festive spirit that coursed through Paris in the early 1900s. 'People should feel happy to enter the Grand Palais, especially because since the fire at the Crystal Palace, it has been the only space of its kind.' Works began in 2021 when the monument was closed for a four-year renovation phase. It partially reopened in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, staging fencing and other events. On Friday, the step-by-step reopening continued as visitors were given access to all its myriad galleries and exhibition spaces. Entrance to the main hall under the 17,500 sq m glass roof is free, as are some of the exhibitions, like Nosso Barco Tambor Terra, an immersive work made of materials such as cotton, bark and spices by Ernesto Neto, the Brazilian artist. • Where to see the finest art deco design Other exhibitions — and there are eight in all at the moment — are ticketed, with prices ranging between €8 and €17. At 72,000 sq m, the edifice is bigger than both the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles, and less daunting too. Last week, for instance, an old green Renault 12 parked outside to promote a performance by Mohamed El Khatib, the Franco-Moroccan artist, who had filled an exhibition hall with beaten-up vehicles like those once used by north African immigrants to France returning to their countries of origin in the summer. In an adjacent hall is a display of balloon art, while another gallery is hosting a major exhibition of works by Niki de Saint Phalle, the late French-American artist, and Jean Tinguely, her sculptor husband. There is also an exhibition of art brut and a separate one of contemporary Danish tapestries. Fusillier said the hallmark of the Grand Palais was its 'eclecticism — it is that everything is possible here and that everything is possible at the same time'. Asked whether he risked disorientating visitors with too many different offerings that could leave the Grand Palais without a discernible identity, he said: 'The identity is the building.' He said it was like that when the Grand Palais opened. During the 1900 Universal Exhibition — which drew 50 million visitors including Claude Monet and Nicholas II, the Russian emperor — the world's first moving walkway was put on display. It was named the Rue de l'Avenir — the 'Road of the Future'. In following years, the Grand Palais staged car shows, a hot air balloon festival, boxing, show jumping, fashion shows and in the 1920s, it hosted a banquet for 15,000 farmers. But during the 20th century parts of the building were hived off and used as government offices, and the building fell into decline. By the 1990s, it was in such a state of disrepair that officials debated demolishing it after a metal rivet fell from the roof on to a design exhibition. The incident prompted a structural survey that discovered that the building was leaning dangerously. Only a last-minute government intervention spared the building, which officials now hope will assume its place alongside the Eiffel Tower as an unmissable Parisian attraction.

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