Latest news with #Alamy3
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘This is getting stupid' shoppers fume as Iceland launch £3 buy with Dubai chocolate twist & people say it ‘looks vile'
SHOPPERS have been left fuming as Iceland launches a £3 bakery buy with a viral Dubai chocolate twist. While many have gone crazy for 3 Foodies have been left fuming after spotting a new £3 bakery buy in Iceland that has a viral Dubai chocolate twist Credit: Alamy 3 Not only did people hail the pistachio trend as 'nonsense', but others wondered when the viral craze 'would end' Credit: Facebook/Emily Scott Not only have we seen It comes after one bargain hunter was left totally stunned after spotting the new Thrilled with her find, Emily Scott took to social media to alert others to the purse-friendly sweet treat, leaving many gobsmacked - but not in a good way. Posting on Read more food stories Alongside a snap of the pastries which are priced at £3 a pack, Emily simply penned: 'New Dubai chocolate pistachio croissants at Iceland!' According to those at Flair, the pastries, which are 'made in Dubai' will enable Each croissant is said to be 'baked to perfection', featuring rich chocolate dough and a velvety pistachio cream filling. The 'premium treat' has also been hailed as 'perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying yourself'. Most read in Fabulous The croissants are individually wrapped, making them convenient for on-the-go enjoyment. Not only this, but they are said to be 'ideal for every occasion', whether that's breakfast, snacking, or even a sophisticated dessert. You asked, we delivered' says Irish supermarket as viral chocolate lands in stores but 'they won't last' But Facebook users weren't totally convinced by the new croissants and many thought they looked 'horrifying'. Not only did people hail the pistachio trend as 'nonsense', but others wondered when the The nation's most peculiar food combinations revealed Brits reveal unusual food combinations that are so wrong, they feel right Research by Crisps and chocolate Cheese and chocolate Crisps in jam sandwich Chips and milkshake Cheese and bananas Apples with salt and pepper Avocado and chocolate Popcorn and hot sauce Tuna and marmite Gherkins and peanut butter One person said: 'Really stupid and not one real pistachio in sight.' Another added: 'Omg totally going over the top.. next will be Dubai chocolate scented toilet roll..' When will this pistachio nonsense end? Facebook user A third commented: 'That looks horrifying.' Whilst another foodie slammed: 'This is just getting stupid.' 3 Not only this, but another food fan fumed: 'The picture on the package looks vile. "That alone would put me off buying as well as the ridiculous price.' Meanwhile, someone else asked: 'When will this pistachio nonsense end?' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
10 of the best state parks in Maine
In a state renowned for outstanding natural beauty and stunning landscapes, Acadia National Park, and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument often overshadow Maine's state parks, but they shouldn't. 'Maine's state parks have everything: an iconic lighthouse guarding the bold coast at Quoddy Head, amazing beaches, and 4,000-foot mountains, like Old Speck and Katahdin,' says Andy Cutko, director of Maine's Bureau of Parks and Lands. In addition to that, clear lakes, wild-running rivers, and coastal islands are also reasons why people flock to these selected state parks in Maine. Parkgoers should also check park listings for rules, fees, precautions, accessibility, and facilities. (Related: This is the most scenic route through Acadia National Park.) Coastal Maine State Parks 1. Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth Best for: Families Grassy dunes back this mile-long beach that is bookended with granite ledges pocketed with tidal pools. Families love the gentle surf, relatively warm waters, summer lifeguards, and an inviting picnic area. A beach wheelchair is available. Popham Beach State Park, a mid-coast park in Phippsburg, is another family-friendly alternative that provides lifeguards in summer. Surfers love it, and shorebirds flock here. 2. Birch Point State Park, Owls Head Best for: Escaping crowds 'Birch Point State Park is a gorgeous white sand cove beach that few people know about. It's out of the way but just as pretty as Popham or Reid State Parks. It attracts local families on hot weekends, but otherwise, it's usually pretty quiet,' Cutko says. Roque Bluffs State Park is an alternative way to avoid the crowds. This underutilized park on Englishman Bay comprises a handsome sand-and-pebble beach, a swimming pond, and easy hiking trails. Bob Duchesne, creator of the Maine Birding Trail, says its multiple habitats, including ocean, pond, fields, and woods, provide excellent birdwatching. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Maine.) Hikers can summit Mount Battie at Camden Hills State Park for incredible views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. Photograph by Pat & Chuck Blackley, Alamy 3. Camden Hills State Park, Camden Best for: Atlantic Ocean views This state park is situated where the mountains tumble to the sea, and the views from the tower capping Mount Battie's summit inspired poet Edna St. Vincent Millay's 'Renascence.' While you can drive or pedal to the summit, Carey Kish, author of Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast and the Maine Mountain Guide, suggests: 'Scamper up the east slope of Mount Battie to the historical stone summit tower. Relax and enjoy fabulous views over idyllic Camden harbor to Penobscot Bay.' Travelers should also consider Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect, Maine, as an alternate state three-floor, glass-walled observatory topping the west tower of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge delivers 360-degree jaw-dropping views, including Mount Desert Island, Penobscot Bay, and inland mountains. 4. Warren Island State Park, Islesboro Best for: Island time For a real 'Maine island feel,' Cutko recommends 70-acre Warren Island, located in Penobscot Bay, accessible only by boat. He suggests bringing sea kayaks aboard the state ferry to Islesboro, then paddling the quarter mile across ocean waters to the park. Daytrip it or reserve a campsite or Adirondack shelters. Parkgoers can head to Mackworth Island State Park in Falmouth as an alternative to Warren Island State Park. An easy 1.25-mile trail skirts the perimeter of this 100-acre park located on a causeway-linked island in Casco Bay. Watch boats to and fro and keep an eye out for wildlife, a fairy village (tiny houses made by children), and the Baxter pet cemetery of former Maine Governor Percival Baxter. (Related: Visiting Maine? Here's what locals love about their state.) 5. Lamoine State Park, Lamoine Best for: Oceanfront camping Although only 30 minutes from Acadia National Park, this quiet, 55-acre park edging Frenchman Bay feels a world away, especially when camping. While here, enjoy a picnic area, playground, treehouse, nature center, one-mile loop trail, boat launch, and views across the narrows to Mount Desert Island's rounded peaks. Lamoine Beach is less than a mile away. For an alternative, head to Cobscook Bay State Park in Dennysville, Maine. Although temporarily closed for upgrading, this 888-acre, oceanfront campground earns kudos for its remote setting, massive tides, spruce-fir maritime forest, and access to Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge Barren Unit's trails. According to Duchesne, more than 200 bird species are found here, including a wide variety of warblers. 6. Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec Best for: Coastal hiking, sunrise, wildlife, and lighthouse fans This 541-acre, cliff-hugging state park tipping the country's easternmost peninsula, is the best park to see the sunrise. 'Hike the Coastal Trail at dawn, and watch for humpback, minke, and finback whales,' Carey recommends. And don't miss the Bog Trail's boardwalk over a coastal plateau bog with rare carnivorous plants. This state park is also home to West Quoddy Head Light, Maine's candy-striped lighthouse. Owls Head State Park makes a fun alternative for lighthouse fans. Bluff-top Owls Head Light, dating from 1852, overlooks Penobscot Bay, and the American Lighthouse Foundation opens the lighthouse tower for tours. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views taking in Rockland Harbor, Vinalhaven and North Haven islands, and lobster boats and windjammers sailing the waters and admire its fourth-order Fresnel lens. The foundation also operates the adjacent Keeper's House Museum & Gift shop. The park lacks hiking trails, but it has a small pebble beach and picnic area. (Related: Feel the call of the wild on a moose safari in Maine's Great North Woods.) Inland Maine State Parks 7. Grafton Notch State Park, Newry Best for: Autumn day trip Bisected by the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway and the Appalachian Trail, this sprawling park offers something for everyone. Easy roadside stops include fun-to-explore Bear River Valley's waterfalls and gorges, Moose Cave, and a picnic area overlooking a marsh and Old Speck Mountain. Wildlife is plentiful, including moose, but remember to view at a safe distance. Trails range from leisurely jaunts to challenging hikes. For views, Cutko recommends Old Speck, a challenging 7.6-mile, round-trip hike rising to a 4,180-foot summit observation tower delivering outstanding panoramic views. Autumn foliage colors the peaks in fiery reds, oranges, and golds. For an alternative state park that's great for an autumn day trip, visit Mount Blue State Park in Weld. This park comprises two sections framing Lake Webb. It's a strenuous but rewarding 3.2-mile hike up 3,187-foot Mt. Blue. Shorter and easier trails are available both in the park and in the adjoining Tumbledown Mountain Public Land. Two multi-use trails—one 20 miles and the other four miles—are open to mountain bikers as well as hikers. Afterward, enjoy a swim or a paddle on the lake. A picnic area, playground, and campground are available at this state park. For a fall getaway, you can paddle their canoe along the Allagash River to marvel at the colorful foliage at the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Photograph by Cavan Images, Alamy 8. Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Allagash Best for: Canoeing Maine's Allagash Wilderness Waterway flows 92 miles northward through lakes, ponds, and streams linking Telos Lake with East Twin Brook. 'The Allagash flows through the history of Maine's Indigenous Wabanaki, who paddled here millennia before Thoreau documented it and still do today,' says Master Maine Guide Polly Mahoney, co-owner of Mahoosuc Guide Service. She appreciates the variety this quiet National Wild and Scenic River offers. In southern Maine, Androscoggin Riverlands State Park offers 12 miles of riverfrontage in two sections, Turner and Leeds, all part of the 65-mile Androscoggin Greenway waterway. Put in at the Center Bridge Boat Launch in Center Turner and paddle gentle waters upriver along the Leed's section on the eastern edge or downriver along the Turner section's western edge. (Related: Why this small US city packs a big culinary punch.) 9. Baxter State Park, Baxter Best for: Hiking and birdwatching This state park is home to Katahdin, Maine's tallest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Baxter's nearly 210,000 acres are independently managed. Its mission and rules keep its 51 peaks, 225-plus trail miles, and more than 60 named ponds forever wild. 'Hike South Turner Mountain for an outstanding look at the Katahdin massif, Knife Edge, and the Great Basin. Look for moose at Sandy Stream Pond en route,' Kish suggests. As for birding: 'It's so big, it's got everything,' Duchesne enthuses. Highlights include the threatened Bicknell's Thrush and northern warblers. Bradford Mountain State Park in Pownal is an excellent alternative, especially for young families. A 21.5-mile network of mostly easy-to-moderate trails ranging from 0.2 to 2.6 miles in length lace this 485-foot-high peak, and most trails also allow mountain biking. Two annual programs attract birders: Hawk Watch takes place from March 15 to May 15, and Feathers Over Freeport occurs in mid-to-late May. The park's facilities include a campground, playground, and picnic area. 10. Peaks-Kenney State Park, Dover-Foxcroft Best for: Lake camping Maine has numerous parks edging or encompassing lakes. However, Cutko singles out 893-acre Peaks-Kenney, with more than a mile of shoreline edging 10-mile-long Sebec Lake and dreamy views over the water to Borestone Mountain. 'It's a quieter park with a lovely beach on a lake that doesn't see a lot of boat traffic,' he says. A 56-site campground, picnic area, playground, canoe rentals, and 10 miles of easy-to-moderate trails make it easy to spend a weekend here. Rangeley Lake State Park is an alternative to Peaks-Kenney State Park. Located in Rangeley, this 869-acre park, with 50 lakeshore-access campsites, is usually less crowded than Lily Bay State Park on Moosehead Lake. Other reasons for visiting include its beach, picnic area, playground, and boat launch. Hilary Nangle is a Maine-based travel writer who loves getting off the beaten path and is the founder of Maine Travel Maven.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
UK's ‘capital of romance' set for £18.4m waterfront revamp – including regenerating pier & new landmark tourist building
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SEASIDE resort named the UK's capital of romance is set to undergone a major revamp. Work will see refurbishment of the town's pier as well as the local park. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Cleethorpes is set to undergo a significant regeneration project, including upgrades to the town's historic pier Credit: Alamy 3 Cleethorpes was previously described as a 'rundown' seaside resort but is now set for a major revamp Credit: Alamy Cleethorpes, which has an estimated population of around 30,000, was previously described as a "rundown" destination before being dubbed the ideal place for a romantic getaway. Dating back centuries, this town first developed as a fishing hub before the popularisation of sea-swimming in the 1820s, when Cleethorpes was established as a tourist resort. The introduction of the town's railway in 1863 solidified it as a Victorian seaside destination. And now the town has undergone a massive initiative to revitalise its seafront and town centre. This is hoped to enhance Cleethorpes' appeal as a year-round destination. The £18.4 million project focuses on three primary areas: the Market Place, Pier Gardens, and Sea Road. It has been funded by a grant from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund. Revitalisation of the Market Place, which currently doubles as a car park, will see it transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space. There will be areas for outdoor dining, markets, and events with the redesign aiming to reconnect the town centre with the seafront. Meanwhile Pier Gardens, a 14,000 square metre Victorian linear park, is set to undergo a series of improvements. Inside little-known seaside spot right next to the country's most iconic sites Plans include the creation of outdoor leisure spaces, as well as areas for quiet reflection and facilities for various recreational activities. As well as increasing biodiversity, the project aims to make the park more attractive to families and visitors. Finally, a new three-storey "multi-use tourism-focused landmark" building is planned for Sea Road, just opposite Cleethorpes Pier. This development will provide retail and hospitality spaces, as well as public amenities and a changing facility for beach-goers. The design seeks to revive Cleethorpes' Art Deco seaside style, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' While construction work on the Market Place is anticipated to commence in the coming months, the Pier Gardens project is expected to start next year. Next to the historic pier, which first opened in 1873, four miles of golden sands stretch out, forming the town's main beach. Visitor can enjoy a dip in the sea as well as a variety of water-based activities, which are also on offer at the town's boating lake. Families may also be interested in the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, which offers fun for all the family from just £3.99. And for rainier days, the town's Parkway Cinema also proves to be a popular attraction. If you're planning a staycation in the area, there area a wide variety of accommodation options available, starting from just £53 per night. And there are also a number of restaurants and gastro-pubs in the area for dining out.
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Dubliners are fed up with long commutes – Luas extension is practical solution to traffic, so stop delays & build it
WHILE the long-delayed MetroLink project connecting Dublin Airport to the city centre is now estimated to cost over €23billion, not all transport solutions have to break the bank. The 3 A Luas extension in rapidly developed Poolbeg will greatly reduce the car traffic Credit: Alamy 3 The new extension will provide a link with the red line at the Aviva Stadium Credit: Getty Images - Getty The The planning application is currently before An Bord Pleanala. The rapid development of Poolbeg, with 500 READ MORE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT Writing in DUBLINERS are fed up with endless delays, long commutes, and half-baked plans that go nowhere. We don't need more glossy reports or vague promises. We need action, and we need it now. One obvious place to start? Extend the Luas to Poolbeg. Most read in The Irish Sun Phase 2 of the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan kicks in today. It will change how Moment TD in near-miss with Luas When I was Lord Mayor of Dublin, Phase 1 launched. People were sceptical at first, and that's fair. Big changes always make people nervous. But it worked. Journey times for public transport fell by 20 per cent. Public transport use went up by 11 per cent. Footfall in city centre businesses increased. Car traffic dropped by 60 per cent in just a month. That's proof. A less car-heavy city can work — and actually work better. But plans like this are only part of the picture. If we want to build a city that works for people, we have to make sure they have real alternatives to the LUAS LINE EXTENDED PROPOSAL That's why I've been pushing hard for the Luas line to be extended from the Point to Poolbeg, through Ringsend and Irishtown. This isn't just another big idea for a press release. It's something we can actually do quickly and affordably. Here's what's happening. As part of the Dublin Port expansion, a new bridge is being built across the Liffey. The Dublin Port Company is paying for it. Crucially, they've confirmed the bridge can take a Luas line. This is what people mean when they talk about joined-up thinking. The bridge is being built anyway. The Luas line is going to be extended eventually. Why not do both at the same time? If we delay this, we'll end up tearing up the same ground twice. We'll waste money, waste time, and make the job more difficult. It's like renovating a kitchen but deciding to leave out the sink, only to come back years later to install it. 'HUGE MERIT' Minister of State at the The National Transport Authority has already asked Transport Infrastructure Ireland to get going on early-stage planning. And the Port Company's application is currently with An Bord Pleanála. If we move quickly, construction could begin within two to three years. The timing couldn't be more critical. The glass bottle site in Ringsend will soon be home to nearly 10,000 new residents. That's on top of the people already living in the area. The local population is set to double. So why wait until they're stuck in traffic and on overcrowded buses to start thinking about transport? We already know we can build Luas extensions quickly and relatively cheaply. The Luas Cross City project, longer and far more complicated than this one, was built in under four years at a cost of about €61million per kilometre. It now carries around 10million passengers a year. People said it would be too expensive. But once it opened, it proved its value. Compare that to the Don't get me wrong, the Metro is vital. But not every project has to be a megaproject. Sometimes the smaller wins are just as important. BENEFITS FOR DUBLINERS Extending the Luas to Poolbeg will have an immediate impact. It will link the red line to the It will bring more people into the city centre to work, shop, and enjoy what Dublin has to offer. It will connect families and young people to the new Children's Hospital, Heuston Station and the This is the kind of practical, common-sense investment that makes a city better to live in for everyone. It also sends the right message to the people of Dublin and to the companies building this infrastructure. It shows that the government is serious about delivering. And when the government provides a steady pipeline of projects, it drives competition and reduces costs. Builders know what's coming and can plan ahead. That saves the taxpayer money. As a Government TD and This is not a time for indecision. The Luas to Poolbeg makes sense on every level. Let's get on with building it. 3 Poolbeg's population is set to double as housing units are rapidly being built Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Watch the awkward moment Natasha Bedingfield forgets the words to her own pop hit at BBCR1's Big Weekend
NATASHA Bedingfield suffered a very awkward moment as she forgot the lyrics to her own pop song at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend. The singer, 43, took to the stage to perform a selection of her best known tracks at the festival taking place in Liverpool. Advertisement 3 Natasha Bedingfield forgot the lyrics to her hit track at Radio 1's Big Weekend Credit: Alamy 3 The pop star struggled to remember some of the lyrics to Pocket Full of Sunshine Credit: Getty But just minutes into her set on Friday, Natasha was left struggling to remember the words to her popular hit, Pocket Full of Sunshine. She started off strong but then appeared to forget the lyrics early on and then looked over to her band for support. Natasha made an awkward face and began singing "ba ba ba" before she quickly pulled it together and carried on with the chorus. Despite the slip-up, Natasha performed some a number of her other huge tracks including Unwritten. Advertisement READ MORE ON BBC RADIO 1 The songstress looked sensational in a lace see-through bodysuit and a black longline jacket. A string of famous musicians will also take to the stage over the next few days. Tom Grennan, Katy B, Biffy Clyro, Nia Archives, The Wombats and a host of famous faces have joined the line-up for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend 2025, kicking off the three-day music spectacular. The British artist now lives in America with her husband Matt Robinson, 46, and their son Solomon, seven. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive In 2023, The Sun exclusively told how the These Words songstress would return to her music roots after splitting with her record label. She was the first to tell us: "I am always writing and working on new music. "I asked to get out of my label deal because I felt pressure to write a certain type of music and I want to write music for the creativity and the fun. I am returning to my original love of music. Natasha Bedingfield looks incredible as she flashes rock-hard abs in sheer dress on red carpet "You can view making music in so many ways. Advertisement "As a product, as content or as art. Being an artist is like being a chef. You love creating something special but then with success and demand, it can hurt your artistry or creativity. "I want my music to mean something and say something and not just write music to have a hit single." Singing siblings Meanwhile, fans recently realised that Natasha and popstar Daniel Bedingfield are related. The revelation came after a TikTok clip of Natasha went viral. Advertisement She filmed herself in the back of a taxi asking the driver to "turn up" the music playing on the radio - which turned out to be her older brother Daniel's slushy song If You're Not The One. He is two years older than his popstar sibling. She told him: "This is my favourite song. Can you turn it up? That's my brother, that's my brother singing." The taxi driver appeared to ignore her, with Natasha telling the camera: "He can't hear, he's on his phone. If only he knew." Advertisement He found fame in 2001 with his hit Gotta Get Thru This - and is soon set to make a music comeback. He fronted a new tour back in April, 20 years after his hit tracks and departure from fame following a horror accident. 3 The songstress looked incredible in a see-through bodysuit Credit: Getty
