Latest news with #Archers
Miami Herald
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
NATO Troops on Russia's Border Are Trying Not to Think About Moscow
Squinting against the rain, Swedish and Finnish soldiers looked on at a handful of Stockholm's 155 mm Archer howitzers blasting live shells across Europe's largest training area, Rovajärvi. Sprawled just over the line, carving out the Arctic Circle in Finland's northernmost region, Lapland, Rovajärvi has hosted Swedish and British troops learning how to fight together roughly 70 miles from Russia's northwestern border. A few miles from the Archers, British Army soldiers launched missiles from their M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), hitting targets just over 26 kilometers to the north in well under a minute, drones buzzing overhead to scope out the terrain. Slightly further afield in Sodankylä, the United Kingdom's newly filled-out fleet of upgraded Apache helicopters test-fired more than a dozen short-range Hellfire missiles. But soldiers representing three of NATO's members are putting Russia's proximity to one side during their stints in Rovajärvi and Sodankylä, those watching and carrying out the drills say. Standing in the sleet, Lieutenant Colonel Kimmo Ruotsalainen, the commander of an artillery regiment in Finland's Kainuu Brigade leading the Lapland drills, said the soldiers gathered in the Arctic had been focusing on smoothing out how they work together, rather than homing in on the specifics of the threat across the border. While "absolutely" designed with Russia in mind, Ruotsalainen said these exercises are about improving the sync between three of the alliance's members. "Everyone knows the importance, for example, of the Allied training together—defense forces training together—and reservists rehearsals," he told Newsweek. "They are not questioned at the moment," Ruotsalainen said. But when asked how Russia's presence is felt in Rovajärvi, he remarked, "It doesn't matter that much mentality-wise when we train, which is the threat." "You cannot go on every day and think about it," one Swedish soldier at the exercises said. Finland, with its hundreds of years of fraught history with Russia, became a member of NATO little over a year after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Sweden joined a year later. Helsinki's addition to the alliance doubled the length of Russia's land border with NATO. Moscow vowed to retaliate and has started intensive reforms of its forces in the northwest of the country, including expanding the military facilities a stone's throw from Finland and Estonia, a fellow NATO member just to the south of Helsinki. Military personnel on NATO's northeastern edge say they expect the Russian troops drained from these bases close to alliance soil to return once Moscow and Kyiv ink a ceasefire deal in negotiations pushed forcefully by the United States. Russia is a familiar threat on Finland's shoulder, far predating the bitter conflict in Ukraine, the country's soldiers say. "The Finns are used to living next door to Russia, so everything is focused on how they're going to defend Finland from Russia," Brigadier Nick English, commander of the British Army's 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team deployed to Lapland, told Newsweek. "That makes it real in a way that it isn't if you're training in the U.K.," he said. "We're all aware of it," said Alfie Giles, a 19-year-old British Army air trooper working with the Apache attack helicopters in Sodankylä. "We're just here to exercise with our NATO allies." But the Russia of the last few decades will not be the same country or military force that emerges from the trenches of Ukraine. The Kremlin's plans to swell the number of active troops to 1.5 million will make Russia the second-largest military in the world—a battle-hardened force on the cutting edge of drone development, supported by tried-and-tested next-generation hypersonic weapons that NATO currently doesn't have. Estonia's foreign intelligence service warned last year that NATO could stare down a "Soviet-style mass army that, while technologically inferior to the allies, poses a significant threat due to its size, firepower and reserves" by the mid-2030s. Denmark's Defense Intelligence Service said in February it expected Russia to be able to wage a "large-scale war" against NATO in the next five years if the U.S. declines to be involved. The Finnish exercises, dubbed Northern Strike 125, are part of a set of drills across the eastern edge of NATO territory, sweeping down from Scandinavia, through the Baltic States pressed up against Russia and Belarus and further south. "From the skies over Poland, to the northern reaches of Finland the U.K. is standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies in leading the way in defending NATO's eastern flank," said British armed forces minister Luke Pollard. "I would anticipate future activity both here and across the Baltic States," British Army Major Joe Wooldridge told Newsweek. Related Articles The Young Putin Ally Winning Hearts Across Africa: Who Is Ibrahim Traoré?Donald Trump Announces 'Major Prisoners Swap'India Ready to Raise US Oil Imports in Boost for TrumpNATO's Northern Flank Prepares To Counter Russia Threat 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Weekly Horoscope Sagittarius, May 25-31, 2025 celestial guidance for good health
This week encourages Sagittarians to expand horizons through learning, deepen relationships with communication, advance professional goals, refine budgeting approaches, and sustain health via mindful routines. Sagittarians will discover fresh opportunities to broaden perspectives through exploration and meaningful dialogue. Collaborations and networking yield significant professional momentum. Financial confidence grows with prudent planning. Prioritize daily movement to sustain vitality and mental clarity. Sagittarius Love Horoscope This WeekWarmth and enthusiasm ignite your romantic sector as Venus bestows charm, Sagittarius. Single Archers may attract admirers through travel or educational pursuits; stay open to inviting conversations. Established partners can reignite passion with shared adventures and lighthearted banter. Express gratitude for small gestures to deepen emotional ties. Avoid overcommitting to social outings at the expense of quality time. Scheduling a cozy evening of mutual interests strengthens your bond. Sagittarius Career Horoscope This WeekMercury's influence sharpens your strategic thinking in professional matters. Aim to present well-researched ideas to decision-makers or teammates for impact. Travel opportunities or networking can expand your professional circle—take initiative in forming new contacts. Set realistic deadlines and break ambitious goals into actionable tasks to prevent overwhelm. Stay adaptable when priorities shift unexpectedly; communicate changes clearly. Seek feedback from colleagues to refine presentations. Sagittarius Money Horoscope This WeekPlanetary shifts highlight your financial insights, encouraging wise decisions. Begin by evaluating subscription expenses for cost-saving opportunities. Research investment options that align with your ethical values for balanced growth. Diversify portfolios to mitigate risk and optimize sustainable returns. Consider setting aside a portion of income for future goals to promote discipline. Resist impulse purchases driven by novelty. Collaborate with a mentor to explore ventures. Sagittarius Health Horoscope This WeekAbundant energy flows this week, encouraging trying new wellness routines. Introduce workouts such as interval training or dance sessions to boost stamina and mood. Balance exertion with restorative practices like meditation to prevent burnout. Monitor hydration levels and include nutrient-dense meals to support overall vitality. Schedule a nature walks to recalibrate mental focus and reduce stress. Prioritize consistent sleep patterns by creating a relaxing evening environment. Listen to your body's rhythms for optimal health management. By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: E-mail: djnpandey@ Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only) Choose sun sign to read horoscope
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gemma Collins shares staggering reason she refuses to read her own emails
Gemma Collins has taken her iconic divaship to a new level as she says she has someone else read her emails for her, admitting she 'can't stand' the admin task. We all dread the feeling of piling up unread emails after some time off work, but reality diva Gemma Collins has taken it one step further by having someone read her inbox for her. 'I'm the worst tech person in the world,' Gemma tells us. 'I've just about managed to work out how to do a Zoom call and I still can't stand emails. I get someone to open them for me and read them to me. I just find them so boring!' While the GC may be living up to her high maintenance reputation when it comes to her inbox, she says one bit of admin she doesn't mind doing is booking holidays, and has been working with peach schnapps brand Archers on their new AI travel agent tool, which can help social media users plan extreme mini breaks in the UK and Europe. 'People just want a holiday that is quick, fun and fabulous. So many more people are travelling now at a drop of a hat. And that's exactly what the Archers AI travel agency does, whether you're off with your besties or you want to escape solo, this tool just sorts out a 24 hour itinerary in seconds,' says Gemma, 44, of the campaign. And as the reality star admits she's hoping to jet off on a holiday soon, we note how incredible she's looking after beginning a new weight loss journey. 'I'm on Mounjaro babe, it's life changing,' says Gemma, who began prescription-only jab Mounjaro, which is used for weight loss and diabetes, earlier this year. 'I've lost so much weight, you wouldn't believe it. It's the only thing I've managed to lose weight on without putting myself on a stressful diet. It is a revolutionary, life changing drug for people that are overweight. I feel so much happier in myself, I feel a million dollars!' Mounjaro is a prescription-only treatment for weight loss and diabetes treatment. It comes as a weekly self-injectable pen and was launched in the UK privately last year. As Gemma gets used to her dress size shrinking from the injection, she says it's a slow and steady journey for her - not a race to drop the pounds. 'I want to lose another 2 stone, this time I've done it super, super slow and I've not put any pressure on myself. I've followed it exactly how I needed to do it. All of my clothes are too big now, that's the problem, I'm wearing everything oversized. "As the weather gets warmer, I am just gonna start being able to wear tighter stuff and things like that, but I'm not quite there yet. I'll put some pyjamas on and a nightie, and I'm like, 'God, these are massive'. I can't believe they used to fit me and now they're hanging off.' She continues, 'Even when I go places and people take pictures of me, I'm like, 'Wow. Is that really me?' and I'm not asking them to angle the camera higher or anything to make myself look smaller. And my body isn't in so much pain so I'm not carrying so much weight. So it's nice, but I'm not obsessed with it, hun. I'm not dying to be thin and all of that. It's just slowly, slowly with me.' Despite weight loss injections also receiving backlash alongside positive results, Gemma says negativity isn't anything she has paid attention to. 'There might be negativity, but I've only seen positives. I don't believe that people who are stick thin or don't suffer from weight problems should use Mounjaro. It can have a negative impact if you're using it and don't need it, it's like anything and needs to be in the right hands. I think I'm actually saving the NHS.. I won't be going to the NHS with an obesity related illness so I won't be putting any strain on it. I'm loving life, honey.' The Archers Refreshed 24 Hour AI Travel Agency helps Brits plan fun getaways with zero faff. Visit receive a tailored itinerary - complete with an Archers cocktail to get you in the holiday mood. The launch marks the newly refreshed Archers bottle available nationwide.
BBC News
01-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Cardiff Met director apologises for women's demotion
Cardiff Met's director of football, Chris Baker, has taken full responsibility after the women's side lost their place in Welsh football's top Archers are winless in the Adran Premier this season with just two rounds to go. Their demotion was sealed in a 2-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Aberystwyth Town, with former Met player Gwen Jones scoring the winning released a statement on the club's social media, saying the "season has not met our expectations and I take full responsibility for this outcome".After recognising the efforts of the backroom staff and the players during a "challenging season", he said the club is "fully committed" to returning as a top-tier team in Wales. Prior to its decline, the university team had enjoyed success over the past decade, including league titles and representation in Europe."My focus now turns to [re]building an environment that upholds the values and standards necessary to represent this prestigious football club," Baker will finish their season with a double header against Barry Town before taking their place in the BUCS Premier and Adran South next Welsh capital's other side, Cardiff City, wrapped up a third successive Adran Premier title last weekend with their 3-1 win over The New will lift the trophy after their final game against Briton Ferry Llansawel at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, 13 April.
Telegraph
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The one thing Kemi Badenoch can't live without
Kemi Badenoch might dismiss Nigel Farage as a reality TV star, but she has no plans to follow him into the jungle. 'Never,' she told me on GB News. ' Love Island?' I asked. 'No... I'm an engineer. I'm not an actress. I don't want to be on TV while people watch me eat horrible things. It's not for me.' How about a luxury for Desert Island Discs, I asked. 'You've caught me off guard there,' she said. 'Probably my Netflix subscription.' Sound effects Archers chronicler Julie Beckett has lifted the lid on one of the Radio 4 soap's steamiest moments: the shower sex scene between Sid Perks, the landlord of The Bull pub, and country and western singer Jolene Rogers, 25 years ago, later described by Sue Townsend's Adrian Mole as sounding 'like two warthogs mating'. Beckett, who directed the scene and has written a book Archers Unseen on the long running BBC drama, told The Archers' Podcast that a special shower cubicle was built in the studio. She continued: 'Jolene washed Sid's back in the shower, so in the shower cubicle with them was a third person for the entirety of the scene, slapping on the shower gel and making sure it all sounded authentic. It was hilarious and wonderful. And no sex happened at all.' Just two Radio 4 listeners complained. And Sid and Jolene didn't even need an intimacy co-ordinator. Mickey Mouse book As a new woke version of Snow White opens, A N Wilson, biographer of Queen Victoria, Charles Darwin and Adolf Hitler, has been signed up to write Walt Disney's life story. 'It is top secret and a big bucks deal,' he revealed at The Oldie magazine's literary lunch. 'I can't even say who commissioned it, but it will take five years,' he added. Wilson is promising a 'warts and all' account and has even tracked down Disney's descendants in Gloucestershire. Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work he goes. Sausage success Former Tory MP Sir Philip Davies told a party at the Royal Overseas League to celebrate his knighthood that he owes his political career to sausages. Applying to be an election candidate for Shipley 25 years ago, when he worked as an Asda customer relations manager, he told the selection panel of a customer who claimed Asda was racist because it was selling 'thick Irish sausages'. He added: 'The customer isn't always right, you know.' While the story made the panel laugh, Davies was not selected. Undeterred Davies tried again ahead of the 2005 general election. As he walked into the interview room, he heard an association elder whisper: 'It's the Irish sausages man!' He was selected, elected, and served 19 years as Shipley's splendidly outspoken MP. Awks Jason! Refreshingly honest Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs has been sharing embarrassing encounters with other stars. 'I sat next to Jeff Goldblum at a wedding. My very first job was with Jeff on The Tall Guy. I reminded him of that and he went 'Is that my fork?' and then didn't speak to me again,' he told Rob Brydon's podcast. Backstage on a chat show Isaacs bumped into musician Chris Isaak. He said: 'How are you doing? My name is Jason Isaacs and people are always asking if we are related.' Isaak replied: 'I'm tuning my guitar.'' And that was it. We got there first Donald Trump's idea to scrap the US Department of Education is not new: fictional PM Jim Hacker considered axing the Department for Education in an episode of Yes, Prime Minister, 40 years ago, and replacing it with a National Education Service. He wondered what his top civil servant Sir Humphrey Appleby would say. His political adviser Dorothy Wainwright said she wanted to be there. 'To witness the clash between the political will and the administrative will?' asked Hacker. 'I think it will be a clash between the political will and the administrative won't,' replied Wainwright. Farewell, Harry Harry Burgess, long time security guard at Conservative Campaign Headquarters, has died after a short illness. No-nonsense Burgess, awarded the British Empire Medal by the King in January, 'was never happier than when he was having pie and mash in Clacton,' according to one colleague. He treated the prime ministers and cleaners the same. The staffer added: 'When everyone else was getting dressed up because the PM was arriving, he'd just shrug. Andrea Leadsom once turned up when she was at the height of her power and he was like, 'And who are you then, love?'' Peterborough, published every Friday at 7pm, is edited by Christopher Hope. You can reach him at peterborough@
