Some 700,000 Ukrainian soldiers are now actively participating in defending the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a televised interview on Saturday. In comparison, Russia deployed anywhere between 100,000 to 190,000 troops when it launched its invasion on 24 February, with the exact numbers of currently active units unclear. Meanwhile, the Moscow forces continued their assault in the east after claiming victory in Mariupol on Friday as the last Ukrainian defenders holed up in Azovstal laid down their arms. Read more about the day's developments in our live blog below. 05.21.2022 10:03 Saturday's key points: Russia suspended its gas delivery to Finland on Saturday morning in response to the country's NATO membership bid. The Russian military says it has fully taken over the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol after the last Ukrainian fighters gave themselves up. Earlier, Moscow said more than 1,900 Ukrainian fighters … [Read more...] about 700,000 soldiers defending Ukraine now, Zelenskyy says, as battles rage in the Donbas
Study of black holes
Friends’ lack of diversity ’embarrassed’ its co-creator. So she made a $6.4m decision
Marta Kauffman remembers being bothered: Why were so many people picking on Friends? Created by Kauffman and David Crane, the series about a group of close friends was an instant smash when it premiered in 1994, and thanks to syndication and streaming, it has remained one of TV's most popular shows since it left the air in 2004 after 10 seasons. Despite its success, though, the comedy was repeatedly criticised for its lack of diversity, with numerous observers wondering how the characters existed in a predominantly white environment even though the series was set in New York City. Kauffman felt Friends was being unfairly singled out, claiming there was too much attention on the near-absence of black people and other people of colour: "It was difficult and frustrating." But now, Kauffman says, she gets it. READ MORE: Lisa Kudrow is ready for a Friends revival under one condition David Schwimmer sets the record straight on Jennifer Aniston romance rumor Jennifer … [Read more...] about Friends’ lack of diversity ’embarrassed’ its co-creator. So she made a $6.4m decision
Warning as mysterious STI strikes up to 1 in 16 women often with no warning signs
EXPERTS are warning women of a stealthy STI that is often missed, but strikes one in 16 in some parts of the country. Trichomoniasis is more common than the well-known STI gonorrhoea, experts found. But not only is is relatively unheard of, it is not always included in standard STI “check ups” at sexual health clinics or at-home kits. The NHS says to see a GP or sexual health clinic if you have symptoms of the illness, with both men and women affected. However around half of those with it do not show any signs, and are able to spread it further. Others may be mystified by their symptoms, which can be vague. New research suggests that many women are carrying trichomoniasis without realising - up to one in 16 women in some areas. And it is disproportionately affecting women from racial minorities and those in deprived communities. Dr John White, Medical Director at Preventx and Consultant Physician in Sexual Health and HIV, said: “ Trichomoniasis is a relatively … [Read more...] about Warning as mysterious STI strikes up to 1 in 16 women often with no warning signs
Remarkable friendships from the animal world
In the leafy Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey lies a very different kind of farm: the astonishing Funny Farm, a not-for-profit animal sanctuary open to the public two days a week, created by New Jersey's own Doctor Doolittle, Laurie Zaleski. Every animal here is a rescue – abused, abandoned, disabled – and Zaleski has healed and protected more than 600 animals over the last 20 years, from retired racehorses to raucous roosters. "We have 115 roosters," she said. And it sounded like it! Correspondent Lesley Stahl asked, "For those people who have never been here, never even heard of the Funny Farm, how would you describe it?" "I say Heaven on Earth, especially for animals," Zaleski replied. "And for people, because when you walk through the gates, you can feel the inner peace and harmony, because they all get along here. "My mother had the original Funny Farm, and she said it's full of animals and fit for lunatics!" laughed Zaleski. As she writes in her book, "Funny Farm: … [Read more...] about Remarkable friendships from the animal world
Cameroonian activist pushed for restitution of deity
Restitution activist Njobati Sylvie could not hide her joy when Germany's Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation announced that a statue of Ngonnso would be returned to Cameroon. Ngonnso is a mother deity of the Nso people in northwestern Cameroon. A statue of her was taken by Kurt von Pavel, a German colonial officer in Cameroon, who subsequently donated her to Berlin's Ethnological Museum in 1903. "I feel super elated, it has been a journey that has culminated to a win for the Nso community, Cameroon and by and large the entire African continent," Njobati told DW. Ngonnso has a central role for the Nso as she is considered a mother deity The restitution journey Njobati started the Twitter campaign #BringBackNgonnso in 2020, which played a large part in raising awareness for the restitution cause. But her activism actually started before that — when she decided to reconnect with her Nso heritage and trace her roots. Njobati grew up in Cameroon's Anglophone region … [Read more...] about Cameroonian activist pushed for restitution of deity
Rod Stewart ended ’20 minute’ Joanna Lumley relationship because she was ‘too posh’
Rod Stewart tribute act wishes Rod's son a happy birthday Sign up for FREE for the latest news from the world of showbiz SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The Maggie May crooner, 76, was once known for his promiscuity and wild antics before he settled down with third wife Penny Lancaster , who he’s been married to for nearly 14 years. Sir Rod once described having to “peel girls off” him on tour in the US and eventually craved a relationship, adding: “I wanted to be in love.” Lumley was linked to the singer during her younger days and in a damning revelation Sir Rod revealed why their “fling” came to an end. Related articles Lee Mack wife: Comic's wife Tara McKillop 'doesn't watch' his show … [Read more...] about Rod Stewart ended ’20 minute’ Joanna Lumley relationship because she was ‘too posh’
Famous ‘charming’ photographer Rankin was ‘quaking’ with nerves shooting the Queen
Rankin admits he was nervous working with the Queen (Image: GettyImages) Sign up for FREE royal alerts SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info But in 2001, when asked to photograph the Queen at Buckingham Palace in advance of her Golden Jubilee, he admits he was quaking with nerves. "I was s******* myself," he recalls. "She had a real sense of humour, a glint in her eye; a really powerful human being." Related articles Cliff Richard, 81, looks downcast as he's spotted at Wimbledon day two Ulrika Jonsson, 54, recreates Kendall Jenner's completely NAKED snap He was given just five minutes to photograph his monarch. "We had a bit of a chat. She made some jokes. I can't remember them because I was so freaked out over … [Read more...] about Famous ‘charming’ photographer Rankin was ‘quaking’ with nerves shooting the Queen