It was the hottest night of late August 2013 in a sweltering Paris, as the recently elected socialist President of France, François Hollande, waited in his Elysée office to give an order that would have changed history. Ten days earlier more than 1400 innocent people had been killed in a Sarin gas attack on the outskirts of Damascus. The use of chemical weapons by Bashar al-Assad in Syria, an hour’s flight from the European Union, in a genocidal attack on his own people marked a new turn in 21st century history. France’s conservative President Chirac had played endless games a decade earlier on whether he would or would not stand with the US, UK and most EU democracies (other than Germany) in stopping Saddam Hussein from defying UN resolutions. In contrast, socialist Hollande was clear that the Syrian dictator, now in close alliance with Russia’s Vladimir Putin , had to be faced down. After joint planning with Washington, he ordered Rafale warplanes equipped … [Read more...] about First Syria, now Ukraine – Britain cannot backstab its allies over chemical weapons again
Voices
‘My four-year-old son was killed in a dog attack – latest death has to be the last’
The parents of a boy killed in a dog attack 12 years ago are backing the Mirror’s campaign for change, saying they do not want other families to suffer. John-Paul Massey ’s mum and dad talked about the overwhelming grief they still feel after the four-year-old was mauled to death. The parents have spoken out after hearing that another child – three-year-old Daniel Twigg – was killed by a dog on Sunday. John-Paul’s mum Angela McGlynn, 51, said: “When I see other children have been attacked, it breaks my heart. I don’t want anyone else to have to live my Angela and the boy’s dad John Massey split after the tragedy but are united in wanting the Government to take urgent action. John-Paul Massey's father is supporting a Daily Mirror dangerous dog campaign ( Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror) Former painter and decorator John, 50, said he has daily flashbacks of his little boy lying dead. In tears, John added: “I thought my son... was taken for a reason – that … [Read more...] about ‘My four-year-old son was killed in a dog attack – latest death has to be the last’
EPOS H3Pro Hybrid Review: Incredible immersion into your favourite games with the addition of noise-cancelling and wireless
The audio experts at EPOS have proven time and time again that they make some of the best headsets for both work and play. Having once been partnered with Sennheiser, EPOS has more than proved its expertise with top-notch specialised gaming headsets. EPOS H3 . However, it looks like they weren’t finished with this already impressive headset as they have tinkered further to create a wireless version with the EPOS H3 Hybrid and now their latest edition The EPOS H3Pro Hybrid . The H3Pro Hybrid looks great and has no garish colours, lighting or logos plastered all over it. ( Image: EPOS) The H3 Pro Hybrid looks almost identical to its previous iterations. The headset while still carrying the obligatory chunkiness, it doesn’t feel bulky or too large. The earcups and the headband are matte black and the H3 has very little distracting branding and logos, keeping a smart yet attractive in a low key kind of way. Built of plastic and metal the H3Pro looks great but … [Read more...] about EPOS H3Pro Hybrid Review: Incredible immersion into your favourite games with the addition of noise-cancelling and wireless
Trek to Yomi review: A brutal but stunning visual spectacle with satisfying cinematic combat
Developer Flying Wild Hog and publisher Devolver Digital have joined forces once again, but for a title that isn’t a Shadow Warrior game. This time around the duo are releasing Trek to Yomi which looks and feels like a love letter to classic Samurai movies. Directed by Leonard Menchiari, Trek to Yomi follows the story of the young Samurai Hiroki who has sworn to protect his town as a vow to his late master, Sanjuro. Years later after Sanjuro defeated the bandit Kagerou, a new merciless warlord has risen and seeks to control Hiroki’s land. This throws Hiroki into a bloody quest to liberate his people while uncovering the mystery behind the new warlord. Trek to Yomi’s cinematic storytelling is one of the game's biggest strengths, with each story arc flowing effortlessly into each other for a cohesive tale. Developers Flying Wild Hog has certainly crafted a captivating story filled with rich characters and lore that feels original while paying homage to the Samurai movie … [Read more...] about Trek to Yomi review: A brutal but stunning visual spectacle with satisfying cinematic combat
Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 2 review: Fantastic action packed classics return on the Nintendo Switch
Nippon Ichi Software, who are predominantly known for their Disgaea series, have gone into their vault of obscure games to re-release two cult titles for the Nintendo Switch. Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 2 will feature two classic titles, Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound and Z.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman. Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound first appeared on the Playstation 2 in 2005 whilst Z.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman was initially released on the PSP in 2010. Both of these titles feature an anime aesthetic and creative storytelling that Nippon Ichi Software is famous for. They both include dual audio with Japanese and English voiceovers being present. The anime-style voice acting elevates each character, giving them life, especially in Z.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman. The games may differ in gameplay but they share many similarities with Disgaea, mainly being strategy JRPGs that play out on an isometric grid. … [Read more...] about Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 2 review: Fantastic action packed classics return on the Nintendo Switch
Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising review: A charming introduction with a strong narrative and great characters
After almost a decade of silence, fans of the JRPG series Suikoden had their prayers answered when a Kickstarter campaign for its spiritual successor was a huge success. The creator Yoshitaka Murayama and former staff who worked on the Suikoden series have returned to bring Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes to their dedicated fans. From the limited details that have been shared about Hundred Heroes, fans of the Suikoden series should be really excited as it looks like it could be a nostalgic affair. However the game isn’t coming out till 2023, but in the meantime developers Natsume Atari and Rabbit and Bear Studios are releasing the surprise prequel to Hundred Heroes called Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising. Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is filled with a great cast of characters ( Image: 505 Games) Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising follows the young aspiring treasure hunter called CJ who is searching for an item called a Rune lens as part of her village's rite of passage. Her quest … [Read more...] about Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising review: A charming introduction with a strong narrative and great characters
EPOS Adapt 660 AMC Review: Premium headset with a sleek design, powerful ANC so you can focus and leave others in the dust
It’s undeniable that Covid has changed how most of us work forever, from trying to focus at home to concentrating back at the office, while also staying connected on the go. EPOS are experts in audio technology, their business and gaming headsets have been known for their exceptional audio quality and clever design features. The Adapt range is aimed at professionals wanting the highest level of performance. EPOS has collaborated with top-tier racing team and James Bond’s car of choice Aston Martin to create a headset so impressive it could raise the eyebrow of an MI6 agent. The team-up with Aston Martin Cognizant F1 team has produced a variant of their incredible EPOS ADAPT 660 headphones with the EPOS 660 AMC. Even the packaging on the EPOS Adapt 660 AMC has seen a much needed redesign ( Image: EPOS) The Adapt 660 AMC is almost identical to the regular 660, featuring the same sleek oval ear cups and mostly matte black design. However, the AMC version features … [Read more...] about EPOS Adapt 660 AMC Review: Premium headset with a sleek design, powerful ANC so you can focus and leave others in the dust
Wrexham: City of Culture judges visit as bid steps up
Published 7 days ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Wrexham will welcome judges for the 2025 UK City of Culture later as it steps up its bid to win the title. The town is competing against Bradford, County Durham and Southampton to be named City of Culture on 26 May. The panel will visit a youth centre, the Pontcysyllte aqueduct and Wrexham AFC, as the Hollywood star-owned club chase promotion to the Football League. UK Arts Minister Lord Parkinson said even a nomination would have already had an impact on Wrexham. Aerial show for City of Culture celebrations Wrexham 'so proud' to make City of Culture final Culture capital 2025 judges visit Bradford He said the competition was about "shining a spotlight on places and giving them the opportunity to tell their stories". 'Creating that legacy' "We've had 20 places bidding this time round so … [Read more...] about Wrexham: City of Culture judges visit as bid steps up
Jake Daniels: Is it easier for women footballers to come out?
By Catherine Evans Published 20 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Men's football could pick up a few tactics in diversity from the women's game, according to fans. Footballer Jake Daniels received widespread praise and support as he became the first active player in more than 30 years to come out as gay . But the news has laid bare the differences in how LGBT players are treated. Fans of the women's game said there was less pressure for players to perform to gender stereotypes. In 1990, Justin Fashanu stunned the football world when he told a newspaper he was gay. Rainbow Wall for Wales' LGBTQ+ fans Why Daniels coming out is a watershed moment Others will follow Daniels' path, says Lineker Three decades on, he remained the only male footballer to reveal his sexuality while playing professionally in England's top tiers - until … [Read more...] about Jake Daniels: Is it easier for women footballers to come out?
‘Black eyes flashing’: Lynette Dawson spoke of Chris’ rage, sister says
Australian woman Lynette Dawson told her sister in the weeks before she vanished that her husband Chris was always angry with her and he left a note in their home saying “don’t paint too dark a picture of me to the girls”, a court has heard. Chris Dawson, 73, has pleaded not guilty in the New South Wales Supreme Court to murdering his wife , who vanished from her home at Bayview, on Sydney’s northern beaches, in January 1982. Continuing her evidence on Tuesday, Patricia Jenkins said she spoke to her younger sister Lynette one or two days before Christmas Day 1981, after finding out from their mother that “Chris had left”. It is not disputed by the defence that Dawson and JC, the couple’s babysitter and a former student of the high school teacher, had travelled to Queensland before Christmas “with a view to starting a new life”, but returned a short time later. READ MORE: Teacher's Pet case: Lynette Dawson called husband Chris to say she wasn’t coming home, … [Read more...] about ‘Black eyes flashing’: Lynette Dawson spoke of Chris’ rage, sister says