huffingtonpost--2020-04-30--Coronavirus Has Shown Millennials Are More Resilient Than We Think

She is also a hypochondriac .
This is someone who recently burst into our bedroom as we slept at 3AM to tell us she was on the phone to 999 , as she was having a heart attack .
“ No you ’ re not , ” I said , taking the phone and apologising to the operative .
A GP friend tells me that surgeries have been packed with healthy millennials for years , reporting non-ailments .
Her theory is that without something like a world war , or an existential threat on the horizon , youngsters find lesser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous generations worried about those rather bigger things .
Grace has done it so often her GP once suggested there should be an NHS equivalent of the crime of wasting police time , and Grace should be the first arrest .
But looking at her now , in the midst of a real crisis for the country and the world , she seems to be worrying less than ever .
She has not had a single meltdown since the lockdown , which is definitely a record .
She has been unfailingly helpful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges of doing live interviews and ‘ meetings ’ on a laptop .
A non-football fan , she has even been sympathetic about my yearning for football to come back .
Our podcast , Football , Feminism and Everything In Between , was her idea a while back , and in the two series we recorded , we spoke to former prime ministers , football managers , rugby internationals , famous actors and TV stars .
We were about to start the interviews for Series 3 when lockdown scuppered our plans , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold until life gets back to some kind of normality .
Listening back to the recording , it struck me just how much it is possible to cover in a free-flowing conversation : football , comedy , relationships , how many of Grace ’ s friends have fallen out with their boyfriends , our shared concern about the dog having separation anxiety when lockdown ends .
She announces that Fiona and I are now “ officially old ” because we have a birdsong recognition app – she calls it “ Shazam for birds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my idea for a Tree Olympics .
She tells me she likes wearing a mask , not for health reasons but so she can talk to herself without people staring at her .
We agree that having my bagpipes insulted on social media by John Cleese , who then called me “ one of my favourite Scottish gits ” , was “ really f―-ing cool.
” The longest part of the discussion is on Misbehaviour , the new film starring Keira Knightley and Jessie Buckley , about women ’ s liberation activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970 .
I made the mistake of telling Grace I had covered Miss World for the Daily Mirror long before she was born .
She raced upstairs to find my cuttings , and I was expecting an eruption of feminist fury when she came across a two-page spread with this kind of thing : “ MISS PARAGUAY : If there were a separate title for Miss Sexy , it would go to flirty ANTONELLA MONTUORI , 21 .
She ’ s the cream of the South American beauties .
Her constant flashing smile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her an edge over the others .
STATISTICS : 34-23-34.
” I admitted I really fancied Miss Paraguay .
I admitted I loved covering Miss World , and I admitted I was slightly ashamed not to have seen at the time that it was a dreadful part of the patriarchy , that I should have been campaigning against , not enjoying because I got to hang out with gorgeous young women for two weeks .
But let ’ s see how far it goes .
I noticed that there is an advert for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Lloyd ’ s Bank at the end of the podcast .
Does this mean we are making money ?
News to me if so .
Is that why she is being nice to me ?
I thought I was supposed to be The Great Manipulator ...

Millennials are perhaps more resilient than we think Getty Creative
I was never worried about being in lockdown with my partner, Fiona. I was, however, a little worried that our daughter Grace chose to join us.
Grace has taken occupancy of the granny flat attached to our house, which neither of the grannies ever felt a need to use.
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Twenty-six this week, she is a very bright, funny, challenging, hard-working comedian and socially committed campaigner, who is never afraid to say what she thinks, and I love her to bits.
However, she can also be majorly attention-seeking, infuriatingly loud and she and I can turn a polite disagreement into a Roy Keane-Patrick Vieira tunnel bust-up in seconds. Hence the worry.
She is also a hypochondriac. This is someone who recently burst into our bedroom as we slept at 3AM to tell us she was on the phone to 999, as she was having a heart attack. “No you’re not,” I said, taking the phone and apologising to the operative.
So I was bracing myself for a never ending chorus of “I’ve got the virus, this is definitely it, take me to the Royal Free...”
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But there has been none of it. I have been impressed by the way she has coped with the Covid-19 crisis.
A GP friend tells me that surgeries have been packed with healthy millennials for years, reporting non-ailments. Her theory is that without something like a world war, or an existential threat on the horizon, youngsters find lesser things to worry about as much as the previous generations worried about those rather bigger things.
Grace has done it so often her GP once suggested there should be an NHS equivalent of the crime of wasting police time, and Grace should be the first arrest.
But looking at her now, in the midst of a real crisis for the country and the world, she seems to be worrying less than ever.
She has not had a single meltdown since the lockdown, which is definitely a record. She has been unfailingly helpful as I have struggled with the technological challenges of doing live interviews and ‘meetings’ on a laptop. A non-football fan, she has even been sympathetic about my yearning for football to come back.
Advertisement
Our podcast, Football, Feminism and Everything In Between, was her idea a while back, and in the two series we recorded, we spoke to former prime ministers, football managers, rugby internationals, famous actors and TV stars.
We were about to start the interviews for Series 3 when lockdown scuppered our plans, and we decided to put it all on hold until life gets back to some kind of normality.
But at the weekend, Grace, who rivals me in her terror of boredom, said: “Let’s just do one anyway, without guests.”
Listening back to the recording, it struck me just how much it is possible to cover in a free-flowing conversation: football, comedy, relationships, how many of Grace’s friends have fallen out with their boyfriends, our shared concern about the dog having separation anxiety when lockdown ends.
She announces that Fiona and I are now “officially old” because we have a birdsong recognition app – she calls it “Shazam for birds”. She takes the mickey out of my idea for a Tree Olympics. She tells me she likes wearing a mask, not for health reasons but so she can talk to herself without people staring at her. We agree that having my bagpipes insulted on social media by John Cleese, who then called me “one of my favourite Scottish gits”, was “really f―-ing cool.”
Advertisement
The longest part of the discussion is on Misbehaviour, the new film starring Keira Knightley and Jessie Buckley, about women’s liberation activists taking on the Miss World Pageant in 1970. I made the mistake of telling Grace I had covered Miss World for the Daily Mirror long before she was born. She raced upstairs to find my cuttings, and I was expecting an eruption of feminist fury when she came across a two-page spread with this kind of thing: “MISS PARAGUAY: If there were a separate title for Miss Sexy, it would go to flirty ANTONELLA MONTUORI, 21. She’s the cream of the South American beauties. Her constant flashing smile, sexy laugh and bubbling personality give her an edge over the others. STATISTICS: 34-23-34.”
I admitted I really fancied Miss Paraguay. I admitted I loved covering Miss World, and I admitted I was slightly ashamed not to have seen at the time that it was a dreadful part of the patriarchy, that I should have been campaigning against, not enjoying because I got to hang out with gorgeous young women for two weeks.
“Don’t beat yourself up, Dad,” she said. “Times were very different then. That’s what the film is about.”
This is what we call a personality transplant. Remarkable.
But let’s see how far it goes. I noticed that there is an advert for the Halifax at the start and one for Lloyd’s Bank at the end of the podcast. Does this mean we are making money? News to me if so. Is that why she is being nice to me? I thought I was supposed to be The Great Manipulator...


huffingtonpost--2020-03-05--British Airline Flybe Goes Bust As Coronavirus 'Made Difficult Situation Worse'

The carrier was saved from going out of business earlier this year but has been unable to obtain a £100 million ( $ 127 million ) loan from the government .
Crisis talks were held throughout the day Wednesday to try to secure a rescue package , but no deal was agreed on .
The end of the Exeter-based airline , which employs 2,000 staff , will threaten thousands of jobs and the future of a number of regional airports .
Belfast City Airport is one of those airports worst hit by the collapse , with 81 % of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company said all Flybe flights were immediately grounded and advised all passengers not to travel to airports unless alternative flight arrangements had been made .
As part of the January rescue deal , Flybe agreed to an arrangement to defer tax payments of “ less than £10 million ” with HM Revenue and Customs .
The structure of APD – which adds £26 to the price of most return domestic flights such as those operated by Flybe – could be altered in next week ’ s budget .
Flybe serves around 170 destinations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airports such as Aberdeen , Belfast City , Manchester and Southampton .
It flies the most UK domestic routes between airports outside London .
But the firm said in a statement : “ ( Significant funding challenges ) have been compounded by the outbreak of coronavirus which in the last few days has resulted in a significant impact on demand.
” Unite national officer Oliver Richardson told the PA news agency : “ Unite members and the entire staff at Flybe , will be feeling angry and confused about how and why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is simply outrageous that the government has not learned the lessons following the collapse of both Monarch and Thomas Cook that the much promised airline insolvency review has still not materialized .
“ While other European countries are able to introduce measures to keep airlines flying when they enter administration , the UK remains unable or unwilling to do so.
” He said : “ The Civil Aviation Authority is sadly very well practiced , following the collapse of Monarch and Thomas Cook , at responding to airline failure and looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that once more .
On Thursday morning , transport secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News : “ We ’ re all a bit gutted – Flybe is a household name , we ’ ve been flying with them for 40 years and we really tried to do everything we could back at the turn of the year .

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Struggling airline Flybe has said coronavirus “made a difficult situation worse” after it went bust in the early hours of Thursday.
The carrier was saved from going out of business earlier this year but has been unable to obtain a £100 million loan from the government.
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A drop in demand caused by coronavirus has added to Flybe’s long-standing woes and administrators announced it had ceased trading with immediate effect.
Crisis talks were held throughout the day on Wednesday to try to secure a rescue package, but no deal was agreed.
The end of the Exeter-based airline, which employs 2,000 staff, will threaten thousands of jobs and the future of a number of regional airports.
Belfast City Airport is one of those airports worst hit by the collapse, with 81% of its flights operated by the carrier.
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In a statement, Flybe chief executive Mark Anderson said the company had been “unable to overcome significant funding challenges”.
“The UK has lost one of its greatest regional assets,” Anderson said.
“Flybe has been a key part of the UK aviation industry for four decades, connecting regional communities, people and businesses across the entire nation.”
The company said all Flybe flights were immediately grounded and advised all passengers not to travel to airports unless alternative flight arrangements had been made.
As part of the January rescue deal, Flybe agreed an arrangement to defer tax payments of “less than £10 million” with HM Revenue and Customs.
Ministers also agreed to hold a review into Air Passenger Duty (APD).
The structure of APD – which adds £26 to the price of most return domestic flights such as those operated by Flybe – could be altered in next week’s budget.
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Flybe serves around 170 destinations and has a major presence at UK airports such as Aberdeen, Belfast City, Manchester and Southampton. It flies the most UK domestic routes between airports outside London.
A series of issues have affected the airline’s finances, including rising fuel costs, falling demand, competition from road, rail and other airlines, plus a weakening of the pound.
But the firm said in a statement: “(Significant funding challenges) have been compounded by the outbreak of coronavirus which in the last few days has resulted in a significant impact on demand.”
It was bought by a consortium comprising Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Group and Cyrus Capital in February 2019, but has continued to make losses.
Amid reports UK airline Flybe is close to collapse, its website has stopped working and an error message says the link is “no longer live”. Full story: https://t.co/IE5ncHm3Gz pic.twitter.com/pV1cb42wcA — Graeme Demianyk (@GraemeDemianyk) March 4, 2020
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Unions and politicians have reacted with fury over the collapse.
Unite national officer Oliver Richardson told the PA news agency: “Unite members and the entire staff at Flybe, will be feeling angry and confused about how and why the airline has been allowed to collapse.
“It is simply outrageous that the government has not learned the lessons following the collapse of both Monarch and Thomas Cook that the much promised airline insolvency review has still not materialised.
“While other European countries are able to introduce measures to keep airlines flying when they enter administration, the UK remains unable or unwilling to do so.”
A Flybe flight departs from Manchester Airport ASSOCIATED PRESS
Andy McDonald, shadow transport secretary, said the loss of Flybe would cause “real anxiety” throughout the country.
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He said: “The Civil Aviation Authority is sadly very well practised, following the collapse of Monarch and Thomas Cook, at responding to airline failure and looking after passengers. No doubt they will do that once more.
“Yet again more airline workers face an anxious future and the government has to respond and provide them with all necessary support.”
On Thursday morning, transport secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News: “We’re all a bit gutted – Flybe is a household name, we’ve been flying with them for 40 years and we really tried to do everything we could back at the turn of the year.
“Unfortunately, with the situation that has developed with [coronavirus], an already weak company, I’m afraid, just hasn’t been able to survive.”
He added: “The concern is for people who have found themselves stranded and we’ve got people at the airport to be able to assist and we’re writing to all the other companies – coach companies, train companies – and asking them to assist.
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huffingtonpost--2020-04-01--In Spain We’ve Been In Lockdown For Weeks – And I Promise You It Gets Easier

On Sunday 15 March , the Spanish government announced a two-week lockdown to stop the rapid spread of coronavirus .
The public were ordered to stay at home unless they needed essential food or medicine .
Schools , universities , restaurants , bars and public spaces were all to be closed .
The Spanish are a very sociable bunch , and an enviable climate means much of life is spent outdoors .
All year round in my neighbourhood , bars keep their doors swung open and people sit outside at restaurants .
Every morning and afternoon , like clockwork , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gather at the school gates to gossip , eat pastries and play games .
But when I ventured out last Monday , the first official day of lockdown , the city looked like a very different place .
There ’ s something very odd about seeing a bright blue sky and a completely empty city beach but it was the ghost-like streets that were even weirder .
A few people were out running errands but the majority were wearing masks and gloves .
At the big supermarket , I was met with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ one in , one out ’ policy you ’ re more used to seeing at some exclusive nightclub .
I passed a pharmacy where medicine was handed to customers through a small hole in a screen .
The first week was really difficult .
The situation escalated very fast and as all upcoming plans fell through – including a visit from my parents and an upcoming holiday to Colombia – I struggled to look forward to a completely clear diary .
I read the news obsessively in an attempt to understand what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on earth it would end .
The thought of staying in my flat for the foreseeable felt incredibly claustrophobic .
And while drinking wine in my pyjamas was fun at first , the novelty of Christmas in March quickly wore off .
As the first week came to a close , the government extended the lockdown for a further two weeks and tightened the rules – including asking citizens to carry a slip of paper or digital form detailing why they weren ’ t at home .
It felt like things had just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminding myself that the stricter the measures , the sooner the situation would get better .
Police presence was visibly upped , and only one person should now only leave the house at once – something a friendly policeman told my housemate and I as we made our way to the supermarket on a joint trip .
Dogs , however , must have felt like they struck gold .
Going for a walk is only allowed if you have a canine companion – and photos of exhausted dogs and adverts pimping out pets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man was even caught walking a goat .
However , by week two , things got – whisper it – a little easier .
Unfortunately , when everything was in chaos , I found the boring things like routine and exercise made the most difference .
I set my alarm for 8am each weekday morning , do a HIIT or yoga video before work and try and take a proper hour-long lunch break .
I ’ m a big advocate of the loungewear life but when you might not get dressed for months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s worth switching into normal clothes for at least some part of each day .
Evenings we began to fill with virtual plans : a phone call with family , a Houseparty catch-up with friends , a pub quiz over Zoom .
I ’ ve never been so in touch with my wider circle since moving abroad - a much-needed silver lining to this whole debacle .
Other things that have kept me sane include trying to separate the weekend from the week ( we save films and take-away for Fridays and Saturdays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to ( a wine and cheese night or a new book ) .
While the Internet may suggest this is the perfect time to start your novel , Etsy side hustle or online masters , I realised fast there ’ s no point putting pressure on yourself to use this extended time ‘ productivity ’ .
Life is still pretty busy even if you ’ re at home all day and coping with the current overwhelming situation is enough before adding an extra challenge into the mix .
Slowly but surely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parallel reality of what I should have been doing if it weren ’ t for this dreaded virus .
Sure , I miss my old life but I ’ m also weirdly getting quite used to this one .
People talk about a ‘ new normal ’ and it ’ s true , somehow you manage to adjust .
And , when all else fails , I look forward to 8pm when the whole street comes out onto their balconies and claps in solidarity with emergency workers .
As days go on there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blasting the music and tooting their car horns .

Courtesy of the author HuffPost UK
When I moved to Barcelona last autumn, I pictured long wine-filled evenings in squares and trips to the beach. I didn’t imagine weeks spent inside my flat isolating from a global viral pandemic.
On Sunday 15 March, the Spanish government announced a two-week lockdown to stop the rapid spread of coronavirus. The public were ordered to stay at home unless they needed essential food or medicine. Schools, universities, restaurants, bars and public spaces were all to be closed.
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The Spanish are a very sociable bunch, and an enviable climate means much of life is spent outdoors. All year round in my neighbourhood, bars keep their doors swung open and people sit outside at restaurants. Every morning and afternoon, like clockwork, a crowd of children and their families gather at the school gates to gossip, eat pastries and play games.
But when I ventured out last Monday, the first official day of lockdown, the city looked like a very different place. There’s something very odd about seeing a bright blue sky and a completely empty city beach but it was the ghost-like streets that were even weirder. A few people were out running errands but the majority were wearing masks and gloves. At the big supermarket, I was met with a security guard monitoring the queue with a ‘one in, one out’ policy you’re more used to seeing at some exclusive nightclub. I passed a pharmacy where medicine was handed to customers through a small hole in a screen.
“The first week was really difficult. The situation escalated very fast and as all upcoming plans fell through...”
The first week was really difficult. The situation escalated very fast and as all upcoming plans fell through – including a visit from my parents and an upcoming holiday to Colombia – I struggled to look forward to a completely clear diary. I read the news obsessively in an attempt to understand what the hell was going on and when on earth it would end. The thought of staying in my flat for the foreseeable felt incredibly claustrophobic. And while drinking wine in my pyjamas was fun at first, the novelty of Christmas in March quickly wore off.
Advertisement
As the first week came to a close, the government extended the lockdown for a further two weeks and tightened the rules – including asking citizens to carry a slip of paper or digital form detailing why they weren’t at home. It felt like things had just got even more serious but I kept reminding myself that the stricter the measures, the sooner the situation would get better. Police presence was visibly upped, and only one person should now only leave the house at once – something a friendly policeman told my housemate and I as we made our way to the supermarket on a joint trip. Dogs, however, must have felt like they struck gold. Going for a walk is only allowed if you have a canine companion – and photos of exhausted dogs and adverts pimping out pets circulated widely on social media. One man was even caught walking a goat.
However, by week two, things got – whisper it – a little easier. Unfortunately, when everything was in chaos, I found the boring things like routine and exercise made the most difference. I set my alarm for 8am each weekday morning, do a HIIT or yoga video before work and try and take a proper hour-long lunch break. I’m a big advocate of the loungewear life but when you might not get dressed for months, I’ve found it’s worth switching into normal clothes for at least some part of each day. Evenings we began to fill with virtual plans: a phone call with family, a Houseparty catch-up with friends, a pub quiz over Zoom. I’ve never been so in touch with my wider circle since moving abroad - a much-needed silver lining to this whole debacle.
“Slowly but surely, I stopped thinking so much about the parallel reality of what I should have been doing...”
Other things that have kept me sane include trying to separate the weekend from the week (we save films and take-away for Fridays and Saturdays) and finding new things to look forward to (a wine and cheese night or a new book). While the Internet may suggest this is the perfect time to start your novel, Etsy side hustle or online masters, I realised fast there’s no point putting pressure on yourself to use this extended time ‘productivity’. Life is still pretty busy even if you’re at home all day and coping with the current overwhelming situation is enough before adding an extra challenge into the mix.
Advertisement
Slowly but surely, I stopped thinking so much about the parallel reality of what I should have been doing if it weren’t for this dreaded virus. Sure, I miss my old life but I’m also weirdly getting quite used to this one. People talk about a ‘new normal’ and it’s true, somehow you manage to adjust.
And, when all else fails, I look forward to 8pm when the whole street comes out onto their balconies and claps in solidarity with emergency workers. As days go on there’s been people dancing, singing, blasting the music and tooting their car horns.
A reminder that when this is all over, what a party there will be.
Elizabeth Bennett is a freelance journalist based in Barcelona. She writes about culture, health, beauty, women, travel and sustainability.
Have a compelling personal story you want to tell? Find out what we’re looking for here, and pitch us on ukpersonal@huffpost.com


huffingtonpost--2020-04-29--Boris Johnson And Fiancée Carrie Symonds Announce Birth Of Baby Boy

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and fiancée Carrie Symonds have announced the birth of a “ healthy baby boy ” at a London hospital on Wednesday .
“ The prime minister and Ms. Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning .
Both mother and baby are doing very well , ” their spokesman said .
“ The PM and Ms. Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team.
” Johnson returned to No.10 Downing Street on Sunday evening take charge of the government ’ s response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been recuperating at the Chequers country estate following his discharge from hospital , where he had spent three nights in intensive care .
Symonds sent Johnson daily updates , including images of their unborn child , as he struggled with coronavirus at St Thomas ’ Hospital in central London .
Symonds had also suffered from coronavirus symptoms while pregnant .
Following the birth of their child , Johnson will not be taking part in the prime minister ’ s questions session at the House of Commons today .
Dominic Raab , the foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and face Labour leader Keir Starmer in the Commons .

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Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds have announced the birth of a “healthy baby boy” at a London hospital on Wednesday.
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“The prime minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning. Both mother and baby are doing very well,” their spokesperson said.
“The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team.”
Johnson returned to No.10 on Sunday evening take charge of the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis. He had been due to face new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs for the first time on Wednesday, but foreign secretary Dominic Raab will now stand in.
Johnson had been recuperating at Chequers following his discharge from hospital, where he had spent three nights in intensive care.
Symonds, who had also suffered from coronavirus symptoms, sent the the PM daily updates, including images of their unborn child, as he was treated at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London.
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Johnson, 55, and Ms Symonds, 32, announced in March that they were expecting a baby in “early summer”, and that they had become engaged at the end of last year.
The PM has previously suggested he intends to take paternity leave, although it is not known if this remains the case given the coronavirus pandemic.
Following the birth of their child, Johnson will not be taking part in prime minister’s questions today.
Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, will stand in for the PM and face Labour leader Keir Starmer in the Commons.
zz/KGC-03/STAR MAX/IPx


huffingtonpost--2020-04-29--'Slumdog Millionaire' Star Irrfan Khan Dies

Irrfan Khan , best known internationally for roles in “ Slumdog Millionaire ” and “ Jurassic World , ” has died at the age of 53 .
In 2018 , the actor posted on Twitter to say that he had been diagnosed with an endocrine tumor , a rare illness affecting cells that release hormones into the bloodstream .
He later underwent treatment in a London hospital and recovered well enough to shoot “ Angrezi Medium , ” the film which would turn out to be his last .
It was due to be released last month but was cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His breakthrough role came in 2002 ’ s “ The Warrior , ” which was selected for the prestigious San Sebastian film festival and won a Bafta for Best British Film .
He went on to have success in mainstream Indian films , including “ Maqbool , ” an adaptation of Shakespeare ’ s “ Macbeth ” set in the Mumbai underworld .
The actor was best known to English-speaking audiences as the police inspector in “ Slumdog Millionaire , ” which went on to win eight Oscars .
In a statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust , I have surrendered ’ ; These were some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer .
And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen .
“ It ’ s saddening that this day , we have to bring forward the news of him passing away .
Irrfan was a strong soul , someone who fought till the very end and always inspired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer , he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it .
Surrounded by his love , his family for whom he most cared about , he left for heaven abode , leaving behind truly a legacy of his own .
“ We all pray and hope that he is at peace .
And to resonate and part with his words he had said , ‘ As if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the magical side of it .
’ ”

Irrfan Khan, best known internationally for roles in Slumdog Millionaire and Jurassic World, has died at the age of 53.
The Bollywood star died in a hospital in the western city of Mumbai, his agency said.
In 2018, the actor posted on Twitter to say that he had been diagnosed with an endocrine tumour, a rare illness affecting cells that release hormones into the bloodstream.
Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP
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He later underwent treatment in a London hospital and recovered well enough to shoot Angrezi Medium, the film which would turn out to be his last.
It was due to be released last month but was cut short because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “‘I trust, I have surrendered’; These were some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer. And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen.
“It’s saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him.
“After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it. Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own.
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“We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, ‘As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it.’”
Vittorio Zunino Celotto via Getty Images
Irrfan made his screen debut in the Academy Award-nominated 1988 drama Salaam Bombay!, a tale of Mumbai’s street children.
His breakthrough role came in 2002’s The Warrior, which was selected for the prestigious San Sebastian film festival and won a Bafta for Best British Film.
He went on to have success in mainstream Indian films, including Maqbool, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth set in the Mumbai underworld.
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More Bollywood roles followed, such as Rog and the musical Life In A... Metro.
He won a number of domestic film awards in India, including a 2012 Indian National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Paan Singh Tomar, a compelling tale of a seven-time national champion athlete who quit India’s armed forces to rule the Chambal ravines in central India.
The actor also received an Independent Spirit Award for Supporting Actor in the 2006 Indian-American drama The Namesake, and a Viewers’ Choice award at Cannes in 2013 for his role in Indian romantic drama The Lunchbox.
Irrfan was best known to English-speaking audiences as the police inspector in Slumdog Millionaire, which went on to win eight Oscars.
He also starred in big budget Hollywood productions including The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Jurassic World (2015) and Inferno (2016).
In 2012 he played the adult version of the lead character in Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning Life of Pi.
Among the first stars to pay tribute to the actor were Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty...
The charisma you brought to everything you did was pure magic. Your talent forged the way for so many in so many avenues.. You inspired so many of us. #IrrfanKhan you will truly be missed. Condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/vjhd5aoFhc — PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 29, 2020
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I’m numb today... I haven’t been able to accept the loss of a brilliant co-actor & a fabulous person that @irrfank was! We’ve lost a gem today... but his legacy will live on through the phenomenal body of work that he has left behind. Rest in peace, Irrfan!🙏🏻🙏🏻#IrrfanKhan pic.twitter.com/7jrRDRYdcC — SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA (@TheShilpaShetty) April 29, 2020
Irrfan is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar, and sons Babil and Ayan.


huffingtonpost--2020-04-22--Coronavirus Vaccine To Begin Trials On Thursday, Says Health Secretary

Coronavirus has changed everything .
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The health secretary says government-funded research at the University of Oxford had been accelerated due to the global pandemic .
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference on Tuesday , he said : “ I can announce that the vaccine from the Oxford project will be trialled in people from this Thursday .
“ In normal times , reaching this stage would take years and I ’ m very proud of the work taken so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will invest in manufacturing capability so that , if either of these vaccines safely work , we can make it available for the British people as soon as humanely possible.
” While the trials may start this week , it has previously been reported a vaccine will not be available before September .
Hancock said the process for finding a vaccine would take “ trial and error ” but he has told UK scientists leading the search he would “ back them to the hilt and give them every resource they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the long run , the best way to defeat coronavirus is through a vaccine , ” said Hancock .
“ After all , this is a new disease , this is uncertain science , but I ’ m certain we will throw everything we ’ ve got at developing a vaccine.
” He said the UK had put more money than any other country into the “ global search for a vaccine ” and that the two main research centres were in the UK – at Imperial College London and the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promising projects are making rapid progress and I ’ ve told the scientists leading them we will do everything in our power to support , ” he said , adding both were to receive more money .
The project at Imperial College London will get £22.5m to support its phase two clinical trials and Oxford University will be granted £20m to fund its clinical trials .
It came as the number of people who have died in hospitals across the UK after contracting coronavirus rose by 823 in 24 hours , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week told HuffPost UK that the world should not pin its hopes on finding a vaccine .
Jabs were never developed for Mers or Sars , two other diseases caused by coronavirus strains .

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Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now.
UK trials of a coronavirus vaccine on people will begin on Thursday, health secretary Matt Hancock has said.
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The health secretary says government-funded research at the University of Oxford had been accelerated due to the global pandemic.
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference on Tuesday, he said: “I can announce that the vaccine from the Oxford project will be trialled in people from this Thursday.
“In normal times, reaching this stage would take years and I’m very proud of the work taken so far.
“At the same time, we will invest in manufacturing capability so that, if either of these vaccines safely work, we can make it available for the British people as soon as humanely possible.”
While the trials may start this week, it has previously been reported a vaccine will not be available before September.
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Hancock said the process for finding a vaccine would take “trial and error” but he has told UK scientists leading the search he would “back them to the hilt and give them every resource they need” in order to succeed.
“In the long run, the best way to defeat coronavirus is through a vaccine,” said Hancock.
“After all, this is a new disease, this is uncertain science, but I’m certain we will throw everything we’ve got at developing a vaccine.”
He said the UK had put more money than any other country into the “global search for a vaccine” and that the two main research centres were in the UK – at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford.
“Both of these promising projects are making rapid progress and I’ve told the scientists leading them we will do everything in our power to support,” he said, adding both were to receive more money.
The project at Imperial College London will get £22.5m to support its phase two clinical trials and Oxford University will be granted £20m to fund its clinical trials.
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It came as the number of people who have died in hospitals across the UK after contracting coronavirus rose by 823 in 24 hours, bringing the working total to 17,337.


huffingtonpost--2020-04-10--Police Enforce Toughest Easter Travel Crackdown Yet

MELBOURNE ( Reuters ) - Australia will deploy helicopters , set up police checkpoints and hand out hefty fines to deter people from breaking an Easter travel ban , officials warned on Friday , in their toughest crackdown against the coronavirus , even as its spread slows .
More than half of Australians identify themselves as Christians , with many in past years attending church services or going on trips to visit family and friends during Easter public holidays that run until Monday .
But with places of worship closed , bans on public gatherings larger than two and non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , Australians were told to stay home this year or face dire consequences .
“ Police will take action , ” New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys told reporters , adding that police had issued almost 50 new fines for breaches of public health orders in the previous 24 hours .
Police have said they will block roads and use number plate recognition technology to catch those infringing the bans .
Fines for breaking social distancing rules start at $ 1,000 , but vary between states .
The long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important weekend we may face in the whole course of the virus , ” Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Thursday .
Australia had 6,152 infections by Friday , up 100 from the previous day , government figures showed , with 53 virus-related deaths .
Christians and the Jewish community , which is celebrating Passover this week , were urged to stay home and join in live streamed religious services .
“ We ’ ve been through plagues before , ” Anthony Fisher , the Roman Catholic archbishop of Sydney , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been devastating .
But eventually they pass.
” Australia , like neighbouring New Zealand , has fewer infections than many countries and the pace of infections in both nations has slowed dramatically in the past week .
On Friday , New Zealand began moving citizens to compulsory quarantine on their return from overseas , as it steps up efforts to battle the virus halfway through a four-week nationwide lockdown .

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia will deploy helicopters, set up police checkpoints and hand out hefty fines to deter people from breaking an Easter travel ban, officials warned on Friday, in their toughest crackdown against the coronavirus, even as its spread slows.
More than half of Australians identify themselves as Christians, with many in past years attending church services or going on trips to visit family and friends during Easter public holidays that run until Monday.
Australia had 6,238 infections by Saturday with 55 virus-related deaths.
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But with places of worship closed, bans on public gatherings larger than two and non-essential travel limited to combat the spread of the virus, Australians were told to stay home this year or face dire consequences.
“Police will take action,” New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys told reporters, adding that police had issued almost 50 new fines for breaches of public health orders in the previous 24 hours.
James D. Morgan via Getty Images Police control car park entries to ensure safe social distancing at Sydney Fish Market on April 10, 2020 in Sydney, Australia.
Police have said they will block roads and use number plate recognition technology to catch those infringing the bans. Fines for breaking social distancing rules start at $1,000, but vary between states.
The long weekend was in many ways “the most important weekend we may face in the whole course of the virus,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Thursday.
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Christians and the Jewish community, which is celebrating Passover this week, were urged to stay home and join in live streamed religious services.
“We’ve been through plagues before,” Anthony Fisher, the Roman Catholic archbishop of Sydney, said in a pre-Easter message. “Some have been devastating. But eventually they pass.”
Australia, like neighbouring New Zealand, has fewer infections than many countries and the pace of infections in both nations has slowed dramatically in the past week.
On Friday, New Zealand began moving citizens to compulsory quarantine on their return from overseas, as it steps up efforts to battle the virus halfway through a four-week nationwide lockdown.
Its new infections rose 23 to stand at 1,015, with a second virus death recorded.
In Tasmania, police will use helicopters to spot unnecessary travel, Premier Peter Gutwein said, as part of a state-wide blitz.
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“Today the gloves come off,” Gutwein added. “We are going to police this. The period of education is over.”


huffingtonpost--2020-04-07--Dominic Raab: Everything You Need To Know About Britain's New De Facto PM

While the role of prime minister is the dream of every ambitious politician , none would want to take the reins of government in the way Dominic Raab did on Monday night .
The foreign secretary found himself de facto leader of the country after Boris Johnson was taken into intensive care due to the worsening of his coronavirus symptoms .
As soon as the news broke , a No.10 spokesperson confirmed Raab would “ deputise where necessary ” and on Tuesday he would dial in to cabinet and lead at one of the most turbulent times in modern history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of the last month trying to get Britons repatriated from various far-flung corners of the globe amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The intricacies of negotiating border closures , grounded planes and stubborn international authorities has seen the Foreign Office come under increasing pressure to get its stranded citizens home , PA Media reports .
But , in his dual role as first secretary of state , Raab will take on the added responsibility of caretaker prime minister while his boss , Boris Johnson , is unable to lead the country from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in central London .
Upon being appointed foreign secretary last summer , Raab was soon thrust into handling the transatlantic fallout over the death of British teenager Harry Dunn , who was killed when his motorbike crashed into a car outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27 last year .
The fact Dunn ’ s parents tried to heckle Raab at a constituency hustings event was indicative of how well the family felt he dealt with obtaining justice for their son .
By then , he had already established himself as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election to the seat of Esher and Walton in David Cameron ’ s sweeping Conservative victory of 2010 .
He said he would “ probably not ” describe himself as a feminist , and rarely strayed from his dedication to leaving the European Union .
The former Brexit secretary ’ s relentless commitment to the cause even led to him saying he would keep open the option of suspending parliament in order to prevent MPs blocking it .
The former Foreign Office lawyer , who studied law at Oxford and for a Masters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Czech-born Jewish refugee who fled the Nazis in 1938 .
Raab has denied claims , made by his former diary secretary , that he insisted on the same Pret a Manger lunch every day .

While the role of prime minister is the dream of every ambitious politician, none would want to take the reins of government in the way Dominic Raab did on Monday night.
The foreign secretary found himself de facto leader of the country after Boris Johnson was taken into intensive care due to the worsening of his coronavirus symptoms.
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As soon as the news broke, a No.10 spokesperson confirmed Raab would “deputise where necessary” and on Tuesday he would dial in to cabinet and lead at one of the most turbulent times in modern history.
The 46-year-old foreign secretary has spent much of the last month trying to get Britons repatriated from various far-flung corners of the globe amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The intricacies of negotiating border closures, grounded planes and stubborn international authorities has seen the Foreign Office come under increasing pressure to get its stranded citizens home, PA Media reports.
But, in his dual role as first secretary of state, Raab will take on the added responsibility of caretaker prime minister while his boss, Boris Johnson, is unable to lead the country from the intensive care unit at St Thomas’ hospital in central London.
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Upon being appointed foreign secretary last summer, Raab was soon thrust into handling the transatlantic fallout over the death of British teenager Harry Dunn, who was killed when his motorbike crashed into a car outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27 last year.
The fact Dunn’s parents tried to heckle Raab at a constituency hustings event was indicative of how well the family felt he dealt with obtaining justice for their son.
Raab also had to manage the thorny issue of repatriating children of British jihadis.
By then, he had already established himself as an uncompromising figure in politics following his election to the seat of Esher and Walton in David Cameron’s sweeping Conservative victory of 2010.
He said he would “probably not” describe himself as a feminist, and rarely strayed from his dedication to leaving the European Union.
The former Brexit secretary’s relentless commitment to the cause even led to him saying he would keep open the option of suspending parliament in order to prevent MPs blocking it.
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In fact, Raab memorably quit his cabinet role in protest against Theresa May’s doomed plan to leave the bloc in November 2018.
The former Foreign Office lawyer, who studied law at Oxford and for a Masters at Cambridge, is the son of a Czech-born Jewish refugee who fled the Nazis in 1938.
He was brought up in Buckinghamshire and is married to Erika.
Raab has denied claims, made by his former diary secretary, that he insisted on the same Pret a Manger lunch every day.
The “Dom Raab special” apparently consists of a chicken Caesar and bacon baguette, superfruit pot and a vitamin volcano smoothie.
The karate black belt and father to two boys played up his image as a Brexit hardman during the 2019 Tory leadership race, but failed to progress to the final two.
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huffingtonpost--2020-03-12--Ireland To Close All Schools, Colleges And Childcare Facilities

Irish premier Leo Varadkar has announced that all schools , colleges and childcare facilities in Ireland will close until March 29 as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak .
The new measures will come into force at 6 p.m. local time Thursday until March 29 .
On Wednesday , an elderly woman became the first person diagnosed with coronavirus in Ireland to die .
Varadkar said indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor meetings of more than 500 people should be canceled .
Anyone entering Ireland will be informed of the measures and asked to self-isolate if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Working from home will be encouraged but where people do congregate in offices break times should be “ staggered.
” Meetings should be done remotely but restaurants , cafes and other businesses can stay open .
Varadkar said : “ People should seek to reduce social interactions as much as possible.
” The announcement comes as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to accept that the coronavirus outbreak can no longer be contained in the UK , signalling the start of the next phase in the battle against the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting at lunchtime where ministers are expected to agree to move into the “ delay ” stage of the process .
Moving to delay would mean social distancing measures could be brought in , such as restricting public gatherings and issuing more widespread advice to stay at home .
The expected shift in UK policy comes as Donald Trump dramatically escalated the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic , slapping a travel ban on many countries in continental Europe .
The suspension of travel between the United States and Europe – excluding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 days starting Friday .
Trump made the announcement in an Oval Office address to the nation , blaming the European Union for not acting quickly enough to address the outbreak of the virus and saying US clusters were “ seeded ” by European travelers .

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Irish premier Leo Varadkar has announced that all schools, colleges and childcare facilities in Ireland will close until March 29 as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The new measures will come into force at 6pm on Thursday until March 29.
On Wednesday an elderly woman became the first person diagnosed with coronavirus in Ireland to die.
Varadkar said indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor meetings of more than 500 people should be cancelled.
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Teaching will be done online or remotely. State-run “cultural institutions” will close.
Anyone entering Ireland will be informed of the measures and asked to self-isolate if they are displaying symptoms, the Irish premier added.
Working from home will be encouraged but where people do congregate in offices break times should be “staggered”.
Meetings should be done remotely but restaurants, cafes and other businesses can stay open.
Varadkar said: “People should seek to reduce social interactions as much as possible.”
PA
It comes as Boris Johnson is expected to accept that the coronavirus outbreak can no longer be contained in the UK, signalling the start of the next phase in the battle against Covid-19.
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The prime minister will chair a Cobra meeting at lunchtime where ministers are expected to agree to move into the “delay” stage of the process.
Moving to delay would mean social distancing measures could be brought in, such as restricting public gatherings and issuing more widespread advice to stay at home.
The expected shift in UK policy comes as Donald Trump dramatically escalated the US response to the coronavirus pandemic, slapping a travel ban on continental Europe.
The suspension of travel between the United States and Europe – excluding the UK and Ireland – will last for 30 days starting on Friday.
Trump made the announcement in an Oval Office address to the nation, blaming the European Union for not acting quickly enough to address the outbreak of the virus and saying US clusters were “seeded” by European travellers.
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