Evacuation flights leave Tenerife after cruise ship hantavirus outbreak

 On Sunday, a cruise ship that was hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak evacuated groups of passengers and crew to their home countries, where they will isolate in accordance with national protocols to stop the disease from spreading further. Government planes carrying Spanish and French nationals landed in Madrid and Paris, where the passengers were transported to hospitals, according to the two countries’ governments.

 One of the five French passengers showed symptoms during the repatriation flight, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on X.

 Planes to Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, the UK, Ireland, and the United States were due to depart by 8:30 local time on ​Sunday, with the final flights departing on Monday.

 Upon arrival, the passengers will undergo testing before either being transported home for isolation or taken to nearby hospitals or quarantine facilities. Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization's director of epidemic and pandemic management, stated in a briefing that the quarantine period for all passengers from the boat will begin on Sunday and last 42 days. 

According to the respective governments, the Spanish passengers will remain hospitalized for the full 42 days, whereas the French passengers will be allowed to self-isolate for 45 days after being hospitalized for 72 hours. Daily health checks—either at home or in a specialized facility—are our recommendation.

 Van Kerkhove stated, highlighting the virus's six-week incubation period, "Our recommendations are very clear. It's up to countries to develop their policies." 

"This isn't Covid," On May 2, while treating a British man who fell ill and was taken into intensive care, 21 days after another passenger had died, health officials in Johannesburg discovered the virus, which is typically spread by rodents but can also be transmitted person to person in rare cases of close contact. The man’s health has since improved, a WHO official said on Sunday.

 The WHO said the first passenger who ​died on the ship may have been infected before boarding, possibly during travel in Argentina and Chile.

 A WHO count from Friday indicates that eight people who are no longer on the ship have become ill, six of whom have been confirmed to have the virus. Three have died — a Dutch couple and a German national.

 In South Africa, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, four remain in the hospital. A group of medical professionals brought in by the British military are treating a suspected case on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha, a British overseas territory. Still, health officials urged calm, reminding a public scarred from the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic that this virus was far less contagious and posed little risk to the general population.

 After sharing a flight with one of the victims, a woman in Spain who was tested for the virus came back negative. “This is not Covid, ⁠and we don’t want to treat it like Covid,” acting US CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya said in an interview with CNN on Sunday, adding the 17 US passengers from the ship would be given the choice of isolating at home or at a facility in ​Nebraska.

 Spain’s health ministry also downplayed the risk to the broader population.  It added that rodents had not been detected aboard the ship.

 Crew, ship set to sail on to Netherlands

 After the WHO and the European Union asked the country to manage the evacuation of passengers after the outbreak was discovered, the luxury cruise ship set sail on Wednesday for Spain. Military buses took passengers from the ship to the shore in small boats and to the airport in Tenerife without coming into contact with the general public. 

On Monday evening, the ship will be disinfected in the Netherlands, where thirty crew members will remain on board. “Thank God we are all ​fine … I hope we’ll get through the quarantine process smoothly and be able to see family and friends again,” Turkish birdwatcher Emin Yogurtcuoglu, a passenger on the ship, wrote in a public post on Instagram.

 All passengers considered high-risk contacts: EU agency

 Europe’s public health agency said ‌ahead of the ship’s expected anchoring on Sunday off the Spanish island of Tenerife that all passengers on the cruise ship were considered high-risk contacts as ​a precautionary measure.

 The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) announced on Saturday that as part of its rapid scientific advice, passengers who do not exhibit symptoms will be repatriated by their respective countries via specially arranged transportation for self-quarantine rather than regular commercial flights. 

Although at disembarkation, passengers will be considered high-risk, not all will necessarily be considered high-risk upon return ​to their home ​countries, the ⁠ECDC said.

 The agency urged symptomatic passengers to be prioritised for medical assessment and testing ​on arrival, adding they may isolate in ​Tenerife ⁠or be medically evacuated home, depending on their condition.

 UK army in ‘daring’ parachute op to aid suspected Hantavirus patient

 Earlier on Sunday, British military personnel carried out an airborne operation to deliver urgent medical support for a suspected Hantavirus patient on a South Atlantic island, ministers said.

 An army specialist team parachuted onto the island of Tristan da Cunha, Britain’s most remote overseas territory, a defence ministry statement said.

 One of three British nationals diagnosed with suspected hantavirus linked to the outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship is on the island.

 The team of six paratroopers and two military clinicians, all from the 16 Air Assault Brigade, descended from a Royal Air Force (RAF) A400M transport aircraft “in a daring parachute drop”, the statement said.

 Vital oxygen supplies and other medical aid were air-dropped almost simultaneously.

 The urgent response came after confirmation by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Friday of a suspected infection in a British national on the island.

 Tristan da Cunha, a group of volcanic islands with a population of around 220 has no airstrip and is accessible only by boat.

 With oxygen supplies at critically low levels, officials said an airdrop was the only viable option to deliver care in time and support the island’s two-person medical team.

 Yvette Cooper, the foreign secretary, praised the armed forces for their "extraordinary operation." According to the statement, the drop involved a nearly 6,800-kilometer long-range flight from RAF Brize Norton in central England to Ascension Island and a further 3,000-kilometer flight to Tristan da Cunha.

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Gaza Flotilla Update: Two Activists Still Detained After "Cruel" Israeli Sea Raid

 

After Israeli forces intercepted the humanitarian mission on Thursday in international waters, we get a firsthand account of the violent raid, arrest, and detention of Global Sumud Flotilla members. We were held in a shipping container and barbed wire-lined makeshift prison. 

A lot of people were subjected to violent physical force. Hannah Smith, a member of the flotilla, recalls, "Over a third of the 56 aid-carrying vessels attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza were seized by the Israeli military.

 According to Smith, one boat "left sinking" necessitated the rescue of some flotilla members. In an Israeli prison, two members, Saif Abukeshek of Spain and Thiago Vila of Brazil, are currently being held without charge. 

Rania Batrice, a Palestinian American member of the Global Sumud Flotilla's communications team, states, "It is a favorite tactic of the Israeli regime to try to bully people into silence and submission, to threaten people, and they’ve gotten away with it for decades.

 According to Sally Issa, Abukeshek's wife, "he started a hunger strike, and he was treated very badly, so bad that all the activists on the boat could hear him scream. The arrests have been called "flagrantly illegal" by the governments of Brazil and Spain, and they are requesting the release of their citizens.

After being taken from their ships in international waters and brought to Israel for questioning, two members of a humanitarian aid flotilla headed for Gaza appeared in front of an Israeli court. Although no charges have been filed against either Brazilian Thiago Vila or Spanish national Saif Abukeshek, the court extended their sentences on Sunday by two days.

 Dragged face-down across the floor and beaten so severely that he passed out twice, vila told his lawyers, referring to the brutal treatment he had received following his abduction. The beating left him with visible bruises on his face.  A hunger strike has begun by vila and keshek.

 Democracy Now! aired just before the broadcast. spoke with Sally Issa, the wife of Keshek. She is in Spain, in Barcelona. Keshek is Swedish and Spanish at the same time. SALLY ISSA: Okay, so I'm Sally. I am the wife of Saif Abukeshek. 

Saif Abukeshek was a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was on a mission to end the illegal siege on the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid to the people living there. More than 175 activists and civilians from all over the world were kidnapped when the Israeli military marines attacked the flotilla outside of the Greek island Crete in international waters. 

They held them hostage and later released them to the Greek police. My husband Saif and his companion Thiago, on the other hand, were held hostage by them, and they later took them to Israel against their will. 

We have numerous testimonials regarding the execution of the interception. It must have been extremely violent, and the activists were not treated well. We saw a lot of pictures of the activists who were freed in Greece, where they had broken noses and ribs and had to go to the hospital with more than 30 people. Additionally, they described what happened to my husband Saif when they were taken hostage on the flotilla. 

As a result, it has been extremely violent, and Saif was placed in a cell on the boat alone. He started a hunger strike, and he was treated very badly. He was treated so badly that all of the activists on the boat could hear him yelling as he made his way to Greece. 

My husband is currently in Israel. He and Thiago are being questioned by them. They went to the court yesterday, and they were granted a two-day extension to their interrogation. Yes, we are also calling on all governments in the world to get involved, free Saif and Thiago, and end the ongoing genocide and illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip.

That was Sally Issa, the Palestinian activist Saif Abukeshek's wife, according to AMY GOODMAN. During Israel's raid on the flotilla on Thursday, which was sailing off the coast of Greece, he and Thiago vila were among an estimated 175 activists who were coerced out of their humanitarian aid ships.

 On the Greek island of Crete, all of the other activists were transferred to a port. "This flagrantly illegal action by the Israeli authorities outside of their jurisdiction constitutes a violation of international law," the governments of Spain and Brazil wrote in a joint statement. 

On Sunday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez gave a speech. PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SÁNCHEZ: [translated] Now that Netanyahu has done this, abducting foreign citizens — one of them is Spanish — and taking him to Israel, I say several things to Prime Minister Netanyahu.  

First, Spain will always safeguard its citizens. The second is our unwavering commitment to upholding international law. Additionally, this is a brand-new breach of international law. And the third is we want the release of the Spanish citizen, who has been illegally abducted by Netanyahu’s government.

 AMY GOODMAN: In the meantime, Middle East Eye reports that Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the kidnapping and detention of Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Vila, who were aboard the humanitarian boat that was flying the Italian flag. Two guests are joining us for more. Rania Batrice, a Palestinian American activist who works on the Global Sumud Flotilla's communications team, is here with us in New York. 

Hannah Smith, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla public affairs team who was on the flotilla when Israeli forces attacked the ships, will join us in Crete, Greece. Let's start with you, Hannah. So Israel has detained these two Sumud activists, and we have heard their accounts of what happened to them. What took place to you? 

HANNAH SMITH: As a result, this completely astonished us. Our communication went down Thursday night. Our internet went out. The majority of us assumed it was merely a technical issue. However, speedboats soon surrounded us, switching on and off their lights. We were very confused.  

We weren't sure if anyone was just playing with us. The Israeli Navy was self-identified when one of these boats approached us. They were shooting guns at us. They were shooting lasers at us. Our hands were in the air. They instructed us to move to the front of the boat and threatened us with death. They left us for a while before returning and getting on the boat. 

They took us very quickly to an Israeli naval vessel and held us there for nearly two days. We were imprisoned in a container prison constructed from shipping containers and barbed wire. A lot of people were subjected to violent physical force. We were denied access to adequate water.  Sanitary supplies were not available to us.

 Additionally, the day after our interception, Saif was committed to solitary confinement, causing us all great anxiety. Because he is Palestinian, we anticipated that this genocidal regime would target him. We were also held there. The nights were very chilly. Jackets were taken from people. When I pushed for one of the participants, a doctor, who had been pacing for two hours trying to stay warm, she was wearing a short-sleeve shirt that was damp and cold, like 50 degrees. 

When I pushed for blankets, there were a lot of them in the sleeping area. After that, we had a dozen people running around, trying to keep warm and avoid hypothermia. When we started to mobilize for the release of six people who were being held in solitary confinement, the cruelty got worse. One of these people was Saif. 

We mobilized, and then we refused to leave the vessel without them. We mobilized in this sense. We started shouting, "Free our comrades," and banging on the walls. We were so concerned about their safety, you know. We knew that we didn't want to leave without them even though we weren't told which vessel we would be transferred to when we were informed that we would be transported to another vessel. 

As a result, when we nonviolently resisted by saying, "We're not going to leave without them," many people were beaten. Dragged, many people were. I spent many hours in a stressful position. I said no to going on the first boat. I negotiated getting back on the Greek Coast Guard boat from the Israeli vessel. I also heard beatings among people.

 I could hear screaming. People were being dragged around, I heard. Additionally, it was truly horrifying. We are aware that their hatred of the Palestinian people is the source of the cruelty they have shown us. We are also aware that this flagrant violation of international law, which occurred over 600 nautical miles from Gaza, was brought about as a result of our allowing so many violations in Gaza and the genocide to continue.

 Therefore, while our experience was extremely cruel, it was only a small fraction of what Palestinians in Gaza endure. After that, as I was on the last boat to disembark, we discovered that Saif had not been released and that Thiago was still aboard. We talked to the Greek Coast Guard about it. We attempted to convince them to intervene and do whatever was necessary to prevent that vessel from leaving Greek waters. 

These individuals were taken and brought into Greek waters. The Greek government should have stepped in, but they did not. After that, we were taken to the Greek port, where a lot of people were waiting to be admitted to a hospital and receive medical care. Several people suffered broken ribs. Two people sustained unconscious beatings. Many people had head injuries. 

People's genitals were kicked repeatedly. I honestly had no idea the level of violence that we witnessed. On this flotilla, many of us had no intention of even making it all the way to Gaza. Along the way, we stopped at other places. As a result, this came as a complete surprise and was a flagrant violation of international law. I believe that we should all not only condemn it, but also take concrete steps to stop it and hold the Israeli occupation government and all of its enablers accountable. 

AMY GOODMAN: Hannah, some of your coworkers had to be rescued from a sinking ship. Yes, Hannah Smith. Therefore, the Israeli occupation Navy only attacked one vessel. Tam Tam was the name of that ship. And since I haven't even been able to talk to the people on board, I can't tell you everything they've gone through. 

However, they were indeed abandoned on a sinking vessel. They were able to be found and rescued by Open Arms, one of our support vessels in Crete providing medical and mechanical assistance to the fleet. However, this is absolutely horrifying, I mean. The European waters where this occurred are the subject of our discussion. So, how many ships were there? 

AMY GOODMAN: And are some still planning to go to Gaza? Thus, there were 56 vessels prior to the Israeli attack, according to Hannah Smith. 21 were snatched from them. One of them left a sinking. Thus, we now have 34 vessels in Crete. Therefore, our current strategy is to regroup. We want to evaluate the circumstance. 

We want to evaluate the risks and our strategies. We want to unite as a movement and begin preparing for the next steps. Therefore, at this time, we do not intend to travel to Gaza immediately; however, we do intend to meet and discuss what we believe to be the most efficient means for continuing our efforts to end Israel's illegal siege on Gaza, halt the genocide, and free our colleagues Saif and Thiago. 

AMY GOODMAN: So, Batrice, Rania Batrice, if you could talk about the significance of the two activists, one Spanish-Swedish activist named Saif and the other Brazilian — you can't help but think that Spain and Brazil have been among the nations that have been most critical of Israel — if they are being used as an example, and what exactly is happening to them in Israel right now, what do you understand?

RANIA BATRICE: Yeah, so I definitely think that's part of what's going on here, at least in part. Saif and Thiago, on the other hand, have been very outspoken advocates and activists. For a long time, Thiago has been on several flotilla missions. Obviously, Saif and Thiago are also involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla's leadership. Therefore, I believe that multiple factors are at play here. 

The Israeli regime's favorite strategy is to use threats and intimidation to force people into silence and submission, and they have been able to get away with it for decades. As Hannah mentioned, they're doing it again, this time in international waters, more than 600 nautical miles from Gaza's coast. 

AMY GOODMAN: In April, as the Global Sumud Flotilla began its journey to Gaza, we did speak with Saif Abukeshek. From one of the humanitarian aid ships in the Mediterranean Sea, he spoke to us. 

SAIF ABUKESHEK: When countries like Spain decide to vote on a military embargo to prevent these kinds of ships from going through the Mediterranean and trying to find other ports, they don't declare the contents of what they have on the cargo, and they just sail to maintain and enable the Israeli government by providing them with the necessary materials to continue committing genocide and maintaining the illegal siege on Gaza.

 It's very important to talk about how this siege is being enabled. People must respond. When they do nothing, governments are allowing this to happen. 

That is Saif Abukeshek, according to AMY GOODMAN. We want to turn now to a June 2017 speech delivered by Brazilian activist Thiago Vila aboard a second Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla. Israeli forces also carried out a violent raid on the flotilla.

THIAGO VILA: As a result, I come from a place where imperialism is always in charge. The United States supported both of the military coups that my nation experienced. Therefore, it is essential that we comprehend that Zionism and imperialism are the greatest evils of our time and must be defeated wherever possible. And Palestine is now the strategic place for all peoples to unite and fight against oppression, exploitation and the destruction of nature.

 They've been threatening us for a very, very long time. They have threatened any flotilla mission that has attempted to reach Gaza for 17 years. However, we will not comply with their threats. We do not need their permission.

 AMY GOODMAN: As we come to an end, Thiago Avila is Rania Batrice. We were also informed by Saif Abukeshek. if you are able to discuss the current situation? It appears that they will be brought back before the court. You’ve been with the Global Sumud Flotilla and the flotillas before, representing them here.

 Yes, RANIA BATRICE. As you mentioned, they have had one hearing, at which they apparently extended their detention by two days. Still, neither of them has been indicted on any charges. They are going on, and Thiago's wife informed me that he was finally able to see a doctor. He feels better now. They are both continuing their hunger strike. As a result, we are engaged in a waiting game in which Israel controls everything, including their access to legal counsel. 

AMY GOODMAN: Hannah Smith will be my final guest. You joined this flotilla for what reason?

 HANNAH SMITH: I think that the reason I went was the same as the reason a lot of us went. We were tired of standing by and watching injustice and impunity continue. We wanted to do the right thing, stand up for justice and humanity, love the Palestinian people, and see that Palestine and Gaza are a frontline in the global fight against oppression, injustice, and dominance.

 I would also go back. I believe that many of us would, given that this is something that every citizen, regardless of whether they are on land or sea, should be doing: standing up for Palestine and for justice. 

AMY GOODMAN: I should also mention that when we spoke with Saif Abukeshek, he was aboard the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise, where he was providing technical support and accompanying the flotilla for a portion of the journey in solidarity. I'd like to express my gratitude to Rania Batrice of the Global Sumud Flotilla and Hannah Smith of that flotilla for being here with us. She is addressing us from Crete. The most recent information on the Iranian war and the Strait of Hormuz follows. We will talk to Trita Parsi. [break]

 AMY GOODMAN: The Resistance Revival Chorus' performance of "Everybody Deserves to Be Free" at Town Hall in September for the Voices of Gaza.

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Love is Blind's Brittany Speaks Out on Devonta’s Surprising Dating History

Love is Blind Season 10: Brittany Wicker Admits Devonta Wasn’t Her Usual "Type" After First Meeting

SPOILER ALERT: The following contains major details regarding Episodes 1-6 of "Love is Blind" Season 10, currently streaming on Netflix.

A full year has passed since the cameras stopped rolling on "Love is Blind" Season 10, but for the cast, the real drama is just beginning. As episodes finally hit Netflix, stars like Brittany Wicker are seeing for the first time what their partners really thought when the pod doors swung open.

One of the most talked-about moments from the first batch of episodes involves Brittany’s initial reaction to her fiancé, Devonta Anderson. While the emotional connection was undeniable in the pods, the physical "reveal" brought a moment of silent realization for the 33-year-old labor and delivery nurse.

Physical Reality vs. Pod Expectations

When Brittany stepped out in her "sky-high" heels to meet Devonta face-to-face, the height difference was immediately apparent. While the embrace was warm, Brittany confessed to producers shortly after that Devonta’s stature wasn't exactly what she had visualized while talking through a wall.

"What I was expecting was probably a little bit bigger. He's shorter than I thought he would be," Brittany admitted in a private confessional.

"Not My Usual Type"

In a moment of refreshing (if not slightly brutal) honesty, Brittany noted that if she had spotted Devonta at a bar, he likely wouldn't have caught her eye.

• The Physique Factor: Brittany expected a "bigger" presence.

• The "Bar" Test: She admitted he isn't the archetype she typically pursues in the real world.

• The Silver Lining: Despite the physical surprise, Brittany doubled down on her emotional commitment, insisting, "I don't care!"

This "behind-the-scenes" honesty is a staple of the social experiment, proving once again that while the heart finds a match in the pods, the eyes still have to adjust to the reality of the reveal. As the season progresses, fans are eager to see if this initial physical disconnect creates hurdles for the couple as they head toward the altar. 

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Honey Trap New Hindi Web Series 2026 - Latest Hindi Web Series

 Webseries : Honey Trap

Star Cast : Hiral Radadiya, Anoop Singh Rana, Ankush Rampal
Director : Sumit Sagar

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Indian New Web Series 2026 - My Mom's Boyfriend

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Love Island USA season 6 Episode 34 - watch online : Shocking Revelations and the Final Four!

 

Love Island USA Season 6 continues to heat up, and episode 34 throws some major curveballs that leave the Islanders (and viewers!) speechless. With the finale approaching, tensions are high, feelings are deepening, and shocking revelations threaten to tear some couples apart.

Recap and Analysis: Love Island USA S6 EP 34

• Final Four: The episode kicks off with a bombshell announcement: a public vote will determine the final four couples. This twist throws the villa into chaos as Islanders scramble to solidify their connections.

• Truth Bombs: The iconic "Spill the Tea" challenge returns, forcing Islanders to answer juicy questions about each other. This leads to hilarious moments and some surprising confessions that expose hidden feelings and past connections.

• Couple Crossroads: The truth bombs leave some couples questioning their compatibility. We see cracks appear in seemingly strong relationships, while unexpected sparks fly between others.

• Shocking Revelation: A bombshell text arrives, revealing a secret some Islanders have been keeping hidden. This revelation rocks the villa and threatens to send a popular couple packing.

• Re-coupling Frenzy: With the final four vote looming, Islanders have a chance to re-couple with anyone they desire. This episode's re-coupling ceremony is sure to be dramatic, with hearts broken and alliances tested.

Who Will Make it to the Finals?

Episode 34 leaves viewers with a cliffhanger: who will survive the public vote and make it to the final four? Fans are buzzing with speculation, with popular couples like [insert couple names] seemingly threatened by the surprise twist.

• Fan Favorites: Analyze which couples are considered the frontrunners and why viewers support them.

• Blindsided Islanders: Discuss the couples who might be vulnerable due to the public vote and the potential for a shocking elimination.

• The "Spill the Tea" Challenge: This iconic segment is a fan favorite. Consider creating a separate section dedicated to the most shocking revelations and their potential impact.

• Predicting the Re-coupling: Speculate on how the truth bombs and public vote might influence the Islanders' decisions during the re-coupling ceremony.

• Social Media Buzz: Love Island USA is known for its passionate fanbase. Discuss how the episode's events are likely to play out on social media, with audience reactions and potential spoilers.

Here are the "People also search for" queries turned into sentences:

• Craving more Love Island USA drama? You can watch season 6 online! (Insert link to streaming service if allowed)

• Wondering when the summer of love began? Love Island USA season 6 premiered on June 11, 2024.

• Can't get enough of the Islanders? Dive into the bios and stories of the Love Island USA season 6 cast.

• Looking for a specific episode? Find a complete list of Love Island USA season 6 episodes online.

• Missed episode 25? Catch up on the drama and see what went down!

• Unsure how many episodes are in the season? Find out exactly how many episodes of Love Island USA season 6 are out so far.

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Nail the Celebration: 1000 Creative Ideas for Your 4th of July Manicure

The 4th of July is a time for fireworks, barbecues, and celebrating freedom. But what better way to add a touch of festivity to your look than with a show-stopping manicure? Whether you're a nail art aficionado or a casual polisher, there's a perfect 4th of July nail design waiting for you.

This guide dives into the vibrant world of patriotic nail art, offering inspiration for every skill level. From classic red, white, and blue to trendy twists and unexpected themes, get ready to unleash your inner nail artist and celebrate the holiday in style!

Classic with a Twist: Reimagining the Stars and Stripes

The stars and stripes are timeless symbols of American pride. Here's how to incorporate them into your manicure with a modern touch:

• Subtle Stripes: For a minimalist approach, paint thin white stripes on a red base. Add a single, tiny blue star on an accent finger for a touch of whimsy.

• Diagonal Delight: Ditch the horizontal stripes and opt for a diagonal French manicure. Use red and white polish for the tips, creating a dynamic and eye-catching design.

• Sparkling Stars: Love glitter? Paint your nails white and use stencils or freehand techniques to create sparkly blue stars. A glossy topcoat adds extra shine.

French Manicure Gets Patriotic:

The classic French manicure gets a patriotic makeover with a variety of color combinations:

• Red, White, and Blue Tips: Instead of the traditional white tip, alternate between red and blue on each finger for a playful twist.

• Starry Night French: Paint a white French tip and add a cluster of tiny blue stars towards the tip for a whimsical and elegant look.

• Glittery Celebration: Elevate your French manicure with a touch of sparkle. Paint the tips red and white with a glittery finish, adding a single blue star on an accent finger.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Nail Art Ideas

Feeling adventurous? Explore these unique and creative nail art ideas for the 4th of July:

• Fireworks Frenzy: Recreate the brilliance of fireworks on your nails! Use a black base coat and then paint splatters and bursts of red, white, and blue with a fine-tipped nail art brush.

• Patriotic Patchwork: Channel a quirky and playful vibe with a patchwork design. Paint each nail a different shade of red, white, and blue, creating a fun and unexpected look.

• Tie-Dye for Freedom: Embrace the summer vibes with a tie-dye manicure in red, white, and blue. This technique is surprisingly easy to achieve with a water marbling kit.

• Negative Space Stars: This design is perfect for beginners. Paint a white base coat and then use stencils or freehand techniques to create negative space stars in a contrasting color (red or blue).

• Confetti Celebration: Feeling festive? Paint your nails white and use red and blue nail art confetti to create a vibrant and celebratory look.

Subtle Sophistication: Patriotic Neutrals

Not a fan of bold colors? You can still celebrate the 4th of July with a subtle and sophisticated manicure:

• Nude with a Hint of Red: Paint your nails a neutral nude shade and add a thin red stripe near the tip for a touch of patriotism.

• Glitter Gradient: Create a subtle gradient effect using a white glitter polish at the base and transitioning to a clear polish at the tip. Add a single, tiny blue star on an accent finger.

• Metallic Accents: Opt for a metallic silver polish as your base coat. Use stencils or freehand techniques to create tiny blue stars in a contrasting color.

• Red and White Polka Dots: Paint your nails white and create playful polka dots in a subtle red shade.

Celebrating with Symbols: More Than Stars and Stripes

Showcase your American spirit with these alternative patriotic symbols:

• The Bald Eagle: This majestic bird is a powerful symbol of America. Use stencils or freehand techniques to recreate the eagle's silhouette on an accent nail.

• The Liberty Bell: Channel the spirit of freedom with a tiny Liberty Bell design. Paint a white base coat and then use a fine-tipped brush to create the recognizable bell shape in red or blue.

• Uncle Sam's Hat: This iconic symbol adds a touch of whimsy to your manicure. Paint your nails white and then use a red and blue polish to recreate the hat and its stripes.

Adding Sparkle and Shine: Finishing Touches

No matter your chosen design, elevate your 4th of July manicure with these finishing touches: 

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Blues Storm into Super Rugby Pacific Final with Dominant Win over Brumbies

 

The Auckland Blues booked their place in the Super Rugby Pacific championship match with a resounding 34-20 victory against the ACT Brumbies on Friday night. The win, achieved in Auckland amidst a downpour, marks the Blues' second time reaching the final in three years.

The Blues wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring a try within the first two minutes through TJ Lam. Their aggressive game plan continued throughout the first half, with the forwards laying a strong foundation for the backs to exploit. 

Beauden Barrett, the Blues' fly-half, orchestrated the attack with his signature flair, while Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke on the wings proved too much for the Brumbies' defense to handle. The Blues capitalized on their momentum, scoring four tries in the first 20 minutes to establish a commanding 27-13 lead by halftime.

The second half was a tighter affair, with both sides trading blows. However, the Blues managed to extend their lead further through a try by powerhouse No.8 Hoskins Sotutu, his 12th of the season. 

The Brumbies' cause wasn't helped by a yellow card shown to Nick Frost for a dangerous tackle in the 71st minute. Despite their fighting spirit, the Brumbies were unable to bridge the gap, and the Blues comfortably secured their place in the final.

The Blues' victory ensures an all-New Zealand affair in the Super Rugby Pacific final for the third year running. Their opponent will be determined by the outcome of tomorrow's semi-final between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs. If the Hurricanes win, the final will be held in Wellington. However, a Chiefs victory would see the championship match played at the Blues' home ground, Eden Park.

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I GET PROPOSALS EVERY DAY’ Stunning Instagram model Lindi Lee Nunziato, 36, spends £50k in bizarre bid to become a real-life Jessica Rabbit

Instagram Model Spends £53,000 to Transform Herself into Jessica Rabbit

Florida resident Lindi Lee Nunziato has amassed a social media following of millions by undergoing cosmetic surgery to resemble the sultry cartoon character Jessica Rabbit.

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Lindi Lee Nunziato started getting cosmetic surgery when she was just a teenager, but has warned others to think twice

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She aimed to transform herself from a small town girl into Jessica RabbitCredit: Jam Press

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Jessica Rabbit was the enhanced cartoon wife of Roger Rabbit in the 1988 Bob Hoskins classic animation 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?'Credit: Alamy

In the pictures, she shows off her figure which she obtained after spending a huge £53,000 on procedures, including three boob jobs.

She said that she is now reaping the benefits of her expensive surgery habit with free food and gifts from her huge army of online admirers.

However, she has warned young girls off copying her - urging them to 'do their research' before getting any cosmetic surgery.

From Small Town Girl to Instagram Star

The 36-year-old model has documented her transformation journey online, attracting over 3.4 million followers on Instagram. Nunziato has openly shared details about the various procedures she has undergone, including multiple breast augmentations, to achieve her desired look.

Financial Investment Reaps Rewards

While Nunziato acknowledges the significant cost of her cosmetic surgeries, exceeding £53,000, she maintains that the investment has yielded positive results.

 The large online fanbase she has cultivated brings her various benefits, including complimentary meals and gifts from her admirers.

Cautionary Tale for Young Girls

Despite the apparent perks of her social media fame, Nunziato urges young girls to carefully consider the potential consequences of cosmetic surgery.

 She emphasizes the importance of thorough research before undergoing any procedures and warns against making decisions solely for social media validation.

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has amassed a following of 3.4 million followers on Instagram since she began sharing racy images onlineCredit: Jam Press

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She said that she is now reaping the benefits of her expensive surgery habit with free food and gifts from her huge army of online admirersCredit: Jam Press

A Journey of Self-Improvement

Nunziato acknowledges that her surgeries began at a young age, influenced by her childhood fascination with Jessica Rabbit's appearance. However, she expresses overall satisfaction with her decision, highlighting the confidence boost and positive impact it has had on her life.

Building a Social Media Empire

Nunziato leverages her Instagram platform to connect with a global audience. Her dedication to fitness and glamorous persona have garnered significant attention, attracting marriage proposals and a loyal following. The financial rewards come not only from brand endorsements and modeling opportunities but also from her private subscription platform.

Maintaining a Balanced Life

While her appearance is a major focus, Nunziato emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle. She maintains a rigorous exercise routine, including daily cardio sessions and gym workouts. Despite the emphasis on her physical attributes, Nunziato highlights her eyes as her most cherished feature.

Family Support System

Nunziato acknowledges the grounding influence of her family. Her mother plays a crucial role in keeping her grounded and ensuring responsible decisions regarding further cosmetic procedures.

Finding Love

While currently single, Nunziato expresses a desire for a partner who understands and accepts her lifestyle choices.

Overall, the article offers a glimpse into the world of social media influencers who undergo cosmetic surgery to achieve a desired aesthetic. It highlights the potential benefits and drawbacks of such choices, along with the importance of self-acceptance and a balanced lifestyle.

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Nunziato said her family works hard at keeping her grounded - and she has never had any work on her faceCredit: Jam Press

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In the pictures, she shows off her figure which she obtained after spending a huge £53,000 on procedures, including three boob jobsCredit: Jam Press  

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