Latest news with #Blue
Yahoo
an hour ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘They never expected it to succeed': Sweetwater WASP Museum celebrates 20 years honoring WWII pilots
ABILENE, Texas () – Looking back in history to World War II, the Women Airforce Service Pilots were superheroes of aviation. They were the first women to fly U.S. military aircraft, and most of them trained in the Big Country, at Avenger Field in Nolan County. This year, the WASP Museum is celebrating 20 years of honoring these pioneers who blazed through the skies more than 80 years ago. Iowa veteran cycles 800+ miles to Sweetwater to honor WASP program It was 1942 when women stepped up to the cockpit during the war, marking the start of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots, or WASP. Lisa Taylor is the executive director at the WASP Museum. She taught history for many years, and after moving to Sweetwater and taking a peek inside the museum, she was fascinated by their story, one she said she wished she could have taught her students. 'We talked about the Tuskegee and the Navajo Code Talkers, and I tried to bring in all the facets of World War II because there was so much to it. But I had never heard of these women. We talked about Rosie the Riveter,' Taylor said. 'Not only were they just fighting the barriers of being in the army, Air Corps, but just societal barriers as well, because everyone mistrusted their motivation.' Taylor said she connected with the more than 1,100 female pilots and their resilience. 'It was like, okay, we just can't make it without women. We should start this experimental program. Right. They never expected it to succeed,' Taylor said. 'It was harder as pilots. That was the one area that the government seemed really bent on keeping women out.' WASPs come home to Avenger Field 80 years later With little to no resources, the women had to find their own means to get a pilot's license and also travel to Sweetwater for training. They were given hand-me-down uniforms that the men wore, which were often too big for most women and posed a safety hazard. Jacqueline Cochran, director of the WASP, changed the masculine camouflage to a standout 'Santiago' that still leaves an impact on the U.S. Air Force today. 'Legend has it that she went back and told her, ladies, my girls are not going to wear that dreadful [army green] color,' Taylor said. 'That was how Blue got introduced into the Army Air Corps. That was the first time there was blue. So, I think that we can credit Jackie Cochran with that.' One woman who inspired her was Betty Blake. She was a flight instructor based in Hawaii with 360 hours of flight time. By the time she finished the program, she had 3,600 hours. Blake, among many of the other women, faced societal backlash and disbelief for their service. Taylor said Blake was arrested due to her uniform having pants when she had to make a pit stop from a flight due to weather. 'Betty Blake, being arrested for wearing pants, this was what they were dealing with because of the scandalous for a woman to be in public in pants like that. They could be denied meals in a restaurant on nights in a hotel room,' Taylor said. 'She inspired us': Dyess AFB pilots continue WASPS legacy When the program ended in 1944 and the men started to return from war, the WASP returned to their everyday lives, not receiving recognition until more than 30 years later, and being delayed from a return to the skies because of their gender. 'None of the women who had joined the workforce during World War II really got to stay. I mean, the men came home, and they left. It became this 'Hey, that was really nice of you, but we're back,' Taylor explained. 'For a lot of women, it was so hard. They got out and they were determined to find professional jobs in aviation, and they applied to all the commercial airlines, all the private airlines, and they were just told no again and again and again.' 17 WASP have their ashes spread across the Avenger Field as part of a new memorial garden featured outside of the museum. The museum in Sweetwater is the only one dedicated solely to the WWII WASP veterans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Wire
TD Invests in the Growth of Cricket with New Grassroots Programs Across Canada
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cricket continues to gain momentum in Canada—from grassroots fields to the international stage—and this summer, TD is proud to celebrate the sport's growth with community-focused programs and events, developed in collaboration with Boundaries North and Cricket Canada, to inspire the next generation of players. 'The Blue Jays Cricket Day at the Park and the TD Young Wickets are all about introducing the sport to more Canadians and we are proud to be a part of creating opportunities for young players to discover the game.' The summer kicks off with the Toronto Blue Jays TM hosting Cricket Day at the Park presented by TD on Saturday, May 31 at Rogers Centre. As part of TD's sponsorship with the Blue Jays™, the event invites baseball fans to explore the connections between cricket and baseball while celebrating Canada's growing cricket culture. Following Cricket Day at the Park, TD will officially launch TD Young Wickets. The national program offers free, in-person sessions in select communities across Canada, introducing young players to cricket through fun, inclusive, and skills-based instruction. "It is an honour to work alongside Cricket Canada to help bring cricket to more communities across Canada,' said Michael Armstrong, Vice President, North American Brand and Corporate Sponsorship. 'The Blue Jays Cricket Day at the Park and the TD Young Wickets are all about introducing the sport to more Canadians and we are proud to be a part of creating opportunities for young players to discover the game.' In addition to the in-person clinics, TD Young Wickets will offer a series of free virtual coaching sessions, led by a team of internationally accredited coaches. These sessions will give players and coaches from coast-to-coast access to high-quality training and insights. The launch of TD Young Wickets comes as Canada prepares to host the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Regional Qualifier on June 15 —a pivotal moment for the Canadian Men's National Team as they pursue a second-ever World Cup appearance. TD's summer celebration of cricket reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting sport as a platform for connection, confidence, and community. Boundaries North is dedicated to promoting and supporting the growth of cricket in Canada, aiming to make it a leading sport that unites communities and inspires the next generation of players and fans. Through innovative partnerships, events, and grassroots programs, Boundaries North is working to make cricket accessible and exciting for all Canadians.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Carlisle United prospect makes non-league switch
Former Carlisle United prospect Cameron Salkeld has made FA Trophy finalists Spennymoor Town his latest destination. The midfielder has joined the National League North club ahead of the 2025/26 season. Advertisement It follows his departure from fellow sixth-tier club Darlington. Salkeld, who came through the youth side at Carlisle and made two first-team appearances, scoring once, had been with Darlo for the last two years. Now he makes the switch to another north east outfit. Spennymoor boss Graeme Lee has welcomed the arrival of the former Blue to the Brewery Field. 'The way Cam plays the game suits us down to the ground,' said Lee in a club statement. 'I've said it numerous times that we're at our best when we play with real intensity, and Cam does that with his work rate and the distances he covers during games. Advertisement 'He is full of running, has great ability, good experience and can play in a few different roles so he's someone we're delighted to be adding to our squad for 2025/26.' Salkeld's two senior outings for Carlisle came in the EFL Trophy under Keith Curle in the 2016/17 campaign. He made his debut at 17 as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers' Under-21s in October 2016 before, a month later, coming off the bench to score in a 4-2 win over Fleetwood Town. He also impressed for United's youth team as they reached the fourth round in the same season. He moved on from Carlisle in 2018 and has since had spells at Gateshead, Greenock Morton, Ayr United and Clyde before joining Darlington in 2023. Spennymoor finished ninth in National League North last season as well as reaching the FA Trophy final, where they lost 3-0 to Aldershot Town at Wembley.
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Chocolate fans baffled after realising 'Blue Ribbon's' real name
Chocolate fans have only just realised that Blue Riband has been the correct name for their favourite wafer biscuit bar for the last 80 or so years Chocolate lovers have been scratching their heads in confusion after learning the true pronunciation of a much-loved wafer biscuit bar. For ages, enthusiasts assumed that Nestle's Blue Riband was said like 'Blue Ribbon'. Meanwhile, there's been a fierce debate on whether it should sound like 'Ribbund' or 'Ri-band'. An old TV advert from 1985 settled the argument by declaring the bar should be called Blue 'Ribbund', avoiding the 'band' pronunciation in the famous confectionery's name. Originally released in 1936 by Gray Dunn and later taken over by Rowntree's, the brand was snapped up by Nestle in 1988. It has since become a staple in households due to its tasty combination of four layers of thin wafer with a sumptuous praline filling, all enrobed in velvety milk chocolate. Nonetheless, numerous individuals are adamant that the treat used to go by Blue 'Ribbon'. Social media has been abuzz as people air their astonishment regarding the bar's proper name. One Reddit post went viral when a user exclaimed: "Wait a minute... they aren't called 'Blue Ribbons'?" The replies were swift, with one correcting: "Nope, they're not. They've been called Blue Riband for about 80 odd years." A fellow poster joined in, saying, "I've always called them Blue Ribbons, you are not alone," A third admitted, "Had me fooled for 18 years," joining a chorus of bemused consumers. Brittany Miller, a TikTok sensation with 2.4 million followers, was left gobsmacked by the actual name of a popular chocolate bar during her latest grocery haul. One follower reacted to her discovery, saying: "I thought they were blue ribbon as well!". "Literally has this discussion the other day they where defo called blue ribbon," another chimed in. Another added their voice to the mix: "Yes blue ribbon! I also thought it was that!". On X, someone else expressed their astonishment: "I'm shook. For years I thought the lunchbox biscuit was called 'Blue Ribbon' when in actual fact it's 'Blue Riband'. "Nearly 18 and I never knew until today that it's Blue Riband not a Blue Ribbon. I'm shell shocked." However, those who got the name wrong aren't entirely to blame, as 'riband' actually means 'a ribbon'. Name aside, the chocolate remains beloved, and Nestle has just upped the ante by introducing a new Blue Riband flavour – a hazelnut bar. It's essentially the classic Blue Riband, known for its wafer layers enveloped in milk chocolate, but now with a creamy hazelnut filling to boot.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rochelle Humes' latest outfit is from the high street for under £50
From River Island to ASOS - here's where to buy the presenter's timeless outfit Rochelle Humes made a stylish return to This Morning this week, and fans have been begging for the details of her effortlessly chic outfit. Back on our screens for the first time since February, Rochelle looked polished and fresh as she co-hosted Wednesday's episode alongside Craig Doyle. Styled by Amber Jackson, Rochelle's ensemble was sleek, timeless and completely wearable. And the best part? Every item was from the high street and cost less than £50. Commenting on a video posted to Rochelle's TikTok account, fans wrote: 'Where is the shirt from please?', 'Obsessed with this outfit' and 'Do you have the jeans code, please?' Rochelle had opted for a crisp white wrap shirt from ASOS (£32), featuring long sleeves, a spread collar and a flattering wrap-front design. The shirt comes in sizes XS to L, and in the clip, her wardrobe team could be seen taking it in at the back for a more cinched in appearance. The 36-year-old added that she wanted to 'keep it really clean', and those clean lines, teamed with the oversized sleeves gave the look a really elevated feel — perfect for daytime TV but also easily styled for everyday wear. As for trousers, Rochelle appeared to break a long-standing style rule on set. 'There's a new rule, we didn't used to wear jeans but we can wear jeans now,' she revealed in the video. 'This is amazing news to me. So these are River Island, they're like a nice barrel cut.' The River Island Blue Seam Detail Balloon Leg Jeans cost £49 and added a cool and on-trend twist to the outfit. Balloon and barrel jeans have been everywhere on the high street and social media in recent months, offering a structured yet relaxed silhouette, however, the style isn't for everyone, with many still preferring straight or wide leg options. Available in petite, regular and long, Rochelle's jeans come in sizes 6-18 and are complete with pockets, belt loops and seam detailing. Elsewhere, Next has these Bleach Darted Knee Barrel 100% Cotton Jeans for £36, while New Look's Blue Washed Barrel Leg Jeans come in at £39.99. To finish the look, Rochelle slipped into Mango's Classic Heeled Mule Sandals in Chocolate. Coming in at £35.99, they boast a glossy, patent effect and slingback fastening, adding the perfect amount of glam for a Wednesday morning. What I love most about Rochelle's outfit is how these pieces can be worn with practically anything this season. Rochelle is a master of the effortless chic capsule wardrobe, with her white shirt versatile enough to pair with leather trousers for date night, a cotton skirt for holiday, or tailored trousers for the office. Meanwhile, her jeans are a seriously hardworking piece, pairing well with more casual tops and dressy blouses alike, as well as knitwear in the colder months. All that's missing for these cooler spring days is a classic trench coat. Away from This Morning, the mum-of-three has been busy off-screen growing her brand empire — from My Little Coco to Cloud Matcha, the RH Group talent agency, and her podcast Ladies Who Launch. She's also released a curated edit of affordable high street style picks at Next, named The Rochelle Series. Shoppers can expect 'masterfully crafted silhouettes' in muted shades, with a neutral colour palette being something of a signature look for the former Saturdays singer. There's a range of tailored two-piece suits and, of course, elevated everyday basics, all leaning into Rochelle's distinctly minimalist taste. Shoppers can explore the edit here.
