Latest news with #Fingers
News18
03-08-2025
- General
- News18
God understands us: Inside Nigerian church where deaf find faith, community
Lagos (Nigeria), Aug 3 (AP) It is like any other church in Nigeria's megacity of Lagos. A lectern faces rows of plastic chairs. A biblical quote is written on a beam above. There is a music section with a set of drums. Sash-wearing church wardens move around to enforce order. But it is also different. For hours, the only sounds are exclamations and thunderous bursts of drums, with their vibrations serving as cues for when to pray, kneel, or respond to the preacher's calls for 'Hallelujah." This is a church for deaf people in Somolu, a mixed-income suburb, where about 50 to 60 people worship weekly. Imoh Udoka, a father of two children, has attended the church for 36 years. He was 9 years old when he contracted meningitis, losing his hearing as well as access to his faith. Most churches in Nigeria do not have accommodation for deaf people. Then Udoka, now a teacher of sign language, discovered the church via community outreach. 'Here in this church, we have access to worship God in our sign language," he told The Associated Press. God also understands us' Remi Akinrenmi is one of the pastors. Every Sunday, he mounts the pulpit with charismatic energy to preach in American Sign Language. His big frame makes for a commanding presence. On one Sunday, he preached about the sinister consequences of jealousy. On another, he preached the importance of faith. Attendees waved their hands above their heads in response to 'Praise the Lord." Most important for Akinrenmi is that members see the church as a community. 'There was no community for us before the deaf church started," he said. 'Now, we see each other and say, Oh, you are deaf, too. I am also deaf.' And we are now together and have formed a community." God understands every language, he said: 'With sign language, God also understands us." Disability advocates say that in the absence of inclusive churches and institutions, churches like this and a handful of affiliates in southern Nigeria are crucial, especially in African societies where the perception of people with disabilities is influenced by traditional beliefs. Some see a disability as a divine punishment. 'An exclusive space like this church offers them an opportunity for a safe space to be able to connect and relate," said Treasures Uchegbu, founder of Speaking Fingers, a sign language advocacy group in Lagos. 'They can say, I am not a deaf person just standing alone, I have other deaf people around.'" How the church came to be The church organises evangelism outreach programs to other deaf communities in Lagos. It also runs a teaching unit for sign language, a vital tool for understanding the world better, according to Akinrenmi. Hearing children of church members also attend the classes to better relate to their parents and others, and some hearing students attend church services for immersion learning. The church started in 1956 in colonial Nigeria as the Christian Mission for Deaf Africans. In today's Nigeria, an estimated 10 million people out of the population of 220 million are deaf or have difficulty hearing. There is limited infrastructure in Nigeria for people with disabilities, and laws to improve their welfare and prevent discrimination are barely enforced. Efforts by advocates to push for more inclusive legislation have not materialised. They blame a lack of political will. Oluwakemi Oluwatoke-Ogunjirin, a 49-year-old worker with the Lagos state government, was born deaf. She attended hearing churches with her family, but always felt lost. Depending solely on public infrastructure in other parts of life, she struggles to get by. But at the church, she said, she has found a community where she can feel safe and understood. 'The church goes beyond faith; we have people like ourselves that we can talk to as friends," Oluwatoke-Ogunjirin said. With the church's help, she has improved her sign language and can communicate widely, breaking the isolation she grew up with. 'The sign language makes life very easy for us," she said. 'It helps us communicate beyond the church." (AP) SKS NSA NSA (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 03, 2025, 11:15 IST News agency-feeds God understands us: Inside Nigerian church where deaf find faith, community Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
03-08-2025
- General
'God understands us': Inside a Nigerian church where the deaf find faith and community
LAGOS, Nigeria -- It is like any other church in Nigeria 's megacity of Lagos. A lectern faces rows of plastic chairs. A biblical quote is written on a beam above. There is a music section, with a set of drums. Sash-wearing church wardens move around to enforce order. But it is also different. For hours, the only sounds are exclamations and thunderous bursts of drums, with their vibrations the cues for when to pray, kneel or respond to the preacher's calls for 'Hallelujah.' This is a church for deaf people in Somolu, a mixed-income suburb, where about 50 to 60 people worship weekly. Imoh Udoka, a father of two children, has attended the church for 36 years. He was 9 years old when he contracted meningitis, losing his hearing as well as access to his faith. Most churches in Nigeria do not have accommodation for deaf people. Then Udoka, now a teacher of sign language, discovered the church via community outreach. 'Here in this church, we have access to worship God in our sign language,' he told The Associated Press. Remi Akinrenmi is one of the pastors. Every Sunday, he mounts the pulpit with charismatic energy to preach in sign language. His big frame makes for a commanding presence. On one Sunday, he preached about the sinister consequences of jealousy. On another, he preached the importance of faith. Attendees waved their hands above their heads in response to 'Praise the Lord.' Most important for Akinrenmi is that members see the church as a community. 'There was no community for us before the deaf church started," he said. 'Now, we see each other and say, 'Oh, you are deaf, too. I am also deaf.' And we are now together and have formed a community.' God understands every language, he said: "With sign language, God also understands us.' Disability advocates say that in the absence of inclusive churches and institutions, churches like this and a handful of affiliates in southern Nigeria are crucial, especially in African societies where the perception of people with disabilities is influenced by traditional beliefs. Some see a disability as a divine punishment. 'An exclusive space like this church offers them an opportunity for a safe space to be able to connect and relate,' said Treasures Uchegbu, founder of Speaking Fingers, a sign language advocacy group in Lagos. 'They can say, 'I am not a deaf person just standing alone, I have other deaf people around.'" The church organizes evangelism outreach programs to other deaf communities in Lagos. It also runs a teaching unit for sign language, a vital tool for understanding the world better, according to Akinrenmi. Hearing children of church members also attend the classes to better relate to their parents and others, and some hearing students attend church services for immersion learning. The church started in 1956 in colonial Nigeria as the Christian Mission for Deaf Africans. In today's Nigeria, an estimated 10 million people out of the population of 220 million are deaf or have difficulty hearing. There is limited infrastructure in Nigeria for people with disabilities, and laws to improve their welfare and prevent discrimination are barely enforced. Efforts by advocates to push for more inclusive legislation have not materialized. They blame a lack of political will. Oluwakemi Oluwatoke-Ogunjirin, a 49-year-old worker with the Lagos state government, was born deaf. She attended hearing churches with her family but always felt lost. Depending solely on public infrastructure in other parts of life, she struggles to get by. But at the church, she said, she has found a community where she can feel safe and understood. 'The church goes beyond faith; we have people like ourselves that we can talk to as friends,' Oluwatoke-Ogunjirin said. With the church's help, she has improved her sign language and can communicate widely, breaking the isolation she grew up with. 'The sign language makes life very easy for us," she said. 'It helps us communicate beyond the church.'
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Sea creature with ‘traumatic past' spotted off California coast. See it feed
A 'well known' sea creature with a 'traumatic past' was spotted feeding off the coast of California. On June 29, Fingers, a humpback whale 'that has overcome' a vessel strike was seen 'strongly' feeding on anchovies with a group of 40 to 50 other whales, according to a Facebook post by the Monterey Bay Whale Watch. Fingers was hit by a boat sometime between their first sighting in 2006 and 2017, leaving them with 'dramatic' scars along their tail, even causing them to lose part of their fluke, the group said. The 'resilient' Fingers got their name after the 'healed cut edge of the left fluke from the ship propeller' resembled fingers, the group said. Although the group said it's 'incredible' to see how well Fingers is doing, whales 'should not have to experience these unfortunate ship strikes.' In addition to vessel strikes, humpback whales face threats including fishing gear entanglement and ocean noise, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Facebook users ran to the comments to share their thoughts on Fingers with one person saying, 'Great photos!' 'Wow!!,' another wrote. Monterey is about a 120-mile drive south from San Francisco.
Newsweek
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Golden Retriever's Ears Are So Expressive, His Owner Named Them
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Fingers, a Labrador-golden retriever mix with a flair for facial expressions, has become the latest four-legged internet star—not for tricks or treats, but for the unexpected contortions of his ears. In a now-viral TikTok video shared on April 28 by his owner, under the handle @fingersthegoldador, the 5-year-old dog showcased his surprising talent: an ever-changing array of ear positions that has captivated millions. Viewed more than 1.4 million times and liked by over 230,000 TikTok users, the lighthearted video features Fingers flashing what his owner Julia affectionately calls his "cup ear," "turn signal ear," and "mouse ears"—a catalog of comical contortions that has left viewers in hysterics. "He is a very goofy and lovable dog," Julia told Newsweek. "One day I noticed that every time I came home from work, he would greet me with a new ear shape. "I started to record them because I thought it was so cute how he could bend his ears in so many different ways!" The post has sparked a wave of laughter and recognition among pet owners, many of whom jumped into the comments to share the names they have given their own dogs' unique ear movements. "My favorite comments were from other dog owners explaining the names they have for their own dog's ear shape," Julia said. "There were some clever and funny names mentioned in the comments, and it made me laugh to think other dog owners have also named the specific shapes their dog's ears make." But behind the hilarity lies a subtle form of communication. Dr. Nita Vasudevan, veterinarian contributor for Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek that ear movements can offer real insight into how dogs feel. Fingers the Labrador golden retriever moves his ears in different ways in a TikTok video. Fingers the Labrador golden retriever moves his ears in different ways in a TikTok video. @fingersthegoldador "A dog's ears and its movements can reveal a lot about how the dog is feeling," Vasudevan said. "Ears that are pinned back often indicate the dog is feeling some anxiety, fear, or submission—especially when the ears are paired with other body language cues like a lowered head or a tucked tail." By contrast, ears that are forward or perked typically signal interest or alertness. But Vasudevan cautioned against overgeneralizing: "Because ear shapes vary widely between breeds, it's important to interpret ear position in the context of the dog's overall body language and temperament and their natural ear posture." For Julia, Fingers' viral fame is less about the anatomy of expression and more about the joys of pet ownership. Whether folded, flopped, or flying high, his ears have become a daily surprise that has now brought smiles far beyond their front door. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Supermarket shoppers rush to buy discontinued Cadbury chocolate scanning for just 45p
Has your favourite product vanished from shelves? We'd love to hear from you - email us on money@ OUT OF STOCK Supermarket shoppers rush to buy discontinued Cadbury chocolate scanning for just 45p Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUPERMARKET shoppers are rushing to buy a discontinued Cadbury chocolate that is scanning for just a few pence. Eagle-eyed customers could not believe their luck when they spotted Cadbury Bournville fingers for 45p in Sainsbury's. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Cadbury said it had discontinued its dark chocolate fingers One bargain hunter shared the find on social media writing: "Bournville dark chocolate fingers scanning at 45p at Sainsbury's in Crawley, West Green." The savvy shopper added there was "plenty" of stock left on shelves when they were at the store. It comes days after The Sun reported the popular dark chocolate snack was being axed by Cadbury. The crispy biscuits were a popular item within Cadbury's Bournville range, which features dark chocolate products. The dark chocolate snack originally launched back in October 2020. In the past, the Fingers were praised for being less sweet than the ordinary Dairy Milk fingers. A Cadbury's owner Mondelēz International previously told The Sun: 'We continuously adapt our product range to ensure it meets changing tastes whilst supporting growth for our customers and our business. "Our Cadbury Bournville Fingers were discontinued this year. They added: "However, we still have plenty of other delicious products for consumers to enjoy, such as our Cadbury Bournville Giant Dark Buttons and our classic Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Fingers.' If you are keen to get your hands on Sainsbury's bargain find, you may want to act quickly. Sainsbury's scraps in-store changing rooms leaving shoppers furious It is likely the supermarket is selling the axed chocolate at a discount to help shift the product before it disappears for good. You may only be able to shop this product in-store as it appears to be unavailable online. With that in mind, it might be worth ringing your local branch ahead of time to avoid a wasted trip. You can find your nearest Sainsbury's by visiting DISCONTINUED DARK CHOCOLATE It comes as Brits have had to wave goodbye to a number of dark chocolate bars. Toblerone axed the dark chocolate version of the bar earlier this year. Mars axed its dark chocolate Bounty in 2023, leaving customers heartbroken. At the time shoppers said the moves was "bad for their mental health". Others were quick to share their pain with one fan saying: "Noooooo. Dark chocolate Bountys beat milk chocolate Bountys hands down. And it's not only dark chocolate fans getting bruised, a number of beloved chocolate bars have vanished from shelves in recent years. Nestlé confirmed two years ago that it had axed the Caramac bar, first launched in the late 1950s, due to "low sales". But the treat has been spotted sporadically at bargain retailers since. However, it's not all bad news sometimes iconic chocolate bars make a return. Milky Way Crispy Rolls returned earlier after they were discontinued three years ago.
