Latest news with #GospelofMark
Irish Independent
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Housing crisis is nearing boiling point – and it's a threat to the economy
I believe we are dealing with a ticking time bomb in this country – the possibility of a whole generation of pensioners renting in the future is unsustainable. We are nearing boiling point. We have the highest levels of youth outward emigration since 2015. We are losing gardaí, teachers and healthcare workers. I believe the housing crisis is a key threat to our economy. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Is Israel treated differently to Russia because it buys weapons from the EU? It is reported that the Tánaiste has 'issued condemnation of Israel's plan to seize Gaza' ('Simon Harris among six EU foreign ministers to issue condemnation of Israel's plan to seize Gaza', May 7). What do the six EU leaders hope to achieve by such condemnation? It is clear Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no interest in listening to any 'complaint/concerns' relating to the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza or the West Bank. What is needed is action, just like the EU took against Russia. So why double standards? Could it be because many EU states are selling military equipment to Israel? Michael Moriarty, Rochestown, Co Cork Contrasting photos from the Vatican were excellent and evocative of scripture I would like to congratulate you for the excellent contrasting photos from the Vatican (Irish Independent, May 8). We see the red-robed cardinals assembled under the artistic work of Leonardo Da Vinci in the Sistine Chapel. In contrast, we have the kneeling pilgrim clad in a hooded hessian robe and sandals and clasping his staff. You have to consider which is most in keeping with the teaching of Christ – those within the Sistine Chapel or the pilgrim outside. The Gospel of Mark 6:8-9 quotes: 'He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts – but to wear sandals and not put on two coats.' Regarding the pilgrim, as an electrician I wondered why he had chosen bands of green/yellow insulating tape for earth wire to add to his staff. Paddy Murray, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath A new front is opening up in the centuries-old world of warring over religion As an age-old religious war comprising pseudo post-Christianity and radical Islam versus radical Judaism rumbles on, a new religious war is breaking out. Fundamentalist Islam and nationalist Hinduism have entered the ring. On behalf of which side will the acute sensitivities of the Irish media and populist commentators proselytise? Eugene Tannam, Firhouse, Dublin 24 Skirts, skorts and shorts camogie 'controversy' was bound to wake up the wags One wonders if one is allowed to wear a skort on the Dort. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9 As VE Day is remembered, rising racism is putting us on same path as the Nazis Amid the 80th anniversary commemorations of the official end of the war in Europe, it's sobering to think that racism, which was at the heart of the evil regime the Allies defeated, has made a comeback. It is metaphorically crawling its way out of the ruins of the Berlin Bunker to ensnare new generations of Europeans. I listened recently to an old interview with an Irishman who was among the first Allied soldiers to enter the Nazi death camp of Bergen-Belsen. Nothing he had experienced in the war up to that point had prepared him for what he saw and felt when he passed through the gates of a man-made hell. He had lost friends on the battlefield, had numerous brushes with death and had seen the ugliness of war up close, but this left him stunned and disbelieving. We should never forget that the horrific scenes of mass murder, torture and the classification of entire ethnic groups as sub-human only became possible because people had allowed themselves to fall under the spell of racism. It started with name-calling, the casting of racial slurs and the dehumanising of people. In Britain, the VE Day (Victory in Europe) events are lavish and colourful and the relatives of those who served in the war or gave their lives are rightly proud of their sacrifice. How sad to see, though, in Britain and Ireland, that people are using the national flag to promote hatred of 'others', such as refugees and asylum-seekers, with cries of 'Our nation first' or 'Get them out'. Eighty years have passed since the Nazis ran up the white flag. Unfortunately, unreasoning hatred of people on grounds of creed, skin colour or ethnicity still thrives. Will any of us live to celebrate VR Day – Victory over Racism? John Fitzgerald, Callan, Co Kilkenny Remembering the Irish who fought alongside the British to save our world On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it is to be remembered that Ireland was neutral, but Irish men fought with the Allies in Europe. One of them was John O'Neill, who emigrated from Bere Island, Co Cork, to England in the 1930s. He and his comrades fought through WWII until he was killed in action in late 1944. He is buried in the military cemetery near Overloon in the Netherlands. The late RTÉ journalist Cathal O'Shannon joined the RAF when war began. He went on to make the award-winning TV documentary Even the Olives are Bleeding in 1976 on the Irish in the Spanish Civil War. I would like to give a mention also to the Allied army and civilian engineers who ensured military vehicles, tanks and troops moved quickly into Europe after D-Day on June 6, 1944. The war in the Pacific was not yet over. Dr Aidan MacCarthy, from Castletownbere, Co Cork, joined the war as an RAF doctor. He survived Dunkirk in 1940 and was next sent to Asia. They were attacked and captured by the Japanese. He survived brutal POW camps and the atom bomb on Nagasaki in August 1945. He said faith and lots and lots of luck helped him survive.
The Herald
06-05-2025
- General
- The Herald
A pianist, a priest and a maths whizz walk onto the graduation stage
More than 8,000 students will cross the graduation stage at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) from Tuesday. A cohort of 8,116 students will take to the stage to receive their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across 14 ceremonies which will run until May 16. The oldest graduate at the autumn graduation is an 83-year-old priest, Father Pheko Matthews Thinane, who earned his PhD from the school of religion and social transformation. A semi-retired Catholic priest from Gauteng who remains active in the church, Thinane embarked on his doctoral journey after completing his memoirs. His thesis presented a comparative study of healing practices and experiences found in the Gospel of Mark and the testimony of Meshack Hadebe from the Nazareth Baptist Church, offering a valuable contribution to the growing body of literature in African Theology. The youngest PhD student is 27-year-old Shavani Naicker. She completed her doctorate in applied mathematics with her thesis on the Dynamics of Spherically Symmetric Spacetimes in Lovelock Gravity. She studied at the college of agriculture, engineering and science. Acclaimed jazz pianist and UKZN lecturer Sibusiso 'Mash' Mashiloane will also graduate after completing his doctoral research on the local jazz identity. Known for his award-winning contributions to local music, Mashiloane's research raises awareness about the richness of SA's distinctive musical traditions, which reflect the country's diverse cultures. UKZN said Mashiloane's recitals were more than explorative performances. 'They became musical awakenings where musicians internalised and practised jazz as a language spoken through their own accents, languages, and meanings.' University spokesperson Normah Zondo said 5,161 students will receive undergraduate degrees while 2,955 will be awarded postgraduate qualifications. These include 247 PhD graduates and 629 Master's graduates. 'UKZN is proud to note women make up 65.91% of the total number of graduates this year, an increase of 4% from last year. The university also celebrates an elite group of about 500 top achievers who will graduate cum laude and summa cum laude, with women again leading the way, comprising 65.47% of the distinguished group. 'In addition, UKZN will honour the achievements of 103 graduands with disabilities.' TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE
06-05-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
A pianist, a priest and a maths whizz walk onto the graduation stage
More than 8,000 students will cross the graduation stage at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) from Tuesday. A cohort of 8,116 students will take to the stage to receive their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across 14 ceremonies which will run until May 16. The oldest graduate at the autumn graduation is an 83-year-old priest, Father Pheko Matthews Thinane, who earned his PhD from the school of religion and social transformation. A semi-retired Catholic priest from Gauteng who remains active in the church, Thinane embarked on his doctoral journey after completing his memoirs. His thesis presented a comparative study of healing practices and experiences found in the Gospel of Mark and the testimony of Meshack Hadebe from the Nazareth Baptist Church, offering a valuable contribution to the growing body of literature in African Theology. The youngest PhD student is 27-year-old Shavani Naicker. She completed her doctorate in applied mathematics with her thesis on the Dynamics of Spherically Symmetric Spacetimes in Lovelock Gravity. She studied at the college of agriculture, engineering and science. Acclaimed jazz pianist and UKZN lecturer Sibusiso 'Mash' Mashiloane will also graduate after completing his doctoral research on the local jazz identity. Known for his award-winning contributions to local music, Mashiloane's research raises awareness about the richness of SA's distinctive musical traditions, which reflect the country's diverse cultures. UKZN said Mashiloane's recitals were more than explorative performances. 'They became musical awakenings where musicians internalised and practised jazz as a language spoken through their own accents, languages, and meanings.' University spokesperson Normah Zondo said 5,161 students will receive undergraduate degrees while 2,955 will be awarded postgraduate qualifications. These include 247 PhD graduates and 629 Master's graduates. 'UKZN is proud to note women make up 65.91% of the total number of graduates this year, an increase of 4% from last year. The university also celebrates an elite group of about 500 top achievers who will graduate cum laude and summa cum laude, with women again leading the way, comprising 65.47% of the distinguished group. 'In addition, UKZN will honour the achievements of 103 graduands with disabilities.'
IOL News
05-05-2025
- Science
- IOL News
From music to mathematics: the remarkable graduates of UKZN
More than 240 doctoral graduates who will receive their PhD degrees at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's graduation ceremonies, taking place this week. Image: UKZN Facebook The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is gearing up to host its autumn graduation ceremonies this week. The remarkable cohort of 247 doctoral graduates includes an 83-year-old priest, a gifted 27-year-old student, and the university's youngest undergraduate. This year's ceremonies, held at the Westville Campus in Durban, promise to be a celebration of diverse academic achievements and inspiring stories of resilience. Leading the celebration is Fr. Pheko Matthews Thinane, the oldest graduand at this year's event. At 83 years old, this semi-retired Catholic priest from Gauteng has dedicated his life to faith and service, and now adds the title of doctor to his resume. After completing his memoirs, Thinane embarked on his PhD journey within the School of Religion and Social Transformation. His thesis, which presents a comparative study of healing practices in the Gospel of Mark and the experiences of Meshack Hadebe, offers a significant contribution to African Theology, reflecting the depth of his scholarship. In stark contrast, the youngest PhD graduand is 27-year-old Shavani Naicker, who has successfully completed her doctorate in Applied Mathematics. Her research, titled "Dynamics of Spherically Symmetric Spacetimes in Lovelock Gravity," demonstrates the critical thinking and analytical skills that characterise today's brightest minds. Naicker hails from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science and embodies the spirit of youthful ambition and academic excellence. Also amongst this distinguished group is acclaimed jazz pianist and UKZN lecturer, Sibusiso 'Mash' Mashiloane. Renowned for his award-winning contributions to South African music, Mashiloane's doctoral research explored the intricate tapestry of South African jazz identity. He draws attention to how the country's musical traditions reflect its cultural diversity, encouraging musicians to express their unique identities through jazz. His recitals have become not just performances, but transformative experiences that resonate deeply with audiences and artists alike. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ This exceptional group is part of a larger cohort of 8,116 students, who will receive their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees over a series of 14 ceremonies, concluding on May 16. Among them, 5,161 will graduate with undergraduate degrees while 2,955 will attain postgraduate qualifications, including 629 Master's degrees and 247 PhDs. UKZN proudly announces that women represent 65.91% of this year's total graduates, marking a notable increase of 4% from the previous year. Furthermore, around 500 top achievers will be recognised with Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude distinctions, showcasing the continued female leadership in academia. Celebrating inclusivity, UKZN will also honour 103 graduands with disabilities, recognising their determination and achievements. As families and friends don their finest attire to attend the ceremonies at the University's Sports Centre, the atmosphere is expected to be one of joy and pride—a testament to the hard work and dedication that each graduand has displayed throughout their academic journeys. Normah Zondo, Executive Director Corporate Relations said graduation ceremonies are longstanding rituals of passage that acknowledge the past, celebrate the present, and propel graduates towards a future filled with purpose and possibility. "The University wishes all students every success in all their endeavours. The graduation ceremonies present an excellent opportunity for the graduands to celebrate their achievements and share this moment with their families and friends," she said. As the proud institution also recognises Lusanda Thandolwenkosi Madondo, aged 20, as the youngest undergraduate, UKZN continues to showcase the broad spectrum of talent and achievement within its student body. From faith and music to mathematics, the 2025 graduation ceremonies are set to honour the diverse narratives that enrich South Africa's academic landscape. IOL
The Independent
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Nicolas Cage sells his soul for a house in 'The Surfer'
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus asks his followers a rhetorical question: 'What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?' This is asked of Nicolas Cage's titular character in 'The Surfer.' For the unnamed protagonist, his heart's desire — and the thing he thinks will solve his ever-mounting problems — is to purchase his late father's home, which sits atop an idyllic cliffside along the coast of Australia. The film's setting is decidedly modern — Cage pulls up in a Lexus, pays for a coffee with his phone and tries repeatedly to secure funds for the $1.7 million house — which stands in stark contrast to the age-old questions about tribalism, revenge and familial trauma probed in Lorcan Finnegan's claustrophobic thriller. Ahead of the Roadside Attractions release on Friday, Cage and Finnegan spoke with The Associated Press about the film's surrealism, why violence is 'one of the backbones of cinema' and how Humphrey Bogart inspired a scene where Cage shoves a rat in someone's face. The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: Nicolas, last time we spoke, you talked about how Hollywood thinks naturalism is the arbiter of great acting but that you appreciate when you can explore other forms. Where does that impulse stem from? CAGE: It was a feeling of not wanting to get trapped or calcified in the realm of artwork and thinking that the art that I admired in painters like Francis Bacon or in music, a lot of it was surrealistic. And so in my view, if there's such a thing as art synthesis, why can't you do it with acting? You can do it with acting, but it still has to land with the director and with the script in such a way where it moves the story forward and doesn't become self-indulgent. It has to be a twist and a unique point of expression that evolves the story. So how do you do that? Well, if the guy's losing his mind, that's one way. Then you can get a bit more abstract with facial expressions or voice. Or if the guy is on drugs, that's one way, like 'Bad Lieutenant.' In this case, the surfer is having a bit of a breakdown. It only stands to reason in a natural, authentic way that he would shriek-eat the rat and shove it into some guy's mouth because it's been earned. But that's not to say that the naturalism of the '70s isn't great. It is great. And that's something I enjoy doing as well. AP: Talk about the film's exploration of masculinity and tribalism. FINNEGAN: To me, it wasn't a film about toxic masculinity. I mean, there was elements of masculinity in crisis, and that's something that does exist. But to me it was serving the story in a way because Nick's character had to have this counter in this Scally character (Julian McMahon). Nick's character lost his father when he was young and he was searching for some sort of belonging and that's why he was thinking if he buys back this house and this materialistic goal will fix his relationship problems and stuff. So Julian's character offers up something different. He's kind of seductive. If you want to be in our gang and you want to be part of this culture, you have to do all of these things. I think a lot of those figures in the world of toxic masculinity are a bit like that. They're charming. A lot of the time they have these philosophical ideas and they're well-read, so they seem very attractive to these guys who are kind of lost. So, I didn't want the film though to be about that, but it kind of is baked into the whole story. AP: Nicolas, you've done your share of films with violence in them. Is that something you are interested in? CAGE: As someone who doesn't like violence and actively tries to avoid violence in my life, I would say that it seems to be something that lends itself to cinema. Whatever gets a person to that point of violence is usually fascinating and compelling drama, and that's one of the backbones of cinema. AP: Any scenes stand out as particularly challenging or fun? FINNEGAN: We discovered some of the humor in the film while making it. When did you think about keeping that rat? I don't know if you knew exactly what you were planning yet, but it was a mischievous kind of percolation going on in your mind. CAGE: I went on a Billy Wilder tear before I went to 'The Surfer.' I was kind of in bed for a few days, and I was watching movies I wanted to catch up on and I saw 'Sabrina.' And in the movie, Bogart pulls an olive out of a martini glass, and he shoves it in his uncle's mouth and says, 'Eat it.' And I couldn't stop laughing. I thought it was the funniest thing. And I was just tickled pink by myself late at night watching it. And then it came back to me in Australia. I said, 'Well, I can use this rat for something.' And I tucked it in my pocket. Everyone's looking at me like, what's Nick doing with the prop rat? I said, 'Well, I think it's funny because the tail is wobbling around. Let's hold onto it. It's a good prop. Maybe we can use it.' And sure enough, Bogart and Billy Wilder and 'Sabrina' came back and it was like 'Eat the rat!' It's a punk rock version of it, but it's still inspired by Billy Wilder and Humphrey Bogart.
