Latest news with #KevinMitchell
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Colm Keena on why it's not the lyrics, it's the voice that casts the spell
Sitting in the sunshine in the Wicklow mountains recently while having desultory chats with some friends, the conversation visited, momentarily, the topic of the great opera singer, Maria Callas, the subject of a recent biopic. There was mention of her fame, her being from Greece, her love of Paris, and her relationship with the Greek shipping tycoon, Aristotle Onassis. I for my part chipped in to say some argued it was because she had a far from perfect voice that it was so captivating. A perfect voice can run the danger of having no character, while others, perhaps less perfect, can be distinctive in a way that grabs your attention. 'Ah,' said one of the group - a diehard fan - 'like Dylan.' In his 2018 book, Innate: How the wiring of our brains shapes who we are, Kevin Mitchell, the associate professor of Developmental Neurobiology and Genetics at Trinity College, Dublin, wrote (if my brain is still functioning as well as I hope it is) about how each of us gets our unique chromosomal inheritance before going through a developmental stage in the mother's womb that involves a complex to-and-fro interaction between our genes, our developing body, and the mother's body, so that in the end out pops an individual different from all the other humans on the planet. READ MORE Given that there are currently approximately eight billion of us, and the existing population is subject to relentless churn, that's something. Not only that, but because each of us then proceeds to interact with the outside world by way of our unique body, and change and develop as we do, we become, so to speak, ever more unique. We are born different, according to Mitchell, and become more different as we go through life. It an interesting proposition, though all of us of a certain age who have watched our dearly beloved friends become more and more barmy as the years pass, already know it to be the case. It's nice to consider that not only is each person's fingerprint identifiable, but so is each person's face, and each person's singing voice. One day at lunch in our house my late mother, then almost 90, and even smaller and slighter than she'd been during the earlier decades of her life, agreed to give us a song having already endured (sorry!) the pleasure of hearing her grandchildren perform. The fact that her lungs may not have been servicing her vocal cords quite as efficiently as they used to did not diminish the aesthetic effect of the sound she produced. Quite the contrary. I had no memory of having heard her sing before, and the experience of hearing her sing then was powerfully moving and something I will never forget. I might say that I perceived her existence and her history in an entirely new way, but if someone probed that expression, I might find it hard to say what I mean. Nevertheless, while she was singing, my consciousness of her existence had a new and very moving quality. Callas, though she was never as groovy as my mother, can do that too. You just have to listen. The idea of our innate difference to one another was touched on by the writer, Hanif Kareishi, in the extraordinary tweets he posted from his hospital bed in Rome after he fainted and broke his neck in December 2022. Addressing the craft of writing, he advised writers that the characters they create should have fascinations and idiosyncrasies. This chimes with Mitchell's book. A character lacking idiosyncrasies can suck the air out of a story in much the same way a singing voice lacking character can suck the life out of the best of songs. Perhaps the attraction of a voice, or a face, lies in the individuality it reveals (which may explain why bizarrely white teeth, or Botoxed foreheads, can have the opposite effect to the one their owners aspire towards). For me, and obviously for millions of others around the world, the voice of the late, great Bob Marley has the special quality of making you want to listen. His colleague, Bunny Wailer, had a full, clear, impressive voice, but Marley's, to my ears a more delicate, weedier, voice, draws you in more. Sometimes his lyrics are about matters of Rastafarian belief that may not be of particular concern to non-believers. But it's not the lyrics, it's the voice, that casts the spell. Somebody that's not you, singing from the other side of the high garden wall, is making a sound you feel speaks to you precisely because it emphasises the individuality that is core to human nature.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Phillips 66 to Divest Majority Stake in European Fuel Retail Unit
Phillips 66 PSX, the Houston, TX-based oil giant, has signed a definitive agreement to divest a 65% stake in its Germany and Austria retail marketing operations, including 843 JET-branded fuel stations, to a consortium owned by investment firms Energy Equation Partners and Stonepeak. The business is being transferred via Carrera Bidco Ltd., with Phillips 66 retaining a non-operating 35% interest through a newly formed joint venture, Carrera LP. According to PSX, the transaction values the Germany and Austria retail marketing business at an enterprise value of approximately €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion), reflecting a 9.1x EV/EBITDA multiple based on expected 2025 earnings. Phillips 66 expects to receive about €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in pre-tax cash proceeds, which it plans to deploy toward its key priorities— reducing debt and returning value to shareholders. Phillips 66 Chairman and CEO Mark Lashier described the transaction as a strategic move to optimize the company's portfolio and enhance long-term shareholder value. He noted that the new joint venture allows the company to monetize a non-core asset while continuing to benefit from its future growth. As part of the deal, Phillips 66 has committed to a multi-year supply agreement to provide transportation fuels to the divested business from the MiRO Refinery in Karlsruhe, Germany. MiRO, the country's largest refinery, has a capacity of 15.8 million tons per year. Phillips 66 operates it through a joint venture and holds an 18.75% interest. The move comes amid growing pressure from activist investor Elliott Management and forms part of Phillips 66's broader strategic realignment. The company has already divested approximately $3.5 billion in assets since launching its portfolio optimization plan less than three years ago. On an April 25 analyst call, CFO Kevin Mitchell confirmed that PSX was ahead of its debt reduction targets and noted that divestiture talks were 'very active.' CEO Lashier also hinted at the potential sale of non-core midstream assets. The Germany-Austria transaction is expected to be closed in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Currently, Phillips 66 carries a Zack Rank #3 (Hold). Investors interested in the energy sector may look at some better-ranked stocks like Diversified Energy Company plc DEC, Comstock Resources, Inc. CRK and RPC Inc. RES, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Diversified Energy Company is an independent oil and natural gas producer in the United States. The company is primarily engaged in the production, transportation, and marketing of natural gas and natural gas liquids. The rising demand for natural gas as a cleaner-burning fuel and an uptick in the commodity's prices are expected to positively impact DEC's bottom line. Comstock Resources is a leading independent natural gas producer with core operations in the Haynesville and Bossier shale formations of North Louisiana and East Texas. The company benefits from direct access to Gulf Coast markets and the LNG corridor. It maintains one of the industry's lowest operating cost structures, and has significantly reduced its leverage. With over 1,600 high-return drilling locations offering more than 25 years of inventory, strong free cash flow supports Comstock's growing financial strength. RPC generates strong and stable revenues through a diverse range of oilfield services, including pressure pumping, coiled tubing and rental tools. The company is strongly committed to returning value to shareholders through consistent dividends and share buybacks. RPC's current dividend yield is higher than that of the composite stocks belonging to the industry. Its new Tier IV dual-fuel fleet has boosted profits, with plans to further expand high-efficiency equipment to enhance operational capabilities. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Comstock Resources, Inc. (CRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Diversified Energy Company PLC (DEC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Phillips 66 (PSX) : Free Stock Analysis Report RPC, Inc. (RES) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Lowry one shot off the lead at Truist Championship
Truist Championship second round leaderboard -12 K Mitchell (US); -11 S Lowry (Ire); -10 S Straka (Aut); -7 R McIlroy (NI) Selected others: -6 R Fowler (US); -5 A Rai (Eng); ); -4 T Fleetwood (Eng), X Schauffele (US); -3 R MacIntyre (Sco), A Rai (Eng); -2 M Fitzpatrick (Eng); +7 J Rose (Eng) Full leaderboard Shane Lowry moved to within a stroke of leader Kevin Mitchell after he shot 65 to finish the second round of the Truist Championship at 11 under. The Irishman's round featured six birdies and was the lowest of the day in soggy conditions on Philadelphia Cricket Club's Wissahickon Course. Overnight leader, American Mitchell, who led the way with a 61 on Thursday, made two bogeys and five birdies in his round of 67. "There's a consistency to my whole game that has been very good," said Lowry. "I think I'm just maturing as a golfer, taking the rough with the smooth, the good days taking them well and the bad days working through them." The 38-year-old dismissed suggestions the damp conditions in Pennsylvania played to his strengths. "Everyone says that to me every day when it rains!" added Lowry. "I live in South Florida. I think I'm able to handle them probably better than a few people, but I don't particularly like or enjoy going out and playing in these conditions." Rory McIlroy - last year's winner and a four-time champion at the event - had an up-and-down round which included six birdies and three bogeys. The 36-year-old Northern Irishman, who completed a career Grand Slam with his thrilling win over Justin Rose at last month's Masters, ended the day in a six-way tie for fourth on seven under. "I felt like today was another sort of scrappy one," said McIlroy. "I made what I feel are some uncharacteristic mistakes compared to how I've played the majority of the year. "So just got to try to iron that out over the next couple of days, try to shoot a couple of scores without as many bogeys on the card." Tommy Fleetwood made his second consecutive round of 68 to finish on four under, but fellow Englishman Rose is well off the pace at seven over after a round of 77.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Lowry one shot off the lead at Truist Championship
Truist Championship second round leaderboard-12 K Mitchell (US); -11 S Lowry (Ire); -10 S Straka (Aut); -7 R McIlroy (NI)Selected others: -6 R Fowler (US); -5 A Rai (Eng); ); -4 T Fleetwood (Eng), X Schauffele (US); -3 R MacIntyre (Sco), A Rai (Eng); -2 M Fitzpatrick (Eng); +7 J Rose (Eng)Full leaderboard Shane Lowry moved to within a stroke of leader Kevin Mitchell after he shot 65 to finish the second round of the Truist Championship at 11 Irishman's round featured six birdies and was the lowest of the day in soggy conditions on Philadelphia Cricket Club's Wissahickon leader, American Mitchell, who led the way with a 61 on Thursday, made two bogeys and five birdies in his round of 67."There's a consistency to my whole game that has been very good," said Lowry. "I think I'm just maturing as a golfer, taking the rough with the smooth, the good days taking them well and the bad days working through them."The 38-year-old dismissed suggestions the damp conditions in Pennsylvania played to his strengths."Everyone says that to me every day when it rains!" added Lowry."I live in South Florida. I think I'm able to handle them probably better than a few people, but I don't particularly like or enjoy going out and playing in these conditions."Rory McIlroy - last year's winner and a four-time champion at the event - had an up-and-down round which included six birdies and three 36-year-old Northern Irishman, who completed a career Grand Slam with his thrilling win over Justin Rose at last month's Masters, ended the day in a six-way tie for fourth on seven under."I felt like today was another sort of scrappy one," said McIlroy. "I made what I feel are some uncharacteristic mistakes compared to how I've played the majority of the year."So just got to try to iron that out over the next couple of days, try to shoot a couple of scores without as many bogeys on the card."Tommy Fleetwood made his second consecutive round of 68 to finish on four under, but fellow Englishman Rose is well off the pace at seven over after a round of 77.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Brenham community supporting family of 10-year-old Devah Woods, found days after drowning
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The Brief The community in Brenham is coming together to support the family of 10-year-old Devah Woods. A bank account is being opened at Brenham National Bank for Devah Woods so the community can donate Members of the community have also set up a "Meal Train" for the Woods family. BRENHAM, TX - Roughly 24 hours after 10-year-old Devah Wood's passing, the Brenham community is coming together to support her family. The family's pastor, Kevin Mitchell at Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, says many people in Brenham are hurting, but he wanted to empower people quickly to help their family. 'A joy to see' What they're saying Lead pastor Kevin Mitchell says he met with Devah's mom, and she is doing the best she possibly can at this time. He adds the community is also grief-stricken by what happened to Devah. Pastor Mitchell says many members of his church were close to Devah and her family. He remembered when she came to his church in 2024 during vacation bible school, adding she was like any other kid who would run and play with friends at church. "Fun to see. Actually, just on Sunday, she was running around playing, and we were watching her, and we had her some cupcakes and nachos after church," said Pastor Mitchell. "A joy to see. She was a part of our praise dance team with our girls, and I think she enjoyed that." At this time, Pastor Mitchell says he asks people to continue to pray for her family and support them. You can help Devah Woods' family What you can do Pastor Mitchell actually worked in a matter of 24 hours to empower people to get an account set up for her family at Brenham National Bank. "We have opened a fund account through Brenham National Bank. One that's local in town, there is one in Chappel Hill, and two are in Bryan, Texas. We're still trying to set up a way to give so you don't have to go directly into the bank," said Pastor Mitchell. "Our main focus is to help the family and meet whatever needs in longevity and in recent now immediately." Make checks payable to: The Devah Woods Benefit Branch Locations: Brenham Branch : 2211 South Day Street, Brenham, TX 77833 College Station – Southwest Parkway: 2470 Earl Rudder Fwy South, College Station, TX 77840 College Station – Caprock : 4466 State Highway 6 South, College Station, TX 77845 Chappell Hill Branch: 9005 U.S. Highway 290 East, Chappell Hill, TX 77426 Pastor Mitchell says others have worked to put together a meal train. "So the meal train is an online meal page or hub where people can go and sign up saying I'm going to bring this item, these foods this day and this schedules, so people are not doubling up on things and coming at the same time," said Pastor Mitchell. The Source FOX 26 reporter Leslie DelasBour spoke to Pastor Kevin Mitchell with Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church.
