Latest news with #Ladybird
Bangkok Post
20-07-2025
- General
- Bangkok Post
The loveliness of a flying beetle
The recent cricket match between England and India at Lord's was reportedly briefly delayed by a swarm of ladybirds which were bothering the players. It is believed to be the first recorded instance of "ladybirds stopped play". More importantly, swarm is not the correct term for these flying beetles. The collective noun for ladybirds (ladybugs for our American friends) is a "loveliness". You only have to utter "a 'loveliness' of ladybirds" to appreciate its poetic potential and it even has a William Wordsworth feel to it. Ladybirds are one of the more attractive species in the insect kingdom with a reddish colouring and three spots on each wing. I recall my father telling me to treat ladybirds with respect as they were "good for the garden". Apparently they eat pests like aphids and creepy crawlies. It prompted me to look at some of the more unusual collective nouns for a gathering of creatures. One that caught the eye was "shrewdness" of apes. They acquired the description as an acknowledgement of their intelligence. Jellyfish are common to Thai coastal waters and when they get together they are known as a "smack" because when they sting it resembles the pain of a strong smack. So beware, there are a few nasty ones lurking in the shallows. A gathering of Thailand's national animal, the elephant, is commonly called a "herd" but alternatively a more refined description is a "memory" of elephants. Incidentally, when Australia's kangaroos get together it is called a "mob", which seems a trifle unfair. Ask the owls Fans of Thailand's celebrity pygmy hippo "Moo Deng" may be interested to learn that when there is a gathering of hippos the collective term is a "bloat", a reference to their bloated appearance. Some of the terms are self-explanatory, including a "tower" of giraffes. I particularly like a "flamboyance" of flamingos. Perhaps the most appropriate collective noun is a "parliament" of owls. You get the feeling that there are many parliaments around the world which could learn a lot from those wise old birds. Fly away home There is a nursery rhyme Ladybird, Ladybird that like many such rhymes has a dark side referencing 16th century priests in England being burnt at the stake. Of course as children we were not aware of the uncomfortable history. There was a small overgrown plot near my house and in the summer it attracted a host of ladybirds, or rather a "loveliness". Children were told it would bring good luck if you placed a ladybird in your hand, made a wish and blew it away while reciting the rhyme, which went something like this: "Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home/ Your house is on fire and your children are gone/ All except one and her name is Ann/ And she hid under the frying pan." I don't recall it ever bringing me any luck. Lady Bird Readers will be aware that America's First Lady from 1963–69 was known as Lady Bird Johnson, wife of US president Lyndon Baines Johnson. Her first name was Claudia but when she was at a young age a nursemaid referred to her as being "as pretty as a ladybird" and the nickname stuck throughout her life. It remains unclear whether the nurse was referring to a bird or the ladybird beetle as Americans usually called the beetle a "ladybug". Nonetheless when she was resident at the White House every US citizen knew her as Lady Bird. Lady Bird became a passionate conservationist and loved the outdoors. Her message "where flowers bloom so does hope" inspired a lot of people. Dry nicknames Most nicknames for US First Ladies are fairly straightforward, but there are a few that require some explanation. Sarah Polk, wife of the 11th president James Knox Polk, was known as "Sahara Sarah". Her disapproval of alcohol prompted White House receptions to be termed "as dry as the Sahara desert". Possessing similar views on booze was Lucy Webb Hayes, wife of president Rutherford Hayes. Hence her nickname, "Lemonade Lucy". President John Tyler's wife Julia was very stylish and had a presidential look about her and became known as "Lady Presidentress". Another First Lady who had a strong presence was Florence Harding who was known as the "Duchess" owing to her perceived influence over husband Warren. Rosalynn Carter was nicknamed "The Steel Magnolia". Although she looked as fragile as the flower she was very strong and resilient. Sycamore justice Readers familiar with the Sycamore Gap case in England will probably have seen that the two men found guilty of illegally felling the iconic tree were given four-year jail sentences on Tuesday. The 150-year-old tree was located in Northumberland next to Hadrian's Wall and stood out as the solitary tree in a natural dip in the hills. It was a photographer's dream with its striking silhouette becoming familiar to people around the world. There is not much more to add to this sorry episode except that it is still not clear why they committed such a senseless act. The judge dismissed pleas that it was just "drunken stupidity" and put it down to "sheer bravado" noting that the pair seemed to have enjoyed their subsequent notoriety. The prosecution had earlier termed it "the arboreal equivalent of a mindless mugging" which summed it up nicely.
Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
These Cork ‘plastic fans' are cheering up the CUH ahead of Sunday's final
John is one of two Johnnies, alongside John Keenan, who have taken their job as hospital porters at Cork University Hospital (CUH) to the next level, leveraging the Bottle Deposit Return Scheme to raise funds that are independent of any department, executive, or administration, and has been used to vastly improve patient care. Televisions, remote controls, dummies for babies, headphones for children with noise sensitivity, even table fans to help combat the recent spell of hot weather, 'The Johnnies' now have their own custom, clean, branded bottle bins, and a separate area in the hospital's yard, where we chat about their latest spend. 'I love hurling, I used play with 'The Barrs' (St Finbarr's Hurling Club in Togher). We were in the hospital during the week and talking about the match, so I said to John Keenan, 'why don't we get some bunting'. 'I had seen a fella selling it on the side of the street a few days ago, so I said, 'why don't we get some for the wards?'. We put it up around the kids wards in Safari, Ladybird, our colleague Mary Coleman did the kids A&E and did a fantastic job, and it just totally brightens up the place for the kids.' The pair, along with Operations Manager Brendan O'Reilly, show me around the various wards where Cork flags and red-and-white bunting hang proudly, bringing a bit of Croke Park to the CUH. 'We spent about €900 between flags and bunting. My sister Eileen works in Cummins' Sports and they have been very good to us,' John explains. The Johnnies are like celebrities in the place. Porters, doctors, management, nurses, even patients stop and salute them for their work, which had originally started among the two lads and fellow porter John Lenihan to fund a Chinese Takeaway, (which, incidentally, they never got). 'We'd be up in the wards collecting and you can hear the patients say to their families, 'there's a box outside the door now there for The Johnnies', they're doing fantastic work so support them. 'Even when I'm outside the hospital, I have friends who say to me 'Johnny, I have a few bags at home for ya', and I'll call up and pick them up.' As we enter the children's ward, a group of nurses give the two fundraisers and colleagues a big welcome, before graciously posing for a photo alongside one of the many Rebel flags dotted right across the hospital. ADVERTISEMENT 'When we thought of the bunting, it was an extra bit of work, but we got a great kick out of it. Down towards the A&E, especially the older people, they were really cheered up by it. 'There was a good few patients now starting to put up Tipperary colours on their own doors, so it's a good aul' laugh!' However, John says after 14 months, the efforts are taking their toll on the two men. 'We don't want to give it up but we'd love for more people to come on board because every day we're at it. I'm just off nights this morning, and I'm supposed to be off for a week now, but I'm back and taking a bag over to my local SuperValu this evening,' John says. '260,000 bottles is an awful lot, and it's non-stop. I'd almost be afraid of going home because I'd see the bottles more than I'd see the wife! And the car is destroyed! I put a few towels down to try and protect it, but that doesn't do much. 'I'd love if someone put their hand up to valet it for me!'
Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
These Cork ‘plastic fans' are cheering up the CUH ahead of Sunday's final
John is one of two Johnnies, alongside John Keenan, who have taken their job as hospital porters at Cork University Hospital (CUH) to the next level, leveraging the Bottle Deposit Return Scheme to raise funds that are independent of any department, executive, or administration, and has been used to vastly improve patient care. Televisions, remote controls, dummies for babies, headphones for children with noise sensitivity, even table fans to help combat the recent spell of hot weather, 'The Johnnies' now have their own custom, clean, branded bottle bins, and a separate area in the hospital's yard, where we chat about their latest spend. 'I love hurling, I used play with 'The Barrs' (St Finbarr's Hurling Club in Togher). We were in the hospital during the week and talking about the match, so I said to John Keenan, 'why don't we get some bunting'. 'I had seen a fella selling it on the side of the street a few days ago, so I said, 'why don't we get some for the wards?'. We put it up around the kids wards in Safari, Ladybird, our colleague Mary Coleman did the kids A&E and did a fantastic job, and it just totally brightens up the place for the kids.' The pair, along with Operations Manager Brendan O'Reilly, show me around the various wards where Cork flags and red-and-white bunting hang proudly, bringing a bit of Croke Park to the CUH. 'We spent about €900 between flags and bunting. My sister Eileen works in Cummins' Sports and they have been very good to us,' John explains. The Johnnies are like celebrities in the place. Porters, doctors, management, nurses, even patients stop and salute them for their work, which had originally started among the two lads and fellow porter John Lenihan to fund a Chinese Takeaway, (which, incidentally, they never got). 'We'd be up in the wards collecting and you can hear the patients say to their families, 'there's a box outside the door now there for The Johnnies', they're doing fantastic work so support them. 'Even when I'm outside the hospital, I have friends who say to me 'Johnny, I have a few bags at home for ya', and I'll call up and pick them up.' As we enter the children's ward, a group of nurses give the two fundraisers and colleagues a big welcome, before graciously posing for a photo alongside one of the many Rebel flags dotted right across the hospital. 'When we thought of the bunting, it was an extra bit of work, but we got a great kick out of it. Down towards the A&E, especially the older people, they were really cheered up by it. 'There was a good few patients now starting to put up Tipperary colours on their own doors, so it's a good aul' laugh!' However, John says after 14 months, the efforts are taking their toll on the two men. 'We don't want to give it up but we'd love for more people to come on board because every day we're at it. I'm just off nights this morning, and I'm supposed to be off for a week now, but I'm back and taking a bag over to my local SuperValu this evening,' John says. '260,000 bottles is an awful lot, and it's non-stop. I'd almost be afraid of going home because I'd see the bottles more than I'd see the wife! And the car is destroyed! I put a few towels down to try and protect it, but that doesn't do much. 'I'd love if someone put their hand up to valet it for me!'
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Saoirse Ronan and Jack Lowden are ‘Happy and Excited' As They Await the Arrival Of Their First Child
Saoirse Ronan and Jack Lowden are expecting their first child — just a year after the actors wed in Jack's native Scotland. 'Saoirse's always wanted to be a mom,' says an insider. 'It was just a question of finding the right partner.' The Irish Oscar nominee, 31, met the 35-year-old on the 2018 set of Mary Queen of Scots. Though they typically shun the spotlight, they occasionally open up about their love, with Jack calling the Ladybird star a 'force of nature,' and Saoirse swooning that he's 'someone that [I] really trust.' Now they are busy feathering their nest for the new arrival. 'It's still a few weeks to go, and Saoirse plans on taking time off work to bond with the baby,' says the insider. 'They are extremely happy and excited.'
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What is happening at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery this week
Visitors can explore two major exhibitions and enjoy guided tours and workshops throughout the week. Adventures in Time & Space - An Unofficial Doctor Who Exhibition Running from Saturday, May 3, to Sunday, November 2, this exhibition celebrates the world of Doctor Who through sets, props, and memorabilia. Open daily at Peterborough Museum, Priestgate, PE1 1LF. Tickets cost £8 for adults, £5 for children, and a family ticket is available for £20. No age restrictions, but younger children must be accompanied. The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists This exhibition runs from Saturday, February 8, to Saturday, May 31. It showcases original artworks from the iconic Ladybird books. Open daily at Peterborough Museum. Entry is free. No age restrictions. The Priestgate Vaults Tour This guided historical tour takes place on Tuesday, May 6, and Wednesday, May 7. Tours begin at 2pm. Tickets cost £5. Suitable for ages 8 and above. Life & Observational Drawing Class Held on Thursday, May 8, this workshop offers participants the chance to develop drawing skills in a supportive environment. Starts at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £10. Suitable for ages 16 and above. Tiny Tots This family activity takes place on Thursday, May 8, aimed at toddlers and young children with accompanying adults. Sessions begin at 11am. Tickets cost £3 per child. Suitable for children aged under 5.
