Latest news with #Omo
News24
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News24
KwaMashu-born runner, Nate Ngcobo, beats paralysis odds in Comrades Marathon
Instagram He was among the 22,000 who took to the streets of KZN this past weekend. He finished the 98th Comrades marathon in just under 8 hours. From Pietermaritzburg to Durban, Nate Ngcobo paced himself through the 90 km. Surprisingly, after completing the race before 2 pm on Sunday, Nate was still full of fun. Joking around with Drum at the Omo marquee after the ultramarathon, he says that all he needed after his victory was ice cream. 'I had an ice cream when I got here, I needed the hydration. What's left is an ice bath or cold shower and rest.' Despite it being his 7th Comrades Marathon, Nate is still as optimistic, competing with nobody but himself, like it's his first time, each time. 'I would wake up around 4 am to watch the Comrades Marathon when I was growing up but I didn't have any ambition to participate in it because I was fully focused on soccer.' From a very young age, he was athletic and sporty in school. 'I have been in sports and athletics all my life, but how I got into running is that I had a terrible accident almost over two decades ago, which left me paralysed for months,' he tells Drum The athletic DJ takes us back to the heartbreaking day. 'I was back home in KwaMashu, Entuzuma, it was drizzling a bit, and I was driving with my friend. The next thing I know, the car was rolling. The friend came out of the accident with no scratches, but it threw me out, and I bumped my head on the road, so I had to get an artificial bone in my spine for support.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thembinkosi Nate Ngcobo (@natejpy) He was left heartbroken after he was told, upon being discharged from the hospital, that he would never be able to participate in contact sports, which included soccer. To recover, he invested in physiotherapy and ended up pivoting into running. Read more | Galxboy takes on Africa's richest square mile with new flagship store 'Here's how I discovered running: I went to the gym regularly and spent a lot of time on the treadmill. There were some guys who were playing squash at the gym's workshop, and they saw my running pace and saw something in me. Then they invited me to run with them outdoors and join their club. A year later, I fully recovered, and I participated in my first Oceans Marathon and Comrades Marathon. What began as recovery became a purpose. Today, he runs with joy, strength, and gratitude. For Nate, running is not just therapy — it's his anti-aging drug. Joining him at the marquee, Caster Semenya proudly commends the resilience of all the other runners at the marathon. 'Being at Comrades this year is a powerful reminder that greatness isn't just about winning - it's about showing up and staying the course. Resilience means pushing through, even when it hurts, keep playing on,' says Caster.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
EXCLUSIVE: In conversation with Queen of the Comrades Gerda Steyn!
Fresh off her fourth Comrades Marathon title, Gerda Steyn sat down with us to reflect on a race that tested her limits, sharpened her focus, and reinforced her love for ultra-distance running. From near setbacks to surges of motivation, the South African running star opens up about the highs, the pressure, and the power of resilience. Gerda Steyn cemented her legacy as South Africa's ultimate road warrior, storming to her fourth Comrades Marathon title in a thrilling 2025 edition of the iconic ultra. Clocking an impressive 5:51:19 on the brutal down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, Steyn didn't just win — she soared into the history books as the first South African woman to claim four Comrades titles. From the early morning humidity to the thundering cheers at the finish line, Steyn ran a tactically brilliant race. Holding back in the opening stages, she surged past the field by the halfway point, her stride smooth and unrelenting through the Valley of a Thousand Hills. With every kilometre, her lead grew — and so did the roar of support from fans across the country. Russian rival Aleksandra Morozova and Kenya's Shelmith Muriuki chased valiantly but couldn't match Steyn's composed dominance. When she crossed the line in Durban, arms raised and beaming with joy, she wasn't just a winner — she was a national icon. With victories in 2019, 2023, 2024 and now 2025, Gerda Steyn is no longer chasing legends — she is one. But apart from solidifying her legacy in ultra-marathon running and in the annals of South African sport, her unparalleled success at this event continues to inspire athletes and fans worldwide. Following her victory, Steyn expressed her gratitude for the support from the South African public and reiterated her dedication to inspiring the next generation of runners. How did it feel crossing the finish line as Comrades champion once again? It was an immense moment for me. I've dreamed about it for so long, and to cross the finish line in first place again was truly special. Did this year's race unfold the way you had planned or were there expected challenges? It unfolded largely as I had planned. I had a race strategy in mind and aimed to adhere to it as closely as possible. However, it's important to remember that winning the race is the priority; you shouldn't let a race plan override that. I monitored my competitors' moves and tactics throughout the race and adjusted my strategy accordingly. Ultimately, I crossed the finish line in first place and achieved a time close to what I had aimed for. Overall, I'm very pleased. What was the most difficult moment for you during the race, and how did you push through it? Late in the race, as we descended Fields Hill, I heard that the second-place woman was closing the gap significantly. That was a challenging moment for me. It was then that I recalled the Omo slogan, 'Stay unbeatable.' It motivated me to stay focused and do everything in my power to maintain my lead and remain unbeatable. Were there any specific turning points where you felt the win was within reach after that scare down at Fields Hills? Honestly, it stayed on my mind all the way to the finish. However, it also motivated me to stay focused and ensure that I didn't celebrate too early or become complacent, as I was still in a highly competitive race. How did this year's Comrades compare to your precious experiences? I've participated in the Comrades eight times and won it four times. I often get asked if it's becoming repetitive or if I'm becoming too comfortable and perhaps complacent. However, I can't explain the allure except to say that every year, the Comrades Marathon feels bigger and more meaningful. It has become such an integral part of my daily life and mindset that each year holds more significance than the last. This win is more meaningful than any other race I've ever won at the Comrades. What kind of mental preparation goes into a race like the Comrades? It's a long day on the road, so you must prepare your mind to stay positive throughout the race. You need to train yourself to remain optimistic and understand that even when facing difficulties, you can rise and recover from setbacks. This type of mental strength and self-belief will carry you much further than physical strength. It's a crucial aspect of success in ultra-running. How did you stay motivated during the long training months leading up to such a demanding ultra? Motivation isn't something I struggle with. I'm fortunate that I get to run as my profession. Running is something I love to do, and I want to run every day. Sometimes, it's challenging to get out the door when the weather conditions aren't ideal. However, my deep passion for this sport and the knowledge that participating in the Comrades inspires and holds meaning for more people than just myself and my immediate family drive me and keep me motivated. How does the knowledge that you inspire thousands upon thousands, perhaps millions, of other people make you feel? Does it add pressure on you? It's a feeling beyond measure. I don't perceive it as added pressure; I see it as an honour. It provides me the opportunity to set an example for young people aspiring to become athletes or for anyone who simply wants to take up running as a hobby. As the winner of this race, it's your responsibility to be exemplary for those who look up to you. How are you feeling physically and emotionally after such a monumental effort? Physically, I have a bit of a funny walk at the moment [laughs]. However, the emotional jubilation far outweighs the physical pain in many ways. Experiencing something like this isn't rare, but I try to cherish and appreciate it in all the little and big ways I can. What do the next few days of recovery look like for you? The days after a race are often quite busy because there are many events I have to attend and obligations to honour. But it's all part and parcel of the job, so I'm not complaining at all. Once the dust settles, I'll enjoy some downtime with my family to celebrate properly, as I don't get to do many family social activities when I'm running and training. Who has been the biggest supporter on your journey to this win? One person who stands out head and shoulders above the rest is my husband. He shares my passion for running, but he sacrifices all his spare time to support me and ensure I have everything I need to perform at my best. Is there anyone you'd like to dedicate this victory to? At the finish line, I said this victory is for every single person who supports me—everyone out there on the road cheering for me, my husband, my parents, my extended family, and my friends. I'm not sure they fully realise how much meaning their support adds to my running and, ultimately, to my success. With this accomplishment in the bag, what is the next big challenge for Garda Steyn? To stay unbeatable for as long as I possibly can at the Comrades. After that, I'd like to run another marathon later this year—perhaps the Soweto Marathon, since I've never done it before. That's not 100% confirmed yet, but once I've recovered from this Comrades, I'd like to start training for a race toward the end of the year. SEND IN YOUR MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATIONS TO GERDA STEYN… By leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Business Insider
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Prudential Zenith Life ushers in new era with key leadership announcements
The appointments of Ishmael and Omo signify a clear focus on leveraging strong leadership to drive the introduction of innovative and value-added insurance solutions and services to Prudential Zenith Life clients. It is expected to significantly bolster the company's growth ambitions and solidify Prudential's mission to be the most trusted partner and protector for today's generations and the generations to come. 'We are delighted to welcome this exceptional leadership team at Prudential Zenith Life,' said Emmanuel Mokobi Aryee, CEO, Africa, Prudential. 'The appointments of both 'Tokunboh Ishmael as Board Chair and Funmilayo Abimbola Omo as Managing Director/CEO demonstrate our commitment to investing in top-tier talent to realise our ambitions in Africa. We are confident that their combined expertise and strategic vision will drive PZL to new heights, delivering impactful and tailored insurance solutions that protect lives and empower futures across Nigeria.' 'Tokunboh Ishmael, the newly appointed Board Chair, is a distinguished impact investor with over 20 years of extensive experience spanning investment banking, private equity, technology, and business development across Africa, Europe, and North America. As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a member of the CFA Institute, her financial acumen and strategic insight will be invaluable in guiding PZL. Sharing her enthusiasm, Ms. Ishmael stated: 'I am honoured to chair the Board of Prudential Zenith Life at this pivotal time. I look forward to working alongside the management team to provide strategic oversight and contribute to the company's continued growth and success in the Nigerian market.' Funmilayo Abimbola Omo, the new Managing Director/CEO, brings a wealth of experience in the insurance and financial services sectors. Her proven expertise in business transformation, customer-centric innovation, and operational excellence positions PZL for accelerated growth and enhanced market impact. Expressing her perspective on her new role, Mrs. Omo stated: 'I am privileged to lead Prudential Zenith Life at such a pivotal time. The company's strong foundation, coupled with Prudential's global strength and commitment to Africa, presents a unique opportunity to redefine the life insurance landscape in Nigeria. I am eager to collaborate with our talented team and valued partners to foster innovation, broaden our reach, and make life insurance more accessible and impactful for all Nigerians.' Under Prudential's full ownership and this robust leadership, PZL will leverage global expertise, technological advancements, and its strong bancassurance partnership with Zenith Bank to enhance the accessibility and reach of its insurance products. This strategic direction aligns with Prudential's broader ambition to bridge the insurance gap in Africa and accelerate financial and health protection for millions. Prudential Zenith Life Insurance Ltd (PZL) is a fully owned subsidiary of Prudential plc, following Prudential plc's acquisition of a 100% shareholding as of September 26th, 2024. It has become one of the most capitalized companies in the Nigerian insurance industry. With a gross written premium of N6.3Bn as of December 2022, PZL offers a wide range of individual products, including savings and investment-linked products, endowment, and protection plans designed to meet the needs of individuals and their families. For corporate clients, the company provides Group Life, Key-Man Assurance, Credit Life, School Fees Protection, and Mortgage Protection, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the welfare of clients' employees and families. About Prudential plc Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential's mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme. Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.
Geek Girl Authority
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
DOCTOR WHO Recap: (S02E05) The Story & the Engine
Doctor Who Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine,' is a beautifully written outing penned by Inua Ellams, performed equally beautifully by a talented cast. It's an impactful meditation on the power of storytelling and creativity. It's a love letter to African culture. There's also an innate theatricality to it, a Shakespearean flair that, as a writer and actor, scratches that itch in my brain. We're all stories in the end, right? RELATED: Read our recap of the previous Doctor Who episode, 'Lucky Day' Doctor Who, 'The Story & the Engine' We open with Omo (Sule Rimi) regaling Rashid (Stefan Adegbola), Tunde (Jordan Adene) and Obioma (Michael Balogun) with the tale of how he met the Doctor. The Barber (Ariyon Bakare) cuts his hair. Omo reveals that when he was a child, the forest outside his village was on fire. The Doctor stopped his TARDIS midair, flung open the doors and hosed the blaze. Then, he planted seeds to regrow the flora and vegetation in the area. Omo asked if he was a farmer. 'I'm the Doctor,' our titular Time Lord told him. DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine.' Photo credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf After this, we see two light fixtures adorning the wall: One with a red light, the other green. The red light flickers off, giving way to the green. They're safe … for now. Suddenly, the red light flicks back on and the barbershop quakes. Omo and the others realize they need the Doctor. It needs to feed — and it's ravenous now. Lagos, Nigeria Meanwhile, Belinda (Varada Sethu) urges the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) to take her home. He decides to land the TARDIS in Lagos, Nigeria, revealing that it has the largest communications technology market in Africa. Plus, it's near Omo's Palace. Fifteen rushes outside with the Vindicator to get a new reading. We learn they're in 2019. RELATED: TV Review: Doctor Who Season 2 Episode 4, 'Lucky Day' Next, our Gallifreyan explains that this is the first time he's had a Black body. He's treated differently in some parts of the world. However, in Omo's Palace, he feels at home. Omo and the others accept him. Belinda shares that her grandmother would take her to India, and she experienced the same thing: belonging. Belinda urges the Doctor to pay Omo a visit. DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine.' Photo credit: Dan Fearon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf After wending his way through the bustling market, the Doctor encounters a sign that says, 'Turn Back.' He sees missing persons posters for Omo, Tunde, Rashid and Obioma. He notes how the alley in which Omo's Palace is located is inexplicably empty. The Doctor examines the doorframe with his Sonic Screwdriver. Meanwhile, Obioma tells a story as the Barber cuts his hair. The Missing Are Found The Doctor flings open the door, reuniting with Omo. He's surprised to find Obioma, Rashid and Tunde here — all missing people. The Barber introduces himself, claiming he's been waiting for the Doctor's arrival. We learn the Barber took over the barbershop, ousting Omo. Naturally, the Doctor has questions. Why are these men all reported missing? Why isn't Obioma leaving after his haircut? RELATED: TV Review: Doctor Who Season 2 Premiere The Barber replies that they can't leave. Then, the alarm blares, the green light switching to red. Obioma's hair grows back. The others are tired; they're running out of stories to tell. Rashid volunteers to sit in the Barber's chair next. He offers a tale about Yo-Yo Ma. The others watch a large screen that animates Rashid's story. Our Time Lord is in awe. DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine.' Photo credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf Omo explains that it's all connected — the screen, the doorway, the chair, even the Barber's clippers. The Doctor must get a cut and tell a story for the screen to activate. As for the door, only the Barber and Abby control it. That's why they can't leave. The Barber's Assistant Abby (Michelle Asante) arrives with food for the boys. She keeps them going. The Doctor recognizes Abby, the Barber's assistant, but can't put a name to her face. RELATED: Doctor Who : 11 Easter Eggs in 'Boom' The Doctor doesn't understand why the Barber and Abby must keep Omo and the others trapped in the barbershop. Tunde reveals that it's just until the group reaches the Barber and Abby's destination. That's right: They're moving. Omo explains that one day, the Barber waltzed into his barbershop and simply took over, but not before offering to give Omo a cut. Omo tried to push his clients out; the shop accepted a select few. His key no longer worked. It was strange. Obioma was there getting a cut for his child's naming ceremony. Tunde is an athlete and wanted to get a cut for the championship. Rashid's mother is sick in the hospital. Omo lent Rashid money for her medicine. He wanted to look nice for her. DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine.' Photo credit: Dan Fearon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf Belinda's Story Next, the alarm blares again, the light turning red. The Doctor volunteers to tell a story. However, once the Barber places the cape over him, a current rocks through the Doctor's body. He feels uncomfortable, but the Barber must get his story. So, the Doctor forgoes mentioning fantastical beings like the Weeping Angels or the Cybermen. Instead, he tells them about Belinda. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Doctor Who 's Ruby Sunday After a 13-hour shift, Belinda tries to leave the hospital for her nan's birthday party. However, the doctor on duty (not THE Doctor, though) wants her to assist with a patient whose life hangs precariously in the balance. Belinda suggests a steroid treatment that goes against the doctor's original plan. But it works. Later, Belinda leaves the hospital to visit her grandmother. Mrs. Flood (Anita Dobson) greets her, revealing she's there to pick up medication. The woman Belinda treated gives her flowers and thanks her for saving her life. It's a sweet moment. Omo and the others are shocked — the Doctor's story isn't animated on the screen, but full of real-life imagery. It's like a live-action film. Once the Barber finishes his cut, the Doctor stumbles out of his chair, weakened from the experience. Omo reassures him that it gets easier with each new cut. The Story Engine The Barber and Abby observe that it is fed — substantially so. The Doctor refueled the Story Engine to the point that they can all take a break for a while. Next, the Barber remarks that the Doctor's stories alone can superpower the engine. The Doctor's hair regrows quite quickly. Omo urges the Barber and Abby to let him and the others go and keep the Doctor. Our Time Lord can handle it. RELATED: 6 Doctor Who Episodes That Show the Eleventh Doctor's Personality The Barber orders Abby to check the stasis field for structural damage before meeting him in the engine room. She whips out a device and points it at the door to do just that. DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine.' Photo credit: Lara Cornell/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf Meanwhile, Belinda panics aboard the TARDIS. Every time someone opens — and closes — the door of the barbershop, the TARDIS alarm blares and the light flashes red, almost as if it's connected to the barbershop. Belinda asks the TARDIS to locate the source of the strange energy. Upon discovering it's the barbershop, Belinda makes a beeline for it. Turn Away After her sojourn through the market, Belinda runs into the 'Turn Away' signage. She also spies a little girl wandering alone through the empty streets. However, she promptly vanishes, like a figment from one's imagination. Belinda clocks the missing posters, too. In the shop, the Doctor calls out Omo for believing he's expendable. Omo counters that Rashid, Tunde and Obioma have homes. The Doctor might not have a physical home anymore, but he felt safe with Omo. Omo insists that the Doctor can handle all the stories. The Doctor orders Omo to steer clear of him. He feels betrayed by the former barbershop owner. RELATED: Doctor Who : 8 References From the Russell T Davies Specials in 'Space Babies' and 'The Devil's Chord' Next, the Doctor uses his Sonic Screwdriver to counteract the Barber and Abby's control over the door. The others advise him not to open it, but the Doctor doesn't heed their warnings. When he opens it, the Doctor discovers that the barbershop is situated atop a giant spider that travels over a network of webs … in space. The Barber provides some context: the shop is in space and Lagos simultaneously. As for the structure our titular Time Lord saw along with the Spider? The Nexus. The Barber used to call it the World Wide Web (creative) until the internet took off. He also built a time-space compressor and installed it into the doorframe. It only releases him and Abby. DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine.' Photo credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf By Many Names Then, the Doctor demands to know where they're going. 'You'll see soon enough,' The Barber replies ominously. Belinda charges into the barbershop. She embraces the Doctor. Abby recognizes Belinda from the Doctor's story. The Doctor demands to know the Barber's true identity. He tells the Doctor that he's gone by many names: Anansi, Saga and Loki. As he reveals his identity, the Barber cuts his dreadlocks. RELATED: Classic Doctor Who by Big Finish: Highlighting the Best Audio Dramas, Vol. 2 Belinda and the Doctor are incredulous. How can one man be all those storytelling gods? Then, they burst into a fit of laughter. The Doctor clocks the Barber's lies. After this, the Doctor proceeds to name-drop the gods he's met, from Dionysus to Bastet. If you recall, earlier in the episode, Abby reassures the Barber that once they get to their destination, he can rule over them all. That's a clue. Backed in a corner, the Barber discloses the truth: He's the one behind them all. The gods only exist because of him. He started recording the stories of the storytelling gods to ensure they would be worshipped and revered in perpetuity. Well, that and to strengthen their bond with humanity. The Barber chronicled their exploits. However, none of them recognized his tireless work. DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine.' Photo credit: Dan Fearon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf The Nexus The Barber constructed the Nexus. He wanted something like a brain that could make connections between ideas. He incorporated a strand of the gods' blood into his model — a web-like structure cross-connecting concepts and cultures. The Barber eventually had the idea to power the Nexus with stories. RELATED: Doctor Who : Our Favorite Easter Eggs From 'Lux' The gods told the Barber that he should know his place. We see him cut his hair again as he relays his story to the group. So, the gods threw him out of his life's work. However, he was able to salvage his Story Engine. Now, he has vengeance on the brain. Suddenly, the Spider stops moving. Abby informs the crew that they burned through too much energy when the Doctor forced open the door. It finally dawns on Abby who she is: Abena, daughter of Anansi. Abena reveals she was entrapped by her father, terrified someone would win her in a bet. However, she heard stories about our Time Lord's adventures and had faith he would help. She wanted him to take her with him. Abena and the Doctor Then, we see which version of the Doctor Abena met: the Fugitive Doctor (Jo Martin). Fugitive Doctor apologizes for leaving Abena behind. She was on the run. Anansi was wrong to offer the bet. Plus, she was telling her own story that might still be finished one day. This is a cool cameo. RELATED: TV Review: Doctor Who Season 2 Episode 2, 'Lux' Then, Fifteen admits he tried losing the bet to get out of bringing Abena with him. Pivoting, Abena and the Barber reveal their plan to install the shop at the heart of the Nexus, making the Barber storyteller supreme. The Doctor is bewildered by this. Why would the Barber become the very thing he loathes — a god? That's when the truth rears its ugly head. The Barber wants to kill all the gods, including Anansi. Without the gods, humanity is toast. How can one thrive in a world without stories and cultures? The Barber insists that this is his gift to Abena. After all, she despises her father. DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine.' Photo credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf Maps Abena changes the subject, revealing that the Story Engine needs power. The others try to shove the Doctor back in the chair to tell a story. However, Abena decides to offer one of her own while braiding the Doctor's hair. She reveals the power of braids during slavery, and how slaves would braid maps into each other's hair to help each other escape to freedom. RELATED: Classic Doctor Who by Big Finish: Highlighting the Best Audio Dramas After this, the Doctor sends a current through the shop with his Sonic Screwdriver to distract the Barber while he and Belinda run to the heart of the Story Engine. The Doctor feels the map Abena braided onto his head, using that to navigate the labyrinth leading to the Nexus. They finally arrive at the Story Engine, which looks like a brain … until it opens up, resembling more of a tree. There's a heart at its center. The Doctor urges Belinda to rip all the wires out of the control desk as he points his Sonic Screwdriver at the heart. The Barber enters, ordering him to step away. A Short Story Spanning Time and Space After this, the Doctor reveals he met Ernest Hemingway. He urged the late author to write the shortest story he could. Hemingway conjured up one in six words. So, here's the Doctor's shortest story: 'I'm born. I die.' Suddenly, the Story Engine fills up with more energy than it has ever encountered. We learn said engine is connected to our Gallifreyan — his stories, his voice. He's made of stories, after all. RELATED: TV Review: Doctor Who Season 2 Episode 3, 'The Well' Next, we see the many faces of the Doctor appear on a TV, complete with soundbites from their respective eras. The Doctor insists he's protecting humanity, the gods and the importance of storytelling. Ultimately, though, this proves to be too much power for the Story Engine — and the Nexus — to handle. The Barber's creation self-destructs. DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 5, 'The Story & the Engine.' Photo credit: Bad Wolf Studios After some persuading from the Doctor, the Barber unlocks the door to the barbershop. Abena, Omo, Tunde, Rashid and Obioma exit. The Doctor urges Belinda to join them; he'll be right behind her. Do the Work The Doctor encourages the Barber to stick around to continue his life's work. Don't let this be how his story ends. Thankfully, he and the Barber escape as the Spider, along with everything the Barber created, explodes. Gatwa and Bakare are so damn good in this episode. Titans of their craft. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Doctor Who 's Belinda Chandra Everyone's back in Lagos. Rashid, Tunde and Obioma bow before Abena, thanking her for keeping them alive. Omo offers the keys to his barbershop to the Barber and claims he's retiring. The Doctor tells the Barber he'll return someday to hear the latter's six-word story. Omo and the Doctor mend fences and hug it out. Omo also gives the Barber his father's name — Adétòkundbo. Adétòkundbo thanks Omo, asserting he doesn't deserve this kindness. Abena tells Belinda she won't hold hate in her heart for Adétòkundbo. They all part ways on good terms, the new barber of the barbershop taking his place inside. Belinda and the Doctor make their way back to the TARDIS. Belinda wants to hear the story of how our Time Lord met Omo. 'Once upon a time…' RELATED: Read our Doctor Who recaps Doctor Who Season 2 airs on Saturdays at 3 am EST/12 am PST on Disney+ and 8 am BST on BBC iPlayer in the UK. What's New on TV This Week (May 4 – 10) Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Toddler left blind after biting into Persil washing pod
A toddler has faced three tough surgeries after being rendered blind from chomping on a Persil washing pod, leading to a dire caution for other parents. Jodi, 34, hailing from Perth, Western Australia, was horror-struck when her four-year-old, Luca de Groot , bit into the detergent capsule and, while lending a hand with the laundry, accidentally smeared the substance over her eyes. The distraught mother immediately hurried the tot to the shower, trying desperately to rinse off the chemical. On March 23, amidst unbearable pain that left Luca "hysterical" and struggling to settle, she was whisked away to hospital. There, after futile attempts to clean her eyes out four times, surgery became the only option. Harrowing images reveal Luca's fiery, puffed-up eyes, marred by blisters and scabs which manifested mere days after the encounter with the cleaning agent. Eventually released home following a 16-day hospital stay, the young girl's vision is still compromised due to damage inflicted by the mishap, reports the Mirror . The laundry pod, known as Omo in Australia and branded as Persil in the UK, claims to present a triple action capsule performance with 'Comfort freshness. ' In the wake of her daughter's grave injury, Jodi insists on enhancing warning labels on such products. The sales manager recounted: " Luca was helping me with the laundry and I gave her the pod just to hold while I put the washing on. "And by the time I'd turned around, she'd already bitten into it and it went into her eyes. They're quite solid so when you pop them, they spray. And kids being kids she rubbed her eyes, which meant it went across both eyes. She's never had the urge to bite before. It's very out of character for her. She helps me with the laundry a lot but doesn't normally play with them. They do look and smell quite nice. They're attractive to kids . "I put her into the shower and looked at the back of the product and it said to 'seek medical advice' so I didn't think it was going to cause much of an issue. She was screaming and really upset. I noticed she wasn't calming down, she was still hysterical. I called a poison line and asked for advice and they told me to go to hospital." While in hospital, Luca underwent three surgeries after doctors found a defect in her left eye, before having an amniotic membrane transplant in which surgeons apply a piece of amniotic membrane to the surface of the eye to help aid her healing. After spending 16 days in the hospital, little Luca was released, though medics have said she is likely to experience redness around her eyes for anywhere from six months to a year. Jodi recounted the harrowing experience: "There was a point where they thought she'd need a fourth surgery because she wasn't opening her eyes but we managed to encourage her to open her eyes. Her sight in her left eye isn't fully there yet but is coming back slowly. She has a slight vision impairment. It could've been a lot worse. It's been pretty traumatic. It's not easy seeing your daughter in so much pain with nothing you can do." She is now arguing that current safety messages on Persil and Omo products aren't sufficient, and insists that packaging warnings need an overhaul. Jodi stated: "I know [Persil] say keep them away from the kids but on the packet it doesn't say anything about going to a hospital. It just says 'seek medical advice'. "It needs to be more. It's not good enough how it is. I didn't realise the extent of injuries they could cause. You wouldn't think direct contact could cause pretty excessive burns, three surgeries and 16 days in hospital. There needs to be more awareness on their packaging." Speaking to The Mirror, a Unilever spokesperson expressed their concern: "We were deeply saddened to hear about these injuries and have spoken to Luca's mother to understand what happened so we can investigate further. Safety is always our number one priority at Unilever, and our laundry capsules carry child impeding closures as well as prominent on-pack safety warnings in line with industry guidelines."
