Latest news with #PJ
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brit killed at holiday hotspot bar 'was pestering women before local attacked'
A Brit who died after being assaulted outside an Algarve bar had been 'pestering' women before a local confronted him, it was claimed today. Police confirmed yesterday a 60-year-old British national died in the morning at a hospital in the popular tourist town of Lagos. Police said they were quizzing a suspect who handed himself before being formally arrested when it emerged the attacked man had died. He is expected to go before a judge tomorrow morning in nearby Portimao. The judge will have to decide whether to remand him in custody or release him on bail pending an ongoing investigation. The assault happened just after 3am yesterday in a street called Rua 25 de Abril, in an area where there are a number of late-night bars. Paramedics, firefighters and officers from Portugal's PSP police force responded to the emergency call, although the Policia Judiciaria (PJ) has now taken over the case. A PSP official, confirming the victim was British and aged 60, said early yesterday afternoon: 'We have a suspect who is Portuguese who is with police at the moment but I am not able to say whether he has been formally arrested at this stage.' Another said officers from Portugal's PJ force were now working on the case and the police focus was on obtaining the evidence needed to put the principal suspect before a judge tomorrow. Overnight, respected Portuguese daily Correio da Manha reported the Brit had been 'bothering several women' inside the bar before a local man stepped in to help them. It said the two men began rowing inside the bar before the argument finished violently when the British national was 'attacked to the head.' The newspaper added: 'The suspect abandoned the scene after the incident and found out later on the victim had died in hospital. 'He went to the PSP police station in Lagos to hand himself in but wasn't arrested... The case was passed over to the PJ which subsequently formally arrested the suspect at his home.' Correio da Manha described him as someone who is already known to police. The PJ force has not yet made any official comment and is not expected to release any information or statement until after tomorrow's expected court appearance, which will take place behind closed doors as is normal in Portugal.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Big Ocean breaks new ground as K-pop's first deaf group
Big Ocean, a three-member K-pop group composed entirely of artists with hearing disabilities, is redefining the limits of music and performance — one beat at a time. When Big Ocean takes the stage, they seamlessly incorporate sign language into their performances. But their polished shows are built on extensive preparation using high-tech tools born from necessity — vibrating smartwatches that pulse with musical beats and LED visual metronomes that flash timing cues during practice sessions. This technological approach represents significant progress in South Korea's entertainment industry, where career opportunities for people with disabilities have historically been limited. The trio, PJ, Jiseok and Chanyeon, made their debut in April 2024 and recently wrapped a solo European tour marking their first anniversary. The band performed in four countries, including France and the U.K., while promoting their second mini-album, 'Underwater,' which dropped on April 20. PJ rose to prominence as a YouTuber who educated viewers about hearing disabilities. Chanyeon previously worked as an audiologist. Jiseok was a professional ski racer. To achieve the precision crucial in K-pop's demanding choreography and music, Big Ocean relies on technologies rarely seen in the genre. Members wear modified vibrating smartwatches that deliver rhythmic cues to their wrists and practice with visual metronomes — flashing light guides displayed on monitors — to help stay in sync when audio alone isn't enough. Chanyeon uses a hybrid hearing device with Bluetooth that streams music directly from mobile devices. The group also uses a pitch-checking app and AI voice conversion technology to support vocal training and enhance audio output after recordings. Dancing to visual cues 'We each felt rhythm differently when dancing,' PJ told The Associated Press. 'So when we'd play the same song and dance in front of the mirror, one of us would move faster while another would move slower. To solve this timing issue, we decided to memorize everything together and create our own cues with each other.' This precision becomes critical during live performances, where unexpected disruptions can derail even experienced performers. 'When we performed in France, our fans were cheering so loudly we lost the beat,' said Jiseok. 'But we looked at each other and quickly handled the situation — just like we practiced.' Stage effects and certain musical styles create additional obstacles. 'When a lot of smoke comes up, sometimes we momentarily can't see the stage movements in front of us,' PJ said. 'Our concentration gets disrupted instantly in those moments.' 'When there's no clear beat in a song, it's really hard for us to stay synchronized,' Jiseok said. 'When the bass is overwhelming, it's difficult for us to catch it accurately.' Promoting accessibility Despite these challenges, Big Ocean's commitment to accessibility and inclusion has inspired their global fanbase. Big Ocean's global fanbase — known as PADO — has responded with similar commitment. 'While communicating with PADO, we've heard that they're actually learning Korean sign language for us, or learning various sign languages to communicate with us,' Jiseok said. 'When we see how much they're preparing and putting in that effort, we feel so grateful.' The group uses English for basic communication with international fans and incorporates Korean Sign Language, American Sign Language and International Sign to promote accessibility and inclusion. Jiseok credits BTS's RM with inspiring his musical journey. He said RM's donation to his former school — a private institution for deaf and hard of hearing students — gave him access to music and dance for the first time. 'Without those learning opportunities, I probably never would have dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol,' he said. Fostering collaboration Looking ahead, Big Ocean hopes to build on its growing global profile. 'We recently saw Justin Bieber's Instagram post asking for music collaborators, so we sent him a DM,' PJ said. 'All of us would love the opportunity to work with him. And personally, I'd also love to work with Billie Eilish.' As the band reflects on its first year, Chanyeon said their biggest growth has been internal. 'I've always liked playing it safe — even with food, I only ate what I was used to,' he said. 'But through Big Ocean, I've gained confidence in trying new things. That's what I'm most satisfied with.'
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Big Ocean breaks new ground as K-pop's first deaf group
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Big Ocean, a three-member K-pop group composed entirely of artists with hearing disabilities, is redefining the limits of music and performance — one beat at a time. When Big Ocean takes the stage, they seamlessly incorporate sign language into their performances. But their polished shows are built on extensive preparation using high-tech tools born from necessity — vibrating smartwatches that pulse with musical beats and LED visual metronomes that flash timing cues during practice sessions. This technological approach represents significant progress in South Korea's entertainment industry, where career opportunities for people with disabilities have historically been limited. The trio, PJ, Jiseok and Chanyeon, made their debut in April 2024 and recently wrapped a solo European tour marking their first anniversary. The band performed in four countries, including France and the U.K., while promoting their second mini-album, 'Underwater,' which dropped on April 20. PJ rose to prominence as a YouTuber who educated viewers about hearing disabilities. Chanyeon previously worked as an audiologist. Jiseok was a professional ski racer. To achieve the precision crucial in K-pop's demanding choreography and music, Big Ocean relies on technologies rarely seen in the genre. Members wear modified vibrating smartwatches that deliver rhythmic cues to their wrists and practice with visual metronomes — flashing light guides displayed on monitors — to help stay in sync when audio alone isn't enough. Chanyeon uses a hybrid hearing device with Bluetooth that streams music directly from mobile devices. The group also uses a pitch-checking app and AI voice conversion technology to support vocal training and enhance audio output after recordings. Dancing to visual cues 'We each felt rhythm differently when dancing,' PJ told The Associated Press. 'So when we'd play the same song and dance in front of the mirror, one of us would move faster while another would move slower. To solve this timing issue, we decided to memorize everything together and create our own cues with each other.' This precision becomes critical during live performances, where unexpected disruptions can derail even experienced performers. 'When we performed in France, our fans were cheering so loudly we lost the beat,' said Jiseok. 'But we looked at each other and quickly handled the situation — just like we practiced.' Stage effects and certain musical styles create additional obstacles. 'When a lot of smoke comes up, sometimes we momentarily can't see the stage movements in front of us,' PJ said. 'Our concentration gets disrupted instantly in those moments.' 'When there's no clear beat in a song, it's really hard for us to stay synchronized,' Jiseok said. 'When the bass is overwhelming, it's difficult for us to catch it accurately.' Promoting accessibility Despite these challenges, Big Ocean's commitment to accessibility and inclusion has inspired their global fanbase. Big Ocean's global fanbase — known as PADO — has responded with similar commitment. 'While communicating with PADO, we've heard that they're actually learning Korean sign language for us, or learning various sign languages to communicate with us,' Jiseok said. 'When we see how much they're preparing and putting in that effort, we feel so grateful.' The group uses English for basic communication with international fans and incorporates Korean Sign Language, American Sign Language and International Sign to promote accessibility and inclusion. Jiseok credits BTS's RM with inspiring his musical journey. He said RM's donation to his former school — a private institution for deaf and hard of hearing students — gave him access to music and dance for the first time. 'Without those learning opportunities, I probably never would have dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol,' he said. Fostering collaboration Looking ahead, Big Ocean hopes to build on its growing global profile. 'We recently saw Justin Bieber's Instagram post asking for music collaborators, so we sent him a DM,' PJ said. 'All of us would love the opportunity to work with him. And personally, I'd also love to work with Billie Eilish.' As the band reflects on its first year, Chanyeon said their biggest growth has been internal. 'I've always liked playing it safe — even with food, I only ate what I was used to,' he said. 'But through Big Ocean, I've gained confidence in trying new things. That's what I'm most satisfied with.'
Epoch Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘The Road to Tender Hearts' Is Definitely a Trip Worth Taking
Despite a significant body count in the first few chapters, 'The Road to Tender Hearts' is one of the funniest, sweetest, and best books I've read this year. Those two descriptions really shouldn't go together, but when the writer is as talented as Annie Harnett is, she can get away with it. The plot and characters are complex here, so buckle in. The book first introduces readers to a cat named Pancakes; it's gained a reputation as the resident 'angel of death' at a local Massachusetts nursing home. Residents have noticed how Pancakes only hangs around those who are about to pass away. This has made it very unpopular. As readers get to know the cat, they see that it's certainly unusual and might actually be the angel of death. Pancakes eventually finds its way into the home of PJ Halliday, a 63-year-old divorced dad who sits in the center of a Venn diagram, of sorts: He's a failure-to-launch alcoholic with a tragic history; he's the luckiest jerk around, and he's a great guy who can be trusted about as far as he can be thrown. It's unclear if Pancake's appearance in PJ's life is as a terrible omen or merely a cuddly companion; it could go either way. Wasting Away Again in Pondville PJ has been spending his life getting drunk in the home he once shared with his ex, Ivy, and their two daughters, Kate and Sophie. The home is just this side of a hoarding cliché, except for Kate's old bedroom, which he hasn't touched since she died in an accidental drowning after her senior prom. If PJ isn't drunk at home or at his usual bar, he's over at Ivy's new place, spending time with her and her new boyfriend, Fred, an appellate judge eager to marry her. The trio has an unusual relationship: There is almost no acrimony between PJ and his ex, and he considers Fred to be his best friend. This is a great example of the complex interplay in 'Tender Hearts.' In the same town—a fictional place called Pondville, Massachusetts—some extended members of PJ's family have been struck by a vicious turn of events. In one particular chapter, we watch those events unfold with all the dark humor, tension, and tragedy of the best films by the Coen brothers (think 'Fargo'). It's expertly written, but it's also not for the faint of heart. Related Stories 4/26/2025 4/21/2025 The upshot of that storyline is that PJ suddenly finds himself guardian of the two grandkids of an estranged brother he hadn't spoken to in 40 years. Luna Meeklin is a 10-year-old troubled child and school outcast—highly intelligent, but so battered and alienated by her dysfunctional home life that she frequently withdraws from everything. Ollie is her polar opposite, a perfect foil for Luna. Only 11 months younger, Ollie is bright, sweet, truthful, and innocent to the point of near naivety. His identity is perhaps too entwined with his sister's: 'Ollie could never be happy unless Luna was too.' Worst Laid Plans Even though they have only just met, they all agree to take a road trip across the country to Arizona and California. Why? Luna has become convinced that her father was not her biological father, and her real dad is a man who used to live in Pondville but moved to L.A. to be a famous soap opera star. She has charts, graphs, and other evidence to back her up. For his part, PJ recently discovered that a high school sweetheart, his first love before meeting Ivy, has recently become a widow in a retirement home in Arizona called Tender Hearts. 'Hey,' he thinks, 'she's back on the market. I should go see her and maybe rekindle a romance.' So, why not travel a little farther to L.A., so that Luna can talk to her real dad? This is, of course, a terrible idea on multiple levels. But PJ even manages to convince his daughter, Sophie, to reconnect with him and come along for the ride. Sophie is currently out of work, smokes weed most of the day, and hates her roommates, so it doesn't take much to get her to go along with this plan. Pancakes, naturally, is coming too. Cheering Them On The pace of 'The Road to Tender Hearts' is brisk; it doesn't stay in one place for very long. However, it's surprising how much character and plot Hartnett manages to pack onto each page while still making it all feel like a natural progression. Even with all these details I've mentioned, I'm still skipping much of the story so as not to spoil readers' fun. What really makes 'The Road to Tender Hearts' work is the sheer enjoyment of watching the decisions the characters make on their journey—often a heady mix of self-delusions, lies, earnest goodwill, desperation, or just plain stupidity. Coupled with the effects of fortune, whether in the form of a semi-mystical cat, the divine, or pure probability, I truly didn't know how it would all turn out. Nonetheless, I rooted for each of them to find their way. And if that doesn't make for a great page-turner, I don't know what does. Two children accompany a father and daughter cross country with a very unusual cat, in "The Road to Tender Hearts." 'The Road to Tender Hearts' By Annie Hartnett Ballantine Books, April 29, 2025 Hardcover: 384 pages What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Brit tourist, 27, arrested and extradited to Portugal after teenager was stabbed to death with broken bottle in Lisbon
Daniel was reportedly attacked while trying to defend a friend STAB SHOCK Brit tourist, 27, arrested and extradited to Portugal after teenager was stabbed to death with broken bottle in Lisbon A BRITISH tourist has been arrested and extradited to Portugal after a teenager was brutally stabbed to death with a broken bottle in Lisbon. The 27-year-old fugitive was bundled on a flight back to the Portuguese capital and remanded in custody after losing a battle against his forced return. Advertisement 3 A Brit tourist was arrested in connection with the death of teen Daniel Galhanas (pictured) 3 Video shows the moment 19-year-old was attacked in Lisbon 3 The attackers were later seen fleeing the area as the teen was left to die He is expected to stand trial over the killing of Daniel Galhanas, 19, who was stabbed in the neck in the city's party hotspot Bairro Alto in the early hours of October 14, 2023. Daniel was reportedly attacked while trying to defend a friend during a violent bust-up between rival groups – one of which included British holidaymakers. Initial reports claimed the teen's pal had tried to rob the tourist and his friends as part of a gang of thieves targeting foreigners in the area. But Daniel's family strongly deny he had any involvement in criminal activity – insisting he was simply trying to help a friend in trouble when he was fatally attacked. Advertisement Read more world news BLOW BY BLOW My son was called an idiot when coke fell out his passport… but he was SET UP Footage of the incident shows a man hurling a bottle at Daniel's friend before picking up the broken glass and stabbing Daniel, who stumbles before collapsing in a pool of blood. He went into cardiac arrest at the scene and was rushed to São José Hospital by volunteer firefighters – but died shortly after from his injuries. Video from the night shows chaos erupting on the street near Largo do Calhariz, with a dozen people brawling as cars drive past the carnage. Confirming the dramatic arrest and extradition, Portugal's Policia Judiciaria said they had worked with UK police and judicial authorities to track down the 27-year-old suspect. Advertisement He is believed to have committed first-degree murder in 2023 in Largo do Calhariz, in Lisbon's Bairro Alto district. They said the crime took place between 4am and 5am on October 14, following a violent altercation between two rival groups. Brit woman, 21, rotting in Dubai hellhole jail without a shower for a month after being arrested on drugs charges 'The victim ended up being hit in the neck with a broken glass bottle, which caused serious injuries and led to his death on the spot,' a spokesman said. Officers said the suspect and his group fled the scene immediately after the attack. Advertisement They explained that a probe led by the PJ's Lisbon and Tagus Valley Directorate resulted in the suspect being identified and an international arrest warrant being issued. 'The suspect, a foreign national, was eventually located and arrested in the United Kingdom, where he travelled to the day after the murder,' they added. He has since appeared before judicial authorities in Portugal and been remanded in pre-trial custody. At the time of the horror attack, local reports named Daniel as the young man seen in a disturbing viral video being stabbed with a glass shard before collapsing. Advertisement Police told his devastated family they were hunting an 'English tourist' in connection with the killing. A relative said: 'An Englishman throws a glass bottle at his friend, who breaks it. The same individual picks up the pieces of glass and hits Daniel, who stood in front of his friend to defend him. 'The group of Englishmen flee and are chased by Daniel's friends. He was left behind to faint with a friend, as the video shows.' The family have repeatedly rejected claims Daniel was linked to a gang, saying he was a local boy from Odivelas who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Advertisement A volunteer fire team who found Daniel bleeding on the street tried to save him – but later had their own vehicle attacked in a separate incident. Commander Débora Alves said: 'I don't connect one thing to the other, but, shortly after the murder, a man was arrested for having stoned the window of one of our cars. 'The vehicle was inoperable after the attack.'
