Latest news with #ScottEvans

USA Today

2 days ago

Automotive
USA Today

The 10 dumbest cars of all time

The 10 dumbest cars of all time There are many kinds of dumb, especially when talking about cars. Automakers are prone to questionable design and engineering decisions and can occasionally push the envelope in places they shouldn't. Buyers can take what would be excellent vehicles in one arena and use them almost exclusively in another where their talents are completely wasted. There are times when technologies aren't invested in enough or are pushed too hard, to comical extremes. And then there are vehicles built for such a specific niche that they're doomed to commercial failure no matter how charming they are. These are our editors' picks for the dumbest automobiles. Tesla Cybertruck - Kristen Lee, Scott Evans Designed to offend and made in a way that maims, the Cybertruck has succeeded in gathering more haters than fans, empirically so considering the dueling subreddits dedicated to the truck. One look at the vehicle, even from a distance, is enough to catalyze an unbreakable perspective on whether or not the pickup is worthy of existence. Its impressive performance numbers and fresh technology are only important to those who can get past its looks. Those body lines include enough near-razor-sharp edges to rip clothing or tear open skin if you're unfortunate enough to encounter the end of almost any exterior panel (including the doors, which don't have handles). A general lack of reliability and high cost provide further ammo for the Cyberbeast's numerous haters, but as our Scott Evans noted, 'Cybertruck is up there, but it's gotten slightly less dumb as Tesla has activated the rest of the feature set.' Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet - Tom Rosquin, Aaron Gold Many automotive genre benders are celebrated, but the Murano convertible is not one of them. While far from the first vehicle with SUV proportions to feature an open top , this Murano variant stands out for a crossover cabrio with a hubris-huffing lack of self-awareness. The styling of the CrossCabriolet has been derided by MotorTrend staff for over a decade , but worse than that, very little was done to ensure the newly minted convertible was structurally sound. Even driving down a mildly bumpy road reveals a shocking lack of rigidity, hurting both ride and handling. Any utility the variant had was also tossed out, as the rear doors and effectively all the cargo space of the vehicle were left on the cutting room floor. After all that, the most shocking thing about the Murano is that something so badly thought out could be greenlit at all. As Aaron Gold noted, 'You could feel the cowl shake just by getting into the car.' Mazda MX-30 - Billy Rehbock As the first wave of electric SUVs swept through the automotive landscape, bringing practical EV motoring into the mainstream, the MX-30 ... didn't. With barely 100 miles of EPA-rated range (and thus less on the freeway and much less in the cold), the MX-30 was never taken seriously as a practical electric vehicle. Even as just about every other electric crossover blew past the 200-mile mark in the real world, the MX-30 couldn't reach half that on the optimistic EPA rating cycle. Priced and marketed like an equal to far superior rivals, the MX-30's agile handling and fun interior couldn't save it from an early grave . Toyota Mirai - Christian Seabaugh, Aaron Gold, Scott Evans Hydrogen used to be the fuel of the future, but as battery electric vehicles came onto the scene and cut out the middleman, that future became the past. With much of the already tenuous filling station network shutting down , we've come to the apparent end of using H2 to fuel cars. That once-rosy outlook also ends the now ironically named Mirai. Named for 'future' in Japanese, the Mirai went from ugly duckling to beautiful sedan in its two generations , dutifully supported by a Toyota initially skeptical of BEVs. But all the cool factor and styling in the world couldn't keep hydrogen from falling under the pressure of more practical and less expensive methods of locomotion. As Aaron Gold said, 'Mirai is awesome if you don't have anywhere to go.' Honda CR-V FCEV - Christian Seabaugh Similar negatives apply to the CR-V FCEV, though at least this everyday crossover turned hydropunk showcase can run as a battery electric vehicle for an EPA-rated 29 miles . That enhances its practicality a little bit, but just a little. (All-up range with a full battery charge and a full tank of hydrogen is 270 miles.) The high cost of producing it means it is only available for lease, just as GM's EV1 was before BEV technology advanced to the point of practicality. Besides the rather annoying noises made by the hydrogen system, the CR-V FCEV tries its best to seem like a normal CR-V, but it's unlikely you'll ever be able to go outside Southern California (or, perhaps, very far within Southern California) in one. Aston Martin Cygnet - Scott Evans 'Talk about brand dilution,' Scott Evans remarked on this so-called Aston Martin. As one of the worst examples of badge engineering in recent memory, the Cygnet claims many firsts and superlatives for the famed British brand. But are they worth bragging about? Under the not-that-different bodywork, this Aston was a Toyota/Scion iQ , a tiny city car that was admirable for its price but not known for luxury, refinement, or … well, anything but its miniscule size, really. Built to bring up Aston Martin's average fuel economy ratings for the sake of government regulations, the Cygnet received a dramatic interior and the same 97-hp economy-focused engine as the Scion. For $37,000 in 2010 dollars, it may have served its purpose for the brand, but it didn't exactly serve up a real Aston Martin experience for owners. 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class - Alex Leanse The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a controversial choice for the list among the MotorTrend staff, but consider this: What other vehicle commands so much money while being so compromised for the daily-driver duty it is universally pressed into? Ubiquitous on posh main streets and reality TV shows while being utterly absent from ORV parks and trails, the G-Wagen's formidable off-road capabilities are a complete mismatch for its use case, and swaddling a military-inspired 4x4 in luxury trappings seems dumb indeed. All that said, in response to these charges, all Christian Seabaugh had to say to our on-staff G-Wagen haters was, 'Booo, go home.' Chevrolet SSR - Erik Johnson Dumb doesn't mean bad. Did anyone ask for a convertible truck that couldn't actually tow or haul like Americans expect a pickup to? No. Is the SSR still awesome? Yes. But this real-life Hot Wheels car's cool factor and very unique combination of features didn't result in anything but the most tepid of sales figures. To be fair, the SSR now has a cult following, decades after it ended production. And yes, it was watered down from the concept and lacked the dynamics to match its looks , but none of that keeps it from being very, very cool. Nor does it keep it from being dumb. Reliant Robin - Erik Johnson While dumb doesn't have to mean bad, it certainly can mean bad. The Robin is undeniably bad, in every sense of the word, and that makes it undeniably dumb. For one, its three-legged layout leads to terminal instability, making the Robin infamous for rolling over (even though much of that fame is down to somewhat disingenuous Top Gear stunts). A car with a single narrow wheel up front is a dumb car, full stop. Nor was the Robin anything but a rolling (forward, or over) indictment of the quality control and reliability struggles of the British auto industry at the time, which struggled mightily for most of the Robin's remarkable (and horrifying) three-decade production run. Chrysler TC by Maserati - Erik Johnson Chrysler executives were convinced that a second-gen K-car sold as a Maserati was a good idea, but hindsight clearly proves otherwise. In what universe is building a late 1980s Chrysler on a Maserati production line in Italy anything but a dumb idea? Astronomical costs and the blindingly obvious and undeniable truth that the TC was a kind of lousy American car built by a kind of lousy Italian automaker made it an exceedingly stupid move. That the TC has a cult-classic appeal to modern car enthusiast weirdos is beside the point. The TC was dumb. Photos by Manufacturer, Ryan Lugo

BET's Black + Iconic Soirée Celebrates Black LGBTQ+ Excellence [Photos]

Black America Web

3 days ago

Entertainment
Black America Web

BET's Black + Iconic Soirée Celebrates Black LGBTQ+ Excellence [Photos]

Source:/ BET BET's Black + Iconic Soirée made a powerful Washington, D.C. debut during its third annual celebration, honoring the rich legacy and bright future of Black LGBTQ+ excellence. Read more about the event and check out a gallery of photos inside. Held under the 2025 theme 'Excellence Ascending,' the event spotlighted changemakers across activism, entertainment, and community who are leading with authenticity, purpose, and pride. Hosted by Access Hollywood anchor Scott Evans, the Soirée was a star-studded evening of storytelling, soulful performances, and impactful recognition. Ashlee Davis, J.D., who received the Executive Realness Award for her groundbreaking civil rights leadership across government and corporate spaces. Hope Giselle, awarded Emerging Leader for her tireless work uplifting Black trans visibility and inclusion. Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, honored as Active Advocate for decades of reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Ashlee Marie Preston, acclaimed activist and strategist, who took home the Creative Visionary Award for using media to drive intergenerational change. Bob the Drag Queen, Emmy-winning performer and cultural force, accepted the Culture Trailblazer Award, delivering a stirring speech on identity and legacy. The evening also spotlighted grassroots impact. The Center for Black Equity and TAKE Resource Center each received $5,000 BET Thrive Fund grants for their continued work in advancing Black LGBTQ+ wellness and equity. Us Helping Us, a local D.C.-based health equity nonprofit, was granted a $5,000 donation from new partner Truth Initiative, marking a commitment to culturally relevant tobacco cessation programs. Broadway star Avery Wilson, fresh from The Wiz revival, delivered a show-stopping medley performance, while BET+ stars including Eva Marcille, Carter The Body, Bryan Terrell Clark, and Arrington Foster offered heartfelt tributes to the evening's honorees. 'This couldn't be just another event,' said Tiyale Hayes, BET's EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics. 'It had to be an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced.' With support from longtime partner Gilead Sciences and new ally Truth Initiative, the Soirée marked a cornerstone of BET's 45th anniversary, reinforcing its mission to celebrate Black culture and elevate LGBTQ+ voices. Stay tuned for the televised premiere date (to be announced at a later date) and relive the night via #BlackAndIconic across BET's official social platforms. BET's Black + Iconic Soirée Celebrates Black LGBTQ+ Excellence [Photos] was originally published on Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE

2026 BMW M2 CS First Look: A Big Power Upgrade—With a Price Hike to Match

Motor Trend

4 days ago

Automotive
Motor Trend

2026 BMW M2 CS First Look: A Big Power Upgrade—With a Price Hike to Match

We're big fans of the BMW 2 Series here at MotorTrend. Not only did Scott Evans call the 2020 BMW M2 CS "the best M car made in the 12 years" he's been reviewing cars, but we also awarded the current-generation M2 our 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year honor. This means the new, higher-performance 2026 BMW M2 CS has big shoes to fill. It'll attempt that with more power for, of course, a bigger price tag. 0:00 / 0:00 Beneath the hood, the new CS uses the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six S58 found in the regular M2, but here it makes 523 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the regular M2 makes 473 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque (with the 8-speed automatic; manual models have 406 lb-ft), and the previous-generation M2 CS made 444 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. An extra 50 hp and 36 lb-ft of torque over today's M2 is a big deal. With the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission, BMW estimates the CS can hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 188 mph, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than our test figure for the 2020 CS. As has been the case with multiple M offerings now, drivers can customize a myriad of driver settings. And has also been the case with the latest M offerings, BMW's estimated acceleration time for the CS is likely hugely conservative. How do we know? A pre-refresh 453-hp 2023 BMW M2 with the automatic transmission ripped to 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds in our testing. Feed in the CS' extra power, and that time will surely quicken well beyond BMW's 3.7-second claim. BMW also manages to shave 97 pounds off the automatic-equipped M2 to land on the CS's 3,770-pound curb weight. This was done through a ton of weight-saving materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic interior and exterior components—including the entire trunk lid—as well as giving the car forged alloy wheels as standard. Inside, the CS makes its sporty intentions even clearer with M Carbon bucket seats that have light-up CS logos and leather finishing. You can integrate multi-point harnesses to the seats if you want, and the head restraints can be removed for helmet clearance. The suspension is lowered and, we suspect, appropriately firmed-up for the CS' more track-focused mission. Appearance-wise, the CS sets itself apart with an exclusive rear diffuser, integrated ducktail spoiler, and badging. It'll come in four colors: Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire, and Brooklyn Grey are available at no cost. However, BMW Individual Velvet Blue is an additional $3,600 option. Creature comforts include a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the BMW Operating System 8.5 for the iDrive infotainment system. How much for this little bundle of fury? The base MSRP for the 2026 CS is $99,775, which includes destination and handling fees. Yeah, we know. That's a significant leap from the 2020 CS's $84,595 base price, and effectively makes this a $100,000 2 Series. The regular M2 starts at $69,375—making the CS treatment a nearly 50-percent markup. Given how excellent the non-CS M2 is, here's hoping BMW's CS changes bring sufficiently transformative improvements to justify that outlay. We'll find out when we drive the M2 CS; BMW says you can expect deliveries to start in Q3 of this year.

Ikaria Wariootia: The earliest known animal ancestor on the planet has been discovered from South Australia

Time of India

22-05-2025

Science
Time of India

Ikaria Wariootia: The earliest known animal ancestor on the planet has been discovered from South Australia

Scientists have identified Ikaria wariootia , a tiny, wormlike creature that lived over 555 million years ago, as the earliest known bilaterian — an animal with a front, back, and symmetrical sides. Detailed in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , this discovery from South Australia provides crucial evidence for a major evolutionary leap during the Ediacaran period: the origin of bilateral body structure, a key feature of nearly all animals today, including humans. Ikaria Wariootia: A peek into the first bilaterian animals Bilaterians are animals that exhibit bilateral symmetry, meaning their bodies have two symmetrical halves, each mirroring the other. This structure includes distinct head, tail, back, and belly, facilitating controlled movement and internal complexity. Scientists had long hypothesized that the earliest bilaterians would be simple, small, and possess basic sensory organs, but no fossil evidence had confirmed this—until the discovery of Ikaria wariootia . Measuring just 2 to 7 millimeters, this creature is about the size of a grain of rice. Dr. Scott Evans from the University of California, Riverside, explained, 'While we believed such animals existed during this time, we didn't expect them to be easy to identify. When we saw the 3D scans, we knew we had found something significant.' Using advanced 3D laser scanning, the team uncovered the fossil's cylindrical body, clear bilateral symmetry, and signs of musculature, marking a pivotal discovery in understanding early bilaterian life. Insights into ediacaran lie and the evolution of animals This discovery also changes how scientists perceive other Ediacaran organisms. While large, iconic species like Dickinsonia were previously considered evolutionary dead ends without any living descendants, smaller and simpler creatures like Ikaria may represent the earliest ancestors of bilaterians, the group that gave rise to most modern animals. "While Dickinsonia and similar large creatures were likely evolutionary dead ends, we also had many smaller organisms and suspected they might be the early bilaterians we were searching for," said Professor Droser. The identification of Ikaria wariootia bridges the gap between genetic theories and fossil records, confirming that early bilaterians had the body structure and abilities necessary for complex behaviors like directed movement and burrowing. Fossilized burrows provide evidence of purposeful movement in Ikaria Wariootia The discovery is linked to fossilized burrows known as Helminthoidichnites , found in the same geological layers in Nilpena, South Australia. For over 15 years, paleontologists speculated these burrows were created by bilaterians, but the exact organism remained unclear. The size and shape of Ikaria wariootia match these burrows, reinforcing the idea that the creature actively burrowed into oxygen-rich ocean-floor sand in search of organic matter. "Burrows of Ikaria wariootia are found deeper than any other, making it the oldest fossil with this level of complexity," said Professor Mary Droser. The fossil also shows V-shaped ridges in the burrows, indicating that Ikaria used peristaltic locomotion, contracting its muscles like modern worms. This type of movement suggests an advanced level of coordination and sensory input previously unknown in such early animals. Significance of this discovery by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences The discovery of Ikaria wariootia significantly reshapes our understanding of early animal evolution. Dating back 555 million years to the Ediacaran period, it is the earliest known bilaterian fossil, showing bilateral symmetry, a key feature of most modern animals. This discovery bridges the gap between genetic predictions and fossil evidence, supporting the idea that early bilaterians were small, simple creatures with complex capabilities, such as purposeful movement and burrowing. The fossil's association with Helminthoidichnites burrows suggests that Ikaria actively tunneled through oxygenated ocean-floor sand, indicating coordination and sensory input. This finding challenges prior assumptions about the pace of evolution, demonstrating that complex behaviors and body plans could have evolved much earlier than previously thought. Ikaria wariootia provides a crucial insight into the origins of animal complexity, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of the pre-Cambrian evolution of life on Earth. Fossil characteristics of Ikaria Wariootia The Ikaria wariootia fossil exhibits several key characteristics that make it a groundbreaking discovery in the study of early animal evolution. These characteristics are: Bilateral Symmetry The fossil shows clear evidence of bilateral symmetry, meaning it has a defined left and right side that mirror each other. This symmetry is a key trait of bilaterians, the group from which most modern animals, including humans, evolved. Small Size Ikaria wariootia measures just 2 to 7 millimeters long, roughly the size of a grain of rice. Its small size is consistent with its position as an early, simple bilaterian. Cylindrical Body Shape The fossil's cylindrical body, observed through 3D scanning, suggests a simple yet functional body plan, capable of basic movement and burrowing. Musculature Evidence The fossil displays signs of musculature, which support the idea that Ikaria could move in a coordinated manner, likely using peristaltic locomotion similar to modern worms. Burrow Association The fossil is linked to Helminthoidichnites burrows, which are V-shaped and indicative of active tunneling behavior. These burrows suggest that Ikaria moved purposefully through oxygenated ocean-floor sand, searching for organic matter. Complex Locomotion The presence of V-shaped ridges in the burrows indicates Ikaria used a form of peristaltic movement, contracting muscles across its body, highlighting an early form of coordinated, complex movement. Importance of discovery of Ikara wariootia The discovery of Ikaria wariootia provides valuable insights into early animal behavior, particularly in terms of its locomotion and environmental interactions. Here are some key behavioral implications: Purposeful Movement The presence of Ikaria wariootia in association with Helminthoidichnites burrows suggests that it actively tunneled through the ocean-floor sand. This implies that Ikaria was capable of purposeful movement, likely searching for organic matter. Such behavior indicates a level of coordination and sensory input, much like modern worms, which use their muscles to move in a controlled manner. Peristaltic Locomotion The V-shaped ridges observed in the burrows suggest that Ikaria used peristaltic movement—contracting muscles along its body to propel itself forward. This form of locomotion is still seen in modern worms and other simple animals, demonstrating that early bilaterians had complex movement abilities, likely enabling them to explore their environment more effectively. Environmental Interaction The burrowing behavior highlights Ikaria's interaction with its environment, particularly its use of oxygenated sand for shelter and feeding. This shows that early bilaterians were capable of modifying their surroundings, a trait that would evolve in later species to allow more complex forms of behavior, such as constructing shelters or hunting. Sensory and Nervous System Development The ability to move purposefully and burrow suggests that Ikaria had a developed nervous system that allowed it to respond to its environment and carry out coordinated actions. The presence of muscles, coupled with coordinated movement, implies the evolution of basic sensory input and motor control, essential for more complex behaviors in future animals. Adaptation to the Environment Ikaria's ability to move through oxygenated sand in search of food suggests early adaptations for survival, allowing it to exploit available resources efficiently. This reflects a fundamental aspect of animal behavior—the need to adapt to and interact with the environment to find food, shelter, and mates. Impact of Ikara wariootia on study of early life The discovery of Ikaria wariootia provides valuable insights into early animal behavior, particularly in terms of its locomotion and environmental interactions. Here are some key behavioral implications: Purposeful Movement The presence of Ikaria wariootia in association with Helminthoidichnites burrows suggests that it actively tunneled through the ocean-floor sand. This implies that Ikaria was capable of purposeful movement, likely searching for organic matter. Such behavior indicates a level of coordination and sensory input, much like modern worms, which use their muscles to move in a controlled manner. Peristaltic Locomotion The V-shaped ridges observed in the burrows suggest that Ikaria used peristaltic movement—contracting muscles along its body to propel itself forward. This form of locomotion is still seen in modern worms and other simple animals, demonstrating that early bilaterians had complex movement abilities, likely enabling them to explore their environment more effectively. Environmental Interaction The burrowing behavior highlights Ikaria's interaction with its environment, particularly its use of oxygenated sand for shelter and feeding. This shows that early bilaterians were capable of modifying their surroundings, a trait that would evolve in later species to allow more complex forms of behavior, such as constructing shelters or hunting. Sensory and Nervous System Development The ability to move purposefully and burrow suggests that Ikaria had a developed nervous system that allowed it to respond to its environment and carry out coordinated actions. The presence of muscles, coupled with coordinated movement, implies the evolution of basic sensory input and motor control, essential for more complex behaviors in future animals. Adaptation to the Environment Ikaria's ability to move through oxygenated sand in search of food suggests early adaptations for survival, allowing it to exploit available resources efficiently. This reflects a fundamental aspect of animal behavior—the need to adapt to and interact with the environment to find food, shelter, and mates. Also read: James Webb Space Telescope identified Milky Way's cosmic twin from the universe's first billion years

On This Week: Garth Brooks serenades fans and history made for Irish women's soccer

RTÉ News

12-05-2025

Entertainment
RTÉ News

On This Week: Garth Brooks serenades fans and history made for Irish women's soccer

On This Week: Irish Moments from History (12th - 18th May) Welcome to On This Week, where we delve into the standout stories from the years gone by, featuring standout news stories, major sporting events, and pop culture highlights that helped shape Irish life. Here's your dose of Irish nostalgia from 12th - 18th May. This Week In Irish News Ardmore Film Studios was officially opened by Seán Lemass, Minister for Industry and Commerce, who described it as a significant development for the Irish film industry. Since it opened, it's been the base for over 100 films and many successful Irish and international productions such as Braveheart, My Left Foot and Veronica Guerin. 2017: Rare giant squid caught off Dingle An extremely rare giant squid, measuring nearly six metres long, was landed off the coast of Dingle, Co Kerry. The 5.8m (19') squid was caught by the crew of the fishing vessel Cú na Mara during a trawl on the Porcupine Bank, 120 miles west of Dingle. This marked the sixth time said specimens have been recorded since records began almost 350 years ago. This Week In Irish Sports The Republic Of Ireland's women's national team played their first international match, an away game against Wales in Stebonheath Park, Llanelli. The game ended with a 2-3 win for the Irish thanks to a Paula Gorham hat-trick. The team would also play Northern Ireland and France later that year. 2008: Scott Evans becomes first Irish male badminton player to qualify for Olympics Scott Evans became the first Irish male badminton player to qualify for the Olympic Games. It was confirmed he had qualified for Beijing because of his world ranking of 43. The Beijing Olympics would take place later that year in August 2008, and Evans would later compete in London 2012 and Rio 2016. This Week In Irish Entertainment 1997: Garth Brooks serenades fans in Bray Country music fans in Bray, Co Wicklow, got a special treat when Garth Brooks performed 'Friends In Low Places' for them from the roof of his minibus. During the song, the crowd joined in and sang along. Brooks sold out five consecutive concerts in Croke Park that year, and it was one of the largest concerts ever staged in the country. 2022: Fair City hits the 5,000th episode mark Fair City reached a milestone when it broadcast its 5,000th episode on RTÉ One. The episode featured dramatic scenes where the much-loved character Nora Keogh was knocked down in an incident at Molloy's Car Garage. The soap began 33 years earlier, in 1989, and has been a permanent fixture on Irish television. This Week In Irish Culture 2020: Áine Ní Ghlinn named as Laureate na nÓg Irish language author Áine Ní Ghlinn became the sixth Laureate na nÓg, Ireland's Children's Literature Laureate. She was the first author who wrote exclusively in Irish to be awarded the honour, and she will hold the title from now until 2022. What was Number 1 in Ireland This Week? 1970: 'All Kinds of Everything' by Dana The first Irish singer to win the Eurovision in Amsterdam 1970, Dana's song became an international hit. 1983: 'True' by Spandau Ballet The title track from the band's third studio album, True reached number one in several countries, including the US, where it became their first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100. 1990: 'Give It A Lash Jack' by Liam Harrison and the GOAL Celebrities As the Republic Of Ireland soccer team headed to the World Cup finals in Italy, The Gay Byrne Radio show ran a competition to find an anthem with 'Give it a Lash Jack' winning. Irish Celebrities Celebrating Birthdays This Week Domhnall Gleeson (42) Actor who appeared in About Time, Ex Machina, and The Revenant. Enya (64) Singer and composer who is the best-selling Irish solo artist Pierce Brosnan (72) Actor who is best known for playing James Bond in four films, including Goldeneye. Other Irish Trivia From This Week 1968: The time the King of Belgium played hurling On a visit to Ireland in 1968, King Baudouin of Belgium was encouraged to try out the game of hurling. He tried out the game at Áras an Uachtaráin, while instructed by Taoiseach Jack Lynch, who was a five-time All-Ireland Hurling Championship winner. For dignitaries visiting Ireland, it's a tradition for them to plant a tree on the premises, a tradition going back to the 1850s. Looking Ahead Each Monday, On This Week will bring you a mix of stories from the last 75 years, to celebrate Volkswagen's 75 year anniversary, featuring the big news stories, sporting highlights and major pop culture moments. Volkswagen has been part of those unforgettable moments - driving families to milestones, memories, and moments that matter. Join us every week as we look back at the moments of yesteryear.