Latest news with #Solas
Boston Globe
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Fill your playlist (and your plate) with the best of the Lowell Folk Festival
As you plan your journey around the globe, check out a few of the festival's musical highlights, who will each perform multiple times over the course of the weekend. If you can't make it to Mill City, three of the four stages will be streamed live via Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Solas Anna Colliton Solas Reviewing the 1994 Lowell Folk Festival, the late Boston Globe folk critic Scott Alarik marveled at a one-off Irish music group put together by multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan and his ability to 'wonderfully bind ancient traditions to new sounds and ideas.' He added that the 'superb' fiddler Winifred Horan's 'intricately percussive stepdancing' was a constant show-stopper. Advertisement The group went over so well in Lowell that by the next year it had become a band called Solas, which would become one of the most important Celtic music acts of the 21st century. Solas are on a 30th anniversary reunion tour that includes originals Egan, Horan, and accordionist John Williams. Other Lowell favorites making encore appearances this year include Chicago's electric blues guitar marvel Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials, and BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, the band that spearheaded the Cajun music renaissance. Angkor Dance Troupe Angkor Dance Troupe Reamker Lowell is home to the nation's second largest Cambodian-American community, and the city's heralded On Saturday, in addition to performing at Boarding House Park, members of the troupe will participate in the 'From Courtly to Contest: Centuries of Dance' workshop at the Richard K. and Nancy L. Donahue Stage at St. Anne's Churchyard. The session will also include Solas member Kevin Doyle and the dazzling flamenco duo Los Ricos, who were Advertisement Bamba Wassoulou Groove Lowell is also home to a diverse and vibrant African community. The city hosts a three-day African festival every June, and the Cameroonian Lowell will also present the first area appearance by Bamba Wassoulou Groove, a thunderous Malian outfit that boasts twin electric guitars and a magnetic frontman, Ousmane Diakité. They're such a perfect fit for the dance floor that they're playing the Rockland Trust Bank Dance Pavilion twice. On Saturday afternoon, the band is part of a workshop at the Saab Family Foundation Stage at Market Street called 'Dance to the Music: South America to South Asia' with Red Baraat and the two Latin acts on the lineup: Colombian cumbia accordionist Yeison Landero and a salsa orquesta led by singer Edwin Perez. Oghlan Bakhshi Over its 38 years, the Lowell Folk Festival has often featured traditions that are rarely heard in New England. This year's hidden treasure will be the sounds of Turkmen, the historically nomadic ethnic group found in the steppes of Turkmenistan, as well as parts of Iran and Afghanistan. Oghlan Bakhshi grew up a child prodigy in Iran — his stage name means 'child bard' — and has been on a mission to bring Turkmen music to the rest of the world. Now a graduate student at Brown, Oghlan Bakhshi is bringing this musical heritage to American stages, where it hasn't been heard in decades. Advertisement He'll be joined by Zyyada Jumayeva, who also strums the two-stringed dutar and sings Turkmen bardic ballads from a woman's perspective. Sunday's 'Generations in Tune' workshop will feature a combination that could only be found at the Lowell Folk Festival: Oghlan Bakhshi, Boston gospel treasures the Oghlan Bakhshi (center) Courtesy of the artist Ricardo Parreira & Friends Fado, the mournful tavern ballads of Portugal, LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL Throughout downtown Lowell, July 25-27. Free.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
These 4 zodiac signs have the best shot at love in July — here's why
Welcome to the sweet sweat of summer, folks. While many of us are feeling the heat, the astrology of July lends itself to emotional breakthroughs, fated attraction and wild new beginnings for four zodiac signs. 'With Venus entering charismatic Gemini on July 4 and expansive Jupiter gracing emotional Cancer, this month's planetary alignments promise romance, intriguing connections and heartfelt transformations,' said psychic Solas, an esteemed love expert at Psychic Source. Solas notes that when Venus — our planet of love and attraction — transits Gemini, it amplifies charm and aids — and abets sudden, soulful connections. Meanwhile, when Jupiter, our planet of good fortune and bestowed blessings, transits Cancer — the planet of its exaltation — our emotional intelligence is heightened, and our magnetism is at a fever pitch, sending out a come-hither and stay-forever vibe. 'July invites a courageous exploration of the heart,' Solas emphasized. 'Trust your instincts, and you'll find love waiting.' Venus in Mercury-ruled Gemini supports levity and language, helping us attract and exchange with an eye on the curious and a hard-on for the cerebral. Jupiter in forward-thinking Cancer encourages authentic, secure attachments and dynamics that sow the seeds for emotional growth. Read on to see if your sign is in line to get love stoned this July. According to Solas, Gemini folks are the equivalent of a sexual tuning fork this month. 'Venus in your sign amplifies your natural allure and charisma, opening doors to vibrant and joyful romantic experiences.' You're most likely look as good as you feel, and are encouraged to work with what you have: talk to strangers, flirt often and openly. Keep things light, but be open to the possibility that by casting a wide net, you'll catch a connection worth deepening. Solas tells the Cancer contingent, 'With Jupiter enhancing your self-confidence, expect exciting new relationships and deeper emotional clarity in existing connections.' Trust that you not only deserve but are wholly capable of attracting the kind of partnership you want; also, remember that when the object of desire appears, it may not be immediately apparent. As a safeguard, say yes more often than you say no and pay attention to your physical response rather than your first judgment. For committed crabs, consider an exercise like tantric eye gazing to foster intimacy and build trust. Let staring be the spark of something unexpected. 'Mercury's transit through your sign elevates your communication, making this the perfect period to express your desires and attract passionate connections, Leo,' Solas shared. When Mercury turns retrograde mid-month, it can be a powerful time to course-correct your communication, lead with listening and listen in to people with quiet power rather than an obvious roar. That being said, the stars support your signature brand of bold b–ch romance, so don't hesitate to speak your heart so long as the words are true and the aim is shared intimacy — not personal validation. Power up to get down, Pisces. Solas encourages the people of the fish to lead with imagination this month. 'Creative energies combined with Jupiter's expansive influence pave the way for heartfelt romance and imaginative, meaningful experiences.' Plan a date that allows you to co-create, be it through climbing trees and telling stories, getting drunk on white wine and writing an exquisite corpse or making abstract art out of making love with a kit like this one. Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
New York Post
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
These 4 zodiac signs have the best shot at love in July — here's why
Welcome to the sweet sweat of summer, folks. While many of us are feeling the heat, the astrology of July lends itself to emotional breakthroughs, fated attraction and wild new beginnings for four zodiac signs. 'With Venus entering charismatic Gemini on July 4 and expansive Jupiter gracing emotional Cancer, this month's planetary alignments promise romance, intriguing connections and heartfelt transformations,' said psychic Solas, an esteemed love expert at Psychic Source. Solas notes that when Venus — our planet of love and attraction — transits Gemini, it amplifies charm and aids — and abets sudden, soulful connections. 5 While many of us are feeling the heat, the astrology of July lends itself to emotional breakthroughs, fated attraction, and wild new beginnings for four zodiac signs. NOTTY-STUDIO – Meanwhile, when Jupiter, our planet of good fortune and bestowed blessings, transits Cancer — the planet of its exaltation — our emotional intelligence is heightened, and our magnetism is at a fever pitch, sending out a come-hither and stay-forever vibe. 'July invites a courageous exploration of the heart,' Solas emphasized. 'Trust your instincts, and you'll find love waiting.' Venus in Mercury-ruled Gemini supports levity and language, helping us attract and exchange with an eye on the curious and a hard-on for the cerebral. Jupiter in forward-thinking Cancer encourages authentic, secure attachments and dynamics that sow the seeds for emotional growth. Read on to see if your sign is in line to get love stoned this July. 5 Geminis have got it going on this month. NOTTY-STUDIO – According to Solas, Gemini folks are the equivalent of a sexual tuning fork this month. 'Venus in your sign amplifies your natural allure and charisma, opening doors to vibrant and joyful romantic experiences.' You're most likely look as good as you feel, and are encouraged to work with what you have: talk to strangers, flirt often and openly. Keep things light, but be open to the possibility that by casting a wide net, you'll catch a connection worth deepening. 5 Deeper emotional clarity is expected for Cancers. NOTTY-STUDIO – Solas tells the Cancer contingent, 'With Jupiter enhancing your self-confidence, expect exciting new relationships and deeper emotional clarity in existing connections.' Trust that you not only deserve but are wholly capable of attracting the kind of partnership you want; also, remember that when the object of desire appears, it may not be immediately apparent. As a safeguard, say yes more often than you say no and pay attention to your physical response rather than your first judgment. For committed crabs, consider an exercise like tantric eye gazing to foster intimacy and build trust. Let staring be the spark of something unexpected. 5 Don't be afraid to say what you're feeling, Leo. NOTTY-STUDIO – 'Mercury's transit through your sign elevates your communication, making this the perfect period to express your desires and attract passionate connections, Leo,' Solas shared. When Mercury turns retrograde mid-month, it can be a powerful time to course-correct your communication, lead with listening and listen in to people with quiet power rather than an obvious roar. That being said, the stars support your signature brand of bold b–ch romance, so don't hesitate to speak your heart so long as the words are true and the aim is shared intimacy — not personal validation. 5 It's all about using your imagination this month, Pisces. NOTTY-STUDIO – Power up to get down, Pisces. Solas encourages the people of the fish to lead with imagination this month. 'Creative energies combined with Jupiter's expansive influence pave the way for heartfelt romance and imaginative, meaningful experiences.' Plan a date that allows you to co-create, be it through climbing trees and telling stories, getting drunk on white wine and writing an exquisite corpse or making abstract art out of making love with a kit like this one. Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
Extra.ie
08-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Plumbers' exam springs a leak as apprentices share questions
A state exam for plumbers was leaked, complete with answers, and widely circulated online just days before apprentices sat the test, has learned. Solas, the agency that took over State apprenticeships from Fás in 2013, expressed 'great concern' about the leak and said it is 'taking this matter very seriously'. However, a union for tradespeople this weekend said there are 'a lot of questions about the delivery of apprenticeships and standard of quality assurance' from Solas. An apprentice plumber who sat the leaked test in March told 'This is a QQI Level 6 exam – a State exam higher than the Leaving Cert – and we had questions and answers going in.' He said he was aware of the paper being shared before the exam in WhatsApp groups in at least four technological universities, where the courses are delivered, nationwide. He said he was aware of the paper being shared before the exam in WhatsApp groups in at least four technological universities, where the courses are delivered, nationwide. Pic: DenPhotos/Shutterstock 'There were lads in the class who did not turn up [for classes during the year], did not know the content, and they were getting merits and distinctions, and now they're going out into the world and plumbing,' he said. 'If you put a valve on an uncontrolled heat source, that's a bomb. Pressure builds, it explodes. People have been killed in Ireland in recent years with that. 'If you pipe gas wrong, that can lead to explosions, death. Carbon monoxide, [that can lead to] death.' The apprentice said the exact same theory exam – the final of three taken along with four 'on the job' tests for plumbing – had been used for the previous group, and that lecturers had already 'been complaining' at how 'easy' the papers are. 'The exact words were, 'A monkey would have passed the last one',' he said. 'There were three thick folders of notes, and they prepared us as best they could, covered the entire syllabus, only for the same exam to come up again, word for word. Then a few days before the exam, we got a leaked copy. 'I worked my a**e off. I spent 11 weeks studying, and then there was no need.' Asked if it was aware of the leak, Solas told 'We note this and the details from your query with great concern and are taking this matter very seriously.' Pic: Shutterstock The spokeswoman confirmed 224 people took the two-part exam on the same days in March as the apprentice who spoke to Asked what the pass rate for the exam was, and if the agency has safety concerns about potentially unskilled plumbers passing the leaked exam, the spokeswoman said: 'We are examining the matters raised in your query. Craft apprentices undergo continuous and multiple practical and written assessments throughout the seven phases of their apprenticeship to ensure that they are competent, working safely in the workplace and that their skills levels are up to date and in line with industry standards.' Assistant general secretary with Connect trade union, Brian Nolan, said he was aware of 'accusations of things that compromise the standard', including exam papers being posted on social media. He told the 'In our opinion, there's a lot of questions about the delivery of apprenticeships and the standard of quality assurance, off the job and on the job. 'We represent the workerlearners in the apprenticeships. We taught apprentices before we ever had Fás or AnCO [An Chomhairle Oiliúna, which oversaw apprenticeships until 1987]. We taught them in the workplace. 'And there's a fear here that as quality assurance is slipping, you could have these exam issues.' Mr Nolan said the course was also in danger of 'being led as academic and not vocational'. Pic: Getty Images He said he 'recently raised' the union's concerns about the exams to the Department of Higher Education. Solas said that in March, 'eight different phase 6 plumbing apprenticeship assessments were delivered, each of which was drawn from a range of different papers'. It added: 'Solas is working with its partners in the Technological Universities to identify if the assessment paper you had provided was one of the assessments delivered and if this was the case, we will agree the urgent actions needed to ensure the integrity of the assessment process.' Solas said new apprenticeship curricula 'are being implemented across all craft apprenticeship programmes' this year. 'Alongside this, new question banks for assessments are being developed and rolled out across the system. This is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and integrity of our apprenticeship programmes and ensure that they meet the highest standards,' it said. The apprentice who spoke to said plenty of apprentices fail their practical exams 'if they aren't up to scratch'. He said: 'It's not that people are just being slapped through. Lecturers are trying their best to train the next generation. 'And it's also not a plumbing issue alone – it's across all the trades. I know there was an audit into some of the electrical papers being leaked [in his institute].' There are 29,347 apprentices across 77 different Solas apprenticeship programme types.
Irish Times
06-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Irish early risers try to help get South Korea's suicide rate down
It was shortly after 4am on Saturday and Yeouido Park near Seoul 's financial district was dark, a little chilly and mostly deserted. But on a plaza just inside the park stood a large group of adults, some of them accompanied by children and dogs, chatting and laughing as if they were at a party. These were members of Seoul's Irish community and their friends and they were about to set off on a walk through the park, emerging into the neighbourhood nearby as dawn was breaking. Organised by the Irish Association of Korea, Solas is an annual event similar to Ireland's Darkness Into Light, which aims to highlight positive mental health and wellbeing. 'There is really strong scientific evidence that the single most important thing you can do if you are struggling with your mental health is to talk about it and to be open about it,' Ireland's ambassador to South Korea Michelle Winthrop told the crowd. 'We, as a society, in Ireland, in Korea, everywhere, just need to get a bit better at speaking up. We need to get a bit more comfortable at listening if somebody is expressing some concerns. And the most important thing, really is to beat the stigma. So we just keep repeating that message: it's okay not to be okay,' she said. READ MORE South Korea has the fourth highest suicide rate in the world and the highest within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). While the global suicide rate is declining, it has been rising in South Korea, with men twice as likely to take their own lives as women and with the highest rate among older people. The overall suicide rate is 25 deaths per 100,000 people but among those in their 80s it is nearly 70 per 100,000 and nearly 50 for those in their 40s and 50s. But the biggest cause of concern is the rising number of young people taking their own lives, with the number of primary and secondary students who die by suicide each year doubling in less than a decade. If one of the purposes of Solas is to raise awareness, the other is to raise money and this year's beneficiary was the Hospitaller Order of St John of God. Five St John of God brothers came from Ireland to establish the order in Korea in 1958, setting up a small clinic in Gwangju near the southern tip of the peninsula. Their services have expanded since then to include two centres in Seoul and apart from general medicine, they offer psychiatric services, programmes for alcohol and other substance abuse, and various counselling services. They offer counselling to families of people who have died by suicide, many of whom feel uncomfortable sharing the burden of their grief with friends and colleagues. 'This is one of the problems. It's not talked about openly. I suppose Ireland also, some years ago, it wasn't spoken about either. It's at that stage in Korea,' said Brother John Conway, a native of Greystones, Co Wicklow who moved to Korea with the St John of God order 42 years ago. 'The area of alcoholism is another. When I first came to Korea and we opened the very first alcohol treatment centre in Gwangju, we were almost told we were wasting our time. And then suddenly there was a huge interest in it, mainly due to Korean dramas that brought the problem out. And now it's all over the country, AA groups and everything. It's the same thing.' The order's alcohol treatment centres in Korea are based on the model of their hospital in Stillorgan but they adapt their services to take account of local sensibilities. The psychiatric hospital in Korea is called a Centre for Living and the nursing staff, who don't wear uniforms, refer to the patients as guests and never address them by their first names. Nana Kim, one of the Koreans on the Solas walk, was part of a group from the Seoul Gaels, the city's GAA club where she is an enthusiastic footballer. She said that Korea's competitive culture, where young people are constantly judging and comparing themselves to one another, often compounded mental health issues. [ Ask the experts: why are suicide rates reaching 20-year lows in Ireland? Opens in new window ] 'Ten years ago, people used to think that mental health is a kind of disease. So if you saw a counsellor you wouldn't tell anyone. But it's a more common thing now and they talk about it in the media too,' she said. 'So it's getting better, but I think we still need more be open for those kind of things. It's like everyone is thinking, I have to be happy. But you don't. You can't be happy every day.'
