Latest news with #TheGreatEscape
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
SHINee's Onew Redefines K-Pop with Groundbreaking Album 'PERCENT'
SHINee Onew The K-Pop world just witnessed something absolutely insane! SHINee's Onew didn't just drop another album - he literally threw down the gauntlet and challenged the entire industry's soul. "PERCENT" isn't just music; it's a full-blown revolution disguised as an album that's making everyone question what K-Pop even means anymore. The Great Escape_ Breaking Free from the Idol Machine While most K-Pop artists are trapped in this endless cycle of glossy perfection and manufactured personas, Onew said "screw it" and decided to get real - like, uncomfortably real. This isn't your typical dance-heavy, auto-tuned extravaganza. Instead, Onew served us raw vulnerability on a silver platter, and frankly, the industry doesn't know how to handle it. Think about it - here's a guy who's been in the spotlight for over a decade, and instead of playing it safe, he's out here talking about being incomplete, embracing imperfection, and literally howling like an animal. The audacity is absolutely unmatched! Cultural Revolution_ Redefining What It Means to Be a K-Pop Star This album is basically Onew's middle finger to the entertainment industry's impossible standards. In a world where idols are expected to be perfect 24/7, smile constantly, and never show any real emotion, "PERCENT" is like a nuclear bomb of authenticity. The timing couldn't be more perfect. With mental health conversations finally gaining traction among young people, Onew's message of "it's okay to be incomplete" hits different. This isn't just about music anymore - it's about giving an entire generation permission to be human. Onew didn't just participate in songwriting; he basically bled his soul onto every track. That's the kind of artistic integrity that makes other artists sweat nervously. The experimental nature of tracks like "PERCENT (%)" shows that Korean artists are finally ready to push boundaries and challenge Western music dominance. The album features 11 tracks that read like an emotional autobiography - from "Silky" celebrating the art of being lazy (honestly, a whole mood), to "Caffeine" delivering that addictive rush we all know too well. "Marshmallow" captures those butterflies-in-your-stomach moments when you're falling hard for someone, while "Confidence" showcases Onew's inner strength.
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
Inmate escapes prison by hiding in pal's laundry bag - but it didn't last long
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Gone are the days of scaling prison walls or digging holes out of Alcatraz. If a prisoner wants to escape their cell, the best method appears to be climbing into a plastic bag. At least that how one creative inmate found freedom in France last week – before he was quickly tracked down and locked up again. Elyazid A, 20, known as 'the Joker' or 'the Equaliser', hid in a large laundry bag filled with clothes. He was then wheeled out of Lyon-Corbas prison on a trolley by one of his jail buddies, as he was released last Friday. A video circulating on social media even appears to show the blue and white stripped bag in question – it must have been a tight squeeze! It took 24 hours for officers to realise 'the Joker' had played a trick on them. They eventually tracked Elyazid A down and arrested him on Monday morning as he left a cellar on the outskirts of Lyon. He had been serving at least two prison sentences and was under investigation for alleged criminal association and conspiracy to murder. His cellmate is still being sought by police. Escape from Alcatraz Three inmates in the notorious island prison of Alcatraz, off the coast of San Francisco, went missing in June 1972. They had spent two years digging an escape route through cell walls and constructing a raft to sail to freedom. Dummies were even placed in the prisoners' beds – meaning guards didn't notice their absence until the next morning. Investigators later concluded the three men had drowned as they sailed to freedom. The Great Escape. Seventy-six prisoners escaped a Nazi war camp in March 1944 by digging tunnels underneath it. More than 600 captees were involved in constructing the 30 foot deep and 2 foot wide tunnels. Of the 76 who got out, 73 were recaptured. Hitler ordered half of them executed as an example. Maze Prison escape One of the most escape-proof prisons in Europe fell victim to biggest prison escape since the Second World War. After months of planning and smuggling in hand guns, prisoners belonging to the IRA simultaneously held prison officers hostage in September 1983 in Maze Prison in Northern Ireland. Inmates highjacked a lorry and most escaped over a fence. Thirty-eight got out in total. The director of France's prison administration Sebastien Cauwel said the escape was 'extremely rare' and pointed to overcrowding in the prison. More Trending He told BFMTV: 'This is an extremely rare event that we have never experienced in this administration and which clearly reveals a whole series of serious dysfunctions. 'This facility has an occupancy rate of 170%. This clearly makes working conditions more difficult for our staff. 'What this incident reveals is rather an accumulation of material errors, possibly faults, which the investigation will bring to light.' Investigations into the escape has been ordered by the justice minister Gérald Darmanin, with Lyon public prosecutors, the French prison service and Lyon-Corbas jail itself doing the same. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Middle class parties hit by lumpy skin disease MORE: Charles Bronson says 'now you're in hell' in new message to people viewing his art MORE: Feminist hero Gisele Pelicot receives France's highest civilian honour
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Wales Online
Key city road partially closed after sinkhole appears
Key city road partially closed after sinkhole appears A lane of Oystermouth Road in Swansea was closed by highways officers so repairs can be carried out The hole which has appeared in the road outside Swansea prison at Oystermouth Road eastbound (Image: Swansea Council ) A major traffic route in Swansea has been partially closed after a sinkhole appeared in the road. Highways officers closed a lane at Oystermouth Road on Sunday afternoon and it currently remains closed while repairs are carried out. In a statement Swansea council said it had been alerted to the sinkhole which developed on the eastbound carriageway directly outside Swansea prison. A temporary closure is in place for one lane and it is causing some tailbacks while motorists are advised to use alternative routes. Delays are expected around the area anyway on Sunday as a result of the ongoing Ironman triathlon event which has shut a number of roads between Maritime Quarter and the Mumbles. You can see those closures here. There is also some disruption at the Gower with road closures and one-way systems in place until around 6pm on Sunday. You can see Ironman updates including any traffic difficulties in the area here. Article continues below Some reckoned the sizeable hole outside the prison could be from escapees from the jail. Karen Cheval said: "The tune to The Great Escape immediately came to mind." Renee Cullen added: "Glad it's not just me who immediately thought this could be the result of inmates digging themselves out."
IOL News
09-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Remembering a Durban hero: The story of lieutenant McGarr
Lieutenant Clement A. N. McGarr was a true South African hero from Durban who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Image: Supplied / Taz During the Second World War, countless South Africans answered the call to rescue a world in peril, leaving behind their families, homes, and futures. Thousands of miles from home, they confronted the forces of tyranny - on land, at sea, and in the air. They did so not for recognition or reward, but to defend the ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice. In total, over 334,000 South Africans served across the globe, and more than 11,000 were killed. Among the young men who went off to war but never returned was Lieutenant Clement Aldwyn Neville McGarr. McGarr was born on 24 November 1917 in Johannesburg and moved with his family to Durban in 1923. He loved the city deeply and began his schooling there. At the age of twelve, he was struck by polio and became paralysed from the waist down. But McGarr refused to give up. Through determination and relentless effort, he recovered the use of his legs and attended Glenwood High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. He was a proud member of the school's First XV rugby team, and one of his greatest passions was riding motorcycles. After completing his studies, McGarr worked in the laboratories of Lever Brothers, and later joined the Treasury Department of Durban Corporation. In May 1940, as the war intensified, McGarr enlisted in the South African Air Force (SAAF). Motivated by a sense of duty and love for his country, he trained diligently to become a pilot. On 26 April 1941, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and awarded his pilot's brevet. Soon after, he was posted to Egypt and, in October 1941, joined No. 2 Squadron SAAF, flying Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk fighters over the Libya–Egypt frontier. On 6 October 1941, while on patrol over the Egyptian desert, McGarr's squadron was intercepted by German fighters. During the fierce aerial combat, his aircraft was hit, and he was forced to bail out. He landed in the desert with only one shoe - the other lost mid-air - and wandered for three days without food or water before being captured by the German Afrika Korps. After a brief internment in Libya, he was sent to Germany and imprisoned at Stalag Luft III. There, McGarr immediately volunteered to join one of the most daring prisoner-of-war operations of the war: The Great Escape. The plan aimed to enable up to 200 Allied prisoners tunnel out of the camp, not only to free them but also to disrupt German operations by forcing them to divert resources. McGarr's role was to oversee security teams - watching for guards and preventing the tunnels from being discovered. A picture of McGarr's grave at the Poznań Old Garrison Cemetery in Poland. Image: Paul On the night of 24–25 March 1944, McGarr was among the 76 men who escaped. This extraordinary feat was later immortalised in Paul Brickhill's 1950 book The Great Escape and made famous globally by the 1963 film adaptation, starring Steve McQueen. While dramatised, the film brought long-overdue recognition to the real heroes behind the escape, including McGarr. Following the escape, German forces launched a massive manhunt. McGarr braved freezing temperatures and remained on the run for a short time, but he was eventually recaptured by German forces and taken to Görlitz prison. Enraged by the escape, Adolf Hitler ordered the Gestapo to execute 50 of the recaptured prisoners - an act in direct violation of the Geneva Convention. On 6 April 1944, a truck arrived at Görlitz. Six names were called. One of them was Lieutenant Clement McGarr. Alongside his fellow escapees, he was taken into Poland, ordered off the truck and executed. He was just 26 years old - with so much life ahead, and so much to give. Cremated by the Gestapo, McGarr's ashes were initially interred at Sagan. After the war, they were exhumed and re-interred at the Poznań Old Garrison Cemetery in Poland. A beautiful headstone marks his grave - a quiet and eternal reminder of his heroism and sacrifice. The story of Lieutenant Clement A. N. McGarr is one that goes beyond a single life; it echoes the stories of countless South Africans who fought and died for a better world. Each had a name, a voice, a life - that deserves to be remembered. It is our solemn duty to honour their memory, to uphold the values they fought for, and to ensure the world never forgets the brave young souls who gave everything they had for everything we have today.
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
The World's Music Industry Focuses On New Zealand Artists
Press Release – Independent Music New Zealand AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Aotearoa's premier music industry event returns for 2025 with a new round of influential international speakers and an open invitation for New Zealand artists to connect, collaborate, and take their music to the world. 'We're really looking forward to welcoming people from the global music community,' says IMNZ General Manager, Dylan Pellett, 'giving them a chance to engage with our local music people, and experience some top-flight musical mavericks from Aotearoa.' The first confirmed guests for this year's summit include some of the most respected names in global music programming and artist development: Kimberley Galceran – Festival Booker, DARK MOFO (AU) The force behind Dark Mofo's genre-bending music program and curates live experiences for DarkLab's Hobart venues. A former DJ, radio host and touring director (Bluesfest), she champions bold, boundary-pushing artists with a focus on diversity, intensity, and unforgettable live moments. Dev Sherlock – Senior Music Programmer, SXSW (USA) The Director of SXSW Music curates artists and showcases from Aotearoa, Australia, the UK, and the EU. With roots in artist relations, journalism, and music supervision, he plays a key role in shaping one of the world's most influential music festivals. Lau Frías – A&R Director, Secretly Group (US) Based in NYC, Laura 'Lau' Frías is A&R Director at Secretly Group (Dead Oceans, Jajaguwar, Secretly Canadian, Saddest Factory), where she works with artists like Chanel Beads and Wednesday. Originally from Lima, Perú, she's championed underrepresented voices across the indie and Latinx music scenes (Omar Apollo, Cuco + more). Adam Ryan – Festival Programmer, The Great Escape (UK) The Head of Music at The Great Escape, programming 500+ artists across 90 stages. A longtime champion of emerging talent, he's helped launch early shows for Stormzy, Skepta, The 1975, Mac De Marco, Royal Blood, Jon Hopkins, and more, while curating for global brands like TikTok, Amazon Music, and Fred Perry. Rebecca Young – Booking Agent, Collective Artists (AU) Director of Collective Artists, a booking agency representing Aldous Harding, Julia Jacklin, and Jen Cloher. With 15+ years in booking, programming, and artist advocacy, she champions independent voices across Australasia. Lucy Pitkethly – Promoter/Booker, Eat Your Own Ears (UK) The senior promoter at Eat Your Own Ears (UK), curating 150+ shows a year with artists like Four Tet, Self Esteem, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. She also co-founded EYOE Recordings and manages South African producer John Wizards, championing new music on stage and on record. Brian Zabinski – USA visa & immigration, Tamizdat (USA) A longtime advocate for international artist mobility and a volunteer with NY-based nonprofit Tamizdat, helping artists navigate U.S. visa processes since 2012. He regularly speaks on the topic at events like BIGSOUND, Wide Days, and Nova Scotia Music Week. Lorrae McKenna – Owner/Director, Our Golden Friend (AU) Lorrae McKenna is the founder of Melbourne's Our Golden Friend, a label and management company representing acts like Good Morning, Elizabeth, and RVG. A former A&R and marketing lead at Remote Control, she's worked with artists from Courtney Barnett to Radiohead and is a recipient of the APRA AMCOS Lighthouse Award. Boyan Pinter – A&R/Label Manager, Believe / Founder, Spike Bulgarian Festival & Showcase (BULGARIA) A promoter, manager, and founder of SPIKE Showcase, with a background at Live Nation CEE and Glastonbury Festival. Now country manager for Believe, he's worked across logistics, bookings, and artist development in both major and independent spaces. Alyse Newman – PR, Artist Management, Aanthologies (AU) Founder of AANTHOLOGIES, a Melbourne-based PR, management, and consultancy agency. A two-time AAM Breakthrough Manager nominee, she manages Asha Jefferies and leads Australian PR for artists including Cate Le Bon, Jessica Pratt, Caribou, and more. Satria Ramadhan – Owner, SRM Bookings & Services / Co-Founder, AXEAN Festival (INDONESIA) Satria Ramadhan is the founder of SRM Bookings & Services and co-founder of AXEAN Festival, a key platform for Southeast Asian music. Based in Indonesia, he's a booking agent, tour planner, record store owner, and regional connector, with delegate and speaker appearances at festivals across Asia and Europe. These speakers represent festivals and organisations that have shaped the trajectory of artists across the globe – from breaking new acts at SXSW and The Great Escape to staging some of the world's most adventurous live music experiences. Going Global remains a launchpad for Aotearoa artists, providing pathways into international markets. In recent years, solid connections formed at the summit have led to overseas bookings, festival slots, and career-making opportunities. 2024 saw several NZ acts go on to be offered showcases at key events, secure international representation, and expand their global reach thanks to relationships sparked at Going Global. One standout from 2024 is Phoebe Rings, a Going Global showcasing artist who connected with Max Thomas (Reason Why Management / Secretly Group, AUS). Thomas attended the summit as a delegate, witnessed their performance, and subsequently signed them to his management roster, directly overseeing their international career. 'Everyone at Going Global is there because they want to discover the best new artists before the rest of the industry does,' says Thomas. 'It's an incredible chance to get a leg-up on the global stage. If you're a local artist and haven't played Going Global yet — 1000% apply!' This year Going Global moves to Q Theatre – a new home for the conference component, offering increased capacity to reflect the scale and momentum of Aotearoa's music community. After consistently selling out, the move allows more space for artists, industry, and creatives to connect, learn, and lay the groundwork for launching onto the world stage. Tickets to Going Global 2025 are on sale now, with early bird pricing available until August 4 via Q Theatre. Don't miss this opportunity to join the conversation, grow your network, and access the world stage – right here in Aotearoa. Stay tuned as IMNZ and the NZ Music Commission unveil an illustrious full lineup of international representatives and experts in the fields of music A&R, booking, licensing, management, marketing, promotion, and publishing in the weeks to come. The ever-popular announcement of Aotearoa Artists selected to showcase to our international guests, and fans, will be announced very soon! #goingglobal GOING GLOBAL MUSIC SUMMIT 2025 Thursday August 28th & Friday August 29th 2025 Q Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand Earlybird Tickets are on sale now at Q Theatre Full Going Global 2025 tickets include both the conference days and the showcase nights. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE GOING GLOBAL PRESENTS 2025 ARTIST SHOWCASES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 24 Showcasing performances across three stages Thursday, August 28th & Friday, August 29th 2025 Whammy! & Double Whammy! – St Kevins Arcade, Karangahape Rd, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland ARTIST SHOWCASE ONLY TICKETS ON SALE SOON! Content Sourced from Original url
