Latest news with #TheRock
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Horrific mistake Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson made with WWE dwarf
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson made the horrific mistake during his WWE return in January 2011 of believing fellow wrestler, the dwarfed Hornswoggle, was a Make-A-Wish kid visiting the show. After departing WWE for Hollywood opportunities in 2004, The Rock reappeared in early 2011, where he ran into Hornswoggle backstage after announcing he would be the host of that year's WrestleMania. Seconds after The Rock came back through the curtain after his first on-camera segment for the company in several years, Hornswoggle was waiting in the production area right behind the stage. The Make-A-Wish Foundations attempts to grant the desires of children with life-threatening illnesses. WWE Champion John Cena is famous for granting more wishes than anyone else, which could explain Johnson's initial thinking. 'He thought I was a Make-A-Wish kid,' said Hornswoggle, whose real name is Dylan Postl, to Chris Van Vliet. 'He did a promo announcing he was gonna be the host. I was like, I'm gonna meet my buddy, Dwayne. I'm gonna be his best friend. We're gonna have tequila and Zola energies.' 'And so I am in a suit, like a legit suit, not my leprechaun outfit, with my gear bag, and I'm gonna meet him behind the curtain. As he comes through, in my mind, best friends. I see my buddy Dwayne come back through. I'm like, "'Here we go! Hey, man, thank you so much for coming back. Thanks for what you're gonna do for WrestleMania and what you're gonna do for the company, and just glad to have you back. Good to meet you. My name's Dylan.'" 'He extends his arm out. "Did you have a good time tonight buddy?" Taps me on the shoulder, leaves. And I go, "Oh no, he doesn't realize I work here." I was on the show before that.' 'I told Kofi (Kingston) thinking he would have my back, support me. He supported me by texting 97 people immediately while driving because he couldn't wait on it. Within 30 seconds, I had so many people message me.' '"Rock thought you were a Make-A Wish kid, huh?" Big Show called him out the next week about this, and Rock goes, "Yeah, I did, I don't watch the show."' Hornswoggle, who was introduced to the WWE audience as the leprechaun sidekick of Finlay in 2006. He is now under a legends contract with the company. Johnson is likely more in-tune with the WWE product now as an executive in TKO, the joint combat-sports venture between the UFC and the professional-wrestling behemoth.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
‘We're losing eyes on the coast': death of Canadian lightkeeper casts doubt on future of shoreside guardians
On a cloudy but calm morning early in April, a helicopter touched down on a string of remote islands off British Columbia's Pacific coast. One person alighted; two others climbed onboard and the aircraft rose into the sky. The lone man made his way towards Triple Island lighthouse, an octagonal concrete tower erupting from the trio of islets. Fringed with barnacles, rockweed and algae, the rocky cluster sits midway up Canada's west coast, a seascape notorious for its battering storms, heavy fog and hostile waters. Chief among the lists of tasks of lightkeepers working at the station, known to locals as 'The Rock' or 'Little Alcatraz', is to deliver weather reports every three hours. But that spring day, the first report never came. Crews tried repeatedly to raise the lighthouse keeper on various marine radio channels and his mobile phone, but all efforts were met with silence. 'Lightkeepers have a record of being perfect on their timing,' said Jim Abram, a former president of the lightkeepers union. 'If they ever miss a report, it's for an emergency.' Fear set in and a helicopter was dispatched from the Langara station lighthouse, a 20-minute flight away. When the crew touched down, they confirmed their worst fears: the lightkeeper was dead. 'You never staff a light station with only one person. Never,' said Abram. 'But that's what happened. The three other keepers that are on that station rotation are just devastated and left with a lot of questions – most of which we'll never know the answer to because, against all common sense, there was just one person on that island.' The death of the keeper, whose name has not been released, has prompted questions over workplace safety rules, shaken the tightly knit group of guardians – and renewed fears of de-staffing. As an investigation unfolds into the death, those who have served as the 'eyes and ears' in remote pockets of the country worry incident will be used as pretext to automate yet another lighthouse, putting people at greater risk in an environment that is already unforgiving and unpredictable. Of the 750 lighthouses scattered across Canada, many were first constructed in areas where safe navigation was a challenge, with the stations serving as guardrails against disaster. 'They've become symbols of a particular place and take on meanings in a profound way as anchors of local memory,' said Kate Bauer, a doctoral researcher at the University of Toronto. 'And increasingly, we associate them with a bygone era and for that reason, they tend to serve that purpose. But we forget that they were once part of a large technological system oriented towards modernizing Canada from coast to coast.' In recent decades, a global push to modernize maritime safety and navigation has increased pace, supplanting manned posts with automated warning systems – and provoking a fierce battle over the purpose of the technology. A large factor in de-staffing is the cost associated with maintaining a human presence at remote outposts. Canada's coast guard says it is not aware of any evidence that unstaffed light stations increase risks for mariners and point to a number of countries that have de-staffed their light stations. The United States offered up 10 lighthouses to the public in 2023 – either to be sold at auction or given away free of charge – after determining modern technology meant they were longer essential for navigation. Of the hundreds of lighthouses in Canada, only 51 remain staffed. Nearly half of those are on British Columbia's Pacific coast, a region that is often inaccessible except by boat and air. As a result, keepers in those stations have often taken on roles far beyond their basic responsibilities, acting as weather watchers and rescue workers. They have broken up both drug-smuggling and human-trafficking rings after spotting suspicious boasts and alerted authorities during environmental disasters. 'The fear of losing keepers is a fear that we're losing those eyes on the coast. They're often the first – and only – line of defence for something going wrong in a really sparsely populated part of the country,' said Bauer. When a plane or vehicle crashes, most often the tragedy is attributable to operator error. Humans fatigue, they are distracted and they fail. Increasingly, the solution is to automate jobs, both to save money and because of an assumption that machines can better complete the task. But as society pushes towards greater automation, there is growing fear that a blanket embrace of technology in the form of algorithms and machine learning is not always a clearcut cost or efficiency saving. Bauer points out that earlier pushes for automation have been justified in terms of potential savings, but provoked an energetic pushback from keepers who say they fulfill an irreplaceable role. 'The lightkeepers argued you can't replace the human ability to discern the way clouds are moving or the way the air smells,' he said. The four-storey tower of the Cape Mudge lighthouse, with its twin foghorns and windows capped with simple decorative pediments, stands watch over the the nearby Seymour Narrows, which the famed mariner George Vancouver described as 'one of the vilest stretches of water in the world' . Abram, who spent more than two decades as the Cape Mudge lightkeeper, says the surrounding sea can rapidly deteriorate into 'absolutely horrific' conditions in the form of standing waves, rip tides, whirlpools and back eddies. He was also the chief architect behind a highly organized fight that eventually halted the previous round of de-staffing in the 1990s and has in recent years highlighted instances in which lightkeepers saved the lives of boats in distress. During his time at Cape Mudge, vessels would call the lighthouse for accurate, real-time descriptions of the weather because the conditions reflected on their charts were already outdated. 'You get all kinds of chaotic water that is not picked up by any kind of instrument. Nothing we've devised that can pick up any of that. The only thing that can are human eyes and ears,' said Abram. 'The ship captains would just take that as gospel – because they know we know.' Meanwhile sensitive weather-monitoring equipment – and the lighthouse beacon itself – can be extremely challenging to repair in such remote areas. Abram points to a recent incident after a station on Vancouver Island was de-staffed last summer. Days after crews were removed, the powerful beacon failed. Efforts to repair the light were foiled by thick fog that prevented helicopters from accessing the site. 'You've got a C$5,000-per-hour helicopter flying as many as five highly paid technicians to do something as simple as fixing a bare wire or a burnt-out lightbulb. Little things [a] lightkeeper can do in minutes can take days or weeks because weather prevents crews from accessing sites that are, in their nature, inaccessible,' he said. A Canadian Senate report from 2010 found the cost savings from automating the remaining lighthouses were minimal, given the scope of risks posed. The report also found a number of other of benefits to using lightkeepers, who can take valuable readings of the local environments, including daily temperature and seawater salinity testing alongside detailed marine wildlife counts. 'The views we heard on both coasts were overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the keepers,' said authors of the Seeing the Light report. 'And that is what we are unanimously recommending.' The Senate committee found that while most developed countries have pushed forward with de-staffing, others, including Ireland and Australia, have returned keepers to some stations. In Canada, while the pace of de-staffing has slowed dramatically, it hasn't halted. Last year, the coastguard said it would remove staff from both the Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations on Vancouver Island, arguing that the ground was unstable. And recently, a staffing shortage has meant a number of stations – including the nearby Langara Point lighthouse – have been maintained by a single person. The coastguard and the union representing lightkeepers have declined to comment publicly, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Critics of the de-staffing push fear the fatality at Triple Island will serve as a useful pretext to remove a human presence from the station. Since the investigation into the incident began in early April, no staff have been at the island. 'I've long worried about Triple Island and the critical role it plays in marine safety, losing its staff,' said Abram. 'Is our biggest fear coming true? I worry it is.'
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
John Cena Names Favorite WWE Feuds of All-Time
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Now in his record-breaking 17th world championship reign, John Cena can easily make a case that he is the greatest professional wrestler of all time. While Cena is definitely talented and has earned this status, no pro wrestler reaches the pinnacles of the business without worthy opponents and iconic feuds. More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Asuka In-Ring Return Update: Report Hulk Hogan had Rowdy Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels had Bret Hart (and vice versa), and Stone Cold Steve Austin had Vince McMahon. And according to Cena, he has three feuds he would consider his greatest. LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 24: Wrestler John Cena picks up wrestler Randy Orton as wrestler Triple H (R) looks on during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24,... LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 24: Wrestler John Cena picks up wrestler Randy Orton as wrestler Triple H (R) looks on during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. MoreDuring a recent appearance at Philadelphia Fan Expo, Cena was asked what his top three feuds in his career were. "I guess our goal as performers are to try and get you guys interested," Cena said, per Jeremy Lambert of Fightful. "Some of the most interesting ones over the years might have been The Rock, CM Punk, the third one I'll leave up to the fans." John Cena was at the Philadelphia Fan Expo and names The Rock, CM Punk and Randy Orton as his favorite feuds — Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) May 27, 2025 After the fan mentioned Randy Orton, Cena quickly replied, "You know what, Randy Orton." More Pro Wrestling: AEW President Tony Khan Calls Out WWE Counter Programming Given all the excellent feuds he's been a part of, Cena isn't wrong with these three choices. Cena's feud with The Rock remains one off the most high-profile rivalries in the history of professional wrestling, main eventing two WrestleManias and creating some of the biggest buzz in the industry. Meanwhile, Cena's rivalry with CM Punk featured some of the greatest matches in both wrestler's careers. This includes their incredible match at Money in the Bank 2011 where CM Punk left the stadium with the WWE Championship. Finally, Cena's feud with Orton dates back to when they were in Ohio Valley Wrestling, WWE's old developmental system. Because of this, its hard to think of either Superstar without mentioning the other. While these are three excellent choices for Cena's greatest rivalries, there are others that truly brought out the best out of him, including Bryan Danielson, AJ Styles, John Bradshaw Layfield, Shawn Michaels, and, of course, Edge. More Pro Wrestling: Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut Legendary Wrestling Announcer Jim Ross To Undergo Surgery WWE Superstar Zoey Stark Shares Major Injury Update Pro Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Shares Major Surgery Update WWE Legend Reveals Secret Meeting AEW's MJF About Dream Match For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Royal Scottish Academy plans 200th anniversary celebrations
The academy was founded in 1826 as an independent artist-led organisation to support artists and architects and director Colin Greenslade said it remains true to that original vision. He told the PA news agency the planned celebrations will highlight how the RSA has 'been the lifeblood of culture over that period'. He added: 'The academy has had that continuous practice over 200 years with the same aims and with the same set up of a democratic organisation which is led by its artist and architect members. READ MORE: 'Utterly splendid' - I visited Edinburgh's Turner exhibition and was blown away by it 'The impact of the artists over that period – they've taught in art schools, they've taught in secondary schools, they've shown nationally and internationally, they've inspired generations of artists and architects that came after them.' Mr Greenslade said artists providing opportunities for other artists is at the heart of what the RSA does, adding: 'It's unusual for an institution to be self-sufficient and for us that comes down to the trust and interest that people have given us over the years.' Among the events planned are exhibitions throughout the year at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture on Skye, featuring archive works including those from Peter Howson, Arthur Watson, Alexander Moffat and Frances Walker. Shetland Museum & Archives will present an exhibition in collaboration with the National Library of Scotland examining 20th century poet Hugh MacDiarmid and how his time in Shetland had a profound influence on his work. Aberdeen University will exhibit paintings by RSA artists, including Scottish Colourists, while the RSA's long-standing history with architecture will be spotlighted at the V&A Dundee. Alexander Moffat's work The Rock (The Radical Road), part of the RSA's Diploma Collection (Image: RSA/PA Wire) Among the events in Glasgow is an exhibition involving photographer Craig Easton, currently undertaking an RSA residency, at the city's Street Level Photoworks venue on his work documenting a beekeeper on the Isle of Colonsay. A series of major exhibitions will also take place at the RSA's home at The Mound in Edinburgh and the National Galleries of Scotland will show a new body of work by a prominent RSA member whose identity will be revealed next year. Events to mark the 200th year are taking place elsewhere in the UK including a show on the life and work of academy member Joan Eardley at The Granary Gallery in Berwick-upon-Tweed. 'It's the biggest project of this kind that anyone has ever undertaken across Scotland,' Mr Greenslade said. 'The ethos of this is to reinforce to the public in Scotland and visitors to Scotland is that the academy is throughout Scotland, it's not just this Edinburgh building on The Mound.' He said 'people don't have to come to Edinburgh in the summer to see academy exhibitions' and the events will involve 'makers all over the country and in collections the length and breadth of the country'.
STV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Royal Scottish Academy 200th anniversary celebrations planned across Scotland
The director of one of Scotland's oldest cultural institutions has said celebrations planned for its 200th anniversary year will highlight its position as part of the 'lifeblood' of culture in Scotland. The Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) will hold events across the country and further afield throughout 2026 to mark its 200th year, involving more than 70 cultural partners. The academy was founded in 1826 as an independent artist-led organisation to support artists and architects and director Colin Greenslade said it remains true to that original vision. He told the PA news agency the planned celebrations will highlight how the RSA has 'been the lifeblood of culture over that period'. He added: 'The academy has had that continuous practice over 200 years with the same aims and with the same set up of a democratic organisation which is led by its artist and architect members. 'The impact of the artists over that period – they've taught in art schools, they've taught in secondary schools, they've shown nationally and internationally, they've inspired generations of artists and architects that came after them.' Mr Greenslade said artists providing opportunities for other artists is at the heart of what the RSA does, adding: 'It's unusual for an institution to be self-sufficient and for us that comes down to the trust and interest that people have given us over the years.' PA Media Alexander Moffat's work The Rock (The Radical Road), part of the RSA's Diploma Collection. Among the events planned are exhibitions throughout the year at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture on Skye, featuring archive works including those from Peter Howson, Arthur Watson, Alexander Moffat and Frances Walker. Shetland Museum & Archives will present an exhibition in collaboration with the National Library of Scotland examining 20th century poet Hugh MacDiarmid and how his time in Shetland had a profound influence on his work. Aberdeen University will exhibit paintings by RSA artists, including Scottish Colourists, while the RSA's long-standing history with architecture will be spotlighted at the V&A Dundee. Among the events in Glasgow is an exhibition involving photographer Craig Easton, currently undertaking an RSA residency, at the city's Street Level Photoworks venue on his work documenting a beekeeper on the Isle of Colonsay. A series of major exhibitions will also take place at the RSA's home at The Mound in Edinburgh and the National Galleries of Scotland will show a new body of work by a prominent RSA member whose identity will be revealed next year. Events to mark the 200th year are taking place elsewhere in the UK including a show on the life and work of academy member Joan Eardley at The Granary Gallery in Berwick-upon-Tweed. 'It's the biggest project of this kind that anyone has ever undertaken across Scotland,' Mr Greenslade said. 'The ethos of this is to reinforce to the public in Scotland and visitors to Scotland is that the academy is throughout Scotland, it's not just this Edinburgh building on The Mound.' He said 'people don't have to come to Edinburgh in the summer to see academy exhibitions' and the events will involve 'makers all over the country and in collections the length and breadth of the country'. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
