Latest news with #TimeMachine
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Samantha Mumba's Gotta Tell You: From 'obnoxious teen' to pop fame
In the summer of 2000, a 17-year-old Dublin girl emerged with a debut single that would redefine the perception of Irish pop was a voice a far cry from the ethereal, mega-selling Celtic sounds of Enya; the pop-meets-Irish trad mash-up of The Corrs; or slick boy-band contemporaries, like Westlife and Ronan Keating who, between them, had already notched multiple UK numbers ones that Samantha Mumba's Gotta Tell You was a sleek, radio-ready hit that climbed international charts and, almost 25 years ago to the day, introduced a confident and cool new voice to the noughties music that the woman herself remembers it that way. "I was an obnoxious little teenager," she said with a laugh. "I don't really think I had a clue what I was doing. I was just winging it and hoping for the best." Winging it is one way to put it - Mumba followed Gotta Tell You with more hits, including the Davie Bowie-sampling Body II Body; a debut album that entered the top ten in UK and Ireland; and a starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster The Time Machine with Guy Pierce. It was a meteoric ascent. But subsequent years proved to be a bruising education in the music business, from record label problems to an unsuccessful bid to represent Ireland at Eurovision earlier this that Mumba is all about looking back."This is my new chapter to do anything and everything that I want to do," she said."I've got so much drive, I'm a hard worker and up for the challenge." From stage school to pop fame Born in Dublin in 1983, Mumba's musical journey began when she was three and her parents enrolled her at the Billie Barry Stage School for dance key musical influences took hold early - Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and her "obsession" Michael Jackson."I used to write him letters. I remember being sent a letter back from the Neverland Ranch - to this day, I'm devastated we don't have it any more." Performing in stage productions until she was 15, she attracted plenty of attention."Back then you didn't really very often see young black girls on stage in Dublin. I was young and I had a big voice, and so I started getting a lot of press. I was very lucky in that regard," she industry soon came knocking and she was invited to a meeting with the Spice Girls' producers, which later led her to future manager Louis for his success with Westlife and Boyzone, Mumba admits she was "definitely a different project" for the future X Factor judge. 'We were making something special' After signing a deal with Polydor Records, Mumba set about recording her debut with heavyweight producers like Dave Pensado, Teddy Riley and Stargate. She built a "big rapport" with the team behind Gotta Tell You - and it was soon apparent they were doing something right."You can feel when you're making something special, and I'll never forget it... we all were like: 'Oh God, no, wait, this is really, really special.'"I still stand by that song to this day. I still feel like it could be released now." First released in Ireland on 2 June 2000, the single quickly shot up the charts, peaking at number four in the United States, and clearing the top three in Australia, New Zealand and the still remembers her surprise."Are you kidding me? I was beyond shocked. I just couldn't get my head around it."I remember being in a bubble and doing tonnes of press, but that didn't really compute with me, I was still a teenager." Race 'just wasn't a thing' The cultural significance of her rise also didn't immediately register with the new-born into an interracial marriage, Mumba was giving people something they had rarely heard before - an Irish accent on a famous black "just wasn't a thing" for her then, but now, at 42, she said it blows her mind. "When girls send me messages or I meet them and they say how much it meant to them to see me, and that they looked like me... that just means so much," she said."I wasn't raised with race being significant, obviously I am a black woman now and I have a black daughter and I'm very aware of the significance of representation, and the importance of that."I'm just grateful I got to be that for anybody, because I certainly didn't have that growing up." Mumba's debut album came out in October 2000, making her contemporaries the likes of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Destiny's a string of successful singles, she set about recording a follow-up while also juggling commitments such as her role in The Time Machine opposite Guy Pierce and a collaboration with Damian Marley. But, Mumba's sophomore album - Woman - never saw the light of day."I kind of got caught in between when all the labels merged," she said. "I was frozen, I couldn't be released from my label, but they wouldn't release music at that time."If I had to go back and do it all over again, I would, just with better attorneys and kind of industry savvy," she laughed. Instead, Mumba was "ready to be a normal girl" - she moved to Los Angeles, in an effort to "live a little bit and grow up". On her return to the stage in recent years, Mumba said she is trying to adapt to a very different rise of social media and streaming has been an advantage "because it's taken a lot of the power away from the labels", she said, adding she can now release music without expectation, connect with people instantly and shut down any untrue rumours."I remember things would be written about me in newspapers and there was nothing I could do. Whereas [now] you can just laugh and nix it immediately." Samantha Mumba and Eurovision: 'Zero regrets' Indeed, social media was to the fore when Mumba's emoji-loaded post criticising Ireland's Eurovision selection process made headlines earlier this year. Mumba, who came second with her track My Way, questioned some of the judging panel's credentials for the Eurosong hindsight, would she have reacted differently?"I stand 10 toes down, absolutely," she said. "I've been asked about [competing in Eurosong] for years and never at my age would I have thought I would consider doing a competition."So it was very personal for me. It was really more just about me pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I have zero regrets." Eurovision aspirations aside, Mumba said there is still "an awful lot more" she would like to been guest starring in Irish mystery-drama Harry Wild since 2023 and popping up on summer music festival bills, including Mighty Hoopla in London this evidently, are still drawn to the Dubliner and she's keen to get unreleased music from "back in the day" out to the public - although she wants to strike a balance."I'm constantly trying to teeter on, you know, 'are people over the old stuff? Do they want new stuff?'"For now, Mumba said she's happy to be riding the current wave of noughties nostalgia."It was a great time in all of our lives. Things were a lot simpler, easier, happier, and almost a lot more innocent," she reflected."I'm grateful that 25 years in people still stream the song and and come and see me perform. That's not lost on me at all. "But yeah, it it definitely feels like a lifetime ago."
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Tim Minchin likes to know his music can 'make people cry'
Tim Minchin is glad his music can "make people cry". The 49-year-old comedian and musician - who is set to release his second studio album 'Time Machine' in July - is glad songs like 'Moment of Bliss' on new collection can impact people just as much as his more lighthearted tracks. He told the Metro newspaper's 60 Seconds column: "Yeah, we're funny monsters, aren't we? I'm really pleased about that. I like making people cry." Tim was told by the interviewer how the line "In my moment of bliss no one and nothing can hurt me" brought on the tears. He responded: "We as a species don't seem to acknowledge very much how often we feel scared or not OK. "So, I'm not surprised that line got you. It was emotional to write." Tim - who is also known for his work writing for Broadway shows like 'Matilda the Musical' and 'Groundhog Day' - explained how his new album and upcoming UK tour is part of a wider "conscious decision". He explained: "Your job is to do your job, which in my case is reflect the human experience in songs and art and be a good dad and a kind friend. "This tour and album are part of my conscious decision that I don't need to be spending my life lying awake at night trying to figure out how to fix the world. "Everyone thinking they can fix the world is part of the problem." Instead, he is focused on what he can achieve, including charity work on tour, and "speaking his truth on stage". He added: "I will be speaking my truth on stage about all this, but mostly I want to make people cry and give people comfort and entertain the living f*** out of them."
The Courier
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Courier
The best games from Dundee's ZX Spectrum in 1990 - as beloved Speccy entered 'twilight era'
The end was nigh for Dundee's ZX Spectrum in 1990. The home computer produced by Dundee Timex workers was nearing the end of its commercial life after Sega and Nintendo burst on to the scene. Did it go out with a whimper? The Spectrum of Adventure author Tom Christie says there was still gas in the tank. 'By now, programmers had learned how to squeeze every scintilla of power out of the machine's creaking processor, and it seemed hard to believe that any original games were still to arrive for the famous system at this late stage,' he said. 'And yet, somehow, game designers were still able to come up with the goods. 'While the ZX Spectrum may no longer have been cutting-edge, it could still boast a vibrant, highly creative, and community-driven gaming scene, with a dedicated fan base across the UK and beyond. 'This was something of a twilight era for these early computers, but the gaming scene remained active and imaginative, with some surprisingly inventive games.' Tom has chosen 10 classic games to arrive on the platform in 1990. These include the popular SimCity and the brilliant Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge. How many of these games can you remember? Turrican was one of the most hotly-awaited titles of 1990. The shoot 'em up released by Rainbow Arts won big with magazine awards. It involved blasting through five alien environments. 'The game boasted huge levels which invited players to go exploring rather than encouraging them to complete each stage in a linear way,' said Tom. 'The mutant warrior hero was robust enough to handle anything thrown at him.' The tagline was: 'Never forget: shoot or die'. Crash magazine described Turrican as 'one of the best Speccy games seen this year'. The long-running Sim series all started here with SimCity. Tom said: 'It's easy to forget that this game appeared on the Spectrum in a hugely ambitious port released by French company Infogrames. 'All of the classic options were there. 'As mayor, the player had to balance their communities between different zones, while having to keep citizens happy with reliable services. 'The game was just as addictive on the Speccy as it would be on other platforms.' The city management game cost £9.99 on release. Your Sinclair's magazine review stated that the game was 'beautifully simple in concept and hangs together perfectly.' Tom said Activision produced something quite original with Time Machine. The player takes on the role of an eccentric scientist who must 'manipulate history' through five different time zones. Tom said: 'Professor Potts is cast adrift in time, and his every decision can have vast implications – for instance, failure to safeguard a species of clever little mammals will mean that the human race never comes to evolve. 'The game certainly wowed the reviewers of the time, with Sinclair User noting that Time Machine was an absorbing and innovative game. 'It also highlighted its excellent mono graphics.' The game cost £9.99 on release. Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge was a highly playable racing game. There was even a two-player head-to-head mode to race against a friend. Tom said: 'It was a big hit on later systems so Spectrum owners may well have been surprised by how well the game translated to their computer. 'Gremlin Graphics were long-time veterans of the Speccy. 'The third-person perspective works well with smooth gameplay throughout. 'The racing retains the excitement of the game's more powerful versions.' Crash magazine said it was 'one of the best two-player car simulations around.' This puzzle game was heavily hyped by publisher US Gold. Tom said the game played 'like an inspired cross between Thrust and Asteroids'. He said: 'The player has control of a spaceship which must nudge spheres – each of them containing a shape – into each other with force and momentum. 'If the spheres contain identical shapes, they will disappear on impact, but if the shapes are different then smaller spheres will be produced which must also be dealt with. 'It may sound simple, but in execution it could be maddeningly difficult to master.' Crash magazine described E-Motion as 'frustratingly addictive'. And now for something completely different… Were you a fan of Monty Python's Flying Circus? Tom said: 'One of the most surprising game licenses of 1990 was an adaptation of the surreal 1960s sketch show that immortalised the dead parrot. 'Published by Virgin Software, the game was based on Terry Gilliam's bizarre animations – only now repurposed as a sideways-scrolling shoot 'em up.' Reviewers were as impressed as they were mystified. Sinclair User commented: 'There's enough gameplay to keep you engrossed even if you don't know what the hell's going on.' The Spectrum tape included a free Mr Gumby badge. Gremlin Graphics' famous mascot Monty Mole was back in 1990. This was the sixth title in the series. Monty was given a Hollywood-style makeover in this superhero-inspired platformer. He was faced with five different alien environments to tackle. The hapless mole had been called upon to save an alien planet from disaster. Hidden rooms were craftily positioned on each level. Sinclair User said: 'It offers a stiff challenge, full of colourful graphics.' Super Off-Road went down well with gamers at the time of its release. The game was published by Virgin Games. It was endorsed by professional off-road racer Ivan Stewart. Tom said: 'The arcade original had been a brightly-coloured affair. 'Meanwhile, the Spectrum version was monochromatic, making it occasionally difficult for players to keep track of their car. 'That said, the game was never less than fast-moving or addictive.' Your Sinclair agreed. They said it was 'the best super sprint-type game ever seen on the Speccy'. The Last Ninja series had a huge fan following on the 8-bit systems. Tom said System 3 Software produced something special with this Remix edition which was an updated version of Last Ninja 2 from 1988. He said: 'Using an isometric view, the player can employ ninja fighting skills against enemies, improvising weapons and gathering useful items as they go. 'With brilliant stylised backdrops and an atmospheric playing environment, this was a real treat to explore.' Crash said the game was a clever arcade adventure with appealing graphics. Rainbow Islands was a classic platform game. Players could fire rainbows that had multiple uses: to act as weapons, create makeshift platforms, or collect items to increase their score. Tom said: 'Arguably one of the most perfect arcade conversions ever released, Rainbow Islands first hit the coin-ops in 1987. 'Ocean Software brought it to the Speccy in 1990. 'The Spectrum version retained the large, colourful sprites of the original, along with flawless scrolling and excellent in-game music. 'The expansive multi-level worlds also carried over from the arcade version.' The game won several awards from the trade press at the time. 'Rainbow Islands was the kind of game that saved the best for last,' Tom said. 'It showed that the revered Speccy still had life left in it even at this late stage, which is why – even all these years down the line – retro gamers are still enjoying these titles.'
Gizmodo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
This 24TB Seagate External Hard Drive Costs $0.01 Per GB, And It Has Over 200,000 Five-Star Reviews
If you're looking for a huge and reliable storage solution (at a reasonable price point), Seagate is always a good idea and its 24TB external hard drive is an outstanding choice currently on sale at Amazon. At just $279, down from $329, it offers a great value and costs barely over $0,01 per gigabyte. When compared to competitors like Western Digital (where you pay $349 for only 20TB) and the ongoing charges of cloud storage, this Seagate drive is the cheapest and safest way to have your data off the internet. See at Amazon Store Your Documents Safely With this offer, you get a massive amount of space: With 24TB to work with, you can store years' worth of photos, videos, backups, and large project files without ever needing to worry about running out of room. If you're a creative professional storing high-res media, a gamer with a growing library or if you just want to back up important personal data over the days, this drive has plenty of space to spare for it all. The Seagate drive is a true plug-and-play device: just connect the included power adapter and USB 3.0 cable to your computer and you're ready to start transferring files. There's no software to install and it's automatically recognized by both Windows and Mac systems (though Mac users will need to reformat the drive for Time Machine compatibility). The USB 3.0 interface offers fast file transfers so it is convenient even when transferring huge files. To provide an extra level of assurance, Seagate packages this model with its Rescue Data Recovery Services. If by chance you should ever experience involuntary data loss in the form of hardware failure or even sudden disasters, expert recovery assistance is at your fingertips and gives you a second layer of protection for your most valuable files. Placing the Seagate external hard drive in perspective with its leading competitors, the value proposition is once again enhanced: Western Digital's 20TB external hard drive costs $349 which is a lot more per terabyte than Seagate's 24TB. Cloud storage alternatives (check out our pCloud review here) not only are more per gigabyte over the long haul but they also come with recurring subscription fees and expose your data to potential privacy risks. With the Seagate Expansion, you pay upfront and have complete offline control over your files. With over 200,000 five-star reviews and the current price, don't miss this opportunity. See at Amazon
Tatler Asia
22-04-2025
- Tatler Asia
Will AI help preserve cultural and artistic conservation and develop sustainable tourism?
Meanwhile, in Europe, the open-source project Time Machine has captured global attention. It uses cutting-edge technology to digitise extensive museum archives and analyse the data to reconstruct two millennia of European history. Backed by €1 million in funding from the European Union in 2019, the project aims to make the continent's vast cultural and historical legacy more accessible to all. Frédéric Kaplan, President of the Time Machine project, notes that documents dating back over 2,000 years are often lost to history due to the lack of preservation tools. Digitisation, he says, is key to conservation, maintaining the connection between a country or region's present and its past. In Vietnam, heritage digitisation efforts have been gathering momentum in recent years. The ancient city of Hue is pioneering various technologies to enhance how visitors experience its historic landmarks. From the Imperial City to the tomb of King Minh Mang, virtual reality brings these cultural sites vividly to life. Many antiquities are now fitted with NFC chips and digitally tagged to allow for interactive exploration via smartphone. Learn more: Technological innovations that help sustainable tourism Sen Heritage, a non-profit research collective made up of scholars, architects and community members passionate about conservation of national heritage, made headlines in 2020 by recreating the architecture of Dien Huu Pagoda—also known as the One Pillar Pagoda of the Ly Dynasty—using virtual reality. The following year, in April 2021, the group unveiled simulations of the Ly Dynasty's Lamp Platform and the Tu Di throne of the infant Sakyamuni. Above The Dien Huu—One Pillar Pagoda of the Ly Dynasty, recreated by the Sen Heritage research group using virtual reality technology. (Photo: Sen Heritage). AI's role extends beyond preserving cultural and artistic heritage; it also offers hope for languages on the brink of extinction. With globalisation and the rise of digital platforms, a handful of languages have flourished, while approximately 600 others have vanished over the past century. Encouragingly, several organisations worldwide are taking meaningful steps to safeguard and document these disappearing tongues. In early 2024, Stanford University introduced the Stanford Initiative on Language Inclusion and Conservation in Old and New Media, an ambitious project aimed at encoding endangered languages for use in AI-based applications. That same year, Masakhane—a natural language processing collective dedicated to African languages—launched IrokoBench, a new benchmark for evaluating AI's performance across 16 marginalised African languages. The challenges of using AI to preserve ancient cultural values Although the benefits of AI—and technology more broadly—are clear, the path to effective heritage preservation remains complex. Foremost among the hurdles is cost. For example, digitising heritage in the ancient capital of Hue has required investments running into the billions of VND. Such costs remain out of reach for many local communities and non-profit groups. Then there's the question of copyright. The protection of digitised cultural assets must be handled with care. Without appropriate oversight, there's a risk that valuable heritage data could be exploited or commercialised without permission. This makes monitoring the digitisation process all the more important. Above 'O Thiet Yeu' is a virtual reality exhibition exploring Vietnamese history and culture, first unveiled in 2021, and brought to life by a group of young artists. Another challenge lies in sourcing the right talent. In Vietnam, digital heritage preservation remains an emerging discipline. As such, museums, local authorities and cultural institutions may need to invest significantly in training specialised personnel. According to Dr Pham Viet Long, former Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Institute for Cultural and Development Studies, building a robust digital heritage database requires careful, sustained investment. It's a task that calls for collaboration between cultural specialists, historians and AI engineers to design models capable of representing heritage authentically. Legal frameworks—particularly those concerning copyright and ethical use of AI—will also be essential in guiding this process. You may also be interested in: Train travel: When the travel trend is a solution to reduce carbon footprint Still, not every cultural expression can be neatly captured by artificial intelligence. Ancient, undocumented languages pose a particular challenge. While AI may assist in their documentation or partial reconstruction, fully restoring what has been lost is often beyond current capabilities. Even so, despite its obstacles, the integration of technology into heritage preservation marks an important shift. It's a necessary evolution—one that can help carry the essence of a nation's cultural identity into the future.
