Latest news with #culture
BBC News
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Children and parents praise Romanian classes in Jersey
Children and parents have praised a educational programme in Jersey that teaches Romanian language, culture and began last year and are free to attend for youngsters aged between three and 18 years programme is run at Plat Douet School on Saturday mornings and has been funded by the Romanian classes have been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards for the support they have provided the Romanian community in the island. Stefan, eight, has been attending the classes since they began and said he had learnt more about the country's said: "I don't think I've ever missed one of the classes... I think it's important that I learn Romanian."I can talk with my loved ones back in Romania because, when I started, I didn't know that much of the language. Now I can speak really well." Miruna, 13, is from Romania but grew up in Jersey, and said she felt the classes had helped her settle into the said: "I feel like I'm more at home... I feel it's good to communicate with friends and to keep traditions as well."I've been doing this since the beginning and I feel like I'm doing really well understanding Romanian more." Georgiana Lombada's son and daughter attend classes and she said she had been impressed by how they had helped said it was "important for them to keep speaking our language" and "coming here and learning how to read, write and grammar rules makes a huge difference".Ms Lombada added: "We are very proud and very happy for this programme and we owe a lot to everyone who has worked hard to make it happen."The courses are provided by the Romanian Linguistic Institute in Bucharest. Ana Maria Ivanov is one of the teachers on the course and said she had been moved by the support the team has said the classes "are really special because they bring our community together" and "it is a pleasure to teach here and we come in with our hearts open"."It's not only for the Romanian community though, because we are open to any child that would like to join us," Ms Ivanov said she was also surprised to hear the classes had been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Ivanov said: "It's absolutely amazing and it is the first we've been nominated for anything because we only started a year ago, so to hear we're making a difference for parents makes us really proud."
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ben Roethlisberger mentions the X-factor the Steelers are missing in their locker room after the departure of Minkah Fitzpatrick
Ben Roethlisberger mentions the X-factor the Steelers are missing in their locker room after the departure of Minkah Fitzpatrick originally appeared on A to Z Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to look very different in 2025. With key figures like George Pickens, Najee Harris, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and others now gone, time will tell if it's for better or worse. But after the trade of Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ben Roethlisberger wonders what will happen on the defense as it relates to a critical factor: culture... Steelers' culture suffering following the departure of Minkah Fitzpatrick? "I haven't been in the locker room for a few years now, so I don't know how things have culturally changed in that locker room in terms of, what's the locker room thinking right now," said Roethlisberger on his podcast . . . ". . . When you're losing a leader like Minkah (Fitzpatrick) a guy that is just a worker, doesn't talk a lot, but works ...When I was there, if this would've happened, there would be some upset dudes in that locker room. I'd assume it's still the same way." View the to see embedded media. I fully understand where Ben is coming from. Minkah Fitzpatrick was the heart and soul of that Steelers secondary for a half-decade plus. But in my opinion, when you look at the other departures, the Steelers have actually cleaned up their culture. They traded away a WR, whose own coach said he needed to grow up, and who was repeatedly fined by the league and team for his actions. A WR who couldn't be bothered to show up on time for meetings and planes. They let a RB walk, who openly called out the coaching staff multiple times during his Steelers tenure, and made headlines this offseason for some disparaging remarks regarding the Steelers organization. Will losing Minkah hurt the culture if they still have Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt? If Jalen Ramsey asserts himself the way the team obviously thinks he can. If Aaron Rodgers, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, who, love him or hate him, is known for keeping his offense accountable, does just that? Think the answer is the to see embedded media. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Irish Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Festivals: The best Irish events in August, from music and comedy to literature and science
Who needs to travel abroad this summer when there is so much culture and fun to be had at home? August is jam-packed with events to meet all tastes all across the country; from music to food to art . This list will bring you right up to September so you'll have no excuse for missing anything. Belfast TradFest July 27th – August 3rd This year brings the seventh annual Belfast TradFest , a week-long celebration of traditional music, song and dance at various venues around the city. You'll be spoiled for choice with 17 concerts, 105 pub music sessions, a Highland piping competition and much more. All Together Now July 31st – August 4th Kiasmos at last year's All Together Now. Photograph: Aiesha Wong The line-up at Curraghmore Estate in Co Waterford this year includes CMAT, Wet Leg, Fontaines DC, London Grammar, Blindboy and Primal Scream alongside talks and live podcast recordings by the likes of Tommy Tiernan and Moth stories. READ MORE Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival July 31st – August 4th The oldest folk and traditional music festival is celebrating its 48th year this year with a weekend of live performances at venues across Ballyshannon, Co Donegal . Birr Vintage Week & Arts Week August 1st – 9th Birr Vintage Week Arts Festival in 2023. The 56th edition of this annual community arts festival in Birr, Co Offaly , offers a week of plays, concerts, workshops, exhibitions and other community events. Great festival for whole the family to enjoy. Spraoi International Street Arts Festival August 1st – 3rd The organisers of this festival say it will transform Waterford city into a giant stage where artists around the world giving free performances. There will be music, dance, comedy, fireworks, circuses and other spectacles. Fleadh Cheoil August 3rd – 10th Eilish (5) and brother Senan (8) McCormack from Athlone at last year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw This celebration of traditional music is set to attract some 500,000 visitors to Wexford town for a week of unforgettable dance and music performances and competitions. There will also be a number of exhibitions, walking tours, film screenings, food markets and children's story times on offer. Kilkenny Arts Festival August 7th – 17th Martin Hayes performing at last year's Kilkenny Arts Festival. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill Now in its 51st year, the Kilkenny Arts Festival will once again fill its city's historic churches, castle, courtyards, townhouses and gardens with performances by renowned musicians, performers, writers and artists. There will also be talks from world famous journalists, poets and filmmakers. Howth Roots and Blues Festival August 8th – 10th Over three days, the Howth Roots and Blues Festival in the north Dublin seaside village will put on more than 40 roots and blues gigs, with the majority at no charge. There's something for everyone as the festival promises to cater for fans of country, bluegrass, americana, blues and, for the first time, afrobeat. Waterford Walls Festival August 8th – 17th For nine days, more than 40 Irish and international artists will create large-scale mural artworks around Waterford city. There will also be music, workshops, talks, guided tours and other activities on offer. Puck Fair August 10th – 12th King Puck, a wild mountain goat, on his throne overlooking the Killorglin town square following his 'coronation' ceremony last year. Photograph: Don MacMonagle One of Ireland's oldest fairs, this three-day festival in Killorglin, Co Kerry , is centred around a goat known as the King Puck. Every year a local goat is taken from the nearby mountains, crowned and then paraded through the streets. Cork on a Fork Fest August 13th – 17th A children's food trail at Cork on a Fork in 2023. Photograph: Chani Anderson The fourth edition of Cork on a Fork Fest promises five days of food, talks, tastings, demos, kids' events and more, celebrating Cork's incredible food scene and local produce. cork-on-a-fork-fest/what-s-on/ Chamber Music on Valentia August 14th – 17th Now in its 12th year, this chamber music festival takes place on the beautiful Valentia Island off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula, Co Kerry. Love is a Stranger August 16th The team behind the Another Love Story festival, which has been running for the past 11 years, are hosting a day festival in Ballyvolane House, Co Cork. The organisers promise a carefully selected line-up of contemporary Irish and international artists performing in intimate and atmospheric settings. Wider Than Pictures 2025 August 16th– 24th This annual open-air summer concert series held at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, is back for a six-day run. This year's edition includes performances by Sharon Van Etten, Human League, Kaiser Chiefs and more. Masters of Tradition August 20th – 24th Over four days in Bantry, west Cork, acclaimed fiddle player Martin Hayes curates a celebration of Irish musicianship, dance and other, international traditions. A great place to see emerging talent in the trad music scene. Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival August 22nd – 24th Now in its 30th year, this bluegrass music festival is held annually in Dunmore East, Co Waterford . Over three days, the village teems with live performances and jams at all hours of the day and night. Another Love Story August 23rd – 24th The idyllic grounds of Kilyon Manor in Co Meath provide the setting for this bespoke festival of music, art, conversation, food and fun. Electric Picnic August 29th – 31st Kneecap fans at last year's Electric Picnic. Photograph: Alan Betson Ireland's largest yearly gathering of music and artists held in the grounds of Stradbally Hall, Co Laois , this year includes Hozier, Chappell Roan, Sam Fender, Conan Gray, The Kooks, Fatboy Slim and Suki Waterhouse in its stellar line up. Desmond O'Halloran Music Weekend 29th August – 31st August Every year, this trad music festival takes over the small island of Inishbofin, Co Galway for a weekend of live performances in intimate venues. desmond-ohalloran-music-weekend-3
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
PFF: Relationship between Jets GM, HC could help accelerate rebuild
The New York Jets made the decision to move on from the toxic Aaron Rodgers era this offseason. New general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn are being tasked with resetting the culture and rebuilding the roster and locker room. The Jets' future rests in their hands. Pro Football Focus recently outlined every AFC team's best offseason decision. For the Jets, pairing Glenn with Mougey took home the prize. Their familiarity and budding relationship could help the Jets accelerate their rebuild. "General manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn should be somewhat familiar with each other, as they've both worked in separate stints with Sean Payton," Dalton Wasserman wrote. "Glenn most recently comes from Detroit, where organizational alignment and a physical playstyle were the bedrock of success. New York's talented offensive line and defense may offer a quicker route to improvement than the Lions had to suffer through in the early stages of their rebuild." Glenn coached with Sean Payton in New Orleans for five seasons (2016-20). More recently, Mougey was in Denver alongside Payton with the Broncos. Together, the Jets' GM-HC duo's shared experience with Payton has taught them valuable roster-building lessons. Wasserman notes that Glenn's experience with the Lions offers him firsthand experience on turning a franchise around. The Jets will aim to field a similarly physical playstyle with the dual-threat Justin Fields behind a stellar offensive line. Mougey and Glenn appear to have what it takes to rebuild the Jets. This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: PFF: Relationship between Jets GM, HC could help accelerate rebuild
CBC
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
How punk made me the trans woman I am
Emerging Queer Voices is a monthly LGBTQ arts and culture column that features different up-and-coming LGBTQ writers. You can read more about the series and find all published editions here. It's Sept. 4, 2020. I've just moved into residence at Trent University, in one of a number of new townhouse-style buildings satellite to campus proper that are creatively named "the Annexes." My roommate and I, still barely unpacked, have just met our next-door neighbours. In this virus-blanketed, pre-vaccine world, they will be our nearest form of human contact for the next eight months. In that ever-so-brief period of time, we and the 16 other people who comprise our floor of Annex B will come together and crash apart. None of that matters now, however; in this moment, we have no idea what's yet to come. Instead, in a moment of semi-normalcy amid the warring tensions between youth and quarantine, we are piled into my neighbour's car, driving to Walmart. As we pull out of the parking lot, dead as it will remain for the coming months since parents have abandoned their children to fate, she punches the stereo and slips a disc into the CD player. A guitar lick begins to play. It's Morbid Stuff by PUP. This is the moment that cemented a friendship which has lasted — well, not exactly a lifetime, since I don't speak to any of the people who were in that car today, but which at least burned with all the clamour and vitality that only youth can briefly muster. Fitting for a friendship forged over a hardcore record that it should be short, explosive and involve no small amount of drugs. Punk is a common language like that. It's something shared, something which — at its best — can be a vessel, and even a sort of catalyst, for these very formative moments in one's life. Sept. 4, 2020, was also the first time I introduced myself to a stranger as a woman. I'd already come out to some close friends and had scheduled an appointment to get referred for hormones in a matter of weeks, but this moment was perhaps the most crucial for me. It was a clean break from the person I'd been in high school and yet it was also the logical extension of the woman my hometown's hardcore scene had made me. I spent my youth in Ottawa, a sleepy government town that had a bad rap for being boring among people who grew up there. I went to one of the city's most stratified high schools, which pulled from one of its richest neighbourhoods as well as the single poorest. A school like that is a bad place to be queer at the best of times, and the years of the first Trump presidency weren't that. Sure, we prided ourselves on our tolerance and enlightenment, but there were harsh social reprisals for sexual deviance all the same. The kids whose parents bought them SUVs were never going to slum it with gender trash like me. So, instead, I found solace in the scene. Contrary to popular belief, the ByWard Market does not represent the entire spectrum of possibilities within Ottawa's nightlife. On any given day, I'd be forwarded a Facebook invitation to some DIY show at 8 p.m. on a Thursday night. The venues for such gigs were often "normal" spaces by day — bookstores, coffee shops and the like. But by night, they'd shove the furniture to one side, plug some amps into a power bar at the back of the room and have garage bands play 15-minute sets until the noise bylaw kicked in. Crowds of maybe two dozen tops, aged anywhere from 14 to their late forties, would gather in these impromptu concert halls to chat, drink and mosh until they were soaked through with sweat and their ears were ringing. My friends started dragging me to these shows sometime in the 10th grade. Being a Good Kid™ at heart, I first went under performed duress. However, the more I went, the more I kept coming back. Punk shows, I found, were a space to both figuratively and literally let my hair down — to be myself at a time when I felt I couldn't anywhere else. Part of it, no doubt, is that the demographic — especially in the younger crowds — skewed exceptionally queer. Stereotypes about blue hair's comorbidity with certain pronouns are easily reinforced at basement shows frequented by angst-ridden 16-year-olds. Adolescence is a period of social experimentation, and a subculture already relatively tolerant of weirdness and diversity is as good a place as any to do it. Being in the punk scene was the first time I made trans friends — the first time I made queer friends, really, who weren't white bisexual women. Some nights, I'd go and find the person I'd been chatting to the previous week had changed their pronouns twice in the interim. More than to just come as you are, the sense was to come as you wanted to be. No one at a punk show cares who you are, what you wear, whether you're not-quite-a-girl or just a guy with long hair. So dark are the interiors of these dives and holes that, really, it'd be remarkable if anyone even noticed. You're just one of a dozen, one particle orbiting the frenzy of the mosh pit, colliding at random with strangers, buzzing the whole time. Nobody's looking at you. No one's even listening to the band. They're just the social adhesive holding this moment together, enabling this collision — enabling you to lose yourself. It's in this moment that you're able to become somebody else. Doing this as long as I did, I developed something of a split personality. Well, being closeted had already bequeathed me said split personality, but my night life embodied it: Public me wore button-downs and skinny jeans to school. Other me wore friends' makeup and Harley boots to shows. And then we'd sit — my friends and I — on the steps outside these empty warehouses and all-ages clubs, bumming cigarettes off the older punks and fuelling teenage angst into urgent confessionals: "I think this body of mine is slowly killing me." "Don't you ever wish you were just born a woman?" We'd hug, and smoke, and cry, and rest on each other's shoulders on the bus rides home. Every night was the most important night of our lives. By the end of 2019, I knew I had to transition. I'd give you a date, but I can't remember much before my first hormone consult, just a jumble of self-loathing punctuated by these occasional one-night crescendos. I'd confessed my intentions to a friend at 2 a.m. one night while listening to Dark Days. She'd told me she was thinking of changing her pronouns. We decided to room together at university. Flash forward to Sept. 4. She's in the car beside me. See You at Your Funeral is playing over the tinny speakers. In two years, we'll stop speaking. This is one of the last good memories she'll leave me. The other is a year and change later, at the Bovine Sex Club in Toronto — our first show since the world shut down. Just like old times, but we're older now and both women. I'm wearing the same Harleys I'd worn at my first show. The steel toes poke through in places where they've been battered in the pit. I feel like a different person — in control now, for the first time, of my life. Yet under that skin are the same muscles that screamed after basement shows, the same vocal chords that ached from screaming too hard. The marks of the scene are still under my body, in my tastes and mannerisms, and in my ears, which still ring in spite of everything. I'm still the woman that punk made me, and whenever I hear those first notes of Kids, I remember that.
