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Kayaking the backwaters of Kerala Kayaking the backwaters of Kerala Ian Neubauer stretches his arms in south-west India Source link #Kayaking #backwaters #Kerala Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

India’s rap rebel makes a comeback after battling addiction India’s rap rebel makes a comeback after battling addiction Zoya Mateen BBC News, Delhi Instagram/Yo Yo Honey Singh Once one of India’s biggest rappers, Yo Yo Honey Singh has returned to music after seven years About 15 years ago, an Indian rapper of humble origins broke onto the country’s then-infertile hip-hop music scene and transformed it forever. He teased, cajoled and vexed his listeners, daring them to explore the “devilish” contours of his mind, as he sang rash rhymes about parties, drugs and “seducing” women. His songs played in clubs and weddings, blaring from stereos at big parties and roadside tea stalls alike. Then, at the peak of his career, he vanished. Seven years later, Yo Yo Honey Singh is back – with a new album and an ongoing music tour, claiming to be a changed man after a prolonged battle with drug abuse and mental health struggles. The 41-year-old singer and producer was once one of India’s biggest music stars, a figure who “moved the cultural gravity of hip-hop music”, says music journalist Bhanuj Kappal in Famous, a recent Netflix documentary on Singh. But he was also deeply controversial – and, by his own admission, an “aggressive and reckless man”, routinely accused of promoting vulgarity, debauchery and violence through his music. Many criticised Singh’s lyrics for depicting violence against women and *****, an image that gained further traction in the press after his former wife and childhood sweetheart accused him of domestic violence in her divorce filing. Singh has denied the charge. Seven years later, the singer is no longer the defiant hitmaker who once ruled the charts with his provocative, foot-tapping anthems. A lot has changed in the intervening years, including Indian hip-hop, which has evolved into a thriving, dynamic space. Artists once inspired by his sound have now surpassed him as the genre’s leading voices. Singh also seems different. From someone who described himself as “the all-knowing master of the universe”, he now identifies as a God-fearing man who believes in good energies, the cyclic nature of life and “scientific astrologers”. Getty Images The rapper was recently seen at the premiere of a Netflix documentary on his life He claims his music is now more conscious, moving beyond drugs to something deeper. But loyal fans say it’s lost its edge and his latest tracks haven’t left a mark. “He has a core audience that will stick with him forever… but his vision is old now. It’s outdated,” Kappal says. But Singh is not ready to be written off, yet. Instead of trying to conceal or defend his personal struggles with fame and drugs, he has made it the centrepiece of his comeback. Since his return, Singh has candidly admitted his struggles with addiction and mental health. “Drugs destroyed me completely,” he told Lallantop, a digital news platform. “I lost myself to fame, money and women. I was like a ******, completely satanic.” In interviews, he is witty and relaxed, speaking with the clarity of a tormented artist who, after battling his inner demons, seems to have unlocked a spiritual truth “What goes around comes around, I really believe that,” he said recently. “It took a lot of time for me to get out from where I was stuck. But I am back now.” Born Hridesh Singh in Punjab state, he grew up in a cramped Delhi neighbourhood. Those tough early years shaped his music and still echo in his work today. “This ghetto was my home, my hood, always will be,” he’s often heard saying. Instagram/Yo Yo Honey Singh Singh grew up in a middle-income family in Delhi before moving to Punjab Singh always knew he wanted a career in music. He started as a college DJ, later moving into production full-time. “I wanted to make beats and produce music, not sing or write,” he says. But after years as a small-time producer in Punjab, he realised it wouldn’t be enough. “My sounds were too urban for the place. People didn’t understand it. For that, I had to go beyond the state.” So he went solo. In 2011, Singh released The International Villager, his breakout album. Blending Punjabi folk – its dhol beats and string melodies – with global hip-hop, he created something entirely new. For three months, it seemed the formula had failed. Then everything changed. Overnight, the songs went viral, topped charts, won awards – and catapulted Singh into Bollywood. Brown Rang, a song about a brown man’s global ambition, became YouTube’s most-watched video in 2012. Shot in Dubai on a million-dollar budget, it introduced many Indians to the bling of hip-hop – fast cars, baggy clothes, gem-studded watches and gold chains – set to slick, thumping beats. Despite mounting criticism over his misogynistic lyrics, Singh packed stadiums and churned out hits, breaking into Bollywood with songs for stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar. “A lot of times, my lyrics were trash, even I knew that. But people were still listening to it because the sound was so good and fresh,” he told Lallantop. Getty Images Singh (right) rubbed shoulders with several Bollywood celebrities, including Ranveer Singh (left) But Singh’s ascent to fame coincided with his personal downfall. “I was drowning in drugs and alcohol, smoking 12-15 joints and downing bottles. I abandoned my family, lost control. This one time, I got so high I bit a friend on his stomach eight times,” he told Lallantop. In 2017, Singh broke down mid-tour – a moment that shook him. He quit music and substances, returned to Delhi and began recovery with a global team of doctors and therapists. “I told my family I was mentally unwell. I can’t do anything till I get better.” Singh says he’s been sober for seven years, except for the occasional beer. “I have been to hell and back,” he says in Famous. “Even now, I wake up hazy because of the medicines.” Fans, however, appreciate Singh’s raw honesty about his self-destructive tendencies – and his effort to overcome them. “No-one’s perfect. But at least Singh tries to be better. He may have left the scene briefly but his music never stopped playing,” says Nandini Gupta, a Delhi-based student. Others see his transformation as performative, noting his new music remains problematic. “Though toned down, he is still objectifying women and talking only about money and fame,” says listener Bushra Neyazi. No matter how you see it, Singh’s redemption feels like another challenge to his audience – pushing them to accept his complicated past and give his music another chance. “I was away for seven years, but I will drive everyone mad again in the next seven,” he said recently. “I am back and I want the same love I received seven years ago.” Source link #Indias #rap #rebel #comeback #battling #addiction Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Project Amethyst: AMD & Sony Collaborate on FSR 4 Project Amethyst: AMD & Sony Collaborate on FSR 4 AMD and Sony co-develop FSR 4 upscaler under Project Amethyst, enhancing visuals and performance for future PlayStation consoles. Source link #Project #Amethyst #AMD #amp #Sony #Collaborate #FSR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man arrested after climbing Palace of Westminster Man arrested after climbing Palace of Westminster A man has been arrested after scaling one of the towers at the Palace of Westminster in central London. Emergency services were called to the Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben, at 07:24 GMT on Saturday and spent hours managing the incident. It led to the closure of Westminster Bridge, one of the exits at Westminster Underground Station and Bridge Street. Tours of the Parliamentary Estate were also cancelled in response. Westminster Police said the man, who was brought down in a cherry picker after midnight, had been arrested once he reached the ground. “This has been a protracted incident due to the specifics of where the man was located and the need to ensure the safety of our officers, the individual and the wider public,” they added. “We worked with other agencies including the London Fire Brigade and deployed specialist officers to bring this incident to a close as quickly as possible whilst minimising risk to life. “We have been in close liaison with the Parliamentary Estate throughout and all roads have been reopened.” Source link #Man #arrested #climbing #Palace #Westminster Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Multiple arrests, medical calls as police use ‘chemical munitions’ to break up UD gathering Multiple arrests, medical calls as police use ‘chemical munitions’ to break up UD gathering Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways Officers broke up at St. Patrick’s Day gathering near the University of Dayton Saturday afternoon after multiple arrests and medic calls to the area. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7′s Malik Patterson speaks with students who were a part of the celebration LIVE on News Center 7 at 11. TRENDING STORIES: According to a message sent by the University of Dayton, medics were called to the 400 block of Lowes Street around 20 times by 3 p.m. Police dispatch told News Center 7, the calls were for ‘unconscious males.’ Because of this, officers were attempting to disperse crowds in the area for the safety of responding crews. According to the university, bottles were thrown at officers and the crowd was not ‘heeding commands.’ Officers then used ‘chemical munitions’ to disperse the crowds and five people were arrested, according to the university. News Center 7 spoke to people attending the event who said they were hit with pepper ******. The university says they will continue to review today’s events and that law enforcement will remain on campus this evening. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Source link #Multiple #arrests #medical #calls #police #chemical #munitions #break #gathering Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘I was drawn into a secretive world of chemsex and it turned me into a zombie’ ‘I was drawn into a secretive world of chemsex and it turned me into a zombie’ A man drawn into the world of having sex while high on ******** drugs has described how he became a “zombie” whose life was slowly deteriorating. Chris – whose name has been changed – told the BBC he started to take part in chemsex, short for chemical sex, which helped mask the “the shame and guilt” he said he felt growing up gay. The Londoner said after becoming addicted to chemsex – which typically involves men who have sex with men using the drugs crystal meth, methedrone and GHB/GBL to enhance their ******* experience – he faced a “wall of silence” from helplines and others within the community. Campaigners say support is “patchy” due to gay sex stigma and has called for this to change. The government says it is aware of the harm caused by chemsex and has issued guidance to local authorities on managing the issue. Chris was initially offered drugs at a party, but it was not until a few months later that he then began to actively seek it out more and find people who were taking drugs. He said at first it took away “a lot of the shame and guilt you have about growing up being gay. It’s kind of quite liberating”. However, that quickly changed. “No-one really speaks about it. Everyone is slightly ashamed about it. It’s all behind closed doors. It doesn’t really spill out into the real world. It’s very secretive,” he said. ‘Escape the horror’ Chris said his friends told him he was almost like a “zombie”. “Slowly, your life starts to deteriorate because you are missing work on a Monday. And then your work is obviously not up to standard. “You can’t do much until Wednesday. And then it all starts again on a Friday,” he said. “You have to eat, you have to sleep, you have to get on with your life but all you’re really doing is looking forward to the next time you can take drugs,” he added. “Which is to escape the horror that is your life, the misery that is your life which you’ve created but, in a way, you don’t seem to see that because all you want to do is take drugs.” Ignacio Labayen De Inza says chemsex is a “trap” [BBC] Campaigners have said chemsex among some gay men has a stigma attached that meant many were not seeking the help they needed. Ignacio Labayen De Inza, chief executive of the London-based charity Controlling Chemsex, is calling for people to start a conversation around chemsex to help change that stigma. He said: “Chemsex is very available but not everyone has access to reliable information. “Not just the government but no-one is doing very much. People think there is nothing we can do because it’s going to carry on happening, but people could make sure that they set boundaries and to keep safe.” He said there was a stigma attached to it because “we are talking about sex, we are talking about gay sex, we are talking about drugs”. Philip Hurd was involved in chemsex 12 years ago [BBC] Philip Hurd, a specialist adviser at Controlling Chemsex, was involved in chemsex 12 years ago and said it took a near-death overdose for him to realise he needed to stop. He said: “You get close to the criminal justice system, and you start doing things that are dangerous. “And then I had a near-death overdose. The doctors said I was very lucky to survive, and I had to get my parents down from the country in their early eighties. That was the point I thought I can’t do this; I’m going to die.” Mr Hurd, who lives in London and now volunteers at Controlling Chemsex, uses his personal experience to help others. “I think it’s possible for a person with good psychology, sociology skills to support somebody coming out of chemsex but nothing can replace having been there knowing,” he said. London-based charity Controlling Chemsex says there is a stigma attached to chemsex that needs to be addressed [BBC] An Opinium Research poll of 2,000 people for the charity found that 76% of those surveyed were not familiar with chemsex. Just over a third of those who identified as gay/lesbian were not familiar with the risks of chemsex, the study also found. Veronika Carruthers, a lecturer at Portsmouth University, says current support available is still “pretty limited” and “patchy” [BBC] Veronika Carruthers, a lecturer at Portsmouth University, has been looking into the current support available across the south of England and found it was still “pretty limited” and “patchy”. “We consider this to be a bit of a postcode lottery,” she said. She explained that some people did not know the right services to turn to. “Particularly if we look at it from a divide of drug counselling services and ******* health clinics, while ******* health clinics are preferred there is still an element of staff not having the appropriate knowledge of what chemsex actually is and in turn not being able to provide the most effect support,” she said. “In regards to drug counselling services, quite often we have recovery workers who have never actually heard of chemsex and therefore they’re not able to provide any form of support and individuals often don’t feel that is the most appropriate place for them. “As a result people don’t want to call for help or support from particular organisations over others.” Recovery interventions A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said in addition to issuing guidance to local authorities, it had boosted the Public Health Grant by almost £200m. “Local authorities can use this to improve drug and alcohol treatment and recovery interventions, including for people involved in chemsex,” the spokesperson said. “We continue to work with substance misuse commissioners and ******* health commissioners to improve access to support services for those who use drugs in this context.” Details of information and support with addiction are available at BBC Action Line. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].*** Related internet links Source link #drawn #secretive #world #chemsex #turned #zombie Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA election 2025: 10 seats in doubt as vote count works in Liberals favour over Labor WA election 2025: 10 seats in doubt as vote count works in Liberals favour over Labor The Liberals are hopeful a slow overnight count has shifted in their favour in a smattering of seats, as they awake this morning after a third straight thumping election loss. Source link #election #seats #doubt #vote #count #works #Liberals #favour #Labor Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Indigenous community rallies around slain San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike Indigenous community rallies around slain San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike An Indigenous prayer song pierced the quiet night outside of Encounter AZ Church in Mesa. Hundreds of people bowed their heads, candles gripped tightly, as they remembered and honored 14-year-old Emily Pike. The candlelight vigil held Thursday night, only blocks from where Emily was last seen, served not only as a remembrance of the joyful teenager but also as a unifying message: We will not be forgotten. “We have to remember, the system, the system failed Emily and has failed so many of our relatives,” said Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the ***** River Indian Community. “We can’t let one more Emily die in such a violent way.” Emily, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was found dead and brutalized near Globe in ***** County almost three weeks after being reported missing from her group home in Mesa. Family, friends and strangers alike gathered from across Arizona and the U.S. to pay their respects. Despite the somber occasion, togetherness was a theme that permeated throughout the vigil. People softly tapped neighbors on the shoulder to help light candles, even as the evening breeze blew the flames out. A mother hugged her child close while a song and prayer filled the silent night and the candles flickered, illuminating their faces. Hugs were shared amongst strangers as they huddled around a large inflatable screen to watch the service. The thing that united all the attendees was that they came to support Emily and her family and bring visibility to missing and murdered Indigenous people. Emily: A light and a spark Emily loved pink. She loved anything sparkly and colorful and had boundless creativity. “Her hobbies were horizonless. … She wanted much more for herself,” said Alyssa Dosela, Emily’s aunt who lives on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Some family members drove over two hours to attend the vigil. Family and friends described Emily as a sweet and soft-spoken girl who did well in school and was looking forward to college. She was kind and quiet, smart and jubilant. Many said she would light up a room just by smiling, her grin infectious. She was a spark, they said. One relative likened her to Tinker Bell, sparkling and full of light. “I’ve been crying every day,” said Agatha Key, Emily’s grandmother, her voice breaking. “She’s my only granddaughter.” Emily’s disappearance and death struck home for those in attendance, many sharing that they could have been her. Shannon Bollinger (left) and Shiloh Ashley hold posters at a vigil honoring Emily Pike, an Indigenous girl who was found killed, on March 6, 2025, at Encounter AZ Church in Mesa. Shannon Bollinger, an attendee, said she was part of the foster care system in metro Phoenix, like Emily, and had run away at least once. Nobody came looking, she said. Bollinger wasn’t alone. Speakers noted that Indigenous children in the foster care system were reported missing at a higher rate than their counterparts and that Indigenous children were murdered at a higher rate than their counterparts. “This is an epidemic … and we’re finally getting recognition,” said April Victor, Emily’s aunt. ‘Let everyone know her name’ Chants of “Emily, Emily, Emily!” rang through the still night, a vow that her name would be remembered. Hundreds of community members rallied around Emily’s death and family at Thursday’s vigil, the crowd outside the church spilling over the curb onto the street as the night continued. Inside, the church was packed full of relatives and those close to Emily. Emily’s family and friends wore shirts with three photos of the teen with the words “In Loving Memory” and the dates May 16, 2010, and February 2025. The date of Emily’s death has not been released as the investigation continues. Posters, candles, flowers and stuffed animals left at the site where 14-year-old Emily Pike was last seen before she disappeared on March 6, 2025. Emily’s case ignited a renewed energy and focus on missing and murdered Indigenous women and people. Some speakers shared how their nieces, nephews, sons and daughters were found killed or had never been found. Others were motivated by spreading awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous people. Still, others felt it was their parental responsibility to attend in support of missing children. “Everyone is taking this on a personal level,” said Gail Pechuli, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, holding a drawn portrait of Emily. Many attendees wore red as a tribute to the movement, while some painted a red handprint over their mouths. The handprint is a symbol of the voiceless and the silence of the media and law enforcement when it comes to missing Indigenous people, according to Native Hope, a Native American advocacy group. According to data analyzed by the Urban Indian Health Institute in 2018, Arizona ranked third in states with the highest number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. In a survey of cities that provided data, Tucson ranked in the top 10. Attendees hold posters and candles on March 6, 2025, at Encounter AZ Church in Mesa at a vigil honoring Emily Pike, a 14-year-old girl who was found brutally killed almost three weeks after she had been reported missing. Hashtags on social media, like #JusticeforEmilyPike, #NoMoreMMIW and #SayHerName, served as a reminder of Emily’s tragic death and brought visibility to missing and murdered Indigenous people. Emily’s case has taken the national stage with the leaked details of her death catching like wildfire and breaking people’s hearts. Cities across the U.S., including Denver, planned to hold their own vigils for the teenager. “That passion, that hurt, that anger, that sadness, it’s pouring out onto streets to let everybody know her name,” said Dosela, Emily’s aunt. As the vigil came to a close and the wind blowing out the candles out stilled, Victor, Emily’s aunt, raised her voice, singing, “Remember me, down the road, hand in hand, you and me.” Soft voices picked up the song, carrying the message that Emily would not be forgotten. What happened to Emily Pike? Emily was last seen in late January walking on foot at McKellips Road and Mesa Drive near her group home in Mesa, according to Mesa police. Her remains were found almost three weeks later on Valentine’s Day in a woody area off U.S. 60, northeast of Globe in ***** County. An internal memo from the ***** County Sheriff’s Office leaked information about the condition of Emily’s body when it was found, sparking outcry on social media. A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said that the information was not officially released and declined to comment. Two federal agencies, the FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs, officially joined the investigation, the ***** County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday night. Spokespeople for the FBI and Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on the involvement of the federal bureaus. The ***** County Sheriff’s Office remained the lead agency. The Sheriff’s Office said no suspects were identified as of Wednesday night. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Community mourns Indigenous teen Emily Pike, found dead in Arizona Source link #Indigenous #community #rallies #slain #San #Carlos #Apache #teen #Emily #Pike Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Clark County animal rights advocates help dog left on roadside to recovery Clark County animal rights advocates help dog left on roadside to recovery Editor’s note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers. WINCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56) — A dog abandoned on the side of the road in Clark County is slowly showing signs of improvement with help from a local shelter. On Thursday, the Clark County Animal Shelter (CCAS) posted on Facebook that someone had left a puppy on the side of the road before eventually being found and turned in. Winchester man accused of stabbing victim on East Broadway Shelter staff said the dog was found emaciated with the smell of ****** soaked into his skin. “It’s likely he was confined to a crate with little room to move and little to no food or water,” CCAS wrote. “He is also terrified.” On Saturday afternoon, the shelter shared an update for the dog on Facebook, saying he had gained four pounds from getting proper hydration. A dog was taken in by the Clark County Animal Shelter on Thursday after being abandoned. (Clakr County Animal Shelter) After 48 hours, the shelter provided an update and shared improvements on the dog’s health. (Clark County Animal Shelter) “He is rehydrated and is receiving controlled feedings,” CCAS staff wrote. “We are allowing him to move around to hopefully start rebuilding muscle and gain some mobility.” LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: The nonprofit wrote that staff members are showing him that people can provide a safe place. For more information about the Clark County Animal Shelter, visit its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Source link #Clark #County #animal #rights #advocates #dog #left #roadside #recovery Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Record Discovery: Impact Crater in Australia's Outback Oldest by a Billion Years – ScienceAlert Record Discovery: Impact Crater in Australia's Outback Oldest by a Billion Years – ScienceAlert Record Discovery: Impact Crater in Australia’s Outback Oldest by a Billion Years ScienceAlertA Paleoarchaean impact crater in the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia Nature.comEarth’s oldest-known impact crater discovered in outback WA ABC NewsScientists find crater that rewrites the history of Earth The IndependentWorld’s oldest impact crater found, rewriting Earth’s ancient history Curtin University Source link #Record #Discovery #Impact #Crater #Australia039s #Outback #Oldest #Billion #Years #ScienceAlert Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Queensland thump Tasmania, rise to second in Shield Queensland thump Tasmania, rise to second in Shield Queensland have revived their Sheffield Shield hopes with a thumping nine-wicket win against Tasmania. Set just 81 runs to win, the Bulls cruised to 1-82 on the final day at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Test stalwart Usman Khawaja (33 not out) and Jack Clayton (34no) were untroubled in peeling off the last 56 runs to win on Sunday. The victory lifts the Queenslanders from fifth spot to second on the Shield table ahead of results from other games which finish Sunday between ladder-leaders South Australia and Victoria, and defending champions Western Australia against NSW. At the time of the Bulls’ victory, SA topped the table on 43.93 points with Queensland next-best with 36.8, followed by NSW (32.87), WA (32.63), Victoria (30.64) and Tasmania (27.61). After Sunday’s fixtures are completed, one round remains to determine the finalists. Source link #Queensland #thump #Tasmania #rise #Shield Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why Do Republicans Want to Dismantle the Education Department? – The New York Times Why Do Republicans Want to Dismantle the Education Department? – The New York Times Why Do Republicans Want to Dismantle the Education Department? The New York TimesDismantling of Education Department puts future of trillions of dollars in student loans in question CNN’Not their business’: Trump mulls major changes to federal student loan office USA TODAYTrump wants to dismantle the Education Department. Here’s what it does The Associated Press Source link #Republicans #Dismantle #Education #Department #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The ups and downs of a theme park adored by generations The ups and downs of a theme park adored by generations Diary of A Rollercoaster Girl Oakwood Theme Park opened in 1987 but has closed its doors before the start of the 2025 season They say life can be like a rollercoaster, but for Richard Drummond and his family, it is a ride that has lasted for three generations. Richard, his dad and his two sons have all worked at Oakwood Theme Park, in Pembrokeshire, over the last 30 years. But on Tuesday, Wales’ largest theme park announced it was shutting down with immediate effect due to a drop in visitor numbers. It has left Richard, and thrill-seekers around the world, wondering what comes next for the once-great attraction. Richard, 48, from Pembroke Dock, joined Oakwood in 1995 at a time when they employed about 400 seasonal staff each year. “I was 18 or 19 and met lots of people from all over. You met all these people that you had never met before,” he said. The park, which opened in 1987, was originally owned by William McNamara – a Pembrokeshire farmer diversifying into the leisure industry. “You would see the directors walking around the park. Their kids worked there as well. The owners were willing to get their hands dirty,” Richard added. Richard Drummond Richard started out in the food stalls at Oakwood in 1995 Richard witnessed the birth of the world-renowned rollercoaster Megafobia in 1996. “I could see this structure slowly going in and I was thinking, I know that’s going to be pretty impressive when it’s finished,” he said. “A lot of us that worked there were the first people to go on it.” The site, which opened in 1987, announced on Wednesday it would be shutting immediately Mr McNamara went on to create the neighbouring Bluestone holiday resort and sold Oakwood to Spanish leisure giant Aspro in 2008. Richard believes they “underestimated” the task at hand. “It costs a lot of money to replace parts, especially because most of them come from Europe,” he said. In 2009 Astro decided to halve the number of full-time employees and Richard was let go after 14 years at Oakwood. Richard Drummond Richard and his two sons riding Megafobia at Oakwood Richard’s dad, who has worked at the site over the last couple of years, said he believed the park was in decline. “He would tell me we only had so many people in today, or they had to close this ride because they didn’t have enough staff,” Richard said. Due to a drop in visitor numbers, Oakwood Theme Park owners Aspro Park said “future investment” was “unsustainable” for the attraction. The company added “all possible avenues” had been explored to avoid the closure, and that “unrelenting economic challenges” from electricity costs, ride parts and food and drink inflation, as well as changes to National Insurance thresholds affected the decision. The park’s closure has left Richard feeling “emotional”, but he plans to have a staff reunion this summer to share the good times they had at the attraction. Justin Garvanovic A 28-year-old Justin sat with a test ****** trialling Megafobia in February 1996 Justin Garvanovic, founder of the European Coaster Club, remembers the first whispers about a wooden coaster coming to Wales. “I bumped into William McNamara in Blackpool looking at the big dip of a wooden coaster there. I put two and two together immediately,” he said. “We would go down every two weeks to see William, and his brother Paddy, to see the ride being built.” Justin and his fellow club members loved it so much they decided to host an annual trip at Oakwood – known as the Mega Welsh Weekender. The European Coaster Club celebrated their 25th trip to Oakwood last year as part of their annual get together. A new venue will have be found for the annual pilgrimage, but Justin admitted it will be hard to replace the “special and unique” Oakwood setting. Justin Garvanovic The Mega Welsh Weekender, pictured in 1996, was held at Oakwood for 25 years Justin said he “sadly” saw the closure coming after what he described as the park’s decline in recent years. “It’s a fantastic park, but if you talk to people in England, they don’t know it exists,” he said. The world has lost “one of the world’s best wooden coasters” in Megafobia, according to Justin. He said Pembrokeshire is a “wonderful part of the world”, but added Oakwood has been asking the same question for decades. “How do you get all these people to know that this treasure is there?” Justin broke the news that Oakwood was building its Megafobia ride in his First Drop magazine Korey Kieptfer, from Cincinnati, Ohio, is a rollercoaster designer and engineer who was involved in the refurbishment of Megafobia three years ago. The 50-year-old adores theme parks and even commemorated his wedding day with a rollercoaster ride. “Megafobia is special,” he said. “We really felt like we improved it and brought it back to life.” It has been a “whirlwind of emotions” for Korey hearing about the park’s closure. “Oakwood is magical. It’s got a lot of nice trees and it’s just out in the open. All of that just adds to the experience,” he said. Korey Kieptfer Korey standing on Megafobia during the refurbishments made to the ride in 2022 Korey said the park’s closure is a result of a “perfect storm” as costs increase both for the park and its visitors. “If you want to go to Oakwood from the big cities, you have to decide that you’re going to take that four-hour drive or the train,” he said. He added he would “love it” if a new theme park was able to take on some of the rides at Oakwood, including Megafobia. “If I had a million dollars, I would love to just take it and have it as my very own,” he said. Korey Kieptfer Korey and his wife on their wedding day riding the GhostRider in California in 1999 Nick Hutson is a British composer known for his work in the theme park industry. The 40-year-old has provided music for firework shows, Halloween events and even parties at Oakwood in the past. “It gave some most beautiful views with the sun setting behind Megafobia,” he said. “It was a joy to do music for them, and I will miss working for them a lot.” Nick Hutson Nick Hutson composed music for Oakwood Theme Park for many years Nick’s role allowed him to combine his passions as a “self-confessed theme park fan” as well as a musician. He recalls hosting an after-dark event that had a “festival vibe” at the park. “I put together a techno party track,” he said. “They had live singers, a paint party and fireworks. It was my favourite time to be at the park.” Nick Hutson An after-dark event held at the theme park in 2022 Is the theme park industry in danger? There are concerns among smaller theme park owners in the *** that the industry is struggling. Businesses face extra pressure because of rises to National Insurance payments and wages which could lead to job cuts. Meanwhile energy prices remain high for amusement parks that consume a substantial amount of electricity. The owners of one of the ***’s oldest theme parks, Wicksteed Park, in Northamptonshire, has previously said it would struggle to survive without extra funding. Meanwhile Miles Kenchington, mayor of Helston, in Cornwall, said it was “a worrying time” for tourism after the closure last year of a Cornish theme park which opened 48 years ago. Attention now turns to the impact on the local economy and the people employed by Oakwood. They will hope this is not the first domino to fall in a part of the country that relies on a strong tourism sector. A Welsh government spokesperson said it wanted to “work closely” with the Welsh tourism sector to help address the challenges businesses face. “Tourism makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to Welsh life,” it added. Source link #ups #downs #theme #park #adored #generations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

3.7 Billion Miles Away: Hubble Uncovers a Hidden Trio That Could Rewrite Kuiper Belt History – SciTechDaily 3.7 Billion Miles Away: Hubble Uncovers a Hidden Trio That Could Rewrite Kuiper Belt History – SciTechDaily 3.7 Billion Miles Away: Hubble Uncovers a Hidden Trio That Could Rewrite Kuiper Belt History SciTechDailyHubble Telescope discovers a new ‘3-body problem’ puzzle among Kuiper Belt asteroids (video) Space.comNASA’s Hubble Finds Kuiper Belt Duo May Be Trio Science@NASA‘A new Kuiper Belt mystery’: Hubble reveals an asteroid system like no other Business TodayBYU study analyzes distant Kuiper Belt object with NASA’s Hubble data BYU News Source link #Billion #Miles #Hubble #Uncovers #Hidden #Trio #Rewrite #Kuiper #Belt #History #SciTechDaily Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tory call to ban use of Human Rights Act rights act to stop deportations Tory call to ban use of Human Rights Act rights act to stop deportations The Conservatives have said that the Human Rights Act should no longer apply to immigration decisions. They are calling for a change in the law that would stop people challenging their deportation on human rights grounds in the *** courts. Party leader Kemi Badenoch has previously criticised how some foreign criminals and ******** migrants were using the act to avoid deportation. A Home Office source told the BBC the Conservatives had left the asylum system in chaos and that their suggestion would be totally unworkable. The Human Rights Act was passed by a previous Labour government, and incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in British law. The ECHR has been a hotly debated topic within the Conservative Party – with some on the right of the party wanting the *** to pull out of the treaty completely. The act has been used to halt attempts to deport migrants who are deemed to be in the *** illegally, and stopped flights carrying asylum seekers taking off for Rwanda. Badenoch has not proposed leaving the ECHR, but has argued that some foreign criminals and migrants who are here illegally have successfully used the act to avoid deportation – saying, for example, that this would undermine their right to family life. She also believes some judges generously interpret the provisions of the act when rejecting deportation. Badenoch’s Conservatives are suggesting an amendment to the government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill – which is currently at the committee stage – which would disapply the act in immigration cases. The policy would give her a clear political dividing line with Labour. Under the ECHR, migrants could still appeal against deportation to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Badenoch said the amendment she is suggesting would be “critical to shift immigration powers from the courts to Parliament and elected ministers, enabling more effective control over our borders”. “Operating in Britain’s national interest means recognising the government’s primary purpose: defending our borders, values, and people. Our amendment aims to restore control and prioritise national security.” The Home Office source said: “The Tories left the asylum system in utter chaos. “They had 14 years to make changes and instead spent hundreds of millions of pounds on the failed Rwanda scheme, as small boat crossings hit a record high. “This amendment is totally unworkable. “Instead of dealing with mad proposals that will never work, the Labour government is getting a grip of the asylum system, increasing removals of those with no right to be here, saving millions on asylum hotels and looking at ways of tightening the application of Article 8 to ensure the system works more effectively.” The ECHR was established in 1950 by a number of countries including the ***. The treaty, which sets out the rights and freedoms people are entitled to in the 46 signatory countries, is overseen by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. It is separate to the European Union – so the *** remained part of both after Brexit. Source link #Tory #call #ban #Human #Rights #Act #rights #act #stop #deportations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

International Women’s Day protests demand equal rights International Women’s Day protests demand equal rights Women have marched in cities across Europe, Africa, South America and elsewhere to mark International Women’s Day with demands to end inequality and gender-based violence. In Turkey’s biggest city of Istanbul on Saturday, women listened to speeches, danced and sand in the spring sunshine. The protest was overseen by a large police presence, including officers in riot gear and a water cannon truck. The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared 2025 the Year of the Family. Protesters pushed back against the idea of women’s role being confined to marriage and motherhood, carrying banners reading “Family will not bind us to life” and “We will not be sacrificed to the family”. Critics have accused the government of restricting women’s rights and failing to tackle violence against women. Erdogan in 2021 withdrew Turkey from a European treaty, dubbed the Istanbul Convention, that protects women from domestic violence. Turkish rights group We Will Stop Femicides Platform says 394 women were killed by men in 2024. In many other European countries, women also protested against violence, for better access to gender-specific health care, equal pay and other issues in which they don’t get the same treatment as men. In Poland, activists opened a centre across from the parliament building in Warsaw where women can go to have abortions. Opening the centre on International Women’s Day across from the legislature was a symbolic challenge to authorities in the traditionally Catholic nation, which has one of Europe’s most restrictive abortion laws. From Athens to Madrid, Paris, Munich, Zurich and Belgrade and in many more cities across the continent, women marched to demand an end to treatment as second-class citizens in society, politics, family and at work. In Madrid, protesters held up pictures depicting Gisele Pélicot, the woman who was drugged by her now ex-husband in France over the course of a decade so that she could be ****** by dozens of men while unconscious. Pélicot has become a symbol for women all over Europe in the fight against ******* violence. Thousands of women marched in the capital Skopje and several other cities in North Macedonia to raise their voices for economic, political and social equality for women. In Nigeria’s capital, Lagos, thousands of women gathered at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, dancing and signing and celebrating their womanhood. Many were dressed in purple — the traditional colour of the women’s liberation movement. In Russia, the women’s day celebrations had a more official tone, with honour guard soldiers presenting yellow tulips to girls and women during a celebration in St Petersburg. In Berlin, ******* President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for stronger efforts to achieve equality and warned the roll back of progress already made. “Globally, we are seeing populist parties trying to create the impression that equality is something like a fixed idea of progressive forces,” he said. He gave an example of “large tech companies that have long prided themselves on their modernity and are now, at the behest of a new American administration, setting up diversity programs and raving about a new ‘masculine energy’ in companies and society.” In South America marches protested the killing of women known as femicides. Hundreds of women in Ecuador marched through the streets of Quito to steady drumbeats and held signs that opposed violence and the “patriarchal system”. Source link #International #Womens #Day #protests #demand #equal #rights Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Education Department staff anxiously await sweeping cuts – Inside Higher Ed Education Department staff anxiously await sweeping cuts – Inside Higher Ed Education Department staff anxiously await sweeping cuts Inside Higher EdDismantling of Education Department puts future of trillions of dollars in student loans in question CNN’Not their business’: Trump mulls major changes to federal student loan office USA TODAYWhy Do Republicans Want to Dismantle the Education Department? The New York TimesTrump wants to dismantle the Education Department. Here’s what it does The Associated Press Source link #Education #Department #staff #anxiously #await #sweeping #cuts #Higher Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Canadians show their displeasure with President Trump Canadians show their displeasure with President Trump Canadians show their displeasure with President Trump – CBS News Watch CBS News President Trump took aim at dairy and lumber imports from Canada, but the U.S.’s northern neighbor is fighting back. Ed O’Keefe reports on the latest in the tumultuous trade war. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Canadians #show #displeasure #President #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Consumer confidence expected to rebound after rate cut Consumer confidence expected to rebound after rate cut A long-awaited Reserve Bank of Australia rate cut should boost consumer and business sentiment in two surveys from February due out this week. Source link #Consumer #confidence #expected #rebound #rate #cut Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump defends direct US-****** talks as Israel seethes, attempts to sabotage them – The Times of Israel Trump defends direct US-****** talks as Israel seethes, attempts to sabotage them – The Times of Israel Trump defends direct US-****** talks as Israel seethes, attempts to sabotage them The Times of Israel’Hell to pay’: Trump issues ‘last warning’ to ******. Here is what may be next for Israel and Gaza USA TODAYExclusive: U.S. holding secret talks with ****** AxiosTrump warns ****** as U.S. holds unprecedented talks with the terrorist group CBS NewsU.S. proposes ceasefire extension in exchange for hostages The Washington Post Source link #Trump #defends #direct #USHamas #talks #Israel #seethes #attempts #sabotage #Times #Israel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Early mail: Wayne Bennett faces massive decision at halfback with Jamie Humphreys and Lewis Dodd fighting it out for the No.7 jersey Early mail: Wayne Bennett faces massive decision at halfback with Jamie Humphreys and Lewis Dodd fighting it out for the No.7 jersey Master coach Wayne Bennett has made some massive coaching calls throughout his glittering career, and he’s about to make another with all eyes on South Sydney’s team list on Tuesday to see whether high-profile recruit Lewis Dodd is able to force his way into the No.7 jersey. Dodd signed a three-year deal to be the club’s halfback, but a one-game ban ruled him out of their round one clash against the Dolphins which allowed young gun Jamie Humphreys to come in and show he belongs in first grade. The one-time Sea Eagles was brilliant on Friday night, kicking for a whopping 711 metres and making 24 of his 25 tackles to put pressure on Bennett to make a potentially season-defining call in the halves. “You’ll have to read the papers on Tuesday,” he said with a grin after the game when asked if Humphreys would keep his job. “I thought he was pretty good. “We only had 50 per cent of our team out there so he’s only going to get better because they haven’t played for so long, or in his case this was his first time up (for the club). “He had a lot of responsibility to play halfback.” Halves partner Cody Walker said Humphreys was “outstanding” in his first game for the club. “He’s a pretty quiet kid, but he’s calm out there with a calm head,” he said. “He’s quite a big boy so defensively he was outstanding.” Sea Eagles fans were gutted to see him leave last year given they thought he would one day replace Daly Cherry-Evans, and now Souths fans want to see more of him after he led them to a thrilling win over the Dolphins. “It all comes down to opportunity, and that’s what was presented here at Souths,” Humphreys said. “It’s something I really wanted to go after, and I backed myself a little bit knowing that I’d have to come here and hit the ground running in the pre-season. “It was a really special moment. Pulling on a Souths jersey for the first time was a really proud moment for my family. “It felt different (to the Manly debut) because I was preparing for a round one game. It felt like I had a bit more prep, which was good, and I knew my role because Wayne kept it simple.” The big question now is whether he’ll keep his spot for Saturday’s clash against the Dragons, with Humphreys happy to play anywhere in the 17 but making it clear that halfback is his best spot. “Competition is healthy for a side. It keeps everyone on their toes,” he said. “I’m just going to keep doing everything I can. Wherever Wayne needs me, I’ll play. I feel really confident and comfortable in that seven jersey. Every time he trusts me to play there, I’ll do my best. “I came through playing in the halves and I feel really natural there and I’m really confident in my kicking game.” Source link #Early #mail #Wayne #Bennett #faces #massive #decision #halfback #Jamie #Humphreys #Lewis #Dodd #fighting #No.7 #jersey Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

SpaceX’s Starship explodes in latest launch setback for Elon Musk – Al Jazeera English SpaceX’s Starship explodes in latest launch setback for Elon Musk – Al Jazeera English SpaceX’s Starship explodes in latest launch setback for Elon Musk Al Jazeera EnglishSpaceX Starship rocket explodes after launch for second time this year AxiosSpectators capture video of debris from SpaceX explosion CNNElon Musk Defends Second-Straight Explosion For SpaceX’s Starship As ‘Minor Setback’ Forbes Source link #SpaceXs #Starship #explodes #latest #launch #setback #Elon #Musk #Jazeera #English Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jessica Page: Liberals and Nationals need to put rivalries aside and form effective coalition Jessica Page: Liberals and Nationals need to put rivalries aside and form effective coalition The Liberals and Nationals need to put their rivalries aside, put their heads together and form a coalition of the willing to ensure a better standard of political debate for WA. Source link #Jessica #Page #Liberals #Nationals #put #rivalries #form #effective #coalition Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Venezuela president says flights to bring home migrants from US ‘affected’ Venezuela president says flights to bring home migrants from US ‘affected’ (Reuters) -Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Saturday that scheduled flights to bring home Venezuelan migrants from the U.S. had been affected by “this unexplained, tremendous commotion”, after the Trump administration canceled a license allowing Chevron to operate in the South American country. Earlier in his remarks Maduro said that if it was up to him Chevron would remain in Venezuela, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision last week to reverse a key license for the company, citing lack of progress on electoral reforms and migrant returns. Maduro, however, did not mention the company’s name directly in reference to the migrant flights. He said that communication between the two countries had been damaged and flights affected. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the U.S. and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an “economic war” designed to cripple Venezuela. Maduro and his allies have cheered what they say is the country’s resilience despite the measures, though they have historically blamed some economic hardships and shortages on sanctions. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Marguerita Choy) Source link #Venezuela #president #flights #bring #home #migrants #affected Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

South Korea Grounds All F-16 Fighters After Bombing Its Own People; Comes After ****** Of Korean-Made Aircraft – EurAsian Times South Korea Grounds All F-16 Fighters After Bombing Its Own People; Comes After ****** Of Korean-Made Aircraft – EurAsian Times South Korea Grounds All F-16 Fighters After Bombing Its Own People; Comes After ****** Of Korean-Made Aircraft EurAsian Times‘Like a battle field’: See South Korean city after jets accidentally drop bombs on homes CNNFifteen hurt after SK fighter jets drop bombs by accident BBC.comSouth Korean jets mistakenly bomb village, injuring 15 The Washington Post Source link #South #Korea #Grounds #F16 #Fighters #Bombing #People #****** #KoreanMade #Aircraft #EurAsian #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]