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Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug useSharon Hogan addresses Bad Sister's twist Award-winning Irish writer, producer and actress Sharon Horgan has been on a worldwide promotional tour for the latest season of her show ‘Bad Sisters,’ and she made time to stop off at Donnybrook studios on Friday. The second series of the hit show has received mixed reviews , and Horgan admitted to being “nervous” about the reaction, particularly from an Irish audience. Anyone who has watched the show will know there’s a particularly shocking twist early on in the latest instalment, and host Patrick Kielty was keen to ask Horgan just how hard it was to write. “It was really difficult,” she wrote. “We went sort of back and forth on whether we were actually going to do it or not. “We do a terrible thing,” she acknowledges, but says it was important to her to be “brutally honest about what can happen when you're in a terrible abusive relationship”. "I love the end of the first season, but it sort of had a, you know, perfect ending. “I was really interested in telling the story of what the reality is of a woman like that [who] is vulnerable and mistreated for so many years, who's been very isolated by that relationship, and what happens when she finds herself in a terrible situation and she can't reach out to her family, because she's so used to doing things on her own." In a lighter moment, the mum-of-two shared the story behind what happened when Prince Edward, the UK's Duke of Edinburgh, visited the Apple TV studios where Horgan and her Garvey sister co-stars were filming. A post shared by Irish Examiner (@irish_examiner) “We heard he was coming down, that he was on his way, but we didn’t know how far away he was... we thought it would be hilarious... we just got really bratty... and we started singing the Irish national anthem.” That went down a treat with the Late Late Show live studio audience. A frosty interview with Piers Morgan There was a noticeable charge on stage as Piers Morgan sat down for a chat with Kielty. The controversial British broadcaster started the interview by explaining his YouTube show 'Piers Morgan Uncensored'. "We get people on both sides," he said. "Smart people, [I] don't like dummies. You can't come on, unfortunately.." The host of the Late Late let that one slide, but throughout the interview pushed back on some of Morgan's claims - including the broadcaster's insistence that his views are not controversial, but "common sense". At one stage, when Morgan repeated that Kielty might categorise some of his views as controversial, the Co Down man shot back "I categorise some of your views as wrong" to cheers from the Late Late audience. Asked which of his views he'd categorise as controversial, Kielty suggested Morgan's support of newly re-elected and former US President, Donald Trump. "I didn't support him, I said he'd win," Morgan responded. "If he called you in the morning, would you take a job?" Kielty fired back. "No, I wouldn't," Morgan insisted, "I am a journalist, I don't take jobs with administrations in government. Absolutely not." Elsewhere in the conversation, Morgan revealed he once heard Trump listening to Sinéad O'Connors 'Nothing Compares 2 U' - which went down like a lead balloon with the audience - and also disclosed he is "actually Irish". "I've got Galway roots," he said, "so I do feel like I'm one of you, even if you'd rather I wasn't." Russell Kane does a Cork accent Russell Kane also appeared on the show, promoting his upcoming tour dates in Ireland next May. Presently, the English comedian has shows in Dublin, Killarney and Waterford, but he revealed he’s mad to add a Cork date to his tour next summer. “You can’t offend them!” he claimed. And perhaps, to test his theory, followed it up by doing his impersonation of a Leeside accent. “It’s like someone's put spanners in a cement truck!” he exclaimed. We're not sure how many tickets that will have shifted... Plus, a stand-out musical performance Cork singer-songwriter Allie Sherlock appeared on the show to perform her new song ‘How Love Works’. The Douglas native, who has over 14m followers on social media, is a regular on Dublin’s Grafton Street where she often draws a significant crowd while singing covers and her own original material. Tonight, her voice was spellbounding as she sat at a baby grand piano and sang of ‘wanting to know how love works’. Well worth a rewatch.Vikings place LB Ivan Pace on injured reserve and sign LB Jamin Davis off Packers practice squad
Stevens: Will Senate Republicans pass their first test?
Evan Barringer was 14 years old when he stumbled onto Full House, a South Korea romcom where two strangers are forced to share a house. Sitting in his house in Memphis, he hit play assuming it was an Asian remake of a beloved American sitcom from the 1980s. It wasn’t until the third episode that he realised they had nothing in common save the name. But he was hooked. That accidental choice changed his life. Twelve years on, he is an English teacher in South Korea - and he says he loves it here: “I have got to try all the foods I’ve seen in K-dramas, and I’ve gotten to see several of the K-pop artists in concerts whose lyrics I used to study Korean.” When Evan discovered Full House in 2012, South Korean entertainment was a blip in the world’s eye. Psy’s Gangnam Style was the best-known Korean pop export at the time. Today, there are more than an estimated 220 million fans of Korean entertainment around the world – that’s four times the population of South Korea. Squid Game, Netflix's most popular show ever, has just returned for a much-anticipated second season. How did we get here? The so-called Korean Wave swept the world, experts say, when the success of streaming met American-inspired production value. And Korean entertainment – from pop music and mushy dramas to acclaimed hits built around universal themes – was ready for it. BTS and Blackpink are now familiar names on the global pop circuit. People are swooning over sappy K-dramas from Dubai to India to Singapore. Overseas sales of all this Korean content - including video games - is now worth billions. Last month, after 53-year-old poet and novelist Han Kang won the Nobel Prize for her literature, online boards were full of memes noting South Korea’s “Culture Victory” — a reference to the popular video game series Civilisation. And there were jokes about how the country had achieved the dream of founding father Kim Koo, who famously wrote that he wished for Korea to be a nation of culture rather than might. As it turns out, this moment had been in the making for years. After South Korea’s military dictatorship ended in 1987, censorship was loosened and numerous TV channels launched. Soon, there was a generation of creators who had grown up idolising Hollywood and hip-hop, says Hye Seung Chung, associate professor of Korean Film Studies at the University of Buffalo. Around the same time, South Korea rapidly grew rich, benefitting from an export boom in cars and electronics. And money from conglomerates, or chaebols as they are known, flowed into film and TV production, giving it a Hollywood-like sheen. They came to own much of the industry, from production to cinemas. So they were willing to splurge on making movies without worrying much about losses, Prof Chung says. K-pop, meanwhile, had become a domestic rage in the mid-90s, propelling the success of groups such as HOT and Shinhwa. This inspired agencies to replicate the gruelling Japanese artist management system. Scout young talent, often in their teens, and sign them onto years-long contracts through which they become “perfect” idols, with squeaky clean images and hyper-managed public personas. As the system took hold, it transformed K-pop, creating more and more idols. By the 2000s, Korean TV shows and K-pop were a hit in East and South East Asia. But it was streaming that took them to the world, and into the lives of anyone with a smartphone. That’s when the recommendation engine took over – it has been key in initiating Korean culture fans, taking them from one show to the next, spanning different genres and even platforms. Evan says he binged the 16 hour-long episodes of Full House. He loved the way it took its time to build the romance, from bickering banter to attraction, unlike the American shows he knew. “I was fascinated by each cultural difference I saw - I noticed that they don’t wear shoes in the house,” he recalls. So he took up Netflix’s suggestions for more Korean romcoms. Soon, he found himself humming to the soundtracks of the shows, and was drawn to K-pop. He has now begun watching variety shows, a reality TV genre where comedians go through a series of challenges together. As they work their way through the recommendations, fans are immersed in a world that feels foreign yet familiar – one that eventually includes kimchi jiggae, a spicy kimchi stew, and kalguksu, a seafood and kelp noodle broth. When Mary Gedda first visited South Korea, she went looking for a bowl of kimchi jjigae, as she had seen the stars do on screen numerous times. “I was crying [as I ate it]. It was so spicy,” she says. “I thought, why did I order this? They eat it so easily in every show.” Mary, an aspiring French actor, now lives in Seoul. Originally a K-pop fan, she then discovered K-dramas and learned Korean. She has starred in a few cameo roles as well. “I got lucky and I absolutely love it,” she says. For Mary, food was a big part of the appeal because she saw such a variety of it on K-dramas. Seeing how characters build relationships over food was familiar to her, she says, because she grew up in the French countryside in Burgundy. But there is also the promise of romance, which drew Marie Namur to South Korea from her native Belgium. She began watching K-dramas on a whim, after visiting South Korea, but she says she kept going because she was “pretty much attracted to all those beautiful Korean men”. "[They] are impossible love stories between a super-rich guy and a girl who is usually poor, and, you know, the guy is there to save her and it really sells you a dream." But it is Korean women who are writing most of these shows – so it is their imagination, or fantasy, that is capturing the interest (and hearts) of other women across the world. In Seoul, Marie said she was “treated like a lady”, which hadn’t happened “in a very long time”, but her “dating experience is not exactly as I expected it to be”. “I do not want to be a housewife. I want to keep working. I want to be free. I want to go clubbing with my girlfriends if I want to, even though I'm married or in a relationship, and a lot of guys here do not want that.” International fans are often looking for an alternative world because of disappointment with their own society, Prof Chung says. The prim romances, with handsome, caring and chivalrous heroes, are drawing a female audience turning away from what they see as hypersexual American entertainment. And when social inequality became a stronger theme in Korean films and shows - such as Parasite and Squid Game – it attracted global viewers disillusioned with capitalism and a yawning wealth divide in their countries. The pursuit of a global audience has brought challenges as well. The increasing use of English lyrics in K-pop has led to some criticism. And there is now a bigger spotlight on the industry's less glamorous side. The immense pressure stars face to be perfect, for instance, and the demands of a hyper-competitive industry. Creators behind blockbuster shows have alleged exploitation and complained about not being fairly compensated. Still, it’s great to see the world pay attention to Korea, Prof Chung says. She grew up in a repressive South Korea, when critics of the government were regularly threatened or even killed. She escaped into American movies. When Parasite played in the cinema of the small American town where she lives, she saw on the faces of other moviegoers the same awe she felt as a child watching Hollywood films: “It feels so great that our love is returned.”
Here’s why the Wicked movie is better than the stage musical
Researchers from Nanda Nath Saikia College and Bodoland University in India, Silesian University of Technology in Poland, and the University of Texas at El Paso in the United States have highlighted the necessity of shifting from a linear economy to a circular economy (CE) to combat critical global challenges. The current "take, make, consume, dispose" model is unsustainable, leading to escalating waste production, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Waste generation has far outpaced population growth, resulting in significant financial pressures, mismanagement of natural resources, and pollution of ecosystems. CE offers an alternative by focusing on minimizing waste, retaining resource value, and regenerating materials in continuous cycles. This transition is not only environmentally crucial but also aligns with achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as clean energy, responsible consumption, and climate action. Biomass Energy as a Key to Sustainability At the core of CE is the use of biomass energy, derived from organic waste such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste (MSW). Biomass offers a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security. The study explores thermochemical methods, such as gasification and pyrolysis, and biochemical processes like fermentation to convert biomass into energy. Gasification generates syngas, a combustible mixture of gases, while pyrolysis produces biochar, bio-oil, and syngas through thermal decomposition. Fermentation, meanwhile, converts cellulosic materials from agricultural waste into bioethanol, a clean-burning fuel with diverse applications. MSW, with over 60% biodegradable content, presents a largely untapped opportunity to produce renewable energy while addressing waste management issues. By leveraging these approaches, biomass becomes an essential component of CE, addressing both energy and environmental challenges. Transforming Wastewater into Energy with Microbial Fuel Cells The study introduces microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as an innovative solution for treating municipal wastewater while generating electricity. Using electrogenic microbes, MFCs convert organic contaminants in wastewater into electrical energy, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional treatment methods. This technology not only produces green energy but also aligns with CE principles by repurposing waste into valuable resources. The dual-chambered MFC, which separates anode and cathode compartments with a proton exchange membrane, efficiently transforms wastewater into energy while reducing pollutants. MFCs exemplify the potential of CE to tackle pressing global challenges like energy scarcity and environmental degradation. Overcoming Barriers to Circular Economy Adoption Despite its promise, CE faces several significant barriers. Economic challenges, such as high costs of recycled materials and insufficient financial incentives, hinder widespread implementation. Technical obstacles include the lack of standards for reclaimed materials and the complexities of recycling processes, while social barriers like limited public awareness and education exacerbate these difficulties. The study calls for collaborative efforts across governments, industries, and communities to address these challenges through policy support, technological innovation, and educational programs. By overcoming these barriers, CE can move from theory to practice, creating a more sustainable and equitable global economy. A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future The researchers emphasize that comprehensive waste management strategies are critical for realizing the vision of CE. These strategies involve reducing waste at the source, improving recycling practices, and adopting innovative waste-to-energy technologies. Municipalities and manufacturers can play pivotal roles by integrating product lifecycle data, optimizing waste collection systems, and designing products for sustainability. Biomass energy, in particular, offers significant potential for rural rehabilitation and economic development by utilizing local resources and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Transitioning to CE not only addresses environmental concerns but also drives innovation, creates economic opportunities, and promotes societal well-being. Adopting CE and sustainable environmental practices is no longer optional but an urgent necessity. The transition requires collective efforts from governments, industries, and individuals, as well as significant legislative reforms and technological advancements. While the challenges are substantial, the benefits of CE are far-reaching. By reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and leveraging renewable energy sources like biomass, societies can combat climate change, preserve ecosystems, and achieve economic growth. This research serves as a clarion call for decisive action, urging stakeholders across all sectors to embrace CE principles and build a sustainable future. By transforming waste into resources and embracing innovative technologies, humanity can overcome the pressing challenges of resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and climate change to secure a resilient and prosperous world for future generations.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Brandon Stroud led South Florida past Webber International on Saturday with 16 points off of the bench in a 106-49 victory. Stroud shot 6 of 7 from the field and 4 for 4 from the line for the Bulls (7-6). Kobe Knox scored 15 points, going 5 of 8 (3 for 6 from 3-point range). Quincy Adekokoya went 5 of 11 from the field (3 for 6 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points, while adding seven rebounds. Gabriel Sorensen finished with 14 points for the Warriors and Khalyl Simmons added 12 points. South Florida took the lead with 12:25 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 54-26 at halftime, with Stroud racking up 12 points. South Florida extended its lead to 98-43 during the second half, fueled by a 16-2 scoring run. Knox scored a team-high 10 points in the second half as their team closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .