More than just the potential winner of Eurovision and the bete noir of Irish pop Bambie Thug also has an innate talent and great voice. Their take on The Cranberry’s classic ‘Zombie’ drips a histrionic and powerful emotion and swirling dark atmosphere.
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Tory Whips Kick Lee Anderson Off Home Affairs Committee
The Tory whips have decided it’s time up for Reform defector Lee Anderson on the Home Affairs Select Committee. Anderson is now getting kicked off by motion, as is the government’s prerogative, to be imminently replaced. Lee’s direct questioning has become a staple of otherwise dull Home Affairs committee meetings. No doubt problematic now he’s not batting for their side…
Anderson says:
“I would’ve liked to have stayed on the committee, but with the Home Office once again due to be scrutinised before it I’m probably the last person they want asking questions in the run up to an election.”
Other committee members acknowledge that Lee is a top performer and say “it’s sad to see him go“. End of an era…
Pavé: The End Of Us (Self Released) Out Now DL/Streaming Manchester’s Pavé continue their run of great form as they consolidate their relentless push for promotion to the upper echelons of the current alternative rock pantheon. Following up the grandiose Slow Movements, the lead from their forthcoming EP, the band release another blistering single in […]
The post Pavé: The End Of Us – Single Review appeared first on Louder Than War.
THE BBC has confirmed what’s in store for an award-winning medical documentary that has kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Hit series Surgeons: At The Edge of Life gives fans unprecedented access to surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre staff and patients on the frontline of medical science.
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Following its recent successful run on BBC Two and iPlayer, the docu-series from Dragonfly Film and TV (part of Banijay UK) has been commissioned for seasons seven and eight.
Since the programme started back in 2018, it has become a hit with BBC viewers, offering an insight into some of the country’s top surgeons performing high-stakes surgery.
Surgeons: At The Edge of Life has been filmed in many different hospitals, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, and University Hospital Southampton, to name a few.
The upcoming season will be filmed in Edinburgh and The Lothians at some of the region’s leading centres of medical excellence – NHS Lothian’s The Royal Infirmary, Western General and St. Johns.
The series will once again offer a unique understanding of the innovative and experimental surgeries being performed in order to save people’s lives.
Sreya Biswas, Head of BBC Commissioning, Natural History, said: “Surgeons: At the Edge of Life is a key brand for BBC Specialist Factual and has continued to grow audiences across BBC Two and iPlayer, showcasing boundary pushing surgery, and the incredible medical teams who make it possible.
“Deep diving into the most complex surgical procedures is what makes the brand so special. It is very exciting to be co-commissioning with BBC Scotland and to be based in Edinburgh for the coming series.”
David Harron, BBC Scotland, added: “BBC Scotland is delighted to be bringing Surgeons: At the Edge of Life to Scotland.
“It is a compelling series, and these next two series will bring audiences unique insight into the work of some of Scotland’s top medical teams, shining a light on the dedication and skills employed in theatres every day.”
Recently, all six episodes of season six of Surgeons: At The Edge of Life landed on BBC Two and iPlayer.
The series did exceptionally well, with episode one raking in 2.5m in 28 days, which aligns the show with the previous series and well above the average for Factual on BBC Two.
As the series rolled out, fans of the medical documentary took to social media and praised the programme and the surgeons.
One user penned: “So pleased to see Surgeons At The Edge of Life back for another series, at @UHSFT.
“It never ceases to amaze me what can be achieved by the innovations in science and the skills of the surgeons who perform the procedures. #TeamNHS.”
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Another typed: “Surgeons: At the edge of life. BBC2. Amazing television.”
A third chimed: “Highly recommend the BBC Series – Surgeons: At the Edge of Life. This is a rare, excellent representation of radiology and the vital role it plays within healthcare.”
Someone else commented: “Just watched Surgeons: At the Edge of Life on BBC2, and, as always in complete awe of what these dedicated professionals from the UK and overseas can do to save lives.”
Ahead of the renewal announcement, Richard Bond, Managing Director of Dragonfly, commented: “After successfully transferring production of Ambulance to Dragonfly North in Manchester.
“I’m thrilled that the BBC have supported us in moving Surgeons to Scotland with this bumper two-series order, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves under the stewardship of our new and fantastically talented local production team.”
The BBC are yet to announce the production and release dates for the new seasons.
Surgeons: At the Edge of Life is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
The BelTel has an interview with BBC Broadcaster Declan Harvey. This section caught my interest:
“The most common remark I get when I’m out and people recognise me is they say, ‘I don’t really watch that much [news] anymore. I just find it gives me anxiety or I find it too depressing to watch the news.’
“That is a serious question that the news industry has to deal with. How do we reflect the world we live in truthfully, and honestly and authentically, without just giving people anxiety to the point where they are switching off and everyone’s a bit more anxious these days.
“Honestly it is the thing I get [told] the most, [people who] say, ‘Oh, I don’t really watch it anymore because it’s too depressing.’
“We all wish there was more positive news. It’s an ongoing and really present struggle for all news broadcasters. The BBC is not unique in this. There is a magnetic pull towards the negative news for very many reasons.”
Though not all news is bad news, we say, so celebrating the good is as important.
“Absolutely, and why shouldn’t the good things in our society be celebrated. But there’s also ways of framing stories that may appear inherently bad.
“For example, our courts are full of cases involving sexual crime. So is that a story about the bad thing that the perpetrator did? Or is it a story about the strength of the victim who came forward and said, ‘You won’t do this to me or anyone else and get away with it’?
“They are conversations that we have to have because that is a story about strength and empowerment, rather than a story that will make people nervous and fearful of an attack.
“I spend most of my days thinking: how are we telling the story? What language do we use? Where is the emphasis? What’s the really important thing? It’s a huge team effort and I’m not the only person doing that. It’s a team effort in real life; we don’t get it right all the time but we know people find the news stressful. It’s something that the entire industry is facing.”
“But the danger is real. The danger of people turning off news and just getting a tiny snippet on TikTok and moving on.”
Telling people to stop following the news is advice I have been giving for years. Ironic as I run Slugger I know.
I help to manage Slugger by taking care of the site as well as running our live events. My background is in business, marketing and IT. My politics tend towards middle-of-the-road pragmatism, I am not a member of any political party. Oddly for a member of the Slugger team, I am not that interested in daily politics, preferring to write about big ideas in society. When not stuck in front of a screen, I am a parkrun Run Director.
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We all know eating fruits and veg is good for us – but what actually counts as one portion?
Well, it’s probably more broccoli than you imagined.
Experts say one actual portion weighs around 80g – the equivalent of eight florets.
The advice was shared by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), who said ‘most of us struggle to know just how much is a portion’.
We all know eating fruits and veg is good for us – but what actually counts as one portion? Well, it’s probably more broccoli than you imagined. Experts say one actual portion weighs around 80g – the equivalent of eight florets. The advice was shared by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), who said ‘most of us struggle to know just how much is a portion’
Matthew Lambert, WCRF nutritionist, told MailOnline: ‘There are many health benefits of eating vegetables and fruit – whether fresh, frozen or tinned – they are real nutrition powerhouses.
‘Not only do they contain a range of different vitamins and minerals that support general health, but they also contain plant chemicals called phytochemicals – many of these have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells in the body from damage that may lead to cancer.’
The World Health Organization (WHO), recommends eating 400g of fruit and vegetables a day as part of a health and balanced diet to lower the risk of serious health problems.
One medium sized piece of fruit, such as an apple, banana or pear, equates to one portion.
But you’d need to eat two kiwi fruits, plums and satsumas to get achieve another portion.
When it comes to berries, one to two handfuls is enough, and for large fruits such as mangos and pineapples a slice or two is sufficient.
Dried fruits also count towards your five a day and one heaped tablespoon or 30g of raisins is a portion.
One 150ml glass of unsweetened fruit or vegetable juice is also enough to count.
The World Health Organization (WHO), recommends eating 400g of fruit and vegetables a day as part of a health and balanced diet to lower the risk of serious health problems
But to make up a portion of cruciferous vegetables, this includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, you need to eat eight florets or pieces to get the full benefit.
One root vegetable, such as a carrot or parsnip, also counts.
For smaller veg like peas, sweetcorn or chopped mushrooms, three to four heaped tablespoons will give you the right amount of nutrients.
Beans and lentils also count towards your five a day.
However, the NHS explains that beans and pulses only count towards one of your five a day no matter how many you eat, That’s because they contain fewer nutrients than other fruits and vegetables, despite them being a very good source of fibre.
Fruit and vegetables are a good source of vitamin and minerals. They are also a great source of fibre which can help to maintain a healthy gut, preventing digestion problems and even reducing your risk of bowl cancer, the NHS says.
You should aim to eat 30g of fibre a day as part of a healthy diet, according to the NHS.
Mr Lambert said: ‘Diets that are high in fibre can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer as well as supporting digestive health.
‘Fibre not only helps to move food through the body quicker but foods rich in fibre help us feel fuller for longer on fewer calories.
‘There is strong evidence that eating a fibre-rich diet can help protect against weight gain – and we know that living with overweight and obesity can increase the risk of at least 13 cancers.’
Eating plenty of fruit and veg can also prevent other diseases.
Mr lambert added: ‘Dietary patterns that include a wide variety of vegetables and fruit are associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers and other diseases like cardiovascular disease.
‘One of World Cancer Research Funds’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations is to make vegetables, fruit, pulses (beans, peas and lentils) and wholegrains a major part of your usual daily diet.’
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain, according to the NHS
• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count
• Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain
• 30 grams of fibre a day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread and large baked potato with the skin on
• Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) choosing lower fat and lower sugar options
• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consuming in small amounts
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day
• Adults should have less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men a day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
Renowned house vocalist, songwriter, and producer Shyam P, celebrated for his collaborations with industry giants like Ferreck Dawn, Second City, and Josh Butler, has joined forces with legendary Afro House producer, DJ, and piano virtuoso Moon Rocket, who has been delivering his magical live shows at some of the biggest clubs in New York, Miami and across Italy. Both artists have accrued over 25 million streams on Spotify alone and their stunning debut release ‘Watercolours’, featured on global publications such as CLASH Magazine.
With Shyam P’s distinctive vocals, effortless songwriting and Moon Rocket’s unparalleled piano playing and production skills they are a force to be reckoned with. Together, they present a groundbreaking electronic album and second single set for release on April 18th, 2024. Transcending boundaries and defining a new era in electronic music, the album More Than Art and Science, is a testament to the collective talent and sonic breadth of these two exceptional artists. The album’s second single, ‘Leave The World Behind’ is sure to fire up audiences with a cross-genre, radio-friendly dance anthem.
The duo shared: “Radiating a feel-good vibe and pulsating tempo, ‘Leave the World Behind’ embodies the essence of summer, serving as the quintessential soundtrack for carefree moments and sun-kissed dance floors. The vocals, brimming with passion, seamlessly harmonise with the production, immediately uplifts spirits and strikes a chord with listeners.”
Listen to the track…
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**Munster vs Connacht: Preview, Betting, Starting Teams, Where to Watch
Munster and Connacht are set to face off in a highly anticipated URC Round 16 clash at Thomond Park on Saturday, May 11th, 2024. The match kicks off at 5:15 pm local time, with an expected crowd of over 19,000 spectators in attendance. This is a crucial interprovincial derby that promises to deliver an intense battle between two of Ireland’s top rugby sides.
Munster has announced their starting lineup for the game, with two changes to the side that secured a victory against the Lions in Johannesburg. Craig Casey and Alex Nankivell have been introduced into the backline, replacing the previous starters. Notably, Jack Crowley will mark his 50th appearance for the province, continuing at out-half.
Simon Zebo, Calvin Nash, and Shane Daly retain their places in the back three, while Seán O’Brien and Nankivell will partner in midfield for the first time. Casey and Crowley form the half-back pairing.
The forward pack remains unchanged for the third consecutive game. Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, and Stephen Archer start in the front row, while RG Snyman and captain Tadhg Beirne form the second row. Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen, and Jack O’Donoghue complete the pack.
Munster’s bench features notable replacements such as Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, and Antoine Frisch.
Connacht Head Coach Pete Wilkins has made three enforced changes to his starting team for this matchup. Peter Dooley, Paul Boyle, and captain Jack Carty come in for injured players Denis Buckley, Cian Prendergast, and JJ Hanrahan.
In the backs, Matthew Devine retains his spot at scrum-half, with Bundee Aki and Tom Farrell forming the center pairing. Shane Jennings and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran round out the back three.
Connacht’s forwards include hooker Dave Heffernan, prop Finlay Bealham, and flankers Shamus Hurley-Langton and Conor Oliver.
According to the latest betting odds, Munster is expected to win by 11 points. This prediction reflects Munster’s recent form and their home advantage at Thomond Park, where they traditionally perform well against Connacht.
Fans can catch the live action on RTE2 television and streaming platforms offering the URC matches. Specific broadcast details will depend on your location, so be sure to check your local listings for availability.
This interprovincial derby between Munster and Connacht promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant implications for the standings in the URC. Both teams are fielding strong lineups and will be looking to secure a vital victory. With Munster holding the edge in betting, Connacht will aim to defy the odds and come away with a statement win. Rugby fans are in for an exciting clash at Thomond Park this Saturday.
The FDA is gearing up for a bird flu pandemic in people that could kill one in four of those it infects, the agency’s top official has revealed.
Dr Robert Califf told a Senate Committee that officials were drawing up plans to roll out tests, antiviral drugs and vaccines in the event the virus jumps to humans.
But he emphasized the risk of it spreading to people was still low, with only one person infected so far – a farm worker in Texas in March.
‘This virus, like all viruses, is mutating,’ he told the policymakers. ‘We need to continue to prepare for the possibility that it might jump to humans.’
‘[The] real worry is that it will jump to the human lungs where, when that has happened in other parts of the world… the mortality rate has been 25 percent.’
Dr Robert Califf, FDA commissioner, pictured speaking to the Senate’s agriculture committee on Wednesday
The above graph shows the dairy herds that have tested positive for bird flu over time. Officials fear that this is bringing the virus a step closer to infecting humans
The above map shows the states that have reported bird flu infections in dairy herds
Bird flu already appears to be spreading in cattle for the first time after jumping from birds.
As the virus spreads, particularly between two different species, it acquires more mutations which may allow it to infect people more easily.
Fragments of the virus have already been detected in products including one in five grocery store milks — as well as cottage cheese and sour cream.
But officials say these are still safe to consume because the virus inside them is inactivated during the pasteurization process.
Dr Califf, who was speaking to the Agriculture Committee, added: ‘We gotta have testing, gotta have anti-virals and we need to have a vaccine ready to go.
‘We have been busy getting prepared for if the virus does mutate in a way that allows it to jump into humans on a larger level.’
A tick indicates foods that have tested positive for bird flu, while a cross indicates those that have been tested for bird flu but were not found to contain the virus
Championing America’s position, Dr Califf added: ‘We’re in an enviable position compared to any time in the history of the world.
‘Viruses are relatively simple, so coming up with a matching vaccine is entirely possible in a short period of time.’
The US already has a stockpile of about 20million bird flu vaccines in its national stockpile, officials say, which are ‘well matched’ to the H5N1 virus.
It also has the capacity to quickly make 100million more if necessary, they add.
There are also supplies of antivirals such as oseltamivir — used to treat the latest US bird flu patient — available, although officials have not provided a number.
Similarly, there is work ongoing to develop a bird flu vaccine for poultry and tests showing human antivirals work just as well on sick cows.
Only two humans in the US have tested positive for bird flu ever, with both being in close contact with animals infected with the virus.
There have been no signs in either case of the individuals spreading the disease to others.
A total of 36 farms across nine states have so far detected the virus among their dairy herds.
It comes after CDC officials restated their warning that bird flu had ‘pandemic potential’ in a new report.
Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, they made the warning in a section about rolling out vaccines if the virus spills over to humans.
Also last week, a separate study by the US Department of Agriculture released genetic data showing the H5N1 strain tearing through dairy farms had acquired dozens of new mutations.
These changes could make the strain more likely to spread from cows to other animals, including people, and make the virus resistant to antivirals.
“Alternative reality is the only thing the Right have left…”
The defeated Tory mayoral candidate for London has been brutally mocked after suggesting that she had ‘nearly’ beaten Labour’s Sadiq Khan.
Hall lost in the mayoral contest to Khan last week, after the Labour mayor secured just over 1,088,000 votes to be re-elected London Mayor, a majority of some 275,000 over his Conservative rival, who secured just under 813,000 votes.
The margin of Khan’s victory is the largest in the mayoralty’s history, if second preferences are discounted.
Reports had circulated before the result was announced that Hall could cause an upset with some predicting that the result ‘would be closer than thought’.
However, the final result showed Khan with a strong margin of victory.
In a video post on social media after the result, Hall thanked her supporters and claimed that she had “so nearly” defeated Khan in last week’s election.
She told her supporters: “To be the mayor of the city I have loved and lived in all my life – where I went from the garage workshop as a young woman in a man’s world, to running a business whilst raising a family – would have been wonderful.”
She went on to add: “It has been the honour of my life to stand as mayor for London, and I will never forget what we so nearly achieved together. Thank you again, for everything.”
Reacting to her claim, one social media user wrote: “Alternative reality is the only thing the Right have left…”
Another social media user added: “This is hilarious.
“Proud’ Susan Hall says she ‘so nearly’ defeated Sadiq Khan despite LOSING BY RECORD MARGIN. You have nothing to be proud of.”
Basit Mahmood is editor of Left Foot Forward
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