Latest news with #Björk
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Regina Spektor Confronts Pro-Palestine Protesters at Concert: ‘You're Just Yelling at a Jew'
As the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza continues to rage and claim lives, protests in support of Palestine have been growing around the world — including at concerts. On Saturday, Regina Spektor's concert in Portland at Revolution Hall was disrupted after a handful of attendees yelled 'Free Palestine!' and caught the attention of the singer, according to Stereogum. Spektor, who is Jewish and emigrated from Russia when she was a child, has been public in her support of Israel. In October, on the anniversary of the day when Hamas led an attack from Gaza into Israel, including at Israel's Nova Festival, Spektor performed at a pro-Israel gathering in New York. In 2023, she rebuked Björk for her pro-Palestine post. More from Rolling Stone Kneecap Banned From Hungary for Posing 'National Security Threat' Police End Investigation Into Kneecap's Glastonbury Performance BBC Dropping All 'High Risk' Performances After Bob Vylan's Glastonbury Performance As fan footage captured from the concert showed and posted by Stereogum, Spektor was onstage performing when someone yelled 'Free fucking Palestine!' which disrupted the show, forcing the singer to stop performing and address the situation. 'You're just yelling at a Jew,' she said. 'I don't know what he thinks he's doing. I really appreciate the security.' Many in the audience applauded and cheered in support of Spektor. 'We had a really hard time last night, when I said, 'Shalom aleichem,'' a Hebrew phrase meaning 'peace be upon you.' Audience members responded with, 'Am Yisrael Chai,' which translates to 'the people of Israel live.' Spektor attempted to locate the protestors in the crowd, asking, 'Where are you?' But another audience member told her they were 'on his way out,' per the footage. Spektor commented, 'I thought this was different than the internet. This is real life.' The crowd shouted support for Spektor as another protester exclaimed, per Stereogum, 'I'm watching dying children. That hurts.' Spektor said, 'I think you should go because this is not the place for that conversation. I'm a real person who came here to play music. If anybody wants to walk out, this is your chance. Does anybody else want to take a walk? You can.' A few audience members could then be seen leaving. Spektor continued: 'The only reason I even speak English is because I came here to escape this shit. I only speak English because I came from a country where people were treating Jews as others, and now I'm being othered here, and it sucks. It'll be nice if one of my family's generation didn't have to go to a new country and learn a new language, just stay put, have nice lives, you guys.' Footage of the whole exchange can be seen here. Protests have also come from the stage, with bands such as Kneecap vocalizing their support for Palestine. Their comments have led to them being investigated and recently being banned from a festival in Hungary. Kneecap's Mo Chara faced a terror charge in the U.K. for allegedly displaying the Hezbollah flag and yelling, 'Up, Hamas, up Hezbollah,' and 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory' at a November 2024 concert. Also, the U.S. Department of State revoked British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan's visa after they performed at Glastonbury, where they encouraged the crowd to chant 'free Palestine' and 'Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces].' On Monday, the Associated Press reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 36 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as dozens of children and adults have starved to death in just the month of July. Last week, the United Nations' World Food Program said the famine in Gaza has reached 'new and astonishing levels of desperation, with a third of the population not eating for multiple days in a row.' According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, there have been 40 hunger-related deaths this month. Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked Solve the daily Crossword
Observer
09-07-2025
- Health
- Observer
Sweden's secret to well-being? Tiny urban gardens
On an unseasonably warm June morning in Stockholm, Stina Larsson, 98, stood among fragrant lilacs, lilies, and lavender, inspecting the garden that she has tended for more than 40 years. Rabbits had been nibbling the nasturtiums, she noticed, and some weeds needed pulling. Larsson's garden, situated on a postage stamp of land beside the Karlbergs Canal, is one of more than 7,000 garden allotments, known as koloniträdgårdar, in Stockholm. The gardens, established as part of a social movement around the turn of the 20th century, offer city dwellers access to green space and a reprieve from crowded urban life. Though most are modest in size — Larsson's garden is about 970 square feet — koloniträdgårdar are prized for providing a rare kind of urban sanctuary, a corner of the city where residents can trade pavement for soil and the buzz of traffic for birdsong. The garden programs were specifically designed to improve the mental and physical health of city dwellers, said Fredrik Björk, a lecturer at Malmö University who specializes in environmental history. 'The idea was that a working-class family would be able to spend the summer there and work together but also have some leisure and fun,' Björk said on the phone from his own koloniträdgård in Ärtholmen, a garden association in Malmö that dates back to the 1940s. 'In those days, there was lots of heavy drinking,' Björk said. But at the garden colonies, he said, 'Instead of drinking alcohol, you would grow potatoes.' The health benefits of gardening are well established, both for the physical activity and for the time spent in nature. Cecilia Stenfors, an associate professor of psychology at Stockholm University, said her research shows that those who frequently visit green spaces, whether a forest or a koloniträdgård, 'have better health outcomes, in terms of fewer depressive symptoms, less anxiety, better sleep and fewer feelings of loneliness and social isolation.' These positive effects can be particularly pronounced in older people and can help combat symptoms of age-related mental and physical decline. Maja-Lena Säfström, 80, who owns a cotton-candy-pink cottage in a garden association outside of Uppsala, said she had seen many wellness benefits from having a koloniträdgård. 'When you're in an apartment, you don't move much, but if you have a garden, you move around differently, and that makes you feel better,' she said. Garden associations can also help foster social connection, Säfström explained, giving residents a chance to meet other people with similar interests. Rising interest in koloniträdgårdar, particularly among younger Swedes, has led to an increase in prices in recent years. Björk said cottages in his association can sell for over 1 million Swedish kronor (about $105,000). In Stockholm, however, prices are regulated to help ensure the gardens remain affordable, said Katrin Holmberg, a board member of Stockholms Koloniträdgårdar. 'It's a great leisure activity for people; it's healthy, and you're outdoors a lot,' she said. 'I think the city understands that as well as the fact that it contributes to biodiversity in urban areas.' Stockholm residents who can't afford to buy their plot can still enjoy the benefits of the koloniträdgårdar, which are all open to the general public to enjoy. But for those who wish to own a garden of their own, the biggest obstacle, apart from the price tag, is availability. There are more than 50,000 plots across Sweden, but demand far outpaces supply. Eriksdalslundens Koloniträdgårdsförening, an association of 143 plots on the southern island of Södermalm that is among the most popular garden colonies in central Stockholm, has over 1,100 people on the waiting list. And the wait times can be incredibly long. One couple I spoke to, Bengt and Susanne Kopp, were on a waiting list for 17 years before they were finally able to buy a cottage in 2023. For many Swedes like the Eklundhs, a koloniträdgård is more than just a storybook cottage and thriving garden. It's also an active hobby with wide-ranging health benefits and a restorative escape from the city without ever needing to leave it. This article originally appeared in
International Business Times
01-07-2025
- International Business Times
Wess Roley: Idaho Gunman Warned 'I'm Going Hunting' in Chilling Final Post Hours Before Going on Deadly Rampage as New Details Emerge
Idaho shooter Wess Roley shared a chilling image online just hours before carrying out his deadly ambush, officials said Monday. The photo showed him wearing camouflage and a mask, with a belt of rifle ammunition across his chest, along with a Björk song with haunting lyrics ominously warning, "I'm going hunting." The disturbing post was among a slew of new revelations shared during a press conference held by the sheriff. Officials said that before launching his deadly attack, Roley had been living out of his car. Roley was confronted by the firefighters regarding his vehicle, and that's when he suddenly opened fire, killing two of them and leaving another injured. Face of Evil Over 300 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies rushed to the scene after the gunfire began, spending several hours trying to stop Roley. Authorities even rolled his abandoned car off a mountain ledge in a bid to cut off his escape routes and flattened the tires of nearby fire trucks to prevent him from using one to slip away. Although the motive behind the attack remains unclear, investigators have yet to search Roley's vehicle. Sheriff Robert Norris said that there's no evidence he left behind a manifesto, nor do officials believe he had any connections to Middle Eastern terrorist groups. Roley, originally from California, had been living in the Coeur d'Alene area since 2024, Norris said. During that time, Roley had at least five encounters with local law enforcement, mostly involving complaints about him living in his car and parking it on private property. These incidents included things like trespassing and welfare checks. Norris described the encounters as "very, very minor" and noted that investigators found no criminal history for Roley in Idaho, California, or Arizona, where he had previously lived. On Sunday, Roley reportedly set a fire in the woods on Canfield Mountain shortly after 1 p.m., then ambushed the firefighters who arrived to contain it. He ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Tragic End Roley was armed with a shotgun loaded with slugs during the gunfight. His body was removed from the area just as the wildfire began to spread across Canfield Mountain. The fire was first reported around 1:21 p.m. Two firefighters—one from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue—were shot and killed while scoping the scene. A third firefighter was critically injured and rushed into surgery. He is now reportedly in stable condition. "This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance," Norris said on Sunday. The situation descended into chaos as the brush fire raged and firefighters arrived, only to be met with intense gunfire. Around 4:30 p.m., Norris authorized officers to kill the shooter if the situation demanded it. Two helicopters carrying snipers were deployed to eliminate the threat. On Sunday evening, the bodies of the two fallen firefighters were moved from Kootenai Health to Spokane, Washington. A solemn procession of police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks accompanied them as a sign of respect and honor. Community members gathered on highway overpasses to pay tribute—some waving flags, others offering salutes as the procession passed by.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Idaho shooter's now-deleted Instagram story just before the shooting is spine-chilling
Just hours before opening fire on firefighters in northern Idaho, Wess Val Roley, the 20-year-old suspected gunman, posted an ominous Instagram story. Before opening fire on firefighters in Idaho, Wess Val Roley shared a disturbing Instagram story hinting at violence.(X and Reuters ) The image, shared to his Instagram Stories and since deleted, shows Roley wearing a balaclava with what appeared to be coal-like soot smeared on his face. He had a belt of rifle shells strapped across his chest. The post was accompanied by the eerie lyrics of a Björk song: 'I'm going hunting.' That spine-chilling post was made shortly before officials say Roley intentionally started a fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d'Alene and ambushed first responders. Two firefighters were killed and another critically injured in the shootout that followed. ALSO READ| John Morrison identified as fallen Idaho firefighter; colleague recalls final memory: 'He loved his family' 'It's clear to me that This fire was set intentionally to draw us in,' one firefighter radioed during the attack, captured in harrowing dispatch audio, per Daily Mail. Idaho suspect's grandfather drops hints why his grandson ambushed firefighters Roley reportedly dreamed of becoming a firefighter himself. His grandfather, Dale Roley, told NBC News that his grandson had tried to join a fire department but may have been rejected. 'Maybe he got rejected or something,' he said, adding that at 5-foot-8, 'his height might have prevented him from joining the department.' 'He loved firefighters. It didn't make sense that he was shooting firefighters,' the grandfather said. 'He actually really respected law enforcement… He wanted to be part of a team that he sort of idolized.' Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed that investigators had 'information' suggesting Roley once wanted to be a firefighter. On Sunday afternoon, he allegedly launched a 'total ambush,' firing on firefighters responding to a brush fire he had set himself. 'These firefighters did not have a chance,' Norris said in a press conference. 'It's clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in.' Firefighters arriving on the scene were pinned down by gunfire. 'Send law enforcement right now! There's an active shooter zone,' one responder urgently radioed. 'Everybody's shot up here!' At around 4:30 PM, as Roley continued to shoot, Sheriff Norris gave law enforcement the green light to use lethal force. 'I am hoping someone has a clear shot,' he said. 'They are not showing any signs of wanting to surrender.' By the time authorities located Roley nearly six hours later, he was found dead beside a firearm. Officials believe he shot himself. His vehicle, where he had apparently been living, was found nearby, filled with debris, but no manifesto or clear motive. 'There is no threat to the community at this time,' Norris said. ALSO READ| Who are Wess Roley's parents? Idaho shooter's mother once accused his father of violent threats Idaho Governor Brad Little called the attack a 'heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.' 'Pray for Idaho's first responders. Justice will be served,' DHS Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X.
Buzz Feed
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Bryce Dallas Howard Says A Director Threw Water At Her
I'm sure you know Bryce Dallas Howard. You probably know that the Jurassic World star is also the daughter of award-winning director Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code). In an interview with The Sunday Times, Bryce explained an alleged exchange she had with Danish director Lars von Trier where he tried to use her father's job against her. Bryce starred in the 2005 drama Manderlay, a direct sequel to Dogville (2003). Bryce had replaced Nicole Kidman as Grace Margaret Mulligan from the first movie. She said the moment she arrived at the set for Manderlay in Norway, Lars allegedly spoke negatively of her dad in an attempt to upset her. "He started insulting me: 'Your father's a terrible film-maker,'" she remembered. "I went, 'Lars, what are you trying to see?' and he said, 'Your angry face. I don't know what it looks like.'" Bryce claimed that Lars then threw a glass of water in her face. "So I threw a glass of water in his face. He goes, 'Why did you do that?' and got up and left." She said she was actually unfazed and actually entertained by the interaction. "That was my introduction to the Lars von Trier experience, but it wasn't like I went to my room and cried or anything. I was sort of delighted by it." Lars is a director with a reputation for his erratic behavior and even faced several allegations several years back for his behavior on set. In 2017, Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk posted about her treatment by a Danish director. When the media connected the dots that Björk starred as Selma Ježková in Lars von Trier's 2000 musical psychological tragedy Dancer in the Dark, Lars came forward and denied the accusations. Björk posted another statement in the midst of #MeToo social movement, doubling down her claims while still remaining not to directly name the director. Björk wrote, "After each take the director ran up to me and wrapped his arms around me for a long time in front of all crew or alone and stroked me sometimes for minutes against my wishes," Björk wrote. "While filming in Sweden, he threatened to climb from his room's balcony over to mine in the middle of the night with a clear sexual intention, while his wife was in the room next door." In November 2017, the Guardian reported that Zentropa, the film studio co-founded by Lars and former CEO Peter Aalbæk Jensen, faced several allegations of "sexual harassment, degradation and bullying," per several Danish news publications. While Lars wasn't named in these allegations, Peter resigned from his CEO position as the accusations poured in. Read the entire interview with The Times here. We reached out to Lars's people for comment, and we'll let you know if we hear back.
