Latest news with #Blackman
Deccan Herald
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Is there famine in Gaza? Let's not wait to find out
By Marc ChampionIs there famine in Gaza? The Israeli authority for the strip says no; the Hamas-run health ministry says about 10 people are dying of malnutrition every 24 hours. Warring parties can rarely be taken at their word, and without access for independent journalists, little can be confirmed first hand. Even so, we know more than enough to Tuesday, 111 signatories from international aid organizations issued a statement warning that 'mass starvation' was now spreading in Gaza. The previous day, 29 countries, including France and the UK, jointly condemned Israel's 'drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians.'We know that the number of aid distribution points in Gaza has reduced to four — three in the south and one in the north — from about 400, as Israel seeks to control the flow. Israel also acknowledges that aid deliveries have plummeted since its new system took effect, with only the question of who to blame in dispute. But the 'who' and the 'why' don't matter when it comes to the 'what,' which is the impact this man-made hell is Jazeera appeals to global media community to protect journalists in Gaza from 'forced starvation'.It is self-evident that having so few aid points for 2 million people means that large numbers of civilians are forced to travel long distances in a war zone. They are being targeted en route. Israel says Hamas is responsible, hoping to collapse a system that was created to prevent the group from seizing and selling aid to finance their war effort. Palestinians say Israel Defense Force snipers are doing the shooting as part of a larger plan to make Gaza uninhabitable and force them out. The IDF acknowledges it has fired warning shots at crowds, but it's near impossible to prove what happened because even victims may not see the sniper who shot who commits such monstrous acts is largely irrelevant to their impact on aid distribution and hunger. Clearly, Gaza's civilian population is desperate enough to keep trying, despite the dangers Blackman, a nurse from the British frontline charity UK-Med told the BBC that one of the 30 patients who passed through her field hospital after such an incident was a five-months-pregnant woman, shot in the abdomen while trying to get food. A male patient was beaten with bricks to rob him of the package he'd just managed to officials say more than 1,000 people have now been killed trying to reach the distribution points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is backed by the US and Israel. These numbers also are hard to prove without independent media present, and now even the flow of information from local sources may be drying up. This week, the French news agency AFP issued a press release to say their Gaza freelancers could no longer continue reporting news, because they were too weak for lack of food and water. Meanwhile, Rieke Hayes, an Irish physiotherapist working with the International Red Cross in Gaza, posted a blog on the ICRC website describing the change in her work since she arrived in March. Back then, she'd get roped in to treat mainly shrapnel wounds. Now she says it's bullets, and the day-to-day numbers she cites are shocking. 'One morning, we had 179 dead and wounded brought to the field hospital. Another day, we had 50. Another day after that, 184 — 99% of whom had gunshot wounds. A few days later, we received over 240 patients within a few hours,' she are, of course, many other accounts, but these two struck me. The AFP notice because this is an organization with a reputation for covering wars even when others don't. The agency has lost journalists to conflict, but it never before had to worry about losing one to starvation. And Hayes's blog was striking because it was so matter of fact. At no point does she claim to know who is doing the shooting or accuse anyone of anything. She just tells what she saw. Read down the social media comment sections on such accounts, and you quickly find several ideas in common. For pro-Palestinians, there is a disgust that anyone is debating anything, because a genocide is underway. Pro-Israel accounts ask: What about the hostages? Why not call on Hamas to release them and lay down their arms, instead of complaining about the IDF? Or, how can you cite Palestinians and international aid workers as evidence of anything? They're either Hamas terrorists themselves or Hamas sympathizers, they write. People do, of course, lie, especially in times of war and even to themselves. Polls show that as many as 90% of Palestinians don't believe Hamas fighters were responsible for the atrocities committed on Oct. 7, 2023. Those denying hunger in Gaza or calling Israel's current escalation of the war justifiable self-defense are lying to themselves, is a terrorist organization that has been using Palestinian civilians as pawns in a deadly game since day one. Israeli cabinet ministers are increasingly open about how they see Gaza's future — annexed, run by Israeli security forces, and resettled by Jewish Israelis. Palestinians, they say, should 'voluntarily' leave what the IDF is turning into a foodless, waterless wasteland so that settlers can build Donald Trump's beachfront paradise in if allowed to succeed, must be called by its name, which is ethnic cleansing. Right now, though, the only priorities for US and Arab mediators should be to silence the guns in Gaza, get food and medical aid in, and bring the hostages out. Nothing else should be allowed to stand in the way.
Washington Post
23-07-2025
- Washington Post
D.C. police chief halted firings of officers in fatal chase, report says
After two D.C. police officers were convicted of federal crimes stemming from an improper vehicle chase that killed a young Black man and sparked civil unrest in the city, the department's disciplinary division recommended that both men be fired, a decision that 'was not a close call' given the strong evidence against them, according to a new report by the Office of the D.C. Auditor.
News18
11-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
UK MP Flags Threats To Hindus, Other Minorities In Bangladesh, Urges PM Starmer To Act
Last Updated: UK MP also criticised Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, for failing to announce the dates of its general election British Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman on Friday raised concern in the UK Parliament over rising threats to religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and members of the Ahmadiyya community. In his speech, he urged the Keir Starmer-led government to act and press Bangladesh to uphold democratic values and protect minority communities. Sharing a video of his remarks on social media platform X, Blackman said he had again brought the issue of minority rights in Bangladesh to Parliament's attention. I raised my concerns in about the rising threats on Hindu, Christian, Buddhist & Ahmadiyya minorities in Rath Yatra celebrations were recently attacked. The Govt must press Bangladesh to protect minorities and uphold democracy. — Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) July 11, 2025 He recalled hosting a recent seminar where representatives from the Hindu, Christian, Buddhist and Ahmadi communities spoke about the growing attacks and hostility they face in Bangladesh. Blackman said these groups are 'under direct attack" and called for stronger international pressure to ensure their safety. Referring to recent incidents, Blackman highlighted how the peaceful celebration of rath yatra in Bangladesh was targeted by Islamist groups. 'The were attacked by Islamist thugs, and I absolutely disgracefully destroyed that wonderful, peaceful procession." Raising a formal request, the MP urged the Leader of the House to arrange for a statement from UK Foreign Office Ministers next week. 'Could the Leader arrange for a statement from Foreign Office Ministers next week on what action the UK will take to press Bangladesh to safeguard its minority communities?," he asked. Blackman's comments came just a day after a prominent Bangladeshi rights group accused Dhaka's government of ignoring more than 2,000 crimes against religious minorities and excluding them from its planned reforms. The Hindu–Buddhist–Christian Unity Council reported it had recorded 2,442 incidents between 4 August last year and 30 June this year. These included murders, rapes, gang rapes, and vandalism of temples, homes, and businesses. Speaking to the media, Monindra Kumar Nath, the council's general secretary, said the government had dismissed their concerns as 'false, fabricated, and exaggerated," while alleging that those responsible for the attacks were 'enjoying impunity." The council also criticised the government for excluding religious minorities from its reform commissions, which are tasked with ending discrimination in society. (With inputs from agencies) view comments First Published: July 11, 2025, 22:18 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Scoop
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Solo Career's Shares Debut Album Interior Delirium, A Stop-motion Music Video For 'Bed Knot'
Solo Career, the beguiling bedroom-pop project of Body Type's Annabel Blackman today shares her debut album, Interior Delirium, out now via Dinosaur City. Interior Delirium is a glorious and sly synth pop record about the absurdity of identity – how we perform for others and ourselves, the puppetry that plays out across culture, and the freak impulses that startle our sense of self. It's fitting for a project that was borne from musician Annabel Blackman's interest in the uncanny and reflective possibilities of persona. 'The album revolves around awkwardness, earnestness, gripe-picking, lustful stewing, play and self-deprecation' says Blackman. If her first solo EP The Sentimentalist (2021) was a dreamy strut, Interior Delirium is an unruly waltz, where foggy, late-night longing merges with stomping, hilarious, cyborg satire. Interior Delirium was made in-between tours and sessions for Blackman's group Body Type, and served as a counterpoint to playing and writing in a band. She was able to explore a radically different mode of making music – where she was free to obsess and fixate, and let experimentation and imperfection be. As Blackman puts it: 'Solo Career is part control freak, part embellished mess.' The album was performed, recorded, and mixed entirely by Blackman, and marks the release of songs that she's been tinkering with for many years. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'I'd pick up an instrument, make a blip or blop and follow the thread until a song took shape,' says Blackman. 'I started one of the songs almost ten years ago, picked it up and finished it 6 years later, played it at shows for a couple years, and then got so tired of working on it by myself that I just let the jagged edges be, because polished stuff isn't for me anyway.' Lead single 'Venus on Speed Dial' is a synth-driven road song about the discombobulations of desire, and how wanting someone can so often come at the expense of your own personhood: 'This one is dedicated to being messed around by someone and going a bit loopy, and the experience of morphing yourself into whatever you think someone might like you to be,' says Blackman. The song revels in this claustrophobia, with distorted synths, fuzzy guitars and Blackman's disaffected drawl ("What's your ideal/ What's the appeal'), which swaddles the song in both humour and tenderness. In Interior Delirium, alienation is the presiding texture of modern life, manifesting in the most ridiculous way. 'Spring Drills', a bouncing New Wave song stripped back to its brittle bones, pokes fun at the inescapable building developments that riddle both the city and the suburbs, causing endless racket. As Blackman sings: 'The spring drill sings / spirals through the window / And every cell of your being / wants to jump out the window'. 'Neo Soul Jazz Afternoon' is a slow-burning dream-pop ballad, which discusses the dullness of easy listening music that has taken over shopping malls and offices. 'Is That U', a wry rock song about women going to extreme lengths to look ageless and exactly like one another, brimming with dark, hilarious imagery: flesh being hacked off, g-string seams, and a 'saturday rhinoplasty with my sister'. How can one stave off the dread? On Interior Delirium, Blackman gives us a tart tasting platter of what's on offer. 'Spenda', released last month alongside a visual masterpiece courtesy of acclaimed artist, Matthew Griffin, is crazed, robotic, electro-pop (replete with jagged guitars and vocals pitched so high they mimic a kid having a temper tantrum) about the agony and addiction of online shopping. 'It's a sad thing when you're caught in the futility of trying to buy someone a present,' says Blackman. But despite the song's mechanical bent, there is a hidden layer of sweetness – it's really a love song about hoping a gift will embody all your affection for someone ('I want to buy you everything,' as Blackman coos). 'Beta' is a buzzing, lo-fi synth song about the allure of the beta blocker: 'it's this gag about taking beta blockers and then becoming some like, hardcore Alpha Dog' says Blackman. If all else fails, you can, like Blackman's father, go see Avatar eight times at the cinemas, which she tenderly chronicles in the sauntering 'Avatar' (featuring Boba Lego AKA Oscar Sulich of Eternal Dust), something of a spiritual sequel to her 2021 track 'Movie'. But despite all these endless alienations and futile cures, connection is still found and fought for. 'GWD' is a pounding, fuzzy anthem to friend and Body Type member Georgia Wilkinson-Derums ('if she likes it I know it's good'). The album ends with the lush and atmospheric 'Bed Knot', an ode to Blackman's boyfriend's bed hair in the morning. But it's also about entanglement – a kind of euphoria that can sometimes stifle. 'It's that feeling of being lovingly trapped,' says Blackman 'being totally wrapped up in each other.' Interior Delirium has a similar enveloping charm: it's a beguiling and twisty record, full of great, scrappy pleasures and droll affection. Since the release of her debut EP The Sentimentalist via Dinosaur City in 2021, Solo Career has been met with critical acclaim from PAPER Magazine, NME, KEXP, WFMU and community radio across Australia. Her song 'Movie' was featured in Fader's Best Songs of 2021, and her EP The Sentimentalist was included in The Guardian's Best Australian Albums of 2021. 'Venus on Speed Dial', the first single from her upcoming album, was added to rotation at FBi Radio and RTR, charted at 4ZZZ, and featured on Rolling Stone Australia's as 'Song You Need to Know'. It's accompanying Gus Macleod-directed music video featured as rage's 'Wild One'. Solo Career's thrilling live sets – where Blackman combines the humour and theatrics of cabaret with her stylish, singular synth-pop – has seen her support Julia Jacklin, The Hard Quartet, Gum and Springtime, among others. Interior Delirium is out now via Dinosaur City.
Scoop
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Solo Career Shares ‘Spring Drills'; Debut Album Interior Delirium Out July 11 Via Dinosaur City
Solo Career, the beguiling bedroom-pop project of Body Type's Annabel Blackman today shares 'Sprill Drill'. The new track arrives a week ahead of the release of Solo Career's debut album Interior Delirium, due Friday, July 11 via Dinosaur City. 'Spring Drills' is a bouncing new wave song stripped back to its brittle bones, poking fun at the inescapable building developments that riddle both the city and the suburbs, causing endless racket. As Blackman sings: 'The spring drill sings / spirals through the window / And every cell of your being / wants to jump out the window'. Interior Delirium, the debut album from Solo Career, is a glorious and sly synth pop record about the absurdity of identity – how we perform for others and ourselves, the puppetry that plays out across culture, and the freak impulses that startle our sense of self. It's fitting for a project that was borne from musician Annabel Blackman's interest in the uncanny and reflective possibilities of persona. 'The album revolves around awkwardness, earnestness, gripe-picking, lustful stewing, play and self-deprecation' says Blackman. If her first solo EP The Sentimentalist (2021) was a dreamy strut, Interior Delirium is an unruly waltz, where foggy, late-night longing merges with stomping, hilarious, cyborg satire. Interior Delirium was made in-between tours and sessions for Blackman's group Body Type, and served as a counterpoint to playing and writing in a band. She was able to explore a radically different mode of making music – where she was free to obsess and fixate, and let experimentation and imperfection be. As Blackman puts it: 'Solo Career is part control freak, part embellished mess.' The album was performed, recorded, and mixed entirely by Blackman, and marks the release of songs that she's been tinkering with for many years. 'I'd pick up an instrument, make a blip or blop and follow the thread until a song took shape,' says Blackman. 'I started one of the songs almost ten years ago, picked it up and finished it 6 years later, played it at shows for a couple years, and then got so tired of working on it by myself that I just let the jagged edges be, because polished stuff isn't for me anyway.' Lead single 'Venus on Speed Dial' is a synth-driven road song about the discombobulations of desire, and how wanting someone can so often come at the expense of your own personhood: 'This one is dedicated to being messed around by someone and going a bit loopy, and the experience of morphing yourself into whatever you think someone might like you to be,' says Blackman. The song revels in this claustrophobia, with distorted synths, fuzzy guitars and Blackman's disaffected drawl ("What's your ideal/ What's the appeal'), which swaddles the song in both humour and tenderness. In Interior Delirium, alienation is the presiding texture of modern life, manifesting in the most ridiculous way. 'Neo Soul Jazz Afternoon' is a slow-burning dream-pop ballad, which discusses the dullness of easy listening music that has taken over shopping malls and offices. 'Is That U', a wry rock song about women going to extreme lengths to look ageless and exactly like one another, brimming with dark, hilarious imagery: flesh being hacked off, g-string seams, and a 'saturday rhinoplasty with my sister'. How can one stave off the dread? On Interior Delirium, Blackman gives us a tart tasting platter of what's on offer. 'Spenda', released last month alongside a visual masterpiece courtesy of acclaimed artist, Matthew Griffin, is crazed, robotic, electro-pop (replete with jagged guitars and vocals pitched so high they mimic a kid having a temper tantrum) about the agony and addiction of online shopping. 'It's a sad thing when you're caught in the futility of trying to buy someone a present,' says Blackman. But despite the song's mechanical bent, there is a hidden layer of sweetness – it's really a love song about hoping a gift will embody all your affection for someone ('I want to buy you everything,' as Blackman coos). 'Beta' is a buzzing, lo-fi synth song about the allure of the beta blocker: 'it's this gag about taking beta blockers and then becoming some like, hardcore Alpha Dog' says Blackman. If all else fails, you can, like Blackman's father, go see Avatar eight times at the cinemas, which she tenderly chronicles in the sauntering 'Avatar' (featuring Boba Lego AKA Oscar Sulich of Eternal Dust), something of a spiritual sequel to her 2021 track 'Movie'. But despite all these endless alienations and futile cures, connection is still found and fought for. 'GWD' is a pounding, fuzzy anthem to friend and Body Type member Georgia Wilkinson-Derums ('if she likes it I know it's good'). The album ends with the lush and atmospheric 'Bed Knot', an ode to Blackman's boyfriend's bed hair in the morning. But it's also about entanglement – a kind of euphoria that can sometimes stifle. 'It's that feeling of being lovingly trapped,' says Blackman 'being totally wrapped up in each other.' Interior Delirium has a similar enveloping charm: it's a beguiling and twisty record, full of great, scrappy pleasures and droll affection. Since the release of her debut EP The Sentimentalist via Dinosaur City in 2021, Solo Career has been met with critical acclaim from PAPER Magazine, NME, KEXP, WFMU and community radio across Australia. Her song 'Movie' was featured in Fader's Best Songs of 2021, and her EP The Sentimentalist was included in The Guardian's Best Australian Albums of 2021. 'Venus on Speed Dial', the first single from her upcoming album, was added to rotation at FBi Radio and RTR, charted at 4ZZZ, and featured on Rolling Stone Australia's as 'Song You Need to Know'. It's accompanying Gus Macleod-directed music video featured as rage's 'Wild One'. Solo Career's thrilling live sets – where Blackman combines the humour and theatrics of cabaret with her stylish, singular synth-pop – has seen her support Julia Jacklin, The Hard Quartet, Gum and Springtime, among others.
