Latest news with #Burt
Irish Times
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
George Houston: ‘Parts of rural Ireland can still do better with how they welcome queer children to the world'
George Houston is discussing his death. Not in the physical sense, but the young musician has been undergoing a rebirth of sorts in recent times. 'I don't know if you know about numerology or anything, but there's this thing with your birth year,' he says. 'Each year you have a tarot card prescribed to you, and last year, while I was recording the album, was my death year. 'This year I'm on a different card, and it's all change ... When the album was finished, it was like this big breath out. Now I can start thinking about new things. It feels like a new era.' Despite being only 24, Houston, who is from Burt, Co Donegal, has already released three albums since launching his career in 2020 with the wry folk-pop single Boo Fucking Hoo. READ MORE He's correct about it being a new era for him, though. His latest album, TODC, which, in a reference to his interest in tarot and numerology, stands for The Original Death Card, also marks him out as a talent to watch. He treads a line somewhere between the droll melancholia of Jens Lekman, the country-folk quiver of Orville Peck, the lyrical wit of John Grant and the tender alt-indie stylings of Sufjan Stevens. That spark has been noted by the likes of Paul Weller , who asked Houston to support him on his US tour last year, and Jools Holland , who recently invited him to play on his Later ... show on the BBC. Houston is a thoughtful conversationalist (despite apologising for being 'blabbery' when we talk) and a discerning lyricist. He loved growing up in the countryside with 'a big garden and plenty of fresh air from a very lovely family background'. His music-loving parents encouraged Houston and his two siblings to learn an instrument from an early age; seeing David Bowie in the film Labyrinth proved a pivotal moment: a convergence of his two loves, music and film (something he is exploring by making music videos for every song on TODC). 'But there's parts of growing up in rural Ireland that you become very aware that you're not so welcome, like growing up in Catholic schools,' he says. 'I love my background and I love where I'm from, but there are parts of rural Ireland that can still do better with how they welcome queer children to the world. Because I know too many [gay] people that will never come out, and will get married and have a wife and children. It's two very grim alternatives, so I'm incredibly lucky that I had this cocoon of community around me.' There's something very traumatic about growing up and loving all of that, and knowing that they hate you back — Houston on the Catholic Church On TODC he uses tarot as a framework to examine other topics that loom large in his life and his songwriting, most notably sexuality and the Catholic Church . The title track has lyrics such as 'I'm thanking God for all the work that I've done, to love those faults he's installed' over a jaunty indie-pop melody. The snarling Drag Queen, an album standout, lays waste to the church with the refrain 'The feeling is mutual, and the feeling is hate'. 'I wanted to write songs about queer love, and femininity, and different things that I've experienced in my life,' he says. 'I'm definitely out of my comfort zone, and I am being a lot more vulnerable in this album. 'I do reference religion a lot in these songs. I was raised going to Mass every Sunday, and I do have an affection for the Catholic Church; I think there are lovely cultural traditions within it, and I visit churches everywhere I go, because I think they're beautiful, calming spaces. 'But there's something very traumatic about growing up and loving all of that, and knowing that they hate you back. And then, on top of that, the things that you love and [the person] that you are is likened to being a 'sinner' and being told you're going to hell forever.' He shakes his head, sighing. 'So yeah, there's lots of trauma to unpack there.' Houston, who is bisexual, says he never felt the need to come out publicly, 'because I have that kind of security blanket of also being straight', he says. 'That is a ridiculous thing, but it's true. I never wanted to come out in secondary school, because I didn't owe the homophobes in the school any of myself, and I didn't want to give them any satisfaction of knowing more about me. 'I'm very anti the term 'the closet', because I'm a strong believer that that is a myth, and the closets are built up around children when they grow up by not educating them about who they could be, or about the different kinds of relationships and identities in the world. 'So I never did come out. I just showed up one day with my boyfriend to my parents' house, but they already knew.' He shrugs. 'It wasn't that I didn't want to come out, but at the same time I wasn't keeping anything a secret. I just wanted it to be normal, if that makes sense.' It was an earlier song of Houston's, In Aeternum Vive, from his 2023 album, Vehicular Suicide, that caught Paul Weller's ear. As well as inviting him on tour – Houston's dad drove him across North America to play such iconic venues as the Fillmore, in San Francisco, where he recorded a live version of his album track Jesus Freaks – Weller offered Houston the use of his Black Barn Studios to record the album. The singer recorded 10 tracks there over five days last August; the subsequent autumn tour with Weller was intense but an enormous learning experience. 'Some shows were more chatty, and people had a drink, and you just played into that. And some shows you could hear a pin drop and it was really lovely,' says Houston. 'I remember the Lincoln Theatre in Washington – the audience were very engaged. Then there was this theatre in Minneapolis that [was synonymous with] Prince, and every one of my idols played that stage. That was a real pinch-me moment.' George Houston: 'I'm probably a people-pleaser at heart' Weller, he says, was a great musician to tour with. 'I was very worried about getting in people's way, because I'm, like, 'Oh my gosh. How did I manage to get here?'' He laughs. 'But I think Paul maybe recognised that, and made the effort to come and chat to me, which was very lovely. He's brilliant for lifting up smaller acts. I wish there were more artists like him.' The Weller connection also went some way to landing Houston his appearance on Later … with Jools Holland, where his acoustic, tender telling of the single Lilith (performed in a resplendent glittering costume with black angel wings) was supremely assured. 'I suppose Paul put in a good word for me, which helps big time,' he says, laughing. 'I was just really lucky, and it was really good timing with the album release ... Jools came and said hello, and he made the effort to say he'd listened to the album and stuff ... I was more nervous than I let on, because it's a hard song to sing. It's one of my more high-pitched songs, and a bit more yodelly than I usually go.' He shrugs. 'But it worked.' If there's one thing Houston has learned over the past five years, it's that a sense of humour is imperative, both in navigating the music industry and tackling tough topics in his songwriting. 'I like to describe my music as sad music for people with humour as a defence mechanism,' he says, laughing. 'I'm probably a people-pleaser at heart; I get great joy from making people laugh and talking to people on stage, and I like to see people smile when I'm telling a story through the songs. I would hate it if people went away from a show of mine and were, like, 'How do I describe it?'' 'I want people to feel engaged and know that they were listening to what I was singing.' He breaks into a wry smile. 'A bit of humour helps with that sometimes.' George Houston plays at the Under the Drum festival, in Co Antrim, on Saturday, August 9th, and Balor Arts Centre , in Co Donegal, on Thursday, August 14th; he plays in Galway, Derry, Belfast and Dublin in October
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Burt Reynolds Was Laid to Rest… 3 Years After His Death
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Burt Reynolds was larger than life. To car enthusiasts, he wasn't just a Hollywood star—he was the guy who made the Pontiac Trans Am a legend in Smokey and the Bandit and turned cross-country racing into high-octane comedy in Cannonball Run. But in a strange and unexpected twist, the man who inspired a generation of car lovers wasn't laid to rest until nearly three years after his death. The Bandit's Legacy For gearheads, Reynolds wasn't just an actor. His easygoing grin and rebellious charm made the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am more than just a muscle car—it became an icon. The chase across the Mulberry Bridge in Smokey and the Bandit remains one of the most recognizable car stunts ever filmed, and his films helped cement America's love affair with fast cars and freedom. When Burt passed away on September 6, 2018, at the age of 82, tributes poured in from fans around the world. Many expected a big public memorial for the man who had been larger than life both on and off-screen. But that didn't happen. A Delayed Burial For reasons never fully explained, Burt Reynolds wasn't laid to rest until February 2021—two and a half years after his death. Family members reportedly attended the small, private ceremony via Zoom, and a temporary marker was placed at his final resting place. Plans for a public ceremony, including a bronze bust, have been discussed, but details remain vague. The delay has raised questions among fans. Burt died before COVID-19 restrictions halted large gatherings, so why the long wait? Was it family disagreements, financial arrangements, or simply a desire to hold a public memorial later? No official explanation has ever been given. A Career Cut Short At the time of his death, Reynolds was preparing to join Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, proving he was still in demand in his later years. His passing was described as 'unexpected,' even though he had faced previous health issues. It's a quiet, strange ending for a man who lived life at full throttle. Remembering Burt Reynolds Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding his delayed burial, Burt Reynolds' impact on car culture will never fade. He was the Bandit, the lovable outlaw who could outrun Smokey with a smile and a wave, and the man who made countless kids (and adults) dream of owning a black-and-gold Trans Am. As Burt himself once said: "They told me I had to behave, and I'm good at a lot of things, but I am lousy at that." And that's exactly why we loved him. What's Your Favorite Burt Reynolds Movie? Burt Reynolds will forever be remembered as an icon of car culture and Hollywood charm. What's your favorite Burt Reynolds car movie? Smokey and the Bandit? Cannonball Run? Comment below and let us know! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Dog Begs To Go Outside Despite Scorching Heat—His Reaction Says It All
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Bernese mountain dog has left viewers on TikTok in hysterics after his hilarious response to a recent heatwave perfectly captured how many people—and pets—are coping with summer temperatures. The large dog, named Burt, could be seen urgently begging to go outside in the video from June 26 by @burttheberniesmom. Not long after his owner opened the door, Burt quickly opted for a U-turn, racing back indoors and whining in disapproval, clearly overwhelmed by the sweltering conditions. The clip, captioned "Burt has a lot to say about this heat," has struck a chord with viewers online, amassing over 1.5 million views and more than 313,000 likes to date. Many viewers on TikTok joked that the dog looked like he was complaining about the weather in a very human way, as he barked, growled, and whimpered with what seemed like comic frustration at the heat. But behind the humor lies a more serious message about pet safety during extreme temperatures. "Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature reaches a dangerous level, typically above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius)," Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog trainer and behaviorist at Woofz by nove8, told Newsweek. "But animals will become distressed before reaching this temperature." Levy explained that symptoms of heat stress can escalate quickly and include rapid, heavy panting, extreme lethargy, weakness, drooling or vomiting, dizziness, a rapid heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures or unresponsiveness. "It takes minutes for heat stroke to go from bad to worse," she said. "Whether treating a cherished pet, a familiar stray, or a wild creature, knowledge and compassion could be the difference between life and death." To reduce risk during heatwaves, Levy advised several preventative measures. "Stay indoors as temperatures soar, save walkies for early morning or until the late evening, and avoid mowing the lawn to help wildlife stay cool," she said. A Bernese mountain dog runs in a field on a hot day in this stock image. A Bernese mountain dog runs in a field on a hot day in this stock image. Getty Images She also urged pet owners to avoid leaving animals in vehicles, where interior temperatures can become deadly within minutes. "A vehicle can quickly become a sauna with the air-con switched off, and even a few minutes can be fatal," Levy added. For dogs staying home, Levy recommended cooling tools like vests, mats and fans, while noting that breed, age and weight all play a role in heat tolerance. "Certain animals, such as brachycephalic dogs, are particularly susceptible to heat stroke," she said. "Also, elderly and overweight dogs are at a higher risk of suffering in hot weather, so extra caution is necessary." Brachycephalic dogs are shorter-nosed and flat-faced breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, Boston terriers and English bulldogs. Newsweek reached out to @burttheberniesmom for more information via TikTok. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
The Journal
27-06-2025
- The Journal
Former NBC war correspondent awarded €17,500 in damages against Irish Ferries after 'harrowing' journey
FORMER NBC WAR correspondent Susan Burt has been awarded €17,500 in damages against Irish Ferries for what was described in court as 'a hideous and harrowing experience' on the sea. Burt (75) told the Circuit Civil Court she feared she was going to die when Irish Ferries vessel MV Epsilon had been tossed around, once lurching to an angle of 33 degrees, in Storm Imogen almost ten years ago during a sailing from Cherbourg to Dublin. The court heard that conditions had been so bad the Epsilon had been unable to risk docking anywhere or dropping anchor and had to sail back and forth for 18 hours in what coastal shelter it could find until the storm abated. 'The vessel lurched so violently that people were screaming,' Burt had told Judge Christopher Callan who had reserved judgment until today. 'Things were flying through the air, dishes were smashing and furniture sliding up and down decks and cabin floors and when the ship would roll we had to crawl.' Three children and four other adults, including Ms Burt's partner Chris Sawyer, had earlier accepted settlements ranging from €14,500 in the case of the children to €23,000 in Mr Sawyer's claim. He had been physically injured during the storm. Advertisement Ms Burt told her barrister John Wilde Crosbie, who appeared with Evan O'Dwyer of O'Dwyer Solicitors, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, that she had lived through a horrific nightmare. She said the ship would turn over so far after having been hit by huge waves that passengers felt it would capsize. Epsilon had docked a day late on 9 February, 2016. Ms Burt and her partner had been travelling to visit friends in Co Mayo. Judge Callan said that while Ms Burt had not, according to psychiatric reports, reached the threshold of having suffered from PTSD, she had nevertheless been exposed to sustained and continuous shock, an experience she should not have had to endure. 'I thought I was going to die. I felt 'this is it,'' she had said. 'We were being thrown about and our car was absolutely squashed as vehicles criss-crossed the car deck.' When barrister Roisin Haughey, counsel for Irish Ferries, had raised an issue on the amount of legal costs Ms Burt should be awarded considering the lower award for damages in her €60,000 claim, Judge Callan said he felt she should receive full Circuit Court costs. 'In fairness to the plaintiff these unusual proceedings have been going on for quite a long time and the court was impressed with her evidence,' Judge Callan said. 'She did not in any way exaggerate what had happened to her.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
27-06-2025
- Irish Independent
'I thought I was going to die' - former NBC war reporter awarded €17,500 against Irish Ferries over 'harrowing' ferry crossing
Today at 10:02 Former NBC war correspondent Susan Burt has been awarded €17,500 damages against Irish Ferries for what was described in court as 'a hideous and harrowing experience' on the high seas. Ms Burt (75) told the Circuit Civil Court she feared she was going to die when Irish Ferries vessel MV Epsilon had been tossed around, once lurching to an angle of 33 degrees, in Storm Imogen almost ten years ago during a sailing from Cherbourg to Dublin.
