Latest news with #Carpenters
San Francisco Chronicle
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Ashley McBryde to bring Southern charm to the Bay Area
Ashley McBryde's college professor suggested she drop out to pursue music full time when she was studying french horn at Arkansas State University. Once she did, her life changed forever. The musician was raised in a strict Southern household, where she recalled being drawn to tunes by the Carpenters and Kris Kristofferson and trying out her father's guitar. Her early interest in music prompted her parents to buy her a guitar of her own, empowering McBryde to begin writing her own songs at age 12. Since then, the country singer has received a number of country music accolades, from being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry to earning a Grammy Award. She has released four studio albums extolling the honky tonk life and has become known for melding elements of rock, bluegrass and country. Her most recent record, 'The Devil I Know,' was released in 2023. Earlier this year, before embarking on her 30-date tour, the country star received received an honorary Doctorate of Music from Arkansas State University.
National Post
06-07-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Carney struggles to flip pancake at Stampede prompting an onlooker to say,' You're even worse ... than Trudeau'
Article content Prime Minister Mark Carney may be a deft hand when it comes to handling finances, but he proved Saturday that his flapjack flipping could use some work. Article content Carney attended a pancake breakfast Saturday hosted by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, which attracted a crowd of about 200 people. Article content Article content Article content Think Carney has ever flipped a pancake before? — Bruce (@bruce_barrett) July 5, 2025 Article content Sizzling on a black, flat-top griddle, Carney slid his spatula under the first hotcake and flipped it, landing with a splat. Article content In an attempt to redeem himself, he tossed a second into the air, but it, too, landed lopsided and sent batter splatters into the crowd. Article content 'I was better in Ottawa,' Carney joked. 'I got a little cocky there. I'll take responsibility.' Article content Sliding the two pancake mishaps to the side, Carney said: 'These are mine. I'm not making anyone eat these.' Article content Article content 'He'd be like, 'Here's one I made earlier,'' said Carney, taking a perfectly-made pancake and placing it on the griddle. Article content One onlooker told the prime minister, 'You're even worse at (flipping pancakes) than Trudeau.' Article content 'There are certain things at my job I'm better at,' Carney quipped. 'I'm better at eating pancakes … I'm better at Eggo waffles.' Article content Article content 'The premier's here. I love your blue hat. It looks like you've got a whole collection,' Carney said. Article content 'I do and I can't wear the same colour all the time,' Smith said. 'But I hear you have a little work to do on your flipping skills.' Article content 'I do,' Carney replied. 'There's video evidence. I'm not going to deny it.' Article content Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was also attending the breakfast, but waited in his vehicle until Carney left. Article content Smith told Carney that she and Ontario Premier Doug Ford were going to sign a memorandum of understanding on energy, priorities and trade. Article content 'It would be so great if we didn't have net-zero (carbon) rules,' Smith said. Article content Article content Fresh off door knocking in rural Alberta, Poilievre hosted his own barbecue at Heritage Park in southeast Calgary Saturday evening and addressed a tent full of several hundred party supporters.
Time Out
13-06-2025
- Time Out
We took Southeast Asia's most luxurious sleeper train – here is what it's like
It's gala night aboard Belmond's Eastern & Oriental Express. Guests are gathered in the gilded piano bar car dressed in their best slinky gowns, pressed suits, and a fur coat or two. We're here for one final night of entertainment. Bathed in the warm golden glow of vintage-style lamps, our songstress takes an audience request and swings into 'Top of the World' by the Carpenters, her husky tones gliding over the tinkling piano keys – and always, the soft rush of rails under our feet. It's been an enchanting three days on Southeast Asia's most luxurious sleeper train. The E&O Express is the younger Southeast Asian sibling of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, itself descended from the legendary Orient Express of 1883. Refashioned and regauged from New Zealand's Silver Star stock, the E&O Express first pulled out of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station in Singapore in 1993, plying a route to Bangkok, Thailand. After a brief hiatus thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the emerald-and-cream beauty resumed operations in late 2024 with refurbished cabins and refreshed excursions. It now traces two languorous routes through central Malaysia: one forks at Gemas with endpoints in Merapoh and Butterworth, and the other hugs the coast en route to Perlis. We'd seen the pictures on social media: sumptuous interiors dripping with vintage glamour. They catapulted the E&O Express to the top of our bucket list – reserved, we thought, for our retirement years or a miraculous windfall. So, when the chance arose to ride the first route, Wild Malaysia, we packed our flashiest outfits and hopped aboard. First impressions: rolling out the red carpet The E&O Express experience begins right at our doorstep. A luxury car collects us from home, and we pick over the selection of local drinks and snacks to last us the 20-minute ride to Woodlands Checkpoint. There, smartly dressed Belmond porters whisk away our luggage and greet us through every step of customs and immigration (which, by the way, takes place in an area specially cordoned off for E&O Express passengers). It's an early taste of the immaculate service we receive throughout the rest of the journey. Our first glimpse of the train comes through the hazy glass of the checkpoint holding area. The train's far end tails off into a vanishing point, it being much longer than we expected. After a quick photo of its gleaming green exterior, marked with the golden tiger insignia, we're helped onto carriage H – farthest from the dining cars but conveniently near the bar and observation car, we're told consolingly. The cabins: compact stunners with, yes, ensuite bathrooms We stay in a state cabin, a tier above the Pullman cabin and second only to the presidential suite. It's a jewel box of marine blues and greens inspired by Penang's seaside locale, which pop against glossy, marquetry wood walls. The tables bloom with tropical plants and fruits – birds of paradise, dragonfruit – all washed in natural light pouring in from two generous windows. There are silky soft dressing gowns and slippers so plush that I often forget to switch them out for proper shoes when leaving the cabin. Every time we're off at dinner, our lovely carriage attendant, Navein, squirrels in to draw the cream curtains and convert the seats into two cosy beds, complete with linens embroidered with the E&O Express logo. He leaves surprises behind every day: our favourite is an anthology of poems and short stories commissioned by Belmond, a literary romp through the untold stories of Malaysia. Unlike the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, every cabin on this train comes with an en-suite bathroom. It's snug – even for two fairly petite ladies like us – but admirably designed to fit a toilet, sink, and shower, with thoughtfully placed hooks and storage compartments. It's a good idea to grip the handlebars while showering to avoid potentially gnarly slips. We swipe some of the luxury toiletries at the end of the trip – in fact, we're encouraged to. The dining: fine dining fusion fare by Chef Andre Chiang Part of the E&O Express's charm is its leisurely pace: we spend blissful downtime in our cabin watching Malaysia's landscape sweep by as the train snakes through the snatching fingers of Taman Negara National Park's lush forest, past waving palm plantations, and by numerous towns we've never heard of. But if watching all this life flash by leaves us feeling a little untethered at times, then Chef André Chiang's fine dining fare is a welcome grounding force. Born in Taiwan, raised in Japan, and trained in France, Chef André is the former head of the three-Michelin-star Le Jardin des Sens and founder of the two-star Restaurant André in Singapore. His onboard menu was expectedly refined, comfortingly unpretentious, and so very delicious. Amidst the rattle of linen-covered tables laden with hand-cut crystalware and fine china, familiar Malaysian flavours show up in bold, surprising forms: refreshing kaffir lime consommé stirred with a stick of lemongrass, bouillabaisse jazzed up with laksa spices, and coconut blancmange with Nyonya chendol. Chef André plucks flavours from other Asian cuisines too, lacing a shrimp and clam bisque with miso, and nestling kimchi alongside delicately seared tuna in an unassuming nicoise salad. A good representation of Malaysia's cultural melting pot. Everything else: hyperlocal excursions in the heart of Malaysia We should add that you'll be very, very stuffed from (at least) four meals a day. Good for us then, that we have to trot at least seven carriages down to the two dining cars for meals. Nevertheless, we welcomed the daily excursions – an opportunity to stretch our legs and check out the locality. Belmond has curated something for everyone: the nature nuts, the wellness seekers, the foodies, the artsy fartsy. We flow through yoga poses in front of a towering limestone cliff in Taman Negara National Park before laying in a flat, wide stream for a sound bath experience. Throughout the experience, our guide, Xin Wei from The Habitat Group, chatters merrily about the wildlife of the national park, pointing out whooping monkey calls, pretty nesting birds, and even elephant poop. Others follow a tiger conservationist to walk in the footsteps of the elusive felines, and yet more zip off on e-bikes to explore Merapoh's caves. In Penang, we trade the sweltering city centre for the cool climes at the peak of Penang Hill, cooking Chinese and Indian snacks in the shade of a gorgeous villa. Other guests hop onto Vespas for an art tour of Georgetown or into rickshaws for a self-guided tour of the UNESCO Historic Site. Downtime is spent in our private cabins or bar cars – easily the train's most visually striking. We witness many a fast friendship made over free-flowing champagne and cocktails, picked from a whimsical, tropical-themed menu with storybook-like pop-ups and cutouts. Other entertainment: coffee tasting sessions, mindful mandala-colouring workshops, or wind-in-your-hair moments in the observation car, particularly thrilling while the train whizzes through the thickest parts of the Malaysian jungle. Is it worth it? Here's the deal: a journey on the E&O Express starts at US$4,650 for a 4D3N trip in the Pullman cabin – and only goes up from there. Friends and family in Singapore are bewildered: 'Wait, that much just to go to Penang?' We understand. Those based in Asia don't expect to drop more than a couple of hundred dollars on a trip to Malaysia. But we'd argue that a journey on the E&O Express is more than just "going to Penang". It's aspirational travel at its finest, offering an immersive, high-style homage to the golden age of train travel, an opportunity to live out the fantasy of the Orient Express, and to really slow down and savour the journey (not just the destination). Pepper in some Malaysian charm – in the food, the exclusive excursions, and the distinct warmth of the local crew – and you've got a winner. Whether it's worth cashing out on the fantasy still comes down to your budget and travel style. But as we step off the train in Singapore — like slipping back through the wardrobe from Narnia – it crosses our mind: we'll be back, sometime, somehow.
New York Times
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Roger Nichols, Songwriter Behind Carpenters Hits, Dies at 84
Roger Nichols, a California songwriter and musician who, with his pop-alchemist partner Paul Williams, wrote an advertising jingle for a bank that turned into 'We've Only Just Begun,' a milestone hit for the Carpenters and a timeless wedding weeper, died on May 17 at his home in Bend, Ore. He was 84. His death, from pneumonia, was confirmed by his daughter Caroline Nichols. Mr. Nichols was best known for his collaborations with Paul Williams, the songwriter, lyricist and all-around celebrity known for songs like 'Rainbow Connection,' Kermit the Frog's forlorn anthem from 'The Muppet Movie' (1979). With Mr. Nichols focusing on the music and Mr. Williams conjuring up the words, the duo churned out silky pop nuggets like Three Dog Night's 'Out in the Country' (1970), which rose to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100; 'Traveling Boy,' which Art Garfunkel released in 1973; and 'I Never Had It So Good,' recorded by Barbra Streisand in 1975. But it was with their work for the Carpenters, the hit-machine sibling duo Karen and Richard Carpenter, that Mr. Nichols and Mr. Williams scaled the heights of pop success. 'We've Only Just Begun' peaked at No. 2 in 1970, sold more than a million copies of sheet music and served as a timeless showcase for Ms. Carpenter's spellbinding contralto vocal stylings. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Great Escape, Man from U.N.C.L.E and NCIS star's estate revealed with huge sum left for his wife after death aged 90
A LEGENDARY actor who starred on NCIS and the Great Escape has left a huge sum for his wife after he died aged 90. David McCallum sadly passed away while in New York Presbyterian Hospital back in September 25, 2023. 6 David left the whopping sum to his wife Katherine Carpenter, pictured together in 2009 6 David, an original cast member of NCIS, died at the age of 90 6 McCallum appeared on NCIS for 20 years and 20 seasons of the show Credit: Handout 6 McCallum (right) acted in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Credit: Getty McCallum's most famous role came as a secret agent in the 1960s spy drama Man from U.N.C.L.E during his stellar career. Now, it has been revealed that the iconic film star left nearly £100,000 when he died - all to his wife Katherine Carpenter. Documents show his estate in England and Wales was worth £97,307 when he died. The value of his British estate was left to his wife Katherine who was also its administrator. His will was made in 2010 was ratified by the Nassau County Surrogate's court, New York. David, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, died from natural causes and was surrounded by family in his final moments. The seasoned actor celebrated his birthday less than a week before his death. David had five children, from two different relationships with three from his first marriage to Jill Ireland - Valentine, Paul and adopted son Jason. Jason passed away from a drug overdose after taking a combination of painkillers and other muscle relaxants in 1989. David also had two children when he married second wife Katherine - son Peter and daughter Sophie. His will shows that he stipulated if his wife Katherine died before him his estate was to be left to Peter and Sophie. The Carpenters songwriter who wrote one of band's biggest hits dies aged 84 If Katherine predeceased him, the will also made provision for Paul and Valentine - his sons with Jill Ireland - who would each get $100,000. David had a long career starring in TV series Colditz, The Invisible Man and Sapphire & Steel. But he was probably best known for his role as mysterious Soviet agent Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. He was cast as Illya Kuryakin, Solo's Russian sidekick, who wore black turtleneck sweaters and had a blond haircut in the moptop style of The Beatles. David received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations before the series ended in 1968. He also appeared alongside Steve McQueen in war movie The Great Escape. After making The Great Escape, David was cast as Judas Iscariot in the 1965 John Wayne film The Greatest Story Ever Told. More recently the Scottish-born star who lived in New York became known to a younger audience for his long-running role as a medical examiner in TV show NCIS. David was the last remaining original cast member on NCIS and played Chief Medical Examiner Donald 'Ducky' Mallard. The actor originally joined the show - which is a spin-off of the television show JAG - when it premiered over two decades ago in 2003. 'GIFTED ACTOR' NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North released a statement about their longtime star at the time of his passing. They said: 'For over twenty years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard. 'But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more." They continued: "He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. "From day one, it was an honour to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.' NCIS studio CBS Studios also made a joint statement saying: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. "David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. "He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away." 6 David McCallum died after a stellar film and TV career Credit: Getty
