Latest news with #Chrysanthemum
Chicago Tribune
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
True Colors drag troupe inspires audiences to be their true selves
On a recent Saturday, Sketchbook Brewing Company's Evanston taproom was filled to standing-room capacity by an enthusiastic crowd that clapped and danced along to performances of music by Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Lady Gaga and more. The artists who garnered such a warm response are collectively known as True Colors, a local drag troupe featuring individuals with a range of developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities. Coinciding with the first weekend of Pride Month, this show marked True Colors' fourth appearance at Sketchbook Brewing. Founded last year, the group continues to expand both its roster and fan base. True Colors' summer schedule includes performances at the Chicago Disability Pride Parade on July 26. Drag artist Chrysanthemum, a founding member of True Colors who goes by their drag name, has loved performing since childhood. 'I am the performer of my family,' they said, adding that their interest in drag was sparked when they won an Ariana Grande lip-sync battle in college. About two years ago, Karen Forester began working as their personal caregiver, and Chrysanthemum introduced Forester to the art form of drag. Eager for Chrysanthemum to have more opportunities to perform, the two decided to form a new troupe. True Colors was inspired by Drag Syndrome, a U.K.-based drag collective made up of artists with Down syndrome, but Chrysanthemum and Forester found this approach somewhat limiting. 'We decided it could be for anybody who was interested and wanted to participate and learn more about it,' Forester told the Tribune. After recruiting more artists through flyers, Facebook and word of mouth, True Colors performed its first shows in 2024. With the addition of a new member last month, the troupe now includes five regular performers: Amanduh Frost, Chrome Snatchica, Chrysanthemum, George David and ZiZi D-Lite. Forester serves as the troupe's manager. Chrysanthemum said their mom and a family friend helped them brainstorm the name True Colors, which gets at the question, 'What does it mean to show your color, to show who you are as a person?' The troupe's inclusive ethos is also conveyed through its tagline, 'Drag for All!' In a joint interview, four members of True Colors shared their positive experiences with the group, emphasizing the sense of freedom, self-expression and community that they feel when performing in drag. Zachary Wandel, who performs as ZiZi D-Lite, has been with True Colors since their first show, which featured just ZiZi and Chrysanthemum. Wandel said of that performance, 'It felt so amazing to be on stage, to perform in front of people, because it makes me alive.' Chrome Snatchica (who is also identified only by their drag name) began performing in drag while studying dance at Columbia College Chicago, where they graduated last month. 'It makes me feel inspired, and it makes me feel really joyful about performing,' Chrome Snatchica said of drag. 'Expressing myself is just a gift.' Audiences have been welcoming and supportive of True Colors from the start. 'I think a lot of people in the community are seeing that this is important, this is meaningful,' said Forester. 'This is a group of people who deserve to be seen and heard.' Each artist has developed a unique drag persona and takes a personalized approach to their performances. Several lip-sync to their choice of music, while ZiZi D-Lite sings live. Bradley Westmaas, who performs as George David, has hearing loss and uses sign language for his performances. When asked to describe George David, Westmaas said, 'If Boy George, George Michael and David Bowie all had a child, I would be that child.' At the May show, he gave a spirited rendition of Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive' for the first of his two numbers. 'You don't see drag queens who are deaf that often,' said Westmaas. 'The drag community itself is kind of small, so the deaf drag community is smaller.' Chrome Snatchica, who is also deaf, added, 'It's awesome to inspire other deaf drag queens.' Wandel reflected on what it's like to be an artist with a disability, sharing that he has experienced bullying in his life but finds performing in drag to be empowering. '(ZiZi) does not care for (what) the other people (are) saying about her, because she sings live, she knows (how) to perform very well, and she's a strong person,' Wandel said of his drag persona. 'I am a strong person, too, and I think ZiZi D-Lite wants to show the world that she can do this.' Chrysanthemum was also bullied as a kid and wishes those bullies could see them now. 'They should come to our shows and see that we have become stronger because of them,' said Chrysanthemum. As a member of True Colors, 'You are supported and loved by so many other people who just (expletive) love you for exactly who you are meant to be. I'm so glad to be part of a group that is so kind, that is so welcoming and so freaking nice.' 'There are so many people out there who don't know who we are as people,' Chrysanthemum added. 'Don't judge people who have disabilities because once you get to know them, they're kind. They're loving. They're supportive.' 'Drag is an art form that brings people together, brings the community together, and I think that's a wonderful thing,' said Chrome Snatchica. 'The audience is definitely growing, and I think it has inspired people to be their true selves, because that's what True Colors is all about.'
Asahi Shimbun
04-06-2025
- General
- Asahi Shimbun
Parties fail to reach consensus in imperial succession talks
Diet chamber speakers and representatives of parties and factions attend a meeting based on the law concerning special measures for the imperial household on April 17. (Takeshi Iwashita) Ruling and opposition parties have essentially shelved talks in the Diet on whether to grant imperial family status to spouses and children of female family members, sources said June 3. The parties, discussing how to secure stable succession to the Chrysanthemum throne, decided they cannot reach a 'consensus of the legislature' during the current Diet session, which closes on June 22, the sources said. In the talks so far, the parties agreed that female members of the imperial family should retain their status after marriage. But the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan could not narrow their differences over the treatment of spouses and children of female family members. Taro Aso, the LDP's top adviser, CDP President Yoshihiko Noda and the speaker and deputy speaker of the Lower House have been discussing the issue behind the scenes. The four were scheduled to hold talks on June 3, but the meeting was canceled because no compromise was expected. Noda proposed that the status of spouses and children be determined by the imperial household council, whose members include the prime minister and speaker and deputy speaker of both Diet chambers. However, Aso rejected the proposal, saying a system under which a civilian male can become an imperial family member could lead to acceptance of an emperor who inherited the imperial bloodline from the mother's side of the emperor. The LDP had confirmed its opposition to the proposal at a party meeting in May. An agreement appeared more likely concerning how to deal with the descendants of 11 family branches that lost their imperial status after World War II. The four discussed a system that would allow the imperial family to adopt only male descendants of the 11 branches who inherited the imperial bloodline from the father's side of the emperor. Although they were nearing an agreement on this measure, they decided not to make a conclusion because of the lack of consensus on the other issue. A proposal has now emerged to organize and present the current points of agreement and differences for linkage to future discussions. (This article was written by Anri Takahashi and Takahiro Okubo.)
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
NBRI spray to keep bouquet flowers fresh for longer span
Lucknow: How about the cut flowers we decorate in vases at our home, or the bouquets we give to loved ones stay fresh for days? FloriGuard, a special spray developed by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, has the potential of increasing the shelf life depending on the variety. For example, the spray will double the shelf life of Chrysanthemum while tripling the life and freshness of Gerbera cut flowers. The technology of the spray has been transferred to a Pune-based private firm for its production, and it was launched for the public on Friday. "NBRI-FloriGuard is a herbal spray that acts as a natural/herbal preservative solution that effectively extends the lifespan of cut flowers through multiple mechanisms. The formulation works by suppressing ethylene-producing genes, which significantly reduces the overall ethylene production in flowers. This reduction ranges between 33-56%, thereby slowing down the natural ageing process of cut flowers," said NBRI principal scientist BN Singh, who is credited with developing the product. He said that the spray contains active compounds that strengthen the flower's natural defence system against harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo By enhancing the flowers' inherent antioxidant mechanisms, it protects against cellular damage and deterioration. The formulation is particularly effective in preventing common problems associated with cut flowers. It reduces premature falling of petals, maintains moisture balance, and prevents unsightly brown spots on petals and leaves. The spray ensures that flowers retain their natural shape and structure for a longer duration, he added. NBRI director Ajit Kumar Shahsany said, "NBRI in its mission encompasses scientific research, knowledge dissemination, and societal benefit by giving best herbal products to society along with our consistent initiatives like pollution remediation, climate adaptation, and plant improvement to benefit common man." The technology of another product, a herbal floor disinfectant and cleaner (floormop), and a herbal nano serum was also transferred to a Gurugram-based firm on the occasion. "We have developed a water-soluble plant-based floor disinfectant," said Singh.
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Roses will bloom and stay healthy this spring thanks to £2 Victorian-era hack – it prevents unsightly yellow spots too
WHILE many of us will be enjoying spending time in our gardens thanks to the warm weather, it's very important that in between your sunbathing sessions you take care of your plants, particularly your roses. With the weather heating up and summer around the corner, gardeners must monitor their Advertisement 4 If you've got roses in your garden and want to ensure they look fabulous this spring, you've come to the right place Credit: Getty 4 Thanks to a Victorian-era hack, you can wave goodbye to yellow spots on your plants in no time at all Credit: Alamy 4 For this trick, all you'll need is a £2.79 buy from Amazon Credit: Alamy 4 Neem oil is a naturally occurring fungicide and pesticide Credit: Amazon Rust - a fungal infection - is a very common disease found amongst roses that spreads when water sits on the leaves for a long time. Rust will reduce a rose's ability to So if you want to avoid a stunted rose bush that cannot produce any But Advertisement Read more gardening stories In May, rust is usually just beginning to spread, so make sure to regularly inspect your roses and note that it is commonly found on the lower leaves. It can look like orange or yellow spots on leaves that will eventually begin to move up the plant if left untouched. And luckily for you, gardening experts have sworn by a Victorian-era trick that will work a treat at banishing rust and ensuring your roses bloom this month. So for those eager to ensure their roses stay healthy and vibrant this spring, this purse-friendly hack which will cost you just £2.79, is one you won't want to miss. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive The 'If it is allowed in your area, burning the How to make sure you lawn looks green and lush all summer long Rust can sit on leaves and the spores will begin to release in spring, so make sure you do not leave any infected foliage in your Once you have cut back the infection, you will need to apply a fungicide every seven to 10 days, as this is the life cycle of rust spores. Advertisement Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said! You can buy treatments at many The experts explained: 'Many home gardeners turn to neem oil as a treatment for infestations of mites, fungus and other plant diseases. Used for hundreds of years as a treatment for agricultural issues, neem oil tends to have a sulfurous and garlicky smell Experts at Jackson and Perkins 'Neem oil is distilled from the seeds of the neem tree and is a naturally occurring fungicide and pesticide. 'Used for hundreds of years as a treatment for agricultural issues, neem oil tends to have a sulfurous and garlicky smell.' Advertisement Neem oil is most effective during the early stages of rose rust and can also be used as a fungal suppressant to prevent the disease from reaching the plant. 6 Spring Gardening Jobs You Can Do in 60 mins A gardening pro, or just starting your planting journey? Nigel Lawton, a gardening expert at Dobbies Garden Centres has shared the six jobs you can do to transform your garden in under an hour. 1. Tidy up Remove dead leaves, neaten beds and borders, remove any seeds and apply a good layer of mulch over the surface with organic peat-free compost. TIME: 60 mins 2. Design beds and borders Trim back winter flowering plants where blooms have started to fade. Start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged branches, and get rid of any branches that cross over, Nigel says. Then prune summer flowering shrubs like Buddleia, Lavatera and hardy Fuschias to allow room for new growth. As well as encouraging new growth in the plant by removing dead material, pruning will also allow you to control the height and shape of your plants. TIME: 50 mins 3. Create a cosy patio If you have a patio, transform it into a cosy socialising spot. Start by giving that a good clean with a jet wash to quickly complete the job in under an hour. You can further liven up the area by adding some garden furniture paired with some cushions, some throws, and an outdoor rug. TIME: 30 mins 4. Refresh pots To enjoy instant colour in your garden this spring, Nigel recommends refreshing your pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes with early season flowers for a country garden effect. Plant in threes or fives to create a impactful display with small, medium, and large plants of different heights beside your door. TIME: 15 mins 5. Lawncare Another beginner-friendly task you can do to spruce up your garden is taking care of the lawn by cultivating the soil and making sure the area is level and firm. Rake out any moss or dead grass, and apply lawn treatement in late spring. TIME: 15-30 mins 6. Welcome wildlife Spring is the perfect time to welcome wildlife into your garden as small animals come out of hibernation and new birds hatch into life. To ensure your garden is a safe space for wildlife, Nigel suggests dedicating a small section of your garden to creating a wildlife-friendly habitat with pollinating plants and places for small animals and insects to shelter. You can create a safe space for them by stacking branches in a shaded spot to help protect them from the elements. All of this can be done in under an hour. TIME: 40 mins Not only this, but it's also a natural way to treat roses without using chemicals that could harm animals. However, you must be careful using it on hot, dry days - that reach 25C or above - as it can cause leaves to burn if used improperly. If you fancy giving this Advertisement But for those strapped for cash, you'll be pleased to know that you can order it on Amazon for as cheap as £2.79, making this trick great for those looking to cut costs. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Gardeners growing tomato plants can make them much sweeter with 65p Asda buy everyone has in their cupboards
A GARDENING hack has been revealed to make tomatoes sweeter with just one cheap household staple. The Advertisement 1 Add one item to reduce acidity in tomato crops to make them tastier Credit: Getty And gardeners have one simple trick that can be done to make tomatoes you grow even tastier and jucier. It is using one simple item that is probably already in your Not only are tomatoes used in a variety of different So as the summer arrives, you may be looking to add some juicy tomatoes to your salads, pastas, or stews. Advertisement This can be done without having to splurge specialised fertilisers or work hard around creating optimal conditions for the plants. All you need is a sprinkle of baking soda, which can be added to the soil. Baking soda is understood to r educe soil acidity, which thereby makes it easier for tomatoes to absorb nutrients. On top of that, adding baking soda can also have the potential to control fungal diseases and weeds that grow around the plants. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous It can prevent common fungal infections like powdered mildew. Experts advise to sprinkle just a pinch of baking soda around each tomato plant once it beings to appear from the soil. This should be repeated once more when they are half grown. Grow your groceries - how to grow tomatoes from tomatoes! Adding too much, though, could inadvertently poison the tomato plant, so it is important to control the amount. Advertisement And this hack will not cost you more than £1 from a grocery store. Asda is selling their 200g pack of Any leftovers can be used to do some Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
