Latest news with #Conversations

ABC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Encore: Janty Blair is the BMW of standup comics
Janty Blair's father, Bob, was a staff sergeant in the Australian Army, and so she grew up moving around the country. Home for Janty, a Butchulla, Mununjhali and Woppaburra woman, was really Hervey Bay in Queensland, where she would go on trips every year to visit her aunties, uncles, cousins and grandparents, all of whom were stomach-achingly funny. While Janty loved performing in the school musicals, she was quite a serious child and didn't find her funny bone until later in life. Instead of following her childhood dream of becoming an actress, Janty became a nurse and then a midwife. But in her 50s, Janty went on a serendipitous date. Two days later, she was performing in her first stand-up open mic night, and just a few months later she was crowned the winner of the biggest First Nations comedy competition in the country. Further information Originally broadcast July 2024. You can keep up to date with Janty's tour schedule by visiting her website. Conversations' Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan. Find out more about the Conversations Live National Tour on the ABC website.

Straits Times
28-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Third Conversations with ST discusses the role and relevance of media with young professionals
The group discussions were facilitated by 11 members of ST's editorial team, including ST editor Jaime Ho (front row, left) and ST associate editor Zakir Hussain (second row, right). ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Third Conversations with ST discusses the role and relevance of media with young professionals SINGAPORE – The third session of The Straits Times' engagement series took place on the evening of May 27, bringing together 40 young professionals to share their perspectives on ST's role as a national news publication. The event, which ran for two hours, was part of the ST180 celebrations, marking the publication's 180th anniversary in 2025. Unlike earlier sessions, which were held as panel discussions, the latest event held at PPP Coffee @ New Bahru adopted a more intimate format, with participants divided into six smaller groups for deeper conversations. The group discussions were facilitated by 11 members of ST's editorial team, including ST editor Jaime Ho, ST associate editor Zakir Hussain and Mr Jeremy Au Yong, ST's associate editor (newsroom strategy). Topics explored ranged from how the newsroom selects stories for coverage and how ST can remain relevant to younger audiences, to the need for society to retain common spaces amid polarising viewpoints. Several participants said the session gave them a glimpse into newsroom decision-making, particularly in handling sensitive issues such as suicide coverage. This event was the first session that was open to the public. The previous sessions in the year-long series called Conversations with The Straits Times were invite-only events, the first in January involving individuals from non-profit organisations and the second in March involving junior college students. These sessions aim to facilitate candid discussions between ST and its audiences, by offering readers a chance to interact with the ST editorial team in person. To remain relevant to younger audiences, several participants suggested that ST should make greater use of its Telegram channel to push news updates, noting that many of their peers are active on the platform. Ms Edith Cheow Rui Xuan, 23, a final-year student at an institute of higher learning, said that the ST mobile app could provide incentives to encourage regular engagement. 'The ST app could provide reward perks for daily check-ins. Given the general inclination towards rewarding individuals for their time and effort, offering micro-rewards, gamified reading challenges or subscription tiers with exclusive benefits could encourage engagement,' she said. Some participants also suggested that ST develop an applet that could present or recommend relevant stories from its own website, whenever users visit other news sites such as The New York Times. Some also said they noticed a shift in ST's content over the years, including a growing emphasis on podcasts and short-form content. An example raised were the short video clips produced during the 2025 General Election, where journalists explained election-related news in a catchy and accessible format. ST senior columnist Lin Suling (centre) with participants at the third edition of Conversations with The Straits Times on May 27. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Discussions also explored the continued importance of journalistic objectivity in an increasingly polarised world. Participants reflected on how moderate voices often go unheard, while those with more extreme views sometimes dominate discourse. Acknowledging these concerns, Mr Ho emphasised ST's commitment to balanced and objective reporting, despite it potentially becoming more challenging with polarising views in society. Participants in some groups also expressed interest in seeing more coverage on topics such as alternative education pathways and mental health. ST recently launched a youth-focused series titled More than Grades, which spotlights students beyond their academic achievements. This follows a separate series – No health without mental health – that began in October 2024 to explore the topic of mental health in the local context. Ms Linda Lee, 37, a human-experience leadership coach and speaker, said: 'Younger audiences today aren't just passive consumers – they're looking for something that feels real, relevant, and worth their time. ST can really lean into that by covering more stories of the human experience.' For more information about ST180, visit
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Incoming RCSD Superintendent 'ecstatic' about community support
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)- The incoming school superintendent for the Rochester City School District, Dr. Eric Rosser says he's 'ecstatic' about partnering with the community on ensuring students succeed. He says the turnout at the Community Conversations hosted by the district has shown him how vested community organizations and individuals are about ensuring children in Rochester have what they need. Rosser answered a host of questions from students, teachers, parents, and community members at Dr. Freddie Thomas Middle School on Tuesday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Participants expressed enthusiasm about the work Dr. Rosser did as superintendent in Poughkeepsie, but pointed out that many superintendents of urban school districts leave after 3 to 5 years. Rosser pointed to his 6 years in Poughkeepsie and encouraged folks to do their homework about his track record as an educator in Buffalo, Atlanta, and other cities. 'Revamp & reimagination': Incoming RCSD superintendent hears concerns from parents When asked what he would need to stay 5 to 10 years in Rochester, he pointed to community support. 'While the super does have super in his name, we are not superheroes. It's important we come together to support what we believe our vision for the children in our community to be.' Rosser said. He answered a host of other questions related to academic achievement, funding cuts, continuous changes and revisions in the district, professional development for teachers, and creating a safe environment for students. Rosser listened to concerns and community expectations. He took notes and pledged to serve as chief ambassador and advocate for the district. The third Community Conversation will be held Saturday, June 14 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Jefferson Campus. Rosser officially begins as RCSD Superintendent July 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


ABC News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Polyamory is becoming more popular. What can it teach us about our love lives?
The idea of polyamory can be divisive. Some people see it as an excuse to cheat or a sure-fire way to become insecure. But these days, more Aussies are considering ENM (ethical non-monogamy). So, how do these relationships work? And can you stop jealousy taking hold? Guest: Nicola Harrison, producer on Compass's Beyond Monogamy, and Conversations. ------ Check out the Beyond Monogamy documentary on ABC iview here, or catch the Conversations podcast on ABC Listen. You might also like our previous episodes on sex tech, and why we're breaking up with dating apps. If there's a topic you're keen for us to cover, email us at


Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Aldi shoppers left in hysterics over ‘funny' spelling error on new middle aisle homeware buy – but can you spot it?
ALDI shoppers have been left in hysterics after spotting a 'funny' spelling error on a new middle aisle homeware buy - but did you notice it? One bargain hunter was recently browsing her local Aldi store, when she found the brand new Crofton Worktop Saver in the middle aisle. 3 Aldi shoppers have been left with the giggles after noticing an 'awkward' spelling error on a new Specialbuy Credit: Getty 3 Can you spot it? Credit: Facebook/@aldiukshoppers 3 Instead of 'Liquid Conversions', the Crofton Worktop Saver reads 'Liquid Conversations' Credit: Aldi Thanks to this new Specialbuy, shoppers not only have oven temperature conversions, but they can also see weight and measure conversions too. The Crofton Worktop Saver gives shoppers an insight into how many ml there are in a cup and a pint, as well as how many cms there are when compared with inches. But Asiyah Liahos spotted a glaring spelling error on the new homeware find and flocked to social media to share it with others, leaving many in fits of laughter. Posting on Aldi UK Shoppers, a private Facebook group with 339,200 members, Asiyah uploaded a picture of the new heat resistant kitchen buy, which can be found in Aldi stores nationwide. Thanks to this £2.99 buy, which is available while stocks last, you'll get your favourite food prepped whilst protecting your surfaces. The Worktop Saver is made with durable tempered glass and has handy anti-slip feet. As well as being odour and stain resistant, this brilliant buy is also scratch-resistant too. But alongside her post, Asiyah shared a laughing face emoji and wrote: 'Anyone spot the error'. Asiyah's post has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 224 likes and 37 comments. Many Facebook users noticed and pointed out the very 'awkward' and 'funny' error. I'm a die-hard Aldi shopper but I trialled M&S for a week, I was so surprised, I'll definitely be back Numerous people shared that rather than reading 'Liquid Conversions', the Worktop Saver, which will save you from using Google for handy conversions, actually read 'Liquid Conversations'. One person shared a humorous message for Aldi as a result of the blunder and joked: 'Have a conversation with yourself!' Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts IF you've ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you'll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff. Aldi's speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals. It's all part of Aldi's plan to be as efficient as possible - and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers. Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process. It also uses 'shelf-ready' packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock. Another chimed in and laughed: 'I think liquid conversations are the best.' A third commented: 'Liquid conversations, isn't that what you do after a glass or two of prosecco!' I put it back earlier due to noticing this Aldi shopper Whilst someone else tagged Aldi and shared: 'Seems your proof reader was too busy doing other things.....' Not only this, but one shopper claimed: 'I put it back earlier due to noticing this.' Meanwhile another simply wrote: 'Oh dear.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club