Latest news with #Firecracker
Western Telegraph
33 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Accountant-turned-fireman honoured in song celebrating 200 years of rail
Working with steam engines connected Joanne Ormesher to her beloved late grandfather and gave her strength during her battle with an aggressive cancer. Now, she is one of five people whose stories have been turned into songs by top folk artists for BBC Radio 2's 21st Century Folk, which this year celebrates 200 years since the birth of the modern railway. Joanne Ormesher volunteering as a fireman (Owen Hayward/PA) The bicentenary year, led by Railway 200, began with a 'whistle-up' of more than 200 locomotives across five continents, and Inspiration, a free travelling exhibition train showcasing the past, present and future of rail, is now touring the country. Ms Ormesher's grandfather was an engineer who made model trains, and she recalls engine parts strewn across his home. But it was not until two decades after his death that she happened upon an iconic steam engine waiting at a local station. 'I thought they were consigned to museums,' she remembers. 'But this was hissing and breathing at the station. It felt alive. I stood at the back of a throng of enthusiasts, and it felt like my grandad was there. 'The smells and the sounds, everything reminded me of him.' Her life changed that day and she began volunteering cleaning engines at a local heritage railway and quickly rose through the ranks to become a fireman. She now volunteers on the Llangollen Railway in north Wales, a journey that can take up to three hours from her home near Blackburn. Starting as early as 5am, Ms Ormesher shovels hundreds of kilos of coal and ensures the train's engine is working correctly. It took her body nearly a year to adapt to the punishing labour. Despite the toil, she often daydreams about being back on the railway while working in the office as an accountant. In 2019, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and the railways helped her through. 'I didn't know if I was going to survive, I shouldn't have survived,' Ms Ormesher said. 'But I was determined to get back to firing steam engines. It's what kept me focused. Ten weeks after my treatment I was back at it.' Now in remission, she continues to volunteer as a fireman. Ms Ormesher also strives to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of enthusiasts and champions greater opportunities for women on heritage railways. She said she loved the song about her – Firecracker, by Findlay Napier – and was 'so emotional' when listening to it. The five songs celebrate 200 years since the first steam-powered, passenger rail journey when George Stephenson's Locomotion No. 1 travelled along the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: 'The BBC and the folk artists have done an amazing job bringing these five stories to life. 'Joanne's story is inspirational and it really demonstrates the powerful impact that the railways can have on people's lives. 'This is a momentous year for the UK, and it's been wonderful to see so many people getting involved, with hundreds of events happening across the country and the rest of the world.' The songs are being played on BBC Radio 2 this week. On Friday, Jeremy Vine will broadcast live from The Greatest Gathering, a railway summit in Derby. BBC Radio 2's Folk Show presenter Mark Radcliffe said: 'Folk music tells the story of everyday life, with melodies and lyrics that are passed down through generations of families. 'It's been amazing to see these listeners' stories take on a life of their own with these special compositions, written and performed by some of the folk world's most loved artists.'
Glasgow Times
41 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Accountant-turned-fireman honoured in song celebrating 200 years of rail
Working with steam engines connected Joanne Ormesher to her beloved late grandfather and gave her strength during her battle with an aggressive cancer. Now, she is one of five people whose stories have been turned into songs by top folk artists for BBC Radio 2's 21st Century Folk, which this year celebrates 200 years since the birth of the modern railway. Joanne Ormesher volunteering as a fireman (Owen Hayward/PA) The bicentenary year, led by Railway 200, began with a 'whistle-up' of more than 200 locomotives across five continents, and Inspiration, a free travelling exhibition train showcasing the past, present and future of rail, is now touring the country. Ms Ormesher's grandfather was an engineer who made model trains, and she recalls engine parts strewn across his home. But it was not until two decades after his death that she happened upon an iconic steam engine waiting at a local station. 'I thought they were consigned to museums,' she remembers. 'But this was hissing and breathing at the station. It felt alive. I stood at the back of a throng of enthusiasts, and it felt like my grandad was there. 'The smells and the sounds, everything reminded me of him.' Her life changed that day and she began volunteering cleaning engines at a local heritage railway and quickly rose through the ranks to become a fireman. She now volunteers on the Llangollen Railway in north Wales, a journey that can take up to three hours from her home near Blackburn. Starting as early as 5am, Ms Ormesher shovels hundreds of kilos of coal and ensures the train's engine is working correctly. It took her body nearly a year to adapt to the punishing labour. Despite the toil, she often daydreams about being back on the railway while working in the office as an accountant. In 2019, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and the railways helped her through. 'I didn't know if I was going to survive, I shouldn't have survived,' Ms Ormesher said. 'But I was determined to get back to firing steam engines. It's what kept me focused. Ten weeks after my treatment I was back at it.' Now in remission, she continues to volunteer as a fireman. Ms Ormesher also strives to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of enthusiasts and champions greater opportunities for women on heritage railways. She said she loved the song about her – Firecracker, by Findlay Napier – and was 'so emotional' when listening to it. The five songs celebrate 200 years since the first steam-powered, passenger rail journey when George Stephenson's Locomotion No. 1 travelled along the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: 'The BBC and the folk artists have done an amazing job bringing these five stories to life. 'Joanne's story is inspirational and it really demonstrates the powerful impact that the railways can have on people's lives. 'This is a momentous year for the UK, and it's been wonderful to see so many people getting involved, with hundreds of events happening across the country and the rest of the world.' The songs are being played on BBC Radio 2 this week. On Friday, Jeremy Vine will broadcast live from The Greatest Gathering, a railway summit in Derby. BBC Radio 2's Folk Show presenter Mark Radcliffe said: 'Folk music tells the story of everyday life, with melodies and lyrics that are passed down through generations of families. 'It's been amazing to see these listeners' stories take on a life of their own with these special compositions, written and performed by some of the folk world's most loved artists.'
Vancouver Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Editor favourites: The Amazon Prime Day deals we actually bought
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Amazon Prime Day 2025 kicked off on July 8 (this year's sale runs until July 11), and the Canoe team has been busy covering all the best deals that Canadians need to know about. Since we've spent so much time scouring the site to uncover which products are worth buying, it's no surprise that a few items made their way into our own shopping carts. After all, we love a good deal as much as the next person and Prime Day is chock full of discounts on everything from household essentials to Apple devices. Curious to know which products we're loving? Scroll below, and check out some of the most popular Prime Day deals among shoppers here. To discover more of our top picks, check out our favourites from May . Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Why I love it: 'Summer in Toronto can get hot, which is why I always have a spare Liquid I.V. pouch in my bag to stay hydrated on the go. Normally I'm a fan of the brand's Firecracker popsicle-flavoured electrolyte mix, but noticed this new fruit punch flavour on sale and thought I'd give it a try. The jury's still out on whether it becomes a new favourite, but the tropical mix of pineapple, cherry and tangerine is a fun change for summer.' — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor Price: $27 (Was: $38) Where to buy: Amazon Why I love it: 'Yes, people still use printers. I finally got tired of asking the group chat, 'Can I use your printer?' and took matters into my own hands. First, I tried a fancy new inkless, wireless, portable printer and decided it wasn't for me (didn't like the receipt-style paper). I took advantage of the discount and went for a classic, trusty Canon.' — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor Price: $47 (was $60) Where to buy: Amazon Why I love it: 'I felt like giving the living room a little upgrade with some mood lighting to make the space feel cozier. After some research, Philips Hue stood out as the best option for vibrant colour, durability and smart features. Setup was a bit tricky, but I love that it's compatible with Google Home devices. People get super creative with striplights, using them on bed frames, as TV backlights or even under kitchen cabinets. I have mine set up on the back of the couch to a warm white on low brightness, and it totally changes the vibe at night. No need for overhead lights or bulky lamps. Game changer.' — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator Price: $60 (Was: $80) Where to buy: Amazon Why I love it: 'This curly cream tames frizz and defines curls. SEEN is developed by a dermatologist who emphasizes the importance of skin-friendly hair products. The cream is fragrance-free and just does a great job of creating soft, bouncy curls.' — Randi Mann, Shopping Editor Price: $29 (Was: $37) Where to buy: Amazon Why I love it: 'While not currently on sale, I used my Prime Day purchase as an opportunity to restock my supply of this Orgain protein powder. I've tried a wide range of brands and this chocolate protein powder consistently remains my favourite. When mixed with almond milk, it's a plant-based source of 21g of protein that's smooth and never gritty. It also doesn't have the stevia-like aftertaste of many other protein powders I've tried while delivering a rich, chocolatey taste.' — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor Price: $51 Where to buy: Amazon Why I love it: 'Not much to say here, other than a deal is a deal! This was one of the hottest, most purchased ones , so I jumped on the bandwagon. We all need toilet paper, so we may as well get it while it's on sale. Home essentials year over year outperforms other categories, for good reason. ' — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor Price: $25 (was $39) Where to buy: Amazon Why I love it: 'I got my first ergonomic mouse and I'm really enjoying it! It's easy on the wrist, tracks really well, and the clicks are smooth and quiet. Like other pricier brands, it was simple to set up via Bluetooth — and no batteries needed. Overall, it's functional, great value and I got it in pink.' — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator Price: $24 (Was: $30) Where to buy: Amazon Why I love it: 'Batteries aren't an exciting purchase, but they are necessary for the myriad household devices that all seem to die in sync. This pack of AA batteries should last me at least a year and keep my TV remotes, computer mice and film cameras running smoothly. In case you need to stock up on AAA batteries , they're also on sale right now.' — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor Price: $16 (Was: $22) Where to buy: Amazon Why I love it: 'After interviewing an expert on women's health, I'm always looking to increase my protein intake, and bars are an easy, convenient way to do it. These are new to me, and I love the macros. 20g of protein to 2g of sugar? Sign me up! The bars are already accessibly priced (even without the sale), taste great and help keep me satiated between meals. ' — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor Price: $9 (was $11) Where to buy: Amazon Shopping Essentials , a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on . Explore in-depth product reviews, expert recommendations and exciting collaborations — plus get behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and trending products — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter . kmendonca@ Looking for savings? Look no further than our coupons page for discounts on your favourite brands.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Top 7 Clash Royale decks for the 4 Card Showdown event
4 Cards Showdown event in Clash Royale (Image via Supercell) The best Clash Royale decks for the 4 Card Showdown event will help you get easy wins against your enemies. The 4 Card Showdown is a unique event where you build decks with only four cards, and every card returns to your hand instantly after use, leading to fast-paced, strategic gameplay. 7 Best Clash Royale Decks for the 4 Card Showdown Event Below are seven top-performing Clash Royale decks for the 4 Card Showdown event. Each deck is designed to maximize synergy and adapt to the limited card pool. 1. Skeleton Giant Clone Combo Cards: - Skeleton Giant - Clone - Firecracker - The Log Description: This is one of the best Clash Royale decks for the 4 Card Showdown event. It focuses on getting the Skeleton Giant to the opponent's tower, then cloning it for massive bomb damage. Firecracker provides ranged support to clear swarms, and The Log is used for additional swarm clear and chip damage. 2. Sparky Support Deck Cards: - Electro Wizard - Sparky - Lumberjack - Barbarian Barrel Description: Protect Sparky by keeping it in the back. Use Lumberjack and Barbarian Barrel to push forward, while Electro Wizard counters enemy Sparky and aerial units. Sparky delivers devastating shots to towers and high-health targets. 3. Skeleton Barrel Spam Cards: - Skeleton Barrel - Inferno Dragon - Minions - The Log Description: Spam Skeleton Barrels to pressure the opponent. Inferno Dragon counters tanks, Minions provide air support, and The Log clears ground swarms. Adjust your pushes based on your opponent's counters. 4. MK Firecracker Deck Top 5 BEST DECKS To Win 4 Card Showdown Cards: - Mega Knight - Firecracker - Skeleton Army - Suspicious Bush Description: The Mega Knight acts as a tank, supported by Firecracker for ranged damage. Skeleton Army swarms the battlefield, and Suspicious Bush provides sneaky tower damage. Use Firecracker behind Mega Knight to clear enemy troops. 5. Hog FC 3.0 Cycle Cards: - Hog Rider - Knight - Firecracker - The Log Description: This is one of the best ClHog Rider is your main win condition, supported by Knight as a mini-tank. Firecracker and The Log clear swarms and provide chip damage. This deck cycles quickly and maintains constant pressure. 6. Royal Hogs Dark Prince Cards: - Royal Hogs - Dark Prince - Musketeer - The Log Description: Royal Hogs are fast and split-push well. Dark Prince provides splash and mini-tank support, Musketeer offers air and ground ranged damage, and The Log clears swarms. 7. Inferno Dragon Control Cards: - Inferno Dragon - Electro Wizard - Skeleton Barrel - The Log Description: Inferno Dragon counters tanks, Electro Wizard handles swarms and stuns, Skeleton Barrel pressures towers, and The Log provides additional swarm clear and chip. This deck excels at both defense and offense. Summary Table for the best Clash Royale decks for the 4 Card Showdown event Deck Name Card 1 Card 2 Card 3 Card 4 Skeleton Giant Clone Skeleton Giant Clone Firecracker The Log Sparky Support Electro Wizard Sparky Lumberjack Barbarian Barrel Skeleton Barrel Spam Skeleton Barrel Inferno Dragon Minions The Log MK Firecracker Mega Knight Firecracker Skeleton Army Suspicious Bush Hog FC 3.0 Cycle Hog Rider Knight Firecracker The Log Royal Hogs Dark Prince Royal Hogs Dark Prince Musketeer The Log Inferno Dragon Control Inferno Dragon Electro Wizard Skeleton Barrel The Log Also read: These are the best Clash Royale decks for the 4 Card Showdown are tailored for the 4 Card Showdown event, offering a mix of aggression, control, and versatility. Try them out to find which one best fits your playstyle and maximize your wins in this unique Clash Royale challenge. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
South Wales Guardian
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
BBC documentary to tell story of Kim Kardashian robbery in Paris
A trial found eight people guilty of robbing the US star of millions of pounds worth of jewellery at gunpoint during the 2016 Paris Fashion Week. With interviews from friends, family, police officers and journalists who followed the case, The Kim Kardashian Diamond Heist will share new information about what happened leading up to the trial where she faced the robbers in court. Nasfim Haque, head of content at BBC Three, said: 'This documentary offers an insight into one of the most-publicised celebrity crimes of our time, committed on one of the most famous women on the planet, which will delve into the facts behind the gossip and explore the price of fame in the digital age.' Produced by Firecracker Films, the 45-minute documentary will also share the impact the robbery has had on the star. Sam Emmery, creative director at Firecracker, said: 'This is one of the most high-profile robberies of the digital age, with social media said to have played a part in the heist. 'The film is an opportunity to show how the perpetrators were eventually brought to justice and the lasting impact the ordeal had on its victim, Kim Kardashian.' The media personality is best known for starring in the reality TV series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, which followed the lives of the Kardashian family. She is also known for being the co-founder of the shapewear clothing and underwear brand Skims, which is set to open its first UK store in London's Regent Street after signing a deal with the Crown Estate. Since launching in 2019, the brand has partnered with an array of celebrities including Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Usher and Jude Bellingham for advertising campaigns. The Kim Kardashian Diamond Heist will air on BBC Three and BBC One later this month and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
