Latest news with #It'sAlwaysSunnyInPhiladelphia
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I don't think Rob McElhenney should change his name – here's why
'Diwali', the white woman at reception announced as she rifled through papers. I was waiting for my smear test and the apprehension I felt for what was to come superseded any bitterness I had to the mispronunciation of my surname, which is Dhaliwal. The receptionist's attempt wasn't my name – in fact, it's a South Asian festival of light that occurs around September to November – but I knew she was talking about me. I was too busy clenching and unclenching my pelvic floor to care. So I quickly stood up and nodded sympathetically – giving her grace for finding my name difficult – and scurried to the nurse's office. It wasn't the first time someone's mispronounced my name and it won't be the last. Unfortunately, it's a common occurrence for myself and many of my friends with ethnic names. But I didn't expect to find actor and co-owner of Wrexham FC, Rob McElhenney, filing to change his due to the amount of mispronunciation he experiences of his Irish surname. 'As our business and our storytelling is expanding into other regions of the world and other languages in which my name is even harder to pronounce, I'm just going by Rob Mac', he told Variety in May. Just over a month later, a representative confirmed he'd officially submitted the legal change. 'McElhenney'. I started saying it out loud in case I was also mispronouncing it. After a Google search to test my comprehension of Irish names (my sister-in-law has taught me well), I was assured through the unexpected Irish jig performed by Ryan Reynolds, actor and joint-owner of the Wrexham FC football Club with McElhenny singing an ode to his mispronounced surname for his birthday. Now, that's a good friend. It's pronounced: Mackle-henney. But, all of this had me wonder about the significance of names. McElhenney chose a new name due to having to do global business deals, and interestingly 'Mac' is his character name in hit HBO comedy It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. But would becoming a brand or character mean he would lose his identity of self? Was Rob Mac a product or a person? Of course, changing your name doesn't make your history disappear, but history does become harder to find when names are changed. As someone who does a lot of work researching people in history, it's something I often come up against – finding a family and then suddenly losing them, when tracing a lineage, happens often. It's irritating when some people say your name incorrectly, and annoying to have to correct it or say it back to them – but it's worth introducing your pronunciation into their lexicon, because you then invite them into your life story. And what a rich lineage Irish names have. But, as someone with an ethnic name, I was surprised to find that McElhenney struggled with the amount of mispronunciations he experienced. The world tends to bend over backwards to make white men comfortable, but I wondered – maybe instead of this being about race, it's about culture. And crucially, about the cross-colonial impact of the British – this isn't about white or non-white peoples, this goes back to imperialism. Because as Joe famously said to Jess in Bend It Like Beckham when she speaks out about experiencing racism, 'Jess, I'm Irish. Of course, I understand what that feels like.' It turns out, I have a lot more in common with the Irish than the British. Even though the Irish had a hand in creating the British Empire – in that they literally helped build infrastructure because it was the only way to send money home to their families – they later fought for their independence. And like India, they experienced partition at the hands of the British, with Northern Ireland still partitioned and occupied, in the eyes of many. There has been an anti-British establishment sentiment in Ireland for a long time, due to their anti-colonial stance, after being invaded by the English since the 12th century. It's something Indians relate to – the way the British renamed Derry to Londonderry harks to the similar renaming of Mumbai to Bombay by the British. Many people have since stood up and refused to be made British or turned into them, by rejecting them and wholeheartedly embracing our own cultures. Whether Indian or Irish. And while Rob hasn't specified who exactly has struggled to say his name, it's something that those with traditionally English names tend not to have to worry about when doing business, or speaking to people, internationally. Names are complex and fascinating, with decades of stories, history, and people – it's a shame that people feel the need to change them due to inconvenience. Of course, change your name if you want to. I've considered it multiple times every time I hear 'Diwali', in a fit of rage. More Trending And many do when getting married. People change their names to affirm their gender, and that's important too. I think it's vital you feel comfortable in who you are. But if we're doing it to make others more comfortable, then we're losing ourselves in the process. People can adjust, if we tell them to. If we say 'no that's not how you pronounce it', and force people to learn your name, you're letting them in on your culture. And that makes the world a little bit bigger. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: England v India second Test: Giving Jasprit Bumrah a rest could see India fall into a trap England know all too well MORE: Terrifying moment six girls swept away by a sudden flood surge towards waterfall's edge MORE: Black and minority ethnic workers are losing out on £3,200,000,000
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Friday's briefing: Haaland hits 300th goal and Liverpool complete Kerkez signing
Cristiano Ronaldo's long-term future was resolved while Liverpool bolstered their backline. Haaland heroics help City cruise past Juve Erling Haaland scored his 300th career goal as Manchester City defied sweltering heat and a torrential downpour in Orlando to thump Juventus. City were pegged back after Jeremy Doku's early opener when Ederson gifted a goal to Teun Koopmeiners but their lead was restored when Pierre Kalulu turned into his own net at the Camping World Stadium. Haaland, reaching a notable landmark in senior football for club and country, came off the bench to bag the third and Phil Foden and Savinho made victory certain before Dusan Vlahovic's consolation. City manager Pep Guardiola said: 'I liked the way we did it. It has been a long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed and we are happy to beat a top side. 'This is just one game but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. It's the first time we've performed the way we can.' Ronaldo signs new Al-Nassr deal A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together. 🟡🔵 — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 26, 2025 Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new two-year deal at Al Nassr. The deal ties Ronaldo, whose contract was due to expire at the end of June, to the Saudi Pro League team beyond his 42nd birthday. Ronaldo wrote on X: 'A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together.' Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022 as a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the Premier League club. Reds land Kerkez Milos Kerkez has become Liverpool's third arrival this summer (Adam Davy/PA) Liverpool have completed the £40million signing of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez on a five-year contract. The 21-year-old is the club's third arrival this summer, following Jeremie Frimpong and club-record transfer Florian Wirtz. And with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joining next month in a deal done 12 months ago there will be more than £200million of new talent present when pre-season training starts in a fortnight. Kerkez said: 'I'm really happy. It's a real honour for me, a privilege to come to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, (the) biggest club in England. I'm just really, really happy and excited.' Wrexham take on Saints in Championship opener Wrexham return to the second tier for the first time in 43 years (Martin Rickett/PA) Wrexham will start their 2025-26 Sky Bet Championship campaign with a mouth-watering trip to Southampton on Saturday, August 9. The Welsh club, co-owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia co-creator Rob McElhenney, are back in the second tier for the first time in 43 years after winning three consecutive promotions. Wrexham met Eastleigh on the opening day of the Vanarama National League season in August 2022, but are now set to play grander Hampshire opposition three years on. St Mary's will be the venue for Wrexham's Championship bow as Will Still takes charge of relegated Southampton for the first time in a 12.30pm kick-off. What's on today? Lee Carsley's England Under-21s take on Germany in the Euros final on Saturday (Martin Rickett/PA) City will be keeping a close eye on the final round of Group H fixtures as they will play the runners-up. Real Madrid currently sit top of the pile but play second-placed Red Bull Salzburg in Philadelphia. England Under-21s, meanwhile, will be gearing up for Saturday's European Championship final against Germany in Bratislava as Lee Carsley's side look to retain their continental crown.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Friday's briefing: Haaland hits 300th goal and Liverpool complete Kerkez signing
Cristiano Ronaldo's long-term future was resolved while Liverpool bolstered their backline. Haaland heroics help City cruise past Juve Erling Haaland scored his 300th career goal as Manchester City defied sweltering heat and a torrential downpour in Orlando to thump Juventus. City were pegged back after Jeremy Doku's early opener when Ederson gifted a goal to Teun Koopmeiners but their lead was restored when Pierre Kalulu turned into his own net at the Camping World Stadium. Haaland, reaching a notable landmark in senior football for club and country, came off the bench to bag the third and Phil Foden and Savinho made victory certain before Dusan Vlahovic's consolation. City manager Pep Guardiola said: 'I liked the way we did it. It has been a long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed and we are happy to beat a top side. 'This is just one game but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. It's the first time we've performed the way we can.' Ronaldo signs new Al-Nassr deal A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together. 🟡🔵 — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 26, 2025 Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new two-year deal at Al Nassr. The deal ties Ronaldo, whose contract was due to expire at the end of June, to the Saudi Pro League team beyond his 42nd birthday. Ronaldo wrote on X: 'A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together.' Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022 as a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the Premier League club. Reds land Kerkez Milos Kerkez has become Liverpool's third arrival this summer (Adam Davy/PA) Liverpool have completed the £40million signing of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez on a five-year contract. The 21-year-old is the club's third arrival this summer, following Jeremie Frimpong and club-record transfer Florian Wirtz. And with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joining next month in a deal done 12 months ago there will be more than £200million of new talent present when pre-season training starts in a fortnight. Kerkez said: 'I'm really happy. It's a real honour for me, a privilege to come to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, (the) biggest club in England. I'm just really, really happy and excited.' Wrexham take on Saints in Championship opener Wrexham return to the second tier for the first time in 43 years (Martin Rickett/PA) Wrexham will start their 2025-26 Sky Bet Championship campaign with a mouth-watering trip to Southampton on Saturday, August 9. The Welsh club, co-owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia co-creator Rob McElhenney, are back in the second tier for the first time in 43 years after winning three consecutive promotions. Wrexham met Eastleigh on the opening day of the Vanarama National League season in August 2022, but are now set to play grander Hampshire opposition three years on. St Mary's will be the venue for Wrexham's Championship bow as Will Still takes charge of relegated Southampton for the first time in a 12.30pm kick-off. What's on today? Lee Carsley's England Under-21s take on Germany in the Euros final on Saturday (Martin Rickett/PA) City will be keeping a close eye on the final round of Group H fixtures as they will play the runners-up. Real Madrid currently sit top of the pile but play second-placed Red Bull Salzburg in Philadelphia. England Under-21s, meanwhile, will be gearing up for Saturday's European Championship final against Germany in Bratislava as Lee Carsley's side look to retain their continental crown.
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham begin first second-tier campaign in 43 years with trip to Southampton
The Welsh club, co-owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia co-creator Rob McElhenney, are back in the second tier for the first time in 43 years after winning three consecutive promotions. Wrexham met Eastleigh on the opening day of the Vanarama National League season in August 2022, but are now set to play grander Hampshire opposition three years on. St Mary's will be the venue for Wrexham's Championship bow as Will Still takes charge of relegated Southampton for the first time in a 12.30pm kick-off. Wrexham's first home game on August 16 will be West Brom, and Sheffield Wednesday will also visit SToK Racecourse before the Red Dragons travel to Millwall ahead of the September international break. September brings home games with QPR and Derby and trips to Norwich and Leicester, while October starts with the so-called 'Hollywood derby' against Birmingham. The two clubs were rivals in League One last season – Birmingham winning the title and Wrexham finishing runners-up – with the Blues also having a celebrity part-owner in NFL quarterback great Tom Brady. Wrexham will entertain Birmingham on October 4 before making the short trip to Stoke two weeks later after the second international break of the season. Frank Lampard's Coventry visit north Wales on November 1 and there are trips to Portsmouth, Ipswich and Preston before Christmas. The first Welsh derby of the season against Swansea is an away fixture on December 20. Wrexham host Sheffield United on Boxing Day and travel to Blackburn on New Year's Day. Leicester at home on January 20 is the pick of the early 2026 fixtures, with away games at QPR and Sheffield Wednesday before the month is out. Millwall, Ipswich and Portsmouth all visit in February and manager Phil Parkinson has a Racecourse reunion with former club Hull on March 10, four days before Swansea head north. Wrexham head to West Brom for a Good Friday clash on April 3, with Southampton their Easter Monday visitors. The return fixture with Birmingham takes places on April 11 and Wrexham finish the season at home to Middlesbrough on May 2. The 46-game Championship season will consist of 33 weekend rounds, nine midweek rounds and four bank holiday rounds. Goalkeeper Mark Howard, part of Wrexham's three promotion-winning squads, called the Southampton opener a 'dream' fixture and backed owners Reynolds and McElhenney to maintain the feelgood factor in the Championship. 'It is the dream. They (Wrexham players) all want to test themselves against the best players and the best opposition,' Howard told Sky Sports. 'No better opportunity than the opening kick-off at 12.30pm against one of the teams that have come down from the Premier League. 'It really has been a Hollywood movie, every part of it over the last three years. The back-to-back-to-back promotions have been incredible and the owners have brought along some very famous faces to the football club. 'To say you've had a laugh in the dressing room with Will Ferrell and Channing Tatum is beyond belief really. 'The owners live and breathe it. They are with you for every win, every loss, and reach out to you after every game. 'They are fully invested in it in what the lads are doing as people and players. You get that sense off them whether they're at a game or watching from America, Canada or wherever.'
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wrexham begin first second-tier campaign in 43 years with trip to Southampton
The Welsh club, co-owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia co-creator Rob McElhenney, are back in the second tier for the first time in 43 years after winning three consecutive promotions. Wrexham met Eastleigh on the opening day of the Vanarama National League season in August 2022, but are now set to play grander Hampshire opposition three years on. St Mary's will be the venue for Wrexham's Championship bow as Will Still takes charge of relegated Southampton for the first time in a 12.30pm kick-off. Wrexham's first home game on August 16 will be West Brom, and Sheffield Wednesday will also visit SToK Racecourse before the Red Dragons travel to Millwall ahead of the September international break. September brings home games with QPR and Derby and trips to Norwich and Leicester, while October starts with the so-called 'Hollywood derby' against Birmingham. The two clubs were rivals in League One last season – Birmingham winning the title and Wrexham finishing runners-up – with the Blues also having a celebrity part-owner in NFL quarterback great Tom Brady. Wrexham will entertain Birmingham on October 4 before making the short trip to Stoke two weeks later after the second international break of the season. Frank Lampard's Coventry visit north Wales on November 1 and there are trips to Portsmouth, Ipswich and Preston before Christmas. The first Welsh derby of the season against Swansea is an away fixture on December 20. Wrexham host Sheffield United on Boxing Day and travel to Blackburn on New Year's Day. Leicester at home on January 20 is the pick of the early 2026 fixtures, with away games at QPR and Sheffield Wednesday before the month is out. Millwall, Ipswich and Portsmouth all visit in February and manager Phil Parkinson has a Racecourse reunion with former club Hull on March 10, four days before Swansea head north. Wrexham head to West Brom for a Good Friday clash on April 3, with Southampton their Easter Monday visitors. The return fixture with Birmingham takes places on April 11 and Wrexham finish the season at home to Middlesbrough on May 2. The 46-game Championship season will consist of 33 weekend rounds, nine midweek rounds and four bank holiday rounds. Goalkeeper Mark Howard, part of Wrexham's three promotion-winning squads, called the Southampton opener a 'dream' fixture and backed owners Reynolds and McElhenney to maintain the feelgood factor in the Championship. 'It is the dream. They (Wrexham players) all want to test themselves against the best players and the best opposition,' Howard told Sky Sports. 'No better opportunity than the opening kick-off at 12.30pm against one of the teams that have come down from the Premier League. 'It really has been a Hollywood movie, every part of it over the last three years. The back-to-back-to-back promotions have been incredible and the owners have brought along some very famous faces to the football club. 'To say you've had a laugh in the dressing room with Will Ferrell and Channing Tatum is beyond belief really. 'The owners live and breathe it. They are with you for every win, every loss, and reach out to you after every game. 'They are fully invested in it in what the lads are doing as people and players. You get that sense off them whether they're at a game or watching from America, Canada or wherever.'
