Latest news with #DJ
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
I adopted a Romanian dog - here's what you need to know
DJ is a Romanian rescue dog. He has my back - and I have his. But it hasn't always been easy. There are times when my partner and I have regretted opening our home to a strange four-legged creature from Eastern Europe. Frequently we miss out on big birthdays, weddings and parties - although we did take him to a funeral recently and he behaved impeccably. Read More: Holidays to far-flung places like New York and Marrakesh are a distant memory. But staycations and dog-friendly hotels are fine as DJ loves to run on the beach in the horizonal rain. It's difficult to take proper care of him. For a start he would bite any groomers arm off to the point we've now become experts on the best dog clippers and cutting techniques. When it's time for yearly jabs he's put to sleep with very strong anaesthetic normally given to horses. We're told he's handled like a wild animal. Walking wise he wears a yellow warning ribbon. But people still come too close. We're always on high alert to avoid other dogs, humans and bikes. The fact is - our giant Terrier - who we've been told is a very rare Irish Glen of Imaal – has put his trust in only two people. Romanian rescue dogs are not normal dogs. Most had a bad start in life not helped by the 32-hour journey to the UK on the so-called 'happy vans'. Their trauma is mostly down to irresponsible ownership – the product of poor education and lack of neutering programmes. Urbanisation has also led to the widespread abandonment of pets as people move into apartments. When we decided we wanted a rescue dog, I approached all the leading UK charities but was told it was impossible due to having no garden. DJ in Romanian kennel reception (Image: Unknown) But in 2019, we found out we could adopt from abroad. After picking DJ out from a long list of potential fluff balls, we were swiftly treated to a home visit by a volunteer charity worker. No garden – no problem. There was no discussion about potential behavioural problems or the strange little quirks we could look forward to. It was easy. Pay the two hundred and fifty pounds and the dog was ours. When he arrived in Scotland, the first few months were a real struggle. He'd bitten a few times. I was scared. Slowly, we built up trust and he began to come out from behind the sofa. Then when the pandemic struck, we hung out all day, every day. He was my best work buddy. Still dealing with his reactivity and out of desperation we booked a dog behaviourist. They couldn't tame his wild ways. But he's now an expert in giving paws for treats. I began to wonder what had really happened back in Romania. We'd originally been told he was a typical street dog found 'on the side of the road'. But something didn't feel right - I needed to investigate further. It took months, but through translation I managed to track down the vet in Romania who'd dealt with his pet passport, who then sign-posted me to kennels in a city called Lasi. Rescue workers there told me DJ had been kept on a chain, tied to a tree, for the first three years of his life. He'd been beaten and abused by his owners and their children. He'd arrived at the shelter with severe cigarette burns. The family surrendered him because they didn't want him anymore. It made sense now. This poor animal had such a traumatic early life - make no wonder he had deep rooted anxiety issues. Romanian rescue dogs have become a popular choice for young professionals as they're easier to come by. During Covid many took these dogs on, only to discover they couldn't cope. In 2022, Defra suspended the commercial import of dogs from Belarus, Poland, Romania and Ukraine due to concerns about rabies and other diseases coming into the UK. But the ban was lifted later that year. DJ (Image: Unknown) Brexit hasn't stopped the import of these rescues either. But I would argue that there needs to be much stronger regulation of the charities involved. Greater scrutiny is needed of who owns these organisations, how they're run and their aims because from my experience, some of these dogs should've never been put up for adoption in the first place. Charities also need to be more honest about the dog's history and more support and adequate follow ups should be offered. Walking around Leith Links in Edinburgh, I can spot a Romanian rescue a mile away. A quick chat with the owner usually confirms we're in the same boat. Given my experience, I always advise people against adopting a dog from abroad. Our vet would also strongly agree. He told us that despite vaccinations, these dogs may carry diseases not commonly found in the UK – leading to health risks for both the imported dog and resident animal population. Taking on a nervous animal requires bags of patience, understanding and dedication. It's a commitment which will affect your everyday life. The answer to the big question I'm always asked, is that I would never take on a rescue dog again. But I could never give DJ up. Beneath the reactivity he is a caring soul with bags of character. Shelter staff told us that with his good looks he'd managed to work his way up from kennels to joining staff on reception. Regularly he'd lie on their desks listening to the radio – hence his namesake. I will never tire of him following me around everywhere with his wagging tail, watching me cook or keeping me company at work. When he smiles, he really does smile to the delight of his many fans on his own Instagram page. Dogs really are your best friend. He's taught me a lot about resilience through life's challenges. Every day is a blessing with DJ - I'd be lost without him now. Laura Varney is a writer and senior public relations professional
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Fatboy Slim: DJ ready for 'madder and noisier' Belfast crowd
Fatboy Slim still vividly remembers finding out Belfast was not a "warzone" on his first visit almost 40 years superstar musician and DJ is set to headline the Emerge Music Festival in Belfast on 23 he first played the city in the mid-1980s as the bassist in The Housemartins, back in the days when he was known as Norman Cook."All I remember is the first time we went to Belfast with The Housemartins in about 1986, we didn't know what to expect," he told BBC News NI."We're thinking: 'Are we going to be playing to a Protestant crowd or a Catholic crowd or whatever?'""There was a little trepidation because I'd grown up my whole life watching the Troubles on the telly, and thinking: 'What are we getting ourselves in for?'"Equal trepidation but also equal interest, just to see." Music 'bringing people together' The DJ said his perception of Northern Ireland had come from TV with a "very British bias"."It was very cathartic I think to actually be there and talk to the people," he added."Because I kind of got the feeling that we'd been fed propaganda about a lot of what went on, and this idea that Belfast was just a warzone and no-one had any fun and no-one was nice to each other." He said the one thing that was clear was that there was more uniting people than dividing them."Music tends to break through those barriers and it tends to connect people and people forget, hopefully, their troubles or the Troubles," he said."Not just in Ireland, worldwide, music does connect people and bring them together." Belfast gears up to Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat That is what he is planning when he plays his Emerge set at Boucher Road Playing has been a fairly regular visitor to Belfast, with his most recent gig in the Telegraph building in the city centre in October 2023."Belfast crowds always take it that bit madder and noisier and more exuberant and I love that," he said. He admits big outdoor shows demand a different approach."The production changes," he said."In the Telegraph building I didn't really bring our production.""When we do the bigger festivals I have my own lighting guy, I have my own visuals guy, we use a live camera so you can see me mugging, you know, right from the back."You also you play the big tunes."There's the tunes that work at big festivals outdoors, and then there's the ones 'these are for the clubs.'" Derry Girls cameo It is obvious he enjoys coming to Northern Ireland, a connection reinforced by Channel 4 sitcom Derry of the show Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Jamie-Lee O'Donnell made a surprise appearance on stage with him during his most recent Belfast also featured in the penultimate episode of the show's final season, something he is still a little amazed by."I've been doing this for 40 years but every now and then a phone call comes along and you're like: 'Oh my lord, really?'" he said."The whole episode revolved around going to my gig."If that wasn't an honour enough then they asked me to be in it." "The only sad thing was I was supposed to actually be there and be playing the show, but because of the pandemic they were filming in a bubble and I wasn't allowed to travel over there so I had to film my bit remotely."So I never got to meet them all and hang out on set."But Derry Girls is such a fabulous series and to be even mentioned in it, let alone be mentioned repeatedly, was a very great honour." Salt, beats? While he will bring what he describes as his "arena show" to Emerge, Fatboy Slim is always on the lookout for unusual venues a recent tour of Australia he played a gig in a chip shop in are plenty of chip shops in Northern Ireland, so any is there chance he could do the same here?"There's always a chance, it's more of a timing thing," he said."Normally I'm in and out." "I'm playing Touquet in France on the Friday night, and then I'm playing Creamfields the night after so there's no real time."The chip shop in Australia was because I had gigs at the weekend and a few days off during the week."I love doing things like that."So a repeat in Belfast is unlikely, but if you call into your local chip shop for a fish supper on 23 August keep an eye - and ear - out just in case.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Kanwariyas clash with police after villagers object to DJ music
Ajmer: Kanwariyas in Muhami village in Ajmer district scuffled with police personnel Monday afternoon after locals objected to their playing of DJ music. The kanwariyas were adamant about playing the DJ and "tried to attack police", a constable said, during which the driver of the vehicle carrying the DJ system fled the scene. Circle officer (CO) Ramchandra Choudhary said, "On Sunday, a group of people in the village had objected to playing of the DJ during the kanwar yatra, but another group was adamant. On Monday afternoon, they started playing the DJ and there was a conflict between both groups. Police reached the spot while the driver of the DJ vehicle fled." According to the villagers, a kanwar yatra from Muhami village was on its way to Bumbani, playing DJ music during the procession. "The other group was annoyed as they had already conveyed that no DJ music should be played in the yatra. Gegal police reached the spot and tried to control the situation," said one of the villagers, adding that police asked to stop the DJ music but the kanwariyas continued to play it. A Gegal police constable said, "Some of the kanwariyas tried to attack the police, but the situation was controlled." For more than half an hour, there was ruckus on the road, other villagers said. Angry kanwariyas sat on a dharna on the road, stating that their religious feelings were hurt, but police resolved the situation. "We have deputed police in the village to control any situation," added another official.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
I've been spiked multiple times – here's how you can beat sickos, says Ashley James as druggings rise with KIDS targeted
NEARLY seven million unsuspecting Brits have had drugs slipped into their drink as 'spiking' hits epidemic levels. Children as young as 11 have even been targeted and holidaymakers heading to Europe are being warned to stay alert to the dangers. 5 5 5 This Morning presenter Ashley James fears she has had mystery narcotics sneaked into her drinks 'multiple times' when out socialising. Today, as a Sun on Sunday probe reveals spiking is reaching new heights, the 38-year-old star said: 'I have suspected that I've been spiked multiple times during my university days and also when I've been out in London at various times. 'Having spent a lot of time in nightlife spaces — especially working as a DJ — I've sadly seen just how common spiking still is. "Several of my close friends have had their drinks spiked, both in the UK and abroad, and there's lots of cases where boys are spiked for pranks. Terrifying trend 'It seems like everyone, including myself, has either been spiked or knows someone who has. "I want to raise awareness, especially as we're going into festival season and summer and people are out in beer gardens and so on.' Victims have been spiked before being sexually assaulted or robbed, and recent cases have shown that some people are also drugging others for a 'joke'. Latest figures from the National Police Chiefs' Council show there were 6,732 recorded spiking cases in the 12 months to April 2023, including 957 reports of needle spiking, which involves victims being injected with drugs. Freedom of Information requests also show constabularies across the country are dealing with more cases than ever. Children as young as 11 are even being targeted with drugs including ketamine, Rohypnol, MDMA and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Greater Manchester Police recorded 463 spiking incidents last year, compared to 128 in 2019. Some 78 victims were aged 16 to 18, and 14 were between 11 and 15 years old. Meanwhile, West Midlands Police logged 183 suspected incidents against women last year, compared to 25 in 2020. There were 105 reported involving male victims. And in West Yorks, cops had reports of 444 drink spiking incidents last year, compared to 143 in 2019. Ashley is raising awareness alongside campaign group CounterSpike. They have created a SpikeStixx kit, which allows people to test their drinks for a range of drugs. The TV host says she would never now 'accept drinks from strangers' or leave her glass unattended. Some 6.6million people — around one in ten of the population — are believed to have been spiked at some point, according to CounterSpike research. 5 Yet 90 per cent of cases go unreported, according to Drinkaware and Anglia Ruskin University. Drink spiking is the most common method, but drugs have also been added to vapes and food. And a terrifying new trend called needle spiking has emerged in recent years. More than 140 people reported being jabbed at France's Fete de La Musique festival last month. Police, who made a number of arrests, did not say at the time if it was needle-spiking. Some 80 per cent of spikings take place in public spaces, including bars, clubs and festivals. Mum-of-one Cara Sayer was at a singles night at a bar in Esher, Surrey, in 2021 when she was spiked. The 53-year-old, who runs her own company, SnoozeShade, said: 'I went with a girlfriend. I had to be up early the next day so didn't drink excessively. 'My last coherent memory was my friend leaving at 9.45pm. After that, I vaguely remember wobbling around the dance floor. Spiking is a big concern and it's driven by accessibility to cheap drugs, which is why we are seeing cases involving children. Tory MP Joe Robertson 'Not dancing, but stumbling and trying to stay on my feet. I was found unconscious in the toilet surrounded by my own sick. 'An ambulance was called and they were the first to mention spiking. They said my eyes looked dilated and a bit funny. But when I called the police, they made me feel like it was my fault. 'It took away any element of control and that was terrifying.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in November that tampering with someone's drink is set to become a specific crime. It is currently prosecuted under seven different laws. To bring charges, cops must have evidence of the substance, a suspect, and CCTV footage of them spiking the victim or a credible eyewitness. Police dealt with in 2023, only six per cent ended in an arrest. But there have been some successful prosecutions. In May, Paige Myer, from Northumberland, received a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, after she was convicted at Newcastle crown court of 'administering a poison'. She was in a pub when she spiked a woman with amyl nitrite, known as poppers, for a 'joke'. 'Took away control' And in January, Vikas Nath, 61 — a director of the Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant Benares — was charged with administering a substance with intent of overpowering a woman for sexual activity. He denies the claim and is due to stand trial next year. Tory MP Joe Robertson said: 'Spiking is a big concern and it's driven by accessibility to cheap drugs, which is why we are seeing cases involving children. 'I'm worried it's on the rise and it's really hard to prosecute.' The Foreign Office warned Brits to be vigilant abroad after spikings in hotspots including Benidorm, Magaluf and Malta. Colin Mackie, who founded charity Spike Aware after his son Greg, 18, died from a suspected spiking in 2017, said: 'Recently, we were contacted by an 82-year-old man who was spiked and robbed on holiday in Spain. He was walking down the strip when two girls said, 'Come to our pub for our complimentary drink and to watch the football'. 'One brought him a beer. The next thing he knows he's on the floor. "He was taken to hospital and it turned out he'd been spiked and, three days later, he noticed one of his credit cards had gone missing. 'When he went to check, £2,500 had been taken out of his account.' Colin also revealed he had been contacted by the parents of an 11-year-old from Liverpool whose life changed after he was spiked. He said: 'His so-called friends put ketamine in his Lucozade, for fun, to make him look silly. 'He was sick and it affected him mentally. He became aggressive and resentful and he didn't want to go to school any more.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
From 150kg and unable to swim a length to a 70-mile triathlon
Nine months ago, Owen Peddle was 23.5 stone, unhappy with how he looked and unable to swim a full length of a pool. Determined to make a change, he was inspired by two friends and signed himself up for the Swansea Ironman 70.3, a half-distance version of the Ironman triathlon. What faced him was a 1.2-mile swim, followed by a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run, half-marathon distance, to finish. "The real win for me was getting myself to the start line," he said. "The actual event was the cherry on top." The race in Swansea arrived on 6 July, one of the hottest days of the year so far, and saw Mr Peddle cheered around the course by supporters shouting "Pedz" in 32C-heat. He finished in eight hours and 32 minutes. Mr Peddle, from Rogerstone, Newport, gained a huge social media following in the build up to the race as he shared his training on TikTok and Instagram, something he said helped keep him "on the straight and narrow". "I've never really trained this hard or applied myself to anything this much in my life," he said. The DJ and events manager was inspired by two of his closest friends completing a full-length Ironman in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, last September. "I was not happy with how I looked or who I was becoming, really" he said. "I just knew something needed to change." Mr Peddle, a former prop who quit rugby at 22, said he chose the event because it was a real challenge for him. "I couldn't do any of it to start," he said. "It's the most unnatural thing to swim, then bike, then run," he added. Even playing rugby from the age of 15, he had always "pretty heavy and pretty unfit". After he stopped training for rugby, his fitness levels dropped further. Trips to the gym yielded little result because he was not applying himself properly or enjoying himself. "I knew it was bad. I knew something had to change but it just didn't click until I saw that (Ironman) in Tenby." Working with his coach, he built up his strength and stamina gradually, losing four stone (25kg) over the course of his training. He started with 20-minute bike rides and 20-minute runs, alternating one minute running with three minutes of walking. "I was getting a bit anxious come Christmas time when I still hadn't run10km and biked over 40km and I hadn't swum the distance in one go," he said. But he put his faith in his coach and waited for the results to come. He was also conscious that he needed to be careful not to injure himself and was worried about his knees and hips in particular. "It was also about making sure I don't over-train. It was quite a delicate balance," he said. As the event approached, he was training close to 10 hours a week. Mr Peddle said the gradual reduction in weight as a result of his training had been much more sustainable than previous attempts to lose weight. "Slowly changing stuff for me worked really well," he said. "There's still a long way to go, but it's a nice start." In addition, it brought mental health benefits. "The mental clarity that comes with training 10 hours a week is brilliant," he said. Being confident he could complete the event at the start line was "the most important thing", he said. He felt "elated" crossing the finish line. "It was very emotional." "I'm definitely going to do something else like it again," he said. "In the future, not next year but in a couple of years, Tenby is on the list, so [is] the full Ironman," he said. Next year would be too soon, but "maybe 2027 or 2028", and he would also like to compete in the Ironman 70.3 event again, perhaps abroad. "I really do enjoy the training," he said. "I wouldn't want to go back to being the person I was, with no motivation and no drive." Man completes 70-mile hike carrying fridge-freezer Finding my love for roller derby changed my life The pioneering woman surfer in a sea of men
