MY latest journey to Dublin to go to my pricey good friend Patrick McAteer, who’s over visiting from sunny California, was actually an thrilling journey. We had set out with the aim of making ready for subsequent 12 months’s Pleasant Circle Berlin convention on addictions, which might be held on the illustrious Trinity Faculty Dublin.

Patrick and I had a packed schedule of finalising  plans, exploring the convention venue, and immersing ourselves within the cultural richness of Dublin.

Trinity Faculty Dublin is a powerful place with its lengthy historical past, spectacular structure and air of scholarly status. Throughout our go to to the convention theatre that we’ve booked, we got an informative tour of the school’s environment, and we each instantly sensed that this might be a implausible venue to welcome audio system and delegates from around the globe. The theatre itself is spacious, completely outfitted and ideally suited to the kind of open discussions and interesting displays we all know the convention will encourage.

Nonetheless, our journey wasn’t all enterprise. As we walked across the cobbled paths of Trinity, we found that the school was buzzing with exercise, with decorations and shows marking the spirit of Samhain/Halloween in Eire, celebrated in its wealthy, conventional type. Trinity was decked out with autumnal lights, eerie decorations and a powerful homage to Bram Stoker, certainly one of its most well-known college students and naturally the legendary writer of Dracula.

It was surreal to stroll the identical paths that Bram Stoker as soon as roamed as a pupil, pondering his future and drawing inspiration for what would turn out to be one of many world’s most famed gothic novels.

As night fell, the environment shifted and have become much more mysterious. The faculty grounds, already steeped in historical past, appeared to tackle an otherworldly glow as college students and guests remodeled into ghoulish figures and mystical creatures. Shadows danced throughout the aged buildings, and flickering lights introduced an eerie vibe that transported us straight into the darkish coronary heart of Stoker’s Gothic Dublin. Patrick and I couldn’t assist however be drawn into the magic and thriller that stuffed the air; we discovered ourselves relishing the joys and immersing ourselves totally within the supernatural spirit that embraced town.

Samhain, certainly one of Dublin’s most anticipated festivals, brings town’s historical past, myths and legends to life in a rare vogue. For the financial institution vacation weekend, the atypical world recedes and Dublin reveals its hidden, darker facet, a spot the place the mundane and the legendary mix seamlessly. Individuals from all walks of life – whether or not curious wanderers, households searching for enjoyable, or true gothic lovers – can discover one thing to fascinate them.

Occasions and actions abound, from haunted homes and ghost excursions to family-friendly storytelling classes and atmospheric parades. For Patrick and me, it was a welcome break from the calls for of convention planning and a possibility to savour the haunting fantastic thing about Dublin.

Our journey to Trinity Faculty was not solely productive, however left us each feeling impressed. The expertise of seeing the theatre and exploring the campus in all its Samhain splendour introduced a brand new stage of pleasure to our convention preparations.

As I left Dublin on the Enterprise sure for Belfast, I felt sure that subsequent 12 months’s occasion might be one thing actually outstanding, formed by the historic setting of Trinity and the distinctive, enchanting spirit of Dublin itself. And to prime all of it, I clocked up over twenty thousand steps on my pedometer. Not dangerous for 3 rating and ten plus.

The flamboyant pop-rockers shall be heading to Birmingham, set to carry out at The Utilita Enviornment on Could 25, 2025.

It is going to be the primary time in historical past that the trio of Jake Shears, Scott ‘Babydaddy’ Hoffman and Del Marquis will carry out the group’s debut self-titled album in full, in celebration of it’s twentieth anniversary.

The band has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2012 after they instructed a London viewers at Camden Roundhouse they have been going “on a pause”.

The group have mentioned that Ana Matronic, whose actual title is Ana Lynch, has “determined to not be a part of the tour as she has different initiatives she is specializing in proper now”, and one other singer shall be introduced at a later stage.

Talking on this announcement, Del Marquis mentioned: “We’ve spent loads of time collectively fascinated with what we are able to add to our present that isn’t a ‘alternative’ for Ana in any approach.

 “She’s a part of the spirit of this band and we wish to honour that.”

Jake Shears added: “It’s the twentieth anniversary of our debut album, so it actually seems like the correct time to revisit all the extraordinary pleasure of that second.

“I believe the impetus for this reunion was actually a YouTube screening of Scissor Sisters: Stay at The O2 that occurred throughout lockdown.

“I don’t assume I’d seen that present because it was filmed in 2007, however we have been all form of shocked by how nice it was.

“And chatting with followers through the screening actually introduced again what a particular second it was for all of us.”

The band, identified for hits corresponding to ‘I Can’t Determine’ and ‘I Don’t Really feel Like Dancin’ ’ have mentioned that many fan-favourites may even be on the set listing.

Babydaddy mentioned: “There’s one thing actually particular about us being a homosexual band, a queer band, who actually pushed into the mainstream with that album.

“We wish to revisit that as a result of there weren’t as many queer acts breaking by means of in that approach 20 years in the past.

“We do acknowledge that we did one thing fairly distinctive again then simply by placing ourselves on the market as queer individuals.

“We put queer tradition within the mainstream at a time when there wasn’t a lot of it there.”

They may kick off their tour in Nottingham on Could 16, earlier than heading to Glasgow, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Manchester, London, Leeds, Belfast and Dublin, in addition to Birmingham.

Tickets will go on sale subsequent Friday, November 8, at 9am.

NEW YORK —  Shohei Ohtani was hitting with one arm.

Restricted by the left shoulder he partially dislocated simply 4 days earlier, Ohtani was at this level roughly a decoy, which, coincidentally or not, is the title of his world-famous canine.

Didn’t matter.

He wished to hit. So when Tommy Edman drew a stroll in what turned out to be a decisive eighth inning in Sport 5 of the World Collection, Ohtani entered the on-deck circle.

One downside: He’d skipped forward in line.

Recognizing his mistake when Gavin Lux climbed up the dugout steps, Ohtani quickly retreated to the bench.

Chuckling, Lux recalled telling Ohtani, “Calm down, man, it’s my flip first.”

Lux tied the rating with a sacrifice fly and Mookie Betts received it with one other whereas Ohtani settled for reaching base on a catcher’s interference name, however the sequence within the on-deck circle was nonetheless revealing.

Ohtani wished to be within the batter’s field with the sport on the road. Even in a compromised state, he wasn’t afraid of the second.

The very best participant in baseball for the final 4 years, Ohtani grew to become a World Collection champion on Wednesday evening. His coronation was staged at Yankee Stadium, the place the Dodgers claimed a 7-6 victory over the New York Yankees to win the best-of-seven sequence, 4 video games to 1.

As his teammates showered him with beer and glowing wine in the course of the visiting clubhouse, Ohtani raised the commissioner’s trophy.

“Actually, I’m simply completely satisfied,” Ohtani mentioned in Japanese.

The championship marked an acceptable finish for the best particular person season in Dodgers historical past, one wherein Ohtani grew to become the primary participant in historical past to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in the identical season. Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers after enjoying six seasons for the Angels, is predicted to win his third MVP award in 4 years.

“I feel there’s a respectable argument that he’s the best participant to ever play the sport,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman mentioned.

Ohtani is extra targeted than another participant. He’s extra gifted than another participant. He might be braver than another participant.

Braveness is required to be as openly bold as Ohtani, who mentioned his intention was to turn out to be the No. 1 participant on the planet when he departed Japan for the main league seven years in the past.

“He needs to be essentially the most superb baseball participant within the historical past of the world,” Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly mentioned.

To dream as Ohtani does is to be condemned to failure. Just one participant will be one of the best. Not each participant has the resolve to tackle such odds, not even essentially the most proficient of gamers. Particularly essentially the most proficient of gamers, who’ve essentially the most fragile of egos.

As a lot success as he’s loved over the past 4 years, Ohtani has endured his share of failure as nicely.

In his first three seasons with the Angels, he wasn’t near being the participant he wished to be. He underwent two Tommy John surgical procedures. He ended up leaving the Angels with out showing in a playoff recreation for them.

That didn’t cease him from dreaming of extra.

The size of his ambition was most evident in a aim chart he created as a senior at Hanamaki Higashi Excessive.

He deliberate on throwing a pitch 175 kilometers per hour, or about 109 mph. He wished to throw a number of no-hitters. By this stage of his profession, he dreamed of successful a number of World Baseball Basic titles and a number of Cy Younger Awards.

The one a type of objects he’s checked off is the WBC title, which he’s received as soon as. However that’s not the purpose. The purpose was that he wasn’t afraid to set and pursue outrageous targets.

Dodgers president Stan Kasten, proper, celebrates with Shohei Ohtani after the staff’s World Collection win over the New York Yankees.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Occasions)

Contemplating that background, it was completely anticipated that he would attempt to play with {a partially} dislocated shoulder if he may.

“Even after I bought damage, I wished to organize to play,” Ohtani mentioned. “Greater than something, I used to be honored to be informed that I used to be wanted. I’m grateful they informed me that.”

Over the ultimate three video games of the World Collection, Ohtani was only one for 11. He completed the postseason batting .230 with three homers, 13 runs batted in and 14 runs scored in 16 video games. He additionally struck out 22 instances.

“He was enjoying with one arm within the postseason,” supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned. “Most guys would in all probability faucet out, however he was going to not be denied at enjoying and posting and being within the lineup.”

His reward was one other booze-fueled locker room celebration wherein he emptied beers on his teammates and momentarily put aside the burden of genius he carries with him virtually day-after-day. At one level, Ohtani mischievously sneaked up on Friedman as he was encircled by reporters and sprayed champagne in his face.

“9 extra, 9 extra!” Ohtani shouted at Friedman.

He in all probability wasn’t kidding.

Wanting again, the star says he wished to go away the band on a excessive – following the break-out success of the drag-inspired single Let’s Have A Kiki, which stays a fixture at homosexual bars and Pleasure occasions.

“Kiki was such a sensation, and it was so surprising,” he says.

“At that second, I used to be like, ‘I do not know if I’ve acquired something left to say by this filter’.

“Child Daddy wished to do graphic novels, and Del [Marquis, guitarist] was doing interiors. All of us had our totally different fascinations we wished to discover.”

Within the intervening years, Shears launched two solo albums and wrote the Broadway musical Tammy Faye with Elton John; whereas Child Daddy balanced his literary ambitions with songwriting gigs for Kylie Minogue, Tinashe and Demi Lovato.

The reunion spark was lit throughout the pandemic, when the band hosted a live-stream of their 2007 live performance DVD as a fundraiser for the charity Trans Lifeline.

“We form of stunned ourselves that the present was good and that there was one thing there that was unfinished,” says Shears.

“It was unimaginable to see the assist we had again then,” provides Marquis. “We typically overlook about that as a result of we might at all times return to the US, the place we weren’t essentially [as big].”

“There’s one thing very explicit about the best way the UK adopted us,” agrees Child Daddy. “Much less as followers, however nearly like household, in a humorous manner.”

In celebration of Halloween, McAfee & Taft’s Oklahoma Metropolis and Tulsa places of work had been as soon as once more remodeled right into a magical, fun-filled place for youngsters of all ages.  Costumed trick-or-treaters had been handled to sweet, face portray, photograph cubicles, cotton sweet, and popcorn whereas roaming halls creatively adorned with a myriad of themes, together with The Addams Household, Carnival Circus, Clowns, Dracula’s Fortress, Enchanted Forest, Frozen, Monsters, Inc., Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, and Below the Sea.

In Oklahoma Metropolis, prizes had been awarded for finest group decorations and finest particular person costumes.  The ninth ground staff’s Below the Sea theme, which featured a shipwreck, seaside, and submarine, in addition to scenes from Child Shark, Discovering Nemo, The Little Mermaid, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Jaws, took first place.  The 8^th ground’s Pirates of the Caribbean theme swashbuckled their approach to second place, and the Aviation Group took third with their re-creation of Taylor Swift’s jet-setting and record-breaking Eras Tour.  Justin Crayton (pirate) gained first place for Greatest Costume, adopted by Liz Morse (clown) in second place and Patrick Stein (Squidward) and Lydia Frizzell (turtle) tying for third place.

In Tulsa, the Household Regulation Group’s creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky Addams Household (Regulation) theme took first place, adopted by Monster’s Inc., and Frozen.  Lanette Dietz and her pup Rigby (Dracula and The Vampire Canine) gained first place for Greatest Costume, Brooke Flescher (Wednesday Addams) was awarded second prize, and Anna DeShazo and Kendra Mark took third (Monster, Inc.’s Mike and Sully).

For those who’re ever questioning what time of yr it’s, you solely want to show your gaze to the west, and Santa Monica Pier, the place the Pacific Wheel will seemingly be shimmering with enduring and beloved symbols of the season.

The large solar-powered Ferris wheel honored the Dodgers and their World Sequence win Oct. 30 with a blue blast of baseball imagery and LA love.

Now 90-foot-tall pumpkins will seem on the night of Oct. 31, with sugar skulls to observe in honor of Día de los Muertos on the nights of Nov. 1 and a pair of.

That is all free to see if you happen to’re at or close to the pier; using the Pacific Wheel is a ticketed journey, do consider (you should purchase your tickets when you’re at Pacific Park).

However fear not if you cannot be on the Santa Monica landmark between sundown and 12:30 a.m. on these nights; there is a free webcam to take a look at, candy.

Oh sure: And a joyful Día de los Muertos festivity will flower at Santa Monica Pier from 5 to eight p.m. Nov. 1 and 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 2.

Search for “public artwork installations, dwell performances, and interactive actions,” in addition to ofrendas that guests could add to, if they need.

It is all taking place on the historic and magical Merry-Go-Spherical constructing, which shall be adorned with papel picado and different decorations that pay tribute to the transferring event.

There have been many motion pictures set in Vermont, however they’re typically not truly filmed right here. That’s partly as a result of Vermont doesn’t provide tax credit to filmmakers like another states. So, when the Beetlejuice crew arrived in 1987, it was an enormous deal.

Beetlejuice tells the story of a not too long ago deceased couple, performed by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin, who enlist the assistance of the mischievous Beetlejuice to scare away the Deetz household, who’ve moved into their residence.

The movie is ready within the fictional city of Winter River, Connecticut, however was filmed in East Corinth, Vermont. For the sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the crew returned in 2023 to recreate the unique movie’s areas.

“Something that we noticed or knew, we both had an NDA or an sincere pinky swear,” stated East Corinth resident and Beetlejuice fanatic Wade Pierson. “I feel a number of the issues they launched had been truly to throw individuals off, and so they did.”

Pierson, born and raised in East Corinth, is a Beetlejuice fanatic. He guides us by way of the village, taking us to a big white constructing — Miss Shannon’s College for Women, the place Lydia Deetz, performed by Winona Ryder, attends faculty within the first film.

“On my method down right here, I used to be dropping off a few pumpkins at Miss Shannon’s, and a automotive was already there. I couldn’t assist however cease,” Pierson stated. “They stated they had been from Wisconsin.”

Ryder reprises her position as Lydia within the sequel, and the college is briefly featured as her daughter, Astrid, performed by Jenna Ortega, bikes by way of the village.

The schoolhouse, greater than 100 years outdated, was not too long ago offered. An indication on the constructing says they hope to revive it and rework it right into a Beetlejuice museum, group middle and theater, with a request for donations. In entrance of the college, there is a signal resembling the college signal from the primary film.

“Perhaps three or 4 years in the past, I made an enormous one to place up at Miss Shannon’s College. It’s a poster from the ’87 VHS sleeve,” Pierson stated.

Pierson has positioned images round city showcasing filming areas from the film. It takes about 10 minutes to see all of the spots. Yellow cones with black stripes line the highway, marking key factors of curiosity, which Pierson calls “sandworms,” referencing the striped snake-worm monster within the movie.

“Even earlier than there was phrase of a second one coming, I couldn’t mow my garden with out individuals stopping and asking instructions,” Pierson stated.

When information of the sequel broke, villagers had been excited to see the crew return. Filming in Vermont started in summer time 2023. Pierson estimates that in filming, as much as 1,100 guests arrived day by day. In case you are planning a go to East Corinth, you must know that Hollywood magic was concerned. Not each constructing seen within the film is actual; the primary home was a facade taken down after manufacturing, and the coated bridge was additionally a set piece.

Within the village, we meet Sarah Polli, who grew up in East Corinth, and invitations us into her residence. She’s witnessed many Beetlejuice-related occasions from her entrance yard.

“I’ve seen engagements on this bridge, individuals dressed as Lydia,” Polli stated. “As soon as, a younger girl dressed as Lydia, and her boyfriend was taking her image. Typically, individuals even come dressed as Beetlejuice.”

Polli recollects visiting the set in the course of the first manufacturing.

“That first film, it may need been 15 or 20 individuals with Tim Burton, and I simply keep in mind a wagon with 4 wheels and a digicam,” she stated.

Her residence was featured within the film — type of.

“It was the Winter River hearth division, and so they did put a facade over my storage doorways and painted the doorways crimson, and so they parked an enormous hearth engine out right here within the yard,” Polli stated.

Polli has a plethora of images from the unique film set. She reveals us images of Davis and Baldwin on her entrance garden between takes. She additionally remembers Ryder taking part in contact soccer with locals, and her uncle, Maurice Web page, was within the movie.

“My uncle was within the movie, and Tim Burton took a liking to him,” Polli stated. “They tried to have him play the barber, however he stored ad-libbing, so he ended up as Ernie, sprucing the lions on the library steps. All he needed to do was wave to Alec and Geena and say, ‘Hello. How are you?’”

Polli says she’s met guests from around the globe who come to see a slice of movie historical past. She’s seen vacationers from Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Nice Britain, Canada, and all around the United States. We seen this too after we meet a customer from Florida and a gaggle from Spain. All are followers of Tim Burton and his motion pictures. Polli shares one final reminiscence of speaking to Burton in the course of the 2023 manufacturing.

“I did get to talk to Tim Burton and instructed him I remembered him from 36 years in the past,” Polli stated. “I discussed my uncle was Ernie within the first film, and he stated, ‘I keep in mind him.’ It was actually enjoyable.”

Mike Dunn created the video on this piece.

Have questions, feedback, or suggestions? Ship us a message.

Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, England’s Take a look at and limited-overs captains respectively, have every signed new two-year central contracts.

Final October, Stokes declined a three-year deal when the England and Wales Cricket Board rolled out multi-year contracts for the primary time and as a substitute elected to signal a shorter-term 12-month choice.

As anticipated, Stokes has dedicated to England till a minimum of 2026, masking subsequent winter’s all-important Ashes collection in Australia, whereas Buttler has agreed recent phrases, extending his contract by 12 months.

It was introduced earlier on Thursday that Buttler, who has not performed competitively since late June because of a nagging calf damage, has not been retained by Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals.

Buttler has been on the Royals since 2018 and was the IPL’s MVP two years in the past so a brand new multi-year take care of England, which had been launched to thrust back curiosity from franchise leagues, might sugar the capsule.

Jamie Smith has cemented himself as first-choice Take a look at wicketkeeper in latest months, edging out Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes, and he has been rewarded with a primary England deal, signing for 2 years.

Bairstow nonetheless has a 12 months left to run on his contract regardless of being neglected for worldwide obligation for the reason that T20 World Cup in June, whereas Foakes has not been supplied one other deal.

Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt, quick bowler Olly Stone and all-rounder Will Jacks have obtained England central contracts for the primary time, with every signing on for one 12 months.

Quick bowler Gus Atkinson has seen his phrases upgraded till 2026 whereas Harry Brook, Joe Root and Mark Wooden nonetheless have two years left to run on their current offers.

The ECB issued 18 multi-year offers final October however that has been pared again to only seven people this time round.

Jack Leach and Reece Topley had been amongst these supplied 12-month offers final 12 months and have been retained on related phrases however James Anderson, Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan have retired from worldwide obligation.

open picture in gallery

Ollie Robinson has additionally not been thought-about regardless of an exemplary Take a look at bowling common of twenty-two.92, with the seamer unused amid considerations about his health following a forgettable show final winter in India.

Improvement contracts have been awarded to all-rounder Jacob Bethell, left-arm seamer Josh Hull and John Turner, whose fellow pacemen Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have misplaced theirs.

Jordan Cox, who is about to make his ODI debut towards the West Indies in Antigua on Thursday and can maintain for England in a Take a look at tour of New Zealand with Smith unavailable, has not been supplied a deal.

“The power and depth of expertise throughout England males’s red- and white-ball cricket is obvious within the high quality of gamers who’re centrally contracted,” stated England’s managing director of cricket Rob Key.

“These contracts reward the gamers we imagine will play an essential function for our England males’s groups.

“I wish to congratulate all of the gamers who’ve signed new central contracts forward of what’s set to be an thrilling interval for England males’s cricket.”

Two-year offers: G Atkinson, H Brook, J Buttler, J Root, J Smith, B Stokes, M Wooden.

One-year offers: R Ahmed, J Archer, J Bairstow, S Bashir, B Carse, Z Crawley, S Curran, B Duckett, W Jacks, J Leach, L Livingstone, O Pope, M Potts, A Rashid, P Salt, O Stone, J Tongue, R Topley, C Woakes.

Improvement offers: J Bethell, J Hull, J Turner.