Fans of Bring Me the Horizon who were trying to reach frontman Oli Sykes accidentally sent emails to a children’s book author named Oliver Sykes.
In a piece written for the U.K.’s Metro, the non-BMTH Sykes explains how he started getting an influx of emails from fans of the band when they released their 2008 album, Suicide Season.
“My inbox started piling up with messages — predominantly from teenage girls — desperately trying to contact Oli Sykes,” says Oliver, who was a college student at the time. “I had about 30 or 40 people telling me how much they loved ‘me’ and ‘my album.'”
“A case of mistaken identity isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but what was harder was reading the content of some of these emails,” he continues. “By nature of the record’s name, these vulnerable young people who had connected with Oli started telling me about their mental health and really intimate parts of their lives.”
Oliver decided the best course of action was to reply to these mistaken fans clarifying he was not the Oli Sykes and with the help of student services, craft a standard reply including links to Oli’s website and mental health resources.
“I was spending more time replying to emails for Oli Sykes than I was on my actual degree,” Oliver says.
Since the Metro article was published over the weekend, Oli reached out to Oliver via an Instagram DM thanking him for taking the time to reply to all those fans.
“That’s an incredibly sweet and selfless thing to do, thank you,” Oli wrote.
If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or by visiting 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Britney Spears made a rare public appearance with husband Sam Asghari over the weekend and was seemingly in high spirits.
Daily Mailshared snapshots paparazzi snapped of the pair hitting up the upscale restaurant Nobu in Malibu on Sunday. Britney covered her eyes with a pair of sunglasses but was seen smiling and laughing throughout the night.
Other snaps show her linking arms with Sam as they walked together.
Britney also shared a few photos of her own to Instagram, where she and her friends “went to visit my favorite tree.” She explains she takes a picture with it every year and seemingly stands in the same spot. “Well I stood in the exact same place as last year … why the hell was the tree so damn big last year,” she joked and wrote it off as “Another mystery.”
In a separate post, she called her date night with Sam the “best night ever.”
The singer has dealt with several unsavory headlines over the past few weeks, including reports that claimed her friends had planned an intervention regarding her alleged concerning behavior. That came after fans asked police to perform a wellness check on Britney after she briefly deleted her Instagram account.
Britney has responded to both reports on social media and has asked fans to respect her privacy.
On Tuesday, 20th Century Studios released a trailer of two-time Oscar nominee Keira Knightley on the hunt for one of the most notorious serial killers in history, in the Hulu-bound film Boston Strangler.
Knightley plays Record-American newspaper reporter Loretta McLaughlin, the first journalist to connect a string of brutal murders that terrorized the titular city in the 1960s. The studio teases, “As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Fargo Emmy nominee Carrie Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era.”
In the trailer, she pleads with a skeptical colleague, played by Academy Award-winner Chris Cooper, “How many women have to die before this becomes a story!?”
The intrepid reporters soldier on and “bravely pursue the story at great personal risk, putting their own lives on the line in their quest to uncover the truth.”
Coon’s Cole exclaims at one point, “There’s more than one lunatic out there, and you’re gonna get us both killed!”
The thriller, produced by Oscar winner Ridley Scott, also stars Ant-Man trilogy player David Dastmalchian, Amsterdam‘s Alessandro Nivola and Joker‘s Bill Camp. It premieres on Hulu on March 17.
Meanwhile, ABC Audio also released on Tuesday its audio trailer to Truth and Lies: The Boston Strangler, a free three-part true-crime companion podcast to the film. Premiering on Wednesday, March 1, the first collaboration between ABC Audio and 20th Century Studios is hosted by award-winning journalist and author Dick Lehr. It features ABC News archive material from the case and new interviews with relatives of those involved.
20th Century Studios is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.
US Environmental Protection Agency / Handout/Anadolu Agency/ Getty Images
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio) — Norfolk Southern Railway, the operator of the train that derailed in East Palestine, said in a statement Monday that 15,000 pounds of contaminated soil, equal to seven-and-a-half tons, and 1.5 million gallons of contaminated water have been excavated.
It comes more than two weeks after the accident, which raised significant concerns after it was discovered that several cars were carrying dangerous materials on board.
Some of those materials, including vinyl chloride, ethyl acrylate and isobutylene, are considered to be very toxic — possibly carcinogenic — and could be unsafe for both residents and the environment.
The company, however, did not say which chemicals were found in either the soil or the water.
Some of those materials, including vinyl chloride, ethyl acrylate and isobutylene, are considered to be very toxic — possibly carcinogenic — and could be unsafe for both residents and the environment.
The company, however, did not say which chemicals were found in either the soil or the water.
Norfolk Southern said the material “will be transported to landfills and disposal facilities that are designed to accept it safely in accordance with state and federal regulations.”
Meanwhile, a series of pumps are rerouting Sulpher Run, a 3.5-mile stream, around the derailment site. The affected portions of the stream have been dammed to protect the downstream water, according to the company.
“Environmental teams” are treating the impacted portions with booms, aeration and carbon filtration units and working with experts on soil and groundwater collection, Norfolk Southern said.
The excavation teams are reportedly working with stream experts to cultivate a plan in case stream banks or sediment remain contaminated.
Additionally, Norfolk Southern said the “majority” of the hazardous rail cars have been decontaminated and those cars are being held onsite so that the National Transportation Safety Board can proceed with its investigation, after which the cars will be scrapped and moved for disposal.
On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency said it intends to compel Norfolk Southern to pay for all cleaning if it fails to complete any actions the agency deems necessary.
The Norfolk Southern train derailment has upended the lives of East Palestine families, and EPA’s order will ensure the company is held accountable for jeopardizing the health and safety of this community,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. “Let me be clear: Norfolk Southern will pay for cleaning up the mess they created and for the trauma they’ve inflicted on this community.”
The company also boasted that its financial assistance to the East Palestine community has “surpassed serving more than 2,200 families.”
“Since establishing the FAC Feb. 4, the company has made more than $3.4 million in direct payments to citizens impacted by the incident,” the company said.
Norfolk Southern also announced it is designating one of its local railroaders who lives in East Palestine a “dedicated community liaison” for the ongoing recovery efforts.
This “liaison” gig is a one-year assignment, the company said — with a $1 million budget.
“I want residents of East Palestine to know that Norfolk Southern will be in their community to help for as long as needed,” Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said in a statement Monday night. “Our new community liaison is a Norfolk Southern employee and resident of East Palestine. He will be an advocate for the community with a direct line to me and our senior leadership team.”
The company also repeatedly touted its financial commitment so far to East Palestine, which stands at more than $5.6 million.
Aside from the $1 million for the community liaison, there is $3.4 million in direct financial assistance to families; $1 million for a community assistance fund and $220,000 reimbursement to fund new equipment for first responders.
The news comes as a medical clinic in East Palestine opens on Tuesday to address health concerns and questions raised by residents.
At the clinic, residents will be able to receive a health assessment to see if they are suffering from exposure symptoms. If needed, clinicians will make referrals for patients. The clinic will open at noon on Tuesday and remain open every day through Saturday.
(DETROIT, MI) — Arielle Anderson, a 19-year-old Michigan State University student gunned down on campus, dreamed of becoming a surgeon.
She even planned to graduate early to get a head start on her career, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said at her funeral Tuesday.
But “her future was robbed from her by a senseless act of violence,” the governor said at the service at Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit.
Anderson was one of three students shot and killed on Feb. 13. Five others were injured. The suspected gunman was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“While her life was cut short in the cruelest of ways, her impact is undeniable as I look around this church, as I listen to stories,” Whitmer said.
The teenager who loved photography and her family had “wisdom beyond her years,” the governor said.
Whitmer said Anderson had a “quiet confidence” and was known for her “loud compassion.”
In middle school, Anderson “led by example” and “was an advocate of making sure everyone belonged,” Roy Bishop Jr., deputy superintendent of Educational Services for Grosse Pointe Public Schools, said at the service. Two of the three victims of the shooting, including Anderson, were from Grosse Point.
Bishop called her drive and compassion inspirational.
In eighth grade mock elections, Anderson was voted most likely to succeed, and Bishop said “she would go on to do just that.”
When Anderson headed to high school, she announced she’d become a doctor, Bishop said.
In a college recommendation letter, Bishop said one of Anderson’s teachers described her as “hard-working, dedicated, talented and driven,” as well as “compassionate, thoughtful and mature.”
“She embraced her middle name, Diamond,” Bishop said. “She shined so bright for everyone to see.”
“Arielle’s life, her impact, her mere presence, has changed the world for the better,” Bishop said.
The 19-year-old is survived by her mother, father, grandparents, siblings and a great-grandmother.
Anderson was very close with her mom and had a special bond with her aunt, who has special needs and is nonverbal, her family said.
Ashley McBryde‘s leaving a light on for us this Friday.
The recent Grammy winner confirmed on her socials she’s dropping a new track this week.
“You know me, as soon as we put out new music… first thing I want to do is put out more new music,” Ashley shared on Instagram. “I can, I am, I will. Love youuuu. ‘Light On In The Kitchen’ is out Friday!”
Earlier, she teased the tune in a post that includes a recording of a phone conversation with her mother, as well as a short snippet of the song.
“I’m noticing now how big a difference such seemingly small comforts have made in my life,” Ashley reflected. “Things as simple as ‘Sure, Honey’ from a voice I need to hear it from, or just walking into the kitchen for a drink in the middle of the night. How comforting that warm glow has always been… Leave a light on y’all. Big hugs.”
The new music is likely the first taste of Ashley’s forthcoming third album. Her most recent record, Never Will, came out in April of 2020, followed by last September’s collaborative Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville project.
George Harrison‘s solo albums will now be available via a partnership with his Dark Horse Records label and BMG, the company that in 2022 signed on to administer the late Beatle‘s song catalog.
George’s son, Dhani Harrison, says in a statement, “22 years since his passing, for what would have been his 80th birthday, I am overjoyed to announce that we are bringing my father’s music catalogue back home to Dark Horse Records, the company he started back in 1974.”
Dhani went on to tease that “the finest of packages,” “the deepest of dives into our archives” and “all the custom limited vinyl that we can get away with” will be coming as a result of the deal.
To mark the occasion, George’s entire back catalog is now available in Dolby Atmos surround sound for the first time, exclusively on Apple Music. “Happy 80th Dad!!! We love you always,” Dhani concludes.
February 25 will mark the 80th anniversary of George’s birth.
Among the Harrison albums included in the deal are All Things Must Pass,Living in the Material World, Cloud Nine, the concert recording Live in Japan with Eric Clapton and George’s solo debut, Wonderwall Music.
Sean Stewart, the 42-year-old son of Rod Stewart, is reportedly a married man. Sean is Rod’s child with model Alana Stewart.
Peoplereports Sean proposed to girlfriend Jody Weintraub, who is also 42, on Valentine’s Day, and the two didn’t wait long to tie the knot. Sean reportedly popped the question in Las Vegas, and the two exchanged vows hours later.
A source close to the couple claimed, “Sean asked her while they were out to dinner at Catch. They married shortly after getting their marriage license at 10 p.m. at Little Church of the West.”
Sean reportedly called his mom before the wedding and had to convince her it was actually happening “as he’s known as a bit of a jokester in the family.” He then told his father, who the source said “was so happy to hear the news.”
The married couple reportedly celebrated their nuptials with Rod and Alana at the upscale Nobu restaurant in Malibu. They are apparently planning on throwing a more traditional celebration in Spain later this summer.
Jody is the daughter of late Ocean’s Eleven producer Jerry Weintraub. She has a five-year-old son, Doc, whom Sean is close to. “They go to the beach, he reads him books, he takes him to karate class, they play Magna-Tiles,” the source spilled.
The couple reportedly have known each other since high school. The source credits their mutual “best friend, Courtenay Semal,” for being “the reason why they kept reconnecting over the years.”
Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Jimin is the latest member of BTS to embark on a solo career, which launches in a little over a month.
The K-pop singer’s debut solo album, FACE, arrives March 24. According to a release, the work “delves in to Jimin’s story of fronting his true self and making a new leap forward as an artist.”
BTS’ label BIGHIT Music tweeted the reveal and also shared a 30-second preview of what appears to be a new song. The music plays over a black-and-white video of ocean waves.
Jimin began teasing his new album early last week on the Weverse app and also hinted he has a few other things going on in his life.
“I think the album I’ve been working on is going to drop in around March,” he said, translated from Korean. “I’m currently preparing lots of things that I can do together with you guys around that time.”
He continued, “I’m planning lots of different kinds of things we can do to have fun together and enjoy ourselves, so I think you can safely look forward to it.”
Jim will soon become the latest BTS member to release a solo effort, following Jin‘s The Astronaut, RM‘s Indigo and J-Hope‘s Jack In The Box.
Queen Latifah is set to host the 54th NAACP Image Awards, airing live Saturday, February 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET.
“It’s an honor to host the 54th NAACP Image Awards, especially in the year we are celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop,” Latifah says in a statement. “This is a night to celebrate Black excellence and Black contribution to our industry and beyond. Celebrating one another, lifting each other up and you know we’ll have fun doing it!”
The broadcast will also feature presenters including Brian White, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Damson Idris, Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Janelle James, Jonathan Majors, Kerry Washington, Letitia Wright, Morris Chestnut, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Terrence Howard, Tracee Ellis Ross and Zendaya.
On Monday, the first round of winners was announced, with more winners from the non-televised categories rolling out this week.
