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New York Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
What to Know About ‘28 Years Later'
This article contains minor spoilers for '28 Years Later.' Excitement has been building for Danny Boyle's '28 Years Later,' in theaters June 20. Sure, the trailer, which uses a 1915 reading of a Rudyard Kipling poem to striking effect, is uncommonly exciting. And it's been a while since we've seen actually scary zombies on a big screen. But for many viewers, the anticipation is further compounded by the history behind '28 Years Later.' The release is a new chapter in a franchise that began in 2003 with Boyle's '28 Days Later,' now widely credited as creating a zombie revival, so to speak. Shot on a relatively tight budget, that film imagined a Britain taken over by ferocious, flesh-eating hordes. Some of the building blocks are familiar by now: Survivors band into small, often mismatched groups; scavenging expeditions loot empty stores; everybody runs from relentless pursuers of the fast-moving variety at one point or another. But '28 Days Later' still feels radical, thanks to Boyle's inspired direction. The movie interspersed quickly edited close-ups of violence into much longer moody, melancholy scenes whose haunting power has not faded, and was often driven by the superb soundtrack. Tellingly, the composer John Murphy's spooky instrumental 'In the House — In a Heartbeat' has been reused (including in a Louis Vuitton ad) and recycled (including by Murphy himself in 'Kick-Ass') many times since. Now Boyle has reunited with the '28 Days Later' screenwriter, Alex Garland, for what Garland has described as a trilogy. (The two men were executive producers on a first sequel, '28 Weeks Later,' that was directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and released in 2007.) In a video interview, Garland said that while '28 Years Later' is a stand-alone film, a second has also been made, directed by Nia DaCosta. He explained that these two installments are narratively connected and were shot back to back. (DaCosta's '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' is expected in January.) As for the third feature, Garland said, 'the story is written. The script is not written.' Now that we are back in the '28' world, here's what to know about the premise, the new film's universe and what you might expect. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
UTT: Players, coaches happy with format, seek more flexibility
CHENNAI: PLAYERS and coaches credited the format of the Ultimate Table Tennis behind its growth. While they were full of praise for the mixed doubles matches, they felt rules on the order of play could be flexible. The final at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad saw higher attendance than it did in the semifinals on Friday and Saturday. Paddlers and coaches summed up their feelings about the tournament, and put forth suggestions for next season. John Murphy, the foreign coach of 2025 champions U Mumba, has been a long-time follower of this league. He expressed his happiness in being a part of the league and hopes to be a part of it next season. He suggested, 'I think that when you win the toss, I think maybe having the option to be able to start with men or women.' This is regarding the fixed format of having to start a tie between two teams only with a men's singles' match, followed by women's singles' match, the mixed doubles, then another men's singles, and finishing with the women's singles. 'I think, if you have someone like Bernie (Bernadette Szocs, U Mumba) in your team, starting her early in the match, I think it can be something exciting for the league and I think it can also change that dynamic. We can start a 7-7 tie with a men's match or a women's match, of our choice,' he told reporters post the final. He also wanted to see a little more emphasis on the draw. "I would also like to see flexibility for teams to be able to decide whether men or women start," he added. The mixed doubles matches have been the standout part of the league. Coaches and players have relished the prospect of being part of this match. Pavel Rehorek, foreign coach of runners up Jaipur Patriots, called it a 'table tennis party.' Rehorek's career as a coach has seen his teams dominate European table tennis. He has led TTC Neuhausen, a table tennis team in Switzerland, to 14 league titles. But, being in the UTT, has been the most exciting experience for the Czechia coach. "The quality of players is fantastic. You see good players even in teams finishing fifth, sixth and seventh," he added. That excitement, according to Patriots paddler from the United States Kanak Jha, is also seen amongst TV viewers. 'I think what UTT has now is a good league product. The fact that it's a mixed team, it's relatively short, so it's good for the spectators. The people don't want to stay too long where it gets boring. They have everything in three sets, so every set comes at one point. It's a good system because even if a team is down, people still stay to watch. So in this way, I think the product that they've created is good here for the spectators and for TV viewers,' he said. With regards to expanding the league, he said, "More teams is always helpful. more players, especially the foreign players, I think play a quite important role because they bring a little bit more of that star power and the high level to the league matches.'
Fast Company
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Fast Company
Tariffs, end of EV tax credits, and bad consumer sentiment are ruining automakers' plans
The ongoing tariff war, the potential end of federal incentives, and a general slowdown in consumer demand all spell uncertainty for the future of electric vehicles in the United States—and for automakers' future product lineups. That's according to a recent analysis from Bank of America, which released a 'Car Wars' report looking at the challenges U.S. automakers are currently facing, and what that means for future electric vehicle models. 'The unprecedented EV head-fake has wreaked havoc on product plans,' Bank of America Securities analyst John Murphy wrote in the report. 'This has driven a pothole in product launches in Model Years 2026 and 2027. …The next four+ years will be the most uncertain and volatile time in product strategy ever.' To deal with those uncertainties, Bank of America analysts recommend automakers back away from EV models and instead 'lean heavily into their core [internal combustion engine] product portfolios to generate the capital to fund the uncertain future.' The report's full title emphasizes this change, too: 'Car Wars 2026-2029: The ICE Age Cometh as EV Plans Freeze.' Slowing EV sales EV sales did increase in 2024 compared to the year prior, but the rate of that growth has slowed. That illustrates a challenge for carmakers: all the early adopters who are excited about EVs have already bought electric vehicles, and after that rush of enthusiasm, it becomes harder for the market to attract mainstream buyers. This is the challenge on consumer demand that Bank of America analysts touch on. That, combined with the Trump Administration's efforts to kill the Inflation Reduction Act's EV tax credits, which incentivize electric vehicle purchases, and the tariffs on auto parts, are all adding to automakers' struggles. Over the next four years, the Bank of America report says automakers are expected to launch 159 new vehicles; traditionally, it's over 200 new vehicles across a four-year outlook. 'The lower launch count is largely a result of the delay in new EV programs as consumers remain disinterested, the regulatory push for EVs is relaxed, consumer EV incentives are likely to be eliminated, and potential tariffs are roiling production/supply chain management decisions,' the report reads. A push for hybrids Automakers do still have EVs in the works, though, and consumers are also about to see more hybrid options, too. As EV offerings are losing ground—representing 34% of upcoming car models, down from 40% last year and 44% in 2023, per the analysis—hybrids are growing to 28% of new powertrain offerings over the next four years, up from 20% last year and 17% in 2023. 'Hybrids appear to be gaining more relevancy as many consumers seek more efficient vehicles but are disinterested in EVs,' the report reads. That will include hybrids from Toyota, which has long been a leader in hybrid options (though recently appeared to look to expand its EV portfolio), as well as Hyundai-Kia, Stellantic, Ford, GM, and Honda. GM is expected to launch 9 hybrids in that time period, per the analysis, as will Stellantis. Both Hyundai and Toyota are expected to launch eight to their hybrid lineups. Bank of America forecasts those new models will lead to an estimated 3.4 million hybrid sales in 2028 (for model year 2029), or about 20% market share. (In 2024, both EV and hybrids together reached a record 20% of all U.S. vehicle sales.) Still, that market penetration rate appears 'to undershoot the relative hype that has been building in response to the stall in EV sales,' the report reads. 'Simply, automakers need to launch more hybrid vehicles in the U.S. market, in our view.'
Irish Examiner
11-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
‘Farming for the Future' event to take place in Laois
A 'Farming for the Future' open farm walk, hosted by Tirlán, will be held in Laois on June 23. The farm walk will take place on Seamus Brennan's farm at Attanagh, Co Laois, from 11 am until lunchtime, with Tirlán encouraging farm families from across its catchment to attend. Tirlán's sustainability programme teams will be in attendance for panel discussions and presentations by experts from Teagasc, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture, Tillage Industry Ireland, Dairy Industry Ireland, and Meat Industry Ireland. Farming organisations are invited and encouraged to contribute to the practical, information-focused event. Presentations and a panel discussion will cover key areas such as farm economic performance and sustainability, protecting water quality with smart nutrient management, and how to avail of the Farming for Water EIP grant funding. Attendees will also hear how they can boost performance through milk solids. The whole sector approach to enhancing water quality also includes demonstrations throughout the event on fertiliser spreader calibration and managing catch crops. Tirlán chairperson John Murphy said: 'With a decision on Ireland's Nitrates Derogation now less than six months away, we're hosting this practical, information-focused event close to Ballyragget on the Laois/Kilkenny border to assist our farm families in continuing their work to enhance the environment on their farms. "This whole-of-sector approach is paramount and we want every farmer who attends to take home nuggets that they can implement on their own farm to protect water and help strengthen our case as we bid to retain the Nitrates Derogation.' Host farmer Seamus Brennan said: 'Even the smallest actions on-farm can have a very positive impact on the environment. I've made changes on my farm that have benefited both the environment and the economic sustainability of my family farm. I'm delighted to host the event and would like to encourage farmers to come along.' A similar flagship event in June of last year attracted large numbers and resonated with suppliers, speakers, and partner organisations involved in Tirlán's ongoing 'Farming for Water: River Slaney Project', which has now been extended across the co-operative's entire catchment. Mr Brennan's farm is located at Attanagh, near Ballyragget, close to the Kilkenny/Laois border, Eircode R32 NX26. Read More Demo farm reports 32% lower emissions with more profitable cattle
Irish Examiner
11-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Tirlán and Aware launch ‘Grow Yellow' campaign to promote mental health awareness
Tirlán CountryLife has announced plans to collaborate with Irish mental health charity Aware on a campaign designed to promote mental health awareness through gardening and to raise vital funds. The 'Grow Yellow – Brighter days ahead' campaign will run with support from Tirlán's network of 15 CountryLife lifestyle and garden retail stores, with €2 from every plant sold donated to support Aware's vital work. Aware is a leading mental health charity supporting people impacted by depression disorder, anxiety, and related mood conditions. Founded in 1985, it was developed in response to the clear need for information, understanding, and support for individuals suffering from depression and other mood conditions, as well as their family members supporting a loved one. In 2024, Aware directly supported up to 40,000 people via its support and education services. The organisation offers services to include support and self care groups, a support line and support mail, along with a range of positive mental health programmes designed to empower people with the knowledge, skills and tools to manage their mental health and live well. The vibrant yellow-blooming Osteospermum or African Daisy plants are available now in all 15 Tirlán CountryLife branches for €7.50. The flower is characterised by its cheerful yellow blooms with purple centres and is available in distinctive yellow pots. The aim is to raise over €10,000 for Aware. A vibrant yellow-blooming Osteospermum or African Daisy plants are available now in all 15 Tirlán CountryLife branches with €2 for every plant sold donated to support Aware's support services. Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke As a dairy and grain co-operative, chairperson John Murphy said Tirlán was proud to support a cause that impacts so many people and so many communities throughout the country. 'Mental health is one of the most important issues facing Ireland today, whether you are living in a rural area, a town, or a city, and maintaining it must be a national priority. We're proud that our branches and our team of experienced horticulturalists can play their part in supporting the work of our charity partner Aware,' he said. Ann Meaney, chief marketing and customer experience officer at Tirlán, highlighted the important role of Tirlán's CountryLife branches and the expertise available to support gardeners of all levels. Commenting on the campaign launch, she said: 'Our CountryLife branches are serviced by experienced horticulturalists who are passionate about what they do. We invest in our branches to ensure our customers enjoy an excellent experience every time they visit. Gardening is not only a joy — it's a powerful way to support mental wellbeing.' Dr Susan Brannick, Aware's Clinical Director, spoke about the therapeutic benefits of gardening on overall mental wellbeing. 'Gardening can be a wonderful opportunity to practice mindfulness. It allows individuals to connect with nature, reduce stress, and nurture their overall mental health. We are excited to partner with Tirlán CountryLife in this meaningful campaign to highlight the importance of protecting your mental health, enjoying the outdoors, and raising funds for our vital services,' she said. The campaign is a seasonal one and will run for a short period of time in participating centres. Tirlán and Aware hope to sow the seeds for brighter days ahead, one plant at a time.
