Latest news with #MichaelSimmons
Spectator
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Letters: How lads' mags spawned OnlyFans
Bad lads Sir: The articles on Britain's relationship with porn were fascinating and frustrating in equal measure. Fascinating in that Louise Perry and Michael Simmons's contributions ('Devices and desires' and 'Dirty money', 14 June) provided a thought-provoking analysis of the extraordinary growth of the industry. Frustrating in the juxtaposition of these pieces with Sean Thomas's delusional thoughts about 'lads' mags' ('Age of innocence'). Mr Thomas seems to recall these publications with the same dewy-eyed fondness that folk of my generation reserve for Spangles and Bagpuss. He is unable to see the direct line that joins them to the worst excesses of OnlyFans. It's all there in both – the same objectification of women, the betrayal of sex, the sad loneliness and repressed shame of the consumer, the denial of the negative effect on society and the castigation of those who wince or demur as dinosaurs or prudes. The only difference between FHM and OnlyFans, apart from the magazine's inability to grow its figures, is that the internet has enabled the production of and access to this sort of content on a much greater scale. Michael Harrison Belfast Derby match Sir: In her admirable exposé of the dirty deeds on OnlyFans, Louise Perry notes that two of its most depraved performers are 'oddly' both from Derbyshire. Perhaps it is more predictable than odd for some. Brought up in prim Peterborough in the 1950s, I was used to hearing that girls who turned to prostitution had 'gone to Derby' – which very often they had. Christopher Gray Oxford Mass appeal Sir: It is a pity that Damian Thompson ('Critical mass', 14 June) trivialises the issues vexing Pope Leo XIV as regards the treatment of the Tridentine form of the Mass. The current debate about the liturgy is not just about Latin. Indeed, the reformed liturgy (the Novus Ordo Mass) can be said anywhere, and in Latin, by any Catholic priest. And yet, as Damian rightly says, there is an increasingly vocal campaign, especially among Generation Z Catholics, for the tolerance and even the full legalisation of the Tridentine Mass. But this is not simply an argument about 'bells'n'smells' or even trying to preserve a beautiful and ancient liturgy. It is a war between the old pre-Vatican II Church and the post-conciliar movement which has been imposed on Catholics since 1965. The Tridentine Mass expresses the traditional theology taught by the Church since the death of St John the Apostle and it cannot be allowed to coexist alongside the new theology (some would call it ideology) which the bishops are trying to enforce. Countless pronouncements by Pope Francis and Cardinal Roche have confirmed that we now have a theology which runs in direct opposition to that taught for almost 2,000 years until the Second Vatican Council. This is why there can be no tolerance of the Tridentine rite, which represents a flagship of opposition to the conciliar reforms. Latin Mass lovers are accused of opposing Vatican II and the New Mass, something they hotly deny. I would say that those who campaign for the Tridentine Mass and ignore the underlying doctrinal contradictions it represents are no more than romantics. It is for this reason that the Church authorities will sweep them aside. Joseph Bevan Dover, Kent Pros and cons Sir: Prue Leith makes many good points about prisons and charities ('Jail break', 14 June), but she doesn't make the key one: that two-thirds of prisoners shouldn't be in the sort of prisons they are. Of Britain's 90,000 inmates, about 30,000 are extremely dangerous and should be kept away from the public. About 30,000 are mentally inadequate and should probably be under lock and key – but don't need to be in Category A, B or C prisons where they are bullied and learn nothing, not least because most of them can't read. The remaining third are addicts, and should be in rehabilitation centres where they might be cured. Instead of building more high-security prisons at vast expense, we should build lock-up centres and rehab centres, both of which would cost less. I visited about 20 prisons when I helped Action For Prisoners' Families, and they all told the same tale. David Astor Milton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire Good hare day Sir: Charles Moore's thoughts about hares (Notes, 14 June) reminds me of the day I went to the local post office to obtain a licence to sell game. I needed this as I was proposing to sell hares, which were then plentiful on the Kent marshes. The woman behind the counter said she needed to ask me three questions. 1) Was I an innkeeper? No, just a farmer. 2) Was I the driver of a stagecoach? Definitely not. 3) Was I a higgler? Stumped by this question, I asked what one was. She said 'someone who higgles for trade outside a cattle market': in other words, picks up return loads of livestock after an auction. Again, no. She then asked for a very small sum and gave me my licence. These requirements are set out in the 1831 Game Act and as far as I know are still in force. The three professions mentioned would all be capable of handling game illegally killed by poachers. Stephen Skelton London SW6 Animal instinct Sir: Anthony Whitehead's piece on lonely-hearts ads ('Notes on…', 14 June) reminds me of the glorious misprint I found in one posh Sunday paper: 'Looking for a significant otter.' Larry Spence Girvan, South Ayrshire Write to us letters@
Spectator
10-06-2025
- Business
- Spectator
Labour goes nuclear while Reform turns to coal
Rachel Reeves has pledged a 'new era of nuclear power' as the government confirms a £14.2 billion investment in the Sizewell C nuclear plant in Suffolk. This comes on the eve of Labour's spending review, with the government expected to highlight spending pledges designed to give a positive impression of Labour's handling of the economy. However, as Michael Simmons tells James Heale and Lucy Dunn, there are signs that the government's National Insurance hike is starting to bite. Plus – Nigel Farage has made two announcements in as many days. This morning, he unveiled Reform's new chairman, former MEP Dr David Bull, taking over from the recently returned Zia Yusuf. And yesterday he was in Port Talbot, where he pledged to reopen their steel works and even explore reopening coal mines, with one eye on next year's Welsh elections. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
Spectator
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
What will save the Tories? The economy, or Robert Jenrick?
Lots to discuss today: Robert Jenrick takes on TfL, a Nazi jibe from the attorney general and allegations of shoplifting made against our own Michael Simmons. But we start with Keir Starmer's big speech yesterday, where the theme was 'get Nigel', after polling from More in Common showed that framing the election as a two-horse race could be beneficial to Labour. They are attempting to cut the Tories out altogether but, in response, the Conservatives plan to use fiscal credibility as the battleground to crawl back up the polls. Will the economy save the Tories? Elsewhere, Robert Jenrick is the star of the week after a video of him reprimanding fare-dodgers on the Tube went viral, racking up more than ten million views on X. He seems to have struck a chord both within his party and with the public more generally, who are growing tired of our low-trust society and the blight of petty crime. Is Jenrick the one to tackle 'Scuzz Nation'? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupam says Iain Glen brings 'gravitas, warmth, and compassion' in 'Tanvi The Great'
Picture Credit: X Veteran actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher has talked about casting his 'Mrs. Wilson' co-star Iain Glen in his upcoming directorial " Tanvi The Great " and said that the Scottish star not only brings the brilliance of his acting to the character of Michael Simmons but also the "gravitas, warmth, and compassion" in the film. After unveiling lead actress Shubhangi , Anupam on Monday released a poster featuring the " Game of Thrones " star Iain Glen as Michael Simmons on Instagram. In the caption section, he wrote, "ACTORS of TANVI THE GREAT: I acted with Iain Glen (Game Of Thrones) in a #BBC three part series #MrsWilson. We became friends after the shoot. So when I was casting for Michael Simmons's character in #TanviTheGreat, I sent the script to Iain, and he immediately agreed to play one of the most important characters in our film (sic)." "He brings with him not only the brilliance of his acting to the character but also the gravitas, warmth, and compassion so needed in the film. Thank you my friend for being part of this important Indian film for the world. Jai Ho! (sic)," added the actor. Directed by Anupam Kher, with music by Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravani , the film is produced by Anupam Kher Studios and NFDC, in association with Lower Middle Class Corporation. The release date will be announced soon. On April 28, Anupam had talked about his decision to cast debutante Shubhangi from his acting school for the lead role in "Tanvi The Great." He explained that he saw great potential in her and believed she was the perfect fit to bring the character to life on screen. "When it came to casting Tanvi, I was determined to discover a fresh face and select a talent from my institute, Actor Prepares, to offer a newcomer this opportunity," he said. He went on to praise Shubhangi's exceptional talent and said that she has given her all to portray Tanvi.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
JSO: Jacksonville man arrested for slapping and punching child patient
Michael Simmons, of Jacksonville, was arrested for physically assaulting a minor patient in his care, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. According to the arrest report, an off-duty officer was notified about a child abuse incident at Baptist Medical Center on Sept. 19, 2024. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< A witness told the officer that Simmons, who was a sitter for behavioral health patients, 'punched and slapped' a patient several times. The report states the officer watched surveillance video of the incident. The video showed Simmons 'push [the victim's] head down onto the pillow' every time the victim would move. It also showed Simmons 'slapping Victim several times in the back of the head with an open hand' and punching 'Victim in the head with a closed fist.' [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] According to JSO, the victim had an episode of punching himself after Simmon's actions. The video showed 'blood on the floor next to the bed.' A nurse told the officer that the police weren't called because the victim had a history of hitting himself and 'sometimes he will grab the sitter's hand and make it look like he is being hit.' The report states another witness was monitoring the cameras at the time of the incident and saw it happen. She said she alerted the nurses immediately. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] According to the officer, the victim has bruising inside his ear, several scratches on his neck and nose, and a red knot on his forehead. On Feb. 18, 2025, Simmons went to the District 3 Substation for a background check. The officer noticed an active warrant for the suspect's arrest and was detained. Simmons is charged with third-degree felony child abuse. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
