Singer Brian Kennedy

He’s a ‘breakthrough’ artist…eh?

I’ll get my mask.

Meanwhile…

Anyone?

Previously: Whisper It

RollingNews

Rachel Mae Hannon – Closer

Neo-soul asylum.

It’s a vintage ’70s feast for Monaghan-born, Dublin-based pop/soul newcomer Rachel Mae Hannon (top) in the video for this single from her new EP Like It Is.

The press blurb says:

“‘Closer’ is about not being able to have physical contact with people in your life during the pandemic. It is about the longing of getting closer to people, yet the uncertainty of where people’s boundaries now lie.”

The video was directed by Rachel, Barry Kavanagh and Tim Shearwood.

Rachel has also just released another single – Tell Me – from the EP.

Nick says: Neo-soul sister.

Rachel Mae Hannon

Piazza del Popolo square, Rome, Italy on October 9

This morning.

Protesters gathered at Italian ports as the country braced for widespread disruption over new coronavirus requirements for workers.

Via Reuters:

Roughly 300 people blocked an entrance to the port of Genoa in the northwest, causing delays in what was feared to be the start of a day of blockades and demonstrations.

Hundreds also demonstrated at the port of Trieste, a major hub in the northeast, but regional chief Massimiliano Fedriga insisted “the port is working”.

From this morning, all workers must show a so-called Green Pass offering proof of vaccination, recent recovery from Covid-19 or a negative test — or face being declared absent without pay.

More than 86 per cent of Italians over the age of 12 have received at least one jab, thus automatically qualifying for the certification.

But up to three million workers are estimated to be unvaccinated — and most will only be able to work if they pay for their own tests either every 48 or 72 hours, depending on the type.

Protests as Italy’s Covid pass becomes mandatory for workers (TodayOnline)

LaPresse

The results are in.

Recently, with an A3 signed print by Wicklow artist, Maiden Moose from Jam Art Prints on offer, we asked for your favourite thing about Autumn, or the Fall (for American readers)

Your entries tumbled in, but sadly there could be only one winner.

Mark at Jam Art chose reader Millie‘s atmospheric and poetic offering:

‘My favourite thing is the leaves. Even now, you can see the leaves starting to lose their verdancy, curling a bit at the edges, turning shades of ochre and orange and red. It’s one final show before the long, dun-coloured months ahead.

I love when they start to fall in earnest.

There’s a street not too far from where I live, lined with loads of established native trees and the greatest abundance of leaves for stomping through. You can find conkers and helicopters underfoot, when scuffing your feet through the fallen leaves. My daughter collects them like treasure on her walk home from school.

We often go up there at this time of year to kick our way through the mountains of leaves, and there is something incredibly nostalgic and comforting and good about holding my daughter’s hand in mine and running at the biggest pile of leaves. This year my son is able to run about with us and he stumbles on wobbly feet through the leaves, often attempting to escape across the street.

And afterwards, we collect the leaves, bring them home and make autumn pictures, which are always inevitably ugly, but it’s not really about that anyway.’

Jam Art Prints

The Jam Art Prints competition runs here every second Thursday.

Free Monday?

Then check out Barry Sutton at The Wild Duck, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 on Monday night.

Barry is best known for being the lead guitarist in Liverpool band The La’s during the bands rise to popularity in the late 1980s. You can spot him laying down that legendary guitar riff in the video for the band’s best-known song, “There She Goes”. This solo show features songs and stories from his long and varied career.

The Wild Duck

This morning.

Via RTÉ News:

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Minister Harris it is not a binary choice whether to continue to reopen or not, but to “ask the question is there a way to proceed with openings [while] retaining vaccine certs or face masks for a bit longer.”

The former minister for health said that a level of scrutiny of the options is required and the Government will consult with public health authorities ahead of any decision.

He also urged the 70,000 people who have had a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine to come forward for a second dose.

Mr Harris said that a more widespread booster [or third] vaccine programme could be beneficial…

‘Pause or proceed’, Harris says Govt must decide how best to ease restrictions (RTÉ)

RollingNews

Last night/this morning.

Lock up your nurses.

Ex-President Bill Clinton recovering from infection in hospital, doctors say (Reuters)

Previously: Shaky Foundation

British Columbia resident Ruth Hamilton says space rock came through the ceiling, landing on her pillow

Someone of Canadian stock
Encountered a piece of space rock
The size of her fist
Which narrowly missed
Her body but gave her a shock

John Moynes

Pic: Ruth Hamilton

Bear hug by Jacob Stack

Need a hug?

Bring it in.

Mark at Jam Art Prints, writes:

To celebrate a fresh delivery of Donegal artist Jacob Stack‘s signed prints after a long wait due to all the Covid malarkey, we’ve a Bear Hug print to giveaway.

For your chance to win this A4 signed print, please share your memories of a favourite childhood teddy (and where is it now?).

Lines must close on Friday at 9am.

Jam Art Prints

The Jam Art Prints competition runs here every second Thursday

Broadsheet.ie