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János Bődey's photograph of two elderly ladies dressed as bride and groom in a Hungarian retirement home has captured the essence of joy and love in old age. The image is part of his series Carnival at the Retirement Home, which showcases the fulfilling lives of pensioners who have overcome difficulties.In Hungary, the average pension is approximately £500 a month, making it challenging for retirees to afford leisure, culture, or travel. Additionally, the health of Hungarian pensioners often falls short of Western standards, and securing a spot in a retirement home can be a lengthy process.Bődey's subjects, Magdolna, 87, and Irén, 86, have lived with their husbands for over 50 and 62 years, respectively, until their spouses passed away. They attribute their long and happy lives to a combination of good genes, an active lifestyle, and a healthy marriage.The photographer's series aims to serve as a role model for both peers and the middle generation, demonstrating that it's possible to lead a fulfilling life in old age. The elderly ladies recommend a healthy, active life with plenty of walking and traveling, as well as avoiding debt.Bődey's work is a departure from his usual coverage of conflicts and social issues. He finds inspiration in the happiness and playfulness of the carnival celebrations, which begin in February to mark the end of winter.The photographer's experience has taught him the importance of preparing for retirement by gathering emotional and financial resources, setting goals, and being creative. His series has been shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 and will be exhibited at Somerset House in London from April 17 to May 4.

Liverpool's recent performances have been under scrutiny, particularly their slump in form following a promising start to the season. Manager Arne Slot's tactics and team selection have come under fire, with some questioning his ability to lead the team to success.Slot's romantic connection with Paris Saint-Germain is well-documented, with the manager often citing the French club as an inspiration for his playing style. Liverpool's upcoming match against PSG in the Bigger Cup has generated significant interest, with Slot's team looking to bounce back from a disappointing FA Cup loss to Manchester City.In the midst of this turmoil, Slot's past performances against PSG have been recalled, including a thrilling match last year that ended in a penalty shootout. Slot's passion for the game and his desire for an open and entertaining match have been praised, but his team's recent form has raised concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.The pressure is on Slot to turn things around and lead Liverpool to a strong finish in the season. With a 20th league title already secured, the team's focus now shifts to the Bigger Cup and a chance to make a statement against one of Europe's top clubs.

Arslanbek Makhmudov, the towering Russian boxer, is gearing up to face Tyson Fury at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday night. The 6ft 5½in Makhmudov, who tips the scales at around 270lbs, brings a formidable physical presence to the ring, with 19 of his 21 victories ending in a stoppage.Makhmudov, known for his respectful demeanor, has been praising Fury, calling him 'the professor' and acknowledging his exceptional boxing IQ. However, he believes that spiritual strength will play a crucial role in the fight, stating, 'Inshallah, it is spiritual.'Despite being the underdog, Makhmudov is confident in his abilities, citing his hard-hitting power and mental toughness. He has also drawn inspiration from his past experiences, including a surreal encounter with a bear in Moscow, which he described as 'very terrible.'Makhmudov's faith plays a significant role in his life, and he credits it for giving him the strength and confidence to face Fury. He prays five times a day and believes that with God on his side, he can overcome any obstacle, including a 60,000-strong pro-Fury crowd.Fury, known for his trash-talking, has surprisingly echoed Makhmudov's respectful tone, with Makhmudov appreciating the friendly banter between them. The two fighters have a mutual respect for each other's skills, with Makhmudov acknowledging Fury's legendary status in the boxing world.

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen described the new space‑thriller Project Hail Mary as “a real treat” after watching it with his family and fellow Artemis II crew members ahead of their upcoming lunar fly‑around.During a live broadcast organized by the Canadian Space Agency, Hansen highlighted how the film exemplifies the synergy between art and science, noting that it “inspires people to imagine the sacrifices required to save humanity.”Co‑star Ryan Gosling, who shares Hansen’s Canadian roots in London, Ontario, sent his best wishes to the four astronauts before the mission’s scheduled launch on Wednesday.Hansen’s participation marks a milestone: he is the first non‑U.S. citizen to travel to the Moon. If the mission proceeds as planned, Artemis II will travel more than 250,000 miles from Earth, surpassing the distance record set by Apollo 13 in 1970.The crew’s ambition echoes past cinematic portrayals of space, recalling the acclaimed 1995 film about Apollo 13, and underscores the growing cultural interplay between Hollywood storytelling and real‑world exploration.

Harry Kane, England's star striker, is having a moment of peak success. With his impressive goal-scoring record and consistent performances, he is now considered a top contender for the Ballon d'Or award. Kane's ability to improve and maximize his talent has made him a standout player in the football world.Kane's journey to success has not been without challenges. He has faced criticism for his performances in big games and has struggled with injuries. However, his determination and work ethic have allowed him to overcome these obstacles and become one of the most likable and authentic role models in modern-day English football.The article highlights Kane's impressive statistics, including his record-breaking goal tally for England and his impressive form for Bayern Munich. His ability to make other players better and his partnership-building skills have made him a valuable asset to his team.Despite some critics labeling him as a 'goalhanger' and 'bottle job,' Kane has proven himself to be a gifted player who can play in various positions. His intelligence on the field and his ability to adapt to different situations have made him a standout player.As Kane approaches the peak of his career, he has become a hopeful figure in a world where things often don't work out. His success story serves as an inspiration to many, and his legacy is expected to leave a lasting impact on English football.

Fire Island, a picturesque barrier island off the coast of Long Island, has long been a haven for LGBTQ+ individuals and a hub for artistic expression. The island's legacy as a queer mecca is deeply intertwined with its history of artistic innovation, which is now being celebrated in a new book titled 'Fire Island Art: 100 Years'.The book, edited by John Dempsey, president of the Fire Island Pines Historical Society, delves into the island's artistic heritage, showcasing the works of pioneers like Paul Cadmus, Jared French, and Margaret French, who formed the artistic collaboration PaJaMa. Their paintings and photographs captured the unconventional intimacies and beauty of the island, setting the stage for future generations of artists.Over the years, Fire Island has attracted a diverse array of talented artists, including Peter Hujar, Paul Thek, and Robert Mapplethorpe. These artists found inspiration in the island's serene landscapes, beaches, and vibrant queer community. Mapplethorpe, in particular, immortalized the beauty he found on the island, contributing to the island's reputation as a haven for creative expression.The book also highlights the contributions of women artists, who faced challenges in gaining acceptance on the island. Ksenia M Soboleva's chapter sheds light on the experiences of women artists, who began to make their mark in the late 1980s. This period saw an increase in lesbian presence in Cherry Grove, which reached unprecedented heights.Today, Fire Island continues to nurture artistic talent through initiatives like the Fire Island Artist Residency in Cherry Grove and its Pines sibling Boffo. These programs have launched the careers of notable artists such as Salmon Toor, Raúl de Nieves, Cassils, and Leilah Babirye. However, the legacy of Fire Island's artistic community is threatened by climate change and the rising right, which seeks to erase queer and trans people from public life.Dempsey emphasizes the importance of preserving Fire Island as a sanctuary for marginalized communities. 'Fire Island Art: 100 Years' serves as a testament to the island's enduring legacy as a haven for artistic expression and queer culture.

As Easter approaches, concert halls from London to Leipzig are flooded with performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s masterpieces, most notably the St Matthew Passion and the St John Passion. Chart data from the Official Classical Chart, Apple Music’s classical rankings and specialist listings show Bach out‑performing every other composer, with releases such as Yunchan Lim’s take on the Goldberg Variations and Raphaël Pichon’s recording of the St John Passion leading the pack.Two vivid descriptors have captured the public’s imagination this week: “Bach the zombie” and “Bach the meat‑grinder.”strong> Violinist James Ehnes coined the former to highlight the music’s ability to survive any arrangement or re‑imagining, while Guardian critic Clive Paget used the latter to describe the relentless, visceral intensity of the opening chorus in Pichon’s St John Passion recording.The “meat‑grinder” metaphor points to Bach’s obsessive repetitions and searing harmonies that convey the raw agony of the Passion narrative. In contrast, the “zombie” image underscores the composer’s uncanny durability: his works thrive whether rendered for saxophone quartet, Wendy Carlos’s synthesizers, Leopold Stokowski’s lush orchestration, or even a mandolin played in a New York park.Bach’s presence on the silver screen further illustrates his cultural elasticity. His slow, stately rendition of the final chorus of the St Matthew Passion underscored Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1964 film The Gospel According to St Matthew, while the haunting aria from the Goldberg Variations was famously chosen by Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs as he prepares a gruesome act. These examples show how Bach can serve as both spiritual solace and chilling inspiration.Modern performers continue to reinvent the canon. Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, who logged more than ninety performances of the Goldberg Variations in a single year, describes each rendition as a “religious pilgrimage” that reshapes the listener’s experience. Meanwhile, mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile released a second volume of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas performed on his instrument in Tompkins Square Park. The recording captures ambient city sounds—birds, footsteps, fellow buskers—blending them with Bach’s intricate C‑major fugue to create what Thile calls “the effortless fugue of city life.”These diverse reinterpretations confirm a simple truth: Bach’s music is indestructible. Whether heard in a grand cathedral, a streaming playlist, or a bustling park, his compositions adapt without losing their core emotional impact. This Easter, listeners are invited to embrace Bach not as a relic confined to history, but as a living, breathing force that continues to energise and inspire across genres and generations.

Dame Carole Jordan, who has died aged 84, was a prominent figure in astrophysics, celebrated for her groundbreaking research on the outer atmosphere of the sun and other cool stars. Her contributions to the field have left a lasting impact, and her legacy extends beyond her scientific achievements as a champion for women in science.Jordan's fascination with astronomy began at a young age, inspired by books from authors like Arthur Eddington and Fred Hoyle. She pursued her passion for astronomy at University College London, where she was interviewed by CW Allen, professor of astronomy, and offered a place. Her academic journey led her to become a leading expert in ultraviolet spectroscopy of the sun and other stars.In 1962, a rocket-borne experiment led by US astronomer Richard Tousey measured the EUV spectrum of the sun, discovering a dozen unidentified emission lines. Jordan dedicated her research to understanding these lines, eventually becoming the world expert on the subject. Her 1965 PhD thesis, Analysis of the Solar Ultraviolet Spectrum, concluded that several lines were due to transitions in highly ionized iron.Jordan's most-cited paper, The Ionization Equilibrium of Elements Between Carbon and Nickel, published in 1969, laid out the ionization equilibrium as a function of temperature for the main ionized states of common heavy elements. This work became a definitive guide to EUV spectroscopy. The launch of the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) in 1978 enabled her to extend her analyses to other stars, solidifying her position as an expert on the chromospheres of cool stars.Jordan's achievements extended beyond her scientific contributions. In 1994, she became the first female president of the Royal Astronomical Society, a testament to her dedication to promoting women in science. She was also a staunch supporter of the Royal Astronomical Society, serving as secretary and vice-president of the Institute of Physics.Throughout her career, Jordan received numerous accolades, including the RAS's gold medal in 2005 and being made a dame in 2006. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of scientists, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM fields.

In the hallway at the Portuguese federation's base in Oeiras near Lisbon, Roberto Martínez stands with arms outstretched, embodying the warmth of welcome that has defined his coaching career. Seventy-five days before the World Cup begins, the man whose favorite goal was against Scunthorpe at Springfield Park now leads one of football's most formidable nations, with matches against Mexico and the United States serving as final preparation for the tournament.Martínez's journey to this moment defied conventional expectations. Arriving in England in 1995 as a 21-year-old unknown who didn't speak English, he recalls the cultural shock: 'You've spent your whole life learning you have to look after the ball, then you get there and the first thing they say is: 'Second ball'.' The Spanish midfielder, who would later be dubbed one of the 'Three Amigos' at Wigan, embraced the challenge with an attitude that has defined his career: 'Why not?'From his humble beginnings at Wigan, where he helped win the Third Division and Football League Trophy, Martínez has carved an extraordinary path through football. His coaching career took him through Swansea, Belgium—where he led the team to the world's No. 1 ranking—and now Portugal, where he has inherited a squad filled with exceptional talent. 'Portugal is a football school,' he explains, 'Ten million people and yet they fill the world's best dressing rooms.'Central to Portugal's World Cup aspirations is Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary forward who has given 21 years to the national team. Martínez dismisses the notion that Ronaldo's pursuit of 1,000 career goals defines his motivation, instead emphasizing the 40-year-old's unwavering commitment: 'Cristiano's attitude is always: 'I'm here for the national team, whatever you need.' The coach reveals that despite a current hamstring injury, Ronaldo's absence is merely a two-week pause before his return to action.Portugal enters the World Cup as one of the favorites, with a squad boasting captains from Manchester United, Porto, Manchester City, and four key players from European champions Paris Saint-Germain. 'Winning the Nations League was very good for us,' Martínez notes, referring to their victory against Spain, the world's No. 1 team and European champions. 'I wouldn't say there's an anxiety in Portugal to win the World Cup; I would say it's excitement, hope.'The coach's meticulous preparation extends to every detail, including playing at altitude in closed stadiums to simulate World Cup conditions. His selection process reflects both compassion and pragmatism: 'I'll choose a list of 26 and four others who know they are on standby.' This approach, he believes, creates a more positive environment when injuries occur.Martínez acknowledges the unique challenges of a 48-team World Cup spanning 50 days, noting: 'No scientific study would deny a human is changed by that.' Yet he remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from Portugal's football history and the numerological significance of 2026—sixty years since Eusébio's World Cup performance. 'It's all sixes. Let's dream. Why not?' he concludes, embodying the philosophy that has taken him from Spanish unknown to Portugal's World Cup dreamer.