Barry John, the legendary former Cardiff, Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half, has died aged 79.
After making his debut in 1966, John played in 25 internationals for Wales and five Tests for the Lions.
A family statement read: "Barry John died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children.
"He was a loving Dadcu [grandfather] to 11 grandchildren and a much-loved brother."
Wales won three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns during his stint on the international stage.
John cemented his Lions legacy against the All Blacks in 1971 by playing a starring role in the historic 2-1 win over the hosts, who dubbed him 'The King'.
He retired the following year aged just 27.
John was central to Wales' 1971 Grand Slam - their first since 1952 - sealed by a 9-5 win against France in Paris, their first there for 14 years.
He made his debut as Wales lost to Australia in Cardiff in December 1966, and had to wait almost a year before partnering scrum-half Sir Gareth Edwards for the first time in a 13-6 home defeat by New Zealand.
John and his former Cardiff and Lions team-mate Edwards are regarded as one of the greatest half-back partnerships in rugby history.
Both had roots in west Wales and had the option of pursuing football careers before settling with the oval ball.
Edwards continued to flourish after John's retirement, but the loss of his half-back partner was long lamented by fans globally.
John finished with 120 points for Wales and the Lions in his 30 internationals, but was a rugby genius that amounted to so much more than facts and figures.
John is the second Welsh 1970s legend who has died this year following the passing of full-back JPR Williams.
Tributes flowed in the wake of his passing. Welsh Rugby Union president Terry Cobner believes John is probably the greatest Wales fly-half.
"To be crowned 'The King' in New Zealand when every back-row forward in both the North and South Islands is trying to take your head off is quite some accolade," said former Wales and Lions flanker Cobner.
"For me, he has got to be right up there among the greatest outside halves who have ever played the game, probably the greatest.
"He was a glider, rather than a sidestepper, who had a subtle change of pace and direction. Coming on top of the recent deaths of Brian Price and JPR Williams, this is another huge blow for Welsh rugby.
"After what he did for Wales and the Lions in 1971, those of us who followed him into both teams always felt we had huge shoes to fill. He was and will remain a legend of our game."
Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies also paid his respects.
"To be nicknamed 'The King', I think that says it all, especially in New Zealand," said Davies.
"I was very fortunate, I met Barry when I was very young. I went to the same school as Barry, obviously not at the same time.
"He was a legend, from the day I walked into those school gates.
"He had a grace and a style about him and certainly left a mark on the game.
"He was such a rugby intellect, to sit with him over a coffee and have a chat, pearls of wisdom would come out.
"Even when I was playing I used to meet him and he would advise me on a few things, it was great to sit there and listen to him.
"It's very sad. He was just a great player and a lovely man."
Former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton said John spanned the generations.
"In Wales, I can't express how high a regard people hold that 70s group, and in particular, people like Barry John, who was an absolute god of Welsh rugby," said Warburton.
"I heard the news today and it completely shocks you.
"What he contributed to the game, even now, 50 years later, still transcends rugby across the world and he hasn't picked up a ball for 50 years.
"It's just sheer testament to how much influence he had on the game when he played, but a massive loss and very sad news."
John's past teams commemorated one of their finest players.
Barry John obituary:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/51960685
King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, says Buckingham Palace.
It is not prostate cancer, but was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The type of cancer has not been revealed, but according to a palace statement the King began "regular treatments" on Monday.
Buckingham Palace says the King "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible".
He will postpone his public engagements and it is expected other senior royals will help to stand in for him during his treatment.
No further details are being shared on the stage of cancer or a prognosis.
Although he will pause his public events, the King, 75, will continue with his constitutional role as head of state.
He was seen at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, where he waved to crowds.
He had a prostate procedure at a private London hospital more than a week ago.
The King had chosen to go public about his prostate treatment, with the aim of encouraging more men to get prostate checks, the palace said at the time.
He was said to have been delighted to have raised awareness about the issue, with the NHS website reporting a surge in issues about prostate conditions.
The Dad's Army actor Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike in the hit TV series, has died at the age of 77.
Birmingham-born Lavender was just 22 when he was cast as the guileless platoon member, in what was then a new BBC sitcom.
But it made him a household name, and he ended up spending 10 years as part of the comedy classic.
Lavender, who died on Friday, was the last surviving main cast member of the series.
Away from Dad's Army, he also acted in other TV comedies such as Yes Minister, and appeared on stage, including in The Merchant of Venice.
He also had a stint on EastEnders as Derek Harkinson, a role he reprised in 2016 for a festive storyline.
Lavender grew up in the Midlands but studied acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
He was barely out of drama school before being cast in the role for which he was to become most known.
Dad's Army, a much loved series about a Home Guard platoon during World War Two, ran on BBC One from 1968 to 1977.
It also starred Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, Arnold Ridley as Private Godfrey and John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, among others.
The hapless Pike was the youngest member of the troop and a bank clerk.
He frequently had run-ins with Mainwaring, who would shout at him: "You stupid boy!"
The series regularly attracted more than 18 million viewers in the 1970s, and has had a long-lasting impact on British popular culture.
Some of its other catchphrases are also still used, such as "don't panic!", "put that light out!", and "they don't like it up 'em!"
Lavender joined EastEnders in 2001 and remained on the BBC One soap for four years.
He returned to Walford briefly, fifteen years after his first appearance, but he left in 2017 after becoming ill with sepsis.
The following year marked the 50th anniversary of Dad's Army, which was commemorated by Royal Mail with a collection of stamps featuring the main characters.
Ian Lavender obituary:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-50099223
Mousa Tamari scored a brilliant curling strike to stun two-time winners South Korea and send Jordan to their first Asian Cup final.
Yazan Al-Naimat put Jordan ahead at the start of the second half with a clever dink, before Tamari doubled their lead with a superb solo effort.
Jordan had never gone beyond the quarter-finals before this year's tournament.
They will face hosts Qatar or Iran in Saturday's final.
GOAL! Rangers 1-0 Aberdeen
Rabbi Matondo
A black rhino baby has been born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
One of the rarest mammals in the world, the calf is the first black rhino to be born at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP).
The three-week-old, who already weighs 11st 7lbs, was born in January and spent his first few weeks in the rhino house with his mother, Najuma.
But now park rangers have decided to let him out into the three-acre Into Africa! reserve, where he has stayed close to his mother during his first time outdoors.
Seven-year-old Najuma was pregnant for 15 months before giving birth, with YWP describing the arrival as an event of "great significance".
https://news.sky.com/story/critically-endangered-black-rhino-baby-born-in-uk-wildlife-park-13065391
1958 – The aircraft carrying the Manchester United football team crashed while attempting to take off from Munich-Riem Airport in West Germany, killing 8 players and 23 people in total.
First year without any living links to the disaster with the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.
Almoez Ali's late strike helped Qatar reach the final of the Asian Cup and continue their title defence with victory over Iran.
Hosts Qatar led after goals from Jassem Gaber and Akram Afif cancelled out Sardar Azmoun's superb overhead opener.
A controversial penalty decision helped level the scores, but Ali's 82nd-minute strike and Shoja Khalilzadeh's late red card were fatal to Iran's final hopes.
Qatar will play underdogs Jordan in Saturday's final at Lusail Stadium.
Jordan stunned two-time winners South Korea on Tuesday to reach their first Asian Cup final.
Qatar are bidding to become the first team since Japan in 2000 and 2004 to win back-to-back Asian Cup titles.
Derek Adams has resigned as Ross County manager after just 12 games of his third spell in charge.
The 48-year-old returned to the Scottish Premiership club in November, but has now decided to quit after "much consideration in recent weeks".
His final game was Tuesday's 5-0 defeat at Motherwell which left second-bottom County six points above Livingston.
Chairman Roy MacGregor said he accepted Adams' resignation "in the best interest of both Derek and the club".
He added: "We would like to place on record our thanks to Derek, and we wish him well for whatever he chooses to do in the future."
Adams won two and lost seven matches in a tenure spanning just 79 days.
Having returned north from Morecambe in England's League Two to succeed Malky Mackay, he sparked controversy in the wake of County's defeat at Dundee in December when he pilloried the "shocking" standard of Scotland's top flight.
Adams had hinted in recent weeks he regretted taking the County job, and said after Tuesday's defeat at Fir Park that he would discuss his future with the hierarchy.
Confirming his departure, he told the County website: "After much consideration in recent weeks, I have made the decision to resign from my position as manager.
"Over my 12 league games in charge, we moved six points clear of the team directly below and have been extremely close to gaining more victories and draws along the way.
"Ross County Football Club is close to my heart after twice playing here and managing for a third time. I would like to take the opportunity to thank chairman Roy MacGregor and Steven Ferguson and wish them well for the future."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mGBaXPlri8
Comment deleted by Article Creator
"Follow Me" is the debut single of American musician Uncle Kracker. It was released on November 6, 2000, as the lead single from his debut studio album, Double Wide (2000). It was written by Kracker and Michael Bradford and was produced by Bradford and Kid Rock. According to Kracker, the song has multiple meanings, with people speculating that it could be about drugs or infidelity.
"Follow Me" became a worldwide hit in mid to late 2001. The song reached number one in eight countries: Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, and Sweden. In the United States, it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Top 40 listing. It additionally became a top-10 hit in Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom and peaked within the top 40 in several other European countries.
Morton stunned Premiership Motherwell to become the first side through to the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.
The second-tier side from Greenock led when Robbie Muirhead's corner went in off Motherwell's Harry Paton.
George Oakley, who had earlier struck the woodwork, doubled the hosts' advantage with a firm low drive.
The visitors reduced their deficit when Jack Vale's shot deflected into the net off Darragh O'Connor, but they could not avoid a first defeat of 2024.
The draw for the last eight will take place on Sunday on BBC One Scotland during Sportscene's coverage of Airdrieonians v Hearts, with the programme starting at 16:30 GMT.
And 1922 winners Morton, who are unbeaten in 13 games, will aim to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1981.
Members of the former boy band Boyzone have attended a Chorley FC game amid expectations they could invest in it.
They are in negotiations that could lead to the Irish stars becoming the "face of the football club".
Singers Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy were joined by former Westlife member Brian McFadden at Saturday's FA Trophy match.
Speaking at Chorley's Victory Park stadium, Lynch said there were still "lots of conversations to be had".
Officials and fans hope the band will draw more attention and money for the club, taken over last May by London-based entrepreneur Prince Yemoh, who said he wanted to restore the "buzz".
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News, Facts & Trivia Archive 1912
Page 13089 of 13157
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posted on 4/2/24
Barry John, the legendary former Cardiff, Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half, has died aged 79.
After making his debut in 1966, John played in 25 internationals for Wales and five Tests for the Lions.
A family statement read: "Barry John died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children.
"He was a loving Dadcu [grandfather] to 11 grandchildren and a much-loved brother."
Wales won three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns during his stint on the international stage.
John cemented his Lions legacy against the All Blacks in 1971 by playing a starring role in the historic 2-1 win over the hosts, who dubbed him 'The King'.
He retired the following year aged just 27.
John was central to Wales' 1971 Grand Slam - their first since 1952 - sealed by a 9-5 win against France in Paris, their first there for 14 years.
He made his debut as Wales lost to Australia in Cardiff in December 1966, and had to wait almost a year before partnering scrum-half Sir Gareth Edwards for the first time in a 13-6 home defeat by New Zealand.
John and his former Cardiff and Lions team-mate Edwards are regarded as one of the greatest half-back partnerships in rugby history.
posted on 4/2/24
Both had roots in west Wales and had the option of pursuing football careers before settling with the oval ball.
Edwards continued to flourish after John's retirement, but the loss of his half-back partner was long lamented by fans globally.
John finished with 120 points for Wales and the Lions in his 30 internationals, but was a rugby genius that amounted to so much more than facts and figures.
John is the second Welsh 1970s legend who has died this year following the passing of full-back JPR Williams.
Tributes flowed in the wake of his passing. Welsh Rugby Union president Terry Cobner believes John is probably the greatest Wales fly-half.
"To be crowned 'The King' in New Zealand when every back-row forward in both the North and South Islands is trying to take your head off is quite some accolade," said former Wales and Lions flanker Cobner.
"For me, he has got to be right up there among the greatest outside halves who have ever played the game, probably the greatest.
"He was a glider, rather than a sidestepper, who had a subtle change of pace and direction. Coming on top of the recent deaths of Brian Price and JPR Williams, this is another huge blow for Welsh rugby.
"After what he did for Wales and the Lions in 1971, those of us who followed him into both teams always felt we had huge shoes to fill. He was and will remain a legend of our game."
Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies also paid his respects.
"To be nicknamed 'The King', I think that says it all, especially in New Zealand," said Davies.
"I was very fortunate, I met Barry when I was very young. I went to the same school as Barry, obviously not at the same time.
"He was a legend, from the day I walked into those school gates.
"He had a grace and a style about him and certainly left a mark on the game.
"He was such a rugby intellect, to sit with him over a coffee and have a chat, pearls of wisdom would come out.
"Even when I was playing I used to meet him and he would advise me on a few things, it was great to sit there and listen to him.
"It's very sad. He was just a great player and a lovely man."
posted on 4/2/24
Former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton said John spanned the generations.
"In Wales, I can't express how high a regard people hold that 70s group, and in particular, people like Barry John, who was an absolute god of Welsh rugby," said Warburton.
"I heard the news today and it completely shocks you.
"What he contributed to the game, even now, 50 years later, still transcends rugby across the world and he hasn't picked up a ball for 50 years.
"It's just sheer testament to how much influence he had on the game when he played, but a massive loss and very sad news."
John's past teams commemorated one of their finest players.
posted on 4/2/24
Barry John obituary:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/51960685
posted on 5/2/24
King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, says Buckingham Palace.
It is not prostate cancer, but was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The type of cancer has not been revealed, but according to a palace statement the King began "regular treatments" on Monday.
Buckingham Palace says the King "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible".
He will postpone his public engagements and it is expected other senior royals will help to stand in for him during his treatment.
No further details are being shared on the stage of cancer or a prognosis.
Although he will pause his public events, the King, 75, will continue with his constitutional role as head of state.
He was seen at a church service in Sandringham on Sunday, where he waved to crowds.
He had a prostate procedure at a private London hospital more than a week ago.
The King had chosen to go public about his prostate treatment, with the aim of encouraging more men to get prostate checks, the palace said at the time.
He was said to have been delighted to have raised awareness about the issue, with the NHS website reporting a surge in issues about prostate conditions.
posted on 5/2/24
The Dad's Army actor Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike in the hit TV series, has died at the age of 77.
Birmingham-born Lavender was just 22 when he was cast as the guileless platoon member, in what was then a new BBC sitcom.
But it made him a household name, and he ended up spending 10 years as part of the comedy classic.
Lavender, who died on Friday, was the last surviving main cast member of the series.
Away from Dad's Army, he also acted in other TV comedies such as Yes Minister, and appeared on stage, including in The Merchant of Venice.
He also had a stint on EastEnders as Derek Harkinson, a role he reprised in 2016 for a festive storyline.
posted on 5/2/24
Lavender grew up in the Midlands but studied acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
He was barely out of drama school before being cast in the role for which he was to become most known.
Dad's Army, a much loved series about a Home Guard platoon during World War Two, ran on BBC One from 1968 to 1977.
It also starred Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, Arnold Ridley as Private Godfrey and John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, among others.
The hapless Pike was the youngest member of the troop and a bank clerk.
He frequently had run-ins with Mainwaring, who would shout at him: "You stupid boy!"
The series regularly attracted more than 18 million viewers in the 1970s, and has had a long-lasting impact on British popular culture.
Some of its other catchphrases are also still used, such as "don't panic!", "put that light out!", and "they don't like it up 'em!"
Lavender joined EastEnders in 2001 and remained on the BBC One soap for four years.
He returned to Walford briefly, fifteen years after his first appearance, but he left in 2017 after becoming ill with sepsis.
The following year marked the 50th anniversary of Dad's Army, which was commemorated by Royal Mail with a collection of stamps featuring the main characters.
posted on 5/2/24
Ian Lavender obituary:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-50099223
posted on 5/2/24
posted on 5/2/24
posted on 6/2/24
Mousa Tamari scored a brilliant curling strike to stun two-time winners South Korea and send Jordan to their first Asian Cup final.
Yazan Al-Naimat put Jordan ahead at the start of the second half with a clever dink, before Tamari doubled their lead with a superb solo effort.
Jordan had never gone beyond the quarter-finals before this year's tournament.
They will face hosts Qatar or Iran in Saturday's final.
posted on 6/2/24
GOAL! Rangers 1-0 Aberdeen
Rabbi Matondo
posted on 6/2/24
A black rhino baby has been born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
One of the rarest mammals in the world, the calf is the first black rhino to be born at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP).
The three-week-old, who already weighs 11st 7lbs, was born in January and spent his first few weeks in the rhino house with his mother, Najuma.
But now park rangers have decided to let him out into the three-acre Into Africa! reserve, where he has stayed close to his mother during his first time outdoors.
Seven-year-old Najuma was pregnant for 15 months before giving birth, with YWP describing the arrival as an event of "great significance".
posted on 6/2/24
https://news.sky.com/story/critically-endangered-black-rhino-baby-born-in-uk-wildlife-park-13065391
posted on 6/2/24
1958 – The aircraft carrying the Manchester United football team crashed while attempting to take off from Munich-Riem Airport in West Germany, killing 8 players and 23 people in total.
posted on 6/2/24
posted on 6/2/24
First year without any living links to the disaster with the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.
posted on 7/2/24
Almoez Ali's late strike helped Qatar reach the final of the Asian Cup and continue their title defence with victory over Iran.
Hosts Qatar led after goals from Jassem Gaber and Akram Afif cancelled out Sardar Azmoun's superb overhead opener.
A controversial penalty decision helped level the scores, but Ali's 82nd-minute strike and Shoja Khalilzadeh's late red card were fatal to Iran's final hopes.
Qatar will play underdogs Jordan in Saturday's final at Lusail Stadium.
Jordan stunned two-time winners South Korea on Tuesday to reach their first Asian Cup final.
Qatar are bidding to become the first team since Japan in 2000 and 2004 to win back-to-back Asian Cup titles.
posted on 7/2/24
Derek Adams has resigned as Ross County manager after just 12 games of his third spell in charge.
The 48-year-old returned to the Scottish Premiership club in November, but has now decided to quit after "much consideration in recent weeks".
His final game was Tuesday's 5-0 defeat at Motherwell which left second-bottom County six points above Livingston.
Chairman Roy MacGregor said he accepted Adams' resignation "in the best interest of both Derek and the club".
He added: "We would like to place on record our thanks to Derek, and we wish him well for whatever he chooses to do in the future."
Adams won two and lost seven matches in a tenure spanning just 79 days.
Having returned north from Morecambe in England's League Two to succeed Malky Mackay, he sparked controversy in the wake of County's defeat at Dundee in December when he pilloried the "shocking" standard of Scotland's top flight.
Adams had hinted in recent weeks he regretted taking the County job, and said after Tuesday's defeat at Fir Park that he would discuss his future with the hierarchy.
Confirming his departure, he told the County website: "After much consideration in recent weeks, I have made the decision to resign from my position as manager.
"Over my 12 league games in charge, we moved six points clear of the team directly below and have been extremely close to gaining more victories and draws along the way.
"Ross County Football Club is close to my heart after twice playing here and managing for a third time. I would like to take the opportunity to thank chairman Roy MacGregor and Steven Ferguson and wish them well for the future."
posted on 8/2/24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mGBaXPlri8
posted on 9/2/24
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 9/2/24
"Follow Me" is the debut single of American musician Uncle Kracker. It was released on November 6, 2000, as the lead single from his debut studio album, Double Wide (2000). It was written by Kracker and Michael Bradford and was produced by Bradford and Kid Rock. According to Kracker, the song has multiple meanings, with people speculating that it could be about drugs or infidelity.
"Follow Me" became a worldwide hit in mid to late 2001. The song reached number one in eight countries: Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, and Sweden. In the United States, it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Top 40 listing. It additionally became a top-10 hit in Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom and peaked within the top 40 in several other European countries.
posted on 9/2/24
Morton stunned Premiership Motherwell to become the first side through to the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.
The second-tier side from Greenock led when Robbie Muirhead's corner went in off Motherwell's Harry Paton.
George Oakley, who had earlier struck the woodwork, doubled the hosts' advantage with a firm low drive.
The visitors reduced their deficit when Jack Vale's shot deflected into the net off Darragh O'Connor, but they could not avoid a first defeat of 2024.
The draw for the last eight will take place on Sunday on BBC One Scotland during Sportscene's coverage of Airdrieonians v Hearts, with the programme starting at 16:30 GMT.
And 1922 winners Morton, who are unbeaten in 13 games, will aim to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1981.
posted on 10/2/24
Members of the former boy band Boyzone have attended a Chorley FC game amid expectations they could invest in it.
They are in negotiations that could lead to the Irish stars becoming the "face of the football club".
Singers Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy were joined by former Westlife member Brian McFadden at Saturday's FA Trophy match.
Speaking at Chorley's Victory Park stadium, Lynch said there were still "lots of conversations to be had".
Officials and fans hope the band will draw more attention and money for the club, taken over last May by London-based entrepreneur Prince Yemoh, who said he wanted to restore the "buzz".
posted on 11/2/24
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Page 13089 of 13157
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