Tommy Tiernan has introduced a phone-free environment at his Tomfoolery shows using Yondr pouches, a service also adopted by other artists. The initiative promises heightened senses without the technology crutch. Attendees at Vicar Street in Dublin experienced mixed feelings, with some appreciating the forced digital detox and enhanced engagement with the performance, while others were concerned about missing emergencies or social media opportunities. The article reflects on the potential for Yondr to shape future social interactions and the nostalgia of a time before mobile phones.

Belgium, a nation divided by language and politics, finds unity in its love for speculoos, a traditional biscuit. Lotus Bakeries, the family business that popularized speculoos, faced backlash for rebranding it as 'Biscoff' for international markets. The move sparked social media protests and calls for boycotts, with Belgians feeling their cultural heritage was being compromised. Lotus CEO Jan Boone cited brand protection and global ambitions as reasons for the change. A compromise was reached with packaging in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France to include 'The Original Speculoos' alongside the Biscoff logo. Marketing experts and locals alike emphasize the importance of speculoos in Belgian culture, viewing it as a unifying element amidst the country's divisions.

The author describes the airport as eerily quiet, a stark contrast to its usual bustling state, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. With only 25 flights scheduled, mostly to the UK, Europe, and a few to America, the airport's atmosphere is likened to being locked in a shop after closing. The quietness is emphasized by the ability to hear the clicking of a Ryanair employee's heels, and the departure lounge still displays signs wishing travelers a Happy Mother's Day from mid-March, highlighting the prolonged effect of the pandemic on travel.

Ferme du Biéreau, originally a barn, has transformed into a renowned music venue in Belgium under the directorship of Gabriel Alloing. It was acquired by the Université Catholique de Louvain in the 1970s and later dedicated to the arts. The venue, known for its intimate setting and unique experience due to its location and structure, hosts a variety of music genres and has seen performances by notable Belgian artists like Hooverphonic and Stromae. It receives funding from Wallonia’s culture ministry and the city council, and maintains a strong partnership with the university. Ferme du Biéreau is also involved in new projects, including a Nina Simone musical, and plans to renovate its yard and stables.