Author: mangakiko

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Australia

Troublesome politicians rewarded with cushy jobs

Troublesome politicians rewarded with cushy jobs

Memo to all Australian billionaires: here’s your chance to be loved and be unforgettable as well as being able to help humanity, like our dear Olivia. She founded her foundation to find a cure for cancer. Felix Orcullo, Wahroonga

It’s not often this man in his late 60s sheds a tear, but with the death of Olivia coming so soon after that of Judith Durham, today’s the day.

The voices of both singers soared with such grace and beauty above the often-undignified scramble of life. Along with the loss of two wonderful women I mourn the passing of what helped give our nation character. Peter Farmer, Northbridge

So sad Judith and Olivia died at approximately the same time. A pure coincidence, but a shame one is removed from the front page to be replaced by the other. This ancient teacher was reminded that Olivia’s grandfather was a Nobel Prize winner and physicist Max Born. Bernie Carberry, Connell’s Point

It proves again that Australia is God’s own country. He has taken two of our singing icons, Judith Durham and Olivia Newton-John. Ok Judith. Okay Olivia. Chrissie Whitlock, Earlwood

With the passing within days of two of the world’s loveliest people it seems that death is a really dud idea. Is it essential? Peter Skinner, Beecroft

I was 10 when my mother took me to see grease. I started to take the grease soundtrack cassette to school, where we would gather around a cassette player and would try to imitate the moves in the movie while singing along. I was briefly nicknamed Olivia Newton-Raffan and my dance partner was George Travolta. Thank you, Olivia, for being such a huge, happy part of my childhood. Clare Raffan, Campsie

We loved you, we honestly loved you Alan Gibson, cherrybrook

Hopelessly devoted to you. Rod Tuck, Katoomba

ONJ online taxes

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Like so many young guys growing up in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, ONJ was top of all pops for me. For five decades her presence de ella whether singing, acting or dancing (or all three) was jaw-droppingly fabulous. Her 10,000-watt smiles from her would light up the darkest room, despite her ongoing cancer and treatment from her. Tony M.

I was Olivia’s trainer for a few weeks in 1984 when she attended Kerry Packer’s Hyde Park Club for a short time. I was in awe of her and I was shy and a bit awkward… I have often wished that I’d engaged a little more but she radiated incredible warmth and beauty and it was all too much for my 20-year-old self . Dave

Olivia, Livy, Sandy. You have been there my whole life and I have always adored you. Thank you for the wonderful sounds and visions. May you rest in peace lovely lady. Jason

If there was ever a class act, Olivia Newton-John was it. In addition to her career, her career tributes perhaps the ultimate is that not a single bad word can be found about her anywhere, ever. She is remembered with nothing but love and fondness. liv

US could look in mirror on criticism of China ambitions

Peter Hartcher illustrates René Girard’s “mimetic” theory: that humans have an in-built compulsion to imitate each other (“Mutual agitation, a parlous game”, August 9). The desire of the US for world domination mirrors that of China, as does the desire of forces within each nation for domestic success. The wishes are the same. Neither would agree with this, of course, so devoted is each to the fallacy of being both autonomous and right. Carl von Clausewitz not only saw war as politics by other means but came to the realization that the ever-developing means of war, combined with human violence – reciprocal and imitative – results in an “escalation to extremes”. Is China’s belligerence towards its own people and neighbors so very different from decades of US meddling in other nations’ affairs and the accelerating slaughter of its own civilians? Susan Connelly, Lakemba

Heart bleeds for Liberal

How very rich of the senior Liberal minister to claim that his party machine is now in the business of acting like the Labor Party (“MPs rage at machine politics”, August 9). Firstly, anti-abortion, predominantly an issue at the heart of conservatism and always has been, is social control too. All the other issues this maverick is now rallying behind are the very ones his party fought against for the last decade (and more) with no crossing the floor from him. The Liberal Party has never represented Labor principles. A case of sour grapes at their abysmal loss is more like it. Anthony Connolly, Beacon Hill

The problem with the Liberal Party is not only machine politics – for it afflicts all our parties – but the fact that people do not have a “choice”. When was the last time you were able to truly negotiate with your bank or insurer? Their terms are either “take it or leave it”. How can you embrace “freedom of choice” when they have none in sight? Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga

Set the tone of debate

While there’s much truth in Lidia Thorpe’s forthright opinion piece, its ability to cut through to the vast majority of voters is thwarted by both tone and delivery (“Trust us approach to Voice will never work”, August 9). Likewise to the senator’s recent appearance in parliament’s swearing-in ceremony. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. Raising a closed fist in parliament, our nation’s highest office of public debate, is at the very least, completely counterproductive to progressing your concerns. Parliament House’s protocols, as antiquated and anachronistic as they might be, demand respect equal to that paid to acknowledging ancient Indigenous practice and custom. It works both ways. Possibly changing them through persuasive, logical, well-measured arguments from within might be more constructive in garnering support. Cleveland RoseDee Why

Plugging the EVs gap

On the subject of electric vehicle uptake, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries claims by 2025 that private homes in Australia will require some 177,000 charging systems (“Clean car traffic jam after 10-year delay”, August 9). They are forgetting that EV owners, like everyone else, have to sleep. EVs can be slow-charged overnight at off-peak rates, from an ordinary powerpoint. In most circumstances, there would be no need for an expensive charger in the garage. I’m sure most EV owners would agree. Dennis O’Hara, Wanniassa (ACT)

Kickflip the script on youths

“It's almost no longer a skate park; it has skating elements,” says Lachlan Scott, right, now 20.

“It’s almost no longer a skate park; it has skating elements,” says Lachlan Scott, right, now 20.Credit:Janie Barrett

the herald is to be applauded for allowing opposing views a forum, but there are times when an opposing view doesn’t deserve to be heard (Letters, August 9). Your correspondent makes Scrooge look benevolent. How does he know whether the skateboarders he derides don’t swim or play football on the weekend. On the other hand, they may not like team sports or be unable to afford sailing. Not everyone in the eastern suburbs is rich. And more seriously, would your correspondent prefer that after school these youths, rather than skateboard in full view, go vaping and drinking in the public toilets or behind his apartment? Richard Fry, Marrickville

A minor suggested rewording to yesterday’s skateboard letter: “The proposed renovations to the Royal Sydney Golf Club are selfish. Golfers can get exercise swimming, playing tennis, sailing, etc.” Chris Yates, Narrabeen

I walk in Rushcutters Bay Park every day, weather permitting and enjoy the green open spaces, the birdsong and the peace and quiet, which is at a premium in our busy city. Apart from the visual impact of a skate park facility, there is the issue of noise and the safety of children crossing busy New South Head Road to access the skate park. There are many other more suitable options for a skate park such as Centennial Park or the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. Karin Olah, Darling Point

Different accounts on banks

Reading of the practice of banks rejecting loan applications from single women took me back to 1963 when, as a single 23-year-old and a serving WRAAF Sgt at Richmond air base, I attended an appointment with the then bank manager at the Bank of NSW. I went to request a loan of £1500 to buy out my siblings’ share of an old house inherited from our mother (Letters, August 9). Much to my surprise, the loan was approved on the spot. The only provision was that I change my banking to the Bank of NSW. I have remained eternally grateful that I was helped financially at such a young age. Yvonne Tebay, Brandy Hill

Not only ladies had problems with banks. In 1965, my fiancee and I went for a house loan. She had worked eight years for a major bank since leaving school and I had worked for a major company for the same eight years. We were refused. We had a good savings record but not a chance. We got a loan through my employer who had a terminating mortgage scheme running for employees. Still angry after 56 years. Richard Kirby, Campbelltown

The digital view

Online comment from one of the stories that attracted the most reader feedback yesterday on smh.com.au
MPs say muzzled debate, culture wars and populism is killing liberalism
desde HWGA: ″⁣I have such fond memories of liberalism and the contributions it made to robust politics and the cultural fabric. I do miss it and have always hoped it would have a resurrection after being murdered by conservatism and then buried by right-wing populism.″⁣

  • To submit a letter to The Sydney Morning Herald, email [email protected]. Click here for tips on how to submit letters.
Categories
US

Trump Ghostwriter Speculates Trump May Have Taken Docs to Sell

Trump Ghostwriter Speculates Trump May Have Taken Docs to Sell

  • A man who helped Donald Trump write a book has a theory why Trump may’ve taken White House records.
  • Charles Leerhsen speculated Trump might’ve taken documents to sell as “presidential memorabilia.”
  • “If there’s a grift to be grifted, he’s gonna grift it,” Leerhsen told Newsweek.

An author who once helped Donald Trump write a book has a theory on why the former president might’ve taken some documents from the White House.

Charles Leerhsen, a ghostwriter who got contributing credit on the cover of Trump’s book “Surviving at the Top,” weighed in on the FBI’s unannounced search of Mar-a-Lago on Monday.

The reason for the FBI raid wasn’t immediately clear, thought reports indicated it was probably related to government documents that Trump may’ve brought to his Florida residence after leaving the White House. The National Archives asked the Department of Justice in February to investigate whether Trump broke the law by taking government records to Mar-a-Lago.

Leerhsen wrote on Facebook his theory about why Trump might’ve taken documents.

“As a former Trump ghostwriter (mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa) I feel obligated to point out that Trump may have taken documents that he intended to sell as presidential memorabilia,” Leerhsen said.

Speaking with Newsweek, Leerhsen said he had seen how Trump earned his money even before going into politics, adding that the former president wasn’t above “groveling.” Leerhsen acknowledged, per Newsweek, that he didn’t have firsthand knowledge about what precipitated the FBI raid but speculated that Trump might’ve wanted to keep pieces of paper he signed or other collectible items.

Leerhsen and representatives for Trump didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider.

“If there’s a grift to be grifted, he’s gonna grift it,” Leerhsen told Newsweek. “He has this very basic sense that he might be able to pawn it off on someone.”

He added that he once had a “firsthand sense” of Trump’s “avariciousness and his personality.”

“Like everyone else, I watched things get worse and spiral out of control,” Leerhsen told Newsweek.

Categories
Business

How to get Virgin Australia’s Velocity Gold status match [2022]

Discover Velocity Gold status with a Virgin Australia status match

Velocity Gold could be yours with just one trip...

Velocity Gold could be yours with just one trip…

Virgin has its eye on legions of high-flying travelers across 29 different loyalty programs including Cathay Pacific’s Marco Polo Club, Malaysia Airlines Enrich and British Airways’ Executive Club, among others.

Here’s what you need to know about Virgin Australia’s Velocity Discover Gold status match program.

How long does the Velocity Discover Gold offer run for?

Unlike previous status match offers, there doesn’t appear to be a closing date by which you need to register your interest or apply to Virgin Australia for your existing status to be matched this time around.

So, at least for now until advised otherwise, the door has been bolted open for travelers new to the Velocity program to road-test Gold and strive for the challenge to receive a full year of benefits.

Who is eligible for the Velocity Discover Gold fast track?

Members of frequent flyer programs from nearly 30 airlines are being invited to attempt the Discover Gold challenge by providing proof of current Gold status or higher.

Virgin's Velocity Gold status match is now available to frequent flyers of all Oneworld airlines.

Virgin’s Velocity Gold status match is now available to frequent flyers of all Oneworld airlines.

It’s important to note that if you have previously held a Silver, Gold or Platinum status membership with Velocity Frequent Flyer, you sadly will not qualify for a Discover Gold membership. This also applies to members who have previously held a Pilot Gold trial membership in Virgin Australia’s Business Flyer program.

Any member of Virgin’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program holding its lowest Red tier can apply for this status match, provided you have never previously held Silver, Gold or Platinum status. This makes the offer perfect for new members and those who don’t often fly Virgin and have never progressed past the entry-level tier.

Velocity membership is limited in its geographic reach – you must be a resident of Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, or Vanuatu.

If you’re not already a member, joining Velocity Frequent Flyer is free.

Which airlines will Virgin Australia status match against?

Virgin Australia’s Velocity Discover Gold promotion is open to the higher-ranked frequent flyers of nine Oneworld member airlines, 10 Star Alliance partners (across seven loyalty programs), eight SkyTeam carriers and five more unaffiliated with the big three collectives.

Major airlines being targeted by the status match include Qantas, naturally – along with Air New Zealand, Emirates, Fiji Airways and former partner Delta Air Lines.

Unsurprisingly, loyal travelers of Virgin’s newest chums, United Airlines and Qatar Airways, are not eligible, nor are members of its existing partner roster, including Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways and others.

Here’s a full list of airlines and their eligible membership tiers:

Oneworld:

Qantas: Gold, Platinum, Platinum One
American Airlines: Advantage Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum
British Airways: Executive Club Silver, Gold
Cathay Pacific: Marco Polo Club Gold, Diamond
Fiji Airways: Tabua Club Plus
Finnair: Plus Gold, Platinum
Iberia: Iberia Plus Gold, Platinum, Singular, Infinite, Infinite Prime
Japanese Airlines: JMB Sapphire, JGC Premier, JMB Diamond
Malaysia Airlines: Henry Gold, Platinum

Star Alliance:

AirChina: Phoenix Miles Gold, Platinum
Air India: Flying Returns Maharajah Club, Golden Edge Club
Air New Zealand: Airpoints Gold, Elite
Asian: Asiana Club Platinum, Diamond, Diamond Plus
Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa / Swiss Airlines: Miles & More HON Circle, Senator
Thai Airways: Royal Orchid Plus Gold, Platinum
EVA Air: Infinity Mileage Lands Gold, Diamond
Scandinavian Airlines: Euro Bonus Gold, Platinum

SkyTeam:

ChinaAirlines: Dynasty Flyer Emerald, Paragon
Eastern China: Eastern Miles Elite Status Silver, Gold
Delta Airlines: Skymiles Gold, Platinum
Air France / KLM Dutch Airlines: Flying Blue Gold, Platinum
Viet Nam Airlines: Lotusmiles Titanium, Gold, Platinum
Indonesian Garuda: Garuda Miles Gold, Platinum
Korean Air: Skypass Morning Calm Premium Club, Million Miler Club

Others:

Air Niugini: Gold Executive Club
Emirates: Skywards Gold, Platinum
LATAM: LATAM Pass Platinum, Black
Philippine Airlines: Mabuhay Miles Premier Elite, Million Miler
Royal Brunei: Royal Skies Elite Gold

‘Unpublished’ frequent flyer tiers such as Qantas’ Chairman’s Lounge, Air New Zealand’s Elite Priority one and Emirates iQ are ineligible for Virgin’s status match offer.

Starting off with Velocity Discover Gold status

Once approved for Virgin’s Gold-grade status match, you’ll enjoy three months of what Virgin Velocity terms ‘Discover Gold’ status.

This is a slightly tailored version of the standard Velocity Gold offering, with most of the standard Gold perks offered, including priority check-in and boarding, airport lounge access, additional cabin baggage in economy, a boosted checked baggage allowance, and more.

All that’s missing from your trial Discover Gold membership compared to the full Velocity Gold package is a Gold baggage tag, access to guaranteed reward seats, the ability to opt-in for equivalent status with a hotel partner (choose between IHG and Hilton) and a car hire partner (either Europcar or Hertz) and parental pause rights.

Earning a full year of Velocity Gold status

During your three-month trial period, you’ll need to do two things to ascend to a full year of Velocity Gold status: earn 80 status credits and fly at least one eligible sector.

(Compare that to the usual Velocity Gold benchmark of 500 status credits and four eligible sectors and you can appreciate how fast this fast-track is.)

The single ‘eligible sector’ is easy enough to check off: it’s one paid Virgin Australia flight on any route, on any Choice, Flex or Business fare (but excluding Velocity Reward Seats), as long as there’s a VA flight number on your ticket .

And those 80 status credits? They’re a breeze to pocket.

You’ll earn some from that eligible flight, and the remainder can come from:

  • additional flying on Virgin;
  • ‘family pooling’ (collecting the status credits earned by other family members);
  • through Velocity partners such as by shopping at Coles, scanning your Flybuys card, and earning status credits when your Velocity Frequent Flyer account is linked.
Flying isn't the only way to earn Velocity status credits...

Flying isn’t the only way to earn Velocity status credits…

At the conclusion of the three-month trial period, provided you’ve completed the challenge, you’ll tick over to full Velocity Gold and remain there for a year.

(If you don’t manage to complete the challenge in those 12 weeks, you’ll spend the next year at Velocity Silver, before returning to regular reviews based on future performance.

How to earn 80 Velocity status credits

The easiest way to earn Velocity status credits is by flying with Virgin Australia.

Flying with Virgin Australia is the best way to earn your full Gold stripes.

Flying with Virgin Australia is the best way to earn your full Gold stripes.

Here’s a quick look at how many status credits you can earn per one-way domestic flight, based on the type of fare purchased and the distance of each flight.

On short trips such as Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Brisbane, you’ll pocket five status credits on the lowest-priced and carry-on bag only Lite economy ticket; 15 status credits on the more regular Choice fares 25 status credits on flexible economy and 55 status credits on a fully-flexible Business fare.

So if a Sydney-Melbourne trip is on your radar, you’d meet or surpass Virgin’s requirement for 80 status credits with:

  • one business class return trip.
  • two economy class return trips on a Flex economy fare. three economy return trips on mid-range Choice tickets

For a mid-length flight, such as between Brisbane and Melbourne, you’ll get seven status credits for a Lite fare, 20 status credits in Choice economy; 35 status credits on Flex economy and 80 status credits on Business fares.

Finally, flying coast to coast between Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and Perth lands you 10 status credits on Lite tickets; 30 status credits for Choice 45 status credits on Flex economy and 105 for a seat in the first two rows of the plane, known of course as business class.

Take off for Gold with Virgin Australia's status match challenge.

Take off for Gold with Virgin Australia’s status match challenge.

So if you’d like to tick off your status challenge with one flight, a single mid-length business class fare between Brisbane and Melbourne, for example, will get you across the line.

Fast-track your Discover Gold challenge with family pooling, Flybuys

Tools like Velocity’s ‘family pooling’ can make the process of earning 80 status credits even easier.

This lets you funnel status credits from a family member’s account – such as your partner or children, provided they live at the same address – into your own Velocity account.

Whenever that family member travels, you’ll pocket their status credits, bringing you closer to that goal of 80 status credits.

Flying Virgin business class between Sydney and Melbourne? That's as good as Gold.

Flying Virgin business class between Sydney and Melbourne? That’s as good as Gold.

If you took those return trips above together, for example, you’d qualify in half the time, as you’d be collecting not only your own status credits, but those from your family member, too.

Through the Flybuys rewards program, you can also earn one Velocity status credit per $100 spent at Coles supermarkets, when your Flybuys and Velocity accounts are linked.

Just be aware that Flybuys only sends across your status credits once a month, rather than immediately after every shop, so status credits earned via retail purchases made towards the end of your Discover Gold period may not appear in your account until after the challenge.

How to apply for the Velocity Discover Gold status fast track

Ready to get started on the path to elite Velocity status?

Sadly, Virgin Australia’s website is light on detail as to how frequent flyers can apply for this challenge. The best way we’ve found is to contact the airline through its feedback form, where you can make clear your request to take on the challenge.

The status match is open to those who have never previously held Velocity Silver, Gold or Platinum status.

The status match is open to those who have never previously held Velocity Silver, Gold or Platinum status.

You’ll need to indicate the status you hold, include a photograph or screenshot of your eligible frequent flyer card, and choose when you want your three-month period to begin, which needs to be within the next few weeks.

Once your request has been approved, you’ll then begin your three months as a Discover Gold member, putting you on the path to take home real Velocity Gold.

Categories
Sports

Stuart banned one game, fined $25,000 by NRL for ‘weak-gutted dog’ rant

Stuart banned one game, fined $25,000 by NRL for 'weak-gutted dog' rant

The NRL has come down hard on Canberra coach Ricky Stuart for his “weak-gutted dog” rant, fining him $25,000 and suspending him from Sunday’s Round 22 clash with the Dragons and all training activities until next Wednesday.

Stuart is now the first coach in premiership history to be suspended over a post-match press conference tirade.

Many coaches have been fined five-figure amounts over the past few decades for unacceptable comments when facing the media, including Stuart, who has repeated offenses on his record.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Stuart cannot provide instruction or direction to the team, players or club officials during the period of suspension.

“Leaders need to set the standard in the game,” Abdo said.

“These are significant steps we have taken. We have taken them because it is completely unacceptable for any person in the game to use language like the language Ricky used on Saturday.

“It is unacceptable regardless of the context or circumstances, or any matters that might have occurred of a private nature or any context.

“It’s inappropriate and unacceptable for someone to speak like that. And it’s a breach of the NRL rules.”

Stuart will not be able to communicate from a remote location, as some coaches have done this year when stuck in COVID-19 isolation and he will not be able to attend training for seven days after taking the team through its peace earlier on Tuesday.

Assistant coaches Brett White and Andrew McFadden will guide the team into the stoush with St George Illawarra.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart looks on during the round 21 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Penrith Panthers at GIO Stadium, on August 06, 2022, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart looks on during the round 21 NRL match against Penrith. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Following his extraordinary spray on Saturday night when he attacked Panthers five-eighth Jaeman Salmon’s reputation, the NRL Integrity Unit launched an investigation into the incident.

Canberra released a statement on Tuesday to reiterate they “recognize and accept the sanction handed down by the NRL today”.

Raiders CEO Don Furner had previously said the club does “not condone the comments made by Ricky in Saturday night’s press conference”.

On Tuesday he told reporters: “It’s a very public job and it’s a hard job. He’s obviously very disappointed and he’s embarrassed and he’s just going to have to put it behind him and move on and we’ll all support him.”

After Salmon had lashed out with his boot towards Raiders hooker Tom Starling during Penrith’s 26-6 win on Saturday night, Stuart fumed: “I know that kid well. He was a weak-gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He’s a weak-gutted dog person now.”

He tried to douse the flames on Sunday by issuing an apology: “I regret saying what I did on that platform after the game. I was speaking as a father and not as a football coach.

“My reaction was to a family situation that I thought I had dealt with, clearly I haven’t. I allowed my emotions to get the better of me and for that I am very sorry. There is a history between Jaeman Salmon and my family that I will not go into. I should not have brought it up after the game, but it just got the better of me.

“I am truly sorry that I have caused my family and the game unwarranted attention.”

Despite the coach’s carefully worded apology, the Salmon family issued a statement of their own, calling on the NRL to take action.

Cleary says Salmon will bounce back from drama

Penrith supported the sanctions while stating they were still “disappointed by the original comments made by Stuart on Saturday night, and believes that there is no place in the game for such comments.”

Coach Ivan Cleary said Salmon had been affected by the comments in the aftermath of the game but had been in better spirits at training on Tuesday.

“He was a bit rattled on the night,” Cleary said on Wednesday. “He was also a bit concerned about his family of him. They were quite upset, so I guess when that happens, it brings it to another level.

“But this week he’s seemed OK… He’s shown he’s pretty strong-minded. He’s a really popular member of the team on and off the field. We love him.”

Stuart is just the second NRL coach after Shane Flanagan to cop a ban, with Flanagan’s relating to Cronulla’s ASADA scandal.

Flanagan was later found to have breached the terms of his one-year ban by contacting the club in that time and so was deregistered again in 2018.

Their loss to Penrith means ninth-placed Canberra are two points adrift of eighth spot but they have a favorable draw in the final four rounds, playing teams below them on the table while many of the sides directly above them will face each other.

Geyer blasts Kent: ‘How dare you bring my family into it’

Earlier on Tuesday, Mark Geyer blasted Fox Sports analyst Paul Kent on Triple M after the veteran journalist mentioned a family matter involving the Penrith legend’s daughter while defending Ricky Stuart’s “weak-gutted dog” rant.

Geyer raged into his microphone “I am livid” about Kent’s column in The Daily Telegraph which claimed Stuart attacked Panthers five-eighth Jaeman Salmon and didn’t deserve to be banned because he was defending his family.

Kent referenced Geyer’s comments on radio on Monday when he said of Stuart “if that was his son, how would he feel if someone said that about his son?”

And then Kent responded with: And this is also the same Geyer who was involved in suing a social influencer for mistakenly identifying his daughter as the victim in a sex video. Given that, it might be fair to assume he knows how emotions roll when family is involved. Still…”

Geyer reacted with fury.

“Paul, I do. I do know how they’re involved because this wrecked my family for three of four years. You cannot compare one second you f…., to what’s going on with this Ricky Stuart saga,” he said.

“You cannot for one second know what we’ve gone through. Don’t compare the stories. Ricky Stuart’s had 12 years, 12 years to get this off his chest from him and he picks the night when Penrith kicks his ass to come out with it and call someone a weak-gutted dog.

“And then all of a sudden you bring my family into it. How dare you, how dare you. This has got nothing to do with my daughter. This has got nothing to do with her but you brought her into it.”

Whitehead: Players have Ricky’s back

Canberra will rally around Stuart and get on with keeping their NRL season alive, Captain Elliott Whitehead says.

The Raiders skipper, who was sitting alongside Stuart when he called Penrith half Jaeman Salmon a “weak-gutted dog” in Saturday’s post-match press conference, said the controversy wouldn’t distract the team at a critical stage of their season.

Overshadowed by the storm over Stuart’s comments has been the fact the Raiders’ season is teetering on the brink, one game and considerable point differential back from the eighth-ranked Sydney Roosters with four games to play following their loss to the Panthers.

In a week dominated by unwanted headlines about their coach, Whitehead said his players stood by him.

“We’ve got his back, he had his reasons,” Whitehead told reporters on Tuesday.

“I’m not going to go into them but we’re all supportive of Ricky and he knows he probably shouldn’t have said it on that platform.

“He’s upset he let his emotions get the better of him.

“Whoever comes in [to coach]nothing changes … we’ve got a gameplan that we’ve got to stick to, we’ve used that for the last couple of weeks so nothing will change in that department either.

“As a club we’re moving forward and not trying to worry about last week, we’ve got a job to do this week and that’s to win a game of footy.

“We are disappointed we lost last week but we’re trying to bounce back from that because we have to.”

Categories
Australia

James Marape returned as prime minister in Papua New Guinea after fraught election | Papua New Guinea

James Marape has been returned as Papua New Guinea’s prime minister for its 11th parliament after a fraught and violent election period that has run for roughly six weeks.

Marape – who became prime minister in 2019 after toppling his predecessor and former party leader, Peter O’Neill – was invited to form government by the governor general, after his Pangu Pati secured 36 seats and was able to strike deals with coalition partners to bring its numbers to more than 80.

O’Neill had hoped to reclaim the top job, but was left disappointed after only 14 members were declared for his rival People’s National Congress (PNC) party.

The new parliament sat for the first time on Tuesday, the counting of votes continuing in 11 seats, and Marape was voted despite as prime minister – 97 votes for and none against. O’Neill left the chamber before voting took place.

Speaking on Tuesday, Marape reassured Papua New Guinea that his party was “not for one region, not for one family, not for one person” but “belongs to this country”.

“Today, I want to give comfort to every Papua New Guinean wherever you are, as shown and reflected on the floor of parliament where 100% of members showed up to vote not just for me but for the mandate, collectively the coalition secured because we went to the elections as partners,” he said.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese issued his congratulations, tweeting: “Congratulations James Marape on your re-election as Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. The Australia-PNG partnership is special: we are neighbours, friends and family. Australia is committed to working with the PNG government to continue to deepen our comprehensive bilateral relationship and tackle shared regional challenges.”

O’Neill said he had left the chamber in protest at the fact that parliament had sat and decided on a prime minister while counting was still under way in some seats.

“I did not vote for Marape simply because I cannot support a leader not properly elected by the people in their electorates,” O’Neill said. “I cannot vote for what is wrong. I walked out and gave our party MPs the opportunity to vote on conscience.”

O’Neill had filed an urgent application seeking orders to prevent the parliament from sitting this week, arguing that for parliament to be called there has to be a declaration of all 118 seats. The supreme court refused to issue the orders, ruling there was no urgency in the application.

The election was plagued with violence, with 50 election-related deaths reported by the end of July. There were also reports of voter fraud, ballot boxes being destroyed and candidates taking over polling stations. Up to a million people were believed to have been disfranchised due to the electoral roll not being updated in a decade.

The new PNG parliament has female representation for the first time since 2017. Two women have been elected – central governor Rufina Peter and Rai Coast MP Kessy Sawang. They are only the eighth and ninth female MPs ever elected to parliament in PNG’s nearly 50-year history.

Categories
US

Rep. Scott Perry says FBI agents seized his cellphone

Rep. Scott Perry says FBI agents seized his cellphone

WASHINGTON (AP) — US Rep. Scott Perry said his cellphone was seized Tuesday morning by FBI agents carrying a search warrant.

The circumstances surrounding the seizure were not immediately known. Perry, though, has been a figure in the congressional investigation into President Donald Trump’s actions leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Former senior Justice Department officials have testified that Perry, a Pennsylvania Republican, had “an important role” in Trump’s effort to try to install Jeffrey Clark — a top Justice official who was pushing Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud — as the acting attorney general.

In a statement Tuesday, Perry said three agents visited him while he was traveling Tuesday with his family and “seized my cell phone.” He called the action “banana republic tactics.”

“They made no attempt to contact my lawyer, who would have made arrangements for them to have my phone if that was their wish,” Perry said. “I’m outraged – though not surprised – that the FBI under the direction of Merrick Garland’s DOJ, would seize the phone of a sitting Member of Congress.”

The lawmaker, representing Pennsylvania’s 10th District, was cited more than 50 times in a Senate Judiciary report released in October 2021 outlining how Trump’s effort to overturn his election defeat Joe Biden brought the Justice Department to the brink of chaos and prompted top officials there and at the White House to threaten to resign.

Perry, who has continuously disputed the validity of Biden’s victory in Pennsylvania, has said he obliged Trump’s request for an introduction to Clark, then an assistant attorney general whom Perry knew from unrelated legislative matters. The three men went on to discuss their shared concerns about the election, Perry has said.

The Justice Department found no evidence of widespread fraud in Pennsylvania or any other state, and senior Justice officials dismissed Perry’s claims.

The Senate report outlined a call Perry made to then-acting Deputy Attorney General Rich Donoghue in December 2020 to say the department wasn’t doing its job with respect to the elections. Perry encouraged Donoghue to elicit Clark’s help because he’s “the kind of guy who could really get in there and do something about this,” the report said.

Perry has said his “official communications” with Justice Department officials were consistent with the law.

The Justice Department’s inspector general conducted a search in June of Clark’s Virginia home.

Perry slammed the Justice Department’s decision to serve him with a warrant as an “unnecessary and aggressive action.”

“My phone contains info about my legislative and political activities, and personal/private discussions with my wife, family, constituents, and friends,” Perry said. None of this is the government’s business.”

The seizure of Scott’s cellphone was first reported by Fox News Channel.

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Business

‘Can’t find them anywhere’: Why Starburst lollies have disappeared from Aussie shelves

A woman appears sad in front of a Starburst lollies packet.

There’s a reason Australians haven’t been able to spot Starburst on supermarket shelves and it might leave a bitter taste in lolly lovers’ mouths.

Confectionery giant Mars Wrigley has confirmed it has discontinued the Starburst brand in Australia.

The move means the brand’s iconic chews, snakes and babies will no longer be stocked across the country.

The news came after TikTok creator Nariman Dein uploaded a video expressing her frustrations at being unable to find the lollies in Sydney, having scoured several supermarkets.

“These were the best and I can’t find them anywhere,” Dein said.

“And I’m having some conspiracy theory — did they just stop selling them and no-one noticed?

“Is this another Mandela effect?”

Mars Wrigley responded to the video, which attracted about 276,000 views, by releasing a statement confirming the absence of Starburst lines wasn’t a conspiracy.

A woman appears sad in front of a Starburst lollies packet.
Dein said she had scouted supermarkets across Sydney, including Big W and Woolworths. (Tik Tok: Nariman Dein)

“Our Starburst products are imported from Europe and, like many businesses that are importing products from overseas, the brand has been exposed to supply chain difficulties and rising cost pressures over the last two years,” a spokesperson for the company said.

“After reviewing all options, we’ve made the difficult decision to discontinue the brand in Australia from June 2022.”

Mars Wrigley is a major American multinational manufacturer of chocolate, chewing gum, mints and fruity sweets.

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Categories
Sports

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary supports NRL decision to suspend Ricky Stuart

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary supports NRL decision to suspend Ricky Stuart

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary threw his support behind the one-week suspension for Canberra Raiders mentor Ricky Stuart after his post-match verbal attack on Panther Jaeman Salmon, declaring the NRL handled the situation “pretty well”.

Stuart has been banned from all coaching duties, including any interaction with his players, for a week and personally fined $25,000 for calling Salmon a “weak-gutted dog” after the Panthers’ win over the Raiders last weekend.

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Salmon kicked Raider Tom Starling in the groin during the game, for which he was fined $1000, sparking the reaction from Stuart who subsequently apologised.

Cleary said Salmon and his family had been “rattled” and the NRL’s punishment for Stuart was sufficient as he became the first coach banned for post-match comments.

“As a club, we support the NRL,” Cleary said.

“It’s been handled pretty well by the NRL. I think (the penalty) is fair.

“We’ve been sticking close to Jaeman this week and hopefully he and everyone else can move on.”

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has backed Ricky Stuart’s ban. Picture: Jonathan NgSource: News Corp Australia

Salmon, who will again start as Penrith five-eighth in a blockbuster showdown with Melbourne at home on Thursday night, is yet to speak publicly on the issue.

But Cleary said the week’s drama wouldn’t impact Salmon’s performance and he had been in better spirits at training after being taken aback by Stuart’s outburst.

“He was a bit rattled on the night,” Cleary said.

“He was also a bit concerned about his family. They were quite upset, so I guess when that happens, it brings it to another level.

“But this week he’s seemed OK… He’s shown he’s pretty strong-minded.

Jaeman Salmon was rattled by Stuart’s comments. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“He’s a really popular member of the team on and off the field. We love him.

“We certainly thought it was best if he just kept his head down and just let it blow over and got on with his footy.

“It’s a really important game for him and the club tomorrow night.”

Penrith can seal a second minor premiership in three seasons with victory over the Storm.

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Categories
Australia

Brett O’Dea case: New trial over Perth ‘vigilante’ bashing of Alimamy Koroma

Brett O'Dea case: New trial over Perth 'vigilante' bashing of Alimamy Koroma

A Perth man who severely bashed an African migrant in a misguided vigilante attack has had his conviction overturned by the High Court and will face a retrial.

Brett Christopher O’Dea, 46, was found guilty by a jury of committing grievous bodily harm with intent to Alimamy Koroma, a 35-year-old migrant from Sierra Leone, in the driveway of a Manning home in January 2018.

Mr Koroma had been chasing a young woman who had attempted to steal from the bowling club where he worked as a cleaner when he was attacked by O’Dea and another man, Jacob Jefferson Webb.

O’Dea testified he had heard the woman screaming she had been raped and ran out to protect her, responding in a manner he felt was appropriate at the time.

He attacked Mr Koroma with a weapon similar to a hockey stick, kicked him in the face and punched him in the head at least 10 times while he was on the ground.

The father-of-one suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fractured skull. He was forced to move into a rehabilitation facility after suffering cognitive impairments that left him unable to work or drive.

O’Dea’s trial in the District Court of Western Australia was told Mr Koroma’s brain injury was more likely to have been caused by O’Dea than Webb. It was also possible it was caused by a combination of their acts, prosecutors said.

A father-of-one suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fractured skull. He was forced to move into a rehabilitation facility after suffering cognitive impairments that left him unable to work or drive.
Camera IconA father-of-one suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fractured skull. He was forced to move into a rehabilitation facility after suffering cognitive impairments that left him unable to work or drive. Credit: trevor collens/The Sunday Times

O’Dea was found guilty in 2019 and sentenced to a minimum of four years and three months in prison.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict for Webb, who later faced a retrial and was convicted of the alternative charge of unlawfully doing grievous bodily harm.

O’Dea’s conviction was upheld last year by WA’s Court of Appeal.

Brett Christopher O'Dea, pictured, was found guilty by a jury of committing grievous bodily harm with intent to Alimamy Koroma.
Camera IconBrett Christopher O’Dea, pictured, was found guilty by a jury of committing grievous bodily harm with intent to Alimamy Koroma. Credit: unknown/Facebook

But Australia’s highest court on Wednesday ruled O’Dea had suffered a miscarriage of justice because the trial judge had erred in his instructions to the jury.

A majority of High Court judges found the instructions, based upon the “broadest” interpretation of the relevant legislation, left it open to the jury to attribute acts to O’Dea that Webb may have been carried out.

“That direction was an error of law amounting to a miscarriage of justice,” Justices Michelle Gordon, James Edelman and Simon Steward said.

The jury needed to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that O’Dea’s acts, in isolation, were sufficient to have caused the brain injury and were not undertaken in self-defence or because of an honest or reasonable mistake, they said.

In dissenting remarks, Chief Justice Susan Kiefel and Justice Stephen Gageler found the jury had been entitled to convict O’Dea.

The court ordered his conviction be set aside and a new trial held.

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Categories
US

Five takeaways from primaries in Wisconsin, Minnesota and beyond

Five takeaways from primaries in Wisconsin, Minnesota and beyond

Tuesday’s primaries in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont and Connecticut saw victories for Trump-endorsed candidates in the GOP, wins for progressives on the Democratic side of the aisle, and a few history-making moments as well.

Former President Trump and progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) touted their endorsed candidates’ victories, while Democrats in Vermont put the state on track to send its first woman representative to Capitol Hill.

Here are five takeaways from Tuesday’s primaries.

A good night for Trump-backed candidates

Trump saw a number of victories on Tuesday, marking a second successful week in a row for the power of his endorsement.

In Wisconsin, Trump-endorsed businessman Tim Michels defeated his GOP gubernatorial primary opponent, former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, who had the backing of former Vice President Mike Pence. If he wins, Michels will take on the incumbent Gov. Tony Evers (D), who is thought to be one of the most vulnerable Democratic governors going into November’s midterms.

Meanwhile, in Vermont, retired US Army officer Gerald Malloy was projected to win the state’s GOP Senate primary. And in Connecticut’s Republican Senate primary, Trump-backed Leora Levy handily won her primary by roughly 10 points. However, both will likely face uphill battles in the two New England liberal strongholds.

Tuesday night’s results were reminiscent of last week’s primaries in states like Arizona, where Trump’s favored candidates also did well. Wisconsin, for example, was yet another example of Trump winning out over the GOP establishment, much like he did in the Grand Canyon State, where Trump-backed Kari Lake defeated Karrin Taylor Robson in the gubernatorial primary.

But the ultimate test of Trump’s endorsement will come in the general election when his endorsed candidates will be tasked with winning over swing voters.

Another pro-impeachment Republican goes down

One of the biggest political developments happened not in the states holding primaries Tuesday night, but rather in Washington, which held its primaries last week.

Incumbent Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R), who represents Washington’s 3rd congressional district, conceded in her primary race against former Green Beret Joe Kent on Tuesday, marking yet another loss for a House Republican who voted to impeach Trump.

Herrara Beutler’s defeat comes one week after her fellow Washington Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), who also voted to impeach Trump, managed to survive his primary. However, Michigan Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.), another pro-impeachment Republican, lost his primary last week.

In her concession statement, Herrara Beutler said she was proud of what her and her team accomplished during her tenure.

“I’m proud that I always told the truth, stuck to my principles, and did what I knew to be best for our country,” she said.

Trump, on the other hand, celebrated Kent’s win and criticized Herrara Beutler in his own statement.

“Joe Kent just won an incredible race against all odds in Washington State. Importantly, I have knocked out yet another impeacher, Jaime Herrera Beutler, who so stupidly played right into the hands of the Democrats,” Trump said.

Kent will likely face a relatively easily general election, with the Cook Political Report rating the district as “solid Republican.”

Vermont poised to make history

Vermont is set to send the first woman and openly gay representative to represent the state on Capitol Hill after the state’s President pro tempore Becca Balint won the Democratic primary for the at-large House seat on Tuesday.

Balint defeated Vermont Lt. Gov. Molly Gray to represent the seat currently held by Senate candidate and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

“We proved them wrong. I was the long shot. I was the underdog, ”Balint told her supporters of her at an election night party, according to Seven Days. “But this campaign wasn’t built on connections. It was built on relationships.”

Balint is heavily favored to win the general election in the deep-blue state going into November,

Bernie Sanders scores a win

Balint’s win also represented a high-profile victory for progressive leader and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who backed her in the primary.

“She will be a fighter for working people, and I look forward to serving with her in Washington,” Sanders said in a statement.

“In this next Congress, we could see the strongest progressive presence in a long time. Alongside Becca, I know that new members like Greg Casar, Summer Lee, Jonathan Jackson, and Delia Ramirez will all be fighters for a bold progressive agenda,” he added, citing other successful progressive candidates.

Her win brings much-needed relief to progressives, who have experienced a number of primary losses this midterm cycle, including former Texas House candidate Jessica Cisneros, former Missouri Senate candidate Lucas Kunce, and former Ohio House candidate Nina Turner.

A surprise nail-biter for a high-profile ‘Squad’ member

In one of the biggest surprises of the night, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), a member of the progressive “Squad” on Capitol Hill, just barely won her primary against former Minneapolis City Councilmember Don Samuels.

While Omar had the backing of progressive leaders like Sanders and had an incumbent’s advantage, she only led Samuels by just over 2 points with over 96 percent of the vote in.

Samuels conceded on Tuesday evening and pledged his support for Omar in the general election.

“The will of the people is the will of the people. Part of the effort to reach out to people, to talk to them on the phone, to go to their doors, to go to events, is out of deference for their decision-making freedom,” Samuels told the Sahan Journal. “To then violate that trust in people’s wisdom and not celebrate their decision, would be inconsistent with the democratic process.”

Samuels, who is a moderate Democrat, campaigned heavily on combatting violent crime as progressives like Omar embraced the “defund the police” movement. The primary could serve as a warning sign for progressives going into the general election as Republicans seek to make combatting crime a centerpiece of their campaign messaging.