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Technology

Nintendo Platinum Points Reward Xenoblade 3 Icons in August 2022

Nintendo Switch Online subscribers in the US can obtain new user icons designed after Xenoblade Chronicles 3 characters by redeeming their My Nintendo Platinum Points throughout August 2022. Users can gather the points by completing Missions in the Nintendo Switch Online app. They will then be able to use their points to purchase rewards such as user icons.

The icons will be available for a limited time. Nintendo will split the distributions into five waves on a weekly basis. The schedule for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Platinum Points Rewards is as follows:

  • Wave 1 starring Noah and Mio: July 28 – August 4, 2022
  • Wave 2 starring Eunie and Taion: August 4 – 11, 2022
  • Wave 3 starring Lanz and Sena: August 11-18, 2022
  • Wave 4 starring Chibi Mio and Chibi Eunie: August 18-25, 2022
  • Wave 5 starring the Queens of Agnus and Keves: August 25 – September 1, 2022

Each wave will feature more than just the main characters mentioned above. the first wave also includes icons of several supporting characters like Riku, Valdi, and Juniper. Nintendo will end the ongoing wave every Thursday at 5:59 PM PT (8:59 ET).

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is available worldwide on Nintendo Switch. A Japanese and English dual audio option is available as part of the base game. Nintendo has also revealed a DLC Expansion Pass that will add more content like new hero characters and quests periodically until the end of 2023.

Categories
Entertainment

Beyonce fans react to Diane Warren seemingly shading the singer for using 24 songwriters

While Beyonce’s legions of fans have been enjoying her new album Renaissance – her first album since 2016’s Lemonade – some have been defending her from some supposed shade thrown her way by Oscar-nominated songwriter Diane Warren.

The 65-year-old Warren took to Twitter on Monday, asking, ‘How can there be 24 writers on a song?’ with a rolling eyes emoji.

The tweet – seemingly in reference to Beyonce’s song Alien Superstar – was not met well by the BeyHive, with fans bashing her for everything from her age to not knowing how samples work.

Defending: While Beyonce's legions of fans have been enjoying her new album Renaissance - her first album since 2016's Lemonade - some have been defending her from some supposed shade thrown her way by Oscar-nominated songwriter Diane Warren

Defending: While Beyonce’s legions of fans have been enjoying her new album Renaissance – her first album since 2016’s Lemonade – some have been defending her from some supposed shade thrown her way by Oscar-nominated songwriter Diane Warren

How: The 65-year-old Warren took to Twitter on Monday, asking, 'How can there be 24 writers on a song?'  with a rolling eyes emoji

How: The 65-year-old Warren took to Twitter on Monday, asking, ‘How can there be 24 writers on a song?’ with a rolling eyes emoji

Her tweet – sent early Monday morning – seemingly blew up instantly, angering fans who thought she was sending some shade Beyonce’s way.

Warren tried to alleviate that notion by tweeting out 15 minutes later, ‘This isn’t meant as shade, I’m just curious.’

Another 20 minutes or so later she seemed to have figured it out, tweeting out, ‘Ok, it’s prob samples that add up the ammount of writers.’

Shade: Her tweet - sent early Monday morning - seemingly blew up instantly, angering fans who thought she was sending some shade Beyonce's way

Shade: Her tweet – sent early Monday morning – seemingly blew up instantly, angering fans who thought she was sending some shade Beyonce’s way

No shade: Warren tried to alleviate that notion by tweeting out 15 minutes later, 'This isn't meant as shade, I'm just curious'

No shade: Warren tried to alleviate that notion by tweeting out 15 minutes later, ‘This isn’t meant as shade, I’m just curious’

Samples: Another 20 minutes or so later she seemed to have figured it out, tweeting out, 'Ok, it's prob samples that add up the ammount of writerrs'

Samples: Another 20 minutes or so later she seemed to have figured it out, tweeting out, ‘Ok, it’s prob samples that add up the ammount of writerrs’

That still didn’t stop a number of fans from chiming in, including Twitter user Lisa McGuire, who said, ‘samples and multiple interpolations! I’m a music supervisor and have the clear them sometimes.’

Another Twitter user named Dylan asked, ‘How you’ve been in the game for 80 years and don’t know how samples work?’ Warren responded, ‘Coz I don’t use them.’

Twitter user TaylorBold added, ‘Same way you have 13 nominations and no wins,’ along with a photo of her 13 Oscar nominations.

Samples: That still didn't stop a number of fans from chiming in, including Twitter user Lisa McGuire, who said, 'samples and multiple interpolations!  I'm a music supervisor and have the clear them sometimes'

Samples: That still didn’t stop a number of fans from chiming in, including Twitter user Lisa McGuire, who said, ‘samples and multiple interpolations! I’m a music supervisor and have the clear them sometimes’

Don't: Another Twitter user named Dylan asked, 'How you've been in the game for 80 years and don't know how samples work?'  Warren responded, 'Coz I don't use them'

Don’t: Another Twitter user named Dylan asked, ‘How you’ve been in the game for 80 years and don’t know how samples work?’ Warren responded, ‘Coz I don’t use them’

Same: Twitter user TaylorBold added, 'Same way you have 13 nominations and no wins,' along with a photo of her 13 Oscar nominations

Same: Twitter user TaylorBold added, ‘Same way you have 13 nominations and no wins,’ along with a photo of her 13 Oscar nominations

That started a brief exchange, where Warren joked, ‘But I have 13 more nominations than U’ while another fan, J, added, ‘Exactly, nominations. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.’

Warren asked, ‘How many U got?’ as J responded, ‘Same wins as you, xoxo.’

Another recording artist, The-Dream, explained, ‘You mean how’s does our (Black) culture have so many writers, well it started because we couldn’t afford certain things starting out, So we started sampling and it became an Artform, a major part of the Black Culture (hip-hop) in America. Had that was not happen who knows. u good?’

Nominations: That started a brief exchange, where Warren joked, 'But I have 13 more nominations than U' while another fan, J, added, 'Exactly, nominations.  Always the bridesmaid, never the bride'

Nominations: That started a brief exchange, where Warren joked, ‘But I have 13 more nominations than U’ while another fan, J, added, ‘Exactly, nominations. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride’

Wins: Warren asked, 'How many U got?'  as J responded, 'Same wins as you, xoxo'

Wins: Warren asked, ‘How many U got?’ as J responded, ‘Same wins as you, xoxo’

Explain: Another recording artist, The-Dream, explained, 'You mean how's does our (Black) culture have so many writers, well it started because we couldn't afford certain things starting out, So we started sampling and it became an Artform , a major part of the Black Culture (hip hop) in America.  Had that was not happen who knows.  u good?'

Explain: Another recording artist, The-Dream, explained, ‘You mean how’s does our (Black) culture have so many writers, well it started because we couldn’t afford certain things starting out, So we started sampling and it became an Artform , a major part of the Black Culture (hip hop) in America. Had that was not happen who knows. u good?’

Warren responded, ‘I didn’t mean that as an attack or as disrespect. I didn’t know this, thank you for making me aware of it. I don’t need to be mean about it.’

She also sent out a number of other tweets including one where she called a Twitter user ac**t for calling her a ‘grandma’ and another where she sent a middle finger emoji to someone who said she’s 65, adding, ‘Cool U can count. How many fingers am I holding up’

Warren seemingly conceded her argument hours later, tweeting out, ‘Ok, I meant no disrespect to @beyonce, who I’ve worked with and admire. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.’

Beyonce herself has yet to respond publicly to any of the tweets as of now.

No attack: Warren responded, 'I didn't mean that as an attack or as disrespect.  I didn't know this, thank you for making me aware of it.  I don't need to be mean about it'

No attack: Warren responded, ‘I didn’t mean that as an attack or as disrespect. I didn’t know this, thank you for making me aware of it. I don’t need to be mean about it’

Count: She also sent out a number of other tweets including one where she called a Twitter user ac**t for calling her a 'grandma' and another where she sent a middle finger emoji to someone who said she's 65, adding, 'Cool U can count.  How many fingers am I holding up'

Count: She also sent out a number of other tweets including one where she called a Twitter user ac**t for calling her a ‘grandma’ and another where she sent a middle finger emoji to someone who said she’s 65, adding, ‘Cool U can count. How many fingers am I holding up’

Sorry: Warren seemingly conceded her argument hours later, tweeting out, 'Ok, I meant no disrespect to @beyonce, who I've worked with and admire.  I'm sorry for the misunderstanding'

Sorry: Warren seemingly conceded her argument hours later, tweeting out, ‘Ok, I meant no disrespect to @beyonce, who I’ve worked with and admire. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding’

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Categories
Sports

Deshaun Watson banned for six NFL games after 24 allegations of sexual misconduct

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended for six games after being accused by two dozen women in Texas of sexual misconduct during massage treatments.

The punishment was handed out by the game’s disciplinary officer, former federal judge Sue L Robinson, who said Watson’s behavior was “more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL.”

But the ban fell well short of what the NFL reportedly asked for: an open-ended suspension of at least a year for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Watson, who played for four seasons with the Houston Texans before being traded to Cleveland in March, recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits filed by women alleging sexual harassment and assault during the treatments in 2020 and 2021.

The NFL has three days to appeal the decision.

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Categories
Australia

Gold Coast, Beenleigh rail users face major changes as Brisbane’s Cross River Rail network is revealed

Rail commuters in Queensland’s south-east face the most significant shake-up in decades after the state government outlined several route changes to integrate the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail network launch in 2025.

State Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the planned changes amounted to a “brand new network”.

“This network will be a change for Queenslanders, but it will open the door for future investment and time-saving timetable changes to help Queenslanders get home sooner and safer,” he said.

Under the plan, south-east Queensland trains will operate in three sections, all connecting at the existing or new underground Roma Street stations.

Existing rail lines will be shifted to reconnect at new or upgraded stations — significantly altering how residents on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast access Brisbane.

A map of the Queensland train lines
A map for the new network that is expected to be operational from 2025.(Supplied: Queensland government)

Sector One will connect the Gold and Sunshine Coasts directly, operating trains from Varsity Lakes and Beenleigh through to Redcliffe Peninsula, Nambour and Gympie.

Sector Two will link the Rosewood and Springfield lines through Central to the domestic airport and Shorncliffe.

Sector Three will run Ferny Grove trains through Central and Southbank to Cleveland.

Suburban services to shift

The new rail plan will shift multiple suburban services, splitting the Ferny Grove line from the Beenleigh line, placing the airport spur along the Ipswich line, and extending the Doomben line from Roma Street to Indooroopilly.

In a major shift, commuters on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines will need to change at Boggo Road or Roma Street to access South Brisbane stations and Central station in the CBD.

The Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines will instead travel through the city via Albert Street, Woolloongabba and Boggo Road.

scaffolding and cranes fill a construction site
The underground station at Boggo Road is taking shape.(Supplied: Cross River Rail)

Another line will run between Boggo Road and the newly upgraded Exhibition station at Bowen Hills.

Travelers from Ipswich and Rosewood will also need to switch trains in the city to connect to northbound Sunshine Coast services.

future and legacy

The 10.2km underground Cross River Rail project will run from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, with nearly 6 kilometers of tunnels cut under Brisbane River and new underground stations at Roma Street, Albert Street, Woolloongabba and Boggo Road.

“More than 80,000 people migrated to Queensland in the past two years, and this investment shows we are at full throttle, planning, building and delivering a world-class rail network for the state,” Mr Bailey said.

“The new network we build now will be the network Queensland kids and Olympic-goers will remember.”

Concept drawing for new Cross River Rail station
An artistic impression of the Cross River Rail design for Roma Street Station.(Supplied: Queensland government)

The planned network will be in place several years before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, and was kickstarted in 2019 by south-east Queensland mayors who called for better-connected rail and public transport infrastructure across the region.

Mr Bailey said the government’s rail investment also included a $6 million planning study for the Direct Sunshine Coast line, a $2.5 million corridor study for a line connecting the booming city of Springfield to Ipswich, and a $20 million Salisbury to Beaudesert business case.

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Categories
US

Senate GOP backtracks after veterans bill firestorm

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell declined to respond to a question Monday about why the legislation was held up.

“It will pass this week,” he said.

Other Republicans in Senate leadership struck a similar tone. Sen. John Barraso (R-Wyo.) told POLITICO he would “expect it to pass” and Sen. John Thune (RS.D.), McConnell’s No. 2, echoed that at “some point this is going to pass and it will pass big.”

Republicans say they blocked the bill because of concerns spearheaded by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) over what the retiring senator called a “budgetary gimmick” — language that he argued could allow certain funds to be used for programs unrelated to veterans’ health care. That language was in the bill when it initially passed the Senate in an 84-14 vote, before a technical snag forced the chamber to vote on it again.

“This stuff got drug out, but remember why it got drug out. When they passed it over here the first time, they did it wrong,” Thune said, adding it was Democrats who “screwed up the first time.”

Schumer is expected to force another vote on the veterans bill this week, vowing Monday that he would bring it up “in the coming days.”

“We’re going to give Senate Republicans another chance to do the right thing,” he said.

The New York Democrat will likely give Republicans an off-ramp by granting Toomey a vote on his proposed amendment, which the Pennsylvania Republican and many of his colleagues say he’s been requesting for months.

“The ball is in the court of the leader and I’ve not heard what he’s decided to do… we have not been told that we have an amendment vote scheduled. Hopefully, that will be forthcoming,” Toomey said Monday.

The amendment explanation has done little to curb Democratic charges that the GOP turned a non-controversial plan to help veterans exposed to Agent Orange and toxic burn pits into a political football. Democrats have questioned the turnabout sharply given that 25 Republicans voted to block the bill over the budgetary issue only on its second trip to the floor, not its first.

“I’m doing everything I can do,” said Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.). “I don’t know [if] people really understand what they were voting on, to be honest with you. There’s no slush fund in this.”

Importantly, even if Toomey gets a vote, his amendment isn’t expected to have enough support to ultimately get included — leaving Republicans with the same veterans bill most of them voted to block last week. And some are still saying they’re not willing to kill the legislation over the amendment push.

“If I get a chance to vote for an amendment I might vote for the amendment, but I want to make sure the bill doesn’t get killed,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who added he generally agreed with Toomey’s concern. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) similarly said he broadly supported the amendment.

Still, Toomey has tried to rally his colleagues behind holding up the veterans bill in private conference meetings; Republicans argue that Democrats promised an amendment vote on his concerns from him back in June, only to renege.

Those disputes largely flew under the radar until last week, when the bill crashed on the floor. Veterans advocates groups had flown into Washington expecting to celebrate final passage — instead, it became a press conference to rail against the GOP senators who held it up.

“As someone who has worked on this bill for years, I’m just disappointed that some of my Republican colleagues, whether out of personal pique or some misguided political motive… wanted to flip-flop. But as long as it comes to the right result, that’s what’s important for the country and for veterans,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

The criticism hasn’t let up this week.

Comedian Jon Stewart — rallying alongside veterans who’ve been camped outside the Senate for days — on Monday slammed Republicans for slowing the bill’s passage.

“I’m not scared of you and I don’t care, because these are the people I owe a debt of gratitude to,” Stewart said. “Don’t leave here tonight until you do the right thing by these folks. Simple as that: Don’t make this harder than it is.”

Katherine Tully-McManus contributed to this report.

Categories
Business

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday 1 August 2022

Smiling man with phone in wheelchair watching stocks and trends on computer

Image Source: Getty Images

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week in fine form. The benchmark index rose 0.7% to 6,993 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fail

The Australian share market is expected to open the day lower on Tuesday following a poor start to the week on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 19 points or 0.3% lower. On Wall Street the Dow Jones fell 0.15%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.3%, and the NASDAQ was down 0.2%.

RBA meeting

The Reserve Bank of Australia is meeting again today to decide on the cash rate. According to the latest cash rate futures, the market sees a 67% probability of the central bank raising the cash rate by 0.65% to 2%. Though, another 0.5% rise to 1.85% appears to be the most likely outcome at this afternoon’s meeting according to the Westpac Banking Corp. (ASX: WBC) economic team.

Oil price sink

It could be a difficult day for energy producers such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices sank deep into the red on Monday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 5% to US$93.66 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has fallen 4.1% to US$99.72 a barrel. Traders were selling oil following concerns about weak Chinese factory data.

Credit Corp results

the Credit Corp Group Limited (ASX: CCP) share price will be on watch on Tuesday when the debt collector kicks off earnings season. According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts are expecting the company to report a full year net profit after tax of $96.2 million. This will be the top end of Credit Corp’s guidance range from $92 million to $97 million. Looking ahead, the broker is expecting management to guide to a net profit of $94 million to $104 million for FY 2023.

Gold price higher

gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd. (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a decent day after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.35% to US$1,788 an ounce. A softer US dollar and weak Chinese economic data increased demand for the precious metal.

Categories
Technology

Is Chromecast with Google TV worth it? Get to know the media center

Chromecast with Google TV is the fourth generation media center launched in 2020. The device features support for Ultra HD (4K) resolution, Dolby Vision, and HDR. The new version of the dongle features compatibility with Google Assistant, personalized content for the user, and remote control with voice command.

The product is sold for US$49. Available in white, blue, and pink, the Chromecast with Google TV includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Check out the main specifications of the model’s datasheet below and see if it is worth importing it or buying it.

Chromecast with Google TV datasheet

Chromecast with Google TV
release October 2020
Official price $49
maximum resolution UHD(4K)
RAM 2GB
internal storage 8GB
Operating System google tv
processor Amlogic quad core Cortex A55
Supported video formats Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+
connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
remote control And it is
Google Assistant And it is
Dimensions 16.2 cm long, 6.1 cm wide, and 1.2 cm high
Weight 55g
Colors white, blue, and pink

Design

Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast with Google TV, launched in 2020, has gained a new look and presents a more modern design compared to its previous third-generation version. Available in white, blue, and pink, the device has a plastic housing and rounded edges. There is a short cable for connection to the TV. The dongle is 16.2 cm long, 6.1 cm wide, and 1.2 cm high in its dimensions and weighs only 55 g.

A highlight of the new media center is the presence of remote control, which follows the clean look of the device and is in the same color chosen for the dongle. The buttons allow content selection, interface navigation, volume adjustment, home, and return. There are also two shortcuts to open Netflix and YouTube. The big highlight is the unique button to launch the Google Assistant directly on the TV.

Chromecast with Google TV

The dimensions of the Chromecast with Google TV remote are 12.2 cm long, 3.8 cm wide, and 1.8 cm high. The accessory weighs about 63 g. The device is Bluetooth compatible and can also control sound bars and TVs with HDMI-CEC. Power is supplied via two AAA batteries.

Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast with Google TV features basic configurations that are present in competing media centers. Product specifications include a quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of storage. The limited amount of memory to store content is perhaps one of the main sticking points of the device. This is because the device’s system shares the same storage location as the applications, which can restrict the user experience as more and more streaming apps are available.

Google’s media center has an HDMI connection to connect to the TV and a USB-C port to connect the device’s power cable. Also, in connectivity, you can find a Wi-Fi antenna (802.11ac), with support for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands; and Bluetooth, which allows you to connect speakers, headphones, and other peripherals.

Chromecast with Google TV

Google’s media center has compatibility with UHD (4K) resolution, which promises to deliver content with the better visual quality. However, to consume the content at maximum resolution, it is necessary to have a TV compatible with the format, HDCP 2.2 support, and a high-speed Internet connection of at least 20 Mb/s.

The video formats described in the product datasheet also include Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+. As well as the resolution, to consume movies and series in High Dynamic Range (HDR), it is necessary to have a TV that supports this format.

System

Chromecast with Google TV

The datasheet for the fourth-generation Chromecast indicates that the device retains the Android TV operating system. The difference is the Google TV software, which runs on the system, at first in version 10. With this, the dongle promises a new interface that organizes movies and TV shows on the same screen based on the active streaming services, without the need to switch between apps. In addition, it is possible to receive personalized recommendations based on subscriptions and viewing history.

Users can also mirror content from their smartphone, laptop, or tablet directly to the TV. But the main highlight of Google TV is the compatibility with Google Assistant. Using the remote control with voice commands, users can ask the virtual assistant for directions to movies, or series or ask to play a playlist in music apps.

Features and content

The Google media center is a device that extends the functionality of the TV. With the dongle, you can access various streaming services for series, movies, and music. In addition, you can also play games with Google Stadia, the company’s game streaming service, and view photos from the Google Photos gallery directly on your TV screen.

The Chromecast with Google TV features the main video streaming apps used by users, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Pluto TV, and Apple TV+. On the audio side, you can find options such as Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music. In addition to TV, the media center features apps from Facebook, Twitch, Tastemade, Google Photos, and Google Meet.

Another differentiator of the Chromecast with Google TV is the compatibility with other smart devices. With Google Assistant and the remote control with voice commands, it is possible to turn the device into a control center to control other smart devices in the home.

Price and Availability

Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast with Google TV is available for purchase in the market. The product has a suggested retail price of US$49.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Categories
Entertainment

Orlando Bloom shows off his bulging biceps as he steps out of the gym in Cairns

Katy’s one lucky girl! Hunky Orlando Bloom shows off his bulging biceps as he steps out of the gym in Cairns while taking a break from filming the Wizards! with Pete Davidson

He has been flaunting his buff body while filming shirtless scenes for his new movie Wizards! in Cairns, Queensland.

And Hollywood hunk Orlando Bloom showed just how he gets into shape on Tuesday.

The 45-year-old revealed his bulging biceps in a tank top as he left the gym with his trainer.

Hunky Orlando Bloom showed off his bulging biceps as he stepped out of the gym in Cairns, Queensland on Tuesday morning

Hunky Orlando Bloom showed off his bulging biceps as he stepped out of the gym in Cairns, Queensland on Tuesday morning

The father-of-two also showcased his toned legs in a pair of workout shorts teamed with a calf-width socks and colorful Nike trainers.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean star tied his long thick locks back in a half-up half-down style and wore a face mask for the car ride home.

The day before Orlando was busy working on his new film on the set in Cairns.

The father-of-two also showcased his toned legs in a pair of workout shorts teamed with a calf-width socks and colorful Nike trainers

The father-of-two also showcased his toned legs in a pair of workout shorts teamed with a calf-width socks and colorful Nike trainers

The British actor showed off his rippling muscles as he shot scenes on a local beach.

Also on set was his co-star Pete Davidson, who donned a pale yellow T-shirt with a graphic print, which had large stains on the front.

The pair were joined by English actress Naomi Scott.

The production of Wizards! will inject an estimated $14.7million into Queensland’s economy.

According to Deadline, it will follow two hapless pothead beach-bar operators, played by Pete and Franz Rogowski, who run into trouble when they stumble across stolen loot they really should have left alone.

Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B, is behind the upcoming movie.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean star pushed his long thick locks back in a half-up half-down style and wore a face mask for the car ride home

The Pirates Of The Caribbean star pushed his long thick locks back in a half-up half-down style and wore a face mask for the car ride home

Orlando also joins Sean Harris in the new film by Australian writer-director David Michôd.

It comes after Orlando was joined by his fiancée Katy Perry and one-year-old daughter Daisy Dove in Australia ahead of their three month stint Down Under.

The young family seem to be making the most of their time in the country, with Katy spotted at a café in Port Douglas and at the Lennon Bros Circus.

Queensland waitress Indianna Paull went viral on TikTok after revealing she had served the American singer, 37, while working at a café in Port Douglas.

The day before Orlando was busy working on his new film on the set in Cairns alongside co-star Pete Davidson

The day before Orlando was busy working on his new film on the set in Cairns alongside co-star Pete Davidson

Indianna, who did not recognize Katy beneath her hat and sunglasses, told the Roar hitmaker she would have to wait until a table became available.

She then revealed Katy left a ‘generous’ tip when she left the café, but refused to specify the exact amount.

Orlando and Katy have been engaged since 2016 and have a one-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom.

Orlando and pop star Katy Perry have been engaged since 2016 and have a one-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom

Orlando and pop star Katy Perry have been engaged since 2016 and have a one-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom

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Categories
Sports

West Coast Eagles star player Josh Kennedy announces retirement

Veteran West Coast Eagles forward Josh Kennedy has confirmed Sunday’s home game against Adelaide will be his last in the AFL.

Kennedy, 34, will depart the game as West Coast’s leading goal kicker, a three-time All-Australian, dual Coleman medalist and premiership player.

He was an integral part of the club’s 2018 premiership side as West Coast’s only multiple goal kicker on the day, with three crucial majors.

He also had 18 disposals and took 11 marks as the Eagles claimed their fourth premiership.

Drafted by Carlton at pick No.4 overall from East Fremantle in 2005, Kennedy played 22 games for the Blues before somewhat reluctantly agreeing to be involved in the famous trade that sent West Coast premiership captain Chris Judd to the Blues at the end of 2007.

Josh Kennedy high fives Jack Darling after kicking a goal
Josh Kennedy (right) said his body had taken enough.(AAP: Richard Wainwright)

After a stellar career spanning 17 seasons, Kennedy said his body has had enough.

“My knee is a big reason for retiring. I think my drive to play is still there, but I’m realistic my body is not going to be able to take me to another season,” he said.

“To be able to farewell West Coast supporters one last time at Optus Stadium and say thank you for the incredible support over the years will be the perfect way to finish my career.”

Club farewells ‘one of the greats’

West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett said the club was blessed to have had Kennedy for the last 15 seasons.

“We have been fortunate to have many great players come through the doors of our club over our 35 years and Josh ranks with the best of them,” he said.

West Coast Eagles Chief Executive Officer Trevor Nisbett speaks at a press conference
Trevor Nisbett says Josh Kennedy will leave a lasting legacy.(AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

“His achievements compare to the greatest in the history of the game. He is our highest-ever goal kicker and one of our most durable players.

“But his on-field achievements are only part of the story. He has been a guiding light for our younger players, but also a significant contributor across the broader community.”

Coach Adam Simpson said Kennedy was loved by his teammates and would go into history books as one of the greatest players.

“Josh is going to be one of the game’s greats and one of the club’s greats,” he said.

Adam Simpson walks across the field with his head down and hands in his pockets
West Coast coach Adam Simpson says Josh Kennedy has been instrumental in the club’s success.(AAP: Darren England)

“What he’s done in my time at the club, it’s just been a pleasure to see and watch. Coleman Medals, the ability to stand up in big games. Clutch, not just goals, but clutch moments.”

Sunday’s game against the Crows will be his 292th AFL game.

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Categories
Australia

Liberals backflip on petrol excise after advocating budget repair

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and others in Labor have refused to consider an extension due to the budget impact.

In response to Mr Dutton, Mr Albanese accused him of a policy about face.

“I point to the fact that he was in the cabinet that put together the budget. It had the end date for the measure he talks about,” he said.

Last week, shadow treasurer Angus Taylor gave the first hint of a backflip.

“We support the government coming up with a plan,” he said when asked about an extension.

“They are ultimately in government. I have suggested some of the things that they can do to put together a coherent plan to respond.”

A Coalition source said an extension was supported until oil, which was $US103 a barrel on Monday, came down, “and Ukraine is resolved”.

A senior Labor source said the plan remained to restore the excise in full on September 28, and not seek an alternative, such as phasing it back in or freezing the indexation of excise.

Ten days ago, Mr Taylor and opposition finance spokesman Jane Hume doubled down on the post-election commitment to embrace fiscal conservatism after the big-spending pandemic years.

“Liberals and Nationals are naturally fiscally conservative,” Senator Hume said.

“The last couple of years have been a big leap of faith for us to ensure we could get to the other side of COVID.

“Now the focus must be on budget repair because that’s the only way that fiscally we can reduce inflation.”

The petrol switch comes at the start of what could be a torrid week for the Coalition with the lower house to vote on Labor’s bill to legislate its climate-change targets.

Moderates remain unhappy that Mr Dutton declared his party would oppose the legislation before there was a chance to discuss it.

The legislation will lock in net-zero emissions by 2050 and a 43 per cent reduction in emissions over 2005 levels by 2030.

The shadow cabinet was expected to formally declare its opposition to the legislation on Monday night and the Coalition party room will do the same on Tuesday.

There is expected to be some dissent from moderates, although many are consoling themselves by noting Labor’s own admission that the legislation is not necessary, and it can enact the policy regardless without making any fundamental concessions for the Greens.

Mr Taylor noted the Coalition government had “smashed” its targets without the need for legislation which, he said, would encourage environmental legal activism.

“The legislation does harm. We’ve seen it in other countries,” he said.

The Greens want the government to outlaw all new coal and gas projects in return for their support, but the government has ruled that out.

Australian Workers Union national secretary Daniel Walton rounded on the suggestion when opening the AWU’s national conference in Sydney on Monday, saying blue-collar workers stood to suffer the most.

“The scientific reality of climate change – and government and investor action – is driving the decarbonisation of our heavy industries,” he said.

“I know some institutions and activists are calling for divestment of Australian carbon-intensive assets.

“Some Greens party extremists are even calling for the complete banning of all new coal and gas projects.

“Now I know there are environmentalists and their political mouthpieces in parliament.

“I know they’re perfectly happy to push all Australian blue-collar workers off the ledge of their lofty ivory towers. We can’t let them.”