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Entertainment

Beyoncé removes Kelis interpolation from new song Energy after complaints

A photograph of Beyoncé and Kelis smiling at each other at a function

Beyoncé’s new album Renaissance is at the center of another controversy.

Just days after the singer’s team announced an “ableist slur” would be removed from the lyrics to her song Heated, Beyoncé has removed an interpolation of Kelis’s song Milkshake from her song Energy.

In the original version of Energy, the popstar sang a series of “la”s to the tune of the 2003 R&B hit which led to Kelis’s fame.

In the updated version found on streaming platforms Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal, the series of “la”s has been removed.

On a fan-made account on Instagram, Kelis, under her username @bountyandfull, said: “My mind is blown too because of the disrespect and utter ignorance of all 3 parties involved is astounding.”

“Some of the people in this business have no soul or integrity and they have everyone fooled,” she wrote.

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One user who commented on the fan account’s post said a collaboration between Beyoncé and Kelis was what “the world really needs.”

Kelis responded to this, saying:

“It’s not a collab, it’s theft.”

Kelis was not credited as a writer of Energy because she is not officially a writer or producer of Milkshake.

Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, also known as The Neptunes, are the official composers and co-writers of the song.

Both Williams and Hugo were previously listed as composers on Beyoncé’s song Energy. But they were removed from the song’s listing on her website once the track was updated.

Writing her own post on Instagram, Kelis said the use of Milkshake was a “trigger” for her.

“There are bully’s (sic) and secrets and gangsters in this industry that smile and get away with it until someone says enough is enough,” she wrote.

On Tuesday, after the lyrics to Heated were changed, Monica Lewinsky, the activist and former White House intern who had an affair with then-US president Bill Clinton, tweeted a personal response to the news and included the hashtag #Partition.

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The hashtag is in reference to Beyoncé’s 2013 song Partition, which includes the lyric, “He Monica Lewinsky-ed all on my gown.”

This marks the second time Beyoncé has edited a track from her new album, which was released on July 29.

In Heated, the singer repeatedly uses a word which is considered a derogatory reference to the medical term spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy.

In a statement to Insider, a representative said the lyric would be changed.

“The word, not used intentionally in a harmful way, will be replaced,” the statement said.

Beyoncé isn’t the only artist to come under fire for using the derogatory language.

In June, American singer Lizzo faced backlash for including the same word in her single Grrls.

The singer faced heavy criticism online, eventually leading to Lizzo changing the lyrics.

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Categories
Technology

A flexible device that harvests thermal energy to power wearable electronics

A flexible device that harvests thermal energy to power wearable electronics

Newswise — Wearable electronics, from health and fitness trackers to virtual reality headsets, are part of our everyday lives. But finding ways to continuously power these devices is a challenge.

University of Washington researchers have developed an innovative solution: the first-of-its kind flexible, wearable thermoelectric device that converts body heat to electricity. This device is soft and stretchable, yet sturdy and efficient — properties that can be challenging to combine.

The team published these findings July 24 in Advanced Energy Materials.

“It’s a 100% gain if we harvest thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted to the surroundings. Because we want to use that energy for self-powered electronics, a higher power density is needed,” said Mohammad Malakooti, ​​a UW assistant professor of mechanical engineering. “We leverage additive manufacturing to manufacture stretchable electronics, increase their efficiency and enable their seamless integration into wearables while answering fundamental research questions.”

Even after more than 15,000 stretching cycles at 30% strain, the researchers’ prototype device remains fully functional, a highly desirable feature for wearable electronics and soft robotics. The device also shows a 6.5 times increase in power density compared to previous stretchable thermoelectric generators.

To create these flexible devices, the researchers 3D printed composites with engineered functional and structural properties at each layer. The filler material contained liquid metal alloys, which provide high electrical and thermal conductivity. These alloys address limitations in previous devices, including an inability to stretch, inefficient heat transfer and a complex fabrication process.

The team also embedded hollow microspheres to direct the heat to the semiconductors at the core layer and reduce the weight of the device.

The researchers showed that they could print these devices on stretchable textile fabrics and curved surfaces, which suggests that future devices could be applied to clothing and other objects. The team is excited about the future possibilities and real-life applications of wearable electronics.

“One unique aspect of our research is that it covers the whole spectrum, all the way from material synthesis to device fabrication and characterization,” said Malakooti, ​​who is also a researcher in the UW’s Institute for Nano-Engineered Systems. “This gives us the freedom to design new materials, engineer every step in the process and be creative.”

Youngshang Han, UW master’s student in mechanical engineering, was lead author on the paper. Leif-Erik Simonsen is an additional co-author.

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Categories
Australia

Tasmania’s hydro storage drops below ‘prudent level’ after dry months, but experts not concerned yet

Tasmania's hydro storage drops below 'prudent level' after dry months, but experts not concerned yet

An historically dry Tasmanian summer and autumn has led to the state’s dam levels dropping below a “prudent” threshold for the first time in three years.

The state’s energy storages are at 32.7 per cent, lower than usual and below Hydro Tasmania’s prudent storage level.

It is the first time storages have gone below the prudent storage level — introduced after the 2016 energy crisis where dam levels plunged below 13 per cent due to dry weather and an extended outage of the Basslink undersea cable — since 2019.

Hydro Tasmania generation manager Jack Penny said storages were lower due to the state experiencing its driest summer to autumn period on record, plus unseasonably low July rainfalls.

He said dropping below the prudent storage level was “not cause for alarm”.

An infographic showing how Hydro Tasmania measures energy security.
Hydro Tasmania’s methodology for calculating energy security.(Supplied: Hydro Tasmania)

“Storages crossed the threshold in 2019, and Hydro Tasmania adjusted its operations accordingly to maintain water storages,” Mr Penny said.

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Categories
Business

Gas producers warned to provide they have domestic supplies for next year, or face ‘gas trigger’ export restrictions

King looks serious and gestures from a lectern while wearing a colourful shirt, with blue curtains behind her.

The Resources Minister has put gas producers on notice that the federal government intends to pull the “gas trigger” to restrict their exports, unless they can provide the nation does not face gas shortfalls in 2023.

Madeleine King says she will issue a notice to suppliers, the first step towards enforcing the Domestic Gas Supply Mechanism, directing them to provide a detailed response on supply and export forecasts for next year.

The consumer watchdog has warned that despite Australia’s abundant gas supplies, the outlook for next year was “very concerning”, with most of that supply slated for export.

It warned the government to consider intervening or face the risk of gas shortfalls in 2023.

The federal government has the power to force gas producers to restrict exports of their excess supply to ensure supply for the domestic market, known colloquially as the “gas trigger”.

The trigger was due to expire next year, but Ms King says it will be renewed to 2030 and reformed so that it can be used at shorter notice.

The minister says she will make a decision in October on whether to proceed with imposing export controls.

If pulled, the gas trigger would come into effect from January next year.

Industry promises no gas shortfalls next year

The gas industry is attempting to ward off the threat of the government pulling the gas trigger, saying it has the supply to meet consumer demands next year.

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Categories
Business

Gippsland offshore wind projects await federal government declaration

Gippsland offshore wind projects await federal government declaration

The burgeoning offshore wind industry is waiting on a declaration from the federal government to begin key works on the water.

There are five offshore wind farms planned off the Gippsland coast, with hopes to tap into the existing transmission infrastructure of the Latrobe Valley.

Under new legislation governing offshore wind farms passed by Parliament last year, operators are only allowed to undertake particular activities in zones designated for offshore wind development.

The most progressed project, Star of the South, plans to erect up to 200 turbines in the windy Gippsland waters.

Acting chief executive Erin Coldham said making the declaration would end the uncertainty facing the industry.

“We look forward to the declaration process starting. The end result would provide certainty for offshore wind projects in the region, like ours, which are standing ready and keen to progress,” she said.

“In the meantime, we’re getting on with our environmental assessments, onshore studies and ongoing community consultation to keep things moving.”

A map of the four proposed zones for wind farms
Gippsland has four offshore wind farms in the works.(abcnews)

Country manager for company BlueFloat Energy Nick Sankey echoed the sentiment.

“We are moving forward with our project development as much as we can, but until we have a feasibility license we are not able to deploy certain monitoring equipment and undertake a lot of studies in our site area that we would like to do,” he said.

General manager of development at Wellington Shire Brent McAlister has previously told the ABC there was a significant impetus for making the declaration quickly.

“It’s critical because there is a competition in the world for investment dollars and capital in offshore wind,” he said.

“But the money will go to those countries that have regulatory and licensing regimes in place so it’s crucial to attract investment.”

Meanwhile, the Victorian government has set a target of 4 gigawatts (GW) of generation by 2035 and 9GW by 2040.

To that end, the state government has funded four companies for scoping works: $19.5 million for Star of the South, $16.1 million for Corio and $2.3 million for Flotation Energy.

ABC Gippsland has lodged five requests to discuss offshore wind with federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen since his re-election.

Renewables remain cheapest option

A recent report by Australia’s key scientific research agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), has reaffirmed that renewables remain the cheapest new-build option for energy.

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Categories
US

Manchin touts inflation reduction bill, says ‘I’m not getting involved’ in upcoming elections

Manchin touts inflation reduction bill, says 'I'm not getting involved' in upcoming elections

Sen. Joe Manchin in the US Capitol on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Sen. Joe Manchin, DW.Va., and his staff told Democratic leadership on Thursday that he’s not willing to support better climate and tax provisions in a sweeping Biden agenda bill, according to a Democrat briefed on the conversations.

Tom-Williams | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images

Senator Joe Manchin, DW.V., made the morning talk show rounds on Sunday to talk about the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a revival of President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better economic bill that collapsed earlier this year.

The inflation bill, which Democrats are attempting to pass through reconciliation, aims to reform the tax code, cut health-care costs and fight climate change. It will invest more than $400 billion over a decade by closing tax loopholes, mostly on the largest and richest American corporations. It would also reduce the deficit by $300 billion in the same decade-long timeframe.

“This is all about fighting inflation,” Manchin told Jonathan Karl on Sunday’s “This Week” on ABC.

Manchin insisted that the bill isn’t a spending bill, but instead is focusing on investing money.

“We’ve taken $3.5 trillion of spending down to $400 billion of investing without raising any taxes whatsoever, we closed some loopholes, didn’t raise any taxes,” he added.

He further explained the closing of tax loopholes, which will raise taxes on certain American companies. Any tax increase could jeopardize full Democratic support of the legislation, which it needs to pass through reconciliation – Senator Kyrsten Sinema, DA.Z., may not support this provision.

“The only thing we have done is basically say that every corporation of a billion dollars of value or greater in America should pay at least 15% of minimum corporate tax,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

“That’s not a tax increase it’s closing a loophole,” he said.

Manchin also noted that a deal between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, and he was struck in private to avoid drama.

“We’ve been negotiating off and on very quietly because I didn’t know if it would ever come to fruition,” he said. “I didn’t want to go through the drama that eight months ago we went through for so long.”

Manchin added that he’s struck an agreement with Democratic leaders to support the bill in exchange for taking on permitting reform later.

“If I don’t fulfill my commitment promise that I will vote and support this bill with all my heart, there are consequences, and there are consequences on both sides,” he said on “Meet the Press.”

Manchin also noted that the bill will especially target energy prices in the US by upping production and using clean energy effectively.

“Inflation is the greatest challenge we have in our country right now,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “If you want to get gasoline prices down, produce more and produce it in America.”

manchin dodges election talk

During his Sunday interviews, Manchin repeatedly evaded answering questions about who he supports in upcoming elections – the 2022 midterms and the 2024 presidential election.

“I’m not getting involved in any election right now,” he said on “State of the Union.”

He reiterated that he would work with anyone that voters elect and specifically wouldn’t answer if he wants Democrats to keep control of Congress come November.

“Whatever the voters choose,” he said on “Meet the Press.” “Whoever you send me that’s your representative and I respect them.”

When specifically asked if he’d support Biden in reelection, he focused on Biden’s current presidency.

“Whoever is my president, that’s my president, and Joe Biden is my president right now,” he said on “This Week.”

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Categories
Business

Gas outlook ‘concerning’ with government urged to act to alleviate worsening ‘energy security risk’

Gas consumers set for gas hike despite tripling of production

The Federal government has been urged to consider intervening in the energy market, amid concerns of a gas shortage that could lead to higher prices, according to the latest report by the consumer watchdog.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released an interim report of its inquiry into gas supply along the east coast.

It noted that while Australia has “relatively abundant gas resources”, most of it is produced for export and substantial volumes were required for the domestic market next year to avoid a shortfall.

“The outlook for 2023 is very concerning and is likely to place further upward pressure on prices, which could result in some commercial and industrial users no longer being able to operate,” the report said.

“This is a significant deterioration in conditions relative to what we projected for 2022 at the same time last year and presents a real risk to Australia’s energy security.”

It has recommended that the government consider intervening in the market, by pulling what’s known as the “gas trigger” to ensure there is enough supply.

An aerial shot of the Gorgon gas project on the coast of Western Australia.
The Gorgon project in Western Australia has been supplying gas since 2017.(Chevron)

The ACCC has predicted a shortfall of 56PJ next year, which is equivalent to about 10 per cent of domestic demand, the largest projected supply shortfall since 2017.

“This represents a further [almost tenfold] deterioration in conditions relative to what was forecast for 2022 at an equivalent time last year,” the report said.

The ACCC has partly pointed the blame at liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters.

“LNG exporters are expected to contribute to the shortfall in 2023 by withdrawing 58 PJ more gas from the domestic market than they expect to supply into the market,” the report said.

The shortfall is expected to mainly affect New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory, with less significant consequences for Queensland.

How to fix the problem

Domestic market graph for Australia showing usage between 2017 and 2023

To avoid the gas shortage, the ACCC has encouraged LNG exporters to act immediately to increase domestic supply and has recommended the government work with exporters to ensure they supply more into the domestic market.

“LNG producers will need to divert a significant proportion of their excess gas into the domestic market,” the report stated.

It has also recommended the federal government go further and initiate the first step of the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism (ADGSM), more commonly known as the ‘gas trigger,’ and formally determine if 2023 will be a shortfall year.

The gas trigger is an emergency provision, which allows the Resources Minister to directly intervene in the gas market and impose export controls to ensure there are adequate supplies for use in Australia.

Chalmers gestures as he speaks to media.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the report highlights “alarming” elements of the east coast gas market.(ABC News: Adam Kennedy)

The government is yet to outline whether it will follow the recommendations but in a statement, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was concerned by the findings.

“The ACCC’s latest gas inquiry report highlights some alarming features of the east coast gas market,” he said.

“The government takes these findings extremely seriously and will shortly respond to the ACCC’s recommendations.

“I urge gas producers to do the right thing by Australians.”

The ACCC said other measures that could also help with supply issues include sourcing additional gas from the Northern Territory and withdrawing gas from storage.

Long-term plans

The government has an agreement with LNG exporters that aims to ensure there is enough reasonably priced gas supplied to the domestic market, known as the Heads of Agreement.

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