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5 tips to make your fuel tank last longer while prices are high

<p>The federal government’s announcement of a halved fuel excise is no doubt music to many people’s ears. Following Tuesday night’s budget release, the excise (a government tax included in the purchase price of fuel) was <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/fuel-excise-slashed-to-ease-petrol-prices-for-six-months-20220324-p5a7mp.html">halved</a> from 44.2 cents per litre to 22.1 cents.</p> <p>It should provide some respite from high petrol and diesel prices <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-disrupted-russian-gas-supplies-will-hit-global-and-australian-prices-178023">driven by</a>Russia’s war on Ukraine.</p> <p>However, the cut is only expected to last six months. And Treasurer Josh Frydenberg <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-29/lowdown-on-when-fuel-excise-cut-will-be-seen-at-bowsers/100949562">has said</a> it will take up to two weeks before fuel prices get cheaper (and potentially longer in regional areas). </p> <h2>The costs</h2> <p>Assuming it costs A$2 per litre for petrol and diesel fuel, and an average fuel consumption of about <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/tourism-and-transport/survey-motor-vehicle-use-australia/latest-release">11 litres per 100 kilometres</a> driven – driving a typical fossil-fueled passenger vehicle right now would cost about 20 to 25 cents per kilometre.</p> <p>You’re probably quite happy if you own an electric vehicle. With a <a href="https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/sustainability/sustainability-14-03444/article_deploy/sustainability-14-03444-v2.pdf">real-world electricity consumption</a> of 0.15 to 0.21 kWh per kilometre and <a href="https://www.canstarblue.com.au/electricity/electricity-costs-kwh/">electricity costs</a> of about 20 to 30 cents per kWh, your cost of driving per kilometre is about 3 to 6 cents. And if you can charge your vehicle’s battery for free with home solar panels, your cost per kilometre is $0.</p> <p>But for those of us who don’t own an electric vehicle, making the best use of our fuel tanks will be a priority. Here are some ways you can make your vehicle go the extra mile.</p> <h2>1. Use a smaller, lighter car</h2> <p>There are a number of things you can do to reduce your fuel use. The obvious one is to not use your car, but walk or grab your bicycle, if possible.</p> <p>If you do have to drive, try to minimise your total travel distance. One way would be to combine a number of errands into your journey and optimise your route.</p> <p>The specific vehicle you use also matters. As a general rule of thumb, <a href="https://www.transport-e-research.com/_files/ugd/d0bd25_9527cdcb01a84440a53308b3b5624320.pdf?index=true">the larger and heavier your car</a>, the more energy and fuel it will require per kilometre. Choosing a smaller car, rather than a large SUV, will definitely reduce your fuel bill. A large SUV will use almost twice as much fuel per kilometre as a small car.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360128516300442">Research</a> also suggests that for every 100kg increase in vehicle weight, fuel consumption increases by about 5% to 7% for a medium-sized car. So in addition to driving a smaller car, it’s best to reduce your load and avoid driving around with extra weight. </p> <h2>2. Use eco-driving techniques</h2> <p>The way you drive is important too. Eco-driving involves being conscious of your fuel consumption and taking actions to reduce it. There are various ways to do this.</p> <p>Every time you brake and stop, you have to accelerate again to reach your desired speed. Acceleration uses a lot of energy and fuel, so driving smoothly, anticipating traffic and preventing stops will lead to savings on your fuel bill. </p> <p>What you want to do is flow with the traffic and keep your distance from other vehicles. It also helps to keep an eye further up the road, so you can avoid obstacles and therefore unnecessary braking and acceleration. </p> <p>If you’re in the minority of people who own a manual vehicle, drive in the highest gear possible to reduce engine load and fuel use. And if you’re in an automatic vehicle, use the “eco” setting if you have one.</p> <h2>3. Give your engine and climate a break</h2> <p>Another simple tip is stop unnecessary idling with the engine still engaged. A small car typically uses one litre of fuel per hour while idling, whereas this is close to <a href="https://www.transport-e-research.com/_files/ugd/d0bd25_2485b61095ed48f29bea980a73e74240.pdf?index=true">two litres per hour</a> for a large SUV. </p> <p>Of course, we idle regularly while waiting in traffic and generally can’t do much about that, other than trying to drive outside peak hours when roads are less congested. In other cases, we can change things. For instance, idling when a vehicle is parked will use up fuel unnecessarily.</p> <h2>4. Turn off the AC</h2> <p>Most people may not realise this, but using your air conditioner can use up quite a bit of extra fuel: somewhere between 4% and 8% of total fuel use. Using the fan instead will require less energy than air conditioning. Or even better, wind down the windows for a bit for fresh air when you are driving in the city. </p> <h2>5. Tend to your tires and consider aerodynamics</h2> <p>It also pays to keep your <a href="https://www.racq.com.au/car/greener-motoring/racq-ecodrive-research-study">tires inflated</a>, which can save you between 2% and 4% in fuel use. </p> <p>Also, your car is designed to be aerodynamically efficient. Anything that changes that, including roof racks, bull bars and bike racks, will come with an additional fuel penalty – particularly at higher speeds, such as on the freeway.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/5-tips-to-make-your-fuel-tank-last-longer-while-prices-are-high-180134" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Guns, tanks and Twitter: how Russia and Ukraine are using social media as the war drags on

<p>Social media has become a primary source of information for news-hungry audiences around the world trying to make sense of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.</p> <p>At the same time, it’s being used by the governments of Russia and Ukraine to set the agenda for wider media reporting.</p> <p>Official Russian government accounts <a href="https://theconversation.com/russian-government-accounts-are-using-a-twitter-loophole-to-spread-disinformation-178001" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have been found</a> to be amplifying pro-Russia disinformation on Twitter. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has taken to the platform to appeal to its two million followers for support.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hard to find words... The killing of civilians in Bucha by Russian war criminals is appalling beyond any measure.</p> <p>Help us stop Russia. Demand your governments to act now:</p> <p>- Provide Ukraine with all weapons we need<br />- More tough sanctions on Russia<br />- Cut all trade ties with them <a href="https://t.co/pYLbMALQfp">pic.twitter.com/pYLbMALQfp</a></p> <p>— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1511106521345798153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Information warfare is no longer an additional arm of strategy, but a parallel component of <a href="https://press.armywarcollege.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2501&amp;context=parameters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">military campaigns</a>. The rise of social media has made it easier than ever before to see how states use mass communication as a weapon.</p> <p><strong>Putting social media in the mix</strong></p> <p>Mass communication began as political communication intended to <a href="https://gutenberg.ca/ebooks/innis-empire/innis-empire-00-h.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">establish and control empires</a>.</p> <p>Whether it was Darius the Great imposing his image on buildings and coins to help control the Persian Empire; Henry VIII’s inspired <a href="https://royalcentral.co.uk/interests/history/royal-portraiture-propaganda-painting-52781/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">use of portraiture</a>, or the well-documented use of <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Film--Radio-Propaganda-in-World-War-II/Short/p/book/9781032077116" target="_blank" rel="noopener">radio and film in World War II</a> – media technologies have long been used to spread political ideas.</p> <p>Social media has added another element to the mix, and brought immediacy to strategic political communication.</p> <p>In asymmetric conflicts (such as the one we’re seeing now in Ukraine), a successful social media account can be a useful weapon against an adversary with many guns and tanks.</p> <p>The local uprisings in the 2010 Arab Spring, especially in Egypt and Tunisia, were among the first campaigns where <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/War_in_140_Characters/s3mZDgAAQBAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&amp;dq=social+media+and+The+Arab+Spring+asymmetric+warfare&amp;pg=PT5&amp;printsec=frontcover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media played a pivotal role</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2595096" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Advocates of democracy</a> used Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to maintain networks of communication and openly criticised their governments for the world to see.</p> <p>It didn’t take long for governments to realise the power of social media. And they responded both by restricting access to social media as well as using it themselves.</p> <p>Social media <em>alone</em> may <a href="https://hcommons.org/deposits/item/hc:35365/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not be capable of instigating</a> widespread change, but it can undoubtedly play a role.</p> <p><strong>Information warfare</strong></p> <p>Tension between Russia and Ukraine has a long history, and was <a href="https://www.ceeol.com/search/book-detail?id=661250" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highly charged on social media</a> well before the latest invasion.</p> <p>Pro-Russian accounts have circulated disinformation about Russia’s role in the Donetsk region since before 2014, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0163443716686672?casa_token=XaOHM4qJ8W8AAAAA:ikaBQXH8mEVeQDgCiHs78F-RsBKNMzP02-Wk6TXzTbKfcxPENb46k3NQLMz1U9n5ZZ5zbnAcnXQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fuelling confusion</a> and destabilisation, and assisting Russia’s takeover. This was in fact a critical element of Russia’s “<a href="http://connections-qj.org/article/defining-concept-hybrid-warfare-based-analysis-russias-aggression-against-ukraine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hybrid warfare</a>” approach.</p> <p>Russia’s strategic actions, and counter actions by Ukraine, have been studied widely by researchers. Unsurprisingly, the research has overwhelmingly found each side to be framing the conflict in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1750635217702539" target="_blank" rel="noopener">very different, and divergent</a> ways.</p> <p>Research has also found social media can sustain, and even aggravate, the hostility between <a href="https://ccdcoe.org/uploads/2018/10/Ch12_CyberWarinPerspective_Lange_Svetoka.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ukrainians and Russians online</a>.</p> <p>For example, after Malaysian Airline flight MH17 was shot down by Russia over Ukraine, an <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ia/article/94/5/975/5092080?login=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">analysis of 950,000 Twitter posts</a> found a plethora of competing claims online, creating a struggle for truth which continues today.</p> <p>As early as 2014, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Philip Breedlove, <a href="https://www.stripes.com/news/saceur-allies-must-prepare-for-russia-hybrid-war-1.301464" target="_blank" rel="noopener">described</a> the Russian communication strategy in Ukraine as “the most amazing information warfare <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/blitzkrieg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blitzkrieg</a> we have ever seen in the history of information warfare”.</p> <p>These efforts have escalated since Russia’s recent expansion of its invasion into Ukrainian territory. And with so much noise, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for users to make sense of the deluge of contradictory, emotive and (often) difficult-to-verify information.</p> <p>It’s even more difficult when the tone of posts changes quickly.</p> <p>The Ukraine government’s Twitter account is a study in contrasts of both content and tone. Set up in more peaceful times, the profile cheerily states: “Yes, this is the official Twitter account of Ukraine. Nice pics: #BeautifulUkraine Our music: #UkieBeats”.</p> <p>But the account now posts a range of content, images and video related to the war as part of its strategic communication campaign.</p> <p>This has included serious news updates, patriotic allusions to historic events and people, anti-Russian material and – prior to the recent reports of mass deaths – <a href="https://www.ceeol.com/search/chapter-detail?id=661124" target="_blank" rel="noopener">quite a lot of humour</a>.</p> <p><strong>Why use humour?</strong></p> <p>Humour has a long history of being used as an element of communication and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/13691481211023958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">public diplomacy</a> – <a href="https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/soc4.12138?casa_token=ci0wS1giS6AAAAAA%3AkH20TMNG-ln9Q8wdqVsA2ML0NSX4iX3X7FCMkhAdOiBRvQ5LSe1DaEtMxAAQ9HQAgBWHgkHezMGs0Q" target="_blank" rel="noopener">even during wars</a>.</p> <p>For instance, <a href="https://www.berggruen.org/ideas/articles/to-defy-a-dictator-send-in-the-clowns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">humour was used effectively</a> by the Serbian Otpor resistance movement in its campaign to overthrow dictator Slobodan Milošević at the turn of this century.</p> <p><a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/marketing/sarah-snow/2015-07-06/science-behind-what-content-goes-viral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humour is particularly effective</a> on social platforms because it produces <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1509/jmr.10.0353?casa_token=U5-C6j_iI7cAAAAA:p3Palq4Swuz34SC7eNukHO6Kb5OeB9TNgucv8magwnP9Q7iWtXx84ih83rZ8fKpbeHGVMH0HrdM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">virality</a>.</p> <p>And in the case of Ukraine’s defence, it displays defiance. After all, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (a former comedian) was famously thrust into the political spotlight thanks to a satirical television production. In it he played the role of a teacher whose secretly-filmed rant about corruption goes viral, leading the character to become President.</p> <p>Zelenskyy’s <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter account</a> is now the most immediate and reliable way for many Ukrainians to get crucial information on the invasion and negotiations between Zelenskyy and other leaders.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Talked to <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> again. The United Kingdom is our powerful ally. Discussed the defensive support for 🇺🇦, intensification of anti-Russian sanctions and post-war security guarantees. We look forward to the donors' conference for Ukraine.</p> <p>— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1510336038199300101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>The thousands of “shares” the posts receive are helping Ukraine’s communication campaign.</p> <p>Zelenskyy’s recent address to the Grammy Awards reinforces that he understands the necessity of remaining visible to the world at this critical point. His speech has produced much support on social media (as well as cries of “propaganda” from Russia’s supporters).</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a surprise video appearance at the music industry's star-studded Grammy Awards celebration in Las Vegas and appealed to viewers to support his country ‘in any way you can’ <a href="https://t.co/hwQYnEpLGx">https://t.co/hwQYnEpLGx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GRAMMYs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GRAMMYs</a> <a href="https://t.co/dKTBCkfEB8">pic.twitter.com/dKTBCkfEB8</a></p> <p>— Reuters (@Reuters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1510868519323410440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">account</a> has been dormant since March 16.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/180131/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/collette-snowden-5543" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collette Snowden</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Communication, International Studies and Languages, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/guns-tanks-and-twitter-how-russia-and-ukraine-are-using-social-media-as-the-war-drags-on-180131" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Technology

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225kg "Hank the Tank" bear ransacks wealthy neighbourhood

<p>Residents of a wealthy California neighbourhood have been terrorised by a 225kg black bear, nicknamed Hank the Tank by authorities. </p> <p>According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) , the one bear has been linked to "property damage at 38 different properties" in the affluent Tahoe Keys neighbourhood. </p> <p>The trouble-making bear has been the source of more than 150 calls between law enforcement and wildlife personnel in recent months. </p> <p>Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the CDFW said Hank has been spotted more and more as he has developed a taste for pizza, and has yet to be deterred by  efforts from local police to scare it off with paintballs and sirens.</p> <p>“It’s easier to find leftover pizza than to go in the forest,” Tira said </p> <p>“This is a bear that has lost all fear of people,” he added. “It’s a potentially dangerous situation.”</p> <p>Due to the heightened number of sightings and complaints about Hank, the CDFW has been setting up traps to catch the beast, but to no avail. </p> <p>“The trapping activity is a measure of last resort to capture and euthanise a specific and what we call a severely habituated or human-food conditioned black bear,” Tira said. </p> <p>Despite the potential danger, the bear hunt has sparked an outcry from local residents, who tried to sabotage them by trying to scare away the bear, playing loud music, and even spray-painting “Bear Killer” on the government’s trap.</p> <p>A bear activist group called the BEAR League has been coordinating with the CDFW for Hank the Tank to be relocated to a wildlife sanctuary instead of euthanised. </p> <p>“The BEAR League reached out to the director of an excellent out-of-state wildlife sanctuary who agreed he has room and would be very willing to give this bear a permanent home,” said executive director Ann Bryant. </p> <p>“We notified [the California Department of Fish and Wildlife] on Tuesday morning asking that this option be seriously considered rather than killing the bear.”</p> <p>While talks to relocate Hank are still ongoing, the CDFW has urged residents to practice preventive measures to keep bears out, such as securing garbage properly and keeping trash out of cars. </p> <p>According to the New York Post, when people relocated to Tahoe Keys to work from home due to the pandemic, these new residents did not adhere to preventive measures, prompting Hank the Tank to come out of the woods and forage for food. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook - BEAR League</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“Wakanda Forever”: Fans pay tribute on Chadwick Boseman’s birthday

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chadwick Boseman would have celebrated his 45th birthday on November 30, and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Black Panther</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star passed away last August after quietly battling colon cancer for several years, shocking family, friends and fans.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With fans taking to Twitter en masse to commemorate the actor, the phrase ‘Wakanda Forever’ began trending.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">“Remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChadwickBoseman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChadwickBoseman</a> <br /><br />Happy heavenly 45th birthday. Forever our King. Rest in power👑<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackPanther?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackPanther</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WakandaForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WakandaForever</a> <a href="https://t.co/VO2FAYExxv">pic.twitter.com/VO2FAYExxv</a></p> — Michele Wright😷💉💉💉 #SomeGoodNews | #loveFL (@michelewrightTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/michelewrightTV/status/1465383764939489282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Honoring The Late Chadwick Boseman. He would have been 45 today. If you haven't seen his Howard University commencement speech please watch it. It's priceless. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChadwickBoseman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChadwickBoseman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WakandaForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WakandaForever</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFTartist?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFTartist</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/digitalart?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#digitalart</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aiartist?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aiartist</a> <a href="https://t.co/hQa3CsdYqQ">pic.twitter.com/hQa3CsdYqQ</a></p> — Justin Maynard (@JADM823) <a href="https://twitter.com/JADM823/status/1465463793706745861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The phrase “Wakanda Forever” - the salute used in 2018’s </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Black Panther</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> - became popular following the film’s release and will be used in the title of the upcoming sequel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But director Ryan Coogler has said the sequel will not see Boseman’s T’Challa be recast, with the film moving away from his character’s story and honouring Chadwick and T’Challa’s legacy instead.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Happy Birthday to Chadwick Boseman. He would’ve been 45. <a href="https://t.co/EKWPwFVCXL">pic.twitter.com/EKWPwFVCXL</a></p> — (Lex) (@iamlexstylz) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamlexstylz/status/1465314929850863622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I always want to remember Chadwick Boseman like this. He would have been 45 today. So weird how you can miss someone so much that you didn’t know personally. Guess it’s a reminder of the impact we can all make on each other without even knowing it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPKing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPKing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WakandaForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WakandaForever</a> <a href="https://t.co/8zrvvhkMQ3">pic.twitter.com/8zrvvhkMQ3</a></p> — Pebbles (@PebblesBoston) <a href="https://twitter.com/PebblesBoston/status/1465456303833333764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s difficult. You’ve got to keep going when you lose loved ones,” Coogler </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://screenrant.com/wakanda-forever-twitter-trending-chadwick-boseman-birthday-celebration/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in an interview. “I know Chad wouldn’t have wanted us to stop. He was somebody who was so about the collective. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Black Panther</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, that was his movie.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Movies

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New film’s heartwarming tribute to Chadwick Boseman

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The new Netflix film </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Harder They Fall</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has made a sweet tribute to the late </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Black Panther</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star Chadwick Boseman.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The neo-Western film based on real-life historical figures is one of the few with an all-Black main cast, including several stars who worked alongside Boseman such as Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, and Delroy Lindo.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVelBktqO6T/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVelBktqO6T/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by THE HARDER THEY FALL (@thehardertheyfallnetflixfilm)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boseman is best known for playing T’challa, or Black Panther, in several movies and episodes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also portrayed a series of Black historical figures, including American lawyer and civil rights activist Thurgood Marshall in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marshall</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After being diagnosed with colon cancer four years prior, Boseman passed away in August last year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of Netflix’s official Twitter accounts, Strong Black Lead, revealed the special tribute to the actor in </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Harder They Fall</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Our favourite trivia from <em>The Harder They Fall</em> might be the fact that the train is named after our forever king, Chadwick Aaron Boseman,” the caption read, accompanying a still of the train.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Our favorite trivia from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheHarderTheyFall?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheHarderTheyFall</a> might be the fact that the train is named after our forever king, Chadwick Aaron Boseman. 🖤 <a href="https://t.co/wahEALnftR">pic.twitter.com/wahEALnftR</a></p> — Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) <a href="https://twitter.com/strongblacklead/status/1455942907165298695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The train featured in the film is called “C.A. Boseman”,  after Boseman’s full name.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fans were quick to share their approval of the tribute and their feelings towards the late actor.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Now I’m crying. Thank you,” one commenter wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“What a befitting tribute to a king. Continue to rest in power and peace, Chadwick Boseman,” another said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A beautiful dedication to a fabulous actor,” a third commented.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After filming was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Harder They Fall</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was finally released in October this year.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @chadwickboseman / Instagram</span></em></p>

Movies

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Pensioner charged over possession of World War II tank

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An 84-year-old man has been convicted by a German court for the illegal possession of weapons.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His illegal, personal arsenal of weapons, including a Panther tank, a flak cannon, and other World War II military equipment, was discovered by authorities in 2015.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The man’s storage facility in northern Germany was raided by police in 2015 during an investigation into black market Nazi-art.</span></p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HMUUQJB6LJw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The investigation had turned up two bronze horse statues that stood in front of Adolf Hitler’s Chancellery in another man’s possession.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead of art, authorities found a cache of machine guns, automatic pistols, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to local media, the man was outspoken about his weapons collection and even used the tank as a snowplough during one bad winter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The man was handed a suspended prison sentence of 14 months and ordered to pay a 250,000 euro ($400,00) fine, German news agency dpa reported.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The defendant was also ordered to sell or donate the 40-tonne tank and anti-aircraft cannon to a museum or a collector within the next two years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Geral Geocke, the man’s lawyer, spoke outside court, saying the suspended sentence reflected that the weapons were intended as museum pieces rather than for harming others.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video: shz.de</span></em></p>

Legal

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“Wakanda forever”: Marvel stars pay respect to lost superstar Chadwick Boseman

<p><span>Many members of the Marvel family have paid their respects following the crushing news that Chadwick Boseman, superhero actor, has died at age 43.</span><br /><br /><span>The talented performer portrayed T’Challa in the groundbreaking film Black Panther.</span><br /><br /><span>“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the family said in a statement on Friday.</span><br /><br /><span>“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.</span><br /><br /><span>“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”</span><br /><br /><span>The statement finished: “He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”</span><br /><br /><span>Over the years, Boseman has made his mark by appearing in multiple Avengers films, making his debut as Black Panther in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War.</span><br /><br /><span>Two years later, the remarkable thespian led in his own groundbreaking film, Black Panther, before finally appearing in Avengers: Infinity War.</span><br /><br /><span>In 2019, Black Panther made a cameo in Avengers: End Game.</span><br /><br /><span>Black Panther achieved its own incredible feats just on its own however, including the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.</span><br /><br /><span>The 42 star took the stage to say: “I think of two questions we have received: 1.) Did we know that this movie was going to receive this kind of response? 2.) Has it changed the industry?</span><br /><br /><span>“My answer to that is to be young, gifted and Black. We all know what it’s like to be told that there’s not a place for you to be featured.</span><br /><br /><span>“We know what it’s like to be told that there’s not a screen for you to be featured on — a stage for you to be featured on.”</span><br /><br /><span>He finished by saying: “We know what it’s like to be the tail and not the head. We know what it’s like to be beneath and not above, and that is what we went to work with every day because we know that had something special that we wanted to give the world — that we could be full human beings in the roles that we were playing.</span><br /><br /><span>“That we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see.”</span><br /><br /><span>Following his death, the cast of Black Panther and other Avengers cast members shared their thoughts on social media.</span><br /><br /><span>Chris Evans took to Instagram on Saturday to honour the actor.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdTxJWFYoD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdTxJWFYoD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Chris Evans (@chrisevans)</a> on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:21pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>target="_blank"&gt;https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdTxJWFYoD/<span></span><br /><br /><span>“I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking. Chadwick was special,” he said.</span><br /><br /><span>“A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. Few performers have such power and versatility. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in power, King.”</span><br /><br /><span>Jake Gyllenhaal also took to social media to share his condolences, writing: “Chadwick’s strength and goodness and honesty burned in his eyes. We only spent a handful of hours together, but anyone that crossed paths with him on or off screen knows what I mean: he was rare. The genuine article. His bravery is a lesson to us all. Rest In Peace, Mr. Boseman. You will be deeply missed.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEfKmbHHHPf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEfKmbHHHPf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jake Gyllenhaal (@jakegyllenhaal)</a> on Aug 29, 2020 at 1:40pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>Captain Marvel’s Brie Lawson said Chadwick would “never be forgotten” in a heartfelt post.</span><br /><br /><span>“Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace,” she began.</span><br /><br /><span>“Who stood for so much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I’m honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend.”</span><br /><br /></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdRs2wDXFD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdRs2wDXFD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Brie (@brielarson)</a> on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:03pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“This hurts. Really hurts,” Boseman’s <em>Black Panther</em> costar, Letitia Wright, tweeted.</p> <div class="gallerydata update" data-aop="galleryflex_slidedata"> <div class="show"> <div class="body-text"> <div class="expand"> <div class="caption"> <div class="gallery-caption-text"> <p>Scarlett Johansson said in a statement: “Chadwick was not only a deeply soulful and powerful actor, but he was such a kind, thoughtful, funny and gentle person.”</p> <p>“He brightened everyone’s day every time he walked into our hair and makeup trailer or on set with his beautiful smile.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>Robert Downey Jr. shared a heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life… That’s heroism… I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game… #chadwickforever."</p> <p> “Today is beyond devastating to comprehend. Just shock and pain," Sebastian Stan said.</p> <div class="gallerydata update" data-aop="galleryflex_slidedata"> <div class="show"> <div class="body-text"> <div class="expand"> <div class="caption"> <div class="gallery-caption-text"> <p>"I was in awe of Chadwick, as an actor, in his commitment to the work and as a human.</p> <p>“I looked up to him. The way he carried himself, how thoughtful and mindful he was, how generous…he elevated everyone around him. None of it makes sense to me. There was so much more coming from this man. It’s such a loss. Such a shame.” </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="stb-flex" data-stickyviews="4" data-stickytopmargin="20"> <div id="content-actions-toolbar-vert" data-documentid="BB18ug5J" data-isrsthree="False" data-verticalkey="entertainment"> <div class="contentActionsToolbar-DS-unknown1-1 contentActionsToolbar_vertical-DS-unknown1-1"> <div data-t="{&quot;i&quot;:&quot;1|1&quot;}"> <p>Hulk actor Mark Ruffalo shared his own words about the heartbreaking loss: “All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of #ChadwickBoseman.</p> <p>“What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><span>Additionally, the DC Comics Twitter account — DC is the famous Marvel rival — tweeted a powerful statement. “To a hero who transcends universes. Wakanda Forever,” the statement read. “Rest in Power Chadwick.”</span></p>

Movies

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Unearthed snaps of baby Prince Harry with Princess Diana reveals adorable detail

<p>Prince Harry has been a super fan of the children’s show Thomas The Tank Engine since he was a tot still in nappies and now is starring in an on-camera introduction to a very special episode of Thomas The Tank Engine, a new royal TV special called Thomas and Friends: The Royal Engine.</p> <p>The classic show has been a must-watch for children all around the world for decades, including the Duke of Sussex who has pictures of him as just a young boy sporting memorabilia while alongside his mother, Princess Diana. </p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.1284046692607px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835867/sg-21.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/695130b9b9d0459bb23d50e0f0d0d612" /></p> <p>Prince Harry’s latest project, which is him appearing in a 22-minute episode to mark Thomas &amp; Friends' 75th anniversary, definitely holds a special place for the royal.</p> <p>The episode even features a cameo from The Queen and Prince Charles set back in the time frame of when our future King was just a boy. </p> <p>The story follow Thomas as he transports Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of the railway yard, to Buckingham Palace in London.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.1284046692607px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835868/sg-20.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/40aa882884c7439aba99adddd712a474" /></p> <p>He has been invited by The Queen to be honoured with an award for his distinguished service to the railway. </p> <p>Her Majesty’s son, a young Prince Charles, has asked that Thomas be the engine to transport him on his journey.</p> <p>In a statement, Prince Harry said it was an honour to be involved in the project.</p> <p>"Thomas the Tank Engine has been a comforting, familiar face to so many families over the last 75 years – entertaining, educating and inspiring children on important issues through exciting stories and characters," he said.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jK59rnYqw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jK59rnYqw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by T&amp;F Fan Club (@thomasthetankenginefanclub)</a> on Apr 28, 2020 at 8:22pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I certainly have fond memories of growing up with Thomas &amp; Friends and being transported to new places through his adventures. I am very proud to have been asked to take part in this special episode. I wish Thomas &amp; Friends a very happy anniversary."</p> <p>Harry's on-camera introduction was recorded earlier this year, in January, with the Duke donating his fee to charity.</p>

TV

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The embarrasing mistake that saw Shark Tank judges reject a $1.37 billion idea

<p>Investors on the US version of Shark Tank have just realised the huge mistake they made in turning down an entrepreneur who just sold his company to Amazon for US$1 billion (NZ$<span>1.37 billion)</span>.</p> <p>Jamie Siminoff approached the sharks with his product, a smart video doorbell called Ring, which allows people to answer their door via their smartphone – even if they’re not home.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/2oucHqgEEf/" target="_blank">A post shared by Ring (@ring)</a> on May 13, 2015 at 1:57pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>At the time of his pitch, Siminoff valued the company at just $7 million, and offered the sharks a chance to get in at the ground floor for $700,000, which would give them a 10 per cent stake in the company.</p> <p>In what’s now the most embarrassing moment in the show’s history, the sharks brutally shut Siminoff and his idea down, with one shark even telling him, “You’re dead to me,” after a counter offer was rejected.</p> <p>See the embarrassing moment below.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6UPwDIBiAzE" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shark Tank.</em></p>

Money & Banking

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69-year-old retiree has Shark Tank judges in a frenzy

<p>In further proof that you should never judge a book by its cover, 69-year-old retiree Jenny Holten has stunned judges on the popular television program Shark Tank with her idea for a business involving artisan standard gluten-free breads.</p> <p>You sort of had a feeling the panel of entrepreneurs and investors didn’t think much of Jenny as she entered the room and prepared to deliver her pitch, but when she started to go into more detail the show’s judges were left absolutely floored.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hUzR310ApYQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Jenny, a coeliac, explained that she had started the business 10 years ago, originally running it from her home kitchen in Perth, when she was disappointed by the standard of gluten free bread available. Jenny now sells to some of the best local restaurants, with loafs retailing for $13 to $15 dollars despite only costing $1.60 to make.</p> <p>But what really left the judges amazed was the admission Jenny’s business had turned over just under a million dollars last year, and was on track to double it this year.</p> <p>Jenny valued her company at $3.5 million, and was hoping for an offer of $350,000 for a 10 per cent stake in the business. RedBalloon founding director Naomi Simson offered her a deal to get a 25 per cent stake, which Jenny accepted.</p> <p>Congratulations Jenny! Do you know any seniors who are budding entrepreneurs?</p>

Retirement Income