Latest news with #Ibis
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
There are seven, yes, seven, of these cars for Canada. Want one? It'll cost ya!
When I saw the 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant GT at the Toronto Auto Show back in February, I thought it was pretty jaw-dropping. Gigantic wheels, wild graphics package, and what's with all the white? Having driven it, I can confirm it is, indeed, jaw-dropping. It drives like it looks — an absolute land rocket. And a very rare one at that. This car is blindingly fast, loaded with exclusive touches and prohibitively expensive. Oh, and there are seven for Canada. Audi Canada tells me the one I drove is still unclaimed. For now. I'll get right to it: my time in unit 385 (out of 660 built worldwide) was memorable. The sonorous sounds from its twin-turbo V8 fill the cabin when I squeeze the throttle, and this white wagon launches, pressing me into the driver's seatback. As you might imagine, everything in this car is turned up to 11. Red stitching everywhere. Embroidered seats and headrests. In red, of course. Numbered console plate. Quilted leather seats. Red seatbelts. Same goes for the exterior. Gigantic 22-inch Ibis white wheels. Huge shiny black grille. Carbon fibre hood and fenders. A red, black and grey graphics package that pays homage to the Audi 90 quattro race car that dominated IMSA sports car racing. In 1989. A bit obscure, I think to myself. But then I look up the IMSA GTO results from 1989 and see the Audi 90 won seven of thirteen races entered, including five of the last seven. Impressive. Audi began RS 6 Avant GT development in 2020 around the same time the current gen. RS 6 Avant was going on sale in Canada. The GT serves as a capper for the fourth generation RS 6, which goes out of production this year. And Audi decided it should go out with a bang — a big one. The RS 6 Avant GT is powered by a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo, V8 engine that produces 621 horsepower and 627 pounds-feet of torque, or motive force. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system, this wagon is made for quick exits. The official 0-100 km/h time is 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 305 km/h. Mechanical bits unique to the RS 6 Avant GT include red ceramic brakes, all-wheel steering, sport-tuned suspension and steering, and Continental high-performance tires. Some cars I drive are more head-turning than others, and the white Audi wagon had more admirers than most. Lots of thumbs up, discreet photo snapping and staring. Despite being white, the RS 6 Avant GT really stands out. Especially in the Toronto suburb I live in, where Audis generally aren't all that common. A few interested parties — yes, they were guys in their 20s — drove by while I was taking photos, parked their cars and walked over for a closer look. Another gaggle pedalled over on bikes and asked me a bunch of questions. Which I dutifully answered to the best of my ability. I think owning a rare car isn't just about the car, but also the way people react to it. Sure, you're not spending $250K for that reason alone, but I suspect it's a perk for many owners. If you want to be noticed, driving a car like the RS 6 Avant GT will certainly do it. And that made driving unit 385 so much fun. Sure, the car's prowling, lunging nature — it's very hard to drive it slowly — is fun, but doing regular stuff is also fun. Like going to the supermarket. Or visiting a lakeside park. If this car could give autographs, it would have used a lot of Sharpies. Plus, it's still a wagon and has wagon practicality. Lots of room for people and cargo. All-wheel drive for Canadian winters. And it fits in most garages. Negatives are few, but cost is a big one. The GT has a price tag that is almost $100K greater than the regular 2025 RS 6 Avant Performance model. It's priced like a Lamborghini, and that will eliminate most buyers. But it's actually rarer than most Lamborghinis, so maybe that makes up for it. It's in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. Lower order nitpicks include a digital screen that houses climate controls. (Buttons work much better for this stuff.) And the twin-turbo V8 is thirsty. Not supercar terrible, but not great either. So, it's not perfect. But when you're cruising around in a powerful, retro-cool, extremely limited edition car with a Bang & Olufsen stereo booming, you won't care about any of the drawbacks. You'll be too busy waving to adoring onlookers. And giving them the thumbs up. Wow! Type: High-performance premium wagon, front-engine, all-wheel drive Motor: 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8; 621 horsepower; 627 pounds-feet of torque (motive force) Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Fuel (Premium 91+): 17.0 litres/100 km in the city; 11.0l/100 km on the highway; 14.3l/100 km combined Cargo: 548 litres, or 19.4 cubic feet; 1,658l, or 58.6 cu. ft. in total Price: $249,785 as tested, plus $2,850 freight
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
Native birds allegedly slaughtered by tradies in 'horrifying' act with potential $110,000 fine
Warning — Distressing images: Confronting pictures of ibis birds lying on the ground limbless and dead have been shared on social media after workers cut down palm trees at a Sydney business park, allegedly taking local bird life with them. The native birds were known to be residing in the five fully grown palm trees in the city's west earlier this year. Workers began to prune and hack the trees, allegedly leaving dozens of ibis eggs, chicks and fully matured birds killed or significantly injured in the process. Yahoo News understands a member of public noticed the commotion and contacted a local wildlife organisation. Rescuers rushed to the scene, and despite desperately telling the workers to stop, the work continued. One bird allegedly died in the arms of a wildlife rescuer. It's been alleged that workers were throwing the tree debris into a wood chipper, and birds were also being tossed in. Yahoo News reached out to NSW Police who confirmed officers were dispatched to the scene on May 31, following a report of animal cruelty. "Police were told about 9.30am on Saturday 31 May 2025, two Ibis birds were killed during tree maintenance work, with a further 13 injured. The trees that were trimmed or cut were known to contain a protected bird species," a NSW Police spokesperson said. An investigation is now underway. Australians face 'taxing' battle as 'iconic' sound mysteriously vanishes from suburbs Photograph of 31 rare birds sparks ripples in midst of hunting season Shocking find inside bird highlights worrying beach trend NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) also confirmed to Yahoo News the incident was being investigated and warned companies can face fines of up to $110,000 if caught carrying out work that harms native wildlife. "People found to have injured or killed protected wildlife face fines of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations," a NPWS spokesperson said. Yahoo News has also been in contact with the company that owns the Gladesville business park which declined to provide any comment. After the pictures were shared online, hundreds of Australians expressed their anger at the alleged incident, calling it "horrifying". It's not the first time 'bin chickens' have been killed at a Sydney business park, with one of the rescuers who attended the recent incident also on the scene at a similar incident in Chullora in August when more than a dozen birds were brutally killed as trees were trimmed. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Celebrate Kaamatan and Gawai in the Klang Valley
Going home to celebrate the harvest festival may not be feasible for most Sabahans and Sarawakians residing in Peninsular Malaysia. If this applies to you, fret not, you can still celebrate by partaking in these events that are happening in the Klang Valley throughout May and June. Taking place this weekend in Kuala Lumpur is the Borneo Native Festival (BNF). Both Sabah's Kaamatan festival and Sarawak's Gawai Dayak, the Bornean states' respective harvest festivals, are the focus of the event. Now in its fourth year, the 2025 edition of BNF will run from May 23 to May 25. It will be held at Central Market from 10am to 10pm throughout the three days. Different activities are scheduled for each day, including Borneo craft workshops, music performances and traditional food demo. The Borneo Beatz Concert will bring the festivities to a close on the final day, with performances by the likes of Alena Murang, At Adau, Belle Sisoski and Tompuvan. If you are not from either state, your visit to the festival will give you the chance to experience the diverse cultures and traditions of Sabah and Sarawak. More merriment If you're a Sabahan craving for homecooked meals, or you just want a taste of the state's traditional cuisines, satiate your hunger at the Sabah Kaamatan Buffet by Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Currently taking place at the hotel's Kampung Kitchen Buffet Restaurant until May 31, the buffet features a spread consisting of Sabah's traditional dishes such as hinava (raw fish salad), ambuyat (sticky sago) and linopot (leaf-wrapped rice). Savour Sabahan traditional food at the Sabah Kaamatan Buffet at Ibis KLCC. — Photos: FLOREY D. MIKIL/The Star Sabah Kaamatan Buffet offers authentic Sabahan dishes. Ensuring authenticity, all ingredients are sourced from Sabah itself by chef Sandra Paut. This marks the third year in a row that the Kadazandusun chef, from My Native Sabah Restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, is flown in to curate the menu. Sarawakians will also get a chance to savour their traditional dishes in June, as the hotel will be introducing its inaugural Sarawak-focused buffet early next month. Speaking of Sarawak, since the state known for its traditional drink tuak, several joints in KL will be holding special events featuring the drink. Among these is Nest13 Bar & Lounge in Petaling Jaya. You can grab some tuak cocktails at the rooftop bar during its Gawai Kaamatan Party Night on May 24. The event will feature traditional games and performances, as well as a live band, a best dressed contest and lucky draw sessions. If you missed the party this weekend, you can head instead to Pisco Bar in KL on May 29. The bar's Gawai Kaamatan Festival will kick off at 8pm, featuring traditional dancing, games and, of course, plenty of tuak. Havana Bar & Grill in KL will also hold its own Gawai Kaamatan Festival, happening on June 8. Partying isn't your scene? Perhaps you'll be more interested in the Kuala Lumpur Borneo Half Marathon 2025. Entering its second year, the marathon runs on June 1 at Dataran Merdeka. Registration closes on May 28, check here for details.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Heritage Art Gallery showcasing Madurai's art history inaugurated
In order to showcase Madurai's art history, Andril Heritage Art Gallery was inaugurated at V.S. Chellam Century Hall in Madurai on Friday. Thiagarajar College president Uma Kannan inaugurated the art gallery. P. Rajesh Kanna of the Andril Heritage Art Gallery said that Madurai, referred to as the heritage capital of Tamil Nadu, boasts a rich and vibrant history of art and culture. He said that in ancient times, the city even had a dedicated street for artists highlighting Madurai's deep-rooted artistic traditions. To honour and celebrate this legacy, Andril Heritage Art Gallery - a space dedicated to showcasing the artistic heritage of Madurai - was organised. Separate sections were created to highlight the various themes, he said. He said that the name Andril was inspired by the Ibis bird, a symbol of love, mentioned in Sangam literature. The gallery focused on heritage - themed arts and crafts, serving as a platform to preserve and promote the cultural richness while supporting local artists. The exhibits will highlight the natural heritage, intangible heritage, festivals, folk arts, and Sangam literature, shedding light on the unsung heroes of our artistic traditions. The gallery offers an immersive experience of the heritage through visual art, he said. There was an exclusive section for art collectors and a dedicated space for enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Andril Heritage Art Gallery was more than just an exhibition space. It was a tribute to our cultural roots, an opportunity for artists to thrive, and a celebration of Madurai's timeless artistic spirit, he said.
India.com
28-04-2025
- General
- India.com
7 Plant-Loving Birds You Should Know
Muskan Kalra Apr 28, 2025 Peafowls are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, seeds and fruits but also occasionally consuming insects. A close relative of the pigeon, the tortoise dove primarily feeds on seeds, berries and other plant matter found in its habitat. Flamingos feed on algae, plants and small crustaceans, using their specialized beaks to filter out plant material from the water. Ibis birds are omnivores but tend to consume a large portion of plant matter, such as roots, seeds and fruits found in wetlands. Most species of parrots are mostly plant eaters, feeding on fruit, seeds, nuts and even nectar from flowers. Finches are granivores, meaning their diet mainly consists of seeds, but some species also eat fruits and berries Woodpigeon are herbivores, feeding on a wide range of plants including leaves, fruits and seeds from trees and shrubs. Read Next Story
