Latest news with #Kea


The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: ‘Youngins' stars confirm final season in Soweto
The show delves deeper into the lives of its young characters as they navigate the challenges of growing up in modern-day South Africa. Youngins stars Kealeboga Masango (Buhle) and Toka Mtabane (Khaya) have announced that the show has been renewed for another season. The pair shared the news during the Youth Day celebration held at Zone 6 Venue in Soweto. 'So, we might be dropping a season three of Youngins. We've been holding it in, hey. We couldn't keep the secret anymore,' Kea said. Season three is set to continue where the previous season left off, delving deeper into the lives of its young characters as they navigate the challenges of growing up in modern-day South Africa. ALSO READ: 'I'm very good at planned improvisation within the script,' – Tshepo on bringing laughter to 'youngins' Kea Masango: 'Our stories are being told' Kea said the show has made a significant impact on her own life. 'The show tells real stories and brings authenticity to what teenagers and the younger generation go through. 'It's had a huge impact on me because, finally, our stories are being told. We dive into what really happens in high school — it's almost like educating both the older and younger generations.' Also speaking about the show's impact, Toka said it resonates with viewers of all ages. 'I get why adults enjoy Youngins — it gives them a nostalgic feel, almost like a modern-day Yizo Yizo. 'But for young people, it's more than just entertainment. They see themselves in us — the good and the bad — and it becomes a learning experience.' The release date for the third and final season of Youngins has not yet been announced. NOW READ: 'What viewers saw wasn't the full picture': Minnie Ntuli opens up about feud with Londie London


Hamilton Spectator
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Library Hosts Makers Festival, Seeks Public Input on 2025–2028 Strategic Plan
● The Stouffville Library's annual Makers Festival takes place Saturday, May 10, from 12 to 4 p.m. ● The event will feature hands-on experiences with local makers, including robotics, crafts, and mixed media art. ● A same-day public open house from 1 to 3 p.m. will collect community feedback for the Library's 2025–2028 Strategic Plan. ● An online survey is available for residents unable to attend in person. ● Teens aged 13 to 19 can offer feedback during a special session on May 23 and earn a volunteer hour for participating. The Stouffville Library is inviting residents of all ages to dive into the world of innovation and creativity at its annual Makers Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 12 to 4 p.m., the event offers hands-on experiences and opportunities to engage with local creators, artists, and tech enthusiasts. 'Whether you're into technology, crafts, robotics, AI, or entrepreneurship, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy,' the Library's website states. 'Try your hand at DIY activities, meet new innovators, and get inspired by the possibilities of making!' Festival highlights include a LEGO robotics exhibit from Idealab, woodcarving by Natalia Vasylieva, mixed media artwork from Judith Livingston and Kea by Alisha, and crochet and macrame demonstrations by Vicky's Colorful Crafts. Representatives from Sustainable Stouffville and the Stouffville Studio Tour will also be in attendance. Participating makers and artisans will connect with visitors, showcase their creative processes, and offer insights into their work. They are encouraged to display their tools, materials, and other visual aids that highlight how their projects come together, and they are welcome to promote and sell their creations. Alongside the Festival, the Library will host a public open house from 1 to 3 p.m. as part of its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan engagement efforts. Library Staff will be available to collect feedback about current library programs, services, technology offerings, accessibility, and overall user experience. Residents will also be asked for ideas on how the Library can improve and expand its offerings. Those unable to attend are encouraged to complete an online survey, accessible through June via the Library's website . Youth feedback will be collected during a Teen Input Session on Friday, May 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. Open to teens aged 13 to 19, the session will take place during the May Teen Advisory Group meeting. Participants will receive one volunteer hour for attending the full meeting. 'Just like you might plan your goals for the next five to ten years, a new home, a career move, a family milestone, Stouffville Library is planning for its future, too,' the website says. 'We want you to be part of the journey.'
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Li-S Energy collaborates with Kea Aerospace to power high altitude UAV flights
SYDNEY, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS) ('Li-S' or 'the Company') has signed a collaboration agreement with Kea Aerospace (Kea) to integrate Li-S' advanced lithium sulfur battery technology into Kea's high altitude UAVs targeting multi-month flight times. The partnership was signed and unveiled at the Avalon International Airshow outside of Melbourne, where Li-S is an exhibitor. The collaboration will see Li-S' battery technology integrated into Kea's high-altitude UAVs, significantly enhancing flight endurance and operational efficiency. The Kea Aerospace media release is attached to this announcement. Li-S' collaboration with Kea is consistent with the Company's strategy to target the rapidly growing markets of drones, defence and electric aviation. Kea has partnered with Li-S because its cutting-edge lithium sulfur battery technology offers significant weight savings and energy density, which are both critical to maximise UAV flight times and payload. Kea High Altitude UAVs Founded in New Zealand in 2018, Kea is currently flight-testing its aircraft in the stratosphere, between 55,000 and 65,000 feet. Its solar-powered Kea 'ATMOS' aircraft operates as a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft. The drone gathers high-resolution aerial imagery and persistent video data for applications such as maritime awareness, environmental monitoring and disaster response, plus a broad range of other commercial use cases such as supporting telecommunications services. The potential for stratospheric HAPS aircraft capable of multi-month flight durations is substantial with Kea at the cutting edge of this global industry. The competitive benefits are compelling as HAPS offer far lower costs than satellites, greater persistence than conventional aircraft, and far greater control compared to un-steerable balloons. Li-S collaboration Li-S' collaboration with Kea will focus on incorporating the Company's ultra-light lithium sulfur battery cells and Li-S BMS technology into a Kea battery pack design, with ground testing expected in 2025 followed by flight testing. The program objective will be to demonstrate the technology and integration in the 12.5 metre wingspan ATMOS Mk1 aircraft, followed by integration into the ATMOS Mk2 design, which will be capable of continuous flight for several months. In ATMOS Mk2 the aircraft motors will cycle between power from the battery at night and solar cells during the day (with excess solar power also recharging the battery). Weight is absolutely critical for HAPS platforms. Having a battery with higher energy density prolongs flight time, improves payload capacity and can increase the geographic extent of operations, both in latitude and for operation in seasons with less daylight hours. Dr Lee Finniear, CEO, commented: "Our initial focus on the drone, defence and electric aviation markets is producing incredible opportunities for Li-S Energy. The stratospheric UAV market is a key sector of interest with enormous commercial potential. Partnering with Kea Aerospace positions us to engage at the cutting edge of this sector. Given the paramount importance of weight and reliability to Kea's ATMOS line of stratospheric UAVs, their decision to collaborate with Li-S highlights how far advanced our battery technology is ahead of many of our competitors. We look forward to the testing program being undertaken in 2025, and to becoming a key technology partner of Kea's as it delivers high performance, multi-month HAPS aircraft platforms to the global market." Dr Mark Rocket, Kea's CEO noted: "This announcement of our collaboration with Li-S at the Avalon International Airshow, one of the most prestigious airshows globally, speaks to how significantly we view our new partnership. Li-S' next generation lithium-sulfur battery offers more than twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries, while being greener due to the absence of key materials such as cobalt. This year promises to be a pivotal year for Kea as we develop our ATMOS Mk2 aircraft and the successful integration of Li-S battery technology into our ATMOS UAVs would give us an incredible competitive advantage in an industry where the commercial applications are vast." About Li-S Energy Li-S Energy is an Australian company at the forefront of next-generation battery innovation, developing lithium-sulfur and lithium-metal cells that offer more than twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion. With a strong research foundation and a commitment to sustainability, the company leverages cutting-edge IP and nanomaterials like BNNTs and Li-Nanomesh™ to enhance performance, safety, and longevity. Li-S Energy aims to revolutionise energy storage for aviation, drones, defence, and beyond - delivering lighter, more efficient energy solutions for advanced applications where weight is critical. About Kea Aerospace The company is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our vision is to be the world-leader in stratospheric flight operation and data collection and we're on a mission to create insights from the stratosphere that will improve life on our planet. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Li-S Energy Sign in to access your portfolio


The Guardian
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘Everyone knows the Centrelink song': how we learned to love – and remix
Triple J once played it for eight hours straight. DJs have remixed it, dancers have performed to it, and many of us, have sat, frustrated, listening to it. Slowly the Centrelink hold music has seeped into the cultural zeitgeist and is now the backdrop for works of art and viral TikToks. Influencer and comedian Lyanna Kea's 2024 TikTok of her busting out moves to the tune collected 91,000 likes and 2,297 comments – one person said they were a dance teacher who made their own routine while on hold, another said they were a staff member who had felt the wrath of frustrated callers. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email 'Everybody knows the Centrelink song,' Kea says. 'Everybody knows what it's like to be on that hold for 14 hours before somebody puts you on only to hang up on you. 'And that's deep in everybody's psyche.' In 1989, a then 16-year-old American, Tim Carleton, created the song, which was recorded by his friend Darrick Deel. Deel went on to work for Cisco, which is the number one supplier of corporate phones in the world, and used the tune. It went global. Opus No 1 is known globally for its place on the digital technology conglomerate Cisco's hold playlist – and its part as the ambient backdrop for a 2023 Bud Light commercial. It has 2,288,086 plays and counting on Spotify. In 2018 Centrelink changed its tunes from a more classical selection that included Frédéric Chopin's Waltz #3 in A Minor to have the synth melody of Opus No.1 on the playlist. 'I thought that this was just the Centrelink song,' Kea said. 'But it turns out that even people in Switzerland and Poland and like every other country have heard this song before.' While Australians aren't alone, they are inspired. In 2023 artist Jonathan Homsey created a work for the Fringe festival where part of the audience stood in the Melbourne City Baths while a dancer performed a routine and the song reverberated across the pool. Lockdown acted as the muse. 'I just wanted this communal experience to bring people back to that moment,' Homsey said. 'I wasn't the only one who was on hold while in the bathroom, on hold while brushing their teeth. 'The music is the sound of purgatory. 'I went through multiple lockdowns. The work [was] in cycles. So every 10 minutes I went back to dancing to the song as kind of a metaphor of, oh, here I am again.' Director at Music On Hold Australia, Jenny Crosby, said the winning formula of a good hold song is: a decent beat, consistent volume and can't arouse too much emotion. Playing the radio, for instance, can upset listeners if they hear news they don't like. 'Honestly, if it was in the world of music generally, hold music would be very boring,' she said. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Twenty years ago Crosby, who has a large government customer base, set the ATO up with five songs from an album called Seaspray. She says the fact callers still hear them, decades later, shows they were a good pick. 'But generally the clients forget what they've got on hold half the time,' Crosby said. 'And most big companies, when they put people on hold again, really don't know what people are listening to.' Services Australia would not comment on record. Professor in social sciences at Melbourne University Lauren Rosewarne says the best thing Centrelink could do is stay away from the hold music's hold on the zeitgeist. 'As is something we've witnessed countless times before with corporations once they're made fun of on social media, they try and get in on the joke,' she said. 'Once that happens though, I imagine the humorous TikToks would promptly die off.' Rosewarne said the Centrelink song has got traction online because so many of us have experienced listening to the 'monotonous and completely unrelenting' tune. 'Rather than just reliving the awful experience though, it's mocked and a sense of solidarity is created by the many people who recognise this situation,' she said. So is it good? Kea laughs. 'If a banger is defined as something that raises your blood pressure, then yeah, I define it as a banger.'.