Latest news with #Male
The Age
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Diplomatic immunity! Trump appoints loudmouth Aussie ex-local councillor as US envoy to Malaysia
Then there's Adams' boycott of confectionary manufacturer Mars after it released 'feminist M&Ms'. Trump certainly took the Alpha Male seriously, appointing Adams to the board of the Woodrow Wilson Centre during his first term, and making him an official campaign surrogate during the 2024 election. And now, Adams is off to Kuala Lumpur. How his often lewd online persona is going to fly in Muslim-majority Malaysia is anyone's guess. He might give the concept of diplomatic immunity a workout before long. Jayne, set match Jayne Hrdlicka 's treasured time as chair of Tennis Australia will draw to a close at year's end. But there are still treats to be had – such as an invitation to attend Wimbledon centre court and sit in the Royal Box within the orbit of Queen Camilla. Hrdlicka ascended to that most hallowed hospitality ground on Wednesday. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club's Royal Box is the most exclusive hospitality zone in global tennis, seating about 85 people, as this newspaper has reported. There are only two ways to get in: a) an invite from the All England club's chair, Debbie Jevans, or b) a royal bloodline. On Wednesday, Hrdlicka lucked in: Queen Camilla made an unexpected visit to the tournament. The hospitality enclosure attracted global headlines after cameras filmed actor Hugh Grant, who attended with his wife, Anna, dozing in his seat, mere minutes after speaking with the Queen. Loading Another guest was Australia's High Commissioner, His Excellency Professor The Honourable Stephen Smith, who brought along Aled Miles, chief executive of digital company Intellistack, who once had Smith on his podcast as a guest. Also present were ex-UK prime minister Sir John Major and wife Dame Norma. We checked in with Tennis Australia who told us that the chairs of the Grand Slam tournaments are 'traditionally' invited to the Royal Box. It was back in October 2024 when CBD reported Hrdlicka's third term on the board would finish at the end of this year. In December, at the organisation's annual general meeting, 'senior business leader and strategist' Chris Harrop will become chair and gain the keys to the O lounge. O, Tennis Australia's prestigious private hospitality suite in Rod Laver Arena that leads directly to the best seats on centre court, is where Hrdlicka held her own court for so many years. On January 1, Hrdlicka starts as chief executive of Endeavour, owner of Dan Murphy's, BWS and a pub chain, which has more than 30,000 employees. Hrdlicka will earn annual salary of $2 million, with short-term and long-term incentives totalling $7 million. 'Endeavour Group has much to play for,' Hrdlicka said when her job was announced in April. As always, tennis was on her mind. State versus mate The rugby league State of Origin decider resulted in an all-too-familiar Blues (that's the NSW team) choking at the hands of the Maroons who simply tried harder. High above the action on the turf, the biggest game in town played out at Accor Stadium's version of the Royal Box, where the King of Sydney Peter V'landys (technically chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission and Racing NSW chief executive) sat beside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Or rather, Albanese sat next to V'landys. Last year, Albo signed a deal to bring an NRL expansion team to Papua New Guinea in an act of footy diplomacy to counter Chinese influence that was the subject of furious lobbying by V'landys. His new Labor mate, NSW Premier Chris Minns, was a notable absence from the box, the devout Doggies fan prioritising family over footy (huh?) and enjoying a holiday in New Zealand. Meanwhile, Queensland Liberal National man of the people, Premier David Crisafulli, Instagrammed the heck out of the event. Back in the king's court, federal Opposition Leader Sussan 'I'm here with my tall skinny mate' Ley, mingled with Liberal prime minister emeritus John Howard, still sporting that massive bruise on his eye we first told you about months ago. Ley was fresh from revelations she had once quoted the 'skinny mate' line while waving a gun at a male bushie who had once laid down next to her outback sleeping bag – clearly not with the intent to discuss quota policies for female MPs. Loading News Corp boss Michael Miller stepped out with a huge new white beard, serving Castaway and eccentric tech guru vibes. One jumping for joy spectator was ex-Queensland premier turned Rugby League commissioner Peter Beattie. Stout Queensland loyalist Beattie, along with his wife, Heather, now calls Sydney's Balmain home. Funny old world, sometimes.
Times
20-06-2025
- Times
The Maldives island made for teens
Taking teenagers on holiday can be challenging. No longer are they delighted by rainy Cornish beaches and soggy chips, glamping and bathing in a plastic bucket — which for a decade constituted our summer trips. By the time they reach their teens, their tastes have refined. Somehow they have found out about infinity pools and infinite breakfast buffets (I blame the internet). So when I told my 13-year-old, Minna, that we would be eschewing the not-very-tropical coves of the South West for Finolhu, a ritzy resort in the Maldives to test out its brand-new 'Teen hut', she was delighted. I thought we could prepare by watching episodes of Blue Planet, but she preferred TikTok videos of travel influencers and bought four new bikinis — one for each day of our stay. Our first taste of Finolhu's delights was at Male airport where in its private lounge Minna availed herself of the buffet (chicken dumplings and a fistful of Smarties) before we boarded the sea plane. Teenagers pretend to be very cool, so it is lovely to bypass the swagger and watch them experience real wonder — which in this case began as we skidded up into the sky, the Indian Ocean and its atolls unfurling beneath us. Finolhu is part of the Baa Atoll, a 30-minute plane trip from Male. Since 2012 it has been a Unesco world biosphere reserve, the first of three in the Maldives to be designated, meaning that it is a site of testing and learning about social and environmental interactions. It also means that the local ecology is particularly well looked after — it has 105 coral reefs. Our first encounter with this local ecology were the yellow coconuts we were handed to drink on arrival. We were then loaded into a buggy and driven along sandy paths shaded with lush planting, glimpses of beach and sea between the trees. Something to do with the light here means that the colours of the place are almost supernaturally bright — the Maldives is very close to the equator, meaning the sun is more powerful and the sea is so vivid it is almost the colour of blue curaçao. Finolhu opened in 2016, with a substantial renovation in 2020 by the London-based firm Muza Lab, who took their inspiration from the colours of the island: blues, greens and pale oatmeal. There are 129 villas, some with direct access to the beach, others, like ours, on stilts over the ocean, most with a private pool. The interiors are all largely similar, featuring lampshades made of clay tiles that look like fish scales, wickerwork furniture, woven wall-hangings and artisanal features everywhere: hand-blown coloured glass from Turkey, basket-work from South Africa and wooden art installations from Java. Not that Minna was interested in any of this chic homeware — the first thing she did was jump straight in the pool, emerge to eat the fancy chocolate snacks that had been left for us, jump back into the pool, come back for more chocolate, and so on. The Maldivian atolls are essentially by-products of old volcanoes that rose up out of the ocean and became surrounded by coral reefs, which remained even once the volcanos had receded back down. This is a bit like when you take a picture off the wall and are left with its outline and a blank space in the middle — but much prettier. Finolhu is a sort of thin crescent moon shape, with about 1.2km of white sand beach. It's not wide, but it is long, which made the buggy service to go to the restaurant or a beach useful. As well as a Milk Bar, serving coffee, smoothies and frozen custards, there are four restaurants. The Arabian Grill is for mezze and shish; the Beach Kitchen, for breakfast and buffet-style meals; the Crab Shack at the far end of the island for sand-under-foot seafood dining (they make the amazing guacamole at the table); and Kanusan for fancy Japanese, including the best black miso cod I have ever tasted, and an incredible wagyu rib-eye steak that I'm still thinking about. • Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts Kansan was also the location of our sushi-making class, where we created tuna rolls with fish that had been freshly caught. Tuna is plentiful in these waters. On Maldivian night at the Beach Kitchen, when chefs are shipped in from Male to make top-notch local food, it was impressive how many different ways tuna could be served (tuna broth, tuna sambol, tuna samosa, tuna and coconut ball — smoked tuna is considered a condiment here). In addition to the sushi making, there are numerous daily activities for teens: ceramic workshops, kayaking, DJ classes, movie nights, bonfire camp. The newly unveiled Teen Hut is an organic-looking structure (inspired by barnacles, apparently) made of bamboo. It has the classic activities familiar to anyone who has ever dared enter a youth club: table football, pool table. But there are also high-end games consoles, a bar serving milkshakes, mocktails and ice-cream, a 3D printer, a DJ deck, electric guitars, drum kits, a whole band set-up. I guess the idea is that adults can divest themselves of their children (there is also the Oceaneers club for younger guests) so they can do things like go to the tranquil Fehi spa, where Natura Bissé treatments are offered alongside scrubs and wraps using local ingredients like coconut and aloe vera. Or have an aerial yoga lesson in the beautiful open-sided pavilion, or just lounge on the beach. But I actually enjoyed spending time with Minna, witnessing her delight as she watched a shell get up and scuttle away and learning that if you pick a hermit crab up and hold it quietly it will emerge from its shell. She also loved the massive fruit bats that flapped around the shore and dangled from the trees, the crabs that seemed to gather around the Japanese restaurant, accepting that they would soon be just another delicious morsel, and the pointy-headed unicorn fish that zipped around the shallows near our villa. The most magical day in Finolhu was when we taken out in the Asma boat with the resident marine biologist and dive instructor Ivana Tobar, who specialises in coral restoration and has a soft spot for sharks. We were taken to a reef about 20 minutes' away where we snorkelled, seeing colourful shoals and pootling turtles, starfish and sea cucumbers. Every so often Tobar would free dive down to point out some interesting sea creature. She also explained why about 50 per cent of the coral here dies off, and took us to a little sandy outcrop to see just how much plastic had washed up. It was an education for Minna, on the beauty and wonder of the natural world, as well as the impact that humans are having on it. It was more effective and motivating than any lesson she could have had in a classroom. At end of the trip, she said that she wished Tobar was her science teacher which, from my daughter, is a huge accolade. The floating breakfast, the swim-up bar, the Oreo milkshakes on tap, these things were fun. But it was the encounters with nature that Minna (and I) will remember from the trip — bobbing around in the beautiful waters, holding a hermit crab, walking back to our room at night along the narrow strip of sand, holding lanterns, the full moon above amid its tapestry of stars. Finolhu really is a magical place for teens — and their mothers. From $3,743.25 (approx £2,765) for seven nights excluding fees and taxes for two adults/one adult and one teenager on a B&B basis in a Lagoon Villa,
Techday NZ
18-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
New Zealanders switch providers as broadband & power costs rise
Broadband and power prices are rising in New Zealand as winter bills mount and consumers seek alternatives. The latest changes to hit household budgets include a new round of broadband price increases from Spark, New Zealand's largest broadband provider, and the closure of Frank Energy, which will see customers moved to Genesis Energy. Both developments coincide with the arrival of higher winter power costs, adding further pressure for consumers already contending with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. NZ Compare, a utility comparison platform, has observed a sharp growth in user activity as New Zealanders respond to these increases. Over 50,000 users have visited the site so far in June to compare options for broadband, power, and mobile services, with last week alone marking record web traffic for the group. Price rises For many households, the recent Spark broadband price hike comes at a difficult time. The move follows similar tariff increases across the utility sector, where providers cite rising costs, often passing these directly on to consumers. These changes typically occur with limited advance notice, requiring customers to react quickly if they want to avoid higher bills. Frank Energy's closure leaves its customers facing a forced switch to parent company Genesis Energy, which is expected to result in higher power charges for at least some households. These developments come as many people confront what are often the first and largest winter heating bills of the year. Switching activity In response, NZ Compare is advising consumers to take proactive steps in managing their utilities. Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare, said there are options available for customers looking to ease household financial pressures. "This is exactly the time when people need to take control. Just as that first big winter power bill hits your wallet, Spark is turning up the heat with fibre broadband price increases. You don't have to sit back and take it. There are some really competitive deals out there and if you are already on a fibre broadband connection, switching provider is incredibly simple." The company says trends in the market indicate providers are increasingly dependent on customers remaining passive, absorbing higher bills as 'loyalty taxes'. Male advocates consumers take a more active approach. "Whether you're dealing with Spark bumping up your fibre broadband bill or a power provider charging more for the same, it's time to stop paying the loyalty tax. These companies rely on customers staying passive. The bill apathy has got to stop! By comparing and switching, you're not only saving money-you're putting pressure on the market and these companies to stay competitive." NZ Compare operates a suite of utility comparison tools, including Broadband Compare, Power Compare, and Mobile Compare. The company reports that these platforms offer a free, fast, and transparent way for users to find plans and providers better suited to their needs and budgets. Market dynamics The recent movement in utility prices highlights broader challenges facing New Zealand households. As cost-of-living pressures persist, many families are seeking what relief they can by switching providers or finding more competitive plans. According to Male, each decision to switch also has an impact beyond individual savings. "New Zealanders are savvy, and they deserve better. Every time someone switches, it sends a message to the industry. Let's stop rewarding companies for raising prices and start rewarding ourselves for making smarter choices." The sector has seen frequent price revisions and provider reshuffles in recent years, and industry experts forecast continued competition in response to an increasingly price-sensitive consumer base.
Scoop
16-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
A Frank Discussion About Losing Your Spark
-Spark announces another broadband price hike just as winter power bills hit Kiwi wallets. -Frank Energy is closing - adding more pressure to household budgets. -NZ Compare sees record-breaking traffic as over 50,000 Kiwis seek better deals this month. As winter power bills hit and broadband prices spike, NZ Compare is urging Kiwis to take control of their household bills. The cost-of-living crisis continues on a relentless march and Kiwi households are being hit with a one-two punch: the first hefty winter power bills have landed, and Spark, New Zealand's largest broadband provider, has announced yet another round of broadband price hikes. Meanwhile, last week Frank Energy customers have been told the brand is closing, and they'll be moved to parent company Genesis Energy, which will likely come with an increase in the size of the household power bill. For consumers already feeling the financial squeeze, it's just more frustrating news-and a reminder that loyalty often comes at a price. But there is hope for those willing to take action. In response to these developments, NZ Compare, the country's leading comparison platform for utilities and services, is seeing record traffic. Last week alone, the group's websites experienced their highest-ever weekly traffic, and more than 50,000 New Zealanders have already used the platforms during June to compare broadband, power, and mobile deals. "This is exactly the time when people need to take control," says Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare. "Just as that first big winter power bill hits your wallet, Spark is turning up the heat with fibre broadband price increases. You don't have to sit back and take it. There are some really competitive deals out there and if you are already on a fibre broadband connection, switching provider is incredibly simple." Spark's latest price increases follow a broader industry trend of rising costs being passed on to customers, often with little warning. Many consumers, like those previously with Frank Energy, are left scrambling for alternatives. "Whether you're dealing with Spark bumping up your fibre broadband bill or a power provider charging more for the same, it's time to stop paying the loyalty tax," continues Male. "These companies rely on customers staying passive. The bill apathy has got to stop! By comparing and switching, you're not only saving money-you're putting pressure on the market and these companies to stay competitive." The team at NZ Compare says now is the perfect time to reassess. Using tools like Broadband Compare, Power Compare, and Mobile Compare, Kiwis can easily find a better plan that matches their household's usage and budget. And the process is free, fast, and transparent. "New Zealanders are savvy, and they deserve better," says Male. "Every time someone switches, it sends a message to the industry. Let's stop rewarding companies for raising prices and start rewarding ourselves for making smarter choices."
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Country Star Allegedly Kills Woman In Car Accident
Country Star Allegedly Kills Woman In Car Accident originally appeared on Parade. Country singer Conner Smith was involved in a fatal car accident in Nashville over the weekend, allegedly striking and killing a woman walking in a crosswalk. According to a release shared by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Smith, 24, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck on Sunday, June 8 when he hit Dorothy Dobbins, 77, as she crossed the road inside a marked crosswalk. Dobbins was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she later died. A source says that the incident was an accident, and that Smith was not under the influence or distracted by his phone. 'The preliminary contributing factor for this crash appears to be Smith failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian,' the release said. 'He showed no signs of impairment.' The investigation is ongoing and, at this time, there are no charges against Smith, according to police. Sources on the scene claim law enforcement released Smith right away as there were no signs of impairment. In a statement to People Magazine, Smith's attorney confirmed the country singer was 'involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life.' 'His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins' family during this incredibly difficult time,' the statement said. 'Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.' The accident took place on the last day of the annual CMA Fest, a four-day festival in Nashville that brings country music's biggest stars together for special concerts, collaborations and events. During the fest on Sunday, Smith performed with close friend Dylan Marlowe. The day before, he stopped by Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottoms Up in Nashville to perform at Big Machine Label Group's CMA Fest event. Smith is signed to Big Machine Records' Valory label, and released his debut album Smoky Mountains last year. He's opened for Luke Bryan on tour, and was nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards. Country Star Allegedly Kills Woman In Car Accident first appeared on Parade on Jun 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
